JP3432010B2 - Electrolyzed water generator - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generator for electrolyzing raw water to generate electrolyzed water. 2. Description of the Related Art As one type of electrolyzed water generating apparatus, water can be supplied to an electrolytic cell by a water supply means, water can be supplied from the electrolytic cell to a storage tank by a water supply means, and the electrolytic cell can be supplied from a power supply circuit. The control unit controls the supply of water by the water supply unit and the supply of electricity from the power supply circuit to the electrolytic cell based on a signal from a water level detecting unit provided in the storage tank, so that the electrolytic tank is supplied with water. Raw water is electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell to generate electrolytic water,
There is one in which this is guided by the water guide means and stored in the storage tank.
No. 6 discloses this. In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the above publication, a lower limit water level switch and an upper limit water level switch are adopted as water level detection means, and when the lower water level switch is turned on, water supply and energization to the electrolytic cell are started and maintained, Further, when the upper limit water level switch is turned on, the water supply to the electrolytic cell and the energization are stopped and maintained. In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned publication, for example, an abnormality occurs in the water supply path or the water supply path, and the abnormality occurs in the water supply to the electrolytic tank or the water supply to the storage tank. When this occurs, the upper limit water level switch provided in the storage tank is not turned on forever and water supply and energization to the electrolytic cell are maintained, and power supply is maintained in a state where water supply to the electrolytic cell is not accurately obtained. The tank may be overheated, and when water is introduced from the electrolytic tank to the storage tank, the electrolyzed water may leak and power and water may be wasted. The present invention has been made to address the above-described problem, and its purpose is to indirectly detect an abnormality in water supply to the electrolytic cell and water conduction to the storage tank, and to overheat the electrolytic cell, power and water. The purpose is to prevent waste. [0004] In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, water can be supplied to an electrolytic cell by a water supply means, and water can be supplied from the electrolytic tank to a storage tank by a water supply means. The power supply circuit can be energized to the electrolytic cell, and the control device controls water supply by the water supply means and energization from the power supply circuit to the electrolytic cell based on a signal from a water level detecting means provided in the storage tank. Then, the raw water supplied to the electrolytic tank is electrolyzed in the electrolytic tank to generate electrolyzed water, which is guided to the water guiding means and stored in the storage tank. The control means is provided with a water flow abnormality stop means, and the water level detection means causes the water level detection means to set the water level within a set time from the start of the water supply and energization. The water supply and energization are stopped when is not detected. In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention, when the water supply path and the water supply path are normal, the water level in the storage tank within a set time from the start of water supply to the electrolytic cell and the start of energization. Reaches the set water level, which is detected by the water level detection means, and based on this, the control device stops the water supply by the water supply means and the power supply from the power supply circuit to the electrolytic cell. In addition, when there is an abnormality in the water supply path and water supply path of the device,
The water level in the storage tank does not reach the set water level within the set time from the start of the supply of water to the electrolytic cell and the energization, and the water level detecting means does not detect this. Therefore, in such a case, the water supply to the electrolytic cell and the energization are stopped by the abnormal water flow stopping means provided in the control device after the set time, thereby preventing overheating of the electrolytic cell and preventing waste of power and water. Is done. An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus includes a water storage tank 10 for storing a required amount of raw water (tap water). The water storage tank 10
A water level sensor 11 (for detecting an upper limit water level and a lower limit water level) connected to the control device 100 is provided therein, and a signal from the water level sensor 11 opens and closes an electromagnetic on-off valve V1 provided in a water supply pipe 19. The water level in the water storage tank 10 is maintained in a predetermined range. An overflow pipe 12 is provided in the water storage tank 10, and a connecting pipe 13 branched and connected to both the inlets 31 a and 31 b of the electrolytic cell 30 is attached to the connecting pipe 13 by the control device 100. An electric pump P1 whose operation is controlled and a manually adjustable flow regulating valve V2.
V3 is interposed, and substantially the same amount of raw water is supplied to both inlets 31a and 31b of the electrolytic cell 30 through the connecting pipe 13. In addition, the water storage tank 10
Has a circulating stirring electric pump P for removing carbonic acid (which inhibits electrolysis performance) mixed in the raw water in the tank.
2 and a pipe 14 are attached, and an electric suction fan 15 is attached to an upper lid 10a (airtightly and detachably attached). The electric pump P2 and the electric suction fan 15 are controlled by the control device 100 at a predetermined cycle. It is configured to be driven simultaneously. The water supply pipe 19 is connected to a water supply (not shown) via the water purifier 18. When the tap water contains little carbon dioxide, the circulating stirring electric pump P2, the pipe 14, and the electric suction fan 1
Step 5 is omitted. The electrolytic cell 30 has a pair of inlets 31a, 31
b and a tank body 31 having a pair of outlets 31c and 31d
And a pair of electrodes 32 disposed opposite to each other in the tank body 31,
33, and a diaphragm 36 disposed between the two electrodes 32, 33 to form electrode chambers 34, 35 for accommodating the electrodes 32, 33, respectively. The electrode chamber 3 on the right side communicates with the outlet 31c.
5 communicates with an inlet 31b and an outlet 31d. The outlet pipes 37 and 38 are connected to the outlets 31c and 31d, respectively, and the outlet pipes 37 and 38 are connected to the bottom walls of the storage tanks 40 and 50 disposed at the upper end, respectively. ing. The electrodes 32 and 33 are connected to a power supply circuit 120 via an electrode switch 110. Electrode switch 11
0 corresponds to both electrodes 32,
The switching of the DC voltage applied to the power supply circuit 33 is performed. When a positive signal is received from the control device 100 in the state shown by the virtual line in FIG. Is connected to the electrode 32 and the plus electrode is connected to the electrode 33. When a reverse voltage signal is received from the control device 100 in the state shown by the solid line in FIG. Connect the negative electrode to the electrode 33 and the positive electrode to the electrode 3
2 is connected. The power supply circuit 120 converts an AC voltage into a DC voltage having a predetermined value. When an OFF signal is received from the control device 100, the DC voltage between the negative electrode and the positive electrode becomes zero, and the control device 100 When an ON signal is received, a DC voltage of a predetermined value is applied between the negative electrode and the positive electrode. The left storage tank 40 is a tank for storing a required amount of alkaline ionized water, and is connected to a water level sensor 41 (for detecting an upper limit water level and a lower limit water level) and an overflow pipe 42 (connected to a drainage channel not shown). Is provided, and a drain valve 43 that can be manually opened and closed and a drain pipe 44 connected to the overflow pipe 42 are provided. In addition, a conduit 45 having a larger diameter than the outlet pipe 37 is disposed in the storage tank 40 so as to correspond to the upper end opening of the outlet pipe 37. A communication pipe 47 is provided on the bottom wall of the storage tank 40.
The communication pipe 47 is connected to a manually openable and closable water intake valve 48 mounted on the outside of the main body 90. On the other hand, the storage tank 50 on the right is a tank for storing a required amount of acidic ionized water, and includes a water level sensor 51 (for detecting an upper limit water level and a lower limit water level) and an overflow pipe 52 (connected to a drainage passage not shown). A drain valve 53 that can be manually opened and closed and a drain pipe 54 connected to the overflow pipe 52 are provided. In addition, a conduit 55 having a larger diameter than the outlet pipe 38 is provided in the storage tank 50 so as to correspond to the upper end opening of the outlet pipe 38. A communication pipe 57 is provided on the bottom wall of the storage tank 50.
The communication pipe 57 is connected to a manually openable and closable water intake valve 58 mounted on the outside of the main body 90. Each of the water level sensors 41 and 51 provided in each of the storage tanks 40 and 50 is provided with an upper lid 40a,
The main body 90 can be easily maintained and inspected by detaching the detachable upper lid 90a of the main body 90 and removing the upper lids 40a and 50a of the tanks 40 and 50. And are connected to the control device 100 respectively. The control device 100 includes a microcomputer (not shown) for executing a program corresponding to the flowchart of FIG.
Off switch 101) and each water level sensor 41,
The operation of the electric pump P1, the electrode switch 110, the power supply circuit 120, etc., and the warning lamp 102
Is turned on / off, and the operation described below can be obtained. In this embodiment constructed as described above, when the generation operation switch 101 is turned on, the microcomputer of the control device 100 executes step 2 in FIG.
In step 202, the program is started, and in step 202, it is determined based on signals from the water level sensors 41, 51 whether at least one of the water levels of the two storage tanks 40, 50 is lower than the lower limit water level. If the water level of at least one of the two storage tanks 40 and 50 is equal to or lower than the lower limit water level, Step 2
02 is determined to be “YES” and steps 203 and 20 are executed.
If the water levels of both storage tanks 40 and 50 are not lower than the lower limit water level, the process of step 202 (the process of keeping the device in a standby state) is repeatedly executed. You. In step 203 described above, the electric pump P
1, a drive signal is output to the electrode switch 110 in step 204, an ON signal is output to the power supply circuit 120 in step 205, and a timer of the control device 100 is reset in step 206. A time t is measured. Accordingly, the electric pump P1 is started to be driven, and both electrodes 32, 3 of the electrolytic cell 30 are supplied from both electrodes of the power supply circuit 120 via the electrode switch 110.
A positive DC voltage of a predetermined value is applied to 3. For this reason,
The raw water in the water storage tank 10 is connected to the electric pump P <b> 1 and the connection pipe 13.
Is supplied to each of the electrolysis chambers 34 and 35 of the electrolysis tank 30 through the respective flow control valves V2 and V3, and the raw water is electrolyzed in the electrolysis tank 30 and hydroxyl ions are discharged from the electrode chamber 34 of the negative electrode 32. The increased alkaline ionized water is sent to the storage tank 40 through the outlet pipe 37 and the large-diameter conduit 45, and the acidic ionized water with increased hydrogen ions is supplied from the electrode chamber 35 of the positive electrode 33 to the outlet pipe 38 and the large-diameter conduit. 5
5 to the storage tank 50. In step 207, both storage tanks 4 are controlled based on the signals from the water level sensors 41 and 51.
It is determined whether both the water levels 0 and 50 are equal to or higher than the upper limit water level. By the way, if there is an abnormality in the water supply path and the water supply path of the apparatus, the above-mentioned steps 203, 204, 20
After the electric pump P1 is started to be driven and the positive voltage is applied to both the electrodes 32 and 33 by the processes of steps 5 and 206, the water levels of both the storage tanks 40 and 50 are both at the upper limit water level even after the set time to elapses. When both the water level sensors 41 and 51 do not detect the upper limit water level, the determination in step 208 is “YES”, and the water flow abnormality stop routine in step 209 is executed. In the water flow abnormal stop routine of step 209, a stop signal is output to the electric pump P1, an OFF signal is output to the power supply circuit 120, and a lighting signal is output to the warning lamp 102. Accordingly, the driving of the electric pump P1 is stopped, the application of the positive voltage to both the electrodes 32 and 33 is stopped, the water supply to the electrolytic tank 30 is stopped, and the power supply to the electrolytic tank 30 is stopped. The overheating of the tank 30 is prevented, the consumption of power and water is prevented, and the warning lamp 102 is turned on to warn of an abnormality in the water supply path or the water supply path of the device. It should be noted that this warning state of water supply abnormal stop can be canceled by turning off the generating operation switch 101, and the warning lamp 102 is turned off by turning off the generating operation switch 101. If the water supply path or the water supply path is normal in a general use condition at the place where the apparatus is installed, the set time to is set to the upper limit water level of both storage tanks 40 and 50. (The case where the electrolyzed water is used immediately after the start of the generation of the electrolyzed water, and this use state is maintained for a long time). Abnormalities in the water supply path or water supply path of the apparatus described above include (1) a failure in the electric pump P1 or a decrease in pumping capacity due to air spillage or the like. (2) Flow control valve V2
V3 clogged. (3) Blockage of the flow path in the electrolytic cell due to deformation of the diaphragm 36 and the like. (4) connecting pipe 13, outlet pipes 37 and 38,
Water leakage due to clogging, damage or poor connection of conduits 45, 55, etc. (5) Winter freezing of residual water in each route. And the like. On the other hand, if the water supply path and the water supply path of the apparatus are normal and the water levels of both the storage tanks 40 and 50 are equal to or higher than the upper limit water level within the above-mentioned set time to, steps 207 and 207 are performed. After the processing of step 208 is repeated, "YES" is determined in step 207, and after the generation interruption reverse power cleaning routine of step 210 is executed, the process returns to step 202 described above. In the generation interruption reverse cleaning routine, an OFF signal is output to the power supply circuit 120, a stop signal is output to the electric pump P1 after this state is maintained for a predetermined time, and then a reverse signal is output to the electrode switch 110. And an ON signal is output to the power supply circuit 120, and after this state is maintained for a predetermined time, the power supply circuit 120
Output an OFF signal. Therefore, the electric pump P
When 1 stops, raw water that has not been electrolyzed is supplied to the upper end portions of the large-diameter conduits 45 and 55. After the electric pump P1 is stopped, the electrode switch 1 is turned off.
At 10, the connection of the electrodes is switched from the solid line state to the virtual line state, the electrode 32 of the electrolytic cell 30 is connected to the plus electrode of the power supply circuit 120, the electrode 33 is connected to the minus electrode, and the power supply circuit 120 is controlled. O from device 100
Upon receiving the N signal, a DC voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the negative electrode and the positive electrode for a predetermined time.
A reverse voltage is applied to the electrode chambers 2 and 33, and the so-called reverse electric cleaning is performed in a state where the raw water is automatically supplied from each of the large diameter conduits 45 and 55 and each of the outlet pipes 37 and 38 to each of the electrode chambers 34 and 35 by a head. Then, deposits such as calcium and sodium are peeled off from the electrode 32. As described above, in the generation interruption reverse electric cleaning routine, the generation of the electrolytic water is interrupted and the reverse electric cleaning is performed. In the above embodiment, the present invention was carried out using tap water as raw water. However, the present invention may be carried out using saline obtained by the apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-75576 as raw water. It is possible. Further, the present invention was implemented by configuring the raw water to be supplied to the electrolytic cell 30 by the single electric pump P1, but the raw water was supplied to the electrolytic tank 30 by the pair of electric pumps. Then, the present invention is carried out, or the connection pipe 13 is directly connected to the water supply pipe 19, the water storage tank 10 and the electric pump P1 and the like are omitted, and the electromagnetic on-off valve (water supply valve) V1 is opened, so that the electrolytic tank 30 is opened. The present invention is implemented with a configuration in which raw water is supplied. (Since backwashing cannot be performed with this configuration alone, the configuration of the above-described embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the program shown in FIG. Need to be changed).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a program executed by a microcomputer included in the control device of the electrolyzed water generation device shown in FIG. [Description of References] 13 ... connecting pipe, 30 ... electrolytic cell, 32, 33 ... electrode, 3
4, 35 ... electrode chamber, 36 ... diaphragm, 37, 38 ... outlet pipe (water guide means), 45, 55 ... conduit (water guide means), 41,
51: water level sensor (water level detection means), 100: control device, 120: power supply circuit, P1: electric pump (water supply means).

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-4-277077 (JP, A) JP-A-4-284890 (JP, A) JP-A-6-154754 (JP, A) JP-A-6-343960 (JP) JP-A-7-68260 (JP, A) JP-A-7-155763 (JP, A) JP-A-8-39068 (JP, A) JP-A-6-343958 (JP, A) 8-66683 (JP, A) JP-A 4-71123 (JP, U) JP-A 64-32797 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) C02F 1/46

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims 1] Water can be supplied to the electrolytic cell by water supply means, water can be supplied from the electrolytic tank to the storage tank by water supply means, and power can be supplied to the electrolytic cell from a power supply circuit. As a control unit, a control device controls water supply by the water supply means and energization of the electrolytic cell from the power supply circuit based on a signal from a water level detecting means provided in the storage tank, so that raw water supplied to the electrolytic tank is In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus in which the electrolyzed water is generated by being electrolyzed in the electrolysis tank, and the electrolyzed water is guided to the water guiding means and stored in the storage tank, the control means is provided with a water flow abnormality stopping means, The water supply and energization are stopped when the water level detection means does not detect the set water level within a set time from the start of the water supply and energization by the water supply abnormality stopping means. Electrolytic water generation apparatus, wherein the door.