JP3553109B2 - Water treatment equipment with cooling function - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial applications]
The present invention relates to a water treatment device having a cooling function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in order to obtain delicious water, an ion water purifier, a water purifier, or the like configured to electrolyze tap water or the like to generate and separate alkaline water and acidic water has been used.
In the case of an ion water purifier, tap water or the like is once purified by activated carbon or the like and then sent to a reaction tank, and is applied between the two electrodes by a diaphragm interposed between a cathode electrode and an anode electrode in the reaction tank. When tap water or the like is electrolyzed by the applied voltage, it is configured to separate and generate alkaline water and acidic water, and the generated alkaline water and acidic water are separated into an alkaline water outlet channel and an acidic water outlet channel, respectively. And are derived to the outside through the above, and can be used according to the respective applications.
[0003]
Electrolyzed alkaline ionized water and purified water should be drunk as they are, but in order to drink more deliciously, it is desirable to cool to an appropriate temperature. For cooling, a method using a compressor or a method using an electronic cooling element such as a Peltier element can be considered. However, when a compressor is used, the miniaturization is hindered, and it is difficult to adopt it due to restrictions on refrigerant Freon and the like. There is.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the case of the Peltier element, if the heat radiation effect is enhanced, the cooling capacity is improved. However, even if the heat is forcibly dissipated using a fan or the like, there is a limit and the structure becomes complicated.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention focuses on the fact that a water treatment device for producing alkaline water flows out water other than water suitable for drinking, and passes water from a water source to a reaction tank 10 to produce alkaline water and acidic water. In the water treatment apparatus in which the alkaline water flows out of the alkaline water outlet 14 and the acidic water flows out of the acidic water outlet 16, the alkaline water from the alkaline water outlet is cooled by the electronic cooling unit 100 using a Peltier element, and The acidic water from the outlet 16 cools the heat radiating section 102 of the electronic cooling section 100, and the acidic water is stored in the heat radiating section even when the water treatment apparatus is not producing alkaline water. Was adopted.
[0006]
By cooling the heat dissipating part with acidic water by configuring in this way, the cooling capacity of the alkaline water by the electronic cooling part is increased by the amount of heat absorbed by the heat dissipating effect, it is possible to provide alkaline water that feels delicious, and the acidic water is dissipated by the heat dissipating part As a result, the water temperature rises, and the water becomes more suitable for use in face washing and the like, which is very convenient.
In addition, even when not in a running water state, the radiating section is cooled by the acidic water, and therefore, the cooling function can be sufficiently exhibited by operating the cooling switch at any time, so even if the cooling switch is operated before performing the alkaline water intake, Preliminary pre-cooling is sufficient, and cooling of alkaline water for drinking is more effective.
[0007]
【Example】
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a water conditioning system including an electrolysis water purifier according to the present invention and a plurality of flow paths connected thereto.
[0008]
(Electrolysis water purifier)
First, the configuration of the electrolytic water purifier will be described. The electrolytic water purifier comprises a reaction tank 10, a partition 11 provided at the center thereof, an alkaline water tank 12 and an acidic water tank 13 defined by the partition 11. , And electrodes 8 and 9 provided in the water tanks 12 and 13, respectively.
[0009]
In addition, an alkaline water outlet 14 is formed in the upper part of the alkaline water tank 12, and a purified water inlet 15 is formed in the lower part. An acidic water outlet 16 is formed in the upper part of the acidic water tank 13, and a calcium water inlet 17 is formed in the lower part. Each is formed.
[0010]
Further, a cooling unit 100 described later is connected to the alkaline water outlet 14 and the acidic water outlet 16.
In the electrolyzed water dispenser configured as described above, the electrode 8 provided on the alkaline water tank 12 side functions as a cathode made of stainless steel, carbon, or the like during a normal water adjustment operation, and the electrode on the acidic water tank side. Reference numeral 9 is configured to function as an anode made of stainless steel, platinum, titanium oxide, or the like.
[0011]
Each electrode 8, 9 is configured to apply a desired forward voltage from a power supply 40 to both electrodes 8, 9 based on a control signal from the control device R.
By applying the voltage, tap water and the like are electrolyzed, and during normal operation, the pH value of the water in the alkaline water tank 12 increases, and alkaline water is generated in the water tank 12. On the other hand, the pH value of the acidic water tank 13 decreases, and acidic water is generated in the acidic water tank 13.
Further, when a reverse voltage is applied to each of the electrodes 8 and 9, it is possible to dissolve and remove the deposits attached to each of the electrodes 8 and 9 from each of the electrodes 8 and 9.
[0012]
(Flow path around the electrolyzer)
First, the inflow side of the electrolysis water purifier is connected to a tap water supply unit 1 such as a water tap as a water source via a raw water supply flow path C so that tap water as raw water is supplied. Is configured.
[0013]
That is, the raw water supply flow path C from the tap water supply unit 1 such as a faucet is bifurcated at a branch part S provided on the way, and one branch flow path 24 is connected to the water purification inlet 15 of the alkaline water tank. The other branch flow path 28 is connected to the calcium water inlet 17 of the acid tank 13. An additive supply device A is connected in the middle of the branch channel 28 so that an additive for increasing the pH value and increasing the calcium ion concentration can be supplied.
[0014]
As the additive, various additives such as a mineral component and a medicinal agent for improving drinking water can be considered.
The water purifier 2 attached to the branch flow path 24 has activated carbon and a hollow fiber membrane and has a filtering function. If necessary, a heater (not shown) or the like is provided therein to heat or sterilize by heating. When a heater is attached, it performs a function of regenerating activated carbon.
[0015]
On the upstream side of the branch S of the raw water supply flow path C from the tap water supply unit 1, a flow path switching device 41 is provided. Water can be selectively supplied to the raw water supply flow path C communicating with the electrolysis water purifier and the raw water direct extraction flow path D. Reference numeral 62 denotes an operation handle of the flow path switching device 41.
[0016]
The alkaline water from the alkaline water outlet 14 communicates with an electronic cooling unit 100 using, for example, a Peltier element, and can cool the alkaline water. The electronic cooling section 100 includes a heat radiating section 102 having a large number of fins 101, and the heat radiating section 102 exists on the acidic water flow path from the acidic water outlet 16.
[0017]
Numeral 103 denotes a cold storage material. In order to efficiently use the inside of the electronic cooling unit 100, the alkaline water outlet channel is formed in a meandering or spiral shape so as to be able to exist long in the electronic cooling unit 100 filled with the cold storage material. It is desirable to do.
[0018]
In addition, when using a cold storage material, it is preferable to use a cold storage material having a freezing point of 0 ° C. or higher so that water remaining in the flow path does not freeze. Use of such a cold storage material also helps prevent freezing in cold regions. When the freezing material has a freezing point below the freezing point, it is desirable to drain the water in the electronic cooling unit in a timely manner.
In addition, in place of the cold storage material 103, if a ceramic having a large latent heat and a very high thermal conductivity, for example, a ceramic used for a thawing plate or the like is used, in addition to the cold storage effect, heat exchange becomes smooth, and the cooling effect is improved. Further improve.
[0019]
Fins 101 extending integrally from the electronic cooling unit 100 are inserted into the heat radiating unit 102, and the acidic water from the acidic water tank 13 cools the heat radiating unit 102 and is discharged from the acidic water outlet. Therefore, the temperature of the acidic water discharged from the acidic water outlet rises, and the acidic water becomes more favorable for cleaning.
[0020]
With such a configuration, when the alkaline water is being generated, that is, when the acidic water is being discharged, the flowing water promotes heat radiation from the fins 101, thereby further improving the cooling capacity and generating the alkaline water. Even when there is no acid water, the acidic water is stored in the heat radiating section, and thus effectively acts on heat radiation. Of course, the stored water rises in temperature but is drained at the time of the next generation of alkaline water, and the newly generated low-temperature acidic water is stored again in the radiator.
[0021]
In addition, by switching the flow path switching device 41 described above, the raw water passes through the raw water direct extraction flow path D, and passes through the heat radiating section 102 in the same manner as the acidic water. Therefore, even when raw water is used, the cooling of the heat radiating portion 102 can be promoted, which is extremely convenient.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 1, a pressure switch S1 is mounted on the downstream side of the branch flow path 24 of the raw water supply flow path C. The pressure switch S1 is activated by supply water pressure when supplying raw water from the raw water supply flow path C to the electrolysis water purifier through the water purifier 2, and applies a predetermined voltage from the power supply 40 via the control device R to the electrodes 8, 9. To generate alkaline water in the alkaline water tank 12 and acidic water in the acidic water tank 13.
[0023]
As described above, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to separately provide a switch for operating the electrolytic water purifier, and the control is simplified.
A flow meter Q is provided on the upstream side of the water purifier 2, and the flow meter Q flows into the reaction tank 10 through a branch flow path 24 provided with the water purifier 2 and another branch flow path 28. It detects the total amount of purified water and raw water.
[0024]
An operation panel OP and a display unit L are connected to the control device R, and a power switch S2, a cooling switch S4, and an electrode cleaning switch S3 are attached to the operation panel OP.
Here, the power switch S2 is used for supplying electric power to the electrolytic water conditioner and various switch groups.
[0025]
The control of the electronic cooling unit 100 is executed by the cooling switch S4.
In the ON state of the cooling switch S4, the electronic cooling unit 100 is always controlled to a predetermined temperature (for example, 3 ° C.) regardless of the ON signal of the pressure switch S1.
[0026]
This is controlled by exchanging heat during solidification and melting of the cold storage material in addition to electronic control. That is, the cold storage material is usually cooled to such an extent that the solidified state of the cold storage material can be maintained, and the alkaline water is cooled by melting the cold storage material with the alkaline water that passes when the alkaline water is generated. In addition, when the alkaline water is generated, the water in the heat radiating section is in a flowing state, so that the cooling capacity can be further improved.
[0027]
On the other hand, the electrode cleaning switch S3 is used for applying a predetermined voltage from the power supply 40 to the electrodes 8 and 9 via the control device R to perform electrode cleaning for removing the deposits on both electrodes 8.9.
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a power indicator lamp L1 indicating that the power source 40 is turned on, and deposits deposited on the electrodes 8, 9 on the display unit L of the control device R, and cleaning is necessary. An electrode cleaning indicator lamp L2 as an electrode cleaning indicator for notifying a user or the like of the fact is provided, and an electrode cleaning indicator lamp L3 indicating that the electrode cleaning operation is being performed.
[0028]
(Configuration of control circuit R)
FIG. 2 conceptually shows a control circuit R for water conditioning work of a water conditioning system including the above-described electrolytic water regulator.
[0029]
As shown, the control circuit R includes an input interface a, a microprocessing unit b, an output interface c, a memory d, and a timer e.
[0030]
A power switch S2, a pressure switch S1, an electrode cleaning switch S3, a cooling switch S4, and a flow meter Q are connected to the input interface a, and a power source 40, a calcium supply The pump 3b, the power indicator lamp L1, the electrode cleaning indicator lamp L2, the electrode cleaning indicator lamp L3, and the electronic cooling unit 100 are connected.
[0031]
Further, in the present invention, the control circuit R includes the timer e, and the timer e causes the control circuit R to perform the following operation control.
First, based on a control signal from the control circuit R, when the accumulated time of the electrolyzed water prepared by applying a forward voltage from the power supply 40 to the electrodes 8 and 9 exceeds a set time (for example, 40 minutes), the electrode required The cleaning indicator lamp L2 is turned on to inform the user that the electrode 8.9 needs to be cleaned.
[0032]
When the user presses the electrode cleaning switch S3 after the electrode cleaning indicator lamp L2 is turned off, a reverse voltage is applied to the electrodes 8, 9 from the power supply 40 based on the control signal from the control circuit R, and the set electrode is set. After the elapse of the cleaning time (for example, 2 minutes), a forward voltage is applied again from the power supply 40 to the electrodes 8 and 9, and the normal operation of electrolyzing water is resumed.
[0033]
Immediately after resuming the normal operation, the washing drainage and the electrolysis water are mixed, so to prevent accidental ingestion of the mixed water, immediately after resuming, for example, the electrode cleaning indicator lamp L3 is displayed for 10 seconds. It is desirable to take measures such as continuing.
Since the drainage after washing the electrode is not suitable for drinking, it is desirable to stop driving the electronic cooling unit 100 during washing of the electrode. The time during which the driving is stopped may be an actual cleaning period, or may correspond to the display period of the display lamp L3 during electrode cleaning.
[0034]
Explaining other components in FIG. 1, reference numeral 42 denotes a safety valve provided in the middle of the raw water supply flow path C, for example, a switching valve using a shape memory alloy, and the water from the tap water supply unit 1 is supplied with a water heater or the like. When the hot water is supplied from a hot water of a certain temperature or higher, the hot water is supplied to the outside through a hot water discharge channel (not shown) so as not to flow in the direction of the electrolysis water purifier due to the function of the shape memory alloy when hot water of a certain temperature or more is supplied. So that it can be released.
[0035]
(Other embodiments)
FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the present invention.
This embodiment employs a system in which alkaline water is accumulated in a tank 200 and cooled. Water from the raw water supply unit 201, which is a water source, is supplied to the main cock 202 which is opened and closed by a signal from the control device 203, and if necessary, the alkaline water passes through the water purifier 2 and the reaction tank 10 to reach a predetermined water level in the tank 200. The stored acidic water is discharged to the outside via the heat radiating unit 204. The tank 200 is provided with a cooling body 206 of an electronic cooling unit 205 such as a Peltier element.
[0036]
On the other hand, a large number of fins 207 are formed on the heat radiating portion 204 side.
The cooling body 206 forms a projection in the tank 200 to enhance the cooling effect of the alkaline water in the tank 200, and the water level in the tank 200 is always maintained at a predetermined water level by the water level detection unit 208.
[0037]
When the cock 209 is operated, the cooling alkaline water in the tank 200 is discharged, and the water level in the tank 200 decreases. When the water level in the tank 200 decreases, a signal is sent from the water level detection unit 208 to the control device 211, the original cock 202 is opened, and a voltage is applied to the reaction tank 10. When the main cock 202 is opened, the raw water is branched to the alkaline water channel 209 side and the acidic water channel 210 side.
[0038]
The water on the side of the alkaline water channel 209 passes through the water purifier 2, and flows into the tank 200 through the alkaline water tank 12.
The water on the side of the acidic water channel 210 is stored in the heat radiating section 204 via the acidic water tank 13 and then discharged to the outside. When the amount of alkaline water in the tank 200 reaches a predetermined amount, the original cock 202 is closed by the water level detection signal.
[0039]
The control device 211 controls the water in the tank 200 to be constantly cooled to a predetermined temperature, and the heat radiating portion 204 is efficiently radiated by the acidic water. The acidic water in the radiator 204 is replaced with fresh acidic water every time alkaline water is generated.
[0040]
As described above, the present invention can efficiently produce cooling alkaline water.However, since an electronic cooling mechanism such as a Peltier element can be easily heated by changing the polarity, it is possible to use hot water alkaline water. It is needless to say that the above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented efficiently with the same principle even when the above-mentioned embodiments are required.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the present invention, alkaline water and acidic water are generated by passing water from a water source to the reaction tank 10, and alkaline water flows out of the alkaline water outlet 14 and acidic water flows out of the acidic water outlet 16. In the water treatment apparatus, the alkaline water from the alkaline water outlet is cooled and discharged to the outside by the electronic cooling unit 100 using the Peltier element, and at the same time, the acidic water from the acidic water outlet 16 is discharged to the heat radiating part of the electronic cooling unit 100. 102 is cooled and discharged to the outside, and the acidic water is stored in the heat radiating section even when the water treatment apparatus is not generating alkaline water,
1. In cooling the alkaline water to be used for drinking out of the water flowing out of the reaction tank, the acidic water flowing out at the same time as the alkaline water flows cools the radiator of the cooling section composed of the Peltier element. During driving, the heat radiation of the heat radiation part is promoted, and the cooling performance is improved.
2. Effective use of non-drinkable acidic water is achieved. Especially when acidic water is used for cleaning, a rise in the temperature of the acidic water taken in contributes to the improvement of the cleaning effect.
In addition to the effect
further,
3.The radiator is cooled by acidic water even when it is not in the running water state.Therefore, if you operate the cooling switch at any time, the cooling function will work well, so even if you operate the cooling switch before taking out the alkaline water, Preliminary pre-cooling is sufficient, and cooling of alkaline water for drinking is more effective.
This has the operational effect of:
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control circuit.
FIG. 3 is an overall configuration diagram showing another embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Electronic cooling unit 102 Heat radiating unit

Claims (1)

In a water treatment apparatus in which water from a water source is passed through the reaction tank 10 to generate alkaline water and acidic water, and the alkaline water flows out of the alkaline water outlet 14 and the acidic water flows out of the acidic water outlet 16, the alkaline water outlet is provided. The alkaline water is cooled by an electronic cooling unit 100 using a Peltier element and discharged to the outside. At the same time, the acidic water from the acidic water outlet 16 cools the heat radiation unit 102 of the electronic cooling unit 100 and is discharged to the outside. A water treatment apparatus having a cooling function, wherein the acidic water is stored in the heat radiating section even when the water treatment apparatus is not generating alkaline water.

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