JP3891120B2 - Electrolyzed water generator - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention, water suitable for drinking, such as tap water, is introduced into an electrolytic cell having a structure in which a facing negative electrode and a non-woven fabric, an ion exchange membrane, etc. are arranged therebetween, and by adding electrical energy (electrolysis) The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating device that generates alkaline ionized water and acidic water.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, an electrolyzed water generating device for generating electrolyzed water has been used. Electrolyzed water is a general term for aqueous solutions obtained by electrolyzing water. The electrolyzed water generator has a function of electrolyzing water, and includes drinking alkaline electrolyzed water (alkaline ionized water) and external acidic electrolyzed water. It refers to a generating device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
As an electrolyzed water generating device, an electrolyzer is formed by providing an electrode plate or a diaphragm in the water tank, and the raw water is stored in this water tank (electrolyzer) and a voltage is applied for a certain time to generate electrolyzed water. It is roughly divided into two types, that is, a continuous type that generates electrolyzed water continuously by supplying tap water by directly connecting the water supply path of the apparatus main body to a water tap or the like. Hereinafter, a water storage type and a continuous type electrolyzed water production | generation apparatus are each demonstrated.
[0004]
As shown in FIG. 25, the water storage type electrolyzed water generator is an electrolytic cell that also serves as a water storage tank. The electrolytic cell is separated into an anode chamber 31 and a cathode chamber 32 by a diaphragm 33. The anode 34A is disposed, and the cathode 34B is disposed in the cathode chamber 31. The generation of electrolyzed water in the electrolytic cell will be described.
[0005]
Drinkable water containing calcium ions such as tap water (hereinafter referred to as raw water) is stored in the anode chamber 32 and the cathode chamber 31 of the electrolytic cell, and stored in the electrolytic cell by applying a DC voltage for a certain period of time. When a direct current is passed through the raw water, the cations contained in the raw water (M^{n +}) On the cathode, anions (X⁻) Is attracted to the anode, and the raw water in contact with the surface of the cathode 34B and the anode 34A is electrolyzed and the following reaction occurs.
Cathode reaction: 2H₂O + 2e⁻  → H₂  + 2OH⁻
M^{n +}  + NOH⁻  → M (OH)_n
Anodic reaction: H₂O → 1 / 2O₂  + 2H⁺  + 2e⁻
2Cl⁻  → Cl₂  + 2e⁻
Cl₂(aq) + H₂O → HCl + HOCl
That is, in the cathode chamber 31 by electrolysis, alkaline ionized water having a pH value containing hydroxide ions, hydrogen gas, calcium ions and calcium hydroxide is generated, and in the anode chamber 32, oxygen gas and hypochlorous acid are generated. Acidic electrolyzed water having an acid-containing pH value is generated.
[0006]
In addition, when the electrical conductivity of raw | natural water is low, in order to produce | generate alkaline ion water of a predetermined | prescribed pH value, it is necessary to add a calcium compound as an electrolysis adjuvant.
[0007]
Next, a continuous electrolyzed water generating apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. In the continuous electrolyzed water generating apparatus, the electrolytic cell 2 is partitioned into an anode chamber 18 and a cathode chamber 14 by a diaphragm 5, a cathode 12A is disposed in the cathode chamber 14, and an anode 12B is disposed in the anode chamber 18. .
[0008]
This continuous electrolyzed water generating apparatus uses tap water as raw water, and a water tap is directly connected to a water supply path of the apparatus main body. Tap water from the water supply path is introduced into the cathode chamber 14 and the anode chamber 18 of the electrolytic cell 2 through the water purifier 3. The water purifier 3 removes odorous components such as organic substances, inorganic substances, and hypochlorous acid contained in tap water, and is usually composed of a microfilter such as an antibacterial activated carbon filter and a hollow fiber membrane.
[0009]
The purified water that has flowed downstream from the water purification apparatus 3 is divided into an inflow path 22 that communicates directly with the cathode chamber 14 and an inflow path 20 that communicates with the anode chamber 18 via the water passage 4 and the branch path 7. The electrolyte is continuously supplied to the upstream side of the electrode chamber (the cathode chamber 14 and the anode chamber 18) of the water passage 4 by the electrolyte supply device 6 located upstream of the electrode chamber. As the electrolyte, calcium salts such as calcium lactate and calcium glycerophosphate are generally used. When the electrolyte is supplied to the cathode chamber 14, the electrolyte is mixed as it is into the alkaline ion water discharged from the electrolytic cell 2, so that the electrolyte may be supplied only to the water flowing into the anode chamber 18.
[0010]
The raw water passed through the electrolytic cell 2 is electrolyzed by passing a current through the cathode 12A and the anode 12B, thereby generating alkaline ion water in the cathode chamber 14 and acidic ion water in the anode chamber 18. As for the produced electrolyzed water, alkaline ionized water is discharged from the outflow path 23 and acidic ionized water is discharged from the outflow path 21 through different paths.
[0011]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-9-122645
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional water storage type electrolyzed water generating device and the continuous type electrolyzed water generating device as described above have the following problems.
[0013]
In the water storage type electrolyzed water generating device, it takes a certain period of time to store the electrolyzed water in the electrolyzer, and the electrolyzed water may not be obtained immediately when necessary.
[0014]
Further, an electrode plate (anode 34A and cathode 34B) and a diaphragm 33 are provided in the water storage tank to constitute an electrolytic cell, and the electrode plate is exposed above the electrolytic cell (water storage tank). There is a risk of electric shock by directly touching the electrode, and if the fingers touch the raw water stored in the electrolytic cell, dirt on the hand may adhere to the electrode plate surface and the electrolytic performance may deteriorate. Therefore, it was necessary to take measures so that the electrode plate and raw water in the electrolytic cell were not exposed.
[0015]
In the continuous electrolyzed water generating device, it is possible to generate electrolyzed water directly connected to a water tap or the like, so the generation time is short and there is no need to open the electrolyzer. Although it is possible to make a structure that does not directly touch the electrode plate and raw water, it is necessary to connect the water supply route and the water tap, so that only the periphery of the water tap can be installed.
[0016]
Further, since it is directly connected to a water tap so that electrolyzed water can be obtained continuously, it is impossible to use water having a desired hardness such as mineral water as raw water. In addition, when you want to drink cold alkaline ionized water, it is common to cool the generated alkaline ionized water in a refrigerator or the like. Is stable and has the property of returning to the direction of raw water over time, so that it was difficult to obtain alkaline ionized water immediately after production, which has a low water temperature, particularly in summer.
[0017]
Accordingly, a raw water storage tank for supplying raw water different from the electrolytic tank, a raw water supply means, and a water discharge path for discharging the electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic tank are provided to solve the above problem, and further, a water discharge path Although it was considered that a detachable electrolyzed water storage tank was provided to store the discharged electrolyzed water,In such an electrolyzed water generating apparatus, when the amount of water in the tank for storing raw water or electrolyzed water is not detected, the water may overflow from the tank.At the same time, when the mounting of the tank is not detected, water leakage due to water supply when the electrolyzed water storage tank is not mounted has occurred.
[0018]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points.From a tank that stores electrolyzed waterElectrolyzed water overflowsWater leakage due to water supply when the electrolytic water storage tank is not installedAn object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyzed water generating apparatus that does not have any problems.
[0019]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention is an electrolyzed water generating apparatus that generates electrolyzed water by applying a voltage to a cathode 42A and an anode 42B disposed in an electrolytic cell 42. The raw water storage tank 44A for supplying raw water, raw water supply means including a pump 45A and a water stop valve 45B, water discharge paths 48 and 49 for discharging the electrolyzed water generated in the electrolytic tank 42, and the water discharge path 48 , 49 in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus provided with a detachable electrolyzed water storage tank 44B for storing electrolyzed water discharged from the tank 49, a detecting means for detecting the amount of water in the electrolyzed water storage tank 44BAnd a weight detection switch that also serves as a detection means for detecting whether or not the electrolytic water storage tank 44B is mounted, so that the water supply means can be driven only when it is detected that the electrolytic water storage tank 44B is mounted. And controlA control means is provided that can control the raw water supply means or disable the drive of the raw water supply means when it is detected that a certain amount of water has accumulated. With this configuration,The weight detection switch can prevent water leakage when the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B is not installed.It is possible to prevent overflow of the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B.
[0020]
MaConstantIt is preferable to provide an informing means that informs the user when it is detected that an amount of water has accumulated. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to cause the user to take measures such as disposing of the water in the electrolytic water storage tank 44B before the electrolytic water storage tank 44B overflows.
[0022]
electrolyticIt is preferable to provide a control means that enables the raw water supply means to be driven only when the weight of the water storage tank 44B is equal to or greater than the weight of the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B. Such a configurationAnd electrolysisIt is possible to prevent the amount of water in the water storage tank 44B from overflowing and to prevent water leakage due to water supply when the electrolytic water storage tank 44B is not installed.
[0023]
MaElectrolysisIn at least one of the cases where the weight is less than the weight of the water storage tank 44B or the weight when the electrolytic water storage tank 44B is full, it is preferable to provide a notification means that informs the user. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to make the user aware that the amount of water in the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B overflows and that the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B is not installed, and take appropriate measures. It becomes.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, one embodiment of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, an overall outline of the electrolyzed water generating device will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.
[0025]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus includes an electrolyzed water generating apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus main body 41) in which equipment such as an electrolyzing tank 42 is housed, and an electrolytic tank for generating electrolyzed water. 42, a control circuit 43A and an operation circuit 43B for controlling the supply voltage to the electrolytic cell 42, a raw water storage tank 44A having an opening for supplying raw water and detachable from the apparatus main body 41, and raw water The main body is composed of a pump 45A that supplies raw water in the water storage tank 44A to the electrolytic cell 42, and water discharge paths 48 and 49 that discharge the electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic cell 42. The pump 45A is disposed below the raw water storage tank 44A so that water can be immediately fed into the pump 45A due to a drop in water.
[0026]
A filter 50 </ b> A and a valve 50 </ b> B are disposed at the joint between the raw water storage tank 44 </ b> A and the apparatus main body 41. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the filter 50A is built in the valve 50B and is installed below the water stop rubber 50C. The filter 50A is made of stainless steel that does not generate rust, and is designed so that foreign matters exceeding the minimum clearance of the pump 45A downstream will not flow and lock the pump. In the present embodiment, the mesh diameter is set such that foreign matters of 0.5 mm or more can be removed. Since the filter 50A is in a position where it cannot be removed, the shaft 50E is pushed in with a finger during maintenance.There is a need. In addition,As shown in FIG. 2, the filter 50A may be installed above the valve 50B, that is, so as to cover the waterproof rubber 50C. In this position, the user can remove the filter for maintenance, etc. There are benefits. The valve 50B is opened only when the raw water storage tank 44A is attached to the apparatus main body, and the opening and closing thereof are shown in FIGS.
[0027]
That is, in FIG. 3A, the raw water storage tank 44A is joined to the apparatus main body 41, but the shaft 50E disposed in the valve 50B is moved upward by the rib 50F disposed on the apparatus main body 41 side. The waterstop rubber 50C is opened. FIG. 3B shows a state in which the raw water storage tank 44A is detached from the apparatus main body 41. At this time, the shaft 50E is moved downward by the spring 50D disposed on the shaft 50E, so that the water blocking rubber 50C is closed.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 4A, the valve 50B may be manually opened and closed by an operation lever 50G instead of the rib 50F. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the openable / closable slide valve 50H may be manually opened and closed by the operation lever 50G. The supply of raw water is not limited to the state in which the raw water storage tank 44A is attached to the apparatus main body 41, but can be removed (for example, only the raw water storage tank 44A is placed under a water tap and directly injected with tap water). It is.
[0029]
The receiving portion 59 for receiving the raw water storage tank 44A (the attachment main body 41 side of the raw water storage tank 44A to the apparatus main body 41) is formed in a concave shape as shown in FIG. 2, and the raw water storage tank 44A is attached to the apparatus main body 41. In this state, a gap is provided between the lower outer surface of the raw water storage tank 44A and the raw water storage tank receiving portion 59. The purpose of this is to collect the condensed water when cold water is put into the raw water storage tank 44A and the condensed water is generated outside the raw water storage tank 44A. It is also possible to discharge the accumulated condensed water as drainage by the drainage path 55 leading to
[0030]
In the electrolytic cell 42, a diaphragm 42C is disposed to be divided into a cathode chamber 42D and an anode chamber 42E, a cathode 42A is disposed in the cathode chamber 42D, and an anode 42B is disposed in the anode chamber 42E. By applying a voltage, acidic water can be generated at the anode 42B, and alkaline ionized water can be generated at the cathode 42A. The electrolytic cell 42 has a closed cell structure so that the user does not directly touch the internal electrode plates (that is, the anode 42B and the cathode 42A), the diaphragm 42C, and the stored water.
[0031]
In order to generate electrolyzed water, first, when the user supplies raw water to the raw water storage tank 44A and operates the operation switch 43C on the operation nameplate 43D, a water stop valve 45B (in this embodiment, a solenoid valve is used). , Hereinafter referred to as a solenoid valve 45B), the pump 45A operates.
[0032]
The raw water from which impurities have been removed by the filter 50A flows into the electrolytic cell 42 through the water discharge passages 46 and 47 by the operation of the pump 45A, and is electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell 42, whereby cations ( M^{n +}) On the cathode 42A, an anion (X⁻) Is attracted to the anode 42B, and the water in contact with the surface of the electrode is electrolyzed to cause the reactions shown in the following formulas (a) to (e).
Cathodic reaction:
2H₂O + 2e⁻  → H₂  + 2OH⁻    ... (a)
M^{n +}  + NOH⁻  → M (OH)_n            ... (b)
Anodic reaction:
H₂O → 1 / 2O₂  + 2H⁺  + 2e⁻      ... (c)
2Cl⁻  → Cl₂  + 2e⁻      ... (d)
Cl₂(aq) + H₂O → HCl + HOCl (e)
That is, electrolysis generates alkaline ionized water having a pH value containing hydroxide ions, hydrogen gas, calcium ions, and calcium hydroxide in the cathode chamber 42D, and oxygen gas and hypochlorous acid in the anode chamber 42E. Acidic water having an acidic pH value is generated.
[0033]
In the present embodiment, the operation of the pump 45A and the electromagnetic valve 45B by the control circuit 43A and the application of the electrolytic voltage to the electrolytic cell 42 are performed by applying the electrolytic voltage after the operation of the pump 45A and the electromagnetic valve 45B. The details are described later. FIG. 7 shows an operation nameplate 43D. The operation circuit 43B is provided with an operation switch 43C that serves both as the operation of the pump 45A and the application of voltage to the electrolytic cell 42.
[0034]
And each produced | generated electrolyzed water is discharged through a predetermined | prescribed path | route.
[0035]
That is, the alkaline ionized water generated in the cathode chamber 42 </ b> D where the cathode 42 </ b> A is disposed is discharged from the alkaline ionized water outlet 51 through the water discharge path 48.
[0036]
Here, the alkali ion water outlet 51 is arranged at a position somewhat higher than the lower surface of the apparatus main body 41 so that the user can directly receive it with a cup or the like.
[0037]
In the present embodiment, the operation switch 43C is a manually operated switch, but is a non-contact switch using infrared rays, and a user places a container such as a cup under the alkaline ion water outlet 51. The raw water supply and voltage application to the electrolytic cell 42 may be started.
[0038]
On the other hand, the acidic water generated in the anode chamber 42 </ b> E in which the anode 42 </ b> B is disposed is discharged from the acidic water discharge port 52 through the water discharge path 49.
[0039]
Here, the acidic water outlet 52 faces the electrolytic water storage tank 44B. The electrolyzed water storage tank 44B is formed in a box shape that opens upward and is provided at the lower end portion of the apparatus main body 41. As described above, the acidic water spouting port 52 is disposed above the opening so as to be acidic. Acidic water discharged downward from the water spout 52 is stored in the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B.
[0040]
In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B is provided with a guide 61A at the joint with the apparatus main body 41, and the guide is provided at the joint with the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B on the apparatus main body 41 side. 61B was provided.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 8, by sliding the electrolyzed water storage tank 44 </ b> B along the guides 61 </ b> A and 61 </ b> B in a direction to be removed from the state where it is attached to the apparatus main body 41, It is possible to arrange both of them at a position facing the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B (that is, to arrange them above the upper opening of the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B).
[0042]
The arrangement of the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B requires, for example, some initial waste water before the electrolyzed water is stabilized at the initial stage of the start of water flow. Since water cleaning may be performed using a cleaning agent or the like, it is effective when both the alkaline ion water discharge port 51 and the acidic water discharge port 52 are discharged as waste water into the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B.
[0043]
The raw water supplied by the user is not limited to tap water, and commercially available mineral water, cold water, etc. can also be used. It can be used. On the other hand, for example, liquids other than juice or milk water or unsuitable liquids such as salt water may be accidentally put into the raw water, but if it is detected that these are supplied as raw water, the electrolysis should be stopped. Details will be described later.
[0044]
Further, it is not necessary to connect to a water faucet unlike the conventional continuous electrolyzed water generator, and the generated acidic water is stored in the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B. The installation location is not limited.
[0045]
In addition, since the raw water supply can be handled only by the removed raw water storage tank 44A when it is brought into the water supply, such as water supply, there is no danger of water splashing on the apparatus main body 41, and the electrolytic cell 42 is a closed cell structure. Therefore, there are many merits in avoiding various troubles, such as no worry of directly touching the electrode plate.
[0046]
In the present embodiment, the start of electrolysis is instructed by the operation of the operation switch 43C. However, the valve that is opened when the power plug 58 is turned on or when a pressure exceeding a certain weight is applied. By using 50B, it is also possible to delete the operation of the operation switch 43C, such as automatically starting electrolysis when it is recognized that there is a certain amount or more of raw water in the raw water storage tank 44A.
[0047]
In the present embodiment, the power plug 58 employs a magnetic plug that is separable from the apparatus main body 41. This prevents the apparatus main body 41 from falling and causing harm even when the power cord is hooked. This is what we considered.
[0048]
Next, the operation of the pump 45A and the electromagnetic valve 45B and the application of the electrolytic voltage to the electrolytic cell 42 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the control flow diagram of FIG.
[0049]
When the operation switch 43C is operated, the electromagnetic valve 45B is first opened for the purpose of avoiding idling of the pump 45A and troubles of air leakage, and then the pump 45A is operated.
[0050]
In the present embodiment, the operation switch 43C is operated while the operation switch 43C is continuously pressed with a finger or the like, and the operation is released when the finger or the like is released from the operation switch 43C. The operation switch 43C is activated once, and the operation switch 43C is pressed again to release the operation. The operation switch 43C is activated once, and the operation is automatically stopped after a certain time or a certain flow rate. May be.
[0051]
A voltage is applied to the electrolytic cell 42 after a certain period of time has elapsed after the pump 45A is operated. This is a time lag until the raw water is supplied into the electrolytic cell 42 from the pump 45A operation. In view of this, after starting the water supply, the raw water reaches the electrolytic cell 42 more reliably, and the electrolysis is performed to prevent unnecessary voltage application. In order to deal with this time lag, it may be after the raw water having a constant flow rate has passed.
[0052]
The control circuit 43A reads the electrolysis current continuously or periodically from the time of voltage application to the electrolyzer 42, but stops the voltage application to the electrolyzer 42 when a current exceeding a predetermined amount is not detected. It was.
[0053]
This is based on the fact that the electrolysis current value is zero or extremely low in a state where the raw water is not sufficiently supplied into the electrolytic cell 42, and the existence of water in the electrolytic cell 42 is reliably determined, When not supplied, unnecessary voltage application was not performed.
[0054]
As shown in FIG. 10, the solenoid valve 45 </ b> B and the pump 45 </ b> A are controlled to stop after the voltage application is stopped, but the stop order of the solenoid valve 45 </ b> B and the pump 45 </ b> A will be described later. The voltage application stop is not necessarily performed before the electromagnetic valve 45B and the pump 45A, but may be after the electromagnetic valve 45B and the pump 45A as long as it is about several seconds (0.5 seconds in this embodiment). And In addition, before the electromagnetic valve 45B or the pump 45A is stopped, the presence of raw water may be reconfirmed by reapplying the voltage once every predetermined time or a plurality of times and reading the electrolytic current again. .
[0055]
These flows are controlled only during operation of the operation switch 43C.
[0056]
Next, control when the user performs a use end operation will be described.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 20, while the operation switch 43C is operated as described above, the pump 45A and the electromagnetic valve 45B are operated, and the electrolytic voltage is applied to the electrolytic cell 42. When the operation is finished, the operation of the operation switch 43C is released. At this time, it is desirable that the water from the alkali ion water spouting port 51 is quickly stopped. If the water drainage from the alkali ion water spouting port 51 is poor after use, the usability is deteriorated. For this reason, in this embodiment, as soon as the operation of the operation switch 43C is released, the operation of the electromagnetic valve 45B is stopped and the electromagnetic valve 45B is closed. Thereafter, the operation of the pump 45A is stopped. Since the electromagnetic valve 45B is located on the downstream side of the pump 45A, water is not supplied when the electromagnetic valve 45B is closed, so that water drainage from the alkaline ion water spouting port 51 is improved. As shown in FIG. 21, as soon as the operation of the operation switch 43C is released, the voltage polarity for driving the pump 45A is reversed, the pump 45A is reversely rotated, and the solenoid valve 45B is closed after a certain time. By doing so, there is also a method of improving the drainage of water from the alkaline ion water outlet 51.
[0058]
Next, details of the control circuit 43A will be described.
[0059]
As shown in FIG. 22, in this embodiment, a constant current control system is adopted as a power supply circuit for applying a voltage to the cathode 42A and the anode 42B in the electrolytic cell 42. In this method, the applied voltage is varied so that the value of the electrolytic current flowing in the electrolytic cell 42 does not exceed a certain current. If the water quality is easy to electrolyze, the applied voltage is low and water that is difficult to electrolyze is used. If so, the applied voltage increases. When a constant current does not flow even when the applied voltage reaches the upper limit (about 40 V in this embodiment), constant voltage control is performed at the upper limit of the voltage, and thus water is not supplied into the electrolytic cell 42. Etc., the electrolysis current value is zero or extremely low. As described above, when the current value is zero or extremely low, the voltage application to the electrolytic cell 42 is stopped.
[0060]
If a liquid other than water such as juice or milk or an unsuitable liquid such as salt water is mistakenly supplied as raw water, it becomes easier to electrolyze, and the applied voltage becomes lower than the general water quality.
[0061]
In order not to continue the electrolysis with a liquid other than water, control is performed so as to stop the electrolysis by detecting a case where the applied voltage decreases to a predetermined value or less. In addition, the pump 45A and the electromagnetic valve 45B are also controlled to stop in the order described above. By performing this operation, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the device and prevent the user from accidentally swallowing unsuitable liquids resulting from further electrolysis of liquids other than water.
[0062]
As another embodiment, a case where a circuit other than the constant current control method is used as shown in FIG. 23 will be described. A predetermined voltage is applied, the current value flowing at that time is monitored, and it is detected that the current value flows more than a predetermined value. If a liquid other than water such as juice or milk or an unsuitable liquid such as salt water is mistakenly supplied as raw water, it becomes easier to electrolyze, and the current value becomes higher than the general water quality. In order not to continue electrolysis with a liquid other than water, the case where the electrolysis current is increased to a predetermined value or more is detected and controlled to stop electrolysis.
[0063]
Next, the control of backwashing will be described. When the tap water is electrolyzed, the carbonate component contained in the tap water reacts with metal ions such as calcium on the cathode 42A side, and precipitates as calcium carbonate and adheres to the surface of the cathode 42A. The control of reverse electric cleaning will be described.
[0064]
When the effective area of the electrode plate decreases due to the adhering calcium carbonate, the current flows only on the remaining effective electrode plate surface, so that the deterioration of the electrode is accelerated. As a countermeasure, it is common to separate the attached calcium carbonate and the like into metal ions and carbonate components and remove them by reversing the applied voltage to cause a normal reverse reaction.
[0065]
In FIG. 11, the water amount sensor 56 can detect the amount of water in the raw water storage tank 44A or the amount of water in the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B, but here is a float type sensor for detecting the former, as shown in FIG. By the water amount sensor 56, when the water amount becomes a certain amount or less, the applied voltage to the cathode 42A and the anode 42B is reversed, thereby removing dirt and the like adhering to the electrode plate surface and extending the life of the electrolytic cell 42. It was supposed to be possible.
[0066]
In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, the water amount sensor 56 can detect a state in which the electrolytic tank 42 is filled with water and the raw water in the raw water storage tank 44A has disappeared. Since the amount of water used for reversal can be suppressed, as much acidic water and alkali ion water as possible can be supplied.
[0067]
In addition, although the float switch which operate | moves by the buoyancy of water was used as the water quantity sensor 56, it is directly like the electrical conductivity sensor 62 which detects a water level by the presence or absence of electrical continuity using two electrodes as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the water level can be detected indirectly by using a weight sensor 63 that detects a water level from a change in weight due to the amount of water by installing a weigh scale under the raw water storage tank 44A as shown in FIG. Things can also be used.
[0068]
In addition, as a method of grasping the amount of water supplied to the raw water storage tank 44A, it is indirectly based on the detected value of the operating time of the pump 45A (using a timer or the like) and the electrical variable of the pump 45A (relationship of operating voltage or operating current). In addition, the amount of water can be detected.
[0069]
The electric variable of the pump 45A means that when a constant voltage is applied, the pump has no water in the raw water storage tank 44A compared to the current that flows when there is water in the raw water storage tank 44A (when loaded) (none). It is a variable that the amount of current flowing during loading is small.
[0070]
Although the control flow is shown in FIG. 16, it is possible to detect the amount of water in the raw water storage tank 44A and the presence or absence of water without using a water level sensor by detecting a difference in current value depending on the load amount.
[0071]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17, when the water amount sensor 56 can detect the amount of water in the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B, the water amount sensor 56 detects that a certain amount of water has been stored, and the pump 45A By stopping or stopping the drive, the electrolytic water storage tank 44B is prevented from overflowing.
[0072]
Here, if it is assumed that a notification means is provided to inform the user when it is detected that a certain amount of water has been stored, before the overflow of the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B, the user is allowed to store the electrolyzed water. It is also possible to take measures such as disposing of the water in the tank 44B.
[0073]
In this embodiment, the notification means is the notification lamp 43E (full water lamp) shown in FIG. This notification lamp 43E is displayed regardless of the operation switch 43C even when the operation switch 43C is not activated.
[0074]
As shown in FIG. 18, the container detection switch 57 is a weight detection switch that detects whether or not the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B is installed, and can drive the pump 45A only when the installation is detected. I tried to do it.
[0075]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, the container detection switch 57 serves as both the water amount detection means and the attachment detection means of the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B, and is more than the weight of the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B and when the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B is full. Only when the weight is less than the weight, the pump 45A can be driven to prevent the amount of water in the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B from overflowing and to prevent leakage due to water supply when the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B is not installed. .
[0076]
In at least one of cases where the weight of the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B is less than the weight of the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B or more than the weight when the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B is full, a notification means for informing the user is provided. The amount of water overflows and the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B is not installed, and it is decided to take appropriate measures.
[0077]
The notification means is the notification lamp 43F (confirmation lamp) shown in FIG.
[0078]
This notification lamp 43F is displayed regardless of the operation switch 43C even when the operation switch 43C is not activated.
[0079]
The air intake port 53 and the air intake path 54 described in the figure will be described with reference to FIG.
[0080]
In FIG. 24A, the air intake portion configured by the air intake port 53 and the air intake path 54 is arranged between the electrolytic cell 42 of the water discharge path 48 and the alkali ion water discharge port 51. A part of the air intake path 54 is positioned above the branch path of the water discharge paths 46, 47, 48, 49 and the air intake path 54.
[0081]
As a result, when water rapidly enters from the air intake section when the water supply is stopped, the remaining water in the water discharge paths 46, 47, 48, and 49 and the electrolytic cell 42 inside the apparatus main body 41 can be quickly discharged. It is possible to prevent deterioration over time such as microbial propagation.
[0082]
In the water discharge path 48 from the electrolytic cell 42 of the water discharge path 48 to the alkaline ion water discharge port 51, water is dropped and discharged by its own weight. 54 is provided in the reverse direction, and the air intake path 54 has a smaller inner diameter than or equal to the water discharge path 48 so that the pressure loss is increased. In the case of this embodiment, the inner diameter of the water discharge path 48 is set to 3φ, and the inner diameter of the air intake path 54 is set to 3φ. For this reason, even if water flows by the operation of the pump 45A, the water does not flow backward on the air intake path 54 side.
[0083]
Furthermore, in order to discharge the remaining water in the water discharge paths 46, 47, 48, and 49 and the electrolytic cell 42 in the apparatus main body 41 more reliably and quickly, a part of the air intake path 54 is shown in FIG. It may be arranged above the upper part of the electrolytic cell 42 as shown in FIG.
[0084]
Furthermore, the air intake port 53 faces the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B (ie, it is disposed above the upper opening of the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B). If there is a backflow in the path 54, water is stored in the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B without leakage. The air intake port 53 is arranged as close as possible to the acidic water discharge port 52, and the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B is used as described above (when the water is discharged at the initial stage of water discharge or during backwashing). Even when used in a state of being slid, the electrolyzed water storage tank 44B can retain water without leaking water.
[0085]
FIG. 24C shows an embodiment in which a shielding plate 60 is provided in the air intake path 54 in order to prevent water from flowing backward through the air intake path 54 more reliably.
[0086]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is an electrolyzed water generating device that generates electrolyzed water by applying a voltage to a cathode and an anode disposed in an electrolytic cell, A raw water storage tank for supplying raw water, raw water supply means comprising a pump and a water stop valve, a water discharge path for discharging electrolyzed water generated in the electrolytic tank, and a tank for storing electrolytic water discharged from the water discharge path Detecting means for detecting the amount of water in the electrolyzed water storage tank in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus provided with the detachable electrolyzed water storage tankAnd a weight detection switch that also functions as a detection means for detecting whether or not the electrolyzed water storage tank is installed, and controls so that the water supply means can be driven only when it is detected that the electrolyzed water storage tank is installed. As well asControls the water supply means when it is detected that a certain amount of water has accumulated, and is provided with a control means that can significantly disable the water supply means.By providing a weight detection switch, it is possible to prevent water leakage when the electrolyzed water storage tank is not installed.It is possible to prevent overflow of the electrolyzed water storage tank.
[0087]
In the invention described in claim 2, the effect of the invention described in claim 1 is added.Yeah, constantWhen it is detected that a large amount of water has been stored, a notification means is provided to inform the user. However, before the electrolytic water storage tank overflows, Such as disposing of water.
[0089]
And claims3In the described invention, the above-mentioned claim 1Or 2In addition to the effects of the described invention, a control means is provided that enables the water supply means to be driven only when the weight of the electrolyzed water storage tank is equal to or greater than the weight when the electrolyzed water storage tank is full. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the amount of water in the electrolyzed water storage tank from overflowing and to prevent water leakage due to water supply when the electrolyzed water storage tank is not attached.
[0090]
And claims4In the described invention, the above claims3In addition to the effects of the described inventionElectrificationIn at least one of the cases where the weight of the water storage tank is less than the weight of the water storage tank or the weight when the electrolytic water storage tank is full, a notification means is provided to inform the user. Appropriate measures can be taken by making the user know that the amount of water overflows and that the electrolyzed water storage tank is not installed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic overall cross-sectional side view of the electrolyzed water generating device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a mounting portion between the raw water storage tank and the apparatus main body according to the embodiment; (a) is a side sectional view showing a state in which the raw water storage tank is attached to the apparatus main body; FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a state in which the raw water storage tank is removed from the apparatus main body.
4A is a side cross-sectional view of a portion to which an operation unit of another example of the raw water storage tank is attached, and FIG. 4B is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the raw water storage tank to which an operation unit of another example is attached. (C) is a plan view of the operation unit of (b).
5A and 5B show an electrolyzed water storage tank according to the embodiment, in which FIG. 5A is a side sectional view, FIG. 5B is a side view, FIG. 5C is a plan view, and FIG. It is.
6A and 6B show an apparatus main body according to the embodiment, where FIG. 6A is a front view and FIG. 6B is a side view.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation unit of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the embodiment.
8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining the mounting of the electrolyzed water storage tank to the apparatus main body according to the embodiment, wherein FIG. 8A shows a state in which the electrolyzed water storage tank is mounted on the apparatus main body, and FIG. The state where the installation of the water storage tank to the apparatus main body is released is shown.
FIG. 9 is a control flow diagram of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is another example of a control flow diagram of the electrolyzed water generating device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to another embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a control flow diagram of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 13 is another example of a control flow diagram of the electrolyzed water generating device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to still another embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to still another embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a control flow diagram of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to still another embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to still another embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to still another embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a control flow diagram of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a control flow diagram of the electrolyzed water generating device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a control flow diagram of the electrolyzed water generating device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a control flow diagram of the electrolyzed water generating device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 24A, 24B, and 24C are explanatory views of portions of electrolytic cells, respectively.
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional water storage type electrolyzed water generating apparatus.
FIG. 26 is an explanatory view of a conventional continuous electrolyzed water generator.
[Explanation of symbols]
42 Electrolyzer
42A cathode
42B anode
44A Raw water storage tank
44B Electrolyzed water storage tank
45A pump
45B Water stop valve
48 Water discharge route
49 Water discharge route

Claims (4)

An electrolyzed water generating device for generating electrolyzed water by applying a voltage to a cathode and an anode disposed in an electrolyzer, comprising a raw water storage tank for supplying raw water, a raw water supply comprising a pump and a stop valve In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus provided with means, a water discharge path for discharging electrolyzed water generated in the electrolyzer, and a detachable electrolyzed water storage tank for storing electrolyzed water discharged from the water discharge path, A weight detection switch serving as both a detection means for detecting the amount of water in the electrolyzed water storage tank and a detection means for detecting whether or not the electrolyzed water storage tank is installed is provided to detect that the electrolyzed water storage tank is installed. a certain amount of water is controlled raw water supply means when it is detected that the accumulated, or control may be disabled to drive the raw water supply means with only controls to allow driving the water supply means during Electrolytic water generation apparatus, characterized in that a stage. 2. The electrolyzed water generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification means for notifying a user when it is detected that a certain amount of water has been accumulated. 3. The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that enables the raw water supply unit to be driven only when the weight of the electrolyzed water storage tank is not less than the weight of the electrolyzed water storage tank and less than the weight when the electrolyzed water storage tank is full. Water generator. 4. The electrolyzed water generation according to claim 3, further comprising a notification means for informing the user of at least one of the case where the weight of the electrolyzed water storage tank is less than the weight of the electrolyzed water storage tank or the weight when the electrolyzed water storage tank is full. apparatus.

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