JP4678052B2 - Electrolyzed water generator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating apparatus.

Conventionally, electrolyzed water comprising a water storage unit for storing water, an electrolytic cell for generating electrolyzed water from the water supplied from the water storage unit, and a discharge port for discharging the electrolyzed water generated in the electrolyzed cell to the outside A generation apparatus is known (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-216349 A

  However, in such an electrolyzed water generator, water can be passed through the electrolyzer only once. Therefore, in order to reliably obtain electrolyzed water having a specified pH value, electrolysis is performed to improve the electrolyzer capacity. There is a problem that the tank must be enlarged.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the electrolyzed water generating apparatus which can achieve size reduction of an electrolytic cell.

  An electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a water storage unit that stores water, a main body unit that includes an electrolyzer that generates electrolyzed water from water, and a circulating flow that passes through the water storage unit and the electrolyzer. A water supply path that is provided on a bottom wall of the water storage section to form the circulation flow path, supplies water in the water storage section to the main body section, and stands on the bottom wall of the water storage section. Controls the partition that prevents the water from flowing into the supply port when the amount of water in the section becomes equal to or less than the specified amount of water, the flow device that circulates the water in the circulation channel, the electrolytic cell, and the flow device And the control part which performs the electrolyzed water production | generation process which produces | generates electrolyzed water, circulating the water between a water storage part and an electrolytic vessel, and stores the produced | generated electrolyzed water in the said water storage part is provided.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the first aspect, the height of the partition wall is the electrolyzed water necessary for obtaining electrolyzed water having a specified pH by the electrolyzed water generating process. It is below the water level of the water stored in the water reservoir before the generation process.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the first or second aspect, a water level guide display unit indicating a water level guide stored in the water storage unit is provided.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the third aspect, the water storage unit filters a raw water chamber to which water is supplied from the outside, and water flowing from the raw water chamber to the supply port. A water purification cartridge, and the water level instruction display indicates an indication of the water level in the raw water chamber.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the electrolytic cell and the flow device are operated by electric power, and the control unit is the electrolytic cell. If the value of the current flowing through any of the flow devices is not normal, the electrolyzed water generation process is stopped.

  According to the present invention, electrolyzed water is generated while circulating water between the water storage unit and the electrolytic cell, and the generated electrolyzed water is stored in the water storage unit, so that the water in the water storage unit passes through the electrolytic cell a plurality of times. Therefore, the electrolytic cell can be reduced in size as compared with a structure in which water can be passed through the electrolytic cell only once. Further, according to the present invention, the partition wall prevents the water from flowing into the supply port when the amount of water in the water storage section is less than or equal to the prescribed amount, so that the passage of water through the electrolytic cell is stopped, and Electrolyzed water satisfying the pH value can be obtained.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 19 show an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing an electrolyzed water generating device, FIG. 2 is an external view showing the electrolyzed water generating device, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a lower portion of the electrolyzed water generation device, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection state between a supply port and a water supply port, and FIG. 6 is a supply port and a water supply port. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection middle stage between the supply port and the water supply port, FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the flow path switching device, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the main body portion with the cover closed, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a separated state of the main body portion and the drainage portion, and FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a case of the drainage unit, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the detection unit for drainage unit, and FIG. 15 is a detection for drainage unit. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a water storage part and a saucer, FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a saucer is attached to the water storage part, and FIG. 18 is an electric system. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the control unit.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the electrolyzed water generating device 1 stores a water that is detachably connected to a main body 3 having an electrolyzer 2 that generates electrolyzed water from water and an upper surface of the main body 3. A water storage unit 4, a drainage unit 5 that is detachably connected to a lower part of the main body unit 3 and stores drainage discharged from the main body unit 3, and a control unit 6 that drives and controls each unit of the device 1. . In a state where the water storage unit 4 is connected to the main body unit 3, the supply port 10 provided in the water storage unit 4 and the water supply port 11 provided in the main body unit 3 communicate with each other, and the return port 12 provided in the water storage unit 4. And a water discharge port 13 provided in the main body portion 3 communicate with each other to form a circulation channel 14 that passes through the water storage portion 4 and the electrolytic cell 2. The water in the circulation channel 14 is circulated by a pump 15 as a circulation device provided in the main body 3. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 controls each unit by the control unit 6, generates electrolyzed water while circulating water between the water storage unit 4 and the electrolytic cell 2, and stores the generated electrolyzed water in the water storage unit 4. At the same time, the waste water generated in the main body 3 is drained to the water reservoir 4. Here, the water is, for example, tap water, well water, river water, or the like.

  Hereinafter, each part of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the water storage unit 4 has a pot case 16 formed in a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape. A substantially bottomed cylindrical partition wall body 17 is accommodated in the cylinder of the pot case 16, and the partition wall body 17 allows the interior of the cylinder of the pot case 16 to be connected to the lower half of the raw water chamber 18 that forms the upper half. It is divided into a water purification chamber 19 that forms approximately half of the side. Water is supplied to the raw water chamber 18 from the outside, and the water supplied to the raw water chamber 18 is supplied to the water purification chamber 19 through the water purification cartridge 20 and flows to the supply port 10. The pot case 16 and the partition body 17 are formed of a transparent material, and the inside can be visually observed from the outside.

  The bottom wall 17a of the partition wall 17 is formed with a substantially cylindrical recess 17b that is recessed downward. The water purification cartridge 20 is inserted into the recess 17b from the top to the back and is fitted. An opening 17c is formed in the bottom wall of the recess 17b.

  The water purification cartridge 20 has a case 20a formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and an inlet is provided at the upper part of the case 20a, while an outlet is provided at the lower part. The water purification cartridge 20 accommodates an adsorbent such as granular or powdery activated carbon and a filtering material such as a hollow fiber membrane inside the case 20a. In the state where the water purification cartridge 20 is fitted in the recess 17 b, the upper part of the water purification cartridge 20 is exposed in the raw water chamber 18, and the water inlet formed in this upper part faces the raw water chamber 18. Moreover, in this state, the lower end part of the water purification cartridge 20 is exposed in the water purification chamber 19 from the opening 17c, and the outlet formed in this lower end part faces the water purification chamber 19. In this state, the raw water in the raw water chamber 18 is introduced into the water purification cartridge 20 from the water inlet of the water purification cartridge 20, and the water purification cartridge 20 adsorbs the impurities contained in the introduced raw water to the adsorbent, and then the filter medium. Thus, impurities contained in the water are filtered to purify the water, and the purified water (purified water) is discharged into the purified water chamber 19 from the outlet. Such water circulation is made by the action of gravity.

  Above the raw water chamber 18, a ceiling wall 22 in which a water supply port 22a is formed is disposed. The water supply port 22 a is closed so as to be openable and closable by an upper opening type lid 23 that is rotatably attached to the top wall 22. The raw water is supplied into the raw water chamber 18 through the water supply port 22a with the lid 23 opened upward.

  A flow path 24 extending upward from the water purification chamber 19 is formed between the side wall of the partition wall body 17 and the pot case 16, and the pot case 16 or the top wall 22 has an upper end portion of the flow path 24. A water inlet 24a is formed at the position. In the present embodiment, the pot case 16 removed from the main body 3 is tilted so that the water injection port 24 a is downward, whereby the purified water stored in the water purification chamber 19 is discharged from the water injection port 24 a via the flow path 24. Can be made. In the present embodiment, the water injection port 24a is closed so as to be openable and closable by an upper opening type lid 25 that is rotatably supported by the pot case 16 or the top wall 22. In this case, when the pot case 16 is tilted, the lid 25 can be rotated by its own weight, water dynamic pressure or the like to open the water inlet 24a.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, on the bottom wall of the water purification chamber 19 of the pot case 16, a supply port for supplying water in the water storage section 4 (water purification chamber 19) to the circulation channel 14 located in the main body section 3. 10 and a return port 12 through which water is returned from the circulation flow path 14 located in the main body 3.

  The supply port 10 communicates with the water supply port 11 of the main body 3, while the return port 12 communicates with the water discharge port 13 of the main body 3. The water supply port 11 is provided in the upstream part of the circulation flow path 14 in the main body part 3 and receives water from the water storage part 4. Moreover, the water discharge port 13 is provided in the downstream part of the circulation flow path 14 in the main-body part 3, and returns water to the water storage part 4. FIG. The space between the supply port 10 and the water supply port 11 and the space between the return port 12 and the water discharge port 13 are sealed by an O-ring 26 serving as a seal member to ensure water tightness. Further, a water stop valve 27 is provided at the supply port 10 and the return port.

  Since the supply port 10 and the return port 12 have the same structure, the water stop valves 27 provided in them have the same structure, and the water supply port 11 and the water discharge port 13 have the same structure. The supply port 10, the water stop valve 27 provided in the supply port 10, and the water supply port 11 will be described as an example. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the water stop valve 27 includes a valve seat portion 27 a formed in the supply port 10, and a rubber valve body 27 b that can be attached to and detached from the valve seat portion 27 a, for example. A rod body 27c fixed to the valve body 27b and an elastic member 27d for seating the valve body 27b on the valve seat portion 27a are provided. The rod 27c is supported by a support member 27e disposed in the supply port 10 so as to be vertically movable so as to cross the opening of the supply port 10 in the radial direction. In the drawing, since the cross section of the support member 27e is shown, the supply port 10 is closed by the support member 27e, but the portion other than the portion where the support member 27e is disposed in the supply port 10 is open. Has been. The elastic member 27d is, for example, a coil spring or the like, and urges the valve body 27b toward the valve seat portion 27a via the rod body 27c to seat the valve body 27b on the valve seat portion 27a. The water stop valve 27 closes the supply port 10 in a state in which the valve body 27b is seated on the valve seat portion 27a (a valve open state of the water stop valve 27). Each of the water supply port 11 and the water discharge port 13 of the main body 3 is provided with a pin member 29 that is an opening member for opening (opening) the water stop valve 27. And when the water storage part 4 is attached to the main-body part 3, the pin member 29 pushes up the valve body 27b via the rod body 27c against the urging | biasing force of the elastic member 27d, and the valve body 27b is lifted from the valve seat part 27a. The water stop valve 27 is opened after being separated. In this valve open state, the supply port 10 and the water supply port 11 communicate with each other, and the return port 12 and the water discharge port 13 communicate with each other with respect to the return port 12. Here, the O-ring 26 is a return port between the supply port 10 and the water supply port 11 when the water stop valve 27 is in the open state in the process in which the water storage unit 4 is attached to and detached from the main body unit 3. It arrange | positions in the position which always seals between 12 and the spout 13.

  A filter 30 is provided at the water supply port 11 and the return port 12. This filter 30 is, for example, a metal mesh.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a partition wall 31 is erected on the upper surface (bottom surface) of the bottom wall of the water purification chamber 19 of the pot case 16. The partition wall 31 surrounds the supply port 10, and prevents water from flowing into the supply port 10 when the amount of water in the water storage unit 4 is equal to or less than a specified amount of water. The height of the partition wall 31 is lower than the water level stored in the water storage section 4 (water purification chamber 19) before the electrolyzed water generation process, which is necessary for obtaining electrolyzed water having a specified pH by the electrolyzed water generation process. ing.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a first water level guide display section 32 as a water level guide display section showing a guide of the water level stored in the water storage section 4 (water purification chamber 19) is provided on the peripheral surface of the pot case 16. Is formed. The first water level indication display unit 32 is a line drawn with, for example, ink. In addition, a second water level guide display portion 33 as a water level guide display portion indicating a water level guide in the raw water chamber 18 is formed on the partition wall 31. The second water level guide display portion 33 is a step portion formed in the partition wall 31.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the main body 3 has a housing 41, and the housing 41 includes a pump 15, an electrolytic cell 2, a water supply port 11, a water discharge port 13, a control unit 6, an operation unit 42, and the like. Is arranged.

  The electrolytic cell 2 generates alkaline ion water (cathode water) and acidic water (anode water) as electrolyzed water. The electrolytic cell 2 includes a cathode chamber 2a and an anode chamber 2b, and the cathode chamber 2a and the anode chamber 2b are partitioned by a diaphragm 2c. A cathode plate 2d that is an electrode is disposed in the cathode chamber 2a, while an anode plate 2e that is an electrode is disposed in the anode chamber 2b. For the cathode plate 2d and the anode plate 2e, for example, flat electrodes formed in a rectangular shape are used. This electrode is formed by, for example, plating or baking Pt or Ir on Ti.

  The diaphragm 2c is formed in a rectangular shape, for example. As this diaphragm 2c, for example, a composite film of a nonwoven fabric made of polyethylene terephthalate or the like is used in a porous film such as polyethylene or polytetrafluoroethylene.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the inlets 2 f and 2 g of the cathode chamber 2 a and the anode chamber 2 b communicate with the water supply port 11. Specifically, it communicates with the water supply port 11 via the first pipe part 45a, the pump 15, the second pipe part 45b, the first flow path switch 46 as a flow path switch, and the third pipe part 45c. The outlet 2h of the cathode chamber 2a communicates with the water discharge port 13 via a second flow path switch 47 as a flow path switch and a fourth pipe portion 45d. The outlet 2i of the anode chamber 2b communicates with the drainage part 5 through the fifth pipe part 45e.

  In this electrolytic cell 2, water is supplied from the water supply port 11 to the cathode chamber 2a and the anode chamber 2b through the first pipe portion 45a, the pump 15, the second pipe portion 45b, the first flow path switch 46, and the third pipe portion 45c. Is introduced. When a voltage is applied between the cathode plate 2d and the anode plate 2e, the water in the cathode chamber 2a and the anode chamber 2b is electrolyzed. In the cathode chamber 2a, alkali ion water is generated at the interface between the cathode plate 2d and water, and in the anode chamber 2b, acidic water is generated at the interface between the anode plate 2e and water. The alkaline ionized water generated in the cathode chamber 2a flows out from the outlet 2h and reaches the water discharge port 13 via the second flow path switch 47 and the fourth pipe portion 45d. The acidic water generated in the anode chamber 2b flows out from the outlet 2i and is discharged to the drainage part 5 through the fifth pipe part 45e.

  As described above, the main body portion 3 has the first pipe portion 45a, the pump 15, the second pipe portion 45b, the second flow path switch 47, the third pipe portion 45c, the electrolytic cell 2, and the second through the water supply port 11. An electrolysis channel 48 that reaches the water discharge port 13 via the channel switch 47 and the fourth pipe portion 45d is formed. The electrolysis channel 48 forms the circulation channel 14 together with the water storage unit 4.

  Further, the main body 3 is provided with a sixth pipe portion 45 f as a drainage channel that branches from the electrolytic channel 48 and reaches the drainage unit 5 on the upstream side of the electrolytic cell 2 in the electrolytic channel 48. Specifically, the sixth pipe part 45 f is connected to the first flow path switch 46 and communicates with the second pipe part 45 b via the first flow path switch 46. The first flow path switch 46 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve, and opens and closes the circulation flow path 14. As shown in FIG. 8A, the first flow path switch 46 opens the circulation flow path 14 when energized (ON), and communicates the second pipe portion 45b and the third pipe portion 45c. The communication between the circulation channel (second pipe part 45b) on the upstream side of the channel switch 46 and the sixth pipe part 45f which is a drainage channel is blocked. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, the first flow path switch 46 closes the circulation flow path 14 by the biasing force of the biasing member and is downstream of the flow path switch 46 when not energized (OFF). The circulation path (third pipe part 45c) on the side and the sixth pipe part 45f are communicated with each other, and the communication between the second pipe part 45b and the third pipe part 45c is blocked.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the main body 3 has a drainage channel that branches from the electrolytic channel 48 downstream of the cathode chamber 2a of the electrolytic cell 2 in the electrolytic channel 48 and communicates with the fifth pipe portion 45e. A seventh pipe portion 45g is provided. Specifically, the seventh pipe portion 45g is connected to the second flow path switch 47 and communicates with the outlet of the cathode chamber 2a via the second flow path switch 47. The second flow path switch 47 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve, and opens and closes the circulation flow path 14. As shown in FIG. 8 (c), the second flow path switch 47 opens the circulation flow path 14 when energized (ON) and communicates the outlet 2h of the cathode chamber 2a with the fourth pipe portion 45d. At the same time, the communication between the circulation channel (the outlet 2h of the cathode chamber 2a) on the upstream side of the channel switch 47 and the seventh pipe portion 45g, which is a drain channel, is blocked. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8 (d), the second flow path switch 47 closes the circulation flow path 14 by the urging force of the urging member when not energized (OFF). The upstream circulation channel (the outlet 2h of the cathode chamber 2a) communicates with the seventh pipe portion 45g, and the communication between the outlet 2h of the cathode chamber 2a and the fourth pipe portion 45d is blocked.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a placement portion 49 on which the water storage portion 4 is placed is provided on the upper portion of the housing 41 of the main body portion 3, and the water supply port 11 and the water discharge port 13 are provided on the placement portion 49. And are provided.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3, 9, and 10, the main body portion 3 is provided with a cover 50 that covers the water supply port 11 and the water discharge port 13. The cover 50 is rotatably attached to the housing 41, and closes the water supply port 11 and the water discharge port 13 so as to be openable and closable with the water storage unit 4 removed.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 11, a storage chamber 51 for storing the drainage unit 5 is provided in the lower part of the housing 41 of the main body unit 3. An entrance / exit 51a is formed at the side of the storage chamber 51, and the drainage part 5 can be pulled out and pushed in from the entrance / exit 51a.

  The drainage unit 5 includes a case 52 having an upper surface opening and a top plate 53 that closes the upper surface of the case 52.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the top plate 53 is formed with an inlet 53a that communicates with the outlet of the fifth pipe portion 45e. The drainage discharged from the fifth pipe portion 45e is discharged from the inlet 53a into the case 52. To introduce. Further, the top plate 53 is formed with a drain port, and the drain port is closed so as to be opened and closed by a top-opening type lid 54 that is rotatably attached to the top plate. In this embodiment, the drainage stored in the case 52 can be discharged from the drainage port by tilting the drainage unit 5 removed from the main body unit 3 so that the drainage port is located downward.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 is provided with a water storage unit detection unit 61 as a first detection unit that detects the connection state of the water storage unit 4 with respect to the main body unit 3. The water storage unit detection unit 61 includes a first permanent magnet 61 a provided in the water storage unit 4, and a first magnetic force detection circuit 61 b provided on the upper part of the main body unit 3 to detect the first permanent magnet 61 a. Yes. In the state where the water storage unit 4 is attached to the main body unit 3, the water storage unit detection unit 61 detects the magnetic force of the first permanent magnet 61 a when the water storage unit 4 is attached to the main body unit 3. On the other hand, in the state where the water storage part 4 is removed from the main body part 3, the first magnetic force detection circuit 61 b does not detect the magnetic force of the first permanent magnet 61 a while the signal indicating that it is attached to the control part 6 is output. The first magnetic force detection circuit 61 b outputs a signal indicating that the water storage unit 4 is removed from the main body unit 3 to the control unit 6.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 4, 14, and 15, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 is provided with a drainage detector 62. The drainage detection unit 62 functions as a second detection unit that detects the connection state of the drainage unit 5 to the main body unit 3 and also functions as a third detection unit that detects the amount of water in the drainage unit 5. The detection part 62 for drainage parts is the resin-made float 62a provided in the drainage part 5, the 2nd permanent magnet 62b fixed to the upper part of this float 62a, and the 2nd permanent magnet 62b provided in the main-body part 3, for example. And a second magnetic force detection circuit 62c. The float 62a has a plurality of air chambers 62d formed in the lower surface opening and containing air. These air chambers 62d are partitioned by walls. The float 62a is housed in a detection chamber 52b constructed by a wall 52a erected on the bottom surface of the case 52 of the drainage section 5, and is rotatably connected to the wall 52a by a support shaft 62e. .

  In the drainage unit detection unit 62 having such a structure, when the water amount of the water storage unit 4 is equal to or less than a specified amount with the drainage unit 5 attached to the main body unit 3, as shown in FIG. In this state, the second magnetic force detection circuit 62c detects the magnetic force of the second permanent magnet 62b, the water storage part 4 is attached to the main body part 3, and the amount of water in the water storage part 4 is below a specified value. A signal to that effect is output to the control unit 6. On the other hand, when the drainage flows into the drainage part 5 and the water level of the drainage rises, the drainage flows into the detection chamber 52b, and the float 62a starts to rotate from the initial position by buoyancy as the water level of the detection chamber 52b rises. And if the water quantity of the whole drainage part 5 exceeds a regulation value, as shown in FIG. 15, the 2nd permanent magnet 62b will be located out of the detection area | region of the 2nd magnetic force detection circuit 62c. In this state, the second magnetic force detection circuit 62c outputs a signal indicating no detection to the control unit 6. Even when the drainage part 5 is detached from the main body part 3, the second permanent magnet 62b is located outside the detection area of the second magnetic force detection circuit 62c, so that the second magnetic force detection circuit 62c is not detected. The signal is output to the control unit 6.

  Moreover, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 includes a tray 64 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. The tray 64 is attached to the lower part of the water storage unit 4 in a state of being removed from the main body unit 3 and closes the supply port 10 and the return port 12. The tray 64 is detachable from the water storage unit 4. The tray 64 has a tray body 64a and a pair of seal members 64b attached to the dish body 64a. One seal member 64b is externally fitted to the supply port 10 from below the supply port 10 to close the supply port 10, and the other seal member 64b is externally fitted to the return port 12 from below the return port 12. 12 is blocked.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the electrolyzed water generating device 1 is provided with an operation unit 42 that receives a user's operation. The operation unit 42 is provided with various buttons such as an alkali button and a washing button, and a warning display unit 42a which is an abnormality notification unit and emits light using, for example, an LED.

  The control unit 6 includes, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and a timer. In addition, the control unit 6 is provided with a power supply circuit that supplies power to each unit of the apparatus 1 so that the power supply of each unit can be controlled. As shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 6 includes a pump 15, an electrolytic cell 2, a first flow path switching unit 46, a second flow path switching unit 47, an operation unit 42, a water storage unit detection unit 61, and a drainage unit. A detection unit 62 is connected. Further, a first ammeter 71 that detects a current flowing through the pump 15 and a second ammeter 72 that detects a current flowing through the electrolytic cell 2 are connected to the control unit 6.

  Next, the process including the electrolyzed water generation process performed by the control unit 6 will be described with reference to FIG. When the alkali button or the cleaning button is not pressed (NO in step S1), the control unit 6 maintains the standby state.

  When the control unit 6 determines that the alkali button or the cleaning button has been pressed by inputting a signal indicating that the alkali button or the cleaning button has been pressed from the operation unit 42 (YES in step S1), the control unit 6 presses the signal. The process corresponding to the selected button is started (step S2). Specifically, the control part 6 performs an electrolyzed water production | generation process, when an alkali button is pressed down. In this electrolyzed water generation process, the controller 6 energizes the first flow path switch 46 and the second flow path switch 47 to turn them on, and the cathode plate 2d and anode plate 2e of the electrolytic cell 2 A voltage (positive voltage) is applied between the two and further the pump 15 is driven. Thereby, water circulates between the water storage part 4 and the electrolytic cell 2 (main-body part 3). In the process of this circulation, the electrolytic cell 2 generates alkaline ionized water and acidic water from the water as electrolytic water. The alkaline ionized water is returned from the electrolytic cell 2 to the water storage unit 4 (water purification chamber 19) by the circulation channel 14, and is supplied to the electrolytic cell 2 again. On the other hand, the acidic water is drained from the fifth pipe portion 45 e to the drainage portion 5 and stored in the drainage portion 5.

  During the electrolyzed water generation process, the current flowing through the pump 15 and the current flowing through the electrolytic cell 2 are monitored by the first ammeter 71 and the second ammeter 72 (step S3), and when these currents are normal, (YES in step S3), the electrolyzed water generation process is continued, and the electrolyzed water generation process is performed for a specified time (NO in step S4) to generate alkaline ionized water having a specified pH.

  When the specified time has elapsed (YES in step S4), the control unit 6 executes an end process of the electrolyzed water generation process (step S5). Specifically, the driving of the pump 15 is stopped, the voltage application to the electrolytic cell 2 is stopped, the energization to the first flow path switch 46 and the second flow path switch 47 is stopped, and they are turned off. To do. By this electrolyzed water generation process, alkaline ionized water having a specified pH is stored in the water purification chamber 19 of the water storage unit 4.

  Here, the control unit 6 performs a preliminary drainage process before the electrolyzed water generation process. In the preliminary drainage treatment, the control unit 6 turns on the first flow path switch 46 and turns off the second flow path switch 47, and drives the pump 15 for a specified time in this state. Thereby, the residual water in the circulation channel 14 is discharged from the fifth pipe portion 45e and the seventh pipe portion 45g to the drainage portion 5.

  On the other hand, when either the current flowing through the pump 15 or the current flowing through the electrolytic cell 2 is abnormal (NO in step S3), the control unit 6 executes an abnormality notification process (step S6). . In the abnormality notification process, the warning display unit 42a of the operation unit 42 is turned on. And it progresses to step S5 and complete | finishes an electrolyzed water production | generation process.

  Further, when the cleaning button is pressed (YES in step S1), the control unit 6 performs the cleaning process for a specified time (steps S2 to S5). In the cleaning process, the control unit 6 energizes the first flow path switch 46 and the second flow path switch 47 to turn them on, and reverses the polarity of the cathode plate 2d and the anode plate 2e. A voltage (reverse voltage) is applied between the electrodes for a specified time, and the pump 15 is driven. When the specified time has elapsed, the voltage marking to the electrolytic cell 2 is stopped, the pump 15 is stopped, the energization to the first flow path switch 46 and the second flow path switch 47 is stopped, and they are turned off. To. Thereby, the water in the circulation channel 14 is discharged from the fifth pipe portion 45e and the sixth pipe portion 45f to the drainage portion 5. In this cleaning process, the control unit 6 performs the processes of step S3 and step S6 as in the case of the electrolyzed water generation process.

  Further, the control unit 6 detects that the water storage unit detection unit 61 detects that the water storage unit 4 is not attached to the main body unit 3 or the drainage unit detection unit 62 has the drainage unit 5 attached to the main body unit 3. When it is detected that there is no water, the drainage detection unit 62 detects that the amount of water in the drainage unit 5 has reached a specified amount of water, and does not perform (prohibits) the electrolyzed water generation process and the cleaning process. Specifically, in the standby state, even when the alkali ion button or the washing button is pressed, when the water storage unit 4 or the drainage unit 5 is not attached to the main body unit 3 or the water amount of the drainage unit 5 reaches the specified water amount. If so, the electrolyzed water generation process and the cleaning process are not started. Moreover, when the water storage part 4 or the drainage part 5 was removed from the main body part 3 during the electrolyzed water generation process or the cleaning process, or the water amount of the water storage part 4 reached the specified water amount during the electrolyzed water generation process or the cleaning process. In that case, the electrolyzed water generation process and the cleaning process are stopped.

  Moreover, the control part 6 stops an electrolyzed water production | generation process, when the value of the electric current which flows into either the electrolytic cell 2 or the pump 15 is not normal.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the water storage unit 4 is configured to generate electrolyzed water while circulating water between the water storage unit 4 and the electrolytic cell 2 and store the generated electrolyzed water in the water storage unit 4. Since the water 4 can be passed through the electrolytic cell 2 a plurality of times, the electrolytic cell 2 can be reduced in size compared to a structure in which water can be passed through the electrolytic cell 2 only once.

  In the present embodiment, the pH of the electrolyzed water can be adjusted by adjusting the execution time of the electrolyzed water generation process.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the water storage part 4 is detachably connected with respect to the main-body part 3, since the main-body part 3 and the water storage part 4 can be stored separately, the freedom degree of those storage places Will increase. For example, only the water storage unit 4 storing the alkali ion water can be stored in a narrow storage place such as a refrigerator.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the water stop valve 27 closes the supply port 10 and the return port 12 in a state where the water storage unit 4 is detached from the main body unit 3, so that the water storage unit 4 is stored in a state where the water storage unit 4 is detached from the main body unit 3. It is possible to prevent water in the section 4 from leaking from the supply port 10 and the return port 12.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the water storage unit 4 is detached from the main body unit 3 and the water stop valve 27 is in an open state, the O-ring 26 that is a seal member is connected to the main body unit 3, the water storage unit 4, and By always sealing the gap between the water reservoir 4 and the main body 3, it is possible to prevent water in the water reservoir 4 from leaking out from the supply port 10 and the return port 12.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 6 performs a process of stopping the pump 15 that is a flow device and stopping the voltage application to the electrolytic cell 2 when the specified time has elapsed. Water can be obtained reliably.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the drainage part 5 is detachably connected to the main body part 3, the drainage part 5 is removed from the main body part 3, and the drainage is performed in a place different from the place where the main body part 3 is installed. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the installation location of the main body 3 is increased. Moreover, the user can use the drainage (acid water) of the drainage part 5 when he / she likes it.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, when the detection part 61 for water storage parts which is a 1st detection part detects that the water storage part 4 is not connected with the main-body part 3, the control part 6 does not perform an electrolyzed water production | generation process. Thus, it is possible to prevent the idle operation of the device 1.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, when the detection part 62 for drainage parts which is a 2nd detection part detects that the drainage part 5 is not connected with the main-body part 3, the control part 6 does not perform an electrolyzed water production | generation process. Thus, it is possible to prevent the idle operation of the device 1.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, when the detection part 62 for drainage parts which is a 3rd detection part detects that the amount of water of the drainage part 5 has reached the regulation water quantity, the control part 6 does not perform an electrolyzed water production | generation process. Thus, it is possible to prevent the drainage stored in the drainage unit 5 from overflowing from the drainage unit 5.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the supply port 10 and the return port 12 of the water storage part 4 removed from the main-body part 3 can be block | closed with the water stop valve 27 and the saucer 64, water is supplied from the supply port 10 and the return port 12. Can be surely prevented from leaking out.

  In the present embodiment, the communication state between the circulation channel 14 and the drain channel (sixth pipe part 45f, seventh pipe part 45g) is variable by the first channel switch 46 and the second channel switch 47. Since it can be set, the water in the circulation channel 14 can be prevented from flowing into the drainage channel, or the water in the circulation channel 14 can be allowed to flow into the drainage channel.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the filter 30 is provided in the water supply port 11 and the water discharge port 13, when the foreign material is mixed in the water in the water storage part 4, the foreign material flows into the main body part 3. This can be prevented by the filter 30. Further, the filter 30 can prevent foreign matter from entering the main body 3 from which the water reservoir 4 is removed from the water supply port 11 and the water discharge port 13.

  In the present embodiment, the cover 50 covers the water supply port 11 and the water discharge port 13 with the water storage unit 4 removed from the main body unit 3, thereby supplying water to the main body unit 3 with the water storage unit 4 removed. The cover 50 can prevent foreign matter from entering from the mouth 11 and the water outlet 13.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, by providing the water purification cartridge 20 in the water storage part 4, electrolyzed water can be produced | generated from the purified water.

  Here, when the electrolyzed water generation process is performed twice on the water stored in the water storage unit 4, alkaline ionized water having a pH exceeding a specified pH (for example, pH 10) may be generated. . Therefore, in the present embodiment, the partition wall 31 prevents alkali ions having a pH exceeding a specified pH (for example, pH 10) even when such a usage pattern is employed. Specifically, in the electrolyzed water generation process, since acidic water is drained, it is utilized that the amount of water in the water storage unit 4 decreases as the process proceeds. The height of the partition wall 31 is set to a height that prevents inflow of water into the supply port 10 before alkali ions having a pH exceeding a specified pH (for example, pH 10) are generated in the second electrolyzed water generation process. is doing. As a result, the supply of water to the main body 3 (electrolyzed water) is stopped before alkali ions having a pH exceeding a specified pH (for example, pH 10) are generated.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the height of the partition 31 is stored in the water storage part 4 before the electrolyzed water production | generation process required in order to obtain electrolyzed water of prescribed | regulated pH (for example, pH 7-10) by electrolyzed water production | generation process. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the supply of water to the electrolytic cell 2 from being stopped during the electrolyzed water generation process.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the 1st water level standard display part 32 as a water level standard display part which shows the standard of the water level stored in the water storage part 4 is provided in the water storage part 4, a water storage part 4 is shown to a user. It is possible to prompt water injection of an appropriate amount of water, and thus to generate appropriate electrolyzed water.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the 2nd water level instruction | indication display which is a water level instruction | indication indication shows the standard of the water level in the raw | natural water chamber 18, prompting a user to inject water of the appropriate amount of water to the water storage part 4 is shown. Therefore, appropriate electrolyzed water can be generated.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the control part 6 stops an electrolyzed water production | generation process when the value of the electric current which flows into either the electrolytic cell 2 or the pump 15 is not normal, electrolyzed water whose pH value is not appropriate is stopped. Generation can be prevented. At this time, since the user is informed of the abnormality by lighting the warning display part 42a of the operation unit 42, the user can recognize that the abnormality has occurred and take measures against it.

  The present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various other embodiments can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the second water level instruction display, which is a water level instruction display, may be a bar-like member extending downward from the lid 23. Further, the abnormality notification means may notify the abnormality by voice.

It is a lineblock diagram showing roughly the electrolyzed water generating device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is an external view which shows the electrolyzed water generating apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the electrolyzed water generating apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the lower part of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the connection state of the supply port and water supply port concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the isolation | separation state of the supply port and water supply port concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the connection middle stage of the supply port and water supply port concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the flow-path switching device concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the main-body part in the state where the cover concerning one Embodiment of this invention was opened. It is sectional drawing which shows the main-body part of the state which the cover concerning one Embodiment of this invention closed. It is sectional drawing which shows the isolation | separation state of the main-body part and drainage part concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the drainage part concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the case of the drainage part concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the detection part for drainage parts concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which the float of the detection part for drainage parts concerning one Embodiment of this invention rotated. It is sectional drawing which shows the water storage part and saucer concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the state in which the saucer was attached to the water storage part concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electric system concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part concerning one Embodiment of this invention performs.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrolyzed water production | generation apparatus 2 Electrolytic tank 3 Main-body part 4 Water storage part 6 Control part 10 Supply port 14 Circulation flow path 15 Pump (circulation apparatus)
18 Raw Water Room 20 Water Purification Cartridge 31 Bulkhead 32 First Water Level Guide Display (Water Level Guide Display)
33 Second water level indication display (water level indication display)

Claims (5)

A water reservoir for storing water;
A main body having an electrolytic cell for generating electrolyzed water from water;
A circulation channel passing through the water storage section and the electrolytic cell;
A supply port that is provided on a bottom wall of the water storage section to constitute the circulation flow path, and supplies water in the water storage section to the main body section;
A partition wall that stands on the bottom wall of the water storage unit, and prevents the inflow of water into the supply port when the amount of water in the water storage unit is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of water;
A circulation device for circulating the water in the circulation channel;
Control which performs the electrolyzed water production | generation process which controls the said electrolytic vessel and the said flow apparatus, produces | generates electrolyzed water, circulating water between a water storage part and an electrolyzer, and stores the produced | generated electrolyzed water in the said water storage part And
An electrolyzed water generating apparatus comprising:   The height of the partition wall is lower than the water level stored in the water reservoir before the electrolyzed water generation process, which is necessary for obtaining electrolyzed water having a specified pH by the electrolyzed water generation process. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus described in 1.   The electrolyzed water production | generation apparatus of Claim 1 or 2 provided with the water level standard display part which shows the standard of the water level of the water stored in the said water storage part. The water storage section includes a raw water chamber to which water is supplied from the outside, and a water purification cartridge that filters water flowing from the raw water chamber to the supply port,
The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the water level instruction display indicates a standard of the water level in the raw water chamber. The electrolytic cell and the flow device are operated by electric power,
The electrolyzed water according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit stops the electrolyzed water generation process when the value of a current flowing through either the electrolytic cell or the flow device is not normal. Generator.

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