JP7465054B2 - Hydrogen water generator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a hydrogen water generating device that generates hydrogen through electrolysis of water placed in a container, and obtains hydrogen water in which the generated hydrogen is dissolved in the water.

Electrolyzed water generators (ionized water purifiers) are well known that purify supplied tap water, well water, etc., and then electrolyze the water to produce electrolyzed water, i.e., alkaline electrolyzed water that can be used as drinking water and acidic electrolyzed water for non-potable use such as cleaning water. However, a hydrogen water generator has been proposed that similarly utilizes water electrolysis, in which water placed in a container of a certain size is electrolyzed, and the highly reducing hydrogen gas obtained by this electrolysis is dissolved in the water, making the water (hydrogen water) drinkable by the user.

Examples of such conventional hydrogen water generating devices are disclosed in JP 2005-111356 A and Japanese Patent No. 5514140 A.

JP 2005-111356 A Japanese Patent No. 5514140

Conventional hydrogen water generators have the configuration shown in the above-mentioned patent document, in which electricity is supplied from a power source unit such as a base to electrodes in a hollow container-shaped electrolytic cell, electrolysis of water is carried out in the electrolytic cell, and hydrogen generated by electrolysis rises as bubbles from an opening in the electrolytic cell and is dissolved in the water to obtain hydrogen water. There are also devices that have a transparent window in the hollow container to highlight the generation of hydrogen by showing fine bubbles rising.

However, with conventional hydrogen water generators, for example, when ice is added to cool the water, the opening of the electrolytic cell is easily blocked, causing the bubbles to not rise quickly and increasing in size, which hinders solubility. Also, in devices that have windows to highlight the fine bubbles, this hinders the impression that the fine bubbles rise quickly.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a hydrogen water generating device that makes it difficult for the outlet for hydrogen generated from the electrodes to become clogged with ice or the like.

The hydrogen water generating device disclosed in the present invention is a hydrogen water generating device that electrolyzes water to generate hydrogen and obtains hydrogen water in which hydrogen is dissolved in the water. The device comprises a main body formed as a cylindrical hollow container and capable of storing water in the hollow portion, an electrode portion arranged on the upper side of the bottom surface of the main body and consisting of a plurality of electrode plates that can apply a voltage to the water, a control circuit portion electrically connected to the electrode portion and arranged at a predetermined position of the main body, and that adjusts and controls the current flow to at least the electrode portion, and a power supply portion that supplies power to the electrode portion under the control of the control circuit portion, the electrode portion is arranged in a substantially cylindrical upright state along the inner wall of the hollow portion, and a wall portion of the substantially cylindrical body is erected continuously along at least the inside of the electrode portion on the bottom surface of the main body, and the wall portion is shaped to cover the electrode portion from above, and an opening is formed on the upper surface, allowing hydrogen bubbles generated by the electrode portion to diffuse into the water in the hollow portion.

As described above, according to the disclosure of the present invention, even if a foreign object other than water or an object necessary for drinking (e.g., ice, etc.) is accidentally or intentionally inserted into the hollow portion of the main body, the object is unlikely to remain above the electrode portion, and therefore the possibility of the opening being blocked by the object is reduced.

And because the bubbles rise quickly, the bubble diameter is prevented from increasing, resulting in excellent solubility.

In addition, in order to highlight the generation of hydrogen, fine bubbles are generated that are visible to the naked eye, and in devices that have windows to make them easier to see, the fine bubbles rise quickly, improving their appeal.

1 is a front view of a hydrogen water generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the hydrogen water generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a right side view of the hydrogen water generating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a plan view of a hydrogen water generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the hydrogen water generating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a base of a main body of a hydrogen water generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a base of a main body of a hydrogen water generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a hydrogen water generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the cartridge is removed from the hydrogen water generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the traveling state of light from a light-emitting unit in the hydrogen water generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a control flowchart of the hydrogen water production control in the hydrogen water production device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, up to the end of electrolysis. 4 is a control flowchart of the hydrogen water production control in the hydrogen water production device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, after completion of electrolysis. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the disengaged state of the locking portion of the lid of the hydrogen water generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an open state of the upper lid portion of the lid body of the hydrogen water generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which water is taken out from inside the main body in the hydrogen water generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of another travel state of light from the light-emitting unit in the hydrogen water generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a hydrogen water generating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a plan view of a base of a main body of a hydrogen water generation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a hydrogen water generating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a foreign object reaches a lower part of a hollow portion in a hydrogen water generation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

(First embodiment of the present invention)
Hereinafter, a hydrogen water generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 16. In this embodiment, an example in which the device is applied to a bottle-type device suitable for carrying will be described.

In the above figures, the hydrogen water generating device 1 according to this embodiment is formed as a cylindrical hollow container with both ends closed, and is configured to include a main body 10 capable of storing water in a hollow portion 19, a light emitting portion 20 disposed on the bottom surface 13a below the hollow portion 19 of the main body 10 and capable of irradiating visible light toward the hollow portion 19, an electrode portion 30 disposed above the bottom surface 13a of the main body 10 and consisting of a plurality of electrodes 31, 32, 33 capable of applying a voltage to the water, a wall portion 40 provided on the electrode portion 30 and reflecting a portion of the light irradiated from the light emitting portion 20, a control circuit portion 50 disposed below the bottom surface 13a of the main body 10 and controlling the state of current flow to the electrode portion 30, and a power supply portion 60 that supplies power to the electrode portion 30 under the control of the control circuit portion 50.

The mechanism for producing hydrogen water by electrolyzing water to generate hydrogen bubbles, such as the electrode unit 30 and various components for passing electricity, in the hydrogen water generating device 1 according to this embodiment is the same as that of known hydrogen water generating devices, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted.

The main body 10 is formed as a hollow container capable of storing a predetermined amount of water inside, and in detail, comprises a tube portion 11 formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, a lid 12 that is removably attached to the tube portion 11 while closing one opening 11a of the tube portion 11, and a base portion 13 that has a bottom surface portion 13a that forms the bottom of the electrolytic cell and is integrally attached to the tube portion 11 while closing the other opening of the tube portion 11.

By closing the openings at both ends of the hollow cylindrical body 11 with the lid 12 and base 13, a closed hollow section 19 is created inside, and the main body 10 acts as an electrolytic cell to store water in this hollow section 19, where electrolysis is carried out.

A window 11a made of a transparent material that allows visible light to pass between the outside of the main body 10 and the hollow section 19 is provided at a predetermined location above the electrode section 30 on the side of the tubular section 11 facing the hollow section 19 of the main body 10, and the water inside the main body 10 can be seen from the outside through this window 11a. All parts of the main body 10 other than the window 11a are made of an opaque material that does not transmit light, and can be given any color tone according to demand.

The lid 12 is removably attached to the tubular portion 11 of the main body 10 to close the opening of the tubular portion 11, while providing a new water passage hole 12c that can be opened and closed, allowing hydrogen water to be taken out from inside the main body 10 as needed.

The lid body 12, in detail, is configured to include a lid base 12a that is removably attached to one end of the cylindrical body 11 and has a water passage hole 12c through which hydrogen water can be extracted, and an upper lid portion 12b that is tiltably connected to the lid base 12a via a hinge portion 12d and opens and closes the water passage hole 12c of the lid base 12a.

At the back of the water hole 12c in the lid base 12a of the lid 12, an air hole 12e is provided to allow air to flow into the hollow portion 19 when hydrogen water is taken out from the water hole 12c, making the outflow of hydrogen water smooth. The surrounding portion surrounding the water hole 12c and the air hole 12e in the lid base 12a is shaped to protrude in a generally cylindrical shape, and a portion of the upper edge near the front protrudes upward more than the other portions to form a drinking spout 12f. In addition, a locking portion 12g is provided at the front position opposite the hinge portion 12d of the lid 12, which locks the protruding portion of the upper lid 12b to hold the upper lid 12b in a closed state.

The drinking spout 12f is connected to the hollow portion 19 through the water passage hole 12c, and when the upper lid portion 12b of the lid body 12 is opened and the main body portion 10 is tilted sufficiently, the water in the hollow portion 19 can be discharged through the water passage hole 12c, and further, the water that tries to flow out along the drinking spout 12f can be drunk by placing one's mouth on the drinking spout 12f.

The lid 12 is formed with a generally cylindrical engagement portion 12h that protrudes downward from the underside of the center of the lid base 12a, and a water purification cartridge 16 can be attached by engaging this engagement portion 12h in a detachable and replaceable manner. When the lid base 12a is attached to the cylindrical portion 11, the cartridge 16 that protrudes into the cylindrical portion 11 is located above the window portion 11a of the cylindrical portion 11, and the cartridge 16 cannot be seen from the window portion 11a. However, the state of hydrogen bubbles diffusing in the water in the hollow portion 19 can be seen from the entire window portion 11a, which is also aesthetically pleasing.

This lid base 12a is removably attached to the cylindrical body 11 while maintaining a watertight state by screwing or the like, and can be removed as necessary, such as when replacing the cartridge. One opening of the cylindrical body 11 that is opened by removing this lid base 12a from the cylindrical body 11 can be used as an inlet for introducing water and an electrolysis aid into the hollow portion 19. Note that if a water purification cartridge is not provided, a structural part that allows the lid 12 to be attached and detached is not provided on the upper side of the cylindrical body 11, and a simple closed structure may be used.

In addition, the upper lid portion 12b is formed with a protrusion 12i that protrudes downward and is sized to be inserted inside the cylindrical protrusion of the lid base 12a, and the protrusion 12i is fitted into the cylindrical protrusion of the lid base 12a while the upper lid portion 12b is held in a closed state relative to the lid base 12a. By fitting the protrusion 12i into the cylindrical protrusion of the lid base 12a, the sealing member 12j made of an elastic material on the surface of the protrusion 12i is tightly attached to the upper end of the cylindrical protrusion of the lid base 12a at its periphery and is tightly attached to the upper end of the cylindrical protrusion of the lid base 12a at its tip, and is tightly attached to the edges of the water vent 12c and the air vent 12e of the lid base 12a, respectively, blocking each hole, thereby isolating the hollow portion 19 inside the main body 10 from the outside in a watertight state.

The cartridge 16 contains a large number of granular ceramic materials 17 for water purification in a hollow container with many through holes that allow water to flow smoothly between the inside and outside, and is configured to be detachably attached to the underside of the lid base 12a of the lid body 12. When a user tilts the main body 10 to drink water from the hollow portion 19, the water that tries to exit from the hollow portion 19 through the water passage hole 12c passes through the cartridge 16, and the water comes into contact with the ceramic materials 17 in the cartridge 16, thereby purifying the water, for example by removing the chlorine odor. In addition, the cartridge 16 is partially submerged when water is stored in the hollow portion 19, and can partially perform a water purification function for the water in the hollow portion 19.

The total volume of the ceramic material 17 is set to be small relative to the internal volume of the cartridge 16, and the ceramic material 17 is movable within the cartridge. Therefore, when drinking hydrogen water, as the main body 10 is tilted, the ceramic material 17 moves downward within the cartridge and is concentrated in the area through which water passes, allowing a large number of ceramic materials 17 to come into contact with water, and sufficient water purification capacity can be achieved without densely filling the internal volume of the cartridge 16 with the ceramic material 17, making it possible to purify water efficiently. In addition, since each ceramic material 17 can move within the cartridge 16, the ceramic material 17 moves and is agitated every time the main body 10 is moved, such as by tilting it, and the position of each ceramic material 17 within the cartridge 16 and the surface position of the ceramic material 17 that comes into contact with water can be changed each time the device is used, thereby maintaining the water purification function of the cartridge 16 as a whole for a long period of time.

The base 13 is a cylindrical body with two bottomed cylinders of different sizes combined together, with one bottom being the bottom surface 13a that forms the bottom of the electrolytic cell, and is integrated with the cylinder 11 by screwing the smaller cylinder part that stands up from the bottom surface 13a to the other end of the cylinder 11. The base 13 is equipped with an electrode part 30, a wall part 40, a control circuit part 50, and a power supply part 60, and is combined with the cylinder 11 together with the cover 12 to form the main body 10, which creates a watertight hollow part 19 within the main body 10. The base 13 can also be detachably attached to the cylinder 11, which makes maintenance of the electrode part 30 easier.

The bottom of the base 13 is closed by a bottom cover 13c. A control circuit unit 50 and a power supply unit 60 are provided in the space between the upper bottom surface 13a of the base 13 and the lower bottom cover 13c.

A light-emitting unit 20 is provided in the center of the bottom surface 13a of the base 13. In addition, a power switch unit 80, which also serves as an operating status display unit, a cartridge status display unit 81, and a charging connection terminal unit 82, which is covered with a cover when not in use, are provided on the side of the base 13.

The light-emitting unit 20 is disposed on the bottom surface 13a below the hollow portion 19 in the main body 10, and is capable of irradiating visible light toward the hollow portion 19.

In detail, the light-emitting unit 20 includes a light-transmitting window 21 made of a light-transmitting material provided on the bottom surface 13a of the base 13 of the main body 10, and a light-emitting element (e.g., an LED) 22 provided below the light-transmitting window 21.

The light emitting unit 20 is arranged so that when water is stored in the hollow space of the main body 10, the emitted light is reflected by the wall 40 provided in the electrode unit 30 and can reach the outside of the main body 10 through the window 11a.

The light emitting unit 20 is controlled by the control circuit unit 50 to light the light emitting element 22 in a predetermined color, for example blue, while the electrolysis of water is being normally performed by passing electricity through the electrode unit 30. The user can check the progress of the production of hydrogen water through electrolysis from the light from the light emitting unit 20 visible through the window unit 11a and the way the hydrogen bubbles illuminated by this light diffuse in the water.

The electrode unit 30 is disposed in a generally cylindrical upright state above the bottom surface 13a of the base 13 of the main body 10 and around the light-emitting unit 20, and is composed of three electrodes 31, 32, 33 that can apply a voltage to the water contained in the hollow portion 19. The electrode unit 30 is located to the side of the light-emitting unit 20 and is disposed so as not to impede the progression of light from the light-emitting unit 20 toward the upper part of the hollow portion 19.
The electrodes 31 , 32 , 33 are formed into a generally cylindrical shape by bending a thin metal plate, and are arranged along a wall 40 inside the main body 10 in a gap on the inside of the wall 40 .

The electrodes 31, 32, 33 have a thin plate portion arranged in a roughly cylindrical shape and a roughly rod-shaped connecting conductor 31a, 32a, 33a integrated with it, and the connecting conductors 31a, 32a, 33a extend downward and are arranged to penetrate the bottom surface portion 13a of the base 13 in the main body 10.

The electrodes 31, 32, and 33 may be arranged such that the innermost electrode 31 and the outermost electrode 33 are anodes and the middle electrode 32 between them is cathode, or conversely, the inner and outer electrodes 31 and 33 are cathodes and the middle electrode 32 is anode, and the polarity can be switched by the control circuit 50. In the control circuit 50, the forward current flow state is when the electrodes 31 and 33 are anodes and the electrode 32 is cathode, and the reverse current flow state is when the electrodes 31 and 33 are cathodes and the electrode 32 is anode. When electrolysis is performed by passing current through the electrodes, hydrogen is generated on the surface of the electrode that is the cathode. The generated hydrogen bubbles rise along the surface of the electrode, leave the electrode above the electrode 30, and diffuse into the water in the hollow portion 19.

The wall portion 40 is an approximately cylindrical body formed by combining two cylinders of different sizes so that the inside and outside overlap each other, leaving a gap in the middle to accommodate the electrode portion 30, and is arranged in a state where it protrudes upward above the bottom surface portion 13a of the base portion 13 of the main body portion 10. This wall portion 40 is arranged near the electrode portion 30 in such a manner that the electrode portion 30 is sandwiched between the inner and outer cylindrical portions that make up the wall portion 40.

This wall section 40, like the electrode section 30, is located to the side of the light-emitting section 20 and is positioned so as not to impede the progression of light from the light-emitting section 20 upward in the hollow section 19. Light from the light-emitting section 20 is permitted to travel straight up through the water in the hollow section 19, while light traveling diagonally from the light-emitting section 20 toward the wall section 40 is reflected once or multiple times on the inner surface of the wall section 40, causing it to travel upward through the water in the hollow section 19.

The surface of the wall 40 is a smooth surface that is less likely to cause diffuse reflection (irregular reflection) when the light from the light-emitting unit 20 hits the surface and reflects. In addition, the surface of the wall 40 is made of a material with a high brightness color, for example, plastic in white or a similar color, which reduces the absorption of light from the light-emitting unit 20 on the surface and increases the degree to which the light is reflected.

The upper part of the wall part 40 is configured so that the height of its upper end is slightly greater than the height of the upper end of the electrode part 30, and is formed in a shape that reaches the upper side of the electrode part 30 and covers the electrode part 30 from above. The part of the upper part of the wall part 40 that covers the electrode part 30 from above is configured to have multiple openings 41 that allow hydrogen bubbles generated by the electrode part 30 to pass upward.

In this way, a wall 40 is provided on the electrode unit 30, and the wall 40 covers the electrode unit 30 at least from its inner periphery. An opening through which hydrogen bubbles generated in the electrode unit 30 can pass is provided at the top of the wall 40, and a structure is created that allows diffusion of hydrogen bubbles into the water in the hollow portion 19 only above the upper end of the wall 40. This means that the position at which the hydrogen bubbles generated in the electrode unit 30 leave the electrode unit 30 and diffuse into the water in the hollow portion 19 is the upper side of the electrode unit 30 away from the light-emitting unit 20. Up to this position, the hydrogen bubbles are blocked by the wall 40 and do not leave the electrode unit 30, but instead remain on the electrode surface or only rise near the electrode surface. Therefore, the light from the light-emitting unit 20 is not hindered by bubbles or the like, and the light can properly illuminate the hydrogen bubbles diffusing in the water near the window portion 11a, making them visible. In addition, if hydrogen bubbles can be prevented from impeding the progression of light above the light-emitting section 20 by providing a wall section 40 on the electrode section 30 in this manner, it is acceptable for a portion of each of the electrodes 31, 32, and 33 that make up the electrode section 30 to reach below the light-emitting section 20, causing hydrogen bubbles to be generated below the light-emitting section 20.

In addition, one of the openings 41 in the upper part of the wall 40 is positioned so as to be located close to the inner surface of the window 11a, and the hydrogen bubbles coming out of these openings 41 diffuse into the water near the window 11a, so that just before the light traveling from the light-emitting unit 20 passes through the window 11a and reaches the outside, it illuminates the hydrogen bubbles diffusing in the water near the window 11a, and the light that illuminates the hydrogen bubbles here reaches the window 11a in the shortest distance and exits to the outside. This prevents the light that illuminates the hydrogen bubbles from attenuating as it travels through the water, making it possible to reliably view the hydrogen bubbles diffusing in the water while being illuminated by the light through the window 11a.

Furthermore, the electrode unit 30 disposed in the gap of the wall portion 40 is in a generally cylindrical upright state, the proportion of the area of the electrode unit 30 in the cross-sectional area of the main body portion 10 is minimized, and the wall portion 40 is disposed so as to reach the upper side of the electrode unit 30. Even if a foreign object other than water or an object necessary for drinking (e.g., ice, etc.) is accidentally or intentionally placed in the hollow portion 19 of the main body portion 10, the object will not be placed on the upper side of the electrode unit 30 and interfere with the rise of hydrogen bubbles coming out of the opening 41, or come into contact with the electrode unit 30 and apply force. In this case, the object is guided to the space inside the wall portion 40, but the object that enters the space inside the wall portion 40 and reaches the bottom portion 13a is blocked by the wall portion 40 along the inside of the electrode unit 30 and cannot come into contact with the electrode unit 30 from the side. In this way, by forming a cylindrical wall portion 40 on the electrode portion 30, hydrogen bubbles coming out from the opening 41 can be efficiently released, and by adopting a structure in which the wall portion 40 is not easily subjected to unnecessary force from the input material, deformation of the electrode portion 30 can be suppressed to prevent malfunctions, and even when using the device to input material into the hollow portion 19, situations in which adverse effects are caused to the user can be avoided.

The control circuit section 50 is disposed below the bottom surface section 13a of the base section 13 of the main body section 10, isolated from the hollow section 19, and is electrically connected to the electrodes 31, 32, and 33 of the electrode section 30. It adjusts and controls the state of electrical current passing through the electrode section 30, and also performs various controls, including light emission control of the light-emitting element 22 of the light-emitting section 20.

In detail, the control circuit section 50 is attached to the inside of the base 13 as a circuit board on which the various elements constituting the control circuit etc. are mounted, and is electrically connected via lead wires to the connection conductors 31a, 32a, 33a of the electrodes 31, 32, 33 that penetrate the bottom surface portion 13a of the base 13, and the light emitting element 22 of the light emitting section 20 is provided on the board.

This control circuit unit 50 is also electrically connected to the battery that constitutes the power supply unit 60, and while receiving the necessary power supply, it controls the availability and level of power supply to the electrode unit 30 involved in electrolysis, and also controls the light-emitting element 22 of the light-emitting unit 20 provided on the circuit board to be in a predetermined light-emitting state while current is being passed through the electrode unit 30, causing the light-emitting unit 20 to emit light.

In addition, the control circuit section 50 includes a switch 80b of the power switch section 80 located on the side of the base 13, a light-emitting element 80c as an operating status indicator, a light-emitting element 81b of the cartridge status indicator 81, and a connection terminal section 82 for charging, each of which is surface-mounted on the circuit board.

The power switch unit 80 is embedded in the side of the base 13 and includes a button unit 80a that is pressed by the user, a switch 80b that is provided on the circuit board of the control circuit unit 50 in contact with the button unit 80a and changes the state of the contact while the button unit 80a is pressed, and a light-emitting element 80c that is provided on the back side of the button unit 80a and transmits light through the translucent button unit 80a to the outside. The button unit 80a and the light-emitting element 80c of the power switch unit 80 also function as an operating status display unit that emits light according to the operating status and error status of the device based on the control of the control circuit unit 50. The light-emitting element 80c is an RGB LED that can adjust the light emission color, and the control circuit unit 50 can switch the light emission color according to the operating status, allowing the user to understand the status of the device by the color of the light.

The cartridge status display unit 81 is configured to include a light-transmitting window 81a that is integrally disposed on the side of the base 13, and a light-emitting element 81b that is disposed on the circuit board of the control circuit unit 50 adjacent to the light-transmitting window 81a and allows light irradiated through the light-transmitting window 81a to reach the outside, and performs light-emitting display according to whether or not the cartridge 16 needs to be replaced based on the control of the control circuit unit 50. During the period during which it is expected that the cartridge 16 will be able to normally perform its water purification function, the control circuit unit 50 causes the light-emitting element 81b of the cartridge status display unit 81 to be lit in a predetermined color (e.g., green) that indicates the normal state of the cartridge 16.

The connection terminal 82 can be exposed to the outside through an opening on the side of the base 13, allowing connection to a terminal on the side of a charging device such as an AC adapter. This connection terminal 82 is covered by a cover 82a that is detachably attached to the opening of the base 13 when not in use, preventing contact with outside air and moisture. The control circuit 50 receives power from the charging device connected through the connection terminal 82, and controls charging to the power supply 60. For example, a USB female connector is used as the connection terminal 82, and power for charging is supplied at a voltage (5V) that complies with the USB standard.

When the control circuit unit 50 charges the power supply unit 60, a direct electrical connection with the charging device is established by the connection terminal unit 82, and power is supplied for charging. However, this is not limited to the above. A power receiving circuit that combines elements such as a coil that receives power through a non-contact power supply method with peripheral circuits can be built into the base 13 together with the control circuit unit 50, and the base 13 can be positioned near a power supply device that supports non-contact power supply to receive power for charging. This eliminates the need to connect power supply cables for charging.

The control circuit unit 50 receives power from the power supply unit 60 based on the user's operation input to the power switch unit 80, and performs various controls, including passing current through the electrodes 31, 32, and 33 of the electrode unit 30 to electrolyze water and generate hydrogen bubbles, thereby enabling the production of hydrogen water, so as to ensure that electrolysis is performed appropriately and safely.

After electrolysis is started by energizing the electrode unit 30, the control circuit unit 50 monitors the current value related to the energization, and if this value reaches or exceeds a predetermined current value (e.g., 600 mA) that is a preset threshold for determining overcurrent within a predetermined time (e.g., 0.2 seconds), it determines that an overcurrent state has occurred, stops energization, interrupts electrolysis, and controls the light-emitting element 80c of the power switch unit 80 to flash in a predetermined color (e.g., red) for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) as an error indication.

Similarly, the control circuit unit 50 monitors the current value related to the current flow after electrolysis begins. If the current value falls below a predetermined current value (e.g., 100 mA) that is a preset threshold for determining insufficient current within a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second), it determines that an insufficient current state (a so-called open state) occurs due to the absence of water around the electrode unit 30, and performs control to stop the current flow and interrupt electrolysis. By appropriately detecting overcurrent and open circuits in this way, safety is ensured and unnecessary power consumption is reduced.

During electrolysis, in order to minimize the deterioration of the electrode unit 30 due to electrolysis, the control circuit unit 50 controls the switching between a forward current state in which the innermost electrode 31 and the outermost electrode 33 of the three electrodes 31, 32, and 33 of the electrode unit 30 are the anode and the middle electrode 32 is the cathode, and a reverse current state in which the innermost electrode 31 and the outermost electrode 33 are the cathode and the middle electrode 32 is the anode, after a half time (e.g., 90 seconds) of a preset electrolysis time (e.g., 3 minutes) has elapsed. In addition, the control circuit unit 50 records the cumulative electrolysis time in each of the forward current state and the reverse current state, and when starting to energize the electrode unit 30, it compares the cumulative electrolysis time in the forward current state with the cumulative electrolysis time in the reverse current state, and starts energization with the current state with the shorter cumulative electrolysis time as the initial setting, thereby equalizing the deterioration state of the electrode unit 30 and suppressing adverse effects on electrolysis.

In addition, in order to prevent the power switch unit 80 from being operated erroneously to start the flow of electricity to the electrode unit 30, the control circuit unit 50 is designed to start control for the flow of electricity to the electrode unit 30 only when the user presses the power switch unit 80 again within a few seconds (e.g., within 3 seconds) after pressing it. This prevents the electrode unit 30 from being energized and electrolysis from being performed, which would waste electricity, when the power switch unit 80 is accidentally pressed due to contact with an object, etc., and makes it possible to maximize the period during which electricity can be supplied from the power supply unit 60, which is a battery.

In addition, when a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed since the power switch unit 80 was first pressed without any further pressing of the power switch unit 80, the control circuit unit 50 transitions to a low power consumption state and stops the supply of power to each light-emitting element and each part of the control circuit, thereby reducing power consumption when the device is not in use.

Furthermore, the control circuit unit 50 monitors the battery voltage, and when it falls below a certain set value, it determines that charging is required and performs control to limit the electrolysis of water caused by current passing through the electrode unit 30. In detail, when the battery voltage falls below the set value while electrolysis is not being performed, when the user presses the power switch unit 80 twice to instruct the execution of electrolysis, the control circuit unit 50 does not start current passing through the electrode unit 30, and performs control to cause the light-emitting element 80c of the power switch unit 80 to flash in a predetermined color (e.g., blue) for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) as a charging prompt indication.

On the other hand, if the battery voltage falls below the set value during electrolysis, the electrolysis will continue as normal until a specified time (e.g., 3 minutes) has elapsed since the start, and then the light-emitting element 80c of the power switch unit 80 will be controlled to flash in a specified color (e.g., blue) to indicate a request for charging. This notifies the user that charging is required to perform electrolysis, prompts the user to charge, and allows the power supply unit 60 to smoothly return to a state where it can supply power for electrolysis.

In addition, the control circuit unit 50 monitors the temperature of the power supply unit 60, which is a battery, and when this temperature falls outside a preset range (e.g., -20°C to 60°C) set as the range in which electrolysis is possible, in order to maintain the stability of the power supply unit 60, it performs control to limit the electrolysis of water caused by current flow to the electrode unit 30. In detail, when the temperature falls outside the range in which electrolysis is possible while electrolysis is not being performed, when the user presses the power switch unit 80 twice to instruct the execution of electrolysis, the control circuit unit 50 does not start current flow to the electrode unit 30, and controls the light-emitting element 80c of the power switch unit 80 to flash in a predetermined color (e.g., pink) different from each of the above states for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) as an error indication.

On the other hand, if the temperature during electrolysis falls outside the electrolysis range, the control circuit unit 50 stops the electrolysis in progress and controls the light emitting element 80c of the power switch unit 80 to flash in a specified color (e.g., pink) as an error indication. This notifies the user that the power supply unit 60 is in a temperature state that is not suitable for electrolysis, and allows the user to wait until the power supply unit 60 returns to an appropriate temperature range, or, if the cause is the temperature of the surrounding environment, to move the device to an appropriate environment where the temperature of the power supply unit is in the electrolysis range and then use the device, thereby preventing deterioration of the power supply unit 60 due to excessive use.

In addition, the control circuit unit 50 also controls the replacement timing of the cartridge 16. In detail, the control circuit unit 50 holds and records the number of times that the electrode unit 30 is energized and electrolysis is performed as a cartridge usage counter number, regardless of whether electrolysis is completed over a preset electrolysis time (e.g., 3 minutes) or whether the electrolysis is forcibly terminated by the user during the electrolysis time, and updates the number when electrolysis is completed or forcibly terminated. When the updated value of the cartridge usage counter number reaches a preset limit value, for example, 360 times (corresponding to about 4 months of use assuming three uses per day), the control circuit unit 50 turns on the light-emitting element 81b of the cartridge status display unit 81 in a color (e.g., red) other than a predetermined color (e.g., green) indicating a normal state, and controls the control circuit unit 50 to enter an electrolysis prohibited state in which current is not started to be applied to the electrode unit 30 until the counter number is reset, even if the user presses the power switch unit 80 twice to instruct the execution of electrolysis.

Prior to this, when the updated value of the cartridge usage counter reaches a predetermined value less than the limit value, for example 318 times (which would reach 360 times after approximately two weeks of use assuming three uses per day, i.e., two weeks before the limit value), the control circuit section 50 controls the light-emitting element 81b of the cartridge status display section 81 to switch from a lit state of a predetermined color (for example, green) indicating a normal state to a flashing state of this predetermined color, thereby notifying the user that it is time to replace the cartridge 16.

As a result, the cartridge 16 whose water purification capacity has decreased due to use and reached the end of its life cannot be continued to be used as is, and the user can replace the cartridge 16, and the quality of the hydrogen water can be maintained by using a cartridge 16 with guaranteed water purification capacity. In addition, the user can know that the cartridge 16 needs to be replaced by the flashing display of the cartridge status display unit 81 before electrolysis can no longer be performed, so the user can be prompted to replace the cartridge 16, and the user can be prevented from falling into a situation where electrolysis cannot be performed and hydrogen water cannot be obtained.

The cartridge usage counter number in the control circuit unit 50 is set to be reset when the control circuit unit 50 detects that the user has pressed the power switch unit 80 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 3 seconds) or more while in a charging state where the control circuit unit 50 controls charging of the power supply unit 60. By requiring prior preparation work, such as putting the device into a charging state once before resetting, the user is prevented from resetting the counter easily and is prompted to replace the cartridge. After resetting, electrolysis becomes possible and the count of the number of times electrolysis has been performed starts from scratch.

The power supply unit 60 supplies power to the electrode unit 30 and other operating parts under the control of the control circuit unit 50. Specifically, a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery is used as the power supply unit 60.

This power supply unit 60 is disposed in the space between the bottom surface portion 13a at the top of the base 13 in the main body 10 and the bottom cover 13c at the bottom, below the control circuit unit 50, and is held by a holder 60a. The battery constituting the power supply unit 60 may be replaceable by allowing access to the power supply unit 60 by attaching and detaching the bottom cover 13c to the base 13. In this case, the power supply unit 60 is not limited to a rechargeable secondary battery, and may be a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a manganese battery.

Next, the usage state of the hydrogen water generating device according to this embodiment will be described. As a premise, the ambient temperature of the device is close to room temperature, which is included in the preset electrolysis possible range, the power supply unit 60 is pre-charged, and the electrode unit 30 can be energized after the user operates the power switch unit 80. However, the initial state of the control circuit unit 50 before operation is in a low power consumption state in which the power supply to each light-emitting element and each part of the control circuit is stopped while maintaining a state in which the input of the user's operation to the power switch unit 80 can be detected. In addition, each electrode 31, 32, 33 of the electrode unit 30 is free of deposits or deterioration, and water can be electrolyzed without problems when energized. Furthermore, in the record of the control circuit unit 50, the cumulative electrolysis time in the forward current state is short, and the current is energized with the forward current state as the initial setting.

First, the user removes the lid 12 of the main body 10 from the cylindrical body 11, and with the hollow section 19 open, pours raw water such as tap water into the hollow section 19 until a predetermined amount of water is added. After pouring in the water, the lid 12 is attached to the cylindrical body 11 to integrate the main body 10, and the hollow section 19 is isolated from the outside of the main body 10 in a watertight state.

When the user pours water into the main body 10 and then presses the power switch 80 to generate hydrogen water, the control circuit 50, in response to a change in the conductive state of the switch 80b, transitions to a standby state awaiting a second operation, and causes the light-emitting element 80c of the power switch 80 to light up in a first predetermined color (e.g., white).

If the user presses the power switch unit 80 a second time before a first predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed after the first operation of the power switch unit 80, the control circuit unit 50 recognizes this as a formal instruction from the user to generate hydrogen water, starts the flow of electricity to the electrode unit 30, and switches the light-emitting element 80c of the power switch unit 80 to a second predetermined color (e.g., blue). In this way, electricity is passed through the electrodes 31, 32, and 33 of the electrode unit 30, and the electrolysis of water in the hollow portion 19 of the main body unit 10 progresses.

If the user does not press the power switch unit 80 a second time before the first predetermined time has elapsed after the first operation of the power switch unit 80, the control circuit unit 50 considers the first operation to be an erroneous operation and transitions to a state in which it waits for the next operation as a new first operation. If the user presses the power switch unit 80 again before a second predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed since the previous operation, the control circuit unit 50 will wait again for the user to press the power switch unit 80 a second time. On the other hand, if the user does not operate the power switch unit 80 before the second predetermined time has elapsed since the previous operation, the control circuit unit 50 transitions to a low power consumption state, switches the light-emitting element 80c of the power switch unit 80 to an off state, and returns to the initial state in which it waits for the user to press the power switch unit 80 a first time.

When the electrolysis of water progresses as a result of current being applied to the electrode section 30, hydrogen gas is produced by reduction on both sides of the middle electrode 32, which is a cathode in the forward current flow state and faces the inner and outer electrodes 31 and 33, which are anodes, in the same way as in the known electrolysis of water. A large number of hydrogen bubbles are generated on the surface of the electrode 32, and each hydrogen bubble rises along the surface of the electrode 32.

Furthermore, while this electrolysis is progressing, the control circuit section 50 also causes the light-emitting element 22 of the light-emitting section 20 to be lit in a predetermined color (e.g., blue), and the light irradiated from the light-emitting section 20 passes through the light-transmitting window section 21 and travels diagonally through the water toward the wall section 40, is reflected one or more times on the inner surface of the wall section 40, and travels upward through the water in the space inside the wall section 40 in the hollow section 19.
In this way, while the light travels through the space inside the wall portion 40 , the light from the light-emitting portion 20 is not hindered by air bubbles or the like, and the light reaches a region above the upper end of the wall portion 40 .

Above the wall 40, hydrogen bubbles that rise and leave the opening 41 at the top of the wall 40 diffuse into the water, and as hydrogen dissolves in the water to produce hydrogen water, the light from the light-emitting unit 20 illuminates these hydrogen bubbles. In particular, at the window 11a on the side of the main body 10 through which the user can see the hollow space 19, the light from the light-emitting unit 20 exits the opening 41 located near the inner surface of the window 11a just before reaching the outside through the window 11a, illuminating the hydrogen bubbles diffusing in the water near the window 11a. The light that illuminated the hydrogen bubbles reaches the window 11a over the shortest distance with almost no attenuation, and exits the main body 10 through the window 11a, allowing the user to see the light.

The user can check the progress of hydrogen water production through electrolysis by observing the hydrogen bubbles diffusing through the water when illuminated by the light from the light-emitting unit 20, which can be clearly seen through the window 11a.

While the electrolysis of water is progressing due to the passage of electricity through the electrode unit 30, the control circuit unit 50 determines whether or not the user has pressed and held the power switch unit 80 for several seconds (e.g., 2 seconds) to instruct the user to interrupt the electrolysis, and if so, stops the passage of electricity through the electrode unit 30 and ends the electrolysis.

On the other hand, if such a long press operation is not performed, the control circuit unit 50 continues the electrolysis, and then, when the elapsed time from the start of the current flow to the electrode unit 30 related to the electrolysis reaches a third predetermined time (e.g., 90 seconds) which is half of the preset electrolysis time for one cycle (e.g., 3 minutes), the current flow state to the electrode unit 30 is switched from the initial forward current flow state in which the inner and outer electrodes 31 and 33 are anodes and the middle electrode 32 is cathode to a reverse current flow state in which the inner and outer electrodes 31 and 33 are cathodes and the middle electrode 32 is anode.

As a result, a reverse current flow state is established, and hydrogen gas is generated by reduction on the surfaces of the inner and outer electrodes 31, 33, which have become cathodes, facing the middle electrode 32, which has become an anode. A large number of fine hydrogen bubbles are generated on the surfaces of the electrodes 31, 33, and the hydrogen bubbles rise along the surfaces of the electrodes 31, 33. However, just as in the forward current flow state, the rising hydrogen bubbles only come out from the opening 41 at the top of the wall 40, and the diffusion of the hydrogen bubbles into the water in the hollow portion 19 and the state in which the user can see the hydrogen bubbles diffusing in the water through the window 11a are maintained.

After switching the current supply state to the electrode unit 30 from a forward current supply state to a reverse current supply state, the control circuit unit 50 judges whether or not the user has pressed and held the power switch unit 80 for several seconds (e.g., 2 seconds) to instruct the user to suspend electrolysis. If a long press is performed, the control circuit unit 50 stops the current supply to the electrode unit 30 and ends the electrolysis. If a long press is not performed, the control circuit unit 50 continues the electrolysis, and then, when the time elapsed since the start of current supply to the electrode unit 30 for electrolysis reaches a preset electrolysis time (e.g., 3 minutes), the control circuit unit 50 stops the current supply to the electrode unit 30 and ends the electrolysis.

After the current to the electrode unit 30 is stopped, the control circuit unit 50 switches the light-emitting element 80c of the power switch unit 80 and the light-emitting element 22 of the light-emitting unit 20 from the on state to the off state, and updates and records the cumulative electrolysis time for each current-cartridge state based on the duration of each of the forward current-cartridge state and reverse current-cartridge state to the electrode unit 30 in the previous electrolysis. The control circuit unit 50 also increments and updates the cartridge usage counter number by one.

Then, the control circuit unit 50 judges whether the updated value of the cartridge usage counter reaches a predetermined value (e.g., 318 times) before the preset limit value, and if it has reached the predetermined value, it further judges whether it has reached the limit value (e.g., 360 times). If it has reached the limit value, the control circuit unit 50 turns on the light-emitting element 81b of the cartridge status display unit 81 in a predetermined color (e.g., red) different from the normal state, and transitions to an electrolysis prohibited state in which current does not start to be applied to the electrode unit 30 even if the user subsequently presses the power switch unit 80 twice to instruct the execution of electrolysis. On the other hand, if the limit value has not been reached, the control circuit unit 50 turns on the light-emitting element 81b of the cartridge status display unit 81 in a flashing state in a predetermined color (e.g., green) that indicates the normal state of the cartridge 16, thereby notifying the user that it is time to replace the cartridge 16.

In addition, if the updated value of the cartridge usage counter number does not reach the specified value, the electrolysis is considered to have ended normally, the control circuit unit 50 transitions to a low power consumption state, and the process for one electrolysis is completed.

After the user confirms that electrolysis is complete by the extinguishing of the light-emitting element 80c of the power switch unit 80 and the light-emitting element 22 of the light-emitting unit 20, the user can release the locking portion 12g of the lid body 12 on the main body unit 10 at the desired timing, raise the upper lid portion 12b, and open the water passage hole 12c. Then, the user tilts the main body unit 10 to allow the generated hydrogen water to flow from the hollow portion 19 through the water passage hole 12c. The user can then drink the hydrogen water directly from the mouth of the drinking spout 12f or pour it into another container and drink it.

When the main body 10 is tilted to allow the hydrogen water to flow from the hollow portion 19 through the water passage 12c, the hydrogen water passes through the cartridge 16 and comes into contact with the numerous ceramic materials 17 gathered at the bottom of the cartridge 16, which allows the hydrogen water to be purified efficiently. Even when tap water is used as the raw water, hydrogen water of good quality suitable for drinking can be obtained without unpleasant odors such as chlorine.

If the light-emitting element 81b of the cartridge status display unit 81 is lit in a predetermined color different from the normal state or flashing in a predetermined color indicating the normal state, the user should remove the lid 12 of the main body 10 from the cylindrical body 11, remove the cartridge 16 that engages with the underside of the lid base 12a, and replace it with a new cartridge.

After replacing the cartridge 16, the user removes the cover 82a covering the connection terminal 82 on the side of the main body to expose the connection terminal 82, and connects the terminal on the charging device to the connection terminal 82. When a charging device capable of supplying power is connected to the connection terminal 82, the control circuit 50 transitions to a charging state in which the power supply 60 is charged, and the light-emitting element 80c of the power switch 80 lights up in a specified color (e.g., red) to indicate the charging state.

After the user confirms that the device has transitioned to the charging state from the lighting state of the light-emitting element 80c of the power switch unit 80 in the predetermined color, the user presses and holds the power switch unit 80 for a fourth predetermined period of time (e.g., 3 seconds) or more to reset the cartridge usage counter.

When the user presses and holds the power switch unit 80 for a fourth predetermined time or longer in this charged state to instruct the control circuit unit 50 to reset the cartridge usage counter number, the control circuit unit 50 resets the recorded cartridge usage counter number to 0. After this, the control circuit unit 50 returns the light-emitting element 81b of the cartridge status display unit 81 to a lit state in a predetermined color indicating a normal state, and when the user subsequently presses the power switch unit 80 twice to instruct the execution of electrolysis, the control circuit unit 50 starts passing electricity through the electrode unit 30 and returns to the initial state in which electrolysis can be performed. Then, when a new electrolysis is performed, the count of the number of times electrolysis has been performed starts from one.

In this way, the hydrogen water generating device according to this embodiment has a light-emitting unit 20 provided on the main body 10 forming the electrolytic cell, and a window 11a provided on the side of the main body 10. The light emitted from the light-emitting unit 20 is reflected by the wall 40 and travels through the water, passing through the area where hydrogen bubbles generated by electrolysis have separated from the electrode unit 30 and diffused into the water, before passing through the window 11a and reaching the outside of the main body 10. The user can visually check this light from outside the main body 10 and confirm the state of the hydrogen bubbles traveling through the water. As a result, the hydrogen bubbles are illuminated with light from the inside, ensuring that the user can see the hydrogen bubbles in the water through the window 11a. Even if the window 11a is made small so that light does not easily enter from the outside, the hydrogen bubbles can be seen through the window 11a. The window 11a can be made the minimum size necessary to give the main body 10 sufficient strength to withstand portability, etc., and in addition to being able to be easily carried around, the design freedom of the main body can be increased to improve its aesthetic appearance. In addition, there are no obstacles in the path of the light to the area above the light-emitting unit 20 where the hydrogen bubbles are diffusing, so the light reaches the area of the hydrogen bubbles without being blocked, and a small amount of light is used to illuminate the hydrogen bubbles, making them visible. This gives the user a sense of security as they can properly check for the generation of hydrogen bubbles, encouraging active use of the device, while also reducing power consumption related to light emission, and allowing for longer usage time, particularly when the power supply unit 60 is a battery.

In the hydrogen water generating device according to the embodiment, the wall 40 is made of a material such as plastic with a bright surface color and is formed in a generally cylindrical shape. The surface on which the light from the light emitting unit 20 strikes is configured to be a smooth surface that is less likely to cause diffuse reflection (irregular reflection) when the light is reflected. However, the wall may have other surface properties as long as it can reflect a part or all of the light once or multiple times and reach the upper part where the window 11a is located. For example, a typical mirror with a metal film attached to the back side of a transparent and smooth glass plate or resin plate as a reflective surface, or a plate-like body with a metallic glossy surface may also be used.

In addition, in the hydrogen water generating device according to the embodiment, the wall portion 40 is configured to be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that covers the electrode portion 30 from the inner periphery side in a manner that houses the electrode portion 30 inside, but this is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the wall portion 42 provided on the electrode portion 35 can be arranged upright at a position near the electrode portion 35 where the light from the light emitting portion 20 is irradiated, and the reflected light can be directed toward the window portion 11a side, so that the wall portion 42 can be configured to have a shape other than a cylindrical shape and not cover the electrode portion 35 with the wall portion 42 with respect to the light emitting portion 20. In addition, if a portion of the light irradiated from the light emitting portion 20 also reaches the surface of the electrode portion 35, it is desirable to reflect the light from the surface of the electrode portion 35 as much as possible without diffusing it and direct it toward the side where the window portion 11a is located, as shown in FIG. 17, in order to increase the amount of light illuminating the hydrogen bubbles.

In the hydrogen water generating device according to the embodiment, the diffusion state of hydrogen bubbles in the water in the hollow portion can be seen from the outside through a single window 11a provided on the side of the cylindrical portion 11 of the main body 10. Alternatively, multiple windows can be provided on the side of the main body so that the hollow portion can be seen through each window. In this case, if the positions of each window are set so that the openings 41 of the wall 40 are located inside the windows, as in the embodiment, the light from the light emitting unit 20 illuminates the hydrogen bubbles diffusing in the water near each window just before reaching the outside through each window, and then travels the shortest distance to the outside of the main body 10 through the window, and the user can clearly see the hydrogen bubbles diffusing in the water through each window.

Second Embodiment of the Invention
A hydrogen water generating apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In each of the above figures, the hydrogen water generator 2 according to this embodiment is formed as a cylindrical hollow container with both ends closed, and is configured to include a main body 10 capable of storing water in a hollow portion 19, an electrode portion 30 arranged above a bottom portion 13b of the main body 10 and consisting of a plurality of electrodes 31, 32, 33 that enable a voltage to be applied to the water, a wall portion 40 provided on the electrode portion 30, a control circuit portion 50 arranged below the bottom portion 13b of the main body 10 for adjusting and controlling the state of electricity flow to the electrode portion 30, and a power supply portion 60 for supplying power to the electrode portion 30 under the control of the control circuit portion 50.

The hydrogen water generator 2 according to this embodiment has a common configuration with the hydrogen water generator 1 according to the first embodiment, but differs in that no light emitting section is provided on the bottom surface 13b below the hollow section 19 in the main body 10. Among the components of the hydrogen water generator 2 according to this embodiment, those components that are common to the components in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and are also illustrated in the same way, with new illustrations showing only the different components.

The mechanism for producing hydrogen water by electrolyzing water to generate hydrogen bubbles, such as the electrode unit 30 and various components for passing electricity, in the hydrogen water generating device 2 according to this embodiment is similar to that of known hydrogen water generating devices, as in the first embodiment, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted.

The main body 10 is formed as a hollow container capable of storing a predetermined amount of water inside, and in detail, comprises a tube portion 11 formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, a lid 12 that is removably attached to the tube portion 11 while closing one opening 11a of the tube portion 11, and a base portion 13 that has a bottom surface portion 13b that forms the bottom of the electrolytic cell and is integrally attached to the tube portion 11 while closing the other opening of the tube portion 11.

By closing the openings at both ends of the hollow cylindrical body 11 with the lid 12 and base 13, a closed hollow section 19 is created inside, and the main body 10 acts as an electrolytic cell to store water in this hollow section 19, where electrolysis is carried out.

All parts of the main body 10 are made of opaque material that does not transmit light, and can be given any color tone according to demand. That is, the main body 10 in this embodiment is different from the main body in the first embodiment in that the side of the tubular portion 11 in the main body 10 does not have a window portion made of a transparent material. However, the configuration of the tubular portion 11 other than the window portion is the same as that of the tubular portion 11 in the first embodiment, and detailed description will be omitted.

The lid 12 is removably attached to the tubular portion 11 of the main body 10 to close the opening of the tubular portion 11, while providing a new water passage hole 12c that can be opened and closed, allowing hydrogen water to be removed from inside the main body 10 as needed.
This lid body 12, including the cartridge 16 attached to the underside of the lid base 12a, is similar to the lid body 12 in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The base 13 is a cylindrical body with two bottomed cylinders of different sizes combined together, with one bottom being the bottom surface 13b that forms the bottom of the electrolytic cell, and is integrated with the cylinder 11 by screwing the smaller cylinder part that stands up from the bottom surface 13b to the other end of the cylinder 11. The base 13 is equipped with an electrode section 30, a wall section 40, a control circuit section 50, and a power supply section 60, and is combined with the cylinder 11 together with the lid 12 to form the main body 10, creating a watertight hollow section 19 within the main body 10.

The base 13 in this embodiment is different from the base in the first embodiment in that no light emitting section is provided on the bottom surface 13b of the base 13. The configuration of the base 13 other than the bottom surface 13b is the same as that of the base 13 in the first embodiment, including the power switch section 80, cartridge state display section 81, and connection terminal section 82 on the side surface of the base, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The electrode portion 30 is arranged in an upright, generally cylindrical state on the upper side of the bottom surface portion 13 b of the base 13 of the main body portion 10 , and consists of three electrodes 31 , 32 , 33 that enable a voltage to be applied to the water contained in the hollow portion 19 .
This electrode section 30 is similar to the electrode section 30 in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The wall 40 is an approximately cylindrical body formed by combining two cylinders of different sizes so that they overlap on the inside and outside, leaving a gap in the middle to accommodate the electrode unit 30, and is arranged in a state where it protrudes upward above the bottom surface 13b of the base 13 of the main body 10. The wall 40 is arranged so that the electrode unit 30 is sandwiched between the inner and outer cylindrical parts that make up the wall 40, and is arranged near the electrode unit 30. This wall 40 is similar to the wall 40 in the first embodiment, including the multiple openings 41 provided in the part that covers the upper electrode unit 30 from above, and although detailed explanation will be omitted, the openings 41 may be formed not only on the upper part of the wall 40 but also on the inner periphery, including in the first embodiment.

However, since the wall portion 40 in this embodiment does not need to reflect light from the light-emitting portion, the surface on the inner circumference side of the wall portion 40 can be rough and not smooth, and the surface can be made of a material with a low brightness color, for example, black or a color similar to black, so that the degree of light absorption is greater than the degree of light reflection.

The electrode unit 30, which is positioned in the gap of the wall portion 40, is in a generally cylindrical upright state, and the proportion of the area of the electrode unit 30 in the cross-sectional area of the main body portion 10 is minimized. Also, the wall portion 40 is positioned so that it reaches the upper side of the electrode unit 30. Even if a foreign object other than water or an object necessary for drinking (e.g., ice, etc.) is accidentally or intentionally put into the hollow portion 19 of the main body portion 10, the object is unlikely to remain on the upper side of the electrode unit 30, and therefore the possibility of the opening 41 being blocked by the object is reduced. In this case, the object is guided to the space inside the wall portion 40 (see FIG. 21), but the object that enters the space inside the wall portion 40 and reaches the top of the bottom surface portion 13b is blocked by the wall portion 40 along the inside of the electrode unit 30 and cannot come into contact with the electrode unit 30 from the side. In this way, by making the wall portion 40 into a roughly cylindrical structure, it becomes difficult for the input material to block the upper opening 41 of the electrode portion 30, and deformation of the electrode portion 30 can be suppressed to prevent malfunctions. Even when an input material is placed in the hollow portion 19, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the device is adversely affected.

The control circuit unit 50 is disposed below the bottom surface portion 13b of the base portion 13 of the main body portion 10, isolated from the hollow portion 19, and is electrically connected to each electrode 31, 32, and 33 of the electrode portion 30, and performs various controls including controlling the flow of electricity to the electrode portion 30.

The control circuit unit 50 in this embodiment differs from the control circuit unit in the first embodiment in that the light-emitting element constituting the light-emitting unit is not provided on the circuit board, and the control circuit unit 50 does not control the light-emitting element of the light-emitting unit. The configuration and control contents of the control circuit unit 50 other than those related to the light-emitting unit are the same as those of the control circuit unit 50 in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The power supply unit 60 supplies power to the electrode unit 30 and other operating parts under the control of the control circuit unit 50. This power supply unit 60 is similar to the power supply unit 60 in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the usage state of the hydrogen water generating device according to this embodiment will be described. As a premise, the ambient temperature of the device is close to room temperature, which is included in the preset electrolysis possible range, the power supply unit 60 is pre-charged, and the electrode unit 30 can be energized after the user operates the power switch unit 80. However, the initial state of the control circuit unit 50 before operation is in a low power consumption state in which the power supply to each light-emitting element and each part of the control circuit is stopped while maintaining a state in which the input of the user's operation to the power switch unit 80 can be detected. In addition, each electrode 31, 32, 33 of the electrode unit 30 is free of deposits or deterioration, and water can be electrolyzed without problems when energized. Furthermore, in the record of the control circuit unit 50, the cumulative electrolysis time in the forward current state is short, and the current is energized with the forward current state as the initial setting.

First, the user removes the lid 12 of the main body 10 from the cylindrical body 11, and while opening the hollow portion 19, pours raw water such as tap water into the hollow portion 19 until a predetermined amount of water is added. After pouring in the water, the lid 12 is attached to the cylindrical body 11 to integrate the main body 10, and the hollow portion 19 is isolated from the outside of the main body 10 in a watertight state.

When the user fills the main body 10 with water and then presses the power switch 80 to generate hydrogen water, the control circuit 50, in response to a change in the conductive state of the switch 80b, transitions to a standby state awaiting a second operation, and causes the light-emitting element 80c of the power switch 80 to light up in a first predetermined color (e.g., white).

If the user presses the power switch unit 80 a second time before a first predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed after the first operation of the power switch unit 80, the control circuit unit 50 recognizes this as a formal instruction operation by the user to generate hydrogen water, starts the flow of electricity to the electrode unit 30, and switches the light-emitting element 80c of the power switch unit 80 to a second predetermined color (e.g., blue). Thus, electricity is passed through the electrodes 31, 32, and 33 of the electrode unit 30, and electrolysis of water in the hollow portion 19 of the main body unit 10 progresses.

If the user does not press the power switch unit 80 a second time before the first predetermined time has elapsed after the first operation of the power switch unit 80, the control circuit unit 50 considers the first operation to be an erroneous operation and transitions to a state of waiting for the next operation as a new first operation. If the user presses the power switch unit 80 again before a second predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed since the previous operation, the control circuit unit 50 will wait again for the user to press the power switch unit 80 a second time. On the other hand, if the user does not operate the power switch unit 80 before the second predetermined time has elapsed since the previous operation, the control circuit unit 50 transitions to a low power consumption state, switches the light-emitting element 80c of the power switch unit 80 to an off state, and returns to the initial state of waiting for the user to press the power switch unit 80 a first time.

When water electrolysis progresses as a result of current flow through the electrode unit 30, gaseous hydrogen is produced by reduction on both the front and back surfaces of the middle electrode 32, which is a cathode in a forward current flow state and which face the inner and outer electrodes 31, 33, which are anodes, as in the known case of water electrolysis, and a large number of hydrogen bubbles are generated on the surface of the electrode 32, and each hydrogen bubble rises along the surface of the electrode 32.

The hydrogen bubbles rise and reach the opening 41 at the top of the wall 40, and the hydrogen bubbles that escape from this opening 41 diffuse into the water, dissolving a large amount of hydrogen into the water to produce hydrogen water.

In a state in which the electrolysis of water is progressing due to the application of electricity to the electrode unit 30, the control circuit unit 50 judges whether or not the user has pressed and held the power switch unit 80 for several seconds (for example, 2 seconds) to instruct the user to interrupt the electrolysis. If the user has pressed and held the power switch unit 80 for a long time, the control circuit unit 50
The current is then stopped, and the electrolysis is terminated.

On the other hand, if such a long press operation is not performed, the control circuit unit 50 continues the electrolysis, and thereafter, when the elapsed time from the start of the energization of the electrode unit 30 related to the electrolysis reaches a third predetermined time (e.g., 90
seconds), the current flow state to the electrode unit 30 is switched from the initial forward current flow state in which the inner and outer electrodes 31 and 33 are anodes and the middle electrode 32 is cathode, to a reverse current flow state in which the inner and outer electrodes 31 and 33 are cathodes and the middle electrode 32 is anode.

As a result, a reverse current flow state is established, and hydrogen gas is generated by reduction on the surfaces of the inner and outer electrodes 31 and 33, which have become cathodes, facing the middle electrode 32, which has become an anode. A large number of hydrogen microbubbles are generated on the surfaces of the electrodes 31 and 33, and each hydrogen bubble is then heated by the electrodes 31 and 33.
The hydrogen bubbles rise along the surface, but the rising hydrogen bubbles exit only from the opening 41 at the top of the wall 40, just as when current is flowing in the forward direction, and the state in which the hydrogen bubbles diffuse into the water in the hollow portion 19 remains the same.

After switching the current supply state to the electrode unit 30 from a forward current supply state to a reverse current supply state, the control circuit unit 50 judges whether or not the user has pressed and held down the power switch unit 80 for several seconds (e.g., 2 seconds) to instruct the user to interrupt the electrolysis. If a long press is performed, the control circuit unit 50 stops the current supply to the electrode unit 30 and ends the electrolysis. If a long press is not performed, the control circuit unit 50 continues the electrolysis, and then, when the time elapsed since the start of current supply to the electrode unit 30 for electrolysis reaches a preset electrolysis time (e.g., 3 minutes), the control circuit unit 50 stops the current supply to the electrode unit 30 and ends the electrolysis.

After the current to the electrode unit 30 is stopped, the control circuit unit 50 switches the light-emitting element 80c of the power switch unit 80 from the on state to the off state, and updates and records the cumulative electrolysis time for each current flow state based on the duration of each of the forward current flow state and reverse current flow state to the electrode unit 30 in the previous electrolysis. The control circuit unit 50 also increments and updates the cartridge usage counter number by one.

Next, the control circuit section 50 judges whether or not the updated value of the cartridge usage counter has reached a predetermined value (e.g., 318 times) before the preset limit value, and if the predetermined value has been reached, it further judges whether or not the limit value (e.g., 360 times) has been reached. If the limit value has been reached, the control circuit section 50 causes the light-emitting element 81b of the cartridge status display section 81 to be lit in a predetermined color (e.g., red) different from the normal state, and thereafter, even if the user subsequently presses the power switch section 80 twice to instruct the execution of electrolysis,
The state transitions to an electrolysis prohibited state in which current is not applied to the electrode unit 30. On the other hand, if the limit value has not been reached, the control circuit unit 50 notifies the user that it is time to replace the cartridge 16 by causing the light emitting element 81b of the cartridge state display unit 81 to flash in a predetermined color (e.g., green) that indicates the normal state of the cartridge 16.

In addition, if the updated value of the cartridge usage counter number does not reach the specified value, the electrolysis is considered to have ended normally, the control circuit unit 50 transitions to a low power consumption state, and the processing related to one electrolysis is completed.

The user can confirm that the electrolysis is complete by checking that the light-emitting element 80c of the power switch unit 80 is turned off, and then, at the desired timing, release the locking portion 12g of the lid body 12 on the main body unit 10, raise the upper lid portion 12b, and open the water passage hole 12c. Then, the user can tilt the main body unit 10 to allow the generated hydrogen water to flow from the hollow portion 19 through the water passage hole 12c. The user can then drink the hydrogen water directly from the mouth of the drinking spout 12f or pour it into another container and drink it.

When the hydrogen water is poured from the hollow portion 19 through the water passage hole 12c by tilting the main body 10, the hydrogen water passes through the cartridge 16 and comes into contact with the numerous ceramic materials 17 gathered at the bottom of the cartridge 16, so that the hydrogen water can be efficiently purified.
Even when tap water is used as the raw water, hydrogen water of good quality suitable for drinking can be obtained without causing any unpleasant odor such as chlorine.

When the light emitting element 81b of the cartridge state display unit 81 is lit in a predetermined color different from the normal state or flashes in a predetermined color indicating the normal state, the user replaces the cartridge 16 with a new one, as in the first embodiment, and then connects the terminal of the charging device to the connection terminal 82 on the side of the main body to switch the device to a charging state with the power supply unit 60. After confirming the transition to the charging state from the lit state of the light emitting element 80c of the power switch unit 80 in a predetermined color, when the user presses the power switch unit 80 for a long time period longer than the fourth predetermined time period, the control circuit unit 50 resets the cartridge usage counter to 0, and returns the light emitting element 81b of the cartridge state display unit 81 to a lit state in a predetermined color indicating the normal state, restoring the device to an initial state in which electrolysis can be performed based on the user's operation of the power switch unit 80.

In this manner, in the hydrogen water generating device according to the present embodiment, the electrode unit 30 is disposed in an upright state within the main body 10 forming the electrolytic cell, the proportion of the electrode unit 30 in the cross-sectional area of the main body 10 is kept to a necessary minimum, and a wall portion 40 that is greater than the height of the electrode unit 30 is provided on the inside of the electrode unit 30.
Since the above arrangement is adopted, even if ice or the like other than water is mistakenly put into the main body 10, the put-in item is unlikely to be placed on the top of the electrode section 30 and come into contact with the electrode section 30 to apply force, and since the put-in item is guided to the space inside the approximately cylindrical wall section 40, the put-in item does not interfere with the rise of hydrogen bubbles emerging from the opening 41 of the wall section 40. The put-in item that enters the space inside the wall section 40 and reaches the top of the bottom section 13b is blocked by the wall section 40 and does not come into contact with the electrode section 30 from the side, so that unnecessary force is unlikely to be applied to the electrode section 30 from the put-in item, deformation of the electrode section 30 can be suppressed to prevent malfunction, and even when the put-in item is put into the main body 10, a situation in which adverse effects on the device are caused can be avoided.

In the hydrogen water generating device according to each of the above embodiments, the upper part of the wall part 40 is configured to reach the upper side of the electrode part 30 and cover the electrode part 30 from above, but the outlet for the hydrogen bubbles is not limited to a partial one like the opening 41, and if the wall part is shaped to have a height slightly higher than the height of the electrode part 30, there is no need for the wall part 40 to cover the upper part of the electrode part 30.

In addition, each part of the main body 10 in the second embodiment is made of an opaque material that does not transmit light, but if you want to highlight the state of the air bubbles as fine bubbles, you can form a window part as in the first embodiment, or make the entire body out of a transparent material.

Reference Signs List 1, 2 Hydrogen water generator 10 Main body 11 Cylindrical body 11a Window 12 Lid 12a Lid base 12b Top lid 12c Water hole 12d Hinge 12e Air hole 12f Drinking spout 12g Locking portion 12h Engagement portion 12i Protrusion 12j Sealing member 13 Base 13a, 13b Bottom 13c Bottom cover 16 Cartridge 17 Ceramic material 19 Hollow portion 20 Light-emitting portion 21 Light-transmitting window 22 Light-emitting element 30, 35 Electrode portion 31, 32, 33 Electrodes 31a, 32a Connecting conductor 33a Connecting conductor 40, 42 Wall 41 Opening 50 Control circuit 60 Power supply 80 Power switch 80a Button 80b Switch 80c Light emitting element 81 Cartridge state display portion 81a Light transmitting window portion 81b Light emitting element 82 Connection terminal portion 82a Cover

Claims (2)

A hydrogen water generator that electrolyzes water to generate hydrogen and obtains hydrogen water in which hydrogen is dissolved in water,
A main body formed as a cylindrical hollow container capable of storing water in a hollow portion;
an electrode unit including a plurality of electrode plates disposed on an upper side of a bottom surface of the main body and capable of applying a voltage to water;
a control circuit section that is electrically connected to the electrode section and disposed at a predetermined location of the main body section, and adjusts and controls a current supply state to at least the electrode section;
a power supply unit that supplies power to the electrode unit under the control of the control circuit unit,
The electrode portion is disposed in a generally cylindrical upright state close to and along an inner wall of the hollow portion,
a wall portion of a generally cylindrical body is provided upright on a bottom surface of the main body portion and continuously along at least an inner side of the electrode portion;
The height of the wall portion is slightly greater than the height of the electrode portion, and the wall portion has a shape that reaches an upper side of the electrode portion and covers the electrode portion from above,
A hydrogen water generating device characterized in that an opening is formed in the covering portion from above to allow hydrogen bubbles generated by the electrode portion to pass upward. 2. The hydrogen water generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the main body is provided with a window portion made of a transparent material that allows visible light to pass through at a predetermined position above the electrode portion.