JPH07222976A - Electrolytic ionic water preparing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the use of ionic water at the time of inverse current washing by stopping an electromotive pump at the stop time of operation by an operation control means and allowing electrolytic ionic water remaining in a drain pipe to flow back to a water tank and changing over an electrode changeover means to an inverse current state at this time by the operation control means to apply an inverse current state to both electrodes of an electrolytic cell. CONSTITUTION:In an electrolytic cell 30, electrodes 32, 33 are arranged in opposed relationship and a diaphragm 36 is arranged between both electrodes to form electrode chambers 34, 35 housing the electrodes and raw water is allowed to flow in and out with respect to both electrode chambers. The water of a water tank 10 is sent to both electrode chambers of the electrolytic cell 30 under pressure by an electromotive pump P1. Further, drain pipes 37, 38 having rising parts rising from the surface of the water in the water tank 10 upwardly and the openings capable of communicating with the atmosphere are connected to both electrode chambers 34, 35 to discharge the electrolytic ion water formed in the electrode chambers. An electrode changeover means 110 changes over the polarity of the DC voltage applied across both electrodes from a power supply 120 and an operation control means 100 controls the operations of the pump P1 and the means 110.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrolytic ionic water producing apparatus for electrolyzing raw water such as water or saline to produce acidic ionic water and alkaline ionic water.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A device of this type is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-77.
As shown in JP-A-15, when the DC voltage applied to both electrodes is not switched between positive and negative and is used for a long time in a positive electric state, calcium, sodium, etc. are layered on the surface of the negative electrode. Adhesion reduces the electric conductivity, and the desired electrolytic ionic water cannot be obtained. Such a problem can be solved by switching the forward and reverse of the DC voltage applied to both electrodes to a reverse charge state and peeling the above-mentioned deposit from the electrodes (that is, reverse charge cleaning).

[0003]

In the electrolytic ionized water producing apparatus described above, the display means and the alarm means are operated at the time of reverse electrolysis cleaning to produce the ionized water opposite to the desired ionized water for the user. Is informed. However, even if the notification means is normal, an unfamiliar person such as an infant may use the reverse ion water, and if the lamp or buzzer, which is the notification means, fails, the reverse ion water will be used. , There is a risk that it will be used as positive ion water. The present invention has been made to address the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electrolytic ionized water generator in which the ionized water generated during reverse electrolysis cleaning cannot be used.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, in the present invention, the electrolytic ionized water generator is provided with a water storage tank for storing raw water such as water or saline.
The first and second electrodes are arranged to face each other and a diaphragm is provided between the electrodes to form first and second electrode chambers for accommodating the electrodes, and raw water flows into these electrode chambers.・ An electrolytic cell that is allowed to flow out, an electric pump that pressure-feeds the raw water of the water storage tank to both electrode chambers of the electrolytic cell, a rising portion that rises above the water surface of the water storage tank, and an opening that can communicate with the atmosphere. A first discharge pipe connected to the first electrode chamber for discharging electrolytic ionized water generated in the first electrode chamber, a rising portion rising above the water surface of the water storage tank, and an opening capable of communicating with the atmosphere. A second discharge pipe having the same connected to the second electrode chamber and discharging the electrolytic ionized water generated in the second electrode chamber, and an electrode for switching the forward and reverse of the DC voltage applied from the power supply circuit to the both electrodes. Switching means, the electric pump and the electrode disconnection The operation of the means is controlled to maintain the electric pump in the driving state during the generating operation, maintain the electrode switching means in the positive electric state, and stop the electric pump when the operation is stopped, and the first and second When the electrolytic ion water remaining in the discharge pipe flows back to the water storage tank, the operation control means for switching the electrode switching means to the reverse charging state is provided. In the above-mentioned configuration, the openings of the respective discharge pipes are arranged above the water storage tank and the electrolytic cell so as to be arranged at a reservable portion in each ion water storage tank for storing each ion water, Further, each ionized water storage tank part for storing each ionized water is formed in the middle of each discharge pipe, and the bottom part of the electrolytic cell is arranged at the same level or above the water surface of the water storage tank. It is also possible. Further, in the above-mentioned configuration, it is desirable that the pH of the acidic ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell is 3 to 6.

[0005]

In the electrolytic ionized water producing apparatus according to the present invention, during the producing operation, the electric pump is maintained in the driving state by the operation control means, and the electrode switching means is maintained in the positive electric state. The raw water in the tank is supplied to both electrode chambers of the electrolytic cell, and a direct current voltage from the power supply circuit is applied to both electrodes of the electrolytic cell in a positive electric state. For this reason, the raw water supplied from the water storage tank to both electrode chambers of the electrolytic cell is electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell, and acidic ionized water with increased hydrogen ions is generated and discharged from the electrode chamber of the positive electrode. Also, alkaline ionized water with increased hydroxide ions is generated and discharged from the electrode chamber of the negative electrode, and each ionized water is guided to a desired location through each discharge pipe.

By the way, when the operation is stopped, the electric pump is stopped by the operation control means, and the electrolytic ion water remaining in each drain pipe flows back to the water storage tank. At this time, the operation control means causes the electrode switching means to be in the reverse electric state. The DC voltage from the power supply circuit is applied to both electrodes of the electrolytic cell in a reverse electric state. For this reason, back electrolysis cleaning is performed when the electrolytic ion water remaining in each drain pipe flows back to the water storage tank, and the water generated during back electrolysis cleaning is not neutralized in the water storage tank and used. . Therefore, the display unit and the alarm unit at the time of reverse electrolysis cleaning are not required, the cost can be reduced, and the problem about the failure of the display unit and the alarm unit does not occur at all.

Further, in the present invention, when the opening of each discharge pipe is arranged above the water storage tank and the electrolytic cell so as to be arranged at a reservable portion in each ion water storage tank for storing each ion water. In addition, the backflow water obtained when the operation is stopped can be obtained from each ion water storage tank, and sufficient backflow water can be secured even when each discharge pipe is short. Further, even when each ionized water storage tank part for storing each ionized water is formed in the middle of each discharge pipe, sufficient backflow water can be secured. Also, if the bottom of the electrolytic cell is located at the same level as or above the water surface of the water storage tank, the water can be completely discharged from the electrolytic cell at the end of the backflow, and it is assumed that reverse electrolysis is performed. Even if both electrodes of the electrolytic cell are applied in a reversely charged state after the end, no current flows and overheating of the electrolytic cell due to energization in a water-stopped state does not occur. Further, it has been confirmed by experiments that hydrogen embrittlement of the electrode can be effectively suppressed when the pH of the acidic ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell is set to 3 to 6.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an electrolytic ionized water generator according to the present invention, which is equipped with a water storage tank 10 for storing a required amount of raw water (tap water). The water tank 10 is a water level sensor 11 (which detects the upper limit water level and the lower limit water level) connected to the control device 100.
Is provided inside, and the electromagnetic on-off valve V1 provided in the water supply pipe 19 is opened / closed by the signal from the water level sensor 11 so that the water level in the water storage tank 10 is maintained within a predetermined range. In addition, the water storage tank 10 is provided with an overflow pipe 12, and a connection pipe 13 that is branched and connected to both inflow ports 31 a and 31 b of the electrolytic cell 30.
Is attached to the connecting pipe 13, and an electric pump P1 whose operation is controlled by the control device 100 and manually adjustable flow rate adjusting valves V2 and V3 are respectively interposed, and approximately the same amount of raw water is connected. It is configured to be supplied to both inflow ports 31a, 31b of the electrolytic cell 30 through the pipe 13. The water supply pipe 19 is connected to a water supply (not shown) via a water purifier 18.

The electrolytic cell 30 includes a pair of inlets 31a and 31a.
b, a tank body 31 made of resin (which is deformed by overheating) having a pair of outlets 31c and 31d, a pair of electrodes 32 and 33 facing each other in the tank body 31, and between these electrodes 32 and 33 Is formed by a diaphragm 36 that forms electrode chambers 34 and 35 for accommodating the electrodes 32 and 33. The electrodes 32 and 33 are formed by baking platinum plating or platinum iridium on the surface of a titanium base material. The inlet 31a and the outlet 31c communicate with the left electrode chamber 34, and the inlet 3a is connected to the right electrode chamber 35.
1b communicates with the outlet 31d. In addition, each outlet 3
1c and 31d are connected to respective discharge pipes 37 and 38, and the respective discharge pipes 37 and 38 penetrate through the bottom walls of the storage tanks 40 and 50 disposed above and rise upward, and the upper end openings are The storage tanks 40, 50 are arranged so as to communicate with the atmosphere above the liquid surface at the reservable portions. By the way, in this embodiment, the bottom of the electrolytic cell 30 is the water storage tank 10.
A predetermined amount L from the upper end of the overflow pipe 12 provided in
1 is arranged so as to be located above 1 and water is not accumulated in the discharge pipes 37 and 38 and the electrolytic cell 30 when the apparatus is stopped as shown in the figure.

The electrodes 32 and 33 are connected to a power supply circuit 120 via an electrode switch 110. Electrode changer 11
0 represents both electrodes 32, in response to a signal from the control device 100.
The DC voltage applied to the switch 33 is switched between normal and reverse, and when a positive electric signal is received from the control device 100 in the state shown by the phantom line in FIG. Is connected to the electrode 32, the positive electrode is connected to the electrode 33, and when a reverse signal is received from the control device 100 in the state shown by the solid line in FIG. The negative electrode is connected to the electrode 33 and the positive electrode is connected to the electrode 3.
It is designed to connect to 2. The power supply circuit 120 converts an AC voltage into a DC voltage having a predetermined value (the pH of the acidic ionized water generated by the device is set to 3 to 6), and is turned off by the control device 100.
When a signal is received, the DC voltage between the negative electrode and the positive electrode becomes zero, and the control device 100 outputs O
When receiving the N signal, a DC voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the negative electrode and the positive electrode.

The storage tank 40 on the left side is a tank for storing a required amount of alkaline ionized water, and has a water level sensor 41 (which detects the upper limit water level and the lower limit water level) and an overflow pipe 42 (which is connected to a drainage channel not shown). And a drainage pipe 43 that can be opened and closed manually and a drainage pipe 44 connected to the overflow pipe 42 are provided. Further, an upper end opening of the discharge pipe 37 is arranged in the storage tank 40, and its arrangement position is below the upper limit water level detected by the water level sensor 41 by a predetermined amount L2. Further, one end of a supply pipe 47 is connected to the bottom wall of the storage tank 40, the supply pipe 47 extends to the outside of the main body 90, and a water shutoff valve 48 that can be opened and closed manually is attached.

On the other hand, the storage tank 50 on the right side is a tank for storing a required amount of acidic ionized water, and it is connected to a water level sensor 51 (which detects the upper limit water level and the lower limit water level) and an overflow pipe 52 (not shown in the drawings). The drainage valve 53 that can be opened and closed manually and the drainage pipe 54 connected to the overflow pipe 52 are provided. Further, an upper end opening of the discharge pipe 38 is arranged in the storage tank 50, and the arrangement position thereof is below the upper limit water level detected by the water level sensor 51 by a predetermined amount L2. Further, one end of a supply pipe 57 is connected to the bottom wall of the storage tank 50, the supply pipe 57 extends to the outside of the main body 90, and a water shutoff valve 58 that can be opened and closed manually is attached.

The water level sensors 41 and 51 provided in the storage tanks 40 and 50 are respectively composed of the upper lids 40a and 40a of the tanks 40 and 50.
It is attached to 50a (removable and has a ventilation hole (not shown)) and can be easily maintained and inspected by removing the removable upper lid 90a of the main body 90 and by removing the upper lids 40a, 50a of the tanks 40, 50. Is configured. Further, the water level sensors 41 and 51 are connected to the control device 100, respectively, and the electric pump P1, the electrode switching device 110, and the electrode switch 110 are connected based on the signals from the water level sensors 41 and 51.
The operation of the power supply circuit 120 and the like is controlled.

The control device 100 includes a continuous operation switch 10
1 and a stop switch 102, each switch 10
The operation of the electromagnetic on-off valve V1, the electric pump P1, the electrode switching device 110, the power supply circuit 120, etc. is controlled based on the operation of 1, 102 and the signals from the water level sensors 11, 41, 51. The operation described below can be obtained by operating the switches 101 and 102.

FIG. 1 shows a state in which the continuous operation switch 101 of the control device 100 is operated and the device is interrupted. In this state, the alkaline ionized water in the storage tank 40 or the storage tank is shown. When the acidic ionized water in 50 decreases due to use, the water level in each storage tank 40, 50 decreases, and when the water level reaches the lower limit water level, the control device 100 operates based on the signal from each water level sensor 41, 51. The electric pump P1, the electrode switching device 110, and the power supply circuit 120 are controlled to drive the electric pump P1, and the electrode switching device 110 is maintained in a solid line state to turn on the power supply circuit 120.
Upon receiving the signal, a DC voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the minus electrode and the plus electrode, and the DC voltage is applied to both electrodes 32 and 33 of the electrolytic cell 30 in a positively charged state.

Therefore, the raw water in the water storage tank 10 is the electric pump P1, the connecting pipe 13, and the flow rate adjusting valves V2 and V3.
Is supplied to each of the electrolysis chambers 34 and 35 of the electrolyzer 30, and the raw water is electrolyzed in the electrolyzer 30 to discharge alkaline ionized water having increased hydroxide ions from the electrode chamber 34 of the negative electrode 32. It is stored in the storage tank 40 through the pipe 37, and is also stored in the electrode chamber 35 of the positive electrode 33.
The acid ionized water with increased hydrogen ions is discharged from the discharge pipe 38
Through the storage tank 50.

When the water level in the water storage tank 10 reaches the lower limit of the set range by the above-described operation of generating ionized water by applying the positive voltage, the water level sensor 11 operates and the controller 100 opens the solenoid opening / closing valve V1 based on this. A signal is output, the electromagnetic on-off valve V1 is opened, and tap water is supplied to the water purifier 18 and the water supply pipe 1.
It is supplied to the water storage tank 10 through 9. When the water level in the water storage tank 10 reaches the upper limit of the set range due to the replenishment of tap water, the water level sensor 11 operates, and based on this, the control device 100 outputs a valve closing signal to the electromagnetic on-off valve V1, and the electromagnetic on-off valve. V1 is closed and tap water supply is stopped.

Further, when the water level in both storage tanks 40, 50 reaches the upper limit of the set range and both water level sensors 41, 51 are actuated by the above-mentioned operation of generating ionized water by applying the positive voltage, the control device is based on this. 100 is an electric pump P
1, the electrode switching device 110 and the power supply circuit 120 are controlled, the electric pump P1 is stopped, and the electrode switching device 110 switches the electrode connection from the solid line state to the phantom line state, so that the electrode 32 of the electrolytic cell 30 is The electrode 33 is connected to the plus electrode of the power supply circuit 60 and the electrode 33 is connected to the minus electrode, and a DC voltage is applied to both electrodes 32, 33 of the electrolytic cell 30 in a reversely charged state. This state is maintained for a predetermined time after the electric pump P1 is stopped by the control device 100, and when the predetermined time elapses, the power supply circuit 120 causes the control device 100 to turn off the OF.
After receiving the F signal and setting the DC voltage between the negative electrode and the positive electrode to zero, the controller 100 causes the electrode switch 11
At 0, the connection of the electrodes is switched from the virtual line state to the solid line state so that the electrode 32 of the electrolytic cell 30 is connected to the negative electrode of the power supply circuit 60 and the electrode 33 is connected to the positive electrode.

Therefore, the ionized water in the discharge pipes 37, 38 and the ionized water in the storage tanks 40, 50 are transferred to the discharge pipes 37, 38, respectively.
In the backflow state in which each electrode chamber 34, 35 is automatically supplied by a drop through 38, so-called reverse electrolysis cleaning is performed to remove deposits such as calcium and sodium from the electrode 32 toward the water storage tank 10 together with the backflow water. It is discharged to the outside of the electrolytic cell 30. The above-described backflow water is neutralized in the water storage tank 10 and discharged to the outside through the overflow pipe 12, and therefore is not used. Further, the above-mentioned predetermined time (reverse-current cleaning time) is set on the basis of the above-described time when the back-flow water is generated, and when the water surface that causes the back-flow water descends to the upper end of the electrolytic cell 30, the back-charge is performed. The cleaning is set to finish. Further, in the present embodiment, since the bottom of the electrolytic cell 30 is arranged so as to be located above the upper end of the overflow pipe 12 provided in the water storage tank 10 by a predetermined amount L1, from the inside of the electrolytic cell 30 at the end of the backflow. The water can be completely discharged, and even if both electrodes of the electrolytic cell 30 are applied in a reversely charged state after the completion of the reverse cleaning, the current does not flow between the electrodes 32 and 33 and the current is stopped. Overheating of the electrolytic cell 30 due to energization in the water state does not occur. Further, in the present embodiment, since the pH of the acidic ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell 30 is set to 3 to 6, hydrogen embrittlement of the electrode 33 is effectively suppressed during reverse electrolysis cleaning. be able to.

In addition, in the apparatus in which the above-mentioned reverse electrolysis cleaning is completed and is suspended in the state of FIG.
The alkaline ionized water in 0 or the acidic ionized water in the storage tank 50 is reduced by the use, and
When the water level in 0 decreases and the water level reaches the lower limit water level, the control device 100 causes the electric pump P1 and the electrode switching device 11 to operate based on the signals from the water level sensors 41 and 51 as described above.
0 and the power supply circuit 120 are controlled, the above-described generation operation is restarted and each ionized water is generated. In addition, in the apparatus interrupted in the state of FIG.
2 is operated, the device is stopped as it is, and when the stop switch 102 is operated during the generation operation of the device, the same operation as when the device is interrupted (reverse flow of each ion water) is performed. The device is configured to stop after the reverse electrolysis cleaning is obtained. Further, when the continuous operation switch 101 is operated in the stopped state of the device, each operation described above is obtained according to the water level in each tank 10, 40, 50.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a second embodiment of the electrolytic ion water producing apparatus according to the present invention. In this electrolytic ion water producing apparatus, the discharge pipes 37 and 38 are located at the places where the ion water is used. The pipe is extended to a position where a certain sink T is disposed, and the ion water storage tank portions 37a and 38a are integrally formed in the middle of the discharge pipes 37 and 38, respectively.
Further, in this embodiment, the storage tanks 40 and 50 are not provided, and the start switch 101 and the stop switch 102 having the same functions as the continuous operation switch 101 and the stop switch 102 of the first embodiment are provided. It is arranged close to the sink T. Since the other construction is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted. The upright ends of the upright pipe portions 37b and 38b provided in the middle portions of the discharge pipes 37 and 38 are open to the atmosphere, and the outflow end portions of the discharge pipes 37 and 38 are submerged in the sink T. Even if it does, a malfunction (for example, occurrence of a siphon phenomenon when the device is stopped) does not occur.

In the second embodiment, since the storage tanks 40 and 50 are not provided, the start switch 10
In the state where 1 is operated, the device does not interrupt the production operation, and the same operation as the production operation of the first embodiment described above is obtained and each ionized water is continuously produced. In addition, the stop switch 102 is operated during the generation operation of the device.
Is operated, the apparatus is stopped after the same operation (reverse electrolysis cleaning under the reverse flow of each ion water) as in the case where the apparatus is interrupted in the above-described first embodiment is obtained. It is configured. Further, in this embodiment, since a predetermined amount of each ion water can be stored in each ion water storage tank portion 37a, 38a formed in the middle of each discharge pipe 37, 38, the electrolysis of each discharge pipe 37, 38 can be performed. Since the length of the rising portion from the tank 30 can be shortened, the device can be made compact.

In each of the above embodiments, the present invention was carried out by using tap water as raw water. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-75576.
It is also possible to carry out the present invention by using saline solution obtained by the apparatus disclosed in the publication as raw water. Further, although the present invention has been implemented with the configuration in which the raw water is supplied to the electrolysis tank 10 by the single electric pump P1, the raw water is supplied to the electrolysis tank 10 by the pair of electric pumps. It is also possible to implement the present invention.

In each of the above embodiments, the electrodes 32 and 33 are configured so that a voltage of a predetermined value is applied even during reverse electrolysis cleaning, but the voltage during reverse electrolysis cleaning is set low. Thus, it is possible to more effectively suppress hydrogen embrittlement of the electrode. Further, the electrode switching device 110 is switched between two positions of forward and reverse, but it is switched to three positions of forward and reverse and an intermediate position (a position where the electrodes of the power supply circuit 120 and the electrodes 32 and 33 of the electrolytic cell 30 are disconnected). It is also possible to implement the invention.
In this case, the voltage of the power supply circuit 120 can always be set to a predetermined value.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of an electrolytic ionized water generator according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram showing a second embodiment of the electrolytic ionized water generator according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a usage state of the electrolytic ionized water generator shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Water storage tank, 30 ... Electrolyzer, 32, 33 ... Electrode,
34, 35 ... Electrode chamber, 36 ... Diaphragm, 37, 38 ... Discharge pipe, 37a, 38a ... Ion water storage tank section, 40, 5
0 ... Ion water storage tank, 110 ... Electrode changer, 120
... power supply circuit, 100 ... control device, P1 ... electric pump.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A water storage tank for storing raw water such as water or salt water, and a first and a second electrode which are arranged facing each other inside, and a diaphragm is arranged between these two electrodes to accommodate each electrode. An electrolysis tank having first and second electrode chambers formed therein so that raw water can flow into and out of the electrode chambers; an electric pump for pumping raw water from the water storage tank to the electrode chambers of the electrolysis tank; A first discharge pipe connected to the first electrode chamber and having a rising portion that rises above the water surface of the water storage tank and an opening that is capable of communicating with the atmosphere, and discharges electrolytic ionized water generated in the electrode chamber; A rising portion rising above the water surface of the water storage tank, and a second discharge pipe having an opening capable of communicating with the atmosphere and connected to the second electrode chamber to discharge electrolytic ionized water generated in the electrode chamber; , The positive DC voltage applied to both electrodes from the power supply circuit Electrode switching means for switching the reverse,
By controlling the operation of the electric pump and the electrode switching means, the electric pump is maintained in a driving state during the generation operation, the electrode switching means is maintained in a positive electric state, and the electric pump is stopped when the operation is stopped. At the same time, an electrolytic ionized water production apparatus is provided with operation control means for switching the electrode switching means to a reversely charged state when the electrolytic ionized water remaining in the first and second discharge pipes flows back to the water storage tank. 2. An opening of each of the discharge pipes is arranged above the water storage tank and the electrolytic cell so as to be arranged at a reservable site in each ion water storage tank for storing each ion water. The electrolytic ionized water generator according to claim 1. 3. The electrolyzed ionized water production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the ionized water storage tanks for storing each of the ionized water is formed in the middle of each of the discharge pipes. 4. The electrolyzed ionized water generator according to claim 1, wherein the electrolyzed ionized water generator is arranged such that the bottom of the electrolyzer is located at the same level as or above the water surface of the water storage tank. 5. The pH of the acidic ionized water produced in the electrolytic cell is 3 to 6, and the pH of the acidic ionized water is 3 to 6.
The electrolyzed ionized water generator according to item 1.