JPH08257564A - Alkaline ionic water maker - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an alkaline ionic water maker functioning normally even when a filter generates clogging and having function letting a user know clogging to call upon the user to replace the filter. CONSTITUTION: An alkaline ionic water maker having a main filter 11 and an electrolytic cell 2 is equipped with the preparatory filter 12 fitted in parallel to the main filter 11 and the filter changeover means 3 closing the preparatory filter 12 when the pressure of the drinking water introduced into the main filter 11 is prescribed pressure or less and allowing the preparatory filter 12 to communicate when the pressure of the drinking water exceeds the prescribed pressure. Therefore, even when the main filter 11 generates clogging, the preparatory filter 12 compensates this state to be capable of functioning normally. Since a main filter replacement recommending means showing the communication of the preparatory filter 12 by a pressure switch 42 is formed, the replacement of the main filter 11 can be urged on a user.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an alkaline ionized water conditioner for improving the quality of drinking water. More specifically, tap water is filtered to remove harmful impurities, and alkaline ionized water and acidic ions are used in an electrolytic cell. The present invention relates to an alkaline ionized water device that produces water.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional alkaline ionized water purifier is a filter (also called a water purification cartridge) into which drinking water is introduced.
And an electrolytic cell into which filtered water (also referred to as purified water) filtered here is introduced. In the same electrolytic cell, alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water are produced by the water conditioning action of a pair of electrodes having a potential difference.

In the alkaline ionized water conditioner having such a structure, the consumable item is a filter. That is, the filter has a service life, and when a certain amount of impurities are filtered, the filtering ability is reduced and clogging occurs to increase the flow path resistance. Therefore, many manufacturers recommend a replacement of the filter by setting a period such as one year before the filter is clogged too much.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional alkaline ionized water device, when the filter is clogged within the period specified by the maker, or when the filter is used over the period specified by the manufacturer's instruction manual. There are many cases in which the filter is clogged after being used. If the filter is clogged in this way, the flow rate to the electrolyzer will inevitably decrease, causing problems such as an abnormal increase in the pH of the alkaline ionized water and the electrolysis tank equipped with a safety circuit to stop electrolysis. Occurs. As a result, the original water-regulating function of the alkaline ionized water device cannot be fulfilled.

Therefore, it is a first problem to be solved by the present invention to provide an alkaline ionized water conditioner which exhibits a normal function even when the filter is clogged. It is a second problem to be solved by the present invention to provide an alkaline ionized water conditioner that also has a function of notifying a user of clogging of a filter and prompting replacement of the filter.

[0006]

First, in order to solve the above-mentioned first problem, the alkaline ionized water conditioner of the first structure of the present invention comprises a main filter into which drinking water is introduced and a filtration from the main filter. In an alkaline ionized water conditioner having an electrolytic cell into which water is introduced, a preliminary filter provided in parallel with the main filter, and the preliminary pressure when the water pressure of drinking water introduced into the main filter is equal to or lower than a specified pressure. Close the filter,
And a filter switching means for communicating the preliminary filter when the specified pressure is exceeded.

Here, it is also possible to adopt a structure having an opening / closing valve for supplying filtered water to the user between the main filter and the electrolytic cell. Further, the main filter and the auxiliary filter are both replaceable cartridge type cartridges, and the cartridges of both filters may be compatible with each other with the same standard. According to a second configuration of the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned first configuration, the switching means is provided in either the introduction portion of the drinking water to the preliminary filter or the discharge portion of filtered water from the preliminary filter. The relief valve is installed from the introduction side to the discharge side.

According to a third structure of the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned first structure, the switching means is operated by a pressure switch operated by the water pressure of the drinking water, or by a differential pressure between the drinking water and the filtered water. And a filter switching valve activated by the switch. According to a fourth structure of the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned third structure, the switching valve is a three-way valve provided at a branch point or a merging point between the main filter and the auxiliary filter, or an introduction portion or an exhaust of the auxiliary filter. It is characterized in that it is one of the solenoid valves provided in the section.

Next, in order to solve the above-mentioned second problem, the fifth structure of the present invention further comprises, in the above-mentioned first structure, a main filter indicating that the switching means is operated and the preliminary filter is connected. It is characterized by having an exchange recommendation means. A sixth configuration of the present invention is the same as the fifth configuration,
The recommendation means is a water flow indicator provided on the introduction side or the discharge side of the preliminary filter.

Here, as the water flow indicator, for example, a twist vane type water flow indicator, a wheel type water flow indicator, a float type water flow indicator or the like can be used. The twist vane type water flow indicator is composed of a pipe, at least a part of which is transparent, and a twist plate which is rotatably held in the pipe coaxially with the pipe. The wheel type water flow indicator has a transparent window,
It consists of a case that holds the transparent window in a watertight manner, and a water wheel that is rotatably held in the case. The float type water flow indicator has a transparent flow path at least a part of which has a transparent wall surface,
A float having a resistance portion and a display portion that are held in the flow path so as to be movable within a certain range along the flow direction.

In a seventh structure of the present invention, in addition to the fifth structure, the recommendation means is operated by a pressure switch operated by the water pressure of the drinking water, or by a differential pressure between the drinking water and the filtered water. It has any one of the differential pressure switches to be operated, and the notification means activated by the switch.
Here, the notification means is a lamp, a buzzer, a chime,
The configuration can be any of a meter, color reversal display and digital display device. In addition, it is also possible to additionally provide this notifying means with a time counting function or a flow rate integrating function and its display means.

The eighth structure of the present invention further comprises, in the first structure, any one of a calcium addition cylinder, an electrolysis accelerator addition cylinder and a mineral content addition cylinder between the main filter and the electrolytic cell. , Between the main filter and the addition cylinder,
It has a confluence of filtered water from the main filter and the preliminary filter. The description regarding the positional relationship in the description of the above means mainly refers to the positional relationship on the flow path, and does not necessarily refer to the spatial positional relationship. Therefore, a description such as having C between A and B does not necessarily require that C is spatially located between A and B.

It should be noted that any of the above-described configurations of the present invention can be applied to a water purifier having a water purifying cartridge and not having an electrolytic cell.

[0014]

In the alkaline ionized water device of the first structure of the present invention, when the main filter is clogged and the pressure at its inlet increases and exceeds the specified pressure, the filter switching means is activated to automatically The auxiliary filter communicates with the main filter to open a flow path in parallel with the main filter. Then, a sufficient amount of filtered water is supplied to the electrolytic cell due to the flow rate passing through the preliminary filter. As a result, even when the main filter is clogged, the alkaline ionized water device of the present invention can exhibit its original function, and the first problem is solved.

In the second structure of the present invention, when the main filter is clogged, the relief valve is hydraulically opened to communicate with the auxiliary filter. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the first configuration, it is possible to provide an alkaline ionized water conditioner having a highly reliable switching means that is extremely inexpensive. Further, the relief valve gradually connects the preliminary filter with the increase in pressure and does not necessarily close the flow path to the main filter. Therefore, there is an effect that the main filter having an increased flow resistance and the auxiliary filter are used in parallel at the same time to compensate for the deterioration of the ability of the main filter, and the flow rate to the auxiliary filter can be reduced to prolong the life of the auxiliary filter.

In the third structure of the present invention, since the filter switching valve is operated by the signal from the pressure switch or the differential pressure switch, the flow passage resistance can be suppressed lower than that of the relief valve. Further, there is an effect that it becomes easy to adopt the main filter replacement recommending means using an electric signal that is more appealing to the user's sensitivity. In the fourth configuration of the present invention, since a three-way valve or a solenoid valve is used as the filter switching valve, each has advantages. Since the three-way valve closes the main filter and allows the preliminary filter to communicate with each other, filtered water is supplied to the electrolytic cell without using the main filter which has reached the end of its life. On the other hand, the solenoid valve communicates with the preliminary filter, but does not necessarily close the main filter.
The main filter can also supply some filtered water, reducing the burden on the auxiliary filter. As a result, the preliminary filter can be made smaller.

In the fifth configuration of the present invention, the main filter replacement recommending means clearly indicates to the user that the main filter has been clogged and switched to the auxiliary filter.
Therefore, there is an effect that the main filter is not noticed to be clogged, and the auxiliary filter is used continuously until it is clogged, and there is no possibility of causing a problem. In the sixth configuration of the present invention, since the water flow indicator for displaying the water flow of the preliminary filter is provided as the main filter replacement recommending means, it is possible to advise the user to replace the main filter without the help of electricity. . Therefore, the structure of the device is simplified, and it is possible to provide an inexpensive alkaline ionized water device with a main filter replacement recommending means that is hard to break down.

In the seventh structure of the present invention, since the main filter replacement recommending means for activating the notifying means by the action of electricity by the pressure switch or the differential pressure switch is provided, various notifying means using light or sound are taken. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to more clearly advise the user that the main filter should be replaced, and there is no fear of being left unattended for a long time. Further, if the usage time of the preliminary filter and its integrated flow rate are also displayed, the degree of deterioration of the preliminary filter can be estimated, which is even more effective.

In the eighth structure of the present invention, for any filtered water that has passed through the main filter or the preliminary filter,
Calcium, electrolysis promoter, minerals, etc. are added. Therefore, electrolysis proceeds more efficiently in the electrolyzer than just filtered water, and the user is provided with the drinking water containing the above-mentioned additional components, which is more healthy.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows the structure of an alkaline ionized water conditioner as a first embodiment of the present invention and its connection to the water supply.

A branch faucet 102 with a safety valve is attached to the tap 101 of the tap, and the tap connection portion 1 for introducing tap water into the alkaline ionized water purifier through the introduction channel 103.
00 is provided. The safety valve is 294-490
It operates at kPa and prevents tap water from being introduced into the alkaline ionized water device with excessive water pressure. In this way, the structure of the alkaline ionized water device is not only protected from excessive pressure, but also the drinking water is prevented from flowing at a flow rate exceeding the capacity of the electrolytic cell.

The static water pressure of the tap water introduced into the alkaline ionized water device through the introduction water channel 103 is measured by the pressure switch 41. Then, it branches into a main water channel communicating with the main filter 11 and a bypass water channel communicating with the auxiliary filter 12. In the main water passage, a main filter 11 is provided downstream of the electromagnetic valve 51. Normally, the electromagnetic valve 51 is open and tap water is filtered by the main filter 11. The main filter 11 is a water purification cartridge containing a hollow fiber membrane filter and an antibacterial activated carbon filter,
Easy to replace. Therefore, turbid components such as chlorine, mold, bacteria, odor and red rust are filtered and removed by the main filter 11.

When the main filter 11 is used for a long period of time and its filtering function deteriorates and becomes clogged, the hydrostatic pressure of the introduced tap water increases. When the hydrostatic pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure, the pressure switch 41 operates, the circuit controlling the electromagnetic valve 51 is activated, and the electromagnetic valve 51 is closed. As a result, the main water channel communicating with the main filter 11 is closed, the hydrostatic pressure of the tap water is finally increased, and a pressure sufficient to open the relief valve 3 is applied to allow the bypass water channel to communicate. The pressure switch 41 or the electromagnetic valve 51
Even if the main water channel is not closed due to a problem with the above, if the static pressure of the tap water increases due to the clogging of the main filter 11, the relief valve 3 is opened and the bypass water channel communicates. The pressure required to open the relief valve 3 is
00 is set lower than the operating pressure of the safety valve, and the minimum value of the proper processing flow rate of the electrolytic cell 2 is set to the main filter 1.
It is set to operate before the flow rate of 1 interrupts.

On the other hand, in the bypass channel, the relief valve 3, the pressure switch 42 and the preliminary filter 1 are arranged in this order from the upstream side.
2 and a check valve 31 are provided, and the downstream end is the main filter 1
1 is connected near the filtered water outlet. When the hydrostatic pressure of the tap water introduced as described above increases, the relief valve 3 is opened and the bypass water passage communicates. When the bypass water channel is in communication, hydrostatic pressure is applied to the pressure switch 42, and a pilot lamp (not shown) as a notification means is turned on by the pressure switch 42 to advise the user that the main filter 11 should be replaced. Therefore, the alkaline ionized water device of the present embodiment is provided with the main filter replacement recommending means including the pressure switch 42 and the pilot lamp as the notifying means. The pressure switch 42 may be omitted, and the pilot lamp may be turned on by the pressure switch 41.

The preliminary filter 12 thus communicated is a small water purification cartridge having a hollow fiber membrane filter built therein, and is easily attached for replacement. The preliminary filter has a minimum water purification capacity (filtering capacity) in a necessary and sufficient range, but is designed with the goal of being relatively unlikely to be clogged and capable of withstanding long-term use. The usage time of the preliminary filter 12 is obtained by accumulating the operating time of the pressure switch 42 or the pressure switch 41 by a time measuring means (not shown). When the operating time reaches a predetermined value, another pilot lamp (not shown) makes a recommendation to the user to replace the preliminary filter 12.

The filtered water that has passed through the preliminary filter 12 passes through the check valve 31 and joins with the main channel of the filtered water that has passed through the main filter 11. The check valve 31 has an action of completely preventing the inflow (backflow) from the downstream of the main filter 12 to the auxiliary filter 12 when the bypass channel is closed, and preventing the mixture of bacteria, mold and odor. Relief valve 3 is installed in the bypass channel.
Therefore, it is possible to omit the check valve 31 and take a simplified configuration.

The filtered water that has passed through the main filter 11 or the preliminary filter 12 is passed through the calcium addition cylinder 8 and
It reaches the electrolytic cell 2. That is, the confluence of the main water channel and the bypass water channel is upstream of the calcium addition tube 8, and the filtered water always passes through the calcium addition tube 8 and flows into the electrolytic cell 2. Rich filtered water is supplied. Note that the calcium addition cylinder 8 may be provided upstream of the branch point between the main water channel and the bypass water channel.

As a result, filtered water rich in calcium is electrolyzed more efficiently in the electrolytic cell 2, and alkaline ionized water rich in calcium and acidic ionized water are supplied from the respective outlets 21 and 22. It As described in detail above, the alkaline ionized water device of the present embodiment has the preliminary filter 1
2 and the filter switching means including the relief valve 12 and the like, even if the main filter 11 is clogged, the flow rate does not abnormally decrease. As a result, the supply of filtered water to the electrolytic cell 2 is not delayed, so that the outlet 2
The alkalinity and acidity of drinking water obtained from Nos. 1 and 22 will not become abnormally strong, and electrolysis will not be stopped to prevent excessive electrolysis.

Therefore, it is possible to provide an alkaline ionized water conditioner which exhibits a normal function even when the main filter 11 is clogged. In addition, the preliminary filter 1
Since the calcium content is added to the filtered water by the calcium addition cylinder 8 even during use, the filtered water rich in calcium content is supplied to the electrolytic cell 2 as in the normal case, and the electrolysis proceeds efficiently.

Therefore, normal operation is possible until the user purchases a new replacement water purification cartridge and replaces the main filter 11. Further, in this embodiment, the pilot lamp is recommended to replace the main filter 11, and another pilot lamp is also recommended to replace the auxiliary filter 12. As a result, there is an effect that the user does not notice the clogging of the main filter 11 or the auxiliary filter 12 and there is no concern that the user is left unattended until a problem occurs.

Therefore, it is possible to provide an alkaline ionized water conditioner which also has a function of notifying the user of clogging of the main filter 11 and the auxiliary filter 12 and prompting the user to replace both filters 11 and 12. The main filter 11 and the preliminary filter 12 may be composed of one or a combination of activated carbon, antibacterial activated carbon, fibrous activated carbon and hollow fiber membrane.

(Embodiment 2) As shown in FIG. 1, an alkaline ionized water device as Embodiment 2 of the present invention has a simplified configuration of Embodiment 1. That is, in the alkaline ionized water device of this embodiment, the main filter 11, the preliminary filter 12, the electrolytic cell 2, the calcium addition cylinder 8 and the pressure switch 41 are the same as those of the first embodiment. Further, the water supply connection part 100 for introducing tap water into the alkaline ionized water device of this embodiment is also common to the first embodiment.

On the contrary, the part different from the first embodiment is the three-way valve 5
0 at the branch point to the main filter 11 and the preliminary filter 12, and at the calcium purified water outlet 20 opened and closed by a valve. The electromagnetic valve 51 on the main water channel, the relief valve 3 on the bypass water channel, the pressure switch 42, and the check valve 31 in the first embodiment are eliminated.

The alkaline ionized water conditioner of the second embodiment constructed as described above operates as follows. First, in the state where the main filter 11 is normal and is not clogged,
The three-way valve 50 communicates with the main water channel having the main filter 11 from the water supply connection unit 100, and does not communicate with the auxiliary filter 12. Therefore, tap water is introduced into the main filter 11 through the three-way valve 50, and the normal filtering function is exhibited. As in Example 1, the filtered water thus obtained is added with a calcium component in the calcium addition cylinder 8 and introduced into the electrolytic cell 2 to be separated into alkaline ionized water and acidic water. Supplied to users. At this time, the filtered water to which calcium is added is filtered through the filtered water outlet 2
It is also possible to take water from 0.

Next, when the main filter deteriorates and becomes clogged, the hydrostatic pressure of the introduced tap water increases and the pressure switch 41 operates. When the pressure switch 41 operates, the three-way valve 50 switches the flow path from the main water channel to the bypass water channel communicating with the auxiliary filter 12, and the tap water is filtered by the auxiliary filter 12. At the same time, a pilot lamp (not shown) as a notification means is turned on to advise the user that the main filter 11 should be replaced. Therefore, the alkaline ionized water device of the present embodiment is provided with the main filter replacement recommending means including the pressure switch 41 and the pilot lamp as the notifying means. It should be noted that means for accumulating the usage time of the preliminary filter 12 and recommending replacement thereof is not provided for simplification.

The filtered water that has passed through the preliminary filter 12 merges with the main channel of the filtered water that has passed through the main filter 11, and the subsequent steps are the same as during normal operation using the main filter 11. The alkaline ionized water device according to the present embodiment has the preliminary filter 12, the filter switching means including the pressure switch 41 and the three-way valve 50, and also has the main filter replacement recommending means and the like. The same effect can be exhibited. In addition, since the configuration is simplified as compared with the first embodiment as described above, there is an advantage that the product can be provided at a lower cost. Furthermore, it is possible to take filtered water containing calcium from the filtered water outlet 20,
New functions are also added.

(Embodiment 3) As shown in FIG. 3, the alkaline ionized water conditioner of the present embodiment has a structure having many points in common with Embodiment 1. The difference from the first embodiment is that the main filter 1
1 is to have a differential pressure switch 40 for measuring the static pressure difference between the introduction side and discharge side flow pipes, and an electromagnetic valve 52 in place of the relief valve 3 in the bypass water passage.

In the above structure, the solenoid valve 52 is normally closed and the solenoid valve 51 is opened so that tap water is introduced into the main filter 11. The water flow flowing through the main filter 11 is the main filter 1
1 causes a drop in static pressure between the upstream side and the downstream side, and this static pressure difference serves as an index of clogging of the main filter 11. Therefore, when the main filter 11 is clogged and cannot withstand normal use, the static pressure difference exceeds a predetermined value and the differential pressure switch 40 operates. Then, contrary to the normal state, the electromagnetic valve 51 is closed and the main water channel communicating with the main filter 11 is closed, and the other electromagnetic valve 52 is opened and the bypass water channel communicating with the preliminary filter 12 is opened. At the same time, a pilot lamp (not shown) as a notification means lights up, and the main filter 1
Recommend users to replace 1. That is, the alkaline ionized water device of the present embodiment is provided with the main filter replacement recommendation means including the differential pressure switch 41 and the pilot lamp as the notification means. In addition, the means for accumulating the usage time of the preliminary filter 12 and recommending its replacement is also
It is equipped as in the first embodiment.

Since the alkaline ionized water device of this embodiment operates as described above, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. (Embodiment 4) The alkaline ionized water device of this embodiment is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, a pressure switch 43 is provided in the flow path between the calcium addition cylinder 8 and the electrolytic cell 2 instead of the pressure switch 41 that operates with the static pressure of the tap water introduced in the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

In the alkaline ionized water device of the present embodiment, when the main filter 11 is clogged, the static pressure of the tap water introduced increases, the relief valve 12 gradually opens, and the flow path to the preliminary filter 12 is also increased. To communicate. Therefore, the electrolytic cell 2
The flow rate required for the normal operation of is secured. Main filter 1
When the clogging of No. 1 further progresses and the flow rate of the bypass water channel including the preliminary filter 12 increases, the hydrostatic pressure of tap water flowing into the preliminary filter 12 increases, and the pressure switch 42 operates. Then, the electromagnetic valve 51 is closed and the inflow to the main filter 11 whose function has deteriorated is interrupted, and the necessary flow rate of filtered water is secured only by the preliminary filter 12.

At the same time, the pressure switch 42 turns on a pilot lamp (not shown) serving as a notification means, and advises the user that the main filter 11 should be replaced. That is, the alkaline ionized water device of this embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment.
Like the above, the main filter replacement recommendation means is provided. In addition,
Similar to the first embodiment, a means for accumulating the usage time of the preliminary filter 12 by the pressure switch 42 and recommending its replacement is also provided.

Further, in the alkaline ionized water device of the present embodiment, the flow rate of filtered water flowing into the electrolytic cell 2 is detected by the pressure switch 43. Therefore, if the static pressure of the filtered water is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the electrolyzer 2 is turned on, and if it is lower than the predetermined value, the electrolyzer is turned off to stop electrolysis. As a result, for example, even if the recommendation is ignored and left for a long time, and not only the main filter 11 but also the auxiliary filter 12 is clogged, drinking water that is excessively electrolyzed and abnormally strong in alkalinity and acidity is generated. Supply is avoided.

Since the alkaline ionized water device of the present embodiment operates as described above, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the embodiment 1, and in addition, it is possible to remove excessively electrolyzed drinking water even if it is left for a long time. It is not provided and is more secure. (Embodiment 5) The alkaline ionized water device of this embodiment is shown in FIG.
As shown in, the relief valve 3, the water flow indicator 6, the main filter 11, the preliminary filter 12, the electrolytic cell 2, the alkaline ionized water and the acid ionized water outlets 21 and 22 are the main constituent elements. The purpose of this embodiment is to exemplify the simplest, most reliable and inexpensive alkaline ionized water device of the present invention while having the necessary functions.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned target, the alkaline ionized water device of this embodiment is constructed as follows. As the filter switching means for switching the flow path of the tap water introduced from the water supply connection section 100, only the relief valve 3 inserted in series at the introduction section of the bypass channel communicating with the preliminary filter 12 is provided. The bypass water passage is provided in parallel with the main water passage communicating with the main filter 12 as in the above-described embodiments.

As a means for recommending replacement of the main filter, the water flow indicator 6 inserted in the bypass channel in series with the relief valve 3 is used.
Have. The water flow indicator 6 is means for visually indicating to the user that there is a water flow in the bypass water channel communicating with the preliminary filter 12 by utilizing the dynamic pressure of the water flow, and a specific configuration will be described later. The main filter 11 and the auxiliary filter 12 are water purification cartridges having the same standard as each other, and are easily fixed to the upper end surface of the electrolytic cell 2 for replacement. This water purification cartridge contains a hollow fiber membrane filter, antibacterial activated carbon, coral sand, calcium lactate, Ioishi and bakuhanishi. As a result, this water purification cartridge has a function of adding to the filtered water calcium ions that assist the electrolytic action and minerals that are good for health, in addition to the same filtering action (water purification action) as the main filter 11 of the first embodiment. Have. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide the calcium addition cylinder 8 as in each of the above embodiments.

The above-mentioned portion is covered with a cover (not shown) so as to give a beautiful appearance, and only the portion of the water flow indicator is easily visible from the display window of the cover.
The introduction portion of the bypass water passage including the relief valve 3 and the water flow indicator 6 and the introduction portion of the main water passage are fixed and held inside the cover. Therefore, when the cover is lifted from the electrolytic cell 2 and removed, these introduction portions are disengaged from the main filter 11 and the preliminary filter 12, and the coupling is released. As a result, the main filter 11 and the preliminary filter 12 are in contact with the upper end surface of the electrolytic cell to expose the whole thereof, so that they can be easily attached and detached and replaced.

The electrolytic cell 2 is almost the same as each of the above-mentioned embodiments, but has an inlet port or an inlet water channel (not shown) for introducing filtered water from the main filter 11 and the auxiliary filter 12 inside. Have. In order to prevent excessive electrolysis, the electrolytic cell 2 has a built-in pH sensor, and the power for the electrode for electrolysis (made of titanium platinum) is automatically turned on / off. The alkaline ionized water, which is appropriately electrolyzed and rich in minerals, is supplied to the user from the outlet 21, and the acidic ionized water is supplied to the user from the outlet 22.

The alkaline ionized water conditioner of the present embodiment constructed as described above operates as follows. First, in a normal case where the main filter 11 is not yet clogged, the pressure of the tap water introduced from the water supply connection unit 100 is not so high, so the relief valve 3 closes the bypass water passage. Therefore, the tap water flows only through the main water channel communicating with the main filter 11, and the filtered water is introduced into the electrolytic cell 2.

When the main filter 11 is gradually clogged and the flow in the main water channel becomes poor, the hydrostatic pressure applied to the relief valve 3 gradually rises according to the degree. Then, the relief valve 3 causes the preliminary filter 12 to change depending on the degree of hydrostatic pressure.
Open the bypass channel connecting to. At this time, since the main water channel is not closed, the main filter 11 still exhibits the remaining filtering action.

Then, as the degree of clogging of the main filter 11 increases and the flow rate thereof decreases, the auxiliary filter 12
The flow rate to the electrolyzer 2 is increased to compensate for this, and there is no fear of causing a problem due to insufficient inflow into the electrolytic cell 2. Further, since the water purification cartridge having the same standard as that of the main filter 11 is used for the preliminary filter 12, even if the specific gravity of the preliminary filter 12 in the flow rate increases, the function thereof does not deteriorate.

When the flow rate to the preliminary filter 12 is increased in this way, the display components inside the water flow indicator 6 are driven by the force of the water flow to indicate to the user that there is a water flow and the degree of the flow velocity. The display on the water flow indicator 6 is visually recognized from the outside of the case. This is a recommendation means for recommending to the user that the main filter 11 should be replaced, since the filter switching means operates and the flow path communicates with the auxiliary filter 12.

The user who sees the recommendation of the main filter replacement by the water flow indicator 6 closes the tap of the water supply (not shown) and replaces the main filter 11 and the auxiliary filter 12. That is, the water purification cartridge of the clogged main filter 11 is discarded, the water purification cartridge which has been used as the preliminary filter 12 until now is moved to a predetermined position as the main filter 11, and the main filter 11 is replaced. (As described above, the main filter 11 and the auxiliary filter 12 are compatible since they are water purification cartridges of the same standard.) Then, the new water purification cartridge is put in place as the auxiliary filter 12.

In this way, the main filter 11 is provided with the water purification cartridge which has been used as the preliminary filter 12 for a while, so that it can be used for a long time. On the other hand, a new water purification cartridge is applied to the preliminary filter 12 to prepare for clogging of the main filter 11. As a result, it is possible to continue to use the alkaline ionized water device with peace of mind without any means for notifying the clogging of the preliminary filter 12.

As described above in detail, according to the alkaline ionized water device of the present embodiment, the normal function is exhibited even when the main filter 11 is clogged, as in the above embodiments. Also,
It is also possible to notify the user of clogging of the main filter 11 and prompt replacement of the main filter 11 and the auxiliary filter 12. In addition to this, according to the alkaline ionized water conditioner of the present embodiment, while having the necessary functions, the number of constituent elements is small, and the only functional component that uses electricity is the electrolytic cell 2, so it is the simplest and highly reliable. An inexpensive configuration can be provided. Furthermore, since the spare filter 12 is always replaced with a new one, there is no need to worry about the life of the spare filter 12 and there is no need to worry.
Moreover, it is not necessary to prepare two types of stocks for replacement, the main filter 11 and the auxiliary filter 12, and it is sufficient to prepare one kind of water purification cartridge for replacement.
Therefore, there is an advantage that it is economical because it saves the trouble of purchasing the filter.

(Structure of Water Flow Indicator of Fifth Embodiment) The alkaline ionized water conditioner as the fifth embodiment described above includes a water flow indicator provided on the introduction side of the preliminary filter 12 as a main filter replacement recommendation means. ing. In this water flow indicator 6,
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a twist vane type water flow indicator, a wheel type water flow indicator, a float type water flow indicator or the like may be used.

The twist vane type water flow indicator is shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), the entire outer peripheral surface is made of transparent plastic.
It is composed of a pipe 61 and a twisted plate (twist vane) 62 which is coaxially and rotatably held in the pipe 61. One surface of the twisted plate 62 and another surface opposite to the twisted plate 62 are colored in different colors, and when the twisted plate 62 rotates, its movement can be easily visually recognized. Therefore, the twist plate 6
When the water flow passes around 2, the twist plate 62 turns around in the transparent pipe 61, clearly indicating that there is a water flow in the bypass channel. Furthermore, the rotational speed of the twist plate 62 can be used to indicate an approximate flow rate.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the wheel type water flow indicator includes a transparent window 64, a case 63 for holding the transparent window 64 in a watertight manner, and a water wheel 65 rotatably held in the case 63. Consists of. When water flows through the water flow indicator 6, the water wheel 65, which has a turbine blade on its back surface and is axially supported by a rotating shaft projecting into the case 63, rotates around the axis. Radial or spiral patterns are drawn in vivid colors on the disk surface of the water wheel 65 facing the transparent window 64, and the rotation of the water wheel 65 is easily visible from the outside of the transparent window 64. In this way, this water flow indicator 6 is
The presence of water flow in the bypass channel and its approximate velocity can be displayed to the user.

As shown in FIG. 6C, the float type water flow indicator has a transparent flow path 66 made of a plastic pipe having a transparent wall surface 67 in the right half, and a flow direction in the flow path 66 in the flow direction. A float 68 having a resistance portion at both ends which is movably held along the display portion and a display portion connecting between the resistance portions.
Consists of The float 68 is made of a material having a higher specific gravity than water, and the plate-shaped display section has a recommendation message such as "please replace the filter".
The center of gravity of the float 68 is the wall surface 6 where the recommendation message is transparent.
It is designed to be stable in the direction easily visible from the outside through 7. In addition, an appropriate gap is provided between the float 68 and the peripheral flow path wall, and the float 68
Does not block the transparent channel 66.

The float 68 is contained on the opaque left side of the transparent flow path 66 when there is no water flow, but when water flows from the left to the right in the figure at a flow velocity exceeding a certain amount, it is pressed by the dynamic pressure to the right side. Move to, and the advisory message will be clearly visible from the outside. Since the specific gravity of the float 68 is heavy, it can be reset to its original position by tilting it to the left during the filter replacement work. The water flow indicator 6 has an advantage that once the water flow is present, the recommendation message can be continuously displayed until it is reset.

As a modified mode of the float type water flow indicator, there may be considered one having a float having a specific gravity lighter than that of water, and one having the transparent flow path 66 provided in the vertical direction.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an alkaline ionized water device of Example 1.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an alkaline ionized water device of Example 2.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an alkaline ionized water device of Example 3.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an alkaline ionized water device of Example 4.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an alkaline ionized water device of Example 5.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of various water flow indicators (a) Partial sectional view showing the configuration of a twist vane type water flow indicator (b) Partial sectional view showing the configuration of a wheel type water flow indicator (c) Float type Front view showing the configuration of the water flow indicator

[Explanation of symbols]

11: Main filter 12: Preliminary filter 2: Electrolytic cell 3: Relief valve 40: Differential pressure switch 41, 42, 43: Pressure switch 50: Three-way valve 51, 52: Solenoid valve 6: Water flow indicator 8: Calcium addition cylinder

Front page continuation (72) Inventor Minoru Hatano 1-1-1 Showa-cho, Kariya city, Aichi prefecture

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An alkaline ionized water device having a main filter into which drinking water is introduced and an electrolytic cell into which filtered water from the main filter is introduced, and a preliminary filter provided in parallel with the main filter, When the water pressure of the drinking water introduced into the main filter is equal to or lower than the specified pressure, the preliminary filter is closed, and when the specified pressure is exceeded, a filter switching means for communicating the preliminary filter is provided. Water bottle. 2. The switching means is incorporated into either the introduction portion of the drinking water to the preliminary filter or the discharge portion of filtered water from the preliminary filter, from the introduction side of the preliminary filter toward the discharge side. The relief valve according to claim 1,
Alkaline ion water conditioner described. 3. The switching means is activated either by a pressure switch operated by the water pressure of the drinking water or a differential pressure switch operated by a differential pressure between the drinking water and the filtered water, and by the switch. The alkaline ionized water device according to claim 1, comprising a filter switching valve. 4. The switching valve is either a three-way valve provided at a branch point or a junction of the main filter and the preliminary filter, or a solenoid valve provided at an introduction portion or an exhaust portion of the preliminary filter. The alkaline ionized water conditioner according to claim 3. 5. The alkaline ionized water device according to claim 1, further comprising a main filter replacement recommending means that indicates that the switching means is activated and the preliminary filter is in communication. 6. The alkaline ionized water device according to claim 5, wherein the recommendation means is a water flow indicator provided on the introduction side or the discharge side of the preliminary filter. 7. The recommendation means is activated either by a pressure switch operated by the water pressure of the drinking water or by a differential pressure switch operated by the differential pressure between the drinking water and the filtered water, and by the switch. The alkaline ionized water device according to claim 5, further comprising a notification means. 8. Between the main filter and the electrolytic cell,
A calcium addition cylinder, an electrolysis accelerator addition cylinder, or a mineral content addition cylinder is provided, and a confluence point of filtered water from the main filter and the preliminary filter is provided between the main filter and the addition cylinder. Item 1. The alkaline ionized water conditioner according to item 1.