JPH08318272A - Electrolytic water maker - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To prevent that the life of electrodes is shortened by the generation of discharge between electrodes or the generation of a short-circuit only at the parts where waterdrops are bonded of the electrodes by preventing that DC voltage is applied across the electrodes in such a state that the electrodes in an electrolytic cell are not immersed in water in an electrolytic water maker. CONSTITUTION: An integrating timer 34 is used to measure the time from a point of time when the passage of water is detected by a flow sensor 4 to a point of time when the electrodes in an electrolytic cell are partially immersed in water and a power supply circuit 10 is controlled for this time by a control circuit 12 so as not to apply DC voltage to the electrodes.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generator used for producing alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, an electrolyzed water generator is used to obtain alkaline ionized water for drinking and acidic ionized water used for beauty or disinfection. This electrolyzed water generator has one end connected to a faucet to which water such as tap water is supplied, and the other end connected to an electrolyzer for electrolyzing the water to generate alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water. Electrolyzed water generator including a channel, a water flow detection means provided in the supply path, and a power supply circuit that applies a DC voltage to the anode and cathode of the electrolytic cell when the water flow detection means detects water flow Is used. Then, the alkaline ionized water and the acidic ionized water generated in the electrolytic bath are supplied to the outside of the electrolytic water generator through the alkaline ionized water outflow passage and the acidic ionized water outflow passage, respectively. In the electrolyzed water generator, water in the electrolyzer is discharged when alkaline ionized water or acidic ionized water is not being produced in order to prevent bacteria from propagating in the electrolyzer.

[0003]

However, in an electrolyzed water generator that drains water from an electrolytic cell after using alkaline ionized water or acidic ionized water, the water flow detection means provided upstream of the electrolytic cell is used for water flow detection. A DC voltage is applied to the electrolytic cell when the supply is detected, but at this time, the electrodes in the electrolytic cell may still be in contact with air or have water droplets. When a voltage is applied here, a discharge may occur between the electrodes, or a short circuit may occur only in the portion where the water drops are attached, and as a result, the life of the electrodes may be shortened.

[0004]

In order to solve the above problems, the electrolyzed water generator of the present invention electrolyzes water supplied from a supply passage to generate alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water. An electrolytic cell for flowing the alkaline ionized water and the acidic ionized water into the alkaline ionized water outflow path and the acidic ionized water outflow path, a power supply circuit for applying a DC voltage to the electrodes of the electrolytic cell, and water in the electrolytic cell. In an electrolyzed water generator comprising drainage means for discharging the water, a detection means for detecting that the electrode is submerged in the water, and a case where the detection means detects that the electrode is submerged in the water And a control means for applying a DC voltage from the power supply circuit to the electrode of the electrolytic cell.

[0005]

In the electrolyzed water generator of the present invention, when the water is supplied from the supply path to the electrolytic cell and the detection means detects that the electrode in the electrolytic cell is immersed in the water, the control means is the power supply circuit. Is used to apply a voltage to the electrodes of the electrolytic cell to generate alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.
Will be explained. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electrolyzed water generator A of the first embodiment. Electrolyzed water generator A
Is a water purification cartridge 2, a flow sensor 4, an electrolyte addition cylinder 6, an electrolytic bath 8, a power supply circuit 10, and a control circuit 1.
It is roughly composed of 2. The raw water supplied from the faucet 14 is supplied to the water purification cartridge 2 through the raw water flow path 16 and is purified by filtering the raw water by the water purification cartridge 2. The purified water flowing out of the purified water cartridge 2 is supplied to the electrolyte addition cylinder 6 through the purified water flow path 18 in which the flow sensor 4 is interposed. In the electrolyte addition cylinder 6, the purified water is added with an electrolyte, becomes an electrolyte solution, flows out from the electrolyte addition cylinder 6, and is supplied to the electrolytic cell 8 through the electrolyte dissolution liquid channel 20. In the electrolytic bath 8, the electrolyte solution is electrolyzed into alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water, and the alkaline ionized water flows out from the alkaline ionized water outflow path 22 and the acidic ionized water flows out from the acidic ion water outflow path 24. In addition, in the first embodiment, the raw water channel 16, the purified water channel 18, and the electrolyte solution channel 20 constitute a supply channel.

The flow sensor 4 sends a flow rate detection signal to the control circuit 12 when it detects the flow of water, and sends a flow rate stop signal to the control circuit 12 when it no longer detects the flow. The electrolyte addition cylinder 6 adds an electrolyte to purified water to form an electrolyte solution. In the electrolytic bath 8, the electrolyte solution is electrolyzed into alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water. Inside the electrolytic cell 8, each has a cylindrical anode 9a.
A diaphragm 8a, a cathode 9b, and a diaphragm 8b are provided coaxially in this order from the outside, and a cylindrical anode 9c is provided at the center.
A DC voltage is applied by a power supply circuit 10 to the anode 9a, the cathode 9b, and the anode 9c (hereinafter collectively referred to as the electrode 9). The power supply circuit 10 is the control circuit 1
A DC voltage is applied to the electrode 9 in the electrolytic cell 8 to electrolyze by the signal from the electrolysis tank 8 and, in the case of reverse electrolysis, the electrode 9
A reverse polarity voltage is applied to the electrodes to perform reverse electrolytic cleaning of the electrodes.

Further, a drainage path for discharging the water in the water purification cartridge 2, the electrolyte addition cylinder 6 and the electrolysis tank 8 after the electrolysis of water is formed, and this drainage path is the water purification passage 1
8 and the electrolyte solution passage 20, the first drainage channel 26, and the second drainage channel 28. First drainage channel 26
Has one end communicatively connected to the purified water flow path 18 and the other end opened to the outside of the electrolyzed water generator A. One end of the second drainage channel 28 is connected to the electrolyte solution flow channel 20, and the other end thereof is connected to the first drainage channel 26. An electromagnetic valve 30 is provided on the downstream side of the first drainage channel 26 at the communication connection point between the first drainage channel 26 and the second drainage channel 28. The solenoid valve 30 is opened when the water in the electrolyzed water generator A is drained to allow the flow of the first drainage channel 26, and closed when the water is not drained to the first drainage channel 26. To block the flow of
It is controlled by the control circuit 12. Further, a check valve 32 is provided in the second drainage channel 28, and the water purification channel 1
The purified water of No. 8 is the first drainage channel 2 without passing through the electrolyte addition cylinder 6.
6, through the second drainage channel 28, the electrolyte is prevented from flowing into the electrolytic cell 8 without being added.

The control circuit 12 has an internal storage section (not shown).
When the flow sensor 4 detects a flow at an average flow rate, the electrolytic solution 8 is filled with the electrolyte solution (hereinafter referred to as a filling time) Tm (2 seconds in the first embodiment) and an average flow rate. Time (hereinafter referred to as reverse electrolysis time) Ts (hereinafter referred to as the first electrolysis time) during which the scale adhering to the surface of the electrode 9 can be removed after being used in a water amount.
It stores 10 seconds in the embodiment) and the time Tn (8 seconds in the first embodiment) during which water is drained from the water purification cartridge 2, the electrolyte addition cylinder 6, and the electrolytic cell 8 (hereinafter, drainage time). ing. The filling time Tm and the reverse electrolysis time T
The s and the drainage time Tn are times previously obtained by experiments. Further, the control circuit 12 instructs the power supply circuit 10 to start energization, stop energization, start reverse electrolysis, stop reverse electrolysis, control opening and closing of the solenoid valve 30, and start, stop, and reset the integration timer 34. It controls and receives the flow rate detection signal and the flow rate stop signal from the flow sensor 4.

The integrating timer 34 receives the start signal from the control circuit 12 and starts counting the integrated value T of time,
Stops counting when receiving a stop signal. Further, the integrated value T is returned to 0 upon receiving the reset signal. Further, while counting the integrated value T of time, the control circuit 12 is always
To send that value to.

Next, the control configuration of the control circuit 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step 10, the integration timer 34 is reset, and when the flow sensor 4 sends a flow rate detection signal (step 20), the integration timer 34 is started (step 30). When it is determined that the integrated value T of the integration timer 34 has reached the filling time Tm (step 40), energization of the electrode 9 is started (step 50) and the integration timer 34 is stopped (step 60). When a flow rate stop signal is transmitted from the flow sensor 4 (step 7
0), stop energizing the electrode 9 (step 80).

The integration timer 34 is reset (step 9
0), a reverse polarity voltage is applied to the electrode 9 to start reverse electrolysis (step 100), and the integration timer 34 is started (step 110). When it is determined that the integrated value T becomes equal to the reverse electrolysis time Ts (step 120), the reverse electrolysis is stopped (step 130), and the integration timer 34 is stopped (step 140). The integration timer 34 is reset (step 140) and the solenoid valve 30 is opened (step 1
60) and start the integration timer 34 (step 1
70). When it is determined that the integrated value T becomes equal to the drainage time Tn (step 180), the solenoid valve 30 is closed (step 190), and the integrated timer 34 is stopped (step 200).

In the first embodiment, the flow sensor 4
The integration timer 34 and steps 10 to 40 of the control circuit 12 correspond to the detection means, and step 50 of the control circuit 12 corresponds to the control means.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described below. When the electrolyzed water generator A is not electrolyzing water, the control circuit 12 resets the integration timer 34 in step 10 and waits for the input of the flow rate detection signal from the flow sensor 4 in step 20. There is. In this state, when the user opens the faucet 14, the raw water supplied from the faucet 14 is purified in the water purification cartridge 2 through the raw water channel 16. The purified water flowing out from the purified water cartridge 2 flows into the electrolyte addition cylinder 6 through the purified water flow path 18. At this time, when the flow sensor 4 provided in the purified water flow path 18 detects the flow of water, the control circuit 12
The flow rate detection signal is transmitted to the control circuit 12, and the control circuit 12 having received the flow rate detection signal in step 20 starts the integration timer 34 (step 30).

The control circuit 12 requires the integrated value T transmitted from the integration timer 34 to fill the electrolytic cell 8 with water at an average flow rate, and the charging time Tm stored in the control circuit 12 in advance. Step 40 is repeated until they are equal to each other, and the power supply circuit 10 is prevented from applying the DC voltage to the electrode 9. During this filling time Tm, the purified water is the electrolyte addition cylinder 6
Then, the electrolyte is added to form an electrolyte solution, which flows into the electrolytic cell 8 through the electrolyte solution channel 20 and fills the electrolytic cell 8. That is, no DC voltage is applied to the electrode 9 and electrolysis is not performed until the inside of the electrolytic cell 8 is filled with the electrolyte solution.

After the lapse of the charging time Tm, the control circuit 12 causes the power supply circuit 10 to start applying a DC voltage to the electrode 9 (step 50) to electrolyze the electrolyte solution and stop the integration timer 34 (step 50). Step 60). As for the electrolyzed ionized water, the alkaline ionized water flows out of the electrolyzed water generator A through the alkaline ionized water outflow passage 22 and the acidic ionized water passes through the acidic ion water outflow passage 22. Faucet 14
When the flow sensor 4 does not detect water flow, the control circuit 1 that has received the flow rate stop signal in step 70 is closed.
2 causes the power supply circuit 10 to stop applying the direct current to the electrode 9 (step 80). Then, in step 100, the power supply circuit 10 is applied with a voltage of opposite polarity to the electrode 9,
Wash. At this time, the integration timer 34 is reset (step 90) and started (step 110),
When it is determined in step 120 that the integrated value T has become equal to the reverse electrolysis time Ts, the power circuit 10 stops the reverse electrolysis (step 130) and the cleaning of the electrode 9 is completed.

Next, the control circuit 12 stops the integration timer 34 (step 140), resets it (step 150), and then opens the solenoid valve 30 (step 16).
0), the water in the electrolyzed water generator A is discharged. The water in the water purification cartridge 2 and a part of the water in the electrolyte addition cylinder 6 are the first
Of water remaining in the electrolyte addition cylinder 6 and water in the electrolysis tank 8 flows through the second drainage channel 28 via the check valve 32 and flows through the drainage channel 26 of the first drainage channel 26. The water merges with the water inside, flows through the opened solenoid valve 30, and is discharged to the outside of the electrolyzed water generator A. Next, the control circuit 12 causes the above-described step 16 to be performed.
After performing the processing of 0, the integration timer 34 is started (step 170), and the integration value T
When it is determined that the water discharge time becomes equal to the drainage time Tn, the solenoid valve 3
The valve 0 is closed (step 190), the drainage of the electrolyzed water generator A is terminated, and the integration timer 34 is stopped (step 200).

As described above, in the electrolyzed water generator A of the first embodiment, the flow of water is started, the flow sensor 4 detects the flow, and transmits the flow rate detection signal to the control circuit 12 before the electrolysis. No voltage is applied to the electrode 9 and electrolysis is not performed during the time Tm until the electrolytic solution is filled in the tank 8.
As a result, no voltage is applied when the electrode 9 is in contact with air or water droplets are present, and discharge occurs between the electrodes 9 or a short circuit occurs only in the water droplet portion. As a result, it is possible to prevent the life of the electrode 9 from being shortened. Further, in the first embodiment, since the flow sensor 4 is provided on the upstream side of the electrolyte addition cylinder 6, the electrolyte does not adhere to the flow sensor 4 and the accuracy of the flow sensor 4 can be prevented from being degraded. . Further, by using the existing parts for the conventional electrolyzed water generator and changing the program in the control circuit 12, it is possible to prevent the discharge between the electrodes 9 and the short circuit only in the part where the water droplets are attached. , It does not lead to cost increase.

In the first embodiment, a predetermined amount of water sufficient for the electrode 9 in the electrolytic cell 8 to be immersed in the electrolyte solution,
Although the amount of the electrolyte solution 8 is filled with the electrolyte solution, even if the electrolytic bath 8 is not filled with water, even if a part of the electrode 9 is submerged in water, a discharge occurs between the electrodes 9. Since it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a short circuit and the occurrence of a short circuit only in the part where the water drops are attached, the amount of water with which a part of the electrode 9 is immersed may be set to a predetermined amount.

In the first embodiment, the structure in which water is drained from the water purification cartridge 2, the electrolyte addition cylinder 6 and the electrolytic cell 8 by introducing air from the outlets of the alkaline ionized water and the acidic ionized water during drainage. Although,
Water purification cartridge 2, electrolyte addition cylinder 6 and electrolysis tank 8
In addition, an air intake valve that is closed when water pressure is applied from the inside and opened when draining water may be provided so that draining can be performed quickly.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the electrolyzed water generator B of the second embodiment. In FIG. 3, FIG.
The same components as those in FIG. In the second embodiment, the flow sensor 4 of the first embodiment is used.
Instead of the control circuit 12, the flowmeter 40 and the control circuit 4
2 and 2 are provided respectively. The flow meter 40 transmits a flow rate pulse to the control circuit 42 for each predetermined flow rate. Therefore, by counting the number of the flow rate pulses, the integrated value as the integrated flow rate of the water passing through the flow meter 40 can be obtained.

The control circuit 42 uses an internal counter (not shown) to count the pulses transmitted from the flowmeter 40 as the integrated value Q. In addition, in the storage unit (not shown), the number Qm (hereinafter, referred to as the number of flow pulses of the flow meter 40, which is the volume of the flow path from the location where the flow meter 40 is installed to the outlet of the electrolytic cell 8 (Filling flow rate Qm), the reverse electrolysis time Ts that can remove the scale adhering to the surface of the electrode 9 after being used with an average water flow rate, and the water is drained from the water purification cartridge 2, the electrolyte addition cylinder 6, and the electrolytic cell 8 during drainage. Draining time T to cut
Remember n. Further, the control circuit 42 is the power supply circuit 1
0 is instructed to start energization, stop energization, start reverse electrolysis, and stop reverse electrolysis, control the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 30, and control the integration timer 3
4 and the flowmeter 40 are controlled to start, stop, and reset.

Next, the control configuration of the control circuit 42 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 4, step 90 and subsequent steps are the same as those in FIG. In step 11, the integrated value Q of the counter in the control circuit 42 is reset to 0 and reset. When the flow rate pulse is transmitted from the flow meter 40 (step 21), the integrated value Q is incremented by 1 (step 3).
1). If it is determined in step 41 that the integrated value Q has reached the full flow rate Qm, the process proceeds to step 50, and if it is determined that it is not, the process returns to step 21. When it is determined in step 41 that the integrated value Q has become Qm, the energization of the electrode 9 is started (step 50). When the flow pulse from the flow meter 40 is not transmitted even after 2 seconds from the previous transmission (step 71), the power supply to the electrode 9 is stopped (step 80).

In the second embodiment, the flow sensor 4
The counter in the control circuit 42 and steps 11 to 41 of the control circuit 42 correspond to the detection means, and step 50 of the control circuit 42 corresponds to the control means.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described below. The operation after the stop of electrolysis, which corresponds to step 90 and the subsequent steps of the flowchart of FIG. 4, is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof is omitted, and the steps 11 to 80 in the flowchart of FIG. 4 are described below. Only its operation will be described.

When the electrolyzed water generator B is not electrolyzing water, the control circuit 42 resets the integrated value Q of the internal counter to 0 in step 11 and resets the flow rate pulse from the flow meter 40. Until step 21 is repeated. In this state, when the user opens the faucet 14, the raw water supplied from the faucet 14 flows through the raw water flow path 16
Water is purified in the water purification cartridge 2 through the. The purified water flowing out from the purified water cartridge 2 flows into the electrolyte addition cylinder 6 through the purified water flow path 18. At this time, a flow rate pulse is transmitted from the flow meter 40 provided in the purified water flow path 18 to the control circuit 42, and the control circuit 42 receiving the flow rate pulse in step 21 adds 1 to the integrated value Q in step 31.

In the control circuit 42, the total value Q of the counter is the number of pulses corresponding to the volume of the flow path from the flow meter 40 to the ion water outlet of the electrolytic cell 8 in step 41.
Steps 21 to 41 are repeated until it becomes equal to m, and the power supply circuit 10 is prevented from applying the DC voltage to the electrode 9. While the water having the filling flow rate Qm is supplied, the purified water is added with an electrolyte in the electrolyte addition cylinder 6, becomes an electrolyte solution, and flows into the electrolytic cell 8 through the electrolyte solution channel 20.
The electrolytic cell 8 is filled. That is, no voltage is applied to the electrode 9 and electrolysis is not performed until the electrolytic bath 8 is filled with the electrolyte solution.

After the electrolytic bath 8 is filled with the electrolytic solution, the control circuit 42 causes the power supply circuit 10 to start applying a DC voltage to the electrode 9 in step 50 to electrolyze the electrolytic solution. When the interval between the flow rate pulses transmitted from the flow meter 40 reaches 2 seconds or more in step 71, the faucet 14 is closed, it is determined that the water flow has stopped, and the power supply circuit 10 stops the energization of the electrode 9.

As described above, in the electrolyzed water generator B of the second embodiment, after the electrolyzer 8 is supplied to the electrolyzer 8 with a sufficient flow rate Qm to fill the electrolyzer 8 with purified water, By starting energization, it is possible to prevent the electrode 9 from short-circuiting. Further, in the second embodiment, the filling flow rate Qm required to fill the electrolytic cell 8 with purified water is supplied, so that the electrolytic solution is reliably filled in the electrolytic cell 8 and the electrolytic water generator Non-electrolyzed water is not discharged from B. Further, since the flow sensor 4 is provided on the upstream side of the electrolyte addition cylinder 6, the electrolyte does not adhere to the flow sensor 4 and the accuracy of the flow sensor 4 can be prevented from being degraded. In addition, in the second embodiment, the predetermined amount of water sufficient for the electrode 9 in the electrolytic bath 8 to be immersed in the electrolytic solution is set to the amount that the electrolytic bath 8 is filled with the electrolytic solution. Even if the electrolytic cell 8 is not filled with water, only a part of the electrode 9 is submerged in water.
Since it is possible to prevent electric discharge from occurring and a short circuit from occurring only in the portion where water droplets are attached, the amount of water with which a part of the electrode 9 is immersed may be set to a predetermined amount.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of the electrolyzed water generator C of the third embodiment. In FIG. 5, FIG.
The same components as those in FIG. In the third embodiment, a control circuit 52 is provided instead of the control circuit 12 of the first embodiment. The flow sensor 4 is
It is provided in the vicinity of the electrolytic tank 8 of the acidic ionized water outflow path 24, and sends a flow rate detection signal to the control circuit 52 when the flow of water is detected and a flow rate stop signal when the flow is no longer detected.

The control circuit 52 has an internal storage section (not shown).
In addition, the reverse electrolysis time Ts that can remove the scale adhering to the surface of the electrode 9 after using with an average water flow rate, and the drainage time Tn when water is drained from the water purification cartridge 2, the electrolyte addition cylinder 6 and the electrolytic cell 8 during drainage are I remember. Further, the control circuit 52 instructs the power supply circuit 10 to start energization, stop energization, start reverse electrolysis, and stop reverse electrolysis, control opening and closing of the solenoid valve 30, and start, stop, and reset the integration timer 34. To control.

Next, the control configuration of the control circuit 52 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6 is the same as FIG. 2 except steps 10, 30, 40, and 60 in FIG. 2, and therefore the description of step 90 and subsequent steps will be omitted, and steps 20 to 80 will be described.

When a flow rate detection signal is transmitted from the flow sensor 4 (step 20), energization of the electrode 9 is started (step 50). When the flow rate stop signal is transmitted from the flow sensor 4 (step 70), the power supply to the electrode 9 is stopped (step 80).

In the third embodiment, the flow sensor 4
Corresponds to the detecting means, and step 50 of the control circuit 52 corresponds to the controlling means.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described below. The operation after the stop of electrolysis, which corresponds to step 90 and the subsequent steps of the flowchart of FIG. 6, is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof is omitted, and the steps 20 to 80 in the flowchart of FIG. Only its operation will be described.

When the electrolyzed water generator C is not electrolyzing water, the control circuit 52 waits for the input of the flow rate detection signal from the flow sensor 4 in step 20. In this state, when the user opens the faucet 14, the raw water supplied from the faucet 14 is purified in the water purification cartridge 2 through the raw water channel 16. The purified water that has flowed out of the purified water cartridge 2 flows into the electrolyte addition cylinder 6 through the purified water flow path 16. The purified water is added with an electrolyte in the electrolyte addition cylinder 6, becomes an electrolyte solution, flows into the electrolytic cell 8 through the electrolyte solution channel 20, and fills the electrolytic cell 8. The electrolyte solution flows out of the electrolytic cell 8 and into the alkaline ion water flow path 22 and the acidic ion water flow path 24. At this time, if the flow sensor 4 provided in the acidic ion water flow path 24 detects the flow of water, the control circuit 52 The control circuit 52 that has transmitted the flow rate detection signal to the power supply circuit 10 and has received the flow rate detection signal in step 20 causes the power supply circuit 10 to start applying a DC voltage to the electrode 9 (step 50) to electrolyze the electrolyte solution.

As described above, in the electrolyzed water generator C of the third embodiment, water flow is started and the raw water is the water purification cartridge 2,
Since the flow sensor 4 detects the flow rate after filling the electrolytic cell 8 through the electrolyte addition cylinder 6, the electrolytic cell 8 is filled with the electrolytic solution when the flow rate detection signal is transmitted to the control circuit 52. . As a result, no voltage is applied when the electrodes 9 are in contact with air or water droplets are attached, and discharge occurs between the electrodes 9,
A short circuit occurs only in the part where water drops are attached, and as a result, the electrode 9
It is possible to prevent shortening the life of the. Further, in the third embodiment, the flow sensor 4 is provided on the downstream side of the electrolytic cell 8 so that the electrolytic cell 8 is reliably filled with the electrolyte solution and the water not electrolyzed from the electrolytic water generator C is supplied. Is hardly discharged. Further, by using existing parts for the conventional electrolyzed water generator and changing the installation location of the flow sensor 4, it is possible to prevent discharge between the electrodes 9 and short circuit only in the part where water drops are attached. ,
It will not lead to cost increase.

In the third embodiment, the flow sensor 4
Is provided in the acidic ionized water discharge passage 24, but the same effect can be obtained by providing it in the alkaline ionized water discharge passage 22. Further, in the third embodiment, the predetermined amount of water sufficient for the electrode 9 in the electrolytic bath 8 to be immersed in the electrolytic solution is set to the amount that the electrolytic bath 8 is filled with the electrolytic solution. The flow sensor 4 is provided in the vicinity of the electrolytic bath 8 of the acidic ionized water discharge passage 22, but even if the electrolytic bath 8 is not filled with water, the electrode 9 may be partially immersed in the water. Since it is possible to prevent electric discharge from occurring and a short circuit from occurring only in the portion where water droplets are attached, the amount of water with which a part of the electrode 9 is immersed may be set to a predetermined amount. In this case, instead of the flow sensor 4, a water level meter may be provided in the electrolytic cell 8 to detect that the electrolyte solution has been supplied to the electrolytic cell 8 at a predetermined water level.

Although the second drainage channel 28 is provided as the drainage channel of the electrolytic cell 8 in the first to third embodiments, the alkaline ionized water outflow channel 22 and the acidic ionized water outflow channel 24 are used as drainage channels. You may use as. At that time, in order to facilitate draining of water in the electrolytic cell 8 during drainage, it is preferable to supply the electrolyte solution from the upper side of the electrolytic cell 8 and to let the alkaline ion water and the acidic ion water flow out from the lower side. . By doing so, the alkaline ionized water outflow channel 22 or the acidic ionized water outflow channel 24 can be used as a drainage channel, and it is not necessary to provide a separate drainage channel.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, the structure for automatically performing the reverse electrolytic cleaning of the electrode 9 and the drainage of the electrolyzed water generators A, B and C when the water flow is stopped. However, when a user provides a switch for instructing drainage, and when a signal is input from this switch, the control circuits 12, 42 and 52 cause the control circuits 12, 42 and 52, respectively, of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 and FIG. It is also possible to perform drainage by manual input by opening the solenoid valve by performing the control after step 150.

[0041]

As described above, in the electrolyzed water generator of the present invention, the DC voltage is applied to the electrode when the detection means detects that the electrode is immersed in water. It is possible to prevent discharge between the electrodes, which is caused by applying a voltage before being immersed in water, and a short circuit only in a portion where water drops are attached, and it is possible to prolong the life of the electrode.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electrolyzed water generator A according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart showing a control configuration of a control circuit 12 of the electrolyzed water generator A according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electrolyzed water generator B according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart showing a control configuration of a control circuit 42 of an electrolyzed water generator B according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electrolyzed water generator C according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart showing a control configuration of a control circuit 52 of an electrolyzed water generator C according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A Electrolyzed water generator of the first embodiment of the present invention B Electrolyzed water generator of the second embodiment of the present invention C Electrolyzed water generator of the third embodiment of the present invention 2 Water purification cartridge 4 Flow sensor 6 Electrolyte addition cylinder 8 Electrolyzer 9a Anode 8a Diaphragm 9b Cathode 8b Diaphragm 9c Anode 9 Electrode (collective term for anode 9a, cathode 9b, and anode 9c) 10 Power supply circuit 12 Control circuit 14 Faucet 16 Raw water flow path 18 Clean water flow path 20 Electrolyte solution flow path 22 Alkali Ion water outflow channel 24 Acidic ion water outflow channel 26 First drainage channel (drainage means) 28 Second drainage channel (drainage means) 30 Electromagnetic valve (drainage means) 32 Check valve (drainage means) 34 Integrated timer 40 Flow meter 42 Control circuit 52 Control circuit

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. The water supplied from the supply channel is electrolyzed to generate alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water, and the alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water are respectively fed to the alkaline ionized water outflow channel and the acidic ionized water outflow channel. Outflowing electrolyzer,
In an electrolyzed water generator comprising a power supply circuit for applying a DC voltage to the electrode of the electrolytic cell and a draining means for discharging water in the electrolytic cell, a detection means for detecting that the electrode is immersed in the water. And a control means for applying a DC voltage from the power supply circuit to the electrode of the electrolytic cell when the detection means detects that the electrode is immersed in the water. Water generator.