JPH0866683A - Electrolyzed water forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an electrolyzed water forming device low in waste of water and power and capable of always accurately using the electrolyzed water in a storage tank. CONSTITUTION: In the electrolyzed water forming device in which a water supply by a water supplying means is controlled based on a starting and stopping signal from a water level detecting means installed in the storage tank and a power supply from a power source circuit to an electrolytic cell is controlled by a control device and the electrolyzed water is formed at the electrolytic cell by electrolyzing a raw water supplied to the electrolytic cell and this electrolyzed water is introduced by an introducing means and the water level is maintained in a prescribed range, the storage tank is provided with an overflow-pipe, and the control means is provided with a periodically operating means (step 202, 211-216). The water supply and power supply to the electrolytic cell is executed within the second set time T2 when a starting signal is not outputted from the water level detecting means within the first set time T1 from a stop of water supply and power supply to the electrolytic cell by this periodic operating means.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water producing apparatus for electrolyzing raw water to produce electrolyzed water.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As one of electrolyzed water generators, water can be supplied to an electrolysis tank by a water supply means, and water can be transferred from the electrolysis tank to a storage tank by a water transfer means, and a power supply circuit can supply electricity to the electrolysis tank As a water supply to the electrolysis tank, a controller controls the water supply by the water supply means and the energization of the electrolytic cell from the power supply circuit based on the start and stop signals from the water level detection means provided in the storage tank. There is one in which raw water is electrolyzed in the electrolyzer to generate electrolyzed water, which is guided to the water guiding means to maintain the water level in the storage tank within a predetermined range. -99686 publication. In the electrolyzed water generator of the above-mentioned publication, the lower limit water level switch and the upper limit water level switch are adopted as the water level detecting means for outputting the start and stop signals, and when the lower limit water level switch is turned on (when the start signal is output. )
Water supply and energization to the electrolyzer are started and maintained, and water supply and energization to the electrolyzer are stopped and maintained when the high water level switch is turned on (when a stop signal is output). ing.

[0003]

In the electrolyzed water generator of the above publication, when the electrolyzed water in the storage tank is not used for a long time, the electrolyzed water in the storage tank is maintained in a reserved state. By the way, it is known that electrolyzed water obtained by electrolysis changes with time due to contact with light or air and returns to a state close to raw water. For this reason, the storage tank is made of a light-shielding material or has a semi-enclosed structure to suppress the change over time. However, since it is impossible to completely eliminate the change with time of electrolyzed water,
If the electrolyzed water in the storage tank is not used for a long time,
There is a case where a method of draining the electrolyzed water in the storage tank and then again generating the electrolyzed water in the electrolysis tank and storing the electrolyzed water in the storage tank. According to such a method, there is an advantage that electrolyzed water deteriorated over time is not used, but much water and electric power are wasted, and especially when the storage tank has a large capacity, the maintenance cost is high. However, there is a problem that a lot of time is required for draining and storing water, and electrolyzed water cannot be used accurately during that time. The present invention has been made to address the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose thereof is that the change with time of electrolyzed water depends on a specific time (water temperature, ambient temperature, shape of storage tank, pH value of electrolyzed water, etc.). It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrolyzed water generation device which is less wasteful of water and electric power and which can appropriately use electrolyzed water in a storage tank at any time based on the experimental result that it remarkably occurs after a lapse of time.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, in the present invention, water can be supplied to an electrolytic cell by a water supply means, and water can be transferred from the electrolytic cell to a storage tank by a water guiding means. A power supply circuit can energize the electrolytic cell, and the controller controls the water supply by the water supply means and the energization of the electrolytic cell from the power supply circuit based on start and stop signals from a water level detecting means provided in the storage tank. Then, the raw water supplied to the electrolyzer is electrolyzed in the electrolyzer to generate electrolyzed water, which is guided to the water guiding means so that the water level in the storage tank is maintained within a predetermined range. In the electrolyzed water generator described above, an overflow pipe is provided in the storage tank, and a periodic operation means is provided in the control means. The water supply and power from the water supply and stopping the energization of the electrolytic cell to the electrolytic bath when the start signal from the water level detecting unit in the first set time is not output has to be performed a second set time.

[0005]

In the electrolyzed water generator according to the present invention, when the start signal is not output from the water level detecting means provided in the storage tank within the first set time after the stop of the water supply and the energization to the electrolyzer, the control means is provided. Water supply and electricity supply to the electrolytic cell are performed for the second set time by the periodic operation means provided in the. Therefore, a specific time (water temperature, ambient temperature, storage tank shape, electrolytic water P
(Depending on the H value, etc.) is obtained in advance by experiments, etc., and this is set as the first set time, and when the elapsed time after the stoppage of the generation of the electrolyzed water reaches the first set time, the change with time of the electrolyzed water Deterioration of the electrolyzed water in the storage tank is performed by previously obtaining the time required to generate the electrolyzed water of a required amount so as to start to occur remarkably by an experiment or the like and setting this time as the second set time ( (Function deterioration) can be prevented for a long time, and the quality of the electrolytic water in the storage tank can be maintained for a long time.

Further, in the electrolyzed water producing apparatus according to the present invention, water is supplied to the electrolyzer and electricity is supplied to the electrolyzer for a second set time after the first set time elapses after the supply of water to the electrolyzer and the supply of electricity are stopped. Excessive electrolyzed water in the upper part of the storage tank, which is likely to change over time due to frequent contact with air, is discharged through an overflow pipe, so waste of water and power can be minimized and maintenance costs are low. The desired amount of electrolyzed water is stored in the storage tank at any time, and the electrolyzed water can be used accurately.

[0007]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an electrolyzed water producing apparatus according to the present invention, which is provided with a water storage tank 10 for storing a required amount of raw water (tap water). The water tank 10
A water level sensor 11 (which detects an upper limit water level and a lower limit water level) connected to the control device 100 is provided inside, and a signal from this water level sensor 11 (a start signal for detecting and outputting the upper limit water level and a lower limit water level). Stop signal to detect and output
Thus, the electromagnetic opening / closing valve V1 provided in the water supply pipe 19 is opened / closed to maintain the water level in the water storage tank 10 within a predetermined range. Further, the water storage tank 10 is provided with an overflow pipe 12 and a connecting pipe 1 which is branched and connected to both inflow ports 31a and 31b of the electrolytic cell 30.
3 is attached, and the control device 100 is attached to the connecting pipe 13.
The electric pump P1 whose operation is controlled by the flow rate control valve and the manually adjustable flow rate control valves V2 and V3 are respectively installed, and approximately the same amount of raw water is passed through the connection pipe 13 to both inlets 31a and 31b of the electrolytic cell 30. Is configured to be supplied. The water storage tank 10 is provided with a circulating stirring electric pump P2 and a pipe 14 for removing carbonic acid (which hinders electrolytic performance) mixed in the raw water in the water storage tank 10, and an electric suction fan 15 is attached to the upper lid 10a. (Attached airtightly and detachably), the electric pump P2 and the electric suction fan 15 are attached to the controller 1
00, they are simultaneously driven in a predetermined cycle. Further, the water supply pipe 19 is connected to a water supply (not shown) via a water purifier 18. When the tap water contains a small amount of carbonic acid, the circulation stirring electric pump P2, the pipe 14 and the electric suction fan 15 are omitted.

The electrolytic cell 30 includes a pair of inlets 31a, 31
tank body 31 having b and a pair of outlets 31c and 31d
And a pair of electrodes 32 disposed opposite to each other in the tank body 31,
33 and a diaphragm 36 that is disposed between the electrodes 32 and 33 to form the electrode chambers 34 and 35 that accommodate the electrodes 32 and 33, and the left electrode chamber 34 has an inlet port. 31a and the outlet 31c communicate with each other, and the electrode chamber 3 on the right side
The inflow port 31b and the outflow port 31d communicate with each other. Further, outlet pipes 37, 38 are connected to the outlets 31c, 31d, respectively, and the outlet pipes 37, 38 are connected to the bottom walls of the storage tanks 40, 50 arranged above at the upper ends, respectively. ing.

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 is for converting an AC voltage into a DC voltage having a predetermined value, so that when the OFF signal is received from the control device 100, the DC voltage between the negative electrode and the positive electrode becomes zero, and from the control device 100. When receiving the ON signal, a DC voltage having a predetermined value is applied between the minus electrode and the plus 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 (for detecting the upper limit water level and the lower limit water level) and an overflow pipe 42 (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, in the storage tank 40, a conduit 45 having a diameter larger than that of the lead-out pipe 37 is arranged corresponding to the upper end opening of the lead-out pipe 37. A communication pipe 47 is provided on the bottom wall of the storage tank 40.
Is connected to an intake valve 48 which is attached to the outside of the main body 90 and which can be opened and closed manually.

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 a water level sensor 51 (for detecting the upper limit water level and the lower limit water level) and an overflow pipe 52 (connected to a drainage channel not shown). 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, in the storage tank 50, a conduit 55 having a diameter larger than that of the outlet pipe 38 is arranged corresponding to the upper end opening of the outlet pipe 38. A communication pipe 57 is provided on the bottom wall of the storage tank 50.
Is connected to one end thereof, and this communication pipe 57 is connected to a water intake valve 58 mounted on the outside of the main body 90 and capable of being opened and closed manually.

The water level sensors 41 and 51 provided in the respective storage tanks 40 and 50 detect the upper limit water level and output a start signal, and detect the lower limit water level and output a stop signal.
Each tank 40, 50 is attached to the upper lid 40a, 50a (removable and has a ventilation hole (not shown)) of the main body 90, and the removable upper lid 90a is removed.
By removing the upper lids 40a and 50a of 50, maintenance and inspection can be easily performed, and they are connected to the control device 100, respectively.

The control device 100 includes a microcomputer (not shown) for executing a program corresponding to the flowchart of FIG.
Operation of the off changeover switch) 101 and each water level sensor 41,
Each operation of the electric pump P1, the electrode switching device 110, the power supply circuit 120, and the like is controlled based on a signal from the switch 51, and the operations described below are obtained.

In the present embodiment configured as described above, when the production operation switch 101 is turned on, the microcomputer of the control device 100 causes the microcomputer of the control device 100 to perform step 2 in FIG.
The program starts to be executed at 01, the first timer of the control device 100 is reset at step 202 to measure the elapsed time t1, and at step 203 based on the signals from the water level sensors 41 and 51. It is determined whether the water level of at least one of the two storage tanks 40, 50 is less than or equal to the lower limit water level. If the water level of at least one of the two storage tanks 40, 50 is less than or equal to the lower limit water level, it is determined to be “YES” in step 203 and steps 204, 205, 2
The processing of 06 and 207 is executed, and both storage tanks 4
If the water levels of 0 and 50 are neither lower than or equal to the lower limit water level, it is determined to be "NO" in step 203, and steps 211 and 211 are executed.
The processing of 12, 213, 214, 215, 216 is executed.

In step 204 described above, the electric pump P
The drive signal is output to 1, the positive electric signal is output to the electrode switching device 110 in step 205, and the ON signal is output to the power supply circuit 120 in step 206. Therefore, the drive of the electric pump P1 is started, and at the same time, the power supply circuit 12
A positive DC voltage of a predetermined value is applied to both electrodes 32 and 33 of the electrolytic cell 30 from both electrodes of 0 through the electrode switch 110. Therefore, the raw water in the water storage tank 10 is the electric pump P.
1 is supplied to the electrolysis chambers 34, 35 of the electrolytic cell 30 through the connection pipe 13, the flow rate adjusting valves V2, V3, and the raw water is electrolyzed in the electrolysis cell 30 to form the electrode chamber 34 of the negative electrode 32. Is sent to the storage tank 40 through the derivation pipe 37 and the large-diameter conduit 45 from the electrode chamber 35 of the positive electrode 33, and the acidic ion water with increased hydrogen ions is derivated from the electrode chamber 35 of the positive electrode 33. 38 and the large diameter conduit 55 to the storage tank 50.

Further, in step 207 described above, both storage tanks 4 based on the signals from the water level sensors 41 and 51.
It is determined whether the water levels of 0 and 50 are both above the upper limit water level,
Until the water levels of both storage tanks 40, 50 reach the upper limit water level, it is determined to be "NO" in step 207 and the process of step 207 is repeatedly executed, and the water levels of both storage tanks 40, 50 both reach the upper limit water level. When it reaches, it is judged "YES" in Step 207, and Step 20
After the generation stop reverse electrolysis cleaning routine of 8 is executed, the process returns to step 202 described above.

In the generation stop reverse charge cleaning routine, an OFF signal is output to the power supply circuit 120, a stop signal is output to the electric pump P1 after this state is maintained for a predetermined time, and then a reverse charge signal is output to the electrode switch 110. Is output and an ON signal is output to the power supply circuit 120, and this state is maintained for a predetermined time, and then an OFF signal is output to the power supply circuit 120. Therefore, when the electric pump P1 is stopped, raw water that has not been electrolyzed is supplied to the upper end portions of the large-diameter conduits 45 and 55. Further, after the electric pump P1 is stopped, the electrode switching device 110 switches the connection of the electrodes from the solid line state to the virtual line state, and the electrolytic cell 3
The electrode 32 of 0 is connected to the plus electrode of the power supply circuit 120 and the electrode 33 is connected to the minus electrode, and the power supply circuit 120 receives an ON signal from the control device 100 and receives a direct current of a predetermined value between the minus electrode and the plus electrode. A voltage is applied for a predetermined time, a reverse voltage is applied to both electrodes 32, 33 of the electrolytic cell 30, and each large-diameter conduit 45, 55 and each outlet pipe 37, 38.
In the state in which the raw water is automatically supplied to the electrode chambers 34, 35 from each other by the drop, the so-called reverse electrolysis cleaning is performed on the electrode 32.
The deposits such as calcium and sodium are peeled off. As described above, in the production stop reverse electrolysis cleaning routine, the production of ion water is stopped and the reverse electrolysis cleaning is performed.

On the other hand, in step 211, which is executed after being judged as "NO" in step 203, it is judged as "NO" until the elapsed time t1 when the time counting is started in step 202 reaches the first set time T1. Steps 203 and 2
11 is repeatedly executed, and the elapsed time t1
Becomes the first set time T1, step 211 displays “Y
ES ", steps 212, 213, 214,
The processing of 215 and 216 is executed. By the way, the above-mentioned first set time T1 is the time when the aging of the ion water in each of the storage tanks 40 and 50 begins to remarkably change in the device (water temperature, ambient temperature, shape of the storage tank, PH value of ion water, etc.). It varies depending on the type), and it is obtained in advance by an experiment or the like, and is set to, for example, 3 hours in this embodiment.

In step 212, a drive signal is output to the electric pump P1 as in step 204, a positive signal is output to the electrode switch 110 in step 213 as in step 205, and step 206 is performed in step 214. Similarly, the ON signal is output to the power supply circuit 120, the second timer provided in the control device 100 is reset in step 215 to measure the elapsed time t2, and the elapsed time t2 is changed to the second set time T in step 216.
It is determined whether it is 2 or more. Therefore, step 21
After the processing of 2, 213 and 214, the above-mentioned step 20
As in the case of the treatment of Nos. 4,205,206, the electrolytic cell 30 is supplied with water and energized so that each ionized water is stored in each storage tank 40,50.
Be led to. Further, in step 216, it is determined as "NO" until the elapsed time t2 reaches the second set time T2,
When the process of step 216 is repeatedly executed and the elapsed time t2 reaches the second set time T2, step 21
It is determined to be “YES” in step 6 and the above-mentioned step 208.
Is performed. By the way, the above-mentioned second set time T2 is the amount of ions required to cause a remarkable change with time of the ion water when the elapsed time after the stop of the generation of the ion water reaches the first set time T1. It is the time required to generate water, which is obtained in advance by experiments or the like, and is set to, for example, 5 minutes in this embodiment.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the water levels in the respective storage tanks 40 and 50 are maintained within a predetermined range by the processing of steps 203 to 207 described above. Further, by the processing of steps 202 and 211 to 216 described above, starting from the respective water level sensors 41 and 51 provided in the respective storage tanks 40 and 50 after the start of the device is started or after the generation is stopped (after the processing of step 208). Unless a signal is output (unless the water level of each storage tank 40, 50 reaches the lower limit water level), water is supplied to the electrolytic cell 30 every second time after the first set time T1 has passed, and a second set time T is performed, Deterioration of ionized water in each storage tank 40, 50 (function deterioration)
Can be prevented for a long time, and the quality of the ionized water in the storage tank can be maintained for a long time.
Further, after the water level and the energization to the electrolysis tank 30 performed for the second set time T described above, the water level in each storage tank 40, 50 reaches the upper end of each overflow pipe 42, 52, and then there is much contact with air. Since excess ion water in the upper part of each storage tank 40, 50 that easily changes over time is discharged through each overflow pipe 42, 52, waste of water and electric power can be minimized and maintenance cost is low. In addition to suppressing the amount of ion water, a desired amount of ion water is stored in each storage tank 40, 50 at any time, and each ion water can be used properly.

In the above embodiments, the present invention was carried out using tap water as raw water, but the present invention may also be carried out using salt water obtained by the apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-75576 as raw water. It is possible. Further, although the present invention has been embodied so that the raw water is supplied to the electrolytic cell 30 by the single electric pump P1, the raw water is supplied to the electrolytic cell 30 by the pair of electric pumps. Then, the connection pipe 13 is directly connected to the water supply pipe 19, the water storage tank 10 and the electric pump P1 are omitted, and the electromagnetic opening / closing valve (water supply valve) V1 is opened so that the electrolysis tank 30 is connected. The present invention is practiced by configuring so that raw water is supplied to each. (Since this configuration alone cannot perform reverse electrolysis cleaning, the configuration of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the program shown in FIG. 2 are appropriately changed. Need to change) is also possible.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an electrolyzed water generator according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a program executed by a microcomputer included in the control device of the electrolyzed water generation device shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

30 ... Electrolyzer, 37, 38 ... Outlet pipe (water guiding means), 4
5, 55 ... Conduit (water guiding means), 41, 51 ... Water level sensor (water level detecting means), 100 ... Control device, 120 ... Power supply circuit, P1 ... Electric pump (water supplying means).

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A water level provided in the storage tank, wherein water can be supplied to the electrolytic tank by water supply means, water can be introduced from the electrolytic tank to the storage tank by water introduction means, and electricity can be supplied to the electrolytic tank from a power supply circuit. A controller controls the water supply by the water supply means and the energization of the electrolysis tank from the power supply circuit based on the start and stop signals from the detection means, and the raw water supplied to the electrolysis tank is electrolyzed in the electrolysis tank. Electrolyzed water is generated by this, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, which is guided to the water guiding means to maintain the water level in the storage tank within a predetermined range, the storage tank is provided with an overflow pipe, and The control means is provided with a cycle operation means, and the water level detection is performed within a first set time from the stop of the water supply and the energization to the electrolytic cell by the cycle operation means. An electrolyzed water generator, wherein water is supplied and electricity is supplied to the electrolyzer for a second set time when a start signal is not output from the output means.