JPH09210950A - Electrolyzed water producing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrolyzed water producing device which can perform safely the washing of an oxidative/reductive potential sensor. SOLUTION: An electrolytic water producing device concerned is equipped with an electrolyte jar 10 which electrolyzes the fed water, produces an alkali ion water and acid ion water and discharges these electrolyzed waters individually, and an oxidative/reductive potential sensor 1 which measures and displays the oxidative/reductive potential of the electrolyzed water discharged from the jar 10. The working electrode 2 of non-soluble metal of this potential sensor 1 is subjected to treatments with a strong acid ion water L1, an acid ion water L2 in a lower acidity, and an alkali ion water L3 in the sequence as named, thereby washing the surface of the working electrode 2. Accordingly the working electrode 2 can be washed with such an acidous or alkaline ion water, wherein no use of any pharmaceutical having toxicity is required.

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 for continuously producing alkaline electrolyzed water or acidic electrolyzed water by electrolyzing raw water, and particularly to measuring the oxidation-reduction potential of electrolyzed water discharged. The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water producing apparatus including a redox potential sensor for cleaning and a means for cleaning a working electrode of the redox potential sensor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an electrolyzed water generator of this type, FIG.
2. Description of the Related Art An alkali ion water conditioner having a structure as shown in FIG. This electrolyzed water generator is basically a water purifier 20 that purifies raw water such as tap water (city water), and electrolyzes the purified water purified by the water purifier 20 into alkaline water and acid water. The electrolysis tank 10 to decompose | disassemble and the water quality measuring apparatus 30A, 30B which measures the water quality of the alkaline water and acidic water electrolyzed in the electrolysis tank 10 are provided. Further, an electrolyte supply device 40 for adding an electrolyte to purified water in order to promote electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 10 is provided. The water purifier 20 removes odor components dissolved in raw water, such as organic substances and inorganic substances in the raw water, and hypochlorous acid, and is configured by using a filtering material such as an antibacterial activated carbon filter or a hollow fiber membrane filter. ing.

The inside of the electrolytic cell 10 is divided into a first electrode chamber 12A surrounded by an electrolytic diaphragm 11 through which ions can pass, and an electrode chamber 12B outside the electrode chamber 12A. Electrodes 13A and 13B are provided in the electrode chambers 12A and 12B, respectively. The purified water flowing out of the water purifier 20 is divided into a flow channel directly connected to the inflow port 14A of the electrode chamber 12A and a flow channel connected to the inflow port 14B of the electrode chamber 12B through the electrolyte supply device 40. The electrolyte supply device 40 continuously supplies the electrolyte to the purified water. For example, in order to obtain calcium-added alkaline ionized water, a calcium agent such as calcium lactate or calcium glycerophosphate is used as the electrolyte. Then, the electrodes 13A, 1
When a voltage is applied between the electrode 3A and the electrode 3B (here, the electrode 13A is used as an anode and the electrode 13B is used as a cathode) and the water passed through the electrolytic cell 10 is electrolyzed, acidic water is generated in the electrode chamber 12A, Alkaline ionized water is produced in the chamber 12B. The alkaline ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell 10 passes through the outflow port 15B, and the acidic ionized water is discharged separately through the outflow passage 15A.

Further, the water quality (pH, redox potential, concentration of various ions) of electrolyzed water (alkali ion water and acidic ion water) is greatly affected by the amount of raw water supplied and the water quality, and therefore alkaline ion water and acidic ion water are used. Water quality measuring devices 30A and 30B are provided in the outflow route of water to monitor the water quality of alkaline ionized water and acidic ions. Electrolyzer 1
The flow rate of the electrolyzed water discharged from 0 is in the range of several cm / sec to several tens of cm / sec, and the water quality measuring device 30A,
30B is used for the purpose of maintaining the water quality of the electrolyzed water by feeding back the measurement result to the applied voltage between the electrodes 13A and 13B, etc., so that the water quality of the electrolyzed water is required to be detected in real time. It Therefore, in order to prevent a time delay in the time required for measurement, the water quality measuring device 3
0A and 30B are used to measure water quality by the electrochemical principle. That is, the water quality measuring devices 30A and 30B that measure water quality based on the electrochemical principle can measure in real time by directly contacting the working electrode with the electrolyzed water and measuring the water quality. It is the most suitable water quality measuring device to use. Here, the water quality measuring devices 30A and 30B do not necessarily need to measure the water quality of both the alkaline ionized water and the acidic ionized water, and there are some that measure the water quality of only one of them.

Further, when water is stopped from a state in which raw water is passed through and electrolysis is performed, a voltage having a polarity opposite to that during the passage of water is applied between the electrodes 13A and 13B to adhere to the electrodes 13A and 13B. The scale is removed, and then the drainage valve 24 composed of an electromagnetic valve is opened to drain the water from the electrolytic cell 10. Such a treatment after water stoppage is referred to as a reverse cleaning treatment.

By the way, the alkaline ionized water purifier is intended mainly to use weakly basic alkaline ionized water for drinking. By adding calcium ion to alkaline ionized water, alkaline ionized water is obtained. I try to increase the added value. That is, calcium ions are added to alkaline ionized water by using a calcium compound for the electrolyte added to promote electrolysis. As described above, a calcium agent such as calcium lactate or calcium glycerophosphate is used as the electrolyte, and when the water containing the electrolyte is introduced into the electrode chamber 12B, the electrolyte is mixed with the alkaline ionized water discharged from the electrolytic cell 10. Therefore, in the alkaline ionized water device, the electrolyte is added to the water introduced into the electrode chamber 12A. In particular, when calcium lactate is used as an electrolyte, lactate ions are generated, and lactate ions can be a precursor of organochlorine compounds (trihalomethanes). I won't. That is, by introducing the water containing the electrolyte into the anode chamber 12A, only the calcium ions are increased by the electroosmosis of the calcium ions from the anode side into the alkaline ionized water, and the lactate ions are discharged together with the acidic ionized water. Is there.

[0007] Here, by applying a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the alkaline ionized water, weakly acidic acidic ionized water having a pH of about 5.0 to 6.0 may be produced. Since ionized water has an astringent effect, it is used for washing the face. In addition, since acidic water is generated at the same time when alkaline ionized water is generated, acidic ionized water has a higher concentration than alkaline ionized water so that a large amount of weakly basic alkaline ionized water for drinking can be generated. The capacity ratio is set so that In other words, when alkaline ionized water is generated,
Strongly acidic strongly acidic ionized water having a pH value of about 3 to 4 is simultaneously produced. This strongly acidic ionized water is not used for washing the face, but for cleaning and sterilizing cutting boards and wipes. Similarly, if a voltage of opposite polarity is applied to the electrodes to generate acidic ionized water, strong alkaline ionized water of strong basicity is generated.

On the other hand, as an electrolyzed water generator, a strongly oxidized water (hereinafter, referred to as strongly oxidized water) having a pH of 2.7 or less and a redox potential of 1100 mV or more is used. Is also known. Strongly oxidized water mainly utilizes the oxidative property of hypochlorous acid, and various applications have been tried for ameliorating symptoms of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and for sterilization, and its effect is remarkable. Has been done. As shown in FIG. 18, this type of electrolyzed water generating device is an electrolyte supply device 40 which is an alkaline ionized water conditioner.
Position is different. That is, in the alkaline ionized water purifier, only the purified water to the anode chamber 18 was passed through the electrolyte supply device 40 after the purified water was divided, but in the strong oxidizing water generator, the purified water is divided into the electrolyte supply device 40 before the purified water is divided. An electrolyte is added to both the water that flows and flows into both electrode chambers 12A and 12B. In this case, as the electrolyte, an inorganic chlorine compound such as sodium chloride (or common salt), calcium chloride, potassium chloride or the like, or a mixture thereof is used, and strong alkaline ionized water having strong basicity can be obtained together with strong oxidizing water.

As described above, in the strong oxidizing water generator, the electric conductivity of the water flowing into the two electrode chambers 12A and 12B is made uniform so that the current can easily flow, and chlorine ions of the added electrolyte are effectively used. In order to efficiently generate hypochlorous acid, an electrolyte is added to both the water introduced into the electrode chambers 12A and 12B. 17 and 18 as described above.
In the electrolyzed water generation device of, the water quality measuring device 30A,
In 30B, the oxidation-reduction potential of the discharged electrolyzed water is measured in addition to the pH and the concentration of various ions as described above. As a general redox potential sensor which has been commercially available as a redox potential sensor for measuring the redox potential, an insoluble metal electrode such as platinum is used as a working electrode, and a silver-silver chloride electrode is used as a reference electrode. The sample is dipped in a test solution and the relative potential difference generated between both electrodes is displayed as a redox potential.

Here, the oxidation-reduction potential shows strength but not capacity. Therefore, the redox potential is po
It is independent of the ising effect (resistance to changes in the redox system). This means that the redox potential is the activity (concentration) of the oxidizing substance and the activity (concentration) of the reducing substance.
It depends on the ratio of and not the absolute amount of each. For example, when the total concentration of the redox system is 0.01% and 10%, the same redox potential is shown when 90% is oxidized.
The effect is 1000 times larger in the latter than in the former. Therefore, when measuring the redox potential of wastewater, soil, or culture solution, the total concentration of these redox potential substances is relatively high, so even if there are variations, the proportion will be small and stable measurement will be performed. However, if the total concentration of redox potential substances such as tap water or electrolyzed water obtained by electrolyzing it is low, the variation ratio becomes large and the response becomes slow and stable measurement is possible. There is a problem that it is difficult to remove.

As described above, the accuracy of measurement is a problem in measuring the redox potential of tap water or electrolyzed water having a low total concentration of redox potential substances. Change of the surface condition of the working electrode inside, for example, when platinum is used as the working electrode, an oxide film is formed on the surface of platinum due to surface oxidation by air or surface oxidation by the test solution, or oxidation in the test solution. It is considered that changes caused by physical adsorption of reducing substances and impurities are involved.

Therefore, in order to stably and accurately measure the redox potential, it is necessary to clean the electrode surface of the platinum working electrode to remove the oxide film and adsorbed substances and renew the electrode surface. Several proposals have hitherto been made as a cleaning method. For example, there is a method of cleaning the surface of the working electrode by using chromium sulfuric acid, hot concentrated nitric acid, high hydrochloric acid solution or the like as the cleaning agent and immersing the working electrode in these cleaning agents.

[0013]

However, since the electrolyzed water is supplied to the beverage in the electrolyzed water generator, it is safer to wash the redox potential sensor with the above-mentioned toxic chemicals. There's a problem. The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyzed water generation apparatus that can wash an oxidation-reduction potential sensor with high safety.

[0014]

The electrolyzed water producing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention electrolyzes water to be passed to produce alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water, and each of these electrolyzed water is produced. In an electrolyzed water generation apparatus provided with an electrolyzer that separately discharges water and an oxidation-reduction potential sensor that measures and displays the oxidation-reduction potential of electrolyzed water discharged from the electrolyzer, the action formed by the insoluble metal electrode of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor The electrode is treated with strong acidic ionized water, acidic ionized water having a lower acidity than this, and alkaline ionized water in this order, thereby providing a means for sequentially cleaning the surface of the working electrode. It is a feature.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the strongly acidic ionized water contains dissolved chlorine having an oxidation-reduction potential of 900 mV or more and a pH of 3.5 or less, and the acidic ionized water has an oxidation-reduction potential of 500 mV. PH of 4 to 6 at ~ 1000 mV
And the alkaline ionized water contains dissolved hydrogen having an oxidation-reduction potential of −200 mV or less and a pH of 9.5 or more.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the strongly acidic ionized water is produced by electrolyzing water to which an inorganic chlorine compound as an electrolyte is added, and the acidic ionized water and the alkaline ionized water electrolyze water. It is characterized by being generated by. The invention of claim 4 is characterized in that the electrolyte is an inorganic chlorine compound such as sodium chloride, calcium chloride or potassium chloride.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided storage means for storing the oxidation-reduction potential of the electrolyzed water at the initial stage of water flow measured by the oxidation-reduction potential sensor after washing or after completion of each washing step as an initial measured value, and electrolyzed water generation. At the same time, comparing means for comparing the oxidation-reduction potential of the electrolyzed water measured by the oxidation-reduction potential sensor with the initial measurement value stored in the storage means, and for cleaning the oxidation-reduction potential sensor when the comparison value by this comparison means is a predetermined value or more. It is characterized by comprising a display means for prompting.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in an electrolyzed water producing apparatus capable of operating in a plurality of modes so as to produce a plurality of types of electrolyzed ion water having different pH levels in an electrolytic cell, after the redox potential sensor is washed. It is characterized by comprising storage means for storing the measured values of the oxidation-reduction potential of ionized water in each mode measured by the oxidation-reduction potential sensor at the initial stage of water flow to the electrolytic cell as initial measured values. is there.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the measurement value of the oxidation-reduction potential of the ion water of each mode measured by the oxidation-reduction potential sensor during the operation of generating electrolyzed water and the initial measurement value of each mode stored in the storage means are provided. And a display means for urging the redox potential sensor to be cleaned when the comparison value by the comparison means is equal to or more than a predetermined value.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the measured value of the oxidation-reduction potential of the ion water in each mode measured by the oxidation-reduction potential sensor at the initial stage of the passage of water to the electrolytic cell after the cleaning of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor is the initial measurement value. When storing in the storage means as
Ionized water is passed through the redox potential sensor to measure the redox potential in each mode in the order from the high level mode to the low level mode, and the measured value is stored as an initial measured value in each mode. It is characterized by being stored in.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, an electrolyte supply device is provided in a water passage to the electrolytic cell, and the electrolyte is supplied to the water while the electrolyte is electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell. It is characterized in that it is configured to generate strongly acidic ionized water for cleaning the working electrode. According to the invention of claim 10, the electrolyte supply device is formed by including a calcium addition cartridge containing a calcium additive, and the cartridge containing the electrolyte is replaced with a calcium addition cartridge to provide a water passage to the electrolytic cell. It is characterized in that it is configured to generate strongly acidic ionized water for cleaning the working electrode of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the electrolyte supply device is formed by including a calcium addition cartridge, and the electrolyte is put in the calcium addition cartridge instead of the calcium additive, whereby the working electrode of the redox potential sensor is formed. It is characterized in that it is formed so as to generate strongly acidic ionized water for washing. Claim 1
According to the second aspect of the present invention, a redox potential sensor is provided by detachably providing a water purifying device accommodating a filter material in a water passage to an electrolytic cell, and attaching the cartridge containing the electrolyte to the water passage instead of the filter material. It is characterized in that strong acidic ionized water for cleaning the working electrode is produced.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a control section is provided for disabling a mode for generating electrolytic water when the cartridge containing the electrolyte is attached to the water passage. According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the electrolyte of the fourth aspect is supplied to only one of the chamber for generating alkaline ionized water and the chamber for generating acidic ionized water in the electrolytic cell, and the working electrode of the redox potential sensor is provided. It is characterized in that it is formed so as to generate strongly acidic ionized water for washing.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, when a cleaning mode for cleaning the surface of the working electrode of the redox potential sensor is selected, the surface of the working electrode is strongly acidic ionic water, and acidic ionic water having a lower acidity than this. The present invention is characterized by comprising a control unit for controlling so that cleaning in which alkaline ionized water is sequentially processed is automatically performed. According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, a control unit is provided for controlling so that the redox potential measured by the redox potential sensor is not displayed until the end of cleaning the redox potential sensor. Is.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, after the operation in the mode for producing electrolyzed water, the washing mode for washing the working electrode of the redox potential sensor is disabled until the drainage is completed, and the electrolyzed water is produced. It is characterized in that it is provided with a control unit for accepting the cleaning mode after the operation in the non-operation mode. . According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, a control unit is provided to control the mode for generating electrolyzed water to be unreceivable during the cleaning mode for cleaning the working electrode of the redox potential sensor. .

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, when the water flow is stopped during the cleaning mode for cleaning the working electrode of the redox potential sensor, the electrolyte and the electrolytic water containing the electrolyte remain. It is characterized in that a notifying means for notifying is provided. According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, when water is passed after the water is stopped during the cleaning mode for cleaning the working electrode of the redox potential sensor, a predetermined amount of water or a predetermined time of water is passed. It is characterized by comprising a control unit for controlling the mode for generating electrolyzed water to be unacceptable until.

According to the twenty-first aspect of the invention, when water is passed after the water is stopped during the cleaning mode for cleaning the working electrode of the redox potential sensor, a predetermined amount of water or a predetermined time is passed. It is characterized in that it is provided with an informing means for informing that the spouted water is not drinkable until the passage of water.

[0028]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 2 shows an example of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 used by incorporating it into the electrolyzed water producing apparatus of the present invention.
The redox potential sensor 1 is connected to a continuous water flow system and is used to measure the redox potential of a test liquid such as water passed through the water flow system. Water is allowed to flow to the outflow port 119 after passing through, and a platinum electrode sealed in glass is arranged in the flow path 37. From this inflow port 118 to the outflow port 1
The redox potential of water can be measured using the working electrode 2 immersed in water flowing to 19 (that is, electrolyzed water), and the silver-silver chloride electrode having a saturated potassium chloride solution as the internal liquid 111 as the reference electrode 112. Of. In addition, inflow port 1
In order to prevent the internal liquid 111 from eluting and affecting the water flowing from 18 to the outlet 119, the liquid junction 116 is formed of porous alumina ceramic. Further, the potential difference measured between the working electrode 2 and the comparison electrode 112 is amplified and output by the amplifier 110,
It is displayed as a redox potential. It is also possible to AD-convert the signal amplified by the amplifier 110 and display it digitally.

Here, the working electrode 2 formed of an insoluble metal electrode such as platinum of the redox potential sensor 1 is not particularly limited whether it is rod-shaped or plate-shaped, and its shape and area are also not limited. It suffices that a reversible battery can be formed and the potential can be measured with certainty, and it is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the surface is free from a film formed by impurities such as redox potential substances. However, in the initial stage of use, only a part of the surface of the working electrode 2 made of platinum or the like is in an oxidized state, but if left in the air for a long period of time, the amount of atomic oxygen on the surface increases, and the redox of water also increases. When the potential measurement is repeated, the redox potential substance is not completely desorbed from the surface and a part of it remains adsorbed, and a film is formed on the surface of the working electrode 2. When a film is formed on the surface of the working electrode 2 as described above, the measurement may be deviated or the response may be slowed down. Especially, in the case of measuring water having low ionic strength at the tap water level, the measurement is stable. Sex is greatly reduced.

Therefore, in the present invention, the surface of the working electrode 2 is renewed by safely washing the working electrode 2 formed of an insoluble metal electrode such as platinum of the redox potential sensor 1.
It is intended to restore the measurement accuracy, responsiveness, and measurement stability. That is, first, as the first step, the strongly acidic ionized water L ₁ containing dissolved chlorine was used, and as shown in FIG.
As described above, the working electrode 2 is immersed in the strongly acidic ionized water L ₁ , or the strongly acidic ionized water L ₁ is passed through the working electrode 2, and the working electrode 2 is treated with the strongly acidic ionized water L ₁ . . The strongly acidic ionized water L ₁ is an electrolytic cell having a diaphragm, in which water containing approximately 0.03 to 0.3% by weight of a strongly electrolyzed inorganic chlorine compound such as sodium chloride (salt), calcium chloride or potassium chloride as an electrolyte ( 4 and 5, which will be described later.
It can be obtained from the anode side as containing dissolved chlorine by passing water through (see FIG. 6) and applying a constant voltage to electrolyze, and the oxidation-reduction potential is 900 mV or more (the upper limit is not particularly set. Is preferably 1300 mV or less) and pH is 3.5 or less (the lower limit is not particularly set, but pH 2 or more is preferable). Thus, by treating the working electrode 2 with the strongly acidic ionized water L ₁ containing dissolved chlorine for about 1 to 10 minutes, the adsorbed impurities formed on the surface of the working electrode 2 formed of an insoluble metal electrode such as platinum are removed. It can be removed by oxidative decomposition.

However, in this first step, the working electrode 2
The surface is completely renewed due to chlorine surface adsorption.
Not in. Therefore, as the second step, weak oxygen containing dissolved oxygen
Acid ion water L_TwoUsing this weakness, as shown in Fig. 1 (b).
Acid ion water L_TwoImmerse the working electrode 2 in the
This weakly acidic ionic water L_TwoAllow water to pass through
Weakly acidic ionized water L containing this dissolved oxygen_TwoProcess with
You. Weakly acidic ionized water L _TwoUp the water quality level of tap water
Like the above, pass water through an electrolytic cell with a diaphragm and
Obtaining from the anode side by applying pressure to electrolyze
With a redox potential of 500 mV to 10 mV
Desirable to be acidic ionized water with pH of 4 to 6 at 00 mV
Good. This acidic ionized water has a high dissolved oxygen concentration and oxidative power.
Water is relatively high and weakly acidic ionized water containing dissolved oxygen
L_TwoBy treating the working electrode 2 for about 1 to 10 minutes with
The chlorine adsorbed on the working electrode 2 is replaced by oxygen.
As a result, the surface of the working electrode 2 made of platinum or the like approaches the updated state.

However, adsorption of atomic oxygen may occur on the surface of the working electrode 2, and it cannot be said that the initial surface state has been completely updated. Therefore, as the third step, alkaline ionized water L ₃ containing dissolved hydrogen is used, and
As in (c), the or the working electrode 2 is immersed the working electrode 2 to the alkali ion water L ₃ is passed through the alkali ion water L _3, a working electrode 2 alkaline ionized water L containing the dissolved hydrogen Process with ₃ . Alkaline ionized water L
₃ is a water quality level of tap water is passed through an electrolytic cell having a diaphragm in the same manner as above, and can be obtained from the cathode side by applying a constant voltage to electrolyze,
PH at an oxidation-reduction potential of -200 mV or lower (the lower limit is not particularly set, but it is preferably -800 mV or higher).
Is preferably 9.5 or more (the upper limit is not particularly set, but pH 12 or less is preferable). Strong alkaline ionized water containing dissolved hydrogen L ₃
Is highly reducible, and the amount of atomic oxygen on the surface of the working electrode 2 such as platinum is reduced by treating the working electrode 2 with this alkaline ionized water L ₃ for about 1 to 10 minutes, and the surface of the working electrode 2 is reduced. Can be almost completely updated.

By cleaning and renewing the surface of the working electrode 2 in this way, the rate of equilibrium between the working electrode 2 and the redox system of water can be increased, and the measurement accuracy and responsiveness and the stability of the measurement can be improved. Can be recovered. Next, an example of demonstrating the cleaning effect will be described using the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 shown in FIG. As water for verification,
0.001 mM potassium chromate-0.01 using pure water that has been adjusted to a constant electric conductivity and aerated as a solvent
A 5 mM ammonium iron sulfate solution (temporary standard solution of redox potential) was used. The theoretical redox potential of water for this assay is 310 mV. Then, first, the oxidation-reduction potential of this test water was measured using the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 having a clean surface of the working electrode 2, and this was recorded as an initial measurement value as shown in Table 1. The redox potential of this initial measured value is 3
Although it is 09 mV, this is within the margin of error. next,
After intermittently passing 1 ton of the city water of Osaka city through the flow path 37 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 2, the redox potential of the above-mentioned water for assay is measured again, and this is shown as a measured value before washing. Recorded as shown in 1. The redox potential of this measured value before washing was 382.
mV, which is a value deviating from the theoretical value. It is considered that this phenomenon is a measurement deviation due to impurities such as redox substances on the surface of platinum which is the working electrode 2.
Therefore, the above-described cleaning method was performed on the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1.

That is, as the strongly acidic ionized water L ₁ containing dissolved chlorine in the first step, the electrolysis voltage is 8 V and the electrolysis current is 1
4A, strong acidic ionized water having an oxidation-reduction potential of 1130 mV and pH of 2.6 obtained by electrolyzing water under the condition of salt concentration of 0.1% by weight is used, and weakly acidic ionized water L ₂ containing dissolved oxygen in the second step is used. As a redox potential of 700 m obtained by electrolyzing water under the conditions of an electrolysis voltage of 25 V and an electrolysis current of 5 A
V, using acidic ionized water of pH 5.5, the alkali ion water L ₃ containing dissolved hydrogen in the third step, the electrolysis voltage 35V, the redox potential obtained by electrolysis of water under the conditions of the electrolysis current 7A -720 mV , Strong alkaline ionized water having a pH of 10.5 were used, and the washing water was passed through each step at a flow rate of 2 liters / min for 2 minutes.

After the working electrode 2 of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 was washed in this way, the oxidation-reduction potential of the water for assay was measured again. Recorded. The redox potential of the measured value after cleaning is 310 mV, and it is confirmed that the surface of the working electrode 2 has recovered to the initial state.

[0036]

[Table 1]

Next, the oxidation electrode potential sensor 1 integrally formed with the control circuit system will be described. The redox potential sensor 1 is provided with a control circuit system 123, and as shown in FIG. The storage means 24 and the comparison means 25 composed of a comparison operation circuit for comparing the values of the redox potentials are provided. A data signal of the measured value of the redox potential measured by the redox potential sensor 1 is input to the storage means 24 and the comparison means 25, respectively, and based on the signal output from the comparison means 25. The display means 26 formed of a lamp or the like is operated.

After washing the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1 in this case, the redox potential is measured using known water such as the above-mentioned temporary redox potential reference solution. The storage means 24 is controlled by operating the switch 127, and the switch 127 is used when measuring the redox potential with the redox potential sensor 1 after cleaning in this way.
When is turned on, this measured value is stored in the storage means 24 as an initial measured value. Next, when the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 is used, impurities are adsorbed on the surface of the working electrode 2 over time, and the measured values deviate. Therefore, after the oxidation electrode potential sensor 1 is used for a predetermined period, its oxidation-reduction potential is measured using the same water as above. This measured value measured by the oxidation electrode potential sensor 1 is input to the comparison means 25 and is compared with the initial measured value stored in the storage means 24. When the difference between the initial measured value and the measured value calculated by the comparison means 25 exceeds a preset predetermined value, a signal is output from the comparison means 25 and, for example, the lamp of the display means 26 is turned on. Cleaning of the redox potential sensor 1 is promoted.
In this way, when impurities are adsorbed on the surface of the working electrode 2 of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 and a measurement abnormality occurs, it is possible to detect the abnormality and notify the cleaning, and the accuracy is wrong. It is possible to prevent the use of the redox potential sensor 1 as it is.

Next, the redox potential sensor 1 as described above.
An electrolyzed water generator incorporating the above will be described. FIG. 4 shows an example of an electrolyzed water generator,
The backwash unit 131, the switching valves 132 and 133, the calcium agent addition cartridge 4 used as the electrolyte supply device 40, the water purification device 20, and the redox potential sensor 1.
And the like are housed in a housing 100.

The electrolytic cell 10 comprises one or more electrodes 13A and 13B each serving as a cathode and an anode, and an electrolytic diaphragm 11 for partitioning both electrodes.
And with inlets 14A, 14B on the bottom side,
Discharge ports 15A and 15B are provided on the upper side, and these discharge ports 15A and 15B are connected to the discharge pipe 1 via a switching valve 133.
41 and 142 are connected. Here, the inflow port 14A and the ejection port 15A communicate with the space inside the electrolytic diaphragm 11 surrounding the one electrode 13A, and the inflow port 14B and the ejection port 15B.
Is communicated with the space surrounding the other electrode 13B, but the inflow port 14A is thinner than the inflow port 14B, and the flow rate flowing into the electrode 13A side is 1: 3 to the flow rate flowing into the electrode 13B side. It is designed to decrease in the ratio of 1: 4. Further, the switching valve 133 has a discharge port 15
When A and the discharge pipe 141 are made to communicate with each other, the discharge port 15B and the discharge pipe 142 are made to communicate with each other, and the discharge port 15A and the discharge pipe 142 are made.
It is constituted by an electromagnetic rotary valve or a motor type switching valve so that the discharge port 15B and the discharge pipe 141 are communicated with each other.

The water purifier 20 is a filter medium 2 made of activated carbon.
0a and a filter medium 20b composed of a hollow fiber membrane are formed to be mounted as a cartridge,
The backwash unit 131 is detachably connected so that it can be replaced. The backwash unit 131 removes clogging of the filtration media 20a and 20b in the water purification device 20,
The water once passed through the water purifier 20 is eliminated by causing the water pressure supplied from the switching valve 132 to flow back to the water purifier 20.
It is for switching between the state of supplying water to and the backflow state.

A flow meter 146 and a solenoid valve 14 are provided between the backwash unit 131 and the inflow ports 14A and 14B of the electrolytic cell 10.
7. A check valve 148 is provided, and the calcium addition cartridge 4 is provided in the middle of the pipe from the solenoid valve 147 to the inflow port 14A. The calcium addition cartridge 4 is formed by containing a calcium preparation, and is for dissolving calcium in water flowing through the pipe to increase the amount of calcium in the water. This calcium addition cartridge 4 is connected to a pipe so that it can be replaced. And the above check valve 148
Is connected to the drainage port 149, and is closed when the raw water pressure on the upstream side is applied, but it is opened when the water pressure is no longer applied to drain the water in the electrolytic cell 10 and the residual water in the piping to the drainage port. It is designed to be discharged from 149.

Further, the redox potential sensor 1 is connected in the middle of the pipe between the electrolytic cell 10 and the discharge pipe 142.
As the redox potential sensor 1, the structure of the control system is shown in FIG.
When the electrolytic ion water generated in the electrolytic cell 10 passes through the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1, the concentration of the oxidation-reduction potential substance of the electrolytic ion water is changed. In response, a half-cell reaction occurs at the working electrode 2 such as platinum, which is output as a potential difference from the comparison electrode 112, amplified by the amplifier 110, and AD-converted by the control circuit based on the amplified output value, The redox potential is digitally displayed.

Next, the flow of water when the electrolytic ion water is taken out from tap water will be described. When the water of the curran 60 is switched to the switching valve 132 side by the water channel switching device 61, the water passes through the water purification device 20 via the switching valve 132, and the inflow port 1
4A, 14B enters the electrolytic cell 10 and is electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell 10. Energization of the electrodes 13A and 13B of the electrolytic cell 10 is started based on the information on the flow of water obtained from the flow meter 146.

If it is instructed to obtain alkaline ionized water, the polarity of the electrolysis voltage is determined so that the electrode 13B of the electrolytic cell 10 becomes the cathode and the electrode 13A becomes the anode. As a result, alkaline ionized water is obtained from the ejection port 15B, acidic ionized water is obtained from the ejection port 15A, alkaline ionized water is ejected from the ejection pipe 142, and acidic ionized water is ejected from the ejection pipe 141. Conversely, if there is an instruction to obtain acidic ionized water, the electrode 13B of the electrolytic cell 3
The polarity of the electrolysis voltage is determined so that is the anode and electrode 13A is the cathode. As a result, acidic ionized water is obtained from the ejection port 15B, alkaline ionized water is obtained from the ejection port 15A, acidic ionized water is ejected from the ejection pipe 142, and alkaline ionized water is ejected from the ejection pipe 141. These ionized water discharged from the discharge pipe 142 passes through the redox potential sensor 1, and the redox potential is measured and displayed.

Further, in order to obtain electrolytic ionized water of water to which a strong electrolyte inorganic chlorine compound such as salt is added, instead of the calcium addition cartridge 4, a cartridge 5 formed in the same housing as the calcium addition cartridge 4 is used. It is connected to the pipe by using a container filled with an inorganic chlorine compound such as salt. And electrolyzer 1
The polarity of the electrolysis voltage is determined so that the electrode 13B of 0 is the cathode and the electrode 13A is the anode. Further, in the switching valve 133, the discharge port 15B is connected to the discharge pipe 141 and the discharge port 15A is connected to the discharge pipe 14.
2 is connected to the discharge pipe 14
Strongly acidic ionized water is discharged from 2 and alkaline ionized water is discharged from the discharge pipe 141. The amount of the inorganic chlorine compound such as salt added from the cartridge 5 is preferably such that the concentration of the inorganic chlorine compound such as salt in water is 0.03 to 0.3% by weight. The cartridge 5 is formed in the following structure.

In order to electrolyze water added with a strong electrolyte inorganic chlorine compound such as salt, the electrolyte addition cartridge 5 is filled with the inorganic chlorine compound such as salt instead of the calcium addition cartridge 4 in this way. In addition to the one used, a cartridge filled with an inorganic chlorine compound such as salt (or a mixture of this and an organic acid such as citric acid) is used in the water purifier 20 instead of the cartridge containing the filter medium of the water purifier 20. So that they can be replaced
It is also possible to add an inorganic chlorine compound to water (claim 12). Furthermore, the inorganic chlorine compound can be added to water by filling the calcium addition cartridge 4 with an inorganic chlorine compound such as salt as an electrolyte instead of the calcium agent (claim 1).
1).

The electrolyzed water producing apparatus produces the alkaline ionized water or the acidic ionized water having different pH levels in the electrolytic cell 10 by operating the operation portion of the operation panel (not shown) to switch the pH changeover switch. The electrolysis voltage is controlled so that it can be operated in a plurality of modes. For example, alkaline ionized water has a pH of 8.5 at level 1, a pH of 9.0 at level 2, a pH of 9.5 at level 3, and a pH of 10.5 at level 4.
Depending on each H level mode, acidic ionized water is at level 1
It is possible to operate in two modes of pH levels of pH 5.5 and pH 2.9 at level 2 and further in a water purification mode in which no electrolytic voltage is applied to the electrolytic cell 10. Each of these electrolyzed ionized water (including purified water, the same applies hereinafter) having different pH naturally has a different redox potential, but the higher the pH, the lower the redox potential, and the lower the pH, the redox potential. It shows a high value.

Here, the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 is provided with the control circuit system 123 of FIG. 3 described above, and the oxidation-reduction potential of the electrolyzed water at the initial stage of water flow measured by the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 after cleaning. Is stored in the storage means 25 as an initial measurement value, and the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 measures the oxidation-reduction potential of the electrolyzed ionized water produced in the electrolytic bath 10 during the production of electrolyzed water. The value of the oxidation-reduction potential measured in step 3 is compared with the initial measurement value stored in the storage means 24 by the comparison means 25, and when the difference value of the comparison by the comparison means 25 is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the display means 6 oxidizes it. Cleaning of the reduction potential sensor 1 is promoted (Claim 5).

When the electrolyzed water producing apparatus is used with the same water quality, since ionized water having the same pH shows the same redox potential, alkaline ionized water having different pH levels and pH having different pH levels are used.
Redox potential sensor 1 after cleaning in each mode of generating acidic Oin water or purified water with different levels
The oxidation-reduction potential of the electrolyzed ionic water measured by the redox potential sensor 1 is stored in the storage means 24 as an initial measured value in the storage means 24, and the operation is performed to generate the electrolyzed ionic water. The comparison means 25 compares the initial measurement value stored in the storage means 24. If the difference in comparison is 100 mV or more, for example, impurities adhere to the surface of the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1. Then, it can be determined that the measurement accuracy abnormality has occurred. At this time, the lamp of the display means 26 is turned on so as to prompt the cleaning of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1. Therefore, no matter which mode the electrolyzed water generator is used, the redox potential sensor 1 can be washed by knowing that the redox potential sensor 1 needs to be washed, and the measured value of the redox potential is always correct. It is possible to use the electrolyzed water generator while displaying "(Claim 6).
7).

As described above, in storing the initial measurement value of the redox potential in the storage means 24 in each mode, it is necessary to perform the measurement in the order of the following modes in order to accurately perform the initial measurement of the redox potential. There is. That is, in the case of water having a large amount of dissolved hydrogen such as alkaline ionized water, hydrogen is easily adsorbed on the surface of the working electrode 2 such as platinum of the redox potential sensor 1, but hydrogen is easily released from the surface. However, the influence exerted on the subsequent measurement of the redox potential of water in other modes is small. On the other hand, in the case of water containing a large amount of dissolved oxygen or dissolved chlorine such as acidic ionized water, if oxygen or chlorine is adsorbed on the surface of the working electrode 2 such as platinum of the redox potential sensor 1, it is more difficult to desorb than hydrogen. In addition, after that, the influence exerted when measuring the redox potential of water in other modes becomes large. Therefore, first measure the redox potential in the operation mode that produces alkaline ionized water,
Moreover, in order to avoid the influence of the pre-measurement liquid as much as possible, the redox potential is measured by shifting from the highest pH level to the lowest pH level among the alkaline ionized water, and this initial measurement value in each mode is determined in order. The storage means 24 is made to memorize, then it measures in the water purification mode and the initial measurement value of the oxidation-reduction potential is made to memorize in order to the storage means 24, and thereafter, the oxidation-reduction potential is measured in the operation mode for generating acidic ionized water,
Moreover, in order to avoid the influence of the pre-measurement liquid as much as possible, the redox potential is measured by shifting from the highest pH level to the lowest pH level among the acidic ionized water, and the initial measurement value in each mode is measured. Are sequentially stored in the storage means 24. In this way, the initial measured value of the redox potential in each mode can be accurately measured and stored in the storage means 24, and the measured value of the redox potential during the subsequent electrolyzed water production operation and the comparison means 25 can be used. In comparison, the necessity of cleaning the redox potential sensor 1 can be detected with high accuracy (claim 8).

In the case of the above example, first, the initial measurement value of the oxidation-reduction potential is measured in the operation mode of pH 10.5 at the level 4 of alkaline ionized water, and then the pH 9.
5, after measuring the initial measurement value of the redox potential in the order of each operating mode of pH 9.0 of level 2, pH 8.5 of level 1, and next in the water purification mode, Initial measurement values of the oxidation-reduction potential are measured in the order of operating modes of pH 2.9 of level 2 of acidic ionized water and pH 5.5 of level 1 and the initial measurement values are individually stored in the storage means 24. Memory. Here, when measuring with the redox potential sensor 1, it is preferable to form the storage means 24 so that the value of the redox potential that is stable for 2 seconds or more is judged as the initial measurement value in each mode and stored.

The initial measurement value of the oxidation-reduction potential of each mode stored in the storage means 24 and the measurement value of the oxidation-reduction potential when operating in each mode of electrolyzed water generation are compared with each other. It is possible to make a comparison at any time with the
If it deviates by 0 mV or more, it is judged as abnormal, but in order to avoid the risk that the deviation from the initial measurement value may occur transiently due to the influence of the water quality and the flow rate of water during the measurement, continuous 10
Only when the deviation of 100 mV or more occurs during the operation in the same mode, the display means 26 is operated.

Although the necessity of cleaning the redox potential sensor 1 can be detected as described above, the electrolytic water producing apparatus is provided with means for automatically or manually performing the cleaning method shown in FIG. There is. That is, first, when performing the cleaning in the first step, the cartridge 5 filled with an inorganic chlorine compound such as salt is replaced with the calcium addition cartridge 4, or the cartridge 8 filled with an inorganic chlorine compound such as salt is replaced with a water purifier. It is exchanged and put in 20, and an inorganic chlorine compound is added to the water passed through the electrolytic cell 10 so that the concentration becomes 0.03 to 0.3% by weight.
Then, the polarity of the electrolysis voltage is determined so that the electrode 13B of the electrolytic cell 10 is the cathode and the electrode 13A is the anode, and the polarity of the electrolytic voltage is 10 to 20
By applying a DC voltage of V, the anode electrode 13
From the A side, the oxidation-reduction potential is 900 mV or more and the pH is 3.5.
The following strongly acidic ionized water can be obtained. At this time, in the switching valve 133, the discharge port 15B is connected to the discharge pipe 141, and the discharge port 1 is
5A is switched to be connected to the discharge pipe 142, and strongly acidic ionized water is discharged from the discharge pipe 142 to the discharge pipe 14.
Alkaline ionized water is discharged from No. 1. Therefore, this strongly acidic ionized water is continuously passed through the redox potential sensor 1, and the working electrode 2 can be washed in the first step with strongly acidic ionized water containing dissolved chlorine.
It is preferable that the water flow time of the strongly acidic ion water to the redox potential sensor 1 in the first step is about 1 to 5 minutes.

Next, in carrying out the cleaning in the second step, the calcium addition cartridge 4 and the water purifier 20
And pass water having a water quality level of tap water, determine the polarity of the electrolysis voltage so that the electrode 13B of the electrolytic cell 10 is an anode and the electrode 13A is a cathode, and apply a DC voltage of 10 to 40V. As a result, the redox potential is 500 mV to 100 mV or more and the pH is 4 to 4 from the electrode 13B side of the anode.
It is possible to obtain 6 acidic ionized water. At this time, the switching valve 133 causes the acidic ionized water to flow from the discharge pipe 142 to the discharge pipe 1.
It is switched so that the alkaline ionized water is discharged from 41. Therefore, this acidic ionized water is continuously passed through the redox potential sensor 1, and the working electrode 2 can be washed in the second step with acidic ionized water having a high dissolved oxygen concentration and a relatively high oxidizing power. The flow time of the acidic ion water to the redox potential sensor 1 in the second step is 1 to
About 5 minutes is preferable.

Next, in performing the third step of washing, water having a water quality level of tap water is subsequently passed through, and the electrolysis voltage is adjusted so that the electrode 13B of the electrolytic cell 3 serves as a cathode and the electrode 13A serves as an anode. It is possible to obtain strong alkaline ionized water having an oxidation-reduction potential of −200 mV or less and a pH of 9.5 or more from the cathode electrode 13B side by determining the polarity and applying a DC voltage of 20 to 40V. At this time, the switching valve 33 is switched so that the strong alkaline ionized water is discharged from the discharge pipe 142 and the acidic ionized water is discharged from the one discharge pipe 41. Therefore, the strong alkaline ionized water is continuously passed through the redox potential sensor 1, and the working electrode 2 can be washed in the third step with strong alkaline ionized water having a high dissolved hydrogen concentration and a high reducing power. It is preferable that the time for passing the strong alkaline ionized water through the redox potential sensor 1 in the third step is about 1 to 5 minutes.

As described above, the surface of the working electrode 2 can be renewed by washing the working electrode 2 of platinum or the like of the redox potential sensor 1 in three steps. The rate of equilibrium of the liquid with the redox system can be increased, and stable measurement of the redox potential of the ionized water produced in the electrolytic cell 10 is possible.

Next, an example for demonstrating the above cleaning effect will be described. Using tap water with conductivity of 12 mS / m, which uses river water as raw water, first, using the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 immediately after cleaning, the oxidation-reduction potential of ion water is measured in each mode, and this is measured in the initial stage of each mode. The measured values were stored in the storage means 24 (the initial measured values are shown in Table 2). Next, after the same tap water was passed through 1500 liters, the oxidation-reduction potential was measured during the operation of the alkaline ionized water in the pH 9.5 mode, and it was found that the initial measured value was −150 mV continuously. The measured value was 20 mV (shown in Table 2 as the measured value before cleaning), and the difference from the initial measured value was 100
Since the voltage exceeds mV, the cleaning lamp of the display means 26 is turned on. When the redox potential was measured in the same manner in each of the other modes before the cleaning, the measured values (shown in Table 2 as the measured values before cleaning) in each mode deviated from the initial measured values and above the standard. Therefore, it is confirmed that the measurement abnormality of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 can be detected regardless of which mode is used.

After the measurement abnormality of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 is displayed on the display means 26 in this way, the working electrode of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 is electrolyzed in the three steps of the above-mentioned first step to third step. Was washed by That is,
First, the cartridge 5 filled with salt is replaced with the calcium addition cartridge 4, salt is added to the water passed through the electrolytic cell 10 so that the concentration becomes 0.1% by weight, and the electrode of the electrolytic cell 10 is changed. The polarity of the electrolysis voltage is determined so that 13B becomes the cathode and 13A becomes the anode.
Electrolyte under the conditions of V and electrolysis current 15A, and the anode electrode 13A
The strong acid ionized water having a redox potential of 1150 mV and a pH of 2.5 generated from the side is passed through the redox potential sensor 1 at a water flow rate of 2 liters / min for 5 minutes to wash the first step. I did. Next, the calcium addition cartridge 4 is returned to the electrode 13B of the electrolytic cell 10.
Is the anode and the polarity of the electrolysis voltage is determined so that the electrode 13A becomes the cathode and electrolysis is performed under the conditions of the electrolysis voltage 22V and the electrolysis current 4A, and the redox potential generated from the anode electrode 13B side is 650 mV and the pH is 5. The second step of washing was performed by passing the weakly acidic ion water of No. 7 through the redox potential sensor 1 at a water flow rate of 2 liter / min for 5 minutes.
Next, the polarity of the electrolysis voltage is determined so that the electrode 13B of the electrolytic cell 3 serves as the cathode and the electrode 13A serves as the anode.
Electrolysis is performed under the conditions of V and electrolysis current 8A, and the redox potential generated from the cathode electrode 13B side is -760 mV and pH 1
The third step of cleaning was performed by passing 0.7 strong alkaline ionized water through the redox potential sensor 1 at a water flow rate of 2 liters / min for 5 minutes.

The redox potential sensor 1 after cleaning in this way was used to measure the oxidation-reduction potential of ionized water in each mode, and the measured values are shown in Table 2 as measured values after cleaning. As can be seen from Table 2, the measured value after cleaning in each mode is close to the initial measured value within a margin of error, confirming the effect of cleaning.

[0061]

[Table 2]

In the electrolyzed water producing apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the redox potential sensor 1 in which the storage means 24, the comparison means 25 and the display means 126 are integrally incorporated as the control circuit system 123 is used. Of course, it goes without saying that it is not limited to this. 5 to 12
In the electrolyzed water producing apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG.
0 is formed and the water quality measuring device 30 is incorporated in the electrolyzed water generating device, and the storage means 24 and the comparison means 25 are provided in the control unit 71 (microcomputer) shown in FIGS. Is done. Specifically, the storage unit 24 is the memory 74, and the comparison unit 25 is the comparison unit 7.
The display means 26 is provided as a display unit 72b.
It is equipped as In this device, the operation of the above-mentioned claims 5, 6, 7, and 8 is performed by the controller 7
The same operation is performed under the control of 1.

This electrolyzed water generator shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is
It is formed to have the functions of both an alkaline ionized water conditioner and a strong oxidizing water generator. Basically, it has the same configuration as FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 shown in the conventional example, is equipped with an electrolysis tank 10 and a water purification device 20, and raw water such as tap water is passed through the water purification device 20 for purification. The purified water flowing out of the water purifier 20 is electrolyzed in the electrolytic bath 10 to continuously generate alkaline water and acidic water. Here, the raw water is tap water, and the tap water is guided to the water purification device 20 through a water channel switching device 61 attached to the curran 60. The water channel switching device 61 includes two ports 62 and 63, and can switch between a state in which tap water is discharged as it is and a state in which the tap water is guided to the water purification device 20 by operating the switching lever 64.

A water quality measuring device 30 for electrically measuring the water quality of the alkaline water is arranged in the outflow path of the electrolyzed water generated in the electrolytic cell 10. The water quality measuring device 30 measures an oxidation-reduction potential, pH, an ion concentration of a specific ion and an electric conductivity according to an electrochemical principle, and as described above, the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 and the pH are measured.
And a sensor 31.

A temperature sensor 21 composed of a thermistor and a constant flow valve 22 are arranged on the flow path of the raw water to the water purifier 20. The temperature sensor 21 detects the temperature of the inflowing raw water, and when hot water having a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature is passed, an acoustic alarm is issued via a control unit 71 described later. In addition, the constant flow valve 22 is provided to prevent an excessive water pressure from acting on a water channel after the water purification device 20. The water purification device 20 is provided with a cartridge containing a filter medium made of activated carbon (which has been subjected to antibacterial treatment) and a filter medium made of a hollow fiber membrane, and is configured so that the filter medium can be replaced by replacing the cartridge. .

The electrolytic cell 10 is provided with a first electrode chamber 12A surrounded by the electrolytic diaphragm 11 and a second electrode chamber 12B outside the electrolytic diaphragm 11 inside the electrolytic cell 10, and each electrode chamber 12A, 1
Electrodes 13A and 13B are arranged in 2B, respectively.
Each of the electrode chambers 12A, 12B has an inlet 14A, 14B at the lower end thereof, and an outlet 15A, 15B at the upper end thereof. Inlet 14A and Outlet 1
5A has a smaller opening area than the inflow port 14B and the outflow port 15B, and the ratio of the flow rate into the electrode chamber 12A and the flow rate into the electrode chamber 12B is 1: 3 to 1: 4.
It is about to be. Also, the electrode chamber 12A,
The capacity of the electrode chamber 12A is smaller than that of the electrode chamber 12B. This is because each of the electrode chambers 12A, 12A
This is because there is a difference in the concentration of the electrolyzed water generated in B.

A flow rate sensor 23 and an electrolyte supply device 40 are arranged on the flow path between the water purification device 20 and the electrolytic cell 10. Although the flow path inside the electrolyte supply device 40 will be described later, the flow is divided into two systems inside the electrolyte supply device 40,
One of them is introduced into the first electrode chamber 12A through the inlet 14A, and the other is introduced into the second electrode chamber 12B through the inlet 14B. The flow path to the inflow port 14B is connected to the discharge pipe 53 through a drain valve 124 which is a solenoid valve. The discharge pipe 53 is basically provided for the purpose of discarding unnecessary water that is never used, but it can be used as necessary.

The outflow ports 15A and 15B of the electrolytic cell 10 are connected to the outflow pipe 53 and the water quality measuring device 3 through the flow path switching valve 54.
0, the outlet 15B is connected to the outflow pipe 53 and the outlet 15A is connected to the water quality measuring device 30, and the outlet 15B is connected to the water quality measuring device 30 and the outlet 15A is connected to the outflow pipe 53. The connection state can be switched. The water quality measuring device 30 is connected to the discharge pipes 51 and 52 via a flow path switching valve 55,
The electrolyzed water that has passed through the water quality measuring device 30 is discharged to one of the discharge pipes 5
1, 52 are selectively ejected. Flow path switching valves 54, 5
Reference numeral 5 is composed of an electromagnetic switching valve or a motor type switching valve. The flow path switching valves 54 and 55 are controlled so as to interlock. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, when the flow outlet switching valve 54 connects the outflow port 15A and the discharge pipe 53, the flow channel switching valve 55 connects the outflow port 15B and the discharge pipe 51. Further, when the flow passage switching valve 54 communicates the outflow port 15B with the discharge pipe 53 as shown in FIG. 6, the flow channel switching valve 55 communicates the outflow port 15A with the discharge pipe 52. That is, the electrolytic water is always discharged from the discharge pipe 53, and the electrolytic water is selectively discharged from only one of the discharge pipe 51 and the discharge pipe 52.

From the thermistor 21 described above to the flow path switching valve 5
The members on the flow paths up to 4, 55 are housed in the housing 100, and the three discharge pipes 51, 5 from the housing 100.
2,53 are withdrawn. Here, a flexible pipe is used for the discharge pipe 51. In addition, a hose for taking in the raw water from the calan 60 is also drawn out from the housing 100.

By the way, the water quality measuring device 30 is provided with the redox potential sensor 1 and the pH sensor 31 as described above. As shown in FIG. 7, the pH sensor 31 is a saturated aqueous solution of potassium chloride containing silver-. A reference electrode 33 in which a silver chloride electrode is immersed, a working electrode 34 in which a special glass electrode is filled with a saturated aqueous solution of potassium chloride, and a liquid junction 35 are provided. A voltage proportional to the hydrogen ion concentration of water passing through the flow path is provided by facing the reference electrode 33 and the liquid junction 35.
And the working electrode 34 as an electromotive force. This electromotive force is converted into a voltage of 0 to 5 V according to the pH value by being amplified by an amplifier having an appropriate amplification factor, and after being subjected to A / D conversion, a control unit 71 described later.
Is input to

Further, the redox potential sensor 1 is provided with a working electrode 2 in which an insoluble electrode such as platinum is enclosed in glass,
The working electrode 2 is exposed to the flow path 37 in the housing 36. The reference electrode of the redox potential sensor 1 is the pH sensor 31.
The common comparison electrode 33 is used, and the relative potential difference between the comparison electrode 33 and the working electrode 2 is detected as a redox potential. The detected potential difference is amplified by an amplifier having an appropriate amplification factor and converted into a voltage in the range of 0 to 5 V according to the redox potential, and A / D conversion is performed similarly to the pH sensor 31 and then the control unit 71 described later. Entered in.

As shown in FIG. 8, the electrolyte supply device 40 has a structure in which the cylindrical containers 42a and 42b made of a non-metal material containing the electrolyte 43 are mounted in the jacket 41. In the present embodiment, the type of the electrolyte 43 is selected according to which of the functions of the alkaline ionized water device and the strong oxidizing water generator is used. In other words, a calcium agent such as calcium lactate is used as the electrolyte 43a when generating alkaline ionized water for drinking or acidic ionized water for face washing, and sodium chloride (or salt) is used when generating strongly oxidized water. , Calcium chloride,
An inorganic chlorine compound such as potassium chloride or a mixture thereof is used as the electrolyte 43b. Therefore, the electrolyte 43
Containers 42a and 42b having different shapes are accommodated in the jacket 41, and the flow path in the jacket 41 is changed according to the containers 42a and 42b to be used.

More specifically, the jacket 41 is composed of one introduction passage pipe 41a into which water flows and two discharge passage pipes 41.
b, 41c, and the introduction passage pipe 41a and one discharge passage pipe 41b communicate with each other through a bypass passage pipe 41d. On the other hand, the container 42a used to generate the alkaline ionized water has the two discharge pipe lines 41b, 41 as shown in FIG. 9 (a).
Openings 44a and 44b communicating with c are formed. In addition, a container 42b used when generating strong oxidized water is used.
In addition to the openings 44a and 44b communicating with the discharge passage pipes 41b and 41c, respectively, as shown in FIG. 9B, the introduction cylinder 44c is extended from the central portion of the bottom wall. Introducing cylinder 44c
Has a length such that the distal end thereof closes the bypass passage pipe 41d when inserted into the introduction passage pipe 41a.

Then, when alkaline ionized water, acidic ionized water, strongly acidic ionized water, etc. are produced, the process shown in FIG.
Calcium lactate and other calcium agents such as electrolyte 4
The container 42a inserted as 3a is attached to the jacket 41. In this state, the introduction path 41a passes through the flow rate sensor 23.
The purified water introduced into the jacket 41 from the bypass pipe 4
It is sent to the discharge passage pipe 41b through 1d, sent to the container 42a through the bypass passage pipe 41d, and then discharged from the discharge passage pipe 41c. That is, the discharge passage pipe 41b
Is introduced into the inflow port 14B of the electrolytic cell 10 that communicates with the electrolytic cell 1 and passes through the electrolyte 43a and the discharge path 41c.
0 is introduced to the inflow port 14A. That is, in this state, water that has passed through the electrolyte 43a is introduced into the inlet 14A of the electrolytic cell 10, and water that does not pass through the electrolyte 43a is introduced into the inlet 14B.

On the other hand, when strongly oxidizing water is produced, the process shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), a container 42b containing an inorganic chlorine compound as an electrolyte 43b is attached to the jacket 41. At this time, since the bypass pipe 41d is closed by the introduction pipe 44c, the water flowing from the introduction pipe 41a into the jacket 41 is prohibited from flowing into the bypass pipe 41d and directly introduced into the container 42b through the introduction pipe 44c. After that, the flow is divided into the discharge passage pipe 41b and the discharge passage pipe 41c. That is, the electrolytic cell 10 connected to the discharge passage pipe 41b
Water in contact with the electrolyte 43b in the container 42b is introduced into each of the inflow port 14B and the inflow port 14A of the electrolytic cell 10 connected to the discharge passage pipe 41c.

Here, a high-frequency oscillation type proximity switch 45 as a detecting means is attached to the outer surface of the jacket 41, and a strip-shaped detection metal piece 46 as an identifying means is attached to the container 42b. ing. When the container 42b is mounted on the jacket 41, the proximity switch 45 detects the mounting of the container 42b.
42b can be identified. Therefore,
By giving the output of the proximity switch 45 to the control unit 71, which will be described later, the control unit 71 is instructed whether to generate alkaline ionized water, acidic ionized water, strongly acidic ionized water, or the like, or strongly oxidized water. be able to. As described above, in the present embodiment, the detection metal piece 4 that is the identification means is used.
6 and the proximity switch 45, which is a detection unit, identify the type of the electrolyte 43 and send a detection signal to the control unit 71.

The proximity switch 45 is well-known, and as shown in FIG. 10, for example, a detection coil generated when a high frequency current is applied from the high frequency oscillation circuit 45b to the detection coil 45a and the metal object X approaches. It is known that the impedance change of 45a is detected by the change of the oscillation output of the high frequency oscillation circuit 45b. That is, when the metal object X approaches, the high-frequency oscillation circuit 45b stops oscillating. Therefore, the output of the high-frequency oscillation circuit 45b is detected by the detection circuit 45c and waveform-shaped by the waveform shaping circuit 45d. A signal corresponding to the presence or absence of oscillation is output from the waveform shaping circuit 45d and taken out through the output circuit 45e for driving an external circuit. As a means for identifying the type of the containers 42a, 42b (that is, an identification detecting means for identifying and detecting the type of the electrolyte 43), a magnetic sensor (reed switch or hall element) is provided in place of the proximity switch 45, and the detection metal piece 46 is provided. Alternatively, a permanent magnet may be provided. Alternatively, the types of the containers 42a and 42b may be determined using a mechanical switch such as a microswitch.

The output signal from the proximity switch 45 is controlled by the control unit 71 shown in FIGS. The control unit 71 is configured by using a one-chip microcomputer (microcomputer). Control unit 7
1 is connected to an operation display unit 72, and the operation display unit 72, as shown in FIG.
Switch group 72 for performing various operations such as H adjustment
a and a display section 72b including a liquid crystal display 72b1 and a lamp group including light emitting diodes.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the switch group 7
2a includes a power switch 72a1, a switch 72a3 for alkaline ionized water production mode, and a switch 72a for acidic ionized water production mode and strongly acidic ionized water production mode.
5, a switch 72a4 for the purified water mode, a switch 72a2 for the strong oxidizing water generation mode, etc. are provided. Display 72
As b, the switch 72a3 for the alkaline ionized water production mode, the switch 72a5 for the acidic ionized water production mode and the strongly acidic ionized water production mode, the switch 72a4 for the purified water mode, and the switch 72 for the strongly oxidized water production mode are provided.
A selection lamp composed of a light emitting diode is provided corresponding to a2. That is, in the embodiment, the switch 72a3 for the alkaline ionized water generation mode selects four types of alkaline ionized water when operating once, when operating twice, when operating three times, and when operating four times. The four selection lamps 7 for generating alkaline ionized water correspond to the four-step operation of the switch 72a3 for the alkaline ionized water generation mode.
2b7, 72b6, 72b5, 72b4 are provided,
Selection lamps 72b7, 72b6, 72b for generating alkaline ionized water corresponding to any of the operation stages of the switch 72a3 for generating alkaline ionized water.
Any one of 5, 72b4 is turned on to inform that the alkaline ionized water production mode at a target stage is set. Further, a selection lamp 72b9 for the acidic ion water production mode and a selection lamp 72b10 for the strongly acidic ion water production mode are provided corresponding to the switch 72a5 for the acidic ion water production mode and the strongly acidic ion water production mode. When the switch 72a5 for the acidic ion water production mode and for the strongly acidic ion water production mode is operated once, the selection lamp 72b9 for the acidic ion water production mode lights up and 2
When the operation is repeated, the selection lamp 72b10 for the strongly acidic ionized water producing mode is turned on to notify the acidic ionized water producing mode or the strongly acidic ionized water producing mode, respectively. In addition, a selection lamp 72b8 for the water purification mode is provided corresponding to the switch 72a4 for the water purification mode, and the switch 7 for the water purification mode is provided.
When the 2a4 is turned on, the selection lamp 72b8 for the water purification mode is turned on to inform that the water purification mode is in effect. Further, a selection lamp 72b3 for the strong oxidizing water generation mode is provided corresponding to the switch 72a2 for the strong oxidizing water generation mode, and when the switch 72a2 for the strong oxidizing water generation mode is turned on, the strong oxidizing water generation mode The selection lamp 72b3 for use is turned on to inform that the strong oxidizing water generation mode is in effect. Reference numeral 72b2 in FIG. 11 (b) is a lamp that is turned on when the power switch 72a1 is on and turned off when the power switch 72a1 is off.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), the liquid crystal display 72b1 is provided with a display portion which appears according to the type of the added electrolyte, and when the output signal from the proximity switch 45 is sent to the control section 71. , The electrolyte 4 on the liquid crystal display 72b1
Display corresponding to the three types appears. Here, in the present embodiment, a display to that effect is displayed on the liquid crystal display 72b1 only when the electrolyte 43b for generating strongly-oxidized water is identified and detected by the identification detection means (for example, “during salt addition” in FIG. 11B). Is displayed, and nothing is displayed on the liquid crystal display 72b1 when the electrolyte 43 other than for the generation of strong oxidizing water is identified and detected by the identification detector. It is known that when the type of the electrolyte 43 is not displayed, it is either the case where the electrolyte 43 other than the electrolyte 43b for generating strong oxidizing water is added or the case where the electrolyte 43 is not added. It has become.

Then, when the electrolyte 43b for producing strong oxidizing water is identified and detected by the identifying and detecting means (that is, the electrolyte 4 for producing strongly oxidizing water is generated by the proximity switch 45).
When the output signal from the proximity switch 45 is sent to the control unit 71 (when the container 42b containing 3b is detected), the liquid crystal display serving as a notification means that the electrolyte 43b for generating strong oxidizing water is detected. Is displayed by the device 72b1 (in the embodiment, as described above, when salt is added as the electrolyte 43b, the word "adding salt" appears on the liquid crystal display 72b1), and at the same time, the flow path switching valves 54, 5 are displayed.
5 is switched to form a flow channel as shown in FIG. Further, the electrolyte 43 for generating strong oxidizing water by the identification and detection means.
When the identification detection signal of b is input to the control unit 71,
The control unit 71 is configured to control so that the electrolyzed water generation modes other than the strongly oxidized water generation mode cannot be accepted (that is, the switch 72a for the strongly oxidized water generation mode).
Switches in modes other than 2 cannot be accepted). Here, until the selection switches 72a3 to 72a5 for selecting the purified water mode or the modes for generating various kinds of electrolyzed water are newly turned on, the selection lamp for displaying the previous operation mode is controlled by the control unit 71 to be turned on. However, the identification detection signal of the electrolyte 43b for generating the strongly oxidized water by the identification detection means is not controlled by the control unit 7.
Only when 1 is input, until the selection switch 72a2 for generating strong oxidizing water is operated thereafter, the selection lamp for displaying the previous operation mode is controlled to be turned off. There is. Further, as described above, when the identification detection signal of the electrolyte 43b for generating the strongly oxidized water is input to the control unit 71 by the identification detection means, the liquid crystal display 72b1 is informed that the electrolyte 43b is added. But the buzzer and other sounds,
Alternatively, it may be notified by voice.

As described above, when the identification detection signal of the electrolyte 43b for producing the strong oxidizing water is input to the control unit 71 by the identification detection means, the flow path switching valves 54 and 55 are switched, and the flow of FIG. And a switch of a mode other than the switch 72a2 for the strong oxidizing water generation mode, that is, the switch 72a3 for the alkaline ionized water generation mode, the acidic ionized water generation mode and the strong acidic ionized water generation mode. The switch 72a5 for water and the switch 72a4 for water purification mode are controlled by the control unit 71 so as not to be accepted, and the selection lamp for displaying the previous operation mode is turned off, and further strong oxidation is performed. Since the notification means notifies that the electrolyte 43b for water generation has been added, the user is notified that the electrolyte 43b for strongly oxidizing water has been added. It is understood that it is possible to prevent erroneous generation when the electrolyte 43 which is not suitable for the mode is added by not accepting the modes other than the strong oxidizing water generation mode, and the salt water is discharged as the water discharge on the drinking side. It doesn't get wet and the switch on the drinking side does not accept it, so you do not accidentally drink strong oxidizing water or electrolytic water containing salt.

On the other hand, when the identification detection signal of the electrolyte 43b for producing the strong oxidizing water by the identification detecting means is input to the control section 71 as described above, other than the switch 72a2 for the strong oxidizing water producing mode. The mode switch is not accepted, but conversely, electrolyte 4 for generating strong oxidizing water is used.
When the electrolyte 43 other than 3b is added, or when the electrolyte 43 is not added (when the electrolyte 43 is not added), it is detected by the identification detection means and output to the control unit 71. In this case, the switch group 72a Among them, the switch 72a2 for the strong oxidizing water generation mode is not accepted, and the other switches are the switch 72a3 for the alkaline ion water generation mode, the switch 72a5 for the acidic ion water generation mode and the strong acid ion water generation mode, and the clean water mode. The switch 72a4 is controlled by the control unit 71.

In addition, each electrode 13A provided in the electrolytic cell 10,
The polarity and magnitude of the voltage applied to 13B are also controlled by the control unit 71. In this case, as described above, only when the electrolyte 43b that generates strong oxidizing water is added, the flow path switching valves 54 and 55 are automatically switched by detecting the addition by the identification detection means, After that, when the switch 72a2 for strong oxidizing water generation mode is operated, the electrode 13
It controls the magnitude and polarity of the applied voltage to A and 13B, and when another electrolyte 43 is added, various modes other than the strong oxidizing water generation mode (alkali ion water generation mode, acidic ion water Of the production mode, the strongly acidic ionized water production mode, and the purified water mode), when the switch for any mode is operated, the electrode 13 corresponding to the operated mode is used.
The magnitude and polarity of the applied voltage to A and 13B, the flow path switching valve 5
It controls switching between No. 4 and 55, opening / closing of the drain valve 124, and the like.

The electrodes 13A and 13B are also output by the outputs from the water quality measuring device 30 and the flow rate sensor 23 described above.
Polarity and magnitude of the voltage applied to the flow path switching valves 54, 5
5 switching, opening / closing of the drain valve 124, and the like are controlled. That is, in the comparison unit 71a provided in the control unit 71, the pH measured by the water quality measuring device 30 is compared with a preset setting value, and the switching power supply 73 performing the PWM control is feedback-controlled to bring the pH to the target value. The voltages applied to the electrodes 13A and 13B are adjusted so that they match. The electrode 13A, the polarity of the voltage applied to 13B are switched by the relay contacts r _1, r _2.

Next, the procedure for controlling the applied voltage between the electrodes 13A and 13B by feedback control to keep the pH at the target value will be outlined. In the present embodiment, the voltage Vm applied to the electrodes 13A and 13B is p
H is set corresponding to the target value pHM.
When M is set and current is applied, as shown in FIG.
13B is first set to Vm. Then p
Until H is almost stabilized (variation value for 2 seconds is ± 0.1 pH
The voltage applied to the electrodes 13A and 13B is kept at Vm. When the pH becomes stable in this way, the deviation ΔpH between the pH (= pHA) at this point and the target value pHM is obtained (actually, the difference in the output voltage of the pH sensor 31 is used), and the characteristics shown in FIG. Based on the curve, the voltage V
An applied voltage Vn (= Vm−ΔV) when the pH value is shifted by a deviation ΔpH from the pH value corresponding to m is obtained, and this voltage Vn is applied between the electrodes 13A and 13B. Such control is repeated until the deviation ΔpH falls within ± 0.2 pH, and thereafter, the voltage is maintained.

As described above, even after the deviation ΔpH is within ± 0.2 pH, the pH fluctuates due to disturbances such as fluctuations in the flow rate, so that the deviation ΔpH is ±± of the target value pHM.
When the deviation is out of the range of 0.2 pH, the above processing is performed, and the control is repeated until the applied voltage corresponding to the deviation ΔpH is obtained and the deviation ΔpH is within ± 0.2 pH. When the feedback control is performed in such a procedure, overshooting is reduced as inferred from the change in pH value shown in FIG. 13, and the pH converges to the target value pHM in a short time. In particular, since the deviation ΔpH is obtained when the pH value is stabilized as described above, the deviation Δp
The correction of the applied voltage based on H is completed only once, and from this point as well, the target value pHM can be converged in a short time.

Furthermore, when the target value pHM is different, that is, when alkaline ionized water, acidic ionized water, strongly acidic ionized water or strongly oxidized water is obtained, side reactions during the respective electrolysis (for example, chlorine ion oxidation reaction, etc.) ) Is different and the reaction time is different, so prepare an optimal characteristic curve for each target value pHM (here, each state that produces alkaline ionized water, acidic ionized water, strongly basic water, and strongly oxidized water). Then, feedback control is performed using a characteristic curve corresponding to each state. By the way, the curve A shown in FIG. 14 is for alkaline ionized water, B is for acidic ionized water, and C is for strongly oxidized water and strongly basic water. By selecting the characteristic curve in this way, the rising characteristics of the pH with respect to the change in the target value pHM can be appropriately controlled, and the pH value of the electrolyzed water to be discharged is whatever the target value pHM is. Can be quickly converged to the target value pHM. Note that the above characteristic curves A, B, and C can be approximately expressed by the following equations.

VpHv = A + B loge V (where VpH is the output voltage of the pH sensor 31, V is the voltage applied to the electrodes 13A and 13B, and A and B are constants set for each state). When the stable state where is within ± 0.1 pH continues for 10 seconds or more, the voltage value and the pH value are stored in the memory 74 attached to the control unit 71. The value stored in the memory 74 is referred to when water is passed again after the water is stopped,
The voltage value stored in the memory 74 corresponds to the electrodes 13A, 13
Immediately applied to B. By this control, the convergence time to the target value pHM after restarting the flow of water is further reduced. The contents of the memory 74 are rewritten each time the above condition is satisfied. Instead of rewriting the contents of the memory 74, a voltage value set for each target value pHM may be rewritten.

By the way, since the water in the electrolytic cell 10 is drained after the back electrolysis cleaning treatment is completed after stopping the water, the electrolytic cell 10 is filled with water even if the water flow is started from this state. There is a time delay before reaching the pH sensor 31.
Further, even when the target value pHM is changed during the passage of water, it takes time until the water in the electrolytic cell 10 is replaced to some extent. Therefore, there is no change in the output of the pH sensor 31 immediately after the start of water flow or immediately after the change of the target value pHM. Such a time zone is called a dead zone (area indicated by K in FIG. 13). Thus, if the above control is performed in the dead zone K, there is a possibility that the output value of the pH sensor 31 is stabilized even though the electrolytic water corresponding to the voltage applied to the electrodes 13A and 13B has not reached the pH sensor 31. If the deviation ΔpH is obtained in such a state, an inappropriate voltage value may be set. In order to avoid such inconveniences, the following dead zone processing is performed during feedback control.

That is, when the water flow is started from the water stop state, as shown in FIG. 15, the voltage Vm corresponding to the target value pHM is applied to the electrodes 13A and 13B from the time when the water flow is started, and the pH sensor is activated. Display 31 outputs.
However, a predetermined time T1 (for example, 15
Until the time elapses, the voltage Vm is maintained without performing the feedback control. If the pH changes by 0.2 in the direction of the target value pHM after the elapse of the time T1, it is determined that the dead zone has escaped, and thereafter the above-described feedback control is started.

When the target value pHM is changed during the passage of water, the voltage Vmn corresponding to the changed new target value pHM is applied to the electrodes 13A and 13B and the output of the pH sensor 31 is displayed. However, until a predetermined time T2 (for example, 3 seconds) elapses from the change of the target value pHM, the voltage Vmn is maintained without performing the feedback control. If the pH changes by 0.2 in the direction of the target value pHM after the elapse of the time T2, it is determined that the dead zone has escaped, and thereafter, the above-described feedback control is started. in short,
The case where the state is shifted from the water stop state to the water passing state and the case where the target value pHM is changed during the water passing are different only in the time set as the dead zone, and the other procedure of the dead pair processing is the same.

By the way, if the judgment as to whether or not the dead zone has been escaped is made only by judging whether or not the pH has changed by 0.2 toward the target value pHM as described above, the pH value of 0. If it does not change to 2 or more, the feedback control is not started. Therefore, it is desirable to add a judgment unit for forcibly escaping the dead zone. Although this type of determination unit can be realized by using a timer that performs a timed operation longer than the above-described times T1 and T2, in this embodiment, water is passed through the flow path to the electrolytic cell 10. The determination is based on the flow rate (for example, 0.2 liter). That is, when the flow rate measured by the flow rate sensor 23 reaches a predetermined value, the dead zone is forcibly escaped and the feedback control is started. in this case,
After the feedback control is started, the deviation ΔpH may be obtained using the value measured by the pH sensor 31 at the start of the feedback control without waiting for the determination whether the pH is stabilized.

Next, the operation of producing various kinds of electrolyzed water will be described. When the alkaline ionized water is generated, the container 42a
Then, a calcium agent such as calcium lactate is put in as an electrolyte 43a, and is attached to the jacket 41. Here, when the switch 72a3 for the alkaline ionized water generation mode is pressed to instruct the generation of the alkaline ionized water, the electrolytic cell 1 is started from the time when the passage of the predetermined flow rate is detected by the flow rate sensor 23.
Voltage is applied so that the electrode 13A of 0 serves as an anode and the electrode 13B serves as a cathode. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the flow path switching valve 54 communicates the electrode chamber 12A with the discharge pipe 53, and the flow path switching valve 55 passes from the electrode chamber 12B through the flow path switching valve 54 to the water quality measuring device 30. The electrolyzed water (alkali ionized water) is set to be guided to the discharge pipe 51. The discharge pipe 51 is drawn out from the upper part of the housing 100, and the electrolytic water (alkali ionized water) discharged from the discharge pipe 51 can be put into a cup and used for eating and drinking. Also, when calcium lactate is used as the calcium agent that is the electrolyte 43, lactate ions are generated, but since they are discarded together with the acidic ionized water, the lactate ions are not included in the drinking alkaline ionized water.

As described above, when the switch 72a3 for the alkaline ionized water production mode is operated once, 2
It is possible to select and generate four kinds of alkaline ionized water when operating three times, when operating four times, and when operating four times. The four steps of the switch 72a3 for this alkaline ionized water generation mode are selected. Four selection lamps 72b7, 72 for generating alkaline ionized water corresponding to the operation
b6, 72b5 and 72b4 are turned on to generate alkaline ionized water at a target stage. For example, when the switch 72a3 for alkaline ionized water generation mode is operated once and the selection lamp 72b7 is turned on, level 1 alkaline ionized water of pH 8.5 is generated, and the switch 72a3 is operated twice to select the lamp 72b.
When 6 lights up, level 2 alkaline ionized water of pH 9.0 is generated, and when the selection lamp 72b5 lights up by operating the switch 72a3 three times, level 3 alkaline ionized water of pH 9.5 is generated and the switch 72a3 When the selection lamp 72b5 is turned on by operating 4 times, pH of 10.
The control unit 11 controls the electrolysis voltage of the electrolytic cell 10 so that the level 4 strong alkaline ionized water of 5 is generated. In addition, in FIG. 11B, 72b11, 72b
Reference numeral 12 is a pH fine adjustment switch. When generating alkaline ionized water at each level, the pH fine adjustment switch 7
By pressing 2a8, the pH of the alkaline ionized water can be adjusted to be slightly higher, and by pressing the pH fine adjustment switch 72a9, the pH of the alkaline ionized water can be adjusted to be slightly lowered.

On the other hand, under the same conditions, the switch 72a5 for acidic ion water production mode and strongly acidic ion water production mode is set to 1
When the operation is performed twice, it means that the acidic ionized water for astringent having a pH of 5.0 to 6.0 is instructed to be taken out, the selection lamp 72b9 for the acidic ionized water production mode is turned on, and the electrode 13A, The applied voltage of 13B has a polarity opposite to the above. At this time, there is no change in the flow path, and the acidic ionic water is taken out from the discharge pipe 51, and the strongly alkaline water is discharged from the discharge pipe 53. Such weakly acidic ionized water is generally used for washing the face,
Since there is no particular problem even if it is drunk, it is more convenient to discharge from the discharge pipe 51 in order to use a large amount for the purpose of washing the face.

When it is desired to obtain strongly acidic ionized water having a pH of about 3.0 to 4.0 for sterilization of cutting boards and cloths, the switch 72a5 for both acidic water producing mode and strongly acidic water producing mode is used. Press twice and select lamp 72
The b10 is turned on to enter the strongly acidic ionized water production mode.
In this mode, the same electrolyte 43 as alkaline ionized water is used, but the control unit 71 controls so that the voltages applied to the electrodes 13A and 13B are different. When the generation of strongly acidic water is selected in this manner, the electrode 13A is used as the anode and the electrode 1 is used.
Electrolysis is performed using 3B as a cathode. This is the same as when alkaline ionized water is generated, but since alkaline water also becomes more basic in order to obtain strongly acidic ionized water, this alkaline water becomes unsuitable for drinking. Therefore, under the condition that the strongly acidic ionized water is obtained, the controller 71 switches the flow path switching valve 54 as shown in FIG. 6 so that the strongly alkaline water generated in the electrode chamber 12B is discharged from the discharge pipe 53 and flows again. The strong acid ion water is discharged through the discharge pipe 52 by also switching the path switching valve 55. The strongly acidic ionized water is often pumped and used here, so the housing 1
It is easy to use by discharging from the discharge pipe 52 drawn below 00. In addition, discharge from the discharge pipe 52 at this position leads to prevention of accidental ingestion. Here, by using a hose or the like for the discharge pipe 52, it is possible to more effectively indicate that it is not drinking.

When the strongly acidic ionized water is generated, the voltage is applied to the electrodes 13A and 13B with the above-mentioned polarity because the electrode chamber 12A has a smaller flow rate and a smaller volume, so that the ion concentration is higher. This is because the pH can be increased, and it becomes easier to reduce the pH (that is, increase the acidity) as compared with the case where acidic water is generated in the electrode chamber 12B.

When the switch 72a4 for water purification mode is pressed, the selection lamp 72b8 is turned on, the electrolysis voltage is not applied to the electrolytic cell 10, and the electrolysis cell 10 is not electrolyzed to operate in the water purification mode. . Therefore, in water purification mode,
The water passes through the water purifier 10 to be purified, and then is discharged from the discharge pipe 51 as purified water that is not electrolyzed. In this water purification mode, the flow path switching valve 54,
55 is switched.

By the way, strong oxidizing water (or strong basic water)
At the time of generating, since the container 42b containing the inorganic chlorine compound as the electrolyte 43b is attached to the electrolyte supply device 40, the control unit 71 can generate strong oxidizing water based on the output of the proximity switch 45. Flow path switching valves 54, 5
5 is automatically switched. That is, the flow path switching valve 54
Connects the electrode chamber 12A to the flow path switching valve 55 through the water quality measuring device 30 and connects the electrode chamber 12B to the discharge pipe 53. Further, the flow path switching valve 55 is set so as to guide the inflowing water to the discharge pipe 52.

When the container 42b containing the electrolyte 43b for generating strong oxidizing water is detected by the proximity switch 45 and output to the control unit as described above, the flow path switching valves 54, 55 are already described. Is changed to a flow path as shown in FIG. 6, and a switch in a mode other than the switch 72a2 for strong oxidizing water generation mode, that is, a switch 72a3 for alkaline ionized water generation mode, a switch for acidic ionized water generation mode The switch 72a5 for the strong acidic ionized water production mode and the switch 72a4 for the water purification mode are both controlled by the control unit 71 so as not to be accepted, and a selection lamp 72b4 for displaying the previous operation mode. .About.72b10 are also turned off, and a notification means (liquid crystal display 72) that the electrolyte 43b for generating strong oxidizing water has been added. To notify by 1). When the switch 72a2 for the strong oxidizing water generation mode is operated to be turned on with the container 42b thus mounted, the selection lamp 72b3 for the strong oxidizing water generation mode is turned on to enter the strong oxidizing water generation mode. In addition to displaying that, electrolysis is performed using the electrode 13A as an anode and the electrode 13B as a cathode, as in the case of instructing the generation of strong oxidizing water and generating strongly acidic ionized water. That is, although the type of the electrolyte 43 is different, it operates similarly to the case of generating strongly acidic ionized water. In this way, the strong oxidizing water is discharged from the discharge pipe 52 and the strong basic water is discharged from the discharge pipe 53, and both are discharged from the lower part of the housing 100, so that accidental ingestion can be prevented.

As described above, if the container 42b is not attached to the electrolyte supply device 40, the generation of strong oxidizing water cannot be instructed. Therefore, the strong oxidizing water is stored in the container 42a used when generating alkaline ionized water or the like. Electrolyte 4
Even if 3b (sodium chloride, potassium chloride, etc.) is added, it is not possible to instruct the generation of strong oxidizing water, which means that it operates on the safe side. Moreover, since the strong oxidizing water is discharged from the discharge pipe 52 drawn from the lower portion of the housing 100 as described above, accidental ingestion can be prevented even when the strong oxidizing water is being generated.

It is desirable to set the concentration of hypochlorous acid to 20 to 30 ppm in order to enhance the bactericidal effect of strong oxidizing water, but hypochlorous acid generates chlorine gas and a large amount of chlorine gas is healthy. Since this is not desirable, the amount of chlorine gas generated must be limited so as not to affect health. Therefore, by limiting the capacity of the container 42b used for generating the strong oxidizing water, an upper limit is set for the amount of strong oxidizing water generated per time. Specifically, the container 42b is limited to a capacity capable of containing 10 g of the electrolyte 43b to prevent generation of a large amount of chlorine gas at one time. Here, the container 42b may be provided with a scale to limit the amount of the electrolyte 43b input.

Further, the control section 71 is also designed to suppress the generation of chlorine gas. That is, when generating strong oxidizing water, the upper limit of the amount of strong oxidizing water generated is limited to about 1 liter based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 23, and the amount of purified water passing through the flow rate sensor 23 is limited. Is 3.5 to 4 liters (ratio of production amount with strong basic water is 1: 3)
To about 1: 4), the buzzer 75 provided in the control unit 71 is sounded to notify the user, and thereafter, even if the water flow is continued, the electrodes 13A and 13B are output after a predetermined time.
The application of voltage to is stopped. further,
In order to suppress the generation of chlorine gas, the pH sensor of the water quality measuring device 30 detects the pH of the strong oxidizing water so as not to deviate from the target value (for example, pH = 2.7). The concentration of hypochlorous acid is 20 to 30p
The voltage applied to the electrodes 13A and 13B is feedback-controlled so as to be maintained at pm.

By the way, as described above, when the water flow operation is performed after the electrolyte 43b for generating the strongly oxidized water is added and before the selection switch 72a2 for generating the mode is selected, no electrolysis occurs. That is, the notification means is used to notify. In this notification, the liquid crystal display 72b1 may indicate that there is no electrolysis, or the sound or sound of the buzzer 75 may notify that there is no electrolysis.

Further, after the electrolyte 43b for generating strong oxidizing water is added, the selection switch 72a2 for setting the strong oxidizing water generating mode is used for passing water, during drainage, during reverse electrolysis cleaning, and after passing a certain amount of water. Is not accepted, and by doing so, stable strong oxidizing water can be generated. Further, even when stable electrolyzed water cannot be generated, or when the water is stopped after passing a certain amount of water in the strong oxidizing water mode, the selection switch 72ab for generating the strong oxidizing water is not accepted. As a result, the amount of the added strongly oxidizing water-generating electrolyte 43b was significantly reduced, and it was informed that after that, the amount of the strongly oxidizing water could not be produced. It cannot be created. still,
When a detection signal indicating that the container 42b has been removed from the electrolyte supply device 40 after the strong oxidizing water is generated is sent from the detection means 45 to the control unit 71, the liquid crystal display 72b1 is provided with the electrolyte 43b and / or the electrolyte 43b.
And a display warning that the electrolyzed water remains, and after this display appears, the electrolyte 43 for generating strong oxidizing water is displayed.
The detection signal that the container 42b of b has been inserted is the detection means 45.
Even if it is sent from the control unit 71 to the control unit 71, the selection switch 72a2 for generating strong oxidizing water is controlled not to be accepted.

By taking the above measures, 2.
Even when used in a narrow place of about 5 m ^3, the concentration of chlorine gas in the ambient air could be suppressed to about 1 ppm.
That is, the permissible value of the chlorine gas concentration of 1 ppm according to the Industrial Safety and Health Act can be achieved even in a narrow space of about 2.5 m ³ . By the way, in the case where the electrolyte 43b for generating strong oxidizing water is added and the electrolyte 43 other than the electrolyte 43b is added or not added after generating the electrolytic water (that is, in the embodiment, When the container 42b containing the electrolyte 43b for generating strong oxidizing water is removed from the electrolyte supply device 40), the detection signal that the container 42b is removed from the electrolyte supplying device 40 after the generation of strong oxidizing water is controlled by the detecting means 45. Sent to the unit 71, the display unit 72
A display warning that the electrolyte 43b or / and its electrolyzed water remains is displayed in b, and when the water flow operation is performed in this state, all modes are selected until water flow for a certain amount or for a certain time is completed. Switches 72a2, 72a3, 72a for
4, 72a5 are not accepted, and in this state, a display prompting a warning that drinking is not possible appears on the display portion 72b, and a warning is given by sounding the buzzer 75. As a result, the electrolyte 43b /
Also, it is possible to prevent accidental ingestion of water mixed with the electrolyzed water.

By the way, the water quality measuring device 30 for measuring the oxidation-reduction potential and pH value of the electrolyzed water has deteriorated the measurement accuracy after the strong oxidizing water is produced. Can not. This is caused by the chlorine gas that appears when strong oxidizing water is generated, adhering to the electrode surface of the water quality measuring device 30, and in order to eliminate this chlorine gas adhesion and accurately measure alkaline ionized water, It is necessary to pass electrolytic water other than oxidizing water. By performing this operation of passing electrolytic water internally in the drainage for eliminating the remaining of the electrolyte 43b and the electrolytic water, it is possible to accurately measure even when alkaline water is electrolyzed after the end of drainage. . It is considered most effective to carry out the electrolysis mode during the water-passing operation in the order of the purified water mode, the acidic ion water production mode, and the alkaline ion water production mode. This is eliminated to some extent by flowing the chlorine gas attached by the generation of strong oxidizing water with purified water, and after passing the purified water, the residual chlorine gas is replaced with oxygen gas generated when the acidic ionized water is generated. Can be almost eliminated. Then, chlorine gas can be replaced with hydrogen gas by passing strong alkaline ionized water. By this water-passing operation, even if the water quality measuring device 30 is a redox potential sensor using an inactive metal electrode such as platinum, the redox potential of a solution having a low ion concentration such as tap water or electrolyzed water can be measured. By using a simple and safe cleaning method, the platinum electrode can be renewed to ensure accuracy. The electrolysis mode during the water-passing operation does not deteriorate the accuracy of the water quality measuring device 30 even if the electrolysis in the alkaline ion water production mode is performed after the acidic ion water production mode or the electrolysis is always performed in the alkaline ion water production mode. It can be resolved to some extent.

If water is stopped during this water flow operation,
The amount of water flow and the electrolysis mode at that time are stored, and the electrolysis is continued after the previous flow of water in the subsequent water flow, and when the sum of the previous amount of water flow reaches a certain amount, the electrolysis is canceled. Therefore, even if water is stopped during the electrolysis mode, the electrolysis mode can be surely performed. In addition,
The supply of raw water to the electrolyzed water generator is stopped by closing the currant 60 or switching the flow path by the water channel switching device 61. Therefore, the control unit 71 detects the water stop based on the output of the flow rate sensor 23. . When the water stop is detected, the electrode 13
A voltage having the opposite polarity to that during electrolysis is applied to A and 13B for a short period of time to perform a process (reverse electrolysis cleaning process) of removing scale attached to the electrodes 13A and 13B. In the reverse electrolysis cleaning process, a state in which a reverse polarity voltage is applied to the electrodes 13A and 13B is continued for a predetermined time. Immediately before the end, the drain valve 124 is opened to discharge the drainage including the scale through the discharge pipe 53. However, this prevents the wastewater containing scale from entering the next generation of electrolyzed water.

The electrode 13 is subjected to such a reverse electrolysis cleaning process.
It is necessary to keep water in the electrolytic cell 10 when applying a voltage to A and 13B. In particular, since strongly acidic oxidized water having a pH of about 2 remains on the anode side during electrolysis, it becomes possible to dissolve and easily remove the scale containing calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate and the like. As described above, in order to retain the water in the electrolytic cell 10 when water is stopped, it is necessary to prevent drainage from the discharge pipes 51, 52, 53 due to the siphon phenomenon. Therefore, at the same time as the start of the reverse electrolysis cleaning process, the flow path switching valves 54 and 55 are switched to a selected state different from that during electrolysis, the flow of water due to inertia is stopped, and the outside air is taken into the flow path to drain water due to the siphon phenomenon. To prevent this. In this way, water can be retained in the electrolytic cell 10 during the reverse electric cleaning process, and a sufficient cleaning effect can be obtained. Drain valve 1
When opening and draining 24, the flow path switching valve 54, so that the state of FIG.
55 channels are selected. In this way, the atmosphere is introduced from the discharge pipe 51, and the water can be quickly drained from the electrolytic cell 10.

Further, it is routinely used that the water is again passed in a short time after the water is stopped, and in such a case, if the reverse electrolysis cleaning treatment is performed every time the water is stopped. If this happens, it will be necessary to wait for the next water passage until the end of the reverse electrolysis cleaning process, and the usability will deteriorate. Therefore, the reverse electrolysis cleaning process does not start immediately after stopping the water
It is designed to start after waiting a fixed time (for example, 30 seconds) from the stoppage of water. As a result, when the water flow is restarted within the fixed time, the water flow can be immediately performed without performing the reverse electrolysis cleaning process.

Next, the cleaning of the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1 provided in the water quality measuring device 30 in the electrolyzed water producing device shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 will be described. When the electrolyzed water generator is purchased and started to be used, an atomic level oxygen atomic film is formed on the surface of the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1 due to being left in the air for a long time. In that case, the redox potential cannot be measured normally, and there is a possibility that the liquid crystal display 72b1 of the display unit 72b may display an incorrect redox potential. Therefore, it is necessary to wash the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1 before purchasing the electrolyzed water generator and starting use. Therefore, even if the power supply is turned on to start using water after the purchase of the electrolyzed water generating device and the water flow is started, the redox potential sensor is selected until the cleaning mode is selected and the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1 is cleaned. The value of the redox potential measured in 1 is controlled by the control unit 71 so that it is not displayed on the liquid crystal display 72b1 of the display unit 72b (claim 16). At this time, the liquid crystal display 72b
The redox potential of No. 1 is displayed at the position ("O"
RP1100 "is displayed)," ---
It is preferable to display a symbol other than the numerical value of the redox potential, such as “−”, to clearly indicate that the redox potential is not displayed, and to prompt the cleaning of the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1.

When the working electrode 2 of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 is first washed after purchasing the electrolyzed water generator, or when the cartridge of the water purifier 20 is new, the electrolytic cell 10 or the water purifier 20 is used. There is a possibility that air will remain and the cleaning mode operation will not be performed normally. Therefore, before the cleaning mode is selected, water is passed through the electrolyzed water generating device for a predetermined time in the purified water mode or in the state where the electrolyzed water generating device is turned off so that the air is removed. After the cleaning is completed, the cleaning mode selection switch 72a7
The cleaning mode can be selected by pressing.

Here, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), the cleaning mode selection switch 72a7 for cleaning the working electrode 2 of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 is shown on the operation display section 72 as "initial setting". There is. The selection switch 72a6 indicated by "sensor cleaning" on the operation display unit 72 of FIG. 11B is a switch for selecting a mode for cleaning the electrode of the pH sensor 31 provided in the water quality measuring device 30. In FIG. 11B, 72b11 is a selection switch 7
A lamp that lights up when the mode for cleaning the electrode of the pH sensor 31 is selected by pressing 2a6, and a lamp 72b12 lights up when the cleaning mode for cleaning the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1 is selected by pressing the selection switch 72a7. It is a lamp.

In the case of the first use after purchasing the electrolyzed water producing apparatus, when the selection switch 72a7 is pressed after passing water for a predetermined time as described above, the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1 is washed. The cleaning mode for performing is started. Here, before starting the cleaning mode, the electrolyte for generating the strongly acidic ionized water containing dissolved chlorine in the first step of the cleaning mode is usually put in the container 42a containing the calcium agent, and this electrolyte is put therein. The container 42 a is attached to the jacket 41 of the electrolyte supply device 40. An inorganic chlorine compound such as sodium chloride, calcium chloride or potassium chloride is used as the electrolyte (claim 3). Further, the amount of the electrolyte to be put in the container 42a is set to the first in the cleaning mode.
The amount is set so that it dissolves and disappears in the step.

In the electrolyzed water producing apparatus shown in FIGS. 5 to 12, when the cleaning mode for cleaning the redox potential sensor 1 by pressing the selection switch 72a7 in this way is selected, the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1 is selected. Is controlled by the control unit 71 so that cleaning is performed automatically with strong acidic ion water, acidic ion water having a lower acidity than this, and alkaline ion water in this order (claim 15). When the cleaning mode is selected by pressing the selection switch 72a7 in this manner, the switches 72a2, 72a3, 72 for selecting the generation mode of the electrolyzed water until the cleaning mode ends.
The control unit 11 controls such that the electrolyzed water generation modes cannot be accepted even if a4 and 72a5 are pressed (claim 18).

When the cleaning mode for cleaning the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 by pressing the selection switch 72a7 is selected and water is passed, the first step of the cleaning mode is that the oxidation-reduction potential is 900 mV or more and the pH is 3 or more. Electrodes 13A, 1 of the electrolytic cell 10 are formed so that strongly acidic ionized water containing dissolved oxygen of 5 or less is generated in the electrolytic cell 10 and the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1 is treated with the strongly acidic ionized water.
3B and the flow path switching valves 54 and 55 are controlled by the control unit 71 and automatically switched. That is, electrolysis is performed using the electrode 13A as an anode and the electrode 13B as a cathode, and the flow path switching valve 54 connects the outlet port 15A of the electrode chamber 12A to the water quality measuring device 30.
The outlet port 15B of the electrode chamber 12B to the discharge pipe 53, and the flow path switching valve 55 is connected to the water quality measuring device 30.
Is controlled by the controller 71 so as to communicate with the discharge pipe 52. Therefore, in this case, the water flow passage is as shown in FIG. 6 (however, since the container 42a is attached to the electrolyte supply device 40, the flow passage in this portion is as shown in FIG. 8A). ..

Thus, in the first step, the electrode 13A
The strongly acidic ionized water containing dissolved chlorine generated in the electrode chamber 12A of the anode passes through the water quality measuring device 30 and is discharged from the discharge pipe 52. The working electrode 2 of the sensor 1 can be processed. The strong alkaline ionized water generated in the electrode chamber 12B is discharged from the discharge pipe 53. Thus, by treating the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1 with strongly acidic ionized water containing dissolved chlorine, the adsorbed impurities formed on the surface of the working electrode 2 are oxidatively decomposed, and the surface of the working electrode 2 is also decomposed. Calcium compounds such as adhered Ca scale can be dissolved. Further, when the electrolyzed water generator is purchased and then started to be used, the working electrode 2 has the atomic-level oxygen atomic film formed as described above. The oxygen atomic film is replaced with chlorine to remove it. be able to.

Here, the container 42b used for generating the strong oxidizing water is not used, but the container 42a usually containing the calcium agent is used, whereby the electrode chamber for generating alkaline ionized water in the electrolytic cell 2 is used. The electrolyte is supplied only to either one of 12B and the electrode chamber 12A that generates acidic ionized water (claim 14). In this embodiment,
The electrolyte is supplied only to the electrode chamber 12A. By thus supplying the electrolyte to only one of the electrode chambers 12A and 12B and preventing the electrolyte from being supplied to both of the electrode chambers 12A and 12B, the supply amount of the electrolyte can be limited and the strong oxidation described above can be performed. The concentration of hypochlorous acid can be made slightly lower than in the case of producing water, and strong acidic ionized water more suitable for washing can be obtained. When the high hypochlorous acid concentration is high, a large amount of chlorine ions may be attached to the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1, which is not preferable. Therefore, in this case, when it is detected by the above-described identification detecting means that the container 42b used for generating the strong oxidizing water is attached to the electrolyte supply device 40, the cleaning mode of the redox potential sensor 1 is accepted. The control unit 71 is set so that the cleaning mode of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 can be accepted only when the container 42a that is disabled and is not detected by the identification detection unit is mounted.
It is desirable to configure so that it is controlled by.

After the cleaning in the first step is continued for about 1 minute, the process proceeds to the second step, but the electrolyte contained in the container 42a is not used up in the first step due to the influence of water pressure or the like and remains in the container 42a. Because there are times when
After the steps are completed, the electrodes 12A, 12 of the electrolytic cell 10 are
The control unit 71 is controlled so that the electrolytic flow voltage is not applied to B, the water flow passage continues to flow water for about 1 minute, and the electrolyte remaining in the container 42a is washed away.

In the next second step, p containing dissolved oxygen is added.
The weakly acidic ionized water having H of 4 to 6 is generated in the electrolytic cell 10,
The electrodes 13A and 13B of the electrolytic cell 10 are treated so that the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1 is treated with this strongly acidic ionized water.
The flow path switching valves 54 and 55 are controlled by the control unit 71 and automatically switched. That is, electrolysis is performed using the electrode 13A as a cathode and the electrode 13B as an anode. The flow path switching valve 54 connects the outlet port 15A of the electrode chamber 12A to the discharge pipe 53 and the outlet port 15B of the electrode chamber 12B to the water quality measuring device 30.
The flow path switching valve 55 is controlled by the controller 71 so that the water quality measuring device 30 communicates with the discharge pipe 51.
Therefore, in this case, the water flow passage is as shown in FIG.

Thus, in the second step, the electrode 13B
The weakly acidic ionized water containing dissolved acidity generated in the electrode chamber 12B of the anode passes through the water quality measuring device 30 and is discharged from the discharge pipe 51. The working electrode 2 of the sensor 1 can be processed. The alkaline ionized water generated in the electrode chamber 12A is discharged from the discharge pipe 53. In this way, the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1 is used with weakly acidic ionized water containing dissolved oxygen.
The chlorine atom adhering to the surface of the working electrode 2 in the first step can be replaced with an oxygen atom. The cleaning in the second step is continued for about 1 minute.

In the next third step, strong alkaline ionized water containing dissolved hydrogen having an oxidation-reduction potential of −200 mV or less and a pH of 9.5 or more is generated in the electrolytic cell 10, and the operation of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 is performed. The control unit 71 controls the electrodes 13A, 13B and the flow path switching valves 54, 55 of the electrolytic cell 10 so that the electrode 2 is treated with the alkaline ionized water. That is, electrolysis is performed by switching the electrode 13A to the anode and the electrode 13B to the cathode, but the flow path switching valves 54 and 55 remain the same as in the second step, and the outlet port 15A of the electrode chamber 12A communicates with the discharge pipe 53. Along with the outlet 15B of the electrode chamber 12B
Is communicated with the water quality measuring device 30, and the water quality measuring device 30 is communicated with the discharge pipe 51. Therefore, also in this case, the water flow passage is as shown in FIG. As described above, in the third step, the strong alkaline ionized water containing the dissolved hydrogen generated in the electrode chamber 12B of the cathode of the electrode 13B passes through the water quality measuring device 30 and is discharged from the discharge pipe 51,
The working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1 can be treated with strong alkaline ionized water containing dissolved hydrogen. Electrode chamber 12
The acidic ionized water produced in A is discharged from the discharge pipe 53. When the working electrode 2 is treated with strong alkaline ionized water containing dissolved hydrogen in this way, the dissolved hydrogen contained in the alkaline ionized water is more easily adsorbed than oxygen, so it is replaced with oxygen and adsorbed on the surface of the working electrode 2, and Since hydrogen has a property of being easily desorbed, the surface of the working electrode 2 can be almost completely renewed.

The washing with the strongly alkaline ionized water containing dissolved hydrogen in the third step is completed in about 1 minute, and the washing of the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1 is completed here.
In the present embodiment, the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1 is used.
The operation in the cleaning mode is continued until the initial measurement value of the redox potential is stored and set. That is, after the cleaning is completed as described above, the electrolytic voltage for the electrodes 13A and 13B and the flow path switching valves 54 and 55 are controlled by the control unit 71, and first, strong alkaline ionized water of level 4 of pH 10.5 is electrolyzed. Generated at 10. Then, when this electrolyzed water of pH 10.5 is passed through the water quality measuring device 30, the redox potential is measured by the redox potential sensor 1 immediately after being washed as described above, and the measured value is pH 10. The memory 7 of the control unit 71 is used as an initial measurement value of the redox potential of the electrolyzed water of 0.5.
4 is stored. Next, level 3 alkaline ionized water having a pH of 9.5 is generated and the redox potential is measured by the redox potential sensor 1, and the measured value is used as an initial measurement value of the redox potential of the electrolyzed water having a pH of 9.5. It is stored in the memory 74 of the control unit 71. Similarly, level 2 alkaline ionized water having a pH of 9.0 and level 1 alkaline ionized water having a pH of 8.5 are generated, and their redox potentials are measured and stored in the memory 74 of the control unit 71 as initial measured values. It Next, the purified water is passed through the water quality measuring device 30 without applying an electrolytic voltage to the electrodes 13A and 13B to measure the oxidation-reduction potential measurement of water having a pH of 7.0, and the memory 74 of the control unit 71 sets the initial measurement value. Memorized in. In addition, level 1 acidic ionized water at pH 5.5, pH 2.9
Acidic ionized water is generated in this order, the redox potential of each is measured, and stored in the memory 74 of the control unit 71 as an initial measurement value. In this way, the measurement value of the oxidation-reduction potential of the electrolyzed water (including purified water) at each pH level in the initial stage of water flow to the washed oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 is stored in the memory 74 of the control unit 71 as the initial measurement value. (See Table 2) and the wash mode ends.

In the above embodiment, after the washing with the strong alkaline ionized water in the third step is completed, the initial measurement of the redox potential of the alkaline ionized water, the purified water and the acidic ionized water of the electrolyzed water at each pH level is carried out. Memory 74
I am trying to remember it, but at pH 5.5 level 1
For the acidic ionized water of No. 2, the initial measurement value of the redox potential is measured and stored in the memory 74 at the end of the cleaning of the first step, and for the acidic ionized water of pH 2.9, the second measurement is performed.
The initial measurement value of the oxidation-reduction potential is measured and stored in the memory 74 at the end of the cleaning of the step. After the cleaning of the third step, the initial measurement value of the oxidation-reduction potential of the alkaline ionized water and the purified water at each pH level is measured. Measure and memory 7
4 may be stored.

Here, when the water flow to the electrolyzed water generator is stopped by closing the calan 60 or switching the flow path by the water channel switching device 61 during the above cleaning mode, the inorganic chlorine compound Of the electrolyte or electrolyzed water containing this electrolyte may remain in the electrolyzed water generator.If the alkaline water is switched to the electrolyzed water generation mode to generate alkaline ionized water, etc. May be mixed. Therefore, when the water flow is stopped during execution of the cleaning mode for cleaning the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1, the notification means notifies that the electrolyte and / or the electrolytic water containing the electrolyte remains. The control section 71 controls so as to do so (claim 19). As the notification means, specifically, the liquid crystal display 72 of the display unit 72b is used.
b1 and buzzer 75 can be used, and the liquid crystal display 72
It is possible to give a notification by displaying a description to that effect on b1 or by sounding the buzzer 75.

When water flow is stopped during the cleaning mode for cleaning the working electrode 2 of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 as described above, sufficient water is allowed to flow through the electrolyzed water generator to remain inside. It is necessary to completely wash away the electrolyte to be used and the electrolyzed water containing the electrolyte. Therefore, when water flow is performed after water flow is stopped during the execution of the cleaning mode,
The selection switch 72a is operated until a predetermined and sufficient amount of water is supplied or a predetermined and sufficient time of water is supplied.
The control unit 71 controls so that the mode for generating electrolyzed water cannot be accepted even if 3 to 72a5 is pressed (claim 20).

At the same time, at the same time, when water is supplied after the water is stopped during the cleaning mode for cleaning the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1, a predetermined sufficient amount of water is supplied. The control unit 71 controls the notification means to notify that the water to be discharged is not drinkable, until the water is discharged or the water is supplied for a predetermined sufficient time. This prevents accidental ingestion of water (claim 21). As the notification means, specifically, the liquid crystal display 72b1 of the display unit 72b and the buzzer 7 are used.
5 can be used, and the liquid crystal display 72b1 can be informed of that fact, or the buzzer 75 can be sounded to give a notification.

However, as described above, the memory 74 of the control unit 71 stores the initial measured value of the redox potential at each pH. The redox potential and pH of the electrolyzed water are constantly measured by the redox potential sensor 1 and the pH sensor 31 while the electrolyzed water generator is operated in the electrolyzed water generation mode (including the purified water mode). The comparison unit 71b of the control unit 71 compares the value of the redox potential obtained with the initial measurement value of the same pH stored in the memory 74,
If the difference in comparison is, for example, 100 mV or more, it is determined that impurities have adhered to the surface of the working electrode 2 of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 to cause abnormal measurement accuracy, and FIG.
A cleaning sign lamp 72b13 provided on the operation display unit 72 shown in (b) is turned on to prompt cleaning of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1.

In this way, the cleaning sign lamp 72b13
When the oxidation / reduction potential sensor 1 is washed according to the lighting of, when the selection switch 72a7 for washing the oxidation / reduction potential sensor 1 is pressed after operating in the mode for generating electrolytic water, the operation in the electrolytic water generation mode is stopped. Although water flow is stopped together with this, when the operation of the electrolyzed water generation mode is stopped in this way, a voltage of the opposite polarity to that during the electrolyzed water generation is applied to the electrodes 13A and 13B, and as described above, the electrode 13A , 13B
Reverse electrolysis cleaning is performed to remove the scale adhering to.
For this reason, even if the selection switch 72a7 for cleaning the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 is pressed after operating in the mode for generating electrolyzed water, the cleaning mode cannot be accepted, and the drain valve 124 opens after the reverse electrocleaning to open the electrolytic cell 10. The control unit 71 controls so that the operation in the cleaning mode is started after the time for draining the water containing the inner scale from the discharge pipe 53 has elapsed. It should be noted that when the operation is performed in the water purification mode, such reverse electrolysis cleaning is not performed. Therefore, when the selection switch 72a7 for cleaning the redox potential sensor 1 is pressed after the operation in the water purification mode, the cleaning is performed. The control unit 71 controls so that the mode is immediately accepted and the operation in the cleaning mode is started (claim 17).

Here, in supplying the inorganic chlorine compound as an electrolyte to generate the strongly acidic ionized water containing dissolved chlorine in the first step of the cleaning mode of the redox potential sensor 1, in the above embodiment, the electrolyte is Usually, it is placed in a container 42a containing a calcium agent, and the electrolyte supply device 40
However, a dedicated cartridge containing an inorganic chlorine compound as an electrolyte may be used, and the cartridge may be attached to the electrolyte supply device 40 to supply the electrolyte. In this case, this cartridge is provided with the detection metal piece 46, etc. as described above, and this is detected by the identification detection means such as the proximity switch 45, and the cartridge containing the inorganic chlorine compound as the electrolyte is used as the water passage. When it is detected that it is attached to the control unit 71, the control unit 71 controls such that the mode for generating the electrolyzed water (including purified water) cannot be accepted even if the selection switches 72a3 to 72a5 are pressed (claims). 1
3).

Here, the oxidation-reduction potential and pH of the electrolyzed water (including purified water) produced in the electrolysis tank 10 are measured by the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1 and the pH sensor 31 of the water quality measuring device 30, as shown in FIG. Like the liquid crystal display 7 of the display section 72b
As shown in 2b1, the redox potential measured by the redox potential sensor 1 may be slightly slower than the pH measured by the pH sensor 31. Although it depends on the characteristics of the material used for the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1, for example, the pH is maintained for a while after the discharge of the electrolyzed water is started.
Even if the measured value of is stable, the measured value of the redox potential may vary greatly. This is because the responsiveness of the working electrode 2 of the redox potential sensor 1 is slow, and the actual value of the redox potential of the discharged electrolyzed water is stable. As described above, the measured value of the oxidation-reduction potential is not stable especially at the initial stage of the discharge of the electrolyzed water, and the numerical value of the oxidation-reduction potential displayed on the liquid crystal display 72b1 varies greatly. The electrolyzed water will not be used for drinking and will be discarded until the displayed redox potential becomes stable.

Therefore, the numerical value of the redox potential displayed on the liquid crystal display 72b1 is controlled by the control unit 71 as follows,
It is designed to prevent unnecessary waste water.
That is, as described above, in the cleaning mode, the pH values (pH 11.9, pH 10.5, p) of a plurality of modes are set at the initial stage of water passage to the electrolytic cell 10 after the oxidation / reduction potential sensor 1 is cleaned.
H9.5, pH 9.0, pH 8.5, pH 7.0, pH
(5.5, pH 2.9, pH 2.5), an initial measurement value of the redox potential corresponding to (5, pH 2.9, pH 2.5) is measured, and the initial measurement value is stored in the memory 73 of the control unit 71.
From the relationship between the H value and the initial measurement value of the redox potential, pH 1
The control unit 71 calculates initial measurement values of the redox potential for all pH values between 1.9 and pH 2.5, and stores the results in the memory 73. In this calculation, as shown in FIG. 16, the measured pH value and the initial measurement value of the redox potential at the pH value are plotted in a table in which the horizontal axis represents the pH value and the vertical axis represents the redox potential value ( OR0, OR1, OR3, OR
4 ...), each plot is connected by a straight line, and the numerical value on this straight line is used as an initial measurement value of the redox potential with respect to the pH value.

Then, in the table of FIG. 16, plots (OR1, OR3, OR4, OR
5 ...), a predetermined numerical value is added to and subtracted from the initial measurement value of the redox potential, and the upper limit values (OR1 (+), O
R3 (+), OR4 (+), OR5 (+) ...) and lower limit values (OR1 (-), OR3 (-), OR4 (-), OR5)
(-) ...) and set each upper limit value (OR1
(+), OR3 (+), OR4 (+), OR5 (+)
...) and the lower limit value (OR1 (-), OR3 (-), OR4
(-), OR5 (-) ...
1 and the result is stored in the memory 73. Here, the range between the upper limit and the lower limit set as the initial measurement value of the redox potential is determined in consideration of the variation in the actual measurement, and is pH 9.5, pH 9.
± 100 mV because water with 0, pH 8.5, pH 7.0, and pH 5.5 has low electrical conductivity and large variations in measurement.
The upper and lower limits are set according to the range of pH, pH 10.5, pH 2.9
Since the water has a relatively high electric conductivity and a small variation in measurement, the upper and lower limits are set within a range of ± 50 mV. Further, since water having a pH of 2.5 has a high electric conductivity and the variation in measurement is very small, it is not necessary to set an upper limit and a lower limit.

When measuring the redox potential and pH value of the electrolyzed water with the redox potential sensor 1 and the pH sensor 31, the redox potential measured at that pH value and the redox potential stored in the memory 73 are measured. The control unit 71 compares the upper and lower limit values of the initial measured value, and if the measured value falls within the upper and lower limits of the table of FIG. 16, the measured redox potential is displayed as it is on the liquid crystal display 72b1. , The measured value is shown in Figure 1.
When the measured value deviates from the upper limit of the table of FIG. 6, the upper limit is displayed on the liquid crystal display 72b1 as a redox potential, and when the measured value deviates from the lower limit of the table of FIG. To be displayed as the redox potential in
The control is performed by the control unit 71. In this way, even if the measured value of the oxidation-reduction potential is not stable due to the slow response of the working electrode 2 of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor 1, the upper and lower limit values are set and the numerical values are displayed, so that the liquid crystal display The redox potential can be displayed with a stable value at 72b1, and the amount of electrolyzed water to be discarded can be reduced.

[0136]

As described above, the electrolyzed water producing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention electrolyzes the water to be passed to produce alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water, and each of these electrolyzed water is produced. In an electrolyzed water generation apparatus provided with an electrolysis tank for separately discharging water and an oxidation-reduction potential sensor for measuring and displaying the oxidation-reduction potential of electrolyzed water discharged from the electrolysis tank, an action formed by an insoluble metal electrode of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor It is characterized in that it comprises means for cleaning the surface of the working electrode by treating the electrode in this order with strongly acidic ionic water, acidic ionic water having a lower acidity than this, and alkaline ionic water. So by acidic or alkaline ionic water,
The surface of the working electrode can be safely cleaned and renewed without using a toxic drug, and the measurement accuracy of the redox potential sensor can be kept high.

In the invention of claim 2, the strongly acidic ionized water contains dissolved chlorine having an oxidation-reduction potential of 900 mV or more and a pH of 3.5 or less, and the acidic ionized water is
Redox potential is 500 mV to 1000 mV and pH is 4 to
6, wherein the alkaline ionized water contains dissolved hydrogen having an oxidation-reduction potential of −200 mV or less and a pH of 9.5 or more,
The surface of the working electrode of the electrolytic reduction potential sensor can be cleaned at a high level.

In the invention of claim 3, the strongly acidic ionized water is produced by electrolyzing water to which an inorganic chlorine compound as an electrolyte is added, and the acidic ionized water and the alkaline ionized water are water. Since it is characterized by being electrolyzed, it is possible to wash the redox potential sensor with ionized water that can be obtained by electrolysis in an electrolytic cell, and a special washing liquid can be used. The redox potential sensor can be washed without any preparation.

The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the electrolyte is an inorganic chlorine compound such as sodium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride, etc. Therefore, by using these inorganic chlorine compounds as an electrolyte, electrolytic reduction is performed. The surface of the working electrode of the potential sensor can be cleaned at a high level. According to the invention of claim 5, the storage means for storing the redox potential of the electrolyzed water at the initial stage of water flow measured by the redox potential sensor after washing as an initial measured value, and the redox potential sensor during the generation of the electrolyzed water were measured. Comparing means for comparing the oxidation-reduction potential of the electrolyzed water with the initial measurement value stored in the storage means, and display means for urging the oxidation-reduction potential sensor to be washed when the comparison value by the comparison means is a predetermined value or more. Since it is characterized by being formed, it is possible to automatically know the time when the redox potential sensor needs to be cleaned.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electrolyzed water producing apparatus capable of operating in plural modes so as to produce plural kinds of electrolyzed ion water having different pH levels in the electrolyzer, after the redox potential sensor is washed. Since it is characterized by comprising a storage means for storing the measured value of the oxidation-reduction potential of ionized water in each mode measured by the oxidation-reduction potential sensor at the initial stage of the passage of water to the electrolytic cell as an initial measurement value. It is possible to detect the time when the reduction potential sensor needs to be cleaned, whichever mode the electrolysis ion water is generated in.

According to the invention of claim 7, the measured value of the oxidation-reduction potential of the ion water in each mode measured by the oxidation-reduction potential sensor during the operation of generating electrolytic water and the initial measurement value in each mode stored in the storage means. It is characterized by comprising a comparing means for comparing the redox potential sensor and a display means for prompting the cleaning of the redox potential sensor when the comparison value by the comparing means is equal to or more than a predetermined value. It is possible to know when it is necessary to wash.

According to the invention of claim 8, the measurement value of the oxidation-reduction potential of the ionic water in each mode measured by the oxidation-reduction potential sensor is initially measured at the initial stage of the passage of water into the electrolytic cell after the washing of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor. In storing the value in the storage means, the ionic water is passed through the oxidation-reduction potential sensor to measure the oxidation-reduction potential in each mode in the order from the mode having a high pH to the mode having a low pH. Since it is characterized in that it is stored in the storage means as the initial measurement value in each mode, the initial measurement value of the redox potential in each mode should be measured accurately while avoiding the influence of the pre-measurement liquid as much as possible. It can be stored in the storage means.

Further, the invention of claim 9 is characterized in that an electrolyte supply device is provided in a water passage to the electrolytic cell, and the electrolyte of the claim 4 is supplied to water while electrolyzing in the electrolytic cell to oxidize the electrolyte. It is characterized in that it is configured so as to generate strongly acidic ionized water for cleaning the working electrode of the reduction potential sensor. Can be washed.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, the electrolyte supply device is formed by including a calcium addition cartridge containing a calcium additive, and the electrolyte containing cartridge of the fourth aspect is replaced with a calcium addition cartridge. It is characterized in that it is configured to generate strongly acidic ionized water for cleaning the working electrode of the redox potential sensor by attaching it to the water passage to the electrolytic cell. The electrolyte can be added as it is to the water, and the strongly acidic ionized water can be generated by the electrolytic water generator to wash the redox potential sensor.

According to the invention of claim 11, the electrolyte supply device is formed by including a calcium addition cartridge, and the electrolyte of claim 4 is put in the calcium addition cartridge in place of the calcium additive, whereby the oxidation reduction is performed. It is characterized in that it is configured to generate strongly acidic ionic water for cleaning the working electrode of the potential sensor.
An electrolyte can be added to water using a calcium addition cartridge, and strongly acidic ionized water can be generated by an electrolytic water generator to wash the redox potential sensor.

According to the invention of claim 12, a water purifying device accommodating a filter medium is provided in a water passage to the electrolytic cell, and
By attaching the cartridge containing the electrolyte in place of the filter medium instead of the filter medium, strong acid ion water for cleaning the working electrode of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor is generated. An electrolyte can be added to water by utilizing it, and strongly acidic ionized water can be generated by an electrolytic water generator to wash the redox potential sensor.

Further, the invention of claim 13 is characterized in that a control section is provided for disabling the mode for producing electrolytic water when the cartridge containing the electrolyte of claim 4 is attached to the water passage. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the generation of electrolyzed water such as alkaline ionized water when the electrolyte is supplied to water, and to prevent accidental drinking of electrolyzed water mixed with electrolyte. Is.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, the electrolyte of the fourth aspect is supplied only to one of the chamber for producing alkaline ionized water and the chamber for producing acidic ionized water in the electrolytic cell,
It is characterized in that it is configured to generate strongly acidic ionized water for cleaning the working electrode of the redox potential sensor, so that the amount of electrolyte supplied to the electrolytic cell is limited to generate strongly acidic ionized water. It is possible to obtain a highly acidic ionized water suitable for washing by adjusting the concentration of hypochlorous acid to a low level.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, when the cleaning mode for cleaning the surface of the working electrode of the redox potential sensor is selected, the surface of the working electrode is strongly acidic ionic water, or acidic ionic water having a lower acidity than this. It is characterized in that it is equipped with a control unit for controlling so that the cleaning process of the alkaline ionized water is automatically carried out, so that the oxidation-reduction potential sensor can be cleaned without any troublesome operation. It is possible.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control unit for controlling so that the redox potential measured by the redox potential sensor is not displayed until the washing of the redox potential sensor is completed. Since this is a feature, it is possible to prevent the display of an erroneous numerical value of the redox potential measured by the redox potential sensor before washing. According to the invention of claim 17, after operating in a mode for generating electrolyzed water, a cleaning mode for cleaning the working electrode of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor cannot be accepted until drainage is completed, and a mode for not generating electrolyzed water is provided. It is characterized in that it is provided with a control unit that can accept the cleaning mode after the operation in, so that there is a case where the reverse electrolysis cleaning is performed when the operation in the mode for generating electrolytic water is stopped. However, the scale removed by the reverse electrolysis cleaning can be drained together with the drainage, and it is possible to prevent the scale from being adversely affected by the cleaning of the redox potential sensor.

The invention according to claim 18 is characterized in that a control section is provided for controlling the mode for producing electrolyzed water to be unreceivable during a cleaning mode for cleaning the working electrode of the redox potential sensor. Therefore, it is possible to switch from the cleaning mode in which the electrolyte such as an inorganic chlorine compound is being supplied to the mode in which electrolytic water is generated, to prevent the electrolytic water containing the electrolyte from being discharged, and the electrolyte is mixed. It is possible to prevent accidental drinking of the electrolyzed water.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, when water flow is stopped during execution of the cleaning mode for cleaning the working electrode of the redox potential sensor, the electrolyte and the electrolytic water containing the electrolyte remain. Since it is characterized in that it is provided with a notifying means for notifying, it is possible to prevent accidentally drinking electrolyzed water mixed with an electrolyte such as an inorganic chlorine compound.

According to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, a predetermined amount of water or a predetermined amount of water is passed when the water is passed after the water is stopped during the cleaning mode for cleaning the working electrode of the redox potential sensor. It is characterized by being provided with a control unit for controlling the mode for generating electrolyzed water to be unacceptable until water is passed for a certain period of time. It is possible to switch to a mode for producing water and prevent accidental drinking of electrolyzed water mixed with electrolyte.

According to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, when water is passed after water is stopped during execution of the washing mode for washing the working electrode of the redox potential sensor, a predetermined amount of water or a predetermined amount of water is passed. It is characterized by being provided with a notifying means for notifying that the spouted water is not drinkable until the water is passed for a certain period of time, so that it is possible to accidentally drink electrolytic water mixed with electrolyte. Can be prevented.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows cleaning of an oxidation-reduction potential sensor according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention, including (a), (b),
(C) is a schematic sectional drawing, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of an embodiment of a redox potential sensor used in the above.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of control of the redox potential sensor of the above.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of an electrolyzed water producing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a second embodiment of the electrolyzed water generator of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a second embodiment of the electrolyzed water generator of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a water quality measuring device used in the second embodiment of the above, and (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views, respectively.

FIG. 8 shows an electrolyte supply apparatus used in the second embodiment of the above, and (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views, respectively.

FIG. 9 shows a container of an electrolyte supply device used in the second embodiment of the above, and (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views, respectively.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a proximity switch used in the second embodiment of the above.

11A and 11B show a part of a second embodiment of the above, wherein FIG. 11A is a block diagram of a control system, and FIG. 11B is a front view of an operation display unit.

FIG. 12 is a block circuit diagram of a control system of the second embodiment of the above.

FIG. 13 is an operation explanatory diagram of the second embodiment of the above.

FIG. 14 is an operation explanatory diagram of the second embodiment of the above.

FIG. 15 is an operation explanatory diagram of the second embodiment of the above.

FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relationship between redox potential and pH in the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing a conventional example.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing another conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Redox potential sensor 2 Working electrode 10 Electrolyzer 20 Water purifier L ₁ Strongly acidic ionized water L ₂ Weakly acidic ionized water L ₃ Strongly alkaline ionized water

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Genki Nakano 1048, Kadoma, Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Works Co., Ltd. (72) Yutaka Uratani, 1048, Kadoma, Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Works Within

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. An electrolyzer for electrolyzing water to be passed to generate alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water and discharging the electrolyzed water separately, and oxidation-reduction of electrolyzed water discharged from the electrolyzer. In an electrolyzed water generator equipped with a redox potential sensor for measuring and displaying a potential, a working electrode formed of an insoluble metal electrode of the redox potential sensor is strongly acidic ionic water and acidic ionic water having a lower acidity than this. And by treating with alkaline ionized water in this order,
An electrolyzed water generator comprising means for sequentially cleaning the surface of the working electrode. 2. The strongly acidic ionized water contains dissolved chlorine having an oxidation-reduction potential of 900 mV or more and a pH of 3.5 or less, and the acidic ionized water has an oxidation-reduction potential of 500.
It contains dissolved oxygen having a pH of 4 to 6 at mV to 1000 mV, and the alkaline ionized water has a redox potential of −.
The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 1, wherein the electrolyzed water generating device contains dissolved hydrogen having a pH of 9.5 or more at 200 mV or less. 3. The strongly acidic ionized water is produced by electrolyzing water to which an inorganic chlorine compound as an electrolyte is added, and the acidic ionized water and the alkaline ionized water are produced by electrolyzing water. It is a thing, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
Alternatively, the electrolyzed water generator according to item 2. 4. The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 3, wherein the electrolyte is an inorganic chlorine compound such as sodium chloride, calcium chloride, or potassium chloride. 5. Storage means for storing, as an initial measurement value, an oxidation-reduction potential of electrolyzed water at the initial stage of water flow measured by a redox potential sensor after washing or after completion of each washing step.
Comparison means for comparing the oxidation-reduction potential of electrolyzed water measured by the oxidation-reduction potential sensor at the time of generation of electrolyzed water with the initial measurement value stored in the storage means, and the oxidation-reduction potential sensor when the comparison value by the comparison means is equal to or more than a predetermined value. 5. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that prompts the user to wash. 6. In an electrolyzed water generator capable of operating in plural modes so as to generate plural kinds of electrolyzed ion water having different pH levels in the electrolyzer, the redox potential sensor is passed through the electrolyzer after washing. 6. The electrolysis according to claim 5, further comprising a storage unit that stores, as initial measurement values, measured values of the oxidation-reduction potential of ionized water in each mode measured by a redox potential sensor at the initial stage of water. Water generator. 7. Comparing means for comparing the measured value of the oxidation-reduction potential of ion water in each mode measured by the oxidation-reduction potential sensor during the operation of generating electrolyzed water with the initial measurement value in each mode stored in the storage means. 7. The electrolyzed water producing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: a display unit that prompts cleaning of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor when the comparison value by the comparison unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. 8. The measurement value of the oxidation-reduction potential of ionized water in each mode measured by the oxidation-reduction potential sensor at the initial stage of water passage to the electrolytic cell after cleaning the oxidation-reduction potential sensor is stored in the storage means as an initial measurement value. In doing so, the ionic water is passed through the oxidation-reduction potential sensor to measure the oxidation-reduction potential in each mode in order from the mode of high pH to the mode of low pH, and the measured value is the initial measured value in each mode. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the storage means stores the electrolyzed water. 9. A working electrode of an oxidation-reduction potential sensor by providing an electrolyte supply device in a water passage to the electrolysis tank, and electrolyzing in the electrolysis tank while supplying the electrolyte of claim 4 to water by the electrolyte supply device. 2. A strongly acidic ionic water for cleaning the same is produced.
9. The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of claims 8 to 8. 10. An electrolyte supply device is formed by including a calcium addition cartridge containing a calcium additive, and the electrolyte containing cartridge of claim 4 is replaced with a calcium addition cartridge to pass water to an electrolytic cell. The electrolyzed water producing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the electrolyzed water producing apparatus is configured to produce strongly acidic ionized water for cleaning the working electrode of the redox potential sensor by being attached to the passage. 11. An electrolyte supply device is formed by including a calcium addition cartridge, and the electrolyte of claim 4 is placed in the calcium addition cartridge instead of the calcium additive, whereby the working electrode of the redox potential sensor is The electrolyzed water producing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the electrolyzed water producing apparatus is configured to produce strongly acidic ionized water for cleaning. 12. A working electrode of an oxidation-reduction potential sensor by providing a water purifying device containing a filtering material in a water passage to an electrolytic cell, and mounting the cartridge containing the electrolyte according to claim 4 in place of the filtering material. The electrolyzed water producing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the electrolyzed water producing apparatus is configured to produce strongly acidic ionized water for cleaning. 13. A control unit for disabling a mode for generating electrolytic water when the cartridge containing the electrolyte according to claim 4 is attached to the water passage of the cartridge. 13. The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of 12. 14. A washing electrode for a redox potential sensor by supplying the electrolyte according to claim 4 to only one of a chamber for generating alkaline ionized water and a chamber for generating acidic ionized water in the electrolytic cell. The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the electrolyzed water generator is configured to generate strongly acidic ionized water. 15. When a cleaning mode for cleaning the surface of the working electrode of the redox potential sensor is selected, the surface of the working electrode is strongly acidic ionic water, acidic ionic water having a lower acidity than this, and alkaline ionic water in this order. The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a control unit that controls so that the cleaning process is automatically performed. 16. A control unit is provided for controlling such that the redox potential measured by the redox potential sensor is not displayed until the cleaning of the redox potential sensor is completed. 16. The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of 1 to 15. 17. After operating in a mode for generating electrolyzed water, the cleaning mode for cleaning the working electrode of the oxidation-reduction potential sensor cannot be accepted until the drainage is completed, and the operation in a mode for not generating electrolyzed water is performed. 2. A control unit for accepting a cleaning mode thereafter is provided.
17. The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of 1 to 16. 18. A control unit for controlling the mode for producing electrolyzed water to be unacceptable during a cleaning mode for cleaning the working electrode of the redox potential sensor. The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of 1. 19. A notification means for notifying that electrolyte or electrolytic water containing an electrolyte remains when water flow is stopped during a cleaning mode for cleaning a working electrode of an oxidation-reduction potential sensor. The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the electrolyzed water generator is provided. 20. When water flow is performed after water flow is stopped during execution of a cleaning mode for cleaning the working electrode of the redox potential sensor, a predetermined amount of water or water for a predetermined time is performed. 20. The electrolyzed water generation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls the mode for generating electrolyzed water until the operation is stopped. 21. When water is passed after water is stopped during execution of a washing mode for washing a working electrode of an oxidation-reduction potential sensor, a predetermined amount of water or a predetermined time of water is passed. 21. The electrolyzed water generation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a notification unit that notifies that the water to be discharged is not drinkable.