JPH11138168A - Electrolytic water production device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain stable electrolytic water by adequately controlling an electric driving type reciprocation type salt water pump for mixing salt water into raw water. SOLUTION: The pump 40 of the electrolytic water production device incorporates the concentrated salt water from a concentrated salt water tank 60 to the raw water fed through a first sucking pipe P1 and a second sucking water P2 to an electrolysis bath 20 by a specified quantity at every input of a pulse from an electric control circuit 50. Also, the electric control circuit 50 controls a cycle of pulse string signal outputted to the pump 40 by feedback such that the conductivity in the electrolysis bath 20 becomes target conductivity. At this time, the electric control circuit 50 calculates average conductivity based on plural measured conductivities, and the cycle of the pulse string signal is varied such that the average conductivity becomes the target conductivity.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating apparatus in which salt water of a predetermined concentration is mixed into raw water from the outside by a pump to obtain treated water.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As shown in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-155564, this type of electrolyzed water generating apparatus uses a pump to feed a salt water of a predetermined concentration to raw water continuously supplied from the outside into an electrolytic cell. The water to be treated is mixed and electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell to generate electrolyzed water.
In addition, this type of electrolyzed water generation apparatus controls the amount of the salt water to be mixed in order to stably obtain electrolyzed water having predetermined characteristics. The electric conductivity corresponding to the salt concentration of the water to be treated is detected every predetermined time by adopting the electric control circuit of the formula, and the discharge amount of the pump is adjusted so that the detected electric conductivity becomes a predetermined target electric conductivity. Feedback control (increase / decrease control) is being performed.

On the other hand, pumps for mixing salt water include:
Since an electric pump that can easily control the discharge amount is suitable, for example, a type in which a pulse train signal of a predetermined cycle is given to a solenoid and a piston or a diaphragm functioning as a piston reciprocates by a suction force generated by the solenoid when a pulse is input. (Pulse drive type) pump is adopted.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional electrolyzed water generating apparatus, the discharge operation of the pulse-driven pump is intermittently performed for each pulse input. The conductivity (salt concentration) is pulsated, and the electrical control circuit is of a digital type, so that the conductivity is temporally discontinuously detected. For this reason, depending on the detection timing of the conductivity of the water to be treated, the feedback control may be performed based on the conductivity that is considerably different from the average conductivity of the water to be treated. In some cases, non-uniform electrolyzed water was generated.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in order to address the above-described problems, and it is an object of the present invention to produce a more homogeneous electrolytic water by obtaining a conductivity appropriately reflecting the actual average conductivity. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrolyzed water generation device capable of performing the above.

That is, a first feature of the present invention is that a pump which is driven by a pulse train signal from a pulse signal generating means and sucks and discharges a predetermined amount of fluid for each pulse of the pulse train signal from the outside to the inside of the electrolytic cell. The salt water of a predetermined concentration stored in the salt water tank is mixed with the raw water continuously supplied to
In an electrolyzed water generator configured to be treated water that is electrolyzed in an electrolytic cell, a conductivity detecting unit that detects a conductivity of the treated water every first predetermined time, and a conductivity detecting unit. Mean value calculating means for calculating an average value of a plurality of times of conductivity detected by the conductivity detecting means over time including the latest detected conductivity, and calculating the calculated average conductivity to a predetermined target conductivity. Pulse cycle control means for changing the cycle of the pulse train signal generated from the pulse signal generation means in accordance with the difference between the target conductivity and the calculated average conductivity.

In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus having the first characteristic, the average value calculating means includes the latest electric conductivity detected by the electric conductivity detecting means and is detected by the electric conductivity detecting means with time. The average value of the electrical conductivity for a plurality of times is calculated, and the pulse cycle control means changes the cycle of the pulse train signal so that the calculated average value (average electrical conductivity) becomes a predetermined target electrical conductivity. Change the discharge amount per hit.

Therefore, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present invention, the average value of the conductivity calculated by the average value calculating means is:
Instead of a value that directly reflects the effect of the pulsation of conductivity caused by the discharge timing of the pump, a value that more appropriately reflects the actual conductivity (average salt concentration of the actually supplied water to be treated). Since the pulsation of the conductivity caused by the pump discharge timing is not directly reflected in the cycle of the pulse train signal, the cycle of the pulse train signal can be changed to a more appropriate cycle, so that the pulse is supplied to the electrolytic cell. Therefore, it is possible to generate more uniform electrolyzed water by suppressing fluctuations in the salt water concentration.

According to a second feature of the present invention, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus having the first feature, the pulse cycle control means controls the pulse train signal at every second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time. The cycle is changed, and the average value calculating means is configured such that, of the plurality of times of conductivity continuously detected by the conductivity detecting means at every first predetermined time within the second predetermined time, the pulse cycle controlling means The average value is calculated using the conductivity excluding the conductivity of a predetermined number of times continuously detected from the time when the cycle of the pulse train signal is changed.

In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus having the second feature, the average value calculating means does not yet reflect the result of changing the cycle of the pulse train signal. "The pulse cycle control means has changed the cycle of the pulse train signal. Instead of using the predetermined number of times of conductivity continuously detected by the conductivity detection means at every first predetermined time after the time point in the calculation of the average conductivity, it is not necessary to calculate the average number of times. Is used in the calculation of the average conductivity. Accordingly, the apparatus reduces the “percentage of the conductivity that does not reflect the result of the change in the cycle of the latest (immediate) pulse train signal” among the plurality of detected conductivity values used for calculating the average conductivity. Therefore, the period of the pulse train signal newly changed by the pulse period control unit can be made more appropriate, and the convergence of the actual conductivity with respect to the target conductivity can be improved, so that stable generation of the electrolytic water can be achieved. Is possible.

A third feature of the present invention is that the first or the second
In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus having the feature of (1), the average value calculating means weights and averages the conductivity used for calculating the average value with a larger weight as the difference between the conductivity and the target conductivity is larger. Is configured to calculate the average value.

In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus having the third characteristic, the average value calculating means treats the electric conductivity having a larger difference from the target electric conductivity as having a larger difference from the target electric conductivity. In addition, it is possible to improve the responsiveness of the pulse train signal cycle control (feedback control of the discharge amount per unit time of the pump).

The fourth feature of the present invention is that the first or second
In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus having the feature of (1), the average value calculating means performs weighted averaging by assigning a smaller weight to the conductivity used for calculating the average value as the difference between the conductivity and the target conductivity is larger. Is configured to calculate the average value.

In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus having the fourth feature, the average value calculating means treats the electric conductivity having a larger difference from the target electric conductivity as having a smaller difference from the target electric conductivity. Thus, the stability of the cycle control of the pulse train signal can be improved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, an electrolyzed water generating apparatus having the first or second aspect is configured to start generation of electrolyzed water in response to an externally generated electrolyzed water generation instruction. The average value calculating means is configured to calculate the average of the conductivity and the target conductivity with respect to the conductivity used for calculating the average value until the predetermined condition is satisfied after the generation of the electrolytic water is started. The larger the difference, the greater the weight, and the weighted average is used to calculate the average value, and after a predetermined condition is satisfied,
The configuration is such that the average value is calculated by assigning a smaller weight to the conductivity used for calculating the average value as the difference between the conductivity and the target conductivity is larger and performing a weighted average.

The electrolyzed water generator having the fifth feature effectively utilizes the advantages of the third and fourth features. In other words, immediately after the start of the generation of the electrolyzed water until the predetermined condition is satisfied, the responsiveness of the control is improved by the third feature, and the predetermined electrolyzed water can be generated more quickly. After the predetermined condition is satisfied, the fourth
The feature of (1) achieves control stability and makes it possible to generate more uniform electrolyzed water. The "predetermined condition" includes "elapse of a predetermined time" or "conductivity of the water to be treated is equal to a predetermined reference conductivity (equal to a target conductivity in the cycle control of the pulse train signal, or a predetermined amount. Has become smaller).

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention schematically shown in FIG.
Is provided with an electrolytic cell 20, a power supply 30, a pump 40, an electric control circuit 50 constituted by a microcomputer, etc., and a concentrated salt water tank 60 separate from the generator body 10, and And a remote controller 70 operated by a user.

The electrolytic cell 20 is a flow-through type electrolytic cell (for performing electrolytic treatment in a state where water is flowing). The inside of the electrolytic cell 20 is partitioned by a diaphragm 21 into a pair of electrode chambers 22 and 23. Further, electrodes 24 and 25 connected to a power supply 30 and to which a DC voltage is applied are housed facing each other. A first water supply pipe P1 for supplying the water to be electrolyzed is connected to each of the electrode chambers 22 and 23, and the electrolyzed water generated in the electrolyzer 20 is supplied to the spouts P3a, P
Outlet pipes P3 and P4 for discharging to the outside from 4a are respectively connected.

The power supply 30 is a constant voltage source that generates and outputs a constant voltage, is connected to the electric control circuit 50, and
When an input device (not shown) for voltage adjustment provided on 0 is operated, a control signal from the electric control circuit 50 is received, and the output voltage value can be adjusted. An ammeter 32 via a shunt 31 is connected to a circuit for supplying a DC voltage from the power source 30 to the electrodes 24 and 25. Current value I representing the conductivity (salt concentration) of
Is connected to the electric control circuit 50 so as to be measured.

The second water supply pipe P2 is connected to an external water supply source (not shown) (not shown), and is configured so that raw water is pumped from the external water supply source. In addition, the second water pipe P
2 is provided with a pressure reducing valve 26 and a water valve 27 (WV) as an electromagnetic on-off valve in order from the upstream to the downstream, and is connected to the first water supply pipe P1. The pressure reducing valve 26 reduces the pressure of the water fed from the external water supply source and keeps the pressure within a predetermined pressure range. The water valve 27 is electrically connected to the electric control circuit 50 and is opened and closed to be opened (ON). Supplies water from the outside to the electrolytic cell 20 via the second water supply pipe P2 and the first water supply pipe P1.

The concentrated salt water tank 60 is separate from the generator body 10, and stores therein a concentrated salt water having a predetermined concentration (generally, a saturated concentration). In the concentrated salt water tank 60, a water level sensor S and a concentrated salt water suction pipe (hose) P5 integrally formed by a heat-shrinkable tube can be inserted and removed from the upper part of the concentrated salt water tank 60 (detachable) and the vertical position can be adjusted (cap). (Positioning is possible by the sliding resistance generated between 61). The water level sensor S includes an electric control circuit 50
Is electrically connected to the filter F, so that the detection unit at the tip is disposed above the tip opening of the filter F attached to the tip suction port of the salt water suction pipe P5 by a predetermined amount L.
The detection unit of the water level sensor S is a well-known electrode type and detects whether or not concentrated salt water (water) is present. If the concentrated salt water is present, an “ON” signal is output. Send an "off" signal. As described above, when the water level sensor S is inserted to a position where the tip of the filter F of the salt water suction pipe P5 is in contact with the bottom of the concentrated salt water tank 60, the positioning is achieved, and the predetermined water level L of the concentrated salt water tank 60 is detected. You can do it.

The pump 40 is an electrically driven pump (pulse drive type pump) of a type driven by a solenoid and in which a single discharge amount is constant, and a pump chamber 43 formed and defined by a valve housing 41 and a diaphragm 42. A check valve 45 that allows only the flow from the suction port 44 to which the salt water suction pipe P5 is connected to the pump chamber 43, and only the flow from the pump chamber 43 to the discharge port 46 to which the salt water supply pipe P6 is connected. Check valve 47 is provided. Further, the plunger 48 is connected to the diaphragm 42, and the pump chamber 4 is driven by a restoring force of the diaphragm and a spring (not shown).
3 (leftward in the drawing), while the pump chamber 4
3, when the solenoid 49 connected to the electric control circuit 50 is energized by the electric control circuit 50, applies a force in a direction opposite to the pump chamber 43 (rightward in the drawing). It is configured to receive and move. Furthermore,
The salt water supply pipe P6 connected to the discharge port 46 is located downstream of the water valve 27 of the second water supply pipe P2,
It is connected to the connecting portion between the water supply pipe P2 and the first water supply pipe P1.

With the above configuration, the pump 40 reciprocates the diaphragm 42 in accordance with the repetition of energization / de-energization of the solenoid 49 (pulse train signal), and repeats the time interval of the energization / de-energization (the cycle of the pulse train signal). ) Is pumped up from the concentrated salt water tank 60 to an amount corresponding to the salt water supply pipe P6.
And concentrated water is mixed into the raw water to produce the water to be treated. In other words, the pump 40 discharges a fixed amount of concentrated salt water corresponding to the responsive amount of the diaphragm 42 every time a pulse is input to the solenoid 49, so that the discharge amount per unit time is variable according to the pulse cycle. As a result, the salt concentration of the water to be treated is adjusted.

The remote controller 70 is formed separately from the generator main body 10 and has outlets P of outlet pipes P3 and P4.
3a and P4a. The remote controller 70 includes a salt supply lamp 71 connected to the electric control circuit 50 to indicate that the concentrated salt water in the concentrated salt water tank 60 is insufficient, and a pouring switch 72 operated by a user. Have been. The lighting of the salt supply lamp 71 is controlled by receiving a display control signal from the electric control circuit 50.
The pouring switch 72 sends an operation instruction signal to the electric control circuit 50 to instruct each part in the generator body 10 to start and end the operation of the electrolytic water generation. In addition, this pouring switch 72
Is a so-called alternate type switch which keeps the electrical ON state when the user presses it once, and keeps the electrical OFF state when the user presses it again. When receiving an instruction from the electric control circuit 50, the switch is in the OFF state. It is configured to be able to be changed to.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment according to the present invention configured as described above will be described from the start of the generation of electrolytic water. The electric control circuit 50 starts the routine shown in FIG. 2 from step 200 at predetermined time intervals after the main power supply (not shown) is turned on, and monitors the change of the pouring switch 72 from off to on in step 205. Therefore, when the user changes the pouring switch 72 from off to on to generate and use the electrolyzed water, this is detected,
Proceed to step 210. In step 210, the water valve 27 is turned on (opened) to start supplying raw water to the electrolytic cell 20, and in step 215, the power supply 30 is turned on.
Causes a constant voltage to be applied between the electrodes 24 and 25, and proceeds to step 220.

In step 220, a pump 40 described later is used.
An initial value R0 is set to the drive signal S, and the process proceeds to step 225 where various values are initialized. In step 225, in order to send the first pulse after the start of electrolytic water generation to the solenoid 49 of the pump 40, a pulse interval ST
Is set to "1", the value of a counter N described later is reset to "0", and the routine proceeds to step 295. In step 295, this routine is temporarily terminated. With the above operation, generation of the electrolyzed water is started.

Here, a drive control method of the pump 40 will be described with reference to a pump drive routine of FIG. still,
The routine shown in FIG. 4 is executed by the electric control circuit 50 at shorter time intervals than the routine shown in FIG. 2 (and FIG. 3 described later). First, the electric control circuit 50
Starts the routine of FIG. 4 from step 400, increases the timer T by “1” in step 410, and in step 420, sets the timer T and the pulse interval ST at that time (see step 450 described later). Compare with
Since the timer T has been cleared to "0" after the previous pulse transmission (see step 440 described later), or has been cleared to "0" when the pouring switch 72 is changed from on to off ( (See Step 250 described later),
Step 42 until the timer T reaches the pulse interval ST.
0 is determined to be “No”, the process proceeds to step 495, and the present routine is temporarily terminated.

Thereafter, the electric control circuit 50 proceeds to step 41
Since the execution of steps 0, 420, and 495 is repeated, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the timer T becomes larger than the pulse interval ST, and step 420 is determined as “Yes”, and the process proceeds to step 430. In step 430, a pulse having a predetermined width (for example, a rectangular pulse having a fixed time of 10 msec) is output to the solenoid 49 of the pump 40, and the salt water is discharged from the discharge port 46 of the pump 40. In the following step 440,
The timer T is cleared to "0", and at step 450,
The value (A / S, A is a positive constant) proportional to the reciprocal of the drive signal S obtained at that time is calculated in step 420 described above.
Is taken as the pulse interval ST used in step 4
This routine ends at 95.

Immediately after the discharge switch 72 is changed from off to on, the pulse interval ST is set to "1" (see step 225 in FIG. 2). At the first execution timing of this routine, “Yes” is determined in step 420, and
Proceeding to 30, the pulse is immediately output. After that, the drive signal S is changed (see FIG.
Until step 350, the drive signal S is set to R0 (see step 220 in FIG. 2), so that the cycle of the pulse train signal is a time corresponding to the value R0.

As described above, the electric control circuit 50 sends a pulse having an ON (Hi) signal of a predetermined width to the pump 40 every time corresponding to the drive signal S, that is, every time proportional to the reciprocal of the drive signal S. And the diaphragm 42 responds in synchronism with the solenoid 49 to mix the concentrated salt water into the raw water. Therefore, as the drive signal S increases, the pump 40 is driven at a higher speed, and the discharge amount of salt water per unit time of the pump 40 increases.

Next, feedback control of the drive signal S to the pump 40 (control of changing the pulse period of the pulse train signal by feedback) will be described. The electric control circuit 50 is configured to execute the routine of FIG. 3 every second (every predetermined time) for feedback control of the drive signal S.
In step 305 following step 305, a count value for distinguishably storing the measured current value I (conductivity, salt concentration of the water to be treated) corresponding to the detected conductivity as a predetermined value (I1 to I3 described later). "1" is added to N, and the routine proceeds to step 310. In step 310, the current value between the electrodes 24 and 25 is AD-converted by an AD converter and input as a measured current value I. Subsequently, in step 315, the value of N is "3".
It is determined whether or not the value of N is “3”.
If the value of N is not “3”, the process proceeds to step 325.

Since the value of N has been reset to "0" by the execution of step 225 in FIG. 2 at the time when the discharging switch 72 is changed from off to on, the discharging switch 72 is changed to on. At the point immediately after the
05 is set to “1” by execution of the electric control circuit 5
In the case of “0”, the step 315 is determined as “No”, and the process proceeds to the step 325 for determining whether or not the value of N is “1”.
s ", and proceeds to step 330. Step 33
At 0, the measured current value I input at the previous step 310 is stored as I1 (stored in the memory), and step 395
And temporarily terminates this routine.

When one second has elapsed from this point, the electric control circuit 50 executes the routine of FIG.
After setting the value of N to "2" at 5, a new measured current value I
(Step 310), this time, Step 31
5 and step 325 are both determined to be “No”, the process proceeds to step 335, and the measured current value I is added to I2.
Is stored and the routine ends. Further, when one second has elapsed, the electric control circuit 50 sets the value of N to “3” in step 305 and then newly acquires the measured current value I again (step 310). "Y
es ", the process proceeds to step 320, and the value of N is cleared to" 0 ".

The electric control circuit 50 performs the following step 340
The measured current value I taken in step 310 into I3
Is stored, and the process proceeds to step 345. At step 345, I1 and I2 which have been stored so far (corresponding to a plurality of electrical conductivities detected every one second, which is a predetermined time in the past).
And a simple average value of a plurality of conductivity values (data) of I3 (corresponding to the latest detected conductivity) was calculated, and this average value was set as an average measured current value IAVE corresponding to the average conductivity. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 350.

In step 350, the pump 40 is operated to obtain electrolyzed water having a predetermined conductivity (ion conductivity, Ph).
The electric control circuit 50 executes the feedback control (increase / decrease control) of the discharge amount of the drive signal S, which is a value corresponding to the discharge amount per unit time currently instructed.
The value (K * (I0-IA) is proportional to the value obtained by subtracting the average measured current value IAVE from the predetermined target current value I0.
VE), K: a value obtained by adding a positive constant) is set as a new drive signal S, and in step 395, the present routine is temporarily terminated.

Therefore, the electric control circuit 50 executes step 3
If the average measured current value IAVE is smaller than the target current value I0 by the execution of the step 50, the drive signal S is increased, and the cycle of the pulse train signal is shortened based on the routine of FIG. When the discharge amount is increased and the average measured current value IAVE is larger than the target current value I0, the feedback control is performed to decrease the drive signal S, increase the period of the pulse train signal, and reduce the discharge amount of the pump 40.
Also, as is clear from the above, this feedback control detects the latest measured current value I and sets a new average measured current value IAV when the value of N becomes 3 (every 3 seconds).
It is executed in conjunction with the calculation of E.

Next, when the user changes the pouring switch 72 from on to off to stop the generation of the electrolyzed water, the electric control circuit 50 executes the routine of FIG.
05 and the process proceeds to step 230,
Step 230 for determining whether or not 2 has been changed from on to off is determined to be “Yes”, and step 235 is determined.
At ~ 245, the operation of stopping the generation of the electrolytic water is executed. Specifically, in step 235, the water valve 27 is turned off to stop supplying the raw water, and in step 240, the power supply 3
The application of voltage to the electrodes 24 and 25 by 0 is stopped, and in the subsequent step 245, the drive of the pump 40 is stopped (pulse output is stopped). Next, the electric control circuit 50 proceeds to step 250, in which the timer T in the above-described pump drive routine of FIG. 4 is cleared to “0”, and proceeds to step 295 to end this routine. The generation of the electrolyzed water ends.

As described above, in the electrolyzed water generator according to the first embodiment, the data I3 of the measured current value I, which is a value corresponding to the latest conductivity, and the data I3 taken in the previous time and the previous time. An average measured current value corresponding to the average conductivity from three (plural) data of the measured current value data I1 and I2 (for a plurality of times detected every second which is the first predetermined time) IAVE is calculated, and the average measured current value IAVE is calculated.
Calculates the drive signal S of the pump 40 (that is, the period ST of the pulse train signal) so that the predetermined target current value I0 is obtained (feedback control), and outputs a pulse train signal having a cycle corresponding to the drive signal S to the pump 40 I do.

Accordingly, the pump 40 discharges a predetermined amount of salt water for a short time in response to a pulse to the pump 40 (solenoid 49). And the detection timing (sampling timing) of the measured current value I coincides, and even if the measured current value I larger than the actual average current value I is detected, the electric control circuit 50 determines that Since the average measured current value I is calculated immediately including the measured current value I at the detection timing temporally adjacent to the detection timing without using the feedback control immediately,
"Salt concentration fluctuation based on feedback control depending on detection timing" can be suppressed, and stable generation of electrolyzed water is achieved.

The average value IAV of the above-mentioned measured current values I
3 so that a pulse is output twice or more within the time interval between the first detection timing and the last (latest) detection timing of a plurality of measured current values I used for the calculation of E. If the repetition interval, the number of data of the measured current value I, and the maximum value of the cycle of the pulse train signal are determined,
More stable feedback can be achieved.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The electrolyzed water generation device according to the second embodiment is the same as the electrolyzed water generation device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.
The only difference is that the routine of FIG. 5 is adopted instead of the routine of FIG. 5. In operation, the first embodiment calculates the average measured current value IAVE and the time when the drive signal S is calculated and updated. The measured current value I (I1) detected in the second embodiment is used for calculating and updating the next averaged measured current value IAVE and the drive signal S, whereas in the second embodiment, the measured current value I (I1) is used in the second embodiment. (I1) is not adopted, and the measured current value I detected at a predetermined time after the measured current value I (I2) detected at the next timing is calculated as an average measured current value IAV.
It is different in that it is used for calculating and updating the drive signal S and the drive signal S.

Specifically, the electric control circuit 50 executes the routine of FIG. 5 every second (every second predetermined time) similarly to the routine of FIG. 3, and executes steps 305 and 305 of FIG. Steps 505 and 510 for executing the same operation as 310 are executed to increase the value of N by “1” and to detect and input the measured current value I at that time. Subsequently, in step 515, it is determined whether or not the value of N is "1". If the value of N is "1", the process directly proceeds to step 595, and this routine is terminated without storing the measured current value I. .

When one second has elapsed from this point, the electric control circuit 50 executes the routine of FIG.
After setting the value of N to “2” in step 5, a new measured current value I is fetched in step 510.
Is determined as “No”, and the process proceeds to step 520. Since step 520 is a step of determining whether the value of N is “4”, the electric control circuit 50 determines “No”, and
The process proceeds to step 525 for determining whether or not the value of is “2”. In the following step 525, "Yes" is determined,
Proceeding to step 530, this time the measured current value I is stored in I2, and this routine ends in step 595.
That is, two seconds (third predetermined time) after the latest average measured current value IAVE (and the drive signal S) is calculated and updated.
The later measured current value I is stored as I2.

When one second elapses, the electric control circuit 5
In the case of 0, the value of N is set to "3" in step 505, and the measured current value I is newly acquired in step 510, and any of steps 515, 520, and 525 is set to "No". A determination is made, and the measured current value I is stored in I3 in step 535, and this routine ends.

At the time of execution of this routine started one second later, the electric control circuit 50 determines at step 505 that N
Is set to “4”, a new measured current value I is taken in step 510, step 515 is determined as “No”, step 520 is determined as “Yes”, and step 540 is determined.
Proceed to. The electric control circuit 50 determines in step 540 that N
Is cleared to “0”, and in the subsequent step 545, I
After storing the measured current value I in step 4, the process proceeds to step 550, and the simple average value of I2, I3, and I4 stored so far is calculated. In step 550, this average value is set as the average measured current value IAVE, and in step 555, the calculation and update of the drive signal S are executed as in step 350 of FIG. Thereafter, the electric control circuit 50 repeats the above operation to update the drive signal S (feedback control).

In the second embodiment described above, the electric control circuit 50 determines in step 550 that the average measured current value IA
VE is calculated, but the measured current value I input immediately after this routine is executed (when N becomes “1” in step 505) is stored (as equivalent to I1 in the first embodiment). Therefore, it is not adopted in the calculation of the average measured current value IAVE in the next step 550 (when N becomes “4” and is reset to “0” in step 540). That is, the electric control circuit 50 determines that the measured current value I (I) is very likely to not reflect the result of updating the drive signal S based on the average measured current value IAVE.
1) is not used for the next feedback control, and the measured current value I obtained after the lapse of the third predetermined time (2 seconds) is changed to the next average measured current value IAVE.
Since this is used for calculating the (drive signal S), the feedback control of the discharge amount of the pump 40 is more stable.

In the second embodiment, the drive signal S
Is newly calculated and updated, and the result is
Is very short, but there is a delay. That is, the time between the calculation timing of the drive signal S and the pulse output timing to the solenoid 49 of the pump 40 varies. Therefore, the time from when the calculated / updated drive signal S appears as a change in the discharge amount of the pump 40 to when I2 is stored also becomes variable.

Since this variable is a very short time, it can be substantially ignored. However, the time when the measured current value I which should not be reflected in the next drive signal S is obtained, that is,
In order to prevent the measured current value I from being reflected in the next drive signal S, I
If it is desired to keep the time not stored as 2 constant, the process proceeds to the routine 500 in FIG. 5 in synchronization with the point in time when the update of the drive signal S is reflected on the discharge amount of the pump 40 (timing of pulse output to the solenoid 49). Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a timer is started at the same time, a measured current value I at the time when the timer measures a certain time is input, and this is stored in I2. In the latter case, when the timer measures a predetermined time, the value of N in the routine of FIG. 5 is set to “1”, and execution may be started from step 500 of the routine of FIG. Become.

Further, if the third predetermined time is a time corresponding to the time required for the salt water discharged by the pump 40 to reach the electrolytic cell 20, further improvement in accuracy can be expected. Further, in the second embodiment, the electric control circuit 50
Although the measured current value I input when the value of N is "1" is not used in the calculation of the average measured current value IAVE, the value of N is not limited to this. That is, after the new average measured current value IAVE is calculated and the drive signal S (period of the pulse train signal) is changed, after the calculation of the next average measured current value IAVE and the change timing of the drive signal S (the Of the measured current values I that are continuously detected at every first predetermined time (within the second predetermined time), the number of times (how many) of the measured current values I are calculated as the next average measured current value IAVE
Whether it is not used for the calculation may be appropriately determined according to the input cycle (sample cycle) of the measured current value I, the time for the salt water to reach the electrolytic cell 20 from the pump 40, and the like.

Next, a third embodiment will be described. The electrolyzed water generator according to the third embodiment executes the routine shown in FIG. 6 instead of step 345 of the routine in FIG. 3 executed by the electric control circuit 50 of the electrolyzed water generator according to the first embodiment. And the other points are the same.

That is, the electric control circuit 50 according to the third embodiment executes the routine of FIG. 3 to sequentially store the measured current values I as I1 to I3 every second and store I3 (step 340). ) And proceeds to step 610 in the routine of FIG. In step 610, first, I1 to I
3, the one having the largest absolute value of the difference from the target current value I0 is selected and stored as J1. Then, I1 to I3
Of the absolute values of the difference from I0
3, and J1 among I1 to I3 is also J3.
Is stored as J2.

The electric control circuit 50 proceeds to the next step 620
It is determined whether or not a predetermined condition has been satisfied since the dispensing switch 72 was changed from off to on. The “predetermined condition” may be “a predetermined time has elapsed” since the dispensing switch 72 was turned on.
"The measured current value I first reaches a predetermined reference current value (equal to or smaller than the target current value I0 by a predetermined amount)" for the first time.

Immediately after starting the generation of the electrolyzed water,
Since the predetermined condition of step 620 is not satisfied, the electric control circuit 50 determines “No” in step 620,
The process proceeds to step 630 of calculating a weighted average value for improving the responsiveness of the feedback control. Specifically, in step 630, J1 is given the largest weight (m1), J2 is given the middle weight (m2), and J3 is given the smallest weight (m3, m1>m2> m3). After calculating the weighted average value and setting the weighted average value as the average measured current value IAVE, the process proceeds to step 350 in FIG.

The electric control circuit 50 calculates the drive signal S at step 350 in the same manner as described above. That is, the current drive signal S includes the average measured current value I from the target current value I0.
A value proportional to the value obtained by subtracting AVE is added to generate a new drive signal S, and the routine in FIG. 3 ends. Further, the electric control circuit 50 executes the routine of FIG. 4 and outputs pulses to the solenoid 49 at a period of a time interval (in inverse proportion) according to the drive signal S, similarly to the first and second embodiments. Thereafter, these operations are repeatedly executed until a “predetermined condition” is satisfied.

On the other hand, when the “predetermined condition” is satisfied after the start of the generation of the electrolyzed water, the electric control circuit 50 determines “Yes” in the above-described step 620, and proceeds to step 640.
A weighted average value for improving the stability of the feedback control is calculated. That is, the aforementioned J1 is given the smallest weight (k1), J2 is given the middle weight (k2), and J3 is given the largest weight (k3, k1 <k2 <k3), and the weighted average value is calculated. Then, the weighted average value is set as the average measured current value IAVE. Then, step 3 in FIG.
Proceeding to 50, the drive signal S is calculated in the same manner as described above, and the routine of FIG. 4 is executed to output a pulse having a cycle corresponding to the drive signal S.

By the above operation, the electrolyzed water generator according to the third embodiment has a measured current value I (conductivity) smaller than the target current value I0 immediately after the start of the generation of the electrolyzed water.
During a period in which the difference is large, a weighted average value for emphasizing the responsiveness of the feedback control is obtained as an average measured current value IAVE, and the target current value I0 used in step 350 of FIG. Since the difference from the current value IAVE (hereinafter, “difference D”) is apparently large, the drive signal S (that is, the discharge amount of the pump 40) is more rapidly increased, and the predetermined electrolytic water is generated. The time it takes to complete.

On the other hand, after the start of the generation of the electrolyzed water, “predetermined conditions” such as that the measured current value I reaches the target current value I0 are satisfied, and when the generation of the electrolyzed water is stabilized (the amount of the salt water becomes necessary. (In the vicinity of the amount), the electrolyzed water generating apparatus obtains the weighted average value of the measured current value I so that the difference D becomes apparently smaller, and sets the weighted average value as the average measured current value IAVE. The above-mentioned feedback control becomes possible, and more uniform electrolytic water can be generated. Note that the electrolyzed water generation device according to the third embodiment operates based on the routine of FIG. 3 in the first embodiment.
It is also applicable to the embodiment. In this case, step 550 of the routine of FIG. 5 is replaced with the routine of FIG. 6, and I1 to I3 in step 610 of FIG.
May be replaced with I2 to I4 stored in the routine of FIG.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications are possible. For example, the pulse output to the pump 40 in each embodiment does not need to be a pulse train signal having a so-called rectangular wave, and the “variable period” in which the suction and discharge of the salt water of the pump 40 is performed intermittently with a period. , And may be, for example, a sine wave signal, a triangular pulse, a sawtooth pulse, or the like.

In step 450 of the routine of FIG. 4, the converted value obtained by making the drive signal S inversely proportional is converted to the pulse interval ST.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various conversions can be adopted as long as the pulse interval ST decreases as the drive signal S increases.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall view of an electrolyzed water generator according to first to third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart according to first to third embodiments of the present invention executed by the electric control circuit (microcomputer) of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart executed by the electric control circuit of FIG. 1 according to the first and third embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for driving a pump according to first to third embodiments of the present invention, which is executed by the electric control circuit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which is executed by the electric control circuit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which is executed by the electric control circuit of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

20 ... electrolyzer, 24, 25 ... electrode, P1 ... first water supply pipe,
P2: Second water supply pipe, 27: Water valve, 30: Power supply, 32: Ammeter, 40: Pump, 50: Electric control circuit, 60: Concentrated salt water tank, 70: Remote controller, 72: Discharge switch

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An electrolytic cell comprising: a pulse signal generating means for generating a pulse train signal; and a pump driven by the pulse train signal and sucking and discharging a predetermined amount of fluid for each pulse of the pulse train signal. Electrolyte water is formed by mixing salt water of a predetermined concentration stored in a salt water tank with raw water continuously supplied into the tank by the pump to be treated water and electrolyzing the treated water in the electrolytic cell. In the apparatus, a conductivity detecting means for detecting the conductivity of the water to be treated every first predetermined time, and the latest conductivity detected by the conductivity detecting means, and the conductivity detection is performed with time. Average value calculating means for calculating an average value of the conductivities for a plurality of times detected by the means, and calculating the same as the target conductivity so that the calculated average conductivity becomes a predetermined target conductivity. Electrolytic water generation apparatus, characterized in that a pulse cycle control means for changing the period of the pulse train signal generated from said pulse signal generating means according to the difference between the average conductivity. 2. The pulse cycle control means changes the cycle of the pulse train signal at every second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time, and the average value calculating means changes the second predetermined time. Within the plurality of times of conductivity continuously detected by the conductivity detection means at every first predetermined time, the conductivity is continuously detected from the time when the pulse cycle control means changes the cycle of the pulse train signal. The electrolyzed water generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the average value is calculated using a conductivity excluding a predetermined number of times of conductivity. 3. The average value calculating means weights and averages the electrical conductivity used for calculating the average value with an increase in the difference between the electrical conductivity and the target electrical conductivity. The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus is configured to calculate a value. 4. The average value calculating means weights and averages the electrical conductivity used for calculating the average value with a smaller weight as the difference between the electrical conductivity and the target electrical conductivity is larger. The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus is configured to calculate a value. 5. The electrolyzed water generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation of electrolyzed water is started in response to a generation start instruction from the outside. From the start of water generation until the predetermined condition is satisfied, the greater the difference between the conductivity and the target conductivity is, the greater the weight is applied to the conductivity used for calculating the average value. The average value is calculated by averaging, and after the predetermined condition is satisfied, the smaller the difference between the conductivity and the target conductivity is, the smaller the weight of the conductivity used for calculating the average value is. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the average value is calculated by performing weighted averaging with the addition of a weighted average.