JPH11300354A - Alkali ion water refining device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an alkali ion water refining device capable of controlling a pH value of an ionized water without using a correction means for correcting a detection error of the pH value due to an influence of a flow rate variation of a raw water. SOLUTION: A discharge pipeline 13 is connected at an outlet side of an electrolytic cell 7 and a discharged water switching mechanism 22 is provided at a mid-way of the discharge pipeline 13. A water discharge pipe 12 is connected to the discharged water switching mechanism 22. A pH sensor 14 is provided in the water discharge pipe 12 and a water stopping mechanism 21 is provided at its down stream side. All of the ionized water are introduced to water discharged pipe 12 side by the discharged water switching mechanism 22 at the time of detecting the pH value of the ionized water formed at the electrolytic cell 7. When a prescribed time is passed, the water in the pH sensor 14 is substituted to the ionized water to be detected, and thereafter the water discharge pipe 12 is closed by the water stopping mechanism 21. The pH value of an ionized water standing still in the water discharge pipe 12 is detected by the pH sensor 14.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an alkaline solution for electrolyzing raw water such as tap water and well water to produce alkaline water used for drinking and medical use and acidic water used for lotion and sterilizing washing water. It relates to an ion water conditioner.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an alkali ion water conditioner has become widespread as a continuous electrolysis type ion water generator. This alkali ion water regulator electrolyzes tap water or the like in an electrolytic cell to generate acidic water on the anode side and alkaline water on the cathode side.

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural view of a conventional continuous electrolysis type alkali ion water conditioner, FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of the alkali ion water conditioner shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is an alkali ion water conditioner shown in FIG. 3 shows a schematic control flowchart of the vessel.

Referring to FIG. 5, reference numeral 1 denotes a raw water pipe such as tap water;
2 is a faucet. Raw water is passed from the raw water pipe 1 to the alkali ion water purifier 3 through the faucet 2,
After being purified by passing through the water purification section 4, the calcium supply section 5
To add calcium and the like. The water to which calcium or the like has been added passes through the flow sensor 6.

[0005] The water that has passed through the flow sensor 6 flows into an electrolytic cell 7 located further downstream thereof. The electrolytic cell 7 is divided into two by a diaphragm 8 to form two electrode chambers. Electrode plates 9 and 10 are arranged in each electrode chamber, and alkaline ionized water is generated on the cathode side and acidic ionized water is generated on the anode side. 11 is a drain pipe.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a water discharge pipe for discharging water in the electrolytic cell 7, and the generated alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water are
Each is discharged from the water discharge pipe 13. 14 is a spout 13
This is a pH sensor provided in a branch pipe branching off from and connected to the water discharge pipe 12. p detected by the pH sensor 14
The H detection signal (the pH of the generated water is measured in a hydrodynamic state) is transmitted to a control unit 17 described below and processed. Further, the generated water that has passed through the pH sensor 14 is continuously discharged from the water discharge pipe 12.

Reference numeral 15 denotes a display operation unit, which can switch between alkaline water, acidic water, and purified water, and set and display pH. 1
6 is a power supply plug, 17 is an alkaline ionizer 3
Control means for controlling the operation of the power supply plug 18
6 is a power supply unit for converting the AC power supply from 6 into a DC power supply.

[0008] The control means 17 has a function of detecting passage of raw water by the flow rate sensor 6 and supplying a voltage to the electrolytic cell 7. The raw water that has passed through the flow sensor 6 enters the electrolytic cell 7, where the voltage controlled by the control means 17 is supplied to the electrode plates 9 and 10, and the raw water is electrolyzed into alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water. Is generated.

Next, referring to the block diagram shown in FIG.
A control system in the alkali ion water conditioner 3 will be described. First, the user sets an arbitrary pH on the display / operation unit 15.
The value is set. Then, when the passed water passes through the flow rate sensor 6, a detection signal is transmitted to an MPU (microprocessor unit) 19, and in response to this, the MPU receives the semiconductor switch element 20 (which includes an FET (field effect transistor) or the like). A transistor is used.), And a voltage is applied to the electrolytic cell 7 to perform electrolysis. The electrolyzed water passes through the pH sensor 14, a detection signal at this time is transmitted to the MPU 19, the conversion of the pH value is performed, and the pH value is displayed on the display / operation unit 15.
Will be displayed. Then, if the transmitted detection signal matches the arbitrarily set pH value, the pulse voltage is continuously applied as it is.

Next, the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 will be described. First, the user turns on the power of the apparatus, and arbitrarily sets the pH value from the display / operation section 15 (step S2).
1). Then, it is monitored by the flow rate sensor 6 whether or not the water is passed. If the water is not passed, the input of the pH value is waited as it is (step S22). When it is detected that water has been passed, the duty map stored in the MPU 19 is referred to (step S23). This duty map is divided into several tens of steps depending on the flow rate flowing through the apparatus and the set level of the pH value. A pulse voltage is applied to the semiconductor switch element 20 based on the referred duty map (step S24).

Then, the current signal of the pH sensor 14 is
It is converted to a pH value by the PU 19 and displayed on the display operation unit 15 (step S25). If the displayed pH value matches the pH value arbitrarily set by the user (step S2).
6) The buzzer informs that it can be used (step S27). Then, if water is passed, the process proceeds to step S25, and if water is not passed, the process ends (step S28).

On the other hand, if the displayed pH value does not match the pH value arbitrarily set by the user, it is compared whether the output signal from the pH sensor 14 is larger than the pH value arbitrarily set by the user. (Step S29). If it is larger, a pulse voltage with a reduced duty is applied to the semiconductor switch element 20 (step S30), and if it is smaller, a pulse voltage with a wider duty is applied to the semiconductor switch element 20 (step S31). Subsequently, if water is passed, the process returns to step S25, and if not, the process ends (step S32).

[0013]

In the pH control of such a conventional alkali ion water dispenser, the output signal from the pH sensor 14 is controlled in real time. Therefore, a measurement error occurs between the measured pH value and the actual pH value depending on the amount of water passing through the pH sensor 14. For this reason, setting p
It is necessary to control to the H value, and it becomes necessary to store data for correction.

In addition, since the amount of branched water for detecting pH is small,
It takes some time to replace the water of the pH sensor 14a, and it takes time to detect the pH. Further, generated water necessary for pH detection is always discharged as wastewater in order to ensure safety when the pH sensor 14 is broken, and waste of water occurs.

The present invention provides an alkali ion water conditioner capable of controlling the pH value of ionic water without using a correcting means for correcting the detection error of the pH value due to the influence of the flow rate fluctuation of the raw water. The purpose is to:

[0016]

According to the present invention, there is provided an alkali ion water conditioner comprising: an electrolytic cell for generating electricity by electrolyzing raw water by energizing a pair of electrodes; and an ionic water produced in the electrolytic cell. Branch from the discharge line and the discharge line
A branch line for guiding the ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell, a detecting means provided in the branch line for detecting the pH value of the ionized water guided to the branch line, and a branch line downstream of the detecting means Provided in the opening and closing means for opening and closing the branch pipe, switching means for switching the supply of ion water generated in the electrolytic cell between the discharge pipe side and the branch pipe side, and switching means for discharging the ion water The ionic water generated in the electrolytic cell is guided to the discharge pipe side while the pH value of the ionic water is detected, and the ionic water generated in the electrolytic cell is guided to the branch pipe side by the switching means at the time of detecting the pH value of the ionic water. And control means for controlling the detection means to detect the pH value of the ionic water stopped in the branch pipe line and stopped in the branch pipe line.

In the alkaline ionizer according to the present invention, when detecting the pH value of the ionic water, the ionic water generated in the electrolytic cell is guided from the discharge pipe side to the branch pipe side by the switching means. . Then, when the detection means is filled with the ionic water from the electrolytic cell by elapse of a predetermined time,
Opening and closing means closes the branch line. As a result, the ionic water guided to the detection means in the branch pipe becomes in a stationary state. In this state, the detecting means detects the pH value of the ionic water. This prevents the flow rate fluctuation of the ionic water from occurring at the time of detecting the pH value of the ionic water, thereby preventing an error in the detected value of the pH of the detecting means. Thereby, the pH value of the ionic water can be controlled to a desired value without using a correcting means for correcting the detection error of the pH value.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An alkali ion water conditioner according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an electrolytic cell for generating electricity by electrolyzing raw water by energizing a pair of electrodes; A discharge pipe for taking out water and a branch from the discharge pipe,
A branch line for guiding the ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell, a detecting means provided in the branch line for detecting the pH value of the ionized water guided to the branch line, and a branch line downstream of the detecting means Provided in the opening and closing means for opening and closing the branch pipe, switching means for switching the supply of the ionic water generated in the electrolytic cell between the discharge pipe side and the branch pipe side, and switching means for discharging the ionic water, The ionic water generated in the electrolytic cell is guided to the discharge pipe side, and at the time of detecting the pH value of the ionic water, the ionic water generated in the electrolytic cell is guided to the branch pipe side by the switching means,
And control means for controlling the detection means to detect the pH value of the ionic water stopped in the branch pipe by closing the branch pipe by the opening and closing means after a predetermined time has elapsed. This enables the detecting means to detect the pH value of the ionic water in a stationary state, and the p
The occurrence of the detection error of the H value can be prevented.

An alkali ion water purifier according to a second aspect of the present invention is the alkali ion water purifier according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the setting means for setting a desired pH value of the ionized water, A power supply for applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes, wherein the control means has a voltage value applied to the pair of electrodes corresponding to the pH value of the ionic water, and the pH value of the ionic water detected by the detection means. Is different from the pH value of the ionic water set by the setting means, the voltage value applied from the power supply to the pair of electrodes is corrected based on the detected pH value of the ionic water. This allows the pH of the ionized water
The value can be controlled to the desired pH value.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an alkali ion water dispenser according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the flow rate of the raw water supplied to the electrolytic cell is detected. When the flow rate detecting means detects a change in the flow rate of the raw water, the control means guides the ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell to the branch pipe side, and after a lapse of a predetermined time, the opening / closing means controls the branch pipe. Of the ionic water stopped in the branch line by closing the channel
The H value is detected by the detecting means. Thus, when the flow rate of the raw water fluctuates, the ionized water is again guided to the detection means side of the branch pipe, and the detection and control of the pH value are performed in a stationary state. Therefore, even when the flow rate of the raw water changes, the pH value of the ionic water is controlled to a desired value.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the alkali ion water conditioner according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the control means includes a control unit for connecting a power source to a pair of electrodes. When a change in the amount of current to be supplied is detected,
The switching means guides the ionic water generated in the electrolytic cell to the branch pipe side, and after a predetermined time elapses, the opening / closing means closes the branch pipe to detect the pH value of the ionic water stopped in the branch pipe by the detection means. It is to let. As a result, even when the conductivity of the raw water changes, the ionized water is again guided to the detection means side of the branch pipe, and the pH is set at a stationary state.
The detection and control of the value is performed. Thereby, ion water is always controlled to a desired pH value.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an alkali ion water conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the alkali ion water conditioner, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are flowcharts of control of the alkali ion water conditioner. Show.

First, a schematic structure of an alkali ion water conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

The alkali ion water conditioner of the present invention is different from the conventional alkali ion water conditioner shown in FIG. 5 in that a water stopping mechanism 21 and a water discharge switching mechanism 22 are provided. Therefore, the same structures as those of the conventional alkali ion water purifier are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

The water discharge switching mechanism 22 adjusts the total amount of water (ion water) generated in the electrolytic cell 7 at the start of water flow to pH
Water is passed to the sensor 14 side, and the generated water from the electrolytic cell 7 is switched to the water discharge pipe 13 in a state where the water in the pH sensor 14 is replaced by the generated water supplied from the electrolytic cell 7 side.

The water stoppage mechanism 21 closes the water discharge pipe 12 at the same time that the water flow direction of the water discharge switching mechanism 22 is switched from the pH sensor 14 side to the water discharge pipe 13 side. This allows the pH
The generated water stops in the sensor 14. Therefore, the pH
The sensor 14 can detect the pH value of the generated water in a stationary state.

Next, the configuration of the control unit will be described with reference to FIG. The display operation unit 15 allows the user to set the desired pH.
Set the value. As a result, when water is passed, a detection signal is sent to the MPU (microprocessing unit) 19 through the flow sensor 6. In response, MP
U19 sends a pulse signal to the semiconductor switch element 20,
A voltage is applied to the electrolytic cell 7 to perform electrolysis.

Then, the generated water is supplied to the pH sensor 14 side at the full flow rate by the water discharge switching mechanism 22, and after passing for a certain period of time,
When the water inside the pH sensor 14 is replaced, the water stop mechanism 21 installed in the downstream area of the pH sensor 14
Is closed to stop water discharge from the water discharge pipe 12. At the same time, the generated water is switched to the water discharge pipe 13 by the water discharge switching mechanism 22.

In a state where the water in the water discharge pipe 12 including the pH sensor 14 is stopped, the detection signal from the pH sensor 14 is sent to the MPU.
19, and compares the pH value arbitrarily set by the user with the pH value based on the detection signal. If the detected pH value is the same as the set pH value, it is determined that the device can be used as it is, and the user is notified of the availability by a notification buzzer. If the detected pH value is different from the set pH value, the water stopping mechanism 21 is opened and the water discharge switching mechanism 22 is opened.
Then, the generated water is passed to the pH sensor 14 side, the generated water of the pH sensor 14 is replaced, and the pH value is controlled again.

When the flow rate of water changes during the production of alkaline ionized water or acidic ionized water while the water is stopped by the water stopping mechanism 21 on the downstream side of the pH sensor 14, the flow rate is detected. The flow sensor 6 detects a change in the flow rate, and a detection signal is transmitted to the MPU 19. Then, the water stopping mechanism 21 is opened, and the water discharge switching mechanism 2 is opened.
The generated water is passed to the pH sensor 14 side by 2 and the generated water in the pH sensor 14 is replaced. Then, by repeating the above-described control of the pH value, it is possible to control the pH value set by the user.

Further, while the water is stopped by the water stopping mechanism 21 on the downstream side of the pH sensor 14, the MPU 19 generates the alkaline ionized water or the acidic ionized water to the electrode plates 9 and 10 under a predetermined applied voltage. Is detected, that is, when the current value between the electrode plates 9 and 10 in the electrolytic cell 7 changes due to a change in the conductivity of the raw water,
By opening the water stop mechanism 21 on the downstream side of the sensor 14, switching the generated water to the pH sensor 14 side by the water discharge switching mechanism 22, replacing the generated water in the pH sensor 14 again, and repeating the above-described control of the pH value. , It is possible to control the pH value set by the user.

In this embodiment, the water discharge pipe 13 corresponds to the discharge pipe of the present invention, the water discharge pipe 12 corresponds to the branch pipe, the pH sensor 14 corresponds to the detecting means, and the water stoppage. The mechanism 21 corresponds to an opening / closing unit, the water discharge switching mechanism 22 corresponds to a switching unit, the control unit 17 corresponds to a control unit, the scanning display unit 16 corresponds to a setting unit, the power supply unit 18 corresponds to a power supply, The flow sensor 6 corresponds to a flow detecting unit.

Next, a control flowchart will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the user turns on the power of the apparatus, and arbitrarily sets the pH value from the display / operation section 15 (step S1). Then, it is monitored by the flow rate sensor 6 whether or not water is passed.
It waits for the input of the H value (step S2). When it is detected that water has been passed, the duty map stored in the MPU 19 in advance is referred to (step S3). This duty map is divided into several tens of steps depending on the flow rate flowing through the apparatus and the set level of the pH value. A pulse voltage is applied to the semiconductor switching device 20 based on the referred duty map (step S4). In addition, pH sensor 1
4 to open the water stop mechanism 21 in the downstream area of the water passage 4 so as to allow the water to flow into the branch-side water passage that has been stopped, and to switch the water discharge switching mechanism 2
2 to switch the generated water to the pH sensor 14 side (step S5).

Then, after passing water for a predetermined time (step S
6) The water stop mechanism 21 on the downstream side of the pH sensor 14 is closed to stop water supply, and the water discharge switching mechanism 22 is switched to flow the generated water to the water discharge pipe 13 (step S7). Current p
The signal of the H sensor 14 is converted into a pH value by the MPU 19 and displayed on the display / operation unit 15 (step S8). If the displayed pH value matches the pH value arbitrarily set by the user, a buzzer informs that it can be used (step S9).

On the other hand, if the displayed pH value does not match the pH value arbitrarily set by the user, it is determined whether the output signal from the pH sensor 14 is larger than the pH value arbitrarily set by the user. (Step S12). If it is larger, a pulse voltage with a reduced duty is applied to the semiconductor switch element 20 (step S13). If smaller, a pulse voltage with a wider duty is applied to the semiconductor switch element 20 (step S14). Returning to steps S5 and S6, the water stop mechanism 21 is opened,
The water discharge switching mechanism 22 is switched to allow the generated water to flow to the pH sensor 14 for a certain period of time. Otherwise, the process ends (step 15).

If the flow rate of the alkaline ionized water or the acidic ionized water changes while the water is stopped by the water stopping mechanism 21 on the downstream side of the branch-side pH sensor 14 (step S10). ), A change in the flow rate is detected by the flow rate sensor 6 that detects the flow rate, a detection signal is transmitted to the MPU 19, and the process returns to step S5 to open the water stop mechanism 21 and switch the water discharge switching mechanism 22 to switch the pH sensor. The produced water is passed to the side 14 for a certain time.

On the other hand, when the control means 17 for controlling the applied voltage detects a change in the current value under a predetermined applied voltage, that is, when the current value between the electrodes in the electrolytic cell 7 changes in the conductivity of the raw water, (Step S1)
0), a detection signal from the control unit 17 is transmitted to the MPU 19, and the process returns to step S5 to open the water stop mechanism 21 and switch the water discharge switching mechanism 22 to flow generated water to the pH sensor 14 for a certain time. Otherwise, the process ends (step 11).

As described above, according to the alkali ion water conditioner of the present embodiment, the pH of the generated water is detected in a still water state during the generation of the alkali ion water or the acidic ion water, whereby the pH of the water is adjusted. The detection error can be minimized, and the discharge water (discharged water) branched from the water discharge required for pH detection can be minimized.

[0039]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the pH value is detected, the switching means guides the ionic water to the branch pipe side, and the switching means closes the branch pipe to stop the ionic water. The detecting means detects the pH value. For this reason, the detection error of the pH value due to the flow of the ionic water is suppressed, and the pH value of the ionic water can be accurately controlled to a desired value.

When the flow rate of the raw water fluctuates, p
By detecting and controlling the H value, the pH value of the ionic water can be controlled to a desired value.

Further, even when the conductivity of the raw water changes, the pH value of the ionic water can be controlled to a desired value by detecting and controlling the pH value of the ionic water again.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an alkali ion water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of an alkali ion water purifier in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of control of the alkali ion water purifier in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of control of the alkali ion water purifier in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural view of a conventional continuous electrolysis-type alkali ion water purifier.

FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of the alkali ion water conditioner shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic control flowchart of the alkali ion water conditioner shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Raw water pipe 3 Alkaline ion water purifier 4 Water purification part 6 Flow rate sensor 7 Electrolyzer 9,10 Electrode plate 11 Drain pipe 12 Water discharge pipe 13 Water discharge pipe 14 pH sensor 15 Display operation part 17 Control means 18 Power supply part 19 MPU 20 Semiconductor switch Element 21 Water stop mechanism 22 Water discharge switching mechanism

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) electricity is supplied to a pair of electrodes to electrolyze raw water;
An electrolytic cell for generating ionic water, a discharge pipe for taking out the ionic water generated in the electrolytic cell, and a branch pipe for branching from the discharge pipe and guiding the ionic water generated in the electrolytic cell. Detecting means for detecting the pH value of the ionic water guided to the branch pipe, provided in the branch pipe, and provided in the branch pipe downstream of the detecting means; Opening / closing means for opening and closing; a switching means for supplying the ionic water generated in the electrolytic cell by switching between the discharge pipe side and the branch pipe side; and The ionic water generated in the tank is guided to the discharge pipe side, and the pH of the ionic water is adjusted.
At the time of value detection, the switching means guides the ionized water generated in the electrolytic cell to the branch pipe side, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, closes the branch pipe by the opening / closing means and stops in the branch pipe line. Control means for controlling the detection means to detect the pH value of the ionized water. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a setting unit for setting a desired pH value of the ionic water; and a power supply for applying a voltage to a pair of electrodes of the electrolytic cell. Having a voltage value applied to the pair of electrodes attached thereto, and when the pH value of the ionic water detected by the detecting means is different from the pH value of the ionic water set by the setting means, the detected The alkali ion water conditioner according to claim 1, wherein a voltage value applied to the pair of electrodes from the power source is corrected based on a pH value of the ionic water. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a flow rate detecting means for detecting a flow rate of the raw water supplied to the electrolytic cell, wherein the control means detects the flow rate change of the raw water by the switching means when the flow rate detecting means detects a change in the flow rate of the raw water. The ionic water generated in the tank is guided to the branch pipe side, and after a predetermined time has passed, the opening / closing means closes the branch pipe to detect the pH value of the ionic water stopped in the branch pipe. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the detection is performed by means.
The alkali ion water purifier as described. 4. The control means, when detecting a change in the amount of current supplied from the power supply to the pair of electrodes, guides the ionic water generated in the electrolytic cell by the switching means to the branch pipe side. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing means closes the branch pipe after a predetermined time elapses, so that the pH value of the ionic water stopped in the branch pipe is detected by the detection means. The alkali ion water purifier according to any one of the above.