JPH1157714A - Alkaline ionized water regulator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To minimize the error in detecting the pH of generated water by the pH value optionally set by a user and the stoppage of the generated water branched toward a pH sensor side and further to minimize the amt. of the generated water to be discarded by the optionally set pH value and the stoppage of the generated water branched toward the pH sensor side. SOLUTION: This water regulator is provided with a water stopping mechanism 21 on the downstream side of a pH sensor 14, the pH value is optionally set by a user, and the generated water branched toward the pH sensor is stopped. Consequently, the error in detecting the pH value of the generated water is minimized by stopping the generated water branched toward the pH sensor, and the amt. of water to be discarded is minimized.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an alkaline water 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 toilet water 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. 4 is a schematic structural view of a conventional alkali ion water conditioner, FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the alkali ion water conditioner, and FIG. 6 is a schematic control flowchart of the alkali ion water conditioner.

Referring to FIG. 4, 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.

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
And a pH sensor provided in a branch pipe connected to the water discharge pipe 12. pH detected by pH sensor 14
The 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 continues to be discharged from the discharge pipe 12. Reference numeral 15 denotes a display operation unit, which can switch between alkali, acid, and purified water, and set and display pH. Reference numeral 16 denotes a power supply plug, 17 denotes control means for controlling the operation of the alkali ion water conditioner 3, and 18 denotes a power supply unit for converting an AC power supplied from the power supply plug 16 to a DC power supply. Control means 1
Reference numeral 7 has a function of detecting passage of raw water by the flow 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 a voltage controlled by the control means 17 is supplied and electrolyzed to generate alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water.

Next, a control system in the alkali ion water conditioner will be described with reference to a block diagram shown in FIG.
First, an arbitrary pH value is set on the display / operation unit 15 by the user. When the passed water passes through the flow rate sensor 6, the MPU (microprocessor unit) 1
9, the MPU sends a duty signal to the semiconductor switch element 20 (which uses an FET, a transistor, or the like), and a voltage is applied to the electrolytic cell 7 to perform electrolysis. . The electrolyzed water passes through the pH sensor 14, the detection symbol at this time is transmitted to the MPU 19, and the pH value is converted.
The H value is displayed on the display operation unit 15. Then, if the transmitted detection signal matches the arbitrarily set pH value,
Subsequently, the same pulse voltage is applied.

Next, the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 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 (G1). And
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 (G
2). When it is detected that the water has been passed, the duty map stored in the MPU 19 in advance is referred to (G3). 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. Based on the referenced duty map, the semiconductor switching device 20
Is applied with a pulse voltage (G4).

Then, the current signal of the pH sensor 14 is
The pH value is converted by the PU 19 and displayed on the display / operation unit 15 (G5). If the displayed pH value and the pH value arbitrarily set by the user match (G6), a buzzer informs that it can be used (G7). Then, if water is passed continuously, the process proceeds to (G5), and if water is not passed, the process ends.

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 is larger than the pH value arbitrarily set by the user (G9). ). If it is larger, a pulse voltage with a reduced duty is applied to the semiconductor switch element 20 (G
10) If it is smaller, a pulse voltage with an increased duty is applied to the semiconductor switch element 20 (G11). Subsequently, if water is passed, the process returns to (G5), otherwise, the process ends.

[0011]

In such conventional pH control of an alkali ion water purifier, an output signal from a pH sensor is controlled in real time. Therefore, a measurement error occurs between the measured pH value and the actual pH value, and it is necessary to control the set pH value while performing correction, and it is necessary to store data for performing correction.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for producing p-type water after starting the production of alkaline water or acidic water with an alkaline ionizer.
When the generated water is filled in the H measuring section, the generated water discharged through the water discharge pipe is stopped, and the pH value of the generated water is measured in a still water state, so that an error from the actual pH value is obtained. This is an alkali ion water purifier aiming to eliminate the need for storage of data for performing correction.

[0013]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water to produce alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water, and a control for controlling a voltage applied to the electrolytic cell. Unit, the control unit for detecting a current value at the applied voltage, a flow sensor for detecting a flow rate of the electrolytic cell, an operation of selecting a pH of the generated ionic water, and use of the generated ionic water. A display unit that displays whether it is possible or impossible, and a pH sensor that measures the pH value of the ionic water is provided in a water discharge channel branched from the water discharge pipe water channel, and further,
In the alkali ion water purifier provided with a water stopping mechanism in a downstream area of the pH sensor of the water discharge channel, the control unit includes
H value and data of the applied voltage corresponding thereto are provided, and a voltage corresponding to the pH value set in the operation unit is applied to the electrode of the electrolytic cell based on the data, and branched from the water discharge passage. When the generated water is filled in the pH sensor section of the water discharge channel, the pH value of the generated water is measured in a still water state by stopping the water by a water stopping mechanism in a downstream portion of the pH sensor. It is possible. As a result, the actual pH value of the produced water can be measured. Further, when the flow rate and the water conductivity that affect the pH value of the generated water change, the water stop mechanism is opened to control the pH value of the generated water again.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention described in claim 1 is an electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water to produce alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water, a control unit for controlling a voltage applied to the electrolytic cell, The control unit for detecting a current value flowing between the electrodes in the electrolytic cell at an applied voltage, a flow rate sensor for detecting a flow rate of the electrolytic cell, and an operation of selecting a pH of the generated ionic water; A display for displaying whether or not use of ionic water is possible, and a pH sensor for measuring the pH value of the ionic water provided in a water discharge channel branched from a water discharge pipe water channel,
Further, in the alkali ion water purifier provided with a water stopping mechanism in a downstream area of the pH sensor of the water discharge channel, the control unit includes data of a set pH value and an applied voltage corresponding thereto, and based on the data. When a voltage corresponding to the pH value set by the operation unit is applied to the electrolytic cell, and the generated water is filled in the pH sensor unit of the water discharge channel branched from the water discharge pipe water channel. Then, by stopping the water with a water stopping mechanism downstream of the pH sensor, the actual generated water p
The H value was made measurable in a still water state.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the flow rate sensor detects a change in the flow rate,
Since the pH value of the generated water changes during the production, the water shutoff mechanism at the downstream portion of the pH sensor is opened for a certain period of time, and the generated water of the pH sensor section is replaced again to control the set pH value. Accordingly, it is possible to control a change in the pH value of the produced water during the production due to a change in the flow rate to a pH value arbitrarily set by the user.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the control unit that controls the applied voltage detects a change in the current value at the applied voltage (when the current value between the electrodes in the electrolytic cell is the conductivity of the raw water, Generated by the change)
Since the H value changes, a water stop mechanism at a downstream portion of the pH sensor is opened for a certain period of time, and the control unit controls the set pH value by replacing water generated by the pH sensor unit again. Thereby, it is possible to control the change in the pH value of the generated water during the generation due to the change in the current value at the applied voltage (due to the change in the conductivity of the raw water) to the pH value arbitrarily set by the user. Become.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an alkali ion water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the control.

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 present invention is substantially the same as the structure of the conventional alkali ion water conditioner shown in FIG. 4 and has a pH value in a water passage branched in a state where the pH sensor 14 of the discharge pipe is filled with generated water. The water is stopped by the water stop mechanism 21 in the downstream area of the sensor.

Next, a block diagram of the control unit will be described with reference to FIG. The display operation unit 15 allows the user to set an arbitrary pH value. This allows the water to pass through,
A detection signal is sent to the MPU 19 through the flow sensor 6. In response, the MPU 19 sets the semiconductor switch element 20
And a voltage is applied to the electrolytic cell 7 to perform electrolysis. After passing water for a certain period of time, the pH sensor 1
When the four parts are filled with the generated water, the water is stopped by the water stop mechanism 21 installed in the downstream area of the pH sensor. In this stopped state, the detection signal from the pH sensor 14 is sent to the MPU 19, and compared with a pH value set by the user at an arbitrary pH value. Judgment is possible, and the user is notified of the availability by the buzzer. Otherwise, the water stop mechanism is opened, the generated water in the pH sensor section 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 in the downstream area of the pH sensor, the flow rate sensor 6 detects the flow rate. The detected and detected signal is transmitted to the MPU 19, the water stop mechanism is opened, and the control of the pH value is repeated, whereby the pH value set by the user can be controlled.

Next, a control flowchart will be described with reference to FIG. First, the user turns on the power of the apparatus, and arbitrarily sets the pH value from the display / operation section 15 (S
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 (S2). If it is detected that water has been passed, the duty map stored in the MPU 19 in advance is referred to (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 switch element 20 based on the referenced duty map (S4). In addition, the water blocking mechanism in the downstream area of the pH sensor 14 is used to make the branch water passage that has been stopped water flow through (S5).

After passing the water for a predetermined time, the pH sensor 14
The water blocking mechanism in the downstream area shuts off the branch water passage (S
6). The signal of the current pH sensor 14 is pH
It is converted into a value and displayed on the display operation unit 15 (S7). If the displayed pH value matches the pH value arbitrarily set by the user (S8), a buzzer informs that the pH value can be used (S9).

On the other hand, if the displayed pH value and the pH value arbitrarily set by the user do not match, it is compared whether the output signal from the pH sensor is larger than the pH value arbitrarily set by the user (S12). ). If it is larger, a pulse voltage with a reduced duty is applied to the semiconductor switch element 20 (S13), and if it is smaller, a pulse voltage with a wider duty is applied to the semiconductor switch element 20 (S14), and the water stopping mechanism is opened for a certain period of time. Return to S6), otherwise, end.

If 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 downstream of the branch-side pH sensor 14 (S
10), a detection signal detected by the flow rate sensor 6 for detecting the flow rate is transmitted to the MPU 19 and returns to (S5) to open the water stopping mechanism.

On the other hand, when the control unit for controlling the applied voltage detects a change in the current value at the applied voltage (when the current value between the electrodes in the electrolytic cell changes due to a change in the conductivity of the raw water). (S10), a detection signal detected by the control unit 17 for detecting a change in the current value at the applied voltage is transmitted to the MPU 19 (S5), and the water stopping mechanism is opened.

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, so that the pH detection error can be reduced. It is also possible to minimize the amount of discharged water (waste water) branched from the water required for pH detection.

[0028]

According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) According to the first aspect of the present invention, when detecting the pH of the generated water during the generation of the alkaline ionized water or the acidic ionized water, the measurement error is minimized by measuring the pH of the generated water in a still water state. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of discharged water (waste water) branched from the water discharged for use in pH detection.

(2) According to the second aspect of the invention, the pH of the generated water can be controlled to an arbitrarily set pH value of the generated water by the user in response to a change in the flow rate.

(3) According to the invention of claim 3, it is possible to control the pH value of the generated water to the pH value of the generated water arbitrarily set by the user in response to the change in the conductivity of the raw water.

[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 schematic view of a conventional alkali ion water conditioner.

FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of a conventional alkali ion water conditioner.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of control of a conventional alkali ion water conditioner.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Raw water pipe 2 Water tap 3 Alkaline ion water purifier 4 Water purification part 5 Calcium supply part 6 Flow rate sensor 7 Electrolytic tank 8 Diaphragm 9,10 Electrode plate 11 Drainage pipe 12 Water discharge pipe 13 Water discharge pipe 14 pH sensor 15 Display operation part 16 Power supply Insertion plug 17 Control means 18 Power supply unit 19 MPU 20 Semiconductor switch element 21 Water stop mechanism

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water to produce alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water, a control section for controlling a voltage applied to the electrolytic cell, and a current between electrodes in the electrolytic cell at the applied voltage. The control unit for detecting the value, a flow rate sensor for detecting the flow rate of the electrolytic cell, an operation for selecting the pH value of the generated ionic water, and an indication whether the generated ionic water can be used or not Display section and the pH of the ionic water
In an alkali ion water purifier provided with a pH sensor for measuring a value in a water channel branched from a water discharge channel water channel, the control unit includes data of a set pH value and an applied voltage corresponding thereto. A voltage corresponding to the pH value set by the operation unit based on the data is applied to the electrolytic cell, and a water shutoff mechanism at a downstream portion of the pH sensor in a water passage branched from the water discharge pipe water passage for a predetermined time. By stopping the water after passing the water, the generated water of the pH measuring section can be retained, and the measurement of the pH sensor can be performed in a still water state, thereby minimizing the pH measurement error. An alkali ion water purifier characterized in that: 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said flow rate sensor includes a control section for opening a water stop mechanism at a downstream portion of said pH sensor when detecting a change in water flow, and for controlling again to a set pH value. The alkali ion water conditioner according to claim 1, wherein 3. A control unit for controlling the applied voltage, when detecting a change in a current value at the applied voltage, the control unit controls the p-value.
Open the water stop mechanism downstream of the H sensor, and set the pH again.
The alkali ion water conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising the control unit configured to control the value to a value.