JPH1157716A - Electrolytic water producer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid the futile supply of water and to decrease the ionic conductivity in an electrolytic cell below an allowable value by stopping the supply of concd. brine and then continuously supplying untreated water to the electrolytic cell until a decrease in the ionic conductivity in the cell below a prescribed value. SOLUTION: When an ejection switch 41 is turned on, a water valve 22 is opened to start the supply of untreated water, and a DC voltage is impressed between electrodes 14 and 15 from a power source 40 to begin electrolysis. In this case, since the ionic conductivity is expressed by a measured current value (measured by an ammeter 50), the measured current value is used as a current command to obtain a desired electrolytic water, and the addition of concd. brine is increased or decreased to attain the object. When the measured current value is larger than the current command, the measured current value is lowered. Subsequently, the ejection switch 41 is turned off by a user to stop the supply of concd. brine, and the supply of raw water is continued until the ionic conductivity in an electrolytic cell 10 is decreased below a prescribed value.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generator for electrolyzing dilute salt water by applying a voltage between electrodes in an electrolytic cell to generate electrolyzed water.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of electrolyzed water generating apparatus has
Water (raw water) from the outside is continuously supplied to the electrolytic cell, and a voltage is applied between the electrodes in the electrolytic cell to electrolyze the water from the outside to generate electrolytic water. Concentrated salt water stored in the tank is continuously supplied to the water supplied to the electrolytic cell to promote electrolysis. At this time, as shown in, for example, JP-A-6-339691, external water is supplied to the electrolytic cell for a certain period of time or at a constant flow rate even after the generation of electrolyzed water is stopped, that is, after the voltage application and the supply of concentrated salt water are stopped. In some cases, electrolyzed water (acidic water and alkaline water) is discharged from the electrolytic cell to prevent corrosion of metal parts of the device due to the acidic water and adhesion of calcium into the device due to alkaline water.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, since water is supplied for a fixed time (or a fixed flow rate) after the generation of the electrolyzed water is stopped, if the fixed time is too short (or the fixed flow rate). Is too small)
In some cases, the electrolytic water that has been generated up to that time cannot be sufficiently discharged from the electrolytic cell. For this reason, it is inevitable to set the certain period of time to some extent (or to increase the constant flow rate),
As a result, while the generated electrolyzed water can be sufficiently discharged, there is a problem that water may be supplied wastefully.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to address the above-mentioned problem. After the supply of the concentrated salt water is stopped, the ionic conductivity in the electrolytic cell indicating the degree of discharge of the generated electrolyzed water is reduced.
By detecting whether or not it is below a predetermined value, by continuously supplying raw water until this ionic conductivity becomes below a predetermined value,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrolyzed water generation device capable of reducing the ionic conductivity in an electrolytic cell to an allowable value or less while avoiding useless water supply.

In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention provides an electrolytic water determining means for detecting whether or not an ionic conductivity in an electrolytic cell detected by an ionic conductivity detecting means is equal to or less than a predetermined value; After the salt water supply unit stops supplying the concentrated salt water, until the ionic conductivity in the electrolytic cell is detected to be equal to or less than a predetermined value by the electrolytic water determination unit, the supply of raw water by the raw water supply unit is stopped. And means for continuing raw water supply.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, after the supply of the concentrated salt water is stopped, the raw water is continuously supplied to the electrolytic cell until the ion conductivity in the electrolytic cell is detected to be equal to or lower than a predetermined value. It is possible to reduce the ionic conductivity in the electrolytic cell to an allowable value or less while avoiding useless water supply.

[0007] A second invention is an electrolyzed water judging means for detecting whether or not the ionic conductivity in the electrolytic cell detected by the ionic conductivity detecting means is equal to or less than a predetermined value; After the supply is stopped, the supply of raw water by the raw water supply means is continued for a period from the time when the ionic conductivity in the electrolytic cell is detected to be equal to or less than the predetermined value by the electrolytic water determination means until a predetermined time elapses. Raw water supply continuation means.

According to the second aspect of the invention, after the supply of the concentrated salt water is stopped, the raw water is supplied from the time when the ionic conductivity in the electrolytic cell is detected to be equal to or less than a predetermined value to the time when a predetermined time elapses. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the ion conductivity in the electrolytic cell while minimizing the supply of wasted water.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides an electrolytic solution for comparing an ionic conductivity in an electrolytic cell detected by an ionic conductivity detecting means with a first predetermined value and a second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value. After stopping the supply of the concentrated salt water by the water determining means and the concentrated salt water supplying means, a predetermined time from when the comparison result of the electrolytic water determining means indicates that the ionic conductivity in the electrolytic cell is equal to or less than a first predetermined value. The supply of raw water by the raw water supply unit is continued until the elapse or the comparison result of the electrolytic water determination unit indicates that the ionic conductivity is equal to or less than the second predetermined value, whichever is earlier. Raw water supply continuation means.

According to the third aspect, after the supply of the concentrated salt water is stopped, (1) a point in time when a predetermined time elapses from a point in time when the ion conductivity is shown to be equal to or less than the first predetermined value; The supply of the raw water is continued until the earlier of the time indicating that the degree is equal to or less than the second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value, whichever is earlier. Therefore, the ionic conductivity can be surely reduced to the first predetermined value or less, and the ionic conductivity in the electrolytic cell can be more reliably reduced while the amount of water used thereafter is kept small.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects described above, the ionic conductivity detecting means may continue the predetermined salt water supply by the voltage applying means even after stopping the supply of the concentrated salt water by the concentrated salt water supply means. A voltage is continuously applied between the electrodes, and the ionic conductivity is detected based on a current value between the electrodes when the predetermined voltage is continuously applied.

According to the fourth aspect, the electrodes and the voltage applying means in the electrolytic cell originally provided in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus can be used for detecting the ion conductivity, so that new sensors are not required. The above object can be achieved without increasing the cost.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, first, second and third embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 schematically shows an electrolyzed water generating apparatus common to both embodiments. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus includes a generator main body 1, a concentrated salt water tank 30, a remote controller 45, and the like. Further, the generator body 1 is composed of a water channel system component including the electrolytic cell 10 and an electric system component including the electric control circuit 60.

The inside of the electrolytic cell 10 is partitioned by a diaphragm 11 into a pair of electrode chambers 12 and 13.
Water (raw water) is supplied to the respective 13 via a water supply pipe 20. The electrode chambers 12 and 13 are electrodes 14 and 15 respectively.
Are housed facing each other, and the power supply 40
4, 15 are connected so as to apply positive and negative DC voltages. When a DC voltage is applied to both electrodes 14 and 15 from this power supply, the supplied water is electrolyzed to generate electrolyzed water. Outlet pipes 16 and 17 (passages) are connected to the electrode chambers 12 and 13 of the electrolytic cell 10, and the electrolytic water is discharged to the outside from pouring ports 16 a and 17 a at the tips. On the other hand, an ammeter 50 via a shunt 42 is connected to a circuit for supplying a DC voltage from the power supply 40 to the electrodes 14 and 15, and the ammeter 50 measures a current flowing between the electrodes 14 and 15 as a measured current value. It is connected to the electric control circuit 60 so as to be measured as I. The power supply 40 is connected to an electric control circuit 60 so that the output voltage can be adjusted to a predetermined voltage by a control signal from the control circuit 60. Note that the power supply 40 may be a constant voltage source that always applies a constant voltage.

The water supply pipe 20 is configured so that water is pumped from an external water supply source (for example, tap water) (not shown). A water reducing valve 21 and a water valve 22 (WV), which is an open / close valve, are arranged in order from upstream to downstream. It is interposed. The pressure reducing valve 21 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 22 is electrically connected to the electric control circuit 60 and is controlled to open and close, and supplies water from the outside to the electrolytic cell 10 through the supply pipe 20 in an open state (ON).

The concentrated salt water tank 30 is separate from the generator body 1 and stores concentrated salt water therein. The concentrated salt water tank 30 has a water level sensor 33 connected to an electric control circuit 60.
The salt water suction pipe 55 is inserted from above the tank 30. The salt water suction pipe is connected to the pump 38 in the generator body 1.
Is connected to the input unit. The output of the pump 38 is connected to a concentrated salt water supply pipe 37, which is connected to the check valve 3.
9 is connected to the water supply pipe 20 at a position downstream of the water valve 22. The pump 38 is electrically driven, is electrically connected to the electric control circuit 60, and is configured so that the pumping amount is variably controlled. Accordingly, the pump 38 sucks in the concentrated salt water from the concentrated salt water tank 30 in accordance with the delivery amount, and sends out the concentrated salt water from the output portion to the concentrated salt water supply pipe 37. As a result, the electrolytic tank 10 receives the concentrated salt water from the concentrated salt water tank 30. Dilute salt water in which concentrated salt water and water from an external water supply source are mixed is supplied through the water supply pipe 20. That is, the amount of concentrated salt water added is controlled by controlling the pumping amount of the pump 38.

The remote controller 45 is also formed separately from the generator main body 1, and has outlets 16 of outlet pipes 16 and 17.
a, 17a. The remote controller 45 includes a display lamp 43 connected to the electric control circuit 60 and a pouring switch 41 (operation switch). Lighting of the display lamp 43 is controlled by receiving a display control signal from the electric control circuit 60. In addition, the pouring switch 41 sends to the electric control circuit 60 an operation signal including a start signal and an end signal for instructing each section in the generator body 1 to start and end the operation of electrolytic water generation. In addition, this pouring switch 4
Reference numeral 1 denotes a configuration in which the user keeps the ON state when pressed once, and keeps the OFF state when pressed again.

The electrolyzed water generator includes an electric control circuit 60 connected to the water valve 22, the pump 38, the power supply 40, the display lamp 43, the pouring switch 41 and the ammeter 50. The electric control circuit 60 is constituted by a microcomputer, and stores a program corresponding to the flowcharts (routines) shown in FIGS. 2 and 8 in the first embodiment, and FIG. 4 in the second embodiment.
The program corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 and the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 in the third embodiment are executed to control the opening and closing of the water valve 22 and the operation of the pump 38 and the power supply 40. . still,
The operation of the water valve 22 and the like in the first to third embodiments and the state of a flag described later are shown in FIGS.
And FIG. 7 respectively. The routines shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6 are executed by the microcomputer at predetermined intervals.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. The electric control circuit 60 clears the flag F to “0” when a main power supply (not shown) is turned on.

Then, the routine shown in FIG. 2 is executed at a predetermined timing from step 200, and at step 205, it is monitored whether the dispensing switch 41 is on or off. Now, at time t1 (see FIG. 3), when the user changes the dispensing switch 41 from off to on,
It is determined as “YES” in Step 205, and the processing for generating the electrolyzed water is performed in the subsequent steps. That is, at step 210, a constant voltage V is applied between the power source 40 and the electrodes 14 and 15.
0, and the water valve 22
Is turned on (open) to start the supply of raw water, and at the same time, the subroutine shown in FIG. Thereafter, the program proceeds to step 295, and this routine is temporarily ended.

Here, the above described addition amount feedback subroutine will be described first with reference to FIG. As described above, a DC voltage (a constant voltage V) from the power supply 40 is applied between the electrodes 14 and 15.
0) is applied to perform electrolysis, and the measured current value I (measured value of the ammeter 50) at that time is the conductivity (ion conductivity).
Represents Therefore, in order to obtain a desired electrolyzed water, the measured current value I may be used as the current target value IT, and this is achieved by increasing or decreasing the amount of the concentrated salt water. Note that this current target value IT
Means that the electrolyzed water (alkaline water and acidic water)
It is set so as to have the required Ph value.
Therefore, in the subroutine of FIG. 8, when the measured current value I is larger than the current target value IT, the measured current value I is reduced. That is, the pumping amount P of the pump 38 is reduced by ΔP in order to reduce the addition amount of the concentrated salt water supplied from the concentrated salt water tank (steps 800, 805, 815, and 82).
0) If the measured current value I is smaller than the current target value IT, the amount of the concentrated salt water is increased to increase the measured current value I. That is, the pumping amount P of the pump 38 is increased by ΔP (steps 800, 805, 810, and 820).
If the measured current value I is equal to the current target value IT, the pumping amount P is maintained as it is (step 800,
805 and 820). And the program is step 8
The process proceeds from step 20 to step 295 in FIG. This control state is determined by the
The process is continued until 1 is turned off, during which electrolytic water is generated and discharged.

The electric control circuit 60 thereafter executes the routine of FIG. 2 at predetermined time intervals. Therefore, when the user turns off the dispensing switch 41 at time t2, this is executed at step 20.
5, the program proceeds to step 225 and thereafter to execute the electrolytic water generation stop processing. First, in step 225, the pump 38 is stopped, and supply of the concentrated salt water to the electrolytic cell is stopped. In the subsequent steps 230 and subsequent steps, measures are taken to continue supplying raw water until the ionic conductivity in the electrolytic cell 10 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. Specifically, first step 2
At 30, it is determined whether or not the flag F is "1". Flag F
Is a flag for continuing the supply of the raw water even after the supply of the concentrated salt water is stopped. However, since the flag is "0" at this time, the program proceeds to the step 235. It is determined whether or not the state of the dispensing switch 41 is ON. If it is on, it means that the pouring switch 41 has been turned off for the first time this time, so the flag F is changed to "1" to start the continuous supply of raw water. By changing the flag F to "1", the next time the routine is executed, the process directly proceeds from step 230 to step 245.

In the following step 245, the subsequent step 25
A constant voltage V1 is applied between the electrodes 14 and 15 from the power source 40 so that the measured current value I used at 0 indicates the ion conductivity (conductivity) in the electrolytic cell 10. Then, in step 250, the measured current value I is compared with a predetermined reference value I0. In addition, if the predetermined reference value I0 is electrolyzed water (acidic water and alkaline water) reduced to the ionic conductivity indicated by the predetermined reference value I0, even if the electrolyzed water remains in the apparatus after the electrolyzed water generation apparatus is stopped, the acid water is not used. This value is set to a value that can prevent corrosion of metal parts due to the above and calcium adhesion to the apparatus due to the alkaline water. At this point, since the generation of the electrolyzed water has just finished (measured current value I> predetermined reference value I0), the routine is once ended in step 295.
The constant voltage V1 is equal to the voltage V0 during the generation of the electrolyzed water, but may be different. For example, V1
Is smaller than V0, the generation of electrolyzed water is not necessary during the period from time t2 to t3, and only the monitoring of the measured current value I is executed. Generation can be avoided and the amount of water required for continuous supply can be reduced.

As described above, when the supply of the concentrated salt water is stopped and only the supply of the raw water (and the application of the voltage) is continued, the electrolyzed water in the electrolyzer is gradually diluted, and accordingly, the ionic conductivity (generated and generated) is reduced. (The ratio of the electrolyzed water to the raw water). As a result, the measured current value I gradually decreases,
When the value falls below the predetermined reference value I0 at the time t3, it means that the ion conductivity in the electrolytic cell 10 has become equal to or lower than the predetermined value, and the supply of the raw water and the application of the voltage are stopped. Specifically, since the determination in step 250 in the routine of FIG. 2 is “YES”, the process proceeds to step 255,
In step 255, the water valve 22 is turned off (closed).
To stop the supply of raw water.
The application of the constant voltage V1 to the interval 15 is also stopped. Then, after changing the flag F to “0” in step 260, the routine ends in step 295.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the operation of the pump 38 as the concentrated salt water supply means is stopped in response to the stop signal from the pouring switch 41 instructing the stop of the generation of the electrolyzed water. Thereafter, a constant voltage is supplied between the electrodes 14 and 15 from the power supply 40 and the measured current value I is monitored to determine whether or not the ionic conductivity in the electrolytic cell 10 has become a predetermined value or less. The following (measured current value I <predetermined reference value I
At the point of time 0), the water valve 22 is closed to stop the supply of the raw water, and at the same time, the application of the voltage is also stopped. Therefore, when the supply of raw water is stopped, the ion conductivity (conductivity) in the electrolytic cell is below the allowable value, so that it is possible to avoid problems such as corrosion of the device due to the remaining electrolyzed water after the device is stopped. it can.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The main difference from the first embodiment is that in the first embodiment, the measured current value I is equal to a predetermined reference value I0.
The supply of raw water was stopped when the
In the embodiment, after the measured current value I falls below the predetermined reference value I0, the supply of raw water is continued for a predetermined time. In FIG. 4, the same steps as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As in the first embodiment, the electric control circuit 60 executes the routine of FIG.
5 until the time t2 in FIG. 5 is the same as the time t2 in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment. Since the electric control circuit 60 thereafter executes the routine of FIG. 4 at predetermined time intervals, the user operates the ejection switch 41 at time t2.
Is turned off, this is detected in step 205, the program proceeds to step 225 to execute the electrolytic water generation stop treatment, and the pump 38 is stopped in step 225 to supply the concentrated salt water to the electrolytic cell. Stop. In the following steps 430, 435, 235, 445, 245, 250 and 460, a constant voltage is applied from the power source 40 between the electrodes 14 and 15 until the ion conductivity in the electrolytic cell 10 becomes a predetermined value or less. Degree is less than a predetermined value (measured current value I
<Predetermined reference value I0) is monitored. During this period, the supply of raw water is continued.

Specifically, first, at step 430, it is determined whether or not the flag G is "1". The flag G is a flag for starting a timer described later, and is operated so as to be maintained at “0” until the measured current value I becomes equal to or less than a predetermined reference value I0. That is, at this time t2, the flag G is "0".
(Cleared at startup), the program proceeds to step 435 to determine whether the flag F is “1”. The flag F is a flag for continuing supply of the raw water even after the supply of the concentrated salt water is stopped and for applying a constant voltage between the electrodes 14 and 15. At this time, the flag F is “0”. It is determined whether or not the state of the dispensing switch 41 at the time of executing this routine last time is on. If it is on, it means that the pouring switch 41 has been turned off for the first time this time, so the flag F is set to “1” in step 445 to start the execution of the continuous supply of the raw water and the application of the constant voltage. To "." By changing the flag F to "1", the next time this routine is executed, the process directly proceeds from step 435 to step 245.

In the following step 245, the subsequent step 25
A constant voltage V1 is applied between the electrodes 14 and 15 from the power source 40 so that the measured current value I used at 0 indicates the ion conductivity (conductivity) in the electrolytic cell 10. In addition, this V
The relationship between 1 and V0 in step 210 is the same as in the first embodiment. Then, in step 250, the measured current value I is compared with a predetermined reference value I0. At this point, since it is immediately after the generation of the electrolyzed water is completed (measured current value I>
The predetermined reference value I0) is determined as “No” in the step 250, and the routine is once ended in a succeeding step 495.

As described above, when the supply of the concentrated salt water is stopped and only the supply of the raw water is continued, the electrolyzed water in the electrolyzer is gradually diluted, so that the ionic conductivity is reduced.
Accordingly, the measured current value I gradually decreases, and falls below the predetermined reference value I0 at time t3. This is no longer true for electrolytic cell 1
0 is water having an ion conductivity of a predetermined value or less (electrolyzed water,
Liquid). However, depending on the type of raw water (hard water or the like containing a large amount of magnesium, calcium, sodium, etc.), the measured current value I may not be relatively small, so the above-mentioned predetermined reference value I0 is set to a slightly larger value. In this case, it is preferable to supply the raw water even after the measured current value I becomes equal to or less than the predetermined reference value I0 to more surely lower the ion conductivity. Further, since water having high ionic conductivity remains in the outlet pipes 16 and 17, it is necessary to discharge the water.

Therefore, in this embodiment, step 460 and subsequent steps are provided in order to further continue the supply of raw water for a predetermined time. That is, after “YES” is determined in step 250, in step 460, the voltage application by the power supply 40 between the electrodes 14 and 15 is stopped, and the flag F is changed to “0” and the flag G is changed to “1”. I do. Then, in step 465, “1” is added for the first time to the timer value T that has been kept at “0” up to this point, and the timer is substantially started. It is determined whether or not the timer value T has reached a predetermined time value T0.
It is determined by monitoring whether or not the above has occurred. Specifically, at the time of execution of this routine from the next time, the flag G is set to “1”, so that the program
The process proceeds to 00, 205, 225, 430, and 465. In step 465, the timer value T is increased by "1", and in step 470, it is determined whether or not the timer value T has become equal to or longer than a predetermined time value T0. The predetermined time value T0 is determined, for example, when the ionic conductivity in the outlet pipes 16 and 17 is equal to the measured current value I =
A value corresponding to the time required to drain water not reaching the value corresponding to the predetermined reference value I0, or even when the predetermined reference value I0 is set to be slightly larger, If the predetermined time T0 elapses, the ionic conductivity is sufficiently reduced,
The value is set to a value corresponding to the time when it is determined that the supply of the raw water may be stopped.

At time t4 when a predetermined time has elapsed, step 470 is determined to be "YES", so that the program proceeds to step 475, where it is determined that the ionic conductivity in the electrolytic cell is no longer sufficiently reduced. Since the determination is made, the water valve 22 is turned off (closed) to stop the supply of the raw water, and the flag G and the timer value T are cleared to "0" for the next processing.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, upon receiving the stop signal from the pouring switch 41 for instructing the stop of the generation of the electrolyzed water, the operation of the pump 38 as the concentrated salt water supply means is stopped. Thereafter, a constant voltage is supplied between the electrodes 14 and 15 from the power supply 40 and the measured current value I is monitored to determine whether or not the ionic conductivity in the electrolytic cell 10 has become a predetermined value or less. The following (measured current value I <predetermined reference value I
0), the voltage application by the power supply 40 between the electrodes 14 and 15 is stopped. Then, the supply of the raw water is continued until a predetermined time elapses from that point, and the water valve 22 is closed to stop the supply of the raw water when the predetermined time elapses. Therefore, when the supply of raw water is stopped, the ionic conductivity in the electrolytic cell is surely smaller than the value corresponding to the measured current value I = the predetermined reference value I0. Even when it has to be set to a relatively large value, a sufficient dilution (or washing) effect can be exhibited. Further, by flowing the raw water more for the predetermined time, it is possible to prevent water having high ion conductivity from remaining in the outlet pipes 16 and 17.

The operation of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The main difference from the second embodiment is that, in the second embodiment, after the measured current value I falls below a predetermined reference value I0, the voltage application by the power supply 40 between the electrodes 14 and 15 is stopped and the predetermined time Continued the supply of the raw water, but in the third embodiment, the voltage application was continued even after the measured current value I was lower than the predetermined reference value I0, and the second measurement current I was smaller than the predetermined reference value I0. Whether it is equal to or less than the predetermined reference value I1,
Alternatively, the supply of the raw water is continued and the voltage is applied until a predetermined time elapses after the measured current value I falls below the predetermined reference value I0, whichever is earlier.
In FIG. 6, the same steps as those in FIGS. 2 and 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As in the second embodiment, the electric control circuit 60 executes the routine of FIG.
From the time t3 in FIG. 7 to the time t3 in FIG. 5 in the second embodiment. Then, at time t3, the electric control circuit 60 executes step 660 and thereafter to continue the voltage application and the supply of the raw water even after the measured current value I becomes equal to or less than the first predetermined reference value I0. That is, after it is determined to be "YES" in step 250, the flag F is changed to "0" and the flag G is changed to "1", but the voltage is applied as in step 460 in FIG. 4 of the second embodiment. Is not stopped at this point, and the voltage is applied thereafter to continue monitoring the measured current value I. And
In step 665, the measured current value I is set to the first predetermined reference value I.
It is determined whether or not the value is equal to or less than a second predetermined reference value I1 smaller than 0. The second predetermined reference value I1 is, for example,
A value indicating that the ionic conductivity is sufficiently reduced and the water is hardly generated by corrosion of the device by the acidic water or adhesion of the device such as calcium by the alkaline water to the device, or
If the raw water is not hard water containing a large amount of salts such as magnesium and calcium, the measured current value I is set to a value that can fall in a relatively short time after falling below the first predetermined reference value I0. I have.

Now, when the measured current value I falls below the first predetermined reference value I0 for the first time, step 665 determines that “N
Since it is determined to be "O", "1" is first added to the timer value T which has been kept at "0" up to this point in step 670, and the timer is substantially started. It is determined whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed by monitoring whether or not the timer value T has exceeded the predetermined time value T0. Here, if the predetermined time elapses before the measured current value I falls below the predetermined reference value I1 (that is, time t4 in FIG. 7), the determination in step 665 is “NO”, and the determination in step 675 is “YES”. "
Since the determination occurs earlier in time, the program proceeds from step 675 to step 680, in which the water valve 22 is turned off (closed) to stop the supply of raw water, and the power supply 40 connects the electrodes 14 and 15 to each other. After stopping the voltage application, the flag G and the timer value T are set for the next processing.
Is cleared to “0”.

On the other hand, if the measured current value I falls below the predetermined reference value I1 before the predetermined time has elapsed, step 665 is determined to be "YES", and step 680 is directly performed.
And the above step 680 is executed.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the operation of the pump 38 as the concentrated salt water supply means is stopped upon receiving the stop signal from the pouring switch 41 instructing the stop of the generation of the electrolyzed water. Thereafter, a constant voltage is supplied between the electrodes 14 and 15 from the power supply 40 and the measured current value I is monitored to determine whether or not the ionic conductivity in the electrolytic cell 10 has become a predetermined value or less. The following (measured current value I <predetermined reference value I
0) is detected. In addition, after that time, the supply of the raw water and the voltage application by the power supply 40 between the electrodes 14 and 15 are continued, and the time when a predetermined time elapses from that time or the measured current value I becomes the first predetermined reference value I0 The supply of the raw water is continued until the earliest one of the points below the smaller second predetermined reference value I1. Therefore,
When the supply of the raw water is stopped, the ion conductivity of the water in the electrolytic cell is definitely below a predetermined value (a value corresponding to the predetermined reference value I0). Even when the ion conductivity must be set to a relatively large value, the ionic conductivity after the device is stopped can always be made smaller than the predetermined reference value I0, and the measured current value I depends on the type of raw water. Even if it does not decrease to the predetermined reference value I1, the supply of raw water is stopped as the predetermined time elapses, so that the supply of raw water is prevented from continuing.

In the above-described first to third embodiments, the shunt 42, the ammeter 50 (collectively referred to as a current sensor), the power supply 40, and the electrodes 14, 15 are used as components of the ion conductivity detecting means. ing. Since these are inherently provided in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, there is no need to newly add an extra conductivity sensor or the like, which has an effect of preventing an increase in cost.

Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, the supply of the concentrated salt water is stopped after the instruction to stop the generation of the electrolyzed water from the pouring switch 41, but the electrodes 14, 15 are used to monitor the measured current value I. The voltage application from the power supply 40 to the interval is continued. Then, the voltage application is stopped after the measured current value I becomes at least equal to or less than the predetermined reference value I0 (a value that is very small compared to the current during the normal generation of the electrolyzed water).
Therefore, as compared with the case where the voltage application is stopped immediately after the stop of the generation of the electrolyzed water, the change in the current value between the electrodes until the stop of the applied voltage between the electrodes 14 and 15 after the stop of the generation of the electrolyzed water and the stop of the applied voltage are more gradual. This makes it possible to reduce the load when stopping the application of voltage to the electrode plate, thereby improving the life of the electrode plate.

In the first to third embodiments,
Although the shunt 42 and the ammeter 50 (collectively referred to as a current sensor) are used, it is necessary to compensate for variations in detection of the current sensor. Therefore, a switch for adjusting the zero point is provided and connected to the electric control circuit 60, and the output value of the current sensor when the user operates the switch for adjusting the zero point is stored in the electric control circuit 60, and the actual electrolysis is performed. In the water generation control, by correcting (adding or subtracting) the detection value of the current sensor by the stored value and using the same, it is possible to achieve more accurate control. When a voltage is applied between the electrodes 14 and 15 when the switch for zero point adjustment is operated (during generation of electrolytic water or the like), the output value of the current sensor at that time is used as a value for zero point adjustment. It is configured not to memorize. Further, even without providing the zero-point adjustment switch, the electric control circuit 60 may control the period from when the power of the electrolyzed water generator is turned on to before the start of electrolyzed water generation by operating the pouring switch 41, or the raw water and the concentrated brine. During a period in which the supply is stopped and no electrolytic water is generated, a predetermined voltage is automatically applied from the power supply 40 between the electrodes 14 and 15, and the current sensor detection value (zero-point correction value) at that time is stored. May be configured to be used at the time of control.

[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 a first embodiment, which is executed by the electric control circuit (microcomputer) of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a time chart according to a first embodiment, showing the operation of the electrolyzed water generation device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart according to a second embodiment, which is executed by the electric control circuit (microcomputer) of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a time chart according to a second embodiment showing the operation of the electrolyzed water generation device of FIG. 1;

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

FIG. 7 is a time chart according to a third embodiment showing the operation of the electrolyzed water generation device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is executed by the electric control circuit (microcomputer) of FIG. 1, and according to the first to third embodiments shown in FIGS.
7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for adding amount feedback of Nos. 4 and 6.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Electrolysis tank, 14, 15 ... Electrode, 20 ... Water supply pipe, 22
... water valve, 38 ... pump, 40 ... power supply, 41
... injection switch (operation switch), 43 ... indicator lamp,
45: remote controller, 50: ammeter, 60: electric control circuit.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An electrolytic cell containing a pair of electrodes, a raw water supply means for supplying raw water from outside into the electrolytic cell, a concentrated salt water supply means for supplying concentrated brine into the electrolytic cell, Voltage applying means for applying a predetermined voltage between the pair of electrodes, wherein electrolyzed dilute salt water obtained by mixing the supplied raw water and concentrated salt water in the electrolytic cell to generate electrolyzed water In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, an ionic conductivity detecting unit that detects ionic conductivity in the electrolytic cell, and an electrolyzed water determination unit that determines whether the detected ionic conductivity is equal to or less than a predetermined value, After the supply of the concentrated salt water by the concentrated salt water supply means is stopped, the supply of raw water by the raw water supply means is performed until the ion conductivity in the electrolytic tank is determined to be equal to or less than a predetermined value by the electrolytic water determination means. Raw water supply continuation means Electrolytic water generation apparatus, characterized in that was e. 2. An electrolytic cell containing a pair of electrodes, raw water supply means for supplying raw water from outside into the electrolytic cell, and concentrated salt water supply means for supplying concentrated salt water into the electrolytic cell. Voltage applying means for applying a predetermined voltage between the pair of electrodes, wherein electrolyzed dilute salt water obtained by mixing the supplied raw water and concentrated salt water in the electrolytic cell to generate electrolyzed water In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, an ionic conductivity detecting unit that detects ionic conductivity in the electrolytic cell, and an electrolyzed water determination unit that determines whether the detected ionic conductivity is equal to or less than a predetermined value, After stopping the supply of the concentrated salt water of the concentrated salt water supply means, a period from when the ionic conductivity in the electrolytic tank is determined to be a predetermined value or less by the electrolytic water determination means until a predetermined time elapses, Supply of raw water by the raw water supply means Electrolyzed water production apparatus characterized by comprising a raw water supply continues means for connection. 3. An electrolytic cell containing a pair of electrodes, raw water supply means for supplying raw water from the outside into the electrolytic cell, concentrated salt water supply means for supplying concentrated salt water into the electrolytic cell, A voltage applying means for applying a predetermined voltage between the pair of electrodes, wherein electrolyzed dilute salt water obtained by mixing the supplied raw water and concentrated salt water in the electrolytic cell to generate electrolyzed water In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, an ion conductivity detecting means for detecting an ion conductivity in the electrolytic cell, a second predetermined value, a first predetermined value, and a second value smaller than the first predetermined value. An electrolyzed water determining means for comparing the electrolyzed water with a predetermined value, and after stopping the supply of the concentrated salt water by the concentrated salt water supplying means, the comparison result of the electrolyzed water determining means indicates that the ionic conductivity in the electrolytic cell is a first predetermined value. When a predetermined time has passed since the time when the following was indicated Point, or raw water supply continuation means for continuing supply of raw water by the raw water supply means until any earlier time among the times indicating that the ionic conductivity is equal to or less than a second predetermined value by the electrolytic water determination means, An electrolyzed water generator comprising: 4. The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 3, wherein the ionic conductivity detecting means is configured to supply the concentrated salt water by the concentrated salt water supply means. A predetermined voltage is continuously applied to the electrodes by the voltage application unit even after the voltage is stopped, and the ionic conductivity is detected based on a current value between the electrodes when the predetermined voltage is continuously applied. An electrolyzed water generator characterized by the following.