WO2018168109A1 - Apparatus for generating electrolyzed hydrogen water - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an apparatus for generating electrolyzed hydrogen water, the apparatus being capable of increasing the amount of hydrogen contained in electrolyzed hydrogen water. The apparatus is provided with an electrolytic bath having a positive electrode chamber and a negative electrode chamber partitioned by a diaphragm, wherein, while supplying water, an electric current is applied, through the diaphragm, between electrodes installed in the respective electrode chambers to electrolyze the water such that acidic water is discharged from the positive electrode chamber and alkaline electrolyzed hydrogen water is discharged from the negative electrode chamber. A flow path for discharging the acidic water and a flow path for discharging the electrolyzed hydrogen water are both provided with pressurizing means for pressurizing respective corresponding electrode chambers while allowing the flow of acid water or electrolyzed hydrogen water.

Description

Electrolytic hydrogen water generator

The present invention relates to an electrolytic hydrogen water generator.

The water we consume on a daily basis plays an extremely important role as the foundation of health, and as people are becoming more health-conscious, attention to drinking water is further increasing.

Conventionally, various drinking waters that meet such needs have been proposed. For example, oxygen water in which a large amount of oxygen is dissolved in drinking water and hydrogen water in which hydrogen is dissolved are known. .

In particular, various reports have been made that hydrogen water containing molecular hydrogen contributes to health, such as reduction of in vivo oxidative stress and suppression of increase in blood LDL.

Such hydrogen water is generated by dissolving hydrogen in water. Examples of the generation method include a method of bubbling hydrogen gas in drinking water, a method using a chemical reaction, Examples include a method of generating by decomposition.

Above all, the water electrolysis method can produce electrolyzed hydrogen water containing hydrogen in alkaline electrolyzed water, which is also considered to be useful for health promotion, and can be expected to have a synergistic effect of both. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-160503 A

By the way, the amount of dissolved hydrogen contained in hydrogen water is one of the most important concerns for those who drink hydrogen water. In particular, there are many drinkers who think that hydrogen water with a large amount of dissolved hydrogen is useful for health promotion, and hydrogen water with a high dissolved hydrogen concentration tends to be required.

For example, in an electrolyzed hydrogen water generator comprising an electrolytic cell in which a cathode chamber in which a negative electrode having a relatively low potential is disposed and an anode chamber in which a positive electrode having a high potential is partitioned by a diaphragm, As a means for increasing the dissolved amount of hydrogen, there is a method of increasing the internal pressure of the cathode chamber by generating a back pressure by limiting the flow rate of the electrolytic hydrogen water discharged from the cathode chamber.

However, according to the detailed analysis by the present inventors, the actual amount of hydrogen dissolved in the electrolytic hydrogen water thus obtained is lower than the amount of hydrogen in the electrolytic hydrogen water that should be obtained theoretically. It was found.

Therefore, the inventors have conducted extensive research on this phenomenon, and have completed the present invention to provide an electrolytic hydrogen water generator that can further improve the amount of hydrogen contained in the electrolytic hydrogen water.

In view of such circumstances, the electrolytic hydrogen water generator according to the present invention has (1) an anode chamber and a cathode chamber partitioned by a diaphragm, and the electrodes are disposed between the electrodes disposed in each electrode chamber while supplying water. An electrolytic hydrogen water generator comprising an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes the water by energization through a diaphragm and discharges alkaline electrolytic hydrogen water from the cathode chamber while discharging acidic water from the anode chamber. In addition, an electrode chamber pressurizing unit that pressurizes the corresponding electrode chambers while allowing the acid water or the electrolyte hydrogen water to flow in both the acid water discharge channel and the electrolytic hydrogen water discharge channel. I decided to prepare.

The electrolytic hydrogen water generator according to the present invention is also characterized by the following points.
(2) Either one or both of the anode chamber pressurizing unit and the cathode chamber pressurizing unit includes a pressure variable mechanism for changing the degree of pressurization of the corresponding polar chamber.
(3) The anode chamber pressurizing means includes a pressure variable mechanism and is connected to a control unit that controls the pressure variable mechanism, and the control unit pressurizes the anode chamber when generating the electrolytic hydrogen water. Controlling the means to increase the internal pressure in the anode chamber and increase the amount of electricity for the electrolysis.
(4) Each of the anode chamber pressurizing means and the cathode chamber pressurizing means includes a pressure variable mechanism and is connected to a control unit that controls the pressure variable mechanism. During the generation, both chamber pressure means are controlled almost simultaneously to increase the internal pressure in the corresponding chamber.
(5) A raw water bypass flow path is provided that branches the raw water flowing into the electrolytic cell from the middle of the supply path and allows water to flow downstream from the cathode chamber pressurizing means of the electrolytic hydrogen water discharge flow path.
(6) A reflux bypass passage is provided that joins part of the acidic water discharged from the electrolytic cell to the raw water supplied to the anode chamber.

The electrolytic hydrogen water generator according to the present invention has an anode chamber and a cathode chamber partitioned by a diaphragm, and energizes the electrodes disposed in each electrode chamber while supplying water through the diaphragm. An electrolytic hydrogen water generator comprising an electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water and discharging alkaline electrolytic hydrogen water from the cathode chamber while discharging acidic water from the anode chamber, wherein the acidic water discharge channel And the discharge flow path of the electrolytic hydrogen water are provided with polar chamber pressurizing means for pressurizing the corresponding polar chamber while allowing the flow of acidic water or electrolytic hydrogen water, respectively. The amount of hydrogen contained in the electrolytic hydrogen water can be further improved as compared with the electrolytic hydrogen water generation apparatus including only the means.

If either one or both of the anode chamber pressurizing means and the cathode chamber pressurizing means includes a pressure variable mechanism that changes the degree of pressurization of the corresponding polar chamber, the electrolytic hydrogen water is supplied at a desired timing. Concentration can be increased.

The anode chamber pressurizing means includes a pressure variable mechanism, and is connected to a control unit that controls the pressure variable mechanism. By controlling the pressure to increase the internal pressure in the anode chamber and increase the amount of electrolysis, the electrolytic hydrogen water containing a high concentration of hydrogen can be generated with a relatively low pH.

The anode chamber pressurizing unit and the cathode chamber pressurizing unit both have a pressure variable mechanism and are connected to a control unit that controls the pressure variable mechanism, and the control unit generates the electrolytic hydrogen water. At this time, if both the chamber pressure means are controlled substantially simultaneously to increase the internal pressure in the corresponding chamber, the hydrogen water having a relatively low pH can be obtained while improving the solubility of hydrogen derived from the pressure increase. Can be generated.

Further, since the raw water flowing into the electrolytic cell is branched from the middle of the supply path, a raw water bypass flow path is provided for allowing water to flow downstream from the cathode chamber pressurizing means of the electrolytic hydrogen water discharge flow path. A large amount of electrolytic hydrogen water having a relatively low pH and a high hydrogen content can be supplied.

Moreover, if it is provided with a reflux bypass channel that joins part of the acidic water discharged from the electrolytic cell to the raw water supplied to the anode chamber, the generation of electrolytic hydrogen water that can suppress the pH increase of the electrolytic hydrogen water Can be provided.

It is explanatory drawing which showed the example of the polar chamber pressurization unit. It is the perspective view which showed the external appearance structure of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator. It is explanatory drawing which showed the internal structure of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator. It is explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the electrolysis part. It is the block diagram which showed the electrical structure of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator. It is the flow which showed the process which a control part performs. It is the flow which showed the process which a control part performs. It is explanatory drawing which showed the internal structure of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator based on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed the process of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed the internal structure of the electrolyzed hydrogen water generator which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

The present invention has an anode chamber and a cathode chamber partitioned by a diaphragm, and electrolyzes the water by energizing the electrodes between the electrodes disposed in each electrode chamber while supplying water, An electrolytic hydrogen water generator comprising an electrolytic cell for discharging alkaline electrolytic hydrogen water from the cathode chamber while discharging acidic water from the anode chamber, wherein the amount of hydrogen contained in the electrolytic hydrogen water is further improved An electrolytic hydrogen water generator is provided.

In this specification, the electrolytic hydrogen water is alkaline electrolyzed water generated on the cathode side by electrolysis of water, and is water in which hydrogen gas generated on the cathode side is dissolved.

Therefore, it should be understood that the electrolytic hydrogen water generator in the present specification also conceptually includes a so-called alkaline ion water conditioner.

Moreover, the diaphragm which divides an anode chamber and a cathode chamber will not be specifically limited if it is used as a diaphragm with a general alkali ion water conditioner, For example, a neutral membrane, an ion exchange membrane, etc. are employ | adopted. be able to.

As a feature of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator according to the present embodiment, acidic water or electrolytic hydrogen water is provided in both the acidic water discharge channel and the electrolytic hydrogen water discharge channel generated in the electrolytic cell. It is possible to provide a polar chamber pressurizing unit that pressurizes the corresponding polar chambers while allowing distribution.

As described above, prior to the completion of the present invention, the present inventors generate a back pressure by limiting the flow rate of the electrolytic hydrogen water discharged from the cathode chamber, thereby increasing the internal pressure of the cathode chamber. It has been found that the actual amount of hydrogen dissolved in the electrolytic hydrogen water obtained by the method is lower than the amount of hydrogen in the electrolytic hydrogen water that should theoretically be obtained.

This is due to the fact that a predetermined amount of liquid flowability occurs in the diaphragm separating the anode chamber and the cathode chamber under the pressurized environment of the cathode chamber, according to the earnest study by the present inventors. It has been found that the raw water or electrolyzed hydrogen water (hereinafter referred to as cathode chamber content water) in the cathode chamber leaks to the anode chamber due to the internal pressure applied to the anode chamber, preventing the pressure increase and suppressing the increase in hydrogen concentration. It was.

And based on this new knowledge that has not been known so far, by applying an internal pressure substantially equal to or higher than that of the cathode chamber to the anode chamber side, the leakage of the cathode chamber content water is suppressed, the cathode chamber pressure, More specifically, the internal pressure in the cathode chamber and the discharge flow channel downstream from the cathode chamber pressurizing means enhances the dissolution efficiency of the existing hydrogen bubbles and realizes the generation of electrolytic hydrogen water containing high-concentration hydrogen. .

In addition, in an electrolytic hydrogen water generator configured so that raw water supplied into the electrolytic cell is bifurcated from one raw water supply pipe and supplied to the cathode chamber side and the anode chamber side, When the indoor pressure is increased, a large amount of raw water flows into the anode chamber and the increase in the internal pressure in the cathode chamber may be blunted. However, the electrolytic hydrogen water generator according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration. Since it is provided, raw water can be efficiently supplied also to the cathode chamber side, the increase in the pressure in the cathode chamber can be promoted, and the dissolved hydrogen concentration can be further increased.

The raw water supplied to the cathode chamber and the anode chamber is not particularly limited as long as it is drinkable water having a pH of about 6 to 8 that is not subjected to extreme pH adjustment, such as general tap water and well water. Can be used.

Particularly preferably as raw water, the tap water and well water are filtered with a filter, adsorption treatment with a porous material such as activated carbon, deionization treatment with an ion exchange resin, etc., and water electrolysis efficiency. In order to improve, you may make it carry out combining any 1 or 2 or more chosen from calcium processing etc. which contact calcium agents, such as calcium lactate and calcium glycerophosphate.

Further, the polar chamber pressurizing means is not particularly limited as long as it is a member capable of generating back pressure in the corresponding polar chamber or discharge pipe while allowing the flow of acidic water or electrolytic hydrogen water. Examples thereof include a member that causes resistance to flow, such as a member having a constricted structure such as a restriction orifice, a valve, or a venturi.

Here, a structural example of the polar chamber pressurizing means will be described with reference to FIG. 1. For example, in the polar chamber pressurizing unit 81a shown in FIG. When acidic water containing oxygen bubbles (hereinafter collectively referred to as bubble-containing electrolyzed water) flows in from the direction of the arrow, the diameter change rate (stenosis change rate) that gradually narrows in the flow diameter gradually decreasing portion 82a, It has a stenosis / expansion structure in which the diameter change rate (expansion change rate) gradually expanding in the diameter gradually increasing portion 82b is substantially the same as an absolute value with the stenosis portion 82c having the minimum diameter as a boundary. In addition, it is possible to generate a back pressure in the corresponding polar chamber or discharge pipe while allowing the acidic water or the electrolytic hydrogen water to flow.

The polar chamber pressurizing unit 81b shown in FIG. 1B has substantially the same configuration as the polar chamber pressurizing unit 81a, but the stenosis change ratio in the flow diameter gradually decreasing portion 82a is increased in the flow diameter gradually increasing portion 82b. It is formed to be larger than the open change rate, and is configured to generate a larger back pressure than the polar chamber pressurizing unit 81a.

Further, the polar chamber pressurizing unit 81c shown in FIG. 1C has substantially the same configuration as that of the polar chamber pressurizing unit 81b, but the stenosis instead of the flow diameter gradually increasing portion 82b is provided downstream of the stenotic portion 82c. The structure is different in that it includes a constricted flow channel 82d having the same flow diameter as the portion 82c.

Further, the polar chamber pressurizing unit 81d shown in FIG. 1 (d) has an initial inflow of the flow diameter gradually decreasing portion 82a instead of the constricted flow path 82d on the downstream side of the constricted portion 82c, as compared with the polar chamber pressurizing unit 81c. The structure is different in that a wide channel 82f having a diameter substantially the same as the diameter is provided.

Further, the polar chamber pressurizing unit 81e shown in FIG. 1 (e) is such that the narrowed portion 82c is formed in a narrowed channel shape, and both the upstream side and the downstream side of the narrowed portion 82c are wide channel 82f. The structure is different.

The polar chamber pressurizing unit 81f shown in FIG. (F) has substantially the same configuration as the polar chamber pressurizing unit 81d, but the flow path is located at a position corresponding to the flow diameter gradually decreasing portion 82a on the upstream side of the constricted portion 82c. The structure is different in that the resistor 82h is arranged.

Thus, examples of the polar chamber pressurizing means include variations such as the polar chamber pressurizing units 81a to 81f described above, and the corresponding polar chambers permitting the flow of acidic water or electrolytic hydrogen water. And back pressure can be generated in the discharge pipe. In the present specification, the back pressure that generates an internal pressure in the polar chamber does not include a simple straight pipe flow resistance, but refers to a resistance member or a resistance structure positively added to the discharge flow path. Examples of the resistance member include the above-described electrode chamber pressurizing unit, and examples of the resistance structure include meandering piping for the purpose of increasing the back pressure.

In particular, the polar chamber pressurizing means may be a tube (hereinafter also referred to as a “miniaturized bubble generating tube”) having a venturi structure (stenosis / expansion structure) capable of generating microbubbles and nanobubbles.

For example, if applied to the above example, the flow diameter gradually narrows on the upstream side of the constriction portion 82c and the constriction of the constriction portion 82c on the downstream side of the constriction portion 82c, as in the polar chamber pressurizing units 81a, 81b, 81d, 81f. The polar chamber pressurizing unit having a structure having a flow diameter larger than the diameter can be expected to function as a refined bubble generating tube that refines the bubbles of the inflowed bubble-containing electrolytic water.

If the micronized bubble generating tube is adopted, it can function as a polar chamber pressurizing means, and if used as a cathode chamber pressurizing means, for example, it can subdivide undissolved hydrogen bubbles dispersed in electrolytic hydrogen water. Thus, dissolution can be promoted, and the amount of hydrogen contained in the electrolytic hydrogen water can be further improved. Moreover, if it uses as an anode chamber pressurization means, the acidic water in which the amount of dissolved oxygen was further raised can be produced | generated.

Also, the anode chamber pressurizing means provided in the acidic water discharge flow path and the cathode chamber pressurizing means provided in the electrolytic hydrogen water discharge flow path may be the same or different.

Further, either one or both of these polar chamber pressurizing means may be provided with a pressure variable mechanism that changes the degree of pressurization of each polar chamber. Since the polar chamber pressurizing means is a member that generates back pressure, when the amount of electrolytic hydrogen water or acidic water discharged from the electrolysis chamber is constant, the discharge flow rate is naturally limited. If the variable mechanism is provided, it can be freely changed to a desired discharge flow rate, and the hydrogen content can be changed in the case of electrolytic hydrogen water, and the oxygen content can be changed in the case of acidic water.

This pressure variable mechanism may be capable of changing the back pressure to be generated stepwise or may be steplessly changed. Examples of the former include a gate valve that can change the position of the closing plate stepwise, and a valve that can be switched between a fully open state and a half open state. Further, as an example of the latter, there is a valve or the like whose opening degree can be adjusted steplessly by a screwing member or the like like a piece in a faucet.

For example, in the polar chamber pressurizing unit 81g shown in FIG. 1 (g), a screw-like shape that can be stepped into and out of the tube in a stepless manner while having a straight tubular wide flow channel 82i having substantially the same diameter from inflow to outflow. A variable pressure mechanism is configured by screwing the flow path narrowing body 82j so that the position of the narrowed portion 82c, that is, the degree of resistance to the bubble-containing electrolytic water and the degree of generation of back pressure can be changed. This pressure variable mechanism may be adjusted manually by the user of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator, or may be adjusted by control of a control unit or the like built in the electrolytic hydrogen water generator. The polar chamber pressurizing means must be capable of pressurizing the corresponding polar chamber while allowing the flow of acidic water or electrolytic hydrogen water, but must have a function of completely closing the flow path. It does not prevent.

Further, when the anode chamber pressurizing means is provided with a variable pressure mechanism, the anode chamber pressurizing means is connected to a control unit that controls the variable pressure mechanism, and the control unit further includes electrolytic hydrogen water. At the time of generation, the pressure variable mechanism of the anode chamber pressurizing means may be controlled to increase the internal pressure in the anode chamber and increase the amount of electrolysis.

Usually, it is desirable to perform electrolysis by increasing the amount of energization in order to maximize the amount of hydrogen generated in the cathode chamber when generating electrolytic hydrogen water.

However, when the amount of current is increased, more hydroxide ions are generated in the cathode chamber, so that the pH of the electrolytic hydrogen water also increases.

However, the pH of the electrolytic hydrogen water suitable for drinking is set to 10 or less, and in order to obtain the electrolytic hydrogen water suitable for drinking while increasing the amount of energization and increasing the dissolved hydrogen concentration, the pH is reduced by some means. It is desirable to reduce

Therefore, when the electrolytic hydrogen water is generated, the pressure variable mechanism of the anode chamber pressurizing means is controlled to increase the internal pressure in the anode chamber, and based on the new knowledge described above, the acidic water and acidic water in the anode chamber are passed through the diaphragm. The raw water mixed with (hereinafter also referred to as anode chamber content water) leaks to the cathode chamber side, and the cathode chamber content water is neutralized by the leaked anode chamber content water while suppressing an increase in pH and electrolysis. The amount of hydrogen generated is increased to increase the amount of hydrogen generated.

Therefore, it is possible to produce electrolytic hydrogen water suitable for drinking with suppressed pH rise while hydrogen is dissolved at a high concentration. The degree of suppression of the pH increase in the cathode chamber content water can be adjusted by the pressure variable mechanism of the anode chamber pressurizing means.

The anode chamber pressurization means and the cathode chamber pressurization means both have a pressure variable mechanism and are connected to a control unit that controls the pressure variable mechanism, and the control unit pressurizes the bipolar chamber when generating electrolytic hydrogen water. The means may be controlled substantially simultaneously to increase the internal pressure in the corresponding polar chamber.

By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to improve the hydrogen solubility accompanying the increase in the pressure in the cathode chamber while suppressing the leakage of the cathode chamber contents water in the cathode chamber when taking in the electrolytic hydrogen water. When there is no need to improve the dissolved amount of gas such as hydrogen, the back pressure can be canceled by the variable pressure mechanism to increase the water intake per unit time.

In the electrolyzed hydrogen water generator according to the present embodiment, the raw water flowing into the electrolyzer is branched from the middle of the supply path, and water is passed downstream from the cathode chamber pressurizing means of the electrolyzed hydrogen water discharge flow path. A raw water bypass channel may be provided.

By providing such a configuration, for example, when the electrolytic hydrogen water is generated, the amount of water taken in the electrolytic hydrogen water per unit time is reduced by opening the bypass passage when the cathode chamber pressurizing unit is functioning. You can make it right without doing it.

In addition, the electrolytic hydrogen water generator according to the present embodiment may include a reflux bypass passage that joins part of the acidic water discharged from the electrolytic cell to the raw water supplied to the anode chamber.

By adopting such a configuration, the pH of the water in the cathode chamber can be lowered as compared with the case where no reflux bypass passage is provided, and the pH of the water in the cathode chamber can be suppressed via the diaphragm. It can be made more effective.

Hereinafter, the electrolytic hydrogen water generator according to the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electrolyzed hydrogen water generator A <b> 1 is configured by housing a device unit 9 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, in a substantially rectangular casing 10, and requires water received from water or the like. Accordingly, the water desired by the user can be taken from the discharge port 17 b through the water intake pipe 17.
Further, the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 includes a power plug 8 (see FIG. 3), and electrolysis is performed by receiving power from a commercial power outlet or the like.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, an operation panel P is arranged on the front portion of the casing 10, and various buttons and lamps are provided.

Specifically, on the operation panel P, a display unit D composed of a liquid crystal display device is provided at the upper center, a power button B1 is provided at the upper right, and an ORP display is provided below the display unit D. The button B2 and the water flow amount display button B3 are arranged side by side.

The power button B1 is a button for starting the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1, and is an effective button in any state. For example, when the treatment is not completed during the wastewater treatment or the like, it is preferable that the power is turned off after the completion of the treatment even when the power button B1 is pressed. The ORP display button B2 is a button for displaying the current water ORP on the display unit D. The water flow rate display button B3 is a button for displaying the current water flow rate on the display unit D.

Further, below this water flow amount display button B3, an alkali button group AL, a purified water supply button W, and an acid button group Ac are arranged in a vertical line.

The alkaline button group AL includes a strong alkaline water supply button AL0 and a first level alkaline water supply button AL1 to a third level alkaline water supply button AL3. The strong alkaline water supply button AL0 is a button for instructing the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 to generate strong alkaline water. Strong alkaline water, for example, has a pH of 10.5, and can be used for boiled food, acupuncture, boiled vegetables, and the like.

The first level alkaline water supply button AL1 is a button for instructing the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 to generate the first level alkaline water. The first level alkaline water has a pH of 9.5, for example, and can be used for cooking, tea and the like. The second level alkaline water supply button AL2 is a button for instructing the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 to generate the second level alkaline water. The second level alkaline water has a pH of 9.0, for example, and can be used for cooking rice or the like. The third level alkaline water supply button AL3 is a button for instructing the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 to generate the third level alkaline water. The third level alkaline water has a pH of 8.5, for example, and can be used as water for starting drinking. When the alkaline button group AL is pressed by the user, the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 shifts to a strong alkaline water generation mode or an alkaline water generation mode at each level, and generates corresponding alkaline water. Do. In particular, the alkaline water generated by pressing the alkali button group AL is water corresponding to electrolytic hydrogen water.

The purified water supply button W is a button for instructing to purify and pass water from tap water without performing electrolysis in the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1. When the purified water supply button W is pressed by the user, the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 shifts to the purified water generation mode and generates purified water.

The acidic button group Ac includes an acidic water supply button Ac1 and a strong acidic water supply button Ac2. The acidic water supply button Ac1 is a button for instructing the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 to generate acidic water. Acidic water has a pH of 5.5, for example, and can be used for face washing, boiled noodles, tea astringents, and the like. The strongly acidic water supply button Ac2 is a button for instructing the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 to generate strongly acidic water (sanitary water). The strongly acidic water has a pH of 2.5, for example, and can be used for washing around the water. When the acidic button group Ac is pressed by the user, the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 shifts to an acidic water generation mode for supplying acidic water and a strong acidic water generation mode for supplying strong acidic water, respectively. The corresponding acidic water is generated. In the following description, the strong alkaline water generation mode, the alkaline water generation mode, the purified water generation mode, the acidic water generation mode, and the strong acidic water generation mode are collectively referred to as a water generation mode.

Further, some buttons and lamps are arranged near the lower part of the operation panel P.
For example, the strong acid water supply lamp L1 indicates that the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 is in the strong acid water generation mode. L3 is a cleaning lamp, L4 is a rinsing lamp, L5 and L6 are cartridge life setting buttons and lamps of a water purification unit 2 (described later) provided inside the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1, and L7 and L8 are water purification units 2. A cartridge replacement lamp, L9 is a temperature rise warning lamp, and B5 is a cartridge replacement reset button.

Also, the operation panel P of the electrolyzed hydrogen water generator A1 according to this embodiment is provided with a dissolved amount increase button F at a substantially central portion of the operation panel P as one of characteristic features.

The dissolved amount increase button F is a button for promoting bubble dissolution of the bubble-containing electrolytic water. When the dissolved amount increase button F is pressed, the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 enters the dissolved amount increase mode. If there is hydrogen bubbles, acid water promotes dissolution of oxygen bubbles to generate electrolytic hydrogen water having a high hydrogen dissolved amount or acidic water having a high oxygen dissolved amount. This dissolved amount increase button F can be pressed in the strong alkaline water generation mode, in the alkaline water generation mode, in the acidic water generation mode, or in the strong acidic water generation mode. When these modes are selected, the dissolved amount is increased. A lamp L10 arranged in a ring shape around the increase button F is lit to notify the user that it can be used. In the following description, this function of promoting bubble dissolution of bubble-containing electrolytic water is referred to as a bubble dissolution promotion function.

Further, when the dissolved amount increase button F is pressed, the raw water bypass function is exhibited, and the discharge amount of the electrolytic hydrogen water and the acidic water discharged from the discharge port 17b of the intake pipe 17 is increased. Specifically, the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 increases the discharge amount by bypassing a part of the raw water to the downstream side of the cathode chamber pressurizing means described later.

In addition, when the dissolved amount increase button F is pressed, the reflux function is exhibited, and a part of the acidic water discharged from the anode chamber is joined to the raw water supplied to the anode chamber, and the amount of electrolysis current is made to return to the anode chamber. By increasing the amount, a large amount of hydrogen is generated while suppressing an increase in pH of the cathode chamber contents water.

Next, the internal configuration of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1, that is, the configuration of the apparatus unit 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the device unit 9, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of construction of each flow path structure disposed in the electrolyzer 1 and in the vicinity thereof.

As shown in FIG. 3, the configuration of the apparatus unit 9 is large and is purified by an electrolysis unit 4 having an electrolyzer 1 that electrolyzes raw water, and a water purifier 5 that purifies raw water supplied to the electrolyzer 1 in advance. It is divided into the addition part 6 which adds a predetermined additive to raw water (purified water), and the control part 7 which controls each part of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 as a whole.

As shown in FIG. 4, the electrolyzing unit 4 includes an electrolytic cell 1 formed in a rectangular box shape as viewed from the outside, and a flow path that is spaced from the surface of the electrolytic cell 1 and arranged in an aerial piping state around the electrolytic cell 1. It is comprised by the piping part 42 (generally, the part enclosed with the dashed-dotted line in the figure).

The electrolytic cell 1 is a part that generates alkaline electrolytic hydrogen water or acidic water by electrolyzing supplied water. The electrolyzed hydrogen water generator A1 according to this embodiment is an apparatus that can take in not only alkaline electrolyzed hydrogen water but also acidic water as described above. Specifically, the electrolytic cell 1 provided in the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 includes an electrode plate (hereinafter referred to as a water intake electrode plate) that can be switched to a predetermined polarity for generating water for the user to take water. The electrode chamber for water intake and the electrode chamber for by-product water provided with an electrode plate (hereinafter referred to as a by-product water electrode plate) that is switched to a polarity opposite to the polarity of the intake electrode plate are separated from each other by a diaphragm. The by-product water electrode plate is used as an anode and the by-product water electrode chamber is used as an anode chamber, while the intake electrode plate is used as a cathode and the intake electrode chamber is used as a cathode chamber. The alkaline electrolyzed hydrogen water can be generated at the same time, and water can be taken. Conversely, the by-product water electrode plate is used as a cathode and the by-product water electrode chamber is used as a cathode chamber, while the water intake electrode plate is used as an anode. By making the electrode chamber for the anode into the anode chamber, acid water is generated in the water intake electrolysis chamber to enable water intake. In the following, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, on the basis of the alkaline water generation mode in which alkaline electrolytic hydrogen water can be taken, the electrode chamber for taking water is the cathode chamber, the electrode plate for taking water is the cathode, and the electrode chamber for by-product water is used. In the following description, each component is given a name while assuming that the anode chamber is an anode chamber and the by-product water electrode plate is an anode.

Returning to the description of FIG. 4, on the lower surface side of the electrolytic cell 1, an anode chamber water supply port 43 a for supplying water into an anode chamber (electrode chamber for by-product water) formed in the electrolytic cell 1, a cathode A cathode chamber water supply port 43b for supplying water (raw water) is formed in the chamber (intake electrode chamber).

Further, an electrolytic hydrogen water discharge port 17a is provided so as to project upward at a substantially central portion of the upper end surface of the electrolytic cell 1, and as shown in FIG. 3, a cathode chamber (water intake electrode chamber) of the electrolytic cell 1 is provided. The generated electrolytic hydrogen water can be discharged from the discharge port 17b through the discharge pipe 17d and the intake pipe 17.

Further, a cathode chamber pressurizing portion 17c (water intake electrode chamber pressurizing unit) functioning as a cathode chamber pressurizing means (water intake electrode chamber pressurizing means) is interposed in the middle of the discharge pipe 17d.

The cathode chamber pressurizing portion 17c is constituted by an electromagnetic valve, and is opened in the energized state (ON state), does not restrict the flow rate of the discharge pipe 17d, and is semi-closed in the energized state (OFF state). A pressure variable mechanism that is in a state (pressurized state) is provided, and has a function of generating back pressure while limiting the flow rate of water passing through the cathode chamber pressurizing portion 17c. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the cathode chamber pressurization part 17c is electrically connected with the control part 7, and switching to an open state and a half-open state by control of the control part 7 is performed.

In particular, when the cathode chamber pressurizing unit 17c is switched to a pressurized state, a back pressure is generated in the cathode chamber and the discharge pipe 17d, and the bubble-containing electrolysis that has flowed in by functioning as a miniaturized bubble generating tube is introduced. Water bubbles, for example, hydrogen bubbles contained in electrolytic hydrogen water are refined to increase the dissolved hydrogen concentration.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, the waste_water | drain which discharges the acidic water produced | generated in the anode chamber (electrode chamber for by-product water) of the electrolytic cell 1 in the L shape along the front from the upper end surface of the electrolytic cell 1 The flow channel upstream portion 18a is formed integrally with the casing (casing) portion, and the lower end thereof is connected to the flow channel piping portion 42 to supply acidic water flowing through the drain flow channel upstream portion 18a to the flow channel piping portion. An electrolytic cell side connection portion 18b that discharges toward 42 is formed.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the flow path pipe section 42 is divided into a main raw water supply path 24 for supplying raw water and a branch from the main raw water supply path 24 to be connected to the cathode chamber water supply port 43 b to enter the cathode chamber. A secondary raw water supply path 24a for supplying raw water and a branch from the main raw water supply path 24 are connected to the anode chamber water supply port 43a to supply the raw water into the anode chamber or when the dissolved amount increase button F is pressed, A secondary raw water supply path 24b for supplying mixed water made of acidic water, and a flow path pipe for connecting the acidic water flowing through the drain flow path upstream section 18a while being connected to the above-described electrolytic cell side connection section 18b and branching the acidic water. The side connection portion 18c and a part of the acid water that is provided extending downward from the flow channel pipe side connection portion 18c and is divided by the flow channel pipe side connection portion 18c, that is, reflux for circulating the acidic water to be circulated. Road main pipe part 44a and return pipe main pipe part 4a is branched from the middle, and is connected to the branch portion of the secondary raw water supply passage 24b in the main raw water supply passage 24 so as to be connected to the return passage branch pipe portion 44b. A drainage flow channel midstream portion 18d that circulates the remaining acidic water to be discharged out of the acidic water that is provided in a bent shape in an L-shape and is diverted at the flow passage pipe side connection portion 18c, a reflux channel main pipe portion 44a, and a drainage flow A drainage flow path downstream portion 18e connected to the lower end of the midstream portion 18d and communicating with the discharge port 63 is provided. Further, the connecting and joining portion between the reflux path branch pipe portion 44b and the main raw water supply path 24 is an acidic water reflux mixing portion 44c for mixing the acidic water with the raw water when the reflux function is exhibited. In the following description, the drainage channel upstream portion 18a, the electrolytic cell side connection portion 18b, the channel piping side connection portion 18c, the drainage channel midstream portion 18d, and the drainage channel downstream portion 18e are collectively referred to as the drainage channel 18. The reflux path main pipe portion 44a, the reflux path branch pipe portion 44b, and the acidic water reflux mixing portion 44c are collectively referred to as a reflux bypass passage 70.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the electrolytic cell side connection portion 18b and the flow channel piping side connection portion 18c are portions that function as bent flow channels interposed in the middle of the drainage flow channel 18, and flow channel piping. The part 42 is separated from the front side surface of the electrolytic cell 1, and has a role as an isolated flow path in the shape of an aerial pipe.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4), an anode chamber pressurizing means (electrode chamber pressurizing means for by-product water) is provided in the middle of the drainage flow channel middle portion 18d. An anode chamber pressurizing unit 71 (electrode chamber pressurizing unit for by-product water) that functions as

This anode chamber pressurizing unit 71 is constituted by a solenoid valve, and is in an open state in an energized state (ON state), and is not energized without limiting the flow rate of acidic water flowing through the drain flow channel midstream portion 18d. In the (OFF state), it has a pressure variable mechanism that is in a semi-closed state, and has a function of generating back pressure while limiting the flow rate of acidic water passing through the anode chamber pressurizing unit 71 to about ½. . Further, the anode chamber pressurizing unit 71 is added to the raw water via the branching ratio of the acidic water to be branched at the flow pipe side connection part 18c, in other words, through the return path main pipe part 44a and the return path branch pipe part 44b. It also serves to change the amount of acidic water. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the anode chamber pressurization unit 71 is electrically connected with the control part 7, and switching to an open state and a half-open state by control of the control part 7 is performed.

Further, as shown by a broken line in FIGS. 3 and 4, an electromagnetic valve 52 is interposed between the drainage channel downstream portion 18e and the discharge port 63 to open or close the discharge port 63 as necessary. You may comprise so that it can do.

Further, a check valve 41 for preventing the flow from the reflux path main pipe portion 44a toward the drainage flow path downstream portion 18e is provided at a position downstream of the branch portion of the return path branch pipe portion 44b in the reflux path main pipe portion 44a. Has been.

As schematically shown in FIG. 3, the electrolytic cell 1 includes a first electrode plate 21 located at the center, a second electrode plate 22 located so as to sandwich the first electrode plate 21, and a third electrode plate 21. And an electrode plate 23. And the diaphragm 12 is arrange | positioned between the 1st electrode plate 21 and the 2nd electrode plate 22, and between the 1st electrode plate 21 and the 3rd electrode plate 23, respectively, These electrode plates 21, 22, 23 and the diaphragm 12, the first electrolysis chamber 25 that functions as a water intake electrode chamber, the second electrolysis chamber 26 that functions as a byproduct water electrode chamber, and the second electrolysis water electrode chamber that functions as a byproduct water electrode chamber. 3 electrolytic chambers 27 and a fourth electrolytic chamber 28 functioning as a water intake electrode chamber are partitioned.

The second electrode plate 22 and the third electrode plate 23 are supplied with power from a power supply circuit (not shown) provided in the control unit 7 disposed in the casing 10, and serve as a water intake electrode plate as a cathode or an anode. On the other hand, the first electrode plate 21 has a polarity opposite to that of the second electrode plate 22 and the third electrode plate 23 as a by-product water electrode plate. Here, the second electrode plate 22 and the third electrode plate 23 are cathodes, the first electrode plate 21 is an anode, and the first electrolysis chamber 25 and the fourth electrolysis chamber 28 are the cathode chambers. Correspondingly, the second electrolysis chamber 26 and the third electrolysis chamber 27 correspond to the anode chamber. Conversely, when the second electrode plate 22 and the third electrode plate 23 are anodes, the first electrode plate 21 is a cathode, and the first electrolysis chamber 25 and the fourth electrolysis chamber. 28 corresponds to the anode chamber, and the second electrolysis chamber 26 and the third electrolysis chamber 27 correspond to the cathode chamber.

Each of the electrolysis chambers 25, 26, 27, and 28 is provided with an inflow port and an outflow port of water, and the flow paths communicating with the outflow ports of the first electrolysis chamber 25 and the fourth electrolysis chamber 28 are electrolytic hydrogen. Alkaline water having a desired pH can be taken through the water intake pipe 17 by joining with each other at the water discharge port 17a.

On the other hand, the flow paths communicating with the outlets of the second electrolysis chamber 26 and the third electrolysis chamber 27 merge with each other to form the drainage channel upstream portion 18a, and through the drainage channel 18 through the discharge port 63. Acidic water can be drained (via the solenoid valve 52 when the solenoid valve 52 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge port 63). As described above, if the polarities of the electrode plates 21, 22, and 23 are reversed, naturally, acidic water is taken from the flow path as the water intake pipe 17, and alkaline water is taken from the drain flow path 18. It will be drained. Further, the electromagnetic valve 52 is provided as necessary, and is not provided when it is not necessary to prevent the drainage of the water flowing into the second electrolysis chamber 26 and the third electrolysis chamber 27 in the purified water generation mode. good.

The water required for electrolysis is supplied to the electrolytic cell 1 through the two secondary raw water supply paths 24 a and 24 b branched from the main raw water supply path 24.

As shown in FIG. 3, the downstream ends of the secondary raw water supply path 24a bifurcated are connected to the inlets of the first electrolysis chamber 25 and the fourth electrolysis chamber 28, respectively. The inlets of the chamber 26 and the third electrolysis chamber 27 are respectively connected to the downstream end of the secondary raw water supply path 24b that is bifurcated, so that the raw water flowing through the main raw water supply path 24 is supplied to each electrolysis chamber 25. 26, 27, 28 can be supplied.

Further, in this embodiment, when the reflux function is exhibited, the flow rate flowing from the main raw water supply path 24 to the first electrolysis chamber 25 and the fourth electrolysis chamber 28 via the sub raw water supply path 24a, and the auxiliary raw water supply The flow rate flowing into the second electrolysis chamber 26 and the third electrolysis chamber 27 through the passage 24b and the reflux bypass flow passage 70 is set to be 19.5: 0.5 to 18: 2, for example, 19: 1. Specifically, in the middle of the flow path of the main raw water supply path 24 downstream of the branch part of the secondary raw water supply path 24a and upstream of the branch part of the secondary raw water supply path 24b (for example, in FIGS. 2 and 3). This is realized by interposing an orifice structure that reduces the pressure and flow rate of the secondary raw water supply path 24b as compared with the secondary raw water supply path 24a at the position indicated by the symbol K). That is, the pressure suppressing means such as the orifice structure reduces the pressure in the acidic water reflux mixing unit 44c and relatively increases the pressure on the acidic water side that joins from the reflux bypass flow path 70 to thereby increase the acid water. It has a role to assist circulation.

The main raw water supply channel 24 and the drain channel 18 are connected via a check valve 41. That is, in FIG. 4, the main raw water supply channel 24 is connected to the drainage channel downstream portion 18e via the check valve 41 through the reflux channel branch pipe portion 44b. The check valve 41 closes the flow path when there is water pressure during water flow, and stops the flow of water from the main raw water supply path 24 toward the drain flow path 18. When the water pressure at that time is small, it is in an open state and has a role of flowing water accumulated in each electrolytic chamber 25, 26, 27, 28 and each flow path to the drain flow path 18.

As shown in FIG. 3, the electrolytic cell 1 is supplied with water from a water pipe 30 through a water tap 31, and a branch plug 32 is provided in the water tap 31. One side of the water supply hose 33 is connected, and the other side of the water supply hose 33 is connected to the inlet of the water purification unit 5.

The water purification unit 5 is filled with a porous material such as activated carbon and functions as an adsorbing means for adsorbing impurities contained in the water supplied from the water pipe 30. In addition, the water purification unit 5 incorporates a filtering means capable of removing microbes such as a hollow fiber membrane in addition to a relatively coarse filter such as a metal mesh, cloth material, and filter paper. Thus, the water supplied from the water pipe 30 passes through the water purification unit 5 and is purified.

In addition, the outlet of the water purification unit 5 is connected to the inlet of the flow sensor 53. The flow sensor 53 is configured to be able to measure the amount of flowing water. For example, a propeller is provided at the center of the flow sensor 53 and the amount of flowing water is measured based on the number of rotations of the propeller. The outlet of the flow sensor 53 is connected to the inlet of the addition unit 6.

The addition part 6 contains a calcium agent for adding calcium to the purified water. Calcium agents contain calcium lactate, calcium glycerophosphate, and the like, and are intended to promote the effect of facilitating electrolysis of water with little electrolyte by elution by bringing purified water into contact with the calcium agent. In the present embodiment, the water that has passed through the addition unit 6 is supplied as raw water to the electrolytic cell 1 through the main raw water supply path 24.

In addition, as one of the characteristic configurations of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 according to the present embodiment, the intake pipe 17 is located upstream of the auxiliary raw water supply path 24a and the auxiliary raw water supply path 24b of the main raw water supply path 24. A raw water bypass flow path 83 that bypasses the raw water is connected to a position downstream of the cathode chamber pressurizing portion 17c, and the raw water bypass flow path 83 is closed and opened to the raw water bypass flow path 83. The raw water bypass passage valve 83a is interposed.

The raw water bypass passage valve 83a is electrically connected to the control unit 7, and is switched to the open state by the control of the control unit 7 when the raw water bypass function is exhibited. When the raw water bypass flow path valve 83a is in the open state, the raw water is bypassed to the intake pipe 17 downstream of the cathode chamber pressurizing portion 17c, so that a decrease in the flow rate due to the cathode chamber pressurizing portion 17c can be compensated.

Next, the electrical configuration of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 7 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an RTC 104, and the like as its configuration, and can execute a program necessary for the operation of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1.

Specifically, the ROM 102 stores a program and the like necessary for the processing of the CPU 101, and the RAM 103 functions as a temporary storage area when the program or the like is executed.

For example, in a predetermined area of the ROM 102, in addition to a program for realizing processing, for example, a supply power value table referred to when supplying power to the first electrode plate 21 to the third electrode plate 23 is stored.

The basic power value and the added power value are set for each water generation mode in this supply power value table.

The basic power value is a power value when electrolysis is performed in a state where the dissolved amount increase button F is not pressed. The added power value is a power value that is added to the basic power value when the dissolved amount increase button F is pressed.

When performing electrolysis in a predetermined mode, a supply power value table is referred to, a supply power value corresponding to the mode is obtained, and the first electrode plate 21 to the third electrode are obtained via a supply power adjustment circuit described later. Electric power is supplied to the plate 23. For example, when the dissolved water increase button F is not pressed in the first level alkaline water generation mode, the basic power value of the first level alkaline water generation mode is the supply power value. Further, when the dissolved amount increase button F is pressed in the third level alkaline water generation mode, the added power of the third level alkaline water generation mode is added to the basic power value of the third level alkaline water generation mode. The value is added to generate a supply power value.

Further, for example, the predetermined area of the RAM 103 is generated by referring to the mode selection value indicating the currently selected water generation mode, the dissolved amount increase flag indicating the dissolved amount increasing mode, or the above-described supply power value table. A supply power value and the like are stored.

The mode selection value is 0 in the purified water production mode, 1 in the strong alkaline water production mode, 2 in the first level alkaline water production mode, 3 in the second level alkaline water production mode, and in the third level alkaline water production mode. 4. It takes a value of 5 in the acidic water production mode and 6 in the strong acid water production mode. The dissolved amount increase flag takes an ON value in the dissolved amount increase mode.

The RTC (Real Time Clock) denoted by reference numeral 104 is used to generate a clock pulse that serves as a reference for executing an interrupt process described later. Even when the CPU 101 is executing a process, the CPU 101 interrupts the process in accordance with a clock pulse generated every predetermined cycle (for example, 2 milliseconds) from the RTC 104 and executes an interrupt process.

On the input side of the control unit 7, a power button B1, various buttons B2 to B5, an alkali button group AL, a purified water supply button W, an acid button group Ac, a dissolved amount increase button F, and a flow sensor 53 are connected. It is configured to receive input from the user and to be referred to according to the program execution status in the control unit 7. The power plug 8 can receive power from a commercial power source or the like.

Further, on the output side of the control unit 7, the display unit D, the cathode chamber pressurizing unit 17c, the anode chamber pressurizing unit 71, the raw water bypass passage valve 83a, the lamps L1 to L10, the first electrode plate 21, the first electrode plate 21, and the like. A two-electrode plate 22 and a third electrode plate 23 are connected, and are configured to be controlled and driven according to the program execution status in the control unit 7.

In addition, the control unit 7 includes a polarity switching circuit 105. The polarity switching circuit 105 performs positive / negative polarity switching between the first electrode plate 21 and the second and third electrode plates 22 and 23 according to a command from the CPU 101.

Further, the control unit 7 is provided with a supply power adjustment circuit 106. The supply power adjustment circuit 106 refers to the supply power value stored in the RAM 103 according to a command from the CPU 101 and applies power to the first electrode plate 21 and the second and third electrode plates 22 and 23.

Next, processing executed in the control unit 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flow showing main processing executed by the CPU 101 of the control unit 7, and FIG. 7 is a flow showing processing in a subroutine. In the electrolyzed hydrogen water generator A1 according to the present embodiment, for example, when the user presses the ORP display button B2, the ORP value is displayed on the display unit D, or when the time for replacement of the water purification cartridge comes, a predetermined lamp is emitted. Various functions such as lighting are mounted, but here, the description will focus on the electrolyzed water generation process, and the description of the incidental function process will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the main process, the CPU 101 first determines whether or not the power button B1 has been pressed (step S11). If it is determined that the power button B1 has not been pressed (step S11: No), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S11 again. On the other hand, when determining that the power button B1 is pressed (step S11: Yes), the CPU 101 shifts the processing to step S12.

In step S12, the CPU 101 performs an initial setting process. In the electrolyzed hydrogen water generator A1 according to the present embodiment, as an example, the power is turned on to start up in the purified water generation mode, the mode selection value is 0, the raw water bypass passage valve 83a is closed, and the cathode chamber pressurizing unit 17c. Is in the non-pressurized state (open state), the anode chamber pressurizing unit 71 is in the non-pressurized state, the dissolved amount increase flag is turned off, the lamp L10 is turned off, the power supply value is set to 0, and the purified water generation mode is displayed on the display unit D Is displayed.

Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the purified water supply button W has been pressed (step S13). If it is determined that the purified water supply button W has been pressed (step S13: Yes), the CPU 101 moves the process to step S12 again, and sets the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 to the purified water generation mode. On the other hand, if it is determined that the purified water supply button W has not been pressed (step S13: No), the CPU 101 moves the process to step S14.

In step S14, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the alkali button group AL has been pressed. If it is determined that the alkali button group AL has not been pressed (step S14: No), the CPU 101 moves the process to step S16. On the other hand, if it is determined that the alkali button group AL has been pressed (step S14: Yes), the CPU 101 moves the process to step S15.

In step S15, the CPU 101 instructs the polarity switching circuit 105 so that the first electrode plate 21 is a cathode and the second and third electrode plates 22 and 23 are anodes, and the pressed button supplies strong alkaline water. 1 for the button AL0, 2 for the first level alkaline water supply button AL1, 3 for the second level alkaline water supply button AL2, and 3 for the third level alkaline water supply button AL3. 4 sets the mode selection value.

In step S15, the CPU 101 turns on the lamp L10, displays a mode corresponding to the button pressed on the display unit D, notifies the user that the mode is shifted to the alkaline water generation mode, and performs the processing step. Move to S16.

In step S16, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the acidic button group Ac has been pressed. If it is determined that the acidic button group Ac is not pressed (step S16: No), the CPU 101 moves the process to step S18. On the other hand, when determining that the acidic button group Ac has been pressed (step S16: Yes), the CPU 101 shifts the processing to step S17.

In step S17, the CPU 101 instructs the polarity switching circuit 105 so that the first electrode plate 21 is an anode and the second and third electrode plates 22 and 23 are cathodes, and the pressed button is an acidic water supply button. The mode selection value is set to 5 for Ac1 and to 6 for strong acidic water supply button Ac2.

In step S <b> 17, the CPU 101 turns on the lamp L <b> 10, displays a mode corresponding to the button pressed on the display unit D, notifies the user that the mode is shifted to the acidic water generation mode, and performs processing. Move to S18.

In step S18, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the dissolved amount increase button F has been pressed. If it is determined that the dissolved amount increase button F is not pressed (step S18: No), the CPU 101 moves the process to step S13. On the other hand, if it is determined that the dissolved amount increase button F has been pressed (step S18: Yes), the CPU 101 moves the process to step S19.

In step S19, the CPU 101 refers to a predetermined address in the RAM 103, and determines whether or not the value of the mode selection value is 0, that is, whether or not it is the purified water generation mode. If it is determined that the mode selection value is 0 (step S19: Yes), the CPU 101 moves the process to step S13. On the other hand, when determining that the value of the mode selection value is not 0 (step S19: No), the CPU 101 shifts the processing to step S20.

In step S20, the CPU 101 switches the cathode chamber pressurizing unit 17c to the pressurized state, and at the same time, switches the anode chamber pressurizing unit 71 to the pressurized state so that the cathode chamber and the anode chamber are pressurized. To be.

In step S20, the CPU 101 switches the raw water bypass flow path valve 83a to the open state, sets the dissolved amount increase flag to ON, displays the fact that the display unit D is in the dissolved amount increase mode, and performs processing. Move to step S13. When executing the step S20, if the dissolved amount increase flag is already ON, the CPU 101 turns off the dissolved amount increase flag and turns off the cathode chamber pressurizing unit 17c and the anode chamber pressurizing unit 71. The raw water bypass flow path valve 83a is switched to the closed state in the pressurized state, and the display unit D displays that the normal generation mode according to the mode selection value is released from the dissolved amount increase mode. Hereinafter, the dissolved amount increase mode separation process is referred to.

Next, the interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. Even when the CPU 101 is executing a process, the CPU 101 may interrupt the process and execute an interrupt process. The following interrupt processing is executed in accordance with a clock pulse generated every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds) from the RTC 104.

In the interruption process, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the power button B1 has been pressed long (for example, 2 seconds) by the user (step S31). If it is determined that a long press of the power button B1 has been detected (step S31: Yes), the CPU 101 issues a command for stopping the supply of power to the supply power adjustment circuit 106, which is necessary for the end operation. Processing is performed (step S32), and the processing is terminated. After completion, for example, the process may return to the loop of step S11 and wait until the power is turned on again.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S31 that the long press of the power button B1 has not been detected (step S31: No), the CPU 101 moves the process to step S33.

In step S33, the CPU 101 checks whether or not there is an input signal from the flow sensor 53, and determines whether or not a water flow is detected. If it is determined that no water flow is detected (step S33: No), the CPU 101 moves the process to step S34.

In step S34, the CPU 101 instructs the supply power adjustment circuit 106 to stop power supply, and returns the process to the address before branching.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S33 that a water flow has been detected (step S33: Yes), the CPU 101 moves the process to step S35.

In step S35, the CPU 101 refers to a predetermined address in the RAM 103, and determines whether or not the mode selection value is 0, that is, whether or not it is the purified water generation mode. If it is determined that the mode selection value is 0 (step S35: Yes), the CPU 101 moves the process to step S34. On the other hand, when determining that the mode selection value is not 0 (step S35: No), the CPU 101 shifts the processing to step S36.

In step S <b> 36, the CPU 101 reads a basic power value corresponding to the mode selection value from the supply power value table stored in the predetermined address of the ROM 102, and sets it as a supply power value in the predetermined address of the RAM 103.

Next, the CPU 101 refers to a predetermined address in the RAM 103 and determines whether or not the dissolved amount increase flag is ON. If it is determined that the dissolved amount increase flag is not ON (step S37: No), the CPU 101 moves the process to step S41. On the other hand, when it is determined that the dissolved amount increase flag is ON (step S37: Yes), the CPU 101 moves the process to step S38.

In step S38, the CPU 101 refers to the supply power value table in the ROM 102, adds the added power value corresponding to the mode selection value to the supply power value, and moves the process to step S41.

In step S41, the CPU 101 obtains a supply power value with reference to a predetermined address in the RAM 103, instructs the supply power adjustment circuit 106 to supply power with the obtained supply power value, and sets the address before branching. Return processing.

Next, a series of operations in the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 having the above-described configuration will be described.

In the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 with the power plug 8 connected to a commercial power source or the like, when the user presses the power button B1, the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 starts up in the state of the purified water generation mode, and water or button input It will be in the standby state.

When the user opens the water faucet 31 and allows water to pass, the raw water is not electrolyzed in the electrolysis unit 4, and passes through the electrolytic hydrogen water discharge port 17 a, through the non-pressurized cathode chamber pressurization unit 17 c and the intake pipe 17. More discharged as purified water.

In this state, when the user depresses the alkali button group AL, for example, the first level alkaline water supply button AL1, the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 enters the first level alkaline water generation mode, and the intake pipe 17 starts the first level. Of alkaline water is discharged.

Here, when the user depresses the dissolved amount increase button F, the control unit 7 switches the cathode chamber pressurizing unit 17c as the cathode chamber pressurizing means having the pressure variable mechanism to the pressurizing state and the raw water bypass passage valve 83a. The anode chamber pressurizing unit 71 as the anode chamber pressurizing means having the pressure variable mechanism is switched to the pressurizing state substantially simultaneously with the decrease in the flow rate by the cathode chamber pressurizing portion 17c. .

Accordingly, the first level alkaline water including the hydrogen bubbles that have passed through the electrolytic hydrogen water discharge port 17a flows into the pressurized cathode chamber pressurizing portion 17c, and hydrogen bubbles are converted into microbubbles by the function of the miniaturized bubble generating tube. The first-level alkaline water in which hydrogen is dissolved in abundantly is discharged from the intake pipe 17 as electrolytic hydrogen water, although the flow rate is reduced by the cathode chamber pressurizing portion 17c. Is bypassed, approximately the same amount of water intake can be obtained as when the dissolved amount increase button F is not pressed.

In this case, the pH of the alkaline water is lowered by the raw water, but since the electrolytic control is performed to improve the dissolved hydrogen, the excessive pH increase can be suppressed. There is an effect that the increased amount of water can be obtained without changing the water state or pH.

Also, due to the pressure increase in the cathode chamber, the solubility of hydrogen bubbles contained in alkaline water as electrolytic hydrogen water is improved, the function of promoting bubble dissolution is exhibited, and the amount of dissolved hydrogen is further increased.

Further, by improving the internal pressure in the anode chamber, the anode chamber content water can be leaked to the cathode chamber side through the diaphragm 12, and the cathode chamber content water can be neutralized by the leaked anode chamber content water, which has a relatively low pH. Electrolytic hydrogen water can be generated.

Further, when the dissolved amount increase button F is pressed, the supplied power value becomes a value obtained by adding the added power value to the basic power value of the first level alkaline water, so that the electrolysis power is improved.

Therefore, more hydrogen gas is generated from the second and third electrode plates 22 and 23, and the hydrogen content is further improved.

In addition, when the dissolved amount increase button F is pressed, the control unit 7 opens the raw water bypass flow path valve 83 a, and pressurizes the cathode chamber through the raw water bypass flow path 83 through a part of the raw water flowing through the main raw water supply path 24. Water is passed downstream from the cathode chamber pressurizing portion 17c as a means, and the raw water bypass function is exhibited.

Accordingly, the amount of electrolytic hydrogen water discharged from the intake pipe 17 increases while being diluted. When the raw water is bypassed in a state where the pH is relatively low and the anode chamber pressurizing means and the cathode chamber pressurizing means are not provided. Compared to the above, it is possible to supply a large amount of electrolytic hydrogen water having a high hydrogen content.

Further, when the anode chamber pressurizing unit 71 is switched to the pressurized state by pressing the dissolved amount increase button F, a part of the acidic water flowing through the drainage flow path 18 is mixed with the raw water via the reflux bypass flow path 70. It is refluxed to the anode chamber and the reflux function is exhibited.

Also, since the power supply value is a value obtained by adding the additional power value to the basic power value of the first level alkaline water, the electrolysis power is improved.

And since the reflux bypass flow path 70 can make the pH of the water in the cathode chamber lower, the pH of the water in the cathode chamber can be suppressed through the diaphragm 12 even though the electrolysis power is improved. It can be made more effective.

Therefore, due to the pressure increase in the cathode chamber, not only the solubility of hydrogen bubbles contained in the alkaline water as the electrolytic hydrogen water is improved, but also from the second and third electrode plates 22 and 23 by the improvement of the electrolysis power. More hydrogen gas is produced and the amount of dissolved hydrogen is further increased.

Note that these operations are not limited to the first level alkaline water generation mode, and the above-described flow, as well as other second and third level alkaline water generation modes and strong alkaline water generation modes. In the acid water generation mode and the strong acid water generation mode, the acid water containing abundant oxygen can be discharged in the same manner within the allowable range.

Next, an electrolytic hydrogen water generator A2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This electrolytic hydrogen water generator A2 has substantially the same configuration as the above-described electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1, but does not have a reflux function, and has a simpler configuration than the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1. Characteristic in terms. In addition, in the following description, about the structure similar to the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

The electrolytic hydrogen water generator A2 shown in FIG. 8 does not include the reflux bypass passage 70 as compared with the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1, and also serves as an anode chamber pressurizing means in the middle of the drainage passage 18. A functioning anode chamber pressurizing unit 91 is provided.

The anode chamber pressurizing unit 91 includes a variable pressure mechanism and is electrically connected to the control unit 7, but may be a normal pressurizing mechanism without a variable pressure mechanism.

Further, instead of step S20 in the main process shown in FIG. 6, step S21 shown in FIG. 9 is executed.

Then, the operation of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A2 having such a configuration will be described. For example, the second level alkaline water supply button AL2 of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A2 is pressed to make the first electrode plate 21 the anode, When raw water is supplied to the electrolysis unit 4 through the main raw water supply path 24 while energizing with the two-electrode plate 22 and the third electrode plate 23 as cathodes, the presence of the anode chamber pressurizing unit 91 increases the anode chamber pressure, The water in the chamber leaks into the cathode chamber through the diaphragm, thereby suppressing an increase in pH in the cathode chamber.

Here, when the dissolved amount increase button F is further pressed by the user, the control unit 7 switches the cathode chamber pressurizing unit 17c as the cathode chamber pressurizing means having the pressure variable mechanism to the pressurizing state. Although it is desirable to perform control so that the anode chamber pressurizing unit 91 is in a pressurized state at this timing, the anode chamber pressurizing unit 91 may be in a constantly pressurized state.

Along with this, the function of promoting the dissolution of bubbles is exhibited, the dissolution of hydrogen gas generated by the second electrode plate 22 and the third electrode plate 23 is promoted, and the amount of hydrogen dissolved from the intake pipe 17 is increased. Alkaline water as water is discharged.

Further, when the dissolved amount increase button F is pressed, the supply power value becomes a value obtained by adding the additional power value to the basic power value of the second level alkaline water, so that the electrolysis power is improved, and the second and third electrodes More hydrogen gas is generated from the plates 22 and 23, and the hydrogen content is further improved.

Further, when the dissolved amount increase button F is pressed, the control unit 7 opens the raw water bypass flow path valve 83a so that the raw water bypass function is exhibited, and the amount of electrolytic hydrogen water discharged from the intake pipe 17 increases. Become.

Thus, the present invention can also be realized by a configuration such as the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A2.

Next, an electrolytic hydrogen water generator A3 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The electrolytic hydrogen water generator A3 has substantially the same configuration as the above-described electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1, but does not have a reflux function and a raw water bypass function, and the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1 and the electrolytic hydrogen water. Compared to the generator A2, the configuration is further simplified.

Compared with the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A1, the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A3 shown in FIG. 10 does not include the raw water bypass flow path 83 and the reflux bypass flow path 70, and the cathode chamber is not provided in the middle of the discharge pipe 17d. A cathode chamber pressurizing unit 90 functioning as a pressure means is provided, and an anode chamber pressurizing unit 91 functioning as an anode chamber pressurizing means is provided in the middle of the drainage flow path 18.

The cathode chamber pressurizing unit 90 does not include a pressure variable mechanism, and is a unit having the structure shown in FIG. 1C that has almost no function as a miniaturized bubble generating tube. And are not electrically connected.

Further, the anode chamber pressurizing unit 91 is not provided with a pressure variable mechanism, but is a general limiting orifice, and is not electrically connected to the control unit 7, but the reflux bypass shown in the first embodiment. A pressurizing mechanism such as the flow path 70 may be provided.

The operation panel P of the electrolyzed hydrogen water generator A3 is not provided with the dissolved amount increase button F, and steps S18 to S20 in the main process shown in FIG. In addition, step S37 and step S38 in the interrupt process shown in FIG. 7 are not executed.

The operation of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A3 having such a configuration will be described. The main raw water supply path 24 while energizing the first electrode plate 21 as an anode and the second electrode plate 22 and the third electrode plate 23 as cathodes. When the raw water is supplied to the electrolysis unit 4 via the cathode chamber, the internal pressure of the first electrolysis chamber 25 and the fourth electrolysis chamber 28 as the cathode chamber is increased by the cathode chamber pressurizing unit 90, and the second electrode plate 22 is enhanced by the bubble dissolution promoting function. And the dissolution of the hydrogen gas produced | generated in the 3rd electrode plate 23 is encouraged, and the alkaline water as the electrolysis hydrogen water by which the hydrogen dissolved amount was raised from the intake pipe 17 will be discharged.

At this time, since the internal pressures of the second electrolysis chamber 26, the third electrolysis chamber 27, and the drainage channel 18 are also increased by the anode chamber pressurizing unit 91, the cathode chamber content liquid to the anode chamber side through the diaphragm 12 is increased. Leakage and insufficient inflow of raw water into the cathode chamber can be avoided, and the effect of improving dissolved hydrogen efficiency by improving the pressure in the cathode chamber can be steadily enjoyed.

Further, if the back pressure generated by the anode chamber pressurizing unit 91 is higher than the back pressure generated by the cathode chamber pressurizing unit 90, the liquid in the anode chamber is allowed to enter the cathode chamber via the diaphragm 12. It is also possible to effectively suppress the pH increase of the cathode chamber content liquid.

Thus, the present invention can be realized even with a simple configuration such as the electrolytic hydrogen water generator A3.

The above-described electrolyzed hydrogen water generator A3 and the electrolyzed hydrogen water generator A1 and the electrolyzed hydrogen water generator A2 described above are examples of the embodiments, and each of the electrolyzed hydrogen water generators A1 to A3 has a configuration. In this embodiment, an electrolytic hydrogen water generator lacking a part, an electrolytic hydrogen water generator in which a part of the configuration of the electrolytic hydrogen water generators A1 to A3 is added to the other electrolytic hydrogen water generators A1 to A3, etc. Any combination of configurations disclosed is, of course, included in the concept of the invention. Moreover, it does not prevent the applicant from correcting the claims and the like in such an embodiment of the electrolytic hydrogen water generator.

As described above, the electrolyzed hydrogen water generator (for example, electrolyzed hydrogen water generators A1 to A3) according to the present embodiment has an anode chamber and a cathode chamber partitioned by a diaphragm, and supplies water. However, the water is electrolyzed by energizing the electrodes disposed between the electrode chambers through the diaphragm, and the alkaline electrolytic hydrogen water is discharged from the cathode chamber while discharging acidic water from the anode chamber. An electrolyzed hydrogen water generator including an electrolytic cell, wherein the acid water or the electrolyzed hydrogen water is allowed to flow in both the acid water discharge channel and the electrolyzed hydrogen water discharge channel, respectively. Since the polar chamber pressurizing means for pressurizing the polar chamber is provided, the amount of hydrogen contained in the electrolytic hydrogen water can be further improved as compared with the electrolytic hydrogen water generating apparatus having only the cathode chamber pressurizing means. .

Finally, the description of each embodiment described above is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For this reason, it is a matter of course that various modifications can be made in accordance with the design and the like as long as they do not depart from the technical idea according to the present invention other than the embodiments described above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrolyzer 7 Control part 12 Diaphragm 17 Intake pipe 17c Cathode chamber pressurization part 17e Two-way switching valve 17h Cathode chamber pressurization unit 18 Drain flow path 70 Reflux bypass flow path 71 Anode chamber pressurization unit 83 Raw water bypass flow path 90 Cathode Chamber pressurization unit 91 Anode chamber pressurization unit A1 Electrolytic hydrogen water generator A2 Electrolytic hydrogen water generator A3 Electrolytic hydrogen water generator

Claims (6)

1. An anode chamber and a cathode chamber partitioned by a diaphragm, and electrolyzing the water by energizing the electrodes between the electrodes disposed in each electrode chamber while supplying water, from the anode chamber An electrolytic hydrogen water generator comprising an electrolytic cell for discharging alkaline electrolytic hydrogen water from the cathode chamber while discharging acidic water,
   Both the acidic water discharge channel and the electrolytic hydrogen water discharge channel are provided with polar chamber pressurizing means for pressurizing the corresponding polar chambers while permitting the flow of acidic water or electrolytic hydrogen water. An electrolytic hydrogen water generator.
2. 2. The electrolytic hydrogen water according to claim 1, wherein either one or both of the anode chamber pressurizing unit and the cathode chamber pressurizing unit includes a pressure variable mechanism that changes the pressurization degree of the corresponding polar chamber. Generator.
3. The anode chamber pressurizing means is provided with a pressure variable mechanism and is connected to a control unit that controls the pressure variable mechanism, and the control unit controls the anode chamber pressurizing means when generating the electrolytic hydrogen water. The electrolytic hydrogen water generator according to claim 2, wherein the internal pressure in the anode chamber is increased and the amount of electricity supplied for the electrolysis is increased.
4. Each of the anode chamber pressurizing means and the cathode chamber pressurizing means includes a pressure variable mechanism and is connected to a control unit that controls the pressure variable mechanism. The electrolytic hydrogen water generator according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the chamber pressurizing means are controlled substantially simultaneously to increase the internal pressure in the corresponding polar chamber.
5. A raw water bypass flow path is provided that branches raw water flowing into the electrolytic cell from the middle of a supply path and allows water to flow downstream from the cathode chamber pressurizing means of the discharge flow path of the electrolytic hydrogen water. The electrolytic hydrogen water generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. 6. The electrolytic hydrogen water generation according to claim 1, further comprising a reflux bypass passage that joins part of the acidic water discharged from the electrolytic cell to the raw water supplied to the anode chamber. vessel.

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