JP3239264B2 - Multifunctional electrolyzed water generator - Google Patents

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 performing electrolysis using tap water as raw water. More specifically, if desired, cathodic water (alkaline ion water) for drinking is mainly discharged, and strong anodic water (strongly acidic water) for disinfecting, sterilizing and cleaning water, etc.
The present invention relates to a multifunctional electrolyzed water generation apparatus that mainly generates water by freely switching water discharge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an apparatus that mainly discharges alkaline ionized water, a component contained in raw water before supply to an electrolytic cell, such as fine impurities such as odor, chalk, and polluted components, and bacteria are unsuitably used. To remove water, install a water purifier before flowing into the electrolytic cell, supply raw water such as tap water to the water purifier and filter it.Also , in the flow path leading to the anode chamber of the filtered raw water, use alkaline earth metals such as calcium as mineral components. It is configured to flow into an electrolytic cell after adding an organic salt. The electrolytic cell is divided into a cathode chamber and an anode chamber by an ion-permeable membrane in the electrolytic cell, and a positive electrode and a negative electrode are provided in each chamber. Is electrolyzed by energization. The electrolyzed raw water is a high-pH cathodic water from the cathode chamber and p from the anode chamber.
Dispense low H anode water.

[0003] The cathodic water discharged in this manner is used mainly as drinking water under the name of alkaline ionized water as a water having a favorable effect on health because it replenishes substances which tend to be scarce to the human body, while anode water is astringent water. It has been used as water. Anode water is used in a smaller amount than the above-mentioned cathode water, and the anode water may be drained as it is.

[0004] However, chlorine or chlorine ions contained in tap water is used, or a halogen compound such as NaCl or KCl is added at a fixed rate as an electrolyte to raw water before supply to the electrolytic cell. Electrolysis with
A low pH anode water containing hypochlorous acid and the like is obtained from the anode chamber. Since this water has a strong disinfecting and disinfecting effect, it is useful as disinfecting and disinfecting and cleaning water under the name of strongly acidic water.

[0005] The device for discharging alkaline ionized water and the device for discharging strongly acidic water have almost the same configuration of the electrolytic cell itself. Therefore, both functions can be obtained by changing the dissolved components of raw water supplied to the electrolytic cell. . In other words, by using the same electrolytic cell and appropriately changing the piping, the added chemical solution, the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell, etc., as a device for mainly generating alkaline ionized water in some cases, A multifunctional electrolyzed water generation device that can be used as a device for mainly generating water can be provided.

As an apparatus for producing alkali ion water and strongly acidic water by the same apparatus depending on the use, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
There is an apparatus shown in FIG. 4 disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 285789. In this apparatus, a salt addition channel 20 is provided for the raw water that has passed through the water purifier 2, and a switching means 21 that opens and closes the salt addition channel is provided. As it is, when obtaining strongly acidic water, the switching means 21 is switched to make the amount of salt constant from the salt water tank 22 by the transport pump 23, and to the raw water that has passed through the water purifier 2 through the salt addition flow path 20. Strong acid water is obtained by adding salt and increasing the electric conductivity of the purified water filtered by the water purifier.

That is, in the above apparatus, the salt water tank is indispensable, and the switching means must be switched. In addition, a mechanism for controlling the amount of salt water to be added from the salt water tank to the clean water flow path is required, such as a transport pump. It is not preferable from the economical point of view as an apparatus for producing alkaline ionized water / strongly acidic water.

[0008]

The electrolyzed water generator for discharging alkaline ionized water has an addition tube for adding calcium. However, the above-mentioned addition tube is unnecessary when discharging strongly acidic water. On the other hand, if a halogen compound such as salt is added to the raw water, the electrolysis of the raw water increases and the strongly acidic water containing hypochlorous acid or the like is discharged from the anode chamber of the electrolytic cell. Therefore, the addition cylinders are divided into those for addition of calcium and those for addition of salt, and are replaced when alkaline ionized water is generated and when strongly acidic water is generated. By setting the position and controlling the amount of the drug dissolved and discharged from the addition cylinder, an economical multifunctional electrolyzed water generator can be obtained.

At the same time, by adding a function for clearly informing the user of the respective electrolysis conditions so that the electrolyzed water used as drinking water and the electrolyzed water for sterilization and cleaning do not mix with each other, a safe multifunctional electrolyzed water is provided. A generator is obtained.

[0010]

A multifunctional electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is characterized in that an electrolyte is added to raw water from an electrolyte addition tube before flowing the raw water into an electrolytic cell.
A multifunctional electrolyzed water generator for changing the properties of feed water,
The first addition cylinder and the second addition cylinder are interchangeably fitted at the same location, the first electrolyte is supplied when the first addition cylinder is inserted, and the second electrolyte is supplied when the second addition cylinder is inserted. in also the electrolyte is supplied, the switch means is provided in the vicinity of the addition tube provided downward from the top of the electrolytic cell, said switch means to identify differences in the first and second addition pipe, respectively Is characterized in that the amount of dissolved and discharged electrolyte is changed to a specific value.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the first addition cylinder and the second addition cylinder are exchanged, the alkaline ionized water and the strongly acidic water are changed by changing the electrolysis current together with the signal of the switch means. It is characterized in that means for indicating that each of the water can be used is provided.

A multifunctional electrolyzed water generator according to claim 3 of the present invention.
Is near the addition cylinder when the first and second addition cylinders are replaced.
The voltage is applied to the negative and positive electrodes by the switch
The polarity of the applied voltage is inverted.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of a multifunctional water generator according to the present invention. FIG. 1A shows an embodiment in which the electrolyte addition cylinder is a first addition cylinder, and FIG. 1B shows an embodiment in which the electrolyte addition cylinder is a second addition cylinder. Members indicating the same operation and mechanism as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0014] In FIG. 1 (a), 1 is the on-off valve such as an electromagnetic valve for supplying raw water, 2 that Do the purified water is purified raw water flows in the direction indicated by the arrow in water purifier which performs filtration of the raw water. Reference numeral 3 denotes a water discharge pipe of the water purifier, which is divided into a pipe 4 branching from the middle to the first addition cylinder 8-1 and a pipe 5 flowing into the electrolytic cell.
The purified water is electrolyzed in a cathode chamber 14 provided with a cathode 15 and an anode chamber 16 provided with an anode 17 which are divided by an ion-permeable diaphragm 13 from the lower tube openings 11a and 11b of the electrolytic cell 12, and the respective electrodes are separated. Cathode water and anode water are discharged from water discharge ports 18 and 19 of the chamber. In addition, 10 is a sensor for measuring the pressure of purified water discharged from the water purifier, 9 is a flow meter for measuring the amount of discharged water, and 38 is pressure control means.

When the outlets of the alkaline ionized water and the acidic water to be sampled are the same, alkali ionized water and acidic water are discharged from the same outlet, which is convenient. For this reason, when the second addition cylinder 8-2 in FIG. 1B is inserted, the switch means 25 for automatically reversing the direction of voltage application to the electrode of the electrolytic cell is provided near the insertion cylinder insertion portion. Provided. When switching from the first addition cylinder 8-1 to the second addition cylinder 8-2 based on the signal of the switch means 25, the voltage application direction is reversed, and the cathode chamber shown in FIG. The anode compartment becomes the cathode compartment. The flow meter operates as a flow meter that measures the amount of water discharged in any case of water discharge.

The addition cylinder 8 uses one of a compatible first addition cylinder 8-1 and a second addition cylinder 8-2 that is compatible with the discharge of alkaline ionized water or acidic water. The respective addition cylinders 8-1 and 8-2 are replaced before obtaining desired water discharge. That is, when a calcium agent is put into the first addition cylinder, alkaline ionized water having a high pH and containing a large amount of calcium is discharged from the water discharge port 18. Further, when salt is put in the second addition cylinder 8-2, p
Highly acidic water containing low H and containing hypochlorous acid discharges water.

In order to add a required amount and a chemical solution to the predetermined electrolytic chamber from the addition cylinder 8 under a constant water pressure, either the first addition cylinder 8-1 or the second addition cylinder 8-2 is required. When the liquid is used, the flow path and amount of the chemical solution are selectively changed.
As shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 (a), when the first addition cylinder 8-1 is inserted, the water discharge ports 18, 19 of the electrolytic cell are connected to the addition cylinder 8--1.
Since the position higher than the height position of the 1, a portion of the purified water leaving the pipe 3 from the water purifier 2 After dissolving calcium agent in addition tube 8-1 via a pipe 4 through a pipe 7 electrolysis It flows into the anode compartment of the tank and is electrolyzed with purified water. In this case, since the pipe 6 indicated by the chain line is closed, it is not substantially involved in the operation. On the other hand, if the second addition tube 8-2 is inserted, as shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 (b), a portion of the purified water leaving the pipe 3 from the water purifier 2 is a salt with the addition tube 8-2 After dissolving, it is returned to the pipe 5 through the pipe 6, and the pipe openings 11a, 1
From 1b, it is branched to the anode and cathode bipolar chambers of the electrolytic cell and electrolyzed. In this case, since the pipe 7 is closed as shown by a chain line in FIG. 1B, the operation is not substantially involved.

When the water pressure fluctuates, when the pressure sensor 10 exceeds a predetermined value, the opening / closing degree of the on-off valve 1 is changed to control the inflow of raw water and automatically increase the pressure of purified water flowing through the water discharge pipe 3. Can be constant. For example, the pressure sensor 10 converts the hydrostatic pressure of raw water into the hydrostatic pressure of raw water,
When it is determined that the pressure is 1.5 kgf / cm or more, the pressure control means 38 operates to move the on-off valve 1 in the closing direction so that the pressure of the purified water flowing through the water discharge pipe 3 is about 1.0 to 1.2 kgf / cm. Pressure sensor 10
Is determined to be 1.5 kgf / cm or less in terms of the hydrostatic pressure of raw water, the opening / closing degree of the on-off valve 1 is maintained. In this way, the water pressure of the purified water flowing through the water discharge pipe 3 becomes substantially constant regardless of the static water pressure of the raw water. For this reason, the purified water flowing to the addition cylinder 8 via the pipe 4 becomes a fixed amount, and the amount of the chemical solution dissolved and discharged from the addition cylinder 8 becomes constant.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show the first addition cylinder 8-1.
FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway sectional view showing the structure of a second addition cylinder 8-2.

The addition cylinders 8-1 and 8-2 are cylindrical storage containers having substantially the same shape, and the pipe openings 24, 26 and 27 to be inserted into the ends of the pipes 4, 6 and 7 are inserted. In addition, it is configured to be detachable via the packing 28 by moving in the horizontal direction in the figure with respect to the pipe 4, the pipe 6, and the pipe 7. In the addition cylinder 8-1, the hole of the pipe port 26a is closed, and the purified water flowing from the pipe 4 flows from the pipe port 24a to the pipe port 27a. Therefore, when the cap 30 is opened and the drug containing calcium is filled in the addition cylinder, the drug dissolves in the purified water and the purified water containing the drug is discharged from the tube opening 27a. Similarly, in the addition cylinder 8-2, the hole of the pipe port 27b is closed, and the purified water flowing from the pipe 4 flows from the pipe port 24b to the pipe port 26b. Therefore, when the salt is inserted into the addition cylinder 8-2, the salt is dissolved in purified water to be converted into a salt solution and discharged from the mouth 26b. In order to prevent the medicine and salt from being sent to the electrolytic cell in a solid state, a filter for preventing solids may be provided at the mouth 27a and the mouth 26b.

The mouths of the addition cylinders 8-1 and 8-2 are opened so as to regulate the optimum solubility of the drug and the salt, but the diameter for the salt is generally set smaller than that of the drug. . This diameter can be appropriately changed depending on the allowable current capacity of the electrolytic cell and the desired strength of the acidic water (for example, ORP).

The tube opening 29 shown in FIG. 2 (b) is for sensing the addition cylinder 8-2, and is brought into contact with the switch means 25 when the addition cylinder is inserted in the left direction in the figure. It can be seen that the addition cylinder is the one into which the salt was inserted.

As described above, when the first addition cylinder and the second addition cylinder are exchanged, the switch means 25 is operated, and the voltage applied to the electrode to the electrolytic cell is inverted. However, it is dangerous to use the alkaline ionized water converted into acidic water at the same time as the inversion. There is a time lag before the dissolved salt solution is electrolyzed from the second addition cylinder through the pipe 5. On the other hand, when the purified water contains a saline solution, the conductivity of the purified water increases, and the current flowing between the negative and positive electrodes increases rapidly. vice versa,
When the second addition cylinder and the first addition cylinder are exchanged, the switch means 25 operates to reverse the voltage applied to the electrode to the electrolytic cell. However, it is dangerous to use the acidic water as alkaline ionized water upon reversal.
There is a time lag before the dissolved chemical solution is electrolyzed from the first addition cylinder. To avoid this danger, the user of the apparatus should confirm the safety by displaying whether the electrolyzed water discharged from the change in the conductivity of the purified water is true alkaline ionized water or acidic water together with the operation of the switch means 25. Can be.

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram showing a mechanism for clearly indicating that the apparatus has been used from changes in the signal of the switch means and the electrolytic current.

In the figure, reference numeral 31 denotes a current sensor provided between a rectifier circuit 32 of a power supply and the anodes 15 and 17, and the current sensor includes a comparator 34 for determining whether the current value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The gate 35 is connected to one end of the gate 35. On the other hand, a signal from the switch means 25 is connected to the other end of the gate 35 via the flip-flop 37.
The signal from the flip-flop 37 and the output terminal signal of the gate 35 are input to the water discharge display controller 36. Now, when the signal from the flip-flop 37 is on and the output terminal signal of the gate 35 is off, the water discharge indicator lamp 33 blinks,
If the signal is completely turned on when the signal from the flip-flop 37 is on and the output terminal signal of the gate 35 is on, the user of the apparatus can confirm whether the spout is true alkaline ionized water or acidic water.

[0026]

According to the multifunctional electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present invention, the electrolyte for obtaining the spouting of the alkaline ionized water and the strongly acidic water can be adjusted by merely inserting the compatible addition cylinders for the respective electrolytes. Since it can be supplied to purified water, a transport pump and the like required for conventional generation of strong electrolyzed water are not required. This simplifies the structure. As a result, the user can easily obtain alkaline ionized water and strongly acidic water. Further, it can be used as a highly economical device for home use using a relatively small amount of water discharge.

In order to prevent the alkaline ionized water and the strongly acidic water from being mixed with each other, a switch means for sensing the replacement of the addition cylinder is provided, and a mechanism for sensing a change in the electrolyzed water based on the difference in the conductivity of the electrolyte is used together. Therefore, highly safe water discharge can be obtained.

When the first addition cylinder and the second addition cylinder are exchanged,
Switch means provided near the addition cylinder
Automatically reverses the direction of the voltage applied to the electrodes
In the case where the first addition cylinder is provided,
Water is collected mainly when the second addition cylinder is provided with ionized water.
Acid water can be collected from the same
It is good.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of a multifunctional water generation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway sectional view showing the structure of a first addition cylinder and a second addition cylinder of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram showing a mechanism for clearly indicating that a use state has been established from a change in a signal of a switch means and an electrolytic current according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a conventional multifunctional electrolyzed water generating apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 3 Water discharge pipe of water purifier 8-1 First addition pipe 8-2 Second addition pipe 6 Pipe 7 Pipe 10 Electrolysis tank 16 Cathode chamber water outlet 17 Anode chamber water outlet

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A multifunctional electrolyzed water generating apparatus for changing the properties of feed water by adding an electrolyte from an electrolyte addition tube to raw water before flowing the raw water into an electrolysis tank. the second addition pipe is inserted interchangeably fitted in the same place, the first electrolyte upon insertion of the first addition pipe is supplied, also the second electrolyte is supplied upon insertion of the second addition barrel In the above, switch means is provided in the vicinity of an addition tube provided below the uppermost part of the electrolytic cell, and the switch means is provided with first and second switches.
A multifunctional electrolyzed water generating apparatus characterized in that the difference between the addition cylinders is identified, and each addition cylinder changes the discharged and dissolved amount of the electrolyte to a specific value. 2. When the first addition cylinder and the second addition cylinder are exchanged, a signal from the switch means is used to indicate that the alkaline ionized water and the strongly acidic water have become usable, respectively, by changing the electrolytic current. 2. The multifunctional electrolyzed water generator according to claim 1, further comprising means. 3. When the first and second addition cylinders are exchanged.
The switch means provided near the addition cylinder is used to
The polarity of the voltage applied to the pole is reversed.
The multifunctional electrolyzed water generator according to claim 1.