JP3887883B2 - Alkaline ion water conditioner - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an alkaline ionized water device for electrolyzing raw water such as tap water to produce alkaline ionized water used for drinking and medical purposes, as well as acidic ionized water used as skin lotion, sterilizing washing water, etc. is there.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, alkali ion water conditioners have become widespread as continuous electrolysis type ion water generators. An alkaline ionized water device electrolyzes tap water or the like in an electrolytic cell to generate acidic ion water on the anode side and alkaline ion water on the cathode side. Alkaline ion water is hard water containing a large amount of calcium components and the like. Therefore, a scale made of a calcium component or the like adheres to the electrode of the electrolytic cell, and the electrolytic performance deteriorates. In addition, calcium components and the like adhere to the water discharge pipe, causing a decrease in flow rate.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, conventionally, as a means for removing scales composed of calcium components and the like adhering to the electrode of the electrolytic cell, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-220483, the reverse of the ionic water generation in the electrolytic cell as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-220483. There is one which applies a voltage / current to release the scale from the electrode and discharges it. However, this has no effect on calcium components and the like adhering to the water discharge pipe.
[0004]
Further, as a means for removing calcium components adhering to the water discharge pipe, there is a technique described in JP-A-8-132047. However, this requires replacement of the water purification unit of the water purification unit with a citric acid supply unit, which is expensive for removing calcium components. In addition, since citric acid is used, if the citric acid component remains in the main pipe after washing, the water discharge has a bad smell and a bad smell when discharging citric acid after washing. Furthermore, there is a problem that the citric acid solution is accidentally swallowed while being used with the citric acid supply unit attached.
[0005]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an alkaline ionized water device that can effectively remove and clean calcium components and the like adhering to the inside of a pipe without using a citric acid supply unit.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The alkaline ionized water device of the present invention is an alkaline ionized water device that supplies water supplied from a water supply flow rate control mechanism as ionized water by electrolysis in an electrolytic cell, and has a voltage current applied to the electrolytic cell. Polarity switching means for switching the polarity between positive and negative, a flow rate adjusting mechanism for water discharge for retaining the ion water generated in the water discharge pipe for discharging ion water provided at a position higher than the electrolytic cell, and a calcium component A removal mode switch, and by operating the calcium removal mode switch, the flow control mechanism for water supply is opened and closed to supply a small amount of water to the electrolytic cell, and alkaline ionized water is supplied to the electrolytic cell by the polarity switching means. A highly acidic water is generated by applying a voltage and current opposite to that at the time of generation, and the flow adjustment mechanism for water discharge is opened and closed so that the strong acid water is predetermined in the water discharge pipe. During allowed to stay, having a control means for controlling so as to repeat this.
[0007]
According to the present invention having this configuration, it is possible to remove calcium components and the like attached to the inner surface of the pipe without using a citric acid supply unit. In addition, since citric acid is not used, the water discharge does not give off a bad odor, and furthermore, the citric acid solution is not accidentally swallowed, and a safe alkaline ion water conditioner can be realized.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention according to claim 1 is an alkali ion water conditioner that electrolyzes water supplied from a flow control mechanism for water supply in an electrolytic cell and supplies the water as ionic water, the polarity of the voltage current applied to the electrolytic cell Polarity switching means for switching between positive and negative, a water discharge flow adjustment mechanism for retaining ionic water generated in the water discharge pipe for discharging ion water provided at a position higher than the electrolytic cell, and calcium component removal A mode switch, and by operating the calcium removal mode switch, the flow control mechanism for water supply is opened and closed to supply a small amount of water to the electrolytic cell, and alkaline ionized water is generated in the electrolytic cell by the polarity switching means. Applying a voltage current opposite to the time to generate strongly acidic water, opening and closing the water discharge flow adjustment mechanism, and keeping strong acid water in the water discharge pipe for a predetermined time Thereby, having a control means for controlling so as to repeat this.
[0009]
And by this structure, the calcium component etc. which adhered to the inner surface of piping can be removed, without using a citric acid supply unit. In addition, since citric acid is not used, the water discharge does not give off a bad odor, and furthermore, the citric acid solution is not accidentally swallowed, and a safe alkaline ion water conditioner can be realized.
[0010]
The invention described in claim 2 uses a backflow prevention valve in the water discharge flow rate adjusting mechanism, and retains strongly acidic water in the water discharge pipe. And by this structure, the calcium component etc. in piping are removed and wash | cleaned.
[0011]
The invention described in claim 3 uses a solenoid valve in the water supply flow rate control mechanism. With this configuration, a small amount of water is supplied to the electrolytic cell with a short opening and closing time, and a strongly acidic water is generated by applying a voltage current opposite to that generated when generating alkaline ionized water to the electrolytic cell. Retaining and washing strongly acidic water to remove calcium components in the piping.
[0012]
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of an alkaline ionized water device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an electric circuit diagram of the alkaline ionized water device.
[0013]
In FIG. 1, 1 is a raw water pipe such as tap water, 3 is an alkali ion water conditioner, 4 is a water purification unit, 5 is a calcium supply unit, 6 is a flow sensor, 7 is an electrolytic cell, 8 is a diaphragm, 9 and 10 are Electrode plate, 11 is a drain pipe, 12 is a flow rate adjusting unit for adjusting the water discharge flow rate, 13 is a water discharge pipe, 14 is a solenoid valve for drainage, 15 is a water discharge pipe, 16 is a backflow prevention valve, 17 is a water purifier sensor, and 18 is A power-on plug, 19 is a power supply unit, and 21 is a control means. 20 is an operation display unit, 201 is a pH setting unit, 202 is a cleaning setting unit, 203 is a cleaning operation display unit, 204 is a water stop instruction unit, and 22 is a storage unit.
[0014]
In FIG. 2, 23 is a transformer, 27 is a DC power supply for control, 24 is a DC power supply for electrolysis, 25 is a current transducer, 26 is a smoothing circuit, 28 is an output control circuit, 29 is a polarity switching relay, and 31 is an electromagnetic for drainage. It is a solenoid for driving the valve 14.
[0015]
1 and 2, 32 is a water supply flow rate control mechanism for stopping water supplied to the alkali ion water conditioner 3 at an arbitrary amount, 34 is an actuator for driving the water supply flow rate control mechanism 32, and 33 is water discharge. A water discharge flow rate adjustment mechanism 35 that arbitrarily adjusts the flow rate, and a drive actuator 35 for the water discharge flow rate adjustment mechanism 33.
[0016]
Next, the operation | movement at the time of producing | generating alkali ion water is demonstrated below about the alkali ion water adjuster comprised as mentioned above. When the user operates the pH setting unit 201 of the operation display unit 20 to set the pH value of the alkaline ionized water to be generated, the feed water flow rate control mechanism 32 and the drain electromagnetic valve 14 are opened and water is passed through the main body. The passed raw water is freed of impurities such as residual chlorine and general bacteria in the raw water by the water purification unit 4, calcium glycerophosphate and the like are dissolved in the calcium supply unit 5 and processed into water that is easily electrolyzed, and then the flow sensor 6. Then, the water is passed through the electrolytic cell 7.
[0017]
On the other hand, 100 V AC is supplied from the power-on plug 18, and a direct-current voltage current necessary for electrolysis control is generated by the control direct-current power source 27 via the transformer 23 in the power source unit 19. The direct current voltage current from the direct current power source 24 for electrolysis is supplied to the electrode plates 9 and 10 of the electrolytic cell 7 through the output control circuit 28. When an electrode plate to which a relatively positive voltage is applied is an anode and an electrode plate to which a minus electrode plate is applied is a cathode, an anode chamber and a cathode chamber partitioned by a diaphragm 8 are formed in the electrolytic cell 7.
[0018]
Now, after passing water, the control means 21 reads the signal of the flow sensor 6, and when the flow rate level exceeds a certain level, it determines that this state is passing water. The control means 21 energizes the solenoid 31 and opens the drainage solenoid valve 14, and then the pH setting unit 201 sets the pH of the alkaline ionized water to be generated, so the control means 21 performs electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 7. Therefore, when the pH value set for the polarity switching relay 29 exceeds pH 7, that is, when alkaline ionized water is set, an operation command is output so that the electrode plate 9 side becomes the cathode. Then, the duty ratio corresponding to the target pH value stored in the storage unit 22 is read, and the output control circuit 28 is operated to perform electrolysis.
[0019]
As a result, alkaline ionized water having a target pH value is generated in the cathode chamber, and acidic ionized water is generated in the anode chamber. At this time, the actuator 34 operates so that the discharged water flow rate adjustment mechanism 33 of the electrolytic cell 7 is fully opened. Since the flow rate adjusting unit 12 is provided in the vicinity of the connection portion of the drain pipe 11, the amount of drainage is reduced, water discharge increases, and alkaline ionized water is efficiently generated. When the water stop instruction unit 204 is instructed, the control means 21 ends the electrolysis and closes the water supply flow rate control mechanism 32 and the drainage electromagnetic valve 14.
[0020]
Next, the operation when pH 7 is neutral, that is, purified water that does not undergo electrolysis is set. When water purification is set, even if the control means 21 reads the signal from the flow sensor 6 and judges that water has passed after passing water, the control means 21 does not operate the output control circuit 28, and the electromagnetic valve 14 for drainage is also opened. The purified water filtered by the water purification unit 4 passes through the electrolytic cell 7 as it is and is discharged from the discharge pipe 13. Further, since the drain electromagnetic valve 14 is closed, useless waste water discharged from the water discharge pipe 15 is eliminated.
[0021]
Furthermore, the control means 21 is configured so that the alkaline ionized water conditioner 3 is in a water-stopped state for every fixed water flow time, water flow amount, or water flow number in order to prevent adhesion of scales and the like made of calcium components to the electrode plate surface. When the elution is completed, the electrolysis is stopped and the water supply solenoid valve 2 is opened for the time required for the scale to be discharged. The water is discharged from the water discharge pipe 13 and the drain pipe 11. At this time, the cleaning operation display unit 203 of the operation display unit 20 displays that the cleaning operation is being performed, and notifies that it is not accidentally swallowed.
[0022]
In the alkaline ionized water conditioner 3 used as described above, when the water-stopping state is reached, the polarity of the voltage is reversed and applied to elute the scale and the like into the electrolytic cell, and when the elution is completed, the electrolysis is stopped. The electromagnetic valve for water supply is opened for the time required for discharging the scale and the like, and discharged from the water discharge pipe 13 and the drain pipe 11, so that the surface of the electrode plate is kept clean without adhering calcium components or the like.
[0023]
Further, since the acidic ion water passes through the drain pipe 11 and the water discharge pipe 15 that discharge the acidic ion water generated on the anode side of the electrolytic cell 7, the adhesion of calcium components or the like does not occur on the inner surface. However, since the alkaline ionized water, which is hard water containing a large amount of mineral generated on the cathode side of the electrolytic cell 7, passes through the water discharge pipe 13, the calcium component or the like adheres to the inner surface of the water discharge pipe 13 and the flow rate decreases. Cause.
[0024]
Then, the washing | cleaning driving | operation in the case of removing the calcium component etc. of the water discharge piping inner surface is demonstrated. When the cleaning setting unit 202 for instructing the cleaning operation is operated, the control unit 21 slightly opens the water supply flow rate control mechanism 32 and passes a small amount of water to the electrolytic cell 7. The voltage is applied so that the polarity of the voltage is reversed so that the electrode plate 9 is an anode and the electrode plate 10 is a cathode. At this time, since the flow rate adjusting unit 12 is provided in the vicinity of the connection portion of the drainage pipe 11, the flow rate ratio of the discharged water on the anode side becomes larger than the drainage on the cathode side. In this case, a large current is required to make the acidic water on the anode side strongly acidic at pH 3 or lower. Therefore, the water discharge flow rate adjustment mechanism 33 of the electrolytic cell 7 adjusts the opening degree so that the water discharge flow rate on the anode side and the drainage on the cathode side become 1: 1.
[0025]
As a result, strongly acidic water having a pH of 3 or less is easily generated with a small current on the anode side. Then, after strongly acidic water is generated for a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds), the feed water flow rate control mechanism 32 and the discharged water flow rate adjustment mechanism 33 are closed and the strongly acidic water is retained in the water discharge pipe, and then passed for a predetermined time ( For example, after 5 minutes, the water supply flow rate control mechanism 32 and the discharge water flow rate adjustment mechanism 33 are opened to discharge the accumulated water in the pipe, and then the water supply flow rate control mechanism 32 is slightly opened to pass a small amount of water through the electrolytic cell 7. To do. A voltage is applied so that the electrode plate 9 becomes an anode and the electrode plate 10 becomes a cathode, and this is repeated.
[0026]
In this way, while the water supply flow rate control mechanism 32 and the water discharge flow rate adjustment mechanism 33 are opened for a predetermined time period for a small amount of water to flow, a voltage is applied so that the electrode plate 9 becomes an anode and the electrode plate 10 becomes a cathode, and the predetermined time is closed Therefore, when the water supply flow rate control mechanism 32 and the water discharge flow rate adjustment mechanism 33 are opened, strong acid water flows and fills the water discharge pipe 13, and then the water supply flow rate control mechanism 32 and the water discharge flow rate adjustment mechanism 33 are closed to be strongly acidic. Water stays in the water discharge pipe 13 by removing calcium components and the like adhering to the inner surface of the water discharge pipe 13, and then the water supply flow rate control mechanism 32 and the water discharge flow rate adjustment mechanism 33 are opened again. The discharged water is discharged from the water discharge pipe 13 and the water discharge pipe 15. And by repeating this, the calcium component adhering to the inner surface of the water discharge pipe 13 can be removed.
[0027]
At this time, the cleaning operation display unit 203 of the operation display unit 20 displays that the cleaning operation is being performed, and notifies that it is not accidentally swallowed. Then, after a certain number of times or a certain period of time has elapsed, the cleaning operation is stopped, the water supply flow rate control mechanism 32 and the water discharge flow rate adjustment mechanism 33 are closed, and the normal use state is restored. The user can use the alkali ion water conditioner 3 as it is after the washing operation.
[0028]
(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of an alkaline ionized water device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. This replaces the water discharge flow rate adjustment mechanism 33 with a water discharge backflow prevention valve 36. Next, the cleaning operation will be described. FIG. 4 is an electric circuit diagram of the alkaline ionized water device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. When the cleaning setting unit 202 for instructing the cleaning operation is operated, the control unit 21 slightly opens the water supply flow rate control mechanism 32 and passes a small amount of water to the electrolytic cell 7. The voltage is applied so that the polarity of the voltage is reversed so that the electrode plate 9 is an anode and the electrode plate 10 is a cathode. At this time, since the flow rate adjusting unit 12 is provided in the vicinity of the connection portion of the drainage pipe 11, the flow rate ratio of the discharged water on the anode side becomes larger than the drainage on the cathode side.
[0029]
In this case, a large current is required to make the acidic water on the anode side strongly acidic at pH 3 or lower. Therefore, the water supply flow rate control mechanism 32 is closed and the water staying in the electrolytic cell 7 is electrolyzed. As a result, strongly acidic water having a pH of 3 or less is easily generated with a small current on the anode side. Then, after generating strongly acidic water for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), the feed water flow rate control mechanism 32 is slightly opened and water is gradually supplied to the electrolytic cell 7 and the strongly acidic water generated on the anode side of the electrolytic cell 7 Is pushed out into the water discharge pipe 13. The extruded water stays in the water discharge pipe 13 without flowing back into the electrolytic cell 7 again even when the water discharge pipe 13 is located higher than the electrolytic cell 7 by the water discharge backflow prevention valve 36. Then, the supply water flow rate control mechanism 32 is closed again, and a voltage is applied so that the electrode plate 9 becomes the anode and the electrode plate 10 becomes the cathode, thereby generating strongly acidic water on the anode side. This operation is repeated.
[0030]
In this way, the feed water flow rate control mechanism 32 is opened for a predetermined time to allow a small amount of water to flow, the water is retained in the electrolytic cell 7, and a voltage is applied so that the electrode plate 9 serves as an anode and the electrode plate 10 serves as a cathode. Since strong acid water is generated on the anode side and this operation is repeated, the strong acid water stays in the water discharge pipe 13 and the calcium component attached to the inner surface of the water discharge pipe 13 can be removed. At this time, the cleaning operation display unit 203 of the operation display unit 20 displays that the cleaning operation is being performed, and notifies that it is not accidentally swallowed. Then, after a certain number of times or a certain period of time has elapsed, the washing operation is stopped, the feed water flow rate control mechanism 32 is opened for a predetermined time, and the retained water containing the eluted calcium component and the like remaining in the internal piping of the alkali ion water conditioner 3 is poured out, The water supply flow rate control mechanism 32 is closed and the normal use state is restored. The user can use the alkali ion water conditioner 3 as it is after the washing operation.
[0031]
(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of an alkaline ionized water device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This replaces the water supply flow rate control mechanism 32 with a water supply electromagnetic valve 2. Next, the cleaning operation will be described. FIG. 6 is an electric circuit diagram of the alkaline ionized water device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. When the cleaning setting unit 202 for instructing the cleaning operation is operated, the control means 21 opens the water supply electromagnetic valve 2 for a short time and passes a small amount of water to the electrolytic cell 7. The voltage is applied so that the polarity of the voltage is reversed so that the electrode plate 9 is an anode and the electrode plate 10 is a cathode. At this time, since the flow rate adjusting unit 12 is provided in the vicinity of the connection portion of the drainage pipe 11, the flow rate ratio of the discharged water on the anode side becomes larger than the drainage on the cathode side.
[0032]
In this case, a large current is required to make the acidic water on the anode side strongly acidic at pH 3 or lower. Accordingly, the water supply electromagnetic valve 2 is closed and the water retained in the electrolytic cell 7 is electrolyzed. As a result, strongly acidic water having a pH of 3 or less is easily generated with a small current on the anode side. And after producing | generating strong acidic water for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), the electromagnetic valve 2 for water supply is opened for a short time, and while supplying a small amount of water to the electrolytic cell 7, the strong acidic produced | generated by the anode side of the electrolytic cell 7 Water is pushed out to the water discharge pipe 13. The extruded water stays in the water discharge pipe 13 without flowing back into the electrolytic cell 7 again even when the water discharge pipe 13 is located higher than the electrolytic cell 7 by the water discharge backflow prevention valve 36. Then, the water supply electromagnetic valve 2 is closed again, and a voltage is applied so that the electrode plate 9 serves as an anode and the electrode plate 10 serves as a cathode to generate strongly acidic water on the anode side. This operation is repeated.
[0033]
In this way, the water supply electromagnetic valve 2 is opened for a short time so as to supply a small amount of water, and the water is retained in the electrolytic cell 7 so that the voltage is applied so that the electrode plate 9 becomes the anode and the electrode plate 10 becomes the cathode. Since strong acidic water is generated on the anode side and this operation is repeated, the strong acidic water stays in the water discharge pipe 13 and the calcium component and the like attached to the inner surface of the water discharge pipe 13 can be removed. At this time, the cleaning operation display unit 203 of the operation display unit 20 displays that the cleaning operation is being performed and notifies the user that it is not drunk accidentally. Then, after a certain number of times or a certain period of time has elapsed, the washing operation is stopped, the water supply solenoid valve 2 is opened for a predetermined time, and the retained water containing the eluted calcium component and the like remaining in the internal piping of the alkali ion water conditioner 3 is poured. The water supply solenoid valve 2 is closed to return to the normal use state. The user can use the alkali ion water conditioner 3 as it is after the washing operation.
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, calcium components and the like attached to the inner surface of the pipe can be removed without using a citric acid supply unit. Moreover, since citric acid is not used, there is no off-flavor in the discharged water. Furthermore, it is possible to realize a safe alkaline ion water conditioner without accidentally ingesting a citric acid solution.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of an alkaline ionized water device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an electrical circuit diagram of an alkaline ionized water device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an electrical circuit diagram of an alkali ion water conditioner according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram of an alkali ion water conditioner according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Structural diagram [Fig. 6] Electrical circuit diagram of alkaline ionized water apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention [Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Raw water pipe 2 Water supply solenoid valve 3 Alkali ion water conditioner 4 Water purification part 5 Calcium supply part 6 Flow sensor 7 Electrolyzer 8 Diaphragm 9, 10 Electrode plate 11 Drain pipe 12 Flow control part 13 Water discharge pipe 14 Drainage solenoid valve 15 Water discharge pipe 16 Backflow prevention valve 17 Water purifier sensor 18 Power-on plug 19 Power supply unit 20 Operation display unit 21 Control means 22 Storage unit 24 Electrolytic DC power supply 25 Current transducer 26 Smoothing circuit 27 Control DC power supply 28 Output control circuit

Claims (3)

An alkaline ionized water regulator that electrolyzes water supplied from a water supply flow rate control mechanism in an electrolytic cell and supplies it as ionic water, wherein the polarity switching unit switches the polarity of voltage and current applied to the electrolytic cell; A water discharge flow adjustment mechanism for retaining ion water generated in the middle of the water discharge pipe for discharging ion water provided at a position higher than the electrolytic cell, and a calcium component removal mode switch, the calcium removal By operating a mode switch, the flow control mechanism for water supply is opened and closed to supply a small amount of water to the electrolytic cell, and a voltage current opposite to that at the time of generating alkaline ionized water is applied to the electrolytic cell from the polarity switching means. Generating strong acidic water, opening and closing the flow rate adjusting mechanism for water discharge, causing strong acid water to stay in the water discharge pipe for a predetermined time, and repeating this Alkaline ionized water apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a control means for controlling. The alkaline ionized water device according to claim 1, wherein a reverse flow prevention valve is used for the water discharge flow rate adjusting mechanism, and strongly acidic water is retained in the water discharge pipe. 3. The alkaline ionized water device according to claim 1, wherein a solenoid valve is used for the water supply flow rate control mechanism.

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