JP4590668B2

JP4590668B2 - Water reformer

Info

Publication number: JP4590668B2
Application number: JP36226399A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 朋秀松本; 啓次郎国本; 岳見桶田; 肇宮田; 祐河合
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 1999-12-21
Filing date: 1999-12-21
Publication date: 2010-12-01
Anticipated expiration: 2019-12-21
Also published as: JP2001170635A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、電気分解（以下電解とする）により用途に応じて酸性水、アルカリ水、中性電解水など多種、多用途の改質水が供給可能な水改質装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
水を電気分解することにより複数の改質水を生成する装置としては陽極と陰極間にイオン交換膜を設けて酸性水とアルカリ水を生成する有隔膜方式の整水器として一般に知られているが、電解によりアルカリ水を生成する際に同時に生成される陽極側の水は酸性水としての殺菌性を有するが、強力な殺菌力を有するものではない。
【０００３】
そこで、図５に示すように有隔膜方式の水改質装置を改良しアルカリ水と酸性水に加えて殺菌力の強い次亜塩素酸水を生成可能な装置が提案されている（例えば特開平１０−２６３５４２号公報）。
【０００４】
同図において１は有隔膜方式の電解槽であり、陰極２と陽極３間に設けた隔膜４によって陰極室５と陽極室６が形成されている。この電解槽１の給水側には給水管７を接続するとともに電解槽１の排水側に、陰極室５に連通するアルカリ水排水管８と陽極室６に連通する酸性水排水管９が接続され、連続式電解水生成装置が構成されている。１０は給水管７に設けられた浄水器である。
【０００５】
アルカリ水排水管８と酸性水排水管９は、キッチン台１１上に取り付けられたカラン１２内の一対の排水管路１３ａ、１３ｂに各々接続され、先端の排水口１４ａ、１４ｂに連通するようになっている。
【０００６】
また、１５は給水管７の水に塩化ナトリウム（ＮａＣｌ）などの塩化物塩と塩酸（ＨＣｌ）を添加する薬液添加装置であり、薬液タンク１６から薬液供給管１７を介して給水管７に接続している。１８は電動の開閉弁である。
【０００７】
また、アルカリ水排水管８から分岐した混合管路１９が酸性水排水管９に接続されており、分岐部には電動の流路切換弁２０が設けられている。２１はカラン１２に設けられた操作スイッチである。
【０００８】
以上の構成において、薬液添加装置１５の開閉弁１８を閉成し、流路切換弁２０を排水口１４ａ側に開いた状態で通水電解すると、電解槽１内でアルカリ水と酸性水が生成され、アルカリ水はアルカリ水排水管路８を通って排水口１４ａから取水され、酸性水は酸性水排水管９を通って排水口１４ｂから取水される。
【０００９】
一方、薬液添加装置１５の開閉弁１８を開成し、流路切換弁２０を酸性水排水管９側に流通する状態で通水電解すると、電解槽１内にＮａＣｌとＨＣｌ添加され、陰極室５から排出された電解水は陽極室６から排出される水と合流して全量が次亜塩素酸水を多く含む殺菌水となって酸性水排水管９を通って排水口１４ｂから取出される。このようにして、アルカリ水と酸性水および次亜塩素酸殺菌水を選択的に生成することができる。
【００１０】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上記した従来の有隔膜方式の水改質装置では、電解槽に水を通水しながら連続的に電気分解することでアルカリイオン水と酸性水が取水できるとともに、被電解水に塩化ナトリウムと塩酸を添加して電解した陰極側と陽極側の生成水を混合することで強い殺菌力を有する次亜塩素酸をも取水できるが、図５の構成ではアルカリ水を取水したい時に生成される酸性水が同時に排出口１４ｂからシンク内に排出されることとなり、利用者が飲用としては好ましくない酸性水を誤飲する危険性があり、また逆にアストリンゼント効果を有する弱酸性水を取水したい場合に人体表皮に好ましくないアルカリ水で洗顔する危険性もある。このことは特に幼児および高齢者に懸念される。なお、アルカリ水取水時に酸性水側経路に弁を設けて閉弁することで酸性水の流出を停止することが考えられるが、電解時に陽極側では有害な塩素ガス（Ｃｌ₂↑）や酸素（Ｏ₂↑）が発生するため、経路を閉塞するとこれらのガスが電解槽内に蓄積されて電極が気層にさらされることとなり、電極寿命が短縮されることとなる。
【００１１】
また、キッチンではふきんなどの漂白や排水口のぬめりの防止など高濃度の殺菌水や洗浄のための強アルカリ水が必要であるが、従来例では連続式電解水生成装置であり、流水しながら電解動作を行うため、電解する際の単位水量当たりの電解エネルギーが少なくなるので、強アルカリ、強酸性水および高濃度の次亜塩素酸が生成できない。これを実現するためには電極面積を大きく取る必要があるとともに電解に要する電気量も増大し、電解装置の大型化、高価格化およびランニングコストの増加につながる。
【００１２】
さらに、アルカリ水では飲用、調理用の弱アルカリから洗浄用の強アルカリまで、また酸性水はアストリンゼント効果が得られる弱酸性から殺菌作用のある強酸性水まで、さらに次亜塩素酸水では食材や手の殺菌消毒（例えば５０ppm以下）から前記ふきん、調理器の漂白や排水口のぬめり防止（例えば１０００ppm以下）まで様々な水素イオン濃度および次亜塩素酸濃度に対するニーズがあるが、従来例では前記したように高濃度処理水の生成に限界が有るばかりでなく、用途に応じた水素イオン濃度（pH）や次亜塩素酸濃度の濃度制御が難しい。すなわち図５の従来例での濃度制御は通電量、電解時間および添加薬液濃度の調整によって行われるが、給水圧が変動すると水の流量が変わるため、これらの条件は変動することとなり、上流側に定流量弁などが必要となり、装置の複雑化や大型化につながる。
【００１３】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は上記課題を解決するためになされたものであり、給水手段と、イオン交換膜によって内部を陽極槽と陰極槽とに分離され前記陽極槽内に陽極を、前記陰極槽内に陰極を有すると共に、前記給水手段からの水を電気分解して酸性水とアルカリ水を生成する電解槽と、前記陽極槽および前記陰極槽の出口に各々接続され第１，第２、第３の切換状態を設定する第１、第２の流路切換手段と、前記第１、第２の流路切換手段における第１出口の下流側に設けられると共に、前記第１、第２の流路切換手段の前記第１の切換状態で前記酸性水と前記アルカリ水とを混合して中性電解水を生成し、前記第２の切換状態で前記電解槽からの前記酸性水を通過させ、前記第３の切換状態で前記電解槽からのアルカリ水を通過させる混合手段と、前記混合手段の下流に設けられた単一の改質水吐出口と、前記第１、第２の流路切換手段における第２出口の下流側に設けられた排出口と、前記第１、第２の流路切換手段を制御する制御手段とを備え、前記第１、第２の流路切換手段の切換制御により前記酸性水、前記アルカリ水、前記中性電解水の何れかを選択して前記改質水吐出口から改質水を供給する水改質装置としたものである。
【００１４】
本発明の要点は、陰極槽と陰極槽にそれぞれ対応して第１、第２の流路切換手段を設けた点にあり、アルカリ水を取水する際は陰極槽と改質水吐出口が連通するように第１の流路切換手段を制御するとともに第２の流路切換手段は陽極槽と排出口が連通するように制御し、また酸性水の取水に際しては逆に陽極槽と改質吐出口を連通させるとともに陰極槽と排出口を連通させるように第１、第２の流路切換弁を制御する。さらに、次亜塩素酸水の取水に際しては陰極槽、陽極槽ともに改質水吐出口側に連通させ、混合手段で混合することで殺菌効果の高い中性電解水を生成し、改質水吐出口から取水するものである。
【００１５】
これにより、酸性水、アルカリ水、中性電解水が用途に応じて取水できる。また酸性水とアルカリ水を混合して次亜塩素酸および次亜塩素イオンを含む中性電解殺菌水を生成するため、次亜塩素酸ソーダなどの薬剤希釈液に比較して低濃度、短時間で殺菌効果が得られるとともに食材の殺菌洗浄に際しては褐変やタンパク変性を起こさず、さらに中性洗剤との併用が可能である。また利用者の所望する水は改質水吐出口のみから取水されることとなり、利用者の誤った改質水の利用が防止できる。
【００１６】
また本発明の水改質装置は、給水手段に給水弁を設けて電解槽内に水を充填した後に給水を停止し、電解質供給手段によって過飽和食塩水を電解槽内に供給して水と混合し、これを被電解水として、滞留電解するものである。
【００１７】
そして、過飽和食塩水（約２６％）を希釈して被電解水とすることにより塩素イオンが充分に補給され、また滞留電解により電解する際の単位水量当たりの電解エネルギーを大きくできるので強酸性水、強アルカリ水および高濃度の次亜塩素酸水が生成できる。
【００１８】
これにより、ふきんなどの漂白や排水口のぬめりの防止などの高濃度での強力殺菌洗浄が可能となる。
【００１９】
また本発明の水改質装置は、電解槽の上流側に分流弁を設けるとともに混合手段下流側に分岐路を設け、前記分流弁と分岐路を連通するバイパス路を設けて前記電解槽側とバイパス路側を通過する水の分流比を調整する構成としたものである。
【００２０】
そして、高濃度の電解水を生成した後に分流弁により電解槽側とバイパス路側の分流比を調整することにより所望の水素イオン濃度もしくは次亜塩素酸濃度の改質水が取水できる。
【００２１】
これにより、低濃度から高濃度の広範囲の水素イオン濃度もしくは次亜塩素酸濃度の改質水が得られる。また分流比を制御して濃度制御を行うので給水圧が変動しても分流比は変化することがなく、所望濃度の改質水が得られる。
【００２２】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の請求項１に係る水改質装置は、給水手段と、イオン交換膜によって内部を陽極槽と陰極槽とに分離され前記陽極槽内に陽極を、前記陰極槽内に陰極を有すると共に、前記給水手段からの水を電気分解して酸性水とアルカリ水を生成する電解槽と、前記陽極槽および前記陰極槽の出口に各々接続され第１，第２、第３の切換状態を設定する第１、第２の流路切換手段と、前記第１、第２の流路切換手段における第１出口の下流側に設けられると共に、前記第１、第２の流路切換手段の前記第１の切換状態で前記酸性水と前記アルカリ水とを混合して中性電解水を生成し、前記第２の切換状態で前記電解槽からの前記酸性水を通過させ、前記第３の切換状態で前記電解槽からのアルカリ水を通過させる混合手段と、前記混合手段の下流に設けられた単一の改質水吐出口と、前記第１、第２の流路切換手段における第２出口の下流側に設けられた排出口と、前記第１、第２の流路切換手段を制御する制御手段とを備え、前記第１、第２の流路切換手段の切換制御により前記酸性水、前記アルカリ水、前記中性電解水の何れかを選択して前記改質水吐出口から改質水を供給するように構成したものである。
【００２３】
そして、アルカリ水を取水する際は陰極槽と改質水吐出口が連通するように第１の流路切換手段を制御するとともに第２の流路切換手段は陽極槽と排出口が連通するように制御し、また酸性水の取水に際しては逆に陽極槽と改質吐出口を連通させるとともに陰極槽と排出口を連通させるように第１、第２の流路切換弁を制御する。さらに、次亜塩素酸水の取水に際しては陰極槽、陽極槽ともに改質水吐出口側に連通させ、混合手段で混合することで殺菌効果の高い中性電解水を生成し、改質水吐出口から取水するものである。
【００２４】
これにより、酸性水、アルカリ水、中性電解水が用途に応じて取水できる。また酸性水とアルカリ水を混合して次亜塩素酸および次亜塩素イオンを含む中性電解殺菌水を生成するため、次亜塩素酸ソーダなどの薬剤希釈液に比較して低濃度、短時間で殺菌効果が得られるとともに野菜、果物、肉類など食材の殺菌洗浄に際しては褐変やタンパク変性を起こさず、さらに中性洗剤との併用が可能であるとともに薬剤希釈液に比較して塩素の残留が少なく、水道水の感覚で利用できる。また利用者の所望する水は改質水吐出口のみから取水されることとなり、従来例のように利用者の誤った改質水の利用が防止できる。
【００２５】
本発明の請求項２に係る水改質装置は、電解槽の上流側もしくは下流側の少なくとも一方に水浄化手段を設けたものである。
【００２６】
そして、水浄化手段を設けることで有害な無機物、赤錆、微生物、臭気などが浄化され、飲用もしくは調理用さらに食材、食器洗浄に好適な水質の改質水が得られる。
【００２７】
本発明の請求項３に係る水改質装置は、水浄化手段として活性炭フイルター、膜フィルター、中空糸膜、逆浸透膜、トルマリンなどの鉱物濾材、セラミック濾材の少なくとも一種から構成したものである。
【００２８】
そして、これらを単独もしくは重層することでより高度な改質水が生成されるとともに、水改質装置の用途が拡大される。すなわち膜フィルターを１次フィルターとして比較的大きな粒子径の懸濁物質を除去し、２次フィルターとして中空糸膜フィルターを設けて微細粒子を除去し、さらに３次フィルターとして活性炭を重層するなどのカスケード構造を採用することで、例えば緊急時の風呂水、雨水、湖沼水の飲用化もしくは殺菌水化などが可能となる。またトルマリンなどの鉱物で構成すればクラスターの低減、酸化還元電位の低減などの作用が得られ、さらに高度な処理水が実現できる。
【００２９】
本発明の請求項４に係る水改質装置は、陽極と陰極の極性を所定の時期に切換可能としたものである。
【００３０】
そして、水道水や井戸水には炭酸カルシウムＣａ（ＨＣＯ₃）などのプラスイオンが含有されており、これが電気分解されると、炭酸カルシウムＣａＣＯ₃などのスケール成分となって陰極表面に付着、堆積し、電解時の電気抵抗が増加して電解電流が流れなくなる。
【００３１】
そこで、累積電解時間、極間の電気抵抗などを検知して所定の時期に逆電解が行われ、陰極は陽極側となって電解される。この結果、元の陰極に付着したスケール成分は陽極反応である水素還元作用によって溶液中に溶解し、スケール付着が防止されることとなり、電極寿命が大幅に伸長する。
【００３２】
本発明の請求項５に係る水改質装置は、電解槽の陽極槽と陰極槽に塩基性電解質溶液を供給する電解質供給手段を設け、この電解質希釈水を電気分解する構成としたものである。
【００３３】
そして、水道水や井戸水には塩素イオンが含まれているが微量であり、電解によって高濃度の次亜塩素酸や強酸性水を生成する場合に長い電解時間が必要となる。
【００３４】
そこで、塩基性の電解質溶液を供給して所定濃度に希釈し、これを被電解水として電解することにより塩素イオンが多く含まれるので短時間で高濃度の改質水が生成できる。
【００３５】
また、電解時の電解電圧は被電解水の導電率に依存し、この導電率は地域によって大幅に変化するため、例えば１（Ａ）の低電流電解を行うに際して低導電率地域では直流１００（Ｖ）に近い高電圧が必要となり、逆に高導電率地域では１（Ｖ）以下の低電圧となるので制御回路に格別の対策が必要となるが、電解質溶液を希釈することで被電解水の導電率が大幅に増加するとともに地域差による導電率の差を吸収してほぼ一定の導電率となり、低電圧でしかも簡易な制御回路で電解が可能となる。
【００３６】
本発明の請求項６に係る水改質装置は、電解質供給手段として食塩タンクと、前記食塩タンクに給水する給水ポンプと、前記食塩タンクからの過飽和食塩水を電解槽に供給する給塩路から構成したものである。
【００３７】
そして、電解質を一般家庭で常用される食塩とすることで補給に際しての手間がかからない。また電解質供給手段を構成する上で粒状の食塩を貯留し、電解時に粒状食塩と水を混合して供給するものでは、食塩タンクは小型化できるものの定量送出手段や混合手段が必要となるとともに粒状食塩の目詰まりが発生しやすく、供給手段の複雑、高コスト化につながる。一方、低濃度食塩水タンクとするものでは上記不具合は回避できるものの、食塩水消費量が多く、頻繁に補給、交換する必要が生じる。食塩タンクに過飽和食塩水（約２６％）の状態で貯留することで食塩タンクの小型化が図れるとともに食塩補給頻度が低減でき、また目詰まりの発生しない信頼性の高い電解質供給装置を実現できる。さらに過飽和食塩水とすることで−２０℃においても食塩水は凍結することがなく、寒冷地での使用に際しても凍結防止対策が不要となる。
【００３８】
本発明の請求項７に係る水改質装置は、給水手段に給水弁を設け、この給水弁を開成して電解槽内に水を充填した後に給水を停止し、電解質供給手段を所定時間動作させた後に滞留電解を行う構成としたものである。
【００３９】
そして、アルカリ水、酸性水、次亜塩素酸水の水素イオン濃度および次亜塩素酸濃度は、単位水量当たりの電解エネルギーに依存し、通水しながら電解する連続電解方式では極間を通過する時間だけしか電解されないので単位水量当たりの電解エネルギーが低くなり、高濃度の改質水が生成できない。これを解決するには電極面積を大きく取る必要があるとともに電解に要する電気量も増大し、電解装置の大型化、高価格化およびランニングコストの増加につながる。
【００４０】
そこで、被電解水を滞留させた状態で電解することで単位水量当たりの電解エネルギーを充分に取れるので高濃度の改質水が生成できる。併せて、塩基性の電解質を混入した被電解水を滞留電解するため、短時間に高濃度の改質水が生成される。
【００４１】
これにより、ふきんなどの漂白や排水口のぬめりの防止などの高濃度での強力殺菌洗浄が可能となる。
【００４２】
本発明の請求項８に係る水改質装置は、電解槽内での希釈後の被電解水の食塩濃度を０．４〜１％とするものである。
【００４３】
そして、電解質である食塩の濃度すなわち塩素イオン量は次亜塩素酸生成量と正比例関係にあるが飽和域があり、実験によれば食塩濃度約０．４％濃度以上から次亜塩素酸生成量が飽和傾向を示し、食塩量を増加させても次亜塩素酸生成濃度はあまり増加しなかった。また、１％から３％までは、食塩量は３倍供給しているにもかかわらず、次亜塩素酸生成濃度はわずか８％しか増加しなかった。つまり、食塩濃度を０．４〜１％の範囲とすることで次亜塩素酸生成に対する食塩の利用効率を高められ、食塩タンクの小型化と食塩消費量の低減を両立することができる。
【００４４】
本発明の請求項９に係る水改質装置は、所定時間滞留電解した後に給水弁を再度開成し、電解改質水を改質水吐出口側へ圧送し、所定時間後に前記給水弁を閉成する構成としたものである。
【００４５】
そして、滞留電解することにより高濃度の改質水を生成し、その後給水弁を開成することで水圧により電解槽内の改質水が改質水吐出口へ押し出されて取水に供される。なお、所望量が吐出された場合はスイッチ操作により任意に取水を停止できる。
【００４６】
一方、電解槽内の改質水が全て吐出される所定時間経過後に給水弁が閉成されて改質水のほぼ全量が使用された後に自動的に吐出が停止される。
【００４７】
これにより、給水弁のみの制御により水圧を利用して改質水吐出口からの取水と停止が選択できるとともに、生成した改質水が有効に利用できる。また所定時間改質水を吐出して電解槽内の改質水全量が使用され、次の新たな改質水の生成動作に移行するための検知信号とすることも可能である。
【００４８】
本発明の請求項１０に係る水改質装置は、電解槽の上流側に分流弁を設けるとともに混合手段下流側に分岐路を設け、前記分流弁と分岐路を連通するバイパス路を設け設けて前記電解槽側とバイパス路側を通過する水の分流比を調整する構成としたものである。
【００４９】
そして、高濃度の電解水を生成した後に分流弁により電解槽側とバイパス路側の分流比を調整することにより所望の水素イオン濃度もしくは次亜塩素酸濃度の改質水が任意に取水できる。
【００５０】
これにより、低濃度から高濃度の広範囲の水素イオン濃度もしくは次亜塩素酸濃度の改質水が得られる。また分流比を制御して濃度制御を行うので給水圧が変動しても分流比は変化することがなく、所望濃度の改質水が得られる。
【００５１】
本発明の請求項１１に係る水改質装置は、改質水吐出口にpHセンサおよび／もしくは次亜塩素酸センサを設け、前記pHセンサおよび／もしくは次亜塩素酸センサの信号により前記分流弁による分流比を制御するものである。
【００５２】
そして、改質水吐出口側に設けられたセンサにより水素イオン濃度、次亜塩素酸濃度が検出され、その信号に応じて分流弁の分流比がフィードバック制御されるので、所望濃度の改質水が精度良く取水できる。
【００５３】
【実施例】
（実施例１）
図１は本発明の第１の実施例を示す模式図である。同図において２０はイオン交換膜２１を内設する電解槽であり、イオン交換膜２１によって分離される陽極層２２と陰極槽２３内にそれぞれ陽極２４と陰極２５を有している。２６は給水手段であり、電解槽２０の上流側には活性炭フイルター、膜フィルター、中空糸膜、逆浸透膜、トルマリンなどの鉱物濾材およびセラミック濾材の少なくとも一種から構成される水浄化手段２７が設けられるとともに、電動式の給水弁２８が設けられており、電解槽２０内に給水供給可能に構成されている。２９は両電極２４、２５に電圧を印加して水を電解するための直流電源である。
【００５４】
３０は陽極槽２２の出口側に設けられた第１の流路切換手段、また３１は陰極槽２３の出口側に設けられた第２の流路切換手段であり、各々の第１出口３２、３３は混合手段３４に接続され、第２出口３５、３６は排出口３７に接続されている。３８は混合手段３４の下流に設けられ、改質水を取水するための改質水吐出口である。ここで排出口３７は改質水の取水に際して利用者が誤って取水できないように改質水吐出口３８と区別された構成としている（図示せず）。
【００５５】
３９は電解槽２０に食塩水を供給する電解質供給手段であり、過飽和食塩水（約２６％）の状態で食塩を充填した食塩タンク４０と電解槽２０の上流から分岐した給水管４１を介して食塩水を供給する給水ポンプ４２および給塩路４３を有しており、過飽和食塩水が電解槽２０内で所定の食塩濃度（０．４〜１％）となるように濃度制御される。
【００５６】
４４は上記の構成要素を制御する制御手段であり、所定の時期に直流電源２９を制御して陽極２４と陰極２５の極性を切換えるように制御する（図示せず）。
【００５７】
上記構成において次に本実施例の作用、動作について説明する。図１において改質水吐出口３８の取水要求信号（図示せず）を受けて給水弁２８が開成し、給水手段２６から給水された水は水浄化手段２７を通過して浄化される。ここで水浄化手段２７として活性炭フイルター、膜フィルター、中空糸膜、逆浸透膜、トルマリンなどの鉱物濾材、セラミック濾材の少なくとも一種から構成したので、これらを単独もしくは重層することでより高度な改質水が生成されるとともに、水改質装置の用途が拡大される。すなわち膜フィルターを１次フィルターとして比較的大きな粒子径の懸濁物質を除去し、２次フィルターとして中空糸膜フィルターを設けて微細粒子を除去し、さらに３次フィルターとして活性炭を重層するなどのカスケード構造を採用することで、例えば緊急時の風呂水、雨水、湖沼水の飲用化もしくは殺菌水化などが可能となる。またトルマリンなどの鉱物で構成すればクラスターの低減、酸化還元電位の低減などの作用が得られ、さらに高度な処理水が実現できる。
【００５８】
浄化された水は電解槽２０内に流入するとともに、一方で給水ポンプ４２が動作して給水管４１を経て食塩タンク４０内に水が供給され、内部の過飽和食塩水が電解槽２０内に供給されて水と混合希釈され、食塩濃度が後述するように０．４〜１％の範囲に制御される。この状態で直流電源２９が動作し、陽極２４および陰極２５に電圧が印加され、食塩水の希釈液が電気分解される。この時、イオン交換膜２１を介して陽極２２側には酸性水が生成され、陰極２３側にはアルカリ水が生成される。そして、改質水として次亜塩素酸水を必要とする際は、第１および第２の流路切換弁が図１に示したように混合手段３４側に開通し、電解によって生成された酸性水とアルカリ水は混合手段３４で効果的に混合され、中性の次亜塩素酸水が改質水吐出口３８から取水される。なお、この中性次亜塩素酸水は、次亜塩素酸ソーダなどの薬剤希釈液に比較して低濃度、短時間で殺菌効果が得られるとともに野菜、果物、肉類など食材の殺菌洗浄に際しては褐変やタンパク変性を起こさず、さらに中性洗剤との併用が可能であるとともに薬剤希釈液に比較して塩素の残留が少なく、水道水の感覚で利用できる効果がある。
【００５９】
図２に電解槽２０内の食塩濃度と電解槽２０内に生成される次亜塩素酸濃度の関係を示す。なお電解条件は、電極対向面積４７．５cm²、極間距離２mm、電解槽容積２００mlにて１（Ａ）で４０分間の滞留電解を実施した。図２より食塩濃度が約０．４％濃度以上から次亜塩素酸生成量が飽和傾向を示し、食塩量を増加させても次亜塩素酸生成濃度はあまり増加しなかった。また、１％から３％までは、食塩量は３倍供給しているにもかかわらず、次亜塩素酸生成濃度はわずか８％しか増加しなかった。つまり、食塩濃度を０．４〜１％の範囲とすることで次亜塩素酸生成に対する食塩の利用効率を高められ、食塩タンク４０の小型化と食塩消費量の低減を両立することができる。
【００６０】
また、酸性水の取水が必要とされる際は第１、第２の流路切換弁３０、３１が図３（ａ）に示すように切り換えられる。つまり、酸性水が生成される陽極槽２２が混合手段３４側に連通する一方、第２の流路切換弁３１は排出口３７側に連通し、アルカリ水は廃棄される。なお、この際のアルカリ水は別途貯水し、他の用途に利用するようにしても良い。よって改質水吐出口３８からは酸性水が取水されることとなる。
【００６１】
さらに、アルカリ水の取水が必要とされる際は第１、第２の流路切換弁３０、３１が図３（ｂ）に示すように切り換えられて改質水吐出口３８からアルカリ水が取水される。
【００６２】
なお、取水される改質水の水素イオン濃度および次亜塩素酸水濃度は電解電流、電解水の流量などを制御することにより調整可能である。
【００６３】
これにより、酸性水、アルカリ水、中性次亜塩素酸水の３種類の改質水について用途に応じた水素イオン濃度および次亜塩素酸濃度の改質水が取水できる。また利用者の所望する水は改質水吐出口のみから取水されることとなり、また利用者の所望する水は改質水吐出口のみから取水されることとなり、従来例のように利用者の誤った改質水の利用が防止できる。
【００６４】
また、水道水や井戸水には炭酸カルシウムＣａ（ＨＣＯ₃）などのプラスイオンが含有されており、これが電気分解されると、炭酸カルシウムＣａＣＯ₃などのスケール成分となって陰極２５の表面に付着、堆積し、電解時の電気抵抗が増加して電解電流が流れなくなるが、本実施例では、累積電解時間、極間の電気抵抗などを検知して所定の時期に逆電解が行われ、陰極２５は陽極２４側となって電解される。この結果、元の陰極２５に付着したスケール成分は陽極反応である水素還元作用によって溶液中に溶解し、スケール付着が防止されることとなり、電極寿命が大幅に伸長する。
【００６５】
また、水道水や井戸水には塩素イオンが含まれているが微量であり、電解によって高濃度の次亜塩素酸や強酸性水を生成する場合には、大電流・長時間の電解が必要となるが、本実施例では食塩水を供給して所定濃度に希釈し、これを被電解水として電解することにより塩素イオンが多く含まれるので短時間で高濃度の改質水が生成できる。また、電解時の電解電圧は被電解水の導電率に依存し、この導電率は地域によって大幅に変化するため、例えば１（Ａ）の低電流電解を行うに際して低導電率地域では直流１００（Ｖ）に近い高電圧が必要となり、逆に高導電率地域では１（Ｖ）以下の低電圧となるので制御回路に格別の対策が必要となるが、食塩水を希釈することで被電解水の導電率が大幅に増加するとともに地域差による導電率の差を吸収してほぼ一定の導電率となり、低電圧でしかも簡易な制御回路で電解が可能となる。
【００６６】
さらに、電解質として一般家庭で常用される食塩とすることで補給に際しての手間がかからない。また電解質供給手段３９を構成する上で粒状の食塩を貯留し、電解時に粒状食塩と水を混合して供給するものでは、食塩タンク４０は小型化できるものの定量送出手段や混合手段（図示せず）が必要となるとともに粒状食塩の目詰まりが発生しやすく、供給手段の複雑、高コスト化につながる。一方、低濃度食塩水タンクとするものでは上記不具合は回避できるものの、食塩水消費量が多く、頻繁に補給、交換する必要が生じる。食塩タンクに過飽和食塩水（約２６％）の状態で貯留することで食塩タンク４０の小型化が図れるとともに食塩補給頻度が低減でき、また目詰まりの発生しない信頼性の高い電解質供給手段３９を実現できる。さらに過飽和食塩水とすることで−２０℃においても食塩水は凍結することがなく、寒冷地での使用に際しても凍結防止対策が不要となる。
【００６７】
（実施例２）
図４に本発明の第２実施例の模式図を示す。同図において２６は給水手段であり、電解槽２０の下方より電解槽２０内に水を給水可能に構成されている。４３は電解質供給手段３９に設けられた食塩タンク４０内の過飽和食塩水を電解槽２０の上方に供給する給塩路である。
【００６８】
給水路２６の給水弁２８下流には分流弁４５を設けるとともに混合手段３４の下流側には分岐路４６を設け、分流弁４５と分岐路４６はバイパス路４７によって連通可能に構成されており、分流弁４５の開度制御によって電解槽２０側とバイパス路４７側を通過する水の分流比を調整する構成となっている。また、改質水吐出口３８の上流にはpHセンサ４８と次亜塩素酸センサ４９が設けられており、pHセンサ４８と次亜塩素酸センサ４９の信号により分流弁４５の分流比がフィードバック制御可能に構成されている。
【００６９】
４４はこれらの要素を制御する制御手段であり、滞留電解制御手段５０と分流弁４５を制御する分流比制御手段５１を有している。滞留電解制御手段５０は、電解時に給水弁２８を開成して電解槽２０内に水を充填した後に給水を停止し、電解質供給手段３９の給水ポンプ４２を所定時間動作させて電解槽２０の食塩濃度を０．４〜１％とした後に滞留状態で電解を行うように制御する。また分流比制御手段５１は、改質水吐出口３８の取水要求が生じた際に、電解槽２０を通過する水量とバイパス路４７を通過する水量の比を制御することで電解槽２０内に生成された高濃度の電解水を希釈して所定の水素イオンおよび次亜塩素酸濃度に調整する。なお改質水吐出口３８に設けられたpHセンサ４８と次亜塩素酸センサ４９の出力信号は分流比制御手段５１に入力され、所望の濃度となるように分流弁４５が制御される。
【００７０】
その他の構成は図１の実施例と同様であり、同一番号を付して詳細な説明を省略する。
【００７１】
上記構成において、次に本実施例の作用、動作について説明する。改質水の要求信号がない状態において、給水弁２８が開成し、電解槽２０内に水が充填され、その後給水弁２８が閉成される。次に給水ポンプ４２が所定時間動作し、電解槽２０内の水と混合して食塩濃度が０．４〜１％となるように食塩タンク４０内の過飽和食塩水を電解槽２０内に供給する。この後陽極２４と陰極２５間に電圧を印加することで食塩水が滞留電解され、陽極槽２２には酸性水が、また陰極槽２３にはアルカリ水が分別生成されて所定時間電解することで高濃度滞留電解水が電解槽２０内に生成貯留される。
【００７２】
この状態で改質水吐出口３８の取水要求があると、必要とされる酸性水、アルカリ水および次亜塩素酸水に応じて第１、第２の流路切換弁３０、３１が図１の実施例と同様に切り換えられて改質水吐出口３８側へ流出する。一方、改質水吐出口３８で選択された水素イオンおよび次亜塩素酸濃度は、pHセンサ４８と次亜塩素酸センサ４９によって検出され、その出力信号は分流比制御手段５１にフィードバックされて分流弁４５の分流比、つまり電解槽２０側とバイパス路４７側を通過する流量の比を要求される濃度となるように制御する。例えば次亜塩素酸水１０ppmの取水要求が有る場合、電解槽２０内で１０００ppmの次亜塩素酸濃度となるように滞留電解したとするとバイパス路４７を通過する流量に対して、電解槽２０を通過する流量は１／１００となるように分流比が制御される。
【００７３】
所望の種類および濃度の改質水は任意に取水できるが、電解槽２０内の高濃度生成水がすべて消費されると所望濃度の取水ができなくなる。このことはpHセンサ４８と次亜塩素酸センサ４９によって検出され、給水弁が閉成されて取水が自動停止され、新たな滞留電解動作に移行する。なお、この点については、取水される電解水の種類と時間を計時するとともに演算することで消費を検知するようにしてもよい。
【００７４】
アルカリ水、酸性水、次亜塩素酸水の水素イオン濃度および次亜塩素酸濃度は、単位水量当たりの電解エネルギーに依存し、通水しながら電解する連続電解方式では極間を通過する時間だけしか電解されないので単位水量当たりの電解エネルギーが低くなり、高濃度の改質水が生成できない。これを解決するには電極面積を大きく取る必要があるとともに電解に要する電気量も増大し、電解装置の大型化、高価格化およびランニングコストの増加につながる。
【００７５】
本実施例では、希釈食塩水を滞留させた状態で電解することで単位水量当たりの電解エネルギーを充分に取れるので高濃度の改質水が生成できる。併せて、塩基性の電解質を混入した被電解水を滞留電解するため、短時間に高濃度の改質水が生成される。
【００７６】
これにより、ふきんなどの漂白や排水口のぬめりの防止などの高濃度での強力殺菌洗浄が可能となる。
【００７７】
また、電解槽の上流側に分流弁４５を設けて電解槽２０側とバイパス路４７側を通過する水の分流比を調整する構成としたので低濃度から高濃度の広範囲の水素イオン濃度もしくは次亜塩素酸濃度の改質水が得られる。また分流比を制御して濃度制御を行うので給水圧が変動しても分流比は変化することがなく、所望濃度の改質水が得られる。
【００７８】
さらに、改質水吐出口３８側にpHセンサ４８と次亜塩素酸センサ４９を設けて所望の濃度となるように分流弁４５の分流比がフィードバック制御されるので、所望濃度の改質水が精度良く取水できる。
【００７９】
【発明の効果】
以上の説明から明らかなように、本発明の請求項１に係る水改質装置によれば、アルカリ水が生成される陰極槽と酸性水が生成される陽極槽にそれぞれ対応して第１、第２の流路切換手段を設け、所望改質水の種類に応じて切り換え制御するので酸性水、アルカリ水、中性電解水が用途に応じて任意に取水できる。また酸性水とアルカリ水を混合して次亜塩素酸および次亜塩素イオンを含む中性電解殺菌水を生成するため、次亜塩素酸ソーダなどの薬剤希釈液に比較して低濃度、短時間で殺菌効果が得られるとともに野菜、果物、肉類など食材の殺菌洗浄に際しては褐変やタンパク変性を起こさず、さらに中性洗剤との併用が可能であるとともに薬剤希釈液に比較して塩素の残留が少なく、水道水の感覚で利用できる。また利用者の所望する水は改質水吐出口のみから取水されることとなり、従来例のように利用者の誤った改質水の利用が防止できる。
【００８０】
本発明の請求項２に係る水改質装置によれば、電解槽の上流側もしくは下流側の少なくとも一方に水浄化手段を設けることで有害な無機物、赤錆、微生物、臭気などが浄化され、飲用もしくは調理用さらに食材、食器洗浄に好適な水質の改質水が得られる。
【００８１】
本発明の請求項３に係る水改質装置によれば、水浄化手段として活性炭フイルター、膜フィルター、中空糸膜、逆浸透膜、トルマリンなどの鉱物濾材、セラミック濾材の少なくとも一種から構成するので、これらを単独もしくは重層することでより高度な改質水が生成されるとともに、カスケード構造とすることで、緊急時の風呂水、雨水、湖沼水の飲用化もしくは殺菌水化など水改質装置の用途が拡大される。
【００８２】
本発明の請求項４に係る水改質装置によれば、陽極と陰極の極性を所定の時期に切換可能としたので、水道水や井戸水に含まれる炭酸カルシウムＣａ（ＨＣＯ₃）などのプラスイオンを電解することによる陰極表面へのスケール付着が水素還元作用によって溶液中に溶解するのでスケール付着が防止され、電極寿命が大幅に伸長する。
【００８３】
本発明の請求項５に係る水改質装置によれば、電解質供給手段を設けて電解質希釈水を電解する構成としたので、短時間で高濃度の改質水が生成できる。また、電解質を混合することで被電解水の導電率が大幅に増加するとともに地域差による導電率の差を吸収してほぼ一定の導電率となり、低電圧でしかも簡易な制御回路で電解が可能となる。
【００８４】
本発明の請求項６に係る水改質装置によれば、電解質供給手段として過飽和食塩水を電解槽に供給する構成としたので、貯留のための食塩タンクの小型化が図れるとともに食塩補給頻度が低減でき、また目詰まりの発生しない信頼性の高い電解質供給手段が実現できる。また、−２０℃においても凍結することがなく、寒冷地での使用に際しても凍結防止対策が不要となる。
【００８５】
本発明の請求項７に係る水改質装置によれば、電解槽内に電解質希釈液を充填した後に滞留電解を行うので、単位水量当たりの電解エネルギーを充分に確保でき、高濃度の改質水が生成できる。併せて、塩基性の電解質希釈液を滞留電解するため、短時間に高濃度の改質水が生成される。この結果、ふきんなどの漂白や排水口のぬめりの防止などの高濃度での強力殺菌洗浄が可能となる。
【００８６】
本発明の請求項８に係る水改質装置によれば、希釈後の被電解水の食塩濃度を０．４〜１％としたので、次亜塩素酸生成に対する食塩の利用効率を高められ、食塩タンクの小型化と食塩消費量の低減を両立することができる。
【００８７】
本発明の請求項９に係る水改質装置によれば、滞留電解した後に給水弁を再開成し、電解改質水を改質水吐出口側へ圧送するとともに、所定時間経過後に給水弁を閉成する構成としたので、給水弁のみの制御により水圧を利用して改質水吐出口からの取水と停止が選択できるとともに、生成した改質水が有効に利用できる。また、給水弁の閉成信号を次の新たな改質水の生成動作に移行するための検知信号とすることも可能となる。
【００８８】
本発明の請求項１０に係る水改質装置によれば、電解槽の上流側に分流弁を設けて電解槽側とバイパス路側を通過する水の分流比を調整する構成としたので、所望の水素イオン濃度もしくは次亜塩素酸濃度の改質水が任意に取水できる。また分流比を制御して濃度制御を行うので給水圧が変動しても分流比は変化することがなく、所望濃度の改質水が得られる。
【００８９】
本発明の請求項１１に係る水改質装置によれば、改質水吐出口にpHセンサおよび／もしくは次亜塩素酸センサを設け、この検知信号に基づいて分流弁の分流比を制御するので、所望濃度の改質水が精度良く取水できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施例を示す水改質装置の模式図
【図２】同、食塩濃度と次亜塩素酸生成濃度の関係を示す特性図
【図３】同、要部構成を示す模式図
【図４】本発明の第２実施例を示す水改質装置の模式図
【図５】従来例を示す水改質装置の模式図
【符号の説明】
２０電解槽
２１イオン交換膜
２２陽極槽
２３陰極槽
２４陽極
２５陰極
２６給水手段
２７水浄化手段
２８給水弁
３０第１の流路切換手段
３１第２の流路切換手段
３２、３３第１出口
３４混合手段
３５、３６第２出口
３７排出口
３８改質水吐出口
３９電解質供給手段
４０食塩タンク
４２給水ポンプ
４３給塩路
４４制御手段
４５分流弁
４６分岐路
４７バイパス路
４８ pHセンサ
４９次亜塩素酸センサ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a water reforming apparatus capable of supplying various types of modified water such as acidic water, alkaline water, and neutral electrolyzed water according to applications by electrolysis (hereinafter referred to as electrolysis).
[0002]
[Prior art]
As an apparatus for generating a plurality of reformed waters by electrolyzing water, it is generally known as a diaphragm-type water conditioner that generates an acidic water and an alkaline water by providing an ion exchange membrane between an anode and a cathode. However, the water on the anode side generated simultaneously with the production of alkaline water by electrolysis has bactericidal properties as acidic water, but does not have a strong bactericidal power.
[0003]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, a device that can improve a diaphragm-type water reforming device and can generate hypochlorous acid water having strong sterilizing power in addition to alkaline water and acidic water has been proposed (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 5 (1998)). No. 10-263542).
[0004]
In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a diaphragm type electrolytic cell, and a cathode chamber 5 and an anode chamber 6 are formed by a diaphragm 4 provided between the cathode 2 and the anode 3. A water supply pipe 7 is connected to the water supply side of the electrolytic cell 1, and an alkaline water drain pipe 8 communicating with the cathode chamber 5 and an acid water drain tube 9 communicating with the anode chamber 6 are connected to the drain side of the electrolytic cell 1. A continuous electrolyzed water generator is configured. Reference numeral 10 denotes a water purifier provided in the water supply pipe 7.
[0005]
The alkaline water drain pipe 8 and the acid water drain pipe 9 are respectively connected to a pair of drain pipes 13a and 13b in the currant 12 mounted on the kitchen table 11 so as to communicate with the drain outlets 14a and 14b at the tip. It has become.
[0006]
Reference numeral 15 denotes a chemical solution adding device for adding a chloride salt such as sodium chloride (NaCl) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) to the water in the water supply tube 7, and is connected to the water supply tube 7 from the chemical solution tank 16 through the chemical solution supply pipe 17. is doing. Reference numeral 18 denotes an electric on-off valve.
[0007]
A mixing pipe 19 branched from the alkaline water drain pipe 8 is connected to the acidic water drain pipe 9, and an electric channel switching valve 20 is provided at the branch portion. Reference numeral 21 denotes an operation switch provided on the currant 12.
[0008]
In the above configuration, when water electrolysis is performed with the on-off valve 18 of the chemical solution addition device 15 closed and the flow path switching valve 20 opened to the drain port 14a side, alkaline water and acidic water are generated in the electrolytic cell 1. The alkaline water is taken from the drain outlet 14a through the alkaline water drain pipe 8, and the acidic water is taken from the drain outlet 14b through the acidic water drain pipe 9.
[0009]
On the other hand, when the on-off valve 18 of the chemical solution addition device 15 is opened and water passage electrolysis is performed with the flow path switching valve 20 flowing to the acidic water drain pipe 9 side, NaCl and HCl are added to the electrolytic cell 1, and the cathode chamber 5. The electrolyzed water discharged from the water merges with the water discharged from the anode chamber 6 and becomes a sterilized water containing a large amount of hypochlorous acid water through the acidic water drain pipe 9 and taken out from the drain outlet 14b. In this way, alkaline water, acidic water and hypochlorous acid sterilized water can be selectively generated.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional diaphragm-type water reforming apparatus described above, alkaline ionized water and acidic water can be taken by continuously electrolyzing water while passing water through the electrolytic cell, and sodium chloride and hydrochloric acid are used as electrolyzed water. Hypochlorous acid having a strong sterilizing power can be taken in by mixing the water produced on the cathode side and the anode side that has been electrolyzed with the addition of water, but in the configuration of FIG. 5, acidic water produced when it is desired to take up alkaline water Is discharged into the sink from the outlet 14b at the same time, and there is a risk that the user accidentally swallows acidic water that is not desirable for drinking, and conversely, the human body wants to take in weakly acidic water having an astringent effect There is also the danger of washing the skin with alkaline water, which is undesirable. This is particularly a concern for infants and the elderly. Although it is conceivable to stop the flow of acidic water by providing a valve in the acidic water side path and closing it during alkaline water intake, harmful chlorine gas (Cl ₂ ↑) or oxygen (O ₂ Since ↑) occurs, when the path is blocked, these gases are accumulated in the electrolytic cell and the electrode is exposed to the gas layer, thereby shortening the electrode life.
[0011]
In addition, kitchens require high-concentration sterilizing water, such as bleaching cloths and preventing drainage, and strong alkaline water for cleaning. Since the electrolysis operation is performed, the electrolysis energy per unit water amount during electrolysis is reduced, so that strong alkali, strong acid water and high concentration hypochlorous acid cannot be generated. In order to realize this, it is necessary to increase the electrode area and increase the amount of electricity required for electrolysis, leading to an increase in the size, cost, and running cost of the electrolyzer.
[0012]
Furthermore, alkaline water is used for drinking and cooking from weak alkalis to strong alkalis for washing, acidic water is used for weakly acidic water that provides an astringent effect, and strong acidic water for bactericidal action. There is a need for various hydrogen ion concentrations and hypochlorous acid concentrations ranging from hand sterilization (for example, 50 ppm or less) to the above-mentioned dish cloth, bleaching of cooking utensils and prevention of slimming of drains (for example, 1000 ppm or less). As described above, there is a limit to the generation of high-concentration treated water, and it is difficult to control the concentration of hydrogen ion (pH) and hypochlorous acid according to the application. That is, the concentration control in the conventional example of FIG. 5 is performed by adjusting the energization amount, the electrolysis time, and the concentration of the added chemical solution. However, since the flow rate of the water changes when the feed water pressure changes, these conditions change and In addition, a constant flow valve or the like is required, which leads to complicated and large equipment.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and includes a water supply means and an ion exchange membrane. Inside the anode and cathode chambers Separated In the anode tank anode In the cathode chamber Has a cathode As well as An electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water from the water supply means to produce acidic water and alkaline water, and the anode tank And said Each connected to the outlet of the cathode chamber Set the first, second, and third switching states Provided on the downstream side of the first outlet in the first and second flow path switching means and the first and second flow path switching means. In addition, in the first switching state of the first and second flow path switching means, the acidic water and the alkaline water are mixed to generate neutral electrolyzed water, and in the second switching state, the neutral water is generated. The acidic water from the electrolytic cell is passed, and the alkaline water from the electrolytic cell is allowed to pass in the third switching state. Mixing means; A single unit provided downstream of the mixing means A reforming water discharge port, and a discharge port provided on the downstream side of the second outlet in the first and second flow path switching means, Control the first and second flow path switching means. Control means And with , Of the first and second flow path switching means Switching By control Select one of the acidic water, the alkaline water, and the neutral electrolyzed water From the reforming water discharge port Reformed water Supply Water reformer It is a thing.
[0014]
The main point of the present invention is that first and second flow path switching means are provided corresponding to the cathode tank and the cathode tank, respectively, and when the alkaline water is taken in, the cathode tank and the reforming water discharge port communicate with each other. The first flow path switching means is controlled so that the second flow path switching means is in communication with the anode tank and the discharge port. The first and second flow path switching valves are controlled so that the outlet communicates with the cathode chamber and the discharge port. In addition, when taking in hypochlorous acid water, both the cathode and anode tanks are connected to the reforming water discharge port side and mixed with mixing means to generate neutral electrolyzed water having a high sterilizing effect. Water is taken from the exit.
[0015]
As a result, acidic water, alkaline water, neutral electricity Water dissolution Can take water depending on the application. In addition, since neutral electrolytic sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ions is produced by mixing acidic water and alkaline water, the concentration is lower and shorter than that of chemical diluents such as sodium hypochlorite. In addition, a sterilizing effect can be obtained, and at the time of sterilization washing of foodstuffs, browning and protein denaturation are not caused, and a combination with a neutral detergent is possible. Further, the water desired by the user is taken from only the reforming water discharge port, and the user can prevent the use of the reforming water by mistake.
[0016]
In the water reforming apparatus of the present invention, the water supply means is provided with a water supply valve to fill the electrolytic cell with water, and then the water supply is stopped, and the supersaturated saline is supplied to the electrolytic cell by the electrolyte supply unit and mixed with water. Then, this is used as electrolyzed water for electrolysis.
[0017]
Further, by diluting supersaturated saline (about 26%) to be electrolyzed water, chlorine ions are sufficiently replenished, and the electrolytic energy per unit water amount when electrolyzing by staying electrolysis can be increased. Strong alkaline water and high concentration hypochlorous acid water can be produced.
[0018]
This makes it possible to perform strong sterilization washing at a high concentration such as bleaching of cloths and preventing drainage from being slimmed.
[0019]
Further, the water reforming apparatus of the present invention is provided with a diversion valve upstream of the electrolytic cell, a branch path downstream of the mixing means, a bypass path communicating with the diversion valve and the branch path, and the electrolytic cell side. It is set as the structure which adjusts the diversion ratio of the water which passes a bypass path side.
[0020]
And after producing | generating high concentration electrolyzed water, the reformed water of desired hydrogen ion density | concentration or hypochlorous acid density | concentration can be taken in by adjusting the diversion ratio of an electrolytic cell side and a bypass channel side with a diversion valve.
[0021]
Thereby, reformed water having a wide range of hydrogen ion concentration or hypochlorous acid concentration ranging from low concentration to high concentration can be obtained. Further, since concentration control is performed by controlling the diversion ratio, the diversion ratio does not change even if the feed water pressure fluctuates, and reformed water having a desired concentration can be obtained.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The water reforming apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a water supply means and an ion exchange membrane. Inside the anode and cathode chambers Separated In the anode tank anode In the cathode chamber Has a cathode As well as An electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water from the water supply means to produce acidic water and alkaline water, and the anode tank And said Each connected to the outlet of the cathode chamber Set the first, second, and third switching states Provided on the downstream side of the first outlet in the first and second flow path switching means and the first and second flow path switching means. In addition, in the first switching state of the first and second flow path switching means, the acidic water and the alkaline water are mixed to generate neutral electrolyzed water, and in the second switching state, the neutral water is generated. The acidic water from the electrolytic cell is passed, and the alkaline water from the electrolytic cell is allowed to pass in the third switching state. Mixing means; A single unit provided downstream of the mixing means A reforming water discharge port, and a discharge port provided on the downstream side of the second outlet in the first and second flow path switching means, Control the first and second flow path switching means. Control means And with , Of the first and second flow path switching means Switching By control Select one of the acidic water, the alkaline water, and the neutral electrolyzed water From the reforming water discharge port Reformed water Supply Like It is composed.
[0023]
When the alkaline water is taken, the first flow path switching means is controlled so that the cathode tank and the reforming water discharge port communicate with each other, and the second flow path switching means allows the anode tank and the discharge port to communicate with each other. On the other hand, when the acidic water is taken, the first and second flow path switching valves are controlled so that the anode tank and the reforming discharge port are communicated with each other and the cathode tank and the discharge port are communicated with each other. In addition, when taking in hypochlorous acid water, both the cathode and anode tanks are connected to the reforming water discharge port side and mixed with mixing means to generate neutral electrolyzed water having a high sterilizing effect. Water is taken from the exit.
[0024]
Thereby, acidic water, alkaline water, and neutral electrolyzed water can be taken in according to a use. In addition, since neutral electrolytic sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ions is produced by mixing acidic water and alkaline water, the concentration is lower and shorter than that of chemical diluents such as sodium hypochlorite. In addition to providing a sterilizing effect, it does not cause browning or protein denaturation when sterilizing and cleaning foodstuffs such as vegetables, fruits and meats, and can be used in combination with a neutral detergent and has a residual chlorine content compared to a drug diluent. There is little, and it is available with sense of tap water. Further, the water desired by the user is taken from only the reforming water discharge port, so that the user can prevent erroneous use of the reforming water as in the conventional example.
[0025]
The water reforming apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention is provided with water purification means on at least one of the upstream side or the downstream side of the electrolytic cell.
[0026]
By providing the water purification means, harmful inorganic substances, red rust, microorganisms, odors and the like are purified, and quality-modified water suitable for drinking or cooking, and for food and dish washing can be obtained.
[0027]
The water reforming apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention is composed of at least one of an activated carbon filter, a membrane filter, a hollow fiber membrane, a reverse osmosis membrane, a tourmaline mineral filter medium, and a ceramic filter medium as water purification means.
[0028]
And by using these alone or in layers, more advanced reformed water is generated, and the use of the water reformer is expanded. In other words, the membrane filter is used as a primary filter to remove suspended substances with a relatively large particle size, a hollow fiber membrane filter is provided as a secondary filter to remove fine particles, and activated carbon is layered as a tertiary filter. By adopting the structure, for example, it is possible to make the bath water, rain water, and lake water in an emergency drunk or sterilized water. In addition, if composed of minerals such as tourmaline, effects such as reduction of clusters and reduction of redox potential can be obtained, and more advanced treated water can be realized.
[0029]
The water reforming apparatus according to claim 4 of the present invention is such that the polarity of the anode and the cathode can be switched at a predetermined time.
[0030]
And for tap water and well water, calcium carbonate Ca (HCO _Three ) And the like, and when this is electrolyzed, calcium carbonate CaCO _Three It becomes a scale component such as and adheres to and accumulates on the cathode surface, and the electric resistance during electrolysis increases and the electrolysis current does not flow.
[0031]
Therefore, reverse electrolysis is performed at a predetermined time by detecting the cumulative electrolysis time, the electrical resistance between the electrodes, etc., and the cathode is electrolyzed on the anode side. As a result, the scale component adhering to the original cathode is dissolved in the solution by the hydrogen reduction action, which is an anodic reaction, and scale adhesion is prevented, and the electrode life is greatly extended.
[0032]
The water reforming apparatus according to claim 5 of the present invention is configured to provide an electrolyte supply means for supplying a basic electrolyte solution to the anode tank and the cathode tank of the electrolytic cell, and to electrolyze the electrolyte dilution water. .
[0033]
And tap water and well water contain a small amount of chlorine ions, but a long electrolysis time is required to produce high-concentration hypochlorous acid or strongly acidic water by electrolysis.
[0034]
Therefore, by supplying a basic electrolyte solution, diluting it to a predetermined concentration, and electrolyzing it as electrolyzed water, a large concentration of reformed water can be generated in a short time because a large amount of chlorine ions is contained.
[0035]
In addition, since the electrolysis voltage during electrolysis depends on the conductivity of the water to be electrolyzed, and this conductivity varies greatly depending on the region, for example, when performing low current electrolysis of 1 (A), in the low conductivity region, the direct current 100 ( V) requires a high voltage, and conversely, in high conductivity areas, the voltage becomes 1 (V) or less, so special measures are required for the control circuit. However, by diluting the electrolyte solution, In addition, the electrical conductivity increases substantially, and the difference in electrical conductivity due to regional differences is absorbed to obtain a substantially constant electrical conductivity. Thus, electrolysis can be performed with a low voltage and a simple control circuit.
[0036]
A water reforming apparatus according to claim 6 of the present invention comprises a salt tank as an electrolyte supply means, a water supply pump for supplying water to the salt tank, and a salt supply passage for supplying supersaturated saline from the salt tank to the electrolytic cell. It is a thing.
[0037]
In addition, since the electrolyte is common salt used in general households, it does not take time for replenishment. In addition, when the electrolyte supply means is configured to store granular sodium chloride and mix and supply the granular sodium chloride and water at the time of electrolysis, the salt tank can be downsized, but a fixed amount delivery means and a mixing means are required and granular. Salt clogging is likely to occur, leading to complicated supply means and high costs. On the other hand, in the case of using a low-concentration saline tank, the above-mentioned problems can be avoided, but the amount of saline solution consumed is large, and it is necessary to replenish and replace it frequently. By storing supersaturated saline (about 26%) in the salt tank, the salt tank can be reduced in size, the frequency of salt replenishment can be reduced, and a highly reliable electrolyte supply device that does not cause clogging can be realized. Furthermore, by using a supersaturated saline solution, the salt solution does not freeze even at −20 ° C., and no antifreezing measures are required even when used in a cold region.
[0038]
The water reforming apparatus according to claim 7 of the present invention is provided with a water supply valve in the water supply means, and after opening the water supply valve and filling the electrolytic cell with water, the water supply is stopped and the electrolyte supply means is operated for a predetermined time. It is set as the structure which performs residence electrolysis after making it let it be made.
[0039]
The hydrogen ion concentration and hypochlorous acid concentration of alkaline water, acidic water, and hypochlorous acid water depend on the electrolysis energy per unit water amount, and pass between the electrodes in the continuous electrolysis system that performs electrolysis while passing water. Since electrolysis is performed only for the time, the electrolysis energy per unit amount of water becomes low, and high concentration reformed water cannot be generated. In order to solve this, it is necessary to increase the electrode area and the amount of electricity required for electrolysis increases, leading to an increase in the size, cost and running cost of the electrolysis apparatus.
[0040]
Therefore, electrolysis is performed while the water to be electrolyzed is retained, so that sufficient electrolysis energy per unit amount of water can be obtained, so that high concentration reformed water can be generated. In addition, since the electrolyzed water mixed with the basic electrolyte is subjected to staying electrolysis, high-concentration reformed water is generated in a short time.
[0041]
This makes it possible to perform strong sterilization washing at a high concentration such as bleaching of cloths and preventing drainage from being slimmed.
[0042]
In the water reforming apparatus according to claim 8 of the present invention, the salt concentration of the electrolyzed water after dilution in the electrolytic cell is 0.4 to 1%.
[0043]
The concentration of sodium chloride, ie, the amount of chloride ions, is directly proportional to the amount of hypochlorous acid produced, but there is a saturation region. According to the experiment, the amount of hypochlorous acid produced from a salt concentration of about 0.4% or more. Showed a tendency to saturate, and the hypochlorous acid production concentration did not increase much even when the amount of salt was increased. In addition, from 1% to 3%, the hypochlorous acid production concentration increased only by 8% even though the salt amount was supplied three times. That is, by making the salt concentration in the range of 0.4 to 1%, the use efficiency of salt for hypochlorous acid production can be enhanced, and both the size reduction of the salt tank and the reduction of salt consumption can be achieved.
[0044]
The water reforming apparatus according to claim 9 of the present invention reopens the water supply valve after electrolyzing for a predetermined time, pumps electrolytically reformed water to the reforming water discharge port side, and closes the water supply valve after a predetermined time. It is set as the structure which comprises.
[0045]
Then, high-concentration reforming water is generated by performing electrolysis, and then the water supply valve is opened, so that the reforming water in the electrolytic cell is pushed out to the reforming water discharge port by water pressure and used for water intake. In addition, when a desired amount is discharged, water intake can be arbitrarily stopped by a switch operation.
[0046]
On the other hand, after a lapse of a predetermined time when all the reforming water in the electrolytic cell is discharged, the water supply valve is closed and the discharge is automatically stopped after almost all the reforming water is used.
[0047]
Thereby, it is possible to select water intake from the reforming water discharge port and stop using water pressure by controlling only the water supply valve, and the generated reforming water can be used effectively. Further, it is possible to discharge the reformed water for a predetermined time and use the total amount of the reformed water in the electrolytic cell, and use it as a detection signal for shifting to the next new reforming water generating operation.
[0048]
A water reforming apparatus according to claim 10 of the present invention is provided with a branch valve on the upstream side of the electrolytic cell, a branch path on the downstream side of the mixing means, and a bypass path that connects the branch valve and the branch path. The diversion ratio of water passing through the electrolytic cell side and the bypass path side is adjusted.
[0049]
And after producing | generating high concentration electrolyzed water, the reformed water of desired hydrogen ion density | concentration or hypochlorous acid density | concentration can be arbitrarily taken in by adjusting the diversion ratio of an electrolytic cell side and a bypass channel side with a diversion valve.
[0050]
Thereby, reformed water having a wide range of hydrogen ion concentration or hypochlorous acid concentration ranging from low concentration to high concentration can be obtained. Further, since concentration control is performed by controlling the diversion ratio, the diversion ratio does not change even if the feed water pressure fluctuates, and reformed water having a desired concentration can be obtained.
[0051]
In a water reforming apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a pH sensor and / or a hypochlorous acid sensor is provided at a reforming water discharge port, and the flow dividing valve is controlled by a signal from the pH sensor and / or a hypochlorous acid sensor. This controls the diversion ratio.
[0052]
Then, the hydrogen ion concentration and the hypochlorous acid concentration are detected by a sensor provided on the reforming water discharge port side, and the diversion ratio of the diversion valve is feedback controlled according to the signal, so that the reforming water having a desired concentration is provided. Can take water accurately.
[0053]
【Example】
Example 1
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 20 denotes an electrolytic cell in which an ion exchange membrane 21 is provided, and has an anode 24 and a cathode 25 in an anode layer 22 and a cathode chamber 23 separated by the ion exchange membrane 21, respectively. 26 is a water supply means, and on the upstream side of the electrolytic cell 20, a water purification means 27 comprising at least one of a mineral filter medium such as activated carbon filter, membrane filter, hollow fiber membrane, reverse osmosis membrane, tourmaline and ceramic filter medium is provided. In addition, an electric water supply valve 28 is provided so that water can be supplied into the electrolytic cell 20. 29 is a voltage applied to both electrodes 24 and 25. Applied It is a direct current power source for electrolyzing water.
[0054]
30 is a first flow path switching means provided on the outlet side of the anode tank 22, and 31 is a second flow path switching means provided on the outlet side of the cathode tank 23, each of the first outlets 32, 33 is connected to the mixing means 34, and the second outlets 35 and 36 are connected to the discharge port 37. A reforming water discharge port 38 is provided downstream of the mixing means 34 and takes in the reforming water. Here, the discharge port 37 is configured to be distinguished from the reforming water discharge port 38 so that the user cannot accidentally take in the reforming water (not shown).
[0055]
Reference numeral 39 denotes an electrolyte supply means for supplying saline to the electrolytic cell 20 via a salt tank 40 filled with salt in a supersaturated saline (about 26%) state and a water supply pipe 41 branched from the upstream of the electrolytic cell 20. A water supply pump 42 and a salt supply passage 43 for supplying saline are provided, and the concentration of the supersaturated saline is controlled in the electrolytic cell 20 so as to be a predetermined salt concentration (0.4 to 1%).
[0056]
Reference numeral 44 denotes control means for controlling the above-described components, and controls the DC power supply 29 to switch the polarity of the anode 24 and the cathode 25 at a predetermined time (not shown).
[0057]
Next, the operation and operation of the present embodiment in the above configuration will be described. In FIG. 1, the water supply valve 28 is opened in response to a water intake request signal (not shown) from the reforming water discharge port 38, and the water supplied from the water supply means 26 passes through the water purification means 27 and is purified. The water purification means 27 is composed of at least one of activated carbon filters, membrane filters, hollow fiber membranes, reverse osmosis membranes, tourmaline and other mineral filter media, and ceramic filter media. As water is generated, the application of the water reformer is expanded. In other words, the membrane filter is used as a primary filter to remove suspended substances with a relatively large particle size, a hollow fiber membrane filter is provided as a secondary filter to remove fine particles, and activated carbon is layered as a tertiary filter. By adopting the structure, for example, it is possible to make the bath water, rain water, and lake water in an emergency drunk or sterilized water. In addition, if composed of minerals such as tourmaline, effects such as reduction of clusters and reduction of redox potential can be obtained, and more advanced treated water can be realized.
[0058]
The purified water flows into the electrolytic cell 20, and on the other hand, the water supply pump 42 operates to supply water into the salt tank 40 through the water supply pipe 41, and internal supersaturated saline is supplied into the electrolytic cell 20. Then, the mixture is diluted with water, and the salt concentration is controlled in the range of 0.4 to 1% as described later. In this state, the DC power supply 29 operates, and voltage is applied to the anode 24 and the cathode 25. Applied And the saline dilution is electrolyzed. At this time, acidic water is generated on the anode 22 side through the ion exchange membrane 21, and alkaline water is generated on the cathode 23 side. When hypochlorous acid water is required as the reforming water, the first and second flow path switching valves are opened to the mixing means 34 side as shown in FIG. Water and alkaline water are effectively mixed by the mixing means 34, and neutral hypochlorous acid water is taken from the reforming water discharge port 38. In addition, this neutral hypochlorous acid water has a low concentration and a bactericidal effect in a short period of time compared to a drug diluting solution such as sodium hypochlorite, and at the time of sterilizing washing of foodstuffs such as vegetables, fruits and meats It does not cause browning or protein denaturation, and can be used in combination with a neutral detergent, and has less chlorine residue compared to a drug diluent, so that it can be used as a tap water.
[0059]
FIG. 2 shows the relationship between the sodium chloride concentration in the electrolytic cell 20 and the hypochlorous acid concentration generated in the electrolytic cell 20. Electrolytic conditions are electrode facing area 47.5cm ² Residual electrolysis was carried out for 40 minutes at 1 (A) at an electrode distance of 2 mm and an electrolytic cell volume of 200 ml. From FIG. 2, the hypochlorous acid production amount showed a saturation tendency when the salt concentration was about 0.4% or more, and the hypochlorous acid production concentration did not increase much even when the salt amount was increased. In addition, from 1% to 3%, the hypochlorous acid production concentration increased only by 8% even though the salt amount was supplied three times. That is, by making the salt concentration in the range of 0.4 to 1%, the use efficiency of salt for hypochlorous acid production can be enhanced, and both the size reduction of the salt tank 40 and the reduction of salt consumption can be achieved.
[0060]
Further, when the intake of acidic water is required, the first and second flow path switching valves 30 and 31 are switched as shown in FIG. That is, the anode tank 22 in which acidic water is generated communicates with the mixing means 34 side, while the second flow path switching valve 31 communicates with the discharge port 37 side, and the alkaline water is discarded. In this case, the alkaline water may be separately stored and used for other purposes. Therefore, acidic water is taken from the reforming water discharge port 38.
[0061]
Further, when alkaline water intake is required, the first and second flow path switching valves 30 and 31 are switched as shown in FIG. 3B, and the alkaline water is drawn from the reforming water discharge port 38. Is done.
[0062]
The hydrogen ion concentration and the hypochlorous acid water concentration of the reformed water taken in can be adjusted by controlling the electrolysis current, the flow rate of the electrolyzed water, and the like.
[0063]
Thereby, the reformed water of the hydrogen ion concentration and hypochlorous acid concentration according to a use can be taken in about three types of modified water of acidic water, alkaline water, and neutral hypochlorous acid water. In addition, the water desired by the user is taken from only the reforming water discharge port, and the water desired by the user is taken only from the reforming water discharge port. Incorrect use of reforming water can be prevented.
[0064]
In addition, tap water and well water use calcium carbonate Ca (HCO _Three ) And the like, and when this is electrolyzed, calcium carbonate CaCO _Three Such a scale component adheres and deposits on the surface of the cathode 25, and the electric resistance during electrolysis increases and the electrolysis current does not flow. In this embodiment, however, the accumulated electrolysis time, the electric resistance between the electrodes, etc. are detected. Then, reverse electrolysis is performed at a predetermined time, and the cathode 25 is electrolyzed on the anode 24 side. As a result, the scale component adhering to the original cathode 25 is dissolved in the solution by the hydrogen reduction action, which is an anodic reaction, and scale adhesion is prevented, and the electrode life is greatly extended.
[0065]
In addition, tap water and well water contain a small amount of chlorine ions, but when high concentrations of hypochlorous acid or strongly acidic water are produced by electrolysis, electrolysis with a large current and long time is required. However, in this embodiment, salt water is supplied, diluted to a predetermined concentration, and electrolyzed as water to be electrolyzed to contain a large amount of chlorine ions, so that high concentration reformed water can be generated in a short time. In addition, since the electrolysis voltage during electrolysis depends on the conductivity of the water to be electrolyzed, and this conductivity varies greatly depending on the region, for example, when performing low current electrolysis of 1 (A), in the low conductivity region, the direct current 100 ( V) requires a high voltage, and conversely, in high conductivity areas, the voltage becomes 1 (V) or less, so that special measures are required for the control circuit. In addition, the electrical conductivity increases substantially, and the difference in electrical conductivity due to regional differences is absorbed to obtain a substantially constant electrical conductivity. Thus, electrolysis can be performed with a low voltage and a simple control circuit.
[0066]
Furthermore, it is not time-consuming for replenishment by using common salt as electrolyte in ordinary households. In the case of constituting the electrolyte supply means 39, granular salt is stored, and the granular salt and water are mixed and supplied at the time of electrolysis. However, although the salt tank 40 can be reduced in size, a fixed quantity delivery means and mixing means (not shown) ) Is required, and the granular salt is likely to be clogged, resulting in complicated supply means and high cost. On the other hand, in the case of using a low-concentration saline tank, the above-mentioned problems can be avoided, but the amount of saline solution consumed is large, and it is necessary to replenish and replace it frequently. By storing supersaturated saline (approximately 26%) in a salt tank, the salt tank 40 can be reduced in size, the frequency of salt replenishment can be reduced, and a highly reliable electrolyte supply means 39 that does not cause clogging is realized. it can. Furthermore, by using a supersaturated saline solution, the salt solution does not freeze even at −20 ° C., and no antifreezing measures are required even when used in a cold region.
[0067]
(Example 2)
FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 26 denotes water supply means, which is configured to be able to supply water into the electrolytic cell 20 from below the electrolytic cell 20. Reference numeral 43 denotes a salt supply passage for supplying supersaturated saline in the salt tank 40 provided above the electrolyte supply means 39 to the upper side of the electrolytic tank 20.
[0068]
A diversion valve 45 is provided downstream of the water supply valve 28 of the water supply path 26 and a branch path 46 is provided downstream of the mixing means 34, and the diversion valve 45 and the branch path 46 are configured to communicate with each other by a bypass path 47. By controlling the opening degree of the diversion valve 45, the diversion ratio of the water passing through the electrolytic cell 20 side and the bypass path 47 side is adjusted. Further, a pH sensor 48 and a hypochlorous acid sensor 49 are provided upstream of the reforming water discharge port 38, and the diversion ratio of the diversion valve 45 is feedback controlled by signals from the pH sensor 48 and the hypochlorous acid sensor 49. It is configured to be possible.
[0069]
Reference numeral 44 denotes a control means for controlling these elements, and includes a staying electrolysis control means 50 and a diversion ratio control means 51 for controlling the diversion valve 45. The staying electrolysis control means 50 opens the water supply valve 28 at the time of electrolysis, fills the electrolytic tank 20 with water, stops the water supply, operates the water supply pump 42 of the electrolyte supply means 39 for a predetermined time, and sets the salt in the electrolytic tank 20. Control is performed so that electrolysis is performed in a staying state after the concentration is adjusted to 0.4 to 1%. The diversion ratio control means 51 controls the ratio of the amount of water that passes through the electrolytic cell 20 and the amount of water that passes through the bypass passage 47 when a request for water intake from the reforming water discharge port 38 is generated. The produced high-concentration electrolyzed water is diluted and adjusted to a predetermined hydrogen ion and hypochlorous acid concentration. The output signals of the pH sensor 48 and the hypochlorous acid sensor 49 provided at the reforming water discharge port 38 are input to the diversion ratio control means 51, and the diversion valve 45 is controlled so as to obtain a desired concentration.
[0070]
Other configurations are the same as those of the embodiment of FIG. 1, and the same reference numerals are given and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0071]
Next, the operation and operation of the present embodiment will be described. In a state where there is no request signal for reforming water, the water supply valve 28 is opened, the electrolytic cell 20 is filled with water, and then the water supply valve 28 is closed. Next, the water supply pump 42 operates for a predetermined time, and the supersaturated saline in the salt tank 40 is supplied into the electrolytic cell 20 so that the salt concentration becomes 0.4 to 1% by mixing with the water in the electrolytic cell 20. . After this, a voltage is applied between the anode 24 and the cathode 25. Applied As a result, the salt water is retained and electrolyzed, acidic water is separately generated in the anode tank 22, and alkaline water is separately generated in the cathode tank 23 and electrolyzed for a predetermined time, so that high concentration retained electrolyzed water is generated in the electrolytic tank 20. Stored.
[0072]
In this state, when there is a request for water intake from the reforming water discharge port 38, the first and second flow path switching valves 30, 31 are changed according to the required acidic water, alkaline water and hypochlorous acid water as shown in FIG. It is switched in the same manner as in the embodiment and flows out to the reforming water discharge port 38 side. On the other hand, the hydrogen ions and hypochlorous acid concentration selected at the reforming water discharge port 38 are detected by the pH sensor 48 and the hypochlorous acid sensor 49, and the output signals are fed back to the diversion ratio control means 51 and diverted. The diversion ratio of the valve 45, that is, the ratio of the flow rate passing through the electrolytic cell 20 side and the bypass passage 47 side is controlled so as to have a required concentration. For example, when there is a request for water intake of 10 ppm of hypochlorous acid water, if electrolysis stays in the electrolytic cell 20 so as to have a hypochlorous acid concentration of 1000 ppm, the electrolytic cell 20 is set to a flow rate that passes through the bypass 47. The diversion ratio is controlled so that the passing flow rate becomes 1/100.
[0073]
Although the desired type and concentration of reformed water can be taken arbitrarily, when all of the high-concentration product water in the electrolytic cell 20 is consumed, it is not possible to take the desired concentration. This is detected by the pH sensor 48 and the hypochlorous acid sensor 49, the water supply valve is closed, the water intake is automatically stopped, and a new staying electrolysis operation is started. In addition, about this point, you may make it detect consumption by measuring while calculating the kind and time of the electrolyzed water taken.
[0074]
The hydrogen ion concentration and hypochlorous acid concentration of alkaline water, acidic water and hypochlorous acid water depend on the electrolysis energy per unit water volume. Since only electrolysis is performed, the electrolysis energy per unit amount of water is low, and high-concentration reformed water cannot be generated. In order to solve this, it is necessary to increase the electrode area and the amount of electricity required for electrolysis increases, leading to an increase in the size, cost and running cost of the electrolysis apparatus.
[0075]
In this embodiment, electrolysis is performed in a state where the diluted saline solution is retained, so that sufficient electrolysis energy per unit amount of water can be obtained, so that highly concentrated reformed water can be generated. At the same time, the electrolyzed water mixed with the basic electrolyte undergoes retention electrolysis, so that high-concentration reformed water is generated in a short time.
[0076]
This makes it possible to perform strong sterilization washing at a high concentration such as bleaching of cloths and preventing drainage from being slimmed.
[0077]
In addition, since the diversion valve 45 is provided upstream of the electrolyzer to adjust the diversion ratio of the water passing through the electrolyzer 20 side and the bypass passage 47 side, a wide range of hydrogen ion concentrations ranging from low to high or Modified water having a concentration of chlorous acid is obtained. Further, since concentration control is performed by controlling the diversion ratio, the diversion ratio does not change even if the feed water pressure fluctuates, and reformed water having a desired concentration can be obtained.
[0078]
Further, a pH sensor 48 and a hypochlorous acid sensor 49 are provided on the reforming water discharge port 38 side, and the diversion ratio of the diversion valve 45 is feedback-controlled so as to obtain a desired concentration. Water can be taken with high accuracy.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the water reforming apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention, the first, corresponding to the cathode tank in which alkaline water is generated and the anode tank in which acidic water is generated, respectively. Since the second flow path switching means is provided and the switching control is performed according to the type of desired reforming water, acidic water, alkaline water, and neutral electrolyzed water can be arbitrarily taken according to the application. In addition, since neutral electrolytic sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ions is produced by mixing acidic water and alkaline water, the concentration is lower and shorter than that of chemical diluents such as sodium hypochlorite. In addition to providing a sterilizing effect, it does not cause browning or protein denaturation when sterilizing and cleaning foodstuffs such as vegetables, fruits and meats, and can be used in combination with a neutral detergent and has a residual chlorine content compared to a drug diluent. There is little, and it is available with sense of tap water. Further, the water desired by the user is taken from only the reforming water discharge port, so that the user can prevent erroneous use of the reforming water as in the conventional example.
[0080]
According to the water reforming apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention, harmful inorganic substances, red rust, microorganisms, odors and the like are purified by providing water purification means on at least one of the upstream side or downstream side of the electrolytic cell, and drinking Alternatively, it is possible to obtain quality-modified water suitable for cooking, cooking, and washing dishes.
[0081]
According to the water reforming apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention, the water purification means is composed of at least one of an activated carbon filter, a membrane filter, a hollow fiber membrane, a reverse osmosis membrane, a tourmaline mineral filter medium, and a ceramic filter medium. By combining these alone or in layers, more advanced reformed water is generated, and by using a cascade structure, water reformer equipment such as emergency bath water, rainwater, lake water can be drunk or sterilized. Applications are expanded.
[0082]
According to the water reforming apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the polarity of the anode and the cathode can be switched at a predetermined time, calcium carbonate Ca (HCO) contained in tap water or well water _Three The scale adherence to the cathode surface by electrolyzing positive ions such as) is dissolved in the solution by the hydrogen reduction action, so that the scale adherence is prevented and the electrode life is greatly extended.
[0083]
According to the water reforming apparatus of the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the electrolyte supply means is provided and the electrolyte dilution water is electrolyzed, high concentration reformed water can be generated in a short time. Also, by mixing the electrolyte, the conductivity of the water to be electrolyzed is greatly increased and the conductivity difference due to the regional difference is absorbed to obtain a substantially constant conductivity. Electrolysis can be performed with a low voltage and a simple control circuit. It becomes.
[0084]
According to the water reforming apparatus of the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the supersaturated saline is supplied to the electrolytic cell as the electrolyte supply means, the salt tank for storage can be downsized and the salt replenishment frequency can be reduced. A highly reliable electrolyte supply means that can be reduced and does not clog can be realized. Moreover, it does not freeze even at -20 ° C., and no anti-freezing measures are required when used in cold regions.
[0085]
According to the water reforming apparatus according to claim 7 of the present invention, since the electrolysis is performed after the electrolytic solution is filled in the electrolytic cell, sufficient electrolytic energy per unit water amount can be secured, and high concentration reforming is performed. Water can be generated. At the same time, since the basic electrolyte diluent is electrolyzed, high-concentration reformed water is generated in a short time. As a result, it becomes possible to perform strong sterilization cleaning at a high concentration such as bleaching of cloths and prevention of slimming of the drain outlet.
[0086]
According to the water reforming apparatus according to claim 8 of the present invention, since the salt concentration of the electrolyzed water after dilution is 0.4 to 1%, the utilization efficiency of salt for hypochlorous acid production can be increased, It is possible to reduce both the size of the salt tank and the amount of salt consumption.
[0087]
According to the water reforming apparatus of the ninth aspect of the present invention, the water supply valve is resumed after the electrolysis is retained, the electrolytic reformed water is pumped to the reforming water discharge port side, and the water supply valve is turned on after a predetermined time has elapsed. Since it is configured to be closed, it is possible to select water intake from the reforming water discharge port and stop using water pressure by controlling only the water supply valve, and the generated reforming water can be used effectively. It is also possible to use the water supply valve closing signal as a detection signal for shifting to the next new reforming water generating operation.
[0088]
According to the water reforming apparatus of the tenth aspect of the present invention, since a diversion valve is provided on the upstream side of the electrolytic cell to adjust the diversion ratio of the water passing through the electrolytic cell side and the bypass path side, Reformed water with hydrogen ion concentration or hypochlorous acid concentration can be taken arbitrarily. Further, since concentration control is performed by controlling the diversion ratio, the diversion ratio does not change even if the feed water pressure fluctuates, and reformed water having a desired concentration can be obtained.
[0089]
According to the water reforming apparatus of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the pH sensor and / or hypochlorous acid sensor is provided at the reforming water discharge port, and the diversion ratio of the diversion valve is controlled based on this detection signal. The desired concentration of reformed water can be taken with high accuracy.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a water reforming apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between salt concentration and hypochlorous acid production concentration.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of the same.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a water reforming apparatus showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a water reforming apparatus showing a conventional example.
[Explanation of symbols]
20 Electrolysis tank
21 Ion exchange membrane
22 Anode tank
23 Cathode cell
24 Anode
25 Cathode
26 Water supply means
27 Water purification means
28 Water supply valve
30 First flow path switching means
31 Second channel switching means
32, 33 1st exit
34 Mixing means
35, 36 Second exit
37 outlet
38 Reform water outlet
39 Electrolyte supply means
40 salt tank
42 Water supply pump
43 salt supply
44 Control means
45 Diverging valve
46 fork
47 Bypass
48 pH sensor
49 Hypochlorous acid sensor

Claims

A water supply means, the anode inside the anode cell and the cathode tank and the separated the anode chamber by an ion-exchange membrane, as well as have a cathode in said cathode tank, water from the water supply means by electrolyzing acidic An electrolytic cell for generating water and alkaline water, and first and second flow path switching means connected to the outlets of the anode cell and the cathode cell, respectively , for setting the first, second and third switching states ; the first, provided downstream of the first outlet of the second flow path switching unit Rutotomoni, the first, the alkaline water and the acid water in the first switching state of the second flow path switching unit To produce neutral electrolyzed water, allowing the acidic water from the electrolytic cell to pass through in the second switching state, and allowing the alkaline water from the electrolytic cell to pass through in the third switching state means a single reforming water discharge port provided downstream of said mixing means, said 1 includes a discharge port provided on the downstream side of the second outlet of the second flow path switching unit, the first, and control means for controlling the second flow path switching unit,
The first, the acid water by the switching control of the second flow path switching unit, the alkaline water, supplying reforming water Select one of the neutral electrolyzed water the reforming water discharge port Mizuaratame Quality equipment.

The water reforming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein water purification means is provided on at least one of the upstream side or the downstream side of the electrolytic cell.

The water reforming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the water purification means comprises at least one of an activated carbon filter, a membrane filter, a hollow fiber membrane, a reverse osmosis membrane, a tourmaline mineral filter medium, and a ceramic filter medium.

The water reforming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polarity of the anode and the cathode can be switched at a predetermined time.

The water reforming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an electrolyte supply means for supplying a basic electrolyte solution to the anode tank and the cathode tank of the electrolytic tank is provided to electrolyze the electrolyte dilution water.

6. The water reforming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the electrolyte supply means comprises a salt tank, a water supply pump for supplying water to the salt tank, and a salt supply passage for supplying supersaturated saline from the salt tank to the electrolytic cell.

7. A water supply valve is provided in the water supply means, the water supply valve is opened, water is filled in the electrolytic cell, water supply is stopped, and the electrolytic supply means is operated for a predetermined time, and then the staying electrolysis is performed. Water reformer.

The water reforming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the salt concentration of the electrolyzed water after dilution in the electrolytic bath is 0.4 to 1%.

8. The water reforming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the water supply valve is reopened after electrolyzing for a predetermined time, electrolytic water is pumped to the reforming water discharge port side, and the water supply valve is closed after a predetermined time.

A diversion valve is provided on the upstream side of the electrolytic cell, a branch path is provided on the downstream side of the mixing means, a bypass path that communicates the diversion valve and the branch path is provided, and a diversion ratio of water passing through the electrolytic cell side and the bypass path side is determined. The water reforming apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the water reforming apparatus is configured to be adjusted.

The water reforming according to claim 10, wherein a pH sensor and / or a hypochlorous acid sensor is provided at the reforming water discharge port, and a diversion ratio by the diversion valve is controlled by a signal from the pH sensor and / or a hypochlorous acid sensor. apparatus.