JP6154837B2 - Electrolyzed water generator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating apparatus that electrolyzes water to generate electrolyzed water.

  The electrolyzed water generating device is repeatedly used in a use state in which electrolyzed water is generated and a standby state in which the electrolyzed water is stopped in a state where generation of electrolyzed water is stopped. Conventionally, as such an electrolyzed water generation device, an electrolysis unit that electrolyzes tap water or the like into electrolyzed water, a control unit that controls each part of the device including the electrolysis unit, and power supply to the electrolysis unit and the control unit in use There is known one including a first power supply unit that performs power supply and an auxiliary power supply unit that supplies power to a control unit in a standby state (see, for example, FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1). Such an electrolyzed water generating apparatus does not need to energize the first power supply unit in the standby state, and can suppress wasteful power consumption.

  However, the electrolyzed water generating device needs to charge the auxiliary power supply unit with the first power supply unit. The first power supply unit is required to have an output voltage higher than the input voltage to the control unit in order to supply power to the electrolysis unit. Thus, since the conventional electrolyzed water generating apparatus charges the auxiliary power supply unit with the first power supply unit having a high output voltage, there is a problem that the power efficiency is not good. In particular, in the standby state, if the first power supply unit is driven only to charge the auxiliary power supply unit, the power efficiency is not good.

JP 2000-233183 A

  The present invention has been devised in view of the actual situation as described above, and has as its main object to provide an electrolyzed water generating apparatus that can efficiently charge an auxiliary power supply unit and suppress power consumption.

  The present invention includes an electrolysis unit that electrolyzes water, a first power supply unit that supplies power to the electrolysis unit, and a control unit that controls each unit including the electrolysis unit and the first power supply unit. A water generating device, a second power supply unit that supplies power to the control unit with an output voltage smaller than a maximum output voltage of the first power supply unit, and the second power supply unit does not supply power to the control unit In some cases, the power supply device further includes an auxiliary power supply unit that supplies power to the control unit, and the auxiliary power supply unit is charged by the second power supply unit.

  In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that an output voltage of the auxiliary power supply unit is smaller than an output voltage of the second power supply unit.

  The electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present invention includes an electrolysis unit that electrolyzes water, a first power supply unit that supplies power to the electrolysis unit, and a control unit that controls each unit including the electrolysis unit and the first power supply unit. It is. In addition, the electrolyzed water generating device includes a second power supply unit that supplies power to the control unit with an output voltage that is smaller than the maximum output voltage of the first power supply unit, and the second power supply unit does not supply power to the control unit. And an auxiliary power supply for supplying power to the controller, and the auxiliary power supply is charged by the second power supply. Thus, since the auxiliary power supply unit is charged by the second power supply unit that outputs a voltage smaller than the maximum output voltage of the first power supply unit, the power efficiency is improved. In particular, in the state where the generation of electrolyzed water is stopped, power is supplied from the second power supply unit, not the first power supply unit having a large output voltage, in order to charge the auxiliary power supply unit having a reduced charge power. Efficiency is improved.

  Further, since the auxiliary power supply unit is charged by the second power supply unit, the auxiliary power supply unit is not affected by the drive voltage of the electrolysis unit supplied with power by the first power supply unit. Thereby, it becomes possible to charge an auxiliary power supply part efficiently.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of one Embodiment of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of this invention. It is a circuit diagram of the power supply system of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which drives a control part by the auxiliary power supply part of FIG.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 is used, for example, for generating water for drinking at home or for washing face.

  In this embodiment, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 2 having an electrolysis unit 4 that electrolyzes water, and a water purification cartridge 3 that purifies water supplied to the electrolysis unit 4 by filtration.

  The water purification cartridge 3 of the present embodiment is replaceable by being attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 2. For example, a first flow path 31 to which tap water is supplied and water purified by the water purification cartridge 3 (referred to as “purified water” in this specification) are supplied to the water purification cartridge 3 to the electrolysis unit 4. Two flow paths 32 are connected. The second flow path 32 is provided with a flow meter 15 that measures the amount of purified water flowing through the second flow path. In addition, the water supplied to the water purification cartridge 3 is not limited to tap water, For example, well water, ground water, etc. can also be used. The flow meter 15 outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of water to the control unit 6 described later. When the amount of water is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, it is treated as a water flow signal.

  The apparatus body 2 includes an electrolysis unit 4, a first power supply unit 5 that supplies power to the electrolysis unit 4, a control unit 6 that controls each unit including the electrolysis unit 4, and a second that supplies power to the control unit 6. And a power supply unit 7.

  The electrolysis unit 4 includes an electrolysis tank 11 in which an electrolysis chamber 10 to which purified water to be electrolyzed is supplied, and a first power feeding body 12 and a second power feeding body 13 that are arranged to face each other in the electrolysis chamber 10. And a diaphragm 14 disposed between the first power supply body 12 and the second power supply body 13.

  The diaphragm 14 divides the electrolysis chamber 10 into a first chamber 10A on the first power feeder 12 side and a second chamber 10B on the second power feeder 13 side. The diaphragm 14 allows ions generated by electrolysis to pass through. Thereby, the 1st electric power feeder 12 and the 2nd electric power feeder 13 are electrically connected through the diaphragm 14. FIG.

  The purified water that has passed through the second flow path 32 is supplied to the first chamber 10A and the second chamber 10B. If a voltage is applied between the 1st electric power feeder 12 and the 2nd electric power feeder 13, the purified water supplied in the electrolysis chamber 10 will be electrolyzed, and electrolyzed water will be obtained.

  The polarity of the first power supply body 12 and the second power supply body 13 and the applied voltage are controlled by the control unit 6. For example, the control unit 6 is provided with a polarity switching unit (not shown) for switching the polarities of the first power feeding body 12 and the second power feeding body 13. Thereby, the 1st electric power feeder 12 functions alternately as an anode electric power feeder or a cathode electric power feeder, and the 2nd electric power feeder 13 functions as a cathode electric power feeder or an anode electric power feeder contrary to the 1st electric power feeder 12. The polarity switching may be performed based on, for example, the integrated value of the flow rate measured by the flow meter 15 or based on the time during which the first power supply unit 5 supplies power.

  Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the present specification describes a case where the first power feeder 12 functions as an anode power feeder and the second power feeder 13 functions as a cathode power feeder. In this case, the first electric power feeder 12 is charged with positive charges, and the second electric power feeder 13 is charged with negative charges. Accordingly, hydrogen water in which hydrogen is dissolved in water is generated in the second chamber 10B. In the first chamber 10A, acidic water in which oxygen is dissolved in water is generated. Hydrogen water is used for drinking, for example. Acidic water is used as non-drinking water, for example, for washing face or washing dishes.

  On the downstream side of the electrolysis chamber 10, for example, a flow path switching valve 21 driven by the power of a drive motor (not shown), a third flow path 33 through which hydrogen water generated in the second chamber 10B flows out, A fourth flow path 34 through which the acidic water generated in the first chamber 10A flows out is provided. The flow path switching valve 21 is provided in the third flow path 33 and the fourth flow path 34.

  The third flow path 33 has one end 33a that communicates with the second chamber 10B and a water discharge port 33b that discharges the hydrogen water generated in the second chamber 10B. The water discharge port 33b is provided at the other end of the third flow path 33, and is connected to, for example, a branch faucet (not shown) provided in a water tap of the kitchen.

  The fourth flow path 34 has one end 34a that communicates with the first chamber 10A and a drain port 34b that discharges acidic water generated in the first chamber 10A. The drain port 34 b is provided at the other end of the fourth flow path 34.

  The flow path switching valve 21 is driven by a drive motor according to a control signal input from the control unit 6, whereby the first chamber 10 </ b> A on the first power feeder 12 side and the second chamber on the second power feeder 13 side. The connection between 10B and the third flow path 33 and the fourth flow path 34 is switched.

  Under the control of the control unit 6, the polarity switching unit and the flow path switching valve 21 can operate in synchronization. More specifically, the first chamber 10 </ b> A and the second chamber 10 </ b> B are interchanged by the polarity switching unit switching the polarity of the electrode plate. At this time, when the flow path switching valve 21 is operated to switch the flow path, even if the polarity of the electrode plate is switched, the hydrogen water generated by the cathode feeder is sent out from the third flow path 33, and the fourth From the flow path 34, the acidic water produced | generated with the anode electric power feeding body is sent out. In addition, when the polarity switching unit or the flow path switching valve 21 operates alone, the acidic water generated in the first chamber 10A is sent out from the third flow path 33, and the fourth flow path 34 is sent in the second chamber 10B. It is also possible to send out the generated hydrogen water.

  The electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 is repeatedly used in a use state for generating electrolyzed water as described above and a standby state for waiting in a state where generation of electrolyzed water is stopped. In the standby state, power is supplied only to the control unit 6.

  In addition, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 is provided with a display unit 22 that displays an operation mode of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1, an operation unit 23 that is operated by a user, and the like.

  For example, a display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 22a is applied to the display unit 22. The LCD displays the operation mode and the like of the electrolyzed water generating device 1 with images such as character information and graphic information. In the standby state, the display unit 22 is turned off.

  In the operation unit 23, for example, a plurality of operation buttons (not shown) operated by the user are arranged. The operation of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 can be operated or stopped, the operation mode of electrolyzed water generation can be switched, the dissolved hydrogen concentration can be set, and the like, by operation using each operation button. The operation buttons are connected to the control unit 6 that controls the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1. When the operation button is operated by the user in the standby state, a signal is input to the control unit 6 to switch the operation mode of electrolyzed water generation, change the dissolved hydrogen concentration, and the like.

  The operation mode includes, for example, a hydrogen water generation mode in which a user uses hydrogen water, an acid water generation mode in which acid water is used, and a water purification mode in which purified water is used without electrolyzing the purified water.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first power supply unit 5 and the second power supply unit 7 are connected to a commercial power supply via a plug 24 and convert AC power from the commercial power supply into DC power. The first power supply unit 5 and the second power supply unit 7 of the present embodiment are electrically connected in parallel.

  Since the first power supply unit 5 applies a voltage to the first power supply body 12 and the second power supply body 13 in accordance with the set dissolved hydrogen concentration, it is desirable that the output voltage is variably set. For example, in the water purification mode, the output voltage of the first power supply unit 5 is 0V. When a high dissolved hydrogen concentration is required or when a large amount of water is required, the output voltage of the first power supply unit 5 is a high voltage. For example, water with less impurities such as minerals and calcium requires higher voltage for electrolysis than water with more impurities. For example, the amount of impurities contained in tap water or the like varies greatly depending on the region. For this reason, since the optimal voltage can be supplied to the water which changes with areas etc. by having the 1st power supply part 5 whose output voltage is variable, favorable electrolyzed water can be supplied. Thus, for example, the first power supply unit 5 is desirably a high-output type power supply device so that high-concentration hydrogen water can be stably generated. In the present embodiment, for example, a power supply device that supports output of a maximum DC voltage of 55V is used.

  The first power supply unit 5 switches the polarity of the voltage applied to the first power supply body 12 and the second power supply body 13 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 6.

  In the present embodiment, the second power supply unit 7 outputs a DC voltage different from the output voltage of the first power supply unit 5. For example, the second power supply unit 7 only needs to be able to drive the control unit 6, the flow path switching valve 21, and the like. Therefore, a high-efficiency power supply device with a maximum output voltage smaller than the maximum output voltage of the first power supply unit 5 is desirable. From such a viewpoint, for example, a power supply device having a maximum output voltage of about 7 to 12 V is used as the second power supply unit 7 of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, since the first power supply unit 5 and the second power supply unit 7 are provided in parallel, for example, even when a large load is applied to the first power supply unit 5, power is supplied by the second power supply unit 7. The supplied control unit 6 operates stably and can appropriately control each unit.

  In the present embodiment, the output voltage of the second power supply unit 7 is the input voltage of the flow path switching valve 21. For this reason, the flow-path switching valve 21 can be driven, without dropping the voltage of the 2nd power supply part 7, for example with a transformer.

  In the present embodiment, the first power supply unit 5 and the second power supply unit 7 are activated or stopped by the signal from the control unit 6 from the commercial power supply.

  In addition, for example, the control unit 6 controls the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the electrolyzed water generated by the electrolyzing unit 4, and performs a replacement timing of the water purification cartridge 3, an alarm for leakage or disconnection, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, since the drive voltage of the control unit 6 is usually about 5V, a transformer 8 that steps down the output voltage of the second power supply unit 7 is provided between the second power supply unit 7 and the control unit 6. Is provided. As described above, the second power supply unit 7 of the present embodiment includes the first system 7a that supplies a voltage of 5V to the control unit 6 via the transformer 8, and the second system that supplies the voltage of 12V to the flow path switching valve 21. Two systems 7b are formed.

  And the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 of this invention is further provided with the auxiliary power supply part 9. FIG. The auxiliary power supply unit 9 has a charging function for storing electric charges in preparation for a standby state, and is connected to the first system 7a. Thereby, the auxiliary power supply unit 9 is charged by the second power supply unit 7 and discharged when the second power supply unit 7 does not supply power to the control unit 6 (the auxiliary power supply unit 9 supplies power to the control unit 6). The controller 6 can be driven. That is, in the standby state, the power consumption of the first power supply unit 5 can be suppressed to zero. Further, in the standby state, when the charging power of the auxiliary power supply unit 9 is sufficient, the second power supply unit 7 does not supply power to the auxiliary power supply unit 9, so that the power consumption of the second power supply unit 7 can be suppressed to zero in principle. .

  The voltage across the auxiliary power supply unit 9 is set to a voltage required by the control unit 6 because it is sufficient to drive the control unit 6 in a standby state. In the present embodiment, for example, a power supply device that supports output of a DC voltage of 5V is used.

  For example, a known capacitor may be used for the auxiliary power supply unit 9, but in particular, it is desirable to employ a secondary battery having a long life and a short charging time.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for driving the control unit 6 by the auxiliary power supply unit 9 of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1. 3 is a state where electric power from a commercial power source is supplied to the first power source unit 5 and the second power source unit 7 and the electrolyzed water generating device 1 is operated in the hydrogen water generating mode or the acidic water generating mode. It is. At this time, the auxiliary power supply unit 9 is sufficiently charged via the second power supply unit 7.

  First, for example, when the control unit 6 has not received a signal input from the operation unit 23 or a water flow signal input from the flow meter 15 for a predetermined time, the control unit 6 determines that the control unit 6 is in a standby state (S1). The 1 power supply unit 5 and the second power supply unit 7 are stopped (S2). As a result, power supply from the auxiliary power supply unit 9 to the control unit 6 is started (S3), power supply to the first power supply body 12 and the second power supply body 13 is stopped, and generation of electrolyzed water is stopped. It will be in the standby state to wait. Note that the control unit 6 to which power is supplied from the auxiliary power supply unit 9 is in an operation state in which the operation start signal of the electrolyzed water generating device 1 from the operation unit 23 can be received. Any one of the operation buttons is operated, and a signal output from the operation unit 23 to the control unit 6 is treated as an operation start signal.

  When the control unit 6 has not received the operation start signal for electrolyzed water generation from the operation unit 23 (N in S4), the electrolyzed water generating device 1 continues the standby mode. During this time, since the auxiliary power supply unit 9 supplies power to the control unit 6, the voltage of the auxiliary power supply unit 9 gradually decreases. When the control unit 6 monitors the terminal voltage of the auxiliary power supply unit 9 and determines that sufficient power can be supplied from the auxiliary power supply unit 9 to the control unit 6 (Y in S5), electrolyzed water generation from the operation unit 23 The operation start signal is continuously detected. On the other hand, when it is determined that sufficient power cannot be supplied from the auxiliary power supply unit 9 to the control unit 6 (N in S5), the second power supply unit 7 is activated to supply power to the control unit 6 (S6). At this time, power is also supplied from the second power supply unit 7 to the auxiliary power supply unit 9, and the auxiliary power supply unit 9 is charged (S7). When the terminal voltage of the auxiliary power supply unit 9 returns to the starting voltage and the charging is completed, the process returns to S2 to stop the second power supply unit 7.

  Next, the control part 6 will start the 1st power supply part 5 and the 2nd power supply part 7 if the operation start signal of the electrolyzed water production | generation from the operation part 23 is received (in S4 Y) (S8). As a result, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 is activated, and power supply from the second power supply unit 7 to the control unit 6 and the flow path switching valve 21 is started, and power from the first power supply unit 5 to the electrolysis unit 4 is started. Supply is started and it becomes the operation | movement state which can produce | generate electrolyzed water. In S4, the operation signal from the operation unit 23 may be replaced with the flow signal output from the flow meter 15 to shift to S8.

  According to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 of the present embodiment having the above configuration, the auxiliary power supply unit 9 is charged by the second power supply unit 7 that outputs a voltage smaller than the maximum output voltage of the first power supply unit 5. Therefore, power efficiency is improved. In particular, in a standby state in which the generation of electrolyzed water is stopped, it is not necessary to supply power from the first power supply unit 5 only to charge the auxiliary power supply unit 9, so that power efficiency is further improved. In addition, since the auxiliary power supply unit 9 is charged by the second power supply unit 7, the auxiliary power supply unit 9 is not affected by a change in the drive voltage of the electrolysis unit 4 supplied with power by the first power supply unit 5. Thereby, it becomes possible to charge the auxiliary power supply unit 9 efficiently.

  As mentioned above, although the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 of this invention was demonstrated in detail, this invention is changed and implemented in various aspects, without being limited to said specific embodiment. That is, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 includes at least an electrolysis unit 4 that electrolyzes water, a first power supply unit 5 that supplies power to the electrolysis unit 4, and each unit including the electrolysis unit 4 and the first power supply unit 5. A control unit 6 that controls the second power supply unit 7 that supplies power to the control unit 6 with an output voltage smaller than the maximum output voltage of the first power supply unit 5, and the second power supply unit 7 supplies power to the control unit 6. And an auxiliary power supply unit 9 that supplies power to the control unit 6 when the power is not supplied. The auxiliary power supply unit 9 may be configured to be charged by the second power supply unit 7.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrolyzed water production | generation apparatus 2 Apparatus main body 4 Electrolytic part 5 1st power supply part 6 Control part 7 2nd power supply part 9 Auxiliary power supply part 10 Electrolytic chamber 11 Electrolyzer 14 Diaphragm 15 Flowmeter 21 Flow path switching valve 22 Display part 23 Operation part 24 plug

Claims (2)

An electrolyzed water generator comprising: an electrolysis unit that electrolyzes water; a first power supply unit that supplies power to the electrolysis unit; and a control unit that controls each unit including the electrolysis unit and the first power supply unit. There,
A second power supply unit for supplying power to the control unit with an output voltage smaller than a maximum output voltage of the first power supply unit;
An auxiliary power supply unit that supplies power to the control unit when the second power supply unit does not supply power to the control unit;
The electrolyzed water generating apparatus, wherein the auxiliary power unit is charged by the second power unit. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an output voltage of the auxiliary power supply unit is smaller than an output voltage of the second power supply unit.

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