JP6819866B2 - Acid water generator and toilet device - Google Patents

Description

Aspects of the present invention generally relate to acidic water generators and toilet devices.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of electrolyzing tap water in an electrolytic cell and spraying sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid generated thereby on a toilet bowl to suppress the growth of bacteria.
When producing such sterilizing water, a scale containing sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and the like as main components adheres to the cathode side of the electrode in the electrolytic cell. If the amount of scale adhering to the electrode is large, the electrolytic performance may be lowered and the ability to generate sterilizing water may be lowered.

Therefore, in the acidic water generator disclosed in Patent Document 2, the pole change that alternately inverts the polarity of the voltage applied between the electrodes is performed to remove the scale adhering to the cathode side. Further, this acidic water generator has a flow path switching means for switching the flow path of the functional water discharged from the electrolytic cell, and on the downstream side of the flow path switching means, a port leading to the toilet bowl and a drainage pipe are connected. The port is connected. Then, by controlling the flow path switching means so that the acidic water is guided to the toilet bowl and the alkaline water is guided to the drainage pipe when the pole change is performed, the acidic water and the alkaline water are also guided during the pole change. It is configured so that the discharge destination does not change.

Japanese Patent No. 5029930 JP-A-2015-34457

In other words, in the acidic water generator disclosed in Patent Document 2, only alkaline water continues to flow to the port leading to the drainage pipe even when the pole is changed. For this reason, there is still room for improvement in that scale is likely to accumulate at the port leading to the drainage pipe and clogging due to the scale may occur. Therefore, it is conceivable to increase the diameter of the port through which alkaline water flows to suppress clogging due to scale, but there is a problem that increasing the diameter of the port increases the size of the acidic water generator.

The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an acidic water generator and a toilet device capable of suppressing scale accumulation in a flow path through which alkaline water flows.

The first invention comprises an electrolytic tank having a first electrode and a second electrode, and applying a voltage between these electrodes to electrolyze water to generate acidic water and alkaline water, and the electrolytic tank. Selectively selected from the first outlet and the second outlet, the first inlet connected to the first outlet, and the first inlet, respectively, which are provided in the water and discharge the acidic water and the alkaline water, respectively. A first outlet and a second outlet, a second inlet connected to the second outlet, and a third outlet and a fourth outlet selectively communicated with the second inlet. A flow path switching means having an outlet, a first flow path connected to the first outlet, a second flow path connected to the second outlet, and connected to the third outlet. The alkaline water flows through the second flow path by operating the third flow path, the fourth flow path connected to the fourth flow port and merging with the second flow path, and the flow path switching means. Control to switch the normal operation between the first state in which the acidic water flows in the third flow path and the second state in which the alkaline water flows in the fourth flow path and the acidic water flows in the first flow path. A third state in which the control unit operates the flow path switching means, the acidic water flows through the second flow path, and the alkaline water flows through the fourth flow path, and the first state. Switching to the cleaning operation of either the fourth state in which the acidic water flows in the four flow paths and the alkaline water flows in the second flow path is also performed, and the second flow path and the fourth flow path The cross-sectional area of each flow path before merging is an acidic water generator smaller than the cross-sectional area of the flow path after merging.

According to this acidic water generator, the scales deposited in the second and fourth flow paths in the first and second states of the normal operation are dissolved by the acidic water in the third and fourth states of the cleaning operation. Therefore, the accumulation of scale in the second flow path and the fourth flow path can be effectively suppressed. Further, since the cross-sectional area of the flow paths before the merging of the second flow path and the fourth flow path is small, the structure near the electrolytic cell and the flow path switching means can be miniaturized, and the flow before merging these. The cleaning effect of acidic water on the road can be enhanced. Even in the flow path after merging, acidic water and alkaline water merge and flow, so the accumulated scale is removed by flowing a larger flow rate than in normal operation.

In the second invention, in the first invention, the opening area of the first outlet is smaller than the opening area of the second outlet, and the opening area of the third outlet is the opening area of the fourth outlet. It is an acidic water generator smaller than the opening area.

According to this acidic water generator, the flow rate of acidic water can be reduced, the pH of acidic water can be lowered, and the bactericidal effect of acidic water can be enhanced. In addition, the flow rate of alkaline water flowing through the second outlet and the fourth outlet can be increased, and the accumulation of scale in these outlets and the second and fourth channels downstream thereof can be suppressed.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in the first or second invention, in the third state, the flow rate of the acidic water flowing through the second flow path is the flow rate of the alkaline water flowing through the fourth flow path. The flow path switching means is set so that the flow rate of the acidic water flowing through the fourth flow path is smaller than the flow rate of the alkaline water flowing through the second flow path in the fourth state. It is an acidic water generator to operate.

According to this acidic water generator, the pH of the acidic water flowing through the second and fourth flow paths can be lowered, and the scale accumulated in the second and fourth flow paths can be more easily dissolved. .. As a result, the accumulation of scale in the second channel and the fourth channel can be further suppressed.

In the fourth aspect of the invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the control unit further controls the voltage applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, and the control unit controls the first electrode. The voltage applied to the first electrode and the second electrode when switching from any of the states, the second state, the third state, and the fourth state to any other state. It is an acidic water generator that controls the applied voltage and the flow path switching means so that the polarities are reversed.

According to this acidic water generator, since the scale adhesion to the electrode surface on the cathode side is suppressed, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the electrolytic performance of the electrolytic cell due to the electrolysis of water.

A fifth invention is connected to the acidic water generator of any one of the first to fourth inventions, a toilet bowl having a bowl, the first flow path and the third flow path, and is connected to the surface of the bowl. It is a toilet device including the ejection portion for ejecting the acidic water.

According to this toilet device, the growth of bacteria in the bowl can be suppressed by ejecting the acidic water generated by the acidic water generator onto the surface of the bowl. In addition, by suppressing the accumulation of scale in the acidic water generator, the maintenance cycle of the toilet device can be extended, and the toilet device can be used continuously for a longer period of time.

The sixth invention further includes a casing provided on the toilet bowl in the fifth invention, and the electrolytic cell and the flow path switching means are provided inside the casing with the second flow path. The fourth flow path is a toilet device that joins outside the casing.

According to this toilet device, the casing can be miniaturized and the toilet device can be made to look cleaner.

According to the aspect of the present invention, there is provided an acidic water generator and a toilet device capable of suppressing scale accumulation in a flow path through which alkaline water flows.

It is a perspective view of the toilet apparatus which has the acid water generation apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the main part structure of the water channel system provided with the acid water generation apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the main part structure of the acid water generator which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows a part of the acid water generator which concerns on embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows a part of the acid water generator which concerns on embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows a part of the acid water generator which concerns on embodiment. It is a top view which shows the 1st flow path switching valve of the acid water generation apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a top view which shows the opening pattern of the 1st flow path switching valve of the acid water generation apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the switching operation of the flow path in the acid water generation apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the switching operation of the flow path in the acid water generation apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the toilet apparatus which has the acidic water generation apparatus which concerns on embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, similar components are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Further, each "direction" described in the drawing is viewed from the user sitting on the toilet seat 20 described below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet device having an acidic water generator according to the embodiment.
The toilet device shown in FIG. 1 includes a Western-style seated toilet (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “toilet” for convenience of explanation) 80, and a sanitary cleaning device 10 provided on the toilet device. The sanitary cleaning device 10 has a casing 40, a toilet seat 20, and a toilet lid 30. The toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid 30 are pivotally supported with respect to the casing 40 so as to be openable and closable.

Inside the casing 40, a body cleaning function unit that realizes cleaning of the "buttocks" of the user sitting on the toilet seat 20 is built. Further, inside the casing 40, a human body detection sensor for detecting the approach and detachment of the user to the toilet device, a seating detection sensor for detecting that the user is sitting on the toilet seat 20, and the like are appropriately provided.

The user can advance the cleaning nozzle 45 into the bowl 81 of the toilet bowl 80 or retract the cleaning nozzle 45 into the casing 40 by operating, for example, a remote controller (not shown). In the sanitary cleaning device 10 shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning nozzle 45 represents a state in which the cleaning nozzle 45 has advanced into the bowl 81.

A plurality of spouts (spouting holes) 451 are provided at the tip of the cleaning nozzle 45. The cleaning nozzle 45 can inject water from a spout 451 provided at the tip thereof to clean the "buttocks" of the user sitting on the toilet seat 20.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a water channel system provided with an acidic water generator according to an embodiment.

The sanitary cleaning device 10 has a flow path (piping) 40a that guides water supplied from a water supply source such as a water supply or a water storage tank to a spout 451 of a cleaning nozzle 45. A valve 42 such as a solenoid valve is provided on the upstream side of the flow path 40a. The valve 42 controls the supply of water based on a command from the control unit 41 provided inside the casing 40.

A vacuum breaker (VB) 43 is provided on the downstream side of the valve 42. The vacuum breaker 43 prevents backflow of water or sterilizing water. Alternatively, the vacuum breaker 43 promotes drainage of water in the flow path 40a by taking in air. A sub tank, a pump for changing the flow velocity of water, a heat exchanger for heating water, and the like may be appropriately provided between the valve 42 and the vacuum breaker 43.

A flow rate adjusting valve 44 is provided downstream of the vacuum breaker 43 (on the open side to the atmosphere). A cleaning nozzle 45, a nozzle cleaning chamber 47, and an acidic water generator 50 are provided downstream of the flow rate adjusting valve 44. The flow rate adjusting valve 44 branches the flow path 40a into a flow path 40b for guiding water to the spray nozzle 46, a flow path 40c for guiding water to the cleaning nozzle 45, and a flow path 40d for guiding water to the nozzle cleaning chamber 47. Has been done. The flow rate adjusting valve 44 opens and closes and switches the water supply to these flow paths.

The cleaning nozzle 45 receives a driving force from a nozzle motor (not shown) and can advance from the inside of the casing 40 toward the inside of the bowl 81 of the toilet bowl 80 or retract into the inside of the casing 40. The nozzle cleaning chamber 47 is fixed inside the casing 40 and can clean the cleaning nozzle 45 in the standby state retracted inside the casing 40. Alternatively, the nozzle cleaning chamber 47 can clean the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning nozzle 45 during the advancing / retreating operation. Specifically, the nozzle cleaning chamber 47 can sterilize or clean the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning nozzle 45 by injecting sterilizing water or water from a water discharge portion (not shown) provided inside the nozzle cleaning chamber 47.

The acidic water generator 50 according to the present embodiment is provided in the flow path 40b. The acidic water generator 50 generates, for example, acidic water containing metal ions. Hereinafter, a case where the acidic water generator 50 generates acidic water containing aluminum ions (aluminum ion acidic water) will be described as an example. In the present embodiment, the case where the metal is aluminum is taken as an example, but the same effect can be exhibited by using iron, copper, aluminum, or the like as the metal. Alternatively, the acidic water produced by the acidic water generator 50 may not contain metal ions.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the acidic water generator according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the acidic water generator 50 includes an electrolytic cell 51, a flow path switching means 52, and an aluminum tank 53.

Inside the electrolytic cell 51, a first electrode 511 and a second electrode 512 are provided so as to face each other. The control unit 41 applies a voltage between the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 512 to electrolyze the tap water flowing inside the electrolytic cell 51. Here, tap water contains chloride ions such as salt (NaCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl ₂ ). Therefore, by electrolyzing tap water, chlorine is generated from chloride ions on the anode side of the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 512. Then, the generated chlorine dissolves in water, and acidic water containing hypochlorous acid is generated. At this time, alkaline water is generated at the electrode on the cathode side, and scale is generated from ions such as calcium contained in tap water and adheres to the surface of the electrode.

The electrolytic cell 51 is provided with a first discharge port 51a and a second discharge port 51b for discharging acidic water and alkaline water, respectively. The first discharge port 51a is provided on the first electrode 511 side, and the electrolyzed water generated on the first electrode 511 side is discharged. The second discharge port 51b is provided on the second electrode 512 side, and the electrolyzed water generated on the second electrode 512 side is discharged.

The flow path switching means 52 is provided downstream of the electrolytic cell 51. The flow path switching means 52 has a first flow path switching valve 60 and a second flow path switching valve 70. The first flow path switching valve 60 has a first inflow port 621 connected to the first discharge port 51a, an acidic water outlet 632 and an alkaline water outlet 633 that are selectively communicated with the first inflow port 621. .. The second flow path switching valve 70 has a second inflow port 721 connected to the second discharge port 51b, an acidic water outlet 732 and an alkaline water outlet 733 that are selectively communicated with the second inflow port 721. ..

The control unit 41 operates the first flow path switching valve 60 of the flow path switching means 52 to allow the first inflow port 621 and the acidic water outflow port 632 to communicate with each other, and the first inflow port 621 and the alkaline water outflow port 633. To switch between the state in which and are communicated with each other. Further, the control unit 41 operates the second flow path switching valve 70 of the flow path switching means 52 to allow the second inflow port 721 and the acidic water outflow port 732 to communicate with each other, and the second inflow port 721 and the alkaline water flow. The state of communicating with the exit 733 is switched.

The first flow path 52a and the second flow path 52b are connected to the acidic water outlet 632 and the alkaline water outlet 633 of the first flow path switching valve 60, respectively. A third flow path 52c and a fourth flow path 52d are connected to the acidic water outlet 732 and the alkaline water outlet 733 of the second flow path switching valve 70, respectively. The first flow path 52a and the third flow path 52c are connected to the aluminum tank 53. The second flow path 52b and the fourth flow path 52d merge in the middle and are connected to a discharge destination different from the spray nozzle 46 such as the drain pipe or the Zet hole of the toilet bowl 80.

During normal operation of the acidic water generator 50, in the control unit 41, acidic water flows through the first flow path 52a or the third flow path 52c, and alkaline water flows through the second flow path 52b or the fourth flow path 52d. As described above, the flow path switching means 52 is controlled.

Aluminum is provided in the aluminum tank 53, and this aluminum is immersed in the acidic water led to the aluminum tank 53. Aluminum immersed in acidic water dissolves (slowly dissolves) over a predetermined time. As a result, the acidic water in the aluminum tank 53 becomes acidic water containing aluminum ions (Al ³⁺ ) (aluminum ion acidic water).

The acidic water containing aluminum ions is guided to the spray nozzle 46 (spouting portion) as shown in FIG. The spray nozzle 46 is provided, for example, in the casing 40. The spray nozzle 46 may be provided inside the casing 40 or may be attached to the outside of the casing 40. The spray nozzle 46 ejects (sprays) the aluminum ion acidic water supplied from the aluminum tank 53 toward the surface of the bowl 81 in the form of mist.

The alkaline water flows through the second flow path 52b or the fourth flow path 52d, and is discharged to a place other than the bowl 81, such as a drain pipe or a zet hole. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the alkaline water from reducing the bactericidal action of the acidic water sprayed on the surface of the bowl 81.

Next, a specific structure of the acidic water generator according to the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the acidic water generator according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the flow path switching means 52 (first flow path switching valve 60 and second flow path switching valve 70) is provided in the housing 55. Further, the elbow 56 and the elbow 57 are connected to the housing 55. The alkaline water that has flowed through the first flow path switching valve 60 and the second flow path switching valve 70 flows through the flow paths formed in the housing 55 and flows to the elbows 56 and 57, respectively. A Y-shaped joint 58 is connected downstream of the elbows 56 and 57, and the alkaline water flowing through the elbows 56 and 57 joins at the Y-shaped joint 58. That is, the elbow 56 and the Y-shaped joint 58 form a part of the second flow path 52b, and the elbow 57 and the Y-shaped joint 58 form a part of the fourth flow path 52d.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the acidic water generator according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the housing 55, the elbow 56, the elbow 57, the first flow path switching valve 60, and the second flow path switching valve 70 when viewed from the direction of the arrow A1 shown in FIG. ing.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first flow path switching valve 60 has a rotating shaft 61, a rotor 62, a stator 63, and packing 64. Similarly, the second flow path switching valve 70 has a rotating shaft 71, a rotor 72, a stator 73, and packing 74. The first flow path switching valve 60 and the second flow path switching valve 70 are disc type switching valves.

The specific structure and operation of the second flow path switching valve 70 are the same as those of the first flow path switching valve 60. Therefore, in the following, only the first flow path switching valve 60 will be taken as an example, and its structure and operation will be specifically described.

The rotating shaft 61 is connected to a driving unit such as a motor, and rotates by receiving a driving force transmitted from the driving unit. The rotor 62 is connected to the rotating shaft 61 and rotates together with the rotating shaft 61. The stator 63 is provided so as to overlap the rotor 62 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 61, and is located on the downstream side of the rotor 62. The stator 63 is fixed in the housing 55, and the rotor 62 rotates about the rotation shaft 61 with respect to the stator 63.

The packing 64 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, and is provided on the surface opposite to the rotor 62. As shown in FIG. 5, the packing 64 is provided between the inner wall surface of the housing 55 and the stator 63, and is in contact with the inner wall surface of the housing 55.

The alkaline water flowing through the first flow path switching valve 60 and the second flow path switching valve 70 is guided to the alkaline water inlets 551 and 552 of the housing 55, respectively. The packings 64 and 74 are provided along the open end of the alkaline water inlet 551 and the open end of the alkaline water inlet 552 of the housing 55, respectively.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the acidic water generator according to the embodiment.
Specifically, FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional view of the elbow 56 when viewed from the direction of arrow A3 shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6B shows the direction of arrow A5 shown in FIG. It shows the cross-sectional view of the Y-shaped joint 58 when viewed from. Since the elbow 57 has the same structure as the elbow 56, the structure will be described here by taking only the elbow 56 as an example.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the elbow 56 has a flange 561. By fixing the flange 561 to the housing 55, the alkaline water inlet 551 of the housing 55 and the elbow 56 communicate with each other. When the elbow 56 is attached, the housing 55 and the elbow 56 are configured such that the flow path diameter r1 in the housing 55 and the elbow 56 becomes substantially constant downstream of the alkaline water inflow port 551.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the flow path diameter r1 is formed to be smaller than the flow path diameter r2 after merging in the Y-shaped joint 58. That is, the cross-sectional area of each of the second flow path 52b and the fourth flow path 52d before merging is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the flow path after merging.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a first flow path switching valve of the acidic water generator according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7A shows the stator 63 when viewed from the direction of arrow A7 shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 7B shows the stator 63 when viewed from the direction of arrow A9 shown in FIG. Represents the stator 63. 7 (c) and 7 (d) represent the rotor 62 and the packing 64, respectively, when viewed from the direction of the arrow A7 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), the stator 63 has an air opening 631 and the above-mentioned acidic water outlet 632 and alkaline water outlet 633.

The air opening port 631 communicates with an air opening flow path (not shown) provided in the housing 55, and communicates with the atmosphere. The acidic water outlet 632 communicates with the first flow path 52a and communicates with the aluminum tank 53. The alkaline water outlet 633 communicates with the alkaline water inlet 551 provided in the housing 55, and communicates with the second flow path 52b. Regarding the acidic water outlet 632 and the alkaline water outlet 633, the opening area of the acidic water outlet 632 is formed to be smaller than the opening area of the alkaline water outlet 633 so that the acidic water flows at a flow rate smaller than that of the alkaline water.

As shown in FIG. 7A, an acidic water groove portion 634 and an alkaline water groove portion 635 are provided on the surface of the stator 63. The acidic water groove portion 634 is connected to the acidic water outlet 632, and the alkaline water groove portion 635 is connected to the alkaline water outlet 633. The longer the distance from the alkaline water outlet 633, the shallower the depth of the alkaline water groove 635, and the smaller the cross-sectional area of the flow path.

As shown in FIG. 7 (c), the rotor 62 has a first inlet 621 that selectively communicates with the acidic outlet 632 and the alkaline outlet 633. The first inflow port 621 communicates with the flow path upstream of the flow path switching means 52 and is connected to the first discharge port 51a of the electrolytic cell 51.

As shown in FIG. 7D, the packing 64 has a first partition portion 641, a second partition portion 642, and a third partition portion 643. The first partition portion 641 suppresses the entry of alkaline water that has passed through the alkaline water outlet 633 into the open air flow path. The second partition portion 642 prevents the alkaline water that has passed through the alkaline water outlet 633 from entering the first flow path 52a through which the acidic water flows.

The third partition portion 643 is provided between the first partition portion 641 and the second partition portion 642 so as to be along the opening end of the alkaline water inflow port 551 of the housing 55. The third partition portion 643 suppresses the alkaline water passing through the alkaline water outlet 633 from spreading in the space between the housing 55 and the stator 63.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the opening pattern of the first flow path switching valve of the acidic water generator according to the embodiment. FIG. 8A shows an opening pattern when alkaline water flows, and FIG. 8B shows an opening pattern when acidic water flows. FIG. 8C shows an opening pattern when the second flow path 52b and the fourth flow path 52d are washed with acidic water. The first flow path switching valve 60 switches these opening patterns based on a command from the control unit 41.

As shown in FIG. 8A, when alkaline water flows through the first flow path switching valve 60, the first inflow port 621 is arranged at a position communicating with the alkaline water groove portion 635. As a result, the alkaline water flows through the second flow path 52b through the first inflow port 621, the alkaline water groove portion 635, and the alkaline water outflow port 633.

As shown in FIG. 8B, when acidic water flows through the first flow path switching valve 60, the first inflow port 621 is arranged at a position communicating with the acidic water groove portion 634. As a result, the acidic water flows through the first flow path 52a through the first inflow port 621, the acidic water groove portion 634, and the acidic water outlet 632, and is guided to the aluminum tank 53.

In the acidic water generator 50 according to the embodiment, an operation of flowing acidic water through the second flow path 52b through which alkaline water flows during normal operation and cleaning the second flow path 52b is further performed. By flowing acidic water through the second flow path 52b, the scale deposited in the second flow path 52b can be melted and the scale accumulation in the second flow path 52b can be suppressed.

When cleaning the second flow path 52b with acidic water, the first inflow port 621 is arranged at a position communicating with the alkaline water groove portion 635, as shown in FIG. 8C. As a result, the acidic water flows through the second flow path 52b through the first inflow port 621, the alkaline water groove portion 635, and the alkaline water outflow port 633. At this time, the first inflow port 621 is arranged at a position farther from the alkaline water outlet 633 than the state shown in FIG. 8A. As described above, the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the alkaline water groove portion 635 becomes smaller as the distance from the alkaline water outlet 633 increases. Therefore, by arranging the first inflow port 621 at a position away from the alkaline water outlet 633, the flow rate of the acidic water flowing to the alkaline water outlet 633 can be reduced.

Next, the operation of the acidic water generator 50 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.
9 and 10 are schematic views showing a flow path switching operation in the acidic water generator 50 according to the embodiment. In FIGS. 9 and 10, "○ (white circle)" represented at each outlet of the first flow path switching valve 60 and the second flow path switching valve 70 indicates that the outlet is open, and " ● (black circle) ”indicates that the outlet is closed.

As described above, in the acidic water generator 50 according to the embodiment, a normal operation of guiding the acidic water to the aluminum tank 53 and a cleaning operation of guiding the acidic water to the flow path through which the alkaline water flows in the normal operation are performed. .. The control unit 41 controls the voltage applied to the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 512 of the electrolytic cell 51 and the flow path switching means 52, and the acidic water is guided to the aluminum tank 53 and the alkaline water is discharged. By switching between the state in which acidic water is guided to the flowing flow path and the state in which acidic water is guided, these normal operations and cleaning operations are switched.

As a specific example, the control unit 41 reverses the polarities of the voltages applied to the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 512 of the electrolytic cell 51, and FIGS. 9A to 9C and 10C. The states shown in (a) to 10 (c) are switched in this order.

In the state shown in FIG. 9A, alkaline water is flowing through the first flow path switching valve 60, and acidic water is flowing through the second flow path switching valve 70. Then, the alkaline water flows through the second flow path 52b and the acidic water flows through the third flow path 52c by the flow path switching means 52.

In the state shown in FIG. 9B, acidic water is flowing through the first flow path switching valve 60, and alkaline water is flowing through the second flow path switching valve 70. Then, by the flow path switching means 52, the acidic water flows through the first flow path 52a, and the alkaline water flows through the fourth flow path 52d.

In the state shown in FIG. 9C, alkaline water is flowing through the first flow path switching valve 60, and acidic water is flowing through the second flow path switching valve 70. Then, the alkaline water flows through the second flow path 52b and the acidic water flows through the fourth flow path 52d by the flow path switching means 52. That is, in the state shown in FIG. 9C, acidic water flows through the fourth flow path 52d through which alkaline water flows in normal operation. By doing so, the scale deposited in the fourth flow path 52d can be dissolved by acidic water.

The states shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b) are the same as the states shown in FIGS. 9 (b) and 9 (a), respectively.

In the state shown in FIG. 10C, acidic water is flowing through the first flow path switching valve 60, and alkaline water is flowing through the second flow path switching valve 70. Then, by the flow path switching means 52, the acidic water flows through the second flow path 52b, and the alkaline water flows through the fourth flow path 52d. That is, in the state shown in FIG. 10C, acidic water flows through the second flow path 52b through which alkaline water flows in normal operation. By doing so, the scale deposited in the second flow path 52b can be dissolved by acidic water.

When switching from any of the states shown in FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (c) and 10 (a) to 10 (c) to any other state, between these states, Switching to another state in which the electrolytic cell 51 is not operated may be performed. For example, a state may be set in which tap water is allowed to flow through each flow path without operating the electrolytic cell 51, and each flow path is washed with tap water.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a toilet device having an acidic water generating device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, the electrolytic cell 51, the flow path switching means 52, and the aluminum tank 53 of the acidic water generator 50 are provided inside the casing 40. On the other hand, the Y-shaped joint 58 shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 is provided outside the casing 40. That is, the second flow path 52b and the fourth flow path 52d connected to the flow path switching means 52 merge outside the casing 40. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the merged second flow path 52b and fourth flow path 52d are connected to the Zet hole 82, and alkaline water is discharged into the Zet hole 82.

Here, the operation and effect of the acidic water generator 50 according to the embodiment will be described.
In the acidic water generator 50 according to the embodiment, the control unit 41 operates the flow path switching means 52 so that the electrolyzed water having a predetermined polarity flows in each flow path, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. .. Specifically, the control unit 41 operates the flow path switching means 52, and shows the states (first state) shown in FIGS. 9 (a) and 10 (b), and FIGS. 9 (b) and 10 (b). The state shown in a) (second state), the state shown in FIG. 10 (c) (third state), and the state shown in FIG. 9 (c) (fourth state) are switched.

That is, the control unit 41 operates the flow path switching means 52, and the first state in which alkaline water flows in the second flow path 52b and acidic water flows in the third flow path 52c, and the alkaline water in the fourth flow path 52d. Switch to the second state in which acidic water flows in the first flow path 52a. Further, the control unit 41 operates the flow path switching means 52, and from the normal operation, the third state in which acidic water flows in the second flow path 52b and alkaline water flows in the fourth flow path 52d, and the fourth flow path. It also switches to the cleaning operation of either the fourth state in which acidic water flows in 52d and alkaline water flows in the second flow path 52b.

By doing so, the scales deposited on the second flow path 52b and the fourth flow path 52d in the first and second states are dissolved by acidic water in the third and fourth states, and the second flow path 52b and The fourth flow path 52d can be washed. Therefore, the accumulation of scale in the second flow path 52b and the fourth flow path 52d can be effectively suppressed.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the second flow path 52b and the fourth flow path 52d merge in the middle, and the flow path cross-sectional area before the merge of each flow path is the flow after the merge. It is smaller than the road cross-sectional area. As described above, with respect to the second flow path 52b and the fourth flow path 52d, the flow path cross-sectional area of the flow path before merging located further upstream is small, so that the structure is in the vicinity of the electrolytic cell 51 and the flow path switching means 52. Can be miniaturized, and the cleaning effect of acidic water in the flow path before merging can be enhanced. In addition, since acidic water and alkaline water merge and flow in the flow path after merging, the accumulated scale is removed by flowing a larger flow rate than in normal operation.

In the flow path switching means 52, the acidic water outlet 632 (first outlet) and the alkaline water outlet 633 (second outlet) are selectively communicated with the first inlet 621, and the acidic water outlet 732 (third outlet). ) And the alkaline water outlet 733 (fourth outlet) are selectively communicated with the second inlet 721, so that acidic water or alkaline water flows to each outlet. At that time, since the opening areas of the acidic water outlets 632 and 732 are smaller than the opening areas of the alkaline water outlets 633 and 733, the flow rate of acidic water can be made smaller than the flow rate of alkaline water.

By reducing the flow rate of acidic water, the pH of acidic water can be lowered and the bactericidal effect of acidic water can be enhanced. Further, by increasing the flow rate of the alkaline water flowing through the alkaline water outlets 633 and 733, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of scale in these outlets and the second flow path 52b and the fourth flow path 52d downstream thereof.

Further, in the control unit 41, in the third state, the flow rate of acidic water flowing through the second flow path 52b is smaller than the flow rate of alkaline water flowing through the fourth flow path 52d, and in the fourth state, the flow rate of the fourth flow path 52d The flow path switching means 52 is operated so that the flow rate of the acidic water flowing through the second flow path 52b is smaller than the flow rate of the alkaline water flowing through the second flow path 52b.

By doing so, the pH of the acidic water flowing through the second flow path 52b and the fourth flow path 52d is lowered, and the scale deposited on the second flow path 52b and the fourth flow path 52d is more easily dissolved. As a result, the accumulation of scale in the second flow path 52b and the fourth flow path 52d can be further suppressed.

Further, when the control unit 41 switches from any of the first state, the second state, the third state, and the fourth state to any other state, the first electrode 511 and the second electrode 512 The voltage applied to these electrodes and the flow path switching means 52 are controlled so that the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrodes is reversed.

By doing so, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of scale to the electrode surface on the cathode side, and to prevent the electrolytic performance of the electrolytic cell from deteriorating due to the electrolysis of water.

Further, by providing the acidic water generator 50 according to the above-described embodiment in the toilet device, the acidic water generated by the acidic water generator 50 is ejected onto the surface of the bowl 81 of the toilet bowl 80, and the bacteria propagate in the bowl 81. Can be suppressed. In addition, since scale accumulation is unlikely to occur in the acidic water generator 50, the maintenance cycle of the toilet device can be extended, and the toilet device can be used continuously for a longer period of time.

When the acidic water generation device 50 is provided in the toilet device, it is desirable that the second flow path 52b and the fourth flow path 52d meet outside the casing 40, as shown in FIG. This is because by merging the second flow path 52b and the fourth flow path 52d outside the casing 40, the casing 40 can be made smaller than when they are merged inside the casing 40. By reducing the size of the casing 40, the toilet device can be made to look cleaner.

Although the case where the acidic water generator 50 according to the embodiment is applied to the toilet device has been described here, the acidic water generator 50 can be applied to other water-related devices other than the toilet device. It is possible. By doing so, the replacement cycle of the acidic water generator in the water supply device can be lengthened, and the water supply device can be used continuously for a longer period of time. Examples of such a water supply device include a urinal, a bathroom, a kitchen, a washroom, and the like. By spraying the acidic water generated by the acidic water generator on the bowl surface of the urinal, the washroom floor of the bathroom, the sink of the kitchen, and the bowl surface of the washroom, the growth of bacteria in these places is suppressed. Can be done.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. With respect to the above-described embodiment, those skilled in the art with appropriate design changes are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, installation form, and the like of each element of the acidic water generating device 50 and the toilet device provided with the acid water generating device 50 are not limited to those exemplified, and can be appropriately changed.
In addition, the elements included in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as much as technically possible, and the combination thereof is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the features of the present invention are included.

10 Sanitary cleaning equipment, 20 toilet seat, 30 toilet lid, 40 casing, 40a-40d flow path, 41 control unit, 42 valve, 43 vacuum breaker, 44 flow control valve, 45 cleaning nozzle, 46 spray nozzle, 47 nozzle cleaning chamber, 50 Acid water generator, 51 Electrolyte tank, 51a 1st discharge port, 51b 2nd discharge port, 52 Flow path switching means, 52a 1st flow path, 52b 2nd flow path, 52c 3rd flow path, 52d 4th flow Road, 53 Aluminum tank, 55 Housing, 56, 57 Elbow, 58 Y-shaped joint, 60 1st flow path switching valve, 61 rotation shaft, 62 rotor, 63 stator, 64 packing, 70 2nd flow path switching valve, 71 rotations Shaft, 72 rotor, 73 stator, 74 packing, 80 toilet bowl, 81 bowl, 82 zet hole, 451 spout, 511 first electrode, 512 second electrode, 551, 552 alkaline water inlet, 561 flange, 621 first inlet , 631 Air opening, 632 Acid water outlet (1st outlet), 633 Alkaline water outlet (2nd outlet), 634 Acid water groove, 635 Alkaline water groove, 641 1st partition, 642 2nd partition, 643 3rd partition, 721 2nd inlet, 732 acidic water outlet (3rd outlet), 733 alkaline water outlet (4th outlet)

Claims (6)

An electrolytic cell having a first electrode and a second electrode, and applying a voltage between these electrodes to electrolyze water to generate acidic water and alkaline water.
A first discharge port and a second discharge port provided in the electrolytic cell and from which the acidic water and the alkaline water are discharged, respectively,
A first inlet connected to the first outlet, a first and second outlets selectively communicating with the first inlet, and a second stream connected to the second outlet. A flow path switching means having an inlet and a third outlet and a fourth outlet that selectively communicate with the second inlet.
The first flow path connected to the first outlet and
A second flow path connected to the second outlet,
A third flow path connected to the third outlet,
A fourth flow path connected to the fourth outlet and merging with the second flow path,
Operate the flow path switching means to
The first state in which the alkaline water flows through the second flow path and the acidic water flows through the third flow path.
A second state in which the alkaline water flows through the fourth flow path and the acidic water flows through the first flow path.
Control unit that switches the normal operation of
With
The control unit operates the flow path switching means to operate the flow path switching means.
A third state in which the acidic water flows through the second flow path and the alkaline water flows through the fourth flow path.
A fourth state in which the acidic water flows through the fourth flow path and the alkaline water flows through the second flow path.
Also switch to one of the cleaning operations,
An acidic water generator whose cross-sectional area of each of the second flow path and the fourth flow path before merging is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the flow path after merging. The opening area of the first outlet is smaller than the opening area of the second outlet.
The acidic water generator according to claim 1, wherein the opening area of the third outlet is smaller than the opening area of the fourth outlet. The control unit
In the third state, the flow rate of the acidic water flowing through the second flow path is smaller than the flow rate of the alkaline water flowing through the fourth flow path.
In the fourth state, the flow rate of the acidic water flowing through the fourth flow path is smaller than the flow rate of the alkaline water flowing through the second flow path.
The acidic water generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flow path switching means is operated so as to be. The control unit further controls the voltage applied to the first electrode and the second electrode.
When the control unit switches from any of the first state, the second state, the third state, and the fourth state to any other state, the first electrode and the first state. 2. The acidic water generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which controls the applied voltage and the flow path switching means so that the polarity of the voltage applied to the two electrodes is reversed. The acidic water generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
Toilet bowl with bowl and
An ejection portion connected to the first flow path and the third flow path and ejecting the acidic water onto the surface of the bowl.
Toilet device equipped with. Further provided with a casing provided on the toilet bowl
The electrolytic cell and the flow path switching means are provided inside the casing.
The toilet device according to claim 5, wherein the second flow path and the fourth flow path meet outside the casing.

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