HK1145313A1 - Electrolyzed water generation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrolyzed water generation apparatus that can achieve miniaturization of an electrolytic tank is provided. An electrolyzed water generation apparatus 1 includes a water storage portion 4, a main body 3 having an electrolytic tank 2 that generates electrolytic water from water, a circulation flow path 14 passing through the water storage portion 4 and the electrolytic tank 2, and a circulation device 15 that lets the water in the circulation flow path 14 flow. The water circulates between the water storage portion 4 and the electrolytic tank 2, at the same time when the electrolytic water is generated, and the generated water is stored in the water storage portion 4.

Description

Electrolyzed water generation device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electrolytic water generating apparatus.

Background

Conventionally, there is known an electrolyzed water forming apparatus including: a water storage part for storing water; an electrolytic tank for generating electrolytic water from the water supplied from the water storage unit; and a discharge port for discharging the electrolyzed water produced by the electrolytic cell to the outside (for example, patent document 1).

Patent document 1: JP 2004-216349

However, in this electrolytic water producing apparatus, since water can be passed through the electrolytic bath only once, there are problems as follows: in order to reliably obtain electrolyzed water having a predetermined pH, the capacity of the electrolytic cell must be increased, and therefore, the size of the electrolytic cell must be increased.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyzed water forming apparatus capable of realizing miniaturization of an electrolytic cell.

An electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention includes: a water storage part for storing water; a main body part having an electrolytic cell for generating electrolytic water from water; a circulation flow path passing through the water storage part and the electrolytic cell; a circulation device for circulating water in the circulation flow path; and a control unit that controls the electrolytic cell and the circulation device to perform an electrolytic water generation process including: electrolyzed water is generated while circulating water between a water storage part and an electrolytic cell, and the generated electrolyzed water is stored in the water storage part.

In the electrolytic water generator according to claim 1, a 2 nd aspect of the present invention is the electrolytic water generator according to the 1 st aspect, wherein the water storage unit is detachably connected to the main body.

The invention according to claim 3 is the electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the water storage unit has a supply port for supplying water to the circulation flow path in the main body and a return port for returning water from the circulation flow path in the main body, and water stop valves are provided in the supply port and the return port, the water stop valves open the supply port and the return port in a state where the water storage unit is connected to the main body, and close the supply port and the return port in a state where the water storage unit is detached from the main body.

The invention according to claim 4 is the electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a sealing member for sealing a gap between the main body and the water reservoir, wherein the sealing member always seals the gap between the main body and the water reservoir when the water stop valve is in an open state while the water reservoir is being attached to and detached from the main body.

The 5 th aspect of the present invention is the electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to any one of the 1 st to 4 th aspects, wherein the electrolytic cell forms electrolyzed water by applying a voltage thereto, and the controller performs the following processing when a predetermined time has elapsed: stopping the flow-through device and stopping the application of voltage to the electrolytic cell.

The invention according to claim 6 is the electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to any one of the aspects 1 to 5, comprising a drain portion detachably connected to the main body portion and storing wastewater discharged from the main body portion.

The 7 th aspect of the present invention is the electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to the 2 nd aspect, wherein the apparatus includes a 1 st detection unit that detects a connection state of the water storage unit to the main body unit, and the control unit does not perform the electrolyzed water forming process when the 1 st detection unit detects that the water storage unit is not connected to the main body unit.

An 8 th aspect of the present invention is the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the 6 th aspect, wherein the apparatus includes a 2 nd detection unit that detects a connection state of the drain unit to the main body unit, and the control unit does not perform the electrolyzed water generating process when the 2 nd detection unit detects that the drain unit is not connected to the main body unit.

A 9 th aspect of the present invention is the electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to the 1 st aspect, comprising a drain portion that stores the wastewater discharged from the main body portion, and a 3 rd detection portion that detects a water amount in the drain portion, wherein the control portion does not perform the electrolyzed water forming process when the 3 rd detection portion detects that the water amount in the drain portion has reached a predetermined water amount.

A 10 th aspect of the present invention is the electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to the 3 rd aspect, comprising a tray that is detachably attached to the water storage unit in a state detached from the main body and that closes the supply port and the return port.

An 11 th aspect of the present invention is the electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to the 1 st aspect, comprising a drainage flow path that communicates with the circulation flow path to drain water in the circulation flow path, and a flow path switcher that opens and closes the circulation flow path, wherein the flow path switcher interrupts communication between the circulation flow path on an upstream side of the flow path switcher and the drainage flow path when the circulation flow path is opened, and the flow path switcher communicates between the circulation flow path on the upstream side of the flow path switcher and the drainage flow path when the circulation flow path is closed.

The 12 th aspect of the present invention is the electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to the 2 nd aspect, comprising: a water supply port provided in an upstream portion of the circulation flow path in the main body portion and receiving water from the water storage portion; a water jet provided in a downstream portion of the circulation flow path in the main body portion and configured to return water to the water storage portion; and the filter is arranged at the water supply port and the water spraying port and is used for filtering water.

The 13 th aspect of the present invention is the electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to the 2 nd aspect, comprising: a water supply port provided in an upstream portion of the circulation flow path in the main body portion and receiving water from the water storage portion; a water jet provided in a downstream portion of the circulation flow path in the main body portion and configured to return water to the water storage portion; and a cover that covers the water feed opening and the water discharge opening in a state where the water storage unit is detached from the main body unit.

The 14 th aspect of the present invention provides the electrolytic water generator according to any one of the 1 st to 13, wherein a water purification cartridge for filtering water is provided.

The invention has the following effects:

according to the present invention, since the electrolyzed water is generated while circulating water between the water storage part and the electrolytic cell and the generated electrolyzed water is stored in the water storage part, the water in the water storage part can be passed through the electrolytic cell a plurality of times, and therefore, the electrolytic cell can be downsized as compared with a structure in which the water can be passed through the electrolytic cell only once.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electrolytic water producing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view showing an electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a lower part of an electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing a connection state of a supply port and a water supply port according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view showing a state where a supply port and a water supply port are separated from each other according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing a stage in a process of connecting a supply port and a water supply port according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation of the flow channel switcher according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view showing a main body in a state where a cover (cover) is opened according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view showing the main body in a state where the lid is closed according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view showing a state where the main body and the drain portion are separated from each other according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a plan view showing a drain unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a housing of a drain unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a detection unit for a drain unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a float (float) of a detection portion for a drain portion according to an embodiment of the present invention is rotated.

Fig. 16 is a sectional view showing a water reservoir and a tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a sectional view showing a state where a tray is attached to a water storage unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing an electric system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the control unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numerals:

1 an electrolytic water generating device; 2, an electrolytic bath; 3a main body part; 4 water storage part

5a water discharge part; 6 a control unit; 10 a supply port; 11 water supply mouth; 12 return port

13 water spraying ports; 14 a circulation flow path; 15 Pump (circulation device)

A 20 water purification cartridge (cartridge); 26O type sealing ring (sealing component)

27a water stop valve; 30, a filter; 31 a partition wall; 45e 5 th pipe part (drainage channel)

45f, 6 th pipe (drainage channel); 46 flow path switcher (flow path switcher)

47 nd flow path switching device (flow path switching device); 50 cover

61 detection part for water storage part (No. 1 detection part)

62a detection unit for a drain unit (2 nd detection unit, 3 rd detection unit); 64 tray

Detailed Description

An embodiment of the present invention is explained with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 to 19 show an embodiment of the present invention. Wherein, fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an electrolyzed water forming apparatus, fig. 2 is an external view showing the electrolyzed water forming apparatus, fig. 3 is a sectional view showing the electrolyzed water forming apparatus, fig. 4 is a sectional view showing a lower part of the electrolyzed water forming apparatus, fig. 5 is a sectional view showing a connection state of a supply port and a water supply port, fig. 6 is a sectional view showing a separation state of the supply port and the water supply port, fig. 7 is a sectional view showing a stage in a connection process of the supply port and the water supply port, fig. 8 is an explanatory view for explaining an operation of a flow path switcher, fig. 9 is a sectional view showing a main body part in a state of opening a cover, fig. 10 is a sectional view showing the main body part in a state of closing the cover, fig. 11 is a sectional view showing a separation state of the main body part and a drain part, fig. 12 is a plan view showing the drain part, fig. 14 is a sectional view showing a detection part for a drain part, fig. 15 is a sectional view showing a state where a float of the detection part for the drain part is rotated, fig. 16 is a sectional view showing a water storage part and a tray, fig. 17 is a sectional view showing a state where the tray is attached to the water storage part, fig. 18 is a block diagram showing an electric system, and fig. 19 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a control part.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, an electrolyzed water forming apparatus 1 comprises: a main body part 3 having an electrolytic cell 2 for generating electrolytic water from water; a water storage part 4 detachably connected to the upper surface of the main body part 3 for storing water; a drain part 5 detachably connected to a lower part of the main body part 3 and storing waste water discharged from the main body part 3; and a control unit 6 for driving and controlling the respective units of the apparatus 1. In a state where the water storage part 4 is connected to the body part 3, a supply port 10 provided in the water storage part 4 communicates with a water supply port 11 provided in the body part 3, and a return port 12 provided in the water storage part 4 communicates with a water discharge port 13 provided in the body part 3, thereby forming a circulation flow path 14 passing through the water storage part 4 and the electrolytic bath 2. The water in the circulation flow path 14 is circulated by a pump 15 as a circulation device provided in the main body 3. The electrolyzed water forming apparatus 1 is configured to circulate water between the water storage part 4 and the electrolytic bath 2 while controlling each part by the control part 6, store the formed electrolyzed water in the water storage part 4, and discharge the waste water generated in the main body part 3 to the drain part 5. Here, the water is, for example, tap water, well water, river water, or the like.

Next, each part of the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 1 will be described in detail.

As shown in fig. 3, the water storage unit 4 has a can-type housing (pottase) 16 formed in a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape. A substantially bottomed tubular partition 17 is housed in the tube of the canister housing 16, and the interior of the tube of the canister housing 16 is partitioned into a raw water chamber 18 of substantially the upper half and a clean water chamber 19 of substantially the lower half by the partition 17. Water is supplied from the outside to the raw water chamber 18, and the water supplied to the raw water chamber 18 passes through the water purification cartridge 20, is supplied to the purified water chamber 19, and flows to the supply port 10. The can-type housing 16 and the partition 17 are formed of a transparent material, and the inside can be seen from their outside with the eye.

A substantially cylindrical recess 17b recessed downward is formed in the bottom wall 17a of the spacer 17. The water purification cartridge 20 is inserted into the recess 17b from above and fitted therein. An opening 17c is formed in the bottom wall of the recess 17 b.

The water purification cartridge 20 has a casing 20a formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the casing 20a has an inlet port at an upper portion thereof and an outlet port at a lower portion thereof. The water purification cartridge 20 contains an adsorbent such as granular or powdery activated carbon and a filter such as a hollow fiber membrane in the casing 20 a. In a state where the water purification cartridge 20 is fitted into the recess 17b, an upper portion of the water purification cartridge 20 is exposed to the raw water chamber 18, and a water guide port formed in the upper portion faces the raw water chamber 18. In this state, the lower end of the water purification cartridge 20 is exposed from the opening 17c to the water purification chamber 19, and the outlet formed at the lower end faces the water purification chamber 19. In this state, the raw water in the raw water chamber 18 is introduced into the water purification cartridge 20 from the water inlet of the water purification cartridge 20, impurities contained in the introduced raw water are adsorbed by the water purification cartridge 20 using an adsorbent, and then the impurities contained in the water are filtered by the filter, so that the water is purified, and the purified water (purified water) is discharged into the water purification chamber 19 from the outlet. Such water circulation is achieved by gravity.

A ceiling wall 22 forming a water feed opening 22a is provided above the raw water chamber 18. The water feed opening 22a is openably blocked by an upper opening type cover 23 rotatably mounted on the top wall 22. In a state where the cover 23 is opened upward, raw water is supplied into the raw water chamber 18 through the water feed port 22 a.

A flow passage 24 extending upward from the clean water chamber 19 is formed between the side wall of the spacer 17 and the tank case 16, and a water filling port 24a is formed at a position as an upper end of the flow passage 24 in the tank case 16 or the top wall 22. In the present embodiment, the clean water stored in the clean water chamber 19 can be discharged from the water filling port 24a through the flow path 24 by tilting the pot type housing 16 separated from the main body 3 so that the water filling port 24a is positioned downward. In the present embodiment, the water filling port 24a is openably closed by an open-top lid 25 rotatably supported on the can-type housing 16 or the top wall 2. In this case, when the can-type housing 16 is tilted, the cap 25 is rotated by its own weight and the dynamic pressure of water, and the water filling port 24a can be opened.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the bottom wall of the clean water chamber 19 of the canister type housing 16 is provided with a supply port 10 that supplies water in the water storage portion 4 (clean water chamber 19) to the circulation flow path 14 in the main body 3 and a return port 12 that returns water from the circulation flow path 14 in the main body 3.

The supply port 10 communicates with a water supply port 11 of the main body 3, and the return port 12 communicates with a water discharge port 13 of the main body 3. The water supply port 11 is provided upstream of the circulation flow path 14 in the main body 3 and receives water from the water storage unit 4. The water jet 13 is provided downstream of the circulation flow path 14 in the main body 3 and returns water to the water storage unit 4. Between the supply port 10 and the supply port 11 and between the return port 12 and the water discharge port 13, O-rings 26 as sealing members seal them, thereby ensuring water tightness. Further, water stop valves 27 are provided in the supply port 10 and the return port 12.

The structure of the supply port 10 and the return port 12 is the same, the structure of the water stop valve 27 provided thereon is the same, and the structure of the water supply port 11 and the water discharge port 13 is the same, and therefore, the supply port 10, the water stop valve 27 provided on the supply port 10, and the water supply port 11 will be described as an example. As shown in fig. 5 to 7, the water stop valve 27 includes: a valve seat portion 27a formed in the supply port 10, a valve body 27b made of, for example, rubber that can be attached to and detached from the valve seat portion 27a, a rod body 27c fixed to the valve body 27b, and an elastic member 27d that attaches the valve body 27b to the valve seat portion 27 a. The rod 27c is supported by a support member 27e provided in the supply port 10 so as to be vertically movable so as to cross the opening of the supply port 10 in the radial direction. The drawing shows a cross section of the support member 27e, and therefore, the drawing is a drawing in which the supply port 10 is closed by the support member 27e, whereas in the supply port 10, a portion other than a portion where the support member 27e is provided is opened. The elastic member 27d is, for example, a coil spring, and the valve body 27b is attached to the valve seat portion 27a by biasing the valve body 27b to the valve seat portion 27a via the rod body 27 c. The water stop valve 27 closes the supply port 10 in a state where the valve body 27b is attached to the valve seat portion 27a (closed state of the water stop valve 27). The water supply port 11 and the water discharge port 13 of the main body 3 are provided with pin members 29, respectively, and the pin members 29 are opening members for opening (opening) the water stop valve 27. When the water storage portion 4 is attached to the main body portion 3, the pin member 29 pushes up the valve body 27b via the rod 27c against the biasing force of the elastic member 27d, and the valve body 27b is separated from the valve seat portion 27a to open the water stop valve 27. In this open state, the supply port 10 communicates with the supply port 11, and the return port 12 communicates with the discharge port 13 with respect to the return port 12. Here, the O-ring 26 is provided at a position to always seal between the supply port 10 and the water supply port 11 and between the return port 12 and the water discharge port 13 when the water stop valve 27 is in an open state during attachment and detachment of the water storage unit 4 to and from the main body 3.

Further, filters 30 are provided at the water supply port 11 and the return port 12. The filter 30 is, for example, a metal mesh.

As shown in fig. 3, a partition wall 31 is provided upright on the upper surface (bottom surface) of the bottom wall of the clean water chamber 19 of the tank-type housing 16. The partition wall 31 surrounds the supply port 10, and prevents water from flowing into the supply port 10 when the amount of water in the water storage part 4 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount of water. The height of the partition wall 31 is located below the water level of the water stored in the clean water chamber 19 of the water reservoir 4 before the electrolytic water generation treatment, which is required for obtaining the electrolytic water of a predetermined pH value by the electrolytic water generation treatment. Preferably, the water level is below the water level indicated by the 1 st water level reference display part 32 described below.

As shown in fig. 2, a 1 st water level reference display part 32 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the pot-type casing 16 as a water level reference display part indicating a reference of the water level of the water stored in the clean water chamber 19 of the water storage part 4. The 1 st water level display unit 32 is a line drawn with ink or the like, for example. Further, a 2 nd water level reference display part 33 is formed at an upper part of the partition wall 31 as a water level reference display part indicating a reference of the water level in the raw water chamber 18. The 2 nd water level reference display part 33 is a stepped part formed on the spacer 17.

As shown in fig. 4, the main body 3 has a casing 41, and the casing 41 is provided with a pump 15, an electrolytic bath 2, a water supply port 11, a water spray port 13, a control unit 6, an operation unit 42, and the like.

The electrolytic bath 2 is used to generate alkaline ionized water (cathode water) and acidic water (anode water) as electrolytic water. As shown in FIG. 1, the electrolytic cell 2 has a cathode chamber 2a and an anode chamber 2b, and these cathode chamber 2a and anode chamber 2b are separated by a diaphragm 2 c. In the cathode chamber 2a, a cathode plate 2d is provided as an electrode, and in the anode chamber 2b, an anode plate 2e is provided as an electrode. For the cathode plate 2d and the anode plate 2e, for example, plate-like electrodes formed in a rectangular shape are used. The electrode is formed by plating or sintering Pt or Ir on Ti.

The diaphragm 2c is formed in a rectangular shape, for example. The separator 2c is formed by laminating a nonwoven fabric made of polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, or other porous film, for example, with a polyethylene terephthalate or other nonwoven fabric.

As shown in FIG. 1, inlets 2f and 2g of the cathode chamber 2a and the anode chamber 2b communicate with a water supply port 11. Specifically, the 1 st pipe portion 45a, the pump 15, the 2 nd pipe portion 45b, and the 1 st flow path switching device 46 and the 3 rd pipe portion 45c as flow path switching devices communicate with the water supply port 11. The outlet 2h of the cathode chamber 2a communicates with the water jet 13 through the 2 nd flow path switching device 47 and the 4 th pipe portion 45d as flow path switching devices. The outlet 2i of the cathode chamber 2b communicates with the drain portion 5 through the 5 th pipe portion 45 e.

In the electrolytic cell 2, water is introduced from the water supply port 11 into the cathode chamber 2a and the anode chamber 2b through the 1 st pipe section 45a, the pump 15, the 2 nd pipe section 45b, the 1 st flow path switching device 46, and the 3 rd pipe section 45 c. Thereafter, when a voltage is applied between the cathode plate 2d and the anode plate 2e, water in the cathode chamber 2a and the anode chamber 2b is electrolyzed. In the cathode chamber 2a, alkaline ionized water is generated at the interface between the cathode plate 2d and water, and in the anode chamber 2b, acidic water is generated at the interface between the anode plate 2e and water. The alkaline ionized water generated in the cathode chamber 2a flows out from the outlet 2h, and reaches the water jet 13 through the 2 nd flow path switching device 47 and the 4 th pipe portion 45 d. The acidic water generated in the anode chamber 2b flows out from the outlet 2i and is discharged to the drain unit 5 via the 5 th pipe unit 45 e.

Thus, the electrolytic flow path 48 is formed in the main body 3 from the water supply port 11 to the water discharge port 13 via the 1 st pipe portion 45a, the pump 15, the 2 nd pipe portion 45b, the 1 st flow path switching device 46, the 3 rd pipe portion 45c, the electrolytic cell 2, the 2 nd flow path switching device 47, and the 4 th pipe portion 45 d. The electrolytic flow path 48 and the water reservoir 4 together form the circulation flow path 14.

Further, the main body 3 is provided with a 6 th pipe portion 45f, and the 6 th pipe portion 45f is a drain passage that branches from the electrolytic flow path 48 to the drain portion 5 on the upstream side of the electrolytic cell 2 in the electrolytic flow path 48. Specifically, the 6 th tube 45f is connected to the 1 st flow path switching device 46, and communicates with the 2 nd tube 45b via the 1 st flow path switching device 46. The 1 st flow path switching device 46 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve for opening and closing the circulation flow path 14. As shown in fig. 8 a, the 1 st channel switching device 46 opens the circulation channel 14 by energization (ON) to communicate the 2 nd channel 45b with the 3 rd channel 45c, and blocks communication between the circulation channel (the 2 nd channel 45b) ON the upstream side of the 1 st channel switching device 46 and the 6 th channel 45f as a drain channel. On the other hand, as shown in fig. 8(b), the 1 st channel switching device 46 is in a non-energized (OFF) state, closes the circulation channel 14 by the biasing force of the biasing member, and connects the circulation channel (the 3 rd channel 45c) on the downstream side of the 1 st channel switching device 46 to the 6 th channel 45f, and also cuts OFF the communication between the 2 nd channel 45b and the 3 rd channel 45 c.

Further, as shown in fig. 1, the main body 3 is provided with a 7 th pipe portion 45g, and this 7 th pipe portion 45g is a drain flow path branched from the electrolysis flow path 48 on the downstream side of the cathode chamber 2a of the electrolysis cell 2 in the electrolysis flow path 48 and communicating with the 5 th pipe portion 45 e. Specifically, the 7 th pipe portion 45g is connected to the 2 nd flow path switching device 47, and communicates with the outlet of the cathode chamber 2a via the 2 nd flow path switching device 47. The 2 nd flow path switching device 47 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve for opening and closing the circulation flow path 14. As shown in fig. 8 c, the 2 nd flow path switching device 47 opens the circulation flow path 14 by energization (ON) to communicate the outlet 2h of the cathode chamber 2a with the 4 th pipe portion 45d, and cuts off communication between the circulation flow path ON the upstream side of the 2 nd flow path switching device 47 (the outlet 2h of the cathode chamber 2 a) and the 7 th pipe portion 45g as a drain flow path. On the other hand, as shown in fig. 8 d, the 2 nd flow path switching device 47 is in a non-energized (OFF) state, closes the circulation flow path 14 by the biasing force of the biasing member, and connects the circulation flow path on the upstream side of the 2 nd flow path switching device 47 (the outlet 2h of the cathode chamber 2 a) to the 7 th pipe portion 45g, and also cuts OFF the communication between the outlet 2h of the cathode chamber 2a and the 4 th pipe portion 45 d.

As shown in fig. 3, a placing part 49 for placing the water storage part 4 is provided on the upper part of the casing 41 of the main body part 3, and the water feeding port 11 and the water jetting port 13 are provided on the placing part 49.

As shown in fig. 3, 9 and 10, the main body 3 is provided with a cover 50 covering the water supply opening 11 and the water discharge opening 13. The lid 50 is rotatably attached to the housing 41 and openably closes the water supply opening 11 and the water discharge opening 13 in a state where the water storage part 4 is removed.

As shown in fig. 4 and 11, a storage chamber 51 for storing the drain unit 5 is provided in a lower portion of the housing 41 of the main body 3. An access opening 51a is formed in a side portion of the housing chamber 51, and the drain unit 5 can be drawn out and pushed in through the access opening 51 a.

The drain portion 5 has a case 52 whose upper surface is opened and a top plate 53 which closes the upper surface of the case 52.

As shown in fig. 12, the top plate 53 has an inlet 53a communicating with the outlets of the 5 th pipe portion 45e and the 6 th pipe portion 45f, and wastewater discharged from the 5 th pipe portion 45e and the 6 th pipe portion 45f is introduced into the housing 52 through the inlet 53 a. In addition, a drain opening is formed in the top plate 53, and the drain opening is openably closed by an open-top lid 54 rotatably attached to the top plate 53. In the present embodiment, the drain portion 5 detached from the main body portion 3 is tilted down to position the drain opening at the lower side, whereby the waste water stored in the housing 52 can be discharged from the drain opening.

As shown in fig. 4, the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 1 is provided with a water reservoir detection unit 61 as a 1 st detection unit for detecting a connection state of the water reservoir 4 to the main body 3. The water reservoir detection unit 61 includes a 1 st permanent magnet 61a provided in the water reservoir 4 and a 1 st magnetism detection circuit 61b provided in the upper part of the body 3 and detecting the 1 st permanent magnet 61 a. In the water storage unit detecting unit 61, the 1 st magnetic force detecting circuit 61b detects the magnetic force of the 1 st permanent magnet 61a and outputs a signal indicating that the water storage unit 4 is attached to the main body unit 3 to the control unit 6 in a state where the water storage unit 4 is attached to the main body unit 3, and the 1 st magnetic force detecting circuit 61b does not detect the magnetic force of the 1 st permanent magnet 61a in a state where the water storage unit 4 is detached from the main body unit 3, and therefore, the 1 st magnetic force detecting circuit 61b outputs a signal indicating that the water storage unit 4 is detached from the main body unit 3 to the control unit 6.

As shown in fig. 4, 14 and 15, the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 1 is provided with a water discharge portion detection portion 62. The drain detection unit 62 functions as: the 2 nd detection unit detects the connection state of the drain unit 5 to the main body unit 3, and the 3 rd detection unit detects the amount of water in the drain unit 5. The drain detection unit 62 includes, for example, a float 62a made of resin provided in the drain 5, a 2 nd permanent magnet 62b fixed to an upper portion of the float 62a, and a 2 nd magnetism detection circuit 62c provided in the main body 3 and detecting the 2 nd permanent magnet 62 b. The float 62a has a plurality of air chambers 62d that form openings at the lower face and receive air. The air chambers 62d are partitioned by wall portions. The float 62a is accommodated in a detection chamber 52b formed by a wall portion 52a erected on the bottom surface of the housing 52 of the drain portion 5, and is rotatably connected to the wall portion 52a via a support shaft 62 e.

In the drain detection unit 62 having such a configuration, when the amount of water in the drain 5 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount in a state where the drain 5 is attached to the main body 3, the float 62a is located at the initial position as shown in fig. 14, and in this state, the 2 nd magnetic force detection circuit 62c detects the magnetic force of the 2 nd permanent magnet 62b and outputs a signal indicating that the drain 5 is attached to the main body 3 and the amount of water in the drain 5 is equal to or less than the predetermined amount to the control unit 6. On the other hand, when wastewater flows into the drain 5 and the water level of the wastewater rises, wastewater flows into the detection chamber 52b, the water level of the detection chamber 52b rises, and the float 62a starts to rotate from the initial position by buoyancy. Thereafter, when the amount of water in the entire drain portion 5 exceeds a predetermined value, as shown in fig. 15, the 2 nd permanent magnet 62b is positioned outside the detection area of the 2 nd magnetism detection circuit 62 c. In this state, the 2 nd magnetism detection circuit 62c outputs a signal indicating that the detection is not made to the control unit 6. In addition, in a state where the drain unit 5 is detached from the main body unit 3, since the 2 nd permanent magnet 62b is also located outside the detection area of the 2 nd magnetism detection circuit 62c, the 2 nd magnetism detection circuit 62c outputs a signal indicating that the detection is not made to the control unit 6.

As shown in fig. 16 and 17, the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 1 has a tray 64. The tray 64 is attached to the lower portion of the water storage part 4 in a state detached from the main body part 3, and closes the supply port 10 and the return port 12. The tray 64 is detachable from the water storage unit 4. The tray 64 includes a tray main body 64a and a pair of seal members 64b attached to the tray main body 64 a. One seal member 64b is fitted to the supply port 10 from below the supply port 10 to close the supply port 10, and the other seal member 64b is fitted to the return port 12 from below the return port 12 to close the return port 12.

As shown in fig. 1, the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 1 is provided with an operation unit 42 that receives an operation by a user. The operation unit 42 is provided with various buttons such as an alkali button and a washing button, and a warning display unit 42 a.

The control unit 6 is constituted by a microcomputer having, for example, a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and a timer. The control unit 6 is provided with a power supply circuit for supplying power to each unit of the apparatus 1, and can control the power supply of each unit. As shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 6 is connected to the pump 15, the electrolytic cell 2, the 1 st flow path switching device 46, the 2 nd flow path switching device 47, the operation unit 42, the water storage unit detecting unit 61, and the drain unit detecting unit 62. The controller 6 is connected to a 1 st ammeter 71 for detecting the current flowing through the pump 15 and a 2 nd ammeter 72 for detecting the current flowing through the electrolytic cell 2.

Next, the electrolyzed water forming process performed by the control unit 6 will be described with reference to fig. 19. The controller 6 maintains the standby state when the alkali button is not pressed (no in step S1). When the control unit 6 determines that the alkali button has been pressed by inputting a signal indicating that the alkali button has been pressed from the operation unit 42 (yes at step S1), the electrolytic water generation process is started (step S2). Specifically, the control unit 6 energizes the 1 st flow path switching device 46 and the 2 nd flow path switching device 47 to turn them ON, and applies a voltage (forward voltage) between the cathode plate 2d and the anode plate 2e of the electrolytic bath 2, thereby driving the pump 15. Thereby, water circulates between the water storage part 4 and the electrolytic cell 2 of the main body part 3. During this circulation, the electrolytic tank 2 generates alkaline ionized water and acidic water from water as electrolytic water. The alkaline ionized water is returned from the electrolytic bath 2 to the clean water chamber 19 of the water reservoir 4 through the circulation flow path 14 and is supplied again to the electrolytic bath 2. On the other hand, the acidic water is discharged from the 5 th pipe portion 45e to the drain portion 5, and is stored in the drain portion 5.

The controller 6 performs such electrolytic water generation processing for a predetermined time (no in step S3) to generate alkaline ionized water having a predetermined pH. When the predetermined time has elapsed (yes in step S3), the control unit 6 performs an operation to end the electrolytic water generation process (step S4). Specifically, the drive of the pump 15 is stopped, the voltage application to the electrolytic cell 2 is stopped, and the 1 st flow path switching device 46 and the 2 nd flow path switching device 47 are turned OFF. By this electrolytic water generation treatment, alkaline ionized water having a predetermined pH value is stored in the water purification chamber 19 of the water storage unit 4.

Here, the controller 6 performs the preliminary water discharge treatment before the electrolytic water generation treatment. In the preliminary water discharge process, the control unit 6 turns ON the 1 st flow path switching device 46 and turns OFF the 2 nd flow path switching device 47, and drives the pump 15 for a predetermined time period in this state. This causes the residual water in the circulation flow path 14 to be discharged from the 5 th pipe portion 45e and the 7 th pipe portion 45g to the drain portion 5.

When the cleaning button is pressed, the control unit 6 performs a cleaning process for a predetermined time. In the cleaning process, the control unit 6 energizes the 1 st flow path switching device 46 and the 2 nd flow path switching device 47 to turn them ON, and reverses the polarities of the cathode plate 2d and the anode plate 2e, and applies a voltage (reverse voltage) between these electrodes for a predetermined time to drive the pump 15. When a predetermined time has elapsed, the application of voltage to the electrolytic cell 2 is stopped, the drive of the pump 15 is stopped, and the 1 st flow path switching device 46 and the 2 nd flow path switching device 47 are turned OFF. Thereby, the water in the electrolytic cell 2 and the circulation passage 14 communicating with the electrolytic cell 2 is discharged from the 5 th pipe portion 45e and the 6 th pipe portion 45f to the drain portion 5.

Further, the control unit 6 does not perform the electrolyzed water generation process and the cleaning process (prohibits) when the water storage unit detection unit 61 detects that the water storage unit 4 is not attached to the main body unit 3, when the water discharge unit detection unit 62 detects that the water discharge unit 5 is not attached to the main body unit 3, or when the water discharge unit detection unit 62 detects that the amount of water in the water discharge unit 5 reaches a predetermined amount of water. Specifically, in the standby state, even if the alkaline (ion) button or the cleaning button is pressed, the electrolyzed water forming process or the cleaning process is not started when the water storage unit 4 or the water discharge unit 5 is not attached to the main body unit 3 or when the amount of water in the water discharge unit 5 reaches a predetermined amount of water. When the water storage part 4 or the water discharge part 5 is removed from the main body part 3 during the electrolytic water generation treatment or the cleaning treatment, or when the amount of water in the water discharge part 5 reaches a predetermined amount during the electrolytic water generation treatment or the cleaning treatment, the electrolytic water generation treatment or the cleaning treatment is stopped.

Further, the controller 6 stops the electrolytic water generation process when the value of the current flowing through either the electrolytic cell 2 or the pump 15 is abnormal.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the electrolyzed water is generated while circulating the water between the water storage part 4 and the electrolytic cell 2, and the generated electrolyzed water is stored in the water storage part 4, whereby the water in the water storage part 4 can be caused to pass through the electrolytic cell 2a plurality of times, and therefore, the electrolytic cell 2 can be made smaller than a configuration in which the water can be caused to pass through the electrolytic cell 2 only once.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the pH value of the electrolyzed water can be adjusted by adjusting the execution time of the electrolyzed water forming process.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the water storage part 4 is detachably connected to the main body part 3, the main body part 3 and the water storage part 4 can be stored separately, and thus the degree of freedom of storage places for them is increased. For example, only the water storage part 4 storing the alkaline ionized water may be stored in a narrow storage place such as a refrigerator.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the water stop valve 27 closes the supply port 10 and the return port 12 in the state where the water reservoir portion 4 is detached from the main body portion 3, and therefore, in the state where the water reservoir portion 4 is detached from the main body portion 3, the water in the water reservoir portion 4 can be prevented from leaking from the supply port 10 and the return port 12.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the water stop valve 27 is in the open state during attachment and detachment of the water storage portion 4 to and from the main body portion 3, the O-ring seal 26 as the sealing member constantly seals between the main body portion 3 and the water storage portion 4, whereby leakage of water in the water storage portion 4 from the supply port 10 and the return port 12 can be prevented during attachment and detachment of the water storage portion 4 to and from the main body portion 3.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 6 stops the pump 15 as the circulation device and stops the voltage application to the electrolytic cell 2, so that the electrolyzed water having the predetermined pH value can be reliably obtained.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the drain portion 5 is detachably connected to the main body portion 3, the drain portion 5 can be detached from the main body portion 3, and waste water can be discarded at a place different from the place where the main body portion 3 is installed, and thus, the degree of freedom of the installation place of the main body portion 3 can be increased. The user can use the waste water (acidic water) in the drain unit 5 when needed.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, when the water reservoir detecting unit 61 as the 1 st detecting unit detects that the water reservoir 4 is not connected to the main body unit 3, the controller 6 does not perform the electrolytic water generation process, and thus the idling of the apparatus 1 can be prevented.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, when the drain detecting unit 62 as the 2 nd detecting unit detects that the drain 5 is not connected to the main body 3, the controller 6 does not perform the electrolytic water generation process, and thus the idling of the apparatus 1 can be prevented.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the drain detection unit 62 as the 3 rd detection unit detects that the amount of water in the drain 5 has reached the predetermined amount, the control unit 6 does not perform the electrolytic water generation process, and thereby the wastewater stored in the drain 5 can be prevented from overflowing from the drain 5.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the supply port 10 and the return port 12 of the reservoir portion 4 detached from the main body portion 3 can be closed by the water stop valve 27 and the tray 64, and therefore, water can be reliably prevented from overflowing from the supply port 10 and the return port 12.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the communication state between the circulation flow path 14 and the drain flow path (the 6 th pipe portion 45f and the 7 th pipe portion 45g) can be set to be variable by the 1 st flow path switching device 46 and the 2 nd flow path switching device 47, the water in the circulation flow path 14 can be prevented from flowing to the drain flow path, or the water in the circulation flow path 14 can be made to flow through the drain flow path.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the filter 30 is provided in the water supply port 11 and the water discharge port 13, when foreign matter is mixed into the water storage unit 4, the filter 30 can prevent the foreign matter from flowing into the main body 3. Further, the filter 30 prevents foreign matter from entering the main body 3 in a state where the water storage unit 4 is removed from the water supply port 11 and the water discharge port 13.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the cover 50 covers the water supply opening 11 and the water discharge opening 13 in a state where the water storage portion 4 is detached from the main body portion 3, whereby foreign matter can be prevented from entering the main body portion 3 in a state where the water storage portion 4 is detached from the water supply opening 11 and the water discharge opening 13 by the cover 50.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, by providing the water purification cartridge 20 in the water storage unit 4, electrolyzed water can be generated from purified water.

Here, when the water stored in the water storage unit 4 is subjected to the electrolytic water generation treatment twice, there is a possibility that alkaline ionized water having a pH value exceeding a predetermined pH value (for example, pH value 10) is generated. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even in the case of such a use form, the generation of alkaline ionized water having a pH value exceeding a predetermined pH value (for example, pH value 10) can be prevented by the partition wall 31. Specifically, the point that the amount of water in the water storage unit 4 decreases as the electrolytic water generation treatment proceeds because acidic water is discharged is utilized. The height of the partition wall 31 is set to: the level of water flowing into the supply port 10 is prevented until alkaline ionized water having a pH value exceeding a predetermined pH value (for example, pH value 10) is generated in the 2 nd electrolytic water generation treatment. Thus, before the alkaline ionized water having a pH value exceeding a predetermined pH value (for example, pH value 10) is generated, the supply of water (electrolyzed water) to the body 3 is stopped.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the height of the partition wall 31 is located below the water level of the water stored in the water storage unit 4 before the electrolytic water generation treatment, which is required for obtaining the electrolytic water having a predetermined pH (for example, pH 7 to 10) by the electrolytic water generation treatment, it is possible to prevent the supply of water to the electrolytic bath 2 from being stopped during the electrolytic water generation treatment.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the 1 st water level reference display part 32 is provided on the water storage part 4 as a water level reference display part indicating a reference of the water level of the water stored in the water storage part 4, it is possible to urge the user to inject an appropriate amount of water into the water storage part 4, thereby enabling to generate appropriate electrolyzed water.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the 2 nd water level reference display part (2 nd water level indication display part) 33 as the water level reference display part indicates the reference of the water level in the raw water chamber 18, and therefore, the user can be prompted to inject an appropriate amount of water into the water storage part 4, and thus, appropriate electrolyzed water can be generated.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the control unit 6 stops the electrolyzed water generation process when the value of the current flowing through either the electrolytic cell 2 or the pump 15 is abnormal, it is possible to prevent the generation of electrolyzed water having an inappropriate pH.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and various other embodiments may be adopted within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the 2 nd water level indicator (water level indication) as the water level indicator may be a rod-like member extending downward from the cover 23.

Claims (14)

1. An electrolyzed water production apparatus is provided with:

a water storage part for storing water;

a main body part having an electrolytic cell for generating electrolytic water from water;

a circulation flow path passing through the water storage part and the electrolytic cell;

a circulation device for circulating water in the circulation flow path; and

a control unit that controls the electrolytic cell and the circulation device to perform an electrolytic water generation process including: electrolyzed water is generated while circulating water between a water storage part and an electrolytic cell, and the generated electrolyzed water is stored in the water storage part.

2. The electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to claim 1,

the water storage part is detachably connected to the main body part.

3. The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 2,

the water storage part has a supply port that supplies water to the circulation flow path at the main body part and a return port that returns water from the circulation flow path at the main body part,

water stop valves are arranged at the supply port and the return port,

the water stop valve opens the supply port and the return port in a state where the water storage portion is coupled to the main body portion, and closes the supply port and the return port in a state where the water storage portion is detached from the main body portion.

4. The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 3,

a sealing member for sealing between the main body and the water storage part,

the sealing member always seals between the main body and the water storage portion when the water stop valve is in an open state while the water storage portion is attached to and detached from the main body.

5. The electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the electrolytic cell generates electrolytic water by applying a voltage,

the control unit performs the following processing when a predetermined time has elapsed: stopping the flow-through device and stopping the application of voltage to the electrolytic cell.

6. The electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the drainage device is provided with a drainage part which is detachably connected with the main body part and stores the waste water discharged from the main body part.

7. The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 2,

a 1 st detection unit for detecting a connection state of the water storage unit to the main body unit,

the control unit does not perform the electrolyzed water forming process when the 1 st detection unit detects that the water storage unit is not connected to the main body unit.

8. The electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to claim 6,

a 2 nd detection unit for detecting a connection state of the drain unit to the main body unit,

the control unit does not perform the electrolyzed water forming process when the 2 nd detection unit detects that the drain unit is not coupled to the main body unit.

9. The electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to claim 1,

comprises a drain part for storing wastewater discharged from the main body part and a 3 rd detection part for detecting the amount of water in the drain part,

when the 3 rd detection unit detects that the amount of water in the drain unit has reached a predetermined amount of water, the control unit does not perform the electrolytic water generation process.

10. The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 3,

the water supply device is provided with a tray which is detachably mounted on the water storage part in a state of being detached from the main body part and blocks the supply port and the return port.

11. The electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to claim 1,

a drain flow path communicating with the circulation flow path to drain water in the circulation flow path, and a flow path switching device for opening and closing the circulation flow path,

the flow path switcher shuts off communication between the circulation flow path and the drain flow path on the upstream side of the flow path switcher when the circulation flow path is opened, and communicates the circulation flow path and the drain flow path on the upstream side of the flow path switcher when the circulation flow path is closed.

12. The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 2, comprising:

a water supply port provided in an upstream portion of the circulation flow path in the main body portion and receiving water from the water storage portion;

a water jet provided in a downstream portion of the circulation flow path in the main body portion and configured to return water to the water storage portion; and

and the filter is arranged at the water supply port and the water spraying port and is used for filtering water.

13. The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 2, comprising:

a water supply port provided in an upstream portion of the circulation flow path in the main body portion and receiving water from the water storage portion;

a water jet provided in a downstream portion of the circulation flow path in the main body portion and configured to return water to the water storage portion; and

and a cover that covers the water supply opening and the water discharge opening in a state where the water storage unit is detached from the main body unit.

14. The electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to claim 1,

a water purification cartridge for filtering water.