JP2006158985A - Electrolyzed water generating device and sink equipped with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an electrolyzed water generator capable of accurately detecting the free carbonic acid concentration of raw water at all times and generating alkaline ionized water having a predetermined pH value in a short time even when the free carbonic acid concentration is high.
An electrolytic cell 15 that electrolyzes raw water to produce alkaline ionized water or acidic ionized water, a control unit 18 that controls an electrolysis voltage applied to the electrolytic cell 15, and water of a certain volume in the electrolytic cell 15. The discharge path 29 is provided with a three-way switching type on-off valve 28 and a pH sensor 34 for detecting the free carbon dioxide concentration of a certain amount of water. 15, a predetermined electrolytic voltage is applied for a predetermined time, and then the three-way switching type on-off valve 28 is opened to discharge a certain amount of water, and the free carbonic acid concentration of the raw water is determined based on the free carbon dioxide concentration detected by the pH sensor 34. It was set as the control mode which detects a density | concentration.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating device that electrolyzes raw water such as tap water and well water to generate alkali ion water and acidic ion water, and a sink equipped with the electrolyzed water generating device.

  In the electrolyzed water generator, when the raw water used for electrolysis is well water or groundwater, the raw water often contains free carbonic acid, and free carbonic acid was generated as shown in the equations (1) and (2). The problem that the alkaline component (hydroxide ion) generated by electrolysis due to acting as an acid for alkaline ionized water causes a neutralization reaction with free carbonic acid, resulting in a decrease in pH value of the alkaline ionized water. Had occurred.

_{H 2 O + CO 2 ⇔ H} + + HCO 3 - · · · (1)
^{_{HCO 3 - ⇔ H + + CO}} 3 2- · · · (2)
For this reason, there has been proposed an electrolyzed water generating device that detects the free carbonic acid concentration of raw water by means of a free carbonic acid concentration detecting means and controls the electrolysis voltage in accordance with the free carbonic acid concentration to generate alkaline ionized water. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the upper part of the main body 51 of the electrolyzed water generating device, a water purification cartridge 52 that purifies the raw water and electrolysis that electrolyzes the purified raw water to generate alkaline ionized water or acidic ionized water. The tank 53 and an operation display unit 54 for displaying the pH value of the generated alkaline ionized water or selecting and inputting a predetermined pH value desired by the user are arranged.

  A power unit 56 having a power cord 55 and a control unit 57 to which an operation display unit 54 is connected are attached to the lower part of the main body 51 to control the electrolytic voltage applied to the electrolytic cell 53.

  A water supply path 58 for supplying raw water is connected to a water purification cartridge 52, and a constant flow valve 59 for preventing excessive water pressure is disposed in the middle of the water supply path 58.

  Next, the water purification cartridge 52 is connected to the electrolysis tank 53 via a water passage 60, and a flow sensor 61 that detects the water flow and transmits it to the control unit 57, and an electrolysis auxiliary agent in the water passage 60. An addition cylinder 62 to be added to the raw water is attached.

  The inside of the electrolytic cell 53 is divided into two chambers by a diaphragm 63, and the water passage 60 is branched into two before the electrolytic cell, and is connected to each chamber through an inlet 64 and an inlet 65. A check valve 66 and an electromagnetic valve 67 are installed on the upstream side of the branch, and a drain pipe 68 for discharging water in the electrolytic cell 53 is attached to the check valve 66.

  The inlet 64 is thicker than the inlet 65, and the amount of water flowing from the inlet 64 is fixed to be larger than the amount of water flowing from the inlet 65 (water volume ratio 3: 1 to 4: 1).

  The check valve 66 does not allow water to flow to the drain pipe 68 due to a water pressure difference during water flow. However, when the water flow is stopped, the water pressure difference disappears, so that water in the electrolytic bath 53 flows to the water drain pipe 68 side. It comes to be discharged at. At this time, the electromagnetic valve 67 is open.

  Each chamber in the electrolytic cell 53 contains an electrode 69 and an electrode 70. Usually, the electrode 69 generates alkaline ionized water on the negative side, and the electrode 70 generates acidic ionized water on the positive side. The

  A water discharge pipe 71 is connected to the electrode 69 side, and a drain pipe 72 is connected to the electrode 70 side, and the generated alkaline ionized water or acidic ionized water is discharged.

  And in the middle of the water discharge pipe 71, a pH sensor 73 that is also used as a free carbonic acid concentration detection means for detecting the pH value of the generated alkaline ionized water or detecting the free carbonic acid concentration of the raw water is attached. Further, the drain pipe 68 is connected to the drain pipe 72.

  In the above configuration, when water flow is started, raw water is introduced from the water supply channel 58 and purified by the water purification cartridge 52, and then the electrolytic auxiliary agent in the addition cylinder 62 is added through the water flow channel 60 and the electrolytic cell. 53.

  When the flow sensor 61 detects water flow and transmits it to the control unit 57, the control unit 57 applies a predetermined electrolytic voltage to the electrode plate 69 and the electrode plate 70 of the electrolytic bath 53.

  At this time, as described above, alkaline ion water is generated on the negative side of the electrode 69, and acidic ion water is generated on the positive side of the electrode 70.

  The generated alkaline ionized water is discharged from the discharge pipe 71, and the acidic ionized water is discharged from the drain pipe 72.

  The pH value of the alkaline ionized water is detected by the pH sensor 73. However, when free carbonic acid is contained in the raw water, since the hydroxide ion is consumed by the neutralization reaction with the free carbonic acid, free carbonic acid is included. PH value will fall compared with the case where there is no.

  Since the degree of decrease in the pH value increases as the free carbonic acid concentration increases, the control unit 57 that has received the transmission of the pH value detects the free carbonic acid concentration from the degree of decrease in the pH value.

  Then, the control unit 53 controls the electrolysis voltage according to the detected free carbonic acid concentration, and the electrolysis voltage at that time is stored in the control unit 53, so that the stored electrolysis voltage is passed when the water is passed next time. It is applied to obtain alkaline ionized water having a predetermined pH value.

From the above, in this electrolyzed water generating apparatus, by detecting the degree of change in the pH value of the generated alkaline ionized water with the pH sensor 73, the control unit 53 can detect the free carbonic acid concentration of the raw water, and the detection thereof. By controlling the electrolysis voltage applied to the electrolytic cell 53 according to the free carbonic acid concentration, alkaline ionized water having a predetermined pH value is generated.
JP-A-8-24862

  However, in the electrolyzed water generating device described in Patent Document 1 of the conventional technique, the amount of water may change due to an error of a constant flow valve installed in the middle of a water passage.

  For this reason, since the amount of raw water flowing into the electrolytic cell to which a predetermined electrolytic voltage is applied changes, the pH value of the generated alkaline ionized water changes, and the pH due to the subsequent neutralization reaction with free carbonic acid. The degree of change in value could not be detected accurately.

  Next, since the pH sensor is installed on the water discharge side of the alkaline ionized water, the pH value of the alkaline ionized water immediately after the generation is detected, and therefore the pH before the neutralization reaction with the free carbonic acid is completed. In this case, the degree of change in pH may not be detected accurately.

  In addition, when the free carbonic acid concentration of raw water cannot be accurately detected, alkaline ionized water having a predetermined pH value may not be generated with the electrolytic voltage applied to the electrolytic cell by the control unit according to the detected free carbonic acid concentration. Therefore, it may be necessary to adjust the electrolysis voltage again or to detect the free carbonic acid concentration of the raw water again, so that it takes time to generate alkaline ionized water having a predetermined pH value.

  Furthermore, since the water volume ratio between the negative electrode side and the positive electrode side is fixed in the electrolytic cell, when the concentration of free carbonic acid in the raw water is high, excess hydroxide ions will remain even if the applied voltage is controlled to be high within the practical range of the device. May not be sufficiently produced, and it may be difficult to maintain the pH value of alkaline ionized water.

  The present invention solves such a conventional problem, and always detects the free carbonic acid concentration in the raw water accurately so that alkaline ionized water having a predetermined pH value can be generated in a short period of time. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyzed water generating device capable of generating alkaline ionized water having a predetermined pH value even when the carbonic acid concentration is high.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes raw water to produce alkaline ionized water or acidic ionized water, a control unit that controls an electrolysis voltage applied to the electrolytic cell, A discharge path for discharging a certain volume of water, and the discharge path includes an open / close valve and a free carbon dioxide concentration detecting means for detecting the free carbon dioxide concentration of the specified volume of water, and the control unit performs electrolysis after the water flow is stopped. A predetermined electrolytic voltage is applied to the tank for a predetermined time, and then the on-off valve is opened to discharge the predetermined amount of water and introduced to the free carbonic acid concentration detecting means and detected by the free carbonic acid concentration detecting means. The control mode is to detect the free carbonic acid concentration of raw water from the free carbonic acid concentration.

  With this configuration, it is possible to achieve the effect that the free carbon dioxide concentration detecting means provided in the discharge path can accurately detect the free carbon dioxide concentration of the specific volume using the water in the electrolytic cell.

  The present invention has an effect of providing an electrolyzed water generating device capable of always accurately detecting the free carbonic acid concentration in the raw water by accurately detecting the free carbonic acid concentration of a certain volume of water in the electrolytic cell.

  An embodiment of the present invention includes an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes raw water to generate alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water, a control unit that controls an electrolysis voltage applied to the electrolytic cell, and a capacity of the electrolytic cell. A discharge path for discharging water, and the discharge path is provided with an open / close valve and a free carbonic acid concentration detecting means for detecting the free carbonic acid concentration of the predetermined volume of water, and the control unit is supplied to the electrolytic cell after stopping water flow. The predetermined amount of water is applied for a predetermined time, and then the on-off valve is opened to discharge the predetermined amount of water and introduced to the free carbonic acid concentration detecting means and detected by the free carbonic acid concentration detecting means. The control mode is to detect the free carbonic acid concentration of raw water.

  As a result, the free carbon dioxide concentration detecting means provided in the discharge passage is used to accurately detect the free carbon dioxide concentration of the specific volume of water in the electrolytic cell, and the control unit determines the raw water content based on the detection result. It is possible to provide an electrolyzed water treatment apparatus that can always accurately detect the free carbonic acid concentration.

  In addition, the control unit may be in a control mode in which when a predetermined electrolytic voltage is applied to a predetermined volume of water in the electrolytic cell for a predetermined time, the control unit is left for a predetermined time and then the on-off valve is opened to discharge the predetermined volume of water. .

  In this case, the neutralization reaction between the free carbonic acid in the raw water and the generated hydroxide ions is completely completed by applying a predetermined electrolysis voltage to a certain volume of water in the electrolytic cell for a predetermined time and leaving it for a predetermined time. In addition, after discharging the volume of water where the neutralization reaction is complete and discharging it to the free carbonic acid concentration detection means, the free carbonic acid concentration of the volume of water is detected more accurately, and the detection result Thus, it is possible to provide an electrolyzed water treatment apparatus that can always and accurately detect the free carbonic acid concentration of raw water in the control unit.

  In addition, a water amount control unit that controls the amount of water in the electrolytic cell may be provided, and the control unit may control the amount of water in the electrolytic cell by the water amount control unit according to the detected free carbonic acid concentration of the raw water.

  In this case, since the amount of water in the electrolytic cell can be controlled by the water amount control means in accordance with the detected free carbonic acid concentration of the raw water, alkaline ionized water having a predetermined pH value is generated in a short time even when the free carbonic acid concentration is high. be able to.

  Further, the water amount control means may be constituted by an on-off valve provided at least in the water discharge channel of alkaline ionized water.

  In this case, the amount of water in the electrolyzer can be controlled by controlling the amount of discharged water by an on-off valve arranged in the discharge channel of alkaline ionized water according to the detected free carbonic acid concentration of the raw water. Alkaline ion water can be generated in a short time and when the free carbonic acid concentration is high, and particularly when the free carbonic acid concentration is low, the amount of alkaline ionized water can be increased within the range of water flow rate.

  The water amount control means may be constituted by an on-off valve provided at least in the acidic ion water drainage channel.

  In this case, the amount of water in the electrolyzer can be controlled by controlling the amount of drainage water by an on-off valve arranged in the drainage channel of acidic ion water according to the detected free carbonic acid concentration of the raw water. Alkaline ion water can be generated in a short time and when the free carbonic acid concentration is high, and particularly when the free carbonic acid concentration is low, the amount of alkaline ionized water can be increased within the range of water flow rate.

  The water amount control means may be constituted by an on-off valve provided in a water passage for introducing at least raw water into the electrolytic cell.

  In this case, the amount of water in the electrolyzer can be controlled by controlling the amount of water passing through an on-off valve arranged in the water passage according to the detected free carbonic acid concentration of the raw water. Can be generated in a short time and when the free carbonic acid concentration is high, and the amount of acidic ion water drainage can be reduced by controlling the total amount of water flow.

  The free carbonic acid concentration detecting means may be constituted by a pH sensor.

  In this case, the pH value changed by the neutralization reaction between the free carbonic acid in the raw water and the generated hydroxide ions in the alkaline ionized water is detected by the pH sensor and transmitted to the control unit. From this, the free carbonic acid concentration of raw water can be detected.

  If the electrolyzed water generator is incorporated in the sink, the usability in the kitchen can be greatly enhanced.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Example 1
As shown in FIG. 1, there is a sink 1 made of stainless steel, artificial marble, or the like. On the upper surface of the sink 1, a main body 2 of an electrolyzed water generator made of plastic such as ABS or stainless steel is installed. A water supply pipe 3 for supplying raw water (tap water, well water, etc.) to the main body 2 is attached so as to penetrate the side surface and the upper surface of the sink 1.

  The water supply pipe 3 is provided with a faucet 4 that is manually opened and closed by a user, and a water channel switching valve 5 is attached to the tip of the water tap 4 so that the user can switch the water channel switching valve 5. Thus, the raw water can be introduced into the main body 2 through the water supply channel 6.

  A water discharge path 7 is installed on the upper surface of the main body 2, and electrolyzed water (usually alkaline ionized water) electrolyzed in the main body 2 is discharged.

  On the other hand, a drainage channel 8 is attached to the lower part of the main body 2, and electrolyzed water (usually acidic ionized water) is discharged.

  A power cord 9 is connected to the main body 2 to supply power necessary for electrolysis and the like.

  The raw water discharged from the water channel switching valve 5 without being introduced into the main body 2 from the water supply pipe 3, the alkaline ion water discharged from the water discharge channel 7, and the acidic ion water discharged from the drainage channel 8 are the water tank of the sink 1. After passing through a drain pipe 13 having a sealed trap 12 for preventing odor backflow from 10 drain outlets 11, it is drained out of the sink 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, at the upper part in the main body 2 of the electrolyzed water generator, alkaline ionized water or acidic ionized water is generated by electrolyzing the purified water and the water purification cartridge 14 for purifying the raw water. An electrolysis tank 15 and an operation display unit 16 for displaying the pH value of the generated alkaline ionized water and for selecting and inputting a predetermined pH value desired by the user are arranged.

  A power unit 17 having a power cord 9 and a control unit 18 to which the operation display unit 16 is connected are attached to the lower part of the main body 2 to control energization to the electrolytic cell 15, an applied electrolysis voltage, and the like. Yes.

  A water supply path 6 to which raw water is supplied is connected to the water purification cartridge 14, and a resistor such as an orifice is provided in the middle of the water supply path 6 in order to prevent excessive water pressure to the water purification cartridge 14 and the subsequent parts. A constant flow valve 19 is attached.

  The water purification cartridge 14 is connected to the electrolyzer 15 through a water passage 20, and the water passage 20 detects the water flow of raw water and transmits it to the control unit 18. A flow rate sensor 21 composed of an impeller system and the like, and an addition cylinder 22 for storing an electrolytic auxiliary agent such as calcium glycerophosphate and adding it to raw water to be passed are attached.

  The electrolytic cell 15 is divided into two chambers by a diaphragm 23, and each chamber contains an electrode 24 and an electrode 25. Usually, the electrode 24 is negative and alkaline ionized water is generated. Acidic ionic water is generated on the positive side.

  The water channel 20 is branched into two before the electrolytic cell and is connected to the lower side of each chamber via an inlet 26 and an inlet 27. A water channel is selected between the branch and the inlet 26. A three-way switching type on-off valve 28 that can be switched automatically is attached, and a discharge passage 29 is connected to the three-way switching type on-off valve 28. By opening the three-way switching type on-off valve 28, the chamber on the electrode 24 side is opened. Only the accumulated water can be discharged to the discharge path 29.

  The three-way switching type on-off valve 28 is normally closed, but in this state, the raw water introduced into the water flow path 20 flows into the electrolytic cell 15 from the inlet 26.

  Further, a water drainage passage 30 for draining water from the electrolytic cell 15 and the water flow passage 20 is installed on the upstream side of the inflow port 27, and an electromagnetic valve 31 is disposed in the middle of the water drainage passage 30.

  The inlet 26 is larger than the inlet 27, and the amount of water flowing from the inlet 26 is set to be larger than the amount of water flowing from the inlet 27.

  The discharge channel 7 is connected to the upper part of the chamber on the electrode 24 side, and the drainage channel 8 is connected to the upper part of the chamber on the electrode 25 side. Usually, alkaline ionized water from the discharge channel 7 and acidic ions from the drainage channel 8 are connected. Water is spitting out.

  The drainage passage 30 is connected to the middle of the drainage pipe 8 so that the water in the electrolytic cell 15 and the water passage 20 can be drained from the drainage passage 8 as necessary.

  An electric valve 32 for controlling the amount of discharged water is attached in the middle of the water discharge path 7, and a pH measurement path 33 is connected to the downstream side of the motor operated valve 32, and a part of the water discharge is branched off to adjust the pH. It can be introduced into the measurement path 33, and the discharge path 29 is connected to the pH measurement path 33.

  On the downstream side of the merging point of the pH measurement path 33 and the discharge path 29, the pH value of the discharged water branched from the discharge path 7 to the pH measurement path 33 is detected, or the chamber on the electrode 24 side discharged to the discharge path 29. As a free carbonic acid concentration detecting means for detecting the free carbonic acid concentration of the remaining water, a pH sensor 34 comprising a glass electrode system, a semiconductor system, or the like is attached.

  In the above configuration, the operation of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the user connects the power cord 9 to an outlet and selects a pH value (for example, pH 9) set in advance on the operation display unit 16 and then opens the faucet 4 and switches the water channel switching valve 5, The raw water in the water supply pipe 3 is introduced into the main body 2 from the water supply path 6.

  The introduced raw water is subjected to purification treatment after removing impurities such as residual chlorine and turbidity in the water purification cartridge 14, and then flows through the water passage 20. In the addition cylinder 22, an electrolytic auxiliary agent such as calcium glycerophosphate is added to the electrolytic tank 15. To be introduced.

  The water passage 20 is branched into two in front of the electrolyzer 15 and the three-way switching type on-off valve 28 is closed, so that the branch and the inlet 26 can be passed through. 26 flows into the chamber on the electrode 24 side from the inlet 26, and flows into the chamber on the electrode 25 side from the inlet 27. At this time, the electromagnetic valve 31 is closed, so that the raw water does not flow into the drainage passage 30.

  Here, due to the difference in size between the inlet 26 and the inlet 27, the amount of water flowing from the inlet 26 is larger than the amount of water flowing from the inlet 27, and the water amount ratio is set to be about 8: 1, for example. ing.

  On the other hand, when the water flow is started, the flow rate sensor 21 installed in the middle of the water flow path 20 detects the water flow and transmits it to the control unit 18 (Y in step ST1).

  Here, it is assumed that the free carbonic acid concentration has not been detected in the past, and the free carbonic acid data is not stored in the control unit 18 (N in step ST2).

  The control unit 18 that has received the transmission sets the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 32 according to the pH value of the alkali strength selected by the user (for example, when the pH is set to 9, the water amount ratio remains at 8: 1). And a predetermined electrolysis voltage corresponding to the pH value selected by the user is applied to the electrode 24 and the electrode 25 of the electrolytic cell 15. In this case, the electrode 24 is on the negative side. The electrode 25 is on the plus side (step ST3) and (step ST4).

  When an electrolysis voltage is applied, alkaline ionized water is generated on the electrode 24 side (minus side), and acidic ionized water is generated on the electrode 25 side (plus side). The alkaline ionized water is discharged from the discharge channel 7 and the acidic ionized water is Water is discharged from the drainage channel 8.

  Almost part of the alkaline ionized water flowing through the water discharge channel 7 is branched and introduced into the pH measurement channel 33. However, the amount of water is very small, and the final water amount ratio is affected. Absent.

  The pH value of the alkaline ionized water introduced into the pH measurement path 33 is detected by the pH sensor 34, and the pH value is transmitted to the control unit 18 (step ST5).

  When the free carbonic acid is low in the raw water, the pH value selected by the user matches the pH value detected by the pH sensor 34, so that the user can collect alkaline ionized water having the selected pH value. (Y in step ST6).

  When the user collects the alkali ion water and then closes the faucet 4, the water flow stops, and the flow sensor detects the water flow stop and transmits it to the control unit 18 (step ST28).

  Receiving the transmission, the control unit 18 stops applying the electrolytic voltage to the electrolytic cell 15, and the operation ends (step ST29).

  At this time, the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 32 remains the above set opening degree, and the pH value selected by the user and the pH value detected by the pH sensor 34 are the same even when the user next opens the faucet. As long as the above, alkaline ionized water and acidic ionized water are generated in a short time as described above.

  On the contrary, when the free carbonic acid concentration in the raw water is high, the pH value detected by the pH sensor 34 is lower than the pH value selected by the user, so the control unit 18 turns on the water stop lamp of the operation display unit 16. The light is turned on to notify the user to stop water flow (N in step ST6) (step ST7).

  When the user closes the faucet 4, the water flow is stopped, and when the flow sensor 34 detects the water flow stop and transmits it to the control unit 18, the control unit 18 temporarily stops the application of the electrolysis voltage. A predetermined volume of water remains in the tank 15 (step ST8) and (step ST9).

  Next, the control unit 18 applies a predetermined electrolytic voltage to the electrolytic cell 15 for a predetermined time, and a predetermined volume of accumulated water is electrolyzed in the chamber on the electrode 24 side (minus side) to generate alkali ion water ( Step ST10).

  Since the neutralization reaction of the generated hydroxide ions and free carbonic acid contained in the raw water also proceeds at the same time, the pH value of the retained water changes according to the free carbonic acid concentration, and the higher the free carbonic acid concentration, the more The pH value of water decreases.

  After a predetermined time (time T1 in FIG. 3) elapses after the application of the electrolytic voltage is over and the neutralization reaction is completed, the control unit 18 opens the three-way switching type on-off valve 28 to store the predetermined amount of retained water. Are discharged and introduced into the pH sensor 34 installed in the pH measurement path 33 (step ST11) and (step ST12).

  Further, after a predetermined time has elapsed (time T2 in FIG. 3), the pH value of the accumulated water is detected by the pH sensor 34 and transmitted to the control unit 18 to detect the free carbonic acid concentration of the raw water (step) (ST13), (step ST14), (step ST15).

  As shown in FIG. 5, at the initial stage of discharging the accumulated water, the pH value of the discharged water detected by the pH sensor 34 due to the residual water remaining in the pH measurement path 33 is lower than the pH value of the accumulated water. Yes. At this time, the pH value of the residual water also decreases as the free carbonic acid concentration increases due to the influence of the free carbonic acid concentration of the raw water.

  When the discharge of the accumulated water is started, only the accumulated water gradually reaches the pH sensor 34, and the detected pH value of the discharged water approaches the pH value of the accumulated water.

  Further, when a predetermined time elapses, the pH value of the discharged water detected by the pH sensor 34 becomes equal to the pH value of the staying water and becomes stable. Therefore, the free carbonic acid concentration of the raw water can be accurately detected from the pH value detected at this time.

  The detected free carbonic acid concentration is stored in the control unit 18, the three-way switching type on-off valve 28 is closed to complete the discharge of the accumulated water, and the water passage 20 and the inlet 26 are allowed to pass again ( Step ST16), (Step ST17).

  Then, the control unit 18 opens the electromagnetic valve 31, introduces the accumulated water remaining in the chamber on the electrode 25 side and the accumulated water in the water passage 20 into the drainage channel 30, and then drains it from the drainage channel 8. Scales and bacterial growth are prevented by preventing water from staying in the water passage 20 (step ST18).

  When drainage is completed after a lapse of a predetermined time after the solenoid valve 31 is opened, the solenoid valve 31 is closed, the water stop lamp of the operation display unit 16 is turned off, and the detection of the free carbonic acid concentration is completed. (Step ST20) and (step ST21).

  When the user next opens the faucet 4, the control unit 18 sets the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 32 according to the stored free carbonic acid concentration to control the amount of alkaline ionized water discharged (for example, alkaline ions). The contact ratio between the raw water introduced into the electrolytic cell 15 and the electrode 24 is optimized (step ST22) and (step ST23).

  Then, by applying a predetermined electrolytic voltage to the electrolytic cell 15, alkaline ionized water having a predetermined pH value can be generated in a short time (step ST24).

  A part of the alkaline ionized water flowing through the water discharge channel is introduced into the pH measurement channel 33, and the pH value is detected by the pH sensor 34 (step ST25).

  The control unit 18 compares the detected pH value with a predetermined pH value selected by the user and confirms that the pH value of the generated alkaline ionized water is equal to the predetermined value. When the pH value is not equal due to a change in the free carbonic acid concentration, the opening of the motor-operated valve 32 is set again by fine adjustment so that the pH value of the alkaline ionized water becomes equal to the predetermined pH value. (Step ST26), (step ST27).

  When the user closes the faucet 4 and stops water flow, the flow sensor 21 detects the water flow stop and transmits it to the control unit 18, and the control unit 18 that has received the transmission stops applying the electrolytic voltage. The operation ends (step ST28), (step ST29).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, by using a predetermined volume of accumulated water in the chamber on the electrode 24 side, the free carbonic acid concentration of the raw water can always be accurately detected, and an alkali is added according to the free carbonic acid concentration. When the amount of discharged water is controlled by the motor-operated valve 32 provided in the water discharge path 7 of the ionic water and the contact efficiency between the raw water introduced into the electrolytic cell 15 and the electrode 24 can always be kept optimal, the free carbonic acid concentration is high. In addition, alkaline ionized water having a predetermined pH value can be generated in a short time, and particularly when the free carbonic acid concentration is low, the amount of alkaline ionized water can be increased within the range of water flow rate.

(Example 2)
In FIG. 6, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The second embodiment basically applies the first embodiment mutatis mutandis. The difference between the first embodiment and the first embodiment is that the motor-operated valve 32 is attached in the middle of the drain 8 for the acidic ion water. Since the size of the inlet 26 and the inlet 27 provided on the lower side of the electrolytic cell 15 is the same, the amount of water flowing into the electrode 24 side chamber and the amount of water flowing into the electrode 25 side chamber Is set to about 1: 1, for example.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the difference in the operation of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus is that the opening of the motor-operated valve 32 is initially set so that the opening of the motor-operated valve 32 is reduced. The amount of water 8 is decreased and the water amount ratio is controlled to be about 8: 1 (step ST33).

  Next, when setting the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 32 in consideration of the detected free carbonic acid concentration, for example, the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 32 is set to be larger than the initial stage, and the amount of water in the drainage channel 8 is set. On the contrary, the amount of water in the water discharge channel 7 is decreased by increasing the amount, and the water amount ratio is controlled to be about 2: 1 as an example (step ST53).

  Further, when the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 32 is set again by fine adjustment again with respect to the pH value of the finally discharged alkaline ionized water, the water amount is controlled by the same method as described above (step ST57). (For example, when the pH value is increased, the amount of water in the water discharge passage 7 is decreased by increasing the opening of the motor-operated valve 32 and increasing the amount of water in the drainage passage 8).

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, by using a predetermined volume of accumulated water in the chamber on the electrode 24 side, the free carbonate concentration of the raw water can always be accurately detected, and the acidity can be determined according to the free carbonate concentration. Since the amount of alkaline ionized water discharged is controlled by the motor operated valve 32 provided in the ion water drainage path 8 so that the contact efficiency between the raw water introduced into the electrolytic cell 15 and the electrode 24 can always be kept optimal. Even when the concentration is high, alkaline ionized water having a predetermined pH value can be generated in a short time, and particularly when the free carbonic acid concentration is low, the amount of alkaline ionized water can be increased within the range of water flow rate.

(Example 3)
In FIG. 9, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The third embodiment basically applies the first embodiment mutatis mutandis, and the difference in configuration from the first embodiment is that the motor-operated valve 32 is installed in the middle of the raw water passage 20. The inlet 26 provided on the lower side of the electrolytic cell 15 is larger than the inlet 27, and the amount of water flowing from the inlet 26 is set to be larger than the amount of water flowing from the inlet 27. (For example, the water ratio is about 5: 1 to 4: 1).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the difference in the operation of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus is as follows. First, in setting the opening of the motor-operated valve 32, the opening of the motor-operated valve 32 is set so as to increase. Control is performed to ensure the amount of water in the water channel 20 (step ST63).

  Next, when the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 32 is set in consideration of the detected free carbonic acid concentration, for example, the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 32 is set to be smaller than that in the initial stage, and the amount of water in the water passage 20 is set. Control is made to decrease (step ST83).

  Furthermore, when the opening degree of the motor-operated valve 32 is set again by fine adjustment with respect to the pH value of the alkaline ionized water finally discharged, the amount of water is controlled by the same method as described above (step ST87). (For example, when the pH value is increased, the amount of water in the water discharge passage 7 is decreased by reducing the amount of water in the water passage 20 by reducing the opening of the motor-operated valve 32).

  In the third embodiment, since the water amount ratio is always fixed at about 5: 1 to 4: 1, for example, when the free carbonic acid concentration in the raw water is high, control is performed so that the water amount in the water passage 20 decreases. In this case, the amount of drained water of acidic ion water is also reduced, so that waste of water can be prevented.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, by using a predetermined volume of accumulated water in the chamber on the electrode 24 side, the free carbonic acid concentration of the raw water can always be accurately detected, and the flow rate is determined according to the free carbonic acid concentration. Since the amount of water flow is controlled by the motor-operated valve 32 provided in the water channel 20, the contact efficiency between the raw water introduced into the electrolytic cell 15 and the electrode 24 can always be kept optimal. Alkaline ion water having a pH value can be generated in a short time, and the amount of acidic ion water can be reduced by controlling the total amount of water flow, thereby preventing waste of water.

  In addition, in the above Example, although the main body 2 of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus is installed in the upper part of the sink 1, it is good also as a built-in type which installs the main body 2 in the sink 1 as shown in FIG.

  12 differs from FIG. 1 in that raw water is branched by a branch valve 35 attached in the middle of the water supply pipe 3 and introduced into the main body 2 from the water supply path 6, and in the middle of the water discharge path 7 and the drainage path 8. In addition, an operation display unit 36 having a built-in on / off valve such as a solenoid valve is disposed at the top of the sink 1 so that a predetermined pH value can be selected, water can be started and stopped, and the like. It is.

  The detection means for the free carbonic acid concentration of a certain volume of water in the electrolytic cell and the detection means for the pH value of the generated alkaline ionized water use a single pH sensor in any of the examples, A pH sensor may be used.

  In detecting the free carbonic acid concentration of the raw water, the water stop lamp is turned on to notify the stop of water flow for use. An on-off valve such as an electromagnetic valve may be attached in the middle, and in the third embodiment, the motorized valve 32 may be used so that the water flow can be stopped automatically.

  Even when notifying the user of the stoppage of water flow, for example, a buzzer or a liquid crystal display may be used.

  3, 7, and 10, T1 is desirably about 20 to 40 seconds, preferably about 30 to 35 seconds, and T2 is about 20 to 30 seconds, preferably 25 It is desirable that it is about 27 seconds from the second.

  The time T3 in FIGS. 4, 8, and 11 is about 30 to 60 seconds, preferably about 40 to 50 seconds.

  In order to control the amount of water, the motor-operated valve 32 is arranged in any one of the water passage 20, the water discharge passage 7 or the drainage passage 8. For example, the water passage 20 and the water discharge passage 7, or the water passage 20 and the water discharge passage 8 are provided. In either case, an electric valve 32 may be provided to control the amount of water flow and the amount of discharged water, that is, the amount of water in the electrolytic cell 15.

  Although the detection frequency of the free carbonic acid concentration is not particularly shown, it may be performed once a day, for example, once a week, once a month, or the like.

  When water flow is stopped when the detection of the free carbonic acid concentration is not performed, a predetermined electrolytic voltage is applied to the electrode 24 and the electrode 25 at a potential opposite to the normal voltage for a predetermined time (reverse electrolysis). Scales such as calcium adhering to can be peeled and dissolved (electrode cleaning).

  Further, the electromagnetic valve 31 is then opened, and the accumulated water after electrode cleaning in the electrolytic cell 15 is introduced into the water drainage channel 30 and then drained from the drainage channel 8.

  In the case of reverse electrolysis, the electrode 24 is on the positive side and the electrode 25 is on the negative side.

  As described above, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present invention always detects the free carbonic acid concentration of raw water accurately and optimally controls the amount of water according to the free carbonic acid concentration, so that the predetermined amount of water is high even when the free carbonic acid concentration is high. Since alkaline ionized water having a pH value can be generated in a short time, it can be expected to be applied to a strongly acidic water generator used for sterilization and disinfection in hospitals and the like.

Schematic which shows the whole structure of the sink provided with the electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in Example 1. FIG. Schematic block diagram of the main body of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in Example 1 Flowchart of operation of electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in embodiment 1 Flowchart of operation of electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in embodiment 1 Graph of change in pH value of discharged water according to free carbonic acid concentration shown in Example 1 Schematic block diagram of the main body of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in Example 2 Flowchart of operation of electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in embodiment 2 Flowchart of operation of electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in embodiment 2 Schematic block diagram of the main body of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in Example 3 Flowchart of operation of electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in embodiment 3 Flowchart of operation of electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in embodiment 3 Schematic which shows the whole structure of the sink provided with the electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in Example 1 (built-in type) Schematic configuration diagram of main body of conventional electrolyzed water generating device

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sink stand 2 Main body 7 Water discharge path 8 Drainage path 15 Electrolysis tank 18 Control part 20 Water flow path 24,25 Electrode 28 Three-way switching type on-off valve 29 Drain path 32 Electric valve 34 pH sensor

Claims (8)

An electrolytic cell that electrolyzes raw water to generate alkaline ionized water or acidic ionized water, a control unit that controls an electrolysis voltage applied to the electrolytic cell, and a discharge path that discharges a certain amount of water in the electrolytic cell. The discharge passage is provided with an open / close valve and a free carbonic acid concentration detecting means for detecting the free carbonic acid concentration of the predetermined amount of water, and the control unit applies a predetermined electrolytic voltage to the electrolytic cell for a predetermined time after the water flow is stopped. After that, the on-off valve is opened to discharge the specified volume of water and introduce it into the free carbonic acid concentration detecting means to detect the free carbonic acid concentration of the raw water from the free carbonic acid concentration of the predetermined volume of water detected by the free carbonic acid concentration detecting means. The electrolyzed water generating device in the control mode. The control unit is in a control mode in which when a predetermined electrolytic voltage is applied to a predetermined amount of water in the electrolytic cell for a predetermined time, the control unit is left for a predetermined time, and then opens the on-off valve to discharge the predetermined amount of water. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to 1. 3. A water amount control means for controlling the amount of water in the electrolytic cell is provided, and the control unit controls the amount of water in the electrolytic cell by the water amount control means in accordance with the detected free carbonic acid concentration of the raw water. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus described in 1. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the water amount control means is configured by an on-off valve provided at least in a water discharge path of alkaline ionized water. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the water amount control means is configured by an on-off valve provided in at least an acid ion water drainage channel. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the water amount control means is configured by an on-off valve provided in a water passage for introducing at least raw water into the electrolyzer. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the free carbonic acid concentration detecting means is constituted by a pH sensor. The sink provided with the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of any one of Claim 1 to 7.

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