JPH05154479A - Equipment for producing electrolytically ionized water - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an equipment for producing electrolytically ionized water which is capable of preventing freezing of an electrolyzer in the cold environment. CONSTITUTION:Raw water in an electrolyzer 32 is converted into ionized water by energizing the electrodes 38, 40 provided in the electrolyzer 32. The equipment for producing electrically ionized water is equipped with a first temperature sensor 24 for detecting the temperature of raw water introduced into the electrolyzer 32, AC electric power supply means 54, 55 for supplying AC electric power to the electrodes 38, 40 and a controlling means 56 described below. The controlling means 56 feeds AC electric power to the electrodes 38, 40 via the AC electric power supply means 54, 55 to raise the temperature of water in the electrolyzer 32 when the temperature of raw water detected via the first temperature sensor 24 is the prescribed temperature or below.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for producing electrolytic ion water, and more particularly to an electrolytic ion water for converting raw water in an electrolytic cell into ion water by energizing electrodes arranged in the electrolytic cell. It relates to a generator.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An example of an electrolytic ionized water producing device for converting raw water in an electrolytic cell into ionized water by energizing electrodes arranged in the electrolytic cell is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 60-20073. Technology is available. This electrolyzed ionized water production device divides the electrolytic cell by a porous partition wall to form a cathode chamber and an anode chamber, and electrodes are respectively arranged in these electrode chambers, and the raw water in the electrolytic cell is electrolyzed to form the anode chamber. It is a device that produces alkaline ionized water with a high pH value.

[0003]

However, the above-mentioned conventional electrolytic ion water generator has the following problems. Normally, in an electrolytic ionized water generator, it is necessary to add calcium to raw water in order to obtain approval from a regulatory agency, and a calcium addition means is provided in the electrolytic cell or in the previous stage of the electrolytic cell. Since calcium powder is added to the raw water, when the raw water is electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell, calcium is precipitated in the ionic water. In such an electrolytic ionized water generator, it is preferable to drain the water in the electrolytic cell when not in use for hygiene management.However, when the water in the electrolytic cell is drained, the precipitated calcium solidifies in the electrolytic cell. Therefore, the electrolytic cell is filled with water even when not in use. However, if the electrolytic cell is filled with water during the winter, especially at night when the apparatus is not used, in cold regions, there is a problem that the water in the electrolytic cell freezes and expands, causing the electrolytic cell to burst. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyzed ionized water producing device that can prevent the freezing of an electrolytic cell or the like in a cold environment.

[0004]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following constitution. That is, in the first configuration, by energizing the electrodes arranged in the electrolytic cell,
In an electrolytic ionized water generator for converting raw water in the electrolytic cell into ionized water, a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the raw water introduced into the electrolytic cell and AC power are supplied to the electrodes. AC power supply means for
When the temperature of the raw water detected through the temperature sensor is less than or equal to a predetermined temperature, the control means for supplying AC power to the electrode through the AC power supply means to raise the water temperature in the electrolytic cell. It is characterized by having. A second configuration is an electrolytic ionized water production apparatus for converting raw water in the electrolytic cell into ionized water by energizing an electrode provided in an electrolytic cell provided in the housing. A second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in the interior,
AC power supply means for supplying AC power to the electrode, and when the temperature in the housing detected by the second temperature sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the electrode is supplied via the AC power supply means. Control means for increasing the water temperature in the electrolytic cell by supplying AC power to the electrolyzer.

[0005]

[Operation] The operation will be described. In the first configuration,
When the temperature of the raw water detected by the first temperature sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the control means supplies AC power to the electrodes via the AC power supply means to raise the water temperature in the electrolytic cell.
Further, in the second configuration, when the temperature inside the housing detected by the second temperature sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the control means supplies AC power to the electrodes via the AC power supply means to electrolyze. Freezing can be prevented because the water temperature in the tank is raised.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic mechanical structure of this embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows an electric structure of a main part. In FIG. 1, 10 is a faucet, and raw water or alkaline ionized water is selected and discharged by a branch plug 12. Raw water or alkaline ionized water is selected from the handle 1 provided on the branch tap 12.
This can be done by rotating 4. When the raw water is selected, the raw water supplied from the water pipe (not shown) is directly discharged from the faucet 10. On the other hand, when the alkaline ionized water is selected, the raw water supplied from the water pipe (not shown) is the branch plug 1.
The alkaline ionized water that has flowed from 2 toward the pipe 16a and is electrolyzed and generated flows into the branch plug 12 from the pipe 16e and is discharged from the faucet 10. 11 is a housing,
The following components are housed inside.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a water purification tank, into which raw water can flow through a pipe 16a. The inflowing raw water passes through the inside of the activated carbon cartridge 20, and further, the hollow fiber membrane layer 22.
Impurities are filtered and the chlorine is adsorbed and purified. The purified raw water flows out from the pipe 16b. It should be noted that all chlorine contained in the raw water is not adsorbed on the activated carbon, and some of the chlorine passes through the water purification tank 18 while being contained in the purified raw water. Reference numeral 24 is a first temperature sensor, and for example, a thermistor is used. First temperature sensor 2
4 is provided to detect the temperature of the raw water flowing through the pipe 16a. As will be described later in detail, it is provided in order to detect the water temperature of the pipe 16a and prevent freezing of the latter part of the pipe 16a. Further, the first temperature sensor 24 is also used to prevent the activated carbon in the activated carbon cartridge 20 from being deteriorated when raw water having an extremely high temperature flows into the water purification tank 18. In order to prevent the deterioration of the activated carbon, for example, the first temperature sensor 24 sets the raw water temperature to 35
When it is detected that the temperature is exceeded, the first solenoid valve 26 closes the pipe 16a. A first water pressure sensor 28 detects the water pressure of the raw water flowing through the pipe 16a. The first temperature sensor 24 is provided to detect the temperature of raw water introduced into the electrolytic cell described later, and is not necessarily limited to the position shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a second water pressure sensor, which is a pipe 1
The pressure of the raw water flowing through 6b is detected, and the electrolytic cell 32
To detect the water pressure of the purified raw water introduced into the. As a means for detecting the water pressure, it is possible to employ a flow rate sensor in addition to the water pressure sensor. In addition, the first water pressure sensor 2
By comparing the values detected by 8 and the second water pressure sensor 30, the clogging degree of the water purification tank 18 can be detected. In this case as well, a clogging of the water purification tank 18 can be detected by using a flow rate sensor in addition to the water pressure sensor. Reference numeral 34 denotes a constant flow valve that regulates the maximum value of the flow rate (or water pressure) of the purified raw water that flows through the pipe 16b and is introduced into the electrolytic cell 32. Reference numeral 36 is a calcium addition cylinder, which supplies a fixed amount of calcium powder to the purified raw water flowing through the pipe 16b.

Reference numerals 38 and 40 denote electrodes, which are arranged in the electrolytic cell 32 at intervals. 38 is an anode, 40
Is the cathode. Purified raw water is introduced into the electrolytic cell 32 from the pipe 16b. Direct-current power and alternating-current power are selectively supplied to the electrodes 38 and 40, and when the direct-current power is supplied, the purified raw water in the electrolytic cell 32 is electrolyzed. On the other hand, electrode 3
When AC power is supplied to 8 and 40, the temperature of the purified raw water in the electrolytic cell 32 rises due to Joule heat with water as resistance. By the above-mentioned electrolysis, alkaline ionized water containing OH ions is generated in the anode chamber 44 separated by the diaphragm 42, and acidic water is generated in the cathode chamber 46. The alkaline ionized water flows out of the electrolytic cell 32 via the pipe 16c. On the other hand, the acidic water passes through the pipe 16d to the electrolytic cell 32.
Drained from. The acidic water flowing out from the pipe 16d is used for drainage or other purposes. Reference numeral 48 is a second solenoid valve, which is a pipe 16e branched from the pipe 16c.
Open and close.

Reference numeral 50 denotes a third solenoid valve, which is a pipe 16e.
The pipe 16c ahead of the branch point is opened and closed. Pipe 1
The tip of 6c merges with the pipe 16d. When the second solenoid valve 48 is opened and the third solenoid valve 50 is closed, the alkaline ionized water is absorbed by the pipe 16c and the pipe 16c.
If it is sent to the tap 10 via d, and the branch tap 12 selects alkaline ionized water, the alkaline ionized water flows into the branch tap 12 from the pipe 16e and is discharged from the tap 10. On the other hand, the second solenoid valve 48 is closed and the third solenoid valve 5
When 0 is open, the alkaline ionized water is pipe 16
It flows from c to the pipe 16d and is drained. For example, it is used in this mode when the residual water in the anode chamber 44 and the cathode chamber 46 is drained when it is reused after the use of the electrolytic ionized water generator is once stopped. It is also possible to make water in which alkaline ionized water and acidic water are mixed. At this time, the flow rate adjusting screw 52 provided in the middle of the pipe 16d can adjust the flow rate of the acidic water to adjust the mixing ratio of the alkaline ion water and the acidic water.

Reference numeral 53 is a second temperature sensor, for which, for example, a thermistor is used. The second temperature sensor 53 is provided, for example, on a circuit board (not shown) in order to detect the temperature inside the housing 11. By detecting the temperature inside the housing 11, freezing of each portion inside the housing 11 is prevented.

Next, the electric system will be described with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 54 is a power supply circuit, which generates a predetermined DC power DC and AC power AC from a commercial power supply. A selection circuit 55 selects the electric power supplied between the anode 38 and the cathode 40 between the DC power DC and the AC power AC. When DC power DC is selected and a DC voltage is applied between the anode 38 and the cathode 40, the raw water in the electrolytic cell 32 is electrolyzed as described above to generate ionic water. The DC voltage is adjusted according to the instructions of the microprocessor described later. By this adjustment, the pH value of ionized water can be adjusted. The means for adjusting the pH value is not limited to voltage adjustment and may be current adjustment. On the other hand, when the AC power AC is selected and the AC voltage is applied between the anode 38 and the cathode 40, the raw water in the electrolytic cell 32 is heated by Joule heat as described above. The power supply circuit 54 and the selection circuit 55
And constitute an AC power supply means for supplying AC power AC to the electrodes 38, 40.

Reference numeral 56 is a microprocessor (MPU) which is a control means, and the temperature of the raw water in the pipe 16a detected by the first temperature sensor 53 is a predetermined temperature (eg:
5 ° C) or less, the electrode 3 is supplied through the AC power supply means.
8 and 40 are supplied with AC power AC to supply water 6 in the electrolytic cell 32.
The temperature of 2 is raised to raise the temperature of each part to prevent freezing. The MPU 56 can also prevent freezing by referring to the temperature (temperature) in the housing 11. In that case, when the temperature inside the housing 11 detected by the second temperature sensor 53 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (eg, 5 ° C.),
AC power A to the electrodes 38, 40 via the AC power supply means
C is supplied to raise the temperature of the water 62 in the electrolytic cell 32 and raise the temperature in the housing 11. In the temperature control using the first temperature sensor 24 or the second temperature sensor 53 described above, when the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 24 or the second temperature sensor 53 exceeds the predetermined temperature, the MPU 56 causes an alternating current. Stop applying voltage. In this embodiment, the freezing prevention operation is started when either the first temperature sensor 24 or the second temperature sensor 53 detects a temperature equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature.
It is also possible to provide only the temperature sensor 24 or the second temperature sensor 53 of FIG. The MPU 56 operates as a control means, and in order to maintain the pH value of the alkaline ionized water within a predetermined range, the power supply circuit 54 supplies the anode 38 and the cathode 40 based on the water pressure detected by the second water pressure sensor 30. The magnitude of the DC power DC is adjusted, the operation of the first solenoid valve 26 based on the water temperature value detected by the first temperature sensor 24, the water pressure value detected by the first water pressure sensor 28, and the second water pressure sensor 30. From the relationship of the water pressure value detected by the CPU, the degree of clogging of the water purification tank 18 is determined, and the operation of opening and closing the second solenoid valve 48 and the third solenoid valve 50 is also controlled by a user's instruction or the like.

Reference numeral 58 denotes a RAM, which is the first temperature sensor 2
The temperature detected by the fourth and second temperature sensors 53, the water pressure detected by the first and second water pressure sensors 28 and 30, the data such as the clogging of the water purification tank 18, the user input, etc. are temporarily stored. Reference numeral 60 denotes a ROM, which is an operating system of the MPU 56, a control program for freeze prevention operation for supplying AC power AC to the electrodes 38, 40, the electrodes 38, 4
The control data such as the predetermined temperature set to supply the AC power AC to 0 is stored in advance.

In the electrolytic ionized water generator having such a structure, the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 24 and / or the second temperature sensor 53 is 5 ° when the device is not used during the cold night. When it becomes C or less, MPU56
Determines that there is a risk of freezing, selects AC power AC in the selection circuit 55, and supplies the AC power AC to the electrodes 38, 40. When the temperature of the water 62 in the electrolytic cell 32 rises due to the supply of the alternating current AC, and the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 24 and / or the second temperature sensor 53 exceeds 5 ° C., the MPU 56 causes the AC power AC. Stop the supply of. By repeating this series of operations, it is possible to prevent the freezing of water in each part of the apparatus. Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that many modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. ..

[0016]

When the electrolytic ionized water producing apparatus according to the present invention is used, the control means causes the temperature of the raw water detected through the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor or the temperature inside the housing to be equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. In this case, AC power is supplied to the electrodes via the AC power supply means to raise the water temperature in the electrolytic cell. Due to this temperature rise, not only the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell but also in each part of the apparatus rises, so that it is possible to prevent freezing, and it is possible to prevent the electrolytic cell and the like from bursting due to freezing.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a schematic mechanical configuration of an electrolyzed ionized water producing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part of its electrical configuration.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11 Housing 24 First Temperature Sensor 32 Electrolyzer 38, 40 Electrode 53 Second Temperature Sensor 54 Power Supply Circuit 55 Selection Circuit 56 MPU 62 Water

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An electrolytic ion water generator for converting raw water in the electrolytic cell into ionized water by energizing an electrode arranged in the electrolytic cell, wherein the temperature of the raw water introduced into the electrolytic cell is A first temperature sensor for detecting, an AC power supply means for supplying AC power to the electrode, and the temperature of the raw water detected via the first temperature sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, An electrolytic ionized water production apparatus comprising: a control unit that supplies alternating current power to the electrode via the alternating current power supply unit to raise the water temperature in the electrolytic cell. 2. An electrolytic ionized water generator for converting raw water in the electrolytic cell into ionized water by energizing an electrode provided in an electrolytic cell provided in the housing, wherein the temperature in the housing is A second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature, an AC power supply means for supplying AC power to the electrode, and a temperature in the housing detected via the second temperature sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. In this case, the electrolyzed ionized water producing apparatus further comprises: a control unit that supplies AC power to the electrode via the AC power supply unit to raise the temperature of water in the electrolytic cell.