JPH06343962A - Alkaline ion water conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] An object of the present invention is to provide an alkaline ionized water purifier that can display the optimum replacement time according to the usage condition of the cartridge even if the quality of the raw water used is different. [Structure] Water purifier 4, electrolyzer 7 arranged downstream of water purifier 4, flow sensor 6 installed between water purifier 4 and electrolyzer 7, controller for controlling flow sensor 6 and the like 19a and a continuous electrolysis type alkaline ionized water conditioner including a controller 19a and a filter medium replacement instructing means for instructing replacement of the filter medium of the water purifier 4 when the accumulated flow rate of the water purifier 4 exceeds a predetermined accumulated flow rate. 3 and the filter medium life display means for instructing the replacement of the filter medium even when the instantaneous maximum flow rate of water through the water purifier 4 does not reach a predetermined threshold value.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention electrolyzes raw water such as tap water and well water to produce alkaline ionized water for drinking and medical use, and acidic ionized water for use as lotion, sterilizing and washing water. The present invention relates to an alkaline ionized water device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, continuous electrolysis type alkaline ionized water conditioners have become popular. This alkaline ionized water conditioner
In the electrolyzer, tap water or the like is electrolyzed to generate acidic ionized water on the anode side and alkaline ionized water on the cathode side.

A conventional continuous electrolysis type alkaline ionized water conditioner will be described below. FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a conventional alkaline ionized water device, and FIG. 7 is an electric circuit diagram of a main part of the conventional alkaline ionized water device. Reference numeral 1 is a raw water pipe such as tap water, 2 is a faucet, 3 is an alkali ion water conditioner connected to the raw water pipe 1 through a faucet 4, 4 is activated carbon for adsorbing residual chlorine in raw water, and generally A water purifier equipped with a hollow fiber membrane that removes bacteria and impurities, and 5 is a mineral supply unit that imparts calcium ions such as calcium glycerophosphate and calcium lactate and other minerals to raw water to enhance conductivity, 6
Is a flow rate sensor for confirming water flow and instructing the controller to be described later to control, 7 is an electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water that has passed through the flow rate sensor 6, 8 is a diaphragm that divides the electrolytic cell 7 into two electrode chambers, 9 , 10 is an electrode plate disposed in each electrode chamber formed by being divided into two by the diaphragm 8, 11 is a drainage pipe for discharging water on the electrode plate 10 side (acid ion water when the electrode plate 10 is an anode) , 12 is a flow rate adjusting unit arranged near the joint between the electrolytic cell 7 and the drain pipe 11 for adjusting the discharge flow rate for efficiently generating alkali ions, and 13 is water on the electrode plate 9 side (where the electrode plate 9 is the cathode Discharge pipe for discharging alkaline ionized water) 1
Reference numeral 4 is a solenoid valve for draining accumulated water in the electrolytic bath 7 or cleaning water in which scale is dissolved during electrode cleaning, 15 is water on the electrode plate 10 side via the drain pipe 11 (when the electrode plate 10 is an anode, Acid water), a discharge pipe for draining accumulated water in the electrolysis tank 7 and washing water, 16 is a cartridge sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a cartridge of the water purifier 4, 17 is a plug for turning on the power, 18 is a plug for turning on the power 17 A power supply unit that changes the AC power supply into a DC power supply, 19 is a controller that controls the operation of the alkaline ionized water device 3, and 20 is an operation display unit that displays the operation state of the alkaline ionized water device 3.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 21 is a transformer arranged inside the power supply unit 18, 22 is a control DC power supply for generating a DC voltage / current necessary for control, and 23 is a DC voltage / current necessary for electrolysis. DC power source for electrolysis, 24 is a current transducer which is arranged in the preceding stage of the DC power source for electrolysis 23 and detects a current flowing in the electrolytic cell electrode, and 25 is a smoother which converts the signal of the current transducer 24 into a DC level and inputs it to the controller 19. Circuit, 26 is an output control circuit, 27 is an electrolytic cell-solenoid valve switching relay, 28 is a polarity switching relay that switches the polarities of the electrode plates 9 and 10, and 2
Reference numeral 9 is a solenoid valve solenoid, and 30 is an EEPROM for storing the integrated flow rate data of the cartridge and the like even in the case of a power failure.

The operation of the conventional alkaline ionized water conditioner configured as described above will be described below. The water passed through the water purifier 4 has its residual chlorine odor and impurities such as general bacteria removed in the water purifier 4, and the mineral supply unit 5 dissolves calcium glycerophosphate and the like into water that is easily electrolyzed. Water is passed through the sensor 6 to the electrolytic bath 7.
On the other hand, AC 100 V is supplied from the power-on plug 17, a DC voltage / current required for control and the like is generated by the control DC power supply 22 via the transformer 21 inside the power supply unit 18, and an electrolysis DC power supply 23 is required for electrolysis. Generates DC voltage and current. A DC voltage / current from the electrolysis DC power supply 23 is supplied to the electrode plate 9 and the electrode plate 10 of the electrolytic cell 7 via the output control circuit 26, the electrolytic cell-electromagnetic valve switching relay 27 and the polarity switching relay 28. The controller 19 reads the signal from the flow rate sensor 6, determines that water is flowing when the level exceeds a certain level, and applies a voltage to the electrode plate 9 and the electrode plate 10 of the electrolytic cell 7 to perform electrolysis.

When the controller 19 applies a voltage, acidic ionized water is generated in the anode chamber and alkaline ionized water is generated in the cathode chamber.

Now, when the polarity switching relay 28 is operated to apply a voltage so that the electrode plate 9 has a negative voltage while passing water, alkaline ionized water is continuously obtained from the discharge pipe 13.

The alkaline ionized water device 3 has an operation display unit 2
By changing the setting of 0, it is possible to switch between alkaline ionized water, acidic ionized water, and purified water. That is, a positive voltage may be applied to the electrode plate 9 during acidic ionized water, and water may be passed through without applying a voltage during water purification.

Further, the electrode cleaning for regenerating the electrode plates 9 and 10 is carried out by using the scale of the electrode surface adhered by electrolysis with the voltage polarity reversed in the same state as when the acidic ionized water is produced in the water-stopped state after use. After the water is dissolved in the electrolyzed water, the electrolysis tank-solenoid valve switching relay 27 is operated to operate the solenoid valve 14
The water is discharged from the water discharge pipe 15 by supplying power to the valve and opening the valve. Water discharge is carried out even after the production of acidic ionized water to prevent drinking of the acidic ionized water.

The control program of the alkaline ionized water conditioner used as described above will be described below. FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of the control program. When the alkaline ionized water device 3 is powered on, the controller 19 initializes the internal state and reads out the data stored in the EEPROM 30, and thereafter, as shown in FIG. When the cartridge is exchanged, the integrated flow rate count is cleared and the instantaneous maximum flow velocity is detected (S
1). Next, depending on the state of the switches, processing for setting the operation mode of alkaline ionized water, acidic ionized water, purified water, etc. is performed (S2). When the operation mode setting process is completed, the life of the cartridge is detected (S3). Next, water / water stoppage is detected by the signal of the flow rate sensor 6 to set the water flow or water stop mode (S4). Next, it is checked whether the mode set in S4 is the water stop mode (S5). If No, S
Jump to 10, and if Yes, it is checked whether electrolysis is in progress (S6). If No, jump to S13.
If Yes, electrolysis termination processing is performed (S7), and then it is checked whether or not cleaning is performed (S8). If No, S
Jump to 15, and if Yes, perform a cleaning process, and then jump to S1 (S9). Next, it is checked whether the electrolytic bath 7 is being cleaned (S10). If No, S
Jump to 12, and if Yes, a cleaning stop process is performed (S11). Next, after performing electrolytic treatment, go to S1.
Ump (S12). Next, if electrolysis is not in progress, it is checked whether or not the cleaning is completed (S13). If No, S
1 is jumped, and if Yes, the waste water is treated, and then S1 is jumped (S14). Next, after completion of electrolysis, if there is no cleaning, it is checked whether the operation mode is alkaline (S15). If it is No, drainage treatment is performed and Y
If it is es, jump to S1 (S15).

Next, details of the key scan in FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a key scan process of a conventional alkaline ionized water device. First, the key scan of the switch for switching the operation mode, the strength of electrolysis, etc. is performed (S16). Next, various display controls are performed depending on the state of S16 (S17). Next, the cartridge sensor 16 determines whether or not the cartridge is present and whether it has been replaced (S18). Next, when it is determined in S18 that the cartridge has been replaced, the counter for counting the integrated flow rate is cleared and the cartridge life detection flag is set to O.
FF is set, the cycle of the output pulse of the flow rate sensor 6 is counted to detect the instantaneous maximum flow velocity (S19), and the key scan process is ended.

Next, the details of the detection process of the instantaneous maximum flow velocity will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flow chart for detecting the instantaneous maximum flow velocity of a conventional alkaline ionized water device. First, it is checked whether the output edge of the flow sensor 6 has been detected (S20). If No, then in step S23, j
If ump and Yes, output edge detection is 1
It is checked whether it is the first time (S21). If No,
Jump to S25, and if Yes, the flow rate pulse cycle counter is cleared and the process ends (S22). next,
If the edge detection of the flow rate sensor 6 is NO in S20, the flow rate pulse period is counted, and then it is checked whether the counter overflows (S24). If Yes, jump to S26, and if No, end the process. Next, it is checked whether or not the output edge has been detected for the second time (S25). If No, jump to S22.
If Yes, the flow velocity detection end flag is turned ON, and the process ends.

Next, the details of the cartridge life detecting process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a life detection process of a conventional alkali ion water purifier cartridge. First, it is checked whether the cartridge life detection flag is already ON (S27). Yes
If No, the process is terminated, and if No, it is checked whether the output edge of the flow sensor 6 has been detected (S28).
If No, the process is terminated, and if Yes, the integrated flow rate is counted (S29). Next, it is checked whether or not the preset flow rate Q1 or more has been used for displaying the cartridge life notice (S30). If No, the process is terminated, and if Yes, it is checked whether or not the preset cumulative flow rate Q2 for cartridge life display has been used (S31). If No, S
Jump to 33, and if Yes, set the cartridge life indication and set the cartridge life detection flag to O.
The process is terminated by setting N (S32). Next, a cartridge life advance notice display is set and the process ends (S3).
3).

Next, referring to FIG. 12, details of the water flow / water stoppage detection process will be described. FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a water passage / water stoppage detection process of a conventional alkaline ionized water device. First, the flow velocity detection end flag is used to check whether the detection of the instantaneous maximum flow velocity has been completed (S34). If No,
When the processing is completed and the result is Yes, the instantaneous maximum flow velocity V _m
Is smaller than the threshold value V _{2 for} water flow detection (S35).
If No, jump to S39, and if Yes, check whether the instantaneous maximum flow velocity V _m is smaller than the water stop detection threshold V ₁ (S36). If No, go to S40.
If it is “ump” and the result is Yes, the water stop mode is set (S37). Next, the flow velocity detection end flag is turned off and the process ends (S38). Next, the water flow mode is set and jump is performed in S38 (S39). Next, it is checked whether or not the water stop mode is set (S40). If No, S39
Jump to Yes, and if Yes, jump to S37
To do.

In this conventional example, the output voltage of the electrolysis DC power supply 23 is kept constant, and a basic pulse of several hundred Hz is turned ON / O.
A pulse width control method is adopted in which the average voltage is controlled by changing the FF output pulse width. For control during voltage application, the average applied voltage is automatically set based on the electrolytic strength and the instantaneous flow rate selected and set by the user, and the controller 19 changes the voltage output pulse width.

[0016]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional configuration, the indication of the cartridge replacement time is counted only by the integrated flow rate after the cartridge replacement, and the judgment is made uniformly so that the water quality of the raw water to be used is different. Although it can still be used as a single cartridge,
There was a problem that it could not be used in the device, or it could not be used because it was clogged, but the life display did not appear.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provides an alkaline ionized water conditioner capable of displaying the optimum replacement time according to the usage state of a cartridge even if the quality of raw water used is different. With the goal.

[0018]

In order to achieve this object, an alkaline ionized water purifier according to the present invention comprises a water purifier, an electrolyzer arranged downstream of the water purifier, the water purifier and the electrolyzer. A flow rate sensor installed between the bed and a controller, a controller for controlling the flow rate sensor, etc., and an instruction to replace the filter medium of the water purifier when the integrated flow rate of the water purifier exceeds a predetermined integrated flow rate by the controller. A continuous electrolysis type alkaline ionized water conditioner equipped with a filter medium replacement instructing means for performing an instruction to replace the filter medium even when the instantaneous maximum flow rate of water passing through the water purifier does not reach a predetermined threshold value. It has a structure provided with a filter medium life display means.

Here, the instantaneous maximum flow velocity value is converted by using the value of the cycle counter that counts the cycle of the output pulse of the flow rate sensor, but the value of the cycle counter may be used as it is. In this case, when the flow velocity is high, the value of the cycle counter becomes small, so that the comparison branch control is reversed.

[0020]

With this configuration, the cartridge life is displayed when the maximum instantaneous flow velocity does not reach the predetermined moment between the start of water flow and the stop of water flow, so even if there is a difference in the quality of the raw water used, the total flow rate will be uniform. Since there is no need to replace the cartridge, it is possible to use the cartridge without waste according to the usage state of the cartridge.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an alkaline ionized water device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an electric circuit diagram of a main part of an alkaline ionized water device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a processing flowchart of the control program of the alkaline ionized water device in one Example of invention. In FIGS. 1 and 2, FIGS. 6 and 7 shown in the conventional example.
The difference is that the controller 19a that controls the operation of the alkaline ionized water device 3 and the EEPR that stores the accumulated flow rate data of the cartridge, the instantaneous maximum flow velocity during water passage, and the like.
OM30a. Further, in FIG. 3, the process is the same as that of FIG. 8 shown in the conventional example except for the water passage / water stoppage detection process of S43 and the cartridge life detection process of S44.

The operation of the control relating to the display of the replacement time of the cartridge of the alkaline ionized water device according to the embodiment of the present invention constructed as above will be described below. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the water / water stoppage detection process of the alkaline ionized water device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the cartridge life detection process of the alkaline ionized water device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Is.

First, the flow of water / water stop detection processing operation in S43 will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is checked by the flow velocity detection end flag whether the detection of the instantaneous maximum flow velocity is finished (S56). If No, the process is terminated, and if Yes, it is checked whether the instantaneous maximum flow velocity V _m is smaller than the water flow detection threshold V ₂ (S57). If No, jump to S62, and if Yes, check whether the instantaneous maximum flow velocity V _m is smaller than the water stop detection threshold V ₁ (S58). If No, jump to S66,
If Yes, it is checked by the water stop flag whether or not the water is stopped (S59). If No, go to S67 ju
If the answer is yes, then the water shutoff mode is set.
Next, the flow velocity detection end flag is turned off, and the process ends. Next, in S57, the instantaneous maximum flow velocity V _m is the water flow detection threshold V
If it is smaller than _{2, the} water flow detection flag for determining that the water flow mode has been set to ON (S62). next,
It is checked whether the value of the instantaneous maximum flow velocity V _m is smaller than the value of the flow velocity threshold V ₃ of the cartridge life advance notice (S63). If No, the flow rate shortage flag indicating that the flow rate is insufficient for determining the cartridge life advance notice is set to OFF and S64
If yes, the water flow mode is set, and jump to S61 (S64). Next, if the maximum flow velocity V _m is not less than the water stop detection threshold value V ₁ the moment in step S58 checks whether the current water stop mode (S66). No
If yes, jump to S64, and if Yes, jump to S60. Next, if the water stop flag is OFF in S59, the water stop flag is turned ON (S6
7). Next, the water flow end flag for determining whether the water flow has ended is turned on (S68), and jump to S60.
p.

Next, the cartridge life detection processing operation flow of S44 will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is checked whether the cartridge life detection flag has already been turned on (S69). If Yes, the process is ended, and if No, it is checked whether or not the water flow is ended in order to determine the cartridge life at the cartridge replacement warning threshold value (S70). If No, jump to S79, and if Yes, set the water flow end flag to O.
Set to FF (S71). Next, the insufficient flow rate flag is checked (S72). If No, jump to S85,
In the case of Yes, it is checked whether or not the state of the flow rate insufficiency flag is ON due to water passing n times or more continuously (S73). N
If it is o, jump to S77, and if it is Yes, it is checked whether the cartridge life has already been announced (S74). If No, jump to S86,
If Yes, the water flow detection flag is checked to see if the water flow mode has been entered (S75). If No, S77
If it is Yes, the cartridge life display is set (S76). Next, the water flow detection flag is turned off for the next water flow (S77). Next, the insufficient flow rate flag is turned on to perform initialization (S78). Next, it is checked whether the output edge of the flow sensor 6 has been detected (S
79). If No, the process is terminated, and if Yes, the integrated flow rate is counted (S80). Next, it is checked whether or not the preset flow rate Q1 or more has been used for displaying the cartridge life advance notice (S81). If No, the process is terminated. If Yes, the accumulated flow rate Q2 for preset cartridge life display is displayed.
It is checked whether or not it has been used (S82). If No,
If “Yes” is returned to jump to S84, the cartridge life display is set and the process is terminated (S83). Next, in the case of No in S82, the cartridge life advance notice display is set, the cartridge life detection flag is turned ON, and the processing is ended (S84).

[0025]

As described above, according to the present invention, even if the water quality of the raw water used is different, the optimum cartridge replacement time is displayed according to the usage condition of the cartridge, so that the cartridge can be used without waste. The stable purified water can be supplied. Moreover, since it is not necessary to use it while it is clogged, it is possible to realize a sanitary and highly safe alkaline ionized water conditioner.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an alkaline ionized water device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an electric circuit diagram of a main part of an alkaline ionized water device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a processing flowchart of a control program for an alkaline ionized water device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of water passage / water stoppage detection processing of an alkaline ionized water device according to one embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a cartridge life detection process for an alkaline ionized water device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a conventional alkaline ionized water device.

FIG. 7 is an electric circuit diagram of a main part of a conventional alkaline ionized water device.

FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart of a control program for a conventional alkaline ionized water device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a key scan process of a conventional alkaline ionized water device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a detection process of an instantaneous maximum flow velocity of a conventional alkaline ionized water device.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a life detection process of a conventional alkali ion water purifier cartridge.

[Fig. 12] Flow chart for water / water stoppage detection process of a conventional alkaline ionized water device

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Raw Water Pipe 2 Faucet 3 Alkaline Ion Water Conditioner 4 Water Purifier 5 Mineral Supply Section 6 Flow Sensor 7 Electrolysis Tank 8 Separator 9, 10 Electrode Plate 11 Drain Pipe 12 Flow Rate Control Section 13 Discharge Pipe 14 Solenoid Valve 15 Water Discharge Pipe 16 Cartridge Sensor 17 Power supply plug 18 Power supply section 19, 19a Controller 20 Operation display section 21 Transformer 22 Control DC power supply 23 Electrolysis DC power supply 24 Current transducer 25 Smoothing circuit 26 Output control circuit 27 Electrolytic cell-solenoid valve switching relay 28 Polarity Switching relay 29 Solenoid valve solenoid 30, 30a EEPROM

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A water purifier, an electrolyzer arranged downstream of the water purifier, a flow sensor installed between the water purifier and the electrolytic layer, and a controller for controlling the flow sensor and the like. A continuous electrolysis type alkaline ionized water conditioner comprising: a filter material replacement instructing means for instructing replacement of the filter material of the water purifier when the integrated flow rate of the water purifier exceeds a predetermined integrated flow rate by the controller. An alkaline ionized water purifier is provided with a filter medium life display means for instructing replacement of the filter medium even when the instantaneous maximum flow rate of water through the water purifier does not reach a predetermined threshold value.