Electrolytic water generating apparatus

Abstract

To provide a technique for shortening an unusable time of electrolytic water after using up of electrolytic water until replenishment, by preliminarily generating electrolytic water before using up of electrolytic water.SOLUTION: Water containing chloride ions in an electrolytic tank 30 is electrolyzed by electrolytic means 60; after generation of electrolytic water, a specified quantity of water is supplied from water supply means 10 to the electrolytic tank 30, and thus electrolytic water in the electrolytic tank 30 is supplied to a water delivery tank 40 while being diluted; by using water intake means 70, electrolytic water retained in the water delivery tank 40 is conditioned to be ready for water intake; and water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic tank 30 can be electrolyzed by the electrolytic means 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrolytic water generating device that suppresses the generation of bacteria, fungi, viruses, slime stains, and odors around water, such as a kitchen sink, by passing electricity through water and discharging the electrolytic water generated. [Background technology]

[0002] As a device for keeping wet areas such as kitchens hygienic, electrolytic water generating devices that generate and discharge electrolytic water to sterilize bacteria and fungi that grow around wet areas are known. Conventional electrolytic water generating devices stably generate high-concentration electrolytic water by adding raw materials such as chloride ions to a water tank and electrolyzing it, and after using the electrolytic water, add tap water and raw materials to the water tank to generate and replenish the electrolytic water. Among them, a sterilizing water generating device is known that prevents users from being unable to use the electrolytic water during use by replenishing the electrolytic water at the appropriate time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6331006 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, such electrolyzed water generating devices create and store electrolyzed water in a single water tank. Therefore, when the amount of electrolyzed water decreases and needs to be replenished, water and raw materials must be refilled and electrolyzed again. This requires time until the next electrolyzed water is generated, and during that time the user cannot use the electrolyzed water.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these problems, and its purpose is to provide an electrolyzed water generating device that has two water tanks, generates electrolyzed water in one water tank and stores it in the other water tank, and generates electrolyzed water in advance before the electrolyzed water is used up, thereby shortening the time during which the electrolyzed water cannot be used between the time it is used up and the time it is replenished, and capable of discharging electrolyzed water of a stable concentration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve this object, the electrolytic water generating apparatus of the present invention comprises a water supply means, an electrolytic cell section for storing water supplied from the water supply means, a chloride ion supply means capable of supplying chloride ions into the electrolytic cell section, an electrolysis means for electrolyzing water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section to generate electrolytic water, a water supply tank section to which the electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell section is supplied, and a water intake means capable of taking in the electrolytic water stored in the water supply tank section, wherein the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section is electrolyzed by the electrolysis means to generate electrolytic water, and then a predetermined amount of water is supplied from the water supply means to the electrolytic cell section, thereby diluting the electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell section and supplying it to the water supply tank section, and the electrolytic water stored in the water supply tank section is made available for intake by the water intake means, and the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section can be electrolyzed by the electrolysis means, thereby achieving the desired object. Effect of the Invention

[0007] As described above, the present invention can provide an electrolyzed water generating device that generates electrolyzed water in advance in the electrolytic cell section before the electrolyzed water stored in the water tank section is used up, thereby shortening the time during which the electrolyzed water cannot be used. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electrolytic water generating device 1. [Diagram 2] A block diagram showing the configuration of the electrolytic water generating device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 shows the flow of electrolytic water generation at the start of operation of the electrolytic water generation device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows the electrolytic water discharge flow of the electrolytic water generating device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 shows the refill electrolyzed water production flow of the electrolyzed water production device. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram showing the state of the water levels in the electrolytic tank and the water supply tank when the electrolytic water is at a steady level. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a refill electrolyzed water production flow of the electrolyzed water production device according to the second and third embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the state of the water levels in the electrolytic tank section and the water supply tank section when the electrolytic water level is constant according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the state of the water levels in the electrolytic tank section and the water supply tank section when the electrolytic water level is constant according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (Embodiment 1) The configuration of the electrolytic water generator 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the electrolytic water generator 1.

[0010] The electrolytic water generating device 1 generates electrolytic water from raw water such as tap water. The electrolytic water generating device 1 has a water supply means 10, an electrolytic tank section 30, a water supply tank section 40, a chloride ion supply means 50, an electrolysis means 60, a water intake means 70, a water level detection means 80, a control means 90, and an operation section 110. The source water such as tap water flows through a main water passage 100, which is a cylindrical water passage.

[0011] The water supply means 10 includes a water supply port 11, a water supply passage 12, and a water supply valve 13.

[0012] The water supply passage 12 is a cylindrical water passage that branches off from the main water passage 100 and extends to the electrolytic cell section 30 of the electrolytic water generating device 1, and supplies raw water such as tap water to the electrolytic cell section 30. The electrolytic cell section 30 stores the raw water such as tap water supplied from the water supply passage 12.

[0013] The water supply valve 13 is provided in the water supply passage 12 and is controlled by the control means 90. The water supply valve 13 is a valve that can automatically open and close to control the amount of water supplied, and is, for example, a solenoid valve, an electric valve, or a flow rate adjustment valve.

[0014] The water supply inlet 11 is the end of the water supply passage 12 on the electrolytic water generating device 1 side, and is preferably positioned higher than the water level stored in the electrolytic cell section 30 so as to prevent the water stored in the electrolytic cell section 30 from flowing back.

[0015] The electrolytic cell section 30 is generally bowl-shaped and includes an electrode plate 61 of the electrolysis means 60 described below. The electrolytic cell section 30 is supplied with raw water such as tap water from the water inlet 11 and with chloride ions from the chloride ion supply means 50, and the raw water such as tap water containing chloride ions is stored in the electrolytic cell section 30. The electrolysis means 60 electrolyzes the raw water such as tap water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section 30 to generate electrolyzed water, for example, an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid.

[0016] The chloride ion supplying means 50 is capable of supplying raw material containing chloride ions necessary for generating electrolyzed water to the electrolytic cell section 30. The raw material containing chloride ions is a salt containing chloride that dissolves in water and ionizes, such as sodium chloride or potassium chloride in a powdered or solid form, or an aqueous solution containing such a salt. The chloride ion supplying means 50 is preferably capable of supplying a predetermined amount of raw material to the electrolytic cell section 30. When the raw material is in a powdered or solid form, the method may be, for example, a method of supplying a predetermined amount of raw material by controlling the opening and closing time or timing of a supply part, or when the raw material is a liquid, for example, a method of supplying a predetermined amount of raw material by controlling the opening and closing time or timing of a supply part. For example, there is a method of pumping water at a constant flow rate.

[0017] The electrolysis means 60, for example, has at least a pair of electrode plates 61, and generates electrolyzed water by electrolysis in the electrolytic cell section 30 by applying a predetermined voltage between the electrode plates 61. The concentration of the generated electrolyzed water can be adjusted by the applied voltage, electrolysis time, surface area of ​​the electrode plates, etc. The electrode plates 61 preferably have a catalyst material suitable for generating electrolyzed water, such as platinum or iridium.

[0018] The water supply tank section 40 is generally bowl-shaped, and is provided therein with a water intake means 70. The water supply tank section 40 stores electrolytic water supplied from the electrolytic tank section 30, and supplies the water to the main water channel 100 by the water intake means 70.

[0019] The water intake means 70 includes an electrolytic water supply means 71, a water supply channel 72, and a water supply valve 73, and is capable of taking in the electrolytic water stored in the water supply tank section 40. The water intake means 70 takes in the electrolytic water stored in the water supply tank section 40 and supplies it to the main water channel 100.

[0020] The electrolytic water supplying means 71 is, for example, a constant flow rate pump, which is capable of supplying a constant amount of water and is preferably capable of controlling the water supply rate by an electric signal.

[0021] The water supply passage 72 is cylindrical and is a passage that connects the electrolytic water supply means 71 and the source water passage.

[0022] The water supply valve 73 is provided in the water supply passage 72 and can be, for example, a check valve or an electromagnetic valve, to prevent backflow of raw water such as tap water from the main water passage 100 without impeding the water supply from the electrolytic water supply means 71.

[0023] The water level detection means 80 is a means capable of detecting the water level in the water supply tank section 40, and may be, for example, a sensor that detects the movement of a float due to the water level, an electrostatic water level sensor, or a means for detecting the amount of water supplied from the water supply port 11 and the amount of water taken from the water intake means 70 to estimate the amount of water in the tank.

[0024] The control means 90 controls the water supply means 10 , the chloride ion supply means 50 , the electrolysis means 60 and the electrolytic water supply means 71 based on data on the water volume detected by the water level detection means 80 .

[0025] The main water passage 100 includes a raw water passage 101, a raw water valve 102, a discharge passage 103, and a discharge port 104, and discharges raw water such as tap water from the discharge port 104 in response to the opening and closing of the raw water valve 102. When electrolyzed water is supplied from the water supply passage 72, the electrolyzed water is diluted in the discharge passage 103 and discharged from the discharge port. The concentration of the discharged electrolyzed water can be adjusted by the concentration of the electrolyzed water stored in the water supply tank 40, the flow rate of the water supplied by the water intake means 70, and the flow rate of the raw water flowing through the main water passage 100.

[0026] The operation unit 110 is an interface unit that allows the user to operate the electrolytic water generating device 1 from outside, and is, for example, a switch that can be used to give instructions to start operation when first using the device, set the electrolytic water concentration, and give instructions to discharge electrolytic water.

[0027] With the above configuration, water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section 30 is electrolyzed by the electrolysis means 60 to generate electrolyzed water, and then a predetermined amount of water is supplied from the water supply means 10 to the electrolytic cell section 30, whereby the electrolyzed water in the electrolytic cell section 30 is diluted and supplied to the water supply tank section 40, and the electrolyzed water stored in the water supply tank section 40 is made available for intake by the water intake means 70, and the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section 30 is electrolyzed by the electrolysis means 60.

[0028] The electrolytic bath section 30 and the water supplying bath section 40 are provided integrally with each other across the separation wall 20. Specifically, the electrolytic bath section 30 and the water supplying bath section 40 are arranged side by side, and a part of the side surface of the electrolytic bath section 30 and the water supplying bath section 40 are disposed adjacent to each other. 2 and a part of the side surface of water tank section 40, forming separation wall 20. In other words, when electrolytic tank section 30 and water supply tank section 40 are integrated, separation wall 20 separates them into two tanks. When electrolytic tank section 30 and water supply tank section 40 are integrated, one side of separation wall 20 is electrolytic tank section 30, and the other side of separation wall 20 is water supply tank section 40. The height of separation wall 20 is lower than the upper ends of electrolytic tank section 30 and water supply tank section 40, and higher than the upper end of electrode plate 61. The upper end of electrolytic tank section 30 and the upper end of water supply tank section 40 are at the same height.

[0029] In addition, since it is not preferable for the electrode plate 61 to alternate between wet and dry states due to the deposition of scale, it is preferable that the upper end of the electrode plate 61 is positioned lower than the separation wall 20 when installed in the electrolytic cell section 30. This allows the electrode plate 61 to be constantly installed in water after water is supplied.

[0030] After electrolysis of the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section 30 by the electrolysis means 60 to generate electrolytic water, a predetermined amount of water is supplied from the water supply means 10 to the electrolytic cell section 30, the water level in the electrolytic cell section 30 exceeds the separation wall 20, and a part of the electrolytic water is supplied to the water supply tank section 40. That is, the generated electrolytic water is supplied to the water supply tank section 40 while being diluted by supplying raw water such as tap water from the water supply port 11 so that the water level in the electrolytic cell section 30 exceeds the separation wall 20. Furthermore, by allowing the raw water supplied from the water supply port 11 to enter only the electrolytic cell section 30, the mixing of the electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic cell section 30 and the raw water supplied from the water supply port 11 is improved when supplying the electrolytic water to the water supply tank section 40, and the concentration distribution of the electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell section 30 and the water supply tank section 40 can be reduced.

[0031] Next, an example of control regarding the generation and discharge of electrolyzed water by the electrolyzed water generating device 1 of the first embodiment is shown. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electrolyzed water generating device of FIG. 1. It shows the electrolyzed water generation flow at the start of operation. FIG. 3 shows the electrolyzed water generation flow at the start of operation. FIG. 4 shows the electrolyzed water discharge flow. FIG. 5 shows the refill electrolyzed water generation flow.

[0032] When the water level detection means 80 detects that the water level has fallen below the electrolytic water supply level, which is lower than the water level in the electrolytic cell section 30, after the electrolysis means 60 has electrolyzed the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section 30 for a predetermined time to produce electrolytic water, the control means 90 controls the water supply means 10 to supply a predetermined amount of water to the electrolytic cell section 30 so that a portion of the electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell section 30 flows into the water supply tank section 40. The water intake means 70 makes the electrolytic water stored in the water supply tank section 40 ready to be taken, and the chloride ion supply means 50 supplies a predetermined amount of chloride ions into the electrolytic cell section 30, and the electrolysis means 60 electrolyzes the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section 30 for a predetermined time. The electrolytic water supply level is a state in which the electrolytic water stored in the water supply tank section 40 can be taken in by the water intake means 70, but if the water intake means 70 continues to take in water from the water supply tank section 40, it will soon become impossible for the water intake means 70 to supply water or the amount of water supplied will become unstable.

[0033] Specifically, when the water level detection means 80 detects that the water level in the electrolytic bath section 30 is lower than the electrolytic water supply level, which is lower than the water level in the electrolytic bath section 30, the control means 90 controls the water supply means 10 to supply a predetermined amount of water to the electrolytic bath section 30 so that a part of the electrolytic water in the electrolytic bath section 30 flows into the water supply tank section 40. At that time, the water level in the water supply tank section 40 is set to a static electrolytic water level that is higher than the electrolytic water supply level and lower than the height of the separation wall 20, and the chloride ion supply means 50 supplies a predetermined amount of chloride ions into the electrolytic bath section 30, and the electrolysis means 60 electrolyzes the water in the electrolytic bath section 30 containing chloride ions for a predetermined time. The static electrolytic water level is the maximum water level in the water supply tank section 40 of the electrolytic water that is supplied to the electrolytic bath section 30 by the water supply means 10 and is diluted and supplied to the water supply tank section 40.

[0034] The electrolytic water production flow at the start of operation shown in Figure 3 will be explained in detail. In the flow chart, numbers are assigned starting with the initial letter S. For example, S4 indicates a processing step. However, the size of the numbers indicating the processing steps has no relation to the processing order.

[0035] First, when a user operates the operation unit 110 to instruct the start of operation (S1), the control means 90 starts a flow for producing electrolyzed water at the start of operation.

[0036] At the start of operation, there is no water in electrolytic bath section 30 and water supply bath section 40, so when control means 90 detects an instruction to start operation from operation section 110, it opens water supply valve 13 and starts supplying water to electrolytic bath section 30 (S2). When the elapsed time t from the start of water supply reaches a preset initial water supply time, control means 90 closes water supply valve 13, and the supply of water to electrolytic bath section 30 is terminated (S3, S4).

[0037] Thereafter, the control means 90 supplies a predetermined amount of chloride ions to the electrolytic cell section 30 by the chloride ion supply means 50 (S5). The control means 90 electrolyzes the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section 30 by the electrolysis means 60 to generate electrolytic water (S6). The conditions for generating the electrolytic water at this time are set in advance or by operating the operation unit 110 according to the required electrolytic water concentration of the electrolytic cell section 30, taking into consideration the dilution ratio of the electrolytic water concentration discharged from the water discharge port 104 and used by mixing with raw water flowing through the raw water channel 101 when the water is sent from the water intake means 70 to the main water channel 100, and the dilution ratio of the raw water supplied from the water supply port 11 when the water is sent from the electrolytic cell section 30 to the water supply tank section 40.

[0038] Next, the control means 90 opens the water supply valve 13 to supply raw water from the water supply port 11 to the electrolytic cell section 30, and when the water level in the electrolytic cell section 30 rises and exceeds the separation wall 20, diluted electrolyzed water is supplied to the water supply tank section 40 (S7). At this time, the water level detection means 80 detects the water level y in the water supply tank section 40, and when the water level y in the water supply tank section reaches a preset steady-state water level of electrolyzed water, the control means 90 closes the water supply valve 13 to end the supply of raw water to the electrolytic cell section 30 (S8, S9).

[0039] 6 is a diagram showing the state of the water levels in the electrolytic bath section 30 and the water supply tank section 40 when the electrolytic water is at a steady water level. At the end of this flow, the electrolytic bath section 30 and the water supply tank section 40 are filled with electrolytic water of a predetermined concentration, and the water level x in the electrolytic bath section 30 and the water level y in the water supply tank section 40 are determined by the relationship between the set steady water level of the electrolytic water and the height of the separation wall 20.

[0040] In this embodiment, since the electrolytic water stationary water level is set to be equal to or lower than the height of separation wall 20, x = the height of separation wall 20, and y = the electrolytic water stationary water level. In other words, the water level in water supply tank section 40 is equal to or lower than the water level in electrolytic cell section 30, and the electrolytic water stored in electrolytic cell section 30 and water supply tank section 40 are always separated by separation wall 20.

[0041] Next, the electrolytic water discharge flow shown in Fig. 4 will be specifically described. In this flow, when electrolytic water is stored in the water supply tank 40 after the electrolytic water generation flow at the start of operation in Fig. 3, the control means 90 starts discharging electrolytic water by the water intake means 70 in response to an instruction from the user via the operation unit 110 or an instruction from a preset program (S10, S11). After the water discharge instruction, the water level detection means 80 detects the water level y in the water supply tank 40 and confirms that the water level y is equal to or higher than the drought water level (S12). The drought water level is a water level that is preset in consideration of the water level at which the water intake means 70 cannot supply water or the water level at which the amount of water supply becomes unstable.

[0042] If the water level y in the water supply tank section 40 is equal to or higher than the drought water level, the control means 90 opens the raw water valve 102 to pass raw water through the raw water channel 101 (S13). Then, the control means 90 operates the electrolytic water supply means 71 to supply electrolytic water to the water supply channel 72 (S14). When the water supply time reaches a preset specified water supply time, the control means 90 shuts down the electrolytic water supply means 71 and stops the supply of electrolytic water (S15, S16). Thereafter, the control means 90 closes the raw water valve 102 to stop the supply of raw water, and returns to a standby state waiting for a water supply instruction (S17, S10). After the supply of electrolytic water is stopped, By stopping the flow of raw water after a suitable time has elapsed, the electrolytic water remaining in the raw water channel 101 can be washed away with the raw water, and deterioration of the flow path and valve members due to the electrolytic water can be suppressed. In addition, if the water supply valve 73 is an electromagnetic valve rather than a check valve, it is necessary to open and close the electromagnetic valve in accordance with the operation and stoppage of the electrolytic water supply means 71 to switch between a water supply enable state and a water supply disable state.

[0043] If the water level y in the water supply tank section is equal to or lower than the drought water level, the control means 90 displays to the user through the display section 120 that water cannot be supplied, and the process waits for the user to replenish the electrolyzed water (S18). However, in this embodiment, the process proceeds to the electrolyzed water generation flow earlier than the drought water level is reached through the replenishment electrolyzed water generation flow (FIG. 5) described later, and therefore the waiting time can be shortened compared to the case where electrolysis is started after the drought water level is reached. Then, when the control means 90 detects that the water level y in the water supply tank section 40 has reached or exceeds the electrolyzed water steady water level, the control means 90 displays through the display section 120 that water can be supplied, and returns to a standby state waiting for a water supply instruction (S19, S20, S10).

[0044] Next, the refill electrolyzed water production flow shown in FIG. 5 will be specifically described.

[0045] In this embodiment, the electrolytic water stored in the electrolytic cell section 30 and the water supply tank section 40 are always separated by the separation wall 20, so that the electrolytic water can be generated in the electrolytic cell section 30 independently of the use of the electrolytic water by the electrolytic water discharge flow in Fig. 4. In other words, even if the concentration of the electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell section 30 changes due to the generation of electrolytic water, the concentration of the electrolytic water in the water supply tank section 40 is not affected, and electrolytic water of a predetermined concentration can be supplied from the water supply tank section 40 by the water intake means 70 while the electrolytic water is being generated in the electrolytic cell section 30.

[0046] Therefore, in this embodiment, immediately after the supply of electrolyzed water to the water supply tank section 40 is completed, a determination is made as to whether or not to start generating electrolyzed water, and a refill flow of electrolyzed water is started (S100). First, the control means 90 controls the chloride ion supply means 50 to supply chloride ions to the electrolytic tank section 30, and the electrolysis means 60 electrolyzes the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic tank section 30 to generate electrolyzed water (S101, S102).

[0047] After electrolytic water is generated in the electrolytic bath section 30, the control means 90 detects the water level y of the electrolytic bath section 30 by the water level detection means 80, and when the water level y falls below a preset electrolytic water supply level, opens the water supply valve 13 to supply raw water to the electrolytic bath section 30 (S103, S104, S105). The electrolytic water in the electrolytic bath section 30 is diluted and supplied until the water level in the water supply tank section 40 reaches the electrolytic water stationary water level, and after the electrolytic water stationary water level is reached, the control means 90 closes the water supply valve 13 to terminate the supply of water to the electrolytic bath (S106, S107). Then, the process returns to the electrolytic water generation start judgment, and the control means 90 starts the electrolytic water generation (S100).

[0048] In this embodiment, refill electrolysis is started in the electrolytic cell section 30 immediately after the detection of the steady-state electrolytic water level, so that the electrolysis time until the water level in the water supply cell section 40 reaches the drought water level can be secured for a long time, increasing the possibility of refilling electrolytic water before the drought water level is reached. Furthermore, considering that electrolytic water is in the electrolytic cell section 30 before the start of refill electrolysis and the expected time to reach the drought water level, the electrolysis conditions in this flow may be different from the electrolysis conditions in the electrolysis flow at the beginning of operation, and it is necessary to set the optimal conditions in advance.

[0049] (Embodiment 2) The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The difference from the first embodiment is that when the water level detection means 80 detects that the water level in the water supply tank section 40 is lower than the electrolytic water stationary water level and reaches an electrolytic water generation water level higher than the electrolytic water supply water level, the control means 90 supplies a predetermined amount of chloride ions to the electrolytic cell section 30 by the chloride ion supply means 50, and electrolyzes the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section 30 by the electrolysis means 60 for a predetermined time.

[0050] When the water level detection means 80 detects that the water level has fallen below the electrolytic water supply level, which is lower than the water level in the electrolytic cell section, after the electrolysis means 60 has electrolyzed the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section 30 for a predetermined time to generate electrolytic water, the control means 90 controls the water supply means 10 to supply a predetermined amount of water to the electrolytic cell section 30 so that a portion of the electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell section 30 flows into the water supply tank section 40. At this time, the water level in the water supply tank section 40 is set to a static electrolytic water level, which is higher than the electrolytic water supply level and lower than the height of the separation wall 20.

[0051] The water intake means 70 takes in the electrolyzed water stored in the water supply tank section 40, and when the water level detection means 80 detects that the water level in the water supply tank section 40 has reached an electrolyzed water generating water level that is lower than the electrolyzed water steady-state water level and higher than the electrolyzed water supply water level, the control means 90 supplies a predetermined amount of chloride ions to the electrolytic cell section 30 using the chloride ion supply means 50, and electrolyzes the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section 30 using the electrolysis means 60 for a predetermined period of time.

[0052] The electrolytic water production flow and electrolytic water discharge flow at the start of operation are the same as those in the embodiment (FIGS. 3 and 4), so the explanation will be omitted. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the water level state of the electrolytic tank section 30 and the water supply tank section 40 when the electrolytic water is at a steady water level. The electrolytic water production water level is added to the embodiment 1.

[0053] Next, the refill electrolyzed water production flow shown in FIG. 7 will be specifically described.

[0054] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the electrolytic water stored in the electrolytic tank section 30 and the water supply tank section 40 are always separated by the separation wall 20, so that the electrolytic water can be generated in the electrolytic tank section 30 independently of the use of the electrolytic water by the electrolytic water discharge flow in Fig. 4. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the generation of electrolytic water does not start immediately after the supply of electrolytic water to the water supply tank section 40 is completed, but starts when the water level in the water supply tank section 40 falls below a preset electrolytic water generation water level.

[0055] In this flow, when the supply of electrolyzed water to the water supply tank section 40 is completed, a determination as to whether or not to start generating electrolyzed water is started, and the water level detection means 80 detects the water level y in the water supply tank section 40 (S100, S108). The water level y decreases as electrolyzed water is supplied according to the electrolyzed water supply flow of Fig. 4, and when the water level y falls below a preset electrolyzed water generation water level, the control means 90 supplies chloride ions to the electrolytic cell section 30 by the chloride ion supply means 50, and electrolyzes the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section 30 by the electrolysis means 60 to generate electrolyzed water (S108, S101, S102).

[0056] The subsequent steps of feeding the electrolytic water to the water-feeding tank section 40 (S103 to S107) are similar to those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0057] Electrolyzed water may be consumed due to impurities in the electrolyzed water or due to autolysis reactions, and there is a concern that the concentration of the electrolyzed water may decrease if the generated electrolyzed water is left for a long time. In this embodiment, by appropriately setting the electrolyzed water generation water level, the waiting time (S103, S104) from the completion of electrolyzed water generation to the electrolyzed water supply can be shortened, and the decrease in the concentration of the electrolyzed water caused by leaving the generated electrolyzed water for a long time can be suppressed. Note that the difference between the electrolyzed water generation water level and the electrolyzed water supply water level is smaller than the difference between the electrolyzed water stationary water level and the electrolyzed water generation water level.

[0058] Also, similarly to embodiment 1, taking into consideration the fact that electrolytic water is present in the electrolytic cell section 30 before the start of refill electrolysis, the expected time to reach the drought water level, etc., the electrolysis conditions in this flow may be different from the electrolysis conditions in the electrolysis flow at the beginning of operation, and optimal conditions must be set in advance.

[0059] (Embodiment 3) The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The difference from the first embodiment is that the control means 90 electrolyzes the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section 30 for a predetermined time by the electrolysis means 60 to generate electrolytic water, and then when the water level detection means 80 detects that the electrolytic water level is equal to or lower than the height of the separation wall 20, the control means 90 supplies a predetermined amount of water to the electrolytic cell section 30 by the water supply means 10 so that a part of the electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell section 30 flows into the water supply tank section 40. At that time, the water level in the water supply tank section 40 is set to a steady electrolytic water level that is higher than the height of the separation wall 20 and lower than the upper ends of the electrolytic cell section 30 and the water supply tank section 40.

[0060] The electrolytic water generation flow and electrolytic water discharge flow at the start of operation are the same as those in the first and second embodiments (FIGS. 3 and 4), and therefore will not be described here. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the water levels in the electrolytic cell section 30 and the water supply tank section 40 when the electrolytic water is at a steady water level. Since the steady water level of the electrolytic water is higher than the height of the separation wall 20, the electrolytic water stored in the electrolytic cell section 30 and the water supply tank section 40 is connected above the upper end of the separation wall 20. This promotes the diffusion of the electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell section 30 and the water supply tank section 40, making the concentration more uniform. In addition, a large amount of water can be supplied by the water intake means 70, and the amount of electrolytic water that can be used without replenishment can be increased.

[0061] The refill electrolyzed water generation flow is the same as that of the second embodiment (FIG. 7), so a detailed description is omitted. In this embodiment, unlike the second embodiment, the electrolyzed water stationary water level is set higher than the height of the separation wall 20. Therefore, the electrolyzed water stored in the electrolytic cell section 30 and the water supply tank section 40 are separated by the separation wall 20 only when the water level y of the water supply tank section 40 is reduced by the electrolyzed water supply according to the electrolyzed water supply flow of FIG. 4 and falls below the height of the separation wall 20. Therefore, the electrolyzed water generation water level at which electrolyzed water generation starts in the electrolytic cell section 30 must be set to the height of the separation wall 20 or lower. As a result, as in the first and second embodiments, even if the concentration of electrolyzed water in the electrolytic cell section 30 changes due to the generation of electrolyzed water, the concentration of electrolyzed water in the water supply tank section 40 is not affected, and electrolyzed water of a predetermined concentration can be supplied from the water supply tank section 40 by the water intake means 70 while electrolyzed water is being generated in the electrolytic cell section 30.

[0062] Furthermore, by appropriately setting the electrolytic water generation water level as in embodiment 2, the waiting time (S103, S104) from the completion of electrolytic water generation to the delivery of the electrolytic water can be shortened, and the decrease in concentration of the electrolytic water caused by leaving the generated electrolytic water for a long period of time can be suppressed.

[0063] Furthermore, similarly to the first and second embodiments, taking into consideration the fact that electrolytic water is contained in the electrolytic cell section 30 before the start of refill electrolysis and the expected time to reach the drought water level, the electrolysis conditions in this flow may be different from the electrolysis conditions in the electrolysis flow at the beginning of operation, and optimal conditions must be set in advance. [Industrial Applicability]

[0064] The electrolytic water generating device of the present invention is expected to be used as an electrolytic water generating device for home or commercial use, which suppresses the generation of bacteria, fungi, viruses, slime stains, and odors in areas around water, such as kitchen sinks. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1 Electrolyzed water generator 10 Water supply means 11 Water inlet 12 Water supply channel 13 Water supply valve 30 Electrolytic cell section 40 Water tank section 50 Chloride ion supply means 60 Electrolytic means 61 Electrode plate 70 Water intake means 71 Electrolyzed water supply means 72 Waterway 73 Water valve 80 Water level detection means 90 Control Means 100 Main waterway 101 Raw water canal 102 Raw Water Valve 103 Outfall 104 Outlet 110 Operation section 120 Display section

Claims

1. A water supply means; an electrolytic cell section for storing water supplied from the water supply means; a chloride ion supply means capable of supplying chloride ions into the electrolytic cell; an electrolysis unit that electrolyzes the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell unit to generate electrolyzed water; a water supply tank section to which the electrolytic water in the electrolytic tank section is supplied; A water intake means capable of taking in the electrolytic water stored in the water supply tank section; having The water containing the chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section is electrolyzed by the electrolysis means to generate electrolyzed water, and then the electrolyzed water in the electrolytic cell section is diluted and supplied to the water supply tank section by supplying a predetermined amount of water from the water supply means into the electrolytic cell section, and the electrolyzed water stored in the water supply tank section is made available for intake by the water intake means. An electrolytic water generating device, characterized in that the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section can be electrolyzed by the electrolysis means.

2. The electrolysis means has at least a pair of electrode plates, The electrolytic tank section and the water supply tank section are integrally provided with a separation wall therebetween, The height of the separation wall is lower than the upper ends of the electrolytic tank section and the water supply tank section and higher than the upper ends of the electrode plates, The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that after the water containing the chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section is electrolyzed by the electrolysis means to generate electrolytic water, a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the electrolytic cell section from the water supply means, the water level in the electrolytic cell section exceeds the separation wall, and a portion of the electrolytic water is supplied to the water supply tank section.

3. A water level detection means for detecting the water level of the water tank portion; a control means for controlling the water supply means, the chloride ion supply means, the electrolysis means, and the water intake means; The control means, after electrolyzing the water containing the chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section for a predetermined time by the electrolysis means to generate electrolytic water, detects that the water level detection means has fallen below an electrolytic water supply level that is lower than the water level in the electrolytic cell section, A predetermined amount of water is supplied to the electrolytic cell section by the water supply means so that a part of the electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell section flows into the water supply tank section, and the electrolytic water stored in the water supply tank section is made available for intake by the water intake means; The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that a predetermined amount of chloride ions is supplied into the electrolytic cell section by the chloride ion supply means, and the water containing the chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section is electrolyzed for a predetermined period of time by the electrolysis means.

4. The control means, after electrolyzing the water containing the chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section for a predetermined time by the electrolysis means to generate electrolytic water, detects that the water level detection means has fallen below the electrolytic water supply water level, which is lower than the water level in the electrolytic cell section, A predetermined amount of water is supplied to the electrolytic cell section by the water supply means so that a portion of the electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell section flows into the water supply tank section, and the water level in the water supply tank section at this time is set to a static electrolytic water level that is higher than the electrolytic water supply water level and lower than the height of the separation wall; The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that a predetermined amount of chloride ions is supplied into the electrolytic cell section by the chloride ion supply means, and the water containing the chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section is electrolyzed for a predetermined period of time by the electrolysis means.

5. The control means is configured to cause the electrolysis means to electrolyze the water containing the chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section. After electrolysis for a predetermined time and generation of electrolyzed water, when the water level detection means detects that the water level of the electrolyzed water is equal to or lower than the water level in the electrolytic cell, A predetermined amount of water is supplied to the electrolytic cell section by the water supply means so that a portion of the electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell section flows into the water supply tank section, and the water level in the water supply tank section at this time is set to a static electrolytic water level that is higher than the electrolytic water supply water level and lower than the height of the separation wall; The electrolytic water stored in the water supply tank is taken in by the water intake means, and when the water level detection means detects that the water level in the water supply tank is lower than the electrolytic water stationary water level and has become an electrolytic water generation water level higher than the electrolytic water supply water level, The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that a predetermined amount of chloride ions is supplied into the electrolytic cell section by the chloride ion supply means, and the water containing the chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section is electrolyzed for a predetermined period of time by the electrolysis means.

6. The control means, after electrolyzing the water containing the chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section for a predetermined time by the electrolysis means to generate electrolytic water, detects that the water level detection means has fallen below the electrolytic water supply water level that is lower than the height of the separation wall, A predetermined amount of water is supplied to the electrolytic cell section by the water supply means so that a portion of the electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell section flows into the water supply tank section, and the water level in the water supply tank section at this time is set to a stationary electrolytic water level that is higher than the height of the separation wall and lower than the upper ends of the electrolytic cell section and the water supply tank section; The electrolytic water stored in the water supply tank is taken in by the water intake means, and when the water level detection means detects that the water level in the water supply tank is equal to or lower than the height of the separation wall and is equal to or higher than the electrolytic water supply water level, The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that a predetermined amount of chloride ions is supplied into the electrolytic cell section by the chloride ion supply means, and the water containing the chloride ions in the electrolytic cell section is electrolyzed for a predetermined period of time by the electrolysis means.

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