Electrolyzed water generator

Abstract

To provide an electrolytic water generator capable of generating electrolytic hydrogen water having a high dissolved hydrogen concentration as needed.SOLUTION: When the operation mode is set to the first operation mode, the electrolysis control unit 87 of the electrolyzed water generation device 100 refers to the first data and performs electrolysis with the energization amount per unit time corresponding to the electrolysis strength command received by the input unit 71 and the flow rate of the raw water detected by the flow rate sensor 6, and when the operation mode is set to the second operation mode, the electrolysis control unit 87 refers to the second data and performs electrolysis with the energization amount per unit time corresponding to the electrolysis strength command received by the input unit 71.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrolyzed water generating devices have been known for some time (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] This electrolyzed water generator controls the electrolysis current or electrolysis voltage based on the flow rate of raw water, thereby adjusting the amount of charge per unit intake of electrolyzed hydrogen water to a constant level, thereby producing electrolyzed hydrogen water with a constant amount of charge per unit intake of water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 136161 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the electrolyzed water generator described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it is difficult to generate electrolyzed hydrogen water with a high concentration of dissolved hydrogen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an electrolyzed water generating device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes raw water to generate acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed hydrogen water, a first discharge flow path for discharging the generated acidic electrolyzed water, a second discharge flow path for discharging the generated electrolyzed hydrogen water, a flow sensor that detects the flow rate of the raw water supplied to the electrolytic cell, an input unit that receives an input of an electrolysis intensity command that indicates the strength of electrolysis in the electrolytic cell and an operation mode selection command that indicates the selection of one operation mode from a plurality of operation modes including a first operation mode and a second operation mode, first data that indicates a correlation between the electrolysis intensity command, the flow rate detected by the flow sensor, and the amount of current per unit time for electrolysis performed in the electrolytic cell, and and second data representing a correlation between the amount of current supplied per unit time of electrolysis and the electrolysis intensity command received by the input unit; an operation mode setting unit that sets the operation mode to the operation mode received by the input unit; and an electrolysis control unit that controls the amount of current supplied per unit time of electrolysis performed in the electrolytic cell, wherein when the operation mode is set to the first operation mode, the electrolysis control unit refers to the first data and performs electrolysis at an amount of current supplied per unit time that corresponds to the electrolysis intensity command received by the input unit and the flow rate of the raw water detected by the flow sensor, and when the operation mode is set to the second operation mode, the electrolysis control unit refers to the second data and performs electrolysis at an amount of current supplied per unit time that corresponds to the electrolysis intensity command received by the input unit.

[0007] According to this configuration, when the first operating mode is selected, electrolyzed hydrogen water with a stable dissolved hydrogen concentration can be produced and discharged regardless of the flow rate of raw water. Furthermore, electrolyzed hydrogen water with a dissolved hydrogen concentration that cannot be produced in the first mode, such as electrolyzed hydrogen water with a high dissolved hydrogen concentration, can be produced and discharged by switching to the second operating mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present invention has the advantage of being able to generate and discharge electrolyzed hydrogen water with a stable dissolved hydrogen concentration regardless of the flow rate of raw water, and being able to generate and discharge electrolyzed hydrogen water with a high dissolved hydrogen concentration as needed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of an electrolyzed water generating device according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a graph showing a configuration example of the electrolyzed water production device of FIG. 1 in a first operation mode. [Figure 3] 2 is a graph showing a configuration example of the second operation mode of the electrolyzed water production device of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, the same or corresponding elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of an electrolyzed water generating device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0012] The electrolyzed water generator 100 is a device that electrolyzes raw water such as tap water to generate electrolyzed hydrogen water containing dissolved hydrogen. The electrolyzed water generator 100 is primarily for home use and is connected to, for example, a kitchen faucet.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the electrolyzed water generator 100 mainly comprises an electrolytic cell 1, a supply flow path 2, a control valve 3, an acidic electrolyzed water discharge flow path 4, an electrolyzed hydrogen water discharge flow path 5, a flow rate sensor 6, an input unit 71, and a controller 8.

[0014] The electrolytic cell 1 is an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes raw water to produce acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed hydrogen water.

[0015] The internal space of the electrolytic cell 1 is divided by a diaphragm 13 into an anode chamber 11 and a cathode chamber 12. The diaphragm 13 is a sheet material that allows ions generated during electrolysis to pass through. An anode 15 is provided in the anode chamber 11, and a cathode 16 is provided in the cathode chamber 12.

[0016] The electrolyzed water generator 100 continuously produces electrolyzed water by electrolyzing raw water supplied from the outside and passing through the electrolytic cell 1. Electrolysis is performed by passing a direct current between the anode 15 and cathode 16 of the electrolytic cell 1. When the direct current flows, hydrogen gas and alkaline electrolyzed water are produced on the surface of the cathode 16. At least a portion of the hydrogen gas dissolves in the alkaline electrolyzed water to become dissolved hydrogen, producing electrolyzed hydrogen water. Simultaneously with the production of electrolyzed hydrogen water at the cathode 16, oxygen and acidic electrolyzed water are produced on the surface of the anode 15. The concentration of dissolved hydrogen in the electrolyzed hydrogen water is proportional to the current flowing between the electrodes and the electrolysis time.

[0017] The supply flow path 2 is a pipeline and a flow path for raw water supplied to the electrolytic cell 1. The supply flow path 2 branches in the middle, and the two downstream ends are connected to the electrolytic cell 1 so as to communicate with the anode chamber 11 and the cathode chamber 12, respectively. The upstream end of the supply flow path 2 is connected to a faucet. As a result, raw water supplied from the outside is supplied to the anode chamber 11 and the cathode chamber 12. A water purifier may be provided midway along the supply flow path 2.

[0018] The adjusting valve 3 is provided in the supply flow path 2 and is capable of adjusting the opening degree of the supply flow path 2. The adjusting valve 3 is a manual valve that allows the user to adjust the opening degree of the supply flow path 2 by operating a knob 31, and is provided outside the housing 9 of the electrolyzed water generation device 100. This allows the user to easily adjust the flow rate of raw water supplied to the electrolysis unit by operating the knob 31.

[0019] The acidic electrolyzed water discharge flow path (first discharge flow path) 4 is a flow path or conduit for discharging the acidic electrolyzed water generated in the anode chamber 11. One end of the acidic electrolyzed water discharge flow path 4 is connected to the anode chamber 11, and the other end is located outside the housing 9. When only electrolyzed hydrogen water is used, the downstream end of the acidic electrolyzed water discharge flow path 4 may be located in a kitchen sink so that the acidic electrolyzed water is discharged as an unnecessary by-product.

[0020] The electrolyzed hydrogen water discharge flow path (second discharge flow path) 5 is a flow path and a pipe that discharges the electrolyzed hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber 12. One end of the electrolyzed hydrogen water discharge flow path 5 communicates with the cathode chamber 12, and the other end is located outside the housing 9.

[0021] The acidic electrolyzed water discharge flow path 4 and the electrolyzed hydrogen water discharge flow path 5 are made of ABS resin, which reduces the flow path resistance and prevents the loss of dissolved hydrogen contained in the electrolyzed hydrogen water produced in the electrolytic cell 1.

[0022] The flow rate sensor 6 is a sensor that detects the flow rate of raw water supplied to the electrolytic cell 1. The flow rate sensor 6 is provided in the supply flow path 2, and outputs the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 6.

[0023] The input unit 71 is, for example, an operation button, and is arranged on the outer surface of the housing 9. The input unit 71 is operated by the user to accept input of an electric field strength command and an operation mode selection command.

[0024] The electrolysis intensity command is a command that indicates the strength of electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 1, i.e., the electrolysis intensity. More specifically, the electrolysis intensity command is a command that indicates the selection of one of three electrolysis intensity levels, for example, "weak," "medium," and "strong." This allows the user to intuitively grasp the electrolysis intensity. However, the electrolysis intensity command is not limited to this.

[0025] The operation mode selection command is an operation mode selection command that indicates the selection of one of the first operation mode and the second operation mode. Note that the "first operation mode" and the "second operation mode" are names used for the convenience of explanation and are not limited to these. For example, the second operation mode may be called the "hydrogen boost mode" because, as will be described later, it is an operation mode that can produce electrolyzed hydrogen water with a high concentration of dissolved hydrogen.

[0026] The first operation mode is an operation mode in which electrolyzed hydrogen water having a dissolved hydrogen concentration corresponding to a set electrolysis strength level is produced.

[0027] The second operation mode is an operation mode in which electrolysis is performed with a constant amount of current regardless of the flow rate of raw water supplied to the electrolytic cell 1. Therefore, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the discharged electrolyzed hydrogen water changes depending on the flow rate of raw water supplied to the electrolytic cell 1.

[0028] The controller 8 includes, as functional components mainly made up of hardware, a control unit 81 and a storage unit 82. The controller 8 is also connected to an input unit 71 and a flow rate sensor 6 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0029] The control unit 81 is, for example, a computer, and includes a processor such as an MPU, or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC. The storage unit 82 is memory accessible from the control unit 81, and includes, for example, RAM and ROM. The RAM temporarily stores various data used during calculations by the control unit 81. The ROM stores computer programs and data for various data processing operations. Therefore, the control unit 81 controls the operation of each part of the electrolyzed water generation device 100 by executing a computer program while referencing the data stored in the storage unit 82.

[0030] The control unit 81 includes, as functional components mainly composed of software, an operation mode setting unit 86 and an electrolysis control unit 87. The operation mode setting unit 86 and the electrolysis control unit 87 function when the control unit 81 executes a computer program stored in the storage unit 82.

[0031] The operation mode setting unit 86 sets the operation mode of the electrolyzed water generating device 100 to the operation mode accepted by the operation mode input unit 72.

[0032] The electrolysis control unit 87 controls the amount of current per unit time for electrolysis performed in the electrolytic cell 1. In this embodiment, the electrolysis control unit 87 indirectly controls the amount of current by controlling the voltage applied between the electrodes of the electrolytic cell 1, thereby varying the amount of dissolved hydrogen in the electrolyzed hydrogen water that is discharged. Note that the electrolysis control unit 87 may use a constant current power supply to supply a constant current regardless of resistance values ​​that vary depending on the water quality.

[0033] The storage unit 82 stores data for the first operation mode (first data) and data for the second operation mode (second data).

[0034] The first operation mode data is data for determining the amount of current per unit time for electrolysis performed in the electrolytic cell 1 in the first operation mode. The data indicates the correlation between the electrolysis intensity level of the electrolysis intensity command, the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 6, and the voltage applied between the electrodes of the electrolytic cell 1. The voltage applied between the electrodes of the electrolytic cell 1 can also be described as the amount of current per unit time for electrolysis performed in the electrolytic cell 1. In FIG. 2 , the graph on the left side of the top row is a graph of data from the first operation mode that indicates the correlation between the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 6 and the voltage applied between the electrodes of the electrolytic cell 1 when the electrolysis intensity level is "strong." The graph on the right side of the top row is not included in the first operation mode data, but is a graph that indicates the correlation between the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 6 and the dissolved hydrogen concentration in the electrolyzed hydrogen water generated when the electrolysis intensity level is "strong." Similarly, the graph in the middle row of FIG. 2 is a similar graph when the electrolysis intensity level is "medium." The graph shown in the lower part of Figure 2 is a similar graph when the electrolysis strength level is "weak." As shown in Figure 2, the change in voltage applied between the electrodes of the electrolytic cell 1 in response to a change in flow rate varies depending on the electrolysis strength level. At any electrolysis strength level, an increase in the flow rate is related to an increase in the amount of current flow, but the degree of change increases as the electrolysis strength level becomes stronger. The relationship between flow rate and voltage at each electrolysis strength level can be determined, for example, by experimentation so as to meet required specifications.

[0035] The second operation mode data is data for determining the amount of current per unit time for electrolysis performed in the electrolytic cell 1 in the second operation mode, and is data representing the correlation between the electrolysis intensity command and the voltage applied between the electrodes of the electrolytic cell 1. In FIG. 3, the graph shown on the left side of the top row is a graph of data from the second operation mode that represents the correlation between the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 6 and the voltage applied between the electrodes of the electrolytic cell 1 when the electrolysis intensity level is "strong." The graph shown on the right side of the top row is a graph that is not included in the second operation mode data, but represents the correlation between the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 6 and the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the electrolyzed hydrogen water generated when the electrolysis intensity level is "strong." Similarly, the graph shown in the middle row of FIG. 3 is a similar graph when the electrolysis intensity level is "medium." The graph shown in the bottom row of FIG. 3 is a similar graph when the electrolysis intensity level is "weak." As shown in Fig. 3, a predetermined applied voltage is specified for each electric field strength level, and for example, a voltage that is 1.5 to 2 times that of a "weak" electric field strength level is applied to a "strong" electric field strength level. The voltage at each electric field strength level is determined, for example, by experimentation so as to satisfy required specifications.

[0036] (Example of operation) First, the user operates the input unit 71, which then receives and outputs an electric field strength command and an operation mode selection command. The control unit 81 stores the received electric field strength command and operation mode selection command in the storage unit 82.

[0037] Next, the operation mode setting unit 86 sets the operation mode to the operation mode indicated by the operation mode selection command stored in the storage unit 82.

[0038] When the user opens the faucet and water starts flowing, the flow sensor 6 detects that water has started flowing. As a result, the electrolysis control unit 87 starts applying voltage to the anode 15 and the cathode 16, and electrolysis of the raw water starts.

[0039] The electrolysis control unit 87 controls the amount of current per unit time for electrolysis performed in the electrolytic cell 1 according to the operation mode. When the operation mode is set to the first operation mode, the electrolysis control unit 87 reads out data for the first operation mode from the storage unit 82 and refers to this data. The electrolysis control unit 87 then applies a voltage between the electrodes of the electrolytic cell 1 that corresponds to the electrolysis intensity command and the flow rate of raw water detected by the flow rate sensor 6. This allows electrolysis to be performed at a predetermined amount of current per unit time.

[0040] Incidentally, when the flow rate of raw water is high, the time it takes for the raw water to pass through the electrolytic cell 1 is shortened, and the electrolysis time of the raw water passing through the electrolytic cell 1 is also shortened. However, by performing electrolysis with an amount of current proportional to the flow rate of raw water detected by the flow rate sensor 6, the electrolysis control unit 87 compensates for the decrease in the amount of current flow caused by the shortened passage time of the raw water by increasing the amount of current flow per unit time. As a result, as shown in the graph on the right side of Figure 2, electrolyzed hydrogen water with the dissolved hydrogen concentration required by the specifications can be generated and discharged at each electrolysis strength level, regardless of the flow rate of raw water.

[0041] Furthermore, when the operation mode is set to the second operation mode, the electrolysis control unit 87 reads out and refers to data for the second operation mode from the storage unit 82. Then, the electrolysis control unit 87 performs electrolysis with an amount of current per unit time corresponding to the electrolysis intensity command.

[0042] As a result, electrolysis is performed by applying a constant amount of current per unit time regardless of the flow rate of raw water supplied to the electrolytic cell 1. Therefore, the user can adjust the dissolved hydrogen concentration of electrolyzed hydrogen water by adjusting the aperture of the regulating valve 3. For example, if the user reduces the aperture of the regulating valve 3, less raw water is supplied to the electrolytic cell 1. This increases the time the raw water takes to pass through the electrolytic cell 1, thereby lengthening the electrolysis time. As a result, electrolyzed hydrogen water with a high dissolved hydrogen concentration can be produced, as shown in the graph on the right side of Figure 3. In particular, electrolyzed hydrogen water with a high dissolved hydrogen concentration can be produced when the raw water has a low pH value, such as when it contains carbon dioxide. Furthermore, the flow rate of raw water supplied to the electrolytic cell 1 can be easily adjusted by operating the knob 31 of the regulating valve 3, which is provided on the outside of the housing 9.

[0043] In this way, when the first operating mode is selected, the electrolyzed water generator 100 can generate and discharge electrolyzed hydrogen water with a stable dissolved hydrogen concentration regardless of the flow rate of raw water. Furthermore, by switching to the second operating mode, electrolyzed hydrogen water with a dissolved hydrogen concentration that cannot be generated in the first operating mode due to specifications, such as electrolyzed hydrogen water with a high dissolved hydrogen concentration, can be generated and discharged.

[0044] Furthermore, since the electrolyzed water generator 100 is a household electrolyzed water generator, a simple configuration is particularly desirable from the viewpoint of manufacturing costs. For example, installing a power supply capable of applying a higher voltage to produce electrolyzed hydrogen water with a high dissolved hydrogen concentration would increase manufacturing costs. The electrolyzed water generator 100 is a device that can generate and discharge electrolyzed hydrogen water with a high dissolved hydrogen concentration without increasing manufacturing costs.

[0045] Furthermore, the electrolyzed water generator 100 generates electrolyzed hydrogen water with a predetermined dissolved hydrogen concentration without using a pH meter by performing electrolysis using data for the first operation mode and data for the second operation mode. By omitting a pH meter from the electrolyzed water generator 100, manufacturing costs can be reduced. Furthermore, some pH meters have a short service life and require periodic replacement. By omitting a pH meter from the electrolyzed water generator 100, maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0046] From the above description, many modifications and other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be construed as illustrative only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the present invention. Details of the structure and / or function thereof may be substantially changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1 electrolytic cell 2 Supply Channel 3. Regulating valve 4. Acidic electrolyzed water discharge flow path (first discharge flow path) 5. Electrolyzed hydrogen water discharge flow path (second discharge flow path) 6 Flow Sensor 8 Controller 9. Cabinet 11 Anode chamber 12 Cathode chamber 13 Diaphragm 15 Anode 16 Cathode 31 Knob 71 Input section 81 Control Unit 82 Memory section 86 Operation mode setting section 87 Electrolysis control unit 100 Electrolyzed water generator

Claims

1. an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes raw water to generate acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed hydrogen water; a first discharge flow path for discharging the generated acidic electrolyzed water; a second discharge flow path for discharging the generated electrolyzed hydrogen water; a flow rate sensor that detects the flow rate of the raw water supplied to the electrolytic cell; an input unit that receives an input of an electrolysis intensity command that indicates the intensity of electrolysis in the electrolytic cell and an operation mode selection command that indicates selection of one operation mode from a plurality of operation modes including a first operation mode and a second operation mode; a storage unit that stores first data representing a correlation between the electrolysis intensity command, the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor, and the amount of current per unit time for electrolysis performed in the electrolytic bath, and second data representing a correlation between the electrolysis intensity command and the amount of current per unit time for electrolysis performed in the electrolytic bath; a controller including an operation mode setting unit that sets the operation mode to the operation mode received by the input unit, and an electrolysis control unit that controls the amount of current per unit time for electrolysis performed in the electrolytic cell, The electrolysis control unit When the operation mode is set to the first operation mode, electrolysis is performed with reference to the first data at an amount of current per unit time corresponding to the electrolysis intensity command received by the input unit and the flow rate of the raw water detected by the flow rate sensor, When the operating mode is set to the second operating mode, the electrolytic water generating device refers to the second data and performs electrolysis with an amount of current per unit time corresponding to the electrolysis intensity command received by the input unit.

2. a supply flow path for the raw water to be supplied to the electrolytic cell; The electrolyzed water generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising: an adjusting valve provided in the supply flow path, the adjusting valve being capable of adjusting the opening degree of the supply flow path.

3. The electrolyzed water generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the pipes forming the first discharge flow path and the second discharge flow path are made of ABS resin.

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