Electrolyzed water generation device

Abstract

An electrolytic water generator capable of improving lifespan is provided. [Solution] An electrolytic water generating apparatus comprising: an electrolytic water generating unit having a pair of opposing electrode pairs in a water passage and a drive circuit having four switching elements that apply a DC voltage to the electrode pairs; and a control unit that switches the polarity of the DC voltage applied to the electrode pairs by changing the combination of the on and off states of the four switching elements, wherein the electrolytic water generating unit comprises a first electrolytic water generating unit and a second electrolytic water generating unit, and the control unit switches the supply of power to the first electrolytic water generating unit or the second electrolytic water generating unit.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to an electrolyzed water generator.

Background Art

[0002] An electrolyzed water generator that generates electrolyzed water having sterilization performance is known (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The electrolyzed water generator can increase the amount of electrolyzed water by increasing the on-duty of the applied voltage to increase the concentration or increasing the generation time. In such a case, since the wear of each electrode facing each other in the water passage and the thermal stress on the drive circuit increase, the life of the electrolyzed water generator may be reduced.

[0005] Aspects of the present invention have been made based on the recognition of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electrolyzed water generator capable of improving the life.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The first invention relates to an electrolytic water generating apparatus comprising: an electrolytic water generating unit having a pair of opposing electrode pairs in a water channel and a drive circuit having four switching elements that apply a DC voltage to the electrode pairs; and a control unit that switches the polarity of the DC voltage applied to the electrode pairs by changing the combination of the on and off states of the four switching elements, wherein the electrolytic water generating unit comprises a first electrolytic water generating unit and a second electrolytic water generating unit, and the control unit switches the supply of power to the first electrolytic water generating unit or the second electrolytic water generating unit.

[0007] With this electrolytic water generator, even if the on-duty cycle is increased to raise the concentration of electrolytic water in order to improve sterilization performance, or the energizing time is extended to increase the amount of electrolytic water, the number of energizing cycles per set can be reduced by controlling the energizing of the first and second electrolytic water generation units by switching between them. As a result, wear on the electrode pairs and thermal stress on the drive circuit are reduced, and the lifespan of the electrolytic water generator can be improved.

[0008] The second invention is an electrolytic water generating apparatus characterized in that, in the first invention, it has a common current smoothing unit connected in series with the electrode pair of the first electrolytic water generating unit and the electrode pair of the second electrolytic water generating unit.

[0009] The current smoothing section accounts for a large proportion of the electrolytic water generation unit in terms of both cost and size. With this electrolytic water generation device, the cost and size of the electrolytic water generation device can be reduced by sharing the current smoothing section between the first and second electrolytic water generation units.

[0010] The third invention is an electrolytic water generator that, in the second invention, comprises a first backflow prevention unit provided between the drive circuit of the first electrolytic water generator and ground, or between the drive circuit of the first electrolytic water generator and a power supply, and a second backflow prevention unit provided between the drive circuit of the second electrolytic water generator and ground, or between the drive circuit of the second electrolytic water generator and a power supply, wherein the first and second backflow prevention units provided between each drive circuit of the electrolytic water generator and ground interrupt the current flowing from ground to each drive circuit, and the first and second backflow prevention units provided between each drive circuit of the electrolytic water generator and the power supply interrupt the current flowing from each drive circuit to the power supply.

[0011] According to this electrolytic water generator, the backflow prevention unit can suppress the generation of unintended regenerative routes between the drive circuit of the first electrolytic water generator and the drive circuit of the second electrolytic water generator via the power supply or ground when a regenerative current generated by the current smoothing unit is flowing. As a result, malfunctions of the electrolytic water generator can be suppressed.

[0012] The fourth invention is the second or third invention, further comprising: a first current detection resistor provided between the drive circuit of the first electrolytic water generating unit and ground, or between the drive circuit of the first electrolytic water generating unit and the power supply, and a first current detection unit for detecting the current value flowing through the first current detection resistor; a second current detection resistor provided between the drive circuit of the second electrolytic water generating unit and ground, or between the drive circuit of the second electrolytic water generating unit and the power supply, and a second current detection unit for detecting the current value flowing through the second current detection resistor; and the drive circuit and the ground The electrolytic water generator is characterized in that, when the first current detection resistor and the second current detection resistor are provided between the ground and the first current detection resistor, only the first current detection resistor is provided between the ground and the first current detection resistor, and only the second current detection resistor is provided between the ground and the second current detection resistor, and when the first current detection resistor and the second current detection resistor are provided between the drive circuit and the power supply, only the first current detection resistor is provided between the power supply and the first current detection resistor, and only the second current detection resistor is provided between the power supply and the second current detection resistor.

[0013] For example, if a reverse current prevention unit is placed between the current detection reference potential (power supply or ground) and the current detection unit, the detection accuracy may be reduced due to the influence of the forward voltage generated when current flows through the reverse current prevention unit. This electrolytic water generator makes it possible to improve the accuracy of current detection by the current detection unit.

[0014] The fifth invention is an electrolytic water generating apparatus characterized in that, in the second invention, the current flowing from the drive circuit of the first electrolytic water generating unit to the drive circuit of the second electrolytic water generating unit and the current flowing from the drive circuit of the second electrolytic water generating unit to the drive circuit of the first electrolytic water generating unit flow through at least one of the electrode pair or the current smoothing unit.

[0015] This electrolytic water generator prevents a large current from flowing to the drive circuit of the other electrolytic water generator even if the drive circuit of one electrolytic water generator malfunctions or breaks down. Therefore, even if one electrolytic water generator malfunctions, the other electrolytic water generator can still produce electrolytic water.

[0016] The sixth invention is an electrolytic water generating apparatus that, in the first invention, has a fault detection unit electrically connected to the drive circuit of the first electrolytic water generating unit and the drive circuit of the second electrolytic water generating unit, wherein the control unit generates electrolytic water using only the second electrolytic water generating unit when the fault detection unit detects a fault in the first electrolytic water generating unit, and generates electrolytic water using only the first electrolytic water generating unit when the fault detection unit detects a fault in the second electrolytic water generating unit.

[0017] With this electrolytic water generator, even if the drive circuit of one electrolytic water generator fails, electrolytic water can still be generated using only the drive circuit of the other electrolytic water generator. Therefore, the lifespan of the electrolytic water generator can be improved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to an aspect of the present invention, an electrolytic water generator capable of improving lifespan is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a bathroom equipped with an electrolytic water generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the water channel system of an electrolytic water generator. [Figure 3] This is a circuit diagram showing the electrical circuit of an electrolytic water generator. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the power supply control performed by the control unit. [Figure 5] This is a circuit diagram showing the electrical circuit of an electrolytic water generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]It is a circuit diagram showing an electric circuit of an electrolyzed water generator according to the 3-1st embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a circuit diagram showing an electric circuit of an electrolyzed water generator according to the 3-2nd embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a circuit diagram showing an electric circuit of an electrolyzed water generator according to the 4-1st embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a circuit diagram showing an electric circuit of an electrolyzed water generator according to the 4-2nd embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a circuit diagram showing an electric circuit of an electrolyzed water generator according to the 5-1st embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a circuit diagram showing an electric circuit of an electrolyzed water generator according to the 5-2nd embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a circuit diagram showing an electric circuit of an electrolyzed water generator according to the 6th embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing energization control executed by a control unit.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted as appropriate. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a bathroom equipped with an electrolyzed water generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the bathroom 1 has a ceiling 1a, a floor 1b, and first to fourth side walls 1c to 1f. The first to fourth side walls 1c to 1f are standing portions provided between the ceiling 1a and the floor 1b. A bathtub 2 is provided in the bathroom 1. The bathtub 2 is substantially rectangular in top view.

[0021] A door for entering and exiting the bathroom 1, for example, is provided on the first side wall 1c. A hand shower 3, a mirror 4, and two counters 5 and 6 are provided on the third side wall 1e.

[0022] A faucet 7 is provided on counter 5. Faucet 7 is a water dispensing device that dispenses hot and cold water towards counter 6. For example, faucet 7 dispenses hot and cold water towards a bathtub (not shown) placed on counter 6.

[0023] The remote control 8 is installed, for example, in the bathroom 1. The remote control 8 is an operating unit for dispensing hot and cold water from, for example, the hand shower 3 or the faucet 7, and for adjusting the temperature of the hot and cold water. The remote control 8 is also an operating unit that is operated to dispense water or electrolyzed water W from the dispensing unit 20. The remote control 8 transmits a command signal to the control unit 25 to dispense tap water or electrolyzed water W from the dispensing unit 20.

[0024] The counter 6 is equipped with a discharge unit 20 that discharges electrolyzed water W, generated by the electrolyzed water generator 10 (described later), into the bathroom 1. The discharge unit 20 is rotationally driven by an electric motor 21. The operation of the electric motor 21 is controlled by a control unit 25. As a result, the discharge unit 20 discharges tap water or electrolyzed water W towards, for example, the ceiling 1a, the floor 1b, and the first to fourth side walls 1c to 1f. The electrolyzed water W is, for example, disinfectant water containing hypochlorous acid. The electrolyzed water W suppresses the growth of mold and bacteria in the bathroom 1.

[0025] The discharge unit 20 is not limited to the counter 6, but may be installed at any location within the bathroom 1. For example, the discharge unit 20 may be installed on the ceiling 1a or the first side walls 1c to 1f of the bathroom 1. The discharge unit 20 may also discharge tap water or electrolyzed water W into the bathtub 2.

[0026] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the water channel system of an electrolytic water generator. Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical circuit of an electrolytic water generator.

[0027] The electrolytic water generator 10 is installed, for example, in the counter 6. The electrolytic water generator 10 comprises an electrolytic water generation unit 30 (first and second electrolytic water generation units 30a and 30b) having a pair of opposing electrode pairs 31 in a water passage and a drive circuit 33 having four switching elements 33a to 33d that apply a DC voltage to the electrode pairs 31, and a control unit 25 that switches the polarity of the DC voltage applied to the electrode pairs 31 by changing the combination of the on and off states of the four switching elements 33a to 33d.

[0028] The electrolytic water generator 10 has a pipeline 11 connected to a water source (for example, a municipal water supply). The pipeline 11 connects the water source and the discharge unit 20. The pipeline 11 is a water channel through which tap water and electrolytic water W supplied from the water source flow.

[0029] The pipeline 11 includes a water pipeline 11a for discharging tap water from the discharge unit 20, and an electrolytic water pipeline 11b for discharging electrolytic water W from the discharge unit 20. The electrolytic water pipeline 11b also includes a first pipeline 11b1 through which the electrode pair 31 of the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a is provided, and a second pipeline 11b2 through which the electrode pair 31 of the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b is provided.

[0030] The first strainer 13 is located upstream of the pipeline 11. The first strainer 13 removes foreign matter contained in the tap water supplied to the pipeline 11. Downstream of the first strainer 13, the pipeline 11 branches into a water pipeline 11a and an electrolyzed water pipeline 11b. The water pipeline 11a is equipped with a first solenoid valve 14. The electrolyzed water pipeline 11b is equipped with a second solenoid valve 15, a pressure regulating valve 16, a vacuum breaker 17, a check valve 18, a first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a, a second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b, and a second strainer 19.

[0031] The first solenoid valve 14 is installed in the water pipe 11a. The operation of the first solenoid valve 14 is controlled by the control unit 25. Tap water in the water pipe 11a is supplied to the discharge unit 20 when the first solenoid valve 14 is open. The discharge unit 20 discharges tap water into the bathroom 1 when the first solenoid valve 14 is open.

[0032] The second solenoid valve 15 is installed in the electrolyzed water pipeline 11b. The operation of the second solenoid valve 15 is controlled by the control unit 25. When the second solenoid valve 15 is opened, tap water in the electrolyzed water pipeline 11b is supplied to the discharge unit 20 via the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a and the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b. When the second solenoid valve 15 is opened, the discharge unit 20 discharges electrolyzed water W into the bathroom 1.

[0033] The pressure regulating valve 16 is located downstream of the second solenoid valve 15. The pressure regulating valve 16 controls the pressure of the supplied tap water, thereby adjusting the flow rate of tap water supplied to the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a and the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b. This adjusts the flow rate of electrolyzed water W supplied to the discharge unit 20. The operation of the pressure regulating valve 16 is controlled by the control unit 25.

[0034] The flow rate of tap water may be adjusted using the second solenoid valve 15 instead of the pressure regulating valve 16, or it may be adjusted using both the pressure regulating valve 16 and the second solenoid valve 15. The vacuum breaker 17 is located downstream of the pressure regulating valve 16. The vacuum breaker 17 is provided as needed and may not be necessary.

[0035] The check valve 18 is located downstream of the pressure regulating valve 16. The check valve 18 prevents backflow of tap water flowing through the electrolyzed water pipeline 11b. Downstream of the check valve 18, the electrolyzed water pipeline 11b branches into a first pipeline 11b1 and a second pipeline 11b2. The first pipeline 11b1 is equipped with the electrolytic cell of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a. On the other hand, the second pipeline 11b2 is equipped with the electrolytic cell of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b. Each electrolytic cell has opposing electrodes (electrode pair 31).

[0036] The check valve 18 prevents the electrolyzed water W produced in the electrolytic cells of the first and second electrolyzed water generation units 30a and 30b from flowing back. The first pipeline 11b1 and the second pipeline 11b2 merge downstream of the electrolytic cells of the first and second electrolyzed water generation units 30a and 30b.

[0037] Furthermore, solenoid valves may be provided in the first pipeline 11b1 and the second pipeline 11b2, respectively. When electrolyzed water W is generated in the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a, the solenoid valve in the first pipeline 11b1 is in an open state, and the solenoid valve in the second pipeline 11b2 is in a closed state. Similarly, when electrolyzed water W is generated in the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b, the solenoid valve in the second pipeline 11b2 is in an open state, and the solenoid valve in the first pipeline 11b1 is in a closed state. As a result, the electrolyzed water generator 10 can efficiently generate electrolyzed water W.

[0038] The second strainer 19 is located downstream of the confluence of the first pipeline 11b1 and the second pipeline 11b2. The second strainer 19 removes foreign matter contained in the electrolyzed water W. The electrolyzed water W that has flowed through the second strainer 19 is supplied to the discharge section 20.

[0039] The control unit 25, for example, when it receives a command signal transmitted from the remote control 8, executes control to discharge tap water or electrolyzed water W from the discharge unit 20. Based on a control program stored in the memory unit (not shown), the control unit 25 discharges tap water or electrolyzed water W from the discharge unit 20.

[0040] Furthermore, the control unit 25 switches the polarity of the DC voltage applied to the electrode pair 31 by changing the combination of the on and off states of the four switching elements 33a to 33d of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a and the four switching elements 33a to 33d of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b, based on the control program. By switching the polarity of the DC voltage applied to the electrode pair 31, scale adhering to the electrode pair 31 can be removed, and a decrease in the electrolyzed water generation capacity can be suppressed. Note that the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a and the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b may be controlled by separate control units.

[0041] Next, the electrolytic water generation unit 30 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 3.

[0042] The electrolytic water generation unit 30 comprises a first electrolytic water generation unit 30a and a second electrolytic water generation unit 30b. The electrolytic cell of the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a is located in the first conduit 11b1 of the electrolytic water conduit 11b. The electrolytic cell of the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b is located in the second conduit 11b2 of the electrolytic water conduit 11b. Since the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a and the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b have similar configurations, the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a will be described primarily, and the description of the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b will be omitted.

[0043] The first electrolytic water generation unit 30a includes a pair of electrodes 31 facing each other in a water passage (in the electrolytic cell), and a drive circuit 33 having four switching elements (first to fourth switching elements 33a to 33d) that applies a DC voltage to the electrode pairs 31. The electrode pairs 31 have electrodes facing each other in the water passage. The drive circuit 33 is provided between the power supply 42 and the ground 45. The drive circuit 33 receives power from the power supply 42. The drive circuit 33 has a high-potential input terminal 33e and a low-potential input terminal 33f.

[0044] The first electrolytic water generation unit 30a includes an electrode pair 31, four switching elements 33a to 33d centered around the electrode pair 31, and a current smoothing unit 34 (inductor) connected in series with the electrode pair 31.

[0045] The first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a generates disinfectant water containing hypochlorous acid by applying a DC voltage between the electrode pair 31 and electrolyzing the tap water flowing between the electrode pair 31. In other words, since tap water contains chloride ions, hypochlorous acid is generated by electrolyzing these chloride ions.

[0046] The first switching element 33a and the third switching element 33c are electrically connected to the power supply 42, respectively. The second switching element 33b is electrically connected to the third switching element 33c. The fourth switching element 33d is electrically connected to the first switching element 33a. The first to fourth switching elements 33a to 33d are each connected to the control unit 25, and are switched between an ON state (conductive state) and an OFF state (non-conductive state) by command signals from the control unit 25.

[0047] The electrode pair 31 and the current smoothing unit 34 (inductor) are connected in series between the first contact 36 between the first switching element 33a and the fourth switching element 33d, and between the second contact 37 between the third switching element 33c and the second switching element 33b.

[0048] The first current detection resistor 39a is provided between the drive circuit 33 of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a and the ground 45. Alternatively, the first current detection resistor 39a may be provided between the drive circuit 33 of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a and the power supply 42. The second current detection resistor 40a is provided between the drive circuit 33 of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b and the ground 45. Alternatively, the second current detection resistor 40a may be provided between the drive circuit 33 of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b and the power supply 42.

[0049] Next, the power supply control performed by the control unit 25 will be explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the power supply control performed by the control unit. The control process shown in Figure 4 is stored in the memory of the control unit 25. The control unit 25, for example, when it receives a command signal for electrolyzed water discharge from the remote control 8, executes power supply control for the electrolyzed water generation unit 30. In Figure 4, each step is indicated by "S". Also, Figure 4 shows the case where electrolyzed water W is generated in the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a (S1~S4), and then electrolyzed water W is generated in the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b (S5~S8).

[0050] In step 1 (S1), the first and second switching elements 33a and 33b of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a are turned on for a predetermined time. This predetermined time is set based on the electrolyzed water generation capacity of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a, the discharge time from the discharge unit 20, etc., and is stored in the memory unit of the control unit 25. As a result, current flows from the power supply 42 to the ground 45 via the first switching element 33a, current smoothing unit 34, electrode pair 31, second switching element 33b, and first current detection resistor 39a of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a. Consequently, tap water is electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell to produce electrolyzed water W.

[0051] The control unit 25 switches the second solenoid valve 15 from the closed state to the open state and operates the electric motor 21, thereby enabling the discharge of electrolyzed water W from the discharge unit 20 into the bathroom 1. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 25 turns off the first and second switching elements 33a and 33b of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a.

[0052] In S2, the second and fourth switching elements 33b and 33d of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a are turned on for a predetermined time. This predetermined time is set based on, for example, the performance of the current smoothing unit 34 and is stored in the memory unit of the control unit 25. As a result, regenerative current flows from the current smoothing unit 34 to the electrode pair 31 via the fourth switching element 33d and the second switching element 33b. Consequently, tap water is electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell to produce electrolyzed water W. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 25 turns off the second and fourth switching elements 33b and 33d of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a. Alternatively, the control unit 25 may generate electrolyzed water W using regenerative current by keeping only the fourth switching element 33d turned on.

[0053] In S3, the third and fourth switching elements 33c and 33d of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a are turned on for a predetermined time. This predetermined time is, for example, the same as the predetermined time in S1. As a result, current flows from the power supply 42 to the ground 45 via the third switching element 33c, electrode pair 31, current smoothing unit 34, fourth switching element 33d, and first current detection resistor unit 39a of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a. Consequently, tap water is electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell to produce electrolyzed water W. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 25 turns off the third and fourth switching elements 33c and 33d of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a.

[0054] In S4, the second and fourth switching elements 33b and 33d of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a are turned on for a predetermined time. This predetermined time is, for example, the same as the predetermined time in S2. As a result, a regenerative current flows from the current smoothing unit 34 through the electrode pair 31, the second switching element 33b, and the fourth switching element 33d. Consequently, tap water is electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell to produce electrolyzed water W. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 25 turns off the second and fourth switching elements 33b and 33d of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a. Alternatively, the control unit 25 may turn on only the second switching element 33b to generate electrolyzed water W using the regenerative current.

[0055] The control unit 25 generates electrolyzed water W in the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a, and then generates electrolyzed water W in the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b. Steps S5 to S8 in Figure 4 represent the generation of electrolyzed water W performed in the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b. In steps S5 to S8, the same control processing as in steps S1 to S4 is performed.

[0056] In S9, it is determined whether or not to continue generating electrolyzed water. For example, the memory unit of the control unit 25 stores the number of times the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a and the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b generate electrolyzed water when a command signal for dispensing electrolyzed water is received from the remote control 8. The control unit 25 counts the number of executions when steps S1 to S8 in Figure 4 are performed as 1. The control unit 25 determines whether or not the counted number of executions has reached the number of executions stored in the memory unit. Note that the control unit 25 may also determine whether to continue generating electrolyzed water based on elapsed time, not just the number of executions.

[0057] Then, if S9 determines "YES," meaning that electrolyzed water generation should continue, the process returns to S1 and electrolyzed water generation is performed in the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a. On the other hand, if S9 determines "NO," meaning that electrolyzed water generation has ended, the process ends and the command signal for electrolyzed water generation transmitted from the remote control 8 is monitored.

[0058] According to the first embodiment of the electrolytic water generator 10, the generation of electrolytic water W by the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a and the generation of electrolytic water W by the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b are performed alternately. This reduces wear on the electrode pairs 31 of the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a and the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b, as well as thermal stress on the drive circuit 33. As a result, the lifespan of the electrolytic water generator 10 can be improved. In particular, the electrolytic water generator 10 can operate multiple electrolytic water generation units alternately when discharging electrolytic water W over a wide area or when discharging electrolytic water for a long period of time, thereby improving its lifespan.

[0059] (Second Embodiment) Next, an electrolytic water generator 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 5. In the electrolytic water generator 10 according to the second embodiment, the drive circuit 33 of the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a and the drive circuit 33 of the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b are connected by a connecting circuit 50. The electrolytic water generator 10 also has a current smoothing unit 52 that is common to both the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a and the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. Figure 5 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical circuit of an electrolytic water generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] The current smoothing unit 52 is common to both the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a and the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b. That is, the current smoothing unit 52 is connected in series with the electrode pair 31 of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a and the electrode pair 31 of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5, the first contact 54 between the third switching element 33c and the second switching element 33b of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a is electrically connected to the second contact 55 between the first switching element 33a and the fourth switching element 33d of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b. In addition, the third contact 56 between the first switching element 33a and the fourth switching element 33d of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a is electrically connected to the fourth contact 57 between the third switching element 33c and the second switching element 33b of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b.

[0062] The electrode pair 31 of the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a is electrically connected to the first contact 54 at one end and to the current smoothing unit 52 at the other end. The electrode pair 31 of the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b is electrically connected to the second contact 55 at one end and to the current smoothing unit 52 at the other end. The current smoothing unit 52 is electrically connected to the electrode pair 31 of the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a and the electrode pair 31 of the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b at one end and to the third contact 56 and the fourth contact 57 at the other end.

[0063] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 5, when the control unit 25 turns on the first switching element 33a and the second switching element 33b of the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a, a current Ia flows from the power supply 42 to the ground 45 via the first switching element 33a, the current smoothing unit 52, the electrode pair 31, the second switching element 33b, and the first current detection resistor unit 39a.

[0064] Furthermore, when the control unit 25 turns on the third switching element 33c and the fourth switching element 33d of the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a, current flows from the power supply 42 to the ground 45 via the third switching element 33c, electrode pair 31, current smoothing unit 52, fourth switching element 33d, and first current detection resistor unit 39a.

[0065] On the other hand, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 5, when the control unit 25 turns on the first switching element 33a and the second switching element 33b of the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b, a current Ib flows from the power supply 42 to the ground 45 via the first switching element 33a, electrode pair 31, current smoothing unit 52, second switching element 33b, and second current detection resistor unit 40a.

[0066] Furthermore, when the control unit 25 turns on the third switching element 33c and the fourth switching element 33d of the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b, current flows from the power supply 42 to the ground 45 via the third switching element 33c, the current smoothing unit 52, the electrode pair 31, the fourth switching element 33d, and the second current detection resistor unit 40a.

[0067] Thus, the current smoothing unit 52 is shared between the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a and the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b. The current smoothing unit (inductor) accounts for a large proportion of the electrolytic water generation unit 30 in terms of both cost and size. Therefore, the electrolytic water generation unit 30 has a current smoothing unit 52 (inductor) that is shared between the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a and the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b. This makes it possible to reduce the cost and size of the electrolytic water generation device 10.

[0068] Next, an electrolytic water generator according to a third embodiment of the present invention (the third-first and third-second embodiments) will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. The electrolytic water generator 10 according to the third embodiment has first and second backflow prevention units (diodes) 60a, 60b, 62a, and 62b. In the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in the first and second embodiments, and their descriptions are omitted. (Embodiment 3-1) Figure 6 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical circuit of an electrolytic water generator according to the 3-1 embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] The first backflow prevention unit 60a is provided between the drive circuit 33 of the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a and the earth 45. The first backflow prevention unit 60a allows current to flow from the drive circuit 33 to the earth 45 and blocks current flowing from the earth 45 to the drive circuit 33.

[0070] The second backflow prevention unit 62a is provided between the drive circuit 33 of the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b and the earth 45. The second backflow prevention unit 62a allows current to flow from the drive circuit 33 to the earth 45 and blocks current flowing from the earth 45 to the drive circuit 33.

[0071] As shown in Figure 6, the second backflow prevention unit 62a blocks the current Id (double dashed line) flowing from the ground 45 to the drive circuit 33 of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b when a regenerative current Ic (single dashed line) flows through the drive circuit 33 of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a.

[0072] Similarly, when a regenerative current flows through the drive circuit 33 of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b, the current flowing from the ground 45 to the drive circuit 33 of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a is interrupted by the first reverse current prevention unit 60a.

[0073] In this way, the first and second backflow prevention units 60a and 62a interrupt the current in the unintended regenerative route that flows to the other drive circuit 33 when the regenerative current generated by the current smoothing unit 52 is flowing. This suppresses malfunctions of the electrolytic water generator 10.

[0074] (Embodiment 3-2) Figure 7 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical circuit of an electrolytic water generator according to the 3-2 embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] The first backflow prevention unit 60b is provided between the drive circuit 33 of the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a and the power supply 42. The first backflow prevention unit 60b allows current to flow from the power supply 42 to the drive circuit 33 and blocks current flowing from the drive circuit 33 to the power supply 42.

[0076] The second backflow prevention unit 62b is provided between the drive circuit 33 of the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b and the power supply 42. The second backflow prevention unit 62b allows current to flow from the power supply 42 to the drive circuit 33, and blocks current flowing from the drive circuit 33 to the power supply 42.

[0077] As shown in Figure 7, the second backflow prevention unit 62b interrupts the current If (double dashed line) flowing from the drive circuit 33 of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b to the power supply 42 when a regenerative current Ie (single dashed line) flows through the drive circuit 33 of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a. The regenerative current Ie occurs when the first switching element 33a and the third switching element 33c of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a are turned on.

[0078] Similarly, when a regenerative current flows through the drive circuit 33 of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b, the current flowing from the drive circuit 33 of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a towards the power supply 42 is interrupted by the first reverse current prevention unit 60b.

[0079] In this way, the first and second backflow prevention units 60b and 62b interrupt the current in the unintended regenerative route that flows to the other drive circuit 33 when the regenerative current generated by the current smoothing unit 52 is flowing. This suppresses malfunctions of the electrolytic water generator 10 and enables efficient generation of electrolytic water.

[0080] Furthermore, the electrolytic water generator 10 may have at least one of the first backflow prevention unit 60a and the first backflow prevention unit 60b. Also, the electrolytic water generator 10 may have at least one of the second backflow prevention unit 62a and the second backflow prevention unit 62b. In other words, the electrolytic water generator 10 may have the first backflow prevention unit 60a and the second backflow prevention unit 62b or the first backflow prevention unit 60b and the second backflow prevention unit 62a. Moreover, the electrolytic water generator 10 may have the first backflow prevention units 60a, 60b and the second backflow prevention units 62a, 62b.

[0081] Next, an electrolytic water generator according to the fourth embodiment (the 4-1 and 4-2 embodiments) of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. The electrolytic water generator 10 according to the fourth embodiment has a first current detection unit 70a, 70b and a second current detection unit 72a, 72b. In the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components as in the first to third embodiments, and their descriptions are omitted. (Embodiment 4-1) Figure 8 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical circuit of an electrolytic water generator according to Embodiment 4-1 of the present invention.

[0082] The first current detection unit 70a detects the current value flowing through the first current detection resistor unit 39a. The first current detection unit 70a transmits the detected current value to the control unit 25. The current value flowing through the first current detection resistor unit 39a changes due to the water quality resistance caused by differences in tap water quality. The control unit 25 controls the operation of the first to fourth switching elements 33a to 33d of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a according to the tap water quality. As a result, the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a can efficiently generate electrolyzed water W.

[0083] Here, if the first reverse current prevention unit 60a is placed between the current detection reference potential (earth 45) and the first current detection unit 70a, the detection accuracy of the first current detection unit 70a may deteriorate due to the influence of the forward voltage generated when current flows through the first reverse current prevention unit 60a. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, only the first current detection resistor unit 39a is placed between the earth 45 and the first current detection unit 70a. In other words, the first reverse current prevention unit 60a is placed between the drive circuit 33 and the first current detection unit 70a. As a result, the first current detection unit 70a can detect the current value with high accuracy.

[0084] The second current detection unit 72a detects the current value flowing through the second current detection resistor unit 40a. The second current detection unit 72a transmits the detected current value to the control unit 25. The current value flowing through the second current detection resistor unit 40a changes due to the water quality resistance caused by differences in tap water quality. The control unit 25 controls the operation of the first to fourth switching elements 33a to 33d of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b according to the tap water quality. As a result, the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b can efficiently generate electrolyzed water W.

[0085] As shown in Figure 8, only the second current detection resistor 40a is positioned between the earth 45 and the second current detection unit 72a. In other words, the second reverse current prevention unit 62a is positioned between the drive circuit 33 and the second current detection unit 72a. This allows the second current detection unit 72a to detect the current value with high accuracy.

[0086] (Embodiment 4-2) Figure 9 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical circuit of an electrolytic water generator according to the 4-2 embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] The first current detection unit 70b detects the current value flowing through the first current detection resistor unit 39b. The first current detection unit 70b transmits the detected current value to the control unit 25. The current value flowing through the first current detection resistor unit 39b changes due to the water quality resistance caused by differences in tap water quality. The control unit 25 controls the operation of the first to fourth switching elements 33a to 33d of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a according to the tap water quality. As a result, the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a can efficiently generate electrolyzed water W.

[0088] Here, if the first reverse current prevention unit 60b is placed between the current detection reference potential (power supply 42) and the first current detection unit 70b, the detection accuracy of the first current detection unit 70b may deteriorate due to the influence of the forward voltage generated when current flows through the first reverse current prevention unit 60b. Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, only the first current detection resistor unit 39b is placed between the power supply 42 and the first current detection unit 70b. In other words, the first reverse current prevention unit 60b is placed between the drive circuit 33 and the first current detection unit 70b. As a result, the first current detection unit 70b can detect the current value with high accuracy.

[0089] The second current detection unit 72b detects the current value flowing through the second current detection resistor unit 40b. The second current detection unit 72b transmits the detected current value to the control unit 25. The current value flowing through the second current detection resistor unit 40b changes due to the water quality resistance caused by differences in tap water quality. The control unit 25 controls the operation of the first to fourth switching elements 33a to 33d of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b according to the tap water quality. As a result, the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b can efficiently generate electrolyzed water W.

[0090] As shown in Figure 9, only the second current detection resistor 40b is located between the power supply 42 and the second current detection unit 72b. In other words, the second reverse current prevention unit 62b is located between the drive circuit 33 and the second current detection unit 72b. This allows the second current detection unit 72b to detect the current value with high accuracy.

[0091] Furthermore, the electrolytic water generator 10 only needs to have at least one of a first current detection unit 70a that detects the current value of the first current detection resistor 39a and a first current detection unit 70b that detects the current value of the first current detection resistor 39b. Also, the electrolytic water generator 10 only needs to have at least one of a second current detection unit 72a that detects the current value of the second current detection resistor 40a and a second current detection unit 72b that detects the current value of the second current detection resistor 40b.

[0092] In other words, the electrolytic water generator 10 may have a first current detection unit 70a that detects the current value of the first current detection resistor 39a and a second current detection unit 72b that detects the current value of the second current detection resistor 40b, or a first current detection unit 70b that detects the current value of the first current detection resistor 39b and a second current detection unit 72a that detects the current value of the second current detection resistor 40a. Furthermore, the electrolytic water generator 10 may have a first current detection unit 70a that detects the current value of the first current detection resistor 39a, a first current detection unit 70b that detects the current value of the first current detection resistor 39b, a second current detection unit 72a that detects the current value of the second current detection resistor 40a, and a second current detection unit 72b that detects the current value of the second current detection resistor 40b. Also, the first current detection units 70a, 70b and the second current detection units 72a, 72b may be a single current detection unit.

[0093] Next, an electrolytic water generator according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention (the fifth-first and fifth-second embodiments) will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. The electrolytic water generator 10 according to the fifth embodiment has a modified arrangement of the electrode pair 31 compared to the second embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components as in the first to fourth embodiments, and their descriptions are omitted. (Embodiment 5-1) Figure 10 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical circuit of an electrolytic water generator according to Embodiment 5-1 of the present invention.

[0094] The electrode pair 80 of the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a is electrically connected to the third contact 56 at one end and to the current smoothing unit 52 at the other end. On the other hand, the electrode pair 81 of the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b is electrically connected to the second contact 55 at one end and to the current smoothing unit 52 at the other end. In other words, the connection circuit 50 is arranged such that either the electrode pairs 80, 81 or the current smoothing unit 52 are located on the path between the drive circuit 33 of the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a and the drive circuit 33 of the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b.

[0095] As a result, the current flowing from the drive circuit 33 of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a to the drive circuit 33 of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b and the current flowing from the drive circuit 33 of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b to the drive circuit 33 of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a flow through at least one of the electrode pairs 80, 81 or the current smoothing unit 52.

[0096] As a result, it is possible to suppress the flow of overcurrent in the drive circuit 33 of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a and the drive circuit 33 of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b. For example, if the second switching element 33b of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b is short-circuited, when the first switching element 33a and the second switching element 33b of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a are turned on, current will flow from the third contact 56 to the ground 45 via the second switching element 33b of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b.

[0097] In such a case, the current flowing from the third contact 56 to the second switching element 33b of the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b passes through the electrode pair 81, thus suppressing the flow of a large current through the drive circuit 33. Therefore, even if one drive circuit 33 of the electrolytic water generator 10 fails, a large current flowing through the other drive circuit 33 and subsequent failure are suppressed. As a result, even if the drive circuit of one electrolytic water generation unit fails or malfunctions, the electrolytic water generator 10 can still generate electrolytic water W in the other electrolytic water generation unit.

[0098] (Embodiment 5-2) Figure 11 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical circuit of an electrolytic water generator according to a 5-2 embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] The electrode pair 80 of the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a is electrically connected to the first contact 54 at one end and to the current smoothing unit 52 at the other end. On the other hand, the electrode pair 81 of the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b is electrically connected to the fourth contact 57 at one end and to the current smoothing unit 52 at the other end. In other words, the connection circuit 50 is arranged such that either the electrode pairs 80, 81, or the current smoothing unit 52 are located on the path between the drive circuit 33 of the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a and the drive circuit 33 of the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b.

[0100] Even in such cases, the current flowing from the drive circuit 33 of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a to the drive circuit 33 of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b and the current flowing from the drive circuit 33 of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b to the drive circuit 33 of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a are configured to flow through at least one of the electrode pairs 80, 81 or the current smoothing unit 52.

[0101] Therefore, even if one drive circuit 33 of the electrolytic water generator 10 fails, a large current is prevented from flowing to the other drive circuit 33, thus preventing it from failing. As a result, even if the drive circuit of one electrolytic water generating unit of the electrolytic water generator 10 fails or malfunctions, the other electrolytic water generating unit can still generate electrolytic water W.

[0102] Next, an electrolytic water generator according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. The electrolytic water generator 10 according to the sixth embodiment includes first and second fault detection units 90 and 91. In the sixth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0103] Figure 12 is a circuit diagram showing the electrical circuit of an electrolytic water generator according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] The first fault detection unit 90 is electrically connected to the drive circuit 33 of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a. The first fault detection unit 90 detects, for example, the voltage at the low-potential input terminal 33f. The first fault detection unit 90 transmits the detected value (for example, the voltage value) to the control unit 25. The control unit 25 determines from the received detected value whether or not the drive circuit 33 of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a is malfunctioning.

[0105] The second fault detection unit 91 is electrically connected to the drive circuit 33 of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b. The second fault detection unit 91 detects, for example, the voltage at the low-potential input terminal 33f. The second fault detection unit 91 transmits the detected value (for example, the voltage value) to the control unit 25. The control unit 25 determines from the received detected value whether or not the drive circuit 33 of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b is faulty. Note that the first and second fault detection units 90 and 91 may be a single fault detection unit.

[0106] The control unit 25 controls the operation of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a and the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b based on the detection results of the first and second fault detection units 90 and 91. The control unit 25 stores power supply control programs for the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a and the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b in its storage unit.

[0107] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the power supply control performed by the control unit. The control process shown in Figure 13 is stored in the memory of the control unit 25. When the control unit 25 receives a command signal for electrolyzed water discharge from the remote control 8, for example, it performs power supply control of the electrolyzed water generation unit 30 and performs fault detection of the first and second electrolyzed water generation units 30a and 30b. In Figure 13, each step is indicated by "S".

[0108] In S11, it is determined whether the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a is malfunctioning. That is, when the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a generates electrolyzed water W, the control unit 25 receives the detected value from the first fault detection unit 90 and determines whether the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a is malfunctioning. The control unit 25's memory unit stores, for example, a voltage threshold. The control unit 25 determines, for example, whether the detected value detected by the first fault detection unit 90 exceeds the voltage threshold.

[0109] For example, if the third switching element 33c of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a is short-circuited, when the first and second switching elements 33a and 33b of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a are turned on (when S1 in Figure 4 is executed), the detected value of the first fault detection unit 90 becomes greater than the voltage threshold. In such a case, the control unit 25 determines that a fault has occurred in the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a.

[0110] The control unit 25 may determine that a fault has occurred in the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a when the first fault detection unit 90 detects a voltage value when the first to fourth switching elements 33a to 33d of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a are not turned on, and when the first fault detection unit 90 does not detect a voltage value when the first to fourth switching elements 33a to 33d of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a are turned on.

[0111] Then, if the result in S11 is "NO," meaning that the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a is not malfunctioning, then steps S1 to S4 in Figure 4 are executed, and the process proceeds to S12. The control unit 25 also performs a malfunction check of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a while steps S1 to S4 in Figure 4 are being executed.

[0112] On the other hand, if the result in S11 is "YES," meaning that the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a is found to be malfunctioning, the execution of S1 to S4 in Figure 4 is stopped, and the process proceeds to S15. In other words, the control unit 25 stops the generation of electrolyzed water W by the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a.

[0113] In S12, it is determined whether or not the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b is malfunctioning. That is, when the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b generates electrolyzed water W, the control unit 25 receives the detection value from the second fault detection unit 91 and determines whether or not the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b is malfunctioning. The control process in S12 is the same as the control process in S11.

[0114] Then, if the result in S12 is "NO," meaning that the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b is not malfunctioning, then steps S5 to S8 in Figure 4 are executed, and the process proceeds to S13. The control unit 25 also performs a malfunction check of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b while steps S5 to S8 in Figure 4 are being executed.

[0115] On the other hand, if the result in S12 is "YES," meaning that the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b is found to be malfunctioning, the execution of S5 to S8 in Figure 4 is stopped, and the process proceeds to S14. In other words, the control unit 25 stops the generation of electrolyzed water W by the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b.

[0116] In S13, the control unit 25 performs power supply control to the first and second electrolyzed water generating units 30a and 30b. That is, if the control unit 25 determines that neither the first nor the second electrolyzed water generating units 30a nor 30b is malfunctioning, it operates the first electrolyzed water generating unit 30a and the second electrolyzed water generating unit 30b alternately to generate electrolyzed water W, and then terminates the process.

[0117] In S14, the control unit 25 performs power supply control only on the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a. That is, if the control unit 25 determines in S12 that the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b is malfunctioning, it performs electrolyzed water W generation only on the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a and ends the process. For example, if the control unit 25 detects a malfunction in the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b in S5 in Figure 4, it returns to S1 and performs electrolyzed water W generation on the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a.

[0118] The control unit 25 may store a malfunction of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b in its memory. If the malfunction of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b is stored in the memory, the control unit 25 may perform subsequent electrolyzed water generation using only the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a.

[0119] In addition, the control unit 25 may perform a fault check for the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b every time it generates electrolyzed water W, even if the fault of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b is stored in the memory unit. Furthermore, the control unit 25 may notify (display) the fault of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b on a notification unit that can be seen by the user (for example, the display unit of the remote control 8).

[0120] In S15, it is determined whether the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b is malfunctioning. That is, if the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a is malfunctioning, the control unit 25 stops the operation of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a and starts the operation of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b. For example, if the control unit 25 detects a malfunction of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a in S1 in Figure 4, it proceeds to S5 and executes the generation of electrolyzed water W in the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b. The control process in S15 is the same as the control process in S12.

[0121] Then, if the result in S15 is "NO," meaning that the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b is not malfunctioning, then steps S5 to S8 in Figure 4 are executed, and the process proceeds to S16. The control unit 25 also performs a malfunction check of the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b while steps S5 to S8 in Figure 4 are being executed.

[0122] On the other hand, if the result in S15 is "YES," meaning that the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b is found to be malfunctioning, the execution of S5 to S8 in Figure 4 is stopped, and the process proceeds to S17. In other words, the control unit 25 stops the generation of electrolyzed water W by the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b.

[0123] In S16, the control unit 25 performs power supply control only on the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b. That is, if the control unit 25 determines in S11 that the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a is malfunctioning, it performs electrolyzed water W generation only on the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b and then terminates the process.

[0124] The control unit 25 may store a malfunction of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a in its memory. If the malfunction of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a is stored in the memory, the control unit 25 may perform subsequent electrolyzed water generation using only the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b.

[0125] In addition, the control unit 25 may perform a fault check for the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a every time it generates electrolyzed water W, even if the fault of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a is stored in the memory unit. Furthermore, the control unit 25 may notify (display) the fault of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a on a notification unit that can be seen by the user (for example, the display unit of the remote control 8).

[0126] In S17, the control unit 25 prohibits the power supply control to the first and second electrolytic water generation units 30a and 30b. That is, if the control unit 25 determines in S11 that the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a is malfunctioning and in S15 that the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b is malfunctioning, it prohibits the generation of electrolytic water W and terminates the process. The control unit 25 also invalidates the command signal for electrolytic water generation, for example, if it receives a command signal for electrolytic water generation from the remote control 8.

[0127] The control unit 25 may store the failures of the first and second electrolyzed water generating units 30a and 30b in its memory unit. Even if the failures of the first and second electrolyzed water generating units 30a and 30b are stored in the memory unit, the control unit 25 may still perform a failure check of the first and second electrolyzed water generating units 30a and 30b each time it generates electrolyzed water W. The control unit 25 may also notify (display) the failures of the first and second electrolyzed water generating units 30a and 30b on a notification unit that can be viewed by the user (for example, the display unit of the remote control 8).

[0128] In this way, the control unit 25 determines whether the first and second electrolytic water generating units 30a and 30b have failed. If either of the first or second electrolytic water generating units 30a or 30b has failed, the control unit 25 generates electrolytic water W using only the unit that is not failing. In this case, the control unit 25 may control the electrolytic water generating unit by, for example, reducing the voltage application duty cycle. This improves the lifespan of the electrolytic water generating unit that is not failing.

[0129] In the sixth embodiment, the case in which a first fault detection unit 90 and a second fault detection unit 91 are provided was described as an example. However, the control unit 25 may also perform fault determination of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a and the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b from the detected values ​​of the first and second current detection units 70a, 70b, 72a, and 72b of the fourth embodiment. For example, the control unit 25 converts the detected current value into a voltage value and performs fault determination of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 30a and the second electrolyzed water generation unit 30b.

[0130] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a is provided in the first pipeline 11b1 and the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b is provided in the second pipeline 11b2 as an example. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and for example, both the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a and the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b may be provided in the first pipeline 11b1 (electrolytic water pipeline 11b). That is, the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a and the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b may be arranged in series in the electrolytic water pipeline 11b. Also, the electrode pairs 31, 80 of the first electrolytic water generation unit 30a and the electrode pairs 31, 81 of the second electrolytic water generation unit 30b may be provided in the same electrolytic cell.

[0131] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment has been explained using as an example a case in which two electrolytic water generating units 30, a first electrolytic water generating unit 30a and a second electrolytic water generating unit 30b, are provided. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and for example, an electrolytic water generating device may have three or more electrolytic water generating units.

[0132] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment was explained using the example of a case where the electrolytic water generator 10 is installed in the bathroom 1. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and for example, the electrolytic water generator 10 can also be installed in places where disinfectant water (electrolyzed water) containing hypochlorous acid is used, such as toilets and kitchens in homes and various other buildings.

[0133] The embodiment may include the following configurations. (Composition 1) An electrolytic water generating unit having a pair of opposing electrode pairs in a water passage, and a drive circuit having four switching elements that applies a DC voltage to the electrode pairs, A control unit that changes the polarity of the DC voltage applied to the electrode pair by changing the combination of the on and off states of the four switching elements, In an electrolytic water generator equipped with, The electrolytic water generating unit comprises a first electrolytic water generating unit and a second electrolytic water generating unit. The electrolytic water generating apparatus is characterized in that the control unit switches the supply of power to the first electrolytic water generating unit or the second electrolytic water generating unit. (Configuration 2) The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized in that it has a common current smoothing unit connected in series with the electrode pair of the first electrolytic water generating unit and the electrode pair of the second electrolytic water generating unit. (Composition 3) A first backflow prevention unit is provided between the drive circuit of the first electrolyzed water generating unit and ground, or between the drive circuit of the first electrolyzed water generating unit and the power supply, A second backflow prevention unit is provided between the drive circuit of the second electrolyzed water generating unit and ground, or between the drive circuit of the second electrolyzed water generating unit and the power supply, It has, The first and second backflow prevention units, provided between each drive circuit of the electrolytic water generation unit and the ground, interrupt the current flowing from the ground to each drive circuit. The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to configuration 2, characterized in that the first backflow prevention unit and the second backflow prevention unit, provided between each drive circuit of the electrolytic water generating unit and the power supply, interrupt the current flowing from each drive circuit toward the power supply. (Composition 4) The first electrolytic water generating unit has a first current detection resistor provided between the drive circuit and ground or between the drive circuit and power supply of the first electrolytic water generating unit, and a first current detection unit that detects the current value flowing through the first current detection resistor. The device comprises a second current detection resistor provided between the drive circuit of the second electrolyzed water generating unit and ground, or between the drive circuit of the second electrolyzed water generating unit and the power supply, and a second current detection unit that detects the current value flowing through the second current detection resistor, If the first current detection resistor and the second current detection resistor are provided between the drive circuit and the ground, Only the first current detection resistor is placed between the ground and the first current detection unit. Only the second current detection resistor is placed between the ground and the second current detection unit. If the first current detection resistor and the second current detection resistor are provided between the drive circuit and the power supply, Only the first current detection resistor is placed between the power supply and the first current detection unit. The electrolytic water generator according to configuration 2 or 3, characterized in that only the second current detection resistor is arranged between the power supply and the second current detection unit. (Composition 5) The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to any one of configurations 2 to 4, characterized in that the current flowing from the drive circuit of the first electrolytic water generating unit to the drive circuit of the second electrolytic water generating unit and the current flowing from the drive circuit of the second electrolytic water generating unit to the drive circuit of the first electrolytic water generating unit flow through at least one of the electrode pair or the current smoothing unit. (Composition 6) The drive circuit of the first electrolyzed water generating unit and the drive circuit of the second electrolyzed water generating unit are electrically connected to a fault detection unit. The control unit, If the fault detection unit detects a fault in the first electrolyzed water generation unit, electrolyzed water will be generated using only the second electrolyzed water generation unit. The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that when the fault detection unit detects a fault in the second electrolytic water generating unit, electrolytic water is generated only by the first electrolytic water generating unit.

[0134] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Modifications made by those skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, material, and arrangement of each element of an electrolytic water generator, etc., are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically feasible, and combinations thereof are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0135] 1 bathroom 1a Ceiling 1b floor 1c~1f 1st~4th side wall 2 Bathtub 3 Hand shower 4 mirror 5, 6 counters 7 Karan 8 Remote control 10 Electrolyzed water generator 11 Conduit 11a Water pipe 11b Electrolyzed water pipe 11b1 1st pipeline 11b2 2nd pipeline 13. First Strainer 14. First solenoid valve 15. Second solenoid valve 16 Pressure Regulating Valve 17 Vacuum breaker 18. Check valve 19. Second Strainer 20 Discharge part 21 Electric motor 25 Control Unit 30 Electrolyzed water generation section 30a 1st electrolyzed water generation section 30b 2nd electrolyzed water generation section 31 electrode pairs 33 Drive Circuit 33a~33d 1st~4th switching elements 33e High-potential input terminal 33f Low-voltage input terminal 34 Current smoothing section 36. First contact point 37. Second contact point 39a, 39b First current detection resistor section 40a, 40b Second current detection resistor section 42 Power supply 45 Earth 50 Connection Circuits 52 Current smoothing section 54 First contact point 55 Second contact point 56 Third contact point 57 Fourth contact point 60a, 60b 1st backflow prevention section 62a, 62b 2nd backflow prevention part 70a, 70b First current detection unit 72a, 72b Second current detection unit 80 Electrode pair of the first electrolyzed water generation unit 81 Electrode pair of the second electrolyzed water generation section 90 First fault detection unit 91 Second fault detection unit

Claims

1. An electrolytic water generating unit having a pair of opposing electrode pairs in a water passage, and a drive circuit having four switching elements that applies a DC voltage to the electrode pairs, A control unit that changes the polarity of the DC voltage applied to the electrode pair by changing the combination of the on and off states of the four switching elements, In an electrolytic water generator equipped with, The electrolytic water generating unit comprises a first electrolytic water generating unit and a second electrolytic water generating unit. The electrolytic water generating apparatus is characterized in that the control unit switches the supply of power to the first electrolytic water generating unit or the second electrolytic water generating unit.

2. The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a common current smoothing unit connected in series with the electrode pair of the first electrolytic water generating unit and the electrode pair of the second electrolytic water generating unit.

3. A first backflow prevention unit is provided between the drive circuit of the first electrolyzed water generating unit and ground, or between the drive circuit of the first electrolyzed water generating unit and the power supply, A second backflow prevention unit is provided between the drive circuit of the second electrolyzed water generating unit and ground, or between the drive circuit of the second electrolyzed water generating unit and the power supply, It has, The first and second backflow prevention units, provided between each drive circuit of the electrolytic water generating unit and the ground, interrupt the current flowing from the ground to each drive circuit. The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the first backflow prevention unit and the second backflow prevention unit, provided between each drive circuit of the electrolytic water generating unit and the power supply, interrupt the current flowing from each drive circuit toward the power supply.

4. The first electrolytic water generating unit has a first current detection resistor provided between the drive circuit and ground or between the drive circuit and power supply of the first electrolytic water generating unit, and a first current detection unit that detects the current value flowing through the first current detection resistor. The device comprises a second current detection resistor provided between the drive circuit of the second electrolyzed water generating unit and ground, or between the drive circuit of the second electrolyzed water generating unit and the power supply, and a second current detection unit that detects the current value flowing through the second current detection resistor, If the first current detection resistor and the second current detection resistor are provided between the drive circuit and the ground, Only the first current detection resistor is placed between the ground and the first current detection unit. Only the second current detection resistor is placed between the ground and the second current detection unit. If the first current detection resistor and the second current detection resistor are provided between the drive circuit and the power supply, Only the first current detection resistor is placed between the power supply and the first current detection unit. The electrolytic water generator according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that only the second current detection resistor is arranged between the power supply and the second current detection unit.

5. The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the current flowing from the drive circuit of the first electrolytic water generating unit to the drive circuit of the second electrolytic water generating unit and the current flowing from the drive circuit of the second electrolytic water generating unit to the drive circuit of the first electrolytic water generating unit flow through at least one of the electrode pair or the current smoothing unit.

6. The drive circuit of the first electrolyzed water generating unit and the drive circuit of the second electrolyzed water generating unit are electrically connected to a fault detection unit. The control unit, If the fault detection unit detects a fault in the first electrolyzed water generation unit, electrolyzed water will be generated using only the second electrolyzed water generation unit. The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that if the fault detection unit detects a fault in the second electrolytic water generating unit, electrolytic water is generated only by the first electrolytic water generating unit.

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