Electrolyzed water supply device
The electrolyzed water supply device addresses the issue of inconsistent cleaning timing by using a chloride ion detection and control system to automatically generate and supply electrolyzed water, ensuring effective sink cleaning.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-08
AI Technical Summary
The manual operation of opening and closing the cock for flowing electrolyzed water leads to inconsistent timing in cleaning, potentially resulting in inadequate cleaning of sinks.
An electrolyzed water supply device with a chloride ion detection unit, electrolysis unit, and control unit that automatically generates and supplies electrolyzed water at appropriate intervals based on chloride ion availability, ensuring timely cleaning.
Ensures consistent and effective cleaning of sinks by automatically generating and supplying electrolyzed water at the right time, preventing dirt and slime buildup.
Smart Images
Figure 2026114563000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0007]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrolyzed water supply device.
Background Art
[0002] By pouring electrolyzed water or a cleaning agent through the drain of a sink, the drain is cleaned (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for cleaning at an appropriate timing.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an electrolyzed water supply device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a water tank unit for storing water, a chloride ion supply unit capable of supplying chloride ions into the water tank unit, an electrolysis unit for electrolyzing water having chloride ions in the water tank unit to generate electrolyzed water, a water supply unit capable of supplying the electrolyzed water stored in the water tank unit, a chloride ion detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of supply of chloride ions from the chloride ion supply unit into the water tank unit at every preset time, and a control unit for controlling the electrolysis unit and the water supply unit. When the chloride ion detection unit detects that the supply is present, the control unit causes the electrolysis unit to generate electrolyzed water and causes the water supply unit to supply the electrolyzed water.
[0007] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, as well as any conversion of the expressions of this disclosure between methods, apparatus, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc., are also valid forms of this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] According to this disclosure, cleaning can be performed at the appropriate time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the main parts of a sink where the electrolytic water supply device according to the embodiment is installed. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the configuration of the electrolyzed water supply device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) show the data structure of the table used in the control unit shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figures 4(a)-(b) show the data structure of the table used in the control unit shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figures 5(a)-(b) show the data structure of the table used in the control unit shown in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figures 6(a)-(b) show the data structure of the table used in the control unit shown in Figure 2. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure using the electrolytic water supply device. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure using the electrolytic water supply device. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure using the electrolytic water supply device. [Figure 10] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure using the electrolytic water supply device. [Figure 11] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure using the electrolytic water supply device. [Figure 12] Figures 12(a)-(b) show the configuration of an electrolytic water supply device according to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0010] Before specifically describing the embodiments of this disclosure, an overview of the embodiments will be given. This embodiment relates to an electrolytic water supply device for supplying electrolytic water to clean the washing tank, drain, and piping of a sink. The electrolytic water supply device generates electrolytic water by supplying chloride ions to water and then electrolyzing the water containing chloride ions. If the generated electrolytic water is supplied manually, there is a risk that slime and grime may accumulate in the washing tank, drain, and piping if the electrolytic water is not supplied regularly. The electrolytic water supply device according to this embodiment periodically detects whether chloride ions are being supplied, and if they are being supplied, it generates electrolytic water and then supplies it.
[0011] The following describes the implementation of this disclosure, referring to the attached drawings, in the following order: (1) basic configuration, (2) treatment when chloride ions are not replenished, and (3) treatment when electrolyzed ions are replenished.
[0012] (1) Basic configuration Figure 1 shows the main components of a sink where the electrolytic water supply device 100 is installed. The sink has a bucket-shaped washing tank 12, and a drain outlet 14 is provided at the bottom of the washing tank 12, which is connected to a hollow piping section 16. A faucet (not shown) is provided on the upper part of the washing tank 12, and water from the faucet flows from the washing tank 12 through the drain outlet 14 to the piping section 16. The electrolytic water supply device 100 generates electrolytic water and discharges it into the washing tank 12 from a dedicated faucet 10. The discharged electrolytic water also flows from the washing tank 12 through the drain outlet 14 to the piping section 16. The electrolytic water cleans the washing tank 12, the drain outlet 14, and the piping section 16. The faucet may also be configured to be directly connected to the drain outlet 14.
[0013] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the electrolytic water supply device 100. The electrolytic water supply device 100 includes a water storage tank section 110, an electrolytic cell section 112, a chloride ion supply section 120, a chloride ion detection section 122, a first water channel 124, a first water supply section 126, a second water channel 128, an electrolysis section 130, a third water channel 132, a second water supply section 134, a fourth water channel 136, and a control unit 150.
[0014] The water storage tank section 110 and the electrolytic cell section 112 have a box shape with an open top surface. The water storage tank section 110 stores water. For example, a full water sensor (not shown) and a water shortage sensor (not shown) are installed in the water storage tank section 110, and a water supply section (not shown) is connected. When the water shortage sensor detects water shortage, the water supply section supplies water to the water storage tank section 110, and when the full water sensor detects full water, the water supply section stops the water supply.
[0015] A chloride ion supply section 120 is arranged above the opening of the water storage tank section 110. The chloride ion supply section 120 can supply a raw material containing chloride ions necessary for electrolyzed water generation into the water storage tank section 110. The raw material containing chloride ions is a salt containing chloride that dissolves and ionizes in water, for example, sodium chloride or potassium chloride in powder or solid form, or an aqueous solution containing the salt. When the raw material is in powder or solid form, the chloride ion supply section 120 periodically supplies a fixed amount of the raw material to the water storage tank sectionFor example, the chloride ion detection unit 122 is a weight sensor that measures the weight of the water storage tank 110 and detects the presence of a supply when the weight increases. The chloride ion detection unit 122 is a weight sensor that measures the weight of the chloride ion supply unit 120 and detects the presence of a supply when the weight decreases. The chloride ion detection unit 122 is an infrared (light) sensor placed between the chloride ion supply unit 120 and the water storage tank 110 and detects the presence of a supply when it detects an object falling from the chloride ion supply unit 120 into the water storage tank 110. The chloride ion detection unit 122 is a measuring instrument that measures the conductivity of the water stored in the water storage tank 110 and detects the presence of a supply when it electrically detects a change in the conductivity of the water due to the addition of chloride ions. The chloride ion detection unit 122 detects the absence of a supply in all other cases.
[0018] A first water channel 124 is connected to the water storage tank section 110, the first water channel 124 is connected to the first water supply section 126, the first water supply section 126 is connected to a second water channel 128, and the second water channel 128 is connected to the electrolytic cell section 112. The first water channel 124 and the second water channel 128 are tubular in shape. The first water supply section 126 is, for example, a constant flow pump and is capable of supplying a constant amount of water. When the first water supply section 126 receives an operation instruction from the control unit 150, it draws chloride ion water stored in the water storage tank section 110 into the first water channel 124 and supplies the drawn-in chloride ion water to the electrolytic cell section 112 via the second water channel 128.
[0019] As a result, the electrolytic cell 112 is supplied with chloride ion water from the water storage tank 110 and stores the chloride ion water. An electrolytic unit 130 is provided inside the electrolytic cell 112. The electrolytic unit 130 is installed so as to be immersed in the chloride ion water inside the electrolytic cell 112. The electrolytic unit 130 has, for example, at least one pair of electrode plates, and by applying a predetermined voltage between the electrode plates based on instructions from the control unit 150, it electrolyzes the chloride ion water inside the electrolytic cell 112 to produce electrolyzed water containing reactive oxygen species.
[0020] Here, the electrode plate preferably has a catalytic material suitable for generating electrolyzed water, such as platinum or iridium. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species refer to oxygen molecules and related substances that have higher oxidative activity than ordinary oxygen. For example, reactive oxygen species include so-called reactive oxygen species in the narrow sense, such as superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, or hydrogen peroxide, as well as so-called reactive oxygen species in the broad sense, such as ozone or hypochlorous acid (hypohalous acid). Electrolyzed water is also called hypochlorous acid water.
[0021] A third water channel 132 is connected to the electrolytic cell 112, the third water channel 132 is connected to the second water supply unit 134, and a fourth water channel 136 is connected to the second water supply unit 134. The second water supply unit 134 is connected to the dedicated faucet 10 shown in Figure 1. The third water channel 132 and the fourth water channel 136 are tubular in shape. The second water supply unit 134 is, for example, a constant flow pump and is capable of supplying a constant amount of water. When the second water supply unit 134 receives an operation instruction from the control unit 150, it draws the electrolyzed water stored in the electrolytic cell 112 into the third water channel 132 and supplies the drawn-in electrolyzed water through the fourth water channel 136 and the dedicated faucet 10.
[0022] The control unit 150 can communicate with the chloride ion detection unit 122, the first water supply unit 126, the electrolysis unit 130, and the second water supply unit 134. The control unit 150 periodically sends a request to the chloride ion detection unit 122 to transmit the detection result, and receives the detection result from the chloride ion detection unit 122. When the chloride ion detection unit 122 detects that there is a supply, the control unit 150 sends a request to the first water supply unit 126 to send the chloride ion water from the water storage tank unit 110 to the electrolysis cell unit 112. After the chloride ion water has been sent, the control unit 150 sends a request to the electrolysis unit 130 to generate electrolyzed water. After the electrolyzed water has been generated, the control unit 150 sends a request to the second water supply unit 134 to send the electrolyzed water from the electrolysis cell unit 112 through the dedicated tap 10. The chloride ion supply unit 120 periodically supplies chloride ions, the chloride ion detection unit 122 periodically detects whether or not chloride ions have been supplied, and the control unit 150 sends electrolyzed water based on the periodically acquired detection results, so that cleaning is performed at the appropriate timing.
[0023] (2) Treatment when chloride ions are not replenished Up to this point, we have described the operation when the detection result received by the control unit 150 indicates that a supply is available. On the other hand, there are also cases where the detection result indicates that a supply is not available. This means that the chloride ion supply unit 120 is not replenished with raw materials containing chloride ions, that is, it is in an unreplenished state. When the unreplenished state is detected, the control unit 150 executes either (2-1) the first unreplenished process or (2-2) the second unreplenished process.
[0024] (2-1) First Unfilled Processing The electrolytic water supply device 100 has a notification unit (not shown). The notification unit is, for example, a light or a speaker. When the detection result indicates no supply, the control unit 150 instructs the notification unit to send a notification. The notification unit, in response to the instruction from the control unit 150, notifies the system to replenish chloride ions in the chloride ion supply unit 120. The notification of replenishing chloride ions in the chloride ion supply unit 120 is made, for example, by turning on or flashing a light, or by outputting sound from a speaker.
[0025] When the chloride ion detection unit 122 detects that there is no supply, the control unit 150 sends a request to the first water supply unit 126 to send water from the water storage tank unit 110 to the electrolytic cell unit 112. After the water has been sent, the control unit 150 sends a request to the second water supply unit 134 to send water from the electrolytic cell unit 112 through the dedicated tap 10. In other words, the control unit 150 sends water to the second water supply unit 134 without generating electrolyzed water in the electrolysis unit 130. As a result, cleaning with water is not performed, but cleaning with water is performed.
[0026] (2-2) Second Unfilled Processing If the control unit 150 detects that there is no supply, it instructs the notification unit to send a notification. The notification unit, in response to the instruction from the control unit 150, notifies the chloride ion supply unit 120 to replenish the chloride ions. This process is the same as (2-1) the first non-replenishment process.
[0027] When the chloride ion detection unit 122 detects that there is no supply, the control unit 150 sends a request to the first water supply unit 126 to send water from the water storage tank unit 110 to the electrolytic cell unit 112. After the water is sent, the control unit 150 sends a request to the electrolytic unit 130 to generate electrolyzed water, thereby generating electrolyzed water without a chloride ion supply. Therefore, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the generated electrolyzed water is lower than the concentration of hypochlorous acid in electrolyzed water generated with a chloride ion supply. After the electrolyzed water is generated, the control unit 150 sends a request to the second water supply unit 134 to send the electrolyzed water from the electrolytic cell unit 112 through the dedicated tap 10. In other words, the control unit 150 generates electrolyzed water in the electrolytic unit 130 without a chloride ion supply and sends the electrolyzed water to the second water supply unit 134. Although the cleaning power of this electrolyzed water is lower than usual, cleaning is still performed using this type of electrolyzed water.
[0028] (3) Treatment when electrolytic ions are replenished This section describes the process when (2) the chloride ion supply unit 120 is refilled with a raw material containing chloride ions after the process for when chloride ions are not replenished has been performed. (2) The process for when chloride ions are not replenished is performed, which reduces the cleaning power compared to when the process for the basic configuration (1) is performed. As a result, slimy buildup may occur in the cleaning tank 12, the drain outlet 14, and the piping section 16. To remove the slimy buildup that has occurred, the electrolytic water supply device 100 performs one of the following: (3-1) the first post-refill treatment, (3-2) the second post-refill treatment, (3-3) the third post-refill treatment, or (3-4) the fourth post-refill treatment. In the following, the electrolytic water generated in the electrolysis unit 130 before the chloride ion detection unit 122 detects that there is no supply may be defined as the first electrolytic water.
[0029] (3-1) Post-refill processing The electrolytic water supply device 100 includes a memory unit (not shown). When the detection result indicates no supply, the control unit 150 updates the number of times no supply has been detected (hereinafter referred to as the "number of no supply occurrences") by adding "1", and stores the updated number of no supply occurrences in the memory unit. The number of no supply occurrences indicates the period during which chloride ions have not been replenished, and the larger the number of no supply occurrences, the longer the period during which chloride ions have not been replenished. The longer the period during which chloride ions have not been replenished, the higher the possibility that slime buildup has occurred in the washing tank 12, drain outlet 14, and piping section 16. Therefore, it can be said that the higher the number of no supply occurrences, the higher the possibility of slime buildup.
[0030] When the detection result changes from "no supply" to "supply available," the control unit 150 acquires the updated number of "no supply" occurrences and resets the number of "no supply" occurrences stored in the memory unit to zero. The control unit 150 sends a request for the supply of chloride ion water to the first water supply unit 126, causing the chloride ion water from the water storage tank unit 110 to be supplied to the electrolysis cell unit 112. After the chloride ion water has been supplied, the control unit 150 sends a request for the generation of electrolyzed water different from the first electrolyzed water (hereinafter referred to as "second electrolyzed water") to the electrolysis unit 130, causing the second electrolyzed water to be generated.
[0031] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) show the data structure of the table used in the control unit 150. As shown in Figure 3(a), the correspondence between the number of supply cycles and the electrolysis time is shown. The electrolysis time indicates the time for the electrolysis unit 130 to perform electrolysis. Here, the more supply cycles there are, the longer the electrolysis time. Figure 3(b) is omitted, and we return to Figure 2.
[0032] The control unit 150 refers to a table and obtains the electrolysis time corresponding to the number of supply cycles obtained. The control unit 150 includes the electrolysis time information in the generation request and transmits it to the electrolysis unit 130. The electrolysis unit 130 generates second electrolyzed water by performing electrolysis for the electrolysis time included in the generation request. After the second electrolyzed water is generated, the control unit 150 transmits a request to the second water supply unit 134 to supply the second electrolyzed water from the electrolytic cell unit 112 through the dedicated tap 10.
[0033] Here, instead of the table in Figure 3(a), the table in Figure 3(b) may be used for the control unit 150. Here, the electrolysis time for generating the first electrolyzed water and the electrolysis time for generating the second electrolyzed water are shown, regardless of the number of supply cycles. Furthermore, the electrolysis time for generating the second electrolyzed water is made longer than the electrolysis time for generating the first electrolyzed water.
[0034] (3-2) Post-refill processing for the second refill The electrolytic water supply device 100 includes a memory unit (not shown). When the detection result indicates no supply, the control unit 150 updates the number of times no supply has been detected (hereinafter referred to as the "number of no supply occurrences") by adding "1", and stores the updated number of no supply occurrences in the memory unit.
[0035] When the detection result changes from "no supply" to "supply available," the control unit 150 acquires the updated number of "no supply" occurrences and resets the number of "no supply" occurrences stored in the memory unit to zero. The control unit 150 sends a request for the supply of chloride ion water to the first water supply unit 126, causing the chloride ion water from the water storage tank unit 110 to be supplied to the electrolysis cell unit 112. After the chloride ion water has been supplied, the control unit 150 sends a request for the generation of electrolyzed water different from the first electrolyzed water (hereinafter referred to as "second electrolyzed water") to the electrolysis unit 130, causing the second electrolyzed water to be generated.
[0036] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show the data structure of the table used in the control unit 150. As shown in Figure 4(a), the correspondence between the number of supply cycles and the current value is shown. The current value indicates the current value when the electrolysis unit 130 is made to perform electrolysis. Here, the current value increases as the number of supply cycles increases. Figure 4(b) is omitted, and we return to Figure 2.
[0037] The control unit 150 refers to a table and obtains a current value corresponding to the number of supply cycles obtained. The control unit 150 includes the current value information in the generation request and transmits it to the electrolysis unit 130. The electrolysis unit 130 generates second electrolyzed water by performing electrolysis according to the current value included in the generation request. After the second electrolyzed water is generated, the control unit 150 transmits a request to the second water supply unit 134 to supply the second electrolyzed water from the electrolytic cell unit 112 through the dedicated tap 10.
[0038] Here, instead of the table in Figure 4(a), the table in Figure 4(b) may be used for the control unit 150. Here, the current value for generating the first electrolyzed water and the current value for generating the second electrolyzed water are shown, regardless of the number of supply cycles. Furthermore, the current value for generating the second electrolyzed water is made greater than the current value for generating the first electrolyzed water.
[0039] (3-3) Post-refill processing for the third refill The electrolytic water supply device 100 includes a memory unit (not shown). When the detection result indicates no supply, the control unit 150 updates the number of times no supply has been detected (hereinafter referred to as the "number of no supply occurrences") by adding "1", and stores the updated number of no supply occurrences in the memory unit.
[0040] When the detection result changes from "no supply" to "supply available," the control unit 150 acquires the updated number of "no supply" occurrences and resets the number of "no supply" occurrences stored in the memory unit to zero. The control unit 150 sends a request for chloride ion water to the first water supply unit 126, causing the chloride ion water from the water storage tank unit 110 to be sent to the electrolytic cell unit 112. After the chloride ion water has been sent, the control unit 150 sends a request for electrolytic water to the electrolytic unit 130, causing the electrolytic water to be generated. After the electrolytic water has been generated, the control unit 150 sends a request for electrolytic water to the second water supply unit 134, causing the electrolytic water from the electrolytic cell unit 112 to be sent from the dedicated tap 10.
[0041] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) show the data structure of the table used in the control unit 150. As shown in Figure 5(a), the correspondence between the number of supply cycles and the water supply time is shown. The water supply time indicates the time it takes to supply the electrolyzed water from the electrolytic cell 112. Here, the more supply cycles there are, the longer the water supply time becomes. Figure 5(b) is omitted, and we return to Figure 2.
[0042] The control unit 150 refers to a table and obtains the water supply time corresponding to the number of supply cycles obtained. The control unit 150 includes the water supply time information in the water supply request and transmits it to the second water supply unit 134. The second water supply unit 134 performs water supply for the duration of the water supply time included in the water supply request.
[0043] Here, instead of the table in Figure 5(a), the table in Figure 5(b) may be used in the control unit 150. Here, the water supply time when supplying electrolyzed water before replenishment and the water supply time when supplying electrolyzed water after replenishment are shown, without depending on the number of supply cycles. Furthermore, the water supply time when supplying electrolyzed water after replenishment is made longer than the water supply time when supplying electrolyzed water before replenishment.
[0044] (3-4) Post-refill processing for the fourth refill The electrolytic water supply device 100 includes a memory unit (not shown). When the detection result indicates no supply, the control unit 150 updates the number of times no supply has been detected (hereinafter referred to as the "number of no supply occurrences") by adding "1", and stores the updated number of no supply occurrences in the memory unit.
[0045] When the detection result changes from "no supply" to "supply available," the control unit 150 acquires the updated number of "no supply" occurrences and resets the number of "no supply" occurrences stored in the memory unit to zero. The control unit 150 sends a request for chloride ion water to the first water supply unit 126, causing the chloride ion water from the water storage tank unit 110 to be sent to the electrolytic cell unit 112. After the chloride ion water has been sent, the control unit 150 sends a request for electrolytic water to the electrolytic unit 130, causing the electrolytic water to be generated. After the electrolytic water has been generated, the control unit 150 sends a request for electrolytic water to the second water supply unit 134, causing the electrolytic water from the electrolytic cell unit 112 to be sent from the dedicated tap 10.
[0046] Figures 6(a) and 6(b) show the data structure of the table used in the control unit 150. As shown in Figure 6(a), the correspondence between the number of supply cycles and the number of flow cycles is shown. The number of flow cycles indicates the number of times the electrolysis unit 130 generates electrolyzed water and the second water supply unit 134 supplies the electrolyzed water. Here, the more supply cycles there are, the more flow cycles are assigned. We will skip Figure 6(b) and return to Figure 2.
[0047] The control unit 150 refers to a table and obtains the number of flows corresponding to the number of supply cycles obtained. The control unit 150 includes the flow count information in the generation request and sends it to the electrolysis unit 130, and includes the flow count information in the water supply request and sends it to the second water supply unit 134. The electrolysis unit 130 generates electrolyzed water for the number of flows, and the second water supply unit 134 performs water supply for the number of flows.
[0048] Here, instead of the table in Figure 6(a), the table in Figure 6(b) may be used in the control unit 150. Here, the number of flows for the electrolyzed water before replenishment and the number of flows for the electrolyzed water after replenishment are shown, without the number of flows depending on the number of supply cycles. Furthermore, the number of flows for the electrolyzed water after replenishment is set to be greater than the number of flows for the electrolyzed water before replenishment.
[0049] The subject of the apparatus, system, or method in this disclosure comprises a computer. The functions of the subject of the apparatus, system, or method in this disclosure are realized by the computer executing a program. The computer comprises a processor as its main hardware component, which operates according to the program. The processor is of any type as long as it can realize its functions by executing the program. The processor consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or LSIs (Large Scale Integrations). Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be aggregated in one device or provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a ROM, optical disc, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or supplied to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.
[0050] The operation of the electrolytic water supply device 100 with the above configuration will now be explained. Figure 7 is a flowchart of the processing procedure by the electrolytic water supply device 100. This is (2-1) the first unreplenished processing. The chloride ion detection unit 122 waits for a set time (S10). If chloride ions are supplied (Y in S12), the control unit 150 causes the electrolysis unit 130 to generate electrolytic water and to send the electrolytic water to the second water supply unit 134 (S14). The process returns to step 10. If chloride ions are not supplied (N in S12), the notification unit notifies the user (S16), the control unit 150 causes the second water supply unit 134 to send water (S18), and the process returns to step 10.
[0051] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure by the electrolyzed water supply device 100. This is (2-2) the second unreplenished processing. The chloride ion detection unit 122 waits for a set time (S50). If chloride ions are supplied (Y in S52), the control unit 150 causes the electrolysis unit 130 to generate electrolyzed water and sends the electrolyzed water to the second water supply unit 134 (S54). The process returns to step 50. If chloride ions are not supplied (N in S52), the notification unit notifies the user (S56), and the control unit 150 causes the electrolysis unit 130 to generate electrolyzed water without chloride ion supply and sends the electrolyzed water to the second water supply unit 134 (S58). The process returns to step 50.
[0052] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure by the electrolyzed water supply device 100. This is (2-1) first unreplenished processing, (3-1) first re-replenished processing, or (3-2) second re-replenished processing. The chloride ion detection unit 122 waits for a set time (S100). If chloride ions are supplied (Y in S102), the control unit 150 causes the electrolysis unit 130 to generate first electrolyzed water and the second water supply unit 134 to supply the first electrolyzed water (S104). The process returns to step 100. If chloride ions are not supplied (N in S102), the control unit 150 increases the number of supply cycles (S106), the notification unit notifies the user (S108), the control unit 150 causes the second water supply unit 134 to supply water (S110), and the chloride ion detection unit 122 waits for a set time (S112). If no chloride ions are supplied (N in S114), the process returns to step 106. If chloride ions are supplied (Y in S114), the control unit 150 causes the electrolysis unit 130 to generate a second electrolyzed water corresponding to the number of supply cycles and sends the second electrolyzed water to the second water supply unit 134 (S116). The control unit 150 resets the number of supply cycles (S118) and returns to step 100.
[0053] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure by the electrolyzed water supply device 100. This is (2-1) the first unreplenished processing and (3-3) the third re-replenished processing. The chloride ion detection unit 122 waits for a set time (S150). If chloride ions are supplied (Y in S152), the control unit 150 causes the electrolysis unit 130 to generate electrolyzed water and the second water supply unit 134 to supply the electrolyzed water (S154). The process returns to step 150. If chloride ions are not supplied (N in S152), the control unit 150 increases the number of supply cycles (S156), the notification unit notifies the user (S158), the control unit 150 causes the second water supply unit 134 to supply water (S160), and the chloride ion detection unit 122 waits for a set time (S162). If chloride ions are not supplied (N in S164), the process returns to step 156. If chloride ions are supplied (Y in S164), the control unit 150 causes the electrolysis unit 130 to generate electrolyzed water and supplies the electrolyzed water to the second water supply unit 134, changing the water supply time according to the number of supply cycles (S166). The control unit 150 resets the number of supply cycles (S168) and returns to step 150.
[0054] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure by the electrolyzed water supply device 100. This is (2-1) the first unreplenished processing and (3-4) the fourth re-replenished processing. The chloride ion detection unit 122 waits for a set time (S200). If chloride ions are supplied (Y in S202), the control unit 150 causes the electrolysis unit 130 to generate electrolyzed water and the second water supply unit 134 to supply the electrolyzed water (S204). The process returns to step 200. If chloride ions are not supplied (N in S202), the control unit 150 increases the number of supply cycles (S206), the notification unit notifies the user (S208), the control unit 150 causes the second water supply unit 134 to supply water (S210), and the chloride ion detection unit 122 waits for a set time (S212). If chloride ions are not supplied (N in S214), the process returns to step 206. If chloride ions are supplied (Y in S214), the control unit 150 generates electrolyzed water, changing the number of generation cycles according to the number of supply cycles, and delivers the electrolyzed water (S216). The control unit 150 resets the number of supply cycles (S218) and returns to step 200.
[0055] (modified version) Next, a modified example will be described. Figures 12(a) and 12(b) show the configuration of the electrolyzed water supply device 100. In Figure 12(a), the water storage tank section 110 and the electrolytic cell section 112 are combined into a water tank section 114. The water tank section 114 stores water. The chloride ion supply section 120 can supply raw materials containing chloride ions into the water tank section 114. The chloride ion detection section 122 detects whether or not chloride ions are being supplied from the chloride ion supply section 120 to the water tank section 114 at preset intervals. An electrolytic section 130 is located inside the water tank section 114, and the electrolytic section 130 generates electrolyzed water by electrolyzing the water containing chloride ions in the water tank section 114. The water supply section 140 can supply the electrolyzed water stored in the water tank section 114.
[0056] In Figure 12(b), a water supply unit 140 is positioned between the water storage tank 110 and the electrolytic cell 112. The water supply unit 140 supplies chloride ion water from the water storage tank 110 to the electrolytic cell 112, thereby pushing out the electrolyzed water from the electrolytic cell 112 and supplying it from the fourth water channel 136.
[0057] According to this embodiment, the presence or absence of chloride ion supply is detected at pre-set intervals, and if supply is detected, electrolyzed water is generated and the electrolyzed water is sent, so that cleaning can be performed at the appropriate timing. Furthermore, because cleaning is performed at the appropriate timing, the accumulation of dirt can be effectively suppressed. Furthermore, because cleaning is performed at the appropriate timing, the generation of dirt due to bacterial growth can be prevented. Furthermore, if no supply is detected, a notification is sent to the notification unit, and water is sent without generating electrolyzed water, so cleaning can be performed even without a supply of chloride ions. Furthermore, if no supply is detected, a notification is sent to the notification unit, and electrolyzed water is generated and sent even without a supply of chloride ions, so cleaning can be performed even without a supply of chloride ions.
[0058] Furthermore, when the state changes from detecting no supply to detecting supply, a second electrolyzed water is generated and the second electrolyzed water is supplied, so by processing under conditions different from the steady state, dirt accumulated during the period without chloride ions can be effectively reduced. Also, since the time for generating the second electrolyzed water is made longer than the time for generating the first electrolyzed water, the concentration of the electrolyzed water can be increased. Also, since the concentration of the electrolyzed water is increased, dirt accumulated during the period without chloride ion supply can be reduced more effectively. Also, the more times the supply is not detected, the longer the time for generating the second electrolyzed water is made, so the longer the period without chloride ion supply, the higher the cleaning power can be. Also, since the current value for generating the second electrolyzed water is increased compared to the current value for generating the first electrolyzed water, the higher the concentration of the electrolyzed water can be. Also, since the more times the supply is not detected, the larger the current value for generating the second electrolyzed water is made, so the longer the period without chloride ion supply, the higher the cleaning power can be.
[0059] Furthermore, by increasing the water supply time when the state changes from one where no supply is detected to one where a supply is detected, compared to the water supply time before no supply is detected, the cleaning power can be increased. Also, the more times the supply is interrupted, the longer the water supply time when the state changes from one where no supply is detected to one where a supply is detected, so the longer the period without chloride ion supply, the higher the cleaning power can be. Also, by increasing the number of times the chloride ions are generated when the state changes from one where no supply is detected to one where a supply is detected, compared to the number of times they are generated before no supply is detected, the cleaning power can be increased. Also, the more times the supply is interrupted, the more times the chloride ions are generated when the state changes from one where no supply is detected to one where a supply is detected, so the longer the period without chloride ion supply, the higher the cleaning power can be.
[0060] An overview of one aspect of this disclosure is as follows: (Item 1) A water tank section (114) for storing water, A chloride ion supply unit (120) capable of supplying chloride ions into the water tank section (114), An electrolytic unit (130) generates electrolyzed water by electrolyzing the water containing chloride ions in the water tank (114), A water supply unit (134, 140) capable of supplying the electrolyzed water stored in the water tank (114), A chloride ion detection unit (122) detects whether or not chloride ions are being supplied from the chloride ion supply unit (120) to the water tank unit (114) at predetermined intervals, The system includes a control unit (150) that controls the electrolysis unit (130) and the water supply unit (134, 140), The control unit (150) is an electrolytic water supply device (100) that, when the chloride ion detection unit (122) detects that a supply is available, causes the electrolysis unit (130) to generate electrolytic water and supplies the electrolytic water to the water supply units (134, 140).
[0061] (Item 2) The water tank section (114) includes a water storage tank section (110) and an electrolytic cell section (112), The water storage tank section (110) stores water, The chloride ion supply unit (120) is capable of supplying chloride ions into the water storage tank unit (110), The electrolytic cell section (112) is supplied with water containing chloride ions from the water storage tank section (110), The electrolytic unit (130) generates electrolyzed water by electrolyzing the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell (112), The water supply unit (134) is capable of supplying the electrolyzed water stored in the electrolytic cell unit (112), The chloride ion detection unit (122) is an electrolytic water supply device (100) described in item 1, which detects whether or not chloride ions are supplied from the chloride ion supply unit (120) to the water storage tank (110) at predetermined intervals.
[0062] (Item 3) The system further includes a notification unit that informs the user when chloride ions are being replenished in the chloride ion supply unit (120), The control unit (150) is an electrolytic water supply device (100) according to item 1, which, when the chloride ion detection unit (122) detects that there is no supply, notifies the notification unit and sends water to the water supply unit (134, 140) without generating electrolytic water in the electrolysis unit (130).
[0063] (Item 4) The system further includes a notification unit that informs the user when chloride ions are being replenished in the chloride ion supply unit (120), The control unit (150) notifies the notification unit when the chloride ion detection unit (122) detects that there is no supply, and causes the electrolysis unit (130) to generate electrolyzed water in the absence of chloride ion supply, and supplies the electrolyzed water to the water supply units (134, 140), as described in item 1, in the electrolyzed water supply device (100).
[0064] (Item 5) The electrolyzed water generated in the electrolysis unit (130) before the chloride ion detection unit (122) detects that there is no supply is defined as the first electrolyzed water. The electrolytic water supply device (100) according to item 3 or 4, wherein the control unit (150) causes the state in which the chloride ion detection unit (122) detects no supply to change to the state in which supply is detected, to generate second electrolytic water in the electrolysis unit (130) and to supply the second electrolytic water to the water supply unit (134, 140).
[0065] (Item 6) The electrolytic unit (130) is an electrolytic water supply device (100) according to item 5, wherein the time for generating the second electrolytic water is longer than the time for generating the first electrolytic water.
[0066] (Item 7) The system further includes a storage unit that stores the number of times the chloride ion detection unit (122) has detected no supply, When the chloride ion detection unit (122) detects that a supply is present, the memory unit resets the number of times it has been stored to zero. The electrolysis unit (130) is an electrolytic water supply device (100) according to item 6, wherein the time for generating the second electrolytic water increases as the number of times stored in the memory unit increases.
[0067] (Item 8) The electrolytic unit (130) is an electrolytic water supply device (100) according to item 5, wherein the current value for generating the second electrolytic water is greater than the current value for generating the first electrolytic water.
[0068] (Item 9) The system further includes a storage unit that stores the number of times the chloride ion detection unit (122) has detected no supply, When the chloride ion detection unit (122) detects that a supply is present, the memory unit resets the number of times it has been stored to zero. The electrolytic unit (130) is an electrolytic water supply device (100) according to item 8, wherein the current value for generating the second electrolytic water increases as the number of times stored in the memory unit increases.
[0069] (Item 10) When the state detected by the chloride ion detection unit (122) changes from no supply to supply, the control unit (150) causes the electrolysis unit (130) to generate electrolyzed water and the water supply unit (134, 140) to supply the electrolyzed water. The electrolytic water supply device (100) according to item 3 or 4, wherein the control unit (150) makes the water supply time when the state changes from one in which no supply is detected by the chloride ion detection unit (122) to one in which supply is detected, longer than the water supply time before the chloride ion detection unit (122) detects no supply.
[0070] (Item 11) The system further includes a storage unit that stores the number of times the chloride ion detection unit (122) has detected no supply, When the chloride ion detection unit (122) detects that a supply is present, the memory unit resets the number of times it has been stored to zero. The electrolytic water supply device (100) described in item 10, wherein the electrolytic unit (130) increases the water supply time when the chloride ion detection unit (122) detects a change from a state of no supply to a state of supply as the number of times the memory unit has stored increases.
[0071] (Item 12) When the state detected by the chloride ion detection unit (122) changes from no supply to supply, the control unit (150) causes the electrolysis unit (130) to generate electrolyzed water and the water supply unit (134, 140) to supply the electrolyzed water. The electrolytic water supply device (100) according to item 3 or 4, wherein the control unit (150) increases the number of generation cycles when the state changes from one in which no supply is detected by the chloride ion detection unit (122) to one in which supply is detected, compared to the number of generation cycles before the chloride ion detection unit (122) detects no supply.
[0072] (Item 13) The system further includes a storage unit that stores the number of times the chloride ion detection unit (122) has detected no supply, When the chloride ion detection unit (122) detects that a supply is present, the memory unit resets the number of times it has been stored to zero. The electrolytic unit (130) is an electrolytic water supply device (100) according to item 12, wherein the number of times the chloride ion detection unit (122) detects a change from a state of no supply to a state of supply as the number of times the memory unit has stored increases.
[0073] The present disclosure has been described above based on examples. These examples are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each component or combination of processing steps, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]
[0074] 10 Dedicated faucet, 12 Washing tank, 14 Drain outlet, 16 Piping section, 100 Electrolyzed water supply device, 110 Water storage tank section, 112 Electrolytic cell section, 114 Water tank section, 120 Chloride ion supply section, 122 Chloride ion detection section, 124 First water channel, 126 First water supply section, 128 Second water channel, 130 Electrolysis section, 132 Third water channel, 134 Second water supply section, 136 Fourth water channel, 140 Water supply section, 150 Control unit.
Claims
1. A water tank section for storing water, A chloride ion supply unit capable of supplying chloride ions into the water tank section, An electrolytic unit that generates electrolyzed water by electrolyzing the water containing chloride ions in the water tank, A water supply unit capable of supplying the electrolyzed water stored in the water tank, A chloride ion detection unit detects whether or not chloride ions are being supplied from the chloride ion supply unit to the water tank unit at pre-set intervals, The system comprises a control unit that controls the electrolysis unit and the water supply unit, The control unit is an electrolytic water supply device that, when the chloride ion detection unit detects the presence of supply, causes the electrolytic unit to generate electrolytic water and supplies the electrolytic water to the water supply unit.
2. The water tank section includes a water storage tank section and an electrolytic cell section. The aforementioned water storage tank section stores water, The chloride ion supply unit is capable of supplying chloride ions into the water storage tank. The electrolytic cell section is supplied with water containing chloride ions from the water storage tank section. The electrolytic unit generates electrolyzed water by electrolyzing the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic cell. The water supply unit is capable of supplying the electrolyzed water stored in the electrolytic cell, The electrolytic water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the chloride ion detection unit detects whether or not chloride ions are supplied from the chloride ion supply unit to the water storage tank unit at predetermined intervals.
3. The system further includes a notification unit that informs the user when chloride ions are being replenished in the chloride ion supply unit. The electrolytic water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when the chloride ion detection unit detects that there is no supply, notifies the notification unit and supplies water to the water supply unit without generating electrolytic water in the electrolysis unit.
4. The system further includes a notification unit that informs the user when chloride ions are being replenished in the chloride ion supply unit. The electrolytic water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when the chloride ion detection unit detects that there is no supply, notifies the notification unit, and causes the electrolysis unit to generate electrolytic water in the absence of chloride ion supply, and supplies the electrolytic water to the water supply unit.
5. The electrolyzed water generated in the electrolysis unit before the chloride ion detection unit detects that there is no supply is defined as the first electrolyzed water. The electrolytic water supply device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein when the state detected by the chloride ion detection unit changes from no supply to supply, the control unit causes the electrolysis unit to generate second electrolytic water and the water supply unit to supply the second electrolytic water.
6. The electrolytic water supply device according to claim 5, wherein the electrolytic unit has a longer time for generating the second electrolytic water than the time for generating the first electrolytic water.
7. The system further includes a storage unit that stores the number of times the chloride ion detection unit has detected no supply, When the chloride ion detection unit detects that a supply is present, the memory unit resets the number of stored counts to zero. The electrolytic water supply device according to claim 6, wherein the electrolytic unit increases the time it takes to generate the second electrolytic water as the number of times stored in the memory unit increases.
8. The electrolytic water supply device according to claim 5, wherein the electrolytic unit has a current value for generating the second electrolytic water that is greater than the current value for generating the first electrolytic water.
9. The system further includes a storage unit that stores the number of times the chloride ion detection unit has detected no supply, When the chloride ion detection unit detects that a supply is present, the memory unit resets the number of stored counts to zero. The electrolytic water supply device according to claim 8, wherein the electrolytic unit increases the current value for generating the second electrolytic water as the number of times stored in the memory unit increases.
10. When the state detected by the chloride ion detection unit changes from no supply to supply, the control unit causes the electrolysis unit to generate electrolyzed water and the water supply unit to supply the electrolyzed water. The electrolytic water supply device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control unit makes the water supply time when the state changes from one in which no supply is detected by the chloride ion detection unit to one in which supply is detected, longer than the water supply time before the chloride ion detection unit detects no supply.
11. The system further includes a storage unit that stores the number of times the chloride ion detection unit has detected no supply, When the chloride ion detection unit detects that a supply is present, the memory unit resets the number of stored counts to zero. The electrolytic water supply device according to claim 10, wherein the electrolytic unit increases the water supply time when the state changes from one in which no supply is detected to one in which supply is detected, as the number of times stored in the memory unit increases.
12. When the state detected by the chloride ion detection unit changes from no supply to supply, the control unit causes the electrolysis unit to generate electrolyzed water and the water supply unit to supply the electrolyzed water. The electrolytic water supply device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control unit increases the number of generation cycles when the state changes from one in which no supply is detected by the chloride ion detection unit to one in which supply is detected, compared to the number of generation cycles before the chloride ion detection unit detects no supply.
13. The system further includes a storage unit that stores the number of times the chloride ion detection unit has detected no supply, When the chloride ion detection unit detects that a supply is present, the memory unit resets the number of stored counts to zero. The electrolytic water supply device according to claim 12, wherein the electrolytic unit generates more times when the state changes from one in which no supply is detected to one in which supply is detected, as the number of times stored in the memory unit increases.