Electrolyzed water generation device

Abstract

To provide an electrolyzed water generator which can reduce maintenance frequency for coping with a phenomenon derived from the deviation of the used amounts of alkali water and acidic water and can suppress the reduction of a product life due to the same factor.SOLUTION: An electrolyzed water generator comprises a control unit which executes the switching of a polarity of electrolytic electrodes disposed at an intake flow path by a user's selection of an alkali water mode or an acidic water mode, and can selectively discharge alkali water or acidic water. The control unit executes control or notification based on the used amounts of the alkali water and the acidic water or a usage ratio therebetween. Further, the control unit executes control or notification in the following second prescribed period based on the used amounts of the alkali water and the acidic water or the usage ratio therebetween in the completion of the first prescribed period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generator.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a device that generates functional water by subjecting water to electrolysis (hereinafter also referred to as an electrolyzed water generator) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the middle of the water flow path through which water flows in the device, there is an electrolysis section where electrolysis of water is performed. If the electrode disposed in the water intake flow path of the electrolysis section (hereinafter also referred to as the water intake flow path electrode) is, for example, a cathode, hydrogen is generated from the water intake flow path electrode, and since the liquid property tends to be alkaline, alkaline water containing more hydrogen than before electrolysis, so-called hydrogen water, alkaline ion water, alkaline water, etc. (hereinafter referred to as alkaline water) is generated.

[0004] Also, if the water intake flow path electrode is an anode, oxygen is generated, and since the liquid property exhibits acidity, acidic water containing more oxygen than the state before electrolysis, so-called oxygen water or acidic water (hereinafter referred to as acidic water) is generated.

[0005] Thus, electrolyzed water such as alkaline water and acidic water generated by the electrolyzed water generator is discharged from the downstream end of the water intake flow path and is used in various aspects of our lives.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Incidentally, in general, electrolytic water generators have a relatively high demand for producing potable alkaline water, and their operating time tends to be heavily skewed towards alkaline water production.

[0008] Consequently, scale generated by alkaline electrolysis (electrolysis with the water intake channel electrode as the cathode) tends to accumulate on the water intake channel electrode, eventually leading to a decrease in electrolysis efficiency and, as a result, a shortened product lifespan.

[0009] At this time, it is possible to restore the electrolysis efficiency by replacing the deteriorated water intake channel electrode with a new one, but the water intake channel electrode is not something that the user can easily replace, and having a service technician do so would require both labor costs and time.

[0010] Therefore, in order to suppress scale buildup on the water intake channel electrodes as much as possible and maintain performance, it is ideal for the user to take in a balanced ratio of alkaline water to acidic water, so that the amount of alkaline water produced is approximately 1:1.

[0011] In this respect, the conventional electrolytic water generators mentioned above have a function to display the amount of water used for drinking, and can inform the user of this, so they may seem useful at first glance.

[0012] However, this display and notification function is specifically designed to show and notify users of water intended for drinking. While users can track the amount of potable alkaline water used, they cannot track the amount of acidic water used, which is not intended for drinking.

[0013] Furthermore, it is generally true that there is a higher demand for alkaline water than acidic water. Of course, there are also electrolytic water generators that produce acidic water relatively frequently, and in these cases as well, scale buildup on the intake channel electrodes becomes a problem.

[0014] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an electrolytic water generator that can reduce the frequency of maintenance required to address issues arising from an imbalance in the use of alkaline water and acidic water, and can suppress the shortening of product life due to similar causes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the electrolytic water generator according to the present invention includes (1) a control unit that switches the polarity of the electrolytic electrodes arranged in the water intake channel by the user's selection of alkaline water mode or acidic water mode, and the electrolytic water generator is capable of selectively discharging alkaline water or acidic water, wherein the control unit controls or notifies based on the amount or ratio of alkaline water and acidic water used.

[0016] Furthermore, the electrolytic water generator according to the present invention also has the following features. (2) A group of alkaline water passage points weighted according to a predetermined operating pattern in alkaline water mode, and a group of acidic water passage points weighted according to a predetermined operating pattern in acidic water mode are stored in the control unit in advance, and the control unit provides information encouraging the use of the smaller of the cumulative values ​​of alkaline water passage points or acidic water passage points that are assigned each time the predetermined operating pattern is performed. (3) The control unit shall perform control or notification during the next second predetermined period based on the amount or ratio of alkaline water and acidic water used at the end of the first predetermined period. (4) The control unit has in advance a group of alkaline water flow points, each weighted according to a predetermined operating pattern in alkaline water mode, which are values ​​assigned either a positive or negative sign, and a group of acid water flow points, each weighted according to a predetermined operating pattern in acid water mode, which are values ​​assigned either a positive or negative sign, and the control unit performs control or notification during the next second predetermined period based on the total point value of the initial point value at the start of the first predetermined period and the sum of the alkaline water flow points and acid water flow points assigned each time the predetermined operating pattern is performed within the first predetermined period at the end of the first predetermined period. (5) When the electrolytic electrode is unused, the initial point value is 0, and the control unit performs the control or notification so that the total point value approaches 0. (6) The control unit shall provide information encouraging the use of the alkaline water or acidic water with a lower discharge volume. (7) The information that encourages the use of water shall be information regarding the use of water with a low water flow rate. (8) Equipped with a communication unit for connection to the Internet, and capable of downloading information prompting its use from a server located on the Internet. (9) The system includes means for uploading evaluations of the information that encourages use to the server. (10) The specified period can be set by the user. (11) The total point value for the first predetermined period is the initial point value when calculating the total point value with the second predetermined period as the first predetermined period, and the sum value for the first predetermined period is set to 0 when calculating the total point value with the second predetermined period as the first predetermined period. (12) The control unit is equipped with a display unit, and the control unit causes the display unit to display at least one of the following: the amount of alkaline water and acidic water discharged and / or the discharge time, the ratio of the amount of alkaline water and acidic water discharged, and the current sum value. (13) The control unit changes at least one of the execution time, execution intensity, and execution frequency of forward electrolysis in the current discharge mode or reverse electrolysis in which the electrolysis polarity is reversed in the same mode, according to at least one of the discharge volume and / or discharge time of alkaline water and acidic water, the ratio of discharge volume of alkaline water and acidic water, and the total point value of the initial point value and the sum value. (14) The reverse electrolysis shall be performed intermittently during electrolysis in the electrolytic polarity of the current water discharge mode. (15) When switching from alkaline water mode or acidic water mode to continue dispensing water of the same pH but weaker pH, or purified water, in addition to the water currently being dispensed, reverse electrolysis shall be performed for a predetermined time while continuing to dispense water. (16) The control unit has in advance a group of alkaline water flow points, each weighted according to a predetermined operating mode in alkaline water mode, which are values ​​assigned either a positive or negative sign, and a group of acid water flow points, each weighted according to a predetermined operating mode in acidic water mode, which are values ​​assigned either a positive or negative sign, and a group of acid water flow points, each weighted according to a predetermined operating mode in acidic water mode, and when the sum of the alkaline water flow points and acid water flow points assigned each time the predetermined operating mode is performed reaches a predetermined threshold, the control unit performs threshold-reaching electrolysis, which electrolyzes the electrolytic electrode with a polarity that approaches the sum of the points at a predetermined electrolytic intensity and / or time. (17) The control unit comprises a plurality of thresholds, and the electrolysis intensity and / or time differ depending on each threshold. (18) The threshold can be set by the user. (19) The control unit performs an end-time reset electrolysis based on the alkaline water flow point group or the acid water flow point group, in accordance with the sum value at the end of the first predetermined period, until the sum value becomes 0. (20) When the sum value reaches a predetermined threshold, the control unit performs threshold-reaching electrolysis, which electrolyzes until the sum value reaches 0. After the threshold-reaching electrolysis or the end-of-cycle reset electrolysis is completed, the first period ends, and the next second predetermined period is treated as the first predetermined period for the control or notification. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, in an electrolyzed water generator provided with a control unit that switches the polarity of electrolysis electrodes arranged in a water intake passage by a user's selection of an alkaline water mode or an acidic water mode, and capable of selectively discharging alkaline water or acidic water, since the control unit performs control or notification based on the usage amount or usage ratio of the alkaline water and the acidic water, it is possible to provide an electrolyzed water generator capable of reducing the maintenance frequency for coping with events resulting from a bias in the usage amounts of the alkaline water and the acidic water, or suppressing a shortening of the product life due to the same cause.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of an electrolyzed water generator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of an electrolyzed water generator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an electrolyzed water generator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory diagram showing a supply power information table of an electrolyzed water generator according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a flow showing the main process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a flow showing the processing in a subroutine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram showing the display state of a touch panel. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of an electrolyzed water generator according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a water passing point table. <00001​​​​​​This is an explanatory diagram showing the decision-making process performed by the electrolytic water generator according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a pulse cleaning table. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram showing the pulse cleaning process performed in the electrolytic water generator according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] This is an explanatory diagram of the timing of pulse cleaning in the electrolytic water generator according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a neutralization electrolysis table. [Figure 17] This is an explanatory diagram showing the switching-time neutralization electrolysis process performed in the electrolytic water generator according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the timing of neutralization electrolysis during switching in the electrolytic water generator according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the threshold-reach electrolytic table according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 20] This is an explanatory diagram showing the determination and processing according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 21] This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the threshold-reach electrolytic table according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 22] This is an explanatory diagram showing the point accumulation period expiration process performed in the electrolytic water generator according to the seventh embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] The present invention relates to an electrolytic water generator that includes a control unit that switches the polarity of electrolytic electrodes arranged in the water intake channel by selecting either alkaline water mode or acidic water mode by the user, thereby enabling the selective discharge of alkaline water or acidic water.

[0020] In particular, a feature of the electrolytic water generator according to this embodiment is that the control unit controls or notifies based on the amount or ratio of alkaline water and acidic water used, which makes it possible to reduce the frequency of maintenance required to address issues arising from imbalances in the use of alkaline water and acidic water, and to suppress the shortening of product life due to similar causes.

[0021] The electrolytic water generator according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0022] [First Embodiment] The electrolytic water generator A1 according to this first embodiment has two modes in addition to a mode for purifying and discharging raw water (purification mode): an alkaline water mode for generating alkaline water with a predetermined electrolytic power, and an acidic water mode for generating acidic water with approximately the same electrolytic power by reversing the applied polarity (hereinafter, the modes for generating electrolytic water are collectively referred to as electrolytic water modes). The electrolytic water generator has a function that stores the cumulative amount of electrolytic water used each time it is used, and prompts the user to use the electrolytic water with the relatively smaller usage amount (hereinafter, also referred to as low-usage water) by referring to the cumulative usage amount each time it is used.

[0023] Furthermore, the electrolytic water generator A1 according to this embodiment provides users with information that encourages the use of low-consumption water, such as "convenient usage instructions" (hereinafter also referred to as usage promotion information). This usage promotion information is characterized in that it is downloaded via the internet from the servers of the electrolytic water generator manufacturer or the user community, and that users of the electrolytic water generator can upload their evaluations of the acquired usage promotion information to the server.

[0024] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the external appearance of the electrolytic water generator A1 according to the first embodiment, and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the electrolytic water generator A1 according to the first embodiment.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the electrolytic water generator A1 electrolyzes raw water received from a water supply or other source as needed, and allows the user to draw the desired water (hereinafter also referred to as "target water") from the intake port 26a via the intake pipe 26. The electrolytic water generator A1 is also equipped with a power plug 19 (see Figure 2), and electrolysis is performed by receiving power from a commercial power outlet or the like.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, an operation panel P is located on the front of the housing 10, and is equipped with a display and various buttons.

[0027] On the control panel P, a touch panel D is positioned at the top center, which functions as a display and input unit. This panel displays and / or informs the user of various information and allows the user to input data.

[0028] Furthermore, below the touch panel D, the power button B1, alkaline water button AL, water purification button W, and acidic water button Ac are arranged in a vertical line.

[0029] Power button B1 is used to start and stop the electrolytic water generator A1.

[0030] The alkaline water button AL is used to instruct the electrolytic water generator A1 to produce alkaline water as the target water. Alkaline water has a pH of, for example, 9.0 and can be used for drinking, cooking rice, etc. When the alkaline water button AL is pressed by the user, the electrolytic water generator A1 switches to alkaline water mode and begins producing alkaline water.

[0031] The water purification button W is used to instruct the electrolytic water generator A1 to purify tap water without electrolysis and discharge the purified water as the target water. When the water purification button W is pressed by the user, the electrolytic water generator A1 switches to water purification mode and begins producing purified water.

[0032] The acidic water button Ac is used to instruct the electrolytic water generator A1 to produce acidic water as the target water. Acidic water has a pH of 5.5, for example, and can be used for washing faces, boiling noodles, removing tea stains, etc. When the acidic water button Ac is pressed by the user, the electrolytic water generator A1 switches to acidic water mode and produces acidic water.

[0033] Next, the internal structure of the electrolytic water generator A1 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the internal structure of the electrolytic water generator A1 is broadly divided into a water passage system structure 11 that processes the supplied water while passing it through, and an electrical system structure 12 that performs the necessary electrical control and management for water passage and processing in the water passage system structure 11. These are housed and arranged within a roughly box-shaped enclosure 10.

[0034] The water supply system structure 11 includes a water inlet 14, a purification cartridge 17, a flow sensor 18, a calcium addition cylinder 13, an electrolytic cell 27, and a water discharge pipe connection port 15.

[0035] The water inlet 14 is the receiving port for water (raw water), which is the raw material for producing purified water, and is supplied with tap water, for example. In this embodiment, raw water is supplied from the water pipe 20 via the faucet 21. The faucet 21 is equipped with a branch valve 22, and one end of the water supply hose 23 is connected to the branch valve 22, with the other end of the water supply hose 23 connected to the water inlet 14. The raw water supplied via the water inlet 14 is supplied to the purification cartridge 17 via the raw water supply pipe 16.

[0036] The purification cartridge 17 is a cartridge for producing purified water by filtering and purifying raw water using hollow fiber membranes and activated carbon arranged inside as filter materials. Raw water supplied through the raw water supply pipe 16 is introduced from the inlet 17a, purified, and then discharged from the outlet 17b.

[0037] The purified water flowing out from outlet 17b is supplied to the flow sensor 18 via the purified water supply pipe 25. The flow sensor 18 is configured to measure the flow rate, for example, by providing a propeller in the center of the flow sensor 18 and measuring the flow rate by the rotation speed of the propeller. The flow sensor 18 is electrically connected to the electrical system structure 12 and outputs an electrical signal (flow rate signal) corresponding to the flow rate of purified water. Based on this electrical signal, the electrical system structure 12 calculates the amount of alkaline water, acidic water, and purified water used in each mode.

[0038] The purified water that has passed through the flow sensor 18 then proceeds to the calcium addition cylinder 13 via the purified water supply pipe 25. The calcium addition cylinder 13 contains calcium agents such as calcium lactate and calcium glycerophosphate, and by bringing the purified water, which has a low concentration of electrolytic substances, into contact with these agents to dissolve them, electrolysis is made easier.

[0039] The purified water that has passed through the calcium-adding cylinder 13 reaches the inlet 27a of the electrolytic cell 27 via the purified water supply pipe 25.

[0040] The electrolytic cell 27 includes a distribution pipe 28, an electrolytic cell body 36, a by-product water collection pipe 34, and a water intake collection pipe 35.

[0041] The distribution pipe 28 is for distributing purified water that flows in through the inlet 27a to the first intake chamber 29, the first wastewater chamber 30, the second wastewater chamber 31, and the second intake chamber 32 of the electrolytic cell body 36, which will be described later. The distribution pipe 28 is also provided with a drainage channel 28a for draining water from the electrolytic cell body 36 after use of the electrolytic water generator A1. This drainage channel 28a is connected to the drain port 27d, and the water discharged from the drain port 27d is drained through the drain pipe 38 and discharged through the discharge channel 47b by the opening of the solenoid valve 37 by the control unit 50.

[0042] The electrolytic cell body 36 comprises a first electrode plate 33a located in the center, and a second electrode plate 33b and a third electrode plate 33c positioned to sandwich the first electrode plate 33a. Diaphragms 39 are provided between the first electrode plate 33a and the second electrode plate 33b, and between the first electrode plate 33a and the third electrode plate 33c, respectively. These electrode plates 33a, 33b, 33c and the diaphragms 39 divide the cell into a first intake chamber 29, which functions as an intake electrode chamber that is part of the water intake channel; a first wastewater chamber 30, which functions as an electrode chamber for by-product water; a second wastewater chamber 31, which functions as an electrode chamber for by-product water; and a second intake chamber 32, which functions as an intake electrode chamber that is part of the water intake channel.

[0043] The second electrode plate 33b and the third electrode plate 33c receive power from a power supply circuit (not shown) provided in a control unit 50 located inside the housing 10, and become electrode plates with the same polarity as either a cathode or anode as water intake channel electrodes, while the first electrode plate 33a has the opposite polarity to that of the second electrode plate 33b and the third electrode plate 33c as a by-product water electrode.

[0044] In other words, when the user presses the alkaline water button AL and the electrolytic water generator A1 switches to alkaline water mode, and the faucet 21 is opened and water flow begins, the control unit 50 causes the second electrode plate 33b and the third electrode plate 33c to become cathodes and the first electrode plate 33a to become anodes. At this time, the first intake chamber 29 and the second intake chamber 32, which are part of the water intake channel, function as cathode chambers, and the first wastewater chamber 30 and the second wastewater chamber 31 become anode chambers.

[0045] Furthermore, when the user presses the acidic water button Ac, the electrolytic water generator A1 switches to acidic water mode, and the faucet 21 is opened to start water flow, the control unit 50 causes the second electrode plate 33b and the third electrode plate 33c to become anodes, and the first electrode plate 33a to become cathodes. At this time, the first intake chamber 29 and the second intake chamber 32, which are part of the water intake channel, function as anode chambers, and the first wastewater chamber 30 and the second wastewater chamber 31 become cathode chambers.

[0046] The by-product water collection pipe 34 is a pipe that collects the by-product water generated in the first wastewater chamber 30 and the second wastewater chamber 31 and guides it to the wastewater outlet 27c. The by-product water discharged from the wastewater outlet 27c is discharged outside the electrolytic water generator A1 through the discharge channel 47b.

[0047] The intake manifold pipe 35 is a pipe that collects the target water generated in the first intake chamber 29 and the second intake chamber 32 and guides it to the target water outlet 27b. The target water discharged from the target water outlet 27b travels through the target water flow path 47a to the discharge pipe connection port 15 and is discharged via the connected intake pipe 26.

[0048] Next, the electrical configuration of the electrolytic water generator A1 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the electrolytic water generator A1.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 50 is configured to include a CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53a, EEPROM 53b, RTC 54, etc., and is capable of executing the program necessary for the operation of the electrolytic water generator A1.

[0050] Specifically, ROM52 stores programs and other data necessary for the processing of CPU51, while RAM53a and EEPROM53b function as temporary storage areas when executing those programs and other data.

[0051] For example, a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 52 stores not only the program for implementing the processing, but also a power supply information table that is referenced when supplying power to, for example, the first electrode plate 33a to the third electrode plate 33c. The power supply information table specifies the current value (power supply value) to be supplied to the electrodes for each mode.

[0052] When performing electrolysis in a predetermined mode, the power supply information table is referenced, the power supply value corresponding to that mode is obtained, and power is supplied to the first electrode plate 33a to the third electrode plate 33c via the power supply adjustment circuit 56 described later.

[0053] Furthermore, a predetermined area of ​​RAM 53a stores, for example, a mode selection value indicating the currently selected water discharge mode, and a power supply value obtained by referring to the aforementioned power supply information table.

[0054] The mode selection value is unique to each mode, and in this case, it takes the value 0 for purified water mode, 1 for alkaline water mode, and 5 for acidic water mode.

[0055] Furthermore, the EEPROM 53b functions as a storage means that retains data that should be kept even after the electrolytic water generator A1 has shut down due to the pressing of the power button B1, in a rewritable state. For example, it stores the cumulative amount of water used for each mode (cumulative amount of alkaline water used, cumulative amount of purified water used, cumulative amount of acidic water used) and usage promotion information obtained from the server 61 described later.

[0056] The RTC (Real Time Clock) indicated by symbol 54 is used to generate a clock pulse that serves as a reference for executing the interrupt processing described later. Even when the CPU 51 is performing processing, it interrupts processing and executes the interrupt processing in response to the clock pulse generated from this RTC 54 at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 2 milliseconds).

[0057] The control unit 50 is also connected to a power button B1, an alkaline water button AL, a purified water button W, an acidic water button Ac, and a flow sensor 18. These are configured to receive input from the user and to be referenced according to the execution status of the program in the control unit 50. Power can also be received from a commercial power source via the power plug 19.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 50 is connected to the touch panel D, the first electrode plate 33a, the second electrode plate 33b, and the third electrode plate 33c, and is configured to control and drive them according to the execution status of the program in the control unit 50.

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit 50 is equipped with a polarity switching circuit unit 55. This polarity switching circuit unit 55 switches the positive and negative polarity between the first electrode plate 33a and the second and third electrode plates 33b and 33c according to instructions from the CPU 51.

[0060] Furthermore, the control unit 50 is equipped with a power supply adjustment circuit unit 56. This power supply adjustment circuit unit 56, upon instruction from the CPU 51, refers to the power supply value stored in the RAM 53a and supplies power to the first electrode plate 33a and the second and third electrode plates 33b and 33c.

[0061] Furthermore, the control unit 50 is equipped with a communication circuit unit 57. The communication circuit unit 57 is a part that sends and receives information with the server 61 via the internet network 60. The server 61 is equipped with a database 61a that stores information provided by the manufacturer of the electrolytic water generator A1 or other users of the electrolytic water generator A1, such as information promoting the use of alkaline water, purified water, and acidic water that the electrolytic water generator A1 can produce, as well as information on the effects and convenient uses of such water. The electrolytic water generator A1 can obtain information promoting the use of the electrolytic water generator A1 from the server 61 via the communication circuit unit 57 and the internet network 60.

[0062] Furthermore, the communication circuit unit 57 can not only download information but also upload information to the server 61, and can, for example, send evaluation information such as whether the downloaded user promotion information was "useful" or "not useful."

[0063] Next, the processing performed in the control unit 50 will be explained with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the main processing performed by the CPU 51 of the control unit 50, and Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing in the subroutines. In this embodiment, the electrolytic water generator A1 has various functions implemented, such as displaying a predetermined message when it is time to replace the water purification cartridge, but here we will focus on the electrolytic water generation process and omit the explanation of the processing of the ancillary functions.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, in the main process, the CPU 51 first determines whether or not the power button B1 has been pressed (step S11). If it determines that the power button B1 has not been pressed (step S11: No), the CPU 51 returns to step S11. On the other hand, if it determines that the power button B1 has been pressed (step S11: Yes), the CPU 51 moves the process to step S12.

[0065] In step S12, the CPU 51 performs initial setup processing. In the electrolytic water generator A1 according to this embodiment, as an example, it starts up in water purification mode after power is turned on, and the mode selection value and power supply value are set to 0, and a message indicating that it is in water purification mode is displayed on the touch panel D.

[0066] Next, the CPU 51 refers to a predetermined address in the EEPROM 53b to obtain the total amount of alkaline water used and the total amount of acidic water used. It then compares the obtained total amounts of alkaline water and acidic water used to determine which type of water has a lower total usage (step S13).

[0067] Next, the CPU 51 obtains usage promotion information for the water with the lower cumulative usage amount from the server 61 via the communication circuit unit 57 (step S14). In this step, if user evaluation information for the currently displayed usage promotion information is stored in the EEPROM 53b, the CPU 51 also transmits this information to the server 61 via the communication circuit unit 57.

[0068] Next, the CPU 51 performs display processing to display various information on the touch panel D (step S15). In this first embodiment, for example, as shown in Figure 7, the CPU 51 displays the discharge amount 62a (alkaline water usage) in alkaline water mode, the discharge amount 62b (acidic water usage) in acidic water mode, and the usage ratio 62c based on the cumulative usage amount obtained in step S13.

[0069] As shown in Figure 7, the touch panel D displays information to encourage the use of the water with the lowest usage, including information (low-usage water notification information 63) to inform the user which water is being used less, and usage promotion information 64.

[0070] In addition, along with the usage promotion information 64, an evaluation information transmission button 65 for sending evaluation information regarding the usage promotion information 64 is displayed. The evaluation information transmission button 65 consists of a high evaluation transmission button 65a for sending a high evaluation and a low evaluation transmission button 65b for sending a low evaluation. When user U touches either evaluation information transmission button 65, the evaluation information is stored at a predetermined address in the EEPROM 53b.

[0071] In addition, the touch panel D also displays general information items 66, such as the current date and time.

[0072] After completing step S15, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the water purification button W has been pressed (step S16). If it determines that the water purification button W has been pressed (step S16: Yes), the CPU 51 returns to step S12 and puts the electrolytic water generator A1 into water purification mode. On the other hand, if it determines that the water purification button W has not been pressed (step S16: No), the CPU 51 returns to step S17.

[0073] In step S17, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the alkaline water button AL has been pressed. If it determines that the alkaline water button AL has not been pressed (step S17: No), the CPU 51 proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if it determines that the alkaline water button AL has been pressed (step S17: Yes), the CPU 51 proceeds to step S18.

[0074] In step S18, the CPU 51 instructs the polarity switching circuit 55 to set the first electrode plate 33a as the anode and the second electrode plate 33b and third electrode plate 33c as the cathodes, and sets the value of the mode selection value to 1.

[0075] Furthermore, in step S18, the CPU 51 displays a message on the touch panel D indicating that it has switched to alkaline water mode to inform the user, and then proceeds to step S19.

[0076] In step S19, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the acidic water button Ac has been pressed. If it determines that the acidic water button Ac has not been pressed (step S19: No), the CPU 51 moves the process to step S13. On the other hand, if it determines that the acidic water button Ac has been pressed (step S19: Yes), the CPU 51 moves the process to step S20.

[0077] In step S20, the CPU 51 instructs the polarity switching circuit 55 to set the first electrode plate 33a as the cathode and the second electrode plate 33b and third electrode plate 33c as the anodes, and sets the value of the mode selection value to 5.

[0078] Furthermore, in step S20, the CPU 51 displays a message on the touch panel D indicating that it has switched to acidic water mode to inform the user, and then proceeds to step S13.

[0079] Next, interrupt handling will be explained with reference to Figure 6. The CPU 51 may interrupt processing and execute interrupt handling even while processing is in progress. The following interrupt handling is performed in response to the clock pulse generated by the RTC 54 at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 2 milliseconds).

[0080] In interrupt handling, the CPU 51 determines whether the power button B1 has been pressed and held down by the user (for example, for 2 seconds) (step S31). If it is determined that the power button B1 has been pressed and held down (step S31: Yes), the CPU 51 performs the necessary processing for termination, such as issuing a command to the power supply adjustment circuit 56 to stop supplying power (step S32), and terminates the process. After termination, for example, the process may return to the loop in step S11 and wait until the power is turned on again.

[0081] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S31 that a long press of the power button B1 has not been detected (step S31: No), the CPU 51 moves the process to step S33.

[0082] In step S33, the CPU 51 checks for the presence or absence of an input signal from the flow sensor 18 and determines whether or not water flow has been detected. If it is determined that no water flow has been detected (step S33: No), the CPU 51 moves the process to step S34.

[0083] In step S34, the CPU 51 instructs the power supply adjustment circuit 56 to stop the power supply and returns processing to the address before the branch.

[0084] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S33 that a water flow has been detected (step S33: Yes), the CPU 51 moves the process to step S35.

[0085] In step S35, the CPU 51 performs a mode-specific usage integration process, which adds the currently flowing water volume to the cumulative flow rate in the current mode based on the signal from the flow sensor 18. After completing this process, the CPU 51 moves the process to step S36.

[0086] In step S36, the CPU 51 refers to a predetermined address in RAM 53a and determines whether the mode selection value is 0 or not, that is, whether it is water purification mode or not. If it is determined that the mode selection value is 0 (step S36: Yes), the CPU 51 moves the process to step S34. On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode selection value is not 0 (step S36: No), the CPU 51 moves the process to step S37.

[0087] In step S37, the CPU 51 reads a power value corresponding to the mode selection value from the power supply information table stored at a predetermined address in the ROM 52 and sets it as the power supply value at a predetermined address in the RAM 53a.

[0088] Next, the CPU 51 obtains the power supply value by referring to a predetermined address in RAM 53a, instructs the power supply adjustment circuit 56 to supply power using the obtained power supply value (step S38), and returns processing to the address before the branch.

[0089] Next, we will describe the series of operations in the electrolytic water generator A1, which has the configuration described above.

[0090] In the electrolytic water generator A1 with the power plug 19 connected to a commercial power supply, when the user presses the power button B1, the electrolytic water generator A1 starts up in water purification mode and enters a state of waiting for water flow or button input.

[0091] When a user opens the faucet 21 and allows water to flow, the raw water is discharged as purified water from the intake pipe 26 through the first intake chamber 29 and the second intake chamber 32 without being electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell 27.

[0092] Furthermore, when the user presses the alkaline water button AL, the polarity switching circuit 55 is instructed to set the first electrode plate 33a as the anode and the second electrode plate 33b and third electrode plate 33c as the cathodes, a power value corresponding to the alkaline water mode is read from the power supply information table (step S37), and a power supply adjustment circuit 56 is instructed to supply power (step S38), causing alkaline water to be discharged from the intake pipe 26 through the first intake chamber 29 and the second intake chamber 32.

[0093] Similarly, when the user presses the acidic water button Ac, the polarity switching circuit 55 is instructed to set the first electrode plate 33a as the cathode and the second electrode plate 33b and third electrode plate 33c as the anodes, a power value corresponding to the acidic water mode is read from the power supply information table (step S37), and a power supply adjustment circuit 56 is instructed to supply power (step S38), causing acidic water to be discharged from the intake pipe 26 through the first intake chamber 29 and the second intake chamber 32.

[0094] Furthermore, the amount discharged from the water intake pipe 26, i.e., the amount of alkaline water and acidic water used, is accumulated for each type of water and displayed on the touch panel D (step S15).

[0095] Furthermore, if the amount of either alkaline water or acidic water used is significantly greater than the other, resulting in an imbalance in usage, for example, if the amount of acidic water used is considerably greater than the amount of alkaline water used, as shown in Figure 7 (step S13), then usage promotion information 64 to encourage the use of acidic water is downloaded from the server 61 via the communication circuit unit 57 and the internet network 60 (step S14), and displayed on the touch panel D along with low usage water notification information 63, etc. (step S15).

[0096] At this time, the touch panel D also displays evaluation information transmission buttons 65 along with the usage promotion information 64. When user U presses the evaluation information transmission button 65 corresponding to their evaluation of the content of the usage promotion information 64, i.e., either the high evaluation transmission button 65a or the low evaluation transmission button 65b, this evaluation information is temporarily stored in the EEPROM 53b (step S15), and uploaded to the server 61 via the communication circuit unit 57 and the internet network 60 when the usage promotion information-related processing is executed.

[0097] Furthermore, with the electrolytic water generator A1 having such a configuration and functions, control or notification is performed based on the amount and ratio of alkaline water and acidic water used. This makes it possible to provide an electrolytic water generator that can reduce the frequency of maintenance required to address issues arising from imbalances in the use of alkaline water and acidic water, and can also suppress the shortening of product life due to similar causes.

[0098] Furthermore, by providing information (utilization promotion information 64) that encourages the use of the water with the lower discharge volume between alkaline water and acidic water, it is possible to more effectively prevent imbalances in usage.

[0099] Furthermore, by providing information encouraging usage that focuses on how to use water with low water flow rates, users can use the water they have drawn without hesitation, thereby increasing the use of low-flow water.

[0100] Furthermore, it is equipped with a communication unit (communication circuit unit 57) for connecting to the Internet network 60, and by enabling the download of information encouraging its use from a server located on the Internet, it is possible to inform users of new recipes, usage methods, and applications.

[0101] Furthermore, by providing means for uploading evaluations of information encouraging use to a server, such as an evaluation information transmission button 65 displayed on the touch panel D or a communication circuit unit 57, users can transmit their own evaluations of the usage promotion information they have viewed. In addition, the evaluation information transmitted by each user and stored on the server 61 can be used as an indicator when other users of electrolyzed water generators acquire usage promotion information, and can also be used to promote sales of the electrolyzed water generator A1 by raising awareness of uses for electrolyzed water that manufacturers and users may not have been aware of.

[0102] Furthermore, cooking recipes using electrolyzed water can be solicited from chefs and users, and a cooking recipe competition can be held with users acting as judges by disseminating evaluation information. In this case, rewards may be paid to users who provide popular cooking recipes, and for example, the source of the rewards could be advertising revenue included in part of the display of cooking recipes and usage instructions.

[0103] In this embodiment, evaluation information can be transmitted by touching the touch panel D on the electrolytic water generator A1. However, it is also possible to configure the device to communicate with a smartphone and transmit evaluation information from an application installed on the smartphone.

[0104] Furthermore, the touch panel D displays general display items 66, including the amount and duration of alkaline and acidic water discharge, as well as the ratio of alkaline to acidic water discharge. This allows users to recognize these details, thereby extending the product's lifespan.

[0105] [Second Embodiment] Next, an electrolytic water generator A2 according to the second embodiment will be described. The electrolytic water generator A2 according to this second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the electrolytic water generator A1 in terms of the water flow system structure 11 and the electrical system structure 12, but differs in that it is equipped with a pH sensor 24 and has a function (hereinafter also referred to as the electrolytic strength adjustment function) that changes the electrolysis strength according to the ratio of the amount of alkaline water and acidic water discharged when generating alkaline water or acidic water.

[0106] The following description will focus on the features of the electrolytic water generator A2 according to this second embodiment, while omitting points similar to those of the electrolytic water generator A1.

[0107] First, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 2, a pH sensor 24 is installed in the target water flow path 47a of the electrolytic water generator A2. This pH sensor 24 is electrically connected to the control unit 50 (see Figure 3), allowing the control unit 50 to monitor the pH of the water discharged from the intake pipe 26.

[0108] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the ROM 52 of the electrolytic water generator A2 stores a power supply information table in which the current value (power supply value) to be supplied to the electrodes in each mode is defined according to a predetermined ratio of the amount of alkaline water and acidic water discharged, in order to realize the electrolysis strength adjustment function.

[0109] Furthermore, regarding the control processing of the electrolytic water generator A2, in step S37, the CPU 51 reads a power value corresponding to the current mode selection value and the current ratio of alkaline water and acidic water discharge amounts from the power supply information table stored at a predetermined address in the ROM 52, and sets it as the power supply value at a predetermined address in the RAM 53a.

[0110] In step S37, the CPU 51 also performs feedback control to the power supply adjustment circuit 56 in response to the signal from the pH sensor 24 so that the pH of the discharged electrolyzed water falls within a predetermined tolerance, for example, within ±0.3 of a specified pH.

[0111] Furthermore, with the electrolytic water generator A2 having the above-described configuration, the control unit 50 can change the strength of the forward electrolysis in the current water discharge mode according to the ratio of alkaline water to acidic water discharged, enabling electrode cleaning according to the usage conditions, thereby reducing power consumption and extending the life of the electrolytic cell.

[0112] In the electrolytic water generator A2 according to this second embodiment, the intensity is changed according to the ratio of the discharge volume of each type of electrolytic water, but this is not the only way to do so. For example, the intensity may be changed according to the discharge volume or discharge time of alkaline water and acidic water, or according to the water flow point value described later, or the object to be changed may be the electrolytic execution time or execution frequency.

[0113] [Third Embodiment] Next, an electrolytic water generator A3 according to the third embodiment will be described. The electrolytic water generator A3 according to this third embodiment has the same configuration as the electrolytic water generator A1 in terms of the water flow system structure 11, but differs in terms of the electrical structure and control of the electrical system structure 12.

[0114] Specifically, while electrolytic water generator A1 could only dispense one type of alkaline water, electrolytic water generator A3 according to this third embodiment can dispense four types of alkaline water: strongly alkaline water with different degrees of alkalinity, and alkaline water ranging from Level 1 to Level 3.

[0115] Similarly, the system can dispense two types of acidic water: strongly acidic water, which is relatively more acidic, and acidic water, which is relatively less acidic.

[0116] Furthermore, while electrolytic water generator A1 provides notification of usage promotion information based on low water usage information, electrolytic water generator A3 has predetermined groups of water passage points that are weighted according to the liquid strength in each mode, and control and notification are performed according to the cumulative value of these water passage points.

[0117] In particular, these water flow points are designed to accumulate over a predetermined period set by the user, and the accumulated value is reset when the predetermined period ends and the next predetermined period begins.

[0118] Furthermore, the electrolytic water generator A3 is also characterized by its function of performing reverse electrolysis to clean the electrode section after a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed since water intake (hereinafter referred to as the post-water intake reverse electrolysis cleaning function).

[0119] The following description will focus on the features of the electrolytic water generator A3 according to this third embodiment, while omitting points similar to those of the electrolytic water generator A1.

[0120] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the external configuration of the electrolytic water generator A3. As shown in Figure 8, the control panel P of the electrolytic water generator A3 has a vertical row of buttons: the alkaline water button group ALg, the purified water button W, and the acidic water button group Acg, located to the right.

[0121] The alkaline water button group ALg consists of the first level alkaline water button AL1 to the third level alkaline water button AL3 and the strong alkaline water button AL4.

[0122] The Level 1 alkaline water button AL1 instructs the electrolytic water generator A3 to produce Level 1 alkaline water, for example, pH 8.5, which can be used as drinking water. The Level 2 alkaline water button AL2 instructs the electrolytic water generator A3 to produce Level 2 alkaline water. Level 2 alkaline water has a pH of 9.0, for example, and can be used for cooking rice, etc. The Level 3 alkaline water button AL3 instructs the electrolytic water generator A3 to produce Level 3 alkaline water. Level 3 alkaline water has a pH of 9.5, for example, and can be used for cooking, making tea, etc. The Strong Alkaline Water button AL4 instructs the electrolytic water generator A3 to produce Strong Alkaline Water. Strong Alkaline Water has a pH of 10.5, for example, and can be used for simmering, removing bitterness, boiling vegetables, etc. The electrolytic water generator A3 switches between strong alkaline water mode and various levels of alkaline water mode (collectively referred to simply as alkaline water mode) when the user presses one of the alkaline water buttons (ALg), and generates the corresponding alkaline water.

[0123] The acidic water button group Acg consists of the strong acidic water supply button Ac1 and the acidic water supply button Ac2. The strong acidic water supply button Ac1 is a button used to instruct the electrolytic water generator A3 to produce strong acidic water. Strong acidic water has a pH of 2.5, for example, and can be used for cleaning around water fixtures. The acidic water supply button Ac2 is a button used to instruct the electrolytic water generator A3 to produce acidic water. Acidic water has a pH of 5.5, for example, and can be used for washing faces, boiling noodles, removing tea stains, etc. When these acidic water buttons Acg are pressed by the user, the electrolytic water generator A3 switches to either the acidic water mode, which supplies acidic water, or the strong acidic water mode, which supplies strong acidic water (these modes are collectively referred to simply as acidic water mode), and produces the corresponding acidic water.

[0124] Although not shown in the diagram, in the electrolytic water generator A3, instead of the alkaline water button AL and acidic water button Ac shown in Figure 3, which illustrates the electrical configuration of the electrolytic water generator A1, the alkaline water button group ALg and the acidic water button group Acg are connected, and the device is configured to accept input from the user.

[0125] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, ROM 52 stores a correlation table between each operating mode and the amount of water flowed. This table defines a group of alkaline water flow points, each weighted according to a predetermined operating pattern in alkaline water mode, with values ​​assigned a positive sign, and a group of acidic water flow points, each weighted according to a predetermined operating pattern in acidic water mode, with values ​​assigned a negative sign. Hereinafter, this table will be referred to as the water flow point table.

[0126] Furthermore, the EEPROM 53b of the electrolytic water generator A3 stores the cumulative value of alkaline water flow points, the cumulative value of acid water flow points, point accumulation period information, the total value of water flow points, and the initial point value at a predetermined address.

[0127] The cumulative alkaline water flow point value and the cumulative acid water flow point value are the cumulative values ​​of alkaline water flow points or acid water flow points that are assigned based on the water flow point table according to the operating mode and discharge volume each time water is taken in.

[0128] The point accumulation period information is information about the period during which alkaline water flow points and acidic water flow points are accumulated according to the operating mode and water flow rate, based on the water flow point table. This information includes, for example, the start and end dates and length of the period. The length of the point accumulation period can be set by the user as appropriate. For example, if the user sets the point accumulation period to one week, and there are three 0.5L water flows in the first level alkaline water mode, five 0.5L water flows in the third level alkaline water mode, and one 1L water flow in the acidic water mode, then the accumulated alkaline water flow points at the end of the point accumulation period will be (0.2pt × 3 times) + (0.6pt × 5 times) = 3.6pt, and the accumulated acidic water flow points will be (-0.5pt × 2 times) = -1.0pt.

[0129] The total water flow points are the sum of the alkaline water flow points and acid water flow points awarded during the point accumulation period. For example, in the above example, the total water flow points = (0.2pt × 3 times) + (0.6pt × 5 times) + (-0.5pt × 2 times) = 2.6pt. The total water flow points are reset when the point accumulation period has elapsed. In this third embodiment, the reset is achieved by setting the value to 0.

[0130] The initial point value is the sum of the total water flow points at the end of the previous point accumulation period (for example, if the point accumulation period is one week, the total water flow points at the end of the week prior to the start of the current point accumulation period) and the initial point value. However, in situations where the electrode plates have not substantially deteriorated, such as during the first startup after purchasing the electrolytic water generator A3, or after the first to third electrode plates 33a to 33c have been replaced and the electrodes have been thoroughly cleaned, the initial point value can be any undeteriorated point value, for example, 0.

[0131] Furthermore, the electrolytic water generator A3 according to this third embodiment is characterized in that, according to the flow described later, it performs control or notification during the next point accumulation period based on the total point value of the initial point value and the total water flow point value at the end of the point accumulation period.

[0132] As shown in Figure 10, the ROM 52 of the electrolytic water generator A3 stores a post-water intake reverse electrolytic cleaning table to implement a post-water intake reverse electrolytic cleaning function. This table sets the reverse electrolytic intensity, time, and frequency according to the degree of bias in the amount of alkaline water and acidic water taken in when performing post-water intake reverse electrolytic cleaning. The greater the bias, the greater the reverse electrolytic intensity, the longer the time, and the higher the frequency, in order to remove electrode scale caused by that bias more effectively. In this embodiment, all items of intensity, time, and frequency are specified in the post-water intake reverse electrolytic cleaning table, but they can be increased or decreased as needed. Alternatively, instead of specifying the length of the cleaning time, multiple cleaning operation condition patterns can be specified in advance, and cleaning can be performed by selecting an appropriate pattern from among them. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a post-water intake reverse electrolytic cleaning table is provided for when there is an excess of water taken in alkaline water mode, but of course, a post-water intake reverse electrolytic cleaning table can also be provided for when there is an excess of water taken in acidic water mode.

[0133] Next, the main processing of the electrolytic water generator A3 according to this third embodiment will be explained in detail, focusing on the differences, with reference to Figure 5.

[0134] In the main process performed by the electrolytic water generator A3, if step S11 is Yes, the point accumulation period-related processing (step S11-1) shown in Figure 11 is executed before step S12 is executed, i.e., at the timing indicated by A in the flow in Figure 5.

[0135] In step S11-1, the CPU 51 refers to the EEPROM 53b to determine whether the point accumulation period set by the user has elapsed. If the period has elapsed, the CPU 51 sets the sum of the total water flow points and the initial point value as the initial point value, and also resets the alkaline water flow points, acid water flow points, and total water flow points to a reset value, which in this case is 0.

[0136] In step S15, the system accepts the user's desired point accumulation period via the touch panel D. Also in this step, the system calculates the start and end dates of the point accumulation period from the user's input and stores this information in the EEPROM 53b.

[0137] In step S15, based on the current initial point value, that is, the sum of the initial point value from the previous point accumulation period and the total water flow point value at the end of the same period, information promoting the use of water is displayed, for example, if the points are positive, it promotes the use of acidic water, and if they are negative, it promotes the use of alkaline water.

[0138] In step S17, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the alkaline water button group ALg has been pressed. If it determines that the alkaline water button group ALg has not been pressed (step S17: No), the CPU 51 proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if it determines that the alkaline water button group ALg has been pressed (step S17: Yes), the CPU 51 proceeds to step S18.

[0139] In step S18, the CPU 51 instructs the polarity switching circuit 55 to set the first electrode plate 33a as the anode and the second electrode plate 33b and third electrode plate 33c as the cathodes, and sets the mode selection value to 1 if the pressed button is the first level alkaline water button AL1, 2 if it is the second level alkaline water button AL2, 3 if it is the third level alkaline water button AL3, and 4 if it is the strong alkaline water button AL4.

[0140] In step S19, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the acidic water button group Acg has been pressed. If it determines that the acidic water button group Acg has not been pressed (step S19: No), the CPU 51 moves the process to step S13. On the other hand, if it determines that the acidic water button group Acg has been pressed (step S19: Yes), the CPU 51 moves the process to step S20.

[0141] In step S20, the CPU 51 instructs the polarity switching circuit 55 to set the first electrode plate 33a as the cathode and the second electrode plate 33b and third electrode plate 33c as the anodes, and sets the mode selection value to 5 if the pressed button is the acidic water supply button Ac2, and to 6 if it is the strongly acidic water supply button Ac1.

[0142] Next, the interrupt processing of the electrolytic water generator A3 according to this third embodiment will be explained in detail, focusing on the differences, with reference to Figure 6.

[0143] In the interrupt processing performed by the electrolytic water generator A3, after the execution of step S34, that is, at the timing indicated by B in the flow in Figure 6, a determination is made as shown in Figure 12 as to whether a certain amount of time, for example 30 minutes, has elapsed since the water flow was stopped after water intake (step S34-1). If it is determined that the required time has not elapsed (step S34-1: No), the CPU 51 returns processing to the address before the branch. On the other hand, if it is determined that the required time has elapsed (step S34-1: Yes), the CPU 51 moves processing to step S32 (termination processing).

[0144] In step S32, the CPU 51 performs the necessary processing for termination, such as issuing a command to the power supply adjustment circuit 56 to stop supplying power, and also refers to the water flow point table and adds the points corresponding to the water flow mode and water flow time to the alkaline water flow point cumulative value or the acid water flow point cumulative value.

[0145] In step S32, the CPU 51 calculates the total point value of the current initial point value and the total water flow point value, and performs post-water intake reverse electrolytic cleaning with the cleaning time, cleaning current, and frequency specified in the post-water intake reverse electrolytic cleaning table. Once the post-water intake reverse electrolytic cleaning is complete, the CPU 51 terminates the process. After completion, for example, the process may return to the loop in step S11 and wait until the power is turned on again.

[0146] Next, we will provide a supplementary explanation of the operation of electrolytic water generator A3, which has the configuration described above, focusing on the differences from electrolytic water generator A1.

[0147] As described above, in the electrolytic water generator A3, a water flow point table is pre-stored in the control unit 50, and the control unit 50 notifies the user of the use of the smaller of the cumulative values ​​of alkaline water flow points or acid water flow points that are assigned each time water is taken in each operating mode, for example in the display processing in step S15, so that appropriate displays can be made according to the user's usage status.

[0148] Furthermore, in this third embodiment, a water flow point table defining a group of positive alkaline water flow points and a group of negative acid water flow points is pre-stored in the control unit 50. The control unit 50 controls or notifies the next point accumulation period based on the total point value, which is the sum of the initial point value and the total value at the start of the most recent point accumulation period which has already passed its end date. In addition, it can display information that is adapted to the user's usage.

[0149] Furthermore, the control unit 50 performs control and notification during the next point accumulation period based on the amount or ratio of alkaline water and acidic water used at the end of the most recent point accumulation period. By recognizing these controls and notifications, users become more aware of the product, which ultimately helps to extend the product's lifespan.

[0150] Furthermore, the initial point value for unused electrolytic electrodes is set to 0, and the control unit 50 provides usage promotion information 64 to bring the total point value closer to 0, or performs reverse electrolytic cleaning after water intake, thereby controlling or notifying the system. Consequently, the bias in the operating status between alkaline water mode and acidic water mode can be reduced.

[0151] Furthermore, the point accumulation period can be set by the user via the touch panel D, allowing for flexible responses according to the user's usage patterns.

[0152] Furthermore, the total point value for the most recent point accumulation period, which has already ended, will be used as the initial point value for the next point accumulation period, and the sum will be set to 0 at the start of the next point accumulation period. This allows for the display and control of the next point accumulation period while appropriately carrying over the usage trends from the most recent point accumulation period.

[0153] Furthermore, the control unit 50 is equipped with a reverse electrolysis cleaning table after water intake. By changing the execution time, execution intensity, and execution frequency of reverse electrolysis cleaning after water intake according to the total point value which reflects the amount of alkaline water and acidic water discharged, the discharge time, and their ratio, electrode cleaning can be performed according to the usage conditions, thereby reducing power consumption and extending the life of the electrolytic cell.

[0154] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, an electrolytic water generator A4 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The electrolytic water generator A4 according to this fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the electrolytic water generator A3 in terms of the water flow system structure 11 and the electrical system structure 12, but differs in that it has a function (hereinafter also referred to as the pulse cleaning function) that cleans the electrodes by intermittently performing reverse electrolysis while alkaline water or acidic water is being generated, that is, while water is flowing through in the forward electrolysis state, thereby extending the lifespan of the electrolytic cell.

[0155] The following description will focus on the features of the electrolytic water generator A4 according to this fourth embodiment, while omitting points similar to those of the electrolytic water generators A1 and A3.

[0156] As shown in Figure 13, the ROM 52 of the electrolytic water generator A4 stores a pulse cleaning table to implement the pulse cleaning function. This table sets the reverse electrolysis intensity, time, and frequency according to the degree of bias in the amount of alkaline water and acidic water taken in when performing pulse cleaning. The greater the bias, the greater the reverse electrolysis intensity, the longer the time, and the higher the frequency, in order to remove electrode scale caused by that bias more effectively. In this embodiment, all items of intensity, time, and frequency are specified in the pulse cleaning table, but they can be increased or decreased as needed. Alternatively, instead of specifying the length of cleaning time, multiple cleaning operation condition patterns can be specified in advance, and cleaning can be performed by selecting the appropriate pattern from among them. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pulse cleaning table is provided for when the amount of water taken in alkaline water mode is excessive, but of course, a pulse cleaning table can also be provided for when the amount of water taken in acidic water mode is excessive.

[0157] Next, the interrupt processing of the electrolytic water generator A4 according to this fourth embodiment will be explained in detail, focusing on the differences, with reference to Figure 6.

[0158] In the interrupt processing performed by the electrolytic water generator A4, after the execution of step S38, that is, at the timing indicated by C in the flow in Figure 6, a pulse cleaning process is performed as shown in Figure 14 (step S38-1).

[0159] In this pulse cleaning process, the CPU 51 refers to a predetermined address in the EEPROM 53b to obtain the total amount of alkaline water used and the total amount of acidic water used, and calculates the usage ratio. It also refers to the pulse cleaning table stored in the ROM 52 to obtain information on pulse cleaning time, intensity (current value), and frequency.

[0160] Figure 15 shows a diagram illustrating the timing of pulse cleaning. In Figure 15, the vertical axis represents the voltage applied between the electrodes, and the horizontal axis represents time. When the calculated usage ratio of alkaline water:acidic water is in the range of 1:1 to 2:1, the values ​​obtained by referring to the pulse cleaning table show that the frequency Tj is 1000 ms, there is no current during cleaning, and there is no cleaning time Tg. Therefore, as shown in Figure 15(a), the CPU 51 inserts a 10 ms waiting time Tt for every 1000 ms of forward electrolysis performed, but controls the generation of the target water in cycle Tc1 without performing reverse electrolysis during this waiting time Tt.

[0161] Furthermore, when the calculated usage ratio is in the range of alkaline water:acidic water = 3:1 to 5:1, the values ​​obtained by referring to the pulse cleaning table are a frequency Tj of 666ms, a cleaning current of 2.0A, and a cleaning time Tg of 4ms. As shown in Figure 15(b), the CPU 51 inserts a 10ms waiting time Tt for every 666ms of forward electrolysis performed by the polarity switching circuit 55 and the power supply adjustment circuit 56. During this waiting time Tt, for 4ms, the CPU 51 controls the system to produce the desired water in a cycle Tc2 in which reverse electrolysis is performed at a voltage Vg1 such that the current is 2.0A.

[0162] Furthermore, when the calculated usage ratio is in the range of alkaline water:acidic water = 10:1 to 15:1, the values ​​obtained by referring to the pulse cleaning table are a frequency Tj of 200ms, a cleaning current of 3.0A, and a cleaning time Tg of 8ms. As shown in Figure 15(c), the CPU 51 inserts a 10ms waiting time Tt for every 200ms of forward electrolysis performed by the polarity switching circuit 55 and the power supply adjustment circuit 56. During this waiting time Tt, for 8ms, the CPU 51 controls the system to produce the desired water in a cycle Tc3 in which reverse electrolysis is performed at a voltage Vg2 such that the current is 3.0A.

[0163] Furthermore, with the electrolytic water generator A4 having the above-described configuration, the control unit performs reverse electrolysis, which reverses the electrolytic polarity in the current water discharge mode according to the ratio of alkaline water and acidic water discharge volumes, intermittently during electrolysis in the current water discharge mode. This allows for more robust electrode cleaning according to usage conditions, reducing power consumption and extending the lifespan of the electrolytic cell.

[0164] In this fourth embodiment, the pulse cleaning table was configured to define the reverse electrolysis intensity, time, and frequency according to the degree of bias in the amount of alkaline water and acidic water taken, but it is not limited to this. For example, based on the water flow point values ​​mentioned above, the reverse electrolysis intensity can be defined to be greater, the time longer, and the frequency higher, so that the greater the bias from the no-degradation point value, the stronger the removal of electrode scale.

[0165] Furthermore, in this fourth embodiment, a portion of the waiting time Tt is allocated to the cleaning time Tg to perform reverse electrolysis using the pulse cleaning function, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to perform forward electrolysis for a time corresponding to the frequency Tj, wait for a predetermined waiting time Tt without performing electrolysis, and then perform reverse electrolysis for a time corresponding to the cleaning time Tg.

[0166] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, the electrolytic water generator A5 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The electrolytic water generator A5 according to this fifth embodiment has the same configuration as the electrolytic water generator A4 in terms of the water passage structure 11 and the electrical structure 12, but differs in that, when switching from alkaline water mode or acidic water mode to discharge water of the same pH but weaker pH (hereinafter also referred to as weakly same pH water) or purified water, it has a function to perform reverse electrolysis for a predetermined time while continuing to discharge water (hereinafter also referred to as the switching neutralization electrolysis function).

[0167] The following description will focus on the features of electrolytic water generator A5 according to this fifth embodiment, while omitting points similar to those of electrolytic water generators A1 to A3.

[0168] As shown in Figure 16, the ROM 52 of the electrolytic water generator A5 stores a neutralization electrolysis table to implement the neutralization electrolysis function during switching. This table specifies the reverse electrolysis mode, i.e., the neutralization electrolysis mode and execution time, depending on the mode before switching when performing neutralization electrolysis during switching.

[0169] Furthermore, the EEPROM53b has a predetermined address where the reverse electrolysis mode and execution time (hereinafter referred to as "switching neutralization electrolysis information"), which are referenced when performing neutralization electrolysis during switching, can be stored. The reverse electrolysis mode and execution time stored at this predetermined address are automatically erased when the specified execution time has elapsed since the write operation.

[0170] Furthermore, in electrolyzed water generator A5, in step S15 of the main process shown in Figure 5, a predetermined address in EEPROM 53b is referenced. If switching neutralization electrolysis information is stored, a message prompting the user to discard water, such as "Switching neutralization electrolysis in progress! Please discard the water," is displayed on the touch panel D. However, if the same message is displayed but switching neutralization electrolysis information is not stored, the display is cleared.

[0171] Furthermore, during the main process, if the water purification button is pressed (step S16: Yes), the switching neutralization electrolysis process (step S16-1) shown in Figure 17 is executed before step S12 is executed, that is, at the timing indicated by D in the flow in Figure 5.

[0172] In step S16-1, the CPU 51 refers to the neutralization electrolysis table stored in the ROM 52 and obtains information (switching neutralization electrolysis information) about the reverse electrolysis mode and execution time corresponding to the alkaline or acidic water that was previously discharged. The obtained switching neutralization electrolysis information is then stored at a predetermined address in the EEPROM 53b. Upon completion of this step, the CPU 51 moves the process to step S12.

[0173] Furthermore, in electrolytic water generator A5, in step S18, if the button for the alkaline water button group ALg pressed in step S17 is the button for weakly equivalent water, the same switching neutralization electrolysis process as in step S16-1 is performed.

[0174] Specifically, if the pressed alkaline water button group ALg is a button for weakly equivalent water, the CPU 51 refers to the neutralization electrolysis table stored in ROM 52 and obtains information (switching neutralization electrolysis information) about the reverse electrolysis mode and execution time corresponding to the alkaline water that was previously dispensed. The obtained switching neutralization electrolysis information is then stored at a predetermined address in EEPROM 53b.

[0175] Similarly, in the electrolyzed water generator A5, in step S20, if the acidic water button group Acg pressed in step S19 is the button for weakly acidic water, the CPU 51 refers to the neutralization electrolysis table stored in ROM 52, obtains information about the reverse electrolysis mode and execution time corresponding to the acidic water that was previously dispensed (switching neutralization electrolysis information), and stores it at a predetermined address in EEPROM 53b.

[0176] Furthermore, in the interrupt processing performed by the electrolytic water generator A5, in step S36, the CPU 51 refers to a predetermined address in the EEPROM 53b and determines whether the switching-time neutralization electrolysis information is not stored and whether the mode selection value is 0 (whether or not it is in water purification mode). If it is determined that both requirements are met (step S36: Yes), the CPU 51 moves the process to step S34. On the other hand, if it is determined that neither requirements are met (step S36: No), the CPU 51 moves the process to step S37.

[0177] In step S37, the CPU 51 refers to a predetermined address in the EEPROM 53b. If switching neutralization electrolysis information is stored, the CPU 51 prioritizes setting the power value according to the reverse electrolysis mode of the switching neutralization electrolysis information as the supplied power value. If switching neutralization electrolysis information is not stored, the CPU 51 sets the power value according to the mode selection value as usual.

[0178] Furthermore, with the electrolytic water generator A5 having the configuration described above, when switching from alkaline water mode or acidic water mode to dispense water of the same but weaker pH, or purified water, the water will continue to be dispensed while reverse electrolysis is performed for a predetermined time. For example, as shown in Figure 18, if a user who was taking water in strong alkaline water mode presses the purified water button, the electrolytic water generator A5 will, according to the neutralization electrolysis table, switch to strong acidic water mode for 2 seconds as a neutralization electrolysis during the switch, and after generating strong acidic water as electrolytic water by reverse electrolysis for a specified time (in this case, 2 seconds), it will switch back to purified water mode.

[0179] Therefore, water remaining in the electrolytic cell and water channels can be neutralized with water generated by reverse electrolysis, and it is expected that the amount of wastewater required when switching water will be reduced compared to when neutralization electrolysis is not performed during switching.

[0180] Furthermore, each time weakly electrolyzed water or purified water is selected from the relatively frequently used electrolyzed water, the same reverse electrolysis as the mechanism for generating low-usage water is performed. This increases the generation time for low-usage water, thereby extending the lifespan of the electrolytic cell.

[0181] [Sixth Embodiment] Next, an electrolytic water generator A6 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. The electrolytic water generator A6 according to this sixth embodiment has the same configuration as the electrolytic water generator A3 in terms of the water flow system structure 11 and the electrical system structure 12, but differs in that it does not store point accumulation period information at a predetermined address in the EEPROM 53b and therefore does not have the concept of a predetermined period.

[0182] Furthermore, it differs in that it has a function (hereinafter also referred to as the threshold-reaching electrolysis function) that performs electrolysis with a polarity that approaches 0 when the sum of the water flow points reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0183] The following description will focus on the features of the electrolytic water generator A6 according to this sixth embodiment, while omitting points similar to those of the electrolytic water generator A3.

[0184] As shown in Figure 19, the EEPROM 53b of the electrolytic water generator A6 stores a threshold-reaching electrolysis table to realize the threshold-reaching electrolysis function. In order to perform threshold-reaching electrolysis, the electrolysis time and current value are set according to the magnitude of the absolute value of the total value of the water flow points, that is, the magnitude of the bias in the amount of alkaline water and acidic water taken. The larger the absolute value, the greater the electrolysis intensity and the longer the time, so that the removal of electrode scale due to the bias is stronger.

[0185] Next, the main processing and interrupt processing of the electrolytic water generator A6 according to this sixth embodiment will be explained in detail, focusing on the differences, with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0186] In step S15 of the main processing performed by the electrolytic water generator A6, the system accepts the threshold value desired by the user via the touch panel D. In this step, the system also rewrites the threshold values ​​in the threshold-reach electrolysis table stored in the EEPROM 53b based on the one or more threshold values ​​entered by the user.

[0187] In the interrupt processing performed by the electrolytic water generator A6, after it is determined in step S36 that the mode selection value is not 0 (step S36: No), that is, at the timing indicated by E in the flow in Figure 6, the CPU 51 refers to a predetermined address in the EEPROM 53b, as shown in Figure 20, and determines whether the absolute value of the current total water flow points corresponds to the threshold specified in the threshold-reaching electrolytic table (step S37-1). If it is determined that the absolute value of the total water flow points does not correspond to the specified threshold (step S37-1: No), the CPU 51 moves the process to step S38. On the other hand, if it is determined that the absolute value of the total water flow points corresponds to the specified threshold (step S37-1: Yes), the CPU 51 moves the process to step S37-2.

[0188] In step S37-2, regardless of the power supply value set in step S37, the CPU 51 refers to the threshold-reach electrolysis table, reads the cleaning time and current value corresponding to the threshold, and sets it as the power supply value at a predetermined address in RAM 53a. After completing step S37-2, the CPU 51 moves the process to step S38.

[0189] In step S38, the CPU 51 instructs the polarity switching circuit 55 to supply power to the electrolytic electrodes with a polarity that brings the sum of water flow points closer to zero, depending on whether the sum of water flow points is positive or negative. The CPU 51 also obtains a power supply value by referring to a predetermined address in the RAM 53a, and instructs the power supply adjustment circuit 56 to supply power using the obtained power supply value, thereby performing threshold-reach electrolysis until the cleaning time is completed.

[0190] Furthermore, with the electrolytic water generator A6 having such a configuration and function, when the absolute value of the sum of water flow points reaches a predetermined threshold, threshold-reaching electrolysis is performed on the electrolytic electrode with a polarity that approaches the sum value of 0, at a predetermined electrolytic intensity and time. This allows for optimal reverse electrolysis according to the sum of water flow points to refresh the electrolytic electrode and reset any bias in the sum of water flow points.

[0191] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, the threshold-reach electrolysis table is equipped with multiple thresholds, and each threshold is configured to have different electrolysis strengths and / or times, so that optimal reverse electrolysis can be performed according to the total value of the water flow points.

[0192] [Seventh Embodiment] Next, an electrolytic water generator A7 according to the seventh embodiment will be described. The electrolytic water generator A7 according to this seventh embodiment has the same configuration as the electrolytic water generator A3 in terms of the water passage system structure 11 and the electrical system structure 12, and also has a threshold-reach electrolysis function like the electrolytic water generator A6 described above. However, it differs in that, like the electrolytic water generator A3, it stores point accumulation period information at a predetermined address in the EEPROM 53B, and the concept of a predetermined period exists; the threshold-reach electrolysis is performed until the sum value becomes 0; an end-time reset electrolysis is performed in accordance with the sum value of water passage points at the end of the first predetermined period, and the reset of the sum value of water passage points is performed after the completion of the threshold-reach electrolysis or the end-time reset electrolysis.

[0193] The following description will focus on the features of the electrolytic water generator A7 according to this seventh embodiment, while omitting points similar to those of the electrolytic water generators A3 and A6.

[0194] As shown in Figure 21, the EEPROM 53b of the electrolytic water generator A6 stores a threshold-reach electrolysis table to realize the threshold-reach electrolysis function. Unlike the threshold-reach electrolysis table of the electrolytic water generator A6 shown in Figure 19, this table is set so that the electrolysis time and current value (electrolysis time in this embodiment) are set until the water flow point becomes 0.

[0195] Next, the main processing and interrupt processing of the electrolytic water generator A7 according to the seventh embodiment will be explained in detail, focusing on the differences, with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0196] In the main process performed by the electrolytic water generator A7, if step S11 is Yes, the point accumulation period-related processing (step S11-1) shown in Figure 11 is executed before step S12 is executed, that is, at the timing indicated by A in the flow in Figure 5.

[0197] In step S11-1, the CPU 51 refers to the EEPROM 53B to determine whether the point accumulation period set by the user has elapsed. If the period has elapsed, and the total value of the water flow points is not zero, the CPU 51 performs a terminal reset electrolysis, and then resets the total value of the water flow points to zero, regardless of whether the terminal reset electrolysis was performed or not. The terminal reset electrolysis performed in step S11-1 is an electrolysis performed with power and time that will result in the total value of the water flow points becoming zero.

[0198] In the interrupt processing performed by the electrolytic water generator A7, the point accumulation period expiration processing (step S37-3) shown in Figure 22 is executed after step S37-2 shown in Figure 20 and before step S38 is executed, that is, at the timing indicated by F in the flow.

[0199] In this point accumulation period expiration process, the CPU 51 temporarily saves the default point accumulation period and the point accumulation period set by the user to a different address, and also performs a process to end the point accumulation period by setting the end date information of the period to the present and rewriting the length information of the period to 0. The point accumulation period information that has been rewritten in step S37-3 is referenced in the aforementioned point accumulation period-related processing (step S11-1), so that the total value of water flow points is reset after the threshold electrolysis is reached and the saved point accumulation period is set again as the point accumulation period information.

[0200] Furthermore, with the electrolytic water generator A7, which has such a configuration and functions, when the point accumulation period has elapsed, an end-of-cycle reset electrolysis is performed, which electrolyzes until the total value reaches 0. This allows for optimal reverse electrolysis to be performed according to the total value of the water flow points.

[0201] Furthermore, the threshold electrolysis is performed until the total value reaches 0. After the threshold electrolysis and the end-of-cycle reset electrolysis are completed, the total value of the water flow points is reset, and the next period is designated as the point accumulation period, during which control and notification are performed. This allows for optimal reverse electrolysis to be performed according to the total value of the water flow points to refresh the electrolysis electrodes and reset any bias in the total value of the water flow points.

[0202] As described above, according to the invention of this embodiment, an electrolytic water generator is provided that includes a control unit that switches the polarity of electrolytic electrodes arranged in the water intake channel by the user's selection of alkaline water mode or acidic water mode, and is capable of selectively discharging alkaline water or acidic water. In this electrolytic water generator, the control unit controls or notifies based on the amount or ratio of alkaline water and acidic water used. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the frequency of maintenance required to address issues arising from imbalances in the amount of alkaline water and acidic water used, and to provide an electrolytic water generator that can suppress shortening of the product life due to similar causes.

[0203] Finally, the above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Therefore, it goes without saying that various modifications can be made to embodiments other than those described above, as long as they do not depart from the technical spirit of the present invention, depending on the design and other factors.

[0204] Furthermore, the electrolytic water generator according to the present invention can contribute to Goal 6 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Clean Water and Sanitation for All). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0205] 18 Flow Sensor 26 Water intake pipe 27 Electrolytic cell 29 1st water intake room 32 2nd water intake room 33b 2nd electrode plate 33c 3rd electrode plate 50 Control Unit 55 Polarity switching circuit section 56 Supply power adjustment circuit section 57 Communication Circuit Section 62c usage ratio 63. Low Water Usage Notification Information 64 Usage promotion information 65. Send Evaluation Information Button A1~A7 Electrolyzed water generator D Touch Panel

Claims

1. An electrolytic water generator equipped with a control unit that switches the polarity of electrolytic electrodes arranged in the water intake channel by the user's selection of alkaline water mode or acidic water mode, and capable of selectively discharging alkaline water or acidic water, A group of alkaline water flow points, each weighted according to a predetermined operating mode in alkaline water mode, where the value is given either a positive or negative sign. A group of acid water flow points, each weighted according to a predetermined operating mode in acidic water mode, is pre-stored in the control unit, and each value is assigned either a positive or negative sign. The electrolytic water generator is characterized in that the control unit performs control or notification during the next second predetermined period based on the total point value of the initial point value at the start of the first predetermined period and the sum of the alkaline water flow points and acid water flow points awarded each time the predetermined operation mode is performed within the first predetermined period at the end of the first predetermined period.

2. The initial point value when the electrolytic electrode is unused is 0, The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit performs the control or notification so that the total point value approaches 0.

3. The total point value for the first predetermined period is the initial point value when calculating the total point value with the second predetermined period set as the first predetermined period. The electrolytic water generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the sum value during the first predetermined period is set to 0 when calculating the total point value with the second predetermined period as the first predetermined period.

4. The electrolytic water generator according to Claim 1, characterized in that the control unit changes at least one of the execution time, execution intensity, and execution frequency of forward electrolysis in the current discharge mode or reverse electrolysis in which the electrolytic polarity in the same mode is reversed, according to at least one of the following: the amount of alkaline water and acidic water discharged and / or the discharge time, the ratio of the amount of alkaline water and acidic water discharged, and the total point value of the initial point value and the sum value.

5. The electrolytic water generator according to claim 4, characterized in that the reverse electrolysis is performed intermittently during electrolysis with the electrolytic polarity in the current water discharge mode.

6. The electrolytic water generator according to claim 4, characterized in that when switching from alkaline water mode or acidic water mode to dispense water of the same but weaker pH or purified water following the currently dispensed water, reverse electrolysis is performed for a predetermined time while continuing to dispense the water.

7. The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the control unit performs an end-time reset electrolysis based on the alkaline water flow point group or the acid water flow point group, in accordance with the sum value at the end of a first predetermined period, until the sum value becomes 0.

8. The electrolytic water generator according to claim 7, characterized in that the control unit performs threshold-reach electrolysis, which electrolyzes until the sum value reaches 0 when the sum value reaches a predetermined threshold, and after the completion of the threshold-reach electrolysis or the end-of-cycle reset electrolysis, the first period ends, and the next second predetermined period is set as the first predetermined period and the control or notification is performed.

9. An electrolytic water generator that includes a control unit that switches the polarity of electrolytic electrodes arranged in the water intake channel by the user's selection of alkaline water mode or acidic water mode, and is capable of selectively discharging alkaline water or acidic water, A group of alkaline water flow points, each weighted according to a predetermined operating mode in alkaline water mode, where the value is given either a positive or negative sign. A group of acid water flow points, each weighted according to a predetermined operating mode in acidic water mode, is pre-stored in the control unit, and each value is assigned either a positive or negative sign. The electrolytic water generating apparatus is characterized in that, when the total value of the alkaline water flow points and acid water flow points, which are applied each time the predetermined operating mode is performed, reaches a predetermined threshold, the control unit performs threshold-reaching electrolysis, which electrolyzes the electrolytic electrode with a polarity that approaches the total value of the alkaline water flow points and acid water flow points, with a predetermined electrolytic intensity and / or time.

10. The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the control unit comprises a plurality of thresholds, and the electrolysis intensity and / or time differ depending on each threshold.

11. The electrolytic water generator according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the threshold value can be set by the user.

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