U.S. patent application number 10/543820 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-31 for mineral water generator.
This patent application is currently assigned to SANDEN CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Miwako Ito, Motoharu Sato, Kazushige Watanabe.
Application Number | 20060191785 10/543820 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33398139 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060191785 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ito; Miwako ; et
al. |
August 31, 2006 |
Mineral water generator
Abstract
A mineral-water producing apparatus that includes: an
electrolytic bath to which raw water, such as city water, is
supplied; a mineral eluting material(s) arranged in the
electrolytic bath; and electrodes for applying DC voltage with
which the water in the electrolytic bath is electrolyzed so that a
mineral element(s) is eluted from the mineral eluting material (s),
where the mineral water produced in the electrolytic bath is
delivered to the outside thereof, characterized in that the
apparatus further includes: a pH sensor which detects the pH of the
raw water; and a controller which controls the conducting time
duration for the electrodes based on the detection signal from the
pH sensor. Thus, mineral water having a desired mineral
concentration is produced.
Inventors: |
Ito; Miwako; (Gunma, JP)
; Watanabe; Kazushige; (Gunma, JP) ; Sato;
Motoharu; (Gunma, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF
1001 G STREET N W
SUITE 1100
WASHINGTON
DC
20001
US
|
Assignee: |
SANDEN CORPORATION
20 kOTOBUKI-CHO
Isesaki-shi, Gunma
JP
372-8502
|
Family ID: |
33398139 |
Appl. No.: |
10/543820 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
April 30, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP03/05533 |
371 Date: |
August 1, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
204/228.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 1/4618 20130101;
C02F 1/688 20130101; C02F 1/461 20130101; C02F 2209/006 20130101;
C02F 1/4606 20130101; C02F 2209/06 20130101; C02F 2201/4615
20130101; C02F 2201/4617 20130101; C02F 2209/40 20130101; C02F
1/46104 20130101; C02F 2001/46185 20130101; C02F 1/68 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
204/228.6 |
International
Class: |
C25B 15/02 20060101
C25B015/02 |
Claims
1. A mineral-water producing apparatus, which comprising: an
electrolytic bath to which raw water, such as city water, is
supplied; a mineral eluting material(s) arranged in the
electrolytic bath; and electrodes for applying DC voltage with
which water in the electrolytic bath is electrolyzed so that a
mineral element(s) is eluted from the mineral eluting material(s),
where the mineral water produced in the electrolytic bath is
delivered to the outside thereof, wherein the apparatus further
comprising: a water-quality etc. detecting means for detecting the
water quality, the water temperature, etc. of at least either the
raw water or the mineral water; and a controlling means for
controlling at least either conducting time duration or power
output for the electrodes based on the detection signals from the
water quality etc. detecting means.
2. The mineral-water producing apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the water quality etc. detecting means is at least one
selected from the group consisting of a pH detecting means for
detecting the pH of the raw water supplied to the electrolytic bath
or the mineral water produced in the electrolytic bath, a
conductivity detecting means for detecting the conductivity of the
raw water supplied to the electrolytic bath or the mineral water
produced in the electrolytic bath, and a temperature detecting
means for detecting the temperature of the raw water supplied to
the electrolytic bath.
3. The mineral-water producing apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein a water-delivery pipe for delivering the mineral water
produced in the electrolytic bath to the outside thereof is
provided with a water-flow detecting means for detecting flow and
stop of the mineral water, and that the control means controls
power for the electrodes based on flow and stop signals from the
water-flow detecting means and on the detection signals from the
water quality etc. detecting means.
4. The mineral-water producing apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein a water-delivery pipe for delivering the mineral water
produced in the electrolytic bath to the outside thereof is
provided with a water-flow detecting means for detecting flow and
stop of the mineral water, and that the control means controls
power for the electrodes based on flow and stop signals from the
water-flow detecting means and on the detection signals from the
water quality etc. detecting means.
5. The mineral-water producing apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the apparatus can be run in a cleaning and sterilization
mode of electrolysis in which the water in the electrolytic bath is
electrolyzed for a longer conducting time duration or at a higher
power output for the electrodes than the conducting time duration
or the power output to be controlled based on the detection signals
from the water-quality etc. detecting means and the resulting
electrolyzed water is delivered to the outside of the electrolytic
bath.
6. The mineral-water producing apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein the apparatus can be run in a cleaning and sterilization
mode of electrolysis in which the water in the electrolytic bath is
electrolyzed for a longer conducting time duration or at a higher
power output for the electrodes than the conducting time duration
or the power output to be controlled based on the detection signals
from the water-quality etc. detecting means and the resulting
electrolyzed water is delivered to the outside of the electrolytic
bath.
7. The mineral-water producing apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein the apparatus can be run in a cleaning and sterilization
mode of electrolysis in which the water in the electrolytic bath is
electrolyzed for a longer conducting time duration or at a higher
power output for the electrodes than the conducting time duration
or the power output to be controlled based on the detection signals
from the water-quality etc. detecting means and the resulting
electrolyzed water is delivered to the outside of the electrolytic
bath.
8. The mineral-water producing apparatus according to claim 4,
wherein the apparatus can be run in a cleaning and sterilization
mode of electrolysis in which the water in the electrolytic bath is
electrolyzed for a longer conducting time duration or at a higher
power output for the electrodes than the conducting time duration
or the power output to be controlled based on the detection signals
from the water-quality etc. detecting means and the resulting
electrolyzed water is delivered to the outside of the electrolytic
bath.
9. A mineral-water producing apparatus, which comprising: an
electrolytic bath to which raw water, such as city water, is
supplied; a mineral eluting material(s) arranged in the
electrolytic bath; and electrodes for applying DC voltage with
which water in the electrolytic bath is electrolyzed so that a
mineral element(s) is eluted from the mineral eluting material (s),
where mineral water is produced at least either in a flowing water
electrolysis mode, in which a DC voltage is applied across the
electrodes while delivering the water from the electrolytic bath,
or in a standing water electrolysis mode, in which a DC voltage is
applied across the electrodes while stopping the water from the
electrolytic bath, wherein said apparatus further comprising: a
setting switch which sets at least either conducting time duration
or power output for the electrodes in each of the electrolysis
modes.
10. The mineral-water producing apparatus according to claim 9,
wherein the apparatus can be run not only in the flowing water
electrolysis mode and in the standing water electrolysis mode, but
also in a cleaning and sterilization mode of electrolysis in which
the water in the electrolytic bath is electrolyzed for a longer
conducting time duration or at a higher power output than in the
flowing water electrolysis mode and in the standing water
electrolysis mode and the resulting electrolyzed water is delivered
to the outside of the electrolytic bath.
11. The mineral-water producing apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein an electrolytic auxiliary agent consisting of an
electrically conductive material is arranged in the electrolytic
bath.
12. The mineral-water producing apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein an electrolytic auxiliary agent consisting of an
electrically conductive material is arranged in the electrolytic
bath.
13. The mineral-water producing apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein an electrolytic auxiliary agent consisting of an
electrically conductive material is arranged in the electrolytic
bath.
14. The mineral-water producing apparatus according to claim 4,
wherein an electrolytic auxiliary agent consisting of an
electrically conductive material is arranged in the electrolytic
bath.
15. The mineral-water producing apparatus according to claim 5,
wherein an electrolytic auxiliary agent consisting of an
electrically conductive material is arranged in the electrolytic
bath.
16. The mineral-water producing apparatus according to claim 6,
wherein an electrolytic auxiliary agent consisting of an
electrically conductive material is arranged in the electrolytic
bath.
17. The mineral-water producing apparatus according to claim 7,
wherein an electrolytic auxiliary agent consisting of an
electrically conductive material is arranged in the electrolytic
bath.
18. The mineral-water producing apparatus according to claim 8,
wherein an electrolytic auxiliary agent consisting of an
electrically conductive material is arranged in the electrolytic
bath.
19. The mineral-water producing apparatus according to claim 9,
wherein an electrolytic auxiliary agent consisting of an
electrically conductive material is arranged in the electrolytic
bath.
20. The mineral-water producing apparatus according to claim 10,
wherein an electrolytic auxiliary agent consisting of an
electrically conductive material is arranged in the electrolytic
bath.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to a mineral-water producing
apparatus which produces mineral-water by adding mineral elements
to raw water.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] As the above-described type of mineral-water producing
apparatus, one has been known which is described in Japanese Patent
Publication 9-164390.
[0003] This mineral-water producing apparatus includes: an
electrolytic bath; a pair of electrodes, cathode and anode,
arranged in the electrolytic bath; and a mineral eluting
material(s) (coral sand, healstone (bakuhanseki), mineral stone,
etc.) contained in the electrolytic bath. According to this
apparatus, the application of a DC current to the electrodes causes
electrolysis of city water accumulated in the electrolytic bath and
produces acid water on the anode side, and the acid water reacts
with and dissolves the mineral eluting material (e.g. calcium
carbonate) to allow a mineral element to be eluted from the mineral
eluting material.
[0004] In such an electrolytic type of mineral-water producing
apparatus, the concentration of the mineral in the mineral-water
produced vary depending on the hydrogen-ion exponent (hereinafter
referred to as pH), the temperature, and the mineral concentration
of the city water supplied to the electrolytic bath. The reason is
that the solubility of mineral eluting materials decreases with the
increase in pH or temperature of the city water supplied to the
electrolytic bath, and besides, it is largely affected by the
mineral concentration of the city water itself.
[0005] On the other hand, the pH, the temperature and the mineral
concentration of city water differ depending on the area or the
season, and moreover, even if the area or the season is the same,
they greatly change with time of a day.
[0006] Thus, with the conventional mineral-water producing
apparatus, in which the power control of electrodes is fixed, it is
impossible to adjust the mineral concentration of the mineral water
produced to a desired value. As a result, when the mineral water
has a low mineral concentration, the taste and the effects of the
mineral cannot be obtained. Conversely, when the mineral water has
too high a mineral concentration, the eluted mineral can sometimes
precipitate and contaminate drinks. Accordingly, the conventional
mineral producing apparatus might produce mineral water unsuitable
for drinking.
[0007] In light of the above described problems with the
conventional mineral-water producing apparatus, the object of this
invention is to provide a mineral-water producing apparatus which
controls conducting time duration or power output for energizing
electrodes based on the quality, the temperature, etc. of water,
and besides, includes setting switches which can arbitrarily set
conducting time duration or power output for energizing electrodes,
and thereby providing mineral water having a desired mineral
concentration.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A first aspect of this invention is a mineral-water
producing apparatus, which includes: an electrolytic bath to which
raw water, such as city water, is supplied; a mineral eluting
material (s) arranged in the electrolytic bath; and electrodes for
applying DC voltage with which water in the electrolytic bath is
electrolyzed so that a mineral element(s) is eluted from the
mineral eluting material(s), where the mineral water produced in
the electrolytic bath is delivered to the outside thereof,
characterized in that the apparatus further includes: water-quality
etc. detecting means for detecting the water quality, the water
temperature, etc. of at least either the raw water or the mineral
water; and controlling means for controlling at least either the
conducting time duration or the power output for the electrodes
based on the detection signals from the water quality etc.
detecting means.
[0009] According to the first aspect of this invention, the
conducting time duration or the power output for energizing
electrodes is controlled based on the water quality or the water
temperature of raw water, which is the cause of change in the
amount of the minerals eluted, whereby the mineral concentration of
the mineral water produced is kept constant.
[0010] A second aspect of this invention is a mineral-water
producing apparatus, which includes: an electrolytic bath to which
raw water, such as city water, is supplied; a mineral eluting
material(s) arranged in the electrolytic bath; and electrodes for
applying DC voltage with which water in the electrolytic bath is
electrolyzed so that a mineral element(s) is eluted from the
mineral eluting material (s), where mineral water is produced at
least either in a flowing water electrolysis mode, in which a DC
voltage is applied across the electrodes while delivering the water
from the electrolytic bath, or in a standing water electrolysis
mode, in which a DC voltage is applied across the electrodes while
stopping the water from the electrolytic bath, characterized in
that the apparatus further includes a setting switch which sets at
least either conducting time duration or power output for the
electrodes in each of the electrolysis modes.
[0011] According to the second aspect of this invention, the
conducting time duration or the power output for energizing
electrodes can be arbitrarily set through the setting switch, and
the amount of minerals eluted can be controlled depending on the
mineral concentration or the water quality of raw water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a sectional front elevation of a mineral-water
producing apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of this
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a sectional side elevation of a mineral-water
producing apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of this
invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the electrode power
control circuit of a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the first embodiment of this invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the power control of a
mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with the first
embodiment of this invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic front elevation of a mineral-water
producing apparatus in accordance with the second embodiment of
this invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the electrode power
control circuit of a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the second embodiment of this invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the power control of a
mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with the second
embodiment of this invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic front elevation of a mineral-water
producing apparatus in accordance with the third embodiment of this
invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the electrode power
control circuit of a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the third embodiment of this invention;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the power control of a
mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with the third
embodiment of this invention;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the electrode power
control circuit of a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the fourth embodiment of this invention;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating the power control of a
mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with the fourth
embodiment of this invention;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a schematic front elevation of a mineral-water
producing apparatus in accordance with the fifth embodiment of this
invention;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the electrode power
control circuit of a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the fifth embodiment of this invention;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating the power control of a
mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with the fifth
embodiment of this invention;
[0027] FIG. 16 is a schematic front elevation of a mineral-water
producing apparatus in accordance with the sixth embodiment of this
invention;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating the electrode power
control circuit of a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the sixth embodiment of this invention;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating the power control of a
mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with the sixth
embodiment of this invention;
[0030] FIG. 19 is a schematic front elevation of a mineral-water
producing apparatus in accordance with the seventh embodiment of
this invention;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating the electrode power
control circuit of a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the seventh embodiment of this invention;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating the power control of a
mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with the seventh
embodiment of this invention;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating the electrode power
control circuit of a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the eighth embodiment of this invention;
[0034] FIG. 23 is a flow chart illustrating the power control of a
mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with the eighth
embodiment of this invention;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a schematic front elevation of a mineral-water
producing apparatus in accordance with the ninth embodiment of this
invention;
[0036] FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating the electrode power
control circuit of a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the ninth embodiment of this invention;
[0037] FIG. 26 is a flow chart illustrating the power control of a
mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with the ninth
embodiment of this invention;
[0038] FIG. 27 is a schematic front elevation of a mineral-water
producing apparatus in accordance with the tenth embodiment of this
invention;
[0039] FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating the electrode power
control circuit of a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the tenth embodiment of this invention;
[0040] FIG. 29 is a flow chart illustrating the power control of a
mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with the tenth
embodiment of this invention;
[0041] FIG. 30 is a schematic front elevation of a mineral-water
producing apparatus in accordance with the eleventh embodiment of
this invention;
[0042] FIG. 31 is a block diagram illustrating the electrode power
control circuit of a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the eleventh embodiment of this invention;
[0043] FIG. 32 is a flow chart illustrating the power control of a
mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with the eleventh
embodiment of this invention;
[0044] FIG. 33 is a schematic front elevation of a mineral-water
producing apparatus in accordance with the twelfth embodiment of
this invention;
[0045] FIG. 34 is a block diagram illustrating the electrode power
control circuit of a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the twelfth embodiment of this invention;
[0046] FIG. 35 is a flow chart illustrating the power control of a
mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with the twelfth
embodiment of this invention;
[0047] FIG. 36 is a schematic front elevation of a mineral-water
producing apparatus in accordance with the thirteenth embodiment of
this invention;
[0048] FIG. 37 is a block diagram illustrating the electrode power
control circuit of a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the thirteenth embodiment of this invention;
[0049] FIG. 38 is a flow chart illustrating the power control of a
mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with the thirteenth
embodiment of this invention;
[0050] FIG. 39 is a schematic front elevation of a mineral-water
producing apparatus in accordance with the fourteenth embodiment of
this invention;
[0051] FIG. 40 is a block diagram illustrating the electrode power
control circuit of a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the fourteenth embodiment of this invention;
[0052] FIG. 41 is a flow chart illustrating the power control of a
mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with the fourteenth
embodiment of this invention;
[0053] FIG. 42 is a block diagram illustrating the electrode power
control circuit of a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the fifteenth embodiment of this invention;
[0054] FIG. 43 is a flow chart illustrating the power control of a
mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with the fifteenth
embodiment of this invention;
[0055] FIG. 44 is a flow chart illustrating another example of the
power control of a mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance
with the fifteenth embodiment of this invention;
[0056] FIG. 45 is a block diagram illustrating the electrode power
control circuit of a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the sixteenth embodiment of this invention;
[0057] FIG. 46 is a flow chart illustrating the power control of a
mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with the sixteenth
embodiment of this invention;
[0058] FIG. 47 is a block diagram illustrating the electrode power
control circuit of a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the seventeenth embodiment of this invention;
and
[0059] FIG. 48 is a block diagram illustrating the electrode power
control circuit of a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the eighteenth embodiment of this invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0060] FIGS. 1 to 6 show a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the first embodiment of this invention. First, the
overall structure of the mineral-water producing apparatus will be
described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0061] The mineral-water producing apparatus includes a flat
box-like bath main body 1, whose inside is partitioned into two: an
upper part and a lower part via a partition board 2 through which
water can flow. Above the partition board 2 is formed an
accumulating bath 3 to which city water is supplied and below the
partition board 2 is formed an electrolytic bath 4 which
electrolyzes water.
[0062] On the top board of the accumulating bath 3 is provided a
water lead-in tube 31 through which city water is led into the
accumulating bath 3. And a water-level detector 32 is provided in
the accumulating bath 3. The up and down movement of the float 32a
of the water-level detector 32 is detected by upper and lower
micro-switches 32b. The water flow of city water is controlled
based on the detection signals from the micro-switches 32b, whereby
the water level in the accumulating bath 3 is kept at a
predetermined level. In the accumulating bath 3 is also provided a
guide board 33, which introduces the city water supplied through
the water lead-in tube 31 to the center so that the city water
flows throughout the accumulating bath 3. Reference numeral 34
denotes an overflow pipe which discharges water exceeding a
tolerable level from the accumulating bath 3.
[0063] In the electrolytic bath 4, more than one mineral eluting
material 41 (granulated or powdered coral sand, healstone
(bakuhanseki), mineral stone, etc.) each packed in a flat case and
more than one pair of electrodes: cathode 42a and anode 42b are
arranged alternately. A DC voltage is applied across each pair of
electrodes 42a and 42b with one mineral eluting material 41 placed
between the electrodes, whereby a mineral element(s) is eluted from
the mineral eluting materials 41. In more detail, once a DC voltage
is applied across each pair of electrodes 42a, 42b, the following
reaction occurs on the anode 42a side:
4H.sub.2O.fwdarw.4H.sup.++2O.sub.2+4e.sup.- which increases the
hydrogen ion concentration and produces acid water. On the other
hand, on the cathode 42b side the following reaction occurs:
4H.sub.2O+4e.sup.-.fwdarw.2H.sub.2+4OH.sup.- which produces alkali
water. And each mineral eluting material 41 (e.g. calcium
carbonate: CaCO.sub.3) reacts with the acid water:
CaCO.sub.3+2H.sup.+.fwdarw.Ca.sub.2.sup.++H.sub.2O+CO.sub.2 to
allow mineral ions (Ca.sub.2.sup.+) to be eluted from the mineral
eluting material.
[0064] The terminals 42c of the electrodes 42a, 42b penetrate the
partition board 2 and protrude from the top board of the
accumulating bath 3, and thus it can be connected to a power
supply. Besides the mineral eluting materials 41, an electrolytic
auxiliary agent which consists of an electrically conductive
material may be mixed in the flat case. As the electrically
conductive material, any one can be selected from among powder-like
activated carbon, granule-like activated carbon, fiber-like
activated carbon, charcoal, carbon black, gold, silver and
platinum-based metals and mixtures thereof. Since the electrically
conductive materials are carbon-based materials, gold, silver and
platinum-based metals, when they are eluted, they are harmless to
human bodies. When the electrically conductive material is
activated carbon, silver may be made to adhere to the activated
carbon to improve the conductivity. Although the mineral eluting
materials 41 and the electrically conductive materials are mixed
and made solid, the mixture is so constructed that water can flow
through the inside thereof.
[0065] Even if the mineral eluting materials 41 are insulating
materials and the conductivity in the electrolytic bath 4 is low,
once an electrolytic auxiliary agent is mixed in the mineral
eluting materials, the lowering of the conductivity is prevented
due to the electrolytic auxiliary agent, and hence the decrease in
mineral eluting efficiency.
[0066] Below the electrolytic bath 4 is installed a collection
chamber 5 where mineral water produced in the electrolytic bath 4
joins each other. The mineral water having flowed into the
collection chambers 5 is led into a terminal, such as a faucet,
through a water lead-out tube 51. When installing the mineral-water
producing apparatus in a drink dispenser, the mineral water flows
into the spout.
[0067] Constructing the mineral-water producing apparatus in the
above described manner allows city water to flow via the following
route:
lead-in pipe 31.fwdarw.accumulating bath 3.fwdarw.partition board 2
electrolytic bath 4.fwdarw.collection chamber 5.fwdarw.lead-out
pipe 51.fwdarw.faucet (dispenser)
as shown by the arrows in FIGS. 1 and 2, to feed mineral water.
[0068] Then, an power control circuit of the mineral-water
producing apparatus will be described with reference to the block
diagram of FIG. 3. The mineral-water producing apparatus includes
three water-quality selection switches SW1, SW2 and SW3. When
selecting any one of the water-quality selection switches SW1, SW2
and SW3, the pH of the city water supplied to the accumulating bath
3 is measured in advance. When the pH of the city water is in the
range of 8.0<pH.ltoreq.8.5, water-quality selection switch SW1
is manually selected, when the pH of the city water in the range of
7.5<pH.ltoreq.8.0, water-quality selection switch SW2 manually
selected, and when the pH of the city water in the range of
pH<7.5, water-quality selection switch SW3 manually
selected.
[0069] The pH of city water may be measured by temporarily
operating the mineral-water producing apparatus to lead city water
into the bath main body 1 and use the city water having been
accumulated in the bath main body 1 or by using city water obtained
from a faucet other than the one used for the mineral-water
producing apparatus.
[0070] The power control circuit also includes a controller 61,
which is made up of a microcomputer, as controlling means for
controlling electrodes 42a, 42b. This controller 61 includes I/O
ports 61a and 61b, a CPU 61c, and a memory 61d. In the memory 61d,
flowing water electrolysis time T1 and standing water electrolysis
time T2 are stored in advance.
[0071] The term "flowing water electrolysis time T1" means the
length of time that the electrodes 42a, 42b are powered while
feeding mineral water, whereas the term "standing water
electrolysis time T2" means the length of time that the electrodes
42a, 42b are powered after stopping feeding mineral water (while
feeding no mineral water). The times T1 and T2 are such that they
allow the mineral water produced to have a desired mineral
concentration when the pH of city water is lower than 7.5, in other
words, the degree of the elution of the mineral eluting material 41
is normal, and such times are set based on experience.
[0072] The CPU 61c directs, based on the signal from water-quality
selection switch SW1, SW2 or SW3, a conducting time determining
circuit 62 to perform the following calculations. When the signal
from the water-quality selection switch SW1 is input, the flowing
water electrolysis time T1 and the standing water electrolysis time
T2 are multiplied by a correction factor "0.5" to determine
electrolysis time T1a, T2a. When the signal from the water-quality
selection switch SW2 is input, the flowing water electrolysis time
T1 and the standing water electrolysis time T2 are multiplied by a
correction factor "0.7" to determine electrolysis time T1b, T2b.
And when the signal from the water-quality selection switch SW3 is
input, the flowing water electrolysis time T1 and the standing
water electrolysis time T2 are multiplied by a correction factor
"1.0" to determine electrolysis time T1c, T2c. Once the conducting
time duration is determined in the conducting time determining
circuit 62, electrodes 42a, 42b are powered based on the determined
time.
[0073] The electrode power control circuit described above will be
described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 4. First, the pH
of city water is manually measured. When the measurements show, the
pH of the city water is in the range of 8.0<pH.ltoreq.8.5, the
water-quality selection switch SW1 is selected. When the
measurements show the pH of the city water is in the range of
7.5<pH.ltoreq.8.0, the water-quality selection switch SW2 is
selected. And when the measurements show the pH of the city water
is in the range of pH<7.5, the water-quality selection switch
SW3 is selected.
[0074] In the mineral-water producing apparatus, a flowing water
electrolysis time T1 and a standing water electrolysis time T2, as
standards, are set in advance (S1). And which one of the
water-quality selection switches SW1, SW2 and SW3 is input is
judged (S2, S3, and S4). When the water-quality selection switch
SW1 is input, the electrolysis time T1a, T2a is determined by
multiplying the electrolysis time T1 for flowing water and the
electrolysis time T2 for standing water by a correction factor
"0.5" (S5). When the water-quality selection switch SW2 is input,
the electrolysis time T1b, T2b is determined by multiplying the
electrolysis time T1 for flowing water and the electrolysis time T2
for standing water by a correction factor "0.7" (S6). And when the
water-quality selection switch SW3 is input, the electrolysis time
T1c, T2c is determined by multiplying the electrolysis time T1 for
flowing water and the electrolysis time T2 for standing water by a
correction factor "1.0" (S7).
[0075] After that, when the faucet is turned on and the mineral
water is allowed to flow, or when the valve (not shown in the
figure) of the dispenser of a drink dispenser is opened (when there
is a drink selling signal), or in cases where a water flow sensor
(not shown in the figure) is installed in the downstream of the
lead-out pipe 51 and when a water flow is detected (S8) (in this
embodiment an example is shown in which electrodes are controlled
based on water-flow detection), the electrodes 42a, 42b are powered
over the time T1a, T1b or T1c (S9) which is determined by the
conducting time determining circuit 62. Then, once the feeding of
the mineral water is terminated and no water flow is detected
(S10), the electrodes 42a, 42b are powered over the time T2a, T2b
or T2c which is determined by the conducting time determining
circuit 62. Mineral water is produced by these flowing water
electrolysis and standing water electrolysis.
[0076] As described above, according to the first embodiment of
this invention, when the pH of city water is normal (pH<7.5),
the mineral-water producing apparatus operates normally, but on the
other hand, with increase in the pH of city water, the flowing
water electrolysis time T1 and the standing water electrolysis time
T2 are decreased. Thus, when the pH of city water is high, the
amount of minerals eluted from the mineral eluting materials can be
decreased, whereby the mineral elements will not precipitate.
[0077] FIGS. 5 to 7 show a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the second embodiment of this invention. The same
constituents as those of the first embodiment are denoted with the
same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
[0078] The mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with
this embodiment includes: a water-supply pipe 7 through which city
water is lead into the bath main body 1; and a water-delivery pipe
8 through which mineral water is lead from the bath main body 1 to
the dispenser of a drink dispenser, etc., as shown in FIG. 5. In
the water-supply pipe 7 is installed a pH sensor 71 which detects
the pH of city water, whereas in the water-delivery pipe 8 is
installed a water-flow sensor 81 which detects whether or not there
is a water flow in the water-delivery pipe 8. The detection signals
from the sensors 71 and 81 are input into a controller 61 and the
power control of electrodes 42a, 42b is performed by the controller
61 and a conducting time determining circuit 62, as shown in FIG.
6.
[0079] In the memory 61d, flowing water electrolysis time T1 and
standing water electrolysis time T2 are stored in advance, just
like the above described first embodiment.
[0080] In the conducting time determining circuit 62, the following
calculations are performed. When the pH of city water is in the
range of 8.0<pH.ltoreq.8.5, the flowing water electrolysis time
T1 and the standing water electrolysis time T2 are multiplied by a
correction factor "0.5". When the pH of city water is in the range
of 7.5<pH.ltoreq.8.0, the electrolysis times T1 and T2 are
multiplied by a correction factor "0.7". And when the pH of city
water is in the range of pH<7.5, the electrolysis times T1 and
T2 are multiplied by a correction factor "1.0". These calculations
performed in the conducting time determining circuit 62 determine
electrolysis times T1d, T2d.
[0081] The mineral-water producing apparatus is constructed as
above and the power control of electrodes 42a, 42b is performed as
shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, in the mineral-water producing
apparatus, a flowing water electrolysis time T1 and a standing
water electrolysis time T2, as standards, are set in advance (S31)
The pH of the city water in the water-supply pipe 7 is detected by
the pH sensor 71 and measured by the controller 61 (S32). Based on
the measured pH value, the flowing water electrolysis time T1 and
the standing water electrolysis time T2 are multiplied by a proper
correct factor, "0.5", "0.7" or "1.0", to determine electrolysis
times T1d, T2d (S33). Once the valve of the drink dispenser is
opened and the water-flow sensor 81 detects a water flow (S34), the
electrodes 42a, 42b are powered over the flowing water electrolysis
time T1d which is determined by the conducting time determining
circuit 62 (S35). After that, once the valve of the drink dispenser
is closed and the mineral-water feed operation is terminated and no
water flow is detected (S36), the electrodes 42a, 42b are powered
over the standing water electrolysis time T2d which is determined
by the conducting time determining circuit 62 (S37). Mineral water
is produced by these flowing water electrolysis and standing water
electrolysis.
[0082] According to the second embodiment of this invention, the pH
of city water is measured automatically, and moreover, the flowing
water electrolysis time and the standing water electrolysis time
are corrected automatically. The operation of keeping mineral water
at a predetermined concentration is the same as that of the first
embodiment.
[0083] FIGS. 8 to 10 show a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the third embodiment of this invention. The same
constituents as those of the second embodiment are denoted with the
same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
[0084] The mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with
this embodiment includes: a water-flow sensor 81 and a pH sensor 82
for detecting the pH of the mineral water produced both of which
are installed in the water-delivery pipe 8, as shown in FIG. 8. The
detection signals from the sensors 81, 82 are input into the
controller 6 and the power control of electrodes 42a, 42b is
performed by the controller 61 and the conducting time determining
circuit 62, as shown in FIG. 9.
[0085] In the memory 61d, a flowing water electrolysis time T1 and
a standing water electrolysis time T2 are stored in advance, just
like the above described second embodiment. And a correction
calculation circuit is also stored in the conducting time
determining circuit 62, like the above described second embodiment.
The flowing water electrolysis time T1 and the standing water
electrolysis time T2 are multiplied by a correction factor "0.5",
"0.7" or "1.0" to determine electrolysis times T1e, T2e.
[0086] The mineral-water producing apparatus is constructed as
above and the power control of the electrodes 42a, 42b is performed
as shown in FIG. 10. Specifically, in the mineral-water producing
apparatus, the flowing water electrolysis time T1 and the standing
water electrolysis time T2, as standards, are set in advance (S41).
Once a water flow is detected (once a drink selling signal is
input), the electrolysis is performed over the standard flowing
water electrolysis time T1 and standing water electrolysis is also
performed, after the water flow is terminated, the standard
standing water electrolysis time T2 (S42 to S45). After this
mineral-water producing operation is terminated, the pH of the
mineral water in the water-delivery pipe 8 is measured, and the
flowing water electrolysis time T1 and the standing water
electrolysis time T2 are changed to T1e and T2e, respectively,
based on the measured pH value (S46, S47). After that, when a drink
selling signal is input again, the flowing water electrolysis and
the standing water electrolysis are performed based on the changed
electrolysis time T1e, T2e, respectively (S48 to S51).
[0087] According to the third embodiment of this invention, the
flowing water electrolysis time and the standing water electrolysis
time are changed based on the pH of the mineral water produced,
whereby the concentration of the mineral water is kept at a
predetermined value.
[0088] FIGS. 11 and 12 show a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the fourth embodiment of this invention. The same
constituents as those of the first embodiment are denoted with the
same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
[0089] The mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with
this embodiment includes: a water-flow sensor 81 installed in a
water-delivery pipe 8, just like the above described second and
third embodiments. The apparatus also includes three
water-temperature selection switches SW4, SW5, SW6, as shown in
FIG. 11. Any one of the water-temperature selection switches SW4,
SW5 and SW6 is selected manually based on the temperature of city
water measured in advance.
[0090] When the temperature of city water is very high, the
solubility of minerals is decreased (minerals are likely to
precipitate), and therefore switch SW4, which sets the conducting
time duration of electrodes 42a, 42b to be shorter (correction
factor: "0.5"), is selected. When the temperature of city water is
a little high, the solubility of minerals is also decreased, and
therefore switch SW5, which sets the conducting time duration of
electrodes 42a, 42b to be shorter, but not so shorter as SW4
(correction factor: "0.7"), is selected. When the temperature of
city water is equal to or less than the normal temperature, switch
SW6 is selected and the apparatus is operated at the standard
conducting time duration.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 11, the signals from the water flow sensor
81 and the water-temperature selection switches SW4, SW5 and SW6
are input into the controller 61, and the power control of the
electrodes 42a, 42b is performed by the controller 61 and the
conducting time determining circuit 62.
[0092] In the memory 61d, a flowing water electrolysis time T1 and
a standing water electrolysis time T2 are stored in advance, just
like the above described second embodiment. And a correction
calculation circuit is also stored in the conducting time
determining circuit 62, just like the above described second
embodiment. The flowing water electrolysis time T1 and the standing
water electrolysis time T2 are multiplied by a correction factor
"0.51", "0.7" or "1.0" to determine flowing water electrolysis
times T1f, T1g and T1h and standing water electrolysis times T2f,
T2g and T2h.
[0093] The electrode power control circuit of the mineral-water
producing apparatus as above will be described with reference to
the flow chart of FIG. 12. First, the temperature of city water is
measured manually in the same manner as in the above described
first embodiment. When the measurements show the temperature of the
city water is very high, switch SW4 is selected manually; when the
temperature a little high, switch SW5 selected manually; and when
the temperature normal, switch SW6 selected manually.
[0094] In the mineral-water producing apparatus, a flowing water
electrolysis time T1 and a standing water electrolysis time T2, as
standards, are set in advance (S61). Here, which one of the
switches SW4, SW5 and SW6 is input is judged (S62, S63, S64). When
the switch SW4 is input, the electrolysis times T1f and T2f are
determined by multiplying the flowing water electrolysis time T1
and the standing water electrolysis time T2 by a correction factor
"0.5" (S65). When the switch SW5 is input, the electrolysis times
T1g and T2g are determined by multiplying the flowing water
electrolysis time T1 and the standing water electrolysis time T2 by
a correction factor "0.7" (S66). And when the switch SW6 is input,
the electrolysis times T1h and T2h are determined by multiplying
the flowing water electrolysis time T1 and the standing water
electrolysis time T2 by a correction factor "1.0" (S67).
[0095] After that, when a water-flow detector 81 detects a water
flow (S68), the electrodes 42a, 42b are powered over the time T1f,
T1g or T1h which is determined by the conducting time determining
circuit 62 (S69). Then, once the operation of feeding mineral water
is terminated and no water flow is detected (S70), the electrodes
42a, 42b are powered over the time T2f, T2g or T2h which is
determined by the conducting time determining circuit 62 (S71).
Mineral water is produced by the flowing water electrolysis and the
standing water electrolysis.
[0096] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of
this invention, when the temperature of city water is normal, the
mineral-water producing apparatus operates normally, but on the
other hand, with the increase in temperature of city water, the
flowing water electrolysis time T1 and the standing water
electrolysis time T2 are decreased. Thus, when the temperature of
city water is high, the amount of minerals eluted from the mineral
eluting materials can be decreased, whereby the mineral elements
will not precipitate.
[0097] FIGS. 13 to 15 show a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the fifth embodiment of this invention. The same
constituents as those of the first embodiment are denoted with the
same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
[0098] The mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with
this embodiment includes: a water-temperature sensor 72 which
detects the temperature of city water; and a water-flow sensor 81
which detects the water flow in the water-delivery pipe 8, as shown
in FIG. 13. And as shown in Figure 14, the detection signals from
the sensors 72, 81 are input into a controller 61 and the power
control of the electrodes 42a, 42b is performed by the controller
61 and the conducting time determining circuit 62.
[0099] In the memory 61d, a flowing water electrolysis time T1 and
a standing water electrolysis time T2 are stored in advance. And
the conducting time determining circuit 62 is so designed that when
the temperature of city water is very high, the flowing water
electrolysis time T1 and the standing water electrolysis time T2
are multiplied by a correction factor "0.5"; when the temperature
is a little high, the flowing water electrolysis time T1 and the
standing water electrolysis time T2 are multiplied by a correction
factor "0.7"; and when the temperature is normal, the flowing water
electrolysis time T1 and the standing water electrolysis time T2
are multiplied by a correction factor "1.0" to determine
electrolysis time T1i and T2i.
[0100] The mineral-water producing apparatus is constructed as
above and the power control of the electrodes 42a, 42b is performed
as shown in FIG. 15. Specifically, in the mineral-water producing
apparatus, a flowing water electrolysis time T1 and a standing
water electrolysis time T2, as standards, are set in advance (S81).
And the temperature of the city water in the water-supply pipe 7 is
detected by the water-temperature sensor 72 and measured by a
controller 61 (S82). The flowing water electrolysis time T1 and the
standing water electrolysis time T2 are multiplied by a correction
factor "0.5", "0.7" or "1.0" based on the water temperature
measured as above to determine electrolysis times T1i and T2i
(S83). And once the valve of a drink dispenser is opened and the
water-flow sensor 81 detects a water flow (S84), the electrodes
42a, 42b are powered over the flowing water electrolysis time T1i
which is determined by the conducting time determining circuit 62
(S85). After that, once the valve is closed to terminate the feed
of mineral water and no water flow is detected (S86), the
electrodes 42a, 42b are powered over the standing water
electrolysis time T2i which is determined by the conducting time
determining circuit 62 (S87).
[0101] According to the fifth embodiment of this invention, the
temperature of city water is measured automatically, and moreover,
the flowing water electrolysis time and the standing water
electrolysis time are corrected automatically. The operation of
keeping mineral water at a predetermined concentration is the same
as that of the forth embodiment.
[0102] FIGS. 16 to 18 show a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the sixth embodiment of this invention. The same
constituents as those of the first embodiment are denoted with the
same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
[0103] The mineral-water producing apparatus according to this
embodiment includes: a conductivity sensor 73 which detects the
electrical conductivity of city water; and a water-flow sensor 81
which detects the water flow in the water-delivery pipe 8, as shown
in FIG. 16. And as shown in FIG. 17, the detection signals from the
sensors 73, 81 are input into a controller 61 and the power control
of the electrodes 42a, 42b is performed by the controller 61 and
the conducting time determining circuit 62.
[0104] In the memory 61d, a flowing water electrolysis time T1 and
a standing water electrolysis time T2 are stored in advance. And
the conducting time determining circuit 62 is so designed that when
the conductivity of city water is very high, the flowing water
electrolysis time T1 and the standing water electrolysis time T2
are multiplied by a correction factor "0.5"; when the conductivity
a little high, the flowing water electrolysis time T1 and the
standing water electrolysis time T2 multiplied by a correction
factor "0.7"; and when the conductivity is normal, the flowing
water electrolysis time T1 and the standing water electrolysis time
T2 multiplied by a correction factor "1.0" to determine
electrolysis time T1j and T2j.
[0105] The mineral-water producing apparatus is constructed as
above and the power control of the electrodes 42a, 42b is performed
as shown in FIG. 18. Specifically, in the mineral-water producing
apparatus, the flowing water electrolysis time T1 and the standing
water electrolysis time T2, as standards, are set in advance (S91).
And the conductivity of the city water in the water-supply pipe 7
is detected by the conductivity sensor 73 and measured by the
controller 61 (S92). The flowing water electrolysis time T1 and the
standing water electrolysis time T2 are multiplied properly by a
correction factor "0.5", "0.7" or "1.0" based on the measured
conductivity to determine electrolysis times T1j, T2j (S93). And,
once the valve of a drink dispenser is opened and the water flow
sensor 81 detects a water flow (S94), the electrodes 42a, 42b are
powered over the flowing water electrolysis time T1j which is
determined by the conducting time determining circuit 62 (S95).
After that, once the valve is closed to terminate the supply of
mineral water and no water flow is detected (S96), the electrodes
42a, 42b are powered over the standing water electrolysis time T2j
which is determined by the conducting time determining circuit 62
(S97).
[0106] According to the sixth embodiment of this invention, the
electrical conductivity of city water is measured automatically,
and moreover, the flowing water electrolysis time and the standing
water electrolysis time are corrected automatically depending on
the conductivity, whereby mineral water can be kept at a
predetermined concentration.
[0107] FIGS. 19 to 21 show a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the seventh embodiment of this invention. The same
constituents as those of the first embodiment are denoted with the
same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. In
the above described sixth embodiment, the electrical conductivity
of city water is detected and the electrolysis conducting time
duration is controlled based on the conductivity, but on the other
hand, in the seventh embodiment, the standing water electrolysis
time is controlled based on the conductivity of mineral water.
[0108] The mineral-water producing apparatus according to this
embodiment includes a water-flow sensor 81 and a conductivity
sensor 83 for detecting the conductivity of the mineral water in
the water-delivery pipe 8 both of which are installed in the
water-delivery pipe 8, as shown in FIG. 19. And as shown in FIG.
20, the detection signals from the sensors 81, 83 are input into
the controller 61 and the power control of the electrodes 42a, 42b
is performed by the controller 61 and the conducting time
determining circuit 62.
[0109] In the memory 61d, flowing water electrolysis time T1 and
standing water electrolysis time T2 are stored in advance. And a
correction calculation circuit is stored in the conducting time
determining circuit 62 so that when the conductivity of mineral
water is very high, the standing water electrolysis time T2 is
corrected to T2k and shortened based on the detection signal from
the conductivity sensor 83.
[0110] The mineral-water producing apparatus is constructed as
above and power control of the electrodes 42a, 42b is performed as
shown in FIG. 21. Specifically, in the mineral-water producing
apparatus, a flowing water electrolysis time T1 and a standing
water electrolysis time T2, as standards, are set in advance
(S101). And once a water flow is detected, electrolysis is
performed over the standard flowing water electrolysis time T1 and
the conductivity of the mineral water flowing through the
water-delivery pipe 8 is measured (S102 to S104). Once the
operation of producing mineral water is terminated, the standing
water electrolysis time T2 is changed to T2k, and the electrodes
42a, 42b are powered over the standing water electrolysis time T2k
(S105 to S107).
[0111] According to the seventh embodiment of this invention, the
water-stop electrolysis time is changed based on the conductivity
of mineral water, whereby the concentration of the mineral water is
kept at a predetermined value.
[0112] FIGS. 22 and 23 show a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the eighth embodiment of this invention. The same
constituents as those of the first embodiment are denoted with the
same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. In
the above described first to seventh embodiments, the flowing water
electrolysis time and the standing water electrolysis time are
changed properly based on the pH, the water temperature or the
electrical conductivity of city water or mineral water, but on the
other hand, in the eighth embodiment, the electrolysis control is
performed by properly changing electrolytic current values for
flowing water and standing water (power output).
[0113] The mineral-water producing apparatus according to this
embodiment includes a water-flow sensor 81 installed in the
water-delivery pipe. And as shown in FIG. 22, the apparatus further
includes a power-output adjustment switch SW7 which is so designed
that volume a, b or c thereof can be selected manually.
[0114] When the pH of city water is very high
(8.0<pH.ltoreq.8.5), the volume a (correction factor: "0.5") is
selected which sets electrolytic current values for flowing water
and standing water of the electrodes 42a, 42b to be low. When the
pH is a little high (7.5<pH.ltoreq.8.0), since the solubility of
minerals is also decreased, the volume b (correction factor: "0.7")
is selected which sets electrolytic current values for flowing
water and standing water of the electrodes 42a, 42b to be low, but
not so low as when the volume a is selected. When the pH is equal
to or lower than the normal pH (pH<7.5), the volume c is
selected to operate electrolysis at a standard electrolytic current
value.
[0115] As shown in FIG. 22, the signals from the water-flow sensor
81 and power-output adjustment switch SW7 are input into a
controller 61, and the electrolysis control of the electrodes 42a,
42b is performed by the controller 61 and the power-output
adjustment circuit 63.
[0116] In the memory 61d, a water-flow and water stop electrolytic
current value X, as a standard, is stored in advance. And a
correction calculation circuit is stored in the power-output
adjustment circuit 63 so that the electrolytic current values for
flowing water and standing water X is multiplied by a correction
factor "0.5", "0.7" or "1.0" to determine an electrolytic current
values for flowing water and standing water Xa, Xb or Xc.
[0117] The electrode power control circuit as above will be
described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 23. First, the
pH of city water is measured. And any one of the volumes a, b and c
is selected manually based on the measurements.
[0118] In the mineral-water producing apparatus, an electrolytic
current values for flowing water and standing water X, as a
standard, is set (S111). And which one of the volumes a, b and c is
input is judged (S112, S113, S114). When the volume a is input, the
standard electrolytic current values for flowing water and standing
water X is multiplied by "0.5" to determine the electrolytic
current value Xa (S115). When the volume b is input, the standard
electrolytic current values for flowing water and standing water X
is multiplied by "0.7" to determine the electrolytic current value
Xb (S116). When the volume c is input, the standard electrolytic
current values for flowing water and standing water X is multiplied
by "1.0" to determine the electrolytic current value Xc (S117).
[0119] After that, once the water-flow sensor 81 detects a water
flow (S118), the flowing water electrolysis is performed based on
the electrolytic current value Xa, Xb or Xc which is determined by
the power-output adjustment circuit 63 (S119). And once the feed of
the mineral water is terminated and no water flow is detected
(S120), standing water electrolysis is performed based on the
electrolytic current value Xa, Xb or Xc (S121). The mineral
concentration of the mineral water is performed by these flowing
water electrolysis and standing water electrolysis.
[0120] According to the eighth embodiment of this invention, when
the pH of city water is normal, the mineral-water producing
apparatus is operated normally. And with the increase in the pH of
city water, the electrolytic current value X for flowing water and
standing water is decreased. Thus, even when the pH of city water
is high, the amount of minerals eluted can be decreased, whereby
mineral elements will not precipitate.
[0121] FIGS. 24 to 26 show a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the ninth embodiment of this invention. The same
constituents as those of the first embodiment are denoted with the
same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
[0122] The mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with
this embodiment includes: a pH sensor 71 for detecting the pH of
city water and a water-flow sensor 81 which detects a water flow in
the water-delivery pipe 8, as shown in FIG. 24. The detection
signals from the sensors 71, 81 are input into a controller 61 and
the power control of electrodes 42a, 42b is performed by the
controller 61 and the power-output adjustment circuit 63, as shown
in FIG. 25.
[0123] In the memory 61d, an electrolytic current values for
flowing water and standing water X is stored in advance, just like
the above described eighth embodiment.
[0124] A correction calculation circuit is also stored in the
power-output adjustment circuit 63 and performs the following
calculations. When the pH of city water is in the range of
8.0<pH.ltoreq.8.5, the electrolytic current values for flowing
water and standing water X is multiplied by a correction factor
"0.5". When the pH of city water in the range of
7.5<pH.ltoreq.8.0, the electrolytic current values for flowing
water and standing water X multiplied by a correction factor "0.7".
And when the pH of city water in the range of pH<7.5, the
electrolytic current values for flowing water and standing water X
multiplied by a correction factor "1.0". A electrolytic current
values for flowing water and standing water Xd is determined by
such calculations by the power-output adjustment circuit 63.
[0125] The mineral-water producing apparatus is constructed as
above and the power control of the electrodes 42a, 42b is performed
as shown in FIG. 26. Specifically, in the mineral-water producing
apparatus, an electrolytic current values for flowing water and
standing water X, as a standard, is set (S131). The pH of the city
water in the water-supply pipe 7 is detected by the pH sensor 71
and measured by the controller 61 (S132). Based on the measured pH,
the electrolytic current values for flowing water and standing
water X is multiplied properly by a correction factor "0.5", "0.7"
or "1.0" to determine an electrolytic current values for flowing
water and standing water Xd (S133). Once the valve of a drink
dispenser is opened and the water-flow sensor 81 detects a water
flow (S134), flowing water electrolysis is performed based on the
electrolytic current values for flowing water and standing water Xd
which is determined by the power-output adjustment circuit 63
(S135). After that, once the valve is closed and the feed of
mineral water is terminated and no water flow is detected (S136),
stop-water electrolysis is performed based on the electrolytic
current values for flowing water and standing water Xd (S137).
Mineral water is produced by such flowing water electrolysis and
standing water electrolysis.
[0126] According to the ninth embodiment of this invention, the pH
of city water is measured automatically, and moreover, the
electrolytic current value is corrected automatically, whereby the
concentration of the mineral water produced is kept at a
predetermined value.
[0127] FIGS. 27 to 29 show a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the tenth embodiment of this invention. The same
constituents as those of the first embodiment are denoted with the
same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
[0128] The mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with
this embodiment includes: a water-flow sensor 81 and a pH sensor 82
for detecting the pH of mineral water both of which are installed
in the water-delivery pipe 8, as shown in FIG. 27. The detection
signals from the sensors 81, 82 are input into the controller 61
and the power control of electrodes 42a, 42b is performed by the
controller 61 and the power-output adjustment circuit 63, as shown
in FIG. 28.
[0129] In the memory 61d, the standard electrolytic current value X
for flowing water and standing water is stored in advance, just
like the above described ninth embodiment. And a correction
calculation circuit is stored in the power-output adjustment
circuit 63 so that when the pH of mineral water is high, it
corrects the electrolytic current value to be low, based on the
detection signal from the pH sensor 82, to determine a electrolytic
current value Xe for flowing water and standing water.
[0130] The mineral-water producing apparatus is constructed as
above and the power control of the electrodes 42a, 42b is performed
as shown in FIG. 29. Specifically, in the mineral-water producing
apparatus, an electrolytic current values for flowing water and
standing water X, as a standard, is set (S141). When a water flow
is detected (when a drink selling signal is input), flowing water
electrolysis is performed at the standard electrolytic current
values for flowing water and standing water X and standing water
electrolysis is also performed, after the water flow is terminated,
at the standard electrolytic current values for flowing water and
standing water X (S142 to S145). After the operation of producing
mineral water is terminated, the pH of the mineral water in the
water-delivery pipe 8 is measured, and based on the measured pH the
electrolytic current values for flowing water and standing water X
is changed to Xe (S146, S147). After that, if the drink selling
signal is input again, flowing water electrolysis and standing
water electrolysis are performed based on the changed electrolytic
current value Xe (S148 to S151).
[0131] According to the tenth embodiment of this invention, the
electrolytic current values for flowing water and standing water is
changed based on the pH of the mineral water produced, whereby the
concentration of the mineral water is kept at a predetermined
value.
[0132] FIGS. 30 to 32 show a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the eleventh embodiment of this invention. The same
constituents as those of the first embodiment are denoted with the
same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
[0133] The mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with
this embodiment includes: a water-temperature sensor 72 installed
in the water-supply pipe 7; and a water-flow sensor 81 installed in
the water-delivery pipe 8, as shown in FIG. 30. And as shown in
FIG. 31, the detection signals from the sensors 72, 81 are input
into a controller 61, and the power control of the electrodes 42a,
42b is performed by the controller 61 and the power-output
adjustment circuit 63.
[0134] In the memory 61d, a standard electrolytic current values
for flowing water and standing water X is stored in advance, just
like the above described tenth embodiment. And a correction
calculation circuit is stored in the power-output adjustment
circuit 63 so that when the temperature of city water is very high,
the electrolytic current values for flowing water and standing
water X is multiplied by a correction factor "0.5", when the
temperature of city water is a little high, the electrolytic
current values for flowing water and standing water X is multiplied
by a correction factor "0.7", and when the temperature of city
water is normal, the electrolytic current values for flowing water
and standing water X is multiplied by a correction factor "1.0",
whereby an electrolytic current values for flowing water and
standing water Xf is determined.
[0135] The mineral-water producing apparatus is constructed as
above and the power control of the electrodes 42a, 42b is performed
as shown in FIG. 32. Specifically, in the mineral-water producing
apparatus, an electrolytic current values for flowing water and
standing water X, as a standard, is set (S161). The temperature of
the city water in the water-supply pipe 7 is detected by the
water-temperature sensor 72 and measured by the controller 61
(S162). The electrolytic current values for flowing water and
standing water X is multiplied properly by a correction factor
"0.5", "0.7" or "1.0" based on the measured water temperature to
determine an electrolytic current values for flowing water and
standing water Xf (S163). Once the valve of a drink dispenser is
opened and the water-flow sensor 81 detects a water flow (S164),
flowing water electrolysis is performed based on the electrolytic
current values for flowing water and standing water Xf which is
determined by the power-output adjustment circuit 63 (S165). After
that, once the valve is closed and the feed of mineral water is
terminated and no water flow is detected (S166), stop-water
electrolysis is performed based on the electrolytic current values
for flowing water and standing water Xf (S167). Mineral water is
produced by such flowing water electrolysis and standing water
electrolysis.
[0136] According to the eleventh embodiment of this invention, the
temperature of city water is measured automatically, and moreover,
the electrolytic current value is corrected automatically, whereby
the concentration of the mineral water produced is kept at a
predetermined value.
[0137] FIGS. 33 to 35 show a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the twelfth embodiment of this invention. The same
constituents as those of the first embodiment are denoted with the
same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
[0138] The mineral-water producing apparatus according to this
embodiment includes: a conductivity sensor 73 which detects the
electrical conductivity of city water; and a water-flow sensor 81
installed in the water-delivery pipe 8, as shown in FIG. 33. And as
shown in FIG. 34, the detection signals from the sensors 73, 81 are
input into the controller 61, and the power control of the
electrodes 42a, 42b is performed by the controller 61 and the
power-output adjustment circuit 63.
[0139] In the memory 61d, a standard electrolytic current values
for flowing water and standing water X is stored in advance, just
like the above described eleventh embodiment. And a correction
calculation circuit is stored in the power-output adjustment
circuit 63 so that when the electrical conductivity of city water
is very high, the electrolytic current values for flowing water and
standing water X is multiplied by a correction factor "0.5", when
the conductivity of city water is a little high, the electrolytic
current values for flowing water and standing water X is multiplied
by a correction factor "0.7", and when the conductivity of city
water is normal, the electrolytic current values for flowing water
and standing water X is multiplied by a correction factor "1.0",
whereby an electrolytic current values for flowing water and
standing water Xg is determined.
[0140] The mineral-water producing apparatus is constructed as
above and the power control of the electrodes 42a, 42b is performed
as shown in FIG. 35. Specifically, in the mineral-water producing
apparatus, an electrolytic current values for flowing water and
standing water X, as a standard, is set (S171). The electrical
conductivity of the city water in the water-supply pipe 7 is
detected by the conductivity sensor 73 and measured by the
controller 61 (S172). The electrolytic current values for flowing
water and standing water X is multiplied properly by a correction
factor "0.5", "0.7" or "1.0" based on the measured conductivity to
determine an electrolytic current values for flowing water and
standing water Xg (S173). Once the valve of a drink dispenser is
opened and the water-flow sensor 81 detects a water flow (S174),
flowing water electrolysis is performed based on the electrolytic
current values for flowing water and standing water Xg which is
determined by the power-output adjustment circuit 63 (S175). After
that, once the valve is closed and the feed of mineral water is
terminated and no water flow is detected (S176), stop-water
electrolysis is performed based on the electrolytic current values
for flowing water and standing water Xg (S177). Mineral water is
produced by such flowing water electrolysis and standing water
electrolysis.
[0141] According to the twelfth embodiment of this invention, the
conductivity of city water is measured automatically, and moreover,
the electrolytic current value is corrected automatically, whereby
the concentration of the mineral water produced is kept at a
predetermined value.
[0142] FIGS. 36 to 38 show a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the thirteenth embodiment of this invention. The
same constituents as those of the first embodiment are denoted with
the same reference numerals and the description thereof is
omitted.
[0143] The mineral-water producing apparatus according to this
embodiment includes: a conductivity sensor 73 installed in the
water-supply pipe 7; and a conductivity sensor 83 and a water-flow
sensor 81 both installed in the water-delivery pipe 8, as shown in
FIG. 36. And as shown in FIG. 37, the detection signals from the
sensors 73, 81 and 83 are input into the controller 61, and the
power control of the electrodes 42a, 42b is performed by the
controller 61 and the power-output adjustment circuit 63.
[0144] In the memory 61d, a standard electrolytic current values
for flowing water and standing water X is stored in advance, just
like the above described twelfth embodiment. And a correction
calculation circuit is stored in the power-output adjustment
circuit 63 so that it corrects the electrolytic current values for
flowing water and standing water X to obtain a predetermined
mineral concentration while judging the solubility of mineral water
from the conductivities of the city water and the mineral water
(electrolytic current values for flowing water and standing water
X.fwdarw.Xh).
[0145] The mineral-water producing apparatus is constructed as
above and the power control of the electrodes 42a, 42b is performed
as shown in FIG. 38. Specifically, in the mineral-water producing
apparatus, an electrolytic current values for flowing water and
standing water X, as a standard, is set (S181). The electrical
conductivity of the city water in the water-supply pipe 7 is
detected by the conductivity sensor 73 and measured by the
controller 61, while the conductivity of the mineral water in the
water-delivery pipe 8 is measured by the conductivity sensor 83
(S182). The electrolytic current values for flowing water and
standing water X is corrected properly based on the measured
conductivity to determine an electrolytic current values for
flowing water and standing water Xh (S183) Once the valve of a
drink dispenser is opened and the water-flow sensor 81 detects a
water flow (S184), flowing water electrolysis is performed based on
the electrolytic current values for flowing water and standing
water Xh which is determined by the power-output adjustment circuit
63 (S185). After that, once the valve is closed and the feed of
mineral water is terminated and no water flow is detected (S186),
stop-water electrolysis is performed based on the electrolytic
current values for flowing water and standing water Xh (S187).
Mineral water is produced by such flowing water electrolysis and
standing water electrolysis.
[0146] According to the thirteenth embodiment of this invention,
the conductivities of both city water and mineral water are
measured automatically and synthetically, whereby the concentration
of the mineral water produced is made more uniform.
[0147] FIGS. 39 to 41 show a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the fourteenth embodiment of this invention. The
same constituents as those of the first embodiment are denoted with
the same reference numerals and the description thereof is
omitted.
[0148] The mineral-water producing apparatus according to this
embodiment includes: a pH sensor 71, a water temperature sensor 72
and a conductivity sensor 73 all of which are installed in the
water-supply pipe 7; and a water-flow sensor 81, a pH sensor 82 and
a conductivity sensor 83 all of which are installed in the
water-delivery pipe 8, as shown in FIG. 39. And as shown in FIG.
40, the detection signals from the sensors 71 to 73 and 81 to 83
are input into the controller 61, the conducting time determining
circuit 62 and the power-output adjustment circuit 63 perform
correction calculations based on the input signals to control the
water-flow conducting time duration and the water-stop conducting
time duration of the electrodes 42a, 42b and the electrolytic
current values for flowing water and standing water.
[0149] In the memory 61d, a standard water-flow conducting time
duration T1, a standard water-stop conducting time duration T2 and
the standard electrolytic current values for flowing water and
standing water X are stored in advance. And a correction
calculation circuit is stored in each of the conducting time
determining circuit 62 and the power-output adjustment circuit 63
so that they correct the water-flow conducting time duration T1,
the water-stop conducting time duration T2 and the electrolytic
current values for flowing water and standing water X to obtain a
predetermined mineral concentration while judging the solubility of
mineral water from the pH, the temperature and the conductivity of
the city water and the pH and the conductivity of the mineral water
(water-flow conducting time duration T1.fwdarw.T1m, water-stop
conducting time duration T2.fwdarw.T2m, and electrolytic current
values for flowing water and standing water X.fwdarw.Xh).
[0150] The mineral-water producing apparatus is constructed as
above and the power control of the electrodes 42a, 42b is performed
as shown in FIG. 41. Specifically, in the mineral-water producing
apparatus, a water-flow conducting time duration T1, a water-stop
conducting time duration T2, and an electrolytic current values for
flowing water and standing water X, as standards, are set (S191)
The pH, the temperature and the electrical conductivity of the city
water in the water-supply pipe 7 are measured, while the pH and the
conductivity of the mineral water in the water-delivery pipe 8 are
measured (S192). The electrolytic current values for flowing water
and standing water X is corrected properly based on the measured
pH, water temperature and conductivity to determine an electrolytic
current values for flowing water and standing water Xi. And the
water-flow conducting time duration T1 and the water-stop
conducting time duration T2 are properly corrected (S193). Once the
valve of a drink dispenser is opened and the water-flow sensor 81
detects a water flow (S194), flowing water electrolysis is
performed based on the electrolytic current values for flowing
water and standing water Xi which is determined by the power-output
adjustment circuit 63, and the flowing water electrolysis is
performed over the water-flow conducting time duration T1m which is
determined by the conducting time determining circuit 62 (S195).
After that, once the valve is closed and the feed of mineral water
is terminated and no water flow is detected (S196), stop-water
electrolysis is performed based on the electrolytic current values
for flowing water and standing water Xi and the stop-water
electrolysis is performed over the water-flow conducting time
duration T2m which is determined by the conducting time determining
circuit 62 (S197). Mineral water is produced by such flowing water
electrolysis and standing water electrolysis.
[0151] According to the fourteenth embodiment of this invention,
the pH values, the water temperatures and the conductivities of
both city water and mineral water are measured automatically and
synthetically, whereby the concentration of the mineral water
produced is made more uniform.
[0152] FIGS. 42 to 44 show a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the fifteenth embodiment of this invention. The
same constituents as those of the first embodiment are denoted with
the same reference numerals and the description thereof is
omitted.
[0153] In the above described first embodiment etc., proper
conducting time duration is obtained by correcting water-flow
conducting time duration T1 and water-stop conducting time duration
T2 based on the pH, the water temperature, the conductivity, etc.
of city water or mineral water. On the other hand, the
mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with this
embodiment includes a conducting time duration setting switch SW8
which can arbitrarily set conducting time duration. This conducting
time duration setting switch SW8 is a switch that sets flowing
water electrolysis time and standing water electrolysis time, and
the electrolysis times are input manually. When inputting the
electrolysis times through the setting switch SW8, the mineral
concentration, the conductivity, etc. of the city water supplied to
the accumulating bath 3 are measured ahead of time. When the
mineral concentration or the conductivity is high, the electrolysis
times are set to be short; conversely, when the mineral
concentration or the conductivity is low, the electrolysis times
are set to be long. The energization or non-energization of the
electrodes 42a, 42b as well as the conducting time duration are
controlled through the conducting time determining circuit 62 based
on the signals from the water-flow sensor 81 and the setting switch
SW8, as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 43.
[0154] Specifically, a flowing water electrolysis time T1 and a
standing water electrolysis time T2 are set based on the setting
signals from the setting switch SW8 (S201). After that, once the
valve of the dispenser of a drink dispenser (not shown in the
figure) is opened (when there is a drink selling signal) and the
water-flow sensor 81 detects a water flow (S202), the electrodes
42a, 42b are powered over the time T1 which is determined by the
conducting time determining circuit 62 (S203). And once the feed of
mineral water is terminated and no water flow is detected (S204),
the electrodes 42a, 42b are powered over the standing water time T2
which is determined by the conducting time determining circuit 62
(S205). Mineral water is produced by such flowing water
electrolysis and standing water electrolysis.
[0155] Thus, according to the fifteenth embodiment of this
invention, conducting time duration corresponding to the mineral
concentration or the conductivity of city water can be set with the
setting switch SW8, whereby the mineral concentration of mineral
water can be kept at a desired value.
[0156] The above described fifteenth embodiment of this invention
is so constructed that both flowing water electrolysis time T1 and
standing water electrolysis time T2 can be set and changed;
however, in the mineral-water producing apparatus which does not
perform electrolysis during water flow, standing water electrolysis
time T2 alone is set as shown in FIG. 43. Specifically, standing
water electrolysis time T2 is set based on the signal from the
conducting time duration setting switch SW8 (S211). And after
mineral water is conveyed through the water-delivery pipe 8, the
electrodes 42a, 42b are powered over the standing water time T2
which is determined by the conducting time determining circuit 62
(S212 to S214).
[0157] FIGS. 45 and 46 show a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the sixteenth embodiment of this invention. The
same constituents as those of the first embodiment are denoted with
the same reference numerals and the description thereof is
omitted.
[0158] In the above described eighth embodiment etc., power output
values are corrected based on the pH, the water temperature, the
conductivity, etc. of city water or mineral water to obtain proper
current values. On the other hand, the mineral-water producing
apparatus in accordance with this embodiment includes a
power-output adjustment switch SW9 which can arbitrarily set
power-output values (current value, voltage value). With the
power-output adjustment switch SW9, for example, a current value is
input manually to energize the electrodes 42a, 42b through the
power-output adjustment circuit 63. When inputting a power-output
value, the mineral concentration or the conductivity of the city
water supplied to the accumulating bath 3 is measured ahead of
time. If the mineral concentration or the conductivity is high, the
power output is set manually to be small; conversely, if the
mineral concentration or the conductivity is low, the power output
is set manually to be high.
[0159] The energization/non-energization of the electrodes 42a, 42b
as well as the power output are controlled through the power-output
adjustment circuit 63 based on the signals from the water-flow
sensor 81 and the setting switch SW9, as shown in the flow chart of
FIG. 46.
[0160] Specifically, an electrolytic current value X1 is set based
on the setting signal from the setting switch SW9 (S221). After
that, once the valve of the dispenser of a drink dispenser (not
shown in the figure) is opened (when there is a drink selling
signal) and a water flow is detected by the water-flow sensor 81
(S222), the electrodes are powered based on the power output which
is determined by the power-output adjustment circuit 63 (S223)
Then, once the feed of mineral water is terminated and no water
flow is detected (S224), the electrodes are powered based on the
power output which is determined by the power-output adjustment
circuit 63 (S225) Mineral water is produced by such flowing water
electrolysis and standing water electrolysis.
[0161] According to the sixteenth embodiment of this invention,
power output corresponding to the mineral concentration or the
conductivity of city water can be set with the setting switch SW9,
whereby the mineral concentration of mineral water can be kept at a
desired value.
[0162] FIG. 47 shows a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the seventeenth embodiment of this invention. The
same constituents as those of the first embodiment are denoted with
the same reference numerals and the description thereof is
omitted.
[0163] In the mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with
the above described fifteenth embodiment, the mineral concentration
of mineral water can be kept at a desired value by arbitrarily
setting the conducting time duration of the electrodes 42a, 42b;
however, bacteria such as microorganisms might propagate on the
mineral eluting materials 41 in the electrolytic bath 4 or in the
water-delivery pipe 8 after the long-term use of the apparatus. To
prevent such propagation of bacteria, the mineral-water producing
apparatus in accordance with the seventeenth embodiment is provided
with a cleaning and sterilization switch SW10 in addition to the
above described conducting time duration setting switch SW8, as
shown in the block diagram of FIG. 47. The conducting time duration
T3 set through the cleaning and sterilization switch SW10 is longer
than the flowing water electrolysis time T1 or the standing water
electrolysis time T2 set in the mineral-water producing apparatus
in accordance with the fifteenth embodiment so that a larger amount
of hypochlorous acid is produced by the electrolysis of water.
[0164] Once the cleaning and sterilization switch SW10 is turned
on, the electrodes 42a, 42b are powered over the conducting time
duration T3. This increases the concentration of hypochlorous acid
in the electrolytic bath 4, thereby destroying the bacteria etc. in
the electrolytic bath 4. In the case of a drink dispenser, the
valve of the dispenser is opened after terminating this
energization operation. This allows the electrolyzed water in the
electrolytic bath 4 to flow through the water-delivery pipe 8,
destroy the bacteria in the water-delivery pipe 8, and be
discharged through the dispenser. Once the cleaning and
sterilization mode of electrolysis is terminated, the mineral-water
producing apparatus is run in mineral-water producing mode
again.
[0165] FIG. 48 shows a mineral-water producing apparatus in
accordance with the eighteenth embodiment of this invention. The
same constituents as those of the seventeenth embodiment are
denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof
is omitted.
[0166] In the above described seventeenth embodiment, cleaning and
sterilization of the electrolytic bath 4 and the water-delivery
pipe 8 is performed by allowing the conducting time duration T3 to
be longer than the flowing water electrolysis time T1 or the
standing water electrolysis time T2. However, the mineral-water
producing apparatus in accordance with the eighteenth embodiment of
this invention has such a construction that the above described
mineral-water producing apparatus in accordance with the sixteenth
embodiment further includes a cleaning and sterilization switch
SW10 which increases the power output for the electrodes 42a,
42b.
[0167] When the cleaning and sterilization switch SW10 is turned
on, the electrodes 42a, 42b are powered at a power output X2 which
is higher than a power output X1. This increases the concentration
of hypochlorous acid in the electrolytic bath 4, thereby destroying
the bacteria etc. in the electrolytic bath 4. In the case of a
drink dispenser, the valve of the dispenser is opened after
terminating this energization operation. This allows the
electrolyzed water in the electrolytic bath 4 to flow through the
water-delivery pipe 8, destroy the bacteria in the water-delivery
pipe 8, and be discharged through the spout.
[0168] In the seventeenth and eighteenth embodiments, examples have
been taken in which a cleaning and sterilization switch SW10 is
applied to the mineral-water producing apparatuses of the above
described fifteen and sixteen embodiments. However, it goes without
saying that the cleaning and sterilization switch SW10 is
applicable to any one of the mineral-water producing apparatuses in
accordance with the first to fourteenth embodiments.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0169] The mineral-water producing apparatus of this invention is
useful not only for drink dispensers for business use, that is,
drink dispensers for selling drinks, but also for drinking-water
feeders designed to improve the quality of drinking water for
domestic purpose.
* * * * *