CN108602695B

CN108602695B - Electrolyzed water generation device

Info

Publication number: CN108602695B
Application number: CN201680080793.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 山本泰士; 乾亮子; 田中喜典; 白水久德; 辻敦志
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2016-02-10
Filing date: 2016-10-19
Publication date: 2022-02-01
Anticipated expiration: 2036-10-19
Also published as: WO2017138048A1; JPWO2017138048A1; CN108602695A; JP6650586B2

Abstract

The electrolyzed water generation device according to the present disclosure includes: a first water tank and a second water tank which can be connected to a raw water line for supplying raw water; a third water tank; a fourth water tank; a first electrode disposed in the first water tank; a second electrode disposed in the second water tank and corresponding to the first electrode; a third electrode disposed in the third water tank; a fourth electrode disposed in the fourth water tank and corresponding to the third electrode; an ion exchange membrane dividing the first water tank and the second water tank; and a first communication path communicating the second water tank with the fourth water tank. Thus, an electrolyzed water production apparatus is provided which can produce alkaline water having a high dissolved hydrogen concentration and in which the structural elements are less likely to be chemically damaged.

Description

Electrolyzed water generation device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an electrolytic water generating apparatus.

Background

Alkaline water is known to help maintain and promote health. For example, alkaline water having a pH of about 9.5 has the effect of improving the gastrointestinal status. Alkaline water having a pH higher than 10 is used in cooking for astringency removal and the like. It is considered that alkaline water having a high dissolved hydrogen concentration contributes to removal of active oxygen which is presumed to be a cause of aging and diseases.

Patent document 1 discloses an example of an electrolyzed water production apparatus for producing alkaline water having a high dissolved hydrogen concentration. The electrolyzed water production apparatus is provided with a first anode tank, a first cathode tank, and a diaphragm, and is also provided with: a second anode tank to which the acidic water generated in the first anode tank is supplied; a second cathode vessel to which alkaline water generated in the first cathode vessel is supplied; and an ion exchange membrane dividing the second anode tank and the second cathode tank. Water was electrolyzed in the second anode tank and the second cathode tank by a Solid Polymer Electrolyte (SPE) method.

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2005-40781

Disclosure of Invention

According to the electrolyzed water forming apparatus of patent document 1, the alkaline water formed in the first cathode vessel is supplied to the second cathode vessel, and thus, scale such as calcium carbonate may adhere to the second cathode vessel. Although the adhered scale can be removed by using acidic water, in this case, there is a risk that the electrode, the ion exchange membrane, and the like of the second cathode tank are chemically damaged. In addition, since the acidic water generated in the first anode tank is supplied to the second anode tank independently of the second cathode tank, there is also a risk of chemical damage to the structural elements of the second anode tank.

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an electrolyzed water production apparatus capable of producing alkaline water having a high dissolved hydrogen concentration and having less chemical damage to the structural elements.

One embodiment of an electrolyzed water production apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: a first water tank and a second water tank which can be connected to a raw water line for supplying raw water; a third water tank; a fourth water tank; a first electrode disposed in the first water tank; a second electrode disposed in the second water tank and corresponding to the first electrode; a third electrode disposed in the third water tank; a fourth electrode disposed in the fourth water tank and corresponding to the third electrode; an ion exchange membrane dividing the first water tank and the second water tank; and a first communication path communicating the second water tank with the fourth water tank.

An electrolytic water generator capable of generating alkaline water having a high dissolved hydrogen concentration and having a structure in which chemical damage is unlikely to occur.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of the entire electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the entire electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the entire electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the entire electrolytic water producing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

Detailed Description

(example of the mode that the electrolytic water generator can adopt)

According to the electrolytic water generator, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode so that the potential of the first electrode is higher than the potential of the second electrode, hydrogen water having a high dissolved hydrogen concentration is generated in the second water tank. Then, when a voltage is applied to the third electrode and the fourth electrode so that the potential of the third electrode is higher than the potential of the fourth electrode, an alkaline hydrogen water having an increased pH is generated in the fourth water tank. In this way, by performing water treatment for increasing the dissolved hydrogen concentration in the first water tank and the second water tank provided upstream of the third water tank and the fourth water tank, alkaline hydrogen water is not supplied to the first water tank and the second water tank. Therefore, scale such as calcium carbonate is less likely to adhere to the first and second water tanks, the necessity of dissolving the scale with acidic water is reduced, and the first and second water tanks are less likely to be chemically damaged. Further, the acidic water generated in the third water tank is not supplied to the first water tank and the second water tank, and thus the risk of chemical damage to the ion exchange membrane, the first water tank, and the second water tank is further reduced.

According to one example of the electrolyzed water forming apparatus, the apparatus further includes a second communication passage for communicating the first water tank with the third water tank.

According to the electrolyzed water forming apparatus, the water used in the first water tank is reused in the third water tank, whereby the amount of raw water used in the electrolyzed water forming apparatus is reduced.

According to one example of the electrolyzed water forming apparatus, the apparatus further includes a first pressurizing unit capable of pressurizing water in the second water tank.

According to henry's law, when a gas having low solubility and not reacting with a solvent is dissolved in a solvent at a fixed temperature and a fixed volume, the amount of substance of the gas dissolved in the solvent is proportional to the partial pressure of the gas. Hydrogen has a low solubility for water and obeys henry's law. Therefore, according to the electrolytic water generator including the pressurizing portion, the amount of substance of hydrogen dissolved in water can be increased by increasing the water pressure of water in the second water tank, and the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen water can be further increased.

According to one example of the electrolyzed water forming apparatus, the first pressurizing unit is provided in the first communication passage.

According to the electrolyzed water forming apparatus, since the alkaline water does not pass through the pressurizing section, the scale is less likely to adhere to the pressurizing section.

According to one example of the electrolyzed water forming apparatus, the electrolyzed water forming apparatus further includes a first water channel for taking out electrolyzed water from the fourth water tank, and the first pressurizing unit is provided in the first water channel.

According to the electrolyzed water forming apparatus, the water in the second water tank and the water in the fourth water tank can be pressurized by limiting the flow rate of the first water channel. Therefore, water having a higher dissolved hydrogen concentration can be generated in the second water tank.

According to an example of the electrolyzed water forming apparatus, the third water tank may be connected to a raw water line for supplying raw water.

According to the electrolyzed water forming apparatus, when a voltage is applied to the third electrode and the fourth electrode so that the potential of the third electrode is higher than the potential of the fourth electrode, an oxidation reaction of water occurs in the third water tank, and a reduction reaction of water occurs in the fourth water tank. Since the raw water is supplied to the third water tank instead of the water having a high dissolved oxygen concentration, the oxidation reaction in the third water tank is likely to occur. Accordingly, the reduction reaction in the fourth water tank is likely to occur, and the pH of the alkaline hydrogen water produced in the fourth water tank is likely to increase.

According to one example of the electrolyzed water forming apparatus, the apparatus further includes a salt adding path capable of supplying water in which the electrolyte is dissolved to the third water tank.

According to the electrolytic water generating apparatus, electrolysis can be promoted without adding an electrolyte to the water supplied to the fourth water tank. Therefore, in the case where the added electrolyte is salt, the water supplied to the fourth water tank hardly contains salt, and alkaline hydrogen water more suitable for drinking can be generated.

In the electrolytic water generator, the electrolytic water generator further includes a second pressurizing unit provided in the second communication passage and capable of pressurizing the water in the first water tank.

According to the electrolyzed water forming apparatus, the water pressure in the first water tank and the water pressure in the second water tank can be set to be substantially equal to each other. This prevents a load from acting on the ion exchange membrane due to a difference in internal pressure between the first water tank and the second water tank.

In the electrolyzed water forming apparatus, the raw water path is branched into a first water tank connection path connected to the first water layer and a second water tank connection path connected to the second water layer, and the first water tank connection path is further provided with a third pressurizing portion. The electrolytic cell further includes a fourth pressurizing unit that is provided in the first pipe for taking out the electrolyzed water from the third water tank and that is capable of pressurizing the water in the third water tank.

According to the electrolyzed water forming apparatus, the supply ratio of the raw water supplied to the first water tank and the second water tank through the raw water path between the two water tanks can be adjusted. This makes it possible to adjust the amount of water passing through the first water tank 31 to a desired amount. Further, the amount of water mixed from the third water tank to the fourth water tank is suppressed, and the risk of chemical damage to the fourth water tank is reduced.

(embodiment mode 1)

As shown in fig. 1, the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10 includes: a hydrogen tank 30 having a first tank 31 and a second tank 35 partitioned by an ion exchange membrane 39; and an alkaline water tank 40 having a third water tank 41 and a fourth water tank 45 separated by a diaphragm 49. The hydrogen tank 30 and the alkaline tank 40 are housed in the case 20.

A faucet 1 and a flow path switching device 2 are provided outside the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10. The faucet 1 ejects tap water. The flow path switching device 2 is attached to the faucet 1, and supplies tap water to the water supply port 11 in response to a user's operation.

The electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10 includes a water supply port 11, a first water discharge port 12, and a second water discharge port 13 that protrude outward of the case 20. The water supply port 11 supplies tap water to the inside of the electrolytic water generator 10. The first water jet 12 jets alkaline water or alkaline hydrogen water having a higher pH than tap water from the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10. The alkaline aqueous hydrogen has a high dissolved hydrogen concentration compared with alkaline water. The second water jet 13 jets acidic water having a low pH as compared with tap water from the electrolytic water generating apparatus 10.

The housing 20 houses the water purification unit 21, the first power source 24, the second power source 25, the first switch 26, the second switch 27, the raw water passage 50, the first communication passage 51, the second communication passage 52, the first water passage 53, and the first pipe 54. The water purification unit 21 is a water purifier of an activated carbon type or a filtration membrane type for purifying tap water. The raw water, which is water purified by the water purifier 21, is supplied to the hydrogen water tank 30 through the raw water passage 50. The water purification unit 21 includes an activated carbon unit 22 and a filtration membrane unit 23. The activated carbon section 22 has activated carbon, and removes organic matter, odor, residual chlorine, and the like from the tap water. The filtration membrane section 23 includes, as an example, a polyethylene hollow fiber membrane, and removes particles, foreign bacteria, rust, and the like of 0.1 μm or more from the water passing through the activated carbon section 22.

The first power supply 24 and the second power supply 25 are dc power supplies used for electrolysis in the hydrogen water tank 30 and the alkaline water tank 40. The potential V1A of the anode 24X of the first power supply 24 is higher than the potential V1B of the cathode 24Y of the first power supply 24. The potential V2A of the anode 25X of the second power supply 25 is also higher than the potential V2B of the cathode 25Y of the second power supply 25.

The first switch 26 includes a first input terminal 26A, a second input terminal 26B, a first changeover switch 26E, a first output terminal 26X, and a second output terminal 26Y. The first input terminal 26A and the second input terminal 26B are connected to the anode 24X and the cathode 24Y of the first power supply 24, respectively. The first switch 26 sets the potentials of the first output terminal 26X and the second output terminal 26Y to the potential V1A and the potential V1B in accordance with the operation of the first switch 26E. The first changeover switch 26E can be operated to switch between a normal mode, a reverse mode, and an insulation mode. In the normal mode, the potential of the first output terminal 26X is set to the potential V1A, and the potential of the second output terminal 26Y is set to the potential V1B. In the reverse mode, the potential of the first output terminal 26X is set to the potential V1B, and the potential of the second output terminal 26Y is set to the potential V1A. In the insulation mode, the first input terminal 26A and the second input terminal 26B are not electrically connected to the anode 24X and the cathode 24Y of the first power supply. For example, the first changeover switch 26E is a button provided on the outer surface of the housing 20.

The second switch 27 includes a third input terminal 27A, a fourth input terminal 27B, a second switch 27E, a third output terminal 27X, and a fourth output terminal 27Y. The third input terminal 27A and the fourth input terminal 27B are connected to the anode 25X and the cathode 25Y of the second power supply 25, respectively. The second switch 27 sets the potentials of the third output terminal 27X and the fourth output terminal 27Y to the potential V2A and the potential V2B in accordance with the operation of the second switch 27E. Further, the normal mode and the reverse mode can be switched by the operation of the second changeover switch 27E. In the normal mode, the potential of the third output terminal 27X is set to the potential V2A, and the potential of the fourth output terminal 27Y is set to the potential V2B. In the reverse mode, the potential of the third output terminal 27X is set to the potential V2B, and the potential of the fourth output terminal 27Y is set to the potential V2A. For example, the second selector switch 27E is a push button provided on the outer surface of the housing 20.

The hydrogen tank 30 electrolyzes raw water by the first power supply 24 to generate hydrogen water having a higher dissolved hydrogen concentration than the raw water. The hydrogen tank 30 includes a first tank 31, a second tank 35, and an ion exchange membrane 39. The first water tank 31 includes a first inlet 32, a first outlet 33, and a first electrode 34. The second water tank 35 includes a second inlet 36, a second outlet 37, and a second electrode 38. The first tank 31 and the second tank 35 are integrally formed, and are partitioned by an ion exchange membrane 39. The ion exchange membrane 39 is a cation exchange membrane and can pass cations contained in the water in the first water tank 31 and the second water tank 35. The shape of the hydrogen water tank 30 is preferably a shape in which water easily passes from the first inlet 32 and the second inlet 36 to the first outlet 33 and the second outlet 37. The first electrode 34 is electrically connected to the first output terminal 26X. The second electrode 38 is electrically connected to the second output terminal 26Y. The first electrode 34 and the second electrode 38 are disposed in contact with the ion exchange membrane 39, and have a structure that facilitates the extraction of the generated gas, for example, a porous structure. As the material of the electrode, it is preferable to use a corrosion-resistant material such as titanium as the base material and to plate a platinum-based material as the catalyst on the surface.

The alkaline water tank 40 generates alkaline hydrogen water by electrolyzing the hydrogen water generated in the hydrogen water tank 30 by the second power supply 25. The alkaline water tank 40 includes a third water tank 41, a fourth water tank 45, and a diaphragm 49. The third water tank 41 includes a third inlet 42, a third outlet 43, and a third electrode 44. The fourth water tank 45 includes a fourth inlet 46, a fourth outlet 47, and a fourth electrode 48. The third water tank 41 and the fourth water tank 45 are integrally formed and separated by a diaphragm 49. The shape of the alkaline water tank 40 is preferably a shape that allows water to easily pass from the third inlet 42 and the fourth inlet 46 to the third outlet 43 and the fourth outlet 47. The third electrode 44 and the fourth electrode 48 are preferably shaped to have a wide contact area with the water passing through the alkaline water tank 40, and for example, are shaped to extend along the inner surface of the third water tank 41 and the inner surface of the fourth water tank 45. The third electrode 44 is electrically connected to the third output terminal 27X. The fourth electrode 48 is electrically connected to the fourth output terminal 27Y.

The first communication passage 51 communicates the second outlet 37 with the fourth inlet 46. The second communication path 52 communicates the first outlet 33 with the third inlet 42. The raw water path 50 communicates the filter membrane portion 23 with the first inlet 32 and the second inlet 36. The first water passage 53 communicates the fourth outlet port 47 with the first water jet 12. The first pipe 54 communicates the third outflow port 43 with the second water ejection port 13.

The operation of the hydrogen water tank 30 of the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10 will be described.

Tap water discharged from faucet 1 is supplied to water purifying unit 21 through water supply port 11. The raw water purified by the water purifying unit 21 is supplied to the first water tank 31 and the second water tank 35 of the hydrogen water tank 30.

In the normal mode, the first switch 26 sets the potential of the first electrode 34 to about V1A and the potential of the second electrode 38 to about V1B. Since the potential of the first electrode 34 is higher than the potential of the second electrode 38, an oxidation reaction of raw water represented by the following formula [1] occurs in the first water tank 31.

[ CHEM 1]

2H₂O→O₂+4H⁺+4e^-…[1]

[1] The formula represents a chemical reaction formula in which water molecule H2O in raw water is oxidized to generate hydrogen ion H + and oxygen O2. The generated hydrogen ions H + move to the second water tank 35 via the ion exchange membrane 39.

In the second water tank 35, the hydrogen ions H + transferred from the first water tank 31 undergo a reduction reaction represented by the following formula [2 ].

[ CHEM 2]

2H⁺+2e^-→H₂…[2]

[2] The formula represents a chemical reaction formula in which hydrogen ions H + are reduced to generate hydrogen H2. As the progress of the electrolysis increases, the generated hydrogen H2 dissolves in the raw water in the first water tank 31, and the dissolved hydrogen concentration increases.

Here, when the number of electrons e-in the formulas [1] and [2] is equal, the number of hydrogen ions H + is also equal. That is, the total number of hydrogen ions H + in the water in the first water tank 31 and the water in the second water tank 35 depends on the progress of the electrolysis. Since the hydrogen ions H + can move through the ion exchange membrane 39 in the first water tank 31 and the second water tank 35, theoretically, the pH of the water in the first water tank 31 and the pH of the water in the second water tank 35 do not change. Therefore, the water produced in the second water tank 35 has a higher dissolved hydrogen concentration than the raw water and has approximately the same pH as the raw water.

The operation of the alkaline water tank 40 of the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10 will be described.

The water generated in the first water tank 31 is sent to the third water tank 41 through the second communication passage 52. The water generated in the second water tank 35 is transferred to the fourth water tank 45 through the first communication path 51. The second switch 27 sets the potential of the third electrode 44 to about V2A and the potential of the fourth electrode 48 to about V2B in the normal mode. Since the potential of the third electrode 44 is higher than the potential of the fourth electrode 48, the oxidation reaction of the raw water shown by the following expressions [3] and [4] occurs in the third water tank 41.

[ CHEM 3]

2H₂O→O₂+4H⁺+4e^-…[3]

[ CHEM 4]

2Cl^-→Cl₂+2e^-…[4]

[3] The formula represents a chemical reaction formula in which water molecule H2O in raw water is oxidized to generate hydrogen ion H + and oxygen O2. As the electrolysis progresses, the concentration of hydrogen ions H + increases, generating acidic water. [4] The formula is a chemical reaction formula representing that chloride ions Cl-in raw water are oxidized to generate chlorine Cl 2. [4] The reaction of the formula (II) is more preferable than the reaction of the formula [3 ]. The generated chlorine Cl2 is subjected to a chemical reaction represented by the following formula [5 ]. [5] The formula is a chemical reaction formula for generating hypochlorous acid HClO and hydrochloric acid HCl from water molecules H2O and chlorine Cl2 in raw water.

[ CHEM 5]

2H₂O+Cl₂→HClO+HCl…[5]

The acidic water generated in the third water tank 41 contains hypochlorous acid HClO. The water containing the generated hypochlorous acid HClO is strongly acidic. There is a risk that the strong acidic water may cause chemical damage to structural elements such as the water tank. Therefore, the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10 discharges acidic water containing hypochlorous acid HClO from the second water discharge ports 13 to the outside of the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10 through the first pipe 54.

On the other hand, in the fourth water tank 45, a reduction reaction of hydrogen water represented by the following formula [6] occurs.

[ CHEM 6]

2H₂O+2e^-→H₂+2OH^-…[6]

[6] The formula is a chemical reaction formula in which a water molecule H2O in hydrogen water is reduced to generate hydroxide ions OH < - > and hydrogen H2. As the electrolysis progresses, the concentration of hydroxide ions OH-rises, generating alkaline hydrogen water. The electrolysis in the alkaline water tank 40 is controlled so that the pH of the alkaline hydrogen water becomes a value suitable for drinking, for example, about 9.5.

When the pH of water is alkaline, a chemical reaction represented by the following formula [7] also occurs.

[ CHEM 7]

Ca²⁺+CO₃ ^2-→CaCO₃…[7]

[7] The formula is a chemical reaction formula for generating calcium carbonate CaCO3 from calcium ions Ca2+ and carbonate ions CO 32-in alkaline water. The generated alkaline hydrogen water is discharged to the outside from the first water jet 12 via the first water passage 53.

When this alkaline hydrogen water is supplied to a structural element such as a water tank, the generated calcium carbonate CaCO3 adheres to the structural element as scale. The reaction of the formula [7] is a property as alkaline water regardless of the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen water.

Since the alkaline water is not supplied to the first water tank 31 and the second water tank 35 of the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10, scale is less likely to adhere thereto. Therefore, the need to dissolve the scale adhering to the first water tank 31 and the second water tank 35 with acidic water is small, and the first water tank 31 and the second water tank 35 are less likely to be chemically damaged.

Further, since the acidic water generated in the third water tank 41 is not supplied to the first water tank 31 and the second water tank 35 when the pH is increased, the risk of chemical damage to the ion exchange membrane 39, the first water tank 31, and the second water tank 35 is reduced, and the life of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 10 is extended.

Further, since the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10 includes the second communication passage 52 for communicating the first water tank 31 with the third water tank 41, the water used in the first water tank 31 can be reused for the electrolysis in the third water tank 41. Therefore, the amount of raw water used by the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10 is reduced.

(embodiment mode 2)

The electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10A according to embodiment 2 has substantially the same configuration as the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10 according to embodiment 1. Embodiment 2 is different from embodiment 1 in that it further includes a first pressurizing portion 60 and a first communication passage 51A instead of the first communication passage 51.

As shown in fig. 2, a first pressurizing portion 60 is provided in the first communication path 51A. The first pressurizing unit 60 can pressurize the water in the second water tank 35. In one example, the first pressurizing unit 60 includes an orifice 61, and pressurizes the water in the second water tank 35 by restricting the flow rate of the first communication passage 51A. For example, when the water pressure in the first communication passage 51 is 100kPa, the water pressure upstream of the orifice 61 of the first communication passage 51A increases to about 150 kPa.

When the water pressure of the water in the second water tank 35 rises, the amount of substance of the hydrogen dissolved in the water increases based on henry's law. Therefore, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen water in the second water tank 35 is further increased. In addition, since the first pressurizing unit 60 is provided in the first communication path 51, water that is not alkaline passes through the first pressurizing unit 60. Therefore, the scale is less likely to adhere to the first pressurizing portion 60.

(embodiment mode 3)

An electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10B according to embodiment 3 has substantially the same configuration as the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10 according to embodiment 1. Embodiment 3 differs from embodiment 1 in that a second water passage 55 and a third water passage 56 are provided instead of the second communication passage 52, and a third water jet 14 is further provided.

As shown in fig. 3, the third water jet 14 penetrates the housing 20. The second waterway 55 communicates the first outflow port 33 with the third water jet 14. The third water passage 56 connects the third inlet 42 and the raw water passage 50.

In the normal mode of the first switch 26, an oxidation reaction represented by the formula [3] occurs in the first water tank 31. Therefore, the dissolved oxygen concentration of the water generated in the first water tank 31 is high. The generated water having a high dissolved oxygen concentration is discharged to the outside through the second water channel 55.

The third water passage 56 supplies raw water from the raw water passage 50 to the third water tank 41. In the normal mode of the second switch 27, the supplied raw water undergoes an oxidation reaction represented by the following formula [3 ]. The third water tank 41 of the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10B supplied with raw water is more likely to cause oxidation reaction than the third water tank 41 of the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10 supplied with water having a high dissolved oxygen concentration. Therefore, the reduction reaction is likely to occur in the fourth water tank 45 paired with the third water tank 41, and the pH of the fourth water tank 45 is likely to increase.

(embodiment mode 4)

An electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10C according to embodiment 4 has substantially the same configuration as the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10A according to embodiment 2. Embodiment 4 is different from embodiment 2 in that it further includes a second pressurizing unit 70, a third pressurizing unit 80, and a fourth pressurizing unit 90. The configuration differs from that of embodiment 2 in that the original water passage 50 is replaced with the original water passage 50A, the second communication passage 52A is replaced with the second communication passage 52, and the first pipe 54A is replaced with the first pipe 54.

As shown in fig. 4, a second pressurizing unit 70 is provided in the second communication passage 52A. The second pressurizing unit 70 can pressurize the water in the first water tank 31. In one example, the second pressurizing unit 70 includes an orifice 71, and pressurizes the water in the first water tank 31 by restricting the flow rate of the second communication passage 52A. This enables the water pressure of the water in the first water tank 31 to be substantially equal to the water pressure of the water in the second water tank 35 pressurized by the first pressurizing unit 60. Therefore, a load based on the difference in internal pressure between the first water tank 31 and the second water tank 35 can be prevented from acting on the ion exchange membrane 39.

As shown in fig. 4, the raw water passage 50A branches into a first water passage 50B connected to the first water tank 31 and a second water passage 50C connected to the second water tank 35 on the upstream side of the hydrogen water tank 30. The third pressurizing unit 80 is provided in the first water tank connection passage 50B. In one example, the third pressurizing portion 80 includes an orifice 81. The third pressurizing unit 80 can adjust the supply ratio of the raw water supplied to the first tank 31 and the second tank 35 through the raw water passage 50A between the two tanks. As a result, the amount of water passing through the first water tank 31 can be adjusted to a desired amount.

As shown in fig. 4, a fourth pressurizing portion 90 is provided in the first pipe 54A. In one example, the fourth pressurizing unit 90 includes an orifice 91, and is capable of pressurizing the water in the third water tank 41. This increases the water pressure of the water in the third water tank 41, and reduces the difference between the internal pressure of the third water tank 41 and the internal pressure of the fourth water tank 45. As a result, the amount of water mixed from the third water tank 41 into the fourth water tank 45 can be suppressed. As described above, since the acidic water generated in the third water tank 41 contains hypochlorous acid HCLO, the amount of water mixed into the fourth water tank 45 is suppressed, thereby reducing the risk of chemical damage to the fourth water tank 45.

In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the second pressurizing unit 70, the third pressurizing unit 80, and the fourth pressurizing unit 90 are provided has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. At least one of the second pressurization part 70, the third pressurization part 80, and the fourth pressurization part 90 may be provided. For example, a configuration in which only the second pressurization part 70 out of the second pressurization part 70, the third pressurization part 80, and the fourth pressurization part 90 is provided is illustrated.

(modification example)

The explanation of the embodiments is an example of the form that can be adopted by the electrolytic water generating apparatus according to the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the form. The electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to the present disclosure can be configured by combining, for example, modifications of the respective embodiments described below and at least two modifications that are not mutually inconsistent with each other, in addition to the embodiments.

The method of producing raw water can be changed arbitrarily. In the first example, well water or mineral water is purified by the water purification unit 21, and the purified raw water is supplied to the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10. In the second example, the water purification unit 21 is omitted, and tap water is directly supplied to the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10 as raw water.

An addition unit for adding an electrolyte to the raw water can be added to the electrolyzed water forming apparatus 10. The addition unit adds a salt, which is an example of an electrolyte, to raw water discharged from the water purification unit 21. The added salt becomes sodium ions Na + and chloride ions Cl "in water, thereby promoting electrolysis of raw water. Therefore, the pH of the produced alkaline water is easily increased.

The third water channel 56 of embodiment 3 can be changed to a salting channel for supplying water in which an electrolyte is dissolved to the third water tank 41. In this case, the addition unit for adding the electrolyte is provided in the salting line, or water in which the electrolyte is dissolved is supplied from the outside to the salting line. Water in which the electrolyte is dissolved is easily electrolyzed. However, when the water supplied to the fourth water tank 45 contains salt, the taste of the alkaline water changes. According to the modification including the salting line, the water supplied to the fourth water tank 45 hardly contains salt, and thus alkaline hydrogen water more suitable for drinking can be generated.

The location where the first pressurizing unit 60 is provided is not limited to the first communication path 51, and may be changed to any location on the downstream side of the second water tank 35. In the first example, the first pressurizing unit 60 is provided in the first water passage 53. In this case, the water pressure of the second water tank 35 and the fourth water tank 45 upstream of the first pressurizing unit 60 rises. In the second example, the first pressurizing portion 60 is provided in an external pipe connected to the first water jet 12. In the third example, the first pressurizing unit 60 is provided in the second water tank 35. In this case, for example, an orifice 61 is provided in the second water tank 35.

The configurations of the first pressurizing unit 60, the second pressurizing unit 70, the third pressurizing unit 80, and the fourth pressurizing unit 90 can be arbitrarily changed. In a first example, the pressurizing units include valves for adjusting the flow rate of water. In a second example, these pressurizing portions include protrusions that impart resistance to water flowing in the pipe.

The structure of the first communication path 51 can be changed arbitrarily. In one example, the first communication path 51 also communicates the second water tank 35 and the third water tank 41. In this case, a water path other than the first water channel 51 does not need to be provided between the first water tank 31 and the second water tank 35 and between the third water tank 41 and the fourth water tank 45, and the structure of the water path can be simplified.

Industrial applicability

Since the electrolytic water generator according to the present disclosure is less likely to cause chemical damage to the structural elements and can extend the life of the generator, it can be applied to household electrical appliances that use a large amount of water or are difficult to repair the structural elements.

Description of the reference numerals

10: an electrolyzed water producing device; 10A: an electrolyzed water producing device; 10B: an electrolyzed water producing device; 10C: an electrolyzed water producing device; 31: a first water tank; 34: a first electrode; 35: a second water tank; 38: a second electrode; 39: an ion exchange membrane; 41: a third water tank; 44: a third electrode; 45: a fourth water tank; 48: a fourth electrode; 50: an original waterway; 50A: an original waterway; 50B: a first water tank connecting path; 50C: a second water tank connecting path; 51: a first connecting passage; 51A: a first connecting passage; 52: a second communication path; 52A: a second communication path; 53: a first waterway; 54: a first tube; 54A: a first tube; 60: a first pressurization part; 70: a second pressurization part; 80: a third pressurization part; 90: and a fourth pressurization part.

Claims

1. An electrolyzed water production apparatus is provided with:

a first water tank and a second water tank connectable to a raw water line for supplying raw water;

a third water tank;

a fourth water tank;

a first electrode disposed in the first water tank;

a second electrode disposed in the second water tank and corresponding to the first electrode;

a third electrode disposed in the third water tank;

a fourth electrode disposed in the fourth water tank and corresponding to the third electrode;

an ion exchange membrane dividing the first water tank and the second water tank; and

a first communication path that communicates the second water tank with the fourth water tank,

wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with the ion exchange membrane, the third electrode is in a shape extending along an inner surface of the third water tank, the fourth electrode is in a shape extending along an inner surface of the fourth water tank,

when a voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode so that the potential of the first electrode is higher than the potential of the second electrode, hydrogen water having a high dissolved hydrogen concentration is generated in the second water tank, and when a voltage is applied to the third electrode and the fourth electrode so that the potential of the third electrode is higher than the potential of the fourth electrode, alkaline hydrogen water having an increased pH is generated in the fourth water tank.

2. The electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to claim 1,

the water tank further includes a second communication passage for communicating the first water tank with the third water tank.

3. Electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

the water supply device further comprises a first pressurizing part capable of pressurizing the water in the second water tank.

4. Electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 3,

the first pressurizing portion is provided in the first communication passage.

5. Electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 3,

further comprising a first water channel for taking out the electrolyzed water from the fourth water tank,

the first pressurizing part is disposed in the first water path.

6. Electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

the third water tank may be connected to the raw water path.

7. Electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

and a salt adding path capable of supplying the water with the dissolved electrolyte to the third water tank.

8. Electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 3,

and a second pressurizing unit provided in the second communication passage and capable of pressurizing the water in the first water tank.

9. The electrolyzed water forming apparatus according to claim 8,

the original water path is branched into a first water tank connecting path connected with the first water tank and a second water tank connecting path connected with the second water tank,

the first water tank connecting path is also provided with a third pressurizing part,

the electrolytic cell further includes a fourth pressurizing unit that is provided in the first pipe for taking out the electrolyzed water from the third water tank and that is capable of pressurizing the water in the third water tank.