JP2000218271A - Electrolytic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform highly efficient electrolysis by controlling the water supply to an electrolytic cell provided with at least a couple of electrodes and stopping a water supply control means when a current is applied to the electrodes and an electrolyte soln. feed means is driven in an electrolytic device supplied with the electrolyte soln. SOLUTION: An electrolytic cell 12 for an electrolyte soln. is internally provided with a couple of electrodes 13 and 14, and water is supplied to a tank 15 through a water pipe 20. The electrolytic cell 12 is provided with a water inlet 26 charging city water from a feed water passage 25 and an outlet 27 for discharging an electrolyte soln. formed by the electrolysis to the outside, and a solenoid valve 28 for controlling the supply of water to the electrolytic cell 12 is furnished to the feed water passage 25. A compd. such as hypochlorous acid is electrolytically formed from the soln. At this time, the solenoid valve 28 is stopped when a current is applied to the electrodes 13 and 14 and a supply means 22 is driven, hence chlorine ion contained in the soln. is slowly passed between the electrodes 13 and 14, and efficient electrolysis is performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to electrolysis (hereinafter referred to as electrolysis), and more particularly to an electrolysis apparatus for generating a compound such as hypochlorous acid by electrolyzing an electrolyte.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an electrolysis apparatus which produces hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ions by electrolyzing water containing chloride ions (for example, see Patent No. 261).
No. 9756, Japanese Patent No. 2587773).

As shown in FIG. 11, this electrolytic apparatus operates a flow control valve 2 and a pump 3 for supplying a saline solution and a pump 4 for supplying a hydrochloric acid to the solution path 1 to operate a saline solution tank 5 and a hydrochloric acid tank 6. The solution is fed into the electrolytic cell 7 together with the diluting water, and at the same time, electricity is supplied to the direct current electrolysis device 10 using the electrode 8 as an anode and the electrode 9 as a cathode, thereby generating hypochlorous acid in the electrolytic cell 7, From 11 the hypochlorous acid solution was continuously obtained.

[0004]

However, in the conventional electrolyzer, since the electrodes 8 and 9 are energized continuously while supplying a saline solution and a mixed water of hydrochloric acid and diluting water to the electrolysis tank 7, electrolysis is performed continuously. Although hypochlorous acid can be supplied continuously immediately after the start of electrolysis, electrolysis is performed while flowing mixed water, so that the passage time of chlorine ions between the electrodes 8 and 9 is shortened, and the electrolysis efficiency cannot be increased. Therefore, a large amount of electric power and saline have been consumed to generate hypochlorous acid.

In addition, when adjusting the concentration of hypochlorous acid, it is necessary to control the supply amounts of the flow control valve 2, the pump 3 and the pump 4, respectively. It was difficult.

Further, even if the pump breaks down or the required concentration of hypochlorous acid cannot be produced due to the loss of the saline solution or hydrochloric acid, the user does not notice it. There was a danger of serious accidents such as food poisoning.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell having at least a pair of electrodes, a water supply port, and a discharge port for discharging an electrolytic solution, and a water supply to the electrolytic cell. Water supply control means for controlling, a tank for storing an electrolyte solution, supply means for supplying the electrolyte solution to the electrolytic cell, and control means for stopping the water supply control means when energizing the electrode and driving the supply means It consists of:

According to the above invention, the electrolytic solution in the tank is supplied into the electrolytic cell by the supply means, mixed with the water in the electrolytic cell, and energized to the electrodes. Compounds can be produced. At this time, the water supply control means is stopped when the electrode is energized and when the supply means is driven, so that the electrolyte solution in the electrolytic tank contains hydrogen gas and oxygen generated on the electrode surface in a state where there is no water supply to the electrolytic tank. Due to the attraction effect during the ascent, convection is generated and chlorine ions contained in the electrolyte solution slowly pass between the electrodes, so that efficient electrolysis can be performed.

In addition, since the water supply control means is stopped when the electrodes are energized and the supply means is driven, the supplied electrolyte solution is electrolyzed while remaining in the electrolytic bath, so that the electrolyte solution can be adjusted, The concentration of the electrolyte solution can be easily measured, and it is possible to prevent the supply means from being broken or the electrolyte solution from running out to produce an electrolyte solution having a required concentration.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An electrolytic apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an electrolytic cell having therein at least a pair of electrodes, a water supply port, and a discharge port for discharging an electrolytic solution, and a water supply to the electrolytic cell. Water supply control means for controlling, a tank for storing an electrolyte solution, supply means for supplying the electrolyte solution to the electrolytic cell, and control means for stopping the water supply control means when energizing the electrode and driving the supply means It is comprised by these.

The electrolyte solution in the tank is supplied into the electrolytic cell by a supply means, mixed with water in the electrolytic cell, and energized to the electrodes, thereby producing a compound such as hypochlorous acid by electrolysis. be able to. At this time, the water supply control means is stopped when the electrode is energized and when the supply means is driven, so that the electrolyte solution in the electrolytic tank contains hydrogen gas and oxygen generated on the electrode surface in a state where there is no water supply to the electrolytic tank. Due to the attraction effect during the ascent, convection is generated and chlorine ions contained in the electrolyte solution slowly pass between the electrodes, so that efficient electrolysis can be performed.

Further, the electrolysis apparatus according to claim 2 is configured such that the supply means is driven before the power supply to the electrode is started as the control means.

[0013] Then, after the electrolyte solution is supplied to the electrolytic cell, the energization of the electrodes is started, whereby the electrolytic solution in the electrolytic cell is electrolyzed while being mixed with the generated gas.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrolysis apparatus, wherein the control means controls a resistance detecting unit for detecting an electric resistance between the electrodes, and controls an electrolyte solution supply amount of the supply means in accordance with the detected resistance. is there.

[0015] From the correlation between the concentration of the electrolyte solution and the conductivity, the concentration of the electrolyte solution supplied to the electrolytic cell can be inferred by electric resistance. Therefore, when the concentration is low, control is performed so as to increase the supply amount of the supply means.

In the electrolysis apparatus according to a fourth aspect, a resistance detecting unit for detecting an electric resistance between the electrodes as a control means, and an energizing time to the electrodes is controlled according to the detected resistance. .

When the concentration of the electrolyte solution estimated by the electric resistance is low, the energization time of the electrode is controlled to be long.

The electrolyzing apparatus according to a fifth aspect is configured such that, as the control means, a resistance detecting unit for detecting an electric resistance between the electrodes, and a set value of the constant current control unit is changed according to the detected resistance. is there.

When the concentration of the electrolyte solution estimated by the electric resistance is low, the control value of the constant current control unit is controlled to be high.

Further, the electrolysis apparatus according to claim 6 has, as control means, a resistance detecting unit for detecting an electric resistance between the electrodes, and a notifying unit for notifying when the detected resistance is out of a predetermined range. Things.

By notifying when the detection resistance is out of the predetermined range, the user can be notified of a failure of the supply means or a shortage of the electrolyte solution in the tank.

In the electrolysis apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, as the control means, a resistance detection unit for detecting the electric resistance between the electrodes, and when the supply means is driven, is notified if the detection resistance does not change for a predetermined time. Notification means.

The fact that there is no change in the detection resistance even when the supply means is driven is a failure of the supply means or running out of the electrolyte solution in the tank, which can be notified to the user.

Further, in the electrolysis apparatus according to the present invention, the resistance detection by the resistance detection section of the control means is performed after the supply of the electrolyte solution by the supply means is completed.

Since the resistance is detected while the electrolytic solution is supplied to the electrolytic cell, the concentration of the electrolytic solution in the electrolytic cell can be accurately detected from the electric resistance between the electrodes.

Further, in the electrolysis apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the resistance detection by the resistance detection section of the control means is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of energization between the electrodes.

Then, when the current supply to the electrodes is started, the electrolyte solution in the electrolytic cell is mixed with the generated gas.
The electrolyte solution in the electrolytic cell diffuses uniformly, and the concentration can be accurately detected from the electric resistance between the electrodes.

Further, the electrolysis apparatus according to claim 10 is:
As a resistance detection unit of the control means, a constant current control unit that controls the current between the electrodes to be constant, and a voltage detection unit that detects the voltage between the electrodes, and detects the electrical resistance between the electrodes by a voltage change It is configured.

Since the current between the electrodes is constant,
Since the electrical resistance between the electrodes is proportional to the voltage, the resistance can be detected from the voltage between the electrodes.

[0030] The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 11 is:
As a resistance detection unit of the control means, a constant voltage control unit that controls the voltage between the electrodes to be constant, and a current detection unit that detects the current between the electrodes, and detects the electric resistance between the electrodes by changing the current It is configured.

Since the voltage between the electrodes is constant,
Since the electrical resistance between the electrodes is inversely proportional to the current, the resistance can be calculated from the current between the electrodes.

Further, the electrolysis apparatus according to claim 12 is:
The electrolyte solution in the tank is an aqueous solution of a chlorine compound such as sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, and calcium chloride.

Then, the aqueous solution of a chlorine compound is electrolyzed in an electrolytic cell to generate hypochlorous acid.

[0034]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an electrolysis apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 12 denotes an electrolytic cell for electrolyzing an electrolyte solution, and has a pair of electrodes 13 and 14 therein. Numeral 15 is a tank for storing a mixture of sodium chloride 16 (hereinafter, referred to as salt), which is a chlorine compound as an electrolyte, and a water supply port at a ratio equal to or higher than the saturation concentration.
Since the concentration in the tank 15 exceeds the saturation concentration, the salt 16 precipitates in the tank 15 and accumulates in the lower part. The electrolyte solution 17 (hereinafter, referred to as a saline solution) reaches a saturated concentration and is stored. Outlet 18 of saline solution 17 in this tank 15
Is provided on the upper part of the tank 15 so that the sediment of the salt 16 is not discharged. In addition, salt 1 is provided at the bottom of the tank 15.
An inlet 19 for supplying water to the inside of the sediment of No. 6 is provided, and water is guided from the upper part of the tank 15 by a water pipe 20 penetrating through the inside of the tank 15. The water supply pipe 20 communicates with an upstream water supply channel A21, and a supply means 22 (hereinafter, referred to as a pump) for supplying water to the water supply channel A21.
A check valve 23 for preventing backflow of water and water is provided. The pump 22 is arranged at a position higher than the upper end of the tank 15. The outlet 18 of the tank 15 and the electrolytic cell 12 are connected by a solution path 24, so that the saline solution 17 in the tank 15 can be supplied into the electrolytic cell 12. A water inlet 26 for feeding tap water (hereinafter referred to as tap water) as a diluent from a water supply passage B25 to the electrolytic cell 12, and an outlet for discharging the electrolytic solution generated by the electrolysis to the outside of the electrolytic cell. 27 are provided. An electromagnetic valve 28 serving as a water supply control unit that controls the supply of water to the electrolytic cell 12 is provided in the water supply passage B25. Electrodes 13, 1 of electrolytic cell 12
4, the pump 22, and the water supply control valve 28
To the electrode 1
The control of energization and polarity conversion of 3, 14 and the operation of the pump 22 and the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 28 are performed.

The tank 15 is made airtight by a container part 33 and a lid part 34, and the water passage pipe 20
And an outlet 18.

The inlet 19 at the end of the water pipe 20 constitutes a nozzle 35 having a narrowed opening, and when the water is supplied into the sediment of the salt 16, the surrounding salt solution is discharged according to the flow rate at which the water is discharged. Attracted and diffused in the salt, the salinity of the supplied water reaches saturation within a short time. A diffusion plate 36 is provided horizontally above the entrance 19 at the tip of the water pipe 20. This is due to the fact that the supplied water is
It diffuses in the horizontal direction as it flows in the upper direction,
The contact time between water and salt is prolonged and the salt concentration reliably reaches saturation.

When the diffusion plate 36 is formed with a small hole or a net-like material, water and salt are brought into contact in a wider range, so that salt dissolution can be performed efficiently.

As shown in FIG. 2, the structure of the electrolytic cell 12 is such that the electrodes 13 and 14 are fixed to the electrolytic cell body 39 by electrode terminals 37 and 38. A water supply passage B25 for supplying tap water is provided between the electrodes 13 and 14, so that tap water can be sent through the electrodes 13 and 14. An electrolytic groove 40 into which the lower ends of the electrodes 13 and 14 enter is located below the electrodes 13 and 14.
At the bottom, a solution path 24 for feeding the saline solution 17 is provided.
Is connected. The electrode used here has a base material made of titanium or a titanium alloy, and has a surface coated with a noble metal such as platinum or iridium.

Next, the configuration of the control means 29 will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 50 denotes a known microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer) having a built-in input / output interface, a memory, and the like. The microcomputer 50 is connected to input a signal from an operation panel 51 having an operation start switch. Can be entered. 52 is the electrode 13, 1
4 is a DC power supply for supplying power to the power supply 4. The microcomputer 50
The current to the electrodes 13 and 14 is detected via a current detection circuit 53, and a signal is sent to a voltage control circuit 54 to adjust the voltage so as to reach a preset current set value. In addition, a polarity switching circuit 55 for switching the polarity of the electrodes 13 and 14 and interrupting the current to the electrodes 13 and 14 according to a signal from the microcomputer 50.
It has. Further, the microcomputer 50 controls the electrodes 13,
A voltage detecting circuit 56, which is a resistance detecting unit for detecting an inter-electrode voltage of 14 and estimating an electric resistance, is provided between the electrodes 13, 14 and the voltage control circuit 54. 57 is a pump drive circuit that drives the pump 22 according to an instruction from the microcomputer 50. Reference numeral 58 denotes an electromagnetic valve driving circuit that drives the electromagnetic valve 28 according to an instruction from the microcomputer 50. Reference numeral 59 denotes a notification unit that issues a warning from the microcomputer 50 when an abnormal state is detected, and includes a buzzer, an LED, and the like.

Next, the processing contents of the microcomputer 50 will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG.
This is a routine that starts by detecting that the user has pressed the operation start switch. Numeral 60 denotes water supply control.
Is opened for a predetermined period of time (a period during which water can be supplied to the electrolytic cell), and the residual water in the electrolytic cell 12 is extruded to be refilled with water. When the water supply is completed, the pump 22 is driven at 61 to supply the saline solution 17 in the tank 15 to the electrolytic cell 12. Saline 1
When the supply of 7 is completed, the constant current control unit of 62
The voltage is adjusted by the voltage control circuit so that the current between the electrodes 13 and detected by the current detection circuit 53 becomes the current set value. The pole switching unit 63 switches the polarity of the current to the electrodes 13 and 14 at preset time intervals. On the other hand, at 64, the voltage between the electrodes 13 and 14 is detected by the voltage detection circuit 56, and the electric resistance between the electrodes 12 and 13 is estimated from this voltage. That is, 6
In step 2, since the current is controlled to be constant at the current set value,
Electric resistance is proportional to voltage. Therefore, the electric resistance is uniformly obtained by the voltage. This electric resistance is equal to the electrodes 13, 1
Since the conductivity is substantially determined by the conductivity of the water between the four and the conductivity is correlated with the amount of the saline solution supplied to the electrolytic cell 12, the supply amount of the saline solution can be estimated from the electric resistance. At 65, when the electric resistance is higher than the preset maximum value or lower than the minimum value, it is determined that the pump 22 has failed or the salt has run out, and the notifying means 59 notifies. In 66, if the electric resistance is higher than a preset value, it is determined that the supply of the saline solution is insufficient,
The pump 22 is driven to supply additional saline. Reference numeral 67 terminates the energization of the electrodes 13 and 14, opens the electromagnetic valve 28 for a predetermined time, and supplies water from the water supply port to discharge the electrolytic water in the electrolytic tank 12 from the discharge port 27.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the constant current control units 62 and 63 of FIG. 4 and the pole switching unit, and is based on the deviation 70 between the current set value 68 and the current value detected by the current detection 69 formed by the current detection circuit 53. Feedback control of the voltage between the electrodes is performed. The voltage control 71 uses a known digital PID control and controls the voltage so that the deviation 70 becomes zero. The pole switching of 72 switches the polarity of the current to the voltage-controlled electrodes 13 and 14 at predetermined time intervals (for example, 10 minute intervals). In this pole switching, a scale component attached to the cathode is removed by switching between the anode and the cathode.

FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart of voltage detection and control / notification between electrodes 61 to 66 in FIG.
At 3 the saline solution is supplied and at 74 the energization of the electrodes is started.
At 75, it waits for 30 seconds from the start of energization. During this 30 seconds, the supplied saline solution diffuses, and the concentration becomes almost uniform in the electrolytic cell. Then, the voltage E between the electrodes is detected at 76 and
7, the voltage E is set to a preset maximum value Emax and minimum value Em.
It is determined whether it is within the range of "in", and if it is determined that it is out of the range, an abnormal state is determined and a notification is made at 78. If the voltage E is higher than the maximum value Emax, it means that the conductivity between the electrodes is too low, and the pump E stops due to a failure of the pump 22 or the tank 1
This is a state in which the salt in 5 has run out and no salt solution has been supplied. On the other hand, when the voltage E is lower than the minimum value Emin, the conductivity between the electrodes is abnormally high.
It is assumed that electrolysis water accumulated in the electrolytic cell 12 without being discharged or that the saline solution leaked and flowed into the electrolytic cell 12 due to failure. At 79, it is determined whether or not the voltage E has exceeded the set value Eset. If not, it is determined that the amount of supplied salt in the electrolytic cell is above the set value, and the electrolysis is continued. On the other hand, if the voltage E is higher than the set value Eset, it is determined that the supply of the saline solution is insufficient, and at 80, the saline solution is additionally supplied. At 81, the number of times of the additional supply is counted to determine whether or not the number has exceeded five. If it is less than five times, the process returns to 75 and the determination of the voltage E is repeated. When the number of times exceeds five, it is determined that the voltage E does not decrease because the saline solution is not additionally supplied, and an abnormality is notified at 82. Even during normal operation, if air accumulates in the tank, only air may be supplied to the electrolytic cell even if the pump 22 is driven to supply saline. The additional supply of salt water drives out this air and supplies salt to the normal salt concentration, thereby eliminating electrolysis failure.

FIG. 7 is a time chart showing the operation of the above-mentioned control means. The resistance between the electrodes in the figure is obtained from the voltage 90 between the electrodes. Here, when the switch is turned on, the solenoid valve is set to t.
Open until 1 o'clock and supply water to the electrolytic cell. A saline solution is supplied to the electrolytic cell by a pump from t1 to t2. The voltage 90 between the electrodes is detected 30 seconds after energization of the electrodes is started at t2 and compared with the set value 91. Since the detected value 90 is higher, additional supply of saline is performed at t3. Thirty seconds later, the voltage 90 between the electrodes is detected and compared with the set value 91. Since the detected value 90 has decreased this time, the supply of salt is terminated. Then, at times t4, t5, and t6, the polarity of energization of the electrodes is switched. At t7, the power supply to the electrodes is completed, and from t7 to t
The electromagnetic valve is opened up to 8, and the electrolytic solution in the electrolytic cell is discharged by supplying water to the electrolytic cell. Here, the transition of the electric resistance between the electrodes will be described. Since only tap water exists between the electrodes until t1, the electric conductivity is small and the resistance value is large. t
The saline solution is supplied from 1 to t2, but because of the saturated saline solution, the specific gravity is larger than that of tap water and is accumulated at the bottom of the electrolytic cell, so that the electrical resistance between the electrodes cannot be significantly reduced. t
When the electrodes are energized from 2, gas is generated between the electrodes and floats on the upper part of the electrolytic cell. The movement of the gas causes a flow of water, and the retained saline solution is sucked up and diffused throughout the electrolytic cell, and the electric conductivity between the electrodes gradually approaches the electric conductivity of the entire electrolytic cell. Therefore, by detecting the voltage after a lapse of 30 seconds from the start of energization of the electrode, a time is provided for the saline solution to diffuse. Although the initial detection voltage 90 is higher than the set value 91, when the air accumulated in the solution path 24, the tank 15, and the like is supplied to the electrolytic cell, the supply amount of the saline solution becomes insufficient by that amount, and such an insufficient amount becomes the voltage 90. appear. When the saline solution is additionally supplied at t3, the electric resistance decreases and the detection voltage 90 also decreases. Thereafter, there is no significant change in the conductivity in the electrolytic cell until t7, and when tap water is supplied to the electrolytic cell at t7, the electric resistance sharply increases. Thus, the salt concentration state in the electrolytic cell 12 can be determined by the electric resistance (voltage between electrodes).

Next, the operation and action of generating hypochlorous acid, which is a compound generated by electrolysis, will be described mainly with reference to FIG. First, the water supply control valve 28 of the water supply passage B25 is opened, and tap water is injected into the electrolytic cell 12. After the inside of the electrolytic cell 12 is filled with tap water, the pump 22 is operated to supply water to the tank 15. The supplied water disperses while dissolving the salt 16, and pushes out the salt solution 17 from the outlet 18. This saline solution 17 is injected into the electrolytic cell 12 via the solution path 24. Since the specific gravity of the saline solution 17 injected into the electrolytic cell 12 is higher than that of tap water, the saline solution 17 stays in the electrolytic groove 40. Next, electrolysis is started using the electrode 13 as an anode and the electrode 14 as a cathode. Immediately after the start of electrolysis, most of the electrodes 13 and 14 are in contact with tap water, so that electrolysis of water occurs preferentially, and hydrogen and oxygen gas are generated between the electrodes 13 and 14.
Since these gases are lighter than tap water, they float on the upper part of the electrolytic cell 12. The movement of this gas causes the electrodes 13, 1
An upward flow of water occurs between the four. Then, the saline solution 17 staying in the electrolytic groove 31 is sucked up between the electrodes 13 and 14 by the flow of water generated by the floating of the gas, and diffuses into the tap water existing between the electrodes 13 and 14. It is generally said that the higher the chlorine ion concentration, the higher the efficiency of the generation of chlorine compounds such as hypochlorous acid, and the reaction of Formula 1 is more likely to occur.

(Formula 1) 2Cl ⁻ + 2e ⁻ → Cl ₂ ↑ Cl ₂ + OH ⁻ → HClO + Cl ⁻ Cl2 + 2OH ⁻ → ClO ⁻ + Cl ⁻ + H ₂ O Further, when hypochlorous acid is produced by electrolysis, the salt to be supplied The amount of water greatly affects the efficiency of hypochlorous acid production. That is, if the supply amount of the saline solution 17 to the electrolytic cell 12 increases, the generation efficiency increases, the hypochlorous acid concentration of the water discharged from the electrolytic tank 12 increases, and if the supply amount of the saline solution 17 decreases, Since the concentration of hypochlorous acid discharged from the electrolytic cell 12 is low, if it is desired to always obtain a constant concentration of hypochlorous acid, the amount of the saline solution 17 supplied to the electrolytic cell 12 is quantitatively fed. There is a need. Therefore, by controlling the operation amount of the pump 22 for supplying water to the tank 15 by the control means 29, the amount of the saline solution 17 supplied to the electrolytic cell 12 can be kept constant. Therefore, since the efficiency of generating hypochlorous acid generated by electrolysis can be kept constant, water having a constant hypochlorous acid concentration can be always obtained. Furthermore, since the excessive supply of the salt solution 17 can be eliminated, the salt solution 17 can be saved, and the labor for supplying the salt 16 to the tank 15 can be reduced.

Also, for example, the one liter tank 15 becomes saturated.
Sum concentration (about 26%, specific gravity 1.2g / cm ^Two) Save the saline solution
Then the amount of dissolved salt is about 300 g, but 1 liter
Approximately 1.2 g / cm^TwoFill with salt
And 1.2 kg of salt will be stored. Sand
That is, the salt solution exceeding the saturation concentration was stored as in this example.
In this case, about 4 times as much food as storing saturated saline
It becomes the amount of salt storage, and the labor of supplying salt can be greatly reduced.

The pump 22 used here is as follows.
It is sufficient that the water supplied to the tank 15 has high quantitativeness, and examples thereof include an electromagnetic pump, a diaphragm pump, a tube pump, and a gear pump. In this embodiment, since the pump 22 is disposed upstream of the tank 15, the only fluid that passes through the inside of the pump 22 is supplied water, and does not pass saline solution or hypochlorous acid. You only have to consider. A check valve 23 is provided in the water supply channel A21.
Is provided, and the electrolytic cell 12 accompanying opening and closing of the water supply control valve 28 is provided.
Backflow of saline solution and hypochlorous acid due to pressure fluctuation in the inside can be prevented.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 8 is a detailed flowchart of detecting and controlling / reporting the voltage between electrodes in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The components having the same structure as the electrolytic device of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The difference from the first embodiment is that the voltage detected at 75
The energization time Tim proportional to E is calculated by 100, and 10
At 1, 102, and 103, the energization time to the electrode is calculated time Ti
m. The energization time tim is given by: Tim = A + B · E (1). By multiplying the detection voltage E by a positive constant B as shown in the equation 1, the energization time Tim becomes longer as the voltage E becomes higher. ing. This is because the voltage E increases as the concentration of the saline solution in the electrolytic cell 12 decreases, and the concentration of generated hypochlorous acid decreases. Therefore, the energization time is proportional to the concentration of generated hypochlorous acid. When the voltage E is high, the energization time Tim is lengthened, and when the voltage E is low, the energization time Tim is shortened. Therefore, the concentration of the generated hypochlorous acid can be controlled to be constant even if the salt solution concentration slightly changes.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 9 is a detailed flowchart of detecting and controlling / reporting a voltage between electrodes in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The components having the same structure as the electrolytic device of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The difference from the first embodiment is that the voltage detected at 75
The set current Aset proportional to E is calculated by 110, and 11
At 1, the constant current control is performed so that the current to the electrode becomes Aset. This constant current control 111 is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. The set current Aset is expressed as: Aset = C + D · E (Equation 2). By multiplying the detection voltage E by a positive constant D as shown in Equation 2, the set current Aset becomes longer as the voltage E increases. ing. This is because the voltage E increases as the concentration of the saline solution in the electrolytic cell 12 decreases, and the concentration of generated hypochlorous acid decreases. Therefore, the current value is proportional to the concentration of generated hypochlorous acid. When the voltage E is high, the set current Aset is increased, and when the voltage E is low, the set current Aset is decreased. Therefore,
The concentration of the generated hypochlorous acid can be controlled to be constant even if the concentration of the saline solution slightly changes.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the control means 29 in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The components having the same structure as the electrolytic device of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The difference from the first embodiment is that, when the supply of the saline solution is completed, the constant voltage control unit 120 controls the electrodes 13 and 1.
4 and the electrode 1 detected by the voltage detection circuit 56
The voltage control circuit 54 adjusts the voltage between the electrodes 3 and 14 to a preset voltage set value and performs constant voltage control.
4 is to detect the inter-electrode current and to estimate the electric resistance between the electrodes 12 and 13 from this current. That is, since the voltage is controlled to be constant at the voltage set value at 120, the electric resistance is inversely proportional to the current. Therefore, the electric resistance is uniformly obtained by the current. This electric resistance is substantially determined by the electric conductivity of water between the electrodes 13 and 14, and the electric conductivity is
Since there is a correlation with the amount of saline solution supplied to 2, the supply amount of saline solution can be estimated from the electric resistance. Then, at 122, when the electric resistance is higher than the preset maximum value or lower than the minimum value, it is determined that the pump 22 has failed or the salt has run out, and the notification means 59 notifies. In 123, if the electric resistance is higher than a preset value, it is determined that the supply of the saline solution is insufficient,
The pump 22 is driven to supply additional saline. In the above-described constant voltage control, the constant voltage power supply can be shared with another electric circuit, so that the electric circuit can be simplified. In Examples 1 to 4, salt was used for the electrolyte.
The same effect as described above can be obtained by using a chlorine compound containing chloride ions such as potassium chloride and calcium chloride.

[0055]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) An electrolytic cell having at least a pair of electrodes, a water supply port, and a discharge port for discharging an electrolytic solution, water supply control means for controlling water supply to the electrolytic cell, and a tank for storing an electrolytic solution. A supply means for supplying the electrolyte solution to the electrolytic cell, and a control means for stopping the water supply control means when energizing the electrode and driving the supply means, so that the electrolyte solution in the tank is supplied. A compound such as hypochlorous acid can be generated by electrolysis by being supplied into the electrolytic cell by means, mixed with water in the electrolytic cell, and energizing the electrode. At this time, the water supply control means is stopped when the electrode is energized and when the supply means is driven, so that the electrolyte solution in the electrolytic tank contains hydrogen gas and oxygen generated on the electrode surface in a state where there is no water supply to the electrolytic tank. Due to the attraction effect during the ascent, convection is generated and chlorine ions contained in the electrolyte solution slowly pass between the electrodes, so that efficient electrolysis can be performed.

(2) As the control means, the supply means is driven before the current supply to the electrode is started. Therefore, after the electrolyte solution is supplied to the electrolytic cell, the current supply to the electrode is started, so that the inside of the electrolytic cell is started. Since the electrolyte solution is mixed and diffused by the generated gas, it can be stably electrolyzed immediately after energization.

(3) As the control means, a resistance detecting section for detecting the electric resistance between the electrodes, and the supply amount of the electrolyte solution of the supply means are controlled in accordance with the detection resistance, so that the concentration and the conductivity of the electrolyte solution are controlled. From the correlation, the concentration of the electrolyte solution supplied to the electrolytic cell can be estimated by electric resistance. Therefore,
When the concentration is low, constant electrolysis can be performed by adjusting the supply amount of the supply means to increase.

(4) As a control means, a resistance detecting unit for detecting the electric resistance between the electrodes, and a control of the energizing time to the electrodes according to the detected resistance, the concentration of the electrolyte solution estimated by the electric resistance. When is low, constant electrolysis can be performed by adjusting the energization time of the electrode to be long.

(5) As the control means, the resistance detecting section for detecting the electric resistance between the electrodes and the set value of the constant current control section are changed according to the detected resistance. When the concentration is low, constant electrolysis can be performed by adjusting the set value of the constant current control unit to be high.

(6) The control means includes a resistance detecting section for detecting the electric resistance between the electrodes and a notifying section for notifying when the detected resistance is out of the predetermined range. By notifying the user of the deviation, the user can be notified of a failure of the supply means or a shortage of the electrolyte solution in the tank.

(7) The control means includes a resistance detecting section for detecting the electric resistance between the electrodes, and a notifying means for notifying if the detected resistance does not change for a predetermined time when the supplying means is driven. The fact that there is no change in the detection resistance even when the means is driven is a failure of the supply means or the running out of the electrolyte solution in the tank, which can be notified to the user.

(8) Since the resistance detection by the resistance detection section of the control means is performed after the supply of the electrolyte solution by the supply means is completed, the concentration of the electrolyte solution in the electrolytic cell can be accurately detected from the electric resistance between the electrodes.

(9) The resistance detection by the resistance detection unit of the control means is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of energization between the electrodes, so that energization of the electrodes is started. Since the electrolyte solution is mixed by the generated gas, the electrolyte solution in the electrolytic cell is uniformly diffused, and the concentration can be accurately detected from the electric resistance between the electrodes.

(10) As a resistance detecting section of the control means, a constant current controlling section for controlling the current between the electrodes to be constant and a voltage detecting section for detecting the voltage between the electrodes are provided. Since the electric resistance between the electrodes is constant, the electric resistance between the electrodes is proportional to the voltage, so that the resistance can be detected from the voltage between the electrodes.

(11) The resistance detecting section of the control means includes a constant voltage control section for controlling the voltage between the electrodes to be constant and a current detecting section for detecting the current between the electrodes. Since the voltage between the electrodes is constant, the electric resistance between the electrodes is inversely proportional to the current, so that the resistance can be calculated from the current between the electrodes.

(12) Since the electrolyte solution in the tank is an aqueous solution of a chlorine compound such as sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, etc., the aqueous solution of the chlorine compound can be electrolyzed in an electrolytic tank to produce hypochlorous acid. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an electrolysis apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic cell in Example 1;

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a control unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a control flowchart of a control unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a constant current control unit and a pole switching unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a detailed control flowchart of a control unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a time chart of control in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a detailed control flowchart of control means in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a detailed control flowchart of control means in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a control flowchart of a control unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a conventional electrolytic device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 12 electrolytic bath 13, 14 electrode 15 tank 17 electrolyte solution 22 supply means 23 check valve 26 water supply port 27 discharge port 29 control means 28 water supply control means 29 control means

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Tomohide Matsumoto 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Osaka Pref. Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 4D061 DA03 DB10 EA03 EB01 EB05 EB14 EB37 EB38 EB39 ED12 ED13 GA12 GA30 GB07 GB11 GC02 GC06 GC12 GC14 GC15 GC16 GC18

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An electrolytic cell having at least a pair of electrodes, a water supply port, and a discharge port for discharging an electrolytic solution, a water supply control means for controlling water supply to the electrolytic cell, a tank for storing an electrolytic solution, An electrolysis apparatus comprising: a supply unit that supplies the electrolyte solution to the electrolytic cell; and a control unit that stops the water supply control unit when energizing the electrode and driving the supply unit. 2. The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means drives the supply means before the power supply to the electrodes is started. 3. The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls a resistance detection unit for detecting an electric resistance between the electrodes, and controls a supply amount of the electrolyte solution of the supply means according to the detection resistance. 4. The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls a resistance detection unit for detecting an electric resistance between the electrodes, and controls an energization time to the electrodes according to the detection resistance. 5. The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means changes a set value of a constant current control section in accordance with said resistance, and a resistance detection section for detecting an electric resistance between said electrodes. 6. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a resistance detection unit for detecting an electric resistance between the electrodes, and a notification unit for notifying when the detection resistance is out of a predetermined range. The electrolyzer according to claim. 7. The control means has a resistance detecting section for detecting an electric resistance between the electrodes, and a notifying means for notifying when the detecting resistance does not change for a predetermined time when the supply means is driven. The electrolytic device according to any one of claims 6 to 10. 8. The electrolytic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the resistance detection by the resistance detection unit is performed after the supply of the electrolyte solution by the supply unit is completed. 9. The resistance detection by the resistance detection unit is performed after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of energization between the electrodes.
The electrolytic device according to any one of the above items. 10. A resistance detection section comprising: a constant current control section for controlling a current between electrodes to be constant; and a voltage detection section for detecting a voltage between the electrodes, wherein an electric resistance between the electrodes is detected by a voltage change. The electrolytic device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the electrolytic device is configured to detect. 11. A resistance detecting section comprising: a constant voltage control section for controlling a voltage between electrodes to be constant; and a current detecting section for detecting a current between the electrodes, wherein an electric resistance between the electrodes is detected by a change in current. The electrolytic device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the electrolytic device is configured to detect. 12. The electrolyte solution in the tank is an aqueous solution of a chlorine compound such as sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride and the like.
The electrolytic device according to any one of the above.