JP2001225073A - Electrolytic water making apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrolytic water making apparatus simple in constitution, capable of being miniaturized and high in electrolytic efficiency. SOLUTION: The electrolytic water making apparatus is a drip type electrolytic water making apparatus constituted of an apparatus main body for making electrolytic water and a container housing made electrolytic water and freely detachable with respect to the apparatus main body. The apparatus main body has a base stand, a case main body, a storage part storing water to be electrolyzed and having an opening for discharging water to be electrolyzed formed to the lower end thereof and an electrolytic part 4 for electrolyzing water to be electrolyzed to make electrolytic water. The electrolytic part 4 is constituted of the electrolytic cell 41 arranged under the storage part, the electrode pair consisting of a pair of electrode plates 42,43 arranged in the electrolytic cell 41 in opposed relationship and a power supply circuit for supplying power to the electrode pair. The ratio S1/S2 of the area S1 of the opening of the storage part and the area S2 of the cross section in the horizontal direction of the flow channel between the electrode plates 42, 43 is set to 0.5 or more.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generator for generating electrolyzed water used for, for example, disinfection, sterilization (sterilization), and astringent.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in the fields of agriculture and food,
Electrolyzed water generated by electrolysis is useful,
Generally known.

In particular, in recent years, due to the wide antibacterial spectrum of electrolyzed water and its excellent safety, it has been used in the medical field, for example, skin care for people with rough skin such as atopy, hot flashes, acne, and baby diaper rash. It has been studied to use it for cleaning, disinfecting and disinfecting the skin surface, and for disinfecting and disinfecting affected parts, incisions, percutaneous openings of indwelling catheters, etc.

[0004] Usually, electrolytic acid water is added with a solute that generates ions by dissolution, for example, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium carbonate, etc., in order to increase electric conductivity, and water added with a pH adjuster. (Electrolyzed water) is obtained by electrolysis.

[0005] Electrolyzed water has been widely used in ordinary households because of its wide range of applications. However, conventional electrolyzed water generators include a large type such as a stationary type which is connected to a tap water pipe. Many of the devices, which are said to be of a small type, are relatively large in which the electrolysis mechanism and the injection mechanism are integrated.

Further, even if the electrolyzed water storage container and the electrolysis mechanism are separable (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-10159), none of them is small enough to be portable.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyzed water generating apparatus which has a simple structure, can be miniaturized, and has a high electrolysis efficiency.

[0008]

This and other objects are achieved by the present invention which is defined below as (1) to (10).

(1) A storage section having an opening for storing the electrolyzed water and discharging the electrolyzed water into the electrolysis tank, and provided below the storage section and having at least a pair of electrodes in the electrolysis tank. An electrolytic water generating apparatus comprising: an electrolytic unit; and an electrolytic water generating apparatus configured to cause the electrolyzed water stored in the storage unit to pass between the electrodes by a head, to generate electrolyzed water by electrolysis, and the area of an opening of the storage unit. Wherein the ratio S1 / S2 between S1 and S2 is 0.5 or more, where S1 is S1 and the area of the flow path between the electrodes in the horizontal cross section is S2. .

(2) The distance between the pair of electrodes is 0.5
The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the above (1), which has a diameter of 5 mm or less.

(3) The shape of the surface of the pair of electrodes exposed in the electrolytic cell is substantially square, and the horizontal length is a and the vertical length is b. a> b
The electrolyzed water generator according to the above (1) or (2), which satisfies the following relationship:

(4) The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the pair of electrodes are made of titanium.

(5) The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein noble metal plating is applied to surfaces of the pair of electrodes.

(6) The apparatus for producing electrolyzed water according to any one of (1) to (5), further comprising an opening / closing means for opening and closing the flow path of the electrolyzed water.

(7) The apparatus for producing electrolyzed water according to any one of the above (1) to (6), further comprising a container loading section into which the container for storing the electrolyzed water is removably mounted.

(8) The apparatus for producing electrolyzed water according to (7), wherein the container has a nozzle for jetting the electrolyzed water stored in the container.

(9) The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the electrolyzed water has a pH of 3 to 7.

(10) The effective chlorine concentration of the electrolyzed water is 1
The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of the above (1) to (9), which has a concentration of from 200 to 200 ppm.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view (partially showing a cross section) showing an embodiment of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a pair of electrode plates of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a front view showing a configuration example of a container for storing the electrolyzed water of the electrolyzed water generation device shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example of the electrolyzed water generation device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a configuration example of a container of a storage unit of the electrolyzed water generation device.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 2. For convenience of explanation, the upper side of FIGS. 1 to 4 is “upper end”, and the lower side is “lower end”.
Say

Electrolytic water generator 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2
Is a drip-type electrolyzed water generation apparatus that causes the water to be electrolyzed stored in the storage section to pass between the electrodes of the electrolysis section by a head, and electrolyzes to generate electrolyzed water.

As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the electrolyzed water generator 1 contains an apparatus body 10 for generating electrolyzed water, and stores the generated electrolyzed water, and is detachably attached to the apparatus body 10. And the container 7.

The apparatus main body 10 includes a base 5 and a case main body 2.
A storage unit 3 for storing the water to be electrolyzed; and an electrolysis unit 4 for electrolyzing (electrolyzing) the water to be electrolyzed to obtain electrolyzed water. Hereinafter, these will be described.

The case main body 2 is set on a base 5, and a lower part of the case main body 2 has a container main body 7 of a container 7.
1 is provided with a container loading section 12 in which the container 1 is detachably loaded. The container loading section 12 includes a pair of side walls 21 and 22 formed on both sides, a rear wall 23, an upper wall 24, and the base 5. In addition, a storage unit 3 is provided on an upper portion of the case body 2.

The storage section 3 includes a container 31 detachable from the case body 2 and an electrolytic cell 41 described later, and a projection 321.
Is formed with the lid 32 formed.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, at the lower end of the container 31, there is formed a rectangular opening 311 (portion indicated by oblique lines in FIG. 6) for discharging the stored electrolyzed water. I have. The area (opening area) of the opening 311 near the electrolytic cell 41 is defined as S1.

The container 31 may be a soft container (a soft container) or a hard container (a hard container).

When the container 31 is a soft container, its constituent materials include, for example, various rubbers such as natural rubber, butyl rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, nitrile butadiene rubber, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene,
Polyolefins such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT);
Polyurethane, polyamide, silicone, polyester elastomer, polyamide elastomer, thermoplastic elastomer such as styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer, nylon, aluminum sheet, etc., and one or more of these are used as a mixture. be able to.

When the container 31 is a rigid container, the constituent materials thereof include, for example, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the like, and one or more of these may be mixed. Can be used.

The constituent material of the lid 32 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include the same materials as those of the container 31 described above.

Although the capacity of the container 31 is not particularly limited,
In consideration of the miniaturization of the device, it is preferably about 10 to 300 ml, more preferably about 10 to 150 ml, and 30 to 100 ml.
About ml is more preferable.

A predetermined amount of water to be electrolyzed is stored in the container 31. The electrolyzed water is water containing a predetermined salt (chloride).

Examples of the chloride include sodium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride and the like. Of these, sodium chloride is preferred.

It is preferred that the water to be electrolyzed contains at least one pH adjuster. pH of electrolyzed water generated using a diaphragm-free electrode (diaphragm-less electrolytic cell), which has a simple device structure by containing a pH adjuster
Can be adjusted to a preferable value.

Examples of the pH adjuster include acids such as hydrochloric acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, trans-aconitic acid, potassium hydrogen phthalate, sodium hydrogen maleate, and the like. Mixture, also
Examples thereof include a mixture of an organic acid such as citric acid and sodium citrate, and acetic acid and sodium acetate, and a sodium salt of the organic acid. Among these, succinic acid and acetic acid are preferred, in which the degree of the activity of the available chlorine produced by electrolysis decreases with time.

Further, the water to be electrolyzed may contain various additives, for example, a buffer for pH adjustment, a phosphate, a carbonate and the like, if necessary. Hereinafter, the water to be electrolyzed will be representatively described using a sodium chloride aqueous solution.

Inside the case body 2 and below the storage section 3, an electrolysis section 4 is installed.

The electrolytic section 4 includes an electrolytic tank 41 provided below the storage section 3 and a pair of plate-like electrodes disposed opposite to each other in the electrolytic tank 41, that is, an electrode plate (anode) 42 and an electrode plate. It comprises an electrode pair consisting of a (cathode) 43 and a circuit 44 for energizing the electrode pair shown in FIG.

The electrolytic cell 41 is a non-diaphragm electrolytic cell having no diaphragm between the electrode plate 42 and the electrode plate 43. Thereby, as compared with the case of using an electrolytic cell having a diaphragm, the configuration of the apparatus can be further simplified, and since no alkaline waste liquid is generated, a required amount of electrolyzed water is generated with a smaller amount of electrolyzed water. There is an advantage that can be. In the present invention, it goes without saying that an electrolytic cell having a diaphragm may be used.

At the lower part of the electrolytic cell 41, a discharge part 411 for discharging the generated electrolytic water is formed. The lower part of the container 31 is fitted into the upper part of the electrolytic cell 41.

The constituent material of the electrolytic cell 41 includes, for example, hard materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, acrylic resin, and hard vinyl chloride.

The electrode plates 42 and 43 are installed in the electrolytic cell 41 such that the back surface of the opposing surface is in close contact with the inner surface of the electrolytic cell 41. The electrode plates 42 and 43 are provided at the base end of the terminal 422 and the base end of the terminal 432, respectively.
Are fixed (adhered) with an adhesive 412.

The constituent materials of the electrode plates 42 and 43 are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include copper, titanium (Ti), and stainless steel. Of these, titanium is preferable.

On the surfaces of the electrode plates 42 and 43,
For example, it is preferable to apply a noble metal plating such as gold or platinum.

By using such electrode plates 42 and 43, the electrolytic efficiency is improved and the durability is excellent.

As shown in FIG. 3, the electrode plate 42 and the electrode plate 4
3 have the same shape and the same dimensions, and the vertical directions in FIG. 3 are opposite to each other.

The opposing surfaces of the electrode plates 42 and 43 and the back surface thereof are all flat surfaces.

[0048] Of the opposing surfaces of the electrode plates 42 and 43, portions (exposed surfaces) 421 and 431 exposed in the electrolytic cell 41 are portions (surfaces) that can function as electrodes.
Each of the exposed surfaces 421 and 431 has a rectangular shape.

The exposed surfaces 421 and 431 of these electrode plates 42 and 43 are parallel to each other, and the directions of the short sides 423 and 433 are vertical (the direction of gravity).
It is installed to match.

The distance (distance between electrodes) d between the exposed surface 421 of the electrode plate 42 and the exposed surface 431 of the electrode plate 43 is 0.5
５5 mm, preferably 1.0-3.9 mm
It is more preferably about 1.5 to 2.9 mm, still more preferably about 1.5 to 2.9 mm, and particularly preferably about 1.7 to 2.3 mm.

If the distance d between the electrodes is less than 0.5 mm, the hydrogen gas (bubbles) between the electrode plates 42 and 43 will be reduced when the ratio a / b between a and b described later is relatively small. )
, The effective chlorine concentration of the electrolyzed water generated thereby decreases (electrolysis efficiency decreases).

When the distance d between the electrodes exceeds 5 mm, the effective chlorine concentration of the generated electrolyzed water decreases when the ratio a / b between a and b described later is relatively small.

When the length of the exposed surface 421 of the electrode plate 42 and the exposed surface 431 of the electrode plate 43 in the horizontal direction (the direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity) is a, and the length in the vertical direction is b. , A> b. And a
The ratio a / b between b and b is preferably about 1.01 to about 30, and more preferably about 1.1 to about 10.
By setting a and b as described above, the average time required for the generated hydrogen gas to escape from between the electrode plate 42 and the electrode plate 43 to the upper side thereof is reduced, and the electrode plate 42 and the electrode plate 4
The ratio of hydrogen gas between 3 and 3 is reduced, thereby increasing the effective chlorine concentration of the generated electrolyzed water (electrolysis efficiency is improved).

As shown in FIG. 7, when the area of the flow path 413 between the electrode plate 42 and the electrode plate 43 in the horizontal cross section (flow path area in the horizontal plane) is S2, the container 31 The ratio S1 / S2 of the area (opening area) S1 and S2 of the opening 311 is 0.5 or more, preferably 0.7 or more, more preferably 0.9 or more, and 1
More preferably, it is more preferably about 1 to 10.

When S1 / S2 is less than 0.5, hydrogen gas (bubbles) generated on the electrode plate 43 side is difficult to escape from between the electrode plates 42 and 43 to the upper side (the bubble removal property). Deteriorates), the ratio of hydrogen gas between the electrode plate 42 and the electrode plate 43 increases, and the effective chlorine concentration of the electrolyzed water generated thereby decreases (electrolysis efficiency decreases).

The nozzle 11 is provided on the upper wall 24 of the case body 2. This nozzle 11 is connected to the electrolytic cell 4
The upper end is located inside the case main body 2, and the lower end protrudes downward from the upper wall 24.

The upper end of the tube 9 is connected to the discharge part 411 of the electrolytic cell 41,
The lower end of the tube 9 is connected. Tube 9
It has flexibility and is made of, for example, a polyolefin such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), or a polymer material such as polyamide, polyester, silicone rubber, or polyurethane. I have.

In the electrolyzed water generator 1, the flow rate of the generated electrolyzed water is adjusted (set) by, for example, changing the inner diameter of the nozzle 11.

The flow rate is not particularly limited, but may be 2-3.
It is preferably about 00 ml / min, more preferably about 10 to 150 ml / min.

Further, inside the case body 2, an opening / closing means 6 for opening / closing the lumen (flow path) of the tube 9, that is, the flow path of the electrolytic water, is provided.

The opening / closing means 6 comprises a solenoid 61, a rod-shaped clamp member 62, a projection (not shown), and a support portion 63 for rotatably (rotatably) supporting the clamp member 62. Is located between the left end 621 of the clamp member 62 in FIG. 2 and a projection (not shown).

The clamp member 61 is installed so as to be rotatable about the shaft 631 of the support portion 63 around the center thereof. The right end 622 of the clamp member 62 in FIG. 2 is connected to the tip of the plunger 611 of the solenoid 61. On the other hand, an intermediate portion of the tube 9 is sandwiched between a left end portion 621 of the clamp member 62 on the left side in FIG. 2 and a protrusion (not shown) to close (close) the lumen of the tube 9.

When the solenoid 61 is not energized, the plunger 611 contracts, and the tube 9 is sandwiched between the end 621 of the clamp member 62 and the projection, whereby the lumen of the tube 9 is closed. .

When the solenoid 61 is energized,
The plunger 611 is extended, the clamp member 62 rotates in a direction in which the end 621 is separated from the protrusion (tube 9), and the lumen of the tube 9 is opened (opened).

The opening / closing means 6 is not limited to the one having the above-mentioned structure. For example, various manual valves (manual valves) such as a stopcock type, a cam type and a roller clamp type, and various electric valves such as an electromagnetic valve. (Electrically operated valve) or the like can be used. An electric valve is preferable between a manual valve and an electric valve from the viewpoint of easy operation. In addition, by using the electric valve, as described later, the energization / stop of the current between the electrode plates 42 and 43 and the opening and closing of the valve (opening and closing of the lumen of the tube 9) can be linked. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the electrolyzed water from flowing into the container 31 while the valve is kept open, and to prevent the electrolyzed water from falling into the container body 71 without being electrolyzed.

As shown in FIG. 5, an energizing circuit (power supply means)
44, a power supply (DC power supply) 441, a current control circuit 442 for controlling a current supplied to the electrode pair, and a switch 443
It is composed of The plus terminal of the power supply 441 is connected to the terminal 422 of the electrode plate 42 via the current control circuit 442, and the minus terminal of the power supply 441 is connected to the terminal 432 of the electrode plate 43.

When the switch 443 is off, no power is supplied to the electrode pair. When the switch 443 is turned on, the current control circuit 442 operates, and a predetermined current (power) is supplied to the electrode pair.

The power supply circuit 44 also functions as a power supply circuit to the solenoid 61 described above. That is,
The plus terminal of the power supply 441 is connected to one end of the coil of the solenoid 61 via the current control circuit 442,
The negative terminal 41 is connected to the other end of the coil of the solenoid 61.

Therefore, when power is supplied between the electrode plates 42 and 43, power is supplied to the solenoid 61 via the current control circuit 442 at the same time, and the plunger 611 is supplied.
Is extended, and the clamp member 62 rotates in a direction in which the end 621 is separated from the projection (tube 9), and the tube 9
When no current is supplied between the electrode plate 42 and the electrode plate 43, no current is supplied to the solenoid 61, and the lumen of the tube 9 is closed.

Note that, for example, a power supply control circuit, a voltage control circuit, or the like can be used instead of the current control circuit 442 or in combination with the current control circuit 442.

The current control circuit, the voltage control circuit, and the power supply control circuit may have, for example, a function capable of independently controlling the electrode pair side and the solenoid 61 side.

The electrolyzed water generator 1 has a detection unit (not shown) for detecting an electrolysis voltage (voltage between the electrode plates 42 and 43).

This detecting section detects the electrolytic voltage, and when the detected value exceeds a preset threshold value, a signal (stop signal) for stopping the operation of the current control circuit 442.
Is sent to the current control circuit 442.

The solenoid 61, the electrode plate 42, and the electrode plate 43 are controlled by the current control circuit 442 and the detection unit.
Stop means for automatically stopping power supply to the interval is configured.

In the electrolytic section 4, the electrode plate 42, the electrode plate 4
3 is energized, and in this state, the container 31 of the storage unit 3
When the electrolyzed water sent from the reactor passes through the electrolytic cell 41, that is, between the electrode plate 42 and the electrode plate 43, the electrolyzed water is electrolyzed, and the electrode plate (anode) 42 is reacted by a reaction represented by the following formula. Hypochlorite (HOCl) is generated on the side, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen gas (H ₂ ) are generated on the electrode plate (cathode) 43 side, and electrolyzed water containing these is obtained.

[0076]

Embedded image

[0077]

Embedded image

The pH of the generated electrolyzed water at 25 ° C. is preferably about 3 to 7, more preferably about 4 to 6.5, and more preferably about 4.5 to 5.5. Is particularly preferred. FIG. 8 shows a change in the existing ratio of available chlorine contained in the electrolyzed water, that is, hypochlorous acid (HOCl), hypochlorite ion (OCl ⁻ ), and chlorine molecule (Cl ₂ ) with respect to pH. As shown in FIG. 8, when the pH is too small, the abundance ratio of chlorine molecules in the electrolyzed water tends to increase, and the effective chlorine amount becomes unstable. The chlorite ion abundance ratio tends to increase, and in any case, the disinfecting / bactericidal effect (particularly, the bactericidal effect in the presence of protein) decreases. Therefore, the pH of the electrolyzed water is preferably in the above range.

The produced electrolyzed water preferably has an effective chlorine concentration of about 1 to 200 ppm.
More preferably about 100 ppm,
It is particularly preferred that it is about 0 ppm. If the effective chlorine concentration is too low, the disinfecting and disinfecting effects (particularly the bactericidal effect in the presence of protein) will not be sufficiently exhibited, and if the effective chlorine concentration is too high, it will be safe to use on the human body. Decrease. Therefore, if the application is not for the human body,
The available chlorine concentration may be greater than 200 ppm.

The temperature of the electrolyzed water is preferably about 0 to 60 ° C., more preferably about 5 to 50 ° C., and 10 to 40 ° C.
C. is more preferable. When the temperature of the electrolyzed water is within the above range, it is possible to more reliably prevent the freezing phenomenon of water from occurring, and it is possible to more reliably prevent burns during use.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the container 7
It is composed of a container body 71 and a spray nozzle (ejection device) 72 detachably mounted on the container body 71.

At the upper part of the container body 71, a mounting portion 711 having a screw formed on the outer periphery is formed.

The capacity of the container body 71 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 10 to 150 ml, and 30 to 100 ml.
About ml is more preferable. By setting the capacity of the container body 71 as described above, the portability can be improved, and a sufficient amount of electrolytic water can be stored.

As a constituent material of the container body 71, for example, the same material as that of the container 31 described above can be used.

The spray nozzle 72 has a function as a lid of the container body 71 and a function as a spray device for spraying (discharging) the electrolytic water stored in the container body 71. That is, the spray nozzle 72 includes a pump mechanism (manual pump) (not shown) and a pressing operation unit 722 provided with the nozzle 721 and operating the pump mechanism.
A pipe 724 includes a mounting portion 723 formed with a screw that can be screwed into the mounting portion 711 of the container body 71 on an inner peripheral portion.

When the mounting portion 723 of the spray nozzle 72 is screwed into the mounting portion 711 of the container main body 71, the spray nozzle 72 is mounted on the container main body 71, and when the pressing operation portion 722 is pressed, the pump is driven by the driving force. The mechanism operates, whereby the electrolyzed water contained in the container body 71 is jetted (discharged) from the nozzle 721 via the pipe 724.

A holder 8 for detachably holding the spray nozzle 72 is formed on the left side of the case body 2 in FIG. The holder 8 has a hole (through hole) 8 into which the pipe 724 of the spray nozzle 72 is inserted.
1 is formed.

Note that the spraying device is the spray nozzle 7
Not limited to 2, for example, a piston-type device using a piston motion in a cylinder, a device that injects electrolytic water in the container body 71 by pressing a pusher to pressurize the container body 71, and the like. No. Among these, the latter system is simple and preferable.

Further, the form of the nozzle 721 (injection form)
Is not particularly limited, for example, a form in which one or a plurality of lines of electrolyzed water is jetted out (as a jet), a form in which electrolyzed water is spouted in a shower form, and a form in which electrolyzed water is sprayed in a mist form No.

Next, the operation of the electrolyzed water generator 1 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
The container main body 71 is loaded into the container loading section 12 of FIG. In this case, the container main body 71 is arranged such that the nozzle 11 is located in the opening 712 of the container main body 71 when viewed from above (when viewed from the vertical direction).

Further, a finger is put on the projection 321 of the lid 32 of the storage section 3, and the lid 32 is removed from the container 31.
1, a predetermined amount of water to be electrolyzed is stored in
Attach to 1.

Next, the switch 443 is turned on. As a result, the current control circuit 442 operates, and electricity is supplied between the electrode plate 42 and the electrode plate 43. At the same time, electricity is supplied to the solenoid 61, the plunger 611 is extended, and the clamp member 62 has its end 621 projecting. It rotates in the direction away from the part (tube 9), and the lumen of the tube 9 is opened.

When the lumen of the tube 9 is opened, the storage section 3 is opened.
The electrolyzed water stored in the container 31 is sent (flows down) from the opening 311 into the electrolytic cell 41 by a drop (gravity), and passes between the electrode plate 42 and the electrode plate 43.

When the electrolyzed water sent from the container 31 passes between the electrode plate 42 and the electrode plate 43 of the electrolysis tank 41, the electrolyzed water is electrolyzed as described above to generate electrolyzed water. You.

The generated electrolytic water is discharged from the discharge part 411 of the electrolytic cell 41, passes through the tube 9, and passes through the nozzle 11
From the container body 71.

When the switch 443 is turned off, the current control circuit 442 stops its operation, and the electrode plate 42, the electrode plate 43
And the solenoid 61 is not energized at the same time, the plunger 611 contracts, and the clamp member 62 rotates in a direction in which the end 621 approaches the protruding portion (tube 9). Tube 9 with protrusion
Is pinched, thereby closing the lumen of the tube 9. In this way, a predetermined amount of electrolyzed water is stored in the container body 71.

When the operator does not perform the operation of turning off the switch 443, all the water to be electrolyzed stored in the container 31 passes between the electrode plates 42 and 43,
When electrolysis is performed, the electric resistance between the electrodes increases, so that the electrolytic voltage (the voltage between the electrode plates 42 and 43) rapidly increases.

A detection section (not shown) detects the electrolytic voltage, and when the detected value exceeds a preset threshold value, outputs a signal (stop signal) for stopping the operation of the current control circuit 442 to the detection section. To the current control circuit 442.

When the stop signal is input, the current control circuit 442 stops its operation. That is, as described above, the energization between the electrode plate 42 and the electrode plate 43 is stopped, and at the same time, the energization to the solenoid 61 is also stopped, and the tube 9 is sandwiched between the end 621 of the clamp member 62 and the protrusion. , The lumen of the tube 9 is closed.

As described above, even if the operator does not perform the operation of turning off the switch 443, when the generation of the electrolyzed water is completed, the switch 443 is automatically turned off and the initial state is returned.

The stopping means is not limited to the above-described one. For example, the switch 443 may be turned off a predetermined time after the switch 443 is turned on. The predetermined time may be set (adjusted) to an arbitrary value.

Next, the container body 7 containing the electrolyzed water
1 is removed from the container loading section 12, and the spray nozzle 72 is removed.
Is removed from the holder 8, and the spray nozzle 72 is attached to the container body 71 as shown in FIG.

As a result, a container 7 containing electrolyzed water is obtained.
Can be supplied (sprayed).

For example, when performing disinfection and disinfection, the container 7 is grasped by hand, the nozzle 721 of the spray nozzle 72 is directed to a target (target portion), and the pressing operation section 722 is pressed with a finger. Thus, the electrolytic water stored in the container body 71 is jetted (discharged) from the nozzle 721 via the pipe 724.

The jet of the injected electrolytic water collides with an object to be disinfected and disinfected (for example, the surface of a living body), and disinfects and disinfects it.

As described above, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 causes the water to be electrolyzed to pass between the electrode plate 42 and the electrode plate 43 of the electrolysis section 4 by a head, and electrolyzes to generate electrolyzed water. Since it is a drip-type electrolyzed water generation device, the configuration is simple and it is advantageous for miniaturization.

In particular, compared to a batch type electrolyzed water generator (for example, JP-A-11-10159) in which an electrode for electrolysis is immersed in a container in which electrolyzed water is stored, the electrolyzed water is higher in a shorter time. Can be generated.

In the batch type electrolyzed water generating apparatus, electrolyzed water cannot be generated until a certain time (a time corresponding to the amount of electrolyzed water stored in the container) has elapsed.
Since the electrolyzed water is continuously generated in the electrolyzed water generator 1, the electrolyzed water can be used when a required amount of the electrolyzed water is generated.

The container of the batch type electrolyzed water generating apparatus is relatively large and is not suitable for carrying. However, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1, the container 7 is detachable, has a relatively small capacity, and is small in size. Because it is lightweight, it is suitable for carrying.

That is, it is possible to put the container 7 containing only the required amount of electrolyzed water in, for example, a pocket or bag (bag) of clothes so that daily life such as work, housework, going out, etc. can be sent without difficulty. it can.

For example, when the patient receives the container 7 containing the electrolyzed water,
It is suitable for periodically disinfecting and sterilizing the affected part (eg, atopy) of the patient and the percutaneous opening of the indwelling catheter.

Further, since the container 7 is detachable, the operation of spraying the electrolytic water (supply to the target portion) can be performed extremely easily.

Further, since the container 7 has the spray nozzle 72, the electrolyzed water can be easily and quickly jetted out when necessary, which is very convenient.

Here, in the case of an electrolyzed water generator provided with a means (for example, a pump or the like) for sending the water to be electrolyzed to the electrolysis section, the direction in which hydrogen gas (bubbles) between the electrodes escapes and the direction in which the solution is sent And are the same. That is, the hydrogen gas between the electrodes is sent by the power of the pump together with the generated electrolyzed water in the same direction as the electrolyzed water, so that the influence of the hydrogen gas is hardly a problem. In this case, the electrolyzed water flows downward between the electrodes, and the hydrogen gas flows upward against the flow of the electrolyzed water.

According to the electrolyzed water generation device 1, the hydrogen gas release property can be improved.

That is, in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1, the area S1 of the opening 311 of the container 31 and the area S2 of the flow path 413 between the electrode plate 42 and the electrode plate 43 in the horizontal cross section are shown.
Is set to the value described above,
The generated hydrogen gas (bubbles) tends to escape upward from between the electrode plate 42 and the electrode plate 43, and the ratio of the hydrogen gas between the electrode plate 42 and the electrode plate 43 during the generation of electrolyzed water decreases. This increases the electrolysis efficiency.

Further, by setting the distance d between the electrodes to the above-mentioned value, the electrolytic efficiency can be improved and the power consumption can be reduced.

By setting a> b, the ratio of hydrogen gas between the electrode plate 42 and the electrode plate 43 during the generation of electrolyzed water can be reduced, thereby improving the electrolysis efficiency.

Although the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention has been described based on the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of each part may be any configuration having the same function. Can be replaced by

Further, the apparatus for generating electrolyzed water according to the present invention
In particular, in addition to the use for percutaneous opening of an indwelling catheter in an affected part or CAPD, disinfection and sterilization (sterilization) of various medical instruments, etc., for example, finger, skin, intraoral, wound (wound area), colostomy It can also be applied to washing and disinfecting of the outlet part of the vehicle, daily hand washing, beauty (such as astringent) and the like. The field of use is not limited to medical use, and can be used in all fields, places, and objects, for example, for food, agriculture, industrial use, and home use.

[0121]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Conditions of Electrolyzed Water Generator (Examples 1, 2 and Comparative Example 1) An electrolyzed water generator having the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 was manufactured. By changing the area (opening area) S1 (length of the long side of the opening) of the opening of the storage section in the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, the opening area S1 and the area of the flow path between the electrodes in the horizontal cross section are changed. (Flow area) The ratio S1 / S2 to S2 was set as shown in Table 1 (Examples 1, 2 and Comparative Example 1).

The electrode plate is formed by plating platinum on titanium. The horizontal length a is 5.0 cm, the vertical length b is 2.0 cm, and the electrode area (a × b) is , 1
0.0 cm ² , the distance d between the electrodes was 2.0 mm, and the channel area S2 (d × a) was 1.0 cm ² .

As the water to be electrolyzed, a sodium chloride concentration of 0.1 was used.
Electrolysis was performed using an aqueous solution having 9% w / v and a succinic acid concentration of 0.01% w / v at an electrolytic current of 200 mA and a flow rate of 50 ml / min to produce electrolytic water.

In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the nozzle 1 depends on the residual amount of the electrolyzed water in the storage section 3.
Since the amount of electrolyzed water falling from 1 fluctuates, the flow rate is a value calculated from the following equation (1).

Flow rate (ml / sec) = amount of water to be electrolyzed (ml) / time required for drip (sec) (1)

2. Measurement For Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Example 1, the effective chlorine concentration in the generated electrolytic water was measured. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

The method for measuring the effective chlorine concentration is as follows. <Method for measuring available chlorine> The iodine method was used for measuring the available chlorine concentration. That is, 30 ml of a sample is taken in a flask, and RO water is added thereto to make 300 ml.
10 ml of a 7.5% potassium iodide solution and 5 ml of 50% acetic acid were added, and the mixture was allowed to stand still in a refrigerator for 5 minutes.
Titrate with sodium N-thiosulfate solution (titer f = 0.999), and after the solution becomes light yellow,
l and titration was performed until the blue color of the iodine starch disappeared. The effective chlorine concentration was calculated from the following equation (2).

Effective chlorine concentration (ppm) = 0.3545 × titration (ml) × f × 1000/30 (2)

[0129]

[Table 1]

As shown in Table 1, by setting S1 / S2 to 0.5 or more, the generated hydrogen gas (bubbles) can easily escape upward from between the electrodes, and the ratio of the hydrogen gas between the electrodes can be reduced. Therefore, the effective chlorine concentration of the electrolyzed water is high.
That is, it was confirmed that the electrolysis efficiency was high.

On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1 in which S1 / S2 is less than 0.5, the bubble removability is poor, the ratio of hydrogen gas between the electrodes is high, and the effective chlorine concentration of the electrolyzed water is low. That is, it was confirmed that the electrolysis efficiency was low.

[0132]

As described above, according to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present invention, there are provided a batch type electrolyzed water generating apparatus and a means (for example, a pump or the like) for feeding the water to be electrolyzed to the electrolysis section. The configuration is simpler than that of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus, and is advantageous for miniaturization.

In particular, the ratio S1 / S2 of the area S1 of the opening of the storage section to the area S2 of the flow path between the electrodes in the horizontal section.
Is set to the value described above, the generated hydrogen gas (bubbles) easily escapes from above between the electrodes (is easily removed), and the hydrogen gas (bubbles) between the electrodes during generation of electrolyzed water
Can be reduced, thereby improving the electrolysis efficiency.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view (partially showing a cross section) showing an embodiment of an electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a pair of electrode plates of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing a configuration example of a container for storing electrolyzed water in the electrolyzed water generation device shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the electrolyzed water generation device shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a container of a storage unit of the electrolyzed water generation device shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the pH of electrolyzed water and the proportion of each component in the electrolyzed water.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrolyzed water generation apparatus 10 Device main body 2 Case main body 21, 22 Side wall 23 Rear wall 24 Top wall 3 Storage part 31 Container 311 Opening 32 Cover 321 Projection 4 Electrolytic part 41 Electrolytic tank 411 Discharge part 412 Adhesive 413 Flow path 42 Electrode plate (Anode) 421 Exposed surface 422 Terminal portion 423 Short side 43 Electrode plate (cathode) 431 Exposed surface 432 Terminal portion 433 Short side 44 Current supply circuit 441 Power supply 442 Current control circuit 443 Switch 5 Base 6 Opening / closing means 61 Solenoid 611 Plunger 62 Clamp Member 621, 622 End 63 Support 631 Shaft 7 Container 71 Container main body 711 Mounting part 712 Opening 72 Spray nozzle 721 Nozzle 722 Pressing operation part 723 Mounting part 724 Pipe 8 Holder 81 Hole part 9 Tube 11 Nozzle 12 Container loading part

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Masatomi Sasaki 1500 Inoguchi, Nakai-machi, Ashigarakami-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture F-term in Terumo Corporation (reference) 4D061 DA01 DB01 DB07 DB10 EA03 EA04 EB01 EB14 EB16 EB17 EB19 EB30 EB33 EB37 EB39 ED12 ED12 ED12 ED12 ED12 ED12 ED20 GA14 GC01 GC11 GC12 GC18

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An electrolysis apparatus comprising: a storage section having an opening for storing electrolyzed water and discharging the electrolyzed water into an electrolysis tank; and an electrolysis apparatus provided below the storage section and having at least a pair of electrodes in the electrolysis tank. An electrolyzed water generating apparatus that passes the electrolyzed water stored in the storage section between the electrodes by a head and electrolyzes to generate electrolyzed water, the area of the opening of the storage section being provided. S1, wherein the ratio S1 / S2 of S1 to S2 is 0.5 or more, where S2 is the area of the flow path between the electrodes in the horizontal cross section of the channel. 2. The distance between the pair of electrodes is 0.5 to 5 m.
The electrolyzed water generation device according to claim 1, wherein m is m. 3. The shape of the surface of the pair of electrodes exposed in the electrolytic cell is substantially rectangular, and when the length in the horizontal direction is a and the length in the vertical direction is b, a The electrolyzed water generation device according to claim 1 or 2, which satisfies the relationship of> b. 4. The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 1, wherein the pair of electrodes are made of titanium. 5. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein noble metal plating is applied to surfaces of the pair of electrodes. 6. The electrolyzed water generation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an opening / closing unit that opens and closes the flow path of the electrolyzed water. 7. The electrolyzed water generation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a container loading section into which the container for storing the electrolyzed water is removably mounted. 8. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the container has a nozzle for jetting the electrolyzed water stored in the container. 9. The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 1, wherein the electrolyzed water has a pH of 3 to 7. 10. The effective chlorine concentration of the electrolyzed water is 1 to 20.
The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the concentration is 0 ppm.