JP2007075730A - Apparatus for generating electrolytic water - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus for generating electrolytic water, from which electrolytic water having a desired pH value can be obtained efficiently even when an electrolytic voltage is lowered and the amount of waste water is made small. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus for generating electrolytic water by impressing a voltage between a cathode 1 and an anode 2 is provided with: the cathode 1; the anode 2 arranged to be opposed to the cathode 1 while leaving a predetermined distance between them; a diaphragm 3 arranged between the cathode 1 and the anode 2; and a cathode flow passage 6 arranged between the cathode 1 and the diaphragm 3 for circulating raw water from an inlet to an outlet. A water-permeable member 7 through which raw water is made to pass is arranged between the anode 2 and the diaphragm 3 and abutted on each of the anode and the diaphragm so that a part of the raw water flowing through the cathode flow passage 6 is made to pass through the diaphragm 3 and then through the water-permeable member 7 and discharged to the outside together with a hydrogen ion generated on the surface of the anode 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating device used for an alkaline ionized water device and the like, and more particularly to a technique for generating electrolyzed water having a desired pH at a low voltage and a small amount of drainage.

  Conventionally, methods for electrolyzing water using an electrolytic cell include, for example, techniques described in Patent Document 1 and the like, and these include tap water directly or water from tap water by adsorption purification unit such as activated carbon. After passing through the filter medium part such as a hollow fiber membrane and removing impurities in the water, it is introduced into an electrolytic cell having a structure in which a facing negative electrode and a nonwoven fabric, an ion exchange membrane, etc. are arranged between them, and electric energy is added. By doing so, ionic species, gas components, active species, etc. are generated and water is reformed.

  The membrane used in the electrolyzer is mainly an electrically neutral membrane such as a non-woven fabric. However, depending on the ion species, such as a cation exchange membrane or an anion exchange membrane, the passage of the membrane is inhibited. A membrane is also used.

  The purpose of using a neutral membrane as a membrane is to prevent hydrogen ions, hydroxide ions, and the like generated by water electrolysis from being mixed by water diffusion and water flow, resulting in failure to obtain desired electrolyzed water. The purpose of using an ion exchange membrane is to obtain desired product water more efficiently by further preventing the movement of cations or anions.

  In electrolysis of dilute water such as tap water, river water, and well water, it is important to reduce the distance between the anode and the cathode in order to reduce the electrolysis voltage. Usually, in the case of an electrolytic cell in which a pair of electrodes and a diaphragm are sandwiched between them, the smaller the distance between the electrodes, the better, and the electrolysis voltage can be further reduced.

  However, in practice, in order to allow water to flow between the electrodes, it is necessary to take a certain distance between the electrodes, and the distance between the anode and the cathode is 2 mm to 10 mm in consideration of water channel clogging due to precipitation of calcium in the water. Usually, a diaphragm is provided in the middle.

In order to reduce the distance between the electrodes, the configuration of the electrolytic cell in which the electrodes and the diaphragm are brought into contact with each other includes a technique described in Patent Document 2 and the like, and either or both of the electrodes and the diaphragm are arranged in contact with each other. Water is passed through the surface of the electrode opposite to the surface in contact with the electrode to conduct electrolysis. In this case, the main purpose is to use an ion exchange membrane mainly for the diaphragm and not to change the pH of water.
JP-A-55-1822 JP 2003-245669 A

  Also, in order to use water discharged from the cathode side, it is necessary to reduce the amount of drainage from the anode side as much as possible, and in order to use water discharged from the anode side, it is necessary to reduce the amount of water discharged from the cathode side as much as possible. is necessary.

  For example, when cathode water (alkaline water) is desired, reducing the amount of drainage on the anode side can be achieved by controlling the amount of water entering the anode tank. However, when the amount of water entering the anode tank is extremely reduced, the speed at which water passes through the anode tank decreases, so that the residence time in the anode tank becomes long. Then, the concentration of hydrogen ions generated by electrolysis increases in the anode tank, and the proportion of hydrogen ions that pass through the diaphragm and enter the cathode tank increases. As a result, the pH increase of the cathode water (or anode water) is suppressed to a low level.

  Therefore, in order to solve such a conventional problem, the present invention provides an electrolyzed water generating apparatus capable of efficiently providing electrolyzed water having a desired pH value even if the electrolysis voltage is kept low and the amount of drainage is reduced. The purpose is to provide.

  Usually, in an electrolysis reaction of water in an electrolytic cell provided with a pair of electrodes and a diaphragm between them, hydrogen ions and oxygen are generated by electrolytic decomposition of water on the anode surface, and hydroxide ions and hydrogen are generated on the cathode surface. As a result, acidic oxygen-dissolved water rich in hydrogen ions is formed on the anode side, and alkaline dissolved hydrogen water rich in hydroxide ions is formed on the cathode side.

  Here, when the anode is in contact with the diaphragm and water is passed between the other side of the diaphragm and the cathode, when electrolysis is performed, hydroxide ions and hydrogen are generated in the same way at the cathode. To do. At the anode, the water that has permeated the membrane undergoes an electrolytic reaction near the contact surface between the membrane and the anode to generate oxygen and hydrogen ions. At this time, there is water resistance only between the cathode and the diaphragm, and the electrolysis voltage becomes small. However, since there is little water in the vicinity of the contact surface with the anode, the concentration of hydrogen ions is high, and the hydrogen ions pass through the membrane and flow into the cathode chamber, resulting in cancellation of the hydroxide ions generated at the cathode.

  In order to prevent this, the water-permeable member is first brought into contact with the diaphragm, and then the anode is brought into contact with the water-permeable member so as to be sandwiched between the water-permeable member and the diaphragm. By providing this water-permeable member, a flow of water that allows the raw water to pass from the cathode channel to the diaphragm is forcibly generated, and further, the water-permeable member is passed through and electrolyzed on the anode surface. Further, the raw water that has passed through the water-permeable member can also be electrolyzed by passing water through the anode. In other words, in the present invention, a forced water flow is provided so that the concentration of hydrogen ions generated on the anode surface does not increase and reversely flow through the diaphragm, and is removed from the system as waste water.

  In addition, when the cathode is brought into contact with the water-permeable member, the flow of water passing through the diaphragm and further the water-permeable member from the anode flow path side, in addition to the flow of water passing through the cathode, is forcibly created. Is removed from the system so that the hydroxide ion concentration generated in the above does not increase.

  According to the present invention, since the water-permeable member provided so as to be in contact with each other between the anode and the diaphragm, a part of the raw water flowing through the cathode channel is created to flow through the diaphragm to the water-permeable member. Hydrogen ions generated on the surface are drained out of the system together with a part of the raw water through this water-permeable member. As a result, there is no difference in ion concentration on both sides of the diaphragm, and only specific ions (hydrogen ions) can be prevented from traveling back and forth during electrolysis, and the pH of the cathode water can be changed efficiently.

  Further, according to the present invention, similarly, a flow of water flowing through the diaphragm to the water permeable member through a part of the raw water flowing through the anode channel by the water permeable member provided so as to be in contact with the cathode and the diaphragm, respectively. Therefore, hydroxide ions generated on the cathode surface are drained out of the system together with a part of the raw water through this water-permeable member. As a result, there is no difference in ion concentration on both sides of the diaphragm, it is possible to prevent only specific ions (hydroxide ions) from traveling back and forth during electrolysis, and to efficiently change the pH of the anode water. it can.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, desired cathode water or anode water can be produced with a low voltage and a small amount of drainage.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

“Embodiment 1”
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a cathode 1, an anode 2 disposed opposite to the cathode 1 at a predetermined distance, and a space between the cathode 1 and the anode 2. 2 and a cathode channel 6 provided between the cathode 1 and the diaphragm 3 for flowing raw water from the inlet pipe 4 to the outlet pipe 5. Is a water conditioner that generates electrolyzed water.

  For the diaphragm 3, for example, a non-woven fabric such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or polyethylene, or a membrane having water permeability such as a ceramic membrane is used. The diaphragm 3 is disposed between the cathode 1 and the anode 2.

  For the cathode 1 and the anode 2, for example, a platinum plate electrode plated with Pt (platinum) is used. A cathode channel 6 through which raw water such as tap water, river water, and well water flows is provided between the diaphragm 3 and the cathode 1. On the other hand, a water-permeable member 7 is provided between the diaphragm 3 and the anode 2 to allow a part of the raw water flowing through the cathode channel 6 to flow. The water-permeable member 7 is provided so as to be sandwiched between the anode 2 and the diaphragm 3 so that one surface is in contact with the anode 2 and the other surface is in contact with the diaphragm 3.

  For the water-permeable member 7, it is important not to disturb the water flow so that drainage can be performed smoothly. For example, Teflon (registered trademark name of DuPont), fluororesin, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene Terephthalate or the like is used. The diaphragm 3 and the water permeable member 7 need to be in contact with each other, but the diaphragm 3 and the water permeable member 7 may be integrated in advance. Further, since the anode 2 and the water permeable member 7 are in contact with each other in the same manner, it is possible to reduce the water channel between the anode 2 and the diaphragm 3 and reduce the electrolysis voltage.

  The water-permeable member 7 functions as a drainage channel, and drains hydrogen ions generated on the surface of the anode 2 together with a part of raw water (water) flowing through the cathode channel 6 to the outside of the system. Therefore, a water distribution pipe 8 for draining outside the system is connected to one end side of the water-permeable member 7.

  In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus configured as described above, the raw water passes through the inlet pipe 4 and enters the cathode channel 6. In the cathode channel 6, the raw water partially passes through the diaphragm 3 and further passes through the water-permeable member 7 and flows as drainage. At this time, on the surface of the anode 2, an electrolysis reaction of water as in the following formula (1) occurs, and hydrogen ions and oxygen are generated.

2H ₂ O → 4H ₊ + O ₂ + 4e ₋ (1) Formula The generated hydrogen ions and oxygen are removed from the surface of the anode 2 by the water flowing from the diaphragm 3 through the water-permeable member 7, It is discharged to the water distribution pipe 8 through the aqueous member 7.

  In the cathode channel 6, water is electrolyzed on the surface of the cathode 1 by a reaction such as the following formula (2).

4H ₂ O + 4e ₋ → 4OH ₋ + 2H ₂ (2) Formula The hydrogen generated at this time is partially dissolved in the water flowing through the cathode channel 6. At the same time as the generation of hydrogen, hydroxide ions are also generated. In the case of the present embodiment, since the hydrogen ion concentration does not increase on the surface of the anode 2, there is no difference in ion concentration on both sides of the diaphragm 3, and only specific ions (for example, hydrogen ions) move back and forth during electrolysis. There is no. For this reason, according to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of this Embodiment, the pH of cathode water can be changed efficiently. That is, the pH of the cathode water can be set to a desired pH value in the range of low alkali to high alkali.

  Usually, in the case of electrolysis of an alkaline ionized water apparatus, a neutral diaphragm is provided between the anode and the cathode, and neither the anode nor the cathode is in contact with the diaphragm, and the electrolysis voltage is the water between the anode and the diaphragm. In this embodiment, the distance between the anode and the diaphragm is small and can be ignored, and the resistance is only the resistance of water between the cathode and the diaphragm. It becomes.

  Moreover, in the case of electrolysis of a normal alkaline ionized water device, if the amount of anodic water that is drainage is reduced and reduced, the residence time of water on the anode side surface of the diaphragm is long and there are many unique ions (for example, hydrogen ions). Therefore, it becomes easy to move the film and go to the cathode side. This reduces the pH change of the cathode water. FIG. 2 shows that the amount of water discharged is the same in an electrolytic cell (indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 2) of a conventional alkaline ionized water device, which is a conventional example, and in an electrolytic cell of the present embodiment (indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2). The pH of the water flowing through the cathode channel when the amount of drainage is reduced in some cases is shown.

  In the conventional alkaline ionized water electrolyzer, when the amount of drainage is decreased, the pH of water discharged from the cathode side is greatly lowered at a drainage amount of 500 ml / min or less. Therefore, below this amount of drainage, the electrolysis efficiency becomes worse. On the other hand, in the electrolytic cell of the present embodiment, it finally begins to drop at a drainage amount of 300 ml / min or less.

  According to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present embodiment, part of the raw water flowing through the cathode channel 6 passes through the diaphragm 3 by the water-permeable member 7 provided so as to be in contact with the anode 2 and the diaphragm 3. Since the flow of water flowing to 7 is created, the hydrogen ions generated on the anode surface can be drained out of the system together with a part of the raw water through the water-permeable member 7. As a result, there is no difference in ion concentration on both sides of the diaphragm 3, and only specific ions (hydrogen ions) can be prevented from traveling back and forth during electrolysis, and the pH of the cathode water can be changed efficiently. it can. That is, according to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present embodiment, the pH of the cathode water can be set to a desired pH value in the range of low alkali to high alkali.

In the above example, the anode 2, the water permeable member 7, and the diaphragm 3 are brought into contact with each other with the water permeable member 7 interposed therebetween, but this is not restrictive, and the cathode 1 with the water permeable member 7 interposed therebetween. Then, the water-permeable member 7 and the diaphragm 3 are brought into contact with each other to form an anode flow path through which raw water flows between the anode 2 and the diaphragm 3, and hydroxide ions generated on the cathode surface are allowed to flow through the anode flow path. The water-permeable member 7 may be allowed to pass along with a part of the water and drained out of the system. In addition, the amount of drainage varies depending on the amount of water discharged, and is not limited to this. If this is done, the hydroxide ions generated on the surface of the cathode 1 are transferred to the anode channel as in the above-described embodiment. The water can be forcibly drained out of the system without flowing out, and the pH of the anode water can be changed efficiently.

“Embodiment 2”
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolyzed water generating device according to the second embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the anode 2 or the cathode 1 in contact with the water permeable member 7 has an electrode structure having water permeability, and the raw water and ions that have passed through the diaphragm 3 and the water permeable member 7 have this water permeability. The discharged anode 2 or cathode 1 is allowed to drain out of the system.

  Specifically, a shape that allows water to pass through the electrode itself is selected. As an electrode through which water can pass, for example, a mesh electrode, a plating electrode, a honeycomb electrode, a punching metal electrode, a porous electrode, and the like can be used. In the present embodiment, the Pt-plated titanium mesh electrode is brought into contact with the water member 7, thereby reducing the water channel between the anode 2 and the diaphragm 3 and reducing the electrolysis voltage.

  The raw water and ions passing through the anode 2 or the cathode 1 are drained to a drainage channel 9 provided on the back side of the anode 2 or the cathode 1 in contact with the water-permeable member 7 and are discharged from the water distribution pipe 8 connected to the drainage channel 9 to the outside of the system. Let it drain into.

  According to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present embodiment, part of the raw water that has flowed through the cathode channel 6 passes through the diaphragm 3 and the water-permeable member 7, and further passes through the anode 2 to the drainage channel 9. Since a drained water flow is created, the generated hydrogen ions and oxygen can be drained from the electrode surface to the outside by the water flowing from the diaphragm 3 through the anode 2. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the hydrogen produced on the anode surface when passing through the anode 2 as compared with the case where hydrogen ions are removed from the surface of the anode 2 through only the water-permeable member 7. Since the ions are surely removed through the anode 2, the efficiency is high.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since the hydrogen ion concentration does not increase on the anode surface, there is no difference in ion concentration on both sides of the diaphragm 3, and only specific ions (for example, hydrogen ions) go back and forth during the electrolysis. There is no. For this reason, according to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present embodiment, the pH of the cathode water can be efficiently changed (the pH of the cathode water is set to a desired pH value in the range of low alkali to high alkali).

  In FIG. 3, the anode 2, the water permeable member 7, and the diaphragm 3 are in contact with each other with the water permeable member 7 interposed therebetween, but this is not a limitation, and the cathode 1 with the water permeable member 7 interposed therebetween. The water-permeable member 7 and the diaphragm 3 are brought into contact with each other to form an anode flow path for circulating raw water between the anode 2 and the diaphragm 3, and hydroxide ions generated on the cathode surface are converted into raw water flowing through the anode flow path. You may make it let the diaphragm 3, the water-permeable member 7, and the cathode 1 pass along with a part, and to drain out of the system.

  In this way, as in the structure of FIG. 3, hydroxide ions generated on the surface of the cathode 1 can be forcibly drained out of the system without flowing into the anode flow path. Can be efficiently changed.

“Embodiment 3”
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolyzed water generating device according to the third embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, the structure of the electrode in contact with the water permeable member 7 is changed to the structure of the second embodiment (structure in FIG. 3), and the surface of the water permeable member 7 opposite to the surface in contact with the diaphragm 3 is An electrode is formed by plating or coating a noble metal. Since other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment, description of common portions will be omitted.

  Specifically, a metal that does not act as an electrode for water electrolysis, such as Ti (titanium), is used for the water-permeable member 7, and Pt (platinum), Au (gold), or the like is provided on the surface of the water-permeable member 7 opposite to the diaphragm 3. A function as an electrode is provided by plating or coating a noble metal. For example, since titanium metal and the like form an oxide film on the surface, they are rarely used as electrodes for water electrolysis. However, titanium plated with Pt is widely used as an electrode for water electrolysis. In the present embodiment, a composite of a water-permeable member and an electrode having characteristics as an electrode only on one side while providing water permeability by plating or applying a noble metal such as Pt or Au on one side of a mesh made of titanium. Form.

  In FIG. 4, the anode 2 is formed by plating or coating a noble metal on the back surface of the water-permeable member 7 made of titanium mesh.

  According to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present embodiment, a part of the raw water that has flowed through the cathode channel 6 passes through the diaphragm 3 and the water-permeable member 7, and the noble metal is plated on the back surface of the water-permeable member 7. Since a flow of water drained to the drainage channel 9 through the anode 2 formed by coating is created, the generated hydrogen ions and oxygen are separated from the diaphragm 3 by the water flowing through the anode 2 and the electrode. It can be drained out of the system from the surface.

  Explaining this in detail, a part of the raw water in the cathode channel 6 passes through the diaphragm 3 and passes through the combined water-permeable member 7 and anode 2 and is drained to the drainage channel 8. . The water-permeable member 7 passes water, but the electrode reaction does not occur because the base material is Ti. However, in the portion (anode 2) formed on the back surface side of the water-permeable member 7, hydrogen ions and oxygen generated by electrolysis of water are removed from the electrode surface as waste water. When one side of the water-permeable member 7 is plated or coated, the electrode surface does not face the cathode 1 side, so hydrogen ions and oxygen are generated on the surface opposite to the cathode 1 (surface on the drainage channel 8 side). In other words, it is generated at the farthest position from the cathode 1. For this reason, the amount of hydrogen ions flowing out to the cathode 1 side through the diaphragm 3 is further reduced.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since the hydrogen ion concentration does not increase on the anode surface, there is no difference in ion concentration on both sides of the diaphragm 3, and only specific ions (for example, hydrogen ions) go back and forth during the electrolysis. There is no. For this reason, according to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present embodiment, the pH of the cathode water can be efficiently changed (the pH of the cathode water is set to a desired pH value in the range of low alkali to high alkali).

  In FIG. 4, the anode 2 is formed by plating or applying metal to the back surface (the surface opposite to the surface in contact with the diaphragm 3) of the water-permeable member 7 made of titanium mesh. The anode water passage is formed between the anode 2 and the diaphragm 3 by forming a composite with the water-permeable member 7, and hydroxide ions generated on the cathode surface are converted into a portion of the raw water flowing through the anode passage. The membrane 3, the water-permeable member 7, and the cathode 1 may be passed along with the part to drain out of the system.

  In this way, like the structure of FIG. 4, hydroxide ions generated on the surface of the cathode 1 can be forcibly drained out of the system without flowing out into the anode flow path. Can be efficiently changed.

“Embodiment 4”
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolyzed water generating device according to the fourth embodiment.

  In the fourth embodiment, the structure of the electrode in contact with the water-permeable member 7 is changed to the structure of the second embodiment (the structure of FIG. 3), and the noble metal mesh electrode or the noble metal is plated on one or both surfaces of the water-permeable member 7 or The electrode is formed by coating. Since other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment, description of common portions will be omitted.

  Specifically, a metal made of a titanium mesh that does not act as an electrode for water electrolysis, such as Ti (titanium), is used for the water-permeable member 7, and titanium that is plated with a noble metal such as Pt or Au is used for the electrode (anode 2). Use plate electrodes. Alternatively, a metal made of titanium mesh is used for the water-permeable member 7, and an electrode obtained by plating or applying a noble metal such as Pt or Au on one side or both sides of another titanium mesh (mesh metal) is used for the electrode. For example, since titanium metal and the like form an oxide film on the surface, they are rarely used as electrodes for water electrolysis. However, titanium plated with Pt is widely used as an electrode for water electrolysis.

  In FIG. 5, the anode 2 is formed by bringing the diaphragm 3 and the water-permeable member 7 made of titanium mesh into contact with each other, and further bringing the Pt-plated titanium mesh electrode into contact with the water-permeable member 7 made of titanium mesh.

  According to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present embodiment, part of the raw water that has flowed through the cathode channel 6 passes through the diaphragm 3 and the water-permeable member 7, and further passes through the anode 2 to the drainage channel 9. Since a drained water flow is created, the generated hydrogen ions and oxygen can be drained from the electrode surface to the outside by the water flowing from the diaphragm 3 through the anode 2. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since the hydrogen ion concentration does not increase on the anode surface, there is no difference in ion concentration on both sides of the diaphragm 3, and only specific ions (for example, hydrogen ions) go back and forth during the electrolysis. There is no. For this reason, according to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present embodiment, the pH of the cathode water can be efficiently changed (the pH of the cathode water is set to a desired pH value in the range of low alkali to high alkali).

  Moreover, when the metal which does not act as an electrode of water electrolysis, such as Ti, is used for the water permeable member 7 like this Embodiment, the electroconductivity of the water permeable member 7 is utilized. That is, a fine mesh, a thin electrode, etc. as the anode 2 may cause a current density distribution when a current is passed. In that case, electrolysis of water occurs frequently in the portion where the current density is high, and there is a possibility that the hydrogen ion concentration becomes high and the water cannot be sufficiently drained with running water. In addition, the electrode surface may be significantly deteriorated. For this reason, it does not hold as an electrode for water electrolysis, but a metal having sufficient conductivity can be used as the water-permeable member 7.

  In FIG. 5, the anode 2 is formed in contact with the water-permeable member 7 made of titanium mesh, but the cathode 1 is brought into contact with the water-permeable member 7 instead of the anode 2, and raw water is supplied between the anode 2 and the diaphragm 3. An anode flow path is formed, and hydroxide ions generated on the cathode surface are drained out of the system through the diaphragm 3, the water-permeable member 7 and the cathode 1 together with a part of the raw water flowing through the anode flow path. You may make it make it.

  In this way, like the structure of FIG. 5, the hydroxide ions generated on the surface of the cathode 1 can be forcibly drained out of the system without flowing into the anode flow path. Can be efficiently changed.

“Embodiment 5”
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolyzed water generating device according to the fifth embodiment.

  In the fifth embodiment, the water-permeable member 7 is changed to the structure of the fourth embodiment (the structure shown in FIG. 5) to form an insulator. Since other configurations are the same as those of the fourth embodiment, description of common portions will be omitted.

  Specifically, since it is preferable to use a material that does not deteriorate even when it comes into contact with the electrode, for example, an organic resin such as ABS (a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene) or a fluorine-based resin, ceramics, or the like An insulator made of this inorganic material is used as the water-permeable member 7. Of course, the water-permeable member 7 made of this insulator has a water-permeable property for passing water and ions.

  In FIG. 6, the anode 2 is formed by bringing the diaphragm 3 and the water-permeable member 7 made of ABS into contact with each other, and further bringing the Pt-plated titanium mesh electrode into contact with the water-permeable member 7 made of ABS.

  According to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present embodiment, part of the raw water that has flowed through the cathode channel 6 passes through the diaphragm 3 and the water-permeable member 7, and further passes through the anode 2 to the drainage channel 9. Since a drained water flow is created, the generated hydrogen ions and oxygen can be drained from the electrode surface to the outside by the water flowing from the diaphragm 3 through the anode 2. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since the hydrogen ion concentration does not increase on the anode surface, there is no difference in ion concentration on both sides of the diaphragm 3, and only specific ions (for example, hydrogen ions) go back and forth during the electrolysis. There is no. For this reason, according to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present embodiment, the pH of the cathode water can be efficiently changed (the pH of the cathode water is set to a desired pH value in the range of low alkali to high alkali).

  By the way, since the electric potential is applied to the electrode surface during electrolysis of water, depending on the material, the electrode surface may be baked depending on the electric potential. However, in this embodiment, since the water-permeable member 7 made of an insulator is disposed between the anode 2 and the diaphragm 3, the water-permeable member 7 insulates the potential to prevent the surface of the anode 2 from being burned. be able to.

  In particular, when an organic resin such as ABS or fluorine-based resin, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or the like is used as the water-permeable member 7, ozone or active oxygen is used in addition to gas components such as hydrogen and oxygen during water electrolysis. Although active species that affect water quality and electrolysis efficiency such as the above are generated, the influence of this active species can be suppressed. Further, when an inorganic material such as ceramics is used for the water-permeable member 7, the temperature of the electrode locally rises during the electrolysis of water, causing the water-permeable member 7 to deteriorate or affecting the water quality and electrolysis efficiency. However, the influence of heat can be suppressed with ceramics having excellent heat resistance.

  In FIG. 6, the anode 2 is formed in contact with the water-permeable member 7 made of an insulator, but the cathode 1 is brought into contact with the water-permeable member 7 instead of the anode 2, and raw water is supplied between the anode 2 and the diaphragm 3. An anode flow path is formed, and hydroxide ions generated on the cathode surface are drained out of the system through the diaphragm 3, the water-permeable member 7 and the cathode 1 together with a part of the raw water flowing through the anode flow path. You may make it make it.

  In this way, like the structure of FIG. 6, hydroxide ions generated on the surface of the cathode 1 can be forcibly drained out of the system without flowing out into the anode flow path. Can be efficiently changed.

“Embodiment 6”
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolyzed water generating device according to the sixth embodiment.

  In the sixth embodiment, the electrode has a mesh structure, and a reinforcing portion such as a mesh having a larger wire diameter, punching metal, or porous body is superimposed on the mesh portion of the electrode opposite to the side in contact with the water-permeable member 7. Structure. Since other configurations are the same as those of the structure of the fifth embodiment, description of common portions will be omitted.

  The electrode brought into contact with the water-permeable member 7 is considered to have a smaller current density and an improved electrolysis efficiency when the diameter hole is reduced. However, in the case of a mesh electrode, if the hole diameter is reduced, it is necessary to reduce the diameter of the wire used. . Therefore, the mesh electrode has no rigidity and is greatly deformed by the resistance of water. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a metal conductor, an organic conductor thick mesh, punching metal, porous body on the opposite side of the surface of the anode 2 made of Pt-plated titanium mesh that contacts the water-permeable member 7. The reinforcing part 10 such as the above is brought into contact to reinforce the electrode itself, and at the same time, it is possible to allow a current to flow uniformly through the mesh electrode. Note that the reinforcing portion 10 may be provided between the water-permeable member 7 and the anode 2.

  According to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present embodiment, a part of the raw water that has flowed through the cathode channel 6 is passed through the water-permeable member 7 made of the diaphragm 3 and the insulator, and further reinforced by the reinforcing portion 10. Since a flow of water drained to the drainage channel 9 through the anode 2 is created, the generated hydrogen ions and oxygen are transferred from the electrode surface to the outside by the water flowing from the diaphragm 3 through the anode 2. It can be drained. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since the hydrogen ion concentration does not increase on the anode surface, there is no difference in ion concentration on both sides of the diaphragm 3, and only specific ions (for example, hydrogen ions) go back and forth during the electrolysis. There is no. For this reason, according to the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of the present embodiment, the pH of the cathode water can be efficiently changed (the pH of the cathode water is set to a desired pH value in the range of low alkali to high alkali).

  In FIG. 7, the anode 2 is formed in contact with the water-permeable member 7, but the anode flow in which the cathode 1 is brought into contact with the water-permeable member 7 instead of the anode 2 and the raw water is circulated between the anode 2 and the diaphragm 3. The hydroxide ions generated on the surface of the cathode are passed through the cathode 1 reinforced by the diaphragm 3, the water-permeable member 7 and the reinforcing portion 10 together with a part of the raw water flowing through the anode flow path to form the outside of the system. You may make it drain to.

  In this way, like the structure of FIG. 6, hydroxide ions generated on the surface of the cathode 1 can be forcibly drained out of the system without flowing out into the anode flow path. Can be efficiently changed.

“Embodiment 7”
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolyzed water generating device according to the seventh embodiment.

  In Embodiment 7, the flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the raw water flowing in the cathode flow channel 6 or the anode flow channel is provided at the inlet or the outlet of the cathode flow channel 6 or the anode flow channel. By controlling the internal pressure in the road, the amount of water discharged outside the system is adjusted. Since other configurations are the same as those of the structure of the fifth embodiment, description of common portions will be omitted.

  Specifically, a fixed orifice 11 or a flow rate adjusting valve (not shown) is provided at the outlet of the cathode channel 6 as a flow rate adjusting means, and the cathode channel 6 is adjusted by adjusting the fixed orifice 11 or the flow rate adjusting valve. Adjust the internal pressure and control to drain the desired amount of drainage.

  In the electrolyzed water generating device, raw water flows through the cathode channel 6, and a part of the raw water flows through the diaphragm 3 and further flows through the anode 2 via the water-permeable member 7 and then flows into the drainage channel 9. The amount of drainage is determined by the pore diameter of the diaphragm 3. For this reason, depending on the diaphragm 3, a desired amount of drainage may not be obtained.

  In order to prevent this, in the seventh embodiment, the fixed orifice 11 or the flow rate adjusting valve is provided at the outlet of the cathode flow path 6 to control the internal pressure in the cathode flow path 6 so that the drainage amount becomes a desired value. For example, if the fixed orifice 11 is adjusted to increase the internal pressure in the cathode channel 6, raw water can easily flow from the diaphragm 3 through the anode 2 through the water-permeable member 7, and there is no difference in ion concentration between both sides of the diaphragm 3. It is possible to prevent only specific ions (for example, hydrogen ions) from traveling back and forth during electrolysis.

  Although the fixed orifice 11 is provided at the outlet of the cathode channel 6 in FIG. 8, the same effect can be obtained even if the fixed orifice 11 is provided at the inlet of the cathode channel 6. If the fixed orifice 11 is provided at the outlet of the cathode channel 6, the amount of water discharged from the cathode channel 6 can be adjusted, and if the fixed orifice 11 is provided at the inlet of the cathode channel 6, the amount of inflow into the cathode channel 6. Therefore, the internal pressure in the cathode channel 6 can be varied.

  Further, in FIG. 8, the anode 2 is brought into contact with the diaphragm 3 through the water-permeable member 7 made of an insulator, and the cathode water is discharged. May be contacted. When the cathode 1 is brought into contact with the diaphragm 3, a flow rate adjusting means such as a fixed orifice 11 or a flow rate adjusting valve is provided at the inlet or outlet of the anode flow path between the diaphragm 3 and the anode 2.

  Further, in FIG. 8, a fixed orifice, a flow rate adjusting valve, and the like are used as means for determining the water discharge amount. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a separate water discharge path is provided, or another means is used to connect the cathode flow path 6 or the anode flow path. Even if the inflow is changed, the same effect can be obtained.

“Eighth embodiment”
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolyzed water generating device according to the eighth embodiment.

  In the eighth embodiment, a drainage amount detecting means for detecting the amount drained to the outside of the system is provided, the drainage amount is monitored by the control unit, and the flow rate adjusting means is controlled according to the measured value to control the internal pressure in the flow path. Is controlled. Since other configurations are the same as those of the structure of the fifth embodiment, description of common portions will be omitted.

  Specifically, the drainage pipe 8 connected to the drainage channel 9 is provided with a flow rate sensor 12 as drainage amount detection means for detecting the amount of drainage flowing through the drainage pipe 8, and is a flow rate adjustment means at the outlet of the cathode channel 6. A variable orifice 13 is provided, and the controller 14 which is an adjustment unit for controlling the internal pressure in the cathode flow path 6 controls the variable orifice 13 according to the amount of drainage (measured value) monitored by the flow sensor 12, and the cathode The internal pressure of the cathode flow path 6 is adjusted by controlling the amount of water flowing into or discharged from the flow path 6, and adjustment is performed so as to obtain a desired amount of drainage.

  For example, in general tap water, the dynamic water pressure and the hydrostatic pressure differ greatly depending on the height difference of the faucet, the thickness of the pipe, and the distance from the water purification plant. The amount of drainage that sequentially passes through the diaphragm 3 and the anode 2 from 6 varies depending on the region. In order to prevent this, in the present embodiment, the amount of drainage is monitored by a flow rate sensor 12 attached to the drain pipe 8, and depending on the measured value, the variable orifice 13 is controlled by the controller 14, and the internal pressure in the cathode channel 6 is controlled. To the desired value. The variable orifice 13 may be adjusted manually by the controller 14 or automatically.

  According to the present embodiment, the flow rate sensor 12 monitors the amount of drainage while controlling the amount of water flowing into the cathode channel 6 or the amount of water discharged by the variable orifice 13, thereby adjusting the internal pressure of the cathode channel 6 as desired. It can be set as the amount of drainage. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the pH value of the discharged water that varies depending on the amount of drainage can be easily and arbitrarily controlled.

  Although the variable orifice 13 is provided at the outlet of the cathode channel 6 in FIG. 9, the same effect can be obtained even if the variable orifice 13 is provided at the inlet of the cathode channel 6.

  In FIG. 9, the anode 2 is brought into contact with the diaphragm 3 through the water-permeable member 7 made of an insulator and the cathode water is discharged. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cathode 1 is passed through the water-permeable member 7. May be contacted. When the cathode 1 is brought into contact with the diaphragm 3, a flow rate adjusting means such as a variable orifice 13 or a flow rate adjusting valve is provided at the inlet or outlet of the anode flow path between the diaphragm 3 and the anode 2.

  In FIG. 9, the variable orifice 13 and the flow rate adjusting valve are used as means for controlling the water discharge amount. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a separate water discharge path is provided, or other means is used to connect the cathode flow path 6 or the anode flow path. The same effect can be obtained by controlling the inflow amount, or by separately displaying the situation using a signal unit to control the inflow amount.

“Embodiment 9”
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolyzed water generating device according to the ninth embodiment.

  In the ninth embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the fifth embodiment, a water intake pipe 15 and a drain pipe 8 for distributing raw water to the drainage channel 9 are provided. Since other configurations are the same as those of the structure of the fifth embodiment, description of common portions will be omitted.

  Specifically, in order to efficiently remove the waste water that has passed through the anode 2 in contact with the diaphragm 3 with the water-permeable member 7 interposed therebetween, the back side of the anode 2 (the side opposite to the contact surface with the diaphragm 3) ) Are connected to a drainage pipe 9 for continuously supplying tap water, river water, well water, and the like to the drainage channel 9, and tap water or the like is introduced from the inlet pipe 15.

  In the present embodiment, in order to allow running water to flow through the drainage channel 9 from the bottom to the top, the inlet pipe 15 is provided on the lower side in FIG. 10 and the drainage pipe 8 is provided on the upper side.

  According to the present embodiment, since the hydrogen ions discharged to the drainage channel 9 through the anode 2 are drained to the drainage pipe 8 by the flowing water flowing in from the inlet pipe 15, the cathode whose pH is changed efficiently. Can discharge water.

  In FIG. 10, the anode 2 is brought into contact with the diaphragm 3 through the water-permeable member 7 made of an insulating material, and the cathode water is discharged. However, this is not restrictive, and the cathode 1 is brought into contact with the diaphragm 3 through the water-permeable member 7. You may let them. When the cathode 1 is brought into contact with the diaphragm 3, a water inlet pipe 15 and a drain pipe 8 for supplying raw water to a drainage channel 9 provided on the back surface of the cathode 1 are provided. By doing in this way, the hydroxide ion discharged | emitted to the drainage channel 9 through the cathode 1 is discharged | emitted to the drainage pipe 8 with the flowing water which flowed in from the inlet pipe 15. FIG.

  In FIG. 10, tap water is allowed to flow through the drainage channel 9 from the bottom to the top. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Flowing water from top to bottom, from the bottom to the middle, from the middle to the top and bottom, from the front to the back, from the back to the front A route is considered.

  In FIG. 10, tap water or the like is caused to flow through the drainage channel 9, but the same effect can be obtained even if water is allowed to flow through the water-permeable member 7 that is considered to have high concentrations of hydrogen ions and oxygen. When water is allowed to flow through the water-permeable member 7, the electrode need not have a water-permeable electrode structure, and may be a flat plate electrode.

“Embodiment 10”
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolyzed water generating device according to the tenth embodiment.

  In the tenth embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the fifth embodiment, a branch pipe 16 for supplying a part of the electrolyzed water discharged from the outlet of the cathode channel 6 to the drainage channel 9 is provided. Specifically, in order to efficiently remove hydrogen ions that have passed through the anode 2 in contact with the diaphragm 3 to the outside of the system, a part of the electrolyzed water (cathode water) electrolyzed and discharged in the cathode channel 6 is The water is supplied to the drainage channel 9 through a branch pipe 16 connected to a water intake pipe 15 provided at the upper part of the drainage channel 9.

  According to the present embodiment, during electrolysis, the electrolyzed water electrolyzed in the cathode channel 6 flows through the branch pipe 16 to the drainage channel 9, and flows through the drainage channel 9 from the upper part to the lower part. The hydrogen ions generated in the step are drained out of the system from the drainage pipe 8 together with the flowing water (electrolyzed water). Therefore, according to this Embodiment, the electrolyzed water (cathode water) which changed pH efficiently can be discharged.

  In FIG. 11, the anode 2 is brought into contact with the diaphragm 3 through the water-permeable member 7 made of an insulator, and the cathode water is discharged. However, the cathode 1 is brought into contact with the diaphragm 3 through the water-permeable member 7. May be. When the cathode 1 is brought into contact with the diaphragm 3, a part of the electrolyzed water discharged from the outlet of the anode channel is supplied to the drainage channel 9 through the branch pipe 16. By doing in this way, the hydroxide ion discharged | emitted to the drainage channel 9 through the cathode 1 is discharged | emitted to the drainage pipe 8 by the electrolyzed water (anode water) which flowed in from the branch pipe 16. FIG.

  In FIG. 11, the electrolyzed water is allowed to flow from the top to the bottom in the drainage channel 9, but this is not limited to this, and the water flow paths such as bottom to top, top to bottom, middle to top and bottom, front to back, back to front, etc. Can be considered.

  In FIG. 11, the electrolyzed water discharged into the drainage channel 9 is made to flow, but the same effect can be obtained even if water is made to flow through the water-permeable member 7 that is considered to have high concentrations of hydrogen ions and oxygen. It is done. When water is allowed to flow through the water-permeable member 7, the electrode need not have a water-permeable electrode structure, and may be a flat plate electrode.

2 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolyzed water generating device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. In the electrolytic cell of the conventional alkaline ionized water device that is a conventional example and the electrolytic cell of the present embodiment, the pH of water flowing through the cathode channel when the amount of discharged water is reduced when the amount of discharged water is the same is shown. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of Embodiment 2. It is sectional drawing of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of Embodiment 3. It is sectional drawing of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of Embodiment 4. It is sectional drawing of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of Embodiment 5. It is sectional drawing of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of Embodiment 6. It is sectional drawing of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of Embodiment 7. It is sectional drawing of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of Embodiment 8. It is sectional drawing of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of Embodiment 9. It is sectional drawing of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus of Embodiment 10. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Cathode (electrode)
2 ... Anode (electrode)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 ... Diaphragm 4 ... Inlet pipe 5 ... Outlet pipe 6 ... Cathode flow path 7 ... Water-permeable member 8 ... Drain pipe 9 ... Drain path 10 ... Reinforcement part 11 ... Fixed orifice (flow rate adjustment means)
12 ... Flow sensor (Drainage detection means)
13. Variable orifice (flow rate adjusting means)
14 ... Controller (Adjustment unit)
15 ... Inlet pipe 16 ... Branch pipe

Claims (11)

A cathode, an anode disposed opposite to the cathode at a predetermined distance, a diaphragm provided between the cathode and the anode, and provided between the cathode and the diaphragm; An electrolyzed water generator comprising a cathode flow path that circulates to an outlet, and generates electrolyzed water by applying a voltage between the cathode and the anode,
Providing a water permeable member for allowing the raw water to pass between the anode and the diaphragm, respectively, passing a part of the raw water flowing through the cathode channel through the diaphragm, and further allowing the water permeable member to pass; A part of the raw water is drained out of the system together with hydrogen ions generated on the anode surface. An anode, a cathode disposed opposite to the anode at a predetermined distance, a diaphragm provided between the anode and the cathode, and provided between the anode and the diaphragm; An electrolyzed water generator comprising an anode flow channel that circulates to an outlet, and generates electrolyzed water by applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode,
Providing a water permeable member for allowing the raw water to pass between the cathode and the diaphragm, passing a part of the raw water flowing through the anode channel through the diaphragm, and further allowing the water permeable member to pass; A part of the raw water is drained out of the system together with hydroxide ions generated on the cathode surface. It is an electrolyzed water generating apparatus of Claim 1 or Claim 2, Comprising:
The anode or the cathode in contact with the water-permeable member has an electrode structure having water permeability, and the anode and the cathode having water permeability are used as raw water and ions that have passed through the diaphragm and the water-permeable member. An electrolyzed water generator characterized by passing the water out of the system. The electrolyzed water generating device according to claim 3,
The electrolyzed water generating apparatus characterized in that the anode or the cathode in contact with the water-permeable member is used as an electrode by plating or coating a noble metal on a surface opposite to the surface in contact with the diaphragm of the water-permeable member. . The electrolyzed water generating device according to claim 3,
The anode or the cathode in contact with the water-permeable member is an electrode made of a noble metal mesh electrode, or an electrode obtained by plating or coating a noble metal on one or both sides of a mesh metal. . The electrolyzed water generating device according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
The electrolyzed water generating apparatus, wherein the water-permeable member is formed of an insulator. The electrolyzed water generating device according to any one of claims 3 to 6,
The electrolyzed water generating apparatus, wherein the anode or the cathode in contact with the water-permeable member has a structure having a mesh structure and a reinforcing portion provided on a side opposite to the side in contact with the water-permeable member. The electrolyzed water generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of raw water flowing in the cathode flow path or the anode flow path is provided at the inlet or outlet of the cathode flow path or the anode flow path, and the internal pressure in the flow path is controlled by the flow rate adjusting means. The electrolyzed water generating device is characterized in that the amount of drained water discharged outside the system is adjusted. It is an electrolyzed water generating apparatus of Claim 8, Comprising:
Waste water detection means for detecting the amount drained out of the system;
An electrolyzed water generating apparatus comprising: an adjusting unit that monitors the amount of drainage and controls the flow rate adjusting means according to the measured value to control the internal pressure in the flow path. The electrolyzed water generating device according to any one of claims 3 to 9,
An electrolyzed water generating apparatus characterized in that a drainage channel is provided on the back surface side of the anode or the cathode in contact with the water-permeable member, and a water intake pipe and a water distribution pipe for distributing raw water are provided in the drainage channel. It is an electrolyzed water generating apparatus of Claim 10, Comprising:
An electrolyzed water generating apparatus, comprising: a branch pipe that supplies part of the electrolyzed water discharged from the cathode channel or the outlet of the anode channel to the drainage channel.

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