JP2014205118A - Functional water generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a functional water generator which uses a one-tank type electrolytic vessel, reduces a maintenance load on a user and has high convenience.SOLUTION: In a functional water generator, an electrolysis portion 2 consisting of a metal electrode 11 and an electrode 12 capable of adsorbing and desorbing ions are provided. An acidic water generation mode in which water supplied into the electrolytic vessel is electrolyzed with the metal electrode 11 as the anode and the electrode 12 capable of adsorbing and desorbing ions as the cathode and an alkaline water generation mode in which electrolysis is carried out by reversing polarity of the electrodes relative to the acidic water generation mode are executed selectively in the same electrolytic container 1.

Description

  The present invention relates to a functional water generator that generates functional water selected from acidic water and alkaline water by electrolyzing water using an electrolysis section including an anode and a cathode.

  Conventionally, when an aqueous solution is electrolyzed using a single tank type electrolysis unit to produce acidic water, electrolysis is performed using a platinum electrode on the anode side and an activated carbon electrode on the cathode side, and oxygen is generated (released on the anode side). The resulting hydrogen ions are eluted into the aqueous solution) to lower (acidify) the pH of the solution.

  When using electrolyzed acidic water, since it is necessary to move to another container for performing diffusion etc. separately, it becomes large as a size of an apparatus (refer to patent documents 1).

JP 2010-1117080 A

  In patent document 1, it transferred to another container for performing another diffusion etc., and there was a problem that it was difficult to apply to home appliances that are intended to save space, particularly portable devices.

  Therefore, in the present invention, by using a single tank type electrolytic vessel and using water taken directly from the electrolytic vessel, it is possible to reduce the maintenance burden on the user and provide a functional water generator aimed at saving space. Objective.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the functional water generator according to the present invention is provided with an electrolysis part including an electrode capable of adsorbing and desorbing a metal electrode and ions in an electrolytic vessel, the metal electrode as an anode, Acidic water generation mode in which electrolysis of water supplied to the electrolytic vessel is performed using an electrode capable of absorbing and desorbing ions as a cathode, and alkaline water generation in which the polarity of the electrode is reversed in the acidic water generation mode The mode is selectively performed in the same electrolytic vessel.

  In the said structure, after using 1 tank type electrolytic vessel and selecting 1 type from 2 types, acidic water production | generation mode and alkaline water production | generation mode, water is taken in directly from 1 tank type electrolytic vessel. Therefore, by using the water taken directly from the electrolytic vessel, it is possible to provide a functional water generator that can reduce the maintenance burden on the user and aim to save space.

  As described above, according to the present invention, since the acidic water generation mode and the alkaline water generation mode are selectively performed in the same electrolytic vessel, functional water that can reduce the maintenance burden on the user and is intended to save space. It is possible to provide a generator.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the functional water generator which shows embodiment of this invention. In the said hydrogen dissolved water generator, it is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the electrolysis reaction at the time of acidic water production | generation. In an upper hydrogen dissolved water generator, it is a mimetic diagram for explaining electrolysis reaction at the time of alkaline water production. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 2nd form of the functional water generator of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which removed the electrolytic vessel in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 3rd form of the functional water generator of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the 4th form of the functional water generator of this invention. In FIG. 4, the schematic diagram which shows the form which provided the water intake sideways It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the functional water generator of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a functional water generator according to the present invention, and is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which functional water generated by electrolysis in an electrolytic vessel is misted.

  The functional water generator of this embodiment includes an electrolysis vessel 1 for electrolyzing water, an electrolysis unit 2 installed in the electrolysis vessel 1, a main body 3, and a water intake pipe for taking water in the electrolysis vessel 1. 4 and a water intake 5 formed at the lower end of the water intake pipe 4. The electrolysis part 2 is installed in the lower part in the electrolytic vessel 1.

  The upper part of the electrolytic vessel 1 is covered with the top cover 6, and the intake pipe 4 is installed so as to pass through the top cover 6. The functional water generator includes a mist generator 7. The mist generating device 7 includes an air pump 8, a venturi pipe 9, a pipe 10 connecting the air pump 8 and the venturi pipe 9, and a water intake pipe 4 connected to the venturi pipe 9. The venturi-type mist generator 7 does not require special pressure-proof processing for the top cover 6 that covers the electrolytic vessel 1 as compared with the pressurized mist generator, and can simplify the structure of the functional water generator. .

  As the electrode of the electrolysis unit 2, a metal electrode and an electrode capable of adsorbing and desorbing ions are used. The metal electrode and the electrode that can adsorb and desorb ions are made of a material that does not dissolve by electrolysis. As the metal electrode, for example, any one of platinum, gold, palladium, rhodium, and iridium (or an alloy thereof) is suitable. For example, the surface of an electrode made of titanium may be coated with platinum. .

  As an electrode capable of adsorbing and desorbing ions, a carbon electrode made of a conductive carbon material (for example, carbon fiber, activated carbon, etc.) can be used. Among them, activated carbon having a large specific surface area that adsorbs ions is at least part of the carbon electrode. It is preferable to use for. In the present embodiment, a platinum electrode 11 that is a metal electrode and a carbon electrode 12 that is an electrode capable of adsorbing and desorbing ions are used as electrodes constituting the electrolysis unit 2. In addition, if the electrolysis part 2 unitizes the platinum electrode 11 and the carbon electrode 12, and is provided so that attachment or detachment is possible with respect to the electrolytic vessel 1, it is preferable at the point that a maintenance and electrode replacement | exchange are easy.

  As described above, the functional water generator according to the present invention enables the electrolytic vessel 1 to be attached to and detached from the main body 3 so that water remaining in the container can be moved without moving the main body 3 after electrode cleaning. It becomes possible to drain easily. As a result, user maintenance can be simplified. When the electrolytic container 1 is removed, the mist generating device 7 is removed along with the top cover 6. By allowing the top cover 6 to be removed from the electrolytic container 1, cleaning of the electrode in the electrolytic container 1 can be facilitated.

  In addition, since it is possible to prevent the main body 3 and the like from being splashed with water during cleaning, malfunction due to a short circuit can be prevented. In addition, in order to take an electrical contact at the time of attachment / detachment, a contact is provided on both the electrolytic vessel 1 side and the main body 3 side so as to make an electrical contact.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the main body 3 is provided with a contact electrode 16 for energizing the platinum electrode 11 and the carbon electrode 12 of the electrolytic vessel 1 in a state of being mounted on the main body 5. . A constant current generating source 14 is connected to the contact electrode 16 via the switching circuit 13. The direction of the current supplied to the contact electrode 16 is switched and controlled by the control device 15. The control device 15 is composed of a microcomputer, and controls the amount of current supplied to the electrolysis unit 2 and the direction of the current, and also controls the operation of the air pump 8.

  The platinum electrode 11 and the carbon electrode 12 are formed in a plate shape so that the electrode surface faces in the vertical direction in an upright state, and the electrodes 11 and 12 are arranged to face each other with an interval in the horizontal direction. The intake pipe 4 is arranged so that the intake port 5 is located in the vicinity of the electrolysis unit 2. More specifically, the water intake pipe 4 is arranged so that the water intake 5 is located above the uppermost part of the electrolysis part. In addition, the uppermost part of an electrolysis part means the part which exists in the highest position in the platinum electrode 11 and the carbon electrode 12 here.

According to the above configuration, by arranging the water intake 5 in the vicinity of the platinum electrode 11, H ⁺ ions generated at the platinum electrode 11 when generating acidic water and OH ⁻ ions generated at the platinum electrode 11 when generating alkaline water. Therefore, it is possible to take in these functional waters from an early stage after starting electrolysis (that is, without waiting for the diffusion of the functional water from the platinum electrode 11).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the height of the water intake 5 is desirably higher than the platinum electrode 11. As a result, even if the maximum amount of water is taken, an aqueous solution remains between the platinum electrode 11 and the carbon electrode 12. Therefore, after the functional water has been taken up, the electrode is washed with the residual water to obtain a hardness component. Can be removed by elution.

  The operation of the functional water generator having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the operation content of the functional water generator. First, raw water is supplied into the single tank type electrolytic vessel 1. Ordinary tap water can be used as raw water to be used. Although tap water can be used alone, if necessary, electrolysis can be promoted (voltage value decreased) by adding about 0.1 to 1 wt% of electrolytic additives such as KCl and NaCl. good.

  Electrolysis is performed in a state where the inside of the electrolytic vessel 1 is full. As shown in FIG. 9, the operation mode is roughly divided into I to II as electrolysis. An acidic water generation mode executed with the platinum electrode 11 as an anode and a carbon electrode 12 as a cathode (see FIG. 2), and an alkaline water generation mode in which electrolysis is performed by passing a current whose polarity is reversed. (See FIG. 3) is selectively executed.

  In the present invention, acidic water generated in the acidic water generation mode and alkaline water generated in the alkaline water generation mode are collectively referred to as functional water. In the acidic water generation mode, at the time of electrolysis, oxygen gas is released from the platinum electrode 11 and the remaining hydrogen ions are released into water, so that the acid water is acidified as shown in the following reaction formula (1). Generate.

  Acidic water can be sprayed into the space or the human body without changing the pH of the acidic water by being misted. When sprayed into the space, the sterilizing effect possessed by the acidic water It can be suitably used for air cleaning or humidification applications, such as prevention of bacterial infection due to.

In addition, by spraying acidic water onto the skin or the like, it can be suitably used for cosmetic purposes such as a disinfection effect due to an astrogen effect, activation of the skin, etc., and a skin tightening effect. In addition, as for the pH of the acidic water produced | generated, it is desirable that it is 2.5 or more and 5.0 or less.

On the other hand, in the carbon electrode 12, hardness components such as Mg ions and Ca ions dissolved in water such as tap water are adsorbed on the porous adsorption surface of the carbon electrode 12 as shown in the following reaction formula (2). Thereby, the hardness component density | concentration contained in the obtained acidic water can be reduced.

In the alkaline water generation mode, electrolysis is performed using the carbon electrode 12 as an anode and the platinum electrode 11 as a cathode. Thereby, in the carbon electrode 12 which is an anode, the hardness component M adhering to the electrode surface is eluted as M ²⁺ as shown in the following reaction formula (3).

On the other hand, on the surface of the platinum electrode 11 serving as the cathode, a reaction represented by the following reaction formula (4) occurs, and hydrogen gas (H ₂ ) and hydroxide ions (OH ⁻ ) are generated. Thereby, the water in the electrolytic vessel 1 is alkalinized to generate alkaline water. The pH of the alkaline water is preferably from 9.0 to 11.5.

If alkaline water is used for skin cleaning, hydroxide ions (OH ⁻ ) in alkaline water have a surface-active action by causing a so-called saponification reaction with oils and fats on the skin surface as shown in the following reaction formula (5). Plays and exhibits a cleaning effect. Thus, the convenience of the functional water generator can be further enhanced by effectively using alkaline water. In the formula, Na ⁺ represents sodium ions existing on the skin.

  As described above, the functional water generator of the present invention has the following advantages over the conventional acidic water generator. In other words, conventionally, when acid water is created many times using tap water, the surface of the activated carbon electrode is covered with a hardness component, and the efficiency of electrolysis gradually decreases, and eventually desired electrolysis cannot be performed. It was necessary to perform electrode cleaning to properly reverse the polarity and elute the hardness component.

  On the other hand, in the acidic water generation mode, the functional water generator of the present invention adsorbs hardness components such as Mg ions and Ca ions dissolved in raw water on the surface of the electrode that can adsorb and desorb ions serving as the cathode. On the other hand, in the alkaline water generation mode, the hardness component adhering to the electrode surface capable of absorbing and desorbing ions serving as the anode is ionized and eluted into water.

  Therefore, in the functional water generator of the present invention, by selectively executing the acidic water generation mode and the alkaline water generation mode in the same electrolytic vessel, the amount of the hardness component adhering to the electrode surface capable of adsorbing and desorbing ions is suppressed. It becomes possible to do. Thereby, the frequency which performs electrode washing | cleaning can be reduced and the highly convenient functional water generator which can reduce a user's maintenance burden can be obtained.

  In this embodiment, after performing alkaline water production | generation mode, acidic water production | generation mode is performed continuously. Thereby, there exists an effect which prevents accumulation to the jet nozzle vicinity of the mist generating apparatus 7 of the hardness component (what is called a scale) which becomes a problem when alkaline hard water is used. Furthermore, since alkaline water is used for washing the face, acid water is generated from the remaining alkaline water by electrolysis, and applying this to the skin provides antiseptic effects due to the astrogen effect, skin activation, skin tightening effects, etc. Play.

  Thus, it can use suitably for a cosmetic use by producing | generating alkali water and acidic water in this order. Furthermore, the frequency of electrode cleaning can be further reduced by executing the alkaline water generation mode and the acidic water generation mode as a set.

  The control device 15 stores the amount of electricity of electrolysis performed in the acidic water generation mode (= current × time) and the amount of electricity of electrolysis performed in the alkaline water generation mode. When the value obtained by subtracting the total amount of electricity performed in the alkaline water generation mode from the total amount of electricity performed in the acidic water generation mode exceeds a certain value, the control device 15 The user is informed that electrode cleaning is necessary by lighting up or sounding an alarm.

  When the user supplies water to the electrolysis vessel and presses the electrode cleaning operation button, the control device 15 performs electrolysis in the alkaline water generation mode with an amount of electricity that is slightly excessive from the predetermined value. Thereby, the hardness component adhering to the carbon electrode can be removed. In addition, about the timing which performs electrode washing | cleaning, for example, when functional water is used, the functional water remaining in the electrolytic vessel 1 becomes the minimum amount that can immerse the entire electrolysis part 2 automatically. You may make it start washing | cleaning. After executing the electrode cleaning, the control device 15 resets the stored value of the electric quantity.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a plate-like electrode pair (platinum electrode 11 and carbon electrode 12) may be laid down so as to face each other in parallel in the vertical direction.

  According to the above configuration, the overall height of the electrolysis part 2 can be reduced, and the depth direction is determined by the thickness of the electrode and the distance between the electrodes 11 and 12, so that it remains for elution of the hardness component. Functional water volume can be minimized. In other words, the total amount that can be used as functional water can be maximized.

  In this case, it is desirable to arrange the platinum electrode 11 above the carbon electrode. That is, when the electrolysis is performed in the electrolysis unit 2, the gas that is generated at the platinum electrode 11 and inhibits electrolysis (acid water generation: oxygen gas, alkaline water generation: hydrogen gas) does not stay at the carbon electrode 12. Since it is released into the outside air, electrolysis can be performed efficiently.

Also, by placing the platinum electrode 11 on the top, acid alkali ions (at the time of acid water generation: H ⁺ ions, at the time of alkali water generation: OH ⁻ ions) generated simultaneously with gas generation are efficiently generated in water. Since convection is possible, the concentration of functional water in the electrolytic vessel 1 can be made constant. Therefore, also in FIGS. 4 and 5, by providing the water intake 5 so as to be located above the platinum electrode 11, functional water can be taken from an early stage after the start of electrolysis.

  In order to perform electrolysis more efficiently, the platinum electrode 11 is formed into, for example, a strip shape or a mesh shape, so that acid-alkali ions generated on the platinum electrode 11 are effectively convected above and below the platinum electrode 11. Can be made.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 6, it is also possible to make it the structure which can be attached or detached from the top cover 6 (main-body part) by moving the electrolytic vessel 1 to the lower surface side or side surface side of a container. In this case, the main body structure can be saved. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, by integrating the power line 17 with the top cover 6, when removing the electrolytic vessel 1 from the top cover 6 (main body part), only the main body is removed without accompanying the electrodes. It becomes possible. As a result, the inside of the electrolytic vessel 1 can be easily cleaned, and impurities such as scale accumulated in the electrolytic vessel 1 can be easily washed and removed as appropriate.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, it is suitable to arrange | position the water intake 5 so that it may face a horizontal direction. In this aspect, the water intake 5 is arranged so as to face the horizontal direction (sideways) by bending the lower part of the drooping water intake pipe 4. In the vicinity of the platinum electrode 11, for example, when generating acidic water, hydrogen ions generated from the platinum electrode 11 diffuse in the vertical direction of the platinum electrode 11 and convect the inside of the electrolytic vessel 1. The pH varies greatly.

  That is, when water is taken with the water intake 5 facing downward during the generation of acidic water, it is greatly affected by the pH concentration due to hydrogen ion variations in the depth direction, so that the pH fluctuation of the water in the water intake becomes relatively large.

  On the other hand, when the water intake 5 is arranged so as to face in the horizontal direction, it is difficult to be affected by the pH concentration of the hydrogen ion concentration in the depth direction. Water can be taken.

  In the present embodiment, the mist generator 7 is provided, but a steam generator may be used instead. In this case, it is desirable to use a ceramic heater as a heating source. That is, in heating with a sheathed heater, the generated acidic water and alkaline water cause a redox reaction with a metal such as iron or chromium on the surface of the heater (especially the reaction is active due to thermal energy on the heated metal surface). Since the pH becomes neutral, even if acidic water or alkaline water is steamed, the pH is neutral at the stage of steam ejection, so functional water such as acidic water or alkaline water. The function cannot be demonstrated.

  On the other hand, if the heater is a ceramic heater, the generated acidic water or alkaline water is less likely to cause a redox reaction on the heater surface, so it can be steamed while maintaining the pH of functional water such as acidic water and alkaline water. It becomes. The heater is preferably provided on the top lid 6 of the electrolytic vessel, similarly to the venturi tube 9, and the functional water pumped from the electrolytic vessel 1 by the venturi method or the like is supplied by a PTC ceramic heater or the like. Heater can be heated. One of the mist generating device and the steam generating device may be mounted, or may be provided side by side.

  As is clear from the description of the above embodiment, the functional water generator of the present invention is provided with an electrolysis part including an electrode capable of adsorbing and desorbing a metal electrode and ions in an electrolytic vessel, and the metal electrode is an anode, An acidic water generation mode in which electrolysis of water supplied to the electrolytic vessel is performed using an electrode capable of absorbing and desorbing ions as a cathode, and alkaline water in which the acidic water generation mode performs electrolysis with the polarity of the electrode being reversed. The production mode is selectively performed in the same electrolytic vessel. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to obtain a functional water generator that can reduce the maintenance burden on the user and is intended to save space.

  Moreover, in the functional water generator of this invention, after performing alkaline water production | generation mode, you may make it perform the said acidic water production | generation mode. With such a configuration, there is an effect of preventing the deposition of a hardness component that becomes a problem when alkaline hard water is used. In addition, since alkaline water is used for facial cleansing, acid water is generated from the remaining alkaline water by electrolysis and applied to the skin to disinfect it by the astrogen effect, activate the skin, tighten the skin, etc. Play. Thus, it can use suitably for a cosmetic use by producing | generating alkali water and acidic water in this order.

  Furthermore, in the functional water generator of the present invention, an electrolysis part is provided in the lower part in the electrolytic vessel, and a water intake pipe for taking water in the electrolytic vessel is introduced into the electrolytic vessel from above the electrolytic vessel. The water intake formed in the water intake pipe may be located in the vicinity of the electrolysis unit.

With the above configuration, it is possible to preferentially take in H ⁺ ions generated at the platinum electrode 11 when acidic water is generated and OH ⁻ ions generated at the platinum electrode 11 when alkaline water is generated. Functional water can be taken from this stage.

  In the functional water generator of the present invention, the metal electrode and an electrode capable of adsorbing / desorbing ions are arranged opposite to each other in parallel in the vertical direction, and the metal electrode is disposed above the electrode capable of adsorbing / desorbing ions. The water intake may be located above the metal electrode.

  By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to reduce the overall height of the electrolysis part 2, and the depth direction is determined by the thickness of the electrode and the interval between the electrodes, so that it remains due to elution of the hardness component. It is possible to minimize the amount of functional water. In addition, gas that is generated at the metal electrode and inhibits electrolysis (when generating acidic water: oxygen gas, when generating alkaline water: hydrogen gas) is released into the outside air without staying at the electrode that can absorb and desorb ions. Electrolysis can be performed efficiently, and functional water can be taken from an early stage after the start of electrolysis.

  Furthermore, in the functional water generator of the present invention, a mist generator having a venturi pipe may be provided, and the functional water taken by the water intake pipe may be misted by the mist generator.

  By setting it as such a structure, special pressure-proof processing is not required about the top cover which covers an electrolytic vessel, and the structure of a functional water generator can be simplified.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrolysis container 2 Electrolysis part 3 Main body part 4 Water intake pipe 5 Water intake 6 Top cover 7 Mist generator 8 Air pump 9 Venturi pipe 10 Piping 11 Platinum electrode 12 Carbon electrode 13 Switching circuit 14 Constant current source 15 Controller 16 Contact Electrode 17 Power line

Claims (5)

  An electrolysis unit comprising a metal electrode and an electrode capable of adsorbing and desorbing ions is provided in the electrolytic container, and the water supplied to the electrolytic container using the metal electrode as an anode and the electrode capable of adsorbing and desorbing ions as a cathode The acidic water generation mode for performing electrolysis and the alkaline water generation mode for performing electrolysis by reversing the polarity of electrodes in the acidic water generation mode are selectively performed in the same electrolytic vessel. And functional water generator.   The functional water generator according to claim 1, wherein the acidic water generation mode is performed after performing the alkaline water generation mode.   The electrolysis unit is provided at a lower portion in the electrolytic vessel, a water intake pipe for taking water in the electrolytic vessel is introduced into the electrolytic vessel from above the electrolytic vessel, and a water intake port formed in the water intake tube is provided. The functional water generator according to claim 1, wherein the functional water generator is located near an uppermost surface of the electrolysis unit.   The functional water generator according to claim 3, wherein the water intake is disposed so as to face a horizontal direction.   The functional water generator according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a mist generating device having a venturi pipe is provided, and the functional water taken by the water intake pipe is misted by the mist generating device.