JP2016215123A - Electrolytic water generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrolytic water generator capable of preventing abnormal heat generation in an electrode pair for electrolysis and having high safety.SOLUTION: An electrolytic water generator of the present invention comprises an electrode pair for electrolysis that generates electrolytic water containing hypochlorous acid from an electrolyte, an electrolyte supply part that supplies the electrolyte between the electrode pair, an electrolytic water passage through which electrolytic water generated by the electrode pair flows, and a sensor. The electrolytic water passage has a bent part where the electrolytic water passage is bent. The bent part is a part where the electrolytic water passage is bent so that a gas rises to the bent part by buoyancy and stays there. The sensor is provided to detect lowering of a gas-liquid interface caused by staying of the gas in the bent part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generator.

  Since electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid has a sterilizing effect, it is used for the purpose of preventing infectious diseases, maintaining the freshness of fresh food, sterilizing and deodorizing laundry and pet products, food factories, etc. It is used to clean production equipment and foods. Therefore, the electrolyzed water generator used for these applications is currently a large-scale production device, but in the future, electrolyzed water generation will be aimed at expanding the use of sterilization in general households, restaurants, and small-scale cleaners. Equipment size reduction and equipment safety measures are required.

A strongly acidic water generator having a function of detecting an abnormality during electrolysis is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).
In the strong acid water generator of Patent Document 1, an electrolytic solution composed of water and an additive solution is introduced into an electrolytic cell having a diaphragm, and an electrolytic voltage is applied to an electrode of the electrolytic cell, whereby the electrolytic solution is electrically discharged. Decomposes to produce strongly acidic water. The strongly acidic water generator includes a pre-electrolysis conductivity measuring means for measuring the conductivity of the mixed water before electrolysis, a post-electrolysis conductivity measuring means for measuring the conductivity of the generated water after electrolysis, and the electrolysis. Current value measuring means for measuring the electrolytic current value of the tank, the pre-electrolysis conductivity measured by the pre-electrolysis conductivity measurement means, the post-electrolysis conductivity measured by the post-electrolysis conductivity measurement means, and the current value It has the structure provided with the abnormality detection means which detects the abnormality at the time of electrolysis based on the electrolysis current value measured by the measurement means.

The anomaly detection means is based on the pre-electrolysis conductivity measured by the pre-electrolysis conductivity measurement means, the post-electrolysis conductivity measured by the post-electrolysis conductivity measurement means, and the electrolysis current value measured by the current value measurement means. Detects abnormalities during electrolysis. When the electroconductivity before electrolysis is determined, the voltage of the electrolysis power supply is known, and therefore the electrolysis current value is determined from these relationships. That is, it is possible to know the relationship between the conductivity before electrolysis and the electrolysis current value when electrolysis is normally performed. Therefore, when the electrolysis current value is extremely large or extremely small with respect to the conductivity before electrolysis, it can be determined that the electrolysis power supply is abnormal.
Moreover, it can also be judged as abnormal when the post-electrolysis conductivity is extremely large or small with respect to the electrolysis current value. Furthermore, since the post-electrolysis conductivity can be predicted from the pre-electrolysis conductivity and the electrolysis current value, if the post-electrolysis conductivity is extremely different from the predicted value relative to the pre-electrolysis conductivity, it is judged as abnormal. it can.

JP-A-7-195075

In a conventional strong acid water generator having a function of detecting abnormality during electrolysis, it is necessary to place a conductivity measuring device in the electrolyte flow path, and the measuring device is only required to have chemical resistance to the electrolyte. In order to exchange power and signals outside the flow path, it is necessary to take measures against leakage of the electrolyte, and it is difficult to reduce the size of the entire apparatus, which causes a cost increase.
In addition, conventional strong acid water generators detect abnormalities during electrolysis of strong acid water generators that produce highly acidic water with a high bactericidal effect by electrolyzing the mixed water of tap water and additive solution such as saline. It is related to the apparatus, and strongly acidic water refers to one having a pH of around 2, an oxidation-reduction potential of 1100 to 1400 mV, and a residual chlorine concentration of about 20 to 50 ppm. In this case, the concentration of the saline solution as the electrolytic solution is generally about 36% that is the saturated salt concentration. For example, the saline concentration of the electrolytic solution is lower than the saturated salt concentration, for example, about 5%. In the case of an electrolytic solution, there is little change in the conductivity of the electrolytic solution before and after electrolysis, and abnormality in electrolysis such as emptying cannot be determined by the change in conductivity.
This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, can prevent the abnormal heat_generation | fever of the electrode pair for electrolysis, and provides an electrolyzed water generator with high safety | security.

  The present invention includes an electrode pair for electrolysis that generates electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid from an electrolyte solution, an electrolyte solution supply unit that supplies an electrolyte solution between the electrode pairs, and an electrolyzed water generated by the electrode pair. An electrolyzed water flow path and a sensor, wherein the electrolyzed water flow path has a bent portion where the electrolyzed water flow path is bent, and the bent portion is configured to allow the gas to float and accumulate in the bent portion by buoyancy. The water flow path is a bent portion, and the sensor provides an electrolyzed water generator characterized in that it is provided so as to detect a decrease in a gas-liquid interface caused by gas accumulated in the bent portion.

Since the electrolyzed water generator of the present invention includes an electrode pair for electrolysis that generates electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid from the electrolyte solution, and an electrolyte solution supply unit that supplies the electrolyte solution between the electrode pairs, the electrode for electrolysis Electrolyzed water can be generated continuously by the pair. Further, since hydrogen gas or chlorine gas is generated by the electrolytic treatment using the electrode pair, the electrolyzed water generated by the electrode pair for electrolysis includes bubbles of hydrogen gas or chlorine gas. In addition, the chlorine gas contained in electrolyzed water reacts with water and is converted into hypochlorous acid in the process of flowing in the electrolysis section and the electrolyzed water flow path.
The electrolyzed water generator of the present invention includes an electrolyzed water flow path through which electrolyzed water generated by the electrode pair for electrolysis flows, the electrolyzed water flow path has a curved portion where the electrolyzed water flow path is bent, and the curved portion is a gas Therefore, when the flow rate of the electrolyzed water flowing through the electrolyzed water channel is small, bubbles contained in the electrolyzed water may be generated in the electrolyzed water channel due to the buoyant force. A gas-liquid interface is formed between the accumulated gas and the electrolyzed water. Also, when the electrolyte or electrolyte water leaks or the electrolyte tank is emptied and air enters the electrolytic water flow path, the mixed air accumulates in the curved portion, and there is a gas-liquid interface between the accumulated gas and the electrolytic water. It is formed.

The electrolyzed water generator of the present invention includes a sensor, and this sensor detects a decrease in a gas-liquid interface caused by accumulation of gas generated by electrolysis by an electrode pair for electrolysis or air mixed in an electrolyzed water flow path in a curved portion. It is provided as follows.
When the supply of electrolyzed water to the electrolyzed water flow path is stopped or when the supply amount of electrolyzed water decreases, bubbles in the upstream part or downstream part of the bent part or bubbles generated in the electrode pair for electrolysis are bent due to buoyancy. As a result, the gas-liquid interface is lowered. Moreover, the mixed air gathers in the curved part, and the gas-liquid interface may be lowered. The supply of electrolytic water is stopped or air is mixed. For example, the electrolytic water generator is in a state where there is no electrolyte stored in the electrolytic solution tank included in the electrolytic solution supply unit, or the pump included in the electrolytic solution supply unit is broken. Occurs when the electrolyte or water leaks. If these states continue, the gas-liquid interface gradually decreases and the electrolyte solution between the electrode pairs for electrolysis disappears. If voltage is continuously applied to the electrode pair for electrolysis in a state where there is no electrolytic solution between the electrode pair for electrolysis, abnormal heat generation occurs, and the electrolyzed water generator fails or runs away.

Therefore, when a decrease in the gas-liquid interface is detected by the sensor, voltage application to the electrode pair for electrolysis can be stopped before the electrolyte solution between the electrode pairs for electrolysis runs out, and abnormal heat generation can be suppressed. it can. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a malfunction or runaway of the apparatus due to abnormal heat generation, and it is possible to ensure the safety of equipment that is indispensable as a consumer product. Moreover, since the abnormal heat generation of the electrode pair for electrolysis can be suppressed, the life of the electrode pair for electrolysis that greatly contributes to the product life can be extended.
In addition, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of abnormal heat generation regardless of the type and concentration of the electrolytic solution supplied between the electrode pairs for electrolysis.
In the conventional strong acid water generator, it was necessary to arrange the empty detection mechanism of the electrolyte tank upstream of the electrolytic tank, but in the electrolyzed water generator of the present invention, it is possible to detect a decrease in the gas-liquid interface by the sensor. Thus, it is possible to detect that the electrolyte tank has become empty, and it is possible to omit providing an empty detection mechanism for the electrolyte tank upstream of the electrolytic cell.

It is a schematic sectional drawing of the electrolyzed water generator of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the electrolyzed water generator of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing of a part of electrolyzed water generator of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing of a part of electrolyzed water generator of one Embodiment of this invention.

  The electrolyzed water generator of the present invention is generated by an electrode pair for electrolysis that generates electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid from an electrolyte solution, an electrolyte solution supply unit that supplies an electrolyte solution between the electrode pairs, and the electrode pair The electrolyzed water flow path through which the electrolyzed water flows and a sensor, the electrolyzed water flow path has a bent portion where the electrolyzed water flow path is bent, and the bent portion floats on the bent portion by gas buoyancy. The electrolyzed water flow path is bent so as to collect, and the sensor is provided so as to detect a gas-liquid interface drop caused by accumulation of gas generated by electrolysis by the electrode pair in the bent portion. It is characterized by.

The sensor included in the electrolyzed water generator of the present invention is preferably a capacitance type level sensor disposed outside the electrolyzed water flow path.
By providing the capacitance type level sensor in this manner, it is possible to detect an electrolytic abnormality regardless of the type of electrolyte contained in the electrolytic solution and the electrolyte concentration of the electrolytic solution.
The sensor included in the electrolyzed water generator of the present invention is preferably provided so as to detect a decrease in the gas-liquid interface from the upper side of the portion where the gas accumulates.
Providing a capacitance type level sensor in this way can reduce the influence of noise components caused by waves at the gas-liquid interface generated when the gas phase (gas) passes through the curved portion. The ratio can be detected accurately.

The sensor included in the electrolyzed water generator of the present invention is preferably provided so as to detect a decrease in the gas-liquid interface from the side of the portion where the gas accumulates.
When the capacitance type level sensor is provided in this way, it is possible to detect a change in the gas-liquid interface with good performance.
The electrolytic solution supply unit included in the electrolytic water generator of the present invention preferably includes an electrolytic solution tank that stores the electrolytic solution, and a pump that supplies the electrolytic solution in the electrolytic solution tank between the pair of electrodes.
When such an electrolytic solution supply unit is provided, electrolytic water can be generated from the electrolytic solution stored in the electrolytic solution tank. Further, a high concentration electrolytic solution can be supplied to the electrolysis unit, and the electrolytic treatment can be performed with high efficiency.

The electrolyzed water generator of the present invention preferably further includes a diluting part for diluting the electrolyzed water produced by the electrode pair, and the curved part is the electrolyzed water flow path between the electrode pair and the diluting part. It is preferable to be provided.
When the electrolyzed water generator of the present invention includes the dilution section, a large amount of electrolyzed water can be generated. In addition, when the curved portion is provided in this way, it is possible to detect at an early stage that the electrolyte tank has become empty or an abnormality has occurred in the electrolyzed water generator, and that the electrode pair for electrolysis generates abnormal heat. Can be suppressed.
It is preferable that the electrolyzed water generator of the present invention further includes a stirring unit having a water tank in which turbulent flow of electrolyzed water occurs.
When the electrolyzed water generator of the present invention includes such a stirring unit, chlorine gas generated by electrolysis by the electrolyzing unit can be efficiently converted into hypochlorous acid, and electrolyzed water having a stable concentration is generated. be able to.
In the electrolyzed water generator of the present invention, the electrode pair is preferably a diaphragm electrolysis electrode pair.
According to such a configuration, the distance between the electrodes can be shortened, and the electrolytic efficiency can be increased. Moreover, the structure of the electrolysis part becomes simple, and the manufacturing cost of the electrolyzed water generator can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations shown in the drawings and the following description are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to those shown in the drawings and the following description.

First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrolyzed water generator of the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the electrolyzed water generator of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a part of the electrolyzed water generator of the first embodiment.
The electrolyzed water generator 30 of the first embodiment includes an electrode pair 1 for electrolysis that generates electrolyzed water 11 containing hypochlorous acid from the electrolyte solution 8, and an electrolyte solution supply unit that supplies the electrolyte solution 8 between the electrode pair 1. 7, an electrolyzed water channel 9 through which the electrolyzed water 11 generated by the electrode pair 1 flows, and a sensor 22, and the electrolyzed water channel 9 has a curved portion 21 in which the electrolyzed water channel 9 is bent. Is a portion where the electrolyzed water flow path is bent so that gas floats and accumulates on the curved portion due to buoyancy, and the sensor 22 detects a decrease in the gas-liquid interface 26 caused by the accumulation of gas in the curved portion 21. It is characterized by being provided in.

  Further, in the electrolyzed water generator 30 of the first embodiment, the electrolyzed water generation line 35 and the tap water supply line 36 merge at the diluting unit 13 and the reaction product of the electrolysis reaction supplied from the electrolyzed water generation line 35 is obtained. The electrolyzed water 11 adjusted to have a desired electrolyzed water concentration by diluting the concentration of the electrolyzed water 11 is discharged from the discharge port 10. The electrolyzed water generator 30 is an apparatus for producing the electrolyzed water 11.

The electrolytic water generation line 35 includes an electrolytic solution tank 5 that stores the electrolytic solution 8, an electrolytic solution supply unit 7 that includes a pump 6 for sending the electrolytic solution 8 to the electrolytic unit 4, an anode 2, and a cathode 3. The electrolysis part 4 is composed of an electrode pair 1 for electrolysis with a diaphragm, and the electrolyzed water flow path 9 that connects the electrolyzed water outflow part 23 of the electrolysis part 4 and the diluting part 13. The electrolyzed water channel 9 is provided with a curved portion 21 where the electrolyzed water channel 9 is bent.
The bent portion 21 is a portion where the electrolyzed water flow path is bent so that gas floats and accumulates on the bent portion by buoyancy. Since the curved portion 21 has such a configuration, gas easily accumulates in the curved portion 21. Moreover, the curved part 21 may be provided so that at least one part may be arrange | positioned in the position higher than the upstream part and the downstream part. That is, the curved portion 21 can be provided to have a peak.
An electrostatic capacity type level sensor 22 is provided on the upper portion of the curved portion 21. The level sensor 22 can be installed outside the piping that constitutes the electrolyzed water flow path 9.

Electric power is supplied to the electrode pair 1 for electrolysis from the power supply unit 20 for electrolysis, and both the constant voltage driving method and the constant current driving method can be used, but the resistance value of the electrode pair 1 for electrolysis is not limited. If individual differences are taken into account, it is easier to manage the concentration of the electrolytic solution 8 using the constant current driving method.
As the pump 6, a tube pump is generally used, and it is desirable to perform intermittent driving in order to extend the pump life.

  In the present embodiment, the electrolyzed water generator 30 is configured to generate electrolyzed water 11 containing hypochlorous acid (HClO), hypochlorite (NaClO, KClO, etc.) and alkali metal chloride. The electrolyzed water generator 30 may be an independent device, or may be a portion that generates the electrolyzed water 11 incorporated in another device.

The electrolytic solution 8 is an aqueous solution containing an alkali metal chloride and a substance that makes the aqueous solution acidic. The alkali metal chloride is preferably sodium chloride or potassium chloride. The electrolytic solution supply unit 7 may prepare the electrolytic solution 8 from the electrolytic water generation electrolyte and supply the prepared electrolytic solution 8 to the electrolytic unit 1. For example, an electrolyte for generating electrolyzed water composed of citric acid and sodium chloride or potassium chloride can be dissolved in water to prepare an electrolyte solution 8, and the prepared electrolyte solution 8 can be supplied to the electrolysis unit 1.
The electrolytic solution 8 may contain both sodium chloride and potassium chloride. When the electrolytic solution 8 contains an alkali metal chloride, the electrolytic water 11 produced by the electrolyzed water generator 30 can contain hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite (hypochlorous acid). 11 can have a bactericidal effect. Moreover, the pH of the electrolyzed water 11 produced | generated by the electrolyzed water generator 30 can be made larger than 6.5 with the alkaline substance produced | generated by electrolyzing an alkali metal chloride. Moreover, when the electrolyte solution 8 contains an alkali metal chloride, the electrolyzed water 11 can contain an alkali metal chloride.

When the electrolytic solution 8 contains sodium chloride, the sodium chloride is inexpensive, so the manufacturing cost of the electrolytic water 11 can be reduced.
When the electrolytic solution 8 contains potassium chloride, the electrolytic water 11 to be produced can contain potassium ions. This makes it possible to spray the electrolyzed water 11 on the agricultural crops for the purpose of disease prevention or the like. In this case, potassium ions can be used as fertilizer.

  When the electrolytic solution 8 contains an acidic substance, the pH of the electrolytic water 11 generated by the electrolytic water generator 30 can be made lower than 8.0. Examples of the “substance in which the aqueous solution is acidic” contained in the electrolyte 8 or the electrolyte for generating electrolyzed water include hydrogen chloride (hydrochloric acid), sulfuric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, hydrogen fluoride (hydrofluoric acid), and the like. is there. The substance that makes the aqueous solution acidic is preferably hydrogen chloride. Thereby, hypochlorous acid can be generated from chlorine ions contained in hydrogen chloride, and the effective chlorine concentration of the generated electrolyzed water 11 can be increased. In addition, a substance that makes the aqueous solution acidic can be citric acid.

  In the method of generating and diluting electrolyzed water 11 containing hypochlorous acid at a high concentration in the electrolysis unit 4, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the electrolyzed water 11 generated in the electrolysis unit 4 is preferably as high as possible. Thereby, the dilution rate in the dilution part 13 can be raised, and a lot of electrolyzed water 11 can be produced | generated. In addition, a large amount of electrolytic water 11 can be generated from a small amount of electrolytic solution 8, and consumption of the electrolytic solution 8 stored in the electrolytic solution tank 5 can be suppressed.

As the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the electrolysis unit 4 increases, the generation efficiency decreases unless the concentration of the electrolytic solution 8 is increased. However, if the concentration of the electrolytic solution 8 is too high, the concentration is likely to change due to the precipitation of salt and the volatilization of the hydrochloric acid component, which may lead to troublesome management of the electrolytic solution 8 and equipment failure.
Therefore, in practical use, the alkali metal chloride concentration is preferably about 5% or more and about 15% or less, and the hydrogen chloride concentration is preferably about 0.25% or more and 5% or less.
However, when it is assumed that the generation frequency of the electrolyzed water 11 is low and the electrolyte solution 8 is not replenished or exchanged for a long period of time, it is preferable to reduce the concentration as a whole. It is also possible to set the concentration of hydrogen chloride to about 0.5% to 10% and the hydrogen chloride concentration to about 0.25% to 1.0%. Although the specific concentration is determined depending on the case, for example, if the required concentration of the electrolyzed water 11 is low, the electrolyte solution 8 may be a relatively low concentration, and the electrolyte solution concentration is stable for a long period of time. A relatively high concentration is preferred due to the balance between efficiency and electrolyte consumption rate.

  The electrolysis unit 4 includes an electrode pair 1 for electrolysis including an anode 2 and a cathode 3. Further, the electrode pair 1 for electrolysis can be provided so that the electrolyte solution 8 supplied from the electrolyte solution supply unit 7 flows between the anode 2 and the cathode 3, and between the anode 2 and the cathode 3. It is provided so that a voltage can be applied. Thus, the electrolytic solution 8 can be subjected to electrolytic treatment, and electrolyzed water 11 containing hypochlorous acid, hypochlorite, and alkali metal chloride can be generated. In addition, the electrode pair 1 for electrolysis can be provided so that non-diaphragm electrolysis can be performed.

For example, in the electrolytic treatment in the electrolysis unit 4, it is considered that an anodic reaction such as chemical reaction formulas (1) and (3) proceeds and a cathodic reaction such as chemical reaction formula (4) proceeds. Moreover, it is thought that reaction like Chemical formula (2) advances in electrolyte solution or electrolyte water. Therefore, the electrolyzed water 11 generated by the electrolytic treatment can contain chlorine gas bubbles or hydrogen gas bubbles. The chlorine gas contained in the electrolyzed water 11 is converted into hypochlorous acid by the chemical reaction equation (2) that proceeds while the electrolyzed water 11 flows through the electrolyzing unit 4 and the electrolyzed water flow path 9.
2Cl ⁻ → Cl ₂ + 2e ⁻ (1)
Cl ₂ + H ₂ O → HCl + HClO (2)
H ₂ O → 1 / 2O ₂ + 2H ⁺ + 2e ⁻ (3)
2H ₂ O + 2e ⁻ → H ₂ + 2OH ⁻ (4)

The anode 2 and the cathode 3 can each be plate-shaped, and can be provided so that the anode 2 and the cathode 3 face each other with a non-transparent film. As a result, the distance between the electrodes can be shortened, and the electrolytic efficiency can be improved. Moreover, the anode 2 and the cathode 3 can be arrange | positioned so that it may become substantially parallel and the distance between electrodes may exist in the range of 1 mm-5 mm.
The electrode pair 1 for electrolysis may be provided so that one anode 2 and one cathode 3 face each other, and the anode 2 and the cathode 3 are provided so as to be alternately stacked. Alternatively, a plurality of electrodes may be stacked and provided so that one surface of the intermediate electrode becomes the anode 2 and the other surface becomes the cathode 3.

  The dilution unit 13 is provided so that the electrolyzed water 11 generated by the electrolysis unit 4 is diluted with water and supplied to the discharge port 10. Moreover, the quantity of the electrolyzed water 11 manufactured can be increased by diluting the electrolyzed water 11 produced | generated by the electrolysis part 4 in the dilution part 13 with a tap water. Moreover, the effective chlorine concentration of the electrolyzed water 11 can be easily changed by changing the amount of water to be diluted in the dilution section 13.

  In the electrolytic treatment in the electrolysis unit 4, chlorine gas and oxygen gas are generated at the anode 2 as described in the chemical reaction formulas (1) to (3). Further, hydrogen gas is generated at the cathode 3 as described in the chemical reaction formula (4). These gaseous species are discharged downstream of the electrolysis unit 4 and the electrolysis unit 4 while being dissolved in the electrolyzed water 11, and in particular, the electrolyzed water outflow portion 23 of the electrolysis unit 4 and the downstream side of the electrolyzed water outflow portion 23. In the curved portion 21 arranged in the electrolyzed water flow path 9, not all gas species are dissolved in the electrolyzed water, and a gas phase (gas) exists. Moreover, the curved part 21 arrange | positioned in the downstream of the electrolyzed water outflow part 23 has formed the curved electrolyzed water flow path 9, and has a structure where a gaseous phase (gas) tends to accumulate intentionally. During the electrolytic treatment, a certain amount of gas phase (gas) is generated and the gas phase is accumulated in the curved portion 21, while at the same time, the electrolyte solution 8 is supplied from the electrolyte solution supply unit 7 to the electrolysis unit 4. While a certain amount of liquid phase (electrolyzed water) continues to be supplied to the curved portion 21, the fine gas phase (gas, bubbles 27) contained in the liquid phase is discharged together with the electrolyzed water 11. Therefore, the ratio between the gas phase and the liquid phase of the curved portion 21 during normal electrolytic treatment is constant, and the gas-liquid interface 26 is stabilized at a certain level.

  For example, when the electrolytic solution 8 in the electrolytic solution tank 5 is consumed in the electrolytic treatment and the electrolytic solution 8 in the electrolytic solution tank 5 is emptied, the new electrolytic solution 8 is not supplied to the electrolytic unit 4 and at the same time Although the electrolyzed water 11 is no longer supplied to the curved portion 21, the gas phase ratio of the curved portion 21 increases at the same time due to the continuous generation of the gas phase (gas) from the electrolysis unit 4, and the gas-liquid interface 26 decreases. . The change in the gas-liquid interface 26 is configured such that an electrostatic capacitance type level sensor 22 is arranged vertically above the curved portion 21 to detect the abnormality by detecting the gas-liquid interface 26 of the curved portion 21 in the vertical direction. Further, the capacitance type level sensor 22 is provided so as to detect a decrease in the gas-liquid interface 26 from above the portion where the gas accumulates.

  The capacitance type level sensor 22 may be, for example, a capacitance type liquid detection level sensor (SDY series) manufactured by Takenaka Electronics Co., Ltd. that can detect the liquid level in a non-metallic pipe or tube. is there. Since the capacitive liquid detection level sensor has a sensitivity volume adjustment function, the threshold of the capacitive level sensor 22 is set at the position of the gas-liquid interface 26 of the curved portion 21 during the normal electrolytic treatment of the electrolytic solution 8. Therefore, regardless of the type of electrolyte contained in the electrolyte solution 8 and the electrolyte concentration of the electrolyte solution 8, it is possible to detect an electrolytic abnormality with the capacitance type level sensor 22.

As an example of an abnormality, the case where the electrolytic solution 8 in the electrolytic solution tank 5 is emptied is described above. However, for example, due to leakage of electrolytic solution in the electrolytic unit 4 or the electrolytic solution supply unit 7, Abnormality detection is also possible by increasing the gas phase ratio. Further, even when the power supply to the electrolysis unit 4 exceeds the set power due to an abnormality in the power supply unit 20 or the power supply circuit / control circuit 19, the increase in the gas phase ratio of the curved portion 21 is caused by the capacitance level sensor 22. Can be detected.
Since the capacitance level sensor 22 measures and detects the gas-liquid interface 26 of the curved portion 21 from the outside without contact, the capacitance level sensor 22 has chemical resistance against the electrolytic solution 8 and the electrolytic water 11. Because there is no need to add power and there is no need to exchange power and signals between the inside and outside of the flow path as in the prior art, there is no need for countermeasures against leakage of electrolyte or electrolytic water, and the entire device is downsized. It is possible to reduce the price.

Since the empty level of the electrolyte tank 5 can be detected by detecting the gas phase ratio of the curved portion 21 by the capacitance type level sensor 22, it is not necessary to newly install an empty detector of the electrolyte tank 5. It can contribute to size reduction and price reduction of the water generator 30.
In this method of detecting an abnormality by measuring the gas phase ratio of the curved portion 21 by the capacitance type level sensor 22, a gas is generated during electrolysis regardless of the type of electrolyte contained in the electrolyte 8 and the electrolyte concentration of the electrolyte 8. It can be applied to all electrolysis processes that occur.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a part of the electrolyzed water generator of the second embodiment.
In 2nd Embodiment, it is the structure which detects the change of the gas-liquid interface 26 of the curved part 21 from a side part by arrange | positioning the electrostatic capacitance type level sensor 22 to the side part of the curved part 21. FIG. In addition, the capacitance type level sensor 22 is provided so as to detect a decrease in the gas-liquid interface from the side of the portion where the gas accumulates.
The capacitance type level sensor 22 included in the electrolyzed water generator 30 of the second embodiment has a change in the gas-liquid interface 26 as compared with the first embodiment in which the level sensor 22 is arranged vertically above the curved portion 21. The performance of detecting is high. However, since a wave of the gas-liquid interface 26 occurs when the gas phase (gas) passes through the gas-liquid interface 26, the noise component tends to increase. The installation position of the capacitive level sensor 22 with respect to the gas-liquid interface 26 is the vertical direction in the second embodiment and the parallel direction in the first embodiment, but the installation angle is the type of electrolyte contained in the electrolyte solution 8 and the electrolyte solution. Since there is an optimum value depending on the electrolyte concentration of 8, it can be set freely according to the optimum value.
In addition, the description about the electrolyzed water generator 30 of 1st Embodiment is applicable also to the electrolyzed water generator 30 of 2nd Embodiment, as long as there is no contradiction.

<Third Embodiment>
The schematic cross-sectional view of the electrolyzed water generator 30 in the third embodiment is the same as the electrolyzed water generator 30 in the first embodiment.
In the third embodiment, the pump 6 is forcibly driven before the start of electrolysis, and the electrolytic water 11 or the electrolytic solution 8 is fed to the curved portion 21. And the vapor-phase ratio of the curved part 21 is measured with the electrostatic capacitance type level sensor 22 installed above the curved part 21.
When the electrolytic solution 8 remains in the electrolytic solution tank 5, the gas phase accumulated in the curved portion 21 due to liquid feeding by the pump 6 is caused to flow and the gas-liquid interface 26 rises or the curved portion 21 has the gas-liquid interface 26. Disappear. For this reason, the gas phase ratio measured by the level sensor 22 decreases. Therefore, it can be confirmed by the level sensor 22 that the electrolytic solution remains in the electrolytic solution tank 5.
When the electrolytic solution tank 5 is empty, the electrolyzed water 11 or the electrolytic solution 8 is not supplied to the curved portion 21 even when the pump 6 is driven, so the gas-liquid interface 26 of the curved portion 21 does not change or the gas-liquid interface 26 is descend. For this reason, the gas phase ratio measured by the level sensor 22 does not change or rises. Therefore, it is possible to detect that the electrolyte tank 5 is empty from the change in the measured value of the level sensor 22 when the pump 6 is forcibly driven.

Further, when the electrolyte solution 8 in the electrolyte solution tank 5 runs out, the electrolyte solution tank 5 newly filled with the electrolyte solution 8 is installed and replaced. At the time of replacement, the solution from the pump 6 to the electrolytic unit 4 is the electrolyte solution 8. Or there is no guarantee that it is filled with the electrolyzed water 11. If electric power is supplied to the electrolysis electrode pair 1 without the electrolytic solution 4 or the electrolyzed water 11 being filled in the electrolysis unit 4, there is a possibility that abnormal heat generation of the electrolysis electrode pair 1 may occur, which is the same phenomenon as empty cooking during electrolysis. The capacitance level sensor 22 detects that the gas-liquid interface 26 of the curved portion 21 disappears or the gas-liquid interface 26 rises, and detects that the electrolytic solution 8 or the electrolytic water 11 fills the electrolytic unit 4. By doing so, it becomes possible to prevent the abnormal heat generation in advance.
In addition, the description about the electrolyzed water generator 30 of 1st Embodiment is applicable also to the electrolyzed water generator 30 of 3rd Embodiment, as long as there is no contradiction.

<Fourth embodiment>
The schematic cross-sectional view of the electrolyzed water generator 30 of the fourth embodiment is the same as the electrolyzed water generator 30 of the first embodiment.
In the fourth embodiment, the pump 6 is forcibly driven before the first use after shipment, and the electrolytic solution 8 is fed to the curved portion 21. And the vapor-phase ratio of the curved part 21 is measured with the electrostatic capacitance type level sensor 22 installed above the curved part 21.
When the electrolyzed water generator 30 is in a state capable of generating the electrolyzed water 11, the gas phase accumulated in the curved portion 21 due to the liquid feeding by the pump 6 is caused to flow, and the gas-liquid interface 26 rises or the curved portion 21 is vaporized. The liquid interface 26 disappears. For this reason, the gas phase ratio measured by the level sensor 22 decreases. Therefore, the level sensor 22 can confirm that the electrolyzed water generator 30 is in a state where electrolyzed water can be generated.

Since there is a risk of liquid leakage due to damage caused by vibration during product distribution (transportation), the product is shipped in a state where the electrolytic part 4 is not filled with electrolyte, so it is empty when used for the first time after shipment. A whisper occurs. Even in an empty state when used for the first time after shipment, the electrolytic solution 4 or the electrolytic water 11 is not completely filled in the electrolysis unit 4 as in the case where the electrolytic solution 8 in the electrolytic solution tank 5 of the third embodiment is exhausted. If electric power is supplied to the electrode pair 1 for electrolysis, abnormal heat generation of the electrode pair 1 for electrolysis, which is the same phenomenon as that when cooking empty, may occur. The capacitance level sensor 22 detects that the gas-liquid interface 26 of the curved portion 21 disappears or the gas-liquid interface 26 rises, and detects that the electrolytic solution 8 or the electrolytic water 11 fills the electrolytic unit 4. By doing so, it is possible to prevent abnormal heat generation of the electrode pair 1 for electrolysis in advance.
In addition, the description about the electrolyzed water generator 30 of 1st Embodiment is applicable also to the electrolyzed water generator 30 of 4th Embodiment, as long as there is no contradiction.

  1: Electrode pair 2: Electrode 3: Cathode 4: Electrolysis unit 5: Electrolyte tank 6: Pump 7: Electrolyte supply unit 8: Electrolyte 9: Electrolyzed water flow path 10: Discharge port 11: Electrolyzed water 12: Stirring Part 13: Dilution part 14: Solenoid valve 15: Water supply port 16: Flow rate sensor 17: Water level sensor 18: Check valve 19: Power supply circuit / control circuit 20: Power supply part 21: Bending part 22: Capacitance type level sensor 23 : Electrolyzed water outflow part 24: Tap water 25: Gas phase 26: Gas-liquid interface 27: Bubble 28: Housing 30: Electrolyzed water generator 31: Electrolyte water flow path 32: Tap water flow path 33: Operation / display part 35: Electrolyzed water generation line 36: Tap water supply line

Claims (8)

Electrolytic electrode pair for generating electrolytic water containing hypochlorous acid from electrolytic solution, electrolytic solution supply unit for supplying electrolytic solution between the electrode pair, and electrolytic water flow path through which electrolytic water generated by the electrode pair flows And a sensor,
The electrolyzed water channel has a curved portion where the electrolyzed water channel is bent,
The bent portion is a portion where the electrolyzed water flow path is bent so that gas floats and accumulates in the bent portion due to buoyancy,
The electrolyzed water generator, wherein the sensor is provided so as to detect a decrease in a gas-liquid interface caused by accumulation of gas in the curved portion.   The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a capacitance type level sensor disposed outside the electrolyzed water flow path.   The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 2, wherein the sensor is provided so as to detect a decrease in a gas-liquid interface from an upper side of a portion where gas accumulates.   The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the sensor is provided so as to detect a decrease in a gas-liquid interface from a side portion of a portion where gas accumulates.   The said electrolyte solution supply part is provided with the electrolyte solution tank which stores electrolyte solution, and the pump which supplies the electrolyte solution in the said electrolyte solution tank between the said electrode pairs. Electrolyzed water generator. A further dilution part for diluting the electrolyzed water produced by the electrode pair;
The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the curved portion is provided in the electrolyzed water flow path between the electrode pair and the diluting portion.   The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a stirring unit having a water tank in which turbulent flow of electrolyzed water occurs.   The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electrode pair is an electrode pair for diaphragmless electrolysis.