JP2017087109A - Hydrogen water server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hydrogen water server capable of feeding hydrogen water high in the concentration of dissolved hydrogen according to a user request.SOLUTION: Provided is a hydrogen water server 1 comprising: an electrolytic tank 4 divided into an anode chamber 40A and a cathode chamber 40B with a membrane 43 and subjecting the fed water to electrolysis to generate hydrogen water in the cathode chamber 40B; a tank 3 storing the hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber 40B; a circulation passage 12 circulating the hydrogen water between the tank 3 and the electrolytic tank 4; and a water discharge passage 13 connected to the cathode chamber 40B and discharging the hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber 40B, includes: a first mode of increasing the concentration of the dissolved water in the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 by electrolyzing the hydrogen water circulating the circulation passage 12 by the electrolytic tank 4; and a second mode of further electrolyzing the hydrogen water fed from the tank 3 by the electrolytic tank 4 and discharging the hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber 40B from the water discharge passage 13. The first electrolytic current in the first mode is lower than the second electrolytic current in the second mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a hydrogen water server that provides hydrogen water generated by electrolysis.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a hydrogen water generating apparatus that generates hydrogen water in which hydrogen is dissolved by electrolysis is known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  The hydrogen water generating device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which water is electrolyzed in an electrolytic cell according to a user's request, and the generated hydrogen water is discharged. In this type of electrolyzed water generating apparatus, a high electrolysis current is supplied to the power feeding body of the electrolytic cell because it is necessary to generate the discharged hydrogen water in a short time. In this case, active electrolysis is performed in the electrolytic cell, and large bubbles of hydrogen gas are generated in the cathode chamber. However, such a large hydrogen gas has a high buoyancy and therefore tends to have a short time in the electrolyzed water. For this reason, most of the generated hydrogen gas is discharged together with the electrolyzed water without dissolving in the electrolyzed water, and it may be difficult to supply hydrogen water having a high dissolved hydrogen concentration.

JP 2014-226594 A

  The present invention has been devised in view of the above circumstances, and provides a hydrogen water server that can supply hydrogen water having a high dissolved hydrogen concentration in response to a user's request in place of a conventional hydrogen water generator. This is the main purpose.

  The hydrogen water server of the present invention is divided into a cathode chamber in which a cathode feeder is disposed and an anode chamber in which an anode feeder is disposed by a diaphragm, and hydrogen is electrolyzed in the cathode chamber by electrolyzing the supplied water. An electrolytic cell that generates dissolved hydrogen water, a tank that stores the hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber, and a circulation path that is a flow path for circulating hydrogen water between the tank and the electrolytic cell; A water discharge path which is connected to the cathode chamber and discharges hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber, and electrolyzes the hydrogen water circulating in the circulation path in the electrolytic cell, A first mode for increasing the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen water stored in the tank, and further electrolyzing the hydrogen water supplied from the tank in the electrolytic cell, and the hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber from the water discharge path 2nd mode to discharge water The first electrolysis current supplied to the anode power supply and the cathode power supply in the first mode is the second electrolysis supplied to the anode power supply and the cathode power supply in the second mode. It is characterized by being smaller than the current.

  In the hydrogen water server according to the present invention, in the second mode, it is preferable that hydrogen gas in a bubble state is discharged from the water discharge path together with hydrogen water.

  In the hydrogen water server according to the present invention, it is preferable that the water discharge path is a flow path branched from the circulation path from the cathode chamber to the tank.

  In the hydrogen water server according to the present invention, a part or all of the flow path of the hydrogen water flowing out from the cathode chamber is used as the circulation path or the water discharge path at a branching portion where the water discharge path branches from the circulation path. It is desirable to provide a flow path switching valve for switching.

  In the hydrogen water server according to the present invention, it is desirable that an exhaust means for exhausting oxygen gas generated in the anode chamber is disposed in the circulation path from the anode chamber to the tank.

  In the hydrogen water server according to the present invention, it is preferable that a flow rate adjusting valve for adjusting the amount of water flowing through the circulation path is disposed in the circulation path from the anode chamber to the tank.

  In the hydrogen water server according to the present invention, the diaphragm preferably includes a solid polymer film.

  In the hydrogen water server according to the present invention, it is preferable that a ratio of the second electrolysis current to the first electrolysis current is 2.5 to 7.0.

  The hydrogen water server of the present invention circulates hydrogen water between an electrolytic cell divided into a cathode chamber and an anode chamber by a diaphragm, a tank for storing hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber, and the tank and the electrolytic cell. And a circulation path that is a flow path. And it has the 1st mode which raises the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen water stored in a tank by electrolyzing the hydrogen water which circulates through a circulation path with an electrolytic cell. Furthermore, the hydrogen water server has a water discharge path for discharging the hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber, further electrolyzes the hydrogen water supplied from the tank in the electrolytic cell, and discharges the hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber. And a second mode for discharging water. Therefore, hydrogen water can be provided at any time according to the user's request, and the usability is improved.

  The first electrolysis current supplied to the anode power supply and the cathode power supply in the first mode is smaller than the second electrolysis current supplied to the anode power supply and the cathode power supply in the second mode. For this reason, in the first mode, small bubble hydrogen gas is generated in the cathode chamber as compared with the second mode. Such small hydrogen gas has a small buoyancy and therefore tends to stay in the electrolyzed water for a long time, and is easily dissolved in the electrolyzed water. Therefore, it is possible to easily generate hydrogen water having a high dissolved hydrogen concentration in the first mode.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of one Embodiment of the hydrogenous water server of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the hydrogen water server of FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement of each part and the flow of water in the 1st mode of the hydrogen water server of FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement of each part and the flow of water in the 2nd mode of the hydrogenous water server of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of each unit and the flow of water in the third mode of the hydrogen water server, following FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of each unit and the flow of water in the third mode of the hydrogen water server, following FIG. 5.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the hydrogen water server 1 of the present embodiment. The hydrogen water server 1 is a device that stores hydrogen water in which hydrogen is dissolved so that it can be provided as needed. The hydrogen water provided by the hydrogen water server 1 can be used as drinking or cooking water.

  The hydrogen water server 1 includes a water purification filter 2, a tank 3, and an electrolytic cell 4.

  The water purification filter 2 purifies the water supplied to the tank 3. The water purification filter 2 is configured to be replaceable by attaching to and detaching from the main body of the hydrogen water server 1. The water purification filter 2 is provided in the water intake path 11 on the upstream side of the tank 3. Raw water is supplied to the water intake path 11. As the raw water, tap water is generally used, but well water, ground water, and the like can be used. The water inlet path 11 has a water inlet valve 21. The water inlet valve 21 controls the amount of water flow to the hydrogen water server 1.

  The water purification filter 2 of the present embodiment includes a prefilter 2A, a carbon (activated carbon) filter 2B, and a hollow fiber membrane filter 2C. The pre-filter 2A is arranged on the most upstream side, and removes a material of 0.5 μm or more contained in raw water, for example. The carbon filter 2B is disposed on the downstream side of the prefilter 2A, and removes the substance that has passed through the prefilter 2A by adsorption. The hollow fiber membrane filter 2C is disposed on the downstream side of the carbon filter 2B, and removes, for example, a 0.1 μm or more substance that has passed through the pre-filter 2A and the carbon filter 2B.

  The tank 3 stores the water that has passed through the water purification filter 2. By appropriately controlling the opening and closing of the water inlet valve 21, the amount of water stored in the tank 3 is optimized.

  A circulation path 12 is provided between the tank 3 and the electrolytic cell 4. The circulation path 12 is a flow path for circulating water between the tank 3 and the electrolytic cell 4. The water stored in the tank 3 is supplied to the electrolytic cell 4 through the circulation path 12 and electrolyzed, and then returns to the tank 3 through the circulation path 12.

  The electrolytic cell 4 generates hydrogen water by electrolyzing the water supplied from the tank 3. The electrolytic cell 4 includes an electrolysis chamber 40, an anode power supply 41, a cathode power supply 42, and a diaphragm 43. The electrolysis chamber 40 is divided by a diaphragm 43 into an anode chamber 40A on the anode feeder 41 side and a cathode chamber 40B on the cathode feeder 42 side.

  As the anode power supply 41 and the cathode power supply 42, for example, a material in which a platinum plating layer is formed on the surface of a net-like metal such as an expanded metal made of titanium or the like is applied. Such a net-like anode power supply 41 and cathode power supply 42 can distribute water to the surface of the diaphragm 43 while sandwiching the diaphragm 43, and promote electrolysis in the electrolytic chamber 40. The platinum plating layer prevents the oxidation of titanium.

  For the diaphragm 43, for example, a solid polymer material made of a fluorine-based resin having a sulfonic acid group is appropriately used. On both surfaces of the diaphragm 43, plating layers made of platinum are formed. The plating layer of the diaphragm 43 is in contact with and electrically connected to the anode power supply 41 and the cathode power supply 42. The diaphragm 43 allows ions generated by electrolysis to pass through. The anode power supply 41 and the cathode power supply 42 are electrically connected via the diaphragm 43. When the diaphragm 43 made of a solid polymer material is applied, the dissolved hydrogen concentration can be increased without increasing the pH value of the hydrogen water.

  By electrolysis in the electrolysis chamber 40, oxygen gas is generated in the anode chamber 40A and hydrogen gas is generated in the cathode chamber 40B. In the present invention, hydrogen gas generated in the cathode chamber 40B is dissolved in the electrolyzed water in the cathode chamber 40B, and hydrogen water is generated. The hydrogen water generated with such electrolysis is referred to as “electrolytic hydrogen water”.

  The circulation path 12 includes circulation paths 12 a, 12 b and 12 c disposed on the upstream side of the electrolytic cell 4, and circulation paths 12 d and 12 e disposed on the downstream side of the electrolytic tank 4. The circulation path 12a is connected to the tank 3 at one upstream end and branches to the circulation paths 12b and 12c at the other downstream end. A pump 22 is provided in the circulation path 12a. The pump 22 drives the water in the circulation path 12 to circulate in the circulation path 12.

  The circulation path 12b is connected to the anode chamber 40A on the downstream side, and the circulation path 12c is connected to the cathode chamber 40B on the downstream side. A flow rate sensor 27A is provided in the circulation path 12b, and a flow rate sensor 27B is provided in the circulation path 12c. The flow sensor 27A detects the flow rate of water flowing into the anode chamber 40A. The flow sensor 27B detects the flow rate of water flowing into the cathode chamber 40B. The circulation path 12d is connected to the anode chamber 40A at one upstream end and is connected to the tank 3 at the other downstream end. The circulation path 12e is connected to the cathode chamber 40B at one upstream end, and is connected to the tank 3 at the other downstream end.

  The hydrogen water server 1 includes a water discharge path 13 connected to the cathode chamber 40B. The water discharge path 13 is a flow path for discharging the hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber 40B. The water discharge path 13 of the present embodiment is connected to the cathode chamber 40B via one end side of the circulation path 12e. The water discharge path 13 may be directly connected to the cathode chamber 40B.

  A water discharge port 13 a is provided on the distal end side of the water discharge path 13. A space in which the cup 100 or the like can be placed is formed below the water discharge port 13a, and a tray 13b for collecting water spilled from the cup 100 is provided.

  The hydrogen water server 1 of the present invention stores the hydrogen water circulating in the circulation path 12 in the tank 3 while increasing the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen water by electrolyzing the water in the electrolytic cell 4. The hydrogen water thus generated can be provided to the user via the water discharge path 13. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide hydrogen water as needed according to the user's request, and the usability of the hydrogen water server 1 is improved.

  FIG. 2 shows an electrical configuration of the hydrogen water server 1. The hydrogen water server 1 includes an operation unit 5 that is operated by a user, and a control unit 6 that controls each part such as a water inlet valve 21, an anode power supply 41, and a cathode power supply 42.

  The operation unit 5 includes a switch operated by a user, a touch panel for detecting capacitance, or the like (not shown). The user can set, for example, an operation mode of the hydrogen water server 1 described later by operating the operation unit 5. When the operation unit 5 is operated by the user, the operation unit 5 outputs a corresponding electrical signal to the control unit 6.

  The control unit 6 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes various arithmetic processes, information processing, and the like, a program that controls the operation of the CPU, and a memory that stores various information. A current detection unit 44 is provided on the current supply line between the anode power supply 41 and the control unit 6. The current detection unit 44 may be provided in a current supply line between the cathode power supply body 42 and the control unit 6. The current detection unit 44 detects the electrolytic current I supplied to the anode power supply body 41 and the cathode power supply body 42 and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the value to the control unit 6.

  For example, the control unit 6 controls the DC voltage applied to the anode power supply 41 and the cathode power supply 42 based on the electrical signal output from the current detection unit 44. More specifically, the control unit 6 determines the anode power supply 41 and the cathode power supply so that the electrolysis current I detected by the current detection means 44 has a desired value according to the preset dissolved hydrogen concentration. The DC voltage applied to 42 is feedback controlled. For example, when the electrolysis current I is excessive, the control unit 6 decreases the voltage, and when the electrolysis current I is excessive, the control unit 6 increases the voltage. Thereby, the electrolysis current I supplied to the anode power supply body 41 and the cathode power supply body 42 is appropriately controlled.

  The controller 6 controls opening / closing of the water inlet valve 21 based on the electrical signal output from the water amount sensor 31. As shown in FIG. 1, the water amount sensor 31 is provided in the upper part of the tank 3. The water amount sensor 31 has a float that floats on water. In the present embodiment, the water amount sensor 31 is provided in the upper part of the tank 3 and outputs an electrical signal to that effect to the control unit 6 when the amount of water stored in the tank 3 is substantially full.

  The control unit 6 controls the water inlet valve 21 to be in an open state when it does not receive an input of an electrical signal indicating that the water level is in the above-described full state. Thereby, the tank 3 is appropriately replenished with water, and the amount of stored water is maintained appropriately.

  When the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 is consumed, based on the electrical signal output from the water amount sensor 31, the control unit 6 opens the water inlet valve 21 and the tank 3 is replenished with water from the water inlet path 11. The At this time, since the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 decreases, the control unit 6 circulates again the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 through the circulation path 12 between the tank 3 and the electrolytic cell 4. Then, the electrolytic cell 4 is electrolyzed to increase the dissolved hydrogen concentration.

  When circulating the hydrogen water, the control unit 6 controls the drive voltage of the pump 22. At this time, the control unit 6 controls the drive voltage of the pump 22 while monitoring the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensors 27A and 27B. Thereby, the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 circulates in the circulation path 12 between the tank 3 and the electrolytic cell 4, and the electrolytic chamber is filled in the anode chamber 40A and the cathode chamber 40B. Further, the control unit 6 applies an electrolytic voltage to the anode power supply body 41 and the cathode power supply body 42. Thereby, the electrolyzed water supplied to the electrolytic cell 4 is further electrolyzed, and the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 can be maintained high. When the flow rate detected by the flow sensors 27A and 27B is less than a sufficient value for some reason, the application of the electrolytic voltage to the anode power supply 41 and the cathode power supply 42 is stopped. Thereby, application of the electrolysis voltage in a state where the electrolyzed water is not sufficiently supplied to the electrolytic cell 4 can be prevented.

  The hydrogen water server 1 operates as a first mode in which the hydrogen water circulating in the circulation path 12 is electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell 4 to increase the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 as an operation mode, 3 has a “second mode” for discharging the hydrogen water stored in 3 from the water discharge path 13. In the second mode, the hydrogen water supplied from the tank 3 to the electrolytic cell 4 is further electrolyzed, and the hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber 40 </ b> B is discharged from the water discharge path 13. The operation time in the first mode is longer than the operation time in the second mode.

  In the present embodiment, the first electrolysis current supplied to the anode power supply 41 and the cathode power supply 42 in the first mode and the second electrolysis current supplied to the anode power supply 41 and the cathode power supply 42 in the second mode are: It is controlled by the control unit 6.

  The first electrolysis current in the first mode is smaller than the second electrolysis current in the second mode. For this reason, in the first mode, hydrogen gas in small bubbles is generated to such an extent that it is difficult to visually confirm in the cathode chamber 40B. Such small hydrogen gas has a tendency to stay in the electrolyzed water for a long time because of its low buoyancy, and is easily dissolved in the electrolyzed water. Therefore, it is possible to easily generate hydrogen water having a high dissolved hydrogen concentration in the first mode.

  In the present invention, hydrogen gas generated in the cathode chamber 40B per unit time in the first mode is reduced due to the first electrolysis current being smaller than the second electrolysis current. However, by operating the hydrogen water server 1 in the first mode for a long time, the dissolved hydrogen concentration in the hydrogen water in the tank 3 can be gradually increased. In the present invention, the first mode is performed separately from the discharge of hydrogen water in the second mode, and the first mode can be executed at any time when hydrogen water is not discharged in the second mode. For this reason, the hydrogen water server 1 can be operated in the first mode for a long time. In such an operation state of the hydrogen water server 1, since the first electrolysis current in the first mode executed for a long time is smaller than the second electrolysis current, the power consumption of the hydrogen water server 1 is Can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, in the second mode, electrolysis is actively performed in the electrolytic cell, and a large amount of hydrogen gas is generated in the cathode chamber 40B. Part of the hydrogen gas generated at this time dissolves in the hydrogen water, increasing the dissolved hydrogen water concentration.

  And the hydrogen gas which was not able to melt | dissolve in hydrogen water turns into a comparatively large bubble, and is discharged from a water discharge path with hydrogen water. Such bubble-like hydrogen gas can be confirmed visually, and the user can visually confirm that the discharged water is hydrogen water.

  A preferable range of the first electrolysis current is, for example, 1 to 2A. In this case, minute bubble hydrogen gas is generated in the cathode chamber 40B in the first mode. Such hydrogen gas in a bubble state is easily dissolved in the electrolyzed water in the cathode chamber 40B, and the dissolved hydrogen concentration can be increased efficiently. Moreover, the range of a preferable 2nd electrolysis current is 5-7A, for example. In this case, since hydrogen gas of large bubbles is generated in the cathode chamber 40B in the second mode, visual confirmation becomes easy and the commercial value of the hydrogen water server 1 is increased. From such a viewpoint, the ratio of the second electrolysis current to the first electrolysis current is preferably 2.5 to 7.0.

  In the present embodiment, the water discharge path 13 is a flow path branched from the circulation path 12e from the cathode chamber 40B to the tank 3. Thereby, the structure of the hydrogen water server 1 is simplified.

  A flow path switching valve 23 is disposed at a branching portion 12f where the water discharge path 13 branches from the circulation path 12e. A so-called three-way valve can be applied to the flow path switching valve 23. The flow path switching valve 23 is controlled by the control unit 6 in accordance with the operation mode of the hydrogen water server 1 and switches part or all of the flow path downstream from the branching part 12 f to the circulation path 12 e or the water discharge path 13. That is, in the first mode, the entire flow path on the downstream side of the branch portion 12f is the circulation path 12e. In the second mode, a part or all of the flow path on the downstream side of the branch portion 12 f is switched to the water discharge path 13. Thereby, switching of a flow path can be realized with a simple configuration.

  An exhaust means 24 is disposed in the circulation path 12d from the anode chamber 40A to the tank 3. The exhaust means 24 includes a so-called gas vent valve having a function of separating and discharging only gas from the water of the circulation path 12d. Oxygen gas generated in the anode chamber 40A due to electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 4 is discharged outside the circulation path 12 by the exhaust means 24. Thereby, the anode chamber 40A is always filled with water required for electrolysis, and electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 4 can be efficiently performed.

  A flow rate adjustment valve 25 is arranged in the circulation path 12d from the anode chamber 40A to the tank 3. The flow rate adjustment valve 25 is provided closer to the tank 3 than the exhaust means 24. The flow rate adjusting valve 25 is controlled by the control unit 6 and adjusts the amount of water flowing through the circulation path 12d. For example, in the first mode, the flow of the electrolytic water returning from the anode chamber 40 </ b> A to the tank 3 is prevented by closing the flow rate adjustment valve 25.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a cooling device 7 is connected to the tank 3. The cooling device 7 cools the tank 3 by cooling the refrigerant and supplying it to the outer wall of the tank 3. The operation of the cooling device 7 is controlled by the control unit 6. Thereby, the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 is cooled to a desired temperature by the cooling device 7. Accordingly, it is possible to provide cooled hydrogen water as needed according to the user's request, and the usability of the hydrogen water server 1 is improved.

  In the present embodiment, the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 is periodically replaced under the control of the control unit 6. In replacing the hydrogen water, first, the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 is discharged, and then new water is supplied to the tank 3 from the water inlet path 11.

  A drainage path 14 for discharging hydrogen water is connected to the tank 3. In the present embodiment, the tank 3 and the drainage path 14 are connected via a part of the circulation path 12a. The tank 3 and the drainage path 14 may be directly connected.

  A drain valve 26 is provided in the drain path 14. The drain valve 26 is controlled by the control unit 6 to open and close. When the drain valve 26 is opened, the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 is discharged from the drain port 14a.

  The tray part 13b is connected to the drainage path 14 via a path 13c. The water collected by the tray part 13b is discharged from the drainage path 14 via the path 13c.

  FIG. 3 shows the operation of each part of the hydrogen water server 1 and the flow of water in the first mode. In the figure, the region filled with water is indicated by thin hatching (hereinafter, the same applies to FIGS. 4 to 6). In the first mode, the flow path on the circulation path 12e side of the flow path switching valve 23 is opened, and the flow path on the water discharge path 13 side is closed. Further, the drain valve 26 is closed, and the water inlet valve 21 is appropriately opened and closed according to the amount of water stored in the tank 3. The flow rate adjustment valve 25 is closed.

  When an electrolytic voltage is applied to the anode feeder 41 and the cathode feeder 42 in a state where the anode chamber 40A and the cathode chamber 40B are filled with water, electrolysis is started in the electrolytic cell 4, and hydrogen water is added in the cathode chamber 40B. Is generated. At this time, the control unit 6 performs feedback control of the electrolysis voltage so that the electrolysis current detected by the current detection unit 44 becomes the first electrolysis current. When a drive voltage is applied to the pump 22, the water in the circulation path 12 is pumped by the pump 22, and the water circulates in the circulation path 12 including the tank 3 and the electrolytic cell 4, and is generated in the cathode chamber 40B. Hydrogen water is collected in the tank 3.

  At this time, the oxygen gas generated by electrolysis in the anode chamber 40A moves upward in the circulation path 12d and is discharged from the exhaust means 24. Since the internal space of the hydrogen water server 1 is not sealed from the outside, the oxygen gas discharged from the exhaust means 24 is released to the atmosphere outside the hydrogen water server 1.

  Furthermore, since the flow rate adjustment valve 25 is closed, the flow of electrolytic water returning from the anode chamber 40A to the tank 3 is prevented. Thereby, the electrolyzed water in the anode chamber 40A that does not contribute to the increase in the dissolved hydrogen concentration does not return to the tank 3, so that the dissolved hydrogen concentration in the hydrogen water in the tank 3 can be efficiently increased. Note that the flow rate adjustment valve 25 in the first mode is not limited to a completely closed state, and the amount of electrolytic water returning from the anode chamber 40A to the tank 3 is greater than the amount of electrolytic water returning from the cathode chamber 40B to the tank 3. Alternatively, the flow rate may be controlled so as to be reduced.

  FIG. 4 shows the operation of each part of the hydrogen water server 1 and the flow of water in the second mode. In the second mode, the flow path of the hydrogen water that has passed through the cathode chamber 40B is switched by the flow path switching valve 23 from the state of the first mode shown in FIG. That is, in the second mode, the flow path on the circulation path 12e side is closed and the flow path on the water discharge path 13 side is opened. When the pump 22 is driven in this state, the hydrogen water that has passed through the cathode chamber 40B flows into the water discharge path 13 and is discharged from the water discharge port 13a.

  At this time, the control unit 6 feedback-controls the electrolytic voltage applied to the anode power supply body 41 and the cathode power supply body 42 so that the electrolysis current detected by the current detection means 44 becomes the second electrolysis current. Thereby, electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 4 becomes active, a large amount of hydrogen gas H is generated in the cathode chamber 40B, and hydrogen water containing hydrogen gas H in the form of bubbles is discharged from the water discharge port 13a. At this time, the oxygen gas generated in the anode chamber 40A passes through the circulation path 12d and is discharged from the exhaust means 24.

  The hydrogen water server 1 has a third mode in which the tank 3, the electrolytic cell 4, the circulation path 12, the water discharge path 13, the drainage path 14, etc. are sterilized as operation modes.

  5 and 6 show the operation of each part of the hydrogen water server 1 and the flow of water in the third mode in time series. In the third mode, water in the tank 3 and the circulation path 12 is heated and circulated, and parts such as the tank 3, the electrolytic cell 4, and the circulation path 12 are sterilized by heating. Thereby, propagation of bacteria etc. in each part in hydrogen water server 1 is controlled. The third mode is periodically executed under the control of the control unit 6. For example, the third mode is executed every day at midnight. For example, the time zone for executing the third mode can be appropriately set by the user operating the operation unit 5.

  The tank 3 is provided with a heater (heating means) 8 for heating water in the third mode. The heater 8 generates heat due to Joule heat, and heats the water stored in the tank 3. Further, a heater (heating means) 8 </ b> A is provided between the tank 3 and the pump 22 in the circulation path 12. The heater 8 </ b> A is provided in a part of the pipe constituting the circulation path 12. The heater 8A generates heat due to Joule heat and heats water in the circulation path 12. The heaters 8 and 8A are controlled by the control unit 6. Only one of the heaters 8 and 8A may be applied as the heating means.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 6 controls the heaters 8 and 8 </ b> A to heat the water stored in the tank 3 and the water in the circulation path 12. Thereby, hot water is generated in the tank 3 and the circulation path 12, the inside of the tank 3 and the circulation path 12 is sterilized by the hot water, and the growth of bacteria and the like is suppressed.

  In the third mode, the states of the flow path switching valve 23 and the drain valve 26 are initially controlled by the control unit 6 in the same manner as in the first mode. That is, the flow path on the circulation path 12e side of the flow path switching valve 23 is opened, and the flow path on the water discharge path 13 side is closed. The drain valve 26 is closed. Further, in the third mode, the flow rate adjustment valve 25 is opened. When the pump 22 is driven in this state, sufficient hot water is supplied also to the anode chamber 40A, the flow sensor 27A, and the circulation paths 12b and 12d, and the anode chamber 40A, the flow sensor 27A, the circulation paths 12b and 12d, etc. are heated. Sterilized by water. At this time, the flow rate of hot water supplied to the anode chamber 40A is detected by the flow rate sensor 27A, and the flow rate of hot water supplied to the cathode chamber 40B is detected by the flow rate sensor 27B, and monitored by the control unit 6.

  The flow rate of hot water supplied to the anode chamber 40A is preferably set to be equal to the flow rate of hot water supplied to the cathode chamber 40B. Accordingly, the same amount of hot water as that of the cathode chamber 40B is supplied to the anode chamber 40A, and the anode chamber 40A and the circulation paths 12a and 12b can be sufficiently sterilized.

  In addition, when heating the water stored in the tank 3 and the water in the circulation path 12 by controlling the heaters 8 and 8A, the water stored in the tank 3 from the drain port 14a is opened in advance. A part of may be discharged. In this case, since the amount of water to be heated is small, heating can be completed in a short time and with a small amount of power.

  Furthermore, in this case, it is desirable that the hot water in the tank 3 in the third mode includes the water vapor S. By filling the tank 3 with the water vapor S, the upper region of the tank 3 where hot water resulting from the reduction of the amount of water stored in the tank 3 is not immersed is sterilized by the water vapor S. For example, the water amount sensor 31 and the ceiling wall 33 are sterilized by the water vapor S.

  In addition, in order to acquire sufficient sterilization effect in a short time, the temperature of hot water is desirably 75 ° C. or higher, for example.

  When the integrated value of the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 27A and the flow rate sensor 27B exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 6 determines that the sterilization of the electrolytic cell 4, the circulation path 12, and the like is completed, and the heater 8 And 8A are turned off, heating is finished, and the driving of the pump 22 is finished. And as FIG. 6 shows, the control part 6 opens the drain valve 26, and discharges hot water from the tank 3, the circulation path 12, and the electrolytic cell 4 grade | etc.,. Further, the flow path on the circulation path 12 e side of the flow path switching valve 23 is closed, and the flow path on the water discharge path 13 side is opened, whereby hot water is discharged from the water discharge path 13. At this time, the water discharge path 13 and the drainage path 14 are sterilized by the hot water passing through the water discharge path 13 and the drainage path 14. Moreover, the hot water discharged from the spout 13a is collected by the tray 13b, passes through the path 13c, and reaches the drain path 14. Thereby, the saucer part 13b and the path | route 13c are sterilized.

  In the sterilization mode, the control unit 6 controls the drive voltage of the pump 22 while monitoring the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensors 27A and 27B. Thereby, the amount of hot water flowing through the circulation path 12 and the electrolytic cell 4 is managed by the control unit 6. The control unit 6 can grasp the progress of sterilization of the circulation path 12 and the electrolytic cell 4 based on the amount of hot water flowing through the circulation path 12 and the electrolytic cell 4, and can appropriately terminate the sterilization mode. At the end of the sterilization mode, the control unit 6 stops the pump 22 and opens the flow rate adjustment valve 25 and the bypass valve 28. Thereby, the hot water in the circulation paths 12b and 12d and the anode chamber 40A is discharged from the drainage path 14.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, an ultraviolet LED (ultraviolet irradiation means) 34 is provided on the top wall 33 of the tank 3. The ultraviolet LED 34 is a light emitting diode that is controlled by the control unit 6 to emit ultraviolet rays. The inside of the tank 3 is sterilized by the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet LED 34. The ultraviolet LED 34 may be provided in the circulation path 12 or the electrolytic cell 4 in addition to the tank 3. The ultraviolet LED 34 can be turned on in the electrolyzed water generation mode and the sterilization mode. During operation of the hydrogen water server 1, the ultraviolet LED 34 may be configured to be constantly or periodically lit.

  As described above, the hydrogen water server 1 of the present embodiment has been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment described above, and can be implemented in various forms. That is, the hydrogen water server 1 is divided into an anode chamber 40A and a cathode chamber 40B at least by a diaphragm 43, and an electrolytic cell 4 that generates hydrogen water in the cathode chamber 40B by electrolyzing the supplied water, and a cathode The tank 3 that stores the hydrogen water generated in the chamber 40B, the circulation path 12 that is a flow path for circulating the hydrogen water between the tank 3 and the electrolytic cell 4, and the cathode chamber 40B are connected to the cathode chamber 40B. And a water discharge path 13 which is a flow path for discharging the hydrogen water generated in step 1, and the hydrogen water circulating through the circulation path 12 is electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell 4 so that the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 is dissolved. A first mode for increasing the hydrogen concentration, and a second mode for further electrolyzing the hydrogen water supplied from the tank 3 in the electrolytic cell 4 and discharging the hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber 40B from the water discharge path 13. The second If the first electrolysis current supplied to the anode power supply 41 and the cathode power supply 42 in the mode is set smaller than the second electrolysis current supplied to the anode power supply 41 and the cathode power supply 42 in the second mode. Good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hydrogen water server 3 Tank 4 Electrolyzer 12 Circulation path 13 Water discharge path 24 Exhaust means 25 Flow control valve 40A Anode room 40B Cathode room 43 Diaphragm

Claims (8)

An electrolysis that generates hydrogen water in which hydrogen is dissolved in the cathode chamber by electrolyzing the supplied water by separating the cathode chamber in which the cathode feeder is disposed and the anode chamber in which the anode feeder is disposed by a diaphragm. A tank, a tank for storing hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber, a circulation path that is a flow path for circulating hydrogen water between the tank and the electrolytic cell, and connected to the cathode chamber, A water discharge path that is a flow path for discharging hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber,
A first mode for increasing the dissolved hydrogen concentration of hydrogen water stored in the tank by electrolyzing hydrogen water circulating in the circulation path in the electrolytic cell;
A second mode in which the hydrogen water supplied from the tank is further electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell, and the hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber is discharged from the water discharge path;
The first electrolytic current supplied to the anode feeder and the cathode feeder in the first mode is smaller than the second electrolytic current supplied to the anode feeder and the cathode feeder in the second mode. A hydrogen water server characterized by   2. The hydrogen water server according to claim 1, wherein in the second mode, hydrogen gas in a bubble state is discharged from the water discharge path together with hydrogen water.   The hydrogen water server according to claim 1, wherein the water discharge path is a flow path that branches from the circulation path from the cathode chamber to the tank.   A flow path switching valve for switching a part or all of the flow path of the hydrogen water flowing out from the cathode chamber to the circulation path or the water discharge path is disposed at a branch portion where the water discharge path branches from the circulation path. The hydrogen water server according to claim 3.   The hydrogen water server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an exhaust unit for exhausting oxygen gas generated in the anode chamber is disposed in the circulation path from the anode chamber to the tank.   The hydrogen water server according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a flow rate adjusting valve for adjusting an amount of water flowing through the circulation path is disposed in the circulation path from the anode chamber to the tank.   The hydrogen water server according to claim 1, wherein the diaphragm includes a solid polymer film.   The hydrogen water server according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a ratio of the second electrolysis current to the first electrolysis current is 2.5 to 7.0.

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