JP2021080508A - Electrolytic water generator - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electrolytic water generator capable of generating electrolytic water containing more hypochlorous acid than a conventional one.SOLUTION: An electrolytic water generator 100 includes: an electrolysis tank 110 provided with a first chamber 121, a second chamber 122, a third chamber 123 and a fourth chamber 124; a first diaphragm 141 disposed between the first chamber 121 and the second chamber 122 and having ion permeability; a second diaphragm 142 disposed between the second chamber 122 and the third chamber 123 and having ion permeability; a third diaphragm 143 disposed between the third chamber 123 and the fourth chamber 124 and having ion permeability; a pair of first electrodes 151 having a first electrode 161 disposed in the first chamber 121 and a second electrode 162 disposed in the third chamber 123; a pair of second electrodes 152 having a third electrode 163 disposed in the third chamber 123 and a fourth electrode 164 disposed in the fourth chamber 124; and a flow path 171 connecting the first chamber 121 and the fourth chamber 124.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generator.

Conventionally, an electrolyzed water generator for generating electrolyzed water used for sterilization or deodorization is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In particular, electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid obtained by electrolyzing an aqueous solution containing a chlorine component (for example, chlorine ion) such as saline has a high effect of sterilization, deodorization, etc., and has a high effect on the human body. It is known to be highly safe.

Patent Document 1 discloses an electrolyzed water generator that generates electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid and the like.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-85247

The electrolyzed water generator is required to generate electrolyzed water containing a large amount of hypochlorous acid in order to enhance the effects of sterilization, deodorization and the like.

The present invention provides an electrolyzed water generator or the like capable of generating electrolyzed water containing a larger amount of hypochlorous acid than before.

The electrolytic water generator according to one aspect of the present invention has a first chamber for accommodating water, a second chamber for accommodating water containing sodium chloride, a third chamber for accommodating water, and a fourth chamber for accommodating water. Was provided, an ion-permeable first diaphragm arranged between the first chamber and the second chamber, and arranged between the second chamber and the third chamber. The second diaphragm having ion permeability, the third diaphragm having ion permeability arranged between the third chamber and the fourth chamber, the first electrode arranged in the first chamber, and the first electrode. A first electrode pair having a second electrode arranged in the third chamber, a third electrode arranged in the third chamber, and a second electrode pair having a fourth electrode arranged in the fourth chamber. The first DC power supply that applies a voltage to the first electrode pair and the third electrode as the negative electrode and the fourth electrode as the negative electrode so that the first electrode is the negative electrode and the second electrode is the positive electrode. A second DC power source that applies a voltage to the second electrode pair so as to be a positive electrode, and a flow path that connects the first chamber and the fourth chamber are provided.

It should be noted that these comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized by a recording medium such as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program or a computer-readable CD-ROM, and the system, the method, the integrated circuit, the computer program And any combination of recording media may be realized.

According to the electrolyzed water generator according to one aspect of the present invention, electrolyzed water containing more hypochlorous acid than before can be generated.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electrolyzed water generator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of the electrolyzed water generator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the ratio of hypochlorous acid to the pH of electrolyzed water. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electrolyzed water generator according to a second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electrolyzed water generator according to a third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of the electrolyzed water generator according to the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that all of the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, the order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention.

It should be noted that each figure is a schematic view, and the size, shape, etc. are not necessarily exactly shown. Further, in each figure, substantially the same configuration is designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description may be omitted or simplified.

Further, in the present specification, sterilization refers to, for example, fungi such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli. (E. coli), Pseudomonas sp. (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), Klebsiella sp. Bacteria such as (Klebsiella pneumoniae), Cladosporium. sp. It means that fungi including molds such as (black mold) and Aspergillus (black aspergillus) and / or viruses such as norovirus are decomposed to reduce the total number of bacteria and the like, and it also means sterilization or sterilization. Including. The fungi, bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc. that are the targets of the above sterilization are examples, and are not limited.

In this specification, a case where the pH is lower than 7 is described as acidic, and a case where the pH is higher than 7 is described as alkaline. Further, a case where the pH is about 4.0 to 6.5 may be described as weakly acidic.

Further, in each figure, the inside of the electrolytic cell is schematically shown for the sake of explanation.

(Embodiment 1)
[Constitution]
First, the configuration of the electrolyzed water generator according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electrolyzed water generator 100 according to a first embodiment. In FIG. 1, a part of the pipe 170 is shown in cross section for the sake of explanation. Further, in the following, the liquid contained in the first chamber 121 is referred to as the first liquid 301, the liquid contained in the second chamber 122 is referred to as the second liquid 302, and the liquid contained in the third chamber 123 is referred to as the second liquid 302. The third liquid 303 and the liquid contained in the fourth chamber 124 will be described as the fourth liquid 304.

The electrolyzed water generating device 100 is an device that electrolyzes a liquid containing chlorine contained in an electrolytic cell 110 to generate electrolyzed water having a bactericidal effect. The bactericidal effect is an effect of sterilizing fungi, bacteria, fungi, viruses and the like, and particularly means an effect of sterilizing many bacteria in a short time. In the present embodiment, the electrolyzed water generator 100 electrolyzes a liquid containing a second liquid 302 containing sodium chloride.

The electrolyzed water generator 100 includes an electrolytic cell 110, a first diaphragm 141, a second diaphragm 142, a third diaphragm 143, a first electrode pair 151, a second electrode pair 152, and a first DC power supply 181. A second DC power supply 182, a flow path 171 and a control unit 200 are provided.

In FIG. 1, the control unit 200 is represented as a functional block. The control unit 200 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer (microcontroller) or the like, and is arranged inside an outer shell housing (not shown) of the electrolyzed water generator 100. The control unit 200 may be attached to the outside of the electrolytic cell 110, for example.

Hereinafter, details of each component included in the electrolyzed water generator 100 will be described.

<Electrolytic cell>
The electrolytic cell 110 is a container for containing a liquid containing a chlorine component.

Specifically, the chlorine component is a chlorine ion (Cl ⁻ ). In this embodiment, the liquid contained in the electrolytic bath 110 is sodium chloride water (NaCl) is added _(H 2 O).

The electrolytic cell 110 is provided with a first chamber 121, a second chamber 122, a third chamber 123, and a fourth chamber 124. More specifically, the electrolytic cell 110 is internally composed of the first diaphragm 141, the second diaphragm 142, and the third diaphragm 143 in the first chamber 121, the second chamber 122, the third chamber 123, and the fourth chamber. It is partitioned into 124 and in this order.

The first chamber 121 is a space for accommodating the first liquid 301 and arranging the first electrode 161 which is the negative electrode of the first electrode pair 151. Further, the first chamber 121 contains, for example, water as the first liquid 301 or water containing sodium chloride before electrolysis is performed by the first electrode pair 151 and the second electrode pair 152. ..

The inside of the electrolytic cell 110 is divided into a first chamber 121 and a second chamber 122 by a first diaphragm 141.

The second chamber 122 is a space for accommodating the second liquid 302 and in which electrodes are not arranged. Further, the second chamber 122 contains, for example, water containing sodium chloride as the second liquid 302 before the electrolysis is performed by the first electrode pair 151 and the second electrode pair 152.

The inside of the electrolytic cell 110 is divided into a second chamber 122 and a third chamber 123 by a second diaphragm 142.

The third chamber 123 contains the third liquid 303, and the second electrode 162 which is the positive electrode (anode) of the first electrode pair 151 and the third electrode 163 which is the negative electrode (cathode) of the second electrode pair 152 are arranged. It is a space to be. Further, the third chamber 123 contains, for example, water as the third liquid 303 or water containing sodium chloride before electrolysis is performed by the first electrode pair 151 and the second electrode pair 152. ..

The inside of the electrolytic cell 110 is divided into a third chamber 123 and a fourth chamber 124 by a third diaphragm 143.

The fourth chamber 124 is a space for accommodating the fourth liquid 304 and arranging the fourth electrode 164 which is the positive electrode of the second electrode pair 152. Further, the fourth chamber 124 contains, for example, water as the fourth liquid 304 or water containing sodium chloride before electrolysis is performed by the first electrode pair 151 and the second electrode pair 152. ..

Further, in the first chamber 121, the fourth chamber 124 and the first liquid 301 are movably connected by a flow path 171. In the fourth chamber 124, the first chamber 121 and the fourth liquid 304 are movably connected by a flow path 171. That is, the liquid contained in each of the first chamber 121 and the fourth chamber 124 is movably connected by the flow path 171. Therefore, the first liquid 301 and the fourth liquid 304 are mixed through the flow path 171 to form the same liquid (for example, a liquid having the same concentration of ions contained therein).

The material used in the electrolytic cell 110 is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that is less likely to be corroded by an aqueous solution containing a chlorine component and electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid generated by electrolyzing the aqueous solution. .. The electrolytic cell 110 is formed by using, for example, a resin material.

<Flow path>
The flow path 171 is a flow path that movably connects the first chamber 121 and the fourth chamber 124 with the liquid. In the present embodiment, the flow path 171 is formed in the pipe 170. That is, the liquid is movably connected to the first chamber 121 and the fourth chamber 124 via the pipe 170. As a result, the first liquid 301 contained in the first chamber 121 and the fourth liquid 304 housed in the fourth chamber 124 are mixed via the flow path 171.

The pipe 170 may be provided with a pump or the like controlled by the control unit 200 for moving the liquid flowing through the flow path 171.

<Septum>
The first diaphragm 141 is an ion-permeable diaphragm that partitions the inside of the electrolytic cell 110 into a first chamber 121 and a second chamber 122. The first diaphragm 141 is a diaphragm that restricts the movement of at least one of a cation such as sodium ion and an anion such as chloride ion. In this embodiment, the first diaphragm 141 is a cation exchange membrane.

The second diaphragm 142 is an ion-permeable diaphragm that partitions the inside of the electrolytic cell 110 into the second chamber 122 and the third chamber 123. The second diaphragm 142 is a diaphragm that restricts the movement of at least one of a cation such as a sodium ion and an anion such as a chloride ion. In this embodiment, the second diaphragm 142 is an anion exchange membrane.

The third diaphragm 143 is an ion-permeable diaphragm that partitions the inside of the electrolytic cell 110 into the third chamber 123 and the fourth chamber 124. The third diaphragm 143 is a diaphragm that restricts the movement of at least one of a cation such as sodium ion and an anion such as chloride ion. In this embodiment, the third diaphragm 143 is an anion exchange membrane.

Both ion exchange membranes may be adopted for the first diaphragm 141, the second diaphragm 142, and the third diaphragm 143. The biion exchange membrane is a member that limits the movement of cations such as sodium ions and anions such as chloride ions by a predetermined amount. The amphoteric membrane is, for example, a porous membrane or a amphoteric exchange membrane. As the material of the porous film, for example, a ceramic material and a resin material are adopted, but the material is not particularly limited.

<Electrode>
The first electrode pair 151 is arranged in the electrolytic cell 110, and is an electrode for electrolyzing (electrodialyzing) the first liquid 301, the second liquid 302, and the third liquid 303 housed in the electrolytic cell 110. It is a pair. The first electrode pair 151 includes a first electrode 161 and a second electrode 162.

The first electrode 161 is a negative electrode arranged in the first chamber 121. The second electrode 162 is a positive electrode arranged in the third chamber 123. That is, the first DC power supply 181 energizes the first electrode 161 and the second electrode 162 so that the first electrode 161 serves as a negative electrode and the second electrode 162 serves as a positive electrode.

By applying a voltage between the first electrode 161 and the second electrode 162, the chlorine ions contained in the second chamber 122 are moved to the third chamber 123. Further, the water containing chloride ions contained in the third chamber 123 is electrolyzed, and electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid (HClO) is generated in the third chamber 123.

Further, by applying a voltage between the first electrode 161 and the second electrode 162, the sodium ions contained in the second chamber 122 are moved to the first chamber 121.

The second electrode pair 152 is an electrode pair arranged in the electrolytic cell 110 for electrolyzing (electrodialyzing) the third liquid 303 and the fourth liquid 304 housed in the electrolytic cell 110. The second electrode pair 152 includes a third electrode 163 and a fourth electrode 164.

The third electrode 163 is a negative electrode arranged in the third chamber 123. The fourth electrode 164 is a positive electrode arranged in the fourth chamber 124. That is, the second DC power supply 182 energizes the third electrode 163 and the fourth electrode 164 so that the third electrode 163 becomes the negative electrode and the fourth electrode 164 becomes the positive electrode.

By applying a voltage between the third electrode 163 and the fourth electrode 164, the sodium ions contained in the fourth chamber 124 are moved to the third chamber 123. For example, the fourth liquid 304 (and the first liquid 301) may contain sodium ions (more specifically, sodium chloride). Further, for example, the fourth liquid 304 (and the first liquid 301) may not contain sodium ions (more specifically, sodium chloride). In this case, the first liquid 301 contains sodium ions because electrolysis is performed by the first electrode pair 151. Further, the first liquid 301 and the fourth liquid 304 are mixed with each other through the flow path 171 so that the fourth liquid 304 contains sodium ions.

The material used for each electrode (first electrode 161, second electrode 162, third electrode 163, and fourth electrode 164) is not particularly limited. The material used for each of the electrodes is, for example, a metal electrode containing platinum as a main component.

<DC power supply>
The first DC power supply 181 is formed between the first electrode 161 and the second electrode 162 (more specifically) by applying a voltage by passing a current through the first electrode pair 151 (the first electrode 161 and the second electrode 162). Is a DC power source for electrolyzing the first liquid 301, the second liquid 302, and the third liquid 303 contained in the electrolytic tank 110 by applying a voltage to the liquids located between them. is there.

The voltage applied by the first DC power supply 181 between the first electrode 161 and the second electrode 162 is not particularly limited. The voltage may be a pulse voltage or a pulsating voltage.

The first DC power supply 181 is realized by, for example, a power supply circuit including a converter or the like. For example, the first DC power supply 181 generates a predetermined voltage based on the power received from an external power source such as an external commercial power source (not shown), and applies a voltage between the first electrode 161 and the second electrode 162. ..

The second DC power supply 182 is located between the third electrode 163 and the fourth electrode 164 (more specifically) by applying a voltage by passing a current through the second electrode pair 152 (third electrode 163 and fourth electrode 164). Is a DC power source for electrolyzing the third liquid 303 and the fourth liquid 304 housed in the electrolytic tank 110 by applying a voltage to the liquid located between them.

The voltage applied by the second DC power supply 182 between the third electrode 163 and the fourth electrode 164 is not particularly limited. The voltage may be a pulse voltage or a pulsating voltage.

The second DC power supply 182 is realized by, for example, a power supply circuit including a converter or the like. For example, the second DC power supply 182 generates a predetermined voltage based on the power received from an external power source such as an external commercial power source (not shown), and applies a voltage between the third electrode 163 and the fourth electrode 164. ..

<Control unit>
The control unit 200 is a control device that controls the overall operation of the electrolyzed water generator 100. Specifically, the control unit 200 controls the operations of the first DC power supply 181 and the second DC power supply 182.

For example, the control unit 200 controls the first DC power supply 181 to apply a voltage to the first electrode pair 151 (more specifically, between the first electrode 161 and the second electrode 162). And control the magnitude of voltage.

Further, for example, the control unit 200 controls the second DC power supply 182 to apply a voltage to the second electrode pair 152 (more specifically, between the third electrode 163 and the fourth electrode 164). It controls the timing and the magnitude of voltage.

For example, the control unit 200 applies a voltage to the first electrode pair 151 by controlling the first DC power supply 181 and then applies a voltage to the second electrode pair 152 by controlling the second DC power supply 182. .. More specifically, the control unit 200 applies a voltage to the first electrode pair 151 by controlling, for example, the first DC power supply 181 to apply a voltage to the first liquid 301, the second liquid 302, and the third liquid 303. By controlling the second DC power supply 182, a voltage is applied to the second electrode pair 152 to electrolyze the third liquid 303 and the fourth liquid 304.

The control unit 200 is realized by, for example, a microcontroller or the like. Specifically, the control unit 200 is realized by a non-volatile memory in which the program is stored, a volatile memory which is a temporary storage area for executing the program, an input / output port, a processor for executing the program, and the like. .. The control unit 200 may be realized by a dedicated electronic circuit that executes each operation.

Further, the control unit 200 may include a time measuring unit such as an RTC (Real Time Clock) in order to measure the time.

The control unit 200 may be connected to the first DC power supply 181 and the second DC power supply 182 so as to be wirelessly communicable, as long as it can control the first DC power supply 181 and the second DC power supply 182. It may be connected to the first DC power supply 181 and the second DC power supply 182 by a control line or the like.

[Control method]
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 2, the details of the method of generating electrolyzed water by the electrolyzed water generator 100 according to the first embodiment, that is, the method of controlling the electrolyzed water generator 100 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of the electrolyzed water generator 100 according to the first embodiment.

For example, the user of the electrolyzed water generator 100 first puts the first liquid 301 in the first chamber 121, puts the second liquid 302 in the second chamber 122, and puts the third liquid 303 in the third chamber 123. The fourth liquid 304 is placed in the fourth chamber 124. For example, the user puts water containing sodium chloride in the second chamber, and puts water in the first chamber 121, the third chamber 123, and the fourth chamber 124.

First, the control unit 200 controls the first DC power supply 181 to charge the first liquid 301, the second liquid 302, and the third liquid 303 contained in the electrolytic cell 110 to the first electrode pair 151. Disassemble (step S101).

As shown in the reaction formula (1) below, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode 161 and the second electrode 162, chlorine ions (Cl ⁻ ) contained in the second liquid 302 move to the third liquid 303. Chlorine gas (Cl ₂ ) is generated by the reaction.

2Cl ⁻ → Cl ₂ + 2e ⁻ (1)

Next, as shown in the reaction formula (2) below, chlorine gas (Cl ₂ ) contained in the third liquid 303 reacts with water (H ₂ O) to form hypochlorous acid (HClO). Hydrogen chloride (HCl) is produced.

Cl ₂ + H ₂ O → HClO + HCl (2)

From the above reaction formula (2), it can be seen that the third liquid 303 becomes acidic.

On the other hand, the sodium ion (Na ⁺ ) contained in the second liquid 302 is transferred to the first liquid 301. Further, the fourth liquid 304 contains sodium ions by mixing with the first liquid 301 via the flow path 171.

The time for electrolyzing the first electrode pair 151 by controlling the first DC power supply 181 by the control unit 200 may be arbitrarily determined and is not particularly limited.

Next, the control unit 200 controls the second DC power supply 182 to electrolyze the third liquid 303 and the fourth liquid 304 housed in the electrolytic cell 110 into the second electrode pair 152 (step S102). ..

As shown in the reaction formula (3) below, hydrogen chloride contained in the third liquid 303 is separated into ^{chlorine ions and hydrogen ions (H +) in water.}

HCl → H ⁺ + Cl ⁻ (3)

Here, when the pH of the second liquid 302 is low, the chlorine ion becomes chlorine (Cl ₂ ). That is, chlorine gas is generated from the second liquid 302.

Therefore, the control unit 200 is included in the second liquid 302 by controlling the second DC power supply 182 to cause the second electrode pair 152 to electrolyze (electrodialyze) the third liquid 303 and the fourth liquid 304. Chloride ion is moved to the fourth chamber 124. As a result, since the fourth liquid 304 contains sodium ions and has a high pH, chlorine gas is not generated, and sodium ions and chlorine ions are combined to form sodium chloride.

As described above, since the hydrogen chloride contained in the third liquid 303 is reduced, the pH of the third liquid 303 rises a little.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing the ratio of hypochlorous acid to the pH of electrolyzed water. The hypochlorous acid ratio is the ratio of chlorine-based substances existing as hypochlorous acid among the chlorine-based substances contained in the electrolyzed water.

As shown in FIG. 3, if the pH of the electrolyzed water is, for example, 4.0 or more and 6.5 or less, the chlorine-based substance produced when water containing chlorine ions is electrolyzed is It can be seen that the proportion of hypochlorous acid is high (for example, 90% or more).

It is known that when the pH of the electrolyzed water becomes high, that is, when the electrolyzed water becomes alkaline, the proportion of hypochlorous acid decreases and hypochlorite ions (ClO ^{−) are generated.} Further, it is known that when the pH becomes low, that is, when the electrolyzed water becomes strongly acidic (for example, the pH is less than 2), the ratio of hypochlorous acid decreases and chlorine gas is generated. Therefore, in order to effectively produce hypochlorous acid having a high bactericidal effect, it is necessary to control the pH of the electrolyzed water to be 4.0 or more and 6.5 or less.

Therefore, the electrolyzed water generator 100 electrolyzes (electrolyzes) the first liquid 301, the second liquid 302, and the third liquid 303 by the first electrode pair 151, and the third liquid 303 is hypochlorinated. It is produced as electrolyzed water containing acid. In this state, the pH of the third liquid 303 is as low as about 3, for example. Therefore, the electrolyzed water generator 100 further electrolyzes (electrodialyzes) the third liquid 303 and the fourth liquid 304 by the second electrode pair 152 to reduce the hydrogen chloride contained in the third liquid 303. As a result, the electrolyzed water generator 100 increases hypochlorous acid by slightly raising the pH of the third liquid 303 and controlling the pH to be 4.0 or more and 6.5 or less.

Further, since the first chamber 121 and the fourth chamber 124 are connected by the flow path 171 so that the sodium ions that have moved from the second liquid 302 to the first liquid 301 also move to the fourth liquid 304. .. Therefore, the sodium ion of the fourth liquid 304 increases. Therefore, when the third liquid 303 and the fourth liquid 304 are electrolyzed by the second electrode pair 152, chlorine ions easily move from the third liquid 303 to the fourth liquid 304. As a result, the pH of the third liquid 303 can be easily raised by electrolysis without adding cations such as sodium ions to the fourth liquid 304 in advance.

For example, the control unit 200 causes the first electrode pair 151 and the second electrode pair 152 to electrolyze the first liquid 301, the second liquid 302, the third liquid 303, and the fourth liquid 304 for a predetermined time. , The pH of the third liquid 303 may be adjusted. Alternatively, the electrolyzed water generator 100 may include a pH measuring device (not shown) for measuring the pH of the third liquid 303. The control unit 200 may control the first DC power supply 181 and the second DC power supply based on the measurement result of the pH measuring device.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the electrolytic water generator 100 according to the first embodiment has a first chamber 121 for accommodating water, a second chamber 122 for accommodating water containing sodium chloride, a third chamber 123 for accommodating water, and water. The electrolytic tank 110 provided with the fourth chamber 124 for accommodating, the first diaphragm 141 having ion permeability arranged between the first chamber 121 and the second chamber 122, and the second chamber 122 and the third chamber. The second diaphragm 142 having ion permeability arranged between the 123 and the third diaphragm 143 having ion permeability arranged between the third chamber 123 and the fourth chamber 124, and the first chamber 121. The first electrode pair 151 having the first electrode 161 arranged in the third chamber 123 and the second electrode 162 arranged in the third chamber 123, the third electrode 163 arranged in the third chamber 123, and the fourth chamber. A first DC that applies a voltage to the first electrode pair 151 so that the second electrode pair 152 having the fourth electrode 164 arranged at 124 and the first electrode 161 as the negative electrode and the second electrode 162 as the positive electrode. The power supply 181 and the second DC power supply 182 that applies a voltage to the second electrode pair 152 so that the third electrode 163 is the negative electrode and the fourth electrode 164 is the positive electrode, and the first chamber 121 and the fourth chamber 124. 171 is provided with a flow path 171 for connecting the above.

According to this, hypochlorous acid can be produced in the third chamber 123 where electrolyzed water is produced. Further, since the first chamber 121 and the fourth chamber 124 are connected by the flow path 171, the first liquid 301 and the fourth liquid 304 are mixed, and the sodium ions contained in the fourth liquid 304 increase. .. Further, the pH of the third liquid 303 can be raised by electrolyzing the third liquid 303 and the fourth liquid 304 by the second electrode pair 152. As a result, according to the electrolyzed water generator 100, it is possible to generate electrolyzed water containing more hypochlorous acid than before.

Further, for example, the first diaphragm 141 is a cation exchange membrane, and the second diaphragm 142 is an anion exchange membrane.

According to this, even when the electrolyzed water generator 100 electrolyzes the first liquid 301, the second liquid 302, and the third liquid 303 by the first electrode pair 151, the second liquid becomes the third liquid 303. Hypochlorous acid can be produced without including the sodium ion contained in 302.

Further, for example, the third diaphragm 143 is an anion exchange membrane.

According to this, even when the electrolyzed water generator 100 electrolyzes the third liquid 303 and the fourth liquid 304 by the second electrode pair 152, the third liquid 303 contains the sodium ions contained in the second liquid 302. Hypochlorous acid can be produced without inclusion.

Further, for example, the electrolyzed water generator 100 further includes a control unit 200 that controls the first DC power supply 181 and the second DC power supply 182. In this case, for example, the control unit 200 controls the first DC power supply 181 to apply a voltage to the first electrode pair 151, and then controls the second DC power supply 182 to apply a voltage to the second electrode pair 152. Is applied.

According to this, the control unit 200 can turn the third liquid 303 into electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid by controlling the first DC power supply 181. Further, in the control unit 200, the pH of the third liquid 303 can be raised by electrolyzing the third liquid 303 and the fourth liquid 304 by the second electrode pair 152. As a result, according to the electrolyzed water generator 100, it is possible to generate electrolyzed water containing more hypochlorous acid than before. Further, the timing of applying the voltage to the liquid contained in the electrolytic cell 110 differs between the first electrode pair 151 and the second electrode pair 152. According to this, for example, the electrolyzed water generator 100 can have one DC power supply by providing a switch for switching the electrical connection relationship between the DC power supply and the electrode. When the electrolyzed water generator 100 includes a plurality of DC power supplies as in the present embodiment, the control unit 200 may operate the plurality of DC power supplies at the same time.

(Embodiment 2)
Subsequently, the electrolyzed water generator according to the second embodiment will be described. In the electrolyzed water generator according to the second embodiment described below, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configuration as the electrolyzed water generator 100 according to the first embodiment, and some of the explanations will be given. It may be simplified or omitted.

[Constitution]
The electrolyzed water generator according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the electrolyzed water generator 101 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 4, a part of the pipe 170 is shown in cross section for the sake of explanation.

The electrolyzed water generator 101 includes an electrolytic cell 110, a first diaphragm 141, a second diaphragm 142, a third diaphragm 143, a first electrode 161 and a fourth electrode 164, a fifth electrode 165, and a first electrode. It includes a DC power supply 181a, a second DC power supply 182a, a flow path 171 and a control unit 201. The electrolyzed water generator 101 is different from the electrolyzed water generator 100 in that it includes a fifth electrode 165 instead of the second electrode 162 and the third electrode 163.

In FIG. 4, the control unit 201 is represented as a functional block. The control unit 201 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer or the like, and is arranged inside an outer shell housing (not shown) of the electrolyzed water generator 101.

The third chamber 123 is a space for accommodating the third liquid 303. In the second embodiment, the fifth electrode 165 is arranged in the third chamber 123.

The fifth electrode 165 is an electrode that serves as a positive electrode with respect to the first electrode 161 by the first DC power supply 181a. That is, the first electrode 161 and the fifth electrode 165 are a pair of electrodes in which the first electrode 161 serves as a negative electrode and the fifth electrode 165 serves as a positive electrode.

Further, the fifth electrode 165 is an electrode that serves as a negative electrode with respect to the fourth electrode 164 by the second DC power supply 182a. That is, the fourth electrode 164 and the fifth electrode 165 are a pair of electrodes in which the fourth electrode 164 serves as a positive electrode and the fifth electrode 165 serves as a negative electrode.

Like the fifth electrode 165 included in the electrolyzed water generator 101, the second electrode 162 and the third electrode 163 included in the electrolyzed water generator 100 may be integrally formed.

The material used for the fifth electrode 165 is not particularly limited. The material used for the fifth electrode 165 is, for example, a metal electrode containing platinum as a main component.

The first DC power supply 181a is a first electrode such that the first electrode 161 is a negative electrode and the fifth electrode 165 is a positive electrode by applying a voltage by passing a current through the first electrode 161 and the fifth electrode 165. It is a DC power source for electrolyzing the first liquid 301, the second liquid 302, and the third liquid 303 housed in the electrolytic tank 110 by applying a voltage between the 161 and the fifth electrode 165. ..

The first DC power supply 181a is realized by, for example, a power supply circuit including a converter or the like. For example, the first DC power supply 181a generates a predetermined voltage based on the power received from an external power source such as an external commercial power supply (not shown), and applies a voltage between the first electrode 161 and the fifth electrode 165. ..

The second DC power supply 182a is a fifth electrode such that the fifth electrode 165 is a negative electrode and the fourth electrode 164 is a positive electrode by applying a voltage by passing a current through the fifth electrode 165 and the fourth electrode 164. This is a DC power source for electrolyzing the third liquid 303 and the fourth liquid 304 housed in the electrolytic tank 110 by applying a voltage between the 165 and the fourth electrode 164.

The second DC power supply 182a is realized by, for example, a power supply circuit including a converter or the like. For example, the second DC power supply 182a generates a predetermined voltage based on the power received from an external power source such as an external commercial power source (not shown), and applies a voltage between the fifth electrode 165 and the fourth electrode 164. ..

The control unit 201 is a control device that controls the overall operation of the electrolyzed water generator 101. Specifically, the control unit 201 controls the operations of the first DC power supply 181a and the second DC power supply 182a.

For example, the control unit 201 controls the first DC power supply 181a to control the timing of applying a voltage between the first electrode 161 and the fifth electrode 165, the magnitude of the voltage, and the like.

Further, for example, the control unit 201 controls the second DC power supply 182a to control the timing of applying a voltage between the fifth electrode 165 and the fourth electrode 164, the magnitude of the voltage, and the like.

For example, the control unit 201 applies a voltage between the first electrode 161 and the fifth electrode 165 by controlling the first DC power supply 181a, and then controls the second DC power supply 182a to control the fifth electrode. A voltage is applied between the 165 and the fourth electrode 164. More specifically, the control unit 201 applies a voltage between the first electrode 161 and the fifth electrode 165 by controlling the first DC power supply 181a, for example, to apply a voltage to the first liquid 301 and the second liquid 302. After electrolyzing the third liquid 303, a voltage is applied between the fifth electrode 165 and the fourth electrode 164 by controlling the second DC power supply 182a to apply the third liquid 303 and the fourth liquid. The 304 is electrolyzed.

The control unit 201 is realized by, for example, a microcontroller or the like. Specifically, the control unit 201 is realized by a non-volatile memory in which the program is stored, a volatile memory which is a temporary storage area for executing the program, an input / output port, a processor for executing the program, and the like. .. The control unit 201 may be realized by a dedicated electronic circuit that executes each operation.

The control unit 201 only needs to be able to control the first DC power supply 181a and the second DC power supply 182a, and may be connected to the first DC power supply 181a and the second DC power supply 182a so as to be wirelessly communicable. It may be connected to the first DC power supply 181a and the second DC power supply 182a by a control line or the like.

As described above, like the fifth electrode 165 included in the electrolyzed water generator 101, the second electrode 162 and the third electrode 163 included in the electrolyzed water generator 100 may be integrally formed.

According to this, the number of parts included in the electrolyzed water generator 101 can be reduced as compared with the electrolyzed water generator 100.

(Embodiment 3)
Subsequently, the electrolyzed water generator according to the third embodiment will be described. In the electrolyzed water generator according to the third embodiment described below, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configuration as the electrolyzed water generator 100 according to the first embodiment, and some of the explanations will be given. It may be simplified or omitted.

[Constitution]
First, the configuration of the electrolyzed water generator according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the electrolyzed water generator 102 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 5, a part of the pipe 170 is shown in cross section for the sake of explanation.

The electrolyzed water generator 102 includes an electrolytic cell 110, a first diaphragm 141, a second diaphragm 142, a third diaphragm 143, a first electrode pair 151, a second electrode pair 152, and a first DC power supply 181. , A second DC power supply 182, a flow path 171 and a control unit 202. Further, the electrolyzed water generator 102 further includes a third DC power supply 183.

In FIG. 5, the control unit 202 is represented as a functional block. The control unit 202 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer (microcontroller) or the like, and is arranged inside an outer shell housing (not shown) of the electrolyzed water generator 102. The control unit 202 may be attached to the outside of the electrolytic cell 110, for example.

The third DC power supply 183 applies a voltage between the second electrode 162 and the third electrode 163 by passing a current through the second electrode 162 and the third electrode 163 to apply a voltage to the electrolytic tank 110. It is a DC power source for electrolyzing the third liquid 303 housed in the third chamber 123.

In the present embodiment, the third DC power supply 183 energizes the second electrode 162 and the third electrode 163 so that the second electrode 162 is the negative electrode and the third electrode 163 is the positive electrode. The third DC power supply 183 may energize the second electrode 162 and the third electrode 163 so that the second electrode 162 is the positive electrode and the third electrode 163 is the negative electrode.

The voltage applied by the third DC power supply 183 between the second electrode 162 and the third electrode 163 is not particularly limited. The voltage may be a pulse voltage or a pulsating voltage.

The third DC power supply 183 is realized by, for example, a power supply circuit including a converter or the like. For example, the third DC power supply 183 generates a predetermined voltage based on the power received from an external power source such as an external commercial power source (not shown), and applies a voltage between the second electrode 162 and the third electrode 163. ..

The control unit 202 is a control device that controls the overall operation of the electrolyzed water generator 102. Specifically, the control unit 202 controls the operations of the first DC power supply 181 and the second DC power supply 182, and the third DC power supply 183.

For example, the control unit 202 controls the third DC power supply 183 to control the timing of applying a voltage between the second electrode 162 and the third electrode 163, the magnitude of the voltage, and the like.

For example, the control unit 202 controls the first DC power supply 181 to apply a voltage to the first electrode pair 151, and then controls the third DC power supply 183 to form the second electrode 162 and the third electrode 163. A voltage is applied between the two. Further, for example, the control unit 202 controls the second DC power supply 182 after applying a voltage between the second electrode 162 and the third electrode 163 by controlling the third DC power supply 183. A voltage is applied to the pair of two electrodes 152.

The control unit 202 is realized by, for example, a microcontroller or the like. Specifically, the control unit 202 is realized by a non-volatile memory in which the program is stored, a volatile memory which is a temporary storage area for executing the program, an input / output port, a processor for executing the program, and the like. .. The control unit 202 may be realized by a dedicated electronic circuit that executes each operation.

The control unit 202 may be connected to the third DC power supply 183 by wireless communication, or may be connected to the third DC power supply 183 by a control line or the like, as long as the third DC power supply 183 can be controlled. You may be.

[Control method]
Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 6, the details of the method of generating electrolyzed water by the electrolyzed water generating device 102 according to the third embodiment, that is, the method of controlling the electrolyzed water generating device 102 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a control method of the electrolyzed water generator 102 according to the third embodiment.

For example, the user of the electrolyzed water generator 102 first puts the first liquid 301 in the first chamber 121, puts the second liquid 302 in the second chamber 122, and puts the third liquid 303 in the third chamber 123. The fourth liquid 304 is placed in the fourth chamber 124. For example, the user puts water containing sodium chloride in the second chamber, and puts water in the first chamber 121, the third chamber 123, and the fourth chamber 124.

First, the control unit 202 controls the first DC power supply 181 to charge the first liquid 301, the second liquid 302, and the third liquid 303 contained in the electrolytic cell 110 to the first electrode pair 151. Disassemble (step S101). When a voltage is applied to the first electrode 161 and the second electrode 162, the chlorine ions contained in the second liquid 302 move to the third liquid 303 and react with each other, so that the third liquid 303 has hypochlorous acid. Acid and hydrogen chloride are produced. Further, the third liquid 303 becomes acidic.

On the other hand, the sodium ion (Na ⁺ ) contained in the second liquid 302 is transferred to the first liquid 301. Further, the fourth liquid 304 contains sodium ions by mixing with the first liquid 301 via the flow path 171.

Next, the control unit 202 controls the third DC power supply 183 to electrolyze the third liquid 303 contained in the electrolytic cell 110 into the second electrode 162 and the third electrode 163 (step S103). By this electrolysis, hydroxide ions (OH ⁻ ) are generated in the third liquid 303. Therefore, the pH of the third liquid 303 is raised. As a result, the amount of hypochlorous acid contained in the third liquid 303 is increased.

The time for electrolyzing the second electrode 162 and the third electrode 163 by controlling the third DC power supply 183 by the control unit 202 may be arbitrarily determined and is not particularly limited.

Next, the control unit 202 controls the second DC power supply 182 to electrolyze the third liquid 303 and the fourth liquid 304 housed in the electrolytic cell 110 into the second electrode pair 152 (step S102). ..

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the electrolyzed water generator 102 according to the third embodiment includes the electrolytic cell 110, the first diaphragm 141, the second diaphragm 142, the third diaphragm 143, the first electrode pair 151, and the second electrode pair 152. A first DC power supply 181 and a second DC power supply 182, and a flow path 171 are provided. Further, the electrolyzed water generator 102 further includes, for example, a third DC power supply 183 that applies a voltage to the second electrode 162 and the third electrode 163.

According to this, the pH of the third liquid 303 is raised by the electrolysis of the third liquid 303 by the second electrode 162 and the third electrode 163. Therefore, more hypochlorous acid can be produced in the third liquid 303.

Further, for example, the electrolyzed water generator 102 further includes a control unit 202 that controls a first DC power supply 181 and a second DC power supply 182, and a third DC power supply 183. In this case, for example, the control unit 202 controls the first DC power supply 181 to apply a voltage to the first electrode pair 151, and then controls the third DC power supply 183 to control the second electrodes 162 and the third. Controlling the second DC power supply 182 after applying a voltage between the second electrode 162 and the third electrode 163 by applying a voltage between the electrodes 163 and controlling the third DC power supply 183. A voltage is applied to the second electrode pair 152.

According to this, the control unit 202 can generate more hypochlorous acid in the third liquid 303 by controlling the third DC power supply 183. Further, the timing of applying the voltage to the liquid contained in the electrolytic cell 110 is different between the first electrode pair 151, the second electrode pair 152, the second electrode 162, and the third electrode 163. According to this, for example, the electrolyzed water generator 102 includes a switch for switching the electrical connection relationship between the DC power supply and the electrode, so that the DC power supply can be unified.

(Other embodiments)
Although the electrolyzed water generator and the like according to each embodiment have been described above, the present invention is not limited to each of the above embodiments.

For example, all or a part of the components such as the control unit 200 may be configured by dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor memory. Good.

Further, the component such as the control unit 200 may be composed of one or a plurality of electronic circuits. The one or more electronic circuits may be general-purpose circuits or dedicated circuits, respectively.

The one or more electronic circuits may include, for example, a semiconductor device, an IC (Integrated Circuit), an LSI (Large Scale Integration), or the like. The IC or LSI may be integrated on one chip or may be integrated on a plurality of chips. Although it is called an IC or LSI here, the name changes depending on the degree of integration, and it may be called a system LSI, a VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or a ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Further, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) programmed after manufacturing the LSI can also be used for the same purpose.

In addition, general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized by a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit or a computer program. Alternatively, it may be realized by a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium such as an optical disk, HDD, or semiconductor memory in which the computer program is stored. Further, it may be realized by any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program and a recording medium.

In addition, it is realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in each embodiment within the range obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment and the gist of the present invention. Forms are also included in the present invention.

100, 101, 102 Electrolyzed water generator 110 Electrolytic cell 121 1st room 122 2nd room 123 3rd room 124 4th room 141 1st diaphragm 142 2nd diaphragm 143 3rd electrode pair 151 1st electrode pair 152 2nd electrode pair 161 1st electrode 162 2nd electrode 163 3rd electrode 164 4th electrode 171 Flow path 181, 181a 1st DC power supply 182, 182a 2nd DC power supply 183 3rd DC power supply 200, 201, 202 Control unit 301 1st liquid 302 2nd liquid 303 3rd liquid 304 4th liquid

Claims (7)

An electrolytic cell provided with a first chamber for accommodating water, a second chamber for accommodating water containing sodium chloride, a third chamber for accommodating water, and a fourth chamber for accommodating water.
An ion-permeable first diaphragm disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber,
An ion-permeable second diaphragm disposed between the second chamber and the third chamber,
An ion-permeable third diaphragm disposed between the third chamber and the fourth chamber,
A first electrode pair having a first electrode arranged in the first chamber and a second electrode arranged in the third chamber, and a first electrode pair.
A third electrode arranged in the third chamber and a second electrode pair having a fourth electrode arranged in the fourth chamber.
A first DC power supply that applies a voltage to the first electrode pair so that the first electrode is the negative electrode and the second electrode is the positive electrode.
A second DC power supply that applies a voltage to the second electrode pair so that the third electrode is the negative electrode and the fourth electrode is the positive electrode.
An electrolyzed water generator including a flow path connecting the first chamber and the fourth chamber. The first diaphragm is a cation exchange membrane and
The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 1, wherein the second diaphragm is an anion exchange membrane. The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third diaphragm is an anion exchange membrane. The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second electrode and the third electrode are integrally formed. Further, a control unit for controlling the first DC power supply and the second DC power supply is provided.
The control unit applies a voltage to the first electrode pair by controlling the first DC power supply, and then applies a voltage to the second electrode pair by controlling the second DC power supply. The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of 1 to 4. The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a third DC power source for applying a voltage between the second electrode and the third electrode. Further, a control unit for controlling the first DC power supply, the second DC power supply, and the third DC power supply is provided.
The control unit applies a voltage to the first electrode pair by controlling the first DC power supply, and then controls the third DC power supply between the second electrode and the third electrode. Apply voltage,
After applying a voltage between the second electrode and the third electrode by controlling the third DC power supply, a voltage is applied to the second electrode pair by controlling the second DC power supply. The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 6.

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