JP3611849B1 - Strong electrolyzed water generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a strong electrolyzed water generator capable of continuously generating strong electrolyzed water at a flow rate equivalent to tap water.
SOLUTION: An electrolytic auxiliary agent supply unit 50 for generating an electrolytic solution by adding an electrolytic auxiliary agent 1 to tap water and an ion exchange membrane 16 and a pair of electrodes 17a disposed on both sides of the ion exchange membrane 16 are provided. In the strongly electrolyzed water generator 10 that generates strong alkaline water and strong acid water by introducing an electrolytic solution into the electrolytic cell 12 having the above-mentioned structure and 17b and ionizing the electrolytic solution, at least ion exchange of the electrolytic cell 12 A part of the region facing the membrane 16 is formed of a flexible membrane, and the electrolytic cell is disposed in the generator body 11, and the electrolytic solution or tap water supplied into the electrolytic cell 12 is supplied to the electrolytic cell 12 and the generator body. 11, the electrolytic cell 12 is held in the electrolytic solution or tap water.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention provides an electrolytic solution by adding an electrolysis auxiliary agent such as sodium chloride to tap water supplied from tap water, and ionizes the electrolytic solution to supply strong alkaline water and strong acidic water. More particularly, the present invention relates to a strong electrolyzed water generator of a type in which strong alkaline water and strong acid water are separated and produced by interposing an ion exchange membrane in an electrolytic cell.

  Strong alkaline water and strong acid water is an electrolytic cell in which an auxiliary electrolytic agent such as sodium chloride or dilute hydrochloric acid is added to tap water to form an electrolytic solution, and then this electrolytic solution is interposed with an ion exchange membrane between positive and negative electrodes It is generated as strong electrolyzed water by electrolysis inside.

  Strong alkaline water and strong acid water generated as such strong electrolyzed water can be sterilized, sterilized and disinfected, so a wide range of industries such as medical, food processing, food sales, fishery and livestock Used in. In addition, strong alkaline water and strongly acidic water are also demanded to be used at home, and are required to be downsized.

  As a strong electrolyzed water generator, the anion concentration of raw water supplied continuously is measured, and salt corresponding to the anion concentration is added to the raw water, and the raw water to which salt is added is exchanged between positive and negative electrodes. There has been proposed a method in which strong electrolyzed water is obtained by electrolysis in an electrolytic cell in which an intercalator is interposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, in such a strong electrolyzed water generator, when the discharge of strong acidic water is stopped, the strong alkaline water discharge pipe through which strong alkaline water is discharged is open to the atmosphere. There is a difference in water pressure between the strongly acidic water side. The ion exchange membrane placed in the electrolytic cell is extremely thin and easily broken because of the small holes for passing hydrogen ions. There is a problem of end.

  For this reason, in the conventional apparatus, while the flow rate of tap water is about 20 to 30 (L / min), the flow rate of strong alkaline water generated is extremely small, about 2 to 5 (L / min). There is a problem that must be suppressed.

  For this reason, when it is desired to use a large amount of strongly acidic water or strongly alkaline water, a strongly electrolyzed water generator for storing electrolyzed strongly electrolyzed water in a primary water storage tank has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2). . However, when strong electrolyzed water is stored in the primary storage tank, the primary storage tank may have a capacity of several hundred liters or more, and it is necessary to secure a place for installing the primary storage tank. There is a problem that dedicated piping is required to the place of use.

  Moreover, since the effect of strong electrolyzed water deteriorates with time, there is a problem that the effect of strong electrolyzed water cannot be obtained even when stored in the primary storage tank.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 9-285789 (pages 3-4, FIGS. 1-3) Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-080255 (pages 3-5, FIGS. 1-4)

  This invention makes it a subject to provide the strong electrolyzed water generator which can produce | generate strong electrolyzed water continuously with the flow volume equivalent to tap water in view of such a situation.

  A first aspect of the present invention that solves the above-described problems includes an electrolytic auxiliary agent supply unit that generates an electrolytic solution by adding an electrolytic auxiliary agent to tap water, and is disposed on both sides of the ion exchange membrane and the ion exchange membrane. In a strong electrolyzed water generator that generates strong alkaline water and strong acid water by introducing the electrolytic solution into an electrolytic cell comprising a pair of electrodes and ionizing the electrolytic solution, at least the electrolytic cell A part of the region facing the ion exchange membrane is formed by a flexible membrane and the electrolytic cell is disposed in the generator body, and the electrolytic solution or tap water supplied into the electrolytic cell is supplied to the electrolytic cell and the electrolytic cell. The strong electrolyzed water generator is characterized in that the electrolytic cell is also supplied to the space between the generating unit main body and the electrolytic cell is held in the electrolytic solution or tap water.

  In such a first aspect, the water pressure difference generated in the electrolytic cell is substantially absorbed by the deformation of the flexible membrane that constitutes a part of the electrolytic cell, so that damage due to the deformation of the ion exchange membrane is prevented. Is done. Therefore, the water pressure of the electrolytic solution supplied to the electrolytic cell can be increased, and the amount of strong electrolyzed water discharged can be increased.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the electrolysis auxiliary agent supply unit includes concentration detection means for detecting the concentration of the electrolysis auxiliary agent contained in the tap water in advance, and the concentration detection means. In the strong electrolyzed water generator, the electrolysis auxiliary is added according to the detected concentration.

  In such a second aspect, even when the components of tap water differ from region to region, the concentration of the electrolysis auxiliary in the electrolytic solution can always be the same, and strong electrolyzed water can be stably generated. it can.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the electrolytic auxiliary agent supply unit includes a tap water supply path through which the tap water is supplied at a predetermined pressure, and the supplied tap water. An electrolytic solution water discharge passage for supplying the electrolytic solution with the addition of an electrolysis auxiliary agent to the electrolyzed water generation section, and the tap water supply passage is provided with a water amount detecting means for detecting a flow rate of the tap water. And the electrolytic auxiliary agent supply unit continuously adds the electrolytic auxiliary agent to the tap water according to the flow rate of the tap water detected by the water amount detecting means. In the vessel.

  In the third aspect, the concentration of the electrolytic auxiliary agent in the electrolytic solution can always be the same depending on the flow rate of tap water, and strong electrolyzed water can be stably generated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, an electrolytic solution supply path that supplies the electrolytic solution to the electrolytic cell at a predetermined pressure, and strong alkaline water is discharged from the electrolytic cell. And a water discharge passage provided with a water faucet on the downstream side and a discharge passage for discharging strong acid water from the electrolytic cell, and provided in the water discharge passage to detect the amount of discharge of the strong alkaline water. Based on the actual water discharge amount detected by the water discharge amount detecting means , the flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the discharge amount of the strong acid water provided in the discharge path, and the water discharge amount of the strong alkaline water And a control means for controlling the flow rate adjusting means so that the discharge amount of the strongly acidic water with respect to the water reaches a predetermined ratio.

  In the fourth aspect, since the discharge amount of strong acidic water is controlled based on the actual discharge amount of strong alkaline water, the ratio of the discharge amount of strong acid water to the discharge amount of strong alkaline water is always kept constant. In addition, the pressure applied to the strongly alkaline water side and the strongly acidic water side can be kept constant, and the strongly electrolyzed water having a constantly regulated water concentration can be conditioned.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the strong electrolyzed water generator according to the fourth aspect, the discharge path further includes discharge amount detecting means for detecting the discharge amount of the strong acid water. is there.

  In the fifth aspect, the actual discharge amount of the strong acid water is detected, and the ratio between the discharge amount of the strong acid water and the discharge amount of the strong alkaline water can be controlled to be a predetermined ratio.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth or fifth aspect, the control unit obtains an actual water discharge amount detected by the water discharge amount detection unit, and based on the acquired water discharge amount, the strong alkaline water and the strong acidity are obtained. The strong electrolyzed water generator is characterized in that the flow rate adjusting means is controlled so that the ratio of water to water becomes a predetermined ratio.

  In the sixth aspect, by setting the discharge amount of strong alkaline water and the discharge amount of strong acid water to a predetermined ratio, wasteful discharge of strong acid water is prevented, and a strong water always having a predetermined water conditioning concentration is used. Electrolyzed water can be discharged.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, an air portion in which air remains in at least a part of a region not in contact with the electrolytic cell in the space is characterized in that There is a strong electrolyzed water conditioner.

  In the seventh aspect, by providing the air portion, the flexible membrane is easily deformed, and the water pressure difference generated in the electrolytic cell is more reliably absorbed.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the strong electrolyzed water generator according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the entire surface of the electrolytic cell is constituted by the flexible membrane.

  In the eighth aspect, the water pressure difference generated in the electrolytic cell is reliably absorbed by the deformation of the flexible membrane.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the strong electrolyzed water generator according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the flexible membrane is made of a plastic sheet.

  In the ninth aspect, by forming the flexible film with a predetermined material, it is possible to reliably absorb the water pressure difference in the electrolytic cell.

  In the strong electrolyzed water generator of the present invention, breakage of the ion exchange membrane due to a pressure difference in the electrolyzer is prevented, and destruction of the electrolyzer due to tap water pressure is prevented. Therefore, there is an effect that a relatively large amount of strong electrolyzed water can be continuously provided.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a strong electrolyzed water generator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the strong electrolyzed water generator.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the strong electrolyzed water generator 10 of the present invention includes an electrolysis auxiliary agent supply unit 50 for adding electrolysis auxiliary agent 1 to tap water from a water pipe 110A on the raw water side, and an electrolysis auxiliary agent supply unit 50. And a generator body 11 provided therein with an electrolytic cell 12 that ionizes the electrolytic solution in which the electrolysis auxiliary agent 1 is added to tap water to generate strong electrolyzed water composed of strong alkaline water and strong acid water. .

  The electrolysis auxiliary agent supply unit 50 includes a tap water supply pipe 51 having a tap water supply channel 51a to which tap water is supplied from the water pipe 110A on the raw water side, an addition unit 52 for adding the auxiliary electrolyte 1 to the tap water, An electrolytic solution water discharge pipe 53 having an electrolytic solution water discharge path 53a for supplying tap water (electrolytic solution) to which the auxiliary electrolytic agent 1 has been added by the addition unit 52 to the electrolytic cell 12, and the tap water supply pipe 51, The flow path 51a and 53a are connected by the part 52 and the electrolytic solution water discharge pipe 53 being connected via the cheese 54. FIG.

  The addition unit 52 includes, for example, a storage tank 55 that holds an electrolysis auxiliary 1 in which sodium chloride, dilute hydrochloric acid, and the like are added to water such as tap water at a predetermined concentration, and an electrolysis auxiliary 1 in the storage tank 55 to tap water. And an adding means 56 such as a feed water pump. In the present embodiment, the electrolytic auxiliary agent 1 stored in the storage tank 55 is a sodium chloride aqueous solution (saturated concentration) with a sodium chloride concentration of 26.4% by weight. A predetermined amount of such electrolysis auxiliary 1 is added to the tap water supplied from the tap water supply channel 51a by the adding means 56, and an electrolytic solution (sodium chloride aqueous solution) having a sodium chloride concentration of 0.2% by weight is generated. Is done. The generated electrolytic solution is sent to the electrolytic cell 12 through the electrolytic solution water discharge channel 53a.

  In addition, the addition means 56 which adds the electrolysis adjuvant 1 to a tap water is the chloride contained in the produced | generated electrolytic solution according to the flow volume of the tap water which the flow volume detection sensor 40 provided in the tap water supply path 51a detected. The concentration of sodium is adjusted to 0.2% by weight. That is, when the flow rate of the supplied tap water is large, the addition means 56 adds a large amount of the electrolysis auxiliary 1, and conversely, when the flow rate of the supplied tap water is small, the addition means 56 is the electrolysis auxiliary. A small amount of agent 1 is added.

  Further, since the tap water contains a trace amount of the same component as the electrolytic auxiliary agent 1 such as chlorine in advance, a concentration detection sensor 41 is provided in the tap water supply channel 51a, and the tap water previously detected by the concentration detection sensor 41 is provided. The adding means 56 adjusts the addition amount of the electrolytic auxiliary agent 1 according to the concentration of the same component as the electrolytic auxiliary agent contained in the water. In this way, by adjusting the amount of the electrolytic auxiliary agent 1 added to the tap water according to the concentration of the same component as the electrolytic auxiliary agent contained in the tap water, the component of the tap water differs depending on the region. However, the concentration of sodium chloride contained in the electrolytic solution can always be 0.2% by weight.

  On the other hand, a plurality of electrolytic cells 12 in which tap water is ionized to generate strong alkaline water and strong acid water are held in the generator body 11. The generator body 11 includes an electrolytic solution introduction pipe 13 having an electrolytic solution introduction path 11a for introducing tap water (electrolytic solution) to which the electrolytic auxiliary agent 1 has been added in the electrolytic auxiliary agent supply unit 50 into the inside, and electrolysis. A strong alkaline water discharge pipe 14 having a strong alkaline water discharge path 11b for discharging strong alkaline water generated in the tank 12, and a strong acid water discharge pipe 15 having a strong acid water discharge path 11c for discharging strong acid water; It comprises.

  Specifically, an electrolytic solution introduction pipe 13 having an electrolytic solution introduction path 11 a of the generator body 11 is connected to the lower end side of each electrolytic cell 12, and a strong alkaline water discharge is formed on the upper end side of the electrolytic cell 12. A strong alkaline water discharge pipe 14 having a water channel 11b and a strong acid water discharge pipe 15 having a strong acid water discharge channel 11c are connected to each other. The pipes 13, 14, and 15 are fixed to the generator body 11, so that the electrolytic cells 12 are held in the generator body 11.

  An ion exchange membrane 16 is fixed in each electrolytic cell 12, and the inside of the electrolytic cell 12 is divided into two spaces 12a and 12b by the ion exchange membrane 16. Further, a pair of electrodes 17 a and 17 b are provided in regions facing the ion exchange membrane 16 in the electrolytic cell 12, and each of the electrodes 17 a and 17 b is connected to a terminal portion 18 provided in the generator body 11. They are connected by connection wiring 19. In the present embodiment, each of these electrodes 17a and 17b is attached to one surface of a fixing member 20 made of, for example, a mesh-like plastic sheet or the like and having a size equivalent to that of the ion exchange membrane 16. The fixing members 20 are arranged so as to sandwich the ion exchange membrane 16 in the spaces 12a and 12b, so that electrodes 17a and 17b are provided in regions facing the ion exchange membrane 16.

  In this embodiment, at least a part of the region of the electrolytic cell 12 facing the ion exchange membrane 16, that is, the entire electrolytic cell 12 is formed of a flexible film having a predetermined flexibility. For example, in this embodiment, the electrolytic cell 12 is formed of a plastic sheet having a thickness of about 0.3 mm.

  Further, in the generator main body 11 in which the plurality of electrolytic cells 12 are held, that is, in the space between each electrolytic cell 12 and the generator main body 11, the auxiliary electrolytic agent 1 is supplied by the electrolytic auxiliary agent supply unit 50. The added tap water (electrolytic solution) is supplied, and each electrolytic cell 12 is held in an electrolytic solution (reserved water) 21 stored in the generator body 11. Further, in the generator main body 11, there is an air portion 22 in which air remains in a part of a region that does not contact the electrolytic cell 12, for example, in the upper part of the strong acid water discharge pipe 15 in this embodiment. Thus, the generator main body 11 to which the electrolytic solution is supplied is required to be formed of a material having rigidity sufficient to withstand the water pressure of tap water, such as stainless steel.

  In the present embodiment, the reservoir water 21 is obtained by supplying the electrolytic solution from the electrolytic solution introduction path 11 a of the generator main body 11 together with the electrolytic bath 12 into the generator main body 11. That is, a minute communication hole 23 communicating with the inside of the generator main body 11 is provided at the tip of the electrolytic solution introduction pipe 13, and the electrolytic solution (reserved water 21 is contained in the generator main body 11 through the communication hole 23. ) Is supplied. In the present embodiment, a minute communication hole 24 communicating with the inside of the generator main body 11 is also provided at the distal end portion of the strong acid water discharge pipe 15, and the stored water 21 passes through the communication hole 24 to generate a strong acid. It is discharged to the sexual water discharge pipe 15. For this reason, in this embodiment, the upper part of the strongly acidic water discharge pipe 15 in the generator main body 11, that is, the upper side of the communication hole 24 is an air part 22 in which air remains.

  In the present embodiment, the electrolytic solution is stored in the generator main body 11, but is not particularly limited thereto. For example, tap water before the electrolysis auxiliary agent 1 is added to the generator main body 11. May be stored.

  In such a strong electrolyzed water generator 10, as shown in FIG. 1, the electrolytic solution introduction pipe 13 is connected to the electrolytic solution water discharge pipe 53 of the electrolysis auxiliary agent supply unit 50, and the strong alkaline water discharge pipe 14 is connected to the faucet. It is connected to the water pipe 110B on the 100 side. Further, one end of the strong acid water discharge pipe 15 is connected to a discharge port 120 through which the strong acid water generated by the electrolytic cell 12 is discharged.

  The strong alkaline water spout pipe 14 is provided with a flow rate sensor 42 at a connection portion with the water pipe 110 </ b> B, and the flow rate sensor 42 detects the discharge amount of the strong alkaline water. A flow rate adjustment valve 30 is provided in the middle of the strong acid water discharge pipe 15, and the flow rate adjustment valve 30 is controlled by a control device 60 installed outside the generator body 11 based on a signal from the flow rate sensor 42. It is controlled so that the discharge amount of the strongly acidic water becomes a predetermined amount.

  Further, the control device 60 is electrically connected to the terminal portion 18 provided in the water adjuster body 11 by connection wiring (not shown), and controls the voltage supplied to the electrodes 17a and 17b in each electrolytic cell 12. ing. The configuration of the control device 60 is not particularly limited as long as it can be calculated based on an input signal and has a function of outputting a signal based on the calculation result. The control device 60 is installed outside the generator main body 11, but may be held inside the generator main body 11.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the strong electrolyzed water generator 10 will be described.

  As described above, since the strong electrolyzed water generator 10 is disposed in the middle of the water pipe 110, the electrolytic auxiliary agent 1 is supplied from the electrolytic solution introduction pipe 13 to the electrolytic bath 12 through the electrolytic auxiliary agent supply unit 50. Is always supplied at a predetermined pressure. When the user opens the faucet 101 provided in the faucet 100 portion, strong alkaline water generated in the electrolytic cell 12 begins to be discharged from the faucet 100 at a predetermined flow rate through the strong alkaline water discharge pipe 14. . At the same time, the flow sensor 42 provided between the strong alkaline water discharge pipe 14 and the water pipe 110B detects that the strong alkaline water has started to flow, and based on the signal from the flow sensor 42, the control device 60, a predetermined voltage is applied between the electrodes 17a and 17b in the electrolytic cell 12. Further, the amount of strongly acidic water discharged from the discharge port 120 is adjusted by driving the flow rate adjusting valve 30 provided in the strongly acidic water discharge pipe 15. That is, the control device 60 acquires the discharge amount of the strong alkaline water detected by the flow sensor 42 and calculates the discharge amount of the strong acidic water to be always about 20% of the strong alkaline water amount. 30 can be driven. Moreover, at this time, the flow rate detection sensor 40 and the concentration detection sensor 41 provided in the tap water supply pipe 51 have the same component concentration as the flow rate of the tap water passing through the tap water supply pipe 51 and the electrolytic auxiliary agent contained in advance. By detecting and adding the electrolytic auxiliary agent 1 in the storage tank 55 continuously to the tap water, the addition means 56 supplies the electrolytic solution to which the sodium chloride is always added at a concentration of 0.2 wt% to the electrolytic cell 12. It is supposed to be.

  The numerical value of 20% of the amount of strong alkaline water discharged here means that the apparatus of this embodiment keeps the discharge amount of strong acidic water to a minimum while discharging strong alkaline water at a predetermined conditioned water concentration. However, the present invention is not limited to this value and can be changed according to the device standard.

  Moreover, in the conventional strong electrolyzed water generator, the discharge rate of strong alkaline water and strong acid water is about 1: 1, and the discharge of strong acid water (waste water) is about half due to the discharge of strong alkaline water. However, according to the strongly electrolyzed water generator 10 of this embodiment, there is an advantage that the discharge amount of the strongly acidic water can be extremely reduced.

Here, the electrolytic solution supplied into the electrolytic cell 12 from the lower end side of the electrolytic cell 12 through the electrolytic solution introduction pipe 13 flows into the spaces 12 a and 12 b on both sides separated by the ion exchange membrane 16. Since a predetermined voltage is applied between the electrodes 17a and 17b, when passing through the electrolytic cell 12, that is, between the ion exchange membrane 16 and the electrodes 17a and 17b, Hydrogen ions H ⁺ , hydroxide ions OH ⁻ , sodium ions Na ⁺ and chloride ions Cl ⁻ are ionized, and hydrogen ions H ⁺ and sodium ions Na ⁺ gather in one space via the ion exchange membrane 16. Thus, strong alkaline water and strong acid water are generated. That is, in the space 12b on the negative electrode (cathode) 17b side of the two spaces, hydrogen ions H ⁺ and sodium ions Na ⁺ pass through the ion exchange membrane 16, and strong alkaline water having a pH of 11 or more is generated. The On the other hand, in the space 12a on the + electrode (anode) 17a side, hydroxide ions OH ⁻ and chloride ions Cl ⁻ gather through the ion exchange membrane 16 to generate strongly acidic water having a pH of 2.7 or lower.

  Thus, the tap water supplied from the water pipe is continuously added with the electrolysis auxiliary agent 1 when passing through the electrolysis auxiliary agent supply unit 50, and the tap water (electrolysis with addition of the electrolysis auxiliary agent 1 is further added. The solution) is continuously ionized when passing through the electrolytic cell 12, and strong alkaline water is discharged from the tap 100 and strong acidic water is discharged from the discharge port 120.

  Further, when the user closes the faucet 101, the supply of strong alkaline water is stopped, and when the flow in the strong alkaline water spouting pipe 14 is stopped, the strong acid water discharge pipe 15 is sent by the signal of the flow sensor 42. The provided flow regulating valve 30 is driven, and the discharge of the strongly acidic water is stopped.

  Here, the time when the flow in the strong alkaline water supply pipe 14 is generated or stopped by opening and closing the faucet 101 and the time when the flow rate sensor 42 detects that and the flow rate adjustment valve 30 is opened and closed are slightly time lags. Exists. Due to the inertial action of the flowing water caused by this time lag, a difference occurs in the internal pressure between the strongly alkaline water side space 12b and the strongly acidic water side space 12a in the electrolytic cell 12. Furthermore, when the amount of the strongly acidic water to be discharged is always controlled to around 20% of the strongly alkaline water amount, the electrolytic cell 12 is likely to be damaged. That is, the amount of strongly alkaline water and the amount of strongly acidic water are maintained at a discharge ratio of 10 to 2, so that in the electrolytic cell 12, the space 12b on the strongly alkaline water side and the space 12a on the strongly acidic water side A difference occurs in the internal pressure. Since the ion exchange membrane 16 has a film thickness of about 12 μm, for example, the ion exchange membrane 16 may be deformed and damaged by this pressure difference.

  However, in this embodiment, since the electrolytic cell 12 is formed of a flexible film, for example, even when a pressure difference occurs between the two spaces 12a and 12b when the faucet 101 is opened as described above, FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, since the pressure difference is absorbed by the electrolytic cell 12 itself deforming inward, the ion exchange membrane 16 can be prevented from being damaged by deformation. When the faucet 101 is closed, the electrolytic cell 12 itself is deformed outward to absorb the internal pressure difference. Therefore, the pressure difference caused by maintaining the discharge ratio of the strongly alkaline water amount and the strongly acidic water amount at 10 to 2 as described above can be absorbed relatively easily.

  Also, as described above, the fixing member 20 is provided in the electrolytic cell 12 so as to be sandwiched between the electrodes 17a and 17b on the inner surface thereof and the ion exchange membrane 16. That is, the ion exchange membrane 16 is sandwiched between the fixing members 20. Therefore, the deformation of the ion exchange membrane 16 is also suppressed by these fixing members 20, and damage to the ion exchange membrane 16 due to the internal pressure difference of the electrolytic cell 12 can be prevented more reliably. In the present embodiment, the entire electrolytic cell 12 is formed of a flexible membrane. Of course, if the pressure difference in the electrolytic cell 12 can be absorbed, the flexible part made of the flexible membrane is exchanged with the ion in the electrolytic cell 12. You may make it provide in a part of area | region which opposes the film | membrane 16. FIG.

Further, in order to absorb the pressure difference between the two spaces 12a and 12b due to the deformation of the electrolytic cell 12, the electrolytic cell 12 needs to have a relatively high flexibility, for example, more flexible than the ion exchange membrane 16. It is preferable to have. In order to satisfy this condition, the electrolytic cell 12 is formed of a flexible film made of a relatively thin plastic film. Therefore, the electrolytic cell 12 itself withstands the pressure of tap water (electrolytic solution) supplied into the electrolytic cell 12 via the electrolytic auxiliary agent supply unit 50, for example, a pressure of about 1 to 6 kg / cm ^2. There is a risk of being destroyed.

  However, in the present embodiment, when the electrolytic solution is supplied into the electrolytic cell 12 through the electrolytic solution introduction pipe 13, tap water is also introduced into the generator main body 11 from the communication hole 23 at the tip of the electrolytic solution introduction pipe 13. Is supplied, and each electrolytic cell 12 is held in the stored water 21 stored in the generator body 11. For this reason, the pressure of the stored water 21 in the generator main body 11 is maintained at substantially the same pressure as the electrolytic solution supplied in the electrolytic cell 12, and the water pressure on the outer surface of the electrolytic cell 12 is substantially the same as the inner surface. It takes. Therefore, even when a relatively high pressure is applied to the inner surface of the electrolytic cell 12 by the stored water 21 supplied into the electrolytic cell 12, substantially the same pressure is also applied to the outer surface of the electrolytic layer 12. As such, it is not damaged by deformation accompanying changes in water pressure.

  In the present embodiment, the stored water 21 is discharged to the outside together with the strong acid water from the communication hole 24 provided in the strong acid water discharge pipe 15. That is, the generator body 11 is not fully filled with the electrolytic solution, and the air portion 22 where air remains is present on the upper side of the communication hole 24. For this reason, the deformation | transformation of the electrolytic cell 12 accompanying the pressure difference in the electrolytic cell 12 mentioned above is not prevented by the stored water 21, and damage to the ion exchange membrane 16 can be prevented.

  That is, as described above, when the electrolytic cell 12 is deformed by the pressure difference in the electrolytic cell 12, the volume in the generator main body 11 changes. At this time, since the volume of the stored water 21 itself does not substantially change, if the stored water 21 is fully filled in the generator main body 11, the stored water 21 prevents deformation of the electrolytic cell 12. However, in this embodiment, when the air part 22 exists in the generator main body 11 and the electrolytic cell 12 is deformed, the volume of the air part 22 changes, so that the deformation of the electrolytic cell 12 is not hindered. Therefore, by providing the air part 22 in the generator main body 11, the ion exchange membrane 16 can be more reliably prevented from being damaged.

  The volume of the air part 22 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 20 to 30% of the volume in the generator body 11.

  As described above, in the strongly electrolyzed water generator 10 of the present embodiment, the ion exchange membrane 16 and the electrolytic cell 12 are not damaged even if tap water is supplied at a relatively high water pressure. By installing in parallel, strong alkaline water is supplied to users at a flow rate equivalent to tap water, for example, about 20-30 (L / min) for general household use and about 100 (L / min) for business use. can do.

  Moreover, in the strong electrolyzed water generator 10 of this embodiment, since the discharge amount of the strong acid water with respect to the discharge amount of the strong alkaline water can always be maintained at a predetermined ratio, the strong acid water with respect to the discharge amount of the strong alkaline water is maintained. Can be kept to a minimum, and the conditioned concentration of strong alkaline water that changes due to fluctuations in the amount of strong alkaline water discharged can be kept constant. And in the strong electrolyzed water generator 10 of this embodiment, since the electrolytic cell 12 is formed with the flexible film | membrane which has a predetermined softness | flexibility, the discharge ratio of strong alkaline water and strong acid water is kept at a predetermined ratio. The internal pressure difference generated by doing so can be easily absorbed.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a strong electrolyzed water generator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member similar to embodiment mentioned above, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the electrolytic cell 12 </ b> A of the present embodiment is provided with an ion exchange membrane 16 and a pair of electrodes 17 a and 17 b so as to face the ion exchange membrane 16. In addition, the electrolytic cell 12A is formed of a flexible film having a predetermined flexibility as in the first embodiment.

  Each of the electrodes 17a and 17b is fixed by four fixing members 20A provided on the inner surface of the electrolytic cell 12A. The fixing member 20A is provided between the inner surface of the electrolytic cell 12B and the electrodes 17a and 17b. For example, the electrodes 17a and 17b are formed between the spacer 20a having a cylindrical shape that forms a gap of 1 mm and the spacer 20a. A sleeve 20b having a cylindrical shape that sandwiches the sleeve 20 and a rivet 20c having one end fixed to the electrolytic cell 12A through the spacer 20a and the sleeve 20b.

  Further, the ion exchange membrane 16 is sandwiched between a sleeve 20b that holds the electrode 17a and a sleeve 20b that holds the electrode 17b. That is, the ion exchange membrane 16 is clamped at four locations by the sleeve 20b that fixes the electrodes 17a and 17b. At this time, in this embodiment, the electrodes 17a and 17b and the ion exchange membrane 16 are set to have a gap of 3 mm, for example.

  In such an electrolytic cell 12A, even if the ion exchange membrane 16 is sandwiched between the four fixing members 20A in a small area, the pressure difference is absorbed by the flexible membrane when the pressure difference is generated by opening and closing the faucet 101. Therefore, the ion exchange membrane 16 can be prevented from being damaged.

  That is, in Embodiment 1 described above, the ion exchange membrane 16 is sandwiched by the mesh-like fixing member 20 to prevent the ion exchange membrane 16 from being damaged. However, the entire electrolytic cell 12A is formed of a flexible membrane. By doing so, the pressure difference can be absorbed by the flexible membrane, so that the ion exchange membrane 16 can be prevented from being damaged even if the ion exchange membrane 16 is sandwiched between the four fixing members 20A in a small area. .

  Moreover, since structures other than the electrolytic cell 12A of such a strong electrolyzed water generator are the same as that of Embodiment 1 mentioned above, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Even in such a configuration, as in Embodiment 1 described above, even when such an electrolytic cell 12A is applied to the strong electrolyzed water generator 10 of Embodiment 1 described above, the faucet 101 is opened and closed. When the pressure difference occurs, the pressure difference can be absorbed by the flexible membrane of the electrolytic cell 12A, and the ion exchange membrane 16 can be prevented from being damaged by the pressure difference. For this reason, strong alkaline water and strong acidic water can be produced | generated continuously in large quantities.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although each embodiment of the present invention was described, the basic composition of the present invention is not limited to what was mentioned above.

  For example, in Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the stored water 21 in the generator main body 11 is discharged to the outside together with the strongly acidic water through the communication hole 24. However, the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. If the generator main body 11 is provided with a stored water discharge port for discharging the water 21 to the outside, and the water is discharged outside separately from the strong acid water, the user uses both strong alkaline water and strong acid water. be able to. Moreover, in Embodiment 1 and 2 mentioned above, although the strong alkaline water discharging pipe 14 was connected to the faucet 100 provided with the faucet 101, it is not specifically limited to this, For example, the strong acidic water discharge pipe 15 May be connected to the faucet 100. In addition, if the polarities of the electrodes 17a and 17b are reversed to generate strong acidic water in the space 12a and strong alkaline water in the space 12b, strong acidic water can be obtained from the faucet.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the flow rate adjustment valve 30 is controlled according to the flow rate of the strong alkaline water detected by the flow rate sensor 42. A flow sensor for detecting the flow rate may be provided. By providing the flow rate sensor in the strong acid water discharge pipe 15 in this way, the control device 60 can perform feedback control of the flow rate adjustment valve 30 and increase the ratio of the flow rate of strong acid water to the flow rate of strong alkaline water. The accuracy can be controlled. Even when the flow sensor is provided in the strong acid water discharge pipe 15, it is not always necessary to perform feedback control. For example, the control device 60 acquires the flow rates of the two flow sensors, and based on this, the ratio between the two sensors is obtained. The flow rate adjusting valve 30 may be controlled so that is within a predetermined range. Further, the flow rate adjusting valve 30 is not always necessary, and for example, instead of the flow rate adjusting valve 30, an open / close valve that opens and closes the strong acid water discharge passage 11c may be used.

  Furthermore, the control device 60 does not always need to control the flow rate adjustment valve 30, and the ratio of the discharge amount of strong alkaline water to the discharge amount of strong acidic water is, for example, in the range of 10: 2 ± 10% to 20%. You may make it control only when it remove | deviates.

  Further, the driving of the flow rate adjusting valve 30 performed by the control device 60 may be stepwise driving instead of continuous driving. That is, the discharge amount of the strongly acidic water may be one in which the discharge amount of the strong alkaline water is set at a plurality of levels and controlled step by step according to the level.

  Moreover, in Embodiment 1 and 2 mentioned above, although the some electrolytic cell 12 and 12A was arranged in parallel by the predetermined space | interval in the generator main body 11, it is not limited to this in particular, For example, it adjoins. You may make it arrange in parallel so that an outer peripheral surface may contact without leaving space between each electrolytic vessel 12. FIG. In this way, even if the adjacent electrolytic cells 12 are arranged in parallel without being spaced apart from each other, it is possible to absorb the pressure difference in the electrolytic cell by the flexible film that is not in contact and to reduce the size. can do.

  Furthermore, in Embodiment 1 and 2 mentioned above, an electrolytic solution is introduce | transduced into each of the six electrolytic cells 12 and 12A, and the strong alkaline water which each electrolytic cell 12 and 12A produced | generated is directly from the strong alkaline water spouting pipe 14 While the water is discharged, the strong acid water is discharged from the strong acid water discharge pipe 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the strong acid water generated from the electrolytic cell 12 is further discharged in another electrolytic cell. You may make it electrolyze. Here, such an example is shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the arrangement of the electrolytic cell.

  As shown in FIG. 5, six electrolytic cells 12 similar to those of the first embodiment described above are arranged in parallel, the five right electrolytic cells 12 are main electrolytic cells 12B, and the left one electrolytic cell 12 is auxiliary electrolysis. This is a tank 12C.

  The right five electrolyzers 12, that is, the main electrolyzer 12B, are in communication with the electrolyte introduction path 11a on the downstream side, so that tap water is supplied from the downstream side, and the strongly alkaline water discharge is on the upstream side. Strongly alkaline water is communicated with the water channel 11b and is generated in the main electrolytic cell 12B. Further, the main electrolyzer 12B communicates with the strong acid water discharge passage 11c on the upstream side so that the strong acid water generated in the main electrolyzer 12B is discharged.

  Further, the left one electrolytic cell 12, that is, the auxiliary electrolytic cell 12C is provided in the middle of the strong acidic water discharge passage 11c, and strong acidic water is supplied from the downstream side of the auxiliary electrolytic cell 12C to the inside. In addition, an auxiliary water discharge channel 111b communicating with the strong alkaline water discharge channel 11b is provided on the upstream side, and strong alkaline water generated in the auxiliary electrolytic cell 12C is discharged.

  In such a connection configuration, first, an electrolytic solution in which the electrolytic auxiliary agent 1 is added to tap water in the electrolytic auxiliary agent supply unit 50 is supplied to the main electrolytic tank 12B, that is, all the five electrolytic tanks 12 on the right side. . Then, the supplied electrolytic solution is electrolyzed into strong alkaline water and strong acidic water in each main electrolytic cell 12B. And the strong alkaline water produced | generated in each main electrolyzer 12B is discharged from the faucet 100 through the strong alkaline water discharge channel 11b. On the other hand, the strong acid water generated in the main electrolytic cell 12B is supplied to the auxiliary electrolytic cell 12C provided in the middle of the strong acid water discharge channel 11c. The supplied strong acidic water is electrolyzed again into strong alkaline water and strong acidic water in the auxiliary electrolytic cell 12C.

  Here, the strong alkaline water generated in the auxiliary electrolytic cell 12C is discharged from the faucet 100 through the auxiliary water discharge channel 111b and the strong alkaline water discharge channel 11b. On the other hand, the strongly acidic water generated in the auxiliary electrolyzer 12C is discharged from the strongly acidic water discharge port 120 through the strong acid water discharge path 11c. By setting it as the above connection structures, the discharge amount of the strong acid water finally discharged | emitted from the strong acid water discharge port 120 can be reduced.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the alkaline ionized water apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the alkali ion water adjuster which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the deformation | transformation state of the electrolytic cell which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the alkaline ionized water apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows arrangement | positioning of the electrolytic cell which concerns on other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Strong electrolyzed water generator 11 Generator main body 12, 12A Electrolyzer 13 Electrolyte solution introduction pipe 14 Alkaline water discharge pipe 15 Strong acid water discharge pipe 16 Ion exchange membrane 17 Electrode 20 Spacer 50 Electrolytic auxiliary agent supply part

Claims (9)

In the electrolytic cell comprising an electrolytic auxiliary agent supply unit for generating an electrolytic solution by adding an electrolytic auxiliary agent to tap water, and having an ion exchange membrane and a pair of electrodes disposed on both sides of the ion exchange membrane In a strong electrolyzed water generator that generates strong alkaline water and strong acid water by introducing an electrolytic solution and ionizing the electrolytic solution,
A portion of the electrolytic cell facing at least the ion exchange membrane is formed by a flexible membrane, and the electrolytic cell is disposed in the generator body, and the electrolytic solution or tap water supplied into the electrolytic cell is A strong electrolyzed water generator, wherein the electrolyzer is also supplied to the space between the electrolyzer and the generator main body to hold the electrolyzer in the electrolytic solution or tap water. 2. The electrolytic auxiliary agent supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the electrolytic auxiliary agent supply unit includes a concentration detection unit that detects a concentration of the electrolytic auxiliary agent included in advance in the tap water, and the electrolysis auxiliary agent is supplied in accordance with the concentration detected by the concentration detection unit. A strong electrolyzed water generator characterized by adding an auxiliary agent. 3. The electrolytic auxiliary agent supply unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tap water supply path through which the tap water is supplied at a predetermined pressure, and the electrolytic solution obtained by adding the electrolytic auxiliary agent to the supplied tap water. An electrolysis solution water discharge path that supplies the electrolyzed water generating section, and the tap water supply path is provided with a water amount detecting means for detecting a flow rate of the tap water, The electrolyzed water generator is characterized in that the electrolysis auxiliary agent is continuously added to the tap water according to the flow rate of the tap water detected by the water amount detecting means. 4. The electrolytic solution supply path for supplying the electrolytic solution to the electrolytic cell at a predetermined pressure, and discharging a strong alkaline water from the electrolytic cell and a faucet on the downstream side. And a discharge passage for discharging strongly acidic water from the electrolytic cell, and a discharge amount detecting means provided in the discharge passage for detecting the discharge amount of the strong alkaline water, and the discharge passage. a flow rate adjusting means provided to adjust the discharge amount of the strongly acidic water, the water discharge amount detection means based on the actual water discharge amount detected is strong emissions of strongly acidic water of the predetermined relative water spouting volume of alkaline water A strong electrolyzed water generator, comprising: a control unit that controls the flow rate adjusting unit so as to obtain a ratio. 5. The strong electrolyzed water generator according to claim 4, wherein the discharge path further includes discharge amount detecting means for detecting the discharge amount of the strong acid water. In Claim 4 or 5, the said control means acquires the actual water discharge amount which the said water discharge amount detection means detected, Based on this, the said strong alkaline water and the said strongly acidic water become a predetermined ratio A strong electrolyzed water generator characterized by controlling the flow rate adjusting means. 7. The strong electrolyzed water conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising an air portion in which air remains in at least a part of a region of the space that does not contact the electrolytic cell. The strong electrolyzed water generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the entire surface of the electrolytic cell is composed of the flexible film. The strong electrolyzed water generator according to claim 1, wherein the flexible film is made of a plastic sheet.

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