JP6219358B2 - Hydrogen water server - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating apparatus that generates hydrogen water generated by electrolysis, a hydrogen water server including the same, and an apparatus for producing dialysate preparation water.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a hydrogen water generator that generates hydrogen water in which hydrogen is dissolved by electrolysis is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the hydrogen water generating device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the amount of water supplied to the anode chamber is limited to effectively use water.

  However, if the amount of water supplied to the anode chamber is simply limited, oxygen gas generated in the anode chamber may stay on the surface of the anode feeder and the electrolysis in the electrolytic cell may be suppressed.

JP, 2015-174060, A

  The present invention has been devised in view of the actual situation as described above, and an electrolyzed water generating apparatus capable of efficiently performing electrolysis in an electrolytic cell and increasing the dissolved hydrogen concentration while achieving effective use of water, and the same The main object is to provide a hydrogen water server and a dialysate preparation water production apparatus.

  The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is divided into a cathode chamber in which a cathode power feeder is disposed and an anode chamber in which an anode power feeder is disposed by a diaphragm, and electrolyzes the supplied water. An electrolyzed water generating apparatus including an electrolyzer that generates hydrogen water in which hydrogen is dissolved in the cathode chamber, the flow rate adjusting valve for adjusting the amount of water supplied to the anode chamber, and generated in the anode chamber And an exhaust means for separating and discharging oxygen gas from the electrolyzed water.

  The electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention further includes a control unit for controlling the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve, and the control unit sets the opening degree as a first mode for controlling the flow rate adjustment valve. It is desirable to have a first mode for opening and a second mode for setting the opening to a second opening larger than the first opening.

  In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention, the electrolyzed water generating device further includes a flow rate detecting unit for detecting the amount of water supplied to the anode chamber, and the control unit is configured to perform the mode based on the amount of water detected by the flow rate detecting unit. It is desirable to switch.

  In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention, the control unit controls the flow rate adjustment valve in the first mode when the amount of water detected by the flow rate detection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, When the amount of water detected by the flow rate detection means is less than the threshold value, it is desirable to control the flow rate adjustment valve in the second mode.

  In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention, the electrolyzed water generating device further includes current detection means for detecting an electrolysis current supplied to the cathode power supply and the anode power supply, and the control unit includes the cathode power supply and the It is desirable to switch the mode based on the relationship between the electrolytic voltage applied to the anode power supply and the electrolytic current.

  In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention, when the ratio of the electrolysis current to the electrolysis voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit controls the flow rate adjustment valve in the first mode, When the ratio of the electrolysis current to the electrolysis voltage is less than the threshold value, it is desirable to control the flow rate adjustment valve in the second mode.

  In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the flow rate adjusting valve is disposed downstream of the exhaust means.

  In the electrolyzed water generating device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the diaphragm includes a solid polymer membrane.

  A hydrogen water server according to a second aspect of the present invention is a hydrogen water server comprising the electrolyzed water generating device, comprising a tank for storing hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber, the tank and the electrolyzer. A circulation path that is a flow path for circulating hydrogen water between the anode chamber and the flow rate adjusting valve is arranged in the circulation path from the anode chamber to the tank.

  The hydrogen water server according to the present invention further includes a heating unit that heats water in the tank, and supplies hot water heated by the heating unit to the cathode chamber and the anode chamber via the circulation path. It is desirable to have a sterilization mode for sterilizing the tank, the cathode chamber, and the anode chamber.

  The hydrogen water server according to the present invention further comprises a bypass valve arranged in parallel with the flow rate adjustment valve, and in the sterilization mode, the bypass valve is opened and hot water supplied to the anode chamber It is desirable to increase the amount of water.

  A dialysate preparation water manufacturing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention includes the electrolyzed water generation apparatus, and manufactures dialysate preparation water in which a dialysate is mixed using hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber. It is characterized by that.

  In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, a flow rate adjusting valve for adjusting the amount of water supplied to the anode chamber and an oxygen gas for separating and discharging oxygen gas from the electrolyzed water generated in the anode chamber Since the exhaust means is provided, oxygen gas generated in the anode chamber is suppressed from staying on the surface of the power feeding body. As a result, the electrolytic water is sufficiently supplied also to the surface of the anode power supply body while effectively utilizing water, and the electrolysis is efficiently performed and the dissolved hydrogen concentration can be increased.

  In the hydrogen water server according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently increase the dissolved hydrogen concentration of hydrogen water stored in the tank while effectively utilizing water.

  In the dialysate preparation water manufacturing apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently increase the dissolved hydrogen concentration of dialysate preparation water while effectively using water.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of one Embodiment of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus which concerns on 1st invention of this invention, and the hydrogen water server which concerns on 2nd invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the hydrogen water server of FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement of each part and the flow of water in the 1st mode of the hydrogen water server of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of each unit and the flow of water in the second mode of the hydrogen water server, following FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement of each part and the flow of water in the water discharge mode of the hydrogenous water server of FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement of each part and the flow of water in the sterilization mode of the hydrogen water server of FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the operation of each unit and the flow of water in the sterilization mode of the hydrogen water server, following FIG. 6. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of one Embodiment of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus which concerns on 1st invention of this invention, and the manufacturing apparatus of the water for dialysate preparations concerning 3rd invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an electrolyzed water generator 1 that is an embodiment of the first invention and a hydrogen water server 100 that is an embodiment of the second invention. The hydrogen water server 100 is an apparatus that includes the electrolyzed water generating device 1 and stores hydrogen water in which hydrogen generated by the electrolyzed water generating device 1 is dissolved so as to be provided as needed. The hydrogen water provided by the hydrogen water server 100 can be used as drinking or cooking water.

  The electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 includes an electrolytic cell 4, an exhaust unit 24, and a flow rate adjustment valve 25. The electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 functions alone as an apparatus for generating electrolyzed water, in addition to the form applied as the main part of the hydrogen water server 100. The exhaust means 24 and the flow rate adjustment valve 25 are provided on the downstream side of the electrolytic cell 4.

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

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

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

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

  The exhaust means 24 and the flow rate adjustment valve 25 are connected to the anode chamber 40A. The exhaust means 24 includes a so-called gas vent valve that separates and discharges oxygen gas from the electrolyzed water generated in the anode chamber 40A. Thereby, the oxygen gas generated in the anode chamber 40 </ b> A is prevented from staying on the surface of the anode power supply body 41. Accordingly, the electrolyzed water is sufficiently supplied also to the surface of the anode power supply body 41, the electrolysis is efficiently performed, and the dissolved hydrogen concentration can be increased.

  The flow rate adjustment valve 25 is provided on the downstream side of the exhaust unit 24. Thereby, the possibility that the flow rate adjustment valve 25 may prevent the discharge of oxygen gas is suppressed. The flow rate adjustment valve 25 adjusts the amount of water supplied to the anode chamber 40A. For example, the flow rate adjustment valve 25 limits the amount of water supplied to the anode chamber 40A by limiting the water flowing out of the anode chamber 40A. As a result, most of the water supplied to the electrolytic cell 4 is supplied to the cathode chamber 40B to become hydrogen water, and the water can be effectively used.

  The electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 includes flow rate sensors (flow rate detection means) 27A and 27B. The flow sensor 27A is provided on the upstream side of the anode chamber 40A and detects the amount of water supplied to the anode chamber 40A. The flow sensor 27B is provided on the upstream side of the cathode chamber 40B, and detects the amount of water supplied to the cathode chamber 40B.

  FIG. 2 shows an electrical configuration of the hydrogen water server 100. The hydrogen water server 100 includes a control unit 6 and current detection means 44.

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

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

  The control unit 6 receives electric signals from the flow rate sensors 27A and 27B. The flow sensor 27A detects the amount of water supplied to the anode chamber 40A and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the value to the control unit 6. The flow sensor 27 </ b> B detects the amount of water supplied to the cathode chamber 40 </ b> B and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the value to the control unit 6.

  The control unit 6 controls the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 25. The controller 6 has a first mode and a second mode as modes for controlling the flow rate adjustment valve 25. In the first mode, the control unit 6 sets the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 25 to the first opening degree. During normal operation, the control unit 6 controls the flow rate adjustment valve 25 in the first mode. That is, the initial setting of the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 25 is the first opening degree. On the other hand, in the second mode, the control unit 6 sets the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 25 to a second opening degree that is larger than the first opening degree.

  Switching from the first mode to the second mode can be executed based on, for example, an electrical signal input from the flow sensor 27A.

  More specifically, when the amount of water detected by the flow sensor 27A is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, sufficient electrolytic water is filled in the anode chamber 40A, and electrolysis is normally performed in the electrolytic cell 4. Can be estimated. Therefore, the control unit 6 controls the flow rate adjustment valve 25 to the first opening, and limits the amount of water supplied to the anode chamber 40A to the first amount of water.

  On the other hand, when the amount of water detected by the flow sensor 27A is less than the above threshold, it can be estimated that oxygen gas may stay in the anode chamber 40A and hinder electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 4. Therefore, the control unit 6 switches the mode for controlling the flow rate adjustment valve 25 from the first mode to the second mode, and controls the flow rate adjustment valve 25 so that the opening degree becomes the second opening degree. As a result, the amount of water supplied to the anode chamber 40A increases, and the remaining oxygen gas is discharged from the anode chamber 40A by the water flow. Therefore, the anode chamber 40A is again filled with sufficient electrolyzed water, and efficient electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 4 is restored.

  The operation in the second mode is continued for a predetermined time during which the remaining oxygen gas is considered to be discharged from the anode chamber 40A. The said time can be predetermined by experiment etc. When the time has elapsed, the control unit 6 switches the mode for controlling the flow rate adjustment valve 25 from the second mode to the first mode, and controls the flow rate adjustment valve 25 so that the opening degree becomes the first opening degree. .

  Moreover, the control part 6 may be comprised so that the opening degree of the flow regulating valve 25 may be controlled by comparing the water amount detected by the flow sensor 27A and the water amount detected by the flow sensor 27B. . For example, when the amount of water detected by the flow sensor 27A is significantly smaller than the amount of water detected by the flow sensor 27B, the control unit 6 switches the mode for controlling the flow control valve 25 from the first mode to the second mode. .

  The control unit 6 controls the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 25 based on the relationship between the electrolytic voltage applied to the anode power supply body 41 and the cathode power supply body 42 and the electrolysis current I detected by the current detection means 44. It may be configured to.

  More specifically, when the ratio of the electrolysis current I to the electrolysis voltage is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the anode chamber 40A is filled with sufficient electrolyzed water, and efficient electrolysis is performed in the electrolytic cell 4. Can be estimated. Therefore, the control unit 6 controls the flow rate adjustment valve 25 to the first opening, and limits the amount of water supplied to the anode chamber 40A to the first amount of water.

  On the other hand, when the ratio of the electrolysis current I to the electrolysis voltage is less than the above threshold value, it can be estimated that oxygen gas may stay in the anode chamber 40A and hinder electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 4. Therefore, the control unit 6 switches the mode for controlling the flow rate adjustment valve 25 from the first mode to the second mode, and controls the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 25 to be the second opening degree. As a result, the amount of water supplied to the anode chamber 40A increases, and the remaining oxygen gas is discharged from the anode chamber 40A by the water flow. The return from the second mode to the first mode is the same as described above.

  Moreover, the control part 6 may be comprised so that the opening degree of the flow regulating valve 25 may be controlled by comparing the electrolysis current I detected by the electric current detection means 44 with a predetermined threshold value. Further, the control unit 6 controls the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 25 by combining the determination based on the amount of water detected by the flow sensor 27A and the determination based on the electrolysis current I detected by the current detection unit 44. It may be configured.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hydrogen water server 100 further includes a water purification filter 2, a tank 3, and an operation unit 5.

  The water purification filter 2 purifies the water supplied to the tank 3. The water purification filter 2 is configured to be replaceable by attaching to and detaching from the main body of the hydrogen water server 100. The water purification filter 2 is provided in the water intake path 11 on the upstream side of the tank 3. Raw water is supplied to the water intake path 11. As the raw water, tap water is generally used, but well water, ground water, and the like can be used. The water inlet path 11 has a water inlet valve 21. The water inlet valve 21 controls the amount of water flow to the hydrogen water server 100.

  The water purification filter 2 of the present embodiment includes a prefilter 2A, a carbon (activated carbon) filter 2B, and a hollow fiber membrane filter 2C. The pre-filter 2A, the carbon (activated carbon) filter 2B, and the hollow fiber membrane filter 2C are each configured to be exchangeable by attaching to and detaching from the main body of the hydrogen water server 100. The pre-filter 2A is arranged on the most upstream side, and removes a material of 0.5 μm or more contained in raw water, for example. The carbon filter 2B is disposed on the downstream side of the prefilter 2A, and removes the substance that has passed through the prefilter 2A by adsorption. The hollow fiber membrane filter 2C is disposed on the downstream side of the carbon filter 2B, and removes, for example, a 0.1 μm or more substance that has passed through the pre-filter 2A and the carbon filter 2B.

  The tank 3 stores the water that has passed through the water purification filter 2. The control unit 6 appropriately maintains the amount of water stored in the tank 3 by controlling the opening and closing of the water inlet valve 21 based on the electrical signal output from the water amount sensor 31. As shown in FIG. 1, the water amount sensor 31 is provided in the upper part of the tank 3. The water amount sensor 31 has a float that floats on water. In the present embodiment, the water amount sensor 31 is provided in the upper part of the tank 3 and outputs an electrical signal to that effect to the control unit 6 when the amount of water stored in the tank 3 is substantially full.

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

  The operation unit 5 shown in FIG. 2 includes a switch operated by a user, a touch panel for detecting capacitance, or the like (not shown). The user can set the operation mode of the hydrogen water server 100 to be described later, for example, by operating the operation unit 5. When the operation unit 5 is operated by the user, the operation unit 5 outputs a corresponding electrical signal to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 controls each unit of the hydrogen water server 100 according to the electric signal input from the operation unit 5.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a circulation path 12 is provided between the tank 3 and the electrolytic cell 4. The circulation path 12 is a flow path for circulating water between the tank 3 and the electrolytic cell 4. The water stored in the tank 3 is supplied to the electrolytic cell 4 through the circulation path 12 and electrolyzed, and then returns to the tank 3 through the circulation path 12.

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

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

  In the present embodiment, the exhaust unit 24 and the flow rate adjustment valve 25 are arranged in the circulation path 12d from the anode chamber 40A to the tank 3. As a result, the path of water flowing out to the anode chamber 40A and the discharge path of the oxygen gas coincide with each other, so that the oxygen gas can be discharged efficiently. Further, the exhaust unit 24 and the flow rate adjusting valve 25 are integrated on the downstream side of the anode chamber 40A, so that the configuration of the hydrogen water server 100 can be simplified.

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen water server 100 includes a water discharge path 13 connected to the cathode chamber 40B. The water discharge path 13 is a flow path for discharging the hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber 40B. The water discharge path 13 of this embodiment is branched from one end side of the circulation path 12e and connected to the cathode chamber 40B. Thereby, the structure of the hydrogen water server 100 is simplified.

  A flow path switching valve 23 is disposed at a branching portion 12f where the water discharge path 13 branches from the circulation path 12e. A so-called three-way valve can be applied to the flow path switching valve 23. The flow path switching valve 23 is controlled by the control unit 6 according to the operation mode of the hydrogen water server 100, and switches part or all of the flow path downstream from the branching part 12f to the circulation path 12e or the water discharge path 13. That is, in the electrolyzed water generation mode, the entire flow path downstream from the branching section 12f is the circulation path 12e. In the water discharge mode, a part or all of the flow path on the downstream side of the branch portion 12 f is switched to the water discharge path 13. Thereby, switching of a flow path can be realized with a simple configuration. The water discharge path 13 may be directly connected to the cathode chamber 40B.

  A water discharge port 13 a is provided on the distal end side of the water discharge path 13. A space in which the cup 500 or the like can be placed is formed below the water discharge port 13a, and a tray 13b for collecting water spilled from the cup 500 is provided.

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, a cooling device 7 is connected to the tank 3. The cooling device 7 cools the tank 3 by cooling the refrigerant and supplying it to the outer wall of the tank 3. The operation of the cooling device 7 is controlled by the control unit 6. Thereby, the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 is cooled to a desired temperature by the cooling device 7. Accordingly, it is possible to provide cooled hydrogen water as needed according to the user's request, and the usability of the hydrogen water server 100 is improved.

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

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

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, the tank 3 is provided with a heater (heating means) 8 for heating water. The heater 8 generates heat due to Joule heat, and heats the water stored in the tank 3. Further, a heater (heating means) 8 </ b> A is provided between the tank 3 and the pump 22 in the circulation path 12. The heater 8 </ b> A is provided in a part of the pipe constituting the circulation path 12. The heater 8A generates heat due to Joule heat and heats water in the circulation path 12. The heaters 8 and 8A are controlled by the control unit 6. Only one of the heaters 8 and 8A may be applied as the heating means.

  The control unit 6 controls the heaters 8 and 8A to heat the water stored in the tank 3 and the water in the circulation path 12. Thereby, hot water is generated in the tank 3 and the circulation path 12, the inside of the tank 3 and the circulation path 12 is sterilized by the hot water, and the growth of bacteria and the like is suppressed.

  A bypass valve 28 is provided in the circulation path 12d. The bypass valve 28 is arranged in parallel with the flow rate adjustment valve 25. The bypass valve 28 is controlled by the control unit 6 so as to be interlocked with the operations of the heaters 8 and 8A. When the bypass valve 28 is opened, the amount of water in the circulation path 12d increases, and the hot water supplied to the anode chamber 40A increases. When the adjustment range of the water amount by the flow rate adjustment valve 25 is sufficiently wide, the bypass valve 28 may be omitted.

  The hydrogen water server 100 generates hydrogen water by electrolysis and stores it in the tank 3 as an operation mode, an “electrolyzed water generation mode” for storing the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3, and a “water discharge mode” for discharging the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3. And “sterilization mode” for sterilizing the electrolytic cell 4 and the like.

  3 and 4 show the operation of each part of the hydrogen water server 100 and the flow of water in the electrolyzed water generation mode. In the figure, the region filled with water is indicated by thin hatching (hereinafter, the same applies to FIGS. 5 to 7).

  In the electrolyzed water generation mode, the flow path on the circulation path 12e side of the flow path switching valve 23 is opened, and the flow path on the water discharge path 13 side is closed. Further, the drain valve 26 is closed, and the water inlet valve 21 is appropriately opened and closed according to the amount of water stored in the tank 3.

  3 shows a state where the control unit 6 controls the flow rate adjustment valve 25 in the first mode, and FIG. 4 shows a state where the control unit 6 controls the flow rate adjustment valve 25 in the second mode. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the first mode, the bypass valve 28 is closed and the flow rate adjustment valve 25 is throttled to the first opening # 1, and the flow rate of the circulation path 12d is limited.

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

  At this time, the oxygen gas generated by electrolysis in the anode chamber 40A moves upward in the circulation path 12d and is discharged from the exhaust means 24. Since the internal space of the hydrogen water server 100 is not sealed from the outside, the oxygen gas discharged from the exhaust means 24 is released to the atmosphere outside the hydrogen water server 100.

  Furthermore, since the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 25 is restricted to the first opening degree # 1 and the bypass valve 28 is closed, the flow of the electrolytic water returning from the anode chamber 40A to the tank 3 is restricted. Thereby, the electrolyzed water in the anode chamber 40A that does not contribute to the increase in the dissolved hydrogen concentration hardly returns to the tank 3, so that the dissolved hydrogen concentration in the hydrogen water in the tank 3 can be increased efficiently. In addition, the electrolyzed water flowing into and out of the anode chamber 40A can suppress the stagnation of oxygen gas in the anode chamber 40A, and the electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 4 can be performed efficiently. In the electrolyzed water generation mode, the hydrogen water server 100 may be configured so that the electrolyzed water in the anode chamber 40 </ b> A does not return to the tank 3 by completely closing the flow rate adjustment valve 25. In this case, the water utilization efficiency is further enhanced.

  For some reason, oxygen gas may adhere to the surface of the anode power supply body 41 and stay in the anode chamber 40A. In such a case, since the electrolysis is not performed in the region where the oxygen gas is adhered, the electrolysis efficiency in the electrolytic cell 4 is lowered.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the amount of water supplied to the anode power feeding body 41 is increased by setting the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 25 to the second opening degree # 2. Thereby, the oxygen gas which stayed with the electrolyzed water flowing into and out of the anode chamber 40A moves and is discharged from the anode chamber 40A. Therefore, the anode chamber 40A is again filled with sufficient electrolyzed water, and efficient electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 4 is restored.

  FIG. 5 shows the operation of each part of the hydrogen water server 100 and the flow of water in the water discharge mode. In the water discharge mode, the flow path of the hydrogen water that has passed through the cathode chamber 40B is switched by the flow path switching valve 23 from the state of the first mode shown in FIG. That is, in the water discharge mode, the flow path on the circulation path 12e side is closed, and the flow path on the water discharge path 13 side is opened. By driving the pump 22 in this state, the hydrogen water that has passed through the cathode chamber 40B flows into the water discharge path 13 and is discharged from the water discharge port 13a. At this time, the control unit 6 may be configured to apply an electrolytic voltage to the anode power supply 41 and the cathode power supply 42.

  6 and 7 show the operation of each part of the hydrogen water server 100 in the sterilization mode and the flow of water in time series. In the sterilization mode, the water in the tank 3 and the circulation path 12 is heated and circulated, and each part such as the tank 3, the electrolytic cell 4 and the circulation path 12 is sterilized by heating. Thereby, propagation of bacteria and the like in each part in the hydrogen water server 100 is suppressed. The sterilization mode is periodically executed under the control of the control unit 6. For example, the sterilization mode is executed every day at midnight. For example, the time period for executing the sterilization mode can be appropriately set by the user operating the operation unit 5.

  In the sterilization mode, the controller 6 controls the states of the flow path switching valve 23 and the drain valve 26 in the same manner as in the initial electrolyzed water generation mode. That is, the flow path on the circulation path 12e side of the flow path switching valve 23 is opened, and the flow path on the water discharge path 13 side is closed. The drain valve 26 is closed. Further, in the sterilization mode, the flow rate adjustment valve 25 and the bypass valve 28 are opened. When the pump 22 is driven in this state, sufficient hot water is supplied also to the anode chamber 40A, the flow sensor 27A, and the circulation paths 12b and 12d, and the anode chamber 40A, the flow sensor 27A, the circulation paths 12b and 12d, etc. are heated. Heated and sterilized with water.

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

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

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

  In order to obtain a sufficient sterilizing effect in a short time, the temperature of the hot water is preferably 75 ° C. or higher, for example.

  When the sterilization of the tank 3 and the electrolytic cell 4 is completed, the control unit 6 turns off the heaters 8 and 8A, ends the heating, and ends the driving of the pump 22. And as FIG. 7 shows, the drain valve 26 is opened and hot water is discharged | emitted from the tank 3, the circulation path 12, and the electrolytic cell 4 grade | etc.,. The flow path on the circulation path 12 e side of the flow path switching valve 23 is closed, and the flow path on the water discharge path 13 side is opened, whereby hot water is discharged from the water discharge path 13. At this time, the water discharge path 13 and the drainage path 14 are sterilized by the hot water passing through the water discharge path 13 and the drainage path 14. Moreover, the hot water discharged from the spout 13a is collected by the tray 13b, passes through the path 13c, and reaches the drain path 14. Thereby, the saucer part 13b and the path | route 13c are sterilized.

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

  As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, an ultraviolet LED (ultraviolet irradiation means) 34 is provided on the top wall 33 of the tank 3. The ultraviolet LED 34 is a light emitting diode that is controlled by the control unit 6 to emit ultraviolet rays. The inside of the tank 3 is sterilized by the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet LED 34. The ultraviolet LED 34 may be provided in the circulation path 12 or the electrolytic cell 4 in addition to the tank 3. The ultraviolet LED 34 can be turned on in the electrolyzed water generation mode and the sterilization mode. During operation of the hydrogen water server 100, the ultraviolet LED 34 may be configured to be constantly or periodically lit.

  FIG. 8 shows a schematic configuration of one embodiment of the dialysate preparation water production apparatus 200 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The manufacturing apparatus 200 includes an electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1A that is an embodiment of the first invention. The manufacturing apparatus 200 manufactures dialysate preparation water in which the dialysis raw material is mixed using the hydrogen water generated by the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1A. In the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1A, the configuration of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 described above can be appropriately adopted for a portion not described below.

  The electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1A of the present embodiment includes a plurality of electrolyzers 4 and can generate a large amount of hydrogen water. Thereby, the manufacturing apparatus 200 can manufacture the water for dialysate preparation used for dialysis of many people. Each electrolytic cell 4 is connected in parallel. In FIG. 8, four electrolytic cells 4 are applied, but the number of electrolytic cells 4 can be appropriately set according to the supply capacity of hydrogen water required by the specifications of the manufacturing apparatus 200.

  The manufacturing apparatus 200 includes an electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1A, a water softening apparatus 201, an activated carbon treatment apparatus 202, a pressure pump 203, a reverse osmosis membrane module 204, and the like.

  Raw water such as tap water is supplied to the water softening device 201. The water softening device 201 removes hardness components such as calcium ions and magnesium ions from the raw water to soften the water.

  The activated carbon treatment apparatus 202 has activated carbon that is a fine porous substance, and adsorbs and removes chlorine and the like from the water supplied from the water softening apparatus 201. The water that has passed through the activated carbon treatment apparatus 202 is sent to the electrolyzed water generation apparatus 1A.

  The pressurizing pump 203 pumps the hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber 40B of the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1A to the reverse osmosis membrane module 204. The reverse osmosis membrane module 204 has a reverse osmosis membrane (not shown). The reverse osmosis membrane filters water pumped by the pressure pump 203. That is, the reverse osmosis membrane removes trace amounts of impurities such as metals from the hydrogen water pumped by the pressure pump 203 and filters the hydrogen water. The hydrogen water that has been filtered through the reverse osmosis membrane is supplied to the diluting device 300.

  As mentioned above, although the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 etc. of this embodiment were demonstrated in detail, this invention is changed and implemented in various aspects, without being limited to said specific embodiment. That is, the electrolyzed water generating apparatus 1 includes an electrolytic cell 4 that is divided into an anode chamber 40A and a cathode chamber 40B by a diaphragm 43 and generates hydrogen water in the cathode chamber 40B by electrolyzing the supplied water. The flow rate adjustment valve 25 for adjusting the amount of water supplied to the chamber 40A and the exhaust means 24 for separating and discharging oxygen gas from the electrolyzed water generated in the anode chamber 40A may be further provided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electrolyzed water production | generation apparatus 3 Tank 4 Electrolytic tank 6 Control part 8 Heater (heating means)
12 Circulation path 24 Exhaust means 25 Flow rate adjustment valve 27A Flow rate sensor (flow rate detection means)
28 Bypass valve 40A Anode chamber 40B Cathode chamber 43 Diaphragm 44 Current detection means 100 Hydrogen water server 200 Manufacturing apparatus

Claims (10)

An electrolysis that generates hydrogen water in which hydrogen is dissolved in the cathode chamber by electrolyzing the supplied water by separating the cathode chamber in which the cathode feeder is disposed and the anode chamber in which the anode feeder is disposed by a diaphragm. A hydrogen water server with a tank,
A flow rate adjusting valve for adjusting the amount of water supplied to the anode chamber, and an exhaust means for separating and discharging oxygen gas from the electrolyzed water generated in the anode chamber ;
A tank for storing hydrogen water generated in the cathode chamber, and a circulation path that is a flow path for circulating hydrogen water between the tank and the electrolytic cell ;
The hydrogen water server , wherein the flow rate adjusting valve is arranged in the circulation path from the anode chamber to the tank . A control unit for controlling the opening of the flow regulating valve;
The control unit, as a mode for controlling the flow rate adjustment valve, a first mode in which the opening degree is a first opening degree, and a second opening degree in which the opening degree is a second opening degree larger than the first opening degree. The hydrogen water server according to claim 1 having a mode. A flow rate detecting means for detecting the amount of water supplied to the anode chamber;
The hydrogen water server according to claim 2, wherein the control unit switches the mode based on the amount of water detected by the flow rate detection unit. The controller is
When the amount of water detected by the flow rate detection means is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the flow rate adjustment valve is controlled in the first mode,
The hydrogen water server according to claim 3, wherein when the amount of water detected by the flow rate detection means is less than the threshold value, the flow rate adjustment valve is controlled in the second mode. Further comprising a current detection hand stage for detecting the electrolysis current supplied to the cathode current collector and the anode current collector,
The hydrogen water server according to claim 2, wherein the control unit switches the mode based on a relationship between an electrolytic voltage applied to the cathode feeder and the anode feeder and the electrolytic current. The controller is
If the ratio of the electrolysis current to the electrolysis voltage is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the flow rate regulating valve is controlled in the first mode;
The hydrogen water server according to claim 5, wherein when the ratio of the electrolysis current to the electrolysis voltage is less than the threshold value, the flow rate adjustment valve is controlled in the second mode. The hydrogen water server according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the flow rate adjusting valve is disposed on a downstream side of the exhaust unit. The hydrogen water server according to claim 1, wherein the diaphragm includes a solid polymer film. A heating means for heating the water in the tank;
The hot water heated by the heating means is supplied to the cathode chamber and the anode chamber via the circulation path, and has a sterilization mode for sterilizing the tank, the cathode chamber, and the anode chamber. The hydrogen water server described in any one . Further comprising a bypass valve arranged in parallel with the flow regulating valve,
The hydrogen water server according to claim 9, wherein in the sterilization mode, the bypass valve is opened to increase the amount of hot water supplied to the anode chamber .

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