JP6957418B2 - Electrolyzed water generator - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electrolyzed water generator.

In recent years, electrolyzed water obtained by electrolyzing water to give various functions is known. For example, an electrolyzed water generator has been proposed that generates hypochlorite water as electrolyzed water having a sterilizing and deodorizing function, or produces alkaline ionized water as electrolyzed water having a function of drinking and cleaning and rust prevention. .. Such an electrolyzed water generator is a one-chamber type electrolytic cell having a pair of electrodes in one chamber, and two chambers divided into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber by providing one diaphragm between the pair of electrodes. A type electrolytic cell or a three-chamber type electrolytic cell in which two diaphragms are provided between a pair of electrodes and an electrolytic solution chamber separated by two diaphragms is used between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber is used. .. The electrolyzed water generator produces electrolyzed water having various functions by using an electrolyzed product obtained by electrolyzing an electrolyte in an electrolytic solution or water.

Examples of the electrolyte include chlorides, oxides, alkaline salts, carbonates, organic acids and the like intentionally added in addition to the ionic components contained in water. For example, in a one-chamber electrolytic cell, an electrolytic solution containing an electrolyte is supplied and electrolyzed to generate an electrolytic product and discharged. In the two-chamber type electrolytic cell, the electrolytic solution is supplied to both or one of the two chambers, and the anode product and the cathode product are separated as electrolytic products and discharged from the two chambers. In the three-chamber type electrolytic cell, the electrolytic solution is supplied only to the central electrolytic solution chamber, and the anode product and the cathode product are discharged from the anode chamber and the cathode chamber in a form separated from the electrolyte.
In these electrolyzed water generators, a running water type is generally used in which electrolysis is performed while running water or an electrolytic solution through an electrolytic cell. There is also a batch-type electrolyzed water generator that electrolyzes the stored water in a still water state, and it is used properly according to the application.

Japanese Patent No. 3798486 Japanese Patent No. 3292930 Japanese Patent No. 3716042 Japanese Patent No. 3500173 JP-A-2017-170306

When the electrolyzed water generator described above produces hypochlorite water, the generated hypochlorite water is basically acidic. However, hypochlorous acid water is more acidic and the higher the salt content (chlorine ion concentration), the more likely it is to generate chlorine gas. Further, when the pH is more alkaline than 8, hypochlorous acid is changed to hypochlorite ion, and the bactericidal ability is lowered.
An object of the embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electrolyzed water generator capable of controlling the pH of the hypochlorite water to be produced near neutral.

According to the embodiment, electrolytic water generation apparatus, and the electrolyte chamber for accommodating an electrolyte, and an electrode chamber anode and a cathode facing the electrolyte chamber via a diaphragm is provided, respectively, on the electrolyte chamber A second cathode that is provided and faces the anode via the diaphragm, a feeding unit that supplies power to the anode, the cathode, and the second cathode, and an energization from the feeding unit to the cathode and the second cathode. It is provided with a changeover switch that selectively switches, and a generated water mixing unit that mixes the anode-generated water and the anode-generated water obtained by electrolyzing the electrolytic solution to obtain mixed-generated water.
The anode and the cathode are plate-shaped electrodes having a plurality of through holes formed therein, and when the ratio of the plurality of through holes in the area of the electrodes is defined as the aperture ratio, the cathode has the aperture ratio of the anode. Has a lower aperture ratio than.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a running water type electrolyzed water generator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a moving state of ions in an electrolytic cell, which is a factor of changing pH. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an electrolytic cell having a pH control structure according to the first example. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an electrolytic cell having a pH control structure according to a second example. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an electrolytic cell having a pH control structure according to a third example. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the experimental results of pH control of produced water with respect to the cathode masking rate in the electrolyzed water generator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a plurality of masks having different aperture ratios (masking ratios). FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the batch type electrolyzed water generator according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the experimental results of pH control of produced water with respect to the cathode masking rate in the electrolyzed water generator according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a plurality of masks having different aperture ratios (masking ratios). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the experimental results of pH control of produced water with respect to the shielding rate of the cathode in the electrolyzed water generator according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the shielding rate of the cathode and the pH of the produced water. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a plurality of cathodes having different shielding rates. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing an electrolyzed water generator according to a third embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between the energization ratio of the second cathode and the water quality of the generated water in the electrolyzed water generator according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing an electrolyzed water generator according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a side view showing the electrode arrangement structure in the electrolyzed water generator according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a side view showing another electrode arrangement structure in the electrolyzed water generator according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing an electrolyzed water generator according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing an electrolyzed water generator according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing an electrolyzed water generator according to a seventh embodiment.

Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to common configurations throughout the embodiment, and duplicate description will be omitted. In addition, each figure is a schematic view for facilitating the understanding of the embodiment, and its shape, dimensions, ratio, etc. may differ from those of the actual device, but these are based on the following explanation and known techniques. The design can be changed as appropriate.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a running water type electrolyzed water generator according to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the electrolyzed water generator 10 uses a so-called three-chamber type electrolytic cell (electrolytic cell) 11. The electrolytic cell 11 is formed in a flat rectangular box shape, and the inside thereof is 2 by the first diaphragm (anode side membrane, anion exchange membrane) 16 and the second diaphragm (cathode side membrane, cation exchange membrane) 18. It is divided into three chambers: an intermediate chamber (electrolyte chamber) 15a defined between the sheets of the diaphragm, and an anode chamber 15b and a cathode chamber 15c located on both sides of the intermediate chamber 15a. An anode 14 is provided in the anode chamber 15b and faces the first diaphragm 16. A cathode 20 is provided in the cathode chamber 15c and faces the second diaphragm 18. The anode 14 and the cathode 20 are formed in the shape of a rectangular plate having substantially the same size, and face each other with the intermediate chamber 15a and the first and second diaphragms 16 and 18 interposed therebetween. The anode 14 and the cathode 20 are each made of a metal plate having a large number of through holes formed therein.

The electrolytic water generator 10 has an electrolytic solution supply unit 19 for supplying an electrolytic solution, for example, salt water, to an intermediate chamber 15a of the electrolytic cell 11, and a water supply unit for supplying electrolytic raw water, for example, water to the anode chamber 15b and the cathode chamber 15c. 21 and a power supply (feeding unit) 23 for applying positive voltage and negative voltage to the anode 14 and the cathode 20, respectively, are provided.

The electrolytic solution supply unit 19 is provided in a salt water tank (electrolyte solution tank) 25 that stores salt water as an electrolytic solution, a supply pipe 19a that guides salt water from the salt water tank 25 to the lower part of the intermediate chamber 15a, and a supply pipe 19a. A liquid feeding pump 29 and a drain pipe 19b for draining the electrolytic solution flowing in the intermediate chamber 15a from the upper part of the intermediate chamber 15a are provided.
The water supply unit 21 includes a water supply source (not shown) for supplying water, a water supply pipe 21a for guiding water from the water supply source to the lower part of the anode chamber 15b and the cathode chamber 15c, and water flowing through the anode chamber 15b from the upper part of the anode chamber 15b. A first drainage pipe 21b for discharging and a second drainage pipe 21c for discharging the water flowing through the cathode chamber 15c from the upper part of the cathode chamber 15c are provided. The first drainage pipe 21b is connected to the middle part of the second drainage pipe 21c. As a result, the anodized water drained from the first drainage pipe 21b and the cathode generated water drained from the second drainage pipe 21c are mixed and drained as mixed generated water. As described above, the first drainage pipe 21b and the second drainage pipe 21c constitute the generated water mixing unit 34 that mixes and drains the generated water. In the present embodiment, the mixed product water to be drained is hypochlorite water whose pH is controlled near neutrality.
In addition, an on-off valve 28 or a flow rate adjusting valve may be provided in each pipe.

The operation of actually electrolyzing salt water to generate acidic water (hypochlorous acid and hydrochloric acid) and alkaline water (sodium hydroxide) by the electrolyzed water generator configured as described above will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid feed pump 29 is operated to supply salt water from the salt water tank 25 to the intermediate chamber 15a of the electrolytic cell 11. Further, water is supplied from the water supply facility to the anode chamber 15b and the cathode chamber 15c.
Positive and negative voltages are applied from the power source 23 to the anode 14 and the cathode 20, respectively. The sodium ions ionized in the salt water flowing into the intermediate chamber 15a are attracted to the cathode 20 and pass through the second diaphragm 18 and flow into the cathode chamber 15c. Then, in the cathode chamber 15c, water is electrolyzed at the cathode 20 to generate hydrogen gas and an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide. The generated sodium hydroxide aqueous solution and hydrogen gas flow out from the cathode chamber 15c to the second drain pipe 21c.

Further, the chlorine ions ionized in the salt water in the intermediate chamber 15a are attracted to the anode 14, pass through the first diaphragm 16, and flow into the anode chamber 15b. Then, chlorine ions are reduced at the anode 14 to generate chlorine gas. After that, chlorine gas reacts with water in the anode chamber 15b to produce hypochlorous acid and hydrochloric acid. The acidic water (hypochlorous acid water and hydrochloric acid) thus produced flows out from the anode chamber 15b through the first drainage pipe 21b. The acidic water and the alkaline water are mixed in the generated water mixing unit 34 and drained as hypochlorite water having a pH of 8 or less.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a pH change factor of produced water and a pH control principle.
As shown in the figure, in the three-chamber type electrolytic cell system, the electrolytic solution is isolated in the intermediate chamber 15a, and the anode 14 and the cathode 20 are basically free of the electrolytic solution via the first diaphragm 16 and the second diaphragm 18. It is placed in the water. Therefore, the anode 14 and the cathode 20 are installed close to the first diaphragm 16 and the second diaphragm 18, respectively, so that the electrolyte that has passed through the diaphragm is not diluted. In addition, each electrode is provided with a plurality of holes (openings) for taking out the produced component. The openings of these electrodes are composed of, for example, punched holes and expanded meshes.

When an electric current is passed through the anode 14 and the cathode 20, chloride ions (Cl−) in the electrolytic solution move to the anode 14 and sodium ions (Na +) in the electrolytic solution move to the cathode 20 according to the amount of electric charge. .. Half of the chlorine ions that have reached the anode 14 are replaced with hypochlorous acid by the following reaction, and the other half remains Cl- as hydrochloric acid.
2. Cl- + 2e⇒Cl2
Cl2 + H2O⇒HClO + HCl
The entire amount of sodium ions that have reached the cathode 20 remains as Na + as sodium hydroxide by the following reaction.
2.H2O + 2Na + ⇒ 2e + H2 + 2 / NaOH

However, in the three-chamber type electrolyzed water generator, since these electrode products are locally generated on the diaphragm side of the electrode, the structure is such that it is difficult to sew between the electrode and the diaphragm and take out as generated water. ing. From the difference between the amount of charge and the mass of electrolytically consumed, it was confirmed that a part of the electrolyte returned to the intermediate chamber 15a via the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm. The amount of electrolyte returned depends on the transmittance of the first and second diaphragms, but is approximately 5 to 50% of the charge amount of the electrolytic current.
Further, when the anode-generated water and the cathode-generated water are mixed, the amount of hydrochloric acid produced is smaller than that of sodium hydroxide as described above, so that the mixed produced water becomes alkaline with a pH of about 8 to 9.

Therefore, the electrolyzed water generator according to the present embodiment is configured to positively adjust the electrolytic mass returning to the intermediate chamber 15a and control the pH of the mixed produced water to pH 8 or less which does not become hypochlorite ions.
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a first example of a control structure.
In the first example, the electrolytic cell 11 includes a mask 32 provided so as to face the cathode 20. The mask 32 is made of, for example, a resin sheet having a plurality of through holes. The mask 32 is arranged so as to overlap the surface of the cathode 20 opposite to the second diaphragm 18. The mask 32 has a plurality of through holes at intervals coarser than those of the cathode 20. The ratio of covering the cathode 20 with the non-transparent portion of the mask 32 is defined as the masking ratio, or the ratio occupied by the plurality of through holes in the area of the mask 32 is defined as the aperture ratio of the mask 32.
By covering at least a part of the cathode 20 with the mask 32, the permeation amount of sodium ions (Na +) is reduced, and conversely, the amount of sodium ions returned to the intermediate chamber 15a is increased. As a result, the alkalinity of the cathode-generated water decreases, and conversely, the alkalinity of the electrolyzed salt water in the intermediate chamber 15a increases. Therefore, by adjusting the masking ratio or aperture ratio of the mask 32, the alkalinity of the cathode-generated water can be timely lowered, and the mixed-produced water can be controlled to be neutral (pH 8 or less).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the masking rate of the mask 32 and the pH of the mixed produced water in the masking structure shown in FIG. 3 in the electrolyzed water generator 10 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 7 shows different masking rates. It is a figure which shows the plurality of masks schematically.
As shown in FIG. 7, for example, three types of masks 32 having a masking rate of 57.2%, 86.5%, and 95.9% are prepared, and using these masks 32, the masking rate and mixed water are produced. The relationship with pH was measured. As can be seen from FIG. 6, the pH of the mixed product water decreases as the masking rate increases, the masking rate is 20% or more, and the pH of the mixed product water is 8 or less. It can be seen that neutral hypochlorite water can be produced by setting the masking rate to about 50%.
The shape of the mask 32 is not limited to the circular shape shown in the figure, and various other shapes can be adopted.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a second example of the control structure.
In the second example, the through-holes of the cathode 20 are thinned out to make the distance between the through-holes larger than that of the anode 14. The anode 14 and the cathode 20 are each formed of a rectangular metal plate having a large number of through holes. In one example, the anode 14 and the cathode 20 have the same dimensions. The number and size of the through-holes of the cathode 20 are formed to be smaller or smaller than the through-holes of the anode 14, and as a result, the aperture ratio of the cathode 20 is lower than the aperture ratio of the anode 14. Further, the fineness of the opening pattern of the cathode 20 is coarser (larger) than the fineness of the opening pattern of the anode 14 (interval between holes).
As described above, by thinning out the through holes of the cathode 20 to increase the shielded region, the amount of sodium ion (Na +) permeated is reduced, and conversely, the amount of sodium ion returned to the intermediate chamber 15a is increased. To increase. As a result, the alkalinity of the alkaline water decreases, and the alkalinity of the intermediate chamber 15a after electrolysis increases accordingly. Therefore, by adjusting the aperture ratio (shielding ratio) of the cathode 20 as described above, the mixed water can be controlled to be neutral (pH 8 or less).

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a third example of the control structure.
In the third example, the electrolytic cell 11 includes a spacer 30 provided between the anode 14 and the first diaphragm 16. The spacer 30 is a spacer having water permeability, and for example, a sheet-shaped spacer having a large number of through holes or a spacer formed in a lattice pattern can be used. The thickness of the spacer 30 is formed to be about 0.2 to 0.3 mm.
By providing the spacer 30, the distance between the anode 14 and the first diaphragm 16 becomes wider than the distance between the cathode 20 and the second diaphragm 18. Therefore, the amount of chloride ions (Cl−) that permeates the first diaphragm 16 and the anode 14 increases, and the amount of chloride ions returned decreases relatively. Thereby, the amount of hydrochloric acid produced can be increased and the mixed produced water can be controlled to be neutral (pH 8 or less).
As another control structure, a structure in which the area of the anode 14 (reaction area) is formed larger than the area of the cathode 20 is also possible.
From the above, according to the first embodiment, an electrolyzed water generator capable of controlling the pH of the hypochlorite water to be produced near neutral can be obtained.

Next, the electrolyzed water generator according to another embodiment will be described. In other embodiments described below, the same parts as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals to omit or simplify the detailed description thereof, and parts different from those in the first embodiment. Will be explained in detail.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the electrolyzed water generator according to the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, the electrolyzed water generating device 10 is configured as a batch type or pot type electrolyzed water generating device that changes the still water contained in the container into electrolyzed water. The electrolyzed water generator of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the pH is controlled by the cathode masking structure shown in FIG. 3 described above.
As shown in FIG. 8, the electrolyzed water generator 10 is detachably attached to the generated water container (water tank) 112 for accommodating a liquid such as water and the upper end opening of the generated water container 112, and is inside the generated water container 112. It includes an electrode unit 116 that is supported and arranged, and a feeding unit 130 that supplies electrolytic power to the electrodes of the electrode unit 116. The power feeding unit 130 is connected to a DC power supply (not shown). The power feeding unit 130 may be composed of a battery or the like that supplies a constant voltage.

The generated water container 112 is formed of, for example, glass or resin having excellent acid resistance and alkali resistance such as vinyl chloride, polypropylene, or polyethylene, and is formed in a truncated cone shape. The generated water container 112 has an upper end opening 112a. The generated water container 112 is formed to have a capacity capable of accommodating 1 L of water, for example.

The electrode unit 116 includes a support (cover body) 114 formed in a disk shape, and a substantially cylindrical housing 118 supported by the support and located coaxially with the support.
The support 114 is formed of, for example, a resin having excellent acid resistance and alkali resistance, such as vinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polyethylene. The support 114 is detachably attached to the upper end opening 112a of the generated water container 112, and also functions as a lid for closing the upper end opening 112a. An injection port 114a for injecting the electrolytic solution is formed in the central portion of the support 114. Further, the support 114 integrally has an injection pipe 114b extending from the lower surface of the support, and the injection pipe 114b communicates with the injection port 114a.

The housing 118 is formed of, for example, a resin having excellent acid resistance and alkali resistance, such as vinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polyethylene. The housing 118 has an intermediate frame 121 forming an intermediate chamber (electrolyte solution chamber) 120, a cathode case 124 forming a cathode chamber 122, and an anode case 128 forming an anode chamber 126. The cathode case 124 and the anode case 128 are joined to both sides of the intermediate frame 121, and the housing 118 has a cylindrical shape as a whole.

A rectangular first diaphragm 132a is provided so as to close one opening of the intermediate chamber 120, and a rectangular second diaphragm 132b is provided so as to close the other opening of the intermediate chamber 120. The first diaphragm 132a and the second diaphragm 132b face each other. As a result, the intermediate chamber 120 is partitioned between the first diaphragm 132a and the second diaphragm 132b. The intermediate chamber 120 and the anode chamber 126 (inside the generated water container 12) are separated by a first diaphragm 132a, and the intermediate chamber 120 and the cathode chamber 122 are partitioned by a second diaphragm 132b. The intermediate chamber 120 is formed, for example, in a volume of 10 mL. The upper end of the intermediate chamber 120 communicates with the injection pipe 114b.

A rectangular plate-shaped anode 134a is provided adjacent to and facing each other on the outside of the first diaphragm 132a. The anode 134a is located in the anode chamber 126. A rectangular plate-shaped cathode 134b is provided adjacent to or opposed to the outside of the second diaphragm 132b. The cathode 134b is located in the cathode chamber 122. The anode 134a and the cathode 134b face each other with the first and second diaphragms 132a and 132b and the intermediate chamber 120 in between. The anode 134a and the cathode 134b are electrically connected to the feeding unit 130 via connection terminals and wiring.

The cathode chamber 122 is formed to have a capacity of, for example, about 20 mL. A plurality of drainage ports 124a are formed on the wall portion of the cathode case 124. The cathode chamber 122 communicates with the inside of the generated water container 112 through these drain ports 124a. Further, an exhaust port 124b for exhausting the gas generated in the cathode chamber 122 is formed at the upper end of the cathode case 124.
The anode chamber 126 is formed to have a capacity of, for example, about 20 mL. A plurality of drainage ports 128a are formed on the wall portion of the anode case 128. The anode chamber 126 communicates with the inside of the generated water container 112 through these drain ports 128a. An exhaust port 128b for exhausting the gas generated in the anode chamber 126 is formed at the upper end of the anode case 128.
Since the cathode chamber 122 and the anode chamber 126 have a structure that is open inside the generated water container 112 as described above, the inside of the generated water container 112 is a mixture of produced water that mixes the cathode generated water and the anode generated water. It constitutes a part.

When the generated water is generated by the electrolyzed water generating device 10 configured as described above, a predetermined amount of water is put into the generated water container 112 with the electrode unit 116 removed, and approximately 1 L of water is stored. The water to be added may be generally available water such as tap water. Further, as an electrolytic solution containing chlorides such as sodium chloride and potassium chloride, salt water is poured from the injection port 114a into the intermediate chamber 120 of the electrode unit 116. Inject about 10 mL of salt water and fill the intermediate chamber 120 with salt water.
Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the electrode unit 116 infused with salt water is inserted into the generated water container 12, and the support 114 is fitted into the upper end opening 112a of the generated water container 112. As a result, the electrode unit 116 is attached to the generated water container 112 and immersed in the water in the generated water container 112. A part of the water in the generated water container 112 flows into the cathode chamber 122 from the drain port 124a of the cathode case 124, and about 20 mL of water is filled in the cathode chamber 122. Further, a part of the water in the generated water container 112 flows into the anode chamber 126 from the plurality of drainage ports 128a of the anode case 128, and about 20 mL of water is filled in the cathode chamber 122.

In the above state, the salt water in the intermediate chamber 120 is electrolyzed by energizing the anode 134a and the cathode 134b from the feeding unit 130 with an electrolytic current of 1A for about 4 minutes. The sodium ions ionized in the salt water of the intermediate chamber 120 are attracted to the cathode 134b, pass through the second diaphragm 132b, and flow into the cathode chamber 122. In the cathode chamber 122, water is electrolyzed by the cathode 134b to generate hydrogen gas, and the hydrogen gas and sodium ions generate an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (alkaline water). The generated alkaline water is sequentially drained from the drain port 124a into the generated water container 112.
Chloride ions ionized in the salt water in the intermediate chamber 120 are attracted to the anode 134a, pass through the first diaphragm 132a, and flow into the anode chamber 126. In the anode chamber 126, chlorine ions donate electrons to the anode 134a to generate chlorine gas. The generated chlorine gas is dissolved in the water in the anode chamber 126 to generate acidic water (hypochlorite water and hydrochloric acid). The generated acidic water is drained from the exhaust port 128b into the water in the generated water container 112 and mixed with the alkaline water. As a result, hypochlorous acid water having a pH of 8 or less is generated in the generated water container 112.

Also in the second embodiment, the electrolyzed water generator 10 has a control structure that positively adjusts the electrolytic mass returning to the intermediate chamber 120 and controls the pH of the mixed produced water to pH 8 or less that does not become hypochlorite ions. I have.
The electrode unit 116 includes a mask 140 provided so as to face the cathode 134b. The mask 140 is made of, for example, a resin sheet having no through holes. The mask 140 is arranged so as to overlap the surface of the cathode 134b opposite to the second diaphragm 132b. The ratio of covering the cathode 134b with the mask 140 is defined as the masking ratio, or the ratio occupied by the plurality of through holes in the area of the mask 140 is defined as the aperture ratio of the mask 140.
By covering at least a part of the cathode 134b with the mask 140, the amount of sodium ions (Na +) permeated to the generated water container 112 side is reduced in the same manner as the principle shown in FIG. The amount of return to the intermediate chamber 120 is increased. As a result, the alkalinity of the produced water container 112 is lowered and neutralized, and the alkalinity of the salt water remaining in the intermediate chamber 120 after electrolysis is relatively increased. Therefore, by adjusting the masking ratio or aperture ratio of the mask 140, the mixed water can be controlled to be neutral (pH 8 or less).

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the masking rate of the mask 140 and the pH of the mixed produced water in the electrolyzed water generator 10 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a plurality of masks having different masking rates. Is. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, three types of masks 140 having a masking rate of 0%, 25%, and 50% are prepared, and these masks 140 are used to determine the relationship between the masking rate and the pH of the mixed product water. It was measured. FIG. 9 also shows the measurement results with pure water in addition to tap water. In tap water, an interference effect that stabilizes the pH to over 7 works according to the carbonated component contained, but in pure water, the interference effect does not work, and the pH control ability by the original masking is shown. Actually, the masking rate is selected to be about 50% according to tap water, but in a special environment where pure water is used, the masking rate needs to be adjusted to 20 to 30%. Similarly, the pH itself is affected by the quality of tap water (contained carbonic acid component) and the effective chlorine concentration of the produced water (50 mg / L in the experiment). Therefore, it is the same that the pH can be controlled by adjusting the optimum masking rate according to the application. From FIG. 9, it can be seen that neutral hypochlorite water can be produced by setting the masking rate of the mask 140 to about 50%.

In the second embodiment, the control structure may be configured such that the aperture ratio of the cathode 134b is lower than the aperture ratio of the anode 134a instead of the mask, that is, the through holes of the cathode 134b are partially thinned out. It may be configured to increase the shielding effect of the cathode. The anode 134a and the cathode 134b are each formed of a rectangular metal plate having a large number of through holes. The anode 134a and the cathode 134b have the same dimensions. The number and size of the through-holes of the cathode 134b are formed to be smaller or smaller than the through-holes of the anode 134a, and as a result, the opening ratio of the cathode 134b is lower than the opening ratio of the anode 134a. Further, the fineness of the opening pattern of the cathode 134b is coarser (larger) than the fineness of the opening pattern of the anode 134a (interval between holes).
As described above, by lowering the aperture ratio of the cathode 134b, the permeation amount of sodium ions (Na +) is reduced, and conversely, the amount of sodium ions returning to the intermediate chamber 15a is increased. As a result, the amount of alkaline water produced decreases, and the amount of hydrochloric acid produced increases relatively. Therefore, by adjusting the aperture ratio of the cathode 134b as described above, the mixed product water can be controlled to be neutral (pH 8 or less).

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the shielding ratio (100% − aperture ratio) of the cathode 134b, the voltage, the effective chlorine concentration, and the pH of the mixed produced water in the electrolyzed water generator 10 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the cathode and the cathode. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the shielding ratio of 134b and the pH of the mixed product water, and FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a plurality of cathode examples having different shielding ratios.
As shown in FIG. 13, for example, four types of cathodes 134b having a shielding rate of 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% are prepared, and these cathodes 134b are used to determine the shielding rate and the pH of the mixed product water. The relationship was measured. Here, the shielding rate of the cathode 134b is adjusted by stepwise providing a non-opening region in each block of the punching die, and the area ratio of the non-opening region is used as the shielding ratio. The anode 134a corresponds to an electrode having a shielding rate of 0%.

As can be seen from FIGS. 11 and 12, the pH of the mixed product water decreases as the shielding rate of the cathode 134b increases, the shielding rate is about 30% or more, and the pH of the mixed product water is 8 or less. Become. It can be seen that neutral hypochlorite water can be produced by adjusting the shielding rate to about 40%.
The pH of the mixed product water can also be controlled by adjusting the opening pattern of the cathode. Even if the shielding rate is the same, if the fineness is coarsened, it becomes difficult to extract sodium ions, and the same effect as increasing the shielding rate can be obtained.
From the above, according to the second embodiment, an electrolyzed water generator capable of controlling the pH of the hypochlorite water to be produced near neutral can be obtained.

(Third Embodiment)
FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a running water type electrolyzed water generator according to a third embodiment.
In the pH adjustment mechanism in the above-described embodiment, that is, the electrode masking rate adjustment and the electrode aperture ratio adjustment, the ion extraction balance is fixed in the factory-shipped state of the generator. However, the impurities contained in the water used as raw water differ depending on the location, and in particular, the carbonated water has an interference effect toward weak alkalinity. Therefore, depending on the water used, the pH adjustment points may not match and may deviate slightly. In general, carbonate ions are dissolved in water as counter ions of alkaline components, so that hard water tends to shift to the alkaline side, and soft water (ultimately pure water) tends to shift to the acid side.
Therefore, according to the third embodiment, a second cathode (auxiliary electrode) 20B is provided as a control structure for adjusting the pH. A pH adjustment mechanism in which a second cathode is installed in the electrolyte chamber, the electrolytic current is selectively energized to either the main cathode or the second cathode by a switch mechanism, and the user can adjust the voltage by the connection duty. Is provided.

As shown in FIG. 14, the electrolyzed water generator 10 uses a so-called three-chamber type electrolytic cell (electrolytic cell) 11. The inside of the electrolytic cell 11 is an intermediate chamber (electrolyte solution chamber) defined between the diaphragms by the first diaphragm (anode side membrane, anion exchange membrane) 16 and the second diaphragm (cathode side membrane, cation exchange membrane) 18. ) 15a, and the anode chamber 15b and the cathode chamber 15c located on both sides of the intermediate chamber 15a are divided into three chambers. An anode 14 is provided in the anode chamber 15b and faces the first diaphragm 16. A cathode 20 is provided in the cathode chamber 15c and faces the second diaphragm 18. The anode 14 and the cathode 20 are formed in the shape of a rectangular plate having substantially the same size, and face each other with the intermediate chamber 15a and the first and second diaphragms 16 and 18 interposed therebetween. The anode 14 and the cathode 20 are each made of a metal plate having a large number of through holes formed therein. The aperture ratio of the cathode 20 is lower than the aperture ratio of the anode 14.

A second cathode (auxiliary electrode) 20B is provided in the intermediate chamber (electrolyte solution chamber) 15a. In one example, the second cathode is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate having a size substantially equal to that of the cathode 20. The second cathode 20B faces the first diaphragm 16 and the second diaphragm 18 with a gap, and further faces the anode 14 with the first diaphragm 16 in between.
The power feeding unit 23 has a power supply 24a, a control unit 24b for controlling the power supply 24a, and a changeover switch SW for switching the power supply to the cathode 20 and the second cathode 20B. The positive electrode of the power supply 24a is connected to the anode via wiring. The negative electrode of the power supply 24a is connected to the cathode 20 and the second cathode 20B via the changeover switch SW and two wires. That is, by switching the changeover switch SW, a negative voltage can be selectively applied to the cathode 20 or the second cathode 20B. The changeover switch SW is configured to be operable by the user.
In addition, the electrolyzed water generator 10 includes an electrolytic solution supply unit 19 that supplies an electrolytic solution, for example, salt water, to the intermediate chamber 15a of the electrolytic cell 11, and a water supply unit 21 that supplies water to the anode chamber 15b and the cathode chamber 15c. It is provided with a generated water mixing unit 34, and is configured in the same manner as the electrolyzed water generating device according to the first embodiment described above.

In the present embodiment, the mixed generated water drained from the electrolyzed water generator 10 is hypochlorite water whose pH is controlled to near neutrality. That is, in the normal generation operation, positive and negative voltages are applied to the anode 14 and the cathode 20. Since the aperture ratio of the cathode 20 is made lower than the aperture ratio of the anode 14 and the pH is adjusted, a pH-controlled hypochlorous acid water can be obtained in the vicinity of neutrality. Further, according to the present embodiment, by switching the changeover switch SW and applying a voltage to the second cathode 20B, it is possible to further adjust the pH by the connection duty (Duty).

FIG. 15 shows the results of measuring the change in water quality of the mixed product water when the connection duty is changed. In the figure, the horizontal axis shows the energization ratio of the second cathode 20B to the total amount of current applied to the electrodes. The electrolytic current is fixed at 1 A, and the energization of the cathode (referred to as the first cathode) 20 and the second cathode 20B is switched in time. The second cathode energization ratio indicates the ratio of the energization amount to the second cathode 20B to the total current amount, and 0% energizes only the first cathode 20 and 100% energizes only the second cathode 20B. In the figure, the vertical axis shows the pH and effective chlorine concentration of the mixed product water when running water at 0.2 L / m. The water quality of the mixed product water is measured by collecting the mixed water at a time sufficiently longer than the switching interval between the first cathode 20 and the second cathode 20B described above, and the short-time water quality difference due to the energization switching is sufficient. It is integrated and averaged so that it does not affect it. Further, as raw water, pure water and hard water having a Ca concentration of 140 ppm are used. Hard water with a Ca of 140 ppm is one of the rare hard waters in Japan, and is used to verify extreme examples of water quality effects in various parts of Japan.

From FIG. 15, it can be seen that the quality of the produced water is weakly alkaline unless the second cathode 20B is used (energization ratio 0%). This is because all the alkaline substances produced by the first cathode 20 are mixed with the produced water. On the other hand, it can be seen that as the second cathode energization ratio is increased, the pH of the mixed product water becomes acidic while the effective chlorine concentration remains constant. This is because the alkaline substance produced at the second cathode 20B is released into the electrolytic solution chamber 15a and is not mixed in the produced water. When pure water is used, since there is no interference effect due to the carbonated component, the mixed water is acidified when the second cathode energization ratio is about 20%. When hard water is used, the mixed product water shifts to the alkaline side, so that the second cathode energization ratio for acidification increases.
In this way, the pH of the mixed product water can be adjusted and controlled by providing the second cathode 20B in the electrolytic solution chamber and adjusting the energization ratios to the first cathode 20 and the second cathode 20B. For example, in an electrolyzed water generator aiming at generated water in a slightly acidic region (pH 5 to 6.5), even if there is an influence of water quality in various parts of Japan, the desired pH range can be obtained by adjusting the second cathode energization ratio. It can also be adjusted. In the electrolyzed water generator according to the present embodiment, the second cathode energization ratio can be adjusted in the range of about 10 to 90%, so that slightly acidic mixed water is generated regardless of the use of water anywhere in Japan. It is possible to do.

(Fourth Embodiment)
FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing a running water type electrolyzed water generator according to a fourth embodiment.
In this embodiment, as the electrolytic cell, a simple two-chamber type electrolytic cell (electrolytic cell) is used instead of the three-chamber type. As shown in FIG. 16, the electrolyzed water generator 10 uses a two-chamber type electrolytic cell (electrolytic cell) 11. The inside of the electrolytic cell 11 is divided into two chambers, an electrolytic solution chamber 40 and an electrode chamber 42, by a diaphragm 44. A plate-shaped anode 14 and a cathode 20 are arranged side by side in the electrode chamber 42, and are adjacent to and opposed to the diaphragm 44, respectively. As will be described later, the anode 14 is provided with a through hole or a slit so that the aperture ratio of the anode 14 is higher than the aperture ratio of the cathode 20.
As the diaphragm 44, an anion exchange membrane can be used with the region facing the anode 14 as the anode diaphragm (first diaphragm), and a cation exchange membrane can be used with the region facing the cathode 20 as the cathode diaphragm (second diaphragm). In the present embodiment, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are provided side by side on a common plane. Further, the diaphragm 44 may be composed of a common diaphragm for the anode diaphragm and the cathode diaphragm by using a porous diaphragm having a permeability through which both anions and cations can pass. In this embodiment, the diaphragm 44 is composed of one porous diaphragm.

The electrolytic water generator 10 includes an electrolytic solution supply unit 19 that supplies an electrolytic solution, for example, salt water, to the electrolytic cell chamber 40 of the electrolytic cell 11, and a water supply unit 21 that supplies electrolytic raw water, for example, water to the electrode chamber 42. A feeding unit 23 for applying positive and negative voltages to the anode 14 and the cathode 20, respectively, is provided.
The electrolytic solution supply unit 19 is provided in a salt water tank (electrolyte solution tank) 25 that stores salt water as an electrolytic solution, a supply pipe 19a that guides salt water from the salt water tank 25 to the lower part of the electrolytic solution chamber 40, and a supply pipe 19a. It is provided with a liquid feed pump 29 and a drain pipe 19b for draining the electrolytic solution flowing in the electrolytic solution chamber 40 from the upper part of the electrolytic solution chamber 40.
The water supply unit 21 includes a water supply source for supplying water, a water supply pipe 21a for guiding water from the water supply source to the lower part of the electrode chamber 42, and a first drainage pipe 21b for draining water from the upper part of the electrode chamber 42. In the electrode chamber 42, the generated water of the anode 14 and the generated water of the cathode 20 are mixed and drained from the first drainage pipe 21b as the mixed generated water. In this way, the electrode chamber 42 constitutes a product water mixing unit that mixes the product water. In the present embodiment, the mixed product water to be drained is hypochlorite water whose pH is controlled near neutrality.
In addition, an on-off valve 28 or a flow rate adjusting valve may be provided in each pipe.

When the mixed generated water is generated by the electrolyzed water generator 10 configured as described above, the liquid feed pump 29 is operated to supply salt water from the salt water tank 25 to the electrolytic cell chamber 40 of the electrolytic cell 11, and the electrolytic solution chamber is used. 40 is filled with salt water. In addition, water is supplied from the water supply facility to the electrode chamber 42. Positive voltage and negative voltage are applied to the anode 14 and the cathode 20 from the feeding unit 23, respectively. The sodium ions ionized in the salt water that has flowed into the electrolyte chamber 40 are attracted to the cathode 20 and pass through the diaphragm 44 and flow into the electrode chamber 42. Then, in the electrode chamber 42, water is electrolyzed at the cathode 20 to generate hydrogen gas and an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. Further, the chlorine ions ionized in the salt water in the electrolyte chamber 40 are attracted to the anode 14, pass through the diaphragm 44, and flow into the electrode chamber 42. Then, chlorine ions are reduced at the anode 14 to generate chlorine gas. After that, chlorine gas reacts with water in the electrode chamber 42 to generate hypochlorous acid and hydrochloric acid. The acidic water (hypochlorite water and hydrochloric acid) thus produced is mixed with the alkaline water generated at the cathode 20 in the electrode chamber 42, and the mixed water, that is, hypochlorite having a pH of 8 or less. Acid water is produced. The mixed product water is drained from the electrode chamber 42 through the first drain pipe 21b.

The electrolyzed water generator 10 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the electrolyzed mass returning to the electrolytic solution chamber 40 is positively adjusted to control the pH of the mixed produced water to pH 8 or less which does not become hypochlorite ions. In this example, the aperture ratio of the cathode 20 is formed lower than the aperture ratio of the anode 14. In addition, as the pH adjustment control structure, as described in the above-described embodiment, masks facing the anode and the cathode are provided, respectively, and the shielding rate of the cathode mask is formed to be higher than the shielding rate of the anode mask. May be good. Alternatively, a spacer may be provided between the anode 14 and the diaphragm 44.

On the other hand, when the anode 14 and the cathode 20 are arranged side by side in parallel in one electrode chamber 42 as described above, the ion resistance of the electrolytic solution chamber 40 depends on the distance between the electrodes depending on the positions of the anode 14 and the cathode 20. There is a problem that the electric resistance increases in the portion where the anode and the cathode are separated from each other, and most of the electrolytic current flows in a part of the region where the anode and the cathode are close to each other.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the anode and the cathode each have a plurality of elongated rod-shaped or strip-shaped anodes 14, and a plurality of elongated strip-shaped cathodes 20 respectively. The plurality of anodes 14 are arranged so that their long sides face each other in parallel with a gap between them, and each anode 14 extends along the direction of water flow, in this case, the vertical direction. The plurality of cathodes 20 are arranged side by side alternately with the plurality of anodes 14, and the long sides of each cathode 20 face parallel to the long sides of the anode 14 with a slight gap. Each cathode 20 extends along the direction of water flow. Further, in the present embodiment, each anode 14 has a slit SL extending over the entire length in the longitudinal direction, and is divided into two by the slit SL. By providing the slit SL, the aperture ratio of each anode 14 is higher than the aperture ratio of the cathode 20. The plurality of anodes 14 are each connected to the positive electrode of the feeding unit 23 via wiring, and the plurality of cathodes 20 are connected to the negative electrode of the feeding unit 23 via wiring, respectively.
By arranging the plurality of anodes 14 and the plurality of cathodes 20 in a state where the long sides are adjacent to each other in this way, the distance between the anode 14 and the cathode 20 is reduced over the entire area, and the maximum distance is reduced to about. It can be suppressed within 60 mm. As a result, the ion resistance at each position of the electrode can be made uniform to a low level, the rise in the electrolysis voltage can be suppressed, and electrolysis can be performed over the entire electrode.

The anode 14 and the cathode 20 are not limited to rod-shaped or strip-shaped, respectively, and as shown in FIG. 18, electrodes punched in a comb-teeth shape may be alternately arranged and combined. In this case, each anode 14 is provided with a plurality of slits or openings 46.
As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, even when a simple two-chamber type electrolytic cell is used, the electrolyzed water generator capable of controlling the pH of the hypochlorite water to be generated near neutrality is provided. can get.

(Fifth Embodiment)
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrolyzed water generator according to a fifth embodiment. In the present embodiment, the electrolyzed water generator 10 is configured as a batch type or hydrostatic water generator that converts hydrostatic water contained in a container or tank into electrolyzed water. In the electrolyzed water generator of the present embodiment, the electrolytic cell (electrolytic cell) 11 uses a two-chamber type electrolytic cell as in the fourth embodiment described above.
As shown in FIG. 19, the electrolyzed water generator 10 includes a generated water container (tank) 50 for accommodating a liquid such as water, and a two-chamber type electrolytic cell 11 arranged in the generated water container 50. ing. The electrolytic cell 11 has the same configuration as the electrolytic cell 11 in the fourth embodiment described above. However, in the present embodiment, the electrode chamber 42 of the electrolytic cell 11 communicates with the inside of the generated water container 50, that is, is open through a plurality of opening OPs formed in the wall portion of the electrolytic cell 11. ..
The electrolytic water generator 10 includes an electrolytic solution supply unit 19 that supplies an electrolytic solution, for example, salt water, to the electrolytic cell chamber 40 of the electrolytic cell 11, and a power supply unit 23 that applies positive and negative voltages to the anode 14 and the cathode 20, respectively. And have.

When the generated water is generated by the electrolyzed water generator 10 configured as described above, a predetermined amount of water is put in the generated water container 50, and the inside of the generated water container 50 and the electrode chamber 42 of the electrolytic cell 11 are filled with water. Fulfill. At the same time, the electrolytic solution, for example, salt water is supplied from the electrolytic solution supply unit 19 to the electrolytic solution chamber 40, and the inside of the electrolytic solution chamber 40 is filled with salt water. In this state, the salt water in the electrolytic solution chamber 40 is electrolyzed by applying an electrolytic current from the feeding unit 23 to the anode 14 and the cathode 20. In the electrode chamber 42, the cathode 20 produces water produced by the cathode, here alkaline water. The generated alkaline water is mixed with the water in the generated water container 50 in the electrode chamber 42 and through the opening OP. At the same time, in the electrode chamber 42, the anode 14 produces anode-generated water, here acidic water (hypochlorous acid water and hydrochloric acid). The generated acidic water is drained into the water in the generated water container 50 through the electrode chamber 42 and the opening OP, and is mixed with the alkaline water. As a result, mixed generated water, that is, hypochlorous acid water having a pH of 8 or less is generated in the produced water container 50.

Also in the fifth embodiment, the electrolyzed water generator 10 can positively adjust the electrolytic mass returning to the electrolytic solution chamber 40 and control the pH of the mixed produced water to pH 8 or less which does not become hypochlorite ions. can. Further, unlike the running water type, the piping for supplying and draining water to the electrode chamber 42, the liquid feeding pump, and the like can be omitted, and an electrolyzed water generator having a simple configuration can be provided.

(Sixth Embodiment)
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrolyzed water generator according to a sixth embodiment.
According to the sixth embodiment, the electrolyzed water generator 10 is provided with a two-chamber type electrolytic cell (electrolytic cell) 11 as in the fourth embodiment described above, and further, as a control structure for adjusting the pH. , A second cathode (auxiliary electrode) 20B is provided.
As shown in FIG. 20, the electrolytic water generator 10 includes an anode 14 and a cathode (first cathode) 20 arranged in the electrode chamber 42 and facing the diaphragm 44, and a second cathode (auxiliary) arranged in the electrolytic solution chamber 40. The electrode) 20B and a changeover switch SW for switching the energization of the first cathode 20 and the second cathode 20B are provided. The second cathode 20B is arranged so as to face the anode 14 with the diaphragm 44 interposed therebetween. In one example, the second cathode 20B is formed in a plate shape having a size substantially equal to that of the anode 14 or a size smaller than that of the anode.

In the anode 14, the positive electrode of the feeding unit 23 is connected to the positive electrode of the feeding unit 23 via wiring. The cathode 20 is connected to the negative electrode of the power feeding unit 23 via the wiring W1. Further, the second cathode 20B is connected to the negative electrode of the power feeding unit 23 via the wiring W2. The wiring W2 branches from the wiring W1 and extends to the second cathode 20B. The changeover switch SW is provided in the middle of the wiring W2. The changeover switch SW is configured to be operable by the user.
In addition, the electrolyzed water generator 10 includes an electrolytic solution supply unit 19 for supplying an electrolytic solution, for example, salt water, and a water supply unit 21 for supplying water to the electrode chamber 42 in the electrolytic cell chamber 40 of the electrolytic cell 11. It has the same configuration as the electrolyzed water generator according to the fourth embodiment described above.

In the present embodiment, the mixed generated water drained from the electrolyzed water generator 10 is hypochlorite water whose pH is controlled to near neutrality. In the normal generation operation, positive and negative voltages are applied to the anode 14 and the cathode 20. Since the aperture ratio of the cathode 20 is made lower than the aperture ratio of the anode 14 and the pH is adjusted, a pH-controlled hypochlorous acid water can be obtained in the vicinity of neutrality. Further, according to the present embodiment, by switching the changeover switch SW and applying a voltage to the second cathode 20B, it is possible to further adjust the pH by changing the connection duty (Duty).

Since the second cathode 20B is arranged in the electrolytic solution, the ion density around the electrode is overwhelmingly higher than that of the cathode (first cathode) 20. Therefore, when the changeover switch SW is turned on and the second cathode 20B and the first cathode 20 are connected to the power supply 24a of the feeding unit 23, most of the ion current flows to the second cathode 20B instead of the first cathode 20, which is substantially the same. Therefore, the outflow of the alkaline component to the electrode chamber 42 is eliminated. Therefore, the longer the changeover switch SW of the second cathode 20B is connected, the more the mixed water shifts to the acidic side.
As the connection duty of the electrolyzed water generator 10 to the second cathode 20B, the electrolytic cell parts are configured so that the hardest water with the minimum duty changes from weakly acidic to neutral, and the pure water is weakly acidic to medium with the maximum duty. By setting the characteristics so that the intermediate duty can be selected by the user, the optimum pH adjustment can be selected even in various regions.
When the changeover switch SW is turned on, a slight current flows through the first cathode 20. Therefore, the amount of current flowing through the first cathode 20 is slightly reduced by the amount of current flowing through the first cathode 20, but the above-mentioned duty control is substantially possible even in this circuit, and the configuration of the circuit itself is simplified. Can be transformed into.

(7th Embodiment)
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrolyzed water generator according to a seventh embodiment.
According to the present embodiment, the electrolyzed water generator 10 is provided with a two-chamber type electrolytic cell (electrolytic cell) 11 as in the fourth embodiment described above, and further, as a control structure for adjusting the pH, the first It is equipped with two cathodes (auxiliary electrodes) 20B. The first diaphragm 44a and the second diaphragm 44b are arranged so as not to be parallel to each other but to be inclined at a predetermined angle from each other, for example, to be bent in a substantially V shape. In the electrode chamber 42, the anode 14 is arranged adjacent to the first diaphragm 44a, and the cathode (first cathode) 20 is arranged adjacent to the second diaphragm 44b. As a result, the anode 14 and the cathode 20 are arranged in a substantially V shape, and are obliquely opposed to each other so as to sandwich the first diaphragm 44a and the second diaphragm 44b. The second cathode 20B is arranged in the electrolytic solution chamber 40 and faces the anode 14 via the first diaphragm 44a.

The power feeding unit 23 has a power supply 24a, a control unit 24b for controlling the power supply 24a, and a changeover switch SW for switching the power supply to the cathode 20 and the second cathode 20B. The positive electrode of the power supply 24a is connected to the anode 14 via wiring. The negative electrode of the power supply 24a is connected to the cathode 20 and the second cathode 20B via the changeover switch SW and two wires. That is, by switching the changeover switch SW, a negative voltage can be selectively applied to the cathode 20 or the second cathode 20B. The changeover switch SW is configured to be operable by the user.
In addition, the electrolyzed water generator 10 is mixed in the electrode chamber 42 with the electrolytic solution supply unit 19 for supplying the electrolytic solution, for example, salt water to the electrolytic solution chamber 40, the water supply unit 21 for supplying water to the electrode chamber 42, and the electrode chamber 42. It is provided with a first drainage pipe 21b for draining the mixed generated water.

According to the seventh embodiment, the distance between the electrodes can be reduced by arranging the anode 14 and the cathode 20 in a state of diagonally facing each other while using a simple two-chamber type electrolytic cell 11. can. Therefore, even when a simple flat plate-shaped electrode is used, it is possible to suppress an increase in the electrolysis voltage and efficiently realize electrolysis. In addition, in the seventh embodiment, the same effects as those in the sixth embodiment described above can be obtained.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and at the implementation stage, the components can be modified and embodied within a range that does not deviate from the gist thereof. In addition, various inventions can be formed by an appropriate combination of the plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiment. For example, some components may be removed from all the components shown in the embodiments. In addition, components across different embodiments may be combined as appropriate. The shape, forming material, dimensions, and the like of each component constituting the electrolyzed water generator are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously changed as needed.

10 ... Electrolyzed water generator, 11 ... Electrolytic cell (electrolytic cell), 14, 134a ... Anode,
16, 44a, 132a ... 1st diaphragm, 18, 44b, 132b ... 2nd diaphragm,
20, 134b ... Cathode, 15a, 120 ... Intermediate chamber, 15b, 126 ... Anode chamber, 15c,
122 ... Cathode chamber, 30 ... Spacer, 32, 140 ... Mask, 40 ... Electrolyte chamber,
42 ... Electrode chamber, 20B ... Second cathode, SW ... Changeover switch

Claims (8)

An electrolyte chamber for accommodating an electrolytic solution, an electrode chamber provided with an anode and a cathode facing the electrolyte chamber via a diaphragm, and an electrode chamber provided in the electrolyte chamber facing the anode via the diaphragm, respectively. The second cathode, the anode, the feeding unit that supplies power to the cathode and the second cathode, a changeover switch that selectively switches the energization from the feeding unit between the cathode and the second cathode, and the electrolytic solution. A product water mixing unit that mixes the anode-generated water and the cathode-generated water obtained by electrolysis to obtain a mixed product water is provided.
The anode and the cathode are plate-shaped electrodes having a plurality of through holes formed therein, and when the ratio of the plurality of through holes in the area of the electrodes is defined as the aperture ratio, the cathode has the aperture ratio of the anode. Has a lower aperture ratio,
Electrolyzed water generator. A plate-shaped electrode having a plurality of through holes formed in an electrolytic solution chamber for storing an electrolytic solution, an electrode chamber provided with an electrode, and a diaphragm separating the electrolytic solution chamber and the electrode chamber, respectively. The electrode chamber is composed of an anode and a cathode provided in the chamber and facing the electrolytic solution chamber via the diaphragm, and a sheet having a plurality of through holes, and facing the surface of the cathode opposite to the diaphragm. A mask that is arranged and covers at least a part of the through hole of the cathode, a feeding portion that supplies power to the anode and the cathode, and anodized water and cathode-generated water obtained by electrolyzing the electrolytic solution are mixed and mixed. An electrolyzed water generator comprising a generated water mixing portion to be produced water, and having a ratio of covering the cathode with a non-perforated portion of the mask to 50% or more. When the ratio occupied by the plurality of through holes in the area of the cathode is defined as the aperture ratio and the ratio occupied by the plurality of through holes in the area of the mask is defined as the aperture ratio, the opening ratio of the mask is higher than the opening ratio of the cathode. The low electrolyzed water generator according to claim 2. A plate-shaped electrode having a plurality of through-holes formed in an electrolytic solution chamber for storing an electrolytic solution, an electrode chamber provided with an electrode, and a diaphragm separating the electrolytic solution chamber and the electrode chamber, respectively. An anode and a cathode provided in the chamber and facing the electrolytic solution chamber via the diaphragm, a feeding unit for supplying power to the anode and the cathode, and an anode-generated water and a cathode-generated water obtained by electrolyzing the electrolytic solution. A product water mixing unit, which is mixed to obtain mixed product water, is provided.
When the ratio occupied by the plurality of through holes in the area of the electrode is defined as the aperture ratio and (100% −opening ratio) is defined as the shielding ratio of the electrode, the cathode has an aperture ratio lower than the aperture ratio of the anode. The distance between the through-holes of the cathode is larger than the distance between the through-holes of the anode, and the shielding ratio of the cathode is 40% or more .
Electrolyzed water generator. The electrolyzed water generator according to claim 4, wherein the number and size of the through holes of the cathode are smaller than the number of through holes of the anode or smaller than the through holes of the anode. The electrode chamber includes an anode chamber partitioned from the electrolytic solution chamber by a first diaphragm and a cathode chamber partitioned from the electrolytic solution chamber by a second diaphragm, and the anode includes the anode chamber. The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is provided in the anode chamber facing one diaphragm and the cathode is provided in the cathode chamber facing the second diaphragm. .. The electrode chamber is one electrode chamber partitioned from the electrolyte chamber by the diaphragm, and the anode and the cathode are provided in the one electrode chamber and each face the diaphragm. The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of 1 to 6. The electrolyzed water generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electrolytic solution is a compound containing chlorine, and the mixed produced water is hypochlorite water.

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