JPH0217635B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Application of the Invention] The present invention relates to a water electrolyzer equipped with a closed circulation circuit type cleaning device, and in particular, a water electrolyzer that passes through an electrolytic cell between the electrolyzer body and an external cleaning liquid tank. This invention relates to a water electrolysis device that forms a closed circulation circuit and allows one-touch operation of the cleaning device.

[Conventional technology]

A water electrolysis device that divides the space between the negative electrode and the positive electrode into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber with an electrolytic diaphragm and electrolyzes the water in both electrode chambers to generate alkaline ion water and acidic ion water is not used. During this time, calcium carbonate accumulates on the cathode of the electrolytic cell, reducing electrolytic efficiency. In particular, in an electrolytic cell having a cathode chamber with a minute gap, such as a flowing water electrolyzer, the cathode chamber is clogged with adhesion of calcium carbonate, and the flow of water is obstructed.

Therefore, the electrolytic cell must be appropriately cleaned with a cleaning liquid such as a hydrochloric acid solution. Conventionally, each time cleaning is performed, a cleaning circuit is connected via a valve between the electrolytic cell and an external cleaning liquid tank, and a cleaning liquid prepared by adding a predetermined amount of chemical solution is flowed through the circuit.
Such manual cleaning requires specialized knowledge for switching valves, mixing chemical solutions, etc., and requires an expert to visit the user every time cleaning is performed.

By the way, in conventional cleaning of this type of water electrolyzer, when the cleaning circuit is connected, the water in the electrolytic cell drains and the amount of liquid required for circulation is not filled.
The cleaning circuit is an open circuit so that water can be replenished into the cleaning liquid tank. In addition, if air accumulates in the hose of the cleaning circuit, it will prevent the liquid from returning to the cleaning liquid tank, so it is convenient to use an open type cleaning circuit for this type of device in order to remove this air and ensure smooth circulation of the cleaning liquid. It was hot.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

However, when attempting to automate a cleaning device using an open cleaning liquid circuit, the following difficult problems arise.

In other words, in an open circuit, the liquid pressure balance in each part of the cleaning circuit will not be constant, so there is a risk that alkaline water and acidic water will mix through the cleaning circuit during electrolyzed water generation.To prevent this, it is necessary to An electric valve is required in between, which increases costs including the control system. Furthermore, when trying to automate the circulation of liquid from an open-circuit cleaning tank, the cleaning liquid must be injected into the electrolytic cell under high pressure, so the water in the electrolytic cell must be drained by the amount of liquid injected. Furthermore, a control circuit is required to mix in a fixed amount of the cleaning chemical solution. All of these problems are difficult to solve with open circuits, and the cost increases significantly.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a water electrolyzer equipped with a cleaning device that can be operated with a single touch using a simple system and that can be used for a long period of time without maintenance.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier having a cleaning device in which the pump of the cleaning liquid closed circulation circuit and the weir means of the cleaning liquid recovery side circuit are interlocked, and the pump is always stopped with the weir means closing the circuit. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an electrolyzer.

[Means for solving problems]

The above purpose is to provide a water electrolyzer having an electrolytic cell in which an anode chamber and a cathode are separated by an electrolytic diaphragm between an anode and a negative electrode. In between, a closed circulation circuit is provided in which the cleaning liquid flows through a pump means, and the cleaning liquid supply side circuit and the recovery side circuit of this closed circulation circuit are connected to the water in the electrolytic cell during non-cleaning, the cleaning liquid supply and the recovery side circuit. This can be achieved by providing weir means to prevent mixing of the cleaning liquids.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the basic cleaning circuit of the present invention, in which a closed circulation circuit 4 passing through the electrolytic cell 3 is provided between the electrolyzer main body 1 and the cleaning liquid tank 2, and the cleaning liquid is supplied to the circulation circuit 4. Weir means 5a and 5b for opening and closing the circuits 4a and 4b are provided in each of the side circuit 4a and the cleaning liquid recovery circuit 4b. In the figure,
6 is a pump means for flowing the fluid in the closed circulation circuit, and 7 and 8 are switching valves provided in the electrolyzed water production water circuit. This switching valve is preferably operated in conjunction with pump means 6. The weir means 5
For a and 5b, a valve mechanism that closes the passage by its own weight or a spring, a rotary pump having both pump and valve functions, or a switching valve such as a solenoid valve or a motor valve can be used.

In addition, in order to ensure that the cleaning liquid circulation circuit is opened in conjunction with the pump means 6 and the pump is stopped when the circuit 4 is closed, the cleaning liquid supply side circuit 4a is
A check valve is used for the weir means 5a of the recovery side circuit 4b, and the weir means 5b of the recovery side circuit 4b is a check valve member consisting of a valve element biased to close the circuit 4 and an actuator for opening and closing this valve element. The flow control mechanism may be configured to have a valve opening/closing mechanism for operating a circulation circuit check valve member, and a switch mechanism for transmitting a stop signal to the pump motor in synchronization with the closing of the check valve member.

FIG. 1 shows a circulation circuit in which the electrodes 3a and 3b are separated by a diaphragm 3c, and the flow is caused to flow from the discharge passage of one electrode chamber 3a' to the discharge passage of the other electrode chamber 3b' and recovered to the tank 2. Although the embodiment has been shown, as shown in FIG.
tank 2 through only a', 3b' or cathode chamber 3b'
It may be possible to collect it to. In this case valve 7
When the valve 8 is closed and the valve 8 is opened, the cleaning liquid is circulated through both the cathode chamber 3b' and the anode chamber 3a'.
When closed, the cleaning solution circulates only through the cathode chamber 3b'.
In addition, in the example shown in the figure, the supply side circuit and recovery side circuit of the circulation circuit are connected near the alkaline water drain port and acidic water drain port of the electrolytic cell, but the cleaning circuit is connected near the end of the supply channel or drain channel. The idea of the present invention also includes a configuration in which the supply side circuit and the recovery side circuit of the circuit are connected so that the entire interior of the electrolyzer can be cleaned.

[Embodiments of the invention]

Next, specific examples of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of a main part of an electrolytic device showing one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway plan view of the same electrolytic device. The figure shows a vertical sectional view taken along the line -- in FIG. Further, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the assembly of constituent members showing an example of the weir means of the cleaning liquid recovery side circuit.

In FIG. 3, the electrolyzer 1 has an anode 3a and a cylindrical cathode 3b arranged concentrically, and an anode chamber 3a' between the two electrodes 3a and 3b with an electrolytic diaphragm 3c. Electrolytic cell 3 partitioned into cathode chamber 3b'
(electrolysis unit). Incidentally, in the electrolytic device shown in the figure, four electrolytic cells 3 are integrally attached to upper and lower assembly blocks with bolts.

In these electrolytic cells 3, water introduced from a common water supply hole 9 enters the water supply section 10 of each electrolytic cell 3 via a check valve 9', is distributed to an anode chamber 3a' and a cathode chamber 3b', and is distributed between both electrodes. While water is flowing through the chamber, it is electrolyzed by the DC voltage applied between both electrodes.

The alkaline ionized water thus generated in the cathode chamber 3b' flows from the alkaline water outlet 11 to the alkaline water collection chamber 12 common to each electrolytic cell, and flows through the passage 13.
It is led out from the outlet 14 via. Although not shown in the drawings, the piping connected to the outlet is provided with an on-off valve (corresponding to the reference numeral 7 in FIGS. 1 and 2) for closing the passage during cleaning.

On the other hand, the acidic water generated in the anode chamber 3a flows from the acidic water outlet 15 into a doughnut-shaped acidic water collection chamber 16 common to each electrolytic cell, and then flows through the acidic water outlet 17 provided on the side wall of the chamber. (See Figure 4)
It is derived from Although not shown, the piping connected to the acidic water outlet 17 is also provided with an on-off valve for closing the passage during cleaning.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a closed type cleaning liquid tank which is filled with a cleaning liquid such as a hydrochloric acid solution and has a cleaning liquid supply port 18 and a recovery port 19. They are connected in a liquid-tight and detachable manner. The tank mounting member 20 has a supply path 20a that communicates with the supply port 18 of the tank 2.
and a recovery path 20b communicating with the recovery port 19 of the tank.
The cleaning liquid supply path 20a and the recovery path 20b are connected to the electrolytic cell 3 via a path extending below.

That is, the cleaning liquid supply path 20a of the mounting member 20 that communicates with the supply port 18 of the cleaning liquid tank 2 is connected to the flow path 2.
1 to the water supply section 10 of the electrolytic cell, forming a cleaning liquid supply side circuit 4a.

Further, a cleaning liquid recovery path 20b communicating with the recovery port 19 of the tank 2 communicates with the alkaline water collection chamber 12 of the electrolyzer 1 via a flow path 22, forming a cleaning liquid recovery side circuit 4b.

Thus, when cleaning the electrolyzer, the supply port 18 of the tank 2 → flow path 21 (supply side circuit 4a) → electrolytic cell 3 → alkaline water collection chamber 12 → flow path 22 (recovery side circuit 4b) → recovery of the tank 2 A closed cleaning liquid circulation circuit leading to the opening 19 is formed.

The piping of the circulation circuit is substantially the same as that shown in FIG.
1) can of course be connected to the acidic water chamber 16 of the electrolyzer 1 to form the piping system shown in FIG.

This closed circulation circuit is provided with a pump means 6 driven by a motor in order to flow the cleaning liquid through the above-mentioned route in the circuit, and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 22
It is set in.

In addition, the circulating fluid supply side circuit 4a and the recovery side circuit 4b
Valve mechanisms or weir means 5a and 5b are provided to prevent the electrolytically treated water from mixing with the cleaning liquid during non-cleaning.
is provided. Basically, it is sufficient for these weir means to have the function of closing each circuit during non-cleaning. Therefore, a structure may be used in which a rotary pump having a valve function as described later is used to serve both as a pump means and a weir means, or a known valve mechanism such as an automatic switching valve may be used, but the structure should be as simple as possible. It is desirable to have something that is simple, can automate the operation, and can reliably prevent mixing.

The weir means of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 was developed in response to this request, and includes a check valve 23 as the weir means 5a of the cleaning liquid supply side circuit 4a, and the following configuration as the weir means 5b of the recovery side circuit 4b. A distribution control mechanism is provided.

That is, this circulation control mechanism
Valve body 24 biased to close (passage 22)
a, a check valve member 24 consisting of an actuator 24b that opens and closes the valve body; a valve opening/closing mechanism 25 that opens and closes the check valve member 24 via a motion transmission member that synchronizes with the drive shaft of the pump; Synchronized with the closing of the member 24, the motor 2 of the pump 6
6, and is incorporated as a mixing prevention weir means 5b in the cleaning liquid recovery circuit 4b.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the check valve member uses an actuator 24b to press against the spring 28 the valve body 24a, which is urged by the spring 28 to close the recovery side circuit 4b. The circuit is configured to open by opening the circuit. Further, the valve opening/closing mechanism 25 is
As shown in detail in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pump 6
A lever 25c is provided with an eccentric cam member 25a that synchronizes with the drive shaft of the lever 25c, and has a fulcrum P at one end pivotably attached thereto, and an engaging piece 25b that engages with the actuator 24b of the check valve member 24 fixed in the middle. The free end of the cam member 25a is engaged with the cam peripheral edge of the cam member 25a. Preferably, the lever 25c
A groove wheel 25d is pivotally attached to the free end of the groove wheel 25d, and the cam peripheral edge of the eccentric cam member 25a is engaged with the groove wheel 25d.

The eccentric cam member 25a has a concave portion or a small radius portion 25a' formed in a part of the perfect circular edge, so that the free end groove wheel 25d of the lever 25c engages with the perfect circular edge portion of the cam member a. lever 2 when
The engagement piece 25b of the check valve member 24 presses the valve body 24a via the actuator 24b of the check valve member 24, and the flow path 22
On the other hand, when the lever 25c is engaged with the recess 25a' of the cam member 25a, the lever 25c is displaced upward in the figure as shown in FIG. 5, returning the valve body 24a to the flow path closing position. .

Note that the shape of the cam member 25a is not limited to the case where a concave portion is formed on a part of a perfect circular edge as shown in the figure, but when the cam member 25a is provided below the lever 25c, a convex portion is formed on a part of a perfect circular edge. In other words, the structure may be such that the valve body 24a can be opened and closed in a perfectly circular portion and a non-perfectly circular portion depending on the relative positional relationship with the lever.

A check valve member 24 is located near the valve opening/closing mechanism 25.
A switch mechanism 27 is provided which detects the closed state of the pump 6 and sends a stop signal to the motor 26 of the pump 6. In the illustrated embodiment, a limit switch is provided as a switch mechanism 27 near the lever 25c, and the limit switch is activated when the lever 25c comes to the valve body closing position. However, the switch mechanism 27 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and may be of any other type as long as it detects the closed state of the check valve member 24 and issues a detection signal.

The switch mechanism 27 is a device for sending a stop signal to the motor 26 of the pump 6, but in reality it is not necessary to stop the motor each time. You may also cut it. Further, the cam member 25a is not necessarily fixed to the rotating shaft of the motor 26 or the pump 6, but may be configured such that a predetermined cleaning is completed in one rotation via a reduction gear or the like.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a rotary pump is used as the cleaning liquid pumping means, but a reciprocating pump such as a plunger pump or a Delasco pump may also be used.
In either case, the liquid feeding member 6' of the pump, such as a rotary vane, is formed of a flexible material such as rubber, thereby making it possible to flex the negative pressure between the valve and the pump that occurs when the check valve member is closed. It is desirable to absorb the liquid using a liquid-feeding member.

Furthermore, the motion transmission member synchronized with the drive shaft of the pump 6 is not limited to the eccentric cam 25a. In short, any structure is sufficient as long as it communicates with the pump 6 to open and close the check valve member 24, and it goes without saying that its shape and structure will vary depending on the structure of the pump used.

The supply port 18 of the cleaning liquid tank 2 is connected to a valve body 2 supported by a protruding rod 29a and a spring 29b for opening and closing.
9, and is supported by a return spring 31 suspended between the opening edge locking member of the collection port 19. Therefore, before being set on the mounting member 20, the passage of the supply port 18 is closed by the valve body 29, and the flange 32 is urged by the return spring 31 to close the recovery port 19 of the tank 2. has been done. Then, when it is set in the mounting member 20 of the electrolyzer as shown in the figure, the tip of the rod 28 hits the inner wall protrusion of the mounting member 20 and pushes the valve body 29 back against the spring 29b to open the supply port passage and the mounting member The spring receiver 31' is engaged with the opening edge of the introduction section 20, the plug member 30 is moved back, and the recovery port 19, which had been closed by the flange 32, is opened. This configuration ensures that the tank is sealed before installation,
In addition, it is possible to prevent liquid leakage during attachment and detachment.

FIG. 6 shows another specific example of the present invention, in which a vane-shaped rotary pump is used as the weir means in at least one of the cleaning liquid supply side circuit or the recovery side circuit of the closed circulation circuit, and thereby the pump means and the pump A single member serves as the circuit on which the means is provided. In this specific example, a vane-type rotary pump 100 is integrally assembled to the cleaning liquid supply port 18 of the tank 2. As is clear from FIGS. 6 and 7, the rotary pump 100 has a pump chamber having an eccentric circular inner peripheral wall between a suction hole 101 communicating with the supply port 18 and a discharge hole 103 communicating with the supply elbow 102. 104 is provided, and a rotary vane member 106 radially provided with a plurality of flexible vanes 105 in sliding contact with the circumferential wall of the long axis portion of the eccentric circle is fitted in the pump chamber 104, and a rotary shaft of the rotary vane member 106 is fitted. 107 is connected to an external motor 108. Suction port 101
The discharge port 103 is opened at a separate position in the pump chamber 104.

Thus, when the rotary vane member 106 is rotated by the motor 108, the pump chamber 1 is discharged from the suction port 101.
The cleaning liquid introduced into the pump chamber 104 flows through the discharge port 103 due to the rotation of the blade 105 that comes into sliding contact with the peripheral wall of the pump chamber 104.
and is pushed out to the supply side elbow 102.

Further, when the rotation of the blade member 106 is stopped, the suction port 101 and the discharge port 103 are partitioned off by the blade 105, and the flow of liquid is stopped.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a rotary pump is provided in the cleaning liquid supply circuit, but it is also possible to provide the rotary pump in the recovery circuit, and the pump is not necessarily formed integrally with the tank. It is also possible to arrange the pump position shown in the figure.

Further, although not shown in the drawings, the weir means constituting the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in the drawings, and a switching valve such as a solenoid valve or a motor valve, which is interlocked with a switch of the pump means, may also be used.

[Effect]

Next, the operation of the present invention will be explained.

When the valve 7 of the water supply section and the produced water discharge path of the electrolyzer 1 is closed, the closed circulation circuit for cleaning is formed between the electrolyzer 1 and the tank 2, and when the pump means is operated, the fluid in the circuit is sealed. Flows along the circuit. As a result, the cleaning solution in the tank circulates and flows inside the electrolytic cell, and the calcium carbonate CaCO ₃ adhering to the negative electrode mixes with the acid in the cleaning solution (for example, hydrochloric acid HCl).
Dissolved with the reaction formula CaCO ₃ + HCl = CaCl + HCO ₃ ,
Cleaning is done.

When the predetermined cleaning is completed, the weir means 5a and 5b of the cleaning liquid supply side circuit and the recovery side circuit close the circuits by the weir means. Therefore, the electrolytically treated water and cleaning liquid circuits are cut off.

In particular, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, when the pump 6 of the cleaning circulation circuit is operated, the valve opening/closing mechanism 25
As a result, the check valve member 24 of the recovery side circuit 4b is opened and cleaning is performed, and a stop signal is sent to the pump 6 in synchronization with the closing of the check valve member 24. After cleaning, check valve 2
3 and the valve body 24a of the check valve member 24 forcefully close the cleaning circuit.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, the present invention forms a closed circulation circuit between the electrolyzer and the cleaning liquid tank and provides a cleaning device that can be activated with a single touch, making the operation simple and requiring no special techniques for cleaning. . Therefore, maintenance costs can be significantly reduced.

Further, since the electrolytic device of the present invention is equipped with an open/close type circulation cleaning circuit, the cleaning device can be used for a long period of time without maintenance. That is, since the cleaning circulation circuit is sealed, there is no risk of effective chemical solution being released to the outside. Therefore, even if a highly concentrated chemical solution is used, no waste occurs. The concentration of the cleaning solution gradually decreases due to the mixing of water in the electrolytic cell and the reaction with calcium carbonate, but if the concentration is set high from the beginning so that the effective concentration will be maintained even after 12 times of cleaning, for example, it can be used once a month. In the case of cleaning, a dramatic advance can be made in that it can be used for one year without maintenance. Such advantages could only be achieved by making the cleaning circulation circuit a closed type.

In addition, especially in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the pump means and the valve device are interlocked, and it is ensured that the pump stops when the check valve is closed. It is most suitable as a weir means. In addition, since the cleaning circuit is forcibly closed after cleaning is completed, even if the pressure in the electrolytic cell increases due to the supply of raw water, the risk of electrolyzed water entering the cleaning circuit is completely eliminated.

In addition, when the check valve is closed, the fluid pressure up to the pump becomes negative, causing strain on the pump blades, but by forming the liquid feeding members such as the blades with flexible materials, they absorb pressure changes and prevent damage. It can be prevented.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flow chart explaining the present invention, FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of the apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway plan view, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the main part of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the main part showing another example of the present invention device, and FIG. - line sectional view. 1... Electrolyzer, 2... Cleaning liquid tank, 3...
Electrolytic cell, 4a...Cleaning liquid supply side circuit, 4b...Cleaning liquid recovery side circuit, 5a, 5b...Weir means, 6...
Pump means, 18... supply port, 19... recovery port,
24...Check valve member, 24a...Valve body, 24
b... Actuator, 25... Valve opening/closing mechanism, 25a...
Eccentric cam member, 25b... engaging piece, 25c... lever, 26... check valve, 27... switch mechanism.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. In a water electrolyzer having an electrolytic cell in which an anode and a cathode are separated by an electrolytic diaphragm into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, at least an electrolytic cell is provided between the electrolyzer main body and a cleaning liquid tank. A closed circulation circuit for cleaning via the cathode chamber of the tank is provided, a pump means for flowing the fluid in the circuit is provided in the circulation circuit, and a cleaning liquid supply circuit and a recovery circuit of the closed circulation circuit are provided with an electrolytic circuit during non-cleaning. 1. A water electrolysis device equipped with a cleaning device, characterized in that a weir means is provided to prevent water in a tank from mixing with cleaning fluids in a cleaning fluid supply circuit and a cleaning fluid recovery circuit. 2. The weir means of the cleaning liquid supply side circuit of the closed circulation circuit is a check valve, and the weir means of the recovery side circuit is a check valve consisting of a valve body biased to close the circuit and an actuator that opens and closes this valve body. a valve member, and a valve opening/closing mechanism that operates the check valve member via a motion transmission member provided in synchronization with a pump drive shaft in the system;
The water electrolysis device according to claim 1, comprising a flow control mechanism including a switch mechanism that sends a stop signal to the pump motor in synchronization with the closing of the check valve member. Device. 3. A water electrolyzer having a cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the liquid feeding member of the pump is made of a flexible material. 4. The valve opening/closing mechanism has a motion transmitting member synchronized with the drive shaft of the pump, and a lever having one end pivotally connected and an engaging piece disposed in the middle to engage with the actuator of the check valve member, 4. A water electrolysis device having a cleaning device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the free end of the lever is engaged with the motion transmitting member. 5. A water electrolyzer having a cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein a rotary pump having a valve mechanism is provided in both or one of the cleaning liquid supply side circuit and the recovery side circuit. 6. A water electrolyzer having a cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the weir means of both or one of the cleaning liquid supply side circuit and the recovery side circuit comprises an automatic switching valve.