JPH0218397B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention provides a water electrolyzer that improves the efficiency of water electrolysis based on the use of a positive electrode member having a metal core shaft penetrated through the electrode piece. Regarding.

[Conventional technology]

Alkaline water obtained by electrolyzing water is known to strengthen the gastrointestinal tract and have antioxidant effects, and is useful for long-term preservation of foodstuffs such as tofu. On the other hand, acidic water also has a bleaching effect, and its use is useful for beautifying the skin, and it is also known to have a bactericidal effect and can sterilize the mouth by gargling.

Such alkaline water and acidic water can be obtained by passing clean water between a positive electrode member and a negative electrode member, electrolyzing the water, and separating the water into alkaline water and acidic water using an ion exchange membrane. In particular, as the positive electrode member of the water electrolyzer used for such electrolysis, an electrode piece made of a molded product of carbon or special ferrite such as nickel ferrite is used. As shown in the figure, the electrode piece A is formed into a solid cylindrical shape, with a screw shaft B made of a metal material protruding from only one end thereof, and a positive electrode is connected to the screw shaft B. Note that this anode member C is inserted into a cathode member D made of a metal cylinder, and an ion exchange membrane E is attached to the gap therebetween.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

However, in the conventional positive electrode member C using such an electrode piece A, the electrode piece F is made of a molded product such as carbon or special ferrite, and such an electrode piece A has a relatively high resistance value. , the voltage applied to the screw shaft B decreases on the peripheral surface of the electrode piece A at the other end, and the potential difference between the electrode piece A and the negative electrode member D is reduced, resulting in a reduction in electrolysis efficiency. It was hot. There is also the problem that heat is generated due to the potential difference. Therefore, the electrode piece A cannot be made long and the capacity of one water electrolyzer is small, so as shown in FIG. It was necessary. As a result, the lid members G and H that connect the two water electrolyzers F and F become horizontally elongated, increasing the size of the device. , its upper and lower cover plates L, L
Since the cover plate L is fixed, deformation of the cover plate L etc. cannot be sufficiently suppressed, and there is also a problem that water leakage occurs. Furthermore, in addition to the fact that the positive electrode member C cannot be made long, the gap between it and the negative electrode member D, which is its outer cylinder, is also relatively small, so that deposits deposited due to water electrolysis can be prevented. Due to the accumulation of such substances, the gaps are likely to be clogged, leading to a relatively early decline in processing capacity and the need for frequent cleaning.

The present invention has an excellent water electrolysis ability and a compact device by passing a core shaft made of a metal material through the electrode piece and screwing the lid members at both ends of the cathode member using the core shaft. The object of the present invention is to provide a water electrolyzer that can solve the above-mentioned problems and is also useful for simplifying the structure of the device.

[Means for solving problems]

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the means of the present invention capable of achieving the above-mentioned objects and solving the problems will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 to 6, a water electrolyzer 1 is constructed by inserting a positive electrode member 5, in which a metal core shaft 3 is passed through a cylindrical electrode piece 2, into a cylindrical negative electrode member 6, and a core shaft 3. 3
Attach the lid members 10 and 11 at both ends of the negative electrode member 6 using nut fittings 9 that are screwed onto the tip portions 7 and 7 of the positive electrode member 5 and the negative electrode member 6.
The gap 13 between the
6. While divided into an outer gap 17, the lid member 10 has an inlet passage 19 communicating with the inner and outer gaps 16 and 17.
In addition, the lid member 11 has inner and outer gaps 16 and 17.
An inner flow path 20 and an outer flow path 21 are connected to each other independently.
As shown in FIG. 5, the water electrolyzer 1 includes a water purifier 22, a power supply box 22, a drug supply device 24, and an outer box that has operation panels such as a main switch S and a meter M on the front. 29, in this example a water ionization device 30 as schematically shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the electrode piece 2 is a molded body of carbon or special ferrite, and has a cylindrical shape.
At the end on the 0 side, a tapered part 35 is provided at the base of the straight column, and the outer diameter gradually decreases toward the tip in the length range of 1/10 to 1/2, in this example, about 1/4 of the length. It is connected to 36. Further, the minimum diameter portion of the tapered portion 35 is formed to be 1/2 to 4/5 of the base portion 36, and in this example, approximately 1/3.
Further, the electrode piece 2 is provided with a hole 37 at the center in the longitudinal direction, and the core shaft 3 passes through the hole 37.

The core shaft 3 is formed using a rust-free metal such as stainless steel. The core shaft 3 may also be coated with a rust-proof coating by plating, vapor deposition, or the like.
The core shaft 3 penetrates the electrode piece 2 in close contact with the electrode piece 2, and its tip portions 7, 7 protrude from both ends of the electrode piece 2, respectively, and an external thread is carved into the end of the tip portion 7. . The electrode piece 2 may be molded integrally with the core shaft 3 using the core shaft as an insert, thereby providing the hole 37 that penetrates the core shaft 3 in close contact with the electrode piece 2 .

Note that the positive electrode member 5 is inserted into the negative electrode member 6 as described above.

The negative electrode member 6 is a cylindrical body made of the same metal material as the core shaft 3, and in this example, the electrode piece 2
A connecting terminal 38 made of a conductive screw member is welded to the outer circumferential surface of the connecting terminal 38.
Further, by inserting the positive electrode member 5, the negative electrode member 6 forms a gap 13 with the electrode piece 2, and both ends thereof are connected to the lid members 10, 11.
Closed by.

In this example, the lid members 10 and 11 are the cover body 3.
9, 40 and retaining plates 41, 41 attached to their respective inner ends.
It consists of The holding plates 41, 41 have a cylindrical shape with a water passage hole 42 provided around the boss, and a groove 43 is provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The outer diameter of the holding plate 41 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the electrode piece 2 and smaller than the inner diameter of the cathode member 6, and the holding plate 41 is
Elastic rings 44, 44 made of silicone rubber or the like are interposed between both ends of the electrode piece 2 and the end faces thereof. Further, the tip 7 of the core shaft 3 is inserted into the boss center hole of the holding plate 41 and projects outward.

Therefore, the partition tube 15 attached to the outer circumferential surface of the holding plate 41 surrounds the electrode piece 2 and fills the gap 13.
is divided into an inner gap portion 16 and an outer gap portion 17. Note that the partition tube 15 is tied tightly using a string or the like wrapped around the groove 43 with the elastic ring 44 being compressed, and therefore, as the elastic ring 44 rebounds, the partition tube 15 is stretched. Ru. As the partition 15, a so-called ion exchange membrane such as a non-woven fabric is used, which allows ions generated by electrolysis to pass through but prevents water molecules from passing through.

A cylindrical body (not shown) made of a porous material such as a net made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin is inserted into the inner peripheral surface of the partition tube 15 to reinforce the partition tube 15. It is also possible to prevent the inward deflection of the shiso.

The cover bodies 39 and 40 have a cap shape in which a circumferential wall 49 having a step 47 into which the cathode member 6 is fitted is provided around a circular substrate 46. A boss 50 having a hole through which the tip 7 is inserted is provided in a protruding manner.

Further, in the lower cover body 39, a hole is provided in the base plate 46 through which the drug delivery tube 51 passes and is made watertight using a screw fitting. Further, the drug feeding tube 51 extends upward and its tip is inserted into the water passage hole 42 of the holding plate 41, so that the drug feeding tube 51 can open in the inner gap 16.

Further, the cover bodies 39 and 40 fit the cathode member 6 while keeping the cathode member 6 watertight with an O-ring that fits into an inner circumferential groove provided on the outside of the step 47. The cover body 3 is secured by screwing the nut fitting 9, for example, a nut, onto the external thread of the tip portion 7 protruding from the substrate 46.
9 and 40 are attached by pressing the step 47 against the end surface of the cathode member 6.

Further, the lower cover body 39 is connected between the peripheral wall 49 and the boss 50 to the inner gap 16 through the water passage hole 42, and also to the outer gap by passing between the partition tube 15 and the cathode member 6. The inflow path 19 also communicates with the section 17.
is formed, and communicates with the inlet passage 19 and an elbow 54 screwed into the peripheral wall 49.

The other cover body 40 is, as shown in FIG.
An intermediate wall 55 is provided between the peripheral wall 49 and the boss 50, and the end surface of the intermediate wall 55 abuts on the outer peripheral edge of the retaining plate 41 when the cover body 40 is attached. Therefore, between the boss 50 and the inner wall 55, an inner flow path 20 communicating with the inner gap 16 through the water passage hole 42 can be formed, and between the inner wall 55 and the peripheral wall 49, the inner flow path 20 can be formed. and the negative electrode member 6.
The outer flow paths 21 communicating with each other are independently configured. The outer flow path 21 is connected to an elbow 56 screwed into the peripheral wall 49, and the inner flow path 20 is connected through a bridging piece 57 that connects the inner wall 55 and the peripheral wall 49 and is screwed into a guide hole opened in the inner wall 55. It leads to elbow 59, which is worn.

In addition, in the water electrolyzer 1, an electric cord 61 extending from the power supply box 23 is screwed to the connection terminal 38 welded to the negative electrode member 6 using an end fitting.
Further, the other electric cord 63 of the power supply box 23 is made conductive to the lower end of the core shaft 3 by using an end fitting that is inserted over the core shaft 3 and compressed by a nut 62.

As mentioned above, the water electrolyzer 1 is equipped with an outer box 2 along with a water purifier 22, a power supply box 23, and a drug delivery device 24.
It is stored in 9. In addition, the outer box 29 includes a socket-shaped connection fitting 65 for taking in fresh water, a mouthpiece 66 for taking out alkaline water, and a mouthpiece 67 for taking out acidic water.
A drain pot 69 is attached below it. The connecting fitting 65 has a pressure switch SP interposed therebetween, and connects to its outer end a piping 73 having a raised part 72 with an internal thread.
The water purifier 22 can be held upright by screwing into the threaded tube at the lower end of the cylindrical water purifier 22.

The water purifier 22 filters and further purifies clean water such as tap water supplied from the connection fitting 65, and can flow out from the cylinder piece 74 at the upper end.
No. 2 has a well-known structure in which activated carbon, calcium sulfite, etc. are housed inside.

A connecting fitting 76 that can be attached and detached with a single touch can be attached to the tubular piece 74, and the tubular piece 74 is connected to a hose 77 with one end attached to the connecting fitting 76, and a pipe 79 to which the other end is fixed. It is connected to the elbow 54 at the lower end of the tank 1.

The water purifier 22 can be removed from the lid part 31 (shown in FIG. 4) by removing the connecting fitting 76 and turning and screwing back from the upright part 72, and can be easily removed by attaching it in the same way. It can be replaced with

The elbows 56 and 59 are electrically connected to the caps 67 and 66 via hoses 91 and 92, respectively. In addition, the pipes 73 and 79 are connected to small pipes 94 and 95, and the small pipes 94 and 95 are normally shut off and opened to connect them to the lower discharge port 9.
The three-way valve-shaped socket 69 that can be electrically connected to the valve 6 is provided. Further, the pipe 79 is connected to the inlet of the drug delivery device 24 via a branch pipe 99 by a tie 97. Further, the outlet of the drug delivery device 24 communicates with the drug delivery tube 51.

The drug delivery device 24 is used to add calcium ions, and can be filled with drugs such as glycerol chloride calcium from the cap, and only when the knob 102 on the front side is operated, the branch pipe 9
The medicine can be supplied little by little to the inner gap 16 through the medicine supply pipe 51 together with fresh water flowing in from the medicine supply tube 9 .

The power supply box 23 together with the pressure switch SP forms an electric circuit EC shown in FIG. 6 in this example.

In this electric circuit EC, a main switch S and the pressure switch SP are provided on the primary side of the transformer T to which, for example, 100V is applied, and when the main switch S is activated, a lamp L is illuminated.
Further, on the secondary side, a main circuit E1 and an operation circuit E2 are arranged in parallel. The main circuit E1 includes contacts R1 and R2, which are switched by the relay R of the operating circuit E2, and a contact R.
A changeover switch S1 is provided, comprising 3 and R4. The operating circuit E2 can step down the voltage using a transformer and rectify the voltage using a rectifier circuit G1, and also includes a cleaning switch S2 for switching the changeover switch S1. Note that the cleaning switch S2 is the self-holding contact R5 of the relay R.
The lamp L indicates whether the cleaning switch S2 is in operation or not.
2, equipped with L3.

Therefore, when the cleaning switch S2 is turned on, the operation circuit E2 switches the contacts R1, R2 and contacts R3, R of the changeover switch S1 of the main circuit E1 via the relay R.
Switch 4.

The main circuit E1 applies a voltage that can be adjusted by a multi-stage rotary switch or other switch S3 and a two-stage switch S4 to the rectifier circuit G2.
Further, its output terminals are connected to the contacts R2 and R4, respectively. In this example, the anode is connected to the contact R2, and the cathode is connected to the contact R4.

Furthermore, the main circuit E1 includes a rectifier circuit G3, which is connected to a wiring extending from the downstream side of the changeover switch S4 and a constant current device K using, for example, a POSISTOR, from the other end of the coil. Extending wiring is connected, and its output terminals are connected to the contacts R1 and R3. Note that the rectifier G3 has its anode side connected to a contact R3, and its cathode side connected to a contact R1. The electric cord 63 is connected to the movable contact R6 of the contacts R1 and R2 via a meter M such as an ammeter, and the electric cord 61 is connected to the movable contact R7 of the contacts R3 and R4.

The changeover switch S4 is a switch that distinguishes between hard water areas and soft water areas; in hard water areas, the voltage applied to the upward flip-up rectifier circuit G2 is lowered, and in soft water areas, it is increased. The changeover switch S3 can be manually switched so that the current is, for example, about 3 amperes during electrolysis of the water electrolyzer 1, and the constant current device K automatically adjusts the current to, for example, about 5 amperes.

[Effect]

Therefore, a water pipe or the like is fixed to the connection fitting 65, and its socket is opened. Also main switch S
1 and the lamp L1 lights up.

Tap water flows into the water purifier 22 through the pipe 73. The water purifier 22 filters and cleans the water while flowing upward, and then allows the water to flow through the hose 77 and piping 79, through the elbow 54, and into the inflow path 19.
Further, the water passing through the inlet passage 19 rises through the inner gap 16 and the outer gap 17.

The water purifier 22 provides flow resistance when filtering water, and therefore turns on the pressure switch SP with water pressure based on the pressure of tap water. Therefore, the power supply converted into DC by the rectifier G2 is connected to the contacts R2, R
4. Pass the electric cords 61 and 63 to the positive electrode member 5
An anode is applied to the core shaft 3, and a cathode is applied to the cathode member 6. Further, the water flowing between the inner and outer gaps 16 and 17 is electrolyzed, and its mixed elements and molecules are ionized. In addition, negatively charged ions pass through the partition 15 and flow into the inner gap 16. Also, positively charged ions are attracted to the outer gap 17. Also, water is ionized while flowing from the lower end to the upper end, so that alkaline water gathers in the inner gap 16 and acidic water gathers in the outer gap 17. Moreover, the alkaline water can be taken out from the mouthpiece 66 through the inner channel 20, the elbow 59, and the hose 92. Also, the acidic water is in the outer flow path 2.
1. It passes through the elbow 56 and the hose 91 and flows out from the mouthpiece 67.

Further, calcium and the like produced by electrolysis flow out with the water flow, and at the same time adhere to the inner surface of the cathode member 6 as deposits, thereby narrowing the flow area of the outer flow path 21. The water electrolyzer 1 has electrical characteristics similar to those of a so-called capacitor, and the current value is large on the water inflow side. This is because electrolysis progresses on the inflow side of the water, generating a large amount of ions passing through the partition 15, and this also makes it easier for overcurrent to flow on the inflow side. As a result, the partition tube 15 on the inflow side is likely to be damaged and its permeation hole will be clogged. On the other hand, on the outflow side, ion generation is small and the current value decreases. Note that due to clogging, deposits tend to accumulate on the inner surface of the negative electrode member 6 on the inflow side. Note that the deposits are deposited in a tapered shape, with the maximum amount at the bottom end and decreasing thickness toward the top. Clogging also prevents electrolysis of deposits during cleaning, which will be described later, and makes cleaning difficult. However, in this example, the lid member 10 is attached to the electrode piece 2.
On the side, that is, on the water inflow side, there is provided a tapered part 35 that becomes smaller in diameter toward the lower end. Therefore, by increasing the distance between the tapered portion 35 and the cathode member 6, the potential acting on the water can be reduced. Therefore, the accumulation of deposits on the water inflow side portion can be reduced, and electrolysis can be performed substantially uniformly over substantially the entire length of the electrode piece 2. Also, by increasing the gap 13,
As the deposit progresses on the inflow side, the deposit is prevented from coming into contact with the electrode piece 2 and causing a short circuit between them, and also preventing damage to the partition tube 15.

In addition, the anode member 5 has an anode connected to a core shaft 3 that passes through the center of the electrode piece 2, thereby significantly reducing resistance in the longitudinal direction, and extending the entire length of the electrode piece 2 to its surface. Applying uniform positive voltage enables efficient water electrolysis over the entire length.

In addition, when adding calcium ions, by opening the knob 102, water flows from the drug delivery device 24 through the branch pipe 99 and into the inner channel 2.
Supply to 0. Calcium ions are expensive and may impair the taste when used for adjustment. Therefore, when cleaning, adjusting, etc.
Turn off 02.

When the connection fitting 65 is closed, the water pressure based on the pressure of tap water acting on the pressure switch SP decreases due to the flow resistance of the water purifier 22, and due to the pressure change, the pressure switch SP is turned off.
Open the power circuit EC.

By providing the pressure switch SP on the upstream side of the water purifier 24, the pressure switch SP can be turned on and off efficiently using the water pressure from the tap water pressure based on the large flow resistance of the water purifier 24. In addition, in the conventional type, in many cases, the pressure switch
SP is provided between the water purifier 24 and the water electrolyzer 1. However, with such a water purifier 24
Due to the large flow resistance of the water purifier 24
Coupled with the fact that the water pressure on the outlet side of the tank is low and the flow resistance of the water electrolyzer 1 is relatively small, with the arrangement of the pressure switches described above, the pressure difference caused by turning on and off the fresh water is small. Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to use a pressure switch SP with high sensitivity, which increases the size and cost of the device. Note that when lowering the pressure switch position, the switch SP
Due to the water pressure of the hose connected to the switch, it is easy to operate when the water is stopped, and when installed at a high place, the negative pressure generated in the hose etc. makes the switch operation uncertain.

By providing the pressure switch SP on the upstream side of the water purifier 24 as in the embodiment described above, this drawback can be prevented.

Furthermore, when the accumulation of deposits progresses, the cleaning water switch S2 is turned on, and the relay R is used to switch the changeover switch S1. As a result, through constant current device K, rectifier G3, contacts R1, R
3, in the water electrolytic cell 1, a cathode is added to the anode member 5, and an anode is added to the cathode member 6. Therefore,
The deposits are electrolyzed by the reverse voltage and flow out with the water flow, cleaning the inside. Also, since a larger current, for example 5 amperes, flows than in electrolysis, more efficient cleaning is possible. Further, when the water flow stops, the pressure switch SP is turned off, the contact R5 of the relay R is opened, and the self-holding is released, so that the cleaning switch S2 returns to its normal state.

Note that the switch S3 is manually switched so that the meter M indicates, for example, 3 amperes. Also, in winter, the water can be opened and drained to prevent freezing.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above, in the water electrolyzer of the present invention, a positive electrode member in which a metal core shaft is passed through a cylindrical electrode piece is inserted into a cylindrical negative electrode member, and using the core shaft, By fixing the lid members at both ends of the negative electrode member and providing a partition inside, the potential difference in the length direction of the electrode piece can be eliminated, and a nearly uniform potential can be applied to the surface of the electrode piece over the entire length. . Therefore, efficient electrolysis of water over the entire length is possible, and the water electrolysis capacity of the water electrolyzer can be improved.
In addition, the lid member can be pressed using the core shaft, and the structure can be simplified and downsized compared to the conventional one shown in FIG. It can have many effects such as increasing assembly strength.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
The figure is an exploded perspective view, FIG. 3 is a partially sectional plan view showing the lid member, FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a device using the water electrolyzer of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is its internal structure. 6 is an electrical circuit diagram schematically showing the power supply box, and FIG. 7 is a partially sectional front view showing the conventional structure. 2... Electrode piece, 3... Core shaft, 5... Positive electrode member, 6... Negative electrode member, 7... Tip, 9... Nut fitting, 10, 11... Lid member, 13... Gap , 15... Separation tube, 16... Inner gap, 17...
Outer gap, 19...Inflow path, 20...Inner flow path, 2
1...Outer flow path.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A positive electrode member is passed through a cylindrical electrode piece with a metal core shaft extending from the longitudinal center thereof with its tip protruding, and the electrode piece is attached to a cylindrical negative electrode member whose both ends are closed by a lid member. and the cathode member, the tip of the core shaft is inserted so as to protrude from each lid member, and a nut fitting is screwed into this projection, so that the lid member is attached to the cathode member. At the same time, a partition tube is attached to the lid member that surrounds the periphery of the electrode piece and divides the gap into an outer gap portion and an inner gap portion; A water electrolyzer comprising: an inlet passage that communicates with the inner gap; and an outer flow passage and an inner flow passage that independently communicate with the outer gap and the inner gap, respectively, on the other lid member.