WO2018084117A1

WO2018084117A1 - Electrolyzed water server

Info

Publication number: WO2018084117A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/039169
Authority: WO
Inventors: 悠平山内
Original assignee: 株式会社日本トリム
Priority date: 2016-11-01
Filing date: 2017-10-30
Publication date: 2018-05-11
Also published as: JP2018069188A; JP6554086B2

Abstract

A hydrogen water server 1, which is an electrolyzed water server, is provided with: a tank 3 for storing water; an electrolysis vessel 4 in which a first pole chamber 40A and a second pole chamber 40B are partitioned by a barrier membrane 43, which is a solid polymer membrane; a first water supply channel connecting the tank 3 and the first pole chamber 40A; a second water supply channel connecting the tank 3 and the second pole chamber 40B; a water discharge channel 13 for discharging electrolyzed water in the first pole chamber 40A; an exhaust channel 12e extending upward from the second pole chamber 40B, for exhausting gas generated by electrolysis from the second pole chamber 40B; a gas release valve 24 provided at the tip of the air discharge channel 12e, for discharging only gas; and a water return channel 12f for guiding water in the exhaust channel 12e to the tank 3, the water return channel being connected to the exhaust channel 12e between the second pole chamber 40B and the gas release valve 24. The gas release valve 24 is arranged below the water surface h1 in the tank 3.

Description

Electrolyzed water server

The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water server that provides electrolyzed water generated by electrolysis.

Conventionally, an electrolyzed water generating apparatus that generates alkaline ionized water by electrolysis is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In recent years, the alkaline ionized water is also referred to as hydrogen water because hydrogen produced by electrolysis dissolves.

The electrolyzed water generator disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to electrolyze water according to a user's request and supply the generated hydrogen water. For this reason, it may be necessary to wait until hydrogen water with a stable dissolved hydrogen concentration is provided. Therefore, it has been studied to shorten the waiting time.

Therefore, the inventors of the present application have studied a hydrogen water server in which the electrolyzed water generated in the electrolyzer is stored in a tank and can be provided as needed. In this hydrogen water server, when the hydrogen water in the tank is consumed, the raw water before electrolysis is replenished to the tank. Then, an electrolysis current for electrolysis is supplied to the electrolysis means into which the water in the tank flows, and hydrogen water is generated. By continuing the electrolysis while circulating the electrolyzed water between the electrolyzer and the tank, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the water in the tank is increased.

The electrolytic cell is divided by a diaphragm into a first electrode chamber in which the first power feeder is arranged and a second electrode chamber in which the second power feeder is arranged. Among these, hydrogen is generated in one of the polar chambers along with electrolysis, and oxygen is generated in the other polar chamber (hereinafter referred to as the second polar chamber). Since oxygen generated in the second electrode chamber may hinder the increase in the dissolved hydrogen concentration of water in the tank, it is desirable that oxygen be quickly discharged from the circulation path of the electrolyzed water. In view of this, the inventors have considered connecting an exhaust path to the second electrode chamber and providing a gas vent valve for exhausting oxygen at the tip of the exhaust path.

FIG. 8 shows a main part of the hydrogen water server provided with the tank, the electrolytic cell, the exhaust passage, and the gas vent valve. In the hydrogen water server 500, the exhaust path 12e extends upward from the second electrode chamber 40B and discharges the gas generated by the electrolysis from the second electrode chamber 40B. The gas vent valve 24 separates and discharges only the gas from the water in the exhaust passage 12e. Further, the hydrogen water server 500 is provided with a return water passage 12f that connects the exhaust passage 12e and the tank 3 and guides the water in the exhaust passage 12e to the tank 3, and water between the tank 3 and the second electrode chamber 40B. Is configured to circulate.

FIG. 9 shows the gas vent valve 24. Due to the structure of the gas vent valve 24, the air pressure between the valve body 24b and the exhaust port 24c is maintained by maintaining the water pressure of the exhaust passage 12e to which the main body 24a is connected above atmospheric pressure. When water flows through the circulation path 12 including the electrolytic cell 4 and the tank 3, the venturi effect is obtained in the exhaust channel 12e and the return channel 12f having a smaller channel cross-sectional area (cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction in which water flows) than the electrolytic cell 4. The pressure of water increases and the water flow rate decreases. When the water pressure in the exhaust passage 12e drops below atmospheric pressure, air is sucked from the outside of the gas vent valve 24 and flows into the circulation passage 12 as indicated by an arrow A2. If a part of the air that has flowed into the circulation path 12 is dissolved in the water in the tank 3, there is a possibility that the increase in the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the water is hindered.

JP 2003-275663 A

The present invention has been devised in view of the actual situation as described above, and has as its main object to provide an electrolyzed water server capable of suppressing air from flowing into the circulation path from the outside of the gas vent valve.

The electrolyzed water server of the present invention is divided into a tank for storing water, a first electrode chamber in which a first power feeding body is disposed by a diaphragm, and a second electrode chamber in which a second power feeding body is disposed, and is supplied from the tank. An electrolyzer that produces electrolyzed water by electrolyzing the water that has been electrolyzed, a first water supply that connects the tank and the first electrode chamber and supplies the water to be electrolyzed to the first electrode chamber A second water supply path that connects the channel, the tank, and the second electrode chamber to supply the water to be electrolyzed into the second electrode chamber; and the electrolyzed water in the first electrode chamber. A water discharge passage that discharges from the polar chamber to the outside, an exhaust passage that extends upward from the second polar chamber and discharges the gas generated by electrolysis from the second polar chamber, and is provided at the tip of the exhaust passage, A vent valve that separates and discharges only the gas from the fluid in the exhaust passage, and the second electrode chamber and the front And a return water passage that is connected to the exhaust passage between the degassing valve and guides the water in the exhaust passage to the tank, and the degassing valve is disposed below the water surface in the tank. It is characterized by.

In the electrolyzed water server according to the present invention, it is preferable that the gas vent valve is disposed below the inner bottom surface of the tank.

In the electrolyzed water server according to the present invention, it is preferable that the exhaust path extends from an upper end portion of the second electrode chamber.

In the electrolyzed water server according to the present invention, it is preferable that the electrolyzed water server further includes heating means for heating the water in the tank.

In the electrolyzed water server according to the present invention, it is preferable that the electrolyzed water server further includes heating means for heating the water in the first water supply channel and the second water supply channel.

In the electrolyzed water server of the present invention, a gas vent valve that is provided at the tip of the exhaust passage and separates and discharges only the gas from the fluid in the exhaust passage and between the second electrode chamber and the gas vent valve is provided in the exhaust passage. A return water channel is provided that guides the water in the exhaust channel to the tank. And the gas vent valve is distribute | arranged below rather than the water surface in a tank. Thereby, the pressure of water in the tank is applied to the gas vent valve, and the inflow of air from the outside of the gas vent valve to the exhaust passage is suppressed.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the hydrogen water server which is one Embodiment of the electrolyzed water server of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the hydrogen water server of FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement of the principal part in the electrolyzed water production | generation mode of the hydrogen water server of FIG. 1, and the flow of water. It is a figure which shows the structure of the degassing valve of FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode that the gas in a main body is discharged | emitted with the degassing valve of FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement of the principal part in the electrolyzed water production | generation mode of a hydrogen water server, and the flow of water following FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement of the principal part in the water discharge mode of the hydrogenous water server of FIG. 1, and the flow of water. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement of the principal part in the electrolyzed water production | generation mode of the hydrogen water server currently examined, and the flow of water. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement of the degassing valve of FIG. 8, and the flow of water.

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

The hydrogen water server 1 includes a water purification filter 2, a tank 3, and an electrolytic cell 4.

The water filter 2 purifies the water supplied to the tank 3. The water purification filter 2 is configured to be replaceable by attaching to and detaching from the main body of the hydrogen water server 1. The water purification filter 2 is provided in the water inlet 11 on the upstream side of the tank 3. Raw water is supplied to the inlet channel 11. As the raw water, tap water is generally used, but well water, ground water, and the like can be used. The water inlet 11 has a water inlet valve 21. The water inlet valve 21 controls the amount of water flow to the hydrogen water server 1.

The water purification filter 2 of the present embodiment includes a prefilter 2A, a carbon (activated carbon) filter 2B, and a hollow fiber membrane filter 2C. The pre-filter 2A is arranged on the most upstream side, and removes a material of 0.5 μm or more contained in raw water, for example. The carbon filter 2B is disposed on the downstream side of the prefilter 2A, and removes the substance that has passed through the prefilter 2A by adsorption. The hollow fiber membrane filter 2C is disposed on the downstream side of the carbon filter 2B, and removes, for example, a 0.1 μm or more substance that has passed through the prefilter 2A and the carbon filter 2B.

Tank 3 stores the water that has passed through the water purification filter 2. By appropriately controlling the opening and closing of the water inlet valve 21, the amount of water stored in the tank 3 is optimized.

A circulation path 12 is provided between the tank 3 and the electrolytic cell 4. The circulation path 12 is a flow path for circulating water between the tank 3 and the electrolytic cell 4. The water stored in the tank 3 is supplied to the electrolytic cell 4 through the circulation path 12 and electrolyzed, and then returns to the tank 3 through the circulation path 12. Thereby, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the water in the tank 3 is raised.

The electrolytic cell 4 functions as an electrolysis means. The electrolytic cell 4 generates hydrogen water by electrolyzing the water supplied from the tank 3. The electrolytic cell 4 includes an electrolysis chamber 40, a first power feeding body 41, a second power feeding body 42, and a diaphragm 43. The electrolytic chamber 40 is divided by a diaphragm 43 into a first electrode chamber 40A on the first power feeder 41 side and a second electrode chamber 40B on the second power feeder 42 side.

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

One of the first power supply 41 and the second power supply 42 is applied as an anode power supply, and the other is applied as a cathode power supply. Water is supplied to both the first electrode chamber 40 A and the second electrode chamber 40 B of the electrolysis chamber 40, and a direct current voltage is applied to the first power supply body 41 and the second power supply body 42. Electrolysis occurs.

For the diaphragm 43, for example, a solid polymer film made of a fluorine-based resin having a sulfonic acid group is appropriately used. On both surfaces of the diaphragm 43, plating layers made of platinum are formed. The plating layer of the diaphragm 43 is in contact with and electrically connected to the first power feeding body 41 and the second power feeding body 42. The diaphragm 43 allows ions generated by electrolysis to pass through. The first power supply body 41 and the second power supply body 42 are electrically connected via the diaphragm 43.

Electrolysis of water in the electrolysis chamber 40 generates hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. For example, when the first power supply 41 is applied as a cathode power supply, hydrogen gas is generated in the first electrode chamber 40A, and hydrogen water in which the hydrogen gas is dissolved is generated. The hydrogen water generated with such electrolysis is referred to as “electrolytic hydrogen water”. On the other hand, in the second electrode chamber 40B, oxygen gas is generated, and “electrolytic oxygen water” in which the oxygen gas is dissolved is generated. When the first power supply body 41 is applied as an anode power supply body, oxygen gas is generated in the first electrode chamber 40A, and electrolytic oxygen water in which the oxygen gas is dissolved is generated. On the other hand, in the second electrode chamber 40B, hydrogen gas is generated, and electrolytic hydrogen water in which the hydrogen gas is dissolved is generated.

The circulation path 12 includes

water paths

12 a, 12 b and 12 c disposed on the upstream side of the electrolytic cell 4, a water path 12 d, an exhaust path 12 e and a return water path 12 f disposed on the downstream side of the electrolytic tank 4. The water channel 12a is connected to the tank 3 at one upstream end and branches to the

water channels

12b and 12c at the other downstream end. A pump 22 is provided in the water channel 12a. The pump 22 drives the water in the circulation path 12 to circulate in the circulation path 12.

The water channel 12b is connected to the first electrode chamber 40A on the downstream side, and the water channel 12c is connected to the second electrode chamber 40B on the downstream side. A first water supply channel is configured by the

water channels

12a and 12b. The first water supply channel connects the tank 3 and the first electrode chamber 40A, and supplies water to be electrolyzed to the first electrode chamber 40A. Similarly, a second water supply channel is configured by the

water channels

12a and 12c. The second water supply channel connects the tank 3 and the second electrode chamber 40B, and supplies water to be electrolyzed to the second electrode chamber 40B.

The water channel 12b is provided with a flow rate sensor 27A, and the water channel 12c is provided with a flow rate sensor 27B. The flow rate sensor 27A detects the flow rate of water flowing into the first electrode chamber 40A. The flow sensor 27B detects the flow rate of water flowing into the second electrode chamber 40B.

The water channel 12d is connected to the first pole chamber 40A at one upstream end and is connected to the tank 3 at the other downstream end. When the first power supply body 41 is applied as a cathode power supply body, the cathode 3, the circulation path 12 on the cathode side is constituted by the tank 3, the

water channels

12a and 12b, the first electrode chamber 40A, and the water channel 12d.

The exhaust passage 12e extends upward from the second electrode chamber 40B. The exhaust path 12e discharges gas generated by electrolysis in the second electrode chamber 40B from the second electrode chamber 40B. In the present embodiment, the exhaust passage 12e is connected to the upper end of the second pole chamber 40B. Thereby, the gas produced | generated in the 2nd pole chamber 40B is discharged | emitted efficiently. A gas vent valve 24 is provided at the tip of the exhaust passage 12e. The gas vent valve 24 separates and discharges only the gas from the fluid in the exhaust passage 12e. When the 2nd electric power feeder 42 is applied as an anode electric power feeder, the gas vent valve 24 isolate | separates and discharges | emits only oxygen gas from the electrolyzed water in the exhaust path 12e.

The return water channel 12 f connects the exhaust channel 12 e and the tank 3, and guides the electrolyzed water in the exhaust channel 12 e to the tank 3. The return water passage 12f is connected to the exhaust passage 12e between the second pole chamber 40B and the gas vent valve 24. When the first power supply body 41 is applied as a cathode power supply body, the anode 3, the circulation path 12 is configured by the tank 3, the

water paths

12a and 12c, the second pole chamber 40B, the exhaust path 12e, and the return water path 12f.

The hydrogen water server 1 includes a water discharge channel 13 connected to the first electrode chamber 40A. The water discharge path 13 is a flow path for discharging the electrolyzed water generated in the first electrode chamber 40A. The water discharge channel 13 of the present embodiment is connected to the first pole chamber 40A via the water channel 12d. Thereby, the structure of the hydrogen water server 1 is simplified. The water discharge path 13 may be directly connected to the first pole chamber 40A.

A flow path switching valve 23 is disposed in the water channel 12d. A so-called three-way valve can be applied to the flow path switching valve 23. The flow path switching valve 23 is controlled by the control means 6 (see FIG. 2) to be described later according to the operation mode of the hydrogen water server 1, and a part or all of the flow path downstream of the flow path switching valve 23 is a water path. Switch to 12d or water discharge channel 13. That is, in the mode in which the electrolytic hydrogen water is generated, the entire flow path downstream of the flow path switching valve 23 is the water path 12d on the tank 3 side. In the mode in which the electrolytic hydrogen water is discharged, a part or all of the flow path downstream of the flow path switching valve 23 is switched to the water discharge path 13. Thereby, switching of a flow path can be realized with a simple configuration.

A water outlet 13 a is provided at the front end side of the water discharge path 13. A space in which the cup 100 or the like can be placed is formed below the water discharge port 13a, and a tray 13b for collecting water spilled from the cup 100 is provided.

The hydrogen water server 1 of this embodiment stores the hydrogen water circulating in the circulation path 12 in the tank 3 while increasing the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen water by electrolyzing the water in the electrolytic cell 4. The hydrogen water generated in this way can be provided to the user via the water discharge channel 13. Therefore, it is possible to provide hydrogen water with a high dissolved hydrogen concentration at any time according to the user's request.

FIG. 2 shows the electrical configuration of the hydrogen water server 1. The hydrogen water server 1 includes an operation unit 5 that is operated by a user, a control unit 6 that controls each part of the water inlet valve 21, the first power feeding body 41, the second power feeding body 42, the first power feeding body 41, and the first power feeding body 41. Current supply means 61 for supplying an electrolytic current to the two power feeders 42 is provided. The current supply unit 61 may be integrated with the control unit 6.

The operation unit 5 includes a switch operated by a user or a touch panel for detecting capacitance (not shown). The user can set, for example, an operation mode of the hydrogen water server 1 described later by operating the operation unit 5. When the operation unit 5 is operated by the user, the operation unit 5 outputs a corresponding electrical signal to the control means 6.

The control means 6 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes various arithmetic processes and information processing, a program that controls the operation of the CPU, and a memory that stores various information. A current detection unit 44 is provided on the current supply line between the first power feeder 41 and the current supply unit 61. The current detection unit 44 may be provided on a current supply line between the second power feeder 42 and the current supply unit 61. The current detection means 44 detects the electrolysis current I supplied to the first power supply body 41 and the second power supply body 42 and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the value to the control means 6.

The control means 6 controls the DC voltage applied by the current supply means 61 to the first power supply body 41 and the second power supply body 42 based on the electrical signal output from the current detection means 44, for example. More specifically, the control means 6 determines that the current supply means 61 performs the first power supply so that the electrolysis current I detected by the current detection means 44 becomes a desired value in accordance with a preset dissolved hydrogen concentration. The DC voltage applied to the body 41 and the second power feeding body 42 is feedback controlled. For example, when the electrolysis current I is excessive, the control unit 6 decreases the voltage, and when the electrolysis current I is excessive, the control unit 6 increases the voltage. Thereby, the electrolysis current I supplied from the current supply means 61 to the first power supply body 41 and the second power supply body 42 is appropriately controlled.

The control means 6 may be configured to control the polarities of the first power feeding body 41 and the second power feeding body 42. By changing the polarities of the first power supply body 41 and the second power supply body 42 to each other, desired electrolyzed water out of the electrolytic hydrogen water or the electrolytic oxygen water can be discharged from the water discharge path 13. Hereinafter, the case where the first power feeding body 41 is applied as a cathode power feeding body will be described unless otherwise specified, but the same applies to the case where the first power feeding body 41 is applied as an anode power feeding body.

The control means 6 controls the opening / closing of the water inlet valve 21 based on the electrical signal output from the water amount sensor 31. The water intake valve 21 is disposed upstream of the water purification filter 2 and functions as raw water supply means for supplying raw water before electrolysis to the water purification filter 2 and the tank 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the water amount sensor 31 of the present embodiment is provided in the tank 3. The water amount sensor 31 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of water stored in the tank 3 to the control means 6.

The control means 6 controls the water inlet valve 21 according to the electric signal input from the water amount sensor 31. For example, when the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 is consumed and the water level in the tank 3 is lowered, the control means 6 opens the water inlet valve 21 based on the electrical signal output from the water amount sensor 31 and enters the water inlet channel. The tank 3 is replenished with water from 11. Thereby, the tank 3 is appropriately replenished with water, and the amount of stored water is maintained appropriately.

In circulating the hydrogen water, the control means 6 controls the drive voltage of the pump 22. At this time, the control means 6 controls the drive voltage of the pump 22 while monitoring the flow rates detected by the

flow rate sensors

27A and 27B. Thereby, the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 circulates through the circulation path 12 between the tank 3 and the electrolytic cell 4, and the first electrode chamber 40A and the second electrode chamber 40B are filled with the electrolyzed water. Further, the control means 6 applies an electrolytic voltage to the first power supply body 41 and the second power supply body 42. Thereby, the electrolyzed water supplied to the electrolytic cell 4 is further electrolyzed, and the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 can be maintained high.

FIG. 3 shows the main part of the hydrogen water server 1. In the present invention, the gas vent valve 24 is disposed below the water surface h 1 in the tank 3. In other words, the control means 6 controls the water inlet valve 21 so that the water surface h1 in the tank 3 is located above the gas vent valve 24. As a result, the pressure of water in the tank 3 is applied to the gas vent valve 24.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the gas vent valve 24. The gas vent valve 24 of the present embodiment includes a main body 24a, a spherical valve body 24b accommodated in the main body 24a, and an exhaust port 24c that is disposed at the upper part of the main body 24a and has an upper end opened. In the figure, the gas vent valve 24 in a state where the main body 24a is filled with water is shown. The valve body 24b is formed of a material having a specific gravity smaller than that of the water in the exhaust passage 12e and the return water passage 12f. In a state where water pressure is applied to the gas vent valve 24 and the main body 24a is filled with electrolyzed water, buoyancy is generated in the valve body 24b, the valve body 24b moves upward, and the exhaust port 24c is closed. Thereby, the outflow of the electrolyzed water from the exhaust port 24c is prevented, and the inflow of air from the outside of the gas vent valve 24 to the valve body 24b is suppressed.

FIG. 5 shows a state in which the gas in the main body 24 a is discharged by the gas vent valve 24. When the oxygen gas O generated in the second electrode chamber 40B enters the main body 24a through the exhaust passage 12e as the electrolysis proceeds in the electrolytic cell 4, the water level in the main body 24a decreases, and the valve body 24b. Descends. Along with this, the exhaust port 24c is opened, and the oxygen gas O in the main body 24a is discharged as shown by the arrow A1 to return to the sealed state shown in FIG.

The flow path cross-sectional area of the exhaust path 12e and the return water path 12f is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of the second pole chamber 40B. Therefore, when water flows through the circulation path 12 including the second pole chamber 40B, the exhaust path 12e, and the return water path 12f, a venturi effect occurs in the exhaust path 12e and the return water path 12f, and the water pressure tends to decrease.

However, in the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, since the gas vent valve 24 is disposed below the water surface h1 in the tank 3, the main body 24a and the valve body 24b of the gas vent valve 24 have The pressure of the water in the tank 3 is applied. Therefore, it is suppressed that the water pressure of the exhaust passage 12e and the return water passage 12f falls below atmospheric pressure, and the sealed state of the gas vent valve 24 is maintained. Thereby, it is suppressed that air is sucked from the outside of the gas vent valve 24 and flows into the circulation path 12, and an increase in the dissolved hydrogen concentration of water in the tank 3 is not hindered. In addition, according to the present invention, since the inflow of air into the exhaust passage 12e is suppressed without requiring a check valve, the hydrogen water server 1 can be reduced in size and cost.

As shown in FIG. 3, the lower end of the gas vent valve 24 is preferably disposed below the inner bottom surface 35 of the tank 3. In such a form, the water pressure applied to the gas vent valve 24 can be easily increased. In addition, the water pressure remaining above the inner bottom surface 35 of the tank 3 is applied to the gas vent valve 24 and the sealed state of the gas vent valve 24 is maintained, except when the water in the tank 3 is completely consumed. Is done.

1 and 3, in the hydrogen water server 1, a parallel water channel 14 may be provided along the second pole chamber 40B. The parallel water channel 14 communicates the exhaust channel 12e and the lower end of the second electrode chamber 40B. In the present embodiment, the parallel water channel 14 is connected to the return water channel 12f and the water channel 12c. That is, the parallel water channel 14 is connected to the exhaust channel 12e through the return channel 12f, and is connected to the second pole chamber 40B through the water channel 12c. The parallel water channel 14 may be directly connected to the exhaust channel 12e and the second electrode chamber 40B.

The oxygen gas O generated by electrolysis in the second electrode chamber 40B is discharged from the second electrode chamber 40B through the exhaust passage 12e. At this time, the oxygen gas O in the second electrode chamber 40B is pushed upward by the pressure of the water filled in the parallel channel 14 that connects the exhaust channel 12e and the lower end of the second electrode chamber 40B, and the exhaust channel 12e. Move to. As a result, the oxygen gas O generated in the second electrode chamber 40B is supplied to the second electrode chamber 40B without supplying water to the second electrode chamber 40B being electrolyzed (that is, without generating a water flow in the second electrode chamber 40B). It is discharged from the polar chamber 40B. Therefore, sufficient water is supplied to the surface of the second power feeder 42, and electrolysis in the electrolysis chamber 40 is efficiently performed. Thereby, the utilization efficiency of water is increased to the limit, and the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the electrolytic hydrogen water generated in the first electrode chamber 40A is easily increased.

The water channel 12c may be provided with a water supply control valve 25 for controlling water supply from the water channel 12c to the second electrode chamber 40B. For example, an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes using electromagnetic force as a driving force can be applied to the water supply control valve 25. The operation of the water supply control valve 25 is controlled by the control means 6. For example, when electrolysis is performed in the electrolytic cell 4, the water supply control valve 25 is closed. Thereby, the water supply to the 2nd pole chamber 40B is stopped, and the utilization efficiency of water is raised to the limit. Even in this case, the oxygen gas generated in the second electrode chamber 40B is discharged by the water pressure in the parallel water channel 14 described above, so that the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the electrolytic hydrogen water generated in the first electrode chamber 40A is increased. .

The water supply control valve 25 is provided below the location where the parallel water channel 14 communicates with the water channel 12c. Thereby, water is replenished to the 2nd polar chamber 40B from the parallel water channel 14 according to consumption of the water in the 2nd polar chamber 40B accompanying electrolysis.

The control means 6 opens the water supply control valve 25 after stopping the electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 4. Thereby, the water supply from the water channel 12c to the second electrode chamber 40B is resumed, and the water surface h2 in the exhaust channel 12e returns to the original height.

The water level detection means 28 for detecting the water level in the gas exhaust path 12e may be provided in the gas exhaust path 12e. The water level detection means 28 detects a drop in the water level in the exhaust passage 12e due to the water in the second electrode chamber 40B being decomposed and consumed by oxygen, and outputs an electrical signal to that effect to the control means 6. Since the water level in the exhaust passage 12e and the water level in the parallel water passage 14 are equivalent, the water level detection means 28 may be provided in the parallel water passage 14. In this case, the water level detection means 28 detects the water level in the parallel water channel 14.

The control means 6 controls the operation of the electrolytic cell 4 based on the electrical signal output from the water level detection means 28. For example, when the water level in the exhaust passage 12 e is lower than the detection region of the water level detection means 28, the control means 6 stops supplying the electrolytic current I to the first power supply body 41 and the second power supply body 42. Thereby, the electrolysis in the electrolysis chamber 40 is stopped, further lowering of the water level in the exhaust passage 12e can be suppressed, and damage to the diaphragm 43 can be suppressed.

In circulating the hydrogen water, the control means 6 controls the drive voltage of the pump 22. At this time, the control means 6 controls the driving voltage of the pump 22 while monitoring the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 27A. Thereby, the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 circulates in the circulation path 12 between the tank 3 and the first pole chamber 40A. Further, the control means 6 applies an electrolytic voltage to the first power supply body 41 and the second power supply body 42. Thereby, the electrolyzed water supplied to the electrolysis chamber 40 is further electrolyzed, and the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 can be maintained high.

If for some reason the flow rate detected by the

flow sensors

27A and 27B is less than a sufficient value, the control means 6 stops applying the electrolytic voltage to the first power supply body 41 and the second power supply body 42. Thereby, the application of the electrolysis voltage in a state where the electrolyzed water is not sufficiently supplied to the electrolysis chamber 40 can be prevented.

When the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 is consumed, based on the electrical signal output from the water amount sensor 31, the control means 6 opens the water inlet valve 21 and water is replenished from the water inlet 11 to the tank 3. The At this time, since the concentration of dissolved hydrogen in the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 decreases, the control means 6 uses the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 in the circulation path 12 between the tank 3 and the first pole chamber 40A. While circulating again, electrolysis is performed in the electrolysis chamber 40 to increase the dissolved hydrogen concentration.

1, a cooling device 7 is connected to the tank 3. The cooling device 7 cools the tank 3 by cooling the refrigerant and supplying it to the outer wall of the tank 3. The operation of the cooling device 7 is controlled by the control means 6. Thereby, the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 is cooled to a desired temperature by the cooling device 7. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide cooled hydrogen water as needed according to the user's request, and the commercial value of the hydrogen water server 1 is increased.

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

The drain 3 for discharging the hydrogen water is connected to the tank 3. In the present embodiment, the tank 3 and the drainage channel 17 are connected via a part of the water channel 12a. The tank 3 and the drainage channel 17 may be configured to be directly connected.

The drainage channel 17 is provided with a drainage valve 26. The drain valve 26 is controlled by the control means 6 to open and close. When the drain valve 26 is opened, the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3 is discharged from the drain port 17a.

The receiving tray 13b is connected to the drainage channel 17 through the water channel 13c. The water collected by the tray part 13b is discharged from the drainage channel 17 via the water channel 13c.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tank 3 is provided with a heater (heating means) 8 for heating water. The heater 8 generates heat due to Joule heat, and heats the water stored in the tank 3. Further, a heater (heating means) 8 A is provided between the tank 3 and the pump 22 in the circulation path 12. The heater 8 A is provided in a part of the pipe constituting the circulation path 12. The heater 8A generates heat due to Joule heat and heats water in the circulation path 12. The

heaters

8 and 8A are controlled by the control means 6. Only one of the

heaters

8 and 8A may be applied as the heating means.

The control means 6 controls the

heaters

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

The hydrogen water server 1 has, as operation modes, an “electrolyzed water generation mode” for generating hydrogen water by electrolysis and storing it in the tank 3 and a “water discharge mode” for discharging the hydrogen water stored in the tank 3.

3 and 6 show the operation of each part of the hydrogen water server 1 and the flow of water in the “electrolyzed water generation mode”. In FIGS. 3 to 6, the area filled with water is indicated by hatching (hereinafter, the same applies to FIGS. 7 to 9).

In the electrolyzed water generation mode, the flow path on the tank 3 side of the flow path switching valve 23 is opened, and the flow path on the water discharge path 13 side is closed. Moreover, the water supply control valve 25 of the water channel 12c is closed. Further, the drain valve 26 is closed, and the water inlet valve 21 is appropriately opened and closed according to the amount of water stored in the tank 3.

In the initial state shown in FIG. 3, the height of the water surface h2 in the exhaust passage 12e is equal to the height of the water surface h1 of the tank 3. When the pump 22 is driven and an electrolytic voltage is applied to the first power supply body 41 and the second power supply body 42, electrolysis occurs in the first electrode chamber 40A and the second electrode chamber 40B. The hydrogen gas generated in the first electrode chamber 40A is collected in the tank 3 while being dissolved in the electrolyzed water, and the dissolved hydrogen concentration in the water in the tank 3 is increased.

On the other hand, the oxygen gas O generated in the second electrode chamber 40B becomes bubbles and is discharged through the exhaust passage 12e and the gas vent valve 24. As already described, in the present embodiment, the oxygen gas O in the second electrode chamber 40B is pushed upward by the pressure of the water filled in the parallel water passage 14, and moves to the exhaust passage 12e. Thus, the oxygen gas O generated in the second electrode chamber 40B is discharged from the second electrode chamber 40B without supplying water to the second electrode chamber 40B being electrolyzed. Therefore, sufficient water is supplied to the surface of the second power feeder 42, and electrolysis in the electrolysis chamber 40 is efficiently performed.

In the electrolyzed water generation mode, since the water supply control valve 25 is closed, the water in the second electrode chamber 40B does not return to the tank 3 via the exhaust passage 12e and the return water passage 12f. Therefore, the increase in the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the water in the tank 3 is not hindered by the inflow of water in the second electrode chamber 40B, and the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the electrolytic hydrogen water can be easily increased.

In the electrolyzed water generation mode, as the water supply control valve 25 is closed, the water in the second electrode chamber 40B is consumed, and the water levels in the exhaust passage 12e and the parallel water passage 14 gradually decrease.

Then, as shown in FIG. 6, when the water level h 2 lowered in the exhaust passage 12 e is detected by the water level detection means 28, the control means 6 stops the pump 22, and the first power feeding body 41 and the second power supply 41. Application of the electrolytic voltage to the power supply 42 is stopped. Thereby, the electrolysis in the electrolysis chamber 40 is stopped. Then, the control means 6 opens the water supply control valve 25 to supply water from the water channel 12c to the second pole chamber 40B and the parallel water channel 14, and the water level of the exhaust channel 12e returns to the initial state shown in FIG. . When the water supply control valve 25 is opened to return the water level of the exhaust passage 12e to the initial state, driving of the pump 22 may be used in combination. In this case, the water level of the exhaust passage 12e returns to the initial state in a shorter time. Moreover, the application of the electrolysis voltage to the 1st electric power feeder 41 and the 2nd electric power feeder 42 may be continued.

FIG. 7 shows the operation of each part of the hydrogen water server 1 and the flow of water in the “water discharge mode”. In the water discharge mode, the flow path of the electrolytic hydrogen water that has passed through the first electrode chamber 40A is switched by the flow path switching valve 23 from the state of the electrolyzed water generation mode shown in FIGS. That is, in the water discharge mode, the flow path on the tank 3 side is closed and the flow path on the water discharge path 13 side is opened. When the pump 22 is driven in this state, the electrolytic hydrogen water that has passed through the first electrode chamber 40A flows into the water discharge channel 13 and is discharged from the water discharge port 13a. At this time, the control means 6 may be configured to apply an electrolytic voltage to the first power supply body 41 and the second power supply body 42.

As described above, the hydrogen water server 1 and the like of the present embodiment have been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment described above, and can be implemented in various forms. That is, the electrolyzed water generation server includes at least a tank 3 for storing water, a first electrode chamber 40A in which the first power supply body 41 is disposed by a diaphragm 43, and a second electrode chamber 40B in which the second power supply body 42 is disposed. The electrolytic cell 4 that generates electrolyzed water by electrolyzing the water supplied from the tank 3 is connected to the tank 3 and the first electrode chamber 40A, and is electrolyzed to the first electrode chamber 40A. A first water supply channel for supplying water, a tank 3 and the second electrode chamber 40B are connected, a second water supply channel for supplying water to be electrolyzed into the second electrode chamber 40B, and a first electrode chamber 40A. A water discharge passage 13 that discharges electrolyzed water from the first electrode chamber 40A to the outside, an exhaust passage 12e that extends upward from the second electrode chamber 40B and discharges gas generated by electrolysis from the second electrode chamber 40B, and an exhaust passage. The gas from the fluid in the exhaust passage 12e is provided at the tip of the 12e. A gas vent valve 24 that separates and discharges only the gas, and a return water channel 12f that is connected to the exhaust passage 12e between the second pole chamber 40B and the gas vent valve 24 and guides the water in the exhaust passage 12e to the tank 3. The gas vent valve 24 only needs to be disposed below the water surface h1 in the tank 3.

1 Hydrogen water server (electrolyzed water server)
3 Tank 4 Electrolyzer 8 Heater (heating means)
12a water channel (first water channel, second water channel)
12b Waterway (1st waterway)
12c waterway (second waterway)

12e Exhaust channel

12f Return channel 13 Drain channel 14 Parallel channel 15 Circulation channel 24 Degassing valve 35 Inner wall surface 40A First electrode chamber 40B Second electrode chamber 41 First power supply body 42 Second power supply body 43 Diaphragm h1 Water surface

Claims

A tank for storing water,
The diaphragm is divided into a first electrode chamber in which the first power feeding body is disposed and a second electrode chamber in which the second power feeding body is disposed, and electrolyzed water is generated by electrolyzing the water supplied from the tank. An electrolytic cell,
A first water supply channel connecting the tank and the first electrode chamber and supplying the water to be electrolyzed into the first electrode chamber;
A second water supply path that connects the tank and the second electrode chamber and supplies the water to be electrolyzed into the second electrode chamber;
A water discharge channel for discharging the electrolyzed water in the first electrode chamber from the first electrode chamber to the outside;
An exhaust passage extending upward from the second electrode chamber and discharging gas generated by electrolysis from the second electrode chamber;
A gas vent valve that is provided at the tip of the exhaust passage and separates and discharges only the gas from the fluid in the exhaust passage;
A return water path connected to the exhaust path between the second electrode chamber and the vent valve, and leading the water in the exhaust path to the tank;
The electrolyzed water server, wherein the gas vent valve is disposed below a water surface in the tank.
The electrolyzed water server according to claim 1, wherein the gas vent valve is disposed below the inner bottom surface of the tank.
The electrolyzed water server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the exhaust passage extends from an upper end portion of the second electrode chamber.
The electrolyzed water server according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising heating means for heating the water in the tank.
The electrolyzed water server according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising heating means for heating the water in the first water supply channel and the second water supply channel.