Electrolyzed water generation device

Abstract

To provide an electrolytic water generator having an electrolytic section formed to suppress scale deposition at the cathode. [Solution] The electrolytic water generator (1) has an electrolytic section (10) formed by stacking an anode (11), an anode-side mesh electrode (12), a catalyst electrode (13), an ion exchange membrane (14), a cathode-side mesh electrode (15), and a cathode (16), each of which is flat. Electrolytic water is generated by applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode while the electrolytic section is immersed in water flowing in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. The cathode is covered with an insulating material that prevents contact with water and provides electrical insulation to surfaces other than the contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generator that electrolyzes water in an electrolysis unit to generate electrolyzed water.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, an electrolyzed water generator that generates electrolyzed water having a bactericidal action such as ozone water or hypochlorous acid water has been used. For example, in the electrolyzed water generator of Patent Document 1, an electrolysis unit is provided in a case with an anode and a cathode disposed opposite to each other and partitioning the inside of the case into three parts. A part of the water flowing in between the anode and the cathode is electrolyzed to generate electrolyzed water. The electrolyzed water is divided into an anode side and a cathode side by a branch portion provided in the case and flows, and flows out of the case from respective outlets through between the anode and the case and between the cathode and the case.

[0003] On the cathode side of the electrolysis unit, hydroxide ions generated by electrolysis of water react with mineral components contained in the water, and an electrically insulating scale is deposited. The main components of the scale are, for example, calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide. This electrically insulating scale is deposited on the cathode and inhibits electrolysis of water, so it is required not to deposit on the cathode.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 2 describes that when depositing a metal on a rectangular cathode, by shielding the cathode with an electrically insulating frame-shaped frame, the metal deposited on the exposed surface of the cathode is deposited. Since a metal through which electricity passes is deposited, it prevents the deposition of the metal from concentrating on the sharp portion of the outer periphery of the cathode where the current is likely to concentrate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0006] To suppress scale deposition at the cathode, it is effective to limit the portion of the cathode that comes into contact with water, so that any precipitated scale is washed away by the water flow. Therefore, when an electrically insulating frame, as described in Patent Document 2, is provided on the cathode of an electrolytic water generator, as described in Patent Document 1, to limit the portion of the cathode that comes into contact with water, a step is created between the frame and the exposed surface of the cathode.

[0007] However, this step can obstruct the smooth flow of water along the exposed surface of the cathode, creating areas where water stagnates and potentially leading to the accumulation of scale. Furthermore, if an ion exchange membrane is placed between the anode and cathode, scale may adhere to the membrane, hindering the movement of hydrogen ions and potentially reducing the efficiency of electrolyzed water production.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an electrolytic water generator having an electrolytic section formed to suppress scale deposition at the cathode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The electrolytic water generating apparatus of claim 1 has an electrolytic section formed by stacking a plate-shaped anode, an anode-side mesh electrode, a catalyst electrode, an ion exchange membrane, a cathode-side mesh electrode, and a cathode, and generates electrolytic water by applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode while the electrolytic section is immersed in water flowing in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, wherein the cathode is covered with an insulating member that prevents contact with water and provides electrical insulation to portions other than the contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode.

[0010] According to the above configuration, in a flat cathode, only the contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode is permitted to come into contact with flowing water and undergo electrolysis of water. Scale deposited on this contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode is washed away by the water flow and therefore does not easily accumulate on the cathode. Furthermore, scale does not deposit on the cathode anywhere other than the contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode. Consequently, scale accumulation on the cathode can be suppressed.

[0011] The electrolytic water generating apparatus of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the insulating member is a flat retainer having a recess for fitting the cathode, and the cathode is held in a state in which the contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode can come into contact with water by being fitted into the recess. According to the above configuration, the cathode is fitted into the recess of the flat retainer. This retainer ensures that the contact surface of the cathode with the cathode-side mesh electrode is in a state where it can come into contact with water, while the parts other than this contact surface are prevented from coming into contact with water and are electrically insulated. Therefore, scale does not precipitate on the cathode except on the contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode, and scale does not easily accumulate on the contact surface, thus suppressing scale accumulation on the cathode.

[0012] The electrolytic water generating apparatus of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 2, the recess is formed to a depth equal to the thickness of the cathode. With the above configuration, since the depth of the recess and the thickness of the cathode are equal, the cathode fitted into the recess does not have its contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode protruding from the retainer. Therefore, the water flow toward the cathode side of the electrolytic unit along the retainer is less likely to be disturbed, and the deposited scale can be easily washed away by the water flow, thus suppressing scale accumulation on the cathode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the electrolytic water generator of the present invention, the deposition of scale on the cathode of the electrolysis unit can be suppressed. Therefore, the decrease in the efficiency of electrolytic water generation is suppressed, and the durability of the electrolytic water generator is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the inlet side of a water electrolysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the water electrolysis device from the discharge port side. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the main components of a water electrolysis apparatus. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below based on examples. [Examples]

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the electrolytic water generator 1 is formed by housing an electrolytic unit 10 within an electrically insulating case 4, each having a cylindrical inlet 2 and outlet 3. The case 4 is fixed together, for example, by multiple screws 8, with a packing 7 in between, between a first case 5 having the inlet 2 and a second case 6 having the outlet 3. Water pipes or hoses (not shown) are connected to the inlet 2 and outlet 3, respectively.

[0017] The electrolysis section 10 is formed by laminating and arranging an anode 11, an anode-side mesh electrode 12, a catalyst electrode 13, an ion exchange membrane 14, a cathode-side mesh electrode 15, and a cathode 16, each of which is formed in a flat plate shape. This electrolysis section 10 is held in a state sandwiched between a first case 5 on the anode 11 side and a second case 6 on the cathode 16 side, together with a flat plate-shaped retainer 17 for holding the cathode 16. Also, terminals 18 and 19 fixed to the anode 11 and the cathode 16 respectively protrude outside the case 4 (second case 6). Wires (not shown) for applying a voltage from the outside when electrolyzing water are connected to these terminals 18 and 19.

[0018] The retainer 17 is supported at its outer peripheral portion by a support portion 6a inside the second case 6, and is pressed and fixed by a protruding portion 5a that extends toward the second case 6 side inside the electrolysis section 10 and the first case 5. Inside the case 4, the area other than the region where the terminals 18 and 19 between the inlet 2 and the outlet 3 are disposed is partitioned by the retainer 17, and a flow path is formed in which the flow direction changes from the inlet 2 to the outlet 3. This retainer 17 is arranged such that its flat surface 17a faces the inlet 2 (such that the axis of the cylindrical inlet 2 is orthogonal to the flat surface 17a), and has a function (deflection function) of bending the flow direction of the water introduced from the inlet 2 at a substantially right angle.

[0019] Inside the case 4, the water introduced from the inlet 2 flows toward the electrolysis section 10, for example, as indicated by arrow A1, by the flat surface 17a of the retainer 17 and passes through the electrolysis section 10. The water that flows in a direction not toward the electrolysis section 10, for example, as indicated by arrow A2, changes its direction by the peripheral wall of the case 4 and eventually passes through the electrolysis section 10. Then, the water that has passed through the electrolysis section 10 changes its direction, for example, as indicated by arrow A3, and flows toward the outlet 3 through the side opposite to the electrolysis section 10 of the retainer 17 (between the retainer 17 and the second case 6), and flows out of the case 4 from the outlet 3, for example, as indicated by arrow A4.

[0020] With the electrolysis unit 10 immersed in the water flowing inside the case 4, a voltage is applied between the anode 11 and the cathode 16 via the terminals 18 and 19, and a part of the water passing through the electrolysis unit 10 is electrolyzed to generate electrolyzed water. The electrolyzed water is, for example, ozone water, hypochlorous acid water, etc., and has a bactericidal effect. The water inlet 2 may be equipped with a water governor for making the water flow rate constant so that electrolyzed water of a certain quality (concentration) is generated.

[0021] Next, the electrolysis unit 10 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the electrolysis unit 10 is formed by laminating an anode 11 each having a rectangular flat plate shape, an anode-side mesh electrode 12, a catalyst electrode 13, an ion exchange membrane 14, a cathode-side mesh electrode 15, and a cathode 16. These have the same size, but the ion exchange membrane 14 may be formed slightly larger than the catalyst electrode 13, the cathode-side mesh electrode 15, etc. in order to prevent a short circuit between the anode 11 side and the cathode 16 side. The water introduced from the water inlet 2 flows between the anode 11 and the cathode 16 in a direction orthogonal to the lamination direction.

[0022] The catalyst electrode 13 carries a catalyst for promoting the electrolysis of water. The anode-side mesh electrode 12 and the cathode-side mesh electrode 15 are formed in a mesh shape having fine voids communicating with the outside by, for example, metal wires made of titanium or stainless steel. Pin-shaped terminals 18 and 19 equipped with spacer members 18a and 19a having a sealing function are respectively fixed to the convex portions protruding from one end of the long side portions of the anode 11 and the cathode 16 so as not to overlap each other.

[0023] The cathode 16 is fitted and held in a recess 17b formed on the flat surface 17a side of the retainer 17 facing the inlet 2. The retainer 17 is an insulating member formed in a flat plate shape from, for example, an electrically insulating synthetic resin, and the depth of the recess 17b of the retainer 17 is equal to the thickness of the cathode 16. Therefore, the cathode 16 fitted into the recess 17b of the retainer 17 is covered by the retainer 17 on all sides except the contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode 15, so that contact with water and electrolysis of water are limited to the contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode 15. The short side of the rectangular cathode 16 may be covered by the inner wall of the second case 6 instead of the retainer 17, so as to limit contact with water and electrolysis of water. In addition, the cathode 16 may be covered with an insulating coating or the like on all sides except the contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode 15.

[0024] Since the depth of the recess 17b of the retainer 17 is equal to the thickness of the cathode 16, the cathode 16 fitted into this recess 17b does not have its contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode 15 protruding from the flat surface 17a of the retainer 17. Therefore, there is no step between the contact surface of the cathode 16 with the cathode-side mesh electrode 15 and the flat surface 17a of the retainer 17, and the water flow toward the electrolytic unit 10 along this flat surface 17a is not easily disturbed.

[0025] At the cathode 16 and the cathode-side mesh electrode 15, an insulating scale, such as calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide, precipitates due to the reaction between hydroxide ions generated by the electrolysis of water and mineral components contained in the water. When this scale accumulates on the cathode 16 and the cathode-side mesh electrode 15, the generation of electrolyzed water is inhibited. However, since the cathode 16 is fitted into the recess 17b of the retainer 17, and the water flow toward the cathode 16 along the flat surface 17a of the retainer 17 is not easily disturbed, the precipitated scale can be washed away by the water flow before it can accumulate.

[0026] The operation and effects of the electrolytic water generator 1 described above will be explained. The flat cathode 16 is covered with an insulating material on all surfaces except the contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode 15. This allows contact with flowing water and electrolysis of water only on the contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode 15. Scale deposited on the contact surface of the cathode 16 with the cathode-side mesh electrode 15 is washed away by the water flow and does not easily accumulate on the cathode 16. Furthermore, scale does not deposit on the cathode 16 except on the contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode 15. Therefore, scale accumulation on the cathode 16 can be suppressed.

[0027] The cathode 16 is fitted into a recess 17b of an electrically insulating flat retainer 17. This retainer 17 holds the cathode 16 so that the contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode 15 is in a state where it can come into contact with water, while the parts other than this contact surface are prevented from coming into contact with water and are electrically insulated. Therefore, scale does not precipitate on the cathode 16 except on the contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode 15, and the scale that precipitates on the contact surface does not easily accumulate, thus suppressing scale accumulation on the cathode 16.

[0028] Since the depth of the recess 17b of the retainer 17 is equal to the thickness of the cathode 16, the cathode 16 fitted into the recess 17b does not have a contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode 15 that protrudes from the retainer 17. Therefore, the water flow toward the cathode 16 side of the electrolytic unit 10 along the flat surface 17a of the retainer 17 is less likely to be disturbed, and the deposited scale can be easily washed away by the water flow, thus suppressing the accumulation of scale on the cathode 16.

[0029] Furthermore, those skilled in the art can implement the present invention in various forms with modifications to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the present invention encompasses such modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0030] 1: Electrolyzed water generator 2: Inlet 3:Discharge port 4: Case 5: Case 1 6: Case 2 7: Gasket 8: Bis 10: Electrolytic section 11: Anode 12: Anode-side mesh electrode 13: Catalyst electrode 14: Ion exchange membrane 15: Cathode mesh electrode 16: Cathode 17: Retainer 17a:Flat surface 17b: recess 18,19: Terminals

Claims

1. An electrolytic water generator having an electrolytic section formed by stacking a flat plate-shaped anode, an anode-side mesh electrode, a catalyst electrode, an ion exchange membrane, a cathode-side mesh electrode, and a cathode, wherein electrolytic water is generated by applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode while the electrolytic section is immersed in water flowing in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, The electrolytic water generating apparatus is characterized in that the cathode is covered with an insulating material that prevents contact with water and provides electrical insulation to portions other than the contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode.

2. The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulating member is a flat retainer having a recess for fitting the cathode, and the cathode is held in a state in which its contact surface with the cathode-side mesh electrode can come into contact with water by being fitted into the recess.

3. The electrolytic water generator according to claim 2, characterized in that the recess is formed to a depth equal to the thickness of the cathode.

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