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 a flat plate-shaped 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) within a case (4) equipped with a water inlet (2) and an outlet (3). Electrolytic water is generated by applying a voltage between the anode and cathode while the electrolytic section is immersed in water flowing in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. Between the inlet and the electrolytic section is a deflection member (17) for adjusting the flow of water introduced from the inlet so that the water flow velocity on the cathode side is faster than that on the anode side.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, an electrolyzed water generating apparatus that generates electrolyzed water having a bactericidal action such as ozone water or hypochlorous acid water has been used. For example, in the seawater electrolysis apparatus of Patent Document 1, a seawater inlet is provided below the electrodes (anode and cathode) disposed in the electrolytic cell, and the electrolyzed water generated in the electrolytic cell flows out from the upper part of the electrolytic cell.

[0003] On the anode side of the electrolysis unit, for example, chlorine or hypochlorite ions generated by electrolysis of seawater dissolve in water to form electrolyzed water. On the cathode side, hydroxide ions generated by electrolysis of water react with the mineral components contained in seawater, and an electrically insulating scale is deposited. The main components of the scale are, for example, calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide.

[0004] This electrically insulating scale accumulates on the cathode and inhibits electrolysis of water. Therefore, it is required not to accumulate on the cathode. For example, in Patent Document 1, a rectifying plate formed so as to widen upward is disposed between the inlet and the electrodes, and seawater with an increased flow rate due to the rectifying plate is guided toward the anode and the cathode so that the deposited scale is washed away.

[0005] On the other hand, for example, in Patent Document 2, in the current-carrying chamber of the electrolysis apparatus, a plurality of baffle plates are alternately arranged to form a bent flow path, and a guiding frame having a semicircular curvature is disposed such that the open side of the guiding frame faces the tip of the baffle plate at the bent portion of the flow path. At the tip of the baffle plate on the inner side of the bend of the flow path, water tends to stay in the portion immediately after the bend, so scale adheres. Therefore, water with an increased flow rate by the semicircular guiding frame that acts to increase the flow rate is guided to flow from the tip side of the baffle plate to prevent scale adhesion.

Prior Art Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-043266 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 53-043394 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] To suppress scale deposition at the cathode, it is effective to ensure that any precipitated scale is washed away by the water flow, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2. However, when an electrolytic water generator has an ion exchange membrane, mesh electrode, etc., between the anode and cathode, the water flow resistance between the anode and cathode is high, reducing the flow velocity and making it difficult to wash away the precipitated scale.

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

[0009] The electrolytic water generating apparatus of claim 1 has 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 in a case equipped with a water inlet and a discharge port, and in which 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, and is characterized in that there is a deflection member between the inlet and the electrolytic section for adjusting the flow of water introduced from the inlet so that the water flow velocity on the cathode side is faster than that on the anode side.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the water introduced into the case from the inlet is directed by a deflection member so that the flow velocity on the cathode side of the electrolysis unit is faster than that on the anode side. As a result, the scale that precipitates on the cathode side is washed away by the water flow and does not easily accumulate on the cathode side. Therefore, scale accumulation on the cathode side can be suppressed.

[0011] The electrolytic water generating apparatus of claim 2 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the deflection member is formed in the shape of a flat plate and is arranged so that its flat surface faces the inlet, thereby deflecting the flow of water from the inlet in a direction along the flat surface, and the electrolytic unit is arranged so that the cathode faces the flat surface. According to the above configuration, the flat surface of the plate-shaped deflection member is positioned to face the inlet, so the water introduced from the inlet is bent at approximately a right angle in its flow direction and flows along the flat surface of the deflection member. At this time, the water flow velocity is faster closer to the flat surface of the deflection member. Furthermore, by positioning the electrolytic unit, in which an ion exchange membrane or the like is stacked between the anode and cathode, such that the cathode faces the flat surface of the deflection member, it is possible to easily wash away the scale deposited on the cathode side with the water flow. Therefore, the accumulation of scale on the cathode can be suppressed.

[0012] The electrolytic water generating apparatus of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 2, the cathode is fitted into and held in a recess formed on the flat surface side of the deflection member. According to the above configuration, the cathode is fitted and held in a recess formed on the flat surface side of the deflection member facing the inlet. Therefore, the step difference between the contact surface of the cathode with the cathode-side mesh electrode and the flat surface of the deflection member can be reduced or eliminated, thus preventing the water flow from being obstructed by this step. Consequently, by allowing water to flow smoothly, the scale deposited on the cathode side can be washed away by the water flow, and the accumulation of scale on the cathode side can be suppressed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the electrolytic water generator of the present invention, the deposition of scale on the cathode side 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. [Figure 5] This figure shows the analysis results of the flow velocity on the anode and cathode sides. [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 (deflection member) for holding the cathode 16. Further, 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 extending toward the second case 6 side inside the electrolysis section 10 and the first case 5. Inside the case 4, the region 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 flowing 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 electrolytic unit 10 immersed in the water flowing inside case 4, a voltage is applied between the anode 11 and cathode 16 via terminals 18 and 19, and a portion of the water passing through the electrolytic unit 10 is electrolyzed to produce electrolyzed water. The electrolyzed water is, for example, ozonated water or hypochlorous acid water, and has a bactericidal effect. The inlet 2 may be equipped with a water governor to keep the water flow rate constant so that electrolyzed water of a certain quality (concentration) is produced.

[0021] Next, the electrolytic unit 10 will be explained. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the electrolytic unit 10 is formed by stacking a rectangular flat 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. These are all the same size, however, the ion exchange membrane 14 may be formed slightly larger than the catalyst electrode 13, cathode-side mesh electrode 15, etc., to prevent short circuits between the anode 11 and the cathode 16. Water introduced from the inlet 2 flows between the anode 11 and the cathode 16 in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0022] The catalyst electrode 13 supports 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 with fine voids that communicate with the outside, using metal wires made of materials such as titanium or stainless steel. Pin-shaped terminals 18 and 19, each fitted with spacer members 18a and 19a that have a sealing function, are fixed to protrusions that protrude from one end of the long side of the anode 11 and cathode 16 so as not to overlap with each other.

[0023] The electrolytic unit 10 is arranged such that the cathode 16 faces the flat surface 17a of the retainer 17. The cathode 16 is fitted into and held in a recess 17b formed on the flat surface 17a side of the retainer 17. The water introduced from the inlet 2 is deflected by the retainer 17, which is a deflection member, so that its flow direction is along the flat surface 17a of the retainer 17. At this time, for example, the water flow closer to the flat surface 17a indicated by arrow A1 has a faster flow velocity than the water flow further away from the flat surface 17a indicated by arrow A5. Therefore, by arranging the electrolytic unit 10 so that the cathode 16 faces the flat surface 17a side of the retainer 17, the flow velocity on the cathode 16 side becomes faster than that on the anode 11 side.

[0024] Figure 5 shows the flow velocity analysis results using shades of color, with darker colors (closer to black) indicating faster flow velocities. The dashed rectangle indicates the location of the electrolytic unit 10, and the dashed circle indicates the location of the inlet 2. The cathode 16 side of the electrolytic unit 10 is slightly darker in color than the anode 11 side, and this darker area is observed over a wider area than the anode 11 side, indicating that the flow velocity on the cathode 16 side is generally faster.

[0025] The retainer 17 is 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. The cathode 16 fitted into the recess 17b of the retainer 17 is covered by the retainer 17 on all sides of the cathode 16 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 is directed towards the cathode 16 along the flat surface 17a of the retainer 17, and the water flow is close to the flat surface 17a and has a high flow velocity, it is less likely to be disturbed, so the precipitated scale can be washed away by the water flow before it can accumulate.

[0028] The operation and effects of the electrolytic water generator 1 described above will be explained. The water introduced into the case 4 from the inlet 2 has its flow adjusted by the retainer 17 (deflection member) so that the flow velocity on the cathode 16 side of the electrolytic unit 10 is faster than that on the anode 11 side. As a result, the scale that precipitates on the cathode 16 side is washed away by the water flow and does not easily accumulate on the cathode 16 side. Therefore, scale accumulation on the cathode 16 side can be suppressed.

[0029] Since the flat surface 17a of the plate-shaped retainer 17 is positioned to face the inlet 2, the water introduced from the inlet 2 is bent at approximately a right angle in its flow direction and flows along the flat surface 17a. At this time, the water flow velocity is faster closer to the flat surface 17a. Furthermore, by positioning the electrolytic unit 10, in which an ion exchange membrane 14 or the like is stacked between the anode 11 and the cathode 16, such that the cathode 16 faces the flat surface 17a, it is possible to easily wash away the scale deposited on the cathode 16 side with the water flow. Therefore, the accumulation of scale on the cathode 16 can be suppressed.

[0030] The cathode 16 is fitted and held in a recess 17b formed on the flat surface 17a side of the retainer 17, which faces the inlet 2. Therefore, the step difference between the contact surface of the cathode 16 with the cathode-side mesh electrode 15 and the flat surface 17a of the retainer 17 can be reduced or eliminated, thus preventing the water flow from being obstructed by this step. Consequently, by allowing water to flow smoothly, the scale deposited on the cathode 16 side can be washed away by the water flow, and the accumulation of scale on the cathode 16 side can be suppressed.

[0031] 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]

[0032] 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-side mesh electrode 16: Cathode 17: Retainer (deflection member) 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 within a case equipped with a water inlet and outlet, 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, An electrolytic water generator characterized by having a deflection member between the inlet and the electrolytic unit for adjusting the flow of water introduced from the inlet so that the water flow velocity on the cathode side is faster than that on the anode side.

2. The deflection member is formed in a flat plate shape and is arranged so that its flat surface faces the inlet, thereby deflecting the flow of water from the inlet in a direction along the flat surface. The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrolytic unit is arranged such that the cathode faces the flat surface side.

3. The electrolytic water generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the cathode is held in a state in which it is fitted into a recess formed on the flat surface side of the deflection member.

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