Generator

Abstract

To provide a generator capable of suppressing damage to a cathode-side diaphragm and / or anode-side diaphragm.SOLUTION: A generator 1 generates electrolytic water using a cathode 13 and an anode 14 that are supplied with power, and a cathode-side diaphragm 11 and an anode-side diaphragm 12. The generator 1 includes an electrolytic cell 5 having chambers 6, 7, 8 partitioned through the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and the anode-side diaphragm 12, and a membrane protection structure 75 that inhibits damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode-side diaphragm 12. The membrane protection structure 75 has a soft membrane protection member 44, which is formed by fibers and located opposite the cathode 13 and the anode 14 to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and the anode-side diaphragm 12 and inhibits damage to the cathode-side diaphragm 11 and the anode-side diaphragm 12 caused by heat of the cathode 13 and the anode 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating electrolytic water. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electrolytic water generating device is known, for example, as described in Patent Document 1 below.

[0003] This conventional electrolytic water generating device divides an electrolytic cell into two or three chambers using a pair of cover members that house electrodes and a partition sandwiched between these cover members via a partition, and generates electrolytic water by passing electricity through each electrode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-16346 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the electrolytic water generating device as described above, if the diaphragm is damaged, such as torn, the electrolytic water cannot be properly generated, and maintenance such as replacement of the diaphragm is required. Therefore, it is desirable to suppress damage to the diaphragm for a long period of time.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and has an object to provide a generating device that can suppress damage to the diaphragm. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The generating device according to the present invention is a generating device that generates electrolytic water using a pair of electrodes that are supplied with power and a diaphragm, and includes an electrolytic cell having a plurality of chambers separated by the diaphragm, and a membrane protection structure that suppresses damage to the diaphragm, The above The membrane protection structure is Formed by fibersA barrier is provided on the opposite side of the diaphragm from the electrode, and damage to the diaphragm caused by heat from the electrode is suppressed. Soft The membrane protection member has a hole portion that opens facing the diaphragm, and a membrane support portion that is formed in the hole portion and protrudes in a rib-like manner on the side opposite the diaphragm. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, damage to the diaphragm can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a generating device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a cover member of the generating device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cover member of the generating device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the partition wall of the above generating device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view showing one of the cover members of the generating device from the partition side. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line corresponding to II in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the generating device. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a membrane protection member of the above generating device. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a portion of the membrane protection member. [Figure 12] FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing an example of the above-mentioned generating device, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing another example of the above-mentioned generating device. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a sealing member of a generating device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] In Fig. 3, 1 denotes a generator (electrolyzed water generator) that generates electrolyzed water. The generator 1 is a three-chamber electrolysis device (hypochlorous acid water generator) for generating at least acidic electrolyzed water, hypochlorous acid water (electrolytic release sterilization water), by electrolysis of, for example, saline solution, which is an electrolyte.

[0012] The generation device 1 is equipped with a three-chamber electrolytic cell 5. The electrolytic cell 5 has a cathode chamber 6 which is one of the electrode chambers (first electrode chamber), an anode chamber 7 which is the other electrode chamber (second electrode chamber), and an intermediate chamber 8 located between the cathode chamber 6 and the anode chamber 7.

[0013] The cathode chamber 6 and the intermediate chamber 8 are separated by a cathode-side diaphragm 11 which is an ion exchange membrane and is one of the diaphragms (first diaphragm). The anode chamber 7 and the intermediate chamber 8 are separated by an anode-side diaphragm 12 which is an ion exchange membrane and is the other of the diaphragms (second diaphragm). In other words, the inside of the electrolytic cell 5 is separated into three chambers 6, 7, and 8 by the two membranes 11 and 12.

[0014] A flat-plate cathode 13, which is one electrode (first electrode), is provided in the cathode chamber 6, and this cathode 13 faces closely to the cathode-side diaphragm 11. A flat-plate anode 14, which is the other electrode (second electrode), is provided in the anode chamber 7, and this anode 14 faces closely to the anode-side diaphragm 12. A power supply unit that supplies electric power is connected to the cathode 13 and anode 14.

[0015] Moreover, the generation device 1 is provided with a saline solution supply unit 21 that supplies saline solution, which is an electrolyte, to the intermediate chamber (electrolyte solution chamber) 8 of the electrolytic cell 5.

[0016] The saline solution supply unit 21 has a tank 22 for storing saline solution, a supply pipe 23 for supplying the saline solution in the tank 22 to the intermediate chamber 8, a pump provided midway along the supply pipe 23, and a return pipe 25 for returning the saline solution in the intermediate chamber 8 to the tank 22. Note that the configuration is not limited to the circulation type configuration shown in Fig. 3, and may be, for example, a configuration in which the electrolyte is not circulated.

[0017] Furthermore, the generation device 1 is equipped with a water supply unit 31 that supplies water (e.g., tap water that has passed through a water softener) that is raw water for electrolysis to the cathode chamber 6 and the anode chamber 7 of the electrolytic cell 5, and an electrolytic water discharge unit 32 that discharges the electrolytic water generated in the cathode chamber 6 and the anode chamber 7 of the electrolytic cell 5 outside the electrolytic cell 5.

[0018] The water supply unit 31 has a first supply pipe 33 that supplies water to the cathode chamber 6, which is the first electrode chamber, and a second supply pipe 34 that supplies water to the anode chamber 7, which is the second electrode chamber.

[0019] The electrolyzed water discharge section 32 has a first discharge pipe 36 for discharging caustic soda water (NaOH aqueous solution), which is alkaline electrolyzed water generated in the cathode chamber 6, and a second discharge pipe 37 for discharging hypochlorous acid water (HClO aqueous solution), which is acidic electrolyzed water generated in the anode chamber 7.

[0020] Then, the generation device 1 operates the pump of the saline solution supply unit 21 to supply saline solution from the supply pipe 23 to the intermediate chamber 8 of the electrolytic cell 5, and supplies water from the first supply pipe 33 and the second supply pipe 34 of the water supply unit 31 to the cathode chamber 6 and the anode chamber 7 of the electrolytic cell 5. At the same time, a negative voltage and a positive voltage are applied from the power supply unit to the cathode 13 and the anode 14, respectively.

[0021] The sodium ions (Na + ) is attracted to the cathode 13, passes through the cathode side diaphragm 11, and flows into the cathode chamber 6. Then, in the cathode chamber 6, water is decomposed at the cathode 13 to obtain caustic soda water as follows.

[0022] H2O+2e - → 1 / 2H2+OH- Na + +e - → Na NaOH - → NaOH+e -

[0023] In addition, the chloride ions (Cl - ) is attracted to the anode 14, passes through the anode-side diaphragm 12, and flows into the anode chamber 7. Then, as shown below, chloride ions are reduced at the anode 14 to generate chlorine gas, which reacts with water in the anode chamber 7 to generate hypochlorous acid water.

[0024] H2O → 2H++1 / 2O2+2e - 2Cl - → Cl2+2e - Cl2+H2O ⇔ HClO+HCl

[0025] The caustic soda water thus produced is discharged from the cathode chamber 6 through the first discharge pipe 36, and the hypochlorous acid water is discharged from the anode chamber 7 through the second drain pipe 37.

[0026] Next, the detailed structure of the generating device 1 will be described.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the generation device 1 is structurally configured by watertightly combining an outer plate 41, which is a pair of cover members, and a partition wall 42 sandwiched between the outer plates 41 via sealing members 43 and 44.

[0028] The outer plate 41 is provided with a cathode outer plate 41a covering one side of the partition wall 42, the cathode side diaphragm 11, and the cathode 13, and an anode outer plate 41b covering the other side of the partition wall 42, the anode side diaphragm 12, and the anode 14. In the present embodiment, the cathode outer plate 41a and the anode outer plate 41b basically have structures symmetrical or approximately symmetrical to each other across the partition wall 42, and therefore these structures will be collectively described as the structure of the outer plate 41 unless otherwise specified.

[0029] The outer plate 41 is formed of a synthetic resin or the like in a rectangular shape in a front view. The outer plate 41 has an outer shape that is equal or approximately equal to the partition wall 42. In this embodiment, the outer plate 41 has an outer shape of a rectangle having a longitudinal direction in the up-down direction. The cathode 13 and the cathode side diaphragm 11 are arranged between the cathode outer plate 41a and the partition wall 42, and the anode 14 and the anode side diaphragm 12 are arranged between the anode outer plate 41b and the partition wall 42. A recess 51 is formed on the side surface of the outer plate 41 on the partition wall 42 side. The recess 51 is recessed in the thickness direction of the outer plate 41. The recess 51 of the cathode outer plate 41a forms the cathode chamber 6, and the recess 51 of the anode outer plate 41b forms the anode chamber 7. In this embodiment, the recess 51 is formed in a rectangular shape having a longitudinal direction in the up-down direction. A cathode chamber 6 is defined between the recess 51 of the cathode outer plate 41a and the cathode side diaphragm 11, and an anode chamber 7 is defined between the recess 51 of the anode outer plate 41b and the anode side diaphragm 12. The cathode 13 and the cathode side diaphragm 11 are positioned in an area sufficient to cover at least the recess 51 of the cathode outer plate 41a, and the anode 14 and the anode side diaphragm 12 are positioned in an area sufficient to cover at least the recess 51 of the anode outer plate 41b.

[0030] As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the outer plate 41 has a supply port 52 formed at the bottom and a discharge port 53 formed at the top. The supply port 52 opens downward, and the discharge port 53 opens upward. The supply port 52 is located below the recess 51, and the discharge port 53 is located above the recess 51. In this embodiment, the supply port 52 and the discharge port 53 are located at equal or approximately equal positions in the short-side direction of the outer plate 41. That is, the supply port 52 and the discharge port 53 are located on the same vertical line or approximately on the same vertical line. As shown in Fig. 3, the supply port 52 is connected to the water supply unit 31, and the discharge port 53 is connected to the electrolytic water discharge unit 32. That is, the supply inlet 52 and the discharge outlet 53 of the cathode outer plate 41a are connected to the first supply pipe 33 and the first discharge pipe 36, and the supply inlet 52 and the discharge outlet 53 of the anode outer plate 41b are connected to the second supply pipe 34 and the second discharge pipe 37.

[0031] The supply port 52 and the recess 51 are connected by a supply piping structure 54, which is a piping structure, and the recess 51 and the discharge port 53 are connected by a discharge piping structure 55, which is a piping structure. The supply piping structure 54 and the discharge piping structure 55 are each formed in a passage shape in the outer plate 41. With these structures, water is supplied from the water supply unit 31 to the cathode chamber 6 and the anode chamber 7 from below through the supply port 52 and the supply piping structure 54, and the generated electrolytic water is discharged from above through the discharge piping structure 55 and the discharge port 53. That is, the configuration is such that water is supplied to and discharged from the cathode chamber 6 and the anode chamber 7 in a direction along the cathode 13, the anode 14, the cathode side diaphragm 11, and the anode side diaphragm 12.

[0032] Preferably, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the outer plate 41 is formed with a branch portion 56 located in the recess 51. The branch portion 56 divides and branches the inside of the cathode chamber 6 and the anode chamber 7 in a direction intersecting or perpendicular to the water supply direction and the electrolytic water discharge direction. The branch portion 56 is formed in the shape of a longitudinal rib linearly connected in the longitudinal direction of the recess 51, that is, the vertical direction which is the water supply direction and the electrolytic water discharge direction. More preferably, a plurality of branch portions 56 are set. In this embodiment, three or more branch portions 56 are set in a direction intersecting or perpendicular to the water supply direction and the electrolytic water discharge direction in the cathode chamber 6 and the anode chamber 7, and in the illustrated example, four branch portions are set. These branch portions 56 are arranged at equal intervals and parallel or approximately parallel to each other. The branch portions 56 are located apart from the edge of the recess 51 in the left-right direction and the up-down direction in Figs. 4 and 5. Branch flow paths 57 are formed between the branch portions 56, 56 and between the edge of the recess 51 and the branch portion 56, and junctions 58, 59 where the branch flow paths 57 join are formed between the upper and lower parts of the branch portion 56 and the edge of the recess 51, extending in a direction intersecting the branch flow paths 57.

[0033] The partition wall 42 shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 6 is an intermediate frame interposed between the cathode outer plate 41a and the anode outer plate 41b. The partition wall 42 is formed of synthetic resin or the like to have a rectangular outer shape in a front view. The partition wall 42 has an outer shape equal to or approximately equal to that of the outer plate 41. In this embodiment, the partition wall 42 has a longitudinal direction in the up-down direction. An opening 61 is formed on the inner side of the partition wall 42, penetrating the partition wall 42 in the thickness direction from one side surface to the other side surface. The opening 61 forms the intermediate chamber 8. The intermediate chamber 8 is defined between the opening 61 and the cathode side diaphragm 11 and the anode side diaphragm 12. The opening 61 has an outer shape equal to or approximately equal to that of the recess 51. The opening 61 makes the partition wall 42 frame-shaped or picture-frame-shaped. The opening 61 is disposed in the center of the partition wall 42 in a front view.

[0034] The partition 42 has a supply port 62 formed at the bottom and a discharge port 63 formed at the top. The supply port 62 opens downward, and the discharge port 63 opens upward. In this embodiment, the supply port 62 and the discharge port 63 are at equal or approximately equal positions in the short-side direction of the partition 42. That is, the supply port 62 and the discharge port 63 are located on the same vertical line or approximately on the same vertical line. In addition, the supply port 62 and the discharge port 63 are positioned offset in the short-side direction with respect to the supply port 52 and the discharge port 53 of the outer plate 41.

[0035] As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the supply port 62 and the discharge port 63 are connected to the saline supply unit 21. The supply port 62 is connected to the supply pipe 23, and the discharge port 63 is connected to the return pipe 25. The supply port 62 and the opening 61 are connected by a supply pipe structure 64, and the opening 61 and the discharge port 63 are connected by a discharge pipe structure 65. The supply pipe structure 64 and the discharge pipe structure 65 are each formed in a passage shape in the outer plate 41. With these structures, saline is supplied from the saline supply unit 21 to the intermediate chamber 8 from below through the supply port 62 and the supply pipe structure 64, and is discharged from above through the discharge pipe structure 65 and the discharge port 63. That is, the saline is supplied to and discharged from the intermediate chamber 8 along the cathode side diaphragm 11 and the anode side diaphragm 12.

[0036] 1 and 7 to 9 and a seal member 44 shown in Fig. 10 watertightly close the gap between the outer plate 41 and the partition wall 42. The seal member 43 is arranged between the peripheral portion of the cathode outer plate 41a and the peripheral portion of the cathode 13, between the cathode side diaphragm 11 and the partition wall 42, between the partition wall 42 and the anode side diaphragm 12, and between the peripheral portion of the anode 14 and the peripheral portion of the anode outer plate 41b, and the seal member 44 is arranged between the peripheral portion of the seal member 43 and the peripheral portion of the partition wall 42 between the cathode side diaphragm 11 and the partition wall 42 and between the anode side diaphragm 12 and the partition wall 42, respectively.

[0037] The seal member 43 is formed in a planar shape from rubber, synthetic resin having elasticity, or the like. The seal member 43 is formed to a thickness of, for example, about 0.5 mm. In this embodiment, the seal member 43 is formed to have an outer shape that is equal or approximately equal to those of the outer plate 41 and the bulkhead 42 when viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the seal member 43 has a longitudinal direction in the up-down direction. Also, a hole 70 is formed on the inside of the seal member 43, penetrating the seal member 43 in the thickness direction from one side surface to the other side surface. The hole 70 makes the seal member 43 frame-shaped or picture-frame-shaped.

[0038] The hole 70 is formed to a size that exposes the recess 51 of the outer plate 41 and substantially the entire membranes 11 and 12. In the present embodiment, the hole 70 is formed to a substantially rectangular shape having a longitudinal direction in the up-down direction. The hole 70 is disposed in the center of the seal member 43 when viewed from the front.

[0039] The seal member 44 shown in Figs. 10 and 11 is formed in a planar shape from a soft material such as synthetic resin fibers, i.e., chemical fibers. The seal member 44 is formed to a thickness of, for example, about 0.5 mm. In this embodiment, the seal member 44 is formed to have an outer shape that is equal or approximately equal to the outer plate 41, the partition wall 42, and the seal member 43 when viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the seal member 44 has a longitudinal direction in the up-down direction. In addition, a hole 71 is formed inside the seal member 44, penetrating the seal member 44 in the thickness direction from one side surface to the other side surface. A lattice-shaped membrane support portion 72 is formed in the hole portion 71.

[0040] Like the hole 70, the hole 71 is formed to a size that exposes substantially the entire membranes 11 and 12. In the present embodiment, the hole 71 is formed to a substantially rectangular shape having a longitudinal direction in the up-down direction. The hole 71 is disposed in the center of the seal member 44 when viewed from the front.

[0041] The membrane support part 72 is a part that supports the cathode side diaphragm 11 and the anode side diaphragm 12 to stabilize their positions relative to the cathode 13 and the anode 14, thereby maintaining stable electrolysis. The membrane support part 72 is disposed on the partition wall 42 side of the hole part 71, and is inserted into the opening 61, i.e., the intermediate chamber 8. In this embodiment, the membrane support parts 72, 72 of the seal members 44, 44 are positioned close to or in contact with each other in the intermediate chamber 8. The membrane support part 72 integrally includes a support main body part 72a that is elongated along the up-down direction, and a connecting part 72b that connects these support main bodies 72a to each other.

[0042] The support body portion 72 a protrudes toward the partition wall 42 side from the surface of the peripheral edge of the hole portion 71 of the seal member 44 .

[0043] The connecting portions 72b connect the support body portions 72a to each other so that the distance between the support body portions 72a is kept constant or approximately constant and the support body portions 72a are not easily deformed in the thickness direction. The connecting portions 72b are formed at multiple locations in the vertical direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the support body portions 72a. The connecting portions 72b arranged vertically are alternately arranged on the partition 42 side and the membranes 11, 12 side, which is the opposite side, with respect to the support body portions 72a. The connecting portions 72b are set to be thinner than the support body portions 72a, and are configured to allow saline solution to pass vertically through the middle chamber 8 at the opening 61 of the partition 42.

[0044] 1 and 2 , the cathode outer plate 41a, the seal member 43, the cathode 13, the seal member 43, the cathode side diaphragm 11, the seal member 44, the partition wall 42, the seal member 44, the anode side diaphragm 12, the seal member 43, the anode 14, the seal member 43, and the anode outer plate 41b are sequentially stacked in the thickness direction and pressed together in the thickness direction by a fixing means to form the electrolytic cell 5. The fixing means is, for example, a bolt or a nut. A bolt is inserted through a through hole 73 formed in the peripheral portion of the cathode outer plate 41a, the seal member 43, the cathode 13, the seal member 43, the seal member 44, the partition wall 42, the seal member 44, the seal member 43, the anode 14, the seal member 43, and the anode outer plate 41b, and a nut is screwed onto the tip of the bolt and tightened, whereby the partition wall 42 is pressed and held between the outer plates 41, 41.

[0045] Here, in this embodiment, the generation device 1 is provided with a membrane protection structure 75 that suppresses damage to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12.

[0046] The membrane protection structure 75 suppresses damage to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 due to at least one of physical contact with each part, water pressure, and heat from the cathode 13 and / or the anode 14 during electrolysis.

[0047] A first example of the membrane protection structure 75 includes a chamfered portion 81 formed in a portion that comes into contact with the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 in the electrolytic cell 5. As shown in Figs. 1 and 5, the chamfered portion 81 is a portion that suppresses damage to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 due to physical contact with the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12. For example, the chamfered portion 81 is formed in an edge portion (edge ​​portion) of the recess 51 of the outer plate 41 and / or a corner portion (edge ​​portion) of the branch portion 56 that faces the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12. In addition, the chamfered portion 81 may be formed arbitrarily in a portion that may come into contact with the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12, such as an edge portion of the opening 61 of the partition wall 42.

[0048] Also, a second example of the membrane protection structure 75 includes at least one of a supply port 52 that supplies water to the cathode chamber 6 and / or the anode chamber 7 in a direction along the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12, i.e., in the vertical direction, and a discharge port 53 that discharges electrolyzed water from the cathode chamber 6 and / or the anode chamber 7 in a direction along the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12, i.e., in the vertical direction. That is, the supply port 52 and the discharge port 53 are parts that suppress damage to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 due to water pressure generated by a water flow in a direction intersecting the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12.

[0049] 1 and 6 , and a discharge port 63 that discharges the saline solution from the intermediate chamber 8 in a direction along the cathode side diaphragm 11 and the anode side diaphragm 12, that is, in the vertical direction. That is, the supply port 62 and the discharge port 63 are parts that suppress damage to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and the anode side diaphragm 12 due to water pressure generated by a water flow in a direction intersecting the cathode side diaphragm 11 and the anode side diaphragm 12.

[0050] Furthermore, as a fourth example of the membrane protection structure 75, three or more support parts capable of supporting the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 are included. In this embodiment, the branch part 56 shown in Figs. 1, 4, and 5 functions as a support part. The branch part 56 is capable of supporting the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 when water is supplied to the cathode chamber 6 and / or the anode chamber 7 and electrolysis is performed. By providing three or more branch parts 56 in the cathode chamber 6 and / or the anode chamber 7, the strength supporting the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 is distributed, and damage to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 due to physical contact with the branch part 56 is suppressed.

[0051] A fifth example of the membrane protection structure 75 includes a supply piping structure 54 that is a piping structure that supplies water evenly or approximately evenly to the branch flow paths 57 between the branch portions 56 in the cathode chamber 6 and / or the anode chamber 7.

[0052] The supply piping structure 54 includes an inlet piping section 83 that introduces water flowing in from the supply port 52 to the cathode chamber 6 and / or the anode chamber 7, and a plurality of branch piping sections 84 that branch the water from the inlet piping section 83 between the branch sections 56. The inlet piping section 83 is bent in an L-shape from the supply port 52 located at the upper portion toward one side in the short side direction of the cathode chamber 6 and / or the anode chamber 7 and is arranged along the short side direction of the outer plate 41. The inlet piping section 83 has a constant or approximately constant flow path area. The branch piping sections 84 are arranged parallel or approximately parallel to each other in the up-down direction from the inlet piping section 83. The upper end of each branch piping section 84 communicates with the junction section 59 at a position facing each branch flow path 57. The branch piping sections 84 are formed so that they have a flow path area equal to or smaller than that of the inlet piping section 83, and the branch piping sections 84 located farther from the supply port 52 have a larger flow path area. For this reason, the supply piping structure 54 is configured to distribute the water flowing in from the supply port 52 evenly or approximately evenly to the branch flow paths 57 between the branch sections 56 from the inlet piping section 83 to each branch piping section 84. The supply piping structure 54 is a part that suppresses damage to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 due to water pressure.

[0053] Furthermore, a sixth example of the membrane protection structure 75 includes a discharge piping structure 55 which is a piping structure that discharges electrolytic water evenly or approximately evenly from the branch flow paths 57 between the branch portions 56 in the cathode chamber 6 and / or the anode chamber 7.

[0054] The discharge piping structure 55 has a plurality of branch pipes 86 for discharging electrolytic water from the cathode chamber 6 and the anode chamber 7, and an outlet pipe 87 for merging the electrolytic water from the branch pipes 86 and guiding it to the outlet 53. The branch pipes 86 are arranged parallel or approximately parallel to each other along the vertical direction. The lower end of the branch pipe 86 is connected to the junction 58 at a position facing the branch flow path 57. The branch pipes 86 are formed so that they have a flow path area equal to or smaller than the outlet pipe 87, and the flow path area increases as the position is farther from the outlet 53. The outlet pipe 87 is bent in an L-shape and arranged along the short side direction of the outer plate 41, and is connected to the outlet 53 located at the upper part of the cathode chamber 6 and the anode chamber 7 on one side in the short side direction. Each branch pipe 86 is connected to the outlet pipe 87. For this reason, the discharge piping structure 55 is configured to discharge the electrolytic water in the cathode chamber 6 and / or the anode chamber 7 evenly or approximately evenly from the branch flow paths 57 between the branch portions 56 through the junction portion 59 to the discharge port 53. The discharge piping structure 55 is a part that suppresses damage to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 due to water pressure.

[0055] Furthermore, a seventh example of the membrane protection structure 75 includes a supply piping structure 64 and a discharge piping structure 65, which are piping structures that flow saline water evenly or approximately evenly at positions corresponding to the branch flow paths 57 of the cathode chamber 6 and the anode chamber 7 in the intermediate chamber 8 shown in Figure 6.

[0056] Supply piping structure 64 has an inlet piping section 90 that guides the saline solution flowing in from supply port 62 to intermediate chamber 8, and a plurality of branch piping sections 91 that branch the saline solution from this inlet piping section 90 to positions corresponding to between branch sections 56. The structures of these inlet piping section 90 and branch piping section 91 are similar to the structures of inlet piping section 83 and branch piping section 84 of supply piping structure 54, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] Furthermore, the discharge piping structure 65 has a plurality of branch piping sections 93 that discharge the saline solution from the intermediate chamber 8, and an outlet piping section 94 that joins the saline solution from the branch piping sections 93 and leads it to the discharge port 63. The structures of the branch piping sections 93 and the outlet piping section 94 are similar to the structures of the branch piping section 86 and the outlet piping section 87 of the discharge piping structure 55, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] As an eighth example of the membrane protection structure 75, as shown in FIG. 9, the sealing member 43 includes a protrusion 96 formed to protrude beyond the edge of the recess 51 into the cathode chamber 6 and / or the anode chamber 7. The protrusion 96 is a portion that prevents the edge of the recess 51 from directly contacting the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 (FIG. 1). That is, the protrusion 96 is a portion that suppresses damage to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 (FIG. 1) due to physical contact with the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 (FIG. 1). The protrusion 96 constitutes the edge of the hole 70 and protrudes into the cathode chamber 6 and / or the anode chamber 7 beyond the edge of the recess 51 by a predetermined distance, for example, 1 mm. The sealing member 44 shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 may also be provided with a protrusion 97 on the edge of the hole 71 so as to similarly protrude from the edge of the opening 61 (FIG. 1).

[0059] Furthermore, a ninth example of the membrane protection structure 75 includes a seal member 44 that holds the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 in a position close to the cathode 13 and / or the anode 14. In this embodiment, the seal member 44 fixes the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 in a position close to the cathode 13 and / or the anode 14 by interposing a membrane support part 72 between the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 and the partition wall 42, thereby stabilizing the position of the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 during electrolysis, suppressing vibration of the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12, and preventing burning of the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 due to contact with the cathode 13 and / or the anode 14. That is, the seal member 44 is a membrane protection member that suppresses damage to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 due to heat from the cathode 13 and / or the anode 14 during electrolysis.

[0060] The generating device 1 may have one electrolytic cell 5 for the water supply source as shown in FIG. 12(a), or may have multiple electrolytic cells 5 in parallel for the water supply source as shown in FIG. 12(b). In the example shown in FIG. 12(b), multiple electrolytic cells 5 are stacked in a row by alternately arranging outer plates 41 and partition walls 42. In this case, recesses 51 (FIG. 1) for forming chambers are formed on both sides of the outer plates 41 located between the partition walls 42. When multiple electrolytic cells 5 are stacked, it is preferable to provide a throttle for each electrolytic cell 5 so that the water flowing into the chambers 6, 7, and 8 and the water discharged from the chambers 6, 7, and 8 are uniform or approximately uniform. Furthermore, it is preferable to install an abnormality detection device in each electrolytic cell 5 for detecting abnormalities such as leakage of saline water caused by damage to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 based on the electrical characteristics of the electrolytic water, such as resistance value, so that it is possible to find which electrolytic cell 5 has an abnormality in the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12.

[0061] Thus, according to the first embodiment, by providing the membrane protection structure 75, damage to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 can be suppressed. Therefore, the service life of the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 can be extended, and the frequency of maintenance of the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 of the generation device 1 can be reduced, making it possible to generate electrolyzed water at low cost.

[0062] The membrane protection structure 75 suppresses damage to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 due to at least one of physical contact, water pressure, and heat from the electrodes during electrolysis, and thereby can reliably protect the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 against physical contact, excessive water pressure, and heat from the electrodes that may occur during water supply / discharge, electrolysis, etc. in a generation device 1 that supplies water to the cathode chamber 6 and the anode chamber 7, supplies saline solution to the intermediate chamber 8, and generates and discharges electrolyzed water by electrolysis using the cathode side diaphragm 11 and the anode side diaphragm 12.

[0063] Specifically, the membrane protection structure 75 includes a chamfered portion 81 formed in a portion that comes into contact with the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 in the electrolytic cell 5, thereby making it possible to suppress damage to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 due to physical contact with the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12.

[0064] The membrane protection structure 75 includes at least one of a supply port 52 for supplying raw water for electrolysis to the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7 in a direction along the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or anode side diaphragm 12, and a discharge port 53 for discharging electrolyzed water from the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7 in a direction along the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or anode side diaphragm 12, thereby making it possible to suppress the water pressure (load) applied to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or anode side diaphragm 12, and thus to suppress damage to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or anode side diaphragm 12.

[0065] In addition, by arranging the supply port 52 at the lower part of the outer plate 41 and the discharge port 53 at the upper part of the outer plate 41, it is possible to stack the outer plate 41 and the partition walls 42 alternately in the thickness direction, so that multiple electrolytic cells 5 can be constructed compactly by stacking a large number of outer plates 41 and partition walls 42 alternately.

[0066] The membrane protection structure 75 includes three or more branch portions 56 formed in the cathode chamber 6 and / or the anode chamber 7 and capable of supporting the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12, thereby narrowing the space between the branch portions 56, 56 (branch flow paths 57), and forming the branch portions 56 themselves relatively thin to support the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 with high strength by the branch portions 56, thereby distributing the load on the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12, and suppressing damage to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 due to water pressure, etc.

[0067] By forming the branch portions 56 in the form of ribs parallel to each other, the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 can be effectively supported, while the water flowing into the cathode chamber 6 and / or the anode chamber 7 and the electrolytic water discharged from the cathode chamber 6 and / or the anode chamber 7 can be guided by the branch portions 56 along the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12, respectively, so that they can flow efficiently.

[0068] The membrane protection structure 75 includes piping structures such as the supply piping structure 54 and the discharge piping structure 55 that supply water evenly between the branch portions 56 in the cathode chamber 6 and / or the anode chamber 7, thereby suppressing bias in water pressure on the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 between the branch portions 56, and further suppressing damage to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12. In addition, although the space between the branch portions 56, 56 (branch flow paths 57) is narrow by providing three or more branch portions 56, water can be distributed evenly or approximately evenly across these spaces, making it easier for water to pass through, and treatment performance can be ensured.

[0069] The membrane protection structure 75 includes a protrusion 96 formed to protrude beyond the edge of the recess 51 into the cathode chamber 6 and / or anode chamber 7 from the sealing member 43 that watertightly seals the gap between the outer plate 41 and the partition wall 42, thereby suppressing damage to the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 due to physical contact between the edge of the recess 51 and the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12.

[0070] By arranging a plurality of electrolytic cells 5 in parallel with respect to the water supply source, the refining capacity of electrolyzed water can be increased to about 5 to 10 L / min.

[0071] In addition, since the membrane protection structure 75 includes the sealing member 44, which is a sheet-shaped membrane protection member formed of fiber and which fixes the position of the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12, burning, i.e., damage, of the cathode side diaphragm 11 and / or the anode side diaphragm 12 due to heat from the cathode 13 and / or the anode 14 during electrolysis can be suppressed.

[0072] In the first embodiment described above, the sealing member 44 was disposed between each of the membranes 11, 12 and the partition 42. However, this is not limited to the above. As in the second embodiment shown in Figure 13, the thickness of the membrane support portion 72 can be set to be larger than that of the first embodiment, for example about twice as large, so that the membrane support portion 72 is disposed between one of the membranes 11, 12 and the partition 42, and the membrane support portion 72 is disposed so as to be close to the other of the membranes 11, 12 from the opening 61, and the membrane support portion 72 can similarly function as a membrane protection member.

[0073] In each of the above-described embodiments, the vertical relationship between the supply ports 52, 62 and the discharge ports 53, 63 may be reversed. That is, the supply ports 52, 62 may be disposed at the top and the discharge ports 53, 63 may be disposed at the bottom. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 generator 5 Electrolytic cell 6 Cathode chamber 7. Anode chamber 8. Intermediate chamber 11. Diaphragm, cathode side diaphragm 12 Anode side diaphragm, which is a diaphragm 13. Cathode 14 Anode, which is an electrode 44 Sealing material as membrane protection material 71 Hole 72 Membrane support part 75 Membrane protection structure

Claims

1. A generator for generating electrolytic water using a pair of electrodes and a diaphragm, an electrolytic cell having a plurality of chambers separated by the diaphragm; A membrane protection structure that suppresses damage to the diaphragm, the membrane protection structure has a soft membrane protection member formed of fiber, located on the opposite side of the diaphragm from the electrode, and suppressing damage to the diaphragm due to heat from the electrode; The membrane protection member is a hole portion opening opposite the diaphragm; A membrane support portion is formed in the hole and protrudes in a rib shape on the opposite side to the diaphragm. A generating device characterized by:

2. The membrane protection member is a sealing member that provides a watertight seal between the chamber on the membrane side and the chamber on the opposite side.

2. The generating device according to claim 1 .

3. The electrolytic cells are arranged in parallel with the water supply and power supply.

3. The generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

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