Hypochlorous acid water supply device and space sterilization system using the same

Abstract

To provide a hypochlorous acid water supply device capable of generating hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components caused by electrolysis of salt water, and a space sterilization system using the same.SOLUTION: A hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 includes: a serpentine electrolytic flow path configured to supply salt water; a hypochlorous acid water generating unit 1a for continuously electrolytically generating hypochlorous acid water by energizing between a pair of cathode and anode electrodes (between a cathode 2 and an anode 3) from salt water supplied in a non-diaphragm electrolytic flow path (a flow path 12 between the cathode and the anode) constituting a preceding stage of the electrolytic flow path; and a hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b that continuously treats hypochlorous acid water supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generating unit 1a to each of diaphragm-equipped electrolytic flow paths (a cathode side flow path 13 and an anode side flow path 14) that constitute a subsequent stage of the electrolytic flow path by energizing between the pair of anode and cathode electrodes (between the cathode 2 and the anode 3), in which the hypochlorous acid water sent out from the electrolytic flow path on the cathode 2 side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b is supplied to outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hypochlorous acid water supply device that supplies hypochlorous acid water in which NaClO and NaOH, which are residual components of hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolysis of salt water, are suppressed, and to an air sterilization system using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, hypochlorous acid water containing NaClO as a main component and HClO and NaOH is produced by electrolyzing salt water. It is known that the disinfecting power of hypochlorous acid water is improved by making it weakly acidic, and a technique for controlling the pH of the hypochlorous acid water to the weakly acidic side using an ion-permeable diaphragm is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-164392 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, simply adjusting the pH to a weak acidity does not sufficiently suppress the residual components NaClO and NaOH. NaClO and NaOH are components that remain on the surface as solids even after the hypochlorous acid water evaporates, and these residual components deliquesce and redissolve in water, which can promote metal corrosion. Therefore, when hypochlorous acid water containing a large amount of NaClO and NaOH is sprayed as a mist, minute residual components accumulate, raising concerns about corrosion during long-term use.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to provide a hypochlorous acid water supply device capable of supplying hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components generated by electrolysis of salt water, and a space sterilization system using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve this object, the hypochlorous acid water supply device of the present invention comprises a serpentine electrolysis flow path configured to be able to supply salt water, a hypochlorous acid water generation unit that continuously electrolyzes hypochlorous acid water from salt water supplied into a diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path that constitutes the front stage of the electrolysis flow path by passing current between a pair of negative and positive electrodes, and a hypochlorous acid water treatment unit that continuously treats the hypochlorous acid water supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit into each of the diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow paths that constitute the rear stage of the electrolysis flow path by passing current between a pair of negative and positive electrodes, and is configured to supply hypochlorous acid water discharged from the electrolysis flow path on the positive electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit to the outside.

[0007] In addition, the space sterilization system according to the present invention comprises the above-mentioned hypochlorous acid water supply device and a sterilization device that is connected in communication with the first flow path and releases hypochlorous acid water mist into a specified space using the hypochlorous acid water discharged from the first flow path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hypochlorous acid water supply device capable of supplying hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components generated by electrolysis of salt water, and a space sterilization system using the same. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a hypochlorous acid water supply device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the hypochlorous acid water supply device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional image of the hypochlorous acid water supply device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional image diagram of the hypochlorous acid water generating unit of the hypochlorous acid water supply device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional image diagram of a hypochlorous acid water treatment section of a hypochlorous acid water supply device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the characteristics of hypochlorous acid water that has flowed through the hypochlorous acid water supply device and the electrodialysis time. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a manufacturing process of the interdigital electrodes that constitute the hypochlorous acid water supply device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a space sterilization system using a hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The hypochlorous acid water supply device of the present invention comprises a serpentine electrolysis flow path configured to be able to supply salt water, a hypochlorous acid water generation unit that continuously electrolyzes hypochlorous acid water from salt water supplied into a diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path that constitutes the front stage of the electrolysis flow path by passing current between a pair of negative and positive electrodes, and a hypochlorous acid water treatment unit that continuously treats the hypochlorous acid water supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit into each of the diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow paths that constitute the rear stage of the electrolysis flow path by passing current between the pair of negative and positive electrodes, and is configured to supply hypochlorous acid water discharged from the electrolysis flow path on the positive electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit to the outside.

[0011] With this configuration, by supplying saltwater to the electrolysis flow path, the saltwater is electrolyzed in the diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path in the hypochlorous acid water generator to produce hypochlorous acid water. The hypochlorous acid water generated in the diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path is then circulated through the diaphragm-containing electrolysis flow path in the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit, and hypochlorous acid water can be extracted from the positive electrode side as hypochlorous acid water with reduced cations that cause residual components. This allows for a one-pass hypochlorous acid water supply device that can supply hypochlorous acid water from which residual components generated by the electrolysis of saltwater have been separated to the outside. Furthermore, the hypochlorous acid water generator and the hypochlorous acid treatment unit share a common positive and negative electrode (a pair of negative and positive electrodes), and the diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path and the diaphragm-containing electrolysis flow path are directly connected with a voltage applied between the negative and positive electrodes. As a result, the water flows into the membrane-less electrolytic flow path in a state where there is a distribution of anions near the anode side and cations near the cathode, and therefore the electrodialysis treatment can be started in a state where the cations that cause residual components on the anode side have already been reduced.

[0012] In addition, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, the membrane-less electrolysis flow path includes a planar positive electrode, a planar negative electrode facing the positive electrode, and a spacer member provided between the positive and negative electrodes. The pair of first negative and positive electrodes are configured in a serpentine shape by exposing the positive and negative electrodes to the membrane-less electrolysis flow path by the spacer member. In this way, the ability to electrolyze brine can be changed by changing the flow path shape formed in the spacer member, and the area and time for electrolyzing brine can be freely designed.

[0013] In addition, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, the diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow path includes a serpentine first flow path in which a positive electrode is exposed and extends along the flow path, a serpentine second flow path in which a negative electrode is exposed and extends along the flow path, and a diaphragm separating the first and second flow paths and allowing permeation of cations contained in the solution flowing through the flow path. The pair of negative and positive electrodes are configured in a serpentine shape by exposing the positive electrode to the first flow path via a first spacer member and the negative electrode to the second flow path via a second spacer member. In this manner, hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolyzing salt water flows while a voltage is applied in the same direction across the diaphragm, thereby separating and reducing cations that cause residual components from the hypochlorous acid water. This allows for a hypochlorous acid water treatment unit that can produce hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components resulting from the electrolysis of salt water.

[0014] In addition, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, the diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow path includes a planar positive electrode, a planar diaphragm facing the positive electrode, and a first spacer member disposed between the positive electrode and the diaphragm, exposing the positive electrode and the diaphragm in the first flow path along the flow path. The first flow path is composed of the positive electrode and the diaphragm exposed along the flow path, and the first spacer member. The first flow path also includes a planar negative electrode, a planar diaphragm facing the negative electrode, and a second spacer member disposed between the negative electrode and the diaphragm, exposing the negative electrode and the diaphragm in the second flow path along the flow path. The second flow path is composed of the negative electrode and the diaphragm exposed along the flow path, and the second spacer member. This allows the flow path shape formed in the first spacer member and the flow path shape formed in the second spacer member to change the ability to separate cations that cause residual components from hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolyzing salt water, thereby enabling the area and time for separating cations that cause residual components from hypochlorous acid water to be freely designed.

[0015] In addition, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, the spacer member is formed by stacking a first spacer member and a second spacer member. This configuration simplifies the structure and allows the flow of water to be prevented from leaking at the boundary between the membrane-less electrolysis flow path and the membrane-containing electrolysis flow path and from disturbing the ion distribution in the flow path.

[0016] The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention also includes a supply pump provided at each of the outlets on the positive electrode side and the negative electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit, which generates a flow for supplying salt water to the electrolysis flow path. The supply pump preferably supplies hypochlorous acid water from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit to the first flow path and the second flow path at a constant flow rate. This allows the time during which a voltage is applied to the first flow path to be constant, and also the time during which a voltage is applied to the second flow path to be constant. This allows the concentration at which cations that cause residual components in the hypochlorous acid water are separated and diluted in the first flow path and the concentration at which cations that cause residual components in the hypochlorous acid water are concentrated in the second flow path to be stable.

[0017] The space sterilization system according to the present invention is configured to include the above-described hypochlorous acid water supply device and a sterilization device connected in communication with the first flow path and configured to release a hypochlorous acid water mist into a predetermined space using the hypochlorous acid water discharged from the first flow path. With this configuration, even if the hypochlorous acid water mist discharged from the first flow path is released into a predetermined space, residual components remaining in the predetermined space are suppressed. In other words, since the hypochlorous acid water discharged from the first flow path is hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components generated by electrolysis of salt water, when sterilizing a predetermined space, the occurrence of metal corrosion due to the residual components can be suppressed while maintaining sterilization performance.

[0018] In addition, in the space sterilization system according to the present invention, a drain pipe is provided in the predetermined space to discharge water generated within the predetermined space. The second flow path is connected to the drain pipe and configured to allow hypochlorous acid water discharged from the second flow path to be introduced into the drain pipe. In this way, highly detergency hypochlorous acid water containing an alkaline solution in which cations that cause residual components are concentrated is circulated from the hypochlorous acid water discharged from the second flow path into the drain pipe, so that the drain pipe can be cleaned with the alkaline solution.

[0019] (Embodiment 1) A hypochlorous acid water supplying apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the hypochlorous acid water supplying apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the hypochlorous acid water supplying apparatus 1. Figure 3 is an image diagram of a vertical cross section of the hypochlorous acid water supplying apparatus 1.

[0020] The hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 supplies salt water (sodium chloride aqueous solution) and generates hypochlorous acid water by electrolysis, and further, removes residual components (Na + This device can separate and reduce components containing cations such as ions (e.g., NaClO, NaOH) from the hypochlorous acid water flowing inside, and extract and supply them in a single pass.

[0021] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 includes a hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a that electrolyzes salt water to generate hypochlorous acid water in a single pass, a hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b that separates and reduces residual components contained in the hypochlorous acid water in a single pass, an electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 15 that applies a current and voltage to the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a and the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b to perform electrolysis and electrodialysis, and a positive electrode side supply pump 31 (see FIG. 9) and a negative electrode side supply pump 32 (see FIG. 9) for circulating salt water through the flow path of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a and for circulating hypochlorous acid water through the flow path of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the hypochlorous acid water generator 1a includes a positive electrode 2, a negative electrode 3, a positive electrode side spacer 5, a negative electrode side spacer 6, a positive electrode gasket 7a, a negative electrode gasket 7b, a positive electrode side tank housing side surface 8a, a negative electrode side tank housing side surface 8b, a negative / positive electrode solution supply port 9, a first positive electrode solution extraction port 10, a first negative electrode solution extraction port 11, and a flow path 12 between the negative and positive electrodes.

[0023] The hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b includes a positive electrode 2, a negative electrode 3, a diaphragm 4, a positive electrode side spacer 5, a negative electrode side spacer 6, a positive electrode gasket 7a, a negative electrode gasket 7b, a positive electrode side tank housing side surface 8a, a negative electrode side tank housing side surface 8b, a negative / positive electrode solution supply port 9, a first positive electrode solution extraction port 10, a first negative electrode solution extraction port 11, a positive electrode side flow path 13, and a negative electrode side flow path 14.

[0024] The anode 2 is a flat electrode plate. The surface of the anode 2 is exposed along the flow path between the cathode and anode electrodes 12 and the anode-side flow path 13 by the anode-side spacer 5. The anode 2 functions as an anode when current is passed through it from the electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 15. The anode 2 is positioned approximately parallel to and facing the cathode 3. The anode 2 is made of a titanium substrate with a platinum-containing catalyst formed on its surface, and is made of a material that efficiently generates hypochlorous acid through electrolysis. The platinum-containing catalyst is formed on the surface of the anode 2 that is exposed at least along the flow path between the cathode and anode electrodes 12 and the anode-side flow path 13. After electrolyzing brine, the main purpose is to transfer cations by electrodialysis to produce hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components, NaClO and NaOH. However, NaCl produced by decomposition of NaClO and NaCl remaining in brine can also be converted to hypochlorous acid by the platinum electrode.

[0025] The negative electrode 3 is a flat electrode plate. The surface of the negative electrode 3 is exposed along the cathode-positive electrode flow path 12 and the cathode-side flow path 14 by the cathode-side spacer 6. The negative electrode 3 functions as a cathode when current is passed through it by the electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 15. The negative electrode 3 is disposed approximately parallel to and facing the positive electrode 2. Like the positive electrode 2, the negative electrode 3 has a platinum-containing catalyst formed on its surface. The platinum-containing catalyst is formed on at least the surface of the negative electrode 3 exposed along the cathode-side flow path 12 and the anode-side flow path 14. The anode 2 and the negative electrode 3 in the exposed electrodialysis regions along the anode-side flow path 13 and the cathode-side flow path 14 have the same shape, and a shorter facing distance facilitates ion migration. A shorter facing distance reduces the flow rate through the flow paths and reduces the amount of hypochlorous acid water that can be produced. Therefore, it is desirable to shorten the facing distance to approximately 10 mm or less while ensuring the required amount of hypochlorous acid water produced.

[0026] The positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3 constitute a pair of opposing electrodes, ie, a negative-positive electrode.

[0027] The diaphragm 4 is a flat thin film. The diaphragm 4 is disposed substantially parallel to and facing the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3. The diaphragm 4 is provided so as to separate the positive electrode side flow path 13 from the negative electrode side flow path 14. The diaphragm 4 is formed of NaClO and NaOH, which are residual components of the hypochlorous acid water. +The diaphragm 4 is an ion exchange membrane (cation exchange membrane) capable of transferring cations such as ions. The diaphragm 4 can transfer cations to the cathode 3 by applying a voltage between the anode 2 and the cathode 3. Examples of this cation exchange membrane include Nafion (manufactured by DuPont). The diaphragm 4 is disposed in the latter part (second half) of the flow path, and the portion having the diaphragm 4 constitutes the hypochlorous acid water treatment section 1b. Conversely, the portion not having the diaphragm 4 in the former part (first half) of the flow path constitutes the hypochlorous acid water generation section 1a. The size of the diaphragm 4 determines the area of ​​the hypochlorous acid water generation section 1a and the area of ​​the hypochlorous acid water treatment section 1b. Specifically, the size of the diaphragm 4 is reduced to increase the proportion of the electrolysis time for saltwater, and the size of the diaphragm 4 is increased to increase the proportion of the electrodialysis time for hypochlorous acid water. Because the negative electrode 3 concentrates cations, scale components contained in tap water, etc., may precipitate during extended use. To reduce scale buildup, for example, the potentials of the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3 are reversed and polarity is reversed each time water is passed through the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1, thereby dissolving the deposited scale. When considering use with polarity reversal, it is desirable that the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3 be similarly treated with a catalyst containing platinum.

[0028] The anode side spacer 5 is an insulating member. The anode side spacer 5 controls the distance between the anode 2 and the diaphragm 4 to a predetermined distance. The anode side spacer 5 has anode side flow passage holes 13a therein that form the anode side flow passages 13 (described later). The anode side flow passage holes 13a are holes formed in the anode side spacer 5 that form the anode side flow passages 13. The anode side flow passage holes 13a penetrate the anode side spacer 5 from front to back and are formed in a serpentine shape, moving back and forth horizontally and ascending step by step. A packing member (not shown) of the same serpentine shape as the anode side spacer 5 is attached to the surface of the anode side spacer 5 to improve adhesion between the anode 2 and the diaphragm 4. The anode side spacer 5 corresponds to the "first spacer member" in the claims.

[0029] The cathode side spacer 6 is an insulating member. The cathode side spacer 6 controls the distance between the cathode 3 and the diaphragm 4 to a predetermined distance. The cathode side spacer 6 has cathode side flow path holes 14a therein, which form the cathode side flow paths 14 (described later). The cathode side flow path holes 14a are holes formed in the cathode side spacer 6 that form the cathode side flow paths 14. The cathode side flow path holes 14a penetrate the cathode side spacer 6 from front to back and are formed in a serpentine shape, moving back and forth horizontally and ascending step by step. The cathode side flow path holes 14a and the anode side flow path holes 13a are arranged opposite each other. A packing member (not shown) having the same serpentine shape as the cathode side spacer 6 is attached to the surface of the cathode side spacer 6 to improve adhesion between the cathode 3 and the diaphragm 4. The cathode side spacer 6 corresponds to the "second spacer member" in the claims.

[0030] In the hypochlorous acid water generator 1a, the positive electrode side spacer 5 and the negative electrode side spacer 4 are in direct contact with each other and function as a negative-positive electrode spacer between the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 4. This spacer between the negative and positive electrodes corresponds to the "spacer member" in the claims.

[0031] In the hypochlorous acid spray generator 1a, an anode side spacer 5 and a cathode side spacer 6 are interposed between the anode 2 and the cathode 3. In the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b, an anode side spacer 5, a diaphragm 4, and a cathode spacer 6 are interposed between the anode 2 and the cathode 3. The anode 2 and the cathode 3 are arranged approximately parallel, and in order to accommodate the thickness of the diaphragm 4, the thicknesses of the anode side spacer 5 and the cathode side spacer 6 in the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b are thinner by the thickness of the diaphragm 4. As a means for absorbing the thickness of the diaphragm 4 with the thickness of the anode side spacer 5 and the cathode side spacer 6, the packing members placed on the surfaces of the anode side spacer 5 and the cathode side spacer 6 can be designed to be thicker than the diaphragm 4, and the packing members can be made of a material that has been deformed to absorb its shape, such as silicone resin. By doing so, pressure can be applied from both sides of the anode side spacer 5 and the cathode side spacer 6, allowing the packing members to absorb the thickness of the diaphragm 4 while achieving the original purpose of preventing liquid leakage.

[0032] The positive electrode packing 7a has a shape in which the size of the electrode is hollowed out on the outer periphery of the positive electrode 2, and is attached by applying tightening pressure in close contact with the positive electrode side spacer 5 so as to prevent leakage of the solution (cathode / positive electrode supply solution 9a described below) in the positive electrode side flow path 13 in the circumferential direction. Insulating silicone rubber can be used as the material for the positive electrode packing 7a. The positive electrode packing 7a is thicker than the positive electrode 2, and is preferably held in place by the thickness of the positive electrode 2 while being crushed by the tightening pressure to tightly contact the positive electrode side spacer 5 and the positive electrode side tank casing side surface 8a.

[0033] The cathode gasket 7b has a shape in which the size of the cathode is hollowed out around the outer periphery of the cathode 3, and is attached by applying tightening pressure in close contact with the cathode spacer 6 so as to prevent leakage of the solution (cathode / anode supply solution 9a described below) in the cathode side flow path 14 in the circumferential direction. Insulating silicone rubber can be used as the material for the cathode gasket 7b. The cathode gasket 7b is thicker than the cathode 3, and is preferably held in place by the thickness of the cathode 3 while being crushed by the tightening pressure and in close contact with the cathode spacer 6 and the cathode side cell casing side surface 8b.

[0034] The positive electrode side tank housing side surface 8a is disposed so as to be in direct contact with the outside of the positive electrode 2. To prevent the solution from seeping into the outside of the positive electrode 2, a packing (not shown) is attached to the inner surface of the positive electrode side tank housing side surface 8a to improve adhesion, and it is desirable to apply tightening pressure to prevent the solution from leaking outside the electrode. Even if the solution does get around to the outside of the electrode, it will not leak to the outside. Because a platinum-containing catalyst is formed only on the inner surface of the positive electrode 2, preventing the solution from getting around to the outside of the electrode will also lead to improved efficiency of electrodialysis.

[0035] The cathode-side tank casing side surface 8b is disposed so as to be in direct contact with the outside of the cathode 3. To prevent the solution from seeping into the outside of the cathode 3, a packing (not shown) is attached to the inner surface of the cathode-side tank casing side surface 8b to improve adhesion, and it is desirable to apply tightening pressure to prevent the solution from leaking outside the electrode. Even if the solution does get around to the outside of the electrode, it will not leak to the outside. Because a platinum-containing catalyst is formed only on the inner surface of the cathode 3, preventing the solution from getting around to the outside of the electrode will also lead to improved efficiency of electrode dialysis.

[0036] The cathode and anode electrode solution supply port 9 is a connection port for flowing brine to be electrolyzed into the cathode-cathode flow path 12, and is equipped with a connector (not shown) to which a tube can be connected. In order to supply brine from outside the anode 2, the cathode and anode electrode solution supply port 9 is machined at a position on the outer periphery of the anode 2. The cathode and anode electrode solution supply port 9 are machined at positions on the outer periphery of both the anode 2 and the cathode 3, but may be machined at a position on the outer periphery of only one of the anode 2 or the cathode 3.

[0037] The cathode / anodizing electrode supply solution 9a is salt water and is introduced into the cathode / anodizing electrode flow path 12 from the cathode / anodizing electrode solution supply port 9.

[0038] The anode solution extraction port 10 is a connection port for extracting the electrodialyzed anode extraction solution 10a from the flow path, and is equipped with a connector (not shown) to which a tube can be connected. In order to extract the anode extraction solution 10a outside the anode 2, the anode solution extraction port 10 is machined at a position on the outer periphery of the anode 2.

[0039] The positive electrode extraction solution 10a is hypochlorous acid water containing HClO as a main component. The positive electrode extraction solution 10a is introduced into the positive electrode solution extraction port 10 from the positive electrode side flow path 13.

[0040] More specifically, the positive electrode extraction solution 10a is a solution obtained by electrolyzing the negative and positive electrode supply solution 9a in the negative and positive electrode flow path 12, and then passing it through the positive electrode side flow path 13 to separate and dilute the cations that cause residual components. Since the hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing salt water in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a is used, the positive electrode extraction solution 10a contains the cation Na + The ions are separated and diluted, and the HClO component becomes the main component of hypochlorous acid water. The pH indicates acidity.

[0041] The cathode solution extraction port 11 is a connection port for extracting the electrodialyzed cathode extraction solution 11a from the flow path, and is equipped with a connector (not shown) to which a tube can be connected. In order to extract the cathode extraction solution 11a outside the cathode 3, the cathode solution extraction port 11 is machined at a position on the outer periphery of the cathode 3.

[0042] The negative electrode extraction solution 11a is hypochlorous acid water containing NaClO and NaOH as main components, and is led out from the negative electrode side flow path 14 to the negative electrode solution extraction port 11.

[0043] More specifically, the cathode extraction solution 11a is a solution in which the cathode supply solution 9a is electrolyzed in the cathode-and-anodode flow path 12, and then circulated through the cathode-side flow path 14, resulting in concentrated cations that are the cause of residual components. Since hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing salt water in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a is used, the cathode extraction solution 11a contains the cation Na + The ions are separated and concentrated and produced as NaOH, resulting in hypochlorous acid water with NaOH and NaClO as the main components. The pH indicates alkalinity.

[0044] Here, it is desirable that the cathode / anode electrode solution supply port 9 be located vertically downward, and that the anode solution extraction port 10 and the cathode solution extraction port 11 be located vertically upward. When oxygen gas, hydrogen gas, etc. are generated by the electrodialysis reaction and electrolysis reaction in the flow path, the gas can be more efficiently discharged together with the solution if the extraction ports are located upward.

[0045] The cathode-and-anodide interelectrode flow path 12 is a flow path formed in an area surrounded by the anode 2, the anode-and-anodide spacer 5, the cathode-and-anodide spacer 6, and the cathode 3, and is a so-called membraneless electrolysis flow path. The cathode-and-anodide interelectrode flow path 12 is configured to have a serpentine structure in which the anode-and-anodide interelectrode flow path holes 13a in the anode-and-anodide spacer 5 and the cathode-and-anodide interelectrode flow path holes 14a in the cathode-and-anodide spacer 6 are overlapped. More specifically, the cathode-and-anodide interelectrode flow path 12 moves back and forth horizontally, and the number of horizontal reciprocations determines the distance over which electrolysis is performed until the solution reaches the top. Furthermore, by reducing the flow path width of the cathode-and-anodide interelectrode flow path 12, the distance can be increased, thereby extending the electrolysis time. To reduce backflow of the solution in the cathode-and-anodide interelectrode flow path 12, it is desirable to design the cathode-and-anodide interelectrode flow path 12 so that it flows in one direction, from bottom to top, except for the horizontal reciprocation. The cathode-and-anodide interelectrode flow path 12 is connected to the anode-side flow path 13 and the cathode-side flow path 14, and the cathode-and-anodide supply solution 9a flows through it. The amount of electrolysis is controlled by the applied voltage and current and the flow rate within the flow path. The flow rate can be controlled by installing an anode-side supply pump 31 downstream of the anode solution extraction port 10 and a cathode-side supply pump 32 downstream of the cathode solution extraction port 11. Each supply pump is preferably capable of controlling a constant flow rate, and a tube pump, for example, can be used. By flowing the solution at a constant flow rate, the electrolysis time within the flow path can be controlled at a constant value, allowing for stable control of the concentration of the extracted hypochlorous acid water.

[0046] In the flow path 12 between the negative and positive electrodes, the electrolyzed hypochlorous acid water is mixed during the flow process, but Cl, which is an anion component of salt water, is present near the positive electrode 2. - Many ions are distributed, and Na, a cation component of saltwater, is found near the negative electrode 3. +The ions flow with a concentration gradient such that a large proportion of them are distributed. Therefore, when electrolysis is performed between the negative and positive electrodes, a solution that is more acidic flows near the positive electrode 2, and a solution that is more alkaline flows near the negative electrode 3. Therefore, hypochlorous acid water that is more acidic and more alkaline flows through the positive electrode side flow path 13 and the negative electrode side flow path 14, respectively. Specifically, acidic hypochlorous acid water that is rich in HCl and HClO flows through the positive electrode side flow path 13, and alkaline hypochlorous acid water that is rich in NaOH is extracted from the negative electrode side flow path 14.

[0047] The anode side flow path 13 is a flow path formed in an area surrounded by the anode 2, the anode side spacer 5, and the diaphragm 4. The anode side flow path 13 is configured to meander due to the anode side flow path holes 13a in the anode side spacer 5. More specifically, the anode side flow path 13 moves back and forth horizontally, and the number of horizontal reciprocations until the anode side solution reaches the top determines the distance over which electrodialysis is performed. Furthermore, narrowing the flow path width of the anode side flow path 13 increases the distance, thereby extending the electrodialysis time. To reduce backflow of the solution in the anode side flow path 13, it is desirable for the anode side flow path 13 to be configured so that it moves in only one direction, from bottom to top, except for the horizontal reciprocation. One end of the anode side flow path 13 is connected to the cathode-anode electrode flow path 12, and the other end is provided with an anode solution extraction port 10, through which hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing salt water in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a flows. The positive electrode side flow path 13 corresponds to the "first flow path" in the claims.

[0048] The cathode side flow path 14 is a flow path formed in an area surrounded by the cathode 3, the cathode side spacer 6, and the diaphragm 4. The cathode side flow path 14 is configured to meander due to the cathode side flow path holes 14a in the cathode side spacer 6. More specifically, the cathode side flow path 14 moves back and forth horizontally, and the number of horizontal reciprocations until the cathode side solution reaches the top determines the distance over which electrodialysis is performed. Furthermore, narrowing the flow path width of the cathode side flow path 14 increases the distance, thereby extending the electrodialysis time. To reduce backflow of the solution in the cathode side flow path 14, it is desirable to design the cathode side flow path 14 so that the flow is unidirectional, from bottom to top, except for the horizontal reciprocation. One end of the cathode side flow path 14 is connected to the cathode-positive electrode flow path 12, and the other end is provided with a cathode solution extraction port 11, through which hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing salt water in the hypochlorous acid water generator 1a flows. The cathode side flow path 14 corresponds to the "second flow path" in the claims.

[0049] The anode side flow path 13 and the cathode side flow path 14 are symmetrically opposed to each other with the diaphragm 4 interposed therebetween. That is, the anode side flow path 13 and the cathode side flow path 14 are configured in a serpentine shape, facing each other with the diaphragm 4 interposed therebetween. In this way, the anode side flow path 13 and the cathode side flow path 14 constitute a so-called diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow path. Na ions contained in the hypochlorous acid water flowing through the anode side flow path 13 migrate to the cathode side flow path 14. The amount of ion migration is controlled by the applied voltage / current and the flow rate within the flow path. The flow rate can be controlled by installing an anode side supply pump 31 downstream of the anode solution extraction port 10 and a cathode side supply pump 32 downstream of the cathode solution extraction port 11. Each pump is preferably capable of controlling a constant flow rate; for example, a tube pump can be used. By flowing the solution at a constant flow rate, the electrodialysis and electrolysis times within the flow path can be controlled to a constant value, thereby stably controlling the concentration of the extracted hypochlorous acid water.

[0050] In the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1, the serpentine electrolysis flow path of the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 is configured as a one-pass system by the cathode-and-anodode inter-electrode flow path 12 that constitutes the diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path, and the anode-side flow path 13 and the cathode-side flow path 14 that constitute the subsequent diaphragm-containing electrolysis flow path. In other words, in the serpentine electrolysis flow path, the cathode-and-anodode inter-electrode flow path 12 constitutes the front stage of the electrolysis flow path, and the anode-side flow path 13 and the cathode-side flow path 14 constitute the rear stage of the electrolysis flow path.

[0051] The electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 15 is a DC power supply connected to the anode 2 and the cathode 3, capable of applying current and voltage to the anode 2 and the cathode 3. The electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 15 may be used as a constant current control power supply to provide a constant current, or as a constant voltage control power supply to provide a constant voltage. The electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 15 applies current and voltage to the anode 2 and the cathode 3, which are common to the hypochlorous acid water generator 1a and the hypochlorous acid treatment unit 1b. In other words, the electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 15 functions as a power supply for the electrodes that cause electrolysis in the hypochlorous acid water generator 1a and the electrodes that cause electrodialysis in the hypochlorous acid treatment unit 1b. To reduce scale accumulation, the electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 15 may be controlled to reverse the potentials of the anode 2 and the cathode 3, for example, each time hypochlorous acid water is passed through the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1, thereby dissolving the deposited scale.

[0052] As described above, the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 is made up of each member.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3, the hypochlorous acid water supplying device 1 is composed of the hypochlorous acid water generating unit 1a and the hypochlorous acid water processing unit 1b. The hypochlorous acid water supplying device 1 continuously introduces saltwater into the hypochlorous acid water generating unit 1a and continuously supplies hypochlorous acid water from the hypochlorous acid water processing unit 1b to the hypochlorous acid water processing unit 1b. More specifically, the hypochlorous acid water supplying device 1 electrolyzes the saltwater continuously introduced into the hypochlorous acid water generating unit 1a, and supplies the anode extraction solution 10a, which is delivered from the anode side flow path 13 on the anode side of the hypochlorous acid water processing unit 1b, to the outside as acidic hypochlorous acid water. The hypochlorous acid water supplying device 1 also supplies the cathode extraction solution 11a, which is delivered from the cathode side flow path 14 on the cathode side of the hypochlorous acid water processing unit 1b, to the outside as alkaline hypochlorous acid water.

[0054] Next, the processing operation in the hypochlorous acid water production unit 1a will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional image diagram of the hypochlorous acid water production unit 1a of the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1.

[0055] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the hypochlorous acid water generator 1a, a cathode / anodode supply solution 9a, which is salt water, is continuously supplied to the cathode / anodode inter-electrode flow path 12 through the cathode / anodode solution supply port 9. The cathode / anodode supply solution 9a supplied from the cathode / anodode solution supply port 9 flows through the anion / anodode inter-electrode flow path 12, which is formed in a serpentine shape. At this time, a voltage is applied to the anode 2 and the cathode 3 at both ends of the cathode / anodode supply solution 9a as it flows through the anion / anodode inter-electrode flow path 12. When a voltage is applied, anions (Cl - ions), and cations (Na + ions) are attracted to the cathode 2, and electrolysis produces HCl and HClO on the anode 2 side, and NaOH on the cathode 3 side. HClO and NaOH then react to produce NaClO. By repeating this process, hypochlorous acid water containing HClO, NaOH, and residual NaCl, with NaClO as the main component, is produced.

[0056] In the treatment operation of the hypochlorous acid water generator 1a, the amount of NaCl electrolyzed can be increased by extending the time for which electrolysis is performed in the flow path 12 between the cathode and anode electrodes, thereby reducing the amount of NaCl (salt water) remaining in the generated hypochlorous acid water. To extend the time for electrolysis, it is necessary to extend the distance of the flow path 12 between the cathode and anode electrodes. To achieve this, the flow path 12 is formed in a serpentine shape, moving back and forth horizontally and ascending step by step. The number of horizontal reciprocations required for the solution to reach the top increases the distance for electrolysis. Furthermore, reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 12 between the cathode and anode electrodes also increases the distance, thereby lengthening the electrolysis time.

[0057] Next, the processing operation in the hypochlorous acid water processing unit 1b will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 5. Figure 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional image diagram of the hypochlorous acid water processing unit 1b of the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, in the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b, hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing saltwater in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a is continuously supplied to the anode-side flow path 13, and similarly, hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing saltwater in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a is continuously supplied to the cathode-side flow path 14. The hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing saltwater in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a flows through the meandering anode-side flow path 13, and then flows through the similarly meandering cathode-side flow path 14. At this time, the hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing saltwater in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a flows in the same direction through the anode-side flow path 13 and the cathode-side flow path 14, respectively, and at the same time, a voltage is applied to the anode 2 and the cathode 3 at both ends. When a voltage is applied, anions are generated on the anode 2 side, and cations (Na + The diaphragm 4 is made of a membrane that is permeable only to cations, and therefore the cations (Na ions) contained in the hypochlorous acid water flowing through the positive electrode side flow path 13 are attracted. + ions) permeate the diaphragm 4 and pass through the hypochlorous acid water in the cathode side flow path 14 to the cathode 3 side. +ions) are attracted to the positive electrode 2. On the other hand, anions flowing through the negative electrode side flow path 14 cannot pass through the diaphragm 4, so only the anions contained in the positive electrode side flow path 13 are attracted to the positive electrode 2. By repeating this process, the cations (Na + ions) move to the hypochlorous acid water flowing through the cathode side flow path 14, and electrodialysis progresses, and the hypochlorous acid water flowing through the anode side flow path 13 moves to the cations (Na + ions) are separated and diluted, and the hypochlorous acid water flowing through the cathode side flow path 14 contains cations (Na + As a result, hypochlorous acid water containing HClO as the main component is extracted from the anode solution extraction port 10 as a cathode extraction solution 11a, in which the residual components NaClO and NaOH are separated and diluted. + The ions are concentrated and a solution containing the components produced as NaOH (hypochlorous acid water) is extracted.

[0059] In the treatment operation in the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b, the time for which electrodialysis is performed in the anode-side flow path 13 and the cathode-side flow path 14 is extended, thereby increasing the amount of cations (Na + This increases the amount of migration of ions (ions) and further reduces the residual components of NaClO and NaOH in the anode extraction solution 10a. To extend the electrodialysis time, it is necessary to increase the distance between the anode-side flow path 13 and the cathode-side flow path 14. To achieve this, the flow paths are formed in a serpentine pattern, moving back and forth horizontally and ascending step by step. The number of horizontal reciprocations required for the solution to reach the top increases the distance over which electrodialysis is performed. Furthermore, by reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the anode-side flow path 13 and the cathode-side flow path 14, the distance can be increased, thereby extending the electrodialysis time.

[0060] Although the pumps are controlled so that the flow rates of the solutions passing through the anode-side flow path 13 and the cathode-side flow path 14 are the same, they may be different. Different flow rates affect the concentrations of the extracted solutions. For example, if the flow rate in the anode-side flow path 13 is relatively fast and the flow rate in the cathode-side flow path 14 is relatively slow, the amount of the cathode extraction solution 11a extracted from the cathode-side flow path 14 will be smaller and more concentrated than if the flow rates in the anode-side flow path 13 and the cathode-side flow path 14 were the same. Therefore, when draining the cathode extraction solution 11a, it is desirable to slow down the flow rate in the cathode-side flow path 14.

[0061] Next, referring to FIG. 6, the characteristics (conductivity, pH, and effective chlorine concentration) of the hypochlorous acid water of the anode extraction solution 10a and the cathode extraction solution 11a actually flowing through the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a and hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b) and extracted from the anode solution extraction port 10 and the cathode solution extraction port 11, respectively, will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the characteristics of the hypochlorous acid water flowing through the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 and the electrodialysis time. More specifically, FIG. 6(a) is a diagram showing the relationship between the electrodialysis time and the conductivity in the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1. FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the electrodialysis time and the pH in the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1. FIG. 6(c) is a diagram showing the relationship between the electrodialysis time and the effective chlorine concentration in the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1.

[0062] In the experimental evaluation shown in FIG. 6, the hypochlorous acid water generating unit 1a had a flow path cross-sectional area of ​​24 mm 2 The hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b is provided with a flow path 12 between the cathode and anode electrodes having a flow path length of 360 mm and a flow path cross-sectional area of ​​24 mm 2 The anode side flow path 13 and the cathode side flow path 14 had a flow path length of 320 mm. The flow rate conditions of the anode side supply pump 31 and the cathode side demand pump 32 were set to flow rates of 103 mL / h, 153 mL / h, and 250 mL / h, respectively, to adjust the electrolysis time of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a and the electrodialysis time of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b, and the conductivity, pH, and available chlorine concentration of the anode extraction solution 10a and the cathode extraction solution 11a were measured.

[0063] The saltwater used as the cathode / cathode supply solution 9a supplied to the cathode / cathode solution supply port 9 had a conductivity of 429 μS / cm, a pH of 6.6, an available chlorine concentration of 0 ppm, and a chloride ion concentration of 156 ppm. The electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 15 was capable of applying a constant current of 0.2 A. The electrolysis time refers to the time during which the solution is in direct contact with the anode 2 and cathode 3 in the cathode-cathode flow path 12; the longer the electrolysis time, the slower the flow rate. The electrodialysis time refers to the time during which the solution is in direct contact with the anode 2 and cathode 3 in the anode-side flow path 13 and cathode-side flow path 14; the longer the electrodialysis time, the slower the flow rate. In this experiment, the flow rates on the anode and cathode sides were set to be the same for electrodialysis.

[0064] 6(a) , the longer the electrodialysis time, in other words, the slower the flow rate, the lower the conductivity (anode side conductivity) of the anode extraction solution 10a extracted from the anode solution extraction port 10, and the higher the conductivity (cathode side conductivity) of the cathode side extraction solution 11a extracted from the cathode side solution extraction port 11. This is because when the hypochlorous acid water generated in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a is circulated through the anode side flow path 13 of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b, the Na cation contained in the anode side solution is circulated. + It is thought that ions move to the cathode side through the diaphragm 4, and the anode side changes from NaClO to HClO, causing the conductivity to decrease. + ions and ClO - Although it dissociates into ions, HClO mainly exists as a molecule, so the conductivity decreases when NaClO changes to HClO.

[0065] Looking at the transition of pH shown in Figure 6(b), the pH of the anode extraction solution 10a (pH on the anode side) changes to the weakly acidic side, while the pH of the cathode extraction solution 11a (pH on the cathode side) changes to the alkaline side. This indicates the influence of the change to HClO on the anode side. The reason why the pH approaches neutral as the electrodialysis time on the anode side increases is thought to be because the small amount of chloride ions remaining in the solution are converted to hypochlorous acid by electrolysis. On the other hand, on the cathode side, the pH of Na + This is because the movement of ions forms NaOH, changing the solution to alkaline.

[0066] Looking at the transition of the effective chlorine concentration shown in Figure 6(c), the effective chlorine concentration of the anode extraction solution 10a (effective chlorine concentration on the anode side) increases with the electrodialysis time. Similarly, the effective chlorine concentration of the cathode extraction solution 11a (effective chlorine concentration on the cathode side) increases with the electrodialysis time. This is thought to be because when the flow rates of the anode side supply pump 31 and the cathode side supply pump 32 slow down, the electrolysis time in the hypochlorous acid water production unit 1a increases, increasing the amount of hypochlorous acid water produced, and similarly increasing the amount of hypochlorous acid water extracted at the negative electrode extraction port 11 of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b.

[0067] The hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 can simultaneously extract hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of HClO, which has high disinfecting power, from the anode side, and hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of NaClO and NaOH, which has high cleaning power, from the cathode side. The HClO-based hypochlorous acid water is a solution with reduced residual components, which maintains its disinfecting power while suppressing metal corrosion caused by residual components even when sprayed into the air. On the other hand, the NaClO- and NaOH-based hypochlorous acid water cannot be sprayed into the air because it leaves residual components behind, but it has high cleaning power and can provide a cleaning effect when poured into areas with acidic dirt, such as drains. In the hypochlorous acid water treatment device 1, the HClO-based hypochlorous acid water generated on the anode side is used for air disinfection, while the NaClO- and NaOH-based hypochlorous acid water generated on the opposite cathode side can also be used for cleaning.

[0068] As described above, according to the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0069] (1) The hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 comprises a serpentine electrolysis flow path configured to be able to supply salt water, a hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a that continuously generates hypochlorous acid water by electrolysis from salt water supplied into a diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path (a flow path between the negative and positive electrodes 12) that constitutes the front stage of the electrolysis flow path by passing current between a pair of negative and positive electrodes (between the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3), and a hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b that continuously treats the hypochlorous acid water supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a into each of the diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow paths (anode side flow path 13 and cathode side flow path 14) that constitute the rear stage of the electrolysis flow path by passing current between a pair of negative and positive electrodes (between the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3), and is configured to supply hypochlorous acid water discharged from the electrolysis flow path on the anode 2 side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b to the outside.

[0070] With this configuration, by supplying saltwater to the electrolysis flow path, the saltwater is electrolyzed in the diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path (the flow path between the negative and positive electrodes 12) in the hypochlorous acid water generator 1a to generate hypochlorous acid water. The hypochlorous acid water generated in the diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path is then circulated through the diaphragm-containing electrolysis flow paths (the positive electrode-side flow path 13 and the negative electrode-side flow path 14) in the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1a, and hypochlorous acid water with reduced cations, which are responsible for residual components, can be extracted from the positive electrode side. This allows for a one-pass hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 that can supply hypochlorous acid water from which residual components resulting from the electrolysis of saltwater have been separated to the outside. Furthermore, the hypochlorous acid water generator 1a and the hypochlorous acid treatment unit 1b share the positive electrode 2 and negative electrode 3, and the diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path and the diaphragm-containing electrolysis flow path are directly connected with a voltage applied between the negative and positive electrodes. As a result, the water flows into the membrane-less electrolysis flow path in a state where there is a distribution of anions near the anode 2 and cations near the cathode 3, and therefore the electrodialysis treatment can be started with the cations that cause residual components on the anode 2 side already reduced.

[0071] (2) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1, the membrane-less electrolysis flow path (the flow path 12 between the cathode and anode electrodes) is configured with a planar anode 2, a planar cathode 3 facing the anode 2, and spacer members (anode-side spacer 5 and cathode-side spacer 6) provided between the anode 2 and the cathode 3, and the pair of cathode and anode electrodes (anode 2 and cathode 3) are configured in a serpentine shape by exposing the anode 2 and the cathode 3 to the membrane-less electrolysis flow path by the spacer members. In this way, the ability to electrolyze brine can be changed by changing the flow path shape formed in the spacer member, and the area and time for electrolyzing brine can be freely designed.

[0072] (3) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1, the diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow paths (anode side flow path 13 and cathode side flow path 14) include a serpentine anode side flow path 13 in which the anode 2 is exposed and extends along the flow path, a serpentine cathode side flow path 14 that is arranged parallel to and opposite the anode side flow path 13 and in which the cathode 2 is exposed and extends along the flow path, and a diaphragm 4 that is arranged separating the anode side flow path 13 and the cathode side flow path 14 and allows permeation of cations contained in the solution flowing through the flow path. The pair of cathode and anode electrodes are configured in a serpentine shape by exposing the anode 2 to the anode side flow path 13 via the anode side spacer 5 and exposing the cathode 3 to the cathode side flow path 14 via the cathode side spacer 6. In this manner, hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing salt water is circulated across the diaphragm 4 while a voltage is applied in the same direction, thereby separating and reducing cations that cause residual components from the hypochlorous acid water. Therefore, the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1a can produce hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components generated by electrolysis of salt water.

[0073] (4) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1, the diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow paths (anode side flow path 13 and cathode side flow path 14) include a planar anode 2, a planar diaphragm 4 facing the anode 3, and an anode side spacer 5 that is provided between the anode 2 and the diaphragm 4 and exposes the anode 2 and the diaphragm 4 in the anode side flow path 13 along the flow path. The anode side flow path 13 is composed of the anode 2 and the diaphragm 4 that are exposed along the flow path, and the anode side spacer 5. The anode side flow path 13 also includes a planar cathode 3, a planar diaphragm 4 facing the cathode 3, and a cathode side spacer 6 that is provided between the cathode 3 and the diaphragm 4 and exposes the cathode 3 and the diaphragm 4 in the cathode side flow path 14 along the flow path. The cathode side flow path 14 is composed of the cathode 3 and the diaphragm 4 that are exposed along the flow path, and the cathode side spacer 6. By doing this, the ability to separate cations that cause residual components from hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolyzing salt water can be changed by changing the flow path shape formed in the positive electrode side spacer 5 and the flow path shape formed in the negative electrode side spacer 6, so the area and time for separating cations that cause residual components from hypochlorous acid water can be freely designed.

[0074] (5) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1, the spacer member is formed by overlapping the anode side spacer 5 and the cathode side spacer 6. This configuration simplifies the structure and prevents liquid leakage at the boundary between the membrane-less electrolysis flow path and the membrane-containing electrolysis flow path, as well as disturbances in the ion distribution within the flow path, allowing the water to circulate.

[0075] (6) The hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 is provided at each of the outlets on the positive electrode 2 side and the negative electrode 3 side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b, and includes supply pumps (anode-side supply pump 31 and cathode-side supply pump 32) that supply brine to the diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path (negative / positive electrode flow path 12) and hypochlorous acid water from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a to the diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow paths (anode-side flow path 13 and cathode-side flow path 14). The supply pumps supply brine and hypochlorous acid water from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a to the anode-side flow path 13 and the cathode-side flow path 14 at a constant flow rate. This allows the time during which a voltage is applied to the anode-side flow path 13 to be constant, and the time during which a voltage is applied to the negative electrode-side flow path 14 to be constant. Therefore, the concentration at which cations that cause residual components in the hypochlorous acid water in the positive electrode side flow path 13 are separated and diluted, and the concentration at which cations that cause residual components in the hypochlorous acid water in the negative electrode side flow path 14 are concentrated can be stabilized.

[0076] (Embodiment 2) A hypochlorous acid water supplying apparatus 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the hypochlorous acid water supplying apparatus 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The hypochlorous acid water supplying apparatus 20 according to the second embodiment described below has a structure in which the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 3 of the hypochlorous acid water supplying apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment are formed in a comb-like shape. In the description of the second embodiment, components substantially similar to those of the hypochlorous acid water supplying apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be partially simplified or omitted.

[0077] 7, the hypochlorous acid water supply device 20 includes a hypochlorous acid water generation unit 20a that electrolyzes salt water to generate hypochlorous acid water in a single pass, and a hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 20b that separates and reduces residual components contained in the hypochlorous acid water in a single pass. In the hypochlorous acid water supply device 20, the pair of positive and negative electrodes is composed of electrodes processed into a comb-like shape (a comb-like positive electrode 22 and a comb-like negative electrode 23).

[0078] More specifically, the hypochlorous acid water supply device 20 has a configuration in which a comb-shaped positive electrode 22 and a comb-shaped negative electrode 23, which are arranged so that the comb teeth of the positive comb electrode 22 face each other, are arranged in a serpentine electrolysis flow path (a negative-positive electrode flow path 12, and a positive electrode side flow path 13 and a negative electrode side flow path 14). In other words, the hypochlorous acid water supply device 20 forms a diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path (a negative-positive electrode flow path 12) and a diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow path (a positive electrode side flow path 13 and a negative electrode side flow path 14) following this at the opposing portions of the positive comb electrode 22 and the negative comb electrode 23, respectively, and constitutes a hypochlorous acid water generation unit 20a and a hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 20b. As a result, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device 20, hypochlorous acid water is generated by electrolyzing salt water in a diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a, and further, the hypochlorous acid water generated in the diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path is circulated in the diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow path in the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1a, and hypochlorous acid water can be extracted from the positive electrode side with reduced cations that cause residual components.

[0079] Next, the positive comb electrode 22 and the negative comb electrode 23 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a manufacturing process of the comb electrodes (positive comb electrode 22 and negative comb electrode 23) that constitute the hypochlorous acid water supply device 20.

[0080] The positive interdigital electrode 22 and the negative interdigital electrode 23 can be extracted by cutting and separating one electrode plate 21 .

[0081] The first step is to prepare the electrode plate 21. The electrode plate 21 is a thin flat plate having an area large enough to form two comb-shaped electrodes. One surface of the electrode plate 21 is treated with a catalyst.

[0082] The second step is a step of cutting the electrode plate 21. A blade is moved in a serpentine pattern from the lower end to the upper end of the electrode plate 21 to cut the electrode plate 21. As a result, the electrode plate 21 is cut in a manner corresponding to the comb teeth of the positive comb electrode 22 and the negative comb electrode 23.

[0083] The third step is a step of separating the cut electrode plate 21 into two comb electrodes (a positive comb electrode 22 and a negative comb electrode 23).

[0084] The fourth step is a step of inverting one of the cut and separated electrode plates 21 (the positive comb electrode 22 or the negative comb electrode 23) and arranging them facing each other. More specifically, in the fourth step, the cut and separated electrode plates 21 are arranged with their catalytically processed surfaces facing each other to form a pair of negative and positive electrodes.

[0085] By doing the above, a pair of cathode and anode electrodes can be obtained. The two comb electrodes (positive comb electrode 22 and negative comb electrode 23) inverted and arranged opposite each other in the fourth step are connected at the left or right end, and have a structure in which multiple comb teeth extend toward opposite sides. The comb teeth of the positive comb electrode 22 and negative comb electrode 23 extending toward opposite sides are arranged so that they face each other vertically. When inverting the comb electrodes, arranging them so that the bottom end is flat and the top end has a convex portion makes it easier to establish an electrical connection to the convex portion at the top end, so it is preferable to invert them so that the convex portion is at the top end, as shown in Figure 8. When one of the comb electrodes (positive comb electrode 22 or negative comb electrode 23) is inverted, the same catalyst-treated surface of the electrode plate 21 can become the opposing surface of the positive comb electrode 22 and the negative comb electrode 23. The positive electrode plate 21 is made of a titanium substrate with a platinum-containing catalyst formed on its surface, and is made of a material that is highly efficient at generating hypochlorous acid through electrolysis. To ensure good alignment of the positive and negative electrode combs 22 and 23 when the plate is turned upside down, the plates are preferably processed with teeth at an equal pitch. When cutting the electrode plate 21, a cutting blade passes through the plate, and the width of the teeth is removed by the cutting blade, narrowing the width of the teeth. Therefore, the design of the teeth is preferably made with this in mind.

[0086] Moreover, since the electrodes have a comb-like shape, the positive electrode packing 7a and the negative electrode packing 7b have shapes in which the positive comb electrode 22 and the negative comb electrode 23 are hollowed out.

[0087] As described above, according to the hypochlorous acid water supply device 20 according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0088] (7) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device 20, one electrode plate 21, one surface of which is catalytically treated, is cut in a serpentine shape from the bottom to the top to separate it into two comb electrodes (a positive comb electrode 22 and a negative comb electrode 23), and one of the positive comb electrode 22 or the negative comb electrode 23 is inverted and arranged opposite each other so that the comb teeth of the positive comb electrode 22 and the negative comb electrode 23 form a pair of negative and positive electrodes. In this way, a pair of negative and positive electrodes can be formed using only one electrode plate 21, without using two electrode plates 21, and the number of required components can be reduced.

[0089] (Embodiment 3) 1 and 9, a space sterilization system 30 using a hypochlorous acid water supplying device 1 according to embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a space sterilization system 30 using a hypochlorous acid water supplying device 1 according to embodiment 3 of the present invention. The space sterilization system 30 according to embodiment 3 described below is a system incorporating the hypochlorous acid water supplying device 1 according to embodiment 1. In the description of embodiment 3, components substantially similar to those of the hypochlorous acid water supplying device 1 according to embodiment 1 will be assigned the same reference numerals, and the description may be partially simplified or omitted.

[0090] The space sterilization system 30 according to the third embodiment is a system that sterilizes and cleans the bathroom space by spraying hypochlorous acid water generated from the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 from a mist spray device 36 and discharging the hypochlorous acid water into a drain outlet 38. The bathroom space corresponds to the "predetermined space" in the claims.

[0091] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the space sterilization system 30 includes a hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a and hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b), a positive electrode side supply pump 31, a negative electrode side supply pump 32, a positive electrode side extraction solution tank 33, a negative electrode side extraction solution tank 34, a positive electrode side extraction solution bathroom piping 35, a mist spray device 36, a negative electrode side extraction solution bathroom piping 37, and a drain outlet 38.

[0092] The hypochlorous acid water generator 1a of the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 is a section that supplies salt water (aqueous sodium chloride solution) and generates hypochlorous acid water by electrolysis. As described above, the hypochlorous acid water generated by the hypochlorous acid water generator 1a contains NaClO and HClO, which are components of hypochlorous acid water. Other components include NaOH generated by electrolysis, NaCl formed by decomposition of NaClO, and NaCl remaining in salt water after incomplete electrolysis.

[0093] The hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b circulates hypochlorous acid water supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a, extracting a positive electrode extraction solution 10a, which is hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of HClO and has high sterilizing power, from the positive electrode side flow path 13, and extracting a negative electrode extraction solution 11a, which is hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of NaClO and NaOH and has high detergency, from the negative electrode side flow path 14. The positive electrode extraction solution 10a is stored in a positive electrode side extraction solution tank 33 and then sent to a mist sprayer 36 via a positive electrode side extraction solution bathroom piping 35. The positive electrode extraction solution 10a is then sprayed from the mist sprayer 36 into the bathroom space. The negative electrode extraction solution 11a is stored in a negative electrode side extraction solution tank 34 and then sent to a drain 38 via a negative electrode side extraction solution bathroom piping 37. The negative electrode extraction solution 11a is circulated through the drain 38 and flows into a drain pipe via the drain 38.

[0094] The anode-side supply pump 31 generates a flow of each solution (cathode-cathode supply solution 9a, anode-cathode extraction solution 10a) that flows sequentially through the cathode-cathode solution supply port 9, the cathode-cathode flow path 12, the anode-side flow path 13, and the anode solution extraction port 10. In this case, the anode-side supply pump 31 integrally controls the flow rate of the solutions flowing through the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a, and simultaneously controls the flow rate of the solutions flowing through the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b to a constant value. Examples of pumps that can deliver liquid at a constant flow rate include a tube pump and a diaphragm pump.

[0095] The cathode-side supply pump 32 generates a flow of each solution (cathode-cathode supply solution 9a, cathode extraction solution 11a) that flows sequentially through the cathode / cathode solution supply port 9, the cathode-cathode flow path 12, the cathode-side flow path 14, and the cathode solution extraction port 11. In this case, the cathode-side supply pump 32 integrally controls the flow rate of the solutions flowing through the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 1a, and simultaneously controls the flow rate of the solution flowing through the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 1b to a constant value. Examples of pumps that can deliver liquid at a constant flow rate include a tube pump and a diaphragm pump.

[0096] The flow rate of the cathode-and-anode electrode flow path 12 is controlled as the total flow rate of the anode-side supply pump 31 and the cathode-side supply pump 32. The anode-side supply pump 31 and the cathode-side supply pump 32 correspond to the "supply pumps" in the claims.

[0097] The positive electrode side extraction solution tank 33 is a tank that temporarily stores the positive electrode extraction solution 10a, which is hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of HClO and has high disinfecting power, extracted from the positive electrode side flow path 13 until it is sent to the mist sprayer 36. The positive electrode side extraction solution tank 33 is connected to the mist sprayer 36 via the positive electrode side extraction solution bathroom piping 35.

[0098] The cathode-side extraction solution tank 34 is a tank that temporarily stores the cathode extraction solution 11a, which is hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of NaClO and NaOH and has high detergency, extracted from the cathode-side flow path 14 until it is sent to the drain outlet 38. The cathode-side extraction solution tank 34 is connected to the drain outlet 38 via the cathode-side extraction solution bathroom piping 37.

[0099] The positive electrode side extraction solution bathroom piping 35 is a piping for transporting the solution from the positive electrode side extraction solution tank 33 to the mist spray device 36. It is installed behind the wall and on the ceiling of the bathroom, and is connected to the mist spray device 36 installed on the ceiling.

[0100] The negative electrode side extraction solution bathroom piping 37 is a piping for transporting the solution from the negative electrode side extraction solution tank 34 to the drain outlet 38. It is installed on the back side of the wall and on the floor of the bathroom, and is connected to the drain outlet 38.

[0101] The mist sprayer 36 is a device that sprays hypochlorous acid water into a mist into the bathroom space. More specifically, the mist sprayer 36 is a device that converts the anode extraction solution 10a, which is hypochlorous acid water transported from the anode side extraction solution tank 33 through the anode side extraction solution bathroom piping 35, into a fine mist and releases it. The mist sprayer 36 is installed with a spray unit that protrudes from the ceiling toward the bathroom side so that mist can be sprayed from the ceiling of the bathroom space throughout the bathroom space. Examples of mist spraying methods include a two-fluid spray method that uses compressed air to atomize the particles, an ultrasonic method that uses an ultrasonic element to spray a fine mist of 10 μm or less, and a crushing spray method that releases a solution from a rotating body, crushes it, and sprays a fine mist of 1 μm or less.

[0102] The drain outlet 38 is a connection port for connecting to a drain pipe that discharges water or dirt generated in the bathroom space outside the bathroom space. The drain outlet 38 is supplied with the cathode extraction solution 11a from the cathode side extraction solution tank 34 through the cathode side extraction solution bathroom piping 37, and the cathode extraction solution 11a, which is hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of NaClO and NaOH and has high detergency, can clean the dirt from the drain outlet 38 and the drain pipe connected to the drain outlet 38.

[0103] As described above, according to the space sterilization system 30 using the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 according to the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0104] (8) The space sterilization system 30 is configured to include a hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 and a mist spray device 36 that is connected in communication with the positive electrode side flow path 13 and that uses the hypochlorous acid water delivered from the positive electrode side flow path 13 to release a hypochlorous acid water mist into a predetermined space. With this configuration, even when the hypochlorous acid water mist delivered from the positive electrode side flow path 13 is released into a predetermined space, residual components remaining in the predetermined space are suppressed. In other words, since the hypochlorous acid water delivered from the positive electrode side flow path 13 is hypochlorous acid water in which residual components generated by electrolysis of salt water have been reduced, when a predetermined space is sterilized, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of metal corrosion caused by residual components while maintaining sterilization performance.

[0105] (9) In the space sterilization system 30, the bathroom space is provided with a drain outlet 38 for discharging water generated in the bathroom space, and the negative electrode side flow path 14 is connected in communication with the drain outlet 38, and is configured so that hypochlorous acid water discharged from the negative electrode side flow path 14 can be introduced into the drain outlet 38. In this manner, highly detergency hypochlorous acid water containing an alkaline solution in which cations that cause residual components are concentrated is circulated from the hypochlorous acid water discharged from the negative electrode side flow path 14 to the drain outlet 38 (and the drain pipe connected to the drain outlet 38), so that the drain pipe can be cleaned with the alkaline solution.

[0106] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it can be easily inferred that various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0107] The hypochlorous acid water supply device of the present invention is a device that can continuously supply hypochlorous acid water that has reduced residual components contained in hypochlorous acid water that is mainly composed of HClO and is produced by electrolysis of salt water. By spraying a mist of this hypochlorous acid water, it is possible to disinfect mold and bacteria in the bathroom space while suppressing corrosion of metals and other materials used in the bathroom, making it a useful means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Hypochlorous acid water supply device 1a Hypochlorous acid water generator 1b Hypochlorous acid water treatment section 2 positive electrode 3 negative electrode 4 Diaphragm 5 Positive electrode spacer 6 Negative electrode spacer 7a Positive electrode packing 7b Cathode packing 8a Side of the positive electrode side tank housing 8b Cathode side of the tank housing 9 Yin-yang electrode solution supply port 9a Yin-yang electrode supply solution 10 Positive electrode solution extraction port 10a anode extraction solution 11 Negative electrode solution extraction port 11a Negative electrode extraction solution 12. Flow path between cathode and anode electrodes 13 Anode side flow path 13a Anode side channel hole 14 Cathode side flow path 14a Cathode side channel hole 15 Electrolysis and electrodialysis power supply 20 Comb electrode hypochlorous acid water supply device 20a Comb electrode hypochlorous acid water generating part 20b Comb electrode hypochlorous acid water treatment section 21 Electrode plate 22 Comb-shaped positive electrode 23 Interdigital cathode electrode 30 Space sterilization system 31 Anode side supply pump 32 Cathode side supply pump 33 Anode side extraction solution tank 34 Cathode side extraction solution tank 35 Extraction solution bathroom piping on anode side 36 Mist spray device 37 Cathode side extraction solution bathroom piping 38 Drain

Claims

1. a serpentine electrolysis flow path configured to be able to supply salt water; A hypochlorous acid water generator that continuously electrolyzes hypochlorous acid water from the salt water supplied into a membraneless electrolysis flow path that constitutes the front stage of the electrolysis flow path by passing current between a pair of cathode and anode electrodes; a hypochlorous acid water treatment unit that continuously treats the hypochlorous acid water supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit into each of the diaphragm electrolysis flow paths that constitute a downstream stage of the electrolysis flow path by passing current between the pair of cathode and anode electrodes; Equipped with A hypochlorous acid water supply device that supplies hypochlorous acid water delivered from the electrolysis flow path on the positive electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit to the outside.

2. the membrane-less electrolysis flow path includes a planar positive electrode, a planar negative electrode facing the positive electrode, and a spacer member provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of negative and positive electrodes are configured in a serpentine shape by exposing the positive electrode and the negative electrode to the membraneless electrolysis flow path by the spacer member.

3. the membrane-equipped electrolysis flow path comprises a serpentine first flow path in which the positive electrode is exposed and extended along the flow path, a serpentine second flow path arranged in parallel to and facing the first flow path and in which the negative electrode is exposed and extended along the flow path, and a diaphragm arranged to separate the first flow path and the second flow path and allowing permeation of cations contained in a solution flowing through the flow paths, The pair of negative and positive electrodes are configured in a serpentine shape by exposing the positive electrode to the first flow path by a first spacer member and exposing the negative electrode to the second flow path by a second spacer member. The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 2.

4. the positive electrode having a planar shape; the diaphragm having a planar shape facing the positive electrode; and the first spacer member provided between the positive electrode and the diaphragm and exposing the positive electrode and the diaphragm to an interior of the first flow path along a flow path, the first flow path is formed by the positive electrode and the diaphragm exposed along the flow path, and the first spacer member, the negative electrode having a planar shape; the diaphragm having a planar shape facing the negative electrode; and the second spacer member provided between the negative electrode and the diaphragm and exposing the negative electrode and the diaphragm to an interior of the second flow path along the flow path, The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 3, wherein the second flow path is constituted by the negative electrode and the diaphragm exposed along the flow path, and the second spacer member.

5. The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 4, wherein the spacer member is formed by overlapping the first spacer member and the second spacer member.

6. A supply pump is provided at each outlet of the anode side and the cathode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit, and generates a flow for supplying the salt water to the electrolysis flow path; The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the supply pump supplies the hypochlorous acid water from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit to the first flow path and the second flow path at a constant flow rate.

7. The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, A sterilization device that is connected in communication with the first flow path and releases hypochlorous acid water mist into a predetermined space using hypochlorous acid water delivered from the first flow path; A space sterilization system comprising:

8. a drain pipe for discharging water generated in the specified space is provided in the specified space, The second flow path is connected to the drain pipe and configured to allow hypochlorous acid water discharged from the second flow path to be introduced into the drain pipe. The space sterilization system according to claim 7.

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