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

Abstract

To provide a technique for supply of hypochlorous acid water in which, with anion components contained in tap water being reduced, residual components generated by electrolysis of salt water produced from the anion component-reduced tap water are reduced.SOLUTION: A hypochlorous acid water supply device (1) includes: a tap water treatment unit (2) which applies electrical current to tap water supplied to first diaphragm electrolysis flow channels (15, 16) to continuously separate anion components contained in the tap water; and a hypochlorous acid water production unit (3) having an electrolysis flow channel which is configured to be capable of supplying salt water obtained by adding a salt component to a tap water solution sent out of the tap water treatment unit (2), a hypochlorous acid water production unit (3a) which performs continuous electrolysis production of hypochlorous acid water from the salt water supplied to a diaphragm-free electrolysis flow channel (34) constituting a pre-stage of the electrolysis flow channel, and a hypochlorous acid water treatment unit (3b) which performs continuous treatment of electrical current application to the hypochlorous acid water produced in the hypochlorous acid water production unit (3a) in second diaphragm electrolysis flow channels (35, 36) constituting a post-stage of the electrolysis flow channel.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 components such as NaClO and NaOH is sprayed as a mist, minute residual components accumulate, raising concerns about corrosion during long-term use.

[0005] In addition, when tap water is used as the raw water for generating salt water, there is a concern that the anions contained in the tap water will cause variations in the concentration and characteristics of the hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolysis.Furthermore, the cations contained in the tap water are also components that remain on the surface as solids after evaporation, and these residual components also promote corrosion of metals, so there is a concern that corrosion will occur during long-term use.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to provide a hypochlorous acid water supply device that can supply hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components generated by electrolysis of salt water produced from tap water with reduced anionic components while reducing the anionic components contained in tap water, and an air sterilization system using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve this object, the hypochlorous acid water supply device of the present invention comprises a tap water treatment unit that continuously separates anionic components contained in tap water supplied into a serpentine first electrolysis flow path with a diaphragm by passing current between a pair of first anion-positive and negative electrodes; a brine production unit that produces brine by adding salt components to tap water solution discharged from the tap water electrolysis flow path on the negative electrode side of the tap water treatment unit; a serpentine electrolysis flow path configured to be able to supply the brine produced in the brine production unit; a hypochlorous acid water production section that continuously electrolyzes hypochlorous acid water from brine supplied into a diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path constituting the front stage of the electrolysis flow path by passing current between a pair of second anion-positive and negative electrodes; and a hypochlorous acid water treatment section that continuously treats hypochlorous acid water supplied from the hypochlorous acid water production section into each of second electrolysis flow paths with a diaphragm that constitutes the rear stage of the electrolysis flow path by passing current between the pair of second anion-positive and negative 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 section to the outside.

[0008] In addition, the space sterilization system according to the present invention comprises the above-mentioned hypochlorous acid water supply device and, externally, a sterilization device that releases hypochlorous acid water mist into a specified space using hypochlorous acid water delivered from the electrolysis flow path on the positive electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hypochlorous acid water supply device that can supply hypochlorous acid water in which the anionic components contained in tap water are reduced while the residual components generated by electrolysis of salt water produced from tap water in which the anionic components have been reduced are reduced, and a space sterilization system using the same. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional image diagram of a hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a tap water treatment unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the tap water treatment unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional image of the tap water treatment unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional image of the tap water treatment unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a hypochlorous acid water generation unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional image of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a horizontal cross-sectional image diagram of the hypochlorous acid water generation section of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional image diagram of the hypochlorous acid water treatment section of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is an image diagram of an experiment to evaluate the characteristics of hypochlorous acid water circulating through a hypochlorous acid water supply device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the characteristics of hypochlorous acid water that has circulated through the hypochlorous acid water supply device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a space sterilization system using a hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention comprises a hypochlorous acid water generation unit having a tap water treatment unit that continuously separates anionic components contained in tap water supplied into a first serpentine electrolysis flow path with a diaphragm by passing current between a pair of first cathode and anode electrodes; a brine generation unit that generates brine by adding salt components to tap water solution discharged from the tap water electrolysis flow path on the cathode side of the tap water treatment unit; a serpentine electrolysis flow path configured to be able to supply the brine generated in the brine generation unit; a hypochlorous acid water generation unit that continuously electrolyzes hypochlorous acid water from brine supplied into a diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path constituting the upstream stage of the electrolysis flow path by passing current between a pair of second cathode and anode electrodes; and a hypochlorous acid water treatment unit that continuously treats hypochlorous acid water supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit into each of second diaphragm electrolysis flow paths constituting the downstream stage of the electrolysis flow path by passing current between the pair of second cathode and anode electrodes, and is configured to supply hypochlorous acid water discharged from the electrolysis flow path on the anode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit to the outside.

[0012] This configuration allows for a hypochlorous acid water supply device that can reduce the anionic components contained in tap water while supplying hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components generated by electrolysis of salt water produced from the reduced-anionic tap water. More specifically, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device, tap water is supplied to the tap water treatment unit, and salt water, which is obtained by adding salt components to the tap water solution delivered from the tap water electrolysis flow path on the negative electrode side of the tap water treatment unit, is supplied to the hypochlorous acid water production unit. The hypochlorous acid water production unit can produce hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing salt water from which anionic components have been separated and reduced. This reduces the concentration and characteristic variations of the generated hypochlorous acid water caused by the anionic components contained in the tap water. On the other hand, in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit, by supplying salt water from which anion components have been separated and reduced to the electrolysis flow path, the salt water is electrolyzed in the diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path in the hypochlorous acid water generation section to generate hypochlorous acid water, and further, in the hypochlorous acid water treatment section, the hypochlorous acid water generated in the diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path is circulated through the second diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path, so that hypochlorous acid water from the positive electrode side from which cation components that cause residual components have been separated and reduced can be extracted. As a result, when the hypochlorous acid soft water extracted from the positive electrode side is supplied to the outside, metal corrosion caused by the residual components contained in the hypochlorous acid soft water can be suppressed. Furthermore, a second cathode-and-anodode is used in common for the hypochlorous acid water generating unit and the hypochlorous acid water treating unit, and the membrane-less electrolysis flow path and the second membrane-less electrolysis flow path are directly connected with a voltage applied between the second cathode-and-anodode. As a result, the membrane-less electrolysis flow path has a distribution in which many anions are present near the anode side and many cations are present near the cathode, and the water flows into the second membrane-less electrolysis flow path. This makes it possible to start electrodialysis with a reduced amount of cations, which are the cause of residual components, present on the anode side.

[0013] In addition, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, the first membrane-equipped electrolysis flow path includes a serpentine first cathode-side flow path in which a first cathode is exposed and extends along the flow path, a serpentine first anode-side flow path arranged parallel to and facing the first cathode-side flow path and in which a first anode is exposed and extends along the flow path, and a first diaphragm separated from the first cathode-side flow path and the first anode-side flow path, allowing permeation of anions contained in a solution flowing through the flow path. The pair of first cathode-and-anodide electrodes is configured to be serpentine by exposing the first cathode to the first cathode-side flow path via a first cathode-side spacer and exposing the first anode to the first anode-side flow path via a first anode-side spacer. Tap water is configured to flow in the same direction through both the first cathode-side flow path and the first anode-side flow path. With this configuration, the tap water treatment unit flows tap water while applying a voltage in the same direction across the first diaphragm, thereby continuously separating and reducing anions contained in the tap water. Therefore, the tap water solution delivered from the tap water electrolysis flow path on the negative electrode side of the tap water treatment unit can be stably supplied to the salt water production unit as a tap water solution in which anionic components have been separated and reduced.

[0014] Furthermore, the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention includes a planar first negative electrode, a planar first diaphragm facing the first negative electrode, and a first negative electrode-side spacer disposed between the first negative electrode and the first diaphragm and exposing the first negative electrode and the first diaphragm in the first negative electrode-side flow path along the flow path, the first negative electrode-side flow path being composed of the first negative electrode and the first diaphragm exposed along the flow path, and the first negative electrode-side spacer. The device also includes a planar first positive electrode, a planar first diaphragm facing the first positive electrode, and a first anode-side spacer disposed between the first anode and the first diaphragm and exposing the first anode and the first diaphragm in the first anode-side flow path along the flow path, the first anode-side flow path being composed of the first anode and the first diaphragm exposed along the flow path, and the first anode-side spacer. This configuration allows the ability to separate and reduce anionic components contained in tap water to be varied by varying the flow path shape formed in the first negative electrode-side spacer and the flow path shape formed in the first anode-side spacer, thereby enabling the area and time for separating and reducing anionic components from tap water to be freely designed.

[0015] In addition, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, the membrane-less electrolysis flow path includes a planar second anode, a planar second cathode facing the second anode, and a cathode-and-anodide spacer disposed between the second anode and the second cathode. The pair of second cathode-and-anodide electrodes are configured in a serpentine shape by exposing the second anode and second cathode to the membrane-less electrolysis flow path via the cathode-and-anodide spacer. With this configuration, the ability to electrolyze brine can be changed by changing the flow path shape formed in the cathode-and-anodide spacer, allowing the area and time for electrolyzing brine to be freely designed.

[0016] In addition, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, the second membrane-equipped electrolysis flow path includes a serpentine second anode-side flow path in which the second anode is exposed and extends along the flow path, a serpentine second cathode-side flow path arranged parallel to and facing the second anode-side flow path and in which the second cathode is exposed and extends along the flow path, and a second diaphragm separated from the second anode-side flow path and the second cathode-side flow path, and allowing permeation of cations contained in the solution flowing through the flow path. The pair of second cathode-and-positive electrodes is configured to be serpentine by exposing the second anode to the second anode-side flow path via a second anode-side spacer and exposing the second cathode to the second cathode-side flow path via a second cathode-side spacer. The second anode-side flow path and the second cathode-side flow path are configured so that hypochlorous acid water supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generator flows in the same direction. With this configuration, hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolyzing salt water flows through the second diaphragm while a voltage is applied in the same direction, so that cations that cause residual components can be continuously separated and reduced from the hypochlorous acid water. As a result, hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components can be stably supplied to the outside from the electrolysis flow path on the positive electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit.

[0017] Furthermore, the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention includes a planar second anode, a planar second diaphragm facing the second anode, and a second anode-side spacer provided between the second anode and the second diaphragm and exposing the second anode and the second diaphragm in the second anode-side flow path along the flow path, the second anode-side flow path being composed of the second anode and the second diaphragm exposed along the flow path and the second anode-side spacer.The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention includes a planar second negative electrode, a planar second diaphragm facing the second negative electrode, and a second negative electrode-side spacer provided between the second negative electrode and the second diaphragm and exposing the second negative electrode and the second diaphragm in the second negative-side flow path along the flow path, the second negative electrode-side flow path being composed of the second negative electrode and the second diaphragm exposed along the flow path and the second negative electrode-side spacer. With this configuration, the ability to separate and reduce cationic components 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 second anode side spacer and the flow path shape formed in the second cathode side spacer, so the area and time for separating and reducing cationic components that cause residual components from hypochlorous acid water can be freely designed.

[0018] In addition, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, the spacer between the cathode and anode electrodes is configured by overlapping the second anode side spacer and the second cathode side spacer. This configuration simplifies the structure and allows for the circulation of water while suppressing leakage and disturbance of ion distribution within the flow path due to the boundary between the membrane-less electrolysis flow path and the second membrane-containing electrolysis flow path.

[0019] Furthermore, the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention includes a first cathode-side supply pump and a first anode-side supply pump provided at the inlets of the anode and cathode sides of the tap water treatment unit, respectively, for supplying tap water to the first diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow path, and a second anode-side supply pump and a second cathode-side supply pump provided at the outlets of the anode and cathode sides of the hypochlorous acid water production unit, respectively, for supplying brine to the diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path and supplying hypochlorous acid water electrolyzed in the hypochlorous acid water production unit to the second diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow path. The first cathode-side supply pump and the first anode-side supply pump supply tap water at a constant flow rate to the first cathode-side flow path and the first anode-side flow path, respectively. It is preferred that the second anode-side supply pump and the second cathode-side supply pump supply hypochlorous acid water electrolyzed in the hypochlorous acid water production unit to the second anode-side flow path and the second cathode-side flow path, respectively, at a constant flow rate. In this way, in the first diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow path, the time during which a voltage is applied to the first cathode-side flow path can be kept constant, and the time during which a voltage is applied to the first anode-side flow path can be kept constant. This makes it possible to stabilize the concentration at which an anion component contained in tap water is separated and diluted in the first cathode-side flow path and the concentration at which anion component contained in tap water is concentrated in the first anode-side flow path. On the other hand, in the second diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow path, the time during which a voltage is applied to the second anode-side flow path can be kept constant, and the time during which a voltage is applied to the second cathode-side flow path can be kept constant. This makes it possible to stabilize the concentration at which anion components that cause residual components in hypochlorous acid water are separated and diluted in the second anode-side flow path and the concentration at which anion components that cause residual components in hypochlorous acid water are concentrated in the second cathode-side flow path.

[0020] The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention also includes a discharge tank for storing tap water solution delivered from the tap water electrolysis flow path on the positive electrode side of the tap water treatment unit. The discharge tank is connected so that the solution delivered from the electrolysis flow path on the negative electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water production unit is mixed. With this configuration, the tap water solution with an acidic pH delivered from the tap water electrolysis flow path on the positive electrode side of the tap water treatment unit and the hypochlorous acid water with an alkaline pH delivered from the electrolysis flow path on the negative electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water production unit are mixed and neutralized, and the mixed solution has an alkaline pH, but can be discharged at a pH closer to neutral than the alkaline solution delivered from the electrolysis flow path on the negative electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water production unit.

[0021] The space sterilization system according to the present invention is configured to include the above-described hypochlorous acid water supply device and an external sterilization device that uses hypochlorous acid water discharged from the electrolysis flow path on the positive electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit to discharge hypochlorous acid water mist into a predetermined space. With this configuration, even if the hypochlorous acid water mist discharged from the electrolysis flow path on the positive electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit is discharged into a predetermined space, residual components remaining in the predetermined space are suppressed. In other words, the hypochlorous acid water discharged from the electrolysis flow path on the positive electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit is hypochlorous acid water in which residual components resulting from the electrolysis of salt water and residual components due to cationic components contained in tap water have been reduced. Therefore, when sterilizing a predetermined space, metal corrosion caused by residual components can be suppressed while maintaining sterilization performance.

[0022] In addition, in the space sterilization system according to the present invention, a drain pipe is provided in a predetermined space to discharge water generated within the predetermined space, and the drain pipe is configured to receive a mixture of tap water solution delivered from the tap water electrolysis flow path on the positive electrode side of the tap water treatment unit and hypochlorous acid water delivered from the electrolysis flow path on the negative electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit. With this configuration, the hypochlorous acid water delivered from the electrolysis flow path on the negative electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit is neutralized to some extent by the tap water solution with an acidic pH delivered from the tap water electrolysis flow path on the positive electrode side of the tap water treatment unit. However, the hypochlorous acid water delivered to the drain pipe contains an alkaline solution with concentrated cations that are responsible for residual components. Therefore, the inside of the drain pipe can be cleaned with the hypochlorous acid water delivered to the discharge pipe.

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples of specific embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, each drawing used in the embodiments is a schematic drawing, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in each drawing do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0024] (Embodiment 1) A hypochlorous acid water supplying apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional image diagram of the hypochlorous acid water supplying apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 supplies tap water and salt components, performs electrolysis and electrodialysis, and removes residual components (salt components and Na contained in tap water) contained in the generated hypochlorous acid water. + ions, Ca 2+ ions, and Mg 2+ Components with cations such as ions (hereinafter referred to as cationic components), and SO4 contained in tap water 2- ions and NO3 -This is an apparatus that can separate and reduce components that have anions such as ions (hereinafter also referred to as anion components) and supply them.

[0026] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 includes a tap water treatment unit 2, a hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3, a first cathode side supply pump 18, a first anode side supply pump 19, a salt water generation unit 20, a drainage side tank 23, a second anode side supply pump 38, and a second cathode side supply pump 39.

[0027] <Tap water treatment unit> The tap water treatment unit 2 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the tap water treatment unit 2. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the tap water treatment unit 2. Figure 4 is an image diagram of a vertical cross section of the tap water treatment unit 2.

[0028] The tap water treatment unit 2 is a unit that receives tap water from the outside and separates and reduces anionic components contained in the tap water.

[0029] The tap water treatment unit 2 includes a first cathode 4, a first anode 5, a first diaphragm 6, a first cathode side spacer 7, a first anode side spacer 8, a first cathode gasket 9a, a first anode gasket 9b, a first cathode side tank housing side surface 10a, a first anode side tank housing side surface 10b, a first cathode solution supply port 11, a first cathode solution extraction port 12, a first anode solution supply port 13, a first anode solution extraction port 14, a first cathode side flow path 15, a first anode side flow path 16, and an electrodialysis power supply 17.

[0030] The first negative electrode 4 is a planar electrode plate. The surface of the first negative electrode 4 is exposed along the flow path of the first negative electrode side flow path 15 by the first negative electrode side spacer 7. The first negative electrode 4 is an electrode that functions as a cathode when a current is passed therethrough by the electrodialysis power supply 17. The first negative electrode 4 is disposed substantially parallel to and facing the first anode 5. The first negative electrode 4 has a platinum-containing catalyst formed on the surface of a titanium substrate. The platinum-containing catalyst is formed on at least the surface of the first negative electrode 4 that is exposed along the flow path of the first negative electrode side flow path 15.

[0031] The first anode 5 is a planar electrode plate. The surface of the first anode 5 is exposed along the flow path of the first anode side flow path 16 by the first anode side spacer 8. The first anode 5 is an electrode that functions as an anode when a current is passed through it by the electrodialysis power supply 17. The first anode 5 is disposed facing and substantially parallel to the first cathode 4. The first anode 5 has a platinum-containing catalyst formed on the surface of a titanium substrate. The platinum-containing catalyst is formed on at least the surface of the first anode 5 that is exposed along the flow path of the first anode side flow path 16.

[0032] Furthermore, the first cathode 4 and the first anode 5 in the region exposed along the first cathode-side flow path 15 and the first anode-side flow path 16 where electrodialysis is performed have the same shape, and the shorter the opposing distance, the easier it is for ions to move. Since a short opposing distance reduces the flow rate through the flow paths, it is desirable to shorten the opposing distance to approximately 10 mm or less while ensuring the necessary amount of tap water treatment.

[0033] The first negative electrode 4 and the first positive electrode 5 constitute a pair of opposing electrodes, ie, a negative-positive electrode (hereinafter also referred to as a first negative-positive electrode).

[0034] The first diaphragm 6 is a flat thin film. The first diaphragm 6 is disposed substantially parallel to and facing the first cathode 4 and the first anode 5. The first diaphragm 6 is provided to separate the first cathode-side flow path 15 from the first anode-side flow path 16. The first diaphragm 6 is formed to absorb Cl contained in tap water. - ions, SO4 2- ions, and NO3 -The first diaphragm 6 is an ion exchange membrane (anion exchange membrane) that can transfer anions such as ions. The first diaphragm 6 can transfer anions to the first anode 5 side by applying a voltage between the first cathode 4 and the first anode 5. An example of this anion exchange membrane is Neocepta manufactured by Astom Corporation.

[0035] The first cathode side spacer 7 is an insulating member. The first cathode side spacer 7 controls the distance between the first cathode 4 and the first diaphragm 6 to a predetermined distance. The first cathode side spacer 7 has first cathode side flow path holes 15a therein that form the first cathode side flow path 15. The first cathode side flow path holes 15a are holes that form the first cathode side flow path 15 formed in the first cathode side spacer 7. The first cathode side flow path holes 15a penetrate the first cathode side spacer 7 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 first cathode side spacer 7 is attached to the surface of the first cathode side spacer 7 to improve adhesion between the first cathode 4 and the first diaphragm 6.

[0036] The first anode side spacer 8 is an insulating member. The first anode side spacer 8 controls the distance between the first anode 5 and the first diaphragm 6 to a predetermined distance. The first anode side spacer 8 has a first anode side passage hole 16a therein that forms the first anode side passage 16. The first anode side passage hole 16a is a hole that forms the first anode side passage 16 formed in the first anode side spacer 8. The first anode side passage hole 16a penetrates the first anode side spacer 8 from front to back and is formed in a serpentine shape, moving back and forth horizontally and ascending step by step. The first cathode side passage hole 15a and the first anode side passage hole 16a are arranged opposite each other. A packing member (not shown) having the same serpentine shape as the first anode side spacer 8 is attached to the surface of the first anode side spacer 8 to improve adhesion between the first anode 5 and the first diaphragm 6.

[0037] The first cathode gasket 9a has a shape obtained by hollowing out the outer periphery of the first cathode 4 to the size of the electrode, and is attached by applying a tightening pressure so as to be in close contact with the first cathode side spacer 7 and in the circumferential direction to prevent leakage of the solution (first cathode supply solution 11a described below) in the first cathode side flow path 15. Insulating silicone rubber can be used as the material for the first cathode gasket 9a. The first cathode gasket 9a is thicker than the first cathode 4, and is preferably held in place by the thickness of the first cathode 4 while being crushed by the tightening pressure to tightly contact the first cathode side spacer 7 and the first cathode side cell casing side surface 10a.

[0038] The first anode gasket 9b has a shape obtained by hollowing out the outer periphery of the first anode 5 to the size of the electrode, and is attached by applying a tightening pressure so as to be in close contact with the first anode side spacer 8 and in the circumferential direction to prevent leakage of the solution (first anode supply solution 13a described below) in the first anode side flow path 16. Insulating silicone rubber can be used as the material for the first anode gasket 9b. The first anode gasket 9b is thicker than the first anode 5, and is preferably held in place by the thickness of the first anode 5 while being crushed by the tightening pressure to tightly contact the first anode side spacer 8 and the first anode side tank housing side surface 10b.

[0039] The first cathode-side cell casing side surface 10a is disposed so as to be in direct contact with the outside of the first cathode 4. To prevent the solution from seeping into the outside of the first cathode 4, a packing (not shown) is attached to the inner surface of the first cathode-side cell casing side surface 10a to improve adhesion, and it is desirable to apply a 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 first cathode 4, preventing the solution from getting around to the outside of the electrode will also lead to improved efficiency of electrodialysis.

[0040] The first anode-side tank housing side surface 10b is disposed so as to be in direct contact with the outside of the first anode 5. To prevent the solution from seeping into the outside of the first anode 5, a packing (not shown) is attached to the inner surface of the first anode-side tank housing side surface 10b to improve adhesion, and it is desirable to apply a tightening pressure to prevent the solution from leaking outside the electrode. Even if the solution does get around to the outside of the electrode, no leakage will occur. Because a platinum-containing catalyst is formed only on the inner surface of the first anode 5, preventing the solution from getting around to the outside of the electrode will also lead to improved efficiency of electrode dialysis.

[0041] The first cathode solution supply port 11 is a connection port for flowing the first cathode supply solution 11a to be electrodialyzed into the flow path, and is equipped with a connector (not shown) to which a tube can be connected. In order to supply the first cathode supply solution 11a from outside the first cathode 4, the first cathode solution supply port 11 is processed at a position on the outer periphery of the first cathode 4.

[0042] The first cathode supply solution 11a is tap water. - ions, SO4 2- ions, and NO3 - ions and other anionic components, as well as Na + ions, Ca 2+ ions, and Mg 2+ The first cathode supply solution 11a is introduced into the first cathode side flow path 15 from the first cathode solution supply port 11. The first cathode supply solution 11a contains cation components such as ions, and the content of each ion component varies depending on the region.

[0043] The first cathode solution extraction port 12 is a connection port for extracting the electrodialyzed first cathode extraction solution 12a from the flow path, and is equipped with a connector (not shown) to which a tube can be connected. In order to extract the first cathode extraction solution 12a outside the first cathode 4, the first cathode solution extraction port 12 is machined at a position on the outer periphery of the first cathode 4.

[0044] The first cathode extraction solution 12a is an aqueous tap water solution obtained by separating and reducing anionic components contained in tap water from tap water, while cation components contained in tap water remain in the tap water solution without being separated and reduced. The first cathode extraction solution 12a is introduced into the first cathode solution extraction port 12 from the first cathode side flow path 15.

[0045] More specifically, the first cathode extraction solution 12a is a tap water solution obtained by separating and diluting anion components contained in tap water, which are a cause of concentration and characteristic variations in hypochlorous acid water, from the first cathode supply solution 11a by passing the first cathode supply solution 11a through the first cathode-side flow path 15. The pH of this tap water solution is alkaline.

[0046] The first anode solution supply port 13 is a connection port for flowing the first anode supply solution 13a to be electrodialyzed into the flow path, and is equipped with a connector (not shown) to which a tube can be connected. In order to supply the first anode supply solution 13a from outside the first anode 5, the first anode solution supply port 13 is processed at a position on the outer periphery of the first anode 5.

[0047] The first anode supply solution 13a is tap water, similar to the first cathode supply solution 11a. The first anode supply solution 13a is introduced into the first anode-side flow path 16 from the first anode solution supply port 13.

[0048] The first anode solution extraction port 14 is a connection port for extracting the electrodialyzed first anode extraction solution 14a from the flow path, and is equipped with a connector (not shown) to which a tube can be connected. In order to extract the first anode extraction solution 14a outside the first anode 5, the first anode solution extraction port 14 is machined at a position on the outer periphery of the first anode 5.

[0049] The first anode extraction solution 14a is an aqueous tap solution obtained by separating and concentrating anionic components contained in tap water. The first anode extraction solution 14a is led out from the first anode-side flow path 16 to the first anode solution extraction port 14.

[0050] More specifically, the first anode extraction solution 14a is an aqueous tap water solution obtained by separating and concentrating anion components contained in tap water, which are a cause of concentration and characteristic variations of hypochlorous acid water, from the first anode supply solution 13a by passing the first anode supply solution 13a through the first anode-side flow path 16. At the same time as the separation and concentration, chloride ions (Cl - Hypochlorous acid water is produced by the electrolysis of chlorous acid ions, so the pH of this tap water solution is acidic.

[0051] Here, the first cathode solution supply port 11 and the first anode solution supply port 13 are preferably arranged on the lower side in the vertical direction, and the first cathode solution extraction port 12 and the first anode solution extraction port 14 are preferably arranged on the upper side in the vertical direction. When oxygen gas, hydrogen gas, etc. are generated by the electrodialysis reaction and the electrolysis reaction in the flow path, the gas can be more efficiently discharged together with the solution if the extraction ports are arranged on the upper side.

[0052] The first cathode side flow path 15 is a flow path formed in an area surrounded by the first cathode 4, the first cathode side spacer 7, and the first diaphragm 6. The first cathode side flow path 15 is configured to meander due to the first cathode side flow path holes 15a in the first cathode side spacer 7. More specifically, the first cathode side flow path 15 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 first cathode side flow path 15 increases the distance, thereby extending the electrodialysis time. To reduce backflow of the solution in the first cathode side flow path 15, it is desirable for the first cathode side flow path 15 to have a structure that moves from bottom to top in one direction except for horizontal reciprocation. The first cathode side flow path 15 has a first cathode solution supply port 11 on one side and a first cathode solution extraction port 12 on the other side, through which the first cathode supply solution 11a, which is the cathode side solution, flows.

[0053] The first anode side flow path 16 is a flow path formed in an area surrounded by the first anode 5, the first anode side spacer 8, and the first diaphragm 6. The first anode side flow path 16 is configured to meander due to the first anode side flow path holes 16a in the first anode side spacer 8. More specifically, the first anode side flow path 16 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 first anode side flow path 16 increases the distance, thereby extending the electrodialysis time. To reduce backflow of the solution in the first anode side flow path 16, it is desirable to design the first anode side flow path 16 so that the flow direction is unidirectional, from bottom to top, except for the horizontal reciprocation. The first anode side flow path 16 has a first anode solution supply port 13 on one side and a first anode solution extraction port 14 on the other side, through which the first anode supply solution 13a, which is the anode side solution, flows.

[0054] The first cathode-side flow path 15 and the first anode-side flow path 16 are symmetrically opposed to each other with the first diaphragm 6 interposed therebetween. That is, the first cathode-side flow path 15 and the first anode-side flow path 16 are configured in a serpentine shape, facing each other with the first diaphragm 6 interposed therebetween. In this way, the first cathode-side flow path 15 and the first anode-side flow path 16 constitute a so-called membrane-equipped electrolysis flow path (hereinafter also referred to as the first membrane-equipped electrolysis flow path). Anion components contained in tap water flowing through the first cathode-side flow path 15 migrate toward the first anode-side flow path 16. The amount of migration of the ion components is controlled by the applied voltage / current and the flow rate within the flow path. The flow rate is controlled by a first cathode-side supply pump 18 installed upstream of the first cathode solution supply port 11 and a first anode-side supply pump 19 installed upstream of the first anode solution supply port 13. Each pump is preferably capable of controlling the flow rate at a constant value; for example, a tube pump can be used. By flowing the solution at a constant flow rate, the time for electrodialysis and electrolysis within the flow path can be controlled to a constant value, thereby stabilizing the concentration at which the anion components contained in the tap water are separated and diluted in the first cathode side flow path 15 and the concentration at which the anion components contained in the tap water are concentrated in the first anode side flow path 16.

[0055] The electrodialysis power supply 17 is a DC power supply that supplies current between a pair of first cathode and anode electrodes. More specifically, the electrodialysis power supply 17 is connected to the first cathode 4 and the first anode 5 and is capable of applying current and voltage to the first cathode 4 and the first anode 5. The electrodialysis power supply 17 may be used as a power supply with constant current control to provide a constant current, or may be used as a power supply with constant voltage control to provide a constant voltage.

[0056] The first cathode side supply pump 18 is a pump that generates a flow for supplying the first cathode supply solution 11a. More specifically, the first cathode side supply pump 18 is installed upstream of the first cathode solution supply port 11. The first cathode side supply pump 18 generates flows of the solutions (tap water, first cathode supply solution 11a, and first cathode extraction solution 12a) that flow through the first cathode solution supply port 11, the first cathode side flow path 15, the first cathode solution extraction port 12, and the salt water generation tank 21 in this order. At this time, the first cathode side supply pump 18 controls the flow rate of the solutions flowing through the tap water treatment unit 2 to a constant value. Examples of pumps that can deliver the solution at a constant flow rate include a tube pump and a diaphragm pump.

[0057] The first anode side supply pump 19 is a pump that generates a flow for supplying the first anode supply solution 13a. More specifically, the first anode side supply pump 19 is installed upstream of the first anode solution supply port 13. The first anode side supply pump 19 generates flows of the solutions (tap water, first anode supply solution 13a, and first anode extraction solution 14a) that flow through the first anode solution supply port 13, the first anode side flow path 16, the first anode solution extraction port 14, and the wastewater side tank 23 in this order. At this time, the first anode side supply pump 19 controls the flow rate of the solutions flowing through the tap water treatment unit 2 to a constant value. Examples of pumps that can deliver solutions at a constant flow rate include a tube pump and a diaphragm pump.

[0058] The brine generation unit 20 is a unit that generates brine by adding salt components to the tap water solution delivered from the tap water electrolysis flow path (first cathode-side flow path 15) on the cathode side of the tap water treatment unit 2. The brine generation unit 20 is configured to include a brine generation tank 21 that stores the solution delivered from the first cathode-side flow path 15 of the tap water treatment unit 2, and a salt supply unit 22 that supplies salt components to the brine generation tank 21.

[0059] The salt water generating tank 21 is a container for temporarily storing the first cathode extraction solution 12a extracted from the first cathode solution extraction port 12 of the tap water treatment unit 2, mixing it with the salt component supplied from the salt supply section 22, and generating salt water to be supplied to the hypochlorous acid water generating unit 3. The tap water solution (first cathode extraction solution 12a) delivered from the first cathode side flow path 15 has the anion components contained in the tap water separated and reduced. Therefore, chloride ions (Cl - ions) is less affected by tap water and is controlled by the chloride ion concentration resulting from the salt component added by the salt supply unit 22. In the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3, the chloride ions from the salt water generation unit 20 are electrolyzed to generate hypochlorous acid water, so that the concentration of hypochlorous acid water generated in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3 can be controlled by the supply amount of the salt supply unit 22.

[0060] The salt supply unit 22 is a member that supplies the salt component (e.g., sodium chloride) required for the target concentration to be generated in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3 to the salt water generation tank 21. The salt component may be supplied in the form of a predetermined amount of salt tablets or a predetermined amount of high-concentration (e.g., 3%) salt water.

[0061] The discharge tank 23 is a container that temporarily stores the first anode extraction solution 14a extracted from the first anode solution extraction port 14 of the tap water treatment unit 2 and temporarily stores the second cathode extraction solution 33a extracted from the second cathode solution extraction port 33 of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3. The discharge tank 23 is configured to mix the first anode extraction solution 14a (tap water solution) and the second cathode extraction solution 33a (hypochlorous acid water) and to discharge the mixed solution (mixed hypochlorous acid water) to the outside from a drain outlet provided on the side of the discharge tank 23. Note that, during mixing, the first anode extraction solution 14a (tap water solution), which has an acidic pH, and the second cathode extraction solution 33a (hypochlorous acid water), which has an alkaline pH, are neutralized, but the mixed solution has an alkaline pH. That is, the discharge tank 23 can discharge the mixed solution in a state where the pH is closer to the neutral side than the pH of the second cathode extraction solution 33a (hypochlorous acid water).

[0062] <Hypochlorous acid water generation unit> The hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 6 to Fig. 8. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3. Fig. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional image diagram of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3.

[0063] The hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3 is a one-pass unit that generates hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing salt water supplied from the salt water generation unit 20, and further separates and reduces residual components contained in the hypochlorous acid water.

[0064] The hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3 includes a hypochlorous acid water generation section 3a, a hypochlorous acid water treatment section 3b, an electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 37, a second anode side supply pump 38, and a second cathode side supply pump 39.

[0065] The hypochlorous acid water generator 3a is a component that electrolyzes salt water supplied from the salt water generation unit 20 to generate hypochlorous acid water in a single pass. The hypochlorous acid water generator 3a includes a second positive electrode 24, a second negative electrode 25, a second positive electrode side spacer 27, a second negative electrode side spacer 28, a second positive electrode gasket 29a, a second negative electrode gasket 29b, a second positive electrode side tank housing side surface 30a, a second negative electrode side tank housing side surface 30b, a second negative / positive electrode solution supply port 31, a second positive electrode solution extraction port 32, a second negative electrode solution extraction port 33, and a second negative / positive electrode flow path 34.

[0066] The hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 3b is a component that separates and reduces residual components contained in the hypochlorous acid water supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3a in a single pass. The hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 3b includes a second anode 24, a second cathode 25, a second diaphragm 26, a second anode spacer 27, a second cathode spacer 28, a second anode gasket 29a, a second cathode gasket 29b, a second anode side tank housing side surface 30a, a second cathode side tank housing side surface 30b, a second cathode / positive electrode solution supply port 31, a second anode solution extraction port 32, a second cathode solution extraction port 33, a second anode side flow path 35, and a second cathode side flow path 36.

[0067] The second anode 24 is a planar electrode plate. The second anode 24 has a surface exposed along the second cathode-and-anode flow path 34 and the second anode-side flow path 35 by a second anode-side spacer 27. The second anode 24 functions as an anode when a current is passed through it from an electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 37. The second anode 24 is disposed substantially parallel to and facing the second cathode 25. The second anode 24 has a platinum-containing catalyst formed on the surface of a titanium substrate, and uses a material that has a high efficiency for generating hypochlorous acid by electrolysis. The platinum-containing catalyst is formed on at least the surface of the second anode 24 that is exposed along the second cathode-and-anode flow path 34 and the second anode-side flow path 35. The main purpose is to generate hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components, NaClO and NaOH, by transferring cations through electrodialysis after electrolyzing saltwater. However, it is also possible to convert NaCl produced by decomposition of NaClO and NaCl remaining in saltwater after electrolysis into hypochlorous acid using a platinum electrode.

[0068] The second negative electrode 25 is a planar electrode plate. The surface of the second negative electrode 25 is exposed along the second negative-and-anodode flow path 34 and the second negative electrode-side flow path 36 by a second negative electrode-side spacer 28. The second negative electrode 25 functions as a cathode when a current is passed through it by an electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 37. The second negative electrode 25 is disposed facing the second anode 24 and approximately parallel to it. Like the second anode 24, the second negative electrode 25 has a platinum-containing catalyst formed on its surface. The platinum-containing catalyst is formed on at least the surface of the second negative electrode 25 exposed along the second negative-and-anodode flow path 34 and the second anode-side flow path 35. The second anode 24 and second negative electrode 25 in the regions exposed along the second anode-side flow path 35 and the second negative electrode-side flow path 36 where electrodialysis is performed have the same shape, and the shorter the facing distance, the easier it is for ionic components to move. If the opposing distance is short, the flow rate through the flow path will be low and the amount of hypochlorous acid water that can be produced will also be low. Therefore, it is desirable to shorten the opposing distance to approximately 10 mm or less while still ensuring the necessary amount of hypochlorous acid water produced.

[0069] The second positive electrode 24 and the second negative electrode 25 constitute a pair of opposing electrodes, ie, a negative-positive electrode (hereinafter also referred to as a second negative-positive electrode).

[0070] The second diaphragm 26 is a flat thin film. The second diaphragm 26 is disposed substantially parallel to and facing the second anode 24 and the second cathode 25. The second diaphragm 26 is provided to separate the second anode-side flow path 35 from the second cathode-side flow path 36. The second diaphragm 26 is formed of NaClO and NaOH, which are residual components of the hypochlorous acid water. + It is an ion exchange membrane (cation exchange membrane) that can move cations such as ions. + In addition to ions, the Ca contained in tap water 2+ ions and Mg 2+ Cations such as ions can also be similarly moved and separated / reduced. The second diaphragm 26 can move cationic components to the second negative electrode 25 by applying a voltage between the second positive electrode 24 and the second negative electrode 25. Examples of this cation exchange membrane include Nafion manufactured by DuPont. The second diaphragm 26 is disposed in the latter part (later part) of the flow path, and the part having the second diaphragm 26 constitutes the hypochlorous acid water treatment section 3b. Conversely, the part not having the second diaphragm 26 in the former part (earlier part) of the flow path constitutes the hypochlorous acid water generation section 3a. The size of the second diaphragm 26 determines the area of ​​the hypochlorous acid water generation section 3a and the area of ​​the hypochlorous acid water treatment section 3b. Specifically, if the proportion of the electrolysis time of saltwater is to be increased, the size of the second diaphragm 26 is reduced, and if the proportion of the electrodialysis time of hypochlorous acid water is to be increased, the size of the second diaphragm 26 is increased. Since the second negative electrode 25 concentrates cationic components, scale components contained in tap water, etc., may precipitate over long periods of use. To reduce scale buildup, for example, the potentials of the second positive electrode 24 and the second negative electrode 25 are reversed and the deposited scale is dissolved each time water is passed through the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3. When considering use with polarity reversal, it is desirable that the second positive electrode 24 and the second negative electrode 25 be treated with a similar platinum-containing catalyst.

[0071] The second anode side spacer 27 is an insulating member. The second anode side spacer 27 controls the distance between the second anode 24 and the second diaphragm 26 to a predetermined distance. The second anode side spacer 27 has second anode side flow passage holes 35a therein that form the second anode side flow passage 35 (described later). The second anode side flow passage holes 35a are holes that form the second anode side flow passage 35 formed in the second anode side spacer 27. The second anode side flow passage holes 35a penetrate the second anode side spacer 27 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) having the same serpentine shape as the second anode side spacer 27 is attached to the surface of the second anode side spacer 27 to improve adhesion between the second anode 24 and the second diaphragm 26.

[0072] The second cathode side spacer 28 is an insulating member. The second cathode side spacer 28 controls the distance between the second cathode 25 and the second diaphragm 26 to a predetermined distance. The second cathode side spacer 28 has second cathode side flow passage holes 36a therein, which form the second cathode side flow passage 36 (described later). The second cathode side flow passage holes 36a are holes formed in the second cathode side spacer 28 that form the second cathode side flow passage 36. The second cathode side flow passage holes 36a penetrate the second cathode side spacer 28 from front to back and are formed in a serpentine shape, moving back and forth horizontally and ascending step by step. The second cathode side flow passage holes 36a and the second anode side flow passage holes 35a are arranged to face each other. A packing member (not shown) having the same serpentine shape as the second cathode side spacer 28 is attached to the surface of the second cathode side spacer 28 to improve adhesion between the second cathode 25 and the second diaphragm 26.

[0073] In the hypochlorous acid water generator 3 a, the second anode side spacer 27 and the second cathode side spacer 28 are in direct contact with each other and function as an inter-cathode spacer between the second anode 24 and the second cathode 25 .

[0074] In the hypochlorous acid water generator 3a, a second anode side spacer 27 and a second cathode side spacer 28 are interposed between the second anode 24 and the second cathode 25. In the hypochlorous acid water processor 3b, a second anode side spacer 27, a second diaphragm 26, and a second cathode side spacer 28 are interposed between the second anode 24 and the second cathode 25. The second anode 24 and the second cathode 25 are arranged approximately parallel, and in order to accommodate the thickness of the second diaphragm 26, the thicknesses of the second anode side spacer 27 and the second cathode side spacer 28 of the hypochlorous acid water processor 3b are thinner by the thickness of the second diaphragm 26. As a means for absorbing the thickness of the second diaphragm 26 with the thicknesses of the second anode side spacer 27 and the second cathode side spacer 28, the packing members arranged on the surfaces of the second anode side spacer 27 and the second cathode side spacer 28 can be designed to be thicker than the second diaphragm 26 and made of a material that has absorbency by deforming the shape, such as silicone resin. By doing so, pressure can be applied from both sides of the second anode side spacer 27 and the second cathode side spacer 28, allowing the packing members to absorb the thickness of the second diaphragm 26 while achieving the original purpose of preventing liquid leakage.

[0075] The second anode gasket 29a has a shape obtained by hollowing out the outer periphery of the second anode 24 to the size of the electrode, and is attached by applying a tightening pressure so as to be in close contact with the second anode side spacer 27 and to prevent leakage of the solution (second anode / cathode supply solution 31a described below) in the second anode side flow path 35 in the circumferential direction. The second anode gasket 29a may be made of insulating silicone rubber. The second anode gasket 29a is thicker than the second anode 24, and is preferably held in place by the thickness of the second anode 24 while being crushed by the tightening pressure to tightly contact the second anode side spacer 27 and the second anode side tank housing side surface 30a.

[0076] The second cathode gasket 29b has a shape obtained by hollowing out the outer periphery of the second cathode 25 to the size of the electrode, and is attached by applying a tightening pressure so as to be in close contact with the second cathode side spacer 28 and in the circumferential direction to prevent leakage of the solution (second cathode / anode supply solution 31a described below) in the second cathode side flow path 36. Insulating silicone rubber can be used as the material for the second cathode gasket 29b. The second cathode gasket 29b is thicker than the second cathode 25, and is preferably held in place by the thickness of the second cathode 25 while being crushed by the tightening pressure and in close contact with the second cathode side spacer 28 and the second cathode side tank housing side surface 30b.

[0077] The second anode-side tank housing side surface 30a is disposed so as to be in direct contact with the outside of the second anode 24. To prevent the solution from seeping into the outside of the second anode 24, a packing (not shown) is attached to the inner surface of the second anode-side tank housing side surface 30a to improve adhesion, and it is desirable to apply a 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 second anode 24, preventing the solution from getting around to the outside of the electrode will also lead to improved efficiency of electrodialysis.

[0078] The second cathode-side tank casing side surface 30b is disposed so as to be in direct contact with the outside of the second cathode 25. To prevent the solution from seeping into the outside of the second cathode 25, a packing (not shown) is attached to the inner surface of the second cathode-side tank casing side surface 30b to improve adhesion, and it is desirable to apply a 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 second cathode 25, preventing the solution from getting around to the outside of the electrode will also lead to improved efficiency of electrode dialysis.

[0079] The second cathode / anodizing electrode solution supply port 31 is a connection port for flowing saltwater to be electrolyzed into the second cathode / anodizing electrode flow path 34, and is equipped with a connector (not shown) to which a tube can be connected. In order to supply saltwater from outside the second anode 24, the second cathode / anodizing electrode solution supply port 31 is machined at a position on the outer periphery of the second anode 24. The second cathode / anodizing electrode solution supply port 31 is machined at a position on the outer periphery of both the second anode 24 and the second cathode 25, but may be machined at a position on the outer periphery of only one of the second anode 24 or the second cathode 25.

[0080] The second cathode-and-anodode supply solution 31a is brine supplied from the brine generation unit 20. More specifically, it is brine produced by adding salt components in the salt supply section 22 to tap water solution from which anion components have been separated and reduced in the tap water treatment unit 2, and mixing the resulting solution. The second cathode-and-anodode supply solution 31a is introduced into the second cathode-and-anodode flow path 34 from the second cathode-and-anodode solution supply port 31.

[0081] The second anode solution extraction port 32 is a connection port for extracting the electrodialyzed second anode extraction solution 32a from the flow path, and is equipped with a connector (not shown) to which a tube can be connected. In order to extract the second anode extraction solution 32a outside the second anode 24, the second anode solution extraction port 32 is machined at a position on the outer periphery of the second anode 24.

[0082] The second anode extraction solution 32a is hypochlorous acid water containing HClO as a main component. The second anode extraction solution 32a is introduced into the second anode solution extraction port 32 from the second anode-side flow path 35.

[0083] More specifically, the second anode extraction solution 32a is a solution obtained by electrolyzing the second anion-and-ion electrode supply solution 31a in the second anion-and-ion electrode flow path 34, and then passing it through the second anode-side flow path 35 to separate and dilute the cation components that cause residual components. Since hypochlorous acid water is used, which is generated by electrolyzing salt water generated from tap water from which anion components have been removed in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3a, the second anode extraction solution 32a contains mainly Na, which is caused by salt components. +ions, and Ca contained in tap water 2+ ions and Mg 2+ The ions are separated and diluted, and the hypochlorous acid water becomes mainly composed of HClO. As a result, the pH of this hypochlorous acid water is acidic.

[0084] The second cathode solution extraction port 33 is a connection port for extracting the electrodialyzed second cathode extraction solution 33a from the flow path, and is equipped with a connector (not shown) to which a tube can be connected. In order to extract the second cathode extraction solution 33a to the outside of the second cathode 25, the second cathode solution extraction port 33 is machined at a position on the outer periphery of the second cathode 25.

[0085] The second negative electrode extraction solution 33a is hypochlorous acid water containing NaClO, NaOH, and, depending on the components of the tap water used as the raw water, Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2. The second negative electrode extraction solution 33a is led from the second negative electrode side flow path 36 to the second negative electrode solution extraction port 33.

[0086] More specifically, the second cathode extraction solution 33a is a solution in which the cationic components that cause residual components are concentrated by electrolyzing the second cathode-and-anodode supply solution 31a in the second cathode-and-anodode flow path 34 and then passing it through the second cathode-side flow path 36. Since the hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing salt water in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3a is used, the second cathode extraction solution 33a contains the cationic ions Na + The ions are separated and concentrated and produced as NaOH, resulting in hypochlorous acid water with NaOH and NaClO as the main components. 2+ ions and Mg 2+ When tap water containing ions is used, Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2 are both produced, which makes the pH of this hypochlorous acid water alkaline.

[0087] Here, it is desirable that the second cathode / anodide solution supply port 31 be located vertically downward, and that the second anode solution extraction port 32 and the second cathode solution extraction port 33 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.

[0088] The second cathode-and-anodide flow path 34 is a flow path formed in an area surrounded by the second anode 24, the second anode-side spacer 27, the second cathode-side spacer 28, and the second cathode 25, and is a so-called membraneless electrolysis flow path. The second cathode-and-anodide flow path 34 is configured in a serpentine shape by overlapping the second anode-side flow path hole 35a of the second anode-side spacer 27 and the second cathode-side flow path hole 36a of the second cathode-side spacer 28. More specifically, the second cathode-and-anodide flow path 34 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, reducing the flow path width of the second cathode-and-anodide flow path 34 increases the distance, thereby extending the electrolysis time. To reduce backflow of the solution in the second cathode-and-anodide flow path 34, it is desirable for the second cathode-and-anodide flow path 34 to be configured so that it flows in only one direction, from bottom to top, except for the horizontal reciprocation. The second cathode-and-anodode flow path 34 is connected to a second anode-side flow path 35 and a second cathode-side flow path 36, through which a second cathode supply solution 31a flows. The amount of electrolysis is controlled by the applied voltage and current and the flow rate within the flow path. The flow rate is controlled by a second anode-side supply pump 38 installed downstream of the second anode solution extraction port 32 and a second cathode-side supply pump 39 installed downstream of the second cathode solution extraction port 33. Each supply pump is preferably capable of controlling a constant flow rate; for example, a tube pump can be used. By flowing the solutions at a constant flow rate, the electrolysis time within the flow path can be controlled to a constant value, thereby stably controlling the concentration of the extracted hypochlorous acid water.

[0089] In the second cathode-and-anodode flow path 34, the electrolyzed hypochlorous acid water is mixed during the flow process, but Cl, an anion component of saltwater, is present near the second anode 24.- Many ions are distributed, and Na, a cation component of saltwater, is present near the second negative electrode 25. + The ions flow with a concentration gradient such that a large proportion of them are distributed. Therefore, when electrolysis is performed between a pair of second cathode-and-anode electrodes, a solution that is more acidic flows near the second anode 24, and a solution that is more alkaline flows near the second cathode 25. Therefore, hypochlorous acid water that is more acidic and more alkaline flows through the second anode-side flow path 35 and the second cathode-side flow path 36, respectively. Specifically, acidic hypochlorous acid water containing a large amount of HCl and HClO flows through the second anode-side flow path 35, and alkaline hypochlorous acid water containing a large amount of NaOH is extracted through the second cathode-side flow path 36.

[0090] The second anode-side flow path 35 is a flow path formed in an area surrounded by the second anode 24, the second anode-side spacer 27, and the second diaphragm 26. The second anode-side flow path 35 is configured to meander due to the second anode-side flow path holes 35a in the second anode-side spacer 27. More specifically, the second anode-side flow path 35 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, by reducing the flow path width of the second anode-side flow path 35, the distance can be increased, thereby extending the electrodialysis time. To reduce backflow of the solution in the second anode-side flow path 35, it is desirable for the second anode-side flow path 35 to be configured so that it flows in only one direction, from bottom to top, except for the horizontal reciprocation. One end of the second anode side flow path 35 is connected to the second anodized-anodized electrode flow path 34, and the other end is provided with a second anode solution extraction port 32, through which hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing salt water in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3a flows.

[0091] The second cathode-side flow path 36 is a flow path formed in an area surrounded by the second cathode 25, the second cathode-side spacer 28, and the second diaphragm 26. The second cathode-side flow path 36 is configured to meander due to the second cathode-side flow path holes 36a in the second cathode-side spacer 28. More specifically, the second cathode-side flow path 36 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, by reducing the flow path width of the second cathode-side flow path 36, the distance can be increased, thereby extending the electrodialysis time. To reduce backflow of the solution in the second cathode-side flow path 36, it is desirable for the second cathode-side flow path 36 to have a structure in which the flow is unidirectional, from bottom to top, except for the horizontal reciprocation. One end of the second negative electrode side flow path 36 is connected to the second negative-positive electrode flow path 34, and the other end is provided with a second negative electrode solution extraction port 33, through which hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing salt water in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3a flows.

[0092] The second anode-side flow path 35 and the second cathode-side flow path 36 are symmetrically opposed to each other with the second diaphragm 26 in between. That is, the second anode-side flow path 35 and the second cathode-side flow path 36 are configured in a serpentine shape opposed to each other with the second diaphragm 26 in between. In this way, the second anode-side flow path 35 and the second cathode-side flow path 36 constitute a so-called membrane-equipped electrolysis flow path (hereinafter also referred to as a second membrane-equipped electrolysis flow path). The Na 2 O 3 contained in the hypochlorous acid water flowing through the second anode-side flow path 35 is + ions, and even the Ca contained in tap water 2+ ions and Mg 2+ Ions and the like move toward the second cathode side flow path 36. The amount of movement of ion components is controlled by the applied voltage / current and the flow rate within the flow path. The flow rate is controlled by installing a second anode side supply pump 38 downstream of the second anode solution extraction port 32 and a second cathode side supply pump 39 downstream of the second cathode solution extraction port 33. Each pump is preferably a type that can be controlled at a constant flow rate; for example, a tube pump can be used. By flowing the solutions at a constant flow rate, the electrodialysis and electrolysis times within the flow paths can be controlled to be constant, allowing for stable control of the concentration of the extracted hypochlorous acid water.

[0093] In the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3, the second cathode-and-anodode flow path 34, which constitutes a membrane-less electrolysis flow path, and the second anode-side flow path 35 and second cathode-side flow path 36, which constitute the membrane-containing electrolysis flow path, form a one-pass serpentine electrolysis flow path for the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3. That is, in the serpentine electrolysis flow path, the second cathode-and-anodode flow path 34 constitutes the front stage of the electrolysis flow path, and the second anode-side flow path 35 and second cathode-side flow path 36 constitute the rear stage of the electrolysis flow path.

[0094] The electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 37 is a DC power supply that applies current between a pair of second cathodes and cathodes. More specifically, the electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 37 is connected to the second anode 24 and the second cathode 25 and is capable of applying current and voltage to the second anode 24 and the second cathode 25. The electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 37 may be used as a constant current control power supply to provide a constant current, or may be used as a constant voltage control power supply to provide a constant voltage. The electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 37 applies current and voltage to the second anode 24 and the second cathode 25, which are common to both the hypochlorous acid water generator 3a and the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 3b. In other words, the electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 37 functions as a power supply for the electrodes that cause electrolysis in the hypochlorous acid water generator 3a and the electrodes that cause electrodialysis in the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 3b. In addition, in order to reduce scale accumulation, the electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 37 may be controlled, for example, so as to reverse the polarity by swapping the potentials of the second positive electrode 24 and the second negative electrode 25 each time hypochlorous acid water is passed through the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3, thereby dissolving the deposited scale.

[0095] The second anode side supply pump 38 generates a flow for extracting the second anode extraction solution 32a. More specifically, the second anode side supply pump 38 is installed downstream of the second anode solution extraction port 32. The second anode side supply pump 38 generates a flow of each solution (second anode supply solution 31a, second anode extraction solution 32a) that flows sequentially through the second anode solution supply port 31, the second anode-electrode flow path 34, the second anode side flow path 35, and the second anode solution extraction port 32. In this case, the second anode side supply pump 38 controls the flow rate of the solutions flowing through the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3a and simultaneously controls the flow rate of the solutions flowing through the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 3b to a constant value. Examples of pumps capable of delivering a liquid at a constant flow rate include a tube pump and a diaphragm pump.

[0096] The second cathode side supply pump 39 generates a flow for extracting the second cathode extraction solution 33a. More specifically, the second cathode side supply pump 39 is installed downstream of the second cathode solution extraction port 33. The second cathode side supply pump 39 generates a flow of each solution (second cathode / anodide supply solution 31a, second cathode extraction solution 33a) that flows sequentially through the second cathode / anodide solution supply port 31, the second cathode / anodide flow path 34, the second cathode side flow path 36, and the second cathode solution extraction port 33. In this case, the second cathode side supply pump 39 integrally controls the flow rate of the solutions flowing through the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3a, while simultaneously controlling the flow rate of the solutions flowing through the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 3b to a constant value. Examples of pumps capable of delivering a liquid at a constant flow rate include a tube pump and a diaphragm pump.

[0097] The flow rate of the second cathode-and-anodide flow path 34 is controlled as the total flow rate of the second anode-side supply pump 38 and the second cathode-side supply pump 39 .

[0098] As described above, the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 is made up of each member.

[0099] Next, the treatment operation in the tap water treatment unit 2 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional image diagram of the tap water treatment unit.

[0100] 4 and 5 , in the tap water treatment unit 2, a first cathode feed solution 11a, which is tap water, is continuously supplied to the first cathode-side flow path 15 through a first cathode solution supply port 11, and a first anode feed solution 13a, which is tap water, is continuously supplied to the first anode-side flow path 16 through a first anode solution supply port 13. The first cathode feed solution 11a supplied from the first cathode solution supply port 11 flows through the meandering first cathode-side flow path 15, and the first anode feed solution 13a supplied from the first anode solution supply port 13 flows through the similarly meandering first anode-side flow path 16. At this time, the first cathode feed solution 11a and the first anode feed solution 13a face each other across the first diaphragm 6 and flow in the same direction through the first cathode-side flow path 15 and the first anode-side flow path 16, respectively. At the same time, a voltage is applied to the first cathode 4 and the first anode 5 at both ends. When a voltage is applied, cations are attracted to the first cathode 4 side, and anions (Cl contained in tap water) are attracted to the first anode 5 side. - ions, SO4 2- ions, and NO3 - Since the first diaphragm 6 is made of a membrane that is permeable only to anion components, the anion components (Cl ions, etc.) contained in the first cathode supply solution 11a flowing through the first cathode-side flow path 15 are attracted to the first diaphragm 6. - ions, SO4 2- ions, and NO3 -ions, etc.) pass through the first diaphragm 6 and pass through the first anode supply solution 13a in the first anode-side flow path 16, and the anion components are attracted to the first anode 5 side. Conversely, the cation components flowing through the first anode-side flow path 16 cannot pass through the first diaphragm 6, so only the cation components contained in the first cathode-side flow path 15 are attracted to the first cathode 4. By repeating this process, the anion components contained in the first cathode supply solution 11a flowing through the first cathode-side flow path 15 move to the first anode supply solution 13a flowing through the first anode-side flow path 16, and electrodialysis progresses, with the anion components separated and diluted in the first cathode supply solution 11a flowing through the first cathode-side flow path 15, and the anion components concentrated and extracted in the first anode supply solution 13a flowing through the first anode-side flow path 16. As a result, the anion components (Cl, Cl, etc.) contained in tap water are extracted from the first cathode solution extraction port 12 as a first cathode extraction solution 12a. - ions, SO4 2- ions, and NO3 - On the other hand, a tap water solution in which anion components contained in the tap water have been separated and concentrated is extracted from the first anode solution extraction port 14 as a first anode extraction solution 14a. - Hypochlorous acid water is produced and contained through electrolysis of ions.

[0101] In the treatment operation of the tap water treatment unit 2, extending the time for electrodialysis in the first cathode-side flow path 15 and the first anode-side flow path 16 increases the amount of anion components transferred, thereby further reducing the amount of anion components contained in the tap water in the first cathode extraction solution 12a. To extend the time for electrodialysis, it is necessary to extend the distance between the first cathode-side flow path 15 and the first anode-side flow path 16. To achieve this, the first cathode-side flow path 15 and the first anode-side flow path 16 are 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 electrodialysis. Furthermore, reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the first cathode-side flow path 15 and the first anode-side flow path 16 increases the distance, thereby enabling the electrodialysis time to be extended.

[0102] The pumps (first cathode-side supply pump 18 and first anode-side supply pump 19) are controlled so that the flow rates of the solutions passing through the first cathode-side flow path 15 and the first anode-side flow path 16 are the same, but they may be different. Different flow rates affect the concentrations of the extracted solutions. For example, if the flow rate of the first cathode-side flow path 15 is relatively fast and the flow rate of the first anode-side flow path 16 is relatively slow, the first anode extraction solution 14a extracted from the first anode-side flow path 16 will be a tap water solution with a smaller amount and a higher concentration than when the flow rates of the first cathode-side flow path 15 and the first anode-side flow path 16 are the same. Therefore, when draining the first anode extraction solution 14a, it is desirable to slow the flow rate of the first anode-side flow path 16.

[0103] Next, the processing operation in the hypochlorous acid water generator 3a of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 9 is a horizontal cross-sectional image diagram of the hypochlorous acid water generator 3a of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3.

[0104] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, in the hypochlorous acid water generating section 3a of the hypochlorous acid water generating unit 3, second cathode supply solution 31a, which is salt water, is continuously supplied to the second cathode-and-anodode flow path 34 through the second cathode-and-anodode solution supply port 31. The second cathode supply solution 31a supplied from the second cathode-and-anodode solution supply port 31 flows through the second cathode-and-anodode flow path 34, which is formed in a serpentine shape. At this time, while the second cathode supply solution 31a flows through the second cathode-and-anodode flow path 34, a voltage is applied to the second anode 24 and the second cathode 25 at both ends. When a voltage is applied, an anion component (Cl - ions) are attracted to the second negative electrode 25, and the cation component (Na + Ions and Ca contained in tap water 2+ ions and Mg 2+ions, etc.) are attracted to the water, and HCl and HClO are produced by electrolysis on the second anode 24 side, and NaOH is produced on the second cathode 25 side. Furthermore, NaClO is produced by reacting with NaOH. By repeating this process, hypochlorous acid water containing NaClO as the main component, HClO, NaOH, and residual NaCl is produced. In addition, if Ca is added to the tap water solution being supplied, 2+ ions and Mg 2+ ions, Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2 are also produced in addition to NaOH.

[0105] In the treatment operation of the hypochlorous acid water generator 3a, by extending the time for electrolysis in the second cathode-and-anodode flow path 34, the amount of NaCl electrolyzed can be increased and the amount of NaCl (salt water) remaining in the generated hypochlorous acid water can be reduced. To extend the time for electrolysis, it is necessary to extend the distance of the second cathode-and-anodode flow path 34. To achieve this, the second cathode-and-anodode flow path 34 is formed in a serpentine shape, moving back and forth horizontally and ascending step by step. The number of horizontal reciprocations until the solution reaches the top increases the distance for electrolysis. Furthermore, reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the second cathode-and-anodode flow path 34 also increases the distance, thereby lengthening the electrolysis time.

[0106] Next, the processing operation in the hypochlorous acid water processing section 3b of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 10. Figure 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional image diagram of the hypochlorous acid water processing section 3b of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3.

[0107] 8 and 10, in the hypochlorous acid water treatment section 3b of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3, hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing saltwater in the hypochlorous acid water generation section 3a is continuously supplied to the second anode side flow path 35, and similarly, hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing saltwater in the hypochlorous acid water generation section 3a is continuously supplied to the second cathode side flow path 36. The hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing saltwater in the hypochlorous acid water generation section 3a flows through the second anode side flow path 35, which is formed in a serpentine shape, and then flows through the second cathode side flow path 36, which is also formed in a serpentine shape. At this time, the hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing saltwater in the hypochlorous acid water generation section 3a flows in the same direction and flows through the second anode side flow path 35 and the second cathode side flow path 36, respectively, and at the same time, a voltage is applied to the second anode 24 and the second cathode 25 at both ends. When a voltage is applied, an anion component is attracted to the second positive electrode 24 side, and a cation component (Na + ions, and Ca contained in tap water 2+ ions and Mg 2+ The second diaphragm 26 is made of a membrane that is permeable only to cation components, and therefore, the cation components (Na ions, etc.) contained in the hypochlorous acid water flowing through the second anode-side flow path 35 are attracted. + ions, and Ca contained in tap water 2+ ions and Mg 2+The anions (ions, etc.) pass through the second diaphragm 26 and pass through the hypochlorous acid water in the second cathode-side flow path 36, and the cation components are attracted to the second cathode 25 side. Conversely, the anions flowing through the second cathode-side flow path 36 cannot pass through the second diaphragm 26, and therefore only the anions contained in the second anode-side flow path 35 are attracted to the second anode 24. By repeating this process, the cation components contained in the hypochlorous acid water flowing through the second anode-side flow path 35 move to the hypochlorous acid water flowing through the second cathode-side flow path 36, and electrodialysis progresses, with the cation components separated and diluted in the hypochlorous acid water flowing through the second anode-side flow path 35, and the cation components concentrated and extracted in the hypochlorous acid water flowing through the second cathode-side flow path 36. As a result, hypochlorous acid water containing HClO as the main component due to separation and dilution of components containing cations that constitute the remaining components is extracted as second anode solution extraction port 32 as second anode solution extraction solution 32a. Conversely, a solution (hypochlorous acid water) containing components in which cations that constitute the remaining components are separated and concentrated is extracted as second cathode solution extraction port 33a.

[0108] In the treatment operation in the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 3b, the time for electrodialysis in the second anode side flow path 35 and the second cathode side flow path 36 is extended to increase the amount of movement of cation components, thereby increasing the amount of Na in the second anode extraction solution 32a. + ions, and Ca contained in tap water 2+ ions and Mg 2+ This allows for further reduction of residual components consisting of cations such as ions. To extend the time for electrodialysis, it is necessary to increase the distance between the second anode-side flow path 35 and the second cathode-side flow path 36. To achieve this, the flow paths are formed in a serpentine shape, moving back and forth horizontally while ascending step by step. The number of horizontal reciprocations required for the solution to reach the top increases the distance for electrodialysis. Furthermore, by reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the second anode-side flow path 35 and the second cathode-side flow path 36, the distance can be increased, thereby lengthening the electrodialysis time.

[0109] Although the pumps are controlled so that the flow rates of the solutions passing through the second anode-side flow path 35 and the second cathode-side flow path 36 are the same, they may be different. Different flow rates affect the concentrations of the extracted solutions. For example, if the flow rate of the second anode-side flow path 35 is relatively fast and the flow rate of the second cathode-side flow path 36 is relatively slow, the amount of second cathode extraction solution 33a extracted from the second cathode-side flow path 36 will be smaller and more concentrated than if the flow rates of the second anode-side flow path 35 and the second cathode-side flow path 36 were the same. Therefore, when draining the second cathode extraction solution 33a, it is desirable to slow down the flow rate of the second cathode-side flow path 36.

[0110] Next, the characteristics (conductivity, pH, and effective chlorine concentration) of each solution (tap water, salt water, and each hypochlorous acid water) actually flowing through the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 (tap water treatment unit 2 and hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3) will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is an image diagram of an experiment to evaluate the characteristics of hypochlorous acid water flowing through the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1. The characteristic evaluation was performed on the solutions (tap water, salt water, and each hypochlorous acid water) at each stage shown in Figure 11 (tap water tank 40, salt water generation tank 21, hypochlorous acid water tank 41, and drainage tank 23).

[0111] In the experimental evaluation, tap water stored in the tap water tank 40 was supplied to the tap water treatment unit 2 and circulated, and the first cathode extraction solution 12a was collected in the brine generation tank 21, and the first anode extraction solution 14a was collected in the discharge-side tank 23. Next, salt components were added to the first cathode extraction solution 12a collected in the brine generation tank 21 to form brine, which was supplied to the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3 and circulated, and the second anode extraction solution 32a was collected in the hypochlorous acid water tank 41, and the second cathode extraction solution 33a was collected in the discharge-side tank 23. At this time, the second cathode extraction solution 33a was mixed with the first anode extraction solution 14a collected in the discharge-side tank 23, but in the characteristic evaluation, the first anode extraction solution 14a and the second cathode extraction solution 33a before mixing were also sampled.

[0112] The tap water treatment unit 2 has a flow path cross-sectional area of ​​8 mm 2 The hypochlorous acid water generating section 3a of the hypochlorous acid water generating unit 3 was provided with a first cathode side flow path 15 and a first anode side flow path 16 having a flow path cross-sectional area of ​​24 mm 2 The hypochlorous acid water treatment section 3b has a flow path cross-sectional area of ​​24 mm 2 The electrodialysis system used had a second anode-side flow path 35 and a second cathode-side flow path 36 with a flow path length of 320 mm. The flow rates of the first cathode-side supply pump 18, the first anode-side supply pump 19, the second anode-side supply pump 38, and the second cathode-side supply pump 39 were 11 mL / min, 0.9 mL / min, 4.4 mL / min, and 0.9 mL / min, respectively. The electrical conductivity, pH, and available chlorine concentration of each solution (tap water, salt water, and hypochlorous acid water) collected in the tap water tank 40, the brine generation tank 21, the wastewater tank 23, and the hypochlorous acid water tank 41 were measured. DC 24 V was applied to both the electrodialysis power supply 17 and the electrolysis / electrodialysis power supply 37. The tap water (first cathode supply solution 11a and first anode supply solution 13a) supplied to the tap water treatment unit 2 had a water volume of 1.1 L, a conductivity of 103 μS / cm, a pH of 7.0, and an effective chlorine concentration of below the detection limit, as used in the experimental evaluation. 5 mL of concentrated brine (0.5% brine) was supplied from the salt supply unit 22 to the brine generation tank 21, and mixed with the first cathode extraction solution 12a recovered in the brine generation tank 21 to generate brine to be supplied to the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3.

[0113] The results of the property evaluation of each solution are summarized in Figure 12. Figure 12 is a diagram showing the properties of the hypochlorous acid water that has flowed through the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1.

[0114] 12, the brine obtained by adding salt components to the first cathode extraction solution 12a recovered in the brine generating tank 21 has a volume of 1.02 L, a conductivity of 137 μS / cm, a pH of 10.2, and an available chlorine concentration below the detection limit. The pH of the solution is alkaline. In addition, because the salt components are supplied, the conductivity is higher than that of tap water supplied from the tap water tank 40.

[0115] On the other hand, the first anode extraction solution 14a (before mixing) recovered in the drainage tank 23 has a volume of 0.08 L, a conductivity of 1041 μS / cm, a pH of 2.5, and an available chlorine concentration of 137 ppm, and the pH of the solution is acidic. The reason why the pH is acidic is that hypochlorous acid water is generated in the first anode extraction solution 14a and the Cl contained in tap water is dissolved in the hypochlorous acid water. - This is because the ions are electrolyzed to form hypochlorous acid.

[0116] Next, the second anode extraction solution 32a recovered in the hypochlorous acid water tank 41 has a volume of 0.85 L, a conductivity of 13 μS / cm, a pH of 4.5, and an available chlorine concentration of 29 ppm, and is hypochlorous acid water with low conductivity, i.e., hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of HClO and few residual ions. In other words, in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3, acidic hypochlorous acid water is generated as the second anode extraction solution 32a.

[0117] On the other hand, the second cathode extraction solution 33a (before mixing) recovered in the discharge tank 23 has a volume of 0.17 L, a conductivity of 1507 μS / cm, a pH of 11.6, and an available chlorine concentration of 8 ppm. In other words, in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3, alkaline hypochlorous acid water is generated as the second cathode extraction solution 33a.

[0118] Meanwhile, the extraction solution (after mixing) recovered in the discharge tank 23 and obtained by mixing the first anode extraction solution 14a and the second cathode extraction solution 33a has a volume of 0.25 L (= 0.08 L + 0.17 L), a conductivity of 538 μS / cm, a pH of 10.4, and an available chlorine concentration of 53 ppm. This results in a hypochlorous acid solution with high conductivity, i.e., containing residual components. Since the first anode extraction solution 14a is acidic and the second cathode extraction solution 33a is alkaline, a neutralization reaction occurs, bringing the solution closer to neutral. This state of the extraction solution (alkaline hypochlorous acid water) is discharged from the discharge tank 23.

[0119] Furthermore, by setting the flow rate of the supply pumps (first anode side supply pump 19 and second cathode side supply pump 39) connected to the drainage side tank 23 to a low rate, the amount of solution discharged can be reduced.

[0120] As described above, according to the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0121] (1) The hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 includes a tap water treatment unit 2 that continuously separates and reduces anion components contained in tap water supplied into a serpentine first diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow path (a first cathode-side flow path 15 and a first anode-side flow path 16) by passing current between a pair of first cathode and anode electrodes (between the first cathode 4 and the first anode 5); a brine generation unit 20 that generates brine by adding salt components to a tap water solution (a first cathode extraction solution 12a) delivered from the tap water electrolysis flow path (the first cathode-side flow path 15) on the cathode side of the tap water treatment unit 2; a serpentine electrolysis flow path configured to be capable of supplying brine (a second cathode-anode supply solution 31a) generated in the brine generation unit 20; and a diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path (a second cathode-anode flow path 34) that constitutes the upstream stage of the electrolysis flow path. and a hypochlorous acid water treatment section 3b that continuously treats the hypochlorous acid water supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generation section 3a into each of second diaphragm electrolysis flows (second anode side flow path 35 and second cathode side flow path 36) that constitute the downstream of the electrolysis flow path by passing current between the pair of second anode and cathode electrodes (second anode 24 and second cathode 25). The hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3 has a hypochlorous acid water generation section 3a that continuously generates hypochlorous acid water by passing current between the pair of second anode and cathode electrodes (second anode 24 and second cathode 25). The hypochlorous acid water (second anode extraction solution 32a) discharged from the electrolysis flow path (second anode side flow path 35) on the anode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment section 3b is configured to be supplied to the outside.

[0122] This configuration allows the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 to reduce the anionic components contained in tap water while supplying hypochlorous acid water (second anode extracting solution 32a) with reduced residual components generated by electrolysis of salt water (second cathode-anodizing electrode supplying solution 31a) generated from a tap water solution (first cathode extracting solution 12a) with reduced anionic components. More specifically, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1, tap water is supplied to the tap water treatment unit 2, and salt water (second cathode-anodizing electrode supplying solution 31a) obtained by adding salt components to the tap water solution (first cathode extracting solution 12a) delivered from the tap water electrolysis flow path (first cathode-side flow path 15) on the cathode side of the tap water treatment unit 2 is supplied to the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3. Therefore, the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3 can generate hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing salt water from which anionic components have been separated and reduced. This reduces the concentration and characteristic variations of the generated hypochlorous acid water due to the anionic components contained in tap water. Meanwhile, in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3, by supplying saltwater from which anion components have been separated and reduced to the electrolysis flow path, the saltwater is electrolyzed in the diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path (second cathode-and-anode flow path 34) in the hypochlorous acid water generation section 3a to generate hypochlorous acid water, and further, in the hypochlorous acid water treatment section 3b, the hypochlorous acid water generated in the diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path is circulated through each of the second diaphragm-containing electrolysis flow paths (second anode-side flow path 35 and second cathode-side flow path 36), so that hypochlorous acid water (second anode extraction solution 32a) from the anode side from which cation components that cause residual components have been separated and reduced can be extracted. As a result, when the hypochlorous soft water extracted from the anode side is supplied to the outside, metal corrosion caused by residual components contained in the hypochlorous soft water can be suppressed.

[0123] On the other hand, if salt components are added to tap water without separating and reducing the anion components to generate salt water and the salt water is passed through the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3, the anion components of the tap water are mixed with the hypochlorous acid water and extracted from the electrolysis flow path (second anode side flow path 35) on the anode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 3b. In particular, chloride ions (Cl -Since hypochlorous acid water is produced by electrolysis, chloride ions (Cl ions) have a large effect on the concentration variation of the hypochlorous acid water that is finally extracted, and hypochlorous acid water of a stable concentration cannot be produced. For this reason, they must be reduced in advance in the tap water treatment unit 2. - ion), other anions include SO4 2- and NO3 - However, if these ions are passed through the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3, they will generate acids such as H2SO4 or HNO3, causing variations in characteristics such as an increase in conductivity and a decrease in pH. For this reason, it is desirable to reduce these ions in advance in the tap water treatment unit 2 as well.

[0124] Furthermore, a common second cathode / anodode (second anode 24 and second cathode 25) is used for the hypochlorous acid water generator 3a and the hypochlorous acid water processor 3b, and the membrane-less electrolysis flow path and the second membrane-less electrolysis flow path are directly connected with a voltage applied between the second cathode / anodode. As a result, the membrane-less electrolysis flow path has a distribution in which many anions are present near the second anode 24 and many cations are present near the second cathode 25, and the electrodialysis process can be started with the cations that cause residual components already reduced on the second anode 24 side.

[0125] Furthermore, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1, by supplying salt water obtained by adding salt components to tap water to the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3, the salt water is electrolyzed in the membrane-less electrolysis flow path in the hypochlorous acid water generation section 3a to generate hypochlorous acid water, and further, in the hypochlorous acid water treatment section 3b, the hypochlorous acid water generated in the membrane-less electrolysis flow path is circulated in the second membrane-less electrolysis flow path, and hypochlorous acid water can be extracted with the cations that cause residual components separated and reduced. + Not only ions, but also Na, a cationic component contained in tap water + ions, Ca 2+ ions, and Mg 2+Therefore, the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 can supply hypochlorous acid water from which residual components resulting from the electrolysis of salt water have been separated to the outside.

[0126] (2) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1, the first membrane-equipped electrolysis flow path (first cathode-side flow path 15 and second anode-side flow path 16) includes a serpentine first cathode-side flow path 15 in which the first cathode 4 is exposed and extends along the flow path, a serpentine first anode-side flow path 16 that is arranged parallel to and opposite the first cathode-side flow path 15 and in which the first anode 5 is exposed and extends along the flow path, and a first diaphragm 6 that separates the first cathode-side flow path 15 and the first anode-side flow path 16 and allows permeation of anions contained in a solution flowing through the flow path. The pair of first cathode- and anode-side electrodes (first cathode 4 and first anode 5) is configured in a serpentine shape by exposing the first cathode 4 to the first cathode-side flow path 15 via a first cathode-side spacer 7 and exposing the first anode 5 to the first anode-side flow path 16 via a first anode-side spacer 8. Tap water is configured to flow in the same direction through both the first cathode-side flow path 15 and the first anode-side flow path 16. With this configuration, the tap water treatment unit 2 flows tap water while applying voltage in the same direction across the first diaphragm 6, so that anion components contained in the tap water can be continuously separated and reduced. Therefore, the tap water solution (first cathode extraction solution 12a) delivered from the tap water electrolysis flow path (first cathode-side flow path 15) on the cathode side of the tap water treatment unit 2 can be stably supplied to the salt water production unit 20 as a tap water solution from which anion components have been separated and reduced.

[0127] (3) The hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 includes a planar first cathode 4, a planar first diaphragm 6 facing the first cathode 4, and a first cathode side spacer 7 that is provided between the first cathode 4 and the first diaphragm 6 and exposes the first cathode 4 and the first diaphragm 6 in a first cathode side flow path 15 along the flow path, the first cathode side flow path 15 being composed of the first cathode 4 and the first diaphragm 6 that are exposed along the flow path, and the first cathode side spacer 7. The hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 includes a planar first anode 5, a planar first diaphragm 6 facing the first anode 5, and a first anode side spacer 8 that is provided between the first anode 5 and the first diaphragm 6 and exposes the first anode 5 and the first diaphragm 6 in a first anode side flow path 16 along the flow path, the first anode side flow path 16 being composed of the first anode 5 and the first diaphragm 6 that are exposed along the flow path, and the first anode side spacer 8. With this configuration, the ability to separate and reduce anionic components contained in tap water can be changed by changing the flow path shape formed in the first cathode side spacer 7 and the flow path shape formed in the first anode side spacer 8, so the area and time for separating and reducing anionic components from tap water can be freely designed.

[0128] (4) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1, the diaphragm-free electrolysis flow path (second cathode-and-anodide flow path 34) is configured to include a planar second anode 24, a planar second cathode 25 facing the second anode 24, and a cathode-and-anodide spacer provided between the second anode 24 and the second cathode 25. The pair of second cathode-and-anodide electrodes (second anode 24 and second cathode 25) are configured in a serpentine shape by exposing the second anode 24 and second cathode 25 to the diaphragm-free electrolysis flow path by the cathode-and-anodide spacer. With this configuration, the ability to electrolyze brine can be changed by changing the flow path shape formed in the cathode-and-anodide spacer, so the area and time for electrolyzing brine can be freely designed.

[0129] (5) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1, the second membrane-equipped electrolysis flow path (the second anode-side flow path 35 and the second cathode-side flow path 36) includes a serpentine second anode-side flow path 35 in which the second anode 24 is exposed and extended along the flow path, a serpentine second cathode-side flow path 36 that is arranged in parallel with and opposite the second anode-side flow path 35 and in which the second cathode 25 is exposed and extended along the flow path, and a second diaphragm 26 that is arranged to separate the second anode-side flow path 35 and the second cathode-side flow path 36 and that allows permeation of cations contained in the solution flowing through the flow path. The pair of second cathode-and-anode electrodes (second anode 24 and second cathode 25) are configured in a serpentine shape by exposing the second anode 24 to the second anode-side flow path 35 via a second anode-side spacer 27 and exposing the second cathode 25 to the second cathode-side flow path 36 via a second cathode-side spacer 28. Hypochlorous acid water supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generator 3a flows in the same direction through the second anode-side flow path 35 and the second cathode-side flow path 36. With this configuration, hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing salt water flows through the second diaphragm 26 while a voltage is applied in the same direction. This allows cationic components, which are responsible for residual components, to be continuously separated and reduced from the hypochlorous acid water. Therefore, hypochlorous acid water (second anode extraction solution 32a) discharged from the electrolysis flow path (second anode-side flow path 35) on the anode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 3b can be stably supplied to the outside as hypochlorous acid water with reduced residual components.

[0130] (6) The hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 includes a planar second anode 24, a planar second diaphragm 26 facing the second anode 24, and a second anode side spacer 27 provided between the second anode 24 and the second diaphragm 26 and exposing the second anode 24 and the second diaphragm 26 in a second anode side flow path 35 along the flow path, the second anode side flow path 35 being composed of the second anode 24 and the second diaphragm 26 exposed along the flow path, and the second anode side spacer 27. The hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 includes a planar second cathode 25, a planar second diaphragm 26 facing the second cathode 25, and a second cathode side spacer 28 provided between the second cathode 25 and the second diaphragm 26 and exposing the second cathode 25 and the second diaphragm 26 in a second cathode side flow path 36 along the flow path, the second cathode side flow path 36 being composed of the second cathode 25 and the second diaphragm 26 exposed along the flow path, and the second cathode side spacer 28. According to this configuration, the ability to separate cations that cause residual components from the hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolyzing salt water can be changed by changing the flow path shape formed in the second anode side spacer 27 and the flow path shape formed in the second cathode side spacer 28, so the area and time for separating and reducing cation components that cause residual components from the hypochlorous acid water can be freely designed.

[0131] (7) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1, the spacer between the cathode and anode electrodes is formed by overlapping the second anode side spacer 27 and the second cathode side spacer 28. This configuration simplifies the structure and allows for the flow of water to be prevented from leaking and disturbing the ion distribution in the flow paths due to the boundary between the membrane-less electrolysis flow path (the second cathode-anode electrode flow path 34) and the second membrane-containing electrolysis flow path (the second anode side flow path 35 and the second cathode side flow path 36).

[0132] (8) The hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 includes a first cathode-side supply pump 18 and a first anode-side supply pump 19, which are provided at the inlets of the anode and cathode sides of the tap water treatment unit 2, respectively, and supply tap water to the first diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow path (first cathode-side flow path 15 and first anode-side flow path 16), and a second anode-side supply pump 38 and a second cathode-side supply pump 39, which are provided at the outlets of the anode and cathode sides of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3, and supply brine to the diaphragm-less electrolysis flow path (second cathode-and-anode electrode flow path 34) and supply hypochlorous acid water electrolyzed in the second diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow path (second anode-side flow path 35 and second cathode-side flow path 36). The first cathode-side supply pump 18 and the first anode-side supply pump 19 supply tap water at a constant flow rate to the first cathode-side flow path 15 and the first anode-side flow path 16, respectively. The second anode-side supply pump 38 and the second cathode-side supply pump 39 are configured to supply hypochlorous acid water electrolyzed in the hypochlorous acid water generator 3a to the second anode-side flow path 35 and the second cathode-side flow path 36 at a constant flow rate, respectively. This makes it possible to maintain a constant time for applying voltage to the first cathode-side flow path 15 and a constant time for applying voltage to the first anode-side flow path 16 in the first diaphragm electrolysis flow path. This makes it possible to stabilize the concentration at which anion components contained in tap water are separated and diluted in the first cathode-side flow path 15 and the concentration at which anion components contained in tap water are concentrated in the first anode-side flow path 16. Meanwhile, in the second diaphragm electrolysis flow path, it is possible to maintain a constant time for applying voltage to the second anode-side flow path 35 and a constant time for applying voltage to the second cathode-side flow path 36. Therefore, the concentration at which the cationic components that cause residual components in the hypochlorous acid water in the second anode side flow path 35 are separated and diluted, and the concentration at which the cationic components that cause residual components in the hypochlorous acid water in the second cathode side flow path 36 are concentrated can be stabilized.

[0133] (9) The hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 includes a drain tank 23 that stores tap water solution (first anode extraction solution 14a) delivered from the tap water electrolysis flow path (first anode side flow path 16) on the anode side of the tap water treatment unit 2. The drain tank 23 is connected so as to be mixed with the solution (second cathode extraction solution 33a) delivered from the electrolysis flow path (second cathode side flow path 36) on the cathode side of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3. According to this configuration, the tap water solution (first anode extraction solution 14a) having an acidic pH discharged from the tap water electrolysis flow path on the anode side of the tap water treatment unit 2 and the hypochlorous acid water (second cathode extraction solution 33a) having an alkaline pH discharged from the electrolysis flow path on the cathode side of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3 (second cathode side flow path 36) are mixed and neutralized, and the mixed solution has an alkaline pH, but can be discharged at a pH closer to neutral than that of the alkaline solution discharged from the electrolysis flow path on the cathode side of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3 (second cathode side flow path 36).

[0134] (Embodiment 2) 1 and 13, a space sterilization system 50 using a hypochlorous acid water supplying apparatus 1 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a space sterilization system 50 using a hypochlorous acid water supplying apparatus 1 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. The space sterilization system 50 according to embodiment 2 described below is a system incorporating the hypochlorous acid water supplying apparatus 1 according to embodiment 1. In the description of embodiment 2, components substantially similar to those of the hypochlorous acid water supplying apparatus 1 according to embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description may be partially simplified or omitted.

[0135] The space sterilization system 50 according to the second 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 54 and discharging the hypochlorous acid water into a drain outlet 56. The bathroom space corresponds to the "predetermined space" in the claims.

[0136] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the space sterilization system 50 includes a hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 (tap water treatment unit 2, hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3, first cathode side supply pump 18, first anode side supply pump 19, salt water generation tank 21, salt supply section 22, drain side tank 23, second anode side supply pump 38, second cathode side supply pump 39), anode side extraction solution tank 51, cathode side extraction solution tank 52, anode side extraction solution bathroom piping 53, mist spray device 54, cathode side extraction solution bathroom piping 55, and a drain outlet 56.

[0137] The tap water treatment unit 2 constituting the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 supplies tap water and removes anion components (Cl) contained in the tap water by electrodialysis. - ions, SO4 2- ions, and NO3 - ions) are separated and diluted and extracted into a brine generation tank 21. In the brine generation tank 21, salt components are added from a salt supply section 22, mixed, and supplied as brine to the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3. Tap water is supplied to the tap water treatment unit 2 by a first cathode side supply pump 18 and a first anode side supply pump 19. In addition, a solution (first anode extraction solution 14a) in which anion components contained in the tap water have been separated and concentrated by electrodialysis is extracted into a drainage side tank 23.

[0138] The hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3 is supplied with salt water generated in the salt water generation tank 21, and performs electrolysis in the first stage to generate hypochlorous acid water, and then performs electrodialysis in the second stage to separate and dilute the residual cation components, extracting the diluted hypochlorous acid water from the second anode solution extraction port 32. The extracted second anode extraction solution 32a is hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of HClO with high disinfecting power, and is sent to the anode side extraction solution tank 51. The anode side extraction solution is then sent to the mist spray device 54 via the anode side extraction solution bathroom piping 53 and sprayed into the bathroom space.

[0139] Furthermore, hypochlorous acid water from which residual cation components have been separated and concentrated is extracted from the second cathode solution extraction port 33 and supplied to the drain tank 23, where it is mixed with the first anode extraction solution 14a extracted in the tap water treatment unit 2 and discharged. This discharged liquid is hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of NaClO and alkaline components, which has high detergency, and is sent to the cathode side extraction solution tank 52 via the drain tank 23. The cathode side extraction solution is then sent to the drain outlet 56 via the bathroom piping 55, and flows into the drain pipe via the drain outlet 56.

[0140] The positive electrode side extraction solution tank 51 is a tank that temporarily stores the second positive electrode extraction solution 32a, which is hypochlorous acid water mainly composed of HClO and has high sterilizing power, extracted from the second positive electrode side flow path 35 until it is sent to the mist sprayer 54. The positive electrode side extraction solution tank 51 is connected to the mist sprayer 54 via the positive electrode side extraction solution bathroom piping 53.

[0141] The cathode-side extraction solution tank 52 is a tank that temporarily stores hypochlorous acid water, which has high detergency and is mainly composed of NaClO and alkaline components, extracted from the drain tank 23, which mixes the first anode-side flow path 16 and the second cathode-side flow path 36, until it is sent to the drain outlet 56. The cathode-side extraction solution tank 52 is connected to the drain outlet 56 via the cathode-side extraction solution bathroom piping 55.

[0142] The positive electrode side extraction solution bathroom piping 53 is a piping for transporting the solution from the positive electrode side extraction solution tank 51 to the mist spray device 54. It is installed behind the wall and on the ceiling of the bathroom, and is connected to the mist spray device 54 installed on the ceiling.

[0143] The negative electrode side extraction solution bathroom piping 55 is a piping for transporting the solution from the negative electrode side extraction solution tank 52 to the drain outlet 56. It is installed on the back side of the bathroom wall and on the floor, and is connected to the drain outlet 56.

[0144] The mist sprayer 54 is a device that sprays hypochlorous acid water into a mist into the bathroom space. More specifically, the mist sprayer 54 converts the second anode extraction solution 32a, which is hypochlorous acid water transported from the anode side extraction solution tank 51 through the anode side extraction solution bathroom piping 53, into a fine mist and releases it. The mist sprayer 54 is installed with a spray unit that protrudes from the ceiling toward the bathroom 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 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. The mist sprayer 54 corresponds to the "sterilization device" in the claims.

[0145] The drain outlet 56 is a connection port for connecting to a drain pipe for discharging water or dirt generated in the bathroom space outside the bathroom space. A mixed solution of the first anode extraction solution 14a and the second cathode extraction solution 33a is transported to the drain outlet 56 from the cathode side extraction solution tank 52 through the cathode side extraction solution bathroom piping 55, and dirt on the drain outlet 56 and the drain pipe connected to the drain outlet 56 can be cleaned with hypochlorous acid water, which has high detergency and is mainly composed of NaClO and alkaline components. The drain outlet 56 can be read as the "drain pipe" in the claims.

[0146] As described above, according to the space sterilization system 50 using the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0147] (10) The space sterilization system 50 is configured to include the hypochlorous acid water supply device 1 described above and an external mist spray device 54 that uses hypochlorous acid water discharged from the electrolysis flow path (second anode-side flow path 35) on the positive electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 3b to discharge a hypochlorous acid water mist into a predetermined space. With this configuration, even when the hypochlorous acid water mist discharged from the electrolysis flow path (second anode-side flow path 35) on the positive electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 3b is discharged into a predetermined space (bathroom space), residual components remaining in the predetermined space are suppressed. In other words, the hypochlorous acid water discharged from the electrolysis flow path (second anode-side flow path 35) on the positive electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 3b is hypochlorous acid water in which residual components resulting from the electrolysis of salt water and residual components due to cationic components contained in tap water have been reduced. Therefore, when sterilizing a predetermined space, metal corrosion caused by residual components can be suppressed while maintaining sterilization performance.

[0148] (11) In the space sterilization system 50, a drain outlet 56 is provided in a predetermined space to discharge water generated within the predetermined space, and the drain outlet 56 is configured to introduce a mixture of tap water solution delivered from the tap water electrolysis flow path on the anode side of the tap water treatment unit 2 and hypochlorous acid water (second negative electrode extraction solution 33a) delivered from the electrolysis flow path (second negative electrode side flow path 36) on the cathode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 3b. With this configuration, the hypochlorous acid water (second negative electrode extraction solution 33a) delivered from the electrolysis flow path (second negative electrode side flow path 36) on the cathode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit 3b is neutralized to some extent by the tap water solution (first positive electrode extraction solution 14a) with an acidic pH delivered from the tap water electrolysis flow path (first positive electrode side flow path 16) on the anode side of the tap water treatment unit 2, but can be introduced into the drain outlet 56 as highly cleansing hypochlorous acid water containing an alkaline solution in which cation components that cause residual components are concentrated. Therefore, the inside of the drain pipe can be cleaned by the hypochlorous acid water introduced into the drain outlet 56.

[0149] 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]

[0150] The hypochlorous acid water supply device of the present invention is a device that can continuously supply hypochlorous acid water in which the residual components contained in HClO-based hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolysis of salt water with reduced anions, while reducing the anion components contained in tap water, is reduced. By spraying a mist of such hypochlorous acid water, it is possible to disinfect mold and bacteria in the bathroom space while suppressing corrosion of metals and the like used in the bathroom. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] 1. Hypochlorous acid water supply device 2 Tap water treatment unit 3 Hypochlorous acid water generation unit 3a Hypochlorous acid water generator 3b Hypochlorous acid water treatment section 4 First cathode 5 First positive electrode 6 First diaphragm 7 First cathode spacer 8 First positive electrode spacer 9a First cathode packing 9b First positive electrode packing 10a First cathode side chamber housing side 10b First positive electrode side tank housing side 11 First cathode solution supply port 11a First cathode supply solution 12 First cathode solution extraction port 12a First cathode extraction solution 13 First anode solution supply port 13a First anode supply solution 14 First anode solution extraction port 14a First positive electrode extraction solution 15 First cathode side flow path 15a First cathode side channel hole 16 First anode side flow path 16a First anode side channel hole 17 Electrodialysis power supply 18 First cathode side supply pump 19 First anode side supply pump 20 Brine Generation Unit 21 Brine Generation Tank 22 Salt Supply Department 23 Drainage tank 24 Second positive electrode 25 Second cathode 26 Second diaphragm 27 Second positive electrode spacer 28 Second cathode side spacer 29a Second positive electrode packing 29b Second cathode packing 30a Second positive electrode side tank housing side 30b Second cathode side chamber housing side 31 Second negative electrode solution supply port 31a Second negative electrode supply solution 32 Second anode solution extraction port 32a Second anode extraction solution 33 Second cathode solution extraction port 33a Second cathode extraction solution 34 Second cathode-and-anodizer flow path 35 Second anode side flow path 35a Second anode side channel hole 36 Second cathode side flow path 36a Second cathode side channel hole 37 Electrolysis and electrodialysis power supplies 38 Second anode side supply pump 39 Second cathode side supply pump 40 Tap water tank 41 Hypochlorous acid water tank 50 Space sterilization system 51 Anode side extraction solution tank 52 Cathode side extraction solution tank 53 Extraction solution bathroom piping on anode side 54 Mist spray device 55 Cathode side extraction solution bathroom piping 56 Drain

Claims

1. a tap water treatment unit that continuously separates anionic components contained in tap water supplied into a serpentine first electrolysis flow path with a diaphragm by passing current between a pair of first cathode and anode electrodes; a brine generating unit for generating brine by adding a salt component to the tap water solution delivered from the tap water electrolysis flow path on the cathode side of the tap water treatment unit; a hypochlorous acid water generation unit including: a serpentine electrolysis flow path configured to be able to supply the brine generated in the brine generation unit; a hypochlorous acid water generation unit that continuously electrolyzes hypochlorous acid water from the brine supplied into a membrane-less electrolysis flow path constituting a front stage of the electrolysis flow path by passing current between a pair of second cathode-and-anode 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 second membrane-equipped electrolysis flow paths constituting a rear stage of the electrolysis flow path by passing current between the pair of second 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 first membrane-equipped electrolytic flow path comprises a serpentine first cathode-side flow path in which a first cathode is exposed and extended along the flow path, a serpentine first anode-side flow path that is arranged in parallel with and opposite to the first cathode-side flow path and in which a first anode is exposed and extended along the flow path, and a first diaphragm that is arranged to separate the first cathode-side flow path and the first anode-side flow path and that allows permeation of anion components contained in a solution flowing through the flow path, the pair of first cathode-and-anode electrodes are configured in a serpentine shape by exposing the first cathode to the first cathode-side flow path by a first cathode-side spacer and exposing the first anode to the first anode-side flow path by a first anode-side spacer, The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the tap water flows through the first cathode-side flow path and the first anode-side flow path in the same direction.

3. the first cathode having a planar shape; the first diaphragm facing the first cathode; and the first cathode side spacer provided between the first cathode and the first diaphragm and exposing the first cathode and the first diaphragm to an inside of the first cathode side flow path along a flow path, The first cathode-side flow path includes the first cathode and the first diaphragm, which are exposed along the flow path. the first cathode side spacer, the first anode having a planar shape; the first diaphragm facing the first anode; and the first anode side spacer provided between the first anode and the first diaphragm and exposing the first anode and the first diaphragm in the first anode side flow path along a flow path, The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 2, wherein the first anode side flow path is composed of the first anode and the first diaphragm exposed along the flow path, and the first anode side spacer.

4. the membrane-less electrolysis flow path comprises a planar second anode, a planar second cathode facing the second anode, and an inter-cathode spacer provided between the second anode and the second cathode; The pair of second cathode-and-anode electrodes is configured in a serpentine shape by exposing the second anode and the second cathode to the membrane-less electrolysis flow path by the cathode-and-anode electrode spacer. The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the second membrane-equipped electrolysis flow path comprises a serpentine second anode-side flow path in which the second anode is exposed and extended along the flow path; a serpentine second cathode-side flow path that is arranged in parallel with and opposite to the second anode-side flow path, and in which the second cathode is exposed and extended along the flow path; a second diaphragm that is provided to separate the second anode-side flow path and the second cathode-side flow path and that allows permeation of cation components contained in a solution flowing through the flow paths, the pair of second cathode-and-anode electrodes are configured in a serpentine shape by exposing the second anode to the second anode-side flow path by a second anode-side spacer and exposing the second cathode to the second cathode-side flow path by a second cathode-side spacer, The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 4, wherein the hypochlorous acid water supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit flows in the same direction through the second anode side flow path and the second cathode side flow path.

6. the second anode having a planar shape; the second diaphragm having a planar shape facing the second anode; and the second anode side spacer provided between the second anode and the second diaphragm and exposing the second anode and the second diaphragm in the second anode side flow path along a flow path, the second anode-side flow path is configured by the second anode and the second diaphragm that are exposed along the flow path, and the second anode-side spacer, the second cathode having a planar shape; the second diaphragm having a planar shape facing the second cathode; and the second cathode side spacer provided between the second cathode and the second diaphragm and exposing the second cathode and the second diaphragm to an interior of the second cathode side flow path along a flow path, The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 5, wherein the second negative electrode side flow path is composed of the second negative electrode and the second diaphragm exposed along the flow path, and the second negative electrode side spacer.

7. The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the spacer between the negative and positive electrodes is formed by overlapping the second positive electrode side spacer and the second negative electrode side spacer.

8. a first cathode-side supply pump and a first anode-side supply pump provided at the inlets of the anode side and the cathode side of the tap water treatment unit, respectively, for supplying the tap water to the first diaphragm-equipped electrolysis flow path; a second anode-side supply pump and a second cathode-side supply pump, which are provided at the outlets of the anode side and the cathode side of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit, respectively, to supply the brine to the membrane-less electrolysis flow path and to supply the hypochlorous acid water electrolyzed in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit to the second membrane-containing electrolysis flow path; Equipped with the first cathode side supply pump and the first anode side supply pump supply the tap water to the first cathode side flow path and the first anode side flow path, respectively, at a constant flow rate; The second anode side supply pump and the second cathode side supply pump supply the hypochlorous acid water electrolytically generated in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit to the second anode side flow path and the second cathode side flow path at a constant flow rate, respectively. The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. a drainage tank for storing tap water solution delivered from the tap water electrolysis flow path on the positive electrode side of the tap water treatment unit; The drainage side tank is connected so as to mix the hypochlorous acid water sent from the electrolysis flow path on the negative electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit. The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, As the outside, a sterilization device that releases hypochlorous acid water mist into a predetermined space using hypochlorous acid water sent from the electrolysis flow path on the positive electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit; A space sterilization system equipped with

11. a drain pipe for discharging water generated in the specified space is provided in the specified space, The drain pipe is configured to mix and introduce the tap water solution delivered from the tap water electrolysis flow path on the positive electrode side of the tap water treatment unit and the hypochlorous acid water delivered from the electrolysis flow path on the negative electrode side of the hypochlorous acid water treatment unit. The space sterilization system according to claim 10.

Images