JP2000024670A - Chlorine generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a chlorine generator capable of uniformize the distribution of a hypochlorous acid concn. in stored water at the time of water stoppage and capable of accelerating the liberation of an electrolyzed gas (gaseous oxygen and gaseous hydrogen) generated by electrolysis from the surface of electrodes and capable of preventing deterioration in electrolytic performance. SOLUTION: When a direct voltage is applied to each of electrodes 51 and 52 at the time of water stoppage, hypochlorous acid is produced from stored water containing a chlorine ion. Here, the hypochlorous acid produced between each of the electrodes 51 and 52 is diffused by natural diffusion to the outside of an outside electrode 53 through an open part 53a and also diffused to the outside through small holes 55 and dispersion in an effective chlorine concn. is prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a chlorine generator for sterilizing raw water such as tap water and groundwater with chlorine and supplying it as drinking water for general household use or business use.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this kind of chlorine generator, a chlorine generator in which a pair of flat plate electrodes composed of an anode and a cathode are provided in a cistern is generally known. According to this chlorine generator, a timer applies a DC voltage to each electrode at predetermined intervals to electrolyze the drinking water in the cistern and generate hypochlorous acid, which is a component effective for sterilization.

[0003] The electrolysis is represented by the following chemical formula.

[0004]

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Here, chlorine (Cl ₂ ) generated at the anode
Reacts with water (H ₂ O) as follows.

[0006]

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However, in this chlorine generator, drinking water is temporarily stored in a cistern, and hypochlorous acid is added to the stored water, and then the water is supplied to a terminal such as a faucet or a drinking machine. When the piping becomes long, a pump is indispensable as a means for supplying the beverage, and an extremely large pump needs to be installed depending on the length of the piping, which is disadvantageous in cost. In addition, in order to always secure sterilized water corresponding to the beverage supply amount, the size of the cistern is inevitable, and it has been difficult to reduce the size of the chlorine generator.

[0008] In order to solve such problems, the applicant has proposed a chlorine generator according to Japanese Patent Application No. 9-277333. The chlorine generator includes a water reservoir for storing chlorine ion-containing water such as tap water pumped through a water supply line, and a pair of concentrically arranged water reservoirs at predetermined intervals and to which a DC voltage is applied. A cylindrical electrode of
A water passage for passing water in the water storage container between the inner and outer electrodes,
A water supply pipe for supplying water passing through the water passage to a terminal such as a faucet, a beverage machine, etc .; a water containing effective chlorine by applying a DC voltage to each electrode to electrolyze chlorine ion-containing water. Is a chlorine generator.

According to this chlorine generator, a cistern-type chlorine generator that contains hypochlorous acid in the water stored in the water storage container when the water is stopped, and a flowing-water type generator that contains hypochlorous acid when supplying the water. Since it has both functions of the chlorine generator, the sterilized water can be supplied stably, and the size can be reduced as compared with the cistern type chlorine generator.

[0010]

In this chlorine generator, the amount of chlorine generated by electrolysis is the sum of the amount of chlorine generated at the time of water stoppage and at the time of flowing water.

However, since hypochlorous acid is generated between the inner electrode and the outer electrode, the hypochlorous acid generated at the time of water stoppage accumulates in the space defined by the inner electrode and the outer electrode. This tended to be easier, and the concentration distribution of hypochlorous acid in the stored water tended to be biased. For this reason, there was a problem that drinking water having a uniform and desired chlorine concentration could not be supplied during flowing water. Further, the electrolytic gas (oxygen gas, hydrogen gas) generated by the electrolysis is less likely to be released from the outer surface of the inner electrode and the inner surface of the outer electrode. As a result, the space defined by the inner electrode and the outer electrode is electrolyzed. There is also a problem that the gas easily accumulates and the electrical resolution of the chlorine generator decreases.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to make the distribution of the hypochlorous acid concentration of the storage water at the time of water stoppage uniform. A further object of the present invention is to promote the release of electrolytic gas (oxygen gas, hydrogen gas) generated from the electrolysis from the electrode surface, and to prevent a decrease in the electrical resolution of the chlorine generator.

[0013]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention is directed to a water storage container for storing water containing chlorine ions such as tap water pumped through a water supply pipe; A pair of cylindrical electrodes that are concentrically arranged at predetermined intervals in the water storage container and to which a DC voltage is applied, a water passage that allows water in the water reservoir to pass between the inner and outer electrodes, and a water passage that passes through the water passage. Generator that has a water supply pipe that supplies water to the terminal side of a faucet, drinking machine, etc., and applies a DC voltage to each electrode to electrolyze chlorine ion-containing water and generate water containing available chlorine. , At least one of the cylindrical electrodes is provided with a small hole penetrating inside and outside of the electrode.

According to the present invention, the effective chlorine generated between the electrodes in the electrolysis at the time of water stoppage flows out of the electrodes from the entrance between the electrodes by natural diffusion, and also flows out of the electrodes through the small holes. And the variation of chlorine concentration in the stored water is prevented.

In flowing water (when water is supplied to the terminal side), part of the effective chlorine water generated between the electrodes by the flowing water force flowing between the electrodes flows through the small holes to the outside of the electrodes. The outflowing water flows in again from the inlet between the electrodes. Thereby, at the time of flowing water, a circulating flow is formed between the inside and the outside between the electrodes, and a stirring effect is exhibited.

The electrolytic gas adhering between the electrodes is also discharged out of the electrodes through the small holes, so that a decrease in the electrolytic performance is prevented.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water reservoir for storing chlorine ion-containing water such as tap water pumped through a water supply conduit, and a concentrically arranged DC voltage applied to the water reservoir at a predetermined interval. A pair of cylindrical electrodes, and a water passage for passing water in the water reservoir between the inner and outer electrodes, and a water supply conduit for supplying water passing through the water passage to a terminal of a faucet, a beverage machine, and the like. In a chlorine generator that applies a DC voltage to each electrode to electrolyze chlorine-ion-containing water to produce water containing available chlorine, the inside opening end face of the inner electrode is closed, and It has a structure in which small holes penetrating inside and outside are provided.

According to the present invention, the chlorine generated inside the inner electrode by the electrolysis at the time of water stoppage flows out of the closed portion through the small holes by natural diffusion, and thereby the variation in the chlorine concentration of the stored water is reduced. Can be suppressed. Further, since the electrolytic gas generated inside the inner electrode flows out of the closed portion through the small holes, a decrease in the electrolytic performance is prevented.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the chlorine generator according to the second aspect, at least one of the cylindrical electrodes is provided with a small hole.

According to the present invention, the small hole provided in the closing portion and the small hole provided in the electrode make the first aspect.
As in the inventions of the second and third aspects, the variation in the chlorine concentration of the stored water is prevented, and the deterioration of the electrolytic performance is prevented.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water storage container for storing chlorine ion-containing water such as tap water fed through a water supply pipe, and a concentrically arranged DC voltage applied to the water storage container at predetermined intervals. A pair of cylindrical electrodes, and a water passage for passing water in the water reservoir between the inner and outer electrodes, and a water supply conduit for supplying water passing through the water passage to a terminal of a faucet, a beverage machine, and the like. In a chlorine generator that applies a DC voltage to each electrode to electrolyze chlorine ion-containing water to generate water containing effective chlorine, the chlorine generator has a structure in which stirring means for stirring water is provided in a water storage container. ing.

According to the present invention, the effective chlorine generated by electrolysis at the time of water stoppage can be forcibly diffused into the water storage container without providing a small hole in the cylindrical electrode. Since the electrolytic gas generated in the water electrolysis can be forcibly discharged from the water passage, gas adhesion to the electrode surface can be prevented as much as possible.

[0023]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a chlorine generator according to the present invention.

The chlorine generator according to this embodiment generates juice, coffee drink, and the like based on a sales signal, and is installed in a drink machine (for example, a drink dispenser) for selling the drink, and is used as a water raw material. It is used to sterilize tap water and feed it to terminals (dispensing valves).

Here, the chlorine generator 1 has a closed cylindrical water storage container 2 as shown in FIG. The water storage container 2 has a housing 21 having a lower opening, and a lid 22 screwed to the housing 21 to make a sealed state. An inflow port 22 a is provided near the periphery of the lid 22, and a water supply pipe 3 is provided.
Raw water (tap water) pumped through the (water supply pipe) is guided into the housing 21. An outlet 22b is provided at the center of the lid 22, and water stored in the housing 21 is supplied to the beverage machine through the water pipe 4 (water pipe).

The lid 22 is formed of an electrical insulator, for example, resin. Further, a flow sensor 31 is provided in the water supply pipe 3, and outputs a detection signal when the flow rate of water in the water supply pipe 3 becomes equal to or more than a predetermined value (the dispensing valve is opened).

In the water storage container 2 configured as described above, the electrode unit 5 is installed on the lid 22. The electrode unit 5 has a cylindrical inner electrode 51 and an outer electrode 52 arranged concentrically with a predetermined gap outside the inner electrode 51. Each of the electrodes 51, 52 is based on, for example, a titanium material. It is formed of an electrode material coated with platinum or a platinum-based material (including platinum-iridium). A disc-shaped cap 54 made of an insulating material, for example, polypropylene, is fitted into the upper opening of the inner electrode 51. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, on the outer periphery of the cap 54, a plurality of, for example, four, protruding portions 541 protruding radially outward are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. A fitting groove 541a is formed on the lower surface of the protruding portion 541 at the radial end thereof, and the fitting groove 541a is engaged with the cutout portion 52a at the upper end of the outer electrode 52. Accordingly, the inner and outer electrodes 51 and 52 are prevented from moving in the radial direction with respect to each other, and the radial distance L between the electrodes 51 and 52 is maintained at a predetermined value (for example, 3 to 5 mm). , FIG.
The cross section of the cap 54 shown in FIG.
It is represented by a plane cut along the direction of the line arrow. ). Thus, an annular cylindrical gap 50 is formed between the electrodes 51 and 52.
0, the cap 54, the inner electrode 51 and the lid 2
2 defines a cylindrical cavity 501. The upper ends of the inner electrode 51 and the outer electrode 52 are opened except for the protruding portion 541 of the cap 54 to form an opening 53a. Note that electrode terminals 51b and 52b are connected and fixed to the lower ends of the electrodes 51 and 52, respectively.
These electrodes 51b and 52b are kept airtight and cover 22
And is connected to an external DC power supply (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 3 in addition to FIG. 1, a plurality of openings 51a are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction at the lower end of the inner electrode 51, and the diameter thereof is designed to be, for example, 8 mm. I have. With the above-described configuration, at the time of flowing water (when a beverage is sold), the inflow port 22 a passes through the water supply pipe 3.
The outer space 5 of the outer electrode 52 in the housing 21 through the
02 flows into the opening 5 as shown by the solid arrow.
It flows into the gap 500 via 3a, and is electrolyzed in the gap 500. The electrolyzed raw water flows from the gap 500 to the empty space 501 via the opening 51a, further flows to the water supply pipe 4 via the outlet 22b of the housing 21, and is supplied to the beverage machine as drinking water. As described above, the inside of the housing 21 of the chlorine generator 1 has the inflow port 22 a and the outer space 50.
2. Opening 53a, gap 500, opening 51a, void 50
Thus, a flow path that is continuous with the outlet 1 and the outlet 22b is formed. The opening 53a, the gap 50,
The water passage that flows the raw water entering the outer space 502 to the water supply pipe 4 is constituted by a flow path that is connected to the opening 51a, the space 501, and the outlet 22b.

Further, a plurality of small holes 55 are formed in the upper portion of the outer electrode 52 in an arrangement as shown in FIG. Small hole 5
The diameter of 5 is designed to be, for example, 1.8 mm. Therefore, the opening area of the small hole 55 has an extremely small value as compared with that of the opening 51a. The notch 52a is formed at the upper end of the external electrode 52.

The operation of the chlorine generator 1 in the first embodiment as described above will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, when a DC voltage is applied between the electrodes 51 and 52 when the water is stopped (when the beverage is not sold), the water stored in the housing 21 (for example, tap water containing chlorine ions) is electrolyzed. Then, hypochlorous acid having a bactericidal action is generated in the gap 500. This hypochlorous acid naturally diffuses from the gap 500 to the outer space 502 of the outer electrode 52 from the gap 500 through the opening 53a or the small hole 55 as shown by a dotted arrow in FIG. Thus, the concentration distribution of hypochlorous acid in the housing 21 at the time of water stoppage can be made uniform, and in particular, the concentration distribution in the gap 500 and the space 502 can be made uniform.

Further, the outer electrode 5 generated by the electrolysis
Electrolyte gas (oxygen gas, hydrogen gas) attached to the inner surface of the inner electrode 2 and the outer surface of the inner electrode 51 can easily move from the gap 500 to the space 502 due to the presence of the plurality of small holes 55. As a result, the separation of the electrodes 51 and 52 from the surface and the movement to the space 502 are promoted, so that the degradation of the electrical resolution of the chlorine generator 1 caused by the stagnation of the electrolytic gas in the gap 500 can be prevented.

FIG. 6 shows a chlorine generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, in addition to the configuration shown in the first embodiment, a circular opening 56 is formed at the center of the cap 54.

According to the second embodiment, at the time of flowing water (when the beverage is sold), the drinking water flows from the gap 500 to the empty space 5.
The electrolytic gas (oxygen gas, hydrogen gas) that has moved to the space 501 as it flows to the space
Emitted from 01. Therefore, the volume ratio of the electrolytic gas in the space 501 can be suppressed to a small value.
Thereby, mixing of the electrolytic gas into the drinking water is prevented. As a result, an appropriate amount of drinking water can be reliably supplied to the beverage machine. Other configurations and operation and effects in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 7 shows a chlorine generator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, in addition to the configuration shown in the second embodiment, a plurality of small holes 5 are provided above the inner electrode 51.
51 are provided. The small holes 551 have the same arrangement and opening area as the small holes 55 provided in the outer electrode 52.

According to the third embodiment, when the water is stopped (when the beverage is not sold), part of the hypochlorous acid generated by the electrolysis is as shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. It naturally diffuses from the gap 500 to the space 501 through the small hole 551, and further to the outside of the space 501 through the opening 56. On the other hand, as described in the first embodiment, another portion of hypochlorous acid naturally diffuses from the gap 500 to the outer space 502 of the outer electrode 52 through the opening 53 a or the small hole 55. . As described above, according to the present embodiment, the uniformity of the concentration distribution of hypochlorous acid in the housing 21 at the time of water stoppage is further promoted. The other configuration and operation and effect of the present embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 8 shows a chlorine generator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, in addition to the configuration shown in the third embodiment, a stirrer 57 is installed at the center of the upper wall of the housing 21. The stirrer 57 is a generally known device having a motor and rotating blades driven by the motor.

According to the fourth embodiment, the water in the housing 21 is forcibly circulated and moved by the stirrer 57 when the water is stopped (when the beverage is not sold). As a result, the homogenization of the concentration distribution of hypochlorous acid in the housing 21 is further promoted. Other configurations and operation and effects in the present embodiment are the same as those in the third embodiment.
The description is omitted.

FIG. 9 shows a chlorine generator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is different from the first to fourth embodiments in that an inlet 22a is provided at the center side of the lid 22.
The outlet 22b is provided near the periphery. Further, a cap 540 is fitted below the inner electrode 51 and directly above the opening 51a. The cap 540, the inner electrode 51, and the lid 22 define a short-axis cylindrical space 501a. The upper ends of the inner electrode 51 and the outer electrode 52 are
Insulating material at a plurality of places at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, for example, at four places,
For example, they are engaged with each other by a locking member 542 made of polypropylene. This allows the inner and outer electrodes 5
1 and 52 are prevented from moving in the radial direction. With the above-described configuration, at the time of flowing water (when the beverage is sold), as shown by the solid line arrow, the water flows through the water supply pipe 3 and the inlet 22.
The raw water that has flowed into the space 501a through the hole a flows into the gap 500 through the opening 51a as indicated by the solid arrow,
Electrolysis is performed in the gap 500. The electrolyzed raw water flows from the gap 500 to the cavity 502 through the opening 53a, and further flows through the outlet 22b of the housing 21 to the water supply pipe 4.
And supplied to the beverage machine as drinking water. Thus, the inlet 2 is provided inside the housing 21 of the chlorine generator 1.
2a, the cavity 501a, the opening 51a, the gap 500, the opening 53a, the cavity 502, and the flow path connected to the outlet 22b are formed. In this flow path, a flow path that connects the raw water entering the space 501a to the water supply pipe 4 is formed by a flow path that is continuous with the opening 51a, the gap 500, the opening 53a, the space 502, and the outlet 22b. I have.

According to the fifth embodiment, at the time of flowing water (when a beverage is sold), the drinking water flows from the gap 500 to the empty space 502 via the opening 53a (or the small hole 55). The electrolytic gas (oxygen gas, hydrogen gas) in the gap 500 moves upward inside the housing 21 having a large volume. As a result, an appropriate amount of drinking water can be reliably supplied to the beverage machine. Other configurations and operation and effects in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.
The description is omitted.

[0041]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When stopped (when the beverage is not sold), the concentration distribution of hypochlorous acid having a bactericidal action can be made uniform in the stored water. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to promote the release of the electrolytic gas (oxygen gas, hydrogen gas) generated from the electrolysis from the electrode surface, and to prevent a decrease in the electrical resolution of the chlorine generator.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall vertical sectional view of a chlorine generator according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cap constituting the chlorine generator shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a developed view of an inner electrode constituting the chlorine generator shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a developed view of an outer electrode constituting the chlorine generator shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an overall longitudinal sectional view of a chlorine generator showing a diffusion state of hypochlorous acid at the time of water stoppage in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an overall longitudinal sectional view of a chlorine generator according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an overall longitudinal sectional view of a chlorine generator according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an overall vertical sectional view of a chlorine generator according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an overall vertical sectional view of a chlorine generator according to a fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Chlorine generator, 2 ... Water storage container, 3 ... Water supply pipe, 4 ... Water supply pipe, 51 ... Inner electrode, 52 ... Outer electrode, 55, 551 ...
Small hole, 57 ... Stirrer.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) C02F 1/50 540 C02F 1/50 540B 550 550D 560 560F 1/76 1/76 A

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A water storage container for storing chlorine ion-containing water such as tap water pumped through a water supply line, and a pair of concentrically arranged predetermined distances in the water storage container to which a DC voltage is applied. A cylindrical electrode, a water passage for passing water in the water storage container between the inner and outer electrodes, and a water supply conduit for supplying water passing through the water passage to a terminal side of a faucet, a beverage machine, or the like. Have
A chlorine generator that applies a DC voltage to each of the electrodes to electrolyze chlorine ion-containing water to produce water containing available chlorine, wherein at least one of the cylindrical electrodes passes through a small amount of water penetrating into and out of the electrodes; A chlorine generator characterized by having holes. 2. A water storage container for storing chlorine ion-containing water such as tap water pumped through a water supply pipe, and a pair of concentrically arranged predetermined distances in the water storage container to which a DC voltage is applied. A cylindrical electrode, a water passage for passing water in the water storage container between the inner and outer electrodes, and a water supply conduit for supplying water passing through the water passage to a terminal side of a faucet, a beverage machine, or the like. Have
In a chlorine generator for applying a DC voltage to each electrode to electrolyze chlorine ion-containing water to produce water containing available chlorine, the inner electrode has an inner opening end face closed, A chlorine generator characterized by having a small hole penetrating through it. 3. The chlorine generator according to claim 2, wherein said small holes are provided in at least one of said cylindrical electrodes. 4. A water storage container for storing chlorine ion-containing water such as tap water pumped through a water supply pipe, and a pair of concentrically arranged predetermined distances in the water storage container to which a DC voltage is applied. A cylindrical electrode, a water passage for passing water in the water storage container between the inner and outer electrodes, and a water supply conduit for supplying water passing through the water passage to a terminal side of a faucet, a beverage machine, or the like. Have
A chlorine generator for applying a DC voltage to each electrode to electrolyze chlorine ion-containing water to generate water containing available chlorine, wherein a stirring means for stirring water in the water storage container is provided. Chlorine generator.