JP2001232370A - Liquid sterilization equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid sterilization equipment capable of introducing appropriate sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and automatically controlling the residual chlorine concentration in a liquid at an almost constant concentration level, without unnecessarily using sodium hypochlorite by changing the operating time of a pump. SOLUTION: This equipment is provided with a residual chlorine meter 5 for measuring the residual chlorine concentration in a liquid, a chlorine addition controller 6 for controlling the addition of sodium hypochlorite on the basis of residual chlorine concentration data transmitted from the residual chlorine meter 5 and a pump 8 for adding sodium hypochlorite to the liquid. The residual chlorine concentration values are divided into those within a set-value range, those within an over set-value range and those within an under set-value range and when the residual chlorine concentration reaches a value within the over set-value range as a result of the last addition of sodium hypochlorite, the operating time of the pump 8 is set so as to be equal to or shorter than the operating time of the last operation of the pump 8.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid sterilizing apparatus, and more particularly to a liquid sterilizing apparatus having a residual chlorine concentration management system for maintaining a constant residual chlorine concentration in a liquid.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, liquid sterilizers have been used to sterilize liquids such as water in pools and bathtubs. In this liquid sterilizer, a residual chlorine meter is generally provided in a circulation path for circulating water in a pool or bathtub,
The apparatus is configured so that residual chlorine concentration data obtained by the residual chlorine meter is sent to a chlorine injection control device.
When the residual chlorine concentration falls below a predetermined concentration, the chlorine dosing control device receiving the residual chlorine concentration data operates a pump connected to a tank in which sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is stored. It is configured to operate for a fixed time.

[0003] In detail, in the conventional liquid sterilizer constructed as described above, the residual chlorine concentration of the liquid in the circulation path for circulating the water in the pool or bathtub is measured by the residual chlorine meter. As concentration data, the chlorine input control device sequentially,
Sent out. When the residual chlorine concentration of the liquid becomes equal to or less than a predetermined concentration, a pump operation signal is sent from the chlorine injection control device, and the pump is operated for a certain period of time, soda hypochlorite (NaClO) in the tank Is introduced into the circulation path in a fixed amount. The sodium hypochlorite (Nacl
With the introduction of O), the concentration of residual chlorine in the water in the pool or bathtub increases, and after a certain period of time, the pump is stopped by the chlorine injection control device.

[0004] As described above, in the conventional liquid sterilizer, when the residual chlorine concentration falls below a certain concentration, sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is introduced to increase the residual chlorine concentration. It is intended to keep the residual chlorine concentration constant. In the liquid sterilizer configured as described above, the residual chlorine concentration can be automatically controlled to a substantially constant concentration, and the residual chlorine concentration can be maintained at a constant level. Since it does not disappear, it is preferable in terms of hygiene, and since no manual operation is used, the operating cost can be reduced.

[0005]

In the conventional liquid sterilizer described above, the residual chlorine concentration in the liquid is measured successively by a residual chlorine meter, and the residual chlorine concentration drops below a certain concentration. In such a case, the pump is operated for a certain period of time by the chlorine dosing control device to feed a certain amount of sodium hypochlorite, and therefore, there are the following technical problems. (1) Even if a certain amount of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is introduced into water in a pool or a bath, the degree of increase in the residual chlorine concentration is different. That is, when there are a large number of people in a pool or a bath, even if sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is introduced, the residual chlorine concentration cannot be easily increased. On the other hand, when the number of people in the pool or bathtub is small, even if a small amount of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is introduced, the concentration of residual chlorine rapidly increases. As described above, in the conventional liquid sterilizer, it was difficult to control the residual chlorine concentration to a substantially constant concentration. In addition, when there are few people in the pool or bathtub, sodium hypochlorite is added more than necessary, so that there is a problem that sodium hypochlorite is used unnecessarily.

(2) When the residual chlorine meter fails, even if sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is introduced by operating the pump by the chlorine injection control device, it is possible to obtain increased residual chlorine concentration data. Can not. Therefore, the operation of the pump is repeated. As a result, the residual chlorine in the liquid has an abnormal concentration, which may adversely affect humans. (3) Also, sodium hypochlorite (Nacl)
When O) is insufficient, the residual chlorine concentration in the liquid cannot be increased by operating the pump by the chlorine injection control device. Therefore, the operation of the pump is repeated. As a result, the failure of the pump and an increase in the operation cost are caused, and the sterilizing ability is lost due to the decrease in the residual chlorine concentration, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of hygiene. (4) Further, even when the pump breaks down, the residual chlorine concentration in the liquid cannot be increased as in the case of (2), so that the sterilizing ability has disappeared, which is not preferable in terms of hygiene.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. By changing the operation time of a pump, it is possible to appropriately use sodium hypochlorite without unnecessary use of sodium hypochlorite. It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid sterilizer capable of introducing sodium chlorate (NaClO) and automatically controlling the residual chlorine concentration in the liquid to a substantially constant concentration. Further, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, and includes a failure of a residual chlorine meter, a shortage of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) in a tank, a supply of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid sterilizing apparatus that prevents an adverse increase or decrease in residual chlorine concentration due to a pump failure or the like.

[0008]

A liquid sterilizing apparatus according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above technical problem, has a residual chlorine meter for measuring a residual chlorine concentration in a liquid, and a residual chlorine meter sent from the residual chlorine meter. A chlorine injection control device for controlling the injection of sodium hypochlorite based on residual chlorine concentration data,
A pump for charging sodium hypochlorite into the liquid,
The residual chlorine concentration is divided into a set range, a set excess range, and a set unachieved range, and as a result of the previous sodium hypochlorite injection,
When the residual chlorine concentration reaches the set excess range, the operation time of the pump is set to be equal to or shorter than the previous time. Thus, the operation time of the pump is set to be equal to or shorter than the previous time. As a result, it does not exceed the residual chlorine concentration as in the previous case. In particular, when the operation time of the pump is shorter than the previous operation time of the pump, the residual chlorine concentration can be set within the set range (B region, C region). Even if the residual chlorine concentration exceeds the setting range of the residual chlorine concentration again, the operation time of the pump is set to be equal to or shorter than the previous time, so the residual chlorine concentration is gradually set. Range (B region, C region).

Here, it is desirable that the pump is not operated when the operating time of the pump set to be shorter than the previous time is equal to or shorter than the preset time. This is because a failure of the device is considered. At this time, it is desirable to provide a display unit or a warning unit that emits a warning sound in order to notify the operator of the apparatus.

[0010] A liquid sterilizer according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, includes a residual chlorine meter for measuring the residual chlorine concentration in a liquid, and a residual chlorine concentration data sent from the residual chlorine meter. Based on a chlorine injection control device that controls the injection of sodium hypochlorite, and a pump that inserts sodium hypochlorite into the liquid, the residual chlorine concentration can be set within a set range, over set range, and unachieved range. If, as a result of the previous injection of sodium hypochlorite, the residual chlorine concentration was in the unachievable range, or the residual chlorine concentration was in the set range or in the excess range, the previous pump When a predetermined time or more has elapsed after the non-operation, the operation time of the pump is set to be equal to or longer than the previous time.

As described above, if the result of the previous charging of sodium hypochlorite indicates that the setting is not attained, the number of persons in the pool or bathtub may be large. for that reason,
By setting the operation time of the pump equal to or longer than the previous time, it is possible to at least achieve the same residual chlorine concentration as the previous time. In particular, by setting the operation time of the pump to be equal to or longer than the previous time, the residual chlorine concentration can be promptly brought into the set concentration range (B region, C region). If a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the last time the pump was not operated, the residual chlorine concentration is low, so the operating time of the pump is equal to or longer than the previous time.

Here, it is desirable that the pump is not operated when the operating time of the pump set to be longer than the previous time is equal to or longer than the preset time. This is because there may be a shortage of sodium hypochlorite, a failure of the device, or the like. At this time, it is desirable to provide a display unit or a warning unit that emits a warning sound in order to notify the operator of the apparatus.

As described above, according to the liquid sterilizing apparatus of the present invention, by changing the operation time of the pump, it is possible to appropriately use sodium hypochlorite without unnecessary use of sodium hypochlorite. By introducing (NaClO), the concentration of residual chlorine in the liquid can be automatically controlled to a substantially constant concentration.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a liquid sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a chlorine injection control device used in the liquid sterilizer shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the residual chlorine concentration management system, and FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the residual chlorine concentration and time for explaining the operation of the liquid sterilizing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The liquid sterilizer according to the present invention basically has the same configuration as the conventional liquid sterilizer. That is, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a pool, a bathtub (hereinafter, referred to as a pool) for performing a sterilization process, and a circulation path 3 for circulating water by a pump 2 is formed in the pool 1. . The circulation path 3 is provided with a filter 4 and a residual chlorine meter 5 for measuring residual chlorine in the circulation path 3. Although not shown, the residual chlorine meter 5 is formed with a pair of electrodes so that a current value flowing when a constant voltage is applied to the electrodes can be measured. Since the current value differs depending on the residual chlorine concentration, the residual chlorine concentration can be known by measuring the current value.

The residual chlorine meter 5 includes a chlorine input control device 6
, And configured to input the residual chlorine concentration data obtained by the residual chlorine meter 5 to the chlorine input control device 6. Further, sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is stored in the tank 7. Then, sodium hypochlorite (Nac) is pumped by a pump 8 connected to the tank 7.
10) is introduced into the circulation path 3. Further, the chlorine input control device 6 is configured to control the operation of the pump 8 based on the residual chlorine concentration data.

Next, a schematic configuration of the chlorine injection control device 6 will be described with reference to FIG. The chlorine input control device 6 receives the residual chlorine concentration data from the residual chlorine meter 5,
A CPU 61 that sends a control signal to a pump operation unit 81 that performs various arithmetic processing and operates the pump 8;
An interval counter 62 that operates while the pump 8 is off;
, An interval experience memory 63 for storing that a predetermined number of counts have been completed, a previous operation time (output time) of the pump 8, and a previous residual chlorine concentration area (residual chlorine concentration data). A previous output time concentration area memory 64, a timer 65 for managing the output time set based on the experience of the interval and the previous residual chlorine concentration area (residual chlorine concentration data), and an output time set in the timer 65 Is outside the predetermined time range, a display means for displaying that fact or a warning means 66 for generating a warning sound.

Here, the interval counter 62
For example, 1/10 from the number initially set to "3000"
It is configured so that it is decremented by 1 every 0 seconds, and when it becomes "0", it is again decremented from "3000" by 1 every 1/100 second. Also, the interval counter 62 is set to “0”
Is experienced, the data of the experience is sent to the interval experience memory 63. Further, the CPU 61 is configured to transmit a pump operation start signal when the interval counter 62 is “0”. During the operation of the pump, the initial set value of the interval counter 62, for example, “300”
That state is maintained without decreasing from "0". That is, the interval counter 62 is set in a non-operation state.

The previous output time density area memory 64
Stores the previous operation time (output time) of the pump 8 and the region to which the previous residual chlorine concentration has reached by the operation of the pump 8 as shown in FIG. At this time, the residual chlorine concentration is stored as a range (area) of the set range (area B, area C), the excess range (area D), or the unachieved area (area A) shown in FIG. You.
Here, the last operation time (output time) of the pump 8 is stored because the current operation time (output time) of the pump 8 is
A predetermined time is added to the previous operation time (output time) of the pump 8, or the previous operation time (output time) of the pump 8
This is because it is derived by subtracting from.

The storage of the residual chlorine concentration regions (regions A to D) shown in FIG. 4 is nothing less than the storage of the residual chlorine concentration. I have. The region A is a region where the residual chlorine concentration is lower than the set value, the regions B and C are regions where the residual chlorine concentration is appropriate, and the region D is a region where the residual chlorine concentration is higher than the set value. Note that a certain allowable region (between the over-density value and the under-density value) is set for the set value as in the B and C regions.

The timer 65 operates the pump for the current operation time (output time) based on the experience of the interval and the previous residual chlorine concentration region (residual chlorine concentration data).
Is configured to be set. When the actual operation time reaches the set output time, the CPU 6
1 is configured to send a signal for stopping the pump to the pump operating means 81. Then, the setting of the output time of the timer 65 is reset (released) in response to the stoppage of the pump.

Next, the operation of the residual chlorine concentration management system used in the liquid sterilizer according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The residual chlorine concentration management system is started, the measurement of the residual chlorine concentration by the residual chlorine meter 5 is started (S1), and it is determined which of the regions A to D the residual chlorine concentration in the current liquid belongs to. (S2). Next, the last operation time (output time) of the pump 8 is read from the previous output time concentration area memory 64, and the area of the residual chlorine concentration at the end of the previous operation of the pump 8 is read.

Then, based on the experience of the interval and the previous residual chlorine concentration region (residual chlorine concentration data), the timer 65 determines whether or not the output time (pump operation time) has already been set. (S4). here,
If the output time (pump operation time) has been set, the process proceeds to the next step S8 because it has already been set.

On the other hand, if the output time (pump operation time) is not set in the timer 65, it is determined whether the interval has been experienced or not and the region of the residual chlorine concentration at the end of the previous operation of the pump 8 (see FIG. 4). S5). When the interval has been experienced, the predetermined output time has elapsed since the pump 8 was turned off, and the residual chlorine concentration has been considerably reduced. A predetermined time (α) is added to (time) (S17). The added output time is set in the timer 65.

In the case where the region of the residual chlorine concentration at the end of the previous operation of the pump 8 is the region A, a predetermined increase in the concentration was not observed. A predetermined time (α) is added to the time (pump operation time) (S17). The added output time is set in the timer 65. As described above, when the region of the residual chlorine concentration at the end of the previous operation of the pump 8 is the region A, the operation time is added. Therefore, when the residual chlorine concentration does not increase even when the pump 8 is operated,
The pump 8 operates longer than the previous output time.

Next, if there is no experience of the interval, it is determined whether or not the region of the residual chlorine concentration at the end of the previous operation of the pump 8 is the region D (S).
6). Here, in the case where the user has experienced the D region, the predetermined density (α) is subtracted from the previous output time (pump operation time) this time because the density is considerably higher than the previous set value (S18). Timer 6
Set to 5.

If the interval has not been experienced and the residual chlorine concentration region is not the D region, the previous output time (pump operation time) is set in the timer 65 (S
7). It should be noted that if there is no pump operation immediately after the start of the residual chlorine concentration management system, a preset output time is set in the timer 65 (previous output time concentration area memory 64, a predetermined output time is set in advance, and when the residual chlorine concentration management system is started, the output time is read out).

In step 19, it is determined whether or not the set operation time (output time) of the pump 8 is within a predetermined time range. If the set time is outside the predetermined time, the display means and / or the warning means 66 may be operated and the operation of the residual chlorine concentration management system may be performed. Terminate.

Next, the operation of the interval counter 62 is determined (S8). When the interval counter 62 is operating, the pump 8 is inactive, and when the interval counter 62 is not operating, the pump 8 is operating. Then, when the interval counter 62 is operating, it is determined whether or not the interval counter 62 has become "0" (S9). Then, when the interval counter 62 becomes “0”, it is determined whether or not the current residual chlorine concentration is in the region A (S10).

As described above, when the interval counter 62 becomes "0" and the current residual chlorine concentration is in the region A, the CPU 61 sends an operation start signal to the pump operating means 81, and Is turned on (S11). On the other hand, when the interval counter 62 has not yet become “0”, or when the current residual chlorine concentration is outside the region A, the pump 8 is maintained in the OFF state.

Then, in step 11, the pump 8
Turns on, the process again proceeds to steps S1, S2, S3, and S4. In step S4, the output time is not set (S7, S17, S18) because the operation time of the pump 8 has already been set in the timer 65. . Then, since the interval counter 62 is operating during the pump operation, the process proceeds to step S14, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has been exceeded (S14).

If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the ON state (operating state) of the pump 8 is maintained (S).
15). On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the pump 8 is turned off (S16). The current output time (operating time) of the pump 8 and the residual chlorine concentration area when the pump 8 is turned off are written to the previous output time concentration area memory 64, and the previous output time concentration area memory is used as the past output state. 64.

If the pump 8 is turned off in step 16, the program proceeds to steps S1, S2, S3 and S4,
The output time is set again, the interval counter 62 is set to "0", it is determined whether it is in the area A, and the pump 8 is turned on again. Step S13 is for determining whether or not to end the residual chlorine concentration management system, and does not continue when the end button is pressed.
The residual chlorine concentration management system ends.

Next, the operation of the residual chlorine concentration management system used in the liquid sterilizing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. (1) As a result of the previous pump operation, when the residual chlorine concentration is in the region D at the end of the pump operation (d), the residual chlorine concentration gradually decreases with time, and when the region reaches the region A, the pump 8 operates again. . The operation time (output time) at this time is set shorter than the previous operation time (output time). As a result, the residual chlorine concentration can be set within the set concentration range (regions B and C). (2) As a result of the previous pump operation, when the residual chlorine concentration is in the region A at the end of the pump operation (a), even if sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is introduced, the residual chlorine concentration increases. This operation time (output time)
Is set longer than the previous operation time (output time).
As a result, the residual chlorine concentration can be set within the set concentration range (regions B and C). (3) As a result of the previous pump operation, when the residual chlorine concentration is in the B and C regions (set ranges) at the end of the pump operation, the operation time of the pump is the same as the output time (operation time) as the previous time. Is done.

(4) When the residual chlorine meter fails, the pump is operated by the chlorine injection control device.
Even if sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is introduced, the output time increases because the data of the increased residual chlorine concentration cannot be obtained. However, when the time is set beyond a predetermined time set in advance, it is forcibly terminated, so that it is possible to prevent the residual chlorine concentration from rising further. In addition, when the amount of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) in the tank is insufficient or the pump breaks down, the residual chlorine concentration in the liquid cannot be increased even if the pump is operated by the chlorine injection control device. . Therefore, the output time increases. However, if the setting is made beyond a predetermined time, the pump is forcibly terminated, so that there is no possibility of a failure of the pump and an increase in operating cost.
In addition, in the case of forced termination as described above, the display means and the warning means 66 notify the operator of the apparatus that the above has occurred, so that the failure or the like can be easily known. Can be.

In the above embodiment, if it is determined in Step 6 that the residual chlorine concentration has reached the set excess range (D region) as a result of the previous charging of sodium hypochlorite, Step 18 is performed. Is set so that the operation time of the pump is shorter than the previous time, the setting of the operation time of the pump in this step 18 may be set to be the same time as the previous time. In step 19, it is determined whether or not the operating time of the pump set to be shorter than the previous time is within a predetermined time. This is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time. It is judged based on that.

In the above-described embodiment, even if the residual chlorine concentration is in the unachievable range in step 5 or the residual chlorine concentration is in the set range or the excess range in step 5, the previous pump is operated. When a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the non-operation, the operation time of the pump is set in step 17 to be longer than the previous time.
The setting of the operating time of the pump in step 17 may be set to be the same as the previous time. In step 19, it is determined whether the operation time of the pump set to be longer than the previous time is within a predetermined time. This is equal to or longer than the predetermined time. Judgment is based on that.

[0038]

As described above, according to the liquid sterilizing apparatus of the present invention, by changing the operation time of the pump, it is possible to appropriately use sodium hypochlorite without unnecessary use of sodium hypochlorite. By introducing acid soda (NaClO), the concentration of residual chlorine in the liquid can be automatically controlled to a substantially constant concentration. In addition, the present invention provides a method for resolving a failure of a residual chlorine meter, a shortage of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) in a tank, a failure of a sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) input pump, and the like.
It is possible to prevent adverse effects due to an abnormal increase or decrease in the residual chlorine concentration.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a liquid sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the chlorine injection control device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a flowchart of a residual chlorine concentration management system used in the liquid sterilization apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a graph showing a relationship between a residual chlorine concentration and time for explaining an operation of the liquid sterilizing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pool (bathtub) 2 Pump 3 Circulation line 4 Filter 5 Residual chlorine meter 6 Chlorine input control device 7 Sodium hypochlorite storage tank 8 Pump (for sodium hypochlorite input) 61 CPU 62 Interval counter 63 Interval experience Memory 64 Previous output time concentration area memory 65 Timer 66 Display means (warning means) 81 Pump operating means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) C02F 1/50 540 C02F 1/50 540B

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A residual chlorine meter for measuring the residual chlorine concentration in a liquid, and a chlorine supply controller for controlling the supply of sodium hypochlorite based on residual chlorine concentration data sent from the residual chlorine meter. , And a pump for charging sodium hypochlorite into the liquid.The residual chlorine concentration is divided into a setting range, a setting excess range, and a setting unachievable range. As a result of the previous sodium hypochlorite charging,
A liquid sterilizer characterized in that when the residual chlorine concentration reaches a range exceeding the set value, the operation time of the pump is set to be equal to or shorter than the previous time. 2. When the operating time of the pump set to be shorter than the previous time is equal to or shorter than the preset time, the pump is not operated. The liquid sterilizer according to claim 1. 3. When the operation time set to be shorter than the previous time is equal to a predetermined time or becomes shorter than a predetermined time, a display means for displaying the effect, or a warning sound. 3. A liquid sterilizing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a warning unit for issuing a warning. 4. A residual chlorine meter for measuring the residual chlorine concentration in a liquid, and a chlorine supply controller for controlling the supply of sodium hypochlorite based on residual chlorine concentration data sent from the residual chlorine meter. , And a pump for charging sodium hypochlorite into the liquid.The residual chlorine concentration is divided into a setting range, a setting excess range, and a setting unachievable range. As a result of the previous sodium hypochlorite charging,
If the residual chlorine concentration is within the setting non-achievable range, or even if the residual chlorine concentration is within the setting range or the excess setting range, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous pump was not operated, A liquid sterilization apparatus, wherein the operation time of the pump is set to be equal to or longer than the previous time. 5. The pump is not operated when the operation time of the pump set to be longer than the previous time is equal to the predetermined time or longer than the predetermined time. A liquid sterilizer according to claim 4. 6. A display means for displaying, when the operation time of the pump set to be longer than the previous time is equal to the predetermined time or longer than the predetermined time, The liquid sterilizing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a warning unit that emits a warning sound.