JP2001286874A - Simple, reliable and efficient dechlorization method of bathtub water and dechlorination agent - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dechlorination device for bathtub and a dechlorination method in the bathtub capable of simply and efficiently removing effective chlorine (free remaining chlorine) contained in the bathtub water for a long period. SOLUTION: By introducing effective chlorine-containing water such as city water fed to the bathtub by a detection means of a switch, etc., without a float into a dechlorination chemical housing part via a bathtub water introduction part, the effective chlorine-containing water is brought into contact with a dechlorination chemical in the dechlorination chemical housing part, and the dissolved liquid is circulated to the bath via a chemical-dissolved liquid discharge part, and after this circulation is continued for a specified time, the circulation is stopped, thus the dechlorinated bathtub water is obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dechlorination method and apparatus for removing harmful chlorine from bathtub water using available chlorine-containing water such as tap water which has been disinfected.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a large number of water purifiers for tap water have been put on the market, and their dechlorination methods have often been adsorbed by activated carbon. In recent years, in order to reduce water flow resistance, products using granular activated carbon instead of powdered activated carbon, and products using carbon fiber have been increasing. In addition, charcoal, bamboo charcoal, and processed products thereof are marketed as dechlorinating agents for bathtubs.

[0003] Further, as a chemical for dechlorination for bathtubs and the like, a water quality improving agent comprising L-ascorbic acid and ferric citrate (JP-A-8-66690),
Slowly soluble residual chlorine remover obtained by mixing and hardening ascorbic acid and a hardening agent such as quicklime (JP-A-11-1793)
No. 75), ascorbic acid, sodium thiosulfate,
Bath composition comprising crude drug etc. (JP-A-8-198743)
Publication), a chlorine-based bleaching solution comprising an aqueous solution containing a dye which is stable to L-ascorbic acid and a reducing agent and unstable to an oxidizing agent.
Detoxifying agent for disinfectant (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-57686), detoxifying chlorine-based bleaching / disinfectant containing aqueous reducing agent and coloring agent which is stable to reducing agent and unstable to oxidizing agent Bath water purifying agent containing a treating agent (JP-A-10-235335), a chlorine-based disinfectant and a reducing agent for dechlorination such as sulfite, ascorbic acid and thiosulfate (JP-A-9-235)
38686) and the like.

[0004] Recently, a product for dechlorination has been put on the market by installing a cartridge filled with a reducing agent for dechlorination such as sulfite, thiosulfate, L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in a shower head or the like. I have. A method of storing hot water in a bath tub through a shower head is partially used.

[0005]

However, a water purifier using activated carbon and carbon fiber is suitable for use in small quantities for drinking and cooking. As the number of large bathtubs exceeds, the need for substantially large equipment is required to fill the bathtub with water through the water purifier.

In the case of activated carbon or carbon fiber, the dechlorination action is physical adsorption, and the adsorption capacity depends on the water temperature. There is virtually no problem when only tap water is passed through, as in a water purifier, but in some cases, when hot water, such as a shower head, is passed through at very high temperature, the efficiency is reduced. Also, when using charcoal, bamboo charcoal, or activated charcoal products in a bathtub, chlorine is efficiently adsorbed when the water temperature is low, such as immediately after tap water has been applied. In such a case, chlorine adsorbed on activated carbon or the like may be released again.

Furthermore, when activated carbon, charcoal, carbon fiber, or the like is used, it is often difficult to visually determine whether the dechlorination capacity has reached its limit, and it is often the first time that it can be determined by smelling from bathtub water. There is.

When water is applied to a bathtub using a shower head utilizing L-ascorbic acid or calcium sulfite, the flow rate is more restricted than in a general shower head, so that water is applied from a galant and boiled. However, there is a drawback that it takes time and effort as compared with a case where hot water is poured from a galant. In addition, in the case of bath salts containing dechlorinated components and dechlorinated drug molded bodies that are installed and used in bathtubs, it is necessary to supply the chemicals by human hands each time bathing is performed. In the case of a molded drug product, if it is not raised within a certain period of time, not only will the dechlorinated component be wasted, but also there is a drawback that harm caused by the excessively eluted dechlorinated component is a concern.

[0009] Tap water is chlorinated, and when such tap water is used as bath water, chlorine added for sterilization and disinfection remains as available chlorine only by boiling water.
Therefore, it produces an unpleasant chlorine odor, damages hair, and irritates the skin. Particularly for those who have atopic symptoms, the worries are serious. The object of the present invention is to
The present invention provides a dechlorination apparatus for a bathtub and a dechlorination method for a bathtub, which have no drawbacks of the above conventional dechlorination method and can easily and efficiently remove available chlorine (free residual chlorine) contained in bathtub water for a long period of time. Is to do.

[0010]

Means for Solving the Problems The inventors of the present invention have made intensive studies to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the reason why the dechlorination component is required is that a predetermined amount of time after the supply of bathtub water or hot water is started. It is a short time, and it is noted that if the available chlorine is deactivated there, there is no need to supply the dechlorinated component afterwards. This water supply / boiler start and the start of hot water supply are automatically detected and dechlorination is performed. The use of a dechlorinator having the function of starting the supply of components and automatically stopping the supply after a certain period of time wastes the reducing agent-based dechlorinating agents such as L-ascorbic acid, thiosulfate and sulfite. The present inventors have found that free residual chlorine in bath water can be converted into harmless chlorine ions easily and efficiently for a long period of time, and the present invention has been completed.

That is, the present invention relates to a dechlorinating apparatus used in a bathtub using available chlorine-containing water, comprising a dechlorinated drug storage section, a bathtub water introduction section and a drug solution discharge section communicating with the storage section. Via the bathtub water introduction unit, the effective chlorine-containing water supplied into the bathtub is brought into contact with and dissolved in the dechlorinating agent in the dechlorinating agent storage unit, and through the agent dissolving solution discharging unit, A reflux unit for refluxing the solution into the bath, a detection unit for instructing the start of the reflux, and a control unit for performing the reflux for a predetermined time based on a signal from the detection unit. Dechlorination equipment (Claim 1)
2. The dechlorination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting means is means for detecting one or more of a water level in the bathtub, a water temperature in the bathtub, an oxidation-reduction potential, and a filling start signal. ) And the dechlorinating agent is a solid dechlorinating agent containing one or more of ascorbic acid, a salt of ascorbic acid, a derivative of ascorbic acid, a sulfite, and a thiosulfate as an active ingredient. The present invention relates to a dechlorination apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 (claim 3).

[0012] The present invention is also a dechlorination method applied to a bathtub using available chlorine-containing water, wherein the available chlorine supplied to the bathtub is supplied by a signal from a detection means for instructing the start of reflux. By introducing the contained water into the dechlorinated medicine storage section through the bathtub water introduction section, it is brought into contact with the dechlorinated medicine in the dechlorination medicine storage section, and the solution thereof is dissolved in the medicine bath through the drug solution discharge section. Wherein the reflux is stopped during a predetermined time, and the detecting means detects the water level in the bath tub, the water temperature in the bath tub, the oxidation-reduction potential, and the filling start signal. The method for detecting dechlorination according to claim 4 (claim 5), wherein the dechlorinating agent is ascorbic acid, a salt of ascorbic acid, a derivative of ascorbic acid, or sulfurous acid. Salt, thiosulfate According to claim 4 or 5 dechlorination method wherein a is one or solid as an active ingredient more dechlorination agent about (claim 6).

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The dechlorination apparatus of the present invention is a dechlorination apparatus used for a bathtub using available chlorine-containing water. The dechlorination apparatus contains a dechlorination chemical storage section and a bathtub water introduction communicating with the storage section. The effective chlorine-containing water supplied into the bathtub through the bath and the bath water introduction unit, and the contact and dissolution of the available chlorine-containing water with the dechlorinated drug in the dechlorinated drug storage unit. Via a discharge unit, a reflux unit for refluxing the solution of the drug into the bath, a detection unit for instructing the start of reflux, and a control unit for performing reflux for a predetermined time by a signal from the detection unit. The device is not particularly limited as long as it is equipped with, and the dechlorination method of the present invention is a dechlorination method applied to a bathtub using available chlorine-containing water, and for instructing the start of reflux. Bathtub by signal from detection means The effective chlorine-containing water supplied to the dechlorinating agent storage section is introduced into the dechlorinating agent storage section via a bathtub water introduction section, thereby bringing the solution into contact with the dechlorinating agent in the dechlorinating agent storage section. The method is not particularly limited as long as it is a method of refluxing into the medicine bath via the discharge unit and stopping the reflux after continuing the reflux for a predetermined time. Less than,
The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

The dechlorinating agent storage section of the present invention has a space for accommodating the dechlorinating agent, communicates with the bathtub water introduction section and the drug solution discharge section, and at the time of reflux, the effective water supplied into the bathtub is returned. It has a structure in which chlorine-containing water can be brought into contact with a dechlorinating agent stored therein through a bathtub water inlet, and the solution can be discharged through a drug solution outlet. There is no particular limitation as long as it is present, but it is preferable that the dechlorinating agent contained therein is not eluted or the elution is restricted when the reflux is stopped.
As such a dechlorinating agent storage unit, FIGS.
4 can be exemplified. This type of dechlorinated chemical storage unit 1 is usually provided on a side wall near the bottom in a bathtub, as shown in FIGS. It is used by being hung by a string 2 as shown or fixed by a suction cup 3 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6
A dechlorinated medicine storage unit 5 composed of a container having an air vent hole 4 as shown in FIG. 1 can be exemplified. This type of dechlorinated medicine storage unit 5 is installed so as to be located above the water surface filled with water in a bathtub. Is preferred. Further, the dechlorinated medicine storage section 6 provided in a part of the circulation type bathtub channel as shown in FIG. 7 can be specifically exemplified.
In addition, in FIGS. 1-7, 7 shows a solid dechlorination chemical | medical agent.

The bathtub water introduction section in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it has a structure capable of introducing the effective chlorine-containing water supplied into the bathtub into the above-mentioned dechlorinating agent storage section. There is no particular limitation on the drug solution discharge section in the present invention, as long as it has a structure capable of discharging the solution of the dechlorinated drug stored inside the dechlorinated drug storage section, The bathtub water introduction section and the drug solution discharge section are shown in FIGS.
The bath tub water introduction unit 8 formed of a slit provided on the side surface of the cylindrical container as shown in FIG. 1 and the drug solution discharge unit 9 formed of a slit provided on the bottom surface can be exemplified.
In this case, by making the perforated area in the drug solution discharge section 9 smaller than the perforated area in the bath water introduction section 8, elution of the dechlorinated drug can be restricted when the reflux is stopped.

Also, a bathtub water introduction unit 10 composed of a pipe communicating from the low position in the bathtub to the upper part of the dechlorinated chemical storage unit 5 as shown in FIGS. An example of the drug solution discharging portion 11 formed of a pipe can be given. The drug solution discharging section 11 functions as a siphon, and can easily discharge the drug solution. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, one or a plurality of holes may be provided on a side surface of a pipe constituting the drug solution discharging portion 11. Further, a bath tub water introduction part 12 composed of an introduction pipe and a drug solution discharge part 13 composed of a discharge pipe provided in a part of the circulation type bathtub flow path as shown in FIG. 7 can be exemplified.

As the reflux means in the present invention, the dechlorinating agent is dissolved by bringing the effective chlorine-containing water supplied into the bathtub into contact with the dechlorinating agent in the dechlorinating agent storage section via the bathtub water introducing section. Any means may be used as long as the solution of the drug can be refluxed into the bath via the drug solution discharge section.
And a reflux means 15 comprising a liquid sending means such as a propeller or a screw connected to a small motor 14 as shown in FIGS.
And a recirculation means 17 including opening and closing means such as a damper and a shutter using an electromagnet 16 as shown in FIGS.
The recirculation means 18 including an opening / closing means using a solenoid valve of circulating water as shown in FIG. 7 can be specifically exemplified.

As the detecting means in the present invention, any means can be used as long as it can instruct the start of the above-mentioned reflux, and a bathtub for detecting a rise in the water level due to the supply of hot water or water to the bathtub. Inner water level detection means, bath water temperature detection means to detect rise in water temperature due to hot water supply and the start of boiling water, and increase in oxidation-reduction potential due to available chlorine in bath water that has not been dechlorinated Oxidation-reduction potential detecting means, and a hot water filling start signal detecting means for detecting a hot water filling start signal in a fully automatic bathtub water heater that automatically performs everything from hot water to additional cooking can be specifically exemplified. Two or more of these detecting means may be used in combination in order to ensure the instruction to start the reflux. These detecting means may be arranged in the dechlorinated medicine storage section, bathtub water introduction section or medicine solution discharge section, or may be arranged in another place. FIGS. 1 and 5 and 6 show a bathtub water level detecting means comprising a switch electrode 19 without a float.

As the control means in the present invention, any means can be used as long as it can perform the reflux for a predetermined time in accordance with the signal from the detection means. Control means having a switch function for instructing recirculation and a timer function for stopping recirculation after performing recirculation for a predetermined time. When the detection means has a switch function for automatically instructing the start of reflux, such as the water level detection means in the bathtub comprising the above-mentioned switch electrode without a float, a control means having only a timer function is used. be able to. And, as the predetermined time for performing the reflux,
Although it depends on the dissolution rate of the dechlorinating agent, it can be exemplified within 1 hour, preferably within 30 minutes.

The dechlorinating agent used in the present invention is not particularly limited, but one or more of ascorbic acid, a salt of ascorbic acid, a derivative of ascorbic acid, a sulfite, and a thiosulfate are effective. It is preferably a solid (molded) dechlorinating agent as a component. As a method of molding into a solid, known methods such as tableting, briquetting, extrusion molding, kneading, and injection molding can be used. In pressure molding such as tableting and briquetting, it is preferable to mix a fatty acid such as a castor hardened fatty acid in addition to the active ingredient for dechlorination. In addition to fatty acids,
Excipients, lubricants for improving tableting properties, known components such as binders, for example, various organic acids or salts thereof such as benzoic acid, and inorganic salts such as calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate and magnesium silicate. And various starches, cellulose derivatives, polyoxyethylene derivatives, polyoxypropylene derivatives, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, gum arabic, various sugars, and derivatives of acetoacetic acid such as acetoacetic orthotoluidide. Also, in extrusion molding and kneading / injection molding, fatty acids such as castor hardened fatty acids can be used as a dissolution adjusting base, and when a compound is added in addition to fatty acids, use in a bathtub is considered. It is preferable to use those having a melting point of 60 ° C. or higher, and specific examples of such a compound include water-soluble polymers such as polyoxyethylene, and surfactants such as polyethylene polypropylene block polymer.

Among the above molding methods, injection molding using castor-cured fatty acid as a dissolving base is preferred because of the ease of production of the molded article, the stability of the shape of the obtained molded article, and the stability of elution of the dechlorinated component. The method for producing a molded article is particularly excellent. The mixing ratio of the fatty acid in such injection molding varies depending on the desired dissolution rate, the shape and size of the molded article, the amount of water in the target bathtub, the target area, and the like.
When it is blended in an amount of 10% by weight, preferably 10% to 50% by weight, particularly preferably 20% to 40% by weight, there is no sedimentation of the active ingredient for dechlorination, and the melt has good fluidity.
In addition, dechlorination chemicals, if necessary, warm bath effect ingredients
(Sodium bicarbonate, sodium sulfate, calcium sulfate, salt) ), Fragrances, dyes, pH adjusters, corrosion inhibitors, antibacterial agents and the like can also be added.

[0022]

EXAMPLES The present invention will be further described with reference to examples below, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. In addition, in the embodiment, when “%” is used,
Unless otherwise specified, it indicates% by weight.

EXAMPLE 1 The dechlorination apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 was connected to a cord 2 so that a plastic case (dechlorination agent storage unit 1) containing a dechlorination agent 7 was positioned on the inner wall of the bathtub near the bottom. And used. A slit-shaped opening (bath water inlet 8 and drug solution discharge 9) is provided on the side and bottom of the case, and a propeller 15 connected to a small motor 14 is provided inside the side opening. Has been established. A switch electrode 19 without a float is provided on the side of the case so that tap water or hot water can be detected. The propeller 15 rotates at the same time as the detection, and the hot or cold water enters the case. Is supplied and the timer is set to expire after 30 minutes. The dechlorinating agents include ascorbic acid 70%, castor hardened fatty acid 28%,
Other fragrances, pigments, etc. are mixed well in a stainless beaker, mixed and melted in an oil bath at about 80 ° C., poured into a pudding mold having a bottom diameter of 30 mm, cooled and solidified.
g molded article was used.

Example 2 The dechlorination removing apparatus shown in FIG. 5 was used in such a manner that a dissolver containing the dechlorinating agent 7 (dechlorinating agent storage section 5) was placed above the bathtub. A small motor 14 is provided near the lower end of the water absorption pipe (bath water inlet 10) of the dechlorination apparatus.
And a switch electrode 19 without a float is provided below the protection cylinder 20 of the water absorption pipe and the drain pipe (the chemical solution discharge section 11) to detect tap water or hot water intrusion. The propeller 15 rotates at the same time as the detection, the hot water or water is sucked into the dissolver, the dechlorinating agent 7 is dissolved, and then the dissolved liquid is discharged into the bathtub by siphon. The water absorption is performed until the water level in the dissolver reaches a non-float electrode (not shown) installed in the dissolver. This dechlorination apparatus uses a dry battery 21 as a power supply, and is provided with an interlock mechanism that is operated once by a timer and does not operate for 30 minutes. In addition, the dechlorinating agent includes ascorbic acid 70%, lactose 20%, other cellulosic binders, sucrose fatty acid esters, other fragrances, pigments and the like well mixed in a paddle mixer, and uses a hydraulic tableting machine for 60 tons. Tableting with pressure of φ40mm, about 32
g molded article was used.

Comparative Example As Comparative Example 1, a shower head equipped with a cassette filled with vitamin C was used, and hot water was poured into a bathtub through the shower head. As Comparative Example 2, using a spherical plastic molded product containing a vitamin C molded product, which was commercially available at a home improvement center, and following the usage of the instruction manual, the product was put into a bathtub, and hot water was poured from the galant. It was stuck and removed 15 minutes later. In addition, the case where hot water was immersed in the bathtub without using a dechlorinating agent was used as a control.

Test 1 (Residual available chlorine) In Examples 1 and 2, Comparative Examples 1 and 2, and the target section, about 200 L of hot water was poured into a Japanese-Western eclectic embedded bathtub (full water volume: 270 L) with a frontage size of 1200 mm, and gently stirred. The residual effective chlorine amount at that time was measured using a residual chlorine measuring device (DPD method) manufactured by Shibata Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd. Table 1 shows the results.

[0027]

[Table 1]

Test 2 (Time for hot water filling) In each of Examples 1 and 2, Comparative Examples 1 and 2, and the target section, the hot water filling time was measured and multiplied by 30 to calculate the required time per month. For the test, the bathtub of Test 1 was used, and the galant and shower were filled with 200 L of hot water at full bloom.
The test results were calculated from the average of three tests. In addition, since there was essentially no difference between Examples 1 and 2, Comparative Example 2, and the target section, the experiment was common.

[0029]

[Table 2]

Test 3 (Remaining available chlorine after repeated use) In Examples 1 and 2, Comparative Examples 1 and 2, and the control plot, the same test as Test 1 was repeated 30 times assuming that the test was performed for one month. During that time, the medicines of Examples 1 and 2, the vitamin C cartridge of Comparative Example 1, and the vitamin C molded product of Comparative Example 2 were not replaced. In Comparative Example 2, in consideration of the case where the take-out was forgotten, the test in which the take-out was not performed in 15 minutes during the test was also performed. The residual available chlorine after repeated use 30 times was measured using a residual chlorine analyzer (D) manufactured by Shibata Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd.
(PD method). Table 3 shows the results.

[0031]

[Table 3]

[0032]

Since bathing is usually carried out every day, it is desired to avoid the need for labor and time-consuming work even when dechlorinating hot water in the bathtub. I have. According to the present invention, water supply to the bathtub and the like are automatically detected, the dechlorination component is automatically supplied to the bathtub water, and the available chlorine in the tap water can be deactivated without performing any special operation. In addition, the supply of dechlorinated components can be automatically stopped after deactivating chlorine from tap water supplied and hot water supplied, so there is no excessive elution of dechlorinated chemicals and waste of dechlorinated chemicals. Nothing. Also, the less the supply and replacement frequency of the dechlorinating agent to the dissolving container, the better, but it is said that it is better to replace it in about 1 to 2 months in consideration of hygiene (maintenance and cleaning inside the container), etc. By using a solid compact as a dechlorinating agent, 1-2
There is no need to change the dechlorination agent for about a month.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a dechlorination apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the dechlorination removing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a dechlorination removing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the dechlorination removing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a dechlorination removing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a dechlorination removing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic explanatory view of a dechlorination removing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,5,6 Dechlorinated medicine storage section 2 String 3 Suction cup 4 Air vent hole 7 Solid dechlorinated medicine 8,10,12 Bath tub water introduction section 9,11,13 Drug solution discharge section 14 Small motor 15,17,18 Reflux Means 16 Electromagnet 19 Switch electrode without float 20 Protective cylinder 21 Dry battery

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A dechlorination apparatus for use in a bathtub using available chlorine-containing water, comprising: a dechlorinated medicine storage section; a bathtub water introduction section and a drug solution discharge section communicating with the storage section; Via the water introduction part, the effective chlorine-containing water supplied into the bathtub is brought into contact with and dissolved in the dechlorinating agent in the dechlorinating agent storage unit, and the solution of the agent is discharged through the agent dissolving solution discharge unit. A dechlorination apparatus comprising: a reflux unit for refluxing in a bathtub; a detection unit for instructing the start of reflux; and a control unit for performing reflux for a predetermined time by a signal from the detection unit. . 2. The detecting means includes: a water level in the bathtub, a water temperature in the bathtub,
2. The dechlorination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means is for detecting one or more of an oxidation-reduction potential and a hot water filling start signal. 3. The dechlorination agent is a solid dechlorination agent containing one or more of ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid salt, ascorbic acid derivative, sulfite, and thiosulfate as an active ingredient. The dechlorination apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: 4. A dechlorination method applied to a bathtub using available chlorine-containing water, wherein the available chlorine-containing water supplied into the bathtub is supplied by a signal from a detection means for instructing the start of reflux. By introducing the solution into the dechlorinating agent storage section through the bath water introduction section, the dechlorinating agent is brought into contact with the dechlorinating agent in the dechlorinating agent storage section, and the solution is refluxed into the drug bath through the drug solution discharging section. A dechlorination method wherein the reflux is continued for a predetermined time and then stopped. 5. The detecting means includes: a water level in the bathtub, a water temperature in the bathtub,
5. The dechlorination method according to claim 4, wherein the means is for detecting one or more of an oxidation-reduction potential and a hot water filling start signal. 6. The dechlorinating agent is a solid dechlorinating agent containing one or more of ascorbic acid, a salt of ascorbic acid, a derivative of ascorbic acid, a sulfite, and a thiosulfate as an active ingredient. The dechlorination method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: