JP2012127617A - Water heater - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a water heater that has no risk of losing antibacterial effect and can obtain an everlasting effect of preventing the growth of bacteria.SOLUTION: The water heater includes: a reheating device 3 for reheating the water in a bathtub 2; a tap water supply pipe 4 for supplying tap water; a hot water storage tank 5 for storing and heating tap water; a stored hot water supply pipe 6 through which the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 5 flows; a mixing pipe 7 for mixing the water in the tap water supply pipe 4 and the water in the hot water storage pipe 6, and leading the mixed water to the reheating device 3; and an antibacterial action water production device 8 for producing antibacterial action water using the water in the mixing pipe 7. The antibacterial action water production device 8 includes a voltage application device 13 for applying a voltage between a cathode 11 applied with polyaniline and an anode 12.

Description

The present invention relates to a hot water supply apparatus provided with means for suppressing the growth of bacteria and fungi in the piping of a hot water supply apparatus.

Conventionally, as a hot water supply device for automatic bath cleaning, after the bath water is drained, clean water is introduced into the additional circulation pipe to clean the additional circulation pipe, so that clean hot water is always supplied at the next hot water filling. What can be tensioned is known. However, in this case, it is difficult to remove scales fixed in the pipe simply by introducing purified water into the recirculation circulation pipe, and there is a risk that bacteria, mold, etc. will propagate in the pipe. there were. Then, the hot water supply apparatus which suppresses reproduction | regeneration of the microbe in a piping, mold | fungi, etc. by flowing the water containing silver ion in a piping is proposed.

For example, a hot water supply apparatus has been proposed in which a silver electrode is provided in a water conduit, silver ions are dissolved and mixed by electrolysis with hot water or water flowing in the conduit, and the growth of mold and the like is suppressed by the antibacterial effect of silver ions. Yes. (For example, Patent Document 1)

JP 2009-183414 A

However, since silver ions are generated by elution from the silver electrode, there is a problem that when the silver electrode is eluted in its entirety, the effect of suppressing the growth of fungi and fungi is lost.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hot water supply device in which the antibacterial effect is not lost and the effect of suppressing the growth of bacteria is permanently obtained. .

The automatic bath cleaning apparatus according to the present invention includes a reheating apparatus having a bathtub water circulation pipe, a circulation pump, and a heat exchanger, a water supply pipe for supplying hot water to the reheating apparatus, and a redox polymer connected to the water supply pipe. An antibacterial action water generating device having a coated cathode, an anode, and voltage applying means for applying a voltage to both electrodes is provided.

Since the hot water supply apparatus according to the present invention is cleaned by the active oxygen species generated by the oxidation-reduction reaction, the component generation part of the substance having antibacterial action is not consumed, and the effect of suppressing the growth of mold, fungi, etc. Since there is no fear of disappearing, the antibacterial effect can be sustained permanently.

The figure which shows the structure of the hot water supply apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure which shows the structure of the antibacterial action water production | generation apparatus of the hot water supply apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. Diagram showing structural change of polyaniline by redox reaction The figure which represented the antibacterial effect of the antibacterial action water which concerns on Embodiment 1 with the microbe concentration with respect to elapsed time The figure which shows the flowchart explaining the piping washing | cleaning operation | movement of the hot water supply apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure which shows the flowchart explaining the piping washing | cleaning operation | movement of the hot water supply apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. The figure which shows the structure of the hot water supply apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3. The figure which shows the flowchart explaining the piping washing | cleaning operation | movement of the hot water supply apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. The figure which shows the structure of the hot water supply apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4. The figure which shows the flowchart explaining the piping washing | cleaning operation | movement of the hot water supply apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4. FIG. The figure which shows the structure of the hot water supply apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5. FIG. The figure which shows the flowchart explaining the piping washing | cleaning operation | movement of the hot water supply apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5. FIG. The figure which shows the structure of the hot water supply apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 6. FIG. The figure which shows the flowchart explaining the piping washing | cleaning operation | movement of the hot water supply apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5. FIG.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a hot water supply apparatus according to the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
A hot water supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a hot water supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an antibacterial action water generation device of the hot water supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1, and FIG. 3 is an oxidation-reduction reaction. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the antibacterial effect of the antibacterial action water according to Embodiment 1 in terms of the bacterial concentration with respect to elapsed time.

Hot water supply device 1 is used in connection with bathtub 2. As shown in FIG. 1, a hot water supply device 1 includes a reheating device 3 that warms water in a bathtub 2, a city water supply pipe 4 that supplies city water, a hot water storage tank 5 that stores and heats city water, and hot water storage. The hot water storage pipe 6 through which hot water in the tank 5 flows, the water in the city water supply pipe 4 and the hot water storage pipe 6 are mixed, and the mixing pipe 7 leading to the reheating device 3 and the water in the mixing pipe 7 are used for antibacterial purposes. In addition to releasing antibacterial action water from the antibacterial action water generation device 8 according to the detection result of the detection part, the antibacterial action water generation device 8 that generates the working water, the detection unit (not shown) that detects drainage of the bath water, A control unit (not shown) for controlling inflow of city water, hot water stored in a hot water storage tank, and hot water stored in the antibacterial action water generator 8 is provided.

The city water supply pipe 4 is provided with a city water supply valve 9 for adjusting the flow rate of the city water, and the city water flows into the mixing pipe 7 when the city water supply valve 9 is opened.

The hot water storage tank 5 includes a heat source device (not shown) that warms the water in the hot water storage tank 5, and the heated city water is supplied to the mixing pipe 7 through the hot water storage pipe 6. The hot water storage pipe 6 is provided with a hot water supply valve 10 for adjusting the flow rate supplied from the hot water storage tank 5 to the mixing pipe 7, and the hot water in the hot water storage tank 5 flows into the mixing pipe 7 by opening the hot water supply valve 10. The

As shown in FIG. 2, the antibacterial action water generator 8 is connected to a water supply pipe 14 and an antibacterial action water pipe 15 that are branched from the mixing pipe 7, and hot water in the mixing pipe 7 passes through the water supply pipe 14. The water is supplied to the antibacterial water generator 8 and hot water in the antibacterial water generator 8 is supplied to the mixing pipe 7 via the antibacterial water pipe 15. An antibacterial water supply valve 16 for adjusting the flow rate of hot water is provided in the antibacterial water supply valve 15, and hot water in the antibacterial water generator 8 is supplied to the mixing pipe 7 by opening the antibacterial water supply valve 16.

In the antibacterial water generator 8, a conductive cathode 11 coated with polyaniline, a conductive anode 12, and a voltage applying means 13 for applying a voltage to both electrodes are provided. In addition, when the antibacterial water generator 8 is filled with water supplied from the mixing pipe 7, oxygen may be deficient and active oxygen species may not be generated. It is configured to be kept in an existing state.

Here, the antibacterial water generation method in the antibacterial water generator 8 will be described with reference to FIG.
When water comes into contact with the polyaniline applied to the cathode 11, dissolved oxygen in the water is subjected to negative electron reduction by the polyaniline, and superoxide (O ₂ ⁻ ) that is an active oxygen species is generated (Formula 1).

O ₂ + PAn (red) → O ₂ ⁻ + PAn (ox) (Formula 1)

The active oxygen species generation reaction occurs mainly on the cathode side, and the generated active oxygen species are not limited to superoxide, but also substances such as hydroxy radicals and hydrogen peroxide. It is known that water containing these reactive oxygen species has an antibacterial action.

As shown in FIG. 3, polyaniline loses negative electrons by generating active oxygen species and changes its structure to an oxidized type having no active oxygen species generating ability. By applying a negative charge, negative electrons are supplied to the polyaniline applied to the cathode 11 and can be returned to a reduced form capable of generating active oxygen species.

Therefore, in the antibacterial water generator 8, the cathode 11 coated with polyaniline is submerged, and a negative charge is applied to the cathode 11, thereby generating active oxygen species permanently. The antibacterial effect can be continuously imparted to the stored water.

In addition, when the energization is continued after returning to the reduced type capable of generating active oxygen species, the polyaniline applied to the cathode 11 becomes a completely reduced type and loses the active oxygen species generating ability. The means 13 comprises voltage polarity switching means so that the polarity of the polyaniline supported on the cathode 11 is reversed before the structure is changed to the complete reduction type, or the group having a larger redox potential than the base material of the cathode 11 supporting polyaniline. By adopting a configuration in which the materials are connected, it is possible to recover the polyaniline when the voltage application means 13 is not operating.

In addition, as a method for generating active oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide solution by electrode reaction, there is a method of supporting a redox polymer such as polyaniline, polythiophene, polypyrrole, or polyacene. The redox polymer is a substance that is produced regardless of chemical polymerization, electrical polymerization, and polymerization method, and reversibly changes an oxidation state or a reduction state by exchange of electrons. Especially, since polyaniline is easy to react and an active oxygen species can be produced | generated efficiently, polyaniline is used for the redox polymer in this Embodiment.

Next, the effect of the produced antimicrobial action water will be described. In FIG. 4, the result of having compared the change of the microbe density | concentration with progress of time with the antimicrobial action water application | coating (a) and the antimicrobial action water application | coating (b) is shown. As a result, when antibacterial action water is applied (b), it takes about twice as long as antibacterial action water is not applied (a) to reach a concentration at which bacteria can be visually recognized. You can see that.

In other words, by spraying antibacterial water, the growth of bacteria is suppressed compared to when no antibacterial water is sprayed, so the bacterial concentration is usually 10 ^ 5 cfu / mL, which is said to be able to recognize the presence of bacteria by visual inspection. The effect that the time to reach becomes longer is obtained. Therefore, not only can the hygiene of the hot water supply pipe be maintained, but also the user of the hot water supply apparatus proposed in this patent can reduce the frequency of bathroom cleaning.

In addition, the cathode 11 is preferably a conductive or conductive base material in which a current-carrying auxiliary material such as carbon or metal is dispersedly added, and the anode 12 is platinum titanium, titanium, carbon, which is highly resistant to oxidative corrosion. It is preferable that it is a base material.

Polyaniline usually has a surface resistance value of 10 ^ 3Ω / cm ² or more when applied on an insulating substrate, and the voltage input value must be increased in order to use it as an electrode substrate. However, hydrogen and oxygen generated by electrolysis of water inhibit generation of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, the surface resistance of the electrode substrate is about 10 ^ -3 to 10 ^ 3 Ω / cm ² by supporting polyaniline on the conductive base material with conductivity or dispersed addition of carbon or metal current-carrying aids. It can be. As a result, active oxygen species can be generated even in a low voltage region where hydrogen or oxygen by-products are not generated.

In FIG. 2, one electrode is disposed for each of the anode 12 and the cathode 11, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of electrode pairs may be disposed. Further, a configuration in which two cathodes 11 are formed with respect to one anode 12 may be used as a pair of electrodes, and a plurality of pairs may be arranged. Further, the electrodes are not necessarily arranged to face each other.

In the present embodiment, the antibacterial water generator 8 is installed in the mixing pipe 7, but is not limited thereto, and may be installed in the hot water supply pipe 3 or the hot water storage pipe 6 as long as it is upstream of the reheating apparatus 3. The more upstream it is installed, the more antibacterial piping area will increase.

The reheating apparatus 3 heats the water in the reheating pipe 17, the recirculation pipe 17 that causes the water in the bathtub 2 to flow in, the circulation pump 18 that circulates the water in the bathtub 2 in the reheating pipe 17, and the reheating pipe 17. A heat exchanger 19 and connected downstream of the mixing pipe 7.

As an example, the detection unit (not shown) includes a water level sensor that detects the water level of hot water stored in the bathtub 2 and means for detecting the drainage of the bathtub 2 by the change in the water level by the water level sensor, the bathtub 2 or the follower. The thing using the means which detects the drainage of the water of bathtub 2 by the water pressure change in thatched piping 17 is mentioned.

The control unit (not shown) controls the opening and closing operations of the city water supply valve 9, the hot water storage water supply valve 10, and the antibacterial water supply valve 16. The opening of the city water supply valve 9 and the hot water supply valve 10 is controlled according to the set temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub 2, and adjustment is made so that hot water of appropriate temperature flows into the bathtub 2. In addition, during the pipe cleaning operation, the opening / closing operation of each valve is controlled.

Next, the pipe cleaning operation of the hot water supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a pipe cleaning operation of the hot water supply apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, when the drainage of the bathtub water is detected by the detection unit (S103), the control unit opens the city water supply valve 9 of the city water supply pipe 4 based on the drainage detection signal (S104). After a predetermined time (n ₁ ) has elapsed (S105), the city water supply valve 9 is closed (S106). By this operation, a certain amount of city water flows down into the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17, and the dirt in the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17 is rinsed away.

Next, the antibacterial water supply valve 16 of the antibacterial water generator is opened based on the closing signal of the city water supply valve 9 of the city water supply pipe 4 (S107), and after a predetermined time (n ₂ ) has elapsed (S108). ), The antibacterial water supply valve 16 is closed (S109). By this operation, the antibacterial action water flows down into the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17, and the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17 are cleaned. Thereafter, the antibacterial action water that has passed through the pipe is discharged through the drainage groove of the bathtub 2.

The time required for generating the active oxygen species until the antibacterial action water generation device 8 reaches the concentration having the antibacterial effect is about 3 to 12 hours, and water is put into the antibacterial action water generation device 8. It is preferable that the antibacterial water is generated in the antibacterial water generator 8 until the user drains the water in the bathtub 2 after the storage, so that the concentration has an antibacterial effect.

At this time, the inside of the pipe can be washed with the antibacterial action water, and the antibacterial action water discharged from the bathtub 2 is stored in the drainage ditch of the bathtub or the drainage ditch of the bathroom. The drainage ditch cleaning effect can be expected. Moreover, since water is not stored in the bathtub 2 at the time of washing, the working water can flow down in the pipe without being diluted, so it does not take much time to make the active oxygen species concentration with an antibacterial effect, and is economical. is there.

Thereafter, based on the closing signal of the antibacterial water supply valve 16, the city water supply valve 9 of the city water supply pipe 4 is opened again (S110), and the city water is caused to flow down to the mixing pipe 7. The city water that has flowed down is also supplied into the antibacterial water generator 8 via the water supply pipe 14, and the amount of water in the antibacterial water generator 8 has reached a certain amount (n ₄ ) (or water Is detected (S113), the voltage application means 13 in the antibacterial action water generator 8 is operated (S114). When the voltage application means 13 of the antibacterial action water generator 8 is operated, active oxygen species are generated, whereby an antibacterial effect is imparted to the water stored in the antibacterial action water generator 8, and the next pipe cleaning is performed. Antibacterial water to be used in the process is generated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the antibacterial action water for cleaning the inside of the pipe is produced by generating active oxygen species, there is no possibility that the antibacterial effect is lost, and the growth of bacteria is suppressed. Thus, it is possible to provide a hot water supply device capable of permanently obtaining the effect.

Embodiment 2
Next, an example of the pipe cleaning operation of the hot water supply apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation at the time of pipe cleaning of the hot water supply apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it is washed with antibacterial water under the condition that the bath water is discharged. Other configurations are the same as or equivalent to those of the first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component which is the same as that of Embodiment 1, or equivalent, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the drainage of the bathtub water is detected by the detection unit (S201), the control unit opens the city water supply valve 9 of the city water supply pipe 4 (S202), and a predetermined time (n ₅ ). After the elapse (S203), the city water supply valve 9 is closed (S204). By this operation, a certain amount of city water flows down into the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17, and the dirt in the city water supply pipe 4 and the reheating pipe 17 is rinsed away.

Next, the antibacterial water supply valve 16 of the antibacterial water generator is opened based on the closing signal of the city water supply valve 9 of the city water supply pipe 4 (S205), and after a predetermined time (n ₆ ) has elapsed (S206). ), The antibacterial water supply valve 16 is closed (S207). By this operation, antibacterial action water flows down into the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17, and the city water supply pipe 4 and the reheating pipe 17 are cleaned. Thereafter, the antibacterial action water that has passed through the pipe is discharged through the drainage groove of the bathtub 2.

At this time, the inside of the pipe can be washed with the antibacterial action water, and the antibacterial action water discharged from the bathtub 2 is stored in the drainage ditch of the bathtub or the drainage ditch of the bathroom. The drainage ditch cleaning effect can be expected. Moreover, since water is not stored in the bathtub 2 at the time of washing, the antibacterial action water can flow down in the pipe without being diluted, so it does not take much time to generate active oxygen species to a concentration having an antibacterial effect, Economical.

Thereafter, based on the closing signal of the antibacterial water supply valve 16, the city water supply valve 9 of the city water supply pipe 4 is opened again (S208), and the city water is allowed to flow down to the mixing pipe 7 for a predetermined time (n ₇ ). After the elapse (S209), the city water supply valve 9 is closed (S210). By this operation, a certain amount of city water flows again into the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17, and the antibacterial action water in the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17 is rinsed away.

At this time, the city water flowing down the mixing pipe 7 is also supplied into the antibacterial water generator 8 through the water supply pipe 14, and the amount of hot water stored in the antibacterial water generator 8 is a constant amount (n ₈ ). Is detected (or an increase in the amount of stored hot water) (S211), the voltage application means 13 in the antibacterial action water generator 8 is operated (S212). When the voltage application means 13 of the antibacterial action water generator 8 is operated, active oxygen species are generated, whereby the water stored in the antibacterial action water generator 8 is given an antibacterial effect, and the next pipe cleaning is performed. Antibacterial water to be used in the process is generated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the antibacterial action water for cleaning the inside of the pipe is produced by generating active oxygen species, there is no possibility that the antibacterial effect is lost, and the growth of bacteria is suppressed. In addition, the pipe cleaning is performed automatically after draining the bath water, so that you can save the trouble of setting the pipe cleaning each time after taking a bath. A good hot water supply apparatus can be provided.

In the first and second embodiments, the antibacterial action water generation device 8 is connected to the mixing pipe 7, but not limited to this, the antibacterial action water generation device 8 is connected to the city water supply pipe 4 or the hot water storage pipe 6. However, the same effect can be obtained.

Moreover, in Embodiment 1, 2, although the example of the piping washing | cleaning at the time of discharging the water of the bathtub 2 was shown, it does not discharge the water of the bathtub 2, but is diluted with the water stored in the bathtub 2 and the piping Even when the water is present in the bathtub 2, the pipe can be washed by flowing down the antibacterial action water having a high antibacterial effect and operating the circulation pump 18.

Embodiment 3
In the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2, the antibacterial action water generation device 8 is arranged in a state independent of the reheating pipe 17. The same effect can be obtained even when the apparatus 8 is arranged. Hereinafter, the hot water supply apparatus according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the hot water supply apparatus according to the third embodiment.

The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the antibacterial water generating device 8 is arranged by branching from the reheating pipe 17. Other configurations are the same as or equivalent to those of the second embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component which is the same as that of Embodiment 2, or equivalent, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, the antibacterial water generator 8 is branched and connected from the reheating pipe 17 to join the water supply pipe 14 for supplying hot water to the antibacterial water generator 8 and the reheating pipe 17 to generate antibacterial water. The antibacterial action water generated in the apparatus 8 is connected to an antibacterial action water pipe 15 that flows into the reheating pipe 17.

The water supply pipe 14 is branched and connected upstream of the recirculation pipe 17 when the water in the recirculation pipe 17 is circulated by the circulation pump 18. The antibacterial water pipe 15 is connected to the recirculation pipe 17. The circulation pump 18 is connected to the downstream side of the circulation pump 18 when water in the recirculation pipe 17 is circulated by the circulation pump 18. Further, the antibacterial action water pipe 15 is provided with an antibacterial action water supply valve 16 for adjusting the flow rate of the antibacterial action water.

Next, an example of the pipe cleaning operation of the hot water supply apparatus according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a pipe cleaning operation of the hot water supply apparatus according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, when drainage of bathtub water is detected by the detection unit (S301), the control unit opens the city water supply valve 9 of the city water supply pipe 4 (S302), and a predetermined time (n ₉ ). After the elapse (S303), the city water supply valve 9 is closed (S304). By this operation, a certain amount of city water flows down into the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17, and the dirt in the city water supply pipe 4 and the reheating pipe 17 is rinsed away.

Next, based on the closing signal of the city water supply valve 9 of the city water supply pipe 4, the antibacterial water supply valve 16 of the antibacterial water generator is opened (S305), and after a predetermined time (n ₁₀ ) has elapsed (S306). ), The antibacterial water supply valve 16 is closed (S307). At the same time, the circulation pump 18 is driven (S 308), and the generated water released from the antibacterial water generator 8 through the antibacterial water pipe 15 is circulated in the reheating pipe 17. By this operation, the antibacterial action water spreads in the reheating pipe 17 and the reheating pipe 17 is cleaned. Thereafter, the antibacterial action water that has passed through the pipe is discharged through the drainage groove of the bathtub 2.

At this time, the inside of the pipe can be washed with the antibacterial action water, and the antibacterial action water discharged from the bathtub 2 is stored in the drainage ditch of the bathtub or the drainage ditch of the bathroom. The drainage ditch cleaning effect can be expected. Moreover, since water is not stored in the bathtub 2 at the time of washing, the antibacterial action water can flow down in the pipe without being diluted, so it does not take much time to generate active oxygen species to a concentration having an antibacterial effect, Economical.

Thereafter, based on the closing signal of the antibacterial water supply valve 16, the city water supply valve 9 of the city water supply pipe 4 is opened again (S309), and the city water is allowed to flow down to the mixing pipe 7 for a predetermined time (n ₁₁ ). After the elapse (S310), the city water supply valve 9 is closed (S311). By this operation, a certain amount of city water flows again into the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17, and the antibacterial action water in the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17 is rinsed away.

At this time, the city water flowing down the mixing pipe 7 is also supplied into the antibacterial water generator 8 via the water supply pipe 14, and the amount of hot water stored in the antibacterial water generator 8 is a constant amount (n ₁₂ ). Is detected (or an increase in the amount of stored hot water) (S312), the voltage application means 13 in the antibacterial action water generator 8 is operated (S313). When the voltage application means 13 of the antibacterial action water generator 8 is operated, active oxygen species are generated, whereby an antibacterial effect is imparted to the water stored in the antibacterial action water generator 8, and the next pipe cleaning is performed. Antibacterial water to be used in the process is generated.

As described above, the antibacterial action water cleaning device 8 is branched from the follow-up pipe 17 and disposed at a position sandwiching the circulation pump 18 so that the antibacterial action for cleaning the inside of the pipe is performed as in the first and second embodiments. Since water is produced by generating active oxygen species, the antibacterial effect is not lost, and a hot water supply apparatus that can permanently obtain the effect of suppressing the growth of bacteria can be provided.

Embodiment 4
In the first and second embodiments described above, the antibacterial action water generation device 8 is arranged in a state independent of the reheating pipe 17. The same effect can be obtained even when the apparatus 8 is arranged. Hereinafter, the hot water supply apparatus according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the hot water supply apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

The fourth embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the antibacterial water generator 8 is arranged by branching from the reheating pipe 17. Other configurations are the same as or equivalent to those of the second embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component which is the same as that of Embodiment 2, or equivalent, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9, the antibacterial action water generating device 8 is disposed at a location downstream of the circulation pump 18 when the circulation pump 18 circulates water in the reheating pipe 17. The antibacterial action which is branched and connected to the water supply pipe 14 for supplying hot water to the antibacterial action water generating device 8 and the antibacterial action water generated in the antibacterial action water generating apparatus 8 by flowing into the follower pipe 17 It is connected to the water pipe 15. A water supply pump 20 is provided in the water supply pipe 14 to suck up water in the reheating pipe 17 and supply it to the antibacterial water generator 8. Further, the antibacterial action water pipe 15 is provided with an antibacterial action water supply valve 16 for adjusting the flow rate of the antibacterial action water.

Next, an example of the pipe cleaning operation of the hot water supply apparatus according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the pipe cleaning operation of the hot water supply apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, when the drainage of the bath water is detected by the detection unit (S401), the control unit opens the city water supply valve 9 of the city water supply pipe 4 (S402), and a predetermined time (n ₁₃ ). After the elapse (S403), the city water supply valve 9 is closed (S404). By this operation, a certain amount of city water flows down into the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17, and the dirt in the city water supply pipe 4 and the reheating pipe 17 is rinsed away.

Next, based on the closing signal of the city water supply valve 9 of the city water supply pipe 4, the antibacterial water supply valve 16 of the antibacterial water generation device is opened (S405), and after a predetermined time (n ₁₄ ) has elapsed (S406). ), The antibacterial water supply valve 16 is closed (S407). By this operation, the antibacterial action water spreads in the reheating pipe 17 and the reheating pipe 17 is cleaned. Thereafter, the antibacterial action water that has passed through the pipe is discharged through the drainage groove of the bathtub 2.

At this time, the inside of the pipe can be washed with the antibacterial action water, and the antibacterial action water discharged from the bathtub 2 is stored in the drainage ditch of the bathtub or the drainage ditch of the bathroom. The drainage ditch cleaning effect can be expected. Moreover, since water is not stored in the bathtub 2 at the time of washing, the antibacterial action water can flow down in the pipe without being diluted, so it does not take much time to generate active oxygen species to a concentration having an antibacterial effect, Economical.

Then, based on the closing signal of the antibacterial water supply valve 16, the city water supply valve 9 of the city water supply pipe 4 is opened again (S408), and the city water is allowed to flow down to the mixing pipe 7 for a predetermined time (n ₁₅ ). After the elapse (S409), the city water supply valve 9 is closed (S410). By this operation, a certain amount of city water flows again into the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17, and the antibacterial action water in the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17 is rinsed away.

At this time, the water supply pump 20 is driven based on the second opening signal of the city water supply valve 9 (S411), and the city water flowing down the mixing pipe 7 by this operation passes through the water supply pipe 14. When it is also supplied to the antibacterial action water generation device 8 and it is detected that the amount of hot water stored in the antibacterial action water generation device 8 reaches a certain amount (n ₁₆ ) (or an increase in the amount of hot water storage) (S113), The voltage application means 13 in the antibacterial water generator 8 is operated (S114). When the voltage application means 13 of the antibacterial action water generator 8 is operated, active oxygen species are generated, whereby an antibacterial effect is imparted to the water stored in the antibacterial action water generator 8, and the next pipe cleaning is performed. Antibacterial water to be used in the process is generated.

As described above, the antibacterial action water generation device 8 is arranged at a location corresponding to the downstream side when the water in the recirculation pipe 17 is circulated by the circulation pump 18, so that the pipe is similar to the first and second embodiments. An antibacterial action water that cleans the inside is made by generating active oxygen species, so that the antibacterial effect is not lost, and a hot water supply device capable of permanently suppressing the growth of bacteria is provided. Can do.

In the present embodiment, as a method for supplying city water to the antibacterial action water generation device 8, the water supply pump 20 is provided and operated in the water supply pipe 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A method of supplying city water to the antibacterial action water generation device 8 by providing a difference in height may be used. In addition, this Embodiment shows an example of this invention and this invention is not limited by this.

Embodiment 5
In Embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the antibacterial action water generator 8 is arranged in a state independent of the reheating pipe 17. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the antibacterial action water is generated by branching from the reheating pipe 17. The same effect can be obtained even when the apparatus 8 is arranged. Hereinafter, a hot water supply apparatus according to Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the hot water supply apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

The fifth embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the antibacterial water generator 8 is arranged by branching from the reheating pipe 17. Other configurations are the same as or equivalent to those of the second embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component which is the same as that of Embodiment 2, or equivalent, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

As shown in FIG. 11, the antibacterial water generator 8 is disposed at a location on the upstream side of the circulation pump 18 when the circulation pump 18 circulates the water in the circulation pipe 17. The antibacterial action water generated in the antibacterial action water generating device 8 is merged into the water supply pipe 14 that is branched and connected to the antibacterial action water generation apparatus 8 and branched from the water supply pipe 14. It is connected to the working water pipe 15. The antibacterial action water pipe 14 is provided with a water supply pump 20, which sucks up the antibacterial action water generated in the antibacterial action water generator 8 and supplies it to the reheating pipe 17. Further, the antibacterial action water pipe 15 is provided with an antibacterial action water supply valve 16 for adjusting the flow rate of the antibacterial action water.

Next, an example of the pipe cleaning operation of the hot water supply apparatus according to Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a pipe cleaning operation of the hot water supply apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12, when the drainage of the bathtub water is detected by the detection unit (S501), the control unit opens the city water supply valve 9 of the city water supply pipe 4 (S502), and a predetermined time (n ₁₇ ). After the elapse (S503), the city water supply valve 9 is closed (S504). By this operation, a certain amount of city water flows down into the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17, and the dirt in the city water supply pipe 4 and the reheating pipe 17 is rinsed away.

Next, based on the closing signal of the city water supply valve 9 of the city water supply pipe 4, the antibacterial water supply valve 16 of the antibacterial water generator 8 is opened (S505), and at the same time, the water supply pump 20 is driven. (S506), the antibacterial action water generated by the antibacterial action water generator 8 is sucked into the recirculation pipe 17, and the circulation pump 18 is driven (S507). The generated water released in this manner is circulated in the recirculation pipe 17, and after a predetermined time (n ₁₈ ) has elapsed (S508), the antibacterial water supply valve 16 is closed (S509).

By this operation, the antibacterial action water flows down in the reheating pipe 17 and the reheating pipe 17 is cleaned. Thereafter, the antibacterial action water that has passed through the pipe is discharged through the drainage groove of the bathtub 2. At this time, the inside of the pipe can be washed with the antibacterial action water, and the antibacterial action water discharged from the bathtub 2 is stored in the drainage ditch of the bathtub or the drainage ditch of the bathroom. The drainage ditch cleaning effect can be expected. Moreover, since water is not stored in the bathtub 2 at the time of washing, the antibacterial action water can flow down in the pipe without being diluted, so it does not take much time to generate active oxygen species to a concentration having an antibacterial effect, Economical.

Thereafter, based on the closing signal of the antibacterial water supply valve 16, the city water supply valve 9 of the city water supply pipe 4 is opened again (S510), and the city water is caused to flow down to the mixing pipe 7 for a predetermined time (n ₁₉ ). After the elapse (S511), the city water supply valve 9 is closed (S512). By this operation, a certain amount of city water flows again into the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17, and the antibacterial action water in the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17 is rinsed away.

At this time, the city water flowing down the mixing pipe 7 is also supplied into the antibacterial action water generator 8 via the water supply pipe 14, and the amount of hot water stored in the antibacterial action water generator 8 is a constant amount (n ₂₀ ). Is detected (or an increase in the amount of stored hot water) (S513), the voltage application means 13 in the antibacterial action water generator 8 is operated (S514). When the voltage application means 13 of the antibacterial action water generator 8 is operated, active oxygen species are generated, whereby an antibacterial effect is imparted to the water stored in the antibacterial action water generator 8, and the next pipe cleaning is performed. Antibacterial water to be used in the process is generated.

As described above, the antibacterial water generator 8 is arranged at a location corresponding to the upstream side when the water in the recirculation pipe 17 is circulated by the circulation pump 18, so that the pipe is the same as in the first and second embodiments. An antibacterial action water that cleans the inside is made by generating active oxygen species, so that the antibacterial effect is not lost, and a hot water supply device capable of permanently suppressing the growth of bacteria is provided. Can do.

In the present embodiment, as a method of supplying the antibacterial water generated by the antibacterial water generator 8 to the reheating pipe 16, the water supply pump 20 is provided in the water supply pipe 14 and operated. Even if a circulation pump is not provided, a method of supplying city water to the antibacterial water generator 8 by providing a difference in height in each pipe may be used. In addition, this Embodiment shows an example of this invention and this invention is not limited by this.

Embodiment 6
Next, a hot water supply apparatus according to Embodiment 6 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the hot water supply apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.
The sixth embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the microbubble generator 21 is disposed in the water supply pipe 14 connected to the antibacterial action water generation device 8. Other configurations are the same as or equivalent to those of the second embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component which is the same as that of Embodiment 2, or equivalent, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13, a microbubble generator 21 is connected to the water supply pipe 14 connected to the antibacterial action water generator 8. When water flows into the water supply pipe 14 connected to the antibacterial action water generator 8, the water passes through the microbubble generator 21 to generate microbubbles, increasing the dissolved oxygen concentration of the water, and active oxygen Species production efficiency is improved. Furthermore, by supplying microbubbles into the piping, dirt in the piping can be cleaned with very microbubbles generally called microbubbles.

Next, an example of the pipe cleaning operation of the hot water supply apparatus according to Embodiment 6 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the hot water supply apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, when drainage of bathtub water is detected by the detection unit (S601), the control unit opens the city water supply valve 9 of the city water supply pipe 4 (S602), and a predetermined time (n ₂₁ ). After the elapse (S603), the city water supply valve 9 is closed (S604). By this operation, a certain amount of city water flows down into the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17, and the dirt in the city water supply pipe 4 and the reheating pipe 17 is rinsed away.

Next, based on the closing signal of the city water supply valve 9 of the city water supply pipe 4, the antibacterial water supply valve 16 of the antibacterial water generator is opened (S605), and after a predetermined time (n ₂₂ ) has elapsed (S606). ), The antibacterial water supply valve 16 is closed (S607). By this operation, antibacterial action water flows down into the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17, and the city water supply pipe 4 and the reheating pipe 17 are cleaned. Thereafter, the antibacterial action water that has passed through the pipe is discharged through the drainage groove of the bathtub 2.

At this time, the inside of the pipe can be washed with the antibacterial action water, and the antibacterial action water discharged from the bathtub 2 is stored in the drainage ditch of the bathtub or the drainage ditch of the bathroom. The drainage ditch cleaning effect can be expected. Moreover, since water is not stored in the bathtub 2 at the time of washing, the antibacterial action water can flow down in the pipe without being diluted, so it does not take much time to generate active oxygen species to a concentration having an antibacterial effect, Economical.

Thereafter, based on the closing signal of the antibacterial water supply valve 16, the city water supply valve 9 of the city water supply pipe 4 is opened again (S608), and the city water flows down to the mixing pipe 7 for a predetermined time (n ₂₃ ). After the elapse (S609), the city water supply valve 9 is closed (S610). By this operation, a certain amount of city water flows again into the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17, and the antibacterial action water in the mixing pipe 7 and the reheating pipe 17 is rinsed away.

At this time, the city water flowing down the mixing pipe 7 is also supplied into the antibacterial water generator 8 through the water supply pipe 14. At this time, when the city water passes through the fine foaming generator 13 installed in the water supply pipe 14, fine foaming occurs, and water having an increased dissolved oxygen concentration is supplied into the antibacterial water generator 8. By cleaning the dirt in the piping of the hot water supply device with the fine bubbles themselves, a synergistic effect with the cleaning with the active oxygen species can be obtained.

When it is detected that the amount of hot water stored in the antibacterial water generator 8 reaches a certain amount (n ₂₄ ) (or an increase in the amount of hot water stored) (S611), the voltage applying means 13 in the antibacterial water generator 8 is detected. Is operated (S612). When the voltage application means 13 of the antibacterial action water generator 8 is operated, active oxygen species are generated, whereby the water stored in the antibacterial action water generator 8 is given an antibacterial effect, and the next pipe cleaning is performed. Antibacterial water to be used in the process is generated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the antibacterial action water for cleaning the inside of the pipe is produced by generating active oxygen species, there is no possibility that the antibacterial effect is lost, and the growth of bacteria is suppressed. Thus, it is possible to provide a hot water supply apparatus that can permanently produce active oxygen species in a short period of time and that can provide an economical effect and a higher cleaning effect.

In the present embodiment, the fine foaming generator 13 is disposed in the water supply pipe 14 connected to the antibacterial action water generation device 8. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any position may be used as long as it is upstream of the antibacterial action water generation device 8. . In addition, even if the fine foam generator 13 is provided in addition to the upstream of the antibacterial water generator 8, the dirt in the pipe is washed by the fine foam, and a synergistic effect with the washing with the active oxygen species is obtained.

In addition, in Embodiment 1-6, although the case where the water used as a rinse and the water stored by the antibacterial action water production | generation apparatus 8 are city water was shown as an example, it is not restricted to this, In the hot water storage tank 5 Or hot water in city water and hot water storage tank 5 may be used.

The active oxygen species referred to in the present invention includes superoxide (O ₂ · ⁻ ), hydroxy radical (· OH), hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ), singlet oxygen ( ¹ O ₂ ), ozone (O ₃ )) oxygen activated by triplet oxygen (O ₂ ), which is molecular oxygen, and related molecules.

The antibacterial referred to in the present invention is to suppress the propagation of microorganisms, fungi, molds and the like.

  Although the hot water supply apparatus for baths has been described as an example of use of the present invention, it can be used as an antibacterial technique for tap water or an antibacterial technique for pool water supply.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hot water supply apparatus, 2 bathtubs, 3 reheating apparatus, 4 city water supply piping, 5 hot water storage tank, 6 hot water storage pipe, 7 mixing piping, 8 antibacterial action water production | generation apparatus, 9 city water supply valve, 10 hot water supply valve, 11 cathode , 12 Anode, 13 Voltage application means, 14 Water supply pipe, 15 Antibacterial water pipe, 16 Antibacterial water feed valve, 17 Reheating pipe, 18 Circulation pump, 19 Heat exchanger, 20 Water supply pump, 21 Micro bubble generator

Claims (6)

Reheating apparatus having bathtub water circulation piping, circulation pump, heat exchanger;
A water supply pipe for supplying hot water to the reheating device;
A hot water supply apparatus comprising: a cathode connected to the water supply pipe; a cathode coated with a redox polymer; and an antibacterial water generator having voltage application means for applying a voltage to the anode. Reheating apparatus having bathtub water circulation piping, circulation pump, heat exchanger;
A first water supply pipe for supplying hot water to the reheating device;
A second water supply pipe branched from the first water supply pipe;
An antibacterial water generator having voltage application means for storing hot water from the second water supply pipe, applying a redox polymer to the cathode, and applying voltage to the anode;
A hot water supply apparatus comprising an antibacterial water pipe for supplying hot water stored in the antibacterial water generation apparatus to the first water supply pipe. A water supply pipe for supplying hot water to the bathtub;
A reheating device connected to the water supply pipe and having a bathtub water circulation pipe, a circulation pump, and a heat exchanger;
A hot water supply apparatus comprising: a cathode connected to a bath water circulation pipe, a cathode coated with a redox polymer, and an antibacterial water generator having voltage application means for applying a voltage to the anode. An on-off valve that adjusts the discharge of hot water stored in the antibacterial water generator,
A detection unit for detecting that water in the bathtub has been discharged;
A control unit that controls to open the on-off valve based on a detection result of the detection unit;
The hot water supply device according to at least one of claims 1 to 3. The hot water supply apparatus according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the redox polymer is any one of polyaniline, polythiophene, polypyrrole, and polyacene. The hot water supply apparatus according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a microbubble generator is disposed upstream of the antibacterial action water generation apparatus.

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