JP4184546B2 - Chlorine generator - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a chlorine generator that purifies raw water such as tap water and groundwater and supplies it as drinking water for general household use or business use.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as this type of chlorine generator, one in which a pair of flat plate electrodes composed of an anode and a cathode are installed in a cis-turn is generally known. According to this chlorine generator, a direct current is applied to each electrode at predetermined intervals by a timer to electrolyze the drinking water in the cistern and generate effective chlorine (hypochlorous acid) that is an effective component for sterilization. I am letting.
[0003]
However, in this chlorine generator, since the cistern is in an open state or close to an open state, there is a problem that generated effective chlorine is easily evaporated to the outside, and bacteria and the like enter from the outside to cause water pollution.
[0004]
In order to solve such problems, the applicant has proposed a chlorine generator according to JP-A-11-114566. This chlorine generator has a sealed water storage container for storing chlorine ion-containing water such as tap water pumped through a water supply pipe, and is concentrically arranged in the water storage container at a predetermined interval and is supplied with a direct current. A pair of cylindrical electrodes, a water conduit that passes the water in the water storage container between the inner and outer electrodes, and a water conduit that feeds the water that has passed through the water conduit to the terminal side of a faucet, beverage machine, etc. And a closed type chlorine generator that generates water containing effective chlorine by passing a direct current through each electrode for electrolysis.
[0005]
According to this chlorine generator, both a cistern type chlorine generator that contains effective chlorine in the water stored in the water storage container when the water is stopped and a flowing water type chlorine generator that contains effective chlorine when water is supplied. Since it has a function, it can stably supply sterilized water and can be made smaller than a cistern type chlorine generator.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, this sealed chlorine generator is mounted on a domestic drinking water supply device or a commercial beverage dispenser. The timing at which a direct current is applied to each electrode is applied to the supply device (or dispenser). When the beverage supply signal is output (energization during running water), and after the running water has ended, it is a predetermined time (energization during stopping water).
[0007]
In addition, chlorine is generated by the application of a direct current to each electrode, and this generated chlorine instantaneously dissolves in water and becomes hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite ions in the water. On the other hand, this electrolysis generates hydrogen gas on the cathode side and oxygen gas on the anode side.
[0008]
Here, hydrogen gas or oxygen gas is generated as fine bubbles, and many of these coalesce with each other to form large bubbles and stay in the upper part of the water storage container. Stay in the water in the container.
[0009]
When water is supplied to the supply device (or dispenser) in such a situation, since the minute bubbles floating in the water storage container are mixed and supplied to the supply water, the color of the supply water becomes slightly milky white, It was inconvenient in terms of beverage quality.
[0010]
An object of the present invention is to provide a chlorine generator that regulates the flow of cell-like electrolytic gas and prevents the supply of gas-mixed water in view of the above-described conventional problems.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a water storage container for storing chlorine ion-containing water such as tap water fed through a water supply pipe, and a concentric circle at a predetermined interval in the water storage container. A pair of cylindrical electrodes that are arranged in a straight line and energized with a direct current, a water conduit that passes chlorine ion-containing water in the water storage container to each of the inner and outer electrodes, and water that has passed through the water conduit is a faucet, beverage In a chlorine generator that has a water supply pipe that supplies water to the terminal side of a machine, etc., and generates water containing effective chlorine by electrolyzing each electrode with a direct current each time water is supplied to the water storage container. The water pipe has a structure in which a gas flow restricting member for restricting the flow of the electrolytic gas floating in the gap between the electrodes to the downstream is provided in the water pipe.
[0012]
According to the present invention, when a direct current is applied to each electrode, chlorine ion-containing water is electrolyzed, and chlorine is generated and dissolved in water. On the other hand, this electrolysis generates hydrogen gas on the cathode side and oxygen gas on the anode side. Here, when the water in the water storage container is supplied to a beverage machine or the like through the water supply pipe, the minute electrolytic gas (hydrogen gas and oxygen gas) floating in the water in the water storage container is circulated downstream by the gas distribution regulating member. Is regulated. Therefore, water mixed with electrolytic gas is not supplied to a beverage machine or the like.
[0013]
Here, regarding the installation location of the gas flow regulating member, in the invention of claim 2, the lower opening of the water conduit, and in the invention of claim 3, the lower portion of the gap between the electrodes of the water conduit. In invention of 4 and Claim 5, it installs in the space in an inner side electrode among water conduits, respectively. In either case, the gas flow restriction member restricts the downstream gas flow.
[0014]
The gas flow regulating member is formed of a nonwoven fabric, a mesh member, a porous member, an aggregate of particulate members, or a combination of these members as in the invention of claim 6.
[0015]
The invention according to claim 7 is a water storage container for storing chlorine ion-containing water such as tap water fed through a water supply pipe, and a concentric circle disposed at a predetermined interval in the water storage container, and a direct current is energized. A pair of cylindrical electrodes, a water conduit for passing chlorine ion-containing water in the water storage container to the inner and outer electrodes, and a water pipe for feeding the water passing through the water conduit to the terminal side of a faucet, a beverage machine, etc. A chlorine generator for generating water containing effective chlorine by electrolyzing each electrode with a direct current for a predetermined time each time water is supplied into the water storage container. Openings, gaps between the electrodes communicating with the upper openings, lower openings formed in the lower portions of the inner electrodes communicating with the gaps, voids in the inner electrodes communicating with the lower openings, bottoms of the voids, and water pipes The outlet that communicates the channel is configured to communicate sequentially, and the annular space is formed on the outer surface of the inner electrode. It has a structure in which the guide tube to form a turbulent flow in the formation and flow of water in a plurality of stages of parts.
[0016]
According to this invention, when flowing water into a beverage machine or the like, the water that has flowed into the void in the inner electrode causes turbulent flow in the buttocks of the guide tube, and microscopic bubbles of electrolytic gas gather to form large bubbles. It rises to the upper part of the water storage container and accumulates on the upper part of the storage container. As a result, the amount of electrolytic gas mixed into the water supplied to the beverage machine or the like is reduced.
[0017]
In addition, when providing the degassing mechanism in the water storage container of the chlorine generator according to claims 1 to 7, the electrolytic gas accumulated in the water storage container can be discharged to the outside.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1 to 6 show a first embodiment of a chlorine generator according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the chlorine generator, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cap, and FIG. 3 is a developed inner electrode. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which an outer electrode is expanded, FIG. 5 is a plan sectional view of a chlorine generator, and FIG. 6 is an abbreviated sectional view showing another installation example of a gas flow regulating member.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 1, the chlorine generator 2 electrolyzes raw water (for example, tap water that is chlorine ion-containing water) to improve the effective chlorine concentration, and drinks that sell beverage machines 1 (for example, juice, coffee, etc.) Used to supply water to the dispenser).
[0020]
The chlorine generator 2 has a cylindrical water storage container 21 sealed as shown in FIG. The housing 22 has a lower opening 22 of the water storage container 21 and a lid 23 that is screwed into the housing 22 to be in a sealed state. An inflow port 23 a is provided near the periphery of the lid 23, and the water supply pipe 20 The tap water pumped through is guided into the housing 22. In addition, an outlet 23b is provided on the center side of the lid body 23 so that water stored in the housing 22 is supplied to the beverage machine 1 through a water supply pipe 24 (water supply pipe line).
[0021]
In the water storage container 21 configured as described above, an electrode unit 25 is installed on the lid 23. This electrode unit 25 has a cylindrical inner electrode 25a and an outer electrode 25b arranged concentrically with a predetermined gap outside the inner electrode 25a. Each electrode 25a, 25b is made of, for example, a titanium material as a base. It is made of an electrode material coated with platinum or platinum-based (including platinum-iridium). A disc-shaped cap 25c made of an insulating material, for example, polypropylene, is fitted into the upper opening of the inner electrode 25a. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of, for example, four, protruding portions 25d protruding radially outward are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the cap 25c. A fitting groove 25e is formed on the lower surface of the protruding portion 25d in the radial direction, and the fitting groove 25e is engaged with a notch 25f at the upper end of the outer electrode 25b. Thus, the inner and outer electrodes 25a and 25b are prevented from moving in the radial direction, and the radial distance between the electrodes 25a and 25b is maintained at a predetermined value (for example, 3 to 5 mm). The cross section of the cap 25c shown in FIG. 1 is represented by a plane cut along the arrow direction of the AOB line in FIG. Thus, an annular cylindrical gap 25g is defined by the electrodes 25a and 25b, and a cylindrical space 26 is defined by the cap 25c, the inner electrode 25a and the lid 23. The upper ends of the inner electrode 25a and the outer electrode 25b are opened except for the protruding portion 25d of the cap 25c, thereby forming an upper end opening portion 25h. Note that electrode terminals 25j and 25k are connected and fixed to the lower ends of the electrodes 25a and 25b, respectively. These electrode terminals 25j and 25k pass through the lid body 23 while maintaining airtightness, and are connected to an external DC power source (not shown).
[0022]
Referring to FIG. 3 in addition to FIG. 1, a plurality of lower openings 25m are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction at the lower portion of the inner electrode 25a, and the diameter thereof is designed to be, for example, 8 mm. . With the above configuration, when running water (when beverages are sold), the raw water flowing into the outer space 27 of the outer electrode 25b in the housing 22 through the water supply pipe 20 and the inlet 23a is shown in FIG. As indicated by a solid line arrow 1, the gas flows into the gap 25g through the upper end opening 25h, and is electrolyzed in the gap 25g. The electrolyzed raw water flows from the gap 25g through the lower opening 25m to the space 26, and further flows through the outlet 23b of the housing 22 to the water supply pipe 24 and is supplied to the beverage machine 1 as drinking water. Thus, in the housing 22 of the chlorine generator 2, there are flow paths connected to the inlet 23 a, the outer space 27, the upper opening 25 h, the gap 25 g, the lower opening 25 m, the space 26, and the outlet 23 b. Will be formed. Of these channels, a water conduit that allows the raw water that has entered the void 27 to flow into the water supply pipe 24 through a channel that is continuous with the upper opening 25h, the gap 25g, the lower opening 25m, the void 26, and the outlet 23b. Is configured.
[0023]
Furthermore, a plurality of small holes 25n for gas diffusion are formed in the upper part of the outer electrode 25b in an arrangement as shown in FIG. The diameter of the small hole 25n is designed to be 1.8 mm, for example. Accordingly, the opening area of the small holes 25n is extremely small compared to that of the lower opening 25m. Further, the above-described cutout portion 25f is formed at the upper end of the external electrode 25b.
[0024]
In the chlorine generator configured as described above, the chlorine generator 2 according to the present embodiment is provided with a gas flow regulating member 30 as shown in FIGS. The gas flow regulating member 30 is formed of, for example, an annular nonwoven fabric (mesh diameter, for example, about 10 μm), and is bonded so as to close the inner inner surface of the lower opening 25m as shown in FIG. ing.
[0025]
Further, the chlorine generator 2 is provided with a degassing mechanism 40 for extracting the electrolytic gas remaining in the cavities 26 and 27. That is, a gas vent hole 41 communicating with each of the cavities 26 and 27 is formed in the center of the cap 25c as a means for extracting the electrolytic gas in the cavities 26. A gas outlet 42 protrudes from the center of the upper plate of the housing 22, and a gas vent pipe 44 in which a gas discharge valve 43 is installed is connected to the gas outlet 42.
[0026]
According to the present embodiment, the raw water at the time of running water (when beverages are sold) is, as described above, the water supply pipe 20 → the inlet 23a → the void 27 → the upper opening 25h → the gap 25g → the lower opening 25m. → The empty space 26 → the outlet 23 → the water pipe 24 → the beverage machine 1 sequentially flows. When a direct current is applied to the electrodes 25a and 25b during the flowing water, the water flowing through the gap 25g is electrolyzed to generate minute chlorine gas, hydrogen gas, and oxygen gas. Here, chlorine gas instantaneously dissolves in water and becomes hypochlorous acid or hypochlorous acid ions and is mixed into water. On the other hand, hydrogen gas and oxygen gas become bubbles A without dissolving in water, float in the water, and flow toward the lower opening 25 m together with running water. 26 is restricted, and gas collects on the surface of the gas flow restricting member 30 to form a large bubble A. And after flowing water is complete | finished, this bubble A raises the clearance gap 25g, as shown in FIG. Therefore, gas-mixed water is not supplied to the beverage machine 1 during running water.
[0027]
The gas accumulated in the housing 22 can be discharged outside through the gas vent pipe 44 by opening the gas discharge valve 43.
[0028]
FIG. 6 shows another example of the means for installing the gas flow regulating member 30. In this example, an annular elastic frame 31 is arranged inside the inner electrode 25a, and the elastic frame 31 and the inner electrode 25a are disposed between the elastic frame 31 and the inner electrode 25a. The gas distribution restriction member 30 is sandwiched. The elastic frame 31 is formed with a water passage hole 31a in order to ensure water flow in a portion facing the lower opening 25m. As described above, when the elastic frame 31 is used as the holding member of the gas flow restriction member 30, the gas flow restriction member 30 can be easily attached and detached by attaching and detaching the elastic frame 31, and the maintenance is simplified.
[0029]
7 and 8 show a second embodiment of the chlorine generator according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the gas flow regulating member 32 has a structure in which a large amount of granular resin (diameter of about 50 μm) is filled in the lower part of the gap 25g and the lower opening 25m is covered.
[0030]
According to this embodiment, hydrogen gas bubbles and oxygen gas bubbles generated in the gap 25g are blocked by the gas flow regulating member 32, so that hydrogen gas or the like does not enter the space 26. In addition, hydrogen gas or the like is not mixed into the water supplied to the beverage machine 1. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
[0031]
9 and 10 show a third embodiment of the chlorine generator according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, a granular resin (diameter of about 50 μm) is installed as the gas flow regulating member 33 so as to cover the entire lower portion of the void 26. This granular resin is accommodated in a tray 33a having water permeability, and is disposed on the inner surface of the inner electrode 25a via the tray 33a. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the vertical position of the gas flow regulating member 33 is set below the lower opening 25m.
[0032]
According to this embodiment, the hydrogen gas bubbles and the oxygen gas bubbles generated in the gap 25g enter the void 26 inside the inner electrode 25a, but are then dammed by the gas flow restriction member 33. Therefore, hydrogen gas or the like does not flow into the water supplied to the beverage machine 1 without flowing to the outlet 23b side. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
[0033]
FIG.11 and FIG.12 shows 4th Embodiment of the chlorine generator based on this embodiment. In this embodiment, a guide tube 34 that guides the flow of water is installed in a space 26 inside the inner electrode 25a. As shown in FIG. 11, the guide tube 34 is formed in a bottomed tube shape, and has an outlet 34b communicating with the outflow port 23b in the bottom 34a, and water in the space 26 is supplied through the outlet 34b. It is made to flow to the outflow port 23b. Further, on the outer surface of the side wall of the guide tube 34, an annular flange 34c protruding outward is formed in a plurality of upper and lower stages.
[0034]
According to this embodiment, at the time of running water (during beverage sales), water flows and is electrolyzed in the gap 25g, and hydrogen gas bubbles and oxygen gas bubbles are generated. These bubbles enter the space 26 through the lower opening 25m according to the flow of water. The bubbles that have entered the space 26 rise along the outer surface of the guide tube 34 along with the flow of water. While the outer surface of the guide tube 34 is rising, turbulent flow is generated at the flange portion 34c as shown by the arrow in FIG. 11, and minute hydrogen gas bubbles gather together to form a large bubble A. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, this large bubble A moves to the space 27 side through the vent hole 41 of the cap 25c.
[0035]
The water degassed in this way passes through the inside of the guide tube 34 and is further supplied to the beverage machine 1 through the outlet 34b and the outlet 23b. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
[0036]
FIG. 13 shows a fifth embodiment of the chlorine generator according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the structure of the electrode unit 25 according to each of the above embodiments is improved.
[0037]
In other words, the electrode unit 250 has an inner electrode 250a and an outer electrode 250b concentrically, and a cap 250c is put on the upper end of the outer electrode 250b to seal the inside of the outer electrode 250b. A plurality of small holes 250n for gas diffusion are formed on the upper side of the outer electrode 250b, and a lower opening 250m for flowing water from the space 27 to the gap 250g between the electrodes 250a and 250b is formed on the lower side. Forming. The upper end of the inner electrode 250a is located below the cap 250c, and an upper end opening 250h is formed between the upper end of the inner electrode 250a and the cap 250c, and water passing through the gap 250g passes through the upper end opening 250h. It flows in the void 260. Further, a gas flow restricting member 300, for example, the same non-woven fabric as in the first embodiment, is stretched under the inner electrode 250a, so that bubbles flowing into the void 260 do not flow to the outlet 23b. It regulates so that.
[0038]
According to this embodiment, at the time of running water (drink sales), as shown by the arrow in FIG. 13, the raw water is supplied from the water supply pipe 20, the inlet 23a, the empty space 27, the lower opening 250m, the gap 250g, and the upper end. The opening 250h → the void 260 → the gas flow regulating member 300 → the outlet 23b → the water supply pipe 24 → the beverage machine 1 sequentially flows. When a direct current is applied to the electrodes 250a and 250b during running water, effective chlorine is generated and hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are generated. As shown in FIG. 13, these gases become minute bubbles. It moves into the void 260 according to the water flow. The minute bubbles that have moved to the void are restricted from entering the outlet 23b by the gas flow restriction member 300, and the gas gathers on the surface of the gas flow restriction member 300 to form a large bubble A. Therefore, after the flowing water operation is completed, the bubble A moves up the space 260 as shown in FIG. 13, and further moves to the space 27 side through the gas vent hole 410 of the cap 250c. In this way, the degassed water is supplied to the beverage machine 1 through the outlet 23b. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when the water in the water storage container is supplied to a beverage machine or the like through the water supply conduit, the minute electrolytic gas (hydrogen gas and oxygen gas) floating in the water in the water storage container is present. The gas flow restriction member restricts the downstream flow, and the electrolytic gas is not supplied to the beverage machine or the like. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent deterioration in the quality of water such as the water supplied becomes milky white.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a chlorine generator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a chlorine generator cap according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an inner side of the chlorine generator according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the state which expand | deployed the electrode [FIG. 4] The figure which shows the state which expand | deployed the outer electrode of the chlorine generator which concerns on 1st Embodiment [FIG. 5] The plane of the chlorine generator of the chlorine generator which concerns on 1st Embodiment Sectional view [FIG. 6] An abbreviated sectional view showing another installation example of the gas flow regulating member of the chlorine generator according to the first embodiment. [FIG. 7] A plan sectional view of the chlorine generator according to the second embodiment. ] Cross-sectional view of the main part of the chlorine generator according to the second embodiment [FIG. 9] Cross-sectional plan view of the chlorine generator according to the third embodiment [FIG. 10] Cross-sectional view of the main part of the chlorine generator according to the third embodiment FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a chlorine generator according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the chlorine generator according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the chlorine generator according to the fifth embodiment EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Beverage machine, 2 ... Chlorine generator, 21 ... Water storage container, 24 ... Water supply pipe, 25, 250 ... Electrode unit, 25a, 25b, 250a, 250b ... Electrode, 30, 32, 33, 300 ... Gas distribution regulation member , 34 ... guide tube, 34c ... buttocks.

Claims (8)

A water storage container that stores chlorine ion-containing water such as tap water fed through a water supply pipe, and a pair of cylindrical electrodes that are concentrically arranged in the water storage container at predetermined intervals and are energized with a direct current And a water conduit for passing chlorine ion-containing water in the water storage container to each of the electrodes inside and outside, and a water conduit for feeding the water that has passed through the water conduit to the terminal side of a faucet, a beverage machine, etc. A chlorine generator for generating water containing effective chlorine by electrolyzing each electrode with a direct current each time water is supplied to the water storage container;
A chlorine generator comprising a gas flow restricting member for restricting the flow of the electrolytic gas floating in the gap between the electrodes to the downstream inside the water conduit. The water conduit includes an upper opening between the electrodes, a gap between the electrodes that communicates with the upper opening, a lower opening that is communicated with the gap and is formed in a lower portion of the inner electrode, and the lower opening. A space in the inner electrode that communicates with the bottom, a bottom portion of the space, and an outlet that communicates the water supply pipe line are configured to communicate sequentially,
The chlorine generator according to claim 1, wherein the gas flow restriction member is installed so as to cover the lower opening of the inner electrode. The water conduit includes an upper opening of each electrode, a gap between the electrodes communicating with the upper opening, a lower opening formed at a lower portion of the inner electrode, communicating with the gap, and communicating with the lower opening. A space in the inner electrode to be configured, and an outflow port for communicating the bottom of the space and the water supply conduit are sequentially communicated,
The chlorine generator according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the gap corresponding to the lower opening is filled with the gas flow restriction member. The water conduit includes an upper opening of each electrode, a gap between the electrodes communicating with the upper opening, a lower opening formed at a lower portion of the inner electrode, communicating with the gap, and communicating with the lower opening. A space in the inner electrode to be configured, and an outflow port for communicating the bottom of the space and the water supply conduit are sequentially communicated,
The chlorine generator according to claim 1, wherein the gas flow restriction member is disposed below the lower opening in the void of the inner electrode. The water conduit includes a lower opening formed in a lower portion of the outer electrode, a gap between the electrodes communicating with the lower opening, an upper opening formed in an upper portion in communication with the gap, and the upper portion. A space in the inner electrode that communicates with the opening, a bottom portion of the space, and an outlet that communicates the water supply pipe line are configured to communicate sequentially,
The chlorine generator according to claim 1, wherein the gas flow restriction member is disposed below the upper opening in a space of the inner electrode. 6. The gas flow regulating member is formed of a nonwoven fabric, a mesh member, a porous member, an aggregate of particulate members, or a combination of these members. The chlorine generator according to any one of claims. A water storage container that stores chlorine ion-containing water such as tap water fed through a water supply pipe, and a pair of cylindrical electrodes that are concentrically arranged in the water storage container at predetermined intervals and are energized with a direct current And a water conduit for passing chlorine ion-containing water in the water storage container to each of the electrodes inside and outside, and a water conduit for feeding the water that has passed through the water conduit to the terminal side of a faucet, a beverage machine, etc. A chlorine generator for generating water containing effective chlorine by electrolyzing each electrode with a direct current each time water is supplied to the water storage container;
The water conduit includes an upper opening of each electrode, a gap between the electrodes communicating with the upper opening, a lower opening formed at a lower portion of the inner electrode, communicating with the gap, and communicating with the lower opening. A space in the inner electrode to be configured, and an outflow port for communicating the bottom of the space and the water supply conduit are sequentially communicated,
A chlorine generator, characterized in that a guide tube for forming a turbulent flow in the flow of water is formed in a space of the inner electrode by forming a plurality of annular flanges on the outer surface. The chlorine generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the water storage container is provided with a gas venting mechanism.

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