JP4282621B2 - Metal ion water generator - Google Patents

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention generally relates to a metal ion water generator, and specifically, can be attached to and detached from, for example, a business laundry machine installed in a coin laundry, and the laundry is antibacterial treated with metal ions. The present invention relates to a metal ion water generator used for the purpose.

  Conventionally, the structure of the washing machine for carrying out the antibacterial treatment of the laundry with a metal ion is described in Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2001-276484 (patent document 1), for example.

  The washing machine described in the above publication is a washing machine having a plurality of washing steps for washing clothes and washing clothes using washing water supplied at each of the plurality of washing steps. In addition, a silver ion addition unit for adding silver ions to the cleaning water is provided, and silver ion water is supplied as the cleaning water in the final round of a plurality of cleaning steps.

  However, the silver ion water production | generation apparatus as a silver ion addition unit is incorporated in the washing machine. This is inconvenient because the laundry can only be subjected to antibacterial treatment when washing is performed with a washing machine having a silver ion water generator.

Then, the silver ion water generator which can be easily attached to a water tap is disclosed by Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 8-192161 (patent document 2), for example. Even in a washing machine that does not include a silver ion water generator, the laundry can be antibacterial treated by supplying silver ion water into the washing tub using this silver ion water generator.
JP 2001-276484 A JP-A-8-192161

  In the silver ion water generator, the silver electrode can be replaced when the silver electrode is consumed. However, since the above silver ion water generator is assumed to perform antibacterial treatment for water with a small flow rate such as drinking water, the silver electrode can be easily attached and detached from the generator body. It has not been. In addition, when the flow rate is high and the frequency of use is high and the frequency of replacing the silver electrode is high, there is a problem that the work associated with the replacement of the silver electrode becomes troublesome.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a metal ion water generating device that can be easily attached and detached without being troublesome even if the frequency of replacing the electrode is high.

The originating metal ion water generation apparatus according to the light, on the one hand and the inlet to an end, the flow tube having an outlet at the other end, and a flow path communicating an inlet and an outlet, along a flow path A pair of electrode members that extend and are arranged to face each other in the flow pipe and a terminal member attached to the electrode members are provided. An opening into which the terminal member can be inserted is formed in the pipe wall of the flow pipe. Moreover, the pipe wall of the distribution pipe is divided so as to cross the flow path. Furthermore, the distance between the position of the pipe wall of the flow pipe where the opening is formed and the position where the pipe wall of the flow pipe is divided is shorter than the length of the electrode member extending along the flow path.

In the metal ion water generation device according to the inventions, since the terminal member attached to the electrode member opening can be inserted are formed in the tube wall of the flow pipe, the electrode member easily relative flow pipe Can be installed and removed.

  Further, since the pipe wall of the flow pipe is divided so as to cross the flow passage, the electrode member can be attached and removed from the position where the flow pipe is cut. Further, since the area where the flow passage is divided can be minimized and sealed, the watertightness can be prevented from being lowered even if the flow pipe is divided to attach and remove the electrode member.

  Furthermore, the distance between the position of the pipe wall of the flow pipe in which the opening is formed, that is, the insertion position of the terminal member attached to the electrode member, and the position where the pipe wall of the flow pipe is divided, Since the electrode member is shorter than the length extending along the flow path, the distance to move the electrode member along the tube wall of the flow pipe can be minimized in order to attach and remove the electrode member. Therefore, even if the frequency of replacing the electrode is increased, the attachment / detachment of the electrode is not troublesome and can be easily performed.

In the metal ion water generation device according to the inventions, the electrode member has a length along the flow path, and a width along the direction transverse to the flow path, the tube wall of the flow tube is divided The width dimension in one part of the electrode member extending from the position to the terminal member side is the same in the other part of the electrode member extending from the position where the tube wall of the flow pipe is divided to the side opposite to the terminal member side. It is preferably shorter than the width dimension.

  In this case, when attaching and removing the electrode member from the position where the flow pipe is divided, the terminal member attached to the electrode member is inserted into the opening formed in the pipe wall of the flow pipe, or the opening thereof. Even if the electrode member is moved along the direction crossing the flow path to be removed from the portion, the width dimension of one part of the electrode member extending toward the terminal member is relatively short. The portion does not contact the wall of the flow pipe. For this reason, it is possible to more easily attach and remove the electrode.

Further, in the metal ion water generation device according to the inventions it has a flow path limiting member having a flow path cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the flow passage of the flow tube flow tube, the electrode member, passage It is preferably arranged so as to extend along the flow path of the restricting member.

  In this case, since the flow velocity in the flow passage of the flow passage restriction member can be relatively increased, it is possible to suppress the floating matter such as the scale from adhering to the surface of the electrode member.

Further, in the metal ion water generation device according to the inventions, the electrode member includes a main body portion of the metal, preferably includes an insulating frame portion surrounding the periphery of the body portion.

  In this case, even when the metal main body is depleted due to the elution of the metal ions as the electrode member is energized, the relative position of the electrode member in the flow pipe can be held by the insulating frame. it can.

  As described above, according to the present invention, for example, in order to subject an object such as laundry to antibacterial treatment with metal ions, the metal ion water generator of the present invention is attached to various devices such as a commercial laundry machine. Even if the frequency of replacing the electrode is increased, the attachment and removal of the electrode is not troublesome and can be easily performed.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, for example, a metal ion water generator attached to a commercial laundry machine such as a coin laundry.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a state in which a metal ion water generator is attached to a commercial laundry machine as one embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear of the commercial laundry machine, and FIG. It is the perspective view seen from the direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a metal ion water generator 3 is attached to a commercial washing machine (hereinafter referred to as a washing machine) 2. The water pipe side of the metal ion water generator 3 is connected to the water supply pipe section 1 by a commercially available connection pipe. The water supply pipe section 1 includes a main pipe 1a, a branch pipe 1b connected to the main pipe 1a, a valve 1c connected to the branch pipe 1b, a Y-type strainer 1d, and a check valve 1e. On the other hand, the washing machine side of the metal ion water generating device 3 is connected to the water supply port of the washing machine 2 through the L-shaped branch pipe 1f so as not to be easily detached by the Bentley pipe 1g. The main pipe 1a, branch pipe 1b, valve 1c, Y-type strainer 1d, check valve 1e, L-type branch pipe 1f, and Benley pipe 1g are all commercially available.

  The metal ion water generator 3 is connected to the control unit 4 by the cable line 19, and the operation is electrically controlled by the control unit 4. The control unit 4 is connected to a dedicated AC adapter 5 by a cable line 47, and AC (alternating current) power is converted into DC (direct current) and power is supplied to the control unit 4. A display unit 6 is connected to the control unit 4 by a cable line 46. The display unit 6 notifies the user of the generation of metal ions in the metal ion water generator 3 by blinking of a green LED.

  FIG. 3 is a front view showing an external appearance of a metal ion water generator main body as one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a side view. 5 is a view seen from the direction indicated by the arrow V in FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is a view seen from the direction indicated by the arrow VI in FIG. FIG. 7 is a front cross-sectional view showing the metal ion water generator main body, and FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view. 9 is a view as seen from the direction indicated by the arrow IX in FIG. 7, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view as seen from the direction XX in FIG. 7, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view as seen from the direction XI-XI in FIG. is there.

  Next, the configuration of the metal ion water generator main body will be described with reference to these drawings.

  The metal ion water generator 3 includes a metal plate assembly 7, a connection pipe 23 connected to the water pipe side of the metal plate assembly 7, a connection pipe 36 having a nominal diameter 25A, and a nominal diameter connected to the washing machine side. 20A connecting pipe 39.

  The metal plate assembly 7 includes a first tube portion 8 and a second tube portion 9. The first tube portion 8 and the second tube portion 9 are fixed by four screws 10 so that water does not leak through the O-ring 12. The first pipe part 8 and the second pipe part 9 as the flow pipes have an inlet on the water pipe side (first pipe part 8) at one end and a washing machine side (second pipe part) on the other end. 9) has an outflow port, and an outflow passage communicating the inflow port and the outflow port. The first pipe portion 8 and the second pipe portion 9 are separated, so that the pipe wall of the flow pipe is divided across the flow passage.

  A pair of electrode members extending along the flow path are arranged so as to face each other inside the first tube portion 8 and the second tube portion 9. Each electrode member includes a metal electrode 11 as a main body portion and a synthetic resin electrode frame 13 as an insulating frame portion surrounding the metal electrode.

  The metal which comprises the metal electrode 11 is selected according to the kind of metal ion eluted in water, for example, when eluting silver ion, it is silver. The metal electrode 11 is provided with a notch 11a. Each of the metal electrode 11 and the electrode frame 13 has a length along the flow path inside the first pipe portion 8 and the second pipe portion 9 and a width along the direction crossing the flow path. The metal electrode 11 is formed from, for example, a rectangular metal plate.

  Since the metal ion water generating device 3 is configured in this way, a voltage is applied to the pair of metal electrodes 11, and the metal ions are eluted from the metal electrode 11 when the metal electrode 11 is energized. As a result, metal ions are generated in the water flowing inside the first tube portion 8 and the second tube portion 9.

  Further, the metal electrode 11 is surrounded by the electrode frame 13 so that the positional relationship inside the first tube portion 8 and the second tube portion 9 does not change even if the metal electrode 11 is worn out during elution of metal ions. . That is, even if the metal electrode 11 is consumed due to the elution of the metal ions accompanying the energization of the electrode member, the relative position of the electrode member inside the first tube portion 8 and the second tube portion 9 Can be held by the electrode frame 13. 8, 10, and 11, the electrode frame 13 is such that only a part of one surface where the pair of metal electrodes 11 face is exposed, and the entire periphery of the part surface is bordered. The metal electrode 11 is hold | maintained so that it may coat | cover and the other surface of the other side of a pair of metal electrode 11 whole may be coat | covered.

  Further, a cylindrical water flow guide 14 is disposed outside the electrode frame 13 as a flow path limiting member. The cylindrical water flow guide 14 has a flow passage having a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the flow passage inside the first pipe portion 8 and the second pipe portion 9. The electrode member is disposed so as to extend along the flow path of the cylindrical water flow guide 14. Thereby, while improving the flow of the water in the inside of the 1st pipe part 8 and the 2nd pipe part 9, the positional relationship of an electrode member is guided and fixed. That is, since the flow velocity in the flow path of the cylindrical water flow guide 14 can be made relatively high, it is possible to suppress the floating matter such as the scale from adhering to the surface of the electrode member.

  An electrical connection portion 15 of a round pin as a terminal member is attached to the metal electrode 11 by brazing. As an opening into which the electrical connection portion 15 can be inserted, for example, a through hole is formed in the tube wall of the first tube portion 8. The through hole into which the connecting portion 15 is inserted is completely sealed by the O-ring 16 and the O-ring cover 17.

  The position of the tube wall of the first tube portion 8 in which the through hole is formed (the position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line P in FIG. 7) is determined by the first tube portion 8 and the second tube portion 9. It is close to the position where the wall is divided (the position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line Q in FIG. 7). In other words, the position of the tube wall of the first tube portion 8 in which the through hole is formed (the position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line P in FIG. 7), and the flow through the first tube portion 8 and the second tube portion 9. The distance from the position at which the tube wall of the tube is divided (the position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line Q in FIG. 7) is the length that the electrode member extends along the flow path, that is, the first tube portion. 8 and the inside of the 2nd pipe part 9, it is shorter than each length of the metal electrode 11 and the electrode frame 13 along a flow path.

  The metal electrode 11 has a notch 11a, and an electrode frame 13 is attached so as to surround the notch 11a. The position where the width dimension of the metal electrode 11 and the electrode frame 13 is changed by forming the notch portion 11a is the position where the tube wall of the flow pipe is divided by the first tube portion 8 and the second tube portion 9. Is almost consistent. For this reason, it extends to the connection part 15 side from the position (position shown with the dashed-dotted line Q in FIG. 7) where the pipe wall of a distribution pipe is divided by the 1st pipe part 8 and the 2nd pipe part 9. The width dimension in one part of the electrode member (the part extending from the alternate long and short dash line Q to the XX line) is the position at which the pipe wall of the flow pipe is divided by the first pipe part 8 and the second pipe part 9 From the width of the other part of the electrode member extending to the opposite side of the connecting portion 15.

  A current for eluting metal ions is passed through the connector 18 through the cable 19 from the control unit 4 to the connection unit 15. As shown in FIG. 3, the cable 19 is fixed to a screw boss 22 provided in the second pipe portion 9 by an insulation lock 20 and a screw 21.

  A pair of convex portions 8 a are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the end portion on one side of the first tube portion 8 at an interval. A fixing ring 24 is disposed so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion between the first tube portion 8 and the connection tube 23. A pair of convex portions 24 a are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fixing ring 24 with a gap therebetween. By rotating the fixing ring 24 to the right by 90 degrees with respect to the first tube portion 8, the pair of convex portions 8a and the pair of convex portions 24a are engaged, whereby the connecting tube 23 is connected to the first tube portion. 8 is fixed. The fitting portion between the first tube portion 8 and the connecting tube 23 is leaked by two surfaces, a surface along the thrust direction and a surface along the radial direction, by the O-ring 25 and the O-ring 26. Sealed to prevent damage.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the convex part 8b formed in the outer peripheral surface of the 1st pipe part 8 and the two convex parts 23d formed in the side part of the connection pipe 23 fitted to the convex part 8b are as follows. The first pipe portion 8 and the connection pipe 23 are positioned. Further, the fixing ring 24 is formed with a plurality of convex portions 24b on the outer peripheral surface so as to be easily closed by rotating by hand.

  On the other hand, a pair of convex portions 9 a are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the one end portion of the second tube portion 9 with a space therebetween. Further, the fixing ring 24 is disposed so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the fitting portion between the second tube portion 9 and the connection tube 39. A pair of convex portions 24 a are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fixing ring 24 with a gap therebetween. By rotating the fixing ring 24 to the right by 90 degrees with respect to the second pipe portion 9, the pair of convex portions 9a and the pair of convex portions 24a are engaged, whereby the connecting pipe 39 is connected to the second pipe portion. 9 is fixed. The fitting portion between the second tube portion 9 and the connection tube 39 is leaked by two surfaces, a surface along the thrust direction and a surface along the radial direction, by the O-ring 25 and the O-ring 26. Sealed to prevent damage.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the convex part 9b formed in the outer peripheral surface of the 2nd pipe part 9, and the two convex parts 39c formed in the side part of the connecting pipe 39 fitted to the convex part 9b are as follows. The second tube portion 9 and the connecting tube 39 are positioned. Further, the fixing ring 24 is formed with a plurality of convex portions 24b on the outer peripheral surface so as to be easily closed by rotating by hand.

  Thus, the metal plate assembly 7 composed of the first pipe part 8 and the second pipe part 9 is connected to the connection pipe 23 on the water pipe side and to the connection pipe 39 on the washing machine side. The so-called bayonet system can be easily attached and detached.

  The connection pipe 23 of the metal ion water generator 3 is provided with a detecting means for detecting the presence or the flow rate of the water flow therein. Hereinafter, the configuration of the detection means will be described.

  A float 30 is disposed in the center of the connection pipe 23. The float 30 incorporates a magnet 31 for turning on the hall sensor switch (SW) 27a. In order to completely seal the magnet 31, a cap 32 is welded so as to cover a part of the outer peripheral surface of the float 30. A first float guide 29 and a second float guide 28 are disposed between the pipe wall surface of the connection pipe 23 and the float 30. The float 30 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the first float guide 29 and the second float guide 28 in the direction along the flow path. The first float guide 29 has a water supply port 29a, and the second float guide 28 has a discharge port 28a. The float 30 is fixed between the first float guide 29 and the second float guide 28 so as to be slidable by the float shaft portions 30b and 30c.

  On the pipe wall of the connecting pipe 23, a convex portion 23a is formed for positioning the second float guide 28 in the water flow direction, and a convex portion 23b is formed for positioning in the rotational direction. Further, two guides 29b are formed on the inner peripheral wall of the first float guide 29 so that the blade 30a of the float 30 can be accommodated and the rotation of the blade 30a can be locked. ing. The float spring 33 surrounds the float shaft portion 30 c of the float 30 and is disposed between the lower portion of the float 30 and the upper portion of the second float guide 28.

  Since the detection means is configured in this way, the float 30 moves against the float spring 33 only when there is a water flow of a predetermined flow rate or more from the water supply port 29a, and the magnet 31 built in the float 30 moves. The hall sensor switch 27a is turned on. Since the signal from the hall sensor switch 27a is connected to the control unit 4 by the cable line 19, the voltage is applied to the pair of metal electrodes 11 according to the ON operation.

  Therefore, if the detection means detects the presence or absence of a water flow inside the connection pipe 23 of the metal ion water generator 3, for example, when there is a water flow as described above, the control unit 4 applies a voltage to the metal electrode 11. It is possible to do so. As a result, only when the water to which the metal ion is to be added flows, the metal ion can be eluted in a necessary amount, and the water having the desired concentration of the metal ion added can be stably supplied to the washing machine. it can. On the other hand, when there is no water flow, that is, in the state where there is no water as an object to which metal ions are added, even if a voltage is applied to the metal electrode 11, only wasteful power is consumed. According to the configuration, it is possible to avoid such wasteful power consumption.

Moreover, if a detection means detects the flow volume of the water flow inside the connection pipe 23 of the metal ion water production | generation apparatus 3, for example, the control part 4 will apply to the voltage applied to the metal electrode 11 according to the flow volume, or the metal electrode 11 By changing the flowing current, it becomes possible to change the elution amount of the metal ions. Thereby, even when the flow rate of the water supplied to the water supply device changes depending on the installation area of the water supply device such as a water supply or when the flow rate of the water supplied to the washing machine is intentionally changed, for example, the control unit 4 However, by changing the metal ion elution amount according to the above flow rate, the metal ion concentration of the metal ion added water can be made substantially constant at any flow rate. As a result, the desired antibacterial treatment can be appropriately performed without causing excess or deficiency in the amount of metal ions necessary for the antibacterial treatment.

  The hall sensor switch 27a is soldered to the substrate 27b. The substrate 27 b is fixed to the storage portion 23 c of the connection pipe 23 by pins 34 and a plurality of ribs 35 arranged on the outer periphery, fixed with a solution-type insulating resin, and covered with the lid 27.

  A filter 37 is arranged inside the connecting pipe 36 on the water pipe side. The connection pipe 36 is attached to the connection pipe 23 by screwing in a state in which the filter packing 38 attached to the outer periphery of the filter 37 is disposed so that the connection pipe 23 and the connection pipe 36 are sandwiched therebetween. A gap in the radial direction between the connecting pipe 23 and the connecting pipe 36 is sealed by an O-ring 39. A male screw having a nominal diameter of 25 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe so that a commercially available water supply pipe having a nominal diameter of 25A can be connected thereto.

  Further, in the inside of the connecting pipe 39 on the washing machine side, the pipe wall of the connecting pipe 39 is provided so that metal fragments and the like generated as the metal electrode 11 wears out are not discharged from the discharge port 39a. A lattice portion 39b is provided so as to be integrated with each other. A male screw having a nominal diameter of 20 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe 39 so that a commercially available water supply pipe having a nominal diameter of 20A can be connected.

  The metal ion water production | generation apparatus 3 comprised as mentioned above is used as follows.

First, the outlet on the connection pipe 39 side of the metal ion water generator 3 is attached to the water supply port of the washing machine 2 via the L-shaped branch pipe 1f and the Benley pipe 1g. The inlet of the metal ion water generator 3 on the side of the connecting pipe 36 is connected to the water supply pipe section 1. Water is allowed to flow from the water supply pipe section 1 into the metal ion water generator 3. Connect the AC adapter 5 to a commercial power outlet. Metal ions are imparted to the laundry in the laundry rinsing step. The metal electrode 11 is energized to elute the metal ions constituting the electrode into water. When the metal constituting the electrode is silver, a reaction of Ag → Ag ⁺ + e ⁻ occurs in the electrode on the anode side, and silver ions Ag ⁺ are eluted in water. The current flowing between the metal electrodes 11 is a direct current. Metal ion-containing water is put into the washing tub from the water supply port.

  When the metal electrode 11 wears out while continuing to elute metal ions, the amount of metal ions eluted decreases. If the use is performed for a long time and the frequency is high, the elution amount of metal ions becomes unstable or a predetermined elution amount cannot be secured. For this reason, it is necessary to replace the electrode member with a new one when the metal electrode 11 reaches the service life limit.

  In order to determine whether or not the metal electrode 11 has reached the service life limit, the following device has been applied to the metal ion water generator 3.

  Although the pair of metal electrodes 11 are parallel, they are not parallel, and as shown in FIG. 8, the tip of the metal electrode 11 opposite to the connection portion 15 side is tapered so that the distance between the pair of metal electrodes 11 is narrowed. Arranged in shape. By arranging in this way, the metal electrode 11 is eluted as a metal ion from a portion having a narrow interval, that is, the tip, so that the metal electrode 11 is melted from the tip. Therefore, by paying attention to the length from the end (base) to the tip of the metal electrode 11 on the connection part 15 side, it is possible to grasp how much the volume of the metal electrode 11 is reduced.

  Moreover, in order to grasp | ascertain the length from the base of the metal electrode 11 to a front-end | tip, you may comprise the 1st pipe part 8 and the 2nd pipe part 9 as follows. That is, the side surface or front surface of the first tube portion 8 and the second tube portion 9 is formed of a transparent synthetic resin, and a see-through portion is provided. The state of the metal electrode 11 is directly visually confirmed through this fluoroscopic part, and it is determined whether or not the electrode member has reached the time for replacement.

  When providing a see-through portion in the first tube portion 8 and the second tube portion 9, the entire first tube portion 8 and the second tube portion 9 are formed of a transparent synthetic resin, and the entire metal electrode 11 is formed. It may be possible to observe. Alternatively, a slit in which a transparent plate is fitted may be provided on the front surface or the side surface of the first tube portion 8 and the second tube portion 9 so that the metal electrode 11 can be observed through the slit. The material forming the see-through portion need not be completely transparent, and may be translucent. In short, it is only necessary to know the size (length) of the metal electrode 11 inside the first tube portion 8 and the second tube portion 9.

  Furthermore, a scale for determining the wear of the metal electrode 11 may be provided in the see-through portion. Since the length from the base to the tip of the metal electrode 11 serves as an index for measuring wear, a scale lined up linearly from the tip of the metal electrode 11 to the base may be provided. Of these scales, the scale that serves as a guide for replacing the metal electrode 11 may be particularly large, or the shape of the scale may be changed so that the replacement time can be determined at a glance.

  Next, when the metal electrode 11 reaches the end of its service life, the metal plate assembly 7 is removed from the metal ion water generating device 3, the electrode member is replaced, and then the metal plate assembly 7 is generated again with metal ion water. The work to be incorporated into the device 3 will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a side view of the metal ion water generating apparatus main body with the metal plate assembly part removed as an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 shows the metal ion water generating apparatus main body reassembled with the metal plate assembly part. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the metal plate assembly 7 composed of the first pipe portion 8 and the second pipe portion 9 is connected to the connection pipe 23 on the water pipe side and to the connection pipe on the washing machine side. 39 can be removed by rotating the fixing ring 24 counterclockwise and loosening it by a so-called bayonet system. As shown in FIG. 13, after replacing the electrode member, when the metal plate assembly 7 is incorporated again into the metal ion water generating device 3, the metal plate assembly 7 is connected to the connecting pipe 23 and the connecting pipe 39. The fixing ring 24 can be attached by rotating to the right and tightening.

  FIG. 14 is a side sectional view showing the metal plate assembly 7 removed from the metal ion water generator main body as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a side sectional view showing a state in which the metal plate assembly 7 is separated.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the four screws 10 are loosened to separate the metal plate assembly 7 into the first tube portion 8 and the second tube portion 9, and the first tube portion 8 in the direction indicated by the arrow. And the second pipe portion 9 are moved. In this case, the cylindrical water flow guide 14 is moved downward together with the second pipe portion 9. However, since the cylindrical water flow guide 14 is sandwiched between the first tube portion 8 and the second tube portion 9 and the water flow direction is fixed, the metal plate assembly 7 is connected to the first tube portion 8 and the second tube portion 8. In some cases, the cylindrical water flow guide 14 contacts the tube wall of the first tube portion 8 and moves upward together with the first tube portion 8. In this case, it is necessary to pull the cylindrical water flow guide 14 away from the first pipe portion 8 and move it downward.

  Thus, the 1st pipe part 8 is isolate | separated in the state in which the electrode member was attached.

  FIG. 16 is a side sectional view showing a state where the electrode member is separated from the metal plate assembly 7.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the connecting member 15 as a terminal member attached to the electrode member is removed from the connector 18 and pulled out from the through hole formed in the tube wall of the first tube portion 8, thereby constituting the electrode member. The metal electrode 11 and the electrode frame 13 to be moved are moved together with the connecting portion 15 in the direction indicated by the arrow (the right direction in FIG. 16). At this time, since the notch portion 11 a is formed in the metal electrode 11, the electrode member can be easily moved without contacting the tube wall of the first tube portion 8. Thereafter, the electrode member is removed by moving it in the method indicated by the arrow (downward in FIG. 16). When replacing a worn electrode member with a new electrode member, the reverse operation is performed.

  In the electrode member replacement operation described above, as shown in FIG. 16, a through hole into which the connecting portion 15 as a terminal member attached to the electrode member can be inserted is formed in the tube wall of the first tube portion 8. Thus, the electrode member can be easily attached to and detached from the first tube portion 8.

  Further, since the pipe wall of the metal plate assembly 7 is divided by the first pipe portion 8 and the second pipe portion 9 so as to cross the flow path of the metal plate assembly 7 as a flow pipe, the division is performed. The electrode member can be attached and removed from the formed position. Furthermore, since the area where the flow passage is divided can be minimized and sealed by the O-ring 12, it is possible to prevent the watertightness from being lowered even if the flow passage is divided in order to attach and remove the electrode member. Can do.

  Furthermore, the position P of the tube wall of the first tube portion 8 in which the through hole is formed, that is, the insertion position P of the connecting portion 15 as a terminal member attached to the electrode member is the tube of the metal plate assembly 7. Since the wall is close to the divided position Q, the distance for moving the electrode member along the tube wall of the first tube portion 8 can be minimized in order to attach and remove the electrode member. Therefore, even if the frequency of replacing the metal electrode 11 is increased, the attachment / detachment of the metal electrode 11 is not troublesome and can be easily performed.

  In other words, the position P of the tube wall of the first tube portion 8 in which the through hole is formed, that is, the insertion position P of the connection portion 15 as a terminal member attached to the electrode member, and the metal plate assembly 7 Since the distance D from the position Q at which the tube wall is divided is shorter than the length L of the electrode member extending along the flow path, the first tube portion 8 is used to attach and remove the electrode member. The distance to which the electrode member is moved along the tube wall can be minimized. Therefore, even if the frequency of replacing the metal electrode 11 is increased, the attachment / detachment of the metal electrode 11 is not troublesome and can be easily performed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the electrode member has a length L along the flow path and a width along the direction crossing the flow path. The width dimension W1 in one part of the electrode member extending toward the connecting portion 15 from the position Q where the tube wall of the metal plate assembly 7 is divided is the position Q where the tube wall of the metal plate assembly 7 is divided. Therefore, the width dimension W2 of the other part of the electrode member extending to the opposite side of the connecting portion 15 is shorter.

  Since it is comprised in this way, when attaching and detaching an electrode member from the position Q where the tube wall of the metal plate assembly 7 is divided, the connection portion 15 attached to the electrode member is connected to the first tube portion 8. Even if the electrode member is moved along the direction crossing the flow path for insertion into or removal from the through hole formed in the tube wall, the electrode member extends toward the connection portion 15. Since the width dimension W1 in the one part of the electrode member is relatively short, a part of the electrode member does not come into contact with the tube wall of the first tube portion 8. For this reason, it is possible to more easily attach and remove the electrode. In this case, the tube diameter of the first tube portion 8 at the insertion position P of the connecting portion 15 is preferably larger than the sum of the width dimension W1 and the length of the connecting portion 15.

  FIG. 17 is a top view showing the appearance of the control unit of the metal ion water generating device as one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 18 is a top view showing the appearance of the metal ion generation display unit of the metal ion water generating device, and FIG. FIG. 20 is a top view showing the internal structure of the control unit of the metal ion water generator, and FIG.

  As shown in these drawings, power is supplied to the control unit 4 from the AC adapter 5 through a cable line 47. A voltage is applied to the metal electrode 11 through the cable line 19 to supply a current, and an ON / OFF signal of the switching operation of the Hall sensor switch 27 a accompanying the movement of the float 30 is transmitted to the control circuit board 48.

  A signal indicating the state of metal ion generation is transmitted to the display unit 6 through the cable line 46, and the LED 45 (FIG. 21B) blinks to light the light diffusing unit 45a to inform the user of the state of metal ion generation. .

  Further, the tact switch 40 is operated by pressing the power switch unit 40a. At this time, the LED 42 is turned on to notify that the light diffusion portion 42a is in an energized state.

  By pressing the capacity selection switch 41a, the tact switch 41 can be operated to switch to the standard type or the large type according to the size of the washing machine. At this time, each LED 43 or LED 44 is turned on, and the light diffusion portion 43a or the light diffusion portion 44a is illuminated.

  The substrate base 49 is for fixing the control circuit board 48 and is fixed to the control unit lower case 52 by screws 50. The rubber foot 53 is attached to the lower part of the control unit lower case 52 with a screw 55, and the shape thereof is a sucker. Therefore, even if the rubber foot 53 is placed on the washing machine, the casing of the control unit 4 is moved by vibration. To prevent. Further, the control unit upper case 51 is attached so as to be fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the control unit lower case 52 and is fixed by screws 54. A decorative plate 56 is affixed to the control unit upper case 51 with a double-sided tape.

  FIG. 21 is a bottom view (A) showing the internal structure of the metal ion generation display unit of the metal ion water generating device as one embodiment of the present invention, and a side sectional view (B) along the line BB in (A). ) And a front view (C), FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the metal ion generation display unit is attached to the top surface of the commercial washing machine, and FIG. 23 is a cross-section showing a state where the metal ion generation display unit is attached to the wall surface. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the cable wire 46 is fixed to the display unit 6 by an insulation lock 58 so as to be movable in the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the display unit 6 may be attached to the top surface of the washing machine with a double-sided tape or the like. In this case, the cable wire 46 is arranged so as to extend straight rearward from the cable wire drawing hole 59 of the rear case 57.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the display unit 6 may be attached to the side surface of the wall. In this case, after the cable wire 46 is drawn out from the cable wire drawing hole 59 of the rear case 57 of the display unit 6, it is bent downward by 90 degrees. The cable wire drawing hole 59 has a hole diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cable wire 46. The display unit 6 can be attached with a double-sided tape or the like so as to be in close contact with the side surface. Further, as shown in FIG. 21, the rear case 57 is formed with a flange portion 60 on the left and right sides, and the flange portion 60 is formed with a screw-fastening hole 61. The display unit 6 can be fixed in close contact. The rear case 57 is combined with the front case 62 and fixed with screws 63.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the metal ion water generating device of the present invention is attached to and detached from a commercial washing machine installed in a coin laundry or the like has been described. In the case of adding the function of imparting the property, the metal ion water generator of the present invention can be attached to and detached from various devices other than the washing machine.

  The embodiment disclosed above should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above embodiments but by the scope of claims, and includes all modifications and variations within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

  The metal ion water generating device of the present invention imparts antibacterial and deodorizing properties to the laundry by metal ions without connecting to a washing machine using a commercially available connection pipe for water supply without making a large capital investment. Functions can be easily added to commercial automatic washing machines.

It is the perspective view which looked at the state which attached the metal ion water production | generation apparatus to the commercial laundry machine as one Embodiment of this invention from the back of the commercial laundry machine. It is the perspective view which looked at the state which attached the metal ion water production | generation apparatus to the commercial laundry machine as one Embodiment of this invention from the side of the commercial laundry machine. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of the metal ion water generator main body as one embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows the external appearance of a metal ion water generator main body as one embodiment of this invention. It is the figure seen from the direction shown by the arrow V of FIG. It is the figure seen from the direction shown by the arrow VI of FIG. It is front sectional drawing which shows a metal ion water generator main body as one embodiment of this invention. It is side surface sectional drawing which shows the metal ion water production | generation apparatus main body as one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure seen from the direction shown by the arrow IX of FIG. It is sectional drawing seen from the XX line direction of FIG. It is sectional drawing seen from the XI-XI line direction of FIG. It is a side view of the state which removed the metal plate assembly part from the metal ion water generating apparatus main body as one embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the state which assembled the metal plate assembly part to the metal ion water generating apparatus main body as one embodiment of this invention again. It is side sectional drawing which shows the metal plate assembly part of the metal ion water generator main body as one embodiment of this invention. It is side sectional drawing which shows the state which isolate | separated the metal plate assembly part of the metal ion water production | generation apparatus main body as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a sectional side view which shows the state which isolate | separated the electrode member from the metal plate assembly part of the metal ion water production | generation apparatus main body as one Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the external appearance of the control part of a metal ion water production | generation apparatus as one embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the external appearance of the metal ion generation | occurrence | production display part of the metal ion water production | generation apparatus as one embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the internal structure of the control part of a metal ion water production | generation apparatus as one embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing seen from the XX-XX line direction of FIG. It is the bottom view (A), side surface sectional view (B), and front view (C) which show the internal structure of the metal ion generation | occurrence | production display part of a metal ion water generator as one embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which attached the metal ion generation | occurrence | production display part of the metal ion water production | generation apparatus to the top | upper surface of a commercial laundry machine as one embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which attached the metal ion generation | occurrence | production display part of the metal ion water production | generation apparatus to the wall surface as one embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  1: water supply pipe part, 2: washing machine, 3: metal ion water generator, 7: metal plate assembly, 8: first pipe part, 9: second pipe part, 11: metal electrode, 11a: cut Notch part, 13: Electrode frame, 14: Cylindrical water flow guide, 15: Connection part.

Claims (4)

A flow pipe having an inflow port at one end, an outflow port at the other end, and a flow passage communicating the inflow port and the outflow port;
A pair of electrode members extending along the flow path and arranged to face each other in the flow pipe;
A terminal member attached to the electrode member,
An opening into which the terminal member can be inserted is formed in the pipe wall of the flow pipe,
The pipe wall of the flow pipe is divided so as to cross the flow path,
The distance between the position of the pipe wall of the flow pipe where the opening is formed and the position where the pipe wall of the flow pipe is divided is longer than the length of the electrode member extending along the flow path. Also short, metal ion water generator. The electrode member has a length along the flow path and a width along a direction crossing the flow path;
From the position where the tube wall of the flow pipe is divided, the width dimension of the one part of the electrode member extending to the terminal member side is the position of the terminal member from the position where the tube wall of the flow pipe is divided. shorter than the width of the other portions of said electrode member extending on the side opposite to the side, the metal ion water generation apparatus according to claim 1. A flow path restriction member having a flow path having a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the flow pipe is provided in the flow pipe,
The said ion member is a metal ion water production | generation apparatus of Claim 1 or Claim 2 arrange | positioned so that it may extend along the flow path of the said flow path restriction member. The said electrode member is a metal ion water production | generation apparatus of any one of Claim 1 to 3 containing the metal main-body part and the insulating frame part surrounding the circumference | surroundings of this main-body part.

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