JPH11192488A - Chlorine generator and drinking water supply machine using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a chlorine generator discharging gas components such as gaseous oxygen generating in the chlorine generator and preventing deterioration of chlorine generation efficiency and to provide a drinking water supply machine restraining feed of the gas components at a time of feeding a beverage. SOLUTION: The chlorine generator in which chlorine ion-contg. water such as city water, flows in a closed storage container 30 and direct current voltage is applied on the chlorine ion-contg. water through a pair of electrodes 33a, 33b to electrolyze the chlorine-contg. water and then the chlorine effective for sterilization is produced, is provided with a gas discharge means 36 for discharging the gaseous oxygen or the like, produced by the electrolysis. Thus, the gaseous oxygen, or the like generated by the electrolysis are discharged to the outside by the gas discharge means 36.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a chlorine generator for sterilizing raw water such as tap water and groundwater with chlorine and supplying it as drinking water for business use, and a drinking water feeder using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this kind of chlorine generator, a chlorine generator in which a pair of flat plate electrodes composed of an anode and a cathode are provided in a cistern is generally known. According to this chlorine generator, a timer applies a DC voltage to each electrode at predetermined intervals to electrolyze the drinking water in the cistern and generate hypochlorous acid, which is a component effective for sterilization.

However, in this chlorine generator, drinking water is once stored in a cistern, and hypochlorous acid is added to the stored water, and then the water is supplied to a terminal such as a faucet or a drinking machine. When the piping becomes long, a pump is indispensable as a means for supplying the beverage, and an extremely large pump needs to be installed depending on the length of the piping, which is disadvantageous in cost. In addition, in order to always secure sterilized water corresponding to the beverage supply amount, the size of the cistern is inevitable, and it has been difficult to reduce the size of the chlorine generator.

[0004] In order to solve such a problem, the applicant has filed an application for a chlorine generator according to Japanese Patent Application No. 9-277333. The 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 a DC voltage applied concentrically at a predetermined interval in the water storage container. A pair of cylindrical electrodes, a water passage for passing water in the water reservoir between the inner and outer electrodes, and a water supply passage for supplying water passing through the water passage to a terminal such as a faucet or a beverage machine. And a closed-type chlorine generator that applies a DC voltage to each electrode to electrolyze chlorine-ion-containing water to produce water containing available chlorine.

According to this chlorine generator, a cistern type chlorine generator in which water stored in a water storage tank contains hypochlorous acid when water is stopped, and a flowing water type in which hypochlorous acid is included when water is supplied. Since it has both functions of the chlorine generator, the sterilized water can be supplied stably, and the size can be reduced as compared with the cistern type chlorine generator.

[0006]

By the way, in this sealed chlorine generator, chlorine generated by electrolysis instantly dissolves in water and becomes hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite ion. Hydrogen gas from the cathode due to decomposition,
Oxygen gas is generated from the anode and accumulates in the water.

[0007] This generated gas does not cause much problem in a chlorine generator mounted on a domestic drinking water supply machine,
This is a serious problem in drinking water dispensers mounted on vending machines and dispensers that sell cold beverages or hot beverages.

That is, when the amount of gas generated during the electrolysis increases, the amount of accumulated gas increases, and the accumulated gas is supplied to the cup at the time of selling the beverage, so that the vending machine controls the amount of supplied beverage with time. However, there is a problem that the original beverage supply amount is reduced by the gas supply time. Further, when the beverage supply amount is controlled by the supply weight to the cup, there is a problem that the sales time is delayed by the gas supply time.

In the case where the drinking water supply machine frequently sells beverages and the sales waiting time is short, the amount of gas with respect to the supplied water amount is small. In such a case, a large amount of gas generated during the standby time is accumulated in the water storage container, so that the above-described problem becomes remarkable. Further, the problem is that this gas is mixed into the sold beverage and affects the beverage quality. Had.

[0010] Furthermore, when the gas accumulates in the water storage container, a gas phase is formed between the electrodes or adheres to the surface of the electrodes, which causes a problem that the chlorine generation efficiency is reduced.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to discharge gas components such as oxygen gas generated in a chlorine generator,
An object of the present invention is to provide a chlorine water generator that prevents a decrease in chlorine generation efficiency and a water supply device for drinking water that suppresses the supply of gas components during beverage supply.

[0012]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first aspect of the present invention is to supply chlorine ion-containing water, such as tap water, into a closed water storage container and add a pair of the chlorine ion-containing water to the water. In a chlorine generator that applies a DC voltage through the electrodes and electrolyzes the chlorine ion-containing water to produce effective chlorine effective for sterilization, the chlorine generator has gas discharge means for discharging oxygen gas and the like generated by the electrolysis. It has a structure.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, hypochlorous acid is generated not only by the electrolysis of chlorine ion-containing water, but also by the electrolysis, oxygen gas and hydrogen gas are generated. The gas adheres, floats between the electrodes, or accumulates in the water storage container, and the oxygen gas or the like is discharged to the outside by the gas discharging means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, chlorine-containing water such as tap water flows into a closed water storage container, and a direct-current voltage is applied to the chlorine-ion-containing water through a pair of electrodes. The chlorine generator which decomposes to produce effective chlorine effective for sterilization has a structure having a pressure reducing means for lowering the water pressure of chlorine ion-containing water on at least one of the upstream side and the downstream side of the water storage container.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the pressure reducing means is installed on the upstream side of the water storage container, chlorine ion-containing water such as tap water is reduced in pressure and flows into the water storage container. The inflowing chlorine ion-containing water generates oxygen and hydrogen by electrolysis, but since the chlorine ion-containing water is depressurized, these gases are easily released from the chlorine ion-containing water. Can be prevented.

On the other hand, when the pressure reducing means is installed downstream of the water storage container, even if a large amount of gas is mixed into the water generated in the water storage container, the pressure is reduced by the pressure reducing device to reduce the mixed gas. Easily exits. Therefore, the water supplied from the chlorine generator is introduced into the drinking water supply machine, and the quality of the beverage is not affected when the beverage is sold using the water.

Further, when the decompression means is installed both upstream and downstream of the water storage container, the accumulation of gas in the generated water can be prevented by the decompression means on the upstream side, and further, the generation by the decompression means on the downstream side can be prevented. The gas mixed in the water is extracted,
Gas mixing of the generated water can be completely prevented.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, water containing chlorine ions such as tap water flows into a closed water storage container, and a DC voltage is applied to the water containing chlorine ions through a pair of electrodes. In a chlorine generator that decomposes to produce effective chlorine that is effective for sterilization, a gas discharge unit that discharges oxygen gas and the like generated by electrolysis is installed on at least one of the upstream side and the downstream side in the water storage container. And a pressure reducing means for reducing the water pressure of the chlorine ion-containing water.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the gas in the water storage container is discharged by the gas discharging means in the same manner as in the first aspect of the invention, and the gas mixture is prevented by the pressure reducing means in the same manner as in the second aspect of the present invention. I do.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the gas discharging means is constituted by a gas vent hole of the water storage container and a gas exhaust plug for opening and closing the gas vent hole. When discharging oxygen gas or the like in the water storage container, the gas discharge plug may be removed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the gas discharge means is constituted by a gas discharge pipe communicating with the water storage container and a gas discharge valve installed on the gas discharge pipe. Then, the gas discharge valve may be opened.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the gas discharge pipe according to the fifth aspect is connected to an upper part of the water storage container or a delivery pipe for supplying water generated in the water storage container to the terminal side. Thereby, oxygen gas and the like in the water storage container can be easily discharged.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the structure has the water leakage tank open to the atmosphere for receiving the fluid flowing out of the gas discharge pipe, even when the water containing the gas is discharged through the gas discharge pipe. This water can be stored in a leak tank, and the leak can be easily disposed of using the leak tank.

The pressure reducing means may be constituted by a mechanical pressure reducing valve.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the pressure reducing means includes a water supply valve for restricting and canceling the inflow of chlorine ion-containing water, and a gas discharge valve which opens when the water supply valve regulates the inflow of chlorine ion-containing water. When the gas discharge valve is opened in conjunction with the closing operation of the water supply valve, the pressure in the water storage container is reduced, and oxygen gas and the like are easily discharged.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, each electrode is arranged concentrically at a predetermined interval, and has a structure in which water in a water storage container is passed between the inner and outer electrodes. . In the present invention, water passing through the water pipe is electrolyzed.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, water having an effective chlorine concentration is supplied by the chlorine generated by the chlorine generator according to the first to ninth aspects. Therefore, the amount of oxygen gas and the like contained in the supply water is very small, and a suitable beverage can be supplied.

[0028]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a water circuit diagram according to an embodiment of a drinking water dispenser, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a chlorine generator according to a first embodiment used in the drinking water dispenser. .

This drinking water feeder has a dilution water line A for supplying dilution water, a carbonated water line B for producing carbonated water, and a syrup line C for supplying syrup. A beverage is supplied from B and C to a dispensing valve (hereinafter referred to as a valve) 1, and a carbonated beverage or the like is poured into the cup D from the valve 1.

In this dilution water line A, tap water is supplied to the water supply valve 2.
Is supplied to the closed-type chlorine generator 3 through the pump, and is pumped up by the water pump 4 at each sales operation, cooled by the first cooling coil 5a, and supplied to the valve 1. Also, carbonated water line B
Draws a part of the water cooled by the first cooling coil 5a into the carbonator 6, and then cools it by the second cooling coil 5b and supplies it to the valve 1. Here, carbon dioxide is supplied to the carbonator 6 from the carbon dioxide cylinder 7, and the water supplied to the valve 1 is carbonated water. Further, the syrup line C cools the syrup supplied from the syrup tank 8 by the third cooling coil 5 c and supplies the syrup to the valve 1. Here, carbon dioxide gas can be supplied to the syrup tank 8, and the syrup containing carbonic acid can also be supplied to the valve 1.

Next, the structure of the chlorine generator 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The chlorine generator 3 has a closed cylindrical water storage container 30. The water storage container 30 has a housing 31 having a lower opening, and a lid 32 screwed into the housing 31 to be in a sealed state. An inflow port 32a formed of a joint is provided near the periphery of the lid 32. The housing 31 is provided with chlorine ion-containing water such as tap water through the water supply valve 2.
Leading inside. An outlet 32b formed of a joint is provided at the center of the lid 32, and water in the water storage container 30 is supplied to the valve 1 through the water pump 4.

The lid 32 is formed of an electrical insulator, for example, resin. Further, a flow rate detecting means, for example, a flow rate switch 9 is provided in a pipe between the chlorine generator 3 and the water supply valve 2, and the flow rate of water in the pipe becomes a predetermined value or more (the dispensing valve is opened). The detection signal is output when it is detected.

In the water storage container 30 configured as described above, an electrode unit 33 is provided on the lid 32.
The electrode unit 33 has a cylindrical inner electrode 33a and an outer electrode 33b concentrically arranged with a predetermined gap (3 to 5 mm) outside the inner electrode 33a. It is formed of an electrode material coated with platinum or a platinum-based material (including platinum-iridium) based on a titanium material. In addition, each of the electrodes 33a,
An annular electrode fixing plate 34 is filled in the upper opening between the electrodes 33b to properly maintain the gap between the electrodes 33a and 33b, while an electrode cap 35 is filled in the upper opening of the inner electrode 33a. Water is prevented from flowing through the upper opening.

An entrance hole 34a is formed in the electrode fixing plate 34, while an exit hole 34b is formed below the inner electrode 33a.
Is formed, and water in the water storage container 30 is filled with the inlet hole 34a.
Flows between the electrodes 33a and 33b through the
It flows into the inside of the inner electrode 33a through 4b. The inlet hole 34a, the gap between the electrodes 33a and 33b, and the outlet hole 34b constitute a water flow conduit for guiding water outside the outer electrode 33b to the inside of the inner electrode 33a. Further, electrode terminals 35a and 35b are provided below the electrodes 33a and 33b, respectively.
a and 35b penetrate the lid 32 in a sealed state and are connected to a DC power supply.

Here, as an example of the control of the application of the DC voltage to each of the electrodes 33a and 33b, when the flow rate switch 9 detects a flow of a predetermined amount of water (when supplying drinking water). And at the time of stoppage of water, control is applied by a timer at predetermined intervals. As a result, an appropriate amount of chlorine can be added even when continuous beverage sales are continued, and even when the amount of available chlorine decreases for a long period of water stoppage, this decrease is supplemented by applying a voltage during water stoppage. it can.

The housing 31 of the water storage container 30
A gas vent hole 36a and a gas discharge plug 36b that opens and closes the gas vent hole 36a are installed in the upper part of. When the gas discharge plug 36b is removed from the gas vent hole 36a, the gas in the water storage container 30 is released. The gas discharge means 36 is constituted by the gas vent hole 36a and the gas discharge plug 36b.

In the drinking water dispenser according to the present embodiment, when the valve 1 is opened (when the beverage is sold),
The opening operation of the valve 1 is detected by the flow rate switch 9, and the water supply valve 9 is opened based on the detection signal.
A DC voltage is applied to each of the electrodes 33a and 33b, and the water pump 4 is further driven. As a result, the tap water flows into the inlet 32a →
The water in the housing 31 is pumped to the housing 31 and the water in the housing 31 is supplied from the inlet hole 34a to between the electrodes 33a and 33b.
b → outflow port 32b. The water is electrolyzed in the process of passing between the electrodes 33a and 33b to generate chlorine, and the electrolyzed water is supplied to the valve 1 with an effective chlorine concentration of 0.7 ppm to 1.1 ppm.

As described above, chlorine is generated by the electrolysis of water, and at the same time, each electrode 33a, 33b
A hydrogen gas is generated on the cathode side and an oxygen gas is generated on the anode side, and this gas adheres to each electrode 33a, 33b, or floats between each electrode 33a, 33b. This gas rises and accumulates in the upper part of the water storage container 30, and then mixes with the water at the time of selling the beverage and the cup D
May be supplied to

Here, when drink sales are performed continuously, that is, at short time intervals, the amount of oxygen gas and the like per unit water amount is small, so this is not a serious problem.
When the sales standby time is long, the amount of oxygen gas and the like generated during the standby time becomes large, which impedes the electrolysis efficiency, and the large amount of gas flows in during the first sales after this standby. However, the amount of water actually supplied may be reduced.

Therefore, in such a case, the gas discharge plug 36
b is removed from the vent hole 36a. As a result, the oxygen gas and the like accumulated in the water storage container 30 are discharged to the outside through the gas vent hole 36a, and the above-mentioned problem is solved.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the chlorine generator. In this embodiment, a gas exhaust pipe 37b that is open to the atmosphere is connected to a gas vent hole 37a formed of a joint, and a gas exhaust valve 37c is installed in the gas exhaust pipe 37b to constitute a gas exhaust means 37. .

According to this embodiment, the gas discharge valve 3
By opening the opening 7c, oxygen gas and the like in the water storage container 30 can be discharged. Further, when the gas discharge valve 37c is opened when a DC voltage is applied to each of the electrodes 33a and 33b as the gas discharge control, the generated gas can be discharged efficiently. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the chlorine generator. In this embodiment, the chlorine generator 30 according to the first embodiment is arranged upside down,
A gas discharge pipe 38b and a gas discharge valve 38c similar to those in the second embodiment are provided in a pipe (delivery pipe) between the water pump 4 and the water pump 4.
Is connected to the gas discharging means 38.

According to this embodiment, the first and the second
The gas vent holes 36a and 37a according to the embodiment are
There is no need to form them at zero. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the chlorine generator. In this embodiment, a gas discharge means 39 having a gas discharge pipe 39b and a gas discharge valve 39c similar to those of the third embodiment, and further having a water leakage tank 39d open to the atmosphere at the end of the gas discharge pipe 39b is provided. is there.

According to this embodiment, the gas discharge pipe 39b
Although some water may be discharged through the tank, the water can be received in the water leakage tank 39d, and the water leakage can be easily disposed of. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the third embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a fifth embodiment. In this embodiment, a mechanical pressure reducing valve 10 is provided upstream of the chlorine generator 3.
a is installed. The pressure reducing valve 10a has a normal tap water pressure of about 3 to 5 kg / cm ² , and a pressure of 0.5 to 1.5 kg / cm ^2.
Reduce the pressure to about kg / cm ² .

According to this embodiment, since the pressure of the tap water flowing into the water storage container 30 is reduced, oxygen gas or the like generated during electrolysis does not accumulate in the water storage container 30, and Rise to the top. Therefore, when the structure according to the fifth embodiment is added to the structure according to the first to fourth embodiments, gas mixing into the water in the water storage container 30 is reduced, and the gas flowing into the electrodes 33a and 33b is reduced. Adhesion is also reduced. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first to fourth embodiments.

FIG. 7 shows a sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, a mechanical pressure reducing valve 10 is provided downstream of the chlorine generator 3.
b is installed. This pressure reducing valve 10b is also the pressure reducing valve 10
As in a, the pressure is reduced to about 0.5 to 1.5 kg / cm ² .

According to this embodiment, even when gas is mixed in the electrolyzed water in the water storage container 30, the generated water flowing downstream is reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing valve 10b, and the gas is smoothly discharged from the generated water. Accordingly, the mixed gas is immediately released from the beverage poured into the cup D, and the deterioration of the beverage quality due to the gas mixture can be prevented. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first to fourth embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows a seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, both the upstream side and the downstream side of the chlorine generator 3 are provided with the pressure reducing valve 10a according to the fifth embodiment and the pressure reducing valve of the sixth embodiment. A valve 10b is provided.

According to this embodiment, the pressure reducing valve 1 on the upstream side
0a reduces gas mixing into the generated water, and the downstream pressure reducing valve 10b allows the gas mixed in the generated water to escape. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the deterioration of the beverage quality as well as to improve the electrolysis efficiency of the electrodes 33a and 33b. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first to fourth embodiments.

In the fifth to seventh embodiments, the pressure reducing valve 1 is connected to the chlorine generator 3 having the gas discharging means 36 to 39.
Although the example in which 0a and 10b are provided has been described, it is needless to say that the present invention can be similarly applied to a chlorine generator having no gas discharging means 36 to 39.

The pressure reducing valves 10a and 10a serve as pressure reducing means.
b, but the water supply valve 2 is closed and the gas discharging means 36 to
When the opening operation of 39 is performed, the pressure in the water storage container 30 decreases. Therefore, even with such a method, the water storage container 30
The pressure of the water inside can be reduced.

In the first to seventh embodiments, the sealed chlorine generator 3 in which the electrodes 33a and 33b are arranged concentrically has been described as an example. Of course, it is not limited.

[0056]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the oxygen gas and the hydrogen gas generated by the electrolysis are discharged to the outside by the gas discharging means, the electrolysis efficiency of the chlorine generator and further the chlorine generation efficiency are not reduced. Further, since oxygen gas and the like are not stored in the water storage container, a problem that a large amount of gas is mixed together with water supplied at the time of selling the beverage is eliminated, and an appropriate amount of beverage can always be sold in the drinking water dispenser. . Further, when the decompression means is installed, accumulation of gas by the water in the water storage container is prevented, and deterioration of the beverage quality can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a water circuit diagram of a drinking water feeder equipped with a chlorine generator.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the chlorine generator according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a chlorine generator according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a chlorine generator according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a chlorine generator according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a water circuit diagram showing a main part of a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a water circuit diagram showing a main part of a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a water circuit diagram showing a main part of a seventh embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 chlorine generator, 10a, 10b pressure reducing valve, 30 water reservoir, 33a, 33b electrode, 36, 37, 38, 39
... gas discharging means.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A chlorine-containing water such as tap water flows into a closed water storage container, and a direct-current voltage is applied to the chlorine-ion-containing water through a pair of electrodes to electrolyze the chlorine-ion-containing water for sterilization. What is claimed is: 1. A chlorine generator for producing effective available chlorine, comprising a gas discharging means for discharging oxygen gas and the like generated by electrolysis. 2. A chlorine-containing water such as tap water flows into a closed water storage container, and a direct-current voltage is applied to the chlorine-ion-containing water through a pair of electrodes, and the chlorine-ion-containing water is electrolyzed for sterilization. A chlorine generator for generating effective available chlorine, comprising: a pressure reducing means for reducing a water pressure of the chlorine ion-containing water at least at either an upstream side or a downstream side of the water storage container. 3. A chlorine-containing water such as tap water flows into a closed water storage container, a DC voltage is applied to the chlorine-ion-containing water through a pair of electrodes, and the chlorine-ion-containing water is electrolyzed for sterilization. In a chlorine generator that generates effective available chlorine, a gas discharge unit that discharges oxygen gas or the like generated by electrolysis, and the chlorine ion installed at least one of an upstream side and a downstream side in the water storage container. A chlorine generator, comprising: a pressure reducing means for reducing the pressure of the contained water. 4. The chlorine generator according to claim 1, wherein said gas discharging means is a gas vent hole of said water storage container and a gas exhaust plug for opening and closing said gas vent hole. 5. The chlorine according to claim 1, wherein the gas discharging means is a gas discharging pipe communicating with the inside of the water storage container and a gas discharging valve installed in the gas discharging pipe. Generator. 6. The chlorine generator according to claim 5, wherein the gas discharge pipe is connected to an upper part of the water storage vessel or a delivery pipe for feeding water generated in the water storage vessel to a terminal side. . 7. The chlorine generator according to claim 5, further comprising a water leakage tank open to the atmosphere for receiving a fluid flowing out of the gas discharge pipe. 8. The chlorine generator according to claim 2, wherein said pressure reducing means is a mechanical pressure reducing valve. 9. The pressure reducing means includes a water supply valve for restricting and canceling the inflow of the chlorine ion-containing water, and the gas discharge valve that opens when the water supply valve regulates the inflow of the chlorine ion-containing water. The chlorine generator according to claim 5 or 6, wherein 10. The electrode according to claim 1, wherein the electrodes are arranged concentrically at a predetermined interval and have a water passage for passing water in the water storage container between the inner and outer electrodes. The chlorine generator according to any one of claims 9 to 9. 11. A drinking water dispenser, wherein the water generated by the chlorine generator according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is supplied by piping.