JPH11294862A - Impurity adhesion prevention method and water reservoir tank - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the impurities contained in liquid from adhering to the surface of the section to contact with the liquid. SOLUTION: A hot water reservoir tank 1 is provided with a heater 2 inside, and a protective pipe 4 is put thereon. A optical semiconductor layer 11 having titanium oxide for its main components is made on the surface of the protective pipe 4. The upper part within the hot water storage tank 1 is provided with a lamp 13 to illuminate the heater 2. The optical semiconductor layer 11 is optically excited, and the surface shows hydrophilic property, so it becomes such condition that a water screen is made at the periphery of the protective pipe 4, so the direct adhesion of impurities is avoided. Moreover, the impurities riding on the water screen are washed away simply as the water within the water reservoir tank 1 flows, so the impurities are prevented from adhering and accumulating on the periphery of the protective pipe 4 of the heater 2. In addition, the titanium oxide exhibits oxidative function, so it presents antibacterial action to suppress the multiplication of a variety of various germs.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and a water tank for preventing impurities from adhering to a portion of a water tank or the like that comes into contact with liquid.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, when hot water is generated in a water heater, a tea machine or the like, a throw-in type heater is provided in the tank, and the water stored in the tank is directly heated by the heater. Is generated. In this case, tap water for drinking is usually used.However, tap water often contains impurities such as silica and calcium. In some cases, impurities are gradually attached to and deposited on the surface of the heater, and in extreme cases, impurities may cover the surface of the heater in units of several millimeters.

[0003]

When the surface of the heater is covered with impurities as described above, the heater is in the same state as insulated, and the heater cannot exchange heat with the stored water. However, there is a problem that this leads to excessive heating. The present invention has been completed mainly on the basis of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to prevent impurities from adhering to a portion of a water tank or the like that comes into contact with a liquid.

[0004]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preventing impurities from adhering, wherein a hydrophilic layer is formed on the surface of a portion in contact with a liquid, and the hydrophilic layer is formed in the liquid by the hydrophilic layer. It is characterized in that the contained impurities are prevented from adhering to the surface. In the method for preventing impurities from adhering in a water storage tank according to the second aspect of the present invention, an optical semiconductor layer exhibiting hydrophilicity by photoexcitation is formed on the surface of a portion where the stored water comes into contact, and this optical semiconductor layer is exhibited. The feature is that the adhesion of impurities in water is prevented by the hydrophilic property.

[0005] The water tank according to the third aspect of the invention is characterized in that an optical semiconductor layer showing hydrophilicity by photoexcitation is formed on the surface of the portion where the stored water comes into contact. A fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the third aspect, the optical semiconductor layer is mainly composed of titanium oxide. A fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the third or fourth aspect, a lamp for irradiating the optical semiconductor layer is provided.

[0006]

<Operation and Effect of the Invention><Invention of claim 1> Since the surface of the portion contacting the liquid is in a state where a water film is stretched by the hydrophilic layer, the surface of the contact portion is directly in the liquid. Impurities are difficult to adhere. In addition, impurities on the water film are easily washed away by the flow of the liquid. This prevents impurities from adhering and accumulating on the surface of the portion where the liquid comes into contact.

<Inventions of Claims 2 and 3> Since the surface of the optical semiconductor layer is in a state in which a water film is stretched due to the hydrophilic function of the optical semiconductor layer, the surface of the optical semiconductor layer is formed on the surface of the optical semiconductor layer. It is difficult for impurities in water to directly adhere. In addition, impurities on the water film are easily washed away by the flow of surrounding water.
This prevents impurities from adhering and accumulating in the water storage tank. <Invention of Claim 4> Since titanium oxide formed as an optical semiconductor layer exhibits an oxidizing function, it is effective for decomposing organic substances and thus is effective for antibacterial and deodorizing, so that the inside of the water tank can be kept clean. <Invention of claim 5> The photo-semiconductor layer is surely photo-excited by irradiation with a lamp.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. <First Embodiment> FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the present invention.
It will be explained by. In the present embodiment, a hot water storage tank provided in a beverage dispenser is illustrated. On the bottom side of the side wall of the hot water storage tank 1, a throw-in type heater 2 is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, a protective pipe 4 is covered on the outer periphery of the heater 2, and is mounted so as to protrude laterally into the hot water storage tank 1. And the water supply valve 5
The tap water is stored in the hot water storage tank 1 from the water supply pipe 6 by the water supply pipe 6, is heated by the heater 2 to generate hot water, and the heater 2 is repeatedly turned on and off while detecting the hot water temperature by the temperature sensor 7. The hot water temperature is kept almost constant, and hot water is discharged from the discharge pipe 9 by opening the discharge valve 8.

As shown in detail in FIG. 2, an optical semiconductor layer 11 containing titanium oxide as a main component is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the protection pipe 4 in the heater 2 described above. It is to be noted that the thickness of the optical semiconductor layer 11 is shown to be larger than the actual thickness for emphasis. As a method for forming the optical semiconductor layer 11, there are the following methods. First Example: A titania-containing paint composition is prepared by adding anatase-type titania sol to silicone as a film-forming element, applied to the outer peripheral surface of protective pipe 4, and cured at a predetermined temperature to form anatase-type The titania particles form the optical semiconductor layer 11 dispersed in the silicone coating.

Second Example: First, a thin film of amorphous silica is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the protective pipe 4, and then tetraethoxy titanium T
A titania coating solution composed of a mixture of i (OC ₂ H ₅ ) ₄ and ethanol is prepared, and this solution is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the protection pipe 4 and dried. The hydrolysis of tetraethoxytitanium produces titanium hydroxide, and the dehydration-condensation polymerization produces amorphous titania. Third Example: Similar to the above-described second example, a thin film of amorphous silica may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the protective pipe 4 and a thin film of amorphous TiO ₂ may be formed by a sputtering method.

The optical semiconductor layer 11 composed mainly of titanium oxide formed as in each of the above examples is transparent and has a hydrophilic surface in response to light excitation. In addition, it has an oxidizing function by photoexcitation and decomposes organic substances to be effective for antibacterial, deodorizing, and the like. Also, at the upper position in the hot water storage tank 1,
A fluorescent lamp 13 is provided to apply light to the heater 2. As the fluorescent lamp 13, it is preferable to use an ultraviolet lamp (having a wavelength of about 370 nm) in which titanium oxide can exhibit its ability most.

This embodiment has the above-described structure,
Subsequently, the operation will be described. The heater 2 is immersed in tap water stored in the hot water storage tank 1, and the tap water contains impurities such as silica and calcium. Tends to adhere to surfaces. However, the optical semiconductor layer 11 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the protective pipe 4, and the optical semiconductor layer 11 is excited by the light from the fluorescent lamp 13 and has a hydrophilic surface. Is in a state where the water film W is formed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent impurities from directly adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the protection pipe 4. In addition, impurities on the water film W are easily washed away as the water in the hot water storage tank 1 flows, for example, when supplying water or discharging hot water. Therefore, adhesion and deposition of impurities on the outer peripheral surface of the protection pipe 4 of the heater 2 are prevented. This avoids a situation in which the heater 2 is overheated. At the same time, since the titanium oxide formed as the optical semiconductor layer 11 exhibits an oxidizing function, it exhibits an antibacterial action for suppressing the propagation of various germs, and the outer peripheral surface of the heater 2 is kept clean so that it is suitable for hygiene. Become. The optical semiconductor layer 11 may be similarly formed on the inner surface of the hot water storage tank 1.

<Second Embodiment> FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment applied to a cell type ice maker. The ice maker is provided with a water tray 2 which is directed toward an ice maker 22 in which an evaporating tube 21 of a refrigeration system is arranged.
The ice making water is spouted out from a fountain hole 24 provided in 3 and ice making is completed. When the ice making is completed, the water tray 23 is tilted as shown by the arrow in FIG. The ice is dropped on the water tray 23 and then collected.

In this ice making machine, an optical semiconductor layer 11 containing titanium oxide as a main component is formed on the inner surface of each ice making chamber 22. The method of forming the optical semiconductor layer 11 is the same as in the first embodiment. Further, a fluorescent lamp 13 is provided outside the tilting end side of the water tray 23 so that when the water tray 23 is tilted downward, the inner surface of the ice making chamber 22 can be irradiated. That is, the hydrophilicity of the optical semiconductor layer 11 prevents the impurities mixed in the ice making water from adhering to the inner surface of the ice making chamber 22, and also exerts an antibacterial function. Is kept clean.

<Third Embodiment> FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment applied to a shuttle ice maker. This ice machine is
A plurality of ice making projections 33 project from the lower surface of an ice making substrate 32 on which the evaporating tube 31 of the refrigeration apparatus is disposed on the upper surface.
3 is immersed in a water tray 34 in which ice-making water is stored, thereby generating an inverted dome-shaped ice block I around the ice making projection 33. When the ice making is completed, the water tray 34 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. By tilting as shown in FIG. 3 to open the lower part of the ice making projection 33, the ice block I is dropped and collected.

In this ice making machine, an optical semiconductor layer 11 mainly composed of titanium oxide is formed on the surface of each ice making projection 33. The method of forming the optical semiconductor layer 11 is the same as in the first embodiment. Further, the fluorescent lamp 13 is provided outside the tilting end side of the water tray 34 so that the ice making projection 33 can be irradiated when the water tray 34 tilts downward. Similarly, the hydrophilicity of the optical semiconductor layer 11 prevents impurities mixed in the ice making water from adhering to the outer surface of the ice making projection 33, and also exhibits an antibacterial function, so that the ice making projection 33 is formed. Keeps clean.

<Fourth Embodiment> FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment applied to an auger type ice making machine. This ice maker cools by supplying ice making water from a water supply pipe 43 into a freezing casing 42 in which a cooling pipe 41 is wound around an outer peripheral surface thereof, and is cooled by an auger 45 having a spiral blade 44. The ice layer frozen on the surface is scraped off, an ice column is formed through a pressing head 46 having an ice compression passage, and this is cut by a cutter 47 to be taken out as ice particles I.

In this ice making machine, the freezing casing 42
An optical semiconductor layer 11 containing titanium oxide as a main component
Are formed. The fluorescent lamp 13 is provided at the bottom of the freezing casing 42. In this case, the fluorescent lamp 13 needs to be waterproofed. Therefore, the hydrophilicity of the optical semiconductor layer 11 prevents the impurities mixed in the ice making water from adhering to the inner peripheral surface of the freezing casing 42, and also exhibits the antibacterial function, so that the freezing casing 42 is also exhibited. The inside is kept clean.

Further, a water storage tank 48 for storing ice-making water at a predetermined level is provided, and the optical semiconductor layer 11 mainly containing titanium oxide is also formed on the inner surface of the water storage tank 48. The fluorescent lamp 13 for irradiating the inner surface of the water storage tank 48 is provided on the back surface of the lid plate 49 of the water storage tank 48. Again,
It is desirable that the fluorescent lamp 13 be waterproofed. Similarly, the hydrophilicity of the optical semiconductor layer 11 prevents impurities mixed in the water for ice making from adhering to the inner surface of the water storage tank 48, and also exhibits an antibacterial function, thereby cleaning the inside of the water storage tank 48. Is kept.

<Fifth Embodiment> FIG. 6 shows a fifth embodiment applied to a dishwasher. In this dishwasher, hot water overflowing from a washing tank 51 for storing hot water after being subjected to washing and rinsing is sequentially circulated around a preheating tank 52, and the preheat tank 52 is used by utilizing the exhaust heat.
The pre-heating is performed before the rinsing water stored in the hot water storage tank 53 is fully heated.

In such a dishwasher, the inner surface of the washing tank 51, the inner surface of the preheating tank 52, the hot water storage tank 53
The optical semiconductor layer 11 containing titanium oxide as a main component is formed on the inner surface of the cleaning chamber door 54 and the inner surface of the cleaning chamber door 54, respectively.
A fluorescent lamp 13 for irradiating the inner surface of the cleaning chamber door 54 and the inner surface of the cleaning tank 51 is provided on the ceiling of the cleaning chamber 55, and a fluorescent lamp 13 for irradiating the inner surface of the preheating tank 52 is provided on the ceiling. However, fluorescent lamps 13 for irradiating the inner surface of the hot water storage tank 53 are provided on the ceiling surface, respectively. With the above structure, the optical semiconductor layer 1
The hydrophilicity of 1 prevents impurities mixed in tap water from adhering to the inner surface of the cleaning tank 51, the inner surface of the preheating tank 52, the inner surface of the hot water storage tank 53, and the inner surface of the cleaning room door 54, and The function is also exhibited to keep it clean.

<Sixth Embodiment> FIG. 7 shows a sixth embodiment applied to a tea machine. The tea machine includes a hot water storage tank 62 for heating supplied water by a heater 61 and storing the same as hot water, and a cold water tank 64 for cooling the supplied water by a cooling circuit 63 and storing the same as cold water. Tea, white hot water, cold water tea and cold water can be selectively supplied from hot water and cold water.

In this tea dispenser, the optical semiconductor layer 11 mainly composed of titanium oxide is formed on the inner surface of the hot water storage tank 62 and the inner surface of the cold water tank 64, respectively. A fluorescent lamp 13 for irradiating the inner surface of the hot water tank 62 is provided in an upper portion of the hot water tank 62, and a fluorescent lamp 13 for irradiating the inner surface of the cold water tank 64 is provided in an upper portion of the cold water tank 64. With the above structure, the hydrophilicity of the optical semiconductor layer 11 prevents impurities mixed in tap water from adhering to the inner surfaces of the hot water storage tank 62 and the cold water tank 64, and also exhibits an antibacterial function. Thus, the inside of both tanks 62 and 64 is kept clean.

<Seventh Embodiment> FIG. 8 shows a seventh embodiment applied to a cold water supply device. This chilled water supply device is provided with a chilled water tank 72 that is cooled by a cooling pipe 71. Tap water is supplied and stored in the chilled water tank 72 from a water supply pipe 73.
To produce cold water. On the other hand, the circulating water passage 74 circulates the generated cold water so as to be pumped from the bottom surface side of the chilled water tank 72 and circulates from the upper surface, so that the cold water is kept in a cooled state, and the water injection passage branched from the circulating water passage 74. By appropriately opening the 75 water injection valve 76, cold water is discharged.

In such a cold water supply device, the optical semiconductor layer 11 mainly composed of titanium oxide is formed on the inner surface of the cold water tank 72. The fluorescent lamp 13 irradiates the ceiling of the cold water tank 72 with the inside of the cold water tank 72.
Are arranged. With the above structure, the optical semiconductor layer 11
Due to the hydrophilic property of the chilled water tank 72, impurities mixed in tap water are prevented from adhering to the inner surface of the chilled water tank 72, and the inside of the chilled water tank 72 is kept clean by also exhibiting an antibacterial function.

<Eighth Embodiment> FIG. 9 shows an eighth embodiment applied to an electrolyzed water generator. This electrolyzed water generation device includes a concentrated salt water tank 81, a diluted salt water tank 82, an electrolytic tank 83, an acidic ion water tank 84, and an alkaline ion water tank 85. The concentrated salt water obtained by dissolving a large amount of salt in the tap water is stored, and the concentrated salt water is further diluted with the tap water in the diluted salt water tank 82 and stored as the diluted salt water. Then, the diluted salt water is supplied to the electrolytic cell 83 and electrolyzed, and the generated acidic and alkaline ionized water is converted into the acidic ionized water tank 8.
4 and an alkaline ionized water tank 85 respectively.

In such an electrolyzed water generating apparatus, the optical semiconductor layer 11 containing titanium oxide as a main component is formed on the inner surfaces of the concentrated salt water tank 81, the diluted salt water tank 82, the acidic ion water tank 84, and the alkaline ion water tank 85. Is formed. Also, the respective tanks 81, 82, 84 and 85
The tanks 81, 8
Fluorescent lamps 13 for irradiating the inner surfaces of 2, 84 and 85 are provided. With the above structure, each of the tanks 81, 82, 84, and 85 depends on the hydrophilicity of the optical semiconductor layer 11.
The inside of each tank 81, 82, 84, and 85 is kept clean by preventing impurities mixed in the stored water from adhering to the inner surface of the tank and also exhibiting an antibacterial function.

<Ninth Embodiment> A ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment,
The case where it is applied to a cooling pipe of a beer server is illustrated.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the beer server, a stainless steel cooling pipe 93 is immersed in a cold water tank 92 storing cold water to be cooled by a cooling mechanism 91, and one end thereof is connected to a beer barrel 94. At the same time, the other end is connected to the pouring cock 95. Further, carbon dioxide gas is introduced into the beer barrel 94 from a cylinder 96. When the spout cock 95 is opened, the beer pumped by the gas pressure is cooled by heat exchange with the cold water in the cold water tank 92 while passing through the cooling pipe 93, and is poured into the mug 97 or the like. ing.
In this case, tap water is used as the cold water. However, if the tap water is used for a long time, impurities in the tap water gradually adhere to and accumulate on the outer surface of the cooling pipe 93, and cold water and beer passing through the cooling pipe 93 are removed. In this case, there is a problem that the heat exchange cannot be sufficiently performed between the two and the supply of the cold beer becomes impossible.

For this reason, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the optical semiconductor layer 11 containing titanium oxide as a main component is formed on the outer surface of the cooling pipe 93. The method for forming the optical semiconductor layer 11 is the same as in the first embodiment. A fluorescent lamp 13 capable of irradiating the outer surface of the cooling pipe 93 is provided on the back surface of the lid plate 98 of the cold water tank 92. According to the above configuration, the surface of the optical semiconductor layer 11 is excited by the light from the fluorescent lamp 13 and shows a hydrophilic property, so that a water film is formed on the outer surface of the cooling pipe 93. Therefore, it is avoided that impurities in the cold water directly adhere to the outer surface of the cooling pipe 93. In addition, the impurities on the water film are easily washed away as the water in the cold water tank 92 flows when the cold water is replaced. For this reason, impurities are prevented from adhering and accumulating on the outer surface of the cooling pipe 93, heat exchange between the cold water and the beer in the medium is performed efficiently, and it is possible to supply a well-cooled beer. In addition, the optical semiconductor layer 1
Since the titanium oxide formed as 1 exhibits an oxidizing function, it exhibits an antibacterial action for suppressing the propagation of various germs and the cooling pipe 9
The outer surface of No. 3 is kept clean, which is suitable for hygiene.

<Tenth Embodiment> FIG. 12 shows a tenth embodiment of the present invention. In the beer server exemplified in the ninth embodiment, the pressure of carbon dioxide gas is applied to the beer flowing through the cooling pipe 93, and the carbon dioxide gas tends to foam due to the resistance when the beer passes. On the other hand, on the inner surface of the cooling pipe 93, there is a problem that the protein contained in the beer is apt to adhere to the inner surface of the cooling tube 93, whereby the foaming becomes more intense, and the beer becomes full of foam when poured out, and the taste is reduced. . In addition, if impurities such as proteins accumulate, the cooling pipe 93 is clogged, so that the inside of the cooling pipe 93 must be frequently cleaned, which is troublesome.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a layer 99 having hydrophilicity is formed on the inner surface of the cooling pipe 93. The hydrophilic layer 99 is mainly composed of silica. For example, the hydrophilic layer 99 is immersed in a tank containing a hydrophilic layer-forming agent containing a water-soluble urethane resin and silica sol, drained, and baked at a predetermined temperature to cool. A hydrophilic layer 99 is formed on the inner surface of the tube 93.

As described above, the hydrophilic layer 9 is formed on the inner surface of the cooling pipe 93.
When 9 is formed, a water film is formed on the inner surface of the cooling pipe 93, so that the protein contained in the beer does not easily adhere to the inner surface of the beer. This prevents the protein from adhering and accumulating on the inner surface of the cooling pipe 93. Further, there is a hydroxyl group on the surface of the hydrophilic layer 99, and when beer is distributed, friction occurs with the hydroxyl group, which is smaller in resistance than friction with a stainless steel tube. In addition to the absence, excessive foaming is effectively suppressed. as a result,
Delicious beer with moderate foaming can be poured. In addition, since there is no adhered matter on the inner surface of the cooling pipe 93, it is excellent in hygiene, and it is not necessary to frequently clean the cooling pipe 93.

<Other Embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above with reference to the drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. (1) If the optical semiconductor layer is illuminated by an external light source, the arrangement of the fluorescent lamp may be omitted. (2) The present invention can be applied to all portions that come into contact with liquid.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a hot water storage tank according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a heater.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway front view of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view and a block diagram of a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view and a block diagram of an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway front view of a beer server according to a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view of the cooling pipe.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view of a cooling pipe according to a tenth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 hot water storage tank 2 heater 4 protection pipe 11
Optical semiconductor layer 13 Fluorescent lamp W Water film 22 Ice making chamber 33 Ice making projection 42 Refrigeration casing 48 Water storage tank 51 Cleaning tank 52 Preheating tank 53 Hot water storage tank 54 Cleaning chamber door 62 Hot water storage tank 64 Cold water tank 72 ... Cold water tank 81 ... Concentrated salt water tank 82 ... Dilute salt water tank 84 ... Acid ion water tank 85 ... Alkaline ion water tank 9
2: cold water tank 93: cooling pipe 99: hydrophilic layer

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A layer showing hydrophilicity is formed on the surface of a portion where a liquid comes into contact, and the hydrophilic layer prevents impurities contained in the liquid from adhering to the surface. Impurity adhesion prevention method. 2. The surface of the site where the stored water contacts,
A method for preventing the adhesion of impurities in a water storage tank, comprising forming an optical semiconductor layer exhibiting hydrophilicity by photoexcitation and preventing adhesion of impurities in water by the hydrophilicity exhibited by the optical semiconductor layer. 3. The surface of the site where the stored water contacts,
A water tank, wherein an optical semiconductor layer exhibiting hydrophilicity by photoexcitation is formed. 4. The water storage tank according to claim 3, wherein said optical semiconductor layer is composed mainly of titanium oxide. 5. The water tank according to claim 3, further comprising a lamp for irradiating the optical semiconductor layer.