JP2000309971A - Sterilizing device for toilet stool - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sterilizing device for a toilet stool which is provided with a function capable of preventing scale and slime from clinging to a flush toilet stool and odor from generating, and also preventing silver or silver chloride forming black stains on the bowl surface of the flushing toilet from generating. SOLUTION: In a sterilizing device installed in a flushing water supply pipe line for a toilet stool to a flushing toilet, at least one of at least a pair of disinfectant supply parts supplying a disinfectant component to the flushing water for the toilet stool is a metallic electrode eluting silver ion. Further, a means mixing and accelerating water flow of the surface of the silver electrodes is provided. In this way, generation of metal silver or silver chloride bringing black stains on the bowl surface can be prevented, and silver ion cleaning water bringing less metal silver or silver chloride can be supplied to the toilet stool.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sterilizing apparatus provided in a flush water supply channel of a flush toilet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Simply flushing water after using a toilet does not prevent gradual adhesion of scum or slime to the toilet or the generation of odor. In urinals, urine stones adhere to the pipes, narrowing the passage of sewage,
It adheres to the surface of the toilet bowl, impairs its appearance, and becomes a hotbed of bacterial growth and emits odor. It is difficult to remove the urine stones that have once adhered by ordinary cleaning, and they cannot be removed unless they are strongly rubbed with a brush. For this reason, urolith removal had to be entrusted to a specialized trader, which was a heavy burden.

[0003] Several methods have been disclosed to cope with this problem by generating and supplying a component having a sterilizing effect to toilet flush water.

It has been known that silver ions have a bactericidal action. For sterilizing flush toilets, silver ions are mixed into the toilet flush water supply passage for the flush toilet and the toilet flush water supply passage. An ion generator having a silver electrode plate;
2. Description of the Related Art There is known a sterilizing apparatus for toilet flush water including a power supply device that opens in conjunction with an opening operation of an on-off valve provided in the toilet flush water supply passage and supplies power to a silver electrode plate. (7-17
391)

[0005]

However, when the washing water containing silver ions is generated by the above-described method, the silver ions eluted from the electrode surface cause the silver ion concentration to become high near the electrode surface. Eventually, due to the flow of the cleaning water, the water is uniformly mixed into the cleaning water to have a low concentration, but temporarily has a high silver ion concentration near the surface. In general, silver ions are present as ions in water at low concentrations, but at high concentrations silver ions react with metallic silver or chloride ions in water to form silver chloride. Each of them is a black coloring component and adheres to the bowl surface of the flush toilet when the toilet is washed. Although these deposits may be removed by rubbing in the initial stage, there is a problem that the aesthetic appearance of the flush toilet is impaired. Further, comparing the sterilizing power of silver ions with the sterilizing power of metallic silver and silver chloride, the sterilizing power of silver ions is superior. Therefore, when silver ions produced at the silver electrode become metallic silver or silver chloride, the sterilizing power of the washing water is weakened. As a result, the silver electrode is not effectively consumed, which is not economical.

In the case of flush toilets used for several years,
A so-called scale in which calcium and silicon contained in tap water are deposited in a porous body form adheres to the bowl surface of the flush toilet. The scale itself that adheres to the surface of the flush toilet is white, and in general water quality in Japan, it adheres only to a thin layer, so this is not a problem. However, if the above-mentioned metallic silver, and the toilet flush water containing silver chloride is supplied to the flush toilet with scale attached,
The above components adhere to the inside of the porous body of the scale, and the scale is colored black. When it adheres to the inside of the porous body, it is difficult to drop even if it is rubbed, which is an extremely large problem.

[0007] If the amount of washing water is increased, the silver ion concentration in the vicinity of the electrode surface becomes relatively lower. However, since the silver ion concentration of the washing water is low, the sterilizing effect of silver ions is weakened, and it is not preferable to increase the amount of washing water. In addition, the amount of water used increases, which is not economical.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and has a function of preventing the generation of scum, slime and odor on a flush toilet without increasing the amount of flush water. The urinal has a function of preventing the passage of sewage water from being narrowed due to the adhesion of urine stones, preventing the appearance from being damaged, and also preventing the generation of odors. It is an object of the present invention to provide a toilet sterilizer capable of efficiently and economically using an electrode.

[0009]

Means for Solving the Problems and Action / Effects The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sterilization apparatus provided in a toilet flush water supply passage to a flush toilet.
At least one pair, at least one of which is a metal electrode that elutes silver ions, and a means for promoting mixing of the water flow on the surface of the metal electrode is provided, wherein the sterilization supply unit that supplies the sterilization component to the toilet flush water is provided. To provide a toilet bowl sterilizer.

[0010] By providing the mixing promoting means in the sterilizing apparatus of the present invention, the silver ion concentration near the surface of the metal electrode does not increase. Therefore, the production of metallic silver and silver chloride is reduced.

As a result, the amount of metallic silver and silver chloride adhering to the bowl surface is extremely small, so that the bowl surface of the flush toilet is not blackened and the washing water having a silver ion concentration necessary for sterilization is removed. Since it can be supplied to the flush toilet, the trap section of the flush toilet is equipped with a function to prevent the adhesion of slime, slime, and the generation of odor.In the urinal, the passage of sewage due to the adhesion of urine stones can be narrowed and Aesthetic damage,
A toilet bowl sterilizer having a function of preventing generation of odor can be provided.

One embodiment of the toilet sterilizer according to the present invention is one in which the water flow on the surface of the metal electrode is promoted by mixing the metal electrode into a porous body.
In the case of a flat metal electrode, silver ions eluted from the electrode surface are mixed into the washing water only by the effect of the water flow flowing parallel to the electrode surface. However, by making the metal electrode porous, a water flow flowing perpendicular to the electrode is generated in addition to the water flow flowing parallel to the electrode surface.

Thus, the silver ions eluted from the surface of the metal electrode are quickly separated from the vicinity of the surface of the electrode, and the mixing with the washing water is promoted. That is, an increase in the silver ion concentration near the electrode surface is suppressed, and the amount of metallic silver or silver chloride generated is reduced.

As a result, the amount of metallic silver and silver chloride adhering to the bowl surface is extremely reduced, so that the bowl surface of the flush toilet is not blackened and the washing water containing silver ions having a strong sterilizing power is removed. Since it can be supplied to the flush toilet, the trap section of the flush toilet is equipped with a function to prevent the adhesion of slime, slime, and the generation of odor.In the urinal, the passage of sewage due to the adhesion of urine stones can be narrowed and Aesthetic damage,
A toilet bowl sterilizer having a function of preventing generation of odor can be provided.

As another mode of the toilet bowl sterilizer according to the present invention, the means for promoting the mixing of the water flow on the surface of the metal electrode is such that the shape of the metal electrode is porous and the electrode is disposed substantially perpendicular to the water flow. Things. Silver ions eluted from the surface of the metal electrode are separated from the vicinity of the electrode surface in a short time by a water flow flowing perpendicular to the electrode, and the mixing into the washing water is promoted. That is, an increase in the silver ion concentration near the electrode surface is suppressed, and the amount of metallic silver or silver chloride generated is reduced.

As a result, the amount of metallic silver and silver chloride adhering to the bowl surface is extremely reduced, so that the bowl surface of the flush toilet is not blackened and the washing water containing silver ions having a strong sterilizing power is removed. Since it can be supplied to the flush toilet, the trap section of the flush toilet is equipped with a function to prevent the adhesion of slime, slime, and the generation of odor.In the urinal, the passage of sewage due to the adhesion of urine stones can be narrowed and Aesthetic damage,
A toilet bowl sterilizer having a function of preventing generation of odor can be provided.

In still another embodiment of the toilet sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, the water flow on the surface of the metal electrode is caused by air bubbles mixed by air mixing means provided in a flow path from a water supply pipe to a sterilization supply section. What promotes mixing is exemplified. Silver ions eluted from the surface of the metal electrode are mixed by the water flow and spread uniformly in the washing water. Since the time required for mixing depends on the flow velocity in the electrolytic cell, particularly near the electrode surface, in order to prevent the silver ion concentration near the metal electrode surface from becoming high, there is also a method of increasing the amount of water. is there. However, when the amount of water is increased, the silver ion concentration in the vicinity of the surface decreases, but the silver ion concentration in the washing water after mixing decreases.

When air is mixed into the washing water by the air mixing means, the speed of the water flow on the surface of the metal electrode increases in proportion to the amount of air mixed.

As a result, the water flow velocity on the surface of the metal electrode can be increased without increasing the amount of washing water, and the mixing is promoted. Therefore, the silver ion concentration near the surface of the metal electrode becomes high. Can be suppressed. That is, since the amount of metallic silver or silver chloride adhering to the bowl surface is extremely small, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of darkening on the bowl surface of the flush toilet. In addition, since flush water containing silver ions having strong sterilizing power can be supplied to the flush toilet, water traps are provided in the trap portion of the flush toilet,
Toilet bowls equipped with a function to prevent the adhesion of slime and the generation of odors and, in the case of urinals, a function to prevent the passage of sewage due to the adhesion of urine stones, damage the appearance, and prevent the generation of odors A sterilization device can be provided.

When the present invention is applied to a urinal,
In addition to the effects described above, it also has excellent effects. The reason is described below.

It is considered that the mechanism of urinary stone adhesion to the urinal is as follows. When urinating in the urinal, urine adheres to the urinal surface and urine stays in the trap section in the urinal. Generally, a large number of bacteria are present in urinals. Urine contains a large amount of urea, but when bacteria are present on the urinal bowl surface or in the trapped water, urea is decomposed into ammonia and carbon dioxide by the action of the enzyme urease possessed by the bacteria. At this time, a large amount of generated ammonia contributes to odor. In addition, when ammonia is generated, the ammonia is dissolved in the liquid attached to the urinal bowl surface or the stagnant water in the trap portion, and the pH of the liquid increases. When the pH rises, the liquid adhering to the urinal bowl surface and the calcium ions contained in the stagnant water in the trap change into carbonates and phosphates and precipitate out, adhere to urinals as urine stones, and become stained Cause.

As described above, in the embodiment in which the toilet sterilizing apparatus of the present invention is applied to a urinal, washing water containing silver ions having a strong sterilizing power is supplied to the urinal without causing blackening on the bowl surface of the urinal. it can. As a result, the bacteria present in the urinal are disinfected, so that the cause of such urinary stone adhesion is eliminated, and the urinal is always kept in a clean state and does not impair the aesthetic appearance. The narrowing of the wastewater passage due to the adhesion of water is prevented, and the generation of odor due to ammonia or the like is also prevented.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example in which the flush toilet disinfection apparatus of the present invention is mainly applied to a urinal is shown, but the same effect can be exerted even when used in a toilet.

FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of a toilet bowl sterilizing apparatus according to the present invention. An electrolytic cell 25, a flow sensor 32, and a flow control valve 35 are provided downstream of a water supply valve 24 such as a flush valve of the water supply pipe 23 for flushing a toilet bowl.
The water supply valve 24 is electrically connected to the known automatic toilet flushing system 3. The toilet flush water pipe 23 is connected to the urinal 1. Further, the control device 27 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 33, the flow sensor 32, the electrolytic cell 25, the flow control valve 35, and the automatic toilet flushing system 3.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. After the user uses the urinal 1, the toilet automatic cleaning system 3
The water supply valve 24 is opened by the operation of the
Tap water flows through the flow sensor 32 → flow control valve 35
→ It flows in the order of the electrolytic cell 25.

The start of flushing of the toilet is detected by the flow sensor 32, and the electric energy of the power supply unit 33 is supplied to the pair of electrodes 6a and 6b in the electrolytic cell 25 of FIG. Silver ions are eluted from either the anode side of 6a or 6b, and toilet flush water containing silver ions is supplied to the urinal 1 through the toilet flush water supply pipe 23.

By this step, the bowl surface of the urinal 1
Water containing silver ions can be supplied to the trap section and further to the piping downstream of the urinal 1, thereby preventing the generation of water residue, slime and odor to the urinal 1, and preventing urine stones from adhering. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the passage of waste water from being narrowed, damage the appearance, and prevent odor.

It should be noted that the adhesion of scum and slime on the toilet and sewage drainage pipes and the generation of odors depend on the frequency of use of the toilet, the quality of washing water,
Since it varies depending on the environment, etc., the control device 27 can control the opening time of the water supply valve 27, the current value supplied from the power supply unit 33 to the electrolytic cell 25, and the flow rate by the flow rate control valve 35. It is desirable that the concentration and the amount of washing water containing silver ions can be changed. In order to keep the silver ion concentration in the washing water constant, it is preferable to control the current so as to flow in proportion to the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 32.

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the electrolytic cell 25 used in the first embodiment. Inside the electrolytic cell 25, there are a pair of electrodes 6a and 6b in which porous silver metal electrodes are arranged to face each other, and are electrically connected to the control device 27. Also,
The flow of the washing water near the electrode surface in the electrolytic cell 25 is 7a, 7
b. FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the electrolytic cell 25 in the case where a flat electrode having no porous body shape is used. Inside the electrolytic cell 25, there are a pair of electrodes 9a and 9b in which flat metal silver electrodes are arranged to face each other, and are electrically connected to the control device 27. The flow of cleaning water near the electrode surface in the electrolytic cell 25 is 7a.

The porous electrodes 6a and 6b include, for example, a punched metal electrode, a metal mesh electrode, and an expanded metal electrode.

The flow of the washing water in the vicinity of the electrode surface in the electrolytic cell is such that the electrodes 9a, 9b
However, when a porous electrode is used, the flow of 7b also occurs. That is, in the case of a porous electrode, a flow path of 7a + 7b is formed in the electrolytic cell.

In the case of a flat plate electrode in which silver ions eluted from the surface of the silver electrode are not in the form of a porous material, the silver ions are mixed into the washing water with only a water flow of 7a, whereas in the case of the electrode having a porous material, 7a +
Since the mixing with the washing water is promoted by the water flow of 7b, the silver ions eluted from the electrode surface are separated from the vicinity of the surface in a short time. In other words, the silver ion concentration near the surface of the porous electrode is lower than the silver ion concentration near the surface of the non-porous plate electrode. Since the production amount of metallic silver and silver chloride is promoted as the silver ion concentration becomes higher, the production of metallic silver and silver chloride as a dark component adhering to the toilet bowl surface is suppressed in the porous electrode. Further, since silver ions relatively eluted from the electrode are suppressed from becoming metallic silver or silver chloride having weak sterilizing power, the ratio of silver ions is increased, and the sterilizing power of washing water is increased.

As a result, the bowl surface of the flush toilet is not blackened and the flush water having a silver ion concentration necessary for sterilization can be supplied to the flush toilet, so that water traps and slime adhere to the trap portion of the flush toilet. For urinals, a urinal disinfection system equipped with a function to prevent the generation of odor and odor, and also a function to prevent the passage of sewage due to the adhesion of urine stones, aesthetic damage, and odor. Can be provided.

FIG. 4 is still another detailed view of the electrolytic cell 25 used in the first embodiment. Inside the electrolytic cell 25, a pair of electrodes 6 in which porous metallic silver electrodes are arranged to face each other.
a and 6b, which are electrically connected to the control device 27. The metal electrode is arranged substantially perpendicular to the flow of the cleaning water. The flow path of the washing water in the electrolytic cell 25 is eight.

The porous electrodes 6a and 6b include, for example, punched metal electrodes, metal mesh electrodes, and expanded metal electrodes.

When the flat electrodes are arranged in parallel to the flow path shown in FIG. 3, the flow velocity between the electrodes is generally the maximum flow velocity at the center position between the electrodes, and the minimum flow velocity near the electrode surface. Therefore, the silver ion concentration near the electrode surface becomes high. When a flat electrode having a non-porous shape is arranged in parallel with the washing water, there is a method of increasing the amount of washing water in order to increase the flow rate on the electrode surface. Silver ion concentration also decreases.

In order to reduce the silver ion concentration in the vicinity of the electrode surface without changing the silver ion concentration in the washing water, it is desirable to relatively increase the flow vertically away from or approaching the electrode surface. When the porous electrode is arranged in parallel with the flow path, a flow of 7b is generated in addition to 7a, so that a flow is generated which is vertically separated from or approaches the electrode surface (FIG. 2). Furthermore, when the porous electrode is arranged perpendicularly to the flow path, all the flows are only vertically separated or approached from the electrode surface, so the silver ions eluted from the electrode surface are efficiently diffused from near the surface in a short time, Mix in wash water.

[0038] As a result, the production of metallic silver and silver chloride as darkening components adhering to the bowl surface of the toilet bowl is suppressed, and the silver ions eluted from the electrode are reduced to metallic silver and silver chloride, which have relatively weak bactericidal activity. Therefore, the ratio of silver ions increases, and the sterilizing power of the washing water increases. Therefore, without causing darkening on the bowl surface of the flush toilet, it is possible to supply flush water having a silver ion concentration necessary for sterilization to the flush toilet,
In the flush toilet, the trap section has a function to prevent the generation of water residue, slime, and odor.
It is possible to provide a toilet bowl sterilizer having a function of preventing the passage of sewage water from being narrowed due to the adhesion of urine, damaging the appearance, and preventing generation of odor.

The polarities of the electrodes 6a and 6b (that is, the anode and the cathode) are periodically inverted by the controller 27 to prevent scale such as calcium carbonate from adhering to the cathode side. At this time, the electrodes 6a and 6b are consumed with the supply of silver ions, so that the time when the electrode is the anode and the time when the electrode is the cathode are made equal so that the pair of electrodes 6a and 6b are consumed evenly. The electrodes 6a and 6b can be used up without waste until the end. The electrodes 6a and 6b are preferably made of a pure silver plate in that the electrodes 6a and 6b elute silver ions from themselves, so that the life thereof can be extended. However, an alloy containing silver or silver plating may be used.

It is sufficient that at least one of the pair of electrodes 6a and 6b is silver. When an electrode other than silver is used, silver ions can be supplied by switching the polarity of the silver electrode side to the anode by the control device 27. A plurality of pairs of electrodes, at least one of which is silver, may be provided.

In addition, depending on the manner of use of the toilet, the operation is not necessarily limited to the operation of supplying silver ions at the time of washing the toilet as described above. That is, when it is desired to minimize silver consumption, silver ions may be supplied only at the time of flushing the toilet several times. In addition, when it is desired to keep the silver consumption over time constant, silver ions are not supplied at the time of flushing the toilet after using the toilet, and the control device 27 switches the water supply valve 24 via the automatic toilet flushing system 3 at regular intervals. The toilet may be automatically cleaned by opening and closing, and silver ions may be supplied only at this time. Furthermore, even if the consumption of silver increases, if you want to maintain a higher level of sterilization, not only when you use the toilet but also when it is not in use, the toilet is automatically cleaned at regular intervals. In this case, a mode in which silver ions are supplied may be used. The above operation can be dealt with by changing the program of the control device 27 according to the usage state of the toilet and changing the condition for opening the water supply valve 24.

FIG. 5 is a second embodiment of the toilet sterilizer according to the present invention. An electrolytic cell 25, a flow sensor 32, and a flow control valve 35 are provided downstream of a water supply valve 24 such as a flush valve of the water supply pipe 23 for flushing a toilet bowl.
An air pipe is connected to the flow sensor 32, the flow control valve 35, and the water supply pipe of the electrolytic cell 25 via an air pump 80, an air flow control valve 82, and an air valve 84. The water supply valve 24 in the flow path is electrically connected to a known automatic toilet flushing system 3. Toilet flush water pipe 2
3 is connected to the urinal 1. Further, the control device 27 includes a power supply unit 33, a flow sensor 32, an electrolytic cell 25, a flow control valve 35, an air pump 80, an air flow control valve 8
2. It is electrically connected to the air valve 84 and the automatic toilet flushing system 3.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described. After the user uses the urinal 1, the toilet automatic cleaning system 3
The water supply valve 24 is opened by the operation of the
Tap water flows through the flow sensor 32 → flow control valve 35
→ It flows in the order of the electrolytic cell 25.

The start of flushing of the toilet is detected by the flow sensor 32, and the electric energy of the power supply unit 33 is supplied to the pair of electrodes 6a and 6b in the electrolytic cell 25 of FIGS. Power is supplied to the pair of electrodes 9a and 9b in the electrolytic cell 25 in FIG.
a, silver ions elute from the anode side of either 9b,
Toilet flush water containing silver ions is supplied to the urinal 1 through the toilet flush water supply pipe 23.

At the same time, the electric energy of the power supply unit 33 operates the air pump 80 via the control device 27, adjusts the air flow control valve 82, and opens the air valve 84. Air is mixed into the washing water through the air pipe, and the aerated water is supplied to the electrolytic cell.

FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the air mixing ratio (air mixing amount with respect to the amount of washing water) and the flow velocity in the electrolytic cell. Air mixing ratio (%) = air mixing amount (liter / minute) / wash water amount (liter / minute) × 100, where V is the flow rate in the electrolytic cell at an air mixing ratio of 0%, the air mixing ratio is 100 %, The flow rate of the washing water is 2 V (2 times) because the same volume of air is mixed in with the washing water.
Times). That is, the flow rate of the cleaning water in the electrolytic cell can be increased by aeration without increasing the amount of the cleaning water. Also, since the amount of washing water is not changed,
The silver ion concentration in the washing water does not change.

As a result, the flow rate of the washing water in the vicinity of the electrode surface increases due to the incorporation of air. Therefore, the eluted silver ions are separated from the electrode surface in a short time by an amount corresponding to the increased flow rate as compared with the case where no air is mixed. That is, since the silver ion concentration in the vicinity of the electrode surface is suppressed from becoming high, the production of metallic silver and silver chloride is suppressed. In addition, since the production of silver metal or silver chloride, which has a lower sterilizing power than silver ions, is suppressed, the ratio of silver ions increases, and the sterilizing power of the washing water increases.

[0048] Therefore, since the bowl surface of the flush toilet can be supplied with flush water having a silver ion concentration necessary for sterilization without causing darkening on the bowl surface of the flush toilet, water traps and slime adhere to the trap portion of the flush toilet. Toilet disinfection equipment with a function to prevent the generation of odor and, in the case of urinals, a function to prevent the passage of sewage due to the adhesion of urine stones, to prevent aesthetic damage, and to prevent the generation of odor can do.

It should be noted that the adhesion of scum and slime on the toilet and sewage drainage pipes and the generation of odors depend on the frequency of use of the toilet, the quality of the washing water,
Since it depends on the environment and the like, the opening time of the water supply valve 27 by the control device 27, the current value supplied from the power supply unit 33 to the electrolytic cell 25, and the flow rate by the flow rate control valve 35 can be adjusted. It is desirable to be able to change the ion concentration and the amount of washing water containing silver ions. Also,
In order to keep the silver ion concentration in the washing water constant, it is preferable to control the current so as to flow in proportion to the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 32. Further, it is desirable that the air flow rate control valve 82 and the air valve 84 be controlled in conjunction with the silver ion concentration and the amount of washing water to control the air mixing rate and the presence or absence of air mixing.

The polarity of the electrodes 6a and 6b (that is, the anode and the cathode) is periodically inverted by the control device 27 to prevent the scale such as calcium carbonate from adhering to the cathode side. At this time, the electrodes 6a and 6b are consumed with the supply of silver ions, so that the time when the electrode is the anode and the time when the electrode is the cathode are made equal so that the pair of electrodes 6a and 6b are consumed evenly. The electrodes 6a and 6b can be used up without waste until the end. The electrodes 6a and 6b are preferably made of a pure silver plate in that the electrodes 6a and 6b elute silver ions from themselves, so that the life thereof can be extended. However, an alloy containing silver or silver plating may be used.

It is sufficient that at least one of the pair of electrodes 6a and 6b is silver. When an electrode other than silver is used, silver ions can be supplied by switching the polarity of the silver electrode side to the anode by the control device 27. A plurality of pairs of electrodes, at least one of which is silver, may be provided.

In addition, depending on the manner of use of the toilet, the operation is not necessarily limited to the operation of supplying silver ions at the time of washing the toilet as described above. That is, when it is desired to minimize silver consumption, silver ions may be supplied only at the time of flushing the toilet several times. In addition, when it is desired to keep the silver consumption over time constant, silver ions are not supplied at the time of flushing the toilet after using the toilet, and the control device 27 switches the water supply valve 24 via the automatic toilet flushing system 3 at regular intervals. The toilet may be automatically cleaned by opening and closing, and silver ions may be supplied only at this time. Furthermore, even if the consumption of silver increases, if you want to maintain a higher level of sterilization, not only when you use the toilet but also when it is not in use, the toilet is automatically cleaned at regular intervals. In this case, a mode in which silver ions are supplied may be used. The above operation can be dealt with by changing the program of the control device 27 according to the usage state of the toilet and changing the condition for opening the water supply valve 24.

FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of the toilet sterilizer according to the present invention. Although the air pump, the air flow control valve, and the air valve are used as the air mixing means in the second embodiment, the air is mixed using the ejector effect. Electrolyzer 25, flow sensor 32 and flow control valve 35
Is provided downstream of a water supply valve 24 composed of a flush valve or the like of the toilet flush water supply pipe 23. In addition, the ejector 86 is disposed in the flow sensor 32, the flow control valve 35, and the water supply pipe of the electrolytic cell 25. An air valve 84 and an air flow control valve 82 are connected to the ejector 86. The water supply valve 24 in the flow path is electrically connected to a known automatic toilet flushing system 3. Toilet flush water pipe 2
3 is connected to the urinal 1. Further, the control device 27 includes a power supply unit 33, a flow sensor 32, an electrolytic cell 25, a flow control valve 35, an air flow control valve 82, and an air valve 8.
4 and the toilet automatic cleaning system 3.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described. After the user uses the urinal 1, the toilet automatic cleaning system 3
The water supply valve 24 is opened by the operation of the
Tap water flows through the flow sensor 32 → flow control valve 35
→ Ejector 86 → Electrolyzer 25

The start of flushing of the toilet is detected by the flow rate sensor 32, and the electric energy of the power supply unit 33 is supplied to the pair of electrodes 6a and 6b in the electrolytic cell 25 of FIGS. Power is supplied to the pair of electrodes 9a and 9b in the electrolytic cell 25 in FIG.
a, silver ions elute from the anode side of either 9b,
Toilet flush water containing silver ions is supplied to the urinal 1 through the toilet flush water supply pipe 23.

At the same time, the electric energy of the power supply unit 33 adjusts the air flow control valve 82 via the control device 27 to open the air valve 84. By the ejector effect of the washing water, air is mixed into the washing water, and the aerated water is supplied to the electrolytic cell.

By mixing air into the washing water, the flow rate of the washing water in the electrolytic cell can be increased without increasing the amount of washing water as in the second embodiment. Further, since the amount of washing water is not changed, the silver ion concentration in the washing water does not change.

As a result, the flow rate of the washing water in the vicinity of the electrode surface increases due to the incorporation of air. Therefore, the eluted silver ions are separated from the electrode surface in a short time by an amount corresponding to the increased flow rate as compared with the case where no air is mixed. That is, since the concentration of silver ions in the vicinity of the electrode surface is suppressed from becoming high, the production of metallic silver and silver chloride is suppressed. In addition, since the production of silver metal or silver chloride, which has a lower sterilizing power than silver ions, is suppressed, the ratio of silver ions increases, and the sterilizing power of the washing water increases.

Therefore, since the bowl surface of the flush toilet is not blackened and the flush water having a silver ion concentration required for sterilization can be supplied to the flush toilet, water traps and slime adhere to the trap portion of the flush toilet. Toilet disinfection equipment with a function to prevent the generation of odor and, in the case of urinals, a function to prevent the passage of sewage due to the adhesion of urine stones, to prevent aesthetic damage, and to prevent the generation of odor can do.

The polarity of the electrodes 6a and 6b (that is, the anode and the cathode) is periodically inverted by the control device 27 to prevent scale such as calcium carbonate from adhering to the cathode side. At this time, the electrodes 6a and 6b are consumed with the supply of silver ions, so that the time when the electrode is the anode and the time when the electrode is the cathode are made equal so that the pair of electrodes 6a and 6b are consumed evenly. The electrodes 6a and 6b can be used up without waste until the end. The electrodes 6a and 6b are preferably made of a pure silver plate in that the electrodes 6a and 6b elute silver ions from themselves, so that the life thereof can be extended. However, an alloy containing silver or silver plating may be used.

It is sufficient that at least one of the pair of electrodes 6a and 6b is silver. When an electrode other than silver is used, silver ions can be supplied by switching the polarity of the silver electrode side to the anode by the control device 27. A plurality of pairs of electrodes, at least one of which is silver, may be provided.

It should be noted that the adhesion of water scum and slime on the toilet and sewage drainage pipes and the generation of odors depend on the frequency of use of the toilet, the quality of washing water,
Since it depends on the environment and the like, the opening time of the water supply valve 27 by the control device 27, the current value supplied from the power supply unit 33 to the electrolytic cell 25, and the flow rate by the flow rate control valve 35 can be adjusted. It is desirable to be able to change the ion concentration and the amount of washing water containing silver ions. Also,
In order to keep the silver ion concentration in the washing water constant, it is preferable to control the current so as to flow in proportion to the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 32. Further, it is desirable that the air flow rate control valve 82 and the air valve 84 be controlled in conjunction with the silver ion concentration and the amount of washing water to control the air mixing rate and the presence or absence of air mixing.

Next, the silver ion concentration and the current required for exhibiting the effects of the present invention will be described. The concentration of silver ions contained in toilet flush water is preferably at least 50 μg / liter, which is generally said to exert a bactericidal effect. According to the results of experiments conducted by the present applicant, To kill bacteria suspended in water, silver ions of 50 μg / liter or more are necessary.
In order to prevent bacteria from adhering to and propagating on the wall surface (in this embodiment, the bowl surface of the toilet bowl, the wall surface of the trap portion, and the wall surface of the wastewater drainage pipe), a sufficiently low concentration (for example, about 5 μg / liter) is sufficiently effective. I found out. This is considered to be due to the fact that silver ions have the property of easily acting on the wall surface, as well as the fact that the presence of silver ions tends to cause darkening.

On the other hand, if the concentration is too high, darkening occurs in a stagnant portion such as a trap portion. Therefore, an excessively high concentration should be avoided.

The flow rate of the toilet flush water of the urinal is generally about 15 liters / minute (= 0.25 liters / second). At this time, a current is applied between the electrodes 6a and 6b in the electrolytic cell 21 as a current. When a current of 0.003 A is applied, the electrode reaction efficiency (the ratio of the amount of electricity used to generate silver ions to the amount of electricity flowing between the electrodes 6 a and 6 b) is assumed to be 100%, and the Faraday constant is set to 96500. , A pair of electrodes 6a, 6
silver ions (atomic weight 1)
07.9) The concentration is about 13.4 μg / liter as shown in the following equation. (0.003 × 107.9 / 96500 / 0.25) =
0.13 × 10 ⁻⁴ g / liter = 13.4 μg / liter The electrode reaction efficiency depends on the design of the electrolytic cell 25 (electrode area, interelectrode distance, cross-sectional area of interelectrode flow path, voltage, current, etc.) and toilet flush water. Varies depending on the water quality (electric conductivity, chloride ion concentration, pH, etc.) of the tap water. Therefore, the silver ion concentration produced is expected to be 6.7 to 13.4 μg / liter, which is within the preferred silver ion concentration range.

Further, since the sterilizing apparatus of the present invention can adjust the electrolytic current value, the opening time of the water supply valve, and the flow control valve, the concentration of silver ions contained in the washing water and the amount of washing water containing silver ions can be adjusted as described above. It can be changed from the values (6.7 to 13.4 μg / liter, 15 liter / minute, 3 liter / time).

As a result, the silver ion concentration does not increase in the vicinity of the electrode surface, and the production of metallic silver or silver chloride as a darkening component is suppressed. Therefore, since the flush water containing silver ions can be supplied to the flush toilet, the urinal 1 is provided with a function of preventing adhesion of slime, slime, and odor, and a narrow passage of sewage due to the adhesion of urine stones. It can also prevent damage to the aesthetic appearance and odor.

In the first to third embodiments, the electrolytic cell 25 is arranged in series in the middle of the water supply pipe to the toilet 1, but as another form, the electrolytic cell 25 is arranged in parallel with the original water supply path of the washing water. You can also.

The water supply valve 24 is additionally used in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a fourth embodiment in which a water supply pipe is connected from the electrolytic tank to the urinal 1. Two water supply valves 24 are added to FIG. 9, and a water supply pipe is connected from the electrolytic tank to the toilet trap section 96. And FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the fifth embodiment in which a water supply valve is added to FIG. 10 and two water supply valves are used, and a water supply pipe is connected from the electrolytic cell to a wastewater drainage pipe 85. showed that.

The additional water supply valve 24 is connected to a water supply pipe branched from the upstream of the water supply valve 24 of the conventional toilet flushing system 3. 8, 9, and 10 show the configuration in which the electrolytic cells 24 of the first embodiment are arranged in parallel. However, in the second and third embodiments in which air is mixed, the electrolytic cells 24 are added in parallel by adding a water supply valve 24. It is good also as a mode of arrangement.

By arranging the electrolytic cells 24 in parallel,
The flow path of the washing water can be switched directly to the urinal 1 or the flow path to the urinal 1 via the electrolytic cell. Further, by opening the two water supply valves 24 and controlling the flow control valve 35, in the embodiments of FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the mixing ratio of the washing water containing silver ions and the washing water not containing them is changed. Can be done easily. Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, flush water not containing silver ions is supplied to the bowl surface of the urinal 1, and flush water containing silver ions can be supplied only to the trap section 96 and the sewage drainage pipe 85. Further, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the washing water containing silver ions can be supplied only to the wastewater drainage pipe 85.

As a result, by arranging the electrolytic cell 25 in parallel with the original washing water supply path, the washing water containing silver ions and the washing water not containing the silver ions are mixed to easily change the silver ion concentration. Water can be supplied to the urinal 1. Further, by providing the connection portion from the electrolytic tank 25 with the trap portion 96 and the sewage drainage pipe 85, it is possible to supply cleaning water containing silver ions to a specific portion (the trap portion 96 and the sewage drainage pipe 85).

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a first embodiment of a toilet sterilization apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of an electrolytic cell using a porous metal electrode used in Examples of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of an electrolytic cell using a flat metal electrode having no porous body shape.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of an electrolytic cell using a porous metal electrode used in Examples of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a second embodiment of the toilet sterilization apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a relationship between an air mixing ratio and a flow rate of cleaning water in an electrolytic cell.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a third embodiment of a toilet bowl sterilizer according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a fourth embodiment of a toilet bowl sterilizing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a fifth embodiment of a toilet sterilizer according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a sixth embodiment of the toilet sterilizer according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: urinal 3: automatic toilet flushing system 6a, 6b: porous electrode 7a, 7b: flush water channel 8: flush water channel 9a, 9b: flat plate electrode 23: toilet water supply pipe 24: water supply valve 25: electrolysis Tank 27: Control device 32: Flow sensor 33: Power supply unit 35: Flow control valve 80: Air pump 82: Air flow control valve 84: Air valve 85: Sewage drainage pipe 86: Ejector 96: Trap

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) C02F 1/50 510 C02F 1/50 510A 520 520Q 531 531E 540 540B 550 550C 560 560F E03D 13/00 E03D 13 / 00 (72) Inventor Kenji Sakamoto 2-1-1 Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka F-term (reference) 2D038 BA00 2D039 AA04 DB08 4C058 AA07 BB02 BB06 BB07 CC02 JJ05 KK50 4D061 DA10 DB01 EA03 EB02 EB05 EB14 EB17 EB18 EB19 EB30 EB37 EB39 ED06 GA02 GA12 GC02 GC12 GC16 GC20

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A sterilization apparatus provided in a toilet flush water supply passage to a flush toilet, wherein a sterile supply unit for supplying a sterilizing component to the toilet flush water is at least one pair, at least one of which is a metal electrode that elutes silver ions. And a means for promoting mixing of the water flow on the surface of the metal electrode. 2. The toilet bowl sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the water flow on the surface of the metal electrode is promoted by mixing the metal electrode into a porous body. 3. The apparatus for sterilizing toilet flush water according to claim 2, wherein the metal electrode is disposed substantially perpendicularly to a flowing direction of the flush water. 4. The water flow on the surface of the metal electrode is promoted by air bubbles mixed by air mixing means provided in a flow path from a water supply pipe to a sterilization supply section. 4. The toilet bowl sterilizer according to 3. 5. The toilet bowl sterilizing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flush toilet is a urinal.