JP7745127B2 - Electrolyzed water spray device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an electrolyzed water spraying device.

Electrolyzed water sprayers are known that use electrolysis to generate and release electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid in order to remove (including deactivate) bacteria, fungi, viruses, odors, etc. from the air (see, for example, Patent Document 1). To generate hypochlorous acid, it is necessary to add an electrolysis promoter such as salt and generate water containing chloride ions.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-24811

In conventional electrolyzed water spraying devices, electrolyzed water is generated in a water storage unit, and the generated electrolyzed water is continuously brought into contact with air drawn in from the outside. The air that has come into contact with the water storage unit is then directly released to the outside. In conventional electrolyzed water spraying devices, if the electrolyzed water stored in the water storage unit becomes contaminated due to contact between the electrolyzed water and the air drawn in from the outside, there is a risk that the electrodes will deteriorate.

This disclosure has been made to solve the above problems and aims to provide technology that suppresses electrode deterioration.

In order to solve the above problems, an electrolyzed water spraying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a water source for supplying water, an electrolytic cell for generating electrolyzed water from water containing an electrolysis accelerator, a first supply unit for supplying water from the water source to the electrolytic cell, an electrode unit for generating electrolyzed water in the electrolytic cell, a humidifying cell for mixing the water from the water source with the electrolyzed water from the electrolytic cell, a second supply unit for supplying water from the water source to the humidifying cell, a third supply unit for supplying electrolyzed water from the electrolytic cell to the humidifying cell, a spray unit for contacting the electrolyzed water in the humidifying cell with air drawn in through an air intake and spraying it from an outlet, and a control unit for controlling the electrode unit, the spray unit, the first supply unit, the second supply unit, and the third supply unit, and the control unit dilutes the electrolyzed water generated in the electrolytic cell by supplying electrolyzed water to the humidifying cell using the third supply unit and water to the humidifying cell using the second supply unit, and supplies water from the second supply unit before supplying electrolyzed water from the third supply unit. Another aspect of the electrolyzed water spraying device of the present disclosure includes a water source unit for supplying water, an electrolytic cell for generating electrolyzed water from water to which an electrolysis promoter or an electrolysis promoter solution has been added, a first supply unit for supplying water from the water source unit to the electrolytic cell, an electrode unit for generating electrolyzed water in the electrolytic cell, a humidifying cell for mixing the water from the water source unit with the electrolyzed water from the electrolytic cell, a second supply unit for supplying water from the water source unit to the humidifying cell, a third supply unit for supplying electrolyzed water from the electrolytic cell to the humidifying cell, a spray unit that brings the electrolyzed water in the humidifying cell into contact with air sucked in through an air intake and sprays it from an outlet, and a control unit that controls the electrode unit, the spray unit, the first supply unit, the second supply unit, and the third supply unit, and the control unit dilutes the electrolyzed water generated in the electrolytic cell by supplying electrolyzed water to the humidifying cell by the third supply unit and supplying water to the humidifying cell by the second supply unit, and supplies water from the second supply unit before and after supplying electrolyzed water from the third supply unit .

In addition, any combination of the above components, and any conversion of the expression of this disclosure into a method, device, system, recording medium, computer program, etc., are also valid aspects of this disclosure.

This disclosure makes it possible to suppress electrode deterioration.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the electrolyzed water spraying device according to the embodiment. 2(a) to 2(c) are diagrams showing an outline of the operation of the electrolytic water spraying device of FIG. 3(a)-(b) are diagrams showing an outline of the operation of the electrolytic water spraying device following on from FIGS. 2(a)-(c). 4(a)-(b) are diagrams showing an outline of the operation of the electrolytic water spraying device following on from FIGS. 3(a)-(b). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of an electrolytic water spraying device according to a second modified example.

Before describing the specific embodiments of the present disclosure, an overview of the embodiments will be provided. This embodiment relates to an electrolyzed water spraying device that generates electrolyzed water from water and an electrolysis promoter and then sprays it. Conventional electrolyzed water spraying devices generate electrolyzed water containing active oxygen species in a water storage unit. Furthermore, conventional electrolyzed water spraying devices continuously bring the generated electrolyzed water into contact with air drawn in from the outside in the water storage unit, and then release the contacted air to the outside by rotating a fan. As a result, the electrolyzed water in the water storage unit is easily contaminated by contact with air. If the electrolyzed water becomes contaminated, there is a risk that the electrodes will deteriorate.

To prevent electrode deterioration, the electrolyzed water spraying device of this embodiment separates the conventional water storage section into two water tanks: an electrolytic cell and a humidifying cell. The electrolytic cell is equipped with electrodes that electrolyze water containing chloride ions to produce electrolyzed water. The electrolyzed water produced in the electrolytic cell is then supplied to the humidifying cell. Furthermore, in the humidifying cell, the electrolyzed water from the electrolytic cell is continuously brought into contact with air drawn in from the outside, and the air that has come into contact with the water is then released to the outside by rotating a fan. With this configuration, the electrolyzed water in the electrolytic cell does not come into contact with air, making it less likely to become dirty and preventing electrode deterioration.

The following describes embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 shows the internal configuration of an electrolyzed water spraying device 1000. The electrolyzed water spraying device 1000 includes a water storage tank 100, a water supply tank 110, a lid 112, a first pump 120, a first water supply pipe 122, a supply port 124, a second pump 130, a second water supply pipe 132, a drought float 160, an electrolytic cell 200, an electrode unit 210, a third pump 220, a third water supply pipe 222, a metering measure 224, a third water supply pipe 226, a full water float 250, a drought float 260, a humidification cell 300, a spray unit 310, a full water float 350, a drought float 360, a drain float 370, an electrolysis promoter input unit 400, an input port 404, an electrolysis promoter 410, and a control unit 500. Here, the first pump 120, first water supply pipe 122, and supply port 124 are included in the first supply unit 128, the second pump 130 and second water supply pipe 132 are included in the second supply unit 138, and the third pump 220, third water supply pipe 222, metering measure 224, and third water supply pipe 226 are included in the third supply unit 228. The following will be explained in the order of (1) basic configuration, (2) initial processing, (3) normal processing, and (4) restart processing.

(1) Basic Configuration The water tank 100 has a box shape with an open top and is structured to store water, and stores water supplied from a water supply tank 110 (described below). The water tank 100 is disposed, for example, in the lower portion of the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000. The water supply tank 110 is a tank that stores water therein and is detachable from the water tank 100. A lid 112 is provided at the opening (not shown) of the water supply tank 110, and an opening/closing portion (not shown) is provided in the center of the lid 112. When the opening/closing portion is opened, water in the water supply tank 110 is supplied to the water tank 100.

Specifically, when the water supply tank 110 is attached to the water storage tank 100 with its opening facing downward, the opening and closing part opens. In other words, when the water supply tank 110 filled with water is attached to the water storage tank 100, the opening and closing part opens, water is supplied to the water storage tank 100, and water accumulates in the water storage tank 100. When the water level in the water storage tank 100 rises and reaches the lid 112, the opening of the water supply tank 110 is sealed with water, and water supply stops. If water remains inside the water supply tank 110, water from inside the water supply tank 110 is supplied to the water storage tank 100 whenever the water level in the water storage tank 100 drops. As a result, the water level in the water storage tank 100 is maintained constant. The water storage tank 100 can also be considered a water source for supplying water.

The first pump 120 is disposed within the water tank 100 and is connected to the first water supply pipe 122. When the first pump 120 operates in response to instructions from the control unit 500, it pumps water stored in the water tank 100 toward the first water supply pipe 122. The first water supply pipe 122 is a pipe that connects the water tank 100 and the electrolytic cell 200, and has a supply port 124 at the end on the electrolytic cell 200 side. The water pumped up by the first pump 120 flows through the first water supply pipe 122 and is supplied to the electrolytic cell 200 from the supply port 124. In other words, the first pump 120, the first water supply pipe 122, and the supply port 124 supply water from the water tank 100 to the electrolytic cell 200.

The second pump 130 is disposed within the water tank 100 and is connected to the second water supply pipe 132. When the second pump 130 operates in response to instructions from the control unit 500, it pumps water stored in the water tank 100 toward the second water supply pipe 132. The second water supply pipe 132 is a pipe connecting the water tank 100 and the humidification tank 300. The water pumped up by the second pump 130 flows through the second water supply pipe 132 and is supplied to the humidification tank 300. In other words, the second pump 130 and the second water supply pipe 132 supply water from the water tank 100 to the humidification tank 300.

The electrolytic bath 200 has a box shape with an open top and is located below the supply port 124. The electrolytic bath 200 stores water supplied from the supply port 124. An electrolysis accelerator feeder 400 is located above the electrolysis bath 200, alongside the supply port 124. The electrolysis accelerator feeder 400 can be loaded with an electrolysis accelerator 410, and rotates a tablet feeder (not shown) when the control unit 500 issues an instruction to feed the electrolysis accelerator 410. As the tablet feeder rotates, the electrolysis accelerator 410 falls into the electrolysis bath 200. The electrolysis accelerator feeder 400 counts the number of electrolysis accelerators 410 dropped into the electrolysis bath 200, and when it determines that one tablet of electrolysis accelerator 410 has fallen into the electrolysis bath 200, it stops the rotation of the tablet feeder. In other words, the electrolysis accelerator feeder 400 feeds the electrolysis accelerator 410 into the electrolysis bath 200. When the electrolysis promoter 410 dissolves in the water in the electrolytic cell 200, water containing chloride ions is produced in the electrolytic cell 200. An example of the electrolysis promoter 410 is sodium chloride, which is formed as an electrolysis promoter tablet. The electrolysis promoter feed unit 400 can also be considered a feed unit for feeding the electrolysis promoter to supply chloride ions to the electrolytic cell 200.

The electrode unit 210 is installed so that it is immersed in the water in the electrolytic bath 200. When current is applied to the electrode unit 210, it electrochemically decomposes the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic bath 200, producing electrolyzed water containing active oxygen species. Here, active oxygen species refers to oxygen molecules and related substances that have higher oxidizing activity than ordinary oxygen. For example, active oxygen species include so-called active oxygen in the narrow sense, such as superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, or hydrogen peroxide, as well as so-called active oxygen in the broad sense, such as ozone and hypochlorous acid (hypohalous acid).

The electrode unit 210 generates electrolyzed water by repeating a cycle consisting of a period during which electricity is applied for electrolysis and a period after the current is stopped, i.e., a non-energized period during which no electricity is applied, multiple times. Providing a non-energized period for the electrode unit 210 extends the life of the electrode unit 210. By lengthening the current-applied time relative to the non-energized period, electrolyzed water containing a greater amount of active oxygen species is generated per cycle. Furthermore, by lengthening the non-energized period relative to the current-applied period, the generation of active oxygen species per cycle is suppressed. Furthermore, by increasing the amount of power used during the current-applied period, electrolyzed water containing a greater amount of active oxygen species is generated. In this way, the electrolytic cell 200 can be considered a tank for generating electrolyzed water from water to which the electrolysis promoter 410 has been added.

The third pump 220 is disposed within the electrolytic cell 200 and is connected to the third water supply pipe 222. When the third pump 220 operates in accordance with instructions from the control unit 500, it pumps electrolyzed water stored in the electrolytic cell 200 toward the third water supply pipe 222. The third water supply pipe 222 is connected to a metering measure 224 and supplies the electrolyzed water from the electrolytic cell 200 to the metering measure 224. The metering measure 224 is a measure with a fixed capacity and stores a fixed volume of electrolyzed water supplied from the third water supply pipe 222. The metering measure 224 is connected to the third water supply pipe 226, which extends toward the humidifying tank 300. The electrolyzed water stored in the metering measure 224 is caused to flow through the third water supply pipe 226 and supplied to the humidifying tank 300. In other words, the third pump 220, third water supply pipe 222, metering measure 224, and third water supply pipe 226 supply electrolyzed water from the electrolytic bath 200 to the humidifying bath 300.

The humidifying tank 300 has a box shape with an open top, and mixes the water supplied from the water storage tank 100 with the electrolyzed water supplied from the electrolytic tank 200. This is equivalent to diluting the electrolyzed water supplied from the electrolytic tank 200 with the water supplied from the water storage tank 100. The humidifying tank 300 is provided with a spray unit 310.

The spraying unit 310 is equipped with a fan (not shown) and a filter. The fan is, for example, a sirocco fan, and rotates under the control of the control unit 500. As the fan rotates, air is drawn into the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000 through an air intake (not shown) provided in the housing (not shown) of the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000.

The filter is a component that brings the electrolyzed water stored in the humidification tank 300 into contact with the indoor air that is drawn into the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000 by the fan. The filter is cylindrical and has holes around its circumference that allow air to flow through. The filter is rotatably mounted in the humidification tank 300 around its central axis so that one end of the filter is immersed in the electrolyzed water stored in the humidification tank 300 and retains the water. The filter is rotated by a drive unit (not shown), allowing continuous contact between the electrolyzed water and the indoor air.

An air path is formed that runs from the air intake to the filter, fan, and air outlet (not shown). When the fan rotates, outside air is sucked in through the air intake and enters the air path, then blown out of the electrolyzed water sprayer 1000 via the filter, fan, and air outlet. This causes the air that has come into contact with the electrolyzed water in the humidification tank 300 to be released to the outside. The electrolyzed water sprayer 1000 releases active oxygen species derived from the generated electrolyzed water (including volatilization) along with the air.

The drought float 160 installed in the water storage tank 100, the full water float 250 and drought float 260 installed in the electrolytic cell 200, and the full water float 350, drought float 360, and drain float 370 installed in the humidification cell 300 detect the presence or absence of water or electrolyzed water. Here, water and electrolyzed water are sometimes collectively referred to as "water." The drought float 160, full water float 250, drought float 260, full water float 350, drought float 360, and drain float 370 are collectively referred to as "floats." Each float has buoyancy and a magnet (not shown), and the position of the magnet is detected by a detection unit (not shown). If water is present up to the float's position, the float will move to a predetermined position due to buoyancy, and the detection unit will detect the magnet installed on the float. On the other hand, if water is not present up to the float's position, the detection unit will no longer be able to detect the magnet installed on the float.

The drought float 160 detects a drought in the water tank 100, the full water float 250 detects a full water level in the electrolytic cell 200, and the drought float 260 detects a drought in the electrolytic cell 200. Here, drought does not have to mean a 100% drought, but may mean that only a small amount of water remains. In this embodiment, the drought float 260 may be referred to as a drought detection unit. Furthermore, the full water float 350 detects a full water level in the humidification tank 300, the drought float 360 detects a drought in the humidification tank 300, and the drain float 370 detects the drain level of the humidification tank 300. Here, full water does not have to mean a 100% full level, but may mean the amount of water that can be added. Each float sends its detection results to the control unit 500.

The control unit 500 receives detection results from the drought float 160, full water float 250, drought float 260, full water float 350, drought float 360, and drain float 370. The control unit 500 also controls the electrode unit 210, spray unit 310, electrolysis promoter injection unit 400, first supply unit 128, second supply unit 138, and third supply unit 228. Details of the processing by the control unit 500 will be described later.

As an example, the concentration of electrolyzed water produced in electrolytic bath 200 is within the range of 30-200 ppm (hereinafter referred to as the "first concentration"), and the concentration of electrolyzed water diluted in humidifying bath 300 is within the range of 3-50 ppm. The concentration of electrolyzed water diluted in humidifying bath 300 is set lower than the concentration of electrolyzed water produced in electrolytic bath 200.

(2) Initial Processing The initial processing is the processing from a state where there is no water in the water storage tank 100, electrolytic cell 200, and humidification tank 300 until the initial stage of electrolyzed water spraying is performed. Below, Figures 2(a)-(c) and 3(a)-(b) are also used to explain the initial processing. Figures 2(a)-(c) show an overview of the operation of the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000. Figure 2(a) shows a state where there is no water in the water storage tank 100, electrolytic cell 200, and humidification tank 300. This corresponds to the case where the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000 is installed after purchase. It also corresponds to the case where the water storage tank 100, electrolytic cell 200, and humidification tank 300 have been cleaned or otherwise maintained.

Figure 2(b) shows the state following Figure 2(a). The user pours water into the water supply tank 110 and attaches the water supply tank 110 to the water storage tank 100. When the water supply tank 110 is attached to the water storage tank 100, the opening and closing portion of the lid 112 opens, allowing water to be supplied from the water supply tank 110 to the water storage tank 100.

Figure 2(c) shows the state following Figure 2(b). The control unit 500 operates the second pump 130 to supply water from the water storage tank 100 to the humidifying tank 300. Water is supplied until the full water float 350 detects that the tank is full. As a result, the humidifying tank 300 stores water and is full.

The control unit 500 operates the first pump 120 to supply water from the water storage tank 100 to the electrolytic cell 200. Assuming that water has been supplied, a supply area 240 is located on part of the water surface of the electrolytic cell 200, and the supply area 240 is located below the supply port 124 and the inlet 404. Here, the control unit 500 synchronizes the timing of the water supply from the first supply unit 128 with the timing of the electrolysis accelerator 410 being dropped from the inlet 404 toward the supply area 240 of the electrolysis cell 200 by the electrolysis accelerator inlet 400. As a result, the electrolysis accelerator 410 is present in the supply area 240 and begins to dissolve in the water.

The control unit 500 operates the first pump 120 to continuously supply water from the water storage tank 100 to the electrolytic cell 200. As water is supplied from the supply port 124 toward the supply region 240, the pressure of the supplied water further promotes dissolution of the electrolysis promoter 410. Water is supplied until the full-water float 250 detects full water. As a result, the electrolytic cell 200 is filled with water containing chloride ions in which some or all of the electrolysis promoter 410 has dissolved. By matching the timing of the introduction of the electrolysis promoter into the supply region 240 with the timing of the supply of water to the supply region 240, dissolution of the electrolysis promoter is promoted. Promotion of dissolution contributes to shortening the time required to generate electrolyzed water. Furthermore, promotion of dissolution places the electrolytic cell 200 in a state that facilitates electrolysis, thereby suppressing deterioration of the electrode life.

Figures 3(a)-(b) show an overview of the operation of the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000, following Figures 2(a)-(c). Figure 3(a) shows the state following Figure 2(c). The control unit 500 electrolyzes water containing chloride ions by passing electricity through the electrode unit 210, to produce electrolyzed water. Here, the electrolysis time is set to a time (e.g., 10 minutes) that is shorter than the time (e.g., 40 minutes) required to produce electrolyzed water of a first concentration. As a result, electrolyzed water of a second concentration, which is lower than the first concentration, is produced.

Figure 3(b) shows the state following Figure 3(a). Once the second concentration electrolyzed water has been produced, the control unit 500 operates the third pump 220 to supply the second concentration electrolyzed water to the humidifying tub 300. Since the metering measure 224 is used, the second concentration electrolyzed water is supplied to the humidifying tub 300 in an amount equal to the capacity of the metering measure 224. The second concentration electrolyzed water is diluted in the humidifying tub 300. The control unit 500 stops the third pump 220 and then operates the spraying unit 310, which releases air that has come into contact with the electrolyzed water in the humidifying tub 300 to the outside. In other words, spraying of the electrolyzed water begins after a time period shorter than 40 minutes.

Here, during the initial processing, the control unit 500 supplies water from the second supply unit 138 before supplying electrolyzed water from the third supply unit 228. This prevents electrolyzed water of the second concentration from being supplied before water is supplied to the humidifying tub 300. High-concentration electrolyzed water can cause deterioration of parts around the humidifying tub 300. In other words, by supplying water before supplying electrolyzed water, the second-concentration electrolyzed water enters the humidifying tub 300 before water is supplied, reducing the possibility of deterioration of parts around the humidifying tub 300 due to the second-concentration electrolyzed water.

Furthermore, the control unit 500 may supply water from the second supply unit 138 before or after supplying electrolyzed water from the third supply unit 228. This allows electrolyzed water of the second concentration to enter the humidifying tub 300 before water is supplied, reducing the possibility of deterioration of components around the humidifying tub 300 due to electrolyzed water of the second concentration. Furthermore, by supplying water from the second supply unit 138 before or after supplying electrolyzed water from the third supply unit 228, the electrolyzed water and water can be mixed, reducing unevenness in the concentration of diluted electrolyzed water in the humidifying tub 300.

Furthermore, the control unit 500 may fill the humidifying tub 300 with a mixture of water and electrolyzed water by repeating a supply process multiple times, in which the second supply unit 138 supplies a predetermined amount of water and the third supply unit 228 supplies a predetermined amount of electrolyzed water. This allows electrolyzed water of the second concentration to enter the humidifying tub 300 before water is supplied, reducing the possibility of deterioration of components around the humidifying tub 300 due to the electrolyzed water of the second concentration. Furthermore, by repeating a supply process multiple times, in which the second supply unit 138 supplies a predetermined amount of water and the third supply unit 228 supplies a predetermined amount of electrolyzed water, the electrolyzed water and water may mix, further reducing unevenness in the concentration of the diluted electrolyzed water in the humidifying tub 300.

(3) Normal Processing Normal processing is a process for spraying electrolyzed water of a desired concentration. Figures 4(a)-(b) show an overview of the operation of the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000, following Figures 3(a)-(b). Figure 4(a) shows the state following Figure 3(b). Because a portion of the electrolyzed water of the second concentration in the electrolytic bath 200 has been supplied to the humidifying bath 300, the electrolytic bath 200 is not full of electrolyzed water of the second concentration. The control unit 500 operates the first pump 120 to supply water from the water storage tank 100 to the electrolytic bath 200. At this time, water is supplied from the supply port 124 toward the supply region 240, and the pressure of the supplied water further dissolves any remaining electrolysis accelerator 410. Water is supplied until the full-water float 250 detects full water. As a result, the electrolytic bath 200 becomes full. After the supply of water to the electrolytic bath 200 is completed, the control unit 500 generates electrolyzed water by electrolysis by energizing the electrode unit 210. The electrolysis time is set to the time required to generate electrolyzed water of the first concentration (e.g., 40 minutes). As a result, electrolyzed water of the first concentration is generated.

Figure 4(b) shows the state following Figure 4(a). When the first concentration electrolyzed water is produced, the control unit 500 operates the third pump 220 to supply the first concentration electrolyzed water to the humidifying tank 300. Since the metering measure 224 is used, the first concentration electrolyzed water is supplied to the humidifying tank 300 in an amount equal to the capacity of the metering measure 224. The first concentration electrolyzed water is diluted in the humidifying tank 300. The control unit 500 stops the third pump 220 and then operates the spraying unit 310 to spray the electrolyzed water in the humidifying tank 300 outside the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000.

As electrolyzed water is sprayed, the amount of electrolyzed water in the humidifying tank 300 decreases. When the drought float 360 detects a drought, the control unit 500 operates the third pump 220 to supply electrolyzed water of the first concentration to the humidifying tank 300 up to the capacity of the metering measure 224, and operates the second pump 130 to supply water from the water storage tank 100 until the humidifying tank 300 is full. This allows the spraying of electrolyzed water to continue. This process is repeated until the drought float 260 detects a drought.

Here, if the drought float 360 detects a drought during normal operation, it is desirable for the control unit 500 to supply water from the second supply unit 138 before supplying electrolyzed water from the third supply unit 228. This prevents electrolyzed water of the first concentration from being supplied to the humidifying tub 300 before water is supplied. In other words, by supplying water before supplying electrolyzed water, the possibility of electrolyzed water of the first concentration entering the humidifying tub 300 before water is supplied can be reduced, reducing the possibility of deterioration of parts around the humidifying tub 300 due to the electrolyzed water of the first concentration.

Furthermore, the control unit 500 may supply water from the second supply unit 138 before or after supplying electrolyzed water from the third supply unit 228. This allows electrolyzed water of the first concentration to enter the humidifying tub 300 before water is supplied, reducing the possibility of deterioration of components around the humidifying tub 300 due to electrolyzed water of the first concentration. Furthermore, by supplying water from the second supply unit 138 before or after supplying electrolyzed water from the third supply unit 228, the electrolyzed water and water can be mixed, reducing unevenness in the concentration of diluted electrolyzed water in the humidifying tub 300.

The control unit 500 may also fill the humidifying tub 300 with a mixture of water and electrolyzed water by repeating a supply process multiple times, in which the second supply unit 138 supplies a predetermined amount of water and the third supply unit 228 supplies a predetermined amount of electrolyzed water. This reduces the possibility of electrolyzed water of a first concentration entering the humidifying tub 300 before water is supplied, thereby reducing the possibility of deterioration of components around the humidifying tub 300 due to the electrolyzed water of the first concentration. Furthermore, by repeating a supply process multiple times, in which the second supply unit 138 supplies a predetermined amount of water and the third supply unit 228 supplies a predetermined amount of electrolyzed water, the electrolyzed water and water may mix, further reducing unevenness in the concentration of the diluted electrolyzed water in the humidifying tub 300.

(4) Restart Process The restart process is a process for re-executing normal operation when the drought float 260 detects a drought, i.e., when the electrolytic water in the electrolytic bath 200 runs out. After electrolytic water of a first concentration is supplied to the humidification bath 300, if the drought float 260 detects a drought, the control unit 500 starts supplying water to the electrolytic bath 200 via the first supply unit 128. In other words, the control unit 500 does not supply water to the electrolytic bath 200 until the electrolytic bath 200 runs out of water. This is because not supplying water maintains the concentration of electrolytic water in the electrolytic bath 200 at the first concentration. Furthermore, by making it difficult for old electrolytic water to remain in the electrolytic bath 200, impurities such as inorganic salt compounds are less likely to remain in the electrolytic bath 200. This reduces the frequency of maintenance of the electrolytic bath 200.

Here, the control unit 500 operates the first pump 120 to supply water from the water tank 100 to the electrolytic bath 200, as in the initial processing. The control unit 500 synchronizes the timing of the water supply from the first supply unit 128 with the timing of the electrolysis accelerator 410 being dropped from the inlet 404 by the electrolysis accelerator feed unit 400 toward the supply area 240 of the electrolytic bath 200. The control unit 500 operates the first pump 120 to continuously supply water from the water tank 100 to the electrolytic bath 200. Water is supplied until the full water float 250 detects full water. The control unit 500 also energizes the electrode unit 210 to generate electrolyzed water of a second concentration, and then supplies the electrolyzed water of the second concentration from the electrolytic bath 200 to the humidifying bath 300. In other words, a part of the initial processing is performed. This is followed by normal processing.

When performing the restart process, unlike when performing the initial process, electrolyzed water is present in the humidifying tank 300. Therefore, the process of generating electrolyzed water of the second concentration and supplying it from the electrolyzed tank 200 to the humidifying tank 300 may be omitted. This is explained in detail below.

The control unit 500 operates the first pump 120 to supply water from the water tank 100 to the electrolytic bath 200. The control unit 500 synchronizes the timing of water supply from the first supply unit 128 with the timing of the electrolysis accelerator 410 being dropped from the inlet 404 by the electrolysis accelerator feed unit 400 toward the supply area 240 of the electrolytic bath 200. The control unit 500 waits for a certain period of time without supplying water from the water tank 100 until the electrolytic bath 200 is full. The waiting period may be 10 minutes, that is, shorter or longer than the time for electrolysis in the initial process. The control unit 500 then continues to supply water until the electrolytic bath 200 is full. This is followed by normal processing. In other words, electrolysis does not produce electrolyzed water of the second concentration, but rather electrolyzed water of the first concentration.

The subject of the device, system, or method disclosed herein comprises a computer. When this computer executes a program, the functions of the subject of the device, system, or method disclosed herein are realized. The computer's main hardware configuration is a processor that operates according to the program. The processor may be of any type, as long as it can realize the functions by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integration (LSIs). Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip, or may be provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device, or may be provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium, such as a computer-readable ROM. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium, or may be provided to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

In this embodiment, the water storage tank 100, electrolytic tank 200, and humidifying tank 300 are separated, thereby suppressing gas-liquid contact with the water in the electrolytic tank 200 used by the electrode unit 210. Furthermore, suppressing gas-liquid contact with the water in the electrolytic tank 200 makes it less likely for the water to become contaminated. Furthermore, because the water in the electrolytic tank 200 is less likely to become contaminated, deterioration of the electrodes can be suppressed. Furthermore, because electrolyzed water of the second concentration is supplied to the humidifying tank 300 and sprayed, the time required to spray electrolyzed water can be shortened. Furthermore, because electrolyzed water of the first concentration is produced following electrolyzed water of the second concentration, electrolyzed water of the desired concentration can be sprayed. Furthermore, because the electrolysis promoter 410 is introduced toward the supply region 240 and water is supplied toward the supply region 240, the pressure of the water can promote dissolution of the electrolysis promoter 410.

In addition, when a drought is detected, the first supply unit 128 supplies water to the electrolytic cell 200, eliminating the need to supply water until a drought is detected. Since no water supply is required until a drought is detected, the concentration of electrolyzed water in the electrolytic cell 200 can be maintained. Since no water supply is required until a drought is detected, impurities remaining in the electrolytic cell 200 can be flushed out. Since part of the initial processing is performed as the restart processing, operation can be simplified. Since electrolyzed water of the second concentration is not generated as the restart processing, electrolyzed water of the first concentration can be efficiently generated.

In addition, since water is supplied to the humidifying tub 300 before the highly concentrated electrolyzed water enters the humidifying tub 300, the possibility of deterioration of parts around the humidifying tub 300 due to the highly concentrated electrolyzed water is reduced.

In addition, because water is supplied to the humidifying tub 300 before and after the highly concentrated electrolyzed water enters the humidifying tub 300, the possibility of deterioration of parts around the humidifying tub 300 due to the highly concentrated electrolyzed water is reduced. Furthermore, because the electrolyzed water and water mix more easily, unevenness in the concentration of the diluted electrolyzed water in the humidifying tub 300 can be reduced.

Furthermore, by repeating the process of supplying a predetermined amount of water to the humidifying tub 300 and then supplying a predetermined amount of highly concentrated electrolyzed water multiple times, the humidifying tub 300 is filled with a mixture of water and electrolyzed water, thereby reducing the possibility of deterioration of parts around the humidifying tub 300 due to the highly concentrated electrolyzed water. Furthermore, since the electrolyzed water and water mix more easily, unevenness in the concentration of the diluted electrolyzed water in the humidifying tub 300 can be further reduced.

The present disclosure has been described above based on examples. These examples are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

(Variation 1)
In this embodiment, drought float 260 detects drought based on the position of the magnet on the float. However, this is not limiting, and drought may be detected based on the number of times electrolyzed water is supplied from metering measure 224. For example, if electrolytic cell 200 has a capacity of 1000 ml and metering measure 224 has a capacity of 250 ml, drought is detected when electrolyzed water has been supplied from metering measure 224 four times. This modification increases the degree of freedom in the configuration.

(Variation 2)
In the embodiment, a water tank 100 is described as a water source unit. A first pump 120, a first water supply pipe 122, and a supply port 124 are described as a first supply unit. A second pump 130 and a second water supply pipe 132 are described as a second supply unit. A third pump 220, a third water supply pipe 222, a metering measure 224, and a third water supply pipe 226 are described as a third supply unit. A fan and a filter are described as a spray unit. An electrolysis accelerator input unit 400 is described as an input unit, and it is described that an electrolysis accelerator 410 is input by the input unit.

In Variant 2, the configurations of the water source unit, first supply unit, second supply unit, third supply unit, spray unit, and input unit are different. The differences from the embodiment will be mainly explained below with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 shows the internal configuration of the electrolyzed water spraying device 2000. The electrolyzed water spraying device 2000 includes a first water supply pipe 601, a first solenoid valve 602, a second water supply pipe 603, a second solenoid valve 604, an electrolysis promoting solution transfer pump 605, a third water supply pipe 606, a salt water tank 607, an electrode unit 608, an electrolyzed water transfer pump 609, a fourth water supply pipe 610, an electrolytic bath 611, a humidifying bath 612, and a centrifugal crushing unit 613.

The water source unit is tap water supplied from an external water pipe. The first supply unit is composed of a first water supply pipe 601 and a first solenoid valve 602. The first supply unit supplies tap water to the electrolytic cell 611 in response to an output signal from the control unit. The first solenoid valve 602 controls whether or not tap water flows from the water source unit to the first water supply pipe 601 in response to an output signal from the control unit. The first water supply pipe 601 is connected between the first solenoid valve 602 and the electrolytic cell 611, and is a pipe for supplying tap water toward the electrolytic cell 611.

The second supply unit is composed of a second water supply pipe 603 and a second solenoid valve 604. The second supply unit supplies tap water to the humidifying tank 612 in response to an output signal from the control unit. The second solenoid valve 604 controls whether or not tap water flows from the water source unit to the second water supply pipe 603 in response to an output signal from the control unit. The second water supply pipe 603 is connected between the second solenoid valve 604 and the humidifying tank 612, and is a pipe for supplying tap water toward the humidifying tank 612.

The input section is composed of an electrolysis accelerating solution transfer pump 605 and a third water supply pipe 606. The electrolysis accelerating solution transfer pump 605 inputs the electrolysis accelerating solution from the third water supply pipe 606 into the electrolytic cell 611. An example of an electrolysis accelerating solution is salt water (aqueous sodium chloride solution), and salt water is stored in the salt water tank 607. The salt water tank 607 stores salt water.

The input unit receives an input signal from the control unit and inputs saline solution into the electrolytic cell 611 using the electrolysis promoting solution transport pump 605. At the same time, the control unit sends a supply signal to supply tap water, which is the water source, to the electrolytic cell 611 using the first supply unit, and the tap water and saline solution are mixed in the electrolytic cell 611. The mixed salt water is then electrolyzed by the electrode unit 608 in the electrolytic cell 611, producing electrolyzed water of a first or second concentration.

Here, the control unit synchronizes the timing of the introduction of saline solution from the introduction unit (electrolysis promoting solution conveying pump 605) with the timing of the supply of tap water from the first supply unit. By synchronizing the timing of the introduction of the electrolysis promoting solution and the supply of tap water, saline solution can be added while tap water is being added, promoting the dissolution of the saline solution. This promotes dissolution, which in turn contributes to shortening the time required to generate electrolyzed water. Furthermore, because the dissolution is promoted, the electrolytic cell 611 is in a state that is more conducive to electrolysis, thereby suppressing deterioration in the electrode life.

The third supply unit is composed of an electrolyzed water transfer pump 609 and a fourth water supply pipe 610. The electrolyzed water transfer pump 609 sends electrolyzed water from the electrolytic cell 611 to the fourth water supply pipe 610 in response to an output signal from the control unit. The fourth water supply pipe 610 is connected between the electrolyzed water transfer pump 609 and the humidifying tank 612 and is a pipe for sending electrolyzed water toward the humidifying tank 612. Even with this configuration, the humidifying tank 612 can mix electrolyzed water and water. The mixed water obtained by mixing electrolyzed water and water in the humidifying tank 612 is diluted electrolyzed water.

The control unit supplies tap water from the second supply unit before supplying electrolyzed water from the third supply unit. The control unit may also supply tap water from the second supply unit before and after supplying electrolyzed water from the third supply unit. The control unit may also fill the humidifying tank 612 with a mixture of tap water and electrolyzed water by repeating a supply process multiple times, which involves supplying a predetermined amount of tap water from the second supply unit and then supplying a predetermined amount of electrolyzed water from the third supply unit. This reduces the possibility of deterioration of components around the humidifying tank 612. It also reduces unevenness in the concentration of diluted electrolyzed water in the humidifying tank 612 caused by mixing of electrolyzed water and tap water.

The spraying section is equipped with a centrifugal crushing unit 613. The spraying section adds atomized mixed water to the air taken into the electrolyzed water spraying device 2000. Specifically, the centrifugal crushing unit 613 atomizes the mixed water stored in the humidifying tank 612 using centrifugal crushing, and the atomized mixed water is released into the air taken inside by a fan or the like (not shown). The atomized mixed water, with its liquid components evaporated, is released to the outside by a fan or the like along with the air. The spraying section is a centrifugal crushing type configuration that uses a motor (not shown) to rotate the centrifugal crushing unit 613, sucking up the mixed water stored in the humidifying tank 612 using centrifugal force, scattering, colliding, and crushing the water in the surrounding area (centrifugally), and adding moisture to the passing air. Since the explanation has focused on the differences from the embodiment, an explanation of each float will be omitted. This variant allows for greater flexibility in configuration.

An overview of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows. An electrolyzed water spraying device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a water source unit for supplying water, an electrolytic cell for generating electrolyzed water from water containing an electrolysis promoter or an electrolysis promoter solution, a first supply unit for supplying water to the electrolytic cell, an electrode unit for generating electrolyzed water in the electrolytic cell, a humidifying cell for mixing water from the water source unit with the electrolyzed water from the electrolytic cell, a second supply unit for supplying water from the water source unit to the humidifying cell, a third supply unit for supplying electrolyzed water from the electrolytic cell to the humidifying cell, a spray unit for contacting the electrolyzed water in the humidifying cell with air drawn in through an air intake and spraying it from an outlet, and a control unit for controlling the electrode unit, the spray unit, the first supply unit, the second supply unit, and the third supply unit. The control unit dilutes the electrolyzed water generated in the electrolytic cell by controlling the third supply unit to supply electrolyzed water to the humidifying cell and the second supply unit to supply water to the humidifying cell.

The control unit may supply water from the second supply unit before supplying electrolyzed water from the third supply unit.

The control unit may supply water from the second supply unit before or after supplying electrolyzed water from the third supply unit.

The control unit may fill the humidification tank with a mixture of water and electrolyzed water by repeating a supply process multiple times, which involves supplying a predetermined amount of water from the second supply unit and then supplying a predetermined amount of electrolyzed water from the third supply unit.

The electrolytic cell may be provided with an input unit that inputs an electrolysis promoter or electrolysis promoter solution to supply chloride ions to the electrolytic cell, and the control unit may synchronize the timing of the input of the electrolysis promoter or electrolysis promoter solution by the input unit with the timing of the supply of water from the first supply unit.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Water storage tank 110 Water supply tank 112 Lid 120 First pump 122 First water supply pipe 124 Supply port 128 First supply unit 130 Second pump 132 Second water supply pipe 138 Second supply unit 160 Drought float 200 Electrolytic cell 210 Electrode unit 220 Third pump 222 Third water supply pipe 224 Metering measure 226 Third water supply pipe 228 Third supply unit 240 Supply area 250 Full water float 260 Drought float 300 Humidification tank 310 Spray unit 350 Full water float 360 Drought float 370 Drain float 400 Electrolysis accelerator supply unit 404 Supply port 410 Electrolysis accelerator 500 Control unit 601 First water pipe 602 First solenoid valve 603 Second water pipe 604 Second solenoid valve 605 Electrolysis accelerating solution transfer pump 606 Third water pipe 607 Brine tank 608 Electrode unit 609 Electrolytic water transfer pump 610 Fourth water pipe 611 Electrolytic cell 612 Humidification tank 613 Centrifugal crushing unit 1000 Electrolytic water spray device 2000 Electrolytic water spray device

Claims (2)

a water source for supplying water;
an electrolytic cell for generating electrolyzed water from water to which an electrolysis promoter or an electrolysis promoter solution has been added;
a first supply unit that supplies water from the water source unit to the electrolytic cell;
an electrode unit that generates the electrolyzed water in the electrolytic cell;
a humidifying tank for mixing the water from the water source unit and the electrolyzed water from the electrolytic tank;
a second supply unit that supplies water from the water source unit to the humidifying tank;
a third supply unit that supplies the electrolyzed water from the electrolytic tank to the humidifying tank;
a spraying unit that brings the electrolytic water in the humidifying tank into contact with air drawn in through an air intake port and sprays the water from an air outlet;
a control unit that controls the electrode unit, the spray unit, the first supply unit, the second supply unit, and the third supply unit,
The control unit
The electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic tank is diluted by supplying the electrolytic water to the humidifying tank by the third supply unit and supplying water to the humidifying tank by the second supply unit,
An electrolytic water spraying device that supplies water from the second supply unit before supplying the electrolytic water from the third supply unit. a water source for supplying water;
an electrolytic cell for generating electrolyzed water from water to which an electrolysis promoter or an electrolysis promoter solution has been added;
a first supply unit that supplies water from the water source unit to the electrolytic cell;
an electrode unit that generates the electrolyzed water in the electrolytic cell;
a humidifying tank for mixing the water from the water source unit and the electrolyzed water from the electrolytic tank;
a second supply unit that supplies water from the water source unit to the humidifying tank;
a third supply unit that supplies the electrolyzed water from the electrolytic tank to the humidifying tank;
a spraying unit that brings the electrolytic water in the humidifying tank into contact with air drawn in through an air intake port and sprays the water from an air outlet;
a control unit that controls the electrode unit, the spray unit, the first supply unit, the second supply unit, and the third supply unit,
The control unit
The electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic tank is diluted by supplying the electrolytic water to the humidifying tank by the third supply unit and supplying water to the humidifying tank by the second supply unit,
An electrolytic water spraying device that supplies water from the second supply unit before and after supplying the electrolytic water from the third supply unit.