Ozone water distribution device

Abstract

This invention provides an ozone water dispersing device in which the anode and cathode are less susceptible to damage when an electrolysis unit with an anode and a cathode is used to generate ozone water. The ozone sprayer (1) comprises: a rain outlet (40) that discharges ozone water containing ozone in a rain-like manner and a mist outlet (50) that discharges ozone water in a mist-like manner; a water storage container (21); an electrolysis unit (23) having a flow path with an anode and a cathode and electrolyzing water flowing through the flow path to generate ozone water; a pump (22) that draws water from the container (21) and delivers it to the rain outlet (40) and the mist outlet (50) through a flow path (131); and a control unit that controls the electrolysis unit (23) and the pump (22). The control unit energizes the anode and cathode after a second time elapsed since the pump (22) begins operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an ozone water dispersing device that disperses ozone water in the form of rain or mist. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an ozone sprayer that generates ozone by electrolyzing water stored in a container and spraying out ozone water containing the generated ozone.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an ozone sprayer comprising: a container holding raw water; a head assembled into the container; a first tube and a second tube connecting the head to the container; and an electrolytic cell assembled into the second tube. The head includes a nozzle, a trigger, and a piston-cylinder mechanism. The electrolytic cell, having an anode and a cathode, is located at the bottom of the container and submerged when the raw water is stored within it. When the trigger is activated, a voltage is applied between the anode and cathode of the electrolytic cell, electrolyzing the raw water to generate ozone water. The generated ozone water is then fed to the nozzle via the piston-cylinder mechanism and sprayed out from the nozzle.

[0004] In the ozone sprayer described above, if the water in the container does not decrease to the required level, the electrolytic cell remains submerged. Therefore, it is unlikely that electricity will be applied between the anode and cathode when there is no water inside the electrolytic cell.

[0005] On the other hand, depending on the structure of the ozone sprayer, the electrolytic cell may be positioned in a location that is difficult to submerge in water stored in the container. With such a structure, if current is applied between the anode and cathode in the absence of water inside the electrolytic cell, there is a risk of damage to both the anode and cathode.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6249200 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] The present invention was made in view of this problem, and its object is to provide an ozone water dispersing device in which the anode and cathode are not easily damaged when an electrolysis unit with an anode and a cathode is used to generate ozone water.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] The main embodiment of the present invention provides an ozone water dispersing device comprising: a discharge section for discharging ozone water containing ozone in the form of rain or mist; a water storage section for storing water; an electrolysis section having a flow path with an anode and a cathode, for electrolyzing water flowing through the flow path to generate ozone water; a water delivery device for delivering water drawn from the water storage section to the discharge section via the flow path; and a control section for controlling the electrolysis section and the water delivery device. The control section energizes the anode and the cathode after a predetermined time has elapsed since the water delivery device was started.

[0013] According to the above structure, water drawn from the water storage section can be introduced into the flow path before energizing the anode and cathode. Therefore, it is less likely that energizing the anode and cathode will occur when there is no water in the flow path, thus reducing the risk of damage to these electrodes. Alternatively, the ozone water distribution device of this solution may also include a detection unit for detecting the presence of water in the flow path. In this case, the control unit performs a prescribed abnormality handling based on the absence of water in the flow path after a predetermined time.

[0014] For example, the detection unit can detect the current when energized to the anode and the cathode. In this case, if the current value detected by the detection unit is less than a threshold, the control unit determines that there is no water in the flow path.

[0015] Based on the above structure, the ozone water distribution device can prevent such abnormal conditions from being ignored when water is not being supplied to the electrolysis section normally.

[0016] In the case of the above-described structure, a notification unit may also be included. In this case, as part of the exception handling, the control unit causes the notification unit to issue a notification.

[0017] When such a structure is adopted, users can detect situations where water is not being supplied to the electrolysis section normally, and can take appropriate measures such as replenishing water when the water storage section is empty.

[0018] With the above-described structure, an operating unit that is activated during ozone dispersal may also be included. In this case, as an abnormality handling measure, even if the operating unit is activated, the control unit will not operate the water delivery device or energize the anode and cathode.

[0019] When such a structure is adopted, the water delivery device can be prevented from working futilely, and the anode and cathode are less likely to be damaged.

[0020] Invention Effects

[0021] According to the present invention, an ozone water dispersing device is provided in which the anode and cathode are not easily damaged when an electrolysis unit with an anode and a cathode is used to generate ozone water.

[0022] The effects and significance of this invention will become clearer through the following description of the embodiments. However, the following embodiments are merely illustrative examples of carrying out this invention, and the invention is not limited in any way by the contents described in the following embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an ozone sprayer according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a side view of the ozone sprayer inside the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a front view of the pump in the implementation method.

[0026] Figure 4 (a) is a perspective view of the electrolysis section of the embodiment. Figure 4 (b) is along Figure 4 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic section taken along line A-A′.

[0027] Figure 5 (a) is a front view of the ozone electrode unit fixed to the sealing body according to the embodiment. Figure 5 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the anode covered by the ion exchange membrane in the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 (a) and (b) are the front view and side sectional view of the rain discharge section of the embodiment, respectively.

[0029] Figure 7 (a) and (b) are the front view and side sectional view of the mist emission section of the embodiment, respectively.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of an ozone sprayer according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process of the ozone sprayer implemented by the control unit in an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the ozone rain emission treatment method of the implementation method.

[0033] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the ozone mist emission treatment method of the implementation method.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0035] 13: Mode display unit (information unit); 40: Rain discharge unit (discharge unit); 50: Fog discharge unit (discharge unit); 21: Container (water storage unit); 22: Pump (water delivery device); 23: Electrolysis unit; 60: Operation unit; 81: Control unit; 89: Current detection unit (detection unit); 111: Anode; 112: Cathode; 131: Flow path. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, an ozone sprayer, which is an embodiment of the ozone water dispersing device of the present invention, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of ozone sprayer 1. Figure 2 This is a side view of the ozone sprayer 1 inside.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The ozone sprayer 1 includes, within the housing 10, a generating section 20, a water guiding section 30, a rain discharging section 40, a mist discharging section 50, an operating section 60, and a power supply section 70. The rain discharging section 40 and the mist discharging section 50 correspond to the discharging sections of this invention.

[0039] The housing 10 is composed of a torso 10a, a neck 10b, and a head 10c. The torso 10a has a generally bottomed cylindrical shape that tapers inward towards the neck 10b at its upper part. An elongated display window 11 is formed in the torso 10a. Furthermore, a mode switching button 12 and a mode display unit 13 are provided in the torso 10a. Whenever the mode switching button 12 is pressed, the operating mode switches between an ozone rain mode, in which ozone water is released in a rain-like manner from the rain outlet 40, and an ozone fog mode, in which ozone-containing fog is released from the fog outlet 50. The mode display unit 13 includes LEDs that can illuminate in multiple colors, illuminating in colors corresponding to the operating mode. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the mode display unit 13 also functions as a notification unit for anomaly notification. The mode display unit 13 corresponds to the notification unit of the present invention.

[0040] The neck 10b is generally cylindrical and extends vertically. An operation button 61 protrudes forward from the front side of the neck 10b. The head 10c has a defined shape and extends longitudinally. On the front surface of the head 10c, a circular outlet 14 corresponding to the rain outlet 40 is formed on the lower side, and a circular outlet 15 corresponding to the mist outlet 50 is formed on the upper side.

[0041] The generating unit 20 includes: a container 21 for storing water; an electric pump 22 that selectively delivers water drawn from the container 21 to a rain discharge unit 40 and a mist discharge unit 50; and an electrolysis unit 23 that passes water pumped from the pump 22 through it and electrolyzes the water to generate ozone, thus containing the generated ozone in the water. The container 21 is disposed at the rear of the body 10a, and the electrolysis unit 23 is disposed in front of the container 21 within the body 10a. The pump 22 is disposed above the container 21 within the neck 10b. The container 21 corresponds to the water storage unit of the present invention, and the pump 22 corresponds to the water delivery device of the present invention.

[0042] Container 21 is translucent. Container 210 stores water such as pure water and tap water. A protrusion 211 corresponding to the shape of the display window 11 is formed on container 21. The protrusion 211 protrudes to the outside from the display window 11. The user can check the water level in container 21 through the display window 11. In addition, a water inlet 212 for adding water to container 21 is provided on the upper rear side of container 21.

[0043] An opening 16 corresponding to the water inlet 212 is formed in the body 10a. A cover 17 is detachably inserted into the opening 16, and the water inlet 212 is blocked by the cover 17.

[0044] Figure 3 This is the front view of pump 22.

[0045] Reference Figure 3 Pump 22 is a small diaphragm-driven pump, comprising: a head 221, a suction port 222, a discharge port 223, and a drive unit 224. Inside the head 221 is a pump chamber 226 with a diaphragm 225. The suction port 222 and the discharge port 223 are connected to the pump chamber 226. Inside the suction port 222 is a one-way valve 227 that opens only when water is drawn into the pump chamber 226. Inside the discharge port 223 is a one-way valve 228 that opens only when water is discharged from the pump chamber 226. The drive unit 224 includes a plunger, a solenoid, etc., which drives the diaphragm 225 to reciprocate. Through the reciprocating motion of the diaphragm 225, water is drawn into the pump chamber 226 through the suction port 222 and discharged from the pump chamber 226 through the discharge port 223.

[0046] A suction tube 24 is connected to the suction port 222. The suction port 241 at the front end of the suction tube 24 is located at the bottom of the container 21. One end of the discharge tube 25 is connected to the discharge port 223.

[0047] Figure 4 (a) is a perspective view of the electrolysis section 23. Figure 4 (b) is along Figure 4 (a) Cross-sectional view of the electrolytic section 23 cut by line A-A′. Figure 5(a) is a front view of the ozone electrode unit 110 fixed to the sealing body 120. Figure 5 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the anode 111 covered by the ion exchange membrane 113.

[0048] Reference Figure 4 (a) to Figure 5 (b) The electrolysis unit 23 includes: an ozone electrode unit 110, a sealing body 120, and a box body 130.

[0049] The ozone electrode unit 110 includes: a rod-shaped anode 111; a linear cathode 112, spirally wound around the outer periphery of the anode 111; and an ion exchange membrane 113, located between the anode 111 and the cathode 112. The ion exchange membrane 113 is mounted on and covers the outer peripheral surface of the anode 111.

[0050] The base of the ozone electrode unit 110 is connected to a cylindrical support 140. Anode lead terminal 141 and cathode lead terminal 142 extend upward from the support 140. Inside the support 140, the anode 111 is connected to the anode lead terminal 141, and the cathode 112 is connected to the cathode lead terminal 142.

[0051] The sealing body 120 includes a cylindrical threaded portion 121 with external threads and a hexagonal prism-shaped head 122. An O-ring 123 made of rubber or the like is attached to the root of the threaded portion 121. A cylindrical recess 124 is provided in the threaded portion 121, and two through holes 125 and 126 connected to the recess 124 are provided in the head 122. A bracket 140 is inserted into the recess 124 and fixed therein, and the anode lead terminal 141 and the cathode lead terminal 142 protrude upwards from the head 122 through the corresponding through holes 125 and 126, respectively. In this way, the ozone electrode unit 110, with the base end of the anode 111 covered by the ion exchange membrane 113 and wound with the cathode 112, is fixed to the sealing body 120 via the bracket 140.

[0052] The housing 130 is cylindrical, closed at one end and open at the other. The ozone electrode unit 110 is housed within the housing 130, and the open end of the housing 130 is blocked by the threaded portion 121 of the sealing body 120. An internal thread is formed on the inner wall surface of the housing 130 corresponding to the threaded portion 121, which engages with the external thread. An O-ring 123 water seals the sealing body 120 and the housing 130.

[0053] The portion of the interior of the housing 130, excluding the part blocked by the threaded portion 121 of the sealing body 120, forms the flow path 131. The flow path 131 elongates in the direction in which the anode 111 extends. An ozone electrode unit 110 is disposed at the center of the flow path 131. At the closed end of the housing 130, a recess 132 is provided at the center of the flow path 131. The top end of the anode 111 fits into and is held by the recess 132. Thus, the anode 111, i.e., the ozone electrode unit 110, is held in a state of two-end support by the sealing body 120 and the recess 132, and is in a straight state relative to the flow path 131.

[0054] The inner and outer diameters of the other parts of the housing 130 that constitute the flow path 131 are smaller than the inner and outer diameters of the part blocked by the threaded portion 121 of the sealing body 120. This allows the diameter of the flow path 131 to be kept small, reducing the flow rate of water passing through it. For example, the radius R1 of the ozone electrode unit 110 can be set to approximately 4.0 mm, while the inner diameter of the other parts, i.e., the radius R2 of the flow path 131, can be set to 5.0 mm.

[0055] An inlet 133 is formed at the front end of the ozone electrode unit 110 on the peripheral surface of the housing 130, and an outlet 134 is formed at the base end of the ozone electrode unit 110. The inlet 133 and outlet 134 open into a second direction orthogonal to a first direction extending from the anode 111. In the first direction, the flow path 131 becomes longer, and the housing 130 becomes longer. Furthermore, the inlet 133 and outlet 134 protrude from the peripheral surface of the housing 130 into the second direction. The diameter of the inlet 133 and outlet 134 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the flow path 131. Alternatively, the diameter of the inlet 133 and outlet 134 may be set to be approximately equal to the diameter of the flow path 131.

[0056] A discharge pipe 25 leading to pump 22 is connected to inlet 133. A common pipe 31 leading to rain discharge section 40 and mist discharge section 50 is connected to outlet 134.

[0057] The electrolysis unit 23 is arranged in the housing 10 with the vertical direction of the ozone sprayer 1 as its long side, that is, it is arranged longitudinally in the housing 10.

[0058] In the generation section 20, when the pump 22 operates, water in the container 21 is drawn in through the suction port 241, and then sent to the electrolysis section 23 via the suction pipe 24, the pump 22, and the discharge pipe 25. In the electrolysis section 23, an anode 111 and a cathode 112 are energized. Water flowing into the flow path 131 from the inlet 133 encounters the wall of the flow path 131 and changes direction approximately at a right angle, flowing along the ozone electrode unit 110. A portion of the water flowing through the flow path 131 contacts the ion exchange membrane 113 between the anode 111 and the cathode 112, and the contacting water is electrolyzed to generate ozone. The generated ozone dissolves in the water, generating ozone water. At this time, within the flow path 131, when the water flowing in from the inlet 133 encounters the wall and changes direction approximately at a right angle, the water flow is disturbed, creating turbulence. As a result, water can easily reach the recessed portion of the spirally wound cathode 112, and easily come into contact with the ion exchange membrane 113, thus improving the ozone generation efficiency. Furthermore, the generated ozone is easily atomized due to turbulence and readily dissolves in water. Therefore, it is easy to generate ozone water with a high ozone concentration.

[0059] The ozone water flowing through the flow path 131 encounters the sealing body 120 and changes direction at approximately a right angle, flowing out from the outlet 134.

[0060] Reference Figure 2 The water guiding section 30 includes: a common pipe 31, a rain pipe 32, a mist pipe 33, a rain valve 34, and a mist valve 35.

[0061] A common pipe 31 is connected to the outlet 134 of the electrolysis unit 23. Rain pipe 32 and mist pipe 33 branch off from the common pipe 31 and are connected to the rain outlet 40 and mist outlet 50, respectively. Each rain pipe 32 and mist pipe 33 consists of two pipes, with a rain valve 34 and a mist valve 35 positioned between them. The rain valve 34 and mist valve 35 are solenoid valves, forming a switching unit 36 ​​that controls which pipe the ozone water flowing from the generation unit 20 should flow to—the rain pipe 32 or the mist pipe 33. The switching unit 36 ​​is located within the head 10c of the housing 10.

[0062] When pump 22 and electrolysis unit 23 are not operating, rain valve 34 and mist valve 35 are closed. When pump 22 and electrolysis unit 23 are operating, one of their valves is opened. Ozone water flowing from generation unit 20 (i.e., electrolysis unit 23) and through common pipe 31, driven by the water pressure of pump 22, is sent to rain discharge unit 40 via rain pipe 32 when rain valve 34 is open, and to mist discharge unit 50 via mist pipe 33 when mist valve 35 is open.

[0063] Figure 6 (a) and (b) are the front view and side sectional view of the rain discharge section 40, respectively.

[0064] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 6 In (a) and (b), the rain discharge section 40 is disposed on the front side of the head 10c of the housing 10. A circularly recessed discharge port 41 is provided on the front surface of the rain discharge section 40. The discharge port 41 has approximately the same size as the discharge port 14 on the front surface of the head 10c and communicates with the discharge port 14.

[0065] A circular discharge plate 42 is fitted to the discharge port 41. Multiple holes 42a are formed dispersedly on the discharge plate 42. A connection port 43 is provided at the rear of the rain discharge section 40, to which the rain pipe 32 is connected. A flow path 44 is formed inside the rain discharge section 40, leading from the connection port 43 to the discharge port 41. Figure 6 As shown by the dashed arrow in (b), ozone water supplied by the rain pipe 32 to the rain discharge section 40 is forcefully released, i.e., sprayed out, from the multiple holes 42a of the discharge plate 42 in a rain-like manner.

[0066] Figure 7 (a) and (b) are the front view and side sectional view of the fog emission section 50, respectively.

[0067] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 7 In (a) and (b), the mist discharge section 50 is disposed on the front side of the head 10c of the housing 10 and above the rain discharge section 40. The mist discharge section 50 includes: a housing 51, an ultrasonic transducer 52, and a water tank 53.

[0068] A circular recess 511 is formed on the front surface of the housing 51, and a disc-shaped ultrasonic transducer 52 is mounted in the recess 511. The ultrasonic transducer 52 has a vibrating surface 521 with a plurality of micropores for ultrasonic vibration.

[0069] A water tank 53 is disposed in the upper part inside the outer casing 51. The volume of the water tank 53 is much smaller than that of the container 21. An inflow pipe 531 is formed on the top surface of the water tank 53. The inflow pipe 531 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the outer casing 51. A misting pipe 33 is connected to the inflow pipe 531.

[0070] The water tank 53 has a portion extending obliquely downward toward the recess 511 of the outer casing 51, and an outlet 532 is provided at the front end of this portion. The outlet 532 is connected within the recess 511 to the vibration surface 521 of the ultrasonic transducer 52. The vibration surface 521 serves as the outlet for ozone water and communicates with the outlet 15 on the front surface of the head 10c.

[0071] The water tank 53 stores ozone water that is delivered to the mist outlet 50 via the mist pipe 33. When the ultrasonic transducer 52 operates, the vibrating surface 521 undergoes ultrasonic vibration. Thus, as... Figure 7 As shown in (b), ozone water that comes into contact with the vibrating surface 521 at the outlet 532 of the water tank 53 is atomized and released from a number of micropores.

[0072] Reference Figure 2 The operation unit 60 is located on the front side of the neck 10b of the housing 10 and is operated when ozone water is dispersed through the ozone sprayer 1. The operation unit 60 includes an operation button 61, which, when pressed, activates an internal contact-type switch.

[0073] The power supply unit 70 includes a rechargeable battery 71 and a charging device 72. The rechargeable battery 71 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery, which outputs power to drive electrical components such as the pump 22, the electrolysis unit 23, and the switching unit 36. When the ozone sprayer 1 is placed on a charger (not shown), power is supplied from the charger to the charging device 72, which charges the rechargeable battery 71.

[0074] Figure 8 This is a block diagram showing the structure of ozone sprayer 1.

[0075] In addition to the above-mentioned structure, the ozone sprayer 1 also includes: a control unit 81, a storage unit 82, an operation detection unit 83, a display drive unit 84, a pump drive unit 85, an electrode energizing unit 86, a valve drive unit 87, an oscillator drive unit 88, and a current detection unit 89.

[0076] When the operation button 61 or the mode switching button 12 of the operation unit 60 is pressed, the operation detection unit 83 outputs the operation signal corresponding to the pressed button to the control unit 81.

[0077] The display drive unit 84 illuminates the mode display unit 13 according to the control signal from the control unit 81. The pump drive unit 85 drives the pump 22 according to the control signal from the control unit 81. The electrode energizing unit 86 applies a voltage for electrolysis between the anode 111 and the cathode 112 of the electrolysis unit 23 according to the control signal from the control unit 81.

[0078] The valve drive unit 87 drives the rain valve 34 and the fog valve 35, i.e., the switching unit 36, according to the control signal from the control unit 81. The oscillator drive unit 88 drives the ultrasonic oscillator 52 according to the control signal from the control unit 81.

[0079] The current detection unit 89 includes a current sensor that detects the current flowing between the anode 111 and the cathode 112 when energized, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the current value to the control unit 81. The current detection unit 89 is equivalent to the detection unit of the present invention.

[0080] The storage unit 82 includes ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage unit 82 stores programs for causing the control unit 81 to perform prescribed processes. Furthermore, the storage unit 82 stores various parameters and control flags for program execution.

[0081] The control unit 81 controls the display drive unit 84, pump drive unit 85, electrode energizing unit 86, valve drive unit 87, oscillator drive unit 88, etc., based on various signals from the operation detection unit 83, current detection unit 89, etc., and according to the program stored in the storage unit 82.

[0082] In the ozone sprayer 1, the working mode can be switched by the mode switching button 12, selecting between ozone rain mode and ozone fog mode.

[0083] In ozone rain mode, ozone water generated by the generator 20 is sent to the rain discharge unit 40, and sprayed in the form of rain from the discharge outlet 41 of the rain discharge unit 40. Users can spray ozone water on objects such as toilets in bathrooms and kitchen sinks to clean them.

[0084] In ozone fog mode, ozone water generated by the generation unit 20 is sent to the fog emission unit 50, and ozone-containing fog is emitted from the vibrating surface 521, which serves as the outlet of the fog emission unit 50. Users can deodorize indoor spaces by diffusing the ozone-containing fog. Furthermore, users can deodorize objects such as clothing by exposing the ozone-containing fog to contact with them.

[0085] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the control processing of the ozone sprayer 1 implemented by the control unit 81. Figure 9 The control processing is repeatedly executed by the control unit 81 during periods when the battery 71 is powered.

[0086] Reference Figure 9 The control unit 81 determines whether an abnormality flag has been set (S101). For example, the abnormality flag is set in the control unit 81 based on a situation where, in the ozone rain emission process or ozone mist emission process described later, a water delivery abnormality occurs in the ozone sprayer 1, where water is not delivered to the electrolysis unit 23 even though the pump 22 is operating. If the abnormality is eliminated, the abnormality flag is reset when the user performs a deactivation operation.

[0087] If no abnormality flag is set (S101: Yes), the control unit 81 monitors whether the operation button 61 is pressed (S102). Then, when the operation button 61 is pressed (S102: Yes), the control unit 81 determines whether the operating mode is set to ozone rain mode or ozone fog mode (S103).

[0088] When the operating mode is set to ozone rain mode (S103: Yes), the control unit 81 performs ozone rain emission processing (S104). On the other hand, when the operating mode is set to ozone fog mode (S103: No), the control unit 81 performs ozone fog emission processing (S105).

[0089] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the treatment of ozone rain emissions.

[0090] Reference Figure 10 The control unit 81 opens the rain valve 34 (S201). After a first time (e.g., 0.3 seconds) has elapsed since the rain valve 34 was opened (S202: Yes), the control unit 81 activates the pump 22 (S203).

[0091] The control unit 81 determines whether a second time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the pump 22 started operating (S204). Normally, during the period up to the elapsed second time, water drawn from the container 21 reaches the electrolysis unit 23, and the water flows through the flow path 131, with the anode 111 and cathode 112 immersed in the water present in the flow path 131.

[0092] When the second time has elapsed (S204: Yes), the control unit 81 activates the electrolysis unit 23, i.e., energizes the anode 111 and cathode 112 (S205). Then, the control unit 81 detects the current flowing between the anode 111 and cathode 112 via the current detection unit 89 (S206), and determines whether the detected current value is greater than a preset threshold (S207). In the case of water in the flow path 131, the current flows smoothly between the anode 111 and cathode 112, and the detected current value is greater than the threshold.

[0093] If the detected current value is greater than the threshold (S207: Yes), the control unit 81 waits for a third time (e.g., 1.5 seconds) to pass since the electrolysis unit 23 was started (S208). With the operation of the pump 22 and the electrolysis unit 23, the ozone water generated by the electrolysis unit 23 is sent to the rain discharge unit 40, and rain-like ozone water is discharged from the discharge port 14 of the housing 10.

[0094] After the third time interval (S208: Yes), if the operation button 61 is not pressed (S209: No), the control unit 81 stops the operation of the pump 22 and the electrolysis unit 23, i.e., the energization of the anode 111 and the cathode 112 (S210). Thus, the discharge of ozone water from the outlet 14 is stopped.

[0095] On the other hand, if the operation button 61 is still pressed after the third time interval (S209: Yes), the control unit 81 stops the electrolysis unit 23 from operating while the pump 22 continues to operate (S217). Then, returning to the process in S204, when a second time interval has elapsed since the electrolysis unit 23 stopped (S204: Yes), the control unit 81 restarts the electrolysis unit 23 (S205). Thus, the control unit 81 repeats the processes in S204 to S209 and S217 until the operation button 61 is released. As a result, the pump 22 continues to operate, and the electrolysis unit 23 repeatedly stops for the second time interval and operates for the third time interval. Therefore, during the period when the operation button 61 is pressed, rain-like ozone water is continuously released from the outlet 14 of the housing 10. When the operation button 61 is released (S209: No), the control unit 81 stops the pump 22 and the electrolysis unit 23 from operating (S210).

[0096] It should be noted that, although Figure 10 The flowchart is not shown, but even if the operation button 61 is still pressed, if a limited time (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed since the operation button 61 was first pressed, the control unit 81 will switch to S210 to stop the pump 22 and the electrolysis unit 23 from working.

[0097] When the fourth time (e.g., 0.3 seconds) has elapsed since the pump 22 and electrolysis unit 23 stopped operating (S211: Yes), the control unit 81 locks the rain valve 34 (S212). Thus, the ozone rain release process ends.

[0098] In S203, the case where no water is supplied to the electrolysis unit 23 even after a second period has elapsed since the pump 22 started operating is considered. Furthermore, the case where water was supplied to the electrolysis unit 23 after the pump 22 started operating, but no water was supplied to the electrolysis unit 23 during the period when the operation button 61 was still pressed and the pump 22 and electrolysis unit 23 were operating. Possible reasons for this include, for example, the water level in the container 21 decreasing to a level that the pump 22 cannot draw from, the pump 22 malfunctioning, or the suction pipe 24 or discharge pipe 25 becoming detached.

[0099] In this case, since there is no water in the flow path 131 of the electrolysis unit 23, when current is applied to the anode 111 and cathode 112 in S205, the current does not easily flow between the anode 111 and cathode 112. Therefore, the current value detected by the current detection unit 89 in S206 is less than the threshold.

[0100] In S207, when the current value is determined to be below the threshold (S207: No), the control unit 81 stops the electrolysis unit 23 from operating (S213). Then, until the number of times the current value is determined to be below the threshold in S207 reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 3 times) (S214: No), the control unit 81 repeatedly performs the processes S204 to S207 and S213, intermittently energizing the anode 111 and cathode 112 while the pump 22 is operating.

[0101] When water is not delivered to flow path 131 and the current value is not determined to be greater than the threshold in S207 for a predetermined number of times (S214: Yes), control unit 81 stops pump 22 (S215). Then, control unit 81 sets an abnormality flag (S216). After that, when the fourth time interval has elapsed (S211: Yes), control unit 81 locks rain valve 34 (S212).

[0102] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the treatment of ozone fog emissions.

[0103] Reference Figure 11 The control unit 81 opens the mist valve 35 (S301), and then, after a first time (e.g., 0.3 seconds) has elapsed (S302: Yes), it makes the pump 22 work (S303).

[0104] When a second time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the start of operation of pump 22 (S304: Yes), control unit 81 activates electrolysis unit 23, i.e., energizes anode 111 and cathode 112 (S305). Then, control unit 81 detects the current flowing between anode 111 and cathode 112 via current detection unit 89 (S306). If the detected current value is greater than a threshold (S307: Yes), control unit 81 waits for a third time (e.g., 1 second) to elapse since the start of operation of electrolysis unit 23 (S308). Through the operation of pump 22 and electrolysis unit 23, ozone water generated by electrolysis unit 23 is sent to mist emission unit 50 and stored in water storage tank 53.

[0105] When the third time has elapsed (S308: Yes), the control unit 81 activates the ultrasonic transducer 52 (S309). As a result, ozone-containing mist is emitted from the vibrating surface 521 of the mist emission unit 50 and emitted from the outlet 15 of the housing 10.

[0106] If the operation button 61 is not pressed (S310: No), the control unit 81 stops the operation of the pump 22 and the energization of the anode 111 and cathode 112 (S311). As a result, the supply of ozone water to the mist emission unit 50 is stopped.

[0107] On the other hand, if the operation button 61 is still pressed after the third time interval (S310: Yes), the control unit 81 stops the electrolysis unit 23 from operating while the pump 22 continues to operate (S320). Then, returning to the process in S304, the control unit 81 repeats the processes in S304 to S310 and S320 until the operation button 61 is released. Thus, ozone water is continuously supplied to the mist emission unit 50 while the operation button 61 is pressed. It should be noted that in S309, the ultrasonic transducer 52 continues to operate. When the operation button 61 is released (S310: No), the control unit 81 stops the pump 22 and the electrolysis unit 23 from operating (S311).

[0108] It should be noted that, although Figure 11 The flowchart is not shown, but even if the operation button 61 is still pressed, if a limited time (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed since the operation button 61 was first pressed, the control unit 81 will switch to S311 to stop the pump 22 and the electrolysis unit 23 from working.

[0109] When the fourth time (e.g., 0.3 seconds) has elapsed since the pump 22 and the electrolysis unit 23 stopped working (S312: Yes), the control unit 81 locks the mist valve 35 (S313).

[0110] When the fifth time has elapsed since the ultrasonic transducer 52 started working (S314: Yes), the control unit 81 stops the ultrasonic transducer 52 from working (S315). The fifth time is set to the time when all the ozone water stored in the water tank 53 is released. The longer the operation button 61 is pressed, the more ozone water is supplied to the water tank 53, and the longer the fifth time is.

[0111] This concludes the ozone fog emission treatment process.

[0112] Similar to the ozone rain emission treatment, consider the case where water is not delivered to the electrolysis unit 23 by the operation of pump 22. In this case, the current value detected by the current detection unit 89 in S306 is less than the threshold.

[0113] In S307, when the current value is determined to be below the threshold (S307: No), the control unit 81 stops the electrolysis unit 23 from operating (S316). Then, until the number of times the current value is determined to be below the threshold in S307 reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 3 times), the control unit 81 repeatedly performs the processes S304 to S307 and S316, intermittently energizing the anode 111 and cathode 112 while the pump 22 is operating.

[0114] When the number of times the current value is not determined to be greater than the threshold in S307 reaches a predetermined number (S317: Yes), the control unit 81 stops the pump 22 from operating (S318). Then, the control unit 81 sets an abnormality flag (S319). After that, when the fourth time interval has elapsed (S312: Yes), the control unit 81 locks the mist valve 35 (S313). Moreover, when the ultrasonic transducer 52 is operating, after the fifth time interval has elapsed (S314: Yes), the control unit 81 stops the ultrasonic transducer 52 from operating (S315).

[0115] In the treatment of ozone rain and ozone fog, after a second time has elapsed since the pump 22 started working, electricity is supplied to the anode 111 and cathode 112 of the electrolysis section 23. Figure 10 S203~S205 and Figure 11 (S303~S305), so it is less likely to cause the anode 111 and cathode 112 to be energized when there is no water in the flow path 131 of the electrolysis section 23, and these electrodes 111 and 112 are less likely to be damaged.

[0116] Furthermore, if the current flowing through the anode 111 and cathode 112 is below a threshold value, thus assuming that there is no water in the flow path 131, the pump 22 and the electrolysis unit 23 cease operation. Figure 10 S206, S207, S213-S215 and Figure 11 (S306, S307, S316~S318), therefore it is less likely to damage the anode 111 and the cathode 112.

[0117] Furthermore, the rain valve 34 and the mist valve 35 are opened before the pump 22 starts operating. Figure 10 S201~S203 and Figure 11 (S301~S303), after pump 22 stops working, close rain valve 34 and mist valve 35 ( Figure 10 S210~S212 and Figure 11 Therefore, the water delivery pressure of the pump 22 can prevent the common pipe 31 from falling off the outlet 134 of the electrolysis section 23 or the discharge pipe 25 from the discharge outlet 223 of the pump 22.

[0118] return Figure 9 When any release process is executed (S104, S105), the control unit 81 determines whether an exception flag has been set (S106). If no exception flag has been set (S106: No), the control unit 81 temporarily terminates the control process and starts the control process from the beginning.

[0119] If a water delivery malfunction occurs during the dispensing process, an malfunction marker is set. When the malfunction marker is set (S106: Yes), the control unit 81 causes the mode display unit 13 to notify the user of the malfunction (S107). For example, the mode display unit 13 flashes with any color corresponding to the two operating modes or a different color. Alternatively, the mode display unit 13 illuminates with a color different from the colors corresponding to the two operating modes.

[0120] When an anomaly is indicated by setting an anomaly flag, the subsequent control process determines in S101 that an anomaly flag has been set (S101: Yes). Therefore, the control unit 81 does not perform the processing after S102, i.e., it does not accept the operation of the operation unit 60, and even if the user presses the operation button 61, it does not perform the ozone rain release process and the ozone mist release process. As a result, the pump 22 and the electrolysis unit 23 do not work, and ozone water is not dispersed through the ozone sprayer 1.

[0121] In the event of a water delivery malfunction, such as a decrease in water level in container 21, the user replenishes water in container 21 and then performs a reset procedure. The control unit 81 stops the malfunction notification provided by the mode display unit 13 and resets the malfunction flag. Thus, in Figure 9 In the control processing, it accepts operations performed by the operation unit 60.

[0122] It should be noted that in this embodiment, pump 22 is a diaphragm-driven pump, and a one-way valve 228 is provided at the discharge port 223. When pump 22 stops working and stops supplying water from pump 22, the one-way valve 228 is closed. This prevents water such as ozone water present in the flow path 131 of the electrolysis section 23 from flowing towards pump 22 and thus preventing it from being supplied to the rain discharge section 40 and mist discharge section 50, resulting in water remaining in the flow path 131. Therefore, when the operation button 61 is pressed again, water is likely to remain in the flow path 131. Thus, by using the one-way valve 228 as a barrier to prevent water from flowing towards pump 22, it is also possible to prevent energizing between the anode 111 and cathode 112 when there is no water in the flow path 131, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the anode 111 and cathode 112.

[0123] <Effects of the Implementation Method>

[0124] According to this embodiment, in the ozone rain emission treatment and ozone fog emission treatment, energizing the anode 111 and cathode 112 of the electrolysis unit 23 is performed after a second time has elapsed since the pump 22 starts operating. Therefore, water drawn from the container 21 can be introduced into the flow path 131 of the electrolysis unit 23 before energizing the anode 111 and cathode 112. Thus, it is less likely that energizing the anode 111 and cathode 112 will occur when there is no water in the flow path 131, and damage to these electrodes 111 and 112 is less likely.

[0125] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if it is determined that there is no water in the flow path 131 after the pump 22 has started operating, an anomaly is reported by the mode display unit 13 based on this determination result. Thus, the user can be aware of situations where water is not being supplied to the electrolysis unit 23 normally, and can appropriately replenish water in the container 21 if there is no water.

[0126] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as an abnormal handling measure, even if the operation unit 60 is operated, the pump 22 will not operate and the anode 111 and cathode 112 will not be energized. As a result, the pump 22 can be prevented from working futilely, and the anode 111 and cathode 112 are less likely to be damaged.

[0127] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by detecting the current flowing through the anode 111 and cathode 112 when energized by the current detection unit 89, it is possible to determine whether there is water in the flow path 131.

[0128] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, etc. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can also be modified in various ways other than those described above.

[0129] For example, in the above embodiment, a diaphragm pump 22 is used as a water delivery device for conveying water drawn from container 21 through the flow path 131 of electrolysis unit 23 to rain discharge unit 40 and mist discharge unit 50. Furthermore, when pump 22 is used, the one-way valve 228 provided at the discharge port 223 functions as a stopper to prevent water from flowing from the flow path 131 of electrolysis unit 23 towards pump 22. However, a piston pump that functions as a stopper, similar to pump 22, can also be used, and pumps of other types without a stopper structure can also be used.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in order to generate ozone water, an ozone electrode unit 110, consisting of a rod-shaped anode 111, a linear cathode 112 spirally wound around the outer periphery of the anode 111, and an ion exchange membrane 113 between the anode 111 and the cathode 112, is disposed in the flow path 131 of the housing 130 as an electrolysis section 23. However, as an electrolysis section with other structures, for example, the membrane-electrode junction shown in Japanese Patent No. 5710691 can be used as the electrolysis section of the ozone electrode unit. This membrane-electrode junction consists of a rod-shaped anode, a cathode with curved cathode claws holding the anode, a diaphragm disposed on the cathode claws and separating the anode and the cathode, and an anode terminal connected to the anode.

[0131] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ozone sprayer 1 includes a rain discharge section 40 that discharges ozone water in a rain-like manner. However, it is also possible that the ozone sprayer 1 includes a discharge section with a nozzle having an orifice diameter that discharges ozone water in a mist-like manner with a diameter larger than that of the mist discharge section 50, instead of the rain discharge section 40.

[0132] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the mist emission unit 50 employs a structure including a water tank 53 for storing ozone water from the generation unit 20 and an ultrasonic transducer 52 for atomizing the ozone water stored in the water tank 53 by ultrasonic vibration. However, the mist emission unit 50 is not limited to the above structure; for example, it may also have a structure with a nozzle that emits ozone water in a mist form.

[0133] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ozone sprayer 1 includes both a rain-emitting section 40 and a mist-emitting section 50 as the discharge part for releasing ozone water in the form of rain or mist, but it may also include only one of them. If the rain-emitting section 40 is not included, the process is not performed. Figure 10 Ozone rain emission treatment will not be implemented if a fog emission unit of 50 is not available. Figure 11 Treatment of ozone mist emissions.

[0134] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the abnormality notification is provided through the mode display unit 13, but the ozone sprayer 1 may also have a dedicated display unit for abnormality notification. In addition, abnormality notification can be provided not only through a display, but also through sound from a speaker or a buzzer.

[0135] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the presence of water in the flow path 131 is determined based on the current detected by the current detection unit 89. However, it is also possible to use a flow sensor in the electrolysis unit 23 to detect the flow rate of water flowing through the flow path 131, and determine whether water is present in the flow path 131 based on the flow rate detected by the flow sensor.

[0136] Moreover, in the above embodiments, in Figure 10 ozone rain emission treatment and Figure 11 In the ozone fog emission treatment, it is determined whether the number of times the current value detected by the current detection unit 89 is below the threshold has reached a predetermined number (S214, S317). However, it is also possible not to determine whether the predetermined number has been reached, and simply proceed to the process of stopping the pump 22 as soon as the detected current value is determined to be below the threshold once (S215, S318).

[0137] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the switching unit 36, which switches the flow of ozone water from the generating unit 20 to either the rain pipe 32 or the mist pipe 33, is composed of two solenoid valves: a rain valve 34 and a mist valve 35. However, the switching unit 36 ​​can also be composed of a three-way valve. In this case, the common pipe 31 is connected to the inlet of the three-way valve. Additionally, the rain pipe 32 and the mist pipe 33 are formed by a single pipe and are respectively connected to the outlet of one side of the three-way valve and the outlet of the other side. Figure 10 In the ozone rain release treatment, after switching the flow of ozone water through the rain pipe 32 in the three-way valve, the pump 22 is activated. Figure 11 In the ozone mist release process, after switching the flow of ozone water through the mist pipe 33 in the three-way valve, the pump 22 is activated.

[0138] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the container 21, the electrolysis unit 23, and the power supply unit 70 are disposed inside the body 10a of the housing 10. However, it is also possible to designate the entire body 10a as the container, i.e., the water storage unit, and to arrange the electrolysis unit 23 and the power supply unit 70 at the neck 10b or head 10c of the housing 10. In this case, the electrolysis unit 23 and the power supply unit 70 are sized to be disposed at the neck 10b or head 10c.

[0139] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a water level detection unit may be provided to detect the water level in container 21. If the water level detection unit detects that the water level has dropped to a level where the pump 22 cannot draw water, the pump 22 and the electrolysis unit 23 will not operate even if the operation button 61 is activated. In this way, it is possible to prevent the flow of electricity between the anode 111 and the cathode 112 without the water passing through the flow path 131 of the electrolysis unit 23, thereby further protecting the anode 111 and the cathode 112.

[0140] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an electrolysis unit 23 is disposed downstream of pump 22, and water drawn from container 21 and pumped from pump 22 is drawn into the electrolysis unit 23. However, it is also possible to configure the electrolysis unit 23 upstream of pump 220, so that water in container 21 passes through the electrolysis unit 23 before being drawn into pump 22. In either configuration, pump 22 is used to pump water drawn from container 21 through flow path 131 of electrolysis unit 23 to rain discharge unit 40 and mist discharge unit 50.

[0141] Furthermore, various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present invention within the scope of the technical concept shown in the technical solution.

Claims

1. An ozone water dispersing device characterized by comprising: Comprising: A discharging unit that discharges ozone water containing ozone in water in a rain or fog form; A water storage unit that stores water; An electrolysis unit having a flow path in which an anode and a cathode are arranged, and electrolyzing the water flowing through the flow path to generate ozone water; A water supply device that sends the water drawn from the water storage unit through the flow path to the discharging unit; And A detection unit for detecting whether there is water in the flow path, A control unit that controls the electrolysis unit and the water supply device, The control unit energizes the anode and the cathode after a specified time has elapsed since the water supply device starts operating, the specified time being the time for the water drawn from the water storage unit to reach the electrolysis unit, and the control unit performs specified abnormal processing based on the absence of water in the flow path after the specified time has elapsed.

2. The ozone water spraying device according to claim 1, wherein It further comprises: an informing unit, As the abnormal processing, the control unit causes the informing unit to perform informing.

3. The ozone water spraying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein It further comprises: an operation unit that is operated when spraying ozone, As the abnormal processing, even if the operation unit is operated, the control unit does not operate the water supply device and does not energize the anode and the cathode.

4. The ozone water spraying device according to claim 3, wherein The detection unit detects the current when energizing the anode and the cathode, When the current value detected by the detection unit is less than a threshold value, the control unit determines that there is no water in the flow path.

5. The ozone water dispersing device according to claim 1, wherein The electrolysis unit includes an ozone electrode unit, a sealing body, and a box body; The box body has a cylindrical shape with one end closed and the other end open; The ozone electrode unit is accommodated in the box body, the open end of the box body is blocked by the threaded portion of the sealing body, and an internal threaded portion is formed on the inner wall surface of the box body corresponding to the threaded portion, and the internal threaded portion engages with the threaded portion.

6. The ozone water dispersing device according to claim 5, wherein The ozone electrode unit includes: A rod-shaped anode; A wire-shaped cathode spirally wound around the outer periphery of the anode; And an ion exchange membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode, and the ion exchange membrane is installed on the outer peripheral surface of the anode and covers the outer peripheral surface; The portion of the inside of the box body other than the portion blocked by the threaded portion of the sealing body becomes the flow path; at the closed end of the box body, a concave portion is provided at the center position of the flow path, and the top end portion of the anode is fitted into the concave portion, and the anode is held in a two-end supported state by the sealing body and the concave portion and is in a straight state with respect to the flow path.

7. The ozone water dispersing device according to claim 6, wherein On the circumferential surface of the box body, a water inlet is formed at the position of the front end portion of the ozone electrode unit, and a water outlet is formed at the position of the base end portion of the ozone electrode unit; the water inlet and the water outlet open in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction in which the anode extends.

8. The ozone water dispersing device according to claim 3, wherein The control unit controls the water supply device and the electrolysis unit to stop operating after a restricted time has elapsed since the operation unit is operated.

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