Ozone water generation apparatus

Abstract

To provide an ozone water generation apparatus capable of effectively increasing an ozone concentration in ozone water by utilizing stagnant ozone on a water surface of a reservoir for ozone water generation.SOLUTION: An ozone water generation apparatus is provided, the ozone water generation apparatus being attached to a water apparatus equipped with a water reservoir to dissolve ozone in water within the water reservoir, the ozone water generation apparatus including: a blow part for generating an air flow; an ozone generator for generating ozonized air; a feed channel in which the blow part and the ozone generator are interposed, the feed channel directing outside air to the blow part, directing the air flow to the ozone generator, and discharging the air flow of ozonized air into the water reservoir; and a recovery channel for recovering the ozonized air that stagnates in a space above the surface of water in the water reservoir. It is configured to merge the ozonized air recovered by the recovery channel into the feed channel. The ozone generator and the blow part are located outside of the water reservoir.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ozone water generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, water that has been given functionality by dissolving a specific gas into it, such as hydrogen water with dissolved hydrogen (H2), oxygen water with dissolved oxygen (O2), and carbonated water with dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2), has been widely used.

[0003] In particular, ozone water, which has ozone (O3) dissolved in it, functions as water with strong oxidizing power and is useful in terms of hygiene, such as for sterilization and deodorization.

[0004] In an ozone water generating device, for example, a portion of the oxygen contained in the air is ozonized by an ozonizer to generate ozonized air, which is then brought into contact with water to dissolve the ozone in the water, thereby generating ozone water.

[0005] The generated ozone water is discharged directly from the device as running water or is stored in a reservoir such as the treatment tank shown in Patent Document 1, and is used according to the application. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-226255 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When considering the efficiency of producing ozone water, it can be said that the more ozone that is brought into contact with water and dissolved, the more efficient the production.

[0008] However, in the case of the method of storing ozone water in a storage section as described above, the ozone that is not completely dissolved leaves the ozone water and remains on the surface of the ozone water in the storage section, resulting in a loss in production efficiency.

[0009] In this regard, even if we turn our attention to the above-mentioned conventional ozone water treatment devices, there is no mention whatsoever of the treatment of ozone (hereinafter also referred to as retained ozone) that remains on the water surface of the ozone water storage section (treatment tank).

[0010] As another example, when ozonized air is fed into water stored in a storage section and ozonized water is generated by dissolving the air bubbles as they rise, the amount of retained ozone increases further.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides an ozone water generating device that utilizes the ozone remaining on the water surface in a storage section to generate ozone water, thereby effectively increasing the ozone concentration in the ozone water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the ozonated water generation device of the present invention is (1) an ozonated water generation device attached to a plumbing fixture having a water storage section and dissolving ozone in the water in the water storage section, the device having an air blower section that generates an air flow, an ozone generating section that generates ozonized air, the air blower section and the ozone generating section are interposed, a supply flow path that guides outside air to the air blower section and also guides an air flow to the ozone generating section, and discharges the ozonized air flow into the water storage section, and a recovery flow path that recovers the ozonized air that remains in the space above the water surface in the water storage section, the ozonated air recovered in the recovery flow path is configured to merge with the supply flow path, and the ozone generating section and the air blower section are disposed outside the water storage section.

[0013] The ozone water generating apparatus according to the present invention is also characterized in the following respects. (2) The downstream side of the recovery passage is connected to the supply passage via a venturi section at a position downstream of the blower section. (3) A human presence sensor is provided so that the ozone generating unit and the blowing unit are driven when a human is detected. (4) A flow path switching valve is provided at a position downstream of the ozone generating unit in the supply flow path, and by switching the switching valve, ozonized air can be discharged into the surrounding space around the location where the plumbing fixture is located. (5) The device is provided with an enclosure member that floats within the water storage section and covers at least a portion of the water surface in a box-like shape, and the upstream side of the recovery flow path is connected to the inner space of the enclosure member so as to suck in ozonized air near the water surface. (6) The enclosure member is made of metal. (7) The downstream submerged portion of the feed flow path is constructed of a metal pipe or a non-metallic pipe with a metal sheath. (8) The metal tube or metal sheath can be cooled by a Peltier element. (9) The plumbing fixture is any one selected from a toilet device, a washing machine, a water cooler, and a bucket. (10) The plumbing device is a bucket having a lid for covering an upper opening of the bucket, with the downstream end of the supply flow path and the upstream end of the recovery flow path being disposed on the inner side of the lid when closed, while the ozone generating unit and the air blowing unit being disposed on the outer side of the lid when closed. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the ozonated water generating device of the present invention, there is provided an ozonated water generating device that is attached to a plumbing fixture having a water storage section and dissolves ozone in the water in the water storage section, the device having an air blower section that generates an air flow, an ozone generating section that generates ozonized air, the air blower section and the ozone generating section are interposed, a supply flow path that guides outside air to the air blower section and an air flow to the ozone generating section, and discharges the ozonized air flow into the water storage section, and a recovery flow path that recovers the ozonized air that has accumulated in the space above the water surface in the water storage section, and the ozonated air recovered in the recovery flow path is configured to merge with the supply flow path, and since the ozone generating section and the air blower section are disposed outside the water storage section, an ozonated water generating device can be provided that utilizes the accumulated ozone that has accumulated on the water surface of the storage section for generating ozone water, and effectively increases the ozone concentration in the ozone water. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a plumbing device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow path configuration of the ozone water production apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an ozone water production apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a flow chart showing main processing executed by a CPU of a control unit. [Diagram 5] 2 is a timing chart showing the configurations and mode states of the ozone water production apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a discharge pipe of an ozone water production apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a discharge pipe of an ozone water production apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of a flush water tank according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an intake float body according to a third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10]FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a plumbing device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow path configuration of an ozone water production apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a plumbing device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a plumbing device according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The present invention relates to an ozone water generating device that is attached to a plumbing fixture having a water storage section and dissolves ozone in the water in the water storage section, and provides an ozone water generating device that utilizes the ozone that remains on the water surface in the storage section to generate ozone water, thereby effectively increasing the ozone concentration in the ozone water.

[0017] In this specification, the term "water-related equipment with a water storage section" is not particularly limited as long as it is an equipment that uses water and has a water storage section for storing water. Examples of such equipment include toilet devices, washing machines, water coolers, and buckets.

[0018] That is, in the case of a toilet device, for example, the water supply system of a flush toilet and the water storage unit can be exemplified by a flush tank. In addition, in the case of a washing machine, the water storage unit can be exemplified by a washing tub, in the case of a water cooler, the cold water tank, and in the case of a bucket, the storage unit of the bucket body. Note that these are examples given to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to these.

[0019] "Attached to a plumbing fixture" means that it is used together with the plumbing fixture, and the ozone water generating device of this embodiment may be placed immediately adjacent to the water storage section of the plumbing fixture, or it may be placed a predetermined distance away via piping or the like.

[0020] In addition, the ozone water generating device may be installed later in the plumbing equipment, or may be built in. In addition, the ozone water generating device according to the present embodiment may be a part of the plumbing equipment as a built-in device, or may be sold as a single ozone water generating device so that users of the plumbing equipment can purchase and install it later as needed.

[0021] Ozone water is water with ozone dissolved in it. The ozone used for dissolving in the ozone water generating device according to this embodiment is ozone generated by an ozone generator. For example, it is possible to use an ozonized gas generated by generating ozone from a part of the oxygen in an oxygen-containing gas such as air or oxygen as a raw material. Note that the water in which ozone is dissolved does not necessarily have to be pure water, and may contain a predetermined component depending on the purpose.

[0022] The features of the ozone water generating device of this embodiment include an air blowing section that generates an airflow, an ozone generating section that generates ozonized air, a supply flow path between the air blowing section and the ozone generating section, which guides outside air to the air blowing section and also guides an airflow to the ozone generating section, and discharges the ozonized air flow into the water storage section, and a recovery flow path that recovers the ozonized air that remains in the space above the water surface in the water storage section, and the ozonized air recovered in the recovery flow path is configured to merge with the supply flow path, and the ozone generating section and the air blowing section are arranged outside the water storage section.

[0023] The blower is not particularly limited as long as it has a function of generating an airflow, and for example, a mechanism for generating an airflow by driving a fan such as a propeller fan or a sirocco fan, or an air pump such as a diaphragm pump can be used. For example, when a fan is used as the blower, a relatively large amount of air can be generated by a simple rotating mechanism. When a diaphragm pump is used as the blower, although the amount of air is somewhat smaller than that of a fan, it is easy to generate a high-pressure airflow and can blow air even when the flow resistance of the supply flow path is high. In other words, it is suitable for a form in which the ozone water generating device is installed at a location away from the storage part, or when the pipe diameter of the supply flow path or the recovery flow path is restricted and thin pipes must be used.

[0024] The ozone generating section is a section that generates ozone from oxygen in the airflow supplied by the blower section to generate ozonized air. The ozone generating mechanism used in the ozone generating section is not particularly limited, but for example, an ozone generating mechanism that utilizes dielectric barrier discharge (silent discharge) can be adopted.

[0025] The supply flow path is a flow path for ventilating the inhaled air and the generated ozonized air, with the upstream end serving as an air intake port and the downstream end serving as an outlet port being located within the water storage section, in particular at a position that is submerged at least when water is stored, and more preferably at a position that is as deep as possible.

[0026] In addition, the above-mentioned blower and ozone generator are provided in the middle of the supply flow path, and the air or ozonized air is ventilated through the supply flow path by the airflow generated by the blower depending on the location of the ozone generator. Note that, as for the location of the blower and ozone generator in the supply flow path, it is preferable to provide the ozone generator relatively downstream from the viewpoint of preventing deterioration, since it is possible to avoid exposure of the blower to ozone, but this is not necessarily limited thereto, and the blower may be provided relatively downstream.

[0027] Then, the ozonated air is discharged into the water in the storage section from the discharge port of the supply flow path, and the ozone dissolves in the water in the storage section in a manner similar to aeration by stirring or the like, thereby generating ozonated water.

[0028] The recovery flow path is a flow path that recovers the ozonized air that remains in the space above the water surface in the water storage section in order to redissolve it in water. The upstream end of the recovery flow path is disposed in a position that does not get wet even when the space is full of water, in the space above the water surface in the water storage section, and the downstream end merges the ozonized air recovered in the recovery flow path with the aforementioned supply flow path.

[0029] There is no particular limitation on the position of the supply flow path where the recovery flow path is joined, and it may be, for example, an upstream position between the blower and the ozone generator, a downstream position between the blower and the ozone generator, a downstream position between the ozone generator and the upstream position between the blower and the ozone generator, a downstream position between the blower and the ozone generator, etc. Some specific examples will be described later with reference to the drawings.

[0030] In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the ozone water production device according to this embodiment has an ozone generating section and an air blowing section disposed outside the water storage section.

[0031] According to an ozone water generating apparatus having such a configuration, the ozone remaining on the water surface of the storage section can be utilized for generating ozone water, thereby effectively increasing the ozone concentration in the ozone water.

[0032] In addition, since air can be supplied to the ozone generating section from a space outside the storage section that is open to the atmosphere, a decrease in ozone generation efficiency can be suppressed.

[0033] Hereinafter, the ozone water generating apparatus according to this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0034] [First embodiment] In the first embodiment, an example in which the plumbing fixture is a toilet device will be described. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the inside of a toilet room R.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, a toilet device 10 is provided as a plumbing fixture in a toilet room R, and the toilet device 10 is equipped with a built-in ozone water generating device A1.

[0036] The toilet device 10 comprises a seat-type toilet bowl 11 and a flush water tank 12, and by operating the flush lever 12a after using the toilet, flush water stored in the flush water tank 12 is discharged into the bowl 11a of the toilet bowl 11. In other words, the flush water tank 12 is the part that functions as the water storage section of the toilet device 10.

[0037] The ozone water generator A1 is a device for dissolving ozone in the water in the cleaning water tank 12. When the ozone water generator A1 is operated, the water in the cleaning water tank 12 becomes ozone water, and this ozone water is used as cleaning water.

[0038] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow path configuration of the ozone water generator A1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the ozone water generator A1 includes a housing 20, a fan 21, an ozone generator 22, a supply flow path 23, a recovery flow path 24, and a spatial discharge path 35.

[0039] The housing 20 enclosed by a dashed line in FIG. 2 is an exterior component that houses most of the internal configuration of the ozone water production apparatus A1, and in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, is formed in the shape of a rectangular box.

[0040] The fan 21 functions as an air blower of the ozone water generator A1 according to this embodiment, and is composed of a fan motor 21a and a propeller 21b. The fan motor 21a is electrically connected to a control unit 40, which will be described later, and rotates the propeller 21b at a predetermined speed under the control of the control unit 40. When the propeller 21b rotates, it takes in outside air from an intake port 30, which is the upstream end of the supply flow path 23, and generates an airflow.

[0041] The ozone generating section 22 is a section that converts oxygen in the air into ozone and generates ozonized air by passing the outside air flow (air flow) generated by the blower. In this embodiment, an ozonizer is used that converts part of the oxygen in the air into ozone by dielectric barrier discharge (silent discharge) to generate ozonized air.

[0042] In the ozone water generating device A1, the ozone generating section 22 is composed of two ozonizers, a first ozonizer 22a and a second ozonizer 22b. The first ozonizer 22a and the second ozonizer 22b are both electrically connected to the control section 40, and the generation of ozonized air is controlled separately for each of them.

[0043] Such multiple ozonizers, one of which is a main ozonizer and the other a sub ozonizer, are operated together with the control unit 40 described below to realize an ON-OFF type generation amount adjustment mechanism that can switch the ozone generation state in the ozone generation unit 22 between three states: a state in which a relatively large amount of ozone is generated (high generation state) when both the main and sub ozonizers are operated, a state in which a relatively small amount of ozone is generated (low generation state) when only the main ozonizer is operated, and a state in which no ozone is generated (non-generation state) when neither is operated.

[0044] Compared to a power supply adjustment type generation amount adjustment mechanism that adjusts the amount of ozonizer generation by adjusting the power supplied to the ozonizer, this type of ON-OFF type generation amount adjustment mechanism has the advantage that it does not require circuits or the like for adjusting or changing the voltage in the high voltage range.

[0045] Furthermore, the ozonizer A1 is provided with a function (main / sub switching function) of switching between the ozonizer assigned as the main ozonizer and the ozonizer assigned as the sub ozonizer in order to reduce the bias in operation time between the first ozonizer 22a and the second ozonizer 22b and average out the lifespan of the ozonizers. This main / sub switching function may be executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, every week, every time the ozonizer A1 is operated, or when the operation time (power supply time) of the ozonizer used as the main ozonizer reaches a predetermined time.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 20 itself is disposed on the outer surface of the cleaning water tank 12, and the ozone generating section 22 and the fan 21 are disposed outside the cleaning water tank 12 serving as a water storage section.

[0047] The supply flow path 23 is a flow path for guiding outside air to the fan 21 while guiding the airflow generated thereto to the ozone generating section 22, and discharging the ozonized air flow into the cleaning water tank 12, and is composed of a generating chamber 31 formed in an enlarged shape and having the fan 21 and the ozone generating section 22 disposed within its internal space, and an ozonized air guide path 37 for guiding the ozonized air generated in the generating chamber 31 to the upper space position within the cleaning water tank 12.

[0048] The generation chamber 31 is a flow path for generating ozonized air while generating an air flow. The generation chamber 31 is provided with an air intake 30 at the upstream end of the supply flow path 23 for taking in outside air (air) into the ozone water production device A1.

[0049] Moreover, fan 21 is provided at a position where it can take in air from intake port 30 (a position opposite intake port 30 in this embodiment), and a bell mouth 31a for noise reduction and airflow regulation is provided around fan 21.

[0050] A chamber outlet 31b is formed at the downstream end of the generation chamber 31, and an ozonized air guide path 37 is connected to enable the ozonized air to be discharged.

[0051] The ozonized air induction path 37 is composed of a chamber outlet path 32, a switching valve 33, and an underwater discharge path .

[0052] The chamber outlet path 32 is a flow path for sending the ozonized air generated in the generation chamber 31 downstream, and its downstream end is connected to a switching valve 33.

[0053] The switching valve 33 is an electrically switchable three-way valve of an L-port type. The switching valve 33 is electrically connected to the control unit 40, and can be switched between a state in which the chamber outlet path 32 and the underwater discharge path 34 are connected to each other (ozone water generation switching state) and a state in which the chamber outlet path 32 and the space discharge path 35 are connected to each other (space discharge switching state).

[0054] The underwater discharge path 34 is a flow path for guiding ozonated air into the cleaning water tank 12 when the switching valve 33 is in the ozone water production switching state. The underwater discharge path 34 is composed of a discharge main pipe 34a which forms a flow path from the switching valve 33 to the upper part of the cleaning water tank 12, and a discharge pipe 34b which is connected to the downstream end of the discharge main pipe 34a, and the discharge pipe 34b is configured to extend in a direction so as to be submerged in the cleaning water W1, and to have a downstream end portion, a discharge port 34c, located as deep as possible in the stored cleaning water W1.

[0055] In this embodiment, the discharge pipe 34b is a metal pipe, for example, a metal pipe made of aluminum or an aluminum-based alloy that has high corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity, and the ozonized air flowing through the pipe is cooled by heat exchange with the cleaning water W1 before being discharged, thereby increasing the solubility and improving the dissolved concentration.

[0056] The spatial release path 35 is a flow path for guiding the ozonized air to the installation atmosphere of the toilet device 10, i.e., the space within the toilet room R, when the switching valve 33 is switched to the spatial release switching state, and enables the ozonized air to be released into the atmosphere from the spatial release port 35a at the downstream end provided on the surface of the housing 20 (see Figure 1).

[0057] The recovery flow path 24 is a flow path for recovering ozonized air, i.e., retained ozone Z, that remains in the space V above the water surface Ws of the cleaning water W1 stored in the cleaning water tank 12, and is composed of a suction pipe 24a and a main suction pipe 24b.

[0058] The suction pipe 24a is a pipe for sucking the retained ozone Z from the suction port 24c, which is the upstream end of the recovery flow path 24, and guiding it to the suction source pipe 24b. Since ozone is heavier than air and the retained ozone Z remains near the water surface Ws, the suction pipe 24a is extended to the vicinity of the water surface Ws so that the suction port 24c is located at a position where the retained ozone Z can be sucked in.

[0059] The suction source pipe 24b is a flow path for returning the retained ozone Z sucked in through the suction pipe 24a to the underwater discharge path 34. The downstream end of the suction source pipe 24b is connected to a Venturi section 26 disposed in the underwater discharge path 34, and the retained ozone Z is drawn in by the negative pressure generated by the airflow flowing through the underwater discharge path 34, and is re-dissolved in the cleaning water W1 together with the ozonized air. Note that this structure, which is connected to the supply flow path 23 through the Venturi section 26 at a position downstream of the blower (fan 21), is referred to as a Venturi return structure.

[0060] Also, in FIG. 2, reference numeral 27 denotes a discharge pipe 27 for supplying flush water W1 to the toilet bowl 11, reference numeral 28 denotes a float valve 28 for causing the flush water W1 to flow downward which moves when the flush lever 12a is operated, and reference numeral 29 denotes a water supply pipe 29 for supplying water to the flush water tank 12 after the toilet bowl is flushed.

[0061] In this embodiment, a cooling body 36 is provided in the cleaning water tank 12, and the temperature of the cleaning water W1 in the cleaning water tank 12 is lowered to increase the solubility of ozone. In this embodiment, a Peltier element is used as the cooling body 36, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the cooling body 36 may be configured to perform cooling by heat exchange using a refrigerant.

[0062] Next, the electrical configuration of the ozone water production apparatus A1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the ozone water production apparatus A1.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 40 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a RAM 43a, an EEPROM 43b, and the like, and is capable of executing programs necessary for operating the ozone water production apparatus A1.

[0064] Specifically, the ROM 42 stores programs and the like required for processing by the CPU 41, and the RAM 43a and EEPROM 43b function as temporary storage areas when the programs and the like are executed.

[0065] For example, in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 43a, a human detection flag indicating whether or not a human has been detected by a human sensor 14 described below and a fan setting value to be referred to when the fan 21 is driven are stored.

[0066] The human detection flag is ON when the human sensor 14 is not detecting a human, and is OFF when the human sensor 14 is detecting a human. The value of this human detection flag is automatically rewritten in response to the human detection signal sent from the human sensor 14.

[0067] The fan setting value is a value that specifies the rotation speed of the fan 21, and takes a value of 2 when the fan 21 is rotated at high speed, a value of 1 when the fan 21 is rotated at low speed, and a value of 0 when the fan 21 is stopped. The fan 21 is driven at a speed according to the value of this fan setting value.

[0068] The EEPROM 43b also functions as a storage means for retaining, in a rewritable state, data that should be retained even after the power is turned off. For example, the EEPROM 43b stores the accumulated power-on time of the first ozonizer 22a and the second ozonizer 22b, a main ozonizer value indicating which ozonizer is the main ozonizer, and the like.

[0069] When the first ozonizer 22a is set as the main ozonizer, the main ozonizer value is 1, and when the second ozonizer 22b is set as the main ozonizer, the main ozonizer value is 2. The ozonizer that is not selected as the main ozonizer acts as the sub ozonizer.

[0070] The control unit 40 is also connected to a power switch 44 and a human presence sensor 14, and is configured to receive input from the user and to be referred to depending on the execution status of the program in the control unit 40.

[0071] The human presence sensor 14 is a sensor for detecting whether or not a person (user) is present in the toilet room R (whether or not the person is present in the room). The human presence sensor 14 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the presence or absence of a person as a detection target, and any method can be adopted, such as a method of detecting by reflection of light, sound, electromagnetic waves, such as infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, or radio waves, a method of detecting by a change in electrostatic capacitance, a method of detecting by a change in weight (pressure), a method of detecting by a change in resistance value, or a method of detecting by a change in brightness. In this embodiment, the human presence sensor 14 detects whether or not a person (user) is present in the toilet room R (whether or not the person is present in the room) by disposing an infrared sensor behind the toilet seat.

[0072] Moreover, power can be received from a power plug 45 from a commercial power source or the like.

[0073] The control unit 40 is also connected to the fan 21, the first ozonizer 22a, the second ozonizer 22b, and the switching valve 33, and is configured to control and drive them according to the execution status of the program in the control unit 40.

[0074] Next, the process executed by the control unit 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing the main process executed by the control unit 40.

[0075] When the user turns on the power switch 44, the CPU 41 executes the main process shown in FIG.

[0076] In the main process, the CPU 41 first performs an initial setting process (step S10). In this initial setting process, for example, the RAM 43a is initialized.

[0077] Next, the CPU 41 executes an ozonizer setting process for assigning either the first ozonizer 22a or the second ozonizer 22b as the main ozonizer (step S11).

[0078] Specifically, the CPU 41 refers to the main ozonizer value in EEPROM 43b and the accumulated energization time of each ozonizer, and if the accumulated energization time of the ozonizer selected as the main ozonizer becomes greater than a predetermined time compared with the accumulated energization time of the ozonizer not selected as the main ozonizer, it rewrites the value in EEPROM 43b if the main ozonizer value is 1 to 2, or if the main ozonizer value is 2 to 1. The CPU 41 executes step S11, thereby realizing the main / sub switching function described above.

[0079] Next, the CPU 41 executes a standby mode process to wait for a user to enter the toilet room R (step S12).

[0080] Next, the CPU 41 refers to a predetermined address in the RAM 43a and determines whether the value of the human detection flag is ON or not (step S13). If it is determined that the value of the human detection flag is not ON (step S13: No), the CPU 41 returns the process to step S12 again. In this embodiment, the state in which the CPU 41 repeatedly executes steps S12 and S13 is referred to as a standby mode. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the human detection flag is ON (step S13: Yes), the CPU 41 moves the process to step S14.

[0081] In step S14, the CPU 41 executes an in-tank ozone water generation mode process for generating ozone water by dissolving ozone in the cleaning water W1 in the cleaning water tank 12. Specifically, the CPU 41 sets the fan setting value to 1, switches the switching valve 33 to the ozone water generation switching state, and drives both the main ozonizer and the sub ozonizer to the high generation state.

[0082] Next, the CPU 41 judges whether a predetermined time has elapsed, for example, whether a time has elapsed for the concentration of ozone dissolved in the cleaning water W1 to reach a sufficient concentration (step S15). If it is judged that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S15: No), the CPU 41 returns the process to step S14. Thus, in this embodiment, the state in which the CPU 41 repeatedly executes steps S14 and S15, and the state in which the CPU 41 repeatedly executes steps S21 and S22 described below, are referred to as an in-tank ozone water generation mode. On the other hand, if it is judged that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S15: Yes), the CPU 41 moves the process to step S16.

[0083] In step S16, the CPU 41 executes occupied space deodorization mode processing to deodorize the space by diffusing ozonized air into the toilet room R to an extent that does not adversely affect the user, even while the user is present. Specifically, the CPU 41 sets the fan setting value to 1, sets the switching valve 33 to the space release switching state, and drives only the main ozonizer to the low generation state.

[0084] Next, the CPU 41 refers to a predetermined address in the RAM 43a and determines whether the value of the human detection flag is OFF or not (step S17). If it is determined that the value of the human detection flag is not OFF (step S17: No), the CPU 41 returns the process to step S16 again. In this embodiment, the state in which the CPU 41 repeatedly executes steps S16 and S17 is referred to as a occupancy space deodorization mode. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the human detection flag is OFF (step S17: Yes), the CPU 41 moves the process to step S18.

[0085] In step S18, the CPU 41 executes a strong space deodorization mode process to diffuse a large amount of ozonized air into the toilet room R from which the user has left (when no one is present), thereby deodorizing the space. Specifically, the CPU 41 sets the fan setting value to 2, switches the switching valve 33 to the space release switching state, and drives both the main ozonizer and the sub ozonizer to the high generation state.

[0086] Next, the CPU 41 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed, for example, whether a sufficient time has elapsed to deodorize the toilet room R (step S19). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S19: No), the CPU 41 moves the process to step S20.

[0087] In step S20, the CPU 41 determines whether the value of the human detection flag is ON. If it is determined that the value of the human detection flag is not ON (step S20: No), the CPU 41 returns the process to step S18. In this embodiment, the state in which the CPU 41 repeatedly executes steps S18, S19, and S20 is referred to as a strong space deodorization mode. If it is determined that the value of the human detection flag is ON (step S20: Yes), the CPU 41 moves the process to step S14.

[0088] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S19 that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S19: Yes), the CPU 41 transfers the process to step S21.

[0089] In step S21, the CPU 41 executes an in-tank ozonized water generation mode process. Specifically, the CPU 41 sets the fan setting value to 1, switches the switching valve 33 to an ozonized water generation switching state, and drives both the main ozonizer and the sub ozonizer to a high generation state.

[0090] Next, the CPU 41 judges whether a predetermined time has elapsed, for example, whether a time has elapsed for the concentration of ozone dissolved in the cleaning water W1 to reach a sufficient concentration (step S22). If it is judged that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S22: No), the CPU 41 returns the process to step S19 (ozone water generation mode in tank). On the other hand, if it is judged that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S22: Yes), the CPU 41 moves the process to step S11.

[0091] Next, a series of operations in the ozone water production apparatus A1 having the above-mentioned configuration will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a timing chart showing the states of each component and mode of the ozone water production apparatus A1.

[0092] With the ozone water generating apparatus A1 in a state where the power plug 45 is connected to a commercial power source or the like (timing T0), when a user turns on the power switch 44 (timing T1), the ozone water generating apparatus A1 executes initial setting (step S10) and ozonizer setting processing (step S11) and enters standby mode.

[0093] When a user enters the toilet room R, the human presence sensor 14 detects the user (step S13: Yes, timing T2), and the ozone water production device A1 transitions to an in-tank ozone water production mode (step S14). At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the ozone generating unit 22 is in a high production state, the fan 21 is in a low wind state, and the switching valve 33 is in an ozone water production switching state.

[0094] In the in-tank ozone water generation mode, a portion of the ozone contained in the ozonized air discharged into the cleaning water tank 12 dissolves in the cleaning water W1, changing the cleaning water W1 into ozone water.

[0095] In addition, the remaining ozone that is not completely dissolved reaches the water surface Ws and becomes retained ozone Z, but is drawn by the negative pressure generated in the venturi section 26 through the suction pipe 24a and merges with the supply flow path 23 (underwater discharge path 34), where it is re-dissolved in the cleaning water W1, thereby improving the dissolved ozone concentration in the cleaning water W1.

[0096] When a predetermined time has elapsed while the user is relieving himself / herself (step S15: Yes, timing T3), the ozone water generator A1 transitions to a presence space deodorization mode (step S16) for deodorizing the space within a range that does not adversely affect the user. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the ozone generator 22 is in a low generation state, the fan 21 is in a weak wind state, and the switching valve 33 is in a space release switching state.

[0097] When the user has finished relieving himself / herself and operates the flush lever 12a, the ozone water stored in the flush water tank 12 is supplied to the toilet bowl 11 as flush water W1, and the inside of the bowl 11a is deodorized and disinfected while the waste is discharged.

[0098] When the user leaves the toilet room R, the human sensor 14 no longer detects a person (step S17: Yes, timing T4), and the ozone water generator A1 transitions to the strong space deodorization mode (step S18). At this time, as shown in Fig. 5, the ozone generator 22 is in a high generation state, the fan 21 is in a strong wind state, and the switching valve 33 is in a space release switching state.

[0099] Then, when a sufficient time has passed to deodorize the toilet room R (timing T5), the ozone water production device A1 transitions to the tank ozone water production mode (step S21). At this time, as shown in Fig. 5, the ozone generating unit 22 is in a high production state, the fan 21 is in a weak wind state, and the switching valve 33 is in an ozone water production switching state. At this time, the retained ozone Z is also re-dissolved, and the dissolved ozone concentration in the cleaning water W1 is improved.

[0100] Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed until the concentration of ozone dissolved in the cleaning water W1 reaches a sufficient concentration (step S22: Yes), the ozone water generating device A1 executes an ozonizer setting process (step S11) and then transitions to the standby mode again (timing T6, step S12). Note that the state of the standby mode after timing T6 is the same as the state of the standby mode after timing T1, and similar operations are triggered by the detection of a user by the human presence sensor 14.

[0101] Also, as shown at timing T7, when the power switch 44 is turned off, the state is the same as that at timing T0, and when the power switch 44 is turned on, the operation is the same as that from timing T1 onwards.

[0102] Also, as indicated by symbol P at timing T4', if entry is detected during the powerful space deodorization mode (step S20: Yes), the mode will transition back to the tank ozone water generation mode, as in the state at timing T2, and then the same operation will be performed.

[0103] As described above, the ozonated water generation device A1 according to the first embodiment is an ozonated water generation device that is attached to a plumbing fixture (e.g., toilet device 10) that has a water storage section (e.g., flush water tank 12) and dissolves ozone in the water (e.g., flush water W1) in the water storage section, and includes an air blower section (e.g., fan 21) that generates an airflow, an ozone generation section (e.g., ozone generation section 22) that generates ozonized air, and a supply flow path in which the air blower and the ozone generation section are interposed, which guides outside air to the air blower section and also guides the airflow to the ozone generation section, and discharges the airflow of the ozonized air into the water storage section. The ozonized air recovered in the recovery flow path is configured to merge with the supply flow path (e.g., a Venturi return structure), and the ozone generating unit and blower unit are disposed outside the water storage unit. This makes it possible to provide an ozone water generating device that utilizes the retained ozone on the water surface of the storage unit to generate ozone water, thereby effectively increasing the ozone concentration in the ozone water (A1-1).

[0104] In addition, since the downstream side of the recovery passage is connected to the supply passage via a venturi section at a position downstream of the blower section (e.g., a venturi reflux structure), it is possible to realize the reflux of the retained ozone Z without requiring any measures to increase the ozone resistance of the blower section (A1-2).

[0105] In addition, a human presence sensor (e.g., human presence sensor 14) is provided and configured to drive the ozone generating unit and the blower unit when a person (e.g., a user) is detected (e.g., steps S13, S14, and S20), so that the ozone concentration of the cleaning water W1 can be increased immediately before the use of the plumbing equipment (A1-3).

[0106] In addition, a flow path switching valve (e.g., switching valve 33) is provided at a position downstream of the ozone generation section in the supply flow path, and by switching the switching valve, ozonized air can be discharged into the surrounding space (e.g., the space within the toilet room R) where the plumbing fixture is located, making it possible to sterilize and deodorize the space (A1-4).

[0107] In addition, since the submerged portion on the downstream side of the supply flow path is constructed of a metal pipe, the ozonized air being aerated is cooled by heat exchange with the cleaning water W1 before being discharged, thereby increasing the solubility and improving the dissolved concentration (A1-7).

[0108] In addition, because the plumbing fixture is a toilet device, ozone water with a high ozone concentration can be used as the wash water W1, providing a hygienic toilet environment (A1-9).

[0109] Although the ozone water generator A1 according to this embodiment is based on the above-mentioned configuration, configurations that are adopted in ozone water generators described below but not in the ozone water generator A1 can also be adopted as long as they are not contrary to the purpose of use of the plumbing equipment or the problem solving, etc. For example, it goes without saying that a configuration in which an ozone generation unit is constructed with a single ozonizer, a generation amount adjustment mechanism with a supply power adjustment type, a suction and return structure of a blower unit described below, or a return structure using a recovery blower unit, etc., may be adopted.

[0110] In the ozone water production apparatus A1 according to the present embodiment, the blower is realized by using the fan 21, but it is also possible to use a blower other than a fan, such as an air pump, for example, a diaphragm-type air pump. In this case, the term "fan 21" in the present embodiment can be read as "air pump 21".

[0111] Second Embodiment Next, an example of a reflux structure for increasing ozone concentration, in which some of the configuration has been changed, will be described as the second embodiment. Note that, like the ozone water generator A1, the ozone water generators in the second to seventh embodiments described below are implemented with electrical configurations and control processes that are appropriately changed according to the use and configuration of the plumbing fixtures in each embodiment, but the following mainly focuses on the differences in the flow path structure and plumbing fixtures compared to the ozone water generator A1, and the description of these electrical and control configurations will be omitted.

[0112] The ozone water generation apparatus A2 according to the second embodiment is built into the toilet apparatus 10 as a plumbing device, and has a configuration substantially similar to that of the ozone water generation apparatus A1 described above, but differs in the structure of the portion corresponding to the discharge pipe 34b shown in FIG. 2.

[0113] That is, while the discharge pipe 34b of the ozone water generation apparatus A1 was constructed of a metal pipe, the discharge pipe 47 in the ozone water generation apparatus A2 has a resin pipe 47a and an inner sheath pipe 47b made of metal provided around it as shown in FIG. 6(a), making it possible to cool the ozonized air flowing through the discharge pipe 47 by heat exchange with the cleaning water W1.

[0114] Similarly, as a modification of the discharge pipe 34b, a discharge pipe 48 as shown in FIG. 6(b) can also be used.

[0115] That is, while the discharge pipe 47 in Fig. 6(a) is configured such that a metallic inner sheath pipe 47b is provided on the inner space side of the resin pipe 47a, a discharge pipe 48 in which a metallic sheath pipe 48b is provided on the outside of the resin pipe 48a may be used as in Fig. 6(b). Even with such a configuration, the ozonized air flowing through the discharge pipe 48 can be cooled by heat exchange with the cleaning water W1.

[0116] It is preferable that there be no gaps between the resin pipe 47a and the inner sheath pipe 47b in the discharge pipe 47, and between the resin pipe 48a and the sheath pipe 48b in the discharge pipe 48, but there is no particular limitation because even if gaps are formed, heat exchange is possible and the cooling effect of the ozonized air passing through can be expected.

[0117] In addition, the sheath pipe 48b of the discharge pipe 48 does not need to be completely tubular, and may be formed to have a substantially C-shaped cross section with a notched ridge portion 48c in the longitudinal direction as shown in Fig. 7(a). Even with this configuration, most of the circumferential direction of the plastic pipe 48a is covered with the metal sheath pipe 48b, so sufficient heat exchange can be performed, and the sheath pipe 48b can be easily attached to the plastic pipe 48a later.

[0118] Moreover, such a pipe structure having a notched ridge may be adopted not only for the sheath pipe 48b but also for the inner sheath pipe 47b. That is, a force is applied to the inner sheath pipe 47b to reduce its diameter while inserting it into the plastic pipe 47a, and when the force is removed, the inner sheath pipe 47b can be brought into close contact with the inner wall of the plastic pipe 47a, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0119] A sheath tube cooling mechanism may be provided on the inner sheath tube 47b and the sheath tube 48b. As in the example of the sheath tube 48b shown in Fig. 7(b), a metal base 48e for mounting a cooling body 48d on the sheath tube 48b may be provided so that the cooling body 48d can more forcibly cool the sheath tube 48b. The cooling body 48d is not particularly limited, but a Peltier element is used here.

[0120] According to such a configuration, the temperature of the ozonated air can be further lowered, and ozonated water of higher concentration can be produced.

[0121] As described above, according to the ozone water production apparatus A2 according to the second embodiment and its modified examples, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those described in A1-1, A1-2, A1-3, A1-4, and A1-9 of the first embodiment.

[0122] Furthermore, since the downstream submerged portion of the supply flow path is constructed of a non-metallic pipe with a metal sheath (e.g., inner sheath pipe 47b and sheath pipe 48b), even though it is equipped with a non-metallic pipe, the ozonized air being aerated can be cooled by heat exchange with cleaning water W1 before being discharged, thereby increasing the solubility and improving the dissolved concentration (A2-7).

[0123] Furthermore, since the metal sheath can be cooled by a Peltier element (e.g., cooling body 48d), the discharge pipe can be further cooled and the cleaning water W1 can also be cooled, thereby further improving the dissolved ozone concentration (A2-8).

[0124] Third Embodiment The third embodiment also describes an example in which the reflux structure for increasing the ozone concentration is partially modified. The ozone water generator A3 according to the third embodiment is also built into the toilet device 10 as a plumbing device, and has a configuration similar to that of the ozone water generator A1 described above, but there are differences in the structure of the portion corresponding to the discharge pipe 34b shown in FIG. 2 and the portion corresponding to the suction pipe 24a.

[0125] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the downstream end of the discharge main pipe 34a that extends to the upper space V of the flush water tank 12 is fitted with the previously described discharge pipe 48 in place of the discharge pipe 34b.

[0126] In addition, a diffuser 49 serving as a diffusion means is provided near the discharge port 48f of the discharge pipe 48, and the bubbles of the ozonized air discharged from the discharge port 48f are finely dispersed by a rotating blade while being subjected to large convection within the cleaning water tank 12, thereby enabling the ozone to be efficiently diffused into the cleaning water W1.

[0127] The diffusion device 49 is electrically connected to the control unit 40 and is controlled so as to operate when the ozonated air is delivered through the discharge pipe 48 .

[0128] In addition, an air collection float body 50 is connected to the upstream end of the suction main pipe 24b, which extends to the upper space V of the cleaning water tank 12, as a water surface following mechanism for sucking in the retained ozone Z in place of the suction pipe 24a.

[0129] The air collection float body 50 is composed of an enclosure member 51, a float ball 52, and a flexible hose 53.

[0130] The enclosing member 51 is a member that covers at least a portion of the water surface Ws in the cleaning water tank 12, and in this embodiment covers as wide an area as possible, for collecting and capturing ozone that has escaped to the water surface Ws and residual gas in the form of ozonized air bubbles, i.e., residual ozone Z, and is shaped like a box with its lid open placed upside down on the water surface Ws (like a lying-down box).

[0131] Also, a suction port 51a is formed in the upper part of the enclosing member 51, which makes it possible to suck in the ozone Z trapped inside the enclosing member 51. Note that reference numeral 51b denotes an air hole for allowing air to flow from the upper space V into the enclosing member 51 in conjunction with suction from the suction port 51a.

[0132] Moreover, the enclosing member 51 is made of a metal, for example an aluminum-based metal that is resistant to corrosion and has high thermal conductivity.

[0133] The float ball 52 is a float for keeping the enclosure member 51 afloat on the water surface Ws, and in this embodiment is made of resin.

[0134] The flexible hose 53 is a flexible pipe for connecting the suction port 51a of the enclosing member 51 and the suction source pipe 24b.

[0135] Furthermore, according to the ozone water generating device A3 having such a configuration, the temperature of the ozonized air passing through the discharge pipe 48 can be cooled by the cleaning water W1 to increase the solubility, while the ozonized air is diffused by the diffusion device 49, thereby making it possible to generate ozone water of a higher concentration.

[0136] Furthermore, by providing the flexible hose-connected air collection float body 50 as described above, reliable suction can be achieved even when the enclosing member 51 rises or falls with changes in the water surface position, such as the water surface Ws shown by the solid line and the water surface Ws' shown by the dashed line.

[0137] Next, a similar modified water surface following mechanism will be described. As the water surface following mechanism connected to the suction main pipe 24b, for example, it is possible to configure a rigid pipe connection type such as the intake float body 55 in FIG.

[0138] That is, the rigid pipe connection type intake float body 55 is composed of an enclosing member 56, a float ball 52, and a guide pipe portion 57, and the enclosing member 56 can be raised and lowered along the guide pipe portion 57, which is a rigid pipe.

[0139] The surrounding member 56 is a member formed of a metal, for example, an aluminum-based metal that is resistant to corrosion and has high thermal conductivity, and is composed of an air collecting portion 56a and a sliding cylindrical portion 56b.

[0140] The air collection section 56a is a section that covers at least a portion of the water surface Ws in the cleaning water tank 12, and in this embodiment covers as wide an area as possible, for collecting and capturing ozone that has escaped to the water surface Ws and residual gas in the bubbles of ozonized air, i.e., residual ozone Z, and is shaped like a box with its lid open and placed upside down on the water surface Ws (like a lying-down box).

[0141] The sliding cylinder portion 56b is a cylindrical portion formed in communication with the upper portion of the air collection portion 56a. The sliding cylinder portion 56b is a portion for moving up and down in sliding contact with the guide pipe portion 57, and the inner diameter thereof is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the lower restriction flange portion 57b described later.

[0142] An inward flange 56c is provided at the upper end of the sliding tube portion 56b, and the opening at the upper end is slightly narrowed so that the enclosing member 56 will not fall off the guide tube portion 57 when it comes into contact with the lower regulating flange portion 57b. Reference numeral 56d denotes an air hole for allowing air to flow from the upper space V into the enclosing member 56 as suction occurs.

[0143] The float ball 52 is a float for keeping the enclosure member 51 afloat on the water surface Ws, and in this embodiment is made of resin.

[0144] The guide tube portion 57 is a suction tube for accumulating ozone Z and also functions as a support for raising and lowering the enclosure member 56, and includes a guide main body portion 57a, a lower regulating flange portion 57b, and an upper regulating flange 57c.

[0145] The guide body 57a is a portion with which the inward flange 56c of the enclosing member 56 slides while making contact, and the outer diameter of the guide body 57a is formed to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the inward flange 56c.

[0146] The lower regulating flange portion 57b abuts against the inward flange 56c to prevent the enclosing member 56 from falling off from the guide tube portion 57 when the amount of cleaning water W1 in the cleaning water tank 12 becomes low, and the outer diameter of the lower regulating flange portion 57b is formed to be approximately the same as the inner diameter of the sliding tube portion 56b and smaller than the inner diameter of the inward flange 56c.

[0147] The upper regulating flange 57c is a regulating body that abuts against the inward flange 56c to suppress the rise of the enclosing member 56 when there is a large amount of cleaning water W1 in the cleaning water tank 12, and the outer diameter of the upper regulating flange 57c is formed smaller than the inner diameter of the inward flange 56c.

[0148] Furthermore, the rigid tube-connected intake float body 55 having such a configuration can perform reliable suction even when the enclosing member 56 rises and falls with changes in the water surface position, such as the water surface Ws shown by the solid line and the water surface Ws' shown by the dashed line.

[0149] As described above, according to the ozone water generation apparatus A2 of the third embodiment and its variations, it is possible to enjoy effects similar to those described in A1-1, A1-2, A1-3, A1-4, and A1-9 of the first embodiment and those described in A2-7 of the second embodiment.

[0150] In addition, the device is provided with an enclosing member (e.g., enclosing member 51 or enclosing member 56) that floats in the water storage section (e.g., cleaning water tank 12) and covers at least a portion of the water surface (e.g., water surface Ws) in a box-like shape, and the upstream side (e.g., suction source pipe 24b) of the recovery flow path (e.g., recovery flow path 24) is connected to the inner space of the enclosing member to suck in ozonized air (e.g., retained ozone Z) near the water surface, so that the retained ozone Z can be efficiently recovered and the ozone concentration of the ozone water can be further improved (A3-5).

[0151] In addition, since the surrounding members (for example, the surrounding members 51 and 56) are made of metal, the retained ozone Z to be sucked can be cooled as much as possible (A3-6).

[0152] [Fourth embodiment] Next, in the fourth embodiment, an example of an ozone water generator attached to another water-related device will be described. The ozone water generator A4 according to the fourth embodiment is attached to a washing machine 60 as a water-related device, and is designed to obtain deodorizing and antibacterial effects by using ozone water when washing and rinsing clothes and the like put into the washing tub.

[0153] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, washing machine 60 is a so-called fully automatic washing machine having an opening / closing lid 60a on the top of a substantially rectangular box-shaped casing 62, and inside is a washing tub 61 for washing clothes, etc., with a rotating water current generated by a pulsator 60b.

[0154] An operation unit 60c is provided near the opening / closing lid 60a, and allows the user to input commands to automatically carry out a series of processes such as washing, spin-drying, and rinsing.

[0155] An ozone water generator A4 is provided on the side of the washing machine 60, so that ozone water can be used for the water supplied to the washing tub 61, particularly for the rinsing water used in the present embodiment.

[0156] Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow path configuration of the ozone water generator A4 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11, the flow path configuration of the ozone water generator A4 is substantially the same as that of the ozone water generator A1 described above, but there are some differences, such as the ozone generating unit 72 being configured as a single ozonizer and the downstream end of the recovery flow path 74 for the retained ozone Z being connected to an intake port 80. Note that in this embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that of the ozone water generator A1 described above will be omitted.

[0157] As shown in FIG. 11, the ozone water generator A4 includes a housing 70, a fan 71, an ozone generator 72, a supply passage 73, and a recovery passage 74.

[0158] The configurations of the housing 70 and the fan 71 are substantially the same as those of the above-described ozone water production device A1, but the ozone generating section 72 is composed of one ozonizer 72a.

[0159] The ozonizer 72a is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown), and the control unit has a power supply adjustment mechanism that adjusts the power supply to the ozonizer 71a, thereby making it possible to adjust the amount of ozone generated. That is, while the ozonizer water generator A1 described above uses multiple ozonizers to realize an ON-OFF type generation amount adjustment mechanism, the ozonizer water generator A4 according to this embodiment uses a single ozonizer 72a to realize a generation amount adjustment mechanism that adjusts the power supply.

[0160] This type of supply power adjustment type generation amount adjustment mechanism has the advantage over an ON-OFF type generation amount adjustment mechanism in that it does not require multiple ozonizers. In addition, since it does not have multiple ozonizers, it does not require a main / sub switching function to average the lifespan of the ozonizers.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 10, the housing 70 of the ozone water production device A4 is disposed on the outer surface of the washing machine 60, and the ozone generating section 72 and the fan 71 are disposed outside the washing tub 61 serving as a water storage section.

[0162] The supply flow path 73 is a flow path for guiding outside air from the air intake port 80 to the fan 71 while guiding the airflow generated thereto to the ozone generating unit 72, and discharging the ozonized air flow into the washing tub 61, and is composed of a generating chamber 81 formed in an enlarged shape and having the fan 71 and the ozone generating unit 72 disposed in its internal space, and an ozonized air guide path 87 for guiding the ozonized air generated in the generating chamber 81 to the upper space position of the washing tub 61.

[0163] A chamber outlet 81a is formed at the downstream end of the generation chamber 81, and an ozonized air induction path 87 is connected to enable the ozonized air to be discharged.

[0164] The ozonized air induction path 87 differs from the ozonized air induction path 37 of the ozonated water generation device A1 in that the switching valve 33 is not provided and the spatial discharge path 35 is not branched off, that the venturi section 26 is not provided and no return flow is performed to the ozonized air induction path 87, and that the ozonized air induction path 87 is extended to a submerged position within the washing tub 61 to serve as the discharge pipe 34b, and the ozonized air generated in the generation chamber 81 is directly discharged into the rinsing water W2 in the washing tub 61.

[0165] The recovery flow path 74 is a flow path for recovering ozonized air, i.e., retained ozone Z, retained in the space V above the water surface Ws of the rinsing water W2 stored in the washing tub 61. Compared to the recovery flow path 24 of the ozone water production apparatus A1, the suction pipe 24a and the suction source pipe 24b are not distinguished, and the recovery flow path 74 plays the role of both of them.

[0166] Another feature of the ozone water generator A4 is that a confluence structure is constructed by making the downstream end opening of the recovery passage 74 face the most upstream part of the supply passage 73, i.e., the intake port 80, and the suction force generated by the airflow of the fan 71 is applied to return the retained ozone Z from the intake port 80. Note that a structure configured in this way to connect with the supply passage 23 at a position upstream of the blower (fan 71) and return the ozone Z by applying the suction force generated by the airflow is referred to as a blower suction / return structure.

[0167] The ozonated water generating device A4 is an ozonated water generating device that is attached to a plumbing fixture (e.g., washing machine 60) having a water storage section (e.g., washing tub 61) and dissolves ozone in water (e.g., rinse water W2) in the water storage section, and includes an air blower section (e.g., fan 71) that generates an airflow, an ozone generating section (e.g., ozone generating section 72) that generates ozonized air, and a supply flow path (e.g., For example, the ozonized air recovered in the recovery flow path is configured to merge with the supply flow path (for example, a blower suction / return structure), and the ozone generation unit and the blower unit are disposed outside the water storage unit. This makes it possible to provide an ozone water generating device that utilizes the retained ozone on the water surface of the storage unit to generate ozone water, thereby effectively increasing the ozone concentration in the ozone water (A4-1).

[0168] In addition, since the plumbing equipment is a washing machine, ozone water with a high ozone concentration can be used as washing water, for example, water used together with detergent to remove dirt, or as rinsing water W2, providing a hygienic washing environment (A4-9).

[0169] Although the ozone water generator A4 according to this embodiment is based on the above-mentioned configuration, configurations that are employed in the ozone water generators described above or below but not in the ozone water generator A4 may also be employed as long as they are not contrary to the intended use of the plumbing equipment or the problem to be solved, etc. For example, it goes without saying that configurations using a blower unit other than a fan type such as a diaphragm pump, configurations in which multiple ozonizers are provided, an ON-OFF type generation amount adjustment mechanism, a main / sub switching function, a spatial release structure for ozonized air, a Venturi return structure, a return structure using a recovery blower unit described below, a cooling body for cooling the water in the water storage unit, various structures of the discharge pipe, a sheath pipe cooling mechanism, a water surface following mechanism, etc. may be employed.

[0170] Fifth embodiment In the next fifth embodiment, an example of an ozone water generator attached to yet another water-related device will be described. The ozone water generator A5 according to the fifth embodiment is built into a water cooler 90 as a water-related device, and is designed to obtain deodorizing and antibacterial effects by using ozone water when drinking water, rinsing the mouth, or gargling water, or when cleaning the pipes in the water cooler 90. The flow path configuration of the ozone water generator A5 is substantially the same as the flow path configuration of the ozone water generator A1 described with reference to FIG. 2, except that the ozone water generator A5 does not include the switching valve 33 or the spatial discharge path 35 and the peripheral mechanism of the water discharge pipe 27 is different. Therefore, only the appearance and a part of the flow path configuration are shown in FIG. 12, and detailed description of the flow path configuration is omitted.

[0171] 12, the water cooler 90 has a water tray 92 and a nozzle 93 arranged on the top surface of a vertically long box-shaped main casing 91, and when a user presses a button 94 beside the nozzle 93 or steps on a pedal 95 arranged on the bottom of the main casing 91, cold water W3 in a cold water tank 96 gushes out from the nozzle 93. In other words, the cold water tank 96 functions as a water storage section of the water cooler 90.

[0172] The water cooler 90 also includes a chiller unit 97 and an ozone water generator A5. The chiller unit 97 is a unit for cooling the water in the cold water tank 96. The chiller unit 97 also functions as a cooler for lowering the temperature of the water in the cold water tank 96 in order to improve the efficiency of dissolving ozone.

[0173] The ozone water generator A5 is a device for dissolving ozone in the water in a cold water tank 96. An air intake 99 is provided in a housing 98 of the ozone water generator A5, and oxygen in the air drawn in from this port is converted into ozone by a fan and an ozone generator to generate ozonized air.

[0174] The generated ozonized air is discharged through the supply flow path 100 to the bottom of the cold water tank 96, and some of the ozone dissolves in the cold water W3 to generate ozonated water.

[0175] In addition, the retained ozone Z passes through the recovery flow path 101 and is returned to the supply flow path 100 by a Venturi return structure similar to the flow path configuration of the ozone water generation device A1 shown in Figure 2, thereby contributing to improving the ozone concentration in the cold water W3.

[0176] In addition, a housing 98 incorporating a fan and an ozone generating unit is arranged separately from the cold water tank 96 within the main casing 91, so that the ozone generating unit and the fan are arranged outside the cold water tank 96 serving as a water storage unit.

[0177] The ozonated water generating device A5 having such a configuration is an ozonated water generating device that is attached to a plumbing fixture (e.g., a water cooler 90) having a water storage section (e.g., a cold water tank 96) and dissolves ozone in water (e.g., cold water W3) in the water storage section, and includes an air blowing section that generates an airflow, an ozone generating section that generates ozonized air, and a supply flow path (e.g., supply flow path 100) in which the air blowing section and the ozone generating section are interposed, which guides outside air to the air blowing section and also guides the airflow to the ozone generating section, and discharges the airflow of the ozonized air into the water storage section; The water storage section has a recovery flow path (e.g., recovery flow path 101) for recovering ozonized air (e.g., retained ozone Z) retained in the space above the water surface (e.g., upper space V) in the water storage section, and the ozonized air recovered in the recovery flow path is configured to merge with the supply flow path (e.g., a Venturi return structure).The ozone generating unit and the blowing unit are disposed outside the water storage section, so that the retained ozone retained on the water surface in the storage section can be utilized to generate ozone water, thereby effectively increasing the ozone concentration in the ozone water (A5-1).

[0178] Moreover, according to the ozone water production apparatus A5, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those described in A1-2 and A1-3 of the first embodiment.

[0179] In addition, since the plumbing equipment is a water cooler, the ozone water (cold water W3) with a high ozone concentration can be used for drinking, rinsing the mouth, gargling, or for cleaning the pipes inside the water cooler 90, providing a hygienic cold water supply environment (A5-9).

[0180] Although the ozone water generator A5 according to this embodiment is based on the above-mentioned configuration, configurations that are employed in the ozone water generators described above or below but not in the ozone water generator A5 may also be employed as long as they are not contrary to the intended use of the plumbing equipment or the problem to be solved, etc. For example, a configuration in which a blower unit other than a fan type such as a diaphragm pump is used, a configuration in which an ozone generating unit is constructed with a single ozonizer, a generation amount adjustment mechanism with a supply power adjustment type, a spatial release structure for ozonized air, a blower unit suction and return structure, a return structure using a recovery blower unit described below, various structures of the discharge pipe, a sheath pipe cooling mechanism, a water surface following mechanism, etc. may be employed.

[0181] Sixth Embodiment In the following sixth embodiment, an example of an ozone water generator attached to yet another wet equipment will be described. The ozone water generator A6 according to the sixth embodiment is used by retrofitting a bucket 111, which is a wet equipment, and is designed to obtain deodorizing and antibacterial effects by using ozone water when cleaning small items such as underwear and diaper covers, or cleaning tools such as dish towels and dustcloths. The flow path configuration of the ozone water generator A6 is substantially the same as the flow path configuration of the ozone water generator A1 described with reference to FIG. 2, except that it does not have a configuration equivalent to the switching valve 33 or the spatial discharge path 35, the peripheral mechanism of the discharge pipe 27 is different, and it does not have a configuration equivalent to the cooling body 36. Therefore, only the appearance and a part of the flow path configuration are shown in FIG. 13, and detailed description of the flow path configuration is omitted.

[0182] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of use of the ozone water bucket device 110. The ozone water bucket device 110 is a device constructed by a user by combining the ozone water generation device A6 according to this embodiment with a separately sold bucket 111, and discharges ozonized air generated by the ozone water generation device A6 into the washing water W4 stored in the bucket 111 to dissolve ozone, thereby making it possible to prepare ozone water.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, the table cloth 113 is washed with the generated ozone water, thereby suppressing the growth of microorganisms and the generation of odor on the table cloth 113, and keeping the table cloth 113 hygienic.

[0184] Bucket 111 is a part that functions as a water storage section of ozone water bucket device 110, and is a metal bucket that is highly resistant to corrosion by ozone. In addition, the upper opening of bucket 111 has a smaller diameter than the diameter of lid 112 described below.

[0185] The ozone water generating device A6 is composed of a cover 112 and a device main body 115.

[0186] Lid 112 is a member for holding device main body 115 on top of bucket 111 and for closing the top opening of bucket 111.

[0187] The device main body 115 comprises a housing 116, a discharge pipe 117, and a suction pipe 118, with the housing 116 being arranged on the side which faces outward when the lid body 112 is closed (outer side 112a when the lid is closed), and the discharge pipe 117 and the suction pipe 118 being arranged on the side which faces inward when the lid body 112 is closed (inner side 112b when the lid is closed).

[0188] Similar to the ozone water generation devices A1 to A5, the housing 116 incorporates therein a fan, an ozone generation unit, a supply flow path, a recovery flow path, and a power storage unit (not shown), and is configured to generate ozonized air using power previously charged from a commercial power source and discharge it from the supply flow path, while also recovering stagnant ozone Z from the recovery flow path and rejoining it back into the supply flow path via a Venturi reflux structure.

[0189] Furthermore, housing 116 incorporating a fan and an ozone generator is disposed on outer side 112a of lid 112 when closed, so that the ozone generator and fan are disposed outside bucket 111 serving as a water storage section.

[0190] The discharge pipe 117 is a part of the above-mentioned supply flow path and constitutes the downstream end. The discharge pipe 117 has a length L1 that is longer than the depth d2 (length from the opening to the water surface) of the upper space V of the bucket 111 and slightly shorter than the depth d1 (length from the opening to the bottom) of the bucket 111, and is configured so that the ozonized air is discharged from as deep a position as possible in the wash water W4.

[0191] The suction pipe 118 is a part of the recovery flow passage and constitutes the upstream end. The suction pipe 118 is configured to have a depth d2 of the upper space V of the bucket 111 (length from the opening to the water surface, but longer than a length d3 from the opening to the upper surface of the retained ozone Z) so that the retained ozone Z can be efficiently recovered.

[0192] The ozonated water generating device A6 having such a configuration is an ozonated water generating device that is attached to a plumbing fixture (e.g., bucket 111) having a water storage section and dissolves ozone in the water (e.g., wash water W4) in the water storage section, and includes an air blowing section that generates an airflow, an ozone generating section that generates ozonized air, a supply flow path (e.g., a supply flow path having a discharge pipe 117) in which the air blowing section and the ozone generating section are interposed and that guides outside air to the air blowing section and also guides an airflow to the ozone generating section and discharges the airflow of the ozonized air into the water storage section, and a supply flow path (e.g., a supply flow path having a discharge pipe 117) in which the air blowing section and the ozone generating section are interposed and that guides outside air to the air blowing section and also guides an airflow to the ozone generating section and discharges the airflow of the ozonized air into the water storage section. and a recovery flow path (e.g., a recovery flow path equipped with a suction tube 118) for recovering ozonized air (e.g., retained ozone Z) retained in the space above the water surface (e.g., upper space V), and the ozonized air recovered in the recovery flow path is configured to merge with the supply flow path (e.g., a Venturi return structure), and the ozone generating unit and the blowing unit are disposed outside the water storage unit, so that the retained ozone on the water surface of the storage unit can be utilized to generate ozone water, thereby effectively increasing the ozone concentration in the ozone water (A6-1).

[0193] Moreover, according to the ozone water production apparatus A6, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those described in A1-2 and A1-3 of the first embodiment.

[0194] In addition, since the plumbing equipment is a bucket, ozone water with a high ozone concentration (washing water W4) can be used to wash small items, cleaning tools, etc., and the small items, cleaning tools, etc. can be kept hygienic (A6-9).

[0195] The plumbing device is a bucket, and includes a lid (e.g., lid 112) that covers the upper opening of the bucket. The downstream end of the supply flow path (e.g., discharge pipe 117) and the upstream end of the recovery flow path (e.g., suction pipe 118) are disposed on the inner side of the lid when the lid is closed (e.g., inner side 112b when the lid is closed). The ozone generating unit and the air blowing unit are disposed on the inner side of the lid when the lid is closed (e.g., inner side 112b when the lid is closed). Since the part is arranged on the outer side of the lid body when the lid is closed (for example, outer side 112a when the lid is closed), the stagnant ozone Z is not disturbed by the convection of the outside air, and the ozone water generating device A6 can be efficiently circulated (A6-10).

[0196] In this embodiment, the ozone water bucket device 110 is constructed by a user by combining the ozone water generation device A6 with a commercially available bucket 111, but the ozone water bucket device 110 may also be sold as a pre-assembled set of the ozone water generation device A6 and the bucket 111.

[0197] Furthermore, although the ozone water generator A6 according to this embodiment is based on the above-mentioned configuration, configurations that are employed in the ozone water generators described above or below but not in the ozone water generator A6 can also be employed as long as they are not contrary to the purpose of use of the plumbing equipment or the problem to be solved, etc. For example, a configuration in which a blower unit other than a fan type such as a diaphragm pump is used, a configuration in which an ozone generating unit is constructed with a single ozonizer, a generation amount adjustment mechanism with a supply power adjustment type, a spatial release structure for ozonized air, a blower unit suction and return structure, a return structure using a recovery blower unit described below, a cooling body that cools the water in the water storage unit, various structures of the discharge pipe, a sheath pipe cooling mechanism, a water surface following mechanism, etc. may be employed.

[0198] Seventh embodiment Next, an example in which the configuration of the recovery flow passage is changed with respect to the first embodiment will be described as the seventh embodiment. The ozone water generator A7 according to the seventh embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the above-mentioned ozone water generator A1, but differs in that a diaphragm pump is provided as an air blower instead of the fan 21 provided in the generation chamber 31 shown in Fig. 2, and that a recovery diaphragm pump is provided as a recovery air blower in the middle of the suction main pipe 24b, and has a structure (a return structure using a recovery air blower) in which the recovery diaphragm pump is joined with the supply passage 23 (underwater discharge passage 34) without passing through the Venturi section 26.

[0199] In addition, both the diaphragm pump as the air blower and the recovery diaphragm pump as the air recovery blower are electrically connected to the control unit 40 and are driven under the control of the control unit 40. Specifically, in the tank ozone water generation mode, the occupancy space deodorization mode, and the strong space deodorization mode, both diaphragm pumps are driven simultaneously, and are stopped simultaneously when the mode shifts to the standby mode.

[0200] This configuration also makes it possible to recirculate the retained ozone Z and redissolve the ozone in the cleaning water W1, thereby effectively increasing the ozone concentration in the ozone water. In particular, by employing a recovery diaphragm pump as the recovery blower, it is possible to realize the return to the supply flow path 23 without passing through a venturi section.

[0201] As described above, according to the ozone water production apparatus A7 of the seventh embodiment, it is possible to enjoy the effects described in A1-1, A1-3, A1-4, and A1-9 of the first embodiment.

[0202] Furthermore, although the ozone water generator A7 according to this embodiment is based on the above-mentioned configuration, configurations that are employed in the above-mentioned ozone water generators but not in the ozone water generator A7 can also be employed as long as they are not contrary to the purpose of use of the plumbing equipment or the problem solving, etc. For example, a configuration in which an ozone generating section is constructed with a single ozonizer, a generation amount adjustment mechanism with a supply power adjustment type, various structures of the discharge pipe, a sheath pipe cooling mechanism, a water surface tracking mechanism, etc. may be employed.

[0203] Finally, the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Therefore, even if the above-mentioned embodiments are different, various modifications can be made depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0204] The ozone water generating device according to the present invention can contribute to the achievement of Goal 3 (Good health and well-being) and Goal 6 (Clean water and sanitation) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocated by the United Nations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0205] 10 Toilet equipment 12 Cleaning water tank 14 Human Sensor 21 Fan 22 Ozone generator 23 Supply Channel 24 Recovery channel 24a Suction tube 25 Spatial release path 26 Venturi section 27 Water pipe 30 Air Intake 33 Switching valve 34b Discharge pipe 35 Spatial release path 36 Cooling body 47b Inner sheath tube 48b sheath tube 48d cooling body 50 Air collection float body 51 Enclosure material 55 Intake float body 56 Enclosure material 60 Washing Machine 61 Washing tub 71 Fans 72 Ozone generator 73 Supply Channel 74 Recovery Channel 90 Water cooler 96 Cold Water Tank 97 Chiller unit 99 Air Intake 100 Supply channel 101 Recovery channel 110 Ozone Water Bucket Device 111 Bucket 112 Lid 112a Outside side when lid is closed 112b Inner side when lid is closed 117 Discharge pipe 118 Suction tube A1~A6 Ozone water generator V Upper space W1 Cleaning water W2 Rinse water W3 Cold water W4 Washing water Ws water surface Z Remaining ozone

Claims

1. An ozone water generating device that is attached to a plumbing fixture having a water storage section and dissolves ozone in the water in the water storage section, A blower unit that generates an air flow; an ozone generating unit for generating ozonated air; a supply flow path in which the blower and the ozone generator are interposed, the supply flow path directing outside air to the blower and directing an airflow to the ozone generator, and discharging the ozonized air flow into the water storage; an ozonized air recovery passage for recovering ozonized air remaining in the space above the water surface in the water storage section, the ozonized air recovered in the recovery passage being configured to merge with the supply passage, and the ozone generation unit and the blower unit being disposed outside the water storage section.

2. 2. The ozone water generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the downstream side of the recovery passage is connected to the supply passage via a venturi portion at a position downstream of the blower portion.

3. 2. The ozone water generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a human presence sensor, configured to activate the ozone generating unit and the blower unit when a human is detected.

4. The ozone water generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that a flow path switching valve is provided at a position downstream of the ozone generating section in the supply flow path, and by switching the switching valve, ozonized air can be discharged into the surrounding space around the location where the plumbing fixture is located.

5. The ozone water generating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with an enclosure member that floats within the water storage section and covers at least a portion of the water surface in a box-like shape, and the upstream side of the recovery flow path is connected to the inner space of the enclosure member so as to suck in ozonized air near the water surface.

6. 6. The ozone water generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the surrounding member is made of metal.

7. 2. The ozone water generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the downstream submerged portion of the supply flow path is constructed of a metal pipe or a non-metallic pipe having a metal sheath.

8. 8. The ozone water generating apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the metal tube or the metal sheath can be cooled by a Peltier element.

9. 2. The ozone water generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plumbing equipment is any one selected from the group consisting of a toilet device, a washing machine, a water cooler, and a bucket.

10. The plumbing fixture is a bucket, 2. The ozone water generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a lid for covering the top opening of the bucket, the downstream end of the supply flow path and the upstream end of the recovery flow path being disposed on the inner side of the lid when closed, while the ozone generating unit and the blower unit being disposed on the outer side of the lid when closed.

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