Facility that uses tap water in building

Abstract

To provide a facility which uses tap water in a building and with which it is possible to efficiently inhibit the proliferation of chlorine-resistant Methylobacteria or viruses under presence of organic materials or efficiently sterilize or inactivate proliferated chlorine-resistant Methylobacteria or viruses.SOLUTION: A facility that uses tap water inside a building is provided, comprising a device that generates first and second modified water, piping that supplies tap water to the device, a discharge portion discharging the first and second modified water to areas where contamination by microorganisms or viruses is to be suppressed, and a control unit. The facility is characterized in that, after starting the discharge of the first modified water, it begins the discharge of the second modified water, and the discharge of the second modified water starts either after the discharge of the first modified water has been stopped or while the first modified water is still being discharged.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a facility in a building where tap water is used, and more particularly to a facility that uses reformed water obtained by reforming tap water sterilized by chlorine at a water purification plant, to maintain a hygienic living environment in which tap water is used for toilets, bathrooms, kitchens, washrooms, etc. [Background technology]

[0002] With an increasing number of consumers seeking clean and comfortable living environments, there is a demand for technology that can maintain living environments hygienically. In particular, areas where water is used, such as toilets, bathrooms, kitchens, and washbasins, are prone to the proliferation of bacteria and mold and the attachment of viruses, and regular cleaning is required to maintain such areas hygienically. For this reason, in the past, it was necessary to wash these areas using detergents, etc., which is time-consuming. In addition, detergents can be problematic in terms of their impact on the environment and safety.

[0003] As a measure to sterilize areas where tap water is used while reducing the above-mentioned troubles and problems, a technology using electrolyzed water obtained by electrolyzing tap water has been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-306484 (Patent Document 1) discloses that water containing free chlorine (paragraph 0023) or ozone (paragraph 0025) obtained by electrolyzing tap water is poured into a toilet bowl to sterilize urease-producing bacteria and suppress the generation of ammonia and the adhesion of urinary stones. Patent Document 1 states that "In the above-mentioned toilet flushing device, an electrolysis tank 181 that generates free chlorine-containing water is provided, but this may be replaced with a device that generates ozone-containing water (omitted)" (paragraph 0402), and also in [Examples], the bactericidal power of electrolyzed water containing either free chlorine or ozone is evaluated, so it is understood that electrolyzed water containing both free chlorine and ozone is not taken into consideration.

[0004] In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-073604 (Patent Document 2) proposes a small spray device that uses a membrane-electrode assembly in which a strip-shaped diaphragm is coated around a rod-shaped or cylindrical electrode and a counter electrode is placed on the surface of the diaphragm to electrolyze water to which salt or the like has been added, generate sterilizing species such as ozone and free chlorine under conditions in which their concentrations are controlled, and spray the resulting electrolyzed water in the form of a mist. Specifically, it is described that tap water containing salt is electrolyzed to generate electrolyzed water containing 3 ppm ozone and 0.5 ppm hypochlorous acid (Example 2), and electrolyzed water containing 0.1 ppm or less ozone and 10 ppm hypochlorous acid (Example 3). Although the device proposed in Patent Document 2 does not require detergent for cleaning or sterilizing the object, it is necessary to add salt or the like to the raw water each time, which is time-consuming.

[0005] Furthermore, JP 2008-168002 A (Patent Document 3) proposes a bathroom cleaning device in which an electrolysis cell having at least a pair of electrodes, a flow path formed between the electrodes, and a liquid inlet and liquid outlet communicating with the flow path is provided below the bathroom counter, and tap water containing chloride ions is electrolyzed in the electrolysis cell while being passed through it, thereby generating free chlorine, and the water generated containing the free chlorine is then discharged into the washing area. According to the bathroom cleaning device described in Patent Document 3, if the electrolysis tank is started, the chlorine-containing tap water supplied from the water supply pipe is decomposed and free chlorine is supplied to the bathroom, so the bathroom can be cleaned without the need to add salt. However, the present inventors have found that even with the device proposed in Patent Document 3, pink stains may remain in areas where water is used, such as toilets, bathrooms, kitchens, and washbasins, and have further found that the cause is chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium brought about by tap water from water purification plants.

[0006] The literature "Chlorine resistance mechanism of Protomonas extorquens isolated frequently from drinking tank water [Author: Katsunori Furuhata], Antibacterial and Antifungal Society, Vol. 19, No. 8, p.395-399, 1991" (Non-patent Document 1) states that the chlorine resistance mechanism of Protomonas extorquens belonging to Methylobacterium Protomonas extorquens In the mutant strain obtained by exposing it to chlorine, the cell membrane, especially the outer membrane, is thickened and the surface structure is changed, suggesting that the mutant strain has a system for strengthening the cell membrane.

[0007] The literature "Pink Monsters Lurking in the Bathroom [Author: Nozomi Ihara], Journal of Bioengineering, Vol. 94, No. 4, 2016" (Non-Patent Document 2) reports that the pink stains that occur around the water in homes are mainly caused by the proliferation of gram-negative Methylobacterium bacteria, also known as purple bacteria. In addition, Non-Patent Document 2 suggests that carotenoids, which are characteristic of Methylobacterium and give it its pink color, have the function of eliminating active oxygen that is generated within the bacterial body when it is subjected to stress such as chlorine, and that this makes Methylobacterium more resistant to chlorine than other microorganisms. It is also suggested that carotenoids contribute to improving the membrane strength of Methylobacterium, which is thought to be the reason for its chlorine resistance.

[0008] Contact infection is known to be one of the routes of infection for viruses, including coronaviruses. To prevent this, it is necessary to maintain hand hygiene by washing hands or using alcohol-based disinfectants to reduce the risk of infection to others, and to ensure hygiene when using equipment that is touched by multiple people.

[0009] To achieve this, for example, a method has been adopted in which a highly concentrated hypochlorous acid spray is carried, and when using equipment that is touched by multiple people, the spray is sprayed on the equipment before use, and then another spray is sprayed after use.

[0010] It is already known that free chlorine such as hypochlorous acid has a virus inactivation function. In the document "Environmental Science & Technology, 44, 808-812 (2010)" (Non-Patent Document 3), it is reported that free chlorine was used to detect oxidative damage to the capsid protein that constitutes human norovirus particles, and the structural integrity and infectivity of the virus were evaluated. Specifically, it is reported that free chlorine oxidizes (carbonylates) a part of Lys that constitutes the capsid protein and the functional protein present on the surface of the virus.

[0011] On the other hand, the document "Ozone: Science and Engineering, 28, 317-328 (2006)" (Non-Patent Document 4) reports on the decomposition action of ozone on biopolymers such as proteins and nucleic acids, and specifically reports that ozone oxidizes Trp, Met, His, Tyr, and Cys, which constitute capsid proteins that constitute virus particles and functional proteins present on the virus surface.

[0012] As with Patent Document 1, JP 2016-108733 A (Patent Document 4) proposes a method for disinfecting facilities that use tap water by electrolyzing tap water to generate free chlorine such as hypochlorous acid and then flowing the water into the facilities. According to the methods described in these documents, it is believed that viruses can be inactivated without the need for cumbersome work such as spraying the above-mentioned hypochlorous acid before and after each use of the facilities. However, the method proposed in Patent Document 4 and the like provides hypochlorous acid at a low concentration, and therefore requires time to inactivate viruses. Therefore, when multiple people use the equipment in succession, there is a risk of inconvenience, such as some people using the equipment in a state where viruses have not been sufficiently inactivated. Furthermore, organic contaminants containing nitrogen or sulfur are present in water environments and in human waste containing viruses. When such contaminants are present, free chlorine or oxidizing agents may preferentially consume (act on) the contaminants before inactivating the viruses. Therefore, there is a demand for technology that can sufficiently inactivate viruses while removing the organic matter from contaminants that contain both viruses and organic matter.

[0013] Bacteria and mold that attach to areas where water is used, such as toilets, bathrooms, kitchens, and washbasins, may exist in a state of coexistence with organic matter as they multiply, or may exist in layers on the solid surfaces that make up the above-mentioned areas. The literature "Inactivation effect of ozone water on bacteria and viruses [Author: Katsuhiko Nakamuro], Journal of the Electrostatic Society, 35,4,154-160 (2011)" (Non-Patent Document 5) reports that if the medium contains oxidizable substances such as organic matter in addition to the bacteria and viruses that are the targets of sterilization and inactivation, these react easily with ozone, causing the ozone to disappear before inactivating the bacteria and viruses, and thus reducing the inactivation effect of ozone.

[0014] To address these issues, JP 2016-035196 A (Patent Document 5) proposes a method of washing bacteria and dirt on the target parts of water-related equipment with normal water that does not contain any bactericidal components in advance. This method is said to be able to wash away organic dirt and accumulated bacteria in advance, and to allow the sterilization effect of ozone water to reach deep into the accumulated bacteria.

[0015] In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-168231 (Patent Document 6) proposes a method for discharging cleaning water for the purpose of removing organic dirt from dirt near the washing area of ​​a bathroom, and then discharging sterilizing water such as free chlorine. This method is characterized by removing organic dirt in advance together with the cleaning water in order to prevent a decrease in the effect of the sterilizing water. In this case, if sterilizing water is discharged when there is a large amount of cleaning water remaining (residual water), the sterilizing components of the sterilizing water will be immediately diluted by the remaining water, and there is a risk that the sterilizing effect of the sterilizing water will be weakened. Therefore, it is important that the discharge of the cleaning water forms a flow toward the drain and that there is time between the discharge of the cleaning water and the discharge of the sterilizing water to ensure time for reaction between the organic dirt and the cleaning water and time for drainage of the wastewater. This is because there is a risk that the effectiveness of the sterilizing water will be reduced if the sterilizing water is discharged before the wastewater is discharged, and it is considered preferable to discharge the sterilizing water in such a way that the organic matter and cleaning water are not mixed with each other as much as possible. However, since chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium is resistant to free chlorine, free chlorine is not effective in providing a sufficient bactericidal effect, while ozone requires a high concentration for sterilization.

[0016] In addition, when suppressing the growth of bacteria continuously for a long period of time, it is desirable to automatically and efficiently control the discharge of the electrolytic water. JP 2001-353204 (Patent Document 7) discloses a device that predicts the growth state of bacteria present in a target area based on the environment such as the temperature and moisture of the target area, the amount of nutrients, or the frequency and duration of use by the user, and controls the electrolytic generation concentration and supply amount of hypochlorous acid according to the growth state of the bacteria. In the device described in Patent Document 7, hypochlorous acid water is efficiently electrolytically generated and discharged according to the growth state of bacteria, but regardless of the growth state of bacteria, it is necessary to generate high-concentration hypochlorous acid that requires the addition of chloride ions to suppress chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. It is also easy to imagine a mode in which hypochlorous acid is generated by replacing it with ozone, but even in that case, the required ozone concentration is still high, which poses a risk to human health, a risk of resin deterioration, and a large load on the electrodes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0017] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-306484 [Patent Document 2] JP 2008-073604 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2008-168002 A [Patent Document 4] JP 2016-108733 A [Patent Document 5] JP 2016-035196 A [Patent Document 6] JP 2008-168231 A [Patent Document 7] JP 2001-353204 A [Non-patent literature]

[0018] [Non-Patent Document 1] Chlorine resistance mechanism of Protomonas extorquens frequently isolated from drinking tank water [Author: Katsunori Furuhata], Society of Antibacterial and Antifungal Agents, Vol. 19, No. 8, p.395-399, 1991 [Non-Patent Document 2] Pink Monsters Lurking in the Bathroom [Author: Nozomi Ihara], Journal of Bioengineering, Vol. 94, 2016 [Non-Patent Document 3] Environmental Science & Technology, 44, 808-812(2010) [Non-Patent Document 4] Ozone: Science and Engineering, 28, 317-328(2006) [Non-Patent Document 5] Inactivation effect of ozone water on bacteria and viruses [Author: Katsuhiko Nakamuro], Journal of the Electrostatic Society, 35,4,154-160 (2011) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0019] The present inventors have found a novel configuration of a facility in a building where tap water is used, which can reliably suppress contamination of a desired site with microorganisms, particularly chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, or viruses, even when organic matter is present at the site together with the microorganisms or viruses. That is, by discharging the first reformed water and the second reformed water so that a state or time in which they are mixed at the desired site, in other words a state or time in which each active ingredient contained in each reformed water can act simultaneously on the microorganisms, is ensured at least during the period in which the reformed water is discharged in connection with the use of the facility according to the present invention, specifically, by discharging the first reformed water and the second reformed water at a desired site at a specific timing, respectively, and ensuring the above state or time, it has been confirmed that even when organic matter is present, the effect of the active ingredient in killing microorganisms, etc., of the active ingredient is not attenuated by the organic matter, and various problems caused by using the active ingredient at a high concentration are not caused, and the proliferation of microorganisms, etc. can be effectively suppressed, or the proliferated microorganisms, etc. can be effectively sterilized or inactivated. Here, "the period during which reformed water is discharged in association with the use of the equipment according to the present invention" refers to a period during which reformed water is discharged in association with the use of the equipment according to the present invention, in accordance with various discharge modes, such as discharge timing ("each time", "occasionally"), discharge method ("simultaneous discharge", "different time discharge"), combinations of discharge timing and discharge method (see Table 1), discharge modes based on combinations of these with the number of discharges, and discharge modes such as "variable CT value mode" as described below (hereinafter abbreviated as "reformed water discharge period"). Furthermore, even if there is a time during which either one or both of the first and second reformed waters are not discharged during the reformed water discharge period, as long as it is related to the use of the equipment according to the present invention and within the scope of achieving the purpose of suppressing contamination by microorganisms, etc., and includes a time during which a state in which the first and second reformed waters are ensured to be mixed at a desired site during the reformed water discharge period, this time is included in the reformed water discharge period.

[0020] The present invention is based on such findings. That is, the present invention aims to provide a facility in a building where tap water is used, which uses two types of modified water containing specific active ingredients, and discharges the modified waters at specific timings so that the state or time in which the modified waters are mixed at a desired site is ensured at least during the modified water discharge period, thereby eliminating the need for complicated work such as adding salt, and without impairing the durability of the resin material or rubber agent surrounding the site to be sterilized or the electrode life, and efficiently inhibits the proliferation of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses in the presence of organic matter, or efficiently sterilizes or inactivates the proliferated chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0021] The facility according to the present invention is a facility in a building where tap water is used, The equipment in question is: A device for generating a first reformed water and a second reformed water; A pipe for supplying tap water to the device; a discharge unit for discharging the first reformed water and the second reformed water to a site where contamination by microorganisms or viruses is desired to be suppressed; A control unit; It is equipped with the facility starts discharging the second reforming water after starting discharging the first reforming water; The discharge of the second reforming water is the discharge of the first reforming water is started after it has been stopped; or The process is started while the first reforming water is being discharged. It is characterized by the above. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, by discharging the first and second reforming waters so that the state or time in which they are mixed at the desired site is ensured at least during the reforming water discharge period, specifically, by discharging the first and second reforming waters at the desired site at specific timings, i.e., at different times, while ensuring a state or time in which each active ingredient contained in each reforming water can act simultaneously on microorganisms, etc., even in the presence of organic matter, the effect of the active ingredient in killing microorganisms, etc. is not attenuated by the organic matter, and various problems caused by using the active ingredient at a high concentration are not caused, and the proliferation of microorganisms, etc. can be effectively suppressed, or the proliferated microorganisms, etc. can be effectively sterilized or inactivated. In addition, the proliferation of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses in the presence of organic matter can be efficiently suppressed, or the proliferated chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses can be efficiently sterilized or inactivated, without requiring complicated work such as adding salt, and without impairing the durability of the resin material or rubber agent surrounding the site to be sterilized, etc., or the electrode life. Furthermore, even in the presence of organic matter, the growth of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses can be efficiently inhibited, or the grown chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses can be efficiently killed or inactivated, without increasing the concentration of the highly oxidizing component. This allows the generation of bacterial stains in living environments where tap water is used to be suppressed, without the inactivating effect of the highly oxidizing component being lost due to organic matter, and without the above-mentioned problems caused by using a highly oxidizing component at a high concentration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] Schematically shows that the modified water of the present invention can exhibit an effective bactericidal action against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. [Diagram 2] (A) Schematic showing that low concentrations of free chlorine alone can have a bactericidal effect on standard strains of Methylobacterium. (B) Schematic showing that low concentrations of free chlorine alone cannot have a bactericidal effect on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. [Diagram 3]1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of equipment according to the present invention, the equipment 1 includes a reformed water generating device 2 that generates first reformed water and second reformed water. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the configuration of the equipment according to the present invention, in which a reformed water generating device (2A or 2B) for generating a first reformed water and a reformed water generating device (2B or 2A) for generating a second reformed water are arranged in parallel in equipment 1A. [Diagram 5] 4 shows an example of a circuit for a reformed water generating device 2 included in the facility 1 shown in Fig. 3. In the device 2, ozone or hydrogen peroxide, and free chlorine can be generated simultaneously using one electrode pair. [Figure 6] 4 is an example of a circuit of the reformed water generating device 2 included in the facility 1 shown in Fig. 3. In the device 2, an electrode pair capable of generating ozone or hydrogen peroxide and an electrode pair capable of generating free chlorine are separately provided (in series). [Figure 7] 5 is an example of a circuit of reformed water generating devices 2A, 2B provided in the facility 1A shown in FIG. [Figure 8] In the circuit shown in FIG. 6, reformed water containing ozone is produced not by electrolysis of tap water, but by generating ozone gas and dissolving it in tap water. [Figure 9] In the circuit shown in FIG. 7, reformed water containing ozone is produced not by electrolysis of tap water, but by generating ozone gas and dissolving it in tap water. [Figure 10] 13 shows an example of a control sequence in the case where the first reforming water and the second reforming water are discharged simultaneously. [Figure 11] 13 shows an example of a control sequence in the case where the first reforming water and the second reforming water are discharged at different times. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling the equipment 1A of FIGS. 4, 7, and 9 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] An example of a control sequence in which the first reforming water and the second reforming water are discharged each time is shown. [Figure 14] 1 shows an example of a control sequence when the reformed water is discharged in the first mode and the second mode. [Figure 15] 13 shows an example of a control sequence when the reformed water is discharged in a CT value variable mode. [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic diagram of a toilet as an example of equipment according to the present invention. [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic diagram of a urinal as an example of equipment according to the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a bathroom as an example of equipment according to the present invention. [Figure 19] 1 is a schematic diagram of an automatic faucet for a washbasin, which is an example of equipment according to the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a kitchen sink including an automatic kitchen faucet, which is an example of equipment according to the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an automatic kitchen faucet, which is an example of equipment according to the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the bactericidal effect when reformed water containing only free chlorine is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. [Diagram 23]Examples of free chlorine and ozone concentration conditions in which a synergistic bactericidal effect on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium is observed are shown. (a) A diagram showing the bactericidal effect when reformed water containing 1.5 ppm of free chlorine and 0.1 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. (b) A diagram showing the bactericidal effect when reformed water containing 0.375 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. (c) A diagram showing the bactericidal effect when reformed water containing 0.75 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. (d) A diagram showing the bactericidal effect when reformed water containing 1.5 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. (e) A diagram showing the bactericidal effect when reformed water containing 1.5 ppm of free chlorine and 0.05 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. (f) A graph showing the bactericidal effect when reformed water containing 1.0 ppm of free chlorine and 0.1 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. (g) A graph showing the bactericidal effect when reformed water containing 0.2 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. [Figure 24] The following shows examples of free chlorine and ozone concentration conditions in which a synergistic bactericidal effect on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was observed in the presence of a medium concentration of organic matter. (a) This shows the bactericidal effect when reformed water containing 2.0 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. (b) This shows the bactericidal effect when reformed water containing 4.9 ppm of free chlorine and 1.0 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. (c) This shows the bactericidal effect when reformed water containing 4.9 ppm of free chlorine and 2.9 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. [Diagram 25]The figure shows the concentration conditions of free chlorine and ozone under which no synergistic bactericidal effect was observed on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. (a) A figure showing the bactericidal effect when reformed water containing 0.375 ppm of free chlorine and 0.1 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. (b) A figure showing the bactericidal effect when reformed water containing 0.75 ppm of free chlorine and 0.1 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. [Figure 26] The preferred range of ozone and free chlorine concentrations in the modified water that exerts a synergistic effect on the killing of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium is visually shown as the area surrounded by Equation 1, Equation 2, and Equation 3. [Figure 27] (a) shows the results of virus inactivation effect test 13. (b) shows the results of virus inactivation effect test 14. [Figure 28] (a) shows the results of virus inactivation effect test 15-1, and (b) shows the results of virus inactivation effect test 15-2 in the presence of a medium concentration of organic matter. [Figure 29] The preferred range of ozone and free chlorine concentrations in the modified water that exerts a synergistic effect on virus inactivation is visually shown as the area surrounded by Equations 1, 2, and 3. [Diagram 30] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the procedure of Test 18 <Step 11>. [Diagram 31] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the procedure of Test 18 <Step 13>. [Diagram 32] Examples of free chlorine and hydrogen peroxide concentration conditions in which a synergistic bactericidal effect was observed against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium are shown (Tests 23 to 26). [Diagram 33] Examples of free chlorine and hydrogen peroxide concentration conditions (Tests 27 to 30) in which a synergistic bactericidal effect was observed against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of moderate concentrations of organic matter are shown. [Diagram 34] The preferred range of concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine contained in the reformed water, which exerts a synergistic effect in killing chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, is visually shown as the area surrounded by Equation 4, Equation 5, Equation 6, and Equation 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Basic configuration The basic configuration of the facility according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the facility 1 is a facility in a building where tap water is used. The facility 1 is characterized by including a reformed water generating device 2 that generates first reformed water and second reformed water, piping 3 that supplies tap water to the reformed water generating device 2, a discharge unit 4 that discharges the reformed water to a location where contamination by microorganisms or viruses needs to be suppressed, and a control unit 5. The control unit 5 controls, for example, the start-up of the reformed water generating device and the discharge of the reformed water. Details of the control by the control unit 5 will be described later.

[0025] The facility according to the present invention may generate a mixed water of the first reforming water and the second reforming water in one reforming water generating device, and discharge the first reforming water and the second reforming water simultaneously as one mixed water (see Figs. 3 and 5, etc., described later). The first reforming water and the second reforming water may be generated separately in one or more reforming water generating devices (see Figs. 4, 6, 7, etc. described later) and discharged simultaneously. This feature is called "simultaneous discharge" and will be described in detail later. In the present invention, so long as the first reforming water and the second reforming water are discharged simultaneously, the terms "first reforming water and second reforming water" or "first and second reforming water" include both an embodiment in which the first reforming water and the second reforming water are generated separately, and an embodiment in which the first reforming water and the second reforming water are generated at the same time as a mixed (substantially one type of) reforming water.

[0026] Alternatively, the equipment according to the present invention may start discharging the second reforming water after starting discharging the first reforming water. In this case, The discharge of the second reforming water is The discharge of the first reforming water is started after it has been stopped, or or Starts while the first reformed water is being discharged This feature will be referred to as "differential ejection" hereinafter. In other words, the equipment according to the present invention, which satisfies the "differential discharge" requirement of the present invention, starts discharging the second modified water when the first modified water remains at least in the area where contamination by microorganisms or viruses is desired to be suppressed. In other words, the state in which both the first modified water and the second modified water coexist in the above-mentioned area is maintained for a predetermined period of time, and as a result, it is possible to maintain a state in which both of the active ingredients contained in each modified water can act simultaneously on microorganisms (such as chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and other general bacteria) and viruses.

[0027] With these features, the system of the present invention can efficiently kill microorganisms and viruses, especially those in the presence of organic matter, and can effectively kill microorganisms and viruses even if the concentrations of the active ingredients contained in the first modified water and the second modified water are low.

[0028] In the "differential discharge" of the present invention, the discharge of the second reforming water is started preferably less than 30 seconds, more preferably less than 20 seconds, even more preferably less than 10 seconds, advantageously less than 1 second, and even more advantageously 0 seconds after the discharge of the first reforming water is stopped. The "differential discharge" of the present invention is preferably controlled by the control unit 5 described later.

[0029] Facilities that use tap water In the present invention, a "building" in which facilities using tap water are present is A dwelling such as a detached house, apartment building, etc., for people to live in; Office buildings, offices, places of business, etc. where people work; Commercial and public facilities and other facilities used by people; This includes all buildings that are socially accepted as being used for human life, including the above.

[0030] In the present invention, "equipment in which tap water is used" means equipment used by users in a building, which discharges tap water alone, or tap water and reformed water, either simultaneously or at different times, during or before or after the use of the equipment. "Equipment in which tap water is used" may further include a means for supplying tap water, or may be composed of the means for supplying tap water itself. "Means for supplying tap water" includes so-called water pipes arranged in a building, or means that enable tap water distributed from the water pipes to be ultimately supplied to the equipment in which tap water is used, as well as means that constitute the equipment in which tap water is used and by which tap water is supplied.

[0031] In the present invention, specific examples of facilities using tap water include: Toilet bowls, urinals, warm water washing toilet seats, warm water washing toilet seat integrated toilets, toilet bowl units, toilet bowl cleaning devices, cleaning devices for private parts washing nozzles; Bathrooms (including unit baths), bathroom cleaning devices that use tap water, bathtub cleaning devices that use tap water; Apparatus for cleaning washbasins, automatic faucets for washbasins, toothbrushes, cups, etc.; and Automatic kitchen faucets, kitchen sinks, devices for cleaning cutting boards, sponge scrubbers, etc., dishwashing devices; etc.

[0032] Tap water In the present invention, "tap water" refers to water that is subjected to sterilization treatment such as chlorination at a water purification plant and then supplied to buildings such as houses, and "tap water" includes not only clean water but also grey water. The grey water is preferably one that has been subjected to a sterilization treatment such as chlorine disinfection. In the present invention, it is preferable to produce reformed water by subjecting tap water directly to, for example, electrolysis.

[0033] Reformed water (Type of reformed water) In the present invention, the modified water contains, as an active ingredient, a component having oxidizing power. These components have the ability to kill chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or to inactivate viruses. In one embodiment of the present invention, the modified water is an aqueous solution containing at least one active ingredient selected from the group consisting of ozone (O3), free chlorine, and hydrogen peroxide. In the present invention, free chlorine refers to hypochlorous acid (HClO) and hypochlorite ion (ClO - ) combination (mixture).

[0034] (Oxidation-reduction potential of reformed water) The strength of the oxidizing power of the reforming water is determined by the oxidation-reduction potential of the active ingredient contained in the reforming water. For example, according to the Electrochemistry Handbook (6th edition, Maruzen), the redox potential of hypochlorous acid (HClO), which is one of the free chlorine species, is 1.63 V. Components with stronger oxidizing power than hypochlorous acid include ozone (redox potential 2.06 V) and hydrogen peroxide (redox potential 1.76 V).

[0035] (First and second reformed water) In the present invention, it is preferable to use two types of modified water: modified water containing free chlorine and modified water containing a component with stronger oxidizing power than free chlorine. In one embodiment of the present invention, one of these two types of modified water is called the first modified water, and the other is called the second modified water. In addition, in the present invention, for convenience, both embodiments are included in the description of "first modified water and second modified water" or "first and second modified water", whether the first modified water containing one active ingredient and the second modified water containing another active ingredient are produced separately or simultaneously, that is, one active ingredient and another active ingredient are mixed. In addition, in both embodiments, the first (or second) modified water is synonymous with the modified water containing the first (or second) active ingredient. In the latter embodiment, the first modified water also serves as the second modified water. When the first reforming water contains free chlorine, the second reforming water preferably contains a component having a stronger oxidizing power than the free chlorine, which is preferably ozone or hydrogen peroxide. The components of the first and second reforming waters may be interchanged, that is, the first reforming water may contain a component having a stronger oxidizing power than free chlorine, and the second reforming water may contain free chlorine. In other words, it is preferable that either the first or second reforming water contains free chlorine as a main component, and the other paired reforming water may be arbitrarily selected from those having a higher oxidation-reduction potential than free chlorine, specifically, ozone or hydrogen peroxide.

[0036] Incidentally, it is known that when ozone and hydrogen peroxide are mixed, they react with each other to generate OH radicals, consuming each other. On the other hand, in the present invention, the combination of free chlorine and ozone, or the combination of free chlorine and hydrogen peroxide, does not react with each other when mixed, and is therefore not consumed in the reformed water generating device or piping. Therefore, even if the active ingredients in the first and second reforming waters have a low concentration, they can easily act on the site (P) efficiently. In addition, since highly reactive OH radicals are not generated when mixed, it is advantageous in that damage to the components of the equipment 1 and the components of the portion (P) can be suppressed. On the other hand, the above combination can exert a synergistically high bactericidal effect against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and a synergistically high inactivating effect against viruses, despite not generating OH radicals that have a strong bactericidal or virus-inactivating effect. This is very surprising.

[0037] (The first role of reformed water) Role 1: Oxidize and wash away organic matter present as dirt. For this reason, it is first discharged onto the area (P) where contamination needs to be suppressed. Incidentally, "dirt" includes, for example, feces, urine, saliva, food, cooking oil, seasonings, sebum, keratin, detergent, cosmetics, and components of biofilms secreted by attached microorganisms. Role 2: When combined with the second modified water, it exerts cytotoxicity on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and inactivates viruses. In other words, when the discharge of the second modified water is started while the first modified water is being discharged, or after the discharge of the first modified water has stopped and while the first modified water remains at the site (P), the first modified water and the second modified water are mixed, and the active ingredients contained in each modified water act simultaneously on the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and viruses, and their bactericidal and inactivating abilities are exerted synergistically. Here, in order for the active ingredient contained in the first reforming water to remain in the portion (P), it is desirable to use an ingredient that has a high residual property in the portion (P) as the active ingredient. Of the active ingredients contained in the first and second reforming waters, free chlorine has a higher residual property, so it is more preferable that the first reforming water contains free chlorine and the second reforming water contains ozone or hydrogen peroxide.

[0038] (The second role of reformed water) Role: When combined with the first reformed water, it exerts cytotoxicity on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and inactivates viruses.

[0039] (Concentration of active ingredients in modified water) In the present invention, the concentration of the active ingredient refers to the concentration of each active ingredient in the first and second modified waters when they are discharged from the discharge portion 4.

[0040] (Method of quantifying concentration of reformed water) The method for quantifying the ozone concentration in water is the indigo method defined in JIS B 9946:2019, in which the concentration of indigo decolorized by reaction with ozone is measured with a spectrophotometer and the ozone concentration is calculated from the decrease in absorbance.

[0041] The method for quantifying the free chlorine concentration in water is the DPD colorimetric method defined in JIS K 0400-33-10:1999, in which free chlorine reacts with DPD (N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine) and turns red.

[0042] The method for quantifying hydrogen peroxide in water is the oxidation-reduction titration method defined in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia, in which hydrogen peroxide is reacted with potassium permanganate and the point at which a sudden change in potential difference occurs is detected as the equivalent point. Alternatively, the amount of iron may be quantified based on the color reaction of a dye (Xylenol Orange) that accompanies the oxidation of iron ions by hydrogen peroxide.

[0043] (Preferred active ingredient and its concentration range) In the present invention, the concentrations of the active ingredients contained in the modified water are preferably 0.05 ppm or more for ozone, more than 5 ppm for hydrogen peroxide, and 0.1 ppm or more for free chlorine, which allows the modified water to exhibit excellent bactericidal and inactivating effects against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and viruses, as described later.

[0044] In the present invention, the upper limit of the ozone concentration contained in the reformed water is preferably 3 ppm or less, more preferably less than 3 ppm, and even more preferably 2.9 ppm or less. The upper limit of the hydrogen peroxide concentration contained in the reformed water is preferably less than 350,000 ppm, more preferably less than 35,000 ppm, even more preferably less than 3,500 ppm, advantageously 350 ppm or less, even more advantageously 35 ppm or less, and even more advantageously 15 ppm or less. In this case, the cell walls and cell membranes of the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or the outer shell of the virus can be effectively destroyed, allowing free chlorine to penetrate into the inside of the bacteria or virus, while at the same time providing the advantages of not impairing the durability of the components constituting the equipment according to the present invention, such as resin and rubber materials, not imposing a load on the modified water generating device, and not impairing the electrode life.

[0045] In the present invention, the upper limit of the free chlorine concentration is not particularly limited, but is, for example, preferably less than 5 ppm, more preferably 4.9 ppm or less, even more preferably 4 ppm or less, advantageously 3 ppm or less, and even more advantageously 2 ppm or less. At such a concentration, the current value applied to the electrodes is not high, and electrode deterioration can be suppressed. This eliminates the need to frequently replace the electrodes, improving convenience for the user. In addition, the increase in electrode area is suppressed, making electrolysis possible in a flowing water state, allowing the reformed water generating device to be made smaller. The above-mentioned free chlorine concentration is suitable for the reformed water generating device of the present invention.

[0046] In the present invention, ozone or hydrogen peroxide, which is a preferred active ingredient of the reformed water, and free chlorine coexist at site (P) during the reformed water discharge period. This allows a synergistic bactericidal effect and inactivation effect to be exhibited against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and viruses. In order for ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine to coexist at site (P), in addition to the "differential discharge" of the present invention, a method of mixing and discharging the first reformed water and the second reformed water (simultaneous discharge) can be mentioned. In the case of different-time discharge, the type and concentration of the active ingredient coexisting at site (P), or in the case of simultaneous discharge, the type and concentration of the active ingredient contained in the reformed water obtained by mixing the first reformed water and the second reformed water, can be any of the following A, B, C, D, E, F, and G: A: 0.05 ppm or more of ozone and 1.5 ppm or more of free chlorine B: 0.1 ppm or more of ozone and 0.75 ppm or more of free chlorine C: 0.2 ppm or more of ozone and 0.1 ppm or more of free chlorine D: Hydrogen peroxide exceeding 5 ppm and free chlorine exceeding 1.5 ppm E: Hydrogen peroxide exceeding 10 ppm and free chlorine exceeding 1.0 ppm F: Hydrogen peroxide exceeding 15 ppm and free chlorine exceeding 0.5 ppm G: Hydrogen peroxide exceeding 20 ppm and free chlorine exceeding 0.1 ppm It is preferable that:

[0047] In the present invention, in the case of synchronous discharge, when one of the first and second reforming waters contains 0.05 ppm or more of ozone, the other preferably contains free chlorine at a concentration of 1.6 ppm or more, more preferably 2.0 ppm or more. In the case of simultaneous discharge, when the mixed reforming water contains 0.05 ppm or more of ozone, the free chlorine at a concentration of 1.6 ppm or more, more preferably 2.0 ppm or more.

[0048] In the present invention, in the case of synchronous discharge, when one of the first and second reforming waters contains 0.1 ppm or more of ozone, the other preferably contains free chlorine at a concentration of 1.0 ppm or more, more preferably 1.5 ppm or more. In the case of simultaneous discharge, when the mixed reforming water contains 0.1 ppm or more of ozone, the free chlorine at a concentration of 1.0 ppm or more, more preferably 1.5 ppm or more.

[0049] In the present invention, in the case of synchronous discharge, when one of the first and second reforming waters contains 0.2 ppm or more of ozone, the concentration of free chlorine contained in the other is preferably 0.2 ppm or more, more preferably 0.3 ppm or more, and even more preferably 0.375 ppm or more. In the case of simultaneous discharge, when the mixed reforming water contains 0.2 ppm or more of ozone, the concentration of free chlorine is preferably 0.2 ppm or more, more preferably 0.3 ppm or more, and even more preferably 0.375 ppm or more.

[0050] In the present invention, in the case of synchronous discharge, when one of the first and second reforming waters contains 0.3 ppm or more of ozone, the other preferably has a free chlorine concentration of 0.1 ppm or more, more preferably 0.2 ppm or more, even more preferably 0.3 ppm or more, and most preferably 0.375 ppm or more. In the case of simultaneous discharge, when the mixed reforming water contains 0.3 ppm or more of ozone, the free chlorine concentration is preferably 0.1 ppm or more, more preferably 0.2 ppm or more, even more preferably 0.3 ppm or more, and most preferably 0.375 ppm or more.

[0051] In the present invention, in the case of synchronous discharge, when one of the first and second reforming waters contains more than 5 ppm hydrogen peroxide, the other preferably has a free chlorine concentration of 1.6 ppm or more, more preferably 2.0 ppm or more. In the case of simultaneous discharge, when the mixed reforming water contains more than 5 ppm hydrogen peroxide, the free chlorine concentration is preferably 1.6 ppm or more, more preferably 2.0 ppm or more.

[0052] In the present invention, in the case of synchronous discharge, when one of the first and second reforming waters contains more than 10 ppm of hydrogen peroxide, the other preferably has a free chlorine concentration of 1.1 ppm or more, more preferably 1.5 ppm or more. In the case of simultaneous discharge, when the mixed reforming water contains more than 10 ppm of hydrogen peroxide, the free chlorine concentration is preferably 1.1 ppm or more, more preferably 1.5 ppm or more.

[0053] In the present invention, in the case of synchronous discharge, when one of the first and second reforming waters contains more than 15 ppm of hydrogen peroxide, the other preferably has a free chlorine concentration of 0.6 ppm or more, more preferably 1.0 ppm or more. In the case of simultaneous discharge, when the mixed reforming water contains more than 15 ppm of hydrogen peroxide, the free chlorine concentration is preferably 0.6 ppm or more, more preferably 1.0 ppm or more.

[0054] Bactericidal mechanism of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium when exposed to low concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine In the present invention, when the first modified water and the second modified water are allowed to act on the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium by the "differential discharge" of the present invention, specifically, when the modified water containing a low concentration of ozone or hydrogen peroxide and the modified water containing a low concentration of free chlorine are allowed to act on the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in this order or in the reverse order by the "differential discharge" of the present invention, or when the first modified water and the second modified water are allowed to act on the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium by the "simultaneous discharge" of the present invention, specifically, when the modified water containing both ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine at low concentrations, for example, obtained by mixing the first modified water and the second modified water, is allowed to act on the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, the mechanism by which ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine exert a synergistic effect of sterilizing the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium is considered to be as follows. However, the matters described below are merely hypotheses, and the present invention is not to be interpreted in any limited manner by these matters.

[0055] Ozone or hydrogen peroxide has a strong oxidizing power, so that even at a low concentration, it can damage or destroy the cell wall and thickened cell membrane (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "cell membrane") of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "bacteria"). On the other hand, ozone or hydrogen peroxide is an unstable molecule, so its oxidizing power is not long-lasting. Therefore, it is difficult for low-concentration ozone or hydrogen peroxide alone to exert a sustained oxidizing power (cytotoxicity) sufficient to overcome the defense power of the bacteria against oxidative damage and oxidize and decompose the biological material (nucleic acid, protein, etc.) inside the bacteria after destroying the cell wall and cell membrane, and is insufficient to reliably kill the bacteria. However, in the present invention, low-concentration free chlorine plays a role of oxidizing and decomposing the biological material present inside the cell membrane destroyed by ozone or hydrogen peroxide, and reliably killing the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. The effect of the modified water of the present invention on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium is shown in Fig. 1. (In Fig. 1, the chlorine-resistant strain indicates chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, and the grey area indicates the thickened cell membrane of the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. Note that the cell wall is not shown.)

[0056] As shown in FIG. 2B, low-concentration free chlorine alone is difficult to destroy the cell wall and thickened cell membrane of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, but in the present invention, as described above, low-concentration ozone or hydrogen peroxide can play that role instead. Therefore, free chlorine can penetrate into the inside of the bacteria through the cell membrane destroyed by ozone or hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, since free chlorine can continuously exert its oxidizing power, it can reliably oxidize and decompose biological materials after penetrating into the inside of the bacteria. Note that FIG. 2A shows that low-concentration free chlorine alone can destroy the cell membrane of the standard strain of Methylobacterium that has not acquired chlorine resistance, and can further oxidize and decompose biological materials inside the bacteria.

[0057] On the other hand, the initial action of free chlorine and the subsequent action of ozone or hydrogen peroxide can also provide a synergistic killing effect against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. In this case, it is presumed that free chlorine damages the cell walls and thickened cell membranes of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, promoting the penetration of ozone or hydrogen peroxide into the interior of the bacterial body, where the ozone or hydrogen peroxide oxidizes biological materials (nucleic acids, proteins, etc.) and exerts a bactericidal effect.

[0058] As described above, the modified water of the present invention effectively utilizes the properties of ozone or hydrogen peroxide, and free chlorine, and can achieve sterilization of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, which has been difficult to achieve even when either one of them is at a high concentration, even when both are at low concentrations, particularly when the ozone concentration is at least 0.05 ppm.

[0059] Virus inactivation effect when low concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine are applied The inventors have discovered that although electrolysis of tap water normally produces only low concentrations of free chlorine, by generating not only free chlorine but also ozone or hydrogen peroxide, viruses can be reliably inactivated by simply applying the resulting modified water for a short period of time, and have confirmed this effect. The following (1) and (2) are considered to be the mechanisms of action for inactivating viruses by using both ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine at low concentrations, and it is believed that viruses can be sufficiently inactivated by either (1) or (2), or by combining both (1) and (2). However, the matters described below are merely hypotheses, and the present invention should not be interpreted in any way as being limited by these matters.

[0060] Mechanism of action (1): Ozone enhances free chlorine-induced damage to viral genomes As mentioned above, it is known that ozone or hydrogen peroxide oxidizes Trp, Met, His, Tyr, and Cys in the capsid proteins that make up virus particles and in functional proteins present on the virus surface (Environmental Science & Technology, 44, 808-812 (2010)). However, short-term exposure to low concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide cannot fully inactivate viruses. However, it is believed that oxidation of capsid proteins and functional proteins by low concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide has the unexpected effect of loosening the rigid polyhedral structure of the virus particle, making it easier for free chlorine to penetrate the viral coat. As a result, it is believed that free chlorine can reach the genomic RNA or DNA inside the virus, causing extremely efficient oxidative damage to the viral genome, thereby making it possible to reliably inactivate the virus.

[0061] Mechanism of action (2): Synergistic oxidation of viral proteins by ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine As mentioned above, ozone or hydrogen peroxide oxidizes Trp, Met, His, Tyr, and Cys that constitute the capsid protein and functional proteins of virus particles. On the other hand, free chlorine oxidizes (carbonylates) some of the Lys that constitute the capsid protein and functional proteins (Ozone: Science and Engineering, 28, 317-328 (2006)). Short-term exposure to low concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide, or free chlorine alone is expected to be insufficient to cause the loss of function of capsid proteins or functional proteins because the types of amino acid residues oxidized are limited. Moreover, exposure to a combination of low concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide and low concentrations of free chlorine is expected to have a greater effect on causing the loss of function of proteins because it increases the number of amino acid residues oxidized by only one. However, in reality, it is surprising that by combining low concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide with low concentrations of free chlorine, for example by oxidizing just one type of amino acid residue with free chlorine, it is possible to extremely efficiently cause loss of protein function. As a result, it is believed that it is possible to reliably inactivate the virus.

[0062] As described above, the modified water of the present invention can effectively utilize the properties of ozone or hydrogen peroxide, and free chlorine, and can inactivate viruses, which has been difficult to achieve even when both are at low concentrations, or when either one is at a high concentration.

[0063] Method for producing reformed water In the present invention, there are three main methods for producing modified water: (1) Electrolysis method: Produced by electrolyzing tap water (also simply called "electrolysis"). (2) Gas method: Activates air to produce gas containing active ingredients, and then dissolves the gas in tap water. (3) Reagent method: A highly concentrated reagent is dissolved in tap water to produce the solution.

[0064] In the specific embodiment of the present invention described below, the method (1) will be mainly described. Method (1) produces reformed water by electrolyzing tap water while it is being passed through the device, and the reformed water can be discharged immediately. Here, the reformed water is electrolyzed water. However, when the effective ingredient of the reforming water is ozone, method (2) may be used. The method (3) requires the user to take the trouble of refilling reagents, but since equipment 1 does not need to have the functions of electrolysis or gas generation, the configuration of equipment 1 can be simplified.

[0065] Reformed water generator In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reformed water generating device 2 has a function of electrolyzing tap water to generate a first reformed water and a second reformed water.

[0066] For example, the reformed water generating device 2, as shown in FIG. an electrode pair 231 for simultaneously producing a first reformed water and a second reformed water; A power source 21 that applies a current or current to the electrode pair 231; A switch 22 for switching the power supply ON / OFF; The reformed water generating device 2 may be provided with: The switch 22 may be configured to be controlled by the control unit 5.

[0067] The reformed water generating device 2 includes: The reformed water generating device 2 may include two electrode pairs: an electrode pair (A) that generates a first reformed water, and an electrode pair (B) that generates a second reformed water.

[0068] The reformed water generating device 2 shown in FIG. 6 is an example that includes an electrode pair (A) 232, (B) 233, which are arranged in series. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the reformed water generating apparatus 2 may be divided into a reformed water generating apparatus 2A equipped with an electrode pair (A) 232 and a reformed water generating apparatus 2B equipped with an electrode pair (B) 233, or the reformed water generating apparatuses 2A and 2B may be arranged in parallel.

[0069] (Series configuration example) An example of the configuration of the reformed water generating device 2 in which two electrode pairs (A), (B) are arranged in series will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in the reforming water generating device 2, an electrode pair (A) 232 that generates the first reforming water and an electrode pair (B) 233 that generates the second reforming water are arranged in series. In order to activate each electrode pair, a power source 21 (21A, 21B) that applies a current or voltage and a switch 22 (22A, 22B) that switches the power source 21 (21A, 21B) ON / OFF may be provided. The switch 22 (22A, 22B) may be configured to be controlled by the control unit 5.

[0070] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, there are only two pairs of electrodes, one capable of generating ozone or hydrogen peroxide and the other capable of generating free chlorine. The electrode pair (A) 232 consists of an anode 2321 and a cathode 2322 . The electrode pair (B) 233 consists of an anode 2331 and a cathode 2332 . The electrodes of the pair may, for example, both be plate-shaped. Tap water is electrolyzed between the anode 2321 and the cathode 2322 to generate ozone (O3, a in FIG. 6). In addition, tap water is electrolyzed between the anode 2331 and the cathode 2332 to produce free chlorine (i.e., hypochlorous acid molecules (HClO, b in FIG. 6) and hypochlorite ions (ClO - , c) in Figure 6 is generated. In this embodiment, a configuration in which ozone is generated by the electrode pair (A) and free chlorine is generated by the electrode pair (B) has been exemplified. However, it goes without saying that a configuration in which free chlorine is generated by the electrode pair (A) and ozone is generated by the electrode pair (B) may also be adopted, for example, by appropriately replacing or selecting the electrode pair (anode, cathode).

[0071] (Example of parallel arrangement) An example configuration will be described in which two electrode pairs (A), (B) are arranged in two reformed water generating devices 2A, 2B, respectively, and the reformed water generating devices 2A, 2B, i.e., the electrode pairs (A), (B) are arranged in parallel. 7, the electrically reformed water generator 2A has an electrode pair (A) 232 capable of generating ozone or hydrogen peroxide, and the reformed water generator 2B has an electrode pair (B) 233 capable of generating free chlorine, and the reformed water generators 2A and 2B are arranged in parallel. It goes without saying that it is also possible to configure the electrode pair (A) to generate free chlorine and the electrode pair (B) to generate ozone or hydrogen peroxide by, for example, appropriately replacing or selecting the electrode pair (anode, cathode). In order to activate each electrode pair, a power supply 21 (21A, 21B) that applies a current or voltage, and a switch 22 (22A, 22B) that switches the power supply 21 (21A, 21B) ON / OFF may be provided.

[0072] In the present invention, the reformed water generating devices 2, 2A, and 2B are preferably connected downstream of a pipe 3 that supplies tap water to these reformed water generating devices, as shown in, for example, Figures 5, 6, and 7. This allows tap water to flow into the reformed water generating devices. The reformed water generating devices may be provided, for example, with a sealable member so that the tap water supplied from the pipe 3 does not leak. The reformed water generating devices may also include an electrolytic cell capable of electrolyzing tap water to generate the reformed water.

[0073] In the present invention, it is preferable that the tap water supplied to the reformed water generating device is temperature-regulated, and it is preferable that the facility of the present invention is provided with a temperature regulator for that purpose. The temperature regulator is preferably provided between the pipe 3 and the reformed water generating device that generates ozone, and it is preferable that the temperature regulator raises the temperature of the tap water before supplying it to the reformed water generating device. The present invention is characterized in that an effective bactericidal effect or virus inactivation effect can be obtained with a low concentration of ozone. It is known that when ozone is generated by electrolyzing water, the lower the water temperature, the higher the concentration of the generated ozone (Hymen Gijutsu, vol. 56, 106-112 (2005)). By increasing the temperature of tap water and electrolyzing it, it is possible to prevent the concentration of generated ozone from becoming excessively high, even during the winter when the water temperature is low. In addition, even when ozone gas is generated from oxygen in the air and dissolved in tap water, the solubility of ozone gas decreases as the water temperature increases, so the concentration of generated ozone can be prevented from becoming excessively high.

[0074] In the present invention, electrolysis of tap water by the reformed water generating device may be carried out by either a storage system or a flow-through system electrolysis method, which will be described later. In the case of a storage-type electrolysis method, for example, a valve for stopping water is provided between the reformed water generating device and the pipes 7, 7A, and 7B to which the reformed water is supplied, and the reformed water generating device 2 is operated in a state in which tap water is stored in an electrolytic cell that may be equipped with an electrode pair. This makes it possible to intentionally increase the concentration of the generated reformed water. In the case of a storage-type electrolysis method, it is preferable to ensure time for storing tap water, and it is also preferable to provide a mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the valve.

[0075] In the case of the water-passing electrolysis method as shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, for example, the reformed water generators 2, 2A, and 2B are operated while tap water is being passed through the reformed water generators 2, 2A, and 2B from the pipe 3. This allows the generated reformed water to be passed through the pipes 7, 7A, and 7B quickly. In addition, the generated reformed water can be discharged quickly to the portion (P). In the water-passing electrolysis method, it is preferable to start the reformed water generators 2, 2A, and 2B at the same time as or after tap water is passed through the reformed water generators 2, 2A, and 2B from the pipe 3. In the water-passing electrolysis method, electrolysis is performed while water is passing through, so the generated reformed water has a lower concentration than in the storage electrolysis method. However, according to the present invention, even in the case of low-concentration reformed water obtained by the water-flow electrolysis method, chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium can be rapidly killed at a high rate, as described below. In the present invention, the use of the water-flow type electrolysis method is preferred, since the water-flow type electrolysis method can produce reformed water in a short time, particularly from the viewpoint of quickly inactivating chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium.

[0076] In the present invention, the above-mentioned reformed water generating device is preferably not provided with a means for supplying a chlorine compound to the electrode. In other words, in the reformed water generating device of the present invention, it is not necessary to supply a chlorine compound to the electrode. In order to adjust (increase) the concentration of free chlorine contained in the reformed water to a desired concentration, for example, as disclosed in the above Patent Document 2, it is possible to add a chlorine compound, such as sodium chloride, sodium hypochlorite, hypochlorous acid water, etc., to tap water, and for this purpose, it is possible to provide, for example, a storage means for the chlorine compound in the reformed water generating device, or a valve for supplying the chlorine compound to the electrode. However, in the present invention, as already explained, the tap water is directly electrolyzed to obtain reformed water containing ozone or hydrogen peroxide at a specific low concentration and reformed water containing free chlorine at a specific low concentration, or reformed water containing both ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine at specific low concentrations, and these can effectively sterilize or inactivate chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses, and the reformed water generating device of the present invention can generate such reformed water. Therefore, in the present invention, there is no need to add a chlorine compound to the tap water as a raw material in order to obtain a specific low concentration of free chlorine (along with a specific low concentration of ozone or hydrogen peroxide).

[0077] (electrode) In the present invention, the electrodes of the reformed water generating device may be of two types: one capable of generating at least either ozone or hydrogen peroxide, and the other capable of generating at least either free chlorine or hydrogen peroxide. Also, a single electrode pair may be provided, and both ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine may be produced by the electrode pair.

[0078] (Electrode material) The reformed water generating apparatus shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 includes one electrode pair 231 or two electrode pairs (A) 232 and (B) 233.

[0079] (An electrode pair that simultaneously produces ozone or hydrogen peroxide, and free chlorine) The electrode pair 231 mainly generates ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine at the same time, and may include, for example, a substrate and a catalyst layer provided on the substrate. The substrate may be made of, for example, titanium or a titanium alloy. The catalyst layer may be a single layer or multiple layers. The material constituting the catalyst layer is preferably a metal compound containing at least one selected from tin, antimony, nickel, iron, zinc, bismuth, platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, osmium, zirconium, niobium, aluminum, gallium, cobalt, cesium, selenium, zinc, molybdenum, manganese, vanadium, germanium, tellurium, and silver, or an oxide or complex thereof, and more preferably a metal compound containing at least one selected from tin, antimony, nickel, iron, zinc, and bismuth, or an oxide or complex thereof.

[0080] (Ozone generating electrode pair) The electrode pair (A) 232 mainly generates ozone and may include an anode 2321 and a cathode 2322 arranged across an electrode gap. For example, the electrode pair (A) 232 may be an electrode structure (claim 4, paragraph 0033, etc.) described in Japanese Patent No. 6890793, which includes an anode member and a cathode member arranged across an electrode gap from the anode member. By referring to the above-mentioned patent publication, the description of the electrode structure in the publication is incorporated into this specification as the description of the electrode pair (A) 232 in the present invention. The material of the electrode pair (A) 232 may be any metal having electrical conductivity, and examples of such materials include platinum group elements, nickel, stainless steel, titanium, zirconium, gold, silver, carbon, and precious metals such as iridium, and oxides thereof, niobium oxide, and tantalum oxide.

[0081] Alternatively, the electrode pair (A) 232 may be an electrode in which a catalyst layer is formed on the substrate of the anode 2321, and an ion exchange sheet and a cathode 2322 are laminated in this order on the catalyst layer. As such an electrode, the electrolysis electrode unit described in JP 2012-12695 A can be used. By referring to the above publication, the description of the electrolysis electrode unit in the publication is incorporated into this specification as the description of another embodiment of the electrode pair 232 of the present invention. For example, the substrate of the anode 2321 may be titanium, carbon, tungsten, niobium, or silicon, the catalyst layer of the anode may be a conductive diamond film, and the cathode may be a metal (e.g., SUS304) electrode plate having a thickness of about 1 mm.

[0082] (Electrode pair for generating hydrogen peroxide) The electrode pair (A) 232 may mainly generate hydrogen peroxide. The anode electrode is preferably an anode electrode having one or more solid oxides selected from fluorine-doped tin oxide, BiVO4, Al2O3, TiO2, WO3, CeO2, and La2O5 on its surface, as described in Japanese Patent No. 6554642. Alternatively, the anode electrode may be a solid oxide containing one or more elements selected from transition elements such as Ag, Al, Co, Cu, Nb, Ni, Ta, Ti, V, W, and Zr, and typical elements such as Bi, In, Si, and Zn. Furthermore, as described in JP 2014-57944 A, a ruthenium complex may be used as a catalyst, or diamond may be used for the anode electrode.

[0083] (Electrode pair that generates free chlorine) The electrode pair (B) 233 mainly generates free chlorine, and may be, for example, an electrode including a substrate and a catalytic layer provided on the substrate. As such an electrode, the electrolysis electrode described in JP 2013-142166 A can be used. By referring to the above publication, the description of the electrolysis electrode in the publication is incorporated into this specification as the description of the electrode pair (B) 233 in the present invention. The substrate may be, for example, made of titanium or a titanium alloy. The catalytic layer may be one layer or multiple layers. The catalytic layer may be a complex of metal and / or metal oxide containing at least one selected from platinum compounds, iridium compounds, rhodium compounds, and tantalum compounds. Examples of platinum compounds include chloroplatinic acid, platinum chloride, and the like, and chloroplatinic acid is particularly preferred. Examples of iridium compounds include chloroiridic acid, iridium chloride, iridium nitrate, and the like, and chloroiridic acid is particularly preferred. Examples of the rhodium compound include rhodium chloride, rhodium nitrate, etc., with rhodium chloride being particularly preferred. Examples of the tantalum compound include tantalum chloride, tantalum ethoxide, etc., with tantalum ethoxide being particularly preferred.

[0084] (A water reforming device that generates ozone gas and dissolves it in tap water, mainly containing ozone as an active ingredient) Of the reformed water generating devices 2A or 2B in Figures 6 and 7, the reformed water generating device that generates ozone may be a device that generates ozone gas using oxygen in the air as a raw material and dissolves the generated ozone gas in tap water.

[0085] There are two methods for generating ozone gas: Ultraviolet method: By irradiating the atmosphere with ultraviolet light from a UV light source, oxygen molecules dissociate and generate active oxygen, which then reacts with other oxygen molecules to generate ozone. Electrical discharge method: Oxygen molecules in the air are broken down by a high-voltage electrical discharge to generate active oxygen, which then reacts with other oxygen molecules to generate ozone.

[0086] There are two methods for dissolving ozone gas into tap water: a water-passing system in which ozone gas is dissolved in the tap water as it passes through, and a storage system in which tap water is stored and ozone gas is dissolved in it. In the storage system, the ozone contained in the reformed water can be made highly concentrated, but it has the drawback that a component for storing tap water is required and it takes time for the reformed water to be discharged. The elemental technologies for efficiently dissolving ozone gas into tap water include ejectors and gas-liquid mixers. Alternatively, ozone may be made into fine bubbles such as microfine bubbles or fine bubbles, which are then mixed with tap water and dissolved. Alternatively, ozone gas may be blown into tap water through a pipe to dissolve it.

[0087] As an example of a device for producing reformed water that mainly uses ozone water, there is a system in which ozone gas is generated by electric discharge, tap water is passed through a water supply system, and the ozone gas is blown into the tap water through piping to dissolve it. This is specifically shown in Figures 8 and 9. As an example, an electric discharge method is given here, and the control unit 5 controls the supply of electricity to the electrode pair (A) of the ozone gas generating unit, but an ultraviolet ray method may also be used. In that case, a UV light source is provided instead of the electrode pair (A), and the control unit 5 controls the supply of electricity to the UV light source.

[0088] (A modified water generator that dissolves reagents in tap water) Of the reformed water generating devices 2A and 2B in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the reformed water generating device that generates free chlorine or hydrogen peroxide may be a device that generates reformed water by dissolving a reagent in tap water. Specifically, in the case of free chlorine, sodium hypochlorite solution can be used as a reagent, and in the case of hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide solution (Japanese Pharmacopoeia name: Oxydol) can be used as a reagent. Although not shown, it is preferable to provide the reformed water generating device 2 (2A, 2B) with a connection section for installing a container containing a reagent, and an electromagnetic valve or the like for opening and closing the flow of the reagent into the piping 3. When the reformed water is to be discharged, the control section 5 opens the above-mentioned electromagnetic valve or the like, whereby the reagent is added to the tap water to generate and discharge the reformed water.

[0089] Discharge part The discharge unit 4 discharges the reformed water generated by the reformed water generating device to the site (P) where contamination is desired to be suppressed. In other words, the discharge of the reformed water to the site (P) is performed by discharging the reformed water generated by the reformed water generating device from the discharge unit 4. In the present invention, as already explained, the first reformed water and the second reformed water are discharged from the discharge unit 4 so that a state or time in which they are mixed at the site (P) is ensured at least during the reformed water discharge period, in other words, a state or time in which each active ingredient contained in each reformed water can act simultaneously on microorganisms, etc. is ensured at least during the reformed water discharge period. The state in which the first modified water and the second modified water are mixed at the portion (P) can be obtained by a mode in which the first modified water and the second modified water are mixed and discharged from the discharge portion 4 simultaneously (simultaneous discharge), or a mode in which the first modified water and the second modified water are discharged at different times from the discharge portion 4 (different time discharge). In the different time discharge, either one or both of the discharge start timing and the discharge end timing of each modified water are different, for example, the modes shown in Figures 11A and 11B described later can be mentioned. Details of the discharge timing and discharge method of the modified water will be described later.

[0090] The discharge unit 4 may include a pipe 7 that supplies the reformed water generated in the reformed water generating apparatus from the reformed water generating apparatus 2 to the discharge unit 4. Alternatively, the discharge unit 4 may be directly connected to the reformed water generating apparatus 2.

[0091] In the configuration of the equipment 1A (FIG. 4), one discharge section 4 (7A, 7B) may be provided in each of the reformed water generating apparatuses 2A and 2B.

[0092] The method of discharging the reforming water to the portion (P) may be a flowing water, a shower, or a spray, or may be a gas-liquid mixed discharge to reduce the amount of reforming water used.

[0093] The flow-through method is a method in which the reformed water is continuously discharged. The shower method is a method in which the reformed water is discharged with a particle diameter of about 2000 μm to 300 μm. The spray method is a method in which the reformed water is discharged as a mist with a particle diameter of less than 300 μm.

[0094] In the case of a shower, for example, the outlet portion 4 may be provided with a water spray plate. In the case of spraying, for example, an atomizing device can be provided in the discharge section 4, and the particle size of the mist can be made small so that the reformed water can be delivered over a wide area by diffusion or the like.

[0095] When discharging reforming water containing ozone, it is preferable not to make the particle size of the mist too small in order to suppress excessive evaporation of ozone from the reforming water. The particle size of the mist is measured using a laser diffraction method and is expressed as the Sauter mean particle size, which is represented by the following formula. Sauter mean particle size (D32) [μm] = Σnd 3 / Σnd 2 n: number of particles d: particle diameter [μm]

[0096] A preferred particle size in the present invention is a Sauter mean particle size calculated by the above-mentioned measurement technique using the laser diffraction method of at least 10 μm, preferably 30 μm or more, and more preferably 100 μm or more. With the above particle size, the low concentration ozone contained in the reforming water can be discharged to the area (P) where contamination needs to be prevented. In addition, damage to materials and injury to humans caused by vaporized ozone can be prevented.

[0097] In the case of gas-liquid mixed discharge, for example, an air bubble mixing device can be provided upstream of the discharge section 4 .

[0098] Furthermore, the discharge part 4 may also have a function of discharging tap water. For example, in a urinal which will be exemplified later, the discharge part 4 which discharges the reformed water also serves as a discharge port which discharges tap water for flushing the urinal.

[0099] Control Unit The control unit in the present invention will be described with reference to the equipment 1 shown in Figs. The control unit 5 has a function of applying electricity to the electrode pair 231 or the electrode pair (A) 232 and the electrode pair (B) 233 .

[0100] The control unit 5 may also have a function of controlling the concentration of the active ingredient by controlling both or either one of the voltage and the current during the energization. Alternatively, a regulator may be provided in the reformed water generating apparatus 2, and the control unit 5 may control the regulator to change the current value or voltage value.

[0101] Furthermore, when applying a constant current, the control unit 5 may measure the voltage value of the reformed water generating apparatus 2 during current flow and control the regulator so that the desired voltage value is achieved. Also, when applying a constant voltage, the control unit 5 may measure the current value of the reformed water generating apparatus 2 during current flow and control the regulator so that the desired current value is achieved.

[0102] The control unit 5 may also have a function of intermittently applying a voltage or current during the energization. In particular, when generating modified water whose main active ingredient is ozone, intermittent application is preferable because it reduces the concentration of ozone generated by the electrode (or UV light source) and controls the ozone concentration in the discharged modified water so that it does not become too high.

[0103] The control unit 5 may also have a function of controlling the opening and closing of a valve 6 for tap water flowing in from piping 3, the opening and closing of an electromagnetic valve for reformed water flowing out from piping 7, manual / automatic switches, various sensors, etc., so that they operate appropriately.

[0104] In the above, when controlling the flow rate of tap water, the control unit 5 may change the discharge time by adjusting the time for which the valve 6 is opened and the time for which a state in which a current or voltage is applied to the electrode pair 231, or the electrode pair (A) 232 and the electrode pair (B) 233 is maintained. As a means for changing the time, the control unit 5 may control the valve 6 and a switch, or a mechanism may be provided that automatically closes the valve 6 after a set time has elapsed.

[0105] Alternatively, a speed control valve may be provided in the pipe 3, and the control unit 5 may change the flow rate by controlling the opening of the speed control valve. Alternatively, an electric pump may be provided between the reformed water generating device 2 and the pipe 3, and the control unit 5 may control the current or voltage applied to the electric pump to change the flow rate.

[0106] The control unit 5 preferably further has a function of controlling so as to change the position and angle of the discharge unit 4 so that the reforming water is discharged so as to reliably contact the site (P). For example, when discharging, the discharge part 4 may be controlled to move toward the vicinity of the site (P) by a motor or the like.

[0107] control In the present invention, the control unit 5 controls the operation of the equipment 1, and starts and stops the discharge of the first reforming water and the second reforming water.

[0108] (Timing for cleaning the portion (P) by ejecting the first and second reforming waters) In the present invention, the equipment 1 discharges the first and second reforming water at the following two types of timing.

[0109] Each time The first and second reformed waters are discharged each time the user uses the equipment 1 (hereinafter referred to as "each time").

[0110] 〇Occasionally a mode (first mode) in which the first modified water and the second modified water are discharged and these modified waters are allowed to act on the microorganisms or viruses at the site (P) simultaneously, specifically, a state in which these modified waters act on the microorganisms or viruses at the site (P) simultaneously is maintained for a desired period of time; A mode in which the first reformed water, the second reformed water, or tap water is discharged alone or not discharged (second mode); When there are two types of modes (hereinafter referred to as "occasionally").

[0111] (Discharge method of the first and second reforming water) In the present invention, there are two types of methods for the equipment 1 to discharge the first and second reforming waters.

[0112] Simultaneous discharge When the first and second reforming waters are discharged simultaneously (hereinafter referred to as "simultaneous discharge")

[0113] 〇 Unusual discharge When the first and second reforming waters are discharged at different times rather than simultaneously (hereinafter referred to as "discharge at different times").

[0114] In the above-mentioned equipment of the present invention, the timing for cleaning the portion (P) by ejecting the first and second reforming waters and the ejection method of the first and second reforming waters are shown in Table 1.

[0115] [Table 1]

[0116] When the first and second reforming waters are discharged "each time" or "occasionally", the discharge method may be "simultaneous discharge" or "different time discharge".

[0117] Furthermore, the discharge of the reformed water from the equipment 1 of the present invention may vary the concentration of the effective ingredient and the discharge time depending on the discharge timing.

[0118] The timing and method of ejection will be described in detail below.

[0119] (Control pattern common to simultaneous and non-synchronous discharge) The control unit 5 starts discharging the first and second reforming waters. Tap water is supplied to the reformed water generating device 2 (or 2A and 2B), and the electrode pair 231, or the electrode pair (A) 232 and the electrode pair (B) 233, are activated to generate first and second reformed waters, and the generated first and second reformed waters are discharged from the discharge section 4.

[0120] (Control Sequence) (1. "Simultaneous Dispensing" Sequence) In the present invention, the control sequence for simultaneously discharging the first reforming water and the second reforming water can be suitably performed according to the sequence of Figure 10, whether the reforming water generating device 2 is configured with one electrode pair 231 that simultaneously generates the first and second reforming waters (Figures 3 and 5) or is configured with two electrode pairs 232, 233 arranged in series (Figures 6 and 8) or in parallel (Figures 4, 7 and 9).

[0121] (1-1. Example of basic control) An example of basic control of the equipment 1 by the control unit 5 will be described below in chronological order with reference to FIGS. 3, 6, 8, 4, 7, and 9. FIG.

[0122] Step 1: When the equipment 1 or 1A starts discharging the reforming water, the control unit 5 starts discharging the first and second reforming waters.

[0123] Step 1 control example: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6 (or 6A and 6B) to supply tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 (or 2A and 2B). The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22 (or 22A and 22B), applies electricity from the power source 21 (or 21A and 22B) to the electrode pair 231 (or the electrode pair (A) 232 and the electrode pair (B) 233), respectively, to generate first and second reformed water by electrolysis of tap water (activation of oxygen in the air in the case of an ozone gas method), and discharge the first and second reformed water from the discharge unit 4 through the piping 7.

[0124] Step 2: After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the first and second reforming waters.

[0125] Step 2 control example: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22 (or 22A and 22B) and closes the valve 6 (or 6A and 6B).

[0126] (2. "Different Time Discharge" Sequence) In the present invention, the control sequence for starting to eject the first and second reforming waters at different times rather than simultaneously can be suitably performed according to the sequences of Figures 11A and 11B, respectively, when the two electrode pairs are configured in series (Figures 3, 6, and 8) or in parallel (Figures 4, 7, and 9).

[0127] (2-1. Two control patterns for different discharge times: Sequence A and B) In the "differential discharge" of the present invention, the start and stop of discharge of the first reforming water and the second reforming water can be suitably controlled according to, for example, the following sequences A and B. Sequence A: Control for discharging the second reforming water after the discharge of the first reforming water has been stopped, preferably within 30 seconds after the stoppage. Sequence B: After starting the discharge of the first reforming water, while the first reforming water is being discharged, i.e., while continuing the discharge of the first reforming water, the discharge of the second reforming water is started, thereby controlling to discharge the first and second reforming waters simultaneously.

[0128] Both controls according to sequences A and B ensure that the discharge of the second modified water is started when the first modified water remains in the area (P) where contamination by microorganisms or viruses is desired to be suppressed; in other words, it ensures that a state in which both the first modified water and the second modified water coexist in the area (P) is maintained for a predetermined period of time. As a result, a state is realized in which both the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient act simultaneously on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses, and the bactericidal effects or viral inactivation effects of both ingredients are exerted synergistically, making it possible to efficiently kill or inactivate chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses, particularly chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses in the presence of organic matter.

[0129] In either sequence A or B, the second reforming water may be discharged continuously or intermittently.

[0130] In addition, it is preferable that the active ingredients of the first reforming water and the second reforming water in the "differential discharge" are free chlorine for the former and ozone or hydrogen peroxide for the latter. The reason is, for example, as follows. That is, free chlorine has a higher residual property than ozone or hydrogen peroxide. By using free chlorine, which has a higher residual property, as the active ingredient of the first reforming water, it is possible to most efficiently cause the active ingredient of the first reforming water to remain until the discharge of the second reforming water starts, and therefore it is possible to exert a high effect even in control in which it takes a long time before the discharge of the second reforming water starts. Furthermore, when the time from the discharge of the first modified water to the start of the discharge of the second modified water is the same, the condition in which the former active ingredient is free chlorine exerts a greater inactivation effect on microorganisms and viruses than the condition in which the latter active ingredient is free chlorine.

[0131] (2-2. Example of basic control of asynchronous discharge) An example of basic control of the equipment 1 and the equipment 1A by the control unit 5 will be described below in chronological order with reference to FIGS. 3, 6, 8, 4, 7, and 9. FIG.

[0132] (2-2-1. Control of Equipment 1: Sequence A (Fig. 3, Fig. 6, Fig. 8, and Fig. 11(A)) Step 1: When the equipment 1 starts discharging the reforming water, the control unit 5 starts discharging the first reforming water.

[0133] Step 1 control example: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6 so that tap water is supplied to the reformed water generating device 2 . The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22A, energizes the electrode pair (A) 232 from the power source 21A, produces first reformed water, and discharges the first reformed water from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7.

[0134] Step 2: After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the first reforming water.

[0135] Control example of step 2: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22A.

[0136] Step 3: After a predetermined time tx (preferably less than 30 seconds) has elapsed, the control unit 5 starts discharging the second reforming water.

[0137] Control example of step 3: The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22B, energizes the electrode pair (B) 233 from the power source 21B, generates second reformed water, and discharges the second reformed water from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7. At this time, while the first active ingredient of the first reforming water remains in the region (P), the second reforming water is discharged, and the two reforming waters are mixed, so that the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient (of the second reforming water) coexist in the region (P). The state in which the first active ingredient of the first modified water remains in the area (P) refers to a state in which the first modified water remains in the form of a water film on the surface of the area (P), a state in which the first modified water moistens the surface of the area (P) in the form of a mist, a state in which the first modified water remains in recesses or depressions in the area (P), or the like. Examples of control or configuration for achieving a state in which the first reforming water and the second reforming water are mixed include: shortening the predetermined time tx (preferably less than 30 seconds, more preferably less than 20 seconds, even more preferably less than 10 seconds, advantageously less than 1 second, and even more advantageously 0 seconds); The first modified water is discharged in the form of a mist and allowed to remain on the surface of the portion (P); The first active ingredient is concentrated at a high concentration when the first modified water is discharged, so that a sufficient concentration can be maintained when the first modified water is diluted with the second modified water. The second active ingredient is concentrated at a high concentration when the second modified water is discharged, so that a sufficient concentration can be maintained when the second active ingredient is diluted with the first modified water remaining in the portion (P). The discharge amount (flow rate and / or time) of the second reforming water is reduced so that the first reforming water is not washed away and the two are reliably mixed. etc.

[0138] Step 4: After a predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the second reforming water.

[0139] Control example of step 4: The control unit 5 turns off the switches 22A and 22B and closes the valve 6.

[0140] (2-2-2. Control of Equipment 1: Sequence B (Fig. 3, Fig. 6, Fig. 8, and Fig. 11(B))

[0141] Step 1: When the equipment 1 starts discharging the reforming water, the control unit 5 starts discharging the first reforming water.

[0142] Step 1 control example: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6 so that tap water is supplied to the reformed water generating device 2 . The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22A, energizes the electrode pair (A) 232 from the power source 21A, produces first reformed water, and discharges the first reformed water from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7.

[0143] Step 2: After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 starts discharging the second reforming water.

[0144] Control example of step 2: The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22B, energizes the electrode (B) 233 from the power source 21B, generates second reformed water, and discharges the second reformed water from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7. At this time, the first and second reforming waters are mixed and discharged.

[0145] Step 3: After a predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the first reforming water.

[0146] Control example of step 3: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22A.

[0147] Step 4: After a predetermined time t3 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the second reforming water.

[0148] Control example of step 4: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22B and closes the valve 6.

[0149] (2-2-3. Control of Equipment 1A: Sequence A (Fig. 4, Fig. 7, Fig. 9, and Fig. 12(A))

[0150] Step 1: When the equipment 1A starts discharging the reforming water, the control unit 5 starts discharging the first reforming water.

[0151] Step 1 control example: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6A, and tap water is supplied to the reformed water generating device 2A. The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22A, energizes the electrode pair (A) 232 from the power source 21A, produces first reformed water, and discharges the first reformed water from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7A.

[0152] Step 2: After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the first reforming water.

[0153] Control example of step 2: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22A and closes the valve 6A.

[0154] Step 3: After a predetermined time tx has elapsed, the control unit 5 starts discharging the second reforming water.

[0155] Step 3 control example: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6B, and tap water is supplied to the reformed water generating device 2B. The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22B, energizes the electrode pair (B) 233 from the power source 21B, generates second reformed water, and discharges the second reformed water from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7B. At this time, while the first active ingredient of the first reforming water remains in the region (P), the second reforming water is discharged, and the two reforming waters are mixed, so that the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient (of the second reforming water) coexist in the region (P). An example of control or configuration for achieving a state in which the first reforming water and the second reforming water are mixed is as described above in "Control of Equipment 1: Sequence A."

[0156] Step 4: After a predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the second reforming water.

[0157] Control example of step 4: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22B and closes the valve 6B.

[0158] (2-2-4. Control of Equipment 1A: Sequence B (Fig. 4, Fig. 7, Fig. 9, and Fig. 12(B))

[0159] Step 1: When the equipment 1A starts discharging the reforming water, the control unit 5 starts discharging the first reforming water.

[0160] Step 1 control example: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6A, and tap water is supplied to the reformed water generating device 2A. The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22A, energizes the electrode pair (A) 232 from the power source 21A, produces first reformed water, and discharges the first reformed water from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7A.

[0161] Step 2: After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 starts discharging the second reforming water.

[0162] Control example of step 2: The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22B, energizes the electrode pair (B) 233 from the power source 21B, generates second reformed water, and discharges the second reformed water from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7B. At this time, the first and second reforming waters are mixed and discharged.

[0163] Step 3: After a predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the first reforming water.

[0164] Control example of step 3: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22A and closes the valve 6A.

[0165] Step 4: After a predetermined time t3 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the second reforming water.

[0166] An example of control in step 4: the control unit 5 turns off the switch 22B and closes the valve 6B.

[0167] (Adjusting the concentration of active ingredients in the reformed water) For example, in the above-mentioned "different time discharge" sequence A, the control unit 5 controls the first reforming water applied to the portion (P) so as to prevent the first reforming water from being discharged by the second reforming water. Discharge amount of the second reforming water≦discharge amount of the first reforming water Discharge time of the second reforming water≦discharge time of the first reforming water It is preferable to control the temperature to .

[0168] For example, in the above-mentioned "different time ejection" sequence B, Concentration of the first effective ingredient in the first reforming water × Discharge amount of the first reforming water / Discharge amount of the second reforming water = Either one of the concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide, or the concentration of free chlorine, which are shown as combinations A to G of concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine coexisting in the portion (P) in the case of different time discharges above, and Concentration of the second active ingredient in the second reforming water × discharge amount of the second reforming water / discharge amount of the first reforming water = the concentration of ozone or hydrogen peroxide, or the concentration of free chlorine, which are shown as combinations A to G of the concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine coexisting in the portion (P) in the case of the differential discharge above, It is preferable to control the concentration and / or discharge amount of each of the reforming waters so as to achieve the above. In the above formula, the first active ingredient may be ozone or hydrogen peroxide and the second active ingredient may be free chlorine, or the second active ingredient may be ozone or hydrogen peroxide and the first active ingredient may be free chlorine. The latter combination is preferred, for example, in terms of high residual properties of the active ingredients and high inactivation effect against microorganisms and viruses.

[0169] (Residual water volume in the first reforming water portion (P) in "differential discharge") In the above-mentioned "different-time discharge" sequence A, after the discharge of the first reforming water is stopped, the second reforming water is discharged while the first active ingredient of the first reforming water remains in the portion (P), and the two reforming waters are mixed together so that the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient (of the second reforming water) coexist in the portion (P). In other words, it can be said that the second reforming water is discharged to the portion (P) while the first reforming water remains in the portion (P). Here, the remaining amount of the first reforming water (that is, the remaining water amount) in the portion (P) can be quantified, for example, as follows. Residual amount of first reforming water=(weight of member at portion (P) after ejection of first reforming water)−(weight of member at portion (P)) In addition, the residual water amount per area of ​​part (P) can be calculated as follows. Residual water amount per area of ​​part (P)=(Residual water amount of first reforming water) / (Area of ​​part (P)) The amount of water remaining in part (P) can be quantified using a weighing scale or similar. In addition, if it is difficult to cut out and quantify the portion (P), a method may be used in which the remaining water on only the surface corresponding to portion (P) is absorbed by a water-absorbing material and the weight of the water-supplying material is then quantified. In the "differential discharge" of the present invention, the residual water amount is preferably 0.2 mg / cm 2 More preferably, 1.0 mg / cm 2 More preferably, 3.8 mg / cm 2 More than 7.5 mg / cm, most preferably 7.5 mg / cm 2 That's all.

[0170] (3. "Each time" sequence) In the present invention, an example of a control sequence in which the first and second reforming waters are discharged every time a user uses them will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3, 5, and 13.

[0171] A user starts using the equipment 1, and then ends the use of the equipment 1. The control unit 5 recognizes that the user has finished using the equipment 1, and then starts supplying tap water from the tap water supply piping 3 to the reformed water generating device 2. Next, the control unit 5 turns the switch 22 of the reformed water generating device 2 to the ON state, a current or voltage is applied from the power source 21 to the anode 2311 and the cathode 2312, and the tap water supplied to the reformed water generating device 2 is electrolyzed to generate reformed water. Next, the reformed water generated by the control unit 5 passes through the reformed water supply pipe 7 and the discharge unit 4, and is supplied to a portion (P) where contamination by bacteria and viruses is to be suppressed. When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reformed water generating apparatus 2. Next, the control unit 5 closes, for example, the valve 6, and the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 is stopped. In this manner, the bacteria sterilization and virus inactivation treatment by the equipment 1 is completed.

[0172] The lapse of the predetermined time t1 may be determined by the control unit 5 counting the lapse of an arbitrarily set time. Taking into consideration that the next user will use the equipment 1, it is preferable that t1 be short. For example, t1 is preferably 60 seconds, more preferably 20 seconds, and even more preferably 10 seconds.

[0173] When the valve 6 is used in the present invention, the valve 6 may be configured to be controlled to open and close by the control unit 5. The control unit 5 opens the valve 6 and turns on the switch 22 of the reformed water generating device 2 to start the reformed water generating device 2, generate reformed water, and discharge the generated reformed water to a portion (P) where contamination by bacteria and viruses is desired to be suppressed, thereby killing bacteria and inactivating viruses in the portion (P).

[0174] The control unit 5 may have a function of controlling the concentration of the generated reformed water by controlling both or either one of the voltage and the current, in addition to the function of turning the switch of the power source 21 on and off.

[0175] The above-mentioned "each time" sequence may be controlled in combination with a "simultaneous ejection" sequence or a "different time ejection" sequence.

[0176] (4. "Sometimes" sequence) The occasional discharge of reformed water by the equipment 1 of the present invention preferably has the following two modes. First mode: 1-1. The first reforming water and the second reforming water are discharged simultaneously, or 1-2. Starting the discharge of the second reforming water after starting the discharge of the first reforming water, and Discharge of the second reforming water The discharge of the first reforming water is started after it has been stopped, or This is started while the first reformed water is being discharged. Second mode: The first reformed water, the second reformed water, or tap water is discharged alone (2-1), or is not discharged (2-2).

[0177] By the way, the doubling time of Methylobacterium bacteria is an average of 5.4 hours even under optimal conditions (Japanese Journal of Microbial Ecology, vol. 4, 35-47 (1989)), which means that they grow slowly compared to Escherichia coli (doubling time: 20 to 30 minutes). Therefore, in order to suppress the proliferation of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium at site (P), it is sufficient and preferable to carry out the first mode at least once a day.

[0178] The time period during which the first mode is executed is preferably a time period during which the equipment is not in use, such as from night to early morning (for example, when the equipment 1 is installed in a commercial facility or an office building). During the above time period, health damage to users can be suppressed, particularly when ozone is used in the modified water. Alternatively, when executing the first mode during times when the equipment is used (e.g., daytime), it is preferable to execute the first mode after taking measures such as sensing the user's use of equipment 1 or placing equipment 1 in an unusable state.

[0179] In ejection other than the first mode, that is, ejection at predetermined time intervals or ejection each time the user uses the equipment 1, it is preferable to execute the second mode.

[0180] In the above embodiment, even if the first mode is performed a small number of times, in other words, even if the frequency with which the first and second modified waters are simultaneously applied to the portion (P) is low, the proliferation of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium at the portion (P) can be efficiently suppressed, and the occurrence of pink stains can be suppressed. Also, the proliferation of viruses can be efficiently suppressed. Furthermore, since the frequency of generating the first and second reformed waters can be reduced, the lifespan of the electrode pair of the reformed water generating device 2 and the UV light source can be extended.

[0181] (First mode, i.e., control pattern when discharging first and second reforming water) The control pattern of the first mode can be suitably controlled according to the sequence shown in FIG. 14A, similar to the already explained "simultaneous ejection" sequence and "different-time ejection" sequence.

[0182] (Control pattern (2-2) when the first and second reforming waters are not discharged in the second mode) The control unit 5 performs control such as doing nothing, discharging tap water alone, or starting discharging only the first reformed water, according to program settings or the like.

[0183] (Control pattern (2-1) when only the first or second reforming water is discharged in the second mode) The control unit 5 supplies tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 (or 2A or 2B), activates the electrode pair (A) or (B) to generate first or second reformed water, and discharges the generated first or second reformed water from the discharge unit 4.

[0184] (Control sequence of (2-1) in the second mode) In the present invention, the control sequence for discharging only the first or second reforming water (2-1) can be suitably performed according to the sequence shown in FIG. 14B when two electrode pairs are configured in series (FIGS. 3, 6, 8) or in parallel (FIGS. 4, 7, 9).

[0185] (Basic control example for mode 2-1) An example of basic control of the equipment 1 and the equipment 1A by the control unit 5 will be described below in chronological order with reference to FIGS. 3, 6, 8, 4, 7, and 9. FIG.

[0186] 1. When the equipment 1 or 1A starts discharging the reforming water, the control unit 5 starts discharging the first or second reforming water. Control example: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6 (or 6A or 6B) to supply tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 (or 2A or 2B). The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22A or 22B, and energizes the electrode pair (A) 232 or the electrode pair (B) 233 from the power source 21A or 21B, respectively, to generate first or second reformed water by electrolysis of tap water (activation of oxygen in the air in the case of an ozone gas method), and discharges the first or second reformed water from the discharge unit 4 through the piping 7. 2. After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the first or second reforming water. Control example: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22A or 22B and closes the valve 6 (or 6A and 6B).

[0187] (Control pattern when tap water is discharged alone in 2-1 of the second mode) The control unit 5 supplies tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 (or 2A or 2B) and causes the discharge unit 4 to discharge the tap water alone.

[0188] (Control sequence when discharging tap water alone) In the present invention, the control sequence for discharging tap water alone can be suitably performed whether the reformed water generating device 2 is configured with one electrode pair that simultaneously generates the first and second reformed waters (Figures 3 and 5), or is configured with two electrode pairs arranged in series (Figures 3, 6, and 8) or in parallel (Figures 4, 7, and 9).

[0189] (An example of basic control when discharging tap water alone) An example of basic control of the equipment 1 and the equipment 1A by the control unit 5 will be described below in chronological order with reference to FIGS. 3, 5, 6, 8, 4, 7, and 9. FIG.

[0190] 1. When the equipment 1 or 1A starts discharging tap water alone, the control unit 5 starts discharging tap water. Control example: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6 (or 6A or 6B), so that tap water is supplied to the reformed water generating device 2 (or 2A or 2B), and the tap water is discharged alone from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7. 2. After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops discharging tap water alone. Control example: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22A or 22B and closes the valve 6 (or 6A and 6B).

[0191] (5. Preferred embodiment of equipment 1 equipped with "variable CT value mode") The installation according to the invention comprises: (a) Concentration of the active ingredient contained in each of the first modified water and the second modified water and (b) Discharge times of the first reforming water and the second reforming water It is preferable to change either one or both of the above in accordance with the discharge timing to discharge the first reforming water and the second reforming water.

[0192] (CT value) In the present invention, the CT value (Concentration-Time Value) refers to the concentration of an active ingredient such as free chlorine or ozone (C value: Concentration Value) and the time during which the active ingredient acts on bacteria or viruses (T value: Time Value). In the present invention, changing the C value means changing the concentration of the active ingredient contained in the modified water to be discharged. Changing the T value means changing the discharge time of the modified water. The C value and the T value can also be changed simultaneously, in which case the expression "changing the CT value" is sometimes used.

[0193] The discharge of reformed water by the equipment 1 of the present invention preferably has the following two types of CT value variable modes that change the concentration of the active ingredient and the discharge time of the reformed water according to the discharge timing. CT value variable mode A: The system includes a mode A1 in which either the first or second reforming water is discharged multiple times, or the concentrations of the first and second reforming waters are made relatively low and discharged multiple times, and a mode A2 in which, after execution of mode A1, the concentration or discharge time of either or both of the first and second reforming waters is made higher than the concentration or discharge time of either or both of the first and second reforming waters in mode A1. CT value variable mode B: The system includes a mode B1 in which either the first or second reforming water is discharged within a predetermined time, or the concentrations of the first and second reforming water are made relatively low and discharged within a predetermined time, and a mode B2 in which, after execution of mode B1, the concentration or discharge time of either or both of the first and second reforming water is made higher than the concentration or discharge time of either or both of the first and second reforming water in mode B1.

[0194] In this embodiment, it is preferable to execute modes A2 and B2 at night.

[0195] As mentioned above, the doubling time of Methylobacterium bacteria is an average of 5.4 hours even under optimal conditions (Japanese Journal of Microbial Ecology, vol. 4, 35-47 (1989)), which means that they grow slowly compared to bacteria such as Escherichia coli (doubling time: 20 to 30 minutes). Therefore, in order to suppress the proliferation of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium at site (P), it is sufficient and preferable to discharge at a high CT value at least once a day.

[0196] The time period during which discharge at a high CT value is performed is preferably a time period when the equipment is not in use, such as nighttime to early morning (for example, when the equipment 1 is installed in a commercial facility or office building). The above-mentioned time period can reduce health damage to users, particularly when ozone is used in the modified water. Alternatively, when discharge at a high CT value is performed during a time period when the equipment is in use (for example, during the day), it is preferable to perform it after taking measures such as sensing the use of the equipment 1 by users or setting the equipment 1 in an unusable state.

[0197] Alternatively, this embodiment also includes making the CT value of either one or both of the first and second reforming waters variable. Preferably, the CT value of one of the reforming waters is made variable, and more preferably, the CT value of the reforming water containing ozone is made variable. More preferably, when a user of the equipment 1 is detected, the CT value is changed to a low value, or when the equipment 1 is not in use, either one or both of the first and second modified waters are changed to a high CT value.

[0198] On the other hand, bacteria other than the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium grow quickly but do not have resistance to free chlorine, so they can be suppressed even if the discharge CT value is low. Therefore, when ejection at a high CT value is not necessary, that is, when ejection is performed at predetermined time intervals or when the user ejects the equipment 1 each time the equipment 1 is used, it is preferable to eject the equipment at a low CT value.

[0199] According to the embodiment described above, even if the number of discharges at a high CT value is small, the proliferation of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the portion (P) can be efficiently suppressed, and the occurrence of pink stains can be suppressed. In addition, the proliferation of bacteria other than chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium can also be efficiently suppressed. Furthermore, since the frequency of discharge at a high CT value can be reduced, the lifespan of the electrode pair of the modified water generating device 2 and the UV light source can be extended.

[0200] (C value: Control pattern that changes the concentration of active ingredients contained in the reformed water) The control unit 5 starts discharging the first and second reforming waters. Tap water is supplied to the reformed water generating device 2 (or 2A and 2B), and the electrode pairs (A) and (B) are activated to generate first and second reformed waters, respectively, and the generated first and second reformed waters are discharged from the discharge section 4. At this time, the control unit 5 changes the concentration of the active ingredients in the reformed water generated by electrolysis (discharge or ultraviolet irradiation in the case of the ozone gas method) by changing the voltage value, current value, and resistance value applied to the electrode pair (A) and / or (B).

[0201] (C value: Control sequence of the control pattern that changes the concentration of the active ingredient in the reformed water) In the present invention, the control sequence for changing and discharging the first and / or second reformed water with different concentrations of the active ingredients can be suitably performed according to the sequence shown in FIG. 15A, whether the reformed water generating device 2 is configured with one electrode pair that simultaneously generates the first and second reformed waters (FIGS. 3 and 5) or is configured with two electrode pairs arranged in series (FIGS. 3, 6 and 8) or in parallel (FIGS. 4, 7 and 9).

[0202] (C value: an example of a basic control pattern that changes the concentration of active ingredients in the reformed water) An example of basic control of the equipment 1 and the equipment 1A by the control unit 5 will be described below in chronological order with reference to FIGS. 3, 5, 6, 8, 4, 7, and 9. FIG.

[0203] Step 1: When the equipment 1 or 1A starts discharging the reforming water, the control unit 5 starts discharging the first and second reforming waters.

[0204] Step 1 control example: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6 (or 6A and 6B) to supply tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 (or 2A). The control unit 5 turns on the switches 22 (22A and 22B) to apply electricity from the power sources 21 (21A and 21B) to the electrode pairs 231 (electrode pairs (A) 232 and electrode pairs (B) 233). At this time, the control unit 5 changes the voltage value, current value, and resistance value applied to the electrode pair (A) and / or (B) as necessary, thereby changing the concentration of the active ingredient generated by electrolysis of tap water (activation of oxygen in the air in the case of the ozone gas method). Then, the first and second reformed waters having the desired active ingredient concentrations are produced, and the first and second reformed waters are discharged from the discharge portion 4 through the pipe 7.

[0205] Step 2: After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the first and second reforming waters.

[0206] Control example of step 2: The control unit 5 turns off the switches 22A and 22B and closes the valve 6 (or 6A and 6B). Needless to say, the C value may be controlled for both the first and second reformed waters, or for either one of them.

[0207] (T value: Control pattern that changes the discharge time of reforming water) The control unit 5 starts discharging the first and second reforming waters. Tap water is supplied to the reformed water generating device 2 (or 2A and 2B), and the electrode pairs (A) and (B) are activated to generate first and second reformed waters, respectively, and the generated first and second reformed waters are discharged from the discharge section 4. At this time, the control unit 5 changes the discharge time of the first and / or second reforming water by controlling the predetermined time t1 until the end of the discharge.

[0208] (T value: control sequence of the control pattern that changes the discharge time of the reforming water) In the present invention, the control sequence for discharging the first and / or second reforming water by changing the discharge time can be suitably performed according to the sequence of FIG. 15B, whether the reforming water generating device 2 is configured with one electrode pair that simultaneously generates the first and second reforming waters (FIGS. 3, 5) or is configured with two electrode pairs arranged in series (FIGS. 3, 6, 8) or in parallel (FIGS. 4, 7, 9).

[0209] (T value: Example of basic control pattern that changes the discharge time of reforming water) An example of basic control of the equipment 1 and the equipment 1A by the control unit 5 will be described below in chronological order with reference to FIGS. 3, 5, 6, 8, 4, 7, and 9. FIG.

[0210] Step 1: When the equipment 1 or 1A starts discharging the reforming water, the control unit 5 starts discharging the first and second reforming waters.

[0211] Step 1 control example: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6 (or 6A and 6B) to supply tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 (or 2A or 2B). The control unit 5 turns on the switches 22 (22A and 22B) to apply electricity from the power sources 21 (21A and 21B) to the electrode pairs 231 (electrode pairs (A) 232 and electrode pairs (B) 233). Then, the first and second reformed waters having the desired active ingredient concentrations are produced, and the first and second reformed waters are discharged from the discharge portion 4 through the pipe 7.

[0212] Step 2: After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the first and second reforming waters.

[0213] Control example of step 2: The control unit 5 turns off the switches 22A and 22B and closes the valve 6 (or 6A and 6B). At this time, the control unit 5 changes the time t1 until 22 (switches 22A and 22B) or valve 6 (or 6A and 6B) is closed as necessary, thereby controlling the time for discharging the first and second reforming water from the discharge unit 4. Needless to say, the T value may be controlled for both the first and second reformed waters, or for either one of them. Needless to say, the above-mentioned control pattern for controlling the C value and the control for controlling the T value may be combined to perform control for simultaneously changing the C value and the T value (control of the CT value).

[0214] Optional Components Signal sending section In the present invention, taking the facility 1 as an example, it is preferable that the reformed water generating device 2 is started by the control unit 5 every time the user finishes using the facility 1. When starting the reformed water generating device 2, the control unit 5 causes tap water to be supplied to the reformed water generating device 2. For example, as already explained as the tap water electrolysis method, it is preferable to start the reformed water generating device 2 in a state where tap water is being supplied to the reformed water generating device 2 from the piping 3. Here, it is preferable to start the reformed water generating device 2 without touching the facility 1. For this reason, it is preferable to provide a signal sending unit 8 for sending a start signal to the control unit 5. The signal sending unit 8 may or may not be provided in the facility 1.

[0215] The signal sending unit 8 may be a detection unit that detects the end of use of the equipment 1, or a sending unit that sends the user's intention (the end of use of the equipment 1, i.e., an instruction to start the cleaning process of the part (P) where contamination is desired to be suppressed). Furthermore, the signal sending unit 8 may be separately provided with a detection unit that detects the end of use of the equipment 1 or a sending unit that sends the user's intention.

[0216] As the detector for detecting the end of the use of the equipment 1, for example, a sensor capable of detecting the movement of a human body can be preferably used. In this case, the exit of a person from the equipment 1 is detected, the end of the use of the equipment 1 is automatically detected, and the signal is sent to the control unit 5. As the sensor capable of detecting the movement of a human body, when the equipment 1 is a toilet, for example, a sensor capable of detecting the user's sitting on the toilet seat or leaving the toilet seat, specifically, a seating sensor that detects sitting, a leaving sensor that detects leaving, a (single) sensor that detects both sitting and leaving, a combination of a seating sensor and a leaving sensor (each sensor is separate), can be preferably used. In addition, a sensor for opening and closing the toilet door can also be preferably used. As another means, it may be triggered by an operation of the equipment 1 operated by the control unit 5 in conjunction with an operation related to the end of the use of the equipment 1 by the user. Here, an example of the operation related to the end of the use of the equipment 1 by the user is a toilet flushing operation. In this case, it is preferable that the toilet flushing is performed without touching.

[0217] The sending unit for sending the user's intention can preferably be a portable communication means such as the user's smartphone, in which case the end of use of the equipment 1 is detected by the user's intention and a signal is sent to the control unit 5.

[0218] As described above, when the user finishes using the equipment 1, for example, a signal sending unit 8 detects the end of use of the equipment 1 automatically or by the user's will, and sends the signal to the control unit 5. Based on the signal, the control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2, thereby generating reformed water containing ozone or hydrogen peroxide, and reformed water containing free chlorine, or reformed water containing ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine. The reformed water is discharged to a portion (P) where it is desired to suppress contamination by microorganisms.

[0219] Areas where microbial or viral contamination must be suppressed In the present invention, the site (P) where contamination by microorganisms or viruses needs to be suppressed refers to a site to which chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium carried over from tap water may attach, specifically, a site to which chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses may attach when tap water comes into contact with or is discharged. It also refers to areas where viruses brought in by users can attach, specifically areas where viruses can attach through contact with secretions such as saliva and sweat, or excrement such as feces and urine.

[0220] Examples of moieties (P) include, for example, the following: Toilet bowls, seats, nozzles and filters; Urinal bowls, traps and screens; Bathroom bathtubs, bathtub covers, floors, walls, ceilings, drains, hair catchers, bath aprons, counters, faucets, shower heads, towels, sponges; Bathroom basin, tap, drain, hair catcher, cup, toothbrush; Kitchen sink, drain, wire basket, cutting board, knives, dishcloths, dishes, and sponge scrubbers.

[0221] Configuration of the installation according to the present invention The configuration of the installation according to the present invention will now be described.

[0222] toilet bowl In one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment 1 is a toilet. As an example of a toilet, a toilet 10 with a warm water washing toilet seat (hereinafter, simply referred to as "toilet 10") shown in Fig. 16 will be described. Note that in the following, the toilet will be described using the reformed water generating device 2 as an example of the reformed water generating device, but it goes without saying that reformed water generating devices 2A and 2B can be used instead of the reformed water generating device 2.

[0223] <Activation> After the user relieves himself / herself in the toilet 10, the user leaves the toilet. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects that the user has finished using the toilet 10, and sends a signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 may be a sensor that detects when the user sits down and / or leaves the toilet, or a human sensor that can detect human body movement. Alternatively, it may be a sensor that detects when the toilet door is opened or closed, etc.

[0224] The control unit 5 operates a flush flush mechanism (not shown) provided in the main body of the toilet 10, and starts the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2. Alternatively, the control unit 5 may start the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 when the user voluntarily operates the flush flush mechanism after finishing using the toilet 10.

[0225] Next, the control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2, and tap water supplied from the piping 3 is electrolyzed to generate the first reformed water. The generated first reformed water is supplied from the piping 7 to the spray nozzle 107 (corresponding to the discharge unit 4) and sprayed to the portion (P) of the bowl 104 where contamination is to be suppressed. Here, the method of discharging the reformed water to the portion (P) is not limited to spray discharge, and for example, the reformed water may be discharged by running from the discharge unit 4 provided on the piping 7, or a sprinkler plate may be provided on the discharge unit 4 to discharge in a shower-like manner. For example, when the portion (P) is the bowl 104, it is preferable to spray the mist M and allow it to act on the bowl portion. When the portion (P) is the toilet seat 105, it is preferable to spray the mist M and carry the mist to the toilet seat by an ascending air current and allow it to act. When the portion (P) is the spray nozzle 107, it is preferable to perform running discharge so that the reformed water effectively contacts the nozzle 107.

[0226] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the first reforming water. At this time, the first active ingredient of the first modified water remains in the portion (P). However, as shown in the sequences of FIG. 11(B) and FIG. 12(B), the discharge of the first reforming water does not need to be stopped at this stage, and the next step may be proceeded to while the first reforming water is being discharged.

[0227] Next, the control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2, and the tap water supplied from the piping 3 is electrolyzed to generate second reformed water. The generated second reformed water is discharged to the portion (P) in the same manner as the first reformed water.

[0228] At this time, while the first active ingredient of the first modified water remains in the region (P), the second modified water is discharged, creating a state in which the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient of the second modified water coexist in the region (P). This allows the bactericidal effects of each ingredient to be synergistically exerted, resulting in an excellent bactericidal effect overall, which kills bacteria including chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium present in the region (P). In addition, viruses present in the region (P) are inactivated.

[0229] Then, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reformed water generating apparatus 2, and the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating apparatus 2 is stopped.

[0230] This completes the flushing and sterilization of the toilet 10. The passage of the prescribed time t2 is determined by the control unit 5 counting the passage of an arbitrarily set time.

[0231] 16, for example, the reformed water generating apparatus 2, the pipes 3 and 7, and the control unit 5 may be provided inside the casing 101. The spray nozzle 107 may be provided inside the casing 101 or attached to the outside.

[0232] <Effects> By spraying the modified water into the bowl 104 after a user has used the toilet 10, organic matter contained in the feces and vomit excreted by the user into the bowl 104 is effectively washed away, and bacteria such as chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium are killed. As a result, there is no need for the troublesome task of spraying the toilet 10 with hypochlorous acid or the like each time, and there is no risk that the sterilization effect will not be achieved unless work such as adding chemicals to tap water is involved, and the effect of inhibiting microbial stains such as pink stains can be maintained for a long period of time in a toilet 10 that is used by multiple people in succession.

[0233] Furthermore, viruses are effectively inactivated, and in a toilet 10 that is used by multiple people in succession, the risk of viral infection for the next user can be effectively reduced.

[0234] urinal In one embodiment of the present invention, the facility 1 is a urinal. As an example of a urinal, a urinal 11 shown in Fig. 17 will be described. Note that in the following, the urinal will be described using the reformed water generating device 2 as an example of the reformed water generating device, but it goes without saying that the reformed water generating devices 2A and 2B can be used instead of the reformed water generating device 2.

[0235] <Activation> After the user relieves himself / herself at the urinal 11, the user leaves the urinal. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects the end of the user's use of the urinal 11, and sends a signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 is preferably a human sensor or the like that detects the user leaving the urinal.

[0236] The control unit 5 operates a flushing mechanism (not shown) provided on the main body of the urinal 11, and starts the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2. Alternatively, the control unit 5 may start the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 when the user voluntarily operates the flushing mechanism after finishing using the urinal 11.

[0237] Next, the control unit 5 opens the valve 6, and the reformed water generating device 2 is started, so that tap water supplied from the piping 3 is electrolyzed to generate first reformed water. The generated first reformed water is supplied to the discharge unit 4 from the piping 7 and discharged to the part (P) of the bowl 112. Here, the method of discharging the reformed water to the part (P) is preferably to provide the discharge unit 4 above the bowl 112 and discharge the water by pouring it over.

[0238] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the discharge of the first reforming water is stopped by the control unit 5. The elapse of the predetermined time t1 is determined by the control unit 5 counting the elapse of an arbitrarily set time.

[0239] At this time, the first active ingredient of the first modified water remains in the portion (P). However, as in the case of a toilet, the discharge of the first reformed water does not need to be stopped at this stage, and the process may proceed to the next step while the first reformed water is still being discharged.

[0240] Next, the control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2, and the tap water supplied from the piping 3 is electrolyzed to generate second reformed water. The generated second reformed water is discharged to the portion (P) in the same manner as the first reformed water.

[0241] At this time, while the first active ingredient of the first modified water remains in the region (P), the second modified water is discharged, creating a state in which the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient of the second modified water coexist in the region (P). This allows the bactericidal effects of each ingredient to be synergistically exerted, resulting in an excellent bactericidal effect overall, which kills bacteria including chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium present in the region (P). In addition, viruses present in the region (P) are inactivated.

[0242] Then, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reformed water generating apparatus 2, and the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating apparatus 2 is stopped.

[0243] <Effects> After a user uses the urinal 11, the modified water is poured and discharged into the bowl 112, effectively cleaning away organic matter contained in the urine excreted by the user into the bowl 112 and sterilizing bacteria such as chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As a result, there is no need for the troublesome task of spraying the urinal 11 with hypochlorous acid or the like each time, and there is no risk that the sterilization effect will not be achieved unless work such as adding chemicals to tap water is involved, and the effect of suppressing microbial stains such as pink stains can be maintained for a long time in a urinal 11 that is used by multiple people in succession.

[0244] Furthermore, viruses are effectively inactivated, and in a urinal 11 that is used by multiple people in succession, the risk of virus infection to the next user can be effectively reduced.

[0245] bathroom In one embodiment of the present invention, the facility 1 is a bathroom. As an example of the bathroom, a bathroom 12 shown in Fig. 18 will be described. Note that in the following, the bathroom will be described using the reformed water generating apparatus 2 as an example of the reformed water generating apparatus, but it goes without saying that the reformed water generating apparatus 2A and 2B can be used instead of the reformed water generating apparatus 2.

[0246] <Activation> After the user has used the bathroom 12, the user leaves. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects the end of the user's use of the bathroom 12, and sends a signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 5 may be a human sensor capable of detecting human body movement, or a bathroom door opening / closing sensor, etc. Alternatively, after the user has finished using the bathroom 12, the user may voluntarily send an instruction to start the cleaning and sterilization process to the signal sending unit 8 using a smartphone p or the like, thereby sending a signal to the control unit 5. 18, the reformed water generating apparatus 2 and the control unit 5 are provided in a casing 121. The casing 121 may be provided with a valve 6.

[0247] The control unit 5 starts supplying tap water to the reformed water generating device 2. Next, the control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2, and the tap water supplied from the piping 3 is electrolyzed to generate first reformed water. In addition to the electrolysis function, the control unit 5 may also control the generation of reformed water according to a program or the operation of a switch (not shown), and control the operation of an opening / closing valve (not shown) of each flow path.

[0248] The first modified water thus produced is discharged from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7, and is discharged to a part (P) such as the bathroom 122, the bathtub 123, the washing area 125, the drain 126, the wall surface, floor, and ceiling of the bathroom 122. Here, the method of discharging the modified water to the part (P) is preferably spray (mist) discharge, which allows the modified water to reach every corner of the entire bathroom, including the above-mentioned places.

[0249] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating device 2 and stops the supply of tap water and the discharge of the first reforming water to the reforming water generating device 2. The control unit 5 counts the elapse of an arbitrarily set time and determines whether the predetermined time t1 has elapsed.

[0250] At this time, the first active ingredient of the first modified water remains in the portion (P). However, as in the case of a toilet or urinal, the discharge of the first reformed water does not need to be stopped at this stage, and the next step may be carried out while the first reformed water is being continued to be discharged.

[0251] Next, the control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2, and the tap water supplied from the piping 3 is electrolyzed to generate second reformed water. The generated second reformed water is discharged to the portion (P) in the same manner as the first reformed water.

[0252] At this time, while the first active ingredient of the first modified water remains in the region (P), the second modified water is discharged, creating a state in which the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient of the second modified water coexist in the region (P). This allows the bactericidal effects of each ingredient to be synergistically exerted, resulting in an excellent bactericidal effect overall, which kills bacteria including chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium present in the region (P). In addition, viruses present in the region (P) are inactivated.

[0253] Then, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reformed water generating apparatus 2, and the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating apparatus 2 is stopped.

[0254] In addition to the above, bathroom 12 may also include a water faucet, a shower hose, a hot water supply control panel, a mirror, etc. (not shown). Discharge part 4 may be provided in multiple locations as shown in Figure 11, or it may be a single outlet part.

[0255] <Effects> After a user uses the bathroom 12, the modified water is discharged to various places in the bathroom, effectively cleaning away organic matter such as sebum stains brought in by the user. As a result, there is no need for cumbersome tasks such as spraying hypochlorous acid into the bathroom 12 each time, and there is no risk that the sterilization effect will not be achieved unless tasks such as adding chemicals to tap water are performed, and the effect of suppressing microbial stains such as pink stains can be maintained for a long time in a bathroom space used by multiple people in succession.

[0256] In addition, viruses are effectively inactivated, and in a bathroom space used by multiple people in succession, the risk of viral infection for the next user can be effectively reduced.

[0257] Automatic faucet for washbasin In one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment 1 is an automatic washbasin faucet. As an example of the automatic washbasin faucet, an automatic washbasin faucet 13 shown in Fig. 19 will be described. Note that in the following, the automatic washbasin faucet will be described using the reformed water generating device 2 as an example of the reformed water generating device, but it goes without saying that the reformed water generating devices 2A and 2B can be used instead of the reformed water generating device 2.

[0258] <Activation> After the user uses the automatic washbasin faucet 13 to wash their hands, wash their face, gargle, etc., the user exits. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects the end of the user's use of the automatic washbasin faucet 13, and sends a signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 may be a human sensor that detects the approach of a human hand, or may be a sensor for opening and closing the door to the washbasin space, etc.

[0259] The control unit 5 opens the second solenoid valve 1311 and starts supplying tap water through the piping 3 to the reformed water generating device 2. Next, the control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2, electrolyzes the supplied tap water, and generates first reformed water. The second solenoid valve 1311 corresponds to the valve 6 of the facility 1 shown in FIG. 3.

[0260] The generated first modified water is supplied to the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7, and is discharged from the discharge unit 4 to a part (P) of the washbasin 139. The part (P) is not limited to the washbasin 139, and the washbasin counter (not shown) may also be included in the part (P). The part (P) (the action range of the modified water) includes, for example, cups, toothbrushes, etc. that may be used in the wash space.

[0261] The method of discharging the modified water to the portion (P) is preferably spraying, which allows the modified water to be applied to the entire washbowl 139. Also, in order to apply the modified water to a toothbrush, cup, etc., a discharge unit 4 that discharges the modified water to a narrow range may be provided separately.

[0262] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the operation of the reforming water generating apparatus 2 is stopped by the control unit 5. Next, the control unit 5 closes the second solenoid valve 1311, and the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating apparatus 2 is stopped.

[0263] At this time, the first active ingredient of the first modified water remains in the portion (P). However, as in the case of a toilet, a urinal, and a bathroom, the discharge of the first reformed water does not need to be stopped at this stage, and the next step may be carried out while the first reformed water is being discharged.

[0264] Next, the control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2, and the tap water supplied from the piping 3 is electrolyzed to generate second reformed water. The generated second reformed water is discharged to the portion (P) in the same manner as the first reformed water.

[0265] At this time, while the first active ingredient of the first modified water remains in the region (P), the second modified water is discharged, creating a state in which the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient of the second modified water coexist in the region (P). This allows the bactericidal effects of each ingredient to be synergistically exerted, resulting in an excellent bactericidal effect overall, which kills bacteria including chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium present in the region (P). In addition, viruses present in the region (P) are inactivated.

[0266] Then, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reformed water generating apparatus 2, and the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating apparatus 2 is stopped.

[0267] This completes the cleaning and sterilization of the automatic washbasin faucet 13. The lapse of the predetermined time t2 is determined by the control unit 5 counting the lapse of an arbitrarily set time.

[0268] <Effects> After a user uses the automatic washbasin faucet 13, modified water is discharged onto the washbasin bowl, washbasin counter, toothbrush, cup, etc., effectively cleaning away organic matter such as sebum stains and saliva brought in by the user. As a result, there is no need for the troublesome task of spraying hypochlorous acid into the washroom every time, and there is no risk that the sterilization effect will not be achieved unless a chemical is added to tap water, and the effect of suppressing microbial stains such as pink stains can be maintained for a long time in a washroom used by multiple people in succession.

[0269] In addition, viruses are effectively inactivated, and in a washroom space used by multiple people in succession, the risk of viral infection for the next user can be effectively reduced.

[0270] 19, the automatic washbasin faucet 13 may include a tap water outlet 132 and a tap water outlet 133. Tap water is supplied to the tap water outlet 132 and the tap water outlet 133 through a common flow path 137, which is a means for supplying tap water, and when the first solenoid valve 1310 is open, tap water flows into the first flow path 134 and is discharged from the tap water outlet 133 connected to the downstream end. The user uses this tap water to wash their hands, wash their face, gargle, etc. The automatic lavatory faucet 13 corresponds to a facility that uses tap water and is equipped with a means for supplying tap water.

[0271] The above has shown and explained an example of an automatic washbasin faucet that automatically stops the flow of tap water using a sensor or the like, but the equipment according to the present invention may also be a washbasin faucet of the type in which the user stops the tap water themselves, and in such a washbasin faucet, for example, the reformed water may be discharged into a discharge pipe 138 as shown in FIG. 19 or into a handle not shown in FIG. 19.

[0272] Kitchen taps In one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment 1 is a kitchen faucet. As an example of a kitchen faucet, a kitchen faucet 14 shown in Figures 20 and 21 will be described. Note that in the following, the kitchen faucet will be described using the reformed water generating apparatus 2 as an example of the reformed water generating apparatus, but it goes without saying that the reformed water generating apparatus 2A and 2B can be used instead of the reformed water generating apparatus 2.

[0273] <Activation> After the user has used the kitchen faucet 14, the water is turned off and the user leaves. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects that the user has finished using the kitchen faucet 14, and sends a signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 may be a human sensor that detects the approach of a human hand, or a sensor that detects the opening and closing of a door to the kitchen space. Alternatively, after the user has finished using the kitchen faucet 14, the user may voluntarily send an instruction to start the cleaning and sterilization process to the signal sending unit 8 via a smartphone or the like, thereby sending a signal to the control unit 5.

[0274] The control unit 5 starts supplying tap water to the reformed water generating device 2. Next, the control unit 5 starts up the reformed water generating device 2, and the tap water supplied from the piping 3 is electrolyzed to generate first reformed water.

[0275] The generated first reformed water is supplied from the pipe 7 to the reformed water discharge unit 141 (equipped with the discharge unit 4) and discharged to a portion (P) of a sink 143 (FIG. 21). The portion (P) is not limited to the sink 143 (FIG. 21), but may also include a kitchen counter 143 (FIG. 20), a reformed water discharge device 144 (in the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the reformed water discharge unit 141), and a tap water discharge means 142. The portion (P) (the action range of the reformed water) may include, for example, cooking utensils such as a cutting board, cleaning tools such as a sponge scrubber, and the like that may be used in the kitchen space. The method of discharging the modified water to the portion (P) is preferably spray (mist) discharge, which allows the modified water to be applied to the entire sink 143. Also, in order to apply the modified water to incidental equipment such as a cutting board or a sponge scrubber, a discharge unit 4 that discharges the modified water to a narrow range may be provided separately.

[0276] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reformed water generating apparatus 2, and the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating apparatus 2 is stopped.

[0277] At this time, the first active ingredient of the first modified water remains in the portion (P). However, as in the case of a toilet, a urinal, a bathroom, or an automatic faucet for a kitchen, the discharge of the first reformed water does not need to be stopped at this stage, and the next step may be carried out while the water is being discharged.

[0278] Next, the control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2, and the tap water supplied from the piping 3 is electrolyzed to generate second reformed water. The generated second reformed water is discharged to the portion (P) in the same manner as the first reformed water.

[0279] At this time, while the first active ingredient of the first modified water remains in the region (P), the second modified water is discharged, creating a state in which the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient of the second modified water coexist in the region (P). This allows the bactericidal effects of each ingredient to be synergistically exerted, resulting in an excellent bactericidal effect overall, which kills bacteria including chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium present in the region (P). In addition, viruses present in the region (P) are inactivated.

[0280] Then, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reformed water generating apparatus 2, and the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating apparatus 2 is stopped.

[0281] This completes the cleaning and sterilization of the automatic kitchen faucet 14. The passage of the predetermined time t2 is determined by the control unit 5 counting the passage of an arbitrarily set time.

[0282] <Effects> After a user uses the kitchen faucet 14, the modified water is discharged into the sink 143, kitchen counter, or ancillary equipment, effectively cleaning away organic matter such as food residue and oil brought in by the user. As a result, there is no need for cumbersome tasks such as spraying hypochlorous acid into the kitchen space each time, and there is no risk that the sterilization effect will not be achieved unless tasks such as adding chemicals to tap water are performed, and the effect of suppressing microbial stains such as pink stains can be maintained for a long time in a kitchen space used by multiple people in succession.

[0283] In addition, viruses are effectively inactivated, and in a kitchen space used by multiple people in succession, the risk of viral infection for the next user can be effectively reduced.

[0284] 20, the kitchen space includes tap water discharge means 142 in addition to the electrolytic water discharge unit 141. A user uses tap water supplied from the tap water discharge means 142 to perform kitchen tasks such as washing dishes and cooking utensils. The kitchen faucet 14 corresponds to a facility that uses tap water and is equipped with a means for supplying tap water.

[0285] The above has been an example and explanation of a kitchen faucet of the type in which the user stops the tap water themselves, but this explanation also applies to an automatic kitchen faucet of the type that automatically stops the tap water using a sensor or the like. EXAMPLES

[0286] The present invention will be described in detail based on the following examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0287] Preparation of modified water generating device The facility 1 using the reformed water generating device 2 shown in Figs. 3 and 5 described above was assembled according to the following steps.

[0288] <Step 1: Preparation of electrode 23 (electrode pair 231)> The anode 2311 was prepared by providing a catalyst layer made of an oxide containing antimony, tin, and nickel on a titanium substrate, for example, according to the literature "Hamed Shekarchizade at al., Effect of Elemental Composition on the Structure, Electrochemical Properties, and Ozone Production Activity of Ti / SnO2-Sb-Ni Electrodes Prepared by Thermal Pyrolysis Method, 2011 (doi:10.4061 / 2011 / 240837)". A SUS plate was used as the cathode 2312. The area of ​​the anode 2311 and the cathode 2312 was 8 cm2 each. 2 It was decided.

[0289] <Step 2: Assembly of the reformed water generating device> A rectangular container (80 mm x 50 mm x 30 mm) extending in the longitudinal direction was used as the container for the reformed water generating device 2. Openings were formed at the ends of the container for circulating tap water. A pipe 3 for supplying tap water was formed at one opening, and a pipe 7 for supplying reformed water and a discharge part 4 for discharging the reformed water were formed at the other opening. Pipes 3 and 7 were made of polyurethane tubes, and tap water and reformed water were circulated within the facility 1. An anode 2311 extending in the longitudinal direction was disposed on one wall surface within the longitudinally extending reformed water generating device 2, and a cathode 2312 extending in the longitudinal direction was disposed on the other wall surface. The distance between the anode 2311 and the cathode 2312 was set to 0.5 mm by sandwiching a Teflon spacer between them.

[0290] <Step 3: Installation of the control unit> A stabilized power supply was connected to the anode 2311 and the cathode 2312, a constant voltage of 15 V was applied, and a current of 14 mA / cm was applied between the anode and the cathode. 2 The current value was controlled so that a current density of 1000 μm was applied. The flow rate of tap water was controlled by disposing a flow rate valve 6 in the pipe 3.

[0291] Evaluation 1: Production of reformed water by equipment 1 1-1: Generation of reformed water Tap water (TOTO Corporation, 2-1 Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture) was adjusted to a flow rate of 0.45 L / min by the control unit and passed through the reformed water generating device 2. The control unit applied a constant current to the electrode pair 231 to generate reformed water containing both ozone and free chlorine.

[0292] 1-2: Measurement of ozone and free chlorine concentrations in reformed water The free chlorine concentration was measured by dispensing 10 mL of the reformed water into a water sampling bottle, adding one dose of free chlorine reagent for SWIFTEST (Hach) and mixing, and then quantifying the free chlorine concentration using a pocket residual chlorine meter (Hach). The ozone concentration was measured by collecting the reformed water using an ozone concentration measurement kit (Ozone AccuVac Ampules HR pk25, Hach), setting it in a portable absorption spectrophotometer (DR1900, Hach), and quantifying the ozone concentration using the ozone concentration measurement mode. As a result, the ozone concentration was 0.23 ppm and the free chlorine concentration was 0.92 ppm.

[0293] Test Example I It was confirmed by the following experiment that the present invention exhibits an exceptionally excellent bactericidal effect against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium.

[0294] Reference Example 1: Confirmation test of chlorine resistance of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium <Step 4: Isolation of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium> Dirt that had developed on the surface of the bowl up to 2 cm above the water level of a toilet bowl Pure Rest (TOTO Corporation) installed in the women's restroom on the 5th floor of Research Building No. 3 at TOTO Corporation's General Research Institute (Motomura, Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture) was wiped off with a sterile cotton swab, suspended in saline, and applied to an R2A plate. After culturing at 20°C for 7 days, a plate on which a large number of colonies had grown was obtained. One pink colony was selected from the plate and the bacterial species was identified using a MALDI-Biotyper (Bruker Japan). As a result, the score value matched that of Methylobacterium fujisawaense B235 UFL, which was 2.26. This strain was designated as a "chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium." Meanwhile, Methylobacterium extorquens (NBRC15687) was purchased from the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation and used as the "Methylobacterium standard strain."

[0295] <Step 5: Generation of water containing free chlorine by electrolysis of tap water> The Pt / IrO2 electrode was immersed in tap water, and a current was applied to electrolyze it, producing water containing free chlorine (hereinafter referred to as "free chlorine water"). 10 mL of this free chlorine water was dispensed into a water sampling bottle, and one dose of free chlorine reagent for SWIFTEST (Hach) was added and mixed, and the free chlorine concentration in the free chlorine water was quantified using a pocket residual chlorine meter (Hach).

[0296] <Step 6: Measurement of the bactericidal effect when the modified water containing free chlorine is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium> Chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium colonies were suspended in saline and diluted to 3 × 10 8 A bacterial solution of 100 cells / mL was prepared. Similarly, a bacterial solution of the standard strain of Methylobacterium was prepared. In step 5, 50 mL of 0 to 4 ppm free chlorine water was prepared, and 0.5 mL of the bacterial solution of the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and the Methylobacterium standard strain was added and mixed. This exposed the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and the Methylobacterium standard strain to free chlorine. After 10 seconds had elapsed, 1 mL of the reaction solution was sampled and neutralized by mixing with 0.1 mL of 1% sodium thiosulfate. The neutralized solution was diluted and inoculated onto an R2A plate and cultured at 20°C for 7 days. The number of colonies that appeared was counted to quantify the number of viable bacteria. As a control, the number of viable bacteria was quantified when a chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and a standard strain of Methylobacterium were exposed to pure water. The survival rate of each was calculated by dividing the number of viable bacteria when exposed to the modified water by the number of viable bacteria in the control. As a result, as shown in Figure 22, the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium showed a survival rate of more than 0.1 even at 4 ppm of free chlorine. On the other hand, the survival rate of the standard strain of Methylobacterium was below 0.001 at 1.5 ppm of free chlorine. These results confirmed that the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium used in Reference Example 1 had a fairly strong chlorine resistance.

[0297] Test 1: Bactericidal effect of modified water containing 1.5 ppm free chlorine and 0.1 ppm ozone on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. <Step 7: Generation of ozone-containing water by electrolysis of tap water> Tap water was passed through a water purifier MP02-3 (Mitsubishi Chemical Cleansui Co., Ltd.), and the water from which the free chlorine had been removed was stored in a bottle. Next, a constant current of 1.5 A was passed through a commercially available diamond electrode while the free chlorine-removed water was passed through it, and the free chlorine-removed water was electrolyzed to generate water containing ozone (hereinafter referred to as "ozone water"). This ozone water was collected using an ozone concentration measurement kit (Ozone AccuVac Ampules HR pk25, Hach), and set in a portable absorption spectrophotometer (DR1900, Hach), and the ozone concentration was quantified using the ozone concentration measurement mode.

[0298] <Step 8: Measurement of the bactericidal effect when the modified water containing both free chlorine and ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium> Chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium colonies were suspended in saline and diluted to 3 × 10 8 A bacterial solution of 100 cells / mL was prepared. Free chlorine water and ozone water were used alone or in combination to prepare three types of modified water (50 mL each): free chlorine only, ozone only, and both free chlorine and ozone. 0.5 mL of the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium bacteria solution was added to each of the prepared modified waters and mixed. In other words, each modified water was exposed to the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. After 10 seconds had passed, within 40 seconds, 1 mL of the reaction liquid was sampled and mixed with 0.1 mL of 1% sodium thiosulfate to neutralize it. The neutralized solution was diluted and inoculated onto an R2A plate and cultured at 20°C for 7 days. The number of colonies that appeared was counted to quantify the number of viable bacteria. As a control, the number of viable bacteria was quantified when pure water was exposed to a chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. The bactericidal rate was calculated by dividing the number of viable bacteria when the modified water was exposed by the number of viable bacteria in the control. As a result, as shown in FIG. 23(a), the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 0.0% in the reformed water containing 0.1 ppm ozone, and 30.6% in the reformed water containing 1.5 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 1.5 ppm free chlorine and 0.1 ppm ozone achieved a disinfection rate of 43.1%. This effect was not merely the sum of the disinfection effects of exposure to 1.5 ppm free chlorine or 0.1 ppm ozone alone, but was surprisingly a synergistic disinfection effect.

[0299] Test 2: Bactericidal effect of modified water containing 0.375 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 23(b), the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 9.4% in the reformed water containing 0.2 ppm ozone, and 10.6% in the reformed water containing 0.375 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 0.375 ppm free chlorine and 0.2 ppm ozone achieved a sterilization rate of 40.9%. This effect was not merely the sum of the sterilization effects of exposure to 0.375 ppm free chlorine or 0.2 ppm ozone alone, but surprisingly a synergistic sterilization effect.

[0300] Test 3: Bactericidal effect of modified water containing 0.75 ppm free chlorine and 0.2 ppm ozone on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 23(c), the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 9.4% in the reformed water containing 0.2 ppm ozone, and 19.7% in the reformed water containing 0.75 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 0.75 ppm free chlorine and 0.2 ppm ozone achieved a sterilization rate of 52.9%. This effect was not merely the sum of the sterilization effects of exposure to 0.75 ppm free chlorine or 0.2 ppm ozone alone, but surprisingly a synergistic sterilization effect.

[0301] Test 4: Bactericidal effect of modified water containing 1.5 ppm free chlorine and 0.2 ppm ozone on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 23(d), the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 9.4% in the reformed water containing 0.2 ppm ozone, and 30.6% in the reformed water containing 1.5 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 1.5 ppm free chlorine and 0.2 ppm ozone achieved a sterilization rate of 77.9%. This effect was not merely the sum of the sterilization effects of exposure to 1.5 ppm free chlorine or 0.2 ppm ozone alone, but surprisingly a synergistic sterilization effect.

[0302] Test 5: Bactericidal effect of modified water containing 1.5 ppm free chlorine and 0.05 ppm ozone on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 23(e), the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 0.0% in the reformed water containing 0.05 ppm ozone, and 89.4% in the reformed water containing 1.5 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 1.5 ppm free chlorine and 0.05 ppm ozone achieved a sterilization rate of 99.9%. This effect was not merely the sum of the sterilization effects of exposure to 1.5 ppm free chlorine or 0.05 ppm ozone alone, but surprisingly, a synergistic sterilization effect.

[0303] Test 6: Bactericidal effect of reformed water containing 1.0 ppm free chlorine and 0.1 ppm ozone on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 23(f), the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 2.1% in the reformed water containing 0.1 ppm ozone, and 28.3% in the reformed water containing 1.0 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 1.0 ppm free chlorine and 0.1 ppm ozone achieved a sterilization rate of 68.9%. This effect was not merely the sum of the sterilization effects of exposure to 1.0 ppm free chlorine or 0.1 ppm ozone alone, but surprisingly showed a synergistic sterilization effect.

[0304] Test 7: Bactericidal effect of modified water containing 0.2 ppm free chlorine and 0.2 ppm ozone on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 23(g), the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 5.0% in the modified water containing 0.2 ppm ozone, and 12.5% ​​in the modified water containing 0.2 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 0.2 ppm free chlorine and 0.2 ppm ozone achieved a sterilization rate of 27.5%. This effect was not merely the sum of the sterilization effects of exposure to 0.2 ppm free chlorine or 0.2 ppm ozone alone, but surprisingly a synergistic sterilization effect.

[0305] Test 8: Bactericidal effect of reformed water containing 2.0 ppm free chlorine and 0.2 ppm ozone on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of a medium concentration (mg / L order) of organic matter. The bactericidal effect of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was measured in the same manner as in Test 1. However, the bactericidal effect was calculated by subtracting the common logarithm of the number of remaining bacteria after exposure to the modified water from the common logarithm of the initial number of bacteria. In step 8, when 0.5 mL of the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium bacterial solution was added to each of the prepared modified waters, bovine serum albumin (bovine serum albumin (FV), Nacalai Tesque) was added and mixed together so that the final concentration in the resulting mixed solution was 2 mg / L. Therefore, it can be considered that test 8 was carried out in the presence of a medium concentration (on the order of mg / L) of organic matter. As a result, as shown in FIG. 24(a), the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 0 in the modified water containing 0.2 ppm ozone, and 0.69 in the modified water containing 2.0 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 2.0 ppm free chlorine and 0.2 ppm ozone achieved a bactericidal rate of 1.03. This effect was not merely the sum of the bactericidal effects of exposure to either 2.0 ppm free chlorine or 0.2 ppm ozone alone, but was surprisingly a synergistic bactericidal effect.

[0306] Test 9: Bactericidal effect of reformed water containing 4.9 ppm free chlorine and 1.0 ppm ozone on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of a medium concentration (mg / L order) of organic matter. The bactericidal effect of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was measured in the same manner as in Test 8. However, in step 8, bovine serum albumin was added to a final concentration of 20 mg / L. As a result, as shown in FIG. 24(b), the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 1.61 in the reformed water containing 1.0 ppm ozone, and 1.64 in the reformed water containing 4.9 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 4.9 ppm free chlorine and 1.0 ppm ozone achieved a bactericidal rate of 3.73. This effect was not merely the sum of the bactericidal effects of exposure to 4.9 ppm free chlorine or 1.0 ppm ozone alone, but surprisingly a synergistic bactericidal effect.

[0307] Test 10: Bactericidal effect of reformed water containing 4.9 ppm free chlorine and 2.9 ppm ozone on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of a medium concentration (mg / L order) of organic matter. The bactericidal effect of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was measured in the same manner as in Test 8. However, in step 8, bovine serum albumin was added to a final concentration of 60 mg / L. As a result, as shown in FIG. 24(c), the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 2.23 in the reformed water containing 2.9 ppm ozone, and 0.20 in the reformed water containing 4.9 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 4.9 ppm free chlorine and 2.9 ppm ozone achieved a disinfection rate of 3.88. This effect was not merely the sum of the disinfection effects of exposure to 4.9 ppm free chlorine or 2.9 ppm ozone alone, but surprisingly a synergistic disinfection effect.

[0308] Comparative Example 1: Bactericidal effect when modified water containing 0.1 ppm ozone and 0 to 0.75 ppm free chlorine is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in Figure 25(a), the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 0.0% in the modified water containing 0.1 ppm ozone and 10.6% in the modified water containing 0.375 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the kill rate of only 4.1% was achieved in the modified water containing both 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.375 ppm free chlorine, and no synergistic effect was observed. Furthermore, similarly to Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in Figure 25(b), the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 0.0% in the modified water containing 0.1 ppm ozone and 19.7% in the modified water containing 0.75 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the kill rate of only 18.1% was achieved in the modified water containing both 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.75 ppm free chlorine, and no synergistic effect was observed.

[0309] In the present invention, the concentration of ozone and the concentration of free chlorine contained in the modified water, which exert a synergistic effect in killing chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, are expressed by the following formulas 1, 2, and 3, where the latter is y (ppm) and the former is x (ppm): Formula 1:y≧4.1079e -18.35x Formula 2: 0.1≦y<5 formula 3:0 <x<3 It is preferable that all of the conditions expressed by the above are satisfied. FIG. 26 visually shows preferred ranges of ozone and free chlorine concentrations that satisfy all of Equations 1, 2, and 3 as areas enclosed by these equations.

[0310] <Step 9: Preparation of hydrogen peroxide-containing water by adjusting reagents> Commercially available hydrogen peroxide solution (FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Industries, product number 081-04215) was diluted with pure water that did not contain free chlorine or ozone to adjust to a specified concentration.

[0311] Test 11: Bactericidal effect of reformed water containing 1.5 ppm free chlorine and 15 ppm hydrogen peroxide on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 13.9% in the reformed water with 1.5 ppm free chlorine and 0.4% in the reformed water with 15 ppm hydrogen peroxide. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 1.5 ppm free chlorine and 15 ppm hydrogen peroxide achieved a disinfection rate of 27.9%. This effect was not merely the sum of the disinfection effects of exposure to 1.5 ppm free chlorine or 15 ppm hydrogen peroxide alone, but surprisingly a synergistic disinfection effect.

[0312] Test 12 (Comparative Example 2): Bactericidal effect of reformed water containing 100 ppm hydrogen peroxide and 0.1 ppm ozone on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 96.7% in the reformed water containing 100 ppm hydrogen peroxide, and 1.1% in the reformed water containing 0.1 ppm ozone. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 100 ppm hydrogen peroxide and 0.1 ppm ozone achieved a sterilization rate of 35.6%, which was lower than the sterilization effect of exposure to 100 ppm hydrogen peroxide alone.

[0313] Test Example II The following experiments demonstrate that the present invention has an exceptionally excellent virus inactivation effect.

[0314] Test 13: Inactivation effect of modified water containing 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.1 ppm free chlorine on Qβ phage <Step 10: Preparation of Qβ phage solution for testing> Qβ phage (NBRC20012) was purchased from the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NBRC). Next, in accordance with JIS R 1706:2020, the Qβ phage was infected into Escherichia coli (NBRC106373) and cultured, and the medium supernatant containing a high concentration of Qβ phage was filtered to obtain a Qβ phage solution. The infectivity of this Qβ phage solution was measured by plaque assay and was found to be 1 × 10 11 The Qβ phage solution was stored at -80°C and thawed at the time of testing, and diluted with 1 / 500 NB medium at 10 4 The Qβ phage solution was used for testing after 2-fold dilution or without dilution.

[0315] The free chlorine water obtained in step 5 and the ozone water obtained in step 7 were used alone or in combination to prepare 100 mL of three types of modified water containing only free chlorine, only ozone, and both free chlorine and ozone, specifically, modified water containing 0.1 ppm ozone, modified water containing 0.1 ppm free chlorine, and modified water containing both 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.1 ppm free chlorine. Add 100 ml of 1 / 500 NB medium obtained in step 10 to each of the modified waters. 4 1 mL of the 1:1 diluted Qβ phage solution was added and mixed. In other words, the Qβ phage was contacted with each modified water in the presence of a low concentration of organic matter. 1 mL of the reaction solution was sampled 10 seconds, 60 seconds, and 120 seconds after contact, and neutralized by mixing with 0.1 mL of 1% sodium thiosulfate.

[0316] In addition, the stock solution of Qβ phage contains a very high concentration of organic matter because it contains LB medium components and impurity proteins derived from E. coli. 4 100-fold dilution and then 100-fold dilution. Therefore, test 13 can be considered to have been carried out in the presence of low concentrations of organic matter. 4The organic matter concentration of the Qβ phage solution diluted 100 times was 1.5 mg / L, and when this phage solution came into contact with the modified water, it was further diluted 100 times (1 mL / 100 mL), so the organic matter concentration at this point was 15 μg / L. Therefore, it can be considered that Test 13 was conducted in the presence of low concentrations (ng to μg / L order) of organic matter.

[0317] 1 mL of this neutralization solution was serially diluted, and the infectivity was measured according to JIS R 1706:2020, and the residual rate relative to the control was calculated. As a control, a neutralization solution obtained in the same manner as above was used, except that pure water was used instead of the modified water. The pure water was obtained by purifying tap water with an ultrapure water production system (Milli-Q IQ7005, Merck).

[0318] As a result, as shown in FIG. 27(a), when the contact time with each modified water was 10 seconds, the survival rate of Qβ phage was 39.5% in the modified water with 0.1 ppm ozone and 55.7% in the modified water with 0.1 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, in the modified water containing both 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.1 ppm free chlorine, the residual rate was below the detection limit of 0.008%.

[0319] From the above results, it was confirmed that the virus inactivation effect of the modified water containing both 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.1 ppm free chlorine is not merely the combined effect of the virus inactivation effects of modified water containing either 0.1 ppm ozone or 0.1 ppm free chlorine alone, but surprisingly has a synergistic effect. In addition, when a similar test was performed using modified water containing only 0.2 ppm of free chlorine, the survival rate of the Qβ phage when the contact time with the modified water was 10 seconds was 74.8%, confirming that the combination of ozone and free chlorine can more advantageously improve the virus inactivation effect than increasing the concentration of free chlorine in modified water containing only free chlorine.

[0320] Test 14: Inactivation effect of Qβ phage when modified water containing 0.05 ppm ozone and 0.5 ppm free chlorine was contacted with the phage As in Test 13, modified water containing 0.05 ppm ozone, modified water containing 0.5 ppm free chlorine, and modified water containing both 0.05 ppm ozone and 0.5 ppm free chlorine were prepared, and each modified water was contacted with Qβ phage to measure the infectivity titer. As a result, as shown in FIG. 27(b), when the contact time of each modified water was 10 seconds, the survival rate of Qβ phage was 36.4% in the modified water with 0.05 ppm ozone and 38.1% in the modified water with 0.5 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, in the modified water containing both 0.05 ppm ozone and 0.5 ppm free chlorine, the residual rate was below the detection limit of 0.003%.

[0321] From the above results, it was confirmed that the virus inactivation effect of the modified water containing both 0.05 ppm ozone and 0.5 ppm free chlorine is not merely the combined effect of the virus inactivation effects of modified water containing either 0.05 ppm ozone or 0.5 ppm free chlorine alone, but surprisingly has a synergistic effect. In addition, when a similar test was performed using modified water containing only 0.6 ppm of free chlorine, the survival rate of Qβ phage when the contact time with the modified water was 10 seconds was 24.8%, confirming that the combination of ozone and free chlorine can more advantageously improve the virus inactivation effect than increasing the concentration of free chlorine in modified water containing only free chlorine. Furthermore, the survival rate of Qβ phage was 0.003% when it was contacted with reformed water containing only 0.5 ppm of free chlorine for 120 seconds, but this inactivation effect was equivalent to the inactivation effect when it was contacted with reformed water containing both 0.05 ppm of ozone and 0.5 ppm of free chlorine for only 10 seconds. This confirmed that the combination of free chlorine and ozone provides more than 10 times the immediate effect.

[0322] Test 15: Inactivation effect of modified water containing ozone and free chlorine on Qβ phage under test conditions with medium organic loading (Test 15-1) Virus inactivation effect when exposed to modified water containing 0.3 ppm ozone and 2 ppm free chlorine for 20 seconds As in Test 13, free chlorine water and ozone water were prepared, and the resulting free chlorine water and ozone water were used alone or in combination to prepare three types of modified water containing only free chlorine, only ozone, and both free chlorine and ozone, specifically, modified water containing 0.3 ppm ozone, modified water containing 2 ppm free chlorine, and modified water containing both 0.3 ppm ozone and 2 ppm free chlorine, each 80 mL. While stirring each of the prepared modified waters, 0.12 mL of the stock solution of Qβ phage obtained in step 10 of Test 13 was added thereto and mixed, so that the Qβ phage was brought into contact with each modified water for 20 seconds. As mentioned above, the original solution of Qβ phage contains LB medium components and impurity proteins derived from E. coli, so it contains a very high concentration of organic matter, mainly 15 g / L of organic matter, which is the LB medium component. Since 0.12 mL of phage solution is added to 80 mL of modified water, the phage solution is diluted 667 times when it comes into contact with the modified water, and the organic matter concentration at this time is 22.5 mg / L. Therefore, it can be considered that Test 15 was conducted in the presence of a medium concentration (on the order of mg / L) of organic matter. After 20 seconds, 8 mL of 2% sodium thiosulfate was immediately added to neutralize the modified water. The infectivity of Qβ phage in this neutralized solution was measured in the same manner as in Test 13, and the residual rate was calculated relative to the control. As a control, a neutralized solution obtained in the same manner as above, except that pure water was used instead of the modified water, was used.

[0323] As a result, as shown in FIG. 28(a), the survival rate of Qβ phage was 4.91% in the modified water with 0.3 ppm ozone and 103% in the modified water with 2 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, in the modified water containing both 0.3 ppm ozone and 2 ppm free chlorine, the survival rate of Qβ phage was 0.02%. From the above results, it was confirmed that the virus inactivation effect of the modified water containing both 0.3 ppm ozone and 2 ppm free chlorine is not merely the combined effect of the virus inactivation effects of modified water containing either 0.3 ppm ozone or 2 ppm free chlorine alone, but surprisingly has a synergistic effect.

[0324] (Test 15-2) Virus inactivation effect when exposed to modified water containing 0.2 ppm ozone and 4.93 ppm free chlorine for 20 seconds As in Test 15-1, three types of modified water containing only free chlorine, only ozone, or both free chlorine and ozone were prepared, specifically, modified water containing 0.2 ppm ozone, modified water containing 4.93 ppm free chlorine, and modified water containing both 0.2 ppm ozone and 4.93 ppm free chlorine. Qβ phage was contacted with each modified water for 20 seconds while containing organic matter. As a result, as shown in FIG. 28(b), the survival rate of Qβ phage was 59.2% in the modified water with 0.2 ppm ozone and 64.3% in the modified water with 4.93 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, in the modified water containing both 0.2 ppm ozone and 4.93 ppm free chlorine, the survival rate of Qβ phage was 0.03%. From the above results, it was confirmed that the virus inactivation effect of the modified water containing both 0.2 ppm ozone and 4.93 ppm free chlorine is not merely the combined effect of the virus inactivation effects of modified water containing either 0.2 ppm ozone or 4.93 ppm free chlorine alone, but surprisingly has a synergistic effect.

[0325] Test 16: Inactivation effect of modified water containing ozone and free chlorine on Qβ phage under test conditions including bovine serum albumin as an organic substance (Test 16-1) Virus inactivation effect when exposed to modified water containing 0.05 ppm ozone and 4.98 ppm free chlorine for 20 seconds As in Test 13, the Qβ phage was contacted for 20 seconds with three types of modified water: modified water containing 0.05 ppm ozone, modified water containing 4.98 ppm free chlorine, and modified water containing both 0.05 ppm ozone and 4.98 ppm free chlorine. However, when 1 mL of the diluted Qβ phage solution obtained in step 10 was added to each modified water, BSA (bovine serum albumin (FV), Nacalai Tesque) was added and mixed together so that the final concentration in the resulting mixed solution was 80 mg / L. Therefore, it can be considered that Test 16-1 was conducted in the presence of a medium concentration (mg / L order) of organic matter. As a result, the survival rate of Qβ phage was 71.1% in the modified water with 0.05 ppm ozone and 137% in the modified water with 4.98 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, in the modified water containing both 0.05 ppm ozone and 4.98 ppm free chlorine, the residual rate was 27.6%. From the above results, it was confirmed that the virus inactivation effect of the modified water containing both 0.05 ppm ozone and 4.98 ppm free chlorine is not merely the combined effect of the virus inactivation effects of modified water containing either 0.05 ppm ozone or 4.98 ppm free chlorine alone, but surprisingly has a synergistic effect.

[0326] (Test 16-2) Virus inactivation effect when exposed to modified water containing 1.98 ppm ozone and 0.1 ppm free chlorine for 20 seconds As in Test 16-1, the Qβ phage was contacted for 20 seconds with three types of modified water: modified water with 1.98 ppm ozone, modified water with 0.1 ppm free chlorine, and modified water containing both 1.98 ppm ozone and 0.1 ppm free chlorine. However, BSA was added to a final concentration of 320 mg / L. Therefore, Test 16-2 can be considered to have been carried out in the presence of organic matter at a medium concentration (mg / L order). As a result, the survival rate of Qβ phage was 6.6% in the modified water with 1.98 ppm ozone and 76.3% in the modified water with 0.1 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, in the modified water containing both 1.98 ppm ozone and 0.1 ppm free chlorine, the residual rate was 2.1%. From the above results, it was confirmed that the virus inactivation effect of the modified water containing both 1.98 ppm ozone and 0.1 ppm free chlorine is not merely the combined effect of the virus inactivation effects of modified water containing either 1.98 ppm ozone or 0.1 ppm free chlorine alone, but surprisingly has a synergistic effect.

[0327] From the results obtained in Tests 13 to 16, the suitable concentrations of ozone and free chlorine contained in the modified water, which exhibit a synergistic effect of inactivating viruses in the present invention, are expressed by the following formulas 1, 2, and 3, where the former is x (ppm) and the latter is y (ppm): Formula 1:y≧24.9e -55.17x Formula 2: 0.1≦y<5 Formula 3: 0.05≦x<2 It is preferable that all of the conditions expressed by the above are satisfied. FIG. 29 visually shows preferred ranges of ozone and free chlorine concentrations that satisfy all of Equations 1, 2, and 3 as areas enclosed by these equations.

[0328] The Qβ phage has an outermost shell composed of capsid protein and is commonly used in standard testing (ISO21072:2019) as a representative non-enveloped virus. In Test 16, the synergistic virus inactivation effect of the modified water containing both free chlorine and ozone was confirmed, confirming that the action of the modified water containing both free chlorine and ozone in the present invention is effective against non-enveloped viruses.

[0329] Test 17: Inactivation effect of modified water containing ozone and free chlorine on enveloped viruses (φ6 phage) As in Test 16-1, the bacteriophage was contacted for 20 seconds with three types of modified water: modified water containing 0.1 ppm ozone, modified water containing 0.5 ppm free chlorine, and modified water containing both 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.5 ppm free chlorine. However, in this test, φ6 phage (NBRC105899) was used instead of Qβ phage in step 10, and the host bacteria was Pseudomonas syringae (NBRC14084) was used. Then, when 1 mL of the diluted φ6 phage solution obtained by the method of step 10 was added to each modified water, BSA was added and mixed together so that the final concentration in the resulting mixed solution would be 80 mg / L. Therefore, it can be considered that Test 17 was conducted in the presence of a medium concentration (on the order of mg / L) of organic matter. As a result, the survival rate of φ6 phage was 61.5% in the modified water with 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.0034% in the modified water with 0.5 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, in the modified water containing both 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.5 ppm free chlorine, the residual rate was 0.00056%. From the above results, it was confirmed that the virus inactivation effect of the modified water containing both 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.5 ppm free chlorine is not merely the combined effect of the virus inactivation effects of modified water containing either 0.1 ppm ozone or 0.5 ppm free chlorine alone, but surprisingly has a synergistic effect. The φ6 phage has a capsid structure in which the outside of the capsid is covered with an envelope containing phospholipids (Biology and Chemistry, vol. 19, 140-147), and is a representative example of an enveloped virus. In Test 17, the synergistic virus inactivation effect of the modified water containing both free chlorine and ozone was confirmed, confirming that the action of the modified water containing both free chlorine and ozone in the present invention is also effective against enveloped viruses.

[0330] Test Example III The following experiments demonstrate that the present invention has an exceptionally excellent bactericidal effect against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of organic matter.

[0331] Test 18: Bactericidal effect when chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of organic matter is first treated with water containing free chlorine as the first modified water, and then treated with water containing ozone as the second modified water while the water containing free chlorine is left. <Step 11 Adhesion of organic matter to ceramic tiles> As shown in Figure 30, a ceramic tile (area: 13 cm x 4 cm) with the same base and glaze layer as the Pure Rest toilet (TOTO Corporation), an aluminum tray, and an anti-slip mat were set up, and the ceramic tile was leaned diagonally against the aluminum tray. R2A liquid medium diluted 1500 times was poured into an aluminum tray, a part of a ceramic tile was immersed in it, and the tray was left to stand at 50°C. After 24 hours, the liquid medium evaporated and the solid-liquid interface between the ceramic tile and the liquid medium dropped. In this way, the organic matter contained in the R2A liquid medium was attached to the solid-liquid interface area (r) of the ceramic tile. Next, R2A liquid medium was poured in until it reached the same height as before evaporation. The above procedure was repeated three times to prepare a ceramic tile (tile A) with organic matter adhering to the solid-liquid interface (r) (area: 1 cm × 4 cm).

[0332] <Step 12: Adhesion of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium to tile A> The tile A prepared in step 11 and the aluminum tray excluding the anti-slip mat were dry-heat sterilized at 180°C for 30 minutes. Next, chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium colonies were suspended in saline and diluted to 3 × 10 6 A bacterial solution of 100 cells / mL was prepared. The dry heat sterilized tile A was placed horizontally in an aluminum tray with the surface with the organic matter facing up, and after cooling to room temperature, the above-mentioned bacterial liquid was poured over tile A until it was fully soaked, and then left to stand for 24 hours. Next, tile A was removed, and sterilized purified water was poured over the entire surface of tile A to remove excess, unattached chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. By going through steps 11 and 12, a large amount of organic matter and chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium adheres, particularly to the solid-liquid interface site (r). Therefore, the area where the organic matter and chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were abundant was designated as area (R) (area: 1 cm × 4 cm). In this way, a ceramic tile (tile B) was obtained with chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium attached to the area (R) in the presence of organic matter.

[0333] <Step 13: Measurement of the bactericidal effect when water containing free chlorine as the first modified water is first applied to chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of organic matter, and then water containing ozone as the second modified water is applied to the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of organic matter while the water containing free chlorine is left.>

[0334] According to steps 5 and 7, 200 mL of free chlorine water and ozone water were prepared. At this time, the quantitative result of the free chlorine concentration was 0.5 ppm, and the quantitative result of the ozone concentration was 0.7 ppm. Then, the bactericidal effect was measured according to the following conditions.

[0335] Condition 1-A A mesh rack was placed horizontally inside an aluminum tray, and tile B obtained in step 12 was placed on the rack with the part (R) facing upwards. Free chlorine water was poured onto area (R) of tile B at a flow rate of 250 mL / min for 40 seconds. Immediately afterwards, that is, while droplets of the free chlorine water were still remaining on the site (R), ozone water was poured at a flow rate of 250 mL / min for 40 seconds. After spraying the ozone water, tile B was left to stand for 5 minutes to allow the active ingredient to act on the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of organic matter. After leaving it to stand, the swab part of the sampling kit (Fukitrel, Central Scientific Trading, collected liquid volume 10 mL) was used to swab the area (R) (area 4 cm 2 ) was wiped off and suspended in the recovery liquid. Next, 1 mL of the recovered solution was mixed with 0.1 mL of 1% sodium thiosulfate to neutralize it. The neutralized solution was then inoculated onto an R2A plate and cultured at 20°C for 7 days. The number of colonies that appeared was counted to quantify the viable number of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium (N1 (cells)). As a control, the same procedure was carried out using sterilized purified water containing no active ingredient, and the viable cell count (N0 (cells)) was quantified. The sterilization rate was calculated using the following formula. Sterilization rate (%)=(N0-N1) / N0×100(%)

[0336] Condition 1-B Tile B obtained in step 12 was placed in an aluminum tray leaning at an angle of 60 degrees as shown in Figure 31, and then free chlorine water and ozone water were sprayed in sequence on area (R) of tile B, as in condition 1-A. After spraying the ozone water, tile B was left to stand for 5 minutes, and the viable bacteria count was quantified in the same manner as in condition 1-A, and the sterilization rate was calculated.

[0337] Condition 2 In condition 1-B, free chlorine water was sprayed on the area (R) of tile B, and then the tile B was shaken by hand to repeatedly shake off the free chlorine water from the area (R). After visually confirming that the free chlorine water had been removed from the area (R), ozone water was sprayed. After spraying the ozone water, tile B was left to stand for 5 minutes, and the viable bacteria count was quantified in the same manner as in condition 1-A, and the sterilization rate was calculated.

[0338] As a result, as shown in Table 2, the killing rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium under condition 2 was 76.6%. On the other hand, under conditions 1-A and 1-B, even higher sterilization rates of 94.7% and 97.2%, respectively, were obtained. This demonstrated that by first supplying the first modified water, free chlorine water, and then supplying the second modified water, ozone water, while the first modified water remains, a high bactericidal effect can be achieved against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of organic matter.

[0339] [Table 2]

[0340] Test 19: Bactericidal effect of the first and second modified waters applied in sequence or simultaneously to chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of organic matter Three types of water were prepared, 200 mL each: the free chlorine water obtained in step 5, the ozone water obtained in step 7, and modified water containing both free chlorine and ozone obtained by mixing the two.

[0341] Condition 3 In the same manner as in Condition 1-B of Test 18, the first modified water was ozone water and the second modified water was free chlorine water. These were applied in turn to area (R) of tile B, after which the number of live bacteria was quantified and the sterilization rate was calculated. Condition 4 The modified water obtained by mixing free chlorine water and ozone water was applied to area (R) of tile B, i.e., the first modified water and the second modified water were applied simultaneously, and then the number of live bacteria was quantified and the sterilization rate was calculated.

[0342] As a result, as shown in Table 3, the killing rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium under condition 4 was 55.3%. On the other hand, under condition 3, a high bactericidal rate of 85.7% was obtained against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. In addition, in Table 3, for ease of comparison, the sterilization rate under condition 1-B of test 18 is shown again. This shows that, although the bactericidal effect exerted by simultaneously ejecting the first modified water and the second modified water in the presence of organic matter is sufficient for practical purposes, ejecting the first modified water first, rather than ejecting them simultaneously, washes away the organic matter in advance, and then ejecting the second modified water creates a greater synergistic effect due to the coexistence of the components contained in the first modified water and the components contained in the second modified water, thereby exerting a greater bactericidal effect against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of organic matter. In addition, since the sterilization rate under condition 1-B was higher than that under condition 3, it was shown that a particularly high sterilization effect was exhibited when the first modified water was free chlorine water.

[0343] [Table 3]

[0344] Test 20: The relationship between the bactericidal effect of first applying water containing free chlorine as the first modified water to a chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of organic matter, and then applying water containing ozone as the second modified water while the water containing free chlorine remains, and the remaining amount of water containing free chlorine remaining at the site (P) before applying the water containing ozone. <Step 14: Measurement of the amount of residual water of the first reformed water remaining at the portion (P) after initially discharging water containing free chlorine as the first reformed water to the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of organic matter and before discharging water containing ozone as the second reformed water> In step 13, the weight [g] of tile B was measured before pouring free chlorine water onto the portion (R) of tile B. After the free chlorine water was poured on and before moving to the process of pouring on the ozone water, the weight [g] of tile B with the free chlorine water remaining on the portion (R) was measured. From the above weight and the area values ​​of tile B and part (R), the residual amount of free chlorine water per area [mg / cm 2 ] was calculated. Weight was measured using a Mettler Toledo electronic balance (model: PL602-S). Table 4 shows the relationship between the calculated residual water volume and the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium measured in the subsequent process. Here, the condition of residual water volume = 0 indicates the sterilization rate when free chlorine water is not poured and only ozone water is poured.

[0345] [Table 4]

[0346] From Table 4, it is clear that the residual water content of the first reformed water, the free chlorine water, is at least 0.2 [mg / cm 2 ] or more, it is the same as the condition where only ozone water was poured (residual water amount 0 [mg / cm 2 ]) was confirmed to have a higher bactericidal effect. In addition, the residual water content of the first reformed water, the free chlorine water, is at least 1.0 [mg / cm 2 ] or more, the sterilization rate is 96.0% or more, and it has been confirmed that an extremely high sterilization effect is achieved. In this way, it was shown that for chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of organic matter, a high bactericidal effect is achieved by first applying water containing free chlorine as the first modified water, and then applying water containing ozone as the second modified water, by having the remaining free chlorine water remaining.

[0347] Test Example IV The following experiment demonstrates that the control having two modes, the first mode and the second mode, in the present invention (i.e., "occasional" control) exhibits an exceptionally excellent bactericidal effect against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium.

[0348] Test 21: In a toilet, water containing free chlorine was discharged after each use, and modified water containing a mixture of free chlorine water and ozone water was discharged once a day. The bactericidal effect against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was measured. <Step 1-1 Installation of equipment> Condition 1 The toilet used was a Neorest (TOTO Ltd.) toilet with a built-in warm water cleaning toilet seat and Washlet, installed in the women's restroom on the 4th floor of Research Building No. 3 at TOTO Ltd.'s General Research Institute (Motomura, Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture). This facility is equipped with a reformed water generating device that includes a Pt / IrO2 electrode. By passing tap water through this reformed water generating device and applying an electric current to electrolyze it, water containing free chlorine (hereinafter referred to as "free chlorine water") can be generated. In addition, a modified water generating device containing a commercially available diamond electrode was installed alongside this facility. By passing tap water through this modified water generating device and applying an electric current to electrolyze it, water containing ozone (hereafter referred to as "ozone water") can be generated. The reforming water generated by the above two types of reforming water generating devices is discharged from one discharge port after the respective reforming water supply pipes (7A, 7B) are joined together, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0349] <Step 1-2: Generation of water containing free chlorine by electrolysis of tap water> Tap water was passed through the reformed water generating device including the above-mentioned Pt / IrO2 electrode, and electrolysis was performed by applying a current to generate free chlorine water. 10 mL of this free chlorine water was dispensed into a water sampling bottle, and one dose of free chlorine reagent for SWIFTEST (Hach) was added and mixed, and the free chlorine concentration in the free chlorine water was quantified using a pocket residual chlorine meter (Hach).

[0350] <Step 1-3: Generation of ozone-containing water by electrolysis of tap water> Tap water was passed through the modified water generating device including the above-mentioned commercially available diamond electrode, and an electric current was applied to electrolyze the water, thereby generating ozone water. This ozone water was collected using an ozone concentration measurement kit (Ozone AccuVac Ampules HR pk25, Hach), which was then set in a portable absorptiometer (DR1900, Hach), and the ozone concentration was quantified using the ozone concentration measurement mode.

[0351] <Step 1-4: Controlling the discharge of reforming water> Control IV-1: Control to discharge reformed water mixed with free chlorine water and ozone water (first mode) The toilet shown in step 1-1 was manually controlled to discharge modified water, a mixture of free chlorine water and ozone water, from the discharge part onto the bowl surface of the toilet for 10 seconds (i.e., "simultaneous discharge") once every morning between 8:30 and 9:00 during the test period. In this control, a current was applied so that the free chlorine concentration and ozone concentration of the modified water discharged into the toilet were 1.0 ppm and 1.2 ppm, respectively.

[0352] Control IV-2: Control of discharge of free chlorine water (second mode) During the test period, the toilet shown in step 1-1 was controlled so that free chlorine water was discharged from the discharge part onto the bowl surface of the toilet for 10 seconds after each use by a user. In this control, a current was applied so that the free chlorine concentration of the free chlorine water discharged into the toilet was 1.0 ppm. The average frequency of use during the test period was 15 times per day.

[0353] Condition 1 was set so that control IV-1 and control IV-2 were activated.

[0354] <Step 1-5: Quantitative determination of viable Methylobacterium bacteria naturally occurring on the surface of the toilet bowl> In the control set in step 1-4, one week and two weeks after the start of the test, the swab part of the sampling kit (Fukitrail, Central Scientific Trading, recovery liquid volume 10 mL) was used to measure a part of the area (2 cm x 4 cm = 8 cm) from the water surface of the toilet bowl surface to a height of 2 cm. 2 ) was wiped off, suspended in the recovery liquid, inoculated onto an R2A plate, and cultured at 20°C for 7 days. The number of pink colonies that appeared was counted, and the viable number of Methylobacterium bacteria per wiped area (N1 (cfu / cm 2 ) was quantified (lower limit of quantification: 1.25 cfu / cm 2 ).

[0355] Condition 2 As in process 1-1, a toilet bowl named Purerest (TOTO Corporation) equipped with a warm water cleaning toilet seat Washlet Apricot (TOTO Corporation) was used in the men's restroom on the 5th floor of Research Building 3 at TOTO Corporation's General Research Institute (Motomura, Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture). This facility is equipped with a reformed water generating device including a Pt / IrO2 electrode, and is capable of generating free chlorine water in the same manner as in process 1-2. In condition 2, control IV-2 in step 1-4 was made to function. The average frequency of use during the test period was 15 times per day. The viable cell count of Methylobacterium (N1(cfu / cm)) was measured using the same procedure as in steps 1-5. 2 )) was quantified.

[0356] Table 5 shows a simple comparison between Control IV-1 and Control IV-2 under Conditions 1 and 2.

[0357] [Table 5]

[0358] Table 6 shows the Methylobacterium viable count (cfu / cm) after tests under conditions 1 and 2. 2 ) Quantitative results are shown.

[0359] [Table 6]

[0360] As shown in Table 6, the viable cell count of Methylobacterium after 2 weeks under condition 2 was 5.8 × 10 4 (cfu / cm 2 In condition 2, free chlorine water was sprayed, but the high number of live Methylobacterium bacteria detected indicates that the detected Methylobacterium exhibits high resistance to free chlorine. On the other hand, the viable cell count of Methylobacterium after 2 weeks under condition 1 was 1.5 × 10 2 (cfu / cm 2 ), demonstrating a high bactericidal effect. This showed that even when chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was not sufficiently sterilized by discharging free chlorine water, a high sterilization effect was achieved against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium by discharging modified water made by mixing free chlorine water and ozone water, even when the discharge frequency was as low as once a day in the morning.

[0361] Test Example V The following experiment demonstrates that the variable CT value mode of the present invention exhibits an exceptionally excellent bactericidal effect against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium.

[0362] Test 22: In a toilet, after each use, modified water mixed with free chlorine water and ozone water was discharged for a short time, and once a day, modified water mixed with free chlorine water and ozone water was discharged for a long time. The bactericidal effect against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and general bacteria was measured. <Step 1-1 Installation of equipment> Condition 1 The study was conducted using a toilet bowl equipped with a warm water cleaning toilet seat Washlet Apricot (TOTO Corporation) and a Purerest (TOTO Corporation) toilet on the second floor of the women's restroom in Research Building No. 3 at TOTO Corporation's General Research Institute (Motomura, Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture). This facility is equipped with a reformed water generating device that includes a Pt / IrO2 electrode. By passing tap water through this reformed water generating device and applying an electric current to electrolyze it, water containing free chlorine (hereinafter referred to as "free chlorine water") can be generated. In addition, a modified water generating device containing a commercially available diamond electrode was installed alongside this facility. By passing tap water through this modified water generating device and applying an electric current to electrolyze it, water containing ozone (hereafter referred to as "ozone water") can be generated. The reforming water generated by the above two types of reforming water generating devices is discharged from one discharge port after the respective reforming water supply pipes (7A, 7B) are joined together, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0363] <Step 1-2: Generation of water containing free chlorine by electrolysis of tap water> Tap water was passed through the reformed water generating device including the above-mentioned Pt / IrO2 electrode, and electrolysis was performed by applying a current to generate free chlorine water. 10 mL of this free chlorine water was dispensed into a water sampling bottle, and one dose of free chlorine reagent for SWIFTEST (Hach) was added and mixed, and the free chlorine concentration in the free chlorine water was quantified using a pocket residual chlorine meter (Hach).

[0364] <Step 1-3: Generation of ozone-containing water by electrolysis of tap water> Tap water was passed through the modified water generating device including the above-mentioned commercially available diamond electrode, and an electric current was applied to electrolyze the water, thereby generating ozone water. This ozone water was collected using an ozone concentration measurement kit (Ozone AccuVac Ampules HR pk25, Hach), which was then set in a portable absorptiometer (DR1900, Hach), and the ozone concentration was quantified using the ozone concentration measurement mode.

[0365] <Step 1-4: Controlling the discharge of reforming water> Control V-1: Control to discharge modified water, a mixture of free chlorine water and ozone water, for a short time after each use. During the test period, the toilet shown in step 1-1 was controlled so that modified water, a mixture of free chlorine water and ozone water, was discharged from the discharge part onto the bowl surface of the toilet for 10 seconds (i.e., "simultaneous discharge") after each use by a user. In this control, a current was applied so that the free chlorine concentration and ozone concentration of the modified water discharged into the toilet were 1.0 ppm and 0.35 ppm, respectively. The average frequency of use during the test period was 15 times per day.

[0366] Control V-2: Control to discharge modified water, a mixture of free chlorine water and ozone water, once a day for a long period of time. The toilet shown in step 1-1 was controlled so that once every night between 1:00 and 2:00 during the test period, during a time period when no one was in use, reformed water containing a mixture of free chlorine water and ozone water was discharged from the discharge part onto the bowl surface of the toilet for 60 seconds (i.e., "simultaneous discharge"). In this control, a current was applied so that the free chlorine concentration and ozone concentration of the reformed water discharged into the toilet were 1.0 ppm and 0.35 ppm, respectively.

[0367] In condition 1, control V-1 and control V-2, in which the discharge times of the first and second reforming water are different, are activated. In other words, this corresponds to the CT value variable mode.

[0368] <Step 1-5: Quantitative determination of viable Methylobacterium bacteria naturally occurring on the surface of the toilet bowl> Using the controls set in steps 1-4, after 3 weeks from the start of the test, a portion of the area (2cm x 4cm = 8cm) from the water surface to a height of 2cm on the surface of the toilet bowl was swab-finished with a sampling kit (Fukitrail, Central Scientific Trading, recovery volume 10mL). 2 The resulting pink colonies were counted to determine the number of viable Methylobacterium bacteria per swabbed area (N1(cfu / cm2)). 2 ) was quantified (lower limit of quantification: 1.25 cfu / cm 2 ).

[0369] <Step 1-6 Quantification of the number of naturally occurring common bacteria on the surface of the toilet bowl> A portion of the liquid recovered in steps 1-5 was plated on an SMA plate and cultured at 35°C for 3 days. The number of colonies that appeared was counted, and the viable count of general bacteria per swabbed area (N2(cfu / cm 2 ) was quantified (lower limit of quantification: 1.25 cfu / cm 2 ).

[0370] Condition 2 As in process 1-1, a toilet bowl named Purerest (TOTO Corporation) equipped with a warm water cleaning toilet seat Washlet Apricot (TOTO Corporation) was used in the women's restroom on the second floor of Research Building No. 3 at TOTO Corporation's General Research Institute (Motomura, Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture). As in condition 1, this facility is equipped with a modified water generating device capable of generating free chlorine water, and is also equipped with a modified water generating device capable of generating ozone water, and is capable of discharging modified water that is a mixture of free chlorine water and ozone water. In condition 2, only control V-1 was activated. The viable cell counts of Methylobacterium and general bacteria (N1, N2 (cfu / cm)) were measured using the same procedures as in steps 1-5 and 1-6. 2 )) was quantified.

[0371] Condition 3 As in process 1-1, a toilet bowl named Purerest (TOTO Corporation) equipped with a warm water cleaning toilet seat Washlet Apricot (TOTO Corporation) was used in the women's restroom on the second floor of Research Building No. 3 at TOTO Corporation's General Research Institute (Motomura, Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture). As in Condition 1, this facility is equipped with a modified water generating device capable of generating free chlorine water and discharging the free chlorine water.

[0372] Control V-3: Control to discharge free chlorine water for a short time after each use During the test period, the toilet shown in step 1-1 was controlled so that free chlorine water was discharged from the discharge part onto the bowl surface of the toilet for 10 seconds after each use by a user. In this control, a current was applied so that the free chlorine concentration of the free chlorine water discharged into the toilet was 1.0 ppm. The average frequency of use during the test period was 15 times per day. In condition 3, only control V-3 was activated. The viable counts of Methylobacterium and general bacteria (N1, N2 (cfu / cm)) were measured using the same procedures as in steps 1-5 and 1-6. 2 )) was quantified.

[0373] Table 7 shows a simple comparison between Control V-1, Control V-2, and Control V-3.

[0374] [Table 7]

[0375] Table 8 shows the quantitative results of the viable counts of Methylobacterium and general bacteria after tests under conditions 1, 2, and 3.

[0376] [Table 8]

[0377] As shown in Table 8, the viable counts of Methylobacterium and general bacteria under condition 3 were 1.2 × 10 3 , 1.0×10 5 (cfu / cm 2 In condition 3, free chlorine water was discharged for a short time after each use, and the number of live Methylobacterium bacteria detected was high, indicating that the detected Methylobacterium exhibits high resistance to free chlorine.

[0378] The viable counts of Methylobacterium and general bacteria under condition 2 were 8.1 x 10 2 , 3.4×10 2 (cfu / cm 2 In condition 2, a modified water mixture of free chlorine water and ozone water was discharged for a short period after each use, which showed a high inhibitory effect on general bacteria, while the viable cell count of Methylobacterium remained high.

[0379] Under these conditions, the viable counts of Methylobacterium and general bacteria under condition 1 were 1.3 × 10 1 , 2.2×10 2 (cfu / cm 2 In condition 1, modified water made of a mixture of free chlorine water and ozone water was discharged for a short period of time after each use, and modified water made of a mixture of free chlorine water and ozone water was discharged for a long period of time once every night, which showed a high bactericidal effect against both Methylobacterium and general bacteria.

[0380] In this way, it has been confirmed that by varying the discharge time of the modified water, which is a mixture of free chlorine water and ozone water, depending on the situation, it is possible to efficiently suppress the growth of both general bacteria that are non-chlorine resistant and have a fast growth rate, and chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, which is chlorine resistant and has a slow growth rate, while reducing the amount of ozone used.

[0381] Test 23: Bactericidal effect of reformed water containing 0.1 ppm free chlorine and 75 ppm hydrogen peroxide on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 32, the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 12.2% in the reformed water containing 0.1 ppm of free chlorine, and 0.0% in the reformed water containing 75 ppm of hydrogen peroxide. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 0.1 ppm free chlorine and 75 ppm hydrogen peroxide achieved a disinfection rate of 22.5%. This effect was not merely the sum of the disinfection effects of exposure to 0.1 ppm free chlorine or 75 ppm hydrogen peroxide alone, but surprisingly a synergistic disinfection effect.

[0382] Test 24: Bactericidal effect of reformed water containing 0.5 ppm free chlorine and 75 ppm hydrogen peroxide on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 32, the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 0.0% in the reformed water containing 0.5 ppm of free chlorine, and 0.0% in the reformed water containing 75 ppm of hydrogen peroxide. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 0.5 ppm free chlorine and 75 ppm hydrogen peroxide achieved a disinfection rate of 19.7%. This effect was not merely the sum of the disinfection effects of exposure to 0.5 ppm free chlorine or 75 ppm hydrogen peroxide alone, but surprisingly a synergistic disinfection effect.

[0383] Test 25: Bactericidal effect of reformed water containing 1.5 ppm free chlorine and 10 ppm hydrogen peroxide on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 32, the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 13.9% in the reformed water containing 1.5 ppm of free chlorine, and 0.0% in the reformed water containing 10 ppm of hydrogen peroxide. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 1.5 ppm free chlorine and 10 ppm hydrogen peroxide achieved a disinfection rate of 18.0%. This effect was not merely the sum of the disinfection effects of exposure to 1.5 ppm free chlorine or 10 ppm hydrogen peroxide alone, but surprisingly had a synergistic disinfection effect.

[0384] Test 26: Bactericidal effect of reformed water containing 1.0 ppm free chlorine and 15 ppm hydrogen peroxide on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 32, the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 0.0% in the reformed water containing 1.0 ppm of free chlorine, and 0.4% in the reformed water containing 15 ppm of hydrogen peroxide. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 1.0 ppm free chlorine and 15 ppm hydrogen peroxide achieved a sterilization rate of 24.1%. This effect was not merely the sum of the sterilization effects of exposure to 1.0 ppm free chlorine or 15 ppm hydrogen peroxide alone, but surprisingly had a synergistic sterilization effect.

[0385] Test 27: Bactericidal effect of reformed water containing 4.9 ppm free chlorine and 0.5 ppm hydrogen peroxide on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of a medium concentration (mg / L order) of organic matter. The bactericidal effect of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was measured in the same manner as in Test 8. However, in step 8, bovine serum albumin was added to a final concentration of 20 mg / L. As a result, as shown in FIG. 33, the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 7.2% in the reformed water containing 4.9 ppm of free chlorine, and 0.0% in the reformed water containing 0.5 ppm of hydrogen peroxide. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 4.9 ppm free chlorine and 0.5 ppm hydrogen peroxide achieved a disinfection rate of 31.1%. This effect was not merely the sum of the disinfection effects of exposure to 4.9 ppm free chlorine or 0.5 ppm hydrogen peroxide alone, but surprisingly a synergistic disinfection effect.

[0386] Test 28: Bactericidal effect of reformed water containing 4.9 ppm free chlorine and 2000 ppm hydrogen peroxide on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of a medium concentration (mg / L order) of organic matter. The bactericidal effect of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was measured in the same manner as in Test 8. However, in step 8, bovine serum albumin was added so that the final concentration in the resulting mixed solution was 20 mg / L. As a result, as shown in FIG. 33, the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 7.2% in the reformed water containing 4.9 ppm of free chlorine, and 40.3% in the reformed water containing 2000 ppm of hydrogen peroxide. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 4.9 ppm free chlorine and 2000 ppm hydrogen peroxide achieved a sterilization rate of 88.9%. This effect was not merely the sum of the sterilization effects of exposure to either 4.9 ppm free chlorine or 2000 ppm hydrogen peroxide alone, but surprisingly had a synergistic sterilization effect.

[0387] Test 29: Bactericidal effect of reformed water containing 0.1 ppm free chlorine and 4000 ppm hydrogen peroxide on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of a medium concentration (mg / L order) of organic matter. As in Test 8, the bactericidal effect of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was measured. However, the bactericidal effect was calculated by subtracting the common logarithm of the number of remaining bacteria after exposure to the modified water from the common logarithm of the initial number of bacteria. In addition, in step 8, bovine serum albumin was added so that the final concentration in the resulting mixed solution was 20 mg / L. As a result, as shown in FIG. 33, the bactericidal effect of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 0.03 in the reformed water containing 0.1 ppm of free chlorine, and 1.03 in the reformed water containing 4000 ppm of hydrogen peroxide. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 0.1 ppm free chlorine and 4000 ppm hydrogen peroxide achieved a bactericidal effect of 2.05. This effect was not merely the sum of the bactericidal effects of exposure to 4.9 ppm free chlorine or 4000 ppm hydrogen peroxide alone, but surprisingly had a synergistic bactericidal effect.

[0388] Test 30: Bactericidal effect of reformed water containing 4.9 ppm free chlorine and 4,000 ppm hydrogen peroxide on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of a medium concentration (mg / L order) of organic matter. As in Test 8, the bactericidal effect of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was measured. However, the bactericidal effect was calculated by subtracting the common logarithm of the number of remaining bacteria after exposure to the modified water from the common logarithm of the initial number of bacteria. In addition, in step 8, bovine serum albumin was added so that the final concentration in the resulting mixed solution was 20 mg / L. As a result, as shown in FIG. 33, the bactericidal effect of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 0.03 in the reformed water containing 4.9 ppm of free chlorine and 1.03 in the reformed water containing 4000 ppm of hydrogen peroxide. On the other hand, the modified water containing both 4.9 ppm free chlorine and 4,000 ppm hydrogen peroxide achieved a bactericidal effect of 4.05. This effect was not merely the sum of the bactericidal effects of exposure to either 4.9 ppm free chlorine or 4,000 ppm hydrogen peroxide alone, but surprisingly was a synergistic bactericidal effect.

[0389] In the present invention, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and the concentration of free chlorine contained in the modified water, which exert a synergistic effect in killing chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, are expressed by the following formulas 4, 5, 6, and 8, where y (ppm) is the latter and x (ppm) is the former: Formula 4:y>-1.147ln(x)+4.105 {0.5≦x≦15} Formula 5:y>-0.559ln(x)+2.513 {15 <x≦75}Formula 6: 0.1≦y<5 Formula 7: x≦4000 It is preferable that all of the conditions expressed by the above are satisfied. FIG. 34 visually shows preferred ranges of concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine that satisfy all of formulas 4, 5, 6, and 7 as areas surrounded by these formulas.

Claims

1. A facility in a building where tap water is used, The equipment in question is: A device for generating a first reformed water and a second reformed water; A pipe for supplying tap water to the device; a discharge unit for discharging the first reformed water and the second reformed water to a site where contamination by microorganisms or viruses is desired to be suppressed; A control unit; It is equipped with the facility starts discharging the second reforming water after starting discharging the first reforming water; The discharge of the second reforming water is the discharge of the first reforming water is started after it has been stopped; or The process is started while the first reforming water is being discharged. The facility is characterized by:

2. 2. The equipment according to claim 1, wherein the first reformed water contains a first active component, the second reformed water contains a second active component, the first active component contains either free chlorine or a component having a stronger oxidizing power than free chlorine, and the second active component contains the other of either free chlorine or a component having a stronger oxidizing power than free chlorine.

3. The first reforming water is water containing ozone or hydrogen peroxide, and the second reforming water is water containing free chlorine, or The first reformed water is water containing free chlorine, and the second reformed water is water containing ozone or hydrogen peroxide. The facility according to claim 2.

4. The facility according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein either or both of the first reformed water and the second reformed water are electrolyzed water.

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