Deodorizing and odor-removing apparatus, deodorizing and odor-removing method, and microorganism carrier

Abstract

To enable appropriate odor removal of an object to be odor-removed, such as a mattress.SOLUTION: An odor-removing apparatus comprises a water tank 12. In the water tank 12, a carrier for supporting microorganisms is provided. Accordingly, microorganisms are suspended in the reservoir water W of the water tank 12. An odor-removal object such as a mattress M is immersed in the reservoir water W of the water tank 12. The immersed odor-removal object is pressed by a pressing member 46 so as not to float up to the water surface of the reservoir water W. As the reservoir water W penetrates into the odor-removal object, the microorganisms also infiltrate into the odor-removal object. Thus, odor components of the odor-removal object are decomposed by the microorganisms.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a deodorizing / deodorizing device, a deodorizing / deodorizing method, and a microorganism holder that are adapted to deodorize porous materials such as mattresses as objects to be deodorized / deodorized. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a device for deodorizing mattresses and the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-321417 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The device in Patent Document 1 deodorizes mattresses and other items housed in a cleaning chamber by spraying them with cleaning water, high-temperature steam, and the like. This requires spraying devices for the cleaning water and high-temperature steam, making the device's configuration complex. Furthermore, simply spraying cleaning water or high-temperature steam only cleans the surface of the mattress or the interior near the surface, making it difficult to thoroughly clean the interior. Therefore, it is difficult to effectively deodorize the mattress by properly removing odor-causing substances from the entire mattress. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The deodorizing / odor eliminating device of the present invention is characterized by having a water tank that contains water in which microorganisms are suspended and allows an object to be immersed in the water. The deodorizing / eliminating method of the present invention is characterized in that the object is treated by immersing it in water in which microorganisms cultured on a carrier are suspended.

[0006] The microorganism holder of the present invention is characterized by having a porous member, and by being immersed in the water tank of the deodorizing / odor eliminating device, the microorganisms are held in the porous member. Therefore, in the present invention, when the object to be deodorized is immersed in the stored water in the tank, microorganisms penetrate into the object along with the stored water. As a result, the odorous substances inside the object are broken down by the microorganisms, and the odor disappears.

[0007] Furthermore, in the present invention, the microbial carrier can exert a deodorizing and odor eliminating function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively deodorize objects to be deodorized, such as mattresses. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a deodorizing / odor eliminating device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] Also a front cross section. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] (a) is a plan view of the incubator with most of the lid broken away, (b) is a cross-sectional view of the incubator, and (c) is a perspective view of the carrier. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a deodorizing / odor eliminating device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a front cross-sectional view of a deodorizing / odor eliminating device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a water tank portion of a deodorizing / odor eliminating device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] Also a plan view. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front cross-sectional view of a deodorizing / odor eliminating device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view of line AA in Figure 11. [Figure 13]Cross-sectional view of line BB in Figure 10. [Figure 14] Also a perspective view. [Figure 15] (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a pad-shaped microorganism carrier, and (b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view. [Figure 16] (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a microorganism carrier made of a portable toilet, and (b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a microorganism support made of a mat. [Figure 18] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a microorganism carrier made of a filter. [Figure 19] 1A and 1B show a microorganism carrier provided with a storage member having activated carbon and a holding sheet not having activated carbon, where (a) is an overall cross-sectional view and (b) is a partial cross-sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. (First embodiment of deodorizing device and deodorizing method) <Configuration of deodorizing device> The configuration of the deodorizing / odor eliminating device in the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. In the following embodiments and modifications, "deodorizing / odor eliminating" will be written simply as "deodorization."

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the deodorizing device of this embodiment includes an installation stand 11 that is installed on a floor surface, and casters 10 are attached to the installation stand 11 so that the installation stand 11 can move along the floor surface and change its direction. A horizontally elongated water tank 12, which is rectangular in plan view and long in width, is placed on the installation stand 11, and water tank 12 stores stored water W in which aerobic microorganisms are dispersed and suspended. Large and small mattresses M made of porous materials, such as open-cell foams like sponges or fibrous aggregates like nonwoven fabrics, can be immersed in the stored water W to be deodorized. If the chlorine concentration of the stored water W is high, it is recommended to use a chlorine neutralizer, such as sodium thiosulfate. In this embodiment, other embodiments, and modified examples, a microorganism holder is defined as a substance that exhibits deodorizing or odor eliminating function by retaining a large number of aerobic microorganisms.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, a discharge port 15 having an on-off valve 14 is provided at the bottom of one side wall 13 of the water tank 12. A circulation pump 17 having a filtration unit 16 as a filtering means is installed outside the water tank 12. The suction side of the circulation pump 17 is connected to the discharge port 15 via piping 18, and piping 19 connected to the supply side of the circulation pump 17 opens into the water tank 12. The circulation pump 17 draws the stored water W in the water tank 12 into the circulation pump 17 via the discharge port 15 and piping 18 and returns it to the water tank 12 through the supply side piping 19. During this process, the stored water W is physically filtered through the filtration unit 16 in the circulation pump 17. As the stored water W circulates inside and outside the water tank 12 while foreign matter is filtered out, the water W is maintained in a clear, clean state. However, due to the tiny size of microorganisms, they are rarely physically filtered.

[0013] 1 and 2, a flat box-shaped incubator 22 serving as a culture medium is installed on the inner bottom surface of the water tank 12. Therefore, the incubator 22 is submerged in the stored water W. Since legs 21 are provided on the bottom surface of the four corners of the incubator 22, a gap is formed between the inner bottom surface of the water tank 12 and the incubator 22.

[0014] The structure of the incubator 22 will be described below. As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the case 23 of the incubator 22 is composed of a main body 23a with an open top and a lid 23b whose open top can be opened and closed. A locking mechanism (not shown) is provided between the main body 23a and the lid 23b, which locks the lid 23b in a closed state and allows it to be unlocked. A large number of water holes 20 are formed throughout the main body 23a and the lid 23b so that the stored water W can freely flow in and out of the incubator 22. The main body 23a and the lid 23b are made of punched metal or mesh material. The interior of the main body 23a is divided by partitions 24 made of punched metal or mesh material into a storage chamber 251 in the center and storage chambers 25A to 25D in the four corners.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c), the main storage chamber 251 contains a large number of carriers 26, each made of small cylindrical ceramic pieces, in an accumulated state, and microorganisms are supported on the surfaces of the carriers 26. Therefore, the microorganisms cultured on the carriers 26 float in the stored water W in the water tank 12. The carriers 26 may have various shapes, such as a cylindrical shape, a spherical shape, a polyhedral shape, or a spiral shape. As shown in FIG. 4(a), one storage chamber 25A contains an agitation pump 27, which pumps the stored water W in and out of the incubator 22 via the water passages 20 in the main body 23a and the lid 23b. As a result, the entire stored water W in the water tank 12 is agitated.

[0016] Another storage chamber 25B houses an air supply pump 28. An air supply pipe 29 with an air supply hole 29a is located at the bottom of the main storage chamber 251. This air supply pipe 29 has a main pipe 29e and a branch pipe 29d, and is connected to the secondary side of the air supply pump 28. An intake pipe 30, the tip of which is open to the atmosphere, is connected to the primary side of the air supply pump 28. When the air supply pump 28 is activated, air is sucked in from the intake pipe 30 and released from the air supply hole 29a into the carrier 26 portion of the stored water W. The released air supplies oxygen to the microorganisms. Another storage section 25C houses an electric heater (hereinafter referred to as the heater) 31 as a property adjustment means, and this heater 31 maintains the stored water W at a temperature suitable for culturing microorganisms. Another storage chamber 25D houses a temperature sensor 32 as a property adjustment means, and this temperature sensor 32 detects the temperature of the stored water W. Based on the detection by the temperature sensor 32, the operation of the heater 31 is controlled by a control device (not shown).

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, an elevator 41 is installed at an outer position on the rear long side of water tub 12. This elevator 41 includes a stand 42 that is erected by fixing its lower end to installation base 11, and an elevator body 43 that is fitted onto stand 42 so that it can be raised and lowered. A support member 44 is fixed to the front of elevator body 43. A metal pressing member 46 made of an outer frame 46a and a lattice 46b within frame 46a is supported on the underside of support member 44 via bracket 45. Rotation of motor 47 at the upper end of elevator body 43 rotates an internal threaded rod 48, and as a result, elevator body 43 is raised and lowered by the action of the threads of threaded rod 48, as shown by the solid line and the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1. As a result, pressing member 46 is raised and lowered.

[0018] <How to use the deodorizing device> The deodorizing device configured as above is used as follows. First, the water tank 12 is filled with stored water W, and in this state, microorganisms suitable for deodorization (e.g., Bacillus subtilis) are cultivated in the carrier 26 of the incubator 22. When the water temperature is low, the heater 31 is activated and the temperature sensor 32 detects the temperature to maintain the stored water W at a temperature suitable for the cultivation and activity of the microorganisms. The circulation pump 17 circulates the stored water W in the water tank 12 while filtering it, and the agitation pump 27 agitates the stored water W. The agitation is intended to prevent temperature variations in the stored water W from occurring at different locations and to evenly distribute the microorganisms. Then, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 , the lifting body 43 of the elevator 41 is raised. This opens the upper portion of the stored water W. In this state, the mattress M is immersed in the water tank 12. Next, the lifting body 43 is lowered. This prevents the submerged mattress M from floating to the surface of the stored water W by the pressure member 46.

[0019] In this way, the mattress M is immersed in the stored water W for an appropriate period of time. At this time, microorganisms penetrate deep into the mattress M along with the stored water W that seeps into the mattress M. Therefore, not only are odorous components such as sebum and sweat adhering to the surface of the mattress M broken down by the microorganisms, but odorous components that have soaked into the interior of the mattress M are also broken down by the microorganisms. As a result, the mattress M is deodorized. After an appropriate period of time has passed, the holding member 46 is raised together with the lifting body 43. As a result, the deodorized mattress M can be pulled out of the stored water W. The mattress M is then transferred to the dehydration and drying process.

[0020] Effects of the First Embodiment The first embodiment has the following effects. (1) Unlike the configuration of Patent Document 1, a mechanism for spraying cleaning water or steam for deodorization is not required, and the configuration of the device can be simplified.

[0021] (2) As the stored water W penetrates into the mattress M, microorganisms also penetrate deep into the mattress M, and these microorganisms can decompose odorous components inside the mattress M. Therefore, the mattress M can be effectively deodorized without using detergents, chemicals, etc.

[0022] (3) Because microorganisms naturally grow on the carrier 26 by feeding on odorous components, there is no decrease in the deodorizing effect due to a decrease in the number of microorganisms even if multiple mattresses M are continuously deodorized. Therefore, maintenance-free operation is possible, and multiple mattresses M can be deodorized for a long period of time even without maintenance.

[0023] (4) Since the carrier 26 for the microorganisms is packaged as the incubator 22, handling such as setting the carrier 26 in the water tank 12 and removing it from the water tank 12 is easy. (5) Since electrical equipment such as the agitation pump 27, heater 31, temperature sensor 32, and air supply pump 28 is built into the incubator 22, when the incubator 22 is installed in the water tank 12, these electrical equipment are installed in the water tank 12. Therefore, installation of electrical equipment is easy.

[0024] (Second embodiment of deodorizing device and deodorizing method) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In the following embodiments and modifications, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0025] In the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, elevator 41 and support member 44 are not provided. Pressing member 46 is supported on the upper inside of water tub 12 via hinge 49 and is rotatable between a horizontal position shown by a solid line and an open position shown by a two-dot chain line in which it is raised upward. A receiving member 50 is provided inside water tub 12, and this receiving member 50 receives pressing member 46 in the horizontal position. Removable fastener 50a prevents pressing member 46 from rotating upward. A member (not shown) is provided between the top of water tub 12 and pressing member 46 to hold pressing member 46 in the two-dot chain line position.

[0026] 5 and 6, in this embodiment, to configure the water treatment unit, agitation pump 27, air supply pump 28, heater 31, and temperature sensor 32 are fixed to holder 54 made of a plate material with an L-shaped cross section. Holder 54 is installed on the inner bottom of water tank 12.

[0027] When deodorizing the mattress M, the retaining member 46 is raised and the top of the water tub 12 is left open, and the mattress M is then submerged in the stored water W, after which the retaining member 46 is rotated downward to a horizontal position. The mattress M is then fixed on the receiving device 50 with the fasteners 50a. In this way, the mattress M is held down while immersed in the stored water W so that it does not float up. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the odorous components of the mattress M are decomposed by microorganisms, and the mattress is deodorized.

[0028] This embodiment has the following advantages. (1) The holding member 46 can be raised and lowered, eliminating the need for the elevator 41. This allows the deodorizing device to be made smaller and the configuration to be simplified.

[0029] (2) The devices such as the agitation pump 27 are unitized by being put together in the holder 54, so that the devices can be easily accommodated in the water tank 12. (Third embodiment of deodorizing device and deodorizing method) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0030] In this embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the elevator 41 and the support member 44 are not provided. The holding member 46 is separate from the water tub 12. Furthermore, a weight 55 is used as needed to sink the holding member 46 together with the mattress M into the stored water W in the water tub 12. The weight 55 is provided with a handle 55a. The weight 55 may be fixed to the upper surface of the holding member 46 or may be separate from the holding member 46.

[0031] When deodorizing the mattress M, a pressing member 46 is placed on the upper surface of the mattress M immersed in the stored water W. A weight 55 is provided on the pressing member 46. In this way, the mattress M is prevented from floating up.

[0032] Therefore, in this embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the deodorization device and simplify the configuration. (Fourth embodiment of deodorizing device and deodorizing method) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. The fourth embodiment is suitable for enlarging the size of the deodorizing device.

[0033] <Configuration of deodorizing device> As shown in Figures 8 and 9, a recess 51 is formed in the center bottom of the water tank 12, and a discharge port 15 having an on-off valve 14 is formed at the bottom of the recess 51. A circulation pump 17 (not shown) outside the water tank 12 is connected to this discharge port 15 via piping 18, similar to the first embodiment, although not shown. A heater 52 is installed inside the recess 51. Trays 53, each having a large number of water passage holes 20 throughout, are installed on the inner bottom surface of the water tank 12 on both sides of the recess 51. There are a pair of trays 53. A large number of carriers 26, similar to the first embodiment, are placed on the trays 53 in an exposed state.

[0034] An air supply pipe 29 is laid between the tray 53 and the inner bottom surface of the water tank 12, for supplying air from an air supply pump 28 (not shown) to the carrier 26 from below through the water passage 20. In this embodiment, a branch pipe 29d of the air supply pipe 29 has an air supply hole 29a (not shown) similar to that shown in FIG. 4. The air supply pump 28, which supplies air to the air supply pipe 29 through a suction pipe 30, is installed outside the water tank 12. A branch pipe 29d of the air supply pipe 29 is disposed between the inner bottom surface of the water tank 12 and the tray 53. Therefore, a gap equal to the diameter of the branch pipe 29d is formed between the inner bottom surface of the water tank 12 and the tray 53. Air from the air supply hole 29a is supplied to the carrier 26 through this gap and the water passage 20. An agitation pump 27 for agitating the stored water W and a temperature sensor 32 are installed in the corners of the inner bottom surface of the water tank 12. The air supply pump 28, the agitation pump 27 and the temperature sensor 32 have the same functions as those in the first embodiment.

[0035] <How to use the deodorizing device> The method of using the deodorizing device of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but since the carriers 26 are provided on a pair of trays 53, the amount of carriers 26 can be increased. This allows the water tank 12 to be made larger and the amount of stored water W to be increased. Therefore, a large mattress M can be deodorized.

[0036] Effects of the Fourth Embodiment This embodiment has the following advantages. (1) The heater 31 is provided in the central recess 51 of the water tank 12. Therefore, the stored water W can be heated uniformly and efficiently without unevenness.

[0037] (2) Since the incubators 22 are a pair, the aquarium 12 can be made large. Therefore, it is suitable for deodorizing a large mattress M. (Fifth embodiment of deodorizing device and deodorizing method) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0038] <Configuration of deodorizing device> The water tank 12 is formed larger than the installation stand 11, and casters 33 that can freely change the running direction and allow the water tank 12 to roll on the floor surface are provided on the bottom surface of the four corners of the water tank 12 that protrude from the installation stand 11.

[0039] 10 and 11, the elevator 41 has a pair of stands 42 arranged at a distance from each other, and the elevator body 43 is installed between the stands 42. A motor 47 that raises and lowers the elevator body 43 is provided on an installation part 56 between the upper ends of the stands 42. The motor 47 rotates a threaded rod 48, which causes the elevator body 43 to rise and fall by the action of the screw.

[0040] In this embodiment, instead of the pressing member 46, a shelf member 62 is supported on the underside of the support member 44 via a bracket 45. As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, this shelf member 62 is formed by framing a plurality of types of frame members 65 of different lengths. The shelf member 62 has a plurality of storage shelves 62a to 62d (four in this embodiment) arranged vertically. Openings 66, 69 large enough to allow a mattress M to be placed in and taken out in a flat state without folding are formed on both side surfaces and the front of each of the storage shelves 62a to 62b. A small opening 68 is formed between the frame members 65 on the rear wall as a water passage. A cylindrical roller 70 is rotatably fitted around the frame members 65 that form the bottoms of the storage shelves 62b, 62c except for the upper and lower storage shelves 62a and extend in the front-to-rear direction.

[0041] Two incubators 22 having the same configuration as in the first embodiment are installed on the lowest storage shelf 62d of the shelf member 62. Outside the water tank 12, close to the water tank 12, a chute 63 for guiding the mattress M downward is provided.

[0042] In this embodiment, although not shown, the discharge port 15, the circulation pump 17, the stirring pump 27, the air supply pump 28, the heater 31, and the temperature sensor 32 are provided in the same manner as in the previous embodiments.

[0043] <How to use the deodorizing device> Next, the operation of the fifth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, one or more mattresses M (two in FIGS. 10 and 11 ) are stored in the storage shelves 62a to 62c of the shelf member 62. If the mattress M is large, it is stored by inserting it into the storage shelves 62a to 62c from its end through the side openings 66 of the storage shelves 62a to 62c. In the storage shelves 62b and 62c equipped with rollers 70, the rollers 70 are rotated to facilitate the insertion and storage of the mattress M. Then, with the mattress M stored in the shelf member 62, the lifting body 43 is lowered as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 . In this manner, the mattress M is immersed in the stored water W. Because the mattress M is stored in the box-shaped storage shelves 62a to 62c, the ceilings of the storage shelves 62a to 62c prevent it from floating up. Therefore, a presser member for holding down the mattress M is not required. In this manner, even a large mattress M can be effectively deodorized.

[0044] After the deodorization is complete, the lifting body 43 rises, and the mattress M is lifted out of the stored water W. Then, by pulling out the mattress M from the side as the rollers 70 of the shelf member 62 rotate, the mattress M can be easily removed and transferred to a cart or the like via the chute 63. The cart or the like is sent to the process of dehydrating and drying the mattress M.

[0045] <Effects of the Fifth Embodiment> Therefore, this embodiment has the following advantages. (1) The elevator 41 can be used to immerse the mattress M in the stored water W and to lift it out of the stored water W. This reduces the labor required to handle the mattress M.

[0046] (2) The shelf member 62 is provided with a plurality of storage shelves 62a to 62c, so that a large number of mattresses M can be simultaneously deodorized. This allows for efficient deodorization work. (3) By raising the elevator 41, the incubator 22 can be lifted up and out of the water tank 12, which makes it easy to replace or maintain the incubator 22.

[0047] (4) By providing rollers 70 at the bottom of the storage shelves 62b, 62c, the mattress M can be easily taken in and out with little effort, even if the mattress M is large or has become heavy due to absorbing water. (microbial carrier) Next, a microbial support (hereinafter referred to as support) embodying the present invention will be described.

[0048] The holder shown in Figures 15(a) and (b) is composed of a pad 81. The pad 81 is shaped like a flat bag overall, with two outer sheets 82 and 83 sewn or glued together around their peripheries. The outer sheets 82 and 83 are made of breathable and water-permeable cloth, nonwoven fabric, sponge, or the like. The space between the outer sheets 82 and 83 is filled with a breathable and water-permeable cushioning material 84. A dry storage member 85 serving as a sheet-like holding member is provided inside the cushioning material 84. The storage member 85 is made of a thin breathable and water-permeable bag 86, and the inside is filled with activated carbon 87 in the form of granules, powder, or a powder-grain mixture, serving as a porous material.

[0049] The pad 81 is then immersed in water W in which microorganisms are suspended. As a result, a large number of aerobic microorganisms are retained in the countless minute recesses (not shown) of the activated carbon 87 of the pad 81 and in the fibers and the like that make up the bag 86. For example, a basket (not shown) is supported in place of the shelf member 62 on the support member 44 shown in FIG. 10, and a large number of pads 81 are housed in the basket. Then, by submerging the basket in the water tank 12 and immersing the pad 81 in the water W, the microorganisms in the water W are retained on the surface of the activated carbon 87, inside the minute recesses of the activated carbon 87, or in the fibers and the like that make up the bag 86.

[0050] The pad 81 thus prepared is dried after being removed from the water W. As a result, the retained microorganisms become dormant. Pad 81 having the above structure is placed inside a used diaper bag or a futon cover for deodorizing purposes. In this way, the moisture inside the diaper bag or futon cover awakens and activates the microorganisms, thereby achieving deodorizing function.

[0051] The holder shown in Figures 16(a) and (b) is a simple portable toilet 91. This portable toilet 91 has an outer bag 92 made of a synthetic resin sheet with an opening 93 at one end. This opening 93 is closed by an elastic band 94 when the portable toilet 91 is not in use. When the portable toilet 91 is used, the opening 93 opens against the elasticity of the elastic band 94. The two-dot chain line in Figure 16(a) indicates the expanded state of the outer bag 92 when used to contain feces. The inside of the outer bag 92 contains a nonwoven fabric 88 as a holder, which carries activated carbon 87 in the form of granules, powder, or a mixture of powder and particles between its fibers. This nonwoven fabric 88 is immersed in the water tank 12, similar to the pad 81. As a result, microorganisms are retained on the surface and fine recesses of the activated carbon 87 and in the fibers of the nonwoven fabric 88. After drying, the nonwoven fabric 88 is inserted into the outer bag 92.

[0052] 17 shows a sleeping mat 101 serving as a support. This mat 101 contains a plurality of flat holding members 85, each of which has the same breathability and water permeability as the pad 81 and is filled with activated carbon 87 in granular, powdered, or powder-grain mixed form, and which are sized to fit the size of the mat 101. These holding members 85 are then immersed in the water tub 12. Therefore, the microorganisms held in the minute recesses of the activated carbon 87 in the holding members 85 can deodorize the sweat and body odor of the sleeper. In other words, the moisture of odorous components such as sweat awakens dormant microorganisms. As a result, the odorous components are decomposed, resulting in a deodorizing effect.

[0053] FIG. 18 shows a filter 111 embodied as a microorganism retention member and retention body. Granular, powdered, or powder-grain mixed activated carbon 87 is attached to a filter body 112 made of mesh material, lattice material, porous material, nonwoven fabric, paper, or the like. A water supply unit 97 is provided near the filter body 112, and water is supplied from this water supply unit 97 to the activated carbon 87 in the form of a shower or spray. Therefore, even if the odor, described below, is not moist, the microorganisms are awakened and activated, and the odor can be deodorized by the microorganisms. This water supply unit 97 may be nozzle-shaped or flat with a large number of small holes.

[0054] Therefore, as shown by the arrows, when air passes through filter 111, if the air contains odorous components, the moisture in the odorous components will awaken dormant microorganisms as described above. As a result, the odorous components are decomposed, and the deodorizing effect of the microorganisms can be achieved. If the odor does not contain moisture or if the moisture content is low, the deodorizing effect of the microorganisms can be achieved by supplying water from water supply unit 97. If the air contains a large amount of moisture, water supply unit 97 is not necessary. Filter 111 is suitable for deodorizing air conditioners and air purifiers, for example.

[0055] 19(a) and (b) show a pad 81 serving as a holder, which includes a storage member 85 having activated carbon 87 and a storage sheet 95 made of fibers or a porous material without activated carbon 87. In this case, during the manufacture of the storage member 85, only the storage sheet 95 is immersed in the water W in which microorganisms are suspended, but the storage member 85 is not. The pad 81 is manufactured after the storage sheet 95 is dried. A method for supporting microorganisms on the storage sheet 95 may involve immersing a raw roll before cutting into the storage sheet 95 in the microorganism-suspended water, drying it, and cutting the raw roll to the size of the storage sheet 95. The raw roll may be immersed individually in the microorganism-suspended water, or multiple sheets may be immersed in a stacked state. Alternatively, a roll of raw roll may be immersed, and then the roll may be unrolled and cut. Furthermore, short fibers, long fibers, or a mixture of short and long fibers may be suspended in the microorganism-suspended water, and a sheet made of fibers may be drawn from the suspended water. The sheet may then be dried and cut as needed to form the holding sheet 95.

[0056] In this way, in the early stages of use of pad 81 as a holder, deodorization is performed by the microorganisms in the holder sheet 95, while physical impurities such as dust are adsorbed by activated carbon 87. Then, over time, the propagated deodorizing microorganisms migrate to and are held in the minute recesses of activated carbon 87, making it possible to deodorize in the activated carbon 87 as well. In other words, in the example of Figures 19(a) and (b), a synergistic effect can be obtained between the deodorizing effect that microorganisms are good at and the physical adsorption effect that activated carbon is good at. Moreover, because activated carbon 87 is not immersed in water W, productivity can be improved when manufacturing pad 81.

[0057] In addition to the pad 81 shown in FIGS. 15 to 19, the retainer can be embodied in the following: For example, disposable diapers and disposable pants (a porous material such as activated carbon 81 is provided in or around the absorbent polymer); carpets, floor mats, tatami mats, and other floor coverings (a sheet-like retaining member 85 is provided inside); futons, floor cushions, cushions, and chair cushions (a sheet-like retaining member 85 is provided inside); shoe insoles (the structure of FIG. 15 is made shoe-shaped); and armpit pads (the structure of FIG. 15 is made shaped to be inserted under the armpit of the human body). The present invention can also be embodied in other objects that can retain a large number of microorganisms and are breathable and water-permeable. That is, activated carbon 87 is not necessarily required, and fibers, sponges, etc. can serve as the microorganism retaining member. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 15, the activated carbon 87 may not be immersed in water W, but only the bag 86 may be immersed in water in which microorganisms are suspended, and the pad 81 may be manufactured after the bag 86 is dried. When pad 81 as a holder is used in a part that comes into contact with the human body, such as an underarm pad, microorganisms are not only awakened by moisture such as sweat from the human body, but are also activated by body heat. Therefore, the microorganisms not only exhibit a high deodorizing effect, but also multiply through cell division. As a result, a higher deodorizing function is exhibited. Furthermore, in a sleeping mat 101 or the like as a holder, the sleeper's sweat and body heat similarly exert a high deodorizing function. Therefore, a particularly comfortable deodorizing function can be obtained in the summer when temperatures are high and sleepers tend to sweat, in other words, under conditions where odors are likely to occur.

[0058] (Example of change) The present invention can be implemented in the following modes other than the above-described embodiment. The following modifications and the above-described embodiments can be combined within the scope of the present invention, so long as the configurations and operations are not inconsistent.

[0059] In the fifth embodiment, the number of storage shelves may be a single or multiple number other than four. The shelf member 62 is made of punched metal with many small holes formed therein. - Provide organic matter in the water tank 12 that is odorless and serves as food for microorganisms and does not pollute the stored water W. In this way, even if the mattress M is not deodorized for a long period of time, a significant decrease in microorganisms can be avoided.

[0060] As a means for adjusting the properties of the stored water W, in addition to temperature control means such as heater 31, physical (hollow fiber, etc.) or chemical (flocculant, etc.) filtration means for improving the transparency of the stored water W, and means for adjusting the pH may be provided.

[0061] As shown by the two-dot chain line on the right side of Figure 2, an overflow outlet 34 for draining excess stored water W should be provided at the top of the water tank 12. In this way, excess stored water W can be discharged, and the water level in the water tank 12 can be maintained at a predetermined level.

[0062] As shown by the two-dot chain line on the left side of Figure 2, a water supply valve 36 with a ball tap 35 is provided above the water tank 12. In this way, when the water level in the water tank 12 reaches a predetermined level, the action of the ball tap 35 can stop the water supply from the water supply valve 36 into the water tank 12. Therefore, the water level in the water tank 12 can be maintained at the predetermined level.

[0063] The water W stored in the water tank 12 is agitated by utilizing the force of the water flow supplied from the circulation pump 17 into the water tank 12. In this way, the agitation pump 27 becomes unnecessary.

[0064] The filter material of the filtration section 16 in the circulation pump 17 can be used as a carrier for microbial cultivation. In this way, the carrier 26 in the water tank 12 can be eliminated. A hook or the like is provided on one of the side wall and the incubator 22 so that the incubator 22 can be hung on the inner surface of the side wall of the water tank 12.

[0065] The water tanks may be a first water tank containing a culture medium for microorganisms and a second water tank in which the pads 81, etc. are immersed, and the first and second water tanks may be connected via a water passage so that water containing suspended microorganisms is supplied from the second water tank to the first water tank. In this case, the water containing suspended microorganisms may be circulated between the first and second water tanks.

[0066] The carrier 26 may be made of something other than small pieces, such as a net, a lattice, a plurality of thin rods, or small protrusions densely packed together. The shelf member 62 shown in FIGS. 10 to 14 may have one or three or more storage shelves for storing the mattresses M.

[0067] In order to raise and lower an immersion object such as a mattress M in and out of the water W, the support member 44 is configured to be able to be raised and lowered manually. In the fifth embodiment, the rollers 70 are fitted onto the frame members 65 at the bottom of the storage shelves 62b and 62c, but the frame members 65 may be configured with rotatable rollers.

[0068] The rollers 70 as in the embodiment may be provided on all storage shelves of the shelf member 62 that store the mattresses M. Conversely, the rollers 70 on the shelf member 62 may be omitted. As the porous material, materials other than activated carbon, such as granular zeolite, pumice, open-cell resin, or granular, powdered, or mixed powdered charcoal, can be used. Such charcoal has low hardness, so it can be incorporated into the fibrous surface of mats and other materials without adversely affecting the feel of the mat.

[0069] In the third embodiment, the type of equipment such as a circulation pump mounted on the holder unit may be changed. In the microorganism holder such as the pad 81 or the filter 111, a sheet having activated carbon 87 or the like is omitted. In other words, the microorganism holder is not provided with activated carbon 87, but with a retaining sheet 95 made of fiber or porous material and which retains microorganisms.

[0070] The tank containing the culture medium for cultivating microorganisms and the tank containing the microorganisms in a microorganism holder such as a pad 81 or a mattress M are separate, and the tank is configured so that microbially suspended water is supplied from the tank containing the culture medium to the tank containing the microorganisms.

[0071] (Other technical ideas) The technical ideas grasped from the above-described embodiments and modifications are as follows. (A) The deodorizing method according to claim 1, wherein the object to be deodorized is held down while immersed so that it does not float up. In this way, the object to be deodorized can be submerged in water in which microorganisms are suspended, and deodorization can be carried out appropriately.

[0072] (B) A deodorizing device according to claim 2, wherein a carrier for supporting microorganisms is placed in the water tank. In this way, a sufficient amount of microorganisms can be suspended in the water stored in the water tank. (C) The deodorizing device according to the technical idea (B), wherein the carrier is made up of a plurality of small pieces, which makes the carrier easy to handle, increases the area over which microorganisms are supported, and makes the carrier easy to wash.

[0073] (D) The deodorizing device according to claim 2, wherein the carrier is packaged with at least one of a water agitation pump, a water circulation pump, a heater, and a thermometer and housed in a case, and the case is provided with multiple water passages. This makes it easy to set up and remove the agitation pump and other components in the water tank.

[0074] (E) The deodorizing device according to claim 2, wherein the carrier is provided on a tray, and the tray is placed on the inner bottom of the water tank. In this way, a sufficient amount of microorganisms can be suspended in the water tank.

[0075] (F) The deodorizing device according to claim 2, further comprising a liftable presser for holding down the object to be deodorized while it is submerged in the water stored in the tank so that it does not rise to the surface. This allows microorganisms to properly penetrate the inside of the object to be deodorized, thereby enabling proper deodorization.

[0076] (G) The deodorizing device according to claim 2, wherein a recess is formed in the center of the tank and a heater is provided in the recess. This makes it easy to set the heater in the tank. (H) The deodorizing device according to claim 2, further comprising a filtering means for filtering the stored water. This makes it possible to remove foreign matter from the stored water, thereby keeping the stored water clean.

[0077] (I) A deodorizing device according to claim 2, further comprising an agitation means for agitating the stored water. This allows the temperature of the entire stored water to be maintained at an appropriate level, and also allows the distribution of microorganisms in the stored water to be uniform.

[0078] (J) A deodorizing device according to claim 2, which is provided with a lifting body that can be raised and lowered, and which is provided with holding means for holding the object to be deodorized, and which is provided with a water-permeable portion such as a through hole. In this way, it is possible to reduce the effort required to immerse the object to be deodorized in the stored water and to pull the object out of the stored water.

[0079] (K) The deodorizing device according to the technical idea (J) above, wherein the holding portion is made into a multi-stage structure, whereby a plurality of deodorizing objects can be deodorized simultaneously. (L) A deodorizing device in which rollers are provided at the bottom of the mattress storage section to guide the mattress when it is inserted and removed. This makes it easier to insert and remove the mattress.

[0080] (M) A pad having a porous material body in which numerous microscopic recesses for retaining microorganisms are formed. Here, the pad includes shoe insoles and armpit pads. (N) A sheet having a porous material body in which numerous minute recesses for retaining microorganisms are formed.

[0081] (O) A mat having a porous material body in which numerous minute recesses for retaining microorganisms are formed. Here, the mat includes a futon and a cushion. (P) Clothing having a porous material body in which numerous minute recesses for retaining microorganisms are formed. Here, clothing includes disposable diapers, disposable pants, and underwear. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 12...Aquarium 22…Incubator 26...Carrier 31...Electric heater 32...Temperature sensor 46...Pressing member 81...Pad 85...housing member 87...Activated carbon 88...Nonwoven fabric 95...Retaining sheet 111...Filter W: Reservoir water

Claims

1. A deodorizing / odor-removing device having a water tank that contains water in which microorganisms are suspended and allows objects to be immersed in the water.

2. A deodorizing method in which the object is immersed in water containing microorganisms cultured on a carrier.

3. A microorganism holder having a microorganism holding member, which is immersed in the water tank of the deodorizing / odor eliminating apparatus according to claim 1 to hold microorganisms in the microorganism holding member.

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