Electrolysis tube

Abstract

An electrolysis tube is disclosed for generating microbubbles by progressively electrolyzing water. The electrolysis tube includes an inlet (46) into which water is supplied, a transport tube (41) through which the water supplied through the inlet (46) travels a predetermined distance, an outlet (48) through which the water that has traveled through the transport tube (41) is discharged, and a pair of electrodes (42) consisting of a first electrode (43) and a second electrode (44) positioned opposite each other on both sides of the transport path of the water traveling through the transport tube (41), and which apply a voltage to the moving water to progressively electrolyze the water traveling through the transport tube (41) and generate microbubbles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrolysis tube, and more specifically, to an electrolysis tube that gradually electrolyzes water to generate microbubbles.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, nano- or microbubble water is expected to be used in various fields, including food (sterilization), drinking water, cosmetics, liquid crystal manufacturing, medical care (sterilization, cell preservation, antibacterial effects), fishery resources or plant cultivation (dissolved oxygen facilities, growth promotion), cleaning of electronic substrates, and reduction of frictional resistance of marine hulls. Generally, a voltage is applied to induce discharge between a negative electrode and a positive electrode, thereby generating microbubbles.

[0003] Nanobubble manufacturing apparatuses of various configurations have been proposed. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-34958 discloses that nanobubbles are manufactured by splitting a liquid into separate streams, mixing the liquid with gas on one side of the split streams to generate microbubbles, recombining the liquids, and supplying the liquid to a plate with formed holes and a collision plate provided adjacent to the plate.

[0004] The present invention discloses miniaturizing an electrolysis tube that generates microbubbles, and applying the electrolysis tube to a device for skin cosmetology, specifically a device for cleansing skin. The reason why skin washing and face cleansing are important for skin care is that unlike in the past, skin is increasingly exposed to various pollutants. Although invisible to the naked eye, various pollutants exist in the atmosphere, among which fine dust and ultrafine dust may not be removed by simple methods such as ordinary hand washing with water.

[0005] Various beneficial substances used on the skin to treat, protect, and improve it will only be most effective if they are removed at the appropriate time after being applied to the skin in various ways. Furthermore, these substances will not have adverse effects on the skin unless they are properly washed away. Substances that remain on the skin without being washed away over time combine with the aforementioned environmental pollutants, negatively impacting the skin and becoming difficult to remove.

[0006] Above all, facial cleansing, the process of washing the face, must be performed with great care due to the characteristics of facial skin. Various electrical, chemical, and physical methods have been developed to date for effective and safe facial cleansing. However, there are not many cleansing methods that are safe and clean without causing long-term skin damage.

[0007] Japanese Patent No. 10-0787874, "Skin Management Machine," discloses a massage device with various functions. The device is disclosed to selectively generate ultrasound, infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, etc., and to obtain cosmetic effects through sterilization, treatment, endocrine gland stimulation, and improved blood circulation, but the actual efficacy and theoretical basis are uncertain.

[0008] Microbubbles have a complex formation process, making it difficult to miniaturize manufacturing equipment. Meanwhile, there is a growing consumer demand for easy and inexpensive at-home beauty treatments and procedures that would otherwise require significant time and expense. Therefore, self-treatment beauty techniques and advanced beauty devices are steadily being developed. However, the technology applied to these products still does not meet user expectations.

[0009] [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] International release WO 2014-148397 A1

[0011] [Patent Document 2] Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-1383816

[0012] [Patent Document 3] Republic of Korea Published Patent No. 10-2013-0127948

[0013] [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-34958 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] The object of the present invention is to provide an electrolysis tube that generates microbubbles by gradually electrolyzing water.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrolysis tube that generates microbubbles by gradually electrolyzing the incoming water as it passes between a pair of electrodes during the process in which water flows in from one end of the electrode and out from the other end of the electrode and is discharged to the outside. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides an electrolysis tube comprising a water inlet (46) through which water is supplied, a transport pipe (41) through which the water supplied via the inlet (46) travels a predetermined distance, a water outlet (48) through which the water that has traveled via the transport pipe (41) is discharged, and a pair of electrodes (42) consisting of a first electrode (43) and a second electrode (44) positioned opposite each other on both sides of the transport path of the water traveling through the transport pipe (41), and which apply a voltage to the moving water to gradually electrolyze the water traveling through the transport pipe (41) and generate microbubbles. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] In the electrolysis tube according to the present invention, during the process where water flows in from one end of the electrode, flows out from the other end of the electrode and is discharged to the outside, the inflowing water gradually undergoes electrolysis while passing between a pair of electrodes, thereby generating microbubbles. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure showing an electrolysis tube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] [Figure 2] Figure showing the structure of an electrolysis tube including an electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] [Figure 3] Figure showing a moving tube of an electrolysis tube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] [Figure 4] Photograph showing an actual electrode usable in an electrolysis tube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] [Figure 5] Figure showing a plating layer of an electrode usable in an electrolysis tube according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] [Figure 6] External perspective view of a microbubble cleansing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Longitudinal sectional view of a microbubble cleansing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] [Figure 8] Exploded view of a microbubble cleansing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] [Figure 9] Sectional view showing the structure of a pump usable in a microbubble cleansing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] [Figure 10] Figure 9 shows the internal structure of the pump. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the attached drawings, some components may be shown larger or smaller than they actually are for illustrative purposes. In addition, in this description of the present invention, specific descriptions of known general functions or configurations have been omitted.

[0028] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an electrolysis tube according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a diagram showing the structure of an electrolysis tube including electrodes according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electrolysis tube (40) includes an inlet (46) into which water is supplied, a transport tube (41) through which the water supplied through the inlet (46) travels a predetermined distance, an outlet (48) through which the water that has traveled through the transport tube (41) is discharged, and a pair of electrodes (42) consisting of a first electrode (43) and a second electrode (44) positioned opposite each other at a predetermined interval on both sides of the transport path of the water traveling through the transport tube (41), and which apply a voltage to the moving water to gradually electrolyze the water traveling through the transport tube (41) and generate microbubbles. The electrolysis tube (40) has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and is a microbubble generator that generates microbubbles by electrolyzing a portion of the water supplied from the inlet (46).

[0029] Water supplied from the inlet (46) of the electrolysis tube (40) flows along the transfer tube (41), and at this time, a portion of the water is electrolyzed by a pair of electrodes (42) located inside the transfer tube (41) to generate microbubbles, thereby forming water containing microbubbles.

[0030] Specifically, the water supplied from the inlet (46) flows along the transfer tube (41). A portion of the water moving through the transfer tube (41) of the electrolysis tube (40) passes between the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44). When a voltage is applied to the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44), a portion of the water moving between the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44) is electrolyzed. As a result, the water moving through the transfer tube (41) is gradually electrolyzed, generating microbubbles. Therefore, the water supplied from the inlet (46) of the electrolysis tube is electrolyzed until it is discharged through the outlet (48), gradually generating microbubbles. The water containing microbubbles is discharged through the outlet (48) of the electrolysis tube (40).

[0031] The pair of electrodes (42) can be fixed and connected to the moving tube (41) by a module cap (47, see Figure 3). Specifically, the module cap (47) is fitted and connected to the lower part of the moving tube (41). After the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44) are positioned inside the moving tube (41), the module cap (47) is connected to the lower part of the moving tube (41), thereby fixing the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44) inside the moving tube (41).

[0032] The pair of electrodes (42) are fixed inside the moving tube (41) by fixing guides (45, see Figure 1, which may be fixing rails, etc.) inside the moving tube (41). The fixing guides (45) can be structurally modified in various ways.

[0033] Figure 3 shows a moving tube of an electrolysis tube according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, during the process in which water supplied from the inlet (46) is discharged through the outlet (48), the water is gradually electrolyzed to generate microbubbles. The distance the water travels through the moving tube (41) is related to the length (t) of the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44) located inside the moving tube (41).

[0034] The water moving through the moving pipe (41) moves along the length of the electrode (42). That is, the water supplied to the inlet (46) flows into one end of the electrode (42) (the lower end of the electrode (42)), is gradually electrolyzed as it passes between the pair of electrodes (42), and flows out (is discharged) to the other end of the electrode (42) (the upper end of the electrode (42)). One end (lower end) of the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44) is located close to the inlet (46), and water supplied from the inlet (46) flows into them. The other end (upper end) of the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44) is located close to the outlet (48), and the microbubbles generated by the electrolysis flow out to the outlet (48).

[0035] Therefore, the distance traveled by the water moving through the moving pipe (41) is substantially the same as the length (t) of the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44) that apply voltage to the water moving through the moving pipe (41). Here, substantially the same means that the length (t) of the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44) that apply voltage to the water moving through the moving pipe (41) is 90% or more, preferably 95% or more, and more preferably 100% of the distance traveled by the water moving through the moving pipe (41). Therefore, the length (t) of the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44) located inside the moving pipe (41) is 90% or more, preferably 95% or more, and more preferably substantially the same as the length of the moving pipe (41) from the water inlet (46) to the water outlet (48).

[0036] The length of the transfer tube (41) of the electrolysis tube (40), that is, the length (t) of the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44) that apply voltage to the water moving through the transfer tube (41), can be adjusted. In other words, the length of the transfer tube (41) can be manufactured to a desired length. In this way, the size of the electrolysis tube (40) can be adjusted, and it can be manufactured not only as an ultra-miniature electrolysis tube but also as a large one. Therefore, the electrolysis tube (40) can be used for a variety of applications, such as household cleansing equipment, water purifiers, water softeners, and so on.

[0037] If the area of ​​the first and second electrodes is large, such as their length, and the distance between the opposing first and second electrodes is small, the efficiency of electrolysis will be high, and more microbubbles may be generated. However, if the amount of current consumed by the first and second electrodes increases and the electrolysis efficiency increases due to the generated microbubbles, the metal plated on the first and second electrodes may be finely abraded, and oxidation of the electrodes may progress rapidly through the damaged areas. In this case, the performance of electrolysis will decrease, and consequently the durability of the electrodes will decrease. Therefore, the length, area, and distance between the first and second electrodes must be appropriately adjusted so that the efficiency of electrolysis is high and the durability of the electrodes does not decrease significantly.

[0038] Various methods for generating microbubbles are generally known. The electrolysis tube according to the present invention generates microbubbles by underwater discharge using electrode plates. Underwater discharge utilizes a powerful discharge effect to electrolyze water molecules into hydrogen ions and oxygen ions, and this process is carried out continuously so that it can be used for skin cleansing. Bubbles generated by underwater discharge are smoothly discharged through the space between the positive and negative electrodes, while underwater discharge occurs throughout the entire area between the two electrodes. Microbubbles are generated by underwater electrolysis, which allows for the active electrolysis of water molecules.

[0039] Electrolysis is the process of forcibly separating substances that do not naturally separate into anions and cations in an aqueous solution into anions and cations using electrical force. In particular, electrolysis of water can produce Brown's gas, a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen in a 1:2 ratio.

[0040] The aforementioned microbubbles generally have a size of 50 μm or less, giving them very little buoyancy and a slow rising speed of about 3 mm / min, allowing them to remain in water for extended periods. As a result, water in which a large number of microbubbles are generated has a high dissolved oxygen content. Surface tension acts on the surface of microbubbles generated in water, increasing the internal pressure (self-pressurization effect) within the smaller bubbles. This action allows the internal pressure to rise for a longer period. Gases whose pressure has increased due to microbubble formation can efficiently enter the water, improving the gas dissolution effect. Therefore, microbubbles have a high gas dissolution effect, attract organic substances electrostatically, and possess a sterilizing and cleaning effect through the energy generated as they dissipate, making them suitable for skin cleansing.

[0041] Although the aforementioned microbubbles remain in the water longer than ordinary bubbles, the microbubbles must be fully applied to the skin to effectively influence cleansing. Therefore, the time interval between the generation of microbubbles from the microbubble generator and the time they are applied to the skin must be minimized. While it is necessary to add an electrolyte such as NaCl to increase electrical conductivity during electrolysis, in this invention, pure water is electrolyzed through electrodes.

[0042] Figure 4 is a photograph showing an example of an electrode usable in an electrolysis tube according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a diagram showing the plating layer of an electrode usable in an electrolysis tube according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44) represent the positive electrode and the negative electrode, respectively, and the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44) have a plate shape extending in one direction, and may have a mesh structure with a number of openings formed in the plate shape as needed.

[0043] The first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44) may be electrode plates in which a platinum-based metal (42b) with high catalytic efficiency for electrolysis is plated onto a titanium metal (42a). In order to efficiently generate microbubbles, the electrode (42) is preferably made of a titanium metal (42a) with high corrosion resistance and a platinum-based metal (42b) with high catalytic effect for electrolysis.

[0044] The pair of electrodes (42) used in the electrolysis tube (40) may be electrodes in which a platinum-based metal (42b) is plated onto a titanium electrode (42a), taking into consideration the electrolysis catalyst efficiency, the reduction in electrode life due to the separation of metal ions during discharge, and the possibility of harmful chemical changes during oxidation. Furthermore, the efficiency of the electrodes (42) can be further maximized by a mesh structure in which numerous openings are formed in a plate shape.

[0045] As shown in Figure 5, the electrode (42) can be plated in two or more layers for durability. That is, the electrode, which is plated with a platinum-based metal (42b) on the titanium metal (42a), can be secondarily plated with titanium metal (42a). The titanium metal (42a) and the platinum-based metal (42b) can be plated to the same thickness. The plating thickness (C) of the titanium metal (42a) and the platinum-based metal (42b) is preferably between 0.1 μm and 10 μm. If the plating thickness falls outside this range, the economic efficiency of the product decreases.

[0046] The electrolysis tube (40) includes a transport tube (41), which is a transport path through which the water supplied to the water inlet (46) moves, and a pair of electrodes (42) that apply a voltage to the moving water to gradually electrolyze the water moving through the transport tube (41) and generate microbubbles. Therefore, the water supplied from the water tank is gradually electrolyzed until it is discharged through the outlet (48), continuously generating microbubbles.

[0047] If necessary, the electrolysis tube according to the present invention may be applied to a microbubble cleansing device that cleanses the user's skin. A microbubble cleansing device to which the electrolysis tube is applied will be described below. Figures 6 and 7 are an external perspective view and a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a microbubble cleansing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a microbubble cleansing device having an ultra-miniature electrolysis tube according to the present invention includes a water tank (20) coupled to one end of a housing (10) and containing pure water which is the medium to which microbubbles are generated and supplied, a pump (30) located above the water tank (20) that pumps out the water contained in the water tank (20) and transfers the pumped-out water at a predetermined pressure so that the pumped-out water is sprayed onto the user's skin through the electrolysis tube (40), and an electrolysis tube (40) located at one end of the pump (30) that electrolyzes the water supplied from the pump (30) to generate microbubbles and supplies the water with the generated microbubbles to the user's skin, and further includes a vibration drive unit (50), a control unit (60), and a vibration cleansing unit (70).

[0048] The housing (10) may be provided in a generally cylindrical shape so that the user can hold the microbubble cleansing device by hand or use it with a handle attached. A water tank (20), a pump (30), an electrolysis tube (40), a vibration drive unit (50), a control unit (60), a vibration cleansing unit (70), etc., may be housed inside the housing (10) or attached to one end of the housing (10). Figure 8 is an exploded view of a microbubble cleansing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 8, the vibration cleansing unit (70) is coupled to the upper end of the housing (10), and the water tank (20) is coupled to the lower end, and a pump (30), an electrolysis tube (40), a vibration drive unit (50), and a control unit (60) may be mounted inside. A through hole (14) is further formed at the upper end of the housing (10) through which the outlet (48) of the electrolysis tube (40) is exposed to the outside. The through-hole (14) is for allowing water containing microbubbles generated in the electrolysis tube (40) to be discharged onto the user's skin. The button located in the middle of the housing (10) is for operating the microbubble cleansing device. The housing (10) may be made of a hard synthetic resin such as plastic, a synthetic resin with a predetermined elasticity such as silicone or rubber, or a conventional material such as metal.

[0049] The water tank (20) is a container that holds water, which is the medium through which microbubbles are generated and supplied, and is coupled to one end of the housing (10), and may be detachably coupled to, for example, the lower end. The water that is the medium is preferably pure water rather than a specially manufactured solution.

[0050] A water cup nozzle is located at the top of the water tank (20). The water cup nozzle and the water tank (20) can be connected in a conventional manner, for example, by forming a number of grooves and connecting them by rotating so that the grooves interlock, or by fitting. A coupling portion that connects to a pump (30) and a nozzle tube that connects to a first flow channel pipe (31) by a tube (34) of the pump (30) may be further formed at the top of the water cup nozzle. That is, the water contained in the water tank (20) moves upward to the pump (30) through the nozzle tube due to the pressure of the pump (30).

[0051] The pump (30) draws water from the water tank (20) and sprays the drawn water onto the user's skin through the electrolysis tube (40). In other words, the pump (30) transports water at a predetermined pressure and supplies it to the user's skin. Specifically, the water contained in the water tank (20) is supplied from the water tank (20) to the electrolysis tube (40) by the metering pump (30). However, the exploded view in the longitudinal direction shown in Figure 2 does not specifically illustrate how the water tank (20), pump (30), and electrolysis tube (40) are connected, but the connection structure will be described later. The pump (30) can be connected and fixed inside the housing (10) by a predetermined bracket.

[0052] Figure 9 shows the structure of a pump usable in a microbubble cleansing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 9, a tube-operated metering pump (Peristaltic Pump) (hereinafter also referred to as a tubing pump, see examples below) is located in the center of the device. The pump (30) includes a first flow channel pipe (31) connected to a water tank (20) and a second flow channel pipe (32) connected to an electrolysis tube (40). When air is supplied from the pump (30) to the water tank (20) at a predetermined pressure through the first flow channel pipe (31), water is drawn out of the water tank (20) through the first flow channel pipe (31) and transferred to the electrolysis tube (40) at a predetermined pressure through the second flow channel pipe (32) (the arrows going from (A) to (B) in Figure 4 indicate the flow of water).

[0053] Figure 10 shows the internal structure of the pump shown in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 10, the pump (30) is a tube-operated metering pump and may include a motor (33) that drives the pump (30); a number of rotating gears located at one end of the motor (33) and rotated by the drive of the motor (33); and a tubing (35) surrounding the outer surface of the number of rotating gears, through which water drawn from the water tank (20) is moved, i.e., the pump drive unit. The tubing (35) is in the form of a hollow tube, and water moves inside the tubing (35). The material of the tubing (35) can be used without restriction.

[0054] The method of driving the pump (30) is as follows. For example, when the motor (33) inside the pump (30) is driven, the rotating shaft of the motor (33) causes the rotating gear (34) to rotate, and a predetermined pressure is generated inside the tubing (35). As a result, water contained in the water tank (20) is pumped out to the pump (30) side through the first flow channel pipe (31) which is connected to the nozzle pipe of the water tank (20). Depending on the direction of rotation of the rotating gear (34), the water pumped out from the water tank (20) moves through the tubing (35) and is transferred to the electrolysis tube (40) through the second flow channel pipe (32) which is connected to the water inlet (46) of the electrolysis tube (40), which will be described later.

[0055] The metering pump used as the pump (30) can precisely control the amount of fluid flowing in. By utilizing the tubing (35) located inside the pump (30), liquids (e.g., water) can be moved without the risk of contamination. Therefore, during the process of supplying (transporting) water, the water flowing inside the tubing (35) in the pump (30) is not contaminated by the drive mechanism, and clean water suitable for washing the face can be supplied.

[0056] The electrolysis tube (40) is the same as that shown in Figures 1 to 5. In other words, the electrolysis tube (40) used in the microbubble cleansing device according to the present invention is the same as the electrolysis tube (40) described above.

[0057] The electrolysis tube (40) is a miniature microbubble generator having the shape of a long rectangular parallelepiped and capable of generating microbubbles by electrolyzing a portion of the water supplied from the pump (30), and is connected to the pump (30). The electrolysis tube (40) includes an inlet (46) through which water contained in the water tank (20) is supplied by the pump (30), a transport tube (41) through which the water supplied through the inlet (46) travels a predetermined distance, an outlet (48) through which the water that has traveled through the transport tube (41) is discharged, and a pair of electrodes (42) consisting of a first electrode (43) and a second electrode (44) positioned opposite each other at a predetermined interval on both sides of the transport path of the water traveling through the transport tube (41), and which apply a voltage to the moving water to gradually electrolyze the water and generate microbubbles.

[0058] The water inlet (46) is connected to the pump (30), specifically to one end (first flow channel pipe (31)) of the tube (35) located inside the pump (30). Water contained in the water tank (20) is supplied (drawn out) to the electrolysis tube (40) at a predetermined pressure. The water outlet (48) is located at the same position as the through hole (14) of the housing and the through hole (74) of the vibrating cleansing section described later, and water with microbubbles generated can be discharged (sprayed) onto the user's skin.

[0059] The electrode (42) is preferably a titanium electrode plated with a platinum-based metal that has high electrolytic catalytic efficiency. The electrode (42) is plated with a metal that has high electrolytic catalytic effect, and for the durability of the electrode (42), a highly corrosion-resistant titanium electrode may be used, and a platinum-based metal with high electrolytic catalytic efficiency may be plated in two or more layers.

[0060] The first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44) are positioned opposite each other at a predetermined distance on both sides of the water's movement path through the moving tube (41), and a voltage is applied to the moving water. The water is gradually electrolyzed between the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44), generating microbubbles.

[0061] The microbubbles remain in the water longer than ordinary bubbles. The microbubbles must be applied to the skin to effectively affect cleansing. Therefore, it is preferable to minimize the time between the time the microbubbles are generated from the microbubble generator and the time they are applied to the skin. Accordingly, the distance the water travels through the moving tube (41) is substantially the same as the length (t) of the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44) that apply voltage to the water traveling through the moving tube (41).

[0062] The first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44) are electrically connected to an external power source, such as a battery (52). Specifically, when current is supplied from the external power source to the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44), an underwater discharge occurs in the entire area between the two electrodes, causing electrolysis of water molecules and generating microbubbles. In addition, a portion of the water electrolyzed in the electrolysis tube (40) is heated, and lukewarm water containing microbubbles can be applied to the user's skin.

[0063] In the electrolysis tube (40) according to the present invention, water drawn from the water tank (20) by the pump (30) is immediately electrolyzed inside the moving tube (flow channel tube) (41) that moves to the skin of the practitioner, generating a continuous and abundant supply of microbubbles. Therefore, the electrolysis tube (40) according to the present invention does not require a separate bubble generation chamber.

[0064] Furthermore, electrodes are installed in the narrow moving tube (41) (flow channel) of the electrolysis tube (40) so as to face each other at close intervals. Therefore, as microbubbles are generated, water vaporizes due to localized discharge heat, and the bubbles formed at this time can discharge even with a weak electric field, further inducing the generation of microbubbles.

[0065] The microbubble cleansing device having an ultra-miniature electrolysis tube according to the present invention can sense the amount of liquid passing through the electrolysis tube (40) in various ways. This makes it possible to prevent overcurrent and overheating in advance. For example, the amount of water or the presence or absence of water can be measured using a capacitance sensor or an IV converter.

[0066] The vibration drive unit (50) can vibrate the vibration cleansing unit (70) by conventional methods such as motor drive or ultrasonic drive. The vibration drive unit (50) includes a built-in battery (52) located inside the housing (10) and a vibration motor (54) connected to the top of the built-in battery (52). The vibration drive unit (50) can be coupled inside the housing (10) by a predetermined bracket.

[0067] The vibration motor (54) rotates under the power of the battery (52), generating vibrations. Preferably, the vibration motor (54) rotates 180°. The intensity of the vibrations can be adjusted according to the rotation speed of the vibration motor (54). The vibration cleansing device according to the present invention operates under the power of the built-in battery (52) and can provide cleansing and vibration effects.

[0068] The control unit (60) is electrically connected to the battery (52) and controls components (e.g., a pump (30), an electrolysis tube (40), a vibration drive unit (50), a vibration cleansing unit (70), etc.) according to a set program. The control unit (60) can prevent overcurrent and overheating by setting voltage, current, operating time, etc., and can control (adjust) the generation of microbubbles.

[0069] The vibrating cleansing section (70) is located at one end of the housing (10) and may have a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to that of the housing (10), for example, so as to cover one open surface of the housing (10). The vibrating cleansing section (70) is the part that comes into contact with the user's skin and cleanses the skin by friction, and may have a substantially flat surface morphology so as to come into contact with the user's skin over a wide area.

[0070] The vibrating cleansing unit (70) further includes a vibrating plate (not shown) that can vibrate in the vertical direction, and a cleansing pad (72) formed on the upper part of the vibrating plate.

[0071] The aforementioned vibrating plate has no particular restrictions on its shape or material, but it may be made of a flexible material such as rubber or silicone.

[0072] The cleansing pad (72) vibrates up and down while in contact with the skin, rubbing against the skin to cleanse it. The cleansing pad (54) may be a brush, protrusions, sponge, cleansing towel, cleansing pad, etc., for cleansing the skin by contacting and rubbing it.

[0073] The cleansing pad (72) may be integrally formed with the vibrating plate, bonded with an adhesive, or joined by a conventional joining method such as physical fitting. The cleansing pad (72) and the vibrating plate of the vibrating cleansing section (70) have through holes formed therein, through which the outlet (44) of the electrolysis tube (40) is exposed to the outside.

[0074] The electrolysis tube according to the present invention is easily miniaturized because a pair of electrodes (42) are located close together and facing each other, making it suitable for use in small skin beauty devices. Furthermore, the microbubble cleansing device according to the present invention utilizes an ultra-small electrolysis tube (40) and a metering pump (30) to electrolyze water applied to the user's skin, generating an abundance of microbubbles. Water rich in microbubbles is supplied to the user's skin and used for skin cleansing.

[0075] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the attached drawings and exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the contents shown in the drawings and the embodiments described above. Reference numerals are used in the following claims to aid understanding, but the following claims are not limited to the reference numerals and contents shown in the drawings and should be interpreted to encompass all variations of the exemplary embodiments, equivalent configurations and functions. [Industrial applicability]

[0076] The present invention provides an electrolysis tube that generates microbubbles by gradually electrolyzing water.

Claims

1. Water inlet (46); A transport pipe (41) through which water supplied via the water inlet (46) travels a predetermined distance; An outlet (48) through which the water that has moved through the aforementioned moving pipe (41) is discharged; and An electrolysis tube comprising a pair of electrodes (42) consisting of a first electrode (43) and a second electrode (44), which are positioned opposite each other on both sides of the water movement path through the moving tube (41), and which apply a voltage to the moving water to gradually electrolyze the water moving through the moving tube (41) and generate microbubbles.

2. The electrolysis tube according to claim 1, wherein the water supplied to the water inlet (46) flows into one end of the electrode (42), is gradually electrolyzed as it passes between the pair of electrodes (42), and flows out from the other end of the electrode (42).

3. The electrolysis tube according to claim 2, wherein one end of the electrode (42) is located close to the water inlet (46), and the other end of the electrode (42) is located close to the water outlet (48).

4. The electrolysis tube according to claim 1, wherein the distance traveled by the water moving through the moving tube (41) is substantially the same as the length (t) of the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44) that apply voltage to the water moving through the moving tube (41).

5. The electrolysis tube according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode (43) and the second electrode (44) are fixed inside the moving tube (41) by a module cap (47).

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