Electrolyzed water dispersing device

Abstract

An elecrolyzed water spraying device (1000) according to the present disclosure comprises a water storage tank (100), an electrolysis tank (200), a first supply part (128), an electrode part (210), a humidification tank (300), a second supply part (138), a third supply part (228), a spraying part (310), and a control part (500). When water and an electrolysis promoter have been supplied to the electrolysis tank (200) while the electrolysis tank (200) is in a water shortage condition in which there is a shortage of water, the control part (500) implements an initial process in which electrolyzed water of a second concentration which is lower than a first concentration is generated and the electrolyzed water of the second concentration is supplied to the humidification tank (300) by the third supply part (228), and then after the initial process, implements a normal process in which electrolyzed water of the first concentration is generated and the electrolyzed water of the first concentration is supplied to the humidification tank (300) by the third supply part (228).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrolyzed water spraying device that generates and sprays electrolyzed water. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrolyzed water spraying devices that generate and spray electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid by electrolysis to remove (including inactivate) bacteria, fungi, viruses, odors, etc. from the air are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). To generate hypochlorous acid, it is necessary to add electrolysis-promoting tablets such as salt to the water to be electrolyzed and generate water containing chloride ions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-24811 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the electrolyzed water spraying device, electrolyzed water is generated by electrolysis using electrodes provided in a water storage section, and the electrolyzed water stored in the water storage section is sprayed by bringing the electrolyzed water into gas-liquid contact with air. In such a structure, if the electrolyzed water stored in the water storage section becomes contaminated by gas-liquid contact, the electrodes may deteriorate.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique for suppressing electrode deterioration.

[0006] The electrolyzed water spraying device of the present disclosure includes a water storage tank for storing water, an electrolytic cell that generates electrolyzed water from water that has had an electrolysis promoter added, a first supply unit that supplies water from the water storage tank to the electrolytic cell, an electrode unit that generates electrolyzed water in the electrolytic cell, a humidifying tank that mixes water supplied from the water storage tank with electrolyzed water supplied from the electrolytic cell, a second supply unit that supplies water from the water storage tank to the humidifying tank, a third supply unit that supplies electrolyzed water from the electrolytic cell to the humidifying tank, a spraying unit that brings the electrolyzed water from the humidifying tank into contact with air sucked in from an air intake port and sprays it from an outlet, and a control unit that controls the electrode unit, the spraying unit, the first supply unit, the second supply unit, and the third supply unit. When water and an electrolysis promoter are supplied to the electrolytic cell in a drought state where there is a shortage of water in the electrolytic cell, the control unit generates electrolyzed water of a second concentration lower than the first concentration, performs an initial process in which the third supply unit supplies the electrolyzed water of the second concentration to the humidifying cell, and after the initial process, performs a normal process in which the third supply unit supplies the electrolyzed water of the first concentration to the humidifying cell.

[0007] Any combination of the above components, and conversion of the present disclosure into a method, device, system, recording medium, computer program, etc., are also valid aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, deterioration of the electrodes can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of an electrolyzed water spraying device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an outline of the operation of the electrolytic water spraying device of FIG. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an outline of the operation of the electrolytic water spraying device of FIG. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a diagram showing an outline of the operation of the electrolytic water spraying device of FIG. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an outline of the operation of the electrolytic water spraying device of FIG. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an outline of the operation of the electrolytic water spraying device of FIG. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an outline of the operation of the electrolytic water spraying device of FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an outline of the operation of the electrolytic water spraying device of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the electrolytic water spraying device of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the electrolyzed water spraying device according to the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Before describing the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, an overview of the embodiments will be described. This embodiment is an electrolyzed water spraying device that generates electrolyzed water from water and an electrolysis promoter and then sprays the generated electrolyzed water. Conventional electrolyzed water spraying devices generate water containing chloride ions by dissolving an electrolysis promoter in water in a water storage unit, and then electrolyze the chloride ion-containing water by passing current through electrodes to generate electrolyzed water containing active oxygen species. Furthermore, the electrolyzed water spraying device continuously brings the generated electrolyzed water into contact with air drawn in from the outside in the water storage unit, and then sprays the electrolyzed water to the outside by rotating a fan. Therefore, the electrolyzed water in the water storage unit is easily contaminated by contact with air. Contamination of the electrolyzed water can cause deterioration of the electrodes.

[0011] To prevent electrode deterioration, the electrolyzed water spraying device according to this embodiment divides the water storage section into two water tanks: an electrolytic cell and a humidifying cell. The electrolytic cell is equipped with electrodes, which electrolyze water containing chloride ions to produce electrolyzed water. The electrolyzed water produced in the electrolytic cell is supplied to the humidifying cell. Furthermore, in the humidifying cell, the electrolyzed water supplied from the electrolytic cell is continuously brought into contact with air drawn in from the outside, and the electrolyzed water is then sprayed to the outside by rotating a fan. With this configuration, the electrolyzed water in the electrolytic cell does not come into contact with air, making it less likely to become dirty, and electrode deterioration is prevented.

[0012] An electrolyzed water spraying device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG.

[0013] The electrolytic water spraying device 1000 includes a water storage tank 100, a water supply tank 110, a lid 112, a first pump 120, a first water supply pipe 122, a supply port 124, a second pump 130, a second water supply pipe 132, a drought float 160, an electrolytic cell 200, an electrode unit 210, a third pump 220, a third water supply pipe 222, a metering measure 224, a fourth water supply pipe 226, a full water float 250, a drought float 260, a humidification cell 300, a spraying unit 310, a full water float 350, a drought float 360, a drain float 370, an electrolysis promoter input unit 400, an input port 404, an electrolysis promoter 410, and a control unit 500. Here, the first pump 120, the first water supply pipe 122, and the supply port 124 are included in the first supply section 128, the second pump 130 and the second water supply pipe 132 are included in the second supply section 138, and the third pump 220, the third water supply pipe 222, the metering vessel 224, and the fourth water supply pipe 226 are included in the third supply section 228.

[0014] The following explains the process in the following order: (1) basic configuration, (2) initial processing, (3) normal processing, and (4) recursive processing.

[0015] (1) Basic configuration The water tank 100 has a box shape with an open top, and is structured to be able to store water, and stores water supplied from a water supply tank 110, which will be described later. The water tank 100 is disposed, for example, in the lower portion of the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000. The water supply tank 110 is a tank that stores water therein, and is detachable from the water tank 100. A lid 112 is provided at the opening (not shown) of the water supply tank 110, and an opening / closing part (not shown) is provided in the center of the lid 112. When the opening / closing part is opened, water in the water supply tank 110 is supplied to the water tank 100.

[0016] Specifically, when the water supply tank 110 is attached to the water tank 100 with its opening facing downward, the opening and closing part opens. In other words, when the water supply tank 110 filled with water is attached to the water tank 100, the opening and closing part opens, water is supplied to the water tank 100, and water accumulates in the water tank 100. When the water level in the water tank 100 rises and reaches the lid 112, the opening of the water supply tank 110 is sealed with water. This stops the water supply. If water remains inside the water supply tank 110, the water inside the water supply tank 110 is supplied to the water tank 100 whenever the water level in the water tank 100 drops. As a result, the water level in the water tank 100 is kept constant.

[0017] The first pump 120 is disposed in the water tank 100 and is connected to a first water supply pipe 122. When the first pump 120 operates in response to an instruction from the control unit 500, it pumps water stored in the water tank 100 toward the first water supply pipe 122. The first water supply pipe 122 is a pipe connecting the water tank 100 and the electrolytic cell 200, and has a supply port 124 at the end on the electrolytic cell 200 side. The water pumped up by the first pump 120 flows through the first water supply pipe 122 and is supplied to the electrolytic cell 200 from the supply port 124. In other words, the first pump 120, the first water supply pipe 122, and the supply port 124 supply water from the water tank 100 to the electrolytic cell 200.

[0018] Second pump 130 is disposed in water tank 100 and is connected to second water supply pipe 132. When second pump 130 operates in response to instructions from control unit 500, it pumps water stored in water tank 100 toward second water supply pipe 132. Second water supply pipe 132 is a pipe connecting water tank 100 and humidification tank 300. The water pumped up by second pump 130 flows through second water supply pipe 132 and is supplied to humidification tank 300. In other words, second pump 130 and second water supply pipe 132 supply water from water tank 100 to humidification tank 300.

[0019] The electrolytic bath 200 has a box shape with an open top and is disposed below the supply port 124. The electrolytic bath 200 stores water supplied from the supply port 124. An electrolysis accelerator feeder 400 is disposed above the electrolysis bath 200, alongside the supply port 124. The electrolysis accelerator feeder 400 can be loaded with an electrolysis accelerator 410, and rotates a tablet feeder (not shown) when the control unit 500 issues an instruction to feed the electrolysis accelerator 410. As the tablet feeder rotates, the electrolysis accelerator 410 falls into the electrolysis bath 200. The electrolysis accelerator feeder 400 counts the number of electrolysis accelerators 410 dropped into the electrolysis bath 200, and when it determines that one tablet of electrolysis accelerator 410 has fallen into the electrolysis bath 200, it stops the rotation of the tablet feeder. In other words, the electrolysis accelerator feeder 400 feeds the electrolysis accelerator 410 into the electrolysis bath 200. The electrolysis promoter 410 dissolves in the water in the electrolysis cell 200, thereby producing water containing chloride ions in the electrolysis cell 200. An example of the electrolysis promoter 410 is sodium chloride, which is formed as an electrolysis promoter tablet.

[0020] The electrode unit 210 is installed so as to be immersed in the water in the electrolytic bath 200. When current is applied to the electrode unit 210, it electrochemically electrolyzes the water containing chloride ions in the electrolytic bath 200, generating electrolyzed water containing active oxygen species. Here, active oxygen species refers to oxygen molecules and related substances that have higher oxidizing activity than normal oxygen. For example, active oxygen species include so-called active oxygen in the narrow sense, such as superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, or hydrogen peroxide, as well as so-called active oxygen in the broad sense, such as ozone, hypochlorous acid (hypohalous acid), etc.

[0021] The electrode unit 210 generates electrolyzed water by repeating a cycle consisting of a current-carrying period during which current is applied for electrolysis and a period after the current application is stopped, i.e., a non-current-carrying period, multiple times. By providing a non-current-carrying period for the electrode unit 210, the life of the electrode unit 210 is extended. By lengthening the current-carrying period relative to the non-current-carrying period, electrolyzed water containing a greater amount of active oxygen species is generated per cycle. Furthermore, by lengthening the non-current-carrying period relative to the current-carrying period, the generation of active oxygen species per cycle is suppressed. Furthermore, by increasing the amount of power used during the current-carrying period, electrolyzed water containing a greater amount of active oxygen species is generated. In this way, the electrolytic cell 200 can be considered a tank for generating electrolyzed water from water to which the electrolysis promoter 410 has been added.

[0022] The third pump 220 is disposed in the electrolytic bath 200 and is connected to a third water supply pipe 222. When the third pump 220 operates in response to instructions from the control unit 500, it pumps electrolyzed water stored in the electrolytic bath 200 toward the third water supply pipe 222. The third water supply pipe 222 is connected to a metering measure 224 and supplies the electrolyzed water from the electrolytic bath 200 to the metering measure 224. The metering measure 224 has a fixed capacity and stores a fixed volume of electrolyzed water supplied from the third water supply pipe 222. The metering measure 224 is connected to a fourth water supply pipe 226, which extends toward the humidifying bath 300. The electrolyzed water stored in the metering measure 224 flows through the fourth water supply pipe 226 and is supplied to the humidifying bath 300. That is, the third pump 220 , the third water supply pipe 222 , the metering measure 224 , and the fourth water supply pipe 226 supply electrolyzed water from the electrolytic bath 200 to the humidifying bath 300 .

[0023] Humidifying tank 300 has a box shape with an open top, and mixes water supplied from water storage tank 100 with electrolyzed water supplied from electrolytic tank 200. This is equivalent to diluting the electrolyzed water supplied from electrolytic tank 200 with the water supplied from water storage tank 100. A spray unit 310 is provided in humidifying tank 300.

[0024] The spraying unit 310 includes a fan (not shown) and a filter. The fan is, for example, a sirocco fan, and rotates under the control of the control unit 500. As the fan rotates, air is drawn into the electrolytic water spraying device 1000 through an air intake (not shown) provided in the housing (not shown) of the electrolytic water spraying device 1000.

[0025] The filter is a component that brings the electrolyzed water stored in the humidifying tub 300 into contact with the indoor air that is drawn into the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000 by the fan. The filter is cylindrical and has holes around its circumference that allow air to pass through. The filter is rotatably housed in the humidifying tub 300 around its central axis so that one end of the filter is immersed in the electrolyzed water stored in the humidifying tub 300 and retains the water. The filter is rotated by a drive unit (not shown) to continuously bring the electrolyzed water into contact with the indoor air.

[0026] An air path is formed that runs from the air intake to a filter, fan, and air outlet (not shown). When the fan rotates, the outside air that is sucked in through the air intake and enters the air path is blown out of the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000 via the filter, fan, and air outlet, in that order. This causes the electrolyzed water in the humidifying tank 300 to be sprayed to the outside. The electrolyzed water spraying device 1000 does not necessarily have to spray electrolyzed water itself; spraying active oxygen species derived from the resulting electrolyzed water (including volatilization) is also included in the electrolyzed water spraying.

[0027] The drought float 160 in the water storage tank 100, the full water float 250 and drought float 260 in the electrolytic tank 200, and the full water float 350, drought float 360, and drain float 370 in the humidification tank 300 detect the presence or absence of water or electrolyzed water. Here, water and electrolyzed water are sometimes collectively referred to as "water." The drought float 160, full water float 250, drought float 260, full water float 350, drought float 360, and drain float 370 are collectively referred to as "floats." Each float has buoyancy and a magnet (not shown), the position of which is detected by a detection unit (not shown). When water is present up to the float's position, the float moves to a predetermined position due to buoyancy, and the detection unit detects the magnet attached to the float. On the other hand, when water is not present up to the float's position, the detection unit cannot detect the magnet attached to the float.

[0028] The drought float 160 detects a drought in the water tank 100, the full water float 250 detects a full water state in the electrolytic bath 200, and the drought float 260 detects a drought in the electrolytic bath 200. Here, drought does not have to mean a 100% drought, but may mean that only a small amount of water remains. In this embodiment, the drought float 260 may be referred to as a drought detection unit. Furthermore, the full water float 350 detects a full water state in the humidifying bath 300, the drought float 360 detects a drought in the humidifying bath 300, and the drain float 370 detects the drain level of the humidifying bath 300. Here, full water does not have to mean a 100% full state, but may mean the amount of water that can be added. Each float transmits its detection result to the control unit 500.

[0029] The control unit 500 receives detection results from the drought float 160, the full water float 250, the drought float 260, the full water float 350, the drought float 360, and the drain float 370. The control unit 500 also controls the electrode unit 210, the spray unit 310, the electrolysis accelerator feeding unit 400, the first supply unit 128, the second supply unit 138, and the third supply unit 228. Details of the processing by the control unit 500 will be described later.

[0030] As an example, the concentration of electrolyzed water generated in electrolytic bath 200 is in the range of 30-200 ppm (hereinafter referred to as "first concentration"). The concentration of electrolyzed water diluted in humidifying bath 300 is in the range of 3-50 ppm. The concentration of electrolyzed water diluted in humidifying bath 300 is set lower than the concentration of electrolyzed water generated in electrolytic bath 200.

[0031] (2) Initial processing The initial process is a process from when there is a lack of water in the water tank 100, electrolytic tank 200, and humidifying tank 300, specifically when there is no water, to when the initial stage of electrolyzed water spraying is performed. Below, Figures 2A to 2C, 3A, and 3B are also used to explain the initial process. Figures 2A to 2C show an overview of the operation of the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000.

[0032] 2A shows a drought state where there is a shortage of water in the water storage tank 100, electrolytic bath 200, and humidifying bath 300. This corresponds to the case where the electrolytic water spraying device 1000 is installed after purchase. It also corresponds to the case where the water storage tank 100, electrolytic bath 200, and humidifying bath 300 have been maintained.

[0033] Fig. 2B shows a state following Fig. 2A. The user pours water into the water supply tank 110 and attaches the water supply tank 110 to the water storage tank 100. When the water supply tank 110 is attached to the water storage tank 100, the opening and closing portion of the lid 112 opens, and water is supplied from the water supply tank 110 to the water storage tank 100.

[0034] Figure 2C shows a state following Figure 2B. Control unit 500 operates second pump 130 to supply water from water tank 100 to humidifying tank 300. Water is supplied until full water float 350 detects that humidifying tank 300 is full of water. As a result, humidifying tank 300 stores water and is full to the brim.

[0035] The control unit 500 operates the first pump 120 to supply water from the water tank 100 to the electrolytic cell 200. The water is supplied for a certain period of time so that the electrolytic cell 200 does not become full. As a result of the water supply, the water level in the electrolytic cell 200 is at a level lower than the full water level. A supply region 240 is located on part of the water surface in the electrolytic cell 200, and the supply region 240 is located below the supply port 124 and the input port 404. After the water supply is completed, the control unit 500 drops the electrolysis accelerator 410 from the input port 404 toward the supply region 240 of the electrolytic cell 200. As a result, the electrolysis accelerator 410 is present in the supply region 240 and begins to dissolve in the water.

[0036] Subsequently, the control unit 500 operates the first pump 120 again to supply water from the water storage tank 100 to the electrolytic tank 200. At this time, water is supplied from the supply port 124 toward the supply region 240, and the pressure of the supplied water further promotes dissolution of the electrolysis accelerator 410. Water is supplied until the full water float 250 detects that the tank is full. As a result, the humidifying tank 300 is filled with water containing chloride ions in which some of the electrolysis accelerator 410 has dissolved.

[0037] 3A and 3B show an outline of the operation of the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000, following on from FIGS. 2A to 2C.

[0038] 3A shows a state following FIG. 2C. The control unit 500 electrolyzes water containing chloride ions by applying current to the electrode unit 210 to generate electrolyzed water. The electrolysis time is set to a time (e.g., 10 minutes) shorter than the time (e.g., 40 minutes) required to generate electrolyzed water of a first concentration. As a result, electrolyzed water of a second concentration lower than the first concentration is generated.

[0039] 3B shows a state following FIG. 3A. When the second concentration electrolyzed water is produced, the control unit 500 operates the third pump 220 to supply the second concentration electrolyzed water to the humidifying tank 300. Since the metering measure 224 is used, the second concentration electrolyzed water is supplied to the humidifying tank 300 in an amount equal to the capacity of the metering measure 224. The second concentration electrolyzed water is diluted in the humidifying tank 300. The control unit 500 stops the third pump 220 and then operates the spraying unit 310 to spray the electrolyzed water in the humidifying tank 300 outside the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000. In other words, the spraying of the electrolyzed water begins after a time period shorter than 40 minutes.

[0040] (3) Normal processing The normal process is a process for spraying electrolyzed water of a desired concentration. Figures 4A and 4B show an outline of the operation of the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000 following Figures 3A and 3B.

[0041] FIG. 4A shows a state following FIG. 3B. A portion of the electrolytic water of the second concentration in the electrolytic bath 200 has been supplied to the humidifying bath 300, so the electrolytic bath 200 is not full of electrolytic water of the second concentration. The control unit 500 operates the first pump 120 to supply water from the water storage tank 100 to the electrolytic bath 200. Since water is supplied from the supply port 124 toward the supply region 240, the pressure of the supplied water further dissolves the remaining electrolysis accelerator 410. Water is supplied until the full-water float 250 detects a full-water state. As a result, the humidifying bath 300 is full. After the supply of water to the electrolytic bath 200 is completed, the control unit 500 applies current to the electrode unit 210 to generate electrolytic water by electrolysis. The electrolysis time is set to the time required to generate electrolytic water of the first concentration (e.g., 40 minutes). As a result, electrolytic water of the first concentration is generated.

[0042] 4B shows a state following that of FIG. 4A. When the electrolyzed water of the first concentration is produced, the control unit 500 operates the third pump 220 to supply the electrolyzed water of the first concentration to the humidifying tank 300. At this time, the metering measure 224 is used, so that the electrolyzed water of the first concentration equal to the capacity of the metering measure 224 is supplied to the humidifying tank 300. The electrolyzed water of the first concentration is diluted in the humidifying tank 300. The control unit 500 stops the third pump 220 and then operates the spraying unit 310 to spray the electrolyzed water in the humidifying tank 300 outside the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000.

[0043] As electrolyzed water is sprayed, the amount of electrolyzed water in the humidifying tank 300 decreases. When the drought float 360 detects a drought, the control unit 500 operates the third pump 220 to supply electrolyzed water of the first concentration to the humidifying tank 300 up to the capacity of the metering measure 224, and operates the second pump 130 to supply water from the water storage tank 100 until the humidifying tank 300 is full. This allows the spraying of electrolyzed water to continue. This process is repeated until the drought float 260 detects a drought.

[0044] (4) Recursive processing The restart process is a process for re-executing normal processing when the drought float 260 detects a drought, i.e., when the electrolytic water in the electrolytic bath 200 has run out. After electrolytic water of a first concentration is supplied to the humidification bath 300, if the drought float 260 detects a drought, the control unit 500 starts supplying water to the electrolytic bath 200 using the first supply unit 128. In other words, the control unit 500 does not supply water to the electrolytic bath 200 until the electrolytic bath 200 runs out of water. This is because not supplying water maintains the concentration of electrolytic water in the electrolytic bath 200 at the first concentration. Furthermore, by making it difficult for old electrolytic water to remain in the electrolytic bath 200, impurities such as inorganic salt compounds are less likely to remain in the electrolytic bath 200. This reduces the frequency of maintenance of the electrolytic bath 200.

[0045] Here, as in the initial processing, the control unit 500 executes the supply of water for a certain period of time so as not to fill the electrolytic bath 200 with water. Subsequently, the control unit 500 drops the electrolysis accelerator 410 from the inlet 404 toward the supply region 240 of the electrolytic bath 200, and continues the supply of water until the electrolytic bath 200 is filled with water. Furthermore, the control unit 500 applies current to the electrode unit 210 to generate electrolyzed water of a second concentration, and then supplies the electrolyzed water of the second concentration from the electrolytic bath 200 to the humidifying bath 300. In other words, the same processing as part of the initial processing is executed. Subsequently, the normal processing is executed.

[0046] (Variation) When the restart process is performed, unlike when the initial process is performed, electrolyzed water is present in the humidifying tank 300. Therefore, the process of generating electrolyzed water of the second concentration and supplying the electrolyzed water of the second concentration from the electrolytic tank 200 to the humidifying tank 300 may be omitted. Such a modification will be described below.

[0047] The control unit 500 continues to supply water for a certain period of time that does not cause the electrolytic bath 200 to become full. Subsequently, the control unit 500 drops the electrolysis accelerator 410 from the inlet 404 toward the supply region 240 of the electrolytic bath 200. Subsequently, the control unit 500 waits for a certain period of time. The waiting period may be 10 minutes, that is, it may be shorter or longer than the time of electrolysis in the initial treatment. Thereafter, the control unit 500 continues to supply water until the electrolytic bath 200 becomes full. Subsequently, the normal treatment is performed. In other words, electrolysis does not produce electrolyzed water of the second concentration, but electrolyzed water of the first concentration.

[0048] The subject of the device, system, or method disclosed herein includes a computer. The computer executes a program to realize the functions of the subject of the device, system, or method disclosed herein. The computer includes, as its main hardware component, a processor that operates according to the program. The processor may be of any type, as long as it can realize the functions by executing the program. The processor may be composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integration (LSI). The electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or may be provided on multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or may be provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium, such as a computer-readable read-only memory (ROM), optical disk, or hard disk drive. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0049] A description will be given of the operation of the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000 configured as described above. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the control procedure by the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000. The following control may be executed by the control unit 500.

[0050] First, water is supplied to the water tank 100 (S10).

[0051] Next, water is supplied from the water tank 100 to the electrolytic cell 200 in an amount less than the full capacity (S12).

[0052] Next, an electrolysis accelerator 410 is supplied to the electrolysis cell 200 (S14).

[0053] Next, water is supplied from the water tank 100 to the electrolytic cell 200 until it is full (S16).

[0054] Next, the electrode unit 210 performs electrolysis for 10 minutes (S18).

[0055] Next, electrolyzed water of the second concentration is supplied from the electrolytic bath 200 to the humidifying bath 300 (S20). At this time, the electrolyzed water is sprayed in the humidifying bath 300.

[0056] Next, water is supplied from the water tank 100 to the electrolytic cell 200 until it is full (S22).

[0057] Next, the electrode unit 210 performs electrolysis for 40 minutes (S24).

[0058] Next, electrolyzed water of the first concentration is supplied from the electrolytic bath 200 to the humidifying bath 300 (S26).

[0059] Next, the spraying unit 310 sprays the electrolyzed water (S28).

[0060] Next, it is determined whether or not the drought float 360 has detected a drought in the humidifying tub 300 (S30). If it is determined that the humidifying tub 300 is not experiencing a drought (N in S30), the process returns to step S28. On the other hand, if it is determined that the humidifying tub 300 is experiencing a drought (Y in S30), it is determined whether or not the drought float 260 has detected a drought in the electrolytic tub 200 (S32). If it is determined that the electrolytic tub 200 is not experiencing a drought (N in S32), the process returns to step S26. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electrolytic tub 200 is experiencing a drought (Y in S32), the process returns to step S12.

[0061] 6 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the modified electrolyzed water spraying device 1000. The following control may be executed by the control unit 500.

[0062] First, water is supplied to the water tank 100 (S100).

[0063] Next, water is supplied from the water tank 100 to the electrolytic cell 200 in an amount less than the full capacity (S102).

[0064] Next, the electrolysis accelerator 410 is supplied to the electrolysis cell 200 (S104).

[0065] Next, water is supplied from the water tank 100 to the electrolytic cell 200 until it is full (S106).

[0066] Next, the electrode unit 210 performs electrolysis for 10 minutes (S108).

[0067] Next, electrolyzed water of the second concentration is supplied from the electrolytic bath 200 to the humidifying bath 300 (S110). At this time, the electrolyzed water is sprayed in the humidifying bath 300.

[0068] Next, water is supplied from the water tank 100 to the electrolytic cell 200 until it is full (S112).

[0069] Next, the electrode unit 210 performs electrolysis for 40 minutes (S114).

[0070] Next, electrolyzed water of the first concentration is supplied from the electrolytic bath 200 to the humidifying bath 300 (S116).

[0071] Next, the spraying unit 310 sprays the electrolyzed water (S118).

[0072] Next, it is determined whether the drought float 360 has detected a drought in the humidifying tank 300 (S120). If it is determined that the humidifying tank 300 is not drought (N in S120), the process returns to step S118. On the other hand, if it is determined that the humidifying tank 300 is drought (Y in S120), it is determined whether the drought float 260 has detected a drought in the electrolytic tank 200 (S122). If it is determined that the electrolytic tank 200 is not drought (N in S122), the process returns to step S116. On the other hand, if it is determined that the electrolytic tank 200 is drought (Y in S122), water is supplied from the water tank 100 to the electrolytic tank 200 at an amount less than the full capacity (S124). Thereafter, the electrolysis accelerator 410 is supplied to the electrolytic tank 200 (S126), and the process waits for 10 minutes (S128). Then, water is supplied from the water tank 100 to the electrolytic cell 200 until it is full (S130), and the process returns to step S114.

[0073] According to the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000 of this embodiment, the water storage section is divided into the water storage tank 100, the electrolytic tank 200, and the humidifying tank 300, thereby suppressing gas-liquid contact with the water in the electrolytic tank 200 used by the electrode section 210. Furthermore, suppressing gas-liquid contact with the water in the electrolytic tank 200 makes it less likely to become contaminated. Furthermore, since the water in the electrolytic tank 200 is less likely to become contaminated, deterioration of the electrodes can be suppressed. Furthermore, since electrolyzed water of a second concentration is supplied to the humidifying tank 300 and sprayed, the time required for spraying electrolyzed water can be shortened. Furthermore, since electrolyzed water of a first concentration is generated following electrolyzed water of a second concentration, electrolyzed water of a desired concentration can be sprayed. Furthermore, since the electrolysis promoter 410 is introduced toward the supply region 240 and water is supplied toward the supply region 240, the dissolution of the electrolysis promoter 410 can be promoted by the pressure of the water. Furthermore, since water is supplied to the electrolytic bath 200 and then electrolyzed water of the first concentration is produced by normal processing, the electrolysis promoter 410 can be made more soluble.

[0074] Furthermore, when a drought is detected, water is supplied to the electrolytic cell 200 by the first supply unit 128, eliminating the need to supply water until a drought is detected. Furthermore, since water supply is not required until a drought is detected, the concentration of electrolyzed water in the electrolytic cell 200 can be maintained. Furthermore, since water supply is not required until a drought is detected, impurities remaining in the electrolytic cell 200 can be flushed out. Since part of the initial process is executed as the restart process, operation can be simplified. Since electrolyzed water of the second concentration is not generated as the restart process, electrolyzed water of the first concentration can be efficiently generated.

[0075] An outline of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows: The electrolyzed water spraying device (1000) of the present disclosure includes a water tank (100) for storing water, an electrolytic cell (200) for producing electrolyzed water from water containing an electrolysis promoter (410), a first supply unit (128) for supplying water from the water tank (100) to the electrolytic cell (200), an electrode unit (210) for producing electrolyzed water in the electrolytic cell (200), a humidifying tank (300) for mixing the water supplied from the water tank (100) with the electrolyzed water supplied from the electrolytic cell (200), and the water tank (100). The electrolytic bath (300) includes a second supply unit (138) that supplies water from the electrolytic bath (200) to the humidifying bath (300), a third supply unit (228) that supplies electrolyzed water from the electrolytic bath (200) to the humidifying bath (300), a spray unit (310) that brings the electrolyzed water in the humidifying bath (300) into contact with air drawn in through an air intake port and sprays the water from an air outlet, and a control unit (500) that controls the electrode unit (210), the spray unit (310), the first supply unit (128), the second supply unit (138), and the third supply unit (228).

[0076] When water and an electrolysis promoter (410) are supplied to the electrolytic bath (200) in a drought state where the electrolytic bath (200) is short of water, the control unit (500) performs an initial process of generating electrolyzed water of a second concentration lower than the first concentration and supplying the electrolyzed water of the second concentration to the humidifying bath (300) by the third supply unit (228), and after the initial process, performs a normal process of generating electrolyzed water of the first concentration and supplying the electrolyzed water of the first concentration to the humidifying bath (300) by the third supply unit (228).

[0077] The electrolyzed water spraying device (1000) of the present disclosure may further include an electrolysis promoter input unit (400) that inputs an electrolysis promoter (410) into the electrolysis cell (200). The first supply unit (128) may supply water from the water tank (100) to the electrolysis cell (200) toward a supply region (240) that constitutes a part of the water surface of the electrolysis cell (200), and the electrolysis promoter input unit (400) may input the electrolysis promoter (410) toward the supply region (240).

[0078] Furthermore, the control unit (500) of the present disclosure may perform the initial process, and then supply water to the electrolytic cell (200) using the first supply unit (128), and then generate electrolyzed water of the first concentration by normal process.

[0079] The electrolyzed water spraying device (1000) of the present disclosure may further include a drought detection unit (260) that detects a drought in the electrolytic bath (200). After supplying electrolyzed water of a first concentration to the humidification bath (300), the control unit (500) may supply water to the electrolytic bath (200) via the first supply unit (128) when the drought detection unit (260) detects a drought.

[0080] The control unit (500) of the present disclosure may also perform a restart process in which water is supplied to the electrolytic bath (200) by the first supply unit (128), an electrolysis promoter (410) is supplied to the electrolytic bath (200), electrolyzed water of a second concentration is generated, and the electrolyzed water of the second concentration is supplied to the humidification bath (300) by the third supply unit (228), and then a normal process is performed after the restart process.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit (500) of the present disclosure may supply a fixed amount of water to the electrolytic cell (200) by the first supply unit (128), supply an electrolysis promoter (410) to the electrolytic cell (200), wait for a fixed period of time, and then execute a restart process in which the first supply unit (128) supplies water to the electrolytic cell (200), and then execute a normal process after the restart process.

[0082] The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments. These embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of the components or treatment processes, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0083] In this embodiment, drought float 260 detects drought based on the position of the magnet on the float. However, this is not limiting, and drought may be detected based on, for example, the number of times electrolyzed water is supplied from metering measure 224. For example, if electrolytic cell 200 has a capacity of 1000 ml and metering measure 224 has a capacity of 250 ml, drought will be detected if electrolyzed water has been supplied from metering measure 224 four times. This modification increases the degree of freedom in the configuration.

[0084] In the embodiment, water or electrolyzed water is supplied when a water shortage is detected. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the next supply of water or electrolyzed water may be made a certain period after the previous supply. This modification increases the degree of freedom in the configuration.

[0085] The control unit 500 may further include a memory unit that stores the control content currently being executed. An example of the memory unit is a nonvolatile memory. The control unit 500 periodically stores the control content currently being executed in the memory unit as needed. When the power supply to the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000 is restored after a power outage, the control unit 500 resumes the control content that was being executed and stored in the memory unit. For example, if the control content stored in the memory unit when the power supply to the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000 is interrupted is a 5-minute electrolysis in step S18 for generating electrolyzed water of a second concentration, when the power supply is restored, the control unit 500 controls the electrolysis for the remaining 5 minutes required to generate electrolyzed water of the second concentration. For example, if the control content stored in the memory unit when the power supply to the electrolyzed water spraying device 1000 is interrupted is step S28 for spraying electrolyzed water, when the power supply is restored, the control unit 500 resumes the step of spraying electrolyzed water. This allows the correct control to be performed even if the power to the electrolytic water spraying device 1000 is interrupted and then restored. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 100 Water Tank 110 Water Tank 112 Lid 120 First Pump 122 1st water supply pipe 124 Supply port 128 1st supply section 130 Second Pump 132 2nd water supply pipe 138 2nd supply section 160 Drought Float 200 electrolytic cell 210 Electrode section 220 Third Pump 222 3rd water supply pipe 224 fixed volume 226 No. 4 water supply pipe 228 Third supply section 240 Supply area 250 Full Float 260 Drought Float 300 Humidification tank 310 Spreading section 350 Full Float 360 Drought Float 370 Drainage float 400 Electrolysis accelerator injection section 404 Inlet 410 Electrolysis accelerator 500 control section 1000 Electrolyzed water spray equipment

Claims

1. A water tank for storing water, an electrolytic cell that generates electrolyzed water from the water to which an electrolysis promoter has been added; a first supply unit that supplies the water from the water tank to the electrolytic cell; an electrode unit that generates the electrolyzed water in the electrolytic cell; a humidification tank that mixes the water supplied from the water storage tank with the electrolyzed water supplied from the electrolytic tank; a second supply unit that supplies the water from the water tank to the humidification tank; a third supply unit that supplies the electrolyzed water from the electrolytic tank to the humidifying tank; a spraying unit that brings the electrolytic water in the humidifying tank into contact with air drawn in through an air intake port and sprays the water from an air outlet; a control unit that controls the electrode unit, the spray unit, the first supply unit, the second supply unit, and the third supply unit, The control unit When the water and the electrolysis accelerator are supplied to the electrolytic bath in a drought state where the water is insufficient in the electrolytic bath, an initial process is performed in which the electrolyzed water having a second concentration lower than the first concentration is generated, and the third supply unit supplies the electrolyzed water having the second concentration to the humidifying bath; After the initial process, the electrolyzed water of the first concentration is generated, and a normal process is performed in which the electrolyzed water of the first concentration is supplied to the humidification tank by the third supply unit. Electrolyzed water spraying device.

2. further comprising an electrolysis accelerator supply unit that supplies the electrolysis accelerator to the electrolysis tank; the first supply unit supplies the water from the water tank to the electrolytic bath toward a supply area that constitutes a part of the water surface of the electrolytic bath; The electrolysis promoter input unit inputs the electrolysis promoter toward the supply region. The electrolytic water spraying device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit After performing the initial processing, The water is supplied to the electrolytic cell by the first supply unit, and then electrolyzed water having the first concentration is generated by the normal treatment.

3. The electrolytic water spraying device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Further provided is a water shortage detection unit that detects water shortage in the electrolytic cell, The control unit After the electrolyzed water of the first concentration is supplied to the humidification tank, when a drought is detected by the drought detection unit, the water is supplied to the electrolytic tank by the first supply unit. The electrolytic water spraying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit After the drought detection unit detects a drought, the first supply unit supplies the water to the electrolytic bath, and the electrolysis accelerator is supplied to the electrolytic bath, and then the electrolyzed water of the second concentration is generated, and the third supply unit supplies the electrolyzed water of the second concentration to the humidifying bath. execute the normal processing after the recursive processing; The electrolytic water spraying device according to claim 4.

6. The control unit after the drought detection unit detects a drought, the first supply unit supplies a fixed amount of water to the electrolytic bath and the electrolysis accelerator is supplied to the electrolytic bath, and then, after waiting for a fixed period of time, the first supply unit supplies the water to the electrolytic bath, performing a restart process; execute the normal processing after the recursive processing; The electrolytic water spraying device according to claim 4.

7. The control unit Further, a storage unit for storing the control content currently being executed is provided, When the power supply to the electrolytic water spraying device is interrupted and then restored, the control is resumed from the control content being executed stored in the memory unit. The electrolytic water spraying device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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