Facility that uses tap water in building

Abstract

Disclosed is a facility that uses tap water in a building and with which it is possible to efficiently inhibit the proliferation of chlorine-resistant Methylobacteria or viruses or to efficiently sterilize or inactivate chlorine-resistant Methylobacteria or viruses that have proliferated. This facility comprises a device that generates first modified water and second modified water, a pipe that supplies tap water to the device, a discharge unit for discharging the first modified water and the second modified water to a site at which contamination by microorganisms or viruses is to be suppressed, and a control unit, and is characterized in that the facility starts discharging the second modified water after starting the discharge of the first modified water, and the discharge of the second modified water is started after the discharge of the first modified water is stopped or started while the first modified water is being discharged.

Description

Facilities in the building that use tap water

[0001] The present invention relates to facilities in buildings where tap water is used. More specifically, the present invention relates to facilities that utilize modified water obtained by modifying tap water that has been chlorinated at a water purification plant, thereby enabling the maintenance of a hygienic living environment in which tap water is used for toilets, bathrooms, kitchens, washbasins, etc.

[0002] As an increasing number of consumers seek clean and comfortable living environments, there is a demand for technologies that can maintain hygienic living environments. In particular, areas where water is used, such as toilets, bathrooms, kitchens, and washbasins, are prone to the proliferation of bacteria and mold and the attachment of viruses, and regular cleaning is required to maintain hygienic conditions in these areas. For this reason, cleaning with detergents or the like has traditionally been required, which is time-consuming. Furthermore, detergents can pose problems in terms of their impact on the environment and safety.

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

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

[0005] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2008-168002 (Patent Document 3) proposes a bathroom cleaning device that includes an electrolysis tank installed under a bathroom counter, the electrolysis tank having at least one pair of electrodes, a flow path formed between the electrodes, and a liquid inlet and outlet connected to the flow path. While tap water containing chloride ions is being passed through the electrolysis tank, free chlorine is generated by electrolysis, and the generated water containing free chlorine is then poured into the washing area. According to the bathroom cleaning device described in Patent Document 3, when the electrolysis tank is activated, chlorine-containing tap water supplied from the water supply pipe is decomposed, and the free chlorine is supplied to the bathroom, thereby cleaning the bathroom without the need for adding salt. However, the inventors have discovered that even with the device proposed in Patent Document 3, pink stains may remain in areas where water is used, such as toilets, bathrooms, kitchens, and washbasins. Furthermore, they have discovered that the cause of this is chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium introduced into tap water from a water purification plant.

[0006] The literature "Chlorine resistance mechanism of Protomonas extorquens frequently isolated from drinking tank water [author: Furuhata Katsunori], Antibacterial and Antifungal Society, Vol. 19, No. 8, pp. 395-399, 1991" (Non-Patent Document 1) suggests that in a mutant strain of Protomonas extorquens, which belongs to Methylobacterium, obtained by contacting it with chlorine, the cell membrane, particularly the outer membrane, thickens and the surface structure changes, and that the mutant strain is equipped with a system for strengthening the cell membrane.

[0007] The literature "The Pink Monster Lurking in the Bathroom [Author: Nozomi Ihara], Journal of Bioengineering, Vol. 94, No. 4, 2016" (Non-Patent Document 2) reports that the pink stains that occur in wet areas of homes are primarily caused by the proliferation of gram-negative bacteria of the genus Methylobacterium, also known as purple bacteria. Non-Patent Document 2 also suggests that carotenoids, which are characteristic of Methylobacterium and give it its pink color, function to eliminate reactive oxygen species generated within the bacterial body when exposed to stress such as chlorine, making Methylobacterium more resistant to chlorine than other microorganisms. It is also suggested that carotenoids contribute to improving the membrane strength of Methylobacterium, thereby contributing to its chlorine resistance.

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

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

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

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

[0012] Similar to Patent Document 1, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2016-108733 (Patent Document 4) proposes a method for disinfecting facilities that use tap water by electrolyzing tap water to generate free chlorine, such as hypochlorous acid, and then flowing the resulting solution into the facility. The methods described in these documents are believed to be able to inactivate viruses without the need for tedious tasks, such as spraying the above-mentioned hypochlorous acid spray before and after each use of the facility. However, the hypochlorous acid obtained by the method proposed in Patent Document 4 and other publications is low in concentration, so it takes time to inactivate viruses. Therefore, when multiple people use the facility consecutively, there is a risk of inconvenience, such as some people using the facility in a state where the viruses are not fully inactivated. Furthermore, organic contaminants containing nitrogen or sulfur are present in water-related environments and in human feces containing viruses. When such contaminants are present, free chlorine or oxidizing agents may preferentially consume (act on) these contaminants before inactivating the viruses. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can sufficiently inactivate viruses while removing the organic matter from contaminants containing both viruses and organic matter.

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

[0014] To address this issue, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2016-035196 (Patent Document 5) proposes a method of cleaning bacteria and dirt on the target parts of water-related equipment by spraying them with normal water that does not contain any disinfecting ingredients. This method is said to be able to clean organic dirt and accumulated bacteria in advance, allowing the disinfecting effect of ozone water to reach deep into the accumulated bacteria.

[0015] In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-168231 (Patent Document 6) proposes a method of discharging disinfectant water containing free chlorine or the like after discharging wash water intended to remove organic contaminants near the bathroom wash area. This method is characterized by removing organic contaminants in advance along with the wash water to prevent a decrease in the effectiveness of the disinfectant water. In this case, if disinfectant water is discharged when a large amount of wash water remains (residual water), the disinfectant components of the disinfectant water are immediately diluted by the residual water, which may reduce the disinfectant effect of the disinfectant water. Therefore, it is important to form a flow of the wash water toward the drain and to provide time between the discharge of the wash water and the discharge of the disinfectant water to ensure a reaction time between the organic contaminants and the wash water and a time for draining the wastewater. This is because the effectiveness of the disinfectant water may be reduced if the disinfectant water is discharged before the discharge of the wastewater. Therefore, it is considered preferable to discharge the disinfectant water so as to avoid mixing the organic contaminants, the wash water, and the disinfectant water as much as possible. However, since chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium is resistant to free chlorine, free chlorine does not provide a sufficient bactericidal effect, while ozone requires a high concentration for sterilization.

[0016] Furthermore, when suppressing bacterial growth over a long period of time, it is desirable to efficiently automatically control the discharge of the electrolyzed water. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-353204 (Patent Document 7) discloses a device that predicts the growth state of bacteria present in a target area based on the environment, such as the temperature and moisture of the target area, the amount of nutrients, or the frequency and duration of use by the user, and controls the electrolytic generation concentration and supply amount of hypochlorous acid according to the growth state of the bacteria. The device described in Patent Document 7 efficiently electrolyzes and discharges hypochlorous acid water according to the growth state of the bacteria. However, regardless of the growth state of the bacteria, suppressing chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium requires the generation of high concentrations of hypochlorous acid that require the addition of chloride ions. It is also easy to imagine generating hypochlorous acid by replacing hypochlorous acid with ozone, but even in this case, the required ozone concentration is still high, which poses a risk to human health, a risk of resin degradation, and a large load on the electrodes.

[0017] JP 10-306484 A JP 2008-073604 A JP 2008-168002 A JP 2016-108733 A JP 2016-035196 A JP 2008-168231 A JP 2001-353204 A

[0018] Chlorine resistance mechanism of Protomonas extorquens frequently isolated from drinking tank water [Author: Katsunori Furuhata], Antibacterial and Antifungal Society, Vol. 19, No. 8, pp. 395-399, 1991; Pink monster lurking in the bathroom [Author: Nozomi Ihara], Journal of Bioengineering Society, Vol. 94, 2016; Environmental Science & Technology, 44, 808-812 (2010); Ozone: Science and Engineering, 28, 317-328 (2006); Inactivation effect of ozone water on bacteria and viruses [Author: Katsuhiko Nakamuro], Journal of the Electrostatic Society of Japan, 35, 4, 154-160 (2011).

[0019] The present inventors have discovered a novel configuration for equipment in a building where tap water is used, which can reliably suppress contamination of a desired location by microorganisms, particularly chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, or viruses. Specifically, the inventors have confirmed that microbial growth can be effectively suppressed, or that proliferated microorganisms can be effectively sterilized or inactivated, by discharging the first modified water and the second modified water so that the state or time in which they are mixed at the desired location, in other words, the state or time in which the active ingredients contained in each modified water can simultaneously act on microorganisms, is ensured at least during the period in which the modified water is discharged in connection with the use of the equipment according to the present invention. Here, "a period during which reformed water is discharged in connection with the use of the equipment according to the present invention" refers to a period during which reformed water is discharged in connection with the use of the equipment according to the present invention in accordance with various discharge modes, such as discharge timing ("each time," "occasionally"), discharge method ("simultaneous discharge," "different time discharge"), combinations of discharge timing and discharge method (see Table 1), discharge modes based on combinations of these with the number of discharges, and discharge modes such as "variable CT value mode" (hereinafter abbreviated as "reformed water discharge period"). Furthermore, as long as the reformed water discharge period includes a time during which the first and second reformed waters are ensured to be mixed at the desired location in connection with the use of the equipment according to the present invention and within the scope of achieving the purpose of suppressing contamination by microorganisms, etc., even if there is a time during the reformed water discharge period during which either or both of the first and second reformed waters are not discharged, this time will be included in the reformed water discharge period.

[0020] The present invention is based on this finding. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a facility in a building where tap water is used, which uses two types of modified water containing specific active ingredients and discharges the modified waters in a manner that ensures that the modified waters are mixed at a desired location or for at least the period during which the modified waters are discharged, thereby efficiently inhibiting the growth of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses, or efficiently sterilizing or inactivating the grown chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses.

[0021] The inventors have discovered that one mode of discharging the first modified water and the second modified water so that the state or time in which they are mixed at the desired location is ensured at least during the modified water discharge period, i.e., the first mode of the present invention, is to discharge the first modified water and the second modified water at the desired location at specific timings. It has been confirmed that this method effectively inhibits the growth of microorganisms and effectively sterilizes or inactivates proliferated microorganisms, even when organic matter is present in addition to microorganisms or viruses at the desired location, without the organic matter diminishing the effectiveness of the active ingredients contained in each modified water in killing microorganisms and the like, and without causing various problems that arise from using active ingredients at high concentrations.

[0022] The inventors have discovered that as another embodiment of the present invention in which the first modified water and the second modified water are discharged so as to ensure at least during the modified water discharge period that the first modified water and the second modified water are mixed at the desired location, or for a period of time, the present invention selectively executes a discharge mode in which the first modified water and the second modified water are discharged simultaneously or at different times to the desired location, thereby ensuring a period of time in which the active ingredients contained in each modified water can simultaneously and effectively act on microorganisms or viruses; and a mode in which either the first modified water or the second modified water is discharged, or tap water (rather than either modified water), or neither is discharged. The inventors have confirmed that this enables the growth of microorganisms or viruses to be effectively inhibited, or the growth of proliferated microorganisms or viruses to be effectively sterilized or inactivated, with the minimum necessary discharge frequency, particularly in consideration of the slow growth characteristics of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, and thereby reliably suppresses contamination by microorganisms or viruses.

[0023] The inventors have discovered that as another embodiment of the present invention in which the first modified water and the second modified water are discharged so as to ensure at least a state or time during which they are mixed at a desired location during the modified water discharge period, i.e., a third embodiment of the present invention, the first modified water and the second modified water are discharged simultaneously or at different times to a desired location, with the concentration of the active ingredient or the discharge time of either or both of the first modified water and the second modified water being varied. This makes it possible to efficiently inhibit the growth of slow-growing chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and other chlorine-sensitive bacteria or viruses, and to efficiently sterilize or inactivate the grown bacteria or viruses, thereby reliably suppressing contamination.

[0024] The inventors have discovered that as another embodiment of the present invention, in which the first modified water and the second modified water are discharged so as to ensure that they are mixed at a desired location or for at least the period during the modified water discharge period, i.e., as a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the first modified water containing a specific active ingredient and the second modified water containing a specific active ingredient different from the first active ingredient are simultaneously discharged to a desired location. They have confirmed that this effectively inhibits the growth of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses, or effectively sterilizes or inactivates the grown chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses, thereby reliably suppressing contamination.

[0025] In a first aspect of the present invention, the equipment according to the present invention is equipment in a building where tap water is used, and the equipment comprises: a device for generating first reformed water and second reformed water; piping for supplying tap water to the device; a discharge unit for discharging the first reformed water and the second reformed water to an area where contamination by microorganisms or viruses needs to be suppressed; and a control unit; and the equipment starts discharging the second reformed water after starting discharging the first reformed water, and the discharge of the second reformed water is started after the discharge of the first reformed water is stopped, or is started while the first reformed water is being discharged.

[0026] In a second aspect of the present invention, the equipment according to the present invention is equipment in a building where tap water is used, and the equipment comprises: a device for generating first modified water and second modified water; piping for supplying tap water to the device; a discharge unit for discharging the first modified water and the second modified water to an area where contamination by microorganisms or viruses needs to be suppressed; and a control unit, wherein the equipment is characterized by comprising: a first mode in which the first modified water and the second modified water are discharged, making it possible to ensure that these modified waters act simultaneously on microorganisms or viruses at the area; and a second mode in which the first modified water, the second modified water, or tap water is discharged alone or not at all.

[0027] In a third aspect of the present invention, the equipment according to the present invention is equipment in a building where tap water is used, and the equipment comprises: a device for generating first modified water and second modified water; piping for supplying tap water to the device; a discharge unit for discharging the first modified water and second modified water to an area where contamination by microorganisms or viruses needs to be suppressed; and a control unit, and the equipment is characterized in that it discharges the first modified water and the second modified water by changing either or both of: (a) the concentration of the active ingredient contained in each of the first modified water and the second modified water; and (b) the discharge time of the first modified water and the second modified water according to the discharge timing.

[0028] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the facility according to the present invention is a facility in a building where tap water is used, the facility comprising: a device for producing first reformed water and second reformed water; piping for supplying tap water to the device; a discharge unit for discharging the first reformed water and the second reformed water to a location where contamination by microorganisms or viruses needs to be suppressed; and a control unit, wherein the first reformed water and the second reformed water are discharged simultaneously, and the first reformed water and the second reformed water, when mixed, have any one of the following compositions A, B, C, and D: A: containing 0.05 ppm or more of ozone and 1.5 ppm or more of free chlorine; B: containing 0.1 ppm or more of ozone and more than 0.75 ppm of free chlorine; C: containing 0.2 ppm or more of ozone and 0.1 ppm or more of free chlorine; D: containing 0.5 ppm or more of free chlorine and more than 15 ppm of hydrogen peroxide. The present invention is characterized in that the signal is generated so that:

[0029] According to the present invention, by discharging the first modified water and the second modified water so that the state or time in which they are mixed at the desired location is ensured at least during the modified water discharge period, it is possible to efficiently suppress the growth of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses, or to efficiently sterilize or inactivate the grown chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses.

[0030] According to a first aspect of the present invention, first and second modified waters are discharged to a desired site at specific times, i.e., at different times, while ensuring a state or time in which the active ingredients contained in each modified water can simultaneously act on microorganisms, etc., thereby effectively inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, etc., or effectively sterilizing or inactivating proliferated microorganisms, etc., even in the presence of organic matter, without the effect of the active ingredients on killing microorganisms, etc., being diminished by the organic matter, and without causing various problems associated with using active ingredients at high concentrations. Furthermore, the growth of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses in the presence of organic matter can be efficiently inhibited, or proliferated chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses can be efficiently sterilized or inactivated, without requiring cumbersome operations such as adding salt, and without impairing the durability of resin materials or rubber agents surrounding the site to be sterilized, etc., or the life of the electrodes. Furthermore, even in the presence of organic matter, the growth of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses can be efficiently inhibited, or the grown chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses can be efficiently killed or inactivated, without increasing the concentration of highly oxidizing components. This prevents the inactivating effect of the highly oxidizing components from being lost due to organic matter, and prevents the problems described above that arise from using highly oxidizing components at high concentrations, thereby suppressing the generation of bacterial stains in living environments where tap water is used.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the present invention, by selectively executing either a discharge mode in which the first modified water and the second modified water are discharged simultaneously or at different times to a desired location, thereby ensuring a state or time in which the active ingredients contained in each modified water can effectively act on microorganisms or viruses simultaneously; or a mode in which the first modified water or the second modified water is discharged, or tap water (rather than each modified water), or neither is discharged, it is possible to efficiently suppress the growth of microorganisms or viruses with the minimum necessary discharge frequency, particularly in consideration of the slow growth characteristics of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, and to efficiently sterilize or inactivate the proliferated microorganisms or viruses, thereby reliably suppressing contamination by microorganisms or viruses. Furthermore, by executing the former mode, the concentrations of the active ingredients in the first modified water and the second modified water can be lowered compared to the concentrations of the active ingredients when each modified water is discharged alone, and by being able to use this mode in combination with the latter mode, it is possible to simultaneously remove contaminants (organic matter).

[0032] According to a third aspect of the present invention, first and second modified waters are simultaneously or at different times discharged to a desired location, ensuring a state or time in which the active ingredients contained in each modified water can simultaneously and effectively act on microorganisms or viruses. The concentrations or discharge times of the active ingredients of either or both of the first and second modified waters are varied during discharge, thereby effectively inhibiting the growth of slow-growing chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and other chlorine-sensitive bacteria or viruses, and further efficiently sterilizing or inactivating the proliferated bacteria or viruses, thereby reliably suppressing contamination. Because chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium grows slowly, it is desirable to simultaneously contact the first and second modified waters with the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium to achieve growth inhibition and sterilization effects. In this case, it is desirable to sterilize bacteria other than chlorine-sensitive Methylobacterium in advance, in order to allow the active ingredients of the modified waters to effectively act on the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. That is, for bacteria that are sensitive to chlorine, it is desirable to discharge either the first or second modified water, or to set the concentration or discharge time of the first and second modified waters relatively low. For example, in situations where a high concentration of active ingredient and / or a relatively long discharge time of modified water (hereinafter referred to as a "high CT value") are required, discharging the first modified water and the second modified water with high CT values ​​can provide an efficient growth inhibition effect and bactericidal effect on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. Furthermore, in situations where a high CT value is not required, discharging the first modified water and the second modified water with low CT values ​​can suppress the growth of other bacteria that are sensitive to chlorine, while reducing the discharge frequency of the first modified water and the second modified water with high CT values ​​or reducing the total amount of the active ingredient discharged from the modified water. As a result, it is possible to reduce risks to human health, the risk of deterioration of resins constituting equipment components, electrode load, etc.

[0033] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a low concentration of an active ingredient selected from ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and free chlorine, along with a low concentration of another active ingredient, can effectively inhibit the growth of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses on the surface of equipment where tap water is used, or can effectively sterilize or inactivate chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses that have grown on the surface. The growth inhibitory effect and / or sterilizing or inactivating effect of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses can be maintained for a long period of time. Furthermore, since the active ingredients used in the present invention, particularly active ingredients with relatively strong oxidizing power, are used at low concentrations, advantages are obtained, such as not impairing the durability of components constituting equipment where tap water is used, such as resins and rubbers, not imposing a load on the modified water generating device, and not impairing the lifespan of electrodes. In addition, even if the active ingredients are at a low concentration, such as those produced using tap water with no added salt as a raw material, by combining them, it is possible to obtain the effect of inhibiting the growth of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses and / or killing or inactivating them, thereby maintaining the hygiene and cleanliness of bathrooms without causing any hassle to customers.

[0034] Schematic diagrams showing that the reformed water of the present invention can effectively bactericidal against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. (A) Schematic diagram showing that a low concentration of free chlorine alone can bactericidal against Methylobacterium type strains. (B) Schematic diagram showing that a low concentration of free chlorine alone does not bactericidal against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. A schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the equipment according to the present invention. Equipment 1 includes a reformed water generator 2 that produces first reformed water and second reformed water. A schematic diagram showing another example of the configuration of the equipment according to the present invention. In equipment 1A, a reformed water generator (2A or 2B) that produces the first reformed water and a reformed water generator (2B or 2A) that produces the second reformed water are arranged in parallel. An example of a circuit for the reformed water generator 2 included in the equipment 1 shown in FIG. 3. In device 2, ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine can be simultaneously produced using a single electrode pair. 1 shows an example of a circuit for the reforming water generating device 2 included in the equipment 1 shown in FIG. 3. The device 2 includes a separate (series) electrode pair capable of generating ozone or hydrogen peroxide and a separate electrode pair capable of generating free chlorine. This shows an example of a circuit for reforming water generating devices 2A and 2B included in the equipment 1A shown in FIG. 4. In the circuit shown in FIG. 6, reforming water containing ozone is generated by generating ozone gas and dissolving it in tap water, rather than by electrolysis of tap water. In the circuit shown in FIG. 7, reforming water containing ozone is generated by generating ozone gas and dissolving it in tap water, rather than by electrolysis of tap water. This shows an example of a control sequence for simultaneously discharging first reforming water and second reforming water. This shows an example of a control sequence for discharging first reforming water and second reforming water at different times. This is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling the equipment 1A shown in FIGS. 4, 7, and 9, which is one embodiment of the present invention. This shows an example of a control sequence for discharging first reforming water and second reforming water individually. Fig. 1 shows an example of a control sequence when reformed water is discharged in a first mode and a second mode. Fig. 2 shows an example of a control sequence when reformed water is discharged in a CT value variable mode. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a toilet as an example of equipment according to the present invention. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a urinal as an example of equipment according to the present invention. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a bathroom as an example of equipment according to the present invention.1 is a schematic diagram of an automatic basin faucet, which is an example of equipment according to the present invention; 2 is a schematic diagram of a kitchen sink including an automatic kitchen faucet, which is an example of equipment according to the present invention; 3 is a schematic diagram of an automatic kitchen faucet, which is an example of equipment according to the present invention; 4 is a diagram showing the bactericidal effect when modified water containing only free chlorine is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium; 5 shows examples of free chlorine and ozone concentration conditions under which a synergistic bactericidal effect on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium is observed; 6 (a) is a diagram showing the bactericidal effect when modified water containing 1.5 ppm of free chlorine and 0.1 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium; 7 (b) is a diagram showing the bactericidal effect when modified water containing 0.375 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium; 8 (c) is a diagram showing the bactericidal effect when modified water containing 0.75 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium; (d) A graph showing the bactericidal effect when modified water containing 1.5 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. (e) A graph showing the bactericidal effect when modified water containing 1.5 ppm of free chlorine and 0.05 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. (f) A graph showing the bactericidal effect when modified water containing 1.0 ppm of free chlorine and 0.1 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. (g) A graph showing the bactericidal effect when modified water containing 0.2 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. Examples of free chlorine and ozone concentration conditions under which a synergistic bactericidal effect on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium is observed in the presence of a medium concentration of organic matter are shown. (a) A graph showing the bactericidal effect when modified water containing 2.0 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. (b) A graph showing the bactericidal effect when modified water containing 4.9 ppm of free chlorine and 1.0 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. (c) A graph showing the bactericidal effect when modified water containing 4.9 ppm of free chlorine and 2.9 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. The free chlorine and ozone concentration conditions under which no synergistic bactericidal effect on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was observed are shown.(a) This shows the bactericidal effect when modified water containing 0.375 ppm of free chlorine and 0.1 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. (b) This shows the bactericidal effect when modified water containing 0.75 ppm of free chlorine and 0.1 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. The preferred ranges of ozone and free chlorine concentrations contained in modified water that exhibit a synergistic effect in killing chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium are visually shown as the areas surrounded by Equations 1, 2, and 3. (a) This shows the results of Virus Inactivation Effect Test 13. (b) This shows the results of Virus Inactivation Effect Test 14. (a) This shows the results of Virus Inactivation Effect Test 15-1. (b) This shows the results of Virus Inactivation Effect Test 15-2 in the presence of a medium concentration of organic matter. The preferred range of ozone and free chlorine concentrations contained in the modified water, which exhibits a synergistic effect in virus inactivation, is visually shown as the area surrounded by Equations 1, 2, and 3. This is a schematic diagram for explaining the procedure of Test 18, Step 11. This is a schematic diagram for explaining the procedure of Test 18, Step 13. This shows examples of free chlorine and hydrogen peroxide concentration conditions (Tests 23 to 26) in which a synergistic bactericidal effect on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was observed. This shows examples of free chlorine and hydrogen peroxide concentration conditions (Tests 27 to 30) in which a synergistic bactericidal effect on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was observed in the presence of a moderate concentration of organic matter. The preferred range of hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine concentrations contained in the modified water, which exhibits a synergistic effect in killing chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, is visually shown as the area surrounded by Equations 4, 5, 6, and 8.

[0035] Basic Configuration The basic configuration of the equipment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3 as an example. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the equipment 1 is a facility in a building that uses tap water. The equipment 1 is characterized by including a reformed water generating device 2 that generates first reformed water and second reformed water, a pipe 3 that supplies tap water to the reformed water generating device 2, a discharge unit 4 that discharges the reformed water to an area where contamination by microorganisms or viruses should be suppressed, and a control unit 5. The control unit 5 controls, for example, the start-up of the reformed water generating device and the discharge of the reformed water. Details of the control by the control unit 5 will be described later.

[0036] The system according to the present invention is characterized in that a mixed water of the first reforming water and the second reforming water may be produced in a single reforming water production device and the first reforming water and the second reforming water may be simultaneously discharged as a single mixed water (see, for example, Figures 3 and 5 described below), or the first reforming water and the second reforming water may be separately produced in one or more reforming water production devices (see, for example, Figures 4, 6, and 7 described below) and simultaneously discharged. This feature is called "simultaneous discharge" and will be described in detail later. In the present invention, as long as the first reforming water and the second reforming water are simultaneously discharged, the terms "first reforming water and second reforming water" or "first and second reforming water" encompass both an embodiment in which the first reforming water and the second reforming water are separately produced and an embodiment in which the first reforming water and the second reforming water are simultaneously produced as a mixed (substantially one type of) reforming water.

[0037] Alternatively, the equipment according to the present invention may start discharging the second reformed water after starting discharging the first reformed water, in which case the discharge of the second reformed water is started after the discharge of the first reformed water has stopped, or is started while the first reformed water is being discharged. Hereinafter, this feature will be referred to as "differential discharge." That is, the equipment according to the present invention that satisfies the "differential discharge" of the present invention starts discharging the second reformed water while the first reformed water remains at least in an area where contamination by microorganisms or viruses is desired to be suppressed, that is, a state in which both the first reformed water and the second reformed water coexist in the above-mentioned area is maintained for a predetermined period of time, thereby making it possible to maintain a state in which both active ingredients contained in each reformed water can simultaneously act on microorganisms (such as chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and other common bacteria) and viruses.

[0038] With these features, the system of the present invention can efficiently kill microorganisms and viruses, especially those in the presence of organic matter. Furthermore, even if the concentrations of the active ingredients contained in the first modified water and the second modified water are low, the system can effectively kill microorganisms and viruses.

[0039] In the "differential discharge" of the present invention, the discharge of the second reforming water is started preferably less than 30 seconds, more preferably less than 20 seconds, even more preferably less than 10 seconds, advantageously less than 1 second, and even more advantageously 0 seconds after the discharge of the first reforming water has stopped. The "differential discharge" of the present invention is preferably controlled by the control unit 5, which will be described later.

[0040] Facilities where tap water is used In the present invention, a "building" in which facilities where tap water is used is defined as all buildings that are socially accepted as being used for human life, including: detached houses, apartment buildings, and other dwellings where people live; office buildings, offices, business establishments, etc. where people work; various facilities such as commercial facilities and public facilities used by people; and the like.

[0041] In the present invention, "facility where tap water is used" means facility used by users in a building, which discharges tap water alone, or tap water and reformed water simultaneously or at different times, during or before or after use of the facility. "Facility where tap water is used" may further comprise a means for supplying tap water, or may be composed of the means for supplying tap water itself. "Means for supplying tap water" includes so-called water pipes arranged in a building, or means that enable tap water distributed from the water pipes to be ultimately supplied to the facility where tap water is used, as well as things that constitute the facility where tap water is used and by which tap water is supplied.

[0042] In the present invention, specific examples of equipment in which tap water is used include: toilet bowls, urinals, warm water washing toilet seats, toilets with integrated warm water washing seats, toilet units, toilet washing devices, and washing devices for private parts washing nozzles; bathrooms (including modular baths), bathroom washing devices that use tap water, and bathtub washing devices that use tap water; washbasins, automatic washbasin faucets, devices for washing toothbrushes, cups, etc.; and automatic kitchen faucets, kitchen sinks, devices for washing cutting boards, sponge scrubbers, etc., and dishwashing devices.

[0043] Tap Water In the present invention, "tap water" refers to water that has been subjected to a sterilization treatment such as chlorination at a water purification plant and is then supplied to buildings such as houses. "Tap water" includes not only clean water but also grey water. Grey water is preferably treated with a sterilization treatment such as chlorination. In the present invention, it is preferable to subject tap water directly to, for example, electrolysis to produce modified water.

[0044] Modified Water (Types of Modified Water) In the present invention, the modified water contains, as an active ingredient, a component having oxidizing power. These components have the ability to kill chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or to inactivate viruses. In one embodiment of the present invention, the modified water is modified with ozone (O ３ In the present invention, the term "free chlorine" refers to an aqueous solution containing at least one active ingredient selected from the group consisting of hypochlorous acid (HClO) and hypochlorite ions (ClO). － ) combination (mixture).

[0045] (Oxidation-reduction potential of reformed water) The oxidizing power of reformed water is determined by the oxidation-reduction potential of the active ingredients contained in the reformed water. For example, according to the Electrochemistry Handbook (6th edition, Maruzen), the oxidation-reduction potential of hypochlorous acid (HClO), which is a type of free chlorine, is 1.63 V, and examples of ingredients with stronger oxidizing power than hypochlorous acid include ozone (oxidation-reduction potential 2.06 V) and hydrogen peroxide (oxidation-reduction potential 1.76 V).

[0046] (First and Second Reformed Waters) In the present invention, it is preferable to use two types of reformed water: reformed water containing free chlorine and reformed water containing a component with a stronger oxidizing power than free chlorine. In one embodiment of the present invention, one of these two types of reformed water is referred to as the first reformed water, and the other is referred to as the second reformed water. For convenience, in the present invention, both embodiments are encompassed by the terms "first reformed water and second reformed water" or "first and second reformed waters," whether the first reformed water containing one active ingredient and the second reformed water containing another active ingredient are produced separately or simultaneously, i.e., a mixture of one active ingredient and the other active ingredient. In either embodiment, the first (or second) reformed water is synonymous with the reformed water containing the first (or second) active ingredient. In the latter embodiment, the first reformed water also serves as the second reformed water. When the first reforming water contains free chlorine, it is preferable that the second reforming water contains a component with a stronger oxidizing power than free chlorine. This component is preferably ozone or hydrogen peroxide. The components of the first and second reforming waters may be interchanged. That is, the first reforming water may contain a component with a stronger oxidizing power than free chlorine, and the second reforming water may contain free chlorine. In other words, it is preferable that either the first or second reforming water contains free chlorine as a main component. The other paired reforming water may be selected from those with a higher oxidation-reduction potential than free chlorine, and specific examples include ozone or hydrogen peroxide.

[0047] It is known that when ozone and hydrogen peroxide are mixed, they react with each other to generate OH radicals, which then consume each other. In contrast, the combination of free chlorine and ozone or free chlorine and hydrogen peroxide in the present invention does not react with each other when mixed, and therefore is not consumed in the reformed water generating device or piping. Therefore, even if the active ingredients of the first and second reformed waters are low in concentration, they can be easily and efficiently applied to the site (P). Furthermore, since highly reactive OH radicals are not generated when mixed, this is also advantageous in that damage to the components of the equipment 1 and the parts of the site (P) can be suppressed. On the other hand, despite not generating OH radicals with strong bactericidal or virus-inactivating effects, the above combination can exhibit a synergistically high bactericidal effect against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and a synergistically high inactivating effect against viruses. This is quite surprising.

[0048] (Roles of the First Modified Water) Role 1: Oxidizes and washes away organic matter present as dirt. Therefore, it is first dispensed onto the area (P) where contamination needs to be suppressed. Examples of "dirt" include feces, urine, saliva, food, cooking oil, seasonings, sebum, keratin, detergents, cosmetics, and biofilm components secreted by attached microorganisms. Role 2: When combined with the second modified water, it exerts cytotoxicity against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and inactivates viruses. In other words, when the second modified water is dispensed while the first modified water is being dispensed or after its dispense has stopped and while the first modified water remains at the area (P), the first modified water and the second modified water are mixed, and the active ingredients contained in each modified water simultaneously act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and viruses, synergistically exerting their bactericidal and inactivating abilities. Here, in order for the active ingredient contained in the first modified water to remain in the region (P), it is desirable to use an ingredient that has a high residual property in the region (P) as the active ingredient. Of the active ingredients contained in the first and second modified waters, free chlorine has a higher residual property, so it is more preferable that the first modified water contains free chlorine and the second modified water contains ozone or hydrogen peroxide.

[0049] (Role of the second modified water) Role: When combined with the first modified water, it exerts cytotoxicity on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and inactivates viruses.

[0050] (Concentration of Active Ingredients in Modified Water) In the present invention, the concentration of active ingredients refers to the concentration of each active ingredient in the first and second modified waters when they are discharged from the discharge portion 4 .

[0051] (Method for quantifying the concentration of modified water) The method for quantifying the ozone concentration in water is the indigo method defined in JIS B 9946:2019, in which the concentration of indigo decolorized by reaction with ozone is measured with a spectrophotometer and the ozone concentration is calculated from the decrease in absorbance.

[0052] The method for quantifying the free chlorine concentration in water is the DPD colorimetry method defined in JIS K 0400-33-10:1999, in which free chlorine reacts with DPD (N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine) to produce a red color.

[0053] The method for quantifying hydrogen peroxide in water is the oxidation-reduction titration method specified in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia, in which hydrogen peroxide is reacted with potassium permanganate and the point at which a sudden change in potential difference occurs is detected as the equivalence point. Alternatively, a quantitative determination may be made based on the color reaction of a dye (Xylenol Orange) accompanying the oxidation of iron ions by hydrogen peroxide.

[0054] (Preferred Active Ingredients and Their Concentration Ranges) In the present invention, the concentrations of the active ingredients contained in the modified water are preferably 0.05 ppm or more for ozone, more than 5 ppm for hydrogen peroxide, and 0.1 ppm or more for free chlorine, which allows for excellent bactericidal and inactivating effects against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and viruses, as will be described later.

[0055] In the present invention, the upper limit of the ozone concentration contained in the reformed water is preferably 3 ppm or less, more preferably less than 3 ppm, and even more preferably 2.9 ppm or less. The upper limit of the hydrogen peroxide concentration contained in the reformed water is preferably less than 350,000 ppm, more preferably 35,000 ppm or less, even more preferably less than 3,500 ppm, advantageously 350 ppm or less, even more advantageously 35 ppm or less, and even more advantageously 15 ppm or less. In this case, the cell walls and cell membranes of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or the outer shells of viruses can be effectively destroyed, allowing free chlorine to penetrate into the bacterial cells or viruses. Furthermore, advantages are obtained, such as not impairing the durability of components constituting the equipment of the present invention, such as resins and rubbers, not imposing a load on the reformed water generating device, and not impairing the life of the electrodes.

[0056] In addition, in the present invention, the upper limit of the free chlorine concentration is not particularly limited, but is, for example, preferably less than 5 ppm, more preferably 4.9 ppm or less, even more preferably 4 ppm or less, advantageously 3 ppm or less, and even more advantageously 2 ppm or less. At such a concentration, the current value applied to the electrodes is not high, and electrode deterioration can be suppressed. This eliminates the need for frequent electrode replacement, improving user convenience. Furthermore, since the electrode area is suppressed from increasing and electrolysis can be performed in a flowing water state, the reformed water generating device can be made smaller. The above-mentioned free chlorine concentration is suitable for the reformed water generating device of the present invention.

[0057] In the present invention, ozone or hydrogen peroxide, which is a preferred active ingredient of the reformed water, and free chlorine coexist at the site (P) during the reformed water discharge period. This allows a synergistic bactericidal effect and inactivation effect to be exerted against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and viruses. In order to allow ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine to coexist at the site (P), in addition to the "differential discharge" method of the present invention, a method of mixing the first reformed water and the second reformed water and discharging them (simultaneous discharge) can be mentioned. In the case of synchronous discharge, the type and concentration of the active ingredients coexisting in the portion (P), or in the case of simultaneous discharge, the type and concentration of the active ingredients contained in the modified water obtained by mixing the first modified water and the second modified water, are preferably any of A, B, C, D, E, F, and G below: A: 0.05 ppm or more of ozone and 1.5 ppm or more of free chlorine B: 0.1 ppm or more of ozone and more than 0.75 ppm of free chlorine C: 0.2 ppm or more of ozone and more than 0.1 ppm of free chlorine D: more than 5 ppm of hydrogen peroxide and more than 1.5 ppm of free chlorine E: more than 10 ppm of hydrogen peroxide and more than 1.0 ppm of free chlorine F: more than 15 ppm of hydrogen peroxide and more than 0.5 ppm of free chlorine G: more than 20 ppm of hydrogen peroxide and more than 0.1 ppm of free chlorine

[0058] In the present invention, in the case of synchronous discharge, when one of the first and second modified waters contains 0.05 ppm or more of ozone, the other preferably has a free chlorine concentration of 1.6 ppm or more, more preferably 2.0 ppm or more. In the case of simultaneous discharge, when the mixed modified water contains 0.05 ppm or more of ozone, the free chlorine concentration is preferably 1.6 ppm or more, more preferably 2.0 ppm or more.

[0059] In the present invention, in the case of synchronous discharge, when one of the first and second modified waters contains 0.1 ppm or more of ozone, the other preferably has a free chlorine concentration of 1.0 ppm or more, more preferably 1.5 ppm or more. In the case of simultaneous discharge, when the mixed modified water contains 0.1 ppm or more of ozone, the free chlorine concentration is preferably 1.0 ppm or more, more preferably 1.5 ppm or more.

[0060] In the present invention, in the case of synchronous discharge, when one of the first and second modified waters contains 0.2 ppm or more of ozone, the concentration of free chlorine contained in the other is preferably 0.2 ppm or more, more preferably 0.3 ppm or more, and even more preferably 0.375 ppm or more. Also, in the case of simultaneous discharge, when the mixed modified water contains 0.2 ppm or more of ozone, the concentration of free chlorine is preferably 0.2 ppm or more, more preferably 0.3 ppm or more, and even more preferably 0.375 ppm or more.

[0061] In the present invention, in the case of synchronous discharge, when one of the first and second reformed waters contains 0.3 ppm or more of ozone, the concentration of free chlorine contained in the other is preferably 0.1 ppm or more, more preferably 0.2 ppm or more, even more preferably 0.3 ppm or more, and most preferably 0.375 ppm or more. Also, in the case of simultaneous discharge, when the mixed reformed water contains 0.3 ppm or more of ozone, the concentration of free chlorine is preferably 0.1 ppm or more, more preferably 0.2 ppm or more, even more preferably 0.3 ppm or more, and most preferably 0.375 ppm or more.

[0062] In the present invention, in the case of synchronous discharge, when one of the first and second reforming waters contains more than 5 ppm of hydrogen peroxide, the concentration of free chlorine contained in the other is preferably 1.6 ppm or more, more preferably 2.0 ppm or more. In the case of simultaneous discharge, when the mixed reforming water contains more than 5 ppm of hydrogen peroxide, the concentration of free chlorine is preferably 1.6 ppm or more, more preferably 2.0 ppm or more.

[0063] In the present invention, in the case of synchronous discharge, when one of the first and second reforming waters contains more than 10 ppm of hydrogen peroxide, the concentration of free chlorine contained in the other is preferably 1.1 ppm or more, more preferably 1.5 ppm or more. In the case of simultaneous discharge, when the mixed reforming water contains more than 10 ppm of hydrogen peroxide, the concentration of free chlorine is preferably 1.1 ppm or more, more preferably 1.5 ppm or more.

[0064] In the present invention, in the case of synchronous discharge, when one of the first and second reforming waters contains more than 15 ppm of hydrogen peroxide, the concentration of free chlorine contained in the other is preferably 0.6 ppm or more, more preferably 1.0 ppm or more. In the case of simultaneous discharge, when the mixed reforming water contains more than 15 ppm of hydrogen peroxide, the concentration of free chlorine is preferably 0.6 ppm or more, more preferably 1.0 ppm or more.

[0065] Bactericidal mechanism of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium when exposed to low concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine In the present invention, when the first and second modified waters are allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium by the "differential discharge" method of the present invention, specifically, when modified water containing a low concentration of ozone or hydrogen peroxide and modified water containing a low concentration of free chlorine are allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in this order or in the reverse order by the "differential discharge" method of the present invention, or when the first and second modified waters are allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium by the "simultaneous discharge" method of the present invention, specifically, when modified water containing both ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine at low concentrations, for example, obtained by mixing the first and second modified waters, is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, the mechanism by which ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine exert a synergistic effect in killing chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium is thought to be as follows. However, the following is merely a hypothesis, and the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these factors.

[0066] Ozone or hydrogen peroxide has strong oxidizing power, so even at low concentrations it can damage or destroy the cell walls and thickened cell membranes (hereinafter simply referred to as "cell membranes") of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium (hereinafter simply referred to as "bacteria"). On the other hand, ozone or hydrogen peroxide is an unstable molecule, and its oxidizing power is short-lived. Therefore, low concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide alone are difficult to sustain enough oxidizing power (cytotoxicity) to overcome the defenses of the bacteria against oxidative damage and oxidatively decompose the biological materials (nucleic acids, proteins, etc.) inside the bacteria after destroying the cell walls and membranes, and are therefore insufficient to reliably kill the bacteria. However, in the present invention, low concentrations of free chlorine oxidize and decompose the biological materials present inside the cell membranes destroyed by ozone or hydrogen peroxide, thereby reliably killing the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. The effect of the modified water of the present invention on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium is shown in Figure 1. (In Figure 1, the chlorine-resistant strain indicates chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, and the gray area indicates the thickened cell membrane of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. Note that the cell wall is not shown.)

[0067] As shown in Figure 2B, low concentrations of free chlorine alone are difficult to destroy the cell wall and thickened cell membrane of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. However, in the present invention, as described above, low concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide can fulfill this role instead. Therefore, free chlorine can penetrate the cell membrane destroyed by ozone or hydrogen peroxide and into the bacterial cell. Furthermore, since free chlorine can continuously exert its oxidizing power, it can reliably oxidize and decompose biological materials after penetrating into the bacterial cell. Note that Figure 2A shows that for a standard strain of Methylobacterium that has not acquired chlorine resistance, even low concentrations of free chlorine alone can destroy the cell membrane and further oxidize and decompose biological materials inside the bacterial cell.

[0068] On the other hand, a synergistic bactericidal effect can also be achieved on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium by first acting with free chlorine and then with ozone or hydrogen peroxide. In this case, it is presumed that free chlorine damages the cell wall and thickened cell membrane of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, promoting the penetration of ozone or hydrogen peroxide into the bacterial cells, whereby the ozone or hydrogen peroxide oxidizes biological materials (nucleic acids, proteins, etc.), thereby exerting a bactericidal effect.

[0069] As described above, the modified water of the present invention effectively utilizes the properties of ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine, and can achieve sterilization of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, which has been difficult to achieve even when either one is present at a high concentration, even when both are present at low concentrations, particularly when the ozone concentration is at least 0.05 ppm.

[0070] Virus inactivation effect when both ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine are applied at low concentrations. The inventors discovered that, although tap water electrolysis typically produces only low concentrations of free chlorine, by generating not only free chlorine but also ozone or hydrogen peroxide, viruses can be reliably inactivated simply by applying the resulting modified water for a short period of time, and confirmed this effect. The mechanisms of action for inactivating viruses by applying both ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine at low concentrations are thought to be (1) and (2) below, and it is believed that either (1) or (2), or a combination of both (1) and (2), can sufficiently inactivate viruses. However, the following discussion is merely hypothetical, and the present invention should not be construed as being limited by these mechanisms.

[0071] Mechanism of Action (1): Ozone Accelerates Viral Genome Damage Caused by Free Chlorine As previously mentioned, it is known that ozone or hydrogen peroxide oxidizes Trp, Met, His, Tyr, and Cys in the capsid proteins that make up virus particles and in functional proteins present on the virus surface (Environmental Science & Technology, 44, 808-812 (2010)). However, short-term exposure to low concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide does not sufficiently inactivate viruses. However, oxidation of capsid proteins and functional proteins by low concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide is thought to have the unexpected effect of loosening the rigid polyhedral structure of virus particles, making it easier for free chlorine to penetrate the viral outer shell. As a result, free chlorine can reach the genomic RNA or DNA inside the virus, which is thought to highly efficiently oxidize and damage the viral genome, thereby enabling reliable virus inactivation.

[0072] Mechanism of Action (2): Synergistic Oxidation of Viral Proteins by Ozone or Hydrogen Peroxide and Free Chlorine As described above, ozone or hydrogen peroxide oxidizes Trp, Met, His, Tyr, and Cys, which constitute the capsid protein and functional proteins of virus particles. On the other hand, free chlorine oxidizes (carbonylates) a portion of the Lys, which constitutes the capsid protein and functional proteins (Ozone: Science and Engineering, 28, 317-328 (2006)). Even if low concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide or free chlorine are exposed alone for a short period of time, the types of amino acid residues oxidized are limited, and therefore it is generally predicted that this is insufficient to cause the loss of function of capsid proteins or functional proteins. Furthermore, even if low concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide are exposed in combination with low concentrations of free chlorine, the number of amino acid residues oxidized only increases by one, and therefore it is generally difficult to predict that the effect of causing protein loss of function will be enhanced. However, surprisingly, it is believed that by combining low concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide with low concentrations of free chlorine, for example by oxidizing only one amino acid residue with free chlorine, it is possible to extremely efficiently inactivate protein function, which is believed to result in reliable inactivation of viruses.

[0073] As described above, the modified water of the present invention effectively utilizes the properties of ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine, and can inactivate viruses, which has been difficult to achieve even when both are at low concentrations, or when either one is at a high concentration.

[0074] Methods for Producing Modified Water In the present invention, there are three main methods for producing modified water: (1) Electrolysis method: producing modified water by electrolyzing tap water (also simply called "electrolysis"); (2) Gas method: activating air to produce gas containing active ingredients, and then dissolving the produced gas in tap water; (3) Reagent method: producing modified water by dissolving a high concentration reagent in tap water.

[0075] In the specific embodiments of the present invention described below, method (1) will be mainly described. Method (1) can generate modified water by electrolyzing tap water while it is flowing through the system, and can immediately discharge the modified water. Here, the modified water is electrolyzed water. However, if the active ingredient of the modified water is ozone, method (2) may also be used. Method (3) requires the user to take the trouble of replenishing the reagent, but the equipment 1 does not need to have the functions of electrolysis or gas generation, so the configuration of the equipment 1 can be simplified.

[0076] Reformed Water Generating Apparatus In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reformed water generating apparatus 2 has a function of electrolyzing tap water to generate first reformed water and second reformed water.

[0077] 5 , the reforming water generating apparatus 2 may include an electrode pair 231 that simultaneously generates first reforming water and second reforming water, a power supply 21 that applies a current or current to the electrode pair 231, and a switch 22 that switches the power supply ON / OFF. The switch 22 may be configured to be controlled by the control unit 5.

[0078] The reformed water generating device 2 may be a reformed water generating device 2 comprising two electrode pairs: an electrode pair (A) for generating a first reformed water, and an electrode pair (B) for generating a second reformed water.

[0079] The reforming water generating apparatus 2 shown in Fig. 6 is an example that includes electrode pairs (A) 232 and (B) 233 that are arranged in series. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 7, the reforming water generating apparatus 2 may be divided into a reforming water generating apparatus 2A that includes electrode pair (A) 232 and a reforming water generating apparatus 2B that includes electrode pair (B) 233, or the reforming water generating apparatuses 2A and 2B may be arranged in parallel.

[0080] (Configuration Example of Serial Arrangement) An example configuration of a reforming water generating apparatus 2 in which two electrode pairs (A) and (B) are arranged in series will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the reforming water generating apparatus 2 has an electrode pair (A) 232 that produces first reforming water and an electrode pair (B) 233 that produces second reforming water arranged in series. The reforming water generating apparatus 2 may be provided with power sources 21 (21A, 21B) that apply current or voltage to activate each electrode pair, and switches 22 (22A, 22B) that switch the power sources 21 (21A, 21B) on and off. The switches 22 (22A, 22B) may be configured to be controlled by the control unit 5.

[0081] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, two pairs of electrodes are sufficient: one capable of generating ozone or hydrogen peroxide, and the other capable of generating free chlorine. Electrode pair (A) 232 consists of an anode 2321 and a cathode 2322. Electrode pair (B) 233 consists of an anode 2331 and a cathode 2332. Both of the electrodes may be, for example, plate-shaped. Tap water is electrolyzed between the anode 2321 and the cathode 2322 to produce ozone (O ３ 6 a) is generated. Tap water is electrolyzed between the anode 2331 and the cathode 2332 to generate free chlorine (i.e., hypochlorous acid molecules (HClO, b) in FIG. 6) and hypochlorous acid ions (ClO － , and c) in Figure 6 are generated. In this embodiment, a configuration in which ozone is generated by the electrode pair (A) and free chlorine is generated by the electrode pair (B) is exemplified, but it goes without saying that a configuration in which free chlorine is generated by the electrode pair (A) and ozone is generated by the electrode pair (B) may be adopted, for example, by appropriately exchanging or selecting the electrode pairs (anode, cathode).

[0082] (Example of a Parallel Arrangement) An example of a configuration will be described in which two electrode pairs (A) and (B) are arranged in each of two reformed water generators 2A and 2B, i.e., the electrode pairs (A) and (B) are arranged in parallel. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , the electrically reformed water generator 2A has an electrode pair (A) 232 capable of generating ozone or hydrogen peroxide, and the reformed water generator 2B has an electrode pair (B) 233 capable of generating free chlorine, and the reformed water generators 2A and 2B are arranged in parallel. It goes without saying that it is also possible to generate free chlorine using the electrode pair (A) and ozone or hydrogen peroxide using the electrode pair (B), for example, by appropriately switching or selecting the electrode pair (anode, cathode). In order to activate each electrode pair, a power supply 21 (21A, 21B) that applies a current or voltage and a switch 22 (22A, 22B) that switches the power supply 21 (21A, 21B) on and off may be provided.

[0083] In the present invention, the reformed water generators 2, 2A, and 2B are preferably connected downstream of a pipe 3 that supplies tap water to these reformed water generators, as shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, for example. This allows tap water to flow into the reformed water generators. The reformed water generators may be provided with, for example, a sealable member to prevent leakage of the tap water supplied from the pipe 3. The reformed water generators may also include an electrolytic cell capable of electrolyzing tap water to produce the reformed water.

[0084] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the tap water supplied to the modified water generator be temperature-regulated, and the equipment of the present invention is preferably equipped with a temperature regulator for this purpose. The temperature regulator is preferably provided between the piping 3 and the modified water generator that generates ozone, and heats the tap water before supplying it to the modified water generator. The present invention is characterized in that an effective bactericidal or viral inactivation effect can be achieved with a low concentration of ozone. It is known that when generating ozone by electrolysis of water, the lower the water temperature, the higher the generated ozone concentration (Hymen Gijutsu, vol. 56, pp. 106-112 (2005)). By heating and electrolyzing tap water, the generated ozone concentration can be prevented from becoming excessively high, even in winter when the water temperature is low. Furthermore, even when generating ozone gas from atmospheric oxygen and dissolving it in tap water, the higher the water temperature, the lower the solubility of ozone gas, and therefore the generated ozone concentration can be prevented from becoming excessively high.

[0085] In the present invention, tap water electrolysis by the reformed water generator may be performed using either a storage system or a flow-through system, as described below. In the case of a storage system electrolysis system, for example, a valve for stopping water flow is provided between the reformed water generator and the pipes 7, 7A, and 7B to which the reformed water is supplied, and the reformed water generator 2 is operated with tap water stored in an electrolytic cell that may be equipped with an electrode pair. This makes it possible to intentionally increase the concentration of the reformed water generated. In the case of a storage system electrolysis system, it is preferable to ensure time for storing tap water and to provide a mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the valve.

[0086] In the case of a flow-through electrolysis system as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, for example, the reformed water generators 2, 2A, and 2B are operated while tap water is being passed through the piping 3 to the reformed water generators 2, 2A, and 2B. This allows the generated reformed water to be quickly passed through the piping 7, 7A, and 7B. Furthermore, the generated reformed water can be quickly discharged to the location (P). In the flow-through electrolysis system, it is preferable to start the reformed water generators 2, 2A, and 2B simultaneously with or after tap water is passed through the piping 3 to the reformed water generators 2, 2A, and 2B. In the flow-through electrolysis system, electrolysis is performed while the water is being passed through, so the generated reformed water has a lower concentration than the storage-type electrolysis system. However, according to the present invention, even with the low-concentration reformed water obtained by the flow-through electrolysis system, chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium can be quickly and at a high rate sterilized, as described below. The water-flow electrolysis method can produce reformed water in a short time, and therefore, in the present invention, the water-flow electrolysis method is preferred from the viewpoint of quickly inactivating chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in particular.

[0087] In the present invention, the modified water generating apparatus described above preferably does not include a means for supplying a chlorine compound to the electrodes. In other words, the modified water generating apparatus of the present invention does not require the supply of a chlorine compound to the electrodes. To adjust (increase) the concentration of free chlorine contained in the modified water to a desired concentration, it is possible to add a chlorine compound, such as sodium chloride, sodium hypochlorite, or hypochlorous acid water, to tap water, as disclosed in Patent Document 2. To achieve this, it is also possible to provide the modified water generating apparatus with a means for storing the chlorine compound or a valve for supplying the chlorine compound to the electrodes. However, in the present invention, as already described, tap water is directly electrolyzed to produce modified water containing a specific low concentration of ozone or hydrogen peroxide, modified water containing a specific low concentration of free chlorine, or modified water containing both a specific low concentration of ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine, which can effectively kill or inactivate chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses. The modified water generating apparatus of the present invention is capable of producing such modified water. Therefore, in the present invention, there is no need to add a chlorine compound to the tap water as a raw material in order to obtain a specific low concentration of free chlorine (together with a specific low concentration of ozone or hydrogen peroxide).

[0088] (Electrodes) In the present invention, the modified water generating device may have two types of electrodes: one capable of generating at least either ozone or hydrogen peroxide, and the other capable of generating at least either free chlorine or hydrogen peroxide. Alternatively, the device may have one electrode pair that is capable of generating both ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine.

[0089] (Electrode Material) The reformed water generating devices shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 include one electrode pair 231 or two electrode pairs (A) 232 and (B) 233.

[0090] (Electrode Pair Simultaneously Generating Ozone or Hydrogen Peroxide and Free Chlorine) The electrode pair 231 primarily generates ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine simultaneously and may include, for example, a substrate and a catalyst layer provided on the substrate. The substrate may be made of, for example, titanium or a titanium alloy. The catalyst layer may be a single layer or multiple layers. The material constituting the catalyst layer is preferably a metal compound containing at least one selected from tin, antimony, nickel, iron, zinc, bismuth, platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, osmium, zirconium, niobium, aluminum, gallium, cobalt, cesium, selenium, zinc, molybdenum, manganese, vanadium, germanium, tellurium, and silver, or an oxide or complex thereof. More preferably, the material is a metal compound containing at least one selected from tin, antimony, nickel, iron, zinc, and bismuth, or an oxide or complex thereof.

[0091] (Electrode Pair for Generating Ozone) The electrode pair (A) 232 primarily generates ozone and may include an anode 2321 and a cathode 2322 disposed across an electrode gap. The electrode pair (A) 232 may be, for example, an electrode structure (see, for example, claim 4, paragraph 0033) described in Japanese Patent No. 6890793, which includes an anode member and a cathode member disposed across an electrode gap from the anode member. By reference to the above-mentioned patent publication, the disclosures regarding the electrode structure in this publication are incorporated herein as disclosures regarding the electrode pair (A) 232 of the present invention. The material of the electrode pair (A) 232 may be any electrically conductive metal, such as platinum group elements, nickel, stainless steel, titanium, zirconium, gold, silver, carbon, iridium, or other noble metals, as well as oxides thereof, niobium oxide, tantalum oxide, or the like.

[0092] Alternatively, the electrode pair (A) 232 may be an electrode in which a catalytic layer is formed on the substrate of the anode 2321, and an ion exchange sheet and a cathode 2322 are laminated in this order on the catalytic layer. The electrolysis electrode unit described in JP 2012-12695 A can be used as such an electrode. By reference to the above publication, the disclosures regarding the electrolysis electrode unit in this publication are incorporated herein by reference as disclosures regarding another aspect of the electrode pair 232 of the present invention. For example, the substrate of the anode 2321 may be titanium, carbon, tungsten, niobium, or silicon, the catalytic layer of the anode may be a conductive diamond film, and the cathode may be a metal (e.g., SUS304) electrode plate approximately 1 mm thick.

[0093] (Electrode pair generating hydrogen peroxide) The electrode pair (A) 232 may mainly generate hydrogen peroxide. The anode electrode may be made of fluorine-doped tin oxide, BiVO4, as described in Japanese Patent No. 6554642. ４ , Al ２ O ３ , TiO ２ , W.O. ３ , CeO ２ , La ２ O ５ The anode electrode preferably has on its surface one or more solid oxides selected from the group consisting of: transition elements such as Ag, Al, Co, Cu, Nb, Ni, Ta, Ti, V, W, and Zr; and typical elements such as Bi, In, Si, and Zn. Furthermore, as disclosed in JP 2014-57944 A, a ruthenium complex may be used as a catalyst, or diamond may be used for the anode electrode.

[0094] (Electrode Pair Generating Free Chlorine) The electrode pair (B) 233 primarily generates free chlorine and may be, for example, an electrode including a substrate and a catalytic layer provided on the substrate. As such an electrode, the electrolysis electrode described in JP 2013-142166 A can be used. By reference to the above publication, the disclosures regarding the electrolysis electrode in this publication are incorporated herein as disclosures regarding the electrode pair (B) 233 of the present invention. The substrate may be made of, for example, titanium or a titanium alloy. The catalytic layer may be a single layer or multiple layers. The catalytic layer may be a composite of a metal and / or metal oxide containing at least one selected from a platinum compound, an iridium compound, a rhodium compound, and a tantalum compound. Examples of platinum compounds include chloroplatinic acid and platinum chloride, with chloroplatinic acid being particularly preferred. Examples of iridium compounds include chloroiridic acid, iridium chloride, iridium nitrate, and the like, with chloroiridic acid being particularly preferred. Examples of rhodium compounds include rhodium chloride and rhodium nitrate, with rhodium chloride being particularly preferred. Examples of tantalum compounds include tantalum chloride and tantalum ethoxide, with tantalum ethoxide being particularly preferred.

[0095] (A modified water generating device that generates ozone gas and dissolves it in tap water, containing ozone as a primary active ingredient) Of the modified water generating devices 2A or 2B in Figures 6 and 7, the modified water generating device that generates ozone may be a device that generates ozone gas using oxygen in the atmosphere as a raw material and dissolves the generated ozone gas in tap water.

[0096] There are two methods for generating ozone gas: Ultraviolet method: When ultraviolet light from a UV light source is irradiated into the atmosphere, oxygen molecules dissociate to generate active oxygen, which then reacts with other oxygen molecules to generate ozone; Electrical discharge method: Oxygen molecules in the atmosphere are decomposed by a high-voltage electrical discharge to generate active oxygen, which then reacts with other oxygen molecules to generate ozone.

[0097] There are two methods for dissolving ozone gas into tap water: a water-passing system, in which ozone gas is dissolved as tap water passes through, and a storage system, in which tap water is stored and the ozone gas is dissolved. Storage systems can achieve a high concentration of ozone in the reformed water, but they have the drawback of requiring components to store the tap water and taking time for the reformed water to be discharged. Key technologies for efficiently dissolving ozone gas into tap water include ejectors and gas-liquid mixers. Alternatively, ozone can be converted into fine bubbles such as microfine bubbles or fine bubbles, which are then mixed with tap water and dissolved. Alternatively, ozone gas can be dissolved by blowing it into tap water through a pipe.

[0098] One example of an apparatus for producing modified water that mainly uses ozonated water is a system in which ozone gas is generated by electrical discharge, tap water is passed through a water supply system, and the ozone gas is blown into the tap water through piping to dissolve the water, as specifically shown in Figures 8 and 9. Here, an electrical discharge method is used as an example, and the control unit 5 controls the application of electricity to the electrode pair (A) of the ozone gas generating unit, but an ultraviolet method may also be used. In that case, a UV light source is provided instead of the electrode pair (A), and the control unit 5 controls the application of electricity to the UV light source.

[0099] (Reformed Water Generating Apparatus Using a Method of Dissolving a Reagent in Tap Water) Of the reformed water generating apparatuses 2A and 2B in Figures 6 and 7, the reformed water generating apparatus that generates free chlorine or hydrogen peroxide may be an apparatus that generates reformed water by dissolving a reagent in tap water. Specifically, in the case of free chlorine, sodium hypochlorite solution can be used as the reagent, and in the case of hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide solution (Japanese Pharmacopoeia name: oxydol) can be used. Although not shown, it is preferable that the reformed water generating apparatus 2 (2A, 2B) be equipped with a connection section for installing a container containing the reagent and an electromagnetic valve or the like for opening and closing the flow of the reagent into the piping 3. When the reformed water is to be discharged, the control unit 5 opens the electromagnetic valve or the like, thereby adding the reagent to the tap water to generate and discharge the reformed water.

[0100] Discharge Unit The discharge unit 4 discharges the reformed water produced by the reformed water generating apparatus to the location (P) where contamination prevention is desired. In other words, the discharge of reformed water to the location (P) is achieved by discharging the reformed water produced by the reformed water generating apparatus from the discharge unit 4. As already explained, in the present invention, the first reformed water and the second reformed water are discharged from the discharge unit 4 so that a state or time in which they are mixed at the location (P) is ensured at least during the reformed water discharge period; in other words, a state or time in which the active ingredients contained in each reformed water can simultaneously act on microorganisms, etc. is ensured at least during the reformed water discharge period. The state in which the first reformed water and the second reformed water are mixed at the location (P) can be achieved by simultaneously discharging the first reformed water and the second reformed water from the discharge unit 4 (simultaneous discharge), or by discharging the first reformed water and the second reformed water at different times from the discharge unit 4 (differential discharge). In the case of staggered discharge, either or both of the discharge start timing and discharge end timing of each reforming water may be different, for example, as shown in Figures 11A and 11B (described later). Details of the discharge timing and discharge method of the reforming water will be described later.

[0101] The discharge unit 4 may include a pipe 7 that supplies the reforming water generated in the reforming water generating apparatus 2 from the reforming water generating apparatus 2 to the discharge unit 4. Alternatively, the discharge unit 4 may be directly connected to the reforming water generating apparatus 2.

[0102] In the configuration of the equipment 1A (FIG. 4), one discharge section 4 (7A, 7B) may be provided for each of the reforming water producing apparatuses 2A and 2B.

[0103] The method of discharging the reforming water to the portion (P) may be a flowing water, a shower, or a spray, or may be a gas-liquid mixed discharge to reduce the amount of reforming water used.

[0104] Flowing is a method in which the reforming water is continuously discharged. Showering is a method in which the reforming water is discharged in particles of about 2000 μm to 300 μm in diameter. Spraying is a method in which the reforming water is discharged as a mist with particles of less than 300 μm in diameter.

[0105] In the case of a shower, for example, a sprinkler plate can be provided at the discharge part 4. In the case of a spray, for example, an atomizing device can be provided at the discharge part 4, and the particle size of the mist can be made small so that the modified water can be distributed over a wide area by diffusion or the like.

[0106] When discharging reforming water containing ozone, it is preferable not to make the particle size of the mist too small in order to prevent excessive evaporation of ozone from the reforming water. The particle size of the mist is expressed by the Sauter mean particle size, which is calculated using a laser diffraction method and is expressed by the following formula: Sauter mean particle size (D32) [μm] = Σnd ３ / Σnd ２ n: number of particles d: particle diameter [μm]

[0107] The preferred particle size in the present invention is a Sauter mean particle size calculated by the above-mentioned laser diffraction measurement method of at least 10 μm or more, preferably 30 μm or more, and more preferably 100 μm or more. With this particle size, the low concentration of ozone contained in the modified water can be reliably discharged to the area (P) where contamination needs to be suppressed. Furthermore, damage to components and harm to people caused by vaporized ozone can be suppressed.

[0108] In the case of gas-liquid mixed discharge, for example, an air bubble mixing device can be provided upstream of the discharge part 4 .

[0109] The discharge unit 4 may also have the function of discharging tap water. For example, in a urinal exemplified later, the discharge unit 4 that discharges the modified water also serves as a discharge port that discharges tap water for cleaning the urinal.

[0110] The control unit in the present invention will be described below using the equipment 1 shown in Figures 3, 5, 6 and 7. The control unit 5 has the function of applying electricity to the electrode pair 231, or the electrode pair (A) 232 and the electrode pair (B) 233.

[0111] The control unit 5 may also have a function of controlling the concentration of the active ingredient by controlling either or both of the voltage and the current during the energization. Alternatively, a regulator may be installed in the modified water producing apparatus 2, and the control unit 5 may control the regulator to change the current value or voltage value.

[0112] Furthermore, when applying a constant current, the control unit 5 may measure the voltage value of the reforming water generating apparatus 2 while it is energized, and control the regulator so that the desired voltage value is achieved. Also, when applying a constant voltage, the control unit 5 may measure the current value of the reforming water generating apparatus 2 while it is energized, and control the regulator so that the desired current value is achieved.

[0113] The control unit 5 may also have a function of applying voltage or current intermittently during the energization. In particular, when producing modified water containing ozone as a main active ingredient, intermittent application of voltage or current is preferable because it reduces the concentration of ozone produced by the electrodes (or UV light source) and prevents the ozone concentration in the discharged modified water from becoming too high.

[0114] The control unit 5 may also have the function of controlling the opening and closing of a valve 6 for tap water flowing in from the pipe 3, the opening and closing of an electromagnetic valve for reformed water flowing out from the pipe 7, manual / automatic switches, various sensors, etc., so that they operate appropriately.

[0115] In the above, when controlling the flow rate of tap water, the control unit 5 may change the discharge time by adjusting the time for which the valve 6 is opened and the time for which a current or voltage is maintained applied to the electrode pair 231, or the electrode pair (A) 232 and the electrode pair (B) 233. As a means for changing the discharge time, the control unit 5 may control the valve 6 and a switch, or a mechanism may be provided that automatically closes the valve 6 after a set time has elapsed.

[0116] Alternatively, a speed control valve may be provided in the pipe 3, and the control unit 5 may change the flow rate by controlling the opening of the speed control valve. Alternatively, an electric pump may be provided between the reformed water producing device 2 and the pipe 3, and the control unit 5 may change the flow rate by controlling the current or voltage applied to the electric pump.

[0117] The control unit 5 preferably further has a function of controlling the position and angle of the discharge unit 4 so that the modified water is discharged so as to reliably contact the site (P). For example, when discharging, the control unit 5 may control the discharge unit 4 to move toward the vicinity of the site (P) using a motor or the like.

[0118] Control In the present invention, the control unit 5 controls the operation of the equipment 1, and starts and stops the discharge of the first reforming water and the second reforming water.

[0119] (Timing for Cleaning the Part (P) by Discharging the First and Second Reforming Waters) In the present invention, there are the following two types of timing for the equipment 1 to discharge the first and second reforming waters.

[0120] Each time: The first and second reformed waters are discharged each time the user uses the equipment 1 (hereinafter referred to as "each time").

[0121] Occasionally: A mode (first mode) in which the first modified water and the second modified water are discharged and these modified waters are allowed to act on microorganisms or viruses simultaneously at the location (P), specifically, a state in which these modified waters act on microorganisms or viruses simultaneously at the location (P) is maintained for a desired period of time, and a mode (second mode) in which the first modified water, the second modified water, or tap water is discharged alone, or is not discharged at all (hereinafter referred to as "occasionally").

[0122] (Method of Discharging the First and Second Reforming Waters) In the present invention, the equipment 1 can discharge the first and second reforming waters in the following two ways.

[0123] Simultaneous discharge: When the first and second reforming waters are discharged simultaneously (hereinafter referred to as "simultaneous discharge")

[0124] Differential discharge: When the first and second reforming waters are discharged at different times rather than simultaneously (hereinafter referred to as "differential discharge").

[0125] In the above-described equipment of the present invention, the timing for cleaning the portion (P) by discharging the first and second reforming waters and the manner in which the first and second reforming waters are discharged are shown in Table 1.

[0126]

[0127] When the first and second reforming waters are discharged "each time" or "occasionally," the discharge method may be "simultaneous discharge" or "different time discharge."

[0128] Furthermore, the concentration of the active ingredient and the discharge time of the modified water discharged from the equipment 1 of the present invention may be changed depending on the timing of discharge.

[0129] The timing and method of ejection will be described in detail below.

[0130] (Control pattern common to simultaneous discharge and staggered discharge) The control unit 5 starts the discharge of the first and second reforming waters. Tap water is supplied to the reforming water generating device 2 (or 2A and 2B), and the electrode pair 231 or the electrode pair (A) 232 and the electrode pair (B) 233 are activated to generate the first and second reforming waters, and the generated first and second reforming waters are discharged from the discharge unit 4.

[0131] (Control Sequence) (1. Sequence for "Simultaneous Discharge") In the present invention, the control sequence for simultaneously discharging the first reformed water and the second reformed water can be suitably carried out according to the sequence of Figure 10, whether the reformed water generating device 2 is configured with one electrode pair 231 that simultaneously generates the first and second reformed waters (Figures 3 and 5), or is configured with two electrode pairs 232, 233 arranged in series (Figures 6 and 8) or in parallel (Figures 4, 7 and 9).

[0132] (1-1. Example of Basic Control) An example of basic control of the equipment 1 by the control unit 5 will be described below in chronological order with reference to FIGS. 3, 6, 8, 4, 7, and 9. FIG.

[0133] Step 1. When the equipment 1 or 1A starts discharging the reforming water, the control unit 5 starts discharging the first and second reforming waters.

[0134] Control example of step 1: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6 (or 6A and 6B) to supply tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 (or 2A and 2B). The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22 (or 22A and 22B), applies electricity from the power supply 21 (or 21A and 22B) to the electrode pair 231 (or the electrode pair (A) 232 and the electrode pair (B) 233), respectively, to generate first and second reformed water by electrolysis of the tap water (activation of oxygen in the atmosphere in the case of an ozone gas method), and discharge the first and second reformed water from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7.

[0135] Step 2: After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the first and second reforming waters.

[0136] Control example of step 2: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22 (or 22A and 22B) and closes the valve 6 (or 6A and 6B).

[0137] (2. Sequence for "differential discharge") In the present invention, the control sequence for starting the discharge of the first and second modified waters at different times rather than simultaneously can be suitably carried out according to the sequences shown in Figures 11A and 11B, respectively, when the two electrode pairs are configured in series (Figures 3, 6, and 8) or in parallel (Figures 4, 7, and 9).

[0138] (2-1. Two control patterns for staggered discharge: Sequences A and B) In the "staggered discharge" of the present invention, the start and stop of discharge of the first reforming water and the second reforming water can be controlled preferably according to, for example, the following sequences A and B. Sequence A: Control in which the second reforming water is discharged after the discharge of the first reforming water has been stopped, preferably within 30 seconds after the stop. Sequence B: Control in which the discharge of the first reforming water is started, and then the discharge of the second reforming water is started while the first reforming water is being discharged, i.e., while the discharge of the first reforming water is continuing, so that the first and second reforming waters are discharged simultaneously.

[0139] Control according to either sequence A or B ensures that the discharge of the second modified water is started while the first modified water remains in the area (P) where it is desired to suppress contamination by microorganisms or viruses; in other words, it ensures that a state in which both the first modified water and the second modified water coexist in the area (P) is maintained for a predetermined period of time. As a result, a state is created in which both the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient act simultaneously on chlorine-resistant methylobacterium and viruses, and the bactericidal or viral inactivating effects of both ingredients are exerted synergistically, making it possible to efficiently kill or inactivate chlorine-resistant methylobacterium or viruses, particularly chlorine-resistant methylobacterium or viruses in the presence of organic matter.

[0140] In either sequence A or B, the second modifying water may be discharged continuously or intermittently.

[0141] In addition, it is preferable that the active ingredients of the first and second modified waters in the "differential discharge" be free chlorine for the former and ozone or hydrogen peroxide for the latter. The reasons for this are, for example, as follows: free chlorine has a higher residual property than ozone or hydrogen peroxide. By using free chlorine, which has a high residual property, as the active ingredient of the first modified water, the active ingredient of the first modified water can be most efficiently retained until the discharge of the second modified water begins, thereby achieving high effectiveness even in control where the time until the start of discharge of the second modified water is long. Furthermore, when the time from the discharge of the first modified water to the start of discharge of the second modified water is the same, a condition in which the active ingredient of the former is free chlorine exhibits a higher inactivation effect on microorganisms and viruses than a condition in which the active ingredient of the latter is free chlorine.

[0142] (2-2. Example of basic control of asynchronous discharge) An example of basic control of equipment 1 and equipment 1A by the control unit 5 will be described below in chronological order with reference to Figures 3, 6, and 8, and Figures 4, 7, and 9.

[0143] (2-2-1. Control of Equipment 1: Sequence A (FIGS. 3, 6, 8, and 11A)) Step 1. When the equipment 1 starts discharging reforming water, the control unit 5 starts discharging the first reforming water.

[0144] Control example of step 1: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6, and tap water is supplied to the reformed water generating device 2. The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22A, and energizes the electrode pair (A) 232 from the power source 21A, generating first reformed water, and discharging the first reformed water from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7.

[0145] Step 2: After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the first reforming water.

[0146] Control example of step 2: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22A.

[0147] Step 3: After a predetermined time tx (preferably less than 30 seconds) has elapsed, the control unit 5 starts discharging the second reforming water.

[0148] Control example of step 3: The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22B, energizes the electrode pair (B) 233 from the power supply 21B, generates second reformed water, and discharges the second reformed water from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7. At this time, the second reformed water is discharged while the first active ingredient of the first reformed water remains in the region (P), and the two reformed waters are mixed, so that the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient (of the second reformed water) coexist in the region (P). A state in which the first active ingredient of the first reformed water remains in the region (P) refers to a state in which the first active ingredient remains on the surface of the region (P) in the form of a water film, a state in which the first reformed water moistens the surface of the region (P) in the form of a mist, a state in which the first reformed water remains in recesses and cavities of the region (P), etc. Examples of control or configuration for achieving a state in which the first modified water and the second modified water are mixed include: shortening the predetermined time tx (preferably less than 30 seconds, more preferably less than 20 seconds, even more preferably less than 10 seconds, advantageously less than 1 second, and even more advantageously 0 second); ejecting the first modified water in the form of a mist to remain on the surface of the portion (P); increasing the concentration of the first active ingredient when the first modified water is ejected so that a sufficient concentration can be maintained when diluted with the second modified water; increasing the concentration of the second active ingredient when the second modified water is ejected so that a sufficient concentration can be maintained when diluted with the first modified water remaining in the portion (P); reducing the amount of ejection (flow rate and / or time) of the second modified water to ensure that the first modified water is not washed away and the two are mixed reliably;

[0149] Step 4: After a predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the second reforming water.

[0150] Control example of step 4: The control unit 5 turns off the switches 22A and 22B and closes the valve 6.

[0151] (2-2-2. Control of Equipment 1: Sequence B (Fig. 3, Fig. 6, Fig. 8, and Fig. 11(B))

[0152] Step 1. When the equipment 1 starts discharging the reforming water, the control unit 5 starts discharging the first reforming water.

[0153] Control example of step 1: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6, and tap water is supplied to the reformed water generating device 2. The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22A, and energizes the electrode pair (A) 232 from the power source 21A, generating first reformed water, and discharging the first reformed water from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7.

[0154] Step 2: After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 starts discharging the second reforming water.

[0155] Control example of step 2: The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22B, energizes the electrode (B) 233 from the power source 21B, generates second reforming water, and discharges the second reforming water from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7. At this time, the first and second reforming waters are mixed and discharged.

[0156] Step 3: After a predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the first reforming water.

[0157] Control example of step 3: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22A.

[0158] Step 4: After a predetermined time t3 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the second reforming water.

[0159] Control example of step 4: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22B and closes the valve 6.

[0160] (2-2-3. Control of Equipment 1A: Sequence A (Fig. 4, Fig. 7, Fig. 9, and Fig. 12(A))

[0161] Step 1. When the equipment 1A starts discharging the reforming water, the control unit 5 starts discharging the first reforming water.

[0162] Control example of step 1: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6A to supply tap water to the reformed water generating device 2A. The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22A to energize the electrode pair (A) 232 from the power source 21A, generating first reformed water, and discharging the first reformed water from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7A.

[0163] Step 2: After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the first reforming water.

[0164] Control example of step 2: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22A and closes the valve 6A.

[0165] Step 3: After a predetermined time tx has elapsed, the control unit 5 starts discharging the second reforming water.

[0166] Control example of step 3: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6B, and tap water is supplied to the reforming water generating device 2B. The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22B, and energizes the electrode pair (B) 233 from the power source 21B, generating second reforming water, which is then discharged from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7B. At this time, the second reforming water is discharged while the first active ingredient of the first reforming water remains in the region (P), and the two reforming waters are mixed, so that the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient (of the second reforming water) coexist in the region (P). An example of control or configuration for achieving a state in which the first reforming water and the second reforming water are mixed is as described above in "Control of Equipment 1: Sequence A."

[0167] Step 4: After a predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the second reforming water.

[0168] Control example of step 4: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22B and closes the valve 6B.

[0169] (2-2-4. Control of Equipment 1A: Sequence B (Fig. 4, Fig. 7, Fig. 9, and Fig. 12(B))

[0170] Step 1. When the equipment 1A starts discharging the reforming water, the control unit 5 starts discharging the first reforming water.

[0171] Control example of step 1: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6A to supply tap water to the reformed water generating device 2A. The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22A to energize the electrode pair (A) 232 from the power source 21A, generating first reformed water, and discharging the first reformed water from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7A.

[0172] Step 2: After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 starts discharging the second reforming water.

[0173] Control example of step 2: The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22B, energizes the electrode pair (B) 233 from the power source 21B, generates second reforming water, and discharges the second reforming water from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7B. At this time, the first and second reforming waters are mixed and discharged.

[0174] Step 3: After a predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the first reforming water.

[0175] Control example of step 3: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22A and closes the valve 6A.

[0176] Step 4: After a predetermined time t3 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the second reforming water.

[0177] Control example of step 4: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22B and closes the valve 6B.

[0178] (Adjusting the concentration of the active ingredients of the modified water) For example, in the above-mentioned "differential discharge" sequence A, it is preferable that the control unit 5 controls the following so that the discharge amount of the second modified water is less than or equal to the discharge amount of the first modified water and the discharge time of the second modified water is less than or equal to the discharge time of the first modified water, so that the first modified water applied to the part (P) is not discharged by the second modified water.

[0179] For example, in the above-described "asymmetric discharge" sequence B, it is preferable to control the concentrations and / or discharge rates of the respective modified waters so as to obtain the following: Concentration of the first active ingredient in the first modified water × Discharge rate of the first modified water / Discharge rate of the second modified water = Either the concentration of ozone or hydrogen peroxide or the concentration of free chlorine, as shown above as combinations A to G of concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine coexisting at the site (P) in the case of asymmetric discharge; and Concentration of the second active ingredient in the second modified water × Discharge rate of the second modified water / Discharge rate of the first modified water = Either the concentration of ozone or hydrogen peroxide or the concentration of free chlorine, as shown above as combinations A to G of concentrations of ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine coexisting at the site (P) in the case of asymmetric discharge. In the above formula, the first active ingredient may be ozone or hydrogen peroxide and the second active ingredient may be free chlorine, or the second active ingredient may be ozone or hydrogen peroxide and the first active ingredient may be free chlorine. The latter combination is preferable in that it has a high residual capacity of the active ingredient and a high inactivating effect on microorganisms and viruses.

[0180] (Amount of Residual Water in Region (P) of First Reforming Water in "Asynchronous Discharge") In Sequence A of the above-described "Asynchronous Discharge", after the discharge of the first reforming water is stopped, the second reforming water is discharged while the first active ingredient of the first reforming water remains in the region (P), and the two reforming waters are mixed so that the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient (of the second reforming water) coexist in the region (P). In other words, it can be said that the second reforming water is discharged to the region (P) while the first reforming water remains in the region (P). Here, the remaining amount of the first reforming water in the region (P) (i.e., the amount of residual water) can be quantified, for example, as follows: Residual Water Amount of First Reforming Water = (Weight of Member in Region (P) after Discharge of the First Reforming Water) - (Weight of Member in Region (P)) Furthermore, the amount of residual water per area of ​​the region (P) can be calculated as follows. Residual water amount per area of ​​portion (P) = (residual water amount of first modified water) / (area of ​​portion (P)) The residual water amount of portion (P) can be quantified using a weight scale or the like. If it is difficult to cut out portion (P) and quantify it, a method may be used in which the residual water on only the surface corresponding to portion (P) is absorbed by a water-absorbing material, and the weight of the water-supplying material is quantified. In the "differential discharge" of the present invention, the residual water amount is preferably 0.2 mg / cm ２ More preferably, 1.0 mg / cm ２ or more, and even more preferably 3.8 mg / cm ２ or more, most preferably 7.5 mg / cm ２ That's all.

[0181] (3. Sequence for "Each Time") In the present invention, an example of a control sequence for discharging the first and second modified waters each time a user uses them will be described below with reference to Figures 3, 5 and 13.

[0182] A user starts using the equipment 1 and then stops using the equipment 1. The control unit 5 recognizes that the user has finished using the equipment 1 and then starts supplying tap water to the reformed water generator 2 from the tap water supply pipe 3. Next, the control unit 5 turns on the switch 22 of the reformed water generator 2, applying current or voltage from the power source 21 to the anode 2311 and the cathode 2312, electrolyzing the tap water supplied to the reformed water generator 2 to generate reformed water. Next, the control unit 5 supplies the generated reformed water through the reformed water supply pipe 7 and the discharge unit 4 to a location (P) where bacterial and viral contamination should be suppressed. After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops operation of the reformed water generator 2. Next, the control unit 5 closes, for example, the valve 6 to stop the supply of tap water to the reformed water generator 2. In this manner, the bacterial sterilization and virus inactivation process by the equipment 1 is completed.

[0183] The lapse of the predetermined time t1 may be determined by having the control unit 5 count the lapse of an arbitrarily set time. A shorter t1 is preferable, taking into consideration that the next user will use the equipment 1. For example, t1 is preferably 60 seconds, more preferably 20 seconds, and even more preferably 10 seconds.

[0184] When a valve 6 is used in the present invention, the valve 6 may be configured to be controlled to open and close by the control unit 5. The control unit 5 opens the valve 6 and turns on the switch 22 of the reformed water producing device 2, thereby starting the reformed water producing device 2, producing reformed water, and discharging the produced reformed water to a portion (P) where contamination by bacteria and viruses is desired to be suppressed, thereby sterilizing bacteria and inactivating viruses in the portion (P).

[0185] In addition to the function of turning the switch of the power supply 21 on and off, the control unit 5 may have a function of controlling the concentration of the reformed water to be generated by controlling both or either the voltage and the current.

[0186] The above-mentioned "each time" sequence may be controlled in combination with a "simultaneous ejection" sequence or a "different time ejection" sequence.

[0187] (4. "Occasional" Sequence) The "occasional" discharge of reformed water by the equipment 1 of the present invention preferably has the following two modes. First mode: 1-1. The first reformed water and the second reformed water are discharged simultaneously, or 1-2. The discharge of the second reformed water is started after the discharge of the first reformed water has started, and the discharge of the second reformed water is started after the discharge of the first reformed water has stopped, or is started while the first reformed water is being discharged. Second mode: The first reformed water, the second reformed water, or tap water is discharged alone (2-1), or not discharged (2-2).

[0188] Incidentally, the doubling time of bacteria of the genus Methylobacterium is an average of 5.4 hours even under optimal conditions (Japanese Journal of Microbial Ecology, Vol. 4, pp. 35-47 (1989)), and bacteria grow slowly compared to Escherichia coli (doubling time: 20 to 30 minutes). Therefore, in order to suppress the growth of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium at the site (P), it is sufficient and preferable to perform the first mode at least once a day.

[0189] The first mode is preferably executed during a time period when the equipment is not in use, such as nighttime to early morning (for example, when the equipment 1 is installed in a commercial facility, office building, etc.). This time period can reduce health damage to users, particularly when ozone is used in the modified water. Alternatively, when the first mode is executed during a time period when the equipment is in use (for example, daytime), it is preferable to execute the first mode after taking measures such as sensing whether the user is using the equipment 1 or disabling the equipment 1.

[0190] For discharge other than the first mode, that is, discharge at predetermined time intervals or discharge each time the user uses the equipment 1, it is preferable to execute the second mode.

[0191] In the above-described embodiment, even if the first mode is performed only a few times, in other words, even if the frequency with which the first and second modified waters are simultaneously applied to the region (P) is low, the proliferation of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the region (P) can be efficiently suppressed, thereby preventing the occurrence of pink stains. Furthermore, the proliferation of viruses can be efficiently suppressed. Furthermore, because the frequency with which the first and second modified waters are generated can be reduced, the lifespan of the electrode pair and the UV light source of the modified water generating device 2 can be extended.

[0192] (First mode, i.e., control pattern when ejecting first and second modified water) The control pattern of the first mode can be suitably controlled according to the sequence shown in Figure 14A, similar to the "simultaneous ejection" sequence and the "differential ejection" sequence already described.

[0193] (Control pattern (2-2) when the first and second modified waters are not ejected in the second mode) The control unit 5 performs control such as doing nothing, ejecting tap water alone, or starting the ejection of only the first modified water, according to program settings, etc.

[0194] (Control pattern (2-1) when only the first or second reformed water is discharged in the second mode) The control unit 5 supplies tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 (or 2A or 2B), activates the electrode pair (A) or (B) to generate the first or second reformed water, and discharges the generated first or second reformed water from the discharge unit 4.

[0195] (Control sequence of second mode (2-1)) In the present invention, the control sequence (2-1) when only the first or second modified water is discharged can be suitably performed according to the sequence shown in Figure 14B when two electrode pairs are configured in series (Figures 3, 6, and 8) or in parallel (Figures 4, 7, and 9).

[0196] (Example of basic control in mode 2-1) An example of basic control of the equipment 1 and the equipment 1A by the control unit 5 will be described below in chronological order with reference to Figures 3, 6, and 8, and Figures 4, 7, and 9.

[0197] 1. When the equipment 1 or 1A starts discharging reforming water, the control unit 5 starts discharging the first or second reforming water. Control example: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6 (or 6A or 6B) to supply tap water to the reforming water generating device 2 (or 2A or 2B). The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22A or 22B, applies electricity from the power source 21A or 21B to the electrode pair (A) 232 or the electrode pair (B) 233, respectively, to generate the first or second reforming water by electrolysis of the tap water (activation of oxygen in the atmosphere in the case of an ozone gas method), and discharges the first or second reforming water from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7. 2. After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops discharging the first or second reforming water. Control example: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22A or 22B and closes the valve 6 (or 6A and 6B).

[0198] (Control pattern when tap water is discharged alone in second mode 2-1) The control unit 5 supplies tap water to the modified water generating device 2 (or 2A or 2B) and causes the discharge unit 4 to discharge the tap water alone.

[0199] (Control sequence when tap water is discharged alone) In the present invention, the control sequence when tap water is discharged alone can be suitably performed whether the reformed water generating device 2 is configured with one electrode pair that simultaneously generates the first and second reformed waters (Figures 3 and 5), or whether it is configured with two electrode pairs arranged in series (Figures 3, 6, and 8) or in parallel (Figures 4, 7, and 9).

[0200] (Example of basic control when discharging tap water alone) An example of basic control of equipment 1 and equipment 1A by the control unit 5 will be described below in chronological order with reference to Figures 3, 5, 6, 8, and 4, 7, and 9.

[0201] 1. When the equipment 1 or 1A starts to discharge tap water independently, the control unit 5 starts discharging tap water. Control example: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6 (or 6A or 6B), tap water is supplied to the modified water generating device 2 (or 2A or 2B), and the tap water is discharged independently from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7. 2. After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops discharging tap water independently. Control example: The control unit 5 turns off the switch 22A or 22B and closes the valve 6 (or 6A and 6B).

[0202] (5. Preferred embodiment of equipment 1 equipped with "CT value variable mode") It is preferable that the equipment according to the present invention discharges the first modified water and the second modified water by varying either or both of: (a) the concentration of the active ingredient contained in each of the first modified water and the second modified water; and (b) the discharge time of the first modified water and the second modified water, depending on the discharge timing.

[0203] (CT Value) In the present invention, the CT value (Concentration-Time Value) refers to the concentration of an active ingredient such as free chlorine or ozone (C value: Concentration Value) and the time (T value: Time Value) over which the active ingredient acts on bacteria or viruses. In the present invention, changing the C value means changing the concentration of the active ingredient contained in the modified water to be discharged. Furthermore, changing the T value means changing the discharge time of the modified water. The C value and T value can also be changed simultaneously, in which case the expression "changing the CT value" is sometimes used.

[0204] The discharge of reforming water by the equipment 1 of the present invention preferably has the following two types of CT value variable modes, which change the concentration of the active ingredient and the discharge time of the reforming water depending on the discharge timing. CT value variable mode A: Mode A1, in which either the first or second reforming water is discharged multiple times, or the first and second reforming waters are relatively low in concentration and discharged multiple times, and mode A2, in which, after mode A1 is performed, the concentration or discharge time of either or both of the first and second reforming waters is made higher than the concentration or discharge time of either or both of the first and second reforming waters in mode A1. CT value variable mode B: Mode B1, in which either the first or second reforming water is discharged within a predetermined time, or the concentration of the first and second reforming waters is made relatively low and discharged within a predetermined time, and mode B2, in which, after mode B1 is performed, the concentration or discharge time of either or both of the first and second reforming waters is made higher than the concentration or discharge time of either or both of the first and second reforming waters in mode B1.

[0205] In this embodiment, it is preferable to execute modes A2 and B2 at night.

[0206] As mentioned above, the doubling time of Methylobacterium bacteria is an average of 5.4 hours even under optimal conditions (Japanese Journal of Microbial Ecology, Vol. 4, pp. 35-47 (1989)), and they are bacteria that grow slowly compared to Escherichia coli (doubling time: 20 to 30 minutes). Therefore, in order to suppress the growth of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium at the site (P), it is sufficient and preferable to discharge at a high CT value at least once a day.

[0207] The time period during which discharge at a high CT value is performed is preferably a time period when the equipment is not in use, such as between night and early morning (for example, when the equipment 1 is installed in a commercial facility or office building). The above-mentioned time period can reduce health damage to users, particularly when ozone is used in the modified water. Alternatively, when discharge at a high CT value is performed during a time period when the equipment is in use (for example, during the day), it is preferable to perform the discharge after taking measures such as sensing whether the user is using the equipment 1 or making the equipment 1 unavailable.

[0208] Alternatively, this embodiment also includes varying the CT value of either or both of the first and second reforming waters. Preferably, the CT value of one of the reforming waters is varied, and more preferably, the CT value of the reforming water containing ozone is varied. More preferably, the CT value is changed to a low value when a user of the equipment 1 is detected, or the CT value of either or both of the first and second reforming waters is changed to a high value when the equipment 1 is not in use.

[0209] On the other hand, bacteria other than chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium grow quickly but are not resistant to free chlorine, so they can be suppressed even if the CT value of the discharge is low. Therefore, when discharge at a high CT value is not necessary, that is, when discharge is performed at predetermined intervals or each time the user uses the equipment 1, it is preferable to discharge at a low CT value.

[0210] In the embodiment described above, even if the number of discharges at a high CT value is small, the proliferation of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the portion (P) can be efficiently suppressed, thereby preventing the occurrence of pink stains. Furthermore, the proliferation of bacteria other than chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium can also be efficiently suppressed. Furthermore, because the frequency of discharges at a high CT value can be reduced, the lifespan of the electrode pair and the UV light source of the modified water generating device 2 can be extended.

[0211] (C value: control pattern for changing the concentration of active ingredients contained in the reformed water) The control unit 5 starts discharging the first and second reformed waters. Tap water is supplied to the reformed water generating device 2 (or 2A and 2B), the electrode pairs (A) and (B) are activated to generate the first and second reformed waters, and the generated first and second reformed waters are discharged from the discharge unit 4. At this time, the control unit 5 changes the voltage value, current value, and resistance value applied to the electrode pairs (A) and / or (B) to change the concentration of the active ingredients in the reformed water generated by electrolysis (electric discharge or ultraviolet irradiation in the case of an ozone gas method).

[0212] (C value: Control sequence of control pattern for changing the concentration of active ingredients contained in the reformed water) In the present invention, the control sequence for changing the concentration of active ingredients in the first and / or second reformed water and discharging it can be suitably carried out according to the sequence shown in Figure 15A, whether the reformed water generating device 2 is configured with one electrode pair that simultaneously generates the first and second reformed waters (Figures 3 and 5), or is configured with two electrode pairs arranged in series (Figures 3, 6, and 8) or in parallel (Figures 4, 7, and 9).

[0213] (C value: Example of basic control of control pattern that changes the concentration of active ingredients contained in modified water) An example of basic control of equipment 1 and equipment 1A by the control unit 5 will be described below in chronological order with reference to Figures 3, 5, 6, 8, and 4, 7, and 9.

[0214] Step 1. When the equipment 1 or 1A starts discharging the reforming water, the control unit 5 starts discharging the first and second reforming waters.

[0215] Control example of step 1: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6 (or 6A and 6B) to supply tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 (or 2A). The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22 (22A and 22B) to apply electricity from the power supply 21 (21A and 21B) to the electrode pair 231 (electrode pair (A) 232 and electrode pair (B) 233, respectively). At this time, the control unit 5 changes the voltage, current, and resistance applied to the electrode pair (A) and / or (B) as necessary to change the concentration of the active ingredient generated by electrolysis of the tap water (or activation of atmospheric oxygen in the case of an ozone gas method). Then, first and second reformed waters with the desired active ingredient concentrations are generated, and the first and second reformed waters are discharged from the discharge unit 4 via the pipe 7.

[0216] Step 2: After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the first and second reforming waters.

[0217] Control example of step 2: The control unit 5 turns off the switches 22A and 22B and closes the valve 6 (or 6A and 6B). Needless to say, the C value may be controlled for both the first and second reformed waters, or for either one of them.

[0218] (T value: control pattern for changing the discharge time of reforming water) The control unit 5 starts discharging the first and second reforming waters. Tap water is supplied to the reforming water generating device 2 (or 2A and 2B), the electrode pairs (A) and (B) are activated to generate the first and second reforming waters, and the generated first and second reforming waters are discharged from the discharge unit 4. At this time, the control unit 5 changes the discharge time of the first and / or second reforming waters by controlling the predetermined time t1 until the discharge is completed.

[0219] (T value: control sequence of control pattern for changing the discharge time of reforming water) In the present invention, the control sequence for discharging the first and / or second reforming water by changing the discharge time can be suitably carried out according to the sequence of Figure 15B, whether the reforming water generating device 2 is configured with one electrode pair that simultaneously generates the first and second reforming waters (Figures 3 and 5), or is configured with two electrode pairs arranged in series (Figures 3, 6, and 8) or in parallel (Figures 4, 7, and 9).

[0220] (T value: Example of basic control of control pattern that changes the discharge time of reforming water) An example of basic control of equipment 1 and equipment 1A by the control unit 5 will be described below in chronological order with reference to Figures 3, 5, 6, 8, and 4, 7, and 9.

[0221] Step 1. When the equipment 1 or 1A starts discharging the reforming water, the control unit 5 starts discharging the first and second reforming waters.

[0222] Control example of step 1: The control unit 5 opens the valve 6 (or 6A and 6B) to supply tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 (or 2A or 2B). The control unit 5 turns on the switch 22 (22A and 22B) to energize the electrode pair 231 (electrode pair (A) 232 and electrode pair (B) 233) from the power source 21 (21A and 21B). Then, first and second reformed waters having the desired active ingredient concentrations are generated, and the first and second reformed waters are discharged from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7.

[0223] Step 2: After a predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the first and second reforming waters.

[0224] Control example of step 2: The control unit 5 turns off switches 22A and 22B and closes valve 6 (or 6A and 6B). At this time, the control unit 5 changes the time t1 until 22 (switches 22A and 22B) or valve 6 (or 6A and 6B) is closed as necessary, thereby controlling the time for discharging the first and second reforming water from the discharge unit 4. Needless to say, the T value may be controlled for both the first and second reforming waters, or for either one of them. Needless to say, the control pattern for controlling the C value described above may be combined with control for controlling the T value to perform control for simultaneously changing the C value and the T value (control of the CT value).

[0225] Optional Component Signal Sending Unit In the present invention, taking the facility 1 as an example, the reformed water generating device 2 is preferably started by the control unit 5 each time the user finishes using the facility 1. When starting the reformed water generating device 2, the control unit 5 causes tap water to be supplied to the reformed water generating device 2. For example, as already explained in the case of the tap water electrolysis method, it is preferable to start the reformed water generating device 2 while tap water is being supplied to the reformed water generating device 2 from the piping 3. Here, it is preferable to start the reformed water generating device 2 without touching the facility 1. For this reason, it is preferable to provide a signal sending unit 8 for sending a start signal to the control unit 5. The signal sending unit 8 may or may not be provided in the facility 1.

[0226] The signal sending unit 8 may be a detection unit that detects the end of use of the equipment 1, or may be a sending unit that sends the user's intention (the end of use of the equipment 1, i.e., an instruction to start the cleaning process for the part (P) where contamination is desired to be suppressed). Furthermore, the signal sending unit 8 may be provided separately with a detection unit that detects the end of use of the equipment 1 or a sending unit that sends the user's intention.

[0227] The detector for detecting the end of use of the equipment 1 can be, for example, a sensor capable of detecting human movement. In this case, the detector detects the user's exit from the equipment 1, automatically detecting the end of use of the equipment 1 and sending a signal to the control unit 5. When the equipment 1 is a toilet, the detector can be, for example, a sensor capable of detecting the user sitting on or leaving the toilet seat. Specifically, when the equipment 1 is a toilet, a sensor capable of detecting the user sitting on or leaving the toilet seat can be used. Specifically, a seat sensor for detecting the user sitting on the toilet seat, a seat exit sensor for detecting the user leaving the seat, a single sensor for detecting both the user sitting on and the user leaving the seat, or a combination of a seat sensor and a seat exit sensor (each sensor is separate). A sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the toilet door can also be used. Alternatively, the detector can be triggered by an operation of the equipment 1 operated by the control unit 5 in response to an operation related to the end of the user's use of the equipment 1. Here, an example of an operation related to the end of the user's use of the equipment 1 is a toilet flushing operation. In this case, it is preferable that the toilet flushing be performed touchlessly.

[0228] The sending unit that sends the user's intention can preferably be a mobile communication means such as the user's smartphone, in which case the end of use of the equipment 1 is detected by the user's intention, and a signal is sent to the control unit 5.

[0229] As described above, when the user finishes using the equipment 1, a signal indicating the end of use of the equipment 1 is detected, for example, by the signal sending unit 8, either automatically or by the user's will, and the signal is sent to the control unit 5. Based on the signal, the control unit 5 activates the reformed water generating device 2, thereby producing reformed water containing ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine; or reformed water containing ozone or hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine. This reformed water is discharged to a location (P) where microbial contamination should be suppressed.

[0230] Sites where microbial or viral contamination is desired to be inhibited In the present invention, the site (P) where microbial or viral contamination is desired to be inhibited refers to a site to which chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium carried over from tap water can adhere, specifically a site to which chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium or viruses can adhere by contact with or discharged from tap water. It also refers to a site to which viruses carried over from users can adhere, specifically a site to which viruses can adhere by contact with secretions such as saliva and sweat, or excrement such as feces and urine.

[0231] Examples of parts (P) include: toilet bowls, toilet seats, nozzles, filters; urinal bowls, traps, strainers; bathroom bathtubs, bathtub covers, floors, walls, ceilings, drains, hair catchers, bath aprons, counters, faucets, shower heads, towels, sponges; bathroom washbasins, faucets, drains, hair catchers, cups, toothbrushes; kitchen sinks, drains, mesh baskets, cutting boards, knives, dishcloths, dishes, sponge scrubbers.

[0232] A preferred group of forms belonging to the first aspect of the present invention described above is referred to as Form A and is shown below. Note that, for convenience, only in the following paragraphs, the first aspect of the present invention will be referred to as Form A1.

[0233] Form A A1 An equipment for using tap water within a building, the equipment comprising: a device for producing first reformed water and second reformed water, piping for supplying tap water to the device, a discharge unit for discharging the first reformed water and the second reformed water to an area where contamination by microorganisms or viruses needs to be suppressed, and a control unit, wherein the equipment starts discharging the second reformed water after starting discharging the first reformed water, and the discharge of the second reformed water is started after the discharge of the first reformed water is stopped, or is started while the first reformed water is being discharged. A2 The equipment according to A1, wherein the first reformed water contains a first active ingredient and the second reformed water contains a second active ingredient, the first active ingredient includes either free chlorine or a component having a stronger oxidizing power than free chlorine, and the second active ingredient includes the other of free chlorine or a component having a stronger oxidizing power than free chlorine. A3 The equipment according to A2, wherein the first reformed water is water containing ozone or hydrogen peroxide and the second reformed water is water containing free chlorine, or the first reformed water is water containing free chlorine and the second reformed water is water containing ozone or hydrogen peroxide. A4 The equipment according to any of A1 to A3, wherein either or both of the first reformed water and the second reformed water are electrolyzed water.

[0234] More specific forms of the equipment according to the first aspect of the present invention More specific forms of the equipment according to the first aspect of the present invention, i.e., details of the equipment belonging to the above-mentioned forms A1 to A4, will be explained using toilet bowls, urinals, bathrooms, automatic washbasin faucets, and kitchen faucets as examples.

[0235] Toilet In one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment 1 is a toilet. As an example of a toilet, a toilet 10 with an integrated warm water washing toilet seat (hereinafter simply referred to as "toilet 10") shown in Figure 16 will be used for explanation. Note that in the following explanation of the toilet, the reformed water generating device 2 will be used as an example of the reformed water generating device, but it goes without saying that reformed water generating devices 2A and 2B can be used instead of the reformed water generating device 2.

[0236] <Operation> After a user relieves themselves at the toilet 10, they leave the toilet. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects that the user has finished using the toilet 10, and sends a signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 may be a sensor that detects whether the user has sat down and / or left the seat, or a human sensor that can detect human movement. Alternatively, it may be a sensor that detects whether the toilet door is open or closed, etc.

[0237] The control unit 5 activates a flushing mechanism (not shown) provided on the main body of the toilet 10, and starts the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2. Alternatively, the control unit 5 may start the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 when the user voluntarily activates the flushing mechanism after finishing using the toilet 10.

[0238] Next, the control unit 5 activates the reformed water generating device 2, electrolyzing tap water supplied from the pipe 3 to generate first reformed water. The generated first reformed water is supplied from the pipe 7 to the spray nozzle 107 (corresponding to the discharge unit 4) and sprayed onto the portion (P) of the bowl 104 where contamination needs to be suppressed. Here, the method of discharging the reformed water onto the portion (P) is not limited to spray discharge. For example, the reformed water may be discharged by flowing from the discharge unit 4 provided on the pipe 7, or a sprinkler plate may be provided on the discharge unit 4 to discharge the reformed water in a shower-like manner. For example, when the portion (P) is the bowl 104, it is preferable to spray mist M to act on the bowl portion. When the portion (P) is the toilet seat 105, it is preferable to spray mist M, and the mist is carried to the toilet seat by an ascending air current to act on it. When the portion (P) is the spray nozzle 107, it is preferable to discharge the reformed water by flowing so that the nozzle 107 effectively contacts the reformed water.

[0239] After the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the discharge of the first reforming water. At this time, the first active ingredient of the first reforming water remains in the portion (P). However, as shown in the sequences of Figures 11(B) and 12(B), the discharge of the first reforming water may not be stopped at this stage, and the process may proceed to the next step while the first reforming water is still being discharged.

[0240] Next, the control unit 5 starts the reforming water generating device 2, electrolyzes the tap water supplied from the pipe 3, and generates second reforming water. The generated second reforming water is discharged to the location (P) in the same manner as the first reforming water.

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

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

[0243] This completes the cleaning and sterilization of the toilet 10. The passage of the predetermined time t2 is determined by the control unit 5 counting the passage of an arbitrarily set time.

[0244] 16, for example, the reformed water generating apparatus 2, the pipe 3, the pipe 7, and the control unit 5 may be provided inside the casing 101. The spray nozzle 107 may be provided inside the casing 101 or attached to the outside.

[0245] <Effects> After a user uses the toilet 10, modified water is sprayed into the bowl 104, effectively cleaning away organic matter contained in the feces and vomit excreted by the user into the bowl 104 and sterilizing bacteria such as chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As a result, there is no need for the cumbersome task of repeatedly spraying the toilet 10 with hypochlorous acid or the like, and there is no risk that the sterilization effect will not be achieved unless work such as adding chemicals to tap water is involved, and the effect of suppressing microbial stains such as pink stains can be maintained for a long period of time in a toilet 10 that is used by multiple people consecutively.

[0246] Viruses are also effectively inactivated, and in a toilet stool 10 that is used by multiple people in succession, the risk of viral infection to the next user can be effectively reduced.

[0247] In one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment 1 is a urinal. As an example of a urinal, a urinal 11 shown in Figure 17 will be described. Note that in the following, the urinal will be described using the reformed water generating device 2 as an example of the reformed water generating device, but it goes without saying that reformed water generating devices 2A and 2B can be used instead of the reformed water generating device 2.

[0248] <Operation> After a user relieves themselves at the urinal 11, the user leaves the urinal. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects that the user has finished using the urinal 11, and sends a signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 is preferably a human sensor or the like that detects that the user has left the urinal.

[0249] The control unit 5 activates a flushing mechanism (not shown) provided on the main body of the urinal 11, and starts the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2. Alternatively, the control unit 5 may start the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 when the user voluntarily activates the flushing mechanism after finishing using the urinal 11.

[0250] Next, the control unit 5 opens the valve 6, and the reformed water generating device 2 is started, electrolyzing the tap water supplied from the pipe 3 to generate first reformed water. The generated first reformed water is supplied to the discharge unit 4 from the pipe 7 and discharged into the portion (P) of the bowl 112. Here, the method of discharging the reformed water into the portion (P) is preferably to provide the discharge unit 4 above the bowl 112 and discharge the reformed water by pouring it over.

[0251] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the discharge of the first reforming water is stopped by the control unit 5. The control unit 5 counts the elapse of an arbitrarily set time to determine whether the predetermined time t1 has elapsed.

[0252] At this time, the first active ingredient of the first modified water remains in the portion (P). However, as in the case of a toilet, the discharge of the first modified water does not need to be stopped at this stage, and the process may proceed to the next step while the first modified water is still being discharged.

[0253] Next, the control unit 5 starts the reforming water generating device 2, electrolyzes the tap water supplied from the pipe 3, and generates second reforming water. The generated second reforming water is discharged to the location (P) in the same manner as the first reforming water.

[0254] At this time, the second modified water is discharged while the first active ingredient of the first modified water remains in the region (P), creating a state in which the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient of the second modified water coexist in the region (P). This synergistically enhances the bactericidal effects of each ingredient, resulting in an excellent overall bactericidal effect, which kills bacteria, including chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, present in the region (P). Furthermore, viruses present in the region (P) are inactivated.

[0255] Then, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating apparatus 2 and stops the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating apparatus 2.

[0256] <Effects> After a user uses the urinal 11, modified water is poured and discharged into the bowl 112, effectively cleaning away organic matter contained in the urine excreted by the user into the bowl 112 and sterilizing bacteria such as chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As a result, there is no need for the cumbersome task of repeatedly spraying the urinal 11 with hypochlorous acid or the like, and there is no risk that the sterilization effect will not be achieved unless work such as adding chemicals to tap water is involved, and the effect of suppressing microbial stains such as pink stains can be maintained for a long period of time in urinals 11 that are used by multiple people consecutively.

[0257] Furthermore, viruses are effectively inactivated, and in a urinal 11 that is used by multiple people in succession, the risk of virus infection to the next user can be effectively reduced.

[0258] Bathroom In one embodiment of the present invention, the facility 1 is a bathroom. As an example of a bathroom, a bathroom 12 shown in Fig. 18 will be described. Note that in the following, the bathroom will be described using the reformed water generating apparatus 2 as an example of a reformed water generating apparatus, but it goes without saying that reformed water generating apparatuses 2A and 2B can be used instead of the reformed water generating apparatus 2.

[0259] <Operation> After a user uses the bathroom 12, the user leaves. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects that the user has finished using the bathroom 12 and sends a corresponding signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 5 may be a human motion sensor that can detect human movement, or a bathroom door opening / closing sensor, etc. Alternatively, after the user has finished using the bathroom 12, the user may voluntarily send an instruction to start the cleaning and sterilization process to the signal sending unit 8 using a smartphone p or the like, thereby sending a signal to the control unit 5. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18 , the modified water generating apparatus 2 and the control unit 5 are provided in a casing 121. A valve 6 may be provided in the casing 121.

[0260] The control unit 5 starts supplying tap water to the reformed water generating device 2. Next, the control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2, and the tap water supplied from the pipe 3 is electrolyzed to generate first reformed water. In addition to the electrolysis function, the control unit 5 may also control the generation of reformed water according to a program or the operation of a switch (not shown), and may also control the operation of an on-off valve (not shown) in each flow path.

[0261] The generated first modified water is discharged from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7 and discharged to the area (P) such as the bathroom 122, the bathtub 123, the washing area 125, the drain 126, the wall, floor, and ceiling of the bathroom 122. Here, the method of discharging the modified water to the area (P) is preferably spray (mist) discharge, which allows the modified water to reach every corner of the entire bathroom, including the above-mentioned areas.

[0262] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating device 2, and stops the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating device 2 and the discharge of the first reforming water. The control unit 5 counts the elapsed time of an arbitrarily set time and determines whether the predetermined time t1 has elapsed.

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

[0264] Next, the control unit 5 starts the reforming water generating device 2, electrolyzes the tap water supplied from the pipe 3, and generates second reforming water. The generated second reforming water is discharged to the location (P) in the same manner as the first reforming water.

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

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

[0267] In addition to the above, the bathroom 12 may also include a water supply faucet, a shower hose, a hot water supply control panel, a mirror, etc. (not shown). The discharge port 4 may be provided in multiple locations as shown in Figure 11, or it may be a single outlet port.

[0268] <Effects> After a user uses the bathroom 12, modified water is discharged to various locations in the bathroom, effectively cleaning away organic matter such as sebum stains brought in by the user. As a result, there is no need for the cumbersome task of repeatedly spraying the bathroom 12 with hypochlorous acid or the like, and there is no risk that the sterilization effect will not be achieved unless work such as adding chemicals to tap water is involved. In addition, the effect of suppressing microbial stains such as pink stains can be maintained for a long period of time in a bathroom space used by multiple people consecutively.

[0269] Viruses are also effectively inactivated, effectively reducing the risk of viral infection to the next user in a bathroom space used by multiple people in succession.

[0270] Automatic Lavatory Faucet In one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment 1 is an automatic lavatory faucet. As an example of an automatic lavatory faucet, the automatic lavatory faucet 13 shown in Figure 19 will be described. Note that in the following, the automatic lavatory faucet will be described using the reformed water generating device 2 as an example of the reformed water generating device, but it goes without saying that reformed water generating devices 2A and 2B can be used in place of the reformed water generating device 2.

[0271] <Operation> After the user washes their hands, washes their face, gargles, etc. at the automatic washbasin faucet 13, the user leaves. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects that the user has finished using the automatic washbasin faucet 13, and sends a signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 may be a human sensor that detects the approach of a human hand, or it may be a sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the door to the washbasin space, etc.

[0272] The control unit 5 opens the second electromagnetic valve 1311, starting the supply of tap water through the piping 3 to the reformed water producing device 2. Next, the control unit 5 starts the reformed water producing device 2, electrolyzes the supplied tap water, and produces first reformed water. The second electromagnetic valve 1311 corresponds to the valve 6 of the equipment 1 shown in FIG. 3.

[0273] The generated first modified water is supplied to the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7 and is discharged from the discharge unit 4 to the area (P) of the washbasin 139. The area (P) is not limited to the washbasin 139, and the washbasin counter (not shown) may also be included in the area (P). The area (P) (the area of ​​action of the modified water) includes, for example, cups, toothbrushes, and the like that may be used in the wash space.

[0274] The method of discharging the modified water to the portion (P) is preferably spraying, which allows the modified water to be applied to the entire washbasin 139. Also, in order to apply the modified water to a toothbrush, cup, etc., a separate discharge unit 4 may be provided that discharges the modified water to a narrow area.

[0275] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating apparatus 2. Next, the control unit 5 closes the second electromagnetic valve 1311, and the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating apparatus 2 is stopped.

[0276] At this time, the first active ingredient of the first modified water remains in the portion (P). However, as in the case of a toilet, a urinal, or a bathroom, the discharge of the first modified water does not need to be stopped at this stage, and the next step may be carried out while the first modified water is still being discharged.

[0277] Next, the control unit 5 starts the reforming water generating device 2, electrolyzes the tap water supplied from the pipe 3, and generates second reforming water. The generated second reforming water is discharged to the location (P) in the same manner as the first reforming water.

[0278] At this time, the second modified water is discharged while the first active ingredient of the first modified water remains in the region (P), creating a state in which the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient of the second modified water coexist in the region (P). This synergistically enhances the bactericidal effects of each ingredient, resulting in an excellent overall bactericidal effect, which kills bacteria, including chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, present in the region (P). Furthermore, viruses present in the region (P) are inactivated.

[0279] Then, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating apparatus 2 and stops the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating apparatus 2.

[0280] This completes the cleaning and sterilization of the automatic washbasin faucet 13. The control unit 5 counts the elapsed time of an arbitrarily set time and determines whether the predetermined time t2 has elapsed.

[0281] <Effects> After a user uses the automatic bathroom faucet 13, modified water is dispensed onto the washbowl, bathroom counter, toothbrush, cup, etc., effectively cleaning away organic matter such as sebum stains and saliva brought in by the user. As a result, there is no need for the cumbersome task of spraying hypochlorous acid or the like into the wash space each time, and there is no risk that the sterilizing effect will not be achieved unless work such as adding chemicals to tap water is involved. In a wash space used by multiple people consecutively, the effect of suppressing microbial stains such as pink stains can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0282] Viruses are also effectively inactivated, effectively reducing the risk of virus infection to the next user in a washroom space used by multiple people in succession.

[0283] 19, the automatic washbasin faucet 13 may include a tap water outlet 132 and a tap water outlet 133. Tap water is supplied to the tap water outlet 132 and the tap water outlet 133 through a common flow path 137, which is a means for supplying tap water, and when the first solenoid valve 1310 is open, tap water flows into the first flow path 134 and is discharged from the tap water outlet 133 connected to its downstream end. The user uses this tap water for washing their hands, washing their face, gargling, etc. The automatic washbasin faucet 13 corresponds to a facility that uses tap water and is equipped with a means for supplying tap water.

[0284] The above has been an example and description of an automatic washbasin faucet that automatically shuts off the flow of tap water using a sensor or the like, but the equipment according to the present invention may also be a washbasin faucet of the type in which the user shuts off the tap water themselves, and in such a washbasin faucet, for example, modified water may be discharged into a discharge pipe 138 as shown in Figure 19 or a handle not shown in Figure 19.

[0285] Kitchen Faucet In one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment 1 is a kitchen faucet. As an example of a kitchen faucet, the kitchen faucet 14 shown in Figures 20 and 21 will be described. Note that in the following, the kitchen faucet will be described using the reformed water generating apparatus 2 as an example of the reformed water generating apparatus, but it goes without saying that reformed water generating apparatuses 2A and 2B can be used instead of the reformed water generating apparatus 2.

[0286] <Operation> After using the kitchen faucet 14, the user turns off the water and leaves. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects that the user has finished using the kitchen faucet 14 and sends a signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 may be a human sensor that detects the approach of a human hand, or a sensor that detects the opening and closing of a door in the kitchen space. Alternatively, after the user has finished using the kitchen faucet 14, the user may voluntarily send a command to start the cleaning and sterilization process to the signal sending unit 8 using a smartphone or the like, which sends a signal to the control unit 5.

[0287] The control unit 5 starts supplying tap water to the reformed water generating device 2. Next, the control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2, and the tap water supplied from the pipe 3 is electrolyzed to generate first reformed water.

[0288] The generated first modified water is supplied from the pipe 7 to the modified water discharge unit 141 (equipped with the discharge unit 4) and discharged into the area (P) of the sink 143 ( FIG. 21 ). The area (P) is not limited to the sink 143 ( FIG. 21 ); the area (P) may also include a kitchen counter 143 ( FIG. 20 ), a modified water discharge device 144 (in the embodiment shown in FIG. 21 , the modified water discharge unit 141), and a tap water discharge means 142. The area (P) (the area of ​​effect of the modified water) may also include, for example, cooking utensils such as a cutting board and cleaning tools such as a sponge scrubber that may be used in the kitchen. The modified water is preferably discharged into the area (P) by spray (mist), which allows the modified water to be applied to the entire sink 143. A separate discharge unit 4 may be provided to discharge the modified water into a narrow area so that the modified water can be applied to ancillary equipment such as a cutting board or a sponge scrubber.

[0289] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating device 2, and the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating device 2 is stopped.

[0290] At this time, the first active ingredient of the first modified water remains in the portion (P). However, as in the case of a toilet, a urinal, a bathroom, or an automatic faucet for a kitchen, the discharge of the first modified water does not need to be stopped at this stage, and the device may proceed to the next step while the first modified water is still being discharged.

[0291] Next, the control unit 5 starts the reforming water generating device 2, electrolyzes the tap water supplied from the pipe 3, and generates second reforming water. The generated second reforming water is discharged to the location (P) in the same manner as the first reforming water.

[0292] At this time, the second modified water is discharged while the first active ingredient of the first modified water remains in the region (P), creating a state in which the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient of the second modified water coexist in the region (P). This synergistically enhances the bactericidal effects of each ingredient, resulting in an excellent overall bactericidal effect, which kills bacteria, including chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, present in the region (P). Furthermore, viruses present in the region (P) are inactivated.

[0293] Then, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating apparatus 2 and stops the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating apparatus 2.

[0294] This completes the cleaning and sterilization of the automatic kitchen faucet 14. The control unit 5 counts the elapsed time of an arbitrarily set time and determines whether the predetermined time t2 has elapsed.

[0295] <Effects> After a user uses the kitchen faucet 14, modified water is discharged into the sink 143, kitchen counter, or ancillary equipment, effectively cleaning away organic matter such as food residue and oil brought in by the user. As a result, there is no need for the cumbersome task of repeatedly spraying hypochlorous acid into the kitchen space, and there is no risk that the sterilization effect will not be achieved unless work such as adding chemicals to tap water is involved. In addition, the effect of suppressing microbial stains such as pink stains can be maintained for a long period of time in a kitchen space used by multiple people consecutively.

[0296] Viruses are also effectively inactivated, effectively reducing the risk of virus infection to the next user in a kitchen space used by multiple people in succession.

[0297] 20, the kitchen space includes tap water discharge means 142 in addition to the electrolyzed water discharge unit 141. A user uses tap water supplied from the tap water discharge means 142 to perform kitchen tasks such as washing dishes and cooking utensils. The kitchen faucet 14 corresponds to a facility that uses tap water and is equipped with a means for supplying tap water.

[0298] The above has been an example and explanation of a kitchen faucet of the type in which the user shuts off the tap water themselves, but this explanation also applies to an automatic kitchen faucet of the type in which the tap water is shut off automatically using a sensor or the like.

[0299] A preferred group of forms belonging to the second aspect of the present invention described above is referred to as Form B and is shown below. For convenience, the second aspect of the present invention will be referred to as Form B1 only in the description of the following paragraph.

[0300] Mode B B1 A facility in a building where tap water is used, the facility comprising: a device that produces first reformed water and second reformed water, piping that supplies tap water to the device, a discharge unit that discharges the first reformed water and the second reformed water to a location where contamination by microorganisms or viruses needs to be suppressed, and a control unit, the facility comprising: a first mode that discharges the first reformed water and the second reformed water, making it possible to ensure that these reformed waters act simultaneously on microorganisms or viruses at the location, and a second mode that discharges the first reformed water, the second reformed water, or tap water individually, or does not discharge any of the first reformed water, the second reformed water, or tap water. B2 The first mode is: 1-1. Discharge the first reformed water and the second reformed water simultaneously, or 1-2. The equipment according to B1, wherein the first mode is characterized in that the discharge of the second reforming water is started after the discharge of the first reforming water is started, and the discharge of the second reforming water is started after the discharge of the first reforming water is stopped or while the first reforming water is being discharged. B3 The equipment according to B2, wherein the first mode is a mode in which the first reforming water and the second reforming water are discharged simultaneously, and the second mode is a mode in which the first reforming water or the second reforming water is discharged multiple times or within a predetermined time. B4 The equipment according to B3, wherein the second mode is a mode in which the first reforming water or the second reforming water is discharged multiple times within a predetermined time. B5 The equipment according to B3, wherein the mode in which the first reforming water and the second reforming water are discharged simultaneously is performed after the second mode. B6 The equipment according to B5, wherein the mode in which the first reforming water and the second reforming water are discharged simultaneously is performed at night. B7 The equipment described in any one of B1 to B6, wherein the first reformed water contains a first active ingredient, the second reformed water contains a second active ingredient, the first active ingredient contains either free chlorine or a component having a stronger oxidizing power than free chlorine, and the second active ingredient contains the other of either free chlorine or a component having a stronger oxidizing power than free chlorine.B8 The equipment according to B7, wherein the combination of the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient is a combination of ozone and free chlorine, or a combination of hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine.B9 The equipment according to B7, wherein the combination of the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient in the mode of simultaneously discharging the first reformed water and the second reformed water is a combination of ozone and free chlorine, or a combination of hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine, and the first active ingredient or the second active ingredient in the second mode is free chlorine.

[0301] More Specific Forms of the Equipment According to the Second Aspect of the Present Invention More specific forms of the equipment according to the second aspect of the present invention, i.e., details of the equipment belonging to the above-mentioned forms B1 to B9, will be explained using examples of toilets, urinals, bathrooms, automatic washbasin faucets, and kitchen faucets. Note that, below, each piece of equipment will be explained using the reformed water generating apparatus 2 as an example of the reformed water generating apparatus, but it goes without saying that reformed water generating apparatuses 2A and 2B can be used instead of the reformed water generating apparatus 2. Also, below, the discharge of reformed water will be explained using examples of the first and second modes. Regarding the discharge of reformed water, the first mode will be explained as follows: 1-1. A system in which the first reformed water and the second reformed water are simultaneously discharged will be explained as follows: 1-2. It goes without saying that the discharge of the second reforming water may be started after the discharge of the first reforming water has started, and the discharge of the second reforming water may be started after the discharge of the first reforming water has stopped, or may be started while the first reforming water is being discharged. Furthermore, in the following, the second mode of reforming water discharge will be described using as an example a mode in which the first reforming water is discharged alone, but it goes without saying that the second reforming water or tap water may be discharged alone, or neither may be discharged.

[0302] Toilet Bowl In one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment 1 is a toilet bowl. As an example of a toilet bowl, a toilet bowl 10 with an integrated warm water washing toilet seat (hereinafter simply referred to as "toilet bowl 10") shown in Figure 16 will be described.

[0303] <Operation> (Discharge of reformed water in second mode) After a user relieves themselves in the toilet 10, they leave the toilet. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects that the user has finished using the toilet 10, and sends a signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 may be a sensor that detects whether the user has sat down and / or left the seat, or a human sensor that can detect human movement. Alternatively, it may be a sensor that detects whether the toilet door is open or closed, etc.

[0304] The control unit 5 activates a flushing mechanism (not shown) provided on the main body of the toilet 10, and starts the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2. Alternatively, the control unit 5 may start the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 when the user voluntarily activates the flushing mechanism after finishing using the toilet 10.

[0305] Next, the control unit 5 activates the reformed water generating device 2, energizing the electrode pair (A), electrolyzing the tap water supplied from the pipe 3, and producing only the first reformed water. The produced first reformed water is supplied from the pipe 7 to the spray nozzle 107 (corresponding to the discharge unit 4) and sprayed onto the portion (P) of the bowl 104 where contamination needs to be suppressed. Here, the method of discharging the first reformed water onto the portion (P) is not limited to spray discharge. For example, the method may be a flow discharge from the discharge unit 4 provided on the pipe 7, or a spray plate may be provided on the discharge unit 4 to discharge the water in a shower-like manner. For example, when the portion (P) is the bowl 104, it is preferable to spray a mist M onto the bowl portion. When the portion (P) is the toilet seat 105, it is preferable to spray a mist M, which is carried to the toilet seat by an ascending air current and then applied to the toilet seat. When the portion (P) is the spray nozzle 107, it is preferable to discharge the reformed water in a flow discharge so that the nozzle 107 effectively contacts the reformed water.

[0306] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the reformed water generating apparatus 2. Next, the control unit 5 stops the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating apparatus 2, and the toilet 10 ends discharge in the second mode. The control unit 5 counts the elapsed time of an arbitrarily set time and determines whether the predetermined time t1 has elapsed. In this way, bacteria and viruses present in the area (P) are inactivated.

[0307] (Discharge of reformed water in first mode) The control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2 according to a preset frequency (e.g., every 8 hours), energizes the electrode pair (A) and (B), electrolyzes the tap water supplied from the pipe 3, and generates first and second reformed waters. The generated first and second reformed waters are discharged to the region (P). In this way, a state is created in which the active ingredients of the first and second reformed waters coexist in the region (P). This allows the bactericidal effects of each ingredient to be synergistically exerted, resulting in an excellent overall bactericidal effect, which kills bacteria, including chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, present in the region (P).

[0308] Then, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating device 2 and stops the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating device 2. The control unit 5 counts the elapse of an arbitrarily set time and determines whether the predetermined time t2 has elapsed.

[0309] In this way, the discharge of the toilet 10 in the first mode is completed, and the cleaning and sterilization of the toilet 10 is completed.

[0310] 16, for example, the reformed water generating apparatus 2, the pipe 3, the pipe 7, and the control unit 5 may be provided inside the casing 101. The spray nozzle 107 may be provided inside the casing 101 or attached to the outside.

[0311] In one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment 1 is a urinal. As an example of a urinal, a urinal 11 shown in Figure 17 will be described.

[0312] <Operation> (Discharge of reformed water in second mode) After the user relieves himself / herself at the urinal 11, the user leaves the urinal 11. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects that the user has finished using the urinal 11, and sends a signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 is preferably a human sensor or the like that detects that the user has left the urinal 11.

[0313] The control unit 5 activates a flushing mechanism (not shown) provided on the main body of the urinal 11, and starts the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2. Alternatively, the control unit 5 may start the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 when the user voluntarily activates the flushing mechanism after finishing using the urinal 11.

[0314] Next, the control unit 5 opens the valve 6, and the reformed water generating device 2 is started, current is applied to the electrode pair (A), the tap water supplied from the pipe 3 is electrolyzed, and only the first reformed water is generated. The generated first reformed water is supplied to the discharge unit 4 from the pipe 7 and discharged into the portion (P) of the bowl 112. Here, the method of discharging the reformed water into the portion (P) is preferably to provide the discharge unit 4 above the bowl 112 and discharge the reformed water by pouring it over.

[0315] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the reformed water generating device 2. Next, the control unit 5 stops the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2, and the urinal 11 ends discharging in the second mode. The control unit 5 counts the elapsed time of an arbitrarily set time and determines whether the predetermined time t1 has elapsed. In this way, bacteria and viruses present in the area (P) are inactivated.

[0316] (Discharge of reformed water in first mode) The control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2 according to a preset frequency (e.g., every 8 hours), energizes the electrode pair (A) and (B), electrolyzes the tap water supplied from the pipe 3, and generates first and second reformed waters. The generated first and second reformed waters are discharged to the region (P). In this way, a state is created in which the active ingredients of the first and second reformed waters coexist in the region (P). This allows the bactericidal effects of each ingredient to be synergistically exerted, resulting in an excellent overall bactericidal effect, which kills bacteria, including chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, present in the region (P).

[0317] Then, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating device 2 and stops the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating device 2. The control unit 5 counts the elapse of an arbitrarily set time and determines whether the predetermined time t2 has elapsed.

[0318] Thus, the discharge of the urinal 11 in the first mode is finished, and the cleaning and sterilization of the urinal 11 is completed.

[0319] Bathroom In one embodiment of the present invention, the facility 1 is a bathroom. As an example of a bathroom, a bathroom 12 shown in Fig. 18 will be described.

[0320] <Operation> (Discharge of reformed water in second mode) After a user uses the bathroom 12, the user leaves. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects that the user has finished using the bathroom 12 and sends a corresponding signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 5 may be a human motion sensor that can detect human movement, or a bathroom door opening / closing sensor, etc. Alternatively, after the user has finished using the bathroom 12, the user may voluntarily send an instruction to start the cleaning and sterilization process to the signal sending unit 8 using a smartphone p or the like, thereby sending a signal to the control unit 5. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18 , the reformed water generating device 2 and the control unit 5 are provided within a casing 121. A valve 6 may be provided in the casing 121.

[0321] The control unit 5 starts supplying tap water to the reforming water generating device 2. Next, the control unit 5 starts the reforming water generating device 2, energizes the electrode pair (A), electrolyzes the tap water supplied from the pipe 3, and produces only the first reforming water. In addition to the function of producing reforming water, the control unit 5 may also control the production of reforming water according to a program or the operation of a switch (not shown), and control the operation of an on-off valve (not shown) in each flow path.

[0322] The generated first modified water is discharged from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7 and discharged to the area (P) such as the bathroom 122, the bathtub 123, the washing area 125, the drain 126, the wall, floor, and ceiling of the bathroom 122. Here, the method of discharging the modified water to the area (P) is preferably spray (mist) discharge, which allows the modified water to reach every corner of the entire bathroom, including the above-mentioned areas.

[0323] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reformed water generating device 2, and stops the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 and the discharge of the first reformed water. The control unit 5 counts the elapse of an arbitrarily set time and determines whether the predetermined time t1 has elapsed. In this way, bacteria and viruses present in the portion (P) are inactivated.

[0324] (Discharge of reformed water in first mode) The control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2 according to a preset frequency (e.g., every 8 hours), energizes the electrode pair (A) and (B), electrolyzes the tap water supplied from the pipe 3, and generates first and second reformed waters. The generated first and second reformed waters are discharged to the region (P). In this way, a state is created in which the active ingredients of the first and second reformed waters coexist in the region (P). This allows the bactericidal effects of each ingredient to be synergistically exerted, resulting in an excellent overall bactericidal effect, which kills bacteria, including chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, present in the region (P).

[0325] Then, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating device 2 and stops the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating device 2. The control unit 5 counts the elapse of an arbitrarily set time and determines whether the predetermined time t2 has elapsed.

[0326] Thus, the discharge into the bathroom 12 in the first mode is terminated, and cleaning and sterilization of the bathroom 12 is completed.

[0327] In addition to the above, bathroom 12 may also include a water tap, shower hose, hot water supply control panel, mirror, etc. (not shown). Discharge port 4 may be provided in multiple locations as shown in Figure 18, or there may be only one.

[0328] Automatic Lavatory Faucet In one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment 1 is an automatic lavatory faucet. As an example of the automatic lavatory faucet, an automatic lavatory faucet 13 shown in Figure 19 will be described.

[0329] <Operation> (Discharge of modified water in second mode) After a user washes their hands, washes their face, gargles, etc. at the automatic washbasin faucet 13, the user leaves. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects that the user has finished using the automatic washbasin faucet 13, and sends a signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 may be a human sensor that detects the approach of a human hand, or may be a sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the door to the washbasin space, etc.

[0330] The control unit 5 opens the second electromagnetic valve 1311, starting the supply of tap water through the pipe 3 to the reformed water producing device 2. Next, the control unit 5 starts the reformed water producing device 2, energizes the electrode pair (A), electrolyzes the supplied tap water, and produces only the first reformed water. The second electromagnetic valve 1311 corresponds to the valve 6 of the equipment 1 shown in FIG. 3.

[0331] The generated first modified water is supplied to the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7 and is discharged from the discharge unit 4 to the area (P) of the washbasin 139. The area (P) is not limited to the washbasin 139, and the washbasin counter (not shown) may also be included in the area (P). The area (P) (the area of ​​action of the modified water) includes, for example, cups, toothbrushes, and the like that may be used in the wash space.

[0332] The method of discharging the modified water to the portion (P) is preferably spray (mist) discharge, which allows the modified water to act on the entire washbasin 139. Also, a separate discharge unit 4 may be provided that discharges the modified water over a narrow range in order to apply the modified water to a toothbrush, cup, etc.

[0333] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating apparatus 2. Next, the control unit 5 closes the second electromagnetic valve 1311, and the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating apparatus 2 is stopped.

[0334] In this way, bacteria and viruses present in the area (P), toothbrush, cup, etc. are inactivated.

[0335] (Discharge of reformed water in first mode) The control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2 according to a preset frequency (e.g., every 8 hours), energizes the electrode pair (A) and (B), electrolyzes the tap water supplied from the pipe 3, and generates first and second reformed waters. The generated first and second reformed waters are discharged to the region (P). In this way, a state is created in which the active ingredients of the first and second reformed waters coexist in the region (P). This allows the bactericidal effects of each ingredient to be synergistically exerted, resulting in an excellent overall bactericidal effect, which kills bacteria, including chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, present in the region (P).

[0336] Then, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating device 2 and stops the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating device 2. The control unit 5 counts the elapse of an arbitrarily set time and determines whether the predetermined time t2 has elapsed.

[0337] In this way, the discharge in the first mode for the bathroom 12 is finished, and the cleaning and sterilization of the automatic washbasin faucet 13 is completed.

[0338] 19, the automatic washbasin faucet 13 may include a tap water outlet 132 and a tap water outlet 133. Tap water is supplied to the tap water outlet 132 and the tap water outlet 133 through a common flow path 137, which is a means for supplying tap water, and when the first solenoid valve 1310 is open, tap water flows into the first flow path 134 and is discharged from the tap water outlet 133 connected to its downstream end. The user uses this tap water for washing their hands, washing their face, gargling, etc. The automatic washbasin faucet 13 corresponds to a facility that uses tap water and is equipped with a means for supplying tap water.

[0339] The above has been an example and description of an automatic washbasin faucet that automatically shuts off the flow of tap water using a sensor or the like, but the equipment according to the present invention may also be a washbasin faucet of the type in which the user shuts off the tap water themselves, and in such a washbasin faucet, for example, modified water may be discharged into a discharge pipe 138 as shown in Figure 19 or a handle not shown in Figure 19.

[0340] Kitchen Faucet In one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment 1 is a kitchen faucet. As an example of a kitchen faucet, a kitchen faucet 14 shown in Figures 20 and 21 will be described.

[0341] <Operation> (Discharge of modified water in second mode) After the user has used the kitchen faucet 14, the user turns off the water and leaves. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects that the user has finished using the kitchen faucet 14, and sends a signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 may be a human sensor that detects the approach of a human hand, or a sensor that detects the opening and closing of a door in the kitchen. Alternatively, after the user has finished using the kitchen faucet 14, the user may voluntarily send an instruction to start the cleaning and sterilization process to the signal sending unit 8 using a smartphone or the like, thereby sending a signal to the control unit 5.

[0342] The control unit 5 starts supplying tap water to the reformed water generating device 2. Next, the control unit 5 starts up the reformed water generating device 2, energizes the electrode pair (A), electrolyzes the tap water supplied from the pipe 3, and produces only the first reformed water.

[0343] The generated first modified water is supplied from the pipe 7 to the modified water discharge unit 141 (equipped with the discharge unit 4) and discharged into the area (P) of the sink 143 ( FIG. 21 ). The area (P) is not limited to the sink 143 ( FIG. 21 ); the area (P) may also include a kitchen counter 143 ( FIG. 20 ), a modified water discharge device 144 (in the embodiment shown in FIG. 21 , the modified water discharge unit 141), and a tap water discharge means 142. The area (P) (the area of ​​effect of the modified water) may also include, for example, cooking utensils such as a cutting board and cleaning tools such as a sponge scrubber that may be used in the kitchen. The modified water is preferably discharged into the area (P) by spray (mist), which allows the modified water to be applied to the entire sink 143. A separate discharge unit 4 may be provided to discharge the modified water into a narrow area so that the modified water can be applied to ancillary equipment such as a cutting board or a sponge scrubber.

[0344] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating device 2, and the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating device 2 is stopped.

[0345] In this way, bacteria and viruses present in the part (P) and the associated equipment are inactivated.

[0346] (Discharge of reformed water in first mode) The control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2 according to a preset frequency (e.g., every 8 hours), energizes the electrode pair (A) and (B), electrolyzes the tap water supplied from the pipe 3, and generates first and second reformed waters. The generated first and second reformed waters are discharged to the region (P). In this way, a state is created in which the active ingredients of the first and second reformed waters coexist in the region (P). This allows the bactericidal effects of each ingredient to be synergistically exerted, resulting in an excellent overall bactericidal effect, which kills bacteria, including chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, present in the region (P).

[0347] Then, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating device 2 and stops the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating device 2. The control unit 5 counts the elapse of an arbitrarily set time and determines whether the predetermined time t2 has elapsed.

[0348] In this way, the discharge of the automatic kitchen faucet 14 in the first mode is terminated, and the cleaning and sterilization of the automatic kitchen faucet 14 is completed.

[0349] The above has been an example and explanation of a kitchen faucet of the type in which the user shuts off the tap water themselves, but this explanation also applies to an automatic kitchen faucet of the type in which the tap water is shut off automatically using a sensor or the like.

[0350] <Effects> The effects of the toilet 10, urinal 11, bathroom 12, automatic washbasin faucet 13, and kitchen faucet 14 exemplified above are summarized below. After use of the above equipment, viruses and bacteria are immediately inactivated by discharging the first modified water to the area (P) in the second mode, effectively reducing the risk of viral infection to the next user in equipment used continuously by multiple people. Meanwhile, by discharging the modified water to the area (P) in the first mode at a preset frequency (e.g., every 8 hours), chlorine-resistant, slow-growing bacteria such as chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium are sterilized, efficiently suppressing bacterial growth. As a result, the above equipment does not require the cumbersome task of spraying hypochlorous acid or the like each time, and there is no risk of insufficient disinfection without adding chemicals to tap water. Therefore, the suppression effect of microbial soiling, such as pink stains, can be maintained for a long period of time in equipment used continuously by multiple people. Furthermore, by executing the second mode when the equipment is in use and limiting the execution of the first mode to a pre-set value, the life of the electrode pair (A) or (B) can be extended and deterioration of the equipment's components can be suppressed. Furthermore, by limiting high CT value discharge when the equipment is not in use, damage to human health can be suppressed.

[0351] A preferred group of forms belonging to the third aspect of the present invention described above is referred to as Form C and is shown below. Note that, for convenience, only in the following paragraphs, the third aspect of the present invention will be referred to as Form C1.

[0352] Form C C1 A facility in a building where tap water is used, the facility comprising: a device for generating first reformed water and second reformed water; piping for supplying tap water to the device; a discharge unit for discharging the first reformed water and the second reformed water to an area where contamination by microorganisms or viruses needs to be suppressed; and a control unit, wherein the facility discharges the first reformed water and the second reformed water by changing either or both of: (a) the concentration of the active ingredient contained in each of the first reformed water and the second reformed water; and (b) the discharge time of the first reformed water and the second reformed water according to the discharge timing. C2 The equipment described in C1, comprising: a first mode in which the first reformed water and / or the second reformed water are discharged multiple times or within a predetermined time; and a second mode in which the concentration or discharge time of the first reformed water and / or the second reformed water is greater than the concentration or discharge time of the first reformed water and / or the second reformed water in the first mode. C3 The equipment described in C2, in which the first mode is a mode in which the first reformed water and / or the second reformed water are discharged multiple times within a predetermined time. C4 The equipment described in C2, in which the second mode is performed after the first mode. C5 The equipment described in C4, in which the second mode is performed at night. C6 The equipment according to any one of C1 to C5, wherein the first reformed water contains a first active ingredient, the second reformed water contains a second active ingredient, the first active ingredient includes either free chlorine or a component having a stronger oxidizing power than free chlorine, and the second active ingredient includes either free chlorine or a component having a stronger oxidizing power than free chlorine. C7 The equipment according to C6, wherein the combination of the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient is a combination of ozone and free chlorine, or a combination of hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine. C8 The equipment according to C6, wherein the combination of the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient in the mode in which the first reformed water and the second reformed water are simultaneously discharged is a combination of ozone and free chlorine, or a combination of hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine, and wherein the first active ingredient or the second active ingredient in the second mode is free chlorine.

[0353] More Specific Forms of the Equipment According to the Third Aspect of the Present Invention More specific forms of the equipment according to the third aspect of the present invention, i.e., details of the equipment belonging to the above-mentioned forms C1 to C8, will be described using examples of a toilet, a urinal, a bathroom, an automatic faucet for a washbasin, and a kitchen faucet. Note that, in the following, each piece of equipment will be described using the reformed water generating apparatus 2 as an example of the reformed water generating apparatus, but it goes without saying that reformed water generating apparatuses 2A and 2B can be used instead of the reformed water generating apparatus 2. Also, in the following, a system in which the first reformed water and the second reformed water are simultaneously discharged will be described as an example, but it goes without saying that a system in which the discharge of the second reformed water is started after the discharge of the first reformed water has started, and the discharge of the second reformed water is started after the discharge of the first reformed water has stopped, or while the first reformed water is being discharged, may also be used.

[0354] The CT value is variable in Mode B, that is, Mode B1, in which either the first or second reformed water is discharged within a predetermined time, or the concentrations of the first and second reformed water are made relatively low and discharged within a predetermined time, and Mode B2, in which, after Mode B1 is executed, the concentration or discharge time of either or both of the first and second reformed water is made greater than the concentration or discharge time of either or both of the first and second reformed water in Mode B1. Although a method in which Mode B2 is executed at night has been given as an example, it goes without saying that the discharge method may also be Mode A, Mode A (Mode A2 is executed at night), or Mode B.

[0355] Toilet Bowl In one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment 1 is a toilet bowl. As an example of a toilet bowl, a toilet bowl 10 with an integrated warm water washing toilet seat (hereinafter simply referred to as "toilet bowl 10") shown in Figure 16 will be described.

[0356] <Operation> (Discharge of reformed water at low CT) After a user relieves themselves in the toilet 10, they leave the seat. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects that the user has finished using the toilet 10, and sends a signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 may be a sensor that detects whether the user has sat down and / or left the seat, or a human sensor that can detect human movement. Alternatively, it may be a sensor that detects whether the toilet door is open or closed, etc.

[0357] The control unit 5 activates a flushing mechanism (not shown) provided on the main body of the toilet 10, and starts the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2. Alternatively, the control unit 5 may start the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 when the user voluntarily activates the flushing mechanism after finishing using the toilet 10.

[0358] Next, the control unit 5 activates the reformed water generating device 2, which applies a low current (or low voltage) to the electrode pair (A) and (B), electrolyzing the tap water supplied from the pipe 3 to generate low-concentration first and second reformed waters. The generated reformed water is supplied from the pipe 7 to the spray nozzle 107 (corresponding to the discharge unit 4) and sprayed onto the portion (P) of the bowl 104 where contamination needs to be suppressed. Here, the method of discharging the reformed water onto the portion (P) is not limited to spray discharge. For example, the discharge unit 4 provided on the pipe 7 may be a flowing discharge, or a spray plate may be provided on the discharge unit 4 to discharge the reformed water in a shower-like manner. For example, when the portion (P) is the bowl 104, a mist M is preferably sprayed onto the bowl portion. When the portion (P) is the toilet seat 105, a mist M is preferably sprayed, and the mist is carried to the toilet seat by an ascending air current and applied to the toilet seat. When the portion (P) is the spray nozzle 107, it is preferable to discharge the reforming water in a flowing manner so that the reforming water effectively contacts the nozzle 107.

[0359] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the reformed water generating apparatus 2. Next, the control unit 5 stops the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating apparatus 2, and the discharge of water in the second mode of the toilet 10 ends. The control unit 5 counts the elapsed time of an arbitrarily set time to determine whether the predetermined time t1 has elapsed.

[0360] In this way, bacteria and viruses present in the site (P) are inactivated.

[0361] (Discharge of reformed water at high CT) At a preset time (for example, 2 AM), the control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2, a high current (or a high voltage) is applied to the electrode pair (A) and (B), tap water supplied from the pipe 3 is electrolyzed, and first and second reformed waters with high concentrations are generated. The generated reformed waters are discharged to the location (P).

[0362] In this way, a state is created in which the active ingredients of the first and second modified waters coexist at high concentrations in the region (P), which allows the bactericidal effects of each ingredient to be synergistically exerted, resulting in an excellent overall bactericidal effect, which kills bacteria, including chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, present in the region (P).

[0363] Then, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating device 2 and stops the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating device 2. The control unit 5 counts the elapse of an arbitrarily set time to determine whether the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, but it may also be set to t2 > t1 to allow the time to operate for a longer period of time.

[0364] In this way, the discharge of the toilet 10 at high CT is terminated, and the cleaning and sterilization of the toilet 10 is completed.

[0365] 16, for example, the reformed water generating apparatus 2, the pipe 3, the pipe 7, and the control unit 5 may be provided inside the casing 101. The spray nozzle 107 may be provided inside the casing 101 or attached to the outside.

[0366] In one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment 1 is a urinal. As an example of a urinal, a urinal 11 shown in Figure 17 will be described.

[0367] <Operation> (Discharge of reformed water at low CT) After a user relieves themselves at the urinal 11, the user leaves the urinal. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects that the user has finished using the urinal 11, and sends a signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 is preferably a human sensor or the like that detects that the user has left the urinal.

[0368] The control unit 5 activates a flushing mechanism (not shown) provided on the main body of the urinal 11, and starts the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2. Alternatively, the control unit 5 may start the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2 when the user voluntarily activates the flushing mechanism after finishing using the urinal 11.

[0369] Next, the control unit 5 opens the valve 6, and the reformed water generating device 2 is started. A low current (or low voltage) is applied to the electrode pair (A) and (B), electrolyzing the tap water supplied from the pipe 3 to generate low-concentration first and second reformed waters. The generated reformed water is supplied to the discharge unit 4 from the pipe 7 and discharged into the portion (P) of the bowl 112. Here, the method of discharging the reformed water into the portion (P) is preferably to provide the discharge unit 4 above the bowl 112 and discharge the water by pouring it over.

[0370] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the reformed water generating device 2. Next, the control unit 5 stops the supply of tap water to the reformed water generating device 2, and the discharge of water in the second mode from the urinal 11 ends. The control unit 5 counts the elapsed time of an arbitrarily set time and determines whether the predetermined time t1 has elapsed.

[0371] In this way, bacteria and viruses present in the site (P) are inactivated.

[0372] (Discharge of reformed water at high CT) At a preset time (for example, 2 AM), the control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2, a high current (or a high voltage) is applied to the electrode pair (A) and (B), tap water supplied from the pipe 3 is electrolyzed, and first, second, and third reformed waters with high concentrations are generated. The generated reformed water is discharged to the location (P).

[0373] In this way, a state is created in which the active ingredients of the first and second modified waters coexist in the region (P), whereby the bactericidal effects of the individual ingredients are synergistically exerted, resulting in an excellent overall bactericidal effect, which kills bacteria, including chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, present in the region (P).

[0374] Then, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating device 2 and stops the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating device 2. The control unit 5 counts the elapse of an arbitrarily set time to determine whether the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, but it may also be set to t2 > t1 to allow the time to operate for a longer period of time.

[0375] In this way, the discharge of the urinal 11 at high CT is terminated, and the cleaning and sterilization of the urinal 11 is completed.

[0376] Bathroom In one embodiment of the present invention, the facility 1 is a bathroom. As an example of a bathroom, a bathroom 12 shown in Fig. 18 will be described.

[0377] <Operation> (Discharge of reformed water at low CT) After a user uses the bathroom 12, the user leaves. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects that the user has finished using the bathroom 12 and sends a corresponding signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 5 may be a human motion sensor that can detect human movement, or a bathroom door opening / closing sensor, etc. Alternatively, after the user has finished using the bathroom 12, the user may voluntarily send an instruction to start the cleaning and sterilization process to the signal sending unit 8 using a smartphone p or the like, thereby sending a signal to the control unit 5. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 , the reformed water generating device 2 and the control unit 5 are provided within a casing 121. A valve 6 may be provided in the casing 121.

[0378] The control unit 5 starts supplying tap water to the reforming water generating device 2. Next, the control unit 5 starts the reforming water generating device 2, and a low current (or low voltage) is applied to the electrode pair (A) and (B), electrolyzing the tap water supplied from the pipe 3 to generate first and second reforming waters of low concentration. In addition to the function of generating reforming water, the control unit 5 may also control the generation of reforming water according to a program or the operation of a switch (not shown), and may also control the operation of an on-off valve (not shown) in each flow path.

[0379] The produced modified water is discharged from the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7 and is discharged to the area (P) such as the bathroom 122, the bathtub 123, the washing area 125, the drain 126, the wall, floor, and ceiling of the bathroom 122. Here, the method of discharging the modified water to the area (P) is preferably spray (mist) discharge, which allows the modified water to reach every corner of the entire bathroom, including the above-mentioned areas.

[0380] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating device 2, and stops the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating device 2 and the discharge of reforming water. The control unit 5 counts the elapsed time of an arbitrarily set time and determines whether the predetermined time t1 has elapsed.

[0381] In this way, bacteria and viruses present in the site (P) are inactivated.

[0382] (Discharge of reformed water at high CT) At a preset time (for example, 2 AM), the control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2, a high current (or a high voltage) is applied to the electrode pair (A) and (B), tap water supplied from the pipe 3 is electrolyzed, and first and second reformed waters with high concentrations are generated. The generated reformed waters are discharged to the location (P).

[0383] In this way, a state is created in which the active ingredients of the first and second modified waters coexist in the region (P), whereby the bactericidal effects of the individual ingredients are synergistically exerted, resulting in an excellent overall bactericidal effect, which kills bacteria, including chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, present in the region (P).

[0384] Then, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating device 2 and stops the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating device 2. The control unit 5 counts the elapse of an arbitrarily set time to determine whether the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, but it may also be set to t2 > t1 to allow the time to operate for a longer period of time.

[0385] In this way, the discharge of the bathroom 12 at high CT is finished, and the cleaning and sterilization of the bathroom 12 is completed.

[0386] In addition to the above, the bathroom 12 may also include a water supply faucet, a shower hose, a hot water supply control panel, a mirror, etc. (not shown). The discharge port 4 may be provided in multiple locations as shown in Figure 18, or it may be a single outlet port.

[0387] Automatic Lavatory Faucet In one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment 1 is an automatic lavatory faucet. As an example of the automatic lavatory faucet, an automatic lavatory faucet 13 shown in Figure 19 will be described.

[0388] <Operation> (Discharge of modified water at low CT) After a user washes their hands, washes their face, gargles, etc. at the automatic washbasin faucet 13, the user leaves. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects that the user has finished using the automatic washbasin faucet 13, and sends a signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 may be a human sensor that detects the approach of a human hand, or it may be a sensor for detecting the opening and closing of the door to the washbasin space, etc.

[0389] The control unit 5 opens the second solenoid valve 1311, starting the supply of tap water through the pipe 3 to the reformed water producing device 2. Next, the control unit 5 starts the reformed water producing device 2, and a low current (or low voltage) is applied to the electrode pair (A) and (B), electrolyzing the supplied tap water and producing first and second reformed waters of low concentration. The second solenoid valve 1311 corresponds to the valve 6 of the facility 1 shown in FIG. 3.

[0390] The generated modified water is supplied to the discharge unit 4 through the pipe 7 and is discharged from the discharge unit 4 to the area (P) of the washbasin 139. The area (P) is not limited to the washbasin 139, and the washbasin counter (not shown) may also be included in the area (P). The area (P) (the range of action of the modified water) includes, for example, cups, toothbrushes, etc. that may be used in the wash space.

[0391] The method of discharging the modified water to the portion (P) is preferably spray (mist) discharge, which allows the modified water to act on the entire washbasin 139. Also, a separate discharge unit 4 may be provided that discharges the modified water over a narrow range in order to apply the modified water to a toothbrush, cup, etc.

[0392] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating apparatus 2. Next, the control unit 5 closes the second electromagnetic valve 1311, and the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating apparatus 2 is stopped.

[0393] In this way, bacteria and viruses present in the area (P), toothbrush, cup, etc. are inactivated.

[0394] (Discharge of reformed water at high CT) At a preset time (for example, 2 AM), the control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2, a high current (or a high voltage) is applied to the electrode pair (A) and (B), tap water supplied from the pipe 3 is electrolyzed, and first and second reformed waters with high concentrations are generated. The generated reformed waters are discharged to the location (P).

[0395] In this way, a state is created in which the active ingredients of the first and second modified waters coexist in the region (P), whereby the bactericidal effects of the individual ingredients are synergistically exerted, resulting in an excellent overall bactericidal effect, which kills bacteria, including chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, present in the region (P).

[0396] Then, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating device 2 and stops the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating device 2. The control unit 5 counts the elapse of an arbitrarily set time to determine whether the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, but it may also be set to t2 > t1 to allow the time to operate for a longer period of time.

[0397] In this way, the discharge of the automatic washbasin faucet 13 at high CT is terminated, and the cleaning and sterilization of the automatic washbasin faucet 13 is completed.

[0398] 19, the automatic washbasin faucet 13 may include a tap water outlet 132 and a tap water outlet 133. Tap water is supplied to the tap water outlet 132 and the tap water outlet 133 through a common flow path 137, which is a means for supplying tap water, and when the first solenoid valve 1310 is open, tap water flows into the first flow path 134 and is discharged from the tap water outlet 133 connected to its downstream end. The user uses this tap water to wash their hands, wash their face, gargle, etc. The automatic washbasin faucet 13 corresponds to a facility that uses tap water and is equipped with a means for supplying tap water.

[0399] The above has been an example and description of an automatic washbasin faucet that automatically shuts off the flow of tap water using a sensor or the like, but the equipment according to the present invention may also be a washbasin faucet of the type in which the user shuts off the tap water themselves, and in such a washbasin faucet, for example, modified water may be discharged into a discharge pipe 138 as shown in Figure 19 or a handle not shown in Figure 19.

[0400] Kitchen Faucet In one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment 1 is a kitchen faucet. As an example of a kitchen faucet, a kitchen faucet 14 shown in Figures 20 and 21 will be described.

[0401] <Operation> (Discharge of reformed water at low CT) After a user uses the kitchen faucet 14, the user turns off the water and leaves. A sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 detects that the user has finished using the kitchen faucet 14, and sends a signal to the control unit 5. The sensor provided in the signal sending unit 8 may be a human sensor that detects the approach of a human hand, or a sensor that detects the opening and closing of a door in the kitchen space. Alternatively, after the user has finished using the kitchen faucet 14, the user may voluntarily send an instruction to start the cleaning and sterilization process to the signal sending unit 8 using a smartphone or the like, which sends a signal to the control unit 5.

[0402] The control unit 5 starts supplying tap water to the reformed water generating device 2. Next, the control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2, and a low current (or low voltage) is applied to the electrode pair (A) and (B), electrolyzing the tap water supplied from the pipe 3 to generate first and second reformed waters having low concentrations.

[0403] The generated modified water is supplied from the pipe 7 to the modified water discharge unit 141 (equipped with the discharge unit 4) and discharged into the area (P) of the sink 143 ( FIG. 21 ). The area (P) is not limited to the sink 143 ( FIG. 21 ); it may also include a kitchen counter 143 ( FIG. 20 ), a modified water discharge device 144 (in the embodiment shown in FIG. 21 , the modified water discharge unit 141), and a tap water discharge means 142. The area (P) (the area of ​​effect of the modified water) may also include, for example, cooking utensils such as a cutting board and cleaning tools such as a sponge scrubber that may be used in the kitchen. The method of discharging the modified water into the area (P) is preferably spray (mist) discharge, which allows the modified water to be applied to the entire sink 143. A separate discharge unit 4 may be provided to discharge the modified water into a narrow area so that the modified water can be applied to ancillary equipment such as a cutting board or a sponge scrubber.

[0404] When the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating device 2, and the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating device 2 is stopped.

[0405] In this way, bacteria and viruses present in the part (P) and the associated equipment are inactivated.

[0406] (Discharge of reformed water at high CT) At a preset time (for example, 2 AM), the control unit 5 starts the reformed water generating device 2, a high current (or a high voltage) is applied to the electrode pair (A) and (B), tap water supplied from the pipe 3 is electrolyzed, and first and second reformed waters with high concentrations are generated. The generated first and second reformed waters are discharged to the location (P).

[0407] In this way, a state is created in which the active ingredients of the first and second modified waters coexist in the region (P), whereby the bactericidal effects of the individual ingredients are synergistically exerted, resulting in an excellent overall bactericidal effect, which kills bacteria, including chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium, present in the region (P).

[0408] Then, when the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, the control unit 5 stops the operation of the reforming water generating device 2 and stops the supply of tap water to the reforming water generating device 2. The control unit 5 counts the elapse of an arbitrarily set time to determine whether the predetermined time t2 has elapsed, but it may also be set to t2 > t1 to allow the time to operate for a longer period of time.

[0409] In this way, the discharge of the automatic kitchen faucet 14 at high CT is terminated, and the cleaning and sterilization of the automatic kitchen faucet 14 is completed.

[0410] The above has been an example and explanation of a kitchen faucet of the type in which the user shuts off the tap water themselves, but this explanation also applies to an automatic kitchen faucet of the type in which the tap water is shut off automatically using a sensor or the like.

[0411] <Effects> The effects of the toilet 10, urinal 11, bathroom 12, automatic washbasin faucet 13, and kitchen faucet 14 exemplified above are summarized below. After use of the above equipment, viruses and bacteria are immediately inactivated by discharging modified water at a low CT into the area (P), effectively reducing the risk of viral infection to the next user in equipment used by multiple people consecutively. Meanwhile, by discharging modified water at a high CT into the area (P) at a pre-set time (e.g., 2:00 AM), chlorine-resistant, slow-growing bacteria such as chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium are sterilized, effectively suppressing bacterial growth. As a result, the above equipment does not require the cumbersome task of spraying hypochlorous acid or the like each time, and there is no risk of insufficient disinfection without adding chemicals to tap water. Therefore, the suppression of microbial soiling, such as pink stains, can be maintained for a long period of time in equipment used by multiple people consecutively. Furthermore, by implementing low CT when the equipment is in use and limiting implementation of high CT to a pre-set time, the life of the electrode pair (A) or (B) can be extended and deterioration of the equipment's components can be suppressed. Furthermore, by limiting high CT when the equipment is not in use, damage to human health can be suppressed.

[0412] A preferred group of forms belonging to the fourth aspect of the present invention described above is referred to as Form D and is shown below. For convenience, the fourth aspect of the present invention will be referred to as Form D1 only in the description of the following paragraph.

[0413] Form D D1 A facility in a building where tap water is used, the facility comprising: a device for generating first reformed water and second reformed water; piping for supplying tap water to the device; a discharge unit for discharging the first reformed water and the second reformed water to a location where contamination by microorganisms or viruses needs to be suppressed; and a control unit, wherein the first reformed water and the second reformed water are discharged simultaneously, and the first reformed water and the second reformed water, when mixed, have any of the following compositions A, B, C, and D: A: containing 0.05 ppm or more of ozone and 1.5 ppm or more of free chlorine; B: containing 0.1 ppm or more of ozone and more than 0.75 ppm of free chlorine; C: containing 0.2 ppm or more of ozone and 0.1 ppm or more of free chlorine; D: containing 0.5 ppm or more of free chlorine and more than 15 ppm of hydrogen peroxide. D2 The equipment according to D1, wherein the first reforming water and the second reforming water are discharged simultaneously in a mixed state. D3 The equipment according to D2, wherein the first reforming water and the second reforming water have an upper limit of ozone concentration of 3 ppm in a mixed state. D4 The equipment according to D2, wherein the first reforming water and the second reforming water have an upper limit of free chlorine concentration of 5 ppm in a mixed state. D5 The equipment according to D3, wherein the first reforming water and the second reforming water have an upper limit of free chlorine concentration of 5 ppm in a mixed state. D6 The equipment according to any one of D1 to 5, further comprising a temperature adjustment unit. D7 The equipment according to any one of D1 to 5, wherein the discharge unit discharges the first reforming water and the second reforming water in the form of granules with a particle size of 10 μm or more, in a shower-like manner, or in a flowing manner.

[0414] More Specific Forms of the Equipment According to the Fourth Aspect of the Present Invention More specific forms of the equipment according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, i.e., details of the equipment belonging to the above-mentioned forms D1 to D7, will be described using examples of toilets, urinals, bathrooms, automatic washbasin faucets, and kitchen faucets. Note that, below, specific examples of each equipment will be described using an example of a reformed water generator 2 having one electrode pair that produces both first and second reformed waters, but the reformed water generator 2 may also have separate electrode pairs capable of producing the first reformed water and second reformed water, with the two electrode pairs arranged in series or parallel. In the following, when the first and second reforming waters are simultaneously mixed at location (P) and discharged, an example will be given in which the first and second reforming waters are simultaneously generated and discharged by the reforming water generating device 2; however, it goes without saying that the method may also be such that the discharge of the second reforming water is started after the discharge of the first reforming water has started, and the discharge of the second reforming water is started after the discharge of the first reforming water has stopped, or while the first reforming water is being discharged.

[0415] Toilet According to one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment 1 according to the present invention is a toilet. The configuration of a warm water washing toilet seat-integrated toilet 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as "toilet 10") will be described below with reference to Figures 16 and 3.

[0416] <Operation> The equipment in the toilet 10 that uses tap water includes the bowl 104 of the Western-style seated toilet 102, the sanitary cleaning device (warm water washing toilet seat) 103, the casing 101, the toilet seat 105, the toilet lid 106 (optional), and the floor and walls of the toilet. In this embodiment, the means for providing tap water to the equipment that uses tap water refers to piping (not shown) that supplies tap water into the bowl 104 to flush the toilet 102 and remove excrement from the bowl 104, and piping that supplies tap water to the sanitary cleaning device (warm water washing toilet seat) 103.

[0417] The reformed water generating device may be, for example, the reformed water generating device 2, 2A, or 2B described above, and may be attached inside a toilet seat (preferably a warm-water washing toilet seat) or outside the toilet bowl. In FIG. 16 , the reformed water generating device 2 is provided inside a casing 101. The reformed water discharge means that enables the reformed water to contact the surface of the equipment is a spray nozzle (spout unit) 107, which may be provided inside the casing 101 or attached externally. The spray nozzle 107 discharges the reformed water generated by the reformed water generating device in the form of a mist M, so that the reformed water comes into contact with the surface of the equipment, i.e., the surface of the equipment where tap water is used (e.g., the surface of the bowl 104 and the waterline), as well as the surfaces of the floor and walls of the toilet. As a result, the surface of the equipment 1 is sterilized.

[0418] In this embodiment, for example, after flushing of the toilet bowl 103 is completed, or at regular intervals, or when a manual switch is turned on, modified water is generated in the modified water generating device, and the modified water is sprayed from the spray nozzle 107, thereby sterilizing the surface of the bowl 104.

[0419] [Control] Tap water is guided to the pipe 3 through the electromagnetic valve 6 and flows into the reformed water generating device 2, where first and second reformed waters are generated. The generated reformed water passes through the pipe 7, is then guided to the spray nozzle 107, and is sprayed into the bowl 104.

[0420] Urinal According to one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment 1 according to the present invention is a urinal. The configuration of the urinal 11 will be described below with reference to Figures 17 and 3. <Operation> The equipment in which tap water is used, which is included in the urinal 11, includes the bowl 112 and casing 111 of the urinal 11. In this embodiment, the means for providing tap water to the equipment in which tap water is used refers to a pipe (not shown) that supplies tap water into the bowl 112 to clean the bowl 112 and remove excrement therein, and a pipe that supplies tap water to the casing 111.

[0421] The reformed water generating device may be, for example, the reformed water generating device 2, 2A, or 2B described above, and may be installed inside or outside the urinal. In FIG. 17 , the reformed water generating device 2 is provided inside a casing 111. The reformed water discharge means that enables the reformed water to contact the surface of the bowl 112 is a spray nozzle (spout unit) 4, which may be provided inside the casing 111 or attached to the outside. The spray nozzle 4 discharges the first and second reformed waters generated by the reformed water generating device in a shower-like manner, so that the reformed water comes into contact with the surface of the bowl 112 and a drain trap (not shown). As a result, the surface of the equipment 1 is sterilized.

[0422] In this embodiment, for example, after flushing of the bowl 112 is completed, or at regular intervals, or when a manual switch is turned on, modified water is generated in the modified water generating device, and the modified water is sprayed from the spray nozzle 4, thereby sterilizing the surface of the bowl 112.

[0423] Bathroom or Shower Room According to one embodiment of the present invention, the facility of the present invention is a bathroom or shower room. An example of the configuration of a bathroom will be described below with reference to Figure 18. The facilities in the bathroom 12 that use tap water include a bathtub 123, a washing area (floor) 125, a drain 126, the bathroom walls 122 and ceiling, a shower, a counter, a mirror, and a hot water control panel (none of which are shown). In this embodiment, the means for supplying tap water to the facilities that use tap water include a water faucet, a shower (none of which are shown), etc.

[0424] The modified water generating device may be, for example, the modified water generating device 2, 2A, or 2B described above, and may be attached to, for example, the bathroom floor 125, counter, or wall 122. In the example shown in FIG. 18 , the modified water generating device 2 is installed in a casing, and the first and second modified waters generated by the device 2 are distributed to the discharge unit 4 through a pipe 7. The discharge unit 4 is a modified water discharge means (a discharge unit for discharging modified water to a location) that allows the modified water to come into contact with the surfaces of the bathroom. The discharge unit 4 discharges the modified water in a shower-like manner into the bathtub 123, sterilizing and cleaning the walls and floor of the bathtub. The discharge unit 4 also discharges the modified water in a shower-like manner onto the bathroom interior walls (ceiling, walls, and floor) to sterilize and clean the walls and floor of the bathtub. The drain 126 discharges the hot and cold water used in the bathroom 122, as well as the modified water sprayed thereon, outside the bathroom. The hot and cold water used in the bathtub 123 and the modified water sprayed therein may be discharged from an outlet (not shown) in the bathtub 123 to the drain outlet 126 .

[0425] [Control] Tap water is introduced into the reformed water generating device 2 and electrolyzed to generate reformed water. The generated reformed water passes through the pipe 7, is supplied to the discharge unit 4, and is discharged onto the inner surface of the bathtub 123. The reformed water also passes through the pipe 7, is supplied to the discharge unit 124, and is discharged into the washing area 125. The reformed water further passes through the pipe 7, is supplied to the discharge unit 124, and is discharged onto the walls and ceiling of the bathroom 51. In addition to the functions already described, the control unit 5 of the reformed water generating device 2 has the function of controlling the generation of reformed water according to a program and the operation of switches (not shown), and controlling the operation of on-off valves (not shown) in each flow path.

[0426] [Function] The modified water discharged into the bathtub 123 serves to sterilize the bathtub 123. The modified water discharged into the washing area 125 serves to sterilize the washing area 125. The modified water discharged onto the wall surface of the bathroom 122 serves to sterilize the wall surface (ceiling, walls) of the bathroom 122.

[0427] In this embodiment, when cleaning the bathtub, the washing area, the bathroom walls, or a combination of these, at least a portion of the sealing water in the drain trap installed in the drain outlet 126 can be replaced with modified water and sterilized. As a result, the effect of suppressing microbial soiling such as slime and pink stains in the inside of the bathtub 123, the washing area 125, the walls of the bathroom 122, and the drain trap can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0428] Automatic Lavatory Faucet According to one aspect of the present invention, the facility of the present invention is an automatic lavatory faucet. Hereinafter, the configuration of the automatic lavatory faucet 13 will be illustrated with reference to Figure 19 .

[0429] The equipment that uses tap water included in the automatic washbasin faucet 13 includes a bowl 139 and a washbasin counter (not shown). The bowl 139 receives tap water discharged from the automatic washbasin faucet 13 and drains it through a drain (not shown). In this embodiment, the automatic washbasin faucet 13 is the means for providing tap water to the equipment that uses it. In this embodiment, the automatic washbasin faucet 13 discharges tap water and reformed water. The automatic washbasin faucet 13 includes, for example, any of the reformed water generating devices 2, 2A, and 2B described above. In this embodiment, the reformed water generating device is attached, for example, to the piping of the automatic washbasin faucet 13 or nearby, in a position where reformed water can be discharged onto the surface of the bowl 139 and where a tap water pipe can be connected.

[0430] [Control] Reformed water produced by the reformed water producing device 2 is provided to the automatic washbasin faucet 13, and the reformed water is appropriately sprayed toward the bowl 139 by detection by a switch or sensor (not shown).

[0431] [Function] Spraying modified water can maintain for a long time the effect of suppressing microbial stains such as slime and pink stains on the bowl 139, drain outlet, and drain trap (none of which are shown). In this embodiment, the discharged modified water can also be sprayed on toiletries such as toothbrushes and cups to sterilize them.

[0432] The automatic washbasin faucet 13 not only dispenses tap water and modified water, but may also dispense perfumes with functions other than sterilization, such as cosmetic perfume. Tap water is supplied through a common flow path 137. A constant flow rate valve (not shown) keeps the flow rate downstream constant.

[0433] The reforming water generating apparatus 2 generates and discharges reforming water. In addition to the functions already described, the control unit 5 of the reforming water generating apparatus 2 also has the function of controlling the first solenoid valve 1310 and the second solenoid valve 1311. The first discharge unit 132 discharges tap water or the like from the first discharge port 133. The first flow path 134 supplies tap water or the like to the first discharge unit 132. The second discharge unit 135 is nozzle-shaped and sprays and discharges reforming water from the second discharge port 136. The piping 7 supplies reforming water to the second discharge unit 135. The first solenoid valve 1310 opens and closes to switch between allowing and blocking the flow of tap water in the first flow path 134. When the valve is open, tap water flows through the first flow path 134 and is discharged from the first discharge port 135 of the first discharge unit 132 connected to the downstream end of the first flow path 134. The second solenoid valve 1311 opens and closes to switch between flowing and blocking tap water in the pipe 7. When the valve is open, tap water flows through the pipe 7, reformed water is produced in the reformed water producing device 2, and the reformed water is sprayed and discharged from a second discharge port 136 of a second discharge part 135 connected to the downstream end of the pipe 7. The first flow path 134 and the discharge pipe 138, which is the main body of the faucet that connects and fixes the pipe 7 thereto, may be curved tubular members.

[0434] [Control] Tap water is passed through the common flow path 137, the flow rate of which is adjusted by a constant flow valve (not shown), and the water is passed through the branched first flow path 134 and the piping 7. The tap water passed through the first flow path 134 is supplied to the first discharge unit 132 and discharged from the first discharge port 133 by the control unit 5 opening and closing the first electromagnetic valve 1310 in response to the operation of a sensor or switch (not shown). The tap water passed through the piping 7 is supplied to the reformed water generating device 2 by the control unit 5 opening and closing the piping 7 in response to the operation of a sensor or switch (not shown). Furthermore, the control unit 5 applies electricity to the reformed water generating device 2, which electrolyzes the tap water to generate reformed water. The reformed water is then passed to the second discharge unit 135 and sprayed out from the second discharge port 136.

[0435] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment of the present invention is a kitchen faucet. The configuration of an automatic kitchen faucet 14 will be exemplified below with reference to Figures 20 and 21.

[0436] The equipment that uses tap water included in the automatic kitchen faucet 14 includes the sink 143, the edge of the sink, the counter, etc. Also included in the equipment is a dishwasher that is used in conjunction with the use of the automatic kitchen faucet 14. In this embodiment, the means for providing tap water to the equipment that uses tap water is the tap water discharge unit 142, that is, the faucet that discharges tap water. In this embodiment, the reformed water discharge means is the reformed water discharge unit 141, and the reformed water is generated by a reformed water generating device 2 disposed in the discharge device 144. In this embodiment, the reformed water generating device 2 is attached, for example, to the piping of the reformed water discharge unit 141 or nearby, in a position where the reformed water can be discharged onto the kitchen surface and where a tap water pipe can be connected.

[0437] As shown in Figure 21, the discharge device 144 includes a reforming water generating apparatus 2, generates reforming water, and discharges it from a reforming water discharge section 141. In addition to the functions already described, the control section 5 of the reforming water generating apparatus 2 has a function of controlling a solenoid valve 6. The solenoid valve 6 opens and closes a valve to discharge or stop water in response to a control signal output from the control section 5. When the valve is opened, reforming water is discharged from the reforming water discharge section 141.

[0438] [Control] The reformed water generated in the reformed water generating device 2 disposed in the discharge device 144 is supplied to the reformed water discharge section 141 and discharged onto the inside or edge of the sink 143, the counter, etc. The timing of discharge may be detected by a sensor (not shown) and controlled by sending a signal to the control section 5, or a switch (not shown) may be provided and connected to the control section 5 so that the user can turn it on to discharge when necessary.

[0439] [Operation] By discharging the modified water into the sink 143, the inner walls of the sink can be sterilized, and at the same time, the modified water can be sprayed onto cooking utensils such as cutting boards and knives, dishes, and dish towels placed in the sink to sterilize them. Furthermore, when discharging the modified water, by replacing at least a portion of the sealing water in the drain trap installed at the drain outlet with the modified water, the effect of suppressing microbial soiling such as slime and pink stains in the drain trap can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0440] The present invention will be specifically described based on the following examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0441] Manufacture of reformed water generating device The facility 1 using the reformed water generating device 2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 was assembled according to the following steps.

[0442] <Step 1: Preparation of Electrode 23 (Electrode Pair 231)> The anode 2311 was prepared by providing a catalyst layer made of an oxide containing antimony, tin, and nickel on a titanium substrate, for example, according to the literature "Hamed Shekarchizade at al., Effect of Elemental Composition on the Structure, Electrochemical Properties, and Ozone Production Activity of Ti / SnO2-Sb-Ni Electrodes Prepared by Thermal Pyrolysis Method, 2011 (doi:10.4061 / 2011 / 240837)." A stainless steel plate was used as the cathode 2312. The area of ​​the anode 2311 and the cathode 2312 were each 8 cm2. ２ It was decided.

[0443] <Step 2: Assembly of the reformed water generating device> A rectangular container (80 mm x 50 mm x 30 mm) extending in the longitudinal direction was used as the container for the reformed water generating device 2. Openings were formed at the ends of the container for circulating tap water. One opening was provided with a pipe 3 for supplying tap water, and the other opening was provided with a pipe 7 for supplying reformed water and a discharge port 4 for discharging the reformed water. Polyurethane tubing was used for the pipes 3 and 7, allowing tap water and reformed water to circulate within the equipment 1. An anode 2311 extending in the longitudinal direction was disposed on one wall surface of the reformed water generating device 2 extending in the longitudinal direction, and a cathode 2312 extending in the longitudinal direction was disposed on the other wall surface. The distance between the anode 2311 and the cathode 2312 was set to 0.5 mm by sandwiching a Teflon spacer between them.

[0444] <Step 3: Installation of the control unit> A stabilized power supply was connected to the anode 2311 and the cathode 2312, a constant voltage of 15 V was applied, and a current of 14 mA / cm was applied between the anode and the cathode. ２ The current value was controlled so that a current density of 1000 kJ / s was applied. The flow rate of tap water was controlled by disposing a flow valve 6 in the pipe 3.

[0445] Evaluation 1: Production of reformed water by equipment 1 1-1: Production of reformed water Tap water (TOTO Corporation, 2-1 Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture) was adjusted to a flow rate of 0.45 L / min by the control unit and passed through the reformed water production device 2. A constant current was applied to the electrode pair 231 by the control unit to produce reformed water containing both ozone and free chlorine.

[0446] 1-2: Measurement of Ozone and Free Chlorine Concentrations in Modified Water To measure the free chlorine concentration, 10 mL of modified water was dispensed into a water sampling bottle, a single dose of free chlorine reagent for SWIFTEST (Hach) was added and mixed, and the free chlorine concentration was quantified using a pocket residual chlorine meter (Hach). To measure the ozone concentration, the modified water was collected using an ozone concentration measurement kit (Ozone AccuVac Ampules HR pk25, Hach), and the kit was placed in a portable absorptiometer (DR1900, Hach) and the ozone concentration was quantified using the ozone concentration measurement mode. The resulting ozone concentration was 0.23 ppm, and the free chlorine concentration was 0.92 ppm.

[0447] Test Example I The following experiment confirmed that the present invention exhibits an exceptionally excellent bactericidal effect against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium.

[0448] Reference Example 1: Test to Confirm Chlorine Resistance of Chlorine-Resistant Methylobacterium <Step 4: Isolation of Chlorine-Resistant Methylobacterium> Dirt from the area of ​​the bowl up to 2 cm above the water surface of a PureRest toilet (TOTO Corporation) installed in the women's restroom on the 5th floor of Research Building No. 3 at TOTO Corporation's General Research Institute (Honmura, Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture) was wiped with a sterile cotton swab. The resulting solution was suspended in saline and applied to an R2A plate. The plate was cultured at 20°C for 7 days, yielding a plate with numerous colonies. A pink colony was selected from the plate, and the bacterial species was identified using a MALDI-Biotyper (Bruker Japan). The resulting score value was 2.26, consistent with that of Methylobacterium fujisawaense B235 UFL. This strain was designated "chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium." Meanwhile, Methylobacterium extorquens (NBRC15687) was purchased from the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation, an independent administrative institution, and used as the "Methylobacterium standard strain."

[0449] <Step 5: Generation of water containing free chlorine by electrolysis of tap water> Pt / IrO ２ The electrodes were immersed in tap water, and a current was applied to electrolyze it, producing water containing free chlorine (hereinafter referred to as "free chlorine water"). 10 mL of this free chlorine water was dispensed into a water sampling bottle, and a single dose of free chlorine reagent for SWIFTEST (Hach) was added and mixed, and the free chlorine concentration in the free chlorine water was quantified using a pocket residual chlorine meter (Hach).

[0450] <Step 6: Measurement of the bactericidal effect when the modified water containing free chlorine is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium> A colony of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was suspended in physiological saline, and 3 × 10 ８A bacterial solution of 0.5 cells / mL was prepared. Similarly, a bacterial solution of the Methylobacterium standard strain was prepared. In step 5, 50 mL of 0-4 ppm free chlorine water was prepared, and 0.5 mL of the bacterial solution of the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and the Methylobacterium standard strain was added and mixed. This exposed the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and the Methylobacterium standard strain to free chlorine. After 10 seconds, 1 mL of the reaction solution was sampled and neutralized by mixing with 0.1 mL of 1% sodium thiosulfate. The neutralized solution was diluted and plated on an R2A plate and cultured at 20°C for 7 days. The number of colonies that appeared was counted to quantify the viable bacterial count. As a control, the viable bacterial count when the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium and the Methylobacterium standard strain were exposed to pure water was quantified. The viable bacterial count when exposed to the modified water was then divided by the viable bacterial count of the control to calculate the respective survival rates. As a result, as shown in Figure 22, the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium showed a survival rate of more than 0.1 even at 4 ppm of free chlorine. On the other hand, the survival rate of the standard strain of Methylobacterium was below 0.001 at 1.5 ppm of free chlorine. These results confirmed that the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium used in Reference Example 1 had very strong chlorine resistance.

[0451] Test 1: Bactericidal effect when modified water containing 1.5 ppm of free chlorine and 0.1 ppm of ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. <Step 7: Generation of ozone-containing water by electrolysis of tap water> Tap water was passed through a water purifier MP02-3 (Mitsubishi Chemical Cleansui Co., Ltd.), and the water from which free chlorine had been removed was stored in a bottle. Next, a constant current of 1.5 A was applied to a commercially available diamond electrode while the free chlorine-removed water was passed through it, and the free chlorine-removed water was electrolyzed to generate water containing ozone (hereinafter referred to as "ozone water"). This ozone water was collected using an ozone concentration measurement kit (Ozone AccuVac Ampules HR pk25, Hach), and set in a portable absorptiometer (DR1900, Hach), and the ozone concentration was quantified using the ozone concentration measurement mode.

[0452] <Step 8: Measurement of the bactericidal effect when the modified water containing both free chlorine and ozone is allowed to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium> A colony of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was suspended in physiological saline, and 3 × 10 ８ A bacterial solution containing 1000 cells / mL was prepared. Using free chlorine water and ozone water, either alone or in combination, three types of modified water containing only free chlorine, only ozone, and both free chlorine and ozone were prepared in 50 mL volumes. 0.5 mL of a chlorine-tolerant Methylobacterium bacterial solution was added to each modified water and mixed. In other words, each modified water was exposed to the chlorine-tolerant Methylobacterium. After 10 seconds, within 40 seconds, 1 mL of the reaction solution was sampled and neutralized by mixing with 0.1 mL of 1% sodium thiosulfate. The neutralized solution was diluted and seeded on an R2A plate and cultured at 20°C for 7 days. The number of colonies that appeared was counted to quantify the viable bacterial count. As a control, the viable bacterial count was quantified when pure water was exposed to chlorine-tolerant Methylobacterium. The viable bacterial count when the modified water was exposed was then divided by the viable bacterial count of the control to calculate the sterilization rate. As a result, as shown in Figure 23(a), the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 0.0% in the modified water containing 0.1 ppm ozone and 30.6% in the modified water containing 1.5 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the kill rate of 43.1% was obtained in the modified water containing both 1.5 ppm free chlorine and 0.1 ppm ozone. This effect was not merely the sum of the killer effects when exposed to 1.5 ppm free chlorine or 0.1 ppm ozone alone, but surprisingly, it was a synergistic killer effect.

[0453] Test 2: Bactericidal effect when modified water containing 0.375 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone was applied to chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in Figure 23 (b), the bactericidal rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 9.4% for modified water containing 0.2 ppm of ozone and 10.6% for modified water containing 0.375 ppm of free chlorine. On the other hand, a bactericidal rate of 40.9% was obtained for modified water containing both 0.375 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone. This effect was not merely the sum of the bactericidal effects when exposed to 0.375 ppm of free chlorine or 0.2 ppm of ozone alone, but surprisingly, it was a synergistic bactericidal effect.

[0454] Test 3: Bactericidal effect when modified water containing 0.75 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone was applied to chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in Figure 23 (c), the bactericidal rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 9.4% for modified water containing 0.2 ppm of ozone and 19.7% for modified water containing 0.75 ppm of free chlorine. On the other hand, a bactericidal rate of 52.9% was obtained for modified water containing both 0.75 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone. This effect was not merely the sum of the bactericidal effects when exposed to 0.75 ppm of free chlorine or 0.2 ppm of ozone alone, but surprisingly, it was a synergistic bactericidal effect.

[0455] Test 4: Bactericidal effect when modified water containing 1.5 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone was applied to chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in Figure 23 (d), the bactericidal rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 9.4% for modified water containing 0.2 ppm of ozone and 30.6% for modified water containing 1.5 ppm of free chlorine. On the other hand, a bactericidal rate of 77.9% was obtained for modified water containing both 1.5 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone. This effect was not merely the sum of the bactericidal effects when exposed to 1.5 ppm of free chlorine or 0.2 ppm of ozone alone, but surprisingly, it was a synergistic bactericidal effect.

[0456] Test 5: Bactericidal effect when modified water containing 1.5 ppm of free chlorine and 0.05 ppm of ozone was applied to chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in Figure 23(e), the bactericidal rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 0.0% for modified water containing 0.05 ppm of ozone, and 89.4% for modified water containing 1.5 ppm of free chlorine. On the other hand, a bactericidal rate of 99.9% was obtained for modified water containing both 1.5 ppm of free chlorine and 0.05 ppm of ozone. This effect was not merely the sum of the bactericidal effects when exposed to 1.5 ppm of free chlorine or 0.05 ppm of ozone alone, but surprisingly, it was a synergistic bactericidal effect.

[0457] Test 6: Bactericidal effect when modified water containing 1.0 ppm of free chlorine and 0.1 ppm of ozone was applied to chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in Figure 23 (f), the bactericidal rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 2.1% for modified water containing 0.1 ppm of ozone and 28.3% for modified water containing 1.0 ppm of free chlorine. On the other hand, a bactericidal rate of 68.9% was obtained for modified water containing both 1.0 ppm of free chlorine and 0.1 ppm of ozone. This effect was not merely the sum of the bactericidal effects when exposed to 1.0 ppm of free chlorine or 0.1 ppm of ozone alone, but surprisingly, it was a synergistic bactericidal effect.

[0458] Test 7: Bactericidal effect when modified water containing 0.2 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone was applied to chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in Figure 23 (g), the bactericidal rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 5.0% for modified water containing 0.2 ppm of ozone and 12.5% ​​for modified water containing 0.2 ppm of free chlorine. On the other hand, a bactericidal rate of 27.5% was obtained for modified water containing both 0.2 ppm of free chlorine and 0.2 ppm of ozone. This effect was not merely the sum of the bactericidal effects when exposed to 0.2 ppm of free chlorine or 0.2 ppm of ozone alone, but surprisingly, it was a synergistic bactericidal effect.

[0459] Test 8: Bactericidal Effect of Modified Water Containing 2.0 ppm Free Chlorine and 0.2 ppm Ozone on Chlorine-Resistant Methylobacterium in the Presence of Medium Concentrations (on the Order of mg / L) of Organic Matter. As in Test 1, the bactericidal effect of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was measured. However, the bactericidal effect was determined by subtracting the common logarithm of the number of remaining bacteria after exposure to the modified water from the common logarithm of the initial number of bacteria. Then, in step 8, when 0.5 mL of a chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium bacterial solution was added to each prepared modified water, bovine serum albumin (bovine serum albumin (F-V), Nacalai Tesque) was added and mixed together so that the final concentration in the resulting mixture was 2 mg / L. Therefore, Test 8 can be considered to have been conducted in the presence of medium concentrations (on the order of mg / L) of organic matter. As a result, as shown in Figure 24(a), the disinfection rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 0 in the modified water containing 0.2 ppm ozone and 0.69 in the modified water containing 2.0 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the disinfection rate of 1.03 was obtained in the modified water containing both 2.0 ppm free chlorine and 0.2 ppm ozone. This effect was not merely the sum of the disinfection effects when exposed to 2.0 ppm free chlorine or 0.2 ppm ozone alone, but surprisingly, it was a synergistic disinfection effect.

[0460] Test 9: Bactericidal effect of modified water containing 4.9 ppm free chlorine and 1.0 ppm ozone on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of a moderate concentration (mg / L order) of organic matter. As in Test 8, the bactericidal effect of the following three types of modified water on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was measured. However, in step 8, bovine serum albumin was added to a final concentration of 20 mg / L. As a result, as shown in Figure 24(b), the bactericidal rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 1.61 for the modified water containing 1.0 ppm ozone and 1.64 for the modified water containing 4.9 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, a bactericidal rate of 3.73 was obtained for the modified water containing both 4.9 ppm free chlorine and 1.0 ppm ozone. This effect was not merely the sum of the bactericidal effects of exposure to 4.9 ppm of free chlorine or 1.0 ppm of ozone alone, but surprisingly was a synergistic bactericidal effect.

[0461] Test 10: Bactericidal effect of modified water containing 4.9 ppm free chlorine and 2.9 ppm ozone on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of a medium concentration (mg / L order) of organic matter. As in Test 8, the bactericidal effect of the following three types of modified water on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was measured. However, in step 8, bovine serum albumin was added to a final concentration of 60 mg / L. As a result, as shown in Figure 24(c), the bactericidal rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 2.23 for the modified water containing 2.9 ppm ozone and 0.20 for the modified water containing 4.9 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, a bactericidal rate of 3.88 was obtained for the modified water containing both 4.9 ppm free chlorine and 2.9 ppm ozone. This effect was not merely the sum of the bactericidal effects of exposure to 4.9 ppm of free chlorine or 2.9 ppm of ozone alone, but surprisingly was a synergistic bactericidal effect.

[0462] Comparative Example 1: Bactericidal effect when modified water containing 0.1 ppm ozone and 0 to 0.75 ppm free chlorine was applied to chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in Figure 25(a), the bactericidal rate against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 0.0% for modified water containing 0.1 ppm ozone and 10.6% for modified water containing 0.375 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the bactericidal rate of only 4.1% was obtained for modified water containing both 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.375 ppm free chlorine, and no synergistic effect was observed. Furthermore, as in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, as shown in Figure 25(b), the kill rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 0.0% in the modified water containing 0.1 ppm ozone and 19.7% in the modified water containing 0.75 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the kill rate was only 18.1% in the modified water containing both 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.75 ppm free chlorine, and no synergistic effect was observed.

[0463] In the present invention, the concentration of ozone and the concentration of free chlorine contained in the modified water that exert a synergistic effect in killing chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium are expressed by the following formulas 1, 2, and 3, where y (ppm) is the latter and x (ppm) is the former: Formula 1: y≧4.1079e －１８．３５ｘ It is preferable to satisfy all of the following conditions: Equation 2: 0.1≦y<5 Equation 3: 0<x<3 Fig. 26 visually shows the preferred ranges of ozone and free chlorine concentrations that satisfy all of Equations 1, 2, and 3 as areas surrounded by these equations.

[0464] <Step 9: Preparation of Hydrogen Peroxide-Containing Water by Adjusting Reagent> Commercially available hydrogen peroxide water (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, product number 081-04215) was diluted with pure water containing no free chlorine or ozone to adjust to a predetermined concentration.

[0465] Test 11: Bactericidal effect when modified water containing 1.5 ppm of free chlorine and 15 ppm of hydrogen peroxide is applied to chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, the bactericidal rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 13.9% for modified water containing 1.5 ppm of free chlorine and 0.4% for modified water containing 15 ppm of hydrogen peroxide. On the other hand, a bactericidal rate of 27.9% was obtained for modified water containing both 1.5 ppm of free chlorine and 15 ppm of hydrogen peroxide. This effect was not merely the sum of the bactericidal effects when exposed to 1.5 ppm of free chlorine or 15 ppm of hydrogen peroxide alone, but surprisingly, it was a synergistic bactericidal effect.

[0466] Test 12 (Comparative Example 2): Bactericidal effect when modified water containing 100 ppm hydrogen peroxide and 0.1 ppm ozone was applied to chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. As in Test 1, the bactericidal rates of the following three types of modified water against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium were calculated. As a result, the bactericidal rate against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium was 96.7% for modified water containing 100 ppm hydrogen peroxide and 1.1% for modified water containing 0.1 ppm ozone. On the other hand, a bactericidal rate of 35.6% was obtained for modified water containing both 100 ppm hydrogen peroxide and 0.1 ppm ozone. This effect was lower than the bactericidal effect when exposed to 100 ppm hydrogen peroxide alone.

[0467] Test Example II The following experiment demonstrates that the present invention has an exceptionally excellent inactivating effect on viruses.

[0468] Test 13: Inactivation effect when modified water containing 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.1 ppm free chlorine is brought into contact with Qβ phage <Step 10 Preparation of Qβ phage solution for test> Qβ phage (NBRC20012) was purchased from the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NBRC). Next, according to JIS R 1706:2020, the Qβ phage was infected and cultured in Escherichia coli (NBRC106373), and the medium supernatant containing a high concentration of Qβ phage was filtered to obtain a Qβ phage solution. The infectivity titer of this Qβ phage solution was measured by plaque assay, and the titer was 1 x 10 １１ The obtained Qβ phage solution was stored at −80°C, and was thawed at the time of testing, and diluted to 10 ４ The Qβ phage solution was diluted 2-fold or used as is as is as the original solution without dilution as the test Qβ phage solution.

[0469] The free chlorine water obtained in step 5 and the ozone water obtained in step 7 were used alone or in combination to prepare three types of modified water containing only free chlorine, only ozone, and both free chlorine and ozone, specifically, modified water containing 0.1 ppm ozone, modified water containing 0.1 ppm free chlorine, and modified water containing both 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.1 ppm free chlorine, each in an amount of 100 mL. 100 mL of the 1 / 500 NB medium obtained in step 10 was added to each of the prepared modified waters. ４ 1 mL of the 1:1 diluted Qβ phage solution was added and mixed. That is, the Qβ phage was contacted with each modified water in the presence of a low concentration of organic matter. 1 mL of the reaction solution was sampled 10 seconds, 60 seconds, and 120 seconds after contact and neutralized by mixing with 0.1 mL of 1% sodium thiosulfate.

[0470] The stock solution of Qβ phage contains LB medium components and contaminating proteins derived from E. coli, and therefore contains a very high concentration of organic matter. ４ Since the LB medium is diluted 100 times and then further diluted 100 times, Test 13 can be considered to have been carried out in the presence of a low concentration of organic matter. ４ The organic matter concentration of the 1.5 mg / L Qβ phage solution diluted 100 times was 1.5 mg / L, and when this phage solution came into contact with the modified water, it was further diluted 100 times (1 mL / 100 mL), resulting in an organic matter concentration of 15 μg / L. Therefore, Test 13 can be considered to have been carried out in the presence of low concentrations (ng to μg / L order) of organic matter.

[0471] 1 mL of this neutralization solution was serially diluted, and the infectivity titer was measured according to JIS R 1706:2020 to calculate the residual rate relative to the control. As a control, a neutralization solution prepared in the same manner as above was used, except that pure water was used instead of modified water. The pure water was obtained by purifying tap water using an ultrapure water production system (Milli-Q IQ7005, Merck).

[0472] 27(a), when the contact time of each modified water was 10 seconds, the survival rate of Qβ phage was 39.5% in the modified water containing 0.1 ppm ozone and 55.7% in the modified water containing 0.1 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, in the modified water containing both 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.1 ppm free chlorine, the survival rate was below the detection limit of 0.008%.

[0473] From the above results, it was confirmed that the virus inactivation effect of the modified water containing both 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.1 ppm free chlorine is not merely the combined effect of the virus inactivation effect of modified water containing either 0.1 ppm ozone or 0.1 ppm free chlorine alone, but surprisingly, a synergistic effect. Furthermore, when a similar test was conducted using modified water containing only 0.2 ppm free chlorine, the survival rate of Qβ phage was 74.8% when the contact time with the modified water was 10 seconds. This confirmed that the combination of ozone and free chlorine can advantageously improve the virus inactivation effect compared to increasing the concentration of free chlorine in modified water containing only free chlorine.

[0474] Test 14: Inactivation effect when modified water containing 0.05 ppm ozone and 0.5 ppm free chlorine was contacted with Qβ phage. Similar to Test 13, modified water containing 0.05 ppm ozone, 0.5 ppm free chlorine, and both 0.05 ppm ozone and 0.5 ppm free chlorine were prepared. Each modified water was contacted with Qβ phage, and the infectivity titer was measured. As a result, as shown in Figure 27(b), when the contact time with each modified water was 10 seconds, the Qβ phage survival rate was 36.4% in the modified water containing 0.05 ppm ozone and 38.1% in the modified water containing 0.5 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, in the modified water containing both 0.05 ppm ozone and 0.5 ppm free chlorine, the survival rate was below the detection limit of 0.003%.

[0475] From the above results, it was confirmed that the virus inactivation effect of the modified water containing both 0.05 ppm ozone and 0.5 ppm free chlorine is not merely the sum of the virus inactivation effects of modified water containing either 0.05 ppm ozone or 0.5 ppm free chlorine alone, but surprisingly, a synergistic effect. Furthermore, when a similar test was conducted using modified water containing only 0.6 ppm free chlorine, the survival rate of Qβ phage was 24.8% when the contact time with the modified water was 10 seconds. This confirmed that the combination of ozone and free chlorine can advantageously improve the virus inactivation effect compared to increasing the concentration of free chlorine in modified water containing only free chlorine. Furthermore, the residual rate of Qβ phage after 120 seconds of contact with modified water containing only 0.5 ppm of free chlorine was 0.003%, but this inactivation effect was equivalent to the inactivation effect after only 10 seconds of contact with modified water containing both 0.05 ppm of ozone and 0.5 ppm of free chlorine. This confirmed that the combination of free chlorine and ozone provides more than 10 times the immediate effect.

[0476] Test 15: Inactivation Effect of Modified Water Containing Ozone and Free Chlorine on Qβ Phage Under Test Conditions with a Medium Organic Load (Test 15-1) Virus Inactivation Effect When Modified Water Containing 0.3 ppm Ozone and 2 ppm Free Chlorine was Contacted for 20 Seconds. Free chlorine water and ozone water were prepared in the same manner as in Test 13. The resulting free chlorine water and ozone water were used alone or in combination to prepare three types of modified water containing only free chlorine, only ozone, and both free chlorine and ozone. Specifically, 80 mL of modified water containing 0.3 ppm ozone, 2 ppm free chlorine, and both 0.3 ppm ozone and 2 ppm free chlorine was prepared. While stirring each modified water, 0.12 mL of the stock solution of Qβ phage obtained in step 10 of Test 13 was added and mixed, and the Qβ phage was contacted with each modified water for 20 seconds. As mentioned above, the Qβ phage stock solution contains LB medium components and contaminating proteins derived from E. coli, resulting in a very high concentration of organic matter, primarily 15 g / L of organic matter, which is a component of the LB medium. Because 0.12 mL of phage solution was added to 80 mL of modified water, the phage solution was diluted 667-fold upon contact with the modified water, resulting in an organic matter concentration of 22.5 mg / L. Therefore, Test 15 can be considered to have been conducted in the presence of a moderate concentration (on the order of mg / L) of organic matter. After 20 seconds, 8 mL of 2% sodium thiosulfate was immediately added to neutralize the modified water. The Qβ phage infectivity titer of this neutralized solution was measured in the same manner as in Test 13, and the survival rate relative to the control was calculated. As a control, a neutralized solution prepared in the same manner as above, except that pure water was used instead of modified water, was used.

[0477] As a result, as shown in Figure 28(a), the survival rate of Qβ phage was 4.91% in the modified water containing 0.3 ppm ozone and 103% in the modified water containing 2 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the survival rate of Qβ phage in the modified water containing both 0.3 ppm ozone and 2 ppm free chlorine was 0.02%. From the above results, it was confirmed that the virus inactivation effect of the modified water containing both 0.3 ppm ozone and 2 ppm free chlorine is not merely the combined effect of the virus inactivation effects of modified water containing either 0.3 ppm ozone or 2 ppm free chlorine alone, but surprisingly, a synergistic effect.

[0478] (Test 15-2) Virus inactivation effect when modified water containing 0.2 ppm ozone and 4.93 ppm free chlorine was contacted for 20 seconds. Similar to Test 15-1, three types of modified water containing only free chlorine, only ozone, or both free chlorine and ozone were prepared. Specifically, modified water containing 0.2 ppm ozone, modified water containing 4.93 ppm free chlorine, and modified water containing both 0.2 ppm ozone and 4.93 ppm free chlorine were prepared. Qβ phage was contacted with each modified water for 20 seconds while containing organic matter. As a result, as shown in Figure 28(b), the Qβ phage survival rate was 59.2% in the modified water containing 0.2 ppm ozone and 64.3% in the modified water containing 4.93 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the Qβ phage survival rate was 0.03% in the modified water containing both 0.2 ppm ozone and 4.93 ppm free chlorine. From the above results, it was confirmed that the virus inactivation effect of the modified water containing both 0.2 ppm ozone and 4.93 ppm free chlorine is not merely the combined effect of the virus inactivation effects of modified water containing either 0.2 ppm ozone or 4.93 ppm free chlorine alone, but is surprisingly a synergistic effect.

[0479] Test 16: Inactivation Effect of Modified Water Containing Ozone and Free Chlorine on Qβ Phage under Test Conditions Including Bovine Serum Albumin as an Organic Substance (Test 16-1) Virus Inactivation Effect When Modified Water Containing 0.05 ppm Ozone and 4.98 ppm Free Chlorine was Contacted for 20 Seconds Similar to Test 13, Qβ phage was contacted for 20 seconds with three types of modified water: modified water with 0.05 ppm ozone, modified water with 4.98 ppm free chlorine, and modified water containing both 0.05 ppm ozone and 4.98 ppm free chlorine. However, when 1 mL of the diluted Qβ phage solution obtained in step 10 was added to each modified water, BSA (bovine serum albumin (F-V), Nacalai Tesque) was added and mixed together so that the final concentration in the resulting mixture was 80 mg / L. Therefore, Test 16-1 can be considered to have been conducted in the presence of a moderate concentration (mg / L order) of organic matter. As a result, the survival rate of Qβ phage was 71.1% in the modified water containing 0.05 ppm ozone and 137% in the modified water containing 4.98 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the survival rate was 27.6% in the modified water containing both 0.05 ppm ozone and 4.98 ppm free chlorine. The above results confirmed that the virus inactivation effect of modified water containing both 0.05 ppm ozone and 4.98 ppm free chlorine is not merely the sum of the virus inactivation effects of modified water containing either 0.05 ppm ozone or 4.98 ppm free chlorine alone, but surprisingly, a synergistic effect.

[0480] (Test 16-2) Virus Inactivation Effect of 20-Second Contact with Modified Water Containing 1.98 ppm Ozone and 0.1 ppm Free Chlorine Similar to Test 16-1, Qβ phage was contacted for 20 seconds with three types of modified water: modified water containing 1.98 ppm ozone, modified water containing 0.1 ppm free chlorine, and modified water containing both 1.98 ppm ozone and 0.1 ppm free chlorine. However, BSA was added to a final concentration of 320 mg / L. Therefore, Test 16-2 can be considered to have been conducted in the presence of moderate concentrations (on the order of mg / L) of organic matter. As a result, the Qβ phage survival rate was 6.6% in the modified water containing 1.98 ppm ozone and 76.3% in the modified water containing 0.1 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the residual rate was 2.1% for the modified water containing both 1.98 ppm ozone and 0.1 ppm free chlorine.The above results confirm that the virus inactivation effect of the modified water containing both 1.98 ppm ozone and 0.1 ppm free chlorine is not merely the combined effect of the virus inactivation effects of modified water containing either 1.98 ppm ozone or 0.1 ppm free chlorine alone, but is surprisingly a synergistic effect.

[0481] From the results obtained in Tests 13 to 16, the preferred concentrations of ozone and free chlorine contained in the modified water, which exhibit a synergistic effect of virus inactivation in the present invention, are expressed by the following formulas 1, 2, and 3, where x (ppm) is the former and y (ppm) is the latter: Formula 1: y≧24.9e －５５．１７ｘ It is preferable to satisfy all of the following conditions: Equation 2: 0.1≦y<5 Equation 3: 0.05≦x<2 Fig. 29 visually shows the preferred ranges of ozone and free chlorine concentrations that satisfy all of Equations 1, 2, and 3 as the areas surrounded by these equations.

[0482] The Qβ phage, whose outermost shell is composed of capsid protein, is commonly used as a representative non-enveloped virus in standard tests (ISO 21072: 2019), etc. Test 16 confirmed the synergistic virus inactivation effect of modified water containing both free chlorine and ozone, confirming that the action of modified water containing both free chlorine and ozone in the present invention is effective against non-enveloped viruses.

[0483] Test 17: Inactivation Effect of Modified Water Containing Ozone and Free Chlorine on Enveloped Viruses (φ6 Phage) Similar to Test 16-1, bacteriophages were contacted for 20 seconds with three types of modified water: modified water containing 0.1 ppm ozone, modified water containing 0.5 ppm free chlorine, and modified water containing both 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.5 ppm free chlorine. However, in this test, φ6 phage (NBRC 105899) was used instead of Qβ phage in step 10, and Pseudomonas syringae (NBRC 14084) was used as the host bacterium. Then, when 1 mL of the diluted φ6 phage solution obtained by the method in step 10 was added to each modified water, BSA was added and mixed so that the final concentration in the resulting mixture was 80 mg / L. Therefore, Test 17 can be considered to have been conducted in the presence of a moderate concentration (on the order of mg / L) of organic matter. As a result, the survival rate of φ6 phage was 61.5% in modified water containing 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.0034% in modified water containing 0.5 ppm free chlorine. On the other hand, the survival rate was 0.00056% in modified water containing both 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.5 ppm free chlorine. These results demonstrate that the virus inactivation effect of modified water containing both 0.1 ppm ozone and 0.5 ppm free chlorine is not merely the sum of the virus inactivation effects of modified water containing either 0.1 ppm ozone or 0.5 ppm free chlorine alone, but surprisingly demonstrates a synergistic effect. The φ6 phage has a structure in which the outside of the capsid is covered with an envelope containing phospholipids (Biology and Chemistry, Vol. 19, pp. 140-147), making it a representative enveloped virus. In Test 17, the synergistic virus inactivation effect of modified water containing both free chlorine and ozone was confirmed, confirming that the action of modified water containing both free chlorine and ozone in the present invention is also effective against enveloped viruses.

[0484] Test Example III The following experiment demonstrates that the present invention has an exceptionally excellent bactericidal effect against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of organic matter.

[0485] Test 18: Bactericidal effect of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of organic matter when first treated with water containing free chlorine as the first modified water, and then treated with water containing ozone as the second modified water while the free chlorine-containing water remained. <Step 11: Adhesion of Organic Matter to Ceramic Tile> As shown in Figure 30, a ceramic tile (area: 13 cm x 4 cm) with the same base and glaze layer as a PureRest toilet (TOTO Corporation), an aluminum tray, and a non-slip surface were set up, and the ceramic tile was placed at an angle in the aluminum tray. A 1500-fold diluted R2A liquid medium was poured into the aluminum tray, and a portion of the ceramic tile was immersed and allowed to stand at 50°C. After 24 hours, the liquid medium evaporated, causing the solid-liquid interface between the ceramic tile and the liquid medium to descend. In this way, the organic matter contained in the R2A liquid medium was adhered to the solid-liquid interface (r) of the ceramic tile. Next, R2A liquid medium was poured until the height reached the same level as before evaporation. The above operation was repeated three times to prepare a ceramic tile (tile A) having organic matter attached particularly to the solid-liquid interface region (r) (area: 1 cm x 4 cm).

[0486] <Step 12: Adhesion of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium to tile A> The tile A prepared in step 11 and the aluminum tray from which the non-slip surface had been removed were dry-heat sterilized at 180°C for 30 minutes. Next, the chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium colonies were suspended in physiological saline, and 3 x 10 ６ A bacterial solution of 1000 cells / mL was prepared. Dry-heat sterilized tile A was placed horizontally in an aluminum tray with the organic matter-adhered surface facing upward. After cooling to room temperature, the above bacterial solution was poured over tile A until it was fully submerged, and the tile was left to stand for 24 hours. Next, tile A was removed, and sterilized purified water was poured over the entire surface to remove any excess chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium that had not adhered. By undergoing steps 11 and 12, organic matter and chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium adhered in large amounts, particularly to the solid-liquid interface region (r). Therefore, the region with a large amount of organic matter and chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium attached was designated region (R) (area: 1 cm × 4 cm). In this way, a ceramic tile (tile B) was obtained in which chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium adhered to region (R) in the presence of organic matter.

[0487] <Step 13: Measurement of the bactericidal effect when chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of organic matter is first treated with water containing free chlorine as the first modified water, and then treated with water containing ozone as the second modified water while the water containing free chlorine remains.>

[0488] According to steps 5 and 7, 200 mL of free chlorine water and 200 mL of ozone water were prepared. At this time, the quantitative result of the free chlorine concentration was 0.5 ppm, and the quantitative result of the ozone concentration was 0.7 ppm. Subsequently, the sterilization effect was measured according to the following conditions.

[0489] Condition 1-A: A mesh rack was placed horizontally in an aluminum tray, and tile B obtained in step 12 was placed on the rack with the region (R) facing upward. Free chlorine water was poured onto the region (R) of tile B at a flow rate of 250 mL / min for 40 seconds. Immediately thereafter, i.e., with droplets of free chlorine water remaining on the region (R), ozone water was poured onto the region (R) at a flow rate of 250 mL / min for 40 seconds. After pouring the ozone water, tile B was left to stand for 5 minutes, allowing the active ingredient to act on chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of organic matter. After standing, the region (R) (area 4 cm) was swabbed with the swab portion of a sampling kit (Fukitrail, Central Scientific Trading, recovery volume 10 mL). ２ ) was wiped off and suspended in a recovery solution. Next, 1 mL of the recovery solution was mixed with 0.1 mL of 1% sodium thiosulfate to neutralize it. The neutralized solution was then inoculated onto an R2A plate and cultured at 20°C for 7 days. The number of colonies that appeared was counted to determine the viable cell count (N) of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium. １ As a control, the same procedure was carried out using sterilized purified water containing no active ingredients, and the viable cell count (N ０ The number of bacteria was quantified. The sterilization rate was calculated using the following formula: Sterilization rate (%) = (N ０ -N １ ) / N ０ ×100 (%)

[0490] Condition 1-B: Tile B obtained in step 12 was placed in an aluminum tray leaning at an angle of 60 degrees as shown in Figure 31, and then, as in condition 1-A, free chlorine water and ozone water were sprayed in sequence on the portion (R) of tile B. After spraying the ozone water, tile B was left to stand for 5 minutes, and the viable bacteria count was quantified and the sterilization rate was calculated as in condition 1-A.

[0491] Condition 2: In Condition 1-B, free chlorine water was sprayed onto the region (R) of tile B, and then the tile B was shaken by hand to repeatedly shake off the free chlorine water from the region (R). After visually confirming that the free chlorine water had been removed from the region (R), ozone water was sprayed. After spraying the ozone water, tile B was left to stand for 5 minutes, and the viable bacteria count was quantified in the same manner as in Condition 1-A, and the sterilization rate was calculated.

[0492] As a result, as shown in Table 2, the disinfection rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium under Condition 2 was 76.6%. On the other hand, even higher disinfection rates of 94.7% and 97.2%, respectively, were obtained under Conditions 1-A and 1-B. This demonstrates that a high disinfection effect against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the coexistence of organic matter can be achieved by first supplying free chlorine water as the first modified water and then supplying ozone water as the second modified water while the first modified water remains.

[0493]

[0494] Test 19: Bactericidal effect when the first modified water and the second modified water are applied sequentially or simultaneously to chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of organic matter. 200 mL of each of three types of modified water was prepared: the free chlorine water obtained in step 5, the ozone water obtained in step 7, and a mixture of these waters containing both free chlorine and ozone.

[0495] Condition 3: In the same manner as in Condition 1-B of Test 18, the first modified water was ozone water and the second modified water was free chlorine water, and these were applied in turn to the region (R) of tile B, after which the viable bacterial count was quantified and the sterilization rate was calculated. Condition 4: Modified water obtained by mixing free chlorine water and ozone water was applied to the region (R) of tile B, i.e., the first modified water and the second modified water were applied simultaneously, after which the viable bacterial count was quantified and the sterilization rate was calculated.

[0496] As a result, as shown in Table 3, the disinfection rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium under condition 4 was 55.3%. On the other hand, a high disinfection rate of 85.7% was obtained for chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium under condition 3. For ease of comparison, Table 3 also lists the disinfection rate under condition 1-B of test 18. This demonstrates that, although the disinfection effect achieved by simultaneously discharging the first modified water and the second modified water under conditions in which organic matter coexists is practically sufficient, discharging the first modified water first, rather than simultaneously discharging them, to pre-wash the organic matter and then discharging the second modified water creates a greater synergistic effect due to the coexistence of the components contained in the first modified water and the second modified water, thereby demonstrating a higher disinfection effect against chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the coexistence of organic matter. In addition, the disinfection rate under condition 1-B was higher than that under condition 3, demonstrating that a particularly high disinfection effect is achieved when the first modified water is free chlorine water.

[0497]

[0498] Test 20: Relationship between the bactericidal effect and the amount of free chlorine-containing water remaining in the region (P) before applying ozone-containing water after first applying water containing free chlorine as the first modified water to chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of organic matter, and the amount of free chlorine-containing water remaining in the region (P) before applying the ozone-containing water. <Step 14: Measurement of the amount of free chlorine-containing water remaining in the region (P) after first applying water containing free chlorine as the first modified water to chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium in the presence of organic matter and before applying water containing ozone as the second modified water> In step 13, the weight [g] of tile B was measured before applying free chlorine water to the region (R) of tile B. After applying free chlorine water, the weight [g] of tile B with free chlorine water remaining in the region (R) was measured before moving to the step of applying ozone water. From the above weight and the area values ​​of tile B and part (R), the residual water content per area of ​​free chlorine water [mg / cm ２The weight was measured using a Mettler Toledo electronic balance (model: PL602-S). Table 4 shows the relationship between the calculated residual water volume and the disinfection rate of chlorine-resistant Methylobacterium measured in the subsequent process. Here, the condition of residual water volume = 0 indicates the disinfection rate when only ozone water is sprayed without spraying free chlorine water.

[0499]

[0500] From Table 4, it is clear that the residual water content of the first modified water, free chlorine water, is at least 0.2 mg / cm ２ ] or more, it is the same as the condition where only ozone water was poured (residual water amount 0 [mg / cm ２ It was confirmed that the first modified water exhibited a higher bactericidal effect than the free chlorine water. In addition, the residual water content of the first modified water was a...

Claims

1. An equipment in a building where tap water is used, the equipment comprising: a device for generating first reformed water and second reformed water; piping for supplying tap water to the device; a discharge unit for discharging the first reformed water and the second reformed water to an area where contamination by microorganisms or viruses needs to be suppressed; and a control unit, wherein the equipment starts discharging the second reformed water after starting discharging the first reformed water, and the discharge of the second reformed water is started after the discharge of the first reformed water is stopped, or is started while the first reformed water is being discharged.

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

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

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

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