Fluid activation device

Abstract

A fluid activation device 1 comprises: a casing 2 having a fluid passage 27; a plurality of magnetic-field generation parts 4 disposed around the fluid passage 27; and a metal layer 5 disposed between the magnetic-field generation parts 4 and the fluid passage 27. The plurality of magnetic-field generation parts 4 include a pair of first magnetic-field generation parts 4A disposed respectively on the upstream side and the downstream side and a second magnetic-field generation part 4B disposed between the first magnetic-field generation parts 4A. The first magnetic-field generation parts 4A include a plurality of circumferentially arranged first permanent magnets 41 magnetized circumferentially, and generate a dynamic zero magnetic field by arranging two circumferentially adjacent first permanent magnets 41 so that unlike poles are close to each other. The second magnetic-field generation part 4B includes a plurality of circumferentially arranged second permanent magnets 42 magnetized radially with respect to the center line C of the fluid passage 27, and generates a static zero magnetic field by arranging two second permanent magnets 42 magnetized in mutually opposite directions so as to be adjacent to each other circumferentially.

Description

fluid activation device

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-154998, filed September 9, 2024, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of said Japanese application.

[0002] The fluid activation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a casing with a fluid passage provided therein, a plurality of permanent magnets arranged around the fluid passage in the casing, and a metal layer arranged between the fluid passage and the permanent magnets. In this activation device, the plurality of permanent magnets generate high-density magnetic field lines, which can be pushed toward the center of the fluid passage by the metal layer. As a result, when a fluid is flowed through the fluid passage in the casing, a strong magnetic force acts on the fluid flowing through the fluid passage, activating the fluid.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-073632

[0004] There is a demand for a fluid activation device that can activate a fluid more effectively than the activation device of Patent Document 1. In view of this problem, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a fluid activation device that can activate a fluid more effectively.

[0005] (1) A fluid activation device according to the present disclosure includes a casing having a fluid passage therein through which a fluid flows in one direction, a plurality of magnetic field generating units arranged in a line around the fluid passage in the one direction, and a metal layer arranged between the magnetic field generating units and the fluid passage. The fluid activation device activates the fluid flowing through the fluid passage by emitting metal electrons from the metal layer into the fluid passage using a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating units. The plurality of magnetic field generating units include a pair of first magnetic field generating units arranged on the upstream side and downstream side of the one direction, and a second magnetic field generating unit arranged between the pair of first magnetic field generating units. The magnetic field generating unit has a plurality of first permanent magnets arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the fluid passage, and each of the first permanent magnets is magnetized in the circumferential direction, and two of the first permanent magnets adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are arranged with their opposite poles close to each other, thereby generating a dynamic zero magnetic field on the center line of the fluid passage.The second magnetic field generating unit has a plurality of second permanent magnets arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, and each of the second permanent magnets is magnetized in a radial direction with respect to the center line, and two of the second permanent magnets magnetized in opposite directions are arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, thereby generating a static zero magnetic field on the center line.

[0006] As a result of extensive research, the inventors of the present application discovered that when multiple magnetic field generating units are arranged along the direction in which a fluid flows through a fluid passage and a magnetic field generating unit that generates a static zero magnetic field is placed between two magnetic field generating units that generate a dynamic zero magnetic field, metal electrons are effectively emitted from the metal layer toward the center of the fluid passage. Based on this discovery, the inventors completed the invention described above in (1). The dynamic zero magnetic field refers to a state in which a magnetic field is generated at the center of a rotating magnetic field, and no magnetic field acts on the center. The static zero magnetic field refers to a state in which a magnetic field is generated at the center of multiple magnetic fields formed at intervals in the circumferential direction, and these magnetic fields are antagonistic to each other, so that no magnetic field acts on the center.

[0007] According to the fluid activation device of (1) above, a pair of first magnetic field generators, located upstream and downstream of the fluid passage, generate a dynamic zero magnetic field on the center line of the fluid passage. Furthermore, a second magnetic field generator, located between the pair of first magnetic field generators, generates a static zero magnetic field on the center line of the fluid passage. This effectively emits metallic electrons from the metal layer toward the center line of the fluid passage. Therefore, the metallic electrons emitted from the metal layer can effectively activate the fluid flowing through the fluid passage.

[0008] (2) In the fluid activation device of (1), the first magnetic field generator preferably generates a rotating magnetic field that rotates around the center line, and the direction of rotation of the rotating magnetic field is preferably the same as the direction of rotation of the magnetic field generated when a current flows from the upstream side to the downstream side of the fluid passage. After further intensive research, the inventors of the present application discovered that by setting the direction of rotation of the rotating magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generator to the same direction as the direction of rotation of the magnetic field generated when a current flows from the upstream side to the downstream side of the fluid passage, metallic electrons can be more effectively emitted from the metal layer toward the center line of the fluid passage. Based on this discovery, the inventors completed the invention of (2) above. This allows the metallic electrons emitted from the metal layer to more effectively activate the fluid flowing through the fluid passage.

[0009] (3) In the fluid activation device of (1) or (2), the metal layer preferably has a plurality of metal layer portions stacked in the radial direction. In this case, metal electrons of the metal are emitted from each of the plurality of metal layer portions in the metal layer toward the center line of the fluid passage, thereby more effectively activating the fluid flowing through the fluid passage.

[0010] (4) In the fluid activation device of (3), the plurality of metal layers are preferably made of different metals. In this case, metal electrons of the different metals are emitted from the plurality of metal layers toward the center line of the fluid passage, thereby more effectively activating the fluid flowing through the fluid passage.

[0011] According to the fluid activation device of the present disclosure, the fluid can be activated effectively.

[0012] 1 is a perspective view showing a fluid activation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fluid activation device; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a holder; FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the holder; FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the holder, where the first magnetic field generating unit is viewed from above; FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing domain wall lines of the first magnetic field generating unit; FIG. 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the holder, where the second magnetic field generating unit is viewed from above; FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing domain wall lines of the second magnetic field generating unit; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrows II-II of FIG.

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Overall Configuration of Fluid Activation Device] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a fluid activation device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the fluid activation device 1. In Figs. 1 and 2, the fluid activation device 1 includes a casing 2, a holder 3, multiple magnetic field generators 4, and multiple metal layers 5 (Fig. 9). Note that the metal layers 5 are not shown in Fig. 2.

[0014] The casing 2 has a cylindrical outer cylinder body 21, a partition body 22 arranged on the inner circumferential side of the outer cylinder body 21, and a disk-shaped bottom plate 25. The outer cylinder body 21, the partition body 22, and the bottom plate 25 are all made of resin.

[0015] The axis C of the outer cylinder 21 faces the vertical direction. The outer peripheral surface 21a of the outer cylinder 21 is curved so that the diameter gradually increases from the middle in the vertical direction (direction of the axis C) toward the upper and lower ends. A bottom plate 25 is fixed to the lower end of the outer cylinder 21. A screw hole 25a is formed in the center of the bottom plate 25, penetrating in the vertical direction.

[0016] The partition body 22 has an inner cylindrical portion 23 and a top plate portion 24. The inner cylindrical portion 23 is arranged concentrically with the axis C of the outer cylindrical body 21. The inner cylindrical portion 23 (excluding the lower end portion) is formed in a polygonal cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the inner cylindrical portion 23 is formed in a square cylindrical shape. A male thread 23a is formed on the outer periphery of the lower end portion of the inner cylindrical portion 23. The male thread 23a of the inner cylindrical portion 23 passes through a lower opening 34 (described below) of the holder 3 from above and is screwed into a screw hole 25a of the bottom plate 25. This fixes the lower end portion of the inner cylindrical portion 23 to the bottom plate 25.

[0017] A top plate 24 is integrally provided at the upper end of the inner cylinder 23. The top plate 24 is formed in an annular shape. The inner periphery of the top plate 24 is formed in the same polygonal shape (square in this embodiment) as the inner periphery of the inner cylinder 23 in a plan view, and is connected to the inner periphery of the inner cylinder 23. The outer periphery of the top plate 24 is formed of a circumferential surface, and is fixed to the upper end of the outer cylinder 21.

[0018] As described above, the casing 2 defines a cylindrical storage space 26 defined by the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical body 21, the lower surface of the top plate 24, the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical body 23, and the upper surface of the bottom plate 25. A fluid passage 27 having a polygonal cross section (here, a rectangular cross section) centered on the axis C is defined inside the inner cylindrical body 23 of the casing 2. Therefore, the axis C of the outer cylindrical body 21 is the center line of the fluid passage 27, and will hereinafter also be referred to as the "center line C." A fluid flows through the fluid passage 27 in one direction, from above to below.

[0019] 3 is a perspective view showing the holder 3. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the holder 3 holds a plurality of magnetic field generators 4 and is housed in the housing space 26 of the casing 2 together with these magnetic field generators 4. The holder 3 is divided into two parts in the circumferential direction of the housing space 26 and has a pair of holding members 31. Hereinafter, the circumferential direction of the housing space 26 will also be simply referred to as the "circumferential direction."

[0020] Each holding member 31 is made of a conductive metal such as copper and is formed in a generally U-shape in vertical cross section (FIG. 2). Specifically, each holding member 31 has a plurality of side walls 32 extending in the vertical direction and a pair of flanges 33 protruding horizontally from the upper and lower ends of each side wall 32 toward the axis C.

[0021] Fig. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the holder 3. Note that the magnetic field generating unit 4 is not shown in Fig. 3. In Figs. 3 and 4, the side wall portions 32 of each holder member 31 are formed so that the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the holder 3 is polygonal when a pair of holder members 31 are combined. In this embodiment, the side wall portions 32 are formed so that the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the holder 3 is octagonal. In each holder member 31, an attachment groove 32a is formed on the inner surface of each of the two side wall portions 32 that form a 90° angle with each other, over the entire vertical direction.

[0022] The protruding end of each flange 33 of the holding member 31 is formed in a V-shape in plan view. When the pair of holding members 31 is combined, the pair of flanges 33 form rectangular openings 34 at both the upper and lower ends of the holding body 3. Each opening 34 is formed to a size that allows the inner cylindrical portion 23 of the casing 2 to be inserted therein (see FIG. 2 ).

[0023] A convex portion 32b is formed on the end face of the side wall portion 32 at one circumferential end of each holding member 31. A concave portion 32c is formed on the end face of the side wall portion 32 at the other circumferential end of each holding member 31. The convex portion 32b of one holding member 31 engages with the concave portion 32c of the other holding member 31. This prevents the pair of holding members 31 from shifting in the horizontal direction (left and right in FIG. 4 ) when combined with each other.

[0024] 2, the multiple magnetic field generating units 4 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction around the inner cylinder 23 and along the inner surface of the side wall 32 of the holder 3. That is, the multiple magnetic field generating units 4 are arranged side by side in one direction of fluid flow around the fluid passage 27. The multiple magnetic field generating units 4 include a pair of first magnetic field generating units 4A arranged on the upper side (upstream side) and lower side (downstream side), and a second magnetic field generating unit 4B arranged between the pair of first magnetic field generating units 4A.

[0025] [First magnetic field generation unit] Figure 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the holder 3, when the first magnetic field generation unit 4A is viewed from above. In Figure 5, the first magnetic field generation unit 4A has a plurality of first permanent magnets 41. The first magnetic field generation unit 4A of this embodiment has four first permanent magnets 41.

[0026] The four first permanent magnets 41 are arranged at equal intervals (90° intervals) along the circumferential direction, with two provided on each holding member 31. Each of the two first permanent magnets 41 on each holding member 31 is fitted and fixed in a mounting groove 32a of the side wall portion 32 via a plating layer 511 (513) described below (see also FIG. 10 ).

[0027] Each first permanent magnet 41 is, for example, a rectangular plate-shaped neodymium magnet, and has a north pole and a south pole magnetized in the circumferential direction. Two adjacent first permanent magnets 41 in the circumferential direction are arranged with their opposite poles close to each other. In this embodiment, each first permanent magnet 41 is arranged so that its north pole is on one circumferential side (clockwise side in FIG. 5 ) and its south pole is on the other circumferential side (counterclockwise side in FIG. 5 ). Note that all of the first permanent magnets 41 shown in FIG. 5 may be arranged so that their north and south poles are facing in opposite directions.

[0028] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the domain wall lines of the first magnetic field generating unit 4A. Fig. 6 shows the first magnetic field generating unit 4A with a magnetic observation sheet (magnet viewer) S1 attached to it. The magnetic observation sheet S1 is a resin sheet with magnetic fluid uniformly dispersed therein, and can visualize magnetic fields that are invisible to the human eye.

[0029] In the first magnetic field generating unit 4A, by arranging the first permanent magnets 41 as shown in Fig. 5, eight domain wall lines J11 to J18 appear as shown in Fig. 6. The domain wall lines J11 to J18 extend radially at equal angles (approximately 45°) from the axis C. Of these, four domain wall lines J11, J13, J15, and J17 pass from the axis C through the center of each first permanent magnet 41. The remaining four domain wall lines J12, J14, J16, and J18 pass from the axis C between two first permanent magnets 41 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction.

[0030] The appearance of the domain wall lines J11 to J18 forms a single magnetic field X11 in which the magnetic field rotates around the axis C so as to pass through all of the spaces between the circumferentially adjacent first permanent magnets 41, as shown in Fig. 5. The magnetic field X11 of this embodiment is formed so that the magnetic field rotates in the clockwise direction around the axis C when viewed from above, and the magnetic field passes through all of the first permanent magnets 41, as shown in Fig. 5.

[0031] Since the magnetic field X11 is a rotating magnetic field in which the magnetic field rotates around the axis C, no magnetic field acts on the axis C. Therefore, in the first magnetic field generating unit 4A, the magnetic field X11 is formed, and a dynamic zero magnetic field is generated on the axis C. As a result, a magnetic field X11 (rotating magnetic field) is formed in which the magnetic field rotates around the axis C, while the position on the axis C is a dynamic zero magnetic field. Hereinafter, the magnetic field X11 will also be referred to as the "rotating magnetic field X11."

[0032] As described above, the direction of rotation of the magnetic field in the rotating magnetic field X11 is clockwise around the axis C when viewed from above. The direction of rotation of the magnetic field in this rotating magnetic field X11 is the same as the direction of rotation of the magnetic field generated around the axis C according to the right-hand screw rule when a current flows on the axis C from the upstream side to the downstream side of the fluid passage 27 (see FIG. 2). In other words, the direction of rotation of the magnetic field in the rotating magnetic field X11 is the same as the direction of rotation of the magnetic field generated when a current flows in the direction of the fluid flow.

[0033] [Second Magnetic Field Generator] Figure 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the holder 3, showing the second magnetic field generator 4B as viewed from above. In Figure 7, the second magnetic field generator 4B has a plurality of second permanent magnets 42. The second magnetic field generator 4B of this embodiment has four second permanent magnets 42.

[0034] Similar to the first permanent magnets 41, the four second permanent magnets 42 are arranged at equal intervals (90° intervals) along the circumferential direction, with two second permanent magnets 42 provided on each holding member 31. Each of the two second permanent magnets 42 on each holding member 31 is fitted and fixed in a mounting groove 32a of the side wall portion 32 via a plating layer 512, which will be described later (see also FIG. 10 ).

[0035] Each second permanent magnet 42 is, for example, a rectangular plate-shaped neodymium magnet, and has a north pole and a south pole magnetized in a radial direction relative to the axis C. Two second permanent magnets 42 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are magnetized in opposite directions. Hereinafter, the radial direction relative to the axis C will also be simply referred to as the "radial direction."

[0036] In this embodiment, the second permanent magnets 42 disposed at the upper right and lower left of the holder 3 in Fig. 7 are disposed so that the north pole is on the inner side in the radial direction (toward the axis C; the same applies below) and the south pole is on the outer side in the radial direction (toward the side wall portion 32; the same applies below). The second permanent magnets 42 disposed at the upper left and lower right of the holder 3 in Fig. 7 are disposed so that the south pole is on the inner side in the radial direction and the north pole is on the outer side in the radial direction. Note that all of the second permanent magnets 42 shown in Fig. 7 may be disposed so that the north and south poles face in opposite directions.

[0037] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the domain wall lines of the second magnetic field generation unit 4B. In the second magnetic field generation unit 4B, by arranging the second permanent magnets 42 as shown in Fig. 7, approximately eight domain wall lines J21 to J28 appear as shown in Fig. 8. Of these, four domain wall lines J21 to J24 extend radially around the axis C. Specifically, the domain wall lines J21 to J24 extend radially between two circumferentially adjacent second permanent magnets 42 at equal angular intervals (approximately 90°) around the axis C.

[0038] The other four domain wall lines J25 to J28 extend directly above the second permanent magnet 42 in a direction perpendicular to the magnetization direction of the second permanent magnet 42. Ends of the domain wall lines J25 and J26, ends of the domain wall lines J26 and J27, ends of the domain wall lines J27 and J28, and ends of the domain wall lines J28 and J25 are connected to each other. As a result, the axis C is located in a closed space surrounded by the domain wall lines J25 to J28.

[0039] The appearance of the domain wall lines J21 to J28 creates multiple magnetic fields X21 spaced apart in the circumferential direction, as shown in Fig. 7. Each magnetic field X21 is formed so that the magnetic field rotates around a point between two circumferentially adjacent second permanent magnets 42. In this embodiment, four magnetic fields X21 are formed, each centered at the 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock positions in Fig. 7.

[0040] The four magnetic fields X21 are formed at equal intervals along the circumferential direction and at equal distances from the axis C, so the magnetic field lines of these magnetic fields X21 are in opposition to each other at the axis C. As a result, the four magnetic fields X21 are in opposition to each other at the axis C, generating a static zero magnetic field where no magnetic field acts. Furthermore, the axis C is located in a closed space surrounded by the domain wall lines J25 to J28 as described above. Therefore, the second magnetic field generating unit 4B generates a closed and static zero magnetic field on the axis C. In such a static zero magnetic field, only the electrons of gold, silver, and copper act on the fluid passing through the fluid passage 27.

[0041] [Metal Layer] Fig. 9 is a view taken along the line I-I in Fig. 3, showing the holding member 31 of the holder 3 as seen from the inside. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in Fig. 9. In Figs. 9 and 10, a metal layer 5 is disposed between the magnetic field generating unit 4 and the inner cylindrical portion 23. In this embodiment, two metal layers 5 are disposed on each of the pair of holding members 31 of the holder 3, for a total of four metal layers 5.

[0042] Each metal layer 5 has a plurality of metal layer portions stacked in the radial direction. The metal layer 5 of this embodiment has a first metal layer portion 51, a second metal layer portion 52, a third metal layer portion 53, and a fourth metal layer portion 54. These metal layer portions 51 to 54 are stacked in four layers in the radial direction and are made of different metals.

[0043] The first metal layer portion 51 consists of plating layers 511, 512, and 513 applied to the first permanent magnet 41 and the second permanent magnet 42 of each magnetic field generating unit 4, respectively. The plating layer 511 is applied to the entire surface of the first permanent magnet 41 of the upper first magnetic field generating unit 4A. The plating layer 511 is, for example, a gold plating layer. The plating layer 512 is applied to the entire surface of the second permanent magnet 42 of the second magnetic field generating unit 4B. The plating layer 512 is, for example, a silver plating layer. The plating layer 513 is applied to the entire surface of the first permanent magnet 41 of the lower first magnetic field generating unit 4A. The plating layer 513 is, for example, a copper plating layer.

[0044] The second metal layer portion 52 is laminated on the radially inner side of the first metal layer portion 51 (the left side in FIG. 10 ; the same applies below). The second metal layer portion 52 is a strip-shaped thin metal plate extending in the vertical direction so as to straddle the three magnetic field generation units 4. The second metal layer portion 52 is a thin metal plate made of, for example, copper. The second metal layer portion 52 is attracted to and fixed to the first metal layer portion 51 by the magnetic forces of the first permanent magnet 41 and the second permanent magnet 42. The second metal layer portion 52 may also be fixed to the first metal layer portion 51 with an adhesive.

[0045] The third metal layer portion 53 is laminated radially inward of the second metal layer portion 52. The third metal layer portion 53 is composed of a thin metal plate 531 laminated on the upper end portion of the second metal layer portion 52, a thin metal plate 532 laminated in the vertical middle portion of the second metal layer portion 52, and a thin metal plate 533 laminated on the lower end portion of the second metal layer portion 52. Each of the thin metal plates 531, 532, and 533 is shorter in the vertical direction than the second metal layer portion 52. The thin metal plate 531 is a thin metal plate made of, for example, magnesium. The thin metal plate 532 is a thin metal plate made of, for example, titanium. The thin metal plate 533 is a thin metal plate made of, for example, zinc.

[0046] The fourth metal layer portion 54 is laminated radially inward of the third metal layer portion 53. The fourth metal layer portion 54 is a strip-shaped thin metal plate extending vertically across the two thin metal plates 531, 532 of the third metal layer portion 53. The vertical length of the fourth metal layer portion 54 is approximately the same as the vertical length of the second metal layer portion 52. The fourth metal layer portion 54 is a thin metal plate made of, for example, stainless steel. The fourth metal layer portion 54 is attracted to the second metal layer portion 52 by the magnetic forces of the first permanent magnet 41 and the second permanent magnet 42. As a result, the thin metal plates 531, 532, and 533 of the third metal layer portion 53 are sandwiched and held between the second metal layer portion 52 and the fourth metal layer portion 54. Note that the thin metal plates 531, 532, and 533 may be fixed to at least one of the second metal layer portion 52 and the fourth metal layer portion 54 with an adhesive.

[0047] The configuration of the metal layer 5 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, instead of the multiple plated layers 511, 512, and 513, the first metal layer 51 may be composed of multiple thin metal plates, similar to the third metal layer 53 and the like. Furthermore, the multiple metal layer 51, 52, 53, and 54 may be composed of different metals. Furthermore, the metal layer 5 may be composed of three or fewer layers, or five or more layers. Furthermore, although the metal layer 5 is disposed between multiple magnetic field generators 4 and the inner cylindrical portion 23, it may also be disposed between one magnetic field generator 4 and the inner cylindrical portion 23. The number of metal layers 5 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, only one metal layer 5 may be disposed on one of the holding members 31.

[0048] As shown in Figure 9, the fluid activation device 1 of this embodiment further includes a metal member 6. The metal member 6 of this embodiment is a vertically elongated metal rod made of, for example, vanadium. The metal member 6 is disposed in a dead space within the holder 3. The metal member 6 of this embodiment is disposed in gaps formed between circumferentially adjacent first permanent magnets 41 and between circumferentially adjacent second permanent magnets 42 in each holder member 31. Note that the fluid activation device 1 does not necessarily have to include the metal member 6.

[0049] [Example of Use of Fluid Activation Device] Fig. 11 is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) showing an example of use of the fluid activation device 1. As shown in Fig. 11, the fluid activation device 1 is used, for example, by utilizing a funnel device 10. The funnel device 10 includes a stand 11 that supports the fluid activation device 1, a funnel 15 that is inserted into the fluid passage 27 of the fluid activation device 1, and a receiver 16 that is placed below the funnel 15.

[0050] The stand 11 has a base member 12, a support member 13 attached to the base member 12, and a mounting member 14 attached to the support member 13. The base member 12 is made of a plate member bent into a substantially L-shape when viewed from the side. The base member 12 has a base portion 12a that extends horizontally and is placed on the workbench 70, and an attachment portion 12b that extends upward from one end of the base portion 12a.

[0051] The support member 13 of the stand 11 is made of a plate member bent into a generally inverted L shape in side view. The support member 13 has a support portion 13a attached to the mounting portion 12b of the base member 12 and extending upward along the mounting portion 12b, and a holding portion 13b extending horizontally from the upper end of the support portion 13a. The holding portion 13b is disposed above the base portion 12a. An insertion hole 13c is formed in the holding portion 13b, penetrating it in the vertical direction. The fluid activation device 1 is inserted into the insertion hole 13c of the holding portion 13b, restricting horizontal movement of the fluid activation device 1.

[0052] Mounting member 14 of stand 11 is made of a plate member bent into a generally U-shape in side view. Mounting member 14 has fixed portion 14a extending horizontally and fixed to the underside of holding portion 13b, hanging portion 14b extending downward from one end of fixed portion 14a, and mounting portion 14c extending horizontally from the lower end of hanging portion 14b.

[0053] The mounting portion 14c is disposed below the holding portion 13b. The fluid activation device 1, which passes through the insertion hole 13c of the holding portion 13b, is placed on the mounting portion 14c. As a result, the fluid activation device 1 is held by the holding portion 13b while placed on the mounting portion 14c, and horizontal movement of the fluid activation device 1 is restricted. The mounting portion 14c has a through-hole 14d formed therein, into which the thin cylindrical portion 15b (described below) of the funnel 15 is inserted.

[0054] The funnel 15 has a bowl-shaped main body 15a that is open at both the top and bottom, and a thin cylindrical portion 15b that extends downward from the bottom of the main body 15a. The thin cylindrical portion 15b is sized to be insertable into the fluid passage 27 of the fluid activation device 1 and is longer in the vertical direction than the fluid passage 27. Therefore, when the thin cylindrical portion 15b of the funnel 15 is inserted from above into the fluid passage 27 of the fluid activation device 1 supported by the stand 11, the bottom end of the thin cylindrical portion 15b passes through the fluid passage 27 and the through-hole 14d of the mounting portion 14c and protrudes below the mounting portion 14c.

[0055] The receiver 16 is placed on the base 12a below the holder 13b of the stand 11. The receiver 16 has a receiving opening 16a into which the lower end of the thin cylindrical portion 15b of the funnel 15 is inserted. The receiver 16 in this embodiment is made of, for example, a plastic bottle.

[0056] When fluid is supplied from above the funnel 15 into the main body 15a in the state shown in FIG. 11 , the fluid flows from the main body 15a into the narrow tube portion 15b. As the fluid flows through the narrow tube portion 15b, it passes through the fluid passage 27 of the fluid activation device 1 from the upstream side to the downstream side. At this time, the pair of first magnetic field generators 4A, located upstream and downstream of the fluid passage 27, generate a dynamic zero magnetic field on the center line C of the fluid passage 27 as described above. Furthermore, the second magnetic field generator 4B, located between the pair of first magnetic field generators 4A, generates a static zero magnetic field on the center line C of the fluid passage 27 as described above. Therefore, a dynamic zero magnetic field is generated on both the upstream and downstream sides of the center line C of the fluid passage 27, and a static zero magnetic field is generated between these dynamic zero magnetic fields.

[0057] As a result, metallic electrons of different metals (gold, silver, copper, stainless steel, magnesium, titanium, and zinc) are emitted from the first to fourth metal layer portions 51 to 54 of the metal layer 5 toward the center line C of the fluid passage 27. Metallic electrons of the metal (vanadium) in the metal member 6 are also emitted toward the fluid passage 27. The metallic electrons emitted from the metal layer 5 and the metal member 6 then enter the fluid passing through the fluid passage 27. Therefore, the fluid passing through the fluid passage 27 is activated by the metallic electrons emitted from the metal layer 5 and the metal member 6. In the example of use shown in FIG. 11 , the fluid is flowed through the narrow cylindrical portion 15b of the funnel 15, but this is not limiting. For example, the fluid activation device 1 may be attached to a water pipe, and the fluid may be directly flowed from the water pipe into the fluid passage 27 of the fluid activation device 1.

[0058] [Effectiveness Confirmation Test] The inventors of the present application conducted a test to confirm the effect of the fluid activation device 1 of this embodiment. In the effectiveness confirmation test, a survey was conducted on multiple subjects to investigate the effect on blood flow when the subjects drank water (fluid) that had been activated by passing through the fluid passage 27 of the fluid activation device 1 using the funnel device 10.

[0059] In this study, blood vessel width and surface temperature were measured as indicators of the effect on blood flow. Specifically, the blood vessel width and surface temperature of the subjects' fingers were measured before and 30 minutes after drinking 500 ml of activated water. The blood vessel width and surface temperature were measured using the ASTRIM FIT health monitoring device (manufactured by Sysmex Corporation). If the water the subjects drank was activated, the blood vessel width in the fingers would expand or the surface temperature of the fingers would increase after drinking the water, promoting (activating) blood flow.

[0060] FIG. 12 is a table showing the results of the effectiveness confirmation test. As a result of this test, the width of the blood vessels in the fingers of all subjects except subject H increased after drinking water compared to before drinking water. As a result, the width of the blood vessels in the fingers of 9 out of 10 subjects increased after drinking water. Furthermore, the surface temperature of the fingers of all subjects except subject F increased after drinking water compared to before drinking water. As a result, the surface temperature of the fingers of 9 out of 10 subjects increased after drinking water. From the above, it was confirmed that the water consumed by the subjects was activated by the fluid activation device 1.

[0061] [Effects] According to the fluid activation device 1 of this embodiment, the pair of first magnetic field generators 4A, which are disposed on the upstream and downstream sides of the fluid passage 27, generate a dynamic zero magnetic field on the center line C of the fluid passage 27. Furthermore, the second magnetic field generator 4B, which is disposed between the pair of first magnetic field generators 4A, generates a static zero magnetic field on the center line C of the fluid passage 27. This effectively emits metal electrons from each metal layer 5 toward the center line C of the fluid passage 27. Therefore, the metal electrons emitted from each metal layer 5 can effectively activate the fluid flowing through the fluid passage 27.

[0062] The rotation direction of the rotating magnetic field X11 generated by each first magnetic field generating unit 4A is the same as the rotation direction of the magnetic field generated when a current flows from the upstream side to the downstream side of the fluid passage 27. This allows metal electrons to be more effectively emitted from the metal layer 5 toward the center line C of the fluid passage 27. As a result, the metal electrons emitted from the metal layer 5 can more effectively activate the fluid flowing through the fluid passage 27.

[0063] Each metal layer 5 has a plurality of metal layer portions 51 to 54 stacked in the radial direction. This allows metal electrons of the metal to be emitted from each of the plurality of metal layer portions 51 to 54 toward the center line C of the fluid passage 27. As a result, the fluid flowing through the fluid passage 27 can be activated more effectively.

[0064] Since the plurality of metal layer portions 51 to 54 are made of different metals, metal electrons of the different metals are emitted from the plurality of metal layer portions 51 to 54 toward the center line C of the fluid passage 27. As a result, the fluid flowing through the fluid passage 27 can be activated more effectively.

[0065] [Others] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the meaning described above, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope thereof.

[0066] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Fluid activation device 2 Casing 4 Magnetic field generation unit 4A First magnetic field generation unit 4B Second magnetic field generation unit 5 Metal layer 27 Fluid passage 41 First permanent magnet 42 Second permanent magnet 51 First metal layer portion (metal layer portion) 52 Second metal layer portion (metal layer portion) 53 Third metal layer portion (metal layer portion) 54 Fourth metal layer portion (metal layer portion) C Axis (center line) X11 Magnetic field (rotating magnetic field)

Claims

1. A fluid activation device comprising: a casing having a fluid passage therein through which a fluid flows in one direction; a plurality of magnetic field generating units arranged in a line around the fluid passage in the one direction; and a metal layer arranged between the magnetic field generating units and the fluid passage, wherein the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating units releases metal electrons from the metal layer into the fluid passage, thereby activating the fluid flowing through the fluid passage; wherein the plurality of magnetic field generating units include a pair of first magnetic field generating units arranged on the upstream and downstream sides of the one direction, and a second magnetic field generating unit arranged between the pair of first magnetic field generating units; and the first magnetic field generating unit has a plurality of first permanent magnets arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the fluid passage, each of the first permanent magnets being magnetized in the circumferential direction, and two of the first permanent magnets adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction being arranged with opposite poles adjacent to each other, thereby generating a dynamic zero magnetic field on the center line of the fluid passage; The second magnetic field generating unit has a plurality of second permanent magnets arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, each of which is magnetized radially relative to the center line, and two of the second permanent magnets, which are magnetized in opposite directions to each other, are arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, thereby generating a static zero magnetic field on the center line.

2. A fluid activation device as described in claim 1, wherein the first magnetic field generating unit forms a rotating magnetic field that rotates around the center line, and the direction of rotation of the magnetic field in the rotating magnetic field is the same as the direction of rotation of the magnetic field generated when current flows from the upstream side to the downstream side.

3. A fluid activation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the metal layer has a plurality of metal layer portions stacked in the radial direction.

4. The fluid activation device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of metal layer portions are made of different metals.

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