JP2012161762A - Electrolytic water generating and discharging device, and method for discharging electrolytic water - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a small electrolyzed water generating and discharging device capable of discharging electrolyzed water to a sensitive part of an animal or a human with a small stimulus while suppressing the possibility of damage to the electrolytic electrode.
An electrolyzed water generating / discharging device includes an electrolyzing unit that generates electrolyzed water by electrolyzing supplied water or an aqueous solution using an electrolyzed electrode using at least a diamond electrode as an anode, and an electrolyzed unit. A nozzle 27 that discharges the electrolyzed water generated by the nozzle 25, a pump 23 that supplies water or an aqueous solution to the electrolysis unit 25 at a predetermined flow rate, and discharges the electrolyzed water from the nozzle 27, and the electrolysis unit 25 and the pump 23 And a control unit 41 for controlling the operation. The control unit 41 controls the start and stop of the operation of the electrolysis unit 25 and the pump 23 so as to be repeated at predetermined time intervals, and discharges electrolyzed water from the nozzle 27 intermittently.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolyzed water generating and discharging apparatus and an electrolyzed water discharging method for discharging electrolyzed water generated by electrolysis toward an animal or human body part for cleaning or disinfection.

  In recent years, it has been known that electrolyzed water produced by electrolyzing water or an aqueous solution in which an electrolyte is added to water is useful for washing or sterilizing applications. , Ears, eyes, etc.). Examples of electrolyzed water used for cleaning or sterilization include acid electrolyzed water, alkaline electrolyzed water, electrolytic hyponitrous water, and ozone water.

  Among electrolyzed waters, ozone water in particular has an advantage that resistant bacteria are not generated because bacteria are killed by destroying cell membranes by oxidizing action. In addition to electrolysis, ozone water can be generated by generating ozone gas from air or oxygen by ultraviolet irradiation or low voltage discharge by high voltage, and then blowing the generated ozone gas into water using the bubble dissolution method. There is a method in which ozone gas is dissolved in water, or a method of dissolving the ozone gas in water through the porous film by flowing water through the porous film and flowing ozone gas generated outside the film using a diaphragm dissolving method. However, if ozone gas is generated by ultraviolet irradiation or low temperature discharge, the apparatus becomes large. Moreover, since ozone water cannot be produced | generated easily and the produced | generated ozone water is stored and used, there exists a fault that ozone water is easy to decompose | disassemble. On the other hand, when ozone water is generated by electrolysis, ozone water can be generated in a short time, so there is an advantage of high responsiveness. It is increasing. In particular, the diamond electrode created by forming a diamond thin film on the surface of a metal or metalloid, in addition to being able to generate ozone water from water such as tap water by performing electrolysis using this as at least an anode, The use of a diamond electrode has the advantage that the electrolytic reaction easily proceeds, the apparatus can be made compact, and high-concentration electrolyzed water can be generated.

  Devices capable of generating and injecting electrolyzed water having a cleaning action and a disinfecting action in this way are disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3. Patent Document 1 generates electrolyzed water by electrolyzing water containing a salt such as sodium chloride or potassium chloride by energizing a plate-like anode plate and a cathode plate arranged opposite to each other in an electrolytic cell. In addition, a gun-type electrolyzed water supply device that sprays or sprays the generated electrolyzed water from a nozzle is disclosed. Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 have a so-called diamond electrode (anode) formed of conductive diamond and an electrode (cathode) made of a metal or a carbon material, at least part of which is triggered by pushing a lever. An atomizing type electrolyzed water jetting apparatus is disclosed in which raw water contained in a container is electrolyzed by the electrolysis unit and the generated electrolyzed water is sprayed from a spray nozzle by a predetermined amount.

JP 2001-47048 A JP 2006-346203 A JP 2008-127583 A

  By the way, the mist spray type electrolyzed water ejection device as disclosed in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 diffuses the electrolyzed water in the form of a mist, so that it is used for cleaning or disinfecting a specific body part. In this application, a gun type electrolyzed water supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1 that can spray electrolyzed water linearly is preferable. However, using such a gun-type electrolyzed water supply device to spray electrolyzed water at a high speed onto sensitive body parts such as the ears, eyes, and wounds of animals and humans is too intense and causes discomfort and pain. For this reason, it has been difficult to use an electrolyzed water supply device that injects electrolyzed water in a straight line for injecting it into sensitive body parts.

  For this reason, conventionally, when a sensitive body part is washed or disinfected with electrolytic water, the produced electrolytic water in a cup or the like is sucked into a syringe and then gently discharged and applied to the part. However, in this case, electrolyzed water that is easily decomposed, such as ozone water, has a problem that the concentration of dissolved ozone is reduced due to decomposition of ozone, and the sterilizing power is reduced.

  Also, a method of slowing the spray speed of electrolyzed water is conceivable. However, in the generation of electrolyzed water, the electrolysis electrode generates heat due to energization, and the raw water flowing around the electrolysis electrode functions to cool the electrolysis electrode. The flow rate of the raw material water flowing around is reduced, the cooling action is weakened, and the electrolytic electrode is easily damaged by the temperature rise. Furthermore, when the electrolyzed water is ozone water, if the water temperature rises due to the temperature rise of the electrolysis electrode, the thermal decomposition of ozone is accelerated and the dissolved ozone concentration of the ozone water is lowered, so the sterilization performance of the ozone water is lowered. Cause problems.

  Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve the problems existing in the prior art, and to reduce the possibility of damage to the electrolytic electrode, and to discharge electrolyzed water toward a sensitive body part of an animal or human with a small stimulus. It is providing the electrolyzed water production | generation discharge device of this.

  In view of the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrolyzed water generating and discharging device for discharging electrolyzed water generated by electrolysis toward a body part of an animal or a human for cleaning or disinfection. An electrolysis unit that generates electrolyzed water by electrolyzing supplied water or an aqueous solution using an electrolysis electrode using at least a diamond electrode as an anode, and a nozzle connected to the electrolysis unit, A pump for supplying water or an aqueous solution to the electrolysis unit at a predetermined flow rate and discharging electrolyzed water generated by the electrolysis unit from the nozzle; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the electrolysis unit and the pump, The control unit controls the start and stop of the operation of the electrolysis unit and the pump to repeat at predetermined time intervals. And, thereby intermittently discharged electrolytic water generator discharge device is provided with electrolytic water from the nozzle.

  In the electrolyzed water generating / discharging device, electrolysis is performed by the electrolysis unit to generate electrolyzed water from water or an aqueous solution. Therefore, by changing the type of the aqueous solution supplied to the electrolysis unit or adjusting the pH thereof, there are various types. Various types of electrolyzed water can be generated, and the electrolyzed water can be supplied immediately when necessary, resulting in high responsiveness. In addition, since the diamond electrode is used at least as the anode of the electrolytic electrode, the electrolytic reaction is likely to proceed, the electrolyzed water generating / discharging device can be miniaturized, and high concentration electrolyzed water can be generated. In addition, ozone water can be generated from water such as tap water and purified water. Moreover, since water or an aqueous solution is supplied to the electrolysis unit at a predetermined flow rate using a pump, electrolyzed water having a predetermined concentration is applied while a predetermined current or voltage is applied to the electrolysis electrode of the electrolysis unit. The generated electrolyzed water can exhibit stable cleaning performance or sterilization performance. Furthermore, since the electrolyzed water is intermittently discharged from the nozzle by repeating the start and stop of the operation of the electrolysis unit and the pump at predetermined time intervals, compared with the case where the electrolyzed water is continuously injected to the body part. Thus, the electrolyzed water discharged from the nozzle is applied to the animal or human body part without reducing the flow rate of the water or aqueous solution supplied to the electrolyzing unit when current or voltage is applied to the electrolyzing electrode of the electrolyzing unit. Stimulation can be greatly reduced. In addition, since the operation of the electrolysis unit is also stopped when the operation of the pump is stopped, the electrolysis unit does not operate in a state where water or an aqueous solution is not supplied, and the temperature rise of the electrolysis electrode can be suppressed.

  In the electrolyzed water generating and discharging apparatus, it is preferable that the control unit performs control so as to start application of current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode only a predetermined time before the start of operation of the pump. There is a delay from the start of application of current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode until the potential difference between the anode and cathode of the electrolysis electrode reaches a predetermined value and the electrolysis unit can generate electrolyzed water of a predetermined concentration. Arise. Therefore, the electrolyzed water having a predetermined concentration cannot be generated at the start of the operation of the electrolysis unit, and the cleaning performance and the disinfection performance of the electrolyzed water generated at the start of the electrolysis unit operation may be deteriorated. . However, by starting the application of current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode earlier than the start of the pump operation in this way, the electrolyzed water generated by the electrolysis unit reaches a predetermined concentration and is discharged from the nozzle. It is possible to stabilize the cleaning performance and disinfection performance of the generated electrolyzed water.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the control unit performs control so as to stop application of a current or voltage to the electrolytic electrode after a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop of the operation of the pump. Even if the pump is stopped, the water or aqueous solution supplied from the pump is coasting and cannot be stopped immediately, and water or aqueous solution is supplied to the electrolysis unit while the electrolysis unit is not operating. Electrolytic water that has not reached may be discharged from the electrolysis unit. However, by delaying the application of current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode of the electrolysis unit in this way from the stop of operation of the pump, the supply of water or aqueous solution from the pump to the electrolysis unit is completely stopped before the electrolysis unit is By stopping the operation, only the electrolyzed water that has reached a predetermined concentration can be discharged from the electrolysis unit, and the cleaning performance and disinfection performance of the electrolyzed water discharged from the nozzle can be stabilized.

  The electrolyzed water is preferably ozone water. Since sterilization with ozone water is performed by destroying the cell membrane by an oxidizing action, there is an advantage that resistant bacteria are not generated, which is preferable for medical use. Moreover, the electrolyzed water generating / discharging device of the present invention capable of discharging ozone water just generated is particularly suitable for use of ozone water which is easily decomposed.

  The electrolytic electrode is formed by forming a diamond thin film on a metal or metalloid surface as an anode, and winding a strip-like or linear cathode around the diamond electrode in a spiral manner through a diaphragm. Preferably it is created. If an electrolytic electrode having a diamond electrode as an anode is used in this manner, ozone water can be generated from water at a high concentration for a long period of time, and the material cost for generating ozone water can be kept low.

  Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrolyzed water discharge method for discharging electrolyzed water generated by electrolysis toward an animal or human body part for cleaning or disinfecting, using a pump. Supplying water or an aqueous solution to the electrolysis unit at a predetermined flow rate, and electrolyzing the supplied water or aqueous solution in the electrolysis unit using an electrolysis electrode using at least a diamond electrode as an anode. The electrolyzed water generated by the electrolysis unit and the start and stop of the operation of the electrolysis unit and the pump are controlled to be repeated at predetermined time intervals, and the electrolyzed water generated by the electrolysis unit is intermittently discharged from the nozzle. An electrolyzed water discharge method including the step of discharging.

  In the electrolyzed water discharge method, in the discharging step, the electrolysis unit and the pump are configured to start application of current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode only for a predetermined time before the start of operation of the pump. It is preferable to control the operation. In addition, it is preferable to control the operation of the electrolysis unit and the pump so that application of current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop of operation of the pump.

  According to the present invention, since electrolyzed water is generated using an electrolysis unit using an electrolyzed electrode using at least a diamond electrode as an anode, various types of electrolyzed water can be generated, and the electrolyzed water is compact and highly responsive. In addition to the generation and discharge device, it is also possible to generate ozone water from water such as tap water and purified water. In addition, since water or an aqueous solution is supplied to the electrolysis unit at a predetermined flow rate using a pump, electrolyzed water having a predetermined concentration can be stably generated. Further, by repeating the start and stop of the operation of the electrolysis unit and the pump at predetermined time intervals, the electrolyzed water is intermittently discharged from the nozzle, so that the temperature rise of the electrolysis electrode is suppressed and damage to the electrolysis electrode is prevented. The possibility can be kept low, the stimulation to the animal or human body part can be kept down, and the electrolyzed water can be applied to the sensitive part.

It is a perspective view which shows the whole structure of the electrolyzed water production | generation discharge device by this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the electrolyzed water production | generation discharge device by this invention. It is a timing chart which shows the electric current or voltage pulse applied to the control pulse signal of a pump, and the electrolysis electrode of an electrolysis unit. It is a figure which shows the 1st Example of the electrolysis unit of an electrolyzed water production | generation discharge apparatus. It is a figure which shows the 2nd Example of the electrolysis unit of an electrolyzed water production | generation discharge apparatus. It is a figure which shows the 3rd Example of the electrolysis unit of an electrolyzed water production | generation discharge apparatus.

Embodiments of an electrolyzed water generating / discharging device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
First, with reference to FIG.1 and FIG.2, the whole structure of the electrolyzed water production | generation discharge apparatus 11 is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 1, the electrolyzed water generating / discharging device 11 includes water such as tap water and purified water, and an aqueous solution in which an electrolyte is added and dissolved (hereinafter collectively referred to as raw water). The electrolyzed water generator 13 for generating electrolyzed water from the water and the handpiece 17 connected to the electrolyzed water generator 13 by a tube 15 are provided. A surfactant may be further added to the raw material water. Thus, by adding surfactant to raw material water, when producing | generating ozone water as electrolyzed water, there exists an effect which reduces volatilization of dissolved ozone. The tube 15 is preferably flexible and resistant to corrosion made from a synthetic resin such as silicone rubber or soft polyethylene. If such a synthetic resin tube is used as the tube 15, since it is flexible, it becomes easy to operate the handpiece 17 connected to the tube 15, and it is resistant to corrosion. Even when the alkaline electrolyzed water is generated, corrosion of the tube can be prevented.

  The electrolyzed water generator 13 is a device that generates electrolyzed water by receiving power from the power source 19 and electrolyzing the raw water. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the electrolyzed water generator 13 includes a storage tank 21 for storing raw material water, a pump 23, and an electrolysis unit 25, and is stored in the storage tank 21 by the pump 23. The raw material water thus fed is sent to the electrolysis unit 25, and the fed raw material water is electrolyzed by the electrolysis unit 25 to generate electrolyzed water. The raw water is appropriately selected according to the type of electrolyzed water to be generated, the type of electrode to be used, the presence / absence of a diaphragm for partitioning the anode and the cathode, and the like.

  The storage tank 21 is for storing raw material water, and is provided with a supply port that can be opened and closed by a cap 21a, so that the raw material water can be supplied to the storage tank 21 through the supply port. The storage tank 21 is made of an appropriate material that does not react with the raw water, for example, a thermoplastic resin such as an acrylic resin. The storage tank 21 is not an essential component, and the storage tank 21 may not be provided as long as the raw water is supplied to the electrolyzed water generator 13 from the outside through a pipe. However, since the piping for supplying raw material water to the electrolyzed water generator 13 from the outside becomes unnecessary and the portability of the electrolyzed water generator 13 is increased, the electrolyzed water generator 13 includes the storage tank 21. Is preferred.

  The pump 23 is for feeding the raw material water into the electrolysis unit 25 at a predetermined flow rate, and any type can be used as long as the raw material water can be sent at a predetermined flow rate. However, since the electrolyzed water needs to maintain a predetermined concentration in order to exert a cleaning or disinfecting action, the raw water having a predetermined flow rate is sent to the pump 23 with high accuracy. It is desirable to use a metering pump capable of

  For example, when supplying tap water from the water pipe to the electrolyzed water generator 13 as raw water, the tap water can be supplied to the electrolysis unit 25 with the supply pressure from the water pipe without using the pump 23. Since the supply pressure from the air varies widely at the place of use and the flow rate is not constant, the concentration of the generated electrolyzed water varies, and it is impossible to maintain a certain cleaning performance and disinfection performance. However, since the electrolyzed water generating / discharging device 11 of the present invention includes the pump 23 as an indispensable component, the flow rate is determined in advance regardless of whether the raw water is supplied from the outside or the storage tank 21. Can be supplied to the electrolysis unit 25, and electrolyzed water having a predetermined concentration can be stably generated. Therefore, the generated electrolyzed water can stably exhibit cleaning performance and disinfection performance.

  The electrolysis unit 25 generates electrolyzed water by electrolyzing raw water by applying a current or voltage to an electrolyzing electrode including at least a diamond electrode as an anode. The electrolyzed water is electrolyzed by electrolyzing the raw water. If it can be produced, an electrode made of an appropriate material can be used for the cathode. By using a diamond electrode as at least the anode, the electrolytic reaction easily proceeds, the electrolyzed water generator 13 can be reduced in size, and high-concentration electrolyzed water can be generated. Moreover, ozone water can be generated by electrolyzing water such as tap water and purified water. For example, as the electrolysis unit 25, a type in which a diamond electrode is used only for the anode or both of the anode and the cathode, and a raw material water is electrolyzed in an electrolytic cell with a solid polymer electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the anode and the cathode. Can be used. In addition, a plate-like diamond electrode is arranged as an anode and a cathode so as to face each other, and the anode side and the cathode side are divided by a diaphragm such as an ion exchange membrane to electrolyze the raw material water, or a similar arrangement. A type that electrolyzes raw water without partitioning the anode side and the cathode side with a diaphragm can also be used. Further, these electrodes may be arranged in a tubular container instead of the electrolytic cell, and raw water may be supplied from one end and the electrolytic water may be discharged from the other end on the opposite side.

  As described above, the electrolysis unit 25 electrolyzes the raw material water by applying a current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode. Therefore, the electrolysis unit 25 can have a simple structure and can be downsized to a portable level. , It has the advantage of providing quick response that electrolyzed water can be generated instantly at the moment it is needed. Further, when ozone water or the like that is easily decomposed is used for cleaning or disinfection, it is better that the time from generation to use is shorter, and such responsiveness is particularly advantageous. Furthermore, the electrolysis unit 25 also has an advantage that various types of electrolyzed water can be generated by changing the type of raw material water, the pH of the raw material water, whether or not an ion exchange membrane is used, and the like. For example, it is possible to generate weakly alkaline electrohypochlorous acid by electrolyzing saline without a diaphragm under a predetermined condition, and slightly acidic hypochlorous acid by electrolyzing dilute hydrochloric acid without a diaphragm. An acid can be generated. In addition, by electrolyzing the saline solution with the anode side and the cathode side partitioned by a diaphragm under predetermined conditions, strongly acidic electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid is present on the anode side, Strong alkaline electrolyzed water is generated, and ozone water is generated on the anode side by electrolyzing water in a state where the anode side and the cathode side are partitioned by a diaphragm.

  The current or voltage applied to the electrolysis electrode may be appropriately determined according to the desired electrolyzed water generation capacity, the type of raw material water to be supplied, the water quality, the water temperature, the flow rate, the concentration of the electrolyzed water to be generated, and the like. .

  A tube 15 is connected to the electrolysis unit 25, and electrolyzed water generated by the electrolysis unit is supplied to the handpiece 17 through the tube 15 and discharged from the nozzle 27 of the handpiece 17 toward the animal or human body part. It has come to be.

  A coupler 35 such as a one-touch coupling may be provided in the middle of the tube 15 so that the tube on the electrolyzed water generator 13 side and the tube on the handpiece 17 side can be detached. Thus, by providing the coupler 35 in the middle of the tube 15, it becomes easy to replace the handpiece 17 connected to the electrolyzed water generator 13.

  The electrolyzed water generator 13 is lit when the operation button 29 for switching the power on and off or the start and stop of the operation and the discharge mode for discharging the electrolyzed water generated by electrolysis are turned on. A discharge mode lamp 31 to be turned on and a monitor lamp 33 that lights or blinks when an abnormality is detected to notify the occurrence of the abnormality, and can switch the electrolyzed water generator 13 on and off and recognize the operating state. It is preferable that it is such.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrolyzed water generator 13 preferably includes a foot switch 39 connected by a cable. By operating the foot switch 39, the discharge mode in which the electrolytic water is discharged from the nozzle 27 of the handpiece 17 and the discharge stop mode in which the discharge of the electrolytic water from the nozzle 27 of the handpiece 17 is stopped can be switched. If it is possible, the start and stop of the discharge of the electrolyzed water can be switched by operating the foot switch 39 while discharging the electrolyzed water to the animal or human body part with the handpiece 17 in hand. It becomes possible to work with both hands. Further, for example, the operation mode can be switched by properly using the time for which the foot switch 39 is stepped on. Specifically, if you depress for a short period of time, an alternate operation that switches between the discharge mode and the discharge stop mode is performed each time you depress, and if you continue to depress for a predetermined time or longer, the operation mode is changed to the specified operation mode. A momentary operation can be performed.

  The electrolyzed water generator 13 further includes a control unit 41 that controls the operation of the pump 23 and the electrolysis unit 25. In the discharge mode, the control unit 41, as shown in FIG. 3, includes a pulse wave control signal for controlling the operation of the pump 23 and a pulse wave control signal for controlling the operation of the electrolysis unit 25. Are synchronized with each other in a predetermined cycle so that the start and stop of the operation of the pump 23 and the electrolysis unit 25 are controlled to repeat at predetermined time intervals, and the electrolyzed water generated by the electrolysis unit 25 is controlled. Is intermittently discharged from the nozzle. Specifically, when the operation of the pump 23 and the electrolysis unit 25 is started according to the control signal from the control unit 41, the raw water is supplied to the electrolysis unit 25 by the start of the operation of the pump 23 and the electrolysis of the electrolysis unit 25 is performed. Electrolysis of the raw material water is started by starting application of current or voltage to the electrode to generate electrolyzed water, and the generated electrolyzed water is discharged from the nozzle 27 of the handpiece 17. On the other hand, when the operation of the pump 23 and the electrolysis unit 25 is stopped according to the control signal from the control unit 41, the supply of raw material water to the electrolysis unit 25 is stopped by the stop of the operation of the pump 23 and the electrolysis unit 25 The electrolysis of the raw material water is stopped by stopping the application of current or voltage to the electrolytic electrode, and the discharge of the electrolytic water from the nozzle 27 of the handpiece 17 is stopped. By repeating this, the electrolyzed water is intermittently discharged from the nozzle 27 of the handpiece 17.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 41 starts the application of the current or voltage to the electrolytic electrode by a predetermined time before the start of the operation of the pump 23 and the pump 23 and It is preferable to control the operation of the electrolysis unit 25. Generally, there is a delay from when the application of current or voltage to the electrolytic electrode is started until the potential difference between the electrolytic electrodes (that is, between the anode and the cathode) reaches a predetermined value. Even when the control signal to be received arrives and the application of current or voltage to the electrolytic electrode is started, the electrolysis unit 25 does not immediately reach a predetermined electrolyzed water generation capability. On the other hand, the supply of the raw material water is started immediately when the operation of the pump 23 is started. Therefore, when the operation of the pump 23 and the electrolysis unit 25 is started at the same time, a deviation occurs between the start timing of the raw water supply and the timing when the electrolyzed water generation capacity reaches a predetermined level, and the electrolysis water generation capacity of the electrolysis unit 25 is increased. The supply of the raw material water to the electrolysis unit 25 is started before the predetermined level is reached, and the electrolyzed water that does not reach the predetermined concentration is discharged from the nozzle 27, and the discharged electrolyzed water has sufficient cleaning performance or disinfection. There is a possibility that performance cannot be demonstrated. In addition, by applying a large current or voltage at the start of the operation of the electrolysis unit 25, it is possible to shorten the rise time of the electrolyzed water generation capability of the electrolysis unit 25, but the life of the electrolysis electrode is shortened by overcurrent. With the risk of Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 41 performs control so as to start application of current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode of the electrolysis unit 25 a predetermined time Δt1 before the start of operation of the pump 23. More preferably, the time Δt1 is determined such that the operation of the pump 23 is started after the electrolyzed water generation capacity of the electrolysis unit 25 reaches a predetermined level.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 41 includes the pump 23 and the electrolysis unit so as to stop the application of the current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode after a predetermined time has elapsed since the pump operation was stopped. Preferably, the operation of 25 is controlled. In general, even if the operation of the pump 23 is stopped, the raw water continues to flow for a while due to inertia. Therefore, even if the control signal for instructing the operation of the pump 23 arrives and the operation of the pump 23 is stopped immediately. The supply of raw material water to the electrolysis unit 25 is not stopped. On the other hand, in the electrolysis unit 25, when the application of the current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode is stopped, the generation of electrolyzed water is stopped almost simultaneously. Therefore, if the operation of the pump 23 and the electrolysis unit 25 is stopped at the same time, there is a difference between the stop timing of the electrolyzed water generation and the stop timing of the supply of the raw water, and the raw material in the electrolysis unit 25 where the generation of the electrolyzed water is stopped When water is supplied, electrolyzed water or raw material water that does not reach a predetermined concentration is discharged, and the discharged electrolyzed water may not exhibit sufficient cleaning performance or disinfection performance. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 41 performs control so as to stop application of current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode of the electrolysis unit 25 after a predetermined time Δt2 has elapsed from the stop of the pump operation. More preferably, the time Δt2 is determined such that the operation of the electrolysis unit 25 and the application of current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode are stopped after the flow of the raw material water due to inertia after the operation of the pump 23 is stopped. .

Next, the usage method of the electrolyzed water production | generation discharge apparatus 11 of this Embodiment is demonstrated.
When the electrolyzed water generating / discharging device 11 is used, first, the tube 15 connected to the nozzle 27 of the handpiece 17 to be used is connected to the coupler 35 of the tube 15 connected to the electrolyzed water generator 13. Connecting. Next, it is confirmed whether the raw material water is sufficiently stored in the storage tank 21 of the electrolyzed water generator 13, and when the raw material water stored in the storage tank 21 is insufficient, the cap 21a is opened. The raw water is replenished to the storage tank 21. When supplying the raw material water from the outside, it is confirmed that the piping from the external raw material water source is connected to the electrolyzed water generator 13.

  Next, the operation button 29 of the electrolyzed water generator 13 is pressed to start the operation of the electrolyzed water generator 13. Since the electrolyzed water generator 13 has a discharge mode for generating and discharging electrolyzed water and a discharge stop mode for stopping the generation and discharge of electrolyzed water, the nozzle 27 of the hand beads 17 is set to be used by animals or humans in the discharge stop mode. After turning to the desired body part, the foot switch 39 is operated to switch from the discharge stop mode to the discharge mode, the generation of the electrolyzed water by the electrolyzed water generator 13, and the generated electrolyzed water from the nozzle 27 of the handpiece 17. Start dispensing. The switching between the discharge mode and the discharge stop mode by the foot switch 39 may be performed, for example, so that the discharge mode and the discharge stop mode are switched each time the foot switch 39 is depressed a short time. Switching to the discharge mode can be confirmed by turning on the discharge mode lamp 31. Further, when the monitor lamp 33 is lit or blinking, the electrolyzed water generator 13 has an abnormality, and the use is stopped.

  The electrolyzed water generating / discharging device 11 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has two discharge modes, that is, a continuous discharge mode for continuously discharging electrolyzed water and an intermittent discharge mode for intermittently discharging electrolyzed water. You may do it. For example, when switching from the discharge stop mode to the discharge mode, the switching between the continuous discharge mode and the intermittent discharge mode is switched to the continuous discharge mode in which the electrolytic water is discharged continuously when the foot switch 39 is depressed for a short time. It is only necessary to switch to the intermittent discharge mode in which the electrolyzed water is discharged intermittently only while the step is continued if the step is continued for a predetermined time.

  In the continuous discharge mode, the control unit 41 operates the pump 23 and the electrolysis unit 25 continuously, and uses the electrolysis water generated by the electrolysis unit 25 in the same manner as in the conventional electrolyzed water generation and discharge device. To discharge continuously.

  On the other hand, in the intermittent discharge mode, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 41 has a pulse waveform control signal for controlling the operation of the pump 23 and a pulse waveform for controlling the operation of the electrolysis unit 25. It emits toward the pump 23 and the electrolysis unit 25 at a predetermined cycle in synchronization with the control signal. As a result, when the pump 23 and the electrolysis unit 25 are operated, the raw water is supplied to the electrolysis unit 25 by the pump 23 and current or voltage is applied to the electrolysis electrode of the electrolysis unit 25 to perform electrolysis of the raw material water. When the operation of the pump 23 and the electrolysis unit 25 is stopped, the supply of raw water to the electrolysis unit 25 by the pump 23 is stopped and the application of current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode of the electrolysis unit 25 is stopped to Electrolysis of the pump 23 and the electrolysis unit 25 is alternately started and stopped at predetermined time intervals, so that the electrolyzed water generated by the electrolysis unit 25 is generated. It is discharged intermittently from the nozzle 27 of the handpiece 17. The discharge amount is preferably about 1 cc per discharge.

  The electrolysis electrode of the electrolysis unit 25 generates heat by energization during electrolysis, but is cooled by the raw material water supplied to the electrolysis unit 25 flowing around the electrolysis electrode. Therefore, if the cooling action of the raw material water is insufficient, the temperature of the electrolytic electrode may increase during electrolysis and the electrolytic electrode may be damaged, and the raw water is supplied from the electrolysis unit 25 at a flow rate higher than a predetermined value. Need to be supplied. This leads to the need to discharge the electrolyzed water at a speed equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and when the electrolyzed water is continuously discharged to a sensitive body part of an animal or a human like a conventional electrolyzed water generating / discharging device. The irritation was strong and uncomfortable. On the other hand, in the intermittent discharge mode of the electrolyzed water generating / discharging device 11 of the present invention, the stimulation felt by the animal or human is made by intermittently discharging the electrolyzed water, compared to the case of continuous discharge. And it is possible to apply electrolyzed water to sensitive body parts of animals or humans.

  If only the operation of the pump 23 is stopped while the operation of the electrolysis unit 25 is continued during intermittent discharge, the electrolysis electrode is not cooled, and the temperature of the electrolysis electrode and the raw material water rises. Such an increase in the temperature of the electrolytic electrode may lead to breakage of the electrolytic electrode. Furthermore, since the saturated dissolution concentration (saturated dissolved concentration) of the gas with respect to the liquid generally decreases as the temperature of the liquid increases, the electrolyzed water is dissolved in gas such as ozone water or hydrogen peroxide water. In some cases, the temperature rise of the raw material water may cause a gas such as ozone or hydrogen peroxide to decompose and lower the dissolved concentration of ozone or hydrogen peroxide. In contrast, in the intermittent discharge mode of the electrolyzed water generating / discharging device 11 according to the present invention, when the operation of the pump 23 is stopped and the supply of the raw material water to the electrolysis unit 25 is stopped during the intermittent discharge of the electrolyzed water, the electrolysis unit Since the application of voltage or current to the electrolysis electrode 25 is also stopped, the temperature rise of the electrolysis electrode and electrolysis water is different from the case where the operation of only the pump 23 is repeated while the electrolysis unit 25 is continuously operated. Is suppressed, and the occurrence of the above problems is prevented.

  Further, in the intermittent discharge mode, the control unit 41 starts application of a current or voltage to the electrolytic electrode a predetermined time Δt1 before the start of the pump operation, as shown in FIG. Thus, the operation of the pump 23 and the electrolysis unit 25 may be controlled. In this case, it is preferable that the time Δt1 is determined such that the operation of the pump 23 is started after the operation of the electrolysis unit 25 is started and the electrolyzed water generation capacity of the electrolysis unit 25 reaches a predetermined level.

  In addition to or instead of this, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 41 performs a current to the electrolysis electrode of the electrolysis unit 25 after a predetermined time Δt2 has elapsed from the stop of the pump operation. Or you may control the action | operation of the pump 23 and the electrolysis unit 25 so that the application of a voltage may be stopped. In this case, the time Δt2 may be determined such that the operation of the electrolysis unit 25 and the application of current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode are stopped after the operation of the pump 23 is stopped and the flow of the raw material water due to inertia is stopped. preferable.

  Thus, by starting the operation of the electrolysis unit 25 and the application of current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode before the operation of the pump 23 is started, the supply of raw water to the electrolysis unit 25 by the pump 23 and the electrolysis water from the nozzle 27 are performed. It is possible to make the electrolyzed water generating capacity of the electrolysis unit 25 reach a predetermined level at the start of discharge. Further, by stopping the operation of the electrolysis unit 25 and the application of current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode after the operation of the pump 23 is stopped, the electrolysis unit 25 is stopped when the operation of the electrolysis unit 25 and the application of the current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode is stopped. The inflow of the raw material water can be stopped. As a result, it becomes possible to stably supply the electrolyzed water that has reached a predetermined concentration, and to ensure a predetermined level of cleaning performance or disinfection performance.

  When stopping the discharge of the electrolyzed water from the electrolyzed water generating / discharging device 11, for example, in the intermittent discharge mode, the foot switch 39 may be released, and in the continuous discharge mode, the foot switch 39 may be stepped on again. .

  The configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is an example of the configuration of the electrolyzed water generating / discharging device 11 of the present invention, and the electrolyzed water generating / discharging device 11 of the present invention is not limited to the above configuration. For example, instead of the foot switch 39, a changeover switch is provided on the body of the handpiece 17 or the electrolyzed water generator 13, and the changeover switch is used to switch between the discharge mode and the discharge stop mode, or the continuous discharge mode and the intermittent discharge. Switching between modes may be performed.

FIG. 4 shows the electrolysis unit 125 of the first embodiment.
The electrolysis unit 125 of this embodiment uses an electrolysis electrode of a type in which a strip-like or linear cathode is spirally wound around a positive electrode made of a rod-like diamond electrode via a diaphragm.

  The electrolysis unit 125 includes an anode 127, a cathode 129, a diaphragm 131 disposed between the anode 127 and the cathode 129, and a housing 133 that accommodates the anode 127, the cathode 129, and the diaphragm 131. Wires 135 and 137 for applying a current or a voltage are connected to 129, respectively.

  The anode 127 is a so-called diamond electrode having a rod shape, and is based on a metal (especially a valve metal) such as aluminum, tantalum, niobium, titanium, hafnium, zirconium, zinc, tungsten, bismuth, antimony, or a semimetal such as silicon. As a material, it is produced by forming a conductive diamond thin film on its surface or by a conductive diamond alone. The conductive diamond thin film preferably covers the entire base material, but a part of the base material may be exposed.

  A strip-shaped diaphragm 131 is spirally wound around the rod-shaped anode 127, and along the diaphragm 131, the strip-shaped or linear cathode 129 does not directly contact the anode 127 around the diaphragm 131. It is wound in a spiral. The diaphragm 131 is provided in order to prevent substances generated at the anode and the cathode from being consumed by the other electrode, and an ion exchange membrane, a neutral membrane, or the like can be used. Further, the diaphragm 131 is wound around the anode 127 so that a gap is formed between the diaphragms 131 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal axis direction of the anode 127 so that the raw water can contact the anode 127.

  The cathode 129 may be made of platinum, nickel, stainless steel, titanium, zirconium, gold, silver, carbon, etc., and in the same way as the anode, aluminum, tantalum, niobium, titanium, hafnium, zirconium, zinc, tungsten, bismuth. Alternatively, a conductive diamond thin film may be formed on the surface of a metal such as antimony (particularly a valve metal) or a semimetal such as silicon as a base material. The width or thickness of the cathode 129 is preferably smaller than the width of the diaphragm 131 so as not to contact the rod-shaped anode 127.

  In the electrolysis unit 125 of this embodiment, there is an advantage that ozone water can be generated from water. On the other hand, since the spirally wound cathode 129 functions as a coil, current or voltage is applied to the anode 127 and the cathode 129. Occasionally, the inductive reactance prevents the potential difference from expanding, and the rise time until the potential difference between the anode 127 and the cathode 129 reaches a predetermined value and electrolyzed water having a predetermined concentration can be generated tends to be long. Therefore, in order to be able to discharge the electrolyzed water having a stable concentration, the control unit 41 starts applying the current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode by a predetermined time Δt1 before the start of the pump operation. Therefore, it is preferable to control the operation of the pump 23 and the electrolysis unit 25.

  Further, in order to increase the electrolyzed water generation capability of the electrolysis unit 125, the pitch in the longitudinal direction of the anode 127 of the spirally wound cathode 129 may be narrowed. However, as described above, the cathode 129 functions as a coil. Therefore, when the pitch of the cathode 129 is narrowed, the inductive reactance is increased and the action of preventing the potential difference between the anode 127 and the cathode 129 at the start of application of current or voltage is strengthened. The potential difference reaches a predetermined value and reaches a predetermined value. The rise time until the concentration of electrolyzed water can be generated becomes longer. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the winding pitch of the cathode 129 in consideration of the balance between the desired electrolyzed water generation capability and the rise time.

  The electrolytic electrode composed of the anode 127, the cathode 129, and the diaphragm 131 is accommodated in a substantially tube-shaped housing 133, and raw water from an external raw water source or storage tank 21 is provided at one end 139 of the housing 133. A pipe for supplying the generated electrolyzed water to the nozzle 27 of the handpiece 17 is connected to the other end 141 of the housing 133. The substantially tubular housing 133 may have a thickness that can accommodate at least an electrolytic electrode composed of the anode 127, the cathode 129, and the diaphragm 131. However, the flow rate of the raw water in the housing 133 varies depending on the thickness. In addition, since the concentration of the electrolyzed water is affected, it is preferable to appropriately determine the thickness of the housing 133 according to the desired electrolyzed water concentration. Moreover, the housing 133 should just be produced from the material which does not react with electrolyzed water, for example, can be produced from hydrocarbon resin, such as a polypropylene and polyethylene, a fluorine resin, a metal.

  In addition, when producing | generating ozone water by washing | cleaning or disinfection use, it is preferable to set it as 0.3-5.0 mg / l (or ppm) according to the disinfection object etc. The dissolved ozone concentration of the ozone water can be adjusted, for example, by changing the flow rate of water supplied to the electrolysis unit 25, the current or voltage applied to the diamond electrode, and the thickness of the anode 127.

FIG. 5 shows an electrolysis unit 225 of the second embodiment.
In the electrolysis unit 225 of this embodiment, instead of the electrolysis electrode of the electrolysis unit 125 of the first embodiment, a plate-shaped anode plate 227 and a cathode plate 229 are arranged in a housing 133 so as to face each other. And wirings 235 and 237 for applying a current or a voltage to the cathode plate 229, respectively.

  The anode plate 227 is a diamond electrode having a plate shape, and is based on a metal (particularly a valve metal) such as aluminum, tantalum, niobium, titanium, hafnium, zirconium, zinc, tungsten, bismuth, antimony, or a semimetal such as silicon. As a material, it is produced by forming a conductive diamond thin film on its surface or by a conductive diamond alone. On the other hand, the cathode plate 229 can be made from an appropriate material that does not react with the product. For example, the cathode plate 229 can be made by coating platinum on plate-shaped nickel. It is good also as a diamond electrode which has.

  The housing 233 has a substantially tubular shape similar to that of the first embodiment, and one end 239 of the housing 233 is connected to a pipe for supplying raw water from an external raw water source or the storage tank 21. A pipe for supplying the generated electrolyzed water to the nozzle 27 of the handpiece 17 is connected to the other end 241 of 233. Since the thickness and material of the housing 133 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  If this type of electrolysis unit 225 is used, it is possible to generate weakly alkaline electrolyzed hypochlorite by, for example, electrolyzing saline. Moreover, slightly acidic hypochlorous acid can be produced by electrolyzing dilute hydrochloric acid.

FIG. 6 shows an electrolysis unit 325 of the third embodiment.
Compared with the electrolysis unit 225 of the second embodiment, the electrolysis unit 325 of the present embodiment has a plate-shaped anode plate 327 and a cathode plate 329 which are disposed in the housing 333 and face each other. The wiring 335 and 337 for applying a current or voltage to the plate 327 and the cathode plate 329 are similar to each other, but the anode side and the cathode side of the housing 333 are separated by a diaphragm 231 such as an ion exchange membrane. It is different in that it is partitioned by.

  The anode plate 327 and the cathode plate 329 are the same as those in the second embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted here. The diaphragm 331 is provided in order to prevent substances generated at the anode and the cathode from being consumed at the other electrode, and an ion exchange membrane can be used. As the ion exchange membrane, a fluororesin-based or hydrocarbon-resin-based one can be used, but a fluororesin-based one is preferably used since it has corrosion resistance against ozone, peroxide, and the like.

  Further, the housing 333 has a substantially tubular shape, and the inlet side end portion 339 may be the same as that of the second embodiment, but at least at the outlet side end portion 341, the electrolyzed water and the cathode plate generated by the anode plate 327 are used. In order to be able to take out the electrolyzed water generated in 329 separately, pipes are connected to communicate with the space on the anode plate 327 side in the housing 333 and the space on the cathode plate 329 side in the housing 333, respectively. The electrolyzed water on the desired side is used to be discharged from the nozzle 27 of the handpiece 17.

  If this type of electrolysis unit 325 is used, ozone water can be generated from water such as tap water and purified water, and, for example, by electrolyzing salt water, hypochlorite is contained on the anode plate 327 side. Strongly acidic electrolyzed water can be generated, and strongly alkaline electrolyzed water can be generated on the cathode plate 329 side.

  The electrolyzed water generating / discharging device of the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated embodiment. However, the illustrated embodiment is merely an example, and the electrolyzed water generating / discharging device of the present invention is illustrated in the illustrated embodiment. It is not limited to. For example, although the electrolysis units 125, 225, and 325 shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 are illustrated as the electrolysis unit 25, other types of electrolysis units may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Electrolyzed water production | generation discharge apparatus 13 Electrolyzed water generator 17 Handpiece 23 Pump 25 Electrolysis unit 27 Nozzle 41 Control unit 125 Electrolysis unit 127 Anode 129 Cathode 225 Electrolysis unit 227 Anode plate 229 Cathode plate 325 Electrolysis unit 327 Anode plate 329 Cathode plate

Claims (8)

An electrolyzed water generating and discharging device for discharging electrolyzed water generated by electrolysis toward an animal or human body part for cleaning or disinfection,
An electrolysis unit that generates electrolyzed water by electrolyzing the supplied water or aqueous solution using an electrolysis electrode using at least a diamond electrode as an anode;
A nozzle connected to the electrolysis unit;
A pump that supplies water or an aqueous solution to the electrolysis unit at a predetermined flow rate, and discharges electrolyzed water generated by the electrolysis unit from the nozzle;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the electrolysis unit and the pump;
The control unit is controlled to repeat the start and stop of the operation of the electrolysis unit and the pump at a predetermined time interval, and the electrolyzed water is intermittently discharged from the nozzle. Electrolyzed water generation and discharge device.   2. The electrolyzed water generating / discharging device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control so as to start application of a current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode only a predetermined time before the start of operation of the pump.   3. The electrolysis according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control so as to stop application of a current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode after a predetermined time has elapsed from the stop of the operation of the pump. Water generation and discharge device.   The electrolyzed water production | generation discharge device as described in any one of Claims 1-3 whose electrolyzed water is ozone water.   The electrolytic electrode is a rod-shaped diamond electrode formed by forming a diamond thin film on a metal or metalloid surface as an anode, and a strip-shaped or linear cathode is spirally wound around the diamond electrode through a diaphragm. The electrolyzed water generating / discharging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electrolyzed water generating / discharging device is created by attaching the electrolyzed water. An electrolyzed water discharge method for discharging electrolyzed water generated by electrolysis toward an animal or human body part for cleaning or disinfection,
Supplying water or an aqueous solution to the electrolysis unit at a predetermined flow rate using a pump;
In the electrolysis unit, electrolyzing the supplied water or aqueous solution using an electrolysis electrode using at least a diamond electrode as an anode, and generating electrolyzed water;
Controlling the start and stop of the operation of the electrolysis unit and the pump to be repeated at predetermined time intervals, and intermittently discharging the electrolyzed water generated by the electrolysis unit from the nozzle; and
Electrolyzed water discharge method characterized by including.   In the discharging step, the operation of the electrolysis unit and the pump is controlled so as to start application of current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode a predetermined time before the start of operation of the pump. 6. The electrolytic water discharge method according to 6.   The discharging step controls the operation of the electrolysis unit and the pump so as to stop application of current or voltage to the electrolysis electrode after a predetermined time has elapsed since the pump operation was stopped. The method for discharging electrolyzed water according to claim 6 or 7.

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