JP2005087936A - Antibacterial treatment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an antibacterial treatment apparatus capable of adjusting the elution amount of metal ions in accordance with the amount of storage water and the use in the apparatus of performing antibacterial treatment of storage water. <P>SOLUTION: This antibacterial treatment apparatus is provided with an ion elution unit 4 having a metal electrode 42 of eluting metal ions by the application of voltage, a setting part for setting the elution amount of metal ions and a control part for controlling the voltage application to the metallic electrode 42. Therein, from the viewpoint of efficiently dispersing the eluted metal ions into the storage water, it is preferable that a water passage R is disposed within the apparatus and the storage water sucked from a suction port 52 flows through the water passage R and is discharged from a discharge port 22. Furthermore, from the view point of replacement and cleaning of the metal electrode 42, it is preferable that the ion elution unit 4 is attached in a freely detachable manner in the water passage R. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing antibacterial treatment of stored water, and more particularly to an apparatus for performing antibacterial treatment by eluting metal ions.

  With recent changes in the living environment, people's bathing times have become widespread. At the same time, an increasing number of families are trying to save water in response to the recent increase in environmental awareness. For this reason, it is widely performed to use bath water for two days or more, or to use remaining hot water in a bathtub as washing water. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Waterworks, about 39% of the households use bath water for more than two days, and about 77% of households use the remaining hot water in the bathtub as washing water. .

  However, miscellaneous bacteria in the bath water grow with the passage of time. For example, in bath water that has passed for more than ten hours after bathing, slime or an unpleasant odor caused by various bacteria may occur. For this reason, bathing in a hot water that has passed more than 10 hours after bathing may cause harm to health as well as comfort. Also, washing with such a bath is never comfortable.

Therefore, a method of eluting antibacterial metal ions into the stored water has been proposed in order to suppress the growth of germs in the stored water such as bath water. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes that a floating body is attached to an ion generator that generates silver ions, and silver ions are eluted from the apparatus in a state where the apparatus is floated on the water surface to perform sterilization and purification such as bath water. . Further, Patent Document 2 proposes that metal ions are eluted from electrodes suspended in a float and positioned in water of a predetermined depth, and at the same time, water is circulated by rotation of a rotary blade to sterilize pool water. ing.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-73198 (claim for utility model registration, Fig. 1) Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 33-7358 (utility model registration request, FIGS. 1 and 3)

  However, in the antibacterial treatment using these conventional apparatuses, the amount of metal ion elution cannot be set to an appropriate amount according to the amount of stored water or the purpose of use of the stored water. If the elution amount of metal ions is small relative to the amount of stored water, a sufficient antibacterial effect cannot be obtained. Conversely, if the elution amount is large, an antibacterial effect commensurate with the elution amount cannot be obtained and the metal electrode is wasted.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a conventional problem, and it aims at providing the antibacterial processing apparatus which can adjust the elution amount of a metal ion according to the quantity and use of stored water. .

  In order to achieve the above object, in the antibacterial treatment apparatus of the present invention, a metal ion elution part provided with a metal electrode that elutes metal ions by applying a voltage, a setting part for setting the elution amount of metal ions, And a control unit that controls voltage application to the metal electrode.

  Here, from the viewpoint of efficiently dispersing the eluted metal ions in the stored water, a flow channel is provided inside the apparatus so that the stored water sucked from the suction port is discharged from the discharge port through the flow channel. In addition, it is preferable to attach the metal ion elution part detachably in the flow channel from the viewpoint of replacement or cleaning of the metal electrode.

  In addition, it is desirable that the metal electrodes have a plate shape from the viewpoint of increasing the area of the opposing metal electrodes to reduce the voltage applied between the metal electrodes and suppressing power consumption. In addition, in order to leave the connection terminal part of the metal electrode to the end, it is attached so that the distance between the opposing surfaces becomes narrower from the upstream side to the downstream side in the flowing direction, and the connection terminal is connected to the upstream side in the flowing direction of the metal electrode. It is desirable to provide it.

  From the viewpoint of efficiently dispersing the metal ions in the stored water, it is preferable to provide a pump in the flowing water channel, and suck the stored water from the suction port into the flowing water channel and discharge it from the discharge port. An axial flow pump is desirable as a pump to be used from the viewpoint of miniaturization and weight reduction of the apparatus. Moreover, it is good also as a self-propelled apparatus by discharge | emission of the stored water from the said discharge port by a pump.

  From the viewpoint of convenience for the user, it is preferable to provide a notification unit that notifies the operating state of the apparatus and / or the metal electrode consumption state.

  From the viewpoint of avoiding the complication of the device structure due to waterproofing or the like, it is preferable that the device itself has a structure that generates buoyancy, or that the device can float on the water surface by providing a floating portion.

  Further, from the viewpoint of simplicity and portability, it is preferable to use a battery as a power source, and it is more preferable to use a rechargeable battery.

  The antibacterial treatment apparatus of the present invention includes a metal ion elution part, a setting part for setting the elution amount of metal ions, and a control part for controlling voltage application to the metal electrode, so that it depends on the amount and use of the stored water. Thus, the elution amount of metal ions can be adjusted, and a predetermined antibacterial effect can be obtained while preventing wasteful consumption of the metal electrode.

  If a flowing water channel is provided inside the apparatus and the stored water sucked from the suction port is discharged from the discharge port through the flowing water channel, the eluted metal ions can be efficiently dispersed in the stored water. In addition, if the metal ion elution part is detachably attached to the water channel, the metal electrode can be easily replaced or cleaned.

  In addition, when the metal electrode has a plate shape and is attached so that the interval between the opposing surfaces decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the flowing direction, and the connection terminal is provided on the upstream side in the flowing direction of the metal electrode, Since elution of metal ions occurs from the electrode portion and the connection terminal portion of the metal electrode remains to the end, the metal electrode can be used to the end without waste. In addition, since the current value flowing through the metal electrode decreases as the metal electrode is consumed, the replacement time of the metal electrode can be surely known by measuring the current value.

  If a pump is provided in the flow channel and the stored water flows through the flow channel by this pump, metal ions can be efficiently dispersed in the stored water. If an axial pump is used as the pump, the apparatus can be reduced in size and weight. Further, if the stored water is allowed to self-run by the force discharged from the discharge port, it is economical because it is not necessary to newly provide a power source for self-run.

  Providing a notification unit for notifying the operating state of the apparatus and / or the metal electrode consumption state greatly improves the convenience for the user.

  If the device itself has a structure that generates buoyancy, or if the device is floated on the surface of the water by providing a floating portion, the complexity of the device structure due to waterproofing can be avoided.

  Further, the convenience and portability of using a battery as a power source are improved, and the use of a rechargeable battery is further improved.

  Hereinafter, the antibacterial treatment apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a hexahedral view showing an embodiment of the antibacterial treatment apparatus of the present invention. The antibacterial treatment apparatus of FIG. 1 has a spherical shape and includes a hemispherical upper cover 1, a lower cover 1, and a thin disk-shaped center plate 3 disposed between the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2.

  The center plate 3 is provided with setting marks 31 for setting the elution amount (concentration) of metal ions and the amount or flow rate of stored water. On the other hand, a scale 11 for setting the metal ion elution amount is marked on the peripheral portion of the upper cover 1 facing the center plate 3. Although the metal ion elution amount may be directly indicated as the scale 11, since the general user does not normally know the appropriate metal ion elution amount according to the application, the application of the stored water is indicated. It is preferable to keep it. For example, “bath” (bath reuse), “clothes” (sanitization of clothes, deodorization coat), “sanitize” (disinfection of sinks, sponges, etc.), “body deodorant” (antibacterial body) is there. In this sign, the elution amount of metal ions increases in this order. As a result, the user rotates the upper cover 1 and the center plate 3 relative to each other, and only sets the desired use to the position of the setting mark 31 to set an appropriate metal ion elution amount suitable for the use. it can.

  On the other hand, a scale 21 for setting the amount of water to be circulated is marked on the peripheral portion of the lower cover 2 facing the center plate 3. This is for adjusting the amount of water to be circulated according to the amount of water stored and the desired antibacterial treatment time. Similarly to the above, the user rotates the lower cover 2 and the center plate 3 to set the desired circulating water amount at the position of the setting mark 31.

  In the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the metal ion elution amount and the circulating water amount are set by the relative rotation of the upper cover 1 and the lower cover 2 and the center plate 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. Of course, the setting may be performed by button input or keyboard input.

  An LED (notification unit) 12 is provided on the top of the top cover 1 to notify the user of the operation state of the apparatus and replacement of the metal electrode by lighting, blinking, emission color, or the like. Of course, in addition to notification by light, a display unit may be provided to display characters, numerical values, or the like, or the user may be notified by sound or movement.

  The lower cover 2 is formed with a suction port 52 for sucking in the stored water and a discharge port 22 for discharging the stored water. As will be described later, the suction port 52 and the discharge port 22 are connected by a flow channel R (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), and the axial flow pump 6 (FIGS. 2 and 2) disposed in the flow channel R. 3), the stored water is forcibly sucked from the suction port 52 and discharged from the discharge port 22.

  A lid member 24 is attached to the lower top portion of the lower cover 2 with a screw 25 that watertightly closes an opening of a storage portion 23 (shown in FIG. 2) that stores the battery B (shown in FIG. 2).

  A longitudinal section of the apparatus of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2, and an assembly view is shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, a disk-shaped center plate 3 having a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the spherical device is disposed at the center of the spherical device. A through hole 32 is formed in the center plate 3 concentrically with the center axis of the apparatus. Then, the concentration selection plate 7 and the water amount selection plate 8 having a diameter smaller than that of the center plate 3 are attached to a position facing each other across the center plate 3 so as to be rotatable by the hollow shaft portion 9 inserted through the through hole 32. It has been. The concentration selection plate 7 rotates with the upper cover 1, and the water amount selection plate 8 rotates with the lower cover 2. The relative rotation of the center plate 3 with the concentration selection plate 7 and the water amount selection plate 8 sets the metal ion concentration and the circulating water amount of the stored water.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a main part configuration of the setting unit. On the surface of the concentration selection plate 7 on the center plate side, an electrode A is formed so as to correspond to the scale 11 for setting the metal ion elution amount, which is marked on the peripheral portion of the upper cover 1 facing the center plate 3. _{1 to} A ₄ are provided at equal angles in the circumferential direction. These electrodes are connected to predetermined different pins of the microcomputer or different constant current control resistors. On the other hand, on the surface of the center plate 3 on the concentration selection plate side, a selection electrode a is provided at a position where it can come into contact with the electrodes A _{1 to} A ₄ provided on the concentration selection plate 7. The selection electrode a is connected to a predetermined path in the circuit such as a predetermined pin of the microcomputer or a connection portion of a constant current circuit.

When the user rotates the upper cover 1 to set the metal ion elution amount, the concentration selection plate 7 also rotates simultaneously. When the desired application is matched with the position of the setting mark 31 on the peripheral side surface of the center plate, one of the electrodes A _{1 to} A _{4 on} the surface of the concentration selection plate corresponding to the desired application and the selection electrode a of the center plate 3 And contact with each other to enable conduction. Thereby, the metal ion concentration is set.

The amount of water is set in the same manner. That is, on the surface of the water amount selection plate 8 on the center plate side, the electrode B ₁ is set so as to correspond to the scale 21 for setting the water amount, which is marked on the peripheral portion facing the center plate 3 of the lower cover 2. .about.B ₄ are provided at equal angular circumferentially. These electrodes are connected to predetermined different pins of the microcomputer or different constant current control resistors. On the other hand, a selection electrode b is provided on the surface of the center plate 3 on the side of the water amount selection plate so as to be in contact with the electrodes B _{1 to} B ₄ provided on the water amount selection plate 8. The selection electrode b is connected to a predetermined path in the circuit such as a predetermined pin of the microcomputer or a connection part of a constant current circuit. When the user rotates the lower cover 2 to set the amount of water, the water amount selection plate 8 also rotates at the same time, and when the desired amount of water is adjusted to the position of the setting mark 31 on the peripheral side surface of the center plate, this desired amount is set. The electrodes B _{1 to} B _{4 on the} surface of the water amount selection plate corresponding to the amount of water in contact with the selection electrode b of the center plate 3 are brought into a conductive state. Thereby, the amount of water is set. The electrodes A _{1 to} A ₄ and the electrodes B _{1 to} B ₄ are made continuous resistances, and the resistance in contact with the selection electrode a and the selection electrode b is read by a microcomputer, so that the continuous resistance corresponding to the rotation angle is obtained. Free setting may be possible.

  Returning to FIG. 2, a battery storage chamber 23 for storing the battery B is formed in the lower portion of the lower cover 2. The opening of the battery storage chamber 23 is sealed with a cover 24 in a watertight manner, and the cover 24 is fixed with screws 25. As will be described later, using the battery B as a power source, the metal electrode 42 is electrolyzed, the LED lamp 12 and the like are turned on and blinking, and the pump 6 described later is driven as necessary. As the battery B to be used, a storage battery is desirable. In this case, the storage battery may be removed from the apparatus and charged, but it is recommended that the battery can be charged from the household wiring power supply while being stored in the apparatus. Of course, a cord may be connected to a household wiring power source and used as a power source. However, in the bathroom or the like, there is usually no connection portion (outlet) to the household wiring power source, and the device runs on its own. In some cases, the cord is a hindrance to self-running.

  In FIG. 3, a flow path R is formed linearly slightly below the center of the spherical device. An enlarged opening 26 is formed on the right side of the flow passage R in the figure, and a discharge port 22 is formed on the left side. And the axial flow pump 6 is attached to the upstream vicinity of the discharge port 22. The pump 6 includes an impeller 62 mounted in the flowing water channel R and a motor 61 that rotates the impeller 62, and the impeller 62 is rotated by the rotation of the motor 61 so that the stored water flows in the flowing water channel R. Further, the flow rate of the stored water flowing through the water flow path R may be adjusted by changing the rotation speed of the motor 61 by the water volume setting described above. For example, the flow rate is increased when the set water amount is large, and the flow rate is decreased when the set water amount is small. As a result, even when there is a large amount of stored water, it is possible to reliably pass the stored water through the flow channel R, and it is possible to suppress variations in water that contains metal ions and water that does not contain metal ions. Therefore, the user can obtain a uniform metal ion effect.

  On the other hand, the ion elution unit (metal ion elution part) 4 is inserted into the flow path R from the enlarged opening 26, and the electrode terminal 43 extending from the ion elution unit 4 is mounted so as to be connected to the electrode 27 on the apparatus side. The FIG. 5 shows a vertical sectional view of the ion elution unit 4 and FIG. 6 shows a horizontal sectional view thereof. Sealing members 44a and 44b having elasticity are attached to both ends of the hollow cylindrical main body 41 so that water does not ooze from between the inner peripheral surface of the flowing water channel and the outer peripheral surface of the ion elution unit. Further, inside the main body 41, a pair of plate-like metal electrodes 42 are supported and fixed at upper and lower four positions on both sides in the longitudinal direction by support protrusions 49 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the main body. One end side of the rod-like connection terminal 43 is attached to the upstream side of the flowing direction of the metal electrode 42, and the free end side of the connection terminal 43 extends through the through hole 45 formed in the main body 41. . A concave portion 46 is formed concentrically on the outer side of the through hole 45, and an O-ring 47 is attached thereto, and a cover 48 is attached on the concave portion 46 so as to seal the O-ring 47. . Thereby, the oozing of the water from the through-hole 45 is prevented.

  As can be understood from FIG. 6, the metal electrode 42 is attached so that the distance between the opposed surfaces becomes narrower from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the flowing water direction. This is because, when a voltage is applied to the metal electrode 42, metal ions are eluted from the portion where the distance between the opposing surfaces is narrow, so the attachment portion of the connection terminal 43 attached to the upstream side of the metal electrode 42 in the flowing water direction. This is to ensure that it remains until the end. In addition, since the consumption starts sequentially from one side of the metal electrode 42 as described above, the voltage necessary for flowing the same current increases as the metal electrode 42 is consumed. When a voltage exceeding the upper limit that can be applied is required, the value of the current flowing through the metal electrode 42 decreases. Therefore, when the voltage value to be applied is measured and the voltage value becomes a predetermined value or more, or the current value flowing through the metal electrode 42 is measured and the current value becomes the predetermined value or less, the replacement timing of the metal electrode 42 is determined. May be notified by the LED 12 (illustrated in FIG. 2).

  Returning to FIG. 3, after the ion elution unit 4 is attached to the flow path R, the cylindrical unit fixing member 5 is attached to the enlarged opening 26 so as to press and fix the ion elution unit 4. An outer opening formed in the main body 51 of the unit fixing member 5 serves as a suction port 52 for sucking stored water. A filter 53 for removing foreign matter in the stored water is attached to the inside of the main body 51. The filter 53 is preferably provided so as to be removable from the main body 51 so that it can be cleaned. Of course, the filter 53 for removing foreign substances is not limited to the set position as long as it is located upstream from the metal electrode 42, and may be provided in the ion elution unit 4.

  In the apparatus having such a configuration, when the metal ion elution amount and the water amount are set and a power switch (not shown) is turned on, the motor 61 is driven to rotate the impeller 62 and the stored water flows from the suction port 52 to the flowing water channel. Inhaled into R. At the same time, a voltage is applied to the metal electrode 42, and metal ions are eluted from the metal electrode 42 into the stored water. The stored water containing metal ions is discharged from the discharge port 22 and dispersed in the stored water.

  At this time, the discharge power of the stored water from the discharge port 22 can also be used for the driving force of the apparatus. In the apparatus of FIG. 1, since the discharge port 22 is formed in the center left side of the apparatus, the device moves in the right direction in the drawing by the force of water discharged from the discharge port 22. Moreover, a rudder may be provided in the discharge port 22 so that the direction of movement of the apparatus can be set arbitrarily by changing the discharge direction of the stored water. Furthermore, the movement of the apparatus may be adjusted according to the position where the discharge port 22 is formed. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), if the discharge port 22 is provided at the lower top of the lower cover 2, the stored water discharged from the device is discharged below the vertical axis of the device. It becomes a stationary state substantially. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the discharge port 22 is formed at an equal angle with respect to the peripheral surface of the apparatus so that the stored water is discharged radially outward, the propulsive force generated by the stored water. Cancel each other and the device is substantially stationary. Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, when the discharge port 22 is formed at an equal angle around the vertical axis on the peripheral surface of the apparatus and the discharge direction and the radial direction form a predetermined angle θ, the apparatus rotates. While maintaining the same position.

  What is necessary is just to adjust metal ion elution amount suitably by the use, quantity, etc. of stored water. For example, when a kitchen sink, dishwashing sponge, cutting board or the like is immersed in stored water for sterilization, the amount of ions may be about 90 to 150 ppb for Ag ions. In addition, when the bath water once used is reentered after a long time, an ion amount of about 50 to 200 ppb is preferable. In addition, when the clothes are coated with ions in the rinsing step of the washing treatment to make the clothes antibacterial and bromide-proof, an ion amount of about 60 to 120 ppb is preferable. Moreover, when ion is coated on a bather's body by immersing it in bath water, and the bromide prevention is carried out, the ion amount of about 200-300 ppb is preferable.

  In order to adjust the metal ion elution amount to a predetermined value, the control unit may adjust the voltage applied to the metal electrode and the application time. If the applied current is increased, the metal ion elution amount per unit time is increased. Conversely, if the current is decreased, the metal ion elution amount per unit time is decreased. Also, depending on the application time, the elution amount of metal ions eluted in the stored water can be increased by increasing the time, and the elution amount of metal ions contained in the stored water, that is, the concentration can be adjusted. In addition, by adjusting the applied current and the applied time, it is possible to easily secure a predetermined metal ion elution amount in the case of water in which electricity is difficult to flow (water with low conductivity) or in a region. In other words, when the applied current is increased, a higher applied voltage is required for water that is difficult to carry electricity, but the safety standards of the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law have changed and higher safety measures must be taken, which is costly.・ It is not desirable because there is a bad effect such as extremely low efficiency of the booster circuit. Therefore, if the appropriate applied current is set to an appropriate magnitude and the shortage is compensated for by increasing the application time, the required metal ion elution amount can be secured and the desired metal ion effect can be obtained. . Furthermore, by calculating the required time from the set amount of water to the completion of elution of metal ions so that it can be applied with an electrically efficient voltage, it is possible to efficiently use electric energy and save energy, especially with dry batteries and rechargeable batteries. When operating, it is possible to lengthen the operable time. Also, since the eluted metal ions usually decrease with time, it is recommended to apply a voltage to the metal electrode periodically for a predetermined time to elute the metal ions, for example when antibacterial bath water is used. The

  Since the metal electrode is consumed by elution of metal ions, it must be replaced. Although only the metal electrode may be replaced, since the replacement work is often troublesome for the user, the metal electrode is incorporated into the unit as in the apparatus of FIG. 3, and the entire unit is replaced. Is preferred.

  The voltage application to the metal electrode is preferably performed by periodically switching the positive electrode and the negative electrode. This is because the scale can be prevented from adsorbing to the negative electrode side, and both the pair of metal electrodes are evenly consumed.

  Examples of the metal material of the metal electrode that can be used in the present invention include Ag, Cu, and Zn. One or two or more of these may be used in combination. In general, Ag ions and Zn ions have a strong bactericidal action, and Cu ions have a strong antifungal action. From the viewpoint of extending the life of the metal electrode and reducing the replacement frequency, the metal electrode is preferably made of a pure substance of the metal material. Of course, it may be an alloy or plating containing the metal material.

Here, the mechanism of the antibacterial action of metal ions will be described. When a voltage is applied to the metal electrode, a reaction of M → M ⁺ + e ⁻ occurs at the metal electrode on the anode side, and metal ions are eluted in water. This metal ion M ⁺ adheres to bacteria that are negative due to positive ions, penetrates into the cells, degrades the main enzyme system of the cells, and blocks the cellular enzymes. This inactivates the cells. This antibacterial property depends on the metal ion concentration, and in the case of Ag ions, the concentration can be confirmed from 0.05 mg / l. Antibacterial properties are effective against Escherichia coli, Salmoreella, Shigella, Vibrio cholerae and the like. In the case of Ag ions, even if ingested Ag ion water having a concentration of about 0.1 to 2 mg / l is not toxic to the growth of living cells and has no effect on the human body.

  For example, when you sweat, your clothes smell because of the growth of bacteria. Sweat is naturally odorless. Bacteria break down glycerides contained in sweat into fatty acids and glycerin, and these decomposed fatty acids give off odors. Therefore, if metal ions are coated on clothing and the body, the metal ions act on the bacteria and inactivate the bacteria as described above, so that sweat components (glycerides) are not decomposed and the generation of odor is suppressed. . In addition, said inactivation means performing effects, such as disinfection, disinfection, sterilization, decomposition | disassembly, and removal.

  Next, the processing operation of the antibacterial treatment apparatus of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart example of the processing operation of the apparatus. When the power is turned on, a circuit check is first performed (step S101), and then a battery check is performed (step S102). If there is an abnormality, a circuit abnormality and a battery abnormality notification are made (steps S111 and S112). If there is no abnormality, the pump is driven (step S103), and a voltage is applied to the metal electrode (step S104). Thereby, metal ions elute in the stored water sucked by the pump. While the voltage is applied to the metal electrode, the current value is constantly measured (steps S105 and S106). When the predetermined elution time is reached (step S107), the voltage application is stopped (step S108), the pump drive is stopped (step S109), and the end of the antibacterial treatment is notified (step S110).

  On the other hand, when the value of the current flowing through the metal electrode exceeds a predetermined upper limit value (step S105), an operation abnormality is notified (step S113). On the other hand, when the current value falls below the predetermined lower limit (step S106), a battery check is performed (step S114). If there is an abnormality in the battery, this is notified (step S118). It is determined that the lifetime is reached, the voltage application to the metal electrode is stopped (step S115), and the pump is stopped (step S116). Then, the replacement of the metal electrode is notified (step S117).

  When a detection means is provided to detect whether the ion elution unit is submerged or not, if this detection means detects that the ion elution unit is not submerged, antibacterial treatment is performed without elution of metal ions. Further, when the ion elution unit is not submerged during the treatment, the elution of the metal ions may be stopped to stop the antibacterial treatment.

  Next, a second embodiment of the antibacterial treatment apparatus of the present invention will be described. A vertical sectional view of the apparatus is shown in FIG. 9, and a bottom view is shown in FIG. A major feature of this apparatus is that a motor is disposed between the batteries at the lower center of the apparatus. That is, the difference from the apparatus of the first embodiment is that the heavy motor is arranged on the vertical center axis and the center of gravity of the apparatus is positioned in the vicinity of the vertical center axis to achieve the attitude stability of the apparatus. .

  It is preferable that the antibacterial treatment apparatus of the present invention floats on the water surface and in water by buoyancy of the apparatus itself or by attaching a floating part. More preferably, the water surface and the water can be self-propelled by the pump. This is because the metal ions are uniformly dispersed in the stored water. It goes without saying that a weight may be attached to the apparatus to submerge the apparatus or to stabilize the apparatus in a desired posture.

  After placing the fish on the cutting board, the surface of the cutting board was rubbed with a commercially available sponge. Then, this sponge was treated as follows, and the number of viable bacteria in the sponge immediately after treatment, 6 hours, 9 hours, and 24 hours was examined. The results are summarized in Table 1.

(Experimental example 1)
About 20 l of tap water was taken in a bucket, and 90 ppb of Ag ions was eluted in the water stored in the bucket using the antibacterial treatment apparatus of the present invention (29 mA current was applied to the Ag electrode for 1 minute). Then, the sponge was lightly rinsed with tap water, and then water from which the Ag ions were eluted was sprayed.

(Experimental example 2)
The number of viable bacteria in the sponge was measured in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1 except that 900 ppb Ag ions were eluted in the water stored in the bucket.

(Experimental example 3)
The cutting board was rubbed and left untreated.

表１から明らかなように、未使用のスポンジには１．０×１０（CFU/個）程度の生菌しか生息していないのに対し、まな板をこすったまま放置した実験例３のスポンジでは、２４時間後には８．５×１０⁴（CFU/個）まで生菌が増殖した。一方、９０ｐｐｂのＡｇイオン水を噴霧した実験例１のスポンジ及び９００ｐｐｂのＡｇイオン水を噴霧した実験例２のスポンジでは、２．０×１０（CFU/個）及び６．０×１０（CFU/個）と、いずれも未使用のスポンジ並みまで生菌を減少させることができた。したがって、スポンジの殺菌を目的とする場合には９０ｐｐｂのＡｇイオンで充分な効果を得ることができ、９００ｐｐｂまでのＡｇイオンは必要ないことがわかる。

As is clear from Table 1, the unused sponge has only about 1.0 × 10 (CFU / piece) of live bacteria, whereas the sponge of Experimental Example 3 in which the cutting board is left rubbed is left. After 24 hours, viable bacteria grew to 8.5 × 10 ⁴ (CFU / piece). On the other hand, in the sponge of Experimental Example 1 sprayed with 90 ppb of Ag ionized water and the sponge of Experimental Example 2 sprayed with 900 ppb of Ag ionized water, 2.0 × 10 (CFU / piece) and 6.0 × 10 (CFU / And viable bacteria could be reduced to the level of an unused sponge. Therefore, it can be seen that 90 ppb of Ag ions can provide a sufficient effect for the purpose of sterilizing the sponge, and Ag ions up to 900 ppb are not necessary.

It is a 6-face figure which shows one Embodiment of the antibacterial processing apparatus of this invention. It is a vertical sectional view of the antibacterial treatment apparatus of FIG. It is an exploded view of the antibacterial treatment apparatus of FIG. It is a fragmentary perspective view which shows the structure of a setting part. It is a vertical sectional view showing an example of an ion elution unit. It is a horizontal sectional view of the ion elution unit of FIG. It is a figure explaining the discharge direction of the stored water from a discharge port, and a motion of an apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing operation of the antibacterial processing apparatus of this invention. It is a vertical sectional view showing other embodiments of the antibacterial treatment device of the present invention. It is a bottom view of the antibacterial treatment apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Upper cover 2 Lower cover 3 Center plate 4 Ion elution unit (metal ion elution part)
5 Unit fixing member 6 Pump 7 Concentration selection plate (setting part)
8 Water quantity selection plate 9 Hollow shaft part 12 LED (notification part)
22 outlet 32 through holes 42 a metal electrode 43 connected terminals 52 inlet 61 motor 62 impeller B cell R flow passage A ₁ to A ₄ electrode B ₁ .about.B ₄ electrodes a, b-selective electrode

Claims (10)

A device used for antibacterial treatment of stored water,
A metal ion elution part having a metal electrode for eluting metal ions by applying a voltage;
A setting section for setting the elution amount of metal ions;
An antibacterial treatment apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls voltage application to the metal electrode.   The antibacterial treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a flow channel and the stored water sucked from the suction port is discharged from the discharge port through the flow channel.   The antibacterial treatment apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the metal ion elution part is detachably attached to the flowing water channel.   The metal ion elution part has at least one pair of plate-like metal electrodes, and the metal electrodes are attached so that the distance between the opposing surfaces becomes narrower from the upstream side to the downstream side in the flowing direction. The antibacterial treatment apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a connection terminal is provided on the upstream side.   The antibacterial treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a pump is provided in the flow channel, and the pump sucks the stored water from the suction port into the flow channel and discharges it from the discharge port.   The antibacterial treatment apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the pump is an axial flow pump.   The antibacterial treatment device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the antibacterial treatment device is capable of self-propelled by discharging stored water from the discharge port by the pump.   The antibacterial treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a notification unit that notifies an operation state of the apparatus and / or a metal electrode consumption state.   The antibacterial treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the apparatus can float by buoyancy of the apparatus itself and / or by providing a floating portion.   The antibacterial treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a battery is used as a power source.

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