Patent Publication Number: US-2005139465-A1

Title: Electrolyzed water spraying device

Description:
FIELD OF ART  
      The present invention relates to a portable, electrolytic water atomizer for electrolyzing an electrolytic aqueous solution to produce anode electrolytic water and cathode electrolytic water both having various functions and atomizing the thus-produced water.  
     BACKGROUND ART  
      A technique has already been well known in which an electrolytic dilute aqueous solution of, for example, NaCl is electrolyzed by using an electrolytic bath having an inert electrode formed of platinum or platinum alloy in the interior thereof, through or without through a charged film of an ion exchange resin or an uncharged film having a microporous structure as diaphragm, and anode electrolytic water (acidic water) of a low pH value produced on the anode side is withdrawn and utilized for sterilization and disinfection.  
      Since hypochlorous acid is produced within the anode electrolytic water produced on the anode side, the strong oxidizing action and chlorinating action of the hypochlorous acid are utilized for sterilization and disinfection. Such a utilization mode is spread in medical institutions, etc. Besides, since ozone and dissolved oxygen contained within the anode electrolytic water in a trace amount exhibit a granulation generation accelerating operation, their use as an aid to surgical treatment is also under study.  
      On the other hand, the cathode electrolytic water (alkaline water) produced on the cathode side is obtained by using tap water instead of the dilute electrolytic solution and electrolyzing the tap water, and has heretofore been used as drinking water.  
      In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 8(1996)-243562, there is described an electrolytic water producing apparatus wherein a flow detector is disposed in a flow path of electrolytic water to detect an amount of water supplied to an electrolytic bath and an amount of electrolytic water produced, and the pH of the electrolytic water is kept constant. In many cases, such a conventional electrolytic water producing apparatus is relatively large-sized and is fixed to a place where the electrolytic water is used.  
      On the other hand, portable electrolytic water producing apparatus have also been known heretofore (PCT/JP95/01503, etc.).  
      The present inventors have so far developed portable electrolytic water producing apparatus (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Nos. 2002-52069 and 2002-65819). These electrolytic water producing apparatus are portable, small-sized and light-weight apparatus containing a battery and are constructed so that electrolytic water produced by the electrolysis of an electrolytic aqueous solution is sprayed as fine mist and is applied, for example to the skin. The apparatus are very convenient for use.  
       FIG. 12  shows an electrolytic water atomizer disclosed in the above Patent Publication No. 2002-52069. In the same figure, the numeral  500  denotes an electrolytic water atomizer, and electrolytic aqueous solution  504  in an electrolytic aqueous solution tank  502  is fed to an electrolytic bath  508  by means of a pump  506  and is electrolyzed therein. Anode electrolytic water (acidic water) produced on the anode side in the electrolytic bath  508  is sprayed from an atomizing unit  510  to the exterior and is applied, for example, to the skin.  
      On the other hand, cathode electrolytic water (alkaline water) produced on the cathode side of the electrolytic bath  508  passes through a discharge pipe  512  and is fed to a waste liquid tank  514 , in which it is stored temporarily as waste liquid  516 .  
      In the electrolytic water atomizer  500 , since the electrolytic aqueous water tank  502  is positioned above the waste liquid tank  514 , the discharge pipe  512  may function as a siphon and cause the electrolytic aqueous solution  504  in the upper electrolytic aqueous solution tank  502  to flow down into the waste liquid tank  514 . So for preventing such an inconvenience, a special mechanism is provided. However, the provision of such a special mechanism gives rise to the problem that the number of part items and assembling man-hours increase. Further, for carrying the atomizer at all times, it is desirable that the size and weight be reduced.  
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention has been accomplished for solving the above-mentioned problem and it is an object of the invention to provide an electrolytic water atomizer capable of preventing an electrolytic aqueous solution from flowing down due to the foregoing siphoning effect without requiring provision of any special mechanism and attaining a further reduction in size and weight to such an extent as is suitable for carrying the atomizer.  
      It is another object of the present invention to provide an electrolytic water atomizer capable of preventing a spill of waste liquid from a waste liquid tank at the time of withdrawing the waste liquid from the interior of the waste liquid tank.  
      For achieving the above-mentioned objects the present invention resides in the following:  
      [1] An electrolytic water atomizer comprising a housing, an electrolytic aqueous solution tank provided within the housing, a pump for supplying an electrolytic aqueous solution stored in the electrolytic aqueous solution tank to the inlet side of an electrolytic bath, the electrolytic bath which is a flow type and is provided with an anode and a cathode opposed to each other in the interior thereof, an atomizing unit for spraying electrolytic water produced on one electrode side in the electrolytic bath to the exterior of the housing, a waste liquid tank, a discharge pipe which connects the electrolytic bath with the waste liquid tank to conduct electrolytic water produced on the other electrode side in the electrolytic bath to the waste liquid tank, a control unit for controlling operation of the atomizing unit, the electrolytic bath, and the pump, and a power supply for driving these components, wherein the electrolytic aqueous water tank and the waste liquid tank are disposed above the pump.  
      [2] An electrolytic water atomizer according to [1], wherein the waste liquid tank is formed separately from the housing so that it can be attached to and detached from the housing, an elastic member is attached to one of the waste liquid tank and the housing, the other of the waste liquid tank and the housing has a wall surface adapted to contact with and compress the elastic member, a first engaging means is provided in the waste liquid tank, a second engaging means for engagement with the first engaging means is provided in the housing, and the first engaging means and the second engaging means are kept engaged with each other with a repulsive force of the elastic member compressed by the wall surface.  
      [3] An electrolytic water atomizer according to [2], wherein the elastic member is an O-ring attached to a lower portion of the waste liquid tank, and the wall surface is an annular tapered wall surface formed in the housing.  
      [4] An electrolytic water atomizer according to [2], wherein a lid is provided in the housing, a first retaining means is provided in the lid, and a second retaining means for engagement with the first retaining means is provided in the waste liquid tank.  
      [5] An electrolytic water atomizer according to [2], wherein the electrolytic aqueous solution tank is formed separately from the housing so that it can be attached to and detached from the housing, an elastic member is attached to one of the electrolytic aqueous solution tank and the housing, the other of the electrolytic aqueous solution tank and the housing has a wall surface adapted to contact with and compress the elastic member, a first engaging means is provided in the electrolytic aqueous solution tank, a second engaging means for engagement with the first engaging means is provided in the housing, and the first engaging means and the second engaging means are kept engaged with each other with a repulsive force of the elastic member compressed by the wall surface.  
      [6] A electrolytic water atomizer according to [5], wherein the elastic member is an O-ring attached to a lower portion of the electrolytic aqueous solution tank, and the wall surface is an annular tapered wall surface formed in the housing.  
      [7] An electrolytic water atomizer according to [5], wherein a lid is provided in the housing, a first retaining means is provided in the lid, and a second retaining means for engagement with the first retaining means is provided in the waste liquid tank. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an electrolytic water atomizer according to the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is an explanatory diagram showing a state of spray of the electrolytic water atomizer of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged configuration diagram showing an electrolytic bath used in the electrolytic water atomizer of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a schematic configuration diagram showing another example of an electrolytic water atomizer according to the present invention;  
       FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view showing an exploded state of main constituent parts of a further example of an electrolytic water atomizer according to the present invention;  
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing an assembled state of the main constituent parts of  FIG. 5 ;  
       FIG. 7  is a sectional view of an electrolytic aqueous solution tank and a waste liquid tank both used in the electrolytic water atomizer of  FIG. 5 ;  
       FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the waste liquid tank of  FIG. 7  before mounting to a housing;  
       FIG. 9  is a sectional view showing a mounted state of the waste liquid tank of  FIG. 8  to the housing;  
       FIG. 10  is a sectional view showing another example for a mounted state of a waste liquid tank to the housing;  
       FIG. 11  is a sectional view showing another example for a mounted state of an electrolytic aqueous solution tank to the housing; and  
       FIG. 12  is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of a conventional electrolytic water atomizer. 
    
    
     FIRST BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION  
      An example of an electrolytic water atomizer according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.  
      In  FIG. 1 , numeral  100  denotes an electrolytic water atomizer. The electrolytic water atomizer  100  comprises an electrolytic water atomizer body  102  and an atomizing unit  104  detachably attached to the electrolytic water atomizer body  102 . Numeral  2  denotes a housing of the electrolytic water atomizer body  102  which is substantially a rectangular parallelepiped. Numeral  4  denotes an electrolytic aqueous solution tank housed within the housing  2 . Electrolytic aqueous solution is contained in the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  4 . Preferred examples of electrolytes are alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts, such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and calcium chloride, as well as organic acids, e.g., ascorbic acid. An electrolyte concentration of 0.015 to 0.9 mass % is preferred.  
      A pump  6  is mounted below the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  4 , and the electrolytic aqueous solution contained in the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  4  is supplied to the pump  6  through an electrolytic aqueous solution supply pipe  8 . The electrolytic aqueous solution supplied to the pump  6  is then supplied under pressure to an electrolytic bath  12  through a delivery pipe  10  by means of the pump  6 .  
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged diagram of the electrolytic bath  12 . The electrolytic bath  12  is provided with an anode  16  and a cathode  18  which are disposed in parallel in a flat electrolytic bath housing  14 . Numeral  20  denotes an anode terminal connected to the anode  16  and numeral  22  denotes a cathode terminal connected to the cathode  18 . Both terminals  20  and  22  are drawn out of a lower end of the electrolytic bath housing  14  to the exterior.  
      The electrolytic aqueous solution supplied from the pump  6  is supplied into the electrolytic bath  12  through an inflow port  24  formed in a lower part of the electrolytic bath  12 , then flows upward within the electrolytic bath  12  while maintaining the state of a laminar flow and is electrolyzed with a voltage applied between the anode  16  and the cathode  18 . As a result, anode water (acidic water) is produced in the vicinity of the anode  16  and cathode water (alkaline water) is produced in the vicinity of the cathode  18 .  
      Since the electrolytic aqueous solution present within the electrolytic bath  12  flows as a laminar flow, the produced anode water flows upward along a surface of the anode  16  as shown by an arrow A. Only the anode water passes through an electrolytic water outflow pipe  26  formed on the upper side of the electrolytic bath  12 , and is supplied to an atomizing element  28  described later.  
      On the other hand, the cathode water produced within the electrolytic bath  12  flows upward along the cathode  18  as shown by an arrow B in  FIG. 3 , then passes through a discharge pipe  30  connected to the upper side of the electrolytic bath  12 , then is fed to a waste liquid tank  32  described later, the waste liquid tank  32  being mounted above the pump  6 , and is temporarily stored as waste liquid in the waste liquid tank  32 . Within the housing  2 , the waste liquid tank  32  is mounted above the pump  6  at approximately the same height as the electrolytic bath  12  and the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  4 . The waste liquid tank  32  is positioned adjacent to the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  4 .  
      In  FIG. 1 , in front of the outflow pipe  26  formed at the upper side of the electrolytic bath  12 , the atomizing unit  104  is attached to the electrolytic water atomizer body  102 . The atomizing unit  104  is adjacent to the electrolytic water aqueous solution tank  4  and the waste liquid tank  32 , and openings of both tanks  4  and  32  are also adjacent thereto.  
      As an example of a method for mounting the atomizing unit  104 , there is a conventional engaging means using a slide guide or a retaining projection etc.  
      As shown in  FIG. 1 , the atomizing unit  104  is made up of an atomizing unit body  34  which contains the atomizing element  28  and an atomizing unit opening/closing cover  36  attached to an upper part of the atomizing unit body  34 .  
      The atomizing element  28  comprises a perforated plate  28   a  and a piezo-oscillator  28   b . The perforated plate  28   a  is formed with a large number of through pores 18 to 24 μm in diameter and an end portion thereof is fixed to the piezo-oscillator  28   b . When an alternating current or a pulse voltage is applied to the piezo-oscillator  28   b , the piezo-oscillator  28   b  oscillates, with consequent oscillation of the perforated plate  28   a  fixed to the piezo-oscillator  28   b . As a result, the electrolytic water supplied from the outflow pipe  26  is sprayed as fine droplets to the exterior through a large number of through pores formed in the perforated plate  28   a  as will be described later.  
      The atomizing unit opening/closing cover  36  is for exposing or hiding the perforated plate  28   a  of the atomizing element  28  and is attached to the atomizing unit body  34  so that it can slide vertically with respect to the atomizing unit body  34 . A discharge port opening/closing means  38  constituted by a flat plate is suspended from an upper part of the cover  36  toward the outflow pipe  26  on the electrolytic water atomizer body  102  side of the atomizing unit opening/closing cover  36 . When the cover  36  is closed so as to hide the perforated plate  28   a , a discharge port at a front end of the outflow pipe  26  is closed with the discharge port opening/closing means  38 , so that electrolytic water does not leak out from the discharge port of the outflow pipe  26 .  
      A magnet  40  is attached to an upper part of the cover  36 . The magnet  40  cooperates with a reed switch  42  attached to a corresponding part of the electrolytic water atomizer body  102  to detect a position of the cover  36 .  
      Numeral  44  denotes a control unit with a microprocessor incorporated therein. The pump  6 , the electrolytic bath  12 , and the atomizing element  28  etc. are controlled by the control unit  44 , and a signal from the reed switch  42  is inputted to the control unit  44 . Numeral  46  denotes a power supply for the supply of electric power to the control unit  44 , pump  6 , electrolytic bath  12 , and atomizing element  28  etc. Either a primary battery or a secondary battery is employable as the power supply  46 .  
      Numeral  54  denotes a wiring line for supplying electric power from the power supply  46  to the control unit  44 . Numeral  48  denotes a wiring line for supplying controlled electric power suitable for electrolysis to the electrolytic bath  12 . Numeral  50  denotes a signal line connecting the reed switch  42  with the control unit  44 . Numeral  52  denotes a wiring line for supplying controlled electric power from the control unit  44  to the pump  6 .  
      Each of numerals  55  and  56  denotes a packing formed of an elastic material such as rubber and interposed between an inner wall of the housing  2  and the electrolytic bath  12 . The packings  55  and  56  constitute a waterproof means. With the waterproof means, the entry of anode water into the electrolytic water atomizer body  102  is prevented.  
      A description will now be given about spraying electrolytic water with use of the electrolytic water atomizer constructed as above. As shown in  FIG. 2 , first the cover  36  is pulled upward. As a result, the discharge port opening/closing means  38  also moves upward and the discharge port of the outflow pipe  26  becomes open from its closed state.  
      The magnet  40  attached to the cover  36  is also moved upward away from the reed switch  42 . Upon sensing this state, the control unit  44  supplies electric power from the power supply  46  to the pump  6 , the electrolytic bath  12 , and the atomizing element  28 , whereby the pump  6  operates and the electrolytic aqueous solution stored in the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  4  is fed to the electrolytic bath  12  through the electrolytic aqueous solution supply pipe  8 , the pump  6 , and the delivery pipe  10 , and is electrolyzed therein.  
      The anode water produced on the anode side within the electrolytic bath  12  passes through the outflow pipe  26  and is supplied as droplets  58  from the discharge port formed at the front end of the outflow pipe  26  to the perforated plate  28   a  which is oscillating. Further, the anode water passes through the fine through pores formed on the perforated plate  28   a  and is sprayed to the front of the perforated plate  28   a.    
      On the other hand, the cathode water passes through the discharge pipe  30  and is fed to the waste liquid tank  32 , in which it is temporarily stored, then is discharged to the exterior as necessary.  
      For stopping the spray of electrolytic water at the end of completion of the spray, the cover  36  is pushed down. As a result, the magnet  40  approaches the reed switch  42  and a signal is sent to the control unit through the signal line  50 . With this signal, the electric power supplied to the electrolytic bath  12  and the pump  6  is cut off and the spray of electrolytic water is stopped.  
      Although in the above example the reed switch  42  functions as a switch for electrolytic water spraying operation, no limitation is made thereto. There may be adopted a configuration wherein a power switch is provided separately and is turned ON after opening the cover  36  to start the spray of electrolytic water. In this case, if the spray of electrolytic water is started in accordance with AND condition of the reed switch  42  and the power switch, then even if the power switch is turned ON when the cover  36  is not pulled upward, the electrolytic water is not sprayed and thus an erroneous spray due to an erroneous operation can surely be prevented.  
      An electrolytic water spray defect may occur during long-term use of the electrolytic water atomizer according to the present invention. For example, the electrolytic water spray defect occurs due to the through pores of the perforated plate  28   a  being clogged by the electrolyte which results from drying and deposition of electrolytic water as adhered to the atomizing element. In the event of occurrence of the spray defect, the atomizing unit  104  is removed from the electrolytic water atomizer body  102  and replaced with a normal atomizing unit  104 , whereby it is possible to remedy the spray defect.  
      The shape and arrangement of the constituent parts of the electrolytic water atomizer according to the present invention are not limited to those shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the atomizing element  28  may be installed within the housing  2  and be fixed to the housing. Also in this case, as in  FIG. 1 , the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  4  and the waste liquid tank  32  are provided above the pump  6  and at approximately the same height as the electrolytic bath  12 . By thus disposing both tanks  4  and  32  above the pump  6 , it is possible to surely prevent the electrolytic aqueous solution from flowing from the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  4  to the waste liquid tank  32  due to a siphoning effect, even without providing any special mechanism. Besides, since any special mechanism is not provided, the number of part items and assembling man-hours are so much reduced and hence it is possible to attain the reduction of size and weight.  
      Further, since the opening of the aqueous solution tank  4  and the opening of the waste liquid tank  32  are disposed adjacent to each other above the pump, both tanks  4  and  32  can be closed with a single lid  59  in common. That is, it is possible to omit the lid of the waste liquid tank so far required in the conventional atomizer in which an aqueous solution tank and a waste liquid tank are separately provided above and below the pump. Accordingly, the configuration is simplified insofar as the lid is omitted and it is possible to attain the reduction of weight.  
      In  FIG. 4 , the other constructional points are almost the same as in  FIG. 1 , therefore, the same portions as in  FIG. 1  are identified by the same reference numerals as in  FIG. 1  and explanations thereof will here be omitted. In the present invention, modifications may be made within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention.  
      Second Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention  
      Next, another electrolytic water atomizer according to the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 .  FIG. 5  shows an electrolytic aqueous solution tank and a waste liquid tank both used in the electrolytic water atomizer of the present invention and both in a removed state from the housing.  FIG. 6  shows the electrolytic aqueous solution tank and the waste liquid tank both in a mounted state to the housing. In  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the same reference numerals as in  FIG. 1  denote the same members as in  FIG. 1 . In this example, an electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60  and a waste liquid tank  61  are formed separately from the housing  2  in such a manner that both tanks can be attached to and detached from the housing  2 .  
      In the housing  2 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 , a space  62  is formed for receiving therein the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60  and the waste liquid tank  61 . The electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60  and the waste liquid tank  61  are mounted adjacent to each other within the space  62 . Both tanks  60  and  61  are designed so that, when mounted to the housing  2 , respective openings are adjacent to each other. Further, though not shown, both tanks  60  and  61  are designed so as to be positioned above the pump  6  as in  FIGS. 1 and 4 .  
      In a bottom  63  of the housing  2  which forms a wall surface of the space  62  there is formed a through hole  64  as an elastic member receiving space in a position corresponding to the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60 . Likewise, in the bottom  63  of the housing  2  is formed a recess portion  65  as an elastic member receiving space in a position corresponding to the waste liquid tank  61 . Although the elastic member receiving space in the bottom  63  corresponding to the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60  is formed as the through hole  64  and the elastic member receiving space in the bottom  63  corresponding to the waste liquid tank  61  is formed as the recess portion  65 , the elastic member receiving spaces are not limited to those shapes.  
      As shown in  FIG. 7 , a holding means  67  for holding an O-ring  66  as both an elastic member and a sealing member is formed integrally with a lower portion of a body  60   a  of the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60 . The holding member  67  comprises a cylindrical portion  68  for fitting the O-ring  66  on its outer periphery surface and a collar portion  69  formed at a lower end in the figure of the cylindrical portion  68  to prevent dislodgment of the O-ring  66 . As in the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60 , also at a lower portion of a body  61   a  of the waste liquid tank  61 , a holding member  71  for holding an O-ring  70  as an elastic member is formed integrally. The holding member  71  comprises a cylindrical portion  72  for fitting the O-ring  70  on its outer periphery surface and a collar portion  73  formed at a lower end in the figure of the cylindrical portion  72  to prevent dislodgment of the O-ring  70 .  
      As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 , in the vicinity of an inlet close to the space  62 , an annular tapered wall surface  74  as an elastic member compressing wall surface is formed on an inner wall surface of the through hole  64  which is formed in the bottom  63 . The tapered wall surface  74  is formed so that its inside diameter on the space  62  side is relatively large and becomes gradually smaller relatively with separating from the space  62 . The size of the O-ring  66  and that of the tapered wall surface  74  are designed so that when the O-ring  66  attached to the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60  is inserted into the through hole  64 , the O-ring  66  comes into contact with the tapered wall surface  74  of the through hole  64 , and so that as the O-ring  66  is further inserted, the O-ring is compressed and its outside diameter contracts. In  FIG. 7 , the outside diameter of the O-ring  66  attached to the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60  is shown in a state before the compression.  
      In the vicinity of an inlet close to the space  62 , an annular tapered wall surface  75  as an elastic member compressing wall surface is formed in an inner wall surface of the recess portion  65  formed in the bottom  63 . The tapered wall surface  75  is formed so that its inside diameter on the space  62  side is relatively large and gradually becomes smaller relatively with separating from the space  62 . The size of the O-ring  70  and that of the tapered wall surface  75  are designed so that when the O-ring  70  attached to the waste liquid tank  61  is inserted into the recess portion  65 , the O-ring  70  comes into contact with the tapered wall surface  75  of the recess portion  65 , and so that as the O-ring  70  is further inserted, the O-ring  70  is compressed and its outside diameter contracts. In  FIG. 7 , the outside diameter of the O-ring  70  attached to the waste liquid tank  61  is shown in a state after the compression.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8 , a horizontally long engaging beam  77  as a first engaging means is formed at an upper part of a vertical wall surface  76  which forms the space  62  in the housing  2 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , an engaging groove  78  as a second engaging means for engagement with the engaging beam  77  is formed in a wall surface of the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60  opposed to the wall surface  76 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 8 , an engaging groove  80  as a second engaging means for engagement with the engaging beam  77  is also formed in a wall surface  79  of the waste liquid tank  61  opposed to the wall surface  76 . That is, the engaging groove  78  in the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60  and the engaging groove  80  in the waste liquid tank  61  are formed so as to be engageable with the engaging beam  77  formed on the wall surface  76 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 8 , the discharge pipe  30  is disposed so that a front end thereof projects from the wall surface  76  toward the space  62  side at a position somewhat lower than the engaging beam  77  on the wall surface  76 . A through hole  81  for insertion therethrough of the front end of the discharge pipe  30  is formed in a position somewhat lower than the position where the engaging groove  80  in the waste liquid tank  61  is formed.  
      As shown in  FIG. 5 , a lid  82  for simultaneously opening and closing the upper openings of both electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60  and waste liquid tank  61  is attached pivotably to an upper end of the housing  2 . A retaining projection  83  as a first retaining means is formed integrally at a free end of the lid  82 . In the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60 , a retaining groove  84  as a second retaining means for engagement with the retaining projection  83  is formed on an outer surface portion on the side opposite to the side where the engaging groove  78  is formed. In the waste liquid tank  61 , a retaining groove  85  as a second retaining means for engagement with the retaining projection  83  is formed on an outer surface on the side opposite to the side where the engaging groove  80  is formed. That is, the retaining projection  83  of the lid  82  is adapted to simultaneously engage both the retaining groove  84  formed in the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60  and the retaining groove  85  formed in the waste liquid tank  61 .  
      Next, reference will be made to the waste liquid tank  61  as an example and the following description is provided about mounting and removal of the waste liquid tank  61  to and from the housing  2 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the waste liquid tank  61  is inclined relative to the wall surface  76  of the housing  2  and a lower portion (the O-ring  70  and the holding member  71 ) of the waste liquid tank  61  is inserted into the recess portion  65  of the bottom  63 . In the state shown in  FIG. 8 , the engaging beam  77  of the housing  2  is positioned higher than the engaging groove  80  of the waste liquid tank  61  and therefore, even if the waste liquid tank  61  is pushed in the horizontal direction, the engaging groove  80  of the waste liquid tank  61  does not come into engagement with the engaging beam  77  of the housing  2 .  
      However, if the waste liquid tank  61  is pushed downward from the state of  FIG. 8  in which the lower portion of the waste liquid tank  61  is fitted in the recess portion  65  of the bottom  63 , the O-ring  70  is compressed and deformed by the tapered wall surface  75  and is received into the recess portion  65 . As a result, the height of the engaging groove  80  of the waste liquid tank  61  shifts to the same height as the engaging beam  77  of the housing  2 . Thereafter, if the upper portion of the waste liquid tank  61  is pushed in the horizontal direction, the engaging groove  80  of the waste liquid tank  61  comes into engagement with the engaging beam  77  of the housing  2  ( FIG. 9 ). With the O-ring  70  received in the recess portion  65 , at least either the outer periphery surface of the O-ring  70  is compressed by the tapered wall surface  75  or upper and lower surfaces of the O-ring  70  are sandwiched and compressed in between the bottom of the recess portion  65  and the body  61   a  of the waste liquid tank  61 . As a result of the O-ring  70  being compressed, a restoring repulsive force acts on the 0-ring  70 , and with this repulsive force, force for moving the waste liquid tank  61  upward is applied to the same tank. With this upward force applied to the waste liquid tank  61 , an urging force is exerted on a contact portion between the engaging groove  80  of the waste liquid tank  61  and the engaging beam  77  of the housing  2 , so that the waste liquid tank  61  is no longer easily disengaged from the housing  2 .  
      Next, for removing the waste liquid tank  61  from the housing  2 , the tank  61  is once pushed downward to release the urging force of the O-ring  70  against the contact portion between the engaging groove  80  of the waste liquid tank  61  and the engaging beam  77  of the housing  2 . Thereafter, by pulling the upper portion of the waste liquid tank  61  to this side horizontally, it is possible to remove the tank  61  from the housing  2 .  
      The method for mounting and removal of the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60  to and from the housing  2  is the same as the method for mounting and removal of the waste liquid tank  61  to and from the housing  2  described above. An electrolytic aqueous solution supplied into the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60  is introduced into the pump  6  positioned below the same tank  60 . Therefore, the O-ring  66  attached to the tank  60  functions not only as an elastic member but also as a sealing member for the housing  2 .  
      In the state of  FIG. 6  in which the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60  and the waste liquid tank  61  are attached to the housing  2 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , the openings of both the same tanks  60  and  61  are closed with the lid  82  and the retaining projection  83  formed at the front end of the lid  82  is engaged with the retaining grooves  84  and  85  of the tanks  60  and  61 , respectively. As a result, the lid  82  never opens unless an external force is applied to the lid  82 . Besides, unless the lid  82  opens, there is no fear of the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60  and the waste liquid tank  61  being disengaged from the housing  2 .  
      For taking out the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60  and the waste liquid tank  61  from their closed state with the lid  82 , first the retaining projection  83  on the lid  82  is disengaged from the retaining grooves  84  and  85  of both tanks  60  and  61  and the lid  82  is opened, then both tanks  60  and  61  are taken out from the housing  2 .  
      Third Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention  
      Next, another example in a state in which the waste liquid tank is attached to the housing will be described with reference to  FIG. 10 . In  FIG. 10 , the same reference numerals as in  FIGS. 7 and 8  represent the same members as in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . A recess portion  86  is formed in the housing  2  at the position where the waste liquid tank  61  is mounted, and an elastic member  87  such as rubber is fitted in the recess portion  86  without dislodgment. The elastic member  87  is not limited to rubber. A bottom  88  of the waste liquid tank  61  serves as a wall surface which comes into contact with the elastic member  87 . When the waste liquid tank  61  is attached to the housing  2 , the bottom  88  of the tank  61  compresses the elastic member  87 , causing deformation of the elastic member  87 , and the repulsive force based on the compression of the elastic member  87  urges the waste liquid tank  61  upward in  FIG. 10 . With this upward urging force imposed on the waste liquid tank  61 , the urging force is exerted on a contact portion between the engaging groove  80  of the tank  61  and the engaging beam  77  of the housing  2 , with the result that the tank  61  becomes no longer easily disengageable from the housing  2 .  
       FIG. 11  shows another example of a mounted state of the electrolytic aqueous solution tank to the housing. In  FIG. 11 , the same reference numerals as in  FIGS. 7 and 5  represent the same members as in  FIGS. 7 and 5 . A stepped portion  89  is formed in the housing  2  at the position where the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60  is mounted, and an elastic member  90  such as an O-ring is fitted in the stepped portion  89  without dislodgment. The elastic member  90  is not limited to the O-ring. The lower portion of the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60  is formed with a tapered wall surface  91  which comes into contact with the elastic member  90 . When the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60  is attached to the housing  2 , the tapered wall surface  91  of the tank  60  compresses the elastic member  90 , causing the elastic member  90  to be deformed, and a repulsive force based on the compression of the elastic member  90  urges the tank  60  upward in  FIG. 11 . With this upward urging force imposed on the electrolytic aqueous solution tank  60 , an urging force is exerted on a contact portion between the engaging groove  78  of the tank  60  and the engaging beam  77  of the housing  2 , so that the tank  60  becomes no longer easily disengageable from the housing  2 .  
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY  
      In the electrolytic water atomizer of the present invention, the electrolytic aqueous solution tank and the waste liquid tank are mounted above the pump. Consequently, a head difference between the electrolytic aqueous solution and the waste liquid becomes smaller, and without the provision of such a special mechanism as in the prior art, the electrolytic aqueous solution is surely prevented from flowing toward the waste liquid tank side under a siphoning effect. Besides, since any special mechanism is not provided, the number of part items and assembling man-hours are so much decreased and the reduction of both size and weight can be attained. Further, since both tanks are positioned near the atomizing unit, the distance required for laying the delivery pipe and the outflow pipe becomes shorter and hence it is possible to attain the reduction of both size and weight. As the pump, moreover, if there is used a pump of a small driving electric power, the electrolytic water atomizer becomes extremely advantageous as a portable atomizer driven by a battery.  
      Since the pump is positioned below both tanks, bubbles are difficult to enter the pump. So there is no fear of the pump racing due to the inclusion of bubbles therein and becoming incapable of supplying liquid. In the case where both tanks are positioned adjacent to each other above the pump, both tanks can be closed with a single lid although separate lids have heretofore been used to close the tanks. According to this configuration, the number of part items decreases, the reduction of weight and that of the number of processes can be attained, the replenishment of electrolytic aqueous solution and the discharge of waste liquid become easier, and the amount of the electrolytic aqueous solution and that of the waste liquid contained in both tanks can be easily checked visually. Further, in the case where the electrolytic aqueous solution tank and the waste liquid tank are constructed removably, the replenishment of electrolytic aqueous solution and the discharge of waste liquid become much easier.  
      According to the present invention there may be adopted a configuration wherein the electrolytic aqueous solution tank and the waste liquid tank are formed separately from the housing so that they can be attached to and detached from the housing. When the waste liquid tank is to be removed from the housing, it is tilted. By tilting the waste liquid tank, at the time of removing the waste liquid tank from the housing, the waste liquid contained in the waste liquid tank can be prevented from splashing up and spilling from the tank. Besides, when the electrolytic aqueous solution tank and the waste liquid tank are attached to the housing, the elastic member for urging both tanks in the predetermined direction is compressed, and with a repulsive force based on the compression, the engaged and fixed state of both tanks to the housing can be stabilized and it is possible to prevent both tanks from being easily disengaged from the housing. Further, by providing a first retaining means in the lid and a second retaining means for engagement with the first retaining means of the lid in each of the electrolytic aqueous solution tank and the waste liquid tank, the lid is locked to both tanks when the openings of both tanks are closed with the lid, so that the closure of the openings of both tanks is ensured and disengagement of both tanks from the housing can be prevented more positively.  
      The reason why the waste liquid tank is made removable from the housing is that the waste liquid staying in the waste liquid tank can be easily discharged and that the waste liquid tank can be taken out and washed. Likewise, the reason why the electrolytic aqueous solution tank is made removable from the housing is that the same tank can be easily washed. Making the electrolytic aqueous solution tank removable from the housing is advantageous in that the opening of the electrolytic aqueous solution tank is relatively small, so at the time of supplying an electrolytic aqueous solution to the same tank from a dedicated liquid tank, the electrolytic aqueous solution tank can be displaced into an inclined state and hence it becomes easier to pour the electrolytic aqueous solution.