Electrolytic water spraying device

Abstract

The electrolytic water spraying device (D) of the present application includes: a main body case (1) provided with a suction port (2) and a blowout port (6); a water storage portion that stores water; an electrode portion that electrolyzes the water in the water storage portion to generate electrolytic water; a spraying portion that brings the generated electrolytic water into contact with air sucked from the suction port (2) and sprays it from the blowout port (6); and a control portion that controls the electrode portion and the spraying portion. The control portion has: an index calculation portion that calculates an index on the electrolysis efficiency with respect to a prescribed reference based on the relationship between the voltage applied to the electrode portion and the current flowing through the electrode portion; and a judgment portion that judges the cleanliness of the water in the water storage portion based on the index calculated by the index calculation portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an electrolyzed water spraying device that generates and sprays electrolyzed water. BACKGROUND

[0002] In order to remove bacteria, fungi, viruses, or odor in the air, an electrolyzed water spraying device that generates electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid by electrolysis and sprays the electrolyzed water is known (for example, Patent Literature 1).

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-563 SUMMARY

[0006] In order to generate hypochlorous acid, water as an electrolysis target is subjected to electrolysis. Therefore, an electrolysis accelerator such as salt is required to be put in, and water containing chlorine ions is generated. However, if electrolysis is continued, inorganic salts such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, or silicon dioxide contained in the water are attached to a water storage tank or the like as impurities, and it is possible that the original product performance (electrolysis performance) cannot be maintained.

[0007] In order to maintain the product performance, it is required to urge a user to periodically perform cleaning of the water storage tank or the like from the electrolyzed water spraying device. In the existing electrolyzed water spraying device, the electrolyzed water spraying device is difficult to judge the dirt condition of the water storage tank or the like. Therefore, in the existing electrolyzed water spraying device, maintenance that urges periodic cleaning is performed regardless of the dirt condition of the water storage tank or the like.

[0008] An object of the present application is to provide an electrolyzed water spraying device that can notify an accurate cleaning time.

[0009] The electrolyzed water spraying device according to the present application includes: a main body case provided with a suction port and a blowout port; a water storage portion that stores water; an electrode portion that electrolyzes the water in the water storage portion to generate electrolyzed water; a spraying portion that has the suction port and the blowout port, and that causes the generated electrolyzed water to contact with air sucked from the suction port and to be sprayed from the blowout port; and a control portion that controls the electrode portion and the spraying portion. The control portion has: an index calculation portion that calculates an index on an electrolysis efficiency with respect to a predetermined reference, based on a relationship between a voltage applied to the electrode portion and a current flowing through the electrode portion; and a judgment portion that judges a cleanliness of the water in the water storage portion, based on the index calculated by the index calculation portion.

[0010] According to the present application, it is possible to provide an electrolyzed water spraying device that can notify an accurate cleaning time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the electrolyzed water spraying device of Embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0012] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the electrolytic water spraying device of Embodiment 1 of the present application in a panel open state.

[0013] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view in the A-A plane of the electrolytic water spraying device of Figure 2

[0014] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view in the B-B plane of the electrolytic water spraying device of Figure 2

[0015] Figure 5 is a schematic functional block diagram of the electrolytic water spraying device of Embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0016] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the judgment control of the cleanliness of water performed by the control section of Embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0017] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the judgment control of the cleanliness of water performed by the control section of Embodiment 2 of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments shown below are examples for embodying the technical idea of the present application, and the present application is not particularly limited to the following content. In particular, the material, shape, constituent elements, arrangement and relative arrangement of constituent elements, and the like described in the embodiments are one example, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application to this. In addition, in each drawing, the same symbols are attached to substantially the same structures, and repeated description is omitted or simplified.

[0019] In addition, in the following description, sometimes the vertical direction in the state where the electrolytic water spraying device D is provided is described as the up-down direction, written as "upper" and "lower". In addition, sometimes the upper side is written as "top surface side", and the lower side is written as "floor side". In addition, in the electrolytic water spraying device D, sometimes one side where the panel 3 is provided is written as "right side", the opposite side of the "right side" is written as "left side", and the right side and the left side are written as "both sides". At this time, sometimes the front-rear direction in the state where the electrolytic water spraying device D is viewed from the front is written as "front side" and "back side".

[0020] (Embodiment 1)

[0021] First, the electrolytic water spraying device D of Embodiment 1 of the present application will be described.

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the electrolytic water spraying device D.​​Figure 2 is opened Figure 1 is a perspective view of the electrolytic water spraying device D in a state where the panel 3 is opened.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the electrolytic water spraying device D includes a main body case 1.

[0024] The main body case 1 is a box of a substantially box shape, has an air intake port 2, an air blowout port 6, a panel 3, and a cleaning display portion 26.

[0025] The air intake port 2 is provided to both side surfaces of the main body case 1, and is a lattice-shaped opening for introducing air outside the main body case 1 into the main body case 1.

[0026] The air blowout port 6 is provided to the back surface side of the top surface of the main body case 1. The air blowout port 6 is an opening that is opened and closed for blowing out air introduced into the main body case 1 from the air intake port 2 outside the main body case 1. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the air blowout port 6 is in a closed state.

[0027] The panel 3 is provided to the side surface of the main body case 1 on the right side in the front view, that is, the main body side surface 1A. The panel 3 is a lid that is openable and closable, and is mainly formed of a plastic resin. One of the two air intake ports 2 is provided to the front surface side of the main body case 1 in the panel 3. An opening portion 4 is provided to the inner side of the panel 3.

[0028] The opening portion 4 is a hole that extends in the horizontal direction from the right side surface (main body side surface 1A) of the main body case 1 to the left side in a longitudinal quadrilateral shape. The electrolytic water generation portion 5 and a water supply portion 15 are provided in the opening portion 4. Details of the electrolytic water generation portion 5 and the water supply portion 15 will be described later.

[0029] The cleaning display portion 26 is provided to the top surface of the main body case 1, and displays a prompt for a user to perform a cleaning operation of at least one of the water storage portion 14 and the filter portion 16 (see Figure 4 ). The cleaning display portion 26 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and prompts the user to clean by lighting of the LED.

[0030] In addition, as shown in Figure 2 , the electrolytic water spraying device D includes a control portion 20.

[0031] The control portion 20 performs control of the electrolytic water spraying device D. Details of the control of the control portion 20 will be described later.

[0032] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the A-A plane of the electrolytic water spraying device D of Figure 2 , and is a view of the electrolytic water spraying device D as viewed from the right side. In Figure 3 , the surrounding structure and the like regarding electrolytic water generation are indicated.

[0033] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the electrolyzed water generation unit 5 includes a water storage unit 14, an electrode unit 17, and an electrolysis promoter input unit 25.

[0034] The water storage section 14 is a box-shaped structure with an open top surface, designed to store water supplied from the water supply section 15. The water storage section 14 is located at the lower part of the main body shell 1 and slides horizontally relative to the main body shell 1, allowing it to be installed and removed from the opening 4. The water storage section 14 includes a tank holding section 14a and a water level detection section 18.

[0035] A tank holding part 14a is provided on the bottom surface of the water storage part 14. Furthermore, a water supply part 15 is installed on the upper part of the tank holding part 14a.

[0036] The water level detection unit 18 detects the water level in the water storage unit 14. The water level detection unit 18 is, for example, composed of a magnet with a float that has buoyancy inside and a magnetic force detection unit disposed at a position opposite to the magnet with the float and detecting the magnetic force of the magnet. However, the water level detection unit 18 is not limited to this structure as long as it can detect the water level.

[0037] The electrode section 17 includes an electrode component that is immersed in the water within the water storage section 14. The electrode section 17 electrochemically decomposes the chloride-containing water (i.e., electrolyzed water) within the water storage section 14 by applying an electric current to the electrode component, generating electrolyzed water containing reactive oxygen species. Here, "reactive oxygen species" includes superoxide anions, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radicals, and hydrogen peroxide, etc., in a broad sense.

[0038] Electrode section 17 uses the energizing time (when the electrode components are energized for electrolysis) and the non-energizing time (the time after energization stops, i.e., the time without energization) as a cycle. By repeating this cycle multiple times, electrolyzed water is generated. That is, by setting a non-energizing time for the electrode components, the lifespan of the electrode components can be extended. Furthermore, if the energizing time is extended relative to the non-energizing time, electrolyzed water containing a greater amount of reactive oxygen species is generated within one cycle. Additionally, if the non-energizing time is extended relative to the energizing time, the generation of reactive oxygen species in each cycle can be suppressed. Moreover, if the amount of electricity in the energizing time is increased, electrolyzed water containing even more reactive oxygen species is generated.

[0039] The electrolysis accelerator feeding section 25 includes a tablet feeding box 25a and a tablet feeding cap 25b.

[0040] The tablet feeding box 25a is a box that holds an electrolysis accelerator for feeding into the water storage section 14 and can be removed from the opening 4.

[0041] The tablet insertion lid 25b is a lid that is detachably provided on the upper portion of the tablet insertion case 25a. The user removes the tablet insertion lid 25b, and thus the electrolysis accelerator can be stored in the tablet insertion case 25a.

[0042] The electrolysis accelerator is dropped into the water storage portion 14 by the electrolysis accelerator insertion portion 25 rotating the tablet insertion member (not shown) provided in the tablet insertion case 25a. If the tablet insertion member is rotated, the electrolysis accelerator is dropped into the water storage portion 14 from the drop opening (not shown) provided in the bottom surface of the tablet insertion case 25a.

[0043] The electrolysis accelerator insertion portion 25 counts the number of electrolysis accelerator tablets dropped into the water storage portion 14 from the tablet insertion case 25a. If the electrolysis accelerator insertion portion 25 determines that one electrolysis accelerator tablet is dropped into the water storage portion 14 from the tablet insertion case 25a, the rotation of the tablet insertion member is stopped. Subsequently, the electrolysis accelerator is dissolved in the water in the water storage portion 14, and thus water containing chlorine ions is generated. As an example of the electrolysis accelerator, sodium chloride can be given.

[0044] The water supply portion 15 is provided on the upper portion of the water storage portion 14. The water supply portion 15 is configured to be detachable from the water storage portion 14, and can be taken out from the opening portion 4. The water supply portion 15 includes a tank 15a and a lid 15b.

[0045] The tank 15a is a hollow container for storing water.

[0046] The lid 15b is provided at the opening of the lower portion of the tank 15a. An opening and closing portion (not shown) is provided in the center of the lid 15b. If the opening and closing portion is opened, the water in the tank 15a is supplied to the water storage portion 14. Specifically, if the opening of the tank 15a is made downward, and the water supply portion 15 is attached to the tank holding portion 14a of the water storage portion 14, the opening and closing portion is opened by the tank holding portion 14a. That is, if water is added to the water supply portion 15 and attached to the tank holding portion 14a, the opening and closing portion is opened to supply water to the water storage portion 14, and the water is accumulated in the water storage portion 14.

[0047] If the water level in the water storage portion 14 rises to reach the position of the lid 15b, the opening of the water supply portion 15 is sealed by the water. Therefore, the supply of water from the water supply portion 15 to the water storage portion 14 is stopped, and the water remains in the inside of the water supply portion 15. Also, in the case where the water level in the water storage portion 14 is lowered, the water in the inside of the tank 15a is supplied to the water storage portion 14 every time. That is, the water level in the water storage portion 14 is maintained constant.

[0048] Figure 4 is Figure 2 is a sectional view in the B-B plane of the electrolytic water spraying device D, and is a view of the electrolytic water spraying device D as viewed from the right side. Figure 4 indicates the air path structure and the like of the electrolytic water spraying device D.

[0049] As Figure 4 shown, a spraying section 19 and an air path 8 are provided in the main body case 1.

[0050] The spraying section 19 includes a blowing section 7 and a filter section 16.

[0051] The blowing section 7 is provided at a central portion of the main body case 1, and includes a motor section 9, a fan section 10, and a case section 11.

[0052] The motor section 9 is, for example, a direct current motor, and is fixed to the case section 11.

[0053] The fan section 10 is, for example, a silo fan, and rotates by power of the motor section 9. The fan section 10 is fixed to a rotating shaft 9a extending in a horizontal direction from the motor section 9. The rotating shaft 9a of the motor section 9 extends from a front side to a back side in the main body case 1.

[0054] The case section 11 surrounds the motor section 9 and the fan section 10, and is in a scroll shape. The case section 11 includes a suction port 13 and a discharge port 12.

[0055] The suction port 13 is provided at a back side of the main body case 1 of the case section 11, and is an opening for introducing air sucked into the main body case 1 from the air suction port 2 into the case section 11.

[0056] The discharge port 12 is provided at an upper side of the main body case 1 of the case section 11, and is an opening for discharging air introduced into the case section 11 from the suction port 13 to the outside of the case section 11.

[0057] The filter section 16 is a cylindrical member that contacts electrolytic water stored in the water storage section 14 with indoor air flowing into the main body case 1 by the blowing section 7. The filter section 16 includes an air-liquid contact filter section 16a.

[0058] The air-liquid contact filter section 16a is disposed at a circumferential portion of the filter section 16, and is provided with a hole through which air can flow.

[0059] One end of the filter section 16 is disposed so as to be immersed in water of the water storage section 14 and retain water. The filter section 16 rotates about a center axis of the air-liquid contact filter section 16a by a driving section (not shown). Thus, the filter section 16 forms a configuration that continuously contacts electrolytic water and air.

[0060] The air passage 8 connects the suction port 2 and the blowout port 6. The air passage 8 includes, in order from the suction port 2 to the downstream side, the filter portion 16, the air supply portion 7, and the blowout port 6. If the fan portion 10 is rotated by the motor portion 9 controlled by the control portion 20, the air taken in from the suction port 2 and into the air passage 8 is blown out to the outside of the electrolytic water spraying device D via the gas-liquid contact filter portion 16a, the air supply portion 7, and the blowout port 6 in order. Thus, the electrolytic water generated by the water storage portion 14 is sprayed to the outside. Note that the electrolytic water spraying device D can not necessarily spray the electrolytic water itself, but even if it sprays the active oxygen species eventually generated from the electrolytic water (including volatilization), it is included in the electrolytic water spraying.

[0061] Next, the functions of the control portion 20 of the embodiment 1 of the present application will be described. Figure 5 Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the control portion 20 of the electrolytic water spraying device D and the surrounding portions.

[0062] The control portion 20 includes an index calculation portion 21, a storage portion 22, a determination portion 23, and a cleaning control portion 24.

[0063] The index calculation portion 21 calculates an index on the electrolysis efficiency with respect to a prescribed reference based on the relationship between the voltage and the current applied to the electrode portion 17.

[0064] Here, the index on the electrolysis efficiency will be described. The index calculation portion 21 calculates, as a reference resistance value, a resistance value of water as a ratio of a voltage value, which is a value of the voltage applied to the electrode portion 17, to a current value, which is a value of the current flowing through the electrode portion 17, after the water is supplied to the water storage portion 14. The index calculation portion 21 calculates, as a new resistance value, a resistance value of water as a ratio of the voltage value applied to the electrode portion 17 to the current value flowing through the electrode portion 17 every time the water in the water storage portion 14 is drained and new water is supplied to the water storage portion 14 after the reference resistance value is calculated.

[0065] Specifically, the index calculation portion 21 calculates the resistance value of water by dividing the voltage value by the current value as a ratio of the voltage value to the current value. The resistance value of the water in the water storage portion 14 varies depending on the proportion of pure water to impurities present in the water stored in the water storage portion 14. The impurities herein include not only inorganic salts such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, or silicon dioxide, but also sodium ions generated from an electrolysis accelerator required for electrolysis. In detail, the less the proportion of the impurities to the pure water, the higher the resistance value of the water in the water storage portion 14. Conversely, the more the proportion of the impurities to the pure water, the lower the resistance value of the water in the water storage portion 14. That is, the control portion 20 can grasp the state of the water from the resistance value of the water in the water storage portion 14.

[0066] ​The index calculation section 21 calculates the rate of change of the new resistance value with respect to the reference resistance value after calculating the reference resistance value and the new resistance value. The rate of change of the new resistance value with respect to the reference resistance value is an index on the electrolysis efficiency. That is, the rate of change being large means that the new resistance value is higher than the reference resistance value, and the efficiency of electrolysis is reduced. Conversely, the rate of change being small means that the new resistance value is lower than the reference resistance value, and the efficiency of electrolysis is improved.

[0067] Here, the necessity of draining the water in the water storage section 14 and supplying new water to the water storage section 14 after the draining will be described. The electrolytic water containing active oxygen species is generated by electrolyzing the water in the water storage section 14 as an electrolysis target. Therefore, it is necessary to put an electrolysis accelerator into the water storage section 14 to generate water containing chlorine ions. However, since electrolysis of the electrode section 17 is continuously performed, inorganic salts contained in the water adhere to the electrode section 17 where electrolysis is performed as impurities. Thus, the life of the electrode section 17 can be shortened.

[0068] Therefore, after the water subjected to electrolysis is periodically drained and new water is supplied, it is necessary to put an electrolysis accelerator into the water storage section 14 again to perform electrolysis. Thus, the shortening of the life of the electrode section 17 can be suppressed. That is, the draining means discarding the water in the water storage section 14. The water supply means supplying new water to the water storage section 14. The user needs to periodically perform the draining operation and the water supply operation after the draining in order to suppress the shortening of the life of the electrode section 17.

[0069] In addition, both the reference resistance value calculated by the index calculation section 21 after the water supply to the water storage section 14 and the new resistance value calculated after the water in the water storage section 14 is drained and new water is supplied to the water storage section 14 are after the new water supply, but the new resistance value is lower than the reference resistance value. This is because, every time the user performs the draining operation, impurities that cannot be removed in the draining operation accumulate in the water storage section 14 or the filter section 16 or the like. If new water is supplied to the water storage section 14, the accumulated impurities dissolve in the water in the water storage section 14. Thus, the proportion of impurities with respect to the pure water in the water storage section 14 increases, so the new resistance value is lower than the reference resistance value. That is, every time the user performs the draining operation and the water supply operation after the draining, the new resistance value decreases.

[0070] The storage section 22 is a so-called memory that stores the reference resistance value. The storage section 22 also stores a prescribed reference. The prescribed reference is a change threshold value of the resistance value used for the comparison of the rate of change that the judgment section 23 described later uses when judging the cleanliness of the water. The change threshold value is a value that is determined in advance, for example, by experiments or the like, and can be arbitrarily set.

[0071] The determination section 23 determines the cleanliness of the water in the water storage section 14 on the basis of the index calculated by the index calculation section 21. Specifically, in a case where the rate of change calculated by the index calculation section 21 is smaller than the change threshold value stored in the storage section 22, the determination section 23 determines that the cleanliness of the water is low. In addition, in a case where the rate of change calculated by the index calculation section 21 is equal to or larger than the change threshold value stored in the storage section 22, the determination section 23 determines that the cleanliness of the water is high.

[0072] As described above, the new resistance value decreases each time the user performs the water discharge operation and the water supply operation after the water discharge operation. That is, the rate of change calculated by the index calculation section 21 decreases each time the user performs the water discharge operation and the water supply operation after the water discharge operation. This is because, each time the user performs the water discharge operation, impurities that cannot be removed in the water discharge operation are accumulated in the water storage section 14 or the filter section 16, or the like. With respect to the case where the rate of change decreases each time the user performs the water discharge operation and the water supply operation after the water discharge operation, the user repeatedly performs the water discharge operation and the water supply operation after the water discharge operation, and thus the rates of change of both are smaller than the change threshold value. That is, the determination section 23 determines that the cleanliness of the water is low in a case where the rate of change is smaller than the change threshold value.

[0073] In a case where the determination section 23 determines that the cleanliness of the water is low, the cleaning control section 24 performs display of urging cleaning of at least one of the water storage section 14 and the filter section 16 on the cleaning display section 26. In Embodiment 1, display of urging cleaning of both the water storage section 14 and the filter section 16 is performed, and a structure in which an LED of the cleaning display section 26 is lit is described as the display of urging cleaning. The user can recognize that the water storage section 14 and the filter section 16 need to be cleaned by confirming the display of urging cleaning of the cleaning display section 26.

[0074] In addition, the display of urging cleaning by the cleaning display section 26 is performed after a prescribed time elapses after the determination section 23 determines that the cleanliness of the water is low. Here, in Embodiment 1, the prescribed time is defined as T1.

[0075] If the display of urging cleaning of the water storage section 14 and the filter section 16 by the cleaning display section 26 is performed immediately after the user performs the water supply operation after the water discharge operation, the user can immediately recognize that the cleaning operation of the water storage section 14 and the filter section 16 needs to be performed. In this case, the user needs to perform the water discharge operation of the water storage section 14 after the water supply operation to the water storage section 14 in order to perform the cleaning operation. In this case, the user's usability is poor.

[0076] In order to prevent the user from erroneously recognizing that the cleaning operation needs to be performed immediately, the display of urging cleaning by the cleaning display section 26 is performed after a prescribed time T1 elapses after the determination section 23 determines that the cleanliness of the water is low (the display is delayed).

[0077] Here, the specified time T1 is a time limit to prevent the user from mistakenly believing that cleaning work needs to be performed immediately, and can be arbitrarily set. The specified time T1 can be, for example, three hours or more. Alternatively, the determination unit 23 can determine the water cleanliness after the specified time T1 has elapsed since the user's drainage and subsequent water supply operations. In this case, the cleaning prompt display unit 26 will not display any prompts for cleaning after the user's drainage and subsequent water supply operations. Therefore, it is unnecessary to delay the cleaning prompt display unit 26's display for a specified time T1 after the determination unit 23 determines that the water cleanliness is low.

[0078] Here, cleaning the water storage section 14 and the filter section 16 by the user refers to removing impurities accumulated on them. That is, each time the user performs a drainage operation followed by a water supply operation, the new resistance value decreases. However, after the user cleans the water storage section 14 and the filter section 16, the new resistance value calculated by the index calculation unit 21 rises to a value close to the reference resistance value. In other words, after the user cleans the water storage section 14 and the filter section 16, the rate of change calculated by the index calculation unit 21 is above the change threshold. Therefore, the judgment unit 23 determines that the water cleanliness is high.

[0079] After the cleaning control unit 24 displays a prompt to clean on the cleaning display unit 26, and the judgment unit 23 determines that the water cleanliness is high, it determines that the user has cleaned and ends the prompt to clean display unit 26. In this embodiment 1, ending the prompt to clean means turning off the LED of the cleaning display unit 26.

[0080] Here, the control unit 20 is composed of a microcomputer. That is, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read-Only Memory) are installed inside the control unit 20. The control unit 20 is connected to the electrode unit 17, the water level detection unit 18, the spraying unit 19, the electrolysis promoter dosing unit 25, and the cleaning display unit 26 via a driver or internal bus. The CPU, for example, uses RAM as its operating area to execute programs stored in the ROM, and receives data or commands based on the execution results, thereby controlling each action.

[0081] In the above structure, using Figure 6 The flowchart illustrates the water cleanliness judgment control implemented by the control unit 20.

[0082] Figure 6is a flowchart showing the judgment control of the water cleanliness performed by the control section 20 of Embodiment 1. Here, in the flowchart, each processing step is assigned a number with S as the first letter. For example, S1 and the like refer to processing steps. However, the magnitude of the numerical value indicating the processing step is irrelevant to the processing order.

[0083] First, the index calculation section 21 calculates (measures) the reference resistance value after the water supply, and stores the reference resistance value in the storage section 22 (S1).

[0084] Next, the electrolysis accelerator feeding section 25 feeds the electrolysis accelerator into the water storage section 14. Thereby, the electrolytic water spraying device D is operated (S2).

[0085] After that, the user performs the water draining operation (S3). As a method of detecting the user's water draining operation, for example, a water draining button can be provided on the electrolytic water spraying device D, and the user presses the water draining button after the water draining, and the control section 20 detects that the button has been pressed, thereby achieving this. In addition, as long as the user's water draining can be detected, the detection method can be other than this.

[0086] If the water supply operation is performed after the water draining operation, the index calculation section 21 calculates (measures) the new resistance value and the change rate (S4). At this time, the judgment section 23 judges whether the change rate is less than the change threshold value.

[0087] The detection of the user's water supply operation can be achieved, for example, by the water level detection section 18 detecting that the water level of the water storage section 14 becomes a predetermined water level or more. In addition, as long as the user's water supply can be detected, the detection method can be other than this.

[0088] Regardless of the judgment result of the judgment section 23, the electrolysis accelerator feeding section 25 feeds the electrolysis accelerator into the water storage section 14 (S5).

[0089] The electrolytic water spraying device D is operated (S6).

[0090] The cleaning control section 24 confirms the judgment result after a predetermined time T1 elapses from the judgment of the judgment section 23 (S7).

[0091] The cleaning control section 24 causes the LED as the cleaning display section 26 to be in the lighted state in the case where it is confirmed that the change rate is less than the change threshold value (S7 is → S8). Thereby, the user can be notified that the impurities are accumulated in the water storage section 14 or the filter section 16 or the like, and is in a state where the user's cleaning of the water storage section 14 and the filter section 16 is required.

[0092] Further, in step S7, the cleaning control section 24 causes the LED as the cleaning display section 26 to be in the off state in the case where it is confirmed that the change rate is equal to or greater than the change threshold value (S7 No→S9). Thereby, the user can grasp that the water storage section 14 and the filter section 16 are in a state where cleaning is not yet required.

[0093] If step S8 or step S9 is performed, the electrolyzed water spraying device D continues to operate (S10).

[0094] After that, at the timing at which the user is required to perform the drainage operation, the user performs the drainage operation (Sll). As for the timing at which the user is required to perform the drainage operation, for example, a time T2 determined in advance through experiments and the like from the start of the operation is set as the timing of the drainage operation. In this case, T2 is a time longer than Tl.

[0095] Then, after the user supplies water, the index calculation section 21 performs the calculation of the new new resistance value and the calculation of the new change rate (S4). Further, the judging section 23 performs the judgment of whether or not the change rate is less than the change threshold value.

[0096] After that, the processing of steps S5 to Sll is performed. After that, the processing of steps S4 to Sll is repeatedly performed as well. Thereby, the user can be urged to perform cleaning at the exact timing at which the water storage section 14 and the filter section 16 need to be cleaned. Further, in step S8, the cleaning display section 26 is in the on state, and in the case where the cleaning display section 26 is changed from the on state to the off state in step S9 thereafter, the user can grasp that the cleaning of the water storage section 14 and the filter section 16 has been successfully performed.

[0097] (Embodiment 2)

[0098] Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. Embodiment 2, like Embodiment 1, relates to the judgment control of the cleanliness of water. In Embodiment 1, the calculation of the reference resistance value and the calculation of the new resistance value are performed before the electrolytic promoter is put in. In Embodiment 2, however, the calculation of the reference resistance value and the calculation of the new resistance value are performed after the electrolytic promoter is put in. However, from the time when the electrolytic promoter is put in until the electrolytic promoter is dissolved in the water storage section 14, the resistance value is not stable and is in a state of fluctuation. Therefore, after a certain time elapses until the electrolytic promoter is dissolved in the water storage section 14, the index calculation section 21 performs the calculation of the reference resistance value and the calculation of the new resistance value. The certain time is a value determined in advance through experiments and the like and can be arbitrarily set.

[0099] The electrolyzed water spraying device D of Embodiment 2 has the same structure as that of Embodiment 1. Here, the description will be made focusing on the difference from Embodiment 1. Figures 1-5 Figure 7

[0100] Figure 7 ​​is a flowchart showing the judgment control of the water cleanliness performed by the control section 20 of Embodiment 2.

[0101] First, after supplying water to the water storage section 14, the electrolytic accelerator feeding section 25 feeds the electrolytic accelerator (S12).

[0102] After a certain time elapses after the electrolytic accelerator is fed, the index calculation section 21 calculates (measures) the reference resistance value and stores the reference resistance value in the storage section 22 (S13).

[0103] Next, the electrolytic water spraying device D is operated (S14).

[0104] After that, the user performs the water draining operation (S15).

[0105] After the water draining operation, the water supplying operation is performed, and after water is supplied to the water storage section 14, the electrolytic accelerator feeding section 25 feeds the electrolytic accelerator (S16).

[0106] After a certain time elapses after the electrolytic accelerator is fed, the index calculation section 21 calculates (measures) the new resistance value and the rate of change (S17). At this time, the judgment section 23 judges whether the rate of change is less than the change threshold value.

[0107] Regardless of the judgment result of the judgment section 23, the electrolytic water spraying device D is operated (S18).

[0108] After a predetermined time Tl elapses from the judgment of the judgment section 23, the cleaning control section 24 confirms the judgment result (S19).

[0109] The cleaning control section 24 causes the LED serving as the cleaning display section 26 to be in the lighted state in the case where it is confirmed that the rate of change is less than the change threshold value (S19 Yes → S20).

[0110] In addition, in step S19, the cleaning control section 24 causes the LED serving as the cleaning display section 26 to be in the unlighted state in the case where it is confirmed that the rate of change is the change threshold value or more (S19 No → S21).

[0111] Steps S22 and S23 are the same processing as steps S10 and Sll of Embodiment 1, and thus will be omitted. Next, the processing of steps S16 to S23 is repeated. Thus, even in the case where the calculation of the reference resistance value and the calculation of the new resistance value are performed after the electrolytic accelerator is fed, the user can be urged to perform the cleaning at the exact time when the water storage section 14 and the filter section 16 need to be cleaned.

[0112] The present application has been described based on the embodiments, but the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be easily conceived without departing from the spirit of the present application.

[0113] For example, the resistance value is calculated as an example of the electrolysis efficiency, but the conductivity value, which is the reciprocal of the resistance value, can also be used. Thus, the control can be performed using the conductivity value.

[0114] In addition, the electrolyzed water spraying device D can not have the tank 15a as the water supply portion 15. In this case, the electrolyzed water spraying device D is supplied with water using tap water. Also, in the case where the water level in the water storage portion 14 decreases, the tap water can be supplied before the water level in the water storage portion 14 rises to a predetermined position. Thus, the present application can be implemented with other structures different from the present embodiment.

[0115] In addition, the electrolyzed water spraying device D can not have the electrolysis accelerator feeding portion 25. In this case, the electrolyzed water spraying device D gives a notification by display or sound or the like to instruct the user to feed the electrolysis accelerator tablet, thereby prompting the user to directly feed the electrolysis accelerator tablet into the water storage portion 14. Thus, the structure can be simplified.

[0116] In addition, the change rate and the water cleanliness corresponding to the change rate can also be stored as a table. In this case, the calculated change rate and the water cleanliness corresponding to the calculated change rate are derived from the table, and in the case where the water cleanliness is low, at least one of the water storage portion 14 and the filter portion 16 is urged to be cleaned. Thus, the present application can be implemented with other structures different from the present embodiment.

[0117] (SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION)

[0118] The electrolyzed water spraying device of the present application includes: a main body case provided with a suction port and a blowout port; a water storage portion that stores water; an electrode portion that electrolyzes the water in the water storage portion to generate electrolyzed water; a spraying portion that causes the generated electrolyzed water to contact with air sucked from the suction port and to be sprayed from the blowout port; and a control portion that controls the electrode portion and the spraying portion. The control portion has: an index calculation portion that calculates an index on an electrolysis efficiency with respect to a predetermined reference based on a relationship between a voltage and a current applied to the electrode portion; and a judgment portion that judges a cleanliness of the water in the water storage portion based on the index calculated by the index calculation portion.

[0119] Thus, by calculating the electrolysis efficiency with respect to the predetermined reference, the cleanliness of the water can be judged. Therefore, the cleanliness of the water in the water storage portion can be grasped.

[0120] In addition, the index calculating section can calculate, as the reference resistance value, a resistance value of water as a ratio of a voltage value, which is a value of the voltage applied to the electrode section, to a current value, which is a value of the current flowing through the electrode section, after supplying water to the water storage section, and calculate, as the new resistance value, the resistance value of water each time the water in the water storage section is drained and new water is supplied to the water storage section after a certain time elapses after the electrolysis accelerator is put into the water storage section, and calculate, as the index, a change rate of the new resistance value with respect to the reference resistance value. The judging section can compare the change rate calculated by the index calculating section with the change threshold value, and judge that the water is low in cleanliness when the change rate is less than the change threshold value and judge that the water is high in cleanliness when the change rate is equal to or greater than the change threshold value.

[0121] Thus, the change rate of the new resistance value with respect to the reference resistance value calculated after the water is supplied to the water storage section and calculated each time the water in the water storage section is drained and new water is supplied to the water storage section can be compared with the change threshold value. Thus, the water can be judged to be low in cleanliness when the change rate is less than the change threshold value and judged to be high in cleanliness when the change rate is equal to or greater than the change threshold value. Therefore, the cleanliness of the water in the water storage section can be grasped.

[0122] In addition, the index calculating section can calculate, as the reference resistance value, a resistance value of water as a ratio of a voltage value, which is a value of the voltage applied to the electrode section, to a current value, which is a value of the current flowing through the electrode section, after supplying water to the water storage section and putting the electrolysis accelerator into the water storage section, and calculate, as the new resistance value, the resistance value of water each time the water in the water storage section is drained and new water is supplied to the water storage section after a certain time elapses after the electrolysis accelerator is put into the water storage section, and calculate, as the index, a change rate of the new resistance value with respect to the reference resistance value. The judging section can compare the change rate calculated by the index calculating section with the change threshold value, and judge that the water is low in cleanliness when the change rate is less than the change threshold value and judge that the water is high in cleanliness when the change rate is equal to or greater than the change threshold value.

[0123] Thus, the change rate of the new resistance value with respect to the reference resistance value calculated after the water is supplied to the water storage section and calculated each time the water in the water storage section is drained and new water is supplied to the water storage section can be compared with the change threshold value. Thus, the water can be judged to be low in cleanliness when the change rate is less than the change threshold value and judged to be high in cleanliness when the change rate is equal to or greater than the change threshold value. Therefore, the cleanliness of the water in the water storage section can be grasped.

[0124] Further, the certain time can be a time until the electrolysis accelerator is dissolved in the water storage section.

[0125] Thus, the resistance value, which fluctuates after the electrolysis accelerator is put in, becomes stable after a certain time elapses, so the correct reference resistance value and new resistance value can be calculated. Also, the judging section can be prevented from making a mistake in judging the cleanliness of the water.

[0126] Further, a filter portion that is immersed in the water in the water storage portion and that retains the water in the water storage portion, and a cleaning display portion that displays urging to clean at least one of the water storage portion and the filter portion when the judgment portion judges that the water is low in cleanliness, can be included.

[0127] Thus, the user can be urged to clean in a state in which dirt is accumulated in at least one of the water storage portion and the filter portion.

[0128] Further, the display of urging to clean by the cleaning display portion can be displayed after a lapse of a predetermined time after the judgment portion judges that the water is low in cleanliness.

[0129] Thus, the user can be prevented from misrecognizing that the water supply operation needs to be performed after the cleaning operation.

[0130] Further, the display of urging to clean can be ended after the display of urging to clean by the cleaning display portion is performed and the judgment portion judges that the water is high in cleanliness.

[0131] Thus, the user can recognize that the correct cleaning operation has been performed.

[0132] Industrial applicability

[0133] In the present application, an electrolyzed water spraying device is very useful for removing (including inactivating) bacteria, fungi, viruses, or odor, and the like in the air.

[0134] Explanation of reference numerals

[0135] D electrolyzed water spraying device

[0136] 1 main body case

[0137] 1A main body side surface

[0138] 2 air suction port

[0139] 3 panel

[0140] 4 opening portion

[0141] 5 electrolyzed water generation portion

[0142] 6 air blowing port

[0143] 7 air blowing portion

[0144] 8 air path

[0145] 9 motor portion

[0146] 9a rotation shaft

[0147] 10 fan portion

[0148] 11 housing portion

[0149] 12 discharge port

[0150] 13 suction port

[0151] 14 water storage portion

[0152] 14a tank holding portion

[0153] 15 water supply portion

[0154] 15a tank

[0155] 15b cover

[0156] 16 filter portion

[0157] 16a gas-liquid contact filter portion

[0158] 17 electrode portion

[0159] 18 water level detection portion

[0160] 19 spraying portion

[0161] 20 control portion

[0162] 21 index calculation portion

[0163] 22 storage portion

[0164] 23 determination portion

[0165] 24 cleaning control portion

[0166] 25 electrolysis accelerator feeding portion

[0167] 25a tablet feeding case

[0168] 25b tablet feeding cover

[0169] 26 cleaning display portion

Claims

1. An electrolyzed water spraying device characterized by comprising: including: a main body case provided with an air suction port and an air blow port; a water storage portion that stores water; an electrode portion that electrolyzes the water in the water storage portion to generate electrolyzed water; a spraying portion that causes the generated electrolyzed water to contact with air sucked from the air suction port and to be sprayed from the air blow port; and a control portion that controls the electrode portion and the spraying portion, the control portion has: an index calculation portion that calculates an index on an electrolysis efficiency with respect to a prescribed reference based on a relationship between a voltage applied to the electrode portion and a current flowing through the electrode portion; and a determination portion that determines a cleanliness of the water in the water storage portion based on the index calculated by the index calculation portion, the index calculation portion, calculates, as a reference resistance value, a resistance value of the water as a ratio of a voltage value, which is a value of the voltage applied to the electrode portion, to a current value, which is a value of the current flowing through the electrode portion, during a period from after water is supplied to the water storage portion to before the water is drained, after the reference resistance value is calculated, calculates, as a new resistance value, the resistance value of the water each time the water in the water storage portion is drained and new water is supplied to the water storage portion, calculates, as the index, a change rate of the new resistance value with respect to the reference resistance value, the determination portion, compares the change rate calculated by the index calculation portion with a change threshold value, which is a threshold value corresponding to a state in which impurities in the water reach a level at which cleaning is required, which is determined in advance through experiments, determines that the water is low in cleanliness and cleaning is required in a case where the change rate is less than the change threshold value, and determines that the water is high in cleanliness and cleaning is not required in a case where the change rate is the change threshold value or more. including:

2. An electrolyzed water spraying device characterized by comprising: a main body case provided with an air suction port and an air blow port; a water storage portion that stores water; an electrode portion that electrolyzes the water in the water storage portion to generate electrolyzed water; a spraying portion that causes the generated electrolyzed water to contact with air sucked from the air suction port and to be sprayed from the air blow port; and a control portion that controls the electrode portion and the spraying portion, the control portion has: an index calculation portion that calculates an index on an electrolysis efficiency with respect to a prescribed reference based on a relationship between a voltage applied to the electrode portion and a current flowing through the electrode portion; and a determination portion that determines a cleanliness of the water in the water storage portion based on the index calculated by the index calculation portion, the index calculation portion, calculates, as a reference resistance value, a resistance value of the water as a ratio of a voltage value, which is a value of the voltage applied to the electrode portion, to a current value, which is a value of the current flowing through the electrode portion, during a period from after water is supplied to the water storage portion and an electrolysis accelerator is put into the water storage portion to after a certain time elapses to before the water is drained, after the reference resistance value is calculated, calculates, as a new resistance value, the resistance value of the water each time the water in the water storage portion is drained and new water is supplied to the water storage portion, and the certain time elapses after the electrolysis accelerator is put into the water storage portion, calculates, as the index, a change rate of the new resistance value with respect to the reference resistance value, the determination portion, ​ ​ The rate of change calculated by the index calculation section is compared with a change threshold value, which is a threshold value corresponding to a state in which the impurities in the water reach a level requiring cleaning, decided in advance through experiments, In a case where the rate of change is less than the change threshold value, it is determined that the water is low in cleanliness and requires cleaning, and in a case where the rate of change is equal to or greater than the change threshold value, it is determined that the water is high in cleanliness and does not require cleaning.

3. The electrolytic water spraying device according to claim 2, wherein: the certain time is a time until the electrolytic accelerator dissolves in the water storage section. Further comprising:

4. The water electrolysis spraying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, a filter section that is immersed in the water in the water storage section and holds the water in the water storage section; and a cleaning display section that displays a prompt to clean at least one of the water storage section and the filter section in a case where the judgment section determines that the water is low in cleanliness.

5. The electrolytic water spraying device according to claim 4, wherein: the display of the prompt to clean by the cleaning display section is displayed after a lapse of a prescribed time after the judgment section determines that the water is low in cleanliness.

6. The electrolytic water spraying device according to claim 4, wherein: the cleaning display section ends the display of the prompt to clean after the display of the prompt to clean is performed and the judgment section determines that the water is high in cleanliness. ​ ​

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