Air purifying device

Abstract

The air purifying apparatus of the present disclosure includes a main body case having a suction port (2) and a blowout port. The main body case has an electrolytic cell (34), an electrolytic unit, a bacteria removal zone, a gas-liquid contact portion, a water supply zone, a water replenishment portion, a fan, and a control portion that controls the electrolytic unit, the active oxygen species replenishment portion (19), the water replenishment portion, and the fan. The control portion causes the active oxygen species replenishment portion (19) and the water replenishment portion to operate, and adjusts the concentration of the active oxygen species in the bacteria removal zone to a prescribed concentration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an air purification device that uses salt water in a water storage container to generate hypochlorous acid, causing a filter partially immersed in the water in the water storage container to rotate, and has an air passage that uses the hypochlorous acid-containing water for sterilization through the filter ventilation. Background Technology

[0002] As an existing air purification device, one known air purification device includes a main body shell having an air intake and an air outlet. The main body shell has: an electrolytic cell for storing water containing sodium chloride; an electrolytic unit for electrolyzing the water in the electrolytic cell to generate water containing active oxygen species; a sterilization zone in which the water containing active oxygen species in the electrolytic cell flows into the sterilization zone via a connecting passage; a gas-liquid contact section for contacting the water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization zone with air; and a fan for sending air drawn in from the air intake to the air outlet via the gas-liquid contact section (e.g., Patent Document 1). The electrolytic cell and the sterilization zone are arranged side by side in a water storage container. The water storage container has a connecting passage connecting the electrolytic cell and the sterilization zone.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-190553 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In such existing air purification devices, the electrolytic cell and the sterilization zone are arranged side by side within a water storage container. Furthermore, the water storage container has a connecting passage that links the electrolytic cell and the sterilization zone. Thus, water containing active oxygen species in the electrolytic cell flows into the sterilization zone via this connecting passage. However, since there is no forced supply from the electrolytic cell to the sterilization zone, it takes time for the concentration of the water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization zone to reach a predetermined concentration, resulting in a deviation in the concentration of the water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization zone. Furthermore, if air drawn into the main housing by a fan is delivered from the intake port through a gas-liquid contact section that brings the water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization zone into contact with the air, and then blown out through the outlet, there is a problem that the amount of active oxygen species sprayed from the outlet will also be inconsistent.

[0007] The air purification device disclosed herein includes a main body housing having an air intake and an air outlet. The main body housing comprises: an electrolytic cell for storing water containing a predetermined amount of sodium chloride; an electrolysis unit for electrolyzing the water in the electrolytic cell to generate water containing active oxygen species; a sterilization zone for supplying the water containing active oxygen species from the electrolytic cell via an active oxygen species replenishment unit; a gas-liquid contact unit for contacting the water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization zone with air; a water supply zone for storing water; a water replenishment unit for supplying a portion of the water from the water supply zone to the sterilization zone; a fan for blowing air drawn in from the air intake through the gas-liquid contact unit to the air outlet; and a control unit for controlling the electrolysis unit, the active oxygen species replenishment unit, the water replenishment unit, and the fan, wherein the control unit activates the active oxygen species replenishment unit and the water replenishment unit to adjust the concentration of active oxygen species in the sterilization zone to a predetermined concentration.

[0008] This disclosure provides an air purification device that can suppress deviations in the concentration of water containing active oxygen species within the sterilization zone and suppress deviations in the amount of active oxygen species sprayed from the outlet. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an air purification device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a 3D view showing the air purifier with its door open.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the air purification device.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the water storage section of the air purification device.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the internal structure of the air purification device.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the water storage section of the air purification device.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a top view of the water storage section of the air purification device.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a top view of the water storage section of the air purification device.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a 3D view of the water supply section of the air purification device.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a 3D view of the electrolytic cell of the air purification device.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a 3D view of the electrolytic cell of the air purification device.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic cell of the air purification device.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional view of the tablet dispensing mechanism of the air purification device.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional view showing the tablet dispenser of the tablet dispensing mechanism of the air purification device. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] (Implementation Method 1)

[0025] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the air purification device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. In it, Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the air purifier 100 viewed from the front side. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the air purification device 100 with the door open and the water storage section 16 removed, viewed from the front side. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the air purification device 100 of Embodiment 1 viewed from the side.

[0026] In addition, the following will sometimes be as follows Figure 1 In the state shown where the air purifier 100 is set up (hereinafter also referred to as the "setting state"), the vertical direction is referred to as the up-down direction, and the horizontal direction is referred to as the left-right direction. In addition, in the setting state of the air purifier 100, the side of the air purifier 100 with the door 3 is referred to as the "front", the side of the air purifier 100 opposite to the front is referred to as the "back", the right side viewed from the front side of the air purifier 100 is referred to as the "right side", and the left side is referred to as the "left side".

[0027] The detailed structure of the air purification device 100 is described below. Figure 1 As shown, the air purification device 100 of this embodiment has a main body shell 1 with a generally box-shaped form. Approximately quadrilateral air intakes 2 are provided on both sides of the main body shell 1. An openable and closable door 3 is provided on the front of the main body shell 1. By opening the door 3, the air purification unit 7 (see reference 1) inside the main body shell 1 can be removed. Figure 3 It is part of the main body shell 1. An openable and closable blow-out port 4 is provided on the top surface of the main body shell 1.

[0028] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a partition plate 5, a fan 6, an air purification unit 7, an air duct 8, and a control unit 9 are provided inside the main shell 1.

[0029] The partition plate 5 is a plate located in the center of the main shell 1, and is connected to the partition wall 24 described later (see reference). Figure 4 Together, they separate the front and back sides of the main body shell 1. Here, the back side of the main body shell 1, separated by the partition plate 5, is the air passage 8.

[0030] The fan 6 draws air into the main body housing 1 through the air intake 2 and blows the drawn air out through the air outlet 4. The fan 6 is located in the center of the main body housing 1 and includes a motor part 10, a fan part 11 that rotates through the motor part 10, and a housing part 12 that surrounds the motor part 10 and the fan part 11.

[0031] In this embodiment, the operation of the fan 6 is determined by the operating part 1A provided in the main body shell 1. For example... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the operation unit 1A is covered by an openable cover 1B located on the top surface of the main body housing 1. The user of the air purifier 100 of this disclosure can adjust the airflow of the fan 6 in stages by operating the airflow switching button (not shown) located on the operation unit 1A. Information from the user's operation is sent as an input signal to the control unit 9.

[0032] The fan unit 11 is fixed to the motor shaft 13, which extends horizontally from the motor unit 10. The fan unit 11 is, for example, a Sirocco fan.

[0033] The motor unit 10 is fixed to the housing unit 12. An outlet 14 is provided on the upper surface of the main body shell 1 of the housing unit 12. An inlet 15 is provided on the back side of the main body shell 1 of the housing unit 12.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the air purification device 100 of Embodiment 1 with its water storage container 21 disposed inside the main body shell 1. Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the air purification device 100 of Embodiment 1 with some of its constituent parts removed. Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the water storage section 16 of the air purification device 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0035] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the air purification unit 7 is a device that stores water from the water supply unit 22 in an electrolytic cell 34, and adds an electrolysis promoting tablet to the water in the electrolytic cell 34 through the tablet feeding mechanism 35 to perform electrolysis and generate water containing hypochlorous acid. The generated water containing hypochlorous acid comes into contact with the air drawn into the main body shell 1 from the air intake 2 by the fan 6 and is then sprayed from the blow outlet 4.

[0036] The air purification unit 7 includes a water storage section 16, an electrolysis section 17, a water supply section 18, an active oxygen supply section 19, and a water replenishment section 20.

[0037] The water storage section 16 stores water and performs sterilization. The water storage section 16 has a water storage container 21, a water supply section 22, and a gas-liquid contact section 23.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a top view of the water storage section 16 of the air purification device 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 8 This is a top view showing the internal structure of the air purification device 100 of Embodiment 1, with part of the water storage section 16 removed.

[0039] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the water storage container 21 is located at the lower part of the main shell 1 and has a box shape with an open top surface, thus forming a structure capable of storing water. The water storage container 21 has a partition wall 24, a water supply area 25, and a sterilization area 26.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the partition wall 24 is a plate in the water storage container 21 that separates the front side (outside the air passage 8) of the main body shell 1 from the back side (air passage 8) of the main body shell 1. The partition wall 24 extends upward from the bottom surface of the water storage container 21. The upper end of the partition wall 24 is positioned above the upper end of the water storage container 21.

[0041] In addition, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a portion of the upper surface of the partition wall 24 comes into surface contact with the wall surface of the partition plate 5. Thus, the front side (outside the air passage 8) of the main body shell 1 and the back side (air passage 8) of the main body shell 1 are separated in a manner in which there is no air passage between them.

[0042] The water supply zone 25 is roughly bowl-shaped and is a partition for storing water supplied from the water supply unit 22. The water supply zone 25 is located on the front side of the main body shell 1, within the water storage container 21 disposed at the lower part of the main body shell 1, compared to the partition wall 24. Furthermore, the water supply zone 25 has a structure capable of holding the water supply unit 22. At the bottom of the water supply zone 25, a cylindrical protrusion 27 is provided at the position where the water supply unit 22 is held.

[0043] The sterilization zone 26 is roughly bowl-shaped and is a partition for storing water containing hypochlorous acid at a specified concentration. The sterilization zone 26 is arranged across the front and back sides of the partition wall 24, and is connected to the front and back sides of the partition wall 24 through an opening (not shown) located below the water surface of the partition wall 24. The sterilization zone 26 has a first water level detection unit 28 and a second water level detection unit 29 for detecting the water level in the sterilization zone 26.

[0044] The first water level detection unit 28 detects situations where the water level in the sterilization zone 26 becomes lower than the target water level. The target water level refers to the maximum water level set for each component during the air purification operation of the air purification device 100 of this disclosure. The water level shortage refers to the minimum water level set for each component during the air purification operation of the air purification device 100 of this disclosure.

[0045] The first water volume detection unit 28 includes a first float portion 28a with buoyancy located on the back side of the partition wall 24 in the sterilization zone 26, and a first detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the position of the first float portion 28a.

[0046] The first float portion 28a is disposed within the sterilization zone 26. The first detection sensor is embedded in the wall of the main body shell 1 near the first float portion 28a.

[0047] When the water level in the sterilization zone 26 drops below the water shortage level, the first detection sensor can no longer detect the first float portion 28a due to the resulting floating of the first float portion 28a. At this time, the first detection sensor sends a signal to the control unit 9 indicating that the water level in the sterilization zone 26 is below the water shortage level.

[0048] The second water level detection unit 29 detects that the water level in the sterilization zone 26 has reached the target water level. The second water level detection unit 29 includes a second float portion 29a with buoyancy located on the front side of the partition wall 24 in the sterilization zone 26, and a second detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the position of the second float portion 29a.

[0049] The second float portion 29a is disposed within the sterilization zone 26. The second detection sensor is embedded in the wall of the main body shell 1 near the second float portion 29a.

[0050] When the water level in the sterilization zone 26 rises to the target water level, the second detection sensor can detect the second float portion 29a due to the resulting floating. At this time, the second detection sensor sends a signal to the control unit 9 indicating that the water level in the sterilization zone 26 has reached the target water level.

[0051] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the water supply section 22 of the air purification device 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0052] like Figure 2 and Figure 9As shown, the water supply unit 22 is installed in the water supply area 25 and is designed to be detachable from the water supply area 25, automatically supplying water in a manner that keeps the water level in the water supply area 25 constant. The water supply unit 22 has a hollow water tank (container) 30 for storing water and a handle 30a provided on the upper part of the water tank 30. The handle 30a is integrated with the water tank 30. Therefore, the user can detach and install the water supply unit 22 in the water supply area 25 while holding the handle 30a.

[0053] The water tank 30 has a circular opening (not shown) at the center of its bottom surface when installed in the water supply area 25. The opening of the water tank 30 is a cylindrical shape extending vertically along its central axis, and is configured to be sealed by a cover 31 that can be detached from the outer periphery of the opening.

[0054] The cover 31 is a cylindrical shape extending vertically along its central axis. When installed in the water storage container 21, a cylindrical opening 31a is provided at the center of the bottom surface of the cover 31, opening vertically. A valve 31b is provided in the opening 31a to open and close the cover.

[0055] The valve plug 31b includes a cylindrical shaft (not shown), an on / off valve (not shown) disposed at one end of the shaft in such a way as to close the cover opening 31a, a helical spring (not shown) disposed in such a way that the shaft can pass through its center, and a spring stop portion (not shown) disposed at the other end of the shaft.

[0056] When the water tank 30 is positioned in the water supply zone 25, the spring stop portion contacts the protrusion 27 of the water supply zone 25. Consequently, the spring stop portion moves upward while compressing the spring. The valve of the valve plug 31b moves upward accordingly, and the valve exits through the cover opening 31a of the cover 31. Thus, water from the water tank 30 flows into the water supply zone 25 through the cover opening 31a of the cover 31.

[0057] Here, when water accumulates in the water supply zone 25 up to the lower end of the cover opening 31a, air will not enter the water tank 30 from the lower end of the cover opening 31a. Therefore, water in the water tank 30 will not flow into the water supply zone 25. That is, when the water in the water supply zone 25 decreases, the water level will increase to the lower end of the cover opening 31a, where the water level remains constant. Therefore, a constant water level can always be maintained in the water supply zone 25.

[0058] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the gas-liquid contact section 23 is located on the back side of the partition wall 24 in the sterilization zone 26, and is a component that allows the water stored in the sterilization zone 26 to come into contact with the indoor air drawn into the main body housing 1 by the fan 6. The gas-liquid contact section 23 includes a filter 32, a filter frame 33, and a drive unit (not shown).

[0059] The filter 32 is water-retaining and cylindrical in shape, with holes on its circumference to allow air to pass through. The filter 32 is mounted on the filter frame 33 with one end immersed in the water in the sterilization zone 26.

[0060] The filter frame 33 is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) provided in the water storage container 21. The filter 32 and the filter frame 33 are configured to rotate via a drive unit.

[0061] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the electrolytic cell 34 of the air purification device 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 11 It is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the air purification device 100 of Embodiment 1 without a portion of the constituent components of the electrolytic cell 34. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic cell 34 of the air purification device 100 in Embodiment 1, viewed from the side.

[0062] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the electrolysis unit 17 electrolyzes the water in the electrolysis cell 34 to generate water containing hypochlorous acid.

[0063] Electrolysis unit 17 includes an electrolytic cell 34 and a tablet feeding mechanism 35 (see reference). Figure 2 ) and electrolysis unit 36.

[0064] The electrolytic cell 34 is disposed above the water storage container 21 and is approximately box-shaped with an open top. The electrolytic cell 34 stores water supplied from the water storage unit 16 by the water supply unit 18. The electrolytic cell 34 has a third water level detection unit 37 and a fourth water level detection unit 38 for detecting the water level in the electrolytic cell 34.

[0065] The third water level detection unit 37 detects whether the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 is above or below the water shortage level. The third water level detection unit 37 includes a third float portion 37a with buoyancy and a third detection sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the third float portion 37a.

[0066] The third float portion 37a is disposed in the electrolytic cell 34. The third detection sensor is embedded in the wall of the main body shell 1 near the third float portion 37a.

[0067] When the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 rises from below the water shortage level to reach the water shortage level, the third detection sensor can detect the third float portion 37a due to the resulting floating. At this time, the third detection sensor sends a signal to the control unit 9 indicating that the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 has reached or exceeded the water shortage level.

[0068] Furthermore, when the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 drops below the water shortage level, the third detection sensor can no longer detect the third float portion 37a due to the resulting floating of the third float portion 37a. At this time, the third detection sensor sends a signal to the control unit 9 indicating that the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 is below the water shortage level.

[0069] The fourth water level detection unit 38 detects that the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 has reached the target water level. The fourth water level detection unit 38 includes a fourth float portion 38a with buoyancy, and a fourth detection sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the fourth float portion 38a.

[0070] The fourth float portion 38a is disposed in the electrolytic cell 34. The fourth detection sensor is embedded in the wall of the main body shell 1 near the fourth float portion 38a.

[0071] When the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 rises to the target water level, the fourth detection sensor can detect the movement of the fourth float portion 38a. At this time, the fourth detection sensor sends a signal to the control unit 9 indicating that the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 has reached the target water level.

[0072] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the tablet feeding mechanism 35 of the air purification device 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the tablet feeding box 39 of the tablet feeding mechanism 35 of the air purification device 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0073] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the tablet feeding mechanism 35 is positioned above the electrolytic cell 34. The tablet feeding mechanism 35 includes: a tablet feeding box 39, a tablet feeding component 40 disposed within the tablet feeding box 39, a tablet feeding cover 41 detachably disposed on the upper part of the tablet feeding box 39, and a feeding motor for rotating the tablet feeding component 40. When the tablet feeding cover 41 is removed from the tablet feeding box 39 and an electrolysis accelerator tablet 42 is placed inside the tablet feeding box 39, the feeding motor rotates the tablet feeding component 40. The feeding motor rotates the tablet feeding component 40 at predetermined intervals via a control unit 9. As a result, the electrolysis accelerator tablet 42 automatically falls from the opening 39a on the bottom surface of the tablet feeding box 39 into the electrolytic cell 34. For example, sodium chloride can be used as the electrolysis accelerator tablet 42.

[0074] Electrolysis unit 36 ​​immerses a first electrode (not shown) and a second electrode (not shown) in water in electrolysis cell 34. A voltage is applied to these electrodes to electrochemically treat the water in electrolysis cell 34 containing an electrolysis-promoting tablet 42 dispensed by tablet dispensing mechanism 35, generating hypochlorous acid. An example of the electrolysis-promoting tablet 42 is sodium chloride. Electrolysis unit 36 ​​electrochemically electrolyzes the sodium chloride aqueous solution to generate electrolyzed water containing active oxygen species (hypochlorous acid, for example, in this embodiment).

[0075] Here, reactive oxygen species refer to oxygen molecules and related substances that have higher oxidizing activity than ordinary oxygen. For example, reactive oxygen species include not only so-called reactive oxygen species in the narrow sense, such as superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, or hydrogen peroxide, but also so-called reactive oxygen species in the broad sense, such as ozone and hypochlorous acid (hypohalic acid). In addition, in this embodiment, the generation of electrolyzed water containing reactive oxygen species (hypochlorous acid in this case) is sometimes expressed as the generation of reactive oxygen species (hypochlorous acid in this case).

[0076] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the water supply unit 18 supplies water from the water storage unit 16 to the electrolysis unit 17. Figure 6 As shown, for example, the water supply unit 18 has a water supply pump 43 installed in a manner that is immersed in water in the water supply area 25 and a water supply line 44 connected to the water supply pump 43.

[0077] The water supply pump 43 is a suction pump that moves the water supplied from the water supply section 22 to the water supply area 25 to the water supply channel 44 and delivers it to the electrolytic cell 34.

[0078] The water supply line 44 is a cylindrical pipe with openings at both ends. One end of the opening of the water supply line 44 is connected to the water supply pump 43, and the other end of the opening of the water supply line 44 is located above the top surface of the electrolytic cell 34.

[0079] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the active oxygen seed supply unit 19 transports water from the electrolyzer 34 to the water storage unit 16. The active oxygen seed supply unit 19 has an active oxygen seed communication section 19a and an active oxygen seed pump unit 19b.

[0080] The active oxygen seed connecting section 19a is a flow path that connects to the electrolyzer 34 and the sterilization zone 26. The active oxygen seed pump unit 19b is a mechanism that supplies water to the electrolyzer 34 into the active oxygen seed connecting section 19a.

[0081] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the water replenishment unit 20 delivers water from the water supply area 25 to the sterilization area 26. The water replenishment unit 20 consists of a water replenishment pump 51 immersed in the water of the water supply area 25 and a water replenishment channel 52 connected to the water replenishment pump 51.

[0082] The water replenishment pump 51 is a suction pump that moves the water supplied from the water supply section 22 to the water supply area 25 to the water replenishment channel 52 and delivers it to the sterilization area 26.

[0083] The water supply path 52 is a cylindrical pipe with openings at both ends. One end of the opening of the water supply path 52 is connected to the water supply pump 51, and the other end of the opening of the water supply path 52 is located directly above the water surface on the front side of the partition wall 24 of the sterilization zone 26.

[0084] That is, the main body shell 1 has a water replenishment section 20 that transports water from the water supply area 25 to the sterilization area 26.

[0085] Therefore, water containing hypochlorous acid supplied from electrolyzer 34 and water in water supply zone 25 can be mixed in any proportion. Thus, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in sterilization zone 26 can be adjusted to a specified concentration.

[0086] like Figure 3 As shown, the air passage 8 connects the air intake 2 and the air outlet 4. In the air passage 8, the gas-liquid contact part 23, the fan 6, and the air outlet 4 are arranged sequentially from the air intake 2. When the fan part 11 is rotated by the motor part 10, the external air that enters the air passage 8 from the air intake 2 passes through the gas-liquid contact part 23 and the fan 6 and is blown out from the air outlet 4.

[0087] The control unit 9 is housed within the main casing 1. The control unit 9 receives signals from the first water volume detection unit 28, the second water volume detection unit 29, the third water volume detection unit 37, the fourth water volume detection unit 38, and the operation unit 1A. Furthermore, the control unit 9 controls the operation of the electrolysis unit 36, the water supply unit 18, the active oxygen seed replenishment unit 19, the water replenishment unit 20, and the tablet feeding mechanism 35. As a result, the control unit 9 adjusts the concentration and volume of the hypochlorous acid-containing water in the sterilization zone 26. Additionally, the control unit 9 can estimate the hypochlorous acid consumption and the reduction in the volume of the hypochlorous acid-containing water in the sterilization zone 26 based on the signal indicating the airflow of the fan 6 received from the operation unit 1A.

[0088] An example of adjusting the concentration and volume of hypochlorous acid-containing water in the sterilization zone 26 of the device with the above structure will be described.

[0089] When the control unit 9 detects through the third water level detection unit 37 that the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 is lower than the water shortage level, it activates the water supply pump 43 to start supplying water from the water supply area 25 to the electrolytic cell 34 via the water supply path 44.

[0090] Next, when the third water level detection unit 37 detects that the water level has risen to the water shortage level, the control unit 9 activates the tablet feeding mechanism 35 to feed the electrolysis promoting tablet 42 into the electrolysis cell 34.

[0091] Next, as the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 rises further, and the fourth water level detection unit 38 detects that the water level has risen to the target level, the control unit 9 stops the operation of the water supply pump 43.

[0092] Next, the control unit 9 starts the operation of the electrolysis unit 36 ​​and stops it after a predetermined time. Thus, water containing hypochlorous acid of a certain concentration is generated and held in the electrolysis cell 34.

[0093] When the control unit 9 infers that the hypochlorous acid in the sterilization zone 26 has been consumed by a predetermined amount based on the signal indicating the air volume of the fan 6 sent from the operation unit 1A, it activates the active oxygen seed pump 45 and begins to transport water containing hypochlorous acid from the electrolysis cell 34 to the supply tank 47 via the active oxygen seed pre-stage water conveyance path 46.

[0094] After a predetermined time, the control unit 9 stops the operation of the active oxygen seed pump 45. The hypochlorous acid-containing water supplied to the supply tank 47 gradually moves through the drop opening 50 to the active oxygen seed post-stage delivery water channel 48, and is then delivered to the sterilization zone 26 via the active oxygen seed post-stage delivery water channel 48.

[0095] When the control unit 9 infers that the water volume in the sterilization zone 26 has decreased by a predetermined amount based on the signal indicating the air volume of the fan 6 received from the operation unit 1A, it activates the water supply pump 51 to start supplying water from the water supply zone 25 to the sterilization zone 26.

[0096] When the second water level detection unit 29 detects that the water level has risen to the target water level, the control unit 9 stops the operation of the water replenishment pump 51. At this time, the water containing hypochlorous acid delivered from the active oxygen supply unit 19 is mixed with the water delivered from the water replenishment unit 20, and the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the sterilization zone 26 is adjusted to the prescribed concentration.

[0097] Through these controls, the water volume and concentration of hypochlorous acid within a predetermined range can be maintained in the sterilization zone 26. This allows for the provision of an air purification device that exhibits stable sterilization performance.

[0098] As described above, the air purification device 100 has an air intake 2 and an air outlet 4. The main body 1 includes: an electrolytic cell 34 that stores water containing a predetermined amount of sodium chloride; an electrolysis unit 36 ​​that electrolyzes the water in the electrolytic cell 34 to generate water containing active oxygen species; a sterilization zone 26 that supplies the water containing active oxygen species in the electrolytic cell 34 with an active oxygen species replenishment unit 19; a gas-liquid contact unit 23 that brings the water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization zone 26 into contact with air; a water supply zone 25 that stores water; a water replenishment unit 20 that supplies a portion of the water from the water supply zone 25 to the sterilization zone 26; a fan 6 that blows air drawn in from the air intake 2 through the gas-liquid contact unit 23 to the air outlet; and a control unit 9 that controls the electrolysis unit 36, the active oxygen species replenishment unit 19, the water replenishment unit 20, and the fan 6.

[0099] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 10 As shown, the feature of this embodiment is that the control unit 9 activates the active oxygen seed replenishment unit 19 and the water replenishment unit 20 to supply water containing active oxygen seeds with a concentration higher than a specified concentration generated in the electrolytic cell 34 and water in the water supply zone 25 to the sterilization zone 26, thereby adjusting the concentration of active oxygen seeds in the sterilization zone 26 to a specified concentration.

[0100] In this way, the active oxygen supply unit 19 forcibly supplies water containing active oxygen at a concentration higher than a specified concentration, generated in the electrolyzer 34, to the sterilization zone 26, and the water supply unit 20 forcibly supplies water from the water supply zone to the sterilization zone 26. Therefore, the concentration of the active oxygen-containing water in the sterilization zone 26 can be adjusted in a short time. This suppresses deviations in the concentration of the active oxygen-containing water in the sterilization zone 26 and also suppresses deviations in the amount of active oxygen sprayed from the outlet.

[0101] Furthermore, by utilizing the water replenishment unit 20, a portion of the water from the water supply zone 25 can be supplied to the sterilization zone 26, diluting the concentration of the water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization zone 26 to a predetermined concentration. Therefore, the size of the electrolyzer can be reduced.

[0102] For example, if the concentration of water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization zone 26 is to be a predetermined concentration, consider not providing a water replenishment unit 20, but instead generating water containing the predetermined concentration of active oxygen species in the electrolysis cell 34 and supplying it to the sterilization zone 26 using the active oxygen species replenishment unit 19. In this case, the amount of water containing the predetermined concentration of active oxygen species that can be supplied to the sterilization zone 26 is equal to the amount of water generated in the electrolysis cell 34. On the other hand, if a water replenishment unit 20 is provided, the concentration of water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization zone 26 can be diluted to a predetermined concentration, and water containing active oxygen species at a concentration higher than the predetermined concentration can be generated in the electrolysis cell 34. Thus, the amount of water containing the predetermined concentration of active oxygen species that can be supplied to the sterilization zone 26 is equal to the sum of the amount of water generated in the electrolysis cell 34 and the amount of water supplied from the water replenishment unit 20. That is, compared to the case where the water replenishment unit 20 is not provided, by providing the water replenishment unit 20, a large amount of water containing the predetermined concentration of active oxygen species can be generated in the sterilization zone 26. As a result, the size of the electrolytic cell 34 can be reduced.

[0103] In addition, after the water in the electrolysis cell 34 is electrolyzed in the electrolysis unit 36, the control unit 9 stores water containing active oxygen species in the electrolysis cell 34 and supplies it in multiple times using the active oxygen species replenishment unit 19.

[0104] Specifically, when the control unit 9 calculates that a predetermined amount of hypochlorous acid in the sterilization zone 26 has been consumed based on the signal indicating the air volume of the fan 6 sent from the operation unit 1A, the active oxygen supply unit 19 supplies water containing a predetermined amount of active oxygen from the electrolysis cell 34 to the sterilization zone 26.

[0105] In addition, such as Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 10 As shown, when the control unit 9 calculates that the water volume in the sterilization zone 26 has decreased by a predetermined amount based on the signal indicating the air volume of the fan 6 received from the operation unit 1A, it supplies water from the water supply zone 25 to the sterilization zone 26 using the water replenishment unit 20. The control unit 9 performs these actions multiple times. In this way, by increasing the frequency of supplying water containing active oxygen to the electrolyzer 34 using the active oxygen replenishment unit 19, the change in the concentration of active oxygen in the sterilization zone 26 can be reduced.

[0106] Furthermore, when the electrolysis unit 36 ​​electrolyzes the water in the electrolysis tank 34, the control unit 9 activates the electrolysis unit 36 ​​during a first predetermined time period during which the electrolysis unit 36 ​​can completely electrolyze the sodium chloride in the electrolysis tank 34. As a result, the sodium chloride contained in the water in the electrolysis tank 34 is electrolyzed, and after the water containing active oxygen species is no longer present in the electrolysis tank 34, the residue of sodium chloride in the electrolysis tank 34 can be suppressed.

[0107] Furthermore, the air purification device 100 includes: a water supply unit 18 that supplies a portion of the water in the water supply zone 25 to the electrolytic cell 34; and a tablet dispensing mechanism 35 that dispenses an electrolysis promoter containing a predetermined amount of sodium chloride into the electrolytic cell 34. After the water containing active oxygen species is no longer present in the electrolytic cell 34, the control unit 9 uses the tablet dispensing mechanism 35 and the water supply unit 18 to store water containing a predetermined amount of sodium chloride in the electrolytic cell 34, and uses the electrolysis unit 36 ​​to electrolyze the water containing sodium chloride in the electrolytic cell 34.

[0108] Specifically, the electrolyzer 34 includes: a third water level detection unit 37, which detects that the water level in the electrolyzer 34 is below the water shortage level; and a fourth water level detection unit 38, which detects that the water level in the electrolyzer 34 has reached the target water level. Furthermore, the state of no water containing active oxygen species in the electrolyzer 34 also includes a state where the water level in the electrolyzer 34 is detected by the third water level detection unit 37, etc., to be below a predetermined water shortage level or other specified water level, and a state where water containing active oxygen species remains in areas where it cannot be supplied to the sterilization zone 26 by the active oxygen species replenishment unit 19.

[0109] First, when the control unit 9 receives a signal from the third water level detection unit 37 that the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 is lower than the water shortage level, it uses the tablet feeding mechanism 35 to feed an electrolysis promoter containing a predetermined amount of sodium chloride into the electrolytic cell 34, and uses the water supply unit 18 to supply a portion of the water in the water supply area 25 to the electrolytic cell 34, storing the water containing the predetermined amount of sodium chloride in the electrolytic cell 34.

[0110] Next, when the control unit 9 receives a signal from the third water level detection unit 37 indicating that the water level in the electrolysis cell 34 has reached the target water level, it stops the operation of the water supply unit 18 and uses the electrolysis unit 36 ​​to electrolyze the sodium chloride in the electrolysis cell 34 to generate water containing active oxygen.

[0111] Thus, during the first predetermined time period during which the electrolysis unit 36 ​​can completely electrolyze the sodium chloride in the electrolysis tank 34, the electrolysis unit 36 ​​is activated, and after the water containing active oxygen species is no longer present in the electrolysis tank 34, water containing active oxygen species is regenerated in the electrolysis tank 34. Therefore, sodium chloride is unlikely to remain in the electrolysis tank 34. As a result, since sodium chloride remains in the electrolysis tank 34, the increase in the concentration of sodium chloride in the electrolysis tank 34 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is easy to maintain a constant concentration of active oxygen species in the electrolysis tank 34, and the concentration of active oxygen species in the sterilization zone 26 can be maintained more consistently.

[0112] Industrial availability

[0113] The air purification device disclosed herein is useful for use in homes, businesses, and other applications.

[0114] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0115] 1. Main shell

[0116] 1A Operations Section

[0117] 1B Cover

[0118] 2. Inlet

[0119] 3 doors

[0120] 4. Blowout

[0121] 5. Divider

[0122] 6. Fan

[0123] 7 air purification units

[0124] 8 Wind Path

[0125] 9. Control Department

[0126] 10. Electric Motor Section

[0127] 11. Fan Section

[0128] 12. Shell section

[0129] 13 Motor shaft

[0130] 14 Discharge outlets

[0131] 15 suction port

[0132] 16 Water storage department

[0133] 17 Electrolysis Section

[0134] 18. Water Supply Department

[0135] 19. Reactive Oxygen Supply Department

[0136] 19a Reactive oxygen species connecting part

[0137] 19b Active Oxygen Seed Pump Unit

[0138] 20. Water Replenishment Department

[0139] 21 water storage container

[0140] 22 Water Supply Department

[0141] 23 Gas-liquid contact area

[0142] 24. Spacer

[0143] 25 Water Supply Area

[0144] 26. Sterilization Area

[0145] 27. Protrusion

[0146] 28. Water Quantity Testing Department No. 1

[0147] 28a First float section

[0148] 29. Second Water Quantity Testing Department

[0149] 29a Second float section

[0150] 30 water tanks

[0151] 30a handle

[0152] 31 Cover

[0153] 31a Lid opening

[0154] 31b Valve Bolt

[0155] 32 Filters

[0156] 33 Filter Box

[0157] 34 Electrolytic Cell

[0158] 35 Tablet delivery mechanism

[0159] 36 Electrolysis Units

[0160] 37. Third Water Quantity Testing Department

[0161] 37a Third float section

[0162] 38. Fourth Water Quantity Testing Department

[0163] 38a Fourth float section

[0164] 39 tablets in the box

[0165] 39a Opening

[0166] 40 Tablet feeding components

[0167] 41 Tablet Insertion Shield

[0168] 42 Electrolysis accelerator tablets

[0169] 43 Water supply pump

[0170] 44 Water supply lines

[0171] 45 Active oxygen seed pump

[0172] 46. ​​Active oxygen seed pre-conveying water circuit

[0173] 47 Supply Tank

[0174] 48. Post-stage water transport system for active oxygen seeding

[0175] 50 drops the opening

[0176] 51 Water supply pump

[0177] 52. Water supply system.

Claims

1. An air cleaning device characterized by comprising: a main body case having a suction port and a blow port, the main body case including: an electrolysis tank in which water containing a prescribed amount of sodium chloride is stored; an electrolysis unit that electrolyzes the water in the electrolysis tank to generate water containing active oxygen species; a bacteria removal section to which the water containing active oxygen species in the electrolysis tank is supplied by an active oxygen species supply section; a gas-liquid contact section that brings the water containing active oxygen species of the bacteria removal section into contact with air; and a water supply section that stores water; a water supply section that supplies a portion of the water of the water supply section to the bacteria removal section; a blower that sends air sucked from the suction port to the blow port via the gas-liquid contact section, a control section that controls the electrolysis unit, the active oxygen species supply section, the water supply section, and the blower, the control section causing the active oxygen species supply section and the water supply section to operate to adjust the concentration of active oxygen species in the bacteria removal section to a prescribed concentration, the main body case further having: a tablet input mechanism that inputs an electrolysis accelerator containing a prescribed amount of sodium chloride to the electrolysis tank; and a water supply section that supplies a portion of the water of the water supply section to the electrolysis tank, the control section, during a first prescribed time period in which the electrolysis unit can electrolyze all of the sodium chloride in the electrolysis tank, causing the electrolysis unit to operate, after the water containing active oxygen species in the electrolysis tank is depleted, using the tablet input mechanism and the water supply section to store water containing a prescribed amount of sodium chloride in the electrolysis tank, and using the electrolysis unit to electrolyze the water containing sodium chloride in the electrolysis tank.

2. The air cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: the control section, after the electrolysis unit electrolyzes the water in the electrolysis tank, uses the active oxygen species supply section to supply the water containing active oxygen species in the electrolysis tank to the bacteria removal section a plurality of times. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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