Space purification system, and method for stabilizing concentration of hypochlorous acid

Abstract

To stabilize concentration of a hypochlorous acid in a storage tank.SOLUTION: A space purification system 200 includes an electrolytic cell 140 for producing hypochlorous acid water, a storage tank 210 for storing the hypochlorous acid water produced in the electrolytic cell 140, discharge means 220 for discharging the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank 210 to the atmospheric air, a concentration measuring device 230 for measuring concentration of a hypochlorous acid of the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank 210, water supplying means 260 for supplying supply water which is at least one of the hypochlorous acid water produced in the electrolytic cell 140 and water to the storage tank 210, and a supply control unit 147 for controlling the water supplying means 260, wherein the supply control unit 147 outputs supply information which is information on the supply water that is supplied so that the concentration of the hypochlorous acid in the storage tank 210 becomes a target concentration, to the water supply means 260, on the basis of the concentration of the hypochlorous acid measured by the concentration measuring device 230.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a space purification system that purifies a space with hypochlorous acid water. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a so-called ultraviolet absorption type measurement technique that measures the concentration of hypochlorous acid water based on the attenuation of absorption of ultraviolet light by hypochlorite ions.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a so-called polaro type measurement technique for measuring the concentration of hypochlorous acid water based on the electrochemical reduction current of hypochlorous acid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-343080 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2011-7508 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In ultraviolet absorption measurement technology, the light source that emits the ultraviolet light for measurement deteriorates in a relatively short period of time, causing the measured value of the concentration of hypochlorous acid water to fluctuate. For this reason, correction work is required to stabilize the measured value, making handling complicated. In addition, ultraviolet parts are expensive, which creates a cost problem.

[0006] In polaro-type measurement technology, the measured value of the concentration of hypochlorous acid water fluctuates due to contamination of the electrodes used in the measurement. For this reason, in order to stabilize the measured value, cleaning of the electrodes is required, making handling complicated. Since the material of the electrodes used in polaro-type measurement is a precious metal, the measurement device itself is expensive, which is a cost problem.

[0007] The inventor has conducted extensive research and experiments based on the above-mentioned problem, and has found that the electric conductivity of hypochlorous acid water, which can be stably measured, is an index that relatively accurately indicates the concentration of hypochlorous acid water.The present invention is based on the inventor's findings, and aims to provide a space purification system that can stabilize the hypochlorous acid concentration by correctly measuring the concentration of hypochlorous acid water in a storage tank, which changes over time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a space purification system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes chlorine-containing water to produce hypochlorous acid water, a storage tank that stores the hypochlorous acid water produced in the electrolytic cell, a release means for releasing the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank into the atmosphere, a concentration measuring device that measures the hypochlorous acid concentration of the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank, a water supply means that supplies a supply water, which is at least one of the hypochlorous acid water produced in the electrolytic cell and water, to the storage tank, and a supply control unit that controls the water supply means, and the supply control unit outputs supply information to the water supply means, which is information about the supply water in which the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the storage tank becomes a target concentration, based on the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the concentration measuring device. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the storage tank can be stably maintained, and a space can be stably purified using hypochlorous acid water of a predetermined concentration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a simplified spatial purification system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the space purification system. [Diagram 3] 1 is a graph showing the relationship between hypochlorous acid concentration and the electrical conductivity of hypochlorous acid water. [Figure 4]1 is a graph showing the relationship between the difference in electrical conductivity and the concentration of hypochlorous acid. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a liquid resistance measurement circuit provided in the measurement means. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a main control device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of an operation for stabilizing the concentration of hypochlorous acid in a storage tank. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a concentration measurement operation of the space purification system. [Figure 9] 1 is a graph showing the change over time in the concentration of hypochlorous acid in a storage tank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiment of the space purification system and the hypochlorous acid concentration stabilization method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example to explain the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. For example, the shape, structure, material, components, relative positional relationship, connection state, numerical value, formula, contents of each step in the method, order of each step, etc. shown in the following embodiment are examples and may include contents not described below. In addition, geometric expressions such as parallel and orthogonal may be used, but these expressions do not indicate mathematical rigor, and include substantially acceptable errors, deviations, etc. In addition, expressions such as simultaneous and identical also include a substantially acceptable range.

[0012] In addition, the drawings are schematic diagrams in which emphasis, omission, or adjustment of the ratio is appropriately performed in order to explain the present invention, and differ from the actual shapes, positional relationships, and ratios. In addition, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis that may be shown in the drawings indicate orthogonal coordinates that are arbitrarily set for the explanation of the drawings. In other words, the Z-axis is not necessarily an axis along the vertical direction, and the X-axis and Y-axis are not necessarily present in a horizontal plane.

[0013] In addition, in the following, a plurality of inventions may be collectively described as one embodiment, and some of the contents described below are described as optional components related to the present invention.

[0014] Furthermore, the flowchart is merely an example, and any other process flow that is different, such as a different process order, multiple processes being integrated, or one process being separated, is also included in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a simplified side view of a space purification system 200 according to the present embodiment. The space purification system 200 releases at least hypochlorous acid in the hypochlorous acid water into the space. The space purification system 200 also introduces the air in the space into the hypochlorous acid water. The space is intended for a closed space such as an indoor space of a building. Specific examples of the space include a living space in an ordinary home, or an indoor space in a hospital or a nursing facility. The space does not have to be a completely closed space and may be connected to the outdoors. The space may be not only a space in a building, but also a space in a moving body such as a train or a car.

[0016] Purification by hypochlorous acid means at least one of sterilization and deodorization. Specifically, hypochlorous acid has an oxidizing effect, and sterilizes and deodorizes airborne bacteria in the air, bacteria attached to objects, or odorous substances by oxidation. The term "sterilization" is described for convenience in this specification and claims, and includes the meaning of "sterilization". In addition, "bacteria" is described as including viruses, mold, etc.

[0017] 1, the space purification system 200 includes an electrolytic cell 140, a storage tank 210, a discharging means 220, a concentration measuring device 230, and a water supply means 260. In this embodiment, the space purification system 200 includes a main control device 144.

[0018] The electrolytic cell 140 is a container for electrolyzing chlorine-containing water to generate hypochlorous acid water. The electrolytic cell 140 will be described in detail later.

[0019] The storage tank 210 is a container for storing the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell 140. Inside the storage tank 210, a release means 220, a pair of measuring electrodes 233, and a temperature sensor 235 are arranged.

[0020] In the present embodiment, the release means 220 is a cylindrical member that rotates around the tube axis (left and right direction in FIG. 1), and a part of the periphery of the release means 220 is periodically immersed in the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank 210, and the hypochlorous acid water is raised above the liquid surface by utilizing capillary action or the like. At least the hypochlorous acid in the hypochlorous acid water is diffused into the space by passing air between the hypochlorous acid water raised above the liquid surface. Bacteria (including viruses, mold, etc.) present in the space are sterilized (including inactivation of viruses, mold, etc.) by contacting with the hypochlorous acid water raised by the release means 220. They are also sterilized by contacting with the hypochlorous acid diffused in the space.

[0021] The release means 220 may be a device that atomizes the hypochlorous acid water in the storage tank 210 by centrifugal crushing or the like and releases the atomized hypochlorous acid water into a space, thereby promoting the evaporation of hypochlorous acid and water in the space.

[0022] The water supply means 260 is a device that supplies the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic bath 140 and / or water, which is a supply water, to the storage tank 210. In the present embodiment, the water supply means 260 includes a first adjustment means 262 that adjusts the amount of water supplied from the water source 261 to the storage tank 210, and a second adjustment means 263 that adjusts the amount of hypochlorous acid water supplied from the electrolytic bath 140 to the storage tank 210. The water supply means 260 can supply hypochlorous acid water of a desired concentration to the storage tank 210 by adjusting the amount of water supplied and the amount of hypochlorous acid water supplied. In the present embodiment, the water supply means 260 adjusts the amount of water supplied and the amount of hypochlorous acid water supplied based on supply information (described in detail below) output by the supply control unit 147 (described in detail below).

[0023] The water source 261 is not limited, but may be, for example, a water tank that stores water as the water source 261 of the space purification system 200. In addition, the water source 261 may be a waterworks that supplies drinking water, and the water supply means 260 may obtain water directly from a water pipe.

[0024] In addition, the water supply means 260 may obtain water from the water source 261 and obtain hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 140 to generate hypochlorous acid water of a predetermined concentration, and supply the hypochlorous acid water of the predetermined concentration to the storage tank 210.

[0025] The water supply means 260 can also supply only the hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 140 as the supply water to the storage tank 210 without supplying water, and can also supply only water as the supply water to the storage tank 210 without supplying hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 140. In other words, the supply water includes the case where only the hypochlorous acid water is supplied from the electrolytic cell 140, the case where only the water is supplied from the water source 261, and the case where the hypochlorous acid water supplied from the electrolytic cell 140 and the water supplied from the water source 261 are mixed. The mixing includes the case where the hypochlorous acid water supplied from the electrolytic cell 140 and the water supplied from the water source 261 are separately charged into the storage tank 210 and mixed in the storage tank 210, and the case where the hypochlorous acid water supplied from the electrolytic cell 140 and the water supplied from the water source 261 are mixed by the water supply means 260 and charged into the storage tank 210.

[0026] The concentration measuring device 230 is a device that measures the hypochlorous acid concentration of the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank 210, and is equipped with a measuring means 231 and a measurement control device 232.

[0027] The measuring means 231 is a device that measures conductivity information indicating the conductivity of the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank 210, and includes a pair of measuring electrodes 233 and an application measuring device 234. In the case of this embodiment, the measuring means 231 includes a temperature sensor 235 that measures temperature information indicating the temperature of the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank 210.

[0028] The measuring electrodes 233 are a pair of conductive members arranged in a spaced relationship in the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank 210. The shape of the measuring electrodes 233 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, it is a rectangular plate (strip) and is smaller than the electrolysis electrode 141 used for electrolysis in the electrolysis tank 140. The pair of measuring electrodes 233 are arranged so that their main surfaces face each other. The material of the measuring electrodes 233 is not particularly limited as long as it is a material having electrical conductivity. The material of the measuring electrodes 233 is not particularly limited, but a conductive material having corrosion resistance is preferable. Specific examples of the material of the measuring electrodes 233 include titanium, titanium alloys, and stainless steel. These materials can be easily processed into the measuring electrodes 233, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0029] The application measurement device 234 includes an AC power supply device 236 (see FIG. 5) that applies a predetermined AC voltage between the pair of measurement electrodes 233. The application measurement device 234 also includes a liquid resistance value measurement device 237 (see FIG. 5) that measures the liquid resistance value between the pair of measurement electrodes 233 as electrical conductivity information. The application measurement device 234 selects whether or not to apply an AC voltage to the pair of measurement electrodes 233, that is, whether or not to apply an AC voltage to the pair of measurement electrodes 233, under the control of the measurement control device 232. The frequency of the AC voltage that the application measurement device 234 applies between the pair of measurement electrodes 233 is preferably selected from a range of 1 kHz or more and 100 kHz or less. By applying an AC voltage in this relatively high frequency range, the liquid resistance measurement device can measure the liquid resistance value without an imaginary term when calculating the liquid resistance value of the hypochlorous acid water using the AC impedance method. Although the application and measurement device 234 includes the AC power supply device 236 that applies an AC voltage, the application and measurement device 234 may include the AC power supply device 236 that applies an AC current. In this case, the measurement control device 232 may control the AC current.

[0030] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the space purification system 200. The measurement control device 232 includes a processor, and controls the timing at which the application measurement device 234 applies an AC voltage to the pair of measurement electrodes 233 by causing the processor to execute a program. The measurement control device 232 also obtains conductivity information indicating the conductivity of the hypochlorous acid water obtained by applying the AC voltage. The measurement control device 232 includes a measurement information acquisition unit 241, a conversion information acquisition unit 242, and a concentration calculation unit 243 as processing units. In the case of this embodiment, the measurement control device 232 includes a correction information acquisition unit 246, a measurement adjustment unit 247, and a reduction amount acquisition unit 248.

[0031] The measurement information acquiring unit 241 acquires the electrical conductivity information from the measuring means 231. The electrical conductivity information acquired from the measuring means 231 is not particularly limited, and may be the electrical conductivity (electrical conductivity) of the hypochlorous acid water, or information from which the electrical conductivity can be derived by calculation. For example, the electrical conductivity information may be the liquid resistance value of the hypochlorous acid water. The measurement information acquiring unit 241 may acquire the liquid resistance value measured by the measurement control device 232 using an AC impedance method, and the electrical conductivity may be derived by calculating the reciprocal of the acquired liquid resistance value.

[0032] In the case of this embodiment, the measurement information acquisition unit 241 also acquires temperature information from the temperature sensor 235 provided in the measurement means 231 .

[0033] The conversion information acquisition unit 242 acquires conversion information showing the relationship between the hypochlorous acid concentration and the electrical conductivity information. The inventor measured the hypochlorous acid concentration of the supply water to be supplied to the storage tank 210, and measured the hypochlorous acid concentration at predetermined time intervals in the storage tank 210 after the supply of the supply water. The inventor found that, regarding the relationship between the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 and the electrical conductivity of the hypochlorous acid water, the electrical conductivity after concentration correction, which corrects the influence of the vaporization of water, increases as the hypochlorous acid concentration decreases due to the release of the hypochlorous acid component, as shown in FIG. 3. Note that m in FIG. 3 is an integer, and the number of measurements immediately after the water supply is indicated as m. In addition, the specific values ​​of the hypochlorous acid concentration and electrical conductivity are omitted.

[0034] From the above, the inventors created conversion information showing the relationship between hypochlorous acid concentration and electrical conductivity as a function, as shown in the graph of Fig. 4, as conversion information corresponding to the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank 210. In the case of this embodiment, the conversion information acquisition unit 242 acquires the function stored in the storage device 202 provided in the measurement control device 232 as conversion information. Note that Fig. 4 shows the release period conversion information, which is conversion information used in the release period (see Fig. 9) from when the supply water is supplied to when the next supply is made.

[0035] The concentration calculation unit 243 calculates the hypochlorous acid concentration based on the conductivity information acquired from the measuring means 231 and the conversion information acquired by the conversion information acquisition unit 242. The concentration calculation unit 243 outputs the calculated hypochlorous acid concentration to the main control device 144. Although the method of calculating the concentration is not limited, in the case of the present embodiment, the concentration calculation unit 243 calculates the absolute hypochlorous acid concentration based on the difference (excluding the influence of the hardness component of the water) between the reference conductivity information serving as the basis for calculating the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 and the conductivity information acquired at a predetermined time interval during the release period, which is the period from the supply of the supply water to the next supply of the supply water, the conversion information acquired by the conversion information acquisition unit 242, and the reference hypochlorous acid concentration.

[0036] The reference conductivity, which is the reference conductivity information, is the conductivity of the hypochlorous acid water in the storage tank 210 immediately after the water is supplied by the water supply means 260. In this embodiment, the reference conductivity and the reference hypochlorous acid concentration are calculated analogically based on the conductivity, hypochlorous acid concentration, and amount of the hypochlorous acid water in the electrolytic cell 140 immediately before the supply of the supply water, and the conductivity and amount of the water. Specifically, the reference conductivity is calculated based on the conductivity of the hypochlorous acid water in the electrolytic cell 140, the supply amount of the hypochlorous acid water in the supply water, the conductivity of the water in the supply water, the supply amount of the water in the supply water, the conductivity of the hypochlorous acid water in the storage tank 210 immediately before the supply of the supply water, and the amount of the hypochlorous acid water in the storage tank 210 immediately before the supply of the supply water. The reference hypochlorous acid concentration is calculated based on the hypochlorous acid concentration of the hypochlorous acid water in the electrolytic cell 140, the supply amount of the hypochlorous acid water in the feed water, the hypochlorous acid concentration of the water in the feed water, the supply amount of the water in the feed water, the hypochlorous acid concentration of the hypochlorous acid water in the storage tank 210 immediately before the supply of the feed water, and the amount of the hypochlorous acid water in the storage tank 210 immediately before the supply of the feed water. At least one of the amounts may be 0. A specific calculation method will be described later.

[0037] When the space purification system 200 is used for the first time, or when the space purification system 200 has been maintained, and the storage tank 210 is empty, that is, when the amount of hypochlorous acid water in the storage tank 210 immediately before the supply of the supply water is zero, the concentration calculation unit 243 may use the conductivity information of the supply water supplied to the storage tank 210 as the reference conductivity information. Also, only water may be supplied to the empty storage tank 210, and the conductivity information acquired by the measuring means 231 may be used as the conductivity information of the supply water to infer the reference conductivity.

[0038] Furthermore, the concentration calculation unit 243 may correct the reference conductivity information based on the amount of hypochlorous acid water reduced in the storage tank 210 acquired by a reduction amount acquisition unit 248 described later.

[0039] The correction information acquisition unit 246 acquires correction information indicating temperature correction when calculating the hypochlorous acid concentration from the measured electrical conductivity information. The correction information may be created by experimentally changing the temperature of the water in the storage tank 210 and measuring the relationship between the temperature and electrical conductivity of the hypochlorous acid water. The inventors have found that the correction information is the temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity, and that the actual temperature coefficient of the electrical conductivity of hypochlorous acid water may be measured and used, or that the temperature coefficient of NaCl water (dilute salt water) may be used.

[0040] The temperature coefficient of electrical conductivity is expressed by the following formula 1.

[0041]

number

[0042] α varies depending on the type of solute dissolved in water. When performing temperature correction of the conductivity of hypochlorous acid water, the inventors found that the temperature coefficient (226*10^(-4)) of NaCl water (dilute salt water) is suitable. Note that * and · indicate multiplication, and ^ indicates exponentiation.

[0043] The measurement adjustment unit 247 changes at least one of the gain of the output power of the AC power supply device 236 included in the application measurement device 234 (see row (a) of FIG. 5) and the gain of the liquid resistance value measurement device 237 (see row (b) of FIG. 5) so that the electrical conductivity information measured by the measurement means 231 falls within a predetermined range. This allows the electrical conductivity to be measured with high accuracy. The method of adjusting the gain is not particularly limited, but an example of the method is to gradually increase the gain from a small gain and set it to a gain just before the liquid resistance value, which is the output, becomes saturated. In addition, the measurement adjustment unit 247 may change the gain at least once immediately after the supply water is supplied to the storage tank 210.

[0044] The reduction amount acquiring unit 248 acquires water level information indicating the water level from a water level sensor 250 provided in the storage tank 210. The reduction amount acquiring unit 248 acquires the water level information in synchronization with the measurement information acquiring unit 241, and calculates the amount of reduction in the water volume of the storage tank in the reduction amount acquiring unit. The reduction amount acquiring unit 248 may also infer the amount of reduction from other information such as environmental information.

[0045] The electrolytic bath 140 is a water tank that stores chlorine-containing water, and hypochlorous acid water is generated by electrolyzing the chlorine-containing water in the electrolytic bath 140. The chlorine-containing water can be, for example, water in which salt has been dissolved.

[0046] A pair of electrolysis electrodes 141 are disposed in the electrolytic bath 140. The pair of electrolysis electrodes 141 are connected to an electrolysis device 142. Also disposed in the electrolytic bath 140 are an electrolysis-side water level sensor 146, a pair of electrolysis-side measurement electrodes 111, and an electrolysis-side temperature sensor 113.

[0047] The electrolytic electrodes 141 are a pair of conductive members that are inserted into the chlorine-containing water stored in the electrolytic cell 140. The shape of the electrolytic electrodes 141 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, they are rectangular plate-like (strip-like). The pair of electrolytic electrodes 141 are arranged so that their respective main surfaces (the surfaces with the largest areas) face each other. The material of the electrolytic electrodes 141 is not particularly limited as long as the material has conductivity. For example, the electrolytic electrodes 141 may have a configuration in which a catalytic layer is coated on the surface of a conductive base material. Examples of the conductive base material include simple metals such as titanium, iron, copper, niobium, and tantalum, or alloys thereof. Considering ease of processing during manufacturing or manufacturing costs, the material of the conductive base material is preferably titanium or a titanium alloy. Examples of the catalytic layer include catalysts containing platinum, iridium, and the like. Other mixtures contained in the catalytic layer may be in any metallic state such as metal, alloy, and metal oxide, and examples of such mixtures include lead, gold, nickel, copper, silver, iron, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, and carbon.

[0048] The electrolysis device 142 is a DC power supply device that applies a predetermined DC voltage between the pair of electrolysis electrodes 141. Under the control of the main control device 144, the electrolysis device 142 selects whether or not to apply a voltage to the pair of electrolysis electrodes 141, that is, turns on or off the application of a voltage to the pair of electrolysis electrodes 141. The electrolysis device 142 may also apply a predetermined DC current between the pair of electrolysis electrodes 141.

[0049] The electrolysis side measurement electrode 111 and the electrolysis side temperature sensor 113 are similar to the measurement electrode 233 and the temperature sensor 235, and are connected to the measurement means 231. The measurement means 231 and the measurement control device 232 calculate the concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the electrolysis cell 140 based on the pair of the electrolysis side measurement electrode 111 and the electrolysis side temperature sensor 113.

[0050] The conversion information acquisition unit 242 acquires electrolysis side conversion information for calculating the hypochlorous acid concentration in the electrolytic bath 140. The electrolysis side conversion information is different from the conversion information for calculating the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210.

[0051] 6 is a block diagram showing a processing section realized by causing a processor included in main control device 144 to execute a program. Main control device 144 includes a processor, and includes supply control section 147 as a processing section realized by causing the processor to execute a program.

[0052] The supply control unit 147 is a processing unit that controls the water supply means 260, and generates supply information, which is information about the supply water in which the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the storage tank 210 becomes a target concentration, based on the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the concentration measuring device 230, and outputs it to the water supply means 260. Here, the hypochlorous acid concentration means the total concentration of hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ions. The supply information includes information about the hypochlorous acid concentration in the electrolytic bath 140 calculated by the concentration calculation unit 243, the amount of water supplied from the water source 261 to the storage tank 210 by the first adjustment means 262, and the amount of hypochlorous acid water supplied from the electrolytic bath 140 to the storage tank 210 by the second adjustment means 263. In the case of this embodiment, the supply control unit 147 acquires water level information of the hypochlorous acid water in the storage tank 210 and calculates the supply information.

[0053] 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the space purification system 200. The supply control unit 147 acquires the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 from the concentration calculation unit 243, and judges whether the acquired hypochlorous acid concentration is below a predetermined lower limit (S101). The concentration calculation method of the concentration calculation unit 243 will be described later. If the hypochlorous acid concentration is below the lower limit (S101, Yes), the supply control unit 147 transmits supply information to the water supply means 260 and controls the water supply means 260 to supply the supply water to the storage tank 210 so that the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 becomes the target concentration (S102). The lower limit may coincide with the target concentration.

[0054] Here, the supply control unit 147 generates supply information including the amount of supply water based on the supply information calculated based on the difference between the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 measured by the concentration measuring device 230 and the target concentration, and the hypochlorous acid concentration in the electrolytic bath 140 measured by the concentration measuring device 230, and transmits the supply information to the water supply means 260.

[0055] In this embodiment, when the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the concentration measuring device 230 is lower than the lower limit (target concentration), the supply control unit 147 generates supply information in which water is not contained in the supply water. In other words, the supply control unit 147 generates supply information in which only the hypochlorous acid water in the electrolytic bath 140 is supplied to the storage tank 210.

[0056] In addition, the supply control unit 147 causes the concentration measuring device 230 to measure the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 after a predetermined adjustment time has elapsed since the water supply means 260 supplied the supply water to the storage tank 210 (S102) (S103). As the adjustment time passes, the hypochlorous acid water remaining in the storage tank 210 and the supply water are mixed uniformly, and the next measured hypochlorous acid concentration can be estimated to be the hypochlorous acid concentration in the entire storage tank 210.

[0057] When the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the measurement (S103) after the adjustment time has elapsed is not below the lower limit (S101, No), the supply control unit 147 acquires the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 from the concentration calculation unit 243, and determines whether the acquired hypochlorous acid concentration exceeds the target concentration (S104). Note that the order of the judgment with the lower limit (S101) and the judgment with the target concentration (S104) may be reversed.

[0058] If the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 does not exceed the target concentration (S104, No), the concentration calculation unit 243 next calculates the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210, and returns to step (S101) to perform threshold judgment based on the lower limit. If the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 exceeds the target concentration (S104, Yes), the supply control unit 147 transmits supply information to the water supply means 260 and controls the water supply means 260 to supply the supply water to the storage tank 210 so that the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 becomes the target concentration (S105).

[0059] In this embodiment, when the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the concentration measuring device 230 is higher than the target concentration, the supply control unit 147 generates supply information for not including hypochlorous acid water in the supply water. In other words, the supply control unit 147 generates supply information for supplying only water that does not include hypochlorous acid water to the storage tank 210.

[0060] Furthermore, the supply control unit 147 causes the concentration measuring device 230 to measure the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 (S106) after a predetermined adjustment time has elapsed since the water supply means 260 supplied the supply water to the storage tank 210 (S105).

[0061] The main controller 144 determines whether or not to terminate the operation of the space purification system 200 (S107), and if not (S107, No), the flow returns to determining the next measured hypochlorous acid concentration (S101).

[0062] Next, a flow of a concentration calculation process performed by the concentration measuring device 230 will be described.

[0063] In the main control device 144, when the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 falls below a predetermined concentration range or the amount of hypochlorous acid water in the storage tank 210 falls below a predetermined amount range, the supply control unit 147 controls the water supply means 260 to supply a predetermined amount of supply water with a predetermined hypochlorous acid concentration to the storage tank 210 (S201). The amount of water in the storage tank after water supply is estimated from the control information of the water level sensor 250 and the water supply means 260 and stored in the storage device 202. Note that when the space purification system 200 is used for the first time, when the space purification system 200 is maintained, or when the storage tank 210 is empty, the main control device 144 controls the water supply means 260 to supply a predetermined amount of supply water with a predetermined hypochlorous acid concentration to the storage tank 210.

[0064] Next, the concentration calculation unit 243 calculates the reference conductivity by the following formula 2, and determines the result as reference conductivity information related to the calculation of the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210. The concentration calculation unit 243 also calculates the reference hypochlorous acid concentration by the following formula 3, and determines the result as reference hypochlorous acid concentration information related to the calculation of the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 (S202). The determined reference conductivity information and reference hypochlorous acid concentration are stored in the storage device 202. Sb=(S1*W1+S2*W2+Sr*Wr) / (W1+W2+Wr)...Formula 2 Sb: Standard conductivity S1: Conductivity of hypochlorous acid water in electrolytic cell 140 W1: Amount of hypochlorous acid water supplied in the supply water S2: Water conductivity in the supply water W2: Amount of water supplied in the supply water Sr: Conductivity of hypochlorous acid water in the storage tank 210 immediately before supplying the supply water Wr: Amount of hypochlorous acid water in the storage tank 210 immediately before supplying the supply water * indicates multiplication, + indicates addition, and / indicates division. Cb=(C1*W1+C2*W2+Cr*Wr) / (W1+W2+Wr)...Formula 3 Cb: Standard hypochlorous acid concentration C1: Hypochlorous acid concentration of hypochlorous acid water in electrolytic cell 140 W1: Amount of hypochlorous acid water supplied in the supply water C2: Hypochlorous acid concentration in the supply water W2: Amount of water supplied in the supply water Cr: Hypochlorous acid concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the storage tank 210 immediately before supplying the supply water Wr: Amount of hypochlorous acid water in the storage tank 210 immediately before supplying the supply water * indicates multiplication, + indicates addition, and / indicates division.

[0065] The concentration calculation unit 243 may determine the conductivity information measured and acquired immediately after the supply water is supplied as reference conductivity information and store it in the storage device 202 .

[0066] In addition, when the storage tank 210 is empty, such as when the space purification system 200 is used for the first time or after maintenance, Wr=0; when only hypochlorous acid water is supplied from the electrolytic cell 140, W1=0; and when only water is supplied, W2=0.

[0067] Furthermore, when tap water or the like is used, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the supply water is generally very low, and C2 may be essentially set to 0.

[0068] After a predetermined time has elapsed (S203), the concentration measuring device 230 acquires the amount of decrease in the water volume relative to the amount of water immediately after water supply, stored in the storage device 202, from the decrease amount acquisition unit 248. The concentration calculation unit 243 performs correction for the concentration equivalent to the decrease in the water volume of the reference conductivity information and the reference hypochlorous acid concentration stored in the storage device 202 (S204). Synchronously, the measurement means 231 is controlled to measure the liquid resistance value. In the case of this embodiment, the measurement information acquisition unit 241 also acquires temperature information. The concentration calculation unit 243 converts the liquid resistance value into conductivity by taking the reciprocal, and calculates the corrected conductivity based on the correction information by the water temperature. Then, the corrected reference conductivity information, the reference hypochlorous acid concentration, and the currently calculated conductivity are applied to Equation 4 to calculate the hypochlorous acid concentration (S205). Cy=Cb'-ΔCy=Cb'-(Sy-Sb') / Ky...Equation 4 Cy: Concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the storage tank 210 Cb': Corrected for the concentration equivalent to the standard hypochlorous acid concentration Cb Sb': Corrected for the concentration of standard conductivity Sb Sy: Calculated conductivity Ky: Conversion information acquired by the conversion information acquisition unit 242 ΔCy: Change in hypochlorous acid concentration

[0069] The main control device 144 acquires the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water in the storage tank 210 and determines whether the concentration range satisfies a predetermined condition (S206). If the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water satisfies the predetermined condition (S206, No), the measurement of the concentration is repeated at a predetermined time interval. If the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water does not satisfy the predetermined condition (S206, Yes), the main control device 144 determines whether to terminate the operation of the space purification system 200 (S207), and if not (S207, No), the flow returns to the supply of the supply water (S201).

[0070] The electrolytic cell 140 and the devices provided in the electrolytic cell 140 are described below. The electrolytic cell 140 is a water tank that stores chlorine-containing water, and hypochlorous acid water is generated by electrolyzing the chlorine-containing water in the electrolytic cell 140. The chlorine-containing water can be, for example, water with salt dissolved therein.

[0071] A pair of electrolysis electrodes 141 are disposed in the electrolytic bath 140. The pair of electrolysis electrodes 141 are connected to an electrolysis device 142. Also disposed in the electrolytic bath 140 are an electrolysis-side water level sensor 146, a pair of electrolysis-side measurement electrodes 111, and an electrolysis-side temperature sensor 113.

[0072] The space purification system 200 according to the aspect (1-1) included in the above embodiment includes an electrolytic cell 140 that electrolyzes chlorine-containing water to generate hypochlorous acid water, a storage tank 210 that stores the hypochlorous acid water generated by the electrolytic cell 140, a release means 220 that releases the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank 210 into the atmosphere, a concentration measuring device 230 that measures the hypochlorous acid concentration of the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank 210, a water supply means 260 that supplies the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell 140 and / or water, to the storage tank 210, and a supply control unit 147 that controls the water supply means 260. The supply control unit 147 outputs supply information to the water supply means 260, which is information about the supply water that will result in a target concentration of hypochlorous acid in the storage tank 210, based on the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the concentration measuring device 230.

[0073] According to the aspect (1-1), the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the storage tank 210 can be stabilized, and the purification capacity of the space purification system 200 can be maintained constant.

[0074] The space purification system 200 according to aspect (1-2) includes aspect (1-1), and the water supply means 260 is capable of adjusting the amount of hypochlorous acid water and the amount of water in the supply water, and the supply control unit 147 generates supply information including the hypochlorous acid concentration of the supply water, and generates supply information including the amount of supply water based on the difference between the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the concentration measuring device 230 and the target concentration, and the supply information.

[0075] According to the aspect (1-2), the stabilization of the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 can be specifically achieved by the amount and concentration of the hypochlorous acid water generated by the electrolysis electrode 141, and the amount and concentration of water.

[0076] The space purification system 200 according to aspect (1-3) includes aspect (1-1) or aspect (1-2), and the supply control unit 147 generates supply information indicating that no water is contained in the supply water when the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the concentration measuring device 230 is lower than the target concentration.

[0077] According to the embodiment (1-3), the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the storage tank 210 is increased only by the hypochlorous acid water produced in the electrolytic cell 140, so that the target concentration can be reached with a small amount of supply water.

[0078] The space purification system 200 according to aspect (1-4) includes any one of aspects (1-1) to (1-3), and when the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the concentration measuring device 230 is higher than the target concentration, the supply control unit 147 generates supply information indicating that the supply water does not contain hypochlorous acid water.

[0079] According to the aspect (1-4), the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the storage tank 210 is diluted with water only, so that the target concentration can be achieved with a small amount of supplied water.

[0080] The space purification system 200 according to aspect (1-5) includes any one of aspects (1-1) to (1-4), and when the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the concentration measuring device 230 is outside a target concentration range including the target concentration, the supply control unit 147 generates supply information that brings the hypochlorous acid concentration of the supply water into the target concentration range.

[0081] According to aspect (1-5), the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 can be kept within a target concentration range (e.g., a range from a lower limit value to a target concentration), and the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 can be adjusted by stable operation without frequently supplying supply water.

[0082] The space purification system 200 according to aspect (1-6) includes any one of aspects (1-1) to (1-5), and the supply control unit 147 causes the concentration measuring device 230 to measure the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 a predetermined adjustment time after the water supply means 260 supplies the supply water to the storage tank 210.

[0083] According to aspect (1-6), the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 is measured taking into account the time it takes for the hypochlorous acid water remaining in the storage tank 210 and the supplied water to become uniform, thereby making it possible to accurately measure the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 and stabilize the spatial purification effect.

[0084] The space purification system 200 of embodiment (2-1) may include any of embodiments (1-1) to (1-6), and includes an electrolytic cell 140 that electrolyzes chlorine-containing water to produce hypochlorous acid water, a storage tank 210 that stores the hypochlorous acid water produced in the electrolytic cell 140, a release means 220 that releases at least the hypochlorous acid in the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank 210 into space, a concentration measuring device 230 that measures the hypochlorous acid concentration of the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank 210, and a water supply means 260 that supplies the hypochlorous acid water produced in the electrolytic cell 140 and / or water, to the storage tank 210.

[0085] According to the space purification system 200 of the aspect (2-1), the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the storage tank 210 can be accurately calculated.

[0086] The spatial purification system 200 of embodiment (2-2) includes embodiment (2-1), and the concentration measurement device 230 includes a measurement means 231 that measures conductivity information indicating the conductivity of the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank 210, and a measurement control device 232 that controls the measurement means 231. The measurement control device 232 includes a measurement information acquisition unit 241 that acquires the conductivity information from the measurement means 231, a conversion information acquisition unit 242 that acquires conversion information indicating the relationship between the conductivity information and the hypochlorous acid concentration, and a concentration calculation unit 243 that calculates the hypochlorous acid concentration based on the conductivity information and the conversion information.

[0087] According to the space purification system 200 of the aspect (2-2), the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the storage tank 210 can be accurately measured with a simple configuration.

[0088] The spatial purification system 200 of embodiment (2-3) includes embodiment (2-2), and the concentration calculation unit 243 calculates the hypochlorous acid concentration during the release period, which is the period from the supply of supply water to the next supply of supply water, based on the difference between reference conductivity information that serves as the basis for calculating the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 after the supply of supply water and conductivity information acquired at a predetermined time interval, and the acquired conversion information.

[0089] According to the space purification system 200 of the aspect (2-3), the hypochlorous acid concentration can be calculated as an absolute value based on the reference conductivity information, and the threshold value judgment of the hypochlorous acid concentration can be appropriately handled.

[0090] The spatial purification system 200 of embodiment (2-4) includes embodiment (2-2) or embodiment (2-3), and the concentration calculation unit 243 calculates reference conductivity information based on the conductivity information and supply amount of hypochlorous acid water supplied from the electrolytic cell 140, the conductivity information and water supply amount of water, and the conductivity information and water amount of hypochlorous acid water in the storage tank.

[0091] According to the space purification system 200 of the aspect (2-4), the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the storage tank 210 can be accurately calculated analogically.

[0092] The spatial purification system 200 of embodiment (2-5) includes any one of embodiment (2-1) to embodiment (2-4), and the concentration calculation unit 243 regards the conductivity information measured by the measuring means 231 as the conductivity information of the water when only water is stored in the storage tank 210.

[0093] According to the space purification system 200 of aspect (2-5), when the space purification system 200 is operated for the first time or when the space purification system 200 is in an empty state after maintenance, the conductivity information measured after only water is supplied to the storage tank 210 is used as the conductivity information of the supplied water, and until only water is supplied to the newly empty storage tank and the information is updated as the conductivity information of the water to be supplied later, it is not necessary to provide a separate measuring unit for acquiring the conductivity of the water to be supplied by applying the information to the analogy of the reference conductivity information of the storage tank. In addition, since the conductivity information of the water can be updated when the storage tank is newly empty, the reference conductivity information can be accurately calculated in response to changes in the state of the water.

[0094] The spatial purification system 200 of embodiment (2-6) includes any one of embodiments (2-3) to (2-5), and the concentration calculation unit 243 sets the conductivity information obtained immediately after the supply water is supplied to the storage tank 210 as the reference conductivity information.

[0095] According to the space purification system 200 of aspect (2-6), the conductivity information measured and obtained immediately after the supply water is supplied is used as the reference conductivity information. Therefore, even if the amount of hypochlorous acid water supplied to the electrolytic cell, the amount of water supplied, and the amount of water before the supply of hypochlorous acid to the storage tank are inaccurate, accurate reference conductivity information can be obtained.

[0096] The space purification system 200 of embodiment (2-7) includes any one of embodiments (2-2) to (2-6), and the concentration calculation unit 243 calculates a standard hypochlorous acid concentration based on the hypochlorous acid concentration and the water volume of the hypochlorous acid water in the storage tank 210 before water supply.

[0097] According to the space purification system 200 of the aspect (2-7), the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the storage tank 210 can be calculated accurately.

[0098] The spatial purification system 200 of aspect (2-8) includes any of the third to seventh aspects, and the measurement control device 120 includes a reduction amount acquisition unit 248 that acquires the amount of reduction in the water volume of the storage tank 210 during the release period.

[0099] The spatial purification system 200 of aspect (2-9) includes the eighth aspect, and the concentration calculation unit 243 corrects the reference conductivity information based on the amount of decrease acquired by the decrease amount acquisition unit 248.

[0100] According to the space purification system 200 of the embodiment (2-8) and the embodiment (2-9), it is possible to perform a concentration correction based on a decrease in the amount of water in the storage tank 210, and it is possible to improve the accuracy of the hypochlorous acid concentration.

[0101] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the components described in this specification may be combined in any manner, or some of the components may be removed to create another embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the present invention also includes modifications that are made to the above-described embodiment by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention, i.e., the meaning of the words in the claims.

[0102] For example, an embodiment has been described in which the concentration measuring device 230 measures the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 and the hypochlorous acid concentration in the electrolytic bath 140, but the measurement of the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank 210 and the measurement of the hypochlorous acid concentration in the electrolytic bath 140 may be performed by two concentration measuring devices 230 each equipped with a different processor.

[0103] Furthermore, temperature correction may not be performed on the liquid resistance value (electrical conductivity). In this case, the measuring means 231 may not include the temperature sensor 235, and may not acquire correction information.

[0104] Also, by setting the gain appropriately in advance, for example, at the time of shipment, the measurement control device 232 may not need to adjust the gain.

[0105] In addition, although the main controller 144 and the measurement controller 232 have been described as separate entities, the main controller 144 and the measurement controller 232 may be integrated together. In other words, the main controller 144 and the measurement controller 232 may be realized by having a single processor execute a program.

[0106] Furthermore, the conversion information and correction information may not be stored in the storage device 202 of the measurement control device 232, but may be acquired through communication such as a network. [Industrial Applicability]

[0107] The present invention can be used in systems for purifying spaces in homes, commercial facilities, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 111 Electrolytic side measurement electrode 113 Electrolysis side temperature sensor 140 Electrolytic cell 141 Electrolytic electrode 142 Electrolyzer 144 Main Control Unit 146 Electrolysis side water level sensor 147 Supply control section 200 Space Purification System 202 Storage device 210 Reservoir 220 Means of release 230 Concentration measuring device 231 Measurement means 232 Measurement and control equipment 233 Measuring electrode 234 Applied Measuring Device 235 Temperature Sensor 236 AC power supply equipment 237 Liquid resistance measuring device 241 Measurement information acquisition section 242 Conversion information acquisition unit 243 Concentration calculation section 246 Correction information acquisition unit 247 Measurement adjustment section 248 Decrease amount acquisition part 250 Water Level Sensor 260 Water supply means 261 Water source 262 First adjustment means 263 Second adjustment means

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell that electrolyzes chlorine-containing water to produce hypochlorous acid water; A storage tank for storing the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell; A release means for releasing the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank into the atmosphere; A concentration measuring device for measuring the hypochlorous acid concentration of the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank; A water supply means for supplying water, which is at least one of hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell and water, to the storage tank; A supply control unit that controls the water supply means, The supply control unit is The space purification system outputs supply information to the water supply means, the supply information being information regarding the supply water in which the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the storage tank becomes a target concentration, based on the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the concentration measuring device.

2. The water supply means is The amount of hypochlorous acid water and the amount of water in the supply water can be adjusted. The supply control unit is Generate supply information including the hypochlorous acid concentration of the supply water, and generate supply information including the amount of the supply water based on the difference between the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the concentration measuring device and a target concentration and the supply information. The space purification system according to claim 1 .

3. The supply control unit is When the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the concentration measuring device is lower than the target concentration, supply information is generated that does not include water in the supply water. The space purification system according to claim 2.

4. The supply control unit is When the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the concentration measuring device is higher than the target concentration, supply information is generated that the hypochlorous acid water is not contained in the supply water. The space purification system according to claim 2.

5. The supply control unit is When the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the concentration measuring device is outside a target concentration range including the target concentration, supply information is generated so that the hypochlorous acid concentration of the supply water falls within the target concentration range. The space purification system according to claim 2.

6. The supply control unit is After a predetermined adjustment time has elapsed since the water supply means supplied the supply water to the storage tank, the concentration measuring device is caused to measure the hypochlorous acid concentration in the storage tank. The space purification system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A method for stabilizing the hypochlorous acid concentration in a storage tank in a space purification system comprising: an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes chlorine-containing water to generate hypochlorous acid water; a storage tank that stores the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell; a release means that releases the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank into the atmosphere; a concentration measuring device that measures the hypochlorous acid concentration in the hypochlorous acid water stored in the storage tank; a water supply means that supplies the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell and / or water to the storage tank; and a control device that controls the concentration measuring device and the water supply means, Based on the hypochlorous acid concentration measured by the concentration measuring device, a supply control unit outputs supply information, which is information about the supply water in which the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the storage tank becomes a target concentration, to the water supply means. Method for stabilizing hypochlorous acid concentration.

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