Space purifier

Abstract

To provide a space purifier capable of controlling a level of water in a mixing tank even when used for a long time.SOLUTION: A space purifier includes an electrolysis tank 27, a mixing tank 21, an atomizing part 13 and a control part 18. The electrolysis tank 27 can store liquid up to a predetermined volume; electrolyzes the predetermined volume of the stored salt water to generate a hypochlorous acid water. The mixing tank 21 acquires mixed water where the water and the hypochlorous acid water are mixed. The atomizing part 13 atomizes the mixed water stored in the mixing tank 21 and discharges the atomized mixed water into the air. The control part 18 performs control for selectively supplying the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolysis tank 27 and the predetermined volume of the water stored in the electrolysis tank 27 to the mixing tank 21 from the electrolysis tank 27.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a space purification device, and more particularly to a space purification device that vaporizes water containing hypochlorous acid water. [Background technology]

[0002] Some space purification devices purify a target space by vaporizing water containing fine water particles of a chemical agent, such as hypochlorous acid water, into the space to disinfect the space. This type of space purification device electrolyzes salt water in an electrolytic cell to generate hypochlorous acid water, mixes water supplied from a water supply unit with the hypochlorous acid water supplied from the electrolytic cell in a mixing tank (also called a centrifugal crushing tank), and then atomizes the mixed water and releases it into the air (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank is controlled by supplying a specific amount of water to the mixing tank while detecting the water level in the mixing tank with a temperature sensor installed in the mixing tank, relative to a predetermined concentration and volume of hypochlorous acid water supplied to the mixing tank from the electrolytic cell. Here, Figure 6 is a diagram showing a conventional method of supplying water and hypochlorous acid water to the mixing tank.

[0004] As shown in FIG. 6, the conventional space purification device has a reference sensor 131, a full water sensor 132, and a drought sensor 133 as temperature sensors in a mixing tank 121, each of which is installed at a predetermined height (water level).

[0005] Specifically, the reference sensor 131 is provided at a position higher than the full water level in the mixing tank 121, and detects the temperature at that position. That is, the reference sensor 131 is not immersed in the water (including the mixed water) stored in the mixing tank 121, but is always exposed to the air present in the space purification device, and therefore the reference sensor 131 outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature of that air.

[0006] Further, the full water sensor 132 is provided at the full water level in the mixing tank 121, and the drought sensor 133 is provided at the drought level in the mixing tank 121, which is lower than the full water level, and detects the temperature at each position.

[0007] Here, when the signals (temperatures) output from the full water sensor 132 and the drought sensor 133 are substantially equal to the signal (temperature) output from the reference sensor 131, both the full water sensor 132 and the drought sensor 133 are exposed to the air present in the space purification device. Therefore, it can be detected that the mixing tank 121 is in a drought state.

[0008] Furthermore, if the signal (temperature) output from the full water sensor 132 is approximately equal to the signal (temperature) output from the reference sensor 131, and the signal (temperature) output from the drought sensor 133 is different from the signal (temperature) output from the reference sensor 131, the following situation exists: the full water sensor 132 is exposed to the air present in the space purification device, and the drought sensor 133 is immersed in water. This makes it possible to detect that the mixing tank 121 is not in a drought state, but is not full.

[0009] If the signals (temperatures) output from the full water sensor 132 and the drought sensor 133 differ from the signal (temperature) output from the reference sensor 131, both the full water sensor 132 and the drought sensor 133 are submerged in water. Therefore, it can be detected that the mixing tank 121 is full of water.

[0010] Using these three temperature sensors (reference sensor 131, full water sensor 132, and drought sensor 133), the conventional space purification device controls the concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 121 as follows, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0011] First, as (I), the spatial purification device supplies water (tap water) from the water supply pipe 116 to the mixing tank 121 up to the drought level. Meanwhile, as (II), the spatial purification device electrolyzes salt water of a predetermined concentration for a predetermined time in the electrolytic tank 127 to generate hypochlorous acid water of a predetermined concentration. The salt water of a predetermined concentration stored in the electrolytic tank 127 for electrolysis is controlled as follows.

[0012] First, the space purification device starts supplying water (tap water) from the water supply pipe 117 to the electrolytic cell 127. Then, in parallel with the supply of water (tap water) to the electrolytic cell 127, the space purification device supplies a predetermined amount of salt water from the salt water tank 128. The amount of salt water to be supplied to the electrolytic cell 127 is measured by the drive rate of the salt water transfer pump that supplies salt water from the salt water tank 128 to the electrolytic cell 127. Once the predetermined amount of salt water has been supplied from the salt water tank 128 to the electrolytic cell 127, the space purification device stops the salt water transfer pump to stop the supply of salt water. The electrolytic cell 127 has a full water sensor 127b configured by a float sensor, and the space purification device continues supplying water to the electrolytic cell 127 even after the supply of salt water has stopped until the full water sensor 127b detects that the electrolytic cell 127 is full. When the full water sensor 127b detects that the electrolytic cell 127 is full of water, the space purification device stops the supply of water to the electrolytic cell 127, thereby making it possible to obtain salt water of a predetermined concentration in the electrolytic cell 127.

[0013] Next, as (III), the space purification device supplies all of the hypochlorous acid water of a predetermined volume and a predetermined concentration produced in the electrolytic cell 127 to the mixing tank 121. Then, as (IV), the space purification device supplies water (tap water) from the water supply pipe 116 to the mixing tank 121 up to the full water level.

[0014] As described above, in the mixing tank 121, the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 121 can be adjusted to a desired concentration by mixing the hypochlorous acid water of a predetermined volume and a predetermined concentration produced in the electrolytic tank 127 with a specific amount of water (tap water). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2022-146945 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0016] Now, as a water level sensor, a float sensor such as that used in the electrolytic tank 127 is known, but it is not preferable to use a float sensor to detect the water level in the mixing tank 121 for the following reason. The reason is that the air purification device stirs the mixed water stored in the mixing tank 121 by centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the lifting pipe. If a float sensor were used to detect the water level in the mixing tank 121, the float sensor would be buried in the water due to the stirring of the mixed water, and there is a risk that the water level in the mixing tank 121 would not be detected correctly. For this reason, conventional air purification devices use a temperature sensor to detect the water level in the mixing tank 121.

[0017] However, impurities such as water scale tend to accumulate on the full water sensor 132 and the drought sensor 133 due to repeated immersion in water and drying. Unlike float sensors, temperature sensors are susceptible to the effects of accumulated impurities, so an air purification device that uses a temperature sensor as a water level sensor in the mixing tank 121 may be unable to correctly detect the water level in the mixing tank 121 over time. This was a particular concern for the full water sensor 132, which is subject to more frequent immersion in water and drying.

[0018] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and provides a space purification device that can control the water level in a mixing tank even after long-term use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] To achieve this object, an air purification device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an electrolytic cell, a mixing cell, a micronization unit, and a control unit. The electrolytic cell is capable of storing liquid up to a predetermined volume and generates hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing salt water stored at the predetermined volume. The mixing cell mixes water and hypochlorous acid water to obtain mixed water. The micronization unit micronizes the mixed water stored in the mixing cell and releases it into the air. The control unit controls the electrolytic cell to selectively supply the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell and the water stored at a predetermined volume in the electrolytic cell to the mixing cell.

[0020] Any combination of the above components and conversion of the expressions of the present disclosure into methods, devices, systems, etc. are also valid aspects of the present disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present disclosure, the water level in the mixing tank can be controlled even after years of use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a space purification system including a space purification device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a water circuit diagram showing the flow of water inside the housing of the spatial purification device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a micronization unit and its surrounding area that constitute the space purification device. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a mixing tank supply process executed by a control unit of the spatial purification device. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing the state of the electrolytic bath and the mixing bath when the control unit executes the mixing bath supply process. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a method for supplying water and hypochlorous acid water to a mixing tank in a conventional space purification device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a preferred specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, and components, as well as the arrangement and connection of the components, shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present disclosure will be described as optional components. Furthermore, in each drawing, substantially identical components are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0024] First, an overview of a space purification system 100, which is an example of use of a space purification device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the space purification system 100.

[0025] The space purification system 100 is a system that sterilizes and deodorizes an indoor space 62 that is the target of purification. When circulating air in the indoor space 62, the space purification system 100 performs cooling (dehumidification) or heating treatment on the air (return air (RA)) 8a from the indoor space 62 as needed. In addition, the space purification system 100 impregnates the air (RA) 8a with air purification components along with atomized water. The space purification system 100 purifies the indoor space 62, i.e., sterilizes and deodorizes, by supplying air (supplied air (SA)) 9 that has been impregnated with the air purification components to the indoor space 62.

[0026] The space purification system 100 includes a space purification device 10, an air conditioner 50, an outdoor unit 60, an operating device 70, an intake duct 64, and an outlet duct 67.

[0027] The air conditioning device 50 is, for example, a four-way cassette air conditioner embedded in the ceiling or the like of the indoor space 62, and is capable of performing at least one of cooling (dehumidifying) and heating on the air (RA) 8a from the indoor space 62. The air conditioning device 50 includes a main body 51 located above the ceiling, and a decorative panel 52 arranged on the indoor space 62 side of the main body 51.

[0028] The decorative panel 52 has an indoor intake port 53 located in its center that draws in air (RA) 8a from the indoor space 62, and four air outlets 54 located around the periphery that send out air 8c in four directions.

[0029] However, two of the four air outlets 54 are closed so as not to blow out air. Therefore, in Figure 1, the closed air outlets 54 are not shown, and only one air outlet 54 is shown. The air conditioning device 50 is also provided with an air outlet 55 on the side surface of the main body 51. Note that all four air outlets 54 of the decorative panel 52 may be configured to blow out air, or all four air outlets 54 may be closed so as not to blow out air.

[0030] The air conditioner 50 performs air conditioning control (cooling (dehumidifying) or heating) on air (RA) 8a drawn in from the indoor space 62 through the indoor air inlet 53. The air conditioner 50 sends out a portion of the temperature-controlled air (AC) 8b from the air outlet 55 to the space purification device 10, and sends out the remaining air 8c from two air outlets 54 to the indoor space 62.

[0031] An outdoor unit 60 is connected to the air conditioning device 50. The outdoor unit 60 is an outdoor unit installed in an outdoor space. The outdoor unit 60 has a general configuration, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0032] The space purification device 10 is the main part of the space purification system 100, and is a device that produces hypochlorous acid water as an air purification component, mixes water and hypochlorous acid water, and micronizes the mixed water using a centrifugal crushing method to release it into the air.

[0033] Here, the configuration of the space purification device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3 in addition to Figure 1. Figure 2 is a water circuit diagram showing the flow of water inside the housing 1 of the space purification device 10. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the miniaturization unit 13 and its surrounding area that constitute the space purification device 10.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the space purification device 10 has a housing 1, and inside the housing 1, a filter 11, a blower 12, a micronization unit 13, a hypochlorous acid water generator 14, a drainage unit 15, a mixing tank water supply unit 16, a water supply unit 17, and a control unit 18.

[0035] The housing 1 forms the outer shell of the space purification device 10. As shown in Fig. 1, an inlet 2 is arranged on one side of the housing 1, and an outlet 3 is arranged on the other side of the housing 1 (the side opposite to the one side of the housing 1).

[0036] The air inlet 2 is an intake port that takes in air (AC) 8b from the air conditioner 50, i.e., a portion of the temperature-controlled air that has been temperature-controlled by the air conditioner 50 from air (RA) 8a drawn in from the indoor space 62, into the housing 1 of the space purification device 10. The air inlet 2 is in communication with the air outlet 55 of the air conditioner 50 via an intake duct 64. The temperature-controlled air blown out from the air outlet 55 passes through the intake duct 64 and is taken into the housing 1 from the air inlet 2 as air (AC) 8b.

[0037] The air outlet 3 is an outlet for discharging the air (SA) 9 that has circulated inside the housing 1 of the space purification device 10 into the indoor space 62. The air (SA) 9 contains hypochlorous acid water that has been atomized and released by the space purification device 10.

[0038] The air outlet 3 is in communication with an indoor air outlet 68 provided on the ceiling or the like of the indoor space 62 via an outlet-side duct 67. As a result, the air (SA) 9 containing hypochlorous acid water discharged from the air outlet 3 passes through the outlet-side duct 67 and is blown out from the indoor air outlet 68 toward the indoor space 62.

[0039] The blow-out duct 67 has an inner wall made of a low-reactivity material that is poorly reactive with hypochlorous acid water. The low-reactivity material is, for example, a polyolefin-based material. The polyolefin-based material includes, for example, at least one of polyethylene and polypropylene.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 1, a purification air duct 5 is formed inside the housing 1. The purification air duct 5 is an air duct for circulating air (AC) 8b taken into the housing 1 from the intake port 2 toward the outlet 3 inside the housing 1, and allowing the air (AC) 8b to contain atomized hypochlorous acid water. The purification air duct 5 has a filter 11, a blower 12, and an atomization unit 13 arranged in this order from upstream to downstream. Note that the hypochlorous acid water generator 14, drainage unit 15, mixing tank water supply unit 16, water supply unit 17, and control unit 18 are arranged outside the purification air duct 5 inside the housing 1.

[0041] The filter 11 is an air filter, and for example, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter is used. The filter 11 removes dirt, dust, and the like from the air (AC) 8b taken into the housing 1 from the air inlet 2, and outputs purified air.

[0042] The blower 12 is composed of a blower fan. The blower 12 draws in a portion (air (AC) 8b) of the air (RA) 8a in the indoor space 62 to be purified through the inlet 2 and blows it to the atomization unit 13 described below, and blows out the air (SA) 9 into the indoor space 62 from which the mixed water atomized by the atomization unit 13 has been released. The air (RA) 8a taken into the housing 1 through the inlet 2 by the blower 12 is transported to the outlet 3 along the purification air duct 5.

[0043] The fan unit 12 transports a predetermined volume of air through the cleaning air duct 5 by rotating blades arranged radially around an axis. The rotation speed of the blades of the fan unit 12 is controlled in response to an output signal from the control unit 18, and air is transported through the cleaning air duct 5 at a volume corresponding to the rotation speed.

[0044] The atomization unit 13 is a main component of the space purification device 10 and is a unit for humidifying the air transported through the purification air duct 5. During this humidification, the atomization unit 13 imparts hypochlorous acid water as an air purification component along with atomized water to the air. That is, the atomization unit 13 atomizes the mixed water obtained by mixing water and hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 21 using a centrifugal crushing method, and releases the water containing the atomized hypochlorous acid water into the air transported through the purification air duct 5. The hypochlorous acid water atomized by the atomization unit 13 is included in the air (SA) 9 in a state where the liquid component has evaporated, and is blown out from the air outlet 3 through the blow-out side duct 67 and into the indoor space 62 from the indoor air outlet 68.

[0045] The configuration of the atomization unit 13 will now be described with reference to Fig. 3. The atomization unit 13 has a cylindrical collision wall 24 that is open at the top and bottom, and a cylindrical water lifting pipe 22 that rotates to suck up (pump) water inside the collision wall 24. In the atomization unit 13, a purification air duct 5 is formed between the collision wall 24 and the water lifting pipe 22, and air taken in from the suction port 2 is transported from the upper opening of the cylindrical collision wall 24 to the lower opening. Air sent out from the lower opening of the collision wall 24 is transported to the outlet 3 through the purification air duct 5.

[0046] The rise pipe 22 has an inverted cone-shaped hollow structure, and is provided with a rise port at the bottom, and a rotating shaft 22c arranged vertically is fixed to the center of the top surface of the inverted cone at the top. The rotating shaft 22c is connected to a motor 23 provided vertically above the rise pipe 22, so that the rotational motion of the motor 23 is transmitted to the rise pipe 22 via the rotating shaft 22c, causing the rise pipe 22 to rotate.

[0047] The riser pipe 22 is provided with a plurality of rotating plates 22b formed to protrude outward from the outer surface of the riser pipe 22. The plurality of rotating plates 22b are formed at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 22c and to protrude outward from the outer surface of the riser pipe 22. Because the rotating plates 22b rotate together with the riser pipe 22, they preferably have a horizontal disk shape coaxial with the rotation shaft 22c. The number of rotating plates 22b is set appropriately according to the target performance and the dimensions of the riser pipe 22.

[0048] An opening 22a penetrating the wall surface of the water rise pipe 22 is provided in the wall surface of the water rise pipe 22. The opening 22a is provided at a position communicating with a rotating plate 22b formed so as to protrude outward from the outer surface of the water rise pipe 22.

[0049] Below the micronization section 13, vertically below the lifting pipe 22, there is provided a mixing tank (centrifugal crushing tank) 21 formed in a mortar shape for storing water pumped by the lifting pipe 22. The mixing tank 21 stores mixed water obtained by mixing water and hypochlorous acid water at a predetermined ratio. As a result, the mixed water containing hypochlorous acid water is pumped by the lifting pipe 22. The mixing tank 21 is deep enough to immerse a part of the lower part of the lifting pipe 22. This depth can be designed according to the required amount of water to be pumped.

[0050] Here, the operating principle of atomization of water (a mixture of water and hypochlorous acid water) in atomization unit 13 will be described. When rotating shaft 22c is rotated by driving motor 23, and when lifting pipe 22 rotates accordingly, the centrifugal force generated by the rotation causes the mixed water stored in mixing tank 21 to be sucked up by lifting pipe 22. Because lifting pipe 22 has an inverted cone-shaped hollow structure, the mixed water sucked up by the rotation is pumped up along the inner wall of lifting pipe 22. The pumped mixed water is then released in the centrifugal direction from opening 22a of lifting pipe 22 along rotating plate 22b and scattered as water droplets.

[0051] The water droplets scattered from the rotating plate 22b fly in the space surrounded by the collision wall 24, collide with the collision wall 24, and are broken up and atomized. Meanwhile, the air transported through the cleaning air duct 5 moves from the upper opening of the collision wall 24 into the interior of the collision wall 24, and moves from the lower opening to the outside of the collision wall 24 while carrying water droplets broken up (atomized) by the collision wall 24. In this way, the atomization unit 13 humidifies the air (AC) 8b taken in from the suction port 2 and imparts hypochlorous acid water, an air purification component, to the air (AC), and can blow out the humidified air (SA) 9 containing the hypochlorous acid water from the outlet 3. The above is the operating principle of water atomization in the atomization unit 13.

[0052] A circular drain outlet 21a is provided at the lowest position on the bowl-shaped bottom of the mixing tank 21. Water is stopped from flowing through the drain outlet 21a and drained by the rotation of a water lift pipe 22.

[0053] Specifically, when the rise pipe 22 rotates, the centrifugal force of the rotation generates a vortex in the mixed water in the mixing tank 21 inside the rise pipe 22. The rise pipe 22 exposes the bottom of the mixing tank 21 at the center of the vortex generated by the rotation, forming a space near the drain outlet 21a. As a result, by rotating the rise pipe 22, it is possible to prevent the water in the mixing tank 21 from being discharged from the drain outlet 21a.

[0054] On the other hand, when the rotation of the lifting pipe 22 is stopped, the space around the drain outlet 21a disappears and the mixed water in the mixing tank 21 flows into the drain outlet 21a. This allows the micronization unit 13 to drain the mixed water in the mixing tank 21 from the drain outlet 21a.

[0055] In this way, without using a drain valve, the micro-fining section 13 can prevent (stop water flow) the mixed water in the mixing tank 21 from being drained from the drain outlet 21a by rotating the lifting pipe 22, and can drain the mixed water in the mixing tank 21 from the drain outlet 21a by stopping the rotation of the lifting pipe 22.

[0056] In addition, the bottom surface of mixing tank 21 is formed in a cone shape facing drain outlet 21a. This makes it easier for centrifugal force to be applied to the water stored in mixing tank 21 when lifting pipe 22 rotates, making it easier to generate a vortex in the water in mixing tank 21 inside lifting pipe 22 and allowing the generated vortex to continue to exist stably. Furthermore, when the rotation of lifting pipe 22 is stopped, the water stored in mixing tank 21 can be reliably drained from drain outlet 21a.

[0057] A drain valve may be provided at the drain outlet 21a. In this case, by closing the drain valve, the micronization unit 13 can prevent the mixed water in the mixing tank 21 from being drained from the drain outlet 21a even when the rotation of the lift pipe 22 is stopped. In other words, water can be stored in the mixing tank 21 with the lift pipe 22 stopped. Furthermore, by opening the drain valve, the micronization unit 13 can drain the mixed water in the mixing tank 21 from the drain outlet 21a. The opening and closing of the drain valve is controlled by an output signal from the control unit 18.

[0058] The hypochlorous acid water generator 14 generates hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing salt water, and includes an electrolytic cell 27, a pair of electrodes 27a, a salt water tank 28, and a salt water transfer pump 29, as shown in FIG.

[0059] Brine tank 28 stores brine (aqueous sodium chloride solution) and supplies brine to electrolytic cell 27 via brine transfer pump 29 in response to an output signal from control unit 18. The amount of brine supplied from brine tank 28 to electrolytic cell 27 is determined by control unit 18 controlling the drive rate of brine transfer pump 29. Brine tank 28 and brine transfer pump 29 correspond to the salt supply unit of the present disclosure. Thus, the salt supplied by the salt supply unit of the present disclosure may be brine.

[0060] The electrolytic cell 27 is a cell that can store a liquid (salt water or water (tap water)) up to a predetermined capacity. A general device is used for the electrolytic cell 27, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] Electrolytic cell 27 stores a predetermined volume of saltwater of a predetermined concentration, for example, by mixing saltwater supplied from saltwater tank 28 with water (tap water) supplied from water supply unit 17. The predetermined volume of saltwater of a predetermined concentration stored in electrolytic cell 27 is electrolyzed by electrode 27a, which will be described later, to generate hypochlorous acid water of a predetermined concentration in electrolytic cell 27. In other words, electrolytic cell 27 also functions as a tank for electrolyzing the predetermined volume of stored saltwater to generate hypochlorous acid water. The hypochlorous acid water generated in electrolytic cell 27 is supplied to mixing cell 21 by mixing cell water supply unit 16 in response to an output signal from control unit 18.

[0062] Furthermore, electrolytic bath 27 stores a predetermined volume of water (tap water) supplied from water supply unit 17 in response to an output signal from control unit 18. The predetermined volume of water (tap water) stored in electrolytic bath 27 is also supplied to mixing bath 21 by mixing bath water supply unit 16 in response to an output signal from control unit 18.

[0063] Instead of the brine tank 28, a salt tablet feeder may be provided that feeds salt tablets into the electrolytic cell 27 in response to an output signal from the control unit 18. In this case, a predetermined amount of salt tablets is fed into the electrolytic cell 27 from the salt tablet feeder in response to an output signal from the control unit 18, and a predetermined volume of water is supplied to the electrolytic cell 27 from the water supply unit 17. This allows the electrolytic cell 27 to generate and store a predetermined volume of brine of a predetermined concentration. When a salt tablet feeder is provided, this salt tablet feeder corresponds to the salt supply unit of the present disclosure.

[0064] Electrolytic cell 27 is provided with a full-water sensor 27b. Full-water sensor 27b is a sensor that detects whether the water level in electrolytic cell 27 is at the full water level, and is configured by a float sensor. In this embodiment, full-water sensor 27b is attached at a position where 0.6 L of liquid is stored in electrolytic cell 27. A typical float sensor is used, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0065] The signal output from full water sensor 27b is input to control unit 18. Control unit 18 determines whether the water level in electrolytic cell 27 is at the full water level based on the signal output from full water sensor 27b, and if the water level in electrolytic cell 27 is at the full water level, determines that a predetermined volume (0.6 L) of salt water or water (tap water) has been stored in electrolytic cell 27.

[0066] Electrode 27a is disposed in electrolytic bath 27, and generates hypochlorous acid water of a predetermined concentration by electrolyzing salt water by passing current through it in response to an output signal from control unit 18. That is, electrolytic bath 27 generates hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing a chloride aqueous solution (e.g., salt water) as an electrolyte between the pair of electrodes 27a.

[0067] The electrolyte is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of generating hypochlorous acid water and contains even a small amount of chloride ions, and examples thereof include aqueous solutions in which sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, etc. are dissolved as solutes. Hydrochloric acid is also acceptable. In this embodiment, an aqueous chloride solution (salt water) in which sodium chloride is added to water is used as the electrolyte.

[0068] The space purification device 10 of this embodiment allows the sterilization and deodorization strength of the indoor space 62 to be set to one of four levels: "weak," "medium," "strong," and "intensive mode." The user sets the sterilization and deodorization strength by operating the operating device 70 (see FIG. 1). The space purification device 10 increases the concentration of hypochlorous acid water contained in the air (SA) 9 blown into the indoor space 62 in the following order of sterilization and deodorization strength: "weak," "medium," "strong," and "intensive mode." This increases the sterilization and deodorization strength of the indoor space 62 in this order. The "intensive mode" releases highly concentrated hypochlorous acid water into the indoor space 62 for a short period of time, sterilizing and deodorizing the indoor space 62 with the highly concentrated hypochlorous acid water in a short period of time.

[0069] The control unit 18 controls the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic bath 27 according to the sterilization / deodorization intensity set by the operating device 70. That is, when the sterilization / deodorization intensity is "weak," the control unit 18 sets the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic bath 27 to a first concentration. When the sterilization / deodorization intensity is "medium," the control unit 18 sets the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic bath 27 to a second concentration, which is higher than the first concentration. When the sterilization / deodorization intensity is "strong," the control unit 18 sets the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic bath 27 to a third concentration, which is higher than the second concentration. Furthermore, when the sterilization / deodorization intensity is "intensive mode," the control unit 18 sets the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic bath 27 to a fourth concentration, which is higher than the third concentration.

[0070] In this way, hypochlorous acid water of different concentrations is generated in the electrolytic cell 27 according to the sterilization / deodorization strength set by the user, and this is supplied to the atomization unit 13. As a result, regardless of the set sterilization / deodorization strength, the hypochlorous acid water supplied to the atomization unit 13 is mixed with the same amount of water, so that the mixed water containing hypochlorous acid water of different concentrations can be atomized in the atomization unit 13 and released into the air (SA) 9.

[0071] The mixing tank water supply unit 16 supplies hypochlorous acid water or water from the electrolytic tank 27 to the mixing tank 21 of the micronization unit 13, and is composed of an electrolytic tank transfer pump 16a and a mixing tank water supply pipe 16b. The electrolytic tank transfer pump 16a sends out the hypochlorous acid water produced in the electrolytic tank 27 or a predetermined volume of water stored in the electrolytic tank 27 to the mixing tank water supply pipe 16b in response to an output signal from the control unit 18. The mixing tank water supply pipe 16b is connected between the electrolytic tank transfer pump 16a and the mixing tank 21, and supplies the hypochlorous acid water or water to the mixing tank 21.

[0072] The water supply unit 17 supplies water (tap water) from a water supply pipe such as a tap to the electrolytic cell 27 in response to an output signal from the control unit 18. The water supply unit 17 has a water supply pipe connection port 30, a strainer 31, a first solenoid valve 32, and a second solenoid valve 33, which are connected by a water supply pipe.

[0073] The water supply pipe connection port 30 is a component that connects the water supply pipe to the water supply pipe, and water supplied from the water supply pipe is sent to the water supply pipe. The strainer 31 is a component that separates and removes foreign matter and debris from the water supplied from the water supply pipe. The water from which foreign matter and debris have been removed by the strainer 31 is sent to the first solenoid valve 32.

[0074] The first solenoid valve 32 controls whether or not to send the water supplied through the strainer 31 to the second solenoid valve 33 in response to an output signal from the control unit 18. While the space purification device 10 is operating in a humidification-only mode, or in a humidification-sterilization-deodorization mode, the control unit 18 opens the first solenoid valve 32 and controls the second solenoid valve 33 to send water.

[0075] The second solenoid valve 33 controls whether or not to send the water sent from the first solenoid valve 32 to the electrolytic cell 27, in response to an output signal from the control unit 18. The control unit 18 controls the second solenoid valve 33 to be open (to send water) while keeping the first solenoid valve 32 open (to send water), thereby enabling the water supplied from the water supply pipe (tap water) to be supplied to the electrolytic cell 27.

[0076] The drainage unit 15, which discharges water from the mixing tank 21 etc. to the outside of the space purification device 10, has a drainage tray 25 and a drainage pump 26. As shown in Fig. 2, the drainage tray 25 is disposed vertically below the atomization unit 13, the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 14 (electrolytic tank 27, brine tank 28), the mixing tank water supply unit 16, and the water supply unit 17, and receives water that falls from these. The water in the mixing tank 21 that is discharged from the drainage outlet 21a provided in the mixing tank 21 of the atomization unit 13 is received by this drainage tray 25.

[0077] In response to an output signal from the control unit 18, the drainage pump 26 pumps up the water in the drainage tray 25 and discharges it outside the space purification device 10, for example, when the water level in the drainage tray 25 reaches a predetermined value or when a predetermined period of time has passed.

[0078] The control unit 18 shown in FIG. 1 controls the operation of the space purification system 100. The air conditioning device 50 performs at least one of cooling (dehumidifying) and heating on the air (RA) 8a from the indoor space 62 based on an output signal from the control unit 18. The space purification device 10 atomizes a mixture of water and hypochlorous acid water based on an output signal from the control unit 18, and releases the atomized mixture into air (AC) 8b, which is part of the air (RA) 8a from the indoor space 62, and blows it into the indoor space 62. Furthermore, the space purification device 10 supplies water from the electrolytic cell 27 to the mixing tank 21 based on an output signal from the control unit 18. That is, the control unit 18 controls the electrolytic cell 27 to selectively supply the hypochlorous acid water produced in the electrolytic cell 27 and the water stored in the electrolytic cell 27 to the mixing tank 21.

[0079] The operation device 70 is an input interface that accepts settings related to the operation of the space purification system 100 through user operations, and is connected to the control unit 18 by wire or wirelessly.

[0080] The operating device 70 receives, for example, settings related to air conditioning, such as the target temperature and target humidity of the indoor space 62, and the air conditioning operation mode (such as "cooling," "heating," "dehumidification," and "off"), and transmits the set target temperature value, target humidity value, and air conditioning operation mode information to the control unit 18. The control unit 18 controls the operation of the air conditioner 50 based on the air conditioning-related setting information transmitted from the operating device 70.

[0081] The operating device 70 also accepts settings related to space purification, such as the space purification operation mode ("humidification only," "humidification + sterilization and deodorization," "off," etc.) and the sterilization and deodorization strength ("weak," "medium," "strong," "intensive mode"). The operating device 70 transmits the set space purification operation mode information and sterilization and deodorization strength information to the control unit 18. The control unit 18 controls the operation of the space purification device 10 based on the space purification-related setting information transmitted from the operating device 70.

[0082] Next, the space purification operation of the space purification device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0083] When the space purification operation mode is set to "humidification + sterilization and deodorization" using the operation device 70, the control unit 18 first operates the air blower 12. As a result, air (AC) 8b, which is part of the air (RA) 8a in the indoor space 62 and has been cooled (dehumidified) or heated by the air conditioner 50, is taken into the housing 1 and transported through the purification air duct 5.

[0084] Next, the control unit 18 drives the motor 23 to rotate the water lift pipe 22. This prevents the liquids (water, hypochlorous acid water, and a mixture thereof) supplied to the mixing tank 21 from being discharged from the drain outlet 21a, and the water in the mixing tank 21 is stopped.

[0085] Then, control unit 18 supplies water and hypochlorous acid water to mixing tank 21. At this time, control unit 18 controls the electrolytic tank 27 to selectively supply hypochlorous acid water produced in electrolytic tank 27 and water stored in a predetermined volume in electrolytic tank 27 to mixing tank 21. Details of this control will be described later with reference to Figures 4 and 5, but the water level in mixing tank 21 can be controlled without providing a water level sensor in mixing tank 21, and the required amount of water can be supplied to mixing tank 21. Therefore, mixing tank 21 can store mixed water containing hypochlorous acid water at a desired concentration.

[0086] In the mixing tank 21, the supplied water and hypochlorous acid water are agitated by the rotation of the lifting pipe 22 to produce mixed water. Furthermore, by the rotation of the lifting pipe 22, the mixed water in the mixing tank 21 is pumped, scattered, and crushed as described above, thereby being finely divided.

[0087] The atomized mixed water is released into the air transported through the purification air duct 5, i.e., into the air (AC) 8b taken into the inside of the housing 1 by the blower 12 (i.e., the air (RA) 8a in the indoor space 62, which is part of the temperature-controlled air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner 50). Then, the air (SA) 9 containing the atomized mixed water (hypochlorous acid water) is blown out into the indoor space 62.

[0088] When the space purification operation mode is set to "OFF" using the operating device 70, the control unit 18 stops the motor 23 to stop the rotation of the lift pipe 22 and operates the drain pump 26 of the drain unit 15. As a result, the mixed water remaining in the mixing tank 21 is drained into the drain tray 25 of the drain unit 15 and is then discharged from the drain tray 25 to the outside by the drain pump 26.

[0089] Furthermore, when the space purification operation mode is set to "humidification only" by the operating device 70, the control unit 18 first operates the air blower 12, drives the motor 23 to rotate the water pumping pipe 22, and then supplies a predetermined volume of water stored in the electrolytic cell 27 to the mixing tank 21. By repeating this supply of water from the electrolytic cell 27 to the mixing tank 21 a predetermined number of times, the water level in the mixing tank 21 can be controlled without a water level sensor, and the required amount of water can be stored.

[0090] The atomization unit 13 atomizes the water stored in the mixing tank 21 by the rotation of the water lifting pipe 22 through pumping, scattering, and crushing, and releases the atomized water into the air (AC) 8b taken into the housing 1 by the air blower 12. Then, the air (SA) 9 containing the atomized water is blown out into the indoor space 62, thereby humidifying the indoor space.

[0091] Next, a method for supplying water and hypochlorous acid water to the mixing tank 21 in the space purification device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the mixing tank supply process executed by the control unit 18. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the state of the electrolytic tank 27 and the mixing tank 21 when the control unit 18 executes the mixing tank supply process.

[0092] The mixing tank supply process is one of the processes executed by the control unit 18 when the space purification operation mode is set to "humidification + sterilization and deodorization." Specifically, it is a process executed when mixed water containing hypochlorous acid water at a desired concentration is generated and stored in the mixing tank 21.

[0093] During the period when control unit 18 is executing the mixing tank supply process, first solenoid valve 32 of water supply unit 17 is controlled to be open. During this period, control unit 18 also drives motor 23 of micronization unit 13, controlling pumping pipe 22 to continue rotating. This brings mixing tank 21 into a water-stop state, preventing the water and hypochlorous acid water supplied to mixing tank 21 from being discharged from drain outlet 21a.

[0094] When the control unit 18 executes the mixing tank supply process, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, it first opens the second solenoid valve 33 of the water supply unit 17 to supply water (tap water) to the electrolytic tank 27 (S11 in Figure 4, (I) in Figure 5). At this time, the control unit 18 determines whether the electrolytic tank 27 has reached the full water level based on the output signal from the full water sensor 27b of the electrolytic tank 27. If the control unit 18 determines that the electrolytic tank 27 has reached the full water level, it closes the second solenoid valve 33 and stops the supply of water from the water supply unit 17 to the electrolytic tank 27. This brings the electrolytic tank 27 into a state where a predetermined volume (0.6 L in this embodiment) of water is stored therein.

[0095] When a predetermined volume (0.6 L) of water has been stored in electrolytic cell 27, control unit 18 then drives electrolytic cell transfer pump 16a of mixing cell water supply unit 16 for a predetermined time to supply all of the water stored in electrolytic cell 27 to mixing cell 21 via mixing cell water supply pipe 16b (S12 in FIG. 4, (I) in FIG. 5). As a result, 0.6 L of water is stored in mixing cell 21.

[0096] The reason why 0.6 L of water is supplied to the mixing tank 21 before the hypochlorous acid water is as follows: The electrolytic tank 27 produces high-concentration hypochlorous acid water. When this high-concentration hypochlorous acid water is supplied to the mixing tank 21 in the absence of water, the pumping pipe 22 rotates in the mixing tank 21 to stop water flow, and the high-concentration hypochlorous acid water is atomized in the atomization unit 13 and released into the air transported through the purification air duct 5. As a result, the air (SA) 9 blown into the indoor space 62 contains high-concentration hypochlorous acid water, which may cause discomfort to the occupants of the indoor space 62. By supplying a predetermined volume (0.6 L) of water to the mixing tank 21 before supplying the hypochlorous acid water, as in this embodiment, the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water stored in the mixing tank 21 can be reduced. Therefore, even if hypochlorous acid water is supplied to the mixing tank 21, the hypochlorous acid water will be atomized by the atomization section 13 at a reduced concentration and will be included in the air (SA) 9 blown into the indoor space 62, thereby reducing discomfort to the occupants.

[0097] The control unit 18 may repeat the processes of S11 to S12 n times (n is a predetermined natural number equal to or greater than 1). However, when n=1, the control unit 18 does not repeat the processes of S11 to S12, but executes them only once. As a result, the process of supplying a predetermined volume (0.6 L) of water stored in the electrolytic bath 27 to the mixing tank 21 is performed n times. Therefore, the space purification device 10 can store 0.6×n (L) of water before supplying hypochlorous acid water to the mixing tank 21. The larger the number of repetitions n, the more water is stored in the mixing tank 21 before supplying the hypochlorous acid water, and therefore the concentration of hypochlorous acid water contained in the air (SA) 9 released into the indoor space 62 when the hypochlorous acid water is supplied to the mixing tank 21 can be reduced.

[0098] Next, in order to produce hypochlorous acid water in the electrolytic bath 27, the control unit 18 opens the second solenoid valve 33 of the water supply unit 17 to start supplying water to the electrolytic bath 27, and also drives the brine transfer pump 29 to supply brine from the brine tank 28 to the electrolytic bath 27 (S13 in FIG. 4, (II) in FIG. 5). Here, the control unit 18 generates hypochlorous acid water at a different concentration in the electrolytic bath 27 according to the sterilization and deodorization strength set by the operation device 70. The control unit 18 drives the brine transfer pump 29 to supply the amount of brine necessary to produce hypochlorous acid water of the corresponding concentration from the brine tank 28 to the electrolytic bath 27 according to the sterilization and deodorization strength.

[0099] Even after the supply of salt water to electrolytic cell 27 has finished, control unit 18 continues to supply water from water supply unit 17 until it determines, based on the output signal of full water sensor 27b, that electrolytic cell 27 has reached the full water level. Then, when control unit 18 determines that electrolytic cell 27 has reached the full water level, it closes second solenoid valve 33 to stop the supply of water from water supply unit 17. This brings electrolytic cell 27 into a state where a predetermined volume (0.6 L) of salt water necessary for producing hypochlorous acid water is stored.

[0100] Next, the control unit 18 energizes the electrode 27a for the time required to achieve a concentration according to the sterilization and deodorization strength set by the operating device 70, electrolyzes the salt water in the electrolytic cell 27, and produces hypochlorous acid water of that concentration (S14 in FIG. 4, (II) in FIG. 5).

[0101] Then, the control unit 18 drives the electrolytic cell transfer pump 16a of the mixing cell water supply unit 16 for a predetermined time to supply all of the hypochlorous acid water generated and stored in the electrolytic cell 27 to the mixing cell 21 via the mixing cell water supply pipe 16b (S15 in FIG. 4, (III) in FIG. 5). As a result, in the mixing cell 21, 0.6 L of hypochlorous acid water is added to 0.6 L (or 0.6×n(L)) of water, and mixed by the rotation of the water lift pipe 22.

[0102] Next, the control unit 18 controls the supply of water to the mixing tank 21 again so that the hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 21 reaches the desired concentration. This water supply is also performed via the electrolytic tank 27. That is, the control unit 18 opens the second solenoid valve 33 of the water supply unit 17 to supply water (tap water) to the electrolytic tank 27 (S16 in FIG. 4; (IV) in FIG. 5). At this time, similar to S11, the control unit 18 determines whether the electrolytic tank 27 has reached the full water level based on the output signal of the full water sensor 27b of the electrolytic tank 27. If it determines that the electrolytic tank 27 has reached the full water level, the control unit 18 closes the second solenoid valve 33 to stop the supply of water from the water supply unit 17 to the electrolytic tank 27. This brings the electrolytic tank 27 into a state where a predetermined volume (0.6 L) of water is stored therein.

[0103] When a predetermined volume (0.6 L) of water is stored in electrolytic cell 27, control unit 18 then drives electrolytic cell transfer pump 16a of mixing cell water supply unit 16 for a predetermined time to supply all of the water stored in electrolytic cell 27 to mixing cell 21 via mixing cell water supply pipe 16b (S17 in Figure 4, (IV) in Figure 5).

[0104] Next, the control unit 18 determines the number of times (repetition number) that the processes of S16 to S17 have been repeatedly executed, and determines whether the number of repetitions is a predetermined number m (m is a predetermined integer greater than or equal to 1) (S18). If the number of repetitions has not reached the predetermined number m (S18: No), the process returns to S16, and the control unit executes S16 and S17 again to repeatedly store a predetermined volume (0.6 L) of water in the electrolytic cell 27 and supply water from the electrolytic cell 27 to the mixing cell 21. Here, the number of repetitions n in S11 to S12 and the number of repetitions m in S16 to S17 are determined by the ratio between the capacity of the electrolytic cell 27 and the capacity of the mixing cell 21. For example, if the capacity of the mixing cell 21 is 2.0 L, supplying water from the electrolytic cell 27 to the mixing cell 21 four or more times at a time will exceed the capacity of the mixing cell 21. Therefore, the total of the number of repetitions n in S11 to S12, the number of times hypochlorous acid water is supplied (1 time) in S13 to S15, and the number of repetitions m in S16 to S17 is set to 3 or less. In this case, the number of repetitions n and m are each 1 time. In this way, in order to be able to supply at least one time each in S11 to S12, S13 to S15, and S16 to S17, it is preferable that the size of mixing tank 21 is three times or more the size of electrolytic tank 27.

[0105] As a result of the determination in S18, when the control unit 18 determines that the number of times the processes of S16 to S17 have been repeated reaches the predetermined number m (S18: Yes), the mixing vessel supply process ends.

[0106] As a result, 0.6 L (or 0.6 × n (L)) of water and 0.6 L of hypochlorous acid water that were previously supplied are added to the mixing tank 21. Then, these water and hypochlorous acid water are mixed by the rotation of the water pumping pipe 22 to become mixed water, which is atomized and included in the air (SA) 9 blown into the indoor space 62.

[0107] In this way, the space purification device 10 uses the electrolytic cell 27 to supply water to the mixing cell 21. That is, under the control of the control unit 18, the electrolytic cell 27 not only generates hypochlorous acid water but also stores a predetermined volume of water using the full water sensor 27b, and supplies the stored predetermined volume of water from the electrolytic cell 27 to the mixing cell 21.

[0108] The amount of water supplied from the electrolytic cell 27 to the mixing cell 21 in one supply can always be a predetermined volume. As a result, the control unit 18 can control the water level in the mixing cell 21 simply by controlling the number of times a predetermined volume of water is supplied from the electrolytic cell 27, without providing a water level sensor using a temperature sensor in the mixing cell 21. Therefore, the space purification device 10 can control the water level in the mixing cell even after long-term use without being affected by the accumulation of impurities in the temperature sensor. The control unit 18 of the space purification device 10 can control the amount of water required to dilute the predetermined volume and predetermined concentration of hypochlorous acid water supplied from the electrolytic cell 27 to the desired concentration.

[0109] The above-described space purification device 10 according to the present embodiment provides the following effects.

[0110] (1) The electrolytic bath 27 can store liquid up to a predetermined volume. In the electrolytic bath 27, the stored saltwater of a predetermined volume and a predetermined concentration is electrolyzed to generate hypochlorous acid water of a predetermined concentration. The hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic bath 27 is supplied to the mixing bath 21 and mixed with the water also supplied to the mixing bath 21, thereby obtaining mixed water, which is hypochlorous acid water of a desired concentration, in the mixing bath 21. The mixed water stored in the mixing bath 21 (hypochlorous acid water of a desired concentration) is atomized by the atomization unit and released into the air. This hypochlorous acid water of a desired concentration sterilizes and deodorizes the air, thereby purifying the space. Here, under the control of the control unit 18, the space purification device 10 not only supplies the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic bath 27 to the mixing bath 21, but also supplies a predetermined volume of water. That is, the space purification device 10 stores a predetermined volume of water in the electrolytic cell 27 and supplies the water stored in the electrolytic cell 27 to the mixing cell 21. This allows the space purification device 10 to control the water level in the mixing cell 21 without providing a water level sensor in the mixing cell 21, and therefore the water level in the mixing cell 21 can be controlled even after long-term use.

[0111] (2) In the space purification device 10, under the control of the control unit 18, hypochlorous acid water produced in the electrolytic cell 27 is supplied to the mixing cell 21, and then a predetermined volume of water is stored in the electrolytic cell 27, and the stored water is supplied to the mixing cell 21. As a result, the space purification device 10 can control the full water level of the mixing cell 21 without using a full water sensor for detecting the full water level of the mixing cell, which is provided in the mixing cell of a conventional space purification device.

[0112] (3) Under the control of the control unit 18, the space purification device 10 stores a predetermined volume of water in the electrolytic bath 27 before the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic bath 27 is supplied to the mixing bath 21, and the stored water is supplied to the mixing bath 21. This allows the space purification device 10 to control the water level to be supplied to the mixing bath 21 before supplying the hypochlorous acid water, without using a water drought sensor that is provided in the mixing bath of a conventional space purification device to detect the water level to be supplied to the mixing bath 21 before supplying the hypochlorous acid water.

[0113] (4) Water is supplied to the electrolytic cell 27 by the water supply unit 17, and brine (salt) is supplied by the brine tank 28 and the brine transfer pump 29. When hypochlorous acid water is supplied from the electrolytic cell 27 to the mixing cell 21, a predetermined volume of brine supplied from the brine tank 28 to the electrolytic cell 27 by the brine transfer pump 29 is electrolyzed under the control of the control unit 18 to generate hypochlorous acid water, and the hypochlorous acid water is supplied to the mixing cell. On the other hand, when water is supplied from the electrolytic cell 27 to the mixing cell 21, a predetermined volume of water is supplied to and stored in the electrolytic cell 27 by the water supply unit 17 under the control of the control unit 18, and the water stored in the electrolytic cell 27 is supplied to the mixing cell 21. As a result, the space purification device 10 can supply a predetermined volume of water from the electrolytic cell 27 to the mixing cell 21 simply by having the control unit 18 control the electrolytic cell 27 and the water supply unit 17 used to generate hypochlorous acid water, thereby easily eliminating the need for a water level sensor in the mixing cell 21.

[0114] Although the present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and it is easily understood that various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, each embodiment, including the modifications described below, may be modified by adding or replacing a part or parts of the configuration of another embodiment with the other embodiment. Furthermore, the numerical values given in each embodiment are merely examples, and other numerical values may naturally be adopted.

[0115] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a predetermined volume of water is stored in the electrolytic tank 27 before supplying hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic tank 27 to the mixing tank 21, and the stored water is then supplied from the electrolytic tank 27 to the mixing tank 21 (FIG. 5(I)). Conventionally, of the three sensors, the full water sensor 132 in particular is subject to repeated immersion in water and drying more frequently, making it more susceptible to the accumulation of impurities such as water scale. In other words, impurities are less likely to accumulate in the reference sensor 131 and the drought sensor 133 than in the full water sensor 132. Therefore, FIG. 5(I) may be replaced with the conventional FIG. 6(I) from which the full water sensor 132 has been removed. That is, the mixing tank 21 of FIG. 5 is provided with the reference sensor 131 and the drought sensor 133 shown in FIG. 6 as water level sensors, and is also provided with a water supply pipe 116 for supplying water to the mixing tank 21. In addition, before supplying hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic bath 27 to the mixing bath 21, water may be supplied from the water supply pipe 116 to the mixing bath 21 up to the drought level at which the drought sensor 133 is provided. In this case, if the supply of water to the mixing bath 21 after supplying hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic bath 27 to the mixing bath 21 is performed using a predetermined volume of water stored in the electrolytic bath 27 (FIG. 5 (IV)), the water level in the mixing bath 21 can be controlled without providing the full water sensor 132 in the mixing bath 21. Therefore, the space purification device 10 can control the water level in the mixing bath even after aging. Note that, in this configuration, a third solenoid valve independent of the first solenoid valve 32 and the second solenoid valve 33 may be additionally provided to control the water supply to the mixing bath 21 from the water supply pipe 116.

[0116] In the above embodiment, a drain valve may be provided at the drain outlet 21a of the mixing tank 21, and the drain valve may be closed when water or hypochlorous acid water is supplied from the electrolytic tank 27 to the mixing tank 21, thereby preventing the supplied water and hypochlorous acid water from being drained from the mixing tank 21. In this case, the water supply to the mixing tank 21 is stopped by the drain valve, so the space purification device 10 does not need to rotate the water lift pipe 22. Furthermore, not rotating the water lift pipe 22 can prevent the liquid stored in the mixing tank 21 from being atomized and released into the air, so the control unit 18 does not need to supply water to the mixing tank 21 before supplying hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic tank 27 to the mixing tank 21. That is, the control unit 18 may control the supply of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic tank 27 to the mixing tank 21 when water is not being supplied to the mixing tank 21.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the space purification device 10 is described as being incorporated into the space purification system 100 together with the air conditioning device 50. However, this is not necessarily limited to this. The present disclosure is applicable to a space purification device 10 incorporated into another system in combination with any other device. Furthermore, the present disclosure is also applicable to a space purification device 10 used alone. When the space purification device 10 is used alone, the air inlet 2 may be connected to an indoor air inlet provided on the ceiling or the like of the indoor space 62 via an air inlet duct 64. Furthermore, the space purification device 10 may be configured to draw air directly from the indoor space 62 without using a duct, as in the air conditioning device 50, and to blow air containing the mixed water atomized by the atomization unit 13 directly into the indoor space 62. In other words, the air inlet 2 of the space purification device 10 may be configured to correspond to the indoor air inlet 53 of the air conditioning device 50, and the air outlet 3 of the space purification device 10 may be configured to correspond to the air outlet 54 of the air conditioning device 50. [Industrial Applicability]

[0118] The space purification device according to the present disclosure atomizes hypochlorous acid water and releases it into the air, and is useful as a device for sterilizing or deodorizing the air in a target space. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1 chassis 2 Intake port 3 Air outlet 5 Purifying Airway 8a Air (RA) 8b Air (AC) 8c Air 9. Air (SA) 10 Space Purification Device 11 Filters 12 Blower 13 Miniaturization section 14 Hypochlorous acid water generator 15 Drainage section 16 Mixing tank water supply section 16a Electrolytic cell transport pump 16b Mixing tank water pipe 17 Water supply section 18 Control Unit 21 Mixing tank 21a Drain port 22 Lifting pipe 22a opening 22b Rotating plate 22c Rotation axis 23 Motor 24 Collision Wall 25 Drainage tray 26 Drainage pump 27 Electrolytic cell 27a electrode 27b Full water sensor 28 Brine Tank 29 Brine Transfer Pump 30 Water supply pipe connection port 31 Strainer 32 First solenoid valve 33 Second solenoid valve 50 Air conditioning equipment 51 Main body 52 Decorative Panel 53 Indoor air intake 54 Air outlet 55 Air outlet 60 Outdoor unit 62 Indoor Space 64 Intake duct 67 Outlet duct 68 Indoor air outlet 70 Operating device 100 Space Purification System 116 Water supply pipe 117 Water supply pipe 121 Mixing tank 127 Electrolytic cell 127b Full water sensor 128 Brine Tank 131 Reference Sensor 132 Full water sensor 133 Drought Sensor

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell capable of storing a liquid up to a predetermined volume, for electrolyzing salt water stored to the predetermined volume to generate hypochlorous acid water; A mixing tank for obtaining mixed water by mixing water and hypochlorous acid water; a micronization unit that micronizes the mixed water stored in the mixing tank and releases the micronized water into the air; A control unit that controls selective supply of the hypochlorous acid water produced in the electrolytic cell and the water stored in the electrolytic cell to the mixing cell from the electrolytic cell. A space purification device comprising:

2. The control unit supplies the hypochlorous acid water produced in the electrolytic cell to the mixing tank, and then stores the predetermined volume of water in the electrolytic cell. The space purification device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the water to be supplied to the mixing tank.

3. The control unit stores the predetermined volume of water in the electrolytic cell before generating the hypochlorous acid water in the electrolytic cell and supplying the hypochlorous acid water to the mixing cell. The space purification device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the water to be supplied to the mixing cell.

4. a water supply unit that supplies water to the electrolytic cell; a salt supply unit that supplies salt to the electrolytic cell; The control unit When the hypochlorous acid water is supplied from the electrolytic cell to the mixing cell, the hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolyzing the salt water stored in the electrolytic cell to the predetermined volume and containing the salt supplied from the salt supply unit to the electrolytic cell is controlled to be supplied to the mixing cell; 4. The space purification device according to claim 1, wherein when the water is supplied from the electrolytic cell to the mixing cell, the water supplied from the water supply unit to the electrolytic cell and stored in the predetermined volume is controlled to be supplied to the mixing cell without being electrolyzed.

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