air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner that can purify the inside of the indoor unit by supplying hypochlorous acid gas with reduced metal ion content to the inside of the indoor unit. [Solution] The air conditioner 1 is an air conditioner equipped with an indoor unit 10 having an intake port 11 for drawing in air from the indoor space R and an outlet port 15 for blowing conditioned air into the indoor space R, and is equipped with a wind direction changing plate 16 provided at the outlet port 15 which opens and closes the outlet port 15 and changes the direction of the blown air blown from the outlet port 15 into the indoor space R, and a hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 capable of supplying hypochlorous acid gas to the inside of the indoor unit 10 (indoor unit interior 10a), and after the air conditioning operation is stopped, the wind direction changing plate 16 closes the outlet port 15 to a closed state 16a and performs an internal purification operation in which the hypochlorous acid gas generated by the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 is supplied to the inside of the indoor unit 10 (indoor unit interior 10a) and maintained for a predetermined time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an air conditioner that sprays hypochlorous acid water obtained by electrolysis inside an indoor unit and performs an internal cleaning operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Hypochlorous acid water, which is electrolyzed water obtained by electrolysis, contains a metal ion component. When hypochlorous acid water is sprayed inside an indoor unit, after the moisture of the hypochlorous acid water evaporates, the metal ion component remains inside the indoor unit as a solid component, and there is a problem that corrosion of metal parts and the like provided in the indoor unit may occur due to the remaining metal ion component.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an air conditioner that can supply hypochlorous acid gas with a reduced content of metal ion components to the inside of an indoor unit and purify the inside of the indoor unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The air conditioner according to the present invention comprises an indoor unit having an intake port for drawing in air from an indoor space and an outlet for blowing conditioned air into the indoor space, and includes a wind direction changing plate provided at the outlet which opens and closes the outlet and changes the direction of the blown air blown from the outlet into the indoor space, and a hypochlorous acid gas supply device capable of supplying hypochlorous acid gas into the interior of the indoor unit. After the air conditioning operation is stopped, the wind direction changing plate closes the outlet and performs an internal purification operation in which the hypochlorous acid gas generated by the hypochlorous acid gas supply device is supplied into the interior of the indoor unit and maintained for a predetermined time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention provides an air conditioner that can purify the inside of the indoor unit by supplying hypochlorous acid gas with reduced metal ion content to the inside of the indoor unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front cross-sectional view showing a hypochlorous acid gas supply device provided in the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to the embodiment performing an internal purification operation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the xyz coordinates shown in the diagrams are for convenience in explaining the positional relationships of the components. Unless otherwise specified, the positive z-axis direction is vertically upward. Also, the xy-plane is the horizontal plane and is consistent across all drawings.

[0010] <Embodiment> The air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment consists of an indoor unit 10 and an outdoor unit (not shown). In the following description, the overall configuration of the indoor unit 10 will be explained with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 1 also shows the indoor unit 10 in the state of air conditioning operation. The left side of the indoor unit 10 (yz plane on the negative x-axis side) is the wall side of the room, and the right side (positive x-axis side) is the room space R side.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 has an intake port 11 located on the upper vertical side of the indoor unit 10 (in the xy plane on the positive z-axis) and an outlet port 15 located on the lower vertical side (negative z-axis) and right side (positive x-axis) of the indoor unit 10. The intake port 11 and outlet port 15 extend and open over almost the entire depth direction (y-axis direction) of the indoor unit 10. An air filter 12, a heat exchanger 13, and a blower fan 14 are arranged in the air passage connecting the intake port 11 and the outlet port 15. A wind direction changing plate 16 is provided at the outlet port 15. The indoor unit 10 is further equipped with a hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 used for internal purification operation inside the indoor unit 10 (hereinafter also referred to as the indoor unit interior 10a).

[0012] The intake port 11 is an opening that draws in air from the indoor space R. The air filter 12 is a filter that removes coarse dust from the air in the indoor space R that is drawn in through the intake port 11. The air filter 12 is positioned close to the lower side (negative z-axis side) of the intake port 11. The air filter 12 may be positioned to cover the heat exchanger 13, which will be described below, on the front side (positive x-axis side) of the indoor unit 10. The air filter 12 extends almost the entire length (y-axis direction) of the indoor unit 10.

[0013] The heat exchanger 13 is a device that cools, heats, or dehumidifies air taken into the indoor unit 10 by exchanging heat through a refrigeration cycle (not shown) as the air passes through it. In other words, the air that passes through the heat exchanger 13 is air-conditioned (hereinafter also referred to as air conditioning) through heat exchange. The heat exchanger 13 is located below the intake port 11 (negative z-axis side) and is positioned to cover the upper side (positive z-axis side) and right side (positive x-axis side) of the blower fan 14, which will be described later. The heat exchanger 13 extends almost the entire length of the indoor unit 10 in the depth direction (y-axis direction).

[0014] The blower fan 14 is connected to a fan motor (not shown) and, as the fan motor rotates, blows the air conditioned by the heat exchanger 13 into the indoor space R via the outlet 15. The heat exchanger 13 and the blower fan 14 are components that may corrode due to residual electrolyte when hypochlorous acid water containing electrolytes (metal ion components) is sprayed using conventional methods. The blower fan 14 extends over almost the entire depth direction (y-axis direction) of the indoor unit 10.

[0015] The air outlet 15 is an opening that blows conditioned air into the indoor space R. The airflow direction changing plate 16 rotates to open and close the air outlet 15 and changes the direction of the air blown out of the air outlet 15 into the room to any desired direction. That is, the airflow direction changing plate 16 is a plate-shaped member that extends across the entire opening of the air outlet 15, and one end of its long side is connected to the indoor unit 10. The airflow direction changing plate 16 is rotatably connected to the indoor unit 10 around the connection point with the indoor unit 10. In Figure 1, the rotation of the airflow direction changing plate 16 is shown by double arrows, and the closed state 16a is shown by a dashed line. When the air conditioning operation described below is stopped, the airflow direction changing plate 16 rotates in the closing direction and moves to the closed state 16a position, closing the opening of the air outlet 15.

[0016] [Air conditioning operation] Next, we will explain the air conditioning operation of the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1. Typical air conditioning operations include cooling, heating, and dehumidification. The indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 performs air conditioning operation. In this case, the intake air drawn in from the intake port 11 of the indoor unit 10 passes through the air filter 12 to collect dust particles from the air. Subsequently, the intake air, from which the dust particles have been removed, passes through the heat exchanger 13 to undergo heat exchange, resulting in cooling or heating. In other words, the intake air drawn in from the intake port 11, from which the dust particles have been removed, is conditioned by passing through the heat exchanger 13. More specifically, the intake air drawn in from the intake port 11 is cooled by passing through the heat exchanger 13 during cooling operation. Also, the air drawn in from the intake port 11 is heated by passing through the heat exchanger 13 during heating operation.

[0017] Furthermore, during dehumidification operation, moisture contained in the intake air drawn in from the intake port 11 is removed. More specifically, during dehumidification operation, the heat exchanger 13 is cooled by the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle (not shown), and when the temperature of the heat exchanger 13 reaches below the dew point, moisture contained in the air condenses on the heat exchanger 13 and adheres as water droplets, thereby removing moisture. The condensed water droplets are discharged to the outside via a drain pan (not shown) and a drain hose (not shown). The conditioned air is blown out into the indoor space R via the outlet 15 and the airflow direction changing plate 16 by the blower fan 14.

[0018] The hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 used for the internal purification operation of the indoor unit 10a of the air conditioner 1 is a device capable of supplying hypochlorous acid gas to the indoor unit internal 10a. Details of the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 will be described later using FIG. 2. When hypochlorous acid gas is supplied from the upper surface side (positive z-axis side) of the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 to the indoor unit internal 10a, since the hypochlorous acid gas volatilizes in the vertical direction (z-axis direction), it is preferable that the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 is arranged below (negative z-axis side) the air filter 12, the heat exchanger 13, and the blower fan 14. As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 may be arranged on the left side (negative x-axis side) of the indoor unit internal 10a and on the internal bottom surface side (negative z-axis side) which is vertically downward inside the indoor unit internal 10a, but the arrangement is not limited thereto. For example, the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 may be attached on the left side (negative x-axis side) of the indoor unit 10 and below the blower fan 14 in a state separated from the bottom surface of the indoor unit internal 10a.

[0019] In addition, when hypochlorous acid gas is supplied from the lower surface side (negative z-axis side) of the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20, it may be arranged below the air filter 12 and above the heat exchanger 13 or the blower fan 14. Thus, the arrangement of the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 inside the indoor unit 10 is not particularly limited, and it can be appropriately changed to a desired position as long as it can supply hypochlorous acid gas throughout the entire indoor unit internal 10a.

[0020] [Hypochlorous Acid Gas Supply Device 20] Next, the details of the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 used in the internal purification operation of the indoor unit 10a of the air conditioner 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a front sectional view showing the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 provided in the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 includes a housing C, an electrolytic cell 30, and a current control unit 60. The hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 may further include a supply tank 40 and an anion exchange membrane 50. The electrolytic cell 30 and the current control unit 60 are used in the internal purification operation of the indoor unit internal 10a described later. The supply tank 40 and the anion exchange membrane 50 are used to supply chloride ions from the supply tank 40 to the electrolytic cell 30 in order to continue the internal purification operation without supplying chloride ions from the outside to the electrolytic cell 30 over a long period of time.

[0021] The housing C is a box-shaped member that houses the electrolytic cell 30, the supply tank 40, the anion exchange membrane 50, and the current control unit 60. That is, the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 is a unit integrated by the housing C. The hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 has a small size that can be stored in the indoor unit internal 10a of the air conditioner 1. When the shape of the housing C is a rectangular parallelepiped, for example, it is about 10 cm × 7 cm × 4 cm.

[0022] The hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 may be unitized by the housing C and detachably arranged at an arbitrary position in the indoor unit internal 10a of the air conditioner 1, but is not limited thereto. As described above, the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 may be arranged at a position where the hypochlorous acid gas released from the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 can be supplied over the entire indoor unit internal 10a of the air conditioner 1.

[0023] Furthermore, the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 may be placed at any location in the indoor space R, which is outside the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1. If the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 is placed at any location in the indoor space R, it may be configured to supply hypochlorous acid gas from the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 to the inside of the indoor unit 10a by providing a tubular member that connects the discharge port 37 of the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 to the intake port 11 of the indoor unit 10 (not shown).

[0024] Furthermore, the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 may not be unitized and detachably arranged by the housing C, but may be built in as part of the configuration of the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1. In other words, the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 and the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 may be configured as a single unit.

[0025] The electrolytic cell 30 is a tank for storing a first aqueous solution L1 containing chloride ions and for producing hypochlorous acid by non-diaphragm electrolysis of the first aqueous solution L1. The supply tank 40 is a tank for storing a second aqueous solution L2 containing chloride ions and for supplying chloride ions contained in the second aqueous solution L2 to the first aqueous solution L1 by diaphragm electrolysis. More specifically, chloride ions contained in the second aqueous solution L2 are supplied to the first aqueous solution L1 by diaphragm electrolysis via an anion exchange membrane 50 provided to connect the electrolytic cell 30 and the supply tank 40. The current control unit 60 controls non-diaphragm electrolysis and diaphragm electrolysis.

[0026] As an example, the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 is assumed to be used continuously for 10 years, approximately once a day, with each internal purification operation of the indoor unit 10a of the air conditioner 1 taking about 2 hours. The volume of the electrolytic cell 30 is preferably such that it can store the first aqueous solution L1 necessary for the stable generation of hypochlorous acid gas. The volume of the supply tank 40 is preferably such that it can store the second aqueous solution L2 containing a sufficient amount of chloride ions necessary to supply the first aqueous solution L1 in the electrolytic cell 30. By setting the volumes of the electrolytic cell 30 and the supply tank 40 as described above, chloride ions can be stably supplied from the second aqueous solution L2 stored in the supply tank 40 to the first aqueous solution L1 stored in the electrolytic cell 30.

[0027] [Electrolytic cell 30] The electrolytic cell 30 is a cell for storing a first aqueous solution L1 containing chloride ions and for generating hypochlorous acid by diaphragm-free electrolysis of the first aqueous solution L1. The electrolytic cell 30 may have a box-like shape, but any shape that can store the first aqueous solution L1 is acceptable. Figure 2 shows the electrolytic cell 30 with the first aqueous solution L1 stored inside. The amount of the first aqueous solution L1 stored in the electrolytic cell 30 is, for example, about 2 mL to 10 mL. The first aqueous solution is, for example, an aqueous solution in which an electrically conductive electrolyte is dissolved, i.e., an electrolyte, and specifically a dilute chloride aqueous solution having a predetermined chloride ion concentration. More specifically, the first aqueous solution L1 is, for example, a dilute sodium chloride aqueous solution or a dilute potassium chloride aqueous solution.

[0028] The "predetermined chloride ion concentration" of the first aqueous solution L1 includes both a chloride ion concentration having a predetermined numerical range and a chloride ion concentration having a predetermined numerical value. More specifically, the chloride ion concentration of the first aqueous solution L1 may be, for example, 17 mmol / L to 1500 mmol / L, or 171 mmol / L. In other words, for example, if the concentration of a dilute sodium chloride aqueous solution or a dilute potassium chloride aqueous solution is 17 mmol / L to 1500 mmol / L The concentration may be ol / L or 171 mmol / L. By setting the predetermined chloride ion concentration to the specified numerical range or value, it is possible to generate hypochlorous acid necessary for the internal purification operation of the indoor unit 10a of the air conditioner 1 while simultaneously suppressing the generation of chlorine that may be generated.

[0029] The electrolytic cell 30 includes an electrolytic cell-side anode 31, an electrolytic cell-side cathode 32, an air supply unit 33, a blower pipe 34, an electrolytic cell-side internal space 35, a water recovery unit 36, and a discharge port 37. The electrolytic cell 30 may further include a water level detection unit 38.

[0030] The electrolytic cell-side anode 31 and the electrolytic cell-side cathode 32 are a pair of electrodes used for the electrolysis of the first aqueous solution L1. Insoluble electrodes may be used as the electrolytic cell-side anode 31 and the electrolytic cell-side cathode 32. More specifically, for example, platinum-iridium titanium electrodes, platinum electrodes, ruthenium titanium electrodes, or iridium titanium oxide electrodes may be used. Alternatively, the electrolytic cell-side cathode 32 may be a titanium electrode, iron electrode, tin electrode, nickel electrode, or an alloy of the aforementioned metals, each having an oxide film formed on its surface. An example of a case where the electrolytic cell-side cathode 32 is a metal alloy is a nickel-titanium alloy or a titanium electrode with tin oxide as a catalyst. Iron electrodes with an oxide film formed on them contain both FeO and Fe2O3. The shape of the electrolytic cell-side anode 31 and the electrolytic cell-side cathode 32 may be plate-shaped, mesh-shaped, or rod-shaped.

[0031] There is no diaphragm, such as an ion exchange membrane, between the electrolytic cell anode 31 and the electrolytic cell cathode 32. In other words, the electrolysis of the first aqueous solution L1 performed using the pair of electrolytic cell anodes 31 and the electrolytic cell cathode 32 is diaphragm-free electrolysis. Hypochlorous acid gas, which is used for internal purification operation inside the indoor unit 10a of the air conditioner 1, is generated by the diaphragm-free electrolysis of the first aqueous solution L1 performed using the pair of electrolytic cell anodes 31 and the electrolytic cell cathode 32.

[0032] The air supply unit 33 is a blower, such as a blower, that introduces air from inside the indoor unit 10a into the electrolytic cell 30.

[0033] The air blower pipe 34 is a tubular member that connects the air supply unit 33 and the electrolytic cell 30. One end of the air supply unit 33 is located on the indoor unit interior 10a side, and the other end is connected to the air blower pipe 34 side. One end of the air blower pipe 34 is connected to the air supply unit 33 side, and the other end is connected to the electrolytic cell 30 side. The end of the air blower pipe 34 located on the electrolytic cell 30 side is connected to the electrolytic cell 30 such that it is located below (negative z-axis side) the liquid level S1 of the first aqueous solution L1 stored in the electrolytic cell 30.

[0034] The air supply unit 33 supplies air from inside the indoor unit 10a to the first aqueous solution L1 stored in the electrolytic cell 30 via the blower pipe 34. If the end of the blower pipe 34 is positioned below the liquid level S1 of the first aqueous solution L1 stored in the electrolytic cell 30 (negative z-axis side), the air introduced into the first aqueous solution L1 via the air supply unit 33 and the blower pipe 34 is released into the first aqueous solution L1 as bubbles B. A moisture-permeable waterproof membrane (not shown) may be placed over the entire diameter of the blower pipe 34. The moisture-permeable waterproof membrane is a membrane that allows air, which is a gas supplied from inside the indoor unit 10a, and the moisture (water vapor) contained in that air to pass through, but does not allow the first aqueous solution L1, which is a liquid, to pass through. The placement of this moisture-permeable waterproof membrane prevents backflow of the first aqueous solution L1 from the electrolytic cell 30 to the blower pipe 34.

[0035] The electrolytic cell-side internal space 35 is an upper space (space on the positive z-axis side) formed above the liquid surface S1 of the first aqueous solution L1 when the first aqueous solution L1 is stored in the electrolytic cell 30. In other words, the first aqueous solution L1 is not stored up to the upper interior surface of the electrolytic cell 30 (the xy-plane on the positive z-axis side), and the electrolytic cell 30 has the electrolytic cell-side internal space 35.

[0036] The water recovery unit 36 ​​flows through the inside of the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 and from the electrolytic cell 30 to the indoor unit This component recovers moisture contained in the air released into the interior 10a as a liquid and transfers it to the electrolytic cell 30. The water recovery unit 36 ​​is, for example, a Peltier element that can cool and condense moisture contained in the air into water droplets. When the water recovery unit 36 ​​is a Peltier element, the Peltier element has a heat dissipation surface and a heat absorption surface, and the heat absorption surface is equipped with a cooling heat sink. The cooling heat sink can cool and condense moisture contained in the air passing through it, turning it into water droplets.

[0037] The water recovery unit 36 ​​may be located at the discharge port 37 through which the air passes when it is released into the indoor unit interior 10a, in order to recover moisture contained in the air circulating inside the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20. When the water recovery unit 36 ​​is located at the discharge port 37, moisture contained in the air that has circulated inside the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 can be recovered efficiently. The water recovery unit 36 ​​may be located at any position in the internal space 35 on the electrolytic cell side.

[0038] The discharge port 37 is an opening for releasing mixed air M, which is a mixture of air flowing in from the air supply unit 33 and hypochlorous acid generated from the first aqueous solution L1 by membraneless electrolysis, into the interior 10a of the indoor unit of the housing C. In Figure 2, as an example, the discharge port 37 is provided on the upper surface of the electrolytic cell 30 (the xy plane on the positive z-axis side), but it is sufficient that it is positioned above the liquid level S1 of the first aqueous solution L1. The shape of the discharge port 37 is cylindrical, including, for example, cylindrical or rectangular tubes. If the upper surface of the electrolytic cell 30 (the surface on the positive z-axis side) is close to the ceiling surface of the housing C, the discharge port 37 may be a hole-like opening provided in a part of the upper surface of the electrolytic cell 30. Alternatively, the discharge port 37 and the upper surface of the housing C (the surface on the positive z-axis side) may be formed as a single unit.

[0039] The discharge port 37 may be equipped with an openable / closable or removable cover (not shown). The cover may be kept closed when transporting, moving, or installing the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20, and may be opened or removed when using the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20.

[0040] Next, we will explain the process of supplying the hypochlorous acid gas generated by the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 to the inside of the indoor unit 10a. In the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 according to this embodiment, air introduced from the inside of the indoor unit 10a flows through the electrolytic cell 30 and is supplied to the inside of the indoor unit 10a together with hypochlorous acid.

[0041] The airflow path A, indicated by the white arrow and the upward-sloping arrow in Figure 2, is a series of paths through which air supplied from the inside of the indoor unit 10a to the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 flows through the electrolytic cell 30 and is released back into the inside of the indoor unit 10a as mixed air M containing hypochlorous acid. In other words, airflow path A shows the flow of air from the inside of the indoor unit 10a, the air supply unit 33, the blower pipe 34, the first aqueous solution L1 stored in the electrolytic cell 30, the internal space on the electrolytic cell side 35, the water recovery unit 36, the discharge port 37, and back into the inside of the indoor unit 10a.

[0042] More specifically, in airflow path A, as shown in Figure 2, bubbles B are released from inside the indoor unit 10a through the air supply unit 33 and the air blower 34 into the first aqueous solution L1 stored in the electrolytic cell 30. In other words, bubbles B are generated by bubbling the first aqueous solution L1 with air introduced from inside the indoor unit 10a. Bubbles B and hypochlorous acid generated by the membraneless electrolysis of the first aqueous solution L1 are mixed to form mixed air M.

[0043] Here, the hypochlorous acid produced by the non-diaphragm electrolysis of the first aqueous solution L1 includes both hypochlorous acid dissolved in the first aqueous solution L1 and hypochlorous acid gas that has volatilized and gasified into the internal space 35 on the electrolytic cell side. The hypochlorous acid dissolved in the first aqueous solution L1 is mixed with bubbles B and released as mixed air M from the outlet 37 through the water recovery unit 36 ​​into the interior 10a of the indoor unit. The hypochlorous acid gas that has volatilized and gasified into the internal space 35 on the electrolytic cell side is mixed with bubbles B which are mixed with hypochlorous acid and released as mixed air M from the outlet 37 through the water recovery unit 36. The gas is released from 37 into the interior 10a of the indoor unit. The hypochlorous acid gas released into the interior 10a of the indoor unit is supplied to the interior 10a of the air conditioner 1. As the hypochlorous acid gas (mixed air M) flows through the water recovery unit 36, the water contained in the hypochlorous acid gas is recovered into the electrolytic cell 30. Along with the recovery of the water by the water recovery unit 36, the electrolyte components contained in the water are also recovered into the electrolytic cell 30. Therefore, hypochlorous acid gas with reduced electrolyte content can be supplied to the interior 10a of the indoor unit of the air conditioner 1.

[0044] The electrolyte components include metal ions. More specifically, these metal ions are sodium ions, potassium ions, calcium ions, or magnesium ions. When the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 is equipped with a water recovery unit 36, the water contained in the hypochlorous acid gas (mixed air M) is recovered into the electrolytic cell 30 as the hypochlorous acid gas flows through the water recovery unit 36. Along with the recovery of this water by the water recovery unit 36, metal ions such as sodium ions contained in the water contained in the hypochlorous acid gas are also recovered into the electrolytic cell 30. Therefore, hypochlorous acid gas with reduced water content and lower metal ion content can be supplied to the inside 10a of the indoor unit of the air conditioner 1.

[0045] By generating bubbles B in the first aqueous solution L1 through bubbling, the bubbles B float towards the liquid surface S1 due to buoyancy, and as they do so, hypochlorous acid and bubbles B come into gas-liquid contact, allowing the bubbles B to absorb hypochlorous acid. In other words, compared to gas-liquid contact between air and the liquid surface S1 of the first aqueous solution L1, the gas-liquid contact by generating bubbles B in the first aqueous solution L1 through bubbling allows bubbles B to absorb more hypochlorous acid and release it into the indoor unit interior 10a as mixed air M. The mixed air M contains water evaporated from the first aqueous solution L1, but this water contained in the mixed air M is recovered by the water recovery unit 36 ​​and returned to the first aqueous solution L1 as water droplets.

[0046] The mixed air M containing hypochlorous acid, released from the discharge port 37 into the interior 10a of the indoor unit of the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20, purifies the interior 10a of the indoor unit of the air conditioner 1. In addition, the mixed air M containing hypochlorous acid removes bacteria, fungi, viruses, or odors contained in the intake air drawn into the interior 10a of the indoor unit of the air conditioner 1, which is the interior 10a of the indoor unit of the air conditioner 1 in the housing C.

[0047] The electrolytic cell 30 may further include a water level detection unit 38. The water level detection unit 38 detects the position of the liquid level S1 in the first aqueous solution L1. The water level detection unit 38 is, for example, a water level sensor. The water level detection unit 38 is positioned at least above (on the positive z-axis side of) the upper ends (the portions on the positive z-axis side of) the electrolytic cell-side anode 31 and the electrolytic cell-side cathode 32.

[0048] If the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 is equipped with a water level detection unit 38, the water recovery unit 36 ​​recovers moisture from the mixed air M based on the liquid level S1 position detected by the water level detection unit 38 and supplies water to the electrolytic cell 30. More specifically, the water recovery unit 36 ​​supplies water to the electrolytic cell 30 so as not to fall below the upper ends (the portion on the positive z-axis) of the electrolytic cell-side anode 31 and the electrolytic cell-side cathode 32. Furthermore, the water recovery unit 36 ​​supplies water to the electrolytic cell 30 so as not to fall below the upper end (the portion on the positive z-axis) of the air blower pipe 34 connected to the electrolytic cell 30.

[0049] If the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 is equipped with a water recovery unit 36 ​​and a water level detection unit 38, the electrolytic cell-side anode 31 and the electrolytic cell-side cathode 32 can remain immersed in the first aqueous solution L1. Therefore, exposure of the electrolytic cell-side anode 31 and the electrolytic cell-side cathode 32 to air as the first aqueous solution L1 decreases can be suppressed, and the electrolysis efficiency of membrane-free electrolysis can be maintained. The supply tank 40 may also be equipped with a water recovery unit and a water level detection unit similar to those of the electrolytic cell 30.

[0050] In this embodiment, the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 is located inside the indoor unit 10a. As explained above, if the indoor unit 10 is located in an indoor space R outside of the indoor unit, the air introduced from the indoor space R may flow through the electrolytic cell 30 and be supplied to the inside of the indoor unit 10a together with hypochlorous acid.

[0051] The supply tank 40 and anion exchange membrane 50, which will be described next, are used to supply chloride ions from the supply tank 40 to the electrolytic cell 30 in order to continue internal purification operation for a long period of time without supplying chloride ions to the electrolytic cell 30 from the outside.

[0052] [Supply tank 40] The supply tank 40 is a tank for storing the second aqueous solution L2 containing chloride ions and for supplying the chloride ions contained in the second aqueous solution L2 to the first aqueous solution L1. Figure 2 shows the state in which the second aqueous solution L2 is stored in the supply tank 40.

[0053] As the solute for the second aqueous solution L2, GHS (Globally Horticultural Standards) is used to ensure safety in case of leakage. Harmonized System of Classification and A substance with a safety level equivalent to that of sodium chloride (labelling of chemicals) is preferred. Specifically, the second aqueous solution L2 is an aqueous metal chloride solution containing metal ions and chloride ions. The second aqueous solution L2 is subjected to diaphragm electrolysis via an anion exchange membrane 50, described later, so that the metal ions contained in the second aqueous solution L2 react with hydroxide ions produced by the diaphragm electrolysis to form a precipitate of metal hydroxide. Preferably, the second aqueous solution L2 is a high-concentration magnesium chloride aqueous solution or a saturated magnesium chloride aqueous solution.

[0054] When a magnesium chloride aqueous solution is used as the second aqueous solution L2, the mass percentage concentration of the magnesium chloride aqueous solution is, for example, 1% to 35%. As an example, when the second aqueous solution L2 is a magnesium chloride aqueous solution, diaphragm electrolysis is performed, causing the magnesium ions contained in the magnesium chloride aqueous solution to react with the hydroxide ions produced by the diaphragm electrolysis to form a magnesium hydroxide precipitate. The "precipitate" of magnesium hydroxide includes hard, sandy, colloidal, slurry-like, or gel-like forms, and the aqueous solution may appear cloudy.

[0055] The supply tank 40 comprises a supply tank-side cathode 41, a supply tank-side internal space 42, and an outlet 43. The supply tank-side cathode 41 is an electrode used in diaphragm electrolysis via an anion exchange membrane 50, as a pair with the electrolytic cell-side anode 31. Chloride ions are supplied from the second aqueous solution L2 to the first aqueous solution by diaphragm electrolysis of the second aqueous solution L2, which is performed using the pair of supply tank-side cathodes 41 and the electrolytic cell-side anode 31.

[0056] An insoluble electrode may be used as the supply tank side cathode 41. More specifically, for example, a titanium electrode, a platinum-iridium titanium electrode, a platinum electrode, a ruthenium titanium electrode, or an iridium titanium oxide electrode may be used. The shape of the supply tank side cathode 41 may be any of the following, such as a plate, mesh, or rod, similar to the shape of the electrolytic cell side anode 32 and the electrolytic cell side cathode 32.

[0057] The internal space 42 on the supply tank side is the upper space (space on the positive z-axis side) formed above the liquid surface S2 of the second aqueous solution L2 when the second aqueous solution L2 is stored in the supply tank 40. In other words, the second aqueous solution L2 is not stored up to the upper interior surface of the supply tank 40 (the xy-plane on the positive z-axis side), and the supply tank 40 has the internal space 42 on the supply tank side.

[0058] The discharge port 43 is an opening for discharging hydrogen gas, generated by the diaphragm electrolysis of the second aqueous solution L2, into the interior 10a of the indoor unit in the housing C. The discharge port 43 is, for example, a check valve. When a check valve is used as the discharge port 43, the hydrogen gas inside the supply tank 40 is discharged into the interior 10a of the indoor unit. Although the gas is discharged to the outside, the inflow of air and other gases from the inside of the indoor unit 10a can be suppressed. When the diaphragm electrolysis of the second aqueous solution L2 is repeated, hydrogen gas accumulates in the internal space 42 on the supply tank side, and the internal pressure of the supply tank 40 rises. This pressure causes the check valve of the outlet 43 to open, and the hydrogen gas is discharged into the inside of the indoor unit 10a of the supply tank 40.

[0059] If the supply tank 40 does not have an outlet 43, an air passage (not shown) may be provided to connect the internal space 35 on the electrolytic cell side and the internal space 42 on the supply tank side. If an air passage is provided between the electrolytic cell 30 and the supply tank 40, the hydrogen gas may be discharged in the following order: internal space 42 on the supply tank side, air passage, internal space 35 on the electrolytic cell side, and outlet 37.

[0060] The anion exchange membrane 50 is provided to connect the electrolytic cell 30 and the supply tank 40, and is a membrane-like member that allows anions to pass through based on the voltage applied between the electrolytic cell 30 and the supply tank 40. More specifically, when a voltage is applied between the anode 31 on the electrolytic cell side and the cathode 41 on the supply tank side, diaphragm electrolysis is performed through the anion exchange membrane 50. Through diaphragm electrolysis using the anode 31 on the electrolytic cell side and the cathode 41 on the supply tank side, chloride ions contained in the second aqueous solution L2 permeate the anion exchange membrane 50 and are supplied to the first aqueous solution L1 (indicated by the negative x-axis direction and thick black arrow).

[0061] The anion exchange membrane 50 in this embodiment is not an anion exchange membrane of the type that allows anions to permeate by osmosis without using electricity. Furthermore, magnesium ions, which are cations, do not permeate the anion exchange membrane 50. More specifically, when chloride ions contained in the second aqueous solution L2 are supplied to the first aqueous solution L1 by diaphragm electrolysis using the electrolytic cell side anode 31 and the supply tank side cathode 41, magnesium ions, which are cations, do not permeate the anion exchange membrane 50. The anion exchange membrane 50 is, for example, a hydrocarbon-based anion exchange membrane. Specific examples of hydrocarbon-based anion exchange membranes include membranes that have properties such as selective permeability of monovalent anions, alkali resistance, or high temperature resistance.

[0062] The anion exchange membrane 50 is positioned between the electrolytic cell 30 and the supply tank 40. If the surfaces of the electrolytic cell 30 and the supply tank 40 facing each other are formed by a frame-shaped member, the anion exchange membrane 50 may be positioned so as to be fitted into the frame-shaped member. In other words, the electrolytic cell 30 and the supply tank 40 are connected via the anion exchange membrane 50 in a way that allows anions to pass through.

[0063] Furthermore, the chloride ion concentration of the second aqueous solution L2 may be approximately the same as that of the first aqueous solution L1, and a high-concentration chloride aqueous solution supply tank may be provided to supply a high-concentration chloride aqueous solution to the second aqueous solution L2.

[0064] The current control unit 60 includes wiring 61, 62, and 63. Wiring 61, 62, and 63 are lines through which current flows. The electrolytic cell-side anode 31 is electrically connected to the current control unit 60 via wiring 61, the electrolytic cell-side cathode 32 via wiring 62, and the supply tank-side cathode 41 via wiring 63.

[0065] The current control unit 60 controls the currents used in non-diaphragm electrolysis and diaphragm electrolysis. More specifically, it controls the first current used in non-diaphragm electrolysis and the second current used in diaphragm electrolysis. In other words, the current control unit 60 controls the chemical reactions that occur in non-diaphragm electrolysis and diaphragm electrolysis by controlling the first current and the second current.

[0066] The current control unit 60 controls the first current to replenish the chloride ions contained in the first aqueous solution L1 that have decreased due to membraneless electrolysis, thereby supplying chloride ions contained in the second aqueous solution L2 to the first aqueous solution L1 by permeating through the anion exchange membrane 50. The current control unit 60 replenishes the chloride ions that have decreased in the first aqueous solution L1, while also supplying the hypochlorite of the first aqueous solution L1. The first and second currents are applied in a predetermined ratio so that the acid concentration is maintained at a predetermined level.

[0067] The following reaction equation 1 shows the equilibrium reaction equation for the hypochlorous acid generation reaction. Cl2 + H2O ⇔ HCl + HClO ... (Reaction Equation 1) Cl supplied from the second aqueous solution L2 to the first aqueous solution L1 - Depending on the increase or decrease of , the equilibrium state may shift to the right or to the left. The concentration of hypochlorous acid in the first aqueous solution L1 stored in the electrolytic cell 30 is maintained at a predetermined concentration, that is, the Cl in the electrolytic cell 30 - The current control unit 60 controls the current so that it does not appear to increase or decrease.

[0068] [Internal cleaning operation of indoor unit 10a] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the internal purification operation of the indoor unit interior 10a of the air conditioner 1 will be described. Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment in a state where internal purification operation is being performed. The internal purification operation of the indoor unit interior 10a is performed after the air conditioning operation is stopped. When the air conditioning operation is stopped, the air outlet 15 is closed 16a by the air direction changing plate 16. In the internal purification operation, after the air outlet 15 is closed 16a by the air direction changing plate 16, hypochlorous acid gas (HClO shown in Figure 3) generated by the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 is supplied to the indoor unit interior 10a.

[0069] The supply of hypochlorous acid gas to the inside of the indoor unit 10a is continued until the concentration of hypochlorous acid gas inside the indoor unit 10a reaches a predetermined concentration. In this specification, "a predetermined concentration of hypochlorous acid gas" refers, for example, to the case where the concentration of hypochlorous acid gas inside the indoor unit 10a is 100 ppb to 500 ppb (parts per billion). The predetermined concentration of hypochlorous acid gas can be appropriately set according to the volume and purification level of the inside of the indoor unit 10a. The supply of hypochlorous acid gas is continued until the predetermined concentration is reached. In order to determine whether the concentration of hypochlorous acid gas inside the indoor unit 10a is at the predetermined concentration, data relating the concentration of hypochlorous acid gas inside the indoor unit 10a and the supply time of hypochlorous acid gas may be obtained in advance by experiment or simulation, and stored in the current control unit 60, etc., and the supply of hypochlorous acid gas to the inside of the indoor unit 10a may be stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed. Furthermore, the concentration of hypochlorous acid gas inside the indoor unit 10a may be measured in real time, and the supply of hypochlorous acid gas may be stopped when a predetermined concentration is reached.

[0070] During internal purification operation, the hypochlorous acid gas generated by the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 is maintained at a predetermined concentration for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is the time required to disinfect and deodorize microorganisms that may adhere to the surfaces of the air filter 12, heat exchanger 13, blower fan 14, and airflow direction changing plate 16 located in the interior 10a of the indoor unit. "Microorganisms" include fungi such as mold, viruses, bacteria, archaea, and their aerosol forms.

[0071] Although the air outlet 15 of the indoor unit 10 is closed by the air direction changing plate 16, it is not sealed, and the intake port 11 is open. The drain hose (not shown) is also open. Therefore, once the hypochlorous acid gas reaches a predetermined concentration inside the indoor unit 10a and the supply of hypochlorous acid gas is stopped, it gradually diffuses into the indoor space R outside the indoor unit 10 or into the outdoor space via the drain hose while the concentration is maintained for a predetermined time, and the concentration of hypochlorous acid gas inside the indoor unit 10a gradually decreases. Therefore, the supply of hypochlorous acid gas may be continued without stopping, so that the concentration of hypochlorous acid gas inside the indoor unit 10a is maintained at a predetermined concentration.

[0072] During internal purification operation, the blower fan 14 may perform a circulation operation to circulate the air inside the indoor unit 10a. By performing a circulation operation with the blower fan 14, the hypochlorous acid gas generated by the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 can be more efficiently diffused throughout the entire inside of the indoor unit 10a.

[0073] The air conditioner 1 may be set to turn off after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the internal purification operation. Alternatively, the air conditioning operation may be set to restart after a further predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the internal purification operation, until the hypochlorous acid remaining inside the indoor unit 10a has naturally decomposed.

[0074] Furthermore, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the internal purification operation, the airflow direction changing plate 16 may be rotated to the open position (see Figure 1), and the blower fan 14 may be operated to discharge the hypochlorous acid gas diffused inside the indoor unit 10a into the indoor space R, which is outside the indoor unit 10. When discharging hypochlorous acid gas into the indoor space R, this may be done in conjunction with the air conditioning operation.

[0075] Furthermore, if an internal purification operation is performed after the dehumidification operation has stopped, hypochlorous acid gas can be absorbed by the water droplets condensed on the heat exchanger 13 during the dehumidification operation or by the moisture remaining in the water tray (not shown) after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the internal purification operation. Therefore, the hypochlorous acid gas diffused inside the indoor unit 10a may be recovered along with the condensed water droplets, etc., and discharged to the outside via the drain hose (not shown). If an internal purification operation is performed after the dehumidification operation has stopped, the water tray and drain hose can also be purified.

[0076] As described above, the following effects can be enjoyed with the air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment.

[0077] The air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment is an air conditioner equipped with an indoor unit 10 having an intake port 11 for drawing in air from an indoor space R and an outlet port 15 for blowing conditioned air into the indoor space R, and includes a wind direction changing plate 16 provided at the outlet port 15 which opens and closes the outlet port 15 and changes the direction of the blown air blown from the outlet port 15 into the indoor space R, and a hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 capable of supplying hypochlorous acid gas to the inside of the indoor unit 10 (indoor unit interior 10a). After the air conditioning operation is stopped, the wind direction changing plate 16 closes the outlet port 15 to a closed state 16a, and an internal purification operation is performed in which the hypochlorous acid gas generated by the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 is supplied to the inside of the indoor unit 10 (indoor unit interior 10a) and maintained for a predetermined time.

[0078] By providing the above configuration, it is possible to supply hypochlorous acid gas with reduced metal ion content to the inside of the indoor unit 10 (indoor unit interior 10a), thereby providing an air conditioner capable of purifying the inside of the indoor unit 10. Furthermore, by providing the above configuration, hypochlorous acid gas can be supplied throughout the entire interior of the indoor unit 10 with reduced metal ion content compared to when hypochlorous acid water is sprayed into the inside of the indoor unit 10 (indoor unit interior 10a), thus suppressing corrosion of the metal parts of the indoor unit 10.

[0079] The hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 provided in the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment comprises an electrolytic cell 30 and a supply tank 40, and generates hypochlorous acid by electrolyzing a first aqueous solution L1 containing chloride ions stored in the electrolytic cell 30. In internal purification operation, air containing hypochlorous acid is supplied as hypochlorous acid gas to the inside of the indoor unit 10 (indoor unit interior 10a), and diaphragm electrolysis is performed via an anion exchange membrane 50 placed between the electrolytic cell 30 and the supply tank 40. Chloride ions contained in the second aqueous solution L2 stored in the supply tank 40 are supplied to the first aqueous solution L1 stored in the electrolytic cell 30 by permeating through the anion exchange membrane 50 to replenish the chloride ions contained in the first aqueous solution L1 that have been reduced by electrolysis.

[0080] By having the above configuration, internal purification operation can be continued for a long period of time without supplying chloride ions to the electrolytic cell 30 from an external source.

[0081] The hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 of the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment has a water recovery unit 36 ​​that can recover moisture as a liquid from air containing hypochlorous acid. During internal purification operation, The water recovery unit 36 ​​recovers moisture from the air containing hypochlorous acid, which is then supplied to the inside of the indoor unit 10 as hypochlorous acid gas.

[0082] By providing the above configuration, it is possible to supply hypochlorous acid gas with reduced metal ion content into the indoor unit 10, thereby providing an air conditioner capable of purifying the inside of the indoor unit 10.

[0083] The indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a blower fan 14 for blowing out conditioned air from an outlet 15. During internal purification operation, the blower fan 14 circulates the air inside the indoor unit 10 (indoor unit interior 10a), and hypochlorous acid gas is diffused inside the indoor unit 10.

[0084] By having the above configuration, the hypochlorous acid gas generated by the hypochlorous acid gas supply device 20 can be diffused more efficiently throughout the entire interior 10a of the indoor unit compared to spraying hypochlorous acid water into the indoor unit 10. Therefore, the purification operation can be performed more efficiently.

[0085] In this embodiment, after the internal purification operation is stopped, the air conditioner 1 opens the air outlet 15 using the airflow direction changing plate 16 and operates the blower fan 14 to discharge the hypochlorous acid gas that has diffused inside the indoor unit 10 to the outside of the indoor unit 10.

[0086] By having the above configuration, it is also possible to disinfect and deodorize the indoor space R, which is outside the indoor unit 10.

[0087] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0088] An overview of one aspect of this disclosure is as follows:

[0089] (Item 1) An air conditioner comprising an indoor unit having an intake port for drawing in air from an indoor space and an outlet for blowing the conditioned air back into the indoor space, A wind direction changing plate is provided at the air outlet, which opens and closes the air outlet and changes the direction of the air blown out from the air outlet into the indoor space, A hypochlorous acid gas supply device capable of supplying hypochlorous acid gas to the inside of the indoor unit, Equipped with, After the air conditioning operation is stopped, the air outlet is closed using the airflow direction changing plate, and an internal purification operation is performed in which the hypochlorous acid gas generated by the hypochlorous acid gas supply device is supplied to the inside of the indoor unit and maintained in this state for a predetermined time. Air conditioner. (Item 2) The hypochlorous acid gas supply device comprises an electrolytic cell and a supply tank, The first aqueous solution containing chloride ions stored in the electrolytic cell is electrolyzed to produce hypochlorous acid. In the aforementioned internal purification operation, the air containing hypochlorous acid is supplied to the inside of the indoor unit as hypochlorous acid gas. Diaphragm electrolysis is performed via an anion exchange membrane placed between the electrolytic cell and the supply tank, and chloride ions contained in the second aqueous solution stored in the supply tank are supplied to the first aqueous solution stored in the electrolytic cell by permeating the anion exchange membrane, in order to replenish the chloride ions contained in the first aqueous solution that have been reduced by the electrolysis. The air conditioner described in item 1. (Item 3) The hypochlorous acid gas supply device has a water recovery unit capable of recovering moisture as a liquid from the air containing hypochlorous acid, In the internal purification operation, the air containing the hypochlorous acid from which moisture has been recovered by the water recovery unit is supplied to the inside of the indoor unit as hypochlorous acid gas. The air conditioner described in item 2. (Item 4) The indoor unit is equipped with a fan for blowing out the conditioned air from the outlet. In the aforementioned internal purification operation, the blower fan performs a circulation operation to circulate the air inside the indoor unit, and the hypochlorous acid gas is diffused inside the indoor unit. An air conditioner as described in any one of items 1 to 3. (Item 5) After the internal purification operation is stopped, the air outlet is opened using the airflow direction changing plate and the blower fan is operated to discharge the hypochlorous acid gas that has diffused inside the indoor unit to the outside of the indoor unit. The air conditioner described in item 4. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1. Air conditioner 10 Indoor unit 10a Inside of indoor unit 11 Inlet 12 Air filter 13 Heat exchanger 14. Blower fan 15 Air outlet 16 Wind direction changing plate 16a Closed state 20. Hypochlorous acid gas supply device 30 Electrolytic cell 31 Electrolyzer side anode 32 Electrolytic cell side cathode 33 Air supply unit 34 Air pipe 35 Internal space on electrolytic cell side 36 Water Recovery Section 37 Outlet 38 Water level detection unit 40 Supply tank 41 Supply tank side cathode 42 Supply tank side internal space 43 Outlet 50 Anion exchange membrane 60 Current control unit 61 Wiring 62 Wiring 63 Wiring A air passage B bubbles C cabinet L1 1st aqueous solution L2 2nd aqueous solution M mixed air S1 liquid level S2 liquid level

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising an indoor unit having an intake port for drawing in air from an indoor space and an outlet for blowing the conditioned air back into the indoor space, A wind direction changing plate is provided at the air outlet, which opens and closes the air outlet and changes the direction of the air blown out from the air outlet into the indoor space, A hypochlorous acid gas supply device capable of supplying hypochlorous acid gas to the inside of the indoor unit, Equipped with, After the air conditioning operation is stopped, the air outlet is closed using the airflow direction changing plate, and an internal purification operation is performed in which the hypochlorous acid gas generated by the hypochlorous acid gas supply device is supplied to the inside of the indoor unit and maintained in this state for a predetermined time. Air conditioner.

2. The hypochlorous acid gas supply device comprises an electrolytic cell and a supply tank, The first aqueous solution containing chloride ions stored in the electrolytic cell is electrolyzed to produce hypochlorous acid. In the aforementioned internal purification operation, the air containing hypochlorous acid is supplied to the inside of the indoor unit as hypochlorous acid gas. Diaphragm electrolysis is performed via an anion exchange membrane placed between the electrolytic cell and the supply tank, and chloride ions contained in the second aqueous solution stored in the supply tank are supplied to the first aqueous solution stored in the electrolytic cell by permeating the anion exchange membrane, in order to replenish the chloride ions contained in the first aqueous solution that have been reduced by the electrolysis. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. The hypochlorous acid gas supply device has a water recovery unit capable of recovering moisture as a liquid from the air containing hypochlorous acid, In the aforementioned internal purification operation, the air containing the hypochlorous acid from which moisture has been recovered by the water recovery unit is supplied to the inside of the indoor unit as hypochlorous acid gas. The air conditioner according to claim 2.

4. The indoor unit is equipped with a fan for blowing out the conditioned air from the outlet. In the aforementioned internal purification operation, the blower fan performs a circulation operation to circulate the air inside the indoor unit, and the hypochlorous acid gas is diffused inside the indoor unit. An air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. After the internal purification operation is stopped, the air outlet is opened using the airflow direction changing plate and the blower fan is operated to discharge the hypochlorous acid gas that has diffused inside the indoor unit to the outside of the indoor unit. The air conditioner according to claim 4.

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