Air purification device

Abstract

To provide an art for making the amount of a purification component released in the air.SOLUTION: A space purifier 40 includes: a hypochlorous acid water generation part 30 having an electrolytic tank 33 storing salt water as an electrolysis target and an electrode 34 performing electrolysis by energization, and generating hypochlorous acid water; a hypochlorous acid water supply part 38 supplying the hypochlorous acid water to a mixture tank 42 from the electrolytic tank 33; a water supply part 48 supplying water to the mixture tank 42; an atomization part 41 atomizing mixture water of the hypochlorous acid water stored in the mixture tank 42 and water to release it into the air; and a control part 60 controlling a first supply operation of the hypochlorous acid water by the hypochlorous acid water supply part 38, and a second supply operation of water by the water supply part 48. The control part 60 executes the first supply operation or the second supply operation for replenishing a reduced specified amount when the volume of water in the mixture tank 42 is reduced by the specified volume from a prescribed water volume (in a full water state), and stores the mixture water into the mixture tank 42.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a space purification technology, and in particular to a space purification device that sprays water containing hypochlorous acid water. [Background technology]

[0002] The space purification device sprays fine water particles such as a medicine, for example, hypochlorous acid water, to sterilize or deodorize a target area. For example, the liquid atomization chamber of the space purification device releases water droplets from the hypochlorous acid aqueous solution stored in the water storage unit. The water droplets are discharged from the outlet to the target area through an air passage by ventilation from the blower unit (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] WO 20 / 158850 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional space purification device, in a situation where the amount of humidification (humidification demand) required for the indoor space is small, for example, in the summer in Japan (especially in the rainy season), when air with a high relative humidity (for example, 12°C 95%) dehumidified by an air conditioner or the like is ventilated, the water (hypochlorous acid water) containing the finely divided purification components is difficult to vaporize, so the purification components (hypochlorous acid) are not vaporized and the purification components are difficult to be released into the indoor space. On the other hand, in a situation where the amount of humidification is high, for example, in the winter in Japan, when warm air with a low relative humidity (for example, 20°C 30%) is ventilated, the water containing the finely divided purification components is easily vaporized, so a large amount of the purification components is released into the indoor space. In other words, in the conventional space purification device, there was a problem that it was not easy to adjust the amount of purification components released into the indoor space (air).

[0005] Therefore, the present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional art, and has an object to provide a technique that makes it easier to adjust the amount of purification components released into the air. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the spatial purification device of the present invention has an electrolytic cell that stores salt water to be electrolyzed, and electrodes that perform electrolysis by passing an electric current through the electrodes, and includes a hypochlorous acid water generation unit that generates hypochlorous acid water, a hypochlorous acid water supply unit that supplies hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell to a mixing cell, a water supply unit that supplies water to the mixing cell, a micronization unit that micronizes the mixture of hypochlorous acid water and water stored in the mixing cell and releases it into the air, and a first micronization unit that micronizes the hypochlorous acid water by the hypochlorous acid water supply unit. and a control unit for controlling the supply operation and the second water supply operation by the water supply unit. The control unit performs a first supply operation to replenish the reduced specified amount when the water amount in the mixing tank is reduced by a specified amount from the predetermined water amount. and Execute the second supply operation to store mixed water in the mixing tank. and controlling the frequency of execution of the second supplying operation relative to the first supplying operation to be changed based on a time period during which the amount of water decreases to the specified amount. The present invention is characterized in that: Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a technique can be provided that makes it easy to adjust the amount of purification components released into the air. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic connection diagram of an air conditioning system equipped with a space purification system in conjunction with a space purification device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the spatial purification device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the space purification device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the control modes of the spatial purification device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the change over time in the concentration of hypochlorous acid water and the amount of volatilized hypochlorous acid in each control mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a control flowchart of the space purification device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Before describing the embodiments of the present invention in detail, an outline of the embodiments will be described.

[0010] The present embodiment relates to a space purification system that adjusts the temperature and humidity indoors and sprays water containing a component that purifies the air (hereinafter referred to as an "air purification component").

[0011] The space purification system includes an air conditioner that performs air conditioning control, and a space purification device that performs humidity control and spraying of water containing an air purification component. The air purification component may be, for example, hypochlorous acid that has bactericidal or deodorizing properties. This sterilizes or deodorizes the room.

[0012] The space purification device includes a hypochlorous acid water generating unit that generates hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing salt water, and a micronizing unit that micronizes the generated hypochlorous acid water and sprays it into the air. However, as mentioned above, it is not easy to adjust the concentration of hypochlorous acid water to an arbitrary value by controlling the period of electrolysis, etc., and to keep the amount of hypochlorous acid released into the space constant.

[0013] Therefore, in this embodiment, a predetermined concentration and amount of hypochlorous acid water is used by electrolysis, a mixing tank is provided in the micronization section, the hypochlorous acid water obtained by electrolysis and water (e.g., clean water such as tap water) are supplied to the mixing tank, and the mixture of hypochlorous acid water and water stored in the mixing tank is micronized and released into the air.

[0014] Here, the control unit of the space purification device according to the present invention selects whether the water to be supplied to the mixing tank is hypochlorous acid water or water at each predetermined supply time according to the hypochlorous acid concentration to be blown into the space based on the operation mode set by the user, and adjusts the hypochlorous acid water concentration of the mixed water stored in the mixing tank. This allows the hypochlorous acid water concentration in the mixed water to be increased or decreased according to the operation mode, so that the concentration of hypochlorous acid to be released from the space purification device can be adjusted.

[0015] Each of the embodiments described below shows a preferred specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, the arrangement and connection of the components, as well as the steps (processes) and the order of the steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, those components that are not described in the independent claims showing the highest concept of the present invention are described as optional components. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0016] (Embodiment 1) First, an air conditioning system 20 including a space purification system 18 linked to a space purification device 40 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic connection diagram of an air conditioning system 20 including a space purification system 18 linked to a space purification device 40 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning system 20 is configured with a heat exchange fan 4, a plurality of room dampers 5 (room dampers 5a, 5b), a plurality of circulation ports 6 (circulation ports 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d), a plurality of room exhaust ports 7 (room exhaust ports 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d), a plurality of room intake ports 8 (room intake ports 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d), a space purification system 18, an operation panel 50 (corresponding to an air conditioning controller), and a control unit 60 (see Fig. 3). The space purification system 18 is configured with a plurality of transport fans 3 (transport fans 3a, 3b), an air conditioning room temperature and humidity sensor 12, an air conditioner 13, an intake temperature sensor 14, a dust collection filter 17, and a space purification device 40.

[0018] The air conditioning system 20 is installed in a general house 1, which is an example of a building. The general house 1 has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) living rooms 2 (living rooms 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), and at least one air-conditioned room 18a that is independent of the living rooms 2. Here, the general house 1 (house) is a residence provided as a place for residents to live private lives, and the living rooms 2 generally include a living room, dining room, bedroom, private room, children's room, etc. Furthermore, the living rooms 2 provided by the air conditioning system 20 may include a toilet, bathroom, washroom, dressing room, etc.

[0019] Here, the living room 2a is provided with a circulation port 6a, a living room exhaust port 7a, a living room air intake port 8a, and an operation panel 50. The living room 2b is provided with a circulation port 6b, a living room exhaust port 7b, and a living room air intake port 8b. The living room 2c is provided with a circulation port 6c, a living room exhaust port 7c, and a living room air intake port 8c. The living room 2d is provided with a circulation port 6d, a living room exhaust port 7d, and a living room air intake port 8d.

[0020] Meanwhile, a space purification system 18 is installed in the air-conditioned room 18a. The space purification system 18 is configured to include a transport fan 3 (transport fans 3a and 3b), a room damper 5 (room dampers 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d), an air-conditioning room temperature and humidity sensor 12, an air conditioner 13, an intake temperature sensor 14, a space purification device 40, and a dust collection filter 17. More specifically, the space purification system 18 is arranged in the order of the air-conditioning room temperature and humidity sensor 12, the air conditioner 13, the dust collection filter 17, the intake temperature sensor 14, the space purification device 40, the transport fan 3, and the room damper 5 from the upstream side of the circulation path of the air flowing in the air-conditioned room 18a.

[0021] Here, the air-conditioned room 18a refers to a space with a certain size where the air conditioning room temperature and humidity sensor 12, air conditioning unit 13, dust collection filter 17, suction temperature sensor 14, space purification device 40, and transport fan 3 that constitute the space purification system 18 can be arranged and the air supplied to each room 2 can be controlled, but it is not intended as a living space and does not fundamentally refer to a room where residents stay.

[0022] Air is introduced from the outside into the air-conditioned room 18a. In the air-conditioned room 18a, air (indoor air) transported from each living room 2 through the circulation port 6 is mixed with outside air (outdoor air) taken in by the heat exchange fan 4 and heat-exchanged. The air in the air-conditioned room 18a is controlled by the space purification system 18 (air conditioner 13, space purification device 40) installed in the air-conditioned room 18a for temperature adjustment and addition of an air purification component (hypochlorous acid) accompanied by humidity adjustment, and air to be transported to each living room 2 is generated. The air treated by the space purification system 18 is transported to each living room 2 as the supply air flow 10 by the transport fan 3.

[0023] The air from each room 2 is transported to air-conditioned room 18a through circulation port 6 as shown by circulation flow 9, and is also heat-exchanged through heat exchange fan 4 through room exhaust port 7 as shown by intake flow 11, before being discharged outdoors. Air-conditioning system 20 performs ventilation using a first-class ventilation method by exhausting inside air (indoor air) from each room 2 through heat exchange fan 4 while taking in outside air (outdoor air) into the room. The ventilation air volume of heat exchange fan 4 can be set in multiple stages, and the ventilation air volume is set to meet the required ventilation volume stipulated by law.

[0024] Heat exchange fan 4 is configured with an intake fan and an exhaust fan (not shown) inside, and by operating each fan, ventilation is performed while exchanging heat between the inside air (indoor air) and the outside air (outdoor air). At this time, heat exchange fan 4 transports the heat-exchanged outside air to air-conditioned room 18a (space purification system 18).

[0025] The transport fan 3 is provided on the wall surface (bottom wall surface) of the air-conditioned room 18a. The air treated by the space purification system 18 is transported by the transport fan 3 through the transport duct from the room air supply port 8 to the room 2. More specifically, the air treated by the space purification system 18 is transported by the transport fan 3a to the room 2a and the room 2b located on the first floor of the general house 1, and is transported by the transport fan 3b to the room 2c and the room 2d located on the second floor of the general house 1. The transport ducts connected to the room air supply port 8 of each room 2 are provided independently.

[0026] A portion of the air in each room 2 (rooms 2a-2d) is transported to the air-conditioned room 18a through the circulation duct by the corresponding circulation port 6 (circulation port 6a-6d). The circulation ducts connecting the air-conditioned room 18a and each room 2 may be provided independently, or multiple branch ducts that are part of the circulation duct may be joined midway to form a single circulation duct, which is then connected to the air-conditioned room 18a.

[0027] When transporting air from the transport fan 3 to each of the rooms 2, the room dampers 5 adjust the opening degree of the room dampers 5 to adjust the amount of air sent to each of the rooms 2. More specifically, the room dampers 5a and 5b adjust the amount of air sent to the rooms 2a and 2b located on the first floor, respectively. Moreover, the room dampers 5c and 5d adjust the amount of air sent to the rooms 2c and 2d located on the second floor, respectively.

[0028] As described above, each of the room circulation ports 6 (circulation ports 6a to 6d) is an opening for conveying indoor air from each of the rooms 2 (rooms 2a to 2d) to the air-conditioned room 18a.

[0029] Each room exhaust vent 7 (room exhaust vents 7a to 7d) is an opening for conveying indoor air from each room 2 (rooms 2a to 2d) to the heat exchange fan 4, as described above.

[0030] As described above, each room air supply port 8 (room air supply ports 8a to 8d) is an opening for conveying air within air-conditioned room 18a from air-conditioned room 18a to each room 2 (rooms 2a to 2d).

[0031] The air conditioning room temperature and humidity sensor 12 is installed upstream of the space purification system 18, and acquires the temperature and humidity of the air sucked in from the living room 2 (rooms 2a to 2d) and flowing into the air conditioned room 18a (space purification system 18) as the room temperature and room humidity, respectively, and transmits these to the control unit 60.

[0032] The air conditioning device 13 corresponds to an air conditioner and controls the air conditioning of the space purification system 18. The air conditioning device 13 cools or heats the air in the air conditioning room 18a so that the temperature of the air in the air conditioning room 18a becomes a set temperature (air conditioning room target temperature). Here, the set temperature is set to a temperature based on the result of calculating the required heat amount from the temperature difference between the target temperature (room target temperature) set by the user and the room temperature detected by the air conditioning room temperature and humidity sensor 12. In this embodiment, the set temperature is set to a temperature at least higher than the target temperature in order to adjust the air temperature in each room 2 to the target temperature more quickly.

[0033] The dust collection filter 17 is a dust collection filter that collects particles suspended in the air introduced into the air-conditioned room 18a. The dust collection filter 17 collects particles contained in the air transported into the air-conditioned room 18a through the circulation port 6, thereby making the air supplied to the room by the transport fan 3 clean air. Here, the dust collection filter 17 is installed in the area between the air conditioner 13 and the space purification device 40 so as to block the air flow path.

[0034] The suction temperature sensor 14 is a sensor that acquires the temperature of air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner 13 in the space purification system 18 and transmits the temperature to the control unit 60. More specifically, the suction temperature sensor 14 is installed downstream of the dust collection filter 17 in the space purification system 18, acquires the temperature of the air sucked into the space purification device 40, and transmits the temperature to the control unit 60.

[0035] The space purification device 40 is located downstream of the air conditioner 13 (and dust collection filter 17) in the air conditioned room 18a, and when the humidity of the air in each room 2 (room humidity) is lower than the target humidity (room target humidity) set by the user, it humidifies the air in the air conditioned room 18a so that the humidity becomes the target humidity. In addition, the humidity handled here is indicated as a relative humidity, but it may be handled as an absolute humidity by a predetermined conversion process. In this case, it is preferable to handle the entire handling in the air conditioning system 20, including the humidity in the room 2, as an absolute humidity. Details of the space purification device 40 will be described later.

[0036] The operation panel 50 is a terminal for inputting user input information regarding the air conditioning system 20 (space purification system 18) (e.g., air volume, target temperature, target humidity, whether or not to add hypochlorous acid, target supply level of hypochlorous acid, heat exchange level of the heat exchange fan 4, etc.), and is connected to the control unit 60 wirelessly or via wired communication.

[0037] The control unit 60 is a controller that controls the entire air conditioning system 20. The control unit 60 is connected to each of the heat exchange fan 4, the transport fan 3, the room damper 5, the air conditioning room temperature and humidity sensor 12, the air conditioner 13, the intake temperature sensor 14, the space purification device 40, and the operation panel 50 so as to be able to communicate with them via wireless communication.

[0038] Furthermore, the control unit 60 controls the air conditioner 13, the space purification device 40, the air volume of the transport fan 3, and the opening degree of the room damper 5 according to the temperature and humidity (room temperature and room humidity of room 2) acquired by the air conditioning room temperature and humidity sensor 12, the set temperature and humidity (room set temperature and room set humidity) set in room 2, and the air temperature in the air-conditioned room 18a acquired by the suction temperature sensor 14. The air volume of the transport fan 3 may be controlled individually for each fan.

[0039] As a result, the air conditioned by the space purification system 18 is transported to each room 2 at the air volume set in each transport fan 3 and each room damper 5. Therefore, the room temperature and room humidity of each room 2 are controlled to become the target room temperature and target room humidity.

[0040] Next, the configuration of the space purification device 40 will be outlined with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the space purification device 40. Note that in Fig. 2, the configuration of the space purification device 40 is shown in functional blocks, but in reality, the space purification device 40 is housed in a single housing, and piping and the like are connected to the housing.

[0041] The space purification device 40 is located downstream of the air conditioner 13 in the air-conditioned room 18a, and is a device for adding an air purification component while humidifying the air in the air-conditioned room 18a by centrifugal water crushing.

[0042] Specifically, the space purification device 40 includes a micronization section 41, a hypochlorous acid water generation section 30, a hypochlorous acid water supply section 38, and a water supply section 48. The micronization section 41 includes a mixing tank 42, a centrifugal crushing unit 43, a water level sensor 44, and a purification air duct 49.

[0043] The micronization section 41 is a unit for humidifying the air flowing through the purification air duct 49. When humidifying, the micronization section 41 causes the flowing air to contain hypochlorous acid as an air purification component together with the micronized water. The micronization section 41 can also be called a liquid micronization chamber or an air purification section. More specifically, the micronization section 41 micronizes the mixed water stored in the mixing tank 42 (hypochlorous acid water obtained by mixing hypochlorous acid water from the hypochlorous acid water generation section 30 and water from the water supply section 48 to dilute the water) by centrifugal crushing, and causes the air flowing through the purification air duct 49 to contain the micronized water.

[0044] The mixing tank 42 is a tank for storing hypochlorous acid water in the micronization section 41, and can also be called a water storage section. In the mixing tank 42, hypochlorous acid water of a predetermined concentration supplied from the hypochlorous acid water supply section 38 described later and water supplied from the water supply section 48 described later are mixed in the tank, and mixed water consisting of diluted hypochlorous acid water is stored.

[0045] The centrifugal crushing unit 43 rotates the lift pipe 43a using a humidification motor (not shown), sucks up the mixed water (hypochlorous acid water) stored in the mixing tank 42 by centrifugal force, scatters, collides, and crushes it in the surroundings (centrifugal direction), and makes the air passing through the purification air duct 49 contain hypochlorous acid together with moisture, thus adopting a centrifugal crushing type configuration.

[0046] The centrifugal crushing unit 43 changes the rotation speed of the humidification motor in response to an output signal from the control unit 60 to adjust the humidification capacity (amount of humidification). More specifically, the control unit 60 controls the rotation speed of the humidification motor and adjusts the amount of humidification based on the temperature and humidity settings input by the user via the operation panel 50 and the temperature measurement value of the suction port of the space purification device 40 by the suction temperature sensor 14. The amount of humidification can also be said to be the amount of hypochlorous acid added to the air flowing through the purification air duct 49.

[0047] The water level sensor 44 detects the water level of the mixed water stored in the mixing tank 42 and outputs the result to the control unit 60. More specifically, the water level sensor 44 has a water level sensor 44a that detects the water level of the mixed water stored in the mixing tank 42 when it is full, and a water level sensor 44b that detects the water level of the mixed water that has decreased by a specified amount from the full water state.

[0048] Here, the specified amount is set to the amount of hypochlorous acid water that can be generated in one electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 33 of the hypochlorous acid water generator 30.

[0049] The purification air duct 49 is an air duct for allowing hypochlorous acid to be contained in the air passing through the micro-firing section 41 together with moisture. An air intake and an air outlet (not shown) for the air passing through the purification air duct 49 are provided on the wall surface or the top surface of the micro-firing section 41. The purification air duct 49 communicates with the inside of the air-conditioning room 18a.

[0050] The micronization section 41 is composed of the above-mentioned members. In the micronization section 41, the air that has passed through the dust collection filter 17 from the air-conditioning chamber 18a and has been drawn into the inside is added with hypochlorous acid together with moisture by the centrifugal crushing unit 43, and the air is blown back into the air-conditioning chamber 18a.

[0051] Next, the hypochlorous acid water generator 30 will be described.

[0052] The hypochlorous acid water generator 30 is configured to include a salt water tank 31, a salt water conveying pump 32, an electrolytic cell 33, electrodes 34, and an electrolytic cell supply valve 35.

[0053] The saltwater tank 31 stores saltwater (aqueous sodium chloride solution) and supplies saltwater to the electrolytic cell 33 via the saltwater transport pump 32 in response to an output signal from the control unit 60. The electrolytic cell 33 stores saltwater to be electrolyzed, which is supplied from the saltwater tank 31. In response to an output signal from the control unit 60, tap water is supplied to the electrolytic cell 33 from a water supply pipe 47 (described later) via an electrolytic cell supply valve 35, and the supplied tap water and saltwater are mixed to store saltwater of a predetermined concentration. The electrode 34 is disposed in the electrolytic cell 33 and electrolyzes saltwater by passing current in response to an output signal from the control unit 60, to generate hypochlorous acid water of a predetermined concentration.

[0054] That is, the hypochlorous acid water generating unit 30 generates hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing salt water as an electrolyte between a pair of electrodes constituting the electrodes 34 in the electrolytic cell 33. A general device is used for the hypochlorous acid water generating unit 30, so a detailed description will be omitted. Here, the electrolyte is an electrolyte capable of generating hypochlorous acid water, and is not particularly limited as long as it contains a small amount of chloride ions, and examples of the electrolyte 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.

[0055] Next, the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 38 will be described.

[0056] The hypochlorous acid water supply unit 38 supplies hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 33 of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 to the mixing cell 42 of the micronization unit 41 in response to an output signal from the control unit 60. Specifically, the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 38 is configured to have a hypochlorous acid water conveying pump 36 and a water supply pipe 37. The hypochlorous acid water conveying pump 36 sends out the hypochlorous acid water stored in the electrolytic cell 33 to the water supply pipe 37 in response to an output signal from the control unit 60. The water supply pipe 37 is connected between the hypochlorous acid water conveying pump 36 and the mixing cell 42, and conveys the hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 33 toward the mixing cell 42.

[0057] Here, in order to ensure the concentration of hypochlorous acid water generated and stored in hypochlorous acid water generator 30 (electrolytic bath 33), when supplying hypochlorous acid water from electrolytic bath 33 to mixing bath 42, hypochlorous acid water supply unit 38 supplies the entire amount of hypochlorous acid water generated in electrolytic bath 33. Therefore, after supplying hypochlorous acid water, electrolytic bath 33 is empty, and hypochlorous acid water is not produced from a state in which hypochlorous acid water remains in electrolytic bath 33.

[0058] Next, the water supply unit 48 will be described.

[0059] The water supply unit 48 supplies water (tap water) to the electrolytic cell 33 of the hypochlorous acid water generating unit 30 and also supplies water (tap water) to the mixing cell 42 of the micro-dispersion unit 41 in response to an output signal from the control unit 60. Specifically, the water supply unit 48 is configured to have an electrolytic cell supply valve 35, a mixing cell supply valve 45, and a water supply pipe 47. The electrolytic cell supply valve 35 controls whether or not water supplied from the water supply pipe 47 outside the hypochlorous acid water generating unit 30 through the strainer 46 is allowed to flow to the electrolytic cell 33 in response to an output signal from the control unit 60. The mixing cell supply valve 45 controls whether or not water supplied from the water supply pipe 47 outside the micro-dispersion unit 41 through the strainer 46 is allowed to flow to the mixing cell 42 in response to an output signal from the control unit 60. The water supply pipe 47 is connected to the electrolytic cell 33 via the electrolytic cell supply valve 35 and is also connected to the mixing cell 42 via the mixing cell supply valve 45, and supplies water to the electrolytic cell 33 or the mixing cell 42.

[0060] The space purification device 40 may also be provided with a drain pan (not shown). The drain pan is disposed in the entire area below the micronization unit 41, the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30, the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 38, and the water supply unit 48, and is a member that receives the water or hypochlorous acid water that falls from these units. In this case, in addition to the drain pan, it is preferable to provide a drainage pump that drains the water or hypochlorous acid water in the drain pan into a drain drain when the water level in the drain pan reaches a predetermined value.

[0061] The space purification device 40 is composed of the above-mentioned components. In the space purification device 40, the water supplied from the water supply unit 48 and the hypochlorous acid water supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 are mixed. The mixed water of hypochlorous acid water and water mixed in this way can also be called hypochlorous acid water. The space purification device 40 sprays finely divided mixed water (hypochlorous acid water) by centrifugal crushing the mixed water flowing into the mixing tank 42. The sprayed mixed water (hypochlorous acid water) is released into the air-conditioned room 18a with the liquid components evaporated.

[0062] In addition, when the air purification component hypochlorous acid is not added, depending on the user's settings, the space purification device 40 may operate as a humidifier to increase the humidity in the living room 2 by using only water as the mixed water to be centrifugally crushed in the micronization section 41.

[0063] Next, a method for mixing the hypochlorous acid water and water in the mixing tank 42 of the spatial purification device 40 will be described.

[0064] Usually, the amount of hypochlorous acid added to the air flowing through the micronization section 41 (purification air passage 49) (volatilization amount of hypochlorous acid) changes depending on the amount of humidification. That is, even if hypochlorous acid water with the same hypochlorous acid concentration is used, the amount of hypochlorous acid added varies depending on the amount of humidification, and if the amount of humidification is small, the amount of hypochlorous acid added to the air is small, and if the amount of humidification is large, the amount of hypochlorous acid added to the air is large. In other words, when the amount of humidification in the micronization section 41 is constant, if the hypochlorous acid concentration (concentration of hypochlorous acid water) of the mixed water in the mixing tank 42 is low, the amount of hypochlorous acid added to the air is small, and if the hypochlorous acid concentration (concentration of hypochlorous acid water) of the mixed water in the mixing tank 42 is high, the amount of hypochlorous acid added to the air is large.

[0065] Therefore, in this embodiment, the concentration of the mixed water (hypochlorous acid water) in the mixing tank 42 is adjusted by the supply operation of hypochlorous acid water or water to the mixing tank 42 performed by the control unit 60 at predetermined time intervals. Specifically, the control unit 60 adjusts the concentration of the mixed water (hypochlorous acid water) by combining a first supply operation in which the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 38 supplies hypochlorous acid water from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 (electrolytic tank 33) toward the mixing tank 42 and a second supply operation in which the water supply unit 48 supplies water from the water supply pipe 47 to the mixing tank 42. In the first supply operation, hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic tank 33 is supplied to the mixed water in the mixing tank 42, so this is a supply operation that increases the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water in the mixed water. In addition, in the second supply operation, water from the water supply pipe 47 is supplied to the mixed water in the mixing tank 42, so this is a supply operation that dilutes the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water in the mixed water.

[0066] Then, the control unit 60 performs a first supply operation to replenish the reduced amount of mixed water (hypochlorous acid water) when the amount of mixed water decreases by a specified amount from the amount of water in the full water state (predetermined amount of water) based on the water level information of the mixed water (hypochlorous acid water) stored in the mixing tank 42. and The second supply operation is executed to store the mixed water in the mixing tank 42. At this time, the control unit 60 changes, for example, the frequency of execution of the second supply operation relative to the first supply operation based on the time required for the mixed water to reach a water level in a state where the water level is reduced by a specified amount from a water level in a full water state (hereinafter referred to as a "reduction time"). More specifically, the control unit 60 changes, for example, the frequency of execution of the second supply operation relative to the first supply operation based on the time required for the reduction time to reach a first reference value for one execution of the first supply operation. less than When the frequency of the second supply operation is less than the first reference value, the reduction time is End The frequency of execution of the second supply operation is set to be higher than the frequency of execution of the second supply operation in the case where Limited The details will be described later.

[0067] Here, the specified amount is set to the amount of hypochlorous acid water (for example, 0.5 L) that can be generated in one electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 33 of the hypochlorous acid water generator 30, as described above.

[0068] The first reference value is a value (time) that is set to distinguish between a situation in which the air is dry and has low humidity, such as in winter in Japan, and a situation in which the air is humid and has high humidity, such as in summer in Japan.

[0069] The amount of humidification is the amount of water added to the air, and can be considered as the amount of mixed water that is reduced. Therefore, when the amount of humidification is large, the rate at which the mixed water is reduced is fast, and when the amount of humidification is small, the rate at which the mixed water is reduced is slow. In other words, the time it takes for the mixed water to reduce is short when the amount of humidification is large, and long when the amount of humidification is small. In other words, when the time it takes for the mixed water to reduce is greater than the first reference value, less than When the humidity level is high, such as in winter in Japan, the decrease time is equal to the first standard value. End This corresponds to a case where the amount of humidification is low, such as in the Japanese summer.

[0070] Next, the control unit 60 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0071] The control unit 60 controls the operation of the space purification device 40, which includes the operation of electrolysis in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 (electrolytic cell 33), the operation of supplying hypochlorous acid water to the micronization unit 41 by the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 38 (first supply operation), the operation of supplying water to the micronization unit 41 by the water supply unit 48 (second supply operation), and the operation of humidification purification in the micronization unit 41. The control unit 60 has a computer system having a processor and a memory. The computer system functions as a controller by the processor executing a program stored in the memory. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system here, but may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided, or may be provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet.

[0072] Specifically, the control unit 60 includes an input unit 63, a processing unit 64, an output unit 65, a timing unit 61, and a storage unit 62, as shown in FIG.

[0073] <Operation regarding electrolysis in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit> The control unit 60 causes the hypochlorous acid water generator 30 (electrolytic bath 33) to execute the following processes as operations related to the electrolysis process.

[0074] The control unit 60 receives information (operation stop information) regarding the stop of operation of the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 38 (hypochlorous acid water transport pump 36) and time-related information (time information) from the timing unit 61 as a trigger for the electrolysis process in the electrolytic cell 33, and outputs it to the processing unit 64.

[0075] The processing unit 64 identifies control information based on operation stop information from the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 38, time information from the timer unit 61, and setting information from the memory unit 62, and outputs the control information to the output unit 65. Here, the setting information includes information on the start or end time of hypochlorous acid water generation, information on the supply amount of tap water introduced into the electrolytic cell 33, information on the input amount of salt water in the salt water transfer pump 32, information on the electrolysis conditions (time, current value, voltage, etc.) in the electrode 34, information on the on / off operation of the electrolytic cell supply valve 35 in the water supply unit 48, and information on the on / off operation of the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 36.

[0076] Here, the electrolysis conditions for the electrode 34 can be determined from the amount of tap water in the electrolytic cell 33, the salt water concentration, the electrolysis time, and the degree of deterioration of the electrode 34, and are set by creating an algorithm and stored in the memory unit 62.

[0077] Then, the output unit 65 outputs signals (control signals) to each device (brine transfer pump 32, electrode 34, electrolytic cell supply valve 35, hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 36) based on the received control information.

[0078] More specifically, first, the salt water transfer pump 32 maintains a stopped state based on a signal from the output unit 65, and the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 36 maintains a stopped state based on a signal from the output unit 65.

[0079] Then, the electrolytic cell supply valve 35 is opened based on a signal from the output unit 65. This starts the supply of tap water from the water supply pipe 47 to the electrolytic cell 33. Thereafter, the electrolytic cell supply valve 35 is closed based on a signal from the output unit 65 that has received water level information (full) from the water level sensor 44a. This brings the electrolytic cell 33 into a state where tap water is being supplied at the set supply amount.

[0080] Next, the salt water conveying pump 32 starts operation based on a signal from the output unit 65, conveys a predetermined amount of salt water to the electrolytic cell 33, and then stops. As a result, chloride ions in the salt water are dissolved in the tap water, and the electrolytic cell 33 enters a state in which an aqueous solution containing a predetermined amount of chloride ions (aqueous chloride solution) has been produced.

[0081] Then, the electrode 34 starts electrolysis of the chloride aqueous solution based on the signal from the output unit 65, and stops after generating hypochlorous acid water according to the set conditions. The hypochlorous acid water generated by the electrode 34 has, for example, a hypochlorous acid concentration of 100 ppm to 150 ppm (e.g., 120 ppm) and a pH of 7 to 8.5 (e.g., 8.0).

[0082] In this manner, the control unit 60 executes the electrolysis process in the electrolytic cell 33 of the hypochlorous acid water production unit 30, and hypochlorous acid water of a predetermined concentration and amount is produced.

[0083] <Operations related to supplying hypochlorous acid water to the micronization unit> The control unit 60 executes the following process as an operation (first supply operation) related to the supply process of hypochlorous acid water to the micronization unit 41. In the following, the hypochlorous acid water supplied to the micronization unit 41 by the first supply operation is also referred to as "concentrated hypochlorous acid water."

[0084] The control unit 60 outputs a hypochlorous acid water supply request to the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) based on information regarding the reduction time required for the mixed water to reach a state in which it has been reduced by a specified amount, as a trigger for the supply process of hypochlorous acid water to the micronization unit 41.

[0085] Specifically, the processing unit 64 identifies control information based on information about the decrease time and the setting information from the storage unit 62, and outputs the control information to the output unit 65. Here, the setting information includes information about the supply timing of hypochlorous acid water and information about the on / off operation of the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 36.

[0086] Then, the output unit 65 outputs a signal (control signal) to the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 36 of the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 38 based on the received control information.

[0087] The hypochlorous acid water conveying pump 36 operates based on a signal from the output unit 65. As a result, in the hypochlorous acid water generating unit 30, the supply of hypochlorous acid water stock solution from the electrolytic cell 33 to the micronization unit 41 (mixing cell 42) is started. Note that, in order to ensure the concentration of hypochlorous acid water stored in the electrolytic cell 33, when the hypochlorous acid water stock solution is supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generating unit 30 to the mixing cell 42, the entire amount of the hypochlorous acid water stock solution generated in the electrolytic cell 33 is supplied.

[0088] Thereafter, the hypochlorous acid water conveying pump 36 stops based on a signal from the output unit 65 that receives information about time (time required to supply the entire amount) from the timer unit 61. As a result, the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 38 supplies the hypochlorous acid water concentrate from the electrolytic bath 33 to the micronization unit 41 (mixing bath 42) at the set supply amount.

[0089] As described above, the control unit 60 controls the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 38 to supply the hypochlorous acid water concentrate from the hypochlorous acid water generator 30 (electrolytic bath 33) to the micronization unit 41 as the first supply operation.

[0090] <Operation related to supplying water to the micronization section> The control unit 60 executes the following process as an operation (second supplying operation) related to the supplying process of water to the microparticulation unit 41.

[0091] The control unit 60 outputs a water supply request to the water supply unit 48 as a trigger for supplying water to the microparticulation unit 41 based on information on the reduction time required for the mixed water to reach a state where it has been reduced by a specified amount.

[0092] Specifically, the processing unit 64 identifies control information based on information about the decrease time and the setting information from the storage unit 62, and outputs the control information to the output unit 65. Here, the setting information includes information about the timing of water supply and information about the on / off operation of the mixing tank supply valve 45.

[0093] Then, output unit 65 outputs a signal (control signal) to mixing vessel supply valve 45 based on the received control information.

[0094] The mixing tank supply valve 45 operates based on a signal from the output unit 65. This causes the water supply unit 48 to start supplying water from the external water supply pipe via the water supply pipe 47 to the micronization unit 41 (mixing tank 42).

[0095] Thereafter, the mixing tank supply valve 45 stops based on a signal from the output unit 65 that has received water level information (full water signal) from the water level sensor 44a of the micronization unit 41. As a result, the water supply unit 48 supplies water from the water supply pipe 47 to the micronization unit 41 (mixing tank 42) until the set amount of water is reached.

[0096] As described above, the control unit 60 controls the water supply unit 48 to supply water from the water supply pipe 47 to the microparticulation unit 41 as the second supply operation.

[0097] <Operations related to humidification and purification processing in the microfabrication section> Next, the operation of the control unit 60 regarding the humidification and purification process in the microparticulation unit 41 will be described.

[0098] The input unit 63 receives user input information from the operation panel 50, temperature and humidity information of the air in the room 2 from the air conditioning room temperature and humidity sensor 12, temperature information of the air in the air-conditioned room 18a from the suction temperature sensor 14, and water level information of the hypochlorous acid water (mixed water) in the mixing tank 42 from the water level sensor 44. The input unit 63 outputs each piece of received information to the processing unit 64.

[0099] The clock unit 61 outputs time information relating to the current time to the processing unit 64 .

[0100] The memory unit 62 stores the user input information received by the input unit 63, supply setting information in the supply operation of hypochlorous acid to the air circulating inside the device, and information (reference value information) on a first reference value that divides the reduction time required for the mixed water to reach a state where a specified amount is reduced. The memory unit 62 outputs the various stored information to the processor 64 in response to a request from the processor 64. The supply setting information in the supply operation of hypochlorous acid can also be said to be humidification setting information in the humidification purification operation of the micronization unit 41.

[0101] The processing unit 64 receives various information (user input information, temperature and humidity information, temperature information, water level information) from the input unit 63, time information from the clock unit 61, and various information (supply setting information, reference value information) from the storage unit 62. The processing unit 64 uses the various received information to identify control information related to the humidification and purification operation.

[0102] Specifically, the processing unit 64 determines the required amount of humidification required for the room 2 based on the humidity difference between the target humidity stored in the memory unit 62 and the temperature and humidity information of the air in the room 2 from the air conditioning room temperature and humidity sensor 12 at regular time intervals according to the time information from the timing unit 61. Then, the processing unit 64 determines control information (humidification control information) related to the humidification and purification operation based on the determined required amount of humidification and the supply setting information stored in the memory unit 62. Then, the processing unit 64 outputs a signal related to the determined control information to the output unit 65.

[0103] Further, the processing unit 64 specifies the reduction time required for the mixed water to reach a state where a specified amount of the mixed water is reduced, based on the time information from the timer unit 61 and the water level information from the water level sensor 44b. Then, the processing unit 64 specifies the execution frequency (for example, four times) of the second water supply operation relative to the first hypochlorous acid water supply operation (one time) based on the specified reduction time and the reference value information stored in the memory unit 62. That is, the processing unit 64 specifies control information (supply control information) for performing one first hypochlorous acid water supply operation and four second water supply operations in chronological order each time the processing unit 64 obtains water level information from the water level sensor 44b. Then, the processing unit 64 outputs a signal related to the specified control information to the output unit 65. The supply control information includes a signal for requesting hypochlorous acid water supply and a signal for requesting water supply.

[0104] Then, the output unit 65 outputs each of the received signals to the micro-refining unit 41, the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 38, and the water supply unit 48, respectively.

[0105] The hypochlorous acid water supply unit 38 receives a signal (a hypochlorous acid water supply request signal included in the supply control information) from the output unit 65, and executes an operation (first supply operation) related to the supply process of hypochlorous acid water to the mixing tank 42 of the micronization unit 41 at a predetermined supply timing based on the received signal. The water supply unit 48 receives a signal (a water supply request signal included in the supply control information) from the output unit 65, and executes an operation (second supply operation) related to the supply process of water to the mixing tank 42 of the micronization unit 41 at a predetermined supply timing based on the received signal.

[0106] Then, the micronization unit 41 receives a signal from the output unit 65, and controls the rotation operation of the centrifugal crushing unit 43 based on the received signal. Then, when the humidification and purification operation progresses and the amount of mixed water decreases by a specified amount from the amount of water in the full water state (when water level information is acquired from the water level sensor 44b), the micronization unit 41 executes a first supply operation or a second supply operation to replenish the decreased specified amount. At this time, the first supply operation or the second supply operation is executed every time water level information is acquired from the water level sensor 44b, and for example, the supply of water by the second supply operation (4 times) and the supply of hypochlorous acid water by the first supply operation (1 time) are repeatedly executed in this order for the initial mixed water.

[0107] In the microparticulation section 41, a predetermined amount of mixed water is thus stored in the mixing tank 42, and a humidification and purification process is carried out on the air flowing inside (the purification air duct 49).

[0108] Next, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the mixed water (mixed water mixed by the first supply operation or the second supply operation) in the mixing tank 42 of the space purification device 40 (micronization unit 41) will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the control modes of the space purification device 40. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the time-dependent changes in the hypochlorous acid water concentration and the hypochlorous acid volatilization amount in each control mode. More specifically, FIG. 5(a) is a schematic diagram showing the time-dependent changes in the hypochlorous acid water concentration and the hypochlorous acid volatilization amount in the first control mode A, and FIG. 5(b) is a schematic diagram showing the time-dependent changes in the hypochlorous acid water concentration and the hypochlorous acid volatilization amount in the second control mode B. In addition, in order to simplify the explanation, it is assumed that the space purification device 40 (micronization unit 41) operates at a constant humidification demand amount during the humidification purification operation time.

[0109] Here, in Fig. 5(a), the initial stage of operation (initial state of the mixed water) is time T0, and the timing at which water level information is acquired from the water level sensor 44b (hereinafter also referred to as the "first detection time") is shown as time T1 to time T5. Also, in Fig. 5(b), the initial state of the mixed water is time T0', and this timing (hereinafter also referred to as the "second detection time") is shown as time T1' to time T5'. Also, the amount of hypochlorous acid volatilized in Fig. 5 is shown as an average value for each time period (for example, the time period between time T0 and time T1).

[0110] 4, the control mode in the spatial purification device 40 is determined based on the decrease time X determined by the processing unit 64 of the control unit 60 and the first reference value Y stored in the storage unit 62. End If so, the first control mode A is selected as the control mode, and the decrease time X is equal to or smaller than the first reference value Y less than If so, the second control mode B is selected as the control mode. Here, the first reference value Y is set to, for example, one hour.

[0111] The first control mode A is a mode set under conditions corresponding to a low humidification amount such as in the summer in Japan. Here, when the reduction time X is about 2 hours, in the first control mode A, the supply frequency ratio is such that the first supply operation of hypochlorous acid water is performed once and the second supply operation of water is performed twice.

[0112] The second control mode B is a mode set under conditions corresponding to a high humidification amount such as winter in Japan. Here, when the reduction time X is about 30 minutes, in the second control mode B, the supply frequency ratio is such that the second water supply operation is performed four times for one first hypochlorous acid water supply operation.

[0113] Here, the execution frequency of the second supply operation in the second control mode B is set to be higher than the execution frequency of the second supply operation in the first control mode A. Set upIn other words, the concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the mixed water mixed by the second control mode B is lower than the concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the mixed water mixed by the first control mode A.

[0114] <First control mode A> In the first control mode A, the supply of water by the second supply operation (twice) and the supply of hypochlorous acid water by the first supply operation (once) are repeatedly executed in this order. In the first control mode A, as shown in (a) of FIG. 5, the concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the mixed water in the mixing tank 42 and the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the air released from the micronization unit 41 (volatilized amount of hypochlorous acid) each change.

[0115] Specifically, the following applies:

[0116] At the beginning of the operation (time T0), the mixture of hypochlorous acid water concentrate and water (mixed water in a full state) is mixed in the mixing tank 42 to a predetermined concentration (initial concentration). Then, when the humidification purification operation is started, the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water (mixed water) in the mixing tank 42 decreases over time from the start of the operation. This is because hypochlorous acid has a higher vapor pressure than water, and hypochlorous acid is vaporized at a constant ratio to the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water and applied to the air. If hypochlorous acid does not vaporize, the hypochlorous acid contained in the water is consumed together with the water atomized by the atomization unit 41, so the hypochlorous acid water decreases at a constant rate according to the amount of humidification, but the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 42 does not change.

[0117] Then, from the full water state, the amount of mixed water decreases at a constant rate by the humidification purification operation, and at the timing when water level information is obtained from the water level sensor 44b, that is, at the timing of time T1 when the mixed water decreases by a specified amount, water is supplied from the water supply unit 48 as the second supply operation until the mixing tank 42 becomes full (water to replenish the reduced specified amount). As a result, at time T1, the hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 42 is diluted with water as water is supplied from the water supply unit 48, so that the concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 42 decreases.

[0118] Thereafter, the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water (mixed water) in the mixing tank 42 further decreases as time passes from time T1. Then, the amount of mixed water decreases at a constant rate from the full water state by the humidification purification operation, and at the timing when the water level information is obtained from the water level sensor 44b, that is, at the timing of time T2 when the mixed water decreases by a specified amount, water is supplied from the water supply unit 48 as the second supply operation until the mixing tank 42 becomes full (water to replenish the reduced specified amount). As a result, at time T2, the hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 42 is diluted with water as the water supply unit 48 supplies water, so the concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 42 further decreases.

[0119] Thereafter, the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water (mixed water) in the mixing tank 42 further decreases over time from time T2. Then, the amount of mixed water decreases at a constant rate from the full water state by the humidification purification operation, and at the timing when the water level information is acquired from the water level sensor 44b, that is, at the timing of time T3 when the mixed water decreases by a specified amount, hypochlorous acid water concentrate (corresponding to the total amount of the electrolytic tank 33) is supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generator 30 (electrolytic tank 33) as the first supply operation to replenish the decreased specified amount. As a result, at time T3, the hypochlorous acid water concentrate of high concentration is added to the hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 42 with the supply of hypochlorous acid water concentrate from the hypochlorous acid water generator 30, so that the hypochlorous acid water concentration in the mixing tank 42 increases significantly.

[0120] Thereafter, at the timings (times T4 and T5) when water level information is acquired from the water level sensor 44b, as at times T1 and T2, water is supplied to replenish the reduced specified amount, and the concentration of hypochlorous acid water decreases accordingly.

[0121] 5(a), when the humidification purification operation continues for a certain period of time (e.g., 24 hours) from the beginning of the operation (time T0), all of the hypochlorous acid water (mixed water) in the mixing tank 42 is drained. After that, water and hypochlorous acid water concentrate are respectively supplied into the mixing tank 42, and the mixed water in the mixing tank 42 becomes the same state as at the beginning of the operation (time T0).

[0122] The concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the air discharged from the micronization section 41 (volatilized amount of hypochlorous acid) is determined by the amount of humidification in the micronization section 41 and the concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 42, but since the amount of humidification is constant here, the concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 42 is reflected. Therefore, the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the air in the micronization section 41 increases or decreases corresponding to the increase or decrease in the concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 42.

[0123] In the first control mode A, compared to the case where humidification purification operation is performed in the early stage of operation (the time period from time T0 to time T1) as in the conventional method, the mixed water in the mixing tank 42 is generally stored while maintaining a high concentration of hypochlorous acid water, so that the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the air released from the micronization section 41 (amount of hypochlorous acid volatilized) can be increased.

[0124] <Second control mode B> In the second control mode B, the supply of water by the second supply operation (four times) and the supply of hypochlorous acid water by the first supply operation (one time) are repeatedly executed in this order. In the second control mode B, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the mixed water in the mixing tank 42 and the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the air released from the micronization unit 41 (volatilized amount of hypochlorous acid) each change.

[0125] Specifically, the following applies:

[0126] At the beginning of operation (time T0'), the mixture of hypochlorous acid water concentrate and water (mixed water filled with water) is mixed to a predetermined concentration (initial concentration) in the mixing tank 42. Then, when the humidification purification operation is started, the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water (mixed water) in the mixing tank 42 decreases over time from the start of operation.

[0127] Then, from the full water state, the amount of mixed water decreases at a constant rate by the humidification purification operation, and at the timing when water level information is obtained from the water level sensor 44b, that is, at the timing of time T1' when the mixed water decreases by a specified amount, water is supplied from the water supply unit 48 as the second supply operation until the mixing tank 42 becomes full (water to replenish the reduced specified amount). As a result, at time T1', the hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 42 is diluted with water as water is supplied from the water supply unit 48, so that the concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 42 decreases.

[0128] Thereafter, the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water (mixed water) in the mixing tank 42 further decreases as time passes from time T1'. Then, the amount of mixed water decreases at a constant rate from the full water state by the humidification purification operation, and at the timing when the water level information is acquired from the water level sensor 44b, that is, at the timing of time T2' when the mixed water decreases by a specified amount, water is supplied from the water supply unit 48 as the second supply operation until the mixing tank 42 becomes full (water to replenish the reduced specified amount). As a result, at time T2', the hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 42 is diluted with water as the water is supplied from the water supply unit 48, so that the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 42 further decreases. Then, the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water (mixed water) in the mixing tank 42 further decreases as time passes from time T2'.

[0129] Thereafter, at the timing when water level information is acquired from the water level sensor 44b (time T3', time T4'), water is supplied to replenish the reduced specified amount, and the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water decreases accordingly.

[0130] Thereafter, the amount of mixed water decreases at a constant rate from the full water state by the humidification purification operation, and at the timing when water level information is acquired from the water level sensor 44b, that is, at the timing of time T5' when the mixed water decreases by a specified amount, hypochlorous acid water concentrate (corresponding to the total amount of the electrolytic cell 33) is supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generator 30 (electrolytic cell 33) as the first supply operation to replenish the decreased specified amount. As a result, at time T5', high concentration hypochlorous acid water concentrate is added to the hypochlorous acid water in the mixing cell 42 with the supply of hypochlorous acid water concentrate from the hypochlorous acid water generator 30, so that the concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the mixing cell 42 increases significantly.

[0131] At the timing when water level information is acquired from the water level sensor 44b thereafter, as in the period from time T1' to time T5', water or hypochlorous acid concentrate is supplied to replenish the reduced specified amount, and the hypochlorous acid concentration changes accordingly.

[0132] Although not shown in Fig. 5(b), when the humidification purification operation continues for a certain period of time (e.g., 24 hours) from the beginning of the operation (time T0'), all of the hypochlorous acid water (mixed water) in the mixing tank 42 is drained. Thereafter, water and hypochlorous acid water concentrate are respectively supplied into the mixing tank 42, and the mixed water in the mixing tank 42 becomes the same state as at the beginning of the operation (time T0').

[0133] The concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the air in the microparticulation section 41 increases or decreases in response to the increase or decrease in the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 42, as described above.

[0134] In the second control mode B, compared to the case where humidification purification operation is performed in the early stage of operation (the time period from time T0' to time T1') as in the conventional method, the mixed water in the mixing tank 42 is generally stored while maintaining a low concentration of hypochlorous acid water, so that the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the air released from the micronization section 41 (amount of hypochlorous acid volatilized) can be reduced.

[0135] As described above, in the space purification device 40, the frequency of execution of the second water supply operation relative to the first hypochlorous acid water supply operation is changed based on the humidification demand (humidification demand corresponding to the Japanese winter or the Japanese summer) required for the micronization unit 41, and the hypochlorous acid water concentration of the mixed water (mixed water mixed by the first supply operation or the second supply operation) in the mixing tank 42 is adjusted. As a result, when the humidification demand is high, such as in the Japanese winter, air with a low hypochlorous acid content can be released into the living room 2 compared to the conventional method, and when the humidification demand is low, such as in the Japanese summer, air with a high hypochlorous acid content can be released into the living room 2 compared to the conventional method.

[0136] Next, a control flow of the supply of water and hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 42 by the control unit 60 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a control flow chart of the space purification device 40.

[0137] When the control unit 60 starts the humidification purification operation in response to the humidification request amount, it measures the time X of the mixed water decrease in the mixing tank 42 based on the water level information detected by the water level sensor 44 (water level sensor 44a, water level sensor 44b) in the mixing tank 42, and specifies the control mode (first control mode A, second control mode B). Then, based on the specified control mode, it causes the supply of hypochlorous acid water (first supply operation) or the supply of water (second supply operation) to the mixing tank 42 to be executed at the respective frequencies.

[0138] Specifically, after the humidification purification operation of the space purification device 40 starts, the control unit 60 starts the operation of the centrifugal crushing unit 43 (step S01), and starts the supply of hypochlorous acid water concentrate to the mixing tank 42 (step S02). When the entire amount of hypochlorous acid water concentrate is supplied, the supply of water to the mixing tank 42 starts (step S03). Then, when the water level sensor 44a detects the water level as full (step S04), the supply of water stops (step S05). In this way, the hypochlorous acid water and water are mixed in the mixing tank 42, and mixed water having a predetermined hypochlorous acid water concentration as the initial operation state is stored.

[0139] When the mixed water is stored in the mixing tank 42, a measurement process of the time until the water level information is acquired from the water level sensor 44b is started in order to calculate the decrease time X based on the time information from the timer unit 61 (step S06). Then, the processor 64 judges whether the water level information is acquired from the water level sensor 44b every predetermined time (for example, every minute) (step S07). Then, when the water level information is acquired from the water level sensor 44b (Yes in step S07), the decrease time X is calculated, and the calculated decrease time X is compared with the first reference value Y stored in the memory unit 62 (step S08), and the control mode (first control mode A, second control mode B) is identified (step S09).

[0140] Here, when the control mode is specified, water or hypochlorous acid water is supplied to the mixing tank 42 to replenish the reduced specified amount, but it is necessary to change the supply frequency ratio of hypochlorous acid water and water according to the reduction time X. Therefore, when the same control mode as the previous cycle is specified in the cycle of each supply operation (first supply operation, second supply operation) to the mixed water in the specified control mode (Yes in step S010), the processing unit 64 supplies water or hypochlorous acid water to the mixing tank 42 based on the specified control mode (step S11). On the other hand, when the control mode specified in step S10 is different from the previous cycle (No in step S10), the hypochlorous acid water concentration of the mixed water is different from the initial state, and especially when the hypochlorous acid water concentration of the mixed water changes from a high state to a low state (when the first control mode A changes to the second control mode B), it is affected by the hypochlorous acid water concentration in the previous cycle, so the mixed water in the mixing tank 42 is drained in its entirety (step S12). Then, new hypochlorous acid water and water are supplied (step S13) to store mixed water having a predetermined hypochlorous acid water concentration in the mixing tank 42 as the initial operation state. Then, the humidification purification operation is started in the newly specified control mode (step S14). In step S10, if the control mode is specified for the first time, the process proceeds to step S11 without making a judgment.

[0141] Then, after step S11 or step S14 is completed, the count of the decrease time X in the processing unit 64 is reset (step S15), and the process returns to step S06.

[0142] In this manner, the spatial purification device 40 performs control to adjust the concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the mixed water in the mixing tank 42 by each supply operation (first supply operation, second supply operation) to the mixed water in the specified control mode until an end signal for the humidification purification operation is input.

[0143] As described above, according to the spatial purification device 40 of this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0144] (1) The space purification device 40 is configured to include a hypochlorous acid water generating unit 30 having an electrolytic cell 33 for storing salt water to be electrolyzed and an electrode 34 for performing electrolysis by passing electricity, and generating hypochlorous acid water, a hypochlorous acid water supplying unit 38 for supplying hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 33 to a mixing tank 42, a water supplying unit 48 for supplying water to the mixing tank 42, a micronizing unit 41 for micronizing the mixed water of hypochlorous acid water and water stored in the mixing tank 42 and releasing it into the air, and a control unit 60 for controlling a first supply operation of hypochlorous acid water by the hypochlorous acid water supplying unit 38 and a second supply operation of water by the water supplying unit 48. When the amount of water in the mixing tank 42 is reduced by a specified amount from a predetermined water amount (full water state), the control unit 60 executes a first supply operation or a second supply operation for replenishing the reduced specified amount, so that the mixed water is stored in the mixing tank 42.

[0145] Thereby, the frequency of supplying water (second supply operation) relative to the supply of hypochlorous acid water (first supply operation) to the mixing tank 42 is adjusted based on the reduction time X of the mixed water in the micronization section 41, that is, the reduction time X which increases or decreases according to the amount of humidification, and as a result, the amount of hypochlorous acid contained in the air released from the space purification device 40 can be adjusted.

[0146] More specifically, when air with high relative humidity is ventilated through the micronization unit 41, such as in the summer in Japan, the consumption of the mixed water stored in the mixing tank 42 is small, so the supply of water (second supply operation) relative to the supply of hypochlorous acid water (first supply operation) to the mixing tank 42 is reduced, and the mixed water is micronized and released into the air in a state where the hypochlorous acid concentration of the mixed water in the mixing tank 42 is high on average. As a result, even in a situation where the micronized hypochlorous acid water is difficult to vaporize, hypochlorous acid increased to a predetermined concentration can be contained in the air and released into the living room 2. On the other hand, when air with low relative humidity is ventilated through the micronization unit 41, such as in the winter in Japan, the consumption of the mixed water stored in the mixing tank 42 is large, so the supply of water (second supply operation) relative to the supply of hypochlorous acid water (first supply operation) to the mixing tank 42 is increased, and the mixed water is micronized and released into the air in a state where the hypochlorous acid concentration of the mixed water in the mixing tank 42 is low on average. As a result, even in a situation where the finely divided hypochlorous acid water is easily vaporized, hypochlorous acid diluted to a predetermined concentration can be contained in the air and released into the living room 2. In other words, the space purification device 40 can easily adjust the amount of hypochlorous acid released into the air.

[0147] (2) In the spatial purification device 40, the control unit 60 controls to change the execution frequency of the second supply operation relative to the first supply operation based on the decrease time X, which is the time it takes for the amount of water to decrease by a specified amount. This allows the concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the mixed water in the mixing tank 42 to be adjusted simply by increasing or decreasing the execution frequency of the second supply operation, and the concentration of hypochlorous acid water can be easily adjusted to an average concentration corresponding to the humidification amount of the micronization unit 41.

[0148] (3) In the spatial purification device 40, the control unit 60 determines whether the decrease time X is a first reference value Y less than The execution frequency of the second supply operation in the case where the reduction time X is the first reference value Y End The frequency of execution of the second supply operation is set to be higher than the frequency of execution of the second supply operation in the case where LimitedThis makes it possible to reliably distinguish and adjust a state in which the hypochlorous acid concentration in the mixed water in the mixing tank 42 is high on average from a state in which the hypochlorous acid concentration in the mixed water in the mixing tank 42 is low on average.

[0149] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. These embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0150] In the spatial purification device 40 according to the first embodiment, the micronization unit 41 has been described as operating at a constant humidification demand during the humidification purification operation, but it may be configured to operate at a humidification demand that is determined at regular time intervals based on the humidity difference between the target humidity and the humidity of the air in the living room 2. Even in this manner, the above-mentioned effects can be obtained.

[0151] In addition, in the space purification device 40 according to the first embodiment, the control unit 60 sets the first reference value Y and adjusts the average concentration of the hypochlorous acid water in the mixed water using two control modes (first control mode A and second control mode B), but is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 60 may set multiple reference values ​​and adjust the average concentration of the hypochlorous acid water in the mixed water in multiple stages using multiple control modes. In this way, the space purification device 40 can more finely adjust the amount of hypochlorous acid contained in the released air.

[0152] In the spatial purification device 40 according to the first embodiment, the control unit 60 specifies the reduction time X by detecting the water level information from the water level sensor 44b, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the control unit 60 may estimate the reduction time X based on the rotation speed of the humidification motor of the centrifugal crushing unit 43 and the temperature information detected by the suction temperature sensor 14 without installing the water level sensor 44b. Even in this case, the above-mentioned effects can be obtained.

[0153] In the spatial purification device 40 according to the first embodiment, the water supply pipe 47 is branched to supply water to the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 and the atomization unit 41, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the water supply means to the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 and the atomization unit 41 may be independent from each other. [Industrial Applicability]

[0154] The spatial purification device of the present invention can easily adjust the amount of hypochlorous acid released into the air when micronizing hypochlorous acid water and releasing the hypochlorous acid into the air, and is useful as a device for sterilizing or deodorizing the air in a target space. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 1 General housing 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d living room 3, 3a, 3b Transport fan 4 Heat exchange fan 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d circulation port 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d Room exhaust vent 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d Room air supply vent 9 Circulating flow 10 Intake Air Flow 11 Intake flow 12 Air conditioning room temperature and humidity sensor 13 Air conditioning equipment 14 Intake temperature sensor 17 Dust collection filter 18 Space Purification System 18a Air conditioned room 20. Air Conditioning System 30 Hypochlorous acid water generator 31 Salt Water Tank 32 Salt water transport pump 33 Electrolytic cell 34 electrodes 35 Electrolyzer supply valve 36 Hypochlorous acid water conveying pump 37 Water pipe 38 Hypochlorous Acid Water Supply Department 40 Space Purification Device 41 Miniaturization section 42 Mixing tank 43 Centrifugal crushing unit 43a Lift pipe 44, 44a, 44b Water level sensor 45 Mixing tank supply valve 46 Strainer 47 Water supply pipe 48 Water supply section 49 Purifying Airway 50 Operation Panel 60 Control section 61 Timing section 62 Storage section 63 Input section 64 Processing section 65 Output section

Claims

1. A hypochlorous acid water generating unit having an electrolytic cell for storing salt water to be electrolyzed and electrodes for performing the electrolysis by passing an electric current therethrough, and generating hypochlorous acid water; A hypochlorous acid water supply unit that supplies the hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell to a mixing cell; A water supply unit that supplies water to the mixing tank; A micronization unit that micronizes the mixed water of the hypochlorous acid water and the water stored in the mixing tank and releases it into the air; A control unit that controls a first supply operation of the hypochlorous acid water by the hypochlorous acid water supply unit and a second supply operation of the water by the water supply unit; Equipped with the control unit, when the amount of water in the mixing tank is reduced by a specified amount from a predetermined water amount, executes the first supplying operation and the second supplying operation to replenish the reduced specified amount, and stores the mixed water in the mixing tank; A space purification device, characterized in that the frequency of execution of the second supplying action relative to the first supplying action is changed based on a reduction time over which the specified amount of water is reduced.

2. The space purification device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit controls the frequency of execution of the second supply operation when the reduction time is less than a first reference value to be greater than the frequency of execution of the second supply operation when the reduction time is equal to or greater than the first reference value.

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