Air Purifier

Abstract

To prevent electrolytic water generated in an electrolytic tank from dropping to the outside of the electrolytic tank and falling onto a floor surface or the like outside a body case during maintenance.SOLUTION: An air purifier includes: an electrolytic tank 35 electrochemically processing water to generate electrolytic water and a water storage container 22 capable of storing electrolytic water. The electrolytic tank 35 is provided with a fall-down opening 52 as an opening for supplying the electrolytic water to the water storage container 22 and can be mounted to the upper part of the water storage container 22 so that a fall-down opening 52 is located just above the water storage container 22. Thereby, the electrolytic water is prevented from falling down to a floor surface or the like outside a body case 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air purifier that generates electrolytic water in an electrolytic cell and sterilizes the air with the generated electrolytic water. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional air purifier includes a main body case having an intake port and an outlet port, an electrolytic cell in which an electrolytic unit having electrodes for electrochemically treating water is disposed, a water storage container for storing electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic cell, a sterilization and deodorization means for retaining the water in the water storage container, a blower for blowing air to the sterilization and deodorization means, and a water supply means for supplying water to the water storage container. Air blown into the main body from outside the main body case is sterilized by passing through the sterilization and deodorization means. The electrolytic cell has an opening for putting water or water containing an electrolyte into the electrolytic cell, or for feeding electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic cell to the water storage container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5550896 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to maintain electrolytic water of a stable concentration in the water storage container, such conventional air purifiers require periodic maintenance such as cleaning the electrolytic cell and the water storage container. During maintenance, the electrolytic cell needs to be removed from the main body case and carried to a sink or the like, but this poses the problem that the electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic cell may spill out of the electrolytic cell through the opening and fall onto the floor or the like outside the main body case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell that electrochemically processes water to produce electrolytic water, a water storage container capable of storing electrolytic water, sterilization and deodorization means that sterilizes and deodorizes air using the electrolytic water in the water storage container, and a main body case that houses the water storage container, the sterilization and deodorization means, and the electrolytic cell, wherein the water storage container and the electrolytic cell are detachable from the main body case, and the electrolytic cell has a drop opening that is an opening for supplying electrolytic water to the water storage container, and the drop opening can be attached above the water storage container so that it is located directly above the water storage container. and a mounting portion that enables the electrolytic cell to be mounted above the water storage container so that the drop opening is located directly above the water storage container, the mounting portion having a plate-shaped first rib and a plate-shaped second rib that each extend downward from a bottom surface of the electrolytic cell, the first rib and the second rib being parallel to each other, the distance between the first rib and the second rib being slightly greater than the thickness of the outer wall of the water storage container, and the outer wall being able to fit between the first rib and the second rib. The present invention is characterized by the above, thereby achieving the intended purpose. Effect of the Invention

[0006] As described above, the present invention provides an air purifying device that can prevent electrolytic water from falling onto the floor or other surface outside the main case when the electrolytic cell is removed from the main case and transported. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air purifying device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the air purifying device with the door open. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the air purifier with the door open. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the air purifying device with the cover open. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the air purifying device. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a water storage unit of the air purifier. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the air purifying device. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a water storage unit of the air purifier. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the water storage section of the air purifier; [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the water storage section of the air purifier; [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a water supply means of the air purifying device. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electrolytic cell of the air purifying device. [Figure 13] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electrolytic cell of the air purifying device. [Figure 14] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic cell of the air purifier. [Figure 15] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tablet injection mechanism of the air purifier; [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the inside of a tablet insertion case of the tablet insertion mechanism of the air purifying device. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the air purifier with an electrolytic cell attached to the water storage container. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a water storage container with an electrolytic cell attached to the air purifying device. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a water storage container with an electrolytic cell attached to the air purifier; [Figure 20] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electrolytic cell of the air purifying device. [Figure 21] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electrolytic cell of the air purifying device. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a water storage container with an electrolytic cell attached to the air purifying device. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a water storage container with an electrolytic cell attached to the air purifying device. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a water storage container with an electrolytic cell attached to the air purifying device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are perspective views of an air purifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a view of the air purifier as viewed from the front side. Fig. 2 is a view of the air purifier as viewed from the front side with the door open and the water storage unit removed. Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the front side of the air purifier according to the first embodiment with the door open. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the air purifier according to the first embodiment with the cover open.

[0010] In the following, the vertical direction in the state where the air purifier is installed as shown in Fig. 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "installed state") may be described as the up-down direction, and the horizontal direction as the left-right direction. In the following, in the installed state, the side of the air purifier on which the door 3 is provided is referred to as the "front", the side facing the front of the air purifier is referred to as the "rear", the right side as viewed from the front of the air purifier is referred to as the "right side" and the left side as the "left side". In addition, components of the air purifier may also be expressed in the same directions as the air purifier when attached to the air purifier.

[0011] The detailed configuration of the air purifier will be described below. As shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the air purifier of this embodiment includes a substantially box-shaped main case 1, and both sides of the main case 1 have substantially rectangular air intakes 2. The front of the main case 1 is provided with an openable door 3, and when the door 3 is opened, a part of an air purifying unit 8 inside the main case 1, which will be described later, can be removed. The front of the inner side of the door 3 of the main case 1 has a screw hole 4 that is an opening that can be screwed. The top surface of the main case 1 is provided with an operation unit 1A, a display unit 1B, a cover 1C, and an openable / closable air outlet 5.

[0012] The operation unit 1A is provided on the top surface of the main body case 1, and can be operated by the user to specify the operation mode such as the air volume.

[0013] Display unit 1B is provided on the top surface of main body case 1, and notifies the user of the air purifying device of information such as the timing of maintenance.

[0014] The cover 1C is in the form of an openable lid, and is disposed on the top surface of the main body case 1 to cover the operation section 1A and the display section 1B.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the air purifying device of the first embodiment.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, main body case 1 includes therein a partition plate 6, a blower 7, an air purification unit 8, an air passage 9, and a control unit 10. As shown in FIG.

[0017] Partition plate 6 is a plate provided in the center of main body case 1, and separates the front side and rear side of main body case 1 together with a partition wall described later. The rear side forms air passage 9.

[0018] Blower 7 blows air, that is, it draws air into the main body case from air intake 2 and blows the drawn air out from air outlet 5. Blower 7 is provided in the center of main body case 1 and includes motor section 11, fan section 12 rotated by motor section 11, and casing section 13 surrounding them.

[0019] The fan unit 12 is a sirocco fan, and is fixed to a motor shaft 14 extending horizontally from the motor unit 11, which is fixed to the casing unit 13. The casing unit 13 has an outlet 15 on the top surface side of the main body case 1 of the casing unit 13, and an inlet 16 on the back surface side of the main body case 1 of the casing unit 13.

[0020] The operation of blower 7 in this embodiment is determined by operation unit 1A provided in main body case 1. A user of the air purifying device of the present invention can adjust the air volume of blower 7 in stages by operating an air volume change button (not shown) provided in operation unit 1A, and information on this operation is sent to control unit 10 as a signal.

[0021] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the water storage container of the air purifier according to embodiment 1 placed inside the main body case. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the air purifier according to embodiment 1 with some of the components removed. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the water storage part of the air purifier according to embodiment 1.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8, the air purification unit stores water from a water supply means in an electrolytic cell, adds electrolysis promoting tablets to the water in the electrolytic cell using a tablet insertion mechanism, electrolyzes the water to generate electrolytic water, and then brings the generated electrolytic water into contact with air sucked into the main body case through an air intake by a blower and sprays it from an air outlet.

[0023] The air purification unit 8 includes a water storage section 17, an electrolysis section 18, a first transport section 19, a second transport section 20, and a third transport section .

[0024] The water storage unit 17 stores water and sterilizes it. The water storage unit 17 has a water storage container 22, a water supply means 23, and a sterilization and deodorization means 24.

[0025] Fig. 9 is a plan view of a water storage unit of the air purifier of embodiment 1. Fig. 10 is a plan view showing the internal structure of the water storage unit of the air purifier of embodiment 1 with some of the components removed.

[0026] As shown in Figures 6, 8, 9, and 10, the water storage container 22 is disposed at the bottom of the main body case 1, has a box shape with an open top, is structured to store water, and has a partition wall 25, a water supply section 26, and a sterilization section 27. The water storage container 22 has a box shape formed by its outer walls, the front, back, right side, left side, and bottom. In the following, when attached to the main body case, the surface of the water storage container 22 that faces the front of the air purifier is referred to as the "front", the surface that faces the back of the air purifier is referred to as the "back", the surface that faces the right side of the air purifier is referred to as the "right side", and the surface that faces the left side of the air purifier is referred to as the "left side".

[0027] 6, 8 and 9, partition 25 is a plate that separates the front side (outside air passage 9) of main body case 1 from the back side (air passage 9) of main body case 1 in the water storage container, and extends upward from the bottom surface of water storage container 22, with its upper end being located above the upper end of water storage container 22. A part of the surface of the upper end of partition 25 is in surface contact with the wall surface of partition plate 6, thereby separating the front side (outside air passage 9) of main body case 1 from the back side (air passage 9) of main body case 1 so that air does not flow in or out of each other. Partition 25 also has partition protrusion 25a located near the left side surface of the air purifier.

[0028] The partition protrusion 25a has a generally cylindrical shape, is provided on the partition 25 in the vicinity of the left side surface of the main body case 1, and protrudes toward the front surface of the main body case 1.

[0029] The water supply compartment 26 is roughly bowl-shaped and is a compartment for storing water supplied from the water supply means 23. When the water storage container 22 is placed at the bottom of the main body case 1, it is located toward the front of the main body case 1 relative to the partition wall 25 and has a structure capable of holding the water supply means 23. The bottom has a cylindrical protrusion 28 at a position for holding the water supply means 23.

[0030] The sterilization compartment 27 is generally bowl-shaped and is a compartment for storing electrolyzed water of a predetermined concentration, and is provided across the front and back sides of the partition wall 25, and communicates with the compartment 27 through an opening (not shown) provided below the water level in the partition wall 25. The sterilization compartment 27 has a first water level detection means 29 and a second water level detection means 30 for detecting the water level in the sterilization compartment 27.

[0031] The first water level detection means 29 detects that the water level in the sterilization section 27 has dropped below the drought water level, which is lower than the target water level. The target water level refers to the maximum water level set for each component in the air purification operation of the air purification device of the present invention. The drought water level refers to the minimum water level set for each component in the air purification operation of the air purification device of the present invention. The first water level detection means 29 is located on the rear side of the partition wall 25 in the sterilization section 27 and is composed of a first float part 29a having buoyancy and a first detection sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the first float part 29a. The first float part 29a is disposed in the sterilization section 27, and the first detection sensor is embedded in the wall part of the main body case 1 near the first float part 29a. When the water level in the sterilization section 27 drops below the drought water level, the first detection sensor cannot detect the first float part 29a due to the associated floating of the first float part 29a. At this time, the first detection sensor sends a signal to the control unit 10 indicating that the water level in the sterilization section 27 has dropped below the drought water level.

[0032] The second water level detection means 30 detects that the water level in the sterilization section 27 has reached the target water level. The second water level detection means 30 is located on the front side of the partition wall 25 in the sterilization section 27 and is composed of a buoyant second float part 30a and a second detection sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the second float part 30a. The second float part 30a is disposed in the sterilization section 27, and the second detection sensor is embedded in the wall part of the main body case 1 near the second float part 30a. When the water level in the sterilization section 27 rises and reaches the target water level, the second detection sensor detects the second float part 30a due to the floating of the second float part 30a associated with the rise. At this time, the second detection sensor sends a signal indicating that the water level in the sterilization section 27 has reached the target water level to the control unit 10.

[0033] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the water supply means of the air purification device according to the first embodiment.

[0034] 2 and 11, the water supply means 23 is installed in the water supply section 26, has a structure that allows it to be attached and detached to the water supply section 26, and automatically supplies water to keep the water level in the water supply section 26 constant. The water supply means 23 has a tank 31 that has a hollow shape for storing water, and a handle 31a provided on the upper part of the tank 31, which is integrated with the tank 31, and is attached and detached to and from the water supply section 26 while holding the handle 31a.

[0035] When the tank 31 is attached to the water supply section 26, it has a circular tank opening (not shown) in the center of the bottom surface, and this tank opening is cylindrical in shape with its central axis extending vertically, and is structured so that it can be sealed by a removable cap 32 attached to the outer periphery of the tank opening.

[0036] The cap 32 has a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending vertically, and has a cylindrical cap opening 32a that opens vertically at the center of the bottom surface when attached to the water storage container 22, and the cap opening 32a is equipped with a water faucet 32b for opening and closing the lid opening.

[0037] The faucet 32b comprises a cylindrical shaft (not shown), an on-off valve (not shown) provided on one side of the shaft to cover the cap opening 32a, a coil spring (not shown) arranged to pass the shaft through its center, and a spring stop portion (not shown) provided on the other side of the shaft.

[0038] When the tank 31 is installed in the water supply section 26, the spring stopper part comes into contact with the protrusion 28 of the water supply section 26, and this spring stopper part moves upward while compressing the spring. Accordingly, the opening and closing valve also moves upward, and the opening and closing valve moves away from the cap opening 32a of the cap 32, so that the water in the tank 31 flows into the water supply section 26 from the cap opening 32a of the cap 32. Here, when the water in the water supply section 26 accumulates up to the bottom end of the cap opening 32a, air does not enter the tank 31 from the bottom end of the cap opening 32a, so that the water in the tank 31 does not flow into the water supply section 26. In other words, when the water in the water supply section 26 decreases, the water level increases up to the bottom end of the cap opening 32a, and the water level is kept constant at the bottom end of the cap opening 32a, so that a constant water level can always be maintained.

[0039] 8 and 9, the sterilization and deodorization means 24 is located on the rear side of the partition wall 25 in the sterilization compartment 27, and is a member that brings the water stored in the sterilization compartment 27 into contact with the indoor air sucked into the main body case 1 by the blower 7. The sterilization and deodorization means 24 has a filter 33, a filter frame 34, and a drive unit (not shown).

[0040] The filter 33 has water retention properties, is cylindrical, and has holes around its circumference through which air can pass. The filter 33 is attached to the filter frame 34 so that one end of the filter 33 is immersed in the water in the sterilization section 27.

[0041] The filter frame 34 is rotatably supported by a bearing portion (not shown) provided in the water storage container 22. The filter 33 and the filter frame 34 are structured to be rotated by a drive portion.

[0042] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the electrolytic cell of the air purifier of embodiment 1. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the internal structure with some of the components of the electrolytic cell of the air purifier of embodiment 1 removed. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic cell of the air purifier of embodiment 1 as viewed from the side.

[0043] As shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 14, the electrolysis unit electrolyzes water in an electrolytic cell to generate electrolyzed water.

[0044] The electrolysis section 18 includes an electrolytic cell 35, a tablet injection mechanism 36, an electrolysis unit 37, and a fixed portion 38.

[0045] The electrolytic cell 35 is substantially box-shaped, has a removable lid 35a on the top surface, and is fixed above the water storage container 22 of the main body case 1 by a fixing part 38. The electrolytic cell 35 stores water transported from the water storage part 17 by the first transport part 19 in the electrolytic cell 35, and has a third water level detection means 39 and a fourth water level detection means 40 for detecting the water level of the electrolytic cell 35. When electrolyzing the water in the electrolytic cell 35 to generate electrolytic water, solid scale, which is a chloride of metal elements such as calcium contained in the water, is generated as a by-product, and this scale adheres to and accumulates on the wall surface of the electrolytic cell 35. For this reason, the electrolytic cell 35 requires maintenance to remove the scale by cleaning the inside at regular intervals. In the following, when attached to the main body case 1, the surface of the electrolytic cell 35 that faces the front side of the air purifying device will be referred to as the "front side", the surface that faces the rear side of the air purifying device will be referred to as the "rear side", the surface that faces the right side of the air purifying device will be referred to as the "right side", and the surface that faces the left side of the air purifying device will be referred to as the "left side".

[0046] The lid 35a is detachably attached to the top surface of the electrolytic cell 35, and is partially open so that water and electrolysis-accelerating tablets, which will be described later, can be poured in.

[0047] The third water level detection means 39 detects when the water level in the electrolytic cell 35 has risen above the drought water level or has fallen below the drought water level. The third water level detection means 39 is composed of a buoyant third float part 39a and a third detection sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the third float part 39a. The third float part 39a is disposed in the electrolytic cell 35, and the third detection sensor is embedded in the wall part of the main body case 1 near the third float part 39a. When the water level in the electrolytic cell 35 rises from a water level lower than the drought water level and reaches the drought water level, the third detection sensor detects the third float part 39a by the accompanying floating of the third float part 39a. At this time, the third detection sensor sends a signal to the control unit 10 indicating that the water level in the electrolytic cell 35 has risen above the drought water level. In addition, when the water level in the electrolytic cell 35 drops below the drought level, the third detection sensor cannot detect the third float portion 39a due to the accompanying floating of the third float portion 39a. At this time, the third detection sensor sends a signal to the control unit 10 indicating that the water level in the electrolytic cell 35 has dropped below the drought level.

[0048] The fourth water level detection means 40 detects that the water level in the electrolytic cell 35 has reached the target water level. The fourth water level detection means 40 is composed of a buoyant fourth float part 40a and a fourth detection sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the fourth float part 40a. The fourth float part 40a is disposed in the electrolytic cell 35, and the fourth detection sensor is embedded in the wall part of the main body case 1 near the fourth float part 40a. When the water level in the electrolytic cell 35 rises and reaches the target water level, the fourth detection sensor detects the fourth float part 40a by the accompanying floating of the fourth float part 40a. At this time, the fourth detection sensor sends a signal to the control unit 10 indicating that the water level in the electrolytic cell 35 has reached the target water level.

[0049] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the tablet insertion mechanism of the air purifying device of embodiment 1. Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing the inside of a tablet insertion case of the tablet insertion mechanism of the air purifying device of embodiment 1.

[0050] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the tablet injection mechanism 36 is installed above the electrolytic cell 35, and includes a tablet injection case 41, a tablet injection member 42 provided in the tablet injection case 41, and a tablet injection cover 43 detachably provided on the upper part of the tablet injection case 41. When the tablet injection cover 43 is removed from the tablet injection case 41 and an electrolysis promotion tablet 44 is placed in the tablet injection case 41, the tablet injection member 42 rotates, and the electrolysis promotion tablet 44 automatically falls into the electrolytic cell 35 from an opening 41a on the bottom surface of the tablet injection case 41. For example, sodium chloride can be used as the electrolysis promotion tablet 44.

[0051] The electrolysis unit 37 immerses a first electrode (not shown) and a second electrode (not shown) in the water of the electrolysis tank 35, applies a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode, and electrochemically processes the water in the electrolysis tank 35 containing the electrolysis promotion tablet 44 (described later) that is inserted by the tablet insertion mechanism 36, to generate hypochlorous acid. An example of the electrolysis promotion solvent is sodium chloride, and the electrolysis unit 37 electrochemically decomposes the sodium chloride aqueous solution to generate electrolytic water containing active oxygen species (hypochlorous acid is used as an example in this embodiment). Here, the active oxygen species refers to oxygen molecules that have higher oxidation activity than normal oxygen and related substances. For example, the active oxygen species includes not only so-called active oxygen in the narrow sense, such as superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, or hydrogen peroxide, but also so-called active oxygen in the broad sense, such as ozone, hypochlorous acid (hypohalous acid), etc. In addition, in this embodiment, the production of electrolyzed water containing active oxygen species (here, hypochlorous acid) may be expressed as generating active oxygen species (here, hypochlorous acid).

[0052] The fixing portion 38 includes a fixing wall 38a formed by an extension of a portion of the rear surface of the electrolytic cell 35, a plurality of fixing holes 38b formed by openings in a portion of the fixing wall 38a, and screws (not shown). The electrolytic cell 35 is positioned so that the fixing holes 38b and the screw holes 4 overlap, and the screws are inserted from the front side of the main body case 1 into the fixing holes 38b and then into the screw holes 4, in that order, to fix the electrolytic cell 35 to the main body case 1.

[0053] 6 and 7, the first transport unit 19 transports water from the water storage unit 17 to the electrolysis unit 18. The first transport unit 19 has a first pump 45 that is provided so as to be immersed in the water of the water supply section 26, and a first transport water channel 46 connected to the first pump 45.

[0054] The first pump 45 is a pump of the pumping type, which moves the water supplied from the water supply means 23 to the water supply section 26 into the first transport water channel 46 and transports the water to the electrolytic cell 35 .

[0055] The first transport waterway 46 is a cylindrical pipe that is open at both ends, one end of which is connected to the first pump 45 and the other end of which is located above the top surface of the electrolytic cell 35 .

[0056] As shown in Figures 6, 7, 13 and 14, the second transport section 20 transports water from the electrolysis section 18 to the water storage section 17. The second transport section 20 has a second pump 47 provided so as to be immersed in the water of the electrolytic cell 35, a second front-stage transport water channel 48 connected to the second pump 47, a supply tank 49 provided inside the electrolytic cell 35, and a second rear-stage transport water channel 50 connected to the supply tank 49.

[0057] The second pump 47 is a pump of the pumping type, which moves the water that has been electrochemically treated in the electrolytic cell 35 to the second pre-stage transport water passage 48 and transports it to the supply cell 49 .

[0058] The second front-stage transport waterway 48 is a cylindrical pipe with both ends open, one end connected to the second pump 47 and the other end connected to a connection port of the supply tank 49, which will be described later.

[0059] Supply tank 49 is generally bowl-shaped with an open top, and is provided inside electrolytic tank 35. It has a connection port 51 on the side for connecting to second front-stage transport channel 48, and a drop opening 52 on the bottom. The upper end of supply tank 49 is provided lower than the upper end of electrolytic tank 35.

[0060] The connection port 51 is an opening formed in a part of the side surface of the supply tank 49, and has a circular shape equal to the outer diameter of the second front-stage transport waterway .

[0061] The drop opening 52 is provided so as to penetrate the bottom surface of the supply tank 49, and has a circular shape with a predetermined diameter.

[0062] The second downstream transport waterway 50 is a cylindrical pipe open at both ends, one end of which is connected to the drop opening 52 and the other end of which is located above the sterilization section 27 .

[0063] 8 and 9, the third transport section 21 transports the water in the water supply section 26 to the sterilization section 27. The third transport section 21 includes a third pump 53 provided so as to be immersed in the water in the water supply section 26, and a third transport water channel 54 connected to the third pump 53.

[0064] The third pump 53 is a pumping type pump, which moves the water supplied from the water supply means 23 to the water supply section 26 to the third transport water channel 54 and transports it to the sterilization section 27.

[0065] The third transport waterway 54 is a cylindrical pipe open at both ends, with one end connected to the third pump 53 and the other end located just above the water surface on the front side of the partition 25 of the sterilization section 27.

[0066] 3, air passage 9 communicates with intake port 2 and outlet port 5, and is provided with, in this order from intake port 2, sterilization and deodorization means 24, blower 7, and outlet port 5. When fan unit 12 is rotated by motor unit 11, outside air that has entered air passage 9 from intake port 2 is blown out through sterilization and deodorization means 24, blower 7, and outlet port 5, in that order.

[0067] The control unit 10 is provided in the main body case 1, and receives signals from the first water volume detection means 29, the second water volume detection means 30, the third water volume detection means 39, the fourth water volume detection means 40, and the operation unit 1A, and controls the operation of the electrolysis unit 37, the first transport unit 19, the second transport unit 20, the third transport unit 21, and the tablet injection mechanism 36, and adjusts the concentration of electrolytic water and the amount of water in the sterilization section 27. The control unit 10 can estimate the consumption amount of hypochlorous acid in the electrolytic water in the sterilization section 27 and the reduction amount of the water volume from the signal indicating the air volume of the blower 7 transmitted from the operation unit 1A. In addition, the control unit 10 displays a message on the display unit 1B to prompt the user to perform maintenance on the electrolytic cell 35 when a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of use of the device or the last maintenance.

[0068] The electrolytic cell 35 and the water storage vessel 22 of the present invention have a structure that allows the electrolytic cell 35 to be attached above the water storage vessel 22 so that the drop opening 52 is located directly above the water storage vessel 22.

[0069] That is, the device comprises an electrolytic cell 35 that electrochemically treats water to produce electrolytic water, a water storage container 22 capable of storing electrolytic water, a sterilization and deodorization means 24 that sterilizes and deodorizes the air using the electrolytic water in the water storage container 22, and a main body case 1 that houses the water storage container 22, the sterilization and deodorization means 24, and the electrolytic cell 35 inside, the water storage container 22 and the electrolytic cell 35 are detachable from the main body case 1, and the electrolytic cell 35 has a drop opening 52 which is an opening for supplying electrolytic water to the water storage container 22, and the electrolytic cell 35 can be attached above the water storage container 22 so that the drop opening 52 is located directly above the water storage container 22.

[0070] An example of how the electrolytic cell 35 may be mounted above the water reservoir 22 so that the drop opening 52 is located directly above the water reservoir 22 is shown below.

[0071] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the water storage container of the air purifier of the present embodiment 1 with an electrolytic cell attached. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the water storage container with the electrolytic cell of the air purifier of the present embodiment 1 attached. Fig. 19 is a plan view of the water storage container of the air purifier of the present embodiment 1 with the electrolytic cell attached, with the lid of the air purifier of the present embodiment 1 removed, viewed from above. Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the electrolytic cell of the air purifier of the present embodiment 1 viewed from the bottom.

[0072] As shown in Figures 17, 18 and 19, the electrolytic cell 35 has a mounting portion 55 that enables the electrolytic cell 35 to be mounted above the water storage container 22 so that the drop opening 52 is located directly above the water storage container 22.

[0073] The mounting portion 55 includes a first rib 55A and a second rib 55B extending vertically downward from the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 35, and is provided on the front side of the electrolytic cell 35 relative to the drop opening 52.

[0074] The first rib 55A has a plate shape, is parallel to the front surface of the electrolytic cell 35, is provided near the front surface of the electrolytic cell 35, and extends vertically downward from the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 35.

[0075] The second rib 55B has a plate shape and is parallel to the first rib 55A. The second rib 55B is provided closer to the back surface of the electrolytic cell 35 than the first rib 55A and extends vertically downward from the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 35. The distance between the first rib 55A and the second rib 55B is slightly larger than the thickness of the front surface, which is the outer wall of the water storage container 22.

[0076] That is, the electrolytic cell 35 has a mounting portion 55 that enables the electrolytic cell 35 to be mounted above the water storage container 22 so that the drop opening 52 is positioned directly above the water storage container 22, and the mounting portion 55 has a plate-shaped first rib 55A and a second rib 55B that each extend downward from the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 35, the first rib 55A and the second rib 55B are parallel to each other, and the distance between the first rib 55A and the second rib 55B is slightly greater than the thickness of the outer wall of the water storage container 22, allowing the outer wall to be fitted between the first rib 55A and the second rib 55B.

[0077] The operation of the water storage vessel 22 and the electrolytic cell 35 of the air purifying device of this embodiment during maintenance will be described below.

[0078] First, in fixing portion 38 of electrolytic cell 35, the screws inserted into fixing hole 38b and screw hole 4 are removed to make electrolytic cell 35 removable from main case 1. Next, electrolytic cell 35 is moved so that mounting portion 55 is directly above the front surface of water storage container 22, and mounting portion 55 is fitted into the front surface, which is the outer wall of water storage container 22. Next, water storage container 22 with electrolytic cell 35 attached thereto is removed from main case 1, carried to a washbasin or the like, and washed with water.

[0079] In this way, by making it possible to remove the electrolytic cell 35 from the main body case 1 while it is attached to the water storage container 22, if the electrolytic water spills out of the electrolytic cell 35 from the drop opening 52 during transportation, the electrolytic water will fall into the water storage container 22 and will not fall onto the floor or the like outside the main body case 1. This makes it possible to obtain an air purifier that can prevent the electrolytic water from falling onto the floor or the like outside the main body case 1 when the electrolytic cell 35 is removed from the main body case 1 and transported.

[0080] Fig. 21 is a perspective view, seen from behind, of the electrolytic cell of the air purifying device of the present embodiment 1. Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the water storage container with the electrolytic cell of the air purifying device of the present embodiment 1 attached.

[0081] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the electrolytic cell 35 is preferably provided with a supporting rib 56 on the rear surface.

[0082] The support rib 56 is roughly plate-shaped and protrudes from the rear surface of the electrolytic cell 35 toward the rear surface of the air purifier, and is arranged so as to come into contact with a part of the water storage container 22 when the electrolytic cell 35 is attached to the water storage container 22 using the mounting part 55.

[0083] That is, the electrolytic cell 35 has a mounting portion 55 on one side in the first predetermined direction and a 1 place and a support rib 56 on the other side of the first predetermined direction, and the support rib 56 is configured to come into contact with a part of the water storage container 22 when the electrolytic cell 35 is attached to the water storage container 22. Note that the first predetermined direction in this embodiment is a direction perpendicular to the front and back surfaces of the electrolytic cell 35.

[0084] In the air purifier of this embodiment, by attaching electrolytic cell 35 to water storage container 22, a load due to the weight of electrolytic cell 35 is applied to mounting part 55 and the front surface of water storage container 22. Furthermore, in the air purifier of this embodiment, display unit 1B provided on main body case 1 prompts the user to perform maintenance on water storage container 22 and electrolytic cell 35 when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of use of the device or since the last maintenance. For example, maintenance may be prompted when there is a large amount of water, such as when the water level inside electrolytic cell 35 is at the target water level, and the weight of electrolytic cell 35 may apply a considerable load to mounting part 55 and the front surface of water storage container 22, which may cause damage to each of them.

[0085] By providing the support rib 56, the electrolytic cell 35 can be supported at two points, the mounting portion 55 and the support rib 56, thereby reducing the load on the mounting portion 55 and the front of the water storage container 22 and reducing the risk of damage to the product.

[0086] Fig. 23 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the water storage container with the electrolytic cell attached to the air purification device of the present embodiment 1. Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the water storage container with the electrolytic cell attached to the air purification device of the present embodiment 1.

[0087] 23 and 24, the water storage container 22 is provided with a first contact member 57 on one side in the second predetermined direction and a second contact member 58 on the other side in the second predetermined direction, the second predetermined direction being parallel to the horizontal plane of the water storage container 22 and perpendicular to the first predetermined direction, and the first contact member 57 and the second contact member 58 are preferably configured to contact the electrolytic cell 35 attached to the water storage container 22 to restrict the moving distance of the electrolytic cell 35 in the second predetermined direction within a predetermined range. In this embodiment, the second predetermined direction is a direction perpendicular to the right and left sides of the water storage container 22, the first contact member 57 is the partition protrusion 25a, and the second contact member 58 is the right side of the water storage container 22.

[0088] When electrolytic cell 35 starts moving in one direction in the second predetermined direction while attached to water storage container 22, and stops moving at the end of its possible range of movement, kinetic energy is generated that depends on the distance of movement. There is a risk that the attached part of electrolytic cell 35 will come off water storage container 22 due to the impact at the time of stopping caused by this kinetic energy, causing electrolytic cell 35 to fall from water storage container 22. For this reason, in the expected movement of electrolytic cell 35 attached to water storage container 22, the possible range of movement of electrolytic cell 35 in the second predetermined direction while attached to water storage container 22 needs to be restricted to a predetermined range within which electrolytic cell 35 will not come off water storage container 22 and fall when movement stops.

[0089] When the electrolytic cell 35 in the air purifier of this embodiment is attached to the water storage container 22, the end of the attachment part 55 on the right side of the electrolytic cell 35 comes into contact with the wall near the right side of the water storage container 22, restricting the movement distance of the air purifier toward the right side in the second predetermined direction, and the left side of the electrolytic cell 35 comes into contact with the partition protrusion 25a provided on the partition 25, restricting the movement distance of the air purifier toward the left side in the second predetermined direction. When the air purifier of this embodiment is transported for maintenance, it is assumed that the user will tilt the water storage container 22 to an extent that the water contained in the water storage container 22 will not spill. At this time, the first contact member 57 and the second contact member 58 of this embodiment restrict the movable range of the electrolytic cell 35 so that the electrolytic cell 35 does not fall from the water storage container 22. This makes it possible to restrict the range of movement of electrolytic cell 35 in the second predetermined direction while it is attached to water storage container 22, and to prevent electrolytic cell 35 from falling out of water storage container 22.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 20, electrolytic cell 35 desirably includes third rib 59 and fourth rib 60, each of which has a plate shape and extends downward from the bottom surface of electrolytic cell 35.

[0091] The third rib 59 is plate-shaped, with a part of its end vertically connected to the second rib 55B, and is provided near the end of the second rib 55B on the right side surface of the electrolytic cell 35. The lower end of the third rib 59 in the vertical direction is located at a position lower than the lower end of the attachment portion 55.

[0092] The fourth rib 60 has a plate shape, a part of an end of which is vertically connected to the second rib 55B, and is provided near the end of the second rib 55B on the left side surface of the electrolytic cell 35. The lower end of the fourth rib 60 in the vertical direction is located at a position lower than the lower end of the attachment part 55.

[0093] That is, the electrolytic cell 35 is provided with a plate-shaped third rib 59 and a fourth rib 60 each extending downward from the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 35, and a portion of each end of the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60 is connected to the second rib 55B, and each vertically lower end is positioned lower than the lower end of the mounting portion 55.

[0094] The third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60 each have a portion of their end vertically connected to the second rib 55B. 1 place When a load is applied in a certain direction, the second rib 55B is 1 place This suppresses the force that tends to bend the second rib 55B in a certain direction. 1 place In this embodiment, the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60 are each connected at a portion of their ends perpendicular to the second rib 55B. However, if the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60 are each connected at a portion of their ends perpendicular to the second rib 55B, the second rib 55B may be connected at a portion of their ends perpendicular to the first rib 55B. 1 place It is possible to suppress the force tending to bend in a specific direction, and the shape is not limited thereto.

[0095] Furthermore, because a portion of each end of the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60 is connected to the second rib 55B and each lower end in the vertical direction is located lower than the lower end of the mounting part 55, when attaching the electrolytic cell 35 to the water storage container 22, the mounting part 55 can be guided so as to be attached accurately to the front surface of the water storage container 22. Specifically, when the mounting part 55 and the front surface of the water storage container 22 are in a positional relationship that makes attachment impossible and an attempt is made to attach the electrolytic cell 35 above the water storage container 22, the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60, which are located lower than the lower end of the mounting part 55, come into contact with the upper end of the front surface of the water storage container 22. With the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60 still in contact with the upper end of the front surface of the water storage container 22, the electrolytic cell 35 starts to move toward the rear of the air purifier, and when it reaches the end of the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60, the user can correctly recognize the position of the second rib 55B connected to part of the end of the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60 from the presence or absence of contact between the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60 and the front surface of the water storage container 22. This makes it possible to accurately attach the mounting part 55 to the front surface of the water storage container 22.

[0096] Moreover, it is preferable that the lower ends of the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60 in the vertical direction are positioned at the lowest point of the electrolytic cell 35 in the vertical direction.

[0097] With the above configuration, when electrolytic cell 35 is placed on a flat surface such as a floor, third rib 59 and fourth rib 60 come into contact with the flat surface. When electrolytic cell 35 is placed on a flat surface, third rib 59 and fourth rib 60 support electrolytic cell 35 at multiple points together with another surface located at the lowest point of electrolytic cell 35 in the vertical direction, so that electrolytic cell 35 can maintain a more stable posture. [Industrial Applicability]

[0098] The air purifying device according to the present invention is useful as an air purifying device for home or office use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1 Main unit case 1A Operation unit 1B Display section 1C Cover 2 Air Intake 3 Doors 4 Screw holes 5 Air outlet 6 Partition 7. Blower 8. Air Purification Unit 9 Wind path 10 Control section 11 Motor section 12 Fan Section 13 Casing section 14 Motor shaft 15 Outlet 16 Intake port 17 Water storage section 18 Electrolytic section 19 1st Transportation Department 20 2nd Transportation Department 21 Third Transportation Department 22 Water storage tank 23 Water supply means 24 Sterilization and deodorization methods 25 Bulkhead 25a Bulkhead protrusion 26 Water Supply Section 27 Sterilization Area 28 Protrusion 29 First water level detection means 29a First float section 30 Second water level detection means 30a Second float part 31 Tank 31a Toride 32 Cap 32a Cap opening 32b Faucet 33 Filters 34 Filter Frame 35 Electrolytic cell 35a lid 36 Tablet injection mechanism 37 Electrolysis Unit 38 Fixed part 38a fixed wall 38b fixing hole 39 Third water level detection means 39a 3rd float section 40 Fourth water level detection means 40a 4th float part 41 Tablet case 41a aperture 42 Tablet inserting member 43 Tablet insert cover 44 Electrolysis Accelerator Tablets 45 First Pump 46 1st Transport Channel 47 Second Pump 48 2nd first stage transportation channel 49 Supply tank 50 Second downstream transport channel 51 Connection port 52 Drop opening 53 3rd Pump 54 3rd Transport Channel 55 Mounting part 55A First Rib 55B Second Rib 56 Support rib 57 First contact member 58 Second contact member 59 Third Rib 60 Fourth Rib

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell that electrochemically processes water to generate electrolyzed water; A water storage container capable of storing electrolytic water; A sterilization and deodorization means for sterilizing and deodorizing air using the electrolytic water in the water storage container; a main body case that accommodates the water storage container, the sterilization and deodorization means, and the electrolytic cell therein; Equipped with the water storage container and the electrolytic cell are detachable from the main body case; The electrolytic cell comprises: The electrolytic water supply device includes a drop opening for supplying electrolytic water to the water storage container. The water supply device may be mounted above the water storage container such that the drop opening is located directly above the water storage container; a mounting portion that enables the electrolytic cell to be mounted above the water storage container so that the drop opening is located directly above the water storage container; the mounting portion includes a first rib and a second rib each of which is plate-shaped and extends downward from a bottom surface of the electrolytic cell; the first rib and the second rib are parallel; The distance between the first rib and the second rib is slightly greater than the thickness of an outer wall of the water storage container; An air purifying device, wherein the outer wall is capable of being fitted between the first rib and the second rib.

2. The electrolytic cell comprises: The mounting portion is disposed on one side in a first predetermined direction. a support rib on the other side in the first predetermined direction, 2. The air purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the support rib contacts a part of the water storage container when the electrolytic cell is attached to the water storage container.

3. The water storage container is a first contact member on one side in a second predetermined direction; a second contact member on the other side in the second predetermined direction, The second predetermined direction is a direction parallel to a horizontal plane of the water storage container and perpendicular to the first predetermined direction, The air purifying device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first contact member and the second contact member come into contact with the electrolytic cell attached to the water storage container, thereby restricting the movement distance of the electrolytic cell in the second predetermined direction within a predetermined range.

4. The electrolytic cell comprises: a third rib and a fourth rib each having a plate shape extending downward from a bottom surface of the electrolytic cell; The third rib and the fourth rib are A portion of each end is connected to the second rib, 4. The air purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the lower ends of the respective vertical portions are located lower than the lower end of the mounting portion.

5. The third rib and the fourth rib are 5. The air purifying device according to claim 4, wherein each of the vertically lower ends is located at the vertically lowest point of the electrolytic cell.

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