Air Purifier

Abstract

To provide an air purifier suppressing erroneous detection of the water level of water in a sterilization section and exerting stable sterilization effect.SOLUTION: An air purifier includes: an electrolytic tank 33 electrochemically processing water to generate hypochlorous acid; a sterilization section 26 in which water generated in the electrolytic tank 33 is stored; gas-liquid contact means 23 soaked in the water in the sterilization section 26; a sterilization air duct 8 communicating to a blowout port 4 from an air suction port 2 via the gas-liquid means 23; and a water level detection unit 27 detecting the water level of the sterilization section 26. The water level detection unit 27 includes: a hollow water level case 52; and water level detection means 53 disposed in the water level case 52 and detecting the water level in the water level case 52. The water level case 52 includes a communication opening 54 at a part of its side surface, communicates with the sterilization section 26 and the sterilization air duct 8 via the communication opening 54, and disposed outside the sterilization air duct 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air purifier that generates hypochlorous acid from salt-containing water, rotates a filter partially immersed in electrolytic water containing hypochlorous acid, and has a sterilization air duct that ventilates the filter and sterilizes the air with the electrolytic water. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional air purifier includes a main body case having an air intake and an air outlet, an electrolysis unit equipped with electrodes for electrochemically treating water, a sterilization compartment for storing electrolytic water generated by the electrolysis unit, a gas-liquid contact means immersed in the water in the sterilization compartment, a blower for blowing air to the gas-liquid contact means, and a sterilization air duct communicating from the air intake through the gas-liquid contact means to the air outlet. Air passing from outside the main body case into the main body case is sterilized by passing through the gas-liquid contact means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6106842 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such conventional air purifiers, the sterilization effect of the gas-liquid contact means varies depending on the area of ​​the gas-liquid contact means immersed in the electrolytic water, and the immersed area is determined by the water level in the sterilization compartment. In order to properly maintain the water level in the sterilization compartment, it is possible to provide a water level detection means for detecting the water level in the sterilization compartment and adjust the water level in the sterilization compartment based on information on the water level detected by the water level detection means, but because the sterilization compartment is located in the sterilization air duct, there is a problem that the water surface in the sterilization compartment becomes wavy due to the influence of the wind passing through the sterilization air duct, and the water level detection means erroneously detects the water level in the sterilization compartment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the related art and comprises a main body case having an air intake and an air outlet, and within the main body case, an electrolytic cell that electrochemically treats water to produce hypochlorous acid, a sterilization compartment for storing electrolyzed water produced in the electrolytic cell, an electrolytic water transport section that transports the electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell to the sterilization compartment, an air-liquid contact means for bringing air into contact with the electrolytic water in the sterilization compartment, a sterilization air duct that communicates from the air intake to the air-liquid contact means to the air outlet, a blower that exhausts air that has passed through the sterilization air duct to the outside of the main body case, and a water level detection unit for detecting the water level in the sterilization compartment, the water level detection unit comprising a hollow water level case and water level detection means provided within the water level case, the water level case having a communication opening in a part of a side surface and communicating with the sterilization compartment and the sterilization air duct via the communication opening, and provided outside the sterilization air duct The sterilization section is provided with a windbreak rib for suppressing the intrusion of wind into the water level case, the windbreak rib is located on the windward side of the communication opening in the sterilization air passage, and the wind that comes into contact with the windbreak rib is guided to move toward the gas-liquid contact means. The present invention is characterized by the above, and thereby achieves the intended purpose. Effect of the Invention

[0006] As described above, the present invention provides an air purifying device that suppresses erroneous detection of the water level in the sterilization compartment and achieves a stable sterilization effect. [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. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the air purifying device. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a water storage unit of the air purifier. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal 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. 2 is a plan view of the water storage section of the air purifier; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the water storage section of the air purifier; [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a water supply means of the air purifying device. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electrolytic cell of the air purifying device. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electrolytic cell of the air purifying device. [Figure 12] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic cell of the air purifier. [Figure 13] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tablet injection mechanism of the air purifier; [Figure 14] 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 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a water storage unit of the air purifier; [Figure 16] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the water storage section of the air purifier. [Figure 17] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a water storage unit of the air purifier. 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 with the door open and the water storage unit removed as viewed from the front side. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the air purifier according to the first embodiment.

[0010] In the following, the vertical direction in the state where the air purifier is installed (hereinafter also referred to as the "installed state") as shown in Fig. 1 may be referred to 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 is referred to as the "left side".

[0011] The detailed configuration of the air purifier will be described below. As shown in Fig. 1, the air purifier of this embodiment has a roughly box-shaped main body case 1, and both sides of the main body case 1 have roughly rectangular air intakes 2. The front of the main body case 1 has an openable door 3, and when the door 3 is opened, part of an air purification unit 7 inside the main body case 1, which will be described later, can be removed. The top surface of the main body case 1 has an openable air outlet 4.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body case 1 is provided therein with a partition plate 5, a blower 6, an air purification unit 7, a sterilization air duct 8, and a control unit 9.

[0013] Partition plate 5 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 partition wall 24 described below. The rear side forms sterilization air passage 8.

[0014] Blower 6 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 4. Blower 6 is provided in the center of main body case 1 and includes motor section 10, fan section 11 rotated by motor section 10, and casing section 12 surrounding them.

[0015] The operation of blower 6 in this embodiment is determined by operation unit 1A provided in main body case 1. As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, operation unit 1A is covered by an openable cover 1B provided on the top surface of main body case 1. A user of the air purifying device of the present invention can adjust the air volume of blower 6 in stages by operating an air volume change button (not shown) provided on operation unit 1A, and information on this operation is sent to control unit 9 as a signal.

[0016] Fan section 11 is a sirocco fan fixed to motor shaft 13 extending horizontally from motor section 10, which is fixed to casing section 12. Casing section 12 has an outlet 14 on the top surface side of main body case 1 of casing section 12, and an inlet 15 on the back surface side of main body case 1 of casing section 12.

[0017] The operation of blower 6 in this embodiment is determined by operation unit 1A provided in main body case 1. As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, operation unit 1A is covered by an openable cover 1B provided on the top surface of main body case 1. A user of the air purifying device of the present invention can adjust the air volume of blower 6 in stages by operating an air volume change button (not shown) provided on operation unit 1A, and information on this operation is sent to control unit 9 as a signal.

[0018] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the water storage container of the air purifier of embodiment 1 placed inside the main body case. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the internal structure of the air purifier of embodiment 1 with some of the components removed. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the water storage part of the air purifier of embodiment 1.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, the air purification unit stores water from a water supply means in an electrolytic cell, adds electrolysis promotion tablets to the water in the electrolytic cell using a tablet insertion mechanism, electrolyzes the water to generate electrolytic water containing hypochlorous acid, 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.

[0020] The air purification unit 7 includes a water storage section 16, an electrolysis section 17, a first water transport section 18, a second water transport section 19, and an electrolytic water transport section 20.

[0021] The water storage unit 16 stores water and sterilizes it. The water storage unit 16 has a water storage container 21, a water supply means 22, and a gas-liquid contact means 23.

[0022] Fig. 7 is a plan view of a water storage unit of the air purifier of embodiment 1. Fig. 8 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.

[0023] As shown in Figures 4, 6, 7 and 8, the water storage container 21 is located at the bottom of the main body case 1, is box-shaped with an open top, and is structured to be able to store water.It has a partition 24, a water supply compartment 25, a sterilization compartment 26, and a water level detection unit 27.

[0024] 4, partition 24 is a plate that separates the front side of main case 1 (outside sterilization air duct 8) from the back side of main case 1 (sterilization air duct 8) in the water storage container, and extends upward from the bottom surface of water storage container 21, with its upper end being located above the upper end of water storage container 21. Also, part of the surface of the upper end of partition 24 is in surface contact with the wall surface of partition plate 5, whereby the front side of main case 1 (outside sterilization air duct 8) and the back side of main case 1 (sterilization air duct 8) are separated so that air does not flow in or out of each other.

[0025] The water supply compartment 25 is roughly bowl-shaped and is a compartment for storing water supplied from the water supply means 22. When the water storage container 21 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 24 and has a structure capable of holding the water supply means 22. The bottom has a cylindrical protrusion 28 at a position for holding the water supply means 22.

[0026] The sterilization compartment 26 is roughly bowl-shaped and is a compartment for storing electrolytic water containing hypochlorous acid at a predetermined concentration, and is provided across the front and rear sides of the partition wall 24.

[0027] The water level detection unit 27 detects the water level in the sterilization section 26 .

[0028] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the water supply means of the air purification device according to the first embodiment.

[0029] 2 and 9, the water supply means 22 is installed in the water supply section 25, has a structure that allows it to be attached and detached to the water supply section 25, and automatically supplies water to keep the water level in the water supply section 25 constant. The water supply means 22 has a hollow tank 29 that stores water, and a handle 29a provided on the top of the tank 29, which is integrated with the tank 29, and is attached and detached to and from the water supply section 25 while holding the handle 29a.

[0030] When the tank 29 is attached to the water supply section 25, 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 30 attached to the outer periphery of the tank opening.

[0031] The cap 30 has a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending vertically, and has a cylindrical cap opening 30a that opens vertically at the center of the bottom surface when attached to the water storage container 21, and the cap opening 30a is equipped with a faucet 30b for opening and closing the lid opening.

[0032] The faucet 30b comprises a cylindrical shaft (not shown), an on-off valve (not shown) provided on one side of the shaft to block the cap opening 30a, 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.

[0033] When the tank 29 is installed in the water supply section 25, the spring stopper part comes into contact with the protrusion 28 of the water supply section 25, 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 30a of the cap 30, so that the water in the tank 29 flows into the water supply section 25 from the cap opening 30a of the cap 30. Here, when the water in the water supply section 25 accumulates up to the bottom end of the cap opening 30a, air does not enter the tank 29 from the bottom end of the cap opening 30a, so that the water in the tank 29 does not flow into the water supply section 25. In other words, when the water in the water supply section 25 decreases, the water level increases up to the bottom end of the cap opening 30a, and the water level is kept constant at the bottom end of the cap opening 30a, so that a constant water level can always be maintained.

[0034] 6 and 7, the gas-liquid contact means 23 is located on the back side of the partition wall 24 in the sterilization compartment 26, and is a member that brings the water stored in the sterilization compartment 26 into contact with the indoor air sucked into the main body case 1 by the blower 6. The gas-liquid contact means 23 has a filter 31, a filter frame 32, and a drive unit (not shown). As shown in Fig. 3, the gas-liquid contact means 23 is provided on the upwind side of the blower 6 in the sterilization air duct 8.

[0035] The filter 31 has water retention properties, is cylindrical, and has holes around its circumference that allow air to pass through. The filter 31 is attached to the filter frame 32 so that one end of the filter 31 is immersed in the water in the sterilization section 26.

[0036] The filter frame 32 is rotatably supported by a bearing portion (not shown) provided in the water storage container 21. The filter 31 and the filter frame 32 are structured to be rotated by a drive portion.

[0037] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the electrolytic cell of the air purifier of embodiment 1. Fig. 11 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. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic cell of the air purifier of embodiment 1 as viewed from the side.

[0038] As shown in Figs. 10, 11 and 12, the electrolysis unit 17 electrolyzes water in an electrolytic cell 33 to generate electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid.

[0039] The electrolysis section 17 includes an electrolytic cell 33, a tablet injection mechanism 34, and an electrolysis unit 35.

[0040] The electrolytic cell 33 is provided above the water storage container 21, and has a generally box-like shape with an open top. The electrolytic cell 33 stores therein water transported from the water storage section 16 by the first water transport section 18. The electrolytic cell 33 has a first electrolytic cell water volume detection means 36 and a second electrolytic cell water volume detection means 37 that detect the amount of water in the electrolytic cell 33.

[0041] The first electrolytic cell water level detection means 36 detects when the water level in the electrolytic cell 33 has risen above the drought water level or has fallen below the drought water level. 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 electrolytic cell water level detection means 36 is composed of a buoyant first electrolytic cell float part 36a and a first electrolytic cell sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the first electrolytic cell float part 36a. The first electrolytic cell float part 36a is disposed in the electrolytic cell 33, and the first electrolytic cell sensor is embedded in the wall part of the main body case 1 near the first electrolytic cell float part 36a. When the water level in the electrolytic cell 33 rises from a water level lower than the drought water level and reaches the drought water level, the first electrolytic cell sensor detects the first electrolytic cell float part 36a by the accompanying floating of the first electrolytic cell float part 36a. At this time, the first electrolytic cell sensor sends a signal to the control unit 9 indicating that the water level in the electrolytic cell 33 has reached or exceeded the drought level. Furthermore, when the water level in the electrolytic cell 33 falls below the drought level, the first electrolytic cell sensor is unable to detect the first electrolytic cell float part 36a due to the accompanying floating of the first electrolytic cell float part 36a. At this time, the first electrolytic cell sensor sends a signal to the control unit 9 indicating that the water level in the electrolytic cell 33 has fallen below the drought level.

[0042] The second electrolytic cell water level detection means 37 detects that the water level in the electrolytic cell 33 has reached a 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 second electrolytic cell water level detection means 37 is composed of a buoyant second electrolytic cell float part 37a and a second electrolytic cell sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the second electrolytic cell float part 37a. The second electrolytic cell float part 37a is disposed in the electrolytic cell 33, and the second electrolytic cell sensor is embedded in the wall part of the main body case 1 near the second electrolytic cell float part 37a. When the water level in the electrolytic cell 33 rises and reaches the target water level, the second electrolytic cell sensor detects the second electrolytic cell float part 37a by the accompanying floating of the second electrolytic cell float part 37a. At this time, the second electrolytic cell sensor sends a signal to the control unit 9 indicating that the water level in the electrolytic cell 33 has reached the target water level.

[0043] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the tablet insertion mechanism of the air purifying device of embodiment 1. Fig. 14 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.

[0044] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the tablet injection mechanism 34 is installed above the electrolytic bath 33, and includes a tablet injection case 38, a tablet injection member 39 provided in the tablet injection case 38, and a tablet injection cover 40 detachably provided on the upper part of the tablet injection case 38. When the tablet injection cover 40 is removed from the tablet injection case 38 and an electrolysis promotion tablet 41 is placed in the tablet injection case 38, the tablet injection member 39 rotates, and the electrolysis promotion tablet 41 automatically falls into the electrolytic bath 33 from an opening 38a on the bottom surface of the tablet injection case 38. For example, sodium chloride can be used as the electrolysis promotion tablet 41.

[0045] The electrolysis unit 35 immerses a first electrode (not shown) and a second electrode (not shown) in the water of the electrolysis tank 33, applies a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode, and electrochemically processes the water in the electrolysis tank 33 containing the electrolysis promotion tablet 41 (described later) that is inserted by the tablet insertion mechanism 34, to generate hypochlorous acid. An example of the electrolysis promotion tablet 41 is sodium chloride, and the electrolysis unit 35 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).

[0046] 4 and 5, the first water transport unit 18 transports water from the water storage unit 16 to the electrolysis unit 17. The first water transport unit 18 has a first water pump 42 that is provided so as to be immersed in the water of the water supply section 25, and a first water transport channel 43 that is connected to the first water pump 42.

[0047] The first water pump 42 is a pump of the pumping type, which moves the water supplied from the water supply means 22 to the water supply section 25 to the first water transport water passage 43 and transports it to the electrolytic cell 33 .

[0048] The first water transport waterway 43 is a cylindrical pipe with both ends open, one end of which is connected to the first water pump 42 and the other end of which is located above the top surface of the electrolytic cell 33 .

[0049] 6 and 7, the second water transport section 19 transports the water in the water supply section 25 to the sterilization section 26. The second water transport section 19 is a second water pump 44 provided so as to be immersed in the water in the water supply section 25, and a second water transport channel 45 connected to the second water pump 44.

[0050] The second water pump 44 is a pump of the pumping type, which moves the water supplied from the water supply means 22 to the water supply section 25 to the second water transport channel 45 and transports it to the sterilization section 26.

[0051] The second water transport channel 45 is a cylindrical tube open at both ends, one end of which is connected to the second water pump 44 and the other end of which is located just above the water surface on the front side of the partition 24 of the sterilization section 26.

[0052] As shown in Figures 4, 5, 11 and 12, the electrolytic water transport unit 20 transports water from the electrolysis unit 17 to the water storage unit 16. The electrolytic water transport unit 20 has an electrolytic water pump 46 provided so as to be immersed in the water of the electrolytic cell 33, a front-stage transport water channel 47 connected to the electrolytic water pump 46, a supply tank 48 provided inside the electrolytic cell 33, and a rear-stage transport water channel 49 connected to the supply tank 48.

[0053] The electrolytic water pump 46 is a pump of the pumping type, which moves the water that has been electrochemically treated in the electrolytic cell 33 to the pre-stage transport water channel 47 and transports it to the supply cell 48 .

[0054] The front-stage transport water channel 47 is a cylindrical pipe with both ends open, one end connected to the electrolytic water pump 46 and the other end connected to a connection port 50 of a supply tank 48 (described later).

[0055] Supply tank 48 is roughly bowl-shaped with an open top, and is provided inside electrolytic tank 33. It has a connection port 50 on the side for connecting to previous-stage transport waterway 47, and a drop opening 51 on the bottom. The upper end of supply tank 48 is provided lower than the upper end of electrolytic tank 33.

[0056] The connection port 50 is an opening formed in a part of the side surface of the supply tank 48 and has a circular shape equal to the outer diameter of the upstream transport waterway 47 .

[0057] The drop opening 51 is provided so as to penetrate the bottom surface of the supply tank 48, and has a circular shape with a predetermined diameter.

[0058] The downstream transport waterway 49 is a cylindrical pipe open at both ends, one end of which is connected to the drop opening 51 and the other end of which is located above the sterilization section 26 .

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, the sterilization air duct 8 communicates with the intake port 2 and the blower port 4, and the sterilization air duct 8 includes, in order from the intake port 2, the gas-liquid contact means 23, the blower 6, and the blower port 4. When the motor unit 10 rotates the fan unit 11, the outside air that enters the sterilization air duct 8 from the intake port 2 first moves vertically downward toward the gas-liquid contact means 23, moves vertically upward toward the blower 6 after passing through the gas-liquid contact means 23, moves vertically upward after passing through the blower 6, and is blown out through the blower port 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the air passes through the gas-liquid contact means 23 from the front side to the back side of the main body case 1. When passing through the gas-liquid contact means 23, the air also comes into contact with the water surface of the sterilization section 26 in which the gas-liquid contact means 23 is immersed.

[0060] The control unit 9 is provided in the main body case 1, and receives signals from the water level detection unit 27, the first electrolytic cell water volume detection means 36, the second electrolytic cell water volume detection means 37, and the operation unit 1A to control the operation of the electrolysis unit 35, the first water transport unit 18, the second water transport unit 19, the electrolytic water transport unit 20, and the tablet injection mechanism 34, and adjusts the concentration of electrolytic water and the amount of water in the sterilization section 26. The control unit 9 can also estimate the consumption of hypochlorous acid in the electrolytic water and the amount of water reduction in the sterilization section 26 from a signal indicating the air volume of the blower 6 transmitted from the operation unit 1A.

[0061] An example of adjustment of the concentration and amount of electrolytic water in the sterilization section 26 in the device having the above configuration will be described below.

[0062] When the control unit 9 detects by the first electrolytic cell water volume detection means 36 that the water level in the electrolytic cell 33 is lower than the drought water level, it operates the first water pump 42, and starts transporting water from the water supply section 25 to the electrolytic cell 33 through the first water transport waterway 43. Next, when the control unit 9 detects that the water level has risen to the drought water level by the first electrolytic cell water volume detection means 36, it operates the tablet injection mechanism 34 to inject the electrolysis promotion tablet 41 into the electrolytic cell 33. Next, when the water level in the electrolytic cell 33 further rises and the second electrolytic cell water volume detection means 37 detects that the water level has risen to the target water level, the control unit 9 stops the operation of the first water pump 42. Next, the control unit 9 starts the operation of the electrolysis unit 35, and stops it after a predetermined time has passed. As a result, electrolyzed water of a certain concentration is generated and held in the electrolytic cell 33.

[0063] When the control unit 9 estimates that a predetermined amount of hypochlorous acid in the sterilization section 26 has been consumed based on a signal indicating the air volume of the blower 6 sent from the operation unit 1A, it operates the electrolytic water pump 46 to start transporting electrolytic water from the electrolytic cell 33 to the supply cell 48 via the front-stage transport water channel 47. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 9 stops the operation of the electrolytic water pump 46. The electrolytic water transported to the supply cell 48 gradually moves to the rear-stage transport water channel 49 by the drop opening 51, and is transported to the sterilization section 26 via the rear-stage transport water channel 49.

[0064] When the control unit 9 estimates that the amount of water in the sterilization compartment 26 has decreased by a predetermined amount based on a signal indicating the air volume of the blower 6 sent from the operation unit 1A, the control unit 9 operates the second water pump 44 to start transporting water from the water supply compartment 25 to the sterilization compartment 26. When the water level detection unit 27 detects that the water level has risen to the target water level, the control unit 9 stops the operation of the second water pump 44. By mixing the electrolyzed water transported from the electrolyzed water transport unit 20 and the water transported from the second water transport unit 19, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the sterilization compartment 26 is adjusted to a predetermined concentration.

[0065] Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a water storage unit of the air purifying device of embodiment 1. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the water storage unit of the air purifying device of embodiment 1.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 6, 8, 15 and 16, the water level detection unit 27 includes a water level case 52 and a water level detection means 53.

[0067] The water level case 52 is a hollow housing, adjacent to the partition wall 24 from the front side of the main body case 1, and has a communication opening 54 in a part of the adjacent side surface. The height of the top surface of the water level case 52 is set higher than the target water level of the sterilization section 26.

[0068] The communication opening 54 is a rectangular opening, and connects the sterilization section 26 and the sterilization air duct 8 to the water level case 52. Through the communication opening 54, the electrolytic water in the sterilization section 26 and the air in the sterilization air duct 8 can enter and exit the water level case 52.

[0069] The water level detection means 53 is provided in the water level case 52 and detects the water level in the water level case 52. The water level detection means 53 is composed of a float part 53a having buoyancy and a sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the float part 53a. The float part 53a is disposed in the water level case 52, and the sensor is embedded in the wall part of the main body case 1 near the float part 53a.

[0070] That is, the main body case 1 has an air intake 2 and an air outlet 4, and the main body case 1 includes an electrolytic cell 33 that electrochemically processes water to generate hypochlorous acid, a sterilization section 26 that stores the electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic cell 33, an electrolytic water transport unit 20 that transports the electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell 33 to the sterilization section 26, an air-liquid contact means 23 that is immersed in the electrolytic water in the sterilization section 26, a sterilization air duct 8 that communicates from the air intake 2 to the air outlet 4 via the air-liquid contact means 23, and an air conditioner that has passed through the sterilization air duct 8. The apparatus comprises a blower 6 which exhausts air outside the main body case 1, and a water level detection unit 27 which detects the water level in the sterilization section 26. The water level detection unit 27 comprises a hollow water level case 52 and a water level detection means 53 which is provided within the water level case 52 and detects the water level within the water level case 52. The water level case 52 has a communication opening 54 on part of its side and communicates with the sterilization section 26 and the sterilization air duct 8 via the communication opening 54, and is provided outside the sterilization air duct 8.

[0071] The operation of the water level detection unit 27 in this embodiment for detecting the water level in the sterilization section 26 will be described below.

[0072] Because the electrolytic water in the sterilization section 26 can enter and exit the water level case 52 through the communication opening 54, the water level in the sterilization section 26 and the water level in the water level case 52 are at the same height. When the water level in the sterilization section 26 rises and reaches the target water level, the sensor detects the float part 53a by the floating of the float part 53a caused by the rise in the water level in the water level case 52. At this time, the sensor sends a signal to the control unit 9 indicating that the water level in the sterilization section 26 has reached the target water level. The control unit 9, which has received the signal from the sensor, stops the operation of the second water pump 44. This adjusts the water level in the sterilization section 26 to the target water level. Because the water level case 52 is outside the sterilization air duct 8, the impact of the wind in the sterilization air duct 8 on the water surface can be suppressed.

[0073] To further suppress the effect of the wind in the sterilization air duct 8 on the water surface in the water level case 52, it is preferable that the water level case 52 not communicate with the sterilization air duct 8, but in this embodiment, the water level case 52 and the sterilization air duct 8 communicate with each other through the communication opening 54. The reason for this is as follows.

[0074] Even when the water level case 52 is not in communication with the sterilization air duct 8, the water level in the sterilization compartment 26 and the water level in the water level case 52 will be the same height when the blower 6 is stopped. However, when the water level case 52 is not in communication with the sterilization air duct 8 while the blower 6 is operating, a force pulling water from the water level case 52 to the sterilization compartment 26 through the communication opening 54 occurs due to a pressure change in the sterilization air duct 8 caused by the operation of the blower 6, and the water level in the sterilization compartment 26 and the water level in the water level case 52 will not be the same height. Note that the pressure change in the sterilization air duct 8 caused by the operation of the blower 6 depends on the air volume of the blower 6, so that when the air volume fluctuates, the difference in water level between the water level in the sterilization compartment 26 and the water level in the water level case 52 also fluctuates. For this reason, it is necessary to apply the pressure within the sterilization air duct 8 to the water surface within the water level case 52 in the same way as to the water surface within the sterilization air duct 8, and in this embodiment, the water level case 52 and the sterilization air duct 8 communicate with each other via a communication opening 54. Note that, in order to suppress the effects of the wind within the sterilization air duct 8, it is desirable that the area of ​​the communication opening 54 that communicates with the sterilization air duct 8 be as small as possible.

[0075] The above-described configuration makes it possible to prevent erroneous detection of the water level in the sterilization section 26. This makes it possible to obtain an air purifying device that provides a stable sterilization effect.

[0076] Although the water level case 52 is provided outside the sterilization air duct 8, it is connected to the sterilization air duct 8 via the communication opening 54, and therefore there is a possibility that wind may enter the water level case 52, causing the water surface in the water level case 52 to ripple. At this time, there is a possibility that the water level detection means 53 may erroneously detect the water level in the sterilization section 26, and therefore it is necessary to suppress the wind from entering the water level case 52.

[0077] In the air purification device of this embodiment, the gas-liquid contact means 23 is provided upwind of the blower 6 in the sterilization air duct 8, air passes through the gas-liquid contact means 23 from the front side to the rear side of the main body case 1, the water level case 52 is adjacent to the partition wall 24 from the front side of the main body case 1, and the communication opening 54 connects the sterilization section 26 and the sterilization air duct 8 with the water level case 52.

[0078] That is, the blower 6 is provided on the downwind side of the gas-liquid contact means 23 in the sterilization air duct 8, and the water level case 52 is configured to be connected to the sterilization section 26 and the sterilization air duct 8 via the upwind surface of the gas-liquid contact means 23 of the sterilization section 26 in the blowing direction.

[0079] In the sterilization air duct 8, the outside air that enters the sterilization air duct 8 from the air intake 2 moves vertically downward toward the gas-liquid contact means 23. When the blower 6 is provided on the windward side of the gas-liquid contact means 23 in the sterilization air duct 8, the air moving toward the gas-liquid contact means 23 is the air pushed out from the blower 6, and so comes into contact with the water in the sterilization section 26 in which the gas-liquid contact means 23 is immersed, so that the air is forced vertically downward. The air forced against the water in the sterilization section 26 diffuses so as to spread out near the water surface. At this time, there is a possibility that the air diffusing near the water surface of the sterilization section 26 may enter the water level case 52 through the communication opening 54. In contrast, when the blower 6 is provided on the leeward side of the gas-liquid contact means 23 in the sterilization air duct 8, the air toward the gas-liquid contact means 23 is air drawn into the blower 6, so the air is not pushed against the water surface of the sterilization compartment 26, and diffusion of the air near the water surface is suppressed. Furthermore, when the blower 6 is provided on the leeward side of the gas-liquid contact means 23 in the sterilization air duct 8, the air flows in the same direction as the air blowing direction of the gas-liquid contact means 23 near the water surface of the sterilization compartment 26. Since air passes through the gas-liquid contact means 23 from the front side to the back side of the main body case 1, the air also flows from the front side to the back side of the main body case 1 near the water surface of the sterilization compartment 26. The water level case 52 communicates with the sterilization compartment 26 and the sterilization air duct 8 via the partition wall 24, which is the windward surface of the air flowing near the water surface of the sterilization compartment 26, so that the air flowing near the water surface of the sterilization compartment 26 is unlikely to enter. These features make it possible to prevent the wind in the sterilization airflow duct 8 from entering the water level case 52 through the communication opening 54.

[0080] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a water storage unit of the air purifying device according to the first embodiment.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 3, 7, 16 and 17, the sterilization section 26 is desirably provided with a windbreak rib 55 that prevents wind from entering the water level case 52.

[0082] The windbreak rib 55 is located on the windward side of the communication opening 54 in the sterilization airflow duct 8 , and the wind that comes into contact with the windbreak rib 55 is guided to move towards the gas-liquid contact means 23 .

[0083] That is, the sterilization section 26 is provided with a windbreak rib 55 that prevents wind from entering the water level case 52, and the windbreak rib 55 is located upwind of the communication opening 54 in the sterilization air duct 8, so that wind that comes into contact with the windbreak rib 55 is guided to move toward the gas-liquid contact means 23.

[0084] Even if the blower 6 is provided on the downwind side of the gas-liquid contact means 23 in the sterilization air duct 8, the wind moving toward the vicinity of the communication opening 54 in the sterilization air duct 8 may enter the water level case 52 through the communication opening 54. When the windbreak rib 55 is provided, the windbreak rib 55 is located on the upwind side of the communication opening 54 in the sterilization air duct 8, so the wind moving toward the vicinity of the communication opening 54 comes into contact with the windbreak rib 55 before reaching the vicinity of the communication opening 54. The wind that comes into contact with the windbreak rib 55 is guided to move toward the gas-liquid contact means 23, so the wind does not reach the vicinity of the communication opening 54. This makes it possible to prevent the wind in the sterilization air duct 8 from entering the water level case 52 through the communication opening 54. The windbreak rib 55 is located upwind of the communication opening 54 in the sterilization air duct 8, and the shape of the windbreak rib 55 is not limited as long as it is configured to guide the air that comes into contact with the windbreak rib 55 to move towards the gas-liquid contact means 23.

[0085] An example of the windbreak rib 55 in this embodiment will be described below.

[0086] The windbreak rib 55 is a rectangular plate that protrudes from the partition wall 24 that corresponds to the upwind side of the gas-liquid contact means 23 in the air blowing direction of the gas-liquid contact means 23 of the sterilization compartment 26 towards the gas-liquid contact means 23. The height at which the windbreak rib 55 is provided is higher than the upper end of the communication opening 54.

[0087] Since the outside air that has entered sterilization air duct 8 from air intake 2 moves vertically downward toward gas-liquid contact means 23, in sterilization section 26, the wind flowing vertically downward comes into contact with the water surface on the windward side in the air blowing direction of gas-liquid contact means 23. The wind that comes into contact with the water surface is mainly forced to flow toward gas-liquid contact means 23, which is on the leeward side of sterilization air duct 8, but at the same time, due to contact with the water surface, a small force flows toward partition wall 24, which is in the opposite direction to gas-liquid contact means 23. In particular, when the above phenomenon occurs on the water surface near partition wall 24, there is a high possibility that the wind in sterilization air duct 8 will enter water level case 52 through communication opening 54 provided in partition wall 24.

[0088] By providing the windbreak rib 55 at a position in the partition 24 that is higher than the upper end of the communication opening 54, wind flowing vertically downward comes into contact with the windbreak rib 55 before coming into contact with the water surface near the partition 24. The windbreak rib 55 protrudes from the partition 24 toward the gas-liquid contact means 23 and is parallel to the water surface in the sterilization section 26, so that the wind that comes into contact with the windbreak rib 55 is guided to move toward the gas-liquid contact means 23.

[0089] That is, the blower 6 blows wind vertically downward toward the water surface on the upwind side in the blowing direction of the gas-liquid contact means 23 in the sterilization section 26, and the windbreak rib 55 is provided at a position higher in the vertical direction than the communication opening 54 and protrudes from the upwind side of the gas-liquid contact means 23 in the blowing direction of the gas-liquid contact means 23 in the sterilization section 26.

[0090] This makes it possible to prevent the wind in the sterilization airflow duct 8 from entering the water level case 52 through the communication opening 54. [Industrial Applicability]

[0091] The air purifying device according to the present invention is useful as an air purifying device for home or office use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1 Main unit case 1A Operation unit 1B Cover 2 Air Intake 3 Doors 4 Air outlet 5 Partition 6. Blower 7 Air Purification Unit 8 Sterilization air path 9. Control Unit 10 Motor section 11 Fan Club 12 Casing section 13 Motor shaft 14 Outlet 15 Intake port 16 Water storage section 17 Electrolytic section 18 1st Water Transport Department 19 2nd Water Transport Department 20 Electrolyzed water transport section 21 Water storage tank 22 Water supply means 23 Gas-liquid contact means 24 Bulkhead 25 Water Supply Section 26 Sterilization Area 27 Water level detection unit 28 Protrusion 29 Tank 29a Toride 30 Cap 30a Cap opening 30b Faucet 31 Filters 32 Filter Frame 33 Electrolytic cell 34 Tablet injection mechanism 35 Electrolysis Unit 36 First electrolytic cell water volume detection means 36a First electrolytic cell float part 37 Second electrolytic cell water volume detection means 37a Second electrolytic cell float part 38 Tablet Case 38a aperture 39 Tablet injection member 40 Tablet insert cover 41 Electrolysis Accelerator Tablets 42 No. 1 Water Pump 43 1st Water Transport Canal 44 No. 2 Water Pump 45 2nd Water Transport Canal 46 Electrolytic water pump 47 First stage transport waterway 48 Supply tank 49 Back-stage transport channel 50 Connection port 51 Drop Hole 52 Water level case 53 Water level detection means 53a Float part 54 Communication opening 55 Windproof rib

Claims

1. a main body case having an air intake and an air outlet; The main body case includes: An electrolytic cell that electrochemically processes water to generate electrolyzed water; A sterilization section for storing the electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic cell; an electrolytic water transport unit that transports the electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell to the sterilization section; A gas-liquid contact means for immersing in the electrolytic water of the sterilization section; A sterilization air passage that communicates from the intake port to the outlet port via the gas-liquid contact means; a blower that exhausts the air that has passed through the sterilization air passage to the outside of the main body case; A water level detection unit that detects the water level of the sterilization section, The water level detection unit includes: A hollow water level case; a water level detection means provided in the water level case for detecting a water level in the water level case; the water level case has a communication opening in a part of a side surface, communicates with the sterilization compartment and the sterilization air duct through the communication opening, and is provided outside the sterilization air duct; The sterilization section comprises: A windproof rib is provided to prevent wind from entering the water level case, The windbreak rib is The sterilization air duct is located on the windward side of the communication opening, An air purifying apparatus, wherein wind coming into contact with said windbreak rib is guided to move toward said gas-liquid contact means.

2. The blower is The sterilization air duct is provided on the downwind side of the gas-liquid contact means, The water level case is 2. The air purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the sterilization compartment communicates with the sterilization air duct via a surface of the sterilization compartment that is on the windward side in the air blowing direction of the gas-liquid contact means.

3. The blower is A vertically downward wind is blown toward a water surface on the windward side in the blowing direction of the gas-liquid contact means in the sterilization section, The windbreak rib is The communication opening is provided at a position higher than the communication opening in the vertical direction.

2. The air purifying device according to claim 1, wherein the air purifying means protrudes from a side surface of the sterilization section that is on the windward side of the gas-liquid contact means in the air blowing direction toward the gas-liquid contact means.

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