Air purifier

Abstract

To provide a technique for suppressing variations in the amount of an active oxygen species sprayed from a blowing outlet in an air purification apparatus.SOLUTION: An air purification apparatus includes: an electrolysis tank 34 for storing water containing an active oxygen species; a water-supplying section 25 for storing water; a replenishment section 60 supplied with a part of water of the water-supplying section 25 by a water-replenishing part 20; an active oxygen species-replenishing part 19 for supplying water containing the active oxygen species in the electrolysis tank 34 to the replenishment section 60; a sterilization section 26 communicating with the replenishment section 60; gas-liquid contact means 23 for contacting the water containing the active oxygen species of the sterilization section 26 with air; an air blower 6 for blowing air sucked from a suction port 2 to the gas-liquid contact means 23; and a control part 9 for controlling the active oxygen species-replenishing part 19, the water-replenishing part 20, and the air blower 6. The amount of the water containing the active oxygen species supplied by the active oxygen species-replenishing part 19 into the replenishment section 60 at one time is more than an amount of water stored in the replenishment section 60 during normal operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air purification device that generates hypochlorous acid with water containing salt in a water storage container, rotates a filter partially immersed in the water in the water storage container, and has an air duct that ventilates the filter and sterilizes with water containing hypochlorous acid.

Background Art

[0002] A conventional air purification device includes a main body case having an intake port and an outlet port, an electrolytic cell provided in the main body case for storing water containing sodium chloride, a tank for supplying water to the electrolytic cell, an electrolysis unit for electrolyzing the water in the electrolytic cell to generate water containing active oxygen species, a sterilization section into which the water containing active oxygen species in the electrolytic cell flows through a communication path, gas-liquid contact means for bringing the water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization section into contact with air, and a blower for blowing the air sucked in from the intake port to the outlet port through the gas-liquid contact means. The electrolytic cell and the sterilization section are arranged side by side in a water storage container, and the water storage container has a communication path that communicates the electrolytic cell and the sterilization section between the electrolytic cell and the sterilization section.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such a conventional air purifier, the electrolytic cell and the sterilization section are arranged side by side in the water storage container, and the water storage container has a communication passage that communicates the electrolytic cell and the sterilization section between the electrolytic cell and the sterilization section. Due to the convection of the water in the water storage container, the water containing active oxygen species in the electrolytic cell flows into the sterilization section through the communication passage, but it takes time until the concentration of the water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization section reaches a predetermined concentration. Further, when the water level in the water storage container drops due to the air being blown from the blower to the gas-liquid contact means, water is supplied from the tank to the electrolytic cell so that the water level in the water storage container becomes constant in the electrolytic cell. As a result, the water containing active oxygen species in the electrolytic cell flows into the sterilization section through the communication passage. However, the amount of water supplied to the electrolytic cell is less than the amount of water accumulated in the electrolytic cell and is supplied little by little. Therefore, it takes time until the water containing active oxygen species in the electrolytic cell flows into the sterilization section through the communication passage and the concentration of the water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization section reaches a predetermined concentration, and there may be variations in the concentration of the water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization section. Here, when the air sucked into the main body case from the intake port by the blower is blown out from the blowout port through the gas-liquid contact means that brings the air into contact with the water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization section, there is a problem that variations also occur in the amount of active oxygen species sprayed from the blowout port.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] And, in order to achieve this object, the present invention includes a main body case having an air inlet and an air outlet, an electrolytic cell provided in the main body case for storing water containing active oxygen species, a water supply section for storing water, a replenishment section to which a part of the water in the water supply section is supplied by a water replenishment section, an active oxygen species replenishment section for supplying the water containing active oxygen species in the electrolytic cell to the replenishment section, a sterilization section communicating with the replenishment section, gas-liquid contact means for bringing the water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization section into contact with air, a blower for blowing the air sucked from the air inlet to the air outlet via the gas-liquid contact means, the active oxygen species replenishment section, the water replenishment section, and a control section for controlling the blower, wherein the amount of the water containing active oxygen species supplied into the replenishment section at one time by the active oxygen species replenishment section is larger than the amount of water accumulated in the replenishment section, thereby achieving the intended object.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] As described above, the present invention suppresses variations in the concentration of the water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization section and suppresses variations in the amount of active oxygen species sprayed from the air outlet.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

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Figure 18

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0009] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are perspective views of the air purification device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Note that FIG. 1 is a view of the air purification device seen from the front side. FIG. 2 is a view of the air purification device with the door opened and the water storage part removed, seen from the front side. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the air purification device according to Embodiment 1 seen from the side.

[0010] In the following, as shown in FIG. 1, when describing the vertical direction as the up-and-down direction and the horizontal direction as the left-and-right direction in the state where the air purification device is installed (hereinafter also referred to as the "installed state"). Also, in the following, in the installed state, the surface of the air purification device on the side where the door 3 is provided is referred to as the "front surface", the surface facing the front surface of the air purification device is referred to as the "back surface", the right side surface seen from the front side of the air purification device is referred to as the "right side surface", and the left side surface is referred to as the "left side surface".

[0011] The detailed configuration of the air purifier will be described below. As shown in FIG. 1, the air purifier of the present embodiment includes a substantially box-shaped main body case 1, and on both side surfaces of the main body case 1, there are intake ports 2 having a substantially square shape. On the front surface of the main body case 1, there is a door 3 that can be opened and closed, and when the door 3 is opened, a part of the air purification unit 7 inside the main body case 1 described later can be taken out. On the top surface of the main body case 1, there is an openable and closable air outlet 4.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, inside the main body case 1, there are a partition plate 5, a blower 6, an air purification unit 7, an air passage 8, and a control unit 9.

[0013] The partition plate 5 is a plate extending in the vertical direction and is provided at the center of the main body case 1 so as to divide the front side and the back side of the main body case 1. The partition plate 5, together with a partition wall described later, partitions the front side and the back side of the main body case 1. The back side of the main body case 1 with respect to the partition plate 5 and the partition wall described later becomes the air passage 8.

[0014] The blower 6 blows air, that is, it sucks air into the main body case from the intake port 2 and blows out the sucked air from the air outlet 4. The blower 6 is arranged on the back side of the main body case 1 with respect to the partition plate 5. The blower 6 is provided at the center inside the main body case 1 and includes a motor unit 10, a fan unit 11 rotated by the motor unit 10, and a casing unit 12 surrounding them.

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

[0016] The fan unit 11 is a sirocco fan, which is fixed to the motor shaft 13 extending horizontally from the motor unit 10, and the motor unit 10 is fixed to the casing unit 12. The casing unit 12 is provided with a discharge port 14 on the upper surface side of the main body case 1 of the casing unit 12, and has a suction port 15 on the back side of the main body case 1 of the casing unit 12.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the water storage container of the air purifying device according to the first embodiment disposed in the main body case. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the internal structure with some of the components of the air purifying device according to the first embodiment removed. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the water storage part of the air purifying device according to the first embodiment.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, the air purification unit stores water from the water supply means in the electrolytic cell, inputs an electrolysis promoting tablet into the water in the electrolytic cell by the tablet input mechanism, electrolyzes to generate water containing hypochlorous acid, and contacts the generated water containing hypochlorous acid with the air sucked into the main body case from the intake port by the blower and sprays it from the outlet.

[0019] The air purification unit 7 includes a water storage part 16, an electrolysis part 17, a water supply part 18, an active oxygen species supply part 19, and a water supply part 20.

[0020] The water storage part 16 stores water and performs sterilization. The water storage part 16 has a water storage container 21, a water supply means 22, and a gas-liquid contact means 23.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the water storage part of the air purifying device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the internal structure with some of the components of the water storage part of the air purifying device according to the first embodiment removed.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 7, and 8, the water storage container 21 is disposed at the lower part of the main body case 1, has a box shape with an open top surface, and has a structure capable of storing water, and has a partition wall 24, a water supply section 25, and a sterilization section 26.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4, the partition wall 24 is a plate that separates the front side (outside the air passage 8) and the back side (air passage 8) of the main body case 1 in the water storage container 21. It extends upward from the bottom surface of the water storage container 21, and its upper end is disposed above the upper end of the water storage container 21.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, a part of the upper surface of the partition wall 24 is in contact with the surface of the partition plate 5, whereby the front side (outside the air passage 8) and the back side (air passage 8) of the main body case 1 are partitioned so that there is no air flow between them.

[0025] The water supply section 25 is substantially bowl-shaped and is a section for storing water supplied from the water supply means 22. It is located on the front side of the main body case 1 with respect to the partition wall 24 in the water storage container 21 disposed at the lower part of the main body case 1, has a structure capable of holding the water supply means 22, and has a cylindrical protrusion 27 at the bottom at a position for holding the water supply means 22.

[0026] The sterilization section 26 is substantially bowl-shaped and is a section for storing water containing hypochlorous acid at a predetermined concentration. It is provided so as to straddle the front side and the back side of the partition wall 24 and communicates through an opening (not shown) provided below the water surface of the partition wall 24. The sterilization section 26 has a first water quantity detection means 28 for detecting the water level in the sterilization section 26 and a second water quantity detection means 29.

[0027] The first water quantity detection means 28 detects that the water level in the sterilization section 26 has dropped below the drought water level which is lower than the target water level. The target water level refers to the water level of the maximum water quantity set for each component in the air purification operation of the air purifying apparatus of the present invention. The drought water level refers to the water level of the minimum water quantity set for each component in the air purification operation of the air purifying apparatus of the present invention.

[0028] The first water quantity detection means 28 is located on the back side of the partition wall 24 in the sterilization section 26 and is composed of a first float portion 28a having buoyancy and a first detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the position of the first float portion 28a.

[0029] The first float portion 28a is disposed within the sterilization compartment 26, and the first detection sensor is embedded in the wall portion of the main body case 1 in the vicinity of the first float portion 28a.

[0030] When the water level in the sterilization compartment 26 drops and falls below the drought level, the first detection sensor can no longer detect the first float portion 28a due to the floating of the first float portion 28a associated therewith. At this time, the first detection sensor sends a signal indicating that the water level in the sterilization compartment 26 has dropped below the drought level to the control unit 9.

[0031] The second water volume detection means 29 detects that the water level in the sterilization compartment 26 has reached the target water level. The second water volume detection means 29 is located on the front side of the partition wall 24 in the sterilization compartment 26 and includes a second float portion 29a having buoyancy and a second detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the position of the second float portion 29a.

[0032] The second float portion 29a is disposed within the sterilization compartment 26, and the second detection sensor is embedded in the wall portion of the main body case 1 in the vicinity of the second float portion 29a.

[0033] When the water level in the sterilization compartment 26 rises and reaches the target water level, the second detection sensor detects the second float portion 29a due to the floating of the second float portion 29a associated therewith. At this time, the second detection sensor sends a signal indicating that the water level in the sterilization compartment 26 has reached the target water level to the control unit 9.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the water supply means of the air purifying apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, the water supply means 22 is installed in the water supply section 25 and has a detachable structure with respect to the water supply section 25, and automatically supplies water so that the water level in the water supply section 25 becomes constant. The water supply means 22 has a hollow tank 30 for storing water, and a handle 30a is provided on the upper part of the tank 30. The handle 30a is integrated with the tank 30, and the water supply section 25 is detached and attached with the handle 30a.

[0036] In a state where the tank 30 is attached to the water supply section 25, a circular tank opening (not shown) is provided at the center of the bottom surface. The tank opening has a cylindrical shape whose central axis direction extends in the vertical direction, and can be sealed by a detachable cap 31 on the outer periphery of the tank opening.

[0037] The cap 31 has a cylindrical shape whose central axis direction extends in the vertical direction, and a cap opening 31a that is cylindrical and opens in the vertical direction is provided at the center of the bottom surface in a state where the cap 31 is attached to the water storage container 21. The cap opening 31a is provided with a faucet 31b for opening and closing the lid opening.

[0038] The faucet 31b includes a cylindrical shaft (not shown), an on-off valve (not shown) provided on one side of the shaft so as to close the cap opening 31a, a coiled spring (not shown) provided so as to pass the shaft through its center, and a spring stop portion (not shown) provided on the other side of the shaft.

[0039] When the tank 30 is installed in the water supply section 25, the spring stop portion hits the protrusion 27 of the water supply section 25, and this spring stop portion moves upward while compressing the spring. Accordingly, the on-off valve also moves upward, and the on-off valve separates from the cap opening 31a of the cap 31, so that the water in the tank 30 flows into the water supply section 25 from the cap opening 31a of the cap 31. Here, when water accumulates in the water supply section 25 up to the lower end of the cap opening 31a, air does not enter the tank 30 from the lower end of the cap opening 31a, so the water in the tank 30 does not flow into the water supply section 25. That is, when the water in the water supply section 25 decreases, the water level increases up to the lower end of the cap opening 31a, and the water level is kept constant at the lower end of the cap opening 31a, so that a constant water level can always be maintained.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the gas-liquid contact means 23 is located on the back side of the partition wall 24 in the sterilization section 26, and is a member that brings the water stored in the sterilization section 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 32, a filter frame 33, and a drive unit (not shown).

[0041] The filter 32 has water retention property, is configured in a cylindrical shape, and has a configuration in which holes through which air can flow are provided in the circumferential portion. One end of the filter 32 is attached to the filter frame 33 so as to be immersed in the water in the sterilization section 26.

[0042] The filter frame 33 is rotatably supported by a bearing portion (not shown) provided in the water storage container 21. The filter 32 and the filter frame 33 are structured to rotate by a drive unit.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the electrolytic cell of the air purifying apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the internal structure with a part of the components of the electrolytic cell of the air purifying apparatus according to the first embodiment removed. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic cell of the air purifying apparatus according to the first embodiment as viewed from the side.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, the electrolysis unit 17 electrolyzes the water in the electrolytic cell 34 to generate water containing hypochlorous acid.

[0045] The electrolysis unit 17 includes an electrolytic cell 34, a tablet input mechanism 35, and an electrolysis unit 36.

[0046] The electrolytic cell 34 is provided above the water storage container 21 and has a substantially box shape with an open top surface. The electrolytic cell 34 stores the water transported from the water storage unit 16 by the water supply unit 18 into the electrolytic cell 34. The electrolytic cell 34 has a third water volume detection means 37 for detecting the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 and a fourth water volume detection means 38.

[0047] The third water volume detection means 37 detects that the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 has reached or exceeded the water shortage level and that it has dropped below the water shortage level. The third water volume detection means 37 is composed of a third float portion 37a having buoyancy and a third detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the position of the third float portion 37a.

[0048] The third float portion 37a is disposed in the electrolytic cell 34 and is embedded in the wall portion of the main body case 1 in the vicinity of the third float portion 37a.

[0049] When the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 rises from a level lower than the water shortage level to reach the water shortage level, the third detection sensor detects the third float portion 37a due to the floating of the third float portion 37a associated therewith. At this time, the third detection sensor sends a signal indicating that the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 has reached or exceeded the water shortage level to the control unit 9.

[0050] Also, when the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 drops and drops below the water shortage level, the third detection sensor can no longer detect the third float portion 37a due to the floating of the third float portion 37a associated therewith. At this time, the third detection sensor sends a signal indicating that the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 has dropped below the water shortage level to the control unit 9.

[0051] The fourth water volume detection means 38 detects that the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 has reached the target water level. The fourth water volume detection means 38 is composed of a fourth float portion 38a having buoyancy and a fourth detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the position of the fourth float portion 38a.

[0052] The fourth float portion 38a is disposed in the electrolytic cell 34 and is embedded in the vicinity of the fourth float portion 38a on the wall portion of the main body case 1.

[0053] When the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 rises and reaches the target water level, the fourth detection sensor detects the fourth float portion 38a due to the floating of the fourth float portion 38a accompanying this. At this time, the fourth detection sensor sends a signal indicating that the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 has reached the target water level to the control unit 9.

[0054] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the tablet input mechanism of the air purifier according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the inside of the tablet input case of the tablet input mechanism of the air purifier according to the first embodiment.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the tablet input mechanism 35 is installed above the electrolytic cell 34, and includes a tablet input case 39, a tablet input member 40 provided in the tablet input case 39, and a tablet input cover 41 detachably provided on the upper part of the tablet input case 39. When the tablet input cover 41 is removed from the tablet input case 39 and the electrolysis promoting tablets 42 are placed in the tablet input case 39, the tablet input member 40 rotates, and the electrolysis promoting tablets 42 automatically fall from the opening 39a at the bottom surface of the tablet input case 39 into the electrolytic cell 34. As an example, sodium chloride can be used for the electrolysis promoting tablets 42.

[0056] The electrolysis unit 36 immerses a first electrode (not shown) and a second electrode (not shown) in the water of the electrolytic cell 34, applies a voltage to these first and second electrodes, and electrochemically processes the water in the electrolytic cell 34 containing an electrolysis-promoting tablet 42 (described later) input by the tablet input mechanism 35 to generate hypochlorous acid. An example of the electrolysis-promoting solvent is sodium chloride. By electrochemically electrolyzing an aqueous sodium chloride solution with the electrolysis unit 36, electrolyzed water containing reactive oxygen species (hypochlorous acid in this embodiment as an example) is generated.

[0057] Here, reactive oxygen species refer to oxygen molecules having higher oxidation activity than ordinary oxygen and their related substances. For example, reactive oxygen species include not only so-called narrow-sense reactive oxygen such as superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, or hydrogen peroxide, but also so-called broad-sense reactive oxygen such as ozone and hypochlorous acid (hypohalous acid). Also, in this embodiment, generating electrolyzed water containing reactive oxygen species (hypochlorous acid here) may be expressed as generating reactive oxygen species (hypochlorous acid here).

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the water supply unit 18 transports water from the water storage unit 16 to the electrolysis unit 17. The water supply unit 18 includes a water supply pump 43 provided so as to be immersed in the water of the water supply section 25, and a water supply waterway 44 connected to the water supply pump 43.

[0059] The water supply pump 43 is a pumping-type pump that moves the water supplied from the water supply means 22 to the water supply section 25 to the water supply waterway 44 and transports it to the electrolytic cell 34.

[0060] The water supply waterway 44 is a cylindrical pipe with both ends open. One end is connected to the water supply pump 43, and the other end is located above the top surface of the electrolytic cell 34.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 11, and 12, the active oxygen species supply unit 19 transports water from the electrolytic cell 34 to the water storage unit 16. The active oxygen species supply unit 19 includes an active oxygen species communication part 19a and an active oxygen species pump unit 19b.

[0062] The active oxygen species communication part 19a is a flow path that communicates the electrolytic cell 34 and the sterilization compartment 26, and the active oxygen species pump unit 19b is a mechanism that supplies the water in the electrolytic cell 34 to the active oxygen species communication part 19a.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the water supply unit 20 transports the water in the water supply compartment 25 to the sterilization compartment 26. The water supply unit 20 includes a water supply pump 51 provided so as to be immersed in the water in the water supply compartment 25 and a water supply water channel 52 connected to the water supply pump 51.

[0064] The water supply pump 51 is a pumping type pump that moves the water supplied from the water supply means 22 to the water supply compartment 25 to the water supply water channel 52 and transports it to the sterilization compartment 26.

[0065] The water supply water channel 52 is a cylindrical pipe with both ends open. One end is connected to the water supply pump 51, and the other end is located directly above the water surface on the front side of the partition wall 24 of the sterilization compartment 26.

[0066] That is, the main body case 1 has a configuration including a water supply unit 20 that transports the water in the water supply compartment 25 to the sterilization compartment 26.

[0067] Thereby, it becomes possible to mix the water containing hypochlorous acid transported from the electrolytic cell 34 and the water in the water supply compartment 25 at an arbitrary ratio, and it becomes possible to adjust the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the sterilization compartment 26 to a predetermined concentration.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 3, the air passage 8 communicates the air inlet 2 and the air outlet 4. In this air passage 8, in order from the air inlet 2, there are provided a gas-liquid contact means 23, a blower 6, and an air outlet 4. When the fan section 11 rotates by the motor section 10, the external air that has entered the air passage 8 from the air inlet 2 is blown out through the gas-liquid contact means 23, the blower 6, and the air outlet 4 in sequence.

[0069] The control unit 9 is provided in the main body case 1, receives signals from the first water volume detection means 28, the second water volume detection means 29, the third water volume detection means 37, the fourth water volume detection means 38, and the operation unit 1A, and controls the operations of the electrolysis unit 36, the water supply unit 18, the active oxygen species supply unit 19, the water supply unit 20, and the tablet input mechanism 35. It adjusts the concentration and water volume of the water containing hypochlorous acid in the sterilization section 26. Further, the control unit 9 can estimate the consumption amount of hypochlorous acid and the decrease amount of water volume of the water containing hypochlorous acid in the sterilization section 26 from the signal indicating the air volume of the blower 6 transmitted from the operation unit 1A.

[0070] An example of adjusting the concentration and water volume of the water containing hypochlorous acid in the sterilization section 26 in the apparatus having the above configuration is shown.

[0071] When the control unit 9 detects by the third water volume detection means 37 that the water level in the electrolytic cell 34 has dropped below the water shortage level, it operates the water supply pump 43, and the transportation of water from the water supply section 25 to the electrolytic cell 34 via the water supply water passage 44 starts. Next, when the control unit 9 detects an increase in the water level up to the water shortage level by the third water volume detection means 37, it operates the tablet input mechanism 35, and inputs the electrolysis promoting tablet 42 into the electrolytic cell 34. Next, when the water level of the electrolytic cell 34 further rises and the control unit 9 detects an increase in the water level up to the target level by the fourth water volume detection means 38, it stops the operation of the water supply pump 43. Next, the control unit 9 starts the operation of the electrolysis unit 36 and stops it after a predetermined time has elapsed. Thereby, water containing hypochlorous acid with a certain concentration is generated and held in the electrolytic cell 34.

[0072] When the control unit 9 estimates from the signal indicating the air volume of the blower 6 sent from the operation unit 1A that a predetermined amount of hypochlorous acid in the sterilization section 26 has been consumed, the active oxygen species pump 45 is operated, and the transportation of water containing hypochlorous acid from the electrolytic cell 34 to the supply tank 47 via the active oxygen species pre-transport water channel 46 starts. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 9 stops the operation of the active oxygen species pump 45. The water containing hypochlorous acid transported to the supply tank 47 gradually moves to the active oxygen species post-transport water channel 48 through the dropping opening 50 and is transported to the sterilization section 26 via the active oxygen species post-transport water channel 48.

[0073] When the control unit 9 estimates from the signal indicating the air volume of the blower 6 sent from the operation unit 1A that the water volume in the sterilization section 26 has decreased by a predetermined amount, the water supply pump 51 is operated, and the transportation of water from the water supply section 25 to the sterilization section 26 starts. When the second water volume detection means 29 detects an increase in the water level up to the target water level, the control unit 9 stops the operation of the water supply pump 51. By mixing the water containing hypochlorous acid transported from the active oxygen species supply section 19 and the water transported from the water supply section 20, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the sterilization section 26 is adjusted to a predetermined concentration.

[0074] By these controls, water containing hypochlorous acid with a water volume within a determined range and a concentration within a determined range is retained in the sterilization section 26. Thus, an air purifying apparatus capable of exhibiting stable sterilization performance can be provided.

[0075] As described above, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 10, and 16, the air purifying apparatus includes a main body case 1 having an air inlet 2 and an air outlet 4, an electrolytic cell 34 provided in the main body case 1 for storing water containing active oxygen species, a water supply section 25 for storing water, a replenishment section 60 to which a part of the water in the water supply section 25 is supplied by a water replenishment section 20, an active oxygen species replenishment section 19 for supplying water containing active oxygen species in the electrolytic cell 34 to the replenishment section 60, a sterilization section 26 communicating with the replenishment section 60, gas-liquid contact means 23 for bringing the water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization section 26 into contact with air, a blower 6 for blowing air sucked from the air inlet 2 to the air outlet 4 via the gas-liquid contact means 23, an active oxygen species replenishment section 19, a water replenishment section 20, and a control section 9 for controlling the blower 6.

[0076] The feature of the present embodiment is that, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 10, 15, 16, 17, and 18, the amount of water containing active oxygen species supplied to the replenishment section 60 at one time by the active oxygen species replenishment section 19 is larger than the amount of water accumulated in the replenishment section 60 during steady operation.

[0077] Specifically, a partition wall 24 is provided between the sterilization compartment 26 and the replenishment compartment 60. The partition wall 24 has an opening 61 that communicates the sterilization compartment 26 and the replenishment compartment 60. The opening 61 is disposed at a position lower than the water level in the sterilization compartment 26 during steady operation, and is always located in the water when water is supplied into the sterilization compartment 26. Thereby, it is possible to suppress air from flowing between the sterilization compartment 26 and the replenishment compartment 60 through the opening 61. The replenishment compartment 60 has a substantially box shape with an open top, and one of its side surfaces is the partition wall 24 having the opening 61. When water containing active oxygen species in the electrolytic cell 34 is dropped into the replenishment compartment 60 through the post-transport water channel 48 for active oxygen species by the active oxygen species replenishment unit 19, and water in the water supply compartment 25 is dropped into the replenishment compartment 60 by the water supply unit 20, it accumulates in the replenishment compartment 60, and the water level in the replenishment compartment 60 becomes higher than the water level in the sterilization compartment 26. Note that the amount of water containing active oxygen species dropped into the replenishment compartment 60 at one time is such that a larger amount of water is dropped than the amount of water accumulated in the replenishment compartment 60 before the dropping (during steady operation), and the water level height of the replenishment compartment 60 after the dropping is higher than the water level of the replenishment compartment before the dropping. Thereafter, until the water level in the replenishment compartment 60 becomes the same height as the water level in the sterilization compartment 26, the water in the replenishment compartment 60 and the water containing active oxygen species flow through the opening 61 into the sterilization compartment 26.

[0078] In this way, in the replenishment compartment 60, water and water containing active oxygen species accumulate once, and this accumulated water flows into the sterilization compartment 26. The amount of water containing active oxygen species supplied into the replenishment compartment 60 at one time by the active oxygen species replenishment unit 19 through the post-transport water channel 48 for active oxygen species is larger than the amount of water accumulated in the replenishment compartment 60 during steady operation, so it is possible to prevent only the water containing active oxygen species from stagnating in the replenishment compartment 60. Note that steady operation means a state in which water containing active oxygen species in the electrolytic cell 34 is dropped into the replenishment compartment 60 by the active oxygen species replenishment unit 19, water in the water supply compartment 25 is dropped into the replenishment compartment 60 by the water supply unit 20, the water levels in the replenishment compartment 60 and the sterilization compartment 26 are the same height, and the blower 6 is operating.

[0079] Further, the control unit 9 operates the water supply unit 20 after the operation of the active oxygen species supply unit 19. That is, water containing active oxygen species is supplied into the supply section 60 by the active oxygen species supply unit 19, and then water is supplied by the water supply unit 20. As a result, the water containing active oxygen species supplied by the active oxygen species supply unit 19 and accumulated in the supply section 60 is supplied to the sterilization section 26 so as to be pushed out by the water supplied by the water supply unit 20, so that it is possible to suppress the stagnation of the water containing active oxygen species in the supply section 60.

[0080] Also, the amount of water that the water supply unit 20 supplies into the supply section 60 at one time is more than the amount of water accumulated in the supply section 60 during steady operation. In this way, depending on the amount of water supplied to the supply section 60 by the water supply unit 20, the concentration of the water containing active oxygen species in the supply section 60 becomes low, and the water containing active oxygen species stagnating in the supply section 60 can be reduced.

[0081] Further, inside the main body case 1, there is a partition plate 5 extending in the vertical direction and having a partition plate 5 between one side and the other side in the main body case 1 (the back side and the front side in the main body case 1). A partition wall 24 is provided between the sterilization compartment 26 and the replenishment compartment 60, and the partition wall 24 has an opening 61 communicating the sterilization compartment 26 and the replenishment compartment 60. The lower surface of the partition plate 5 is in contact with the upper surface of the partition wall 24, and the main body case 1 is partitioned into one side and the other side in the main body case 1 (the back side and the front side in the main body case 1) by the partition plate 5 and the partition wall 24. The gas-liquid contact means 23 has a filter 32 partially immersed in the water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization compartment 26. On one side of the main body case 1 (the back side in the main body case 1) from the partition plate 5 and the partition wall 24, an air passage 8 communicating the intake port 2, the filter 32, the blower 6, and the outlet 4 is provided. On the other side of the main body case 1 (the front side in the main body case 1) from the partition plate 5 and the partition wall 24, a replenishment compartment 60 and an active oxygen species replenishment unit 19 are provided. Specifically, the back side of the main body case 1 (one side in the main body case 1) from the partition plate 5 and the partition wall 24 is the air passage 8, and in the air passage 8, there are arranged a filter 32 partially immersed in the water containing active oxygen species in the sterilization compartment 26 and a blower 6 that blows the air sucked from the intake port 2 to the outlet 4 through the filter 32. On the front side of the main body case 1 (the other side in the main body case 1) from the partition plate 5 and the partition wall 24 that are not the air passage, a replenishment compartment 60 and an active oxygen species replenishment unit 19 are provided.

[0082] Here, if the active oxygen species replenishment unit 19 is arranged on the back side of the main body case 1 (one side in the main body case 1) from the partition plate 5 and the partition wall 24, the active oxygen species replenishment unit 19 becomes the air passage resistance in the air passage 8, and the air volume blown to the gas-liquid contact means 23 decreases. On the other hand, if the active oxygen species replenishment unit 19 is arranged on the front side of the main body case 1 (the other side in the main body case 1) from the partition plate 5 and the partition wall 24 that are not the air passage, the active oxygen species replenishment unit 19 does not become the air passage resistance in the air passage 8, so it is possible to suppress a decrease in the air volume blown to the gas-liquid contact means 23.

[0083] Further, the water supply unit 20 is provided on the front side (the other side of the main body case 1) in the main body case 1 from the partition plate 5 and the partition wall 24.

[0084] Here, if the water supply unit 20 is arranged on the back side (one side of the main body case 1) in the main body case 1 from the partition plate 5 which is the air passage 8 and the partition wall 24, the water supply unit 20 becomes the air passage resistance in the air passage 8, and the air volume blown to the gas-liquid contact means 23 decreases. On the other hand, if the water supply unit 20 is arranged on the front side (the other side of the main body case 1) in the main body case 1 from the partition plate 5 and the partition wall 24 which are not air passages, the water supply unit 20 does not become the air passage resistance in the air passage 8, so that it is possible to suppress a decrease in the air volume blown to the gas-liquid contact means 23.

[0085] Also, the water supply section 25 is provided on the front side (the other side of the main body case 1) in the main body case 1 from the partition plate 5 and the partition wall 24.

[0086] Here, if the water supply section 25 is arranged on one side (the back side of the main body case 1) in the main body case 1 from the partition plate 5 which is the air passage 8 and the partition wall 24, the sterilization section 26 becomes smaller, and as a result, the filter 32 of the gas-liquid contact means 23 also becomes smaller, so that the air passage resistance in the air passage 8 becomes larger. On the other hand, if the water supply section 25 is arranged on the front side (the other side of the main body case 1) in the main body case 1 from the partition plate 5 and the partition wall 24 which are not air passages, the sterilization section 26 does not become smaller, and as a result, the filter 32 of the gas-liquid contact means 23 does not become smaller, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the air passage resistance in the air passage 8.

[0087] Further, the electrolytic cell 34 is provided on the front side (the other side of the main body case 1) in the main body case 1 from the partition plate 5 and the partition wall 24.

[0088] Here, when the electrolytic cell 34 is arranged on the back side (one side of the main body case 1) in the main body case 1 by the partition plate 5 which is the air passage 8 and the partition wall 24, the electrolytic cell 34 becomes the air passage resistance in the air passage 8, and the amount of air blown to the gas-liquid contact means 23 decreases. On the other hand, when the electrolytic cell 34 is arranged on the front side (the other side of the main body case 1) in the main body case 1 by the partition plate 5 which is not an air passage and the partition wall 24, since the water supply part 20 does not become the air passage resistance in the air passage 8, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of air blown to the gas-liquid contact means 23.

Industrial Applicability

[0089] The air purifying apparatus according to the present invention is useful as an air purifying apparatus used for household or office use.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0090] 1 Main body case 1A Operation part 1B Cover 2 Intake port 3 Door 4 Outlet 5 Partition plate 6 Blower 7 Air purification unit 8 Air passage 9 Control part 10 Motor part 11 Fan part 12 Casing part 13 Motor shaft 14 Discharge port 15 Suction port 16 Water storage part 17 Electrolysis part 18 Water supply part 19 Active oxygen species supply part 19a Active oxygen species communication part 19b Active oxygen species pump unit 20 Water replenishment part 21 Water storage container 22 Water supply means 23 Gas-liquid contact means 24 Partition wall 25 Water supply section 26 Sterilization section 27 Protrusion 28 First water quantity detection means 28a First float part 29 Second water quantity detection means 29a Second float part 30 Tank 30a Handle 31 Cap 31a Cap opening 31b Faucet 32 Filter 33 Filter frame 34 Electrolytic cell 35 Tablet input mechanism 36 Electrolysis unit 37 Third water quantity detection means 37a Third float part 38 Fourth water quantity detection means 38a Fourth float part 39 Tablet input case 39a Opening 40 Tablet input member 41 Tablet input cover 42 Electrolysis promoting tablet 43 Water supply pump 44 Water supply waterway 45 Reactive oxygen species pump 46 Reactive oxygen species pre - transport waterway 47 Supply tank 48 Reactive oxygen species post - transport waterway 50 Drop opening 51 Water replenishment pump 52 Water replenishment waterway 60 Replenishment section 61 Opening

Claims

1. A main body case having an air inlet and an air outlet, An electrolytic cell provided in the main body case for storing water containing reactive oxygen species, A water supply section for storing water, A replenishment section to which a part of the water in the water supply section is supplied by a water replenishment unit, A reactive oxygen species replenishment unit for supplying water containing reactive oxygen species in the electrolytic cell to the replenishment section, A sterilization section communicating with the replenishment section, Gas-liquid contact means for bringing water containing reactive oxygen species in the sterilization section into contact with air, A blower for blowing air sucked in from the air inlet to the air outlet through the gas-liquid contact means, And a control unit for controlling the reactive oxygen species replenishment unit, the water replenishment unit, and the blower, The air purification device is characterized in that the amount of water containing reactive oxygen species supplied to the replenishment section at one time by the reactive oxygen species replenishment unit is more than the amount of water accumulated in the replenishment section during steady operation.

2. The air purification device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit operates the water replenishment unit after the operation of the reactive oxygen species replenishment unit.

3. The air purification device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount of water supplied to the replenishment section at one time by the water replenishment unit is more than the amount of water accumulated in the replenishment section.

4. Inside the main body case, there is a partition plate extending in the vertical direction and having a partition plate between one side and the other side of the main body case, A partition wall is provided between the sterilization section and the replenishment section, The partition wall has an opening communicating the sterilization section and the replenishment section, The lower part of the partition plate is in contact with the upper part of the partition wall, and the main body case is partitioned into one side and the other side of the main body case by the partition plate and the partition wall, The gas-liquid contact means has a filter partially immersed in water containing reactive oxygen species in the sterilization section, An air passage communicating the air inlet, the filter, the blower, and the air outlet is provided on one side of the main body case with respect to the partition plate and the partition wall, The air purification device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the replenishment section and the reactive oxygen species replenishment unit are provided on the other side of the main body case with respect to the partition plate and the partition wall.

5. The air purification device according to claim 4, wherein the water replenishment unit is provided on the other side of the main body case with respect to the partition plate and the partition wall.

6. The air purification device according to claim 5, wherein the water supply section is provided on the other side in the main body case from the partition plate and the partition wall.

7. The air purification device according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the electrolytic cell is provided on the other side in the main body case from the partition plate and the partition wall.

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