Electrolyzed water spraying device

Abstract

This electrolytic water spraying device comprises: a water storage unit for storing water; an electrode unit (17) for electrolyzing the water in the water storage unit to produce electrolytic water; a spray unit (19) which has an inlet and an outlet and which brings the produced electrolytic water into contact with air sucked in from the inlet, thereby spraying the electrolytic water out of the outlet; and a a control unit (20) for controlling the electrode unit (17) and the spray unit (19). The control unit (20) includes: an index calculation unit (21) which, on the basis of the relationship between a voltage and a current which are applied to the electrode unit (17), calculates an index related to electrolytic efficiency corresponding to a predetermined reference; and a determination unit (23) which determines the electrolytic efficiency on the basis of the index calculated by the index calculation unit (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrolyzed water spraying device that generates and sprays electrolyzed water.

Background Art

[0002] In order to remove bacteria, fungi, viruses, odors, etc. in the air, an electrolyzed water spraying device that generates and sprays electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid by electrolysis is known (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to generate hypochlorous acid, electrolysis needs to be performed on water to be electrolyzed. Therefore, it is necessary to add an electrolysis accelerator such as salt to the water and generate water containing chloride ions. However, if electrolysis continues to be performed on water containing chloride ions, inorganic salts such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, or silica contained in the water will adhere to the electrolysis unit that performs electrolysis as impurities, and the life of the electrolysis unit may be shortened. Therefore, it is necessary to drain the water for electrolysis periodically, supply new water, that is, water from which substances that adversely affect the electrolysis unit have been removed, and then newly add an electrolysis accelerator to the water and perform electrolysis.

[0005] After the water is drained and new water is supplied, in order to add an electrolysis accelerator to the water and perform electrolysis, a drainage detection mechanism for detecting whether the drainage has been correctly performed is required. However, providing a drainage detection mechanism with a complex configuration will lead to an increase in the cost of the electrolyzed water spraying device.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an electrolyzed water spraying device capable of detecting drainage from the state of electrolyzed water.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] And, in order to achieve this object, the electrolyzed water spraying device according to the present disclosure includes a water storage unit for storing water, an electrode unit for electrolyzing the water in the water storage unit to generate electrolyzed water, an intake port and an outlet port, and a spraying unit that makes the generated electrolyzed water contact the air sucked in from the intake port and sprays it from the outlet port, and a control unit for controlling the electrode unit and the spraying unit. The control unit includes an index calculation unit that calculates an index related to the efficiency of electrolysis with respect to a predetermined standard based on the relationship between the voltage and current applied to the electrode unit, and a determination unit that determines the efficiency of electrolysis based on the index calculated by the index calculation unit. It has an index calculation unit that calculates, at regular intervals, the ratio of the voltage value, which is the value of the voltage applied to the electrode unit, to the current value, which is the value of the current, and calculates the change rate of the new calculated value with respect to the already calculated value from the already calculated value, which is the ratio of the calculated voltage value to the current value, and the new calculated value, which is the ratio of the voltage value to the current value calculated after a certain time has elapsed since the already calculated value was calculated. The determination unit determines the efficiency of electrolysis based on the result of comparing the change rate calculated by the index calculation unit with a predetermined change threshold value.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electrolyzed water spraying device capable of detecting drainage from the state of electrolyzed water.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are examples for embodying the technical idea of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following. In particular, the materials, shapes, components, arrangements of components, relative arrangements, etc. described in the embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure thereto. Also, in each figure, the same reference numerals are given to substantially the same configurations, and duplicate explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0011] (Embodiment) First, the electrolyzed water spraying device D which is an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the electrolyzed water spraying device D. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electrolyzed water spraying device D with the panel 3 of the electrolyzed water spraying device D opened.

[0013] In the following description, there may be cases where the description is as follows. That is, in the state where the electrolyzed water spraying device D is installed, the vertical direction may be described as the up-down direction as "upward" and "downward". In addition, the upward direction may be described as the "ceiling side", and the downward direction may be described as the "floor side". Also, in the electrolyzed water spraying device D, the side where the panel 3 is provided may be described as the "right side", and the opposite side of the "right side" may be described as the "left side". At this time, in the state where the electrolyzed water spraying device D is viewed from the front, the front-rear direction may be described as the "front side" and the "rear side".

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrolyzed water spraying device D includes a main body case 1.

[0015] The main body case 1 is a substantially box-shaped casing, and includes an air intake port 2, an air outlet 6, a panel 3, and an opening 4.

[0016] The intake port 2 is provided on both side surfaces of the main body case 1 and is a grid-shaped opening for taking in air outside the main body case 1 into the main body case 1.

[0017] The air outlet 6 is provided on the back side of the top surface of the main body case 1. The air outlet 6 is an openable and closable opening for blowing out the air taken into the main body case 1 from the intake port 2 to the outside of the main body case 1. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the air outlet 6 is in a closed state.

[0018] The panel 3 is provided on the main body side surface 1A which is the right side surface in the front view of the main body case 1. The panel 3 is an openable and closable cover and is mainly formed of a plastic resin. One of the two intake ports 2 is provided on the front side of the main body case 1 in the panel 3. An opening 4 is provided inside the panel 3.

[0019] The opening 4 is a hole extending horizontally to the left from a vertically long rectangular opening on the right side surface (main body side surface 1A) in the main body case 1. Inside the opening 4, an electrolyzed water generation unit 5 including a water storage part 14 and a water supply part 15 are provided. Details of the electrolyzed water generation unit 5 and the water supply part 15 will be described later.

[0020] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the electrolyzed water spraying device D includes a drainage display part 27 and a control part 20.

[0021] The drainage display part 27 is provided on the top surface of the main body case 1 and prompts the user to perform a drainage operation on the water in the water storage part 14. The drainage display part 27 prompts the user to drain water, for example, by lighting an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Details of the water storage part 14 will be described later.

[0022] The control part 20 controls the electrolyzed water spraying device D. Details of the control content of the control part 20 will be described later.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A section of the electrolyzed water spraying device D in FIG. 2 and is a view of the electrolyzed water spraying device D seen from the right side. In FIG. 3, the peripheral configuration related to the generation of electrolyzed water and the like is shown.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the electrolyzed water generation unit 5 includes a water storage unit 14 and an electrode unit 17.

[0025] The water storage unit 14 has a box shape with an open top surface and is structured to store water. The water storage unit 14 is disposed at the lower part of the main body case 1 and is configured to be detachable from the opening 4 by sliding horizontally with respect to the main body case 1. The water storage unit 14 stores the water supplied from a water supply unit 15 described later. The water storage unit 14 includes a water level detection unit 18.

[0026] The water level detection unit 18 detects the water level in the water storage unit 14. The water level detection unit 18 is constituted by, for example, a magnet with a float having buoyancy inside and a magnetic force detection unit provided at a position facing the magnet with the float to detect the magnetic force of the magnet. However, it is only necessary that the water level can be detected, and the configuration is not limited to this.

[0027] The electrode unit 17 includes an electrode member (not shown) and is installed so that the electrode member is immersed in the water in the water storage unit 14. By energizing the electrode member, the electrode unit 17 electrochemically electrolyzes the water containing chloride ions in the water storage unit 14, that is, the electrolyzed water, to generate electrolyzed water containing reactive oxygen species. Here, the reactive oxygen species include so-called broad-sense reactive oxygen such as superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, or hydrogen peroxide.

[0028] Further, the electrode unit 17 generates electrolyzed water by taking a pair of an energization time for energizing the electrode member to electrolyze water and a non-energization time, which is the time after the energization stops, that is, the time when no energization is performed, as one cycle and repeating the one cycle a plurality of times. That is, by providing a non-energization time for the electrode member, the life of the electrode member can be extended. Note that if the energization time is made longer than the non-energization time, more electrolyzed water containing a larger amount of reactive oxygen species is generated per cycle. Also, if the non-energization time is made longer than the energization time, the generation of reactive oxygen species per cycle is suppressed. Furthermore, if the amount of electric power during the energization time is increased, more electrolyzed water containing reactive oxygen species is generated.

[0029] The water supply part 15 is arranged above the water storage part 14. The water supply part 15 has a detachable structure with respect to the water storage part 14 and can be taken out from the opening 4. The water supply part 15 is attached to the tank holding part 14a provided on the bottom surface of the water storage part 14. The water supply part 15 includes a tank 15a and a lid 15b.

[0030] The tank 15a is a hollow container and stores water.

[0031] The lid 15b is provided at the opening located at the lower part of the tank 15a. An opening / closing part (not shown) is provided at the center of the lid 15b. By opening the opening / closing part, the water in the tank 15a is supplied to the water storage part 14. Specifically, when the opening of the tank 15a is facing downward and the water supply part 15 is attached to the tank holding part 14a of the water storage part 14, the opening / closing part is opened by the tank holding part 14a. That is, when water is put into the water supply part 15 and attached to the tank holding part 14a, the opening / closing part opens and water is supplied to the water storage part 14, and water accumulates in the water storage part 14. Then, when the water level in the water storage part 14 rises and the water reaches the position of the lid 15b, the opening of the water supply part 15 is sealed by water. For this reason, the water supply from the water supply part 15 to the water storage part 14 stops, and water remains inside the water supply part 15. And when the water level in the water storage part 14 drops, the water inside the tank 15a is supplied to the water storage part 14 each time. That is, the water level in the water storage part 14 is kept constant.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the B-B section of the electrolyzed water spraying device D in FIG. 2 and is a view of the electrolyzed water spraying device D seen from the right side. In FIG. 4, the air passage configuration of the electrolyzed water spraying device D and the like are shown.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, a spraying part 19 and an air passage 8 are provided inside the main body case 1.

[0034] The spraying part 19 includes a blowing part 7 and a filter part 16.

[0035] The blowing part 7 is provided at the central part of the main body case 1 and includes a motor part 9, a fan part 10, and a casing part 11.

[0036] The motor unit 9 is, for example, a DC motor and is fixed to the casing unit 11.

[0037] The fan unit 10 is, for example, a sirocco fan and rotates by the power of the motor unit 9. The fan unit 10 is fixed to a rotating shaft 9a extending horizontally from the motor unit 9. The rotating shaft 9a of the motor unit 9 extends from the front side to the back side within the main body case 1.

[0038] The casing unit 11 is configured to surround the motor unit 9 and the fan unit 10 and has a scroll shape. The casing unit 11 includes a suction port 13 and a discharge port 12.

[0039] The suction port 13 is provided on the back side of the main body case 1 of the casing unit 11. The suction port 13 is an opening for taking air taken into the main body case 1 from the intake port 2 into the casing unit 11.

[0040] The discharge port 12 is provided on the upper surface side of the main body case 1 of the casing unit 11. The discharge port 12 is an opening for discharging air taken into the casing unit 11 from the suction port 13 to the outside of the casing unit 11.

[0041] The filter unit 16 is a cylindrical member that brings the electrolyzed water stored in the water storage unit 14 into contact with the indoor air that has flowed into the main body case 1 by the air blowing unit 7. The filter unit 16 includes a gas-liquid contact filter unit 16a.

[0042] The gas-liquid contact filter unit 16a is arranged at the circumferential portion of the filter unit 16 and is provided with holes through which air can flow.

[0043] One end of the filter unit 16 is immersed in the water of the water storage unit 14 and is arranged to retain water. The filter unit 16 is configured to rotate by a driving unit with the central axis of the gas-liquid contact filter unit 16a as the rotation center, and continuously bring the electrolyzed water into contact with the air.

[0044] The air passage 8 communicates the air inlet 2 and the air outlet 6. The air passage 8 includes, in this order from the upstream side of the air inlet 2, the filter section 16, the blower section 7, and the air outlet 6. When the fan section 10 rotates by the motor section 9 controlled by the control section 20, the external air sucked in from the air inlet 2 and entering the air passage 8 is blown out to the outside of the electrolyzed water spraying device D through the gas-liquid contact filter section 16a, the blower section 7, and the air outlet 6 in this order. Thereby, the electrolyzed water generated in the water storage section 14 is sprayed to the outside. Note that the electrolyzed water spraying device D does not necessarily spray the electrolyzed water itself, and may be a device that finally sprays the active oxygen species derived from the generated electrolyzed water (including volatilization).

[0045] Next, each function of the control section 20 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a schematic functional block diagram of the control section 20 and its peripheral parts of the electrolyzed water spraying device D.

[0046] The control section 20 includes an index calculation section 21, a storage section 22, a determination section 23, a water supply section replenishment determination section 24, a replenishment count section 25, and a drainage control section 26.

[0047] The index calculation section 21 calculates an index related to the efficiency of electrolysis based on the relationship between the voltage and current applied to the electrode section 17. Here, the index related to the efficiency of electrolysis will be described. The index calculation section 21 calculates the ratio of the voltage value, which is the value of the voltage applied to the electrode section 17 at regular intervals, to the current value, which is the value of the current, and calculates the change rate (newly calculated value ÷ already calculated value) of the newly calculated value with respect to the already calculated value from the already calculated value, which is the ratio of the voltage value and the current value already calculated, and the newly calculated value, which is the ratio of the voltage value and the current value calculated after a certain time has elapsed since the already calculated value was calculated.

[0048] Specifically, as the ratio of the voltage value to the current value, the voltage value is divided by the current value. Thereby, the electrical resistance value of water is calculated. The electrical resistance value of the water in the water storage unit 14 varies depending on the ratio of pure water to impurities present in the water stored in the water storage unit 14. Here, the impurities include not only inorganic salts but also sodium ions generated from the electrolysis accelerator necessary for electrolysis. Specifically, the electrical resistance value of the water in the water storage unit 14 increases as the ratio of impurities to pure water decreases. Conversely, the electrical resistance value of the water in the water storage unit 14 decreases as the ratio of impurities to pure water increases. That is, the state of the water in the water storage unit 14 can be grasped by the electrical resistance value of the water in the water storage unit 14.

[0049] After that, based on the electrical resistance value of the water, the change rate of the new calculated value with respect to the previously calculated value is calculated. The change rate based on the electrical resistance value serves as an indicator regarding the efficiency of electrolysis. Specifically, a large change rate means that the newly calculated resistance value is higher than the previously calculated resistance value, indicating that the efficiency of electrolysis is low. Conversely, a small change rate means that the newly calculated resistance value is lower than the previously calculated resistance value, indicating that the efficiency of electrolysis is high.

[0050] Here, when the tank 15a provided in the water supply unit 15 is filled with water, the water level in the water storage unit 14 is kept constant. However, when the water in the tank 15a runs out by continuously supplying water from the tank 15a to the water storage unit 14, the water level in the water storage unit 14 drops. In that case, when the user takes out the water supply unit 15 from the water storage unit 14, replenishes the tank 15a with new water, and attaches it to the water storage unit 14, new water is supplied into the water storage unit 14. As a result, the ratio of impurities per unit amount of water in the water storage unit 14 decreases.

[0051] Also, when the electrolyzed water in the water storage unit 14 is drained by the user and new water is supplied from the water supply unit 15, the impurities in the water in the water storage unit 14 decrease. That is, the ratio of impurities per unit amount of water in the water storage unit 14 decreases.

[0052] As a result, the newly calculated resistance value of the water in the water storage unit 14 to which new water is supplied becomes larger than the already calculated resistance value of the water in the water storage unit 14 before the new water is supplied. That is, the rate of change of the electrical resistance value becomes larger. Therefore, the control unit 20 can grasp the supply of new water into the water storage unit 14 based on the rate of change of the electrical resistance value.

[0053] The storage unit 22 is a so-called memory that stores the rate of change of the electrical resistance value for comparison of changes, which is used when the determination unit 23 described later determines whether new water has been supplied to the water storage unit 14. Specifically, it stores a first threshold value and a second threshold value, which are threshold values.

[0054] The first threshold value is a threshold value for determining that the water in the water storage unit 14 has decreased and new water has been supplied from the water supply unit 15. The first threshold value is, for example, a value determined in advance by experiments or the like and can be arbitrarily set.

[0055] The second threshold value is a threshold value for determining that the water in the water storage unit 14 has been drained by the user and new water has been supplied from the water supply unit 15. The second threshold value is, for example, a value determined in advance by experiments or the like and can be arbitrarily set. However, when the water in the water storage unit 14 is drained by the user and new water is supplied from the water supply unit 15 rather than when the water in the water storage unit 14 decreases and new water is supplied from the water supply unit 15, the ratio of impurities per unit amount of water in the water storage unit 14 decreases. And as the ratio of impurities decreases, the rate of change of the electrical resistance value increases. Therefore, a value larger than the first threshold value is set for the second threshold value.

[0056] The determination unit 23 compares the rate of change of the electrical resistance value calculated by the index calculation unit 21 with the threshold value (first threshold value or second threshold value) stored in the storage unit 22 to determine the efficiency of electrolysis. Specifically, the determination unit 23 determines that the efficiency of electrolysis is low when the rate of change is larger than the threshold value. That is, the case where the determination unit 23 determines that the electrical efficiency is low is the case where new water is supplied from the water supply unit 15 into the water storage unit 14.

[0057] When the determination unit 23 determines that the change rate calculated by the index calculation unit 21 is greater than the first threshold value stored in the storage unit 22, the water supply unit replenishment determination unit 24 determines that new water has been replenished to the tank 15a (water supply unit 15) after the water in the tank 15a (water supply unit 15) has dried up. That is, when new water is replenished to the tank 15a (water supply unit 15) and new water is supplied into the water storage unit 14, the change rate becomes greater than the first threshold value.

[0058] Also, a water supply display unit (not shown) that displays an indication to prompt the water supply of the tank 15a (water supply unit 15) may be provided, for example, on the top surface of the main body case 1. When the water level detected by the water level detection unit 18 is lower than the water level threshold value, the control unit 20 instructs the water supply display unit to display an indication to prompt the replenishment of new water to the tank 15a (water supply unit 15). The water level threshold value is a threshold value for determining that the water in the water storage unit 14 has decreased. The water level threshold value is, for example, a value determined in advance by experiments or the like and can be arbitrarily set. The water level threshold value may be stored in the storage unit 22. After that, when the water supply unit replenishment determination unit 24 determines that new water has been replenished to the tank 15a (water supply unit 15), the control unit 20 instructs the water supply display unit to end the display prompting the replenishment of new water to the tank 15a (water supply unit 15). When the water level detected by the water level detection unit 18 is lower than the water level threshold value, the tank 15a (water supply unit 15) is in a state without water. That is, the control unit 20 prompts the user to supply water when the water in the tank 15a (water supply unit 15) has run out. Therefore, the user can replenish new water to the tank 15a (water supply unit 15) at an appropriate timing.

[0059] The replenishment count unit 25 counts the number of determinations made by the water supply unit replenishment determination unit 24 that new water has been replenished to the tank 15a.

[0060] When the number of times of replenishing the water supply unit by the replenishment counting unit 25 exceeds the number threshold, the drainage control unit 26 instructs the drainage display unit 27 to display an indication prompting the drainage of the water storage unit 14. The number threshold is a threshold for determining that drainage is necessary to replace the water in the water storage unit 14. The number threshold is, for example, a value determined in advance by experiments or the like and can be arbitrarily set. The number threshold may be stored in the storage unit 22.

[0061] Further, after the number of times of replenishing the water supply unit exceeds the number threshold, when the water level detected by the water level detection unit 18 is lower than the water level threshold, the drainage control unit 26 may instruct the drainage display unit 27 to display an indication prompting the drainage of the water storage unit 14.

[0062] Thereby, it is possible to prompt the user to drain the water in the water storage unit 14 in a state where the water in the water storage unit 14 has decreased. For this reason, the user can drain the water in a state where the amount of water in the water storage unit 14 is small.

[0063] When the determination unit 23 determines that the change rate calculated by the index calculation unit 21 is greater than the second threshold stored in the storage unit 22, after the water in the water storage unit 14 has been drained by the user, the drainage control unit 26 determines that new water has been supplied from the water supply unit 15 to the water storage unit 14. After the determination by the drainage control unit 26, the drainage control unit 26 instructs the drainage display unit 27 to end the display prompting drainage.

[0064] Here, the control unit 20 is configured by a microcomputer. That is, inside the control unit 20, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. are provided. The control unit 20 is connected to the water supply unit 15, the electrode unit 17, the water level detection unit 18, the spraying unit 19, and the drainage display unit 27 through a driver or an internal bus, etc. The CPU uses, for example, the RAM as a work area, executes the program stored in the ROM, and controls each operation by receiving and transmitting data or instructions based on the execution result.

[0065] In the above configuration, the control unit 20 executes a new water replenishment determination control for the tank 15a provided in the water supply unit 15, which will be described below.

[0066] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for determining whether new water has been replenished into the tank 15a after the water in the tank 15a has run out. Here, in the flowchart, numbers are assigned to the processing steps with S as the initial letter. For example, S1 etc. indicate the processing steps. However, the magnitude of the numerical values indicating the processing steps has no relation to the processing order.

[0067] First, the index calculation unit 21 calculates the rate of change of the electrical resistance value at regular intervals (S1).

[0068] Next, the determination unit 23 compares the rate of change calculated by the index calculation unit 21 with the first threshold value (S2).

[0069] When it is determined that the rate of change is less than or equal to the first threshold value, the water supply unit replenishment determination unit 24 determines that new water has not been replenished into the tank 15a because the water in the water storage unit 14 has not decreased and the water in the tank 15a has not run out, and the process returns to the flow of S1 (S2No→S1).

[0070] When it is determined that the rate of change is greater than the first threshold value, the water supply unit replenishment determination unit 24 determines that new water has been replenished into the tank 15a after the water in the water storage unit 14 has decreased and the water in the tank 15a has run out. At this time, the replenishment count unit 25 increments the count number by one (S2Yes→S6).

[0071] Through the above processing, the determination unit 23 compares the rate of change calculated by the index calculation unit 21 with the first threshold value. As a result, the water supply unit replenishment determination unit 24 determines whether new water has been replenished into the tank 15a after the water in the tank 15a has run out.

[0072] As a result, the control unit 20 can grasp that new water has been replenished into the tank 15a after the water in the tank 15a has run out.

[0073] Next, the control for determining the presence or absence of drainage, which is executed by the control unit 20, will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control for determining the presence or absence of drainage.

[0074] First, the index calculation unit 21 calculates the rate of change of the electrical resistance value at regular intervals (S7).

[0075] The drainage control unit 26 determines whether the number of replenishments of the water supply unit by the replenishment count unit 25 exceeds the number threshold and whether the water level detected by the water level detection unit 18 is lower than the water level threshold (S9).

[0076] If it is determined that at least one of the number of replenishments of the water supply unit is less than or equal to the number threshold or the water level is greater than or equal to the water level threshold, the process returns to the flow of S7 (S9No→S7).

[0077] If it is determined that the number of replenishments of the water supply unit exceeds the number threshold and the water level is lower than the water level threshold, the drainage control unit 26 instructs the drainage display unit 27 to display a prompt for draining the water storage unit 14 (S9Yes→S10).

[0078] Thereby, the user can grasp that drainage is necessary.

[0079] Then, the determination unit 23 compares the rate of change calculated by the index calculation unit 21 with the second threshold (S12).

[0080] If it is determined that the rate of change is greater than the second threshold, the drainage control unit 26 determines that new water has been supplied to the water storage unit 14 from the water supply unit 15 after the water in the water storage unit 14 has been drained by the user, and instructs the drainage display unit 27 to end the display prompting for drainage (S12Yes→S13). If it is determined that the rate of change is less than or equal to the second threshold, the process returns to the flow of S12 (S12No→S12).

[0081] Finally, the drainage control unit 26 resets the count of the replenishment count unit 25 and ends the process (S14).

[0082] Through the above processing, the determination unit 23 compares the change rate calculated by the index calculation unit 21 with the second threshold value. As a result, the drainage control unit 26 determines whether the water in the water storage unit 14 has been drained by the user and new water has been supplied to the water storage unit 14 from the water supply unit 15.

[0083] As a result, it is possible to detect that the water in the water storage unit 14 has been drained by the user and new water has been supplied into the water storage unit 14 without providing a drainage detection mechanism for detecting the drainage.

[0084] As described above, the present disclosure has been described based on the embodiments. However, it can be easily inferred that the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments at all, and various improvements and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0085] For example, as an example of the efficiency of electrolysis, the electrical resistance value was calculated, but the conductance value, which is the reciprocal of the electrical resistance value, may be used. As a result, control using the conductance value becomes possible.

[0086] Also, although it was determined whether new water was replenished by comparing the change rate with the first threshold value, it may be determined that new water has been replenished when the water level detected by the water level detection unit 18 changes from a state lower than the predetermined water level to a state higher than the predetermined water level. As a result, the comparison between the change rate and the first threshold value can be made unnecessary.

[0087] Also, the electrolyzed water spraying device D may not have the tank 15a as the water supply unit 15. In this case, tap water is used to supply water to the electrolyzed water spraying device D. Then, when the water level in the water storage unit 14 drops, tap water may be supplied until the water level in the water storage unit 14 rises to a predetermined position.

[0088] Also, in step S7 of FIG. 7, when it is determined that at least one of the following conditions is met: the number of times the water supply unit is replenished does not exceed the number threshold, or the water level is equal to or higher than the water level threshold, the process returns to the flow of S7. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the number of times the water supply unit is replenished exceeds the number threshold, the drainage control unit 26 may proceed to the flow of S10 regardless of the water level and instruct the drainage display unit 27 to display an instruction to prompt the drainage of the water storage unit 14.

[0089] (Summary of the Disclosure) The electrolyzed water spraying device according to the present disclosure includes a water storage unit for storing water, an electrode unit for electrolyzing the water in the water storage unit to generate electrolyzed water, a spraying unit having an air inlet and an air outlet, and contacting the generated electrolyzed water with the air sucked in from the air inlet and spraying it from the air outlet, and a control unit for controlling the electrode unit and the spraying unit. The control unit includes an index calculation unit that calculates an index related to the efficiency of electrolysis with respect to a predetermined standard based on the relationship between the voltage and current applied to the electrode unit, and a determination unit that determines the efficiency of electrolysis based on the index calculated by the index calculation unit.

[0090] Thereby, by calculating the efficiency of electrolysis of the water stored in the water storage unit, the state of the water in the water storage unit can be grasped.

[0091] Further, the index calculation unit may calculate, at regular intervals, the ratio of the voltage value, which is the value of the voltage applied to the electrode unit, to the current value, which is the value of the current, and calculate the change rate of the new calculated value with respect to the already calculated value from the already calculated value, which is the ratio of the calculated voltage value to the current value, and the new calculated value, which is the ratio of the voltage value to the current value calculated after a certain period of time has elapsed since the already calculated value was calculated. The determination unit may determine the efficiency of electrolysis based on the result of comparing the change rate calculated by the index calculation unit with a predetermined change threshold.

[0092] With this configuration, the change rate of the new calculated value with respect to the already calculated value can be calculated. Therefore, the change in the state of the water in the water storage unit can be grasped.

[0093] Further, the index calculation unit may calculate the electrical resistance value of water as the ratio of the voltage value to the current value, and calculate the change rate based on the calculated electrical resistance value of water. The determination unit may determine that the electrolysis efficiency is low when the change rate based on the electrical resistance value of water calculated by the index calculation unit is greater than a predetermined change threshold value.

[0094] With this configuration, it is possible to calculate the change rate of the electrical resistance value of the water in the water storage unit, and grasp the change in the state of the water that the electrolysis efficiency of the water decreases when the change rate is large.

[0095] Further, a water supply unit that stores water for supplying water to the water storage unit, and a water supply unit replenishment determination unit that determines that water has been replenished to the water supply unit after the water in the water supply unit has dried up when the change rate calculated by the index calculation unit is determined by the determination unit to be greater than a first threshold value may be further provided.

[0096] With this configuration, it is possible to grasp that the water in the water supply unit has dried up and new water has been replenished.

[0097] Further, a drainage display unit that performs a display prompting drainage of the water storage unit, a drainage control unit that controls the display of the drainage display unit, and a replenishment count unit that counts the number of times of water replenishment to the water supply unit, which is the number of times of water replenishment to the water supply unit determined by the water supply unit replenishment determination unit, may be further provided. The drainage control unit may instruct the drainage display unit to display a prompt for draining the water storage unit when the number of times of water replenishment to the water supply unit counted by the replenishment count unit exceeds a threshold value. The drainage control unit may determine that water has been supplied to the water storage unit after the water in the water storage unit has been drained when it is determined by the determination unit that the change rate calculated by the index calculation unit is greater than a second threshold value, which is a threshold value greater than the first threshold value, and instruct the drainage display unit to end the display prompting drainage.

[0098] Accordingly, when drainage by the user is necessary, a display prompting the user to drain water is performed from the electrolyzed water spraying device. Therefore, the user can recognize that drainage is necessary. Furthermore, even without providing a detection mechanism for detecting drainage, it is possible to detect that the user has drained the water storage section and new water has been supplied into the water storage section.

[0099] Further, a water level detection unit for detecting the water level of the water storage section may be provided. The drainage control unit may instruct the drainage display unit to display a prompt for drainage when the number of times of replenishing the water supply section counted by the replenishment counting unit exceeds the number threshold and the water level detected by the water level detection unit is lower than the water level threshold.

[0100] Accordingly, the electrolyzed water spraying device prompts the user to drain water when the amount of water in the water storage section has decreased. Therefore, the user can drain water when the amount of water in the water storage section is low, improving the convenience for the user.

Industrial Applicability

[0101] The electrolyzed water spraying device according to the present disclosure is useful as an electrolyzed water spraying device for removing (including inactivation of) bacteria, fungi, viruses, odors, etc. in the air.

Explanation of Signs

[0102] D Electrolyzed water spraying device 1 Main body case 1A Side surface of the main body 2 Air inlet 3 Panel 4 Opening 5 Electrolyzed water generation unit 6 Air outlet 7 Blower unit 8 Air passage 9 Motor unit 9a Rotating shaft 10 Fan unit 11 Casing unit 12 Discharge port 13 Suction port 14 Water storage section 14a Tank holding section 15 Water supply section 15a Tank 16 Filter section 16a Gas-liquid contact filter section 17 Electrode section 18 Water level detection section 19 Spraying section 20 Control section 21 Index calculation section 22 Memory section 23 Judgment section 24 Water supply section replenishment judgment section 25 Replenishment count section 26 Drainage control section 27 Drainage display section

Claims

1. A water storage section for storing water, an electrode section for electrolyzing the water in the water storage section to generate electrolyzed water, a spraying section having an air inlet and an air outlet, for bringing the generated electrolyzed water into contact with the air sucked in from the air inlet and spraying it from the air outlet, and a control section for controlling the electrode section and the spraying section, wherein the control section has an index calculation section for calculating an index regarding the efficiency of electrolysis with respect to a predetermined standard based on the relationship between the voltage and current applied to the electrode section, and a determination section for determining the efficiency of the electrolysis based on the index calculated by the index calculation section, wherein the index calculation section calculates, at regular intervals, the ratio of the voltage value, which is the value of the voltage applied to the electrode section, to the current value, which is the value of the current, and calculates the rate of change of the newly calculated value with respect to the already calculated value from the already calculated value, which is the ratio of the voltage value to the current value calculated, and the newly calculated value, which is the ratio of the voltage value to the current value calculated after the elapse of the regular time since the already calculated value was calculated, wherein the determination section determines the efficiency of the electrolysis based on the result of comparing the rate of change calculated by the index calculation section with a predetermined rate-of-change threshold value, an electrolyzed water spraying device.

2. wherein the index calculation section calculates the electrical resistance value of water as the ratio of the voltage value to the current value, calculates the rate of change based on the calculated electrical resistance value of water, wherein the determination section determines that the efficiency of the electrolysis is low when the rate of change based on the electrical resistance of water calculated by the index calculation section is greater than the predetermined rate-of-change threshold value, The electrolyzed water spraying device according to Claim 1.

3. a water supply section for storing water to supply to the water storage section, and a water supply section replenishment determination section for determining that water has been replenished to the water supply section after the water in the water supply section has run out when the determination section determines that the rate of change calculated by the index calculation section is greater than a first threshold value, The electrolyzed water spraying device according to Claim 2.

4. a drainage display section for performing a display prompting drainage of the water storage section, a drainage control section for controlling the display of the drainage display section, and a replenishment count section for counting the number of times of water replenishment to the water supply section, which is the number of times of water replenishment to the water supply section determined by the water supply section replenishment determination section, wherein the drainage control section instructs the drainage display section to perform a display prompting drainage of the water storage section when the number of times of water replenishment to the water supply section counted by the replenishment count section exceeds a count threshold value, When it is determined by the determination unit that the change rate calculated by the index calculation unit is greater than a second threshold value which is a threshold value greater than the first threshold value, it is determined that water is supplied from the water supply unit to the water storage unit after the water in the water storage unit is drained, and an instruction is given to end the display prompting the drainage to the drainage display unit. The electrolyzed water spraying device according to claim 3.

5. further comprising a water level detection unit for detecting the water level of the water storage unit, The drainage control unit is When the number of times of replenishing the water supply unit counted by the replenishment counting unit exceeds the threshold value of the number of times, and the water level detected by the water level detection unit is lower than the water level threshold value, an instruction is given to the drainage display unit to display a prompt for drainage. The electrolyzed water spraying device according to claim 4.

6. a water supply display unit for displaying a prompt for water supply to the water supply unit; comprising a water level detection unit for detecting the water level of the water storage unit, The control unit is When the water level detected by the water level detection unit is lower than the water level threshold value, an instruction is given to the water supply display unit to display a prompt for replenishing water to the water supply unit, When it is determined by the water supply unit replenishment determination unit that water has been replenished to the water supply unit, an instruction is given to the water supply display unit to end the display prompting the replenishment of the water. The electrolyzed water spraying device according to claim 3.

Images