Electrolyzed water distribution device

Abstract

An electrolyzed water spraying apparatus (D) according to the present disclosure is provided with: a main body case (1) provided with an air inlet port (2) and an outlet port (6); a water storage unit in which water is stored; an electrode part for electrolyzing the water in the water storage part to produce electrolyzed water; a spray unit for bringing the produced electrolyzed water into contact with air sucked through the air inlet port (2) to spray the electrolyzed water through the outlet port (6); and a control unit for controlling the electrode unit and the spray unit. The control unit is provided with: a measure calculation unit for calculating a measure associated with the efficiency of electrolysis relative to a specified reference on the basis of the relationship between a voltage applied to the electrode unit and a current flowing through the electrode unit; and a determination unit for determining the clarity of water in the water storage unit on the basis of the measure calculated by the measure calculation unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART In order to remove bacteria, fungi, viruses, odors, and the like from the air, an electrolyzed water spraying device is known that generates electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid by electrolysis and sprays it (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-563 Summary of the Invention

[0004] To generate hypochlorous acid, water to be electrolyzed is electrolyzed. For this purpose, it is necessary to add an electrolysis promoter such as salt to generate water containing chloride ions. However, if electrolysis is continued, inorganic salts contained in the water, such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, or silica, may adhere to the water storage tank as impurities, and the original product performance (electrolysis performance) may not be maintained.

[0005] In order to maintain product performance, it is necessary for the electrolyzed water spraying device to periodically prompt the user to clean the water storage tank, etc. However, with conventional electrolyzed water spraying devices, it is difficult for the device to determine the degree of dirtiness of the water storage tank, etc. Therefore, conventional electrolyzed water spraying devices periodically prompt the user to clean the water storage tank, etc., regardless of the degree of dirtiness.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide an electrolytic water spraying device that can notify appropriate cleaning times.

[0007] The electrolyzed water spraying device according to the present disclosure includes a main body case provided with an air intake and an outlet, a water storage unit for storing water, an electrode unit for electrolyzing the water in the water storage unit to produce electrolyzed water, a spraying unit having an air intake and an outlet and contacting the produced electrolyzed water with air drawn in through the air intake and spraying it from the outlet, and a control unit for controlling the electrode unit and the spraying unit. The control unit includes an index calculation unit for calculating an index relating to the efficiency of electrolysis relative to a predetermined standard based on the relationship between the voltage applied to the electrode unit and the current flowing through the electrode unit, and a determination unit for determining the cleanliness of the water in the water storage unit based on the index calculated by the index calculation unit.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, an electrolytic water spraying device can be provided that can notify appropriate cleaning times. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrolyzed water spraying device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electrolyzed water spraying device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure with the panel open. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic water spraying device of FIG. 2 taken along the plane AA. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic water spraying device of FIG. 2 taken along plane BB. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic functional block diagram of the electrolyzed water spraying device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control of determining the cleanliness of water executed by the control unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control of determining the cleanliness of water executed by the control unit according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF 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 provided as examples to embody the technical ideas of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following. In particular, the materials, shapes, components, arrangements and relative arrangements of the components described in the embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure to those alone. Furthermore, in each drawing, substantially identical components are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0011] In the following description, the following descriptions may be used. That is, the vertical direction when the electrolyzed water spraying device D is installed may be referred to as the up-down direction and may be referred to as "upper" or "lower". The upper side may be referred to as the "top side" and the lower side as the "floor side". In addition, in the electrolyzed water spraying device D, the side on which the panel 3 is installed may be referred to as the "right side", the side opposite the "right side" may be referred to as the "left side", and the right and left sides may be referred to as "both sides". In this case, the front-to-back directions when viewing the electrolyzed water spraying device D from the front may be referred to as the "front side" and the "rear side".

[0012] (Embodiment 1) First, an electrolyzed water spraying device D according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the electrolytic water spraying device D. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the electrolytic water spraying device D in a state where the panel 3 of Fig. 1 is open.

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

[0015] The main body case 1 is a box-shaped body, and includes an air intake 2, an air outlet 6, a panel 3, and a cleaning display unit .

[0016] The air intakes 2 are provided on both sides of the main body case 1 and are lattice-shaped openings that take air from 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 opening that can be opened and closed to blow air taken into the main body case 1 through the air intake 2 out of the main body case 1. In Figs. 1 and 2, the air outlet 6 is shown in a closed state.

[0018] The panel 3 is provided on the main body side surface 1A, which is the right side surface when viewed from the front of the main body case 1. The panel 3 is an openable cover and is made mainly of plastic resin. One of the two air intake ports 2 is provided on the front side of the main body case 1 in the panel 3. An opening 4 is provided on the inside of the panel 3.

[0019] The opening 4 is a hole extending horizontally to the left from a vertically elongated rectangular opening on the right side surface (main body side surface 1A) inside the main body case 1. An electrolyzed water generator 5 and a water supply unit 15 are provided inside the opening 4. The electrolyzed water generator 5 and the water supply unit 15 will be described in detail later.

[0020] Cleaning indicator 26 is provided on the top surface of main body case 1 and displays a message urging the user to clean at least one of water storage section 14 and filter section 16 (see FIG. 4). Cleaning indicator 26 is, for example, an LED (light-emitting diode), and lights up the LED to urge the user to clean.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the electrolytic water spraying device D includes a control unit 20.

[0022] The control unit 20 controls the electrolytic water spraying device D. The control details of the control unit 20 will be described later.

[0023] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic water spraying device D in FIG. 2 taken along the plane AA, showing the electrolytic water spraying device D from the right side. FIG. 3 shows the peripheral configuration related to the generation of electrolytic water.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the electrolyzed water generator 5 includes a water reservoir 14, an electrode unit 17, and an electrolysis accelerator input unit 25.

[0025] Water storage unit 14 is box-shaped with an open top, and is structured to store water supplied from water supply unit 15. Water storage unit 14 is disposed at the bottom of main body case 1, and can be attached to and detached from opening 4 by sliding horizontally relative to main body case 1. Water storage unit 14 includes tank holding unit 14a and water level detection unit 18.

[0026] Tank holding portion 14a is provided on the bottom surface of water storage portion 14. Water supply portion 15 is attached to the top of tank holding portion 14a.

[0027] The water level detection unit 18 detects the water level in the water storage unit 14. The water level detection unit 18 is composed of, for example, a magnet with a float that has buoyancy inside, and a magnetic force detection unit that is located opposite the magnet with the float and detects the magnetic force of the magnet. However, the water level detection unit 18 is not limited to this configuration as long as it can detect the water level.

[0028] The electrode unit 17 includes an electrode member and is installed so that the electrode member is immersed in the water in the water storage unit 14. When current is applied to the electrode member, the electrode unit 17 electrochemically decomposes the water containing chloride ions in the water storage unit 14, i.e., electrolyzed water, to generate electrolyzed water containing active oxygen species. Here, active oxygen species includes so-called active oxygen in a broad sense, such as superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, or hydrogen peroxide.

[0029] The electrode unit 17 generates electrolyzed water by repeating a cycle consisting of a period during which current is applied to the electrode members for electrolysis and a period after the current is stopped, i.e., a period during which no current is applied, multiple times. In other words, by providing a period during which no current is applied to the electrode members, the life of the electrode members can be extended. Note that, if the current application period is longer than the period during which no current is applied, electrolyzed water containing a greater amount of active oxygen species is generated per cycle. Furthermore, if the period during which no current is applied is longer than the period during which current is applied, the generation of active oxygen species per cycle can be suppressed. Furthermore, if the amount of power used during the current application period is increased, electrolyzed water containing a greater amount of active oxygen species is generated.

[0030] The electrolysis accelerator injection section 25 includes a tablet injection case 25a and a tablet injection cover 25b.

[0031] The tablet injection case 25 a is a case in which an electrolysis accelerator to be injected into the water storage section 14 is stored, and can be removed from the opening 4 .

[0032] The tablet insertion cover 25b is a detachable cover provided on the top of the tablet insertion case 25a. By removing the tablet insertion cover 25b, the user can store the electrolysis accelerator inside the tablet insertion case 25a.

[0033] The electrolysis accelerator feeding section 25 rotates a tablet feeding member (not shown) provided in the tablet feeding case 25a when feeding the electrolysis accelerator into the water storage section 14. When the tablet feeding member rotates, the electrolysis accelerator falls into the water storage section 14 through a drop opening (not shown) in the bottom surface of the tablet feeding case 25a.

[0034] The electrolysis accelerator feed unit 25 counts the number of electrolysis accelerator tablets that have fallen from the tablet feed case 25a into the water storage unit 14. When the electrolysis accelerator feed unit 25 determines that one electrolysis accelerator tablet has fallen from the tablet feed case 25a into the water storage unit 14, it stops the rotation of the tablet feed member. The electrolysis accelerator then dissolves in the water in the water storage unit 14, producing water containing chloride ions. An example of an electrolysis accelerator is sodium chloride.

[0035] Water supply unit 15 is disposed above water storage unit 14. Water supply unit 15 is structured to be detachable from water storage unit 14, and can be removed through opening 4. Water supply unit 15 includes tank 15a and lid 15b.

[0036] The tank 15a is a hollow container that stores water.

[0037] Lid 15b is provided on an opening located at the bottom of tank 15a. An opening / closing part (not shown) is provided in the center of lid 15b. When the opening / closing part is opened, water in tank 15a is supplied to water storage part 14. Specifically, when water supply part 15 is attached to tank holder 14a of water storage part 14 with the opening of tank 15a facing downward, the opening / closing part is opened by tank holder 14a. In other words, when water is filled in water supply part 15 and attached to tank holder 14a, the opening / closing part opens, water is supplied to water storage part 14, and water accumulates in water storage part 14.

[0038] When the water level in water storage section 14 rises and reaches the position of lid 15b, the opening of water supply section 15 is sealed with water. As a result, the supply of water from water supply section 15 to water storage section 14 stops, and water remains inside water supply section 15. Whenever the water level in water storage section 14 drops, water from inside tank 15a is supplied to water storage section 14. In other words, the water level in water storage section 14 is kept constant.

[0039] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic water spraying device D in FIG. 2 taken along the plane BB, showing the electrolytic water spraying device D from the right side. FIG. 4 shows the air path configuration of the electrolytic water spraying device D.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, inside the main body case 1, a spraying section 19 and an air passage 8 are provided.

[0041] The spraying unit 19 includes a blower unit 7 and a filter unit 16 .

[0042] The blower 7 is provided in the center of the main body case 1 and includes a motor 9, a fan 10, and a casing 11.

[0043] The motor unit 9 is, for example, a DC motor, and is fixed to the casing unit 11.

[0044] The fan unit 10 is, for example, a sirocco fan, and is rotated by the power of the motor unit 9. The fan unit 10 is fixed to a rotating shaft 9a that extends horizontally from the motor unit 9. The rotating shaft 9a of the motor unit 9 extends from the front side to the rear side inside the main body case 1.

[0045] The casing 11 has a scroll shape and surrounds the motor 9 and the fan 10. The casing 11 has an intake port 13 and an exhaust port 12.

[0046] Air inlet 13 is provided on the rear side of main body case 1 of casing 11, and is an opening through which air taken into main body case 1 from air inlet 2 is taken into casing 11.

[0047] The outlet 12 is provided on the upper surface side of the main body case 1 of the casing part 11, and is an opening for discharging the air taken into the casing part 11 through the suction port 13 to the outside of the casing part 11.

[0048] The filter section 16 is a cylindrical member that brings the electrolyzed water stored in the water storage section 14 into contact with the indoor air that has been introduced into the main body case 1 by the air blower section 7. The filter section 16 includes a gas-liquid contact filter section 16a.

[0049] The gas-liquid contact filter portion 16a is disposed on the circumferential portion of the filter portion 16 and has holes through which air can pass.

[0050] One end of the filter section 16 is immersed in the water in the water storage section 14 and is arranged to retain the water. The filter section 16 is rotated by a drive section (not shown) around the central axis of the gas-liquid contact filter section 16a. This allows the filter section 16 to continuously contact the electrolyzed water with the air.

[0051] The air passage 8 connects the air intake 2 and the outlet 6. The air passage 8 includes, downstream from the air intake 2, a filter unit 16, a blower unit 7, and an outlet 6, in this order. When the fan unit 10 is rotated by the motor unit 9 controlled by the control unit 20, the outside air drawn in through the air intake 2 and entering the air passage 8 passes through the gas-liquid contact filter unit 16a, the blower unit 7, and the outlet 6, in this order, and is then blown out of the electrolyzed water spraying device D. This causes the electrolyzed water generated in the water storage unit 14 to be sprayed to the outside. Note that the electrolyzed water spraying device D does not necessarily have to spray electrolyzed water itself; even if it sprays active oxygen species derived from the electrolyzed water (including volatilized water) that are generated as a result, this is still considered electrolyzed water spraying.

[0052] Next, each function of the control unit 20 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a schematic functional block diagram of the control unit 20 and peripheral parts of the electrolyzed water spraying device D.

[0053] The control unit 20 includes an index calculation unit 21, a storage unit 22, a determination unit 23, and a cleaning control unit 24.

[0054] The index calculation unit 21 calculates an index relating to the efficiency of electrolysis relative to a predetermined standard based on the relationship between the voltage and current applied to the electrode unit 17.

[0055] Here, an index relating to the efficiency of electrolysis will be described. After water is supplied to water storage section 14, index calculation section 21 calculates, as a reference electrical resistance value, the electrical resistance value of the water, which is the ratio of the voltage value, which is the value of the voltage applied to electrode section 17, to the current value, which is the value of the current flowing through electrode section 17. After calculating the reference electrical resistance value, index calculation section 21 calculates, as a new electrical resistance value, the electrical resistance value of the water, which is the ratio of the voltage value applied to electrode section 17 to the value of the current flowing through electrode section 17, each time water is drained from water storage section 14 and new water is supplied to water storage section 14.

[0056] Specifically, the index calculation unit 21 calculates the electrical resistance of the water by dividing the voltage value by the current value as the ratio of the voltage value to the current value. The electrical resistance 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. The impurities here include inorganic salts such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and silica, as well as sodium ions generated from the electrolysis accelerator required for electrolysis. More specifically, the electrical resistance of the water in the water storage unit 14 increases as the ratio of impurities to pure water decreases. Conversely, the electrical resistance of the water in the water storage unit 14 decreases as the ratio of impurities to pure water increases. In other words, the control unit 20 can grasp the state of the water from the electrical resistance of the water in the water storage unit 14.

[0057] After calculating the reference electrical resistance value and the new electrical resistance value, the index calculation unit 21 calculates the rate of change of the new electrical resistance value relative to the reference electrical resistance value. The rate of change of the new electrical resistance value relative to the reference electrical resistance value is an index related to the efficiency of electrolysis. In other words, a large rate of change means that the new electrical resistance value is higher than the reference electrical resistance value, and the efficiency of electrolysis is low. Conversely, a small rate of change means that the new electrical resistance value is lower than the reference electrical resistance value, and the efficiency of electrolysis is high.

[0058] Here, we will explain the necessity of draining the water in the water storage unit 14 and supplying new water to the water storage unit 14 after draining the water. Electrolyzed water containing active oxygen species is generated by electrolyzing the water in the water storage unit 14, which is the target of electrolysis. For this reason, it is necessary to add an electrolysis promoter to the water storage unit 14 to generate water containing chloride ions. However, if electrolysis is continued using the electrode unit 17, inorganic salts contained in the water will adhere to the electrode unit 17, which performs the electrolysis, as impurities. This may shorten the life of the electrode unit 17.

[0059] Therefore, it is necessary to periodically drain the water to be electrolyzed, supply new water, and then add new electrolysis promoter to perform electrolysis. This prevents the life of electrode unit 17 from being shortened. In other words, draining water means discarding the water in water storage unit 14. Supplying water means supplying new water into water storage unit 14. To prevent the life of electrode unit 17 from being shortened, the user must periodically perform draining and then supplying water.

[0060] Furthermore, the reference electrical resistance value calculated by the index calculation unit 21 after water is supplied to the water storage unit 14 and the new electrical resistance value calculated after the water in the water storage unit 14 is drained and new water is supplied to the water storage unit 14 are both calculated after new water has been supplied, but the new electrical resistance value is lower than the reference electrical resistance value. This is because impurities that could not be removed by the drainage operation accumulate in the water storage unit 14 or the filter unit 16, etc., each time the user performs the drainage operation. When new water is supplied to the water storage unit 14, the accumulated impurities dissolve into the water in the water storage unit 14. As a result, the ratio of impurities to pure water in the water storage unit 14 increases, and the new electrical resistance value becomes lower than the reference electrical resistance value. In other words, the new electrical resistance value decreases each time the user performs the drainage operation and the water supply operation after drainage.

[0061] The storage unit 22 is a so-called memory and stores a reference electrical resistance value. The storage unit 22 also stores a predetermined standard. The predetermined standard is a change threshold value, which is a rate of change in the electrical resistance value for a change rate comparison used by the determination unit 23 (described later) when determining the cleanliness of water. The change threshold value is, for example, a value determined in advance by an experiment or the like, and can be set arbitrarily.

[0062] The determination unit 23 determines the cleanliness of the water in the water storage unit 14 based on the index calculated by the index calculation unit 21. Specifically, the determination unit 23 determines that the cleanliness of the water is low when the rate of change calculated by the index calculation unit 21 is smaller than the change threshold value stored in the memory unit 22. Furthermore, the determination unit 23 determines that the cleanliness of the water is high when the rate of change calculated by the index calculation unit 21 is equal to or greater than the change threshold value stored in the memory unit 22.

[0063] As described above, the new electrical resistance value decreases each time the user performs a draining operation and then a water supply operation. In other words, the change rate calculated by the index calculation unit 21 decreases each time the user performs a draining operation and then a water supply operation. This is because impurities that could not be removed by the draining operation accumulate in the water storage unit 14 or the filter unit 16, etc., each time the user performs a draining operation. The fact that the change rate decreases each time the user performs a draining operation and then a water supply operation means that as the user repeats the draining operation and then a water supply operation, the change rate will eventually become smaller than the change threshold. In other words, the judgment unit 23 judges that the cleanliness of the water is low when the change rate becomes smaller than the change threshold.

[0064] When the determination unit 23 determines that the cleanliness of the water is low, the cleaning control unit 24 causes the cleaning display unit 26 to display a message urging the user to clean at least one of the water storage unit 14 and the filter unit 16. In the first embodiment, a configuration is described in which a message urging the user to clean both the water storage unit 14 and the filter unit 16 is displayed, and an LED on the cleaning display unit 26 is turned on to indicate the cleaning message. By checking the message urging the user to clean displayed by the cleaning display unit 26, the user can understand that the water storage unit 14 and the filter unit 16 need to be cleaned.

[0065] Furthermore, the cleaning prompt displayed by the cleaning display unit 26 is displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination unit 23 determined that the cleanliness of the water is low. Here, in the first embodiment, the predetermined time is defined as T1.

[0066] If cleaning display unit 26 displays a message urging the user to clean water storage unit 14 and filter unit 16 immediately after the user fills water after draining the water, the user may recognize that they need to immediately clean water storage unit 14 and filter unit 16. In this case, the user would need to drain water storage unit 14 immediately after filling water into water storage unit 14 for the cleaning operation. This would be inconvenient for the user.

[0067] In order to prevent the user from mistakenly thinking that cleaning work needs to be performed immediately, the display urging the user to clean by the cleaning display unit 26 is displayed (delayed display) after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the judgment unit 23 judged that the cleanliness of the water is low.

[0068] Here, the predetermined time T1 is a time necessary to prevent the user from mistakenly believing that cleaning work needs to be performed immediately, and can be set arbitrarily. The predetermined time T1 is, for example, three hours or more. Alternatively, the determination unit 23 may determine the cleanliness of the water after the predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the user performed the draining work and the subsequent water supply work. In this case, the cleaning display unit 26 does not display a prompt to clean immediately after the user performs the draining work and the subsequent water supply work. Therefore, it is not necessary to delay the display of the prompt to clean by the cleaning display unit 26 for the predetermined time T1 after the determination unit 23 determines that the cleanliness of the water is low.

[0069] Here, when the user cleans the water storage unit 14 and the filter unit 16, it means that impurities that have accumulated in the water storage unit 14 and the filter unit 16 are removed. In other words, the new electrical resistance value decreases each time the user performs a water supply operation after a draining operation, but the new electrical resistance value calculated by the index calculation unit 21 after the user cleans the water storage unit 14 and the filter unit 16 rises to a value close to the reference electrical resistance value. In other words, the rate of change calculated by the index calculation unit 21 after the user cleans the water storage unit 14 and the filter unit 16 is equal to or greater than the change threshold value. Therefore, the determination unit 23 determines that the cleanliness of the water is high.

[0070] After the cleaning display unit 26 displays a message urging the user to clean, if the judgment unit 23 judges that the water is highly clean, the cleaning control unit 24 judges that the user has performed cleaning and ends the display urging the user to clean by the cleaning display unit 26. In the present embodiment 1, ending the display urging the user to clean is described as turning off the LED of the cleaning display unit 26.

[0071] Here, the control unit 20 is configured with a microcomputer. That is, the control unit 20 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The control unit 20 is connected to the electrode unit 17, the water level detection unit 18, the spray unit 19, the electrolysis accelerator supply unit 25, and the cleaning display unit 26 via a driver, an internal bus, etc. The CPU uses, for example, the RAM as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM, and controls each operation by exchanging data, commands, etc. based on the execution results.

[0072] In the above configuration, the control of determining the cleanliness of water executed by the control unit 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0073] 6 is a flowchart showing the control of determining the cleanliness of water executed by the control unit 20 according to the first embodiment. In the flowchart, each processing step is assigned a number starting with the initial letter S. For example, S1 indicates a processing step. However, the magnitude of the numerical value indicating the processing step has no relation to the processing order.

[0074] First, the index calculation unit 21 calculates (measures) a reference electric resistance value after water is supplied, and stores the reference electric resistance value in the storage unit 22 (S1).

[0075] Next, the electrolysis accelerator supply unit 25 supplies the electrolysis accelerator to the water storage unit 14. This causes the electrolytic water spraying device D to operate (S2).

[0076] Thereafter, the user performs the draining operation (S3). A method for detecting the draining operation by the user can be realized by, for example, providing a drain button on the electrolytic water spraying device D, and having the user press the drain button after draining, and having the control unit 20 detect that the button has been pressed. Note that other detection methods may be used as long as they can detect the draining by the user.

[0077] When the water supply work is performed after the drainage work, the index calculation unit 21 calculates (measures) the new electrical resistance value and the rate of change (S4). At this time, the determination unit 23 determines whether or not the rate of change is smaller than the change threshold value.

[0078] The detection of the water supply operation by the user can be realized, for example, by detecting that the water level in the water storage section 14 has risen to a predetermined level or higher using the water level detection section 18. However, other detection methods may be used as long as the water supply by the user can be detected.

[0079] Regardless of the result of the determination by the determination unit 23, the electrolysis accelerator supply unit 25 supplies the electrolysis accelerator to the water storage unit 14 (S5).

[0080] The electrolytic water spraying device D operates (S6).

[0081] Cleaning control unit 24 checks the determination result after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the determination by determination unit 23 (S7).

[0082] When cleaning control unit 24 confirms that the rate of change is smaller than the change threshold, cleaning control unit 24 turns on the LED of cleaning display unit 26 (S7 Yes → S8), thereby informing the user that impurities have accumulated in water storage unit 14 or filter unit 16, etc., and that cleaning of water storage unit 14 and filter unit 16 by the user is necessary.

[0083] Furthermore, in step S7, if cleaning control unit 24 determines that the rate of change is equal to or greater than the change threshold, cleaning control unit 24 turns off the LED of cleaning display unit 26 (S7 No → S9), allowing the user to understand that cleaning of water storage unit 14 and filter unit 16 is not yet necessary.

[0084] After step S8 or step S9 is performed, the electrolyzed water spraying device D continues to operate (S10).

[0085] Thereafter, when the user needs to perform the drainage operation, the user performs the drainage operation (S11). The timing when the user needs to perform the drainage operation is, for example, when a time T2 determined in advance by an experiment or the like has elapsed since the start of operation. In this case, T2 is a time longer than T1.

[0086] Thereafter, after the user supplies water, the index calculation unit 21 calculates a new electrical resistance value and a new rate of change (S4). Furthermore, the determination unit 23 determines whether the rate of change is smaller than the change threshold value.

[0087] Thereafter, the processes of steps S5 to S11 are carried out. Thereafter, the processes of steps S4 to S11 are repeated in the same manner. This makes it possible to prompt the user to clean water storage unit 14 and filter unit 16 at an appropriate time when cleaning is necessary. Furthermore, if cleaning display unit 26 is turned on in step S8 and then changes from the on state to the off state in step S9, the user can understand that cleaning of water storage unit 14 and filter unit 16 has been carried out without any problems.

[0088] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described. Like the first embodiment, the second embodiment relates to the determination and control of water cleanliness. In the first embodiment, the reference electrical resistance value and the new electrical resistance value are calculated before the electrolysis accelerator is added. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the reference electrical resistance value and the new electrical resistance value are calculated after the electrolysis accelerator is added. However, the electrical resistance value is not stable but fluctuates from the time the electrolysis accelerator is added until the electrolysis accelerator dissolves in the water storage section 14. Therefore, after a certain time has elapsed, which is the time it takes for the electrolysis accelerator to dissolve in the water storage section 14, the index calculation section 21 calculates the reference electrical resistance value and the new electrical resistance value. The certain time is a value determined in advance by experiments or the like and can be set arbitrarily.

[0089] The electrolyzed water spraying device D according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that shown in Figures 1 to 5. Here, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly explained with reference to Figure 7.

[0090] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control of determining the cleanliness of water executed by the control unit 20 according to the second embodiment.

[0091] First, after water is supplied to the water storage unit 14, the electrolysis accelerator supply unit 25 supplies the electrolysis accelerator (S12).

[0092] After a certain time has elapsed since the addition of the electrolysis accelerator, the index calculation unit 21 calculates (measures) the reference electric resistance value and stores the reference electric resistance value in the storage unit 22 (S13).

[0093] Next, the electrolytic water spraying device D starts operation (S14).

[0094] Thereafter, the user performs the draining operation (S15).

[0095] After the drainage work, the water supply work is carried out, and after the water is supplied to the water storage section 14, the electrolysis accelerator supply section 25 supplies the electrolysis accelerator (S16).

[0096] After a certain time has elapsed since the addition of the electrolysis accelerator, the index calculation unit 21 calculates (measures) the new electrical resistance value and the rate of change (S17). At this time, the determination unit 23 determines whether the rate of change is smaller than the change threshold value.

[0097] Regardless of the result of the determination by the determination unit 23, the electrolytic water spraying device D continues to operate (S18).

[0098] After a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the determination by determination unit 23, cleaning control unit 24 confirms the determination result (S19).

[0099] When cleaning control unit 24 confirms that the rate of change is smaller than the change threshold, cleaning control unit 24 turns on the LED that is cleaning display unit 26 (S19 Yes→S20).

[0100] Furthermore, in step S19, if cleaning control unit 24 confirms that the rate of change is equal to or greater than the change threshold value, cleaning control unit 24 turns off the LED serving as cleaning display unit 26 (S19 No→S21).

[0101] Steps S22 and S23 are omitted here because they are the same processes as steps S10 and S11 in embodiment 1. Thereafter, the processes of steps S16 to S23 are repeated. This makes it possible to prompt the user to clean the water storage unit 14 and the filter unit 16 at an appropriate time when cleaning is necessary, even when the reference electrical resistance value and the new electrical resistance value are calculated after the electrolysis accelerator is added.

[0102] The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and it can be easily inferred that various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0103] For example, although the electrical resistance value was calculated as an example of the efficiency of electrolysis, the conductance value, which is the reciprocal of the electrical resistance value, may also be used, which makes it possible to control using the conductance value.

[0104] Furthermore, the electrolyzed water spraying device D does not need to have a 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. 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 level. This allows the present disclosure to be realized with a configuration different from that of this embodiment.

[0105] Furthermore, the electrolyzed water spraying device D does not need to have the electrolysis accelerator input unit 25. In this case, the electrolyzed water spraying device D notifies the user by displaying or sounding an alert instructing the user to input electrolysis accelerator tablets, thereby urging the user to directly input the electrolysis accelerator tablets into the water storage unit 14. This simplifies the configuration.

[0106] Alternatively, the change rate and the corresponding cleanliness of the water may be stored as a table. In this case, the calculated change rate and the corresponding cleanliness of the water are derived from the table, and if the cleanliness of the water is low, cleaning of at least one of the water reservoir 14 and the filter 16 is prompted. This allows the present disclosure to be realized with a configuration different from that of the present embodiment.

[0107] (Summary of the Invention) The electrolyzed water spraying device according to the present disclosure includes a main body case provided with an air intake and an outlet, a water storage unit for storing water, an electrode unit for electrolyzing the water in the water storage unit to produce electrolyzed water, a spray unit for contacting the produced electrolyzed water with air drawn in through the air intake and spraying it through the outlet, and a control unit for controlling the electrode unit and the spray unit. The control unit includes an index calculation unit for calculating an index relating to the efficiency of electrolysis relative to a predetermined standard based on the relationship between the voltage and current applied to the electrode unit, and a determination unit for determining the cleanliness of the water in the water storage unit based on the index calculated by the index calculation unit.

[0108] This allows the degree of cleanliness of the water to be determined by calculating the efficiency of electrolysis relative to a predetermined standard, thereby making it possible to grasp the degree of cleanliness of the water in the water storage section.

[0109] Furthermore, the index calculation unit may calculate, as a reference electrical resistance value, an electrical resistance value of the water, which is the ratio of a voltage value, which is the value of the voltage applied to the electrode unit, to a current value, which is the value of the current flowing through the electrode unit, after water is supplied to the water storage unit, and after calculating the reference electrical resistance value, may calculate, as a new electrical resistance value, an electrical resistance value of the water each time water is drained from the water storage unit and new water is supplied to the water storage unit, and calculate, as an index, a rate of change of the new electrical resistance value relative to the reference electrical resistance value. The determination unit may compare the rate of change calculated by the index calculation unit with a change threshold, and determine that the cleanliness of the water is low if the rate of change is smaller than the change threshold, and determine that the cleanliness of the water is high if the rate of change is equal to or greater than the change threshold.

[0110] This allows the rate of change of the new electrical resistance value calculated each time water is drained from the water storage unit and new water is supplied to the water storage unit, relative to the reference electrical resistance value calculated after water is supplied to the water storage unit, to be compared with the change threshold value. As a result, if the rate of change is smaller than the change threshold, it can be determined that the water is low in cleanliness, and if the rate of change is equal to or greater than the change threshold, it can be determined that the water is high in cleanliness. This makes it possible to grasp the cleanliness of the water in the water storage unit.

[0111] The index calculation unit may calculate, as a reference electrical resistance value, an electrical resistance value of the water, which is the ratio of a voltage value that is the value of the voltage applied to the electrode units and a current value that is the value of the current flowing through the electrode units, after a certain time has elapsed since water is supplied to the water storage unit and an electrolysis accelerator is introduced into the water storage unit, and after calculating the reference electrical resistance value, the water in the water storage unit is drained and new water is supplied to the water storage unit, and the electrical resistance value of the water is calculated as a new electrical resistance value each time a certain time has elapsed since the electrolysis accelerator was introduced into the water storage unit, and calculates, as an index, a rate of change of the new electrical resistance value relative to the reference electrical resistance value. The determination unit may compare the rate of change calculated by the index calculation unit with a change threshold, and determine that the cleanliness of the water is low if the rate of change is smaller than the change threshold, and determine that the cleanliness of the water is high if the rate of change is equal to or greater than the change threshold.

[0112] This allows the rate of change calculated from the reference electrical resistance value and the new electrical resistance value after the addition of the electrolysis accelerator to be compared with the change threshold, and if the rate of change is smaller than the change threshold, it is determined that the cleanliness of the water is low, and if the rate of change is equal to or greater than the change threshold, it is determined that the cleanliness of the water is high. This makes it possible to grasp the cleanliness of the water in the water storage section.

[0113] The certain period of time may also be the time it takes for the electrolysis promoter to dissolve in the water reservoir.

[0114] This allows the electric resistance value, which fluctuates after the addition of the electrolysis promoter, to stabilize after a certain period of time, making it possible to calculate the correct reference electric resistance value and new electric resistance value.Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the judgment unit from making an error in judging the cleanliness of the water.

[0115] The device may further include a filter section that is immersed in the water in the water storage section and retains the water in the water storage section, and a cleaning display section that displays a message urging cleaning of at least one of the water storage section and the filter section when the judgment section judges that the cleanliness of the water is low.

[0116] This makes it possible to prompt the user to clean at least one of the water storage section and the filter section when dirt has accumulated thereon.

[0117] The cleaning display unit may also display a prompt to clean after a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination unit determined that the cleanliness of the water is low.

[0118] This can prevent the user from mistakenly thinking that it is necessary to perform a draining operation immediately after a water supply operation for a cleaning operation.

[0119] Furthermore, if the determination unit determines that the water is highly clean after displaying a prompt to clean, the cleaning display unit may end the prompt to clean.

[0120] This allows the user to know that the cleaning work has been performed correctly. [Industrial Applicability]

[0121] The present disclosure is useful as an electrolyzed water spraying device that removes (including inactivates) bacteria, fungi, viruses, odors, etc. in the air. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] D Electrolyzed water spray device 1 Main unit case 1A Main unit side 2 air intakes 3 Panel 4 Openings 5 Electrolyzed water generation section 6 Air outlet 7. Blower 8 Wind path 9 Motor section 9a Rotation axis 10 Fan Club 11 Casing 12 Outlet 13 Intake port 14 Water storage section 14a Tank holder 15 Water supply section 15a Tank 15b Lid 16 Filter section 16a Gas-liquid contact filter section 17 Electrode part 18 Water level detection unit 19 Spreading section 20 Control Unit 21 Indicator calculation section 22 Memory section 23 Judgment Department 24 Cleaning control section 25 Electrolysis accelerator injection section 25a Tablet case 25b Tablet insert cover 26 Cleaning display section

Claims

1. a main body case provided with an air intake and an air outlet; A water storage section for storing water; an electrode unit that electrolyzes the water in the water storage unit to generate electrolyzed water; A spraying unit that brings the generated electrolytic water into contact with air sucked from the air intake port and sprays it from the air outlet; a control unit that controls the electrode unit and the spray unit, The control unit an index calculation unit that calculates an index relating to the efficiency of electrolysis relative to a predetermined standard based on the relationship between the voltage applied to the electrode unit and the current flowing through the electrode unit; a determination unit that determines the cleanliness of the water in the water storage unit based on the index calculated by the index calculation unit, The index calculation unit A reference electrical resistance value is calculated based on the ratio of a voltage value applied to the electrode portion to a current value flowing through the electrode portion during the period from when water is supplied to the water storage portion until the water is drained. After calculating the reference electrical resistance value, each time the water in the water storage section is drained and new water is supplied to the water storage section, the electrical resistance value of the water is calculated as a new electrical resistance value; A rate of change of the new electrical resistance value relative to the reference electrical resistance value is calculated as the index; The determination unit comparing the rate of change calculated by the index calculation unit with a change threshold; An electrolytic water spraying device that determines that the cleanliness of the water is low when the rate of change is smaller than the change threshold, and determines that the cleanliness of the water is high when the rate of change is equal to or greater than the change threshold.

2. a main body case provided with an air intake and an air outlet; A water storage section for storing water; an electrode unit that electrolyzes the water in the water storage unit to generate electrolyzed water; A spraying unit that brings the generated electrolytic water into contact with air sucked from the air intake port and sprays it from the air outlet; a control unit that controls the electrode unit and the spray unit, The control unit an index calculation unit that calculates an index relating to the efficiency of electrolysis relative to a predetermined standard based on the relationship between the voltage applied to the electrode unit and the current flowing through the electrode unit; a determination unit that determines the cleanliness of the water in the water storage unit based on the index calculated by the index calculation unit, The index calculation unit water is supplied to the water storage section, and a reference electrical resistance value is calculated as the ratio of a voltage value, which is the value of the voltage applied to the electrode section, to a current value, which is the value of the current flowing through the electrode section, during a period from a predetermined time after the electrolysis accelerator is added to the water storage section until the water is drained; After calculating the reference electrical resistance value, the water in the water storage section is drained and new water is supplied to the water storage section, and the electrical resistance value of the water is calculated as a new electrical resistance value every time the predetermined time elapses after the electrolysis promoter is introduced into the water storage section; A rate of change of the new electrical resistance value relative to the reference electrical resistance value is calculated as the index; The determination unit comparing the rate of change calculated by the index calculation unit with a change threshold; An electrolytic water spraying device that determines that the cleanliness of the water is low when the rate of change is smaller than the change threshold, and determines that the cleanliness of the water is high when the rate of change is equal to or greater than the change threshold.

3. The certain period of time is the time it takes for the electrolysis promoter to dissolve in the water reservoir.

3. The electrolytic water spraying device according to claim 2.

4. a filter section that is immersed in the water in the water storage section and retains the water in the water storage section; and a cleaning display unit that displays a prompt to clean at least one of the water storage unit and the filter unit when the determination unit determines that the cleanliness of the water is low.

4. The electrolytic water spraying device according to claim 1.

5. The display prompting cleaning by the cleaning display unit is displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the determination unit determined that the cleanliness of the water is low.

5. The electrolytic water spraying device according to claim 4.

6. The cleaning display unit is If the determination unit determines that the cleanliness of the water is high after the display prompting cleaning is displayed, the display prompting cleaning is terminated.

6. The electrolytic water spraying device according to claim 4 or 5.

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