Hypochlorous acid water supply device

Abstract

To provide a technique for reducing a frequency of cleaning maintenance for removing scale accumulated in an electrolytic cell and improving maintainability of a hypochlorous acid water supply device.SOLUTION: A hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30) includes an electrolytic cell 31 that electrolyzes an electrolytic solution in which an electrolyte and water are mixed to generate hypochlorous acid water, an electrolyte supply unit (salt water tank 34 and salt water conveying pump 35) that supplies electrolyte to the electrolytic cell 31, a water supply unit 50 that supplies water to the electrolytic cell 31, and a water sending unit (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) that sends the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell 31 to outside of the device. Then, when the supply of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 to the outside of the device is completed, the water supply unit starts supplying water to the electrolytic cell 31 as a cleaning process for the electrolytic cell 31. Water is drained from the electrolytic cell 31 by the water supply unit within a predetermined time after the supply of water to the electrolytic cell 31 is completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hypochlorous acid water supply device that generates hypochlorous acid water by electrolysis and supplies the generated hypochlorous acid water. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in this type of hypochlorous acid water supply device, an air conditioning system is known in which hypochlorous acid is supplied in conjunction with a purification system, and the air supplied indoors is brought into contact with a gas-liquid contacting member containing a purification component (active oxygen species such as hypochlorous acid) and then released to sterilize the space (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-133521 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional hypochlorous acid water supply devices, when an electrolyte solution (e.g., a sodium chloride solution) made by mixing an electrolyte with tap water is electrolyzed in an electrolytic cell to generate hypochlorous acid water, calcium, magnesium, etc. in the tap water precipitate and accumulate as scale, which may adhere to moving parts such as the water level sensor or pump in the electrolytic cell or clog the water channel. For this reason, manual cleaning maintenance to remove the scale has been performed, which has been time-consuming.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and to provide a technology that reduces the frequency of cleaning maintenance to remove scale accumulated in the electrolytic cell and improves the maintainability of the hypochlorous acid water supply device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve this object, the hypochlorous acid water supply device of the present invention includes an electrolytic cell that produces hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing an electrolyte solution that is a mixture of an electrolyte and water, an electrolyte supply unit that supplies the electrolyte to the electrolytic cell, a water supply unit that supplies water to the electrolytic cell, and a water supply unit that supplies the hypochlorous acid water produced in the electrolytic cell to the outside of the device. When the delivery of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell to the outside of the device is completed, the water supply unit starts supplying water to the electrolytic cell as a cleaning treatment for the electrolytic cell, and the water supply unit drains water from the electrolytic cell within a predetermined time after the delivery of water to the electrolytic cell is completed.

[0007] Another hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention includes an electrolytic cell that produces hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing an electrolyte solution that is a mixture of an electrolyte and water, an electrolyte supply unit that supplies the electrolyte to the electrolytic cell, a water supply unit that supplies the water to the electrolytic cell, and a water supply unit that delivers the hypochlorous acid water produced in the electrolytic cell to the outside of the device. When the delivery of the hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell to the outside of the device is complete, the electrolytic cell is cleaned by supplying water to the electrolytic cell using the water supply unit while draining the water from the electrolytic cell using the water supply unit.

[0008] This will achieve the intended purpose. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that reduces the frequency of cleaning maintenance for removing scale accumulated in an electrolytic cell and improves the maintainability of a hypochlorous acid water supply device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a space purification system equipped with a hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air purification control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention includes an electrolytic cell that produces hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing an electrolytic solution that is a mixture of an electrolyte and water, an electrolyte supply unit that supplies the electrolyte to the electrolytic cell, a water supply unit that supplies water to the electrolytic cell, and a water supply unit that supplies the hypochlorous acid water produced in the electrolytic cell to the outside of the device. When the supply of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell to the outside of the device is completed, the water supply unit starts supplying water to the electrolytic cell as a cleaning treatment for the electrolytic cell, and the water supply unit drains water from the electrolytic cell within a predetermined time after the supply of water to the electrolytic cell is completed.

[0012] With this configuration, during the cleaning process, the scale residue is dispersed by the water supply from the water supply unit, and the water containing the scale residue is discharged from the electrolytic cell with the scale residue dispersed in the water by draining the water within a predetermined time after the water supply is completed, thereby preventing the accumulation of scale residue in the electrolytic cell. As a result, the frequency of cleaning maintenance to remove scale accumulated in the electrolytic cell can be reduced, and the maintainability of the hypochlorous acid water supply device can be improved.

[0013] Furthermore, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, the predetermined time is preferably set to the time it takes for scale residue scattered in the electrolytic cell by the water supplied from the water supply unit to precipitate in the electrolytic cell. By doing so, in the cleaning process, the scale residue scattered in the electrolytic cell by the water supplied from the water supply unit is discharged outside the device together with the wastewater before it precipitates in the electrolytic cell, thereby making it possible to remove more scale residue.

[0014] Furthermore, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, the cleaning process may be repeated multiple times, thereby repeatedly scattering and discharging the scale residue from the electrolytic cell, thereby removing a larger amount of scale residue from the electrolytic cell.

[0015] Another hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention includes an electrolytic cell that produces hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing an electrolyte solution that is a mixture of an electrolyte and water, an electrolyte supply unit that supplies the electrolyte to the electrolytic cell, a water supply unit that supplies the water to the electrolytic cell, and a water supply unit that delivers the hypochlorous acid water produced in the electrolytic cell to the outside of the device. When the delivery of the hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell to the outside of the device is complete, the electrolytic cell is cleaned by supplying water to the electrolytic cell using the water supply unit while draining the water from the electrolytic cell using the water supply unit.

[0016] According to this other configuration, during the cleaning process, the water supply unit supplies water while scattering scale residue, and the water containing the scale residue can be discharged from the electrolytic cell with the scale residue scattered in the water. This prevents the scale residue from accumulating in the electrolytic cell. As a result, the frequency of cleaning maintenance to remove scale accumulated in the electrolytic cell can be reduced, and the maintainability of the hypochlorous acid water supply device can be improved.

[0017] In addition, in another hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, the cleaning treatment may be performed for a predetermined time, thereby achieving a certain degree of effect in removing scale residue through the cleaning treatment.

[0018] Furthermore, in another hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, the cleaning process may be repeated multiple times, whereby the scale in the electrolytic cell is repeatedly dispersed and discharged by the cleaning process, thereby removing a larger amount of scale residue from the electrolytic cell.

[0019] In addition, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention and another hypochlorous acid water supply device, the water supply unit is preferably connected to an external space purification device, and the water discharged by the water supply unit is preferably circulated through the space purification device. In this way, the cleaning process can be performed without providing a separate drainage path in the hypochlorous acid water supply device.

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each of the embodiments described below illustrates a preferred specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement positions, and connection configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present invention will be described as optional components. Furthermore, in each drawing, substantially identical components are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0021] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a space purification system 100 equipped with a hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generator 30) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The space purification system 100 is a device that, when circulating air in an indoor space 18, performs cooling (dehumidification) or heating treatment on air 8 (RA) from the indoor space 18 as needed, and also imparts to the air 8 circulating inside thereof a component that purifies air (hereinafter simply referred to as an "air purification component") together with atomized water. The space purification system 100 sterilizes and deodorizes the indoor space 18 by supplying air 9 (SA) that has circulated inside thereof to the indoor space 18. Here, hypochlorous acid is used as the air purification component, and the water containing the air purification component is an aqueous solution containing hypochlorous acid (hypochlorous acid water).

[0022] 1, the space purification system 100 is mainly configured to include a space purification device 10, an air conditioning device 15, and a hypochlorous acid water generator 30. In this embodiment, the hypochlorous acid water generator 30 is also referred to as a hypochlorous acid water supply device.

[0023] The space purification device 10 includes an air outlet 3, an air purification unit 11, and an air purification control unit 41. The air conditioning device 15 includes an air inlet 2, a blower 13, a refrigerant coil 14, and an air conditioning control unit 42. The space purification device 10 and the air conditioning device 15 each have a housing that forms the outer frame of the device, and the space purification device 10 and the air conditioning device 15 are connected by a duct 24. Furthermore, the air conditioning device 15 has an air inlet 2 on its side, and the space purification device 10 has an air outlet 3 on its side.

[0024] Air inlet 2 is an intake port that takes in air 8 from indoor space 18 into air conditioner 15. Air inlet 2 is connected to indoor air inlet 16a provided on the ceiling or the like of indoor space 18 via duct 16. This allows air inlet 2 to draw air from indoor space 18 into air conditioner 15 through indoor air inlet 16a.

[0025] The air outlet 3 is an outlet that discharges the air 9 (SA) that has circulated inside the space purification device 10 into the indoor space 18. The air outlet 3 is in communication with an indoor air outlet 17a provided on the ceiling or the like of the indoor space 18 via a duct 17. This allows the air outlet 3 to blow out the air 9 that has circulated inside the space purification device 10 from the indoor air outlet 17a toward the indoor space 18.

[0026] Furthermore, inside the air conditioner 15 and the space purification device 10, air passages (front air passage 4, middle air passage 5, rear air passage 6) are configured that connect the air inlet 2 and the air outlet 3 via a duct 24. The front air passage 4 is an air passage adjacent to the air inlet 2. A blower 13 and a refrigerant coil 14 are provided in the front air passage 4.

[0027] Middle air passage 5 is located adjacent to front air passage 4 (duct 24), and is an air passage through which air 8 flows that has flowed through front air passage 4. Middle air passage 5 has air purification section 11 provided within the air passage.

[0028] The rear air duct 6 is an air duct adjacent to the air outlet 3, and in the rear air duct 6, the air 8 that has flowed through the middle air duct 5 flows through the air purification section 11 and becomes air 9 containing hypochlorous acid together with atomized water.

[0029] In the air conditioner 15 and the space purification device 10, air 8 drawn in from the air inlet 2 flows through the front air duct 4, the middle air duct 5 and the rear air duct 6, and is blown out from the air outlet 3 as air 9.

[0030] The blower 13 of the air conditioner 15 is a device for transporting air 8 (RA) from the indoor space 18 into the air conditioner 15 from the air inlet 2. The blower 13 is installed upstream of the refrigerant coil 14 in the front air duct 4. The on / off operation of the blower 13 is controlled in accordance with air output information from the air conditioning control unit 42. When the blower 13 operates, the air 8 from the indoor space 18 is taken into the air conditioner 15 and directed toward the refrigerant coil 14.

[0031] The refrigerant coil 14 is disposed downstream of the blower 13 in the front-stage air duct 4, and is a component for cooling or heating the introduced air 8. The refrigerant coil 14 changes its output state (cooling, heating, or off) in response to an output signal from the air conditioning control unit 42, and adjusts the cooling capacity (amount of cooling) or heating capacity (amount of heating) for the introduced air 8. When the refrigerant coil 14 cools the introduced air 8, it dehumidifies the introduced air 8, so the cooling capacity (amount of cooling) for the air 8 can also be said to be the dehumidification capacity (amount of dehumidification) for the air 8.

[0032] The refrigerant coil 14 functions as a heat absorber or a heat radiator in a refrigeration cycle including a compressor, a radiator, an expander, and a heat absorber, and is configured to absorb (cool) or radiate (heat) heat when refrigerant introduced from the outdoor unit 20 flows through the inside of the refrigerant coil 14. More specifically, the refrigerant coil 14 is connected to the outdoor unit 20 via a refrigerant circuit 21 through which the refrigerant flows. The outdoor unit 20 is an outdoor unit installed in an outdoor space 19, and includes a compressor 20a, an expander 20b, an outdoor heat exchanger 20c, a blower fan 20d, and a four-way valve 20e. Because the outdoor unit 20 has a general configuration, detailed description of each component (the compressor 20a, the expander 20b, the outdoor heat exchanger 20c, the blower fan 20d, and the four-way valve 20e) will be omitted.

[0033] A four-way valve 20e is connected to the refrigeration cycle including the refrigerant coil 14, so that the air conditioning device 15 can switch between a cooling mode (dehumidification mode) state in which the refrigerant flows in a first direction through the four-way valve 20e to cool and dehumidify the air (air 8), and a heating mode state in which the refrigerant flows in a second direction through the four-way valve 20e to heat the air (air 8).

[0034] Here, the first direction is the direction in which the refrigerant flows through the compressor 20a, the outdoor heat exchanger 20c, the expander 20b, and the refrigerant coil 14, in this order. The second direction is the direction in which the refrigerant flows through the compressor 20a, the refrigerant coil 14, the expander 20b, and the outdoor heat exchanger 20c, in this order. The refrigerant coil 14 can cool or heat the introduced air (air 8).

[0035] The air purification unit 11 of the space purification device 10 is a unit for humidifying the air 8 taken in. During humidification, the air is enriched with hypochlorous acid along with atomized water. More specifically, the air purification unit 11 includes a water level sensor 90, a mixing tank 92, a humidification motor 11a, and a humidification nozzle 11b. The air purification unit 11 uses the humidification motor 11a to rotate the humidification nozzle 11b, which uses centrifugal force to suck up water (hypochlorous acid water) stored in the mixing tank 92 of the air purification unit 11, causing it to scatter, collide, and crush around (in the centrifugal direction), thereby moistening the air passing through. The air purification unit 11 adjusts the rotation speed (hereinafter referred to as the rotation output value) of the humidification motor 11a in response to an output signal from the air purification control unit 41 to adjust the humidification capacity (amount of humidification). The amount of humidification can also be considered the amount of hypochlorous acid added to the air.

[0036] The water level sensor 90 measures the water level of the hypochlorous acid water (mixed water) in the mixing tank 92 and outputs the measurement value to the air purification control unit 41.

[0037] The mixing tank 92 is a tank that stores hypochlorous acid water in the air purification unit 11, and can also be considered a water storage unit. In the mixing tank 92, hypochlorous acid water of a predetermined concentration supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 (electrolytic tank 31) by the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​(described later) and water supplied from the water supply unit 50 (described later) are mixed in the tank, and mixed water consisting of diluted hypochlorous acid water is stored.

[0038] The hypochlorous acid water generator 30 includes an electrolytic cell 31, an electrode 32, an electromagnetic valve 33, a brine tank 34, a brine transfer pump 35, a water level sensor 39, and a hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36. The hypochlorous acid water generator 30 corresponds to the "hypochlorous acid water supply unit" in the claims, and the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​corresponds to the "water supply unit" in the claims.

[0039] The solenoid valve 33 controls whether or not tap water from a water supply pipe (a water supply pipe 52 described later) such as a tap water supply pipe is supplied to the electrolytic cell 31 in response to an output signal from the air purification control unit 41. The solenoid valve 33 constitutes a water supply unit 50 described later.

[0040] The brine tank 34 is a container that stores a liquid (brine) containing chloride ions. The brine transfer pump 35 supplies the brine in the brine tank 34 to the electrolytic cell 31 in response to an output signal from the air purification control unit 41. The brine tank 34 and the brine transfer pump 35 constitute components that correspond to the "electrolyte supply unit" in the claims.

[0041] Electrolytic cell 31 stores saltwater to be electrolyzed, which is supplied from saltwater tank 34. Tap water is also supplied to electrolytic cell 31 from a water supply pipe (water supply pipe 52) via solenoid valve 33 in response to an output signal from air purification control unit 41, and the supplied tap water and saltwater are mixed to store saltwater of a predetermined concentration.

[0042] The electrodes 32 are composed of a pair of electrodes. The electrodes 32 are placed in the electrolytic cell 31, and are energized in response to an output signal from the air purification control unit 41 to electrolyze salt water for a predetermined time, thereby producing hypochlorous acid water of a predetermined concentration.

[0043] That is, the electrolytic cell 31 generates hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing a chloride aqueous solution (for example, a sodium chloride aqueous solution) as an electrolyte between a pair of electrodes. A general device is used for the electrolytic cell 31, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Here, the electrolyte is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of generating hypochlorous acid water and contains even a small amount of chloride ions, and examples thereof include aqueous solutions in which sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, etc. are dissolved as solutes. Hydrochloric acid also works well. In this embodiment, a sodium chloride aqueous solution (brine) in which sodium chloride is added to water is used as the electrolyte.

[0044] The water level sensor 39 measures the water level in the electrolytic bath 31 and outputs the measurement value to the air purification control unit 41 .

[0045] The hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​supplies hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic bath 31 to the mixing bath 92 of the air purification unit 11 in response to an output signal from the air purification control unit 41. The hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​has a hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37 and a water supply pipe 38. The hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37 sends out the hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic bath 31 to the water supply pipe 38 in response to an output signal from the air purification control unit 41. The water supply pipe 38 is connected between the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37 and the mixing bath 92, and supplies the hypochlorous acid water toward the mixing bath 92.

[0046] The water supply unit 50 supplies water to the mixing tank 92 in response to an output signal from the air purification control unit 41. The water supply unit 50 has a solenoid valve 51 and a water supply pipe 52. The water supply unit 50 also includes the above-mentioned solenoid valve 33. The solenoid valve 51 controls whether or not water supplied from a water pipe outside the space purification device 10 flows into the water supply pipe 52 in response to an output signal from the air purification control unit 41. The water supply pipe 52 is connected between the solenoid valve 51 and the mixing tank 92, and supplies water toward the mixing tank 92. Note that the water supply unit 50 includes the above-mentioned solenoid valve 33, and therefore can be said to correspond to the "water supply unit" in the claims.

[0047] In the air purification unit 11, hypochlorous acid water from the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​and water from the water supply unit 50 are each supplied to a mixing tank 92. The hypochlorous acid water and water are then mixed in the mixing tank 92 of the air purification unit 11. That is, the hypochlorous acid water is mixed and diluted with the water from the water supply unit 50 in the mixing tank 92. The mixed water of hypochlorous acid water and water can also be called hypochlorous acid water. More specifically, in the mixing tank 92 of the air purification unit 11, the hypochlorous acid water from the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​or the water from the water supply unit 50 is supplied and mixed with the hypochlorous acid water remaining in the mixing tank 92. The air purification unit 11 centrifugally crushes the mixed water of hypochlorous acid water and water stored in the mixing tank 92, thereby releasing air containing hypochlorous acid water into the indoor space 18. The atomized hypochlorous acid water is released into the indoor space 18 in a state where the liquid component has evaporated.

[0048] An operating device 43 is installed on a wall of the indoor space 18. The operating device 43 has a user interface that can be operated by the user, and receives information from the user regarding the temperature setting value, humidity setting value, and operation of the humidification and purification mode. The operating device 43 includes a temperature and humidity sensor 44, which measures the temperature and humidity of the air in the indoor space 18. Known technology may be used to measure the temperature and humidity with the temperature and humidity sensor 44, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0049] The operating device 43 is connected to the air purification control unit 41 and the air conditioning control unit 42 by wire or wirelessly, and transmits information regarding the temperature set value, humidity set value, temperature measurement value, and humidity measurement value, as well as information regarding the operation of the humidification and purification mode, to the air purification control unit 41 and the air conditioning control unit 42. All of this information may be transmitted together, or any two or more pieces of information may be transmitted together, or each piece may be transmitted separately. Alternatively, the operating device 43 may transmit information to the air purification control unit 41, and the air purification control unit 41 may transfer the information to the air conditioning control unit 42.

[0050] The air conditioning control unit 42 of the air conditioner 15 receives the temperature set value and the temperature measurement value, and controls the refrigerant coil 14 and the outdoor unit 20 so that the temperature measurement value approaches the temperature set value. In heating mode, if the temperature measurement value is lower than the temperature set value, the air conditioning control unit 42 increases the degree of heating as the difference between the temperature measurement value and the temperature set value increases.

[0051] Next, the air purification control unit 41 of the space purification device 10 will be described.

[0052] The air purification control unit 41 controls the processing operations of the hypochlorous acid water generator 30 and the space purification device 10, including operations related to the electrolysis process in the electrolytic bath 31, operations related to the supply of hypochlorous acid water to the air purification unit 11, operations related to the supply of water to the air purification unit 11, operations related to the humidification and purification process in the air purification unit 11, and operations related to the cleaning process of the electrolytic bath 31. The air purification control unit 41 includes a computer system having a processor and memory. The computer system functions as a controller when the processor executes a program stored in the memory. Here, the program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, but it may also be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided, or it may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0053] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the air purification control unit 41 includes an input unit 41a, a storage unit 41b, a timer unit 41c, a processing unit 41d, and an output unit 41e.

[0054] <Operations related to electrolysis treatment in electrolytic cells> The air purification control unit 41 causes the electrolytic cell 31 to execute the following processes as operations related to the electrolysis process.

[0055] The air purification control unit 41 receives water level information (drought signal) from the water level sensor 39 and time information (time information) from the timer unit 41c as triggers for the electrolysis process in the electrolytic cell 31, and outputs them to the processing unit 41d.

[0056] The processing unit 41d identifies control information based on water level information from the water level sensor 39, time information from the timer unit 41c, and setting information from the memory unit 41b, and outputs the control information to the output unit 41e. Here, the setting information includes information on the start or end time of hypochlorous acid water production, information on the supply amount of tap water introduced into the electrolytic cell 31, information on the amount of salt water introduced into the salt water transfer pump 35, information on the electrolysis conditions (time, current value, voltage, etc.) at the electrode 32, information on the opening / closing timing of the solenoid valve 33, and information on the on / off operation of the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37.

[0057] Here, the electrolysis conditions for the electrode 32 can be determined from the amount of tap water in the electrolytic cell 31, the chloride ion concentration, the electrolysis time, and the degree of deterioration of the electrode 32, and are set by creating an algorithm and stored in the memory unit 41b.

[0058] Then, the output unit 41e outputs signals (control signals) to each device (salt water transfer pump 35, solenoid valve 33, hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37) based on the received control information.

[0059] More specifically, first, the salt water transfer pump 35 maintains a stopped state based on a signal from the output unit 41e, and the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37 maintains a stopped state based on a signal from the output unit 41e.

[0060] Then, the salt water transfer pump 35 starts operating based on the signal from the output unit 41e, transfers a predetermined amount of salt water to the electrolytic cell 31, and then stops. As a result, the electrolytic cell 31 is supplied with a predetermined amount of chloride ions. Next, the solenoid valve 33 is opened based on a signal from the output unit 41e. This starts the supply of tap water from the water pipe to the electrolytic cell 31. Thereafter, the solenoid valve 33 is closed based on a signal from the output unit 41e that has received water level information (full water) from the water level sensor 39. This causes chloride ions to be diluted by the tap water in the electrolytic cell 31, producing an aqueous solution containing a predetermined amount of chloride ions (aqueous chloride solution).

[0061] Then, the electrode 32 starts electrolysis of the chloride aqueous solution based on the signal from the output unit 41e, and stops after producing hypochlorous acid water according to the set conditions. The hypochlorous acid water produced by the electrode 32 has, for example, a hypochlorous acid concentration of 100 ppm to 150 ppm (e.g., 120 ppm) and a pH of 7.0 to 8.5 (e.g., 8.0).

[0062] As described above, the air purification control unit 41 performs electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 31, and hypochlorous acid water of a predetermined concentration and amount is produced.

[0063] <Operations related to supplying hypochlorous acid water to the air purification unit> The air purification control unit 41 executes the following processes as operations related to the supply process of hypochlorous acid water to the air purification unit 11.

[0064] In the air purification control unit 41, the timer unit 41c measures the operating time of the humidification motor 11a as a trigger for supplying hypochlorous acid water to the air purification unit 11, and outputs a hypochlorous acid water supply request to the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) every time a predetermined operating time (e.g., 60 minutes) has elapsed. Here, the predetermined time is a time estimated in advance by experimental evaluation, taking into account that hypochlorous acid in the hypochlorous acid water evaporates and decreases over time.

[0065] Specifically, the processing unit 41d identifies control information based on time-related information (time information) from the timer unit 41c and setting information from the storage unit 41b, and outputs the control information to the output unit 41e. Here, the setting information includes information about the supply interval of hypochlorous acid water (e.g., 60 minutes) and information about the on / off operation of the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37.

[0066] Then, the output unit 41e outputs a signal (control signal) to the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37 of the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​based on the received control information.

[0067] The hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37 operates based on a signal from the output unit 41e. As a result, the hypochlorous acid water generator 30 starts supplying hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 to the air purifier 11 (mixing cell 92). Note that, in order to ensure the concentration of hypochlorous acid water stored in the electrolytic cell 31, when hypochlorous acid water is supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generator 30 to the mixing cell 92, the entire amount of hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell 31 is supplied. Therefore, after the hypochlorous acid water is supplied, the electrolytic cell 31 is empty, and hypochlorous acid water production will not begin if hypochlorous acid water remains in the electrolytic cell 31. When the entire amount of hypochlorous acid water in the electrolytic cell 31 has been supplied, the water level sensor 39 outputs a drought signal as water level information.

[0068] Thereafter, the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37 stops based on a signal from the output unit 41e that receives information about time (the time required to supply the specified amount) from the timer unit 41c. As a result, the hypochlorous acid water generator 30 supplies the set amount of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic bath 31 to the air purifier 11 (mixing bath 92).

[0069] In this manner, the air purification control unit 41 executes the process of supplying hypochlorous acid water from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 (electrolytic bath 31) to the air purification unit 11. Note that the control by the air purification control unit 41 to supply hypochlorous acid water by the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​at predetermined time intervals is referred to as "first control."

[0070] <Operations related to water supply processing to the air purification unit> The air purification control unit 41 executes the following processes as operations related to the process of supplying water to the air purification unit 11.

[0071] The air purification control unit 41 receives water level information (drought signal) from the water level sensor 90 of the space purification device 10 as a trigger for supplying water to the air purification unit 11, and outputs a water supply request to the water supply unit 50.

[0072] Specifically, the input unit 41a receives water level information (drought signal) from the water level sensor 90 of the space purification device 10, and outputs it to the processing unit 41d.

[0073] Processing unit 41d identifies control information based on the water level information (drought signal) from input unit 41a, time-related information (time information) from timer unit 41c, and setting information from memory unit 41b, and outputs the control information to output unit 41e. Here, the setting information includes information related to the on / off operation of solenoid valve 51 of water supply unit 50.

[0074] Then, the output unit 41e outputs a signal (control signal) to the solenoid valve 51 based on the received control information.

[0075] Solenoid valve 51 operates based on a signal from output unit 41e, causing water supply unit 50 to start supplying water from an external water supply pipe to air purification unit 11 (mixing tank 92) via water supply pipe 52.

[0076] Thereafter, the solenoid valve 51 stops based on a signal from the output unit 41e that has received water level information (full water signal) from the water level sensor 90 of the space purification device 10. As a result, the water supply unit 50 supplies water from the external water supply pipe to the air purification unit 11 (mixing tank 92) until the set amount of water is reached.

[0077] In this manner, air purification control unit 41 executes the process of supplying water from water supply unit 50 to air purification unit 11. Note that the control by air purification control unit 41 to supply water by water supply unit 50 based on information about the water level in mixing tank 92 from water level sensor 90 (drought information) is referred to as "second control."

[0078] <Operations related to humidification and purification processing in the air purification unit> Next, the operation of the air purification control unit 41 regarding the humidification and purification process in the air purification unit 11 will be described.

[0079] The input unit 41a receives user input information from the operating device 43, temperature and humidity information of the air in the indoor space 18 from the temperature and humidity sensor 44, and water level information of the hypochlorous acid water (mixed water) in the mixing tank 92 from the water level sensor 90. The input unit 41a outputs each piece of received information to the processing unit 41d.

[0080] Here, the operating device 43 is a terminal for inputting user input information regarding the space purification device 10 (e.g., air volume, target temperature, target humidity, whether or not to add hypochlorous acid, target supply level of hypochlorous acid, etc.), and is connected to the air purification control unit 41 wirelessly or via a wired connection so that it can communicate with the air purification control unit 41.

[0081] The temperature and humidity sensor 44 is provided in the indoor space 18 and senses the temperature and humidity of the air in the indoor space 18 .

[0082] The memory unit 41b stores user input information received by the input unit 41a and supply setting information for the supply operation of hypochlorous acid to the air circulating inside the device. The memory unit 41b outputs the stored supply setting information to the processing unit 41d. Note that the supply setting information for the supply operation of hypochlorous acid can also be considered as humidification setting information for the humidification and purification operation of the air purifying unit 11.

[0083] The timekeeping unit 41c outputs time information relating to the current time to the processing unit 41d.

[0084] The processing unit 41d receives various information (user input information, temperature and humidity information, and water level information) from the input unit 41a, time information from the timer unit 41c, and supply setting information from the storage unit 41b. The processing unit 41d uses the received user input information, time information, and supply setting information to identify control information related to the humidification and purification operation.

[0085] Specifically, the processing unit 41d determines, at regular intervals based on the time information from the timer unit 41c, the required amount of humidification required for the indoor space 18 based on the humidity difference between the target humidity stored in the memory unit 41b and the temperature and humidity information of the air in the indoor space 18 from the temperature and humidity sensor 44. The processing unit 41d then determines control information related to the humidifying and purification operation based on the determined required amount of humidification and the supply setting information stored in the memory unit 41b. The processing unit 41d then outputs the determined control information to the output unit 41e.

[0086] Furthermore, when the water level information from the water level sensor 90 includes information (a drought signal) relating to a water level indicating a drought of the hypochlorous acid water (mixed water) in the mixing tank 92, the output unit 41e outputs a signal requesting water supply to the water supply unit 50. Furthermore, when the operating time of the air purifying unit 11 (humidifying motor 11a) reaches a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes) based on the time information from the timer unit 41c, the output unit 41e outputs a signal requesting hypochlorous acid water supply to the hypochlorous acid water generating unit 30. In this embodiment, the water level indicating a drought of the hypochlorous acid water (mixed water) in the mixing tank 92 is set to the water level when the amount of hypochlorous acid water (mixed water) in the mixing tank 92 has decreased to about one-third of its full capacity.

[0087] Then, the output unit 41e outputs the received signals to the air purifying unit 11, the hypochlorous acid water generating unit 30 (hypochlorous acid water supply unit ), and the water supply unit 50, respectively.

[0088] The air purifying unit 11 then receives a signal from the output unit 41e and controls its operation based on the received signal. At this time, the hypochlorous acid water generating unit 30 (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) receives a signal (a signal requesting hypochlorous acid water supply) from the output unit 41e and performs the above-described operation (first control) related to the supply process of hypochlorous acid water to the air purifying unit 11 based on the received signal. Furthermore, the water supply unit 50 receives a signal (a signal requesting water supply) from the output unit 41e and performs the above-described operation (second control) related to the supply process of water to the air purifying unit 11 based on the received signal.

[0089] As described above, the air purification control unit 41 executes a first control in which the hypochlorous acid water generator 30 (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) supplies hypochlorous acid water at predetermined time intervals, and a second control in which the water supply unit 50 supplies water based on information (drought information) about the water level in the mixing tank 92 from the water level sensor 90, thereby storing mixed water in the mixing tank 92. When supplying hypochlorous acid water and water to the mixing tank 92 and storing mixed water, the air purification control unit 41 differentiates the hypochlorous acid water supply cycle (every predetermined time interval) from the water supply cycle (each time drought is detected), and executes a humidification purification process on the air circulating through the space purification device 10 (air purification unit 11).

[0090] <Electrolytic cell cleaning process> The cleaning process is a process for removing scale residue that accumulates in the electrolytic bath 31 due to scale components such as calcium and magnesium contained in the water supplied from the water supply unit 50. More specifically, the cleaning process is a series of processes that, when the supply of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic bath 31 to the air purification unit 11 (outside the hypochlorous acid water supply device) is completed during the humidification and purification operation, involves supplying water to the electrolytic bath 31 by the water supply unit 50 and draining water from the electrolytic bath 31 by the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36, which starts within a predetermined time (e.g., one minute) after the water supply to the electrolytic bath 31 is completed. As a result, the scale residue in the electrolytic bath 31 is dispersed by the water force generated by the water supply from the water supply unit 50 and drained outside the device. The operation of the cleaning process for the electrolytic bath 31 will be described in detail below. The cleaning process for the electrolytic bath 31 is performed in accordance with the timing at which the humidification and purification process of the air purification unit 11 is stopped or the timing at which the mixed water in the mixing tank 92 is drained. The above-described cleaning process is also referred to as the "first cleaning process" below.

[0091] The air purification control unit 41 executes the following processes as operations related to the cleaning process in the electrolytic bath 31. When the air purification control unit 41 confirms that the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​has supplied hypochlorous acid water to the air purification unit 11 a predetermined number of times (for example, five times) through the first control as a trigger for the first cleaning process, it starts the cleaning process.

[0092] When the first cleaning process is started, the air purification control unit 41 receives water level information (drought signal) from the water level sensor 39 and time-related information (time information) from the timer unit 41c, and outputs them to the processing unit 41d.

[0093] The processing unit 41d identifies control information based on water level information from the water level sensor 39, time information from the timer unit 41c, and setting information from the memory unit 41b, and outputs the control information to the output unit 41e. Here, the setting information includes information on the supply amount of tap water introduced into the electrolytic bath 31, information on the opening and closing timing of the solenoid valve 33, and information on the on / off operation of the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37.

[0094] Then, the output unit 41e outputs a signal (control signal) to each device (the solenoid valve 33, the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37) based on the received control information.

[0095] More specifically, first, the solenoid valve 33 maintains a closed state based on a signal from the output unit 41e, and the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37 maintains a stopped state based on a signal from the output unit 41e.

[0096] Then, solenoid valve 33 is opened based on a signal from output unit 41e. This starts the supply of tap water from water supply pipe 52 to electrolytic cell 31. Thereafter, solenoid valve 33 is closed based on a signal from output unit 41e that has received water level information (full) from water level sensor 39. This causes electrolytic cell 31 to be filled with tap water, and scale residue that has accumulated in electrolytic cell 31 becomes scattered in the water due to the force of the water when water supply unit 50 supplies water.

[0097] Next, the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37 operates after a predetermined time (for example, one minute) has elapsed based on the signal from the output unit 41e, and the hypochlorous acid water generator 30 starts draining water from the electrolytic cell 31 to the air purifier 11 (mixing cell 92). As described above, the predetermined time is set to the time it takes for scale residue scattered in the electrolytic cell to be precipitated in the electrolytic cell by the water supplied by the water supply unit.

[0098] As a result, scale residue scattered in the water in the electrolytic bath 31 is discharged together with the water into the air purification unit 11 (mixing bath 92). Then, the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37 stops based on a signal from the output unit 41e that has received time-related information (the time required to drain the specified amount) from the timing unit 41c. At this time, the time required for the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37 to drain the specified amount is set long enough to enable all of the water in the electrolytic bath 31 to be drained, and after the first cleaning process, all of the water in the electrolytic bath 31 has been drained.

[0099] As described above, when the supply of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic bath 31 to the air purification unit 11 is completed, the air purification control unit 41 executes a series of processes (first cleaning process) as a cleaning process, which includes supplying water to the electrolytic bath 31 by the water supply unit 50 (solenoid valve 33) and draining water from the electrolytic bath 31 by the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​(hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37), which starts within a predetermined time after the supply of water to the electrolytic bath 31 is completed. Note that the air purification control unit 41 may execute the above-described first cleaning process repeatedly multiple times (for example, three times) in succession.

[0100] As described above, the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water production unit 30) according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0101] (1) The hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30) includes an electrolytic cell 31 that generates hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing an electrolyte solution (aqueous sodium chloride solution) obtained by mixing an electrolyte (sodium chloride) with water, an electrolyte supply unit (brine water tank 34 and brine transfer pump 35) that supplies the electrolyte to the electrolytic cell 31, a water supply unit 50 that supplies water to the electrolytic cell 31, and a water delivery unit (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) that delivers the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell 31 to the outside of the device (mixing tank 92 of the air purification unit 11). When the delivery of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 to the outside of the device is completed, the water supply unit 50 starts supplying water to the electrolytic cell 31 as a cleaning process (first cleaning process) of the electrolytic cell 31, and the water delivery unit drains the water from the electrolytic cell 31 within a predetermined time (e.g., one minute) after the water supply to the electrolytic cell 31 is completed.

[0102] According to this configuration, in the first cleaning process, scale residue is dispersed by water supply from the water supply unit 50, and water containing scale residue is discharged from the electrolytic cell 31 with the scale residue dispersed in the water by draining the water within a predetermined time after the water supply is completed, thereby preventing the accumulation of scale residue in the electrolytic cell 31. As a result, the frequency of cleaning maintenance to remove scale accumulated in the electrolytic cell 31 can be reduced, and the maintainability of the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30) can be improved.

[0103] (2) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30), the predetermined time is set to the time it takes for scale residue scattered in the electrolytic bath 31 by the water supplied from the water supply unit 50 to settle in the electrolytic bath 31. By doing so, in the cleaning process, the scale residue scattered in the electrolytic bath 31 by the water supplied from the water supply unit 50 is discharged outside the device together with the wastewater before it settles in the electrolytic bath 31, so that more scale residue can be removed.

[0104] (3) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generator 30), the first cleaning process may be repeated multiple times. This allows the scale residue in the electrolytic bath 31 to be repeatedly scattered and discharged by the first cleaning process, thereby removing a larger amount of scale residue from the electrolytic bath 31.

[0105] (4) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30), the water supply unit (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) is connected to the space purification device 10 outside the device, and the water is drained by the water supply unit by circulating it through the space purification device 10. In this way, when the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) and the space purification device 10 are used in connection, cleaning treatment can be performed without providing a separate drainage path.

[0106] (Embodiment 2) The hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30) according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, as a cleaning process controlled by the air purification control unit 41, when the delivery of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic bath 31 to the air purification unit 11 is completed, the water supply unit 50 supplies water to the electrolytic bath 31 while the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​drains water from the electrolytic bath 31. Other than this, the configuration of the space purification system 100 including the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30) is the same as that of the space purification system 100 according to the first embodiment. Note that the above-mentioned cleaning process will also be referred to as the "second cleaning process" hereinafter.

[0107] Hereinafter, the contents already explained in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the operation relating to the cleaning process of the electrolytic cell 31 of the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30) according to the second embodiment, which is different from the first embodiment, will be explained with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0108] <Electrolytic cell cleaning process> The air purification control unit 41 executes the following processes as operations related to the cleaning process in the electrolytic bath 31. When the air purification control unit 41 confirms that the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​has supplied hypochlorous acid water to the air purification unit 11 a predetermined number of times (for example, five times) through the first control as a trigger for the second cleaning process, the air purification control unit 41 starts the cleaning process.

[0109] When the second cleaning process is started, the air purification control unit 41 receives water level information (drought signal) from the water level sensor 39 and time-related information (time information) from the timer unit 41c, and outputs them to the processing unit 41d.

[0110] The processing unit 41d identifies control information based on water level information from the water level sensor 39, time information from the timer unit 41c, and setting information from the memory unit 41b, and outputs the control information to the output unit 41e. Here, the setting information includes information on the supply amount of tap water introduced into the electrolytic bath 31, information on the opening and closing timing of the solenoid valve 33, and information on the on / off operation of the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37.

[0111] Then, the output unit 41e outputs a signal (control signal) to each device (the solenoid valve 33, the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37) based on the received control information.

[0112] More specifically, first, the solenoid valve 33 maintains a closed state based on a signal from the output unit 41e, and the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37 maintains a stopped state based on a signal from the output unit 41e.

[0113] Then, the solenoid valve 33 is opened based on a signal from the output unit 41e. As a result, tap water starts to be supplied to the electrolytic cell 31 from the water supply pipe 52, and the scale residue in the electrolytic cell 31 is scattered into the water due to the force of the water. Next, in conjunction with the opening of the solenoid valve 33, the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37 operates based on a signal from the output unit 41e, and at the same time, in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30, drainage from the electrolytic cell 31 to the air purification unit 11 (mixing tank 92) also starts. As a result, the scale residue scattered in the water in the electrolytic cell 31 is discharged together with the water into the air purification unit 11 (mixing tank 92). Thereafter, the solenoid valve 33 is closed based on a signal from the output unit 41e that has received time-related information (the time required to supply the specified amount) from the timer 41c. The hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37 is then stopped based on a signal from the output unit 41e that has received time-related information (the time required to drain the specified amount) from the timer 41c. At this time, the time required for the hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37 to drain the specified amount is set long enough to allow all of the water in the electrolytic bath 31 to be drained, and after the second cleaning process, all of the water in the electrolytic bath 31 has been drained.

[0114] Here, when the water supply flow rate by the water supply unit 50 (solenoid valve 33) is greater than the drainage flow rate by the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​(hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37), the time required to supply the specified amount of water by the solenoid valve 33 needs to be set so that the amount of water held in the electrolytic bath 31 does not exceed the capacity of the electrolytic bath 31. For example, when the water level sensor 39 detects a full water state, the solenoid valve 33 is closed. On the other hand, when the water supply flow rate by the water supply unit 50 is smaller than the drainage flow rate by the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36, the water supplied from the water supply unit 50 is immediately drained, so that the amount of water held in the electrolytic bath 31 does not exceed the capacity of the electrolytic bath 31, and the time required to supply the specified amount by the solenoid valve 33 can be set without an upper limit. The time required to supply the specified amount by the solenoid valve 33 is set so that a sufficient scale cleaning effect can be obtained within the above-mentioned limit. The required time is set to, for example, 3 minutes.

[0115] As described above, when the supply of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic bath 31 to the air purification unit 11 is completed, the air purification control unit 41 executes a cleaning process (second cleaning process) in which water is drained from the electrolytic bath 31 by the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​(hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37) while water is being supplied to the electrolytic bath 31 by the water supply unit 50 (solenoid valve 33). Note that the air purification control unit 41 may execute the above-described second cleaning process multiple times (for example, three times).

[0116] As described above, according to the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water production unit 30) according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0117] (5) The hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30) includes an electrolytic cell 31 that generates hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing an electrolyte solution (aqueous sodium chloride solution) obtained by mixing an electrolyte (sodium chloride) and water, an electrolyte supply unit (brine water tank 34 and brine transfer pump 35) that supplies the electrolyte to the electrolytic cell 31, a water supply unit 50 that supplies water to the electrolytic cell 31, and a water conveyance unit (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) that conveys the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell 31 to the outside of the device (mixing tank 92 of the air purification unit 11). After the delivery of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 to the outside of the device is completed, a cleaning process (second cleaning process) of the electrolytic cell 31 is performed by supplying water to the electrolytic cell 31 using the water supply unit 50 while draining water from the electrolytic cell 31 using the water conveyance unit.

[0118] With this configuration, in the second cleaning process, water supplied by the water supply unit 50 scatters scale residue while it is discharged, and the water containing the scale residue can be discharged from the electrolytic cell 31 with the scale residue scattered in the water. This prevents the scale residue from accumulating in the electrolytic cell 31. As a result, the frequency of cleaning maintenance to remove scale accumulated in the electrolytic cell 31 can be reduced, and the maintainability of the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30) can be improved.

[0119] (6) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30), the second cleaning process is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes). By doing so, a certain degree of scale removal effect can be obtained by the second cleaning process.

[0120] (7) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generator 30), the second cleaning process may be repeated multiple times. This allows the scale residue in the electrolytic bath 31 to be repeatedly scattered and discharged by the second cleaning process, thereby removing a larger amount of scale residue from the electrolytic bath 31.

[0121] (8) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30), the water supply unit (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) is connected to the space purification device 10 outside the device, and the water is drained by the water supply unit by circulating it through the space purification device 10. In this way, when the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) and the space purification device 10 are used in connection, cleaning treatment can be performed without providing a separate drainage path.

[0122] (9) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30), the air purification control unit 41 may control the water supply flow rate by the water supply unit 50 (solenoid valve 33) to be greater than the drainage flow rate by the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​(hypochlorous acid water transfer pump 37), and close the solenoid valve 33 based on a signal from the output unit 41e that receives water level information (full water) from the water level sensor 39. In this way, the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​operates while supplying water to the electrolytic bath 31 by the water supply unit 50, thereby maximizing the drainage time of the electrolytic bath 31 and increasing the scale removal effect per second cleaning treatment.

[0123] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. These embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0124] In the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) according to the first embodiment, the air purification control unit 41 controls the solenoid valve 33 to close based on a signal from the output unit 41e that receives water level information (full) from the water level sensor 39 during the first cleaning process. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the air purification control unit 41 may control the solenoid valve 33 to close before the electrolytic bath 31 becomes full of water during the first cleaning process. That is, the air purification control unit 41 closes the solenoid valve 33 a certain time (e.g., 30 seconds) after the solenoid valve 33 is opened. In this way, the first cleaning process can be performed without filling the electrolytic bath 31 with water, and therefore the process for removing scale residue can be performed with a smaller amount of water supplied to the electrolytic bath 31.

[0125] Furthermore, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) according to the first and second embodiments, tap water is supplied to the electrolytic bath 31 by the water supply unit 50 in each cleaning treatment (first cleaning treatment or second cleaning treatment), but this is not limited to this. For example, a separate supply pipe (supply pipe including a solenoid valve) may be connected to the electrolytic bath 31, and a liquid containing an acidic component, such as hydrochloric acid or citric acid, may be supplied through the supply pipe. This increases the rate and speed at which the scale residue dissolves in the liquid, and during each cleaning treatment, the scale residue is not only dispersed by the supply of liquid but also dissolved by the liquid, allowing a larger amount of scale residue to be removed from the electrolytic bath 31.

[0126] Furthermore, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) according to the first and second embodiments, the drainage of the electrolytic bath 31 by the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​in each cleaning process (first cleaning process or second cleaning process) is performed by circulating the water through the space purification device 10, but this is not limited to this. For example, a separate drainage pipe (a drainage pipe including a solenoid valve) may be connected to the electrolytic bath 31, and water may be drained from inside the electrolytic bath 31 to the outside of the device through the drainage pipe. In this way, the cleaning process of the electrolytic bath 31 can be performed regardless of the operating status of the humidification purification operation of the space purification device 10.

[0127] Furthermore, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) according to the first and second embodiments, the trigger for each cleaning process (first cleaning process or second cleaning process) is set to start when the supply of hypochlorous acid water to the air purifying unit 11 under the first control has been performed a predetermined number of times (for example, five times), but this is not limited to this. For example, if a separate drainage piping system is provided, the trigger may be set to start each time hypochlorous acid water is supplied to the air purifying unit 11 under the first control. In this way, the cleaning process is performed before the scale components contained in the hypochlorous acid water dry in the electrolytic bath 31, thereby reducing the accumulation of scale residues that occur in the electrolytic bath 31. [Industrial Applicability]

[0128] The hypochlorous acid water supply device of the present invention improves the maintainability of a device that generates hypochlorous acid by electrolysis and supplies water, and is useful as a device or system that sterilizes or deodorizes the air in a target space. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 2 Intake port 3 Air outlet 4 Front air passage 5 Middle wind path 6 Rear air passage 8. Air 9. Air 10 Space Purification Device 11 Air Purification Unit 11a Humidification motor 11b Humidifying nozzle 13 Blower 14 Refrigerant coil 15 Air conditioning equipment 16 Duct 16a Indoor intake port 17 Duct 17a Indoor air outlet 18 Indoor Spaces 20 Outdoor unit 20a compressor 20b Expander 20c outdoor heat exchanger 20d Blower Fan 20e Four-way valve 21 Refrigerant circuit 24 Duct 30 Hypochlorous acid water generator 31 Electrolytic cell 32 electrodes 33 Solenoid valve 34 Brine Tank 35 Brine Transfer Pump 36 Hypochlorous Acid Water Supply Unit 37 Hypochlorous acid water conveying pump 38 Water pipe 39 Water level sensor 41 Air purification control unit 41a Input section 41b Storage section 41c Timekeeping section 41d Processing section 41e Output section 42 Air conditioning control unit 43 Operating device 44 Temperature and humidity sensor 50 Water supply section 51 Solenoid valve 52 Water pipe 90 Water level sensor 92 Mixing tank 100 Space Purification System

Claims

1. an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes an electrolyte solution that is a mixture of an electrolyte and water to generate hypochlorous acid water; an electrolyte supply unit that supplies the electrolyte to the electrolytic cell; a water supply unit that supplies the water to the electrolytic cell; A water supply unit that supplies the entire amount of hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell to an external air purifying device, When the entire amount of hypochlorous acid water has been supplied from the electrolytic cell to the external air purifying device, the water supply unit starts supplying water to the electrolytic cell as a cleaning process for the electrolytic cell, and the water supply unit drains the entire amount of water in the electrolytic cell into the air purifying device within a predetermined time after the completion of the supply of water to the electrolytic cell. Hypochlorous acid water supply device.

2. the predetermined time is set to a time period within which scale residue scattered in the electrolytic bath by the water supplied from the water supply unit is precipitated in the electrolytic bath. The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 1.

3. The washing process is repeated multiple times. The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The water supply unit is connected to an external space purification device, The drainage by the water supply unit is performed by circulating the water through the space purification device. The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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