Hypochlorous acid water supply device

Abstract

To provide a hypochlorous acid water supply device capable of suppressing dry adhesion of scale components in an electrolytic cell.SOLUTION: A hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation part 30) comprises: an electrolytic cell 31 that electrolyzes an aqueous electrolyte solution (aqueous chloride solution) to generate hypochlorous acid water; and a water supply part (hypochlorous acid water supply part 36) that supplies hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell 31 to the outside of the device (an air purification part 11). Then, a first aqueous electrolyte solution (aqueous chloride solution) is supplied to the electrolytic cell 31 within a first time (for example, 30 seconds) after the hypochlorous acid water supply from the electrolytic cell 31 to the outside of the device is completed, and electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 are immersed in the first aqueous electrolyte solution.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in this type of hypochlorous acid water supply device, hypochlorous acid is supplied by interlocking with a purification system, and the air supplied indoors is brought into contact with a gas-liquid contact member portion containing a purification component (reactive oxygen species such as hypochlorous acid) and released to sterilize the space (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Further, in a conventional hypochlorous acid water supply device, hypochlorous acid water is generated by adding an electrolyte such as sodium chloride to tap water in an electrolytic cell and performing electrolysis.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in a conventional hypochlorous acid water supply device, when the generation of hypochlorous acid is stopped, it is common to drain the hypochlorous acid water in the electrolytic cell and leave the electrolytic cell empty. Therefore, in a conventional hypochlorous acid water supply device, the inside of the electrolytic cell dries, so that scale components such as calcium or magnesium contained in tap water precipitate and crystallize, causing problems such as sticking of movable parts such as a float sensor or a pump impeller in the electrolytic cell or blockage of the water supply passage from the electrolytic cell.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above conventional problems and provide a hypochlorous acid water supply device capable of suppressing the drying and sticking of scale components in an electrolytic cell. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve this objective, the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention comprises an electrolytic cell that generates hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing an electrolyte aqueous solution, and a water supply unit that supplies the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell to the outside of the device. Furthermore, within one hour after the supply of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell to the outside of the device is completed, a first electrolyte aqueous solution or first water is supplied to the electrolytic cell, thereby immersing the electrodes of the electrolytic cell in the first electrolyte aqueous solution or first water, and thereby achieving the intended objective. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hypochlorous acid water supply device that can suppress the drying and solidification of scale components in an electrolytic cell. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the configuration of a space purification system equipped with a hypochlorous acid water supply device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air purification control unit. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure for the standby treatment of the electrolytic cell. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for the standby treatment of the electrolytic cell according to Modification Example 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for the standby treatment of the electrolytic cell according to Modification Example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention comprises an electrolytic cell that generates hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing an electrolyte aqueous solution, and a water supply unit that supplies the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell to the outside of the device. Within one hour after the supply of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell to the outside of the device is completed, a first electrolyte aqueous solution or first water is supplied to the electrolytic cell so that the electrodes of the electrolytic cell are immersed in the first electrolyte aqueous solution or first water.

[0010] With this configuration, after the supply of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell is complete, the electrolytic cell remains immersed in the first electrolyte solution or the first water. Therefore, even when the device is stopped and on standby for a long period of time, the inside of the electrolytic cell does not dry out, thus suppressing the precipitation of scale components such as calcium or magnesium contained in the hypochlorous acid water. In other words, it is possible to create a hypochlorous acid water supply device that can suppress the drying and solidification of scale components inside the electrolytic cell.

[0011] Furthermore, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, if electrolysis of the first electrolyte solution has not been performed even after two hours have elapsed since the supply of the first electrolyte solution to the electrolytic cell, it is preferable to drain the first electrolyte solution from the electrolytic cell and perform a replacement process in which a second electrolyte solution is supplied to immerse the electrodes. In this way, even if bacteria or mold are introduced into the electrolytic cell from the outside (air inside the electrolytic cell or the first electrolyte solution introduced), they can be removed periodically every two hours. Therefore, even when the device is stopped and on standby for a long period of time, drying of scale components inside the electrolytic cell can be suppressed, and the growth of bacteria or mold inside the electrolytic cell can be further suppressed.

[0012] Furthermore, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, it is preferable to generate hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing the first electrolyte aqueous solution in the electrolytic cell before draining it. By doing so, even if bacteria or mold enter and proliferate in the electrolytic cell, the bacteria or mold are inactivated by the hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolysis before being drained, thus reducing the amount of bacteria or mold remaining in the electrolytic cell after draining. For this reason, even when the device is stopped and on standby for a long period of time, drying of scale components in the electrolytic cell can be suppressed, and the growth of bacteria or mold in the electrolytic cell can be suppressed more reliably.

[0013] Furthermore, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, it is preferable to first immerse the electrodes in the first electrolyte aqueous solution, and then electrolyze the first electrolyte aqueous solution to produce hypochlorous acid water. As a result, the electrolytic cell retains hypochlorous acid water, so even if bacteria or mold enter the electrolytic cell, the bacteria or mold can be reduced by the hypochlorous acid water. Therefore, the growth of bacteria or mold in the electrolytic cell can be suppressed.

[0014] Furthermore, the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention further includes a water level detection unit that detects the water level of the first electrolyte solution supplied to the electrolytic cell. Preferably, the electrolytic cell starts the electrolysis of the first electrolyte solution by electrodes based on information regarding the water level of the first electrolyte solution from the water level detection unit. This allows the electrolysis of the first electrolyte solution to start immediately after the electrodes of the electrolytic cell are immersed. As a result, the electrodes of the electrolytic cell are immediately filled with hypochlorous acid water, and the growth of bacteria or mold in the electrolytic cell can be further suppressed.

[0015] Furthermore, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, it is preferable to perform a replacement process in which, after two hours have elapsed since the generation of hypochlorous acid water in the electrolytic cell, the hypochlorous acid water in the electrolytic cell is drained and the electrodes are immersed in newly supplied hypochlorous acid water based on a second electrolyte solution. This ensures that even if the hypochlorous acid water is retained for a long period of time, the electrodes can be immersed in new hypochlorous acid water based on a second electrolyte solution before the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water decreases due to self-decomposition or other factors. As a result, the electrodes in the electrolytic cell are always filled with fresh hypochlorous acid water, and the growth of bacteria or mold in the electrolytic cell can be suppressed more reliably.

[0016] Furthermore, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, after immersing the electrodes in the first water, an electrolyte may be added to the first water before electrolysis to produce hypochlorous acid water. This allows bacteria or mold to be inactivated by the hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolysis, even if bacteria or mold are mixed into and proliferate in the first water in the electrolytic cell. Therefore, even when the device is stopped and on standby for a long period of time, drying of scale components in the electrolytic cell can be suppressed, and the growth of bacteria or mold in the electrolytic cell can be further suppressed.

[0017] Furthermore, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, it is preferable to perform a replacement process in which, after two hours have elapsed since the supply of the first water to the electrolytic cell, the first water in the electrolytic cell is drained and a second water is supplied to immerse the electrodes. This allows bacteria or mold to be periodically removed every two hours, even if they are introduced into the electrolytic cell from the outside (air inside the electrolytic cell or the first water introduced). Therefore, even when the device is stopped and on standby for a long period of time, the drying of scale components inside the electrolytic cell can be suppressed, and the growth of bacteria or mold inside the electrolytic cell can be further suppressed.

[0018] In addition, in the hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention, the water supply unit is connected to a humidification and purification device outside the device, and it is preferable that the drainage water in the replacement process is circulated through the humidification and purification device. Thereby, it is possible to drain the water in the replacement process without separately providing a drainage path in the hypochlorous acid water supply device.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a preferred specific example of the present invention. Therefore, numerical values, shapes, materials, components, the arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, etc. 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, the components not described in the independent claims indicating the most general concept of the present invention are described as optional components. Also, in each figure, substantially the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0020] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a space purification system 100 including a hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. When circulating the air in the indoor space 18, the space purification system 100 performs cooling treatment (dehumidification treatment) or heating treatment on the air 8 (RA) from the indoor space 18 as necessary, and includes a component for purifying the air together with the atomized water for the air flowing inside (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "air purification component"). The space purification system 100 sterilizes and deodorizes the indoor space 18 by supplying the air 9 (SA) that has circulated inside 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).

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the space purification system 100 mainly includes a space purification device 10, an air conditioner 15, and a hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30. In this embodiment, the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 is also referred to as a hypochlorous acid water supply device.

[0022] The space purification device 10 includes an air outlet 3, an air purification unit 11, and an air purification control unit 41. The air conditioner 15 includes an air inlet 2, a blower 13, a refrigerant coil 14, and an air conditioning control unit 42. Each of the space purification device 10 and the air conditioner 15 has a housing that constitutes the outer frame of the device, and the space purification device 10 and the air conditioner 15 are connected by a duct 24. Further, an air inlet 2 is formed on the side surface of the air conditioner 15, and an air outlet 3 is formed on the side surface of the space purification device 10.

[0023] The air inlet 2 is an inlet for taking in the air 8 from the indoor space 18 into the air conditioner 15. The air inlet 2 is communicated with an indoor air inlet 16a provided on the ceiling or the like of the indoor space 18 via a duct 16. Thereby, the air inlet 2 can suck the air in the indoor space 18 into the air conditioner 15 from the indoor air inlet 16a.

[0024] The air outlet 3 is an outlet for discharging the air 9 (SA) that has flowed through the space purification device 10 into the indoor space 18. The air outlet 3 is communicated with an indoor air outlet 17a provided on the ceiling or the like of the indoor space 18 via a duct 17. Thereby, the air outlet 3 can blow out the air 9 that has flowed through the space purification device 10 toward the indoor space 18 from the indoor air outlet 17a.

[0025] Also, inside the air conditioner 15 and the space purification device 10, an air passage (front-stage air passage 4, middle-stage air passage 5, rear-stage air passage 6) that communicates the air inlet 2 and the air outlet 3 via the duct 24 is configured. The front-stage air passage 4 is an air passage adjacent to the air inlet 2. The blower 13 and the refrigerant coil 14 are provided in the front-stage air passage 4.

[0026] The middle-stage air passage 5 is an air passage through which the air 8 that has flowed through the front-stage air passage 4 flows at a position adjacent to the front-stage air passage 4 (duct 24). The air purification unit 11 is provided in the middle-stage air passage 5 in the air passage.

[0027] The downstream air passage 6 is adjacent to the outlet 3. In the downstream air passage 6, the air 8 that has flowed through the intermediate air passage 5 flows through the air purification unit 11 and becomes air 9 containing hypochlorous acid along with atomized water.

[0028] In the air conditioning unit 15 and the air purification unit 10, the air 8 drawn in from the intake port 2 flows through the front air passage 4, then through the middle air passage 5 and the rear air passage 6, and is blown out as air 9 from the outlet port 3.

[0029] The blower 13 of the air conditioning unit 15 is a device for transporting the air 8 (RA) from the indoor space 18 from the intake port 2 into the air conditioning unit 15. The blower 13 is installed upstream of the refrigerant coil 14 in the upstream air passage 4. The operation of the blower 13 is controlled on / off according to the air output information from the air conditioning control unit 42. When the blower 13 is in operation, the air 8 from the indoor space 18 is taken into the air conditioning unit 15 and directed towards the refrigerant coil 14.

[0030] The refrigerant coil 14 is located downstream of the blower 13 within the upstream air passage 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 introduced air 8 is cooled by the refrigerant coil 14, the introduced air 8 is dehumidified, 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.

[0031] The refrigerant coil 14 functions as either a heat absorber or a heat radiator in a refrigeration cycle that includes a compressor, a heat radiator, an expander, and a heat absorber, and is configured to absorb (cool) or release (heat) heat as the refrigerant introduced from the outdoor unit 20 flows through it. 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. A typical configuration is used for the outdoor unit 20, so a detailed explanation of each component (compressor 20a, expander 20b, outdoor heat exchanger 20c, blower fan 20d, four-way valve 20e) is omitted.

[0032] Since a four-way valve 20e is connected to the refrigeration cycle including the refrigerant coil 14, the air conditioning unit 15 can switch between a cooling mode (dehumidification mode) in which the refrigerant flows in the first direction via the four-way valve 20e to cool and dehumidify the air (air 8), and a heating mode in which the refrigerant flows in the second direction via the four-way valve 20e to heat the air (air 8).

[0033] 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 that 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 that order. The refrigerant coil 14 can cool or heat the introduced air (air 8).

[0034] The air purification unit 11 of the air purification device 10 is a unit for humidifying the air 8 taken inside, and during humidification, it imparts hypochlorous acid to the air along with finely atomized water. More specifically, the air purification unit 11 has a water level sensor 90, a mixing tank 92, a humidifying motor 11a, and a humidifying nozzle 11b. The air purification unit 11 uses the humidifying motor 11a to rotate the humidifying nozzle 11b, and uses centrifugal force to draw up the water (hypochlorous acid water) stored in the mixing tank 92 of the air purification unit 11, scattering, impacting, and crushing it into the surroundings (centrifugally), thereby imparting moisture to the passing air. The air purification unit 11 adjusts the humidification capacity (humidification amount) by changing the rotation speed of the humidifying motor 11a (hereinafter referred to as the rotation output value) in response to the output signal from the air purification control unit 41. The humidification amount can also be said to be the amount of hypochlorous acid added to the air.

[0035] The water level sensor 90 measures the water level of the hypochlorous acid solution (mixed water) in the mixing tank 92 and outputs the measured value to the air purification control unit 41.

[0036] The mixing tank 92 is a tank for storing hypochlorous acid water in the air purification unit 11, and can also be called 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 cell 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 stored as a mixed water consisting of diluted hypochlorous acid water.

[0037] The hypochlorous acid water generating unit 30 includes an electrolytic cell 31, an electrode 32, a solenoid valve 33, a brine tank 34, a brine transport pump 35, a water level sensor 39, and a hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36. The hypochlorous acid water generating unit 30 corresponds to the "hypochlorous acid water supply unit" in the claim, and the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​corresponds to the "water supply unit" in the claim.

[0038] The solenoid valve 33 controls whether or not to send tap water from a water supply pipe (water supply pipe 52, described later) to the electrolytic cell 31 in response to an output signal from the air purification control unit 41. The solenoid valve 33 constitutes the water supply unit 50, described later.

[0039] The brine tank 34 is a container that stores a liquid (brine) containing chloride ions. The brine transport pump 35 supplies the brine from the brine tank 34 to the electrolytic cell 31 in response to an output signal from the air purification control unit 41.

[0040] The electrolytic cell 31 stores the saltwater to be electrolyzed, which is supplied from the saltwater tank 34. Tap water is also supplied to the electrolytic cell 31 via a solenoid valve 33 from a water supply pipe (water delivery pipe 52) such as a water tap, in response to an output signal from the air purification control unit 41. The supplied tap water and saltwater are mixed, and saltwater of a predetermined concentration is stored.

[0041] The electrode 32 consists of a pair of electrodes. The electrode 32 is placed inside the electrolytic cell 31 and, in response to an output signal from the air purification control unit 41, energizes the device to electrolyze saltwater for a predetermined time, thereby generating hypochlorous acid water of a predetermined concentration.

[0042] In other words, 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, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. Here, the electrolyte is an electrolyte capable of generating hypochlorous acid water, and there are no particular restrictions as long as it contains even a small amount of chloride ions. For example, aqueous solutions in which sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, etc. are dissolved as solutes can be used. Hydrochloric acid is also acceptable. In this embodiment, a sodium chloride aqueous solution (saltwater) is used as the electrolyte by adding sodium chloride to water.

[0043] The water level sensor 39 measures the water level in the electrolytic cell 31 and outputs the measured value to the air purification control unit 41.

[0044] The hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​supplies hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 to the mixing tank 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 transport pump 37 and a water supply pipe 38. The hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 sends the hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 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 transport pump 37 and the mixing tank 92 and supplies the hypochlorous acid water towards the mixing tank 92.

[0045] 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 includes a solenoid valve 51 and a water supply pipe 52. The water supply unit 50 also includes the solenoid valve 33 mentioned above. The solenoid valve 51 controls whether or not to allow water supplied from an external water pipe to flow 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 to the mixing tank 92.

[0046] 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 supplied to the mixing tank 92, respectively. The hypochlorous acid water and water are then mixed in the mixing tank 92 of the air purification unit 11. In other words, the hypochlorous acid water is mixed and diluted with water from the water supply unit 50 in the mixing tank 92. The mixture 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 remaining in the mixing tank 92 is mixed with hypochlorous acid water supplied from the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​or water from the water supply unit 50. The air purification unit 11 releases air containing hypochlorous acid water into the indoor space 18 by centrifuging the mixture of hypochlorous acid water and water stored in the mixing tank 92. The atomized hypochlorous acid water is released into the indoor space 18 after the liquid component has evaporated.

[0047] An operating device 43 is installed on the 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 set value, humidity set value, and the operation of the humidification and purification operation. 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 techniques can be used for measuring temperature and humidity in the temperature and humidity sensor 44, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0048] The operating device 43 is connected to the air purification control unit 41 and the air conditioning control unit 42 by wire or wireless connection, 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 operation, to the air purification control unit 41 and the air conditioning control unit 42. This information may be transmitted all together, any two or more together, or individually. Alternatively, the operating device 43 may transmit information to the air purification control unit 41, and the air purification control unit 41 may forward the information to the air conditioning control unit 42.

[0049] The air conditioning control unit 42 of the air conditioning system 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.

[0050] Next, we will describe the air purification control unit 41 of the air purification device 10.

[0051] The air purification control unit 41 controls the following processing operations of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 and the air purification device 10: the electrolysis process in the electrolytic cell 31, the supply of hypochlorous acid water to the air purification unit 11, the supply of water to the air purification unit 11, the humidification and purification process in the air purification unit 11, and the standby process of the electrolytic cell 31. The air purification control unit 41 has a computer system with a processor and memory. The computer system functions as a controller by executing a program stored in memory, which is executed by the processor. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the computer system's memory, but it may also be recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card and provided, or provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet.

[0052] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the air purification control unit 41 includes an input unit 41a, a storage unit 41b, a timing unit 41c, a processing unit 41d, and an output unit 41e.

[0053] <Operations related to electrolysis in an electrolytic cell> The air purification control unit 41 performs the following operations related to the electrolysis process in the electrolytic cell 31.

[0054] The air purification control unit 41 receives water level information (low water signal) from the water level sensor 39 and time information (time information) from the timing unit 41c as triggers for the electrolysis process of the electrolytic cell 31, and outputs them to the processing unit 41d.

[0055] The processing unit 41d identifies control information based on water level information from the water level sensor 39, time information from the timing unit 41c, and setting information from the storage unit 41b, and outputs it to the output unit 41e. The setting information includes information regarding the start or end time of hypochlorous acid water generation, the amount of tap water supplied to the electrolytic cell 31, the amount of salt water supplied to the salt water transport pump 35, the electrolysis conditions (time, current value, voltage, etc.) at the electrode 32, the opening and closing timing of the solenoid valve 33, and the on / off operation of the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37.

[0056] Here, the electrolysis conditions at 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 electrode 32. An algorithm is created and set, and stored in the memory unit 41b.

[0057] The output unit 41e then outputs signals (control signals) to each of the devices (saltwater transport pump 35, solenoid valve 33, hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37) based on the control information it has received.

[0058] More specifically, first, the saltwater transport pump 35 maintains a stopped state based on the signal from the output unit 41e, and the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 maintains a stopped state based on the signal from the output unit 41e.

[0059] Then, the saltwater transport pump 35 starts operating based on the signal from the output unit 41e, transports a predetermined amount of saltwater to the electrolytic cell 31, and stops. As a result, the electrolytic cell 31 is supplied with a predetermined amount of chloride ions.

[0060] 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. Subsequently, the solenoid valve 33 is closed based on a signal from the output unit 41e that has received water level information (full) from the water level sensor 39. As a result, the chloride ions in the electrolytic cell 31 are diluted by the tap water, and the electrolytic cell 31 comes to a state where an aqueous solution (chloride aqueous solution) containing a predetermined amount of chloride ions has been generated.

[0061] Then, based on the signal from the output unit 41e, electrode 32 starts the electrolysis of the chloride aqueous solution, generates hypochlorous acid water under the set conditions, and stops. The hypochlorous acid water generated by 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, generating hypochlorous acid water of a predetermined concentration and quantity.

[0063] <Operation related to the supply and processing of hypochlorous acid water to the air purification unit> The air purification control unit 41 performs the following operations as part of the process of supplying hypochlorous acid water to the air purification unit 11.

[0064] The air purification control unit 41 measures the operating time of the humidifier motor 11a using a timing unit 41c as a trigger for supplying hypochlorous acid water to the air purification unit 11. Every predetermined time elapsed (for example, 60 minutes), the control unit outputs a request for the supply of hypochlorous acid water to the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36). Here, the predetermined time is estimated in advance through experimental evaluation, taking into account that the hypochlorous acid in the hypochlorous acid water vaporizes and decreases over time.

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

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

[0067] The hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 operates based on a signal from the output unit 41e. This initiates the supply of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 to the air purification unit 11 (mixing tank 92) in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30. To ensure the concentration of hypochlorous acid water stored in the electrolytic cell 31, the entire amount of hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell 31 is supplied when the hypochlorous acid water is supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 to the mixing tank 92. Therefore, after the supply of hypochlorous acid water, the electrolytic cell 31 is empty, and the production of hypochlorous acid water will not begin from a state where 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 low water signal as water level information.

[0068] Subsequently, the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 stops based on a signal from the output unit 41e, which has received time information (the time required to supply a specified amount) from the timing unit 41c. As a result, the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 supplies hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 to the air purification unit 11 (mixing tank 92) at the set supply amount.

[0069] As described above, the air purification control unit 41 causes the supply of hypochlorous acid water from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 (electrolytic cell 31) to the air purification unit 11. The control by which the air purification control unit 41 supplies hypochlorous acid water by the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​at predetermined intervals is referred to as "first control".

[0070] <Operation related to the water supply process to the air purification unit> The air purification control unit 41 performs the following operations as part of the process of supplying water to the air purification unit 11.

[0071] The air purification control unit 41 receives water level information (low water signal) from the water level sensor 90 of the air 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 (low water signal) from the water level sensor 90 of the air purification device 10 and outputs it to the processing unit 41d.

[0073] The processing unit 41d identifies control information based on water level information (low water signal) from the input unit 41a, time information (time information) from the timing unit 41c, and setting information from the storage unit 41b, and outputs it to the output unit 41e. Here, the setting information includes information regarding the on / off operation of the solenoid valve 51 of the water supply unit 50.

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

[0075] The solenoid valve 51 operates based on a signal from the output unit 41e. As a result, the water supply unit 50 starts supplying water from the external water supply pipe to the air purification unit 11 (mixing tank 92) via the water supply pipe 52.

[0076] Subsequently, the solenoid valve 51 stops based on a signal from the output unit 41e, which has received water level information (full water signal) from the water level sensor 90 of the air 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 is reached.

[0077] As described above, the air purification control unit 41 causes the water supply process from the water supply unit 50 to the air purification unit 11. The control by which the air purification control unit 41 supplies water to the water supply unit 50 based on information (low water level information) from the water level sensor 90 is referred to as "second control".

[0078] <Operation related to humidification and purification processing in the air purification unit> Next, the operation of the humidification and purification process in the air purification unit 11 of the air purification control unit 41 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 of the received pieces of information to the processing unit 41d.

[0080] Here, the operating device 43 is a terminal for inputting user information related to the air purification device 10 (for example, airflow rate, target temperature, target humidity, whether or not hypochlorous acid is added, target supply level of hypochlorous acid, etc.), and is connected to the air purification control unit 41 wirelessly or via wired connection for communication.

[0081] Furthermore, the temperature and humidity sensor 44 is installed within the indoor space 18 and is a sensor that 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 hypochlorous acid supply operation to the air circulating within the device. The memory unit 41b outputs the stored supply setting information to the processing unit 41d. The supply setting information for the hypochlorous acid supply operation can also be considered the humidification setting information for the humidification and purification operation of the air purification unit 11.

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

[0084] The processing unit 41d receives various information from the input unit 41a (user input information, temperature and humidity information, water level information), time information from the timing 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, at regular intervals based on time information from the timing unit 41c, identifies the required amount of humidification for the indoor space 18 based on the humidity difference between the target humidity stored in the storage unit 41b and the temperature and humidity information of the indoor space 18 from the temperature and humidity sensor 44. Then, the processing unit 41d identifies control information related to the humidification and purification operation based on the identified humidification requirement and the supply setting information stored in the storage unit 41b. Finally, the processing unit 41d outputs the identified control information to the output unit 41e.

[0086] Furthermore, if the water level information from the water level sensor 90 includes information (a low water signal) indicating that the hypochlorous acid water (mixed water) in the mixing tank 92 is running low, the output unit 41e outputs a water supply request signal to the water supply unit 50 to the output unit 41e. In addition, based on the time information from the timing unit 41c, if the operating time of the air purification unit 11 (humidifying motor 11a) reaches a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes), the output unit 41e outputs a hypochlorous acid water supply request signal to the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 to the output unit 41e. In this embodiment, the water level indicating that the hypochlorous acid water (mixed water) in the mixing tank 92 is running low is set to the water level when the amount of hypochlorous acid water in the mixing tank 92 has decreased from a full state to approximately 1 / 3.

[0087] The output unit 41e then outputs each received signal to the air purification unit 11, the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36), and the water supply unit 50, respectively.

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

[0089] As described above, the air purification control unit 41 performs a first control, which involves supplying hypochlorous acid water from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) at predetermined intervals, and a second control, which involves supplying water from the water supply unit 50 based on information regarding the water level in the mixing tank 92 from the water level sensor 90 (water shortage information), thereby storing the mixed water in the mixing tank 92. When the air purification control unit 41 supplies hypochlorous acid water and water to the mixing tank 92 and stores the mixed water, it differentiates the supply cycle of hypochlorous acid water (at predetermined intervals) and the supply cycle of water (when water shortage is detected), causing the space purification device 10 (air purification unit 11) to perform humidification and purification processing on the air circulating through it.

[0090] <Operations related to the standby process of the electrolytic cell> Regarding the standby process for the electrolytic cell 31, the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 performs a standby process for the electrolytic cell 31 by supplying a chloride aqueous solution (hereinafter also referred to as the "first electrolyte aqueous solution") to the electrolytic cell 31 within the first hour (for example, 30 seconds) after the supply of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 to the air purification device 10 (air purification unit 11) is completed, thereby immersing the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 in the chloride aqueous solution. Furthermore, in the standby process for the electrolytic cell 31, if electrolysis of the chloride aqueous solution has not been performed even after the second hour (for example, 24 hours) has elapsed since the supply of the chloride aqueous solution to the electrolytic cell 31, a replacement process is performed by draining the chloride aqueous solution in the electrolytic cell 31 and supplying a new chloride aqueous solution (hereinafter also referred to as the "second electrolyte aqueous solution") to immerse the electrodes 32. In the replacement process, the chloride aqueous solution in the electrolytic cell 31 is electrolyzed to generate hypochlorous acid water before being drained.

[0091] The above-described operations related to the standby process of the electrolytic cell 31 will be explained in detail below as the "first operation".

[0092] The air purification control unit 41 performs the following processing in the first operation.

[0093] The air purification control unit 41, as a trigger for the standby process of the electrolytic cell 31, starts the standby process of the electrolytic cell 31 within a first time period after confirming that the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 has been activated and then stopped by the operation related to the supply process of hypochlorous acid water to the air purification unit 11 by the first control. Here, the first time period is preferably set to be short in order to prevent the inside of the electrolytic cell 31 from drying out, for example, it is set to 30 seconds.

[0094] When the standby process for the electrolytic cell 31 begins, the air purification control unit 41 receives water level information (low water signal) from the water level sensor 39 and time information (time information) from the timing unit 41c, and outputs them to the processing unit 41d.

[0095] The processing unit 41d identifies control information based on the water level information from the water level sensor 39, the time information from the timing unit 41c, and the setting information from the storage unit 41b, and outputs it to the output unit 41e.

[0096] Here, the setting information includes information regarding the amount of tap water supplied to the electrolytic cell 31, information regarding the amount of salt water supplied to the salt water transport pump 35, information regarding the electrolysis conditions (time, current value, voltage, etc.) at the electrode 32, information regarding the opening and closing timing of the solenoid valve 33, and information regarding the on / off operation of the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37.

[0097] Furthermore, the electrolysis conditions at 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 electrode 32. An algorithm is created to set these conditions, and they are stored in the memory unit 41b.

[0098] The output unit 41e then outputs a signal (control signal) to the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 based on the control information.

[0099] Specifically, the saline transport pump 35 of the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 starts operating based on a signal from the output unit 41e, transports a predetermined amount of saline to the electrolytic cell 31, and then stops. As a result, the electrolytic cell 31 is supplied with a predetermined amount of chloride ions.

[0100] 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. Subsequently, the solenoid valve 33 is closed based on a signal from the output unit 41e that has received water level information (full) from the water level sensor 39. As a result, the chloride ions in the saline solution are diluted by the tap water in the electrolytic cell 31, and the electrolytic cell 31 becomes filled with an aqueous solution (chloride solution) containing a predetermined amount of chloride ions. In other words, the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 are immersed in the introduced chloride solution (first electrolyte solution).

[0101] In this state, if the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 has not received a signal regarding the request for hypochlorous acid water (hypochlorous acid water supply instruction) from the output unit 41e, the electrode 32 will not perform electrolysis of the chloride aqueous solution, and the electrolytic cell 31 will remain in standby mode, holding the chloride aqueous solution.

[0102] Subsequently, if the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 does not receive a hypochlorous acid water supply instruction from the output unit 41e for a second period of time, the electrode 32 will start electrolysis of the chloride aqueous solution regardless of whether there is a signal from the output unit 41e, generate hypochlorous acid water under the set conditions, and then stop. The hypochlorous acid water generated by the electrode 32 will have, for example, a hypochlorous acid concentration of 10 ppm to 80 ppm (for example, 60 ppm) and a pH of 7.0 to 8.5 (for example, 8.0).

[0103] Next, the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 operates based on a signal from the output unit 41e. This initiates the supply of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 to the air purification unit 11 (mixing tank 92) (wastewater treatment) in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30. In order to drain all of the hypochlorous acid water stored in the electrolytic cell 31, the entire amount of hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell 31 is supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 to the mixing tank 92.

[0104] Furthermore, the output unit 41e outputs a signal (control signal) to the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 of the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​based on the control information, and at the same time outputs a control signal to stop the humidifying motor 11a of the air purification unit 11 if it is operating. When the humidifying motor 11a stops based on the control information received from the output unit 41e, the liquid in the mixing tank 92 becomes drainable, and the hypochlorous acid water supplied from the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30 is drained to the outside along with the mixed water in the mixing tank 92 through the mixing tank 92.

[0105] Subsequently, in the electrolytic cell 31, following the shutdown of the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37, the electrolytic cell 31 undergoes another standby process within the first hour. In other words, the electrolytic cell 31 is supplied with a new chloride solution using fresh saline and fresh tap water, and the electrolytic cell 31 becomes filled with this new chloride solution. To put it another way, the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 are immersed in the newly introduced chloride solution (second electrolyte solution).

[0106] As described above, in the standby process for the electrolytic cell 31, if electrolysis of the chloride solution is not performed even after two hours have elapsed since the chloride solution was supplied to the electrolytic cell 31, a replacement process is performed in which the chloride solution (first electrolyte solution) in the electrolytic cell 31 is drained and a new chloride solution (second electrolyte solution) is supplied to immerse the electrodes 32.

[0107] Meanwhile, in the hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30, if it receives a hypochlorous acid water supply instruction from the output unit 41e before the second time has elapsed, it operates the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 to drain all of the chloride aqueous solution (first electrolyte aqueous solution) in the electrolytic cell 31. After confirming that the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 has stopped, it sequentially performs operations related to electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 31 and operations related to supplying hypochlorous acid water to the air purification unit 11.

[0108] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the flow of the standby process for the electrolytic cell 31 will be explained again. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for the standby process of the electrolytic cell 31.

[0109] As shown in Figure 3, when the operation of the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 is detected to have stopped (step S01), the standby process of the electrolytic cell 31 is started. The operation of the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 at this stage is assumed to be due to, for example, the end of the first control or the replacement process.

[0110] Next, within one hour (for example, 30 seconds) after detecting the shutdown of the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37, the salt water transport pump 35 is activated to supply salt water to the electrolytic cell 31 (step S02).

[0111] Next, the solenoid valve 33 is activated to supply tap water to the electrolytic cell 31 until the water level sensor 39 detects that the cell is full (step S03). As a result, the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 are immersed in the chloride solution (first electrolyte solution) (the electrolytic cell 31 enters standby mode) (step S04).

[0112] Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a second hour (for example, 24 hours) has elapsed since the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 were immersed in the chloride aqueous solution (first electrolyte aqueous solution) (step S05). If the result of the determination is that the second hour has not elapsed (NO in step S05), it is determined whether or not a hypochlorous acid water supply instruction (a signal regarding the request for hypochlorous acid water) has been received (step S06). If the result of the determination is that a hypochlorous acid water supply instruction has not been received (NO in step S06), the electrolytic cell 31 returns to step S04 without performing electrolysis operation with the electrodes 32, and maintains the standby state of the electrolytic cell 31.

[0113] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S05 indicates that the second time has elapsed (YES in step S05), the electrode 32 is activated to perform electrolysis of the chloride solution (first electrolyte solution) (step S07b). As a result, the electrode 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 is immersed in hypochlorous acid water produced by the electrolysis of the chloride solution.

[0114] Next, the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 is operated to drain the hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 to the air purification unit 11 (mixing tank 92) (step S08b). As a result, the electrolytic cell 31 becomes empty. The hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 may be operated immediately after the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 are immersed in hypochlorous acid water, but it is preferable to maintain the immersion in hypochlorous acid water for a certain period of time (for example, 5 minutes) before operating the pump. Doing so enhances the disinfection effect within the electrolytic cell 31.

[0115] Then, once the drainage of the hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 is complete, the process returns to step S01, and steps S02 and S03 are repeated to return the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 to a state where they are again immersed in the chloride aqueous solution (second electrolyte aqueous solution) (standby state) (step S04). Here, the series of steps from step S05, step S07b, step S08b, step S01, step S02, step S03, and step S04 correspond to the replacement process in the operation related to the standby treatment of the electrolytic cell 31. Note that in the replacement process, step S07b may be omitted, and the chloride aqueous solution may be drained as is in step S08b.

[0116] On the other hand, if the determination in step S06 results in a command to supply hypochlorous acid water (YES in step S06), the electrode 32 is activated to perform electrolysis of the chloride solution (first electrolyte solution) (step S07a). As a result, hypochlorous acid water is generated in the electrolytic cell 31 by the electrolysis of the chloride solution.

[0117] Subsequently, the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 is activated to supply the hypochlorous acid water in the electrolytic cell 31 to the air purification unit 11 (step S08a).

[0118] Then, once the supply of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 to the air purification unit 11 is complete, the process returns to step S01, and steps S02 and S03 are repeated until the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 are again immersed in the chloride aqueous solution (standby state) (step S04).

[0119] In addition, the air purification unit 11 performs humidification and purification treatment using hypochlorous acid water supplied from the electrolytic cell 31 (step S09).

[0120] In this way, the air purification control unit 41 causes the electrolytic cell 31 to perform standby processing in the first operation.

[0121] As described above, the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generating unit 30) according to this embodiment 1 can be enjoyed with the following effects.

[0122] (1) The hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30) comprises an electrolytic cell 31 that generates hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing an electrolyte aqueous solution (chloride aqueous solution), and a water supply unit (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) that sends the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell 31 to the outside of the device (air purification unit 11). Within one hour (for example, 30 seconds) after the delivery of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 to the outside of the device is completed, a first electrolyte aqueous solution (chloride aqueous solution) is supplied to the electrolytic cell 31 so that the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 are immersed in the first electrolyte aqueous solution.

[0123] With this configuration, after the supply of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 is complete, the electrolytic cell 31 remains immersed in the first electrolyte solution. Therefore, even when the device is stopped and on standby for a long period of time, the inside of the electrolytic cell 31 does not dry out, thus suppressing the precipitation of scale components such as calcium or magnesium contained in the hypochlorous acid water. In other words, a hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30) can be made capable of suppressing the drying and solidification of scale components inside the electrolytic cell 31.

[0124] (2) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30), if electrolysis of the first electrolyte solution (chloride solution) is not performed even after two hours (for example, 24 hours) have elapsed since the supply of the first electrolyte solution (chloride solution) to the electrolytic cell 31, a replacement process is performed in which the first electrolyte solution in the electrolytic cell 31 is drained and a second electrolyte solution (chloride solution) is supplied to immerse the electrodes 32. This allows bacteria or mold to be periodically removed every two hours even if they are introduced into the electrolytic cell 31 from the outside (air inside the electrolytic cell 31 or the first electrolyte solution introduced). Therefore, even when the device is stopped and on standby for a long period of time, drying of scale components in the electrolytic cell 31 can be suppressed, and the growth of bacteria or mold in the electrolytic cell 31 can also be suppressed.

[0125] (3) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30), the first electrolyte aqueous solution (chloride aqueous solution) in the electrolytic cell 31 is electrolyzed to generate hypochlorous acid water before being discharged. As a result, even if bacteria or mold enter and proliferate in the electrolytic cell 31, the bacteria or mold are inactivated by the hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolysis before being discharged, thus reducing the amount of bacteria or mold remaining in the electrolytic cell 31 after discharge. Therefore, even when the device is stopped and on standby for a long period of time, the drying of scale components in the electrolytic cell 31 can be suppressed, and the growth of bacteria or mold in the electrolytic cell 31 can be suppressed more reliably.

[0126] (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 air purification device 10 outside the device, and the wastewater from the replacement process is circulated through the humidifying and purifying device. This makes it possible to perform wastewater from the replacement process without providing a separate drainage route to the electrolytic cell 31.

[0127] <Example 1> Next, with reference to Figure 4, a modified example 1 of the operation related to the standby process of the electrolytic cell 31 will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for the standby process of the electrolytic cell 31 according to Modified Example 1. In the following, the operation related to the standby process of the electrolytic cell 31 according to Modified Example 1 will be described as the "second operation".

[0128] The air purification control unit 41 differs from the first operation in Embodiment 1 in that, as the second operation in Modification 1, it immerses the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 in hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolyzing a chloride aqueous solution (first electrolyte aqueous solution) and performs a standby process for the electrolytic cell 31. Since the device configuration is the same as that of the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30) according to Embodiment 1, a further explanation will be omitted as appropriate, and the differences in the operation related to the standby process of the electrolytic cell 31 (processing procedure in the second operation) will be mainly explained.

[0129] As shown in Figure 4, when the operation of the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 is detected to have stopped (step S11), the standby process of the electrolytic cell 31 is started. The operation of the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 at this point is expected to be due to, for example, the end of the first control or the replacement process.

[0130] Next, within the first hour (for example, 30 seconds) after detecting the shutdown of the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37, the salt water transport pump 35 is activated to supply salt water to the electrolytic cell 31 (step S12).

[0131] Next, the solenoid valve 33 is activated to supply tap water to the electrolytic cell 31 until the water level sensor 39 detects that it is full (step S13). As a result, the electrolytic cell 31 is supplied with a chloride aqueous solution (first electrolyte aqueous solution).

[0132] Then, based on the water level information from the water level sensor 39 (information on the full capacity of the chloride solution in the electrolytic cell 31), the electrode 32 is immediately activated to perform electrolysis of the chloride solution (first electrolyte solution) (step S14). As a result, the electrode 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 is immersed in hypochlorous acid water generated by the electrolysis of the chloride solution (the electrolytic cell 31 is in standby state) (step S15).

[0133] Subsequently, it is determined whether a second hour (for example, 24 hours) has elapsed since the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 were immersed in hypochlorous acid water (step S16). If the result of the determination is that the second hour has not elapsed (NO in step S16), it is determined whether an instruction to supply hypochlorous acid water has been received (step S17). If the result of the determination is that an instruction to supply hypochlorous acid water has not been received (NO in step S17), the process returns to step S15, and the electrolytic cell 31 maintains its standby state.

[0134] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S16 indicates that the second time has elapsed (YES in step S16), the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 is activated to drain the hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 to the air purification unit 11 (mixing tank 92) (step S18b). As a result, the electrolytic cell 31 becomes empty. The hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 is activated immediately after the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 are immersed in hypochlorous acid water.

[0135] Then, once the draining of the hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 is complete, the process returns to step S11, and steps S12 to S14 are repeated until the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 are again immersed in hypochlorous acid water (standby state) (step S15). Here, steps S16, S18b, and the series of steps S11 to S14 correspond to the replacement process in the standby processing operation of the electrolytic cell 31.

[0136] On the other hand, if the determination in step S17 results in an instruction to supply hypochlorous acid water (YES in step S17), the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 is activated to supply the hypochlorous acid water in the electrolytic cell 31 to the air purification unit 11 (step S18a).

[0137] Then, once the supply of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 to the air purification unit 11 is complete, the process returns to step S11, and steps S12 to S14 are repeated until the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 are again immersed in hypochlorous acid water (standby state) (step S15).

[0138] In addition, the air purification unit 11 performs humidification and purification treatment using hypochlorous acid water supplied from the electrolytic cell 31 (step S19).

[0139] In this way, the air purification control unit 41 causes the electrolytic cell 31 to perform standby processing in the second operation.

[0140] As described above, the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30) that performs standby processing for the electrolytic cell 31 according to Modification 1 can be enjoyed as follows.

[0141] (5) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30), the electrodes 32 are immersed in a first electrolyte solution (chloride solution), and then the first electrolyte solution is electrolyzed to generate hypochlorous acid water. As a result, the electrolytic cell 31 is kept in a state of hypochlorous acid water, so even if bacteria or mold enter the electrolytic cell 31, the bacteria or mold can be reduced by the hypochlorous acid water. Therefore, the growth of bacteria or mold in the electrolytic cell 31 can be suppressed.

[0142] (6) The hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30) is equipped with a water level detection unit (water level sensor 39) that detects the water level of the first electrolyte solution (chloride solution) supplied to the electrolytic cell 31. The electrolytic cell 31 is configured to start electrolysis of the first electrolyte solution by the electrodes 32 based on information (full water information) regarding the water level of the first electrolyte solution from the water level detection unit. As a result, electrolysis of the first electrolyte solution can be started immediately after the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 are immersed. Therefore, the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 are immediately filled with hypochlorous acid water, and the growth of bacteria or mold inside the electrolytic cell 31 can be further suppressed.

[0143] (7) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30), when two hours (for example, 24 hours) have elapsed since hypochlorous acid water was generated in the electrolytic cell 31, a replacement process is performed in which the hypochlorous acid water in the electrolytic cell 31 is drained and the electrodes 32 are immersed in hypochlorous acid water based on a newly supplied second electrolyte solution (chloride solution). This ensures that even if hypochlorous acid water is retained for a long period of time, the electrodes can be immersed in new hypochlorous acid water based on the second electrolyte solution before the concentration of the hypochlorous acid water decreases due to self-decomposition or other factors. As a result, the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 are always filled with fresh hypochlorous acid water, and the growth of bacteria or mold in the electrolytic cell 31 can be suppressed more reliably.

[0144] <Modification 2> Next, with reference to Figure 5, a modified example 2 of the operation related to the standby process of the electrolytic cell 31 will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for the standby process of the electrolytic cell 31 according to modified example 2. In the following, the operation related to the standby process of the electrolytic cell 31 according to modified example 2 will be described as the "third operation".

[0145] The air purification control unit 41 differs from the first operation in Embodiment 1 and the second operation in Modification 1 in that, as the third operation in Modification 1, it performs a standby process for the electrolytic cell 31 by immersing the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 in tap water (first water). Since the device configuration is the same as that of the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30) according to Embodiment 1, a further explanation will be omitted as appropriate, and the differences in the operation related to the standby process of the electrolytic cell 31 (processing procedure in the third operation) will be mainly explained.

[0146] As shown in Figure 5, when the operation of the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 is detected to have stopped (step S21), the standby process of the electrolytic cell 31 is started. The operation of the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 at this stage is assumed to be due to, for example, the end of the first control or the replacement process.

[0147] Next, within the first hour (for example, 30 seconds) after detecting the shutdown of the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37, the solenoid valve 33 is activated to supply tap water to the electrolytic cell 31 until the water level sensor 39 detects that it is full (step S22). As a result, the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 are immersed in tap water (the electrolytic cell 31 enters a standby state) (step S23).

[0148] Subsequently, it is determined whether a second hour (for example, 24 hours) has elapsed since the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 were immersed in tap water (step S24). If the result of the determination is that the second hour has not elapsed (NO in step S24), it is determined whether an instruction to supply hypochlorous acid water has been received (step S25). If the result of the determination is that an instruction to supply hypochlorous acid water has not been received (NO in step S25), the process returns to step S23, and the electrolytic cell 31 maintains its standby state.

[0149] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S24 indicates that the second time has elapsed (YES in step S24), the brine transport pump 35 is activated to supply brine to the electrolytic cell 31 (step S26b). As a result, the electrolytic cell 31 is supplied with a chloride aqueous solution (the first electrolyte aqueous solution).

[0150] Then, in conjunction with the shutdown of the saltwater transport pump 35, the electrodes 32 are immediately activated to perform electrolysis of the chloride solution (first electrolyte solution) (step S27b). As a result, the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 are immersed in hypochlorous acid water generated by the electrolysis of the chloride solution.

[0151] Next, the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 is operated to drain the hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 to the air purification unit 11 (mixing tank 92) (step S28b). As a result, the electrolytic cell 31 becomes empty. The hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 may be operated immediately after the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 are immersed in hypochlorous acid water, but it is preferable to maintain the immersion in hypochlorous acid water for a certain period of time (for example, 5 minutes) before operating the pump. Doing so enhances the disinfection effect within the electrolytic cell 31.

[0152] Then, once the drainage of the hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 is complete, the process returns to step S21 and repeats step S22 to return the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 to a state where they are immersed in tap water again (standby state) (step S23). Here, the series of steps from step S24, steps S26b to S28b, step S21, and step S22 correspond to the replacement process in the operation related to the standby process of the electrolytic cell 31. Note that in the replacement process in Modification 2, steps S26b and S27b may be omitted, and the tap water may be drained directly in step S28b.

[0153] On the other hand, if the determination in step S25 indicates that a command to supply hypochlorous acid water has been received (YES in step S25), the saline transport pump 35 is activated to supply saline water to the electrolytic cell 31 (step S26a). As a result, the electrolytic cell 31 is supplied with a chloride aqueous solution (the first electrolyte aqueous solution).

[0154] Then, in conjunction with the shutdown of the saltwater transport pump 35, the electrodes 32 are immediately activated to perform electrolysis of the chloride solution (first electrolyte solution) (step S27a). As a result, the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 are immersed in hypochlorous acid water generated by the electrolysis of the chloride solution. In this way, hypochlorous acid water is generated in the electrolytic cell 31 by the electrolysis of the chloride solution.

[0155] Subsequently, the hypochlorous acid water transport pump 37 is activated to supply the hypochlorous acid water in the electrolytic cell 31 to the air purification unit 11 (step S28a).

[0156] Then, once the supply of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 to the air purification unit 11 is complete, the process returns to step S21 and repeats step S22, returning the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 to a state where they are once again immersed in tap water (standby state) (step S23).

[0157] In addition, the air purification unit 11 performs humidification and purification treatment using hypochlorous acid water supplied from the electrolytic cell 31 (step S29).

[0158] In this way, the air purification control unit 41 causes the electrolytic cell 31 to perform standby processing in the third operation.

[0159] As described above, the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30) that performs standby processing for the electrolytic cell 31 according to Modification 2 can be enjoyed as follows.

[0160] (8) The hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30) comprises an electrolytic cell 31 that generates hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing an electrolyte aqueous solution (chloride aqueous solution), and a water supply unit (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) that sends the hypochlorous acid water generated in the electrolytic cell 31 to the outside of the device (air purification unit 11). Within one hour (for example, 30 seconds) after the delivery of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 to the outside of the device is completed, first water (tap water) is supplied to the electrolytic cell 31 so that the electrodes 32 of the electrolytic cell 31 are immersed in the first water.

[0161] With this configuration, after the supply of hypochlorous acid water from the electrolytic cell 31 is complete, the electrolytic cell 31 remains immersed in the first water. Therefore, even when the device is stopped and on standby for a long period of time, the inside of the electrolytic cell 31 will not dry out, thus suppressing the precipitation of scale components such as calcium or magnesium contained in the hypochlorous acid water. In other words, a hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30) can be made capable of suppressing the drying and solidification of scale components inside the electrolytic cell 31.

[0162] (9) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30), when two hours (for example, 24 hours) have elapsed since the supply of first water (tap water) to the electrolytic cell 31, a replacement process is performed in which the first water in the electrolytic cell 31 is drained and new second water (tap water) is supplied to immerse the electrodes 32. This allows bacteria or mold to be periodically removed every two hours, even if they are introduced into the electrolytic cell 31 from the outside (air inside the electrolytic cell 31 or the first water introduced). Therefore, even when the device is stopped and on standby for a long period of time, the drying of scale components inside the electrolytic cell 31 can be suppressed, and the growth of bacteria or mold inside the electrolytic cell can be further suppressed.

[0163] (10) In the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water generation unit 30), during the replacement process, salt water, which serves as the electrolyte, is added to the first water in the electrolytic cell 31 to make a chloride aqueous solution, and the chloride aqueous solution is electrolyzed to produce hypochlorous acid water before being discharged. As a result, even if bacteria or mold are mixed in and proliferating in the first water in the electrolytic cell 31, the bacteria or mold are inactivated by the hypochlorous acid water produced by electrolysis before being discharged, so that the amount of bacteria or mold remaining in the electrolytic cell 31 after discharge can be reduced. For this reason, even when the device is stopped and on standby for a long period of time, the drying of scale components in the electrolytic cell 31 can be suppressed, and the growth of bacteria or mold in the electrolytic cell 31 can be suppressed more reliably.

[0164] The present invention has been described above based on embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each component or combination of processing steps, and that such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0165] In the hypochlorous acid water supply device (hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36) according to this first embodiment, the drainage of the electrolytic cell 31 by the hypochlorous acid water supply unit 36 ​​during the replacement process is performed by circulating it through the air purification device 10, but this is not the only way. For example, a separate drainage piping system (drainage piping including a solenoid valve) may be connected to the electrolytic cell 31, and the water may be drained from inside the electrolytic cell 31 to the outside of the device via the drainage piping. In this way, during the standby processing operation of the electrolytic cell 31, the drainage of the electrolytic cell 31 during the replacement process can be performed regardless of the operating status of the humidification and purification operation of the air purification device 10. [Industrial applicability]

[0166] The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to the present invention is capable of suppressing the drying and solidification of scale components in the electrolytic cell, and is useful as a device or system for disinfecting or deodorizing the air in a target space. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0167] 2. Inlet 3 Air outlet 4 Front air passage 5 Middle wind path 6 Rear air passage 8 Air 9 Air 10. Air purification device 11. Air purification unit 11a Humidifying motor 11b Humidifying nozzle 13 Blower 14 Refrigerant coil 15. Air conditioning system 16 ducts 16a Indoor intake 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 ducts 30. Hypochlorous acid water generation unit 31 Electrolytic cell 32 electrodes 33 Solenoid valve 34 Saltwater Tanks 35 Saltwater transfer pump 36. Hypochlorous Acid Water Supply Unit 37. Hypochlorous acid water transport pump 38 Water pipe 39 Water level sensor 41 Air Purification Control Unit 41a Input section 41b Storage section 41c Timekeeping section 41d Processing Unit 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 produces hypochlorous acid water by electrolyzing an electrolyte solution, A water supply unit that supplies the entire amount of the hypochlorous acid water produced in the electrolytic cell to an external air purification device, A brine tank for storing a liquid containing chloride ions and supplying it to the electrolytic cell, Equipped with, Within one hour after the entire volume of the hypochlorous acid water has been transferred from the electrolytic cell to the external air purification device, the electrodes of the electrolytic cell are immersed in the first electrolyte solution or the first water by supplying a first electrolyte solution from the salt water tank to the electrolytic cell, or by supplying first water from an external source. Hypochlorous acid water supply device.

2. If electrolysis of the first electrolyte solution is not performed even after two hours have elapsed since the first electrolyte solution was supplied to the electrolytic cell, the first electrolyte solution in the electrolytic cell is drained, and a replacement process is performed in which a second electrolyte solution is supplied and the electrodes are immersed. The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 1.

3. In the replacement process, the first electrolyte solution in the electrolytic cell is electrolyzed to produce hypochlorous acid water, which is then drained. The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 2.

4. After the electrode is immersed in the first electrolyte solution, the first electrolyte solution is electrolyzed to produce hypochlorous acid water. The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 1.

5. The electrolytic cell is further provided with a water level detection unit that detects the water level of the first electrolyte solution supplied to the electrolytic cell, The electrolytic cell starts the electrolysis of the first electrolyte solution by the electrodes based on information regarding the water level of the first electrolyte solution from the water level detection unit. The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 4.

6. When two hours have elapsed since the hypochlorous acid water was generated in the electrolytic cell, the hypochlorous acid water in the electrolytic cell is drained, and a replacement process is performed in which the electrodes are immersed in hypochlorous acid water based on a newly supplied second electrolyte solution. A hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. After the electrodes are immersed in the first water, an electrolyte is added to the first water, and then hypochlorous acid water is produced by electrolysis. The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 1.

8. If two hours have elapsed since the first water was supplied to the electrolytic cell, the first water in the electrolytic cell is drained, and a replacement process is performed in which the second water is supplied and the electrodes are immersed. The hypochlorous acid water supply device according to claim 7.

9. The wastewater from the aforementioned replacement process is circulated through a humidifying and purifying device. A hypochlorous acid water supply device according to any one of claims 2, 3, 6, or 8.

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