JP2010017413A - Air sterilization device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To control precipitation of scales by suppressing the increase of hardness of electrolytic water in an air sterilization device bringing electrolytic water into contact with air. <P>SOLUTION: The air sterilization device 1 comprises an electrolysis vessel 46 for generating the electrolytic water including active oxygen species by electolyzing water; a gas-liquid contact member 53 for bringing the electrolytic water into contact with air; a circulation pump 44 for feeding the electrolytic water generated in the electrolysis vessel 46 to the gas-liquid contact member 53 and circulating/feeding the electrolytic water passing through the gas-liquid contact member to the gas-liquid contact member 53; and a demineralizing module 90 for performing the process for reducing the hardness of the electrolytic water circulated/fed to the gas-liquid contact member 53. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an air sterilization apparatus capable of removing airborne microorganisms (hereinafter simply referred to as “virus etc.”) such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Conventionally, an air sterilization apparatus has been proposed in which electrolyzed tap water is electrolyzed to produce electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid, and viruses etc. floating in the air are removed using this electrolyzed water ( For example, see Patent Document 1). This air sterilization device supplies electrolyzed water to the gas-liquid contact member, contacts viruses etc. in the air passing through the gas-liquid contact member with the electrolyzed water, and inactivates the viruses etc., thereby removing air. It is something that tries to be fungus.
JP 2007-175140 A

  In the conventional air sterilization apparatus, the electrolyzed water is circulated and used. However, when the electrolyzed water is circulated for a relatively long period of time, calcium and magnesium contained in the electrolyzed water are evaporated due to evaporation of the electrolyzed water. Concentration increases the hardness of the electrolyzed water. As the hardness of the electrolyzed water increases, for example, there is a possibility that scales such as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate are likely to be deposited on the gas-liquid contact member.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to suppress scale deposition by suppressing an increase in the hardness of electrolyzed water in an air sterilization apparatus that makes electrolyzed water and air contact. And

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell that electrolyzes water to generate electrolytic water containing active oxygen species, a gas-liquid contact member that makes electrolytic water and air contact, and the electrolytic cell. A circulating pump that supplies the generated electrolyzed water to the gas-liquid contact member and circulates and supplies the electrolyzed water that has passed through the gas-liquid contact member to the gas-liquid contact member, and is circulated and supplied to the gas-liquid contact member Provided is an air sterilization device comprising a water softening module that performs a process of reducing the hardness of electrolyzed water.
According to this configuration, since the hardness of the electrolyzed water circulated and supplied to the gas-liquid contact member is reduced by the treatment of the water softening module, hardness components such as calcium and magnesium contained in the electrolyzed water are transferred to the gas-liquid contact member and the like. It becomes difficult to precipitate. Thereby, precipitation of the scale in the circulation path of electrolyzed water, such as a gas-liquid contact member, can be controlled.

In the above-described configuration, a storage portion that stores the electrolyzed water flowing down from the gas-liquid contact member is provided, and the electrolyzed water stored in the storage portion is supplied to the gas-liquid contact member by the circulation pump, The water softening module may be configured to take in the electrolyzed water stored in the storage unit and perform a process of reducing the hardness, and return the treated electrolyzed water to the storage unit.
In this case, since the electrolyzed water stored in the storage part is processed by the water softening module and returned to the storage part, the electrolyzed water having reduced hardness is surely provided in the circulation path of the electrolyzed water including the gas-liquid contact member. And the precipitation of scale can be suppressed throughout the circulation path.

In addition, the water softening module is provided in the water softening unit configured separately from the air sterilizer main body including the electrolytic cell, the gas-liquid contact member, the circulation pump, and the storage unit. It is arranged together with a suction pump that sucks in the electrolyzed water of the part, and is configured to perform a process of reducing the hardness of the electrolyzed water sucked in by the suction pump, and the storage part and the water softening part of the air sterilizer main body A suction pipe that connects the suction port of the suction pump, and a return pipe that connects the discharge port for discharging the treated electrolytic water from the water softening module and the storage unit may be provided.
In this case, the water softening part which accommodated the water softening module can be externally attached to the air sterilization apparatus main body by connecting the storage part and the water softening part via the suction pipe and the return pipe. For this reason, the structure which suppresses the precipitation of scale by reducing the hardness of the electrolyzed water by the water softening module can be easily realized by externally installing the water softening unit in the air sterilization apparatus not equipped with the water softening module. It is also possible to add a function to suppress the precipitation of scale.

Moreover, it is good also as a structure which supplies the electrolyzed water stored in the said storage part with the function of the said circulation pump with respect to the said water softening module.
In this case, since the electrolyzed water stored in the storage unit is supplied to the water softening module by the function of the circulation pump, there is no need to provide a pump for supplying the water softening module to the water softening module. For this reason, electrolysis water can be supplied to a water softening module by simple structure, and precipitation of a scale can be controlled.

Furthermore, the discharge port for discharging the treated electrolyzed water from the water softening module can be switched between a first discharge pipe connected to the storage section and a second discharge pipe connected to a drain tank for storing waste water. A connected configuration may be used.
In this case, the electrolyzed water discharged from the water softening module can be switched to either the storage unit or the drainage tank, and the electrolyzed water is discharged to the storage unit or the drainage tank depending on the operating status of the air sterilization device. it can. For example, when a hardness component or the like is deposited on the water softening module, the electrolyzed water can be directly flowed into the drainage tank and drained together with the hardness component or the like.

Moreover, it is good also as a structure provided with the filter through which the electrolyzed water after the process discharged from the said water softening module passes.
In this case, foreign matter such as scale and hardness component contained in the electrolyzed water discharged from the water softening module is collected when passing through the filter, so that foreign matter such as scale and hardness component flows into the circulation path of the electrolyzed water. Can be prevented.

Moreover, it is good also as a structure where the discharge pipe which discharges the electrolyzed water after a process from the said water softening module was connected to the inflow port of the said electrolytic vessel.
In this case, the electrolyzed water softened by the water softening module is directly supplied to the electrolyzer, and the electrolyzed water that is electrolyzed by the electrolyzer is electrolyzed water that has been softened and reduced in hardness. Precipitation can be suppressed. In addition, since the water softening module and the electrolytic cell are directly connected and the water softening and electrolysis of the electrolyzed water can be processed through one piping path, the configuration of the piping can be simplified. For this reason, the structure which performs water softening and electrolysis in an air sanitizer can be implement | achieved easily.

The water softening module further includes a pair of electrodes disposed in the flow path of the electrolyzed water, and a conductive collection member electrically connected to one of these electrodes, You may reduce the hardness of electrolyzed water by applying a voltage.
In this case, a large amount of hardness component contained in the electrolyzed water is deposited on the collecting member electrically connected to one of the electrodes. As a result, the concentration of the hardness component in the electrolyzed water can be reduced, so that it is difficult for the hardness components such as calcium and magnesium contained in the electrolyzed water to deposit at places other than the collecting member, and the electrolysis including the gas-liquid contact member is performed. Scale deposition in the water circulation path can be suppressed.

Furthermore, the water softening operation mode for reducing the hardness of the electrolyzed water and the washing operation mode for applying a voltage by reversing the polarity of the electrodes can be executed when the water softening operation mode is executed. May be.
According to this configuration, by executing the water softening operation mode, hardness components such as calcium and magnesium contained in the electrolyzed water are deposited around the electrode and the collecting member, so that the hardness of the electrolyzed water can be reduced. . Then, by executing the cleaning operation mode, the hardness component deposited around the electrode and the collecting member can be dissolved and removed to be removed. Thereby, since the function which reduces the hardness of a water softening module can always be maintained in a favorable state, and the hardness of electrolyzed water can be reduced, precipitation of a scale can be suppressed.

In the washing operation mode, the treated electrolyzed water may be discharged from the water softening module to the drainage tank.
In this case, since the electrolyzed water discharged in the cleaning operation mode is discharged to the drainage tank, the wastewater in the cleaning operation mode containing a lot of hardness components can be discharged out of the circulation path of the electrolyzed water.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the air sanitizer which makes electrolyzed water and air contact, precipitation of a scale can be suppressed by suppressing the increase in the hardness of electrolyzed water.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an air sterilizer 1 according to a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
The air sterilization apparatus 1 has a box-shaped casing 11 formed in a vertically long shape, and is installed on the floor, for example. In the housing 11, a suction grill 12 is formed in the lower part of both side surfaces of the housing 11, and a suction port 15 is formed in the lower end portion of the front surface of the housing 11.
Moreover, the blower outlet 13 is formed in the upper surface of the housing | casing 11, and the louver 20 for changing the direction which blows off air is provided in the blower outlet 13. FIG. The louver 20 is configured to close the air outlet 13 when the operation is stopped.
The air sterilizer 1 sucks and sterilizes the air in the installation room through the suction grill 12 and the suction port 15, and exhausts the sterilized air from the air outlet 13 to clean the room air. Device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the air sterilizer 1.
On the upper surface of the housing 11, an operation lid 16A disposed on the front surface side of the air outlet 13 and a tank opening / closing lid 14A disposed side by side on the operation lid 16A are formed. When the operation lid 16A is opened, the operation panel 16 for performing various operations of the air sterilization apparatus 1 is exposed, and when the tank opening / closing lid 14A is opened, a water supply tank 41 described later can be taken in and out through the tank outlet 14. ing.
In addition, gripping portions 17 are formed on the upper portions of both side surfaces of the housing 11. These gripping portions 17 are concave portions for holding the case 11 by hand, and the air sterilizer 1 can be lifted and moved by one person during transportation.
Further, an upper cover member 18 and a lower cover member 19 arranged in the vertical direction are detachably arranged on the front surface (one side surface) of the housing 11, respectively. The upper cover member 18 and the lower cover member When 19 is removed, the internal structure of the housing 11 is exposed. The lower cover member 19 includes an arc portion 19A that is curved toward the back side of the housing 11 at the lower end of the lower cover member 19, and the suction port 15 is formed in the arc portion 19A. Yes.

As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 11 is provided with a support plate 21 that divides the interior of the housing 11 into upper and lower portions, and is divided into an upper chamber 22 and a lower chamber 23. In the lower chamber 23, a blower fan 31 and a fan motor 32 are arranged, and a drainage tank 57 having a handle 57 </ b> A is accommodated through the partition plate 24 so as to be drawn out to the front side of the housing 11. ing. The blower fan 31, the fan motor 32, and the drainage tank 57 are arranged side by side.
A pre-filter 34 is detachably disposed between the blower fan 31 and the suction port 15, that is, at a position facing the lower cover member 19 (FIG. 1) in the lower chamber 23. The pre-filter 34 collects a large particle size such as dust in the air sucked through the suction grill 12 and the suction port 15, and passes through the first filter 25, for example, a particle size of 10 And a second filter 26 that collects an object of the order of (μm). Pollen and dust floating in the air are removed by the prefilter 34, and the removed air is supplied to the upper chamber 22 via the blower fan 31.

On the other hand, an electrical box 39 is disposed above the blower fan 31 and the fan motor 32 in the upper chamber 22, and the electrical box 39 constitutes a control unit 37 (FIG. 6) that controls the air sterilizer 1. Various electrical components such as a control board on which various devices are mounted and a power supply circuit for supplying a power supply voltage to the fan motor 32 are accommodated. The control unit 37 controls the louver 20, the fan motor 32, and the like according to the operation of the operation panel 16.
Above the electrical box 39, a gas-liquid contact member 53 that displaces air by bringing the passing air into contact with the electrolyzed water is disposed. Below the gas-liquid contact member 53, a water receiving tray 42 including a water receiving portion 42A that receives the electrolyzed water dropped from the gas-liquid contact member 53 is disposed. The water receiving tray 42 includes a storage portion 42B formed on the deep bottom, and the storage portion 42B can store a large amount of electrolyzed water. This storage part 42B is configured such that the electrolyzed water dropped into the water receiving part 42A flows in, and the electrolyzed water is stored in the storage part 42B. Further, the reservoir 42B extends above the drain tank 57.
Further, a water supply tank 41 is disposed on the storage part 42B, and water can be supplied from the water supply tank 41 to the storage part 42B.
In addition, a circulation pump 44 that supplies electrolyzed water to the gas-liquid contact member 53, a water softening module 90 that reduces the hardness of the electrolyzed water, and an electrolyzer 46 that generates electrolyzed water are provided above the reservoir 42B. ing.

Next, the flow of air in the air sterilizer 1 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a right side cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the air sterilization apparatus 1.
As described above, the blower fan 31 is provided in the lower chamber 23 of the housing 11. A blower port 31 </ b> A of the blower fan 31 is provided upward in the back side portion of the housing 11, and communicates with a space 1 </ b> A as an air path extending vertically on the back side of the upper chamber 22. The space 1 </ b> A includes a first air guide member 81 disposed on the back side of the housing 11, and an air guide plate 84 disposed opposite to the first air guide member 81 and extending from the support plate 21 to the water tray 42. It is formed by. The air blown from the blower port 31A of the blower fan 31 passes through the space 1A as shown by an arrow in FIG. 3 and is blown to the back surface of the gas-liquid contact member 53.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the gas-liquid contact member 53 is disposed in the space 1 </ b> B opposite to the space 1 </ b> A (in the first embodiment, on the front side of the housing 11) via the gas-liquid contact member 53. A second air guide member 83 that guides the air that has passed through to the air outlet 13 is disposed. The second air guide member 83 is formed in a substantially box shape having an upper surface portion and a back surface portion opened.
In addition to the function of guiding the air in the space 1B to the air outlet 13, the second air guide member 83 has a function of receiving water (so-called flying water) blown into the space 1B together with the air from the gas-liquid contact member 53. Have. Specifically, the bottom surface 83 </ b> A on the inner side of the second air guide member 83 is inclined toward the gas-liquid contact member 53 and is formed so as to guide the water that has jumped out of the second air guide member 83 to the water receiving tray 42. Has been. The air that has passed through the gas-liquid contact member 53 is exhausted through the air outlet filter 36 that is guided to the inner surface 83B of the second air guide member 83 and disposed below the air outlet 13.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a main part that generates and circulates electrolyzed water in the air sterilizer 1.
The air sterilization apparatus 1 circulates electrolyzed water for sterilizing air inside and repeatedly uses it, so that a small amount of water can be effectively used to sterilize air over a long period of time. That is, in the air sterilizer 1, the electrolyzed water is stored in the reservoir 42B, and the electrolyzed water is pumped up from the reservoir 42B by the circulation pump 44. A part of the electrolyzed water pumped up from the storage part 42B by the circulation pump 44 is supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 53, infiltrated into the gas-liquid contact member 53 and brought into contact with the air to sterilize the air, and thereafter It returns to the storage part 42B, is again supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 53 by the circulation pump 44, and is repeatedly used for disinfection.

The gas-liquid contact member 53 is disposed above the water receiving portion 42A, and the electrolyzed water that is used for sterilization and flows down from the gas-liquid contact member 53 is received by the water receiving portion 42A.
The water receiving tray 42 is configured by integrally forming a water receiving portion 42A and a storage portion 42B. The water receiving part 42A is formed one step higher than the storage part 42B, and the electrolyzed water that has flowed from the gas-liquid contact member 53 to the water receiving part 42A flows into the storage part 42B. In addition, a filter 74 that collects solid matter (scale) contained in the water that has flowed down from the gas-liquid contact member 53 is disposed in the flow path of the electrolyzed water from the water receiving portion 42A to the storage portion 42B.

  Circulation pump 44 is disposed such that its suction port is below the water surface of reservoir 42 </ b> B, and discharges the electrolytic water through water pipe 71 connected to the discharge port of circulation pump 44. The water distribution pipe 71 is a pipe that connects the circulation pump 44 and the gas-liquid contact member 53. Further, a first branch pipe 71A and a second branch pipe 71B branched from the water distribution pipe 71 are connected to the water distribution pipe 71, respectively. The first branch pipe 71A is connected to the water softening module 90, the second branch pipe 71B branching downstream from the first branch pipe 71A is connected to the electrolytic bath 46, and the water softening module 90 and Electrolyzed water is also supplied to the electrolytic cell 46.

The water softening module 90 performs a process of softening the electrolyzed water supplied through the first branch pipe 71A. Here, softening refers to a treatment for reducing the hardness of water by reducing the concentration of hardness components such as calcium ions (Ca ²⁺ ) and magnesium ions (Mg ²⁺ ) contained in water. As will be described later, the water softening module 90 includes a pair of electrodes 94 and 95 (FIG. 7), and reduces the hardness of the electrolyzed water by applying a voltage between the electrodes 94 and 95.
A three-way valve 62 is connected to the electrolyzed water outlet 90 a of the water softening module 90. One outlet of the three-way valve 62 is connected to a soft water return pipe 61 (first discharge pipe) for returning the softened electrolyzed water to the reservoir 42B, and the other outlet is connected to a drain tank 57. A drain pipe 63 (second discharge pipe) is connected. The three-way valve 62 is switched under the control of the control unit 37.

On the other hand, in the electrolytic cell 46, the electrolyzed water supplied through the second branch pipe 71B is electrolyzed. As will be described later, the electrolytic bath 46 includes a pair of electrodes 47 and 48 (FIG. 5), and a voltage controlled by the control unit 37 is applied between the electrodes 47 and 48 to electrolyze and electrolyze water. Produce water. In 1st Embodiment, the electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid (HClO) as a disinfection component is produced | generated by electrolyzing tap water. And the electrolysis water discharge pipe 73 which sends electrolyzed water to the storage part 42B is connected to the discharge port of the electrolytic vessel 46. FIG.
The terminal ends of the soft water return pipe 61 and the electrolyzed water discharge pipe 73 are positioned above the filter 74, and the electrolyzed water exiting the water softening module 90 and the electrolytic bath 46 is the soft water return pipe 61 and the electrolyzed water discharge pipe 73. Is poured directly into the filter 74, and after passing through the filter 74, the scale and the like are removed, and then the storage unit 42B is returned to.
For this reason, even if a scale is generated in the water softening module 90 or the electrolytic bath 46 and the scale flows together with the electrolytic water, the scale 74 is collected by the filter 74, and therefore the electrolytic water circulation path including the gas-liquid contact member 53 Scale can be prevented from flowing in.

  Electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid generated in the electrolyzer 46 is stored in the reservoir 42B, and is supplied from the reservoir 42B to the gas-liquid contact member 53 by the circulation pump 44. And when the gas-liquid contact member 53 is sent air by blowing, when the air passes through the gas-liquid contact member 53, the virus etc. floating in the air and the electrolyzed water come into contact and the virus etc. are inactivated. Therefore, air can be sterilized. In addition to the effect of sterilizing air, the electrolyzed water has an effect of preventing the propagation of germs in the gas-liquid contact member 53 itself. Furthermore, the electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid has a deodorizing effect because the odor can be ionized, dissolved in the electrolyzed water and removed from the air when the odor passes through the gas-liquid contact member 53.

  Here, a watering box 51 for dispersing electrolyzed water uniformly on the gas-liquid contact member 53 is assembled on the gas-liquid contact member 53. The water spray box 51 includes a tray member (not shown) that temporarily stores electrolyzed water. A plurality of water spray holes (not shown) are opened on the side surface of the tray member, and supplied through a water distribution pipe 71. Electrolyzed water is dripped with respect to the gas-liquid contact member 53 from this watering hole.

  The gas-liquid contact member 53 is a filter having a honeycomb structure. Specifically, the gas-liquid contact member 53 has a structure in which an element portion that contacts gas is supported by a frame. The element portion is configured by laminating a corrugated plate member and a flat plate member, and a plurality of substantially triangular openings are formed between the corrugated plate member and the flat plate member. Therefore, a wide gas contact area is ensured when air is passed through the element portion, electrolysis water can be dripped, and the structure is difficult to clog.

In addition, a diversion sheet (not shown) is disposed on the upper surface of the gas-liquid contact member 53 in order to efficiently disperse the electrolyzed water dropped from the watering box 51 in the element portion. The diversion sheet is a sheet (woven fabric, non-woven fabric, or the like) made of a fiber material having liquid permeability, and one or more are provided along the cross section in the thickness direction of the gas-liquid contact member 53.
Furthermore, each part of the gas-liquid contact member 53 (including the frame, the element part, and the flow dividing sheet) is made of a material that is hardly deteriorated by electrolyzed water, such as polyolefin resin (polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, etc.), PET (polyethylene A material such as a terephthalate) resin, a vinyl chloride resin, a fluorine resin (PTFE, PFA, ETFE, etc.) or a ceramic material is used. In this configuration, a PET resin is used.
Further, each part of the gas-liquid contact member 53 is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment to enhance the affinity for the electrolyzed water, whereby the water retention (wetability) of the electrolyzed water of the gas-liquid contact member 53 is maintained. The contact between the active oxygen species (active oxygen substance) described later and the room air is maintained for a long time.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the electrolytic cell 46 in detail.
With reference to this FIG. 5, the supply of the electrolyzed water with respect to the gas-liquid contact member 53 is demonstrated. In addition, 1st Embodiment demonstrates the case where tap water is put into the water supply tank 41 (FIG. 2), and the air sanitizer 1 is operated.

  When the water supply tank 41 containing the tap water is set in the air sterilizer 1, the tap water is supplied from the water supply tank 41 to the storage part 42B as described above, and the water level of the storage part 42B reaches a predetermined level. . The water in the reservoir 42 </ b> B is pumped up by the circulation pump 44 and a part thereof is supplied to the electrolytic cell 46. As shown in FIG. 5, the electrolytic cell 46 includes a pair of electrodes 47 and 48, one of which is positive and the other of which is negative. By applying a voltage between these electrodes 47 and 48, The flowing tap water is electrolyzed to generate electrolyzed water containing active oxygen species. Here, the reactive oxygen species are oxygen having higher oxidation activity than normal oxygen and related substances, such as superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, or hydrogen peroxide, in a narrow sense. The active oxygen includes so-called broad active oxygen such as ozone and hypohalous acid.

The electrodes 47 and 48 are, for example, electrode plates in which the base is made of titanium (Ti) and the coating layer is made of iridium (Ir) and platinum (Pt). It is set to be in the range of mA (milliampere) / cm ² (square centimeter) to several tens of mA / cm ² to generate a predetermined free residual chlorine concentration (for example, 1 mg (milligram) / l (liter)).

More specifically, when one of the electrodes 47 and 48 is an anode electrode and the other is a cathode electrode and current is passed between the electrodes 47 and 48 from an external power source, hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) and hydroxides in water are generated at the cathode electrode. The ions (OH ⁻ ) react as shown in the following formula.
^{4H + + 4e - + (4OH} -) → 2H 2 + (4OH -)

On the other hand, in the anode electrode, water is electrolyzed as shown in the following formula.
^{_{2H 2 O → 4H + + O}} 2 + 4e -
At the same time, at the electrode 47, chlorine ions (chloride ions: Cl ⁻ ) contained in water react as shown in the following formula, and chlorine (Cl ₂ ) is generated.
2Cl ⁻ → Cl ₂ + 2e ⁻
Further, this chlorine reacts with water as shown in the following formula to generate hypochlorous acid (HClO) and hydrogen chloride (HCl).
Cl ₂ + H ₂ O → HClO + HCl

  Hypochlorous acid generated at the anode electrode is included in the active oxygen species in a broad sense and has a strong oxidizing action and bleaching action. The aqueous solution in which hypochlorous acid is dissolved, that is, the electrolyzed water generated by the air sterilizer 1 exhibits various air cleaning effects such as inactivation of viruses, sterilization, and decomposition of organic compounds. Thus, when electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid is dropped from the water spray box 51 onto the gas-liquid contact member 53, the air blown out by the blower fan 31 comes into contact with hypochlorous acid at the gas-liquid contact member 53. . This inactivates viruses or the like floating in the air, and the odorous substance contained in the air reacts with hypochlorous acid to be decomposed or ionized and dissolved. Accordingly, the air is sterilized and deodorized, and the purified air is discharged from the gas-liquid contact member 53.

  An example of influenza virus is given as an action mechanism for inactivating viruses and the like by reactive oxygen species. The above-mentioned reactive oxygen species have the action of destroying and eliminating (removing) the surface protein (spike) of influenza virus, which is essential for influenza infection. When this surface protein is destroyed, the influenza virus and a receptor (receptor) necessary for the infection of the influenza virus are not bound, and the infection is prevented. For this reason, the influenza virus floating in the air loses infectivity by contacting the electrolyzed water containing the active oxygen species in the gas-liquid contact member 53, so that the infection is prevented.

  Therefore, even when this air sterilization apparatus 1 is installed in a so-called large space such as a kindergarten, elementary / middle / high school, a nursing care insurance facility, a hospital, etc., it is cleaned with sterilized water (disinfection, deodorization). Etc.) can be spread widely in the large space, and air sterilization and deodorization in the large space can be performed efficiently.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a circulation path of electrolyzed water.
In the reservoir 42B, a water supply tank 41 (FIG. 2) is disposed with its water supply port directed toward the bottom of the reservoir 42B. The water supply port is provided with a float valve, and the water surface of the reservoir 42B is When it is below the water supply port, the float valve is opened. Thereby, a required amount of water is supplied from the water supply tank 41, and the water level of the storage part 42B is kept constant.
Further, a drainage pipe 55 for connecting the drainage tank 57 for storing the drained electrolyzed water and the storage part 42B is disposed at the bottom of the storage part 42B, and the drainage pipe 55 has a drainage of the storage part 42B. A drain valve 56 is attached to control the operation. When the drain valve 56 is opened, the electrolyzed water is drained from the reservoir 42B to the drain tank 57, the float valve of the water supply tank 41 is activated, and new water is supplied to the reservoir 42B.

In the air sterilization apparatus 1, the electrolyzed water stored in the storage unit 42 </ b> B is pumped up by the circulation pump 44 and branched in three directions, and is supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 53, the water softening module 90, and the electrolytic cell 46, respectively. Then, it returns to the storage part 42B again and repeats the circulation.
That is, the electrolyzed water in the reservoir 42B is circulated to the gas-liquid contact member 53 while being subjected to water softening and electrolysis treatments, and is used for sterilizing air. Then, the electrolyzed water that has been softened by the water softening module 90 and reduced in hardness flows through the circulation path of the electrolyzed water that leaves the storage part 42B and returns to the storage part 42B again.
In addition, the electrolyzed water softened by the water softening module 90 can be directly drained into the drainage tank 57 by switching the three-way valve 62 by the control unit 37.

By the way, the above-mentioned scale is mainly caused by the following factors. In most cases, water such as tap water supplied to the electrolytic cell 46 as a raw material for electrolytic water contains hardness components (calcium ions, magnesium ions, etc.). When the air sterilization operation is performed over a long period of time, particularly in the gas-liquid contact member 53 in which the electrolyzed water easily evaporates, these hardness components are concentrated by the electrolyzed water evaporation and are deposited as a scale. If the scale adheres to the surface of the gas-liquid contact member 53, the contact between the air and the electrolyzed water is obstructed due to the clogging of the gas-liquid contact member 53 or the decrease in the water retention capacity of the electrolyzed water in the gas-liquid contact member 53. Bacterial efficiency may be reduced. In addition, even when a scale adheres to the electrodes 47 and 48 of the electrolytic cell 46 or when clogging occurs due to the scale in the pipe, there is a possibility that the sterilization efficiency may decrease due to a shortage of the supply amount of the electrolyzed water. .
In this 1st Embodiment, generation | occurrence | production of a scale is suppressed using the water softening module 90 which reduces the hardness of electrolyzed water and softens it.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the water softening module 90.
The water softening module 90 has a case body 93 formed by fixing lid members 92A and 92B to both ends of a cylindrical case 91, respectively. The water softening module 90 includes a case body 93, a pair of electrodes 94 and 95, a fiber body 96 (collecting member) having a collecting function, an insulating spacer 97, and a fixing ring 98 that holds the spacer 97. It is configured to accommodate.

  The first branch pipe 71A is connected to the lid member 92A, and the three-way valve 62 is connected to the discharge port of the electrolyzed water in the lid member 92B. That is, the electrolyzed water flows in from one lid member 92A side and is discharged from the other lid member 92B side. The case body 93 is made of an insulating resin material. The lid members 92A and 92B are detachable from the case 91.

  The electrodes 94 and 95 are disk-shaped electrodes, and the outer periphery thereof is attached in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the case 91. The electrodes 94 and 95 are located at the inner ends of the case body 93, the electrode 94 is disposed on the side into which the electrolytic water flows, and the electrode 95 is disposed on the side from which the electrolytic water is discharged. Further, since the electrodes 94 and 95 are formed in a mesh shape, the electrodes 94 and 95 have water permeability, and the electrolyzed water flows through the electrodes 94 and 95.

In addition, the control unit 37 uses the electrodes 94 and 95 so that the value of the current flowing between the electrode 94 and the electrode 95 becomes a constant value (constant current) based on electric power supplied from a DC power supply (not shown). Control the voltage applied between them.
Here, the electrodes 94 and 95 are platinum-iridium-coated titanium electrodes obtained by coating titanium electrodes with an alloy made of platinum and iridium. In addition, as the material for the electrodes 94 and 95, for example, a simple substance such as platinum, iridium, tantalum, palladium, titanium, and stainless steel, or an insoluble conductive material containing at least one of these metals can be used. .

The fibrous body 96 is an aggregate of carbon fibers having conductivity, and is formed in a disk shape. The fibrous body 96 is attached to the surface of the electrode 94 on the downstream side of the flow of the electrolyzed water, and the outer peripheral surface thereof is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the case 91. Further, since the fiber body 96 is an aggregate of fibers and has a large surface area, a large amount of foreign matters such as scales can be collected on the surface thereof, and it has innumerable voids, so that it has water permeability.
Here, carbon fibers are used as the material of the fibrous body 96. For example, activated carbon fibers, platinum fibers, titanium fibers, carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers coated with a catalyst, and resin fibers (iodine and five fluorocarbons) are used. A resin fiber having conductivity, such as polyacetylene resin doped with arsenide or the like, or a resin fiber in which a conductive material is blended as a composition), activated carbon fiber, titanium fiber, or two types The thing containing the above can be used.

The spacer 97 is an insulating resin member formed in a disk shape. The spacer 97 has a porous structure, has water permeability, and can collect foreign matters such as scales in the inside thereof. As an example, the porosity of the spacer 97 is 95%. The porosity indicates the ratio of the volume of the voids existing inside the spacer to the volume of the spacer 97. The spacer 97 may be a mesh.
The spacer 97 is sandwiched between the fiber body 96 and the electrode 95 on the downstream side of the flow of electrolyzed water in the fiber body 96. The fibrous body 96 is pressed slightly by the spacer 97 and slightly deformed. That is, the spacer 97 prevents energization due to the contact between the fibrous body 96 and the electrode 95, and presses the fibrous body 96 against the electrode 94, thereby reducing the electrical resistance (contact resistance) between the electrode 94 and the fibrous body 96. I am letting.
The fixing ring 98 is a ring-shaped insulating member. The fixing ring 98 is fixed in the case 91 so that there is no gap between the outer peripheral surface of the fixing ring 98 and the inner peripheral surface of the case 91. The spacer 97 is held inside the fixing ring 98.

Next, the water softening process of the water softening module 90 will be described.
The water softening module 90 of the air sterilization apparatus 1 is a washing operation in which the polarity of the electrodes 94 and 95 is reversed and a voltage is applied between the water softening operation mode in which the hardness of the electrolyzed water is lowered and the execution of the water softening operation mode. It can be executed by switching between modes. Although details will be described later, the cleaning operation mode is an operation mode for removing scale components adhering to the water softening module 90.

The water softening operation mode is a mode in which the electrolyzed water is softened, and is executed, for example, during the air sterilization operation of the air sterilization apparatus 1.
When the air sterilization apparatus 1 is instructed to start the air sterilization operation, the control unit 37 activates the fan motor 32 and the like, and activates the circulation pump 44, the water softening module 90, and the electrolytic cell 46. Then, an air sterilization operation for circulating the electrolyzed water through the circulation path including the gas-liquid contact member 53 is started.

In the water softening module 90, the control unit 37 applies a voltage to the electrodes 94 and 95, the electrode 94 is set to the cathode (negative potential), and the electrode 95 is set to the anode (positive potential). The fibrous body 96 that is in contact with and electrically connected to the electrode 94 serves as a cathode (negative potential).
Thereby, in the fibrous body 96 which is located upstream of the flow of the electrolyzed water in the water softening module 90 and serves as the cathode electrode, hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) and hydroxide ions (OH ⁻ ) in water are expressed by the following equations. React as shown.
4H ⁺ + 4e ⁻ + (4OH ⁻ ) → 2H ₂ + (4OH ⁻ )
On the other hand, water is electrolyzed at the electrode 95 that is located downstream and serves as the anode electrode, as shown in the following formula.
2H ₂ O → 4H ⁺ + O ₂ + 4e ⁻

As described above, hydroxide ions (OH ⁻ ) are generated in the fibrous body 96 serving as the cathode. Since hydroxide ions are very strong bases, the negatively charged surface of the fibrous body 96 is locally alkaline. Thereby, the hardness component in electrolyzed water reacts with this hydroxide ion, and becomes a salt. Specifically, ions such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and silica, which are main scale components contained in the electrolyzed water, are precipitated as hardly soluble salts such as calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide. . Moreover, when ion, such as phosphorus, sulfur, and zinc, is contained in electrolytic water, calcium sulfate, calcium sulfite, calcium phosphate, zinc phosphate, zinc hydroxide, basic zinc, etc. may precipitate as a salt. Then, ions such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and silica, which are components of the scale, are deposited as crystalline bodies on the fiber body 96 due to electrodeposition. In particular, since the fiber body 96 has a large surface area, a large amount of crystals are precipitated on the surface, and the ability to collect the crystals is high.
Hereinafter, a precipitate in which hardness components such as calcium ions and magnesium ions are precipitated on the fibrous body 96 by executing the water softening operation mode as a scale or the like is referred to as a crystal body.

As described above, in the water softening operation mode, when the electrolyzed water passes through the water softening module 90 in the circulation path of the electrolyzed water that exits the storage section 42B and returns to the storage section 42B, calcium, magnesium, etc. Since the hardness component is deposited on the fibrous body 96, the concentration of the hardness component contained in the circulating electrolyzed water is lowered and the electrolyzed water is softened.
Further, in the water softening operation mode, the water flowing from the electrode 94 side to the electrode 95 side promotes the separation of the crystal body deposited on the fiber body 96, thereby preventing the crystal body from growing excessively on the fiber body 96. The crystal that has flowed downstream can be recovered by the spacer 97. Since the spacer 97 has a porous structure as described above, a large amount of crystals can be recovered.

A general index indicating the hardness of water is calculated by, for example, the following formula (1).
Hardness = calcium amount × 2.5 + magnesium amount × 4.1 (1)
Here, the unit of hardness, calcium amount and magnesium amount is (mg / l), and the hardness determined by the above formula (1) is the amount of calcium and magnesium contained in 1 liter of water (mg) as calcium carbonate. It is converted to the amount (mg). When the hardness calculated by the above formula (1) exceeds 300 to 400 (mg / l), calcium and magnesium are likely to be precipitated. By using the water softening module 90 of the first embodiment, for example, an example is given. As a result, the hardness of the electrolyzed water can be reduced to 200 (mg / l) or less, and the precipitation of scale can be suppressed.

Next, the cleaning operation mode will be described.
When the electrolyzed water is treated in the above-described water softening operation mode, crystals are precipitated on the fibrous body 96, and if a large amount of crystals are precipitated as the operation time elapses, the water softening efficiency of the water softening module 90 is affected. there's a possibility that. For this reason, it is desirable to remove the crystal body deposited on the fiber body 96.

The cleaning operation mode is an operation mode in which the crystals precipitated on the fiber body 96 in the water softening module 90 are dissolved and separated, and the dissolved and separated crystals are discharged to the drainage tank 57. In the embodiment, it is executed every time the accumulated operation time in the water softening operation mode reaches a predetermined time.
In the washing operation mode, a voltage is applied by reversing the polarity of the electrodes 94 and 95 in the water softening operation mode described above. That is, the fibrous body 96 becomes an anode (positive potential), and the downstream electrode 95 becomes a cathode (negative potential).

  In this case, due to the electrolytic reaction, the surface of the fiber body 96 locally becomes acidic, and the crystal body deposited on these surfaces and the crystal body adhering to the spacer 97 are dissolved or become cations. When a part of the crystal body is dissolved, it is easy to peel off from the adhesion surface of the fiber body 96, and is discharged to the drain tank 57 together with the electrolyzed water flowing through the drain pipe 63.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation in the cleaning operation mode.
The operation shown in FIG. 8 is started together with the start of the air sterilization operation, for example. When the operation of FIG. 8 is executed, the control unit 37 performs counting by two timers realized by hardware or software. These two timers (first timer and second timer) are timers that count up at a predetermined period as time elapses, and can start / stop counting independently.

When the controller 37 starts the water softening operation mode with the start of the air sterilization operation (step S1), the control unit 37 starts counting a first timer that counts the accumulated operation time in the water softening operation mode (step S2). Thereafter, the control unit 37 refers to the count value T1 of the first timer, and executes the water softening operation mode until the timer count value T1 reaches a preset set value A (step S3).
Here, the set value A determines the cumulative operation time of the water softening operation mode and the start timing of the cleaning operation mode, and is a value that determines the execution frequency of the cleaning operation mode. As described above, crystals are deposited on the water softening module 90 over time due to the execution of the water softening operation mode. However, as the number of crystals increases, the water softening function of the water softening module 90 may gradually deteriorate. is there. Therefore, the set value A is preferably set to a value that executes the cleaning operation mode with such a frequency that the water softening function of the water softening module 90 does not decrease below a practical level. As a specific example, the set value A is set to a count value corresponding to 5 hours of real time.

  When the count value T1 of the first timer reaches the set value A (step S3: Yes), the control unit 37 switches the polarity of the electrodes 94 and 95 to the polarity reversed from the water softening operation mode and applies a voltage (switches). (Step S4), the second timer starts counting (Step S5), and the cleaning operation mode is started. In this cleaning operation mode, the polarities of the electrodes 94 and 95 are reversed, so that the crystals deposited in the water softening module 90 are dissolved and separated. Further, the cleaning operation mode is executed in parallel with the air sterilization operation, and the circulation pump 44 is operating even during the cleaning operation mode. For this reason, the dissolved and peeled crystal body flows into the storage section 42 </ b> B together with the electrolyzed water and is collected by the filter 74.

The control unit 37 continues the cleaning operation mode until the count value T2 of the second timer reaches the preset value B (step S6). When the count value T2 reaches the set value B (step S6: Yes) ), The three-way valve 62 is switched so that the electrolyzed water flows from the water softening module 90 to the drain pipe 63 (step S7), and the discharge of the electrolyzed water to the drain tank 57 is started. By the operation of step S7, the crystal dissolved and peeled in the water softening module 90 is discharged to the drain tank 57 together with the electrolyzed water.
Here, the set value B is a set value that determines the time from the start of the cleaning operation mode to the start of drainage by switching the three-way valve 62, and a part or all of the crystals deposited on the water softening module 90. It is preferable to set it to a time during which it can be dissolved. As a specific example, the set value B is set to a count value corresponding to 9 minutes and 40 seconds of real time. Note that the second timer continues counting even after the count value T2 reaches the set value B.

Subsequently, the control unit 37 waits until the count value T2 of the second timer reaches a preset value C in a state where the electrolyzed water of the water softening module 90 is discharged to the drainage tank 57 (step S10). ). Here, when the count value T2 reaches the set value C (step S8: Yes), the control unit 37 returns the switching state of the three-way valve 62 so that the electrolyzed water flows through the soft water return pipe 61 again. (Step S9) The inversion of the electrodes 94 and 95 is terminated, and the polarity is returned to the same polarity as in the water softening operation mode (Step S10).
The set value C is a value that determines the time for switching the three-way valve 62 from step S7 to discharge the electrolyzed water to the drain tank 57. For example, a time that allows most of the crystals in the water softening module 90 to be discharged is preferable. . Since the discharge time of the electrolyzed water corresponds to the time from when the count value T2 of the second timer reaches the set value B to the set value C, the set value C is obtained by adding the drainage time to the set value B. Value. For example, when the set value B is set to a value corresponding to 9 minutes and 40 seconds of real time, in order to drain the water from the water softening module 90 for 20 seconds, the set value C is 20 seconds to 9 minutes and 40 seconds. Is set to a count value corresponding to 10 minutes (real time).

After returning the switching state of the three-way valve 62 and the polarity switching state of the electrodes 94 and 95, the control unit 37 resets the count value T1 of the first timer and the count value T2 of the second timer (step S11), It is determined whether or not to end the operation (step S12), and when the operation is continued, the process returns to step S1. Moreover, when the end of the air sterilization operation or the water softening operation mode is instructed (step S12; Yes), the operation of FIG. 8 is ended.
When the end of the air sterilization operation or the water softening operation mode is instructed by the operation on the operation panel 16 or the like during the operation of FIG. 8, the control unit 37 immediately stops each unit and stops the operation of FIG. The operation may be terminated, or each unit may be stopped after the operation is continued until step S12.

As described above, the crystal body deposited on the surface of the fibrous body 96 in the water softening operation mode is dissolved and separated and removed by the cleaning operation mode that reverses the polarity of the electrodes 94 and 95. Furthermore, the crystal flow is further accelerated physically by the water flow flowing in the water softening module 90 during the cleaning operation mode. Thereby, since the crystal body precipitated in the water softening operation mode can be easily removed from the fiber body 96, the water softening function of the water softening module 90 is always maintained in a good state and the hardness of the electrolyzed water is lowered. be able to.
In addition, by appropriately setting the set values B and C, the discharge amount of the electrolyzed water can be easily adjusted, and water can be saved by suppressing the discharge amount of the electrolyzed water to a necessary and sufficient amount. The frequency of water supply work to the water is reduced, and continuous operation for a long time becomes possible. Further, the three-way valve 62 is switched to the drain pipe 63 side by the control of the control unit 37, and the electrolyzed water containing the crystal is discharged to the drain tank 57, so that the crystal is discharged in a large amount to the circulation path of the electrolyzed water. This can prevent the adhesion of the crystal to the circulation path. Furthermore, since the crystal flowing to the reservoir 42B side during the execution of the cleaning operation mode is collected by the filter 74, it is possible to reliably prevent the crystal from adhering to the circulation path of the electrolytic water.

Further, in the water softening module 90, since the fibrous body 96 is provided on the upstream side of the flow of electrolyzed water and the spacer 97 is provided on the downstream side, the separated crystal can be efficiently collected by the downstream spacer 97. Thereby, a large amount of crystals can be collected efficiently.
Further, when a large amount of crystal is accumulated in the spacer 97 and the spacer 97 needs to be cleaned or replaced, the spacers 97 can be easily removed by removing the lid members 92A and 92B.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the electrolyzed water circulated and supplied to the circulation path of the electrolyzed water including the gas-liquid contact member 53 is softened by the water softening module 90. The hardness is lowered by the treatment. Thereby, hardness components, such as calcium and magnesium contained in electrolyzed water, become difficult to deposit in the circulation path containing the gas-liquid contact member 53 as a scale. In particular, in the configuration in which the electrolyzed water is circulated and supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 53, the hardness component tends to be concentrated due to evaporation of the electrolyzed water and the like, and the scale tends to precipitate. However, the water softening module 90 reduces the hardness. Thus, the precipitation of scale can be suppressed. Further, by suppressing the precipitation of scale, it is possible to prevent the water retention of the gas-liquid contact member 53 and the clogging of the piping, and it is possible to keep the air sterilization efficiency good.

In addition, the electrolyzed water stored in the storage unit 42B is sent to the water softening module 90 by the operation of the circulation pump 44 to be softened, and the electrolyzed water whose hardness is reduced returns from the water softening module 90 to the storage unit 42B. Therefore, the electrolyzed water having reduced hardness is reliably supplied to the circulation path of the electrolyzed water including the gas-liquid contact member 53, and scale deposition can be suppressed in the entire circulation path.
Further, since the electrolyzed water is pumped up from the storage part 42B, softened by the water softening module 90, and returned to the storage part 42B again, there is an advantage that the water softening module 90 can be easily attached.

Moreover, since the electrolyzed water stored in the storage part 42B is supplied to the water softening module 90 by the function of the circulation pump 44, it is not necessary to provide a new pump for supplying the water softening module 90 with the electrolyzed water. For this reason, electrolyzed water can be supplied to the water softening module 90 with a simple configuration.
Further, a three-way valve 62 is provided, and the three-way valve 62 is switched by the control of the control unit 37, whereby the electrolyzed water discharged from the water softening module 90 is switched to either the storage unit 42B or the drain tank 57 and discharged. it can. For this reason, the electrolyzed water can be discharged to the storage part 42B or the drainage tank 57 according to the operating condition of the air sterilizer 1. For example, when crystals or the like are deposited on the water softening module 90, the electrolyzed water Can be drained directly into the drainage tank 57 together with the crystals.

Furthermore, the electrolyzed water exiting the water softening module 90 and the electrolytic cell 46 is poured into the filter 74 through the soft water return pipe 61 and the electrolyzed water discharge pipe 73, respectively, and when passing through the filter 74, scales, crystals, etc. Is removed and then the storage part 42B is returned to. For this reason, even if the scale, crystals, etc. generated in the water softening module 90 and the electrolytic bath 46 flow together with the electrolyzed water, they are collected by the filter 74, so that the electrolyzed water circulation path including the gas-liquid contact member 53 enters the circulation path. Scales, crystals, etc. can be prevented from flowing and circulating.
Further, since a large amount of crystal is deposited on the fibrous body 96 electrically connected to the electrode 94, the concentration of the hardness component in the electrolytic water can be reduced. For this reason, calcium ions and magnesium ions contained in the electrolyzed water are unlikely to be deposited in places other than the fiber body 96, and scale deposition in the circulation path of the electrolyzed water including the gas-liquid contact member 53 can be suppressed.

Further, by executing the water softening operation mode, the hardness of the electrolyzed water can be reduced by precipitating and collecting hardness components such as calcium and magnesium contained in the electrolyzed water as crystalline bodies in the fibrous body 96. .
Furthermore, by executing the cleaning operation mode, the crystal body deposited on the fiber body 96 of the water softening module 90 can be dissolved and separated, and the crystal body can be removed from the water softening module 90. Thereby, the water softening function of the water softening module 90 can always be maintained in a good state, the hardness of the electrolyzed water can be reduced, and the precipitation of scale can be efficiently suppressed.
Furthermore, since the electrolyzed water containing dissolved and exfoliated crystals generated in the cleaning operation mode is discharged to the tank 57, the waste water in the cleaning operation mode containing a large amount of hardness components is discharged out of the circulation path of the electrolysis water. it can.

In addition, the said 1st Embodiment shows the one aspect | mode which applied this invention, Comprising: This invention is not limited to the said 1st Embodiment.
For example, in the first embodiment, it has been described that the electrolyzed water is softened by applying a voltage to the electrodes 94 and 95 and precipitating a crystal on the fibrous body 96 as a cathode. For example, a water softening module provided with an ion exchange resin may be used. The cleaning operation mode has been described as being executed by the control unit 37 every time the cumulative operation time of the water softening operation mode reaches 5 hours, but may be executed by an instruction from the user or the like. Moreover, it may be performed while the air sterilization operation is stopped. Moreover, although the tap water used as the raw material of electrolyzed water was demonstrated as what is supplied by the water supply tank 41, you may make it connect the air sanitizer 1 and water supply sources, such as a water supply, and supply water.

Further, the electrolytic cell 46 may be configured to generate ozone (O ₃ ) or hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) as active oxygen species. In this case, when a platinum tantalum electrode is used as an electrode, active oxygen species can be stably generated with high efficiency by electrolysis even if the ion species is dilute water.
At this time, in the anode electrode, a reaction represented by the following formula occurs to generate ozone.
2H ₂ O → 4H ⁺ + O ₂ + 4e ⁻
3H ₂ O → O ₃ + 6H ⁺ + 6e ⁻
2H ₂ O → O ₃ + 4H ⁺ + 4e ⁻
In the cathode electrode, the reaction shown by the following formula occurs, and O ₂ ⁻ generated by the electrode reaction and H ⁺ in the solution are combined to generate hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ).
4H ⁺ + 4e ⁻ + (4OH ⁻ ) → 2H ₂ + (4OH ⁻ )
O ₂ ⁻ + e ⁻ + 2H ⁺ → H ₂ O ₂

In the first embodiment, an example in which tap water is supplied from the water supply tank 41 is described. Since a chlorine compound is added to tap water for the purpose of sterilization, it contains chloride ions, and these chloride ions react to produce hypochlorous acid and hydrochloric acid. This is not limited to the case where tap water is used. If the water supplied to the electrolytic cell 46 is water containing halide ions due to the addition or mixing of a halogen compound, the same reaction is performed to generate halogen. A reactive oxygen species containing is generated.
Further, in the air sterilization apparatus 1, the same reaction can be caused when water with a dilute ionic species (including pure water, purified water, well water, some tap water, etc.) is used. That is, if a halogen compound (salt, etc.) is added to water with dilute ionic species, a similar reaction occurs, and active oxygen species can be obtained. In addition, it is needless to say that the detailed configuration of the air sterilizer 1 can be arbitrarily changed.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG.
In the second embodiment, parts that are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the electrolyzed water discharged from the water softening module 90 does not flow into the drainage tank 57 but all flows into the storage portion 42B.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a circulation path in the electrolyzed water according to the second embodiment.
A soft water return pipe 161 that returns the softened electrolyzed water to the reservoir 42B is connected to the discharge port 90a of the water softening module 90. The end of the soft water return pipe 161 is located above the filter 74, and the electrolyzed water that has flowed out of the water softening module 90 is recirculated so as to be poured directly into the filter 74 from the end of the soft water return pipe 161. Return to 42B.
That is, the crystal separated in the cleaning operation mode reaches the filter 74 through the soft water return pipe 161 together with the electrolyzed water, and is collected.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing in the cleaning operation mode.
Of the processes included in the operation shown in FIG. 10, steps that perform the same processes as those in FIG. 8 in the first embodiment described above are given the same numbers.
The control unit 37 starts the water softening operation mode with the start of the air sterilization operation (step S1), and starts counting a first timer that counts the accumulated operation time in the water softening operation mode (step S2). The controller 37 refers to the count value T1 of the first timer, and executes the water softening operation mode until the timer count value T1 reaches the set value A (step S3).
When the count value T1 of the first timer reaches the set value A (step S3: Yes), the control unit 37 switches the polarity of the electrodes 94 and 95 to the polarity reversed from the water softening operation mode and applies a voltage (switches). (Step S4), the second timer starts counting (Step S5), and the cleaning operation mode is started.

  The controller 37 continues the cleaning operation mode until the count value T2 of the second timer reaches the set value B (step S6), and when the count value T2 reaches the set value B (step S6: Yes), the electrode 94, After completing the 95 inversion, the polarity is returned to the same polarity as in the water softening operation mode (step S10). Thereafter, the control unit 37 resets the first timer and the second timer (step S11), determines whether or not to end the operation (step S12), and returns to step S1 when the operation is continued. When the end of the air sterilization operation or the water softening operation mode is instructed (step S12; Yes), the operation of FIG. 10 is ended.

  Since the air sterilization operation is started at the start of the operation of FIG. 10, the circulation pump 44 is in operation, and the water softening module 90 is continuously supplied with electrolyzed water by the circulation pump 44. For this reason, the operation of FIG. 10 is performed while the circulation pump 44 is kept in the operating state, the polarity is reversed in step S5, and the voltage is applied in the reversed state until the count value T2 reaches the set value B. Crystals deposited in the softening module 90 are discharged from the water softening module 90, and the function of the water softening module 90 is maintained in a good state.

And in this 2nd Embodiment, the electrolyzed water which comes out from the soft water return pipe 161 is comprised so that it may reach the storage part 42B through the filter 74, and the crystal | crystallization melt | dissolved and peeled by the washing | cleaning operation mode is soft water with electrolyzed water. Since it flows through the return pipe 161, the crystal body discharged from the water softening module 90 can be collected by the filter 74.
According to this structure, the structure which collects the crystal | crystallization peeled by washing | cleaning operation mode is easily realizable, without providing the three-way valve 62 and the drain pipe 63 of 1st Embodiment. In this case, since the dissolved water is contained in the electrolyzed water discharged from the water softening module 90, it is desirable to open the drain valve 56 and drain the electrolyzed water in the reservoir 42B to the drain tank 57. And the control part 37 may open | release the drain valve 56 for a predetermined period of time at the time of completion | finish of washing | cleaning operation mode, and may discharge the electrolyzed water of the storage part 42B to the waste water tank 57. FIG.
In addition, since the circulation pump 44 operates and a water flow is generated in the water softening module 90 even during the cleaning operation mode, the separation of the crystal is further promoted by this water flow.

In addition, the said 2nd Embodiment shows the one aspect | mode which applied this invention, Comprising: This invention is not limited to the said embodiment.
For example, in the second embodiment, the cleaning operation mode has been executed in parallel with the air sterilization operation, and the circulation pump 44 has been described as continuing to operate even during the cleaning operation mode. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, the air sterilization operation is stopped, the cleaning operation mode is started in a state where the circulation pump 44 is stopped, and the polarities of the electrodes 94 and 95 are reversed to obtain the crystal. The circulation pump 44 may be operated after dissolving and peeling. Of course, other detailed configurations can be arbitrarily changed.

[Third Embodiment]
A third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to FIG.
Note that in this third embodiment, portions that are configured in the same manner as in the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the electrolyzed water softened by the water softening module 90 is directly supplied to the electrolytic cell 46.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a circulation path of the electrolyzed water in the third embodiment.
A discharge pipe 261 connected to the inflow port of the electrolyzed water in the electrolyzer 46 is connected to the discharge port 90 a of the water softening module 90. Further, the second branch pipe 71B used in the first and second embodiments is not connected to the electrolytic cell 46. Then, the electrolyzed water pumped up from the storage unit 42B and softened by the water softening module 90 is directly sent to the electrolysis tank 46 and electrolyzed, passes through the electrolyzed water discharge pipe 73, passes through the filter 74, and enters the storage unit 42B. Return.

The end of the electrolyzed water discharge pipe 73 is located above the filter 74, and the electrolyzed water that has passed through the water softening module 90 and exited the electrolytic bath 46 is poured directly into the filter 74 from the end of the electrolyzed water discharge pipe 73. Then, it is refluxed and returns to the storage section 42B.
That is, the scale generated in the electrolytic bath 46 and the crystal separated in the water softening module 90 by the cleaning operation mode reach the filter 74 through the electrolytic water discharge pipe 73 together with the electrolytic water, and are collected by the filter 74. Is done.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cleaning operation mode of the third embodiment.
Of the processes included in the operation shown in FIG. 12, steps that perform the same processes as those in FIG. 8 in the first embodiment described above are given the same numbers.
The controller 37 starts the water softening operation mode with the start of the air sterilization operation (step S1), and starts counting the first timer (step S2). The control unit 37 refers to the count value T1 of the first timer and executes the water softening operation mode until the timer count value T1 reaches the set value A (step S3).

The control unit 37 starts the water softening operation mode with the start of the air sterilization operation (step S1), and starts counting a first timer that counts the accumulated operation time in the water softening operation mode (step S2). The controller 37 refers to the count value T1 of the first timer, and executes the water softening operation mode until the timer count value T1 reaches the set value A (step S3).
When the count value T1 of the first timer reaches the set value A (step S3: Yes), the control unit 37 switches the polarity of the electrodes 94 and 95 to the polarity reversed from the water softening operation mode and applies a voltage (switches). (Step S5), the second timer starts counting (Step S6), and the cleaning operation mode is started.

The controller 37 continues the cleaning operation mode until the count value T2 of the second timer reaches the set value B (step S6), and when the count value T2 reaches the set value B (step S6: Yes), the electrode 94, After completing the 95 inversion, the polarity is returned to the same polarity as in the water softening operation mode (step S10). In step S <b> 10, the control unit 37 may stop not only the reversal of the water softening module 90 but also stop the operation.
During the cleaning operation mode performed from step S5 to step S10, since the circulation pump 44 is in operation, the crystal dissolved and peeled in the water softening module 90 is stored in the reservoir 42B together with the electrolyzed water. Discharged.

  Subsequently, the control unit 37 stops the circulation pump 44 (step S21), and opens the drain valve 56 (step S22). The control unit 37 opens the drain valve 56 until the count value T2 of the second timer reaches the preset set value D (step S23), and when the count value T2 reaches the set value D (step S23: Yes), the drain valve 56 is closed (step S24). Here, the set value D is a value that determines the time for discharging the electrolyzed water to the drainage tank 57 by opening the drain valve in step S22. For example, the time for allowing most of the electrolyzed water in the reservoir 42B to be discharged. preferable. Since the discharge time of the electrolyzed water corresponds to the time from when the count value T2 of the second timer reaches the set value B to the set value D, the set value D sets the drain time to the drain tank 57. The value is added to the value B. For example, when the set value B is set to a value corresponding to 10 minutes of the real time, the set value D is obtained by adding 1 minute to 10 minutes in order to drain water for 1 minute from the storage unit 42B. It is set to a count value corresponding to minutes (real time). In addition, since the operation | movement of step S21 is very short compared with the drainage time of 1 minute, it is set as the drainage time of 1 minute including this operation | movement.

  After discharging the electrolyzed water to the drainage tank 57, the control unit 37 resets the first timer and the second timer (step S11), determines whether or not to end the operation (step S12), and continues the operation. If so, the process returns to step S1. When the end of the air sterilization operation or the water softening operation mode is instructed (step S12; Yes), the operation of FIG. 12 is ended.

Thus, in the operation shown in FIG. 12, the operation of the three-way valve 62 is omitted from the operation of FIG. 8 described above, while the opening / closing operation of the drain valve 56 is added.
According to the operation of FIG. 12, precipitates such as crystals attached in the water softening module 90 can be removed by the cleaning operation mode. It is discharged together with water into the storage section 42B. Here, the solid precipitate is collected by the filter 74, and the electrolyzed water containing the dissolved crystal is discharged from the reservoir 42B to the drain tank 57. Thereby, deposits, such as a crystal body adhering to the water softening module 90, can be removed easily, and the function of the air sterilizer 1 can be maintained in a good state.

In the third embodiment, since the water softening module 90 and the electrolytic bath 46 are directly connected by the discharge pipe 261, the electrolyzed water softened by the water softening module 90 directly enters the electrolytic bath 46. Supplied. For this reason, since the electrolyzed water electrolyzed by the electrolyzer 46 is electrolyzed water that has been softened and reduced in hardness, adhesion of deposits such as scales on the electrodes 47 and 48 of the electrolyzer 46 can be suppressed.
In addition, since the water softening module 90 and the electrolytic cell 46 are directly connected and the water softening and electrolysis of the electrolyzed water can be processed through one piping path, the configuration of the piping can be simplified. For this reason, in the air sterilization apparatus 1, the structure which performs water softening and electrolysis is easily realizable.

[Fourth Embodiment]
A fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to FIG.
Note that in this fourth embodiment, parts that are configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
In the fourth embodiment, instead of the water softening module 90 in the first embodiment, a water softening unit 180 configured as a separate body from the air sterilizer main body 101 is externally attached. This is different from the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the circulation path of the electrolyzed water in the fourth embodiment.
The air sterilizer 100 is different from the air sterilizer main body 101 having the gas-liquid contact member 53, the circulation pump 44, the electrolytic bath 46, the water receiving tray 42, and the like inside the housing 11. And a water softening unit 180 configured as a body.

The circulation of the electrolyzed water in the air sterilizer main body 101 is as follows.
The electrolyzed water in the reservoir 42B is pumped up by the circulation pump 44 and supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 53 through the water distribution pipe 71. Thereafter, the electrolyzed water flowing down from the gas-liquid contact member 53 returns to the reservoir 42B. A branch pipe 171 branched from the water distribution pipe 71 is connected to the water distribution pipe 71, and the electrolytic water flowing through the branch pipe 171 passes through the electrolytic tank 46, passes through the electrolytic water discharge pipe 73, and is stored in the storage section via the filter 74. Return to 42B. Thus, in the air sterilization apparatus main body 101, the electrolyzed water is circulated so as to be supplied from the reservoir 42B to the gas-liquid contact member 53 and the electrolytic bath 46 and to return to the reservoir 42B again.

  On the other hand, the water softening unit 180 is provided with a suction pump 181 that sucks the electrolyzed water in the storage unit 42B and a water softening module 190 that softens the electrolyzed water sucked by the suction pump 181. Here, the water softening module 190 has the same configuration as the water softening module 90 of the first embodiment. Moreover, each part of the water softening part 180 is connected to the control part 37 of the air sterilizer main body 101.

  A suction pipe 183 that connects the reservoir 42 </ b> B and the suction port of the suction pump 181 is connected to the suction port of the suction pump 181. A discharge pipe 182 that supplies the electrolyzed water sucked by the suction pump 181 to the water softening module 190 is connected to the discharge port of the suction pump 181. A three-way valve 162 is connected to a discharge port 190a for discharging the electrolyzed water softened by the water softening module 190, and the softened electrolyzed water is supplied to the reservoir 42B at one outlet of the three-way valve 162. A soft water return pipe 361 to be returned is connected, and a drain pipe 263 connected to the drain tank 57 is connected to the other outlet. The end of the soft water return pipe 361 is positioned above the filter 74, and the electrolyzed water that has exited the water softening module 190 is poured directly into the filter 74 from the end of the soft water return pipe 361 to the storage section 42B. Return. Further, the three-way valve 162 is switched by an instruction from the control unit 37.

  The suction pipe 183, the soft water return pipe 361, and the drain pipe 263 extend outside the water softening unit 180 and are disposed across the air sterilizer main body 101 and the water softening unit 180. Specifically, each of the suction pipe 183 and the soft water return pipe 361 connects the water softening section 180 and the storage section 42B, and the drain pipe 263 connects the water softening section 180 and the drain tank 57.

  The circulation of the electrolyzed water flowing through the water softening unit 180 is as follows. First, the electrolyzed water in the reservoir 42 </ b> B is sucked from the suction pipe 183 by the suction pump 181 and reaches the water softening module 190 through the discharge pipe 182. And the electrolyzed water discharged | emitted from the discharge port 190a of the water softening module 190 passes the soft water return pipe | tube 361 through the three-way valve 162, and returns to the storage part 42B again. As described above, in the water softening unit 180, the electrolyzed water is supplied from the storage unit 42B to the water softening module 190 to be softened and circulates so as to return to the storage unit 42B again. Further, the electrolyzed water softened by the water softening module 190 can be directly drained into the drainage tank 57 by switching the three-way valve 162 by the control unit 37.

  That is, the water softening unit 180 is configured separately from the air sterilization apparatus main body 101, has the suction pump 181, and can suck the electrolytic water by itself, and circulates through the water softening unit 180. The electrolyzed water that circulates circulates independently from the circulation of the electrolyzed water inside the air sterilizer main body 101. For this reason, the softening part 180 is connected to the air sterilization apparatus main body 101 by connecting the suction pipe 183, the soft water return pipe 361, and the drain pipe 263 across the water softening part 180 and the air sterilization apparatus main body 101. Easy to attach externally.

When the start of the air sterilization operation is instructed to the air sterilization apparatus 100, the control unit 37 activates the fan motor 32, the circulation pump 44, the electrolytic bath 46, etc. of the air sterilization apparatus main body 101, The air sterilization operation for circulating the gas in the circulation path including the gas-liquid contact member 53 is started. Accordingly, the control unit 37 activates the suction pump 181 and the water softening module 190 of the water softening unit 180 to execute the water softening operation mode.
Further, the control unit 37 executes the cleaning operation mode every time the accumulated operation time of the water softening operation mode reaches a predetermined time.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing in the cleaning operation mode.
Of the processes included in the operation shown in FIG. 14, steps that perform the same processes as those in FIG. 8 in the first embodiment described above are given the same numbers.

When the controller 37 starts the water softening operation mode with the start of the air sterilization operation (step S1), the control unit 37 starts counting the first timer (step S2). Thereafter, the control unit 37 refers to the count value T1 of the first timer, and executes the water softening operation mode until the timer count value T1 reaches a preset set value A (step S3).
When the count value T1 of the first timer reaches the set value A (step S3: Yes), the control unit 37 switches the polarity of the electrodes 94 and 95 to the polarity reversed from the water softening operation mode and applies a voltage (switches). (Step S4), the second timer starts counting (Step S5), and the cleaning operation mode is started. In this cleaning operation mode, the polarity of the electrodes 94 and 95 is reversed, so that the crystals deposited in the water softening module 190 are dissolved and separated.
Moreover, since the suction pump 181 is operating even during the cleaning operation mode, the crystal dissolved and peeled off by the water softening module 190 flows to the storage unit 42B together with the electrolyzed water and is collected by the filter 74.

The control unit 37 continues the cleaning operation mode until the count value T2 of the second timer reaches the set value B (step S6). When the count value T2 reaches the set value B (step S6: Yes), the three-way valve 162 is switched so that the electrolyzed water flows from the water softening module 190 to the drain pipe 263 (step S31), and discharge of the electrolyzed water to the drain tank 57 is started. By the operation of step S31, the crystal dissolved and separated in the water softening module 190 is discharged to the drain tank 57 together with the electrolyzed water.
Here, the set value B is set in the same manner as in FIG. 8, but in the fourth embodiment (FIG. 12), until the three-way valve 162 is switched and drainage of the electrolyzed water to the drain tank 57 is started. It is treated as a value that determines the time. Note that the second timer continues counting even after the count value T2 reaches the set value B.

Subsequently, the control unit 37 waits until the count value T2 of the second timer reaches the set value C in a state where the electrolyzed water of the water softening module 190 is discharged to the drainage tank 57 (step S8). Here, when the count value T2 reaches the set value C (step S8: Yes), the control unit 37 returns the switching state of the three-way valve 162 so that the electrolyzed water again flows into the soft water return pipe 361. (Step S32), the polarity inversion of the electrodes 94 and 95 is terminated, and the polarity is returned to the same polarity as in the water softening operation mode (Step S10).
The set value C is set in the same manner as in FIG. 8, but in the fourth embodiment (FIG. 12), it is handled as a value that determines the time for switching the three-way valve 162 to discharge the electrolyzed water to the drain tank 57.

  After returning the switching state of the three-way valve 162 and the inversion state of the electrodes 94 and 95, the control unit 37 resets the first timer and the second timer (step S11), and determines whether or not to end the operation. It discriminate | determines (step S12) and returns to step S1 when driving | running is continued. When the end of the air sterilization operation or the water softening operation mode is instructed (step S12; Yes), the operation of FIG. 14 is ended.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the external water softening unit 180 has the suction pump 181 different from the circulation pump 44, and the three-way valve 162 provided in the water softening unit 180 is switched to drain the electrolytic water. It is discharged into the tank 57. Further, the circulation pump 44 can be operated independently of the operation of FIG.
By the operation shown in FIG. 14, the crystal body deposited on the surface of the fiber body 96 of the water softening module 190 is dissolved and separated, and further pushed away by the water flow caused by the operation of the suction pump 181 to further promote the separation. At the same time, it is discharged to the drain tank 57.

According to the fourth embodiment, since the water softening unit 180 can be externally attached to the air sterilizer main body 101, the water softening unit 180 can be retrofitted as necessary. For example, the water softening unit 180 can be provided as an option of the air sterilization apparatus 100, and the function of water softening can be added or deleted according to the user's request. In addition, a water softening unit 180 can be externally attached to an existing air sterilization apparatus that does not have a water softening function, and a water softening function can be added.
Further, since the water softening unit 180 has the suction pump 181 independent of the circulation pump 44, the washing operation mode can be executed independently of the operation state of the circulation pump 44. Furthermore, since the electrolyzed water discharged in the cleaning operation mode is discharged to the drainage tank 57, the waste water in the cleaning operation mode containing a large amount of hardness component is discharged out of the circulation path of the electrolyzed water, thereby storing the storage unit 42B. The electrolyzed water can be kept in a state suitable for air sterilization operation.

In addition, the said 4th Embodiment shows the one aspect | mode which applied this invention, Comprising: This invention is not limited to the said embodiment.
For example, in the fourth embodiment, the electrolyzed water discharged in the cleaning operation mode has been described as being drained into the drainage tank 57. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the three-way valve 162 is used. In addition, the soft water return pipe 361 may be used to drain the storage portion 42B without providing the drain pipe 263. Of course, other detailed configurations can be arbitrarily changed.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the air sanitization apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a back side perspective view of an air sterilizer. It is a perspective view which shows the main structures inside an air sterilizer. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the principal part which produces | generates and circulates electrolyzed water. It is a figure which shows the structure of an electrolytic vessel in detail. It is a schematic diagram which shows the circulation path of electrolyzed water. It is a schematic diagram which shows a water softening module. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of washing | cleaning operation mode. It is a schematic diagram which shows the circulation path of the electrolyzed water in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of washing | cleaning operation mode. It is a schematic diagram which shows the circulation path of the electrolyzed water in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of washing | cleaning operation mode. It is a schematic diagram which shows the circulation path of the electrolyzed water in 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of washing | cleaning operation mode.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,100 Air sanitizer 11 Housing | casing 37 Control part 42 Water receiving tray 42B Storage part 44 Circulation pump 46 Electrolyzer 47, 48 Electrode 53 Gas-liquid contact member 57 Drain tank 61,161,361 Soft water return pipe 62,162 Three-way valve 63, 263 Drain pipe 71 Water distribution pipe 73 Electrolyzed water discharge pipe 74 Filter 90, 190 Water softening module 94, 95 Electrode 97 Spacer 101 Air sterilizer main body 180 Water softening part 181 Suction pump 182 Discharge pipe 183 Suction pipe 261 Discharge pipe

Claims (10)

An electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water to produce electrolyzed water containing active oxygen species;
A gas-liquid contact member for contacting electrolyzed water and air;
A circulating pump for supplying electrolytic water generated by the electrolytic bath to the gas-liquid contact member and circulatingly supplying electrolytic water that has passed through the gas-liquid contact member to the gas-liquid contact member;
An air sterilization apparatus comprising: a water softening module that performs a process of reducing the hardness of electrolyzed water that is circulated and supplied to the gas-liquid contact member. A storage unit for storing the electrolyzed water flowing down from the gas-liquid contact member;
Having a configuration in which the electrolyzed water stored in the storage unit is supplied to the gas-liquid contact member by the circulation pump;
The water softening module is configured to take in the electrolyzed water stored in the reservoir and reduce the hardness, and return the treated electrolyzed water to the reservoir,
The air sterilizer according to claim 1. The water softening module includes a water softening unit configured as a separate body from the air sterilizer main body including the electrolytic cell, the gas-liquid contact member, the circulation pump, and the storage unit. It is arranged with a suction pump for sucking electrolyzed water, and is configured to perform a process of reducing the hardness of the electrolyzed water sucked by the suction pump,
A suction pipe connecting the storage part of the air sterilization apparatus main body and the suction port of the suction pump of the water softening part, a discharge port for discharging the treated electrolytic water from the water softening module, and the storage part The return pipe connecting the
The air sterilizer according to claim 2. Supplying the electrolyzed water stored in the storage part by the function of the circulation pump to the water softening module;
The air sterilizer according to claim 2. A first discharge pipe connected to the storage section and a second discharge pipe connected to a drain tank for storing waste water are switchably connected to a discharge port for discharging the treated electrolyzed water from the water softening module. Was it,
The air sterilizer according to any one of claims 2 to 4. Comprising a filter through which the treated electrolyzed water discharged from the water softening module passes;
The air sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A discharge pipe for discharging the treated electrolyzed water from the water softening module was connected to the inlet of the electrolytic cell;
The air sterilizer according to claim 1. The water softening module includes a pair of electrodes arranged in a flow path of electrolyzed water, and a conductive collection member electrically connected to one of these electrodes,
Reducing the hardness of electrolyzed water by applying a voltage between the electrodes,
The air sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The water softening operation mode for reducing the hardness of the electrolyzed water and the washing operation mode in which the voltage is applied by reversing the polarity of the electrode when the water softening operation mode is executed are configured to be executable. ,
The air sterilizer according to claim 8. In the cleaning operation mode, discharging the treated electrolyzed water from the water softening module to the drainage tank;
The air sterilizer according to claim 9.

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