JP4806359B2 - Air sanitizer - Google Patents

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, a sterilization apparatus has been proposed in which water is electrolyzed by passing an electric current between electrodes to generate electrolyzed water, and this electrolyzed water is used to remove viruses floating in the air (for example, , See Patent Document 1). This sterilization device removes air by supplying electrolyzed water to a humidifying element made of non-woven fabric, etc., and bringing virus in the air into contact with the electrolyzed water on the humidifying element, thereby inactivating the virus. It is something that tries to be fungus.
JP 2002-181358 A

By the way, in this type of sterilization apparatus, calcium ions (Ca ²⁺ ) and magnesium ions (Mg ²⁺ ) contained in the water used to generate electrolyzed water are deposited as scales on the electrode for electrolysis. Therefore, when operated for a long time, the electrolytic performance and durability are lowered, and as a result, the sterilization performance is lowered.
In order to solve this problem, when the energization time to the electrode, that is, the electrolysis time has passed a predetermined time, the polarity of the electrode is reversed (reversed), and the scale is removed from the surface of the electrode.
However, when electrode reversal is performed, the scale is removed from the surface of the electrode, so that even if the same voltage is applied to the electrode, the value of the current flowing between the electrodes varies greatly. . For this reason, there existed a problem that the active oxygen species concentration (electrolyzed water concentration) contained in electrolyzed water fluctuated before and after inversion, and the electrolyzed water concentration was uneven.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an air sterilization apparatus that can suppress unevenness in the generated electrolyzed water concentration when the polarity of an electrode is reversed.

To solve the above problems, the present invention comprises means for generating electrolysis to the electrolytic water with water in the electrode electrolytic bath by applying a voltage to in the electrolytic cell, a gas-liquid by circulating the electrolytic water An air sterilizing apparatus for supplying air to the contact member and sterilizing air by sending air to the gas-liquid contact member, the reversal control means for reversing the polarity of the electrode, and the conductivity of the water and conductivity detection means for detecting, when obtained by inverting the polarity of said electrodes, according to a preset detected electrical conductivity after the lapse of the waiting time as the time scale is removed before Symbol electrode surface, electrical Means for determining an electrolysis current and electrolysis time with the electrolyzed water concentration after decomposition as a target concentration, and the means for producing the electrolyzed water is the electrolysis current determined until the next polarity reversal. And the water electricity based on the electrolysis time And performing a solution.

  In this case, the conductivity detection means may be configured to detect the conductivity of the water after the standby time has elapsed. The conductivity detecting means may be configured to detect the conductivity based on a voltage value applied between the electrodes when a predetermined measurement current is passed between the electrodes.

Moreover, it is good also as a structure provided with the water temperature measurement means which measures the water temperature in the said electrolytic vessel, and the said electrical conductivity detection means is provided with the electrical conductivity correction | amendment means which correct | amends the said electrical conductivity based on the said water temperature. Also, before Kitenkyoku control unit, the electrolysis time inverts the polarity of the electrodes each extending in a predetermined polarity reversal reference time, the polarity inversion reference time is configured to be changed by the hardness of the water It is good also as a structure.

  According to the present invention, when the polarity of the electrode is reversed, the electrolysis condition is determined according to the conductivity after the elapse of the standby time sufficient for the current value flowing between the electrodes to stabilize from the time of the reversal. Electrolysis conditions can be determined based on the accurately detected conductivity of water, and unevenness of the electrolyzed water concentration can be suppressed.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an air sterilization apparatus 1 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
As shown in FIG. 1, the air sterilization apparatus 1 has a box-shaped housing 11 formed in a vertically long shape, and is installed on the floor, for example. A suction grill 12 is formed in the lower portion of both side surfaces of the casing 11, and a suction port 15 is formed in the lower end portion of the front surface of the casing 11.
An air outlet 13 is formed on the upper surface of the housing 11, and the air outlet 13 is provided with a louver 20 for changing the direction in which air is blown out. The louver 20 is rotatably driven by a louver drive motor 68 (FIG. 6), and is configured to close the air outlet 13 when the operation of the air sterilizer 1 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.

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 (FIG. 2) 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 (to be described later) via the tank outlet 14 ( Figure 2) can be taken in and out.
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 disposed on the front surface of the housing 11. When the upper cover member 18 and the lower cover member 19 are removed, they are 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.

Next, the internal structure of the air sterilizer 1 will be described.
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 prefilter 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 (Μm) and a second filter 26 that collects the above objects. 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, in the upper chamber 22, an electrical box 39 is disposed above the blower fan 31 and the fan motor 32, and a gas-liquid contact member 53 is disposed above the electrical box 39. Between the gas-liquid contact member 53 and the electrical equipment box 39, a water tray 42 for receiving water dripped from the gas-liquid contact member 53 is disposed. The water receiving tray 42 includes a storage portion 42 </ b> A formed at a deep bottom, and the storage portion 42 </ b> A extends above the drainage tank 57. In the electrical box 39, a control board on which various devices constituting the control unit 60 (FIG. 6) for controlling the air sterilizer 1 are mounted, and a power supply that supplies a power supply voltage so that the rotational speed of the fan motor 32 can be changed. Various electrical components such as circuits are accommodated. In the present embodiment, the rotational speed of the fan motor 32 is controlled so that the amount of air blown from the blower fan 31 can be changed in three stages: strong wind, medium wind, and weak wind.

A water supply tank 41 is disposed on the storage part 42A, and water can be supplied from the water supply tank 41 to the storage part 42A. Specifically, the water supply port formed at the lower end of the water supply tank 41 is provided with a float valve. When the water level of the storage portion 42A is lower than the water supply port, the float valve is opened, whereby the water supply tank 41 is opened. Thus, a necessary amount of water is supplied, and the water level of the reservoir 42A is kept constant.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the electrolyzed water production | generation unit 45 which produces | generates the electrolyzed water supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 53 is arrange | positioned on the storage part 42A. The electrolyzed water generation unit 45 includes a circulation pump 44 and an electrolyzer 46, and the circulation pump 44 can change the amount of circulation by changing the number of rotations according to the control of the control unit 60. . A supply pipe 71 is connected to the discharge port of the circulation pump 44 to pump up water stored in the storage portion 42 </ b> A and supply it to the gas-liquid contact member 53. The supply pipe 71 is connected to the circulation pump 44 and the gas-liquid contact member 53. The electrolytic cell 46 is connected through a branch pipe 72 that branches between the two. As will be described later, the electrolytic bath 46 includes a plurality of electrodes, and a voltage supplied from the control unit 60 is applied between the electrodes to electrolyze water to generate electrolyzed water. A discharge port 46A for discharging the electrolyzed water generated in the electrolyzer 46 is formed on the upper surface of the electrolyzer 46, and a return pipe 73 for returning the electrolyzed water to the storage part 42A is connected to the discharge port 46A. .

In addition, a filter member 74 that collects solid matter mixed in the water flowing into the storage section 42A is disposed on the storage section 42A at the inlet portion of the storage section 42A. In this configuration, the outlet 73 </ b> A of the return pipe 73 is disposed above the filter member 74, and can collect solid matter (for example, scale components peeled off from the electrode surface) discharged from the electrolytic cell 46 together with water. It has become. The filter member 74 collects the solid matter contained in the water circulated through the gas-liquid contact member 53 and the electrolyzed water generating unit 45 via the water receiving tray 42, so that the solid matter is collected in the gas-liquid contact member 53. The gas-liquid contact member 53 is prevented from being clogged.
Further, since the filter member 74 is disposed in the storage portion 42A of the water receiving tray 42 in a state where the upper portion is open, the replacement time of the filter member 74 can be easily determined visually. Further, when the filter member 74 is replaced, the filter member 74 disposed at the inlet portion of the storage portion 42A may be removed and replaced with fingers, so that maintenance can be easily performed without using a tool or the like. it can.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, it is comprised so that the water stored in the water receiving tray 42 can be discharged | emitted suitably. Specifically, a drain pipe 55 (FIG. 5A) is connected to the lower portion of the storage portion 42A, and a drain valve 56 (FIG. 5A) for opening and closing the drain pipe 55 is provided. The tip of the drain pipe 55 extends above the drain tank 57, and the water on the water receiving tray 42 is discharged to the drain tank 57 by opening the drain valve 56.

On the upper part of the gas-liquid contact member 53, a watering box 51 for assembling electrolyzed water uniformly on the gas-liquid contact member 53 is assembled. 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 the gas-liquid contact member 53 extends from the water spray hole. Electrolytic water is dripped with respect to.
The gas-liquid contact member 53 is a filter member 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 member and the flat plate member. Accordingly, a wide gas contact area is ensured when air is passed through the element portion, electrolyzed water can be dripped, and clogging is difficult.

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.
Here, each part (including the frame, the element part, and the flow dividing sheet) of the gas-liquid contact member 53 is made of a material that is hardly deteriorated by electrolyzed water, such as polyolefin resin (polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, etc.), PET (polyethylene). -Materials such as terephthalate) resin, vinyl chloride resin, fluorine resin (PTFE, PFA, ETFE, etc.) or ceramic material are used. In this configuration, 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. Furthermore, since electrolyzed water having fungicidal action is dripped onto the gas-liquid contact member 53, it is possible to propagate the mold without taking anti-fungal measures (such as application of fungicides) on the gas-liquid contact member 53. Can be avoided.

Next, the flow of air in the air sterilizer 1 will be described.
As described above, the blower fan 31 is provided in the lower chamber 23 of the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the blower fan 31 </ b> A is provided upward in the rear side portion of the housing 11, and the support plate 21 is provided with an opening at a position overlapping the blower opening 31 </ b> A. The opening of the support plate 21 communicates with a space 1 </ b> A that extends vertically on the back side of the upper chamber 22. For this reason, the air blown out from the blower opening 31A of the blower fan 31 passes through the space 1A as shown by an arrow in FIG. 4 and is blown to the back surface of the gas-liquid contact member 53.
In this configuration, the space 1 </ b> A includes a first air guide member 81 disposed on the back side of the housing 11. On the upper part of the first air guide member 81, a flow dividing plate 82 is disposed, and the air flowing through the space 1A can be uniformly blown to the back surface of the gas-liquid contact member 53.
In addition, a second air guide member 83 that guides the air that has passed through the gas-liquid contact member 53 to the air outlet 13 is disposed in the space 1 </ b> B on the front surface side of the housing 11 via the gas-liquid contact member 53. . The second air guide member 83 has a function of guiding the air in the space 1B to the outlet 13 and a function of receiving water (so-called flying water) blown into the space 1B from the gas-liquid contact member 53 together with the air. . Specifically, the second air guide member 83 has a bottom surface 83A on the inner side of the second air guide member 83 formed in a downward slope toward the gas-liquid contact member 53, and the tip of the bottom surface 83A is water. It extends above the saucer 42. For this reason, the water blown into the space 1 </ b> B is returned to the water receiving tray 42 through the bottom surface 83 </ b> A inside the second air guide member 83.
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 second air guide member 83 and disposed below the air outlet 13. The air outlet filter 36 is a filter for preventing entry of foreign matter from the air outlet 13 into the housing 11. The blower outlet filter 36 includes a net, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, or the like (not shown). As these materials, a synthetic resin, preferably a material constituting the gas-liquid contact member 53 is preferable. Moreover, it is preferable that the blower outlet filter 36 is a moderately coarse thing so that the ventilation resistance of the air which passed the gas-liquid contact member 53 may not increase remarkably.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the state of supply of electrolyzed water, FIG. 5 (A) is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air sterilization mechanism, and FIG. 5 (B) shows the configuration of the electrolytic cell 46 in detail. FIG.
With reference to this FIG. 5, the supply of the electrolyzed water with respect to the gas-liquid contact member 53 is demonstrated. In the present embodiment, a case where tap water is put into the water supply tank 41 and the air sterilizer 1 is operated will be described.

  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 water tray 42 as described above, and the water level of the water tray 42 reaches a predetermined level. . The water in the water receiving tray 42 is pumped up by the circulation pump 44 and a part thereof is supplied to the electrolytic cell 46. As shown in FIG. 5B, the electrolytic cell 46 includes a pair of electrodes 47 and 48, one of which is positive and the other 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) or 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)).

Specifically, when the tap water is energized by the electrodes 47 and 48, the cathode electrode
4H ⁺ + 4e ⁻ + (4OH ⁻ ) → 2H ₂ + (4OH ⁻ )
And the anode electrode
2H ₂ O → 4H ⁺ + O ₂ + 4e ⁻
As soon as the reaction of
Chloride ion contained in water (Cl ^-: those previously added in tap water),
2Cl ⁻ → Cl ₂ + 2e ⁻
As a result, chlorine (Cl ₂ ) is generated. Furthermore, this chlorine reacts with water,
Cl ₂ + H ₂ O → HClO + HCl
Hypochlorous acid (HClO) and hydrogen chloride (HCl) are generated.

  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. . As a result, viruses or the like floating in the air are inactivated, and odorous substances contained in the air react 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 if this air sterilization apparatus 1 is installed in a so-called large space such as a kindergarten, elementary / middle / high school, long-term care insurance facility, hospital, etc. Etc.) can be spread widely in the large space, and air sterilization and deodorization in the large space can be performed efficiently.

  In addition, the electrolyzed water dropped from the water spray box 51 to the gas-liquid contact member 53 moves downward through the gas-liquid contact member 53 and falls to the water tray 42. The electrolyzed water that has fallen in the water receiving tray 42 is again pumped up by the circulation pump 44 and supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 53 through the electrolytic bath 46. Thus, in the structure in this embodiment, water becomes a circulation type, and air can be sterilized efficiently for a long time by effectively using a small amount of water. Further, when the amount of water circulating through the electrolyzed water circulation unit 2 is reduced due to evaporation or the like, an appropriate amount of water in the water supply tank 41 is supplied to the water receiving tray 42.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the air sterilization apparatus 1.
The air sterilization apparatus 1 is connected to the fan motor 32, the circulation pump 44, the drain valve 56, the louver drive motor 68 that opens and closes the louver 20, and the power supply unit 67 that supplies power to the above-described units. A unit 60 is provided, and these operate according to the control of the control unit 60.
The control unit 60 is connected to various switches, indicator lamps and the like disposed on the operation panel 16, and is an electrolytic cell for detecting the water level in the water tray float switch 43, the electrodes 47 and 48, and the electrolytic cell 46. A float switch 66 and a water temperature sensor 69 (water temperature measuring means) for measuring the water temperature in the electrolytic cell 46 are connected.

  The control unit 60 is composed of various electrical components mounted on a control board housed in the electrical box 39. Specifically, the control unit 60 stores various data such as a control program executed by the microcomputer 61 and control parameters. A storage unit 62 that stores data, a timer counter 63 that performs a timing operation based on the control of the microcomputer 61, an input unit 64 that detects an operation on the operation panel 16 and outputs the operation content to the microcomputer 61, and a processing result of the microcomputer 61 Output unit 65 for controlling the lighting of an indicator lamp (not shown) of the operation panel 16 and the like, and voltage / current for detecting the voltage value and current value between the electrodes 47 and 48 based on the control of the microcomputer 61 And a detection circuit 70.

The microcomputer 61 controls the entire air sterilizer 1 by reading and executing the control program stored in the storage unit 62. Specifically, the microcomputer 61 is operated to instruct operation start on the operation panel 16, and when information indicating this operation is input from the input unit 64, the microcomputer 61 operates the circulation pump 44 to supply water. In addition to starting the circulation, an electrolysis operation is performed in which electric power from the power supply unit 67 is supplied between the electrodes 47 and 48 and a current is passed between the electrodes 47 and 48 to generate electrolyzed water. Thereafter, the microcomputer 61 starts the operation of the fan motor 32 and starts air blowing by the blower fan 31. By the series of operations described above, the air sterilization operation of the air sterilization apparatus 1 is started.
Along with the start of the air sterilization operation, the microcomputer 61 causes the output unit 65 to display that the operation is in progress, and drives the louver drive motor 68 according to the operation on the operation panel 16 to thereby change the angle of the louver 20. Adjust. Further, the microcomputer 61 detects that the water level in the electrolytic cell 46 has become a low level by the electrolytic cell float switch 66 during the execution of the air sterilization operation of the air sterilization device 1, and a water tray. When it is detected by the float switch 43 that the water level in the water receiving tray 42 is low, the application of the voltage to the electrodes 47 and 48 is stopped and the operation of the circulation pump 44 and the fan motor 32 is stopped. A warning is displayed by the output unit 65.

Further, the microcomputer 61 causes the voltage / current detection circuit 70 to measure the current value flowing between the electrodes 47 and 48 during the electrolytic operation and the voltage value applied to the electrodes 47 and 48, and based on these current values and voltage values. To detect the conductivity. In this case, the microcomputer 61 corrects the conductivity based on the water temperature measured by the water temperature sensor 69. In this configuration, the microcomputer 61 and the voltage / current detection circuit 70 function as conductivity detection means, and the microcomputer 61 functions as conductivity correction means for correcting the conductivity.
Further, the microcomputer 61 causes the timer counter 63 to measure the electrolysis time when the air sterilization operation is started. The timer counter 63 is configured to be able to measure a plurality of times in parallel. In addition to the electrolysis time, an electrolysis stop time, which is a time when the electric operation is not performed, Electrolysis time, measurement standby time, and conductivity measurement time are measured.

The microcomputer 61 functions as a polarity control means for performing control to invert the polarities of the electrodes 47 and 48 when the polarity control electrolysis time measured by the timer counter 63 reaches a predetermined polarity reference time. . Here, the electrolysis time for polarity change control is a cumulative value of the electrolysis time from the previous polarity inversion, and when the polarity inversion is executed, the electrolysis time for polarity change control is reset. The reversal reference time is used for determining whether reversal is necessary, and is stored in the storage unit 62 in advance.
In general, when electrolysis is performed, a scale derived from a hardness component contained in water (for example, a calcium-based scale such as calcium carbonate or a magnesium-based scale such as magnesium carbonate) is particularly deposited on the cathode side electrode surface. . When the scale is deposited on the electrode, the electric conductivity is lowered, the continuous electrolysis is difficult, and the electrolytic performance is lowered.
The time until the scale is deposited tends to be shorter as the water hardness is higher, and the water hardness varies depending on the region in the world or in Japan. Therefore, in this embodiment, the above-described repolarization reference time is configured to be changeable according to the hardness of water in the area where the air sterilizer 1 is installed. Specifically, in the storage unit 62, the first inversion reference time (for example, 30 minutes) set when the hardness of water is low (for example, less than 100 ppm) and the hardness of water is high (for example, 100 ppm). The second inversion reference time (for example, 15 minutes) set in the above case is stored. When the air sterilization apparatus 1 is installed, the first inversion reference time or the second inversion reference time is selected and set by a serviceman according to the hardness of water in the installed area.
According to this, when used in areas with high hardness, the scale generated on the electrode surface can be periodically removed and peeled off by performing reversal in a shorter time. Thus, electrolyzed water can be generated. For this reason, air sanitization can be performed stably, without electrolysis performance falling.

Moreover, the electrolysis stop time T1 (FIG. 9) is the time from the stop of the previous electrolysis operation to the start of the next electrolysis operation. The electrolysis stop time T1 is obtained by circulating the electrolyzed water generated at a predetermined first electrolyzed water concentration α (for example, 5 ppm) through the gas-liquid contact member 53, so that the electrolyzed water concentration becomes a predetermined second electrolyzed water concentration. This is the time until it decreases to β (for example, 2 ppm), and is set in advance by experiments or the like. When the electrolysis stop time T1 elapses, the microcomputer 61 applies a voltage to the electrodes 47 and 48 and restarts the electrolysis operation.
Further, the microcomputer 61 changes the electrolysis stop time T <b> 1 according to the wind speed blown from the blower fan 31. This is because the consumption time of the active oxygen species contained in the electrolyzed water changes depending on the wind speed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the electrolysis stop time T1 when the wind speed is set to the medium wind is set as the reference stop time, and when the wind speed is set to the strong wind, the electrolysis stop time T1 is compared with the reference stop time. If the wind is shortened and the wind is set to be weak, it is longer than the reference stop time.

Next, the operation at the time of turning is described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control when the electrodes are reversed, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control when determining the electrolysis conditions after the polarity is reversed.
First, the microcomputer 61 determines whether or not electrolysis is being performed (step S1). In this determination, when the electrolysis is not performed (step S1: No), the microcomputer 61 causes the timer counter 63 to stop measuring the electrolysis time for polarity change control (step S), and the process goes to step 1. return.
On the other hand, when the electrolysis is being performed (step S1: Yes), the microcomputer 61 determines whether or not the reversal flag is on (step S3). This reversal flag is turned on when a reversal request is made.
In this determination, if the reversal flag is not on (step S3: No), the microcomputer 61 causes the timer counter 63 to start measuring the reversal control electrolysis time (step S4), and this reversal control electrolysis. It is determined whether or not the time is longer than a reversal reference time that is a determination criterion for reversal (step S5). As described above, this repolarization reference time is a time when scale is assumed to deposit on the electrodes 47 and 48 when electrolysis is performed, and is set to a time that does not impair electrolysis by the scale. .

In this determination, if the electrolysis time for switching control is shorter than the switching reference time (step S5: No), the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, when the electrolysis time for pole reversal control is longer than the pole reversion reference time (step S5: Yes), the microcomputer 61 determines that the electrolysis performance will be lowered if the electrolysis operation is continued any more, and sets the pole reversal flag. Turn on (step S6), and return the process to step S1.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the reversal flag is on (step S3: Yes), the microcomputer 61 reverses the electrodes 47 and 48 (step S7) and sets the electrolytic conditions after the reversal. Determine (step S8).
Subsequently, the microcomputer 61 clears (resets) the inversion time electrolysis time (step S9), turns off the inversion flag (step S10), and returns the process to step 1.

Next, the control at the time of determining the electrolysis conditions after inversion will be described.
First, after performing electrode reversal in step S7, the microcomputer 61 passes a predetermined measurement current through the electrodes 47 and 48 (step S21). This measurement current is a reference current value when measuring the conductivity described later, and is set to a value sufficiently smaller than the electrolytic current that flows between the electrodes 47 and 48 in a normal electrolysis operation. .
Subsequently, the microcomputer 61 determines whether or not a predetermined measurement standby time T2 has elapsed from the time of the reversal (step S22). The measurement standby time T2 is set to a time sufficient for stabilizing the value of the current flowing between the electrodes 47 and 48 (2 minutes in this embodiment). In general, the scale is peeled off from the surfaces of the electrodes 47 and 48 immediately after the reversal, so that the current value flowing between the electrodes 47 and 48 is not stable. Therefore, even if the electrical conductivity of water is detected based on an unstable current value, an accurate electrical conductivity cannot be detected. For this reason, in this embodiment, the current value of the measurement current passed between the electrodes 47 and 48 can be stabilized by providing a predetermined measurement standby time T2 after the polarity change. Can be accurately detected.
In particular, in an area where the hardness of water is high, inversion is frequently performed because the inversion reference time is set short. Therefore, it is more effective to provide the predetermined measurement waiting time T2 after the reversal in order to detect an accurate conductivity in an area where the hardness of water is high.

In this determination, when the measurement standby time T2 has elapsed (step S22: Yes), the microcomputer 61 uses the voltage / current detection circuit 70 to apply the voltage value applied to the electrodes 47 and 48 when the measurement current is passed. And the conductivity of water is calculated based on the detected voltage value and the current value of the current for measurement (step S23).
Subsequently, the microcomputer 61 corrects the conductivity calculated in step 23 based on the water temperature in the electrolytic cell 46 measured by the water temperature sensor 69 (step S24). Specifically, when the water temperature TA measured by the water temperature sensor 69 is lower than a predetermined reference temperature T (21.5 ° C. in the present embodiment), the microcomputer 61 performs a predetermined correction on this temperature difference. The coefficient (+ 2% in this embodiment) is corrected by multiplying the calculated conductivity. On the other hand, when the water temperature TA measured by the water temperature sensor 69 is higher than the predetermined reference temperature T, the microcomputer 61 calculates a predetermined correction coefficient (-2% in the present embodiment) for this temperature difference. It is corrected by multiplying the measured conductivity. According to this, it is possible to detect an accurate conductivity considering the temperature.

Subsequently, the microcomputer 61 determines electrolysis conditions based on the detected conductivity (step S25). In the present embodiment, as electrolysis conditions, the electrolysis current value and electrolysis time T4 (FIG. 9) passed between the electrodes are set so that the electrolyzed electrolyzed water concentration becomes a first electrolyzed water concentration α (for example, 5 ppm) which is a target concentration. ) Is determined. The storage unit 62 stores electrolysis current values and electrolysis times corresponding to the electrical conductivity and the target electrolyzed water concentration as table data. Therefore, the microcomputer 61 reads the electrolysis current value and electrolysis time corresponding to the detected conductivity and target electrolyzed water concentration from the storage unit 62, and determines these electrolysis current value and electrolysis time as electrolysis conditions. Here, the process of the said step S23 thru | or step S25 is performed in electrical conductivity measurement time T3, as shown in FIG.
Then, the microcomputer 61 starts electrolysis operation based on the determined electrolysis conditions (step S26), and ends the process. Specifically, the microcomputer 61 causes the determined electrolysis current to flow between the electrodes 47 and 48 via the power supply unit 67 and starts measuring the electrolysis time T4 by the timer counter 63.

  According to the present embodiment, a voltage is applied to the electrodes 47 and 48 in the electrolytic cell 46 to electrolyze the water in the electrolytic cell 46 to generate electrolytic water, and this electrolytic water is supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 53. And an air sterilization device for sterilizing air by sending air to the gas-liquid contact member 53, wherein the microcomputer 61 reverses the polarity of the electrodes 47 and 48, detects the conductivity of the water, When the polarity of the electrode is reversed, in order to determine the condition for electrolyzing water according to the conductivity after the elapse of the measurement waiting time T2 sufficient for the current value flowing between the electrodes to stabilize from the time of the reversal, Since electrolysis conditions can be determined based on the conductivity of water detected accurately, unevenness in the generated electrolyzed water concentration can be suppressed.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, since the microcomputer 61 detects the water conductivity after the measurement standby time T2 has elapsed, it can detect the accurate conductivity. Further, according to the present embodiment, the microcomputer 61 detects the conductivity based on the voltage value applied between the electrodes 47 and 48 when a predetermined measurement current is passed between the electrodes 47 and 48. The conductivity can be accurately detected with a simple configuration.

  In addition, according to this embodiment, the water temperature sensor 69 that measures the water temperature in the electrolytic cell 46 is provided, and the microcomputer 61 corrects the conductivity based on the measured water temperature. Can be detected. Further, according to the present embodiment, the microcomputer 61 uses the electrolysis current value and electrolysis time T4 that flow between the electrodes 47 and 48 so that the electrolyzed water concentration after electrolysis becomes a predetermined target concentration as the electrolysis condition. Therefore, the concentration of the electrolyzed water when the electrolysis operation is performed under this electrolysis condition can be controlled to be substantially constant. For this reason, electrolysis performance can be maintained and by extension, sterilization performance can be maintained. Furthermore, since the burden on the electrodes 47 and 48 is reduced, the life of the electrodes 47 and 48 can be extended.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the microcomputer 61 inverts the polarities of the electrodes 47 and 48 every time the electrolysis time T4 reaches a predetermined reversal reference time, and this reversal reference time can be changed by the hardness of water. For example, when used in areas with high hardness, the scale generated on the surfaces of the electrodes 47 and 48 can be periodically removed and peeled off by performing reversal in a shorter time. it can. For this reason, electrolyzed water can be stably generated by the electrodes 47 and 48, and air sterilization can be stably performed without lowering electrolysis performance.

The air sterilization apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is an aspect of the present invention, and it is needless to say that the air sterilization apparatus 1 can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, ozone (O ₃ ) or hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) may be generated as the active oxygen species. In this case, when a platinum tantalum electrode is used as the 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,
2H ₂ O → 4H ⁺ + O ₂ + 4e ⁻
At the same time as
3H ₂ O → O ₃ + 6H ⁺ + 6e ⁻
2H ₂ O → O ₃ + 4H ⁺ + 4e ⁻
This reaction occurs and ozone (O ₃ ) is generated. In the cathode electrode,
4H ⁺ + 4e ⁻ + (4OH ⁻ ) → 2H ₂ + (4OH ⁻ )
O ₂ ⁻ + e ⁻ + 2H ⁺ → H ₂ O ₂
Thus, O ₂ ⁻ produced by the electrode reaction and H ⁺ in the solution are combined to produce hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ).

Moreover, in this embodiment, the example which supplies tap water with the water supply tank 41 is demonstrated. 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. Moreover, in this embodiment, although it was set as the water supply system by the water tank 41 which can be taken in and out freely, it is good also as a water pipe water supply system which connects a water pipe and guides city water directly instead of this water tank 41, for example. Needless to say.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the air sanitization apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of an air sanitizer. It is a perspective view which shows a gas-liquid contact member and an electrolyzed water production | generation unit. It is a right side sectional view showing the internal configuration of the air sterilizer. It is a figure explaining the mode of supply of electrolysis water, (A) is a mimetic diagram showing the composition of an air sanitization mechanism, and (B) is a figure showing the composition of an electrolysis tank in detail. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the air sterilizer 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control at the time of rotating an electrode. It is a flowchart which shows the control at the time of determining the electrolytic condition after inversion. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between time and electrolyzed water density | concentration, and demonstrating the control at the time of electrode reversal.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air sanitization apparatus 31 Blower fan 32 Fan motor 46 Electrolysis tank 47, 48 Electrode 53 Gas-liquid contact member 60 Control part 61 Microcomputer (polarization control means, conductivity detection means, electrolysis condition determination means, conductivity correction means)
62 storage unit 69 water temperature sensor (water temperature measuring means)
70 Voltage / current detection circuit (conductivity detection means)
T2 Measurement standby time (standby time)
T4 electrolysis time

Claims (5)

A means is provided for applying voltage to the electrode in the electrolytic cell to electrolyze the water in the electrolytic cell to generate electrolytic water . This electrolytic water is circulated and supplied to the gas-liquid contact member. An air sterilization apparatus for sterilizing air by sending air to a member,
A polarity reversal control means for inverting the polarity of the electrodes, and the conductivity detector for detecting the conductivity of the water, when obtained by inverting the polarity of the electrode, in advance as the time scale of the previous SL electrode surface is removed Means for determining an electrolysis current and electrolysis time with the electrolyzed water concentration after electrolysis as a target concentration according to the conductivity detected after elapse of a set standby time, and the electrolyzed water The air sterilizer is characterized in that the means for generating the water electrolyzes the water based on the determined electrolysis current and electrolysis time until the next polarity reversal .   The air sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conductivity detection means detects the conductivity of the water after the standby time has elapsed.   3. The conductivity detection unit according to claim 1, wherein the conductivity detection unit detects the conductivity based on a voltage value applied between the electrodes when a predetermined measurement current is passed between the electrodes. The air disinfection device described. Comprising water temperature measuring means for measuring the water temperature in the electrolytic cell;
The air sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conductivity detection unit includes a conductivity correction unit that corrects the conductivity based on the water temperature. The inversion control means reverses the polarity of the electrode whenever the electrolysis time reaches a predetermined inversion reference time, and the inversion reference time can be changed according to the hardness of the water. The air disinfection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .

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