JP5172098B2 - Air sanitizer - Google Patents

Description

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

In general, for the purpose of removing viruses and the like, a sterilization apparatus has been proposed that infuses electrolyzed water mist in the air and directly contacts the electrolyzed water mist with viruses and the like to inactivate viruses and the like (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-181358 A

  However, the conventional sterilization apparatus is effective in a use environment where fine particulate electrolyzed water mist easily reaches, that is, in a use environment where electrolyzed water mist is difficult to reach while being effective in a relatively small space, ie, large There is a problem that it is difficult to exert its effect in a space such as a kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school, a nursing care insurance facility, a hospital, and the like.

  In order to solve this problem, a gas-liquid contact member having water retention capacity is provided in one casing, and electrolyzed water obtained by electrolyzing tap water is dropped on the gas-liquid contact member while blowing air such as a sirocco fan. The applicant has proposed an air sterilization apparatus that blows room air to a gas-liquid contact member with a fan to detoxify viruses and allergens contained in air in a large space.

In this apparatus, active oxygen species contained in electrolyzed water, for example, hypochlorous acid is used to inactivate bacteria such as viruses.
However, in the case of a virus or the like that is difficult to inactivate with hypochlorous acid, a case where a desired sterilization effect cannot be obtained is assumed. Further, regarding odor components contained in the air, in the case of an odor substance that is difficult to decompose with hypochlorous acid, a case where a desired deodorizing effect cannot be obtained is assumed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an air sterilization apparatus capable of sterilizing and deodorizing air using an appropriate reactive oxygen species according to the type of virus, allergen, and odorous substance to be deodorized. There is to do.

In order to solve the above-described problems, an air sterilization apparatus of the present invention electrolyzes a housing including an air suction port and an air outlet, a gas-liquid contact member disposed in the housing, and water containing chlorine ions. The electrolyzed water supply means for generating electrolyzed water containing active oxygen species and supplying the electrolyzed water to the gas-liquid contact member, and the active oxygen species infiltrated into the gas-liquid contact member with the indoor air sucked from the suction port. A blower fan that is brought into contact with the electrolyzed water contained and blown out from the outlet , and the electrolyzed water supply means generates hypochlorous acid as an active oxygen species when a positive potential is applied from an external power source. One electrode and a second electrode that generates ozone as an active oxygen species when a positive potential is applied from an external power source, and by switching the polarity between the first electrode and the second electrode Include in the electrolyzed water And switches the sexual oxygen species type selectively.

  According to this configuration, the electrolyzed water supply means can selectively switch the type of active oxygen species contained in the electrolyzed water from a plurality of active oxygen species, so that viruses or the like floating in the air or allergic substances Depending on the type of odorous substance, the type of active oxygen species contained in the electrolyzed water can be selected appropriately and supplied to the gas-liquid contact member. Thereby, even if one kind of reactive oxygen species has a low sterilizing effect such as a virus, indoor air can be sterilized by switching to another active oxygen species having a high sterilizing effect on the target virus or the like. Therefore, it is possible to sterilize indoor air by bringing it into contact with electrolyzed water containing reactive oxygen species suitable for viruses and other types of allergens, sterilizing the air, and blowing out the sterilized air from the outlet. it can.

In this case, the air sterilization apparatus detects an air component detection means for detecting a component contained in the air blown to the gas-liquid contact member, and the electrolyzed water supply means supplies the electrolyzed water according to the detected component. Switching means for switching the type of the active oxygen species to be included may be provided.
According to this configuration, the type of active oxygen species to be included in the electrolyzed water supplied to the gas-liquid contact member by the electrolyzed water supply means can be switched according to the type of virus, allergen or odorous substance contained in the air. Can do.

At this time, the air component detection means can be an odor sensor that detects an odor component contained in the air.
According to this configuration, the type of active oxygen species included in the electrolyzed water supplied to the gas-liquid contact member by the electrolyzed water supply means can be switched according to the type of odorous substance contained in the air.

Further, in the above configuration, a chemical supply means for supplying chlorine or a compound containing chlorine to the electrolyzed water supply means may be provided.
In the above configuration, the predetermined potential may be alternately applied to the first electrode and the second electrode .

In the above configuration, the energization time interval is preferably shorter than the remaining time of the active oxygen species in the electrolytic water.
Moreover, in the said structure, it is preferable to produce | generate hypochlorous acid within the residual time of ozone after producing | generating ozone in the said electrolyzed water supply means.
In this case, in the electrolyzed water supply means, after generating ozone, hypochlorous acid may be generated before the ozone concentration in the electrolyzed water reaches a predetermined concentration.

  According to the air sterilization apparatus of the present invention, the type of reactive oxygen species contained in the electrolyzed water can be switched according to the type of virus or the like to be sterilized, the allergen, or the odorous substance to be deodorized. The active oxygen species can be used to sterilize and deodorize air.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In FIG. 1, the code | symbol 1 shows a floor-standing type air sanitizer. This floor-mounted air sterilization apparatus 1 includes a box-shaped housing 2, which includes a leg piece 2A, a front panel 2B, and a top panel 2C, on both sides of the top panel 2C. The operation lid 2D and the opening / closing lid 2E are arranged side by side. As shown in FIG. 2, a horizontally long suction port 3 is formed in the lower portion of the housing 2, and a prefilter 3 </ b> A is disposed above the suction port 3. A blower fan 7 is disposed above the pre-filter 3A, and a gas-liquid contact member 5 having high water retention is disposed above the blower fan 7 in a brace shape as shown in FIG. A horizontally long air outlet 4 is disposed above the liquid contact member 5. Reference numeral 8 denotes a support plate for the blower fan 7, and the support plate 8 is supported by the housing 2.

  This gas-liquid contact member 5 is a filter member having a honeycomb structure, has a structure in which a wide gas contact area is ensured, electrolytic water can be dripped, and clogging is difficult. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the gas-liquid contact member 5 is formed in a honeycomb shape as a whole by joining a material 5A bent into a wave shape and a flat material 5B.

  These materials 5A and 5B include materials that are less reactive with electrolyzed water, which will be described later, in short, materials that are less susceptible to degradation by electrolyzed water, such as polyolefin resins (polyethylene resins, polypropylene resins, etc.), PET (polyethylene terephthalol). Materials such as resin, vinyl chloride resin, fluorine resin (PTFE, PFA, ETFE, etc.), cellulosic material or ceramic material can be used. In this configuration, a PET resin is used for these materials 5A and 5B. Further, the gas-liquid contact member 5 is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment, and the affinity for the electrolyzed water is increased, whereby the water retention (wetability) of the electrolyzed water of the gas-liquid contact member 5 is maintained, Contact between the active oxygen species described later and room air is maintained for a long time. Furthermore, since electrolyzed water having an antifungal action is dropped on the gas-liquid contact member 5, it is not necessary to apply an antifungal agent to the gas-liquid contact member 5 as a anti-fungal measure.

  The inclination angle θ of the gas-liquid contact member 5 is desirably 30 ° or more. In the case of less than that, the dropped electrolyzed water does not flow along the inclination of the gas-liquid contact member 5 but falls downward. Further, when the inclination angle θ approaches 90 °, the air blowing path passing through the gas-liquid contact member 5 becomes nearly horizontal, and it is difficult to blow upward by that much. When this blowing direction is made close to horizontal, the blowing air cannot be blown far away, and as described later, the device is not suitable for sterilization of a large space. The inclination angle θ is preferably 80 °> θ> 30 °, more preferably 75 °> θ> 55 °, and about 57 ° in this configuration.

5A to 5C show electrolyzed water supply means for dropping electrolyzed water onto the gas-liquid contact member 5.
A water tray 9 (see FIG. 3) is disposed below the gas-liquid contact member 5 made of PET resin, and a water tank support tray 10 is connected to the water tray 9. The water supply tank support tray 10 is provided with a water supply tank 11 for supplying tap water containing chlorine ions into the support tray 10 and a circulation pump 13. An electrolytic tank 31 is connected to the circulation pump 13, and an electrolytic water supply pipe 17 is connected to the electrolytic tank 31. The electrolyzed water supply pipe 17 is configured to include a large number of water spray holes (not shown) on the outer periphery, and as shown in FIG. 5B, in the water spray box 5C formed at the upper edge of the gas-liquid contact member 5. Has been inserted.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the electrolytic cell 31 includes two pairs of a first electrode 32 and a second electrode 33 in the electrolytic cell 31 as a pair of electrodes, and the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33. When a voltage is applied between the two, the tap water flowing into the electrolytic cell 31 is electrolyzed to generate electrolyzed water containing active oxygen species. Here, the reactive oxygen species are oxygen molecules having an oxidation activity higher than that of normal oxygen and related substances, and so-called narrow definition such as superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, or hydrogen peroxide. These active oxygens include so-called broad active oxygens such as ozone and hypohalous acid. The electrolytic cell 31 is arranged close to the gas-liquid contact member 5 and is configured to be able to immediately supply the active oxygen species generated by electrolyzing tap water to the gas-liquid contact member 5.

  The first electrode 32 is, for example, an electrode plate having a base made of Ti (titanium) and a coating layer made of Ir (iridium) or Pt (platinum), and is activated by applying a positive potential from an external power source as an anode electrode. Hypochlorous acid is produced as an oxygen species.

  The second electrode 33 is, for example, an electrode plate having a base made of Ti and a coating layer made of platinum (Pt) or tantalum (Ta), and is supplied with a positive potential from an external power source as an anode electrode. As ozone is produced.

When the first electrode 32 is used as an anode electrode, the second electrode 33 is used as a cathode electrode, a voltage is applied between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33 from an external power source, and then the cathode electrode is used. In the second electrode 33,
4H ⁺ + 4e ⁻ + (4OH ⁻ ) → 2H ₂ + (4OH ⁻ )
In the first electrode 32 as the anode electrode,
2H ₂ O → 4H ⁺ + O ₂ + 4e ⁻
As soon as the reaction of
Chlorine ions contained in water (pre-added to tap water)
2Cl ⁻ → Cl ₂ + 2e ⁻
In addition, this Cl ₂ reacts with water,
Cl ₂ + H ₂ O → HClO + HCl
Thus, HClO (hypochlorous acid) having a high sterilizing power is generated on the second electrode 32 side.

On the other hand, when the first electrode 32 is used as a cathode electrode and the second electrode 33 is used as an anode electrode, a voltage is applied between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33 from an external power source to supply current. In the second electrode 33 as an 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 first electrode 32 as a cathode electrode,
4H ⁺ + 4e ⁻ + (4OH ⁻ ) → 2H ₂ + (4OH ⁻ )
O ₂ ⁻ + e ⁻ + 2H ⁺ → H ₂ O ₂
As in, O ₂ by the electrode reaction ^- O which is produced ₂ ^- and solution H ⁺ and are bonded in the hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂₎ is generated.

  In this configuration, a positive potential is applied to the first electrode 32 and a voltage is applied between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33 from an external power source, so that the first electrode 32 can be sterilized. Electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid can be generated by generating strong HClO (hypochlorous acid).

Further, by applying a positive potential to the second electrode 33 and applying a voltage from an external power source between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33, the bactericidal power can be increased from the second electrode 33 side. Large ozone (O ₃ ) was generated from the first electrode 32 side to generate hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ), and these ozone (O ₃ ) and hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) were included. Electrolyzed water can be made.

  Switching of the electrode that provides a positive potential can be performed by reversing the polarity of the electrode. The electrodes may be switched in any way, but in this embodiment, the electrodes can be switched using the electrode switching device 60 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the electrode switching device 60 includes a polarity reversing unit 62 for switching electrodes connected to the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal of the DC power supply circuit 61, and polarity switching to the polarity reversing unit 62. And a control unit 63 for inputting a signal.

  In this electrode switching device 60, it is decomposed with hypochlorous acid according to the odor component contained in the indoor air by the odor detection signal input from the odor sensor 64 provided in the vicinity of the suction port 3 for sucking the indoor air. When an easy odor component is detected, the control unit 63 outputs a polarity switching signal for applying a positive potential to the first electrode 32 to the polarity inversion unit 62. 6B, the positive output terminal of the DC power supply circuit 61 and the first electrode 32 are connected, and the negative output terminal of the DC power supply circuit 61 and the second electrode 33 are connected. And are connected.

  On the other hand, when it is detected that the odor component contained in the indoor air is a component that is easily decomposed by ozone or hydrogen peroxide, the polarity switching signal for applying a positive potential to the second electrode 33 is inverted in polarity. To the unit 62. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6C, the output terminal on the positive electrode side of the DC power supply circuit 61 and the second electrode 33 are connected, and the output terminal on the negative electrode side is connected to the first electrode 32. Thus, by switching the polarities of the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33, the type of the active oxygen species contained in the electrolyzed water is selectively switched from hypochlorous acid, ozone, and hydrogen peroxide. be able to.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
In FIG. 1, when the operation lid 2D is opened, an operation panel (not shown) is faced. By operating this operation panel, the operation of the floor-type air sterilizer 1 is started. When this operation is started, the circulation pump 13 is driven with reference to FIG. 5A, and the tap water collected in the water supply tank support tray 10 is supplied to the electrolytic cell 31.

  In this electrolytic cell 31, the control unit 63 uses the polarity reversing unit 62 as the first electrode 32 or the second electrode 33 to provide a positive potential based on the detection signal output from the odor sensor 64 near the suction port 3. Then, a voltage is applied between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33, and direct current is passed between the electrodes 32 and 33 to conduct electrolysis of tap water, and hypochlorous acid or ozone and hydrogen peroxide are added. Generate electrolyzed water containing. This electrolyzed water is sprinkled into the watering box 5C through a watering hole (not shown) of the electrolyzed water supply pipe 17, and from here it soaks into the upper edge of the gas-liquid contact member 5 and gradually toward the lower part. To penetrate.

  Indoor air is supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 5 infiltrated with the electrolyzed water via the blower fan 7 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The indoor air comes into contact with the active oxygen species soaked in the gas-liquid contact member 5 and is blown out into the room again from the outlet 4. The gas-liquid contact member 5 is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment to enhance the affinity for electrolyzed water, whereby the water retention (wetability) of the electrolyzed water of the gas-liquid contact member 5 is maintained, and the indoor air Contact with active oxygen species is sustained for a long time. This reactive oxygen species has a function of destroying and eliminating (removing) the surface protein (spike) of the virus essential for infection when, for example, an influenza virus invades into the indoor air. Influenza virus and the receptor (receptor) necessary for the virus to become infected do not bind, thereby preventing infection. As a result of the verification test in collaboration with the Institute for Hygiene and Environment, it was found that 99% or more of the virus can be removed when the air invaded by the influenza virus is passed through the gas-liquid contact member 5 of this configuration.

  On the other hand, the surplus electrolyzed water is collected in the water receiving tray 9 shown in FIG. 5A, flows into the adjacent water supply tank support tray 10 and is stored therein. In this configuration, when water is circulated and the amount of water is reduced by evaporation or the like, an appropriate amount of tap water is supplied to the water supply tank support tray 10 via the water supply tank 11. When the amount of water in the water supply tank 11 decreases, the open / close lid 2E (see FIG. 1) is opened, the water supply tank 11 is taken out, and tap water is supplied.

  In the above, the concentration of the active oxygen species in the electrolyzed water is adjusted to a concentration that inactivates viruses to be sterilized. The concentration of the active oxygen species in the electrolyzed water is adjusted by adjusting the voltage applied between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33, and the current value flowing between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33 is adjusted. This is done by adjusting.

For example, when a positive potential is applied to the first electrode 32 and the current value flowing between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33 is 20 mA / cm ² in terms of current density, a predetermined free residual chlorine concentration (For example, 1 mg / liter is generated. Also, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the electrolytic water is increased by changing the voltage applied between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33 to increase the current value. As for ozone or hydrogen peroxide in the electrolyzed water, a positive potential is applied to the second electrode 33 in the same manner as described above, so that the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33 If the value of the current flowing between them is increased, the concentration of ozone or hydrogen peroxide in the electrolyzed water can be increased.

  In the present embodiment, the indoor air sucked from the suction port 3 provided in the lower part of the housing 2 is brought into contact with the electrolyzed water dropped on the gas-liquid contact member 5, and the blower provided in the upper part of the housing 2. In order to provide a structure that blows out from the outlet 4, this floor-standing air sanitizer 1 is installed in a so-called large space such as a kindergarten, elementary, middle, or high school, a nursing care insurance facility, a hospital, etc. However, indoor air sterilized by contact with the electrolyzed water can be blown far away from the large space, air sterilization in the large space can be achieved efficiently, and deodorization can be performed at the same time. At this time, the electrode switching device 60 switches the polarities of the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33 in accordance with the odor component detected by the odor sensor 64 provided in the vicinity of the suction port 3, and the odor in the air Since electrolyzed water containing active oxygen species that easily decompose components is generated, sterilization and deodorization in the air can be performed efficiently.

Moreover, in this embodiment, since the kind of active oxygen species contained in electrolyzed water can be easily switched by reversing the polarity, the configuration of the air sterilizer 1 is not complicated . Moreover, since the scale deposited on the cathode electrode can be removed by reversing the polarity, water can be electrolyzed efficiently.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid is collected in the water tray 9 and flows into the adjacent water supply tank support tray 10. For this reason, miscellaneous bacteria do not occur in each dish, and generation of slime is prevented. For this reason, the frequency of cleaning and maintenance of each dish is reduced, and labor such as maintenance can be reduced.

The air sterilization apparatus of the embodiment described above is one aspect of the present invention, and it is needless to say that the air sterilization apparatus can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.
For example, in the above embodiment, the electrode switching device 60 is provided, and the polarities of the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33 are reversed by the odor component in the air detected by the odor sensor 64. For example, it may be reversed periodically using a timer, or may be reversed irregularly, such as reversed every time the air sterilizer 1 is activated.

  In addition, while continuously energizing between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33, the electrode that gives a positive potential may be switched to the first electrode 32 or the second electrode 33, An energization time for energization between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33 may be provided intermittently.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the energization time for energization between the electrodes 32 and 33 is intermittently provided as T _ab , T _cd , T _ef , and T _gh , The interval between them (for example, T ₁ and T ₂ shown in the figure) is preferably shorter than the remaining time of the active oxygen species in the electrolyzed water. Here, the residual time of active oxygen species refers to the time until the residual concentration of active oxygen species present in the electrolyzed water becomes zero. Of course, the interval between the energization times is preferably shorter than the remaining time of the active oxygen species generated immediately before.

  In this way, by starting energization between the electrodes 32 and 33 before the remaining time of the active oxygen species generated immediately before has passed, it is possible to always generate electrolyzed water containing the active oxygen species. However, the interval is preferably shorter than the residual time of the active oxygen species, and the residual concentration of the active oxygen species is a time for maintaining a concentration effective for sterilization and deodorization of viruses and the like. 7A shows the time transition of ozone concentration (residual ozone concentration) in the electrolyzed water, and FIG. 7B shows hypochlorous acid concentration (residual hypochlorous acid concentration in the electrolyzed water). ). Moreover, it is preferable to generate hypochlorous acid and ozone by reversing the polarity between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33. In addition, it is particularly preferable to generate hypochlorous acid and ozone as active oxygen species by reversing the polarity in this way.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the remaining time of hypochlorous acid in the electrolyzed water is longer than the time of remaining ozone in the electrolyzed water. Compared to the interval T ₁ after the generation of, the interval T ₂ after energizing the electrodes 32 and 33 to generate hypochlorous acid can be made longer.

In addition, when the energization time for energization is intermittently provided between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33, as shown in FIG. You may make it switch to the electrode 33 alternately. However, the energization times T _ab and T _ef shown in the figure indicate a state in which ozone is generated by applying a positive potential to the second electrode 33 and energizing between the electrodes 32 and 33. Times T _cd and T _gh indicate a state where a positive potential is applied to the first electrode 32 and electricity is passed between the electrodes 32 and 33 to generate hypochlorous acid.

  In this way, by switching electrodes that alternately apply a positive potential, a time during which the ozone concentration in the electrolyzed water is high and a time during which the hypochlorous acid concentration is high are alternately provided, so that various viruses can be sterilized. It can be deodorized.

In addition, ozone is highly reactive and exerts sterilizing and deodorizing effects against various viruses and allergens, but on the other hand, the ozone remaining time in the electrolytic water is short as described above. For this reason, when hypochlorous acid and ozone are generated as active oxygen species included in the electrolyzed water, after generating ozone, so as to generate hypochlorous acid having a relatively long residual time in the electrolyzed water, After generating ozone (for example, time point b), within a predetermined time (for example, time point c), a positive potential is applied to the first electrode 32 so that the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33 It is preferable to energize between them. Here, the predetermined time (for example, T ₁ ) can be arbitrarily set as long as it is within the remaining time of ozone in the electrolyzed water. Specifically, the transition of the residual concentration of ozone in the electrolyzed water under a predetermined environment is measured in advance, and the air sterilization apparatus 1 is actually operated to sterilize the room where the air sterilization apparatus 1 is installed. The predetermined time can be set with reference to the ozone concentration necessary for deodorization (for example, concentration A shown in the figure). Thus, by starting energization within the time when the ozone concentration in the electrolyzed water will have the predetermined concentration A, the concentration of the active oxygen species in the electrolyzed water can be prevented from becoming a certain concentration or less, and sterilization can be performed. -Deodorizing effect can be demonstrated continuously.

  In this case, an ozone concentration detecting means for detecting the ozone concentration in the electrolyzed water is provided in the air sterilizer 1, and a positive potential is applied to the first electrode 32 when the ozone concentration in the electrolyzed water reaches the concentration A. Thus, a configuration may be adopted in which current is applied between the electrodes 32 and 33.

  Moreover, when the apparatus power supply of the air sterilizer 1 is turned off, it is preferable to end the operation of the air sterilizer 1 with hypochlorous acid being generated. As described above, since the remaining time of hypochlorous acid is longer than the remaining time of ozone, if the operation of the air sterilizer 1 is terminated in a state where hypochlorous acid is generated, the operation is not performed. In addition, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of various germs and molds in the water receiving tray 9 and the water supply tank support tray 10, and the labor such as maintenance can be reduced.

In the above embodiment, the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33 are used as a pair of electrodes, and two pairs are provided, and the polarities of the electrodes 31 and 32 are reversed, whereby the activity contained in the generated electrolyzed water. Although the type of oxygen species is switched to hypochlorous acid, ozone, or hydrogen peroxide, the configuration of the electrode provided in the electrolytic cell 31 is not limited to this.

  As shown in FIG. 8 (A), the two second electrodes 33 connected in parallel with the two first electrodes 32 connected in parallel are connected to the DC power supply circuit via the polarity inversion unit 62 of the electrode switching device 60. It is good also as a structure connected to 61, and the structure which switches the electrode which gives a positive electric potential by the polarity inversion part 62 suitably. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the configuration may be such that one first electrode 32 and two second electrodes 33 connected in parallel are connected to the DC power supply circuit 61 via the polarity inversion unit 62. As shown in FIG. 8C, two first electrodes 32 and one second electrode 33 connected in parallel are connected to a DC power supply circuit 61 via a polarity inversion unit 62. Also good.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9A, two third electrodes 34 to which a negative potential is always applied are provided in the electrolytic cell 31, and the first electrode 32, the second electrode 33, and the third electrode are provided. By switching the pair of electrodes to which a voltage is applied between the first electrode 32 and the third electrode 34, or between the second electrode 33 and the third electrode 34, respectively. The type of active oxygen species contained in the electrolyzed water may be switched. In addition, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the third electrode 34 is provided and a voltage is applied, the electrode that is paired with the third electrode 34 is the first electrode 32 or the second electrode. It is good also as a structure switched to the 2nd electrode 33. FIG. Here, the third electrode 35 can be configured using platinum, carbon (C), stainless steel (Fe—Cr— (Ni) alloy), or the like.

Further, it provided two of the electrolytic bath 31, on one of the electrolytic bath 31 was inserted as the electrode pair and the first electrode 32 to the third electrode 34, the other electrolytic bath 31 and the second electrode 33 first A configuration in which the three electrodes 34 are inserted as a pair of electrodes, the electrolytic bath 31 for electrolyzing tap water is appropriately switched, and the type of active oxygen species contained in the electrolytic water dropped or permeated into the gas-liquid contact member 5 is switched. It is good.

  Thus, even when the third electrode 34 is provided and the electrode paired with the third electrode 34 is switched between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33, The electrode paired with the third electrode 34 may be switched to the first electrode 32 or the second electrode 33, or between the third electrode 34 and the first electrode 32 or the second electrode 33. An energization time for energization may be provided intermittently. In this case, it is preferable that the electrode paired with the third electrode 34 is alternately switched between the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33. In addition, it is particularly preferable to generate hypochlorous acid and ozone as active oxygen species by switching the electrode paired with the third electrode 34 to the first electrode 32 and the second electrode 33 in this way.

  When the energization time is provided intermittently, for the same reason as described above, the energization time interval is preferably shorter than the residual concentration of active oxygen species in the electrolytic water. Moreover, after ozone is generated during a predetermined energization time, it is preferable to provide an energization time for generating hypochlorous acid within a predetermined time. That is, it is preferable to start the energization and generate hypochlorous acid before the ozone concentration in the electrolytic water reaches a predetermined concentration. Moreover, when the apparatus power supply of the air sterilizer 1 is turned off, it is preferable to end the operation of the air sterilizer 1 with hypochlorous acid being generated.

Further, in the above embodiment, the active oxygen species is generated by electrolyzing the tap water in the electrolytic bath 31 using chlorine ions contained in the tap water, but the ionic species are dilute. When introducing tap water or well water into the electrolytic cell 31, a chemical supply device for supplying chlorine or a compound containing chlorine to the electrolytic cell 31 may be provided in the air sterilizer 1.

For example, the medicine supply device may inject the medicine into the water supply tank support tray 10 or may directly inject the medicine into the electrolytic bath 31. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which inject | pours a chemical | medical agent into the water supply tank 11, and is good also as a structure which stores the chemical | medical agent which adjusted the density | concentration in the water supply tank 11 itself. At this time, salt or saline can be used as the drug. For example, by adjusting the concentration of salt water in the electrolytic bath 31 in 2-3% concentration, electrolytic water containing hypochlorous acid or hydrogen peroxide by electrolyzing brine in the electrolytic cell 31 (0. 5 to 1%). According to this configuration, even when the ionic species of water introduced into the electrolytic cell 31 is dilute, by adding salt or saline, the ionic species is increased and stable at high efficiency during water electrolysis. Thus, reactive oxygen species can be generated.

Moreover, it is good also as a structure provided with the ozone production | generation apparatus which produces | generates ozone by air discharge in the air sterilizer 1, and supplies it to the said electrolyzed water supply means. The ozone generator may be configured to supply the generated ozone to the electrolytic bath 31, or to supply the ozone generated by the ozone generator to the electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic bath 31, and dissolve the ozone in the electrolytic water. It is good. According to such a configuration, even if the ion species of tap water introduced into the electrolytic bath 31 is dilute and it is difficult to generate ozone by electrolysis of tap water, it contains ozone as an active oxygen species. Electrolyzed water can be generated and dropped or penetrated into the gas-liquid contact member.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it was set as the water supply system by the water tank 11 which can be taken in and out, instead of this water tank 11, it is good also as a water piping water supply system which connects a water pipe and guides city water directly, for example. Needless to say.

  Furthermore, in the said embodiment, although the electrolyzed water supply means which drips electrolyzed water to the gas-liquid contact member 5 and moistened was demonstrated, it is not limited to this, Electrolyzed water is made to osmose | permeate into the gas-liquid contact member 5 by a suction system. It is good also as a structure. In this case, although not shown in the figure, for example, a dam is provided in the water tray 9 to form an electrolyzed water retention area, the electrolyzed water is guided here, and the lower edge of the gas-liquid contact member 5 is submerged, so-called capillary phenomenon. It is good also as a structure which sucks up electrolyzed water by.

It is a perspective view which shows one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows an internal structure. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a housing | casing. It is a front view of a gas-liquid contact member. It is a systematic diagram which shows the means to dripping electrolyzed water to a gas-liquid contact member, A is a side view, B is sectional drawing of a watering box, C is a block diagram of an electrolytic cell. It is explanatory drawing about switching of the polarity of the electrode provided in an electrolytic cell . It is explanatory drawing about the change of the polarity of an electrode and the residual density | concentration of the active oxygen species in electrolyzed water. It is a figure which shows another structure of the electrode provided in an electrolytic vessel . It is a figure which shows another structure of the structure of the electrode provided in an electrolytic vessel .

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Floor-standing air sanitizer 2 Case 3 Suction inlet 4 Outlet 5 Gas-liquid contact member 7 Blower fan 9 Water receiving tray 10 Water supply tank support tray 11 Water supply tank 13 Circulation pump 31 Electrolysis tank (electrolyzed water supply means)
32 1st electrode 33 2nd electrode 34 3rd electrode

Claims (9)

A housing with an air inlet and outlet;
A gas-liquid contact member disposed in the housing;
Electrolyzed water supply means for electrolyzing water containing chlorine ions to generate electrolyzed water containing active oxygen species and supplying the electrolyzed water to the gas-liquid contact member;
A blower fan that brings the indoor air sucked from the suction port into contact with the electrolyzed water containing the active oxygen species that has permeated the gas-liquid contact member, and blows out the air from the outlet;
The electrolytic water supply means includes a first electrode that generates hypochlorous acid as an active oxygen species when a positive potential is applied from an external power source, and ozone as an active oxygen species when a positive potential is applied from an external power source. A second electrode to be generated,
An air sterilizer characterized by selectively switching the type of active oxygen species contained in the electrolyzed water by switching the polarity between the first electrode and the second electrode. In the air sterilizer according to claim 1,
Air component detection means for detecting a component contained in the air blown to the gas-liquid contact member;
The electrolyzed water supply means includes a switching means for switching the type of active oxygen species to be included in the electrolyzed water according to the detected component,
An air sterilizer characterized by. In the air sterilizer according to claim 2,
The air component detection means is an odor sensor for detecting an odor component contained in air;
An air sterilizer characterized by. In the air sanitizer as described in any one of Claims 1-3 ,
An air disinfecting apparatus comprising a chemical supply means for supplying chlorine or a compound containing chlorine to the electrolyzed water supply means. In the air sanitizer as described in any one of Claims 1-4 ,
Intermittently providing energization time for energization between the first electrode and the second electrode;
An air sterilizer characterized by. In the air sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
Alternately applying a positive potential to the first electrode and the second electrode;
An air sterilizer characterized by. In the air sterilizer according to claim 5 or 6 ,
The energization time interval is shorter than the residual time of the active oxygen species in the electrolyzed water,
An air sterilizer characterized by. In the air sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
In the electrolytic water supply means, after generating ozone, hypochlorous acid is generated within the remaining time of ozone,
An air sterilizer characterized by. In the air sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
In the electrolytic water supply means, after generating ozone, hypochlorous acid is generated before the ozone concentration in the electrolytic water reaches a predetermined concentration,
An air sterilizer characterized by.

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