JP5241135B2 - Air sanitizer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air sterilization apparatus capable of removing airborne microbial viruses and the like.

Conventionally, for the purpose of removing airborne microorganisms, etc., electrolyzed water mist is diffused in the air (to be sterilized space), and this electrolyzed water mist is brought into direct contact with airborne microorganisms to inactivate viruses. A sterilization apparatus has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-181358

  However, since there is a limit to the space in which electrolyzed water mist can be diffused, the above sterilization apparatus is effective in a small space where electrolyzed mist can be diffused, but it is difficult to exert its effect in large spaces such as public facilities and vehicles. There was a problem.

  Further, in the conventional sterilization apparatus, since the mist of the electrolyzed water is diffused in the space, a large amount of water is used to generate the mist, and the space is humidified by the mist and the window is clouded. There was an inconvenience.

  In view of this, the applicant firstly arranges braces in a floor-standing enclosure and forms a gas-liquid contact member formed of a material that is less reactive with electrolyzed water, and drops electrolyzed water onto the gas-liquid contact member. Electrolytic water dripping means and a gas / liquid contact member are provided with a blower fan for blowing room air, and indoor air sucked by a blower fan from a suction port provided at a lower portion of the housing is dropped onto the gas / liquid contact member. We developed a floor-standing air sanitizer that is brought into contact with electrolyzed water and blows out from the air outlet provided at the top of the housing.

  The air outlet provided in the upper part of the enclosure by bringing the indoor air sucked from the suction port formed in the lower part of the enclosure into contact with the electrolyzed water dropped on the gas-liquid contact member by the floor-standing air sanitizer It is possible to blow away indoor air that has been sterilized in contact with the electrolyzed water far away from the large space and efficiently sterilize the air in the large space. .

  However, in such a structure, as one of the electrolyzed water dropping means, a special pump for conveying the electrolyzed water above the gas-liquid contact member in order to drop the generated electrolyzed water onto the gas-liquid contact member Therefore, there has been a problem that the apparatus is increased in size, complexity, and cost.

  Furthermore, when such an air sterilizer is used in a cold district where the outside air temperature is low, the electrolyzed water may freeze. When the electrode is energized in such a state where the electrolyzed water is frozen, an extreme load is applied to the electrode, which may significantly reduce the life of the electrode.

  The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the related art, and performs air sterilization in a sterilized space efficiently while simplifying and downsizing the structure of an air sterilization apparatus. For the purpose.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide an air sterilization apparatus that can prevent energization of an electrode during freezing of electrolyzed water and eliminate the burden on the electrode.

  The air sterilization apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is a gas-liquid contact member formed of a material less reactive with electrolyzed water and subjected to a hydrophilic treatment, a water storage part for storing the electrolyzed water, and one end portion of the air sterilizer A water absorbing member provided in contact with the gas-liquid contact member and having the other end immersed in the electrolyzed water in the water reservoir, and the water absorbing member is immersed in the electrolyzed water in the water reservoir, When the water absorbing member is immersed in the electrolyzed water in the water reservoir, the electrolyzed water is supplied to the gas-liquid contact member by using a capillary phenomenon from the water reservoir. Supplying and letting the air ventilated to the said gas-liquid contact member contact the said electrolyzed water, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  An air sterilization apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect of the present invention, the water storage section is filled with a porous material or a water-absorbing polymer material.

  An air sterilization apparatus according to a third aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the invention according to any one of the first and second aspects, a cover capable of opening and closing the periphery of the gas-liquid contact member is provided. To do.

The invention according to claim 1 includes a gas-liquid contact member formed of a material that is less reactive with electrolyzed water, and a water storage part that stores the electrolyzed water. The gas-liquid contact member utilizes capillary action from the water storage part. Since the electrolyzed water is supplied to the gas-liquid contact member, the air that is ventilated through the gas-liquid contact member is brought into contact with the electrolyzed water. Can be efficiently sterilized with air. Moreover, since the gas-liquid contact member is formed of a material that is less reactive with the electrolyzed water, the durability is improved and the life can be extended.

In particular, since the electrolyzed water is supplied from the water reservoir to the gas-liquid contact member using the capillary phenomenon, a special pump mechanism for supplying the electrolyzed water from the water reservoir to the gas-liquid contact member becomes unnecessary. It is possible to simplify the structure, reduce the size, and reduce power consumption. In particular, when a battery is used as the driving power source of the air sterilization apparatus of the present invention, the load on the battery can be reduced.

Moreover, since the gas-liquid contact member has been subjected to the hydrophilic treatment, the hydrophilicity to the electrolyzed water can be increased. Thereby, the water retention of the electrolyzed water of the gas-liquid contact member is maintained, and the contact between the air ventilated by the gas-liquid contact member and the electrolyzed water can be maintained for a long time.

Furthermore, when one end is provided in contact with the gas-liquid contact member and the other end is provided with a water-absorbing member immersed in the electrolyzed water in the water storage unit, when scales or the like are deposited on the surface of the gas-liquid contact member Can be easily replaced. In particular, compared to the case where the gas-liquid contact member is directly immersed in the electrolyzed water in the water reservoir, it is possible to easily achieve a structure that seals the water reservoir and prevents the electrolyzed water in the water reservoir from leaking easily, thereby preventing water leakage. Countermeasures are easy. In particular, when the air sterilization apparatus of the present invention is used in an inclined condition, it is particularly effective when traveling on a slope when the air sterilization apparatus is mounted on a vehicle.

Further, since the water absorbing member can be switched between a state immersed in the electrolyzed water in the water storage part and a state separated from the electrolyzed water, the water absorbing member is separated from the water storage part when sterilization is not performed. Thus, it is possible to suppress consumption due to spontaneous evaporation of the electrolyzed water. In particular, when the air sterilization apparatus of the present invention is mounted on a vehicle, the temperature inside the vehicle rises to close to + 60 ° C. in the summer, so that it is more effective to prevent spontaneous evaporation of the electrolyzed water.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the water storage part is filled with the porous material or the water-absorbing polymer material, water leakage from the water storage part can be further effectively prevented.

  In the invention of claim 3, since the cover that can be opened and closed is provided around the gas-liquid contact member, when air sterilization is not performed, the periphery of the gas-liquid contact member is sealed to allow electrolysis. Consumption due to natural evaporation of water can be effectively suppressed.

  The present invention is made in order to eliminate the inconvenience that the air sterilization apparatus capable of removing airborne microbial viruses and the like becomes complicated and large in size. Furthermore, the present invention has been made in order to eliminate the disadvantage that the electrode is subjected to an extreme load and the life is remarkably reduced by energizing the electrode when the electrolyzed water is frozen in the air sterilization apparatus.

  A gas-liquid contact member formed of a material that is less reactive with electrolyzed water and a water storage part that stores electrolyzed water for the purpose of efficiently sterilizing the air in the space while simplifying and downsizing the device This is realized by using a capillary phenomenon from this water storage part to supply electrolyzed water to the gas-liquid contact member and bringing the air ventilated through the gas-liquid contact member into contact with the electrolyzed water. Furthermore, for the purpose of eliminating the burden on the electrode during freezing of the electrolyzed water, a control means for controlling energization to the electrode is provided, and the current density applied to the electrode by this control means is kept constant in the water storage section. When it is determined that the water in the water storage part is frozen based on the voltage value between the electrodes, which varies depending on the temperature of the water, this is realized by prohibiting energization of the electrodes. According to the present invention, in particular, it has become possible to efficiently disinfect automobiles such as passenger cars and buses, train cars, and the like. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of an air sanitizer VW according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a view of a longitudinal side surface of the air sanitizer VW of FIG. 1 viewed from one side (front side), and FIG. The figure which looked at the vertical side surface of VW from the other surface side (back side) is shown, respectively. The air sterilization apparatus VW according to the embodiment is an apparatus that is installed in a car such as a passenger car or a bus, or a train vehicle, and that sterilizes the air in the space by setting the inside of the vehicle or the cabin as a sterilized space. .

  In each figure, 1 is a main body of the air sterilization apparatus VW of the present embodiment, 2 is attached to the main body 1, and covers a gas-liquid contact member (element) 8, a blower 20 and the like, which will be described later, mounted on the main body 1. It is a body cover. The body cover 2 is a wall surface formed by a top plate 2T and four panels (front panel 2A, back panel B, side panel 2R, and side panel 2L) extending vertically from the outer periphery of the top plate 2T. Consists of

  On the top surface of the top plate 2T, a plurality of (four in the embodiment) control switches 11, a display means 12 including a plurality (two in the embodiment) LED lamps, and a power switch 13 are provided. An operation unit 10 is formed. And between the one end part (front end part in FIG. 1) of the top plate 2T and the upper end part of the front panel 2A, indoor air serving as a sterilization space is placed in the air sterilization apparatus VW (in the main body cover 2). An intake port 4 for suction is formed. The side panel 2R located on one end side of the front panel 2A and the back panel 2B (the right end side of the front panel 2A and the back panel 2B in FIGS. 1 and 2) is sterilized by the gas-liquid contact member 8. An exhaust port 5 is formed for discharging air to the outside of the air sterilization apparatus VW (inside the sterilization space). The exhaust port 5 includes a large number of small holes 5A formed in the vertical direction of the side panel 2R.

  Further, the front panel 2A of the main body cover 2 has a water amount confirmation window 16 for confirming the water level of water containing at least chloride ions stored in the water supply tank 15 (in this embodiment, tap water). Is formed. With this water amount confirmation window 16, the amount of water in the water supply tank 15 can be confirmed without removing the main body cover 2.

  Next, the internal structure of the air sterilizer VW will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is an internal configuration diagram of the air sterilizer VW with the main body cover 2 removed from the main body 1.

  The main body 1 of the air sterilizer VW is a frame body composed of a receiving surface 1A and a wall surface 1B extending in the vertical direction (downward) from the outer periphery of the receiving surface 1A. An extension portion 1 </ b> C extended outward is formed. The outer periphery of the wall surface 1B is set to be substantially the same as the inner periphery of the main body cover 2, and the outer periphery of the extended portion 1C is set to be larger than that. When the main body cover 2 is attached to the main body 1, the inner surface of the front end (lower end) of the wall surface of the main body cover 2 comes into contact with the wall surface 1B of the main body 1, whereby the main body cover 2 is placed on the upper surface of the extension portion 1C. Will be held by the wall surface 1B.

  The receiving surface 1A of the main body 1 has one end portion, the other end portion, and communication holes 30, 31, 32, 33 penetrating the receiving surface in the vertical direction (vertical direction) in the central portion between the one end portion and the other end portion. Are formed respectively. The communication hole 30 formed at one end portion of the receiving surface 1A is for attaching the water absorbing member 19 to one end portion of the main body 1, and an engaging portion 30A standing upward from the receiving surface 1A is formed around the communication hole 30. ing. A water supply tank 15 for supplying water into the water storage tank 9 as a water storage section is attached to the communication hole 33 formed at the other end of the receiving surface 1A. That is, the communication hole 33 is a water supply port for supplying water (water in the water supply tank 15 in this embodiment) into the water supply tank 9. Further, electrodes 17 and 18 described later are attached to the communication hole 31 at the center of the receiving surface 1A, and a pressure valve 37 is installed in the communication hole 32.

  The pressure valve 37 is for releasing the pressure when the pressure in the water storage tank 9 is excessively increased by gas (hydrogen, oxygen, etc.) generated by electrochemical processing using electrodes 17 and 18 described later. Functions as a pressure relief mechanism. The pressure valve 37 has a structure that allows only the gas in the water tank 9 to flow out to the outside at a certain pressure or higher without allowing the gas from the outside of the water tank 9 to flow into the water tank 9. It consists of a stop valve. The pressure valve 37 allows the internal pressure to be accurately released when the pressure in the water storage tank 9 increases too much. Therefore, the air sterilization device VW can be used to prevent the water storage tank 9 from bursting or to prevent electrolysis water from being ejected. Safety can be improved.

  Further, an engaging portion 25D for attaching the electrolytic cell tray 25 to the main body 1 is formed on the bottom surface (lower surface) of the receiving surface 1A. The electrolytic cell tray 25 has one end portion 25A side having a space in which a sufficient volume is secured, and the other end portion 25B side having a space in which a sufficient volume is secured similarly, and one end portion. This is a vertically long water receiving member that communicates with the 25A side and the other end 25B side, has one side (front side) greatly cut out, and has a small internal volume and a narrow central portion 25C.

  The electrolytic cell tray 25 is fitted into the engagement portion 25 </ b> D whose upper opening edge is formed on the bottom surface of the receiving surface 1 </ b> A of the main body 1. Specifically, the electrolytic cell tray 25 is inserted into the wall surface 1 </ b> B from below the expansion portion 1 </ b> C of the main body 1 with the packing 26 as a sealing member attached to the entire periphery of the upper end opening edge of the electrolytic cell tray 25. Then, when the electrolytic cell tray 25 is inserted to a predetermined attachment position, the upper end opening is fitted into the engagement portion 25D, whereby the electrolytic cell tray 25 is attached to the main body 1. With the electrolytic cell tray 25 attached to the main body 1, the upper end opening is hermetically closed by the receiving surface 1 </ b> A of the main body 1, and the electrolytic cell tray 25 has a sealed structure or a semi-sealed structure of water storage. A tank 9 is formed. And in this water storage tank 9, the electrolyzed water mentioned later will be stored. In the present embodiment, all the communication holes formed in the receiving surface 1A are hermetically closed at the receiving surface 1A of the main body with the packing 26 attached to the entire upper end opening edge of the electrolytic cell tray 35. Since 30, 31, 32, and 33 are respectively closed by the water absorbing member 19, the electrodes 17, 18, the pressure valve 37, and the water supply tank 15, the water storage tank as the water storage portion has a sealed structure.

  By the way, as described above, the central portion of the electrolytic cell tray 25 has a large front side and a small internal volume, and is narrow, so that the capacity of the electrolytic water stored in the central portion of the water storage tank 9 is also inevitable. Less. A water absorption member 19 provided so as to be in contact with the gas-liquid contact member 8 is attached to the central portion of the water storage tank 9, that is, as described above, to one end portion of the main body 1, and water is supplied to the water storage tank 9 at the other end portion. Since the water supply tank 15 is attached to the water storage tank 9 between the water absorption member 19 and the water supply tank 15, the pair of electrodes 17 and 18 (electrolysis unit) described above are provided. . Electrodes 17 and 18 generate electrolyzed water by electrochemically treating (electrolyzing) water (in this embodiment, tap water) containing at least chloride ions stored in the water storage tank 9. is there. Specifically, the electrodes 17 and 18 are for electrolyzing tap water in the water storage tank 9 by energization from a power source to generate electrolyzed water containing active oxygen species, and the upper ends thereof are electrode terminals 52. , 53. The electrode terminals 52 and 53 are connected to the control means C described later, and the electrodes 17 and 18 are energized through the electrode terminals 52 and 53 from here.

  Here, the reactive oxygen species are oxygen molecules having an oxidation activity higher than that of normal oxygen and related substances, and the so-called narrow definition such as superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, hydroxy radical, or hydrogen peroxide. These active oxygens include so-called broadly active oxygens such as ozone and hypohalous acid.

The electrodes 17 and 18 are, for example, electrode plates in which the base is made of Ti (titanium) and the coating tank is made of Ir (iridium) or Pt (platinum). The current value applied to the electrodes 17 and 18 is determined by the current density. A predetermined floating residual chlorine concentration (for example, 1 mg (milligram) / l (liter)) is generated as 20 mA (milliampere) / cm ² (square centimeter).

When the tap water is energized by the electrodes 17, 18, the cathode electrode:
4H ⁺ + 4e ⁻ + (4OH ⁻ ) → 2H ₂ + (4OH ⁻ )
And the anode electrode
2H ₂ O → 4H ⁺ + O ₂ + 4e ⁻
At the same time, the chloride ions contained in the 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
It becomes. As shown in the above chemical formula, the aforementioned gas such as hydrogen and oxygen is generated by the electrochemical treatment using the electrodes 17 and 18.

  In this configuration, HClO (hypochlorous acid) having a high sterilizing power can be generated by energizing the electrodes 17 and 18. The electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid is supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 8 through the water-absorbing member 19 by capillarity, and propagation of germs on the gas-liquid contact member 8 can be prevented. Viruses floating in the passing air can be inactivated. Further, when the malodor also passes through the gas-liquid contact member 8, it reacts with hypochlorous acid in the electrolytic water, and is ionized and dissolved to be removed from the air and deodorized. In particular, the central portion in the water storage tank 9 in which the electrodes 17 and 18 are arranged as described above has a small internal volume and a narrow shape, and the capacity of the stored tap water is small. Electrolysis can produce electrolyzed water of high concentration (ie, high concentration of hypochlorous acid).

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the electrode 17 and the electrode 18 are fixed at the periphery by an electrode fixing plate 54 so that the surfaces of both electrode plates face each other with a predetermined gap therebetween. ing. A protrusion 54A having substantially the same shape as the communication hole 31 of the main body 1 described above is formed at the upper end of the electrode fixing plate 54, and the protrusion 54A is engaged with and held by the inner surface of the communication hole 31. It is attached to the main body 1. Specifically, when the electrode fixing plate 54 to which the electrodes 17 and 18 are fixed is inserted into the communication hole 31 from the bottom surface side (lower side) of the receiving surface 1 </ b> A, the protrusion 54 </ b> A formed on the upper end of the communication hole 31. It fits into the inner wall, whereby the projection 54A is held by the inner wall surface of the communication hole 31 and attached to the main body 1.

  At this time, tap water supplied from the other end of the main body 1 (water supply tank 15) to the water storage tank 9 is allowed to flow to the electrodes 17 and 18 so as not to hinder the flow of the electrolyzed water in the water storage tank 9. In addition, the plate surfaces of the electrodes 17 and 18 provided so as to face each other so that the electrolyzed water generated by the electrodes 17 and 18 flows smoothly to the one end side (gas-liquid contact member 8) are from the other end side. It attaches to the water storage tank 9 so that it may become parallel to the flow direction of the electrolyzed water in the water storage tank 9 toward one end side. The electrodes 17 and 18 are attached to the main body 1, and at least the tip (lower end) is immersed in the electrolyzed water in the water storage tank 9.

  On the other hand, a blower 20 is provided on the central portion of the main body 1, that is, above the central portion of the water storage tank 9 in which the electrodes 17 and 18 described above are disposed. The blower 20 is a blowing means for ventilating the gas-liquid contact member 8, and is configured to introduce air from the outside (indoor), supply the gas-liquid contact member 8, contact it, and then discharge it to the outside. ing. The blower 20 is provided at the center of the rotation axis of the blower fan 21 and the blower fan 21, and is centered on the one surface side (front side in FIG. 2) on which the front panel 2A is located. A fan intake port 23A is formed in the part, and a fan casing 23 is formed with a fan exhaust port 23B formed in a lower portion on one end side (right end side in FIG. 2) where the side panel 2R is located. The blower 20 of the present embodiment is configured by a sirocco fan that sucks air from the direction of the axis around which the blower fan 21 rotates and discharges it in the radial direction.

  The blower 20 is arranged such that the fan intake port 23A is located on the front panel 2A side and the fan exhaust port 23B is located on the side panel 2R side, and the outer periphery is fixed to the fixed plate (the first fixed plate 40 and the second fixed plate). 45) and is attached to the upper surface of the central portion of the receiving surface 1A of the main body 1 in the state surrounded by 45).

  The fixing plate includes a first fixing plate 40 located on one side (front side) of the blower 20 and a second fixing plate 45 located on the other side (back side). The first fixing plate 40 includes a flat surface 41 arranged in parallel on one side (front side) of the blower 20, a peripheral wall portion 42 extending from the flat surface 41 to the blower 20 side, and one end of the flat surface 41 (the right end in FIG. 4). ) To the plane 41 and a holding surface 8 </ b> A for fixing the gas-liquid contact member 8. A circular hole 41 </ b> A is formed in the plane 41 of the first fixing plate 40 at a position corresponding to the fan air inlet 23 </ b> A formed in the fan casing 23 of the blower 20. Further, a concave portion (not shown) that fits a convex portion formed on a second fixing plate 45 described later is formed at the tip of the peripheral wall portion 42 located above the flat surface 41.

  The second fixing plate 45 includes a flat surface 46 arranged on the other surface side (back surface side) of the blower 20, a peripheral wall portion 47 extending from the outer peripheral edge of the flat surface 46 to the blower 20 side, and one end of the flat surface 46 ( It extends horizontally from the flat surface 46 from the right end in FIG. 4, and is configured by a holding surface 8 </ b> B for fixing the gas-liquid contact member 8. A convex portion (not shown) that fits the concave portion is formed on one end side of the lower portion of the peripheral wall portion 47 located above the flat surface 46. Moreover, it is one end side (the left end side in FIG. 3, that is, the gas-liquid contact member 8 side) on the side (blower 20 side) on which the peripheral wall portion 47 of the flat surface 46 extends, and the blower 20 is placed inside the fixing plates 40 and 45. The air duct 48 that supplies the air discharged from the fan exhaust port 23B to the gas-liquid contact member 8 from the position where the fan exhaust port 23B is located to one end side on the gas-liquid contact member 8 side. The partition plates 48A and 48B are attached. Further, fins 49 for adjusting the wind direction of the air discharged from the fan exhaust port 23B are attached to the partition plate 48B attached below.

  In order to mount the blower 20 on the main body 1, first, the hole 41 </ b> A formed in the flat surface 41 on one end side of the blower 20 and the fan intake port 23 </ b> A of the fan casing 23 of the blower 20 are aligned. A fixed plate 40 is disposed. Next, the second fixing plate 45 is disposed from the other end side of the blower 20. At this time, when the tip of the peripheral wall portion 47 of the second fixing plate 45 is disposed so as to contact the tip of the peripheral wall portion 42 of the first fixing plate 40, the concave portion formed above the peripheral wall portion 42 is placed in the recess. The convex part of the surrounding wall part 46 is fitted, and thereby the blower 20 is in a state surrounded by a space formed by the fixing plates 40 and 45. In this state, both the fixing plates 40, 45 are screwed from the back side of the second fixing plate 45, and both the fixing plates 40, 45 and the main body 1 are fixed by screwing or the like. Can be attached.

  By the way, the gas-liquid contact member 8 described above is a member for bringing the electrolyzed water stored in the water storage tank 9 into contact with the ventilation air from the blower 20, and is disposed on one end of the main body 1. The gas-liquid contact member 8 of the present embodiment is a filter member having a honeycomb structure, and has a structure in which a gas-liquid contact area is wide, water retention is possible, and clogging is difficult. That is, the gas-liquid contact member 8 is formed in a honeycomb shape as a whole by joining a material 8M bent in a wave shape and a flat material 8P as shown in FIG.

  These materials 8M and 8P include materials that are less reactive to electrolyzed water, that is, materials that are less deteriorated by electrolyzed water, such as polyolefin resins (polyethylene resins, polypropylene resins, etc.), PET (polyethylene terephthalol) resins. In addition, materials such as vinyl chloride resin, fluorine resin (PTFE, PFA, ETFE, etc.), cellulosic material or ceramic material are used. Thus, the durability of the gas-liquid contact member 8 can be improved by forming the gas-liquid contact member 8 with a material that is less reactive with electrolyzed water. Further, the gas-liquid contact member 8 is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment to enhance the hydrophilicity with respect to the electrolyzed water, whereby the water retention (wetability) of the electrolyzed water of the gas-liquid contact member 8 is maintained, The contact between the air ventilated by the gas-liquid contact member 8 and the electrolyzed water can be maintained for a long time. Furthermore, the plate member 8C excellent in corrosion resistance is attached to the upper surface and the bottom surface of the gas-liquid contact member 8.

  Furthermore, the gas-liquid contact member 8 is disposed in the vicinity of the water storage tank 9 (in this embodiment, the gas-liquid contact member 8 is disposed on the water storage tank 9 as described above) to electrolyze tap water. The electrolyzed water containing the active oxygen species generated in this way is configured to be supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 8 quickly by utilizing the capillary phenomenon by the water absorbing member 19.

  The water absorbing member 19 is for sucking electrolyzed water from the water storage tank 9 and supplying it to the gas-liquid contact member 8. For example, a material excellent in water absorption, such as a nonwoven fabric or sponge made of acrylic fiber or polyester fiber. The water-absorbing member 19 of the embodiment is formed in a vertically long cylindrical shape, and one end portion (the upper portion in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7) is provided in contact with the gas-liquid contact member 8 and others. The end portion (the lower portion in FIGS. 2, 3, and 7) passes through the communication hole 30 of the receiving surface 1 </ b> A, enters the water storage tank 9, and is immersed in the electrolytic water in the water storage tank 9. A packing 34 as a sealing material provided on the receiving surface 1A around the communication hole 30 is in contact with the water absorbing member 19.

  Further, the water supply tank 15 is attached to the communication hole 33 as described above, and water (tap water) stored in the water supply tank 15 can be supplied into the water storage tank 9 through the communication hole 33. ing. Further, a water level sensor 75 (see FIG. 8; not shown in FIGS. 1 to 6) for detecting the level of the electrolyzed water stored in the water storage tank 9 is provided in the water storage tank 9.

  Further, in the air sterilization apparatus VW of the present embodiment, the electrodes 17 and 18 are energized periodically by the control means C, for example, once every 3 hours, and electrolysis is performed for a predetermined time, for example, 10 minutes to 1 hour. It is configured. Further, the control means C maintains a constant current density applied to the electrodes 17 and 18 so as to maintain the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the electrolytic water stored in the water storage tank 9 from 2 PPM to 10 PPM. A voltage is applied between 18. The control means C is a control device that controls the air sterilization apparatus VW of the present embodiment, and is configured by a general-purpose microcomputer or the like. As shown in FIG. 8, the electrodes 17 and 18 (electrolysis unit), the blower 20, the water level sensor 75, a heater 92 described later, and the like are connected to the control board of the control means C. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the control board includes control switches 11 for controlling the operation unit 10 formed on the top plate 2T of the main body cover 2, display means 12 including LED lamps, and a power switch. 13 is also connected.

  Furthermore, the control board of the control means C of the embodiment is also connected to, for example, the air conditioner 100 of the passenger car 130 to which the air sterilizer VW is attached. The air conditioner 100 is provided with a temperature sensor 101 for detecting the temperature in the passenger compartment (see FIG. 8). As a driving power source for the air sterilizer VW, a primary battery such as a dry battery, a chargeable / dischargeable secondary battery, a solar battery used in combination with the secondary battery, and the like are applicable. Moreover, you may connect to a battery using the cigar socket of the passenger car 130.

  The control means C controls the energization of the electrodes 17 and 18, the operation of the blower 20, the energization of the heater 92, and the like based on outputs from the operation switch 11, the power switch 13, the temperature sensor 101, and the like. Further, the control means C displays the drought on the display means 12 when it becomes empty based on the water level of the electrolyzed water stored in the water storage tank 2 detected by the water level sensor 75, and the electrode Energization to 17 and 18 is prohibited.

  Next, the operation of the air sterilizer VW according to the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described. First, when the power switch 13 of the operation unit 10 formed on the top plate 2T of the main body cover 2 is pressed and the power is turned on, the control means C starts energizing the electrodes 17 and 18. Thereby, the tap water stored in the water storage tank 9 is electrolyzed to generate electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid (electrochemical treatment).

  Further, the control means C starts the blower 20 simultaneously with energization of the electrodes 17 and 18. As a result, air in the sterilized space (vehicle interior) sucked from the intake port 4 sequentially passes through the blower 20 and the gas-liquid contact member 8, and an air path that is discharged from the exhaust port 5 is formed. That is, the air in the sterilized space sucked from the air inlet 4 is sucked into the blower 20 from the fan air inlet 23A formed on the front side of the fan casing 23 in the axial direction in which the blower fan 21 rotates. The The air is discharged from a fan exhaust port 23B formed in a lower portion on one end side of the fan casing 23 in the radial direction of the blower fan 21, and an air duct 48 formed on the air discharge side of the fan exhaust port 23B. Then, the gas-liquid contact member 8 is supplied with ventilation.

  The air from the sterilized space supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 8 comes into contact with hypochlorous acid soaked in the gas-liquid contact member 8. This hypochlorous acid has the function of destroying and eliminating (removing) the surface protein (spike) of influenza virus essential for infection when, for example, influenza virus enters the indoor air. The influenza virus and the recipient of the infected organism (receptor) necessary for the virus to become infected do not bind, thereby preventing infection. Further, the sterilized air that has passed through the gas-liquid contact member 8 is discharged to the outside (in the vehicle compartment) from the exhaust port 5 of the side panel 2R provided on one end side of the gas-liquid contact member 8.

  According to the air sterilization apparatus VW of the present invention described in detail above, the water absorbing member 19 is produced by electrolyzing the electrolyzed water generated by energization of the electrodes 17 and 18 and stored in the water storage tank 9 by utilizing the capillary phenomenon. Is supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 8 through the air and the electrolyzed water and the ventilated air from the blower 20 are brought into contact with each other by the gas-liquid contact member 8, thereby sterilizing the air in contact with the electrolyzed water. The air in the sterilized space (cabinet) can be sterilized efficiently without greatly reducing the flow rate of the sterilization. Moreover, since the gas-liquid contact member 8 is comprised with the raw material with little reactivity to electrolysis water, durability can improve and it can aim at lifetime improvement.

  In particular, the air sterilization apparatus VW of the present invention is configured to supply the electrolyzed water in the water storage tank 9 to the gas-liquid contact member 8 by the water absorption member 19 by utilizing a capillary phenomenon. Thereby, the electrolyzed water in the water storage tank 2 can be supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 8 without installing a special pump mechanism or the like for supplying the electrolyzed water to the gas-liquid contact member 8 as in the prior art. As a result, the structure can be simplified and miniaturized, which is particularly effective when mounted on the passenger car 130. In addition, since the pump mechanism is not necessary, power consumption for driving the pump mechanism is eliminated, so that power consumption can be reduced. In particular, when a battery is used as the driving power source of the air sterilizer VW, the load on the battery can be reduced.

  Furthermore, the air sterilization apparatus VW of the present embodiment performs electrolysis water by electrochemically treating tap water injected into the water storage tank 9 by energization of electrodes 17 and 18 provided in the water storage tank 2. Therefore, it is possible to perform air sterilization more efficiently with fresh electrolyzed water at all times, and gas generated by electrochemical treatment using the electrodes 17 and 18 (above-mentioned Since the pressure in the water storage tank 9 rises due to hydrogen or oxygen), the supply of electrolyzed water to the gas-liquid contact member 8 by the capillary phenomenon via the water absorbing member 19 is also forcibly and smoothly performed.

  Further, in the air sterilization apparatus VW of the present embodiment, one end portion is in contact with the gas-liquid contact member 8, and the other end portion is immersed in the electrolytic water of the water storage tank 9 by the water absorbing member 19 from the water storage tank 9. Since the electrolyzed water is supplied to the contact member 8, when the scale or the like is deposited on the surface of the gas-liquid contact member 8, the gas-liquid contact member 8 is directly immersed in the electrolyzed water in the water storage tank 9. Compared to the case, the gas-liquid contact member 8 can be easily replaced. In particular, in order to supply electrolyzed water from the water storage tank 9 to the gas-liquid contact member 8, it is only necessary to form the communication hole 30 in the water storage tank 9 through which the water absorption member 19 can pass. The water storage tank 9 can be easily sealed as compared with the case where it is immersed directly in the electrolyzed water in the water storage tank 9.

  That is, the water storage tank 9 of the present embodiment is configured by sealingly attaching to the main body 1 via the packing 26 at the upper end opening edge of the electrolytic cell tray 25 and each formed on the receiving surface 1A of the main body 1. The communication holes 30, 31, 32, and 33 are also hermetically closed by the electrode fixing plate 54, the pressure valve 37, and the water supply tank 15 for fixing the water absorbing member 19, the electrodes 17 and 18, respectively. Has a sealed structure, and can easily secure the sealing property of the water storage tank 9 to prevent water leakage. In particular, such a structure is more effective when the air sanitizer VW is used in an inclined condition such as when running on a slope when the air sanitizer VW is mounted on the vehicle as in this embodiment.

  Further, in the conventional circulation type device that returns the electrolyzed water brought into contact with the gas-liquid contact member 8 back to the water storage tank 9, it must be structured so that at least the electrolyzed water excessively supplied to the gas-liquid contact member can be recovered. As a result, the structure becomes complicated, the size of the apparatus increases, and the cost increases. However, in the present invention, the electrolyzed water in the water storage tank 9 is supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 8 by the water absorption member 19 using the capillary phenomenon, so that the electrolyzed water supplied to the gas-liquid contact member as in the prior art is recovered. Therefore, the water path and structure can be simplified and the size can be reduced. Furthermore, the water storage tank 9 can be easily sealed, and the sealing performance of the water storage tank 9 can be further improved.

  As described above, the air sanitizer VW of the present embodiment described in detail above has a structure in which the water in the water storage tank 9 is difficult to leak, so it is extremely suitable for vehicles such as cars and buses such as passenger cars and buses. This is preferable. FIG. 9 is a view showing an arrangement example when the air sterilizer VW of this embodiment is mounted on the passenger car 130. As shown in this figure, the air disinfecting device VW is provided with an air outlet 100 of the air conditioner 100 provided on the dashboard 136 (P1), the rear seat 132 (P2), or the driver seat 131 in front. It can be arranged in various places such as P3). At this time, the air sterilization apparatus VW is provided with the blower 20 that ventilates the gas-liquid contact member 8 as in the present embodiment, so that the dashboard 136 is placed on the top of the dashboard 136 (P1) and the rear seat 132 as described above. It can be freely installed in a space where a fan (air blowing means) such as the side (P2) is not provided.

  Furthermore, since the conventional sterilization apparatus diffuses mist in the space, the inside of the space is humidified by the mist, and the windshield 135 and the like may become cloudy, which may hinder driving, etc. It was unsuitable for mounting. However, in the air sterilization apparatus VW of the present invention, inconvenience due to the humidification of the passenger compartment can be greatly reduced as compared with the apparatus that diffuses such mist.

  When the air sterilizer VW is mounted on a vehicle (on-board) as in this embodiment, the electrodes 17 and 18 are not periodically energized, but a sensor for detecting vibration is connected to the control means C. And it is good also as what detects the vibration by the said vehicle moving with the said sensor, and supplies with electricity the electrodes 17 and 18. FIG. Or when using a solar cell etc., it is good also as a system operated when stopping on the contrary. Also in this case, the electrochemical treatment is performed for a predetermined time (10 minutes to 1 hour) as described above. Thereafter, the control means C stops energizing the electrodes 17 and 18. Then, the control means C energizes the electrodes 17 and 18 at predetermined time intervals, for example, every 3 hours, so as to maintain the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the electrolyzed water stored in the water storage tank 9 at 2 PPM to 10 PPM. Repeat the electrochemical treatment.

  Further, the air sterilization apparatus VW of the present invention is not limited to being installed in the vehicle interior as shown in FIG. 9, but can of course be installed and used in a normal room. Needless to say, it can be sterilized.

  By the way, when the air sterilizer VW described above is used in a cold district where the outside temperature is low, for example, when the cold district is visited by an automobile, the electrolyzed water (or tap water) in the water storage tank 9 is frozen. There is a fear. When the electrodes 17 and 18 are energized with the electrolyzed water in the water storage tank 9 frozen as described above, an extreme load is applied to the electrodes 17 and 18, so that the life of the electrodes 17 and 18 may be significantly reduced.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the temperature and voltage of water when the current density applied to the electrodes 17 and 18 is constant. As shown in FIG. 10, when the current density is constant, it can be seen that the higher the temperature of the water in the water storage tank 9, the lower the voltage and the higher the voltage as the temperature decreases. In particular, in FIG. 10, when the temperature of the water is in the range of + 20 ° C. or higher to around + 5 ° C., the voltage increase accompanying the temperature decrease is gradual, but when the temperature falls below + 5 ° C., the voltage increase becomes steep. It can be seen that when the water temperature falls to near the freezing point (around −5 ° C.), the amount of increase in voltage further increases, and the voltage increases significantly when the temperature falls below the freezing point. In FIG. 10, the freezing point becomes 0 ° C. or lower (that is, the freezing point falls) because the water is not pure water but electrolyzed water containing ions.

  Such an increase in voltage is thought to be because each ion movement in water becomes dull due to a decrease in temperature, and accordingly, electron transmission (electrical flow) hardly occurs. Furthermore, the frozen water (ice) is further suppressed in the movement of ions, and at the same time, an increase in contact resistance due to a decrease in contact area with the electrodes 17 and 18 due to crystallization occurs, and the voltage is further increased. It is thought to rise. In FIG. 10, the tendency of the voltage to increase increases from around + 4 ° C. where water is actually considered to begin to crystallize. Therefore, it is considered that it is possible to know the state of the water in the water storage tank 9 by increasing the voltage using such a property.

  Therefore, the control means C of the air sterilization apparatus VW of the present embodiment has the electrodes 17 and 18 that change according to the temperature change of the water in the water storage tank 9 with the current density applied to the electrodes 17 and 18 being constant. When it is determined that the water in the water storage tank 9 is frozen based on the voltage value between them, the energization of the electrodes 17 and 18 is prohibited, the operation of the air sterilizer VW is stopped, and the water storage tank When it is determined that the freezing of the water in 9 has been eliminated, the energization prohibition to the electrodes 17 and 18 is canceled and the air sterilizer VW is operated.

  Further, in the air sterilization apparatus VW of the present embodiment, a heater 92 as a thawing means for thawing water (ice) in the water storage tank 9 is installed in the water storage tank 9, and the control means C is connected to the electrodes 17, 18. When it is determined that the water in the water tank 9 has dropped below a predetermined low temperature before freezing based on the voltage value between them, the heater 92 is activated to heat the water in the water tank 9. Shall.

  Here, the control operation of the air sterilizer VW and the heater 92 by the control means C will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the water in the water storage tank 9 has a predetermined low temperature before the water in the water storage tank 9 is frozen. Specifically, in this embodiment, the voltage between the electrodes 17 and 18 increases as the temperature decreases. A voltage at a predetermined low temperature (for example, + 5 ° C.) that becomes steep (the voltage value in this case is VB) and a voltage at a temperature (for example, −5 ° C.) at which the water in the water storage tank 9 freezes (in this case) The voltage value of VA is defined as VA), and information on the voltage values VA and VB is input to the control means C. The control means C controls the energization of the heater 92 based on the voltage value VB. The air sanitizer VW is controlled based on the voltage value VA.

  Specifically, the control means C of this embodiment controls energization of the heater 92 with a hysteresis width α above and below the voltage value VB. That is, the control means C energizes the heater 92 when the voltage between the electrodes 17 and 18 rises above VB + α, and stops the heater 92 when the voltage falls below VB−α. Further, the control means C controls the operation of the air sterilizer VW (energization of the electrodes 17 and 18) with a hysteresis width β above and below the voltage value VA. That is, when the voltage between the electrodes 17 and 18 rises to VA + β higher than VB (VB + α), the control means C stops the air sterilizer VW, and the voltage is VA−β (VA−β> VB + α) or less. If it falls to, the air sterilizer VW is operated.

  First, when the power of the air sterilizer VW is turned on (ON) or when a predetermined time (for example, 3 hours described above) has passed since the previous energization of the electrodes 17 and 18, the control means C is in step S1. The switch is turned on, the process proceeds to step S2, and the flag 1 (FLAG1) and the flag 2 (FLAG2) are reset.

  Next, the control means C moves to step S3 and determines whether or not the flag 1 is reset. In this case, since the flag 1 (FLAG1) is reset in the above-described step S2, the control means C moves to step S4, detects the voltage between the electrodes 17 and 18, and the voltage value V is It is determined whether or not VB + α or more (that is, V ≧ VB + α). At this time, when the voltage value V is lower than VB + α (that is, when V ≧ VB + α is not satisfied), the control means C moves to step S9 and stops the heater 92 (in this case, stops the heater 92) The process proceeds to step S10.

  Then, the control means C determines whether or not the flag 2 is reset in step S10. At this time, since the flag 2 (FLAG2) is reset in the above-described step S2, the control means C moves to step S11, and the voltage between the electrodes 17 and 18 is not less than the VA + β (that is, V ≧ VA + β). ) Or not. Here, as described above, since the voltage value V is lower than VB + α, that is, lower than VA + β, the control means C next proceeds to step S16 to start energization of the electrodes 17 and 18 and air sterilization. The device VW is activated.

  After operating the air sterilizer VW in step S16, the control means C returns to step S3 again, moves to step S4, and repeats the above-described operation.

  On the other hand, when the voltage V rises to VB + α or more (here, the voltage V is assumed to be VA−β or less), the control unit C proceeds from step S4 to step S5, sets the flag 1, and then performs step The process proceeds to S6. And the control means C operates the heater 92 in step S6. Thereby, energization to the heater 92 is started and the water in the water storage tank 9 is heated.

  Next, the control means C moves to step S10 and determines whether or not the flag 2 has been reset. At this time, since the flag 2 (FLAG2) remains reset in the above-described step S2, the control means C proceeds to step S11, and the voltage between the electrodes 17 and 18 is not less than VA + β (that is, V ≧≧). It is determined whether or not VA + β. As described above, since the voltage value V between the electrodes 17 and 18 is not less than VB + α and lower than VA + β, the control means C moves to step S16 and operates the air sterilizer VW. The air sterilizer VW is continuously performed. Thereafter, the control means C returns to step S3 again and determines whether or not the flag 1 has been reset.

  At this time, since the flag 1 is set in step S5 as described above, the control means C moves to S7 and determines whether or not the voltage between the electrodes 17 and 18 is equal to or less than the VB-α. To do. At this time, since the voltage value V is equal to or higher than VB + α and lower than VA + β as described above, the control means C next proceeds to the step S6 and maintains the state in which the heater 92 is operated. The operation described above is repeated.

  In this way, the control means C operates the heater 92 when it is determined that the water in the water storage tank 9 has dropped below a predetermined low temperature before freezing based on the voltage value V. Since the water in the water storage tank 9 can be heated, freezing of the water in the water storage tank 9 can be avoided as much as possible.

  Further, when the water in the water storage tank 9 is heated by energization of the heater 92 and the voltage between the electrodes 17 and 18 becomes VB-α or less, the control means C shifts from step S7 to step S8, and sets the flag 1 After resetting again, the process proceeds to step S9. And the control means C stops the heater 92 in step S9. Thereafter, the control means C moves to step S10 and repeats the above-described operation.

  On the other hand, a case will be described in which it is determined that the water in the water storage tank 9 has already been frozen when the switch is turned on in step S1, that is, the voltage value V has increased to VA + β or more. In this case, the control means C resets the flag 1 (FLAG1) and the flag 2 (FLAG2) in step S2 as described above, and then proceeds to step S3 to determine whether or not the flag 1 is reset. . Since the flag 1 (FLAG1) is reset in the above-described step S2, the control means C moves to step S4, detects the voltage between the electrodes 17 and 18, and this voltage value V is equal to or higher than the VB + α. It is determined whether or not (that is, V ≧ VB + α).

  At this time, since the voltage between the electrodes 17 and 18 is not less than VA + β and is higher than VB + α, the control means C proceeds to step S5, sets the flag 1, and then proceeds to step S6. And the control means C operates the heater 92 in step S6. Thereby, energization to the heater 92 is started and the water in the water storage tank 9 is heated.

  Next, the control means C moves to step S10 and determines whether or not the flag 2 is reset. At this time, since the flag 2 (FLAG2) is reset in the above-described step S2, the control means C moves to step S11, and the voltage between the electrodes 17 and 18 is not less than the VA + β (that is, V ≧ VA + β). ) Or not. Here, as described above, since the voltage value V between the electrodes 17 and 18 is not less than VA + β, the control means C moves to step S12, sets the flag 2, and then moves to step 13 to move the electrodes 17, 18 to. The energization of the air is prohibited, and the operation of the air sterilizer VW is stopped.

  Thereafter, the control means C returns to step S3 again and determines whether or not the flag 1 has been reset. At this time, since the flag 1 is set in step S5 as described above, the control means C moves to step S7 and determines whether or not the voltage between the electrodes 17 and 18 is equal to or less than the VB-α. To do. At this time, the voltage value V is not less than VA + β as described above, that is, greater than VB−α. Therefore, the control means C proceeds to step S6, maintains the heater 92 in operation, and proceeds to step S10. Thus, it is determined whether or not the flag 2 is reset.

  Here, since the flag 2 is set in the above-described step S12, the control means C moves to step S14, and determines whether or not the voltage between the electrodes 17 and 18 is equal to or less than the VA-β. At this time, since the voltage value V is VA + β or more as described above, the control means C moves to step S13, maintains the operation of the air sterilizer VW, returns to step S3, and operates as described above. repeat.

  As described above, when it is determined that the water in the water storage tank 9 is frozen based on the voltage value V, the control means C prohibits the energization of the electrodes 17 and 18 and the air sterilizer VW. Thus, the burden on the electrodes 17 and 18 generated when the above-described ice is electrolyzed can be eliminated. This makes it possible to extend the life of the electrodes 17 and 18. In this case, the inside of the water storage tank 9 is heated by the heater 92, so that the thawing of ice in the water storage tank 9 can be promoted.

  When the ice in the water storage tank 9 is melted by the energization of the heater 92 and the voltage between the electrodes 17 and 18 decreases to VA-β or less, the control means C moves from step S14 to step S15, and flag 2 After resetting, the process proceeds to step S16. And control means C cancels prohibition of energization to electrodes 17 and 18 in Step S16, and operates air sanitizer VW.

  And the control means C returns to step S3, transfers to step S7, and repeats the operation | movement mentioned above. Furthermore, after that, the temperature of the water rises due to the heating in the water storage tank 9 by the heater 92, and exceeds a predetermined low temperature (for example, + 5 ° C.) before the water freezes, and the voltage value V becomes VB−α. In the following, the control means C moves from step S7 to step S8, resets the flag 1, and then moves to step S9. And the control means C stops the heater 92 in step S9.

  Thus, when the freezing of the water in the water storage tank 9 is resolved based on the voltage value V, the control means C cancels the energization prohibition to the electrodes 17 and 18 and operates the air sterilizer VW. After the freezing of the water in the water storage tank 9 is eliminated, air sterilization can be performed without any trouble. Further, as described above, when the water in the water storage tank 9 is frozen, the ice in the water storage tank 9 can be quickly melted by energizing the heater 92 to heat the water storage tank 9. Since the operation of the air sterilization apparatus VW can be started at an early stage, the operation of the air sterilization apparatus VW can be restarted quickly to generate electrolyzed water. In particular, in this embodiment, the control means C judges the state of the water in the water storage tank 9 based on the voltage between the electrodes 17 and 18 without installing any special detection means, etc. The operation of the VW and the heater 92 can be controlled.

  In the above description, the control means C determines the state of the water in the water tank 9 based on the voltage between the electrodes 17 and 18, but for example, a temperature at which the temperature of the water in the water tank 9 can be directly detected. A sensor 90 is provided (see FIG. 8), and the control means C controls the operation of the air sterilizer VW and the energization of the heater 92 based on the temperature of the water in the water storage tank 9 detected by the temperature sensor 90. It can be done as well.

  Here, the operation in which the control means C controls the operation of the air sterilizer VW and the heater 92 according to the temperature of the water in the water storage tank 9 will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the temperature of the water in the water storage tank 9 is based on the temperature TS (for example, −5 ° C.) at which the water in the water storage tank 9 is frozen, and the control means C operates the air sterilizer VW and the heater 92. The energization shall be controlled. Specifically, the control means C of this embodiment controls the energization of the heater 92 and the operation of the air sterilizer VW (the energization of the electrodes 17 and 18) with a hysteresis width γ above and below the temperature TS. That is, when the temperature of the water in the water storage tank 9 falls below TS-γ, the control means C energizes the heater 92 and prohibits energization of the electrodes 17 and 18 (stops the air sterilization device VW). When the temperature rises above TS + γ, the energization of the heater 92 is stopped, and the energization prohibition to the electrodes 17 and 18 is canceled (the air sterilizer VW is operated).

  First, when the power of the air sterilizer VW is turned on (ON) or when a predetermined time (for example, 3 hours described above) has elapsed since the previous energization of the electrodes 17 and 18, the control means C is in step S21. The switch is turned on, the process proceeds to step S22, and the flag 3 (FLAG3) is reset.

  Next, the control means C proceeds to step S23 and determines whether or not the flag 3 has been reset. In this case, since the flag 3 (FLAG3) is reset in the above-described step S22, the control means C moves to step S24, detects the temperature T of the water in the water storage tank 9, and this temperature T is It is determined whether or not TS-γ or less (that is, T ≦ TS-γ). At this time, when the temperature T is higher than the TS-γ (that is, when the water in the water storage tank 9 is not frozen), the control means C moves to step S30 and stops the heater 92 (here, The state where the heater 92 is stopped is maintained), and the process proceeds to step S31.

  And the control means C starts electricity supply to the electrodes 17 and 18 in this step S31, and operates the air sterilizer VW. After operating the air sterilizer VW in step S31, the control means C returns to step S23 again, moves to step S24, and repeats the above-described operation.

  On the other hand, when the water in the water storage tank 9 is frozen and the temperature T of the water in the water storage tank 9 detected by the temperature sensor 90 falls below TS-γ, the control means C shifts from step S24 to step S25. Then, after setting the flag 3, the process proceeds to step S26. Then, the control means C operates the heater 92 at step 26. Thereby, energization to the heater 92 is started and the water in the water storage tank 9 is heated. Next, the control means C moves to step S27, prohibits energization of the electrodes 17 and 18, and stops the operation of the air sterilizer VW.

  Thereafter, the control means C returns to step S23 and determines whether or not the flag 3 has been reset. At this time, since the flag is set in step 25 as described above, the control means C moves to step S28 and determines whether or not the temperature T of the water in the water storage tank 9 is equal to or higher than TS + γ. . At this time, since the temperature T of the water in the water storage tank 9 is equal to or lower than TS-γ as described above, the control means C moves to step S26, maintains the state where the heater 92 is operated, and in step S27 the air While maintaining the state where the operation of the sterilization apparatus VW is stopped, the process returns to step S23, proceeds to step S28, and repeats the above-described operation.

  Thereafter, when the ice in the water storage tank 9 is melted by energization of the heater 92 and the temperature T of the water in the water storage tank 9 rises to TS + γ or more, the control means C moves from step S28 to step S29, and the flag 3 After resetting, the process proceeds to step S30. And after stopping the heater 92 in step S30, the control means C transfers to step S31, cancels the electricity prohibition to the electrodes 17 and 18, and operates the air sterilizer VW.

  Then, the control means C returns to step S23 and determines whether or not the flag 3 has been reset. At this time, since the flag 3 has been reset in step 29 described above, the control means C moves to step S24 and determines whether or not the temperature T of the water in the water storage tank 9 is equal to or lower than TS-γ. To do. Here, since the temperature T is equal to or higher than TS + γ as described above, the control unit C proceeds to step S30, maintains the state where the heater 92 is stopped, and then proceeds to step S31 to operate the air sterilizer VW. Continue. Thereafter, the control means C returns to step S23 and repeats the above-described operation.

  Thus, even when the control means C controls the operation of the air sterilizer VW and the energization of the heater 92 based on the temperature of the water in the water storage tank 9 detected by the temperature sensor 90, the electrode 17, The burden on 18 can be eliminated. Similarly, when the freezing of the water in the water storage tank 9 is eliminated, the energization prohibition to the electrodes 17 and 18 is canceled and the air sterilization device VW is operated, so that the water in the water storage tank 9 is frozen. After elimination, air sterilization can be performed without hindrance. Furthermore, the heater 92 is energized to accelerate the thawing of water (ice) in the water storage tank 9, and the operation of the air sterilizer VW can be restarted quickly to generate electrolyzed water.

  In the first embodiment, the control means C operates the heater 92 as the thawing means to suppress the freezing of water in the water storage tank 9 or promote the thawing of ice. For example, the storage tank 9 may be heated by means of heating the air in the sterilized space, that is, the air conditioner 100 of the passenger car 130 in this embodiment, without providing any special thawing means. 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing the operation of the control means C in this case. In this embodiment, the air sterilizer VW is attached to the air outlet 137 of the air conditioner 100 indicated by P3 in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation in which the control means C controls the operation of the air sterilizer VW and the heater 92 based on the voltage values of the electrodes 17 and 18. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in that the thawing means is the air conditioner 100, that is, the control means C replaces the heater 92 based on the voltage value VB, and the heating operation of the air conditioner 100 is performed. Only the point of controlling is different, and is almost the same as the operation shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, steps denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 11 perform the same operation, and thus description thereof is omitted in this embodiment.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, only operations different from those in FIG. 11 will be described. First, when the voltage between the electrodes 17 and 18 is lower than VB + α, the control means C proceeds from step S4 to step S19, maintains the state where the heating operation request is stopped, and proceeds to step S10. Thereby, the heating operation request from the air sterilizer VW is stopped in the air conditioner 100. At this time, the control means C, based on the detection of the temperature in the passenger compartment detected by the temperature sensor 101 even when the heating operation request from the air sterilizer VW is stopped as described above, If the temperature is lower than a preset temperature, or the switch of the heating operation is operated by the passenger, the heating operation is performed.

  On the other hand, when the voltage between the electrodes 17 and 18 rises to VB + α or more, the control means C proceeds from step S4 to step S5 as in the above embodiment, sets the flag 1, and then proceeds to step 18. Then, the control means C requests the heating operation of the air conditioner 100 in step S18. That is, the control means C requests the air conditioner 100 to perform the heating operation and starts the heating operation. In this case, the heating operation of the air conditioner 100 is performed regardless of the detection of the temperature sensor 101 or the switch operation by the passenger. By the heating operation, air heated to the water storage tank 9 is blown. Thereafter, the control means C proceeds to step S10 and repeats the operation described in FIG. 11 of the first embodiment.

  Thus, also in this embodiment, the control means C operates the air conditioner 100 when it is determined that the water in the water storage tank 9 has dropped below a predetermined low temperature before freezing based on the voltage value. By performing the heating operation, the water in the water storage tank 9 can be heated, so that freezing of the water in the water storage tank 9 can be avoided as much as possible as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, when the water in the water storage tank 9 is frozen, the ice in the water storage tank 9 can be quickly melted by heating the inside of the water storage tank 9 by heating operation of the air conditioner 100. Since the operation of the device VW can be started at an early stage, the operation of the air sterilization device VW can be resumed quickly to generate electrolyzed water.

  On the other hand, FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation in which the control means C controls the operation of the air sterilizer VW and the heater 92 based on the temperature of the water in the water storage tank 9 detected by the temperature sensor 90. In this case, the operation is almost the same as the operation shown in FIG. In FIG. 14, steps denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 12 perform the same operation, and thus description thereof is omitted in this embodiment.

  That is, when the temperature T of the water in the water storage tank 9 is higher than the TS-γ, the control means C shifts from step S24 to step S36, maintains the state where the operation request for heating is stopped, and step S31. Migrate to Thereby, the heating operation request from the air sterilizer VW is stopped in the air conditioner 100. At this time, the control means C is based on the detection of the temperature in the passenger compartment detected by the temperature sensor 101 even when the heating operation request from the air sterilizer VW is stopped as described above. When the temperature is lower than a preset temperature or when the switch of the heating operation is operated by the passenger, the heating operation is performed.

  On the other hand, when the temperature T of the water in the water storage tank 9 falls below TS-γ, the control means C moves from step S24 to step S25 as in the above embodiment, sets the flag 3, and then goes to step S35. Transition. And the control means C requests | requires the heating operation of the air conditioner 100 in step S35. That is, the control means C requests the air conditioner 100 to perform the heating operation and starts the heating operation. By the heating operation, air heated to the water storage tank 9 is blown. Thereafter, the control means C moves to step S27 and repeats the operation described in FIG. 12 of the first embodiment.

  As described above, when the control means C controls the operation of the air sterilizer VW and the heating operation of the air conditioner 100 based on the temperature of the water in the water storage tank 9 detected by the temperature sensor 90, the same as above. If the water in the water storage tank 9 is frozen as much as possible, and if the water in the water storage tank 9 is frozen, the water storage tank 9 is heated by heating the air conditioner 100 so that the water storage tank 9 is heated. It becomes possible to melt the ice inside.

  In each of the above embodiments, the air sterilizer VW and the heater 92 or the air conditioner 100 are controlled by the voltage value between the electrodes 17 and 18 or the temperature of the water in the water storage tank 9. Not limited to this, the temperature of the passenger compartment detected by the temperature sensor 101 of the air conditioner 100 may be taken in and determined by the control means C, and the energization of the heater 92 and the heating operation of the air conditioner 100 may be controlled.

  Next, another embodiment of the air sterilization apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the air sterilizer VW according to this embodiment, and FIGS. 16 and 17 are longitudinal side views of the air sterilizer VW of FIG. Since the air sterilization apparatus VW of the present embodiment has almost the same configuration as the air sterilization apparatus VW of the first embodiment, the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be omitted, and only a different configuration will be described. Further, in FIGS. 15 to 17, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 9 have the same or similar effects or actions.

  The gas-liquid contact member 8 of the present embodiment is surrounded by a cover 105 that can be opened and closed as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. A fan 110 as an air blowing means is installed on one side of the gas-liquid contact member 8 that is the air inflow side, that is, one side of the cover 105, and a plurality of suction ports 106 formed on one side of the cover 105 are provided. Therefore, the gas-liquid contact member 8 is ventilated. In addition, a plurality of air outlets 107 are formed on the other side surface (the surface on the air outflow side of the gas-liquid contact member 8) facing the suction port 106 formed on one side surface of the cover 105.

  As a result, the air that has flowed into the cover 105 from the suction port 106 by the air blown from the fan 110 passes through the gas-liquid contact member 8 and the periphery thereof, and then passes through the air outlet 107 formed on the other side of the cover 105 to the outside. It is comprised so that it may discharge. That is, the gas-liquid contact member 8 is provided substantially vertically on the water storage tank 109 so that the air inflow side surface and the air outflow side surface of the gas-liquid contact member 8 are parallel to the suction port 106 and the air outlet 107, respectively. It is done.

  Further, the cover 105 of the present embodiment has a structure capable of sealing the periphery of the gas-liquid contact member 8 so that it can be opened and closed. Specifically, a shutter 108 is attached to each of the suction port 106 and the air outlet 107 of the cover 105, and the air inlet 106 and the air outlet 107 are closed by the shutter 108 so as to be openable and closable. The surroundings are designed to be openable and closable. The opening and closing of the shutter 108 is controlled by the control means C.

  Similar to the water storage tank 9 of the first embodiment, the water storage tank 109 is sealed or semi-sealed to prevent water leakage. The water storage tank 109 according to the present embodiment has a semi-sealed structure, not a complete hermetic structure, because a water absorbing member 19 described later is configured to be separated from the electrolyzed water in the water tank 109. Further, the water storage tank 109 of the present embodiment is formed of a casing formed by filling the entire interior with a porous material made of sponge, nonwoven fabric, or the like, or a water-absorbing polymer material such as gel. Since the porous material and the water-absorbing polymer material are excellent in water retention, the electrolytic water in the water storage tank 109 can be obtained by filling the water storage tank 109 with such a porous material or the water-absorbing polymer material. It is possible to effectively prevent water leakage from the communication hole 33 through which the water absorbing member 19 formed in the water storage tank 109 is inserted into the porous material or the water absorbing polymer material.

  Moreover, the pressure valve 37 and the water supply port 118 are formed in the upper surface of the housing. The water supply port 118 is provided in the water storage tank 109, and when the water storage tank 109 becomes empty based on the output of the water level sensor 75 for detecting the water level of the electrolyzed water stored in the water storage tank 109. This is a port for supplying city water (tap water) into the water storage tank 109. The water supply port 118 of the embodiment is constituted by, for example, a pore communicating with the inside and outside of the water storage tank 109, and the tip (upper end) surface of the water supply port 118 is made of a hydrophobic material. It is assumed that the water supply port 118 is always closed by a cap so as to be freely opened and closed. As described above, the water supply port 118 is configured by pores, and the tip surface of the water supply port 118 is configured by a hydrophobic material, so that the electrolyzed water in the water storage tank 109 is externally supplied from the water supply port 118. It becomes difficult to leak. Incidentally, 33B is a sealing material provided in the water storage tank 109 around the communication hole 33, and slidably contacts the water absorbing member 19.

  The air sterilizer VW of the embodiment includes a plurality of water absorbing members 19. These water absorbing members 19 can be switched between a state immersed in the electrolyzed water in the water storage tank 109 and a state separated from the electrolyzed water. Specifically, when performing sterilization in the sterilized space (in the air), the water absorbing member 19 has one end in contact with the gas-liquid contact member 8 and the other end as shown in FIG. The state is immersed in the electrolyzed water in the water storage tank 109. Thereby, the electrolyzed water in the water storage tank 109 is absorbed into the other end portion (lower half) of the water absorbing member 19 by capillary action. The absorbed electrolyzed water rises in the water absorbing member 19 by the capillary phenomenon, and is sucked up from the water storage tank 109. The sucked electrolyzed water similarly penetrates into the gas-liquid contact member 8 provided in contact with the upper part by capillary action and is supplied.

  On the other hand, when sterilization in the sterilized space is not performed, the water absorbing member 19 is separated from the electrolyzed water in the water storage tank 109. As a method of separating the water absorbing member 19 from the electrolyzed water, as shown in FIG. 19, the water absorbing member 19 is provided so as to be movable in the axial direction (vertical direction), and the water absorbing member 19 is separated from the water storage tank 109 (upward). ) To move away from the electrolyzed water.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, when both the water absorbing member 19 and the gas-liquid contact member 8 are installed so as to be movable in the axial direction (vertical direction) and the sterilization in the sterilized space is not performed, the water absorbing member 19 and the gas-liquid contact member 8 may be moved away from the water storage tank 109 (upward) so as to be separated from the electrolyzed water. In this case, as shown in FIG. 21, the spring member 125 is attached to the other end (lower end) of the gas-liquid contact member 8, and the movement of the water absorbing member 19 and the gas-liquid contact member 8 is facilitated by the expansion and contraction of the spring member 125. Alternatively, it is also possible to adopt a structure in which the spring member 125 automatically moves by preventing the movement and releasing the movement. In addition, as the driving power source of the air sterilization apparatus VW of the present embodiment, a primary battery such as a dry battery (indicated by BAT in FIGS. 16 to 21), a secondary battery capable of charge / discharge, and a combination thereof, as in the above embodiment. The solar cell etc. which were made can be applied. Moreover, you may connect to a battery using the cigar socket of the passenger car 130.

  The operation of the air sterilization apparatus VW of this embodiment and the operation of detecting freezing and thawing of water in the water storage tank 109 by the control means C are the same as those in each of the embodiments described above, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As described in detail above, the air sterilization apparatus VW of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the above embodiments. In particular, the air sterilization apparatus VW according to the present embodiment has a case where the water absorbing member 19 is immersed in the electrolyzed water in the water storage tank 109 and is not sterilized as shown in FIG. That is, when the sterilization operation is stopped, as shown in any of FIGS. 19 to 21, the state is separated from the electrolyzed water and can be switched.

  As described above, when the sterilization is not performed, the water absorption member 19 is separated from the water storage tank 109, so that the water absorption of the electrolysis water in the water storage tank 109 by the water absorption member 19 is interrupted. It will be possible to suppress. In the present embodiment, the gas-liquid contact member 8 is surrounded by a cover 105, and a plurality of suction ports 106 and air outlets 107 formed in the cover 105 are configured to be closed by shutters 108, respectively. In the case of not performing the above, the suction port 106 and the outlet 107 are closed by the shutter 8 as shown in FIG. It becomes possible to more effectively suppress the consumption due to. In particular, when the air sanitizer VW is mounted on the vehicle as in the present embodiment, the indoor temperature rises to close to + 60 ° C. in the summer, so that the effect of preventing the natural evaporation of electrolyzed water becomes more effective. .

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the fan 110 is provided in the air sterilizer VW, but a configuration in which the fan 110 is omitted is also conceivable. In that case, it is good to attach the air sanitizer VW to the front surface of the blower outlet 137 of the air-conditioner 100 like P3 of FIG. In this case, the gas-liquid contact member is provided by disposing the suction port 106 of the cover 105 of the air sterilizer VW on the air outlet 137 side of the air conditioner 100, that is, on the windward side, and the air outlet 107 on the leeward side. 8, it becomes possible to execute the sterilization by the air sterilization apparatus VW by ventilating the discharge air from the air conditioner 100. In particular, the air sterilization apparatus VW of the present invention does not diffuse hypochlorous acid mist into the vehicle interior unlike the conventional apparatus, and therefore is the case where the air sterilization apparatus VW is provided in the vehicle interior as in this embodiment. It is safe, and the spread of odor (hypochlorous acid odor) is also prevented.

  In the present embodiment, electrolyzed water is supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 8 using a capillary phenomenon from a water storage tank 9 as a water storage unit, and the electrolyzed water is brought into contact with the air ventilated through the gas-liquid contact member 8. Thus, the sterilization of the air is performed. However, the control of energization of the electrodes by the control means C of the present invention, in particular, the invention according to any one of claims 11 to 16 is described in the present embodiment. It is not limited to the application to the air sterilization apparatus VW having the structure described above. For example, mist generating means for making electrolyzed water generated by electrolysis mist-like is provided, and the mist-like electrolyzed water generated by the mist generating means is diffused in the sterilizing space, and the air in the sterilizing space is diffused. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to an apparatus for sterilizing bacteria. Even when the invention according to any one of claims 11 to 15 is applied to such an air sterilization apparatus, the same effects as those of the above embodiments can be obtained.

1 is an external view of an air sterilizer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the vertical side view of the air sanitizer seen from the one surface side (front side) of FIG. It is the vertical side view of the air sanitizer seen from the opposite side (back side) of FIG. It is an internal block diagram of the air disinfection apparatus of the state which removed the main body cover of FIG. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3. It is a perspective view of the electrode of FIG. It is a partial enlarged view of the gas-liquid contact member of the air sterilization apparatus of a present Example. It is a block diagram explaining the electric circuit of the air sterilizer of a present Example. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning at the time of mounting the air sanitizer of this invention in a passenger car. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the temperature of water, and a voltage value. It is a flowchart which shows the freezing detection and thawing | decompression operation | movement of the water in the water storage tank in 1st Example of the control means of the air sterilizer of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the freezing detection and thawing | decompression operation | movement of the water in another water storage tank in 1st Example of the control means of the air sterilizer of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the freezing detection and thawing | decompression operation | movement of the water in the water storage tank in 2nd Example of the control means of the air disinfection apparatus of this invention (Example 2). It is a flowchart which shows the freezing detection and thawing | decompression operation | movement of the water in the other water storage tank in 2nd Example of the control means of the air sanitizer of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the air sterilizer of the other Example of this invention (Example 3). It is a vertical side view which shows the state by which the shutter provided in each of the suction inlet provided in the cover of the air sanitizer of FIG. 15 and the blower outlet was open | released. It is a vertical side view which shows the state which each closed the shutter provided in the suction inlet and the blower outlet which were provided in the cover of the air sanitizer of FIG. It is a figure which shows arrangement | positioning of the gas-liquid contact member and water absorption member at the time of bacteria elimination driving | operation of the air bacteria elimination apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of the gas-liquid contact member and water absorption member at the time of the sterilization driving | operation stop of the air sterilizer of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of arrangement | positioning of the gas-liquid contact member at the time of the sterilization driving | operation stop of the air sterilization apparatus of FIG. It is a figure which shows another other example of arrangement | positioning of the gas-liquid contact member and water absorption member at the time of the sterilization operation stop of the air sterilization apparatus of FIG.

VW air sterilizer C control means 1 main body 1A receiving surface 1B wall surface 1C expansion portion 2 main body cover 2T top plate 2A front panel 2B rear panel 2R, 2L side panel 4 intake port 5 exhaust port 5A small hole 8 gas-liquid contact member 9 Water storage tank (water storage part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Operation part 11 Operation switch 12 Display means 13 Power switch 15 Water supply tank 16 Water quantity confirmation window 17, 18 Electrode 19 Water absorption member 20 Blower 21 Blower fan 22 Fan motor 23 Fan casing 23A Fan inlet 23B Fan exhaust 25 Electrolytic tank tray 25A One end portion 25B Other end portion 25C Central portion 25D Engaging portion 26 Packing 30, 31, 32, 33 Communication hole 34 Packing 37 Pressure valve (pressure relief mechanism)
52, 53 Electrode terminal 54 Electrode fixing plate 54A Projection 75 Water level sensor 90 Temperature sensor 92 Heater 100 Air conditioner 101 Temperature sensor 105 Cover 106 Suction port 107 Air outlet 109 Water storage tank 110 Fan 118 Water supply port 125 Spring member 130 Passenger car 131 Driver's seat 132 Rear seat 135 Windshield 136 Dashboard 137 Air outlet

Claims (3)

  A gas-liquid contact member formed of a material less reactive with electrolyzed water and subjected to a hydrophilic treatment, a water storage part for storing the electrolyzed water, and one end part provided in contact with the gas-liquid contact member, A water absorbing member immersed in the electrolyzed water in the water reservoir, and the water absorbing member is switchable between a state immersed in the electrolyzed water in the water reservoir and a state separated from the electrolyzed water. In a state where the water absorbing member is immersed in the electrolyzed water in the water reservoir, the electrolyzed water is supplied from the water reservoir to the gas-liquid contact member using a capillary phenomenon, and is passed through the gas-liquid contact member. An air disinfecting apparatus, wherein air is brought into contact with the electrolyzed water.   The air sterilizer according to claim 1, wherein the water storage section is filled with a porous material or a water-absorbing polymer material.   The air sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a cover that can be opened and closed so that the periphery of the gas-liquid contact member can be freely opened and closed.

Images