JP5305770B2 - Air sanitizer - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, there has been proposed an air sterilization apparatus that electrolyzes tap water to generate electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid and uses this electrolyzed water to remove viruses and the like floating in the air (for example, , See Patent Document 1). This air disinfection device disinfects air by supplying electrolyzed water to a humidifying element made of non-woven fabric, etc., bringing virus or the like in the air into contact with the electrolyzed water on the humidifying element, and inactivating the virus or the like. It is something to try.
JP 2002-181358 A

  The electrolysis described above is performed using chlorine ions contained in tap water. However, depending on the area where the air sanitizer is used, the chlorine concentration in tap water is low, and electrolysis may be difficult. Conventionally, there is a method in which electrolysis is performed by flowing a larger current through the electrolysis unit, but there is a problem that the load generated on the electrode is large and the frequency of replacing the electrode during maintenance increases. In addition, there is a method of supplying salt to the supplied tap water and electrolyzing it, but it is troublesome for the user to supply salt every time it is operated.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an air sterilization apparatus that does not make the user bothersome and can secure a chlorine concentration that can be electrolyzed regardless of the area of use.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an air sterilization apparatus according to the present invention divides the inside of a casing up and down with a support plate, and an electrolysis unit and electrolyzed water generated by the electrolysis unit in an upper chamber of the casing. A gas-liquid contact member supplied with water, a water receiving tray for storing the electrolyzed water generated by the electrolysis unit and receiving electrolyzed water flowing down from the gas-liquid contact member, and pumping the electrolyzed water stored in the water receiving tray. An air sterilization apparatus comprising a circulation pump that supplies the gas-liquid contact member to the gas-liquid contact member, and a blower fan that sends room air to the gas-liquid contact member in a lower chamber of the housing. In the upper chamber, a saline tank storing salt water to be supplied to the water tray is disposed , the sterilization space for housing the gas-liquid contact member and the circulation pump in the upper chamber by a partition. Water space A pump for pumping up saline solution from the saline solution tank, and a suction port of the pump is connected to the saline solution tank via a one-touch joint, and a discharge port of the pump is connected to a supply nozzle for saline solution. In addition, the saline tank and the supply nozzle are disposed in the water space, and the supply nozzle is disposed above the water tray .
According to this configuration, the saline is automatically supplied to the electrolyzed water in the water tray.
Further, since the saline tank can be removed from the suction port of the pump with a single touch, the saline tank can be easily taken out.
Furthermore, by disposing the saline tank and the supply nozzle in the water surrounding space where the humidity is higher than that of the sterilization space, the evaporation of moisture in the saline tank is delayed, and the saline in the saline tank is reduced to a predetermined salt content. While being able to accommodate in density | concentration, precipitation of the salt by a supply nozzle can be prevented.
Moreover, precipitation of salt at the supply nozzle can be prevented by disposing the supply nozzle above the water tray having a relatively high humidity.

The present invention is characterized in that in the above air filtering apparatus, and the pre-Symbol pump disposed in a lower space humidity adjacent to the water supply space.
According to this configuration, by disposing the pump on the low degree of humidity space, it is not necessary to apply a moisture-proof treatment or the like pump.

Moreover, the present invention is characterized in that in the air sterilization apparatus described above, a holding base for mounting the saline tank is provided above the water tray, and the saline supply nozzle is supported on the holding base. .
According to this configuration, there is no need to separately provide a member that supports the supply nozzle.

In the air sterilization apparatus according to the present invention, a check valve is provided in a supply nozzle that supplies saline to the water tray, and the supply nozzle is arranged away from the surface of the electrolyzed water in the water tray. Features.
According to this configuration, the check valve can prevent the electrolytic water in the water tray from flowing back into the saline tank. Moreover, it can prevent reliably that electrolyzed water flows backward by arrange | positioning a supply nozzle away from the water surface. Further, corrosion inside the check valve due to the check valve being in contact with the electrolytic water can be prevented.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that in the air sterilizing apparatus, a valve device for adjusting an internal pressure in the tank is provided in the saline tank.
According to this configuration, the pressure in the saline tank can be kept constant, and the saline can be stored at a predetermined salt concentration.

  The present invention stores the electrolyzed water generated by the electrolysis unit and receives electrolyzed water flowing down from the gas-liquid contact member, and the circulation for pumping the electrolyzed water stored in the water pan and supplying it again to the gas-liquid contact member Since it is equipped with a pump and a saline tank that supplies the stored saline solution to the water tray, the saline solution is automatically supplied to the electrolyzed water in the water tray so that the user is not bothered. A chlorine concentration that can be electrolyzed regardless of the region of use can be ensured without making it feel.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air sterilization apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a rear side perspective view of the air sterilization apparatus 1. This air sterilizer 1 electrolyzes water to generate electrolyzed water containing a predetermined active oxygen species, and sterilizes indoor air sucked into the air sterilizer 1 using this electrolyzed water. This is a device for blowing clean air after sterilization into the room.
As shown in FIG. 1, the air sterilization apparatus 1 has a box-shaped casing 11 formed in a vertically long shape, and is installed on the floor, for example. A suction grill 12 is formed in the lower portion of both side surfaces of the casing 11, and a suction port 15 is formed in the lower end portion of the front surface of the casing 11.
Further, an air outlet 13 is formed on the upper surface of the casing 11, and an auto louver 20 is provided at the air outlet 13 for changing the direction in which air is blown out. The auto louver 20 is configured to close the air outlet 13 when operation is stopped.

On the upper surface of the housing 11, an operation lid 16 is disposed on the front side of the air outlet 13. When the operation lid 16 is opened, an operation panel (not shown) for performing various operations of the air sterilizer 1 is exposed. To do. In addition, on one side of the upper surface of the housing 11 (right side in a front view), an opening / closing lid 29 for taking in and out a saline solution tank 90 described later is provided so as to be freely opened and closed. Further, gripping portions 17 are formed on the upper portions of both side surfaces of the housing 11. These gripping portions 17 are concave portions for holding the case 11 by hand, and the air sterilizer 1 can be lifted and moved by one person during transportation.
Further, an upper cover member 18 and a lower cover member 19 arranged in the vertical direction are detachably disposed on the front surface of the housing 11. When the upper cover member 18 and the lower cover member 19 are removed, they are removed. The internal structure of the air sterilizer 1 is exposed. The lower cover member 19 includes an arc portion 19A curved toward the back side of the housing 11 at the lower end portion of the lower cover member 19, and the suction port 15 is formed in the arc portion 19A.
As shown in FIG. 2, a connection port 14 for supplying water to the air sterilization apparatus 1 is formed in the upper rear portion of the housing 11, and the connection port 14 supplies water connected to an external water supply source (for example, water supply). A pipe 27 is connected. In addition, a drainage pipe 28 for discharging water in the air sterilizer 1 to the outside is provided at the lower back of the housing 11.

Next, the internal structure of the air sterilizer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main configuration inside the air sterilizer 1, and FIG. 4 is a side sectional view. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the housing 11 is provided with a support plate 21 that divides the interior of the housing 11 in the vertical direction, and is divided into an upper chamber 22 and a lower chamber 23.
The lower chamber 23 is divided into left and right by a partition plate 24, and a blower fan 31 and a fan motor (not shown) for driving the blower fan 31 are accommodated in one chamber 23A, and the other chamber 23B contains the above-described chamber 23B. A drainage part 57 having a drainage pipe 28 is accommodated. On the front side of one chamber 23A, a prefilter 34 is disposed at a position facing the lower cover member 19 (see FIG. 1). The pre-filter 34 is formed in a size corresponding to the opening of the one chamber 23A, and is disposed by being fitted into the opening. When the lower cover member 19 is removed, the prefilter 34 is exposed, and the prefilter 34 can be easily attached and detached.
The pre-filter 34 collects a large particle size such as dust in the air sucked through the suction grill 12 and the suction port 15, and passes through the coarse filter 25, for example, a particle size 10 ( μm) or more (for example, pollen). The prefilter 34 removes pollen, dust, etc. floating in the air sucked from the suction grill 12 and the suction port 15.

  In the upper chamber 22, an electrical box 39 is disposed on the support plate 21 above the one chamber 23 </ b> A, and a gas-liquid contact member 53 is disposed above the electrical box 39. Further, a water tray 42 for receiving the electrolyzed water flowing down from the gas-liquid contact member 53 is disposed between the electrical box 39 and the gas-liquid contact member 53. Although not shown in the electrical box 39, various electrical components such as a control board on which various devices constituting a control unit that controls the air sterilizer 1 are mounted, and a power supply circuit that supplies a power supply voltage to the fan motor. Is housed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a back side space 1 </ b> A and a front side space 1 </ b> B separated by a gas-liquid contact member 53 are formed in the upper chamber 22. The back side space 1 </ b> A communicates with the blower opening 31 </ b> A of the blower fan 31 through an opening 21 </ b> A formed in the support plate 21. In addition, two air guide plates 32A and 32B that are inclined downward from the back side to the front side of the housing 11 are provided above the back side space 1A with different positions in the height direction. The two air guide plates 32A and 32B are supported by the frame member 32C. For this reason, the air blown out from the blower port 31A of the blower fan 31 hits the two air guide plates 32A and 32B and blows on the back surface of the gas-liquid contact member 53 through a path indicated by an arrow in FIG. It is done.
The gas-liquid contact member 53 is a member for bringing electrolyzed water into contact with the air blown onto the gas-liquid contact member 53. The air sucked into the casing 11 in the gas-liquid contact member 53 comes into contact with the electrolyzed water containing a predetermined active oxygen species, thereby inactivating viruses or the like contained in the air. Sterilization is performed.

A housing 33 is arranged on the front side of the gas-liquid contact member 53, and the front-side space 1 </ b> B is formed by the housing 33 and the gas-liquid contact member 53. The housing 33 has a function of guiding the air in the front-side space 1 </ b> B to the outlet 13 and receiving water (so-called jump water) blown out from the gas-liquid contact member 53. Specifically, the housing 33 has a bottom surface 33 </ b> A on the inner side of the housing 33 formed in a downward slope toward the gas-liquid contact member 53, and the tip of the bottom surface 33 </ b> A extends above the water tray 42. . As a result, the water blown into the front space 1B is returned to the water tray 42 through the bottom surface 33A.
Between the housing 33 and the air outlet 13, an air outlet filter 36 is arranged to prevent foreign matter from entering the housing 11 from the air outlet 13. The outlet filter 36 is preferably moderately coarse so as not to remarkably increase the ventilation resistance of the air that has passed through the gas-liquid contact member 53.

The gas-liquid contact member 53 is a filter member having a honeycomb structure, and has a structure in which an element portion in contact with gas is supported by a frame. Although not shown, the element portion is configured by laminating a corrugated plate member and a flat plate member, and a plurality of substantially triangular openings are provided between the corrugated plate member and the flat plate member. Is formed. Therefore, a wide gas contact area is ensured when air is passed through the element portion, electrolysis water can be dripped, and the structure is difficult to clog.
The element part is made of a material that is hardly deteriorated by electrolyzed water, for example, polyolefin resin (polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, etc.), PET (polyethylene terephthalate) resin, vinyl chloride resin, fluorine resin (PTFE, PFA, ETFE, etc.) Alternatively, a material such as a ceramic material is used, and in this configuration, a PET resin is used. In addition, the element portion is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment to enhance the affinity for the electrolyzed water, whereby the water retention (wetability) of the electrolyzed water of the gas-liquid contact member 53 is maintained, and the active oxygen described later. Contact between the seed (active oxygen substance) and room air is sustained for a long time.

In addition, a watering box 51 for dispersing electrolyzed water uniformly on the gas-liquid contact member 53 is assembled on the gas-liquid contact member 53. The watering box 51 includes a tray member that temporarily stores electrolyzed water. A plurality of watering holes (not shown) are opened on the side surface of the tray member, and the gas-liquid contact member 53 is electrolyzed through the watering holes. Water is dripped.
In addition, a diversion sheet (not shown) is disposed on the upper surface of the gas-liquid contact member 53 in order to efficiently disperse the electrolyzed water dropped from the watering box 51 in the element portion. The diversion sheet is a sheet (woven fabric, non-woven fabric, or the like) made of a fiber material having liquid permeability, and one or more are provided along the cross section in the thickness direction of the gas-liquid contact member 53.

As shown in FIG. 3, the water receiving tray 42 includes a water receiving portion 42A located below the gas-liquid contact member 53 and a storage portion 42B extending above the other chamber 23B, and is integrally formed. ing. The water flowing in from the water receiving portion 42A is stored in the storage portion 42B. Further, a deep bottom portion 42B1 deeper than the water receiving portion 42A and a shallow bottom portion 42B2 shallower than the deep bottom portion 42B1 are formed in the storage portion 42B.
The deep bottom portion 42B1 is provided with a first float switch 43A and a second float switch 43B that detect the water level. The first float switch 43A is a switch that operates when the water level of the reservoir 42B falls below a predetermined lower limit water level, and the second float switch 43B is when the water level of the reservoir 42B exceeds a predetermined upper limit water level. It is an operating switch.

A circulation pump 44 is provided in the deep bottom portion 42B1. The circulation pump 44 operates according to the control of the control unit. The water stored in the deep bottom part 42B1 (reservoir part 42B) is pumped up to the discharge port of the circulation pump 44, and the gas-liquid contact member 53 is passed through the water spray box 51. A supply pipe 71 is connected to supply the pipe. An electrolytic cell (electrolysis unit) 46 is connected to the supply pipe 71 via a branch pipe 72 that branches between the circulation pump 44 and the watering box 51.
As will be described later, the electrolytic bath 46 includes a plurality of electrodes, and a voltage supplied from the control unit is applied between the electrodes to electrolyze water to generate electrolyzed water. A discharge port 46A for discharging the electrolyzed water generated in the electrolyzer 46 is formed on the upper surface of the electrolyzer 46, and a return pipe 73 for returning the electrolyzed water to the storage part 42B is connected to the discharge port 46A. .

  In addition, a filter member 74 for collecting solid matter mixed in the water flowing into the storage portion 42B is disposed at the inlet portion of the storage portion 42B, that is, the connecting portion between the storage portion 42B and the water receiving portion 42A. Has been. Above the filter member 74, an outlet 73 </ b> A of the return pipe 73 is provided, and solid matter (for example, a scale component formed on the electrode surface) discharged from the electrolytic cell 46 together with water can be collected. ing. Since the filter member 74 is disposed at the inlet portion of the storage portion 42B in a state visible from above, the replacement time of the filter member 74 can be easily determined visually. Furthermore, when replacing the filter member 74, it is only necessary to remove and replace the filter member 74 with fingers, so that maintenance can be easily performed without using a tool or the like.

  In the present embodiment, a part of the water pumped up by the circulation pump 44 is supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 53 through the watering box 51, and the remaining water is supplied to the electrolytic cell 46. The electrolyzed water generated in the electrolyzer 46 is supplied to the storage part 42B via the filter member 74, and the electrolyzed water stored in the deep bottom part 42B1 of the storage part 42B is again supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 53 and the circulating pump 44. Dispersed and supplied to the electrolytic cell 46. Thus, in the electrolytic cell 46, electrolyzed water is repeatedly performed using electrolyzed water, so that electrolyzed water having a high concentration of active oxygen species can be generated. In addition, water resources can be effectively utilized by circulatingly using the electrolyzed water discharged from the gas-liquid contact member 53.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a water supply unit 60 for supplying tap water from the water supply pipe 27 to the water tray 42 is provided above the deep bottom part 42B1. The water supply unit 60 is connected to the water supply pipe 27 via the connection port 14 formed on the back surface of the housing 11. The water supply unit 60 includes a water supply valve 61 that is opened and closed according to the water level of the storage unit 42 </ b> B, a first water supply pipe that has one end connected to the connection port 14 and the other end connected to the upstream end 61 </ b> A of the water supply valve 61. 62, a second water supply pipe 63 connected to the downstream end 61B of the water supply valve 61, and a water supply port 64 that opens downward at the tip of the second water supply pipe 63.

The water supply valve 61 is an electromagnetic valve that is opened and closed under the control of the control unit in accordance with the water level detected by the first float switch 43A and the second float switch 43B. The water supply valve 61 is disposed such that the upstream end 61A is positioned below and the downstream end 61B is positioned above. That is, it arrange | positions so that the water supplied to the water supply part 60 may flow the inside of the water supply valve 61 from the bottom to the top. According to this, when the water supply valve 61 is closed, even if water leaks from the connecting portion between the upstream end 61A of the water supply valve 61 and the first water supply pipe 62, the leaked water is The water supply valve 61 is not applied, and troubles such as leakage can be prevented.
In addition, the water supply port 64 of the second water supply pipe 63 has a sufficient distance from the water surface of the water stored in the water receiving tray 42 so as not to touch the water surface (in this embodiment, 35 mm from the upper end surface of the water receiving tray 42). They are placed apart. According to this, even when the inside of the water supply unit 60 and the water supply pipe 27 becomes negative pressure, the water stored in the water receiving tray 42 flows back into the water supply unit 60 and the water supply pipe 27 through the water supply port 64. Is prevented.
Further, the water supply port 64 is disposed above the filter member 74 described above. According to this, since the water supplied through the water supply port 64 is dripped on the filter member 74, this dripping sound can be reduced and the noise reduction at the time of water supply can be achieved.

Moreover, in this embodiment, it is comprised so that the water stored in the water receiving tray 42 can be discharged | emitted suitably. Specifically, a drain valve unit 81 for discharging water stored in the water tray 42 to the drain 57 is disposed below the reservoir 42B. The drain valve unit 81 is connected to the first drain pipe 82 connected to the bottom of the deep bottom portion 42B1 of the storage section 42B, the drain valve 83 connected to the first drain pipe 82, and the drain valve 83. A second drain pipe 84, and the second drain pipe 84 is connected to the drain section 57. The drain valve 83 is opened and closed under the control of the control unit. This control unit, every time the accumulated operation time of the air sterilization operation (normal operation) of the air sterilization device 1 reaches a predetermined time, or every time the operation stop time of the air sterilization device 1 reaches a predetermined time, or At every predetermined time, the drain valve 83 is opened, and the water accumulated in the deep bottom portion 42B1 is discharged to the outside through the drain portion 57.
An overflow pipe 85 is connected to the bottom of the shallow part 42B2 of the storage part 42B, and the overflow pipe 85 is connected to the second drain pipe 84 between the drain valve 83 and the drain part 57. For this reason, even if the water level in the deep bottom part 42B1 rises and this water reaches the shallow bottom part 42B2, this water is discharged to the outside through the overflow pipe 85, the second drain pipe 84 and the drain part 57.
The second drain pipe 84 is connected to an air vent pipe 86 having a diameter smaller than that of the second drain pipe 84. The air vent pipe 86 is for discharging the air in the drain valve unit 81 to the outside during drainage, and is arranged so that the tip of the air vent pipe 86 is sufficiently higher than the water tray 42. Yes.

  The drainage unit 57 includes a trap pipe 58 connected to the second drain pipe 84 and a drain pipe 28 connected to the trap pipe 58. The trap pipe 58 is configured such that water accumulates in the trap pipe 58. For this reason, the drainage pipe 28 and the drainage valve unit 81 are isolated by the water accumulated in the trap pipe 58, thereby preventing the smell of drainage from drifting into the air sterilization apparatus 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the air sterilization apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a detachable saline tank 90 that supplies saline to the water tray 42.
The upper chamber 22 is further divided into a top and bottom by a water tray 42 and a plate-like member 55, and is located above the water tray 42 and a relatively high humidity space 22 </ b> A and below the water tray 42. It has a relatively low low-humidity space (space) 22B. The electrical box 39 described above is disposed in the low-humidity space 22B. The high humidity space 22 </ b> A is provided with a partition wall 30 </ b> A that partitions the high humidity space 22 </ b> A to the left and right, and the high humidity space 22 </ b> A includes a sterilization space 22 </ b> A <b> 1 that houses the gas-liquid contact member 53 It is partitioned into 22A2. The water-circulating space 22A2 is isolated by the water tray 42 and the partition wall 30A, and the water-circulating covers 30B to 30D that cover the side surfaces of the water-circulating space 22A2. Is high.
The salt water tank 90 for storing the salt water is disposed in the highly humid water surrounding space 22A2. Thereby, evaporation of the water | moisture content in the salt solution tank 90 can be delayed, and the salt solution in a tank can be accommodated by predetermined | prescribed salt concentration.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the saline tank 90. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the air sterilization apparatus 1 showing the periphery of the saline tank 90.
The saline tank 90 is formed using a material that is less deteriorated by the saline, for example, a polypropylene resin. The saline tank 90 is formed to have a size capable of storing an amount of saline that can be supplied for a sufficiently long period with respect to the maintenance period (for example, one year) of the air sterilizer 1. The saline tank 90 according to the present embodiment has a volume of 1 liter, so that the maintenance period of the saline tank 90 is 2 years.

  The salt concentration (weight percent) of the salt water stored in the saline tank 90 is preferably 20% or more at which bacterial growth is suppressed and 26% (saturated concentration) or less at which salt begins to precipitate. In the salt water tank 90 of the present embodiment, salt water whose salt concentration is adjusted to 20% is stored using sodium chloride having a purity of 99% or more.

As shown in FIG. 5, a water supply port 90 </ b> A for supplying saline to the saline tank 90 is provided on the upper surface of the saline tank 90. A valve device 90B for adjusting the internal pressure in the saline tank 90 is attached to the water supply port 90A. The valve device 90B can maintain the pressure in the saline tank 90 in a constant state, and can store the saline at a predetermined salt concentration.
A suction port 90C is provided on the upper surface of the saline tank 90, and a suction nozzle 90D extends into the saline tank 90 from the suction port 90C. A one-touch joint 90E is attached to the suction port 90C.

The salt water tank 90 is placed on a holding base 91 disposed above the water tray 42 (see FIG. 6). The holding table 91 is fixed to the water cover 30 </ b> B disposed on the front surface of the air sterilizer 1. Therefore, since the saline tank 90 is disposed on the front side of the air sterilizer 1, the saline tank 90 can be easily taken in and out of the open / close lid 29 (see FIG. 1).
The holding table 91 is fixed to the water cover 30B with a rectangular bottom surface 91A, the side surfaces 91B and 91C rising from the bottom surface 91A and fixed vertically to the water cover 30B, and the water cover 30B. A side surface 91D rising from the bottom surface 91A is provided in parallel. When the saline tank 90 is arranged on the bottom surface 91A, it will be surrounded by the side surfaces 91B to 91D, so that it will not fall off the holding table 91 even if the air sterilizer 1 is shaken to some extent during transportation. Yes.
The saline tank 90 is not simply fixed to the holding base 91 by bolting or the like, but is simply placed on the bottom surface 91A, and a polyurethane tube 92 is connected to the one-touch joint 90E. When the saline tank 90 is taken out, the tube 92 can be easily detached from the one-touch joint 90E with fingers, so that maintenance can be easily performed without using a tool or the like.

The tube 92 is coupled to the tube 93, and the tube 93 is connected to a supply nozzle 94 attached to the bottom surface 91 </ b> A of the holding table 91. As described above, since the supply nozzle 94 is supported by the holding base 91 on which the saline tank 90 is placed, it is not necessary to separately provide a member for supporting the supply nozzle 94, and an increase in cost can be suppressed.
The supply nozzle 94 includes a check valve 94A that prevents backflow. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the supply nozzle 94 has a sufficient distance from the water surface of the water stored in the water tray 42 that does not touch the water surface (in this embodiment, from the bottom surface of the water tray 42. The distance H is 62 mm apart. According to this, even when the insides of the tubes 92 and 93 and the saline tank 90 become negative pressure, the electrolyzed water stored in the water receiving tray 42 passes through the supply nozzle 94 and the tubes 92 and 93 and the saline solution. Backflow into the tank 90 is reliably prevented. For this reason, it is not necessary to use an expensive material that does not easily deteriorate with respect to the electrolyzed water in the check valve 94A, and the cost of the check valve 94A can be suppressed.

Since the supply nozzle 94 is disposed in the high-humidity water surrounding space 22A2 and above the electrolyzed water stored in the water tray 42, the supply nozzle 94 is always placed in a high humidity state. 94 is prevented from precipitating salt.
Further, the supply nozzle 94 is disposed above the deep bottom portion 42B1 (storage portion 42B) which is deeper than the shallow bottom portion 42B2 of the water tray 42. For this reason, even if the water level of the storage part 42B of the water receiving tray 42 reaches a predetermined lower limit water level, the salt solution is directly supplied to the electrolyzed water of the storing part 42B, and the salt is deposited on the water receiving tray 42. Is prevented.

  The saline stored in the saline tank 90 is pumped up by a pump 95 that operates according to the control of the control unit. A tube 92 connected to the saline tank 90 is connected to the suction port 95 </ b> A of the pump 95. On the other hand, a tube 93 connected to the supply nozzle 94 is connected to the discharge port 95 </ b> B of the pump 95. These tubes 92 and 93 extend from the water space 22A2 through the water cover 30B to the low humidity space 22B adjacent to the water space 22A2, and the pump 95 is disposed in the low humidity space 22B. . As described above, since the pump 95 is disposed in the low-humidity space 22B having relatively low humidity, a pump that is not subjected to moisture-proofing treatment or the like can be used as the pump 95.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the state of supply of electrolyzed water, FIG. 7 (A) is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air sterilization mechanism, and FIG. 7 (B) shows the configuration of the electrolytic cell 46 in detail. FIG.
With reference to this FIG. 7, the supply of the electrolyzed water with respect to the gas-liquid contact member 53 is demonstrated.
When the operation of the air sterilization apparatus 1 is performed, the water level of the storage unit 42B is detected. When the water level does not reach the predetermined water level, the water supply valve 61 is opened and tap water is supplied to the water tray 42. Then, the water level of the reservoir 42B of the water receiving tray 42 reaches a predetermined water level.
The water in the reservoir 42 </ b> B is pumped up by the circulation pump 44 and a part thereof is supplied to the electrolytic cell 46. As shown in FIG. 7B, the electrolytic cell 46 includes a pair of electrodes 47 and 48, one of which is positive and the other is negative. By applying a voltage between the electrodes 47 and 48, the electrolytic cell 46 The tap water flowing into 46 is electrolyzed to produce electrolyzed water containing active oxygen species. Here, the reactive oxygen species are oxygen having higher oxidation activity than normal oxygen and related substances, such as superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, or hydrogen peroxide, in a narrow sense. The active oxygen includes so-called broad active oxygen such as ozone and hypohalous acid.

The electrodes 47 and 48 are electrode plates in which the base is made of titanium (Ti) and the coating layer is made of iridium (Ir) or platinum (Pt), for example.
When the electrode 47 is used as an anode electrode, the electrode 48 is used as a cathode electrode, and a voltage is applied between the electrode 47 and the electrode 48 from an external power source, the electrode 48 as the cathode electrode generates hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) in water. It reacts with hydroxide ions (OH ⁻ ) as shown in the following formula (1).
4H ⁺ + 4e ⁻ + (4OH ⁻ ) → 2H ₂ + (4OH ⁻ ) (1)

On the other hand, in the electrode 47 as an anode electrode (anode), water is electrolyzed as shown in the following formula (2).
2H ₂ O → 4H ⁺ + O ₂ + 4e ⁻ (2)
At the same time, at the electrode 47, chlorine ions (chloride ions: Cl ⁻ ) contained in water react as shown in the following formula (3) to generate chlorine (Cl ₂ ).
2Cl ⁻ → Cl ₂ + 2e ⁻ (3)
Further, this chlorine reacts with water as shown in the following formula (4) to generate hypochlorous acid (HClO) and hydrogen chloride (HCl).
Cl ₂ + H ₂ O → HClO + HCl (4)

  Hypochlorous acid generated at the electrode 47 is contained in a broad sense of active oxygen species and has a strong oxidizing action and bleaching action. The aqueous solution in which hypochlorous acid is dissolved, that is, the electrolyzed water generated by the air sterilizer 1 exhibits various air cleaning effects such as inactivation of viruses, sterilization, and decomposition of organic compounds.

  And when hypochlorous acid with big bactericidal power is produced | generated by the electrodes 47 and 48, when the electrolyzed water containing this hypochlorous acid is dripped from the sprinkling box 51 to the gas-liquid contact member 53, it will be carried out by the ventilation fan 31. The blown air comes into contact with hypochlorous acid at the gas-liquid contact member 53. As a result, viruses or the like floating in the air are inactivated, and odorous substances contained in the air react with hypochlorous acid to be decomposed or ionized and dissolved. Accordingly, the air is sterilized and deodorized, and the purified air is discharged from the gas-liquid contact member 53.

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

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

In addition, the concentration of the active oxygen species in the electrolytic water is adjusted to a concentration that inactivates viruses to be sterilized. The concentration of the active oxygen species is adjusted by adjusting a voltage applied between the electrode 47 and the electrode 48 and adjusting a current value flowing between the electrode 47 and the electrode 48.
For example, when a positive potential is applied to the electrode 47 and the current value flowing between the electrode 47 and the electrode 48 is 20 mA (milliampere) / cm ² (square centimeter), a predetermined free residual chlorine concentration (for example, 1 mg) (Milligram) / l (liter)). Further, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the electrolytic water can be increased by changing the voltage applied between the electrodes 47 and 48 to increase the current value.

  Then, the electrolyzed water dropped from the water spray box 51 onto the gas-liquid contact member 53 moves downward along the gas-liquid contact member 53 and falls to the water receiving portion 42 </ b> A of the water receiving tray 42. The electrolyzed water that has fallen into the water receiving portion 42A flows into the storage portion 42B through the filter member 74. Then, it is pumped up again by the circulation pump 44 and supplied to the gas-liquid contact member 53 through the electrolytic cell 46. Thus, in the structure in this embodiment, water becomes a circulation type, and air can be sterilized efficiently for a long time by effectively using a small amount of water. Moreover, when the water level of the storage part 42 </ b> B decreases due to evaporation or the like, the water supply valve 61 is opened and an appropriate amount of tap water is supplied from the water supply port 64.

Further, in order to replace the circulated and used electrolyzed water, the electrolyzed water stored in the water receiving tray 42 is discharged every predetermined time, and an appropriate amount of tap water is supplied to the water receiving tray 42. When the electrolyzed water in the water tray 42 is replaced, the pump 95 is driven, and the salt water stored in the salt water tank 90 is sucked out from the suction nozzle 90D, passes through the tubes 92 and 93, and from the supply nozzle 94. The water tray 42 is automatically supplied. The salt solution is supplied to the water tray 42 until the salt concentration (chlorine concentration) of water supplied to the electrolytic cell 46 reaches a predetermined value. The chlorine concentration is determined by measuring the conductivity of water supplied to the electrolytic cell 46.
When supplying the saline solution, the pump 95 is controlled by the control unit so that the amount of the salt solution dropped once is 1-2 ml. Since the check nozzle 94A is provided in the supply nozzle 94, the salt solution is dripped well and an appropriate amount of salt solution corresponding to the chlorine concentration of the water supplied to the electrolytic cell 46 can be supplied. ing.

Since the water supplied to the electrolytic cell 46 is supplied with a saline solution containing chlorine ions, the chlorine ions increase. Therefore, when electrolyzed, the chlorine ions are converted into the above formulas (3) and (4). Reacts as shown to produce hypochlorous acid and hydrochloric acid. For this reason, even if the air sanitizer 1 is used in an area where the chlorine concentration of tap water is low, it stably generates active oxygen species and has a sufficient air cleaning effect (inactivation of viruses, sterilization, deodorization). Can be demonstrated.
The air sterilization apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment increases the chlorine ions of water to be electrolyzed, so that a small amount of current flows between the electrode 47 and the electrode 48 at the time of electrolysis. Can be generated, and the load generated on the electrodes 47 and 48 is reduced, so that the frequency of replacing the electrodes 47 and 48 can be reduced.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the air sterilization apparatus 1 in which water circulates is provided with the saline tank 90 that supplies the stored saline to the water tray 42. The saline solution is automatically supplied to the electrolyzed water inside. As a result, it is possible to ensure a chlorine concentration that can be electrolyzed regardless of the region of use without causing the user to feel bothered.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the saline tank 90 is simply placed on the holding base 91 without being fixed, and is connected to the suction port 95A of the pump 95 via the one-touch joint 90E and the tube 92. Therefore, the saline tank 90 can be removed from the tube 92 with a single touch, and the saline tank 90 can be easily taken out. Furthermore, by disposing the supply nozzle 94 above the water tray 42 having a relatively high humidity, it is possible to prevent the salt from being deposited at the supply nozzle 94.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the salt water tank 90 and the supply nozzle 94 are arranged in the water surrounding space 22A2 having a higher humidity than the sterilization space 22A1, thereby evaporating the water in the salt water tank 90. The salt water in the tank can be stored at a predetermined salt concentration, and precipitation of salt at the supply nozzle 94 can be prevented. Further, by disposing the pump 95 in the low-humidity space 22B where the humidity is low, it is not necessary to perform a moisture-proof treatment or the like on the pump 95. Therefore, the cost increase of the pump 95 can be suppressed, and the range of pump selection is widened. .

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the supply nozzle 94 is provided on the holding base 91 on which the saline tank 90 is placed, so that it is not necessary to separately provide a member for supporting the supply nozzle 94, thereby suppressing an increase in cost. be able to.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the check nozzle 94A is provided in the supply nozzle 94 for supplying the saline to the water tray 42, thereby preventing the electrolytic water in the water tray 42 from flowing back into the saline tank 90. can do. In addition to this, it is possible to reliably prevent the electrolyzed water from flowing backward by disposing it away from the water surface. Further, corrosion inside the check valve 94A due to the check valve 94A being in contact with the electrolytic water can be prevented.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, by providing the saline tank 90 with the valve device 90B for adjusting the internal pressure in the tank, the pressure in the saline tank 90 can be kept constant, Water can be stored at a predetermined salt concentration.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made based on the technical idea of the present invention. .
For example, in the above embodiment, the air sterilization apparatus 1 is configured to be supplied with tap water, but is supplied with water (including pure water, purified water, and well water) in which ion species other than tap water is dilute. It is good also as a structure to be. Even in this case, a sufficient air cleaning effect (inactivation of viruses, sterilization, deodorization) can be exhibited by supplying the saline from the saline tank 90.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the supply nozzle 94 was arrange | positioned away from the water surface of the electrolyzed water stored in the water receiving tray 42, you may attach the supply nozzle 94 to the electrolyzed water stored in the water receiving tray 42. . In this case, a material (for example, Hastelloy) resistant to electrolyzed water may be used for the check valve 94A. Even in this configuration, since the check valve 94A is provided in the supply nozzle 94, even if the inside of the tubes 92 and 93 and the saline tank 90 is negative pressure, the water is received in the water tray 42. Water is prevented from flowing back into the tubes 92, 93 and the saline tank 90 through the supply nozzle 94.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the saline tank 90 stores saline that can be handled inexpensively and safely, but is not limited to saline, and water containing halide ions such as chlorine ions. You may make it store. In this case, active oxygen species containing halogen are generated by the same reaction as in the above formulas (3) and (4).

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the air sanitization apparatus which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a back side perspective view of an air sterilizer. It is a perspective view which shows the main structures inside an air sterilizer. It is a side sectional view showing the main composition inside an air sterilizer. It is a perspective view which shows a salt solution tank. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the air sterilizer which shows the peripheral part of a salt solution tank. It is a figure explaining the mode of supply of electrolysis water, (A) is a mimetic diagram showing the composition of an air sanitization mechanism, and (B) is a figure showing the composition of an electrolysis tank in detail.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air sanitization apparatus 11 Case 21 Support plate 22 Upper chamber 22A1 Sterilization space 22A2 Water surrounding space 22B Low-humidity space (space)
23 Lower chamber 30A Bulkhead 31 Blower fan 42 Water tray 44 Circulation pump 46 Electrolyzer (electrolysis unit)
53 Gas-liquid contact member 90 Saline tank 90B Valve device 90E One-touch joint 91 Holding base 94 Supply nozzle 94A Check valve 95 Pump 95A Suction port 95B Discharge port

Claims (5)

The inside of the housing is divided into upper and lower portions by a support plate, and an electrolysis unit, a gas-liquid contact member to which electrolyzed water generated by the electrolysis unit is supplied, and the electrolysis unit are generated in the upper chamber of the housing A water receiving tray for storing electrolyzed water and receiving electrolyzed water flowing down from the gas-liquid contact member; and a circulation pump for pumping the electrolyzed water stored in the water receiving tray and supplying the electrolyzed water to the gas-liquid contact member again. In an air sterilization apparatus provided with a blower fan that sends room air to the gas-liquid contact member in a lower chamber of the body, salt in which saline to be supplied to the water tray is stored in the upper chamber of the housing Place the water tank ,
The upper chamber is partitioned by a partition wall into a sterilization space that houses the gas-liquid contact member and a water space that houses the circulation pump,
A pump for pumping up the saline solution in the saline tank is provided, and the suction port of the pump is connected to the saline solution tank through a one-touch joint, and the discharge port of the pump is connected to a supply nozzle for the saline solution.
The air sterilizer is characterized in that the saline tank and the supply nozzle are disposed in the water space, and the supply nozzle is disposed above the water tray . Air filtering apparatus according to pre SL pump to claim 1, characterized in that arranged in a lower space humidity adjacent to the water supply space. Comprising a holder for placing said saline tank above the water pan, according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that supporting the supply nozzle of the saline to the holder Air sanitizer. The check nozzle is provided in the supply nozzle which supplies salt water to the said water tray, and the said supply nozzle is arrange | positioned away from the surface of the electrolyzed water of the said water tray, The one of Claim 1 thru | or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The air disinfection device according to one. The air sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the saline tank is provided with a valve device for adjusting an internal pressure in the tank.

Images