JP2011245325A - Sterilizer and air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sterilizer capable of effectively inactivating viruses or the like by adjusting the concentration of reactive oxygen species according to the kinds of the viruses or the like, and an air conditioner provided with the sterilizer.SOLUTION: The air conditioner includes humidification means 5 for humidifying introduced air and a humidification water supply path 21 for supplying humidification water to the humidification means 5. The humidification water supply path 21 includes at least a pair of electrodes 32 and 33 for electrolyzing tap water and generating the humidification water containing the reactive oxygen species, and concentration adjustment means 22 for adjusting the concentration of the reactive oxygen species in the humidification water to a predetermined concentration by changing the flow rate of the tap water passing through between the electrodes 32 and 33.

Description

  The present invention relates to a sterilization apparatus that performs humidification and sterilization of introduced air with humidification water containing active oxygen species, and an air conditioner including the sterilization apparatus.

In general, a humidifier is known in which tap water is absorbed by a humidifying element and is humidified by moisture evaporated from the humidifying element with blown air. In this type of humidifier, while the wet and dry processes are repeated, various germs easily grow on the humidifying element, and the germs, odor, mold, etc. generated here may be blown out together with the air.
In order to solve this problem, humidification that prevents the growth of various bacteria in the humidifying element has been achieved by generating hypochlorous acid (reactive oxygen species) using tap water and supplying this hypochlorous acid to the tap water. An air conditioner with a humidifier and a humidifier has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-181358 A

By the way, by using this type of humidifier, it is possible to inactivate (including sterilization) viruses or bacteria floating in the air (hereinafter referred to as viruses) and allergen-causing substances. The concentration of the reactive oxygen species that inactivates etc. varies depending on the type of virus. For this reason, it is desirable to adjust the concentration of active oxygen species according to the type of virus to be inactivated.
On the other hand, the type of virus or the like to be inactivated differs depending on the place where the air conditioner is installed. However, in the conventional configuration, the concentration of reactive oxygen species cannot be adjusted according to the type of virus or the like as described above, and the virus or the like cannot be effectively inactivated depending on the installation location. There was a problem.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization device that can effectively inactivate the virus and the like by adjusting the concentration of the active oxygen species according to the type of the virus and the like, and an air conditioner equipped with the sterilization device. Is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a humidifying means for humidifying the introduced air and a humidifying water supply path for supplying humidifying water to the humidifying means, and the humidifying water supply path comprises tap water. The concentration of active oxygen species in the humidifying water is determined by changing at least a pair of electrodes that generate humidifying water containing active oxygen species and the flow rate of tap water passing between the electrodes. And a density adjusting means for adjusting the density.
In this case, a means for setting the chlorine ion concentration in advance may be provided, and the concentration adjusting means may be a flow rate adjusting valve that adjusts the flow rate of the humidifying water supplied to the humidifying means in accordance with the chlorine ion concentration. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which is equipped with the detection means which detects the electrical conductivity of tap water, and a density | concentration adjustment means is a flow volume adjustment valve which adjusts the flow volume of the humidification water supplied to a humidification means according to the detected electrical conductivity. .

Further, the present invention comprises a humidifying means for humidifying the introduced air, and a humidifying water supply path for supplying humidifying water to the humidifying means, the humidifying water supply path electrolyzing tap water, At least a pair of electrodes for generating humidifying water containing active oxygen species is provided, and by changing the current flowing through the electrodes or the voltage applied to the electrodes, the concentration of the active oxygen species in the humidifying water is predetermined. It is characterized by adjusting the density.
In this case, a configuration may be provided in which means for setting the chlorine ion concentration in advance is provided, and the current flowing through the electrode or the voltage applied to the electrode is changed according to the chlorine ion concentration.

Further, the present invention comprises a humidifying means for humidifying the introduced air, and a humidifying water supply path for supplying humidifying water to the humidifying means, the humidifying water supply path electrolyzing tap water, It comprises at least a pair of electrodes that generate humidifying water containing active oxygen species, and the concentration of the active oxygen species in the humidifying water is adjusted to a predetermined concentration by changing the energization time to the electrodes.
In this case, a configuration may be provided in which means for setting the chloride ion concentration in advance is provided and the energization time to the electrode is changed according to the chloride ion concentration.

In addition, the present invention includes a humidifying means for humidifying the introduced air and a humidifying water supply path for supplying humidifying water to the humidifying means, and the humidifying water supply path temporarily stores tap water. Humidification by changing the storage time of at least a pair of electrodes disposed in the storage tank, electrolyzing tap water to generate humidification water containing active oxygen species, and the storage time of tap water in the storage tank And a concentration adjusting means for adjusting the concentration of the active oxygen species in the irrigation water to a predetermined concentration.
In this case, it is provided with a means for setting a chloride ion concentration in advance, and the concentration adjusting means is an on-off valve that is opened and closed to change the time for storing tap water in the storage tank according to the chloride ion concentration. It is also good. Moreover, the detection means which detects the electrical conductivity of tap water is provided, and a density | concentration adjustment means is an on-off valve opened and closed so that the time for which tap water is stored in a storage tank may be changed according to the detected electrical conductivity. It is good also as a structure.

  In addition, the present invention includes a humidifying means for humidifying the introduced air and a humidifying water supply path for supplying humidifying water to the humidifying means, and the humidifying water supply path temporarily stores tap water. A storage tank, and at least a pair of electrodes that are disposed in the storage tank and electrolyze tap water to generate humidification water containing active oxygen species, a current flowing through the electrodes, and a voltage applied to the electrodes Alternatively, the concentration of the active oxygen species in the humidifying water is adjusted to a predetermined concentration by changing any of the energization times to the electrodes.

  The active oxygen species may include at least one of hypochlorous acid, ozone, and hydrogen peroxide. Further, the polarity of the electrode may be reversed periodically or irregularly under a predetermined condition.

  The present invention also provides a blower fan, a heat exchanger arranged on the blower outlet side of the blower fan, a humidifying means for humidifying air introduced through the heat exchanger, and a humidifying water in the humidifying means. A humidifying water supply channel, and the humidifying water supply channel electrolyzes tap water to generate humidifying water containing active oxygen species, and tap water passing between the electrodes. Adjusting the concentration of active oxygen species in humidifying water to a predetermined concentration by changing either the flow rate of water, the current flowing through the electrode, the voltage applied to the electrode, or the energization time of the electrode And a density adjusting means.

The present invention also provides a blower fan, a heat exchanger arranged on the blower outlet side of the blower fan, a humidifying means for humidifying air introduced through the heat exchanger, and a humidifying water in the humidifying means. A humidifying water supply channel, and the humidifying water supply channel is disposed in the storage tank for temporarily storing tap water, and electrolyzes the tap water to generate active oxygen species. Changing at least one pair of electrodes that generate humidifying water to be contained and the storage time of tap water in the storage tank, the current flowing through the electrode, the voltage applied to the electrode, or the energization time of the electrode And a concentration adjusting means for adjusting the concentration of the active oxygen species in the humidifying water to a predetermined concentration.
In this case, it is good also as a structure provided with the disinfection control means which supplies the humidification water containing an active oxygen species to a humidification means during the stop period of the air-conditioning operation | movement of an air conditioning apparatus, and disinfects the said humidification means. .

  In the present invention, the virus or the like can be effectively inactivated by adjusting the concentration of the active oxygen species according to the type of the virus or the like.

It is sectional drawing which shows one Embodiment of the ceiling suspension type air conditioning apparatus by this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a humidifier. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the density | concentration preparation means of humidification water. It is a flowchart which shows density | concentration adjustment operation | movement. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the density | concentration preparation means concerning another embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the density | concentration adjustment operation | movement concerning another embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In FIG. 1, the code | symbol 1 shows an air conditioner main body, and this air conditioner main body 1 is installed and fixed to the lower surface of an indoor ceiling board by being hooked on the suspending bolt suspended from the ceiling.

A blower outlet 3 is formed in front of the air conditioner body 1, and a humidifier (humidifier) 5, a heat exchanger 7, and a blower fan 9 are housed in the air conditioner body 1 in this order from the blower outlet 3 side. Has been. In addition, a suction port 11 is formed below the blower fan 9 on the bottom surface of the air conditioner body 1, and the air sucked into the air conditioner body 1 through the suction port 11 by the operation of the blower fan 9 is The air is blown into the room from the air outlet 3 through the heat exchanger 7 and the humidifier 5.
The heat exchanger 7 is a fin tube type heat exchanger. A refrigerant pipe (not shown) is connected to the heat exchanger 7, and the refrigerant pipe is led out of the air conditioner main body 1, and is connected to a compressor, a decompressor, and outdoor heat of an outdoor unit (not shown). It is connected to an exchange etc. Below the heat exchanger 7 and the humidifier 5, a drain pan 13 made of styrene foam is installed. A drain pool 15 a of the drain pan 13 is provided with a drain pump 15, and a drain port of the drain pump 15 has a drain. A drain hose 17 for discharging water to the outside of the air conditioner main body 1 is connected.

  The humidifier 5 is connected to a water supply pipe 21 (humidification water supply path) for supplying humidification water to the humidifier 5. The water supply pipe 21 is connected to the humidification water supplied to the humidifier 5. A flow rate adjusting valve (concentration adjusting means) 22 for adjusting the flow rate, an electrolysis unit (humidifying water generating means) 23 for generating humidifying water having a sterilizing action from tap water, and a conductivity meter for detecting the conductivity of tap water 24 (detection means) and an opening / closing valve 25 for supplying tap water to the electrolysis unit 23 are sequentially arranged. These flow rate adjustment valve 22, electrolysis unit 23, conductivity meter 24, and on-off valve 25 are each connected to the control device 10 (concentration adjustment control means).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the humidifier 5 includes a humidifying element 5a having high water retention, a dispersion dish 5b disposed above the humidifying element 5a, and a water tray 5c disposed below the humidifying element 5a. Prepare. The humidifying element 5a is composed of a nonwoven fabric made of, for example, acrylic fiber or polyester fiber. The dispersion dish 5b has a connection port 41 to which the water supply pipe 21 is connected on the side surface, and a hole (not shown) for dispersing the humidifying water supplied through the water supply pipe 21 to the humidifying element 5a. Are formed on the bottom surface of the dispersion plate 5b.

  In addition, the water tray 5c holds the humidifying element 5a from below and can store the humidifying water that has passed through the humidifying element. A drain pipe 42 that guides humidifying water to the drain pan 13 (FIG. 1) is connected to the bottom surface of the water tray 5c.

As shown in FIG. 3, the electrolysis unit 23 includes an electrolysis tank 31 having a diameter larger than that of the water supply pipe 21 and a pair of electrodes 32 and 33 arranged in the electrolysis tank 31. When energized, the tap water flowing into the electrolytic cell 31 is electrolyzed to generate active oxygen species.
Here, the reactive oxygen species are oxygen molecules having an oxidation activity higher than that of normal oxygen and related substances, and so-called narrow definition such as superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, or hydrogen peroxide. These active oxygens include so-called broadly active oxygens such as ozone and hypohalogen acids.

The electrodes 32 and 33 are, for example, two electrode plates having a base made of Ti (titanium) and a coating layer made of Ir (iridium) and Pt (platinum). The current value applied to the electrodes 32 and 33 is as follows: A predetermined free residual chlorine concentration (for example, 1 mg (milligram) / l (liter)) is generated at a current density of 20 mA (milliampere) / cm ² (square centimeter).
When the tap water is energized by the electrodes 32 and 33, 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 chlorine 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.
In this configuration, when the electrodes 32 and 33 are energized, HClO (hypochlorous acid) having high sterilizing power is generated, and the air passes through the humidifying element 5a supplied with humidifying water containing hypochlorous acid. Thus, it is possible to prevent germs from growing on the humidifying element 5a and to inactivate viruses floating in the air passing through the humidifying element 5a. Further, when the odor passes through the humidifying element 5a, it reacts with hypochlorous acid in the water for humidification, and is ionized and dissolved in the water for humidification, so that it can be deodorized because it is removed from the air. .

  The flow rate adjustment valve 22 changes the flow rate of the humidifying water supplied to the humidifier 5 by adjusting the opening degree. In this configuration, the hypochlorous acid concentration in the humidifying water can be changed to a predetermined value (1 to 20 mg / l) by adjusting the opening of the flow rate adjustment valve 22. Specifically, when the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 22 is adjusted in the closing direction, the flow rate of tap water flowing between the electrodes 32 and 33 of the electrolysis unit 23 decreases. On the other hand, since the voltage applied to the electrodes 32 and 33 is constant regardless of the flow rate of tap water, the amount of current flowing in the tap water per unit volume increases. For this reason, the hypochlorous acid concentration produced | generated can be made high, when the electrolysis reaction in each electrode 32 and 33 advances. On the contrary, when the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 22 is adjusted to open, the flow rate of tap water flowing between the electrodes 32 and 33 of the electrolysis unit 23 increases, and the generated hypochlorous acid concentration can be lowered. .

Next, the density adjustment operation will be described with reference to FIG.
When a user selects a virus or the like to be inactivated from an indoor remote controller (not shown) or the like (step S1), the control device 10 sets a target concentration of hypochlorous acid that inactivates the selected target virus. (Step S2). Here, the target concentration is normally set to a concentration that inactivates viruses and the like (for example, mold fungi) that are often present at the installation location (for example, school) of the air conditioner main body 1. However, for example, when a target virus that may increase rapidly in a certain season, such as influenza virus, is selected, the target concentration is set to a concentration that can inactivate influenza virus. Then, the control apparatus 10 detects the electrical conductivity of the tap water supplied to the electrolysis unit 23 with the electrical conductivity meter 24 (step S3).

Subsequently, the control device 10 adjusts the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 22 based on the detected conductivity and the target concentration so that the hypochlorous acid concentration in the humidifying water reaches the target concentration (step). S4), and electrolysis of tap water is performed in the electrolysis unit 23 (step S5). Here, since the chlorine ion concentration in the tap water supplied to the electrolysis unit 23 does not vary greatly in many regions, this chlorine ion concentration is measured in advance before or after the electrolysis unit 23 is installed, and the control device 10. ROM (not shown). In this configuration, the control device 10 functions as means for setting the chloride ion concentration in advance.
Corresponding to the deviation of the chlorine ion concentration in tap water, the conductivity of the tap water is detected by the conductivity meter 24, and the calculation is based on the numerical value to correct the chlorine ion concentration in the tap water. it can. For this reason, in order to generate the humidification water containing hypochlorous acid having the target concentration from the tap water having the chlorine ion concentration, it is possible to calculate how much the opening degree of the flow control valve 22 should be set. it can. In this configuration, the relationship between the target concentration of hypochlorous acid and the valve opening is converted into data by experiments or the like and stored in the ROM (not shown) of the control device 10 for each conductivity. For this reason, the hypochlorous acid concentration in the humidifying water is adjusted to a target concentration that inactivates the target virus or the like by adjusting the valve opening of the flow rate adjusting valve 22 to a predetermined opening according to the detected conductivity. Adjusted to

  Therefore, the target virus floating in the air can be inactivated by supplying the humidifying water of this target concentration to the humidifier 5 and allowing the air to pass through the humidifying element 5a of the humidifier 5. In this configuration, for example, when an influenza virus is selected, humidifying water having a hypochlorous acid concentration that inactivates the influenza virus is supplied to the humidifying element 5a. When passing, the influenza virus can be inactivated, and consequently, influenza virus infection can be suppressed. Further, when the odor passes through the humidifying element 5a, it reacts with hypochlorous acid in the water for humidification, and is ionized and dissolved in the water for humidification, so that it can be deodorized because it is removed from the air. .

  According to this embodiment, the humidifier 5 that humidifies the introduced air and the water supply pipe 21 that supplies humidifying water to the humidifier 5 are provided, and the tap water is electrolyzed in the water supply pipe 21. Then, by changing the flow rate of the tap water passing between at least the pair of electrodes 32 and 33 for generating humidifying water containing hypochlorous acid and the electrodes 32 and 33, hypochlorous acid in the humidifying water Therefore, it is possible to generate humidifying water having hypochlorous acid at a concentration that inactivates the virus or the like according to the type of virus or the like. According to this, the humidifying water having this concentration of hypochlorous acid is supplied to the humidifier 5 and air is passed through the humidifying element 5a of the humidifier 5 to effectively inactivate the target virus and the like. be able to. Further, when the odor passes through the humidifying element 5a, it reacts with hypochlorous acid in the water for humidification, and is ionized and dissolved in the water for humidification, so that it can be deodorized because it is removed from the air. .

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the humidifying water containing hypochlorous acid is discharged from the lower portion of the humidifier 5 to the drain pan 13. For this reason, when the humidifying water is mixed into the drain water accumulated in the drain pan 13, various germs are prevented from being generated in the drain water, and slime is prevented from being generated on the drain pan 13. For this reason, the frequency of cleaning and maintenance of the drain pan 13 is reduced, and the labor for cleaning and maintenance can be reduced.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, since the humidifier 5 is provided in the blower outlet 3 side of the air conditioning apparatus main body 1, the hypochlorous acid contained in the air blown out from this humidifier 5 is directly heated. The exchanger 7 is not introduced. For this reason, it can prevent that the heat exchanger 7 corrodes by hypochlorous acid.

  In the present embodiment, in order to adjust the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the humidifying water to a predetermined concentration, the opening of the flow rate adjustment valve 22 is adjusted according to the conductivity of tap water. If the virus to be inactivated has been identified and there is little change in the conductivity of tap water, measure the conductivity at the time of installation, and the valve corresponding to this conductivity and the target concentration of hypochlorous acid It is good also as a structure preset to an opening degree. In this configuration, the conductivity of tap water is detected when starting electrolysis of tap water, but the conductivity of tap water does not vary greatly throughout the day. Instead of performing detection, a configuration in which detection is performed once every several times may be employed.

Moreover, in this embodiment, it was set as the structure which adjusts the density | concentration of hypochlorous acid in the water for humidification to a predetermined density | concentration by changing the flow volume of the tap water which passes between the electrodes 32 and 33, but the electrode 32, The concentration of hypochlorous acid in the humidifying water may be adjusted to a predetermined concentration by changing the current flowing through 33 or the voltage applied between the electrodes 32 and 33. According to this configuration, even when the flow rate adjustment valve 22 is not disposed in the water supply pipe 21, for example, by increasing the current flowing through the electrodes 32 and 33 (for example, 40 mA / cm ^{2 in} current density), humidification is performed. The concentration of hypochlorous acid in the irrigation water can be changed to a high concentration. In this case, since the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the humidifying water can be changed only by using the existing electrodes 32 and 33, the number of parts can be suppressed, and cost reduction and space saving can be achieved. . Further, this configuration may be combined with the configuration according to the above embodiment. According to this, humidification water containing hypochlorous acid having a higher concentration can be generated.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, it was set as the structure which adjusts the density | concentration of hypochlorous acid in the water for humidification to a predetermined density | concentration by changing the flow volume of the tap water which passes between the electrodes 32 and 33, but the electrode 32, It is good also as a structure which adjusts the density | concentration of hypochlorous acid in the water for humidification to a predetermined density | concentration by changing the electricity supply time to 33. According to this configuration, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the humidifying water can be changed with a simpler configuration than changing the current or voltage flowing through the electrodes 32 and 33. Further, by combining this configuration with the above-described embodiment, the energization time to the electrodes 32 and 33 can be reduced, and the life of the electrodes 32 and 33 can be extended compared to the conventional case.

  FIG. 5 shows another embodiment. In the said embodiment, it was set as the structure which adjusts the density | concentration of hypochlorous acid in the water for humidification to a predetermined density | concentration by changing the flow volume of the tap water which passes between the electrodes 32 and 33, but in this embodiment, The difference is that the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the humidifying water is adjusted to a predetermined concentration by changing the storage time of tap water in the storage tank.

As shown in FIG. 5, the water supply pipe 21 connected to the humidifier 5 has a first on-off valve 51 (concentration adjusting means) for supplying humidifying water to the humidifier 5 and a sterilizing action from tap water. An electrolysis unit 52 for generating humidifying water having water, a conductivity meter 53 (detection means) for detecting the conductivity of tap water, and a second on-off valve 54 for supplying tap water to the electrolysis unit 52 are sequentially provided. Has been. These first on-off valve 51, electrolysis unit 52, conductivity meter 53, and second on-off valve 54 are each connected to a control device 60 (concentration adjustment control means).
The electrolysis unit 52 includes a storage tank 61 disposed in the water supply pipe 21 and a pair of electrodes 62 and 63 disposed in the storage tank 61. When the electrodes 62 and 63 are energized, the storage tank 61 is provided. The tap water that flows into the chamber is electrolyzed to produce hypochlorous acid (active oxygen species). Here, the first on-off valve 51 is connected to the lower part of the storage tank 61, and the second on-off valve 54 is connected to the upper part of the storage tank 61.

Next, the density adjustment operation according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
When a user selects a virus to be inactivated from an indoor remote controller (not shown) or the like (step S11), the control device 60 sets a target concentration of hypochlorous acid that inactivates the selected target virus. (Step S12). Here, the target concentration is normally set to a concentration that inactivates viruses and the like (for example, mold fungi) that are often present at the installation location (for example, school) of the air conditioner main body 1. However, for example, when a target virus that is likely to increase rapidly at a certain time, such as an influenza virus, is selected, the target concentration is changed to a concentration that can inactivate the influenza virus. Subsequently, the control device 60 detects the conductivity of tap water supplied to the electrolysis unit 52 by the conductivity meter 53 (step S13).

Subsequently, the control device 60 stores the tap water in the storage tank 61 so that the hypochlorous acid concentration in the humidifying water reaches the target concentration based on the detected conductivity and the target concentration. Time is calculated (step S14). Here, since the chlorine ion concentration in the tap water supplied to the electrolysis unit 23 does not fluctuate greatly in many regions, the chlorine ion concentration is measured in advance before or after the electrolysis unit 23 is installed, and the control device 60 ROM (not shown). In this configuration, the control device 60 functions as means for setting the chloride ion concentration in advance.
Corresponding to the deviation of the chlorine ion concentration in tap water, the conductivity of the tap water is detected by the conductivity meter 24, and the calculation is based on the numerical value to correct the chlorine ion concentration in the tap water. it can. For this reason, in order to generate humidification water containing hypochlorous acid having the above target concentration from tap water having the chlorine ion concentration, it is calculated how much storage time is stored in the storage tank 61. can do.
In this configuration, the relationship between the target concentration of hypochlorous acid and the storage time is converted into data by experiments or the like and stored in the ROM (not shown) of the control device 60 for each conductivity. For this reason, by adjusting the time stored in the storage tank 61 to a predetermined time according to the detected conductivity, the hypochlorous acid concentration in the humidifying water is set to a target concentration that inactivates the target virus and the like. Adjusted.

  Subsequently, the control device 60 closes the first and second on-off valves 51 and 54 (step S15), stores tap water in the storage tank 61, and starts measuring the storage time T1 (step S16). Electrolysis is performed (step S17). Subsequently, the control device 60 determines whether or not the storage time T1 has elapsed (step S18), and continues electrolysis if it has not elapsed. When the storage time T1 has elapsed, the first on-off valve 51 and the second on-off valve 54 are sequentially opened (step S19), and humidifying water having a target concentration of hypochlorous acid is supplied to the humidifier 5. Then, the process returns to step S15.

  Therefore, the target virus floating in the air can be inactivated by supplying the humidifying water of this target concentration to the humidifier 5 and allowing the air to pass through the humidifying element 5a of the humidifier 5. In this configuration, for example, when an influenza virus is selected, humidifying water having a hypochlorous acid concentration that inactivates the influenza virus is supplied to the humidifying element 5a. When passing, the influenza virus can be inactivated, and consequently, influenza virus infection can be suppressed. Further, when the odor passes through the humidifying element 5a, it reacts with hypochlorous acid in the water for humidification, and is ionized and dissolved in the water for humidification, so that it can be deodorized because it is removed from the air. .

According to the present embodiment, the humidifier 5 that can humidify and supply the introduced air and the water supply pipe 21 that supplies the humidifying water to the humidifier 5 are provided. A storage tank 61 for temporarily storing water, at least a pair of electrodes 62 and 63 that are disposed in the storage tank 61 and electrolyze tap water to generate humidification water containing hypochlorous acid, and a storage tank Since the first on-off valve 51 is provided to adjust the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the humidifying water to a predetermined concentration by changing the storage time of the tap water in 61, the concentration of hypochlorous acid according to the type of virus or the like Humidification water with chloric acid can be produced. According to this, water for humidification according to the type of virus or the like is supplied to the humidifier 5, and air is passed through the humidifying element 5 a of the humidifier 5, so that the target virus floating in the air can be effectively removed. Can be inactivated.
In this embodiment, by changing the storage time of tap water stored in the storage tank 61, humidifying water containing hypochlorous acid having a higher concentration than in the above embodiment can be created.

As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on one Embodiment, this invention is not limited to this. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which hypochlorous acid is generated as the active oxygen species has been described. However, a configuration in which ozone (O ₃ ) or hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) is generated as the active oxygen species may be used. . In this case, when a platinum tantalum electrode is used as the electrode, active oxygen species can be stably generated with high efficiency by electrolysis even from water having a small ion species.
At this time, in the anode electrode,
2H ₂ O → 4H ⁺ + O ₂ + 4e ⁻
At the same time as
3H ₂ O → O ₃ + 6H ⁺ + 6e ⁻
2H ₂ O → O ₃ + 4H ⁺ + 4e ⁻
This reaction occurs and ozone (O ₃ ) is generated. In the cathode electrode,
4H ⁺ + 4e ⁻ + (4OH ⁻ ) → 2H ₂ + (4OH ⁻ )
O ₂ ⁻ + e ⁻ + 2H ⁺ → H ₂ O ₂
As in, O ₂ by the electrode reaction ^- O which is produced ₂ ^- and solution H ⁺ and are bonded in the hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂₎ is generated.

In this construction, by supplying current to the electrodes, a large ozone sterilizing power (O ₃₎ and hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂₎ is generated, these ozone (O ₃₎ and hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂₎ Can be used to make humidified water. Then, the concentration of ozone or hydrogen peroxide in the humidifying water is adjusted to a concentration that inactivates the target virus, etc., and air is passed through the humidifying element to which the humidifying water of this concentration is supplied. It is possible to inactivate floating target viruses and the like. Further, when the odor passes through the humidifying element, it reacts with ozone or hydrogen peroxide in the humidifying water, and is ionized and dissolved in the humidifying water, so that it can be deodorized because it is removed from the air. .

  In the present embodiment, the humidifying water discharged from the humidifier 5 is stored in the drain pan 13 and discharged to the outside of the apparatus together with the drain water via the drain pump 15. A part or all of them may be returned to the electrolysis unit 23 and reused. In this configuration, since the humidifying water that has been sterilized is electrolyzed again by the electrolysis unit, it is possible to prevent generation of germs in the humidifying water due to reuse. Moreover, since the supply flow rate of tap water can be reduced by reusing humidification water, energy saving can be achieved.

  Moreover, when scale is deposited on the electrode (cathode) by electrolyzing tap water, the electrical conductivity is lowered, and continuous electrolysis becomes difficult. In this case, it is effective to reverse the polarity of the electrode (switch between positive and negative of the electrode). By electrolysis using the cathode electrode as the anode electrode, the scale deposited on the cathode electrode can be removed. In this polarity reversal control, for example, it may be reversed periodically using a timer, or may be reversed irregularly, such as reversed every time the operation is started. Further, an increase in electrolytic resistance (decrease in electrolysis current or increase in electrolysis voltage) may be detected, and the polarity may be reversed based on this result.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the electrical conductivity of tap water is detected, and the opening degree of the flow regulating valve 22 is adjusted according to this electrical conductivity, or the time for which tap water is stored in the storage tank 61 is changed. Thus, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the humidifying water is adjusted to a predetermined concentration by opening and closing the first on-off valve 51 as described above, but this is not a limitation, and the concentration of chlorine ions in tap water is measured. The flow rate adjusting valve 22 or the first on-off valve 51 may be adjusted from the measured chlorine ion concentration. In this case, the water supply pipe 21 is provided with an ion concentration sensor for measuring the chlorine ion concentration. In general, the chlorine ion concentration in tap water supplied to the electrolysis unit 23 does not vary greatly in many regions. For this reason, before or after the installation of the electrolysis unit 23, the chlorine ion concentration of tap water is once measured, and the value is stored in the memory (storage means) of the control device 10. Therefore, using this value, By adjusting the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 22, humidification water containing hypochlorous acid having a desired concentration can be generated.

  In addition, even if there is a deviation between the preset chlorine ion concentration and the actual chlorine ion concentration over time, the conductivity meter 24 detects the conductivity of tap water. Therefore, the chlorine ion concentration can be corrected by calculating the chlorine ion concentration based on this conductivity. Further, not only the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 22 or the storage time of the storage tank 61 is adjusted according to the chlorine ion concentration, but also the current flowing through the electrodes 32 and 33 or between these electrodes 32 and 33. It is good also as a structure which changes the applied voltage, or a structure which changes the electricity supply time to the said electrodes 32 and 33 concerned.

In the above embodiment, the conductivity of tap water is measured using a conductivity meter. However, the current value when a predetermined voltage is applied to each electrode is detected, and the conductivity is calculated from the current value. It is good also as a structure to calculate. In this case, since the conductivity can be detected by the existing electrodes, the number of parts can be reduced, and the cost and space can be reduced.
Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrated the ceiling-suspended type air conditioning apparatus, it is not restricted to this, It is possible to apply to various air conditioning apparatuses, such as a wall hanging type or a ceiling embedded type.

Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the structure which inactivates the virus etc. in this air when letting the air pass to the humidification element 5a of the humidifier 5, the humidifier 5 is the time when the humidity of winter is low. It is generally used and not used in summer when the humidity is relatively high. Therefore, in the summer, active oxygen species are not supplied to the humidifying element 5 a of the humidifier 5, so there is a risk that germs will propagate in the humidifying element 5 a and the humidifier 5.
In order to solve this problem, during the period when the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner is stopped, the humidifier 5 is supplied with humidifying water containing active oxygen species, and the humidifier 5 is sterilized. It is also good. In this case, the sterilization control is executed by a control device (sterilization control means). According to this configuration, for example, even when the humidifier 5 is not used, such as in the summer, the humidifying water is supplied into the humidifier 5, so that germs can be prevented from breeding in the humidifier 5. By supplying clean air indoors, sanitary air conditioning can be realized. In this case, the supply of humidifying water may be performed periodically or may be performed in response to a stop signal for air conditioning operation.

1 Air conditioner body 5 Humidifier (humidifying means)
21 Water supply pipe (humidification water supply path)
22 Flow control valve (concentration adjustment means)
23 Electrolysis unit (humidification water generation means)
24, 53 Conductivity meter (detection means)
32, 33, 62, 63 Electrode 43 On-off valve 51 First on-off valve (concentration adjusting means)
61 Reservoir

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes an electrolysis unit that electrolyzes tap water to generate humidifying water containing active oxygen species, a humidifying element to which the humidifying water containing active oxygen species is supplied, A sterilization apparatus comprising a fan for blowing indoor air to a humidifying element and blowing the air in contact with the humidifying water to the outside, wherein the concentration of the active oxygen species in the humidifying water is selected. And a means for setting a target concentration for inactivating the target virus and a concentration adjusting means for adjusting the concentration of the active oxygen species to the target concentration .

In this configuration, the electrolysis unit includes at least a pair of electrodes that generate the humidifying water, and the concentration adjusting means is applied to the flow rate of tap water passing between the electrodes, the current flowing through the electrodes, and the electrodes. It is good also as a structure which adjusts the density | concentration of the said active oxygen seed | species in the said water for humidification to the said target density | concentration by changing either the voltage to be applied or the energization time to the said electrode.

The concentration adjusting means adjusts either the flow rate of the humidifying water, the current flowing through the electrode, the voltage applied to the electrode, or the energization time of the electrode according to the chlorine ion concentration of tap water. A flow rate adjusting valve may be provided.

The electrolysis unit includes a storage tank that temporarily stores tap water, and at least a pair of electrodes that are disposed in the storage tank and generate the humidification water, and the concentration adjusting unit is provided in the storage tank. The concentration of the active oxygen species in the humidifying water is predetermined by changing any of the storage time of tap water, the current flowing through the electrode, the voltage applied to the electrode, or the energization time of the electrode. It is good also as a structure adjusted to this density | concentration.

In addition, the concentration adjusting unit is configured to store the tap water in the storage tank according to the chloride ion concentration of the tap water, the current flowing through the electrode, the voltage applied to the electrode, or the energization of the electrode. You may provide the on-off valve opened and closed so that either time may be changed.

The active oxygen species may include at least one of hypochlorous acid, ozone, and hydrogen peroxide.

Further, the polarity of the electrode may be reversed periodically or irregularly under a predetermined condition.

Moreover, it is good also as a structure provided with one of above-mentioned disinfection apparatuses and the heat exchanger arrange | positioned between the said ventilation fan and the said humidification element.

Claims (16)

A humidifying means for humidifying the introduced air, and a humidifying water supply path for supplying humidifying water to the humidifying means,
The humidification water supply path is configured to electrolyze tap water to change the flow rate of tap water passing between the electrodes and at least a pair of electrodes that generate the humidification water containing active oxygen species. A sterilization apparatus comprising: a concentration adjusting unit that adjusts the concentration of the active oxygen species in the water to a predetermined concentration. A means for setting the chloride ion concentration in advance is provided,
The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the concentration adjusting unit is a flow rate adjusting valve that adjusts a flow rate of humidifying water supplied to the humidifying unit according to the chlorine ion concentration. Equipped with detection means for detecting the conductivity of tap water,
The sterilization apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the concentration adjusting unit is a flow rate adjusting valve that adjusts a flow rate of the humidifying water supplied to the humidifying unit according to the detected conductivity. A humidifying means for humidifying the introduced air, and a humidifying water supply path for supplying humidifying water to the humidifying means,
The humidification water supply path includes at least a pair of electrodes that electrolyze tap water to generate the humidification water containing active oxygen species, and changes a current flowing through the electrodes or a voltage applied to the electrodes. By doing so, the concentration of the active oxygen species in the humidifying water is adjusted to a predetermined concentration. A means for setting the chloride ion concentration in advance is provided,
The sterilization apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a current flowing through the electrode or a voltage applied to the electrode is changed according to the chlorine ion concentration. A humidifying means for humidifying the introduced air, and a humidifying water supply path for supplying humidifying water to the humidifying means,
The humidifying water supply path includes at least a pair of electrodes for electrolyzing tap water to generate the humidifying water containing active oxygen species, and by changing the energization time to the electrodes, A sterilization apparatus that adjusts the concentration of the active oxygen species to a predetermined concentration. A means for setting the chloride ion concentration in advance is provided,
The sterilization apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the energization time to the electrode is changed according to the chlorine ion concentration. A humidifying means for humidifying the introduced air, and a humidifying water supply path for supplying humidifying water to the humidifying means,
The humidification water supply path includes a storage tank that temporarily stores tap water, and at least a pair of electrodes that are disposed in the storage tank and that electrolyze the tap water to generate the humidification water containing active oxygen species. A sterilization apparatus comprising: concentration adjusting means for adjusting the concentration of the active oxygen species in the humidifying water to a predetermined concentration by changing a storage time of tap water in the storage tank. A means for setting the chloride ion concentration in advance is provided,
The sterilization device according to claim 8, wherein the concentration adjusting means is an on-off valve that is opened and closed so as to change a time during which tap water is stored in the storage tank according to the chlorine ion concentration. apparatus. Equipped with detection means for detecting the conductivity of tap water,
10. The on-off valve according to claim 8, wherein the concentration adjusting unit is an on-off valve that is opened and closed so as to change a time during which tap water is stored in the storage tank according to the detected conductivity. Disinfection device. A humidifying means for humidifying the introduced air, and a humidifying water supply path for supplying humidifying water to the humidifying means,
The humidification water supply path includes a storage tank that temporarily stores tap water, and at least a pair of electrodes that are disposed in the storage tank and that electrolyze the tap water to generate the humidification water containing active oxygen species. And changing the concentration of the active oxygen species in the humidifying water to a predetermined concentration by changing either the current flowing through the electrode, the voltage applied to the electrode, or the energization time of the electrode. A sterilization apparatus characterized by adjusting.   The sterilization apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the active oxygen species includes at least one of hypochlorous acid, ozone, and hydrogen peroxide.   The sterilizer according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the polarity of the electrode is reversed periodically or irregularly under a predetermined condition. A blower fan, a heat exchanger disposed on the blower outlet side of the blower fan, a humidifying means for humidifying the air introduced through the heat exchanger, and a humidifying water supply for supplying humidifying water to the humidifying means With roads,
The humidification water supply path is configured to electrolyze tap water to generate the humidification water containing active oxygen species, the flow rate of tap water passing between the electrodes, the current flowing through the electrodes, Concentration adjusting means for adjusting the concentration of the active oxygen species in the humidifying water to a predetermined concentration by changing either the voltage applied to the electrode or the energization time of the electrode. An air conditioner characterized by. A blower fan, a heat exchanger disposed on the blower outlet side of the blower fan, a humidifying means for humidifying the air introduced through the heat exchanger, and a humidifying water supply for supplying humidifying water to the humidifying means With roads,
The humidification water supply path includes a storage tank that temporarily stores tap water, and at least a pair of electrodes that are disposed in the storage tank and that electrolyze the tap water to generate the humidification water containing active oxygen species. The active oxygen in the humidifying water is changed by changing either the storage time of tap water in the storage tank, the current flowing through the electrode, the voltage applied to the electrode, or the energization time of the electrode. An air conditioner comprising: a concentration adjusting unit that adjusts the concentration of the seed to a predetermined concentration. During the stop period of the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner,
The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a sterilization control unit that supplies the humidifying unit with humidifying water containing the active oxygen species and sterilizes the humidifying unit.

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