JP7671938B2 - Air Purifier - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air purifier that generates electrolytic water in an electrolytic cell and sterilizes the air with the generated electrolytic water.

A conventional air purifier includes a main body case having an intake port and an exhaust port, an electrolytic cell in which an electrolytic unit equipped with electrodes for electrochemically treating water is disposed, a water storage container for storing electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic cell, a sterilization/deodorization means for retaining the water in the water storage container, a blower for blowing air to the sterilization/deodorization means, and a water supply means for supplying water to the water storage container. Air passing from outside the main body case into the main body is sterilized by passing through the sterilization/deodorization means. The electrolytic cell also has an opening for putting water or water containing electrolytes into the electrolytic cell, or for sending electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic cell to the water storage container.

Patent No. 5550896

In order to maintain electrolytic water of a stable concentration in the water storage container, such conventional air purifiers require periodic maintenance, such as cleaning the electrolytic cell and the water storage container. During maintenance, the electrolytic cell must be removed from the main body case and carried to a sink or the like, but this creates the problem that the electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic cell may spill out of the electrolytic cell through the opening and fall onto the floor or other surface outside the main body case.

In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell that electrochemically processes water to generate electrolytic water, a water storage container capable of storing electrolytic water, sterilization and deodorization means that sterilizes and deodorizes air using the electrolytic water in the water storage container, and a main body case that houses the water storage container, the sterilization and deodorization means, and the electrolytic cell, wherein the water storage container and the electrolytic cell are detachable from the main body case, and the electrolytic cell has a drop opening that is an opening for supplying electrolytic water to the water storage container, and is attached above the water storage container so that the drop opening is located directly above the water storage container. The electrolytic cell has a mounting portion that enables the electrolytic cell to be mounted above the water storage container so that the drop opening is located directly above the water storage container, the mounting portion has plate-shaped first and second ribs each extending downward from the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell, the first rib and the second rib are parallel, the distance between the first rib and the second rib is slightly greater than the thickness of the outer wall of the water storage container, and the outer wall can be fitted between the first rib and the second rib , thereby achieving the intended object.

As described above, the present invention provides an air purifier that can prevent electrolytic water from falling onto the floor or other surfaces outside the main case when the electrolytic cell is removed from the main case and transported.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air purifying device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the air purifying device with the door open. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the air purifier with the door open. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the air purifying device with the cover open. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the air purifying device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a water storage section of the air purifier. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the air purifying device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a water storage section of the air purifier. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the water storage section of the air purifier; FIG. 2 is a plan view of the water storage section of the air purifier; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a water supply means of the air purifying device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electrolytic cell of the air purifying device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electrolytic cell of the air purifying device. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic cell of the air purifier. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tablet injection mechanism of the air purifier; FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the inside of a tablet insertion case of the tablet insertion mechanism of the air purifying device. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the air purifier with an electrolytic cell attached to the water storage container. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a water storage container with an electrolytic cell attached to the air purifying device. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a water storage container with an electrolytic cell attached to the air purifier; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electrolytic cell of the air purifying device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electrolytic cell of the air purifying device. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a water storage container with an electrolytic cell attached to the air purifying device. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a water storage container with an electrolytic cell attached to the air purifying device. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a water storage container with an electrolytic cell attached to the air purifying device.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are perspective views of an air purifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a view of the air purifier as viewed from the front side. Fig. 2 is a view of the air purifier as viewed from the front side with the door open and the water storage unit removed. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of a portion of the front side of the air purifier according to the first embodiment with the door open. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the air purifier according to the first embodiment with the cover open.

Note that, below, the vertical direction in the state where the air purifier is installed as shown in FIG. 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "installed state") may be described as the up-down direction, and the horizontal direction as the left-right direction. Also, below, in the installed state, the side of the air purifier on which the door 3 is provided is referred to as the "front", the side facing the front of the air purifier is referred to as the "rear", the right side as viewed from the front of the air purifier is referred to as the "right side" and the left side is referred to as the "left side". Note that components of the air purifier may also be described in the same directions as the air purifier when attached to the air purifier.

The detailed configuration of the air purifier is described below. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, the air purifier of this embodiment has a roughly box-shaped main case 1, and both sides of the main case 1 have roughly rectangular air intakes 2. The front of the main case 1 has an openable door 3, and when the door 3 is opened, a part of the air purifier unit 8 inside the main case 1, which will be described later, can be removed. The front of the inner side of the door 3 of the main case 1 has a screw hole 4, which is an opening that can be screwed in. The top surface of the main case 1 has an operation unit 1A, a display unit 1B, a cover 1C, and an openable air outlet 5.

The operation unit 1A is provided on the top surface of the main body case 1, and allows the user to specify the operation mode, such as the air volume.

The display unit 1B is provided on the top surface of the main body case 1 and notifies the user of the air purifier of information such as the timing of maintenance.

The cover 1C is an openable lid that covers the operation unit 1A and the display unit 1B on the top surface of the main body case 1.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the air purifier of embodiment 1.

As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the main body case 1 contains a partition plate 6, a blower 7, an air purification unit 8, an air passage 9, and a control unit 10.

The partition plate 6 is a plate provided in the center of the main body case 1, and together with the partition wall described below, separates the front side and rear side of the main body case 1, with the rear side forming an air passage 9.

The blower 7 blows air, that is, it draws air into the main body case through the intake port 2 and blows the air out through the outlet port 5. The blower 7 is provided in the center of the main body case 1 and includes a motor section 11, a fan section 12 that is rotated by the motor section 11, and a casing section 13 that surrounds them.

The fan section 12 is a sirocco fan that is fixed to a motor shaft 14 that extends horizontally from the motor section 11, which is fixed to the casing section 13. The casing section 13 has an outlet port 15 on the top side of the main body case 1 of the casing section 13, and an inlet port 16 on the back side of the main body case 1 of the casing section 13.

The operation of the blower 7 in this embodiment is determined by the operation unit 1A provided in the main body case 1. The user of the air purifier of the present invention can adjust the air volume of the blower 7 in stages by operating an air volume change button (not shown) provided in the operation unit 1A, and the information on this operation is sent as a signal to the control unit 10.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the water storage container of the air purifier of embodiment 1 placed inside the main body case. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the internal structure of the air purifier of embodiment 1 with some of the components removed. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the water storage section of the air purifier of embodiment 1.

As shown in Figures 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8, the air purification unit stores water from a water supply means in an electrolytic cell, adds electrolysis promotion tablets to the water in the electrolytic cell using a tablet insertion mechanism, electrolyzes the water to generate electrolytic water, and then brings the generated electrolytic water into contact with air drawn into the main body case from an air intake by a blower and sprays it from an air outlet.

The air purification unit 8 includes a water storage section 17, an electrolysis section 18, a first transport section 19, a second transport section 20, and a third transport section 21.

The water storage unit 17 stores water and sterilizes it. The water storage unit 17 has a water storage container 22, a water supply means 23, and a sterilization and deodorization means 24.

Figure 9 is a plan view of the water storage unit of the air purifier of embodiment 1. Figure 10 is a plan view of the water storage unit of the air purifier of embodiment 1 with some of the components removed to show the internal structure.

As shown in Figures 6, 8, 9, and 10, the water storage container 22 is located at the bottom of the main body case 1, has a box shape with an open top, is structured to store water, and has a partition wall 25, a water supply compartment 26, and a sterilization compartment 27. The water storage container 22 also forms its box shape with its outer walls of front, back, right side, left side, and bottom. In the following, when attached to the main body case, the surface of the water storage container 22 that faces the front of the air purifier is referred to as the "front", the surface that faces the back of the air purifier is referred to as the "back", the surface that faces the right side of the air purifier is referred to as the "right side", and the surface that faces the left side of the air purifier is referred to as the "left side".

As shown in Figures 6, 8 and 9, the partition wall 25 is a plate that separates the front side of the main body case 1 (outside the air passage 9) from the back side of the main body case 1 (air passage 9) in the water storage container, and extends upward from the bottom surface of the water storage container 22, with its upper end positioned above the upper end of the water storage container 22. In addition, a portion of the surface of the upper end of the partition wall 25 is in face contact with the wall surface of the partition plate 6, thereby separating the front side of the main body case 1 (outside the air passage 9) from the back side of the main body case 1 (air passage 9) so that air does not flow in or out of each other. In addition, the partition wall 25 has a partition wall protrusion 25a located near the left side of the air purifier.

The partition protrusion 25a is generally cylindrical and is provided at a position near the left side surface of the main body case 1 of the partition 25, protruding toward the front surface of the main body case 1.

The water supply compartment 26 is roughly bowl-shaped and is a compartment for storing water supplied from the water supply means 23. When the water storage container 22 is placed at the bottom of the main body case 1, it is located closer to the front of the main body case 1 than the partition wall 25 and has a structure capable of holding the water supply means 23. The bottom has a cylindrical protrusion 28 at a position to hold the water supply means 23.

The sterilization compartment 27 is roughly bowl-shaped and is a compartment for storing electrolyzed water of a predetermined concentration. It is provided so as to straddle the front and rear sides of the partition 25 and is connected to the partition 25 through an opening (not shown) provided below the water level. The sterilization compartment 27 has a first water level detection means 29 and a second water level detection means 30 for detecting the water level in the sterilization compartment 27.

The first water level detection means 29 detects that the water level in the sterilization section 27 has dropped below a drought level, which is lower than the target water level. The target water level refers to the maximum water level set for each component in the air purification operation of the air purification device of the present invention. The drought water level refers to the minimum water level set for each component in the air purification operation of the air purification device of the present invention. The first water level detection means 29 is located on the rear side of the partition 25 in the sterilization section 27 and is composed of a buoyant first float part 29a and a first detection sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the first float part 29a. The first float part 29a is disposed in the sterilization section 27, and the first detection sensor is embedded in the wall of the main body case 1 near the first float part 29a. When the water level in the sterilization section 27 drops below the drought level, the first detection sensor is unable to detect the first float portion 29a due to the associated floating of the first float portion 29a. At this time, the first detection sensor sends a signal to the control unit 10 indicating that the water level in the sterilization section 27 has dropped below the drought level.

The second water level detection means 30 detects that the water level in the sterilization section 27 has reached the target water level. The second water level detection means 30 is located on the front side of the partition wall 25 in the sterilization section 27 and is composed of a buoyant second float part 30a and a second detection sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the second float part 30a. The second float part 30a is disposed in the sterilization section 27, and the second detection sensor is embedded in the wall part of the main body case 1 near the second float part 30a. When the water level in the sterilization section 27 rises and reaches the target water level, the second detection sensor detects the second float part 30a due to the floating of the second float part 30a that accompanies the rise. At this time, the second detection sensor sends a signal to the control unit 10 indicating that the water level in the sterilization section 27 has reached the target water level.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the water supply means of the air purifier of embodiment 1.

As shown in Figures 2 and 11, the water supply means 23 is installed in the water supply compartment 26, has a structure that allows it to be attached and detached to the water supply compartment 26, and automatically supplies water so that the water level in the water supply compartment 26 remains constant. The water supply means 23 has a hollow tank 31 that stores water and a handle 31a on the top of the tank 31, which is integrated with the tank 31, and is attached and detached to and from the water supply compartment 26 while holding the handle 31a.

When the tank 31 is attached to the water supply section 26, it has a circular tank opening (not shown) in the center of the bottom surface, and this tank opening is cylindrical with a central axis extending vertically, and is structured so that it can be sealed by a removable cap 32 attached to the outer periphery of the tank opening.

The cap 32 is cylindrical with a central axis extending vertically, and has a cylindrical cap opening 32a that opens vertically in the center of the bottom surface when attached to the water storage container 22, and the cap opening 32a is equipped with a water faucet 32b that opens and closes the lid opening.

The faucet 32b has a cylindrical shaft (not shown), an on-off valve (not shown) provided on one side of the shaft to close the cap opening 32a, a coil spring (not shown) that passes through the center of the shaft, and a spring stop portion (not shown) provided on the other side of the shaft.

When the tank 31 is placed in the water supply compartment 26, the spring stopper hits the protrusion 28 of the water supply compartment 26, and this spring stopper moves upward while compressing the spring. As a result, the opening and closing valve also moves upward, and the opening and closing valve moves away from the cap opening 32a of the cap 32, so that the water in the tank 31 flows into the water supply compartment 26 from the cap opening 32a of the cap 32. Here, when water accumulates in the water supply compartment 26 up to the bottom end of the cap opening 32a, air will not enter the tank 31 from the bottom end of the cap opening 32a, so the water in the tank 31 will not flow into the water supply compartment 26. In other words, when the water in the water supply compartment 26 decreases, the water level increases up to the bottom end of the cap opening 32a, and the water level is kept constant at the bottom end of the cap opening 32a, so a constant water level can always be maintained.

As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the sterilization and deodorization means 24 is located on the rear side of the partition wall 25 in the sterilization compartment 27, and is a member that brings the water stored in the sterilization compartment 27 into contact with the indoor air sucked into the main body case 1 by the blower 7. The sterilization and deodorization means 24 has a filter 33, a filter frame 34, and a drive unit (not shown).

The filter 33 has water retention properties, is cylindrical, and has holes around its circumference that allow air to flow through. The filter 33 is attached to the filter frame 34 so that one end of the filter 33 is immersed in the water in the sterilization section 27.

The filter frame 34 is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) provided in the water storage container 22. The filter 33 and the filter frame 34 are structured to rotate by a drive unit.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the electrolytic cell of the air purification device of embodiment 1. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the electrolytic cell of the air purification device of embodiment 1 with some of the components removed. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic cell of the air purification device of embodiment 1 as seen from the side.

As shown in Figures 12, 13, and 14, the electrolysis unit electrolyzes the water in the electrolytic cell to produce electrolyzed water.

The electrolysis section 18 includes an electrolytic cell 35, a tablet injection mechanism 36, an electrolysis unit 37, and a fixed part 38.

The electrolytic cell 35 is roughly box-shaped, has a removable lid 35a on the top surface, and is fixed above the water storage container 22 of the main body case 1 by a fixing part 38. The electrolytic cell 35 stores water transported from the water storage part 17 by the first transport part 19 in the electrolytic cell 35, and has a third water level detection means 39 and a fourth water level detection means 40 for detecting the water level of the electrolytic cell 35. When electrolyzing the water in the electrolytic cell 35 to generate electrolytic water, solid scale, which is a chloride of metal elements such as calcium contained in the water, is generated as a by-product, and this scale adheres to and accumulates on the walls of the electrolytic cell 35. For this reason, the electrolytic cell 35 requires maintenance to remove the scale by cleaning the inside at regular intervals. In the following description, when attached to the main body case 1, the surface of the electrolytic cell 35 that faces the front of the air purifier is referred to as the "front," the surface that faces the rear of the air purifier is referred to as the "rear," the surface that faces the right side of the air purifier is referred to as the "right side," and the surface that faces the left side of the air purifier is referred to as the "left side."

The lid 35a can be attached and detached to the top of the electrolytic cell 35, and is partially open so that water and the electrolysis-promoting tablets described below can be added.

The third water level detection means 39 detects when the water level in the electrolytic cell 35 has risen above the drought water level or has fallen below the drought water level. The third water level detection means 39 is composed of a buoyant third float part 39a and a third detection sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the third float part 39a. The third float part 39a is disposed in the electrolytic cell 35, and the third detection sensor is embedded in the wall part of the main body case 1 near the third float part 39a. When the water level in the electrolytic cell 35 rises from a water level lower than the drought water level and reaches the drought water level, the third detection sensor detects the third float part 39a by the accompanying floating of the third float part 39a. At this time, the third detection sensor sends a signal to the control unit 10 indicating that the water level in the electrolytic cell 35 has risen above the drought water level. In addition, when the water level in the electrolytic cell 35 drops below the drought level, the third detection sensor is unable to detect the third float portion 39a due to the associated floating of the third float portion 39a. At this time, the third detection sensor sends a signal to the control unit 10 indicating that the water level in the electrolytic cell 35 has dropped below the drought level.

The fourth water level detection means 40 detects when the water level in the electrolytic cell 35 has reached the target water level. The fourth water level detection means 40 is composed of a buoyant fourth float part 40a and a fourth detection sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the fourth float part 40a. The fourth float part 40a is disposed in the electrolytic cell 35, and the fourth detection sensor is embedded in the wall part of the main body case 1 near the fourth float part 40a. When the water level in the electrolytic cell 35 rises and reaches the target water level, the fourth detection sensor detects the fourth float part 40a due to the accompanying floating of the fourth float part 40a. At this time, the fourth detection sensor sends a signal to the control unit 10 indicating that the water level in the electrolytic cell 35 has reached the target water level.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the tablet insertion mechanism of the air purifier of embodiment 1. Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the inside of the tablet insertion case of the tablet insertion mechanism of the air purifier of embodiment 1.

As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the tablet injection mechanism 36 is installed above the electrolytic cell 35 and includes a tablet injection case 41, a tablet injection member 42 provided in the tablet injection case 41, and a tablet injection cover 43 provided detachably on the top of the tablet injection case 41. When the tablet injection cover 43 is removed from the tablet injection case 41 and an electrolysis-promoting tablet 44 is placed in the tablet injection case 41, the tablet injection member 42 rotates, and the electrolysis-promoting tablet 44 automatically falls into the electrolytic cell 35 from the opening 41a on the bottom of the tablet injection case 41. As an example, sodium chloride can be used for the electrolysis-promoting tablet 44.

The electrolysis unit 37 immerses a first electrode (not shown) and a second electrode (not shown) in the water of the electrolysis tank 35, applies a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode, and electrochemically processes the water in the electrolysis tank 35 containing the electrolysis promotion tablet 44 (described later) that is inserted by the tablet insertion mechanism 36, to generate hypochlorous acid. An example of the electrolysis promotion solvent is sodium chloride, and the electrolysis unit 37 electrochemically decomposes the sodium chloride aqueous solution to generate electrolytic water containing active oxygen species (hypochlorous acid is used as an example in this embodiment). Here, active oxygen species refers to oxygen molecules that have higher oxidizing activity than normal oxygen and related substances. For example, active oxygen species include not only so-called narrowly defined active oxygen such as superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radical, or hydrogen peroxide, but also so-called broadly defined active oxygen such as ozone, hypochlorous acid (hypohalous acid), etc. In addition, in this embodiment, the production of electrolyzed water containing active oxygen species (here, hypochlorous acid) may be expressed as generating active oxygen species (here, hypochlorous acid).

The fixing portion 38 includes a fixing wall 38a that is an extension of a portion of the back surface of the electrolytic cell 35, a number of fixing holes 38b that open out of a portion of the fixing wall 38a, and screws (not shown). The electrolytic cell 35 is fixed to the main body case 1 by aligning the position of the electrolytic cell 35 so that the fixing holes 38b overlap with the screw holes 4, and then inserting the screws from the front side of the main body case 1 into the fixing holes 38b and then into the screw holes 4, in that order.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first transport unit 19 transports water from the water storage unit 17 to the electrolysis unit 18. The first transport unit 19 has a first pump 45 that is immersed in the water of the water supply section 26, and a first transport water channel 46 that is connected to the first pump 45.

The first pump 45 is a pumping type pump that moves the water supplied from the water supply means 23 to the water supply section 26 to the first transport water channel 46 and transports it to the electrolytic cell 35.

The first transport waterway 46 is a cylindrical tube with both ends open, one end of which is connected to the first pump 45 and the other end of which is located above the top surface of the electrolytic cell 35.

As shown in Figures 6, 7, 13, and 14, the second transport section 20 transports water from the electrolysis section 18 to the water storage section 17. The second transport section 20 has a second pump 47 that is immersed in the water of the electrolysis cell 35, a second upstream transport channel 48 connected to the second pump 47, a supply tank 49 provided inside the electrolysis cell 35, and a second downstream transport channel 50 connected to the supply tank 49.

The second pump 47 is a pumping type pump that moves the water that has been electrochemically treated in the electrolytic cell 35 to the second upstream transport channel 48 and transports it to the supply tank 49.

The second upstream transport channel 48 is a cylindrical pipe with both ends open, one end of which is connected to the second pump 47 and the other end of which is connected to a connection port of the supply tank 49, which will be described later.

The supply tank 49 is roughly bowl-shaped with an open top and is provided inside the electrolytic tank 35. It has a connection port 51 on the side for connecting to the second upstream transport channel 48 and a drop opening 52 on the bottom. The top of the supply tank 49 is located lower than the top of the electrolytic tank 35.

The connection port 51 is an opening in a portion of the side of the supply tank 49, and has a circular shape equal to the outer diameter of the second upstream transport channel 48.

The drop opening 52 is provided to penetrate the bottom surface of the supply tank 49 and has a circular shape with a predetermined diameter.

The second downstream transport channel 50 is a cylindrical pipe with openings at both ends, one end of which is connected to the drop opening 52 and the other end of which is located above the sterilization section 27.

As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the third transport section 21 transports the water in the water supply section 26 to the sterilization section 27. The third transport section 21 is a third pump 53 that is immersed in the water in the water supply section 26, and a third transport water channel 54 that is connected to the third pump 53.

The third pump 53 is a pumping type pump that moves the water supplied from the water supply means 23 to the water supply section 26 to the third transport water channel 54 and transports it to the sterilization section 27.

The third transport waterway 54 is a cylindrical pipe with both ends open, one end of which is connected to the third pump 53 and the other end of which is located directly above the water surface on the front side of the partition 25 of the sterilization section 27.

As shown in FIG. 3, the air duct 9 communicates with the intake port 2 and the outlet port 5, and this air duct 9 is provided with, in order from the intake port 2, a sterilization and deodorization means 24, a blower 7, and an outlet port 5. When the fan unit 12 is rotated by the motor unit 11, the outside air that enters the air duct 9 from the intake port 2 is blown out, in order, via the sterilization and deodorization means 24, the blower 7, and the outlet port 5.

The control unit 10 is provided in the main body case 1, and receives signals from the first water volume detection means 29, the second water volume detection means 30, the third water volume detection means 39, the fourth water volume detection means 40, and the operation unit 1A, and controls the operation of the electrolysis unit 37, the first transport unit 19, the second transport unit 20, the third transport unit 21, and the tablet injection mechanism 36, and adjusts the concentration of electrolytic water and the amount of water in the sterilization section 27. The control unit 10 can estimate the consumption of hypochlorous acid in the electrolytic water in the sterilization section 27 and the reduction in the amount of water from a signal indicating the air volume of the blower 7 transmitted from the operation unit 1A. In addition, the control unit 10 displays a message on the display unit 1B to prompt the user to maintain the electrolytic cell 35 when a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of use of the device or the last maintenance.

The electrolytic cell 35 and water storage container 22 of the present invention have a structure that allows the electrolytic cell 35 to be attached above the water storage container 22 so that the drop opening 52 is located directly above the water storage container 22.

That is, the device includes an electrolytic cell 35 that electrochemically processes water to produce electrolytic water, a water storage container 22 capable of storing electrolytic water, a sterilization and deodorization means 24 that sterilizes and deodorizes the air using the electrolytic water in the water storage container 22, and a main body case 1 that houses the water storage container 22, the sterilization and deodorization means 24, and the electrolytic cell 35. The water storage container 22 and the electrolytic cell 35 are detachable from the main body case 1, and the electrolytic cell 35 has a drop opening 52 that is an opening for supplying electrolytic water to the water storage container 22, and can be attached above the water storage container 22 so that the drop opening 52 is located directly above the water storage container 22.

The following is an example of how to mount the electrolytic cell 35 above the water storage container 22 so that the drop opening 52 is located directly above the water storage container 22.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the water storage container of the air purifier of the present embodiment 1 with an electrolytic cell attached. Figure 18 is a perspective view of the water storage container with the electrolytic cell of the air purifier of the present embodiment 1 attached. Figure 19 is a plan view of the water storage container of the air purifier of the present embodiment 1 with the electrolytic cell attached, with the lid removed, viewed from above. Figure 20 is a perspective view of the electrolytic cell of the air purifier of the present embodiment 1 viewed from the bottom.

As shown in Figures 17, 18, and 19, the electrolytic cell 35 has a mounting portion 55 that allows the electrolytic cell 35 to be mounted above the water storage container 22 so that the drop opening 52 is located directly above the water storage container 22.

The mounting portion 55 has a first rib 55A and a second rib 55B that extend vertically downward from the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 35, and is located closer to the front of the electrolytic cell 35 than the drop opening 52.

The first rib 55A is plate-shaped, parallel to the front surface of the electrolytic cell 35, located near the front surface of the electrolytic cell 35, and extending vertically downward from the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 35.

The second rib 55B is plate-shaped and parallel to the first rib 55A. It is located closer to the back surface of the electrolytic cell 35 than the first rib 55A and extends vertically downward from the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 35. The distance between the first rib 55A and the second rib 55B is slightly larger than the thickness of the front surface, which is the outer wall of the water storage container 22.

That is, the electrolytic cell 35 has an attachment portion 55 that allows the electrolytic cell 35 to be attached above the water storage container 22 so that the drop opening 52 is located directly above the water storage container 22, and the attachment portion 55 has a plate-shaped first rib 55A and a second rib 55B that each extend downward from the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 35, the first rib 55A and the second rib 55B are parallel, the distance between the first rib 55A and the second rib 55B is slightly greater than the thickness of the outer wall of the water storage container 22, and the outer wall can be fitted between the first rib 55A and the second rib 55B.

The following describes the operation of the water storage container 22 and electrolytic cell 35 of the air purifier of this embodiment.

First, remove the screws inserted into the fixing holes 38b and the screw holes 4 in the fixing portion 38 of the electrolytic cell 35, making it possible to remove the electrolytic cell 35 from the main case 1. Next, move the electrolytic cell 35 so that the mounting portion 55 is directly above the front surface of the water storage container 22, and fit the mounting portion 55 into the front surface, which is the outer wall of the water storage container 22. Next, remove the water storage container 22 with the electrolytic cell 35 attached from the main case 1, carry it to a washbasin or the like, and wash it with water.

In this way, by making it possible to remove the electrolytic cell 35 from the main body case 1 while it is attached to the water storage container 22, if the electrolytic water spills out of the electrolytic cell 35 from the drop opening 52 during transportation, the electrolytic water will fall into the water storage container 22 and will not fall onto the floor or other surfaces outside the main body case 1. This makes it possible to obtain an air purifier that can prevent the electrolytic water from falling onto the floor or other surfaces outside the main body case 1 when the electrolytic cell 35 is removed from the main body case 1 and transported.

Figure 21 is a perspective view of the electrolytic cell of the air purifier of this embodiment 1, as seen from the back. Figure 22 is a perspective view of the water storage container with the electrolytic cell of the air purifier of this embodiment 1 attached.

As shown in Figures 21 and 22, it is desirable for the electrolytic cell 35 to have a support rib 56 on the back surface.

The support rib 56 is generally plate-shaped and protrudes from the rear of the electrolytic cell 35 toward the rear of the air purifier, and is arranged to come into contact with a part of the water storage container 22 when the electrolytic cell 35 is attached to the water storage container 22 using the mounting portion 55.

That is, the electrolytic cell 35 has an attachment portion 55 on one side in the first predetermined direction and a support rib 56 on the other side in the first predetermined direction, and the support rib 56 is configured to come into contact with a part of the water storage container 22 when the electrolytic cell 35 is attached to the water storage container 22. Note that the first predetermined direction in this embodiment is a direction perpendicular to the front and back faces of the electrolytic cell 35.

In the air purifier of this embodiment, the electrolytic cell 35 is attached to the water storage container 22, so that the weight of the electrolytic cell 35 places a load on the mounting part 55 and the front of the water storage container 22. In addition, the air purifier of this embodiment prompts the maintenance of the water storage container 22 and the electrolytic cell 35 by the display unit 1B provided on the main body case 1 when a predetermined period of time has passed since the start of use of the device or the last maintenance. For example, maintenance may be prompted when there is a large amount of water, such as when the water level inside the electrolytic cell 35 is at the target water level, and the weight of the electrolytic cell 35 places a considerable load on the mounting part 55 and the front of the water storage container 22, which may cause damage to each of them.

By providing the support rib 56, the electrolytic cell 35 can be supported at two points, the mounting part 55 and the support rib 56, reducing the load on the mounting part 55 and the front of the water storage container 22 and reducing the risk of damage to the product.

Figure 23 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the water storage container with the electrolytic cell of the air purification device of this embodiment 1 attached. Figure 24 is an oblique view of the water storage container with the electrolytic cell of the air purification device of this embodiment 1 attached.

23 and 24, the water storage container 22 is provided with a first contact member 57 on one side in the second predetermined direction and a second contact member 58 on the other side in the second predetermined direction, the second predetermined direction being parallel to the horizontal plane of the water storage container 22 and perpendicular to the first predetermined direction, and the first contact member 57 and the second contact member 58 are preferably configured to contact the electrolytic cell 35 attached to the water storage container 22 to restrict the movement distance of the electrolytic cell 35 in the second predetermined direction within a predetermined range. In this embodiment, the second predetermined direction is a direction perpendicular to the right and left sides of the water storage container 22, the first contact member 57 is the partition protrusion 25a, and the second contact member 58 is the right side of the water storage container 22.

When the electrolytic cell 35 starts moving in one direction in the second predetermined direction while attached to the water storage container 22, and stops moving at the end of its possible range of movement, kinetic energy is generated that depends on the distance of movement. The impact caused by this kinetic energy when stopping may cause the attached part to come off the water storage container 22, and there is a risk that the electrolytic cell 35 may fall from the water storage container 22. For this reason, in the expected movement of the electrolytic cell 35 attached to the water storage container 22, the possible range of movement of the electrolytic cell 35 in the second predetermined direction while attached to the water storage container 22 must be restricted to a predetermined range in which the electrolytic cell 35 will not come off the water storage container 22 and fall when the movement stops.

In the air purifier of this embodiment, when the electrolytic cell 35 is attached to the water storage container 22, the end of the attachment part 55 on the right side of the electrolytic cell 35 contacts the wall near the right side of the water storage container 22, restricting the movement distance of the air purifier in the second predetermined direction toward the right side, and the left side of the electrolytic cell 35 contacts the partition protrusion 25a provided on the partition 25, restricting the movement distance of the air purifier in the second predetermined direction toward the left side. When transporting the air purifier for maintenance of this embodiment, it is assumed that the user will tilt the water storage container 22 to a degree that the water contained in the water storage container 22 will not spill. At this time, the first contact member 57 and the second contact member 58 of this embodiment restrict the movable range of the electrolytic cell 35 so that the electrolytic cell 35 does not fall from the water storage container 22. This makes it possible to restrict the range of movement of the electrolytic cell 35 in the second predetermined direction when attached to the water storage container 22, and to prevent the electrolytic cell 35 from falling out of the water storage container 22.

As shown in FIG. 20, it is also preferable that the electrolytic cell 35 is provided with a third rib 59 and a fourth rib 60, each of which has a plate shape and extends downward from the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 35.

The third rib 59 is plate-shaped, with a portion of its end vertically connected to the second rib 55B, and is provided near the end of the second rib 55B on the right side of the electrolytic cell 35. The lower vertical end of the third rib 59 is located at a position lower than the lower end of the mounting portion 55.

The fourth rib 60 is plate-shaped, with a portion of its end vertically connected to the second rib 55B, and is provided near the end of the second rib 55B on the left side of the electrolytic cell 35. The lower vertical end of the fourth rib 60 is located at a position lower than the lower end of the mounting portion 55.

That is, the electrolytic cell 35 is provided with a plate-shaped third rib 59 and a fourth rib 60 each extending downward from the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 35, and a portion of each end of the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60 is connected to the second rib 55B, and each vertically lower end is positioned lower than the lower end of the mounting portion 55.

The third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60 each have a part of their end connected perpendicularly to the second rib 55B, and therefore when a load is applied to the second rib 55B in the first predetermined direction, the force that causes the second rib 55B to bend in the first predetermined direction is suppressed. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the second rib 55B when a load is applied to the second rib 55B in the first predetermined direction. In this embodiment, the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60 each have a part of their end connected perpendicularly to the second rib 55B, but as long as a part of each end is connected to the second rib 55B, it is possible to suppress the force that causes the second rib 55B to bend in the first predetermined direction, and the form is not limited thereto.

In addition, the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60 each have a portion of their end connected to the second rib 55B, and their lower vertical ends are located lower than the lower end of the mounting portion 55. This allows the mounting portion 55 to be guided so that it is accurately attached to the front surface of the water storage container 22 when the electrolytic cell 35 is attached to the water storage container 22. Specifically, when the mounting portion 55 and the front surface of the water storage container 22 are in a positional relationship that makes attachment impossible, and an attempt is made to attach the electrolytic cell 35 above the water storage container 22, the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60, which are located lower than the lower end of the mounting portion 55, come into contact with the upper end of the front surface of the water storage container 22. With the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60 still in contact with the upper end of the front surface of the water storage container 22, the electrolytic cell 35 starts to move toward the rear of the air purifier. When it reaches the end of the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60, the user can correctly identify the position of the second rib 55B, which is connected to a part of the end of the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60, from the presence or absence of contact between the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60 and the front surface of the water storage container 22. This makes it possible to accurately attach the mounting part 55 to the front surface of the water storage container 22.

It is also desirable that the vertical lower ends of the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60 are located at the vertically lowest point of the electrolytic cell 35.

With the above configuration, when the electrolytic cell 35 is placed on a flat surface such as a floor, the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60 come into contact with the flat surface. When the electrolytic cell 35 is placed on a flat surface, the third rib 59 and the fourth rib 60 support the electrolytic cell 35 at multiple points together with other surfaces located at the lowest point of the electrolytic cell 35 in the vertical direction, so that the electrolytic cell 35 can maintain a more stable posture.

The air purifier of the present invention is useful as an air purifier for home or office use.

LIST OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body case 1A Operation section 1B Display section 1C Cover 2 Intake port 3 Door 4 Screw hole 5 Air outlet 6 Partition plate 7 Blower 8 Air purification unit 9 Air passage 10 Control section 11 Motor section 12 Fan section 13 Casing section 14 Motor shaft 15 Discharge port 16 Intake port 17 Water storage section 18 Electrolysis section 19 First transport section 20 Second transport section 21 Third transport section 22 Water storage container 23 Water supply means 24 Sterilization and deodorization means 25 Partition 25a Partition protrusion 26 Water supply section 27 Sterilization section 28 Protrusion 29 First water level detection means 29a First float section 30 Second water level detection means 30a Second float section 31 Tank 31a Handle 32 Cap 32a Cap opening 32b Water tap 33 Filter 34 Filter frame 35 Electrolytic cell 35a Lid 36 Tablet injection mechanism 37 Electrolysis unit 38 Fixing portion 38a Fixing wall 38b Fixing hole 39 Third water level detection means 39a Third float portion 40 Fourth water level detection means 40a Fourth float portion 41 Tablet injection case 41a Opening 42 Tablet injection member 43 Tablet injection cover 44 Electrolysis-promoting tablet 45 First pump 46 First transport water channel 47 Second pump 48 Second front-stage transport water channel 49 Supply tank 50 Second rear-stage transport water channel 51 Connection port 52 Drop opening 53 Third pump 54 Third transport water channel 55 Mounting portion 55A First rib 55B Second rib 56 Support rib 57 First contact member 58 Second contact member 59 Third rib 60 Fourth rib

Claims (5)

An electrolytic cell that electrochemically processes water to generate electrolyzed water;
A water storage container capable of storing electrolytic water;
A sterilization and deodorization means for sterilizing and deodorizing air using the electrolytic water in the water storage container;
a main body case that accommodates the water storage container, the sterilization and deodorization means, and the electrolytic cell therein;
Equipped with
the water storage container and the electrolytic cell are detachable from the main body case;
The electrolytic cell comprises:
The electrolytic water supply device includes a drop opening for supplying electrolytic water to the water storage container.
The water supply device may be mounted above the water storage container such that the drop opening is located directly above the water storage container ;
a mounting portion that enables the electrolytic cell to be mounted above the water storage container so that the drop opening is located directly above the water storage container;
the mounting portion includes a first rib and a second rib each of which is plate-shaped and extends downward from a bottom surface of the electrolytic cell;
the first rib and the second rib are parallel;
The distance between the first rib and the second rib is slightly greater than the thickness of an outer wall of the water storage container;
An air purifying device, wherein the outer wall is capable of being fitted between the first rib and the second rib . The electrolytic cell comprises:
The mounting portion is disposed on one side in a first predetermined direction.
a support rib on the other side in the first predetermined direction,
2. The air purifying device according to claim 1 , wherein the support rib contacts a part of the water storage container when the electrolytic cell is attached to the water storage container. The water storage container is
a first contact member on one side in a second predetermined direction;
a second contact member on the other side in the second predetermined direction,
The second predetermined direction is a direction parallel to a horizontal plane of the water storage container and perpendicular to the first predetermined direction,
The air purifying device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first contact member and the second contact member come into contact with the electrolytic cell attached to the water storage container, thereby restricting the movement distance of the electrolytic cell in the second predetermined direction within a predetermined range. The electrolytic cell comprises:
a third rib and a fourth rib each having a plate shape extending downward from a bottom surface of the electrolytic cell;
The third rib and the fourth rib are
A portion of each end is connected to the second rib,
4. The air purifying device according to claim 1 , wherein the lower ends of the respective vertical portions are located lower than the lower end of the mounting portion. The third rib and the fourth rib are
5. The air purifying device according to claim 4 , wherein each of the vertically lower ends is located at the vertically lowest point of the electrolytic cell.

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