JP7561598B2 - Clothes Processing Equipment - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothing processing device.

One example of a clothing processing device is a washing machine, which is known to be configured so that the water in the water tub in which the clothing is stored is circulated through a circulation water channel. Among these types of washing machines, some are known to be equipped with a filter that captures foreign matter such as lint and dust contained in the water flowing through the circulation water channel.

In a washing machine that has a filter in the circulating water channel, there is a need to keep the filter in a hygienic state and inhibit the growth of mold and other bacteria. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which light generated by an LED installed in the main body of the filter is guided to the filter's collection section through a light guide section, activating the action of a photocatalyst coated on the surface of the collection section to break down odorous and dirty components.

JP 2017-148202 A

However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the LED light source is provided "inside" the main body of the filter, which poses the problem that the configuration for supplying power to the light source provided "inside" such a filter, such as the configuration of wiring, becomes complicated. In addition, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the light source is provided inside the filter itself, which is prone to getting wet, so waterproofing measures are required for the light source and power source, which leads to a further complication of the configuration.

In addition, according to the configuration of Patent Document 1, by employing a light source capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays, the collection portion of the filter can be sterilized by ultraviolet rays, and the filter can be maintained in an even more hygienic state. However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, since the light source is provided "inside" the filter, the ultraviolet rays generated from the light source cannot come into contact with oxygen in the air, and therefore the sterilization effect of "ozone" generated by exposing oxygen to ultraviolet rays, or the sterilization effect of "OH radicals" generated by exposing ozone to ultraviolet rays, cannot be exerted.

The present embodiment relates to a clothing treatment device equipped with an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto a filter that captures foreign matter contained in the water flowing through a circulating water channel, and provides a configuration that can avoid the complexity of the configuration for supplying power to the ultraviolet irradiation unit, and that can maintain the filter in an even more hygienic state by exerting not only a simple sterilizing effect using ultraviolet rays, but also a sterilizing effect using ozone and OH radicals.

The clothing treatment device according to the present embodiment includes a clothing treatment tank in which clothing is stored, a circulation water channel for circulating water in the clothing treatment tank, a filter for capturing foreign matter contained in the water flowing through the circulation water channel, a filter case for housing the filter, and an ultraviolet irradiation unit for irradiating the filter housed inside the filter case with ultraviolet light from the outside of the filter case, the filter case having a main body part in which the filter is housed, the main body part being inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, the ultraviolet irradiation unit being inclined along the main body part of the filter case, and having at least one air circulation part through which air flows, the at least one air circulation part being provided on the lower side of the ultraviolet irradiation unit. Alternatively, the filter case further includes an inflow part for flowing water into the main body part, and an injection part for injecting air in the ultraviolet irradiation unit into the inflow part. Alternatively, the ultraviolet irradiation unit is provided on the upper surface of the filter case .

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view showing a schematic configuration example of a clothing processing device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view showing a schematic configuration example of a filter case and its peripheral parts according to a first embodiment, in which a filter is housed in the filter case; FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing an example of a configuration of a filter case and its surrounding parts according to a first embodiment, in which a filter is removed from the filter case; FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration example of a filter case and its peripheral portion according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing an example of the configuration of a filter case and its surrounding parts according to a first embodiment, illustrating a flow of water within the filter case; FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional side view showing a schematic configuration example of a filter case and its peripheral parts according to a second embodiment, illustrating a state in which a filter is housed in the filter case; FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration example of a filter case and its peripheral parts according to a second embodiment; FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing a schematic configuration example of a clothing processing device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration example of a filter case and its surrounding parts according to a third embodiment;

Below, several embodiments of the clothing processing device will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that components that are essentially the same in several embodiments will be given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

First Embodiment
1 is an example of a laundry treatment device capable of performing a predetermined process on laundry, in this case at least a washing process for washing the laundry, a rinsing process for rinsing the laundry, and a dehydration process for dehydrating the laundry. The laundry machine 1 is a so-called drum type laundry machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub extends horizontally or in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal.

The washing machine 1 is provided with a water tub 3 for washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and other processes for clothes inside a rectangular box-shaped outer casing 2 that forms the outer shell of the washing machine 1. The water tub 3 is an example of a clothes processing tub in which clothes are stored, and is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom and an open front. The water tub 3 is also provided with a rotatable drum 4, which is also cylindrical with a bottom and an open front, inside the water tub 3. This drum 4 is also an example of a clothes processing tub in which clothes are stored. The peripheral wall of the drum 4 is provided with many small holes (not shown), and the inner peripheral surface of the drum 4 is provided with multiple baffles (not shown) for stirring up the clothes.

The front opening of the water tub 3 and the front opening of the drum 4 can be opened and closed by a door 5 provided on the front of the outer box 2. By opening this door 5, the user can place clothes in the water tub 3, or more specifically, the drum 4, through the front opening of the water tub 3 and the front opening of the drum 4, and can also remove clothes from the water tub 3, or more specifically, the drum 4.

The washing machine 1 also includes a water supply unit (not shown) for supplying water into the water tub 3, and a drainage unit (not shown) for draining the water in the water tub 3 to the outside of the machine. The water supply unit includes a water supply valve and a water injection case in the middle of a water supply path that extends from a water source (not shown), such as a water tap, to the water tub 3. The drainage unit includes a drainage valve in the middle of a drainage path that extends from the bottom of the water tub 3 to the outside of the machine. When the drainage valve is closed, water is supplied from the water supply unit to the water tub 3, so that a predetermined amount of water is stored in the water tub 3. When the drainage valve is opened, the water in the water tub 3 is drained to the outside of the machine via the drainage path.

The washing machine 1 also has a circulation water channel 6. The circulation water channel 6 connects the water outlet 3a and the water inlet 3b provided in the water tub 3. A circulation pump (not shown) is provided midway along the circulation water channel 6. When the circulation pump is driven, the water in the water tub 3 is sucked into the circulation water channel 6 through the water outlet 3a and returned to the water tub 3 through the water inlet 3b. In other words, the circulation water channel 6 is a water channel that can circulate the water in the water tub 3 as the circulation pump is driven.

A filter 7 is provided in the middle of the circulating water channel 6. The filter 7 captures foreign matter, such as lint and dust, contained in the water flowing through the circulating water channel 6. The filter 7 is removably housed in a filter case 8 provided in the middle of the circulating water channel 6.

2 and 3, the filter 7 has a main body 7a and a collection portion 7b. The main body 7a of the filter 7 is the portion that the user grips when attaching or detaching the filter 7 to the filter case 8, and also functions as a lid that closes the front opening of the filter case 8 when the filter 7 is housed in the filter case 8. The collection portion 7b of the filter 7 is formed, for example, in a water-permeable lattice shape, and is the portion that mainly captures foreign matter contained in the water flowing in the circulating water channel 6. The collection portion 7b of the filter 7 is formed long along the longitudinal direction of the filter case 8.

The filter case 8 is integrally equipped with a main body 8a in which the filter 7 is housed, an inlet 8b through which water flows into the main body 8a, and multiple outlets (in this case, two, 8c and 8d) through which the water in the main body 8a flows out.

The main body 8a is generally cylindrical with an open front and is tilted with respect to the horizontal direction so that its front side is higher than its rear side. The inlet 8b and outlets 8c and 8d are provided on the lower side, i.e., the rear side, of the main body 8a which is tilted in this way.

To explain in more detail, the inlet 8b is provided on the upper surface of the rear of the main body 8a, and this inlet 8b is connected to the "portion of the circulating water passage 6 that constitutes the water outlet 3a side," i.e., the "portion that constitutes the upstream portion of the circulating water passage 6." The outlet 8c is provided on the rear wall of the main body 8a, and is connected to a drain pipe (not shown) that leads out to the outside of the machine. The drain valve (not shown) that constitutes the drain is provided midway along this drain pipe.

The outlet 8d is provided on the rear side of the main body 8a, and is connected to the "portion of the circulating water channel 6 that constitutes the water inlet 3b side," i.e., the "portion that constitutes the downstream portion of the circulating water channel 6." The circulation pump (not shown) is provided in the portion of the circulating water channel 6 that is downstream of the outlet 8d, in other words, in the middle of the "portion of the circulating water channel 6 that constitutes the water inlet 3b side."

According to the washing machine 1 configured as above, when the drain valve of the drain path is opened while the circulation pump (not shown) is stopped, the water in the water tub 3 flows through the "portion of the circulation water path 6 that constitutes the water outlet 3a side" into the main body 8a from the inlet 8b, flows out of the outlet 8c into the drain pipe, and is discharged outside the machine. In other words, the drain path that constitutes the above-mentioned drain part is configured to include the "portion of the circulation water path 6 that constitutes the water outlet 3a side" connected to the inlet 8b, the filter case 8, and the "drain pipe" connected to the outlet 8c.

The main body 8a of the filter case 8 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, and an outlet 8c is provided on the lower side of the main body 8a. Therefore, when draining, the water in the main body 8a of the filter case 8 is easily discharged from the outlet 8c, and therefore water is less likely to remain in the main body 8a of the filter case 8.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, when the circulation pump is driven with the drain valve (not shown) closed, the water in the water tub 3 flows through the "portion of the circulation water channel 6 that constitutes the water outlet 3a side" and into the main body 8a from the inlet 8b, and flows out from the outlet 8d to the "portion of the circulation water channel 6 that constitutes the water inlet 3b side" and is returned to the water tub 3. In other words, the above-mentioned circulation water channel 6 includes the "portion of the circulation water channel 6 that constitutes the water outlet 3a side" connected to the inlet 8b, the filter case 8, and the "portion of the circulation water channel 6 that constitutes the water inlet 3b side" connected to the outlet 8d.

The washing machine 1 configured as described above further includes an ultraviolet irradiation device 100, which is an example of an ultraviolet irradiation section. The ultraviolet irradiation device 100 is configured to irradiate the filter 7 housed in the "inside" of the filter case 8, and in particular the collection section 7b which is a part of the filter 7, with ultraviolet light from the "outside" of the filter case 8, rather than from inside the filter case 8. Next, a detailed description will be given of an example of the configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 and its surrounding parts.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 is equipped with a well-known ultraviolet lamp 102 that generates ultraviolet light inside a rectangular box-shaped irradiation unit case 101 that forms the outer shell of the ultraviolet irradiation device 100. The irradiation unit case 101 is made of a material that is resistant to alteration and deterioration, for example, having weather resistance, ultraviolet resistance, ozone resistance, etc. The ultraviolet lamp 102 generates ultraviolet light that has peaks at least at wavelengths that can generate OH radicals and wavelengths that can generate ozone.

The wavelengths at which OH radicals can be generated are, for example, wavelengths around 254 nanometers. The wavelengths at which ozone can be generated are, for example, wavelengths around 275 nanometers. These wavelengths can be defined as so-called sterilization wavelengths or germicidal wavelengths, since they are wavelengths at which ozone and OH radicals have a sterilizing effect.

An ultraviolet light transmitting plate 103 is interposed between the filter case 8 and the ultraviolet light irradiation device 100. The ultraviolet light transmitting plate 103 is an example of an ultraviolet light transmitting section, and is a plate-shaped member made of a material capable of transmitting ultraviolet light, such as quartz glass or fluororesin. The ultraviolet light transmitting plate 103 connects the filter case 8 and the irradiation section case 101.

That is, the upper surface of the filter case 8 is provided with an opening formed in a substantially rectangular shape. Also, the lower surface of the irradiation unit case 101 is provided with an opening formed in a substantially rectangular shape. And, the ultraviolet ray transmitting plate 103 is fitted into both the opening on the filter case 8 side and the opening on the irradiation unit case 101 side between the filter case 8 and the irradiation unit case 101. In this way, the ultraviolet ray transmitting plate 103 firmly connects the filter case 8 and the irradiation unit case 101. Incidentally, a packing (not shown) is provided around the ultraviolet ray transmitting plate 103, realizing a watertight and airtight structure.

The ultraviolet irradiation device 100 is provided in a tilted state so as to follow the tilt of the main body 8a of the filter case 8. In other words, the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 is provided in a state parallel to the main body 8a of the filter case 8, which is tilted with respect to the horizontal direction. The ultraviolet irradiation device 100 is also provided in a state tilted with respect to the horizontal direction.

The ultraviolet irradiation device 100 also has multiple, in this case two, air circulation parts 104a and 104b. Both air circulation parts 104a and 104b protrude linearly from the top surface of the irradiation unit case 101 along a direction perpendicular to the top surface. In other words, both air circulation parts 104a and 104b protrude linearly along a direction inclined relative to the horizontal direction. Both air circulation parts 104a and 104b are formed in a cylindrical shape that allows air to flow.

Of these, one air circulation section 104a is provided on the upper side, i.e., the front side, of the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, which is provided in a state inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The other air circulation section 104b is provided on the lower side, i.e., the rear side, of the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, which is provided in a state inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. In other words, at least one of the two air circulation sections 104a, 104b, the air circulation section 104b, is configured to be provided on the lower side of the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, which is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

As also shown in FIG. 4, in the filter case 8, the inlet section 8b has multiple water channels, in this case two water channels 8bM and 8bS. Of these, one water channel 8bM is the main water channel of the inlet section 8b, and the above-mentioned "part of the circulating water channel 6 that constitutes the water outlet 3a side" is connected to this water channel 8bM. Hereinafter, the water channel 8bM will be referred to as the main water channel 8bM. The other water channel 8bS is a water channel associated with the main water channel 8bM, and is provided on the side of the main water channel 8bM. Hereinafter, the water channel 8bS will be referred to as the sub-water channel 8bS.

The flow path diameter of the sub-channel 8bS is smaller than the flow path diameter of the main channel 8bM. In addition, the inlet and outlet of the sub-channel 8bS are connected to the main channel 8bM from the side of the main channel 8bM. This allows a portion of the water flowing in the main channel 8bM to flow through the sub-channel 8bS and return to the main channel 8bM.

The middle part of the sub-channel 8bS has a flow path diameter that is narrower than the inlet and outlet sides of the sub-channel 8bS. In other words, the sub-channel 8bS is a channel with a structure that can increase the flow rate by throttling the water flow, the so-called well-known Venturi structure. In other words, the sub-channel 8bS is provided as an example of a special channel with a structure that can increase the flow rate by throttling the water flow.

The filter case 8 is configured to include an injector 105, which is an example of an injection section, in the sub-water passage 8bS. The injector 105 is connected to the air flow section 104b of the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 via a connection tube 106. This allows the injector 105 to inject air from within the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 from the air flow section 104b through the connection tube 106 into the inlet section 8b, in this case into the sub-water passage 8bS which is a part of it.

According to the washing machine 1 configured as above, during the draining operation to drain the water in the water tub 3 outside the machine, the water flowing from the water tub 3 into the inlet 8b flows simply due to the action of gravity, so the flow rate is relatively slow and the water pressure is relatively low. Therefore, most of the water flowing from the water tub 3 into the inlet 8b flows through the main water channel 8bM, and little or no water flows into the sub-water channel 8bS, which has a smaller flow path diameter.

However, during the circulation operation in which the water in the aquarium 3 is circulated through the circulation water channel 6, the water flowing from the aquarium 3 into the inlet 8b is subjected to the pumping action of the circulation pump, so its flow rate is relatively fast and the water pressure is relatively high. Therefore, the water flowing from the aquarium 3 into the inlet 8b flows not only into the main water channel 8bM, but also into the sub-water channel 8bS, which has a smaller flow path diameter. Then, when water flows into the sub-water channel 8bS, the flow of the water accelerates within the sub-water channel 8bS, generating negative pressure, which in turn generates a suction force.

The suction force thus generated acts on the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 via the injector 105, the connection tube 106, and the air flow section 104b. As a result, external air is introduced into the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 from the air flow section 104a, and the air introduced into the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 passes further through the air flow section 104b and the connection tube 106 and is injected into the sub-water passage 8bS from the injector 105. The air injected into the sub-water passage 8bS flows into the main body 8a of the filter case 8 together with the water flowing in the sub-water passage 8bS.

At this time, when ultraviolet light is generated from the ultraviolet lamp 102, the ultraviolet light can be applied to the oxygen contained in the air introduced into the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, thereby generating ozone. Therefore, the air containing ozone generated in the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 can be supplied from the injector 105 through the air flow section 104b and the connection tube 106 to the inlet section 8b and further to the main body section 8a.

In addition, ultraviolet light generated from the ultraviolet lamp 102 can be irradiated into the main body 8a of the filter case 8 through the ultraviolet light transmitting plate 103. In addition, the ultraviolet light irradiated into the main body 8a of the filter case 8 can generate OH radicals by hitting the ozone supplied into the main body 8a as described above.

As described above, the washing machine 1 according to this embodiment can supply not only ultraviolet light but also ozone and OH radicals to the filter 7, which is the object to be sterilized, and in particular to the main body 8a of the filter case 8 in which the collection portion 7b, which is a part of the filter 7, is housed.

According to the washing machine 1 exemplified above, the "ultraviolet rays" generated by the ultraviolet lamp 102 can be supplied to the main body 8a of the filter case 8 in which the collection portion 7b of the filter 7 is housed, and "ozone" generated by exposing oxygen to the ultraviolet rays generated by the ultraviolet lamp 102 can be supplied, and "OH radicals" generated by exposing ozone to the ultraviolet rays generated by the ultraviolet lamp 102 can be supplied. In other words, not only the sterilization effect by ultraviolet rays but also the sterilization effect by ozone and OH radicals can be exerted on the collection portion 7b of the filter 7, which is the object to be sterilized, and the collection portion 7b of the filter 7 can be efficiently sterilized and maintained in a more hygienic state.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the ozone and OH radicals supplied into the main body 8a of the filter case 8 can be sent into the water tub 3 together with the water circulated through the circulation water channel 6. Therefore, ozone and OH radicals can be supplied to the clothes in the water tub 3, and a sterilizing effect can be obtained for the clothes. A sterilizing effect can also be obtained within the water tub 3.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 is configured to irradiate ultraviolet rays from the "outside" of the filter case 8 to the collection portion 7b of the filter 7 housed inside the filter case 8. With this configuration, the configuration for supplying power to the ultraviolet lamp 102 provided in the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, such as the routing of the wiring L illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, can be performed from the outside of the filter case 8, and the configuration can be prevented from becoming complicated.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the filter case 8 and the irradiation section case 101 that constitutes the outer shell of the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 are connected by the ultraviolet transmission plate 103. With this configuration, by making the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 a separate part from the filter case 8, it is possible to firmly connect the filter case 8 and the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, which are separate parts, while easily realizing a configuration in which the ultraviolet rays generated by the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 are irradiated to the filter 7 from the "outside" of the filter case 8. In addition, since the ultraviolet transmission plate 103 is used as a connecting member, there is no need to provide a dedicated member for connecting the filter case 8 and the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, and an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, in the filter case 8, the main body 8a is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the inlet 8b and the outlets 8c, 8d are provided in the lower part of the main body 8a inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. With this configuration, as illustrated by the dashed arrow W in FIG. 5, the water flowing from the inlet 8b into the main body 8a flows toward the upper side along the inflow direction, but since there is no outlet on the upper side of the main body 8a, it then flows toward the lower side where the outlets 8c, 8d are formed. By forming such a water flow in the main body 8a, it is possible to easily bring the water flowing into the main body 8a into contact with the entire collection portion 7b of the filter 7. Therefore, the efficiency of capturing foreign matter by the collection portion 7b of the filter 7 can be improved.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 is inclined so as to follow the main body 8a of the filter case 8. With this configuration, the ultraviolet rays generated by the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 can be irradiated to the collection portion 7b of the filter 7 in the main body 8a at a distance as short as possible. This allows the collection portion 7b of the filter 7 to be irradiated with ultraviolet rays efficiently, and the collection portion 7b of the filter 7 can be maintained in an even more hygienic state.

According to the washing machine 1, the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 is configured such that the air circulation part 104b, which is one of the two air circulation parts 104a and 104b, is provided on the lower side of the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, which is provided in a state inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Here, the ozone generated by the ultraviolet ray hitting oxygen in the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 is heavier than air. Therefore, it is possible to easily discharge the ozone, which is heavier than air, from the air circulation part 104b provided on the lower side of the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, and in turn, it is possible to easily supply the ozone into the main body part 8a of the filter case 8 through the injector 105, the sub-water channel 8bS, etc. Note that the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 can be configured to have at least one air circulation part, with the number of air circulation parts appropriately changed.

Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1, the filter case 8 is provided with an injector 105 that injects air from within the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 into the inlet 8b. With this configuration, the air from within the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, i.e., air containing ozone, can be efficiently injected into the inlet 8b, and thus efficiently supplied into the main body 8a of the filter case 8 in which the collection portion 7b of the filter 7 is housed.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the inlet section 8b has a sub-channel 8bS, which is an example of a special channel having a structure capable of increasing the flow rate by throttling the water flow. The injector 105 is capable of injecting air from within the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, i.e., air containing ozone, into the sub-channel 8bS. With this configuration, the suction force generated by the water flowing through the sub-channel 8bS can be used to inject the air containing ozone more efficiently.

The filter case 8 may be configured such that the inner surface of the main body 8a is subjected to a surface treatment capable of blocking ultraviolet rays. This configuration can protect the main body 8a of the filter case 8 from ultraviolet rays, and in particular can suppress deterioration and damage of the main body 8a. Furthermore, the inner surface of the main body 8a that has been treated to block ultraviolet rays can reflect ultraviolet rays that have passed through the collection portion 7b of the filter 7. This allows the ultraviolet rays to be scattered within the main body 8a, and the ultraviolet rays can be applied to the entire collection portion 7b of the filter 7, including the portion that does not face the ultraviolet irradiation device 100.

In addition, by applying a treatment to block ultraviolet rays to the inner surface of the main body 8a of the filter case 8 that surrounds the collection portion 7b of the filter 7, which is the target of the ultraviolet rays, rather than to the inner surface of the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, which is the source of the ultraviolet rays, the ultraviolet rays can be scattered at the target of the ultraviolet rays, and the scattering effect can be efficiently applied to the collection portion 7b of the filter 7, which is the target of the ultraviolet rays. Note that the filter case 8 may be configured so that the inner surface of the main body 8a is provided with a separate part that has been treated to block ultraviolet rays.

Second Embodiment
6 and 7, the washing machine 1 includes a check valve 120 between the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 and the injector 105. In this case, the check valve 120 is provided between the air circulation section 104b of the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 and the connection tube 106 connected to the injector 105, and is configured to prevent water from flowing from the injector 105 side to the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 side.

That is, the check valve 120 is configured with a through passage 122 inside a check valve case 121 that forms the outer shell of the check valve 120. The through passage 122 is configured so that the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 side is narrower than the injector 105 side. A ball 123 is movably housed in this through passage 122. When water flows in the sub-water passage 8bS and suction force is generated, this ball 123 receives the suction force and moves to the injector 105 side, thereby opening the through passage 122. In other words, the check valve 120 opens in response to the suction force generated by water flowing in the sub-water passage 8bS.

If water flows from the sub-channel 8bS into the connecting tube 106 via the injector 105, the ball 123 is pushed by the water and moves toward the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, thereby closing the through passage 122. In other words, the check valve 120 is closed if water flows from the sub-channel 8bS into the connecting tube 106 via the injector 105.

According to the configuration example described above, the check valve 120 can prevent the water in the inlet 8b from flowing back into the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, thereby protecting the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, and in particular the ultraviolet lamp 102 therein, from water.

Third Embodiment
The washing machine 1 illustrated in Fig. 8 further includes a dry air duct 130. The dry air duct 130 is an example of a circulation air duct, and connects between an air outlet 3c and an air inlet 3d provided in the water tub 3. An evaporator and a condenser (not shown) that constitute a well-known heat pump mechanism are housed inside the dry air duct 130. A circulation blower 131 is also provided inside the dry air duct 130.

The circulation fan 131 circulates the air in the aquarium 3 through the dry air duct 130. When the circulation fan 131 is driven, the air in the aquarium 3 is introduced into the dry air duct 130 from the air outlet 3c, flows from the upwind side, which is the air outlet 3c side, to the downwind side, which is the air inlet 3d side, and is returned to the aquarium 3 from the air inlet 3d.

That is, by driving the circulation blower 131, the air in the water tub 3 is circulated through the dry air duct 130. As the air in the water tub 3 flows through the dry air duct 130, it is dehumidified by the evaporator, heated by the condenser, and returned to the water tub 3 as warm air. The washing machine 1 is thus able to dry clothes by supplying warm air into the water tub 3 through the dry air duct 130.

9, the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 further includes an air circulation section 104c. That is, the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 includes three air circulation sections 104a, 104b, and 104c. The air circulation section 104c also protrudes linearly from the upper surface of the irradiation section case 101 along a direction perpendicular to the upper surface. In other words, the air circulation section 104c also protrudes linearly along a direction inclined relative to the horizontal direction. The air circulation section 104c is also formed in a cylindrical shape through which air can flow. The air circulation section 104c is provided on the lower side, i.e., the rear side, of the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, which is provided in a state inclined relative to the horizontal direction. That is, the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 includes two air circulation sections 104b and 104c on the lower side of the ultraviolet irradiation device 100.

The washing machine 1 is also configured to include an injector 135, which is an example of an injection section, in the dry air duct 130. In this case, the injector 135 is provided on the air inlet 3d side, i.e., the downwind side, of the circulation blower 131 in the dry air duct 130. The injector 135 is connected to the air circulation section 104c of the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 via a connection tube 136. This allows the injector 135 to inject air from within the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 into the dry air duct 130 through the connection tube 136.

According to the washing machine 1 configured as above, when air flows into the dry air duct 130 as the circulation blower 131 is driven, the air flow generates negative pressure, which generates suction force. The suction force thus generated acts on the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 via the connection tube 136 and the air flow section 104c. As a result, external air is introduced into the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 from the air flow section 104a, and the air introduced into the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 is further injected into the dry air duct 130 from the injector 135 through the air flow section 104c and the connection tube 136.

According to the washing machine 1 exemplified above, the air in the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, i.e., air containing ozone, can be injected not only into the circulating water passage 6 by the injector 105, but also into the dry air passage 130 by the injector 135. With this configuration, the sterilizing effect of ozone can be exerted even in the dry air passage 130, and not only the circulating water passage 6 but also the dry air passage 130 can be maintained in a more hygienic state.

That is, according to the washing machine 1, when water flows in the sub-water passage 8bS during circulation operation, for example, the ozone generated in the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 can be supplied to the circulation water passage 6, particularly to the main body 8a of the filter case 8. Also, when air flows in the dry air passage 130 during drying operation, for example, the ozone generated in the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 can be supplied to the dry air passage 130. Therefore, the sterilization effect of ozone can be applied to both the circulation water passage 6 and the dry air passage 130.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the air containing ozone introduced into the drying air duct 130 is further blown into the water tub 3 by the blowing action of the circulation blower 131. Therefore, ozone can be supplied to the clothes in the water tub 3, and a sterilizing effect can be obtained for the clothes. A sterilizing effect can also be obtained within the water tub 3.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, a suction force is generated as a result of the generation of negative pressure in the dry air duct 130, and this suction force acts on the ball 123 of the check valve 120 via the connection tube 136, the air circulation section 104c, the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, and the air circulation section 104b. As a result, the ball 123 moves toward the ultraviolet irradiation device 100, and the check valve 120 is closed. This allows the air containing ozone in the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 to be concentrated and supplied to the dry air duct 130 side, rather than the circulating water channel 6 side. The washing machine 1 may also be configured to have a check valve in the connection tube 136 connected to the dry air duct 130.

Other Embodiments
This embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be modified or expanded as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the washing machine 1 may be configured by appropriately combining the above-mentioned embodiments. In addition, the ultraviolet ray irradiation device 100 only needs to have at least one air circulation unit, and the number, position, size, etc. of the air circulation unit can be appropriately changed and implemented.

The timing of driving the ultraviolet lamp 102 may be linked to the timing of driving the circulation pump and the circulation blower 131. That is, the ultraviolet lamp 102 may be turned on when the circulation pump and the circulation blower 131 are driven, and the ultraviolet lamp 102 may be turned off when the circulation pump and the circulation blower 131 are stopped. This allows the ozone generated in the ultraviolet irradiation device 100 to be quickly supplied to the circulation water channel 6 and the dry air channel 130.

The timing of driving the ultraviolet lamp 102 does not need to be exactly the same as the timing of driving the circulation pump and circulation blower 131. For example, the ultraviolet lamp 102 may be stopped after a predetermined time, e.g., several minutes, has elapsed since the start of driving, regardless of the driving status of the circulation pump and circulation blower 131.

This embodiment is not limited to so-called drum-type washing machines in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub extends horizontally or in an inclined direction, but can also be applied to so-called vertical-axis washing machines in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub extends vertically. This embodiment can also be applied to clothes dryers that dry clothes. This embodiment can also be applied to clothes treatment devices that have the function of performing some kind of treatment on clothes, such as deodorizing, removing odors, disinfecting, and bleaching clothes.

Note that this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its variations are included within the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

In the drawings, 1 is a washing machine (clothing treatment device), 3 is a water tub (clothing treatment tank), 4 is a drum (clothing treatment tank), 6 is a circulation water channel, 7 is a filter, 8 is a filter case, 8a is a main body of the filter case, 8b is an inlet of the filter case, 8bM is a main water channel (water channel), 8bS is a sub-water channel (water channel, special water channel), 8c and 8d are outlets of the filter case, 100 is an ultraviolet irradiation device (ultraviolet irradiation section), 101 is an irradiation section case, 103 is an ultraviolet transmission plate (ultraviolet transmission section), 104a, 104b, and 104c are air circulation sections, 105 and 135 are injectors (injection sections), 120 is a check valve, and 130 is a drying air channel (circulation air channel).

Claims (9)

a clothes treatment tub in which clothes are stored;
A circulation water channel for circulating water in the laundry treatment tub;
a filter that captures foreign matter contained in the water flowing through the circulating water channel;
A filter case that houses the filter;
an ultraviolet ray irradiation unit that irradiates the filter housed inside the filter case with ultraviolet rays from the outside of the filter case;
Equipped with
The filter case includes a main body portion in which the filter is housed,
The main body is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction,
the ultraviolet ray irradiation section is inclined along the main body section of the filter case and includes at least one air circulation section through which air flows,
A clothing processing device , wherein at least one of the air circulation sections is provided below the ultraviolet irradiation section . a clothes treatment tub in which clothes are stored;
A circulation water channel for circulating water in the laundry treatment tub;
a filter that captures foreign matter contained in the water flowing through the circulating water channel;
A filter case that houses the filter;
an ultraviolet ray irradiation unit that irradiates the filter housed inside the filter case with ultraviolet rays from the outside of the filter case;
Equipped with
The filter case includes a main body in which the filter is housed, an inflow section through which water flows into the main body, and an injection section through which air within the ultraviolet ray irradiation section is injected into the inflow section,
The main body is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction,
A clothing processing device, wherein the ultraviolet irradiation section is inclined to fit along the main body section of the filter case. a clothes treatment tub in which clothes are stored;
A circulation water channel for circulating water in the laundry treatment tub;
a filter that captures foreign matter contained in the water flowing through the circulating water channel;
A filter case that houses the filter;
an ultraviolet ray irradiation unit that irradiates the filter housed inside the filter case with ultraviolet rays from the outside of the filter case;
Equipped with
The filter case includes a main body portion in which the filter is housed,
The main body is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction,
The ultraviolet ray irradiation unit is provided on the upper surface of the filter case and is inclined to fit along the main body portion of the filter case. An irradiation unit case that configures an outer shell of the ultraviolet irradiation unit;
an ultraviolet transmitting portion that transmits ultraviolet light;
Further equipped with
The clothing processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the ultraviolet light transmitting section connects the filter case and the irradiation section case. The filter case is
an inlet portion for inflowing water into the main body;
An outflow portion through which water in the main body flows out;
Equipped with
The clothing processing device according to claim 1 or 3 , wherein the inlet section and the outlet section are provided on a lower side of the main body section. The clothing treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein an inner surface of the main body is treated to block ultraviolet rays. The inlet portion has a plurality of water channels,
At least one of the plurality of water channels is a special water channel having a structure for increasing a flow velocity by throttling a water flow,
The clothing treatment device according to claim 2 , wherein the injection section injects air from within the ultraviolet irradiation section into the special water channel. The clothing treatment device according to claim 2 or 7, further comprising a check valve between the ultraviolet irradiation section and the injection section. The laundry treatment tub further includes a circulation air duct for circulating air therein.
The clothing processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the injection section injects air from within the ultraviolet irradiating section into the circulating air passage.

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