Clothing treatment device

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment device which supplies a treatment liquid containing a treatment agent of stable concentration to clothing.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment device is constituted so as to supply a treatment agent to clothing that imparts a predetermined characteristic to clothing. The clothing treatment device includes: a water storage part constituted so as to store water; an undiluted liquid storage part constituted so as to store an undiluted liquid containing a treatment agent; a treatment liquid generation part for generating a treatment liquid inside by mixing the water supplied from the water storage part and the undiluted liquid supplied from the undiluted liquid storage part; a pump for sucking the water in the water storage part and the undiluted liquid in the undiluted liquid storage part and for supplying them to the treatment liquid generation part, and also for discharging the treatment liquid generated in the treatment liquid generation part; a treatment liquid supply part for supplying the treatment liquid discharged from the pump to the clothing; and a backflow suppressing part for suppressing the treatment liquid in the treatment liquid generation part flowing back to the water storage part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothing treatment apparatus that performs a predetermined treatment on clothing.

Background Art

[0002] Various clothing treatment apparatuses have been developed for stretching wrinkles in clothing, sterilizing clothing, removing odors from clothing, and the like. Patent Document 1 discloses a clothing treatment apparatus 900 shown in FIG. 9. This clothing treatment apparatus 900 is configured as an iron and can stretch wrinkles in clothing while supplying a treatment agent that reduces the friction coefficient of the clothing to the clothing. Specifically, the clothing treatment apparatus 900 includes a heating bottom plate 911 to which a heater 910 is attached, and a housing 920 provided on the heating bottom plate 911. Internal components for supplying a treatment agent and steam are housed in the housing 920.

[0003] Specifically, a water storage portion 930 in which water serving as a source of steam is stored is provided in the housing 920. The water storage portion 930 is provided with a dripping portion 931 configured to drip the water in the water storage portion 930 onto the heating bottom plate 911. When water drips onto the heating bottom plate 911 heated by the heater 910, steam is generated. A steam chamber 912 for filling the steam within a predetermined region is provided on the heating bottom plate 911. Further, steam holes 913 for ejecting the steam in the steam chamber 912 toward the clothing are formed in the heating bottom plate 911.

[0004] The clothing treatment device 900 further includes a stock solution storage unit 940 that stores a stock solution containing a treatment agent, a stock solution pipe 941 that is connected to the stock solution storage unit 940 and forms a flow path for the stock solution flowing out from the stock solution storage unit 940, and a mixing chamber 942 to which the stock solution pipe 941 is connected. A pump 943 for the stock solution is provided in the stock solution pipe 941. By this pump 943, the stock solution is sucked out from the stock solution storage unit 940, flows through the stock solution pipe 941, and is discharged into the mixing chamber 942. Further, not only the stock solution pipe 941 but also a water pipe 944 extending from the water storage unit 930 is connected to the mixing chamber 942. The water in the water storage unit 930 can flow into the mixing chamber 942 through the water pipe 944. The mixing chamber 942 is provided for mixing the water flowing in through the water pipe 944 and the stock solution flowing in through the stock solution pipe 941. As a result of mixing the water and the stock solution, a treatment liquid in which the stock solution is diluted by the water is generated in the mixing chamber 942.

[0005] A treatment liquid supply unit 945 for injecting the treatment liquid onto the clothing is provided at the upper front side of the housing 920. The treatment liquid supply unit 945 is connected to the mixing chamber 942 by a treatment liquid pipe 946. A pump 947 for the treatment liquid is provided in the treatment liquid pipe 946. By this pump 947, the treatment liquid is supplied from the mixing chamber 942 to the treatment liquid supply unit 945, and the treatment liquid is supplied to the clothing in a mist form from the treatment liquid supply unit 945. As a result, the friction coefficient of the clothing is reduced by the treatment agent in the treatment liquid, and the clothing treatment device 900 can slide on the clothing with a small force.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the clothing treatment device 900 of Patent Document 1, if the pumps 943 and 947 continuously operate at a constant rotational speed, the concentration of the treatment agent in the treatment liquid can be maintained at a substantially constant value. However, if the pumps 943 and 947 repeat operation and stop, this concentration may vary.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a clothing treatment device capable of suppressing a change in the concentration of a treatment agent in a treatment liquid generated before and after the stop of a pump.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] A clothing treatment device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is configured to supply a treatment agent that imparts predetermined characteristics to clothing to the clothing. The clothing treatment device includes a water storage unit configured to be able to store water, a stock solution storage unit configured to be able to store a stock solution containing a treatment agent, a treatment liquid generation unit that mixes the water supplied from the water storage unit and the stock solution supplied from the stock solution storage unit inside to generate a treatment liquid, a pump that sucks out the water in the water storage unit and the stock solution in the stock solution storage unit and supplies them to the treatment liquid generation unit, and discharges the treatment liquid generated by the treatment liquid generation unit, a treatment liquid supply unit that supplies the treatment liquid discharged from the pump to the clothing, and a backflow prevention unit that suppresses backflow of the treatment liquid in the treatment liquid generation unit into the water storage unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] The above-described clothing treatment device can suppress a change in the concentration of the treatment agent in the treatment liquid generated before and after the stop of the pump.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the clothing processing apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, a more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or duplicate descriptions of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description overly redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a clothing processing apparatus 100. The clothing processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to function as an iron for stretching wrinkles in clothing.

[0014] (Overall Configuration of the Clothing Processing Apparatus) The clothing processing apparatus 100 has a heating plate 110 that constitutes the bottom of the iron, and a housing 120 provided above the heating plate 110.

[0015] A heater 111 is attached to the heating plate 110, and the heating plate 110 is heated by supplying power to the heater 111. Further, a steam port 112 for spraying steam onto clothing is formed in the front portion of the heating plate 110.

[0016] The housing 120 has a grip portion 121 configured to be grippable by a user, and a main body portion 123 that houses various steam generating components for generating steam using the heat of the heating plate 110 below and in front of the grip portion 121.

[0017] These steam generating components include a water storage part 130 which contains water and is configured to be able to drip water onto the heating plate 110, a steam chamber 140 filled with steam, and a valve mechanism 150 used when dripping water from the water storage part 130 onto the heating plate 110.

[0018] The water storage part 130 is composed of a container-shaped component and is fixed within the main body part 123 at a position spaced upward from the heating plate 110. A dripping port 131 that opens toward the heating plate 110 is formed at the bottom of the water storage part 130. The water within the water storage part 130 is dripped onto the heating plate 110 through the dripping port 131.

[0019] The steam chamber 140 is provided in the space between the water storage part 130 and the heating plate 110, and the internal space of the steam chamber 140 can communicate with the internal space of the water storage part 130 through the dripping port 131. The steam chamber 140 is configured such that steam generated by dripping water from the dripping port 131 onto the heating plate 110 fills it.

[0020] The valve mechanism 150 has an on-off valve 151 provided within the steam chamber 140 so as to be displaceable between a closed position that closes the dripping port 131 and an open position that opens the dripping port 131. Above the on-off valve 151, a valve operation part 152, a connecting part 153, and a biasing member 154 for vertically displacing the on-off valve 151 are arranged.

[0021] In order to arrange the valve operation part 152 and the biasing member 154, a recess 122 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 120 above the on-off valve 151. The valve operation part 152 is arranged in a state where the upper part of the valve operation part 152 protrudes from the recess 122 while the lower part of the valve operation part 152 is accommodated within the recess 122. The biasing member 154 is arranged within the recess 122 and biases the valve operation part 152 upward. For this reason, the valve operation part 152 is configured to be pushed downward by the user's finger and sink into the recess 122, and when the user releases the finger, it moves upward by the biasing member 154 and returns to its original position.

[0022] The connecting part 153 is a rod-shaped member extending in the vertical direction and is provided to transmit the above-described vertical movement of the valve operating part 152 to the on-off valve 151. Specifically, the upper end of the connecting part 153 is connected to the valve operating part 152, and the lower end of the connecting part 153 is connected to the on-off valve 151. For this reason, when the valve operating part 152 is pushed downward, the on-off valve 151 moves downward away from the dropping port 131, and when the valve operating part 152 is displaced upward by the biasing member 154, the on-off valve 151 also moves upward to close the dropping port 131.

[0023] (Configuration for supplying a treatment agent to clothing) The clothing treatment apparatus 100 further includes a treatment agent supply mechanism 160 for supplying a treatment agent that imparts predetermined characteristics to the clothing to the clothing. In the present embodiment, the treatment agent is an agent that exhibits an antifouling effect of suppressing the adhesion of dirt such as sebum to the clothing when the clothing is worn. Such an antifouling effect can be obtained, for example, by including a fluororesin in the treatment agent.

[0024] The treatment agent supply mechanism 160 has a stock solution storage part 161 that stores a stock solution containing the treatment agent above the water storage part 130 and is configured to dilute the stock solution using the water in the water storage part 130. Specifically, the treatment agent supply mechanism 160 includes a treatment liquid generation part 162 in which a treatment liquid obtained by diluting the stock solution with water is generated inside, and a pump 163 that generates a suction pressure for sucking the stock solution in the stock solution storage part 161 and the water in the water storage part 130 into the treatment liquid generation part 162.

[0025] The treatment liquid generation unit 162 is configured to mix the water supplied from the water storage unit 130 and the stock solution supplied from the stock solution storage unit 161 inside by the suction pressure of the pump 163. Specifically, the treatment liquid generation unit 162 has three pipe portions. One of these pipe portions is a stock solution pipe portion 164 connected to the stock solution storage unit 161. The stock solution pipe portion 164 forms a stock solution flow path through which the stock solution flowing out from the stock solution storage unit 161 flows. Another one of the pipe portions is a water pipe portion 165 connected to the water storage unit 130. The water pipe portion 165 forms a water flow path through which the water flowing out from the water storage unit 130 flows. The downstream end of the water pipe portion 165 is connected to the downstream end of the stock solution pipe portion 164 such that the water flowing through the water flow path mixes with the stock solution flowing through the stock solution flow path. At these connection portions 166, a dilution process for diluting the stock solution with water starts. The remaining one of the pipe portions is a treatment liquid pipe 167 extending from the pump 163 and connected to the connection portion 166. The treatment liquid pipe 167 forms a treatment liquid flow path through which the treatment liquid obtained by the above-described dilution process flows into the pump 163.

[0026] The pump 163 is configured to operate manually. In response to the operation of the user, the water in the water storage unit 130 and the stock solution in the stock solution storage unit 161 are sucked out through the treatment liquid generation unit 162. Specifically, the pump 163 has a pump body 171 and a pump operation unit 172 attached to the pump body 171 in an upwardly biased state. The pump operation unit 172 protrudes from the upper surface of the main body unit 123. The pump operation unit 172 is a portion where the same operation as the valve operation unit 152 is performed. The user can push down the pump operation unit 172 with a finger. When the user releases the finger from the pump operation unit 172, the pump operation unit 172 is displaced upward.

[0027] The pump body 171 is provided with a suction port 173 into which the processing liquid is sucked and a discharge port 174 from which the processing liquid is discharged. The downstream end (upper end) of the processing liquid pipe 167 is connected to the suction port 173. The pump body 171 is configured to generate a suction pressure at the suction port 173 and a discharge pressure at the discharge port 174 by the vertical movement of the pump operation unit 172. For example, the pump body 171 may incorporate a piston that moves vertically following the vertical movement of the pump operation unit 172, and a check valve that prevents the processing liquid flowing into the pump body 171 from returning to the processing liquid generation unit 162. In this case, the above-described suction pressure and discharge pressure are generated according to the vertical movement of the piston.

[0028] A discharge pipe 175 through which the processing liquid discharged from the pump 163 flows is connected to the discharge port 174, and a processing liquid supply unit 176 for supplying the processing liquid to the clothing is attached to the tip of the discharge pipe 175. The processing liquid supply unit 176 is configured to spray the processing liquid and is attached to the front end of the main body 123 at an angle that can spray the mist-like processing liquid onto the clothing.

[0029] In order to prevent an excessive amount of the stock solution from being sucked in by the suction pressure of the pump 163, a throttle portion 177 that narrows the stock solution flow path is provided in the stock solution pipe portion 164. In the present embodiment, the throttle portion 177 is constituted by a valve body, and the degree of throttling of this valve body is set so that the ratio of the stock solution to the water in the processing liquid generated in the processing liquid generation unit 162 becomes a predetermined target value (predetermined ratio) when the pump 163 is operating. Note that the predetermined target value may be set within a range allowed according to the function of the processing liquid.

[0030] In addition, the stock solution pipe section 164 is also provided with a diffusion suppression section 178 for suppressing the diffusion of the treatment agent in the stock solution pipe section 164 toward the connection section 166 when the pump 163 is not operating. Specifically, the diffusion suppression section 178 is attached to the stock solution pipe section 164 on the downstream side of the throttle section 177 and on the upstream side of the connection section 166 in the flow direction of the stock solution. The diffusion suppression section 178 is constituted by a valve that rotates in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1 by the suction pressure of the pump 163 to open the stock solution flow path, and when the suction pressure disappears, it rotates in the direction opposite to arrow A and returns to the closed position where the stock solution flow path is closed. The diffusion suppression section 178 suppresses the diffusion of the treatment agent in the stock solution on the upstream side (stock solution storage section 161 side) of the diffusion suppression section 178 toward the connection section 166 in the closed position.

[0031] A backflow suppression section 179 constituted by a valve having the same configuration as the valve constituting the diffusion suppression section 178 is provided in the water pipe section 165. The backflow suppression section 179 rotates in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 1 by the suction pressure of the pump 163 to open the water flow path, and when the suction pressure disappears, it rotates in the direction opposite to arrow B and returns to the closed position where the water flow path is closed. The backflow suppression section 179 is provided to prevent the treatment liquid in the treatment liquid pipe 167 and the connection section 166 from flowing back into the water storage section 130 when the pump 163 is not operating.

[0032] The backflow suppression section 179 is provided at a position separated upstream by a predetermined distance from the connection section 166 in the flow direction of the water in the water pipe section 165. In addition, the diffusion suppression section 178 is provided at a position separated upstream by a predetermined distance from the connection section 166 in the flow direction of the stock solution in the stock solution pipe section 164. The distances of the backflow suppression section 179 and the diffusion suppression section 178 from the connection section 166 can preferably be set as follows.

[0033] While the pump 163 is operating, the stock solution is mixed with water so that the ratio of the stock solution to the water in the treatment liquid generated in the treatment liquid generation unit 162 becomes a predetermined target value (predetermined ratio). Based on this target value, the installation positions of the diffusion suppression unit 178 and the backflow suppression unit 179 are determined. Specifically, the backflow suppression unit 179 and the diffusion suppression unit 178 are provided at a position where the ratio of the volume of the stock solution flow path in the flow path section from the diffusion suppression unit 178 to the connection part 166 to the volume of the water flow path in the flow path section from the backflow suppression unit 179 to the connection part 166 is equal to the above-mentioned target value. As described above, a range corresponding to the target value may be set.

[0034] (Operation of the clothing treatment apparatus 100) The user supplies power to the heater 111, heats the heating plate 110, and then slides the heating plate 110 on the clothing. As a result, the wrinkles of the clothing are stretched. If the wrinkles of the clothing are difficult to stretch, the user presses down the valve operation unit 152. Along with the downward displacement of the valve operation unit 152, the on-off valve 151 moves away from the dropping port 131 downward, and the dropping port 131 is opened. At this time, the water in the water storage unit 130 drops onto the heating plate 110 from the dropping port 131 and evaporates due to the heat of the heating plate 110. As a result, the steam chamber 140 is filled with steam, and the steam is jetted from the steam port 112 by the expansion pressure. In this state, if the user lifts the clothing treatment apparatus 100 and separates the heating plate 110 from the clothing with the steam port 112 facing the clothing, the steam in the steam chamber 140 can be jetted toward the clothing. Thereby, the clothing becomes moist at the jetting portion of the steam and the wrinkles are more likely to stretch.

[0035] In the above ironing operation, the user can perform the stain prevention treatment using the treatment agent supply mechanism 160. For example, the user may perform the stain prevention treatment on easily soiled parts such as the collar of the clothing. In this case, the user may move the clothing treatment apparatus 100 to a position where the treatment liquid supply unit 176 faces the collar of the clothing and operate the pump operation unit 172.

[0036] When the user operates the pump operation unit 172, due to the suction pressure of the pump 163, the diffusion suppression unit 178 rotates in the direction of arrow A, and the backflow suppression unit 179 rotates in the direction of arrow B. That is, both the diffusion suppression unit 178 and the backflow suppression unit 179 are in the open position, and the stock solution flow path and the water flow path are opened. As a result, the stock solution in the stock solution storage unit 161 flows toward the connection unit 166 through the stock solution pipe unit 164, and the water in the water storage unit 130 flows toward the connection unit 166 through the water pipe unit 165. Therefore, in the connection unit 166, the stock solution and water are mixed to generate a treatment liquid. This treatment liquid flows through the treatment liquid pipe 167 and is sucked into the suction port 173 of the pump 163. Note that while the treatment liquid is flowing through the treatment liquid pipe 167, the mixing of the stock solution and water is promoted, and they can be in a state of being mixed substantially uniformly at a predetermined ratio.

[0037] The pump 163 discharges the sucked treatment liquid from the discharge port 174. The treatment liquid flows toward the treatment liquid supply unit 176 through the discharge pipe 175, and the treatment liquid supply unit 176 sprays the treatment liquid toward the clothing. Then, if the user presses the heating plate 110 against the spraying portion of the treatment liquid, the water in the treatment liquid evaporates due to the heat of the heating plate 110, and the treatment agent in the treatment liquid adheres to the clothing. The adhered portion of the treatment agent becomes less likely to have dirt such as sebum adhere due to the treatment agent.

[0038] When the above-mentioned antifouling treatment is completed, the user stops operating the pump operation unit 172. As a result, the pump 163 stops, and the suction pressure of the pump 163 disappears. When the suction pressure disappears, both the diffusion suppression unit 178 and the backflow suppression unit 179 return from the open position to the closed position, and the stock solution flow path and the water flow path are closed.

[0039] In this state, the processing liquid pipe 167 and the connection part 166 contain the processing liquid containing the processing agent, and this processing liquid is retained on the downstream side (upper side) of the backflow prevention part 179 by the backflow prevention part 179. That is, the backflow of the processing liquid toward the water storage part 130 is suppressed by the backflow prevention part 179. As a result, even when the pump 163 is not operating, the processing liquid does not flow into the water storage part 130. Therefore, the mixing of the processing agent in the processing liquid into the water in the water storage part 130 is suppressed. When the pump 163 is restarted, the water in the water storage part 130 flows into the processing liquid generation part 162, but since no processing agent is mixed in this water, an increase in concentration due to the mixing of the processing agent does not occur when the pump 163 is restarted.

[0040] Immediately after the pump 163 stops, the flow path section from the diffusion suppression part 178 to the connection part 166 is filled with the stock solution. Since the concentration of the processing agent in the stock solution is higher than the concentration of the processing agent in the processing liquid in the connection part 166, due to these concentration differences, the processing agent in the flow path section from the diffusion suppression part 178 to the connection part 166 diffuses to the connection part 166. On the other hand, since the stock solution flow path is closed by the diffusion suppression part 178, the diffusion of the processing agent in the stock solution on the stock solution storage part 161 side with respect to the diffusion suppression part 178 beyond the diffusion suppression part 178 to the connection part 166 side is suppressed. Therefore, the concentration of the processing agent on the connection part 166 side with respect to the diffusion suppression part 178 does not become excessively high.

[0041] The stock solution on the connection part 166 side with respect to the diffusion suppression part 178 and the water on the connection part 166 side with respect to the backflow suppression part 179 can be mixed over time due to the concentration difference of the treatment agent. In the case where the stock solution and water on the connection part 166 side with respect to the diffusion suppression part 178 and the backflow suppression part 179 are completely mixed, the numerical value of the ratio of the stock solution to water is equal to the numerical value of the volume ratio of the flow path on the connection part 166 side with respect to the backflow suppression part 179 and the diffusion suppression part 178. This numerical value of the volume ratio is equal to the numerical value (predetermined ratio) of the ratio of the stock solution to water in the treatment liquid generated while the user is operating the pump 163. Therefore, when the user operates the pump 163 again, the concentration of the treatment agent in the treatment liquid flowing into the pump 163 can be substantially equal to the concentration of the treatment agent in the treatment liquid generated before the pump 163 stops. That is, the variation in the concentration of the treatment agent before and after the stop of the pump 163 is suppressed.

[0042] Both the diffusion suppression part 178 and the backflow suppression part 179 are provided at positions away from the connection part 166. That is, the diffusion suppression part 178 and the backflow suppression part 179 are arranged without being close to each other. In this case, the user can inspect and repair the diffusion suppression part 178 without being obstructed by the backflow suppression part 179, and can also inspect and repair the backflow suppression part 179 without being obstructed by the diffusion suppression part 178.

[0043] Since the ratio of the stock solution to water in the treatment liquid is set by the degree of throttling of the throttle part 177, it is not necessary to make the stock solution pipe part 164 overly thin. Therefore, the risk of clogging of the stock solution pipe part 164 is reduced. In the present embodiment, the throttle part 177 is constituted by a valve body, but as shown in FIG. 2, it may be constituted by a protruding part protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the stock solution pipe part 164 so as to narrow the stock solution flow path.

[0044] Note that, without providing the throttle portion 177, the ratio of the stock solution to water in the treatment liquid may be made closer to the target value. For example, the ratio of the stock solution to water in the treatment liquid may be set by the resistance exerted by the water pipe portion 165 and the stock solution pipe portion 164 on the flow of water and the stock solution. Since this resistance is related to the cross-sectional area and length of the stock solution flow path and the water flow path, the cross-sectional area and length of the stock solution flow path and the water flow path may be set so that the ratio of the stock solution to water in the treatment liquid becomes a predetermined target value. If this ratio is small, for example, a capillary tube may be used as the stock solution pipe portion 164.

[0045] In order to simplify the treatment agent supply mechanism 160, as shown in FIG. 3, the diffusion suppression portion 178 may be omitted. In the treatment agent supply mechanism 160 shown in FIG. 3, a throttle portion 177 is disposed at the mounting position of the diffusion suppression portion 178 in FIG. 1. This treatment agent supply mechanism 160 can be suitably used when the ratio of the stock solution to water in the treatment liquid is low. That is, if the ratio of the stock solution to water is low, the throttle portion 177 can be configured to greatly reduce the cross-sectional area of the stock solution flow path. In this case, when the pump 163 is stopped, the diffusion of the treatment agent in the stock solution on the stock solution container portion 161 side to the connection portion 166 side with respect to the throttle portion 177 can be suppressed to some extent by the throttle portion 177. Therefore, even if the diffusion suppression portion 178 is omitted, the diffusion of the treatment agent to the connection portion 166 can be suppressed, and it can be prevented that a treatment liquid having an excessively high concentration of the treatment agent is sucked into the pump 163 when the pump 163 is restarted.

[0046] Note that, as shown in FIG. 4, by reducing the cross-sectional area of the stock solution flow path (for example, by using a capillary tube as the stock solution pipe portion 164), the throttle portion 177 may be further omitted. The smaller the stock solution flow path becomes, the smaller the diffusion amount of the treatment agent from the stock solution in the stock solution flow path to the treatment liquid in the connection portion 166 when the pump 163 is stopped can be. Therefore, it can be prevented that a treatment liquid having an excessively high concentration of the treatment agent is sucked into the pump 163 when the pump 163 is restarted.

[0047] In the clothing treatment apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, the backflow suppression unit 179 and the diffusion suppression unit 178 are provided at positions away from the connection part 166 so that the ratio of the stock solution to water in the treatment liquid becomes the target value when the pump 163 is restarted. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the backflow suppression unit 179 and the diffusion suppression unit 178 may be provided at the downstream ends of the water pipe part 165 and the stock solution pipe part 164. In this case, the concentration state of the treatment liquid in the connection part 166 and the treatment liquid pipe 167 is not affected by the diffusion of the stock solution even during the stop of the pump 163, and the state before the stop of the pump 163 can be maintained.

[0048] In the clothing treatment apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a manual pump 163 is used. Alternatively, the pump 163 may be electric. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the clothing treatment apparatus 100 may include a control circuit 181 configured to control the pump 163, and an on-off operation unit 182 operated by a user to instruct the control circuit 181 to operate and stop the pump 163. The control circuit 181 includes a first valve control unit 184 that controls a solenoid valve 183 attached to the water pipe part 165, and a second valve control unit 186 that controls a solenoid valve 185 attached to the stock solution pipe part 164. The control circuit 181 is electrically connected to these solenoid valves 183, 185. In this case, the backflow suppression unit 179 is constituted by the first valve control unit 184 and the solenoid valve 183, and the diffusion suppression unit 178 is constituted by the second valve control unit 186 and the solenoid valve 185.

[0049] When the user operates the on-off operation unit 182 to instruct the operation of the pump 163, the control circuit 181 starts the pump 163. The first valve control unit 184 and the second valve control unit 186 of the control circuit 181 control the solenoid valves 183, 185 in synchronization with the start of the pump 163 to open the water flow path and the stock solution flow path. As a result, water and the stock solution are sucked out by the pump 163, and the treatment liquid is generated in the treatment liquid generation unit 162. This treatment liquid is discharged from the pump 163 and supplied to the clothing through the treatment liquid supply unit 176.

[0050] In the clothing treatment apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, water and the stock solution are mixed in the treatment liquid generation unit 162 to form a treatment liquid. However, it is assumed that the treatment liquid flows into the pump 163 in a state where these are insufficiently mixed. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 7, a turbulent flow generation unit 190 that generates a turbulent flow to promote the mixing of water and the stock solution may be provided in the treatment liquid pipe 167.

[0051] The turbulent flow generation unit 190 shown in FIG. 7 is composed of a mesh member with a relatively coarse mesh so as not to generate an excessive flow path resistance. Alternatively, as the turbulent flow generation unit 190, other components configured to promote the generation of turbulent flow in the treatment liquid pipe 167 may be attached to the treatment liquid pipe 167. Or, the turbulent flow generation unit 190 may be a spiral protrusion that protrudes from the inner peripheral wall of the treatment liquid pipe 167. Note that the turbulent flow generation unit 190 may be provided in the discharge pipe 175 as shown in FIG. 8.

[0052] The clothing treatment apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 is configured as an iron. Alternatively, the clothing treatment apparatus 100 may be configured as a steam ejector having only a function of blowing steam onto clothing. For example, if the treatment agent supply mechanism 160 is incorporated into a known steam ejector, the treatment agent can be supplied to the clothing together with the steam.

[0053] In the clothing treatment apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, a fluororesin that exhibits an antifouling effect is used as the treatment agent. Alternatively, the treatment agent may be an agent that exhibits a deodorizing effect or a sterilizing effect on clothing, or may be an agent that protects clothing such as an agent that reduces the friction coefficient between the clothing and the iron during the ironing operation, and the function is not particularly limited.

[0054] (Effects, etc.) The clothing treatment apparatus 100 according to the above-described embodiment has the following features and exhibits the following effects.

[0055] A clothing treatment apparatus according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment is configured to supply a treatment agent that imparts a predetermined characteristic to clothing to the clothing. The clothing treatment apparatus includes a water storage unit configured to store water, a stock solution storage unit configured to store a stock solution containing the treatment agent, a treatment liquid generation unit that mixes the water supplied from the water storage unit and the stock solution supplied from the stock solution storage unit inside to generate a treatment liquid, a pump that sucks out the water in the water storage unit and the stock solution in the stock solution storage unit and supplies them to the treatment liquid generation unit, and discharges the treatment liquid generated by the treatment liquid generation unit, a treatment liquid supply unit that supplies the treatment liquid discharged from the pump to the clothing, and a backflow prevention unit that suppresses backflow of the treatment liquid in the treatment liquid generation unit into the water storage unit.

[0056] According to the above configuration, when the pump sucks out water and the stock solution from the water storage unit and the stock solution storage unit, the water and the stock solution are mixed in the treatment liquid generation unit to generate a treatment liquid. This treatment liquid is discharged to the treatment liquid supply unit by the pump and supplied from the treatment liquid supply unit to the clothing. As a result, a predetermined characteristic is imparted to the clothing by the treatment agent in the treatment liquid.

[0057] When the pump stops, since the suction pressure of the pump disappears, it is conceivable that the treatment liquid generated in the treatment liquid generation unit flows back into the water storage unit. If such a backflow occurs, the treatment agent flows into the water storage unit, and then, when the pump sucks out the water in the water storage unit, the water mixed with the treatment agent is supplied from the water storage unit to the treatment liquid generation unit. At this time, the stock solution is also supplied to the treatment liquid generation unit from the stock solution storage unit. Therefore, in the treatment liquid generation unit, the water mixed with the treatment agent and the stock solution are mixed, so that a treatment liquid with a high concentration can be generated by the amount of the treatment agent mixed into the water. That is, the concentration of the treatment agent in the treatment liquid can vary depending on before and after the pump stops. On the other hand, if the backflow of the treatment liquid into the water storage unit is suppressed by the backflow prevention unit, such a variation in the concentration of the treatment agent is suppressed.

[0058] In the above configuration, the treatment liquid generation unit may include a water pipe portion that is connected to the water storage portion and forms a water flow path through which the water flowing out from the water storage portion flows, a stock solution pipe portion that is connected to the stock solution storage portion and forms a stock solution flow path through which the stock solution flowing out from the stock solution storage portion flows and is connected to the water pipe portion, and a treatment liquid pipe that is connected to the pump so that the treatment liquid in which water and the stock solution are mixed flows into the pump. The backflow prevention unit may be configured to open the water flow path when the pump is operating and close the water flow path when the pump is not operating.

[0059] According to the above configuration, when the pump is operating, the water flowing out from the water storage portion flows through the water flow path of the water pipe portion, and the stock solution flowing out from the stock solution storage portion flows through the stock solution flow path of the stock solution pipe portion. Since the stock solution pipe portion is connected to the water pipe portion, the stock solution and water are mixed to generate a treatment liquid. This treatment liquid flows into the pump through the treatment liquid pipe. In this case, although there is a treatment liquid on the downstream side of the backflow prevention unit in the water flow direction, when the pump stops, the backflow prevention unit closes the water flow path, so the treatment liquid does not return to the upstream side of the backflow prevention unit. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the mixing of the treatment agent into the water in the water storage portion on the upstream side of the backflow prevention unit.

[0060] In any of the above configurations, the backflow prevention unit may be configured to open the water flow path by the suction pressure of the pump and close the water flow path when the suction pressure of the pump disappears.

[0061] According to the above configuration, since the backflow prevention unit opens and closes the water flow path depending on the presence or absence of the suction pressure of the pump, it is not necessary to separately provide a component for opening and closing the backflow prevention unit. Therefore, the structure of the clothing treatment apparatus is simplified.

[0062] In any of the above configurations, the clothing treatment apparatus may further include a throttle portion that narrows the stock solution flow path so that the ratio of the stock solution to the water in the treatment liquid generated in the treatment liquid generation unit becomes a predetermined target value when the pump is operating.

[0063] According to the above configuration, since the stock solution flow path is narrowed by the throttle portion so that the ratio of the stock solution to water in the treatment liquid becomes a predetermined target value, water and the stock solution can be mixed at a desired ratio without making the stock solution pipe portion excessively thin or excessively long.

[0064] In any of the above configurations, the cross-sectional areas and lengths of the water flow path and the stock solution flow path may be set so that the ratio of the stock solution to water in the treatment liquid generated in the treatment liquid generation unit becomes a predetermined target value when the pump is operating.

[0065] According to the above configuration, since the cross-sectional areas and lengths of the water flow path and the stock solution flow path are set so that the ratio of the stock solution to water in the treatment liquid becomes a predetermined target value, water and the stock solution can be mixed at a desired ratio without using other members such as a throttle valve.

[0066] In any of the above configurations, the clothing treatment apparatus may further include a diffusion suppression portion provided in the stock solution pipe portion. The diffusion suppression portion opens the stock solution flow path when the pump is operating, while closing the stock solution flow path when the pump is not operating.

[0067] According to the above configuration, when the pump is not operating, the stock solution pipe portion is closed by the diffusion suppression portion. In this state, the diffusion of the treatment agent in the stock solution between the diffusion suppression portion and the stock solution storage portion to the connection portion side of the stock solution pipe portion and the water pipe portion is suppressed. As a result, the change over time in the concentration of the treatment agent on the connection portion side of the stock solution pipe portion and the water pipe portion with respect to the diffusion suppression portion is suppressed.

[0068] In any of the above configurations, the diffusion suppression portion may be configured to open the stock solution flow path by the suction pressure of the pump and close the stock solution flow path when the suction pressure of the pump disappears.

[0069] According to the above configuration, since the diffusion suppression portion opens and closes the stock solution flow path depending on the presence or absence of the suction pressure of the pump, there is no need to separately provide a component for opening and closing the diffusion suppression portion. Therefore, the structure of the clothing treatment apparatus is simplified.

[0070] In any of the above configurations, the backflow prevention part may be provided in the water pipe part at a position away from the connection part between the stock solution pipe part and the water pipe part. The diffusion prevention part may be provided in the stock solution pipe part at a position away from the connection part.

[0071] According to the above configuration, since the backflow prevention part and the diffusion prevention part are provided at positions away from the connection part between the stock solution pipe part and the water pipe part, it is not necessary to densely arrange the backflow prevention part and the diffusion prevention part around the connection part. In this case, the backflow prevention part and the diffusion prevention part can be inspected or repaired without interfering with each other.

[0072] In any of the above configurations, the clothing treatment device may further include a diffusion prevention part provided in the stock solution pipe part. The diffusion prevention part may be configured to open the stock solution flow path when the pump is operating and close the stock solution flow path when the pump is not operating. The numerical value of the ratio of the volume of the stock solution flow path in the section from the diffusion prevention part to the connection part to the volume of the water flow path in the section from the backflow prevention part to the connection part between the stock solution pipe part and the water pipe part may be equal to the target numerical value.

[0073] According to the above configuration, before the pump stops, the treatment liquid is generated in the treatment liquid generation part so that the numerical value of the ratio of the stock solution to the water becomes the target numerical value. When the pump stops, the water flow path in the section from the backflow prevention part to the connection part between the stock solution pipe part and the water pipe part is filled with water. Also, the stock solution flow path in the section from the diffusion prevention part to the connection part is filled with the stock solution. Then, when the pump is operated again, the water in the section from the backflow prevention part to the connection part and the stock solution in the section from the diffusion prevention part to the connection part are mixed. The numerical value of the ratio of the thus mixed water and stock solution becomes substantially equal to the numerical value of the volume ratio of these sections. Since the numerical value of this volume ratio is equal to the target numerical value of the ratio of the stock solution to the water in the treatment liquid, the numerical value of the ratio of the stock solution to the water in the treatment liquid generated in the treatment liquid generation part when the pump starts to operate can also become the target numerical value.

[0074] In any of the above configurations, the clothing treatment apparatus may further include a turbulent flow generation unit configured to make the flow of the treatment liquid into a turbulent flow.

[0075] According to the above configuration, since the flow of the treatment liquid becomes a turbulent flow by the turbulent flow generation unit, the mixing of the stock solution and water is promoted.

[0076] In any of the above configurations, the treatment agent may contain a fluororesin.

[0077] According to the above configuration, the fluororesin can be supplied to the clothing using the clothing treatment apparatus. If the fluororesin adheres to the clothing, the adhesion of sebum stains to the clothing is suppressed by the fluororesin.

Industrial Applicability

[0078] The technology of the present embodiment is applicable to the technical field that requires performing a predetermined treatment on clothing.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0079] 100 ······ Clothing treatment apparatus 130 ······ Water storage unit 161 ······ Stock solution storage unit 162 ······ Treatment liquid generation unit 163 ······ Pump 164 ······ Stock solution pipe section 165 ······ Water pipe section 166 ······ Connection section 167 ······ Treatment liquid pipe 176 ······ Treatment liquid supply unit 177 ······ Throttle valve 178 ······ Diffusion suppression unit 179 ······ Backflow suppression unit 190 ······ Turbulent flow generation unit

Claims

1. A clothing treatment apparatus configured to supply a treatment agent for imparting predetermined characteristics to clothing to the clothing, comprising: a water storage section configured to store water; a stock solution storage section configured to store a stock solution containing the treatment agent; a treatment liquid generation section that mixes the water supplied from the water storage section and the stock solution supplied from the stock solution storage section inside to generate a treatment liquid; a pump that sucks out the water in the water storage section and the stock solution in the stock solution storage section and supplies them to the treatment liquid generation section, and discharges the treatment liquid generated by the treatment liquid generation section; a treatment liquid supply section that supplies the treatment liquid discharged from the pump to the clothing; a backflow prevention section that suppresses backflow of the treatment liquid in the treatment liquid generation section into the water storage section.

2. The treatment liquid generation section includes a water pipe section that forms a water flow path connected to the water storage section and through which the water flowing out from the water storage section flows, and a stock solution pipe section that forms a stock solution flow path connected to the stock solution storage section and through which the stock solution flowing out from the stock solution storage section flows and is connected to the water pipe section, and a treatment liquid pipe connected to the pump so that the treatment liquid in which water and the stock solution are mixed flows into the pump. The backflow prevention section is configured to open the water flow path when the pump is operating and close the water flow path when the pump is not operating. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The backflow prevention section is configured to open the water flow path by the suction pressure of the pump and close the water flow path when the suction pressure of the pump disappears. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The apparatus further comprises a throttle section that narrows the stock solution flow path so that the ratio of the stock solution to water in the treatment liquid generated in the treatment liquid generation section becomes a predetermined target value when the pump is operating. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The cross-sectional areas and lengths of the water flow path and the stock solution flow path are set so that the ratio of the stock solution to water in the treatment liquid generated in the treatment liquid generation section becomes a predetermined target value when the pump is operating. The clothing treatment apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The apparatus further comprises a diffusion suppression section provided in the stock solution pipe section, wherein the diffusion suppression section opens the stock solution flow path when the pump is operating and closes the stock solution flow path when the pump is not operating. The clothing treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. The clothing treatment device according to claim 6, wherein the diffusion suppression unit is configured to open the stock solution flow path by the suction pressure of the pump and close the stock solution flow path when the suction pressure of the pump disappears.

8. The backflow prevention unit is provided in the water pipe portion at a position away from the connection portion between the stock solution pipe portion and the water pipe portion. The clothing treatment device according to claim 6, wherein the diffusion suppression unit is provided in the stock solution pipe portion at a position away from the connection portion.

9. The clothing treatment device further includes a diffusion suppression unit provided in the stock solution pipe portion. The diffusion suppression unit is configured to open the stock solution flow path when the pump is operating and close the stock solution flow path when the pump is not operating. The numerical value of the ratio of the volume of the stock solution flow path in the section from the diffusion suppression unit to the connection portion to the volume of the water flow path in the section from the backflow prevention unit to the connection portion between the stock solution pipe portion and the water pipe portion is equal to a target numerical value. The clothing treatment device according to claim 4 or 5.

10. The clothing treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a turbulent flow generation unit configured to make the flow of the treatment liquid into a turbulent flow.

11. The treatment agent contains a fluororesin. The clothing treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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