Clothing processing equipment

The integrated nozzle and suction port configuration in the clothing processing apparatus addresses inefficiencies by allowing efficient moisture suction without manual movement, preventing overflow and enhancing processing stability.

JP2026071949APending Publication Date: 2026-04-30PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
Filing Date
2024-10-17
Publication Date
2026-04-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The independent arrangement of the ejection and suction ports in existing clothing processing apparatuses requires manual movement of the head portion to ensure moisture is efficiently sucked, leading to potential overflow and inefficient processing.

Method used

A clothing processing apparatus with a communication unit connecting the nozzle and suction port on the facing surface, allowing for efficient moisture suction by aligning the nozzle and suction port, and a control device to manage moisture supply and suction.

Benefits of technology

Enables efficient suction of moisture without manual movement, preventing overflow and ensuring stable processing, particularly effective for low-absorption materials like polyester and nylon.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention provides a garment processing device capable of efficiently suctioning moisture supplied to clothing. [Solution] A clothing processing apparatus capable of performing a predetermined process on an object to be processed comprises: an opposing surface 2a positioned facing the object to be processed during the processing; a supply unit including a nozzle 21A opening on the opposing surface 2a and capable of supplying moisture to the object to be processed through the nozzle 21A; a suction unit including a suction port 22A opening on the opposing surface 2a and capable of sucking air along with the moisture adhering to the object to be processed through the suction port 22A; and a communication unit 2S exposed on the opposing surface 2a and connecting the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a clothing processing apparatus that performs a predetermined process on clothing.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a clothing processing apparatus. In this technology, the clothing processing apparatus includes a water supply device that supplies moisture to the object to be processed, and a suction device that sucks air together with the moisture adhering to the object to be processed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the ejection port of the water supply device and the suction port of the suction device are arranged independently of each other. For this reason, after the user supplies moisture through the ejection port to a predetermined location of the object to be processed, in order to perform suction on that location, it is necessary to surely move the head portion of the clothing processing apparatus by a predetermined stroke. Further, if such an appropriate movement is not performed, there is a problem that moisture overflows from around the ejection port.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a clothing processing apparatus capable of efficiently sucking the moisture supplied to clothing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The garment processing apparatus in this disclosure is a garment processing apparatus capable of performing a predetermined process on an object to be processed, comprising: a facing surface positioned opposite the object to be processed during the processing; a supply unit including a nozzle opening to the facing surface and capable of supplying moisture to the object to be processed through the nozzle; a suction unit including a suction port opening to the facing surface and capable of sucking air along with the moisture adhering to the object to be processed through the suction port; and a communication unit exposed to the facing surface and connecting the nozzle and the suction port. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the garment processing device described above, it becomes possible to efficiently suction the moisture supplied to the garment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a garment processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the base unit of a garment processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit of a garment processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the head unit of a garment processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit of a garment processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit of a garment processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit of a garment processing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view of the head unit of a garment processing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of the head unit of a garment processing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a cross-sectional view of the head unit of a garment processing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of the head unit of a garment processing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit of a garment processing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit of a garment processing apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit of a garment processing apparatus according to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13A] Figure 13A is a cross-sectional view of the head unit of a garment processing apparatus according to a tenth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13B] Figure 13B is a plan view of the partition wall of the head unit of a garment processing apparatus according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14A] Figure 14A is a front view of the head unit of a garment processing apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14B] Figure 14B is a plan view of the partition wall of the head unit of a garment processing apparatus according to the 11th embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, the first to eleventh embodiments of the garment processing apparatus according to this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in order to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a clothing treatment apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a base unit 1 of the clothing treatment apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a head unit 2 of the clothing treatment apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the head unit 2 of the clothing treatment apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. The clothing treatment apparatus 100 is capable of performing a predetermined treatment on a treatment object C (FIG. 3). The treatment object C processed by the clothing treatment apparatus 100 is mainly a fabric product such as clothing, and also includes scarves, handkerchiefs, towels, sheets, etc., and is not particularly limited as long as it is a light and soft deformable object of this kind.

[0011] The clothing treatment apparatus 100 includes a base unit 1, a head unit 2, a flexible connecting pipe 3 connecting the base unit 1 and the head unit 2, a water supply device 4 (supply unit), a suction device 5 (suction unit), and a control device 6 (control unit). The main parts of the water supply device 4, the suction device 5, and the control device 6 are provided inside the base unit 1, the head unit 2, and the connecting pipe 3.

[0012] The clothing treatment apparatus 100 has a steamer function, a cleaner function, and a steam cleaner function, and is configured such that a user can properly use these functions. Here, the steamer function is a function of spraying water, warm water, steam, etc. to wet the treatment object C and stretch wrinkles or dissolve dirt. The cleaner function is a function of sucking dust, moisture, etc. attached to the surface of the treatment object C. The steam cleaner function is a function of injecting moisture (such as steam or mist) into the dirt soaked into the treatment object C to dissolve it and sucking it together with the moisture.

[0013] The base unit 1 corresponds to the main body of the garment processing apparatus 100 and has a roughly box-like shape, as shown in Figure 1, for example. The base unit 1 can be placed on the floor. The head unit 2 performs various processes on the object to be processed C. The head unit 2 is held by the user. The head unit 2 has a contact surface 2a (opposing surface) (Figures 1 and 3). When a predetermined process is performed on the object to be processed C, the contact surface 2a is positioned opposite the object to be processed C and makes contact with the object to be processed C. The connecting pipe 3 connects the base unit 1 and the head unit 2. The connecting pipe 3 is deformable.

[0014] The water supply device 4 supplies water from the base unit 1 to the head unit 2 and sprays water from the head unit 2. The water supply device 4 includes a water tank 41, a water pump 42, and a water supply pipe 46. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the water tank 41 and the water pump 42 are provided on the base unit 1. The water tank 41 is configured to be detachable from the base unit 1. The water pump 42 discharges water from the water tank 41. The water supply pipe 46 guides the water discharged by the water pump 42 to the head unit 2.

[0015] Furthermore, the water supply device 4 has a supply path 21 and a nozzle 21A located within the head unit 2. The nozzle 21A opens onto the contact surface 2a. The water supply device 4 is capable of supplying water to the object to be processed C through this nozzle 21A. The supply path 21 is connected to the water supply pipe 46 and is a flow path through which water (moisture) flows toward the nozzle 21A.

[0016] The water supply device 4 may also have a steam generating unit (not shown), in which water is heated to form steam. In this case, steam can be injected onto the object to be processed C. The steam generating unit may be located in the base unit 1 or in the head unit 2. The water supply device 4 may also supply hot water to the head unit 2 by providing a heating unit (not shown) in the water supply pipe 46. This can raise the temperature of the water supplied to the head unit 2.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the suction device 5 includes a drain tank 51, a separation plate 51a, a suction fan 52, a suction pipe 55, an exhaust port 56, and a filter 57. The suction device 5 generates negative pressure to suck up moisture adhering to the object to be processed C along with air. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the drain tank 51 and the suction fan 52 are provided on the base unit 1.

[0018] The drainage tank 51 is configured to be detachable from the base unit 1. The drainage tank 51 has the function of a trap that separates moisture from the air that is drawn in along with the moisture. The separation plate 51a is placed inside the drainage tank 51 and efficiently separates moisture from the drawn-in air. The configuration of the separation plate 51a is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it be provided such that turbulence is generated when the suction air flowing into the drainage tank 51 collides with it, as shown in Figure 2. In addition, for example, a hydrophobic filter may be provided near the inlet of the drainage tank 51.

[0019] The suction fan 52 is connected to the drain tank 51 and sucks in air from which moisture has been separated. The exhaust port 56 is located on the side of the base unit 1 and discharges the air that has passed through the suction fan 52. The filter 57 is located at the exhaust port 56 and captures dust that has entered mixed with the suction air.

[0020] Furthermore, the suction device 5 has a suction path 22 and a suction port 22A located within the head unit 2. The suction port 22A opens to the contact surface 2a. The suction device 5 is capable of sucking air along with the moisture adhering to the object to be processed C through this suction port 22A. The suction path 22 is connected to the suction pipe 55 and is a flow path through which air sucked in via the suction port 22A and the later-described connecting section 2S flows.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the head unit 2 has a partition wall 20 and a communication section 2S. The partition wall 20 separates the supply path 21 and the suction path 22 within the head unit 2.

[0022] The communication portion 2S is exposed to the contact surface 2a and connects the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A on the inside of the contact surface 2a. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the communication portion 2S is formed at the end of the partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side. In other words, the communication portion 2S is formed by offsetting the tip of the partition wall 20 inward from the contact surface 2a by the separation distance D shown in Figure 3.

[0023] The control device 6 (Figure 2) includes a control unit 61, a cable 64 (Figure 1), a power switch 65, and a function setting switch 66. The control device 6 controls, for example, the water supply pump 42 and the suction fan 52 to operate the garment processing device 100.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 61 is provided on the base unit 1. The control unit 61 has a computer system that includes a processor and memory. The computer system functions as the control unit 61 when the processor executes a program stored in memory. Here, the program executed by the processor is assumed to be pre-recorded in the computer system's memory, but it may also be recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card and provided, or it may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0025] Furthermore, the power switch 65 and the function setting switch 66 are provided on the base unit 1. The function setting switch 66 is configured to allow the user to switch between the steamer function, cleaner function, and steam cleaner function to use.

[0026] Furthermore, the garment processing device 100 includes a hand switch 70, a detergent container 71, a pump 72, a garment soiling sensor 73, and a pull-in suppression unit 75.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the hand switch 70 is located on the head unit 2 and constitutes part of the control device 6. The hand switch 70 is operated (pressed) by the operator and is configured to switch the operation of the garment processing device 100 in, for example, four stages depending on its set position. Specifically, the first stage turns the operation of the garment processing device 100 OFF. The second stage performs only the steam generation operation, which sprays steam and high-temperature water from the nozzle 21A of the head unit 2. The third stage performs only the suction operation, which sucks in air and moisture from the suction port 22A. The fourth stage performs both the steam generation operation and the suction operation simultaneously. In this way, the operation of the garment processing device 100 can be switched from the hand, so that when the function setting switch 66 is set to the steam cleaner function, steam can be concentrated on dirt using only the steam generation operation, or concentrated suction can be performed using only the suction operation.

[0028] The detergent container 71 is located on the underside of the head unit 2 and contains detergent. The detergent container 71 is detachable from the head unit 2.

[0029] The pump 72 sucks the detergent contained in the detergent container 71 and dispenses it into the supply path 21 through the flow path shown in Figure 3. The dispensing of detergent may be adjusted according to the function of the garment processing device 100 set by the function setting switch 66 of the garment processing device 100. Alternatively, the operator may selectively dispense detergent by operating the hand switch 70 to a predetermined position. The detergent container 71 and pump 72 described above constitute the detergent dispensing unit in this embodiment. This detergent dispensing unit is capable of dispensing detergent to the water supplied toward the nozzle 21A.

[0030] The clothing stain sensor 73 is provided so as to be exposed on the contact surface 2a of the head unit 2 and detects the stain on the object to be processed C. A liquid stain sensor (not shown) may also be provided on the suction device 5 to detect the stain on the aspirated liquid. The clothing stain sensor 73 and the liquid stain sensor may be included in the control device 6. Cables 64 connecting these sensors, the hand switch 70, the pump 72, and the control device 6 are housed within the connecting pipe 3.

[0031] For example, the clothing stain sensor 73 includes a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit (not shown). The control unit 61 irradiates ultraviolet light including a wavelength of 340 nm from the light-emitting unit and causes the light-receiving unit to detect visible light with a wavelength of 380 nm or higher. This visible light is the autofluorescence of amino acids such as tryptophan in proteins. In this case, the more protein there is, the higher the fluorescence intensity, so it is possible to detect stains such as dead skin cells and food proteins attached to the object to be processed C.

[0032] In Figure 3, the clothing stain sensor 73 is located above the suction port 22A, but is not limited to this location; it may also be located below the discharge port 21A. A clothing stain indicator (not shown) may be provided on the head unit 2, for example, so that the user can see the degree of the detected stain. Furthermore, the configuration of the clothing stain sensor 73 may be changed depending on the object to be processed C or the type of stain. The clothing stain sensor 73 may, for example, detect the absorption of light of a specific wavelength or recognize stains using a camera.

[0033] The control unit 61 described above may control the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5 according to the condition of the soiling detected by the clothing soiling sensor 73 or the liquid soiling sensor.

[0034] The draw-in suppression section 75 is positioned downstream of the communication section 2S in the suction path 22, and prevents the draw-in of the object to be processed C. In this embodiment, the draw-in suppression section 75 includes an inner wall positioned to block a part of the suction path 22, and performs its function by forming multiple openings in the inner wall. That is, air containing moisture can pass through the multiple openings, while the object to be processed C cannot pass through the multiple openings. As a result, the suction force of the suction device 5 prevents the object to be processed C from being sucked towards the connecting pipe 3.

[0035] A user of the garment processing device 100 described above first brings the nozzle 21A of the head unit 2 into close contact with, or close to, the part of the object C to be processed, and sprays water (water vapor) onto it, as shown in Figure 3. Then, the user moves the head unit 2 in the direction of movement A, sliding it while keeping it in close contact with the object C, so that the suction port 22A faces the part where the water has adhered. As a result, the water dissolves the dirt attached to the object C, the dissolved dirt is sucked up along with the water, and the water containing the dirt passes through the suction pipe 55 and is stored in the drain tank 51. In this way, the user can wash the object C.

[0036] Furthermore, if the nozzle 21A and suction port 22A are arranged independently, and the amount of movement (stroke) of the head unit 2 in the movement direction A to suction a predetermined location on the object C to be treated through the nozzle 21A is insufficient, water may overflow from around the nozzle 21A. This problem is particularly likely to occur when the object C to be treated has a low water absorption rate, for example, when it is made of polyester, nylon, or rubber.

[0037] In the first embodiment, to solve these problems, the garment processing device 100 (head unit 2) has a communication portion 2S. As described above, the communication portion 2S is exposed to the contact surface 2a and connects the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A (Figures 3 and 4).

[0038] With this configuration, the water ejected from the nozzle 21A can be sucked in along with the air through the connecting section 2S. Therefore, even when the user moves the head unit 2 by a small amount or when the movement speed of the head unit 2 is slow, the water can be sucked in, and water overflowing from around the nozzle 21A can be prevented. Furthermore, since the connecting section 2S is exposed on the contact surface 2a side, compared to the case where the connecting section 2S is positioned further inward from the contact surface 2a, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon of water supplied toward the object to be treated C being sucked into the suction path 22 side without reaching the object to be treated C (shortcut). As a result, washing and rinsing can be performed efficiently on the object to be treated C.

[0039] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the suction device 5 includes a suction path 22 through which the air sucked in through the suction port 22A and the communication section 2S flows, and further includes a pull-in suppression section 75 which is located downstream of the communication section 2S in the airflow of the suction path 22 and suppresses the pull-in of the object to be processed C.

[0040] With this configuration, the head unit 2 is provided with a communication section 2S, which ensures that even when suction force is applied around the communication section 2S, the object to be processed C is reliably prevented from being sucked downstream of the suction path 22. In particular, it is possible to clean while preventing the edges of thin fabrics, string-like objects, and fine decorations from being sucked downstream of the suction path 22.

[0041] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the moisture supply device 4 includes a supply path 21 through which the moisture flows toward the nozzle 21A, and the suction device 5 includes a suction path 22 through which the air sucked in through the suction port 22A and the communication section 2S flows. The head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) further includes a partition wall 20 separating the supply path 21 and the suction path 22, and the communication section 2S is formed at the end of the partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side.

[0042] With this configuration, a supply path 21 can be stably formed on the upstream side of the communication section 2S in the direction of water supply, while a suction path 22 can be stably formed on the downstream side of the communication section 2S in the direction of air suction. Furthermore, the communication section 2S can be easily formed based on the position of the end of the partition wall 20.

[0043] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) further includes a detergent container 71 and a pump 72 (detergent dispensing unit) that can dispense detergent into the water supplied toward the nozzle 21A.

[0044] With this configuration, by applying detergent to the object to be treated C in addition to moisture and heat such as steam or hot water, dirt and other contaminants can be stably removed from the object to be treated C based on the interaction between the moisture and heat and the detergent. Furthermore, since suction force acts on the object to be treated C through the connecting part 2S, it is possible to prevent the applied detergent from penetrating too deeply into the object to be treated C or from spreading around the object to be treated C, making the rinsing process more efficient.

[0045] In the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the garment processing apparatus 100 further includes a control device 6 capable of controlling the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5, respectively. The control device 6 may then control the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5 so that after supplying moisture to the object to be processed C, the supply of moisture is stopped and air is then sucked in.

[0046] With this configuration, after supplying water to the object to be processed C, air suction is performed while the water supply is stopped. Therefore, water can be stably suctioned from the object to be processed C without having to move the head unit 2 significantly. In addition, since no new water is supplied during suction, the amount of remaining water on the object to be processed C can be reduced. Furthermore, by repeating the process of supplying and stopping water, the dirt and detergent remaining on the object to be processed C can be repeatedly diluted, thereby improving the performance of the washing and rinsing processes.

[0047] In this embodiment, the contact surface 2a was used as one aspect of the opposing surfaces of the disclosure, but the garment processing apparatus 100 may be used in a state where the opposing surfaces do not contact the object to be processed c and are positioned opposite each other at a predetermined distance. The same applies to subsequent embodiments.

[0048] <Second Embodiment> Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit 2 of the garment processing apparatus 100 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. In the first embodiment, if the flow velocity of the liquid flowing through the supply path 21 is high, it is conceivable that sufficient moisture cannot be drawn through the communication section 2S. To avoid such a situation, the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment is configured to promote the flow of moisture and air around the communication section 2S, as shown in Figure 5.

[0049] Specifically, in the second embodiment, the water supply device 4 has a supply path 21 through which water flows toward the nozzle 21A, and a supply-side inclined surface 21S that defines a part of the supply path 21 and is inclined so as it approaches the nozzle 21A it approaches the communication section 2S. For example, the supply-side inclined surface 21S is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0050] With this configuration, as the moisture flowing through the supply path 21 approaches the nozzle 21A, it can flow towards a position close to the connecting section 2S. In other words, by narrowing the tip of the supply path 21 in the region close to the nozzle 21A, the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A can be made to overlap. As a result, the moisture (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle 21A can adhere to the region of the object to be treated C where the suction action from the suction port 22A is effective, and then be smoothly drawn in through the connecting section 2S. As a result, this moisture can be stably drawn into the suction path 22 along with the air.

[0051] In the second embodiment, the suction device 5 has a suction path 22 through which air sucked in through the suction port 22A and the communication portion 2S flows, and a suction-side inclined surface 22S that defines a part of the suction path 22 and is inclined so as it moves away from the suction port 22A, it moves away from the communication portion 2S. For example, the suction-side inclined surface 22S is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0052] With this configuration, the suction force of the suction device 5 can be strongly applied to the moisture adhering to the object to be treated C around the nozzle 21A. As a result, the moisture (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle 21A can adhere to the object to be treated C and then be smoothly guided from the communication section 2S to the suction path 22. Consequently, this moisture can be drawn into the suction path 22 along with air.

[0053] Furthermore, at least one of the supply-side inclined surface 21S and the suction-side inclined surface 22S may be provided. As shown in Figure 5, by providing both the supply-side inclined surface 21S and the suction-side inclined surface 22S, the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A can be made to overlap more. As a result, moisture (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle 21A and adhering to the object to be treated C can be stably guided from the connecting section 2S to the suction path 22 and sucked up.

[0054] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, the garment processing apparatus 100 (head unit 2) also has a communication portion 2S. As described above, the communication portion 2S is exposed to the contact surface 2a and connects the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A.

[0055] With this configuration, the water ejected from the nozzle 21A can be sucked in along with the air through the connecting section 2S. This effect is particularly effective when the flow rate of supplied water is large. Therefore, even when the user moves the head unit 2 by a small amount, the water can be sucked in, and water overflowing from around the nozzle 21A can be prevented. Furthermore, since the connecting section 2S is exposed on the contact surface 2a side, the short-circuit phenomenon can be prevented compared to when the connecting section 2S is positioned away from the contact surface 2a. As a result, the object to be treated C can be efficiently washed and rinsed.

[0056] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, the suction device 5 is located downstream of the communication section 2S in the suction path 22 and further includes a pull-in suppression section 75 that suppresses the pull-in of the object to be processed C.

[0057] With this configuration, by providing a communication section 2S in the head unit 2, it is possible to reliably prevent the object to be processed C from being sucked downstream of the suction path 22, even when suction force is applied to the area around the communication section 2S.

[0058] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, the head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) further includes a partition wall 20 separating the supply path 21 and the suction path 22, and the communication portion 2S is formed at the end of the partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side.

[0059] With this configuration, a supply path 21 can be stably formed on the upstream side of the communication section 2S in the direction of water supply, while a suction path 22 can be stably formed on the downstream side of the communication section 2S in the direction of air suction. Furthermore, the communication section 2S can be easily formed based on the position of the end of the partition wall 20.

[0060] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, the head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) further includes a detergent container 71 and a pump 72 (detergent dispensing unit) that can dispense detergent into the water supplied toward the nozzle 21A (Figure 3).

[0061] With this configuration, by applying detergent in addition to moisture such as water vapor or hot water to the object to be treated C, dirt and other contaminants can be stably removed from the object to be treated C based on the interaction between the moisture and the detergent. Furthermore, since suction force acts on the object to be treated C through the connecting part 2S, it is possible to prevent the applied detergent from penetrating too deeply into the object to be treated C.

[0062] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, the garment processing apparatus 100 further includes a control device 6 capable of controlling the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5, respectively. The control device 6 may then control the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5 so that after supplying moisture to the object to be processed C, the supply of moisture is stopped and air is then sucked in.

[0063] With this configuration, after supplying moisture to the object C to be processed, air suction is performed when the moisture supply stops. Therefore, moisture can be suctioned from the object C to be processed without moving the head unit 2 significantly. In addition, since no new moisture is supplied during suction, the amount of remaining moisture in the object C to be processed can be reduced.

[0064] <Third Embodiment> Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit 2 of the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. In the second embodiment described above, the flow of moisture and air was promoted by having a supply-side inclined surface 21S and a suction-side inclined surface 22S, but the same effect can be achieved with the structure of the supply path 21 and suction path 22 as shown in Figure 6.

[0065] In other words, in Figure 6, the water supply device 4 includes a supply path 21 through which the water flows toward the nozzle, and the suction device 5 includes a suction path 22 through which the air sucked in through the suction port and the communication section flows. The supply path 21 and the suction path 22 are arranged at an inclination with respect to the contact surface 2a such that they are closest to each other at the contact surface 2a.

[0066] With this configuration, by arranging the supply path 21 and the suction path 22 opposite each other in a V-shape, the outlet 21A and the suction port 22A can be made to overlap more. As a result, compared to the first and second embodiments, there are no bends in the flow path, and the pressure loss experienced by each fluid can be reduced.

[0067] In addition, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment, the communication portion 2S is exposed to the contact surface 2a and connects the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A.

[0068] With this configuration, the water ejected from the nozzle 21A can be sucked in along with the air through the connecting section 2S. This effect is particularly effective when the flow rate of supplied water is large. Therefore, even when the user moves the head unit 2 by a small amount, the water can be sucked in, and water overflowing from around the nozzle 21A can be prevented. Furthermore, since the connecting section 2S is exposed on the contact surface 2a side, the short-circuit phenomenon can be prevented compared to when the connecting section 2S is positioned away from the contact surface 2a. As a result, the object to be treated C can be efficiently washed and rinsed.

[0069] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment, the suction device 5 includes a suction path 22 through which the air sucked in through the suction port 22A and the communication section 2S flows, and further includes a pull-in suppression section 75 which is located downstream of the communication section 2S in the airflow of the suction path 22 and suppresses the pull-in of the object to be processed C.

[0070] With this configuration, by providing a communication section 2S in the head unit 2, it is possible to reliably prevent the object to be processed C from being sucked downstream of the suction path 22, even when suction force is applied to the area around the communication section 2S.

[0071] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment, the moisture supply device 4 includes a supply path 21 through which the moisture flows toward the nozzle 21A, and the suction device 5 includes a suction path 22 through which the air sucked in through the suction port 22A and the communication section 2S flows. The head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) further includes a partition wall 20 separating the supply path 21 and the suction path 22, and the communication section 2S is formed at the end of the partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side.

[0072] With this configuration, a supply path 21 can be stably formed on the upstream side of the communication section 2S in the direction of water supply, while a suction path 22 can be stably formed on the downstream side of the communication section 2S in the direction of air suction. Furthermore, the communication section 2S can be easily formed based on the position of the end of the partition wall 20.

[0073] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment, the head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) further includes a detergent container 71 and a pump 72 (detergent dispensing unit) that can dispense detergent into the water supplied toward the nozzle 21A.

[0074] With this configuration, by applying detergent in addition to moisture such as water vapor or hot water to the object to be treated C, dirt and other contaminants can be stably removed from the object to be treated C based on the interaction between the moisture and the detergent. Furthermore, since suction force acts on the object to be treated C through the connecting part 2S, it is possible to prevent the applied detergent from penetrating too deeply into the object to be treated C.

[0075] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment in Figure 2, the garment processing apparatus 100 further includes a control device 6 capable of controlling the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5, respectively. The control device 6 may then control the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5 so that after supplying moisture to the object to be processed C, the supply of moisture is stopped and air is sucked in.

[0076] With this configuration, after supplying moisture to the object C to be processed, air suction is performed when the moisture supply stops. Therefore, moisture can be suctioned from the object C to be processed without moving the head unit 2 significantly. In addition, since no new moisture is supplied during suction, the amount of remaining moisture in the object C to be processed can be reduced.

[0077] In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment shown in Figure 5, the water supply device 4 may also have a supply-side inclined surface 21S that defines a part of the supply path 21 and is inclined to approach the communication section 2S as it approaches the nozzle 21A. For example, the supply-side inclined surface 21S is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0078] With this configuration, as the water flowing through the supply path 21 approaches the nozzle 21A, it can flow towards a position closer to the communication section 2S. In other words, by narrowing the tip of the supply path 21 in the region close to the nozzle 21A, the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A can be made to overlap more. As a result, the water (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle 21A can adhere to the object to be treated C and then be smoothly guided to the communication section 2S. Consequently, this water can be drawn into the suction path 22 along with the air.

[0079] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment in Figure 5, the suction device 5 may have a suction-side inclined surface 22S that defines a part of the suction path 22 and is inclined so as it moves away from the suction port 22A, it moves away from the communication portion 2S. For example, the suction-side inclined surface 22S is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0080] With this configuration, the suction force of the suction device 5 can be strongly applied to the moisture adhering to the object to be treated C around the nozzle 21A. In other words, by narrowing the tip of the suction path 22 in the region close to the suction port 22A, the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A can be made to overlap more. As a result, the moisture (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle 21A can adhere to the object to be treated C and then be smoothly guided from the connecting section 2S to the suction path 22. Consequently, this moisture can be sucked into the suction path 22 along with the air.

[0081] In the third embodiment, at least one of the supply-side inclined surface 21S and the suction-side inclined surface 22S may also be provided. As shown in Figure 5, by providing both the supply-side inclined surface 21S and the suction-side inclined surface 22S, moisture (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle 21A and adhering to the object to be treated C can be stably guided from the communication section 2S to the suction path 22 and sucked up.

[0082] <Fourth Embodiment> Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit 2 of the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the first to third embodiments, the end of the partition wall 20 defining the communication portion 2S was described as being parallel to the contact surface 2a, but the end of the partition wall 20 may have the shape shown in Figure 7.

[0083] In other words, in the fourth embodiment, the moisture supply device 4 includes a supply path 21 through which the moisture flows toward the nozzle 21A, and the suction device 5 includes a suction path 22 through which the air sucked in through the suction port 22A and the communication section 2S flows. The garment processing device 100 (head unit 2) further includes a partition wall 20 separating the supply path 21 and the suction path 22, and the partition wall 20 has a partition wall inclined surface 20S that defines the communication section 2S at the end of the partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side. The partition wall inclined surface 20S is inclined such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the communication section 2S widens from the nozzle 21A side toward the suction port 22A side. In the fourth embodiment, the partition wall inclined surface 20S is flat, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0084] With this configuration, the suction path 22 side of the tip of the partition wall 20 is offset more significantly with respect to the contact surface 2a than the supply path 21 side. As a result, moisture and other substances adhering to the object to be processed C can be easily sucked from the nozzle 21A, and shortcuts as described above become less likely. In addition, the area around the suction port 22A can be widened.

[0085] In addition, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the garment processing apparatus 100 (head unit 2) also has a communication section 2S.

[0086] With this configuration, the water ejected from the nozzle 21A can be sucked in along with the air through the connecting section 2S. This effect is particularly effective when the flow rate of supplied water is large. Therefore, even when the user moves the head unit 2 by a small amount, the water can be sucked in, and water overflowing from around the nozzle 21A can be prevented. Furthermore, since the connecting section 2S is exposed on the contact surface 2a side, the short-circuit phenomenon can be prevented compared to when the connecting section 2S is positioned away from the contact surface 2a. As a result, the object to be treated C can be efficiently washed and rinsed.

[0087] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the suction device 5 includes a suction path 22 through which the air sucked in through the suction port 22A and the communication section 2S flows, and further includes a pull-in suppression section 75 which is located downstream of the communication section 2S in the airflow of the suction path 22 and suppresses the pull-in of the object to be processed C.

[0088] With this configuration, by providing a communication section 2S in the head unit 2, it is possible to reliably prevent the object to be processed C from being sucked downstream of the suction path 22, even when suction force is applied to the area around the communication section 2S.

[0089] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the moisture supply device 4 includes a supply path 21 through which the moisture flows toward the nozzle 21A, and the suction device 5 includes a suction path 22 through which the air sucked in through the suction port 22A and the communication section 2S flows. The head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) further includes a partition wall 20 separating the supply path 21 and the suction path 22, and the communication section 2S is formed at the end of the partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side.

[0090] With this configuration, a supply path 21 can be stably formed on the upstream side of the communication section 2S in the direction of water supply, while a suction path 22 can be stably formed on the downstream side of the communication section 2S in the direction of air suction. Furthermore, the communication section 2S can be easily formed based on the position of the end of the partition wall 20.

[0091] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) may further include a detergent container 71 and a pump 72 (detergent dispensing unit) that can dispense detergent into the water supplied toward the nozzle 21A, similar to the configuration shown in Figure 3.

[0092] With this configuration, by applying detergent in addition to moisture such as water vapor or hot water to the object to be treated C, dirt and other contaminants can be stably removed from the object to be treated C based on the interaction between the moisture and the detergent. Furthermore, since suction force acts on the object to be treated C through the connecting part 2S, it is possible to prevent the applied detergent from penetrating too deeply into the object to be treated C.

[0093] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment in Figure 2, the garment processing apparatus 100 further includes a control device 6 capable of controlling the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5, respectively. The control device 6 may then control the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5 so that after supplying moisture to the object to be processed C, the supply of moisture is stopped and air is then sucked in.

[0094] With this configuration, after supplying moisture to the object C to be processed, air suction is performed when the moisture supply stops. Therefore, moisture can be suctioned from the object C to be processed without moving the head unit 2 significantly. In addition, since no new moisture is supplied during suction, the amount of remaining moisture in the object C to be processed can be reduced.

[0095] In the fourth embodiment, as in the second embodiment shown in Figure 5, the water supply device 4 may have a supply-side inclined surface 21S that defines a part of the supply path 21 and is inclined to approach the communication section 2S as it approaches the nozzle 21A. For example, the supply-side inclined surface 21S is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0096] With this configuration, as the water flowing through the supply path 21 approaches the nozzle 21A, it can flow towards a position closer to the communication section 2S. In other words, by narrowing the tip of the supply path 21 in the region close to the nozzle 21A, the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A can be made to overlap more. As a result, the water (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle 21A can adhere to the object to be treated C and then be smoothly guided to the communication section 2S. Consequently, this water can be drawn into the suction path 22 along with the air.

[0097] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, similar to the second embodiment in Figure 5, the suction device 5 may have a suction-side inclined surface 22S that defines a part of the suction path 22 and is inclined so as it moves away from the suction port 22A, it moves away from the communication portion 2S. For example, the suction-side inclined surface 22S is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0098] With this configuration, the suction force of the suction device 5 can be strongly applied to the moisture adhering to the object to be treated C around the nozzle 21A. In other words, by narrowing the tip of the suction path 22 in the region close to the suction port 22A, the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A can be made to overlap more. As a result, the moisture (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle 21A can adhere to the object to be treated C and then be smoothly guided from the connecting section 2S to the suction path 22. Consequently, this moisture can be sucked into the suction path 22 along with the air.

[0099] In the fourth embodiment, at least one of the supply-side inclined surface 21S and the suction-side inclined surface 22S may also be provided. In this embodiment as well, by providing both the supply-side inclined surface 21S and the suction-side inclined surface 22S as shown in Figure 5, moisture (water, steam, cleaning liquid) ejected from the nozzle 21A and adhering to the object to be treated C can be stably guided from the communication section 2S to the suction path 22 and sucked up.

[0100] In the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment shown in Figure 6, the water supply device 4 includes a supply path 21 through which the water flows toward the nozzle, and the suction device 5 includes a suction path 22 through which the air sucked in through the suction port and the communication section flows. The supply path 21 and the suction path 22 may be arranged at an inclination with respect to the contact surface 2a such that they are closest to each other at the contact surface 2a.

[0101] With this configuration, by arranging the supply path 21 and the head unit 2 in a V-shape, the outlet 21A and the suction port 22A can be made to overlap more. As a result, compared to the first and second embodiments, there are no bends in the flow path, and the pressure loss experienced by each fluid can be reduced.

[0102] <Fifth Embodiment> Figures 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of the head unit 2 of the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the first to fourth embodiments, the communication portion 2S was described as consisting of an always open space, but the open state of the communication portion 2S may change in accordance with the processes of water ejection and air suction.

[0103] In other words, in the fifth embodiment, the garment processing device 100 (head unit 2) includes a movable member 80. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the movable member 80 is attached to the partition wall 20 so as to enter the communication section 2S, and is capable of changing the communication state between the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A.

[0104] In particular, in the fifth embodiment, the movable member 80 has the characteristic of deforming when exposed to heat. As an example, the movable member 80 is made of a shape memory alloy, a bimetal, or the like.

[0105] With this configuration, when high-temperature moisture such as steam or hot water is ejected through the supply path 21 and the nozzle 21A, the movable member 80 deforms as shown in Figure 8A due to the temperature. That is, the movable member 80 deforms so that the supplied steam spreads to the area around the suction port 22A. On the other hand, when air is drawn in through the suction port 22A and the supply path 21, the movable member 80 deforms as shown in Figure 8B because the temperature of the moisture and air drawn in from the object to be processed C is relatively low. That is, when air is drawn in along with moisture, the movable member 80 deforms so that it can also be drawn in from the area around the nozzle 21A. In this way, in both the ejection and suction cases, the movable member 80 can be deformed so that the ejection or suction area expands, or in other words, so that the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A overlap. Therefore, the supply of moisture and the suction of air can be stably performed. In this case, it is desirable that the supply of moisture be stopped or that moisture at room temperature be supplied when air is being drawn in.

[0106] Furthermore, the deformation of the movable member 80 is not limited to that caused by the thermal deformation characteristics described above. The movable member 80 may have a flap shape, and may be moved by a motor (not shown) or the like, changing its orientation as shown in Figures 8A and 8B.

[0107] In addition, the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment also has a communication portion 2S in the garment processing apparatus 100 (head unit 2). As described above, the communication portion 2S is exposed to the contact surface 2a and connects the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A.

[0108] With this configuration, the water ejected from the nozzle 21A can be sucked in along with the air through the connecting section 2S. In particular, because the movable member 80 is positioned, this effect can be achieved even when the flow rate of supplied water is large. Therefore, even if the amount of movement of the head unit 2 by the user is small, the water can be sucked in, and water overflowing from around the nozzle 21A can be prevented. Furthermore, since the connecting section 2S is exposed on the contact surface 2a side, the short-circuit phenomenon can be prevented compared to the case where the connecting section 2S is positioned away from the contact surface 2a. As a result, the object to be treated C can be efficiently washed and rinsed.

[0109] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment, the suction device 5 is further provided with a pull-in suppression unit 75 (Figure 3) which is located downstream of the communication unit 2S in the suction path 22 and suppresses the pull-in of the object to be processed C. Note that the pull-in suppression unit 75 is not shown in Figures 8A and 8B.

[0110] With this configuration, by providing a communication section 2S in the head unit 2, it is possible to reliably prevent the object to be processed C from being sucked downstream of the suction path 22, even when suction force is applied to the area around the communication section 2S.

[0111] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment, the head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) further includes a partition wall 20 separating the supply path 21 and the suction path 22, and the communication portion 2S is formed at the end of the partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side.

[0112] With this configuration, a supply path 21 can be stably formed on the upstream side of the communication section 2S in the direction of water supply, while a suction path 22 can be stably formed on the downstream side of the communication section 2S in the direction of air suction. Furthermore, the communication section 2S can be easily formed based on the position of the end of the partition wall 20. In addition, as described above, the state of the communication section 2S can be changed by attaching the movable member 80 to the end of the partition wall 20.

[0113] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment, the head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) may further include a detergent container 71 and a pump 72 (detergent dispensing unit) that can dispense detergent into the water supplied toward the nozzle 21A, similar to the configuration shown in Figure 3.

[0114] With this configuration, by applying detergent in addition to moisture such as water vapor or hot water to the object to be treated C, dirt and other contaminants can be stably removed from the object to be treated C based on the interaction between the moisture and the detergent. Furthermore, since suction force acts on the object to be treated C through the connecting part 2S, it is possible to prevent the applied detergent from penetrating too deeply into the object to be treated C.

[0115] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the fifth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment in Figure 2, the garment processing apparatus 100 further includes a control device 6 capable of controlling the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5, respectively. The control device 6 may then control the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5 so that after supplying moisture to the object to be processed C, the supply of moisture is stopped and air is sucked in.

[0116] With this configuration, after supplying moisture to the object to be processed C, air suction is performed when the moisture supply stops. Therefore, moisture can be suctioned from the object to be processed C without moving the head unit 2 significantly. In addition, since no new moisture is supplied during suction, the amount of remaining moisture in the object to be processed C can be reduced. Furthermore, as mentioned above, if the movable member 80 has the characteristic of being susceptible to thermal deformation, the deformation of the movable member 80 can be easily switched by supplying or spraying steam or hot water.

[0117] In the fifth embodiment, as in the second embodiment shown in Figure 5, the water supply device 4 may have a supply-side inclined surface 21S that defines a part of the supply path 21 and is inclined to approach the communication section 2S as it approaches the nozzle 21A. For example, the supply-side inclined surface 21S is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0118] With this configuration, as the water flowing through the supply path 21 approaches the nozzle 21A, it can flow towards a position closer to the communication section 2S. In other words, by narrowing the tip of the supply path 21 in the region close to the nozzle 21A, the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A can be made to overlap more. As a result, the water (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle 21A can adhere to the object to be treated C and then be smoothly guided to the communication section 2S. Consequently, this water can be drawn into the suction path 22 along with the air.

[0119] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, similar to the second embodiment in Figure 5, the suction device 5 may have a suction-side inclined surface 22S that defines a part of the suction path 22 and is inclined so as it moves away from the suction port 22A, it moves away from the communication portion 2S. For example, the suction-side inclined surface 22S is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0120] With this configuration, the suction force of the suction device 5 can be strongly applied to the moisture adhering to the object to be treated C around the nozzle 21A. In other words, by narrowing the tip of the suction path 22 in the region close to the suction port 22A, the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A can be made to overlap more. As a result, the moisture (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle 21A can adhere to the object to be treated C and then be smoothly guided from the connecting section 2S to the suction path 22. Consequently, this moisture can be sucked into the suction path 22 along with the air.

[0121] In the fifth embodiment, at least one of the supply-side inclined surface 21S and the suction-side inclined surface 22S may also be provided. As shown in Figure 5, by providing both the supply-side inclined surface 21S and the suction-side inclined surface 22S, moisture (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle 21A and adhering to the object to be treated C can be stably guided from the communication section 2S to the suction path 22 and sucked up.

[0122] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, as in the third embodiment shown in Figure 6, the supply path 21 and the suction path 22 may be arranged at an inclination with respect to the contact surface 2a such that they are closest to each other at the contact surface 2a.

[0123] With this configuration, by arranging the supply path 21 and the suction path 22 opposite each other in a V-shape, the outlet 21A and the suction port 22A can be made to overlap more. As a result, compared to the first and second embodiments, there are no bends in the flow path, and the pressure loss experienced by each fluid can be reduced.

[0124] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment as well, as in the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 7, the partition wall 20 may have a partition wall inclined surface 20S that defines the communication portion 2S at the end of the partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side. The partition wall inclined surface 20S is inclined such that the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the communication portion 2S widens from the outlet 21A side to the suction port 22A side.

[0125] With this configuration, the suction path 22 side of the tip of the partition wall 20 is offset more significantly with respect to the contact surface 2a than the supply path 21 side. This makes it easier to suction from the ejection point of moisture and other substances in the object to be processed C, and makes it more difficult for shortcuts to occur as described above. In addition, the area around the suction port 22A can be widened.

[0126] <Sixth Embodiment> Figure 9A is a cross-sectional view of the head unit 2 of the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the head unit 2 of the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the first to fifth embodiments, a configuration was described in which one suction port 22A is arranged adjacent to the nozzle 21A, but the number of nozzles 21A and suction ports 22A is not limited to one.

[0127] In the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the sixth embodiment, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the suction device 5 includes a first suction section 5A which includes a lower first suction port 22A1 and is located on the lower side of the moisture supply device 4 (one side in the direction parallel to the contact surface 2a), and a second suction section 5B which includes an upper second suction port 22A2 and is located on the upper side of the moisture supply device 4 (the other side opposite to the one side in the direction parallel to the contact surface 2a). The communication section 2S includes a first communication section 2S1 which connects the nozzle 21A of the moisture supply device 4 with the first suction port 22A1 of the first suction section 5A, and a second communication section 2S2 which connects the nozzle 21A of the moisture supply device 4 with the second suction port 22A2 of the second suction section 5B. The first suction section 5A and the second suction section 5B may be connected inside the connecting pipe 3, or they may be connected independently to the drain tank 51 (Figure 2).

[0128] With this configuration, the suction paths 22 of the suction device 5 are arranged on both sides (above and below) of the supply path 21 of the water supply device 4. A pair of suction ports 22A are provided so as to sandwich the nozzle 21A from both sides. As a result, the water discharged from the nozzle 21A can be reliably sucked up, preventing the liquid from dripping from the contact surface 2a.

[0129] Alternatively, the structure may have a cross-sectional structure similar to that shown in Figure 9A, but with a cylindrical suction path 22 surrounding the supply path 21 (concentric circle structure). With such a configuration, suction cleaning can be performed on the object to be processed C in a 360-degree radius. On the other hand, in the case of such a structure, the nozzle structure becomes complex, so from the viewpoint of the nozzle structure, it is desirable to have a pair of independent suction ports 22A on both sides of the nozzle outlet 21A, as shown in Figure 9B.

[0130] Thus, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the sixth embodiment, the garment processing apparatus 100 (head unit 2) also has a communication section 2S (2S1, 2S2).

[0131] With this configuration, the water ejected from the nozzle 21A can be sucked in along with the air through the connecting parts 2S1 and 2S2. This effect can be achieved even when the flow rate of supplied water is large. Therefore, even when the user moves the head unit 2 by a small amount, the water can be sucked in, and water overflowing from around the contact surface 2a can be prevented. Furthermore, since the connecting part 2S is exposed on the contact surface 2a side, the short-circuit phenomenon can be prevented compared to when the connecting part 2S is positioned away from the contact surface 2a. As a result, the object to be processed C can be efficiently washed and rinsed.

[0132] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the sixth embodiment, the suction device 5 is further provided with a pull-in suppression unit 75 which is positioned downstream of the communication unit 2S in the airflow of each suction path 22 and suppresses the pull-in of the object to be processed C.

[0133] With this configuration, by providing the head unit 2 with communication sections 2S1 and 2S2, it is possible to reliably prevent the object to be processed C from being sucked into the downstream side of each suction path 22, even when suction force is applied around each communication section 2S.

[0134] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the sixth embodiment, the head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) further includes partition walls 20 (20A, 20B) separating the supply path 21 and the suction path 22, and each communication portion 2S is formed at the end of each partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side.

[0135] With this configuration, a supply path 21 can be stably formed on the upstream side of each connecting section 2S in the direction of water supply, while each suction path 22 can be stably formed on the downstream side of each connecting section 2S in the direction of air suction. Furthermore, the connecting sections 2S1 and 2S2 can be easily formed based on the position of the end of the partition wall 20.

[0136] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the sixth embodiment, the head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) may further include a detergent container 71 and a pump 72 (detergent dispensing unit) that can dispense detergent into the water supplied toward the nozzle 21A, similar to the configuration shown in Figure 3.

[0137] With this configuration, by applying detergent in addition to moisture such as water vapor or hot water to the object to be treated C, dirt and other contaminants can be stably removed from the object to be treated C based on the interaction between the moisture and the detergent. Furthermore, since suction force acts on the object to be treated C through the connecting parts 2S1 and 2S2, it is possible to prevent the applied detergent from penetrating too deeply into the object to be treated C.

[0138] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the sixth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment in Figure 2, the garment processing apparatus 100 further includes a control device 6 capable of controlling the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5, respectively. The control device 6 may then control the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5 so that after supplying moisture to the object to be processed C, the supply of moisture is stopped and air is then sucked in.

[0139] With this configuration, after supplying moisture to the object C to be processed, air suction is performed when the moisture supply stops. Therefore, moisture can be suctioned from the object C to be processed without moving the head unit 2 significantly. In addition, since no new moisture is supplied during suction, the amount of remaining moisture in the object C to be processed can be reduced.

[0140] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment as well, the garment processing device 100 (head unit 2) is equipped with partition walls 20 (20A, 20B) separating the supply path 21 and the suction path 22. However, as in the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 7, the partition wall 20 may have a partition wall inclined surface 20S that defines a communication section 2S at the end of the partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side. The partition wall inclined surface 20S is inclined such that the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the communication section 2S widens from the outlet 21A side to the suction port 22A side. In this case, at least one of the partition walls 20A and 20B may have the partition wall inclined surface 20S.

[0141] With this configuration, the suction path 22 side of the tip of the partition wall 20 is offset more significantly with respect to the contact surface 2a than the supply path 21 side. This makes it easier to suction from the ejection point of moisture and other substances in the object to be processed C, and reduces the likelihood of the aforementioned short-circuit phenomenon. In addition, the surrounding area of ​​each suction port 22A can be widened.

[0142] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, as in the fifth embodiment, the garment processing device 100 (head unit 2) may also be equipped with a movable member 80. In this case as well, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the movable member 80 is attached to the partition wall 20 so as to enter the communication section 2S, and is capable of changing the communication state between the nozzle 21A and each suction port 22A.

[0143] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, the movable member 80 also has the characteristic of deforming when exposed to heat. As an example, the movable member 80 may be made of a shape memory alloy, a bimetal, or the like.

[0144] With this configuration, when steam or hot water is ejected through the supply path 21 and the nozzle 21A, the movable member 80 deforms as shown in Figure 8A due to its high temperature. That is, the movable member 80 deforms so that the supplied steam spreads to the area around the suction port 22A. On the other hand, when air is drawn in through the suction port 22A and the supply path 21, the temperature of the steam or hot water decreases relatively compared to when it is ejected, so the movable member 80 deforms as shown in Figure 8B. That is, when air is drawn in along with moisture, the movable member 80 deforms so that it can also be drawn in from the area around the nozzle 21A. In this way, in both the case of ejection and suction, the movable member 80 can be deformed so that the ejection or suction area expands, or in other words, so that the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A overlap. Therefore, the supply of moisture and the suction of air can be stably performed.

[0145] In this embodiment, the deformation of the movable member 80 is not limited to that caused by the thermal deformation characteristics described above. The movable member 80 may have a flap shape, and the movable member 80 may be moved by a motor (not shown) or the like, and its posture may be changed as shown in Figures 8A and 8B.

[0146] <Seventh Embodiment> Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit 2 of the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. In the sixth embodiment, as shown in Figure 9A, the ends of the first suction port 22A1 and the second suction port 22A2 were described to be at right angles, but as shown in Figure 10, inclined surfaces may be arranged at the ends of the first suction port 22A1 and the second suction port 22A2.

[0147] In other words, in the seventh embodiment, the first suction section 5A has a first suction path 221 through which air sucked in through the first suction port 22A1 and the first communication section 2S1 flows, and a first suction-side inclined surface 22S1 that defines a part of the first suction path 221 and is inclined so as it moves away from the contact surface 2a, it moves away from the first communication section 2S1. Similarly, the second suction section 5B has a second suction path 222 through which air sucked in through the second suction port 22A2 and the second communication section 2S2 flows, and a second suction-side inclined surface 22S2 that defines a part of the second suction path 222 and is inclined so as it moves away from the contact surface 2a, it moves away from the second communication section 2S2. Note that the first suction-side inclined surface 22S1 and the second suction-side inclined surface 22S2 are flat surfaces, but they may also be curved surfaces.

[0148] With this configuration, the suction force of the suction device 5 can be strongly applied to the moisture adhering to the object to be treated C around the nozzle 21A. In other words, by narrowing the tips of each suction path 221 and 222 in the region close to each suction port 22A1 and 22A2, the nozzle 21A and each suction port 22A1 and 22A2 can be made to overlap more. As a result, the moisture (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle 21A can adhere to the object to be treated C and then be smoothly guided from the connecting parts 2S1 and 2S2 to each suction path 221 and 222. As a result, this moisture can be reliably sucked into the suction path 22 along with the air.

[0149] As shown in Figure 10, by providing both the first suction-side inclined surface 22S1 and the second suction-side inclined surface 22S2, moisture (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle 21A and adhering to the object to be treated C can be stably guided and sucked from each connecting section 2S to each suction path 22. On the other hand, in the seventh embodiment, at least one of the first suction-side inclined surface 22S1 and the second suction-side inclined surface 22S2 may also be provided. For example, taking into account the relationship with gravity, the upper second suction-side inclined surface 22S2 may be provided only in the second suction path 222, which may require a stronger suction force.

[0150] Thus, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the seventh embodiment, the garment processing apparatus 100 (head unit 2) also has a communication section 2S (2S1, 2S2). As described above, the communication section 2S is exposed to the contact surface 2a and connects the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A.

[0151] With this configuration, the water ejected from the nozzle 21A can be sucked in along with the air through each connecting section 2S. This effect is particularly effective even when the flow rate of supplied water is large. Therefore, even when the user moves the head unit 2 by a small amount, the water can be sucked in, and water overflowing from around the contact surface 2a can be prevented. Furthermore, since the connecting section 2S is exposed on the contact surface 2a side, the short-circuit phenomenon can be prevented compared to when the connecting section 2S is positioned away from the contact surface 2a. As a result, the object to be processed C can be efficiently washed and rinsed.

[0152] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the seventh embodiment, the suction device 5 is further provided with a pull-in suppression unit 75 which is positioned downstream of the communication unit 2S in each suction path 22 and suppresses the pull-in of the object to be processed C.

[0153] With this configuration, by providing the head unit 2 with a connecting section 2S, it is possible to reliably prevent the object to be processed C from being sucked into the downstream side of each suction path 22, even when suction force is applied to the area around each connecting section 2S.

[0154] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the seventh embodiment, the head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) further includes partition walls 20 (20A, 20B) separating the supply path 21 and the suction path 22, and each communication portion 2S1, 2S2 is formed at the end of each partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side.

[0155] With this configuration, a supply path 21 can be stably formed upstream of each communication section 2S1 and 2S2 in the direction of water supply, while a suction path 22 can be stably formed downstream of each communication section 2S1 and 2S2 in the direction of air suction. Furthermore, each communication section 2S1 and 2S2 can be easily formed based on the position of the end of the partition wall 20.

[0156] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the seventh embodiment, the head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) may further include a detergent container 71 and a pump 72 (detergent dispensing unit) that can dispense detergent into the water supplied toward the nozzle 21A, similar to the configuration shown in Figure 3.

[0157] With this configuration, by applying detergent in addition to moisture such as water vapor or hot water to the object to be treated C, dirt and other contaminants can be stably removed from the object to be treated C based on the interaction between the moisture and the detergent. Furthermore, since suction force acts on the object to be treated C through each connecting part 2S, it is possible to prevent the applied detergent from penetrating too deeply into the object to be treated C.

[0158] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the seventh embodiment, similar to the first embodiment in Figure 2, the garment processing apparatus 100 further includes a control device 6 capable of controlling the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5, respectively. The control device 6 may then control the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5 so that after supplying moisture to the object to be processed C, the supply of moisture is stopped and air is sucked in.

[0159] With this configuration, after supplying moisture to the object to be processed C, air suction is performed when the moisture supply stops. Therefore, moisture can be suctioned from the object to be processed C without moving the head unit 2 significantly. In addition, since no new moisture is supplied during suction, the amount of remaining moisture in the object to be processed C can be reduced. Furthermore, as mentioned above, if the movable member 80 has the characteristic of being susceptible to thermal deformation, the deformation of the movable member 80 can be easily switched by supplying or spraying steam or hot water.

[0160] Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment as well, the garment processing device 100 (head unit 2) is equipped with partition walls 20 (20A, 20B) separating the supply path 21 and the suction path 22. However, as in the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 7, the partition wall 20 may have a partition wall inclined surface 20S that defines a communication section 2S at the end of the partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side. The partition wall inclined surface 20S is inclined such that the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the communication section 2S widens from the outlet 21A side to the suction port 22A side. In this case, at least one of the partition walls 20A and 20B may have the partition wall inclined surface 20S.

[0161] With this configuration, the suction path 22 side of the tip of the partition wall 20 is offset more significantly with respect to the contact surface 2a than the supply path 21 side. This makes it easier to suction from the ejection point of moisture and other substances in the object to be processed C, and makes it more difficult for shortcuts to occur as described above. In addition, the area around the suction port 22A can be widened.

[0162] Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, as in the fifth embodiment, the garment processing device 100 (head unit 2) may also be equipped with a movable member 80. In this case as well, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the movable member 80 is attached to the partition wall 20 so as to enter the communication section 2S, and is capable of changing the communication state between the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A. The movable member 80 may be provided on only one of the upper or lower communication sections 2S.

[0163] Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, the movable member 80 also has the characteristic of deforming when exposed to heat. As an example, the movable member 80 may be made of a shape memory alloy, a bimetal, or the like.

[0164] With this configuration, when steam or hot water is ejected through the supply path 21 and the nozzle 21A, the movable member 80 deforms as shown in Figure 8A due to its high temperature. That is, the movable member 80 deforms so that the supplied steam spreads to the area around the suction port 22A. On the other hand, when air is drawn in through the suction port 22A and the supply path 21, the temperature of the steam or hot water decreases relatively compared to when it is ejected, so the movable member 80 deforms as shown in Figure 8B. That is, when air is drawn in along with moisture, the movable member 80 deforms so that it can also be drawn in from the area around the nozzle 21A. In this way, in both the case of ejection and suction, the movable member 80 can be deformed so that the ejection or suction area expands, or in other words, so that the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A overlap. Therefore, the supply of moisture and the suction of air can be stably performed.

[0165] Furthermore, the deformation of the movable member 80 is not limited to that caused by the thermal deformation characteristics described above. The movable member 80 may have a flap shape, and may be moved by a motor (not shown) or the like, changing its orientation as shown in Figures 8A and 8B.

[0166] <Eighth Embodiment> Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit 2 of the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the seventh embodiment, the first suction unit 5A and the second suction unit 5B of the suction device 5 were described in a manner in which they are arranged parallel to each other, but a structure as shown in Figure 11 may also be adopted.

[0167] In other words, in the eighth embodiment, compared to the seventh embodiment, the first suction section 5A and the second suction section 5B are arranged at an inclination with respect to the contact surface 2a such that they are closest to each other at the contact surface 2a. In particular, the first suction path 221 and the second suction path 222 are arranged at an inclination as described above. Therefore, the first suction path 221 and the second suction path 222 are arranged such that the distance from the supply path 21 decreases as they approach the contact surface 2a.

[0168] With this configuration, by arranging multiple suction paths opposite each other in a V-shape, the nozzle 21A and each suction port 22A can be made to overlap more.

[0169] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the eighth embodiment, the garment processing apparatus 100 (head unit 2) also has communication parts 2S1 and 2S2. As described above, each communication part 2S is exposed to the contact surface 2a and connects the nozzle 21A and each suction port 22A.

[0170] With this configuration, the water ejected from the nozzle 21A can be sucked in along with the air through the connecting section 2S. This effect is particularly effective when the flow rate of supplied water is large. Therefore, even when the user moves the head unit 2 by a small amount, the water can be sucked in, and water overflowing from around the nozzle 21A can be prevented. Furthermore, since the connecting section 2S is exposed on the contact surface 2a side, the short-circuit phenomenon can be prevented compared to when the connecting section 2S is positioned away from the contact surface 2a. As a result, the object to be treated C can be efficiently washed and rinsed.

[0171] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the eighth embodiment, the suction device 5 is located downstream of the communication section 2S in the suction path 22 and further includes a pull-in suppression section 75 that suppresses the pull-in of the object to be processed C.

[0172] With this configuration, by providing a communication section 2S in the head unit 2, it is possible to reliably prevent the object to be processed C from being sucked downstream of the suction path 22, even when suction force is applied to the area around the communication section 2S.

[0173] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the eighth embodiment, the head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) further includes partition walls 20 (20A, 20B) separating the supply path 21 and the suction path 22, and each communication portion 2S is formed at the end of the partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side.

[0174] With this configuration, a supply path 21 can be stably formed on the upstream side of the communication section 2S in the direction of water supply, while a suction path 22 can be stably formed on the downstream side of the communication section 2S in the direction of air suction. Furthermore, the communication section 2S can be easily formed based on the position of the end of the partition wall 20. In addition, as described above, the state of the communication section 2S can be changed by attaching the movable member 80 to the end of the partition wall 20.

[0175] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the eighth embodiment, the head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) may further include a detergent container 71 and a pump 72 (detergent dispensing unit) that can dispense detergent into the water supplied toward the nozzle 21A, similar to the configuration shown in Figure 3.

[0176] With this configuration, by applying detergent in addition to moisture such as water vapor or hot water to the object to be treated C, dirt and other contaminants can be stably removed from the object to be treated C based on the interaction between the moisture and the detergent. Furthermore, since suction force acts on the object to be treated C through the connecting part 2S, it is possible to prevent the applied detergent from penetrating too deeply into the object to be treated C.

[0177] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the eighth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment in Figure 2, the garment processing apparatus 100 further includes a control device 6 capable of controlling the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5, respectively. The control device 6 may then control the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5 so that after supplying moisture to the object to be processed C, the supply of moisture is stopped and air is then sucked in.

[0178] With this configuration, after supplying moisture to the object to be processed C, air suction is performed when the moisture supply stops. Therefore, moisture can be suctioned from the object to be processed C without moving the head unit 2 significantly. In addition, since no new moisture is supplied during suction, the amount of remaining moisture in the object to be processed C can be reduced. Furthermore, as mentioned above, if the movable member 80 has the characteristic of being susceptible to thermal deformation, the deformation of the movable member 80 can be easily switched by supplying or spraying steam or hot water.

[0179] In addition, in the eighth embodiment, as in the second embodiment shown in Figure 5, the water supply device 4 may have a supply path 21 through which water flows toward the nozzle 21A, as well as a supply-side inclined surface 21S that defines a part of the supply path 21 and is inclined to approach the communication section 2S as it approaches the nozzle 21A.

[0180] With this configuration, as the water flowing through the supply path 21 approaches the nozzle 21A, it can flow towards a position closer to the communication section 2S. In other words, by narrowing the tip of the supply path 21 in the region close to the nozzle 21A, the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A can be made to overlap more. As a result, the water (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle 21A can adhere to the object to be treated C and then be smoothly guided to the communication section 2S. Consequently, this water can be drawn into the suction path 22 along with the air.

[0181] Furthermore, in the eighth embodiment, similar to the second embodiment in Figure 5, the suction device 5 may have a suction-side inclined surface 22S that defines a part of the suction path 22 through which air sucked in through the suction port 22A and the communication portion 2S flows, and is inclined so as to move away from the communication portion 2S as it moves away from the suction port 22A.

[0182] With this configuration, the suction force of the suction device 5 can be strongly applied to the moisture adhering to the object to be treated C around the nozzle 21A. In other words, by narrowing the tip of the suction path 22 in the region close to the suction port 22A, the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A can be made to overlap more. As a result, the moisture (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle 21A can adhere to the object to be treated C and then be smoothly guided from the connecting section 2S to the suction path 22. As a result, this moisture can be sucked into the suction path 22 along with the air. Note that the suction-side inclined surface 22S may be provided on only one of the first suction path 221 or the second suction path 222.

[0183] Furthermore, in the eighth embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 7, the partition wall 20 may have a partition wall inclined surface 20S that defines the communication portion 2S at the end of the partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side. The partition wall inclined surface 20S is inclined so that the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the communication portion 2S widens from the outlet 21A side to the suction port 22A side. In the fourth embodiment, the partition wall inclined surface 20S is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0184] With this configuration, the suction path 22 side of the tip of the partition wall 20 is offset more significantly with respect to the contact surface 2a than the supply path 21 side. This makes it easier to suction from the ejection point of moisture and other substances in the object to be processed C, and makes it more difficult for shortcuts to occur as described above. In addition, the area around the suction port 22A can be widened. Note that the partition wall inclined surface 20S may be provided on only one of the communication sections 2S2, 2S2.

[0185] In the eighth embodiment, the garment processing device 100 (head unit 2) may also be equipped with a movable member 80. In this case as well, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the movable member 80 is attached to the partition wall 20 so as to enter the communication section 2S, and is capable of changing the communication state between the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A.

[0186] Furthermore, in the eighth embodiment, the movable member 80 may also have the characteristic of deforming when exposed to heat.

[0187] With this configuration, when steam or hot water is ejected through the supply path 21 and the nozzle 21A, the movable member 80 deforms as shown in Figure 8A due to its high temperature. That is, the movable member 80 deforms so that the supplied steam spreads to the area around the suction port 22A. On the other hand, when air is drawn in through the suction port 22A and the supply path 21, the temperature of the steam or hot water decreases relatively compared to when it is ejected, so the movable member 80 deforms as shown in Figure 8B. That is, when air is drawn in along with moisture, the movable member 80 deforms so that it can also be drawn in from the area around the nozzle 21A. In this way, in both the ejection and suction cases, the movable member 80 can be deformed so that the ejection or suction area expands, or in other words, so that the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A overlap. Therefore, the supply of moisture and the suction of air can be stably performed. Note that the movable member 80 may be provided in only one of the communication sections 2S1 and 2S2.

[0188] <Ninth Embodiment> Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit of a garment processing apparatus according to the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the eighth embodiment shown in Figure 11, a configuration in which a pair of suction paths 22 (22A, 22B) are arranged at an inclination was described, but a configuration as shown in Figure 12 is also acceptable.

[0189] In other words, in the ninth embodiment, the water supply device 4 includes a supply path 21 through which water flows toward the nozzle 21A, a first supply inclined surface 21M that defines a part of the supply path 21 and is inclined to approach the first communication section 2S1 as it approaches the contact surface 2a, and a second supply inclined surface 21N that defines a part of the supply path 21 and is inclined to approach the second communication section 2S2 as it approaches the contact surface 2a.

[0190] With this configuration, the water flowing through the supply path 21 is ejected in a way that spreads out toward the object to be treated C, allowing the nozzle 21A and each suction port 22A to overlap more.

[0191] Furthermore, in the ninth embodiment, the water supply device 4 further includes a supply partition 90 that is disposed between the first supply inclined surface 21M and the second supply inclined surface 21N so as to extend toward the contact surface 2a, and that branches off at least a portion of the supply path 21. In the ninth embodiment, the supply partition 90 branches the supply path 21 into a first supply path 211 and a second supply path 212. The base end of the supply partition 90 may extend to the vicinity of the entrance of the supply path 21.

[0192] With this configuration, the flow of moisture in the supply path 21 can be deflected. The direction in which the supply partition 90 extends may be set to intersect the contact surface 2a at an acute or obtuse angle.

[0193] Furthermore, in the ninth embodiment, the downstream end of the supply partition 90 in the direction of water supply is positioned at a distance from the contact surface 2a.

[0194] With this configuration, even if there is a difference in the flow rate of water in the two branched supply paths 211 and 212, the outlets 21A1 and 21A2 are in communication with each other, so a flow can be generated that compensates for the difference in flow rate.

[0195] In addition, the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the ninth embodiment also has a communication portion 2S in the garment processing apparatus 100 (head unit 2). As described above, the communication portion 2S is exposed to the contact surface 2a and connects the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A.

[0196] With this configuration, the water ejected from the nozzle 21A can be sucked in along with the air through the communication section 2S. This effect is particularly effective even when the flow rate of supplied water is large. Therefore, even when the user moves the head unit 2 by a small amount, the water can be sucked in, and water overflowing from around the nozzle 21A can be prevented. Furthermore, since the communication section 2S is exposed on the contact surface 2a side, the short-circuit phenomenon can be prevented compared to when the communication section 2S is positioned away from the contact surface 2a. As a result, the object to be treated C can be efficiently washed and rinsed.

[0197] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the ninth embodiment, the suction device 5 includes a suction path 22 through which the air sucked in through the suction port 22A and the communication section 2S flows, and further includes a pull-in suppression section 75 which is located downstream of the communication section 2S in the airflow of the suction path 22 and suppresses the pull-in of the object to be processed C.

[0198] With this configuration, by providing a communication section 2S in the head unit 2, it is possible to reliably prevent the object to be processed C from being sucked downstream of the suction path 22, even when suction force is applied to the area around the communication section 2S.

[0199] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the ninth embodiment, the head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) further includes partition walls 20 (20A, 20B) separating the supply path 21 and the suction path 22, and each communication portion 2S is formed at the end of the partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side.

[0200] With this configuration, a supply path 21 can be stably formed on the upstream side of the communication section 2S in the direction of water supply, while a suction path 22 can be stably formed on the downstream side of the communication section 2S in the direction of air suction. Furthermore, the communication section 2S can be easily formed based on the position of the end of the partition wall 20. In addition, as described above, the state of the communication section 2S can be changed by attaching the movable member 80 to the end of the partition wall 20.

[0201] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the ninth embodiment, the head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) may further include a detergent container 71 and a pump 72 (detergent dispensing unit) that can dispense detergent into the water supplied toward the nozzle 21A, similar to the configuration shown in Figure 3.

[0202] With this configuration, by applying detergent in addition to moisture such as water vapor or hot water to the object to be treated C, dirt and other contaminants can be stably removed from the object to be treated C based on the interaction between the moisture and the detergent. Furthermore, since suction force acts on the object to be treated C through the connecting part 2S, it is possible to prevent the applied detergent from penetrating too deeply into the object to be treated C.

[0203] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the ninth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment in Figure 2, the garment processing apparatus 100 further includes a control device 6 capable of controlling the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5, respectively. The control device 6 may then control the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5 so that after supplying moisture to the object to be processed C, the supply of moisture is stopped and air is then sucked in.

[0204] With this configuration, after supplying moisture to the object C to be processed, air suction is performed when the moisture supply stops. Therefore, moisture can be suctioned from the object C to be processed without moving the head unit 2 significantly. In addition, since no new moisture is supplied during suction, the amount of remaining moisture in the object C to be processed can be reduced.

[0205] Furthermore, in the ninth embodiment, similar to the second embodiment in Figure 5, the suction device 5 may have a suction-side inclined surface 22S that defines a part of the suction path 22 through which air sucked in through the suction port 22A and the communication portion 2S flows, and is inclined so as to move away from the communication portion 2S as it moves away from the suction port 22A.

[0206] With this configuration, the suction force of the suction device 5 can be strongly applied to the moisture adhering to the object to be treated C around the nozzle 21A. In other words, by narrowing the tip of the suction path 22 in the region close to the suction port 22A, the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A can be made to overlap more. As a result, the moisture (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle 21A can adhere to the object to be treated C and then be smoothly guided from the connecting section 2S to the suction path 22. As a result, this moisture can be sucked into the suction path 22 along with the air. Note that the suction-side inclined surface 22S may be provided on only one of the first suction path 221 or the second suction path 222.

[0207] Furthermore, in the ninth embodiment as well, as in the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 7, the partition wall 20 may have a partition wall inclined surface 20S that defines the communication portion 2S at the end of the partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side. The partition wall inclined surface 20S is inclined such that the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the communication portion 2S widens from the outlet 21A side to the suction port 22A side.

[0208] With this configuration, the suction path 22 side of the tip of the partition wall 20 is offset more significantly with respect to the contact surface 2a than the supply path 21 side. This makes it easier to suction from the ejection point of moisture and other substances in the object to be processed C, and makes it more difficult for shortcuts to occur as described above. In addition, the area around the suction port 22A can be widened. Note that the partition wall inclined surface 20S may be provided on only one of the partition walls 20, upper or lower.

[0209] Furthermore, in the ninth embodiment, the garment processing device 100 (head unit 2) may also be equipped with a movable member 80. In this case as well, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the movable member 80 is attached to the partition wall 20 so as to enter the communication section 2S, and is capable of changing the communication state between the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A.

[0210] Furthermore, in the ninth embodiment, the movable member 80 may also have the characteristic of deforming when exposed to heat.

[0211] With this configuration, when steam or hot water is ejected through the supply path 21 and the nozzle 21A, the movable member 80 deforms as shown in Figure 8A due to its high temperature. That is, the movable member 80 deforms so that the supplied steam spreads to the area around the suction port 22A. On the other hand, when air is drawn in through the suction port 22A and the supply path 21, the temperature of the steam or hot water decreases relatively compared to when it is ejected, so the movable member 80 deforms as shown in Figure 8B. That is, when air is drawn in along with moisture, the movable member 80 deforms so that it can also be drawn in from the area around the nozzle 21A. In this way, in both the ejection and suction cases, the movable member 80 can be deformed so that the ejection or suction destinations spread, or in other words, so that the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A overlap. Therefore, the supply of moisture and the suction of air can be stably performed. Note that the movable member 80 may be provided in only one of the upper or lower connecting sections 2S.

[0212] <Tenth Embodiment> Figure 13A is a cross-sectional view of the head unit 2 of the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13B is a plan view of the partition wall 20 of the head unit 2 of the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the first to ninth embodiments, the communication portion 2S was described as extending continuously in the width direction of the head unit 2, but the communication portion 2S may be arranged intermittently.

[0213] In other words, in the tenth embodiment, the garment processing device 100 (head unit 2) further includes a partition wall 20 separating the supply path 21 and the suction path 22, and the communication section 2S is formed by a plurality of openings 2H arranged at intervals from each other along the width direction W, which is parallel to the contact surface 2a and intersects the direction of moisture supply, at the end of the partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side. In other words, in this embodiment, the tip of the partition wall 20 is formed in the shape of a slit.

[0214] With this configuration, the tip of the partition wall 20 is flush or nearly flush with the contact surface 2a, making it possible to press against the object to be processed C. Therefore, deformation of the object to be processed C during water ejection or air suction can be suppressed. As a result, the clothing processing device 100 (head unit 2) suppresses damage to the object to be processed C, and since the opening of the opening 2H can be maintained, a stable suction effect can be obtained. Furthermore, while performing these functions, since multiple openings 2H form multiple communication sections 2S, it becomes possible to suction air from the nozzle side as in the previous embodiments.

[0215] <Embodiment 11> Figure 14A is a front view of the head unit 2 of the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the 11th embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14B is a plan view of the partition wall 20 of the head unit 2 of the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the 11th embodiment of the present disclosure. In the first to tenth embodiments, the retraction suppression portion 75 was described as extending continuously in the width direction of the head unit 2, but the retraction suppression portion 75 may be arranged intermittently.

[0216] As an example, in the 11th embodiment, a partition wall 20 further separates the supply path 21 and the suction path 22, and the communication section 2S is formed by a plurality of openings 2H arranged at intervals from each other along the width direction W at the end of the partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side. On the other hand, the intake suppression section 75 includes a plurality of suppression walls 75J arranged at intervals from each other along the width direction W, and a communication opening 75K that allows airflow is formed between each of the plurality of suppression walls 75J. In the width direction W, each of the plurality of openings 2H is positioned to correspond to the communication opening 75K.

[0217] With this configuration, the communication port 75K of the intake suppression section 75 is positioned to coincide with the multiple openings 2H at the tip of the slit-shaped partition wall 20. As a result, as shown by the arrows in Figure 14A, the air sucked in from the outlet 21A side through the multiple openings 2H can flow smoothly into the suction path 22 through the communication port 75K without requiring movement in the width direction W. Also, in this case, as with the tenth embodiment, the tip of the partition wall 20 can suppress deformation of the object to be processed C. To put it another way, the intake suppression section 75 in this embodiment is formed by multiple protrusions projecting from the partition wall 20 toward the suction path 22 side.

[0218] In addition, the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the 10th and 11th embodiments also has a communication portion 2S in the garment processing apparatus 100 (head unit 2). As described above, the communication portion 2S is exposed to the contact surface 2a and connects the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A.

[0219] With this configuration, the water ejected from the nozzle 21A can be sucked in along with the air through the communication section 2S. This effect is particularly effective even when the flow rate of supplied water is large. Therefore, even when the user moves the head unit 2 by a small amount, the water can be sucked in, and water overflowing from around the nozzle 21A can be prevented. Furthermore, since the communication section 2S is exposed on the contact surface 2a side, compared to the case where the communication section 2S is positioned inside the contact surface 2a, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon of water supplied toward the object to be treated C being sucked into the suction path 22 side without reaching the object to be treated C (shortcut). As a result, the object to be treated C can be efficiently washed and rinsed.

[0220] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the 10th and 11th embodiments, the suction device 5 includes a suction path 22 through which the air sucked in through the suction port 22A and the communication section 2S flows, and further includes a pull-in suppression section 75 which is located downstream of the communication section 2S in the airflow of the suction path 22 and suppresses the pull-in of the object to be processed C.

[0221] With this configuration, by providing a communication section 2S in the head unit 2, it is possible to reliably prevent the object to be processed C from being sucked downstream of the suction path 22, even when suction force is applied to the area around the communication section 2S.

[0222] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the 10th and 11th embodiments, the moisture supply device 4 includes a supply path 21 through which the moisture flows toward the nozzle 21A, and the suction device 5 includes a suction path 22 through which the air sucked in through the suction port 22A and the communication section 2S flows. The head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) further includes partition walls 20 (20A, 20B) separating the supply path 21 and the suction path 22, and each communication section 2S is formed at the end of the partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side.

[0223] With this configuration, a supply path 21 can be stably formed on the upstream side of the communication section 2S in the direction of water supply, while a suction path 22 can be stably formed on the downstream side of the communication section 2S in the direction of air suction. Furthermore, the communication section 2S can be easily formed based on the position of the end of the partition wall 20. In addition, as described above, the state of the communication section 2S can be changed by attaching the movable member 80 to the end of the partition wall 20.

[0224] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the 10th and 11th embodiments, the head unit 2 (garment processing apparatus 100) may further include a detergent container 71 and a pump 72 (detergent dispensing unit) that can dispense detergent into the water supplied toward the nozzle 21A, similar to Figure 3.

[0225] With this configuration, by applying detergent in addition to moisture such as water vapor or hot water to the object to be treated C, dirt and other contaminants can be stably removed from the object to be treated C based on the interaction between the moisture and the detergent. Furthermore, since suction force acts on the object to be treated C through the connecting part 2S, it is possible to prevent the applied detergent from penetrating too deeply into the object to be treated C.

[0226] Furthermore, in the garment processing apparatus 100 according to the 10th and 11th embodiments, similar to the first embodiment in Figure 2, the garment processing apparatus 100 further includes a control device 6 capable of controlling the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5, respectively. The control device 6 may then control the moisture supply device 4 and the suction device 5 so that after supplying moisture to the object to be processed C, the supply of moisture is stopped and air is then sucked in.

[0227] With this configuration, after supplying moisture to the object C to be processed, air suction is performed when the moisture supply stops. Therefore, moisture can be suctioned from the object C to be processed without moving the head unit 2 significantly. In addition, since no new moisture is supplied during suction, the amount of remaining moisture in the object C to be processed can be reduced.

[0228] In addition, in the 10th and 11th embodiments, as in the second embodiment shown in Figure 5, the water supply device 4 may also have a supply path 21 through which water flows toward the nozzle 21A, as well as a supply-side inclined surface 21S that defines a portion of the supply path 21 and is inclined to approach the communication section 2S as it approaches the nozzle 21A.

[0229] With this configuration, as the water flowing through the supply path 21 approaches the nozzle 21A, it can flow towards a position closer to the communication section 2S. In other words, by narrowing the tip of the supply path 21 in the region close to the nozzle 21A, the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A can be made to overlap more. As a result, the water (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle 21A can adhere to the object to be treated C and then be smoothly guided to the communication section 2S. Consequently, this water can be drawn into the suction path 22 along with the air.

[0230] Furthermore, in the 10th and 11th embodiments, similar to the second embodiment in Figure 5, the suction device 5 may have a suction-side inclined surface 22S that defines a part of the suction path 22 through which air sucked in through the suction port 22A and the communication portion 2S flows, and is inclined so as to move away from the communication portion 2S as it moves away from the suction port 22A.

[0231] With this configuration, the suction force of the suction device 5 can be strongly applied to the moisture adhering to the object to be treated C around the nozzle 21A. In other words, by narrowing the tip of the suction path 22 in the region close to the suction port 22A, the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A can be made to overlap more. As a result, the moisture (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle 21A can adhere to the object to be treated C and then be smoothly guided from the connecting section 2S to the suction path 22. Consequently, this moisture can be sucked into the suction path 22 along with the air.

[0232] In addition, in the 10th and 11th embodiments, at least one of the supply-side inclined surface 21S and the suction-side inclined surface 22S may also be provided. As shown in Figure 5, by providing both the supply-side inclined surface 21S and the suction-side inclined surface 22S, moisture (water, steam, cleaning liquid) ejected from the nozzle 21A and adhering to the object to be treated C can be stably guided from the communication section 2S to the suction path 22 and sucked up.

[0233] Furthermore, in the 10th and 11th embodiments, as shown in the third embodiment of Figure 6, the water supply device 4 may include a supply path 21 through which the water flows toward the nozzle, and the suction device 5 may include a suction path 22 through which the air sucked in through the suction port and the communication section flows. The supply path 21 and the suction path 22 are arranged at an inclination with respect to the contact surface 2a such that they are closest to each other at the contact surface 2a.

[0234] With this configuration, by arranging the supply path 21 and the suction path 22 opposite each other in a V-shape, the outlet 21A and the suction port 22A can be made to overlap more. As a result, compared to the first and second embodiments, there are no bends in the flow path, and the pressure loss experienced by each fluid can be reduced.

[0235] Furthermore, in the tenth and eleventh embodiments, as in the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 7, the partition wall 20 may have a partition wall inclined surface 20S that defines the communication portion 2S at the end of the partition wall 20 on the contact surface 2a side. The partition wall inclined surface 20S is inclined such that the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the communication portion 2S widens from the outlet 21A side to the suction port 22A side.

[0236] With this configuration, the suction path 22 side of the tip of the partition wall 20 is offset more significantly with respect to the contact surface 2a than the supply path 21 side. This makes it easier to suction from the ejection point of moisture and other substances in the object to be processed C, and makes it more difficult for shortcuts to occur as described above. In addition, the area around the suction port 22A can be widened.

[0237] Furthermore, in the tenth and eleventh embodiments, the garment processing device 100 (head unit 2) may also be equipped with a movable member 80. In this case as well, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the movable member 80 is attached to the partition wall 20 so as to enter the communication section 2S, and is capable of changing the communication state between the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A.

[0238] Furthermore, in the tenth and eleventh embodiments, the movable member 80 may also have the characteristic of deforming when exposed to heat.

[0239] With this configuration, when steam or hot water is ejected through the supply path 21 and the nozzle 21A, the movable member 80 deforms as shown in Figure 8A due to its high temperature. That is, the movable member 80 deforms so that the supplied steam spreads to the area around the suction port 22A. On the other hand, when air is drawn in through the suction port 22A and the supply path 21, the temperature of the steam or hot water decreases relatively compared to when it is ejected, so the movable member 80 deforms as shown in Figure 8B. That is, when air is drawn in along with moisture, the movable member 80 deforms so that it can also be drawn in from the area around the nozzle 21A. In this way, in both the case of ejection and suction, the movable member 80 can be deformed so that the ejection or suction area expands, or in other words, so that the nozzle 21A and the suction port 22A overlap. Therefore, the supply of moisture and the suction of air can be stably performed.

[0240] Furthermore, the structure of the communication portion 2S, as shown in Figures 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B, is also applicable to other embodiments of this disclosure.

[0241] <Other Embodiments> As described above, the first to eleventh embodiments have been explained as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0242] (Effects, etc.) The garment processing apparatus 100 of this disclosure has the following features and provides the following effects.

[0243] (Technology 1) A garment processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a garment processing apparatus capable of performing a predetermined process on an object to be processed, comprising: a facing surface positioned opposite to the object to be processed during the processing; a supply unit including a nozzle opening to the facing surface and capable of supplying moisture to the object to be processed through the nozzle; a suction unit including a suction port opening to the facing surface and capable of sucking air along with the moisture adhering to the object to be processed through the suction port; and a communication unit exposed to the facing surface and connecting the nozzle and the suction port.

[0244] In the configuration of Technology 1, the water ejected from the nozzle can be sucked up along with air through the communication section. Therefore, even if the user moves the opposing surface only a small amount, the water can be sucked up, and water overflowing from around the nozzle can be prevented. Furthermore, since the communication section is exposed on the opposing surface side, compared to the case where the communication section is located inside the opposing surface, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon of water supplied toward the object to be treated being sucked up without reaching the object (shortcut). As a result, washing and rinsing can be performed efficiently on the object to be treated.

[0245] (Technology 2) In the configuration of Technology 1, the suction unit includes a suction path through which the air sucked in through the suction port and the communication unit flows, and may further include a pull-in suppression unit located downstream of the communication unit in the suction path to suppress the pull-in of the object to be processed.

[0246] In the configuration of Technology 2, the provision of a connecting section ensures that even when suction force is applied to the area around the connecting section, the object to be processed is reliably prevented from being sucked downstream of the suction path.

[0247] (Technology 3) In the configuration of technology 1 or 2, the supply unit includes a supply path through which the moisture flows toward the nozzle, the suction unit includes a suction path through which the air sucked in through the suction port and the communication unit flows, and further comprises a partition wall separating the supply path and the suction path, the communication unit may be formed at the end of the partition wall on the opposite side.

[0248] In the configuration of Technology 3, a supply path can be stably formed on the upstream side of the communication section in the direction of water supply, while a suction path can be stably formed on the downstream side of the communication section in the direction of air suction. Furthermore, the communication section can be easily formed based on the position of the end of the partition wall.

[0249] (Technology 4) In the configuration described in any of the technologies 1 to 3, a detergent dispenser may be further provided, which is capable of dispensing detergent into the water supplied toward the nozzle.

[0250] In the configuration of Technology 4, by applying detergent in addition to moisture such as water vapor or hot water to the object to be treated, dirt and other contaminants can be stably removed from the object based on the interaction between the moisture and the detergent. Furthermore, since suction force is applied to the object to be treated through the connecting part, it is possible to prevent the applied detergent from penetrating too deeply into the object.

[0251] (Technology 5) In the configuration described in any of Technical 1 to 4, the supply unit may have a supply path through which the water flows toward the nozzle, and a supply-side inclined surface that defines a part of the supply path and is inclined to approach the communication unit as it approaches the nozzle.

[0252] In the configuration of Technology 5, as the water flowing through the supply path approaches the nozzle, it can flow towards a position closer to the communication point. In other words, by narrowing the tip of the supply path in the region close to the nozzle, the nozzle and the suction port can be made to overlap more. As a result, the water (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle can adhere to the object being treated and then be smoothly guided to the communication point. Consequently, this water can be drawn into the suction path along with the air.

[0253] (Technology 6) In the configuration described in any of Technical 1 to 5, the suction section may have a suction path through which the air sucked in through the suction port and the communication section flows, and a suction-side inclined surface that defines a part of the suction path and is inclined so as it moves away from the suction port it moves away from the communication section.

[0254] According to the configuration of Technology 6, the suction force of the suction unit can be strongly applied to the moisture adhering to the object being treated around the nozzle. In other words, by narrowing the tip of the suction path in the region close to the suction port, the nozzle and suction port can be made to overlap more. As a result, the moisture (water, steam, cleaning solution) ejected from the nozzle can adhere to the object being treated and then be smoothly guided from the connecting section into the suction path. Consequently, this moisture can be drawn into the suction path along with the air.

[0255] (Technology 7) In the configuration described in any of Technical 1 to 6, the supply unit includes a supply path through which the moisture flows toward the nozzle, the suction unit includes a suction path through which the air sucked in through the suction port and the communication unit flows, and the supply path and the suction path may be arranged at an inclination with respect to the opposing surface such that the distance between them is as close as possible on the opposing surface.

[0256] In the configuration of Technology 7, the supply path and the suction path are positioned opposite each other in a V-shape, allowing the outlet and suction port to overlap more. As a result, there are fewer bends in the flow path, and the pressure loss experienced by each fluid can be reduced.

[0257] (Technology 8) In the configuration described in any of Technical 1 to 7, the supply unit includes a supply path through which the moisture flows toward the nozzle, the suction unit includes a suction path through which the air sucked in through the suction port and the communication unit flows, and further comprises a partition wall separating the supply path and the suction path, the partition wall having a partition wall inclined surface that defines the communication unit at the end of the partition wall on the opposing side, and the partition wall inclined surface is inclined such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the communication unit widens from the nozzle side toward the suction port side.

[0258] In the configuration of Technology 8, the suction path side of the tip of the partition wall is offset more significantly relative to the opposing surface than the supply path side. This makes it easier to suction from the ejection point of moisture and other substances in the object being processed, and makes it more difficult for shortcuts to occur as described above. In addition, the area around the suction port can be widened.

[0259] (Technology 9) In the configuration of Technology 3, a movable member may be further provided, which is attached to the partition wall so as to enter the communication portion and is capable of changing the communication state between the nozzle and the suction port.

[0260] In the configuration of technology 9, the communication state between the nozzle and the suction port can be changed.

[0261] (Technology 10) In the configuration of technology 9, the movable member may have the characteristic of deforming when exposed to heat.

[0262] In the configuration of technology 10, when steam or hot water is ejected through the supply path and nozzle, the movable member deforms due to its high temperature. For example, the movable member can be deformed so that the supplied steam spreads around the suction port. On the other hand, when air is drawn in through the suction port and suction path, the movable member can be deformed in a different way than described above by taking advantage of the fact that the temperature of the steam or hot water is relatively lower compared to when it is ejected.

[0263] (Technology 11) In the configuration described in any of Technical 1 to 10, the suction section includes a first suction port and is located on one side of the supply section in a direction parallel to the opposing surface, and a second suction port and is located on the other side of the supply section opposite to the one side in a direction parallel to the opposing surface, and the communication section may include a first communication section that connects the nozzle of the supply section with the first suction port of the first suction section, and a second communication section that connects the nozzle of the supply section with the second suction port of the second suction section.

[0264] In the configuration of Technology 11, the suction paths of the suction section are arranged on both sides of the supply path of the supply section. A pair of suction ports are provided so as to sandwich the nozzle from both sides. As a result, dripping from the nozzle can be reliably sucked up, and the dripping of liquid from the opposite surface can be suppressed.

[0265] (Technology 12) In the configuration of technology 11, the first suction section may have a first suction path through which the air sucked in through the first suction port and the first communication section flows, and a first suction-side inclined surface that defines a part of the first suction path and is inclined to move away from the first communication section as it moves away from the opposing surface, and the second suction section may have a second suction path through which the air sucked in through the second suction port and the second communication section flows, and a second suction-side inclined surface that defines a part of the second suction path and is inclined to move away from the second communication section as it moves away from the opposing surface.

[0266] In the configuration of Technique 12, the suction force of the suction part can be strongly applied to the moisture adhering to the object to be processed around the ejection port. In other words, by narrowing the tips of each suction path in the region close to each suction port, the ejection port and each suction port can be made to overlap more. For this reason, after the moisture (water, water vapor, cleaning liquid) ejected from the ejection port is made to adhere to the object to be processed, it can be smoothly guided from the communication part to each suction path. As a result, these moisture can be surely sucked into the suction path together with air.

[0267] (Technique 13) In the configuration of Technique 11, the first suction part and the second suction part may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the opposing surface so that the distance between them is closest on the opposing surface.

[0268] In the configuration of Technique 13, by arranging a plurality of suction paths to face each other in a V shape, the ejection port and each suction port can be made to overlap more.

[0269] (Technique 14) In the configuration of Technique 11, the supply part may include a supply path through which the moisture flows toward the ejection port, a first supply inclined surface that defines a part of the supply path and is inclined so as to approach the first communication part as it approaches the opposing surface, and a second supply inclined surface that defines a part of the supply path and is inclined so as to approach the second communication part as it approaches the opposing surface.

[0270] In the configuration of Technique 14, the moisture flowing through the supply path can be ejected so as to spread with respect to the object to be processed, and the ejection port and each suction port can be made to overlap more.

[0271] (Technique 15) In the configuration of Technique 14, the supply part may further include a supply partition part that is arranged to extend toward the opposing surface between the first supply inclined surface and the second supply inclined surface and branches at least a part of the supply path.

[0272] According to the configuration of Technique 15, the flow of moisture in the supply path can be deflected. Note that the direction in which the supply partition portion extends may be set to intersect the opposing surface at an acute angle or an obtuse angle.

[0273] (Technique 16) In the configuration of Technique 15, the downstream end portion of the supply partition portion in the supply direction of the moisture may be arranged at an interval with respect to the opposing surface.

[0274] In the configuration of Technique 16, even when there is a difference in the flow rate of moisture in the two branched supply paths, since the ejection ports communicate with each other, a flow can be generated to compensate for the above flow rate difference.

[0275] (Technique 17) In the configuration according to any one of Techniques 1 to 16, the supply portion includes a supply path through which the moisture flows toward the ejection port, the suction portion includes a suction path through which the air sucked through the suction port and the communication portion flows, and further includes a partition wall separating the supply path and the suction path. The communication portion is formed by a plurality of openings arranged at intervals along the width direction, which is a direction parallel to the opposing surface and intersecting the supply direction of the moisture, at the end portion on the opposing surface side of the partition wall.

[0276] In the configuration of Technique 17, since the tip of the partition wall is flush or substantially flush with the opposing surface, it becomes possible to press the object to be processed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deformation of the object to be processed when moisture is ejected or air is sucked. Also, while having such a function, since a plurality of communication portions are formed by a plurality of openings, it becomes possible to suck air from the ejection port side as in each of the previous embodiments.

[0277] (Technique 18) In the configuration of Technology 2, the supply unit includes a supply path through which the water flows toward the nozzle, and further comprises a partition wall separating the supply path and the suction path, the communication unit is formed by a plurality of openings spaced apart from each other along the width direction which is parallel to the opposing surface and intersects the water supply direction at the end of the partition wall on the opposing surface side, the draw-in suppression unit includes a plurality of suppression walls spaced apart from each other along the width direction, each of which has a communication opening that allows airflow, and each of the plurality of openings may be positioned in the width direction corresponding to the communication opening.

[0278] In the configuration of Technology 18, the communication port of the intake suppression unit is positioned to coincide with multiple openings at the tip of the slit-shaped partition wall. As a result, air sucked in from the nozzle side through the multiple openings can flow smoothly into the suction path through the communication port without requiring movement in the width direction. Furthermore, the intake suppression unit can suppress deformation of the object being processed.

[0279] (Technology 19) In the configuration described in any of Technical 1 to 18, the system further comprises a control unit capable of controlling the supply unit and the suction unit, respectively, wherein the control unit controls the supply unit and the suction unit to supply water to the object to be processed, and then to perform air suction while the supply of water is stopped.

[0280] In the configuration of Technology 19, after supplying moisture to the object to be processed, air suction is performed when the moisture supply stops. Therefore, moisture can be suctioned from the object to be processed without moving the opposing surfaces significantly. In addition, since no new moisture is supplied during suction, the amount of remaining moisture in the object to be processed can be reduced.

[0281] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents.

Industrial Applicability

[0282] The technology of the present disclosure is suitably used for applying treatments such as removing dirt from clothing and washing clothing to the clothing.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0283] 1 Base unit 2 Head unit 2a Contact surface (opposing surface) 2H Opening 2S Communication part 2S1 First communication part 2S2 Second communication part 3 Connecting pipe 4 Water supply device (supply part) 5 Suction device (suction part) 5A First suction part 5B Second suction part 6 Control device (control part) 20 Partition wall 21 Supply path 21A Jet outlet 21M First supply inclined surface 21N Second supply inclined surface 21S Supply side inclined surface 22 Suction path 22A Suction port 22A1 First suction port 22A2 Second suction port 22S Suction side inclined surface 22S1 First suction side inclined surface 22S2 Second suction side inclined surface 41 Water supply tank 42 Water supply pump 46 Water supply pipe 51 Drainage tank 51a Separation plate 52 Suction fan 55 Suction pipe 56 Exhaust port 57 Filter <000097​​​​​​66 Function setting switch 70 Handheld switch 71. Detergent container (detergent dispenser) 72 Pump (detergent dispenser) 73 Clothing stain sensor 75 Pull-in suppression section 75J Suppression Wall 75K communication port 80 Movable member 90 Supply bulkhead 100 Garment Processing Equipment A Direction of movement C. Items to be processed D Separation distance

Claims

1. A garment processing apparatus capable of performing a predetermined process on an object to be processed, During the aforementioned process, a facing surface is positioned opposite the object to be processed, A supply unit including a nozzle opening to the opposing surface, which is capable of supplying water to the object to be treated through the nozzle, A suction unit including a suction port opening to the opposing surface, capable of sucking air along with the moisture adhering to the object to be processed through the suction port, A communication portion is exposed on the opposing surface and connects the nozzle and the suction port, A garment processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The suction section includes a suction path through which the air sucked in through the suction port and the communication section flows. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pull-in suppression unit arranged downstream of the airflow unit in the suction path from the communication unit, which suppresses the pull-in of the object to be processed.

3. The supply unit includes a supply path through which the water flows toward the nozzle, The suction section includes a suction path through which the air sucked in through the suction port and the communication section flows. The supply path and the suction path are further separated by a partition wall. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication portion is formed at the end of the partition wall on the opposing side.

4. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a detergent dispenser capable of dispensing detergent into the water supplied toward the nozzle.

5. The aforementioned supply unit is A supply path through which the water flows toward the nozzle, A portion of the supply path is defined, and a supply-side inclined surface is provided, which is inclined so as it approaches the nozzle, it approaches the communication section. A garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:

6. The suction section is A suction path through which the air sucked in via the suction port and the communication portion flows, A suction-side inclined surface is provided, which defines a portion of the aforementioned suction path and is inclined so as it moves away from the suction port, it moves away from the communication portion. A garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:

7. The supply unit includes a supply path through which the water flows toward the nozzle, The suction section includes a suction path through which the air sucked in through the suction port and the communication section flows. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply path and the suction path are arranged at an inclination with respect to the opposing surface such that they are closest to each other on the opposing surface.

8. The supply unit includes a supply path through which the water flows toward the nozzle, The suction section includes a suction path through which the air sucked in through the suction port and the communication section flows. The supply path and the suction path are further separated by a partition wall. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the partition wall has a partition wall inclined surface that defines the communication portion at the end of the partition wall on the opposite side, and the partition wall inclined surface is inclined such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the communication portion widens from the outlet side to the suction port side.

9. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a movable member attached to the partition wall so as to enter the communication portion, and capable of changing the state of communication between the nozzle and the suction port.

10. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the movable member has the property of deforming when exposed to heat.

11. The suction section is A first suction section, which includes a first suction port and is positioned on one side of the supply section in a direction parallel to the opposing surface, A second suction section including a second suction port, which is positioned on the other side of the supply section opposite to the one side in a direction parallel to the opposing surface, It has, The aforementioned communication portion is, A first connecting section that connects the nozzle of the supply section and the first suction port of the first suction section, A second connecting section that connects the nozzle of the supply section and the second suction port of the second suction section, A garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:

12. The first suction unit is, A first suction path through which the air sucked in through the first suction port and the first communication section flows, A first suction-side inclined surface defines a part of the first suction path and is inclined so as it moves away from the opposing surface, it moves away from the first communication portion. It has, The second suction section is, A second suction path through which the air sucked in through the second suction port and the second communication section flows, A second suction-side inclined surface defines a portion of the second suction path and is inclined so as it moves away from the opposing surface, it moves away from the second communication portion. A garment processing apparatus according to claim 11, comprising:

13. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first suction portion and the second suction portion are arranged at an inclination with respect to the opposing surface such that the distance between them is as close as possible on the opposing surface.

14. The aforementioned supply unit is A supply path through which the water flows toward the nozzle, A first supply inclined surface defines a portion of the supply path and is inclined so as it approaches the opposing surface it approaches the first communication portion, A second supply inclined surface defines a portion of the supply path and is inclined to approach the second communication portion as it approaches the opposing surface, A garment processing apparatus according to claim 11, comprising:

15. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the supply unit further comprises a supply partition that is disposed between the first supply inclined surface and the second supply inclined surface so as to extend toward the opposing surface and branches off at least a part of the supply path.

16. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the downstream end of the supply partition in the direction of water supply is arranged at a distance from the opposing surface.

17. The supply unit includes a supply path through which the water flows toward the nozzle, The suction section includes a suction path through which the air sucked in through the suction port and the communication section flows. The supply path and the suction path are further separated by a partition wall. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication portion is formed by a plurality of openings arranged at intervals from each other along the width direction, which is parallel to the opposing surface and intersects the direction of moisture supply, at the end of the partition wall on the opposing surface side.

18. The supply unit includes a supply path through which the water flows toward the nozzle, The supply path and the suction path are further separated by a partition wall. The communication portion is formed by a plurality of openings arranged at intervals from each other along the width direction, which is parallel to the opposing surface and intersects the direction of water supply, at the end of the partition wall on the opposing surface side. The aforementioned retraction suppression section includes a plurality of suppression walls arranged at intervals from each other along the width direction, and communication openings that allow airflow are formed between each of the plurality of suppression walls. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in the width direction, each of the plurality of openings is positioned to correspond to the communication opening.

19. The system further comprises a control unit capable of controlling the supply unit and the suction unit, respectively. The garment processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the control unit controls the supply unit and the suction unit so that after supplying moisture to the object to be processed, the supply of moisture is stopped and air is sucked in.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Clothing treatment apparatus

    WO2022018966A1