Water treatment instrument, water treatment device, washing machine, air conditioner, refrigerator, and hot water supply equipment

Abstract

Provided are a water treatment instrument, a water treatment device, a washing machine, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, and hot water supply equipment that are capable of maintaining antimicrobial properties for a long period of time. A water treatment instrument according to one embodiment of the present disclosure: has a surface having formed thereon a plurality of protrusions which are composed of aluminum oxide and which have a plate-like shape; and has formed therein a space which is defined by the surface and in which water is disposed.

Description

Water treatment equipment, water treatment equipment, washing machines, air conditioners, refrigerators and hot water equipment

[0001] This disclosure relates to a water treatment device, a water treatment apparatus, a washing machine, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, and a hot water supply system. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-117448 filed on July 23, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an antibacterial tablet. In this antibacterial tablet, an antibacterial agent formed by solidifying an antibacterial substance is sealed inside a permeable membrane bag. The permeable membrane bag elutes an amount of the antibacterial substance to the outside of the permeable membrane bag according to the difference in concentration of the antibacterial substance inside and outside the permeable membrane bag. The antibacterial tablet is applied to various running water facilities where microbial proliferation is a concern (paragraphs 0010, 0021, and 0022).

[0003] Patent No. 5753740

[0004] When the antibacterial tablet disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used for a long period of time, the antibacterial agent sealed inside the permeable membrane bag is completely consumed, and the tablet becomes unusable.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure has been made in view of this problem, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide, for example, a water treatment device, a water treatment apparatus, a washing machine, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, and a hot water supply system that can maintain antimicrobial properties for a long period of time.

[0006] A water treatment device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure has a surface made of aluminum oxide and on which a plurality of plate-shaped protrusions are formed, and a space is defined by the surface in which water is placed.

[0007] A water treatment device of a second aspect of the present disclosure includes a water treatment device of the first aspect of the present disclosure, in which the plurality of protrusions are a first plurality of protrusions, and a porous material made of aluminum oxide and having a surface on which a second plurality of protrusions having a plate-like shape are formed, and which is arranged in the space.

[0008] A water treatment device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure comprises the water treatment device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure and a porous material made of aluminum oxide, having a surface on which a second plurality of plate-shaped protrusions are formed, and being disposed in the space.

[0009] A water treatment device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes the water treatment device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure and a flow mechanism that causes the water to flow in the space.

[0010] A washing machine according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure includes the water treatment device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0011] An air conditioner according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure includes the water treatment device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0012] A refrigerator according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure includes the water treatment device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0013] A hot water supply system according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure includes the water treatment device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a water treatment device of a first embodiment; a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment device of the first embodiment; an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment appliance provided in the water treatment device of the first embodiment; an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment appliance provided in the water treatment device of the first embodiment and microorganisms attached to the water treatment appliance; an electron microscope image of a protrusion structure of a water treatment appliance provided in the water treatment device of the first embodiment and E. coli attached to the protrusion structure; a flowchart showing the manufacturing flow of a water treatment appliance provided in the water treatment device of the first embodiment; a perspective view schematically illustrating a water treatment device of a second embodiment; a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment device of the second embodiment; a perspective view schematically illustrating a water treatment device of a third embodiment; a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment device of the third embodiment; a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment device of a fourth embodiment; a view schematically illustrating a porous material provided in the water treatment device of the fourth embodiment; an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating each protrusion-equipped fiber of a porous material provided in the water treatment appliance of the fourth embodiment; a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment device of a first modified example of the fourth embodiment. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment device provided in a water treatment device of a fifth embodiment; an electron microscope image of a protrusion structure of the water treatment device provided in a water treatment device of the fifth embodiment; a diagram explaining the relationship between the average spacing between the tips of multiple protrusions of the water treatment device provided in a water treatment device of the fifth embodiment and the size of bacteria and viruses; an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment device provided in a water treatment device of a sixth embodiment; an electron microscope image of the protrusion structure of the water treatment device provided in a water treatment device of the sixth embodiment; a diagram explaining the relationship between the average spacing between the tips of multiple protrusions of the water treatment device provided in a water treatment device of the sixth embodiment and the size of bacteria and viruses; a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment device of a seventh embodiment; an electron microscope image of the protrusion structure of the water treatment device provided in a water treatment device of the seventh embodiment and E. coli attached to the protrusion structure, taken immediately after the E. coli attached to the protrusion structure; an electron microscope image of the protrusion structure of the water treatment device provided in a water treatment device of the seventh embodiment, taken some time after the E. coli attached to the protrusion structure.FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment device of an eighth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a view schematically illustrating a washing machine of a ninth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a view schematically illustrating an air conditioner of a tenth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a view schematically illustrating an air conditioner of an eleventh embodiment. FIG. 14 is a view schematically illustrating an air conditioner of a twelfth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a view schematically illustrating an external appearance of an air conditioner of a thirteenth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a view schematically illustrating the interior of an air conditioner of a thirteenth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a view schematically illustrating a refrigerator of a fourteenth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a view schematically illustrating an ice-making water supply tank provided in the refrigerator of the fourteenth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a view schematically illustrating a hot water supply system of a fifteenth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a view schematically illustrating a tank provided in the hot water supply system of the fifteenth embodiment.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0016] 1 First Embodiment 1.1 Water Treatment Device Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a water treatment device of the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the water treatment device of the first embodiment.

[0017] 1 and 2 , a water treatment device 1 according to a first embodiment stores water W supplied from a supply source and inactivates microorganisms contained in the stored water W. The supplied water W may be tap water, wastewater, or the like. The microorganisms to be inactivated include bacteria, viruses, and the like.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the water treatment device 1 includes a water treatment tool 101 and an inflow mechanism 102 .

[0019] The water treatment device 101 is a container. Therefore, the water treatment device 101 stores water W. The water treatment device 101 has an inner surface 101a. A space 101b defined by the inner surface 101a is formed in the water treatment device 101. The water W stored in the water treatment device 101 is placed in the space 101b. The inner surface 101a comes into contact with the water W placed in the space 101b. The water treatment device 101 may be formed with a water inlet for supplying water and a drain outlet for draining water.

[0020] The inflow mechanism 102 causes the first water W1 supplied from the supply source to flow into the space 101b of the water treatment device 101, and includes the flowed-in first water W1 in the water W placed in the space 101b. The inflow mechanism 102 is formed of, for example, a pipe.

[0021] 1.2 Water Treatment Device Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment device provided in the water treatment device of the first embodiment. Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment device provided in the water treatment device of the first embodiment and microorganisms attached to the water treatment device.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , the water treatment device 101 includes a container body 111 and a protruding structure 112 .

[0023] The container body 111 has an inner surface 111a. The container body 111 is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin. The container body 111 may be made of a material other than ABS resin. For example, the container body 111 may be made of a resin other than ABS resin, a metal, glass, etc. Examples of resins other than ABS resin include polypropylene resin, polyester resin, and polyamide resin. Examples of metals include aluminum, iron, and stainless steel.

[0024] The protrusion structures 112 are disposed on the inner surface 111a of the container body 111. As a result, the inner surface 101a of the water treatment device 101 has the protrusion structures 112 formed thereon. The protrusion structures 112 are formed on the entire inner surface 101a. The protrusion structures 112 may be formed on only a portion of the inner surface 101a. The protrusion structures 112 come into contact with the water W disposed in the space 101b of the water treatment device 101. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4 , microorganisms M contained in the water W adhere to the protrusion structures 112. The protrusion structures 112 physically damage the attached microorganisms M, thereby inactivating the microorganisms M. As a result, the water treatment device 101 has antimicrobial properties that inactivate the microorganisms M contained in the water W disposed in the space 101b. The damaged microorganisms M include bacteria, viruses, and the like. Therefore, the water treatment device 101 has antibacterial properties, antiviral properties, and the like. The damaged microorganisms M are washed away by the water W. Therefore, the protruding structure 112 is not buried in the damaged microorganisms M, and the antimicrobial properties can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0025] 1.3 Protrusion Structure As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the protrusion structure 112 includes a plurality of protrusions 121.

[0026] The multiple protrusions 121 are arranged on the inner surface 111a of the container body 111. The multiple protrusions 121 are folded over on the inner surface 111a. The multiple protrusions 121 are densely arranged over the entire inner surface 111a, filling the entire inner surface 111a. Each of the multiple protrusions 121 has a plate-like shape. The plate-like shape of each protrusion 121 means that the height and depth of each protrusion 121 are large relative to the width of each protrusion 121. In Figures 3 and 4, the width direction of each protrusion 121 is the horizontal direction of the paper, the height direction of each protrusion 121 is the vertical direction of the paper, and the depth direction of each protrusion 121 is a direction perpendicular to the paper.

[0027] The plurality of protrusions 121 are made of aluminum oxide, which makes it possible to easily form the protrusion structure 112.

[0028] Each protrusion 121 has a size that is approximately the same as the size of the microorganism M or a size that is smaller than the size of the microorganism M.

[0029] The shapes and sizes of the multiple protrusions 121 are random. The positions at which the multiple protrusions 121 are arranged are random. The direction in which the multiple protrusions 121 extend is approximately perpendicular to the inner surface 111 a of the container body 111. The in-plane component of this direction that is parallel to the inner surface 111 a is random.

[0030] Adjacent protrusions 121 may overlap each other in a cross section of the water treatment tool 101 that appears when the water treatment tool 101 is cut.

[0031] The aspect ratio, which indicates the ratio of the height of each protrusion 121 to the width of each protrusion 121, is preferably equal to or greater than 1. This makes it easier for the protrusion structure 112 to physically damage the microorganisms M. This can improve the antimicrobial properties of the protrusion structure 112.

[0032] Each protrusion 121 preferably has a sharp blade-like shape. Therefore, the width of the tip of each protrusion 121 is preferably smaller than the width of the base of each protrusion 121. This makes it easier for the protrusion structure 112 to physically damage the microorganisms M. This can improve the antimicrobial properties of the protrusion structure 112.

[0033] The protrusion structures 112 hardly dissolve into the water W. Therefore, when the water W is treated with the protrusion structures 112, deterioration of the antimicrobial properties of the protrusion structures 112 due to dissolution of the protrusion structures 112 into the water W can be suppressed compared to when the water W is treated with an antibacterial agent made of an inorganic material or an organic material.

[0034] 1.4 Inactivation of E. coli by the Projection Structure FIG. 5 is an electron microscope image of the projection structure of the water treatment device provided in the water treatment device of the first embodiment and E. coli attached to the projection structure.

[0035] The white parts included in the electron microscope image of FIG. 5 are the tips of the multiple protrusions 121.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the E. coli E attached to the protrusion structures 112 is physically damaged and loses its original shape. Therefore, it can be seen from Figure 5 that the protrusion structures 112 have anti-E. coli properties.

[0037] 1.5 Manufacturing of Water Treatment Apparatus FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of manufacturing the water treatment apparatus provided in the water treatment device of the first embodiment.

[0038] When the water treatment tool 101 is manufactured, steps S101 to S103 shown in FIG. 6 are executed.

[0039] In step S101, the container body 111 is prepared.

[0040] In the subsequent step S102, a coating made of aluminum oxide is formed on the inner surface 111a of the container body 111. This results in a coated container. The coating can be formed, for example, by a sol-gel method using aluminum alkoxide.

[0041] In the subsequent step S103, the formed coating is self-assembled into protrusion structures 112. The protrusion structures 112 are self-assembled, for example, by bringing the formed coating into contact with warm water. The temperature of the warm water is, for example, 60°C.

[0042] The water treatment device 101 may be manufactured by other manufacturing methods.

[0043] 2 Second Embodiment In the following, differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. For points that are not described, the second embodiment also employs the same configuration as that employed in the first embodiment.

[0044] Fig. 7 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the water treatment device of the second embodiment, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the water treatment device of the second embodiment.

[0045] The water treatment device 2 of the second embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8 guides water W supplied from a supply source, inactivates microorganisms M contained in the water W being guided, and supplies the guided water W to a destination.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the water treatment device 2 includes a water treatment tool 201 .

[0047] The water treatment device 201 is a pipe. Therefore, the water treatment device 201 guides water W. The water treatment device 201 has an inner circumferential surface 201a. A space 201b defined by the inner circumferential surface 201a is formed in the water treatment device 201. The water W guided by the water treatment device 201 flows in the space 201b.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the water treatment device 201 includes a pipe body 211 and a protruding structure 112 .

[0049] The pipe body 211 has an inner circumferential surface 211a. The pipe body 211 is a water pipe and is made of polyvinyl chloride resin. The pipe body 211 may be made of a material other than polyvinyl chloride resin. For example, the pipe body 211 may be made of a resin other than polyvinyl chloride resin, metal, glass, etc. The pipe body 211 is a straight pipe. The pipe body 211 may be a curved pipe. The pipe body 211 is a rigid pipe that does not have flexibility. The pipe body 211 may be a flexible hose. For example, the pipe body 211 may be a flexible hose having a bellows shape. The pipe body 211 may be an adapter that connects two pipes to each other.

[0050] The protrusion structure 112 is disposed on the inner circumferential surface 211a of the pipe body 211. As a result, the inner circumferential surface 201a of the water treatment device 201 becomes the surface on which the protrusion structure 112 is formed. The protrusion structure 112 has a thickness of only a few hundred nanometers to a few micrometers. Therefore, the protrusion structure 112 does not significantly affect the flow rate and flow velocity of the water W flowing through the space 201b.

[0051] Light is not required when microorganisms M are inactivated by protrusion structure 112. Therefore, when microorganisms M are inactivated by protrusion structure 112, tube body 211 need only have low translucency compared to when microorganisms M are inactivated by ultraviolet light or when microorganisms M are inactivated using a photocatalyst.

[0052] 3. Third Embodiment In the following, differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. For points that are not described, the same configuration as that adopted in the first embodiment is also adopted in the third embodiment.

[0053] Fig. 9 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the water treatment device of the third embodiment. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the water treatment device of the third embodiment.

[0054] The water treatment device 3 of the third embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10 guides water W supplied from a supply source, inactivates microorganisms M contained in the water W being guided, and supplies the guided water W to a destination.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the water treatment device 3 includes a water treatment tool 301 .

[0056] The water treatment device 301 is a gutter with grooves formed therein. Therefore, the water treatment device 301 guides the water W. The water treatment device 301 has an inner surface 301a. The water treatment device 201 forms a space 301b defined by the inner surface 301a. The water W guided by the water treatment device 301 flows in the space 301b.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the water treatment device 301 includes a trough body 311 and a protruding structure 112 .

[0058] The gutter body 311 has an inner surface 311a.

[0059] The protruding structures 112 are disposed on the inner surface 311a of the gutter body 311. As a result, the inner surface 301a of the water treatment device 301 becomes the surface on which the protruding structures 112 are formed.

[0060] Space 301b of water treatment device 301 is open to the outside of water treatment device 301. Therefore, when microorganisms M are inactivated by a chemical agent, problems such as evaporation of the chemical agent and scattering of the chemical agent outside water treatment device 301 arise. Furthermore, when microorganisms M are inactivated by ultraviolet light, problems such as stray ultraviolet light leaking outside water treatment device 301 arise. In contrast, when microorganisms M are inactivated by protrusion structure 112, these problems do not arise.

[0061] The inner surface 301a of the water treatment device 301 on which the protrusion structures 112 are formed has superhydrophilicity. Therefore, forming the protrusion structures 112 on the inner surface 301a does not hinder the flow of water W into the space 301b defined by the inner surface 301a.

[0062] 4. Fourth Embodiment Hereinafter, differences between the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. For points that are not described, the same configurations as those adopted in the first embodiment are also adopted in the fourth embodiment.

[0063] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0064] A water treatment device 4 according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 11 stores water W and inactivates microorganisms M contained in the stored water W.

[0065] 11, the water treatment device 4 includes the water treatment tool 101 and a porous material 403. The porous material 403 is a material in which a large number of pores are formed.

[0066] The porous material 403 is placed in the space 101b of the water treatment device 101. The porous material 403 is immersed in the water W placed in the space 101b.

[0067] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating the porous material provided in the water treatment device of the fourth embodiment.

[0068] 12, the void material 403 comprises a fibrous assembly 431. The fibrous assembly 431 comprises a plurality of protruding fibers 441.

[0069] The plurality of protruding fibers 441 are intertwined with each other, and gaps 441 a are formed between the plurality of protruding fibers 441 .

[0070] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating each protruding fiber of the porous material provided in the water treatment device of the fourth embodiment.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 13, each barbed fiber 441 comprises a fiber 451 and a barbed structure 452 .

[0072] The fiber 451 is a polypropylene fiber. The fiber 451 may be a fiber other than a polypropylene fiber. For example, the fiber 451 may be a chemical fiber other than a polypropylene fiber, or a natural fiber. Chemical fibers other than a polypropylene fiber include polyester fibers, polyethylene fibers, and metal fibers. Natural fibers include cotton, hemp, and silk. Metal fibers include aluminum, aluminum alloys, and stainless steel.

[0073] The protrusion structures 452 are disposed on the surface 451a of the fiber 451. As a result, the surface of each protrusion-equipped fiber 441 is a surface on which the protrusion structures 452 are formed. The protrusion structures 452 are formed on the entire surface 451a. The protrusion structures 452 may be formed on only a portion of the surface 451a. The protrusion structures 452 come into contact with the water W disposed in the space 101b of the water treatment device 101. As a result, microorganisms M contained in the water W disposed in the space 101b adhere to the protrusion structures 452. The protrusion structures 452 physically damage the attached microorganisms M, thereby inactivating the microorganisms M. As a result, the protrusion structures 452 have antimicrobial properties that inactivate the microorganisms M contained in the water W disposed in the space 101b. The damaged microorganisms M include bacteria, viruses, and the like. Therefore, the porous material 403 has antibacterial properties, antiviral properties, and the like. The damaged microorganisms M are washed away by the water W. Therefore, the protrusion structure 452 is not filled with damaged microorganisms M, and antimicrobial properties can be maintained for a long period of time. The porous material 403 has a large surface area therein. This allows the protrusion structure 452 to occupy a large area. This allows the porous material 403 to have high antimicrobial properties.

[0074] The protrusion structure 452 provided on the porous material 403 has similar characteristics to the protrusion structure 112 provided on the water treatment device 101. Therefore, the protrusion structure 452 has a plurality of protrusions 461 having similar characteristics to the plurality of protrusions 121 provided on the protrusion structure 112.

[0075] The water treatment device 4 has high antimicrobial properties by forming a plurality of protrusions 121 that become the first plurality of protrusions on the inner surface 101a of the water treatment device 101 and forming a plurality of protrusions 461 that become the second plurality of protrusions on the surface of the porous material 403.

[0076] The porous material 403 may include a member other than the fiber aggregate 431. For example, the porous material 403 may include a member having a mesh-like shape or a porous body.

[0077] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment device according to a first modified example of the fourth embodiment.

[0078] In the first modification of the fourth embodiment, the water treatment device 4 includes a tubular water treatment device 201 instead of the container-shaped water treatment device 101. The porous material 403 is disposed in the space 201b of the water treatment device 201.

[0079] 5. Fifth Embodiment Hereinafter, differences between the fifth embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. For points that are not described, the same configurations as those employed in the first embodiment are also employed in the fifth embodiment.

[0080] Fig. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment device provided in the water treatment device of the fifth embodiment. Fig. 16 is an electron microscope image of the protrusion structure of the water treatment device provided in the water treatment device of the fifth embodiment.

[0081] In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the tips of the plurality of protrusions 121 have an average interval of 100 nm or more and 300 nm or less.

[0082] When measuring the average spacing between the tips of multiple protrusions 121, water treatment device 101 is cut and the cross section of water treatment device 101 is observed with an electron microscope, protrusions 121 having a height that is 0.9 times or more the height of the tallest protrusion 121 within the observed field of view are identified, and the average spacing between the tips of the identified protrusions 121 is taken as the average spacing between the tips of protrusions 121 at the position of the observed field of view. The observed field of view is a field of view having a length of 5 μm in a direction parallel to the surface on which the multiple protrusions 121 are arranged.

[0083] When the average spacing between the tips of the protrusions 121 at one position on the protrusion structure 112 is 100 nm or more and 300 nm or less, it is highly likely that the average spacing between the tips of the protrusions 121 at multiple positions on the protrusion structure 112 is 100 nm or more and 300 nm or less. Therefore, when the average spacing between the tips of the protrusions 121 at one position on the protrusion structure 112 is 100 nm or more and 300 nm or less, it is highly likely that the protrusion structure 112 has high antimicrobial properties. Therefore, the average spacing between the tips of the protrusions 121 at one position on the protrusion structure 112 is considered to be the same as the average spacing between the tips of the multiple protrusions 121.

[0084] If the average spacing between the tips of the protrusions 121 at more than half of the average spacing between the tips of the protrusions 121 at multiple positions on the protrusion structure 112 is 100 nm or more and 300 nm or less, the protrusion structure 112 will more reliably have high antimicrobial properties.

[0085] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the average spacing between the tips of a plurality of protrusions of a water treatment device provided in a water treatment device according to the fifth embodiment and the sizes of bacteria and viruses.

[0086] As shown in Figure 17, the size of bacteria is generally around 0.001 mm (1000 nm). Therefore, the average spacing between the tips of the multiple protrusions 121, which is between 100 nm and 300 nm, is slightly smaller than the size of the bacteria. This makes it easier to physically damage bacteria adhering to the protrusion structure 112. This improves the antibacterial properties of the protrusion structure 112.

[0087] The average spacing between the tips of the plurality of protrusions 121 can be adjusted by the time the coating is in contact with the hot water and the temperature of the hot water in step S103.

[0088] 6. Sixth Embodiment Hereinafter, differences between the sixth embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. For points that are not described, the sixth embodiment also employs the same configuration as that employed in the first embodiment.

[0089] Fig. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment device provided in the water treatment device of Embodiment 6. Fig. 19 is an electron microscope image of the protrusion structure of the water treatment device provided in the water treatment device of Embodiment 6.

[0090] In the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the tips of the plurality of protrusions 121 have an average interval of 10 nm or more and 100 nm or less.

[0091] The method for measuring the average interval in the sixth embodiment is similar to the method for measuring the average interval in the sixth embodiment.

[0092] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the average spacing between the tips of a plurality of protrusions of a water treatment device provided in a water treatment device according to the sixth embodiment and the sizes of bacteria and viruses.

[0093] As shown in Figure 20, the size of a virus is generally around 10 nm to 100 nm. Therefore, the average spacing between the tips of the multiple protrusions 41, which is 10 nm to 100 nm as described above, is approximately the same as the size of the virus. This makes it easier to physically damage viruses attached to the protruding fiber 21. This can improve the antiviral properties of the protrusion structure 112.

[0094] The average spacing between the tips of the plurality of protrusions 121 can be adjusted by the time the coating is in contact with the hot water and the temperature of the hot water in step S103.

[0095] 7. Seventh Embodiment Hereinafter, differences between the seventh embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. For points that are not described, the same configurations as those adopted in the first embodiment are also adopted in the seventh embodiment.

[0096] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment device according to the seventh embodiment.

[0097] The seventh embodiment of the water treatment device 7 shown in Figure 21 stores water W supplied from a supply source, supplies the stored water W to a destination, and inactivates microorganisms M contained in the stored water W.

[0098] 21 , the water treatment device 7 includes a water treatment tool 701 and a flow mechanism 704. The flow mechanism 704 includes an inflow mechanism 771 and an outflow mechanism 772.

[0099] The water treatment device 701 is a container. Therefore, the water treatment device 701 stores water W. The water treatment device 701 has an inner surface 701a. A space 701b defined by the inner surface 701a is formed in the water treatment device 701. The water W stored in the water treatment device 701 is placed in the space 701b. The inner surface 701a contacts the water W placed in the space 701b. The water treatment device 701 is formed with a drain port 701c for draining water. The water treatment device 701 may also be formed with a water inlet for supplying water. The water treatment device 701 provided in the water treatment device 7 of the seventh embodiment has a structure similar to the structure of the water treatment device 101 provided in the water treatment device 1 of the first embodiment, except for the fact that the water treatment device 701 is formed with the drain port 701c.

[0100] The inflow mechanism 771 causes the first water W1 supplied from the supply source to flow into the space 701b of the water treatment device 701, and includes the flowed-in first water W1 in the water W placed in the space 701b. The inflow mechanism 102 is formed of, for example, a pipe.

[0101] The outflow mechanism 772 causes the second water W2 contained in the water W placed in the space 701b of the water treatment tool 701 to flow out from the space 701b to the supply destination via the drain outlet 701c of the water treatment tool 701. The outflow mechanism 772 is formed of, for example, a pipe.

[0102] The inflow mechanism 102 causes the first water W1 to flow into the space 701b of the water treatment device 701, and the outflow mechanism 772 causes the second water W2 to flow out of the space 701b, so that the flow mechanism 704 causes the water W to flow in the space 701b.

[0103] The flow mechanism 704 may have a structure different from the structure illustrated in Fig. 21. For example, the flow mechanism 704 may include an agitator that agitates the water W disposed in the space 701b of the water treatment device 701.

[0104] When the water W placed in the space 701b of the water treatment device 701 is left stationary and does not flow, there is a high possibility that the microorganisms M that have adhered to and damaged the protrusion structures 112 will remain on the protrusion structures 112 without being washed away by the water W. In contrast, when the water W placed in the space 701b flows, there is a low possibility that the microorganisms M that have adhered to and damaged the protrusion structures 112 will be washed away by the water W and remain on the protrusion structures 112. Therefore, there is a low possibility that the protrusion structures 112 will be buried in damaged microorganisms M, and the protrusion structures 112 can maintain their antimicrobial properties for a long period of time.

[0105] Preferably, the flow mechanism 704 causes the water W to flow so that the flow rate of the water W due to flow is faster than the flow rate of the water W due to convection at the temperature of the environment in which the water treatment device 7 is installed.

[0106] Fig. 22 is an electron microscope image of the protrusion structure of a water treatment appliance provided in the water treatment device of the seventh embodiment and E. coli attached to the protrusion structure, taken immediately after the E. coli attached to the protrusion structure. Fig. 23 is an electron microscope image of the protrusion structure of a water treatment appliance provided in the seventh embodiment, taken some time after the E. coli attached to the protrusion structure.

[0107] The white parts included in the electron microscope images of FIGS. 22 and 23 are the tips of the multiple protrusions 121.

[0108] As shown in Figures 22 and 23, if time has passed since the E. coli E attached to the protrusion structure 112, it will be washed away by the water W and will not remain on the protrusion structure 112.

[0109] 8. Eighth Embodiment Hereinafter, differences between the eighth embodiment and the seventh embodiment will be described. For points that are not described, the same configuration as that adopted in the seventh embodiment is also adopted in the eighth embodiment.

[0110] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a water treatment device according to the eighth embodiment.

[0111] In the water treatment device 8 of the eighth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the inflow mechanism 771 includes a first adjustment mechanism 881 , and the outflow mechanism 772 includes a second adjustment mechanism 882 .

[0112] The first adjustment mechanism 881 adjusts at least one of the flow rate and flow velocity of the first water W1 caused to flow in by the inflow mechanism 102. The second adjustment mechanism 882 adjusts at least one of the flow rate and flow velocity of the second water W2 caused to flow out by the outflow mechanism 772. The first adjustment mechanism 881 and the second adjustment mechanism 882 are valves or the like.

[0113] As a result, the flow mechanism 704 can flow the water W in the space 701b of the water treatment device 701 at any timing. As a result, the microorganisms M can be washed away with the water W at any timing.

[0114] 9. Ninth Embodiment FIG. 25 is a diagram schematically illustrating a washing machine according to a ninth embodiment.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 25 , a washing machine 1001 according to the ninth embodiment includes a water supply pipe 1011 , a washing tub 1012 , and a drain pipe 1013 .

[0116] Water supply pipe 1011 supplies water W to washing tub 1012. Washing tub 1012 stores water W. Drain pipe 1013 drains water W from washing tub 1012. Washing tub 1012 is a water treatment device having an inner surface on which protrusion structures 112 are formed. Water supply pipe 1011 and drain pipe 1013 are water treatment devices having inner circumferential surfaces on which protrusion structures 112 are formed.

[0117] This provides water supply pipe 1011, washing tub 1012, and drain pipe 1013 with high antimicrobial properties, thereby suppressing the growth of microorganisms M inside water supply pipe 1011, washing tub 1012, and drain pipe 1013, and keeping the insides of water supply pipe 1011, washing tub 1012, and drain pipe 1013 clean.

[0118] Components other than the water supply pipe 1011, the washing tub 1012, and the drain pipe 1013, in which water W may remain after the washing machine 1001 has been used, may be water treatment equipment having a surface on which the protrusion structure 112 is formed.

[0119] 10. Tenth Embodiment FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically illustrating an air conditioner according to a tenth embodiment.

[0120] The air conditioner 1101 shown in FIG. 26 is a humidifier.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 26, the air conditioner 1101 includes a fan 1111 , a tank 1112 , and a humidifying filter 1113 .

[0122] The fan 1111 blows air. The tank 1112 stores water W. The humidifying filter 1113 sucks up the stored water W, passes the blown air through it, and diffuses the sucked water W into the air passing through it to generate humidified air H. The tank 1112 is a water treatment device having an inner surface on which the protrusion structure 112 is formed.

[0123] This provides tank 1112 with high antimicrobial properties, making it possible to inhibit the growth of microorganisms inside tank 1112 and keep the inside of tank 1112 clean.

[0124] 11. Eleventh Embodiment FIG. 27 is a diagram schematically illustrating an air conditioner according to an eleventh embodiment.

[0125] The air conditioner 1201 shown in FIG. 27 is a dehumidifier.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 27, the air conditioner 1201 includes a cooler 1211, a dehumidifying rotor 1212, a radiator 1213, a compressor 1214, and a tank 1215.

[0127] The cooler 1211 passes air A, evaporates the refrigerant, and cools the air A, condenses the water vapor contained in the air A, and drips the water W. The dehumidifying rotor 1212 passes the air that has passed through the cooler 1211 and dehumidifies the air. The radiator 1213 passes the air that has passed through the dehumidifying rotor 1212 and condenses the refrigerant, heating the air that has passed. The compressor 1214 compresses the refrigerant. The tank 1215 stores the dripped water W. The tank 1215 is a water treatment device having an inner surface on which the protrusion structure 112 is formed.

[0128] This provides tank 1215 with high antimicrobial properties, which makes it possible to inhibit the growth of microorganisms inside tank 1215 and keep the inside of tank 1215 clean.

[0129] 12 Twelfth Embodiment FIG. 28 is a diagram schematically illustrating an air conditioner according to a twelfth embodiment.

[0130] The air conditioner 1301 shown in FIG. 28 is a humidifying air purifier.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 28, an air conditioner 1301 includes a tank 1311 and a water tray 1312 .

[0132] The tank 1215 stores the water W. The water receiving tray 1312 stores the water W supplied from the tank 1311. The tank 1311 and the water receiving tray 1312 are water treatment devices having inner surfaces on which the protrusion structures 112 are formed.

[0133] This provides the tank 1311 and the water receiving tray 1312 with high antimicrobial properties, thereby preventing the growth of microorganisms inside the tank 1311 and the water receiving tray 1312 and keeping the insides of the tank 1311 and the water receiving tray 1312 clean.

[0134] 13. Thirteenth Embodiment Fig. 29 is a diagram schematically illustrating the appearance of an air conditioner according to a thirteenth embodiment. Fig. 30 is a diagram schematically illustrating the interior of the air conditioner according to the thirteenth embodiment.

[0135] The air conditioner 1401 shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 is an air conditioner.

[0136] 29 and 30, an air conditioner 1401 includes a housing 1411, a fan 1412, a heat exchanger 1413, and a drain pan 1414. The housing 1411 is formed with an air intake 1411a and an air exhaust 1411b.

[0137] The fan 1412 sends air WI from the air intake 1411a through the heat exchanger 1413 to the air exhaust 1411b. The heat exchanger 1413 passes the sent air WI and heats or cools the passing air WI. When the heat exchanger 1413 cools the passing air WI, water vapor contained in the air carried by the air WI condenses, causing condensed water to drip. The drain pan 1414 receives the dripped condensed water and drains it to a drain outlet. The drain pan 1414 is a water treatment device having an inner surface on which the protrusion structure 112 is formed.

[0138] This provides drain pan 1414 with high antimicrobial properties, which can inhibit the growth of microorganisms inside drain pan 1414 and keep the inside of drain pan 1414 clean.

[0139] 14 Fourteenth Embodiment Fig. 31 is a diagram schematically illustrating a refrigerator according to a fourteenth embodiment. Fig. 32 is a diagram schematically illustrating an ice-making water tank provided in the refrigerator according to the fourteenth embodiment.

[0140] As shown in Figure 32, refrigerator 1501 includes ice-making water tank 1511. Ice-making water tank 1511 stores water to be turned into ice by the ice maker. Ice-making water tank 1511 includes tank 1521, water purification filter 1522, and lid 1523. Ice-making water tank 1511 is a water treatment device having an inner surface on which protrusion structures 112 are formed. A water supply pipe that supplies water from ice-making water tank 1511 to the ice maker is also a water treatment device having an inner surface on which protrusion structures 112 are formed.

[0141] This provides the ice-making water supply tank 1511 and the water supply pipe with high antimicrobial properties, which can inhibit the growth of microorganisms inside the ice-making water supply tank 1511 and the water supply pipe, thereby keeping the inside of the ice-making water supply tank 1511 and the water supply pipe clean.

[0142] 15th Embodiment Fig. 33 is a diagram schematically illustrating a hot water supply system of a 15th embodiment. Fig. 34 is a diagram schematically illustrating a tank provided in the hot water supply system of the 15th embodiment.

[0143] The hot water supply equipment 1601 shown in FIG. 33 has a reheating function for a bath.

[0144] As shown in Figures 33 and 34, the hot water supply equipment 1601 includes a reheating pipe 1611, a gas pipe 1612, a cold water pipe 1613, a hot water pipe 1614, and a tank 1615.

[0145] Tank 1215 holds the hot water that is reheated when the hot water has cooled.

[0146] The tank 1615 is a water treatment device having an inner surface on which the protrusion structure 112 is formed. The reheating pipe 1611, the gas pipe 1612, the cold water pipe 1613, and the hot water pipe 1614 are water treatment devices having inner surfaces on which the protrusion structure 112 is formed.

[0147] This provides high antimicrobial properties to the tank 1615, the reheating pipe 1611, the gas pipe 1612, the cold water pipe 1613, and the hot water pipe 1614. This makes it possible to inhibit the growth of microorganisms inside the tank 1615, the reheating pipe 1611, the gas pipe 1612, the cold water pipe 1613, and the hot water pipe 1614, and keeps the insides of the tank 1615, the reheating pipe 1611, the gas pipe 1612, the cold water pipe 1613, and the hot water pipe 1614 clean.

[0148] Tank 1615 comes into contact with circulating water having a high temperature. Therefore, microorganisms are likely to grow inside tank 1615. It is also difficult to clean the inside of tank 1615 and to add an antibacterial agent to tank 1615. However, these problems can be solved by making tank 1615 a water treatment device having an inner surface on which protrusion structures 112 are formed.

[0149] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be replaced with a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above-described embodiments, a configuration that has the same effect, or a configuration that can achieve the same purpose.

Claims

1. A water treatment device made of aluminum oxide and having a surface on which a plurality of plate-shaped protrusions are formed, and a space defined by said surface in which water is placed.

2. The water treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the height of each of said plurality of protrusions to the width of each of said protrusions is 1 or greater.

3. The water treatment appliance according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the width of the tip of each of the plurality of protrusions is smaller than the width of the base of each of the protrusions.

4. The water treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tips of the plurality of protrusions have an average spacing of 100 nm or more and 300 nm or less.

5. The water treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tips of the plurality of protrusions have an average spacing of 10 nm or more and 100 nm or less.

6. The water treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water treatment device is a container, the surface is an inner surface of the container, and the space stores the water.

7. The water treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water treatment device has a tubular shape having an inner circumferential surface, the surface being the inner circumferential surface, and the water flows through the space.

8. The water treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a groove having an inner surface is formed in the water treatment device, the surface is the inner surface, and the water flows through the space.

9. A water treatment device comprising: a water treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of protrusions are a first plurality of protrusions; and a porous material made of aluminum oxide and having a surface on which a second plurality of plate-shaped protrusions are formed, the porous material being disposed in the space.

10. A water treatment device comprising the water treatment device according to claim 1 or 2 and a flow mechanism for causing the water to flow in the space.

11. The water treatment device according to claim 10, wherein the flow mechanism comprises an inflow mechanism for causing a first water to flow into the space and be included in the water, and an outflow mechanism for causing a second water included in the water to flow out of the space.

12. The water treatment device according to claim 11, wherein the inflow mechanism includes a first adjustment mechanism that adjusts at least one of the flow rate and flow velocity of the first water, and the outflow mechanism includes a second adjustment mechanism that adjusts at least one of the flow rate and flow velocity of the second water.

13. A washing machine equipped with the water treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

14. An air conditioner equipped with the water treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

15. A refrigerator equipped with the water treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

16. A hot water supply system comprising the water treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

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