JP2024078712A - Ozone treatment device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an ozone treatment device that hardly causes insufficient sterilization or useless ozone supply and can execute effective sterilization work for an object to be treated.SOLUTION: A drum-type washing and drying machine 1 has a drum 23 to store an object to be treated, an outer tank 20, and an ozone generator 140. The drum-type washing and drying machine includes a dryer 100 to feed ozone into the drum 23 and the outer tank 20, an ozone concentration sensor 150 to detect ozone concentration in the drum 23 and the outer tank 20, and a control section to control operation of the dryer 100. After the dryer 100 starts feeding ozone into the drum 23 and the outer tank 20, the control section regularly determines a climb gradient of the ozone concentration in the drum 23 and the outer tank 20 based on the ozone concentration detected by the ozone concentration sensor 150, and stops feeding ozone into the drum 23 and the outer tank 20 by the dryer 100 based on the determined climb gradient.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an ozone treatment device that deodorizes, disinfects, etc., an object to be treated by contacting the object with ozone. Such ozone treatment devices include washing machines that have a function of deodorizing, disinfecting, etc. clothes with ozone in addition to a washing function, washer-dryers that have a function of deodorizing, disinfecting, etc. clothes with ozone in addition to washing and drying functions, and clothes dryers that have a function of deodorizing, disinfecting, etc. clothes with ozone in addition to a drying function.

Patent Document 1 describes a clothing treatment device that supplies ozone generated by an ozone generator into a storage section in which the object is stored and brings it into contact with the object, thereby deodorizing, disinfecting, etc. the object. The ozone treatment device in Patent Document 1 is, for example, a drum-type washer-dryer that, in addition to washing and drying functions, deodorizes and disinfects clothing using ozone.

JP 2015-202225 A

In the clothing processing device of Patent Document 1, ozone is supplied into the storage section for a predetermined ozone generation time, i.e., a fixed time. For this reason, if there are many bacteria in the storage section, such as when many bacteria are attached to the object to be processed, the supply of ozone may stop before it is deemed that almost all of the bacteria have been killed (inactivated), i.e., before it is deemed that sterilization is complete. In this case, there is a risk that the object to be processed may not be sterilized sufficiently. Conversely, if there are few bacteria in the storage section, such as when there are not many bacteria attached to the object to be processed, the supply of ozone may continue for a long time even after it is deemed that sterilization is complete. In this case, there is a risk that ozone may be supplied in vain.

The present invention was made in consideration of these problems, and aims to provide an ozone treatment device that is less likely to cause insufficient sterilization or wasteful ozone supply, and can effectively sterilize the object to be treated.

The ozone treatment device according to the main aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit in which an object to be treated is stored, an ozone supply unit that supplies ozone into the storage unit, an ozone concentration detection unit that detects the ozone concentration in the storage unit, and a control unit that controls the operation of the ozone supply unit. Here, after the ozone supply unit starts supplying ozone into the storage unit, the control unit periodically determines the rising gradient of the ozone concentration in the storage unit based on the ozone concentration detected by the ozone concentration detection unit, and stops the supply of ozone into the storage unit by the ozone supply unit based on the determined rising gradient.

Specifically, the control unit stops the supply of ozone to the storage unit based on the fact that the determined increase gradient matches a reference increase gradient, which is the increase gradient of the ozone concentration in the storage unit when no sterilization target is present in the storage unit.

For example, when the determined ascending gradient is compared with the reference ascending gradient itself, the control unit determines that the determined ascending gradient matches the reference ascending gradient when the difference between the reference ascending gradient and the determined ascending gradient is smaller than a predetermined difference threshold. Also, when the determined ascending gradient is compared with a judgment ascending gradient that is smaller than the reference ascending gradient, the control unit determines that the determined ascending gradient matches the reference ascending gradient when the determined ascending gradient is larger than the judgment ascending gradient.

In claim 2, the term "not present" includes "almost absent," or "slightly present." Also, the term "matching" includes "almost matching."

According to the ozone processing device of this aspect, when sterilization by ozone progresses within the storage unit and a state is reached where sterilization can be considered complete, the supply of ozone to the storage unit can be stopped. This makes it possible to prevent insufficient sterilization when there are many sterilization targets such as bacteria and viruses within the storage unit. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the unnecessary supply of ozone when there are only a few sterilization targets within the storage unit.

The ozone treatment device according to this aspect may further include a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the environment in which the ozone treatment device is installed, and the ozone supply unit may have an ozone generator that generates ozone from air. In this case, the control unit may be configured to increase the reference rise gradient as the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit decreases.

The lower the temperature of the installation environment, i.e., the temperature of the air taken into the ozone generator, the easier it is for the ozone generator to generate ozone, so the amount of ozone supplied to the storage unit increases and the gradient of increase in ozone concentration becomes greater.

According to the above configuration, the lower the temperature of the air taken into the ozone generator, the larger the reference rising gradient is set; in other words, the reference rising gradient is changed in accordance with the change in the rising gradient of ozone in the storage section due to the influence of temperature, so that the completion of sterilization can be accurately determined and the supply of ozone to the storage section can be stopped.

The ozone treatment device according to this aspect may further include a humidity detection unit that detects the humidity of the environment in which the ozone treatment device is installed, and the ozone supply unit may have an ozone generator that generates ozone from air. In this case, the control unit may be configured to increase the reference rise gradient as the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit decreases.

The lower the humidity of the installation environment, i.e., the humidity of the air taken into the ozone generator, the easier it is for the ozone generator to generate ozone, so the amount of ozone supplied to the storage unit increases and the gradient of increase in ozone concentration becomes greater.

According to the above configuration, the lower the humidity of the air taken into the ozone generator, the larger the reference rising gradient is set; that is, the reference rising gradient is changed in accordance with the change in the rising gradient of ozone in the storage unit due to the influence of humidity, so that the completion of sterilization can be accurately determined and the supply of ozone to the storage unit can be stopped.

In the ozone treatment device according to this aspect, the storage unit may include an outer tub in which washing water is stored and a drum rotatably arranged within the outer tub, the ozone supply unit may include an ozone generator, a circulation path connected to the outer tub, and a blower that circulates air between the outer tub and the circulation path, and the ozone generated by the ozone generator may be mixed into air flowing through the circulation path and supplied to the drum and the outer tub. In this case, the ozone concentration detection unit may be arranged upstream of the air flow in the circulation path from the position where ozone is mixed into the air.

The ozone concentration upstream of the point where ozone is mixed into the circulation path is equivalent to the ozone concentration in the outer tank, and can therefore be considered to be the ozone concentration in the outer tank.

According to the above configuration, by arranging the ozone concentration detection unit upstream of the position where ozone is mixed in, the ozone concentration detection unit can detect the ozone concentration in the outer tub. Moreover, compared to when the ozone concentration detection unit is arranged in the outer tub, when the drum rotates with washing water stored in the outer tub to wash the laundry contained in the drum, water is less likely to splash on the ozone concentration detection unit, and the ozone concentration detection unit is less likely to get wet.

The present invention provides an ozone treatment device that is less likely to cause insufficient sterilization or wasteful ozone supply, and can effectively sterilize the object to be treated.

The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer from the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the following embodiment is merely an example of how the present invention can be put into practice, and the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described below.

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view that illustrates a schematic configuration of a drum type washer-dryer according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a drum type washer-dryer according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a reference ascending gradient table according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the control unit executed in the ozone sterilization operation according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic representation of the gradient of increase in ozone concentration in the outer tank when ozone sterilization operation is performed in a state in which there are no targets for sterilization such as bacteria or viruses in the outer tank, and when ozone sterilization operation is performed in a state in which there are targets for sterilization in the outer tank, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Below, a drum-type washer-dryer, which is one embodiment of the ozone treatment device of the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view that shows a schematic configuration of a drum-type washer-dryer 1.

The drum-type washer-dryer 1 has a rectangular box-shaped housing 10. A circular loading port 11 through which laundry is loaded is formed on the front of the housing 10. The loading port 11 is covered by a door 12 that can be opened and closed.

An outer tub 20 is disposed within the housing 10. The outer tub 20 is elastically supported by a number of dampers 21 and springs 22. A drum 23 is rotatably disposed within the outer tub 20. The drum 23 rotates around a horizontal axis L. The drum 23 has a circular opening 23a on the front side. Laundry is loaded into the drum 23 through the loading port 11 and the opening 23a. The outer tub 20 and the drum 23 constitute the storage section of the present invention.

The outer tank 20 has a circular opening 20a in front of the opening 23a of the drum 23, which is connected to the feed port 11 via a water-sealing gasket (not shown).

A number of dewatering holes 23b are formed in the peripheral wall of the drum 23. In addition, a baffle 24 for lifting up the laundry is provided on the peripheral wall inside the drum 23. Note that the drum 23 may rotate around an inclined rotation axis as long as it is a horizontal axis type.

A drive motor 30 is disposed behind the outer tub 20 to generate torque for rotating the drum 23. The drive motor 30 is, for example, an outer rotor type DC brushless motor. During the washing, rinsing and drying processes, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a rotation speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry in the drum 23 is smaller than gravity and the laundry tumbles. On the other hand, during the spin-drying process, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a rotation speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry in the drum 23 is much larger than gravity and the laundry sticks to the peripheral wall of the drum 23.

A drain outlet 20b is formed at the bottom of the outer tank 20. A drainage channel 40 consisting of a drainage hose or the like is connected to the drain outlet 20b. A drainage valve 41 and a drainage filter 42 are provided in the drainage channel 40. The drainage valve 41 includes, for example, a valve and a torque motor that opens and closes the valve.

When the drain valve 41 is opened, the water stored in the outer tub 20 is discharged outside the machine through the drain 40. The drain filter 42 captures foreign matter such as lint contained in the wastewater.

A water supply unit 50 is disposed at the top of the housing 10. The water supply unit 50 includes a water supply valve 51 and a water supply passage 52. One end of the water supply passage 52 is connected to the water supply valve 51, and the other end is connected to a water inlet 20c provided on the back of the outer tub 20. When the water supply valve 51 is opened, tap water from the water faucet flows through the water supply passage 52 and is supplied into the outer tub 20 from the water inlet 20c.

The water supply unit 50 may include an automatic dispenser that automatically dispenses liquid detergent or liquid fabric softener into the outer tub 20. The automatic dispenser includes, for example, a liquid agent tank that stores liquid detergent or liquid fabric softener, and a pump that sends the liquid detergent or liquid fabric softener in the liquid agent tank into the water supply channel 52. In this case, the liquid detergent or liquid fabric softener discharged into the water supply channel 52 is sent into the outer tub 20 by the water flowing through the water supply channel 52.

A drying device 100 is disposed in the upper portion of the housing 10 to dry the laundry in the drum 23 with heated air, i.e., hot air. The drying device 100 includes a circulation path 110, a blower 120, a first heat exchanger 131, and a second heat exchanger 132.

The circulation path 110 is an air passage through which air flows, and is connected to the outer tank 20. The circulation path 110 includes an outlet duct 111, a fan casing 112, a heat exchanger housing 113, and an inlet duct 114. The circulation path 110 is disposed above the outer tank 20 within the housing 10.

One end of the outlet duct 111 is connected to an exhaust port 20d provided on the rear surface of the outer tank 20, and the other end is connected to an intake port of the fan casing 112. The exhaust port 20d may be provided at the rear of the periphery of the outer tank 20.

The heat exchanger housing 113 has a box shape that is long in the front-to-rear direction, and is disposed above the outer tub 20 and in front of the fan casing 112. The rear end of the heat exchanger housing 113 is connected to the outlet of the fan casing 112. The inlet duct 114 extends from the front end of the heat exchanger housing 113 and is connected to the inlet 20e formed in the upper front part of the outer tub 20.

The blower 120 is, for example, a centrifugal fan, and includes a fan 121 housed in the fan casing 112 and a fan motor 122 for rotating the fan 121. The blower 120 circulates air between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 110. The air discharged from the outer tub 20 through the exhaust port 20d flows through the circulation path 110 in the order of the outlet duct 111, the fan casing 112, the heat exchanger housing 113, and the inlet duct 114, and returns to the outer tub 20 through the inlet port 20e.

The first heat exchanger 131 and the second heat exchanger 132 are disposed on the upstream and downstream sides, respectively, within the heat exchanger housing 113. The first heat exchanger 131 and the second heat exchanger 132 are an evaporator (cooler) and a condenser (heater), respectively, and are included in the heat pump device 130.

The heat pump device 130 includes a compressor 133, a refrigerant circulation path 134, and a pressure reducer 135 in addition to the first heat exchanger 131 and the second heat exchanger 132. The compressor 133 compresses the refrigerant. The refrigerant circulation path 134 connects the first heat exchanger 131 and the second heat exchanger 132 to the compressor 133 and circulates the refrigerant. The pressure reducer 135 is, for example, an expansion valve, and is disposed between the first heat exchanger 131 and the second heat exchanger 132 in the refrigerant circulation path 134 to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant.

When the compressor 133 operates, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 133 and at high temperature and pressure flows to the second heat exchanger 132. The air flowing through the circulation path 110 is heated by heat exchange with the high-temperature refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchanger 132. The refrigerant cooled by the air is reduced in pressure through the pressure reducer 135, becomes low temperature and low pressure, and flows to the first heat exchanger 131. The air flowing through the circulation path 110 is cooled and dehumidified by heat exchange with the low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchanger 131. The refrigerant warmed by the air returns to the compressor 133.

The drying device 100 is equipped with an ozone generator 140 and has an ozone function in which the ozone generated by the ozone generator 140 is mixed with the air flowing through the circulation path 110 and supplied to the drum 23 and the outer tank 20. The drying device 100 corresponds to the ozone supply unit of the present invention.

The ozone generator 140 is disposed behind the fan casing 112. The ozone generator 140 is a discharge type ozone generator that generates discharge such as corona discharge or silent discharge between a pair of electrodes and generates ozone from air passed between the pair of electrodes. Air around the ozone generator 140 is taken into the ozone generator 140 to generate ozone. The ozone generator 140 is connected to the vicinity of the air intake of the fan casing 112 via an ozone supply pipe 141.

When the blower 120 rotates, the intake side of the fan casing 112 becomes negative pressure, so that the ozone generated by the ozone generator 140 is sucked into the fan casing 112, i.e., into the circulation path 110. The sucked-in ozone is mixed with the air flowing through the circulation path 110 and is supplied into the drum 23 and outer tank 20.

The ozone generator 140 may be an ozone generator that uses a method other than the discharge method, for example, an ultraviolet method.

In the circulation path 110, an ozone concentration sensor 150 and a temperature and humidity sensor 160 are disposed at a position where ozone from the ozone generator 140 is mixed into the air, i.e., upstream of the air flow from the position of the intake port of the fan casing 112, for example, near the exhaust port 20d. The ozone concentration sensor 150 corresponds to the ozone concentration detection unit of the present invention. The temperature and humidity sensor 160 corresponds to the temperature detection unit and humidity detection unit of the present invention.

The ozone concentration upstream of the position where ozone is mixed in the circulation path 110 is equivalent to the ozone concentration in the outer tank 20, and can therefore be regarded as the ozone concentration in the outer tank 20. Therefore, the ozone concentration sensor 150 can detect the ozone concentration in the outer tank 20.

The temperature and humidity sensor 160 has a temperature detection element and a humidity detection element. The temperature and humidity sensor 160 can detect the temperature and humidity of the installation environment of the drum type washer-dryer 1 when the drying device 100 is not circulating hot air. The temperature and humidity of the installation environment can be regarded as the temperature and humidity of the air taken in by the ozone generator 140.

The temperature and humidity sensor 160 can detect the temperature and humidity of the hot air discharged from the outer tub 20 when the drying device 100 is circulating hot air during the drying process. During the drying process, it can be detected by a known detection method based on the temperature and humidity of the hot air detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 160 that the drying of the laundry has been completed.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the drum type washer-dryer 1.

In addition to the above-mentioned components, the drum type washer-dryer 1 includes a control unit 201, a memory unit 202, an operation unit 203, a display unit 204, a water level sensor 205, a door lock device 206, a motor drive unit 207, a water supply drive unit 208, a drain drive unit 209, a fan drive unit 210, a compressor drive unit 211, an ozone generator drive unit 212, and a lock device drive unit 213.

The operation unit 203 includes a power button for turning the power to the device on and off, a course selection button for selecting an arbitrary course from a plurality of courses related to operation such as washing operation and washing and drying operation, and a start button for starting an operation. The operation unit 203 outputs an input signal to the control unit 201 according to the button operated by the user.

The display unit 204 includes a display such as a light-emitting element such as an LED or a liquid crystal panel, and displays the selected course, displays the progress of the operation, notifies of abnormalities, etc. according to a control signal from the control unit 201.

The water level sensor 205 detects the water level in the outer tank 20 and outputs a water level signal corresponding to the water level to the control unit 201.

The ozone concentration sensor 150 outputs an ozone concentration signal corresponding to the detected ozone concentration to the control unit 201. The temperature and humidity sensor 160 outputs a temperature signal and a humidity signal corresponding to the detected temperature and humidity to the control unit 201.

The door lock device 206 locks the door 12 so that it cannot be opened.

The motor drive unit 207 drives the drive motor 30 according to a control signal from the control unit 201. The motor drive unit 207 includes a rotation sensor that detects the rotation speed of the drive motor 30, an inverter circuit, etc., and adjusts the drive power so that the drive motor 30 rotates at the rotation speed set by the control unit 201.

The water supply drive unit 208 drives the water supply valve 51 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201. The drain drive unit 209 drives the drain valve 41 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201.

The fan drive unit 210 drives the fan motor 122 of the blower 120 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201. The compressor drive unit 211 drives the compressor 133 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201, and operates the first heat exchanger 131 and the second heat exchanger 132.

The ozone generator driving unit 212 drives the ozone generator 140 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201. That is, the ozone generator driving unit 212 supplies a predetermined constant amount of power to the ozone generator 140. The lock device driving unit 213 drives the door lock device 206 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 201.

The storage unit 202 includes an EEPROM, a RAM, etc. The storage unit 202 stores programs for executing various courses of operation. The storage unit 202 also stores various parameters and various control flags used in executing these programs.

The control unit 201 includes a CPU and the like, and controls the display unit 204, motor drive unit 207, water supply drive unit 208, drain drive unit 209, fan drive unit 210, compressor drive unit 211, ozone generator drive unit 212, lock device drive unit 213, etc., in accordance with the program stored in the memory unit 202, based on the signals from the operation unit 203, water level sensor 205, etc.

In the drum type washer-dryer 1, various cycles of washing and drying operation, washing operation and drying operation are performed under the control of the control unit 201 based on the user's operation of the operation unit 203. In the washing and drying operation, the washing process, intermediate spin-drying process, rinsing process, final spin-drying process and drying process are performed in order. In the washing operation, the washing process through the final spin-drying process are performed, but the drying process is not performed. In the drying operation, only the drying process is performed. Depending on the operation cycle, the rinsing process and intermediate spin-drying process may be performed more than twice.

In the washing process, water containing detergent is filled in the outer tub 20 up to a washing water level corresponding to the load of laundry contained in the drum 23, and the laundry immersed in the water is tumbled inside the drum 23 as the drum 23 rotates repeatedly in both forward and reverse directions. The detergent-containing water penetrates into the laundry, and dirt from the laundry is removed by the power of the detergent and the mechanical force of the tumbling.

During the rinsing process, the drum 23 rotates forward and backward with water filled in the outer tub 20 up to the rinsing level, and the laundry is tumbling inside the drum 23. This causes the detergent contained in the laundry to be discharged together with the water, and the laundry is rinsed.

In the intermediate and final spin-drying steps, the drive motor 30 rotates in one direction at high speed, and the drum 23 rotates in one direction at a speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry inside the drum 23 is much greater than gravity. The action of the centrifugal force presses the laundry against the peripheral wall of the drum 23, causing it to be dewatered.

During the drying process, air circulates between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path 110 by the operation of the blower 120, and the air introduced into the outer tub 20 is heated by the operation of the second heat exchanger 132, becoming hot air. In addition, the drum 23 rotates forward and backward, and the laundry tumbles inside the drum 23.

The warm air introduced into the outer tub 20 and drum 23 from the inlet 20e hits the tumbling laundry, drying it. After removing moisture from the laundry, the warm air returns to the circulation path 110 from the exhaust port 20d. In the circulation path 110, the warm air passes through the first heat exchanger 131 before being heated by the second heat exchanger 132, and is dehumidified by the first heat exchanger 131.

In the drum type washer-dryer 1, ozone generated by the ozone generator 140 is supplied into the drum 23 and the outer tub 20, and an ozone sterilization operation can be performed to deodorize and sterilize items to be treated, such as clothes, towels, and stuffed toys, contained in the drum 23.

As shown in FIG. 2, the memory unit 202 stores a standard increase gradient table 202a used for ozone sterilization operation.

Figure 3 shows the configuration of the reference ascending slope table 202a.

The standard rising gradient table 202a stores standard rising gradients that correspond to the temperature and humidity of the environment in which the drum type washer-dryer 1 is installed. When the drying device 100 starts supplying ozone, the ozone concentration rises over time in the outer tub 20, including the drum 23. The standard rising gradient is the rising gradient of the ozone concentration in the outer tub 20 when there are no (or almost no) bacteria, viruses, or other sterilization targets in the outer tub 20, i.e., the rise in the ozone concentration per specified time (for example, one minute).

When a constant power is supplied to the ozone generator 140, the amount of ozone generated from the ozone generator 140 increases as the temperature of the installation environment, i.e., the temperature of the air taken into the ozone generator 140, decreases. Similarly, the amount of ozone generated from the ozone generator 140 increases as the humidity of the installation environment, i.e., the humidity of the air taken into the ozone generator 140, decreases.

Therefore, the lower the temperature of the installation environment, the greater the amount of ozone supplied to the outer tank 20, and the greater the standard rising gradient. Similarly, the lower the humidity of the installation environment, the greater the amount of ozone supplied to the outer tank 20, and the greater the standard rising gradient.

In the reference ascending gradient table 202a, the higher the temperature, the larger the value of the reference ascending gradient, and the higher the humidity, the larger the value of the reference ascending gradient. The value of the reference ascending gradient corresponding to each temperature and each humidity range in the reference ascending gradient table 202a can be obtained in advance by conducting experiments, etc.

Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the control unit 201 executed during ozone sterilization operation.

The drum type washer-dryer 1 is provided with a course for performing ozone sterilization operation. When the ozone sterilization operation course is selected using the course selection button on the operation unit 203 and the start button is pressed, the ozone sterilization operation starts. At this time, the object to be treated is contained in the drum 23.

Referring to FIG. 4, the control unit 201 locks the door 12 using the door lock device 206 (S1).

Next, the control unit 201 starts the ozone supply process, which consists of the following steps S2 to S10.

That is, the control unit 201 detects the temperature and humidity of the installation environment of the drum type washer-dryer 1 using the temperature and humidity sensor 160 (S2). Then, the control unit 201 refers to the standard rising gradient table 202a and determines the standard rising gradient SR of the ozone concentration based on the detected temperature and humidity (S3). That is, the control unit 201 reads out the value of the standard rising gradient SR corresponding to the detected temperature and humidity from the standard rising gradient table 202a.

Next, the control unit 201 rotates the blower 120 and rotates the drum 23 by the drive motor 30 (S4). The drum 23 may rotate in only one direction, or in both the left and right directions. Furthermore, the control unit 201 operates the ozone generator 140 (S5). During operation, the ozone generator 140 is supplied with a predetermined constant power from the ozone generator drive unit 212.

Air is circulated between the circulation path 110 and the outer tank 20 by the rotation of the blower 120. Ozone generated by the ozone generator 140 is taken into the circulation path 110, mixed with the air flowing in the circulation path 110, and supplied to the drum 23 and the outer tank 20. The rotation of the drum 23 causes the objects to be treated to tumble within the drum 23. The ozone supplied into the drum 23 comes into contact with the tumbling objects to be treated, and bacteria and viruses adhering to the objects to be treated are killed (inactivated). This deodorizes and disinfects the objects to be treated. Note that the ozone also comes into contact with the inner wall of the outer tank 20 and the drum 23, so bacteria and the like adhering to these can also be killed.

When the supply of ozone into the outer tank 20 starts, the control unit 201 starts detecting the ozone concentration in the outer tank 20 using the ozone concentration sensor 150 (S6). After the ozone concentration is detected at the start, it is detected every time a specified time (for example, one minute) has elapsed.

When the specified time has elapsed (S7: YES), the control unit 201 subtracts the ozone concentration detected before the specified time has elapsed from the ozone concentration detected after the specified time has elapsed to determine the rising gradient S of the ozone concentration in the outer tank 20 (S8). The control unit 201 then calculates the difference between the reference rising gradient SR and the determined rising gradient S, and determines whether the difference is smaller than a predetermined difference threshold (S9). If the difference is smaller than the difference threshold, the rising gradient S can be considered to match (including approximately match) the reference rising gradient SR.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing the rising gradient of the ozone concentration in the outer tank 20 when an ozone sterilization operation is performed in a state where there are no sterilization targets such as bacteria or viruses in the outer tank 20, and when an ozone sterilization operation is performed in a state where there are sterilization targets in the outer tank 20.

When ozone sterilization is performed in a state where there are bacteria, viruses, etc. to be sterilized in the outer tank 20, that is, when the object to be treated with bacteria, etc. attached thereto is put into the drum 23 and ozone sterilization is performed, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 5, the ozone supplied to the drum 23 is consumed while sterilization is being performed, so the rise in ozone concentration becomes gradual and the rising gradient S becomes small. After that, as the sterilization progresses and there is almost no sterilization object in the outer tank 20 (a state where only a small amount is present), and sterilization can be considered to be completed, almost no ozone is consumed, so the rise in ozone concentration becomes steeper and the rising gradient S becomes larger and becomes almost equal to the reference rising gradient SR shown by the dashed line in FIG. 5.

If the difference between the reference ascending gradient SR and the ascending gradient S is equal to or greater than the difference threshold value because sterilization is not complete (S9: NO), the control unit 201 determines that the ascending gradient S does not match the reference ascending gradient SR, and waits for a specified time to elapse before determining the ascending gradient S again (S7: YES → S8). In this way, the control unit 201 repeats the processing of steps S7 to S9 until sterilization is complete.

When the sterilization is deemed to be complete and the difference between the reference ascending gradient SR and the ascending gradient S becomes smaller than the difference threshold (S9: YES), the control unit 201 determines that the ascending gradient S matches the reference ascending gradient SR and stops the operation of the ozone generator 140 (S10). This ends the ozone supply process. The blower 120 and drum 23 continue to rotate.

At the end of the ozone supply process, a relatively high concentration of ozone remains in the outer tank 20. Therefore, the control unit 201 starts the ozone depletion process, which consists of the following steps S11 to S13.

That is, the control unit 201 periodically detects the ozone concentration in the outer tank 20 using the ozone concentration sensor 150 to monitor whether the ozone concentration has become lower than a predetermined concentration threshold (S11). For example, the concentration threshold is set to 0.1 ppm.

Ozone naturally decomposes and returns to air, so the ozone concentration in the outer tank 20 gradually decreases. At this time, the blower 120 and drum 23 continue to rotate, and the air containing ozone flows between the outer tank 20 and the circulation path 110 and is stirred in the outer tank 20. This makes it easier for the ozone to naturally decompose compared to when the air is stationary.

When the ozone concentration in the outer tank 20 becomes lower than the concentration threshold (S11: YES), the control unit 201 stops the rotation of the blower 120 and the drum 23 (S12). Furthermore, the control unit 201 ends the detection of the ozone concentration by the ozone concentration sensor 150 (S13). In this way, the ozone depletion process is completed.

Then, the control unit 201 unlocks the door 12 using the door lock device 206 (S14). This ends the ozone sterilization operation. The user removes the object to be treated from inside the drum 23.

<Effects of the embodiment>
According to this embodiment, during ozone sterilization operation, after the drying device 100 starts supplying ozone into the outer tank 20, the control unit 201 periodically determines the rising gradient of the ozone concentration in the outer tank 20 based on the ozone concentration in the outer tank 20 detected by the ozone concentration sensor 150, and stops the supply of ozone into the outer tank 20 by the drying device 100 based on the determined rising gradient S.

Specifically, the control unit 201 stops the supply of ozone into the outer tank 20 based on the fact that the calculated rising gradient S is approximately equal to the reference rising gradient SR, which is the rising gradient of the ozone concentration in the outer tank 20 when there are almost no bacteria, viruses, or other sterilization targets present in the outer tank 20.

With this configuration, sterilization by ozone progresses in the outer tank 20, and when it is deemed that sterilization is complete, the supply of ozone to the outer tank 20 can be stopped. This makes it possible to prevent insufficient sterilization when there are many sterilization targets in the outer tank 20. Furthermore, it makes it possible to prevent unnecessary supply of ozone when there are only a few sterilization targets in the outer tank 20.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a temperature and humidity sensor 160 is provided to detect the temperature and humidity of the installation environment of the drum type washer-dryer 1, and the control unit 201 increases the reference rising gradient SR as the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 160 become lower.

The lower the temperature and humidity of the installation environment, i.e., the lower the temperature and humidity of the air taken into the ozone generator 140, the easier it is for the ozone generator 140 to generate ozone, so the amount of ozone supplied to the outer tank 20 increases and the gradient of increase in ozone concentration becomes greater.

With this configuration, the lower the temperature and humidity of the air taken into the ozone generator 140, the larger the reference rising gradient SR is set; that is, the reference rising gradient SR is changed in accordance with the change in the rising gradient of ozone in the outer tank 20 due to the influence of temperature and humidity, so that the completion of sterilization can be accurately determined and the supply of ozone to the outer tank 20 can be stopped.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the ozone concentration sensor 150 is positioned in the circulation path 110 upstream of the air flow from the position where ozone is mixed into the air.

With this configuration, compared to when the ozone concentration sensor 150 is disposed inside the outer tub 20, when the laundry contained in the drum 23 is washed, the ozone concentration sensor 150 is less likely to be splashed with water and to become wet.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications to the embodiment of the present invention are possible.

For example, in the above embodiment, as shown in steps S7 to S9 of FIG. 4, a configuration is adopted in which the ascending gradient S periodically found after the start of ozone supply into the outer tank 20 is compared with the reference ascending gradient SR itself, and the control unit 201 determines that the found ascending gradient S matches the reference ascending gradient SR when the difference between the reference ascending gradient SR and the found ascending gradient S is smaller than a predetermined difference threshold. However, a configuration may be adopted in which the found ascending gradient S is compared with a judgment ascending gradient that is smaller than the reference ascending gradient SR, and the control unit 201 may determine that the found ascending gradient S matches the reference ascending gradient SR when the found ascending gradient S is larger than the judgment ascending gradient.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ozone concentration sensor 150 is disposed in the circulation path 110. However, the ozone concentration sensor 150 may be disposed in the outer tank 20, for example, on the rear wall of the outer tank 20.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the temperature and humidity sensor 160 is disposed within the circulation path 110. However, the temperature and humidity sensor 160 may be disposed outside the outer tank 20 and the circulation path 110 within the housing 10. In this case, for example, the temperature and humidity sensor 160 may be disposed near the ozone generator 140. Furthermore, the temperature and humidity sensor 160 may be disposed outside the housing 10.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a temperature and humidity sensor 160 is used to detect temperature and humidity. However, instead of the temperature and humidity sensor 160, a temperature sensor that detects temperature and a humidity sensor that detects humidity may be used.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 201 detects the temperature and humidity of the installation environment of the drum type washer-dryer 1 using the temperature and humidity sensor 160, and increases the reference rising gradient SR as the temperature and humidity are lower. However, the drum type washer-dryer 1 may be provided with only a temperature sensor. In this case, the control unit 201 increases the reference rising gradient SR as the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower. Alternatively, the drum type washer-dryer 1 may be provided with only a humidity sensor. In this case, the control unit 201 increases the reference rising gradient SR as the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is lower.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 201 rotates the drum 23 in the ozone supply process. However, it may be possible to select whether or not to rotate the drum 23 in the ozone supply process. In this case, when the ozone sterilization operation is performed on clothing or the like that is prone to fabric damage as the treatment object, the user performs a selection operation not to rotate the drum 23. Alternatively, the drum type washer-dryer 1 may be provided with an ozone sterilization operation course in which the drum 23 is rotated in the ozone supply process, and an ozone sterilization operation course in which the drum 23 is not rotated in the ozone supply process.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an ozone supply process and an ozone depletion process are performed in the ozone sterilization operation. However, the ozone supply process and the ozone depletion process may be performed following the drying process in the washing and drying operation or the drying operation.

In addition, in the above embodiment, a drum type washer-dryer 1 having a function of deodorizing, sterilizing, etc. clothes using ozone is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to drum type washer-dryer, and can also be applied to drum type washing machines, fully automatic washing machines, fully automatic washer-dryers, clothes dryers, etc. having a function of deodorizing, sterilizing, etc. clothes using ozone. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to various ozone treatment devices that deodorize, sterilize, etc. objects to be treated using ozone, such as shoe cleaning machines that have a function of deodorizing, sterilizing, etc. shoes using ozone in addition to the cleaning function, and suit refreshers that deodorize, sterilize, etc. suits using ozone.

In addition, various modifications of the embodiment of the present invention are possible within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims.

1. Drum-type washer-dryer (ozone treatment device)
20 Outer tank (container)
23 Drum (storage section)
100 Drying device (ozone supply unit)
110 Circulation Route
120 Blower
140 Ozone Generator
150 Ozone concentration sensor (ozone concentration detection unit)
160 Temperature and humidity sensor (temperature detection section, humidity detection section)
201 Control unit

Claims (5)

A storage section in which the object to be treated is stored;
an ozone supply unit for supplying ozone into the container;
an ozone concentration detection unit for detecting an ozone concentration in the container;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the ozone supply unit,
The control unit is
after starting the supply of ozone into the storage unit by the ozone supply unit, periodically determining an increasing gradient of the ozone concentration in the storage unit based on the ozone concentration detected by the ozone concentration detection unit;
The supply of ozone from the ozone supply unit to the storage unit is stopped based on the obtained ascending gradient.
1. An ozone treatment device comprising: 2. The ozone treatment device according to claim 1,
The control unit stops the supply of ozone into the storage unit based on whether the calculated ascending gradient coincides with a reference ascending gradient, which is an ascending gradient of the ozone concentration in the storage unit when no sterilization target is present in the storage unit.
1. An ozone treatment device comprising: 3. The ozone treatment device according to claim 2,
A temperature detection unit is further provided for detecting a temperature of an installation environment of the ozone treatment device,
The ozone supply unit has an ozone generator that generates ozone from air,
The control unit increases the reference rising gradient as the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit decreases.
1. An ozone treatment device comprising: 4. The ozone treatment device according to claim 2,
A humidity detection unit is further provided for detecting the humidity of an installation environment of the ozone treatment device,
The ozone supply unit has an ozone generator that generates ozone from air,
The control unit increases the reference ascending gradient as the humidity detected by the humidity detection unit decreases.
1. An ozone treatment device comprising: 3. The ozone treatment device according to claim 1,
The storage unit includes an outer tub that stores washing water, and a drum that is rotatably disposed in the outer tub.
The ozone supply unit includes an ozone generator, a circulation path connected to the outer tank, and a blower that circulates air between the outer tank and the circulation path, and supplies ozone generated by the ozone generator to the drum and the outer tank by mixing the ozone with air flowing through the circulation path.
The ozone concentration detection unit is disposed in the circulation path upstream of a position where ozone is mixed into the air.
1. An ozone treatment device comprising:

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