JP4194505B2 - Plasma cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a plasma cleaning apparatus, and more particularly to a plasma cleaning apparatus for cleaning by being worn on an iron and exposing clothes or the like to plasma.

  Conventionally, plasma has been generated under atmospheric pressure, and the object to be processed is exposed to the generated plasma and subjected to predetermined processing. For example, in Patent Document 1, a gas discharge is generated in a discharge gas containing oxygen under atmospheric pressure, and a metal oxide film is formed on the surface of the metal film on the substrate by gas active species generated by the discharge. Proposals have been made for processing techniques.

In Patent Document 2, a plasma generating gas is supplied into the reaction vessel, and a predetermined voltage is applied to the reaction vessel to cause discharge under a pressure close to atmospheric pressure to generate plasma. A cleaning technique has been proposed in which metal oxides on the surface of an object to be processed are reduced to metal by active species generated in the plasma.
JP-A-8-78529 JP 2002-1253 A

  In Patent Document 1 described above, the object to be processed exposed to plasma is a metal wiring of a semiconductor device or a liquid crystal display device. Moreover, in patent document 2, the metal exposed on the surface, such as an electronic component, is made into the object as a to-be-processed object.

  As described above, conventional cleaning using plasma is intended for cleaning semiconductor devices, electronic components, etc., and there was no idea of using plasma to clean clothes and futons that are commonly used in daily life. .

  Moreover, as a lifestyle in recent years, washing, adding a softening agent, or spraying a deodorant even if clothes are not very dirty are performed. Although these actions contribute in terms of hygiene, they are in a situation where the balance is not sufficiently maintained in relation to the life orientation aiming at the realization of a society that can preserve the environment and continue to develop. . On the other hand, progress in environmental technology and surface treatment technology has been remarkable, and in particular, plasma that does not use drugs has begun to attract attention.

  The present invention is proposed by the inventor paying attention to this point, and the purpose thereof is to be able to be mounted on a commercially available iron body in order to introduce water vapor as a gas for generating active species, Is a cleaning device that decomposes and removes odors and dirt adhering to clothing without using detergent or detergent, and forms a more uniform discharge field to efficiently generate active species, and plasma cleaning with higher cleaning power Is to provide a device.

  A plasma cleaning apparatus according to the present invention is a plasma cleaning apparatus that is mounted on a commercially available iron body and performs a predetermined plasma cleaning process on an object to be cleaned, and includes a housing, a fixing means, an inlet, and a steam channel. And a counter electrode, a plasma power source, and a discharge port. The fixing means fixes the casing to the bottom of the iron. The introduction port is provided in the upper part of the housing and takes in the steam ejected from the iron. The steam channel is provided in the housing and guides the steam taken from the inlet. The counter electrode is provided so as to face the vapor flow path, and includes at least one pair. The counter electrode is connected to a plasma power source to generate plasma in the atmosphere, and the introduced water vapor is exposed to the plasma to generate active species such as hydroxyl radicals. The discharge port ejects the generated active species toward the object to be cleaned.

  According to this configuration, the active species generated by the discharge between the counter electrodes are ejected toward the object to be cleaned, so that the organic molecules forming the dirt attached to the object to be cleaned are cut off or other substances Will be disassembled. As a result, it is possible to remove the dirt attached to the object to be cleaned without using chemicals or detergents.

  In addition, the counter electrode is preferably formed so that at least one of the pair of electrode portions opposite to the side facing each other is covered with an insulator for safety.

  In the counter electrode, at least one electrode surface is covered with a dielectric, and the other electrode facing the dielectric or the other electrode is covered with a dielectric, and the other electrode is covered with a dielectric. Preferably, a predetermined space is provided between the body and the dielectric covering the other electrode, and a barrier discharge is generated in the predetermined space.

  By providing the dielectric, it is possible to reduce the concentration of the discharge path in the air as compared with the case without such a dielectric.

  In addition, as a specific structure for taking in water vapor and sending out active species, first, the counter electrode is arranged in the steam flow path, and the steam discharged from the iron body and taken in from the inlet is steam flow path. It is preferable that the active species such as a hydroxyl radical is generated by discharge between the counter electrodes and discharged, and the generated active species is ejected from the discharge port toward the object to be cleaned.

  Or you may make it arrange | position a counter electrode in the recessed part provided in the bottom face part which faces the to-be-cleaned object near the discharge outlet in a housing | casing.

  In particular, as a specific structure for disposing the counter electrode in the recess, one electrode portion of the counter electrode is embedded in a predetermined dielectric, and the other electrode is disposed on the surface of the dielectric. It is preferable that the surface of the dielectric is configured to generate creeping discharge.

  In this case, the water vapor discharged from the iron body and taken in from the introduction port is guided to the counter electrode through the bottom surface portion of the housing, and the active species generated in the counter electrode provided in the recess is exposed to the object to be cleaned. It is preferable to be configured.

  Furthermore, in order to remove surplus gas such as ozone generated by the plasma treatment and decomposed contaminants, it is preferable to include suction means.

  More specifically, the suction means is provided in the vicinity of the discharge port, and is connected to the suction port for taking in excess gas and contaminants, the exhaust unit connected to the suction port, and the exhaust unit. And an exhaust port for exhausting the air.

  Among gases such as ozone and NOx generated by discharge, surplus gas that does not contribute to the decomposition reaction of pollutants is released to the outside of the plasma cleaning device, and there is a risk of harming the human body if the concentration of the surplus gas becomes high. . Therefore, a filter is preferably provided in the path of the suction means, and the filter preferably has a function of adsorbing and / or decomposing excess gas.

  Moreover, it is preferable to provide a collection part for collecting contaminants decomposed by the reaction gas in the suction means path.

  Furthermore, in order to capture the contaminants more reliably, it is preferable to dispose the contaminant collection unit having a function of separating the contaminants and air between the suction port and the filter. More specifically, the pollutant collecting portion is composed of two compartments communicating with each other at a predetermined location, and one of the compartments is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the suction port is arranged so that the suction matter turns concentrically in the compartment. Configure to be connected to. In addition, a contaminant collection part is not limited to the above-mentioned structure, It is good also as another structure.

  In addition, in order to facilitate maintenance, it is preferable that the filter and the collection unit are detachably mounted in the housing.

  Furthermore, in order to more reliably remove contaminants, it is preferable to provide a brush on the bottom surface portion of the housing.

  Since the brush is detachably attached to the bottom portion of the housing, maintenance can be easily performed.

  Further, in consideration of safety, a detection unit that detects the distance to the object to be cleaned on the bottom surface portion of the housing and starts the operation of the discharge unit only when the distance is within a predetermined distance is provided. It is preferable.

  In addition, the necessary power to the plasma generating power supply unit is the first aspect that is directly supplied from a predetermined power source, the second aspect that is supplied via the iron body, and the third aspect that is covered by charging. It is preferably supplied by at least any embodiment.

  Furthermore, in order to be able to be mounted on a commercially available iron body, the mounting portion disposed in the housing has a wide range of motion, and has a stretchable and heat resistant seal on the top surface of the housing that prevents vapor leakage. It is preferable to provide a material.

  Moreover, since a housing | casing is mounted | worn with the iron main body, it is preferable that a housing | casing is formed from a heat resistant material.

  The plasma cleaning apparatus according to the present invention is a cleaning apparatus using plasma. Plasma means a thermal non-equilibrium state, that is, a state where the electron temperature is higher than the temperature of the gas or ions, and the ions and radicals generated by electron collision cause a chemical reaction that does not occur at room temperature. It has the property.

The plasma used in the plasma cleaning apparatus is generated by discharge. This will be explained in more detail. Air and moisture in the air collide with electrons accelerated at high speed, and are ionized, dissociated, or excited to generate OH, H, N, O, HO ₂ , ozone, etc. Active species are produced.

  The generated active species act on the organic matter to cleave or decompose the organic matter molecule. At present, the mechanism of the active species generation process in plasma, the substance to be generated, and the mechanism of substance decomposition process have not been fully elucidated.

  However, the effects of exposure to plasma have been confirmed in several fields. For example, in the fields of large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs) and liquid crystal technologies, plasma is used for surface modification. In the field of contaminant treatment and environmental technology, plasma is being put to practical use, such as plasma being used for the decomposition of dioxins.

  The plasma cleaning apparatus according to the present invention is a cleaning apparatus using such plasma, and the object of cleaning is clothes or the like to which relatively light dirt, odors or the like due to washing are attached. In general, most of the dirt adhering to clothing or the like is an organic substance and is entangled in fibers of clothing or the like. This plasma cleaning device is intended to remove the dirt by cutting off the dirt molecules or by decomposing the dirt molecules into other gas or liquid substances. The idea of washing clothes and the like has never existed before.

  Furthermore, the electric shock pulse accompanying the discharge for generating plasma damages the epidermis such as ticks and wrinkles, and secondary structures that radicals generated by the plasma enter the epidermis and destroy the tissue. There is also an effect. Thereby, the killing effect with respect to pests, such as a mite and a moth which nests in an ironing board etc., can be heightened. Next, such a plasma cleaning apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described.

Embodiment 1
As shown in FIG. 1, an iron-type cleaning device 1 as a plasma cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a cleaning device in which a housing 1 a is mounted on a base 6 of an iron body 2. In the iron-type cleaning apparatus 1, the water vapor ejected from the iron body 2 is taken and exposed to plasma to generate active species such as hydroxyl radicals, and the generated active species are placed on the ironing board 3 to be cleaned. The garment or the like is sprayed on the garment or the like as 4 to wash the garment or the like.

  First, the iron body 2 is provided with a water supply tank 5 serving as a steam source as a steam iron. The bottom surface of the base 6 of the iron body 2 is provided with an ejection hole (not shown) for ejecting the water vapor. On the upper part of the iron body 2, a steam amount adjusting unit 8 for adjusting the amount of water vapor to be ejected is provided.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the iron-type cleaning apparatus 1 has an introduction port 13 for taking in water vapor ejected from the bottom surface of the base 6, and water vapor taken from the introduction port 13 by generating plasma. Is provided with a pair of metal electrodes 11 for exposing the substrate to plasma, and a discharge port 14 for discharging activated species generated by exposure to the plasma.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the steam outlet 15 provided in the base 6 of the iron body 2 is arranged in a square shape in a plan view, as shown in FIG. The tapered portion 13a is provided, and as the shape of the tapered portion 13a, the outer peripheral portion of the tapered portion 13a has a substantially triangular shape so as to surround the steam outlet 15 so that the steam ejected from the steam outlet 15 can be efficiently used. It can be collected well and sent between the pair of metal electrodes 11.

  The water vapor introduced from the inlet 13 is guided between a pair of metal electrodes 11 of, for example, a parallel plate type. The pair of metal electrodes 11 are connected to the plasma generating power source 12, and plasma discharge is generated between the pair of metal electrodes 11 by applying a predetermined electric field. In this case, necessary power is supplied to the plasma generation power source 12 through the electric wire 7.

  The distance between the pair of parallel plate type metal electrodes 11 is, for example, 10 mm or less, and more preferably 3 mm or less. The plasma generating power source 12 may be DC, AC, or pulse as long as it can activate water vapor or gas, but it is more preferable to use a pulse power source.

  Other electrical conditions such as voltage, current, and frequency may be any conditions that can activate water vapor and gas, and vary depending on the atmospheric components and temperature of the discharge field. For example, the voltage is about 3 to 50 kV, and the current is 2A or less and the frequency is more preferably about 0 to 100 kHz.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, at least one of the opposing surfaces of the pair of metal electrodes 11 may be provided with a solid dielectric 17 so as to cover that surface to generate a barrier discharge. desirable. By disposing the solid dielectric 17, it is possible to alleviate the concentration of discharge paths in the air as compared with the case where there is no such solid dielectric. As the solid dielectric 17, for example, ceramics such as alumina and magnesia can be applied.

  Further, from the viewpoint of safety, it is desirable that an insulator 18 having a predetermined thickness is disposed on the surface of the metal electrode 11 opposite to the surface facing the metal electrode 11 so as to cover the surface.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the active species generated by exposing the water vapor to the plasma between the pair of metal electrodes 11 is to be cleaned such as clothes from the discharge port 14 provided in the lower part of the iron-type cleaning device 1. In this case, the liquid is discharged toward the nozzle 4.

  In the iron-type cleaning apparatus 1 described above, water vapor ejected from the iron body 2 is taken in from the inlet 13 and guided between a pair of opposing metal electrodes 11. The introduced water vapor is exposed to plasma generated between the pair of metal electrodes 11. Active species are generated by exposure of water vapor to the plasma. The generated active species are discharged from the discharge port 14 toward the object 4 to be cleaned.

  By discharging the active species to the soiled portion of the article 4 to be cleaned, the organic molecules forming the soil are cut or decomposed into other substances. In this way, the dirt attached to the object to be cleaned is removed.

  In the iron-type cleaning apparatus 1 described above, a parallel plate type metal electrode has been described as an example of the shape of the pair of metal electrodes 11. The shape of the metal electrode 11 is not limited to the parallel plate type, and the direction of the opposing metal electrode 11 can be arbitrarily set. For example, as shown in FIG. A pair of metal electrodes 11 may be used, or as shown in FIG. 7, a pair of metal electrodes 11 arranged in a substantially semicircular shape may be used.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, a pair of metal electrodes 11 arranged to match the arrangement (for example, see FIG. 4) of the steam outlet 15 of the iron body 2 may be used. Further, a plurality of pairs of metal electrodes 11 may be disposed in the casing of the iron-type cleaning device 1.

  Further, in each of the pair of metal electrodes 11, the surfaces facing each other may be smooth or rough. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, needle-like protrusions 11 a are provided on each surface facing each other. Also good.

  Further, the shape of the water vapor inlet 13 is a substantially triangular tapered portion 13a that surrounds the steam outlet 15 disposed in a square shape in the iron body 2 while being attached to the base 6. The introduction port 13 having the above has been described as an example. When the steam outlet is arranged in a shape other than the letter-shaped shape, by providing the inlet 13 having a tapered portion corresponding to the arrangement of the steam outlet, the steam ejected from the steam outlet can be efficiently introduced. 13 can be incorporated into the iron-type cleaning device 1.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, by disposing a heat-resistant sealing material 16 such as Teflon (R), fluorine, or silicone so as to surround the outer peripheral portion along the outer peripheral portion of the tapered portion 13a. Further, it is possible to prevent water vapor from leaking from the gap between the base 6 and the iron-type cleaning device 1, and to take in water vapor more efficiently. Here, it is preferable that the sealing material can be replaced with a plurality of shapes so that it can be mounted on commercially available irons having different shapes, and has a stretchability in order to ensure sealing performance.

  Moreover, in the iron type washing | cleaning apparatus 1 mentioned above, the case where it comprised so that predetermined electric power might be directly supplied to the plasma generation power supply 12 with the electric wire 7 was mentioned as an example, and was demonstrated. In addition to this, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, a plug 10 connected to the plasma generating power source 12 is provided on the iron type cleaning apparatus 1 side, and a socket 9 connected to the power source line 7 is provided on the iron body 2 side. By providing and inserting the plug 10 into the socket 9, power may be supplied to the plasma generation power source 12 of the iron-type cleaning device 1 through the iron body 2.

  On the contrary, the electric wire 7 may be provided in the iron-type cleaning device 1 so that predetermined power is supplied to the iron body 2 through the iron-type cleaning device 1.

Embodiment 2
In the iron-type cleaning device described above, the case where plasma is generated by causing a discharge between a pair of opposing metal electrodes has been described as an example. Here, an iron-type cleaning device that generates plasma by causing creeping discharge will be described as an example.

  First, as shown in FIG. 11, in the iron-type cleaning apparatus 1, a discharge part 40 for causing creeping discharge in a recess provided in a bottom part near the discharge port 14 so as to take in water vapor discharged from the discharge port 14. Is provided.

  In the discharge part 40, a dielectric 19 is provided, a plate-like electrode 20 is provided on the surface thereof, and a counter electrode for plasma discharge is provided as an embedded electrode 21 in the dielectric 19.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a plurality of plate-like electrodes 20 are disposed at an arbitrary interval of, for example, about 0.5 to 2 mm. The embedded electrode 21 is embedded in the dielectric 19 so as to face the plurality of plate electrodes 20.

  As the dielectric 19, for example, ceramics such as alumina and magnesia can be applied. Compared to the case where the dielectric 19 has no dielectric and the embedded electrode 21 is exposed and is opposed to the plate electrode 20 via air (atmosphere), the discharge path is concentrated. It has a function to relieve this.

  Above the discharge part 40, an introduction port 13 having a predetermined taper part and taking in water vapor ejected from the iron body is provided. A discharge port 14 is disposed in the vicinity of the plate-like electrode 20 of the discharge unit 40 in order to discharge the water vapor introduced from the introduction port 13 by being exposed to plasma.

  In the iron-type cleaning apparatus 1 described above, a discharge occurs from the end of the plate electrode 20 in the discharge unit 40, the discharge spreads along the wall surface of the dielectric 19, and high-density plasma is generated around the discharge. The water vapor introduced from the inlet 13 is guided to the discharge part 40 and exposed to the plasma. The active species generated when the water vapor is exposed to the plasma is sprayed onto the soiled portion of the object 4 to be cleaned, so that the molecules of the organic matter forming the soil are cut or the like. Will be removed.

  In the iron-type cleaning device 1 described above, as in the case of the iron-type cleaning device described above, the introduction port 13 is provided with a tapered portion 13a corresponding to the arrangement of the water vapor outlets provided in the iron body. It is desirable. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a heat-resistant sealing material (not shown) such as Teflon (R), fluorine, or silicone so as to surround the outer periphery of the tapered portion 13a.

  Moreover, the direction in which the discharge part 40 is arrange | positioned is not specifically limited. Furthermore, the number of discharge units 40 is not limited to one. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, a discharge unit 40 including a plurality of pairs of plate-like electrodes 20 and embedded electrodes 21 connected in parallel is provided. It may be arranged.

Embodiment 3
Here, the attachment / detachment structure for the iron body of the iron-type cleaning device described in each of the first and second embodiments will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 15, at least two or more S-shaped hooks 23 for hooking on the base 6 of the iron body 2 are disposed on the outer periphery of the casing 1 a of the iron-type cleaning device 1. The hook 23 is supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 24 and is biased toward the base 6 by a spring 25 so as to tighten the base 6. A release portion 26 for removing the hook 23 from the base 6 is provided on the opposite side of the rotary shaft 24 from the hook 23. Here, it is preferable that the hook 23 has a wide rotation range so that the iron can be attached to a commercially available iron having a different shape.

  In the iron-type cleaning device 1 described above, the iron-type cleaning device can be easily attached to the iron body by hooking the hook 23 to the base 6. On the other hand, by pushing the release portion 26, the hook 23 is separated from the base 6, and the iron-type cleaning device 1 can be easily detached from the iron body.

  In the iron-type cleaning device described above, the attachment / detachment structure to the iron body by the hook has been described as an example. However, any structure that can attach or detach the iron-type cleaning device to / from the iron body is used. It is not limited.

Embodiment 4
Here, an example of an iron-type cleaning apparatus that more effectively removes contaminants that are decomposed when active species are sprayed onto the soiled portion of the object to be cleaned will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 16, at least one brush 27 is provided on the bottom surface of the iron-type cleaning device 1. In the vicinity of the discharge port 14, at least one suction port 28 for sucking in excess gas and contaminants is provided, and the suctioned excess gas and contaminants are trapped in the housing 1 a of the iron-type cleaning device 1. A filter 29 for collecting, an exhaust part 30 for sucking, and an exhaust port 31 for exhausting sucked air or the like are provided. In addition, since it is the same as that of the iron type washing | cleaning apparatus shown by FIG. 2 about another structure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same member and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the iron-type cleaning device 1 described above, the active species generated when the water vapor introduced from the inlet 13 is exposed to the plasma is sprayed onto the dirty portion of the object to be cleaned (not shown), thereby removing the dirt. The organic molecules formed are cleaved. The organic molecules are removed from the object to be cleaned by the brush 27 and taken into the iron type cleaning device from the suction port 28 together with the air.

  Contaminants sucked from the suction port 28 are collected by the filter 29. The air or the like after the contaminants are collected is exhausted from the exhaust port 31 to the outside of the iron-type cleaning device 1. The filter 29 is made of, for example, a material in which manganese dioxide is supported on titania silica, activated carbon, or the like. In addition to collecting contaminants, the filter 29 can adsorb ozone generated by discharge and decompose it.

  Next, a modified example of the iron-type cleaning device described above will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, in the iron-type cleaning device 1 according to the modification, a contaminant collecting unit 22 is provided between the suction port 28 and the filter 29. As the contaminant collection part 22, a cyclone type collection part is preferable.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 18, the contaminant collecting unit 22 includes a cylindrical compartment 32 and an exhaust chamber 33. A pipe connected from the suction port 28 to the compartment 32 is connected along the tangential direction of the cylindrical compartment 32 in the upper portion of the compartment 32. A communication port 35 that communicates the compartment 32 and the exhaust chamber 33 is provided at a lower portion of the wall surface 34 that partitions the compartment 32 and the exhaust chamber 33. A pipe connected to the exhaust unit 30 via a filter 29 is connected to the upper part of the exhaust chamber 33. Moreover, the contaminant collection part 22 and the filter 29 are comprised so that attachment or detachment with respect to the iron type washing | cleaning apparatus 1 is possible.

  In the iron-type cleaning device according to the modification, contaminants, moisture, and the like sucked together with air and the like from the suction port 28 are sent in a tangential direction to the cylindrical compartment 32, and thus along the inner wall of the compartment 32. It flows toward the communication port 35 provided on the wall surface while turning.

  At this time, moisture and contaminants having a relatively high specific gravity are accumulated in the lower part of the filth collector 22. On the other hand, a gas such as ozone having a relatively low specific gravity and contaminants flow together with air through the communication port 35 toward the upper portion of the exhaust chamber 33 and are collected by the filter 29.

  Furthermore, in each iron type washing | cleaning apparatus 1 mentioned above, you may provide the detection part (not shown) for detecting the presence or absence of a to-be-cleaned object, or the distance with a to-be-cleaned object in the bottom face part of the iron type cleaning apparatus 1. . As such a detection unit, for example, a micro switch that turns on the power of the iron-type cleaning device 1 when the iron-type cleaning device 1 is placed on an object to be cleaned can be applied. Moreover, the distance sensor etc. by the infrared rays and ultrasonic which turn on the power supply of the iron type washing | cleaning apparatus 1 can be applied because the distance of the iron type washing | cleaning apparatus 1 and a to-be-cleaned object entered in the predetermined range. In addition, as a detection part, it is not limited to these microswitches and distance sensors.

  Moreover, in each iron type washing | cleaning apparatus mentioned above, although the case where the supply of electric power was received by the electric wire 7 was mentioned as an example, for example, it equipped with the secondary battery (not shown) which can be charged, and required electric power was beforehand provided. An iron-type cleaning device that can be charged may be used. In this case, it becomes possible to use the iron-type cleaning device in a cordless state.

  As described above, each iron is generated by plasma from the iron-type cleaning device by placing the iron-type cleaning device on clothes, handkerchief, etc. with a stain such as soy sauce or oil as an object to be cleaned. Active species such as radicals are discharged. The organic matter forming the stain is decomposed and removed by the discharged active species.

  Staining that cannot be removed in a relatively short time can be removed by operating the iron-type cleaning device for a longer time. Thus, the time for which the iron type cleaning apparatus is operated varies depending on the state of the stain, and also varies depending on the intensity of plasma generated in the iron type cleaning apparatus.

  Furthermore, if it is a stain that cannot be removed by a single cleaning, the iron-type cleaning device can be used to gradually remove the stain by performing cleaning during daily ironing.

  In the iron-type cleaning device, water vapor ejected from the iron body is introduced and guided between the metal electrodes. Thus, water vapor | steam is guide | induced between metal electrodes in order to diffuse the plasma produced | generated between metal electrodes, and to expand the plasma atmosphere (area | region) more. When there is nothing between the metal electrodes and only the atmosphere, the discharge path is concentrated when a discharge is generated between the metal electrodes, and the region of the generated plasma is narrow.

On the other hand, it is known that when a dielectric exists between metal electrodes, the discharge expands to a region where the dielectric is scattered. In the case of an iron-type cleaning device, it is considered that the plasma region expands as a result of the water vapor introduced between the metal electrodes functioning as a dielectric. Further, it is considered that the hydroxyl radical generated by ionization, dissociation and separation of H ₂ O greatly contributes to the decomposition of contaminants attached to the object to be cleaned. Therefore, it is considered that introducing water vapor and exposing it to plasma will generate hydroxyl radicals and enhance the cleaning effect of contaminants.

  Further, by exposing the object to be cleaned in the vicinity of the active species containing hydroxyl radicals generated by plasma discharge and the atmosphere of the plasma, it is possible to decompose and remove contaminants attached to the object to be cleaned, as well as the ironing board 3 and the like. Can kill ticks and other ticks.

  This eliminates the need to use special chemicals and detergents that affect the environment when removing stains and the like on the object to be cleaned, and eliminates the need to perform special operations using such chemicals. .

  And the ironing operation | work by an iron main body can be performed by removing from the iron main body after washing | cleaning the iron type washing | cleaning apparatus attached to the iron main body so that attachment or detachment was possible. Further, by applying the steam iron as the iron body, it is not necessary to separately prepare a water vapor generating device for generating water vapor used for the iron type cleaning device.

  Furthermore, since plasma is generated under atmospheric pressure, it is not necessary to prepare a vacuum device and can be handled relatively easily. Moreover, the removal effect of the decomposed | disassembled contaminant can further be heightened by adding the contaminant collection part by a brush and suction. Furthermore, by attaching such a brush and a contaminant collection part to an iron type washing | cleaning apparatus so that attachment or detachment is possible, maintenance, such as replacement | exchange and washing | cleaning of a brush or a contaminant collection part, can be performed easily. Further, by supplying power necessary for cleaning by charging, the iron-type cleaning device can be used in a cordless state.

  In any iron-type cleaning device, the shape and the size of the metal electrode can be designed according to the required function and performance.

It is a side view which shows the state which attached the iron type washing | cleaning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention to the iron main body. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the iron-type cleaning device shown in FIG. 1 in the same embodiment. FIG. 4 is another cross-sectional view of the iron-type cleaning device shown in FIG. 1 in the same embodiment. In the embodiment, it is a top view which shows the bottom face of the base of the iron main body shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an upper part of the iron-type cleaning device shown in FIG. 1 in the same embodiment. In the same embodiment, it is one sectional drawing of the iron type washing | cleaning apparatus which concerns on a modification. In the embodiment, it is a cross-sectional view of an iron-type cleaning device according to another modification. In the embodiment, it is a cross-sectional view of an iron-type cleaning device according to still another modification. In the embodiment, it is a side view showing a metal electrode in an iron-type cleaning device according to still another modification. In the embodiment, it is a side view showing an iron-type cleaning device and an iron body according to still another modification. It is one sectional drawing of the iron type washing | cleaning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. In the embodiment, it is the elements on larger scale which show the structure of the discharge part in the iron type cleaning device. In the embodiment, it is another partial enlarged plan view showing the structure of the discharge part in the iron-type cleaning device. In the embodiment, it is the elements on larger scale which show the structure of the discharge part in the iron type washing device which relates to the modification. It is a side view which shows the base of the iron type washing | cleaning apparatus and iron main body which concern on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is one sectional drawing of the iron type washing | cleaning apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. In the same embodiment, it is one sectional drawing of the iron type washing | cleaning apparatus which concerns on a modification. In the embodiment, it is another cross-sectional view of an iron-type cleaning device according to another modification.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Iron type washing | cleaning apparatus, 2 Iron main body, 3 Ironing board, 4 To-be-washed object, 5 Water supply tank, 6 Base, 7 Electric wire, 8 Steam volume adjustment part, 9 Power socket, 10 Power plug, 11 Metal electrode, 11a Needle shape Projection, 12 Plasma generation power source, 13 Inlet port, 13a Taper part, 14 Discharge port, 15 Steam outlet, 16 Sealing material, 17 Solid dielectric, 18 Insulator, 19 Dielectric, 20 Plate electrode, 21 Embedded electrode , 22 Contaminant collecting part, 23 hook, 24 rotating shaft, 25 spring, 26 release part, 27 brush, 28 suction port, 29 filter, 30 exhaust part, 31 exhaust port, 32 compartment, 33 exhaust room, 34 wall surface , 35 communication port.

Claims (15)

A plasma cleaning apparatus attached to the bottom of an iron capable of jetting steam,
A housing attached to the bottom of the iron;
Fixing means for fixing the casing to the bottom of the iron;
An introduction port provided at an upper portion of the housing and for taking in steam ejected from the iron;
A steam flow path provided in the housing for guiding the steam taken from the inlet;
A counter electrode provided so as to face the vapor flow path, and comprising at least a pair;
A plasma power source connected to the counter electrode;
A plasma cleaning apparatus, comprising: a discharge port provided at a lower portion of the casing and configured to eject a reactive gas component generated by plasma generated between the counter electrodes toward an object to be cleaned.   The plasma cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the counter electrode is formed so as to cover at least one side opposite to the side facing each other with an insulator. Covering at least one electrode surface with a dielectric in the counter electrode;
A predetermined space is provided between the dielectric and the other electrode facing the dielectric or between the dielectric and the dielectric covering the other electrode surface;
The plasma cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein barrier discharge is generated in the predetermined space.   The plasma cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the counter electrode is provided in the vapor channel. In the counter electrode, one electrode is embedded in a predetermined dielectric, and the other electrode is disposed on the surface of the dielectric,
The plasma cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plasma cleaning apparatus is configured to generate creeping discharge on a surface of the dielectric.   6. The plasma cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the counter electrode is disposed in the vicinity of the discharge port and in a recess provided in a bottom surface portion of the housing.   The plasma cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reaction gas component includes at least a hydroxyl radical.   The plasma cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a suction unit that sucks at least one of surplus gas generated by discharge and contaminants decomposed by the reaction gas.   The plasma cleaning apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the suction unit includes a filter that performs at least one of adsorption and decomposition of the sucked excess gas.   The plasma cleaning apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the filter is detachable.   The plasma cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a collecting unit that collects the sucked contaminants in the suction unit.   The plasma cleaning apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the collecting means is detachable.   The plasma cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a brush for removing contaminants on a bottom surface portion of the casing.   The plasma cleaning apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the brush is detachable.   The detector according to claim 1, further comprising: a detector provided on a bottom surface portion of the housing that detects a distance from an object to be cleaned and starts the operation of the discharge unit only when the distance is within a predetermined distance. The plasma cleaning apparatus as described.

Images