JP6385809B2 - Disinfection device for electrical equipment - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a sterilization apparatus for electrical equipment.

  In household electric appliances, for example, washing machines, it has been considered to include a sterilization apparatus in order to sterilize water supplied to the tank. As this type of sterilization apparatus, an apparatus that includes an ultraviolet lamp in a water treatment unit and sterilizes water by irradiating water in the water treatment unit with ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet lamp is considered. By the way, when the ultraviolet lamp is turned on, a high voltage is applied to the energization part of the ultraviolet lamp. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent leakage from the ultraviolet lamp to water. However, in the structure considered conventionally, when water leaks from the water treatment part, for example, there is a problem that the water is easily applied to the energization part of the ultraviolet lamp, and electric leakage is likely to occur.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-225065

  In view of the above, there is provided a sterilization apparatus for an electric device that makes it difficult for water to splash on a current-carrying part of an ultraviolet lamp even if a water leak occurs in a water treatment part, and makes it difficult to cause a leak.

The sterilization apparatus for electrical equipment according to the present embodiment includes a water treatment unit to which water is supplied, an ultraviolet lamp that is provided in the water treatment unit and sterilizes the water in the water treatment unit with ultraviolet rays, and the ultraviolet lamp. and a feed line for energizing the UV lamp comprises an electrode portion. A connection part between the electrode part and the power supply line is separated from the water treatment part via a space part .

The figure which shows typically the structure of the washing machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment. Longitudinal cross section of the sterilizer Side view of disinfection device Cross-sectional view along line X4-X4 in FIG. Longitudinal sectional view of the sterilization apparatus according to the second embodiment The figure which shows typically the structure of the washing machine which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. Longitudinal sectional view of the sterilization apparatus according to the fourth embodiment

Hereinafter, a sterilization apparatus for an electric device according to a plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, substantially the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
(First embodiment)
First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 schematically shows a schematic configuration of a washing machine 1 as an example of an electric device. The washing machine 1 is a so-called horizontal shaft type drum washing machine, and a water tank 3, a rotating drum 4, a water supply unit 5, a drainage channel 6, a circulation channel 7 and the like are provided in an outer box 2 constituting the outer shell. Prepare.

  The water tank 3 has a horizontal bottomed cylindrical shape and is elastically supported by the suspension 8. The rotating drum 4 has a horizontally-bottomed cylindrical shape similar to the water tank 3 and is rotatably disposed in the water tank 3. The laundry S is accommodated in the rotating drum 4. The rotating drum 4 is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown). The water supply unit 5 is provided above the water tank 3 and supplies water supplied from an external water source, for example, tap water or bath water, into the water tank 3 through the water supply path 5a.

  The drainage channel 6 extends from a drainage port 9 provided at the bottom of the water tank 3 and is led out of the washing machine 1. In the middle of the drainage channel 6, a drainage filter 10 and a drainage valve 11 are provided. When the drain valve 11 is opened, the water in the water tank 3 is discharged out of the machine through the drain path 6. The drainage filter 10 captures foreign matters such as lint contained in the water flowing through the drainage channel 6.

  A part of the circulating water channel 7 is configured by a common water channel with the drainage channel 6, that is, a common water channel 7 a, and is provided so as to extend from the drainage port 9 of the water tank 3 and return to the water tank 3. One end of a circulation channel 7 b that constitutes only the circulation channel 7, that is, a non-common channel with the drain channel 6 among the circulation channels 7, is connected to the drain filter 10 via a circulation pump 12. The other end of the circulation dedicated water channel 7b extends upward, and is connected to the water tank side connection water channel 15 via a sterilizer 14 described later. The sterilizer 14 is disposed above the water tank 3. The water tank side connection water channel 15 is connected to the base ends of the two branch water channels 16 provided on the upper part of the water tank 3, and a water discharge port 17 is provided at the tip of each branch water channel 16. The drainage filter 10 is provided in the common water channel 7a.

  In this case, the circulation water channel 7 is constituted by a common water channel 7 a, a circulation dedicated water channel 7 b, a sterilization device 14, a water tank side connection water channel 15, a branch water channel 16, and a water discharge port 17. Here, when the circulation pump 12 is driven in a state where the drain valve 11 is closed, the water in the water tank 3 passes through the circulation water channel 7 from the drain port 9 and is discharged into the rotary drum 4 from each water outlet 17. So that it is circulated. At this time, the water circulating through the circulating water channel 7 is sterilized in the process of passing through the sterilization apparatus 14 as will be described later. The circulation exclusive water channel 7 b is supported by a support portion 2 a provided in the outer box 2. A power circuit board 13 is provided near the bottom in the outer box 2.

  Next, the sterilization apparatus 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. The sterilization apparatus 14 includes a water treatment unit 19 and an ultraviolet lamp 20. The water treatment unit 19 includes a case main body 19a having a rectangular container shape with an open upper surface, and a lid 19b attached to the upper surface opening of the case main body 19a. The case body 19a and the lid 19b are made of, for example, a synthetic resin that is an electrical insulating material. An inflow port 21 is provided laterally at the upper part of one side surface (left side surface in FIG. 2) of the case body 19a, and the upper surface is disposed on the side surface (right side surface in FIG. 2) opposite to the side surface provided with the inflow port 21. In addition, an outlet 22 is provided, and a drain port 23 is provided in the lateral direction near the bottom of the lower part.

  In this case, the inflow port 21 and the outflow port 22 are formed in a cylindrical shape having substantially the same diameter. The drain port 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a smaller diameter than the outlet port 22. As shown in FIG. 1, the inflow port 21 in the water treatment unit 19 is connected to the circulation exclusive water channel 7 b in the circulation water channel 7, and the outflow port 22 and the drain port 23 are connected to the water tank side connection water channel 15, respectively. Yes.

  The ultraviolet lamp 20 has two vertical tube portions 20a extending in the vertical direction and an arcuate connecting tube portion 20b positioned so as to connect the lower end portions of the vertical tube portions 20a. It is U-shaped upward and is disposed in the water treatment unit 19 while being inserted from above. In the vicinity of the upper end portions of the two vertical tube portions 20a, an energizing electrode portion 24 is provided. The upper portions of the two vertical tube portions 20a are inserted through a second lamp insertion hole 25 formed in the lid 19b in a state of passing therethrough and project upward.

  A flat insulating plate 27 is disposed above the lid 19b with a space 26 interposed therebetween. The insulating plate 27 is made of an electrical insulating material and functions as a waterproof member as will be described later. The upper end portions of the two vertical tube portions 20a of the ultraviolet lamp 20 are inserted through a first lamp insertion hole 28 formed in the insulating plate 27 so as to penetrate therethrough and protrude upward. The upper end portions 24a of the electrode portions 24 in the two vertical tube portions 20a protrude upward from the insulating plate 27, to which a power supply line 29 is connected. The insulating plate 27 and the electrode portions attached thereto are connected thereto. The ultraviolet lamp 20 is energized through a connecting portion 30a between the upper end portion 24a of the 24 and the power supply line 29, and the energizing portion 30 is constituted by the electrode portions 24 and the insulating plate 27 to which the electrode portions 24 are attached. Therefore, the energization unit 30 that energizes the ultraviolet lamp 20 is separated from the water treatment unit 19 by being separated upward from the lid 19 b that is the upper surface of the water treatment unit 19 via the space 26.

  Between the inner peripheral surface of each first lamp insertion hole 28 in the insulating plate 27 and the outer peripheral surface of each vertical tube portion 20a in the ultraviolet lamp 20, for example, a first seal material 31 made of rubber is provided. . A surrounding portion 32 is provided on the upper surface of the insulating plate 27 so as to surround the first sealing material 31, and the inside of the surrounding portion 32 covers the connection portion 30 a including the upper end portion 24 a of the electrode portion 24. Thus, the resin 33 is potted. This resin 33 is made by removing bubbles.

  A lamp protection member 34 that covers the ultraviolet lamp 20 is provided in the water treatment unit 19. The lamp protection member 34 is formed in a bellows-like tube shape using a material having ultraviolet transparency, for example, a fluororesin, and the two vertical tube portions 20a of the ultraviolet lamp 20 with both ends facing upward. The lower connecting pipe portion 20b is covered. Therefore, the lamp protection member 34 has a U shape that is a shape along the line shape of the ultraviolet lamp 20. The lamp protection member 34 has a bellows shape so that it can be easily bent and assembled when the ultraviolet lamp 20 is covered.

  Both end portions of the lamp protection member 34 and upper portions of both vertical tube portions 20a of the ultraviolet lamp 20 are respectively inserted into the second lamp insertion holes 25 of the lid 19b. Between the peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the lamp protection member 34, for example, a second seal material 35 made of rubber is provided. Further, a spacer 36 is provided near the upper portion of each vertical tube portion 20a of the ultraviolet lamp 20 so as to be positioned on the upper surface of the lid 19b, and a cylindrical portion 36a inside the spacer 36 is an outer periphery of the vertical tube portion 20a. It is inserted between the surface and the inner peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the lamp protection member 34. Accordingly, the upper end portion of the lamp protection member 34 is sandwiched between the cylindrical portion 36 a of the spacer 36 and the second sealing material 35.

  In the case main body 19a, an ultraviolet reflector 37 for reflecting ultraviolet rays is provided on the inner surface of the four side walls and the inner surface of the bottom wall. The ultraviolet reflector 37 is made of, for example, a stainless steel plate and has conductivity. As the ultraviolet reflector 37, aluminum or a chromium material can be used as long as it has a high ultraviolet reflectance.

  In the ultraviolet reflector 37, holes are formed at portions corresponding to the inflow port 21, the outflow port 22, and the drain port 23. Further, a block-shaped receiving portion 38 is fixedly provided on the upper surface of the ultraviolet reflector 37 corresponding to the bottom wall of the case main body 19a so as to be positioned below the connecting tube portion 20b of the ultraviolet lamp 20. A curved concave portion 38a is formed on the upper surface of the receiving portion 38, and the lower end portion of the lamp protection member 34 is received and held by the concave portion 38a. The receiving portion 38 may be provided directly on the upper surface of the bottom wall portion of the case main body 19a.

  A plate-shaped partition 39 is provided in the water treatment unit 19. The partition 39 is positioned between the two vertical pipe portions 20a of the ultraviolet lamp 20 so as to divide the upper part of the water treatment unit 19 into an inlet 21 side and an outlet 22 side. 39a is inserted and supported in a groove 40 (see FIG. 4) formed in the case main body 19a. The lower end 39b of the partition 39 extends to the vicinity of the lower end of the vertical tube portion 20a, but is spaced upward from the ultraviolet reflector 37 existing at the bottom of the case main body 19a, and the lower end 39b and the case main body are separated. A water passage opening 41 capable of water passage is formed between the ultraviolet reflector 37 existing at the bottom of 19a.

  Here, in the water treatment unit 19, a water passage 42 is formed through which water supplied from the inlet 21 flows out from the outlet 22. The water passage 42 has a U shape that follows the shape of the U-shaped ultraviolet lamp 20. Specifically, the water that has flowed into the water treatment unit 19 from the inlet 21 located on the upper side of the side surface of the water treatment unit 19 flows downward along the partition 39 as indicated by arrows in FIG. After passing through the water passage opening 41, it flows upward, and flows from the outlet 22 at the upper part of the side surface to the outside of the water treatment unit 19.

  In this case, the partition 39 is formed of the same stainless steel plate as the ultraviolet reflector 37 and has an ultraviolet reflection function and conductivity. And the electric wire connection part 39c which protrudes upwards from the lid | cover 19b is integrally provided in the upper part of this partition 39, and the electric wire 43 is connected to this electric wire connection part 39c. In this case, the partition 39 also functions as a leakage detection unit that detects leakage from the ultraviolet lamp 20 to the water in the water treatment unit 19.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a circuit case 45 is integrally provided on the lower surface of the insulating plate 27 so as to close the upper surface opening of the water treatment unit 19. A control board 46 is accommodated in the circuit case 45 as shown in FIG. The control board 46 is provided with a control circuit 47 for controlling the lighting of the ultraviolet lamp 20 and a leakage detection circuit 48. The power supply line 29 connected to the electrode part 24 of the ultraviolet lamp 20 is connected to the control circuit 47, and the electric wire 43 connected to the electric wire connection part 39 c of the partition 39 is connected to the leakage detection circuit 48. The control circuit 47 functions as control means. The circuit case 45 is also fixed to the case main body 19a by bonding or screwing, so that the ultraviolet lamp 20 is not stressed.

  In the above configuration, when the circulation pump 12 is driven in a state where the drain valve 11 is closed, water in the water tank 3 passes through the circulation water channel 7 from the drain port 9 and is discharged into the rotary drum 4 from each water outlet 17. It is circulated so that. At this time, the water that has passed through the circulation exclusive water channel 7 b of the circulation water channel 7 flows into the water treatment unit 19 from the inlet 21 in the sterilization apparatus 14, and the inflowed water flows through the water channel 42 in the water treatment unit 19. , And mainly flows out from the upper outlet 22 into the water tank side connecting water channel 15. At this time, if the ultraviolet lamp 20 in the sterilization apparatus 14 is turned on, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet lamp 20 are directly irradiated to the water in the water treatment unit 19 through the lamp protection member 34. The ultraviolet rays reflected by the ultraviolet reflector 37 and the partition 39 having an ultraviolet reflecting function are also applied to the water in the water treatment unit 19. The water flowing through the water treatment unit 19 is sterilized by the irradiation of the ultraviolet rays.

  Further, in the above configuration, in the unlikely event that an electric leakage from the ultraviolet lamp 20 to the water in the water treatment unit 19 occurs, the leaked electricity is also transmitted to the partition 39 through the water. The leakage detection circuit 48 is connected from the ultraviolet lamp 20 to the inside of the water treatment unit 19 based on the electric current value or voltage value transmitted to the partition 39 or based on the potential difference between the potential of the partition 39 and the ground potential. Detect whether there is a leakage of water into the water. When the leakage detection circuit 48 detects that leakage has occurred from the ultraviolet lamp 20 to the water in the water treatment unit 19, the control circuit 47 cuts off the energization of the ultraviolet lamp 20.

According to the above-described embodiment, the following operational effects can be obtained.
Since the water treatment unit 19 and the energization unit 30 of the ultraviolet lamp 20 are configured separately, even if water leakage occurs on the water treatment unit 19 side, the water can hardly be applied to the energization unit 30. Thereby, it is possible to make it difficult for electric leakage from the ultraviolet lamp 20 to occur.

Since the energization unit 30 is in the upward direction when viewed from the water treatment unit 19, even if water leakage occurs on the water treatment unit 19 side, the water can be further prevented from being applied to the energization unit 30.
Further, since the energization unit 30 is spaced upward from the water treatment unit 19 via the space 26, even if water leakage occurs on the water treatment unit 19 side, the water further reaches the energization unit 30. It can be difficult, and it can be made more difficult to get water. In this case, the space 26 may be filled with a non-conductive member as long as the energization unit 30 is spaced upward from the upper surface of the water treatment unit 19.

  The facing surface that is the surface facing the upper surface of the water treatment unit 19 in the energization unit 30 is configured by an insulating plate 27 that forms a waterproof member. According to this, the electrical insulation distance between the water treatment part 19 and the connection part 30a of the energization part 30 can be ensured more reliably, and even if water leakage occurs on the water treatment part 19 side, the water Can be more reliably prevented from being applied to the connecting portion 30a. The waterproof member is not limited to the rigid insulating plate 27. If water leaks on the water treatment unit 19 side and the water can hardly be applied to the connection portion 30a of the energization unit 30, a sponge-like member is used. But you can.

  The insulating plate 27 is provided with a circuit case 45 provided with a control circuit 47 for controlling the lighting of the ultraviolet lamp 20. According to this configuration, the length of the feeder line 29 that connects the electrode part 24 of the ultraviolet lamp 20 and the control circuit 47 can be shortened as much as possible, and wiring can be facilitated.

  Since the first sealing material 31 is provided between the first lamp insertion hole 28 of the insulating plate 27 through which the ultraviolet lamp 20 is inserted and the ultraviolet lamp 20, it is assumed that water has adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the ultraviolet lamp 20. Moreover, it can prevent that the water permeates into the connection part 30a side of the electricity supply part 30 by surface tension.

  Since the second sealing material 35 is provided between the second lamp insertion hole 25 of the lid 19 b and the ultraviolet lamp 20 in the water treatment unit 19 through which the ultraviolet lamp 20 has been inserted, water is supplied from the second lamp insertion hole 25. Water leakage to the outside of the processing unit 19 can be prevented.

  A connection portion 30a between the electrode portion 24 and the power supply line 29 in the energization portion 30 is covered with a resin 33 from which bubbles are removed. According to this, the improvement of the waterproofness with respect to the connection part 30a of the electricity supply part 30 and the prevention effect of the corona discharge in the connection part 30a of the electricity supply part 30 can also be anticipated.

  An ultraviolet lamp 20 inserted into the water treatment unit 19 with both ends facing upward, and an ultraviolet ray within the water treatment unit 19 formed with a material having ultraviolet transparency and both ends directed upward. A lamp protection member 34 is provided so as to cover the lamp 20. According to this configuration, the ultraviolet lamp 20 can be protected by the lamp protection member 34 in the water treatment unit 19, and waterproofness to the ultraviolet lamp 20 can be ensured. Even if the ultraviolet lamp 20 is broken, the occurrence of leakage can be prevented as much as possible. Further, both ends of the ultraviolet lamp 20 and the lamp protection member 34 are directed upward, so that it is difficult for water to enter the lamp protection member 34 and the occurrence of electric leakage can be further prevented.

  Since the lamp protection member 34 has a tubular shape, the ultraviolet lamp 20 can be well protected. In the present embodiment, since the lamp protection member 34 is made of a synthetic resin (for example, a fluororesin), there is an advantage that it is difficult to break.

  Since the lamp protection member 34 covers the U-shaped ultraviolet lamp 20 along the linear shape thereof, the entire length of the ultraviolet lamp 20 and the ultraviolet rays emitted from the entire surface can be used effectively against water, The sterilization effect by the ultraviolet lamp 20 can be effectively exhibited. Since the lamp protection member 34 has a bellows shape, there is an advantage that it is easy to bend and attach to the ultraviolet lamp 20 so as to cover it. Further, since the ultraviolet lamp 20 is U-shaped, the installation space can be reduced as compared with the case where a linear lamp is used. Can be increased.

  The lamp protection member 34 is received by a receiving portion 38 provided in the water treatment portion 19. According to this configuration, the lamp protection member 34 can be stably held at a predetermined position in the water treatment unit 19, and the ultraviolet lamp 20 can also be stabilized. In addition, the receiving part 38 is not restricted to the bottom part in the water treatment part 19, It can also be provided in a side part.

  The ultraviolet lamp 20 is inserted into the water treatment unit 19 with both ends directed upward, and the water passage 42 in the water treatment unit 19 is provided along the shape of the ultraviolet lamp 20. . According to this configuration, the water passage 42 through which water passes can be ensured as long as possible along the ultraviolet lamp 20 in the water treatment unit 19, so that the ultraviolet irradiation path can be made as long as possible. This makes it possible to improve the sterilization effect of the ultraviolet lamp 20.

  The ultraviolet lamp 20 has two vertical pipe portions 20a extending in the vertical direction in the water treatment section 19, and a partition 39 is located in the water treatment section 19 between the two vertical pipe sections 20a. The water passage 42 is formed in the water treatment unit 19 so as to follow the shape of the ultraviolet lamp 20 using the partition 39. According to this configuration, the water passage 42 that follows the shape of the ultraviolet lamp 20 can be formed in the water treatment unit 19 with a simple configuration.

  A water inflow port 21 to the water treatment unit 19 and a water outflow port 22 from the water treatment unit 19 exist in the upper part of the water treatment unit 19. According to this, the said water flow path 42 in the water treatment part 19 can be ensured long, and can be utilized still more effectively.

  A water drain port 23 is provided near the bottom of the water treatment unit 19. According to this, after the use of the sterilization apparatus 14, the driving of the circulation pump 12 is stopped, and the water remaining in the water treatment unit 19 is drained from the drain port 23 while the operation of the sterilization apparatus 14 is stopped. It is possible to cause the water to flow out to the water tank 3 side, and it is possible to eliminate residual water in the water treatment unit 19.

  An ultraviolet reflector 37 that reflects ultraviolet rays is provided inside the water treatment unit 19. According to this, the water flowing through the water passage 42 in the water treatment unit 19 is directly irradiated with the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet lamp 20 and also with the ultraviolet rays reflected by the ultraviolet reflector 37. Therefore, it is possible to improve the sterilization efficiency by ultraviolet rays. In this case, the ultraviolet reflector 37 is provided on the four side surfaces and the bottom surface of the case main body 19a, but may be provided on the lower surface of the lid 19b. Since the partition 39 also has an ultraviolet reflection function, it also functions as an ultraviolet reflector.

  Since the partition 39 provided in the water treatment unit 19 is used as a leakage detection means for detecting leakage from the ultraviolet lamp 20, the leakage can be detected well. As the leakage detecting means, the ultraviolet reflector 37 in the water treatment unit 19 can be used. Moreover, a dedicated member can be provided in the water treatment unit 19 as a leakage detection means.

  In the present embodiment, the partition 39 has a function of forming the water passage 42, a function as an ultraviolet reflector, and a function as a leakage detection means. It can contribute to improvement and improvement of safety performance.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points. That is, in the U-shaped lamp protection member 34, the lower end portion received by the receiving portion 38 is not a bellows shape but a flat portion 34a. Accordingly, the upper surface 38b of the receiving portion 38 is not a concave shape but a flat portion. According to this configuration, the flat portion 34 a at the lower end of the lamp protection member 34 can be stably received by the flat upper surface 38 b of the receiving portion 38.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the following points. That is, the sterilization apparatus 14 is disposed below the water tank 3 in the outer box 2. Along with this, the circulation exclusive water channel 7 b in the circulation water channel 7 is set short, and the circulation exclusive water channel 7 b is connected to the inlet 21 in the sterilization apparatus 14. The outlet 22 in the sterilization apparatus 14 is connected to a water tank side connection water channel 15 provided below the water tank 3. The distal end portion of the water tank side connection water channel 15 is connected to the base end portions of the two branch water channels 16 provided in the lower part of the water tank 3. A water outlet 17 facing the inside of the rotating drum 4 is provided at the tip of each branch water channel 16.

  The drain port 23 in the sterilization apparatus 14 is connected to one end of a drain channel 50 provided below the water tank 3. The other end of the drainage water channel 50 is connected to the downstream side of the drain valve 11 in the drain channel 6. The drainage water channel 50 is provided with a drain valve 51. When the valve 51 is opened, the residual water in the water treatment unit 19 in the sterilization apparatus 14 is discharged outside the machine through the drainage water channel 50 and the drainage channel 6. The drain port valve 51 is closed when the circulation pump 12 is driven.

In the above configuration, when the circulation pump 12 is driven in a state in which the drain valve 11 and the drain valve 51 are closed, the water in the water tank 3 passes from the drain port 9 through the circulation channel 7 to each water outlet 17. Is circulated so as to be discharged into the rotating drum 4. At this time, the water that has passed through the circulation exclusive water channel 7 b of the circulation water channel 7 flows into the water treatment unit 19 from the inlet 21 in the sterilization apparatus 14, and the inflowed water flows through the water channel 42 in the water treatment unit 19. And flows out from the outlet 22 to the tank-side connecting water channel 15. At this time, if the ultraviolet lamp 20 in the sterilization apparatus 14 is turned on, the water flowing in the water treatment unit 19 is sterilized by the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet lamp 20 as in the first embodiment. Will come to be.
Also in the third embodiment having such a configuration, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points. That is, the ultraviolet lamp 20 has a U shape with both ends directed upward, but the lamp protection member 55 that covers the ultraviolet lamp 20 includes two vertical tube portions 20 a of the ultraviolet lamp 20. It forms the bag shape which covers the lower connection pipe part 20b collectively, and the one opening edge part 55a is orient | assigned upwards. On the outer surface of the lamp protection member 55, a partition body 65 is provided integrally with the lamp protection member 55 to partition the interior of the water treatment unit 19 with the bottoms on the inlet side and the outlet side. With this partition 65, the flow of water in the water treatment unit 19 can be made along the ultraviolet lamp 20 as indicated by an arrow. The lamp protection member 55 is formed of a material having ultraviolet transparency, such as a fluororesin, but in this case, it is not formed in a bellows shape.

  The lid 19b of the water treatment unit 19 is formed with one lamp insertion hole 56 through which both end portions of the ultraviolet lamp 20 and the opening end portion 55a of the lamp protection member 55 are inserted. A seal member 57 is provided between the outer surface of the member 55. Further, a single spacer 58 is provided on the upper surface side of the lid 19 b, and a falling portion 58 a provided on the spacer 58 is provided on the outer surface of the vertical tube portion 20 a and the inner surface of the lamp protection member 55 in the ultraviolet lamp 20. Is inserted between. Both end portions of the ultraviolet lamp 20 facing upward project upward through an insertion hole 60 formed in the spacer 58 and are inserted into the first lamp insertion hole 28 of the insulating plate 27. The lower end portion of the lamp protection member 55 is received by the recess 38 a of the receiving portion 38.

In the water treatment unit 19, the partition 39 is not provided between the two vertical tube portions 20 a of the ultraviolet lamp 20, and the partition 65 is provided on the outer surface of the lamp protection member 55 as described above. Thus, a U-shaped water passage 61 is provided around the lamp protection member 55. Water does not enter the lamp protection member 55. Further, the water treatment unit 19 is provided with a leakage detection member 62 that constitutes a leakage detection means. The leakage detection member 62 is made of a conductive metal plate, and is provided in a suspended state from the lid 19b into the case body 19a of the water treatment unit 19. The leakage detection member 62 has an electric wire connection part 62a protruding upward from the lid 19b, and one end of the electric wire 43 is connected to the electric wire connection part 62a. The other end of the electric wire 43 is connected to the leakage detection circuit 48 in the circuit case 45.
According to the above-described embodiment, there is an advantage that the configuration of the lamp protection member 55 that protects the ultraviolet lamp 20 can be simplified.

(Other embodiments)
The lamp protection member that protects the ultraviolet lamp 20 can be made of, for example, glass. When the lamp protection member is made of glass, it is preferable to provide an anti-scattering film having ultraviolet transparency on the outer surface. In this case, even if the lamp protection member is damaged, it is possible to prevent the fragments from scattering. Note that it is conceivable that the anti-scattering film is provided by coating a liquid or by attaching a film.

The sterilizer 14 is not limited to the circulation water channel 7 in the washing machine 1, and can be provided in a water supply channel to the water tank 3, for example.
The electric device using the sterilization apparatus 14 is not limited to the drum type washing machine, and may be a so-called vertical washing machine in which the axial direction of the water tub and the washing tub is directed in the vertical direction. Moreover, the sterilization apparatus 14 can also be used for the water supply apparatus of the ice making apparatus in a refrigerator, or the water supply apparatus of a humidifier.

  As described above, the sterilization apparatus for electrical equipment according to the present embodiment is configured by separating the water treatment unit and the energization unit of the ultraviolet lamp, so that even if water leakage occurs in the water treatment unit, Water can hardly be applied to the current-carrying part, and electric leakage can be hardly generated.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  In the drawings, 1 is a washing machine (electrical equipment), 2 is an outer case, 3 is a water tank, 4 is a rotating drum, 7 is a circulation channel, 12 is a circulation pump, 14 is a sterilization device, 19 is a water treatment unit, and 20 is An ultraviolet lamp, 20a is a vertical tube portion, 20b is a connecting tube portion, 21 is an inlet, 22 is an outlet, 23 is a drain port, 24 is an electrode portion, 25 is a second lamp insertion hole, 26 is a space portion, Reference numeral 27 denotes an insulating plate (waterproof member), 28 denotes a first lamp insertion hole, 29 denotes a power supply line, 30 denotes a current-carrying portion, 30a denotes a connection portion, 31 denotes a first sealing material, 33 denotes a resin, and 34 denotes a lamp protection member , 35 is a second sealing material, 37 is an ultraviolet reflector, 38 is a receiving portion, 39 is a partition (ultraviolet reflector, leakage detection means), 42 is a water passage, 43 is an electric wire, 45 is a circuit case, 47 is Control circuit, 48 is a leakage detection circuit, 51 is a valve, 55 is a lamp protection member, 57 is a sealing material, 6 The water passage, 62 denotes a leak detection member (leak detection means).

Claims (7)

A water treatment unit to which water is supplied;
The water in the water treatment unit provided in the water treatment unit and an ultraviolet lamp for sterilization treatment by UV,
A power supply line for energizing the ultraviolet lamp,
The ultraviolet lamp includes an electrode part,
The connection part between the electrode part and the power supply line is separated from the water treatment part via a space part,
Disinfection device for electrical equipment. The sterilization apparatus for an electric device according to claim 1, wherein the connection part is spaced upward as viewed from the water treatment part. The sterilizing apparatus for an electric device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an insulating plate through which an end portion of the ultraviolet lamp is inserted, and a surface of the insulating plate facing the water treatment unit is formed of a waterproof member . The sterilization apparatus for an electric device according to claim 3, wherein the waterproof member is provided with a circuit case including a control circuit for controlling lighting of the ultraviolet lamp . The said ultraviolet lamp is penetrated by the 1st lamp penetration hole of the said waterproof member, and the 1st sealing material is provided between the said ultraviolet lamp and the said 1st lamp penetration hole. The sterilization apparatus of the electric equipment of description. The said ultraviolet lamp is penetrated by the 2nd lamp penetration hole of the said water treatment part, The 2nd sealing material is provided between the said ultraviolet lamp and the said 2nd lamp penetration hole. The sterilization apparatus for electrical equipment according to any one of claims 5 to 6. The said electrode part is the sterilizer of the electric equipment as described in any one of Claim 1 to 6 covered with resin .

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