CN114901894A

CN114901894A - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: CN114901894A
Application number: CN202080090522.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 吉田由佳; 三觜绅平; 竹村结衣
Original assignee: Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd; Aqua Co Ltd
Current assignee: Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd; Aqua Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-12-26
Filing date: 2020-11-26
Publication date: 2022-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 2040-11-26
Also published as: WO2021129300A1; JP2021104211A; JP7454811B2; CN114901894B

Abstract

The invention provides a washing machine which can realize a smooth dehydration process, can effectively wash washings by using magnesium and can improve the maintenance performance of the magnesium. The washing machine (1) comprises a cylindrical washing barrel (4) for accommodating washings and storing washing water, and a plurality of guide covers (8). The washing tub (4) is rotatable about a rotation axis (J) passing through the center of its circle. A plurality of guide hoods (8) are dispersedly arranged on the inner surface part of the washing barrel (4) in the circumferential direction (P) around the rotation axis (J). The washing machine (1) includes accommodating portions (9) that are detachably attached to a plurality of guide covers (8), respectively, and that accommodate magnesium pills (M).

Description

Washing machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Background

Washing methods using magnesium are known. When magnesium is poured into a water tub of a washing machine, magnesium (Mg) and water (H) in the water tub ₂ O) to produce magnesium hydroxide (Mg (OH) ₂ ) And hydrogen (H) ₂ ) The water in the water tub is modified to contain magnesium ions (Mg) ²⁺ ) And hydroxide ion (OH) ^- ) The alkaline ionized water of (1). Since alkaline ionized water has an action of decomposing oil and fat components as in the case of a detergent, dirt can be removed from laundry in a water tub by the alkaline ionized water. In addition, the alkaline ionized water has a sterilization function, so that the negative ionized water can be used for sterilizing the washings in the water barrel and the water barrel.

The alkaline ionized water generating tool described in patent document 1 includes a main body portion made of sponge and magnesium balls accommodated in the main body portion. The alkaline ionized water generating tool is put into a water tub of the washing machine together with the laundry. When water is injected into the water tub, magnesium is dissolved out from magnesium pellets in the alkaline ionized water generating tool into the water in the water tub, and thus magnesium chemically reacts with the water in the water tub to generate alkaline ionized water.

In order to effectively wash the washings by using the magnesium, the magnesium is added into the water barrel in an increased amount. However, a general washing machine has a rotatable washing tub in a water tub, and a general washing operation includes a dehydration process for dehydrating laundry by dehydration rotation of the washing tub. On the other hand, the alkaline ionized-water generating tool described in patent document 1 floats in water in a water tub. In such an alkaline ionized-water generating tool, when the amount of magnesium pellets to be accommodated is increased in order to increase the amount of magnesium to be charged into the water tub, the washing tub is eccentrically rotated by the influence of the alkaline ionized-water generating tool floating in a state of increased weight during the dehydration process, and thus it is difficult to smoothly perform the dehydration process. Further, on the surface of the magnesium pellet, an oxide film is formed in association with contact with water, whereby magnesium is less likely to be eluted gradually. That is, magnesium is difficult to chemically react with water with use. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the oxide film from the surface of the magnesium shot or to replace the magnesium shot with a new one by regular maintenance.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2017-99486

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine which can realize a smooth dehydration process, can effectively wash laundry using magnesium, and can improve the maintenance property of magnesium.

Means for solving the problems

The present invention is a washing machine comprising: a washing tub having a cylindrical shape, accommodating laundry, storing washing water, and being rotatable about a rotation axis passing through a center of the washing tub; a plurality of attaching portions arranged on an inner surface portion of the washing tub in a distributed manner in a rotational direction around the rotational axis; and accommodating portions that are detachably attached to the plurality of attaching portions, respectively, and accommodate the magnesium shots.

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the rotation axis extends in a vertical direction or an oblique direction with respect to the vertical direction, the attachment portion has an inlet disposed on a bottom wall side of the washing tub and an outlet disposed at a position higher than the inlet and facing the inside of the washing tub, and constitutes a circulation water path for drawing the washing water in the washing tub from the inlet and returning the washing water from the outlet to the inside of the washing tub.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the housing part includes an outer housing part having a first inner space that becomes a passage of the washing water flowing in the circulation water path and a filter that traps foreign matters from the washing water flowing in the first inner space, and an inner housing part that is detachably mounted to the outer housing part and is housed in the first inner space, having a second inner space that becomes a passage of the washing water flowing in the first inner space, and housing magnesium pellets in the second inner space.

In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the second internal space is divided into a plurality of storage chambers arranged in the vertical direction for storing the magnesium pellets, and the storage amount of the magnesium pellets in each of the storage chambers is increased as the storage chamber is located at the lower side.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the ratio of the magnesium shot in each of the accommodation chambers is 70% or less.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, in the washing machine, as the dehydration process, the laundry in the washing tub is dehydrated by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the washing tub accommodating the laundry. A plurality of attaching parts are dispersedly arranged on the inner surface part of the washing barrel along the rotation direction of the washing barrel, and accommodating parts for accommodating magnesium pills are detachably attached to each attaching part. Thereby, the plurality of receiving parts, to which one receiving part is attached at each of the corresponding attaching parts, are also dispersedly arranged on the inner surface part of the washing tub in the rotation direction of the washing tub. Therefore, even if the amount of magnesium pellets put into the washing tub is increased, the magnesium pellets are stored in the respective storage portions in a small amount in a dispersed manner, and therefore, the rotation balance of the washing tub is not disturbed. Therefore, the washing tub can be smoothly rotated without being affected by the increased magnesium pellets during the dehydration process. Furthermore, the added magnesium pellets chemically react with the washing water in the washing tub, and a large amount of alkaline ionized water is generated to contribute to washing. Further, even if an oxide film is formed on the surface of the magnesium shot with the contact with the washing water, the user can reattach the accommodating portion to the attaching portion after detaching the accommodating portion from the attaching portion to perform maintenance on the magnesium shot inside the accommodating portion. As a result, the magnesium can be used to effectively wash the laundry while achieving a smooth dehydration process, and the maintenance of magnesium can be improved.

In addition, according to the present invention, the accommodating portion is attached to the circulation water path that draws up the washing water in the washing tub and returns it to the washing tub. Thus, a chemical reaction between the magnesium pellets contained in the container and the washing water flowing through the circulation water path is promoted, so that a large amount of alkaline ionized water is generated, and the generated alkaline ionized water is actively sprayed onto the laundry in the washing tub. Therefore, the washing can be efficiently washed with a large amount of alkaline ionized water generated from magnesium in the magnesium pellet.

Further, according to the present invention, in the accommodating portion, the magnesium pellet is accommodated in the second inner space of the inner accommodating portion, and the inner accommodating portion is accommodated in the first inner space of the outer accommodating portion. Since the first and second internal spaces are passages for the washing water flowing through the circulation water path, a large amount of alkaline ionized water can be generated by promoting a chemical reaction between the magnesium pellets contained in the container and the washing water flowing through the first and second internal spaces. Therefore, the washing can be efficiently washed with a large amount of alkaline ionized water generated from magnesium in the magnesium pellet. Further, the inner container is detachable with respect to the outer container, so that the user can detach the container from the attachment part to separate it into the outer container and the inner container, and after maintaining the magnesium shots in the inner container, reattach the container to the attachment part in the reverse order to that at the time of detachment. This improves the maintainability of magnesium.

Further, according to the present invention, the second internal space for containing the magnesium pellets is divided into the plurality of containing chambers arranged in the vertical direction, and the containing amount of the magnesium pellets increases as the containing chamber on the lower side is located in each of the containing chambers. That is, in the circulation water path for pumping up the washing water, the more the lower storage chamber in which a large amount of washing water flows vigorously contains the larger amount of magnesium pellets, and the more the upper storage chamber in which the flow rate of the washing water is small and the water potential of the washing water is weak is the smaller amount of magnesium pellets than the lower storage chamber. In this way, since the magnesium pellets are accommodated in the respective accommodating chambers in an appropriate amount according to the flow rate and the water potential of the washing water in the respective accommodating chambers, the magnesium pellets are actively moved in the respective accommodating chambers by the flow of the washing water. Accordingly, the magnesium pellets and the washing water efficiently chemically react to promote the generation of the alkaline ionized water, so that a large amount of alkaline ionized water can be generated in the entire second internal space. Therefore, the washing can be efficiently washed with a large amount of alkaline ionized water generated from magnesium in the magnesium pellet.

Further, according to the present invention, since the ratio of the magnesium pellets in each of the accommodating chambers is 70% or less, and each of the magnesium pellets actively moves in the accommodating chamber, a large contact area with the washing water can be ensured in the magnesium pellets. Therefore, in each of the accommodating chambers, the generation of the alkaline ionized water is promoted by the effective chemical reaction of each of the magnesium pellets with the washing water, and thus a large amount of alkaline ionized water can be generated in the entire second internal space. Therefore, the washing can be efficiently washed with a large amount of alkaline ionized water generated from magnesium in the magnesium pellet.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional right side view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a guide cover and a receiving part included in the washing machine.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the accommodating portion.

Fig. 4 is a front view of an inner housing part included in the housing part.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the boot and the receiving portion in the middle of attachment.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the boot and the accommodating portion in the attached state.

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view including a part of the main part of the washing machine.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of a main portion of fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a longitudinal section including a part of a main part of a washing machine according to a modification.

Description of the reference numerals

1: a washing machine; 4: a washing tub; 4B: a bottom wall; 8: a guide cover; 9: an accommodating portion; 29: a circulating water circuit; 29A: an inlet; 29B: an outlet; 31: an outer housing portion; 31Q: a first interior space; 32: an inner housing part; 32N: a second interior space; 32Q: a housing chamber; 33: a filter; j: a rotation axis; l: washing the article; m: magnesium pills; p: circumferential direction; z: up and down direction; z2: the lower side.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic vertical sectional right side view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. A direction perpendicular to the paper surface in fig. 1 is referred to as a left-right direction X of the washing machine 1, a left-right direction in fig. 1 is referred to as a front-back direction Y of the washing machine 1, and an up-down direction in fig. 1 is referred to as an up-down direction Z of the washing machine 1. In the left-right direction X, the back side of the drawing sheet of fig. 1 is referred to as a left side X1, and the front side of the drawing sheet of fig. 1 is referred to as a right side X2. Of the front-rear direction Y, the left side in fig. 1 is referred to as a front side Y1, and the right side in fig. 1 is referred to as a rear side Y2. Among the vertical directions Z, the upper side is referred to as an upper side Z1, and the lower side is referred to as a lower side Z2.

The washing machine 1 includes: a cabinet 2 constituting a housing of the washing machine 1; a water tub 3 accommodated in the cabinet 2 and capable of storing washing water; a washing tub 4 accommodated in the water tub 3; a rotary wing 5 accommodated in the washing tub 4; a motor 6 for generating a driving force for rotating the washing tub 4 and the rotary wing 5; and a transmission mechanism 7 for transmitting the driving force of the motor 6 to the washing tub 4 and the rotary wing 5. The washing machine 1 further comprises: a guide cover 8 disposed in the washing tub 4 for circulating the washing water; and a container 9 that contains the magnesium shot M and is attached to the guide cover 8. The washing water is tap water or water in which detergent and the like are dissolved.

The case 2 is made of, for example, metal and is formed in a box shape. An opening 15 is formed in the upper surface 2A to communicate the inside and outside of the case 2. A door 16 for opening and closing the opening 15 is provided on the upper surface 2A. An operation portion 17 formed of a liquid crystal operation panel or the like is provided in a region around the opening 15 of the upper surface 2A. The user of washing machine 1 can freely select the operating conditions of the washing operation performed by washing machine 1 or instruct washing machine 1 to start or stop the washing operation by operating operation unit 17.

The water tub 3 is made of, for example, resin and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The water tub 3 has: a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 3A disposed along the vertical direction Z; a bottom wall 3B that blocks the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A from the lower side Z2; and an annular wall 3C that protrudes toward the center of the circumferential wall 3A while wrapping the upper end edge of the circumferential wall 3A. An inlet/outlet 18 communicating from the upper side Z1 to the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3A is formed inside the annular wall 3C. The inlet/outlet 18 faces and communicates with the opening 15 of the case 2 from the lower side Z2. The annular wall 3C is provided with a door 19 for opening and closing the doorway 18. The bottom wall 3B is formed in a substantially horizontally extending circular plate shape, and a through hole 3D penetrating the bottom wall 3B is formed at a center position of the bottom wall 3B.

A water supply path 20 connected to a tap of tap water is connected to the annular wall 3C of the water tub 3 from the upper side Z1, and tap water is supplied from the water supply path 20 into the water tub 3. A water supply valve 21 as an example of water supply means is provided in the middle of the water supply path 20. Water supply valve 21 is opened and closed to start or stop water supply. The drainage channel 22 is connected to the bottom wall 3B of the water tub 3 from the lower side Z2, and water in the water tub 3 is discharged to the outside of the machine from the drainage channel 22. A drain valve 23 as an example of a drain unit is provided in the middle of the drain passage 22. The drain valve 23 is opened and closed to start or stop the drainage.

The washing tub 4 is made of, for example, metal, is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape one turn smaller than the water tub 3, and can accommodate the laundry L therein. The rotary tub 4 has a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 4A arranged in the vertical direction Z, and a bottom wall 4B provided at a lower end of the washing tub 4 and blocking a hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A from a lower side Z2. The boundary between the circumferential wall 4A and the bottom wall 4B, that is, the lower end of the circumferential wall 4A and the outer periphery of the bottom wall 4B may be made of resin (see fig. 9 described later).

The inner peripheral surface of the circumferential wall 4A and the upper surface of the bottom wall 4B are inner surface portions of the washing tub 4. An inlet/outlet 24 that is covered by the upper end of the inner peripheral surface of the circumferential wall 4A is formed at the upper end of the washing tub 4. The inlet 24 exposes the hollow portion of the circumferential wall 4A to the upper side Z1, and communicates with the inlet 18 of the water tub 3 from the lower side Z2. The user brings the laundry L into and out of the washing tub 4 from the upper side Z1 through the opened opening 15, the doorway 18, and the doorway 24.

The washing tub 4 is coaxially accommodated within the water tub 3. The washing tub 4 in a state of being accommodated in the water tub 3 is rotatable about a rotation axis J extending in the up-down direction Z through a center of the washing tub 4. The rotation axis J in the present embodiment strictly extends in the vertical direction, but may extend in an oblique direction with respect to the vertical direction. As an example, the inclination direction is a direction shifted toward the front side Y1 as approaching the upper side Z1. The rotation axis J also passes through the center of the water tub 3. The rotation direction of the washing tub 4 coincides with the circumferential direction P around the rotation axis J. Hereinafter, a radial direction about the rotation axis J is referred to as a radial direction R, a side closer to the rotation axis J in the radial direction R is referred to as a radial direction inner side R1, and a side farther from the rotation axis J is referred to as a radial direction outer side R2. A plurality of through holes 4C are formed in the circumferential wall 4A and the bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4, and washing water in the water tub 3 can pass between the water tub 3 and the washing tub 4 through the through holes 4C. Thereby, the washing tub 4 can store the washing water, and the water level in the water tub 3 is identical to the water level in the washing tub 4.

An annular balancer 25 is attached to an upper end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall 4A along the circumferential direction P. The balancer 25 reduces vibration of the washing tub 4 during rotation, and a liquid such as salt water for contributing to the reduction of vibration is contained in a cavity 25A inside the balancer 25.

The bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4 is formed in a disc shape extending substantially in parallel with the bottom wall 3B of the water tub 3 at an interval on the upper side Z1. A through hole 4D penetrating the bottom wall 4B in the vertical direction Z is formed in the bottom wall 4B at a center position coinciding with the rotation axis J. The bottom wall 4B is provided with a tubular support shaft 26 that extends to the lower side Z2 along the rotation axis J while surrounding the through hole 4D. The support shaft 26 is inserted into the through hole 3D of the bottom wall 3B of the water tub 3, and the lower end of the support shaft 26 is positioned below the bottom wall 3B at Z2.

The rotary blade 5 is a so-called pulsator, is formed in a disc shape with the rotation axis J as a center, and is disposed on the bottom wall 4B in the washing tub 4. A plurality of protrusions 5A protruding upward Z1 and radially arranged around the rotation axis J are provided on the upper surface of the rotary wing 5 facing the inlet/outlet 24 of the washing tub 4. A plurality of blades 5B radially arranged around the rotation axis J are provided on the lower surface of the rotary wing 5. The lower end of the back blade 5B in which the rotary wing 5 is disposed in the inner space of the washing tub 4 is referred to as a space S. The rotary wing 5 is provided with a rotary shaft 27 extending from the center thereof to the lower side Z2 along the rotation axis J. The rotation shaft 27 is inserted through the hollow portion of the support shaft 26, and the lower end portion of the rotation shaft 27 is located below the bottom wall 3B of the water tub 3 at Z2.

The motor 6 is an electric motor such as a variable frequency motor. The motor 6 is disposed at a lower side Z2 of the water tub 3 in the cabinet 2. The motor 6 has an output shaft 28 that rotates about the rotation axis J, and generates a driving force to be output from the output shaft 28.

The transmission mechanism 7 is interposed between the lower end portions of the support shaft 26 and the rotary shaft 27 and the upper end portion of the output shaft 28 protruding upward Z1 from the motor 6. The transmission mechanism 7 selectively transmits the driving force output from the output shaft 28 of the motor 6 to one or both of the support shaft 26 and the rotary shaft 27. As the transmission mechanism 7, a known mechanism can be used. When the driving force from the motor 6 is transmitted to the support shaft 26, the washing tub 4 receives the driving force of the motor 6 and rotates in the circumferential direction P. When the driving force from the motor 6 is transmitted to the rotary shaft 27, the rotary wing 5 receives the driving force from the motor 6 and rotates in the circumferential direction P.

There are a plurality of guide hoods 8, and in the present embodiment, three guide hoods 8 are arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the circumferential wall 4A in a dispersed manner in the circumferential direction P (see fig. 9). These guide covers 8 are preferably arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction P. Each guide cover 8 is tubular extending from the lower end of the circumferential wall 4A of the washing tub 4 to the upper side Z1, and is made of, for example, resin, and is formed in an arc shape convexly curved toward the radially inner side R1 in a plan cross section thereof. The upper end of the guide cover 8 is disposed at a height position just before the balancer 25. The guide cover 8 is fixed to the circumferential wall 4A so as to cover a part of the circumferential wall 4A from the radially inner side R1. Thus, a circulation flow path 29 extending upward Z1 from the lower end of the circumferential wall 4A to the lower end of the circumferential wall 4A in the washing tub 4 is formed between the guide cover 8 and the circumferential wall 4A. That is, the guide cover 8 constitutes the circulation flow path 29. Since there are a plurality of the guide covers 8, a plurality of the circulation passages 29 are provided, and in the present embodiment, three circulation passages 29 are arranged at equal intervals while being dispersed in the circumferential direction P.

The lower end of the circulation flow path 29 is connected as an inlet 29A of the circulation flow path 29 from the radially outer side R2 to a space S in which the back blade 5B of the rotary vane 5 is disposed in the internal space of the washing tub 4. That is, inlet 29A is disposed on the bottom wall 4B side of washing tub 4. Referring to fig. 2, the guide cover 8 is configured to be symmetrical in the circumferential direction P with respect to the center in the left-right direction in fig. 2. An opening 8A penetrating the guide cover 8 in the radial direction R is formed midway in the vertical direction Z in the guide cover 8. The opening 8A is, for example, a rectangular shape elongated in the vertical direction Z. The portion of the circulation flow path 29 exposed radially inward R1 from the opening 8A is an outlet 29B, and the outlet 29B is disposed at a position higher than the inlet 29A and faces the inside of the washing tub 4.

The guide cover 8 is provided with an upper positioning portion 8B that extends horizontally in the circumferential direction P while covering the upper edge of the opening 8A. A recess 8C recessed radially outward R2 and upward Z1 is formed in the center of the upper positioning portion 8B in the circumferential direction P. On the edge on one side of the circumferential direction P of the opening 8A, the left edge in fig. 2, there are provided a prismatic first lateral positioning portion 8D extending in the up-down direction Z, a prismatic second lateral positioning portion 8E disposed so as to protrude further toward the radially outer side R2 and into the opening 8A than the first lateral positioning portion 8D and extending in the up-down direction Z, and a first support groove 8F extending toward the radially outer side R2 and the lower side Z2 in the vicinity of the lower edge of the opening 8A. On the other side edge of the opening 8A in the circumferential direction P and the right edge in fig. 2, a prismatic third transverse positioning portion 8G extending in an elongated manner in the vertical direction Z, a prismatic fourth transverse positioning portion 8H disposed so as to protrude further into the radial outer side R2 and the opening 8A than the third transverse positioning portion 8G and extending in an elongated manner in the vertical direction Z, and a second support groove 8J extending in the vicinity of the lower edge of the opening 8A to the radial outer side R2 and the lower side Z2 are provided. The upper end portions of the first support groove 8F and the second support groove 8J are exposed from the surface of the radially inner side R1 of the guide cover 8.

The accommodating portion 9 has an overall shape that fits in the opening 8A of the guide cover 8, specifically, a box shape that is flat in the radial direction R and long in the vertical direction Z. The housing 9 includes a box-shaped outer housing 31 constituting an outer shell thereof and a box-shaped inner housing 32 housed in the outer housing 31. The housing portion 8 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center in the circumferential direction P. The same applies to the outer housing portion 31 and the inner housing portion 32.

The outer container 31 has a rectangular plate-like front wall 31A substantially matching the opening 8A when viewed from the radially inner side R1, and a top wall 31B extending from an upper end edge of the front wall 31A to the radially outer side R2. The outer housing portion 31 further has: a first side wall 31C extending from an edge on one side of the circumferential direction P, a left edge in fig. 2, to a radially outer side R2; and a second side wall 31D extending from the other edge of the circumferential direction P, the right edge in fig. 2, to the radially outer side R2.

A plurality of inner openings 31E penetrating the outer housing portion 31 in the radial direction R are formed in the front wall 31A in an evenly aligned manner. In the present embodiment, twelve substantially rectangular inner openings 31E are arranged in six rows and two rows at equal intervals and are formed over the entire front wall 31A. The entire area of each inner opening 31E is covered with a sheet-like filter 33 made of, for example, a net or the like. In the drawings, the filter 33 is transparent so that the inside of the outer container 31 can be seen through the inner opening 31E for the convenience of description.

The top wall 31B is a plate-like member elongated in the circumferential direction P and extends between the upper ends of the first side wall 31C and the second side wall 31D. Both end edges of the ceiling wall 31B in the circumferential direction P are formed in a step shape approaching each other as approaching the radially outer side R2. In the central portion in the circumferential direction P of the upper surface of the ceiling wall 31B, there are provided: a hand grip 31F disposed close to the front face wall 31A and protruding to the upper side Z1; a recess 31G disposed radially outward R2 of the grip 31F and recessed toward the lower side Z2; and a projection 31H disposed on a radially outer side R2 of the recess 31G and projecting toward an upper side Z1.

The first side wall 31C is a plate-like shape elongated in the vertical direction Z, and is formed so as to be bent stepwise along the end edge of the top wall 31B in the circumferential direction P. The first side wall 31C includes a first stepped portion 31J closest to the front surface wall 31A and a second stepped portion 31K disposed radially outward R2 of the first stepped portion 31J and on the center side of the outer housing 31. The second side wall 31D is a plate-like shape elongated in the vertical direction Z, and is formed so as to be bent stepwise along the end edge of the top wall 31B in the circumferential direction P. The second side wall 31D includes a third step portion 31L closest to the front surface wall 31A and a fourth step portion 31M disposed radially outward R2 of the third step portion 31L and on the center side of the outer housing 31.

A first support shaft 31N having a cylindrical shape is provided in a region of the first side wall 31C closest to the lower end portion of the front wall 31A. A second support shaft 31P having a cylindrical shape is provided in a region of the second side wall 31D closest to the lower end portion of the front wall 31A. The first support shaft 31N and the second support shaft 31P are provided to protrude outward in the circumferential direction P on the outer housing portion 31.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the accommodating portion 9. The outer housing portion 31 has a first inner space 31Q which is flat in the radial direction R and long in the up-down direction Z. The first internal space 31Q is defined by the front wall 31A from the radially inner side R1, by the top wall 31B from the upper side Z1, and by the first side wall 31C and the second side wall 31D from both sides in the circumferential direction P. The first side wall 31C further includes a first extension portion 31R extending from the second stepped portion 31K toward the second side wall 31D. The second side wall 31D further has a second extension portion 31S extending from the fourth step portion 31M toward the first side wall 31C. The first extension portion 31R and the second extension portion 31S are strip-shaped extending in the vertical direction Z, and are arranged in parallel to each other. The outer housing portion 31 has: an outer opening 31T that is divided between the first extension portion 31R and the second extension portion 31S and opens the first inner space 31Q to a radially outer side R2; and a lower opening 31U that opens the first internal space 31Q to the lower side Z2, the lower opening being defined by the lower ends of the front wall 31A, the first side wall 31C, and the second side wall 31D. The lower end of the outer opening 31T is in a state of being connected to the lower opening 31U.

The inner housing portion 32 has a box shape substantially conforming to the first inner space 31Q of the outer housing portion 31, and is flat in the radial direction R and long in the vertical direction Z. The inner container has: a front wall 32A having a rectangular plate shape elongated in the vertical direction Z; a rectangular plate-shaped back wall 32B disposed radially outward R2 of the front wall 32A and having a width narrower than that of the front wall 32A; a lower wall 32C spanning between lower ends of the front wall 32A and the rear wall 32B; and an upper wall 32D spanning between upper ends of the front wall 32A and the rear wall 32B. The outer and inner receiving portions 32 also have one side in the circumferential direction P, a first side wall 32E on the left side in fig. 3, and the other side in the circumferential direction P, a second side wall 32F on the right side in fig. 3.

The front wall 32A is formed with a first front opening 32G, a second front opening 32H, a third front opening 32J, and a fourth front opening 32K that penetrate the front wall 32A in the radial direction R, arranged in this order from the lower side Z2. These front openings are elongated slits. In the present embodiment, the twelve first front openings 32G are arranged in the vertical two rows and the horizontal six rows in the left-right symmetry in fig. 3, and the second front opening 32H, the third front opening 32J, and the fourth front opening 32K are arranged in the left-right symmetry in fig. 3, respectively, in six. A plurality of rear surface openings 32L each formed by a long slit penetrating the rear surface wall 32B in the radial direction R are formed in a distributed manner over the entire area of the rear surface wall 32B (see fig. 6 described later).

The lower wall 32C is plate-shaped and long in the circumferential direction P, and is also bridged between the lower ends of the first and

second side walls

32E and 32F. Both end edges of the lower wall 32C in the circumferential direction P are formed in a step shape approaching each other as approaching the radially outer side R2. The lower wall 32C is formed with a plurality of lower openings 32M penetrating the lower wall 32C in the vertical direction Z. The lower openings 32M are slits connected to the lower ends of the six first front openings 32G of the lower stage.

The upper wall 32D is plate-shaped and long in the circumferential direction P, and also extends between the upper ends of the first and

second side walls

32E and 32F. Both end edges of the upper wall 32D in the circumferential direction P are formed in a step shape approaching each other as approaching the radially outer side R2.

The first side wall 32E is a plate-like shape elongated in the vertical direction Z, and is formed so as to be bent in a stepped manner along one end edge in the circumferential direction P of each of the upper wall 32D and the lower wall 32C in the circumferential direction P, and the left end edge in fig. 3. The second side wall 32F is a plate-like shape elongated in the vertical direction Z, and is formed so as to be bent stepwise along the other end edge in the circumferential direction P of each of the upper wall 32D and the lower wall 32C in the circumferential direction P, and the right end edge in fig. 3.

The inner housing portion 32 has a second inner space 32N surrounded by the front wall 32A, the rear wall 32B, the lower wall 32C, the upper wall 32D, and the first and

second side walls

32E and 32F. The second inner space 32N is flat in the radial direction R and long in the up-down direction Z.

Fig. 4 is a front view of the inner receptacle 32 as viewed from the radially inner side R1. Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 4. Referring to fig. 5, the inner storage portion 32 includes a plurality of partition plates 32P arranged in the second internal space 32N and arranged in the vertical direction Z. The second internal space 32N is divided into a plurality of storage chambers 32Q arranged in the vertical direction Z by these partition plates 32P. In this embodiment, the second internal space 32N is divided into four accommodating chambers 32Q by providing three partition plates 32P. The four accommodating chambers 32Q are divided into a lowermost first accommodating chamber 32QA, a second accommodating chamber 32QB located above and adjacent to the first accommodating chamber 32QA, a third accommodating chamber 32QC located above and adjacent to the second accommodating chamber 32QB, and an uppermost fourth accommodating chamber 32QD located above and adjacent to the third accommodating chamber 32 QC. The inner receptacle 32 also has an inclined wall 32R that is inclined toward the radially outer side R2 and the upper side Z1 and connects the back surface wall 32B with the lower wall 32C.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of fig. 4. In the first accommodation chamber 32QA, the area above the inclined wall 32R at the Z1, the second accommodation chamber 32QB, the third accommodation chamber 32QC, and the fourth accommodation chamber 32QD have the same size in plan view cross section. However, the size in the vertical direction Z is such that the first accommodation chamber 32QA is largest, and the second accommodation chamber 32QB, the fourth accommodation chamber 32QD, and the third accommodation chamber 32QC are successively smaller, so that the volumes of the respective accommodation chambers 32Q are successively smaller (see fig. 5). A plurality of communication ports 32S penetrating the partition plate 32P in the vertical direction Z are formed in the partition plate 32P constituting the boundary of the storage chambers 32Q adjacent in the vertical direction Z. These communication ports 32S are slits connected to one of the rear openings 32L.

A large number of magnesium pellets are accommodated in each accommodation chamber 32Q in the second internal space 32N. The magnesium pellets M are magnesium pellets, and the particle diameter of the magnesium pellets M in a new product is set to a size of about several mm, at which the magnesium pellets M cannot pass through any of the first front opening 32G, the second front opening 32H, the third front opening 32J, the fourth front opening 32K, the communication opening 32S, and the rear opening 32L. Further, the storage amount of the magnesium pellets M in the storage chamber 32Q is larger as the storage chamber 32Q on the lower side Z2 is larger. Therefore, the magnesium pellets M are accommodated in the lowermost first accommodation chamber 32QA in the largest amount, and the magnesium pellets M are accommodated in the uppermost fourth accommodation chamber 32QD in the smallest amount. In each of the storage chambers 32Q, the ratio of the volume of all the magnesium pellets M to the volume of the storage chamber 32Q is 70% or less.

The inner housing section 32 may be detachable from the outer housing section 31. Specifically, as shown in fig. 3, the user inserts the inner container 32 into the first internal space 31Q from the lower opening 31U of the outer container 31 by placing it on the lower side Z2 of the outer container 31. At this time, the first and

second sidewalls

32E and 32F of the inner receiving portion 32 are guided by the first and

second sidewalls

31C and 31D of the outer receiving portion 31, respectively, whereby the inner receiving portion 32 is smoothly slid to be inserted into the first inner space 31Q. When the entire inner accommodating part 32 is accommodated in the first inner space 31Q, the attachment of the inner accommodating part 32 to the outer accommodating part 31 is completed, and the accommodating part 9 is completed. It should be noted that the user can pull out the entire inner receiving portion 32 from the lower opening 31U to the outside of the first inner space 31Q by the reverse order of the attachment, thereby enabling the inner receiving portion 32 to be detached from the outer receiving portion 31. In addition, the inner housing portion 32 may be attached to the outer housing portion 31 by an engagement structure using a claw or the like, without being limited to the sliding structure. In addition, positioning portions such as claws may be provided in the outer accommodating portion 31 and the inner accommodating portion 32 so as not to cause the inner accommodating portion 32 in the attached state to unintentionally come off from the outer accommodating portion 31.

Referring also to fig. 2, the inner receptacle 32 of the completed receptacle 9 is in a state in which the first front opening 32G, the second front opening 32H, the third front opening 32J, and the fourth front opening 32K are opposed to any one of the inner openings 31E of the outer receptacle 31 from the radial outer side R2. In the inner housing portion 32, the rear opening 32L is exposed from the outer opening 31T of the outer housing portion 31 to the radially outer side R2, and the lower opening 32M is exposed from the lower opening 31U of the outer housing portion 31 to the lower side Z2 (see fig. 10 described later).

The accommodating portion 9 thus completed is detachably attached to each of the plurality of guide covers 8, in other words, the plurality of circulation water paths 29. Specifically, as shown in fig. 2, the user arranges one accommodating portion 9 in the completed state on each of the radially inner sides R1 of the guide covers 8, and inserts the first support shaft 31N and the second support shaft 31P in the outer accommodating portion 31 of each accommodating portion 9 into the first support groove 8F and the second support groove 8J of the corresponding guide cover 8 from the radially inner side R1 and the upper side Z1, respectively.

In a state where the first support shaft 31N reaches the lower end of the first support groove 8F and the second support shaft 31P reaches the lower end of the second support groove 8J (see fig. 7), the user rotates the accommodating portion 9 radially outward R2 about the first support shaft 31N and the second support shaft 31P. Thereby, the entire housing portion 9 is fitted into the opening 8A of the guide cover 8. At this time, the projection 31H on the top wall 31B of the outer accommodating portion 31 of the accommodating portion 9 is in contact with the lower surface of the upper positioning portion 8B of the guide cover 8 and moves to the radially outer side R2, whereby the top wall 31B is elastically deformed so as to flex toward the lower side Z2.

Then, when the projection 31H is fitted into the groove 8K (see fig. 10) on the lower surface of the upper positioning portion 8B from the lower side Z2, the top wall 31B returns to the original shape. Further, in the outer receiving portion 31 of the receiving portion 9, the first step portion 31J and the second step portion 31K of the first side wall 31C are in contact with the first cross position portion 8D and the second cross position portion 8E of the opening 8A, respectively, from the radially inner side R1, and the third step portion 31L and the fourth step portion 31M of the second side wall 31D are in contact with the third cross position portion 8G and the fourth cross position portion 8H of the opening 8A, respectively, from the radially inner side R1. Thereby, as shown in fig. 8, the attachment of the accommodating portion 9 to the boot 8, that is, the circulating water path 29 is completed. As described above, each guide cover 8 is an example of an attaching portion to each of which one accommodating portion 9 is detachably attached.

As shown in fig. 9 and 10, the housing 9 attached to the circulating water passage 29 is exposed from the opening 8A of the guide cover 8, that is, the outlet 29B of the circulating water passage 29, to the radially inner side R1 in a posture that is long in the vertical direction Z and substantially vertical. In the housing 9, the first inner space 31Q of the outer housing 31 and the second inner space 32N of the inner housing 32 in the first inner space 31Q form a part of the circulating water passage 29. All inner openings 31E are exposed from outlet 29B to radially inner side R1 in front wall 31A of outer housing 31, and face the inner space of washing tub 4. Further, the hand 31F of the outer receiving portion 31 is in a state of being fitted into the concave portion 8C of the guide cover 8. In this state, a gap is secured on the upper side Z1 of the hand grip 31F for inserting a finger of the user. Therefore, the user can pull out the accommodating portion 9 from the circulating water passage 29 in the reverse order to the attaching time by pinching the hand 31F and pulling it out to the radial inner side R1.

The washing machine 1 further includes a control unit 35 (see fig. 1) which is constituted by a microcomputer and is built in the casing 2, for example. The motor 6, the transmission mechanism 7, the operation unit 17, the water supply valve 21, and the drain valve are electrically connected to the control unit 35. The control unit 35 controls the motor 6 to rotate at a desired rotation speed by controlling the duty ratio of the voltage applied to the motor 6. The control unit 35 controls the transmission mechanism 7 to switch the transmission destination of the driving force of the motor 6 to one or both of the support shaft 26 and the rotary shaft 27. When the user operates the operation unit 17 to select the operation conditions and the like, the control unit 35 receives the selection. The controller 35 controls opening and closing of the water supply valve 21 and the drain valve 23.

The control unit 35 controls the operations of the motor 6, the transmission mechanism 7, the water supply valve 21, and the drain valve 23 to perform the washing operation. As an example, the washing operation includes: a soaking process of soaking the washing L in the washing water in the washing tub 4 for a prescribed time in advance; a formal cleaning process, namely formally cleaning the washings L after the immersion cleaning process; a rinsing process of rinsing the washing L after the formal cleaning process; and a dehydration process of dehydrating the laundry L after the rinsing process.

The control part 35 first opens the water supply valve 21 to supply water to the water tub 3 and the washing tub 4 during the immersion washing. Thereby, the washing water can be stored in the washing tub 4. When the water level in the washing tub 4 rises to the soaking water level higher than the upper end of the laundry L in the washing tub 4, the control part 35 stops the water supply by closing the water supply valve 21.

Then, the control unit 35 rotates the rotary wing 5. Then, referring to fig. 10, the washing water in space S on the bottom wall 4B side in washing tub 4 is pushed radially outward R2 by back blade 5B of rotating blade 5, and is sent to inlet 29A of each circulation water passage 29, and each circulation water passage 29 is made to flow upward Z1 (see thick dotted arrow). In the housing 9 attached to each circulation water path 29, the first inner space 31Q of the outer housing 31 becomes a passage of the washing water flowing in the circulation water path 29, and the second inner space 32N of the inner housing 32 in the first inner space 31Q becomes a passage of the washing water flowing in the first inner space 31Q.

Specifically, the washing water fed from the inlet 29A into the circulation water passage 29 passes through the lower opening 32M of the inner housing portion 32 and the communication ports 32S of the partition plates 32P, and sequentially rises to the first housing chamber 32QA, the second housing chamber 32QB, the third housing chamber 32QC, and the fourth housing chamber 32 QD. A part of the washing water flowing through the first housing chamber 32QA flows into the first internal space 31Q of the outer housing portion 31 from the first front opening 32G in the front wall 32A of the inner housing portion 32, passes through the inner opening 31E in the vicinity of the first front opening 32G in the front wall 31A of the outer housing portion 31, and flows out from the outlet 29B of the circulation water passage 29 to the radially inner side R1 (see arrow W1 with a thick solid line).

A part of the washing water flowing through the second housing chamber 32QB flows into the first internal space 31Q of the outer housing portion 31 from the second front opening 32H in the front wall 32A, passes through the inner opening 31E in the front wall 31A in the vicinity of the second front opening 32H, and flows out from the outlet 29B to the radially inner side R1 (see arrow W2 with a thick solid line). A part of the washing water flowing through the third accommodating chamber 32QC flows into the first internal space 31Q of the outer accommodating section 31 from the third front opening 32J in the front wall 32A, passes through the inner opening 31E in the front wall 31A in the vicinity of the third front opening 32J, and flows out from the outlet 29B to the radially inner side R1 (see arrow W3 with a thick solid line). A part of the washing water flowing through the fourth storage chamber 32QD flows into the first internal space 31Q of the outer storage 31 from the fourth front opening 32K in the front wall 32A, passes through the inner opening 31E in the front wall 31A in the vicinity of the fourth front opening 32K, and flows out from the outlet 29B to the radially inner side R1 (see arrow W4 with a thick solid line).

As described above, circulating water path 29 is a flow path for drawing up the washing water in washing tub 4 from inlet 29A and returning the washing water to washing tub 4 from outlet 29B. When the washing water flows out of the first internal space 31Q through the inner opening 31E and the outlet 29B, the filter 33 covering the inner opening 31E catches foreign matter such as lint from the washing water and accumulates the foreign matter in the first internal space 31Q. The washing water returned from the outlet 29B into the washing tub 4 is sprayed from the upper side Z1 onto the laundry L in the washing tub 4, then flows down into the space S, and is circulated so as to be sprayed again onto the laundry L by the circulation water passage 29. Further, a part of the washing water flowing through each of the storage chambers 32Q in the circulating water passage 29 may flow to the radially outer side R2 through the back surface opening 32L of the back surface wall 32B of the inner storage 32 and the outer opening 31T of the outer storage 31 in this order, and may flow out from the through-holes 4C of the circumferential wall 4A of the washing tub 4 to between the water tub 3 and the washing tub 4 (see thick solid arrow W5). The outflow washing water flowing out between the water tub 3 and the washing tub 4 returns to the space S through the through-holes 4C (refer to fig. 1) of the bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 4.

The thus circulated washing water chemically reacts with magnesium eluted from the magnesium shot M accommodated in each of the accommodating chambers 32Q when passing through the first accommodating chamber 32QA, the second accommodating chamber 32QB, the third accommodating chamber 32QC and the fourth accommodating chamber 32QD, that is, each of the accommodating chambers 32Q, of the inner accommodating portion 32 of the accommodating portion 9. As described above, the chemical reaction between magnesium and the washing water increases the pH of the washing water in the housing chamber 32Q, thereby changing the pH to the basic ionized water. Then, most of the washing water in the washing tub 4 is alkalized in accordance with the circulation of the washing water, and the laundry L in the washing tub 4 is soaked in a large amount of alkaline ionized water. Like the detergent, the alkaline ionized water has an action of decomposing oil and fat components, specifically acidic sebum dirt and the like, and therefore dirt is removed from the laundry L in the washing tub 4 by the alkaline ionized water. Further, since the laundry L is agitated by the swelling portion 5A of the rotating wing 5, dirt on the laundry L can be mechanically removed. During the immersion cleaning, the rotary wing 5 makes 1 rotation every 5 minutes for 20 seconds. When a predetermined immersion time (for example, 1 hour) has elapsed after the circulation of the washing water according to the rotation of the rotary wing 5 is started, the control unit 35 ends the immersion process.

Subsequently, the controller 35 starts the main cleaning process and rotates the rotary blade 5. However, the rotational frequency of the rotary wing 5 during the main washing is higher than that during the immersion washing. In the main washing process, the washing water is circulated with the rotation of the rotary blades 5, and the washing L is sprayed with the alkaline ion water, as in the immersion washing process. Since the laundry L is agitated by the swelling portion 5A of the rotating wing 5, dirt on the laundry L can be mechanically removed. Before the washing operation is started, that is, before the start of the rinsing process, the detergent may be automatically supplied into the washing tub 4 in advance, or the detergent may be supplied by a manual operation of the user. In this case, the washing water contains a detergent component, and the dirt of the laundry L is chemically decomposed by the detergent component in the main washing process. When a predetermined washing time has elapsed since the circulation of the washing water is started with the rotation of the rotary wing 5, the controller 35 stops the rotary wing 5, opens the drain valve 23, and drains the washing water from the water tub 3 and the washing tub 4, thereby ending the main washing process. By using the alkaline ionized water, a high cleaning power can be obtained even if the amount of the detergent is reduced.

Next, the control section 35 starts the rinsing process. Specifically, controller 35 opens water supply valve 21 to supply water to water tub 3 and washing tub 4, and stores the washing water to a predetermined rinsing water level. Then, the control unit 35 rotates the rotary wing 5. In the rinsing process, the washing water circulates along with the rotation of the rotary wing 5, and the alkaline ionized water is sprayed to the laundry L, the water tub 3, and the washing tub 4, as in the immersion washing process. In the rinsing process, the laundry L is also washed with the alkaline ionized water whose pH value is increased by the agitation of the rotary wing 5, and the laundry L, the water tub 3, and the washing tub 4 are sterilized by the negative ions and the like contained in the alkaline ionized water. When a predetermined rinsing time has elapsed since the start of the circulation of the washing water in accordance with the rotation of the rotary wing 5, the controller 35 stops the rotary wing 5, opens the drain valve 23, and drains the washing water from the water tub 3 and the washing tub 4, thereby ending the main rinsing process. The rinsing process may also be performed multiple times.

Next, the control section 35 starts the dehydration process. Specifically, the controller 35 dehydrates and rotates the washing tub 4 in a state where the drain valve 23 is opened. The rotation speed of washing tub 4 during the spin-drying operation is increased in stages, and eventually, for example, when the rotation speed reaches a maximum rotation speed of 800rpm, the application of voltage to motor 6 is stopped, and washing tub 4 is thereby rotated by inertia. The laundry L in the washing tub 4 is dehydrated by a centrifugal force generated by the dehydration rotation of the washing tub 4. The water seeped out of the laundry L by the dehydration is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drainage path 22. When the inertial rotation of the washing tub 4 is stopped, the control part 35 ends the dehydration process. The dehydration may be performed at the end of the washing operation as a final dehydration, or may be performed immediately after the completion of the main washing process or the like as an intermediate dehydration.

As described above, the plurality of guide covers 8 are arranged on the inner surface portion of the washing tub 4 in a dispersed manner in the circumferential direction P of the washing tub 4, and the accommodating portion 9 accommodating the magnesium shot M is detachably attached to each guide cover 8. Thereby, the plurality of receiving portions 9, to each of which one receiving portion 9 is attached, at the corresponding guide cover 8 are also dispersedly arranged on the inner surface portion of the washing tub 4 in the circumferential direction P of the washing tub 4. Therefore, even if the amount of magnesium pellets M put into washing tub 4 is increased, since magnesium pellets M are stored in each storage unit 9 in a small amount in a dispersed manner, the rotation balance of washing tub 4 is not disturbed. Therefore, the washing tub 4 can be smoothly rotated without being affected by the increased magnesium pellets M during the dehydration process. Then, in the immersion washing process or the like, the added magnesium pellets M chemically react with the washing water in the washing tub 4, and alkaline ionized water contributing to washing is generated in a large amount.

Further, when an oxide film, for example, black, is formed on the surface of the magnesium shot M in association with the contact with the washing water, the magnesium shot M is difficult to chemically react with the washing water. Further, when the magnesium shot is reduced to some extent by repeated use, the magnesium shot M reaches the service life, and therefore, it is necessary to replace the magnesium shot M with a new one. In these cases, even without requesting a repair person, the user himself or herself can detach the accommodating portion 9 from the guide cover 8 to maintain the magnesium shots M in the accommodating portion 9, and then reattach the accommodating portion 9 to the guide cover 8. As a specific example of the maintenance, if the user takes out the inner container 32 from the container 9 and soaks it in a citric acid aqueous solution, the magnesium shot M is refreshed by removing the oxide film from the surface. In this way, when the single internal container 32 is immersed in the aqueous citric acid solution, the use of a small amount of the aqueous citric acid solution can be realized as compared with the case where the aqueous citric acid solution is stored in the washing tub 4 until the internal container 32 is immersed. When the magnesium pellets M have reached the end of their useful life, the user can replace the original inner container 32 with a new inner container 32 containing a new magnesium pellet M, or can disassemble the inner container 32 and replace the magnesium pellet M. The user can also perform maintenance for removing foreign matter trapped in the filter 33 of the outer housing section 31 of the detached housing section 9.

As a result, the laundry L can be washed efficiently with magnesium while achieving a smooth dehydration process, and the maintenance of magnesium can be improved. In addition, since the attachment portion of the magnesium pellets M is determined in advance as the configuration of the guide cover 8, it is possible to prevent a problem that the magnesium pellets M are forgotten to be put in during the washing operation.

Further, the housing portion 9 is attached to a circulation water path 29 constituted by the boot cover 8. As a result, a large amount of alkaline ionized water is generated by promoting the chemical reaction between the magnesium pellets M accommodated in the accommodating portion 9 and the washing water flowing in the circulation water passage 29, and the generated alkaline ionized water is actively sprayed onto the laundry L in the washing tub 4. Therefore, the washing L can be efficiently washed with a large amount of alkaline ionized water generated from magnesium in the magnesium pellets M.

In the accommodating portion 9, the magnesium pellet M is accommodated in the second inner space 32N of the inner accommodating portion 32, and the inner accommodating portion 32 is accommodated in the first inner space 31Q of the outer accommodating portion 31. Since the first internal space 31Q and the second internal space 32N are passages of the washing water flowing through the circulation water passage 29, a large amount of alkaline ionized water can be generated by promoting a chemical reaction between the magnesium pellets M accommodated in the accommodating portion 9 and the washing water flowing through the first internal space 31Q and the second internal space 32N. Therefore, the washing L can be efficiently washed with a large amount of alkaline ionized water generated from magnesium in the magnesium pellets M. Further, the inner container portion 32 is detachable from the outer container portion 31, so that the user can detach the container portion 9 from the guide cover 8 to separate into the outer container portion 31 and the inner container portion 32, and after maintaining the magnesium shots M in the inner container portion 32, reattach the container portion 9 to the guide cover 8 in the reverse order to that at the time of detachment. This improves the maintainability of magnesium.

The second internal space 32N for accommodating the magnesium pellets M is divided into a plurality of accommodating chambers 32Q arranged in the vertical direction Z, and the accommodating amount of the magnesium pellets M in the accommodating chamber 32Q increases as the accommodating chamber 32Q on the lower side Z2 increases. That is, in the circulation water path 29 for drawing up the washing water, the more the amount of the magnesium pellets M accommodated in the accommodating chamber 32Q on the lower side Z2 where a large amount of the washing water is vigorously sprayed, the less the amount of the magnesium pellets M accommodated in the accommodating chamber 32Q on the upper side where the flow rate of the washing water is small and the water potential of the washing water is weak, as compared with the accommodating chamber 32Q on the lower side Z2. In this way, the magnesium pellets M are accommodated in the respective accommodating chambers 32Q in an appropriate accommodating amount according to the flow rate and the water potential of the washing water in the respective accommodating chambers 32Q. Accordingly, in each of the storage chambers 32Q, the magnesium pellets M actively moving due to the flow of the washing water chemically react with the washing water efficiently to promote the generation of the alkaline ionized water, so that a large amount of alkaline ionized water can be generated in the entire second internal space 32N. Therefore, the washing L can be efficiently washed with a large amount of alkaline ionized water generated from magnesium in the magnesium pellets M.

Further, since the ratio of the magnesium shots M in each accommodation chamber 32Q is 70% or less, each magnesium shot M actively moves in the accommodation chamber 32Q, and a large contact area with the washing water can be secured in the magnesium shots M. Accordingly, in each of the accommodating chambers 32Q, the generation of the alkaline ionized water is promoted by the effective chemical reaction of each of the magnesium pellets M with the washing water, and thus a large amount of alkaline ionized water can be generated in the entire second internal space 32N. Therefore, the washing L can be efficiently washed with a large amount of alkaline ionized water generated from magnesium in the magnesium pellets M.

Further, when hydrogen gas generated by a chemical reaction with the washing water is attached to the surface of the magnesium pellets M, the subsequent chemical reaction becomes retarded, but as described above, the magnesium pellets M actively move in each of the accommodating chambers 32Q, and thus the hydrogen gas is less likely to be attached to the surface of the magnesium pellets M. Thus, in each of the accommodating chambers 32Q, the magnesium pellets M and the washing water efficiently chemically react with each other, thereby promoting the generation of the alkaline ionized water.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope described in the claims.

For example, in the case of the laundry L of the sensitive material which may be damaged by the alkaline ionized water, the washing operation may be performed in a state where the inner container 32 containing the magnesium pellets M serving as the source of the alkaline ionized water is removed from the container 9.

Further, the attachment part to which the accommodating part 9 is attached is the circulating water path 29 in the above-described embodiment, but may exist in a different manner from the circulating water path 29. In the modification shown in fig. 11, portions bypassing the circulation water passage 29, that is, portions of the guide cover 8, are attachment portions at the boundary portion between the circumferential wall 4A and the bottom wall 4B in the washing tub 4. Then, the arc-shaped accommodating portions 9 extending in the circumferential direction P are detachably attached to the attaching portions. The container 9 is a hollow body having a slit-shaped inlet/outlet 9A for allowing washing water to enter and exit, and directly contains a large amount of magnesium shot M.

The washing machine 1 is a vertical type washing machine in the above-described embodiment, but may be a drum type washing machine in which the rotation axis J of the washing tub 4 extends horizontally in the front-rear direction Y. Further, the washing machine 1 may be a washing and drying machine having a drying function. In addition, in the above-described washing operation, the immersion washing process may be omitted.

Claims

A washing machine, characterized by comprising:

a washing tub having a cylindrical shape, accommodating laundry, storing washing water, and being rotatable about a rotation axis passing through a center of the washing tub;

a plurality of attaching portions arranged on an inner surface portion of the washing tub in a distributed manner in a rotational direction around the rotational axis; and

and accommodating portions that are detachably attached to the plurality of attaching portions, respectively, and that accommodate the magnesium shots.
The washing machine as claimed in claim 1,

the axis of rotation extends in a vertical direction or in an oblique direction relative to the vertical direction,

the attachment portion has an inlet disposed on a bottom wall side of the washing tub and an outlet disposed at a position higher than the inlet and facing the inside of the washing tub, and constitutes a circulation water path for drawing the washing water in the washing tub from the inlet and returning the washing water from the outlet to the inside of the washing tub.
A washing machine according to claim 2,

the receiving part includes an outer receiving part and an inner receiving part,

the outer container has a first inner space which becomes a passage of the washing water flowing in the circulation water path and a filter which captures foreign matters from the washing water flowing in the first inner space,

the inner container is detachably attached to the outer container, is accommodated in the first internal space, has a second internal space that serves as a passage for washing water flowing through the first internal space, and accommodates magnesium pellets in the second internal space.
A washing machine according to claim 3,

the second internal space is divided into a plurality of receiving chambers which are arranged in the vertical direction and receive the magnesium pellets,

the storage volume of the magnesium pellets in each of the storage chambers increases as the lower the storage chamber is.
A washing machine according to claim 4,

the proportion of the magnesium pellets in each of the accommodation chambers is 70% or less.