ES2377061T3 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A washing machine (1) which, in a final rinse process in a laundry session, is capable of adding antimicrobial metal ions, and is capable of adding a washing treatment agent, to the water inside the drum ( 30) so that it adheres to clothing, characterized in that the final rinse process includes either a first powerful turning period (S423), a second powerful turning period (S425), and a gentle turning period (S424 ), or, a first powerful turn period (S423), a second powerful turn period (S425) and a rest period (S424), the smooth turn period or rest period (S424) occurs after the first powerful spin period (S423), and the second powerful spin period (S425) occurs after the smooth spin period or rest period (S424), and a duration of the final rinse period in a case where metal ions are added (S422, S427) is longer than the duration of the final rinse process in a case where metal ions are not added but a washing treatment agent (S428) is added.

Description

Washing machine

Technical area

The present invention refers to a washing machine that is capable of sterilizing the clothes and each part of a washing machine, such as for example the drum and the like, using metal ions that produce a sterilizing effect. In particular, it refers to a washing machine that has an ion elution unit that produces metal ions by applying a voltage between electrodes.

Prior art

When washing clothes in a washing machine, it is common to add a treatment substance to the water, in particular, to the rinse water. Typical examples of such substances include softening agents and dressings. In addition to these, in recent years there has been a growing demand for treatments through which clothing is subjected to antimicrobial treatments.

From a hygienic point of view, it is desirable to hang clothes that are going to dry in the sun. However, in recent years, with the increase in the number of women working outside the home, and with the increase in the number of nuclear families, there is a growing number of homes where no one is home during the day. In these homes, there is no other option but to hang the clothes that are going to dry inside. Even in homes where there is someone in the house during the day, in a rainy weather, there is no choice but to hang clothes that are going to dry inside.

Compared to hanging clothes that are going to dry in the sun, hanging clothes inside the home tends to promote the growth of bacteria and mold on clothes while it dries. This tendency is reinforced in particular when the clothes take a long time to dry, such as when there is a lot of humidity, such as in a rainy season or when the temperature is low. As the amount of bacteria and mold grows, clothing can get a bad smell. For this reason, in homes where there is no other option but to hang clothes to dry inside, there is a great demand for an antimicrobial treatment of textile articles in order to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

Currently, many clothes are available that have been previously treated with some antimicrobial / deodorizing or fungicidal treatment. However, it is difficult to replace all textile items in a home with textile items previously treated with an antimicrobial / deodorizing treatment. In addition, even with such textile articles, when washed repeatedly, the effectiveness of the antimicrobial / deodorizing treatment is lost.

Under these circumstances, the idea of treating clothes with an antimicrobial treatment was conceived each time it was washed. For example, the Japanese utility model open for public inspection No. H5-74487 reveals an electric washing machine provided with an ion generator that generates metal ions, such as for example silver ions or copper ions that produce a sterilizing effect. Japanese patent application open for public inspection No. 200093691 reveals a washing machine that generates an electric field with which the cleaning fluid is sterilized. The Japanese patent application open for public inspection No. 2001-276484 reveals a washing machine provided with a silver ion addition unit that adds silver ions to the water for cleaning.

Disclosure of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that is capable of adding antimicrobial metal ions to the water in a predetermined process in a laundry session, and that is capable of allowing metal ions to fully exert their antimicrobial effect.

To achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a washing machine that, in a final rinse process in a laundry session, is capable of adding antimicrobial metal ions, and is capable of adding a washing treatment agent, to the water inside the drum, so that they adhere to the laundry, where the final rinse process includes either a first powerful spin period, a second powerful spin period, and a smooth spin period, or either a first powerful turning period, a second powerful turning period and a resting period, where the smooth turning period or the resting period occurs after the first powerful turning period, and the second powerful turning period occurs after the smooth spin period or the rest period, and where a duration of the final rinse period in a case where metal ions have been added, is greater than the duration of the final rinse process in a case where no metal ions are added but a washing treatment agent is added. A certain amount of time is required for metal ions to adhere fully to clothing. With this configuration, when metal ions are added, the processing time is

extends compared to the case where no metal ions are added, which leads to the consequent adhesion of the metal ions to the clothing and to their desired antimicrobial effect. In addition, it is not always necessary to stir the water vigorously to make metal ions adhere to clothing. With this configuration, in which in addition to the powerful spin period, whose purpose is to make the metal ions disperse evenly in the water and reach every corner of the clothing, there is a smooth spin period or rest period, whose purpose is to wait for metal ions to adhere to clothing, it is possible to avoid damage to fabrics or an increase in electrical consumption. In addition, the generation of a smooth turn, unlike a state of rest, makes users realize that the washing machine is in operation, and not malfunctioning.

In addition, in the washer configured as described above, the water in which the metal ions have been added is stirred by a gentle turn, or is left at rest after being stirred by the powerful turn for a predetermined period. With this configuration, by stirring the water with a powerful spin, the metal ions can be mixed evenly in the water and dispersed to every corner of the clothes. Subsequently, by stirring the water with a gentle twist or by leaving the water at rest, the metal ions can adhere to the surface of the clothing, and the motor load is reduced, thus reducing the damage to the fabrics and Avoid unnecessary electrical consumption.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the washer configured as described above, a relationship between the durations of the first powerful turning period and the smooth turning period, or between the durations of the first powerful turning period and The rest period is constant, regardless of the volume of water in the drum and / or the amount of laundry to be washed. With this configuration, it is easy to program the control program.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the washer configured as described above, a relationship between the durations of the first powerful turning period and the smooth turning period, or between the durations of the first powerful turning period and The rest period varies depending on the volume of water in the drum and / or the amount of laundry to be washed. With this configuration, it is possible to set the relationship between the powerful turn period and the smooth turn period, or the ratio of the powerful turn period and the rest period appropriately according to the volume of water or the amount of laundry to be washed. , thereby reducing fabric damage and avoiding unnecessary electrical consumption.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the washer configured as described above, metal ions are generated using an ion elution unit that elutes metal ions by applying a voltage between electrodes. With this configuration, the concentration of metal ions in the water can be easily adjusted by controlling the voltage, electric current or voltage application time, and the clothing obtains the expected antimicrobial effect.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a washing machine in an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a water feed mouth.

Figure 3 is a partial top view of the interior of the washing machine.

Figure 4 is a top view of an ion elution unit.

Figure 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view, taken along the line AA shown in Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view, taken along the line BB shown in Figure 4.

Figure 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the ion elution unit.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an electrode.

Figure 9 is a circuit diagram of a transmission circuit of the ion elution unit.

Figure 10 is a flow chart of a complete washing session.

Figure 11 is a flow chart of a washing process.

Figure 12 is a flow chart of a rinse process.

Figure 13 is a flow chart of a spin process.

Figure 14 is a flow chart of a final rinse process.

Figure 15 is a sequence diagram of a final rinse process.

Figure 16 is a sequence diagram of a rinse to correct the uneven distribution of clothing.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures.

Figure 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the general construction of a washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 is of automatic type, and has a housing 10. The box-shaped housing 10 is formed of metal or synthetic resin, and has openings at the top and bottom. The upper opening of the housing 10 is covered with an upper plate 11 which is formed of synthetic resin, and which is attached to the housing 10 by screws. In Figure 1, the front and rear of the washing machine 1 point left and right, respectively. A rear part of an upper surface of the upper plate 11 is covered with a rear panel 12 which is formed of synthetic resin, and which is attached to the housing 10 or to the upper plate 11 with screws. The lower opening of the housing 10 is covered with a base 13 which is formed of synthetic resin, and which is attached to the housing 10 by screws. None of the screws mentioned above are shown in the figure.

The feet 14a and 14b for the support of the housing 10 on the ground are arranged in the four corners of the base 13. The rear feet 14b are fixed feet, integrally formed with the base 13. The front feet 14a are bolted feet height adjustable, and by screwing them the washing machine 1 is leveled.

The top plate 11 has a clothes inlet opening 15 through which the clothes to be washed are placed in a drum described below. The clothing inlet opening 15 is covered with a lid 16 from the top. The cover 16 is coupled to the upper plate 11 with a hinge 17 to pivot in a vertical plane.

A water tank 20 and a washing drum 30, which is also used as a centrifuge drum, are arranged inside the housing 10. Both the water tank 20 and the washing drum 30 have the shape of an open cylindrical cup in the upper part, and both are arranged concentrically with their vertical axes and with the washing drum 30 inside the water tank 20. The water tank 20 is suspended from the housing 10 with suspension elements 21. The elements of suspension 21 connect a lower outer surface of the water tank 20 with four internal corners of the housing 10, and support the water tank 20 so that it can oscillate in a horizontal plane.

The washing drum 30 has a circumferential wall that widens towards the top with a conical shaped ligature. This circumferential wall has a plurality of drain holes 31 formed in a ring-shaped arrangement around its uppermost part, and apart from these drain holes, it has no other opening that allows the passage of liquid. The washing drum 30 is of the type called "no holes". A ring-shaped compensator 32 is adhered to an edge of the upper opening of the drum 30, to eliminate the vibrations produced by the drum 30 when it rotates at maximum speed to spin the clothes. Inside the drum 30 on its lower surface, a button 33 is arranged to produce a flow of wash or rinse water inside the drum 30.

The water tank 20 has a transmission unit 40 adjusted to the lower surface thereof from the bottom. The transmission unit 40 includes a motor 41, a clutch mechanism 42 and a brake mechanism 43, and has a spin spindle 44 and a push spindle 45 protruding from its center toward the top. The spin spindle 44 and the push spindle 45 form a double spindle structure, the push spindle 45 being located inside the spin spindle 44. Both spindles penetrate the water tank 20. The spin spindle 44 is connected to the drum 30 to serve as support. On the other hand, the push spindle 45 also penetrates the drum 30 and then connects to the push button 33 to serve as its support. To prevent the loss of water, sealing elements are arranged between the centrifuge spindle 44 and the water tank 20, and between the centrifuge spindle 44 and the push spindle 45.

An electromagnetic operating water supply valve 50 is disposed within a space under the rear panel 12. The water supply valve 50 has a connection tube 51 that penetrates the rear panel 12 and extends towards the part higher. A water supply hose (not shown), through which clean water, such as supply water, is supplied to the washing machine, is connected to the connection pipe 51. The water supply valve 50 supplies water to the water feeding mouth 53, which is in the form of a container and is located above the interior of the water tank 20. The water feeding mouth 53 has a structure as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the water feeding mouth 53. The water feeding mouth 53 has an opening in its front part, and through the opening, a drawer 53a is introduced. The drawer 53a has its interior divided into a plurality of sections (the embodiment of the present invention has two sections, that is, a left section and a right section). The left section is a detergent chamber 54 that serves as a storage space for the detergent. The right section is a treatment agent chamber 55 that serves as a storage space for the treatment agent for washing clothes. A lower part of the detergent chamber 54 is provided with a water outlet 54a which is open towards the inside of the water feeding mouth 53. A siphon 57 is placed in the treatment agent chamber.

55. The water supply mouth 53 has, below the bottom of the drawer 53a, a water outlet 56 through which water is supplied inside the drum 30.

The siphon 57 is composed of an inner tube 57a that extends vertically and upwards from a lower surface of the treatment agent chamber 55, and a plug-shaped outer tube 57b with which the inner tube 57a is capped. Between the inner tube 57a and the outer tube 57b a space is left that allows the passage of water. The inner tube 57a, in its lower part, is open to the lower part of the water feeding mouth

53. A predetermined space is maintained between a lower end of the outer tube 57b and a lower surface of the treatment agent chamber 55 to serve as a water inlet. When water is poured into the treatment agent chamber 55 to a level higher than the upper end of the inner tube 57a, a siphon principle works to cause water to flow through the siphon 57 out of the treatment agent chamber 55 and then fall to the bottom of the water feed mouth 53, then water is poured into the drum 30 through the water outlet 56.

The water supply valve 50 is composed of a main water supply valve 50a and a secondary water supply valve 50b. The main water feed valve 50a allows a relatively large water flow, while the secondary water feed valve 50b allows a relatively small water flow. A large or small water flow is achieved by making the internal structure of the main water supply valve 50a and that of the secondary water supply valve 50b different from each other, or by making the internal structures of both valves the same and combining them with flow limitation elements that have different flow regulation rate. The connection tube 51 is shared between the main water supply valve and the secondary water supply valves 50a and 50b.

The main water supply valve 50a is connected to an opening in a roof of the water supply port 53 via a main water supply passage 52a. This opening is open towards the detergent chamber 54, such that a large amount of water flow from the main water supply valve 50a is poured into the detergent chamber 54 through the main water supply passage 52a. The secondary water supply valve 50a is connected to an opening in a roof of the water supply mouth 53, by means of a secondary water supply passage 52b. This opening is open to the treatment agent chamber 55, such that a small amount of water flow from the secondary water supply valve 50b is poured into the treatment agent chamber 55 through the secondary feed passage of water 52b. That is, a passage that goes from the main water supply valve 50a through the detergent chamber 54 to the drum 30, is different from the passage that goes from the secondary water supply valve 50b through the agent chamber. from treatment 55 to drum 30.

In Fig. 1, at the bottom of the drum 40 is a drain hose 60 through which water drainage from the water tank 20 and the drum 30 is produced. Water flows to the drain hose 60 of the drainage pipes 61 and 62. The drainage pipe 61 is connected to a somewhat peripheral part of the lower surface of the water tank 20, and the drainage pipe 62 is connected to a somewhat central part of the lower surface of the water tank 20.

Inside the water tank 20, on its lower surface, a dividing wall in the form of a ring 63 is fixed, such that it encloses the part of the water tank 20 where the drain pipe is connected to it. The partition wall 63 has a circular sealing element 64 in its upper part. The sealing element 64 is held in contact with a circumferential surface of a fixed disk to an external lower surface of the drum 30, to form a separate drain space 66 between the water tank 20 and the drum 30. The drain space 66 it communicates with an interior of the drum 30 through a drain outlet 67 formed in the bottom of the drum 30.

The drain pipe 62 has a drain valve 68 that is operated electromagnetically. In a part of the drain pipe 62, on the upstream side of the drain valve 68, there is a siphon 69. A lead pipe 70 extends from the siphon 69. The lead pipe 70 is, at its end upper, connected to a water level switch 71.

A controller 80 is arranged in a front part of the housing 10, under the upper plate 11. The controller 80 receives instructions from the users through an operation / display panel 81 arranged on the surface

upper plate 11 and sends operational commands to the transmission unit 40, the water supply valve 50 and the drain valve 68. The controller 80 also sends display commands to the operation / display panel 81. The controller 80 It includes a transmission circuit to drive an ion elution unit described below.

Now, the washing machine 1 will be described. First, the lid 16 is opened and the clothes are placed in the drum 30 through the clothes inlet opening 15. The drawer 53a is removed from the water feeding mouth 53 and a detergent is placed in the detergent chamber 54 in the drawer 53a. A treatment agent (softening agent) is placed in the chamber of the treatment agent 55. The treatment agent (softening agent) may be placed in the middle of a laundry session, or it may not be placed if it is not necessary. After placing the detergent and the treatment agent (softening agent), the drawer 53a is closed by pushing it towards the water feeding mouth 53.

When the detergent and the treatment agent (softening agent) are ready to be added, the lid 16 is closed and the wash cycle is selected using a group of operating buttons on the operation / display panel 81. By pressing the button At the beginning, a laundry session is run according to the flowcharts in Figures 10 to 13.

Figure 10 is a flow chart showing a complete washing session. In step S201, the washing begins at a previously set time. It is checked if an operation that starts at a preset time was selected. If an operation is selected that begins at a preset time, the flow continues to step S206; otherwise, the flow continues in step S202.

In step S206, it is checked if it is time to start the operation. If it is time to start the operation, the flow continues to step S202.

In step S202, it is verified if a washing process was selected. If a washing process is selected, the flow goes to S300. Later, it will be described how the washing process is executed in step S300 with reference to the flow chart shown in Figure 11. At the end of the washing process, the flow proceeds to step S203. If no washing process is selected, the flow passes directly from step S202 to step S203.

In step S203, it is verified whether a rinse process was selected. If a rinse process is selected, the flow continues to step S400. Subsequently, it will be described how the rinsing process is executed in step S400 with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 12. In Figure 10, the rinsing process is repeated three times, and each process step is shown. with a step number with an added suffix number such as "S400-1", "S400-2" and S400-3 ". The number of times of the rinsing process is set at the user's discretion. In this case," S400-3 "is a final rinse process.

At the end of the rinsing process, the flow continues to step S204. If no rinse process is selected, the flow proceeds directly from step S203 to step S204.

In step S204, it is verified whether a spin process was selected. If a spin process has been selected, the flow continues to step S500. Subsequently, it will be described how the centrifugation process is executed in step S500 with reference to the flow chart shown in Figure 13. At the end of the spin process, the flow continues to step S205. If no spin process has been selected, the flow proceeds directly from step S204 to step S205.

In step S205, the completion of the operation of the controller 80 is executed automatically, in particular a processing unit (microcomputer) therein, according to a predetermined process. In addition, the end of the washing session is indicated by an end-of-operation signaling sound. At the end of all operations, the washing machine 1 returns to the idle state in preparation for a new washing session.

Next, with reference to Figures 11 to 13, the individual processes of washing, rinsing and spinning will be described.

Figure 11 is a flow chart of a washing process. In step S301, the water level inside the drum 30, detected by the water level switch 71, begins to be controlled. In step S302, it is checked whether the detection of the amount of laundry to be washed was selected. If the detection of the amount of laundry to be washed is selected, the flow continues to step S308; otherwise, the flow passes directly from step S302 to step S303.

In step S308, the amount of clothes to be washed is measured based on the rotational load of the button 33. At the end of the detection of amount of clothes to be washed, the flow passes to step S303.

In step S303, the main water feed valve 50a is opened and water is poured into the drum 30 through the water feed port 53. Since the main water feed valve 50a is programmed for a large flow of water, the drum 30 fills with water quickly. The detergent agent placed in the detergent chamber 54 is completely entrained by the large amount of water and mixed with it, and is introduced into the drum 30. The drain valve 68 remains closed. When the water level switch 71 detects the programmed water level, the main water supply valve 50a is closed. The flow proceeds to step S304.

In step S304, a preparatory operation is performed. The button 33 is rotated repeatedly in the forward direction and after backing, to stir the clothes to be washed and the water so that the clothes get completely wet. This allows the clothes to absorb a large amount of water and allows the trapped air to escape in many parts of the clothes. If, as a result of the preparatory operation, the water level detected by the water level switch 71 becomes lower than at the beginning, then, in step S305, the main water supply valve 50a is opened to supply additional water to recover the set water level.

If a wash cycle is selected that includes "detection of the type of clothing", when the preparatory operation is performed, the type of clothing is detected. At the end of the preparatory operation, the change in the water level of the preset level is detected, and, if the drop in the water level is greater than a predetermined amount, it is determined that the clothing is of a high water absorption type.

When, in step S305, a stable programmed water level is obtained, the flow proceeds to step S306. According to the configurations made by the users, the motor 41 rotates the button 33 in a predetermined pattern to produce, in the drum 30, a main flow of water for washing. Clothes are washed with this main water flow. The spin spindle 44 remains braked by the brake mechanism 43, such that, even if the wash water and the clothes move, the drum 30 does not rotate.

Upon completion of the period in which the laundry is washed with the main water flow, the flow chart continues to step S307. In step S307, the button 33 rotates repeatedly in forward and reverse directions at short intervals. This allows the clothes to come loose and therefore allows them to spread evenly in the drum

30. This is done in preparation for spin rotation of drum 30.

Next, the rinsing process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in the figure

12. First, in step S500, the rinsing process is executed, the description of which will be given later in reference to the flow chart shown in Figure 13. At the end of the spin, the flow continues to step S401. In step S401, the main water supply valve 50a is opened, and water is supplied to the predetermined water level.

At the end of the water supply, the flow goes to step S402. In step S402, a preparatory operation is performed. During the preparatory operation carried out in step S402, the clothes that adhere to the drum 30 in step S500 (centrifugation process), submerged in water are separated so that the clothes to be washed fully absorb the water.

At the end of the preparatory operation, the flow goes to step S403. If, as a result of the preparatory operation, the water level detected by the water level switch 71 becomes lower than at the beginning, the main water supply valve 50a opens to supply additional water to recover the set water level .

After recovering the predetermined water level in step S403, the flow proceeds to step S404. According to the configurations made by the users, the motor 41 rotates the button 33 in a predetermined pattern to produce, in the drum 30, a main flow of water for rinsing. The clothes are rinsed with this main water flow. The centrifuge spindle 44 remains braked by the brake mechanism 43 such that, even if the rinse water and the clothes move, the drum 30 does not rotate.

Upon completion of the period in which the clothes are rinsed with the main water flow, the flow chart continues to step S406. In step S406, the button 33 rotates repeatedly in forward and reverse directions at short intervals. This allows the clothes to come loose and therefore allows it to spread evenly on the drum

30. This is done as a preparation for spin spinning.

In the above description, it is assumed that the rinse is performed with rinse water stored in the drum 30. This is called "rinse with stored water." However, it is also possible to rinse with fresh water that is permanently replenished, what is called "rinse with water that is poured", or to rinse with water that is supplied from the water feeding mouth 53 while the drum 30 rotates at low speed, what is called "rinsing with rain of water".

In the final rinse process, a different sequence from the previous one is executed. This will be described in detail later.

Next, the centrifugation process will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in Figure 13. First, in step S501, the drain valve 68 is opened. The wash water in the drum 30 is extracted through drain space 66. Drain valve 68 remains open during the centrifugation process.

When most of the wash water has been removed from the laundry, the clutch mechanism 42 and the brake mechanism 43 are switched. The time for switching of the clutch mechanism 42 and the brake mechanism 43 takes place before or at the same time as the start of water drainage. The motor 41 now rotates the spin spindle 33. This causes the drum 30 to start spin spin. The button 33 rotates together with the drum 30.

When the drum 30 rotates at high speed, the clothes are pressed against the inner circumferential wall of the drum 30 by centrifugal force. The wash water present in the clothes also accumulates on the inner surface of the circumferential wall of the drum 30 and, since the drum 30 widens upward in a conical manner as described above, the wash water driven by the centrifugal force rises along the inner surface of the drum 30. When the upper end of the drum 30 reaches the wash water, it is removed by the drain holes 31. The wash water that is removed by the drain holes 31 reaches the inner surface of the water tank 20, and then flows to the bottom by the inner surface of the water tank 20 to the bottom of the water tank 20. The washing water is extracted from the housing 10 through the drain pipe 61 and then through the drain hose 60.

In the flowchart shown in Figure 13, after centrifuging at a relatively low speed in step S502, centrifugation is performed at a relatively high speed in step S503. At the end of step S503, the flow proceeds to step S504. In step S504, the power supply to the motor 41 stops and the termination operation occurs.

The washer 1 has an ion elution unit 100. The ion elution unit 100 is connected to the downstream side of the main water supply line 52a. Now, with reference to Figures 3 to 9, the structure and functions of the ion elution unit 100 and the object for which it is incorporated in the washing machine 1 will be described.

Figure 3 is a partial top view indicating the diagram of the ion elution unit 100 and the water supply port 53. The ion elution unit 100 is directly connected to the main water supply valve 50a and the water feed nozzle 53 at both ends. In other words, the ion elution unit 100 is independently composed of the entire main water supply passage 52a. The secondary water supply passage 52b is constructed by connecting the pipe protruding from the water supply port 53 with the secondary water supply valve 50b with a hose. In the schematic view of Figure 1, the water supply valve 50, the ion elution unit 100 and the water supply port 53 are arranged in line with the front-to-rear axis of the washing machine 1. However , in a real washing machine, they are not arranged in that way but in line with the axis from left to right of washing machine 1.

Figures 4 to 8 show the structure of the ion elution unit. Figure 4 is a top view. Figure 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 is also a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line BB shown in Figure 4. The Figure 7 is a horizontal cross-sectional view. Figure 8 is a perspective view of an electrode.

The ion elution unit 100 has a housing 110 formed of transparent or translucent, colorless or colored synthetic resin or opaque synthetic resin. The housing 110 is composed of a housing body 110a having an opening in the upper part and a cover 110b that closes the opening in the upper part. (See figure 5). The housing 110a has a long and thin shape, and contains a water inlet 111 at one end of the longitudinal direction and a water outlet 112 at the other end. Water inlet 111 and water outlet 112 are in the form of a pipe. The cross-sectional area of the water outlet 112 is smaller than that of the water inlet

111.

The housing 110 is arranged with its longitudinal direction horizontally. The body of the housing 110a arranged horizontally in this way has a bottom that slopes gradually towards the water outlet 112. (See Figure 5). In other words, the water outlet 112 is at the lowest level in an internal space of the housing 110.

The cover 110b is fixed to the body of the housing 110b with four screws 170. (See Figure 4). A sealing ring 171 is inserted between the body of the housing 10a and the cover 110b. (See figure 5).

Within the housing 110, two plate electrodes 113 and 114 are arranged, such that they are parallel to the flow of water flowing from the water inlet 111 to the water outlet 112, facing each other. When

It applies a predetermined voltage to the electrodes 113 and 114 with the housing 110 filled with water, metal ions, of the metal of which the electrodes 113 and 114 are formed, are eluted from any of them that is on the anode side at that time. For example, electrodes 113 and 114 may be constructed such that the silver plates, each measuring 2cm x 5cm and approximately 1mm thick, are arranged approximately 5mm from each other.

The material of electrodes 113 and 114 is not limited to silver. Any metal can be the material used, as long as it is a source of antimicrobial metal ions. In addition to silver, copper, an alloy of silver and copper, zinc or other similar metal can be selected. The silver ions eluted from a silver electrode, copper ions eluted from a copper electrode and zinc ions eluted from a zinc electrode show an excellent sterilizing effect, even against mold. From an alloy of silver and copper, silver and copper ions can be eluted simultaneously.

As for the ion elution unit 100, it is possible to select either elution or non-elution, depending on whether voltage is applied or not. In addition, an amount of metal ion elution can be controlled by controlling the electric current or the voltage application time. In comparison with a method of elution of metal ions of zeolite or other metal ion carriers, it is convenient since it is possible to select electrically whether metal ions are added or not, and electrically adjust the concentration of metal ions.

Electrodes 113 and 114 are not completely arranged in parallel. In the plan view, they are arranged conically, and the space between them becomes narrower from upstream to downstream, along the flow of water flowing through the interior of the housing 110, in other words, from the water inlet 111 to the water outlet 112. (See Figure 7).

In plan view the shape of the body of the housing 110a is also narrower from one end having the water inlet 111 to the other end having the water outlet 112. Namely, the cross-sectional area in the internal space of the housing 110 is gradually reduced from the upstream side to the downstream side.

Both electrodes 113 and 114, have a rectangular profile and are provided with terminals 115 and 116, respectively. Terminals 115 and 116 are arranged in parts inside the edges of electrodes 113 and 114, on the upstream side, hanging from the bottom edge of electrodes 113 and 114, respectively.

Electrode 113 and terminal 115 are integrally formed of the same metal, and electrode 114 and terminal 116 are integrally formed of the same metal. Electrodes 115 and 116 are led to the bottom of the body of the housing 110a through a hole formed in a wall of the bottom of the body of the housing 110a. In the place where terminals 115 and 116 protrude from the housing 110a, as shown in an enlarged figure in Figure 6, a sealed seal 172 is installed. The sealed seal 172 forms a double sealed construction together with a second sleeve 175 described below to prevent a loss of water from this part.

At the bottom of the housing 110a, an insulating wall 173 is formed integrally, which insulates terminals 115 and 116. (See Figure 6). Terminals 115 and 116 are connected to a transmission circuit within controller 80 via a cable (not shown).

From terminals 115 and 116, the parts remaining in the housing 110 are protected by a sleeve made of insulating material. Two types of sleeves are used. A sleeve 174 is made of synthetic resin and is connected to the roots of terminals 115 and 116. A part of the first sleeve 174 extends to one side of electrodes 113 and 114, forming protruding elements on the side of these parts and connecting these protruding elements with the through holes made in electrodes 113 and 114. This helps prevent electrodes 113 and 114 from leaving the sleeve 174. The second sleeve 175 is made of soft rubber and fills the space between the first sleeve 174 and the lower wall of the body of the housing 110a, thereby preventing water loss through the space between the second sleeve 175 and the body of the housing 110a, and through the spaces between the second sleeve 175 and the electrodes 113 and 114.

As mentioned earlier, terminals 115 and 116 are located on the upstream side of electrodes 113 and 114. The upstream sides of electrodes 113 and 114 are supported by the first sleeve 174, which is connected to the terminals 115 and 116. On the inner surface of the cover 110b, a support 176 is formed in the form of a fork, so as to fit the position of the first sleeve 174. (See Figure 6). This support 176 captures the upper edge of the first sleeve 174 and becomes a rigid support, together with the second sleeve 175, filling the space between the first sleeve 174 and the body of the housing 110a. The fork-shaped support 176 captures electrodes 113 and 114 with long and short fingers, so that electrodes 113 and 114 can maintain an appropriate distance between them on the side of the cover 110b.

The downstream sides of the electrodes 113 and 114 are also supported by the support formed on the inner surface of the housing 110. A fork shaped fork 177 rises from the lower surface of the housing body 110a. In addition, a fork-shaped support 178 hangs from the roof of the cover 110b to face the support 177. (See Figures 5 and 8). Electrodes 113 and 114 are picked up by supports 177 and 178 at the lower and upper edges on the down side respectively so that they do not move.

As shown in Figure 7, electrodes 113 and 114 are arranged such that surfaces opposite to surfaces facing each other are maintained at a space of the internal surface of the housing

110. In addition, as shown in Figure 5, electrodes 113 and 114 are arranged such that they maintain a space between their upper and lower edges and the inner surface of the housing 110. (Exceptions are the parts that are in contact with supports 176, 177 and 178). In addition, as shown in Figure 7 or Figure 5, a space is created between the edges of the upstream and downstream sides of the electrodes 113 and 114 and the inner surface of the housing 110.

When it is necessary to make the width of the housing 110 much smaller, it is possible to construct the electrodes 113 and 114 so that the surfaces opposite to the surfaces facing each other are firmly adhered to the inner wall of the housing 110 .

To prevent foreign objects from coming into contact with electrodes 113 and 114, a metal mesh filter is mounted on the upstream side of electrodes 113 and 114. As shown in Figure 2, a filter 180 is located in the pipe Connection 51. The purpose of the filter 180 is to prevent foreign objects from entering the water supply valve 50, and also serves as a filter upstream of the ion elution unit 100.

A metal mesh filter 181 is mounted on the downstream side of electrodes 113 and 114. Filter 181 prevents broken parts of electrodes 113 and 114 from flowing outside when they wear and break due to prolonged use. Water outlet 112 may be selected as a site for mounting filter 181, for example.

The locations of filters 180 and 181 are not limited to what is indicated above. As long as the conditions of the assembly on the upstream side of the electrode and on the downstream side of the electrode are satisfied, they can be placed in any location in the water supply passage. Filters 180 and 181 are removable so that foreign objects that are trapped can be removed or substances that cause blockages are removed.

Figure 9 shows the transmission circuit 120 for the ion elution unit 100. A transformer 122 is connected to the mains 121 to reduce 100V to a predetermined voltage. The output voltage of the transformer 122 is rectified by a full-wave rectifier circuit 123, and then a constant voltage is formed by a constant voltage circuit 124. A constant current circuit 125 is connected to the constant voltage circuit 124. The circuit constant current 125 operates in such a way that it supplies a constant current to the electrode transmission circuit 150, which will be described later, without being influenced by variations in the resistance through the electrode transmission circuit 150.

A rectifying diode 126 is also connected to the commercially distributed electrical energy 121 in parallel with the transformer 122. The output voltage of the rectifying diode 126 is softened by a capacitor 127, then a constant voltage is formed by a constant voltage circuit. 128 and then supplied to a microcomputer 130. The microcomputer 130 controls the start of a three-way thyristor (triac) 129 connected between one end of the main coil of the transformer 122 and the commercially distributed electrical power 121.

The electrode transmission circuit 150 is composed of NPN type transistors Q1 to Q4, diodes D1 and D2, and resistors R1 to R7. These are interconnected as shown in the figure. Transistor Q1 and diode D1 form a photocoupler 151, and transistor Q2 and diode D2 form a photocoupler 152. Diodes D1 and D2 are photodiodes, and transistors Q1 and Q2 are phototransistors.

The microcomputer 130 feeds a high level voltage to line L1, and a high level voltage (or zero voltage, namely "off") to line L2. Then, diode D2 lights up, and this causes transistor Q2 to light up. When transistor Q2 is turned on, a current flows through resistors R3, R4 and R7 and this causes a bias current to be applied to the base of transistor Q3. In this way, transistor Q3 is turned on.

On the other hand, diode D1 is off, and therefore transistor Q1 is off, and therefore transistor Q4 is off. In this state, a current flows from the electrode on the side of the anode 113 to the electrode on the side of the cathode 114. As a result, in the ion elution unit 100, metal ions are produced as positively charged ions together with negatively charged ions.

When an electric current is passed through the ion elution unit 100 in one direction for a long time, the electrode 113, which is on the side of the anode in Figure 9 wears out, while the electrode

114, which is on the side of the cathode, collects impurities in the water in the form of scales deposited therein. This degrades the performance of the ion elution unit 100. To avoid this situation, the electrode transmission circuit 150 can be operated in mandatory electrode cleaning mode.

In the mandatory electrode cleaning mode, the microcomputer 130 changes control modes to reverse the voltage applied between lines L1 and L2, and therefore reverses the current flowing between electrodes 113 and 114. Thus, the transistors Q1 and Q4 are on, and transistors Q2 and Q3 are off. The microcomputer 130 has a counter capacity, and changes control modes as described above, each time a predetermined count is reached.

When the resistance through the electrode transmission circuit 150, in particular, the resistance of the electrodes 113 and 114 varies and as a result, for example, the current flowing between the electrodes decreases, the constant current circuit 125 raises its voltage output to compensate for the descent. However, as the total usage time increases, the ion elution unit 100 eventually reaches the end of its useful life. When this happens, even if the control mode is changed to the effective electrode cleaning mode, or if the output voltage of the constant current circuit 125 is raised, it is no longer possible to compensate for the decrease in current.

To cope with this, in the circuit under discussion, the current flowing between the electrodes 113 and 114 of the ion elution unit 100 is controlled based on the voltage produced by the resistor R7. When the current is equal to a predetermined minimum current, a current detection circuit 160 detects it. This fact that the minimum current has been detected is transmitted from a photodiode D3, which is part of a photocoupler 163, through a phototransistor Q5 to the microcomputer 130. The microcomputer 130 conducts, via a line L3, a warning indicator 131 to indicate a default warning. Warning indicator 131 is provided on the operation / display panel 81 or on controller 80.

In addition, to cope with a fault, such as a short circuit, within the electrode transmission circuit 150, a current detection circuit 161 is provided which detects whether the current is greater than a predetermined maximum current. Based on the output of this current sensing circuit 161, the microcomputer 130 activates the warning indicator 131. Furthermore, when the output voltage of the constant current circuit 125 becomes less than a previously set minimum voltage, a circuit of voltage detection 162 detects it, and microcomputer 130 activates warning indicator 131.

The metal ions generated by the ion elution unit 100 are poured into the drum as follows.

Metal ions and a softening agent that will be used as a treatment agent are added in the final rinse process. Figure 14 is a flow chart showing the final rinse sequence. In the final rinse process, after the centrifugation process of step S500, the flow continues to step S420. In step 420, it is verified whether the addition of treatment material was selected or not. When "adding a treatment agent" is selected through a selection operation performed by the operation / display panel 81, the flow proceeds to step S421. Otherwise, the flow proceeds to step S401 in Figure 12 and the final rinse is executed in the same manner as in the previous rinse processes.

In step S421, it is verified whether the treatment materials to be added are of two types, that is, metal ions and a softening agent, or not. When "metal ions or a treatment agent" is selected through a selection operation performed by the operation / display panel 81, the flow proceeds to step S422; if not, the flow proceeds to step S426.

In step S422, both the main water feed valve 50a and the secondary water feed valve 50b are open, and water flows into the main water feed passage 52a and the secondary water feed passage 52b.

Step S422 is a process for elution of metal ions. A predetermined amount of water, which is set at more than the volume of water set for the secondary water supply valve 50b, flows by filling the internal space of the ion elution unit 100. Simultaneously, the transmission circuit 120 applies a voltage between electrodes 113 and 114, such that the ions of the metal from which they are formed elute in the water. When the metal that forms electrodes 113 and 114 is silver, the reaction of Ag → DAg + + e-occurs at the anode side and the silver ions Ag + elute in the water. The electric current flowing between electrodes 113 and 114 is direct current. Water to which metal ions are added flows to the detergent chamber 54 and is then poured into the drum 30, from the water outlet 54a through the water outlet 56.

From the secondary water supply valve 50b, a smaller amount of water than that of the main water supply valve 50a flows outwards and is poured into the treatment agent chamber 55, through the passage

secondary water supply 52b. If a treatment agent (softening agent) has been supplied to the treatment agent chamber 55, the treatment agent (softening agent) is supplied in the drum 30 through the siphon 57 together with water. This addition is done simultaneously when metal ions are added. The effect of a siphon does not occur until the level of water inside the treatment agent chamber 55 reaches a predetermined level. This allows the liquid treatment agent (softening agent) to remain in the treatment agent chamber 55 until it is time to pour the water into the treatment agent chamber 55.

When a predetermined amount of water is poured (an amount equal to or greater than that necessary for the effect of a siphon to occur in the siphon 57) in the treatment agent chamber 55, the secondary water supply valve 50b is closed . This water feeding step, namely adding a treatment agent, is performed automatically, regardless of whether a treatment agent (softening agent) has been placed in the treatment agent chamber 55, provided that you select "addition of a treatment agent. "

When a predetermined amount of water containing metal ions has been poured into the drum 30 and the concentration of metal ions in the rinse water is expected to be of a predetermined level when water containing no metal ions is supplied up to the water level fixed, the application of a voltage between electrodes 113 and 114 is stopped. After the ion elution unit 100 stops the generation of metal ions, the main water supply valve 50a continues to supply water, and stops the supply of water when the water level in the drum 30 reaches the preset level.

As described above, in step S422, metal ions and a treatment agent (softening agent) are added simultaneously. However, this does not necessarily mean that the time during which a treatment agent (softening agent) is poured into the drum, through a siphon effect, overlaps completely with the time during which the ion elution unit 100 generates metal ions. Either one can be exchanged and be before or after the other. After the ion elution unit 100 stops the generation of metal ions, and while also supplying water that does not contain metal ions, the treatment agent (softening agent) can be added. The important thing is that it is sufficient as long as the addition of metal ions and the addition of a treatment agent (softening agent) are executed respectively in a sequence.

As described above, terminal 115 is formed as an integral part of electrode 113 and terminal 116 is formed as an integral part of electrode 114, of the same metal. Therefore, unlike the case where different metals are connected, there is no potential difference between the electrodes and the terminals, which prevents corrosion. In addition, being fully formed simplifies the manufacturing process.

The space between electrodes 113 and 114 is conical and becomes thinner from the upstream side to the downstream side. This means that electrodes 113 and 114 are in line with the flow of water and that electrodes 113 and 114 are more likely to not generate vibrations, so even when they wear and have been reduced, they are barely chipped. In addition, there is no worry of excessive deformation of electrodes that could result in a short circuit.

Electrodes 113 and 114 are supported so that a space is created between them and the inner surface of the housing 110. This helps prevent a metal layer from growing from the electrodes 113 and 114 to the inner surface of the housing 110 and causing a short circuit between electrodes.

Although terminals 115 and 116 are integrally formed with electrodes 113 and 114 respectively, electrodes 113 and 114 eventually deteriorate as a result of use. However, terminals 115 and 116 should be prevented from deteriorating. In one embodiment of the present application, the parts of terminals 115 and 116 located within the housing 110 are protected by sleeves 174 and 175 made of insulating material, and They are protected from deterioration caused by electrical conduction. This helps to avoid a situation such as that which occurs when terminals 115 and 116 are broken in the middle of their use.

At electrodes 113 and 114, the parts where terminals 115 and 116 are formed are located quite deep inside from the edge of the upstream side. Electrodes 113 and 114 wear out, starting at a part where the space between them becomes narrow. In general, deterioration occurs in the edge part. Although terminals 115 and 116 are located at the upstream edge of electrodes 113 and 114, they are not completely at the edges, but in deep portions of the edges. Therefore, it is not necessary to worry about a situation where the deterioration that begins at the edge of an electrode reaches the terminal and causes the terminal to break at its root.

Electrodes 113 and 114 are supported by the first sleeve 174 and the support 176 on its upstream sides. On the other hand, the downstream sides of electrodes 113 and 114 are supported by supports 177 and 178. Since they are firmly supported both on the upstream side and on the downstream side in this way, the electrodes 113 and 114 do not vibrate even if they are in the water flow. As a result, electrodes 113 and 114 do not break due to vibration.

Terminals 115 and 116 pass through the lower wall of the housing body 110a to protrude towards the bottom. Therefore, although the outer surface of the housing 110 is subject to moisture concentration since steam comes into contact with the housing 110a (When used to wash hot water in a washing tank, it is easy for the steam to enter inside the washing machine 1) or because the housing 100 is cooled by the water being poured, the moisture condensation water flows down the wires connected to terminals 115 and 116, and does not remain in the boundary between terminals 115 and 116 and housing 110. Therefore, no situation develops in which a short circuit occurs between terminals 115 and 116 due to water produced by moisture condensation. The body of the housing 110a is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the horizontal line, it is easy to construct it in such a way that the terminals 115 and 116 formed on the sides of the electrodes 113 and 114 protrude downwardly through the lower wall of the body of the housing 110a.

The cross-sectional area of the water outlet 112 of the ion elution unit 100 is smaller than that of the water inlet 111 and has greater resistance to water flow than the water inlet 111. This causes the water to be introduces into the housing 110 through the water inlet 111 fill the inside of the housing 110 without producing stagnant air or completely wetting the electrodes 113 and 114. Therefore, there is no situation in which the electrodes 113 and 114 they have parts that are not related to the generation of metal ions but remain unmelted.

Not only is the transverse area of the water outlet 112 smaller than that of the water inlet 111 but also the transverse area of the internal space of the housing 110 gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side. This makes it possible to reduce the generation of turbulence or air bubbles inside the housing 110, thus allowing water to flow smoothly. In addition, this prevents the electrodes from being partially melted by the existence of air bubbles. The metal ions leave the electrodes 113 and 114 quickly and do not return to the electrodes 113 and 114, thereby increasing the efficiency of ion elution.

The ion elution unit 100 is located in the main water feed passage 52a, for a large volume of flow where a large amount of water flows. This allows the metal ions to exit the housing 110 quickly and prevents them from returning to electrodes 113 and 114, thereby increasing the efficiency of ion elution.

The water outlet 112 is at the lowest level in the internal space of the housing 110. Therefore, when the water supply to the ion elution unit 100 is stopped, all the water in the elution unit of Ions 100 flows outwards through the water outlet 112. Consequently, the case does not occur where the water remaining in the housing 110 freezes when it is cold and the ion elution unit 100 does not fail or break.

A filter 180 is located on the upstream side of electrodes 113 and 114. This makes it possible that although there are solid foreign objects in the water fed to the ion elution unit 100, the foreign objects are trapped by the filter 180, which prevents them from reaching electrodes 113 and 114. Therefore, a foreign object does not damage electrodes 113 and 114, nor does it cause a short circuit between the electrodes to produce an excessive electrical current or lead to a deficit in the generation of metal ions.

A filter 181 is located on the downstream sides of electrodes 113 and 114. If electrodes 113 and 114 deteriorate and become fragile due to prolonged use, and break into pieces and broken pieces flow, filter 181 captures these broken pieces to prevent them from going downstream from that point. As a result, the broken pieces of electrodes 113 and 114 do not damage an object on the downstream side.

As with the embodiment of the present invention, when a washing machine 1 has an ion elution unit 100, foreign objects or broken pieces of electrodes can be attached to the clothes if there are no filters 180 and 181. There is a possibility that foreign objects or broken pieces of electrodes ruin or damage clothing, and if clothing where foreign objects or broken pieces of electrodes are attached undergoes centrifugation and drying, a person who uses the clothes can then touch them and feel uncomfortable or, in worst case scenario, it can be hurt. However, the installation of filters 180 and 181 can avoid such a situation.

It is not necessary to install both filters 180 and 181. When it is determined that not installing a filter is a problem, one or both filters can be removed.

Returning to Figure 14, in step S423, the rinse water to which the metal ions are added and the treatment agent (softening agent) is stirred by a powerful water flow (powerful spin) and therefore promoted the contact of the clothing with the metal ions and the adhesion of the treatment agent (softening agent) to the clothing.

Through thorough agitation in the powerful spin, the metal ions and the treatment agent (softening agent) can melt evenly in the water and spread to every corner of the clothing. After thorough stirring in the powerful turn for a predetermined time, the flow proceeds to step S424.

In step S424, the situation changes completely. Stirring is performed by a weak water flow (gentle spin). Its objective is to make the metallic ions adhered to the surface of the clothes take effect. As long as there is a flow of water, no matter how weak, there is no possibility for users to mistakenly think that washer 1 is no longer running. Therefore, agitation runs smoothly. However, if there is a method of making users realize that the rinsing process is still active, for example, by displaying an indication on the operation / display panel 81 to capture the attention of users, it is possible to stop the Stirring and let the water stand.

After a period of smooth rotation, which is set to be sufficient for the clothes to absorb the metal ions, the flow proceeds to step S425. Here, the stirring is executed again for safety using a powerful water flow (powerful spin). This helps distribute metal ions to parts of clothing where metal ions have not spread and cause them to adhere firmly.

After step S425, the flow passes to step S406. In step S406, the button 33 rotates repeatedly in forward and reverse directions at short intervals. This allows the clothes to be released and therefore allows them to spread evenly in the drum 30. This is done as a preparation for spin spinning.

Figure 15 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each constituent element from step S422 to step S406.

An example is given to show the time distribution for each step: four minutes for step S423 (powerful turn); four minutes and fifteen seconds for step S424 (smooth turn), five seconds for step S425 (powerful turn) and one minute and forty seconds for step S406 (uniform distribution of clothing). The total time from step s423 to step 406 is ten minutes. The smooth turning period can be replaced by a rest period.

When "rinse with pouring water" is selected, the time for step S425 (powerful turn) is extended from five seconds to one minute, and as shown with a broken line, the main water supply valve 50a is open to supply the water. At this time, the time for step S406 (uniform distribution of clothing) is forty-five seconds.

When a turn is generated, the motor 41 cyclically repeats the cycle ON (rotation in forward direction), OFF, ON (rotation in reverse direction) and OFF. The proportion of ON time and OFF time varies, depending on the volume of water and / or the amount of clothing. For example, the proportion of time (ON / OFF) during operation with a nominal load is as follows: (the unit is one second)

Step S423 (Powerful Turn): 1.9 / 0.7

Step S424 (Smooth turn): 0.6 / 10.0

Step S425 (Powerful Turn): 1.4 / 1.0

Step S406 (Uniform distribution of clothing): 0.9 / 0.4

In the case where metal ions are added in the final rinse process, the total process time is longer, compared to the case where no metal ions are added. Since metal ions require a certain amount of time to fully adhere to clothing, the above program is executed. In this way, metal ions can adhere sufficiently to clothing and provide the desired sterilizing effect.

The distribution of time for step S423 (powerful turn) and time for step S424 (smooth turn), can be set to be constant, regardless of the volume of water inside the drum 30 and / or the amount of clothing. This makes control programming easy.

The distribution of time for step S423 (powerful turn) and time for step S424 (soft turn) may vary according to the volume of water inside the drum 30 and / or the amount of clothing. This allows the relationship between the period of powerful rotation and the period of smooth rotation to be determined according to the volume of water and the amount of clothing, reducing damage to fabrics and avoiding unnecessary consumption of electrical energy.

Basically, it is preferable to add metal ions and a treatment agent (softening agent) separately. This is because when metal ions come into contact with a component of the treatment agent, they change to chemical compounds, losing the antimicrobial effect of metal ions. However, a considerable amount of metal ions remain in the rinse water until the end of the rinse process. In addition, the loss of the effect of the metal ions can be compensated to a certain extent by setting the concentration of the metal ions appropriately. Therefore, by adding the metal ions and the treatment agent (softening agent) simultaneously, the rinsing time is shortened compared to the case in which the metal ions and the treatment agent (softening agent) are added by separate for separate rinsing processes, which leads to the promotion of domestic efficiency, although the effectiveness of the addition of resistance to microbes is slightly reduced.

Although it is inevitable that the metal ions and the treatment agent (softening agent) are in the drum 30, it is desirable to prevent them from coming into contact with each other until they are introduced into the drum 30. In the embodiment of the present invention, the Metal ions are added to the drum 30 from the main water feed passage 52a through the detergent chamber 54. The treatment agent (softening agent) is added to the drum 30 from the treatment agent chamber 55. Since the passage to add metal ions to the rinse water is separated from the passage to add the treatment agent to the rinse water, the metal ions and the treatment agent (softening agent) do not come into contact with each other until they are in the drum 30. Consequently, metal ions do not become chemical components by contact with the high concentration treatment agent (softening agent), nor do they lose their ef antimicrobial effect.

In the description, it is assumed that the final rinse is performed with rinse water stored in the drum 30. However, it is also possible to perform the final rinse by pouring water, namely, as a "rinse with water being poured". In this case, the spilled water contains metal ions.

In case of "rinsing with water that is poured", the metal ions are added to the water that is poured, and in this way it is possible to adhere a necessary amount of metal ions to the clothing without decreasing the concentration of metal ions in the water during the "rinse with water that is poured". When the sterilizing effect is not emphasized, water containing no metal ions can be supplied to reduce the consumption of electrodes 113 and 114.

Either the addition of metal ions, the first treatment substance, or the addition of a treatment agent (softening agent), the second treatment substance, is somewhat optional. It is possible not to make any of the additions or make both additions. When neither of the two additions is executed, the flow passes from step S420 to step S401, and this has already been described. Next, the addition of one of the two types of treatment substances will be described.

In step S421, when the treatment substance to be added is not of the two types, the metal ions and the softening agent, this means that only one of them is selected for the addition. In this case, the flow proceeds to step S426.

In step S426, it is verified whether the treatment substance to be added is a metal ion or not. When it is determined that metal ions will be added, the flow proceeds to step S427; if not, the flow continues to step S428.

In step S427, the main water supply valve 50a is opened and the water flows into the main water supply passage 52a. The secondary water supply valve 50b does not open. When water flows through the ion elution unit 100, the transmission circuit 120 applies a voltage between electrodes 113 and 114 that eludes metal ions that make up the electrodes in the water. When it is determined that a predetermined amount of water containing metal ions has been poured into the drum 30, and a predetermined concentration of metal ions can be obtained in the rinse water, adding non-metal water to a fixed water level, stops the application of a voltage to electrodes 113 and 114. After the ion elution unit 100 stops the generation of metal ions, the main water supply valve 50a continues to supply water until the water level in the drum 30 reaches the preset level.

After step S427, the flow continues to step S423. After that, in the same way as when the metal ions and the treatment agent (softening agent) are added simultaneously, the flow continues from step S423 (powerful spin) to step S424 (smooth spin), and then to step S425 (spin powerful) and to step S406 (uniform distribution of clothing). The smooth turning period can be replaced by a rest period.

If, in step S426, the treatment substance to be added is not metal ions, the treatment substance is the treatment agent (softening agent). In this case, the flow continues to step S428.

In step S428, both the main water feed valve 50a and the secondary water feed valve 50b are open, and water flows into the main water feed passage 52a and the secondary water feed passage 52b. However, the ion elution unit 100 is not in operation and no metal ions are generated. After supplying enough water to produce a siphoning effect to the treatment agent chamber 55, and that the treatment agent (softening agent) is placed in the drum 30 by means of the siphon 57, the secondary feed valve is closed. water 50b

After closing the secondary water feed valve 50b, the main water feed valve 50a continues to feed water and stops the feed when the water level inside the drum 30 reaches a preset level.

After step S428, the flow goes to step S423. After that, in the same way that when the metal ions and the treatment agent (softening agent) are added simultaneously, the flow passes from step S423 (powerful turn) to step S424 (smooth turn) and then to step S425 (powerful turn ) and to step S406 (uniform distribution of clothing). The smooth turning period can be replaced by a rest period.

Thus, even when only one type of treatment substance is added, each step of the powerful turn must be followed to the gentle turn and then to the powerful turn to ensure that the treatment substance adheres to the clothing. However, since it is not necessary to match the step-time distribution for metal ions to that used for the treatment agent (softening agent), the step-time distribution is adjusted to suit the type of treatment substance.

In the case of a treatment agent (softening agent), it does not take long to adhere to clothing, unlike metal ions. Therefore, it is possible that after step S428, only step S423 (powerful turn) and step S406 (uniform distribution of clothing) are followed, and step S423 (powerful turn) can be completed within a period of time short such as two minutes, for example.

When clothes cannot be spread evenly in step S406, the washer 1 vibrates strongly during the next spin process. The vibration resulting from the uneven distribution of clothing is detected by physical detection means such as a sensor, vibration sensor, acceleration sensor and the like or by software that analyzes the pattern of voltage versus motor current 41.

When an uneven distribution of the clothing is detected, the spin rotation of the drum 30 is stopped, and the water is supplied once more and stirred to recover the uniform distribution of the clothing. The recovery of the uniform distribution is called "rinsing to correct the uneven distribution of clothing."

Figure 16 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each element in the rinsing process to correct the uneven distribution of clothing. After finishing the water supply, the water is stirred vigorously in a period of agitation 1 to change the arrangement of the clothes. After that, in the stirring period 2, the stirring is carried out little by little, at short intervals of time, to distribute the clothes evenly in preparation for the spin spin restart. The time distribution is, for example, 2 minutes and 5 seconds for the water supply, one minute for stirring 1 and 30 seconds for stirring 2.

During stirring, the motor 41 cyclically repeats the cycle ON (rotation in forward direction), OFF, ON (rotation in reverse direction) and OFF. The proportion of ON time and OFF time varies, depending on the volume of water and / or the amount of clothing. For example, the proportion of time (ON / OFF) during operation with a nominal load is as follows (the unit is one second).

Stirring 1: 1.9 / 0.7

Stirring 2: 0.9 / 0.4

In the final rinse process, when uneven distribution of clothing is detected during the spinning process after the addition of metal ions, the corrective measures to be taken are different from when metal ions are not added and an uneven distribution is detected of clothes

The first "different corrective measure" is "to supply water containing metal ions to perform the rinse to correct the uneven distribution of the clothes." Thus, in the case where the rinse is performed to correct the uneven distribution of the clothing with The supply of fresh water, since metal ions are added to the water, the effect of antimicrobial treatment on clothing is not lost.

When rinsing is performed to correct the uneven distribution of clothing with the addition of water containing metal ions, it is preferable that the amount of metal ions added is less than the amount in the preceding processes. In this way, it is not necessary to replenish an amount less than that in the preceding processes. In this way, it is not necessary to replenish an unnecessarily large amount of metal ions to clothing, which was already treated with metal ions, and therefore it is possible to restrict the consumption of metal ions.

The second "different corrective measure" is "to supply water that does not contain metal ions and shake it to rinse to correct the uneven distribution of clothing, with an indication and / or warning that the water being poured does not contain metal ions" .

When water containing metal ions is used while correcting the uneven distribution of clothing, the metal of electrodes 113 and 114 is consumed faster than its estimated useful life, and the moment when there are no more metal ions available Quick. However, as indicated above, when rinsing is done to correct the uneven distribution of clothing, using water that does not contain metal ions, to restrict the consumption of metal ions, this is indicated and / or warns users through of display means in the operation / display panel 81 or by voice message, and users know that the desired antimicrobial effect has not been achieved.

The third "different corrective measure" is "stop spin spin by indicating and / or warning that an uneven distribution of clothing has been detected".

In this way, it is possible to obtain the antimicrobial effect that users expect, and at the same time restrict the consumption of metal ions, by not rinsing to correct the uneven distribution of clothing and warning users that a distribution has occurred uneven clothing and letting them correct this imbalance themselves.

When uneven distribution of clothing is detected on different occasions, different corrective measures are taken for each occasion.

If rinsing is done to correct the uneven distribution of clothing using water containing metal ions every time an uneven distribution of clothing is detected, the metal that is the source of the metal ions, namely electrodes 113 and 114, It is consumed in a short period of time. However, with this configuration, by adapting a corrective measure to correct the uneven distribution of clothing without using water containing metal ions, it is possible to restrict the deterioration of electrodes 113 and 114.

As operating alternatives of the washing machine 1, it is possible to provide a plurality of types of corrective measures after detecting the uneven distribution of clothing, and to select the types and / or order of execution of the corrective measures.

In this way, users may determine the corrective measures they wish to use. Namely, users can prioritize the maintenance of a great antimicrobial effect using abundant metal ions

or saving metal ions.

To operate the ion elution unit 100, the constant current circuit 125 of the transmission circuit 120 controls the voltage, such that the current flowing between the electrodes 113 and 114 is constant. In this way, the amount of metal ions eluted per unit of time becomes constant. When the amount of metal ions eluted per unit of time is constant, it is possible to control the concentration of metal ions in the drum 30 by controlling the volume of water flowing through the ion elution unit 100 and the ion elution time metallic, thus obtaining the expected metal ion concentration with ease.

The current flowing between electrodes 113 and 114 is direct current. If the current is alternating current, the following phenomenon occurs. Namely, when the metal ions are silver ions, for example, the silver ions that have eluted return to the electrodes by inverse reaction, that is, Ag + + e- → D Ag, when the polarity of the electrodes is reversed. . However, in the case of direct current, such a phenomenon does not occur.

On any of the electrodes 113 and 114, if it acts as a cathode, scales are deposited. When the direct current continues to flow without reversing the polarity and, as a result, the amount of scale deposit becomes larger, the current must be restricted, and the elution of metal ions does not occur at the predetermined rate. In addition, a "deterioration of one side" phenomenon occurs, in which only one electrode that is used as an anode is consumed at a faster rate than the other. Therefore, the polarity of electrodes 113 and 114 is reversed cyclically.

When used for elution of metal ions, electrodes 113 and 114 gradually deteriorate, which results in a drop in the elution rate of metal ions. When used for a long time, the metal ion elution rate becomes unstable and the predetermined metal ion elution rate is not obtained. Therefore, the metal ion elution unit 100 is replaceable, and when

5 the duration of electrodes 113 and 114 ends, it can be replaced by a new unit. In addition, users are notified, through the operation / display panel 81, that the duration of electrodes 113 and 114 is nearing completion, and therefore appropriate corrective measures must be taken, for example, the replacement of the metal ion unit 100.

It should be understood that the present invention can be carried out in any other way, in addition to that specified.

10 previously as an embodiment, and many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the invention.

It should also be understood that the present invention can be applied to any other type of washing machine in addition to that used in the embodiment described above; that is, the present invention can be applied to all types of washing machines, such as those with a horizontal drum (eg dryer type), inclined drum,

15 that also function as dryers, and those with two separate vats.

Industrial application

The present invention has wide application in washing machines where it is intended to achieve the exploitation of the antimicrobial effect of metal ions in textile articles, regardless of whether they are intended for use in the home or for industrial use.

Claims (3)

1. A washing machine (1) which, in a final rinsing process in a laundry session, is capable of adding antimicrobial metal ions, and is capable of adding a washing treatment agent, to the water inside the drum (30) so that it adheres to clothing, 5 characterized because the final rinse process includes either a first powerful turn period (S423), a second powerful turn period (S425), and a smooth turn period (S424), or, a first powerful turn period (S423), a second powerful turn period (S425) and a rest period (S424), 10 the smooth turn period or rest period (S424) occurs after the first powerful turn period (S423), and the second powerful turn period (S425) occurs after the smooth turn period or rest period (S424 ), Y a duration of the final rinse period in a case where metal ions are added (S422, S427) is longer than the duration of the final rinse process in a case where no metal ions are added but a 15 washing treatment agent (S428). 2. Washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a relationship between the durations of the first powerful turn period (S423) and the smooth turn period (S424), or between the durations of the first powerful turn period (S423) and the rest period (S424) is constant, regardless of the volume of water in the drum (30) and / or the amount of laundry to be washed. 20 3. Washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a relationship between the durations of the first powerful turn period (S423) and the smooth turn period (S424), or between the durations of the first powerful turn period (S423) and the rest period (S424) varies according to the volume of water in the drum (30) and / or the amount of laundry to be washed. 4. Washing machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, 25 where metal ions are generated by an ion elution unit (100) that elutes metal ions by applying a voltage between electrodes.