JP2001170392A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an appropriate disinfecting effect in producing an electrolyte to disinfect a drum or laundry. SOLUTION: An electrolytic device 17 is disposed inside a side part of an upper cover 1a. The electrolytic device 17 is constituted by disposing an electrode 20a forming a positive electrode, and an electrode forming a negative electrode, in the opposed state inside an electrolytic cell 18. DC voltage is applied to both electrodes to produce hypochlorous acid water in the electrolytic cell 18. An electrolyte containing the produced hypochlorous acid water is fed between a rotating drum 4 and a water receiving drum 2 by a feeder 24. The quantity of electricity (the current integrated value) supplied between both electrodes is controlled to be constant.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine provided with an electrolyzer.

[0002]

Conventionally, in a washing machine, washing is performed using a detergent such as powdered soap. However, in this case, insoluble metal soap formed by the reaction between the calcium content in tap water and the surfactant in the detergent sometimes adheres to the tank. This is remarkable in the case of powdered soap composed of higher fatty acid sodium. Also, dirt from the laundry sometimes adhered to the back side of the tub. This dirt absorbed water and caused microbial propagation.

[0003] Also, when clothes are worn, many bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus may adhere from the human body or the outside air, and the bacteria may remain even after washing. In particular, when washing is performed using bath water, many bacteria remain in the bath water.

As a method for solving this problem, there is a method in which a bleach, which is a concentrated solution of sodium hypochlorite, which is generally commercially available, is put in an appropriate amount. However, when the bleach, which is a concentrated solution, comes into contact with the user's hand. There was a risk of rough hands.

[0005] As a solution to the above-mentioned problem of the bleaching method, it has been conventionally considered to equip a washing machine with a device for electrolyzing a saline solution. That is, an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid is generated by electrolyzing a saline solution, and sterilization is performed using the aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid. By the way, in this case, since the electrolysis is performed by applying a constant voltage to a pair of electrodes for the electrolysis, the desired concentration of hypochlorous acid aqueous solution may not be generated. In other words, if the concentration of saline solution is high or low, the amount of generated hypochlorous acid water may be too small or too large, if too small, the sterilizing ability is reduced, and if too large, the discoloration of clothing may occur. was there. In order to prevent this, it is necessary to make a saline solution of a certain concentration, and it is necessary to measure the amount of salt and the amount of water. There was a problem that the work required was not practical.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to generate sterilized hypochlorous acid water by electrolysis so that it can be sterilized while preventing hand roughening. Even if the salt solution concentration fluctuates, it is possible to reliably obtain the required amount of hypochlorous acid water, obtain an appropriate sterilization effect without excess or deficiency. An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of eliminating weighing.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrolysis apparatus comprising a washing tub and a pair of electrodes inside the electrolysis tub for electrolyzing a saline solution in the electrolysis tub. Supply means for supplying the electrolyzed liquid electrolyzed by the electrolyzer from the electrolysis tank to the tank, and the electrolyzer applies a constant amount of electricity between the electrodes. It is characterized in that it is configured to electrolyze saline solution.

In this configuration, the electrolysis apparatus electrolyzes the saline solution in the electrolysis tank to generate hypochlorous acid water, and supplies the electrolysis solution containing the hypochlorous acid water by the supply means. Since the liquid is taken out of the electrolytic bath and supplied to the bath, the bath or the laundry contained in the bath can be sterilized by the electrolytic solution. Since this electrolytic solution is supplied from the electrolytic bath to the tank as it is by the supply means, the electrolytic solution does not touch the user's hand or finger,
There is no risk of causing rough hands. In addition, since a certain amount of electricity is applied between the electrodes to electrolyze the salt solution, even when the concentration of the salt solution differs at each electrolysis, or during one electrolysis, the salt solution is electrolyzed. Even if the concentration of fluctuates, an electrolysis solution containing a required amount of aqueous hypochlorous acid can be generated. That is, the amount of generated hypochlorous acid water is determined by the current and time consumed in the electrolysis, and this current changes depending on the concentration of the saline solution (the electrical conductivity changes). If the integrated value is constant, a fixed amount of hypochlorous acid water can be generated. Therefore, by giving a constant current integrated value, in other words, by giving a constant amount of electricity, it is possible to generate an electrolysis solution containing a required amount of hypochlorous acid water without being influenced by the concentration of the saline solution, and Thus, it is possible to obtain a germicidal effect and eliminate the strict and troublesome measurement of salt and water.

A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect of the invention, the electrolyzer changes and sets the amount of electricity according to conditions. In a washing machine, an object to be sterilized is mainly a tub or mainly a laundry. The water used for washing may be tap water such as tap water, or bath water. The amount of hypochlorous acid water generated by electrolysis, that is, the sterilizing power, can be strong if the target of sterilization is a tank,
If it is a laundry, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of occurrence of discoloration if the sterilizing power is strong. If the water used for washing is clean water, strong sterilizing power is not necessary, but if it is bath water, chlorine is consumed to sterilize dirt in the bath water. It is necessary.

As described above, it is preferable to set an appropriate sterilizing power according to various conditions. However, the above claim 2
In the invention of, since the amount of electricity of the electrolyzer is changed and set according to the conditions, the amount of hypochlorous acid water generated, which is a measure of the sterilizing power, is changed according to the conditions such as the target of sterilization. Appropriate sterilizing power according to various conditions can be obtained.

[0011] The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that the apparatus is provided with a salt-releasing means for gradually releasing salt, and the salt is supplied from the salt-releasing means to water supplied to the electrolysis tank. There is a method of generating salt solution by adding water and salt to the electrolysis tank, but when the amount of salt decreases, it is necessary to replenish the salt sequentially. However, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the salt is gradually supplied from the salt-releasing means to the water supplied to the electrolysis tank. Gradually, salt is released and replenished. Therefore, the number of times of salt replenishment can be reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the electrolysis tank has a gas discharge portion which can be opened and closed, and the supply means has a pump for supplying compressed air into the electrolysis tank.
By supplying compressed air to the electrolysis tank by the pump in a state where the gas discharge part is closed, the electrolytic solution is discharged from the electrolysis tank and supplied to the tank side.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the compressed air is supplied to the electrolysis tank by the pump with the gas discharge section closed, so that the electrolyzed liquid is discharged from the electrolysis tank and supplied to the tank side. Therefore, the electrolysis solution can be supplied without the electrolysis solution coming into contact with the pump, the water resistance and liquid resistance of the pump can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified. become able to.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a diaphragm made of a porous material for restricting the movement of the liquid is provided between the electrodes, and only the electrolytic solution on the anode side of the electrodes is supplied to the tank. The feature is that it is supplied.

The electrolyzed liquid generated in the electrolysis tank includes:
The solution becomes alkaline because it contains all the positive and negative water,
The germicidal action is somewhat low. According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since a diaphragm made of a porous material for restricting the movement of the liquid is provided between the electrodes, acidic water having a high sterilizing efficiency is generated on the anode side. And since only the electrolysis solution on the anode side is supplied to the tank, the sterilization power can be improved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a water channel for supplying water into the electrolysis tank is formed, and the supply of the electrolytic solution to the tank is performed through the water channel in the electrolysis tank. This is characterized in that the cleaning is performed by flushing with water supplied. In the invention of claim 6, since the electrolyzed liquid generated in the electrolyzer is flushed with water and supplied to the tank, the electrolyzed liquid is supplied with a simple configuration unlike the case where a pump is used. be able to. In addition, the inside of the electrolysis tank can be washed with water, and oxidation of metal members such as electrodes can be prevented.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect of the present invention, the electrolytic solution is supplied to the tub when the lid for opening and closing the laundry entrance is closed. In the present invention, the supply of the electrolytic solution to the tub is performed when the lid for opening and closing the laundry entrance is closed, so that the user can be reliably prevented from contacting the electrolytic solution.

The invention of claim 8 is characterized in that in claim 1, the supply of the electrolytic solution to the tub is performed after the end of the detergent washing process of the laundry. Generally, in a washing machine, a detergent washing step, a rinsing step, and a dehydration step are sequentially performed. Therefore, it is better to avoid supplying the electrolytic solution during the detergent washing process as much as possible. That is, in the detergent washing process, the water in the tank contains a large amount of detergent, so that the sterilizing action is reduced. Further, in the rinsing process, the water in the tank has a small amount of detergent, and the germicidal action is less reduced. In addition, in the dehydration step, if the electrolytic solution is supplied to the laundry to be dehydrated, the electrolytic solution can be passed through the laundry, which is suitable for sterilizing or bleaching the laundry. However, in the invention of claim 8, since the supply of the electrolytic solution to the tub is performed after the end of the detergent washing process of the laundry, it is possible to exhibit a sterilizing action at a time suitable for sterilizing. Can,
Lean sterilization can be achieved.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect of the present invention, the supply of the electrolytic solution to the tank is performed in a water-stored state in the rinsing step. In the rinsing step, as described above, a good sterilizing effect can be obtained when the water in the tank contains a small amount of detergent and the electrolyzed liquid is put into this water. In addition, since the electrolytic solution is supplied in the state of water storage, it is possible to prevent the high concentration of the electrolytic solution from contacting the laundry and to prevent the occurrence of discoloration.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, in addition to the washing course, a tub washing course for washing the tub is provided as an operation course, and the supply of the electrolytic solution to the tub is performed.
It is characterized in that it is performed when this tank cleaning course is executed. In general, in a tank cleaning course, water is supplied into the tank, and a tank cleaning agent is supplied into the tank automatically or by a user, and the tank itself is appropriately rotated. In this case, if the electrolysis solution is supplied instead of the bath cleaning agent, the bath can be cleaned well.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect of the present invention, after using the electrolytic solution, a chlorine scavenger or a reducing agent having an unsaturated bond is introduced into the tank. Have. After the sterilization with the electrolysis solution, if the electrolysis solution remains, it is preferable that the electrolysis solution does not survive when not in use, since the laundry may be inadvertently contacted and the color may be discolored. . According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, after the electrolytic solution is used, a chlorine scavenger or a reducing agent having an unsaturated bond is charged into the tank. Can be stopped, which is more effective in preventing discoloration.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, in FIG. 1, a water receiving tank 2 serving as a tank is provided via a suspension mechanism 3 inside the outer box 1, and inside the water receiving tank 2,
This also has a rotatable tub 4 rotatably arranged. A large number of dehydration holes 4a are formed in substantially the entire area of the peripheral wall of the rotary tub 4. A stirring body 5 is rotatably disposed at the inner bottom of the rotary tank 4.

A washing machine motor 6 and a mechanical unit 7 are provided at the outer bottom of the water receiving tank 2. The rotation of the washing machine motor 6 is transmitted to the above-mentioned mechanism unit 7 via a belt transmission mechanism 8. In this mechanism unit 7, the rotation of the washing machine motor 6 is performed during the detergent washing and the rinsing. The rotation is transmitted to the stirring body 5 at a reduced speed, and is transmitted to the rotary tank 4 without deceleration (at a high speed) during dehydration.

A drain valve 10 is provided at a drain port 9 formed at the bottom of the water receiving tank 2, and a drain hose 10a is connected to the drain valve 10. Further, an air trap 11 is formed in the drain port 9, and a water level sensor 12 (not shown in FIG. 1, see FIG. 6) provided in the upper cover 1 a communicates with the air trap 11. It is connected. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper cover 1a is provided with a lid 13 for opening and closing the laundry entrance 1b. The lid 13 is composed of a rear lid 13a and a front lid 1
3b form a two-fold configuration.

As shown in FIG. 4, a locked piece 14 is provided on the back surface of the rear lid 13a. On the other hand, a portion of the upper cover 1a corresponding to the locked piece 14 is provided with a lid. A locking device 15 is provided. The lid lock device 15 is composed of an electromagnetic solenoid,
5a is projected by the plunger when energized and engages with the hole of the locked piece 14, thereby locking the closed state of the lid 13.

Further, inside the rear portion of the upper cover 1a,
A main water supply valve 31 (see FIG. 6), which is an electromagnetic control valve that supplies tap water into the rotary tank 4, is provided through a water supply device (not shown) (including a detergent reservoir or the like). Is supplied into the rotary tank 4. An auxiliary water supply valve 16 is provided in the rear portion of the upper cover 1a. The water discharged from the auxiliary water supply valve 16 is supplied between the water receiving tank 2 and the rotary tank 4 through a water discharge pipe 16a.

An electrolyzer 17 is provided inside the side of the upper cover 1a. This electrolyzer 1
7 will be described with reference to FIG. The electrolysis tank 18 having a rectangular shape is composed of a decomposition tank main body 18a and a removable lid 1.
8b. This lid 18b has an accommodation opening 1
8c is formed, and the accommodation port 18c is plugged with a screw-in type cap 19. In addition,
The cap 19 has a small hole 19a for venting gas. A liquid outlet 18d is formed at a lower portion of the side plate portion of the decomposition tank main body 18a. The electrolytic bath 18 only needs to have a capacity of several tens to several hundreds of ml.

A plate-like electrode 20a constituting an anode and a plate-like electrode 20b constituting a plate-like cathode are arranged inside the decomposition tank main body 18a so as to face each other. The electrodes 20a and 20b are preferably made of iridium, platinum, titanium platinum-plated electrodes, carbon electrodes, or the like. Both electrodes 20a and 20b are a positive power supply of the DC power supply circuit 21,
It is connected to a negative power supply via electric wires 20c and 20d. A liquid inlet of a liquid supply pump 23 is connected to a liquid outlet 18d of the decomposition tank 18a through a connection pipe 22, and a liquid outlet of the liquid supply pump 23 is connected to the auxiliary water supply valve through a connection pipe 23a. It is connected to 16 outflow pipes 16a. The liquid outlet of the liquid supply pump 23 is provided with a check valve (not shown) for preventing the liquid from flowing back into the liquid supply pump 23. Here, the liquid outlet 18d, the connection pipes 22 and 23a, the liquid supply pump 23, the auxiliary water supply valve 16,
A supply device 24 as a supply means is constituted by the water discharge pipe 16a.

In FIG. 6, the DC power supply circuit 21 converts a commercial AC power supply (AC 100 V) into a predetermined voltage and outputs the converted voltage. The DC power supply circuit 21 includes a current detection circuit 21a as current detection means for detecting an input current. And a current transformer 21b. The output voltage Dc of the DC power supply circuit 21
c is supplied to the liquid supply pump 23, the anode 20a, and the cathode 20b via an electrolysis driving circuit 25.

The control circuit 26 includes a microcomputer and an A / D converter.
7 also functions as the electric quantity control means. This control circuit 2
6 is supplied with inputs from a switch input circuit 27, a water level sensor 12, a current detection circuit 21a, and a lid open / close detection switch 28 as lid open / close detection means. The switch input circuit 27 is connected to an operation panel 29.
(See FIG. 2). These switches include a switch for selecting an automatic operation course, a switch for selecting a tank disinfection process for disinfecting the tank during the rinsing process, a switch for selecting bleach disinfection of laundry, a switch for using bath water, and a start switch. It is included. The lid open / close detection switch 28 is provided so as to detect the open / close of the lid 13.

The control circuit 26 controls the display 30 and the lid lock device 15 provided on the operation panel 29, and also controls the main water supply valve 31 provided inside the rear part of the upper cover 1a, Valve 10, auxiliary water valve 1
6 and the washing machine motor 6 are controlled via a drive circuit 32, and the liquid supply pump 23 and the electrodes 20 a and 20 b are controlled via an electrolysis drive circuit 25. The driving circuit 32 is supplied with a commercial AC power supply, the electrolysis driving circuit 25 is supplied with an output voltage Dcc of the DC power supply circuit 21, and the other circuits are supplied with a DC power supply voltage Vcc from a control power supply circuit (not shown). It is supposed to be.

When the automatic driving course is selected and the start switch is operated, the control circuit 26 executes the washing operation in order of the detergent washing step, the rinsing step and the dehydrating step. The case of performing a sterilization process will be described.
It is assumed that the electrolysis tank 18 is filled with a saline solution (preferably having a salt concentration of 0.3 to 0.5% by weight) composed of an appropriate amount of water and salt. In this embodiment, when this automatic operation course is selected and the sterilization process selection switch is operated (sterilization process selection operation), the electrolysis process control is performed as follows.

In the automatic operation course executed by the control circuit 26, the time required from the start of the washing operation to the end of the detergent washing operation is known to some extent in the control program. Hypochlorous acid water is generated. First, the electrode 20
The output voltage Dcc of the DC power supply circuit 21 is applied between a and 20b. Then, a current (input current) flows between the electrodes 20a and 20b in accordance with the concentration of the saline solution, whereby the saline solution is electrolyzed, and particularly, hypochlorite ions, that is, hypochlorite ions, are present on the anode 20a side. Acid water is generated.

The input current is detected by a current detection circuit 21a and supplied to a control circuit 26. Control circuit 26
, The current is integrated, and the power is cut off when the integrated value reaches a predetermined value, that is, when a constant amount of electricity is obtained.

Here, the conditions of the electrolysis in the electrolysis tank 18 are shown below. First, FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the hypochlorous acid concentration (ppm) in the washing water and the bactericidal effect, as investigated by the present inventors. As can be seen from FIG.
When the concentration of hypochlorous acid is 0 [ppm], the number of bacteria (CFU /
ml) was 5 × 10 ⁵ , but when the hypochlorous acid concentration was 0.5 ppm, the number of bacteria decreased to 1 × 10 ² , and when the hypochlorous acid concentration was 1.0 ppm or more, the bacteria Has not been detected. From this, the hypochlorous acid concentration is 0.5p
If it is not less than pm, it is practically effective for sterilization.

On the other hand, in a general household washing machine, the amount of water supplied for washing is at most about 100 liters, so that the required chlorine amount may be 50 mg. For example, assume that 100 ml of a 1% saline solution is electrolyzed. The salt contained here is 1 g. The electrolysis of salt is represented by the following chemical formula.

[0037]

Embedded image

In this case, for example, it is assumed that 30% of 1 g of salt is decomposed. The power required for this is
Since 00 g is 5 × 10 ⁻³ mol, 5 × 10 ⁻³ Faraday = 480 coulombs. If electrolysis is performed at a current of 1 A, 300 mg of available chlorine can be generated in 8 minutes. This is six times the amount of chlorine necessary for one sterilization described above, and it is possible to prepare several required sterilizing solutions in a short time. Therefore, for one sterilization, 1
It is sufficient to supply the amount of / 6. In this case, if the amount of electricity (integrated value of current) at one time is fixed, the effective chlorine amount becomes constant regardless of the salt solution concentration (the time required for electrolysis slightly changes). You do not have to pay attention to keeping it constant.

After the hypochlorous acid water is generated in the electrolysis tank 18 as described above, at the time when water supply into the rotary tank 4 has advanced to some extent during the rinsing process or after the water supply has ended, After the inside of the rotary tub 4 is in the water storage state, the lid lock device 15 is operated to lock the lid 13 in the closed state, and then the auxiliary water supply valve 16 is opened and the liquid supply pump 23 is driven. Opening of the auxiliary water supply valve 16 allows tap water to flow through the water discharge pipe 16a to the rotary tank 4
Side (between the rotary tank 4 and the water receiving tank 2), and by driving the liquid supply pump 23, the electrolysis solution containing the hypochlorous acid solution is sucked out from the outlet 18 d of the electrolysis tank 18. The water flows into the water discharge pipe 16a and is supplied to the rotary tank 4 while being diluted with the tap water. In this case, the feed pump 2
By appropriately setting the driving time of No. 3, an amount of the electrolysis solution required for one sterilization can be supplied. The electrolyzed liquid flowing between the rotating tank 4 and the water receiving tank 2 diffuses well into the rotating tank 4 through the dehydration holes 4a of the rotating tank 4.

Next, for example, when the washing bleaching operation is started by operating the switch for selecting the automatic operation course after operating the bleach sterilization selection switch for the laundry, An electrolyzed solution containing water is generated, and this electrolyzed solution is supplied to the rotary tank 4 during the rinsing process. In this case, it is preferable to increase the set value of the amount of electricity so that the amount of chlorine is slightly increased. As a result, it is possible to supply an electrolytic solution having a chlorine amount suitable for bleaching laundry,
Bleaching of laundry can be performed reliably.

When bath water is set in the automatic operation course by the bath water use setting switch and the bath sterilization processing selection switch is operated, the bath water is used at the time of rinsing. In this case, the set value of the amount of electricity is increased so that the amount of chlorine in the electrolyzed solution is slightly increased to generate the electrolyzed solution. The reason is,
In the case of bath water, since the electrolysis solution is consumed to sterilize the dirt (organic matter), it is expected that the sterilizing action on the tub or the laundry will be reduced. Increasing the value prevents a decrease in the bactericidal action on the tub or laundry.

According to this embodiment, the electrolysis apparatus 17 electrolyzes the saline solution in the electrolysis tank 18 to generate hypochlorous acid water, and the generated hypochlorous acid solution is produced. Is supplied from the electrolysis tank to the rotary tank 4 by the supply device 24, and is supplied to the rotary tank 4 and the water receiving tank 2 or the rotary tank by the electrolytic solution containing hypochlorous acid water. 4 can be sterilized. Since the hypochlorous acid water does not touch the user's hand or finger, there is no risk of causing rough hands. In addition, since a constant amount of electricity (current integrated amount) is applied between the pair of electrodes 20a and 20b to electrolyze the salt solution, even if the concentration of the salt solution differs in each electrolysis, Alternatively, even if the concentration of saline solution fluctuates during one electrolysis, a required amount of hypochlorous acid water can be generated. As a result, it is possible to obtain an appropriate sterilization effect without excess or deficiency.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the electrolyzer 17
The amount of electricity is changed and set according to the conditions. Therefore, the amount of hypochlorous acid water generation (the amount of chlorine generation), which is a measure of sterilization power, is changed according to the conditions for sterilization, such as tap water (upper water). (Water) sterilization of the tub and laundry in washing using water, bleaching of laundry in washing using tap water, sterilization of tub and laundry in washing using bath water, etc. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain an appropriate sterilizing power according to various conditions.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the supply of the electrolytic solution is performed in a water-reserved state during the rinsing step, so that the sterilizing process is performed as compared with the case where the electrolytic solution is supplied during the detergent washing step. The effect can be reduced.
That is, in the rinsing step, since the detergent in the water in the rotating tub 4 is small, the decrease in the sterilizing effect when the electrolyzed liquid is put into the water is small. In addition, since the electrolytic solution is supplied in the state of water storage, it is possible to prevent the high concentration of the electrolytic solution from coming into contact with the laundry and to prevent the laundry from being discolored.

In particular, according to this embodiment, the electrolyzer 17
Is supplied between the rotary tank 4 and the water receiving tank 2, the back surface of the dirty rotary tank 4 and the inner surface of the water receiving tank 2 can be satisfactorily sterilized. According to the present embodiment, the lid 13 is locked in the closed state when supplying the electrolytic solution, that is, the electrolytic solution is supplied when the lid 13 is in the closed state. Contact with the electrolysis solution is reliably eliminated.

In this case, the supply time of the electrolytic solution is not limited to the rinsing process, but may be any time after the end of the detergent washing process of the laundry. For example, in the dehydration step, if the electrolysis solution is supplied to the laundry to be dehydrated, the electrolysis solution can be passed through the laundry, which is suitable for sterilizing or bleaching the laundry. In this case, the electrolytic solution is supplied to the inside of the rotary tank 4. Then, it is preferable that the rotary tank 4 is rotated at a low rotation speed, for example, 200 rpm while sequentially supplying the electrolytic solution. In the case where the electrolytic solution is supplied in the rinsing step, a rinsing step in which the electrolytic solution is not supplied may be performed thereafter.
In this case, excess chlorine can be removed, and the occurrence of discoloration of the laundry can be reliably eliminated.

In the first embodiment, the electrolyzer 17
A predetermined voltage was continuously applied between the electrodes 20a and 20b. However, the applied voltage was increased at the beginning of the electrolysis to increase the current charge, and after the electrolysis was stabilized, the applied voltage was lowered to reduce the current. The amount may be reduced.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8 as a second embodiment of the present invention, the voltage application pattern may be changed according to the concentration of the saline solution. That is, the control circuit 26
Applies a predetermined constant voltage between the electrodes 20a and 20b. Then, the concentration of the saline solution is determined from the current value detected by the current detection circuit 21a. That is, focusing on the fact that the conductivity increases as the concentration of the saline solution increases, the salt solution concentration is determined according to the detected current value. When it is determined that the saline solution concentration is low, the on-duty ratio with respect to the energization cycle of the applied voltage is increased as shown in FIG. 8A, and when it is determined that the saline solution concentration is high, as shown in FIG. ), The on-duty ratio of the applied voltage is reduced. As a result, the time required for the generation of the electrolytic solution can be made substantially constant regardless of the salt solution concentration,
It becomes easy to set the electrolysis generation start timing and supply timing in the washing operation.

Next, FIGS. 9 and 10 show a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the following points are set forth in the first embodiment.
Is different from the embodiment. That is, the electrolysis apparatus 17 includes, for example, a rectangular rod-shaped sustained-release body 33 as the salt sustained-release means. The sustained release body 33 has a knob 35 at the upper part of the sustained release main body 36. The sustained release main body 34 has a configuration in which a nonwoven fabric formed of polyester or phenol resin is impregnated with salt. This sustained release body 33 is
The electrolysis tank 18 is inserted into the electrolysis tank 18 through an arrangement hole 34 formed in the lid 18b. In this case, the knob 35 is exposed, and the knob 35 can be taken out.

In this embodiment, by storing water in the electrolysis tank 18, the salt gradually exudes from the sustained-release body 33 over a long period of time to produce a salt solution. Therefore, the frequency of replenishing the salt becomes extremely low. The sustained-release main body 34 may be formed by dispersing and solidifying a salt powder into a slightly soluble polymer such as polyethylene glycol in water.

FIG. 11 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the electrolysis tank 41 has a cylindrical shape and the sustained-release body 42 has a cylindrical shape. This is different from the third embodiment. 11 and FIG.
The same reference numerals are given to the same functional portions (some have different shapes). In this embodiment, the same effect as in the third embodiment can be obtained.

FIG. 12 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the following points. That is, on the upper part of the electrolysis tank 51 of the electrolyzer 50, a degassing pipe 53 which is a gas discharging part provided with a degassing valve 52 formed of an electromagnetic control valve is provided, and the degassing valve 52 is closed. Then, the electrolysis tank 51 is closed. Furthermore, in the upper part of this electrolysis tank 51,
A compressed air supply pipe 56 having a pump 55 for compressed air generation, which is a part of the supply device 54 serving as a supply unit, is connected. Also, a pump is not provided in the liquid discharge pipe 57 constituting the remaining portion of the supply device 54.

In this configuration, when supplying the electrolysis solution generated by electrolysis, the compressed air is pumped into the electrolysis tank 51 by the pump 55 after closing the vent valve 52 of the vent pipe 53. Supply. As a result, the internal air pressure rises, and the electrolyzed liquid in the electrolysis tank 51 flows out of the water pipe 57 and flows out to the rotary tank 4 side.

According to this embodiment, the pump 55 supplies compressed air to the electrolysis tank 51 with the gas venting pipe 53 closed, so that the electrolysis solution is discharged from the electrolysis tank 51. As a result, the electrolysis solution can be supplied without the electrolysis solution coming into contact with the pump 55.
The water resistance and liquid resistance can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified.

FIG. 13 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention, which differs from the first embodiment in the following points. That is, a diaphragm 63 made of a porous material (for example, a nonwoven fabric) that restricts the movement of a liquid is provided between a pair of electrodes 62a and 62b provided in an electrolyzer tank 61 of an electrolyzer 60. The plus side and the minus side of the DC power supply 64 are switched by a changeover switch 65 composed of a relay switch and applied to the electrodes 62a, 62b (see arrows A +, A-, B +, B-). Further, a liquid supply passage 67 constituting the supply device 66 is provided, and one region 61a and the other region 61b of the electrolysis tank 61 partitioned by the diaphragm 63 are connected to the rotary tank 4 by the liquid supply passage 67. It is switched to the side or the drain hose 10a to allow communication. The liquid supply path 67 is provided with switching valves 68 and 69 formed of electromagnetic control valves.
By controlling the switching of 69, the electrolysis solution in one area 61a of the electrolysis tank 61 is guided to the rotary tank 4 side (see arrow Ha) and the electrolysis liquid is guided to the drain hose 10a side (see arrow Hb). And the other area 61 of the electrolysis tank 61
It is possible to switch between a case where the electrolysis solution in b is guided to the rotary tank 4 side (see arrow Ia) and a case where it is guided to the drain hose 10a side (see arrow Ib). The changeover switch 65 and the changeover valves 68 and 69 are controlled by a control circuit including a microcomputer.

In this embodiment, the electrode 62
Only the electrolytic solution on the anode side among the liquids a and 62b is supplied to the rotary tank 4 side. Also, the electrodes 62a, 62b
Of these, one is an anode and the other is a cathode, which is alternately switched at a required time, thereby preventing the electrodes 62a and 62b from being worn.

According to this embodiment, since the diaphragm 63 made of a porous material for restricting the movement of the liquid is provided between the pair of electrodes 62a and 62b provided in the electrolysis tank 61,
Acid water with good sterilization efficiency is generated on the anode side, and
Since only the electrolytic solution on the anode side is supplied to the rotary tank 4, the sterilizing action can be prevented from lowering.

FIG. 14 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the following points. That is, an upper water inlet 72 a of an electrolyzer tank 72 of an electrolyzer 71 is connected to a water supply pipe 70 for guiding tap water into the rotary tank 4 through a connection pipe 73, and a lower part of the electrolyzer tank 72. Is connected to a water supply pipe 70 through a connection pipe 75 provided with a valve 74 composed of an electromagnetic control valve. In this case, the connection part 70a of the water supply pipe 70 with the water inlet 72a is connected to the outlet 72a.
b upstream of the connecting portion 71b (the water supply pipe 7).
The flow direction of 0 is indicated by arrow J). Further, a sustained release body 74 is provided inside the gas electrolysis tank 72. The water supply pipe 70, the connection pipes 73 and 75, and the valve 74 constitute a supply device 76 as a supply means.

In this embodiment, water is supplied to the electrolysis tank 72 with the valve 74 closed.
Water may be supplied from the cap 72c (with vent hole)
And the user may appropriately supply water), the sustained release body 74
Gradually releases the salt to produce a saline solution, and
The electrodes 20a and 20b are energized so as to have a certain amount of electricity to generate hypochlorous acid water. Then, when water is supplied through the water supply pipe 70, the valve 74 is opened. Then, water passing through the water supply pipe 70 flows into the electrolysis tank 72 from the connection portion 70a,
Then, the electrolyzed liquid in the inside is pushed out from the liquid outlet 72b, returned to the water supply pipe 70 from the connection part 70b, and supplied to the rotary tank 4 side.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the electrolysis solution generated in the electrolysis tank 72 is flushed with water and supplied to the rotary tank 4 side. Thus, the electrolysis solution can be supplied. Moreover, the inside of the electrolysis tank 72 can be washed with water, and oxidation of metal members such as the electrodes 20a and 20b can be prevented.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments,
You may implement as follows. As an operation course, a tub cleaning course for cleaning the tub may be provided in addition to the washing course, and the supply of the electrolytic solution to the tub may be performed during the execution of the tub cleaning course. In this way, the washing of the tub can be sufficiently performed without any concern about discoloration of the laundry. That is, the tank cleaning course is generally controlled as follows. Water is supplied into the rotating tub automatically or after a user puts a detergent for washing the tub into the rotating tub in a state where laundry is not stored, and the rotating tub is left for a predetermined time (about 10 minutes). ) Rotate, and then drain while rotating the rotary tank (rotation is also completed at the end of drainage).

In such a tank cleaning course, the electrolytic solution is supplied so as to have a chlorine dilution concentration of 1 ppm in the tank instead of the detergent for cleaning the tank. In this manner, as described above, the washing of the tub can be sufficiently performed without any concern about discoloration of the laundry or the like.

In another embodiment, a chlorine scavenger or a reducing agent having an unsaturated bond may be charged into the tank after using the electrolysis solution. In other words, if the electrolyzed liquid remains after sterilization with the electrolyzed liquid, the laundry may be inadvertently contacted with the laundry and discoloration may occur. Is preferred. However, after using the electrolyzed solution, a chlorine scavenger having an unsaturated bond (for example, alpha olefin sulfonsan salt) or a reducing agent is charged into the tank to reduce the chlorine in the remaining electrolyzed solution. The action can be stopped, which is more effective in preventing discoloration.

Further, as another embodiment, as for the supply time of the electrolytic solution, after the spin-drying process is completed, the removal of the laundry is automatically determined (this can be determined by detecting the open / close state of the lid switch). Thereafter, the electrolysis solution may be supplied. In this case, since the laundry is sterilized without being in the tub, there is no concern about discoloration of the laundry.

As another embodiment, the electrolytic solution may be supplied immediately after the drainage after the rinsing step is completed. In this case, the laundry contains enough water and the electrolyzed liquid soaks well throughout the laundry,
Bactericidal action becomes perfect. In particular, since the washing water is not stored in the tub, the degree of dilution as the electrolysis solution is small, and a sufficient sterilizing effect can be obtained even if the chlorine concentration is lowered from the beginning. Therefore, the generation time of the electrolysis solution can be reduced. Further, the electrolysis solution may be supplied to the inside of the rotary tank.

[0066]

As apparent from the above description, the present invention has the following effects. According to the invention of claim 1, the electrolysis apparatus electrolyzes the saline solution in the electrolysis tank to generate hypochlorous acid water, and the electrolysis solution containing the generated hypochlorous acid water Is supplied from the electrolysis tub to the tub by the supply means, so that the tub or the laundry contained in the tub can be sterilized, and
Since the electrolysis solution does not touch the user's hand or finger, there is no rough hand. In addition, since a certain amount of electricity is applied between the electrodes to electrolyze the salt solution, even when the concentration of the salt solution differs at each electrolysis, or during one electrolysis, the salt solution is electrolyzed. Even if the concentration fluctuates, the electrolysis solution containing the required amount of hypochlorous acid water can be generated, and an appropriate sterilization effect without excess or shortage can be obtained. Can be lost.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the amount of electricity of the electrolyzer is changed and set according to the conditions.
The amount of hypochlorous acid water generation, which is a measure of the sterilizing power, is changed according to the conditions such as the target of sterilization, so that appropriate sterilizing power according to various conditions can be obtained. According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the salt-releasing means for gradually releasing the salt, and the salt-releasing means supplies the salt to the water supplied to the electrolysis tank. Even if it decreases, the salt is gradually released from the salt release means and replenished, so that the number of times of salt replenishment can be reduced.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the electrolysis tank is provided with an openable and closable gas discharge section, the supply means is provided with a pump for supplying compressed air into the electrolysis tank, and the gas discharge section is closed. By supplying compressed air to the electrolytic bath by the pump, the electrolytic solution is taken out of the electrolytic bath and supplied to the tank side, so that the electrolytic solution does not come into contact with the pump. The pump can be supplied, and the water and liquid resistance of the pump can be reduced, so that the cost can be reduced and the configuration can be simplified. According to the fifth aspect, since a diaphragm made of a porous material that restricts the movement of a liquid is provided between the electrodes, and only the electrolytic solution on the anode side of the electrodes is supplied to the tank, the sterilizing power is reduced. Improvement can be achieved.

According to the invention of claim 6, a water channel for supplying water to the electrolysis tank is formed, and the supply of the electrolytic solution to the tank is performed by the water supplied to the electrolysis tank via the water channel. In this case, unlike the case where a pump is used, the electrolysis solution can be supplied with a simple configuration, and the inside of the electrolysis tank can be washed with water. Oxidation of such metal members can also be prevented. According to the invention of claim 7, since the supply of the electrolytic solution to the tub is performed when the lid for opening and closing the laundry entrance is closed, it is ensured that the user comes into contact with the electrolytic solution. Can be lost.

According to the invention of claim 8, since the supply of the electrolytic solution to the tub is performed after the end of the detergent washing process of the laundry, it is possible to exhibit a sterilizing action at a time suitable for sterilizing. And sterilization without waste can be achieved.
According to the invention of claim 9, the supply of the electrolytic solution to the tank is performed by:
Since the washing process is performed in a water-stored state, a good sterilizing effect can be obtained, and a high-concentration electrolysis solution can be prevented from coming into contact with the laundry, and discoloration can be prevented.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the washing course, a tub washing course for washing the tub is provided as the operation course, and the supply of the electrolytic solution to the tub is performed during the execution of the tub washing course. Therefore, washing of the tub can be sufficiently performed without any concern about discoloration of the laundry or the like.
According to the invention of claim 11, after using the electrolytic solution,
Since a chlorine scavenger or a reducing agent having an unsaturated bond is added to the tank, the action of chlorine in the remaining electrolysis solution can be stopped, which is more effective in preventing discoloration.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional side view of an entire washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the entire washing machine as viewed from above.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the entire washing machine from above with the lid open.

FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway plan view of a lid lock device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an electrolyzer.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the concentration of hypochlorous acid and the bactericidal effect.

FIG. 8 is a waveform diagram of a voltage application pattern according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an electrolyzer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a sustained release body.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an electrolyzer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an electrolyzer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an electrolyzer according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an electrolyzer according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 is a water receiving tank (tank), 4 is a rotary tank (tank), 6 is a washing machine motor, 13 is a lid, 15 is a lid lock device, 16 is an auxiliary water supply valve, 17 is an electrolyzer, 18 is an electrolyzer, 19 is a cap, 20a and 20b are electrodes, 21 is a DC power supply circuit,
21a current detection circuit, 23 is a liquid supply pump, 24 is a supply device (supply means), 26 is a control circuit, 33 is a sustained release body (salt slow release means), 50 is an electrolyzer, 51 is an electrolyzer,
53 is a degassing pipe (gas releasing portion), 54 is a supply device (supply means), 60 is an electrolyzer, 61 is an electrolyzer, 62a and 62b are electrodes, 63 is a diaphragm, 64a is a changeover switch, and 64 is supply Device (supply means), 70 is a water supply pipe, 71 is an electrolyzer, 72 is an electrolyzer, 73, 7
4 is a connection pipe, 76 is a supply device (supply means).

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An electrolysis apparatus comprising: a washing tub; a pair of electrodes inside the electrolysis tub; and an electrolyzer for electrolyzing a saline solution in the electrolysis tub; Supply means for supplying an electrolytic solution out of the electrolytic tank and supplying the electrolytic solution to the tank, wherein the electrolytic apparatus is configured to apply a certain amount of electricity between the electrodes to electrolyze a saline solution. Features washing machine. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the electrolyzer changes and sets the amount of electricity according to conditions. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a salt-releasing means for gradually releasing the salt, and from the salt-releasing means, the salt is supplied to the water supplied to the electrolysis tank. . 4. The electrolysis tank has an openable and closable gas discharge section, and the supply means has a pump for supplying compressed air into the electrolysis tank, and the pump discharges compressed air with the gas discharge section closed. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the electrolytic solution is supplied from the electrolytic bath to the electrolytic bath by supplying the electrolytic solution from the electrolytic bath. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein a diaphragm made of a porous material for restricting the movement of the liquid is provided between the electrodes, and only the electrolytic solution on the anode side of the electrodes is supplied to the tank. The washing machine according to 1. 6. A water channel for supplying water into the electrolytic bath is formed, and the supply of the electrolytic solution to the bath is performed by flushing the electrolytic bath with the water supplied through the water channel. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein 7. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the supply of the electrolytic solution to the tub is performed when a lid for opening and closing the laundry entrance is closed. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the supply of the electrolysis solution to the tub is performed after the end of the detergent washing process of the laundry.
The washing machine as described. 9. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the supply of the electrolysis solution to the tub is performed in a water-stored state in a washing and washing process of the laundry. 10. An operation course comprising a washing course and a tank washing course for washing a tank, wherein the electrolytic solution is supplied to the tank when the tank washing course is executed. The washing machine according to claim 1. 11. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein after using the electrolysis solution, a chlorine scavenger or a reducing agent having an unsaturated bond is charged into the tub.