JP2001187294A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing result which is free from any molds or odor stuck on the washing, and sufficiently clean. SOLUTION: Ozone generated in an ozone generator 35 is pushed out by the air fed from an air pump 34, and fed into an inner basket 4 from a bottom of the inner basket 4 through a ozone feed passage comprising a connection pipe 43, a valve case 19a of a water discharge valve 19, a water outlet 18 of a outer tub 2, a hole 11 in an agitator 10, and a space 12, ozone is dissolved in washing water in the inner basket 4, and the washing water, and the washing stored in the inner basket 4 can be bacteria-removed thereby.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a washing machine having a sterilizing function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a washing machine, washing water is supplied into a washing tub containing laundry and detergent is supplied to the washing tub.
Washing is performed by stirring them, and then drainage is performed to discharge contaminated washing water from the washing tub. Then, the same water supply and rotation of the washing tub (also used as a dewatering tub), and the same water supply are performed. Rinsing is performed by the same agitation, drainage is performed in the same manner, and then the washing tub is rotated at a high speed to perform dehydration.

[0003]

However, in this case, during washing, a surfactant in the detergent reacts with calcium in the washing water to form an insoluble metal soap, which is formed on the back side (outer peripheral surface) of the washing tub. ) And other parts. In addition, fiber debris and dirt separated from the laundry also adhere to and accumulate on those portions, and the deposited metal soap, fiber debris, and dirt absorb moisture and produce microorganisms ( Fungi), and as a result, mold and odor are generated. In the subsequent operation, they enter the washing tub together with the washing water and adhere to the laundry, so that it is not possible to obtain a sufficiently clean washing result. There was a problem that.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and accordingly, has as its object to provide a washing machine capable of obtaining a sufficiently clean washing result without mold and odor attached to the laundry. It is in.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, a washing machine according to the present invention comprises a washing / dewatering tub, and an ozone supply passage extending from the bottom of the tub to the inside of the tub. An ozone generator connected to the ozone supply path; and an air pump for supplying air to the ozone generator and extruding the generated ozone, and the ozone pushed by the air pump is supplied to the bottom of the tank through the ozone supply path. From inside the tank.
Invention).

According to this method, ozone is supplied into the tub from the bottom of the tub, so that the ozone dissolves in the washing water in the tub, thereby disinfecting the washing water and thus removing the laundry. Bacteria.

In this case, a means for supplying ozone generated by the ozone generator into the tank from above the tank is provided, and ozone is supplied from the bottom of the tank into the tank through the ozone supply path. Feeding into the tank from above the tank,
It is preferable to select and execute it according to the driving process (the invention of claim 2). In this case, ozone is supplied from the bottom of the tub into the tub or from above the tub into the tub depending on the operation stroke, thereby more effectively disinfecting the laundry.

In this case, the supply of ozone into the tank from the bottom of the tank is performed in the washing and rinsing steps, and the supply of ozone into the tank from above the tank is performed in the steps of drainage and dehydration. It is better to carry out (the invention of claim 3). In this one, ozone is supplied into the tank from the bottom of the tank,
The washing is performed in the washing and rinsing processes in which the laundry is immersed in the washing water, and the supply of ozone into the tub from above the tub is performed in the draining and dehydrating processes in which the laundry is exposed. Bacteria can be more effectively removed.

On the other hand, a selection means for operating without supplying ozone into the tank may be provided (the invention of claim 4).
In this type, when washing laundry such as delicate clothing that may be deteriorated by contact with ozone or new colored clothing that may be discolored, or when a user wants to disinfect the laundry. The operation when not performed is performed as desired by the selection by the selection means.

Further, there is provided an entrance for taking in and out the laundry into and out of the tub, a lid for opening and closing the entrance, and a lid lock device for locking the lid in a closed state. It may be activated when ozone is present in the chamber (the invention of claim 5). In this case, it is possible to lock the lid in the closed state at least when ozone is present in the tank, thereby preventing the user from sucking ozone or touching ozone.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
This will be described with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 2 shows a configuration of a so-called dehydrating / washing machine as a whole, in which an outer tub 2 functioning as a water tub is elastically supported by an elastic support mechanism 3 and arranged inside an outer box 1.

Inside the outer tub 2, an inner tub 4 for washing and dewatering is rotatably disposed. The inner tub 4 has holes 5, 5 on the peripheral side and the bottom, respectively. 6 are formed. A pumping channel 7 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the inner tank 4, and a filter 8 for catching lint is provided at the upper end of the pumping channel 7. Further, for example, a liquid-sealed rotary balancer 9 is provided at the upper edge of the inner tank 4.

An agitator 10 is rotatably arranged in the lower portion of the inner tank 4, and the agitator 10 also has a number of holes 11 formed therein. Further, a gap 12 is provided between the outer peripheral portion of the stirring body 10 and the inner peripheral surface of the inner tank 4. In addition, the stirring body 10
Has a front blade 10a on the upper surface and a rear blade 10b on the lower surface.

A drive mechanism 13 is provided below the outer tub 2 and has a motor 14 as a drive source. In addition, a belt transmission mechanism 15, a clutch mechanism 16, and a brake A stirring body 1 having a mechanism 17 and the like
0 and the inner tank 4 are selectively rotated according to the operation stroke.

A drain valve 19 connected to a drain port 18 formed at the bottom of the outer tank 2 by a valve case 19a, and a drain hose 20 connected to the drain valve 19 are provided below the outer tank 2.
Is arranged. Further, an air trap 21 is formed in a portion of the outer tank 2 adjacent to the drain port 18, and an air tube 22 is connected to the air trap 21. A water level sensor 23 (see FIG. 7), which is a water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the outer tub 2, is connected via a line 22. The water level sensor 23 is disposed inside a top cover 24 mounted on the top of the outer box 1. An overflow channel 25 is provided on the outer side of the outer tub 2, and a ring-shaped tub cover 26 is mounted on the upper edge of the outer tub 2.

As shown in FIG. 1, the top cover 24 is provided with an operation panel 27 for performing various operations related to driving at the forefront of the upper surface, and a lid 28 at the rear thereof. The lid 28 holds the laundry 2 with respect to the inner tub 4.
9 (see FIGS. 9 and 10), which opens and closes an entrance 30 formed in the top cover 24 so that the front part 28a and the rear part 28b can be folded into two when opened.

FIG. 3 shows the structure of the lid 28 in detail. The front part 28a and the rear part 28b of the lid 28 are connected by a connecting hinge 28c. The rear end of the lid 28 is pivotally supported on the top cover 24 by a pivot hinge 28d.
Has been extended. Further, a switch operating mechanism 31 and a lid switch 32 are provided further behind (in the rear portion of the top cover 24) than the projection 28e. The lid switch 32 is opened and closed by opening and closing the lid 28. The opening / closing operation is performed from 28e via the switch operation mechanism 31.
Therefore, the lid switch 32 responds to the opening and closing of the lid 28 and functions as a lid opening / closing detecting means for detecting the opening / closing of the lid 28.

On the other hand, a hole 28g serving as a locked portion is formed in the frontmost hanging wall 28f of the lid 28.
In the front portion of the top cover 24, a lid lock device 33 is disposed. The lid lock device 33 is made of, for example, an electromagnet, and has a locking piece 33b attached to its plunger 33a.
3b is protruded as shown in the drawing to penetrate through the hole 28g, thereby locking the lid 28 in the closed state.
8 is locked in a closed state.

As shown in FIG. 1, an air pump 34 and an ozone generator 3 are provided on the right side of the top cover 24.
5 and the switching device 36 are arranged in this case in a straight line back and forth. The air pump 34 sucks air from below using, for example, a motor as a drive source and sends the air under pressure to the ozone generator 35 side. The air pump 34 is connected to the ozone generator 35 by a connection pipe 37 made of, for example, polyvinyl chloride. are doing.

On the other hand, the ozone generator 35 has a ceramic elongated substrate 38 shown in FIGS.
have. An electrode 39 is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 38 along the longitudinal direction, and an electrode 40 which is wider than the electrode 39 and forms a counter electrode to the electrode 39 is provided inside the substrate 38. In this configuration, the ozone generator 35 applies a high voltage between the electrodes 39 and 40 to
A creeping discharge D is generated along the upper surface 8 to generate ozone.

The switching device 36 is composed of, for example, a three-way valve. As shown in FIG. 1, one of the ports is connected to the ozone outlet of the ozone generator 35 by a connecting pipe 41 made of, for example, polyvinyl chloride. I have. One end of a connection pipe 42 also made of polyvinyl chloride is connected to one of the remaining two ports of the switching device 36, and one end of a connection pipe 43 also made of polyvinyl chloride is connected to the other. Are connected.

The other end of one connection pipe 42 is connected to a water injection case 44 provided at the rear center of the top cover 24. As shown in FIG. 2, the water injection case 44 has a rectangular box shape, and has a connection port 45 provided for connection with the connection pipe 42 at a lower center of the rear part. The spout 46 is provided at the lower side approximately the entire width. A partition 48 having a large number of holes 47 is provided in the upper inside of the water injection case 44, and a water supply valve 49 is connected to the rear of a portion above the partition 48. The water supply valve 49 is for supplying tap water, and is connected to a tap (not shown).

Further, a detergent case 50 is accommodated in a portion of the water injection case 44 below the partition portion 48 (a portion facing the connection port 45) so as to be able to be drawn out. The supplied tap water is dispersed by the holes 47 of the partition 48 and poured into the detergent case 50, dissolves the detergent contained in the detergent case 50, and overflows with the detergent from the rear portion of the detergent case 50. , Water injection case 4
The liquid is supplied from the outlet 46 into the inner tank 4 through the inner bottom surface of the inner tank 4 (see arrow X in FIG. 9).

The switching device 3 is provided from the ozone generator 35.
6. Ozone is supplied through the connection pipe 42 or the connection pipe 43, and the ozone supplied through the connection pipe 42 further passes directly on the inner bottom surface of the water injection case 44 and also into the inner tank 4 from the injection port 46. Supplied, so that the connection pipe 42 and the water injection case 44
It functions as a means for supplying ozone generated by the ozone generator 35 into the inner tank 4 from above the inner tank 4.

As shown in FIG. 1, the connection pipe 43 is wound around one hanging rod 3a of the elastic support mechanism 3 and guided to the lower part in the outer box 1, and the lower end, which is the other end, is drained. Valve 1
9 is connected to the valve case 19a. Here, connection pipe 4
3, the valve case 19a of the drain valve 19, the drain port 18 of the outer tank 2, the hole 6 at the bottom of the inner tank 4, the hole 11 of the stirring body 10, and the gap 12 (See arrow Y in FIG. 10). Therefore, these are connected to the ozone supply path which supplies the ozone supplied from the connection pipe 43 into the inner tank 4 from the bottom of the inner tank 4 into the inner tank 4. It is designed to function as. In addition, an ozone concentration sensor 56, which is an ozone concentration detecting means for detecting the concentration of ozone around the top cover 24, is disposed inside the left side of the top cover 24.

FIG. 6 shows the structure of the operation panel 27 in detail.
a, a start switch 51 also serving as a pause switch
b, various operation switches 51 for selecting a stroke, setting a reservation, setting a water level, and the like, including a "ozone" switch 51c and a "course" switch 51d. Further, the operation panel 27 includes a display 52a for displaying “ozone washing”, and also includes a selection course,
Various indicators 52 for displaying the contents of the process, the set water level, and the like are also provided.

FIG. 7 schematically shows an electrical configuration centered on the control device 53. The control device 53 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer and functions as control means for controlling the overall operation of the washing machine. It has become.
The control device 53 receives various operation signals from various operation switches 51 of the operation panel 27, receives a water level detection signal from the water level sensor 23, and receives a lid open / close detection signal from the lid switch 32. Then, an ozone concentration detection signal is input from the ozone concentration sensor 56.

Then, the control device 53, based on these inputs and a control program stored in advance,
While inputting an operation control signal to various indicators 52 of the operation panel 27, the lid lock device 33, the water supply valve 49,
A drive control signal is supplied to a switching circuit 36, an ozone generator 35, an air pump 34, a drain valve 19, and a drive circuit 55 for driving the motor 14. The water supply valve 49
The switching device 36 and the drain valve 19 are of an electric type using an electromagnet or a motor as a drive source, and the clutch mechanism 16 and the brake mechanism 17 of the drive mechanism 13 are configured to interlock with opening and closing of the drain valve 19. ing.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. FIG. 8 shows a standard course. After the user operates the “course” switch 51 d of the operation panel 27 to select the standard course, the “start” switch 5
The control device 53 executes the operation based on the operation of 1b, and the water supply process is executed first. In this water supply stroke, the water supply valve 49 is opened while the drain valve 19 is closed, so that the supplied tap water is
As described above, the detergent in the detergent case 50 is dissolved and supplied from the outlet 46 of the water supply case 44 into the inner tank 4 as shown by an arrow X in FIG.

When the water level in the inner tank 4 reaches the first set water level, the water level sensor 23 detects this and outputs a detection signal, so that the switching device 36 opens the connection pipe 43 side (the connection pipe 42 side). , The ozone generator 35 is operated, and the air pump 34 is also operated.

As a result, the ozone generator 35 generates ozone, the air pump 34 supplies air to the ozone generator 35, and the ozone generated by the ozone generator 35 passes through the switching device 36 into the connection pipe 43. Extruded. The ozone pushed into the connection pipe 43 is discharged from the connection pipe 43 through the valve case 19 a of the drain valve 19 and the drain port 18 of the outer tank 2.
The washing water is supplied into the outer tub 2 and passes through the washing water stored in the outer tub 2 from below to above. As a result, the ozone dissolves in the washing water, and the washing water in which the ozone dissolves flows into the hole 6 at the bottom of the inner tub 4, the hole 11 of the stirring body 10,
And into the inner tank 4 through the gap 12 and the hole 5
The water also enters the inner tub 4 to supply ozone into the inner tub 4 and dissolve ozone into the washing water in the inner tub 4.

Thus, the washing water in the outer tub 2 and the inner tub 4 is sanitized by ozone, and the laundry 29 which is stored in the inner tub 4 in advance and immersed in the washing water is removed. Of bacteria.

When the water level in the inner tub 4 reaches the next set water level, the operation shifts to the washing process, and the motor 1 of the drive mechanism 13 is turned on.
By actuating 4, the agitator 10 is rotated, and the washing water is agitated by the front blades 10a to generate a water flow, thereby washing the laundry 29. At this time, by continuing the supply of ozone from the connection pipe 43 through the valve case 19a of the drain valve 19 and the drain port 18 of the outer tub 2, the washing water in the outer tub 2 and the inner tub 4 is removed. The bacteria, and thus the laundry 29 in the inner tub 4 are continuously disinfected.

In this case, the ozone supplied into the outer tub 2 is washed by the back blades 10b of the agitator 10 so that the washing water in the outer tub 2 is removed from the inner tub 4 as shown by an arrow Y in FIG. Is introduced into the inner tank 4 through the hole 6 at the bottom of the container, the hole 11 of the stirrer 10, and the gap 12, and is thus actively supplied into the inner tank 4. Further, the ozone supplied into the inner tub 4 is uniformly mixed with the washing water by the water flow in the inner tub 4, so that the germicidal effect of the washing water and the germicidal effect of the laundry 29 as a whole are uniform. Is obtained.

When the washing process is completed, the process shifts to a drain process. In this drainage process, the drainage valve 19 is opened, so that the washing water that has become contaminated in the inner tub 4 and the outer tub 2 is discharged from the drainage port 18 to the outside of the machine through the drainage valve 19 and the drainage hose 20. Further, at this time, the switching device 36 opens the connection pipe 42 side (closes the connection pipe 43 side) while the ozone generator 35 and the air pump 34 continue to operate. As a result, the ozone generated by the ozone generator 35 is supplied through the connection pipe 42 from the injection port 46 of the water injection case 44 into the inner tank 4 as indicated by an arrow X in FIG. Since ozone has a specific gravity of about 1.6 times that of air and is heavy, the ozone supplied from above into the inner tub 4 as described above falls down and falls on the laundry 29 in the inner tub 4 as described above. Eradicate the bacteria.

When the draining process is completed, the process shifts to the first rinsing process (rinse 1). In the first rinsing stroke, the inner tub 4 is rotated at a low speed, during which the same water supply as in the above-described water supply stroke (in this case, the detergent case 5) is performed.
There is no detergent in the inner tank 4 and only tap water is supplied in the inner tank 4) (shower rinsing). Further, at this time, the operation of the ozone generator 35 and the air pump 34 is continued, and the switching device 36 is kept open to the connection pipe 42 side. Accordingly, tap water and ozone are supplied from above into the inner tank 4 while it is rotating at a low speed. The supplied tap water and ozone are centrifuged by the rotation of the inner tank 4. Removal of detergent from the laundry 29 (tap water) by passing through the laundry 29 in the inner tub 4 through the hole 5 by force.
And sterilization (ozone).

At the end of the first rinsing step, the water supply into the inner tank 4 is cut off, and only the ozone is continuously supplied from above into the inner tank 4 to rotate the inner tank 4 at a high speed. ,
Due to the strong centrifugal force caused by this, the water in the laundry 29
, And at the same time, ozone is passed through the laundry 29 to remove the bacteria from the laundry 29.

When the first rinsing stroke is completed, the process shifts to a water supply stroke. This water supply step is also performed in the same manner as the above-described water supply step (in this case, there is no detergent in the detergent case 50 and only tap water is supplied to the inner tank 4). Generator 35 and air pump 34
Is stopped, and the supply of ozone is stopped.

When the water supply process is completed, the process proceeds to a second rinsing process. In the second rinsing step, the same operation as in the above-described washing step is performed, and therefore,
The stirring mechanism 10 is rotated by the drive mechanism 13 to generate a water flow of the washing water in the inner tub 4 and wash the laundry 29. Also, at this time, the valve case 19 of the drain valve 19 is
a, and the supply of ozone through the drain port 18 of the outer tub 2, the sterilization of the washing water in the outer tub 2 and the inner tub 4 and the sterilization of the laundry 29 in the inner tub 4. .

When the second rinsing step is completed, the process shifts to the final dewatering step. In this final dehydration step, the same operation as in the last dehydration of the first rinsing step is performed, and therefore, the dehydration of the laundry 29 is performed by strong centrifugal force generated by rotating the inner tub 4 at high speed. And
At the same time, the ozone supplied into the inner tub 4 from above is passed through the laundry 29, and the laundry 29 is sterilized. The supply of ozone at this time is only performed halfway.

FIG. 11 shows a tank cleaning course. The tank cleaning course is executed by the control device 53 based on the user operating the “start” switch 51b after selecting the tank cleaning course by operating the “course” switch 51d of the operation panel 27. Yes, the water supply process is performed first. This water supply process is performed in the same manner as the water supply process of the standard course. At this time, a tank cleaning agent is put in the detergent case 50 or the inner tank 4 instead of the above-described detergent.

Also in this case, when the water level in the inner tank 4 reaches the first set water level, the switching device 36 opens the connection pipe 43 side and the ozone generator 35 and the air pump 34 are operated. As a result, ozone is supplied through the connection pipe 43, and the bacteria in the outer tub 2 and the inner tub 4 are disinfected, and the bacteria 29 in the inner tub 4 are disinfected.

Thereafter, when the water level in the inner tank 4 reaches the next set water level, the process shifts to a soaking process. This soaking process is sometimes performed while the inner tank 4 is immersed in the water in the outer tank 4, for example, for 3 minutes.
By rotating the stirring body 10 for 3 minutes every 0 minute, the inner tank 4
Create a flow of washing water inside. Further, at this time, the supply of ozone through the connection pipe 43 is continued, and the rotation of the stirring body 10 positively introduces and supplies ozone into the inner tub 4 and uniformly dissolves the ozone into the washing water.

The subsequent washing process is performed in the same manner as the washing process of the standard course, and the subsequent draining process is performed in the same manner as the draining process of the standard course. However, in this drainage process, the supply of ozone into the inner tank 4 from above the inner tank 4 is performed halfway. The subsequent dehydration step is performed by rotating the inner tank 4 at a low speed. At this time, the supply of ozone into the inner tank 4 from above the inner tank 4 is continued.

Then, the subsequent water supply process and washing process
The water supply process and the washing process are performed in the same manner as above, and ozone is supplied through the connection pipe 43 during the washing process. Further, the subsequent drainage step and dehydration step are performed in the same manner as the above-described drainage step and dehydration step, respectively. Supply ozone.

When a course or a step for supplying ozone is executed in these courses and other courses, the lid locking device 33 is started from the start of the course and the step.
To lock the lid 28 in the closed state. Further, after the end of the course and the process, the detection result of the ozone concentration by the ozone concentration sensor 56 becomes a predetermined value, for example, 0.1 [pp
m], the lid lock device 33 is continuously operated to keep the lid 28 locked in the closed state. The ozone decomposes with moisture in the air and disappears. If the result of the ozone concentration detection by the ozone concentration sensor 56 falls below a predetermined value, the operation of the lid lock device 33 is stopped. Then, the lid 28 is unlocked.

In response to the above, the user operates the operation panel 27.
When the "course" switch 51d or the stroke switch is operated to select a desired course and stroke, and the "ozone" switch 51c is operated and the "start" switch 51b is operated, the control device 53 The operation of the selected course and process is executed in such a manner that ozone is not supplied in any case. Therefore, in this case, the "ozone" switch 51c functions as a selection unit for operating without supplying ozone into the inner tank 4.

At this time, the indicator 52a for "ozone washing" display, for example, stops the display by light emission (extinguishes light), and indicates that the operation is executed with no ozone supplied. In addition, when the operation is performed in a manner of supplying ozone, the display 52a performs the above-described display by, for example, light emission, and the operation supplies ozone by not operating the “ozone” switch 51c. Indicates that the content is executed.

Further, in any course and process,
The amount of air supplied by the air pump 34 is constant, and high-concentration ozone generated by the ozone generator 35 can be diluted and supplied. In these cases, the operation time of the ozone generator 35 is t [h], and the ozone generation amount is s [mgh].
Then, the operation time t [h] is t = 0.15 / s or more.
The ozone concentration in the inner tank 4 is set to be 10 [ppm] (gas concentration) at the maximum by setting to 0.1 / s. As described above, ozone has a specific gravity of about 1.
Since it is six times as heavy, the lower part in the inner tank 4 has a higher ozone concentration. So, if you set as above,
The concentration of ozone near the lid 28 is a safe concentration of 0.1.
It does not exceed 1 [ppm]. Thus, the ozone generator 35 and the air pump 34 can be operated continuously, and there is no need to perform an adjustment operation for stopping the operation halfway.

As described above, in this configuration, the ozone generated by the ozone generator 35 is pushed out by the air supplied from the air pump 34, and the connection pipe 43, the valve case 19 a of the drain valve 19, and the drainage of the outer tank 2 are discharged. Through the ozone supply path including the opening 18, the hole 6 at the bottom of the inner tank 4, the hole 11 of the stirrer 10, and the gap 12, the liquid is supplied from the bottom of the inner tank 4 into the inner tank 4. The ozone dissolves in the washing water in the inner tub 4 and disinfects the washing water, thereby removing the laundry 29 stored in the inner tub 4. Even if there is accumulation of soap, fiber waste and dirt, there is no mold or odor on the laundry,
A sufficiently clean washing result can be obtained.

In this embodiment, in addition to the above-described ozone supply path, ozone generated by the ozone generator 35 is supplied from above the inner tank 4 into the inner tank 4. And supplying ozone from the bottom of the inner tank 4 into the inner tank 4 through the above-mentioned ozone supply path, and supplying ozone into the inner tank 4 from above the inner tank 4. , According to the driving process. As a result, ozone is supplied from the bottom of the inner tub 4 into the inner tub 4 or from above the inner tub 4 into the inner tub 4 according to the operation process, thereby removing bacteria from the laundry. Since the washing can be performed more effectively, a cleaner washing result can be obtained.

Further, in this case, the supply of ozone into the inner tank 4 from the bottom of the inner tank 4 is performed in the washing and rinsing steps, and the ozone is supplied into the inner tank 4 from above the inner tank 4. Is performed in the process of drainage and dehydration. In this case, in the washing and rinsing steps, the laundry 29 is immersed in the washing water, whereas the ozone supplied from the bottom of the inner tub 4 into the inner tub 4 dissolves in the washing water. The washing water and the laundry 29 are sterilized. Therefore, the disinfection of the laundry 29 can be effectively performed.

On the other hand, in the process of drainage and dehydration, the laundry 29
Is exposed without being immersed in the washing water.
Ozone supplied from above the inside of the inner tub 4 falls on the exposed laundry 29 or passes through the laundry 29 by centrifugal force due to the rotation of the inner tub 4 to remove bacteria from the laundry 29. Effect. Therefore, also in this case, the laundry 29
Can be effectively removed.

In addition, in the case of this configuration, ozone is supplied to the inner tank 4.
"Ozone" switch 51 for operation without supply to the inside
It has a selection means c. Thereby, when washing laundry such as delicate clothing that may be deteriorated by contact with ozone or new colored clothing that may be discolored, or the user does not want to disinfect the laundry. The operation at that time can be performed as desired by the selection by the selection means.

Further, there is an entrance / exit 30 for taking the laundry 29 in and out of the inner tub 4, a lid 28 for opening and closing the entrance / exit 30, and a lid lock device 33 for locking the lid 28 in a closed state. In the course of supplying ozone, the lid lock device 33 is operated while the ozone remains at a high concentration even after the ozone is being executed. This prohibits the lid 28 from being opened during that time, thereby preventing the user from inhaling high-concentration ozone or touching high-concentration ozone.

If the ozone is supplied from the bottom through the outer tub 2 and into the inner tub 4 as described above, the washing water can be sterilized in the outer tub 2 as described above. Thereby, there is an advantage that propagation of microorganisms (fungi) in metal soap, fiber waste, dirt, and the like deposited on the back side of the inner tank 4 can be suppressed. However, this is not always necessary, so
The supply of ozone from the bottom does not pass through the inside of the outer tank 2 but the inner tank 4
It may be performed directly on the inside.

The lid lock device 33 is not limited to be operated while the ozone remains at a high concentration after the execution of the ozone supply course, but is operated only during the ozone supply. You may do it. Further, without the ozone sensor 56, the lid lock device 33 may be operated during the execution and in anticipation of the time when it is determined that the ozone remains at a high concentration after the execution, during the execution,
In short, the lid lock device 33 may be operated at least when ozone is present in the inner tank 4.

Further, based on the detection result of the ozone concentration by the ozone sensor 56, the operation of the ozone generator 35 is turned on and off, so that the ozone concentration in the vicinity of the lid 28 is reduced to a predetermined value (less than 0.1 ppm). It may be adjusted. Accordingly, a safety device such as the lid lock device 33 is not required, and a safe and stable sterilization effect can be obtained.

The inner tank 4 may be provided with a water supply pump so as to supply bath water instead of tap water. Particularly, bath water contains a lot of germs.
Thereby, in the case of washing, the value of the sterilization by ozone is higher. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0060]

The present invention is as described above.
The following effects are obtained. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the ozone is supplied from the bottom of the tub into the tub, so that the ozone dissolves in the washing water in the tub, thereby removing bacteria of the washing water and thus removing the laundry. Since bacteria are formed, a sufficiently clean washing result free of mold and odor on the laundry can be obtained.

According to the washing machine of the second aspect, ozone can be supplied from the bottom of the tub to the inside of the tub or from above the tub into the tub depending on the operation process. The washing can be performed more effectively, and a cleaner washing result can be obtained. According to the washing machine of claim 3, supplying ozone into the tub from the bottom of the tub is performed in a process in which the laundry is immersed in the washing water, and supplying ozone into the tub from above the tub. Since the washing can be performed in a process in which the laundry is exposed, sterilization of the laundry can be more effectively performed, and a cleaner washing result can be obtained.

According to the washing machine of the present invention, when washing laundry such as delicate clothes which may be deteriorated by contact with ozone, new colored clothes which may be discolored, or the like, The operation when the user does not wish to remove the laundry can be desirably performed by the selection means. According to the washing machine of claim 5, when at least ozone is present in the tub, the lid is prohibited from being opened, and the user is prevented from sucking ozone or touching ozone. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall cutaway side view.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional side view of a lid portion.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a main part of the ozone generator.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a main part of the ozone generator along the line AA in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an operation panel.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electrical configuration.

FIG. 8: Itinerary of the standard course

FIG. 9 is an overall cutaway side view showing a state in which washing water and ozone are supplied from above the tank into the tank.

FIG. 10 is an overall cutaway side view showing a state of supply of ozone from the bottom of the tank into the tank.

FIG. 11 is a process diagram of a tank cleaning course.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference numeral 4 denotes an inner tub (a tub for both washing and dehydration), 6, 11 holes (ozone supply paths), 12 gaps (ozone supply paths), 18 drainage ports (ozone supply paths), and 19a a valve case (ozone supply path). (Road), 28 is a lid, 29 is laundry, 30 is an entrance, 33 is a lid lock device, 34 is an air pump, 35 is an ozone generator, 42 is a connection pipe (means for supplying ozone into the tank from above the tank). , 43 is a connection pipe (ozone supply path), 44 is a water injection case (means for supplying ozone into the tank from above the tank),
51c is an "ozone" switch (selection means), and 53 is a control device.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A washing / dehydrating tub is provided, an ozone supply path is provided from the bottom of the tub to the inside of the tub, an ozone generator is connected to the ozone supply path, and air is supplied to the ozone generator. A washing machine comprising: an air pump that supplies and pushes out generated ozone; and the ozone pushed out by the air pump is supplied into the tub from the bottom of the tub through the ozone supply path. Means for supplying ozone generated by the ozone generator into the tank from above the tank; supplying ozone into the tank from the bottom of the tank through the ozone supply path; 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the step of supplying the water from the upper side to the inside of the tub is selectively executed in accordance with an operation process. 3. Supplying ozone into the tank from the bottom of the tank in a washing and rinsing step, and supplying ozone into the tank from above the tank in a draining and dewatering step. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein 4. A method according to claim 1, further comprising selecting means for operating the tank without supplying ozone to the tank.
The washing machine according to any one of the above. 5. An entrance for putting laundry in and out of the tub, a lid for opening and closing the entrance, and a lid lock device for locking the lid in a closed state. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the washing machine is operated when ozone is present therein.