JP2002102593A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine suppressing the reproduction of microbs and fungi on the laundry and a washing tub, suppressing the occurrence of mildew, an odor, and yellowing, of the like, obtaining sanitary washing performance, and having good handleability and operability over a long period. SOLUTION: A solid 28 made of a halogenated hydantoin compound discharging a hypohalogenous acid when brought into contact with water is provided on a feed water mechanism 17 feeding the water from a water source to the washing tub 6. The water including the hypohalogenous acid is generated and fed to the washing tub 6, and the solid 28 is stored in a water storage tub 23 capable of receiving and storing the water from the water source. The water storage tub 23 is provided with a draining means (siphon pipe 26) discharging the stored water and an overflow port 27a capable of draining an overflow at a prescribed height. The drainage quantity by the draining means is made smaller than a feed water quantity, water is stored until the overflow is drained from the overflow port 27a, and the stored water is kept in contact with the solid 28.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine capable of performing sanitary washing while suppressing the growth of microorganisms.

[0002]

Conventionally, a home washing machine puts laundry into a washing tub, supplies a required amount of detergent and washing water (usually tap water), and stirs them. By washing, sufficient washing performance for general dirt on the laundry is ensured. However, during this washing, the calcium content in tap water reacts with the surfactant in the detergent to form insoluble metal soap, and a part of the soap is easily attached to the peripheral wall (particularly the back side) of the washing tub. This tendency has been more remarkable when a detergent such as a powdered detergent composed of higher fatty acid sodium is used.

[0003] In addition, fiber scraps and dirt separated from the laundry are liable to adhere to the metal soap deposits generated in this way, and the dirt and deposits absorb moisture to propagate microorganisms (germs). This causes rot and causes floc, which in turn leads to mold generation. These molds cause odors due to their metabolites, and if they develop further, they will break off and float in water and adhere to the laundry in the subsequent washing operation, causing general laundry stains. Apart from that, it was insufficient to obtain hygienic cleaning performance.

[0004] In general, in a washing machine for both dehydration,
Basically, it has a double tub structure, in which a water receiving tub is arranged outside, a washing tub serving also as a dehydrating tub is provided therein, and a stirrer is provided at the bottom of the washing tub. As is well known, the laundry put into the washing tub is washed and rinsed by rotating the stirrer, and is centrifugally dehydrated by rotating the washing tub at high speed. Accordingly, in this type of washing machine, since there is no frictional contact between the washing tub and the water receiving tub due to the laundry, the portion on the back side of the washing tub (the outer peripheral wall of the washing tub and the inner peripheral wall of the water receiving tub) is provided. Is easy to adhere to metal soap and fiber waste. In addition, the back side of such a washing tub is difficult to be disassembled and cleaned by a general user, and the washing tub and the water receiving tub have an uneven shape mainly including reinforcing ribs for improving strength. Therefore, metal soap and dirt tend to adhere and accumulate under such conditions that molds are more likely to be generated.

[0005] Furthermore, laundry (clothing) tends to adhere to many bacteria from the human body and the outside air when worn, and for example, generally, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, atypical acid-fast bacteria, and the like. It is said that many bacteria are attached, and the attached bacteria remain on the laundry even after washing, especially when the laundry is poorly dried, the remaining bacteria re-proliferate, and the smell and It causes yellowing. In addition, in homes where there are sick people and infants who are susceptible to pathogenic bacteria, there is a demand for a cleaner and more hygienic washing effect on laundry, such as bacteria being easily attached to clothing and being easily transmitted to the skin.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and accordingly, an object of the present invention is to suppress the growth of microorganisms (fungi) and suppress the occurrence of mold, odor, yellowing, etc. It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine suitable for practical use that has good sanitary washing performance and is easy to use.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a washing machine according to the present invention comprises a water supply mechanism for supplying water from a water source to a washing tub, which releases hypohalous acid upon contact with water. Comprising a solid consisting of a halogenated hydantoin compound,
The water containing the hypohalous acid is generated and put into the washing tub, and the solid is stored in a water storage tank capable of being supplied with water from a water source and storing the water. In the water storage tank, a drainage means for discharging the stored water and an overflow port having a predetermined height capable of overflow drainage are provided, and the amount of drainage by the drainage means is smaller than the supplied water amount, and the water is overflowed and drained from the overflow port. The stored water is brought into contact with the solid (the invention according to claim 1).

[0008] According to such a configuration, the sterilizing water containing hypohalous acid released from the solid can suppress the growth of bacteria in the laundry or the washing tub, and effectively reduce the generation of mold, smell, yellowing and the like. And a hygienic cleaning effect suitable for sick people and homes with infants vulnerable to pathogenic bacteria can be expected. In addition, the solid comes into contact with water in a so-called immersed state with the water stored in the water storage tank, and the solid can be contacted without being subjected to sudden water impact, so that the solid collapses or wears out. Can suppress powdering. As a result, the solid can be efficiently used for a long period of time by preventing early consumption of the solid. In particular, the concentration of hypohalous acid is controlled by the contact time between the solid and water.However, since water can be stored in the storage tank while water is supplied, contact with water is made based on the setting of the water supply time. The time can be controlled so that the desired antimicrobial concentration is easily and reliably obtained.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a storage container for storing solids is provided in the water storage tank, and the storage container has at least a water inlet / outlet positioned below the overflow port. (The invention of claim 2).

According to such a configuration, the lower the level of the water inlet / outlet is, the more reliably the solid and the water come into contact with each other even at a lower storage level, and the lower part of the solid dissolves and wears from the lower part, so that the solid is sequentially weighted from the upper part by its own weight. It is replenished and has a stable hypohalous acid concentration when used for a long time, and has good handleability.

Further, in the first aspect of the present invention, the drainage means has a siphon pipe structure (the invention of the third aspect).

According to such a configuration, since the drainage function does not occur unless the water level is equal to or higher than the predetermined water level, the water can be quickly stored in the water storage tank, and the contact between the solid and the water can be promptly and reliably performed. In addition, all of the water stored in the water storage tank and the water containing hypohalous acid generated from the solid can be discharged, and all the water can be effectively supplied into the washing tub as so-called sterilized water.

Further, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a storage container for storing solids is provided in the water storage tank, and a sheet-like cushioning material is provided on the inner wall surface of the container. 4 invention).

According to such a configuration, it is possible to soften the impact between the solid and the storage container against the vibration of the washing machine or the like, or to suppress abrasion between a plurality of solids, for example, tablet-like solids, thereby suppressing powdering. As a result, a stable sterilization concentration can be eluted by preventing early consumption of solids. In addition, it is also possible to avoid the possibility of discoloration such as decolorization, such as when the powder directly adheres to leaked clothing.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a storage container for storing solids is provided in the water storage tank, and the container is detachably stored in the water storage tank. invention).

According to such a configuration, when the solid is replaced due to exhaustion or the like, it is sufficient to take out and replace the entire storage container, and it can be used as a so-called cassette container, is excellent in handleability, and has no need to directly touch the solid by hand. No odor is attached.

[0017] Further, in the first aspect of the present invention, a storage container for storing solids is provided in the water storage tank, and a mesh filter is provided at the bottom of the container to serve as a water inlet / outlet. (The invention of claim 6).

According to such a configuration, even if powder is generated due to abrasion or the like of the solid, it is possible to prevent leakage by the filter, and it is possible to reliably prevent the clothing from discoloring due to decolorization or the like due to the powder. In addition, the mesh portion generally tends to be clogged, but since this filter is alternately passed as an inlet / outlet of water, it does not clog for a long time.

[0019] Further, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the storage container is formed of a thermoplastic resin, and the filter is joined by heat fusion.
Invention).

According to such a structure, not only can the filter be easily and securely attached as a means for fixing the filter, but if a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or the like is used, these are also resistant to chlorine. It is excellent and suitable as a solid storage container that releases hypohalous acid.

[0021] Further, in the apparatus according to the first aspect, a water supply temperature detecting means is provided, and a water supply time to the water storage tank is set based on the detection result, thereby controlling a contact time between the solid and water. (Invention of claim 8).

According to such a configuration, sterilizing water having a sterilizing concentration corresponding to the water temperature is generated. Therefore, even when the solid dissolution rate is low at a low water temperature such as in winter, for example, hypohalous acid is difficult to elute. Sterilized water having a stable and constant concentration can be obtained, and therefore, an effective antibacterial function can always be exerted without an excess or deficiency of the sterilized concentration due to a change in water temperature in winter or summer.

[0023] Further, in the apparatus according to the first aspect, a liquid permeability detecting means for detecting turbidity of water is provided, and a water supply time to the water storage tank is set based on a result of the detection. The contact time is controlled (the invention of claim 9).

According to such a configuration, the water supply time to the water storage tank is set by detecting the turbidity of the water, whereby the contact time between the solid and the water can be controlled, regardless of the degree of water contamination. The same antibacterial effect as the invention of claim 1 is obtained,
For example, there is a practical effect that the remaining bath water can be effectively used to save water.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a washing machine for both dehydration and washing.
This will be described with reference to FIG. First, FIGS. 2 and 3 are a vertical sectional side view and an external plan view, respectively, showing the overall configuration of a washing machine. The overall configuration will be described with reference to these drawings. A water receiving tank 4 is elastically supported by an elastic suspension mechanism 5 inside the housing 1 and an upper similar dewatering hole 6a also serving as a dewatering tank. Is rotatably arranged, and has a so-called double tub structure.

The washing tub 6 is provided at its upper end with a balance ring 7 filled with, for example, a liquid, and at its inner bottom a rotatable stirrer 8. On the outer bottom surface of the water receiving tank 4, a drive mechanism 10 mainly including a direct drive type motor 9 as a drive source and including a clutch mechanism and a brake mechanism (not shown) is provided. The rotation of the tank 6 is selectively controlled by a control device 11 or the like provided in the top cover 3, that is,
The washing step, the dehydration step, and the like are executed based on an operation program stored in advance. A drain valve 13 is provided in the drain port 12 formed at the bottom of the water receiving tank 4 so as to communicate with the drain port 12, and a drain hose 14 is connected to the drain port 12 and led out of the machine. A well-known water level detecting means such as an air trap and a water level sensor (not shown) is provided in communication with the vicinity of the drain port 12.

On the other hand, on the upper surface of the top cover 3,
Particularly, as shown in FIG. 3, an opening / closing lid 15 is provided. The opening / closing lid 15 opens and closes a slot 3a formed in the top cover 3 for taking in and out laundry (not shown) into and from the washing tub 6. When the lid 15 is opened, the front lid 15a and the rear lid 15b are closed. It has a foldable configuration. And
An operation panel 16 is provided at the forefront of the top cover 3, and the operation panel 16 has a number of operation units and display units for performing various setting operations related to the operation course of the washing machine. The operation units 16a and 16b shown in FIG.
The details are for selecting and setting a “presence” or “no” course of a sterilization function described later. The operation section 16a is a course with a sterilization function in which the operation section 16a is “present”, and the operation section 16b is “none”. The selection setting is made for a normal course to be performed.

The control device 11 (see FIG. 2) is disposed inside the operation panel 16.
The control device 11 is mainly composed of a circuit having a microcomputer or the like, and automatically executes a washing course selected and set according to a program stored in advance based on an input from the operation panel 16 or the like. Further, the washing tub 6 is provided inside the rear of the top cover 3.
There is provided a water supply mechanism 17 for supplying water. First, the overall configuration of the water supply mechanism 17 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. When the water source is, for example, tap water, a hose connection port 18a connected to a water tap (not shown) is projected inside the top cover 3. An electromagnetic water supply switching valve 18 is provided.
9 and a second water supply channel 20.

One of the first water supply channels 19 is directly connected to the water inlet 21 facing the inlet 3 a of the top cover 3, so that the tap water flowing into the first water supply channel 19 side. Is supplied into the washing tub 6 as it is. On the other hand,
As shown in FIG. 4, the second water supply passage 20 is provided on the way to the water inlet 2 via a sterile water generation mechanism 22 which will be described in detail later.
The tap water flowing into the second water supply channel 20 is generated as sterilizing water by the sterilizing water generating mechanism 22 and is connected to the second water supply channel 20 through the pipes 20a and 20b. It is supplied into the tank 6. Thus, the first and second water supply paths 19 and 20 of such a water supply mechanism 17 are provided.
Is determined based on the selection setting of "Yes" and "No" for the courses with the sterilization functions of the operation units 16a and 16b, respectively, and by switching the flow path of the water supply switching valve 18 by the control device 11. Controlled.

FIGS. 1 and 4 disclose a specific configuration of the above-described water supply mechanism 17, particularly, a sterilization water generation mechanism 22. That is, FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view showing an enlarged corner portion of the washing machine and removing an upper wall surface of the top cover 3, and is interposed between the above-described water supply switching valve 18 and the second water supply passage 20. 3 shows an arrangement configuration in which the sterilized water generation mechanism 22 is juxtaposed. Therefore, with respect to the sterilizing water generating mechanism 22, the pipe 20a on the inflow side is connected to the side, and the pipe 20b on the outflow side is connected to the bottom.

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional side view showing a specific configuration of the sterilizing water generating mechanism 22. As shown in FIG. In the figure, 23
Is a water reservoir having a rectangular bottomed shape, for example. The interior is divided into a small space water supply chamber 24 and a large space accommodating chamber 25 via a partition wall 23a.
A vertical groove-shaped communication port 23b serving as a water inlet / outlet is formed in a lower part of the chamber, so that the two chambers 24 and 25 communicate with each other.
However, the pipe 20a is connected to the lower side wall 23c of the water storage tank 23 corresponding to the water supply chamber 24, and the water flowing in through the pipe 20a is supplied to the water supply chamber 24 and the communication port. It is configured to be able to flow into and out of the accommodation room 25 via 23b.

Thus, in the water supply chamber 24, a siphon pipe 26 is formed as a drainage means, which is open at a predetermined height capable of draining using, for example, a siphon phenomenon, and is provided adjacent to and provided with a siphon pipe 26. A semi-cylindrical overflow pipe 27 having a slightly higher overflow port 27a is formed integrally with the bottom 23d. These siphon pipe 26 and overflow pipe 27
4 is disposed within a range corresponding to the diameter of the overflow pipe 27 as can be understood from the plan view of FIG. 4, and more specifically, the following penetrates the siphon pipe 26 and the bottom 23 d of the overflow pipe 27. The part is a cylindrical outflow pipe 2 containing both inside.
0c. In this configuration, the overflow pipe 27 is used.
The outflow pipe 20c, which is equivalent to the diameter of, projects downward from the bottom 23d. However, this outflow pipe 20
The pipe 20b is connected to c via a joint 20d, and the tip thereof is connected to the water inlet 21. Therefore, the second water supply channel 20 configured as described above is used.
The outlet end is provided facing the inside of the washing tub 6 through a common water inlet 21 like the first water supply passage 19.

On the other hand, in the sterilizing water generating mechanism 22 described above, a solid 28 which performs a sterilizing function by contacting water is housed in a housing chamber 25 in a water storage tank 23, which will be described in detail later. The solid 28 has such a structure that it can contact water at its lower part. For example, in this configuration, the solid 2
Numeral 8 is in the form of a tablet having a diameter of about several tens of millimeters, and has a storage container 29 in which a large number of the storage containers 29 are randomly stored. It has a water-based structure.
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a suitable number of air vent holes 29c having a diameter of about 3 mm are formed in the upper portion of the peripheral wall portion 29b of the storage container 29, but the upper portion is closed except for having the air vent hole 29c. The top plate 29c is provided with a grip 29d for gripping.

By the way, the bottom portion 29a having the above-described structure through which water can pass is constituted by a water-permeable filter 30 provided substantially over the entire surface of the bottom portion 29a. In this embodiment, both the storage container 29 and the filter 30 are formed of a thermoplastic resin, and the outer peripheral frame 30a of the filter 30 shown in FIG. It is fixed to the outer peripheral part,
Thus, for example, a 1 mm square mesh portion 30b is stretched over substantially the entire surface of the bottom portion 29a so as to allow water to pass therethrough. Therefore,
The solid 28 stored in such a storage container 29 has a configuration in which the lower water-permeable filter 30 can be in contact with water via the filter 30 using the filter 30 as a water inlet / outlet.

Here, the solid 2 having the sterilizing function described above is used.
More specifically, the solid 28 is made of a halogenated hydantoin compound which releases hypohalous acid upon contact with water. In this embodiment, the solid organic compound powder is filled in a mold and press-molded. It is solidified into a tablet by compression molding. Examples of the halogenated hydantoin compound include 1,3-dichloro5,5-
Dimethylhydantoin, 1-bromo-3-dichloro5,
5-dimethylhydantoin, 1,3-dichloro5,5-
Ethyl methyl hydantoin and the like. These compounds have a bond such as nitrogen-chlorine, nitrogen-bromine, or nitrogen-iodine in the molecule, and these so-called nitrogen-halogen atom bonds are hydrolyzed by contact with water, and hypochlorite, respectively. In addition to producing acid, hypobromous acid and hypoiodic acid, these so-called hypohalous acids have an oxidizing action and a bactericidal action.

In this embodiment, 1,3-
It employs dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin, and as shown in the chemical reaction mechanism in FIG. 6, when it comes into contact with water, a nitrogen-halogen atom bond is hydrolyzed to form a hypohalous acid, hypochlorous acid. Acid is generated, and the water containing hypochlorous acid functions effectively as sterilizing water,
Such a solid 28 can be stably maintained in a solid state without collapse when not used.

As described above, since the solid 28 has a strong oxidizing effect by releasing hypochlorous acid upon contact with water, the solid container 28 and the filter 30 which may be in contact with sterilizing water are also used. Peripheral parts such as the water storage tank 23
For example, the molded part is formed of any material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, vinylidene chloride, and vinyl chloride having excellent halogen resistance so that the molded part does not deteriorate or discolor. The solid 28 having such a configuration is stored in the storage container 29 and cannot be taken out while the lower portion is covered with the filter 30. Therefore, the storage container 29 holds the handle 29d from the water storage tank 23. It functions as a so-called cassette container that is removable and portable. Further, in the present embodiment, a sheet-like cushioning member 31 is attached along the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 29b of the storage container 29, so that the solid 28 does not easily collapse even if it abuts on the peripheral wall portion 29b due to vibration or the like. Are dealing with.

Thus, as shown in FIG.
The storage container 2 which functions as a cassette container in which the storage container 8 is stored.
9 is accommodated and installed in the accommodation chamber 25 of the water storage tank 23 as it is. In this case, a plurality of ribs or pin-shaped protrusions 23e protruding upward are formed at a portion corresponding to the bottom surface of the storage chamber 25 in the bottom portion 23d of the water storage tank 23, and the storage container 29 is formed at the bottom portion 23d. More separated state (in the figure,
(Shown by a gap H) and each of these projections 23
The space between e is configured to allow water to flow along the bottom 23d surface.

Further, at the opening on the upper surface of the accommodation chamber 25,
A lid opening / closing device 32 for opening and closing the lid is provided.
The lid opening / closing device 32 is provided on an inner peripheral upper portion of the peripheral wall portion 23c and the partition wall 23a of the water storage tank 23 forming the storage chamber 25.
A rectangular cylindrical support frame 33 is fitted and fixed.
And a cover 34 rotatably supported at one end of the upper surface of the cover.
a is provided. Therefore, the upper part of the storage container 29 is covered or opened by the lid opening / closing device 32 so that the storage container 29 can be detached from the storage chamber 25 as a cassette container.

Next, the operation of the washing machine having the above structure will be described with reference to FIGS. When performing the washing operation, first, laundry is put into the washing tub 6 shown in FIG. 2, and a corresponding amount of detergent and water is supplied to start the washing operation. However, in this type of washing machine, the washing operation is performed automatically or manually by a suitable manual operation based on the setting operation of the operation panel 16 after the laundry is put into the washing machine. The standard course to be performed is selected, and the control device 11 automatically drives the vehicle according to a predetermined program. In this case, in this embodiment, the operation is started by selecting, for example, the sterilization function “Yes” of the operation unit 16a from the “sterilization function” and “None” of the sterilization functions by the operation units 16a and 16b. However, in this standard course, as is well known, usually, the order of washing, first rinsing, intermediate dehydration, second rinsing, and final dehydration is performed.

The washing operation is performed in the same manner as in the prior art, but the water supply operation at the beginning of the washing operation is performed in the washing tub 6 in the following manner. FIG.
As shown in (1), first, the water supply switching valve 18 connected to the tap of the water supply as the water source is energized and driven, and only the one of the branched first water supply paths 19 is opened, and the tap water is left as it is. Water is supplied into the washing tub 6 (water receiving tub 4) from the water inlet 21 at the tip. Then, water is supplied to a specified water level according to the amount of laundry by a water level detecting means such as a water level sensor (not shown), and the water supply operation is completed.

At the same time, the control unit 11 drives and controls the driving mechanism 10 such as the motor 9 by using the detection signal of the water level detecting means as an input, and rotates the agitator 8 only in the normal / reverse direction. The water is agitated with the detergent and the laundry to wash the laundry. When the washing operation for a predetermined time is completed, the drainage valve 13 is opened, and the washing water in the washing tub 6 and the water receiving tub 4 is drained by the drainage hose 1.
After that, the water is discharged outside the machine, and the washing process is completed.

Next, the process proceeds to the first rinsing process. In this rinsing step, referring to a time chart of the operation shown by the arrow in FIG. 7, the water supply operation is also started, and the water supply switching valve 18 is connected to the first water supply path 19 side similarly to the washing step. Only when the tap water is opened, tap water is directly supplied from the water inlet 21 into the washing tub 6 through the water supply passage 19, and the water supply operation is started. The operation so far is substantially the same as the water supply operation in the conventional rinsing process.

However, in the rinsing process in this embodiment, the sterilization function “Yes” is selected and set by the operation unit 16 a shown in FIG. 3, and the control device 11 executes a so-called sterilization course. To be more specific, at the beginning of the water supply, tap water is supplied in advance through the first water supply channel 19 for a predetermined time, for example, and in this case, about one minute later, the water supply switching valve 18 is switched to the other second water supply. The water supply side is switched to open also, and the water supply operation is simultaneously performed from both water supply paths 19 and 20 to the washing tub 6.
Water will be supplied inside. However, this second water supply channel 2
0 is supplied through the sterilizing water generating mechanism 22 on the way,
From the second water supply channel 20, the water is supplied into the washing tub 6 as sterilizing water.

That is, the tap water first flows into the water storage tank 23 via the pipe 20 a constituting the second water supply path 20.
Specifically, the water flows in from the lower side of the water supply chamber 24, but is not discharged and stored until the water level reaches the opening positions of the siphon pipe 26 and the overflow pipe 27 inside the water supply chamber 24. Is done. Therefore, the water flows into the storage chamber 25 in the communication state at the communication port 23b and is stored therein. This state rises until the water level reaches the overflow port 27a of the overflow pipe 27.

First, since the water level rises to the opening position of the siphon pipe 26 serving as the drainage means, and even when the water is drained from the siphon pipe 26, the amount of supplied water flowing in is set to be larger than the drainage amount. After a while, the water level rises and eventually reaches the water level exceeding the overflow port 27a, and the water overflows and drains from the overflow port 27a. In this state, the water is discharged together from the siphon pipe 26 and the overflow pipe 27, and the amount of drainage is set to be equal to or greater than the amount of water supplied to the water storage tank 23.
The drainage capacity of 7a is increased. Therefore, the water storage tank 23
The water that is supplied and stored therein does not exceed the overflow port 27a and is not further stored, and is maintained at the water level (constant water level) substantially at the position of the overflow port 27a.

This means that water is stored up to the same water level in the storage container 29 stored in the storage chamber 25 and storing the solid 28. Specifically, since the bottom part 23d of the water storage tank 23 and the bottom part 29a of the storage container 29 having the gap H are provided with a water-permeable filter 30, water is supplied to the bottom part 2d.
It flows into the interior only from 9a, and the lower part of the solid 28 is immersed. Therefore, the solid 28 composed of the 1,3-dichloro5,5-dimethylhydantoin compound is hydrolyzed by contact with water as disclosed in the chemical reaction mechanism of FIG. (Halogenous acid) is gradually dissolved and released. As described above, the water that comes into contact with and passes through the solid 28 is generated as sterilizing water containing the above-described hypochlorous acid, but all of the water is not immediately discharged from the overflow pipe 27 or the siphon pipe 26.

The reason is that the water that has entered through the filter 30 at the bottom 29a of the storage container 29 cannot flow out of the storage container 29 unless there is another entrance and exit, and the water supplied from the pipe 20a cannot be discharged. While continuing, siphon pipe 26 and overflow pipe 2 as described above
7, water is supplied into the storage container 29 so as to keep the water level equal to the constant water level in the water storage tank 23. Further, the water in the storage container 29 is supplied to the overflow port 27a capable of draining a large amount of water. The filter 30 serving as an entrance and exit is located at the bottom 29a.
This is because the flow path resistance between them is large because they are greatly separated from each other.

In particular, water immediately after flowing in from the pipe line 20a or water in the upper part of the water level is easily discharged from the overflow port 27a, while the filter 30 which is the most distant from the water level and which enters and exits from the bottom portion 29a is connected to the filter 30. The water in the storage container 29 is hardly affected. Therefore, even if water flows in and out of the water supply chamber 24 vigorously, the storage container 2 containing the solids 28 therein can be used.
The movement of the water in the vicinity of the bottom 29a as well as in the inside 9 becomes slow, and the water is not immediately drained from the siphon pipe 26 or the overflow pipe 27. The hypochlorous acid released from the solid 28 is also gradually eluted into the water, and a part of the siphon tube 26
However, most of the water is not immediately discharged in response to the movement of the water, and thus the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the water in the storage container 29 and in the vicinity of the filter 30 is gradually increased. And accumulated.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the results of measuring the change in the water level of the water storage tank 23 and the change in the concentration of hypochlorous acid during the water supply. However, the hypochlorous acid concentration shown in FIG. 3B is not the concentration in the water storage tank 23 but is so-called when the hypochlorous acid is finally discharged from the siphon pipe 26 or the partial overflow pipe 27 and flows out of the pipe 20b. This is a measurement of the concentration originally required when the toner is put into the washing tub 6. Further, the water supply amount of the tap water is, for example, 10 (L / min) in total including the first water supply passage 19, of which the water supply amount from the pipe 20 a of the second water supply passage 20 to the water storage tank 23 is 3 (L / min). (L / min), and the water supply time on the horizontal axis in the figure is the time during which the water supply operation using the second water supply passage 20 is performed.

First, in FIG.
When the water level corresponding to the opening height position (10 cm) of the siphon tube 26 is indicated by a point B in the figure, the inner bottom position (“0” water level) is indicated by a point A in FIG. Tank 2
The water level in 3 rises from the point A to the point B in proportion to the above water supply amount, and accordingly, the water level in the storage container 29 in the storage chamber 25 follows and rises to the same water level. In this case, since the tap water flowing into the water storage tank 23 has not yet been discharged through the pipe line 20b, the concentration of hypochlorous acid naturally increases from the point A to the point B shown in FIG. During this time, nothing can be detected.

However, when the water supply to the water storage tank 23 progresses and reaches a water level exceeding the opening height of the siphon pipe 26, a part of the water supply amount is discharged from the siphon pipe 26, and accordingly, the water storage tank 23 Rises slightly, but continues to rise further until it reaches the water level at the overflow port 27a, which is the height position (3.1 cm) of the overflow pipe 27 as point C shown in FIG. 8A.

On the other hand, the hypochlorous acid concentration is determined by first measuring the residual chlorine concentration in the tap water discharged from the siphon pipe 26 to 0.25.
(Ppm), and thereafter, until reaching the position of the overflow port 27a at the point C, a small amount of the hypochlorous acid released from the solid 28 begins to spread into the water storage tank 23, and this is discharged through the siphon pipe 26. Is done. However, although the concentration gradually increases with the discharge, the concentration still remains as a very small amount at about 0.3 to 0.6 (ppm), and the concentration as so-called sterilized water is low. In addition, since there is no particular flow channel in which the water in the storage container 29 moves to the siphon pipe 26 side, the spread of the hypochlorous acid into the water is not further expanded, and therefore, the concentration thereof also decreases. After reaching point C, there is no particular tendency to increase.

When the water level reaches the position of the overflow port 27a, which is the point C, the drainage performance of overflowing and discharging from the overflow port 27a is high, and no further rise in the water level is observed.
As shown in (a), the water level (constant water level) at the point C is maintained until the next stage (point D described later). As described above, much of the water supplied from the pipe line 20a to the water storage tank 23 is quickly discharged from the overflow port 27a and the siphon pipe 26, while the hypochlorous acid released from the solid 28 is discharged from the overflow port 27a and the like. As shown in FIG. 8 (b), the outflow to the water is limited to a very small range, and as shown in FIG. After that point, it changes in a substantially constant state. Therefore, the solid 28 in the storage container 29 always releases a certain concentration of hypochlorous acid under a static contact state with the water immersed at the constant water level, so that the contact time by this immersion is controlled. By doing so, it becomes possible to generate sterilized water having a desired concentration.

Thus, the sterilizing water generated during the water supply operation as described above is supplied from the second water supply passage 20 to the washing tub 6 (water receiving tub 4) through the water inlet 21. The chlorite concentration is low and the oxidative bleaching action is low.
Since a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the inside, there is no possibility that the sterilized water will cause decoloration or the like of the laundry. And this second
Of the first water supply channel 1 at the outflow end thereof.
9 and is supplied from the water inlet 21, so that the sterilized water is also diluted here and the problem caused by the high-concentration sterilized water can be reliably avoided.

Thereafter, the first and second water supply channels 1
Simultaneous water supply from 9 and 20 is continuously performed, and the washing tub 6
(Water receiving tank 4) is supplied up to a predetermined amount of water, and when about 2 minutes have elapsed from the start of water supply as shown in FIG. The laundry is rotated to start the washing operation (rinsing) of the laundry. As a result, the laundry put into the washing tub 6 and the continuously supplied sterilizing water are stirred together with the stirring water flow, and the sterilizing water is further diffused and evenly distributed when it is put into the washing tub 6. Obtain a dilution-distributed state. In addition, although the concentration is low in this state, the bactericidal action exerts an effect of disinfecting various germs attached to the laundry after washing.

When the water level in the washing tub 6 (water receiving tub 4) reaches the specified water level, the water supply switching valve 18 is closed by the water level detecting means and the control device 11 (not shown).
The water supply to each of the second water supply paths 19 and 20 is closed to stop the water supply operation, and only the stirring operation by the motor 9 and the like is continued to rinse off and rinse off the detergent remaining in the laundry. However, when the water supply switching valve 18 is closed and the supply of tap water is cut off, the water in the water storage tank 23 that has been stored up to the level of the overflow port 27a at the constant water level falls below the constant water level, and thereafter, the drainage means Is drained only through the siphon pipe 26, and flows through the pipe 20b as the second water supply path 20, and flows out to the washing tub 6.

As a result, the so-called high-concentration sterilizing water containing a large amount of hypochlorous acid released and accumulated from the solid 28 in the storage container 29 is also changed according to the flow of the drainage action in the water storage tank 23. It is discharged from the siphon tube 26. in this case,
The water inlet / outlet of the storage container 29 is constituted by a filter 30 on the bottom surface.
The case where the filter enters the inside and the case where it is discharged in the opposite direction are performed through the filter 30 which is the same port.

The point D shown in FIG. 8 (a) indicates the water level when the water supply by the water supply switching valve 18 is stopped, and is also the time when the drainage by only the siphon pipe 26 is started. Represents a change in which the water level decreases until point E is completed, and accordingly, FIG.
From point D, sterile water containing high concentration of hypochlorous acid
This indicates that the water has flowed out to the side 0b, and is introduced into the washing tub 6 from the water inlet 21 at the tip. However, in the washing tub 6, a prescribed water level of, for example, 70 (L) is supplied and the stirring operation is continuously performed, so that the high-concentration sterilized water is immediately diluted and diffused and effectively penetrates into the laundry. . In the present embodiment, the concentration of hypochlorous acid, which is a high concentration of sterilizing water supplied into the washing tub 6, becomes 0.9 (ppm) since it finally becomes an integrated average value. An effective sterilizing concentration can be achieved, and effective germicidal and reduction of various germs attached to the laundry after washing can be achieved. The hypochlorous acid concentration effective for the antibacterial effect will be described later with reference to FIG.

Here, FIG. 7 described above verifies the state of the decrease in the number of bacteria according to the progress of the above-mentioned rinsing process by experiments, and shows the measurement results in graph characteristics. In this case, the time of the rinsing step in the present embodiment is set to be longer than the time of the normal rinsing step (without the sterilizing function) in the selected course of the sterilizing function “Yes”, and The bactericidal action is spread evenly.

More specifically, in the figure, the white arrow shown in the upper row indicates the time (total 10 minutes) of the rinsing step (in this case, water supply and stirring operation) with the sterilization function “Yes”, and the solid arrow indicates the time. The white arrows at the bottom of the operation state show the breakdown, and show the general rinsing process time (6 minutes in total) with so-called normal tap water having no sterilization function. is there. Among them, the broken arrows at the end following the solid arrows indicating the supply state of the sterilizing water are shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b).
5 corresponds to points D to E, that is, a section into which high-concentration sterilizing water is supplied along with drainage in the water storage tank 23 using only the siphon pipe 26.

However, as shown in FIG. 7, the water generally contained in the laundry after washing contains several hundreds to several hundreds.
0 (CFU / ml) of the germs adhered, and the change in the number of germs was caused by the fact that, in the case of the course having the germicidal function, according to FIG. Since the stirring operation by the body 8 was started, a decreasing tendency was recognized, and the detergent soaked into the laundry was rinsed, and especially after the high-concentration sterilized water shown by the dashed arrow was supplied, the detergent adhered to the laundry. This has the effect of effectively disinfecting the bacteria present and preventing the occurrence of mold on the washing tub 6. Also,
In the required time of about 6 minutes of the normal rinsing time,
Although a considerable antibacterial effect is obtained, it is still several hundred (CFU /
ml) level of bacteria remain, and if these bacteria are left as they are under moist conditions, they may proliferate and cause odor, so that it is more than 6 minutes, preferably 8 minutes or more. A 10 minute rinsing time is desirable.

When the first rinsing stirring operation is completed, the drain valve 13 is opened, and the water in the washing tub 6 and the water receiving tub 4 is discharged out of the machine via the drain hose 14.
Thereafter, the power of the clutch mechanism (not shown) of the drive mechanism 10 is switched, and the rotation is transmitted to the washing tub 6 also serving as a dehydrating tub.
At the same time, the stirring body 8 is simultaneously rotated, and an intermediate dewatering step of centrifugally dewatering the laundry is performed. As a result, the detergent remaining in the laundry is extracted and removed, and at the same time, hypochlorous acid, which is hypohalous acid, that has permeated the laundry. Although the detailed description is omitted hereafter, the second rinsing is performed by supplying well-known ordinary tap water directly using only the first water supply channel 19 to the washing tub 6, and the final rinsing step is performed. Proceed, and a series of washing operations are completed.

It is to be noted that the solid 2 located at the bottom due to long-term use
When the volume of the solid 28 is reduced due to the dissolution of the solid 8, the solid 28 at the top is lowered at any time by its own weight, so that the solid 28 having a substantially constant amount or constant volume can always come into contact with water. In this case, since the air vent hole 29c communicating with the outside is provided in the upper part of the storage container 29, the movement of the solid 28 including the inflow and outflow of water can be made smooth. Further, when the solid 28 is consumed and needs to be replaced, the lid 34 of the water storage tank 23 may be opened as shown in FIG. 1, and the internal storage container 29 may be taken out by holding the handle 29a. The storage container 29 in which the solid 28 is newly stored can be used instead. The storage container 29 can be used as a cassette container, and can be replaced without directly touching the solid 28. There is no possibility that a halogen odor or the like adheres to the surface, and the handleability and usability are good. On the other hand, if the laundry is extremely delicate clothing and may be easily discolored, or especially when the antibacterial effect is not required, if the operation is started by selecting the sterilization function “none” of the operation unit 16b, A washing operation having a generally known rinsing process can be executed without any trouble.

As described above, the present embodiment has the following effects. In the first rinse, the water supply mechanism 17
Water (sterilizing water) containing hypochlorous acid as a hypohalogenous acid is supplied into the washing tub 6 through the humidifier, so that the germicidal action can suppress the proliferation of bacteria in the washing tub 6 and the laundry. The generation of mold, odor, and yellowing can be effectively suppressed, and the effect of suppressing the growth of bacteria on the back side of the washing tub 6 which also serves as a dewatering tub that is difficult to clean such as a combined dehydrating washing machine is particularly large. In a home where there are sick people and infants who are vulnerable to pathogenic bacteria, it is possible to prevent the infection of the disease from bacteria adhering to clothing, and it is possible to expect a clean and sanitary cleaning effect not seen in the past.

FIG. 9 shows the effect of the bactericidal action (change in the number of bacteria) on various concentrations of hypohalous acid, hypochlorous acid (sterilized water), in the washing water (rinse). In the experiment, the sterilization state of the germ water supplied into the washing tub 6 was examined. According to this, the residual chlorine concentration in the washing water obtained by diluting the generated sterilizing water to various concentrations is 0.5%.
(Ppm) or more, it was verified that an effective bactericidal effect was exhibited.

Then, a sterilization course by the sterilization function “Yes” is performed in the first rinsing step. This is due to the fact that hypochlorous acid is used to oxidize them due to organic substances contained in dirt and detergents during the washing process, and thus cannot exert a sufficient sterilizing effect. The tap water is directly supplied to the washing tub 6, and the sterilizing water is supplied in a rinsing process in which a more effective sterilizing function can be expected. Therefore, the solid of the halogenated hydantoin compound 28
The germicidal water produced from produces effective antibacterial effects and allows the solids 28 to be used efficiently.

In this embodiment, the sterilizing water from the second water supply passage 20 via the sterilizing water generating mechanism 22 and the ordinary tap water are so-called mixed to be supplied from the common water inlet 21 to the washing tub 6. After that, since the water is simultaneously supplied into the washing tub 6, the sterilizing water is diluted even before being put into the washing tub 6. In particular, in this embodiment, at the end of the water supply operation, sterilized water having a high concentration is supplied as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8B, but the water is already supplied to the washing tub 6 to the specified water level.
In addition, since the stirring operation by the stirring body 8 is continuously performed, the sterilized water having a high concentration is immediately diluted and mixed, and is adjusted to a uniform and appropriate concentration without unevenness. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the high concentration of sterilized water from directly adhering to the laundry to cause discoloration such as decolorization.

Further, according to the siphon pipe 26 for discharging the sterilizing water as in the present embodiment, even if the solid 28 in the water storage tank 23 and the high-concentration sterilizing water dropped from the filter 30 remain, a predetermined height is maintained. There is no accidental discharge from the siphon tube 26, and a so-called drainage effect is good. This is convenient for preventing the residual water from dripping onto the laundry during dehydration, for example, and causing unexpected spot-like discoloration and discoloration of the clothes. Although there is no possibility that the particularly high-concentration sterilized water remaining in this way leaks out, for example, it is assumed that, among the sterilized water used last time, it remains in the form of water droplets in the pipe line 20b and the inlet 21. Although this will flow out at the time of water supply, sterilizing water is supplied only after a predetermined amount of tap water has been supplied in advance, so that such residual water causes discoloration such as discoloration of the clothes as described above. Does not occur.

Further, since the stirring operation by the stirring member 8 is started from the middle stage of the water supply process where the water level does not reach the specified water level,
It is possible to enhance the effect of disinfecting sterilized water into the laundry, and in addition to rinsing and removing the detergent from the laundry, it is possible to effectively sterilize germs attached to the laundry after washing. . In addition, not only the stirring operation is started early, but also the time of the rinsing process is set to be longer than the time of the normal rinsing process (without the sterilizing function) in the selection course of “with sterilization function”. As a result, it permeates evenly throughout the laundry and exhibits a sufficient sterilizing effect.

In particular, according to the present embodiment, the solid 28
The contact between the water and the water does not receive any shock such as flowing water pressure, and the water is supplied and stored in the water storage tank 23 in accordance with the rise of the water level. It is kept immersed. In addition, solid 28
Since the sheet-like cushioning material 31 is attached to the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 29b of the container 29 in which the tablet-like solid 28 is stored, the tablet-like solid 28 is
The impact that collides with the inner wall surface is softened.

Further, in a specific configuration, the solid 28 made of a halogenated hydantoin compound is compression-molded into a tablet shape having a chamfered corner or an arc shape, and the corner having a weak binding collapses. Is to be prevented. In addition, a water-soluble molding aid such as boric acid, an organic acid, or polyethylene glycol may be mixed to enhance moldability. In addition, the bottom surface of the storage container 29 storing the solid 28 is covered with a filter 30 having a mesh portion 30b of 1 mm square or smaller, for example.

Therefore, from the above, the solid 28 is protected from impact, abrasion, and the like, and even if abraded powder is generated, there is no danger that the abraded powder will leak out of the filter 30. There is no danger of causing discoloration or the like to the discolored clothing. Alternatively, even if there is a possibility that the powder or the like may become clogged in the filter 30 and increase the water flow resistance, the water in contact with the solid 28 in the storage container 29 always flows alternately up and down the mesh portion 30b of the filter 30. The clogging phenomenon of the mesh portion 30b having water permeability can be automatically avoided.

If there is no possibility that the powder of the solid 28 leaks out of the filter 30 as described above, it is possible to adopt an amorphous crushed shape, so that the solid 28 is not limited to the form of the solid 28. In addition, the degree of freedom of handling is large and convenience can be achieved. Moreover, solid 28
As described above, the storage container 29 functions as a cassette container for replacement due to exhaustion of the storage container 29. At this time, the outer peripheral frame 30a of the filter 30 is
Since the storage container 29 is integrated by heat fusion, even if the storage container 29 is taken out of the machine, the state in which the solid 28 inside the storage container 29 is securely stored without leaking can be maintained, and the handling property is improved. In addition, there is no risk of accidental ingestion of infants. As described above, the solid 2 having a characteristic sterilization course
The handling of 8 is simple, and it is possible to provide a washing machine which is easy to use, and which can be expected to have a clean and sanitary washing effect without requiring complicated work or special care for long-term use.

Then, as described above, the contact between the solid 28 and the water is performed by immersion in the constant water level of the water storage tank 23. As a result, the concentration of hypochlorous acid is determined by the contact time by the immersion. It is determined. It is a water supply switching valve 1
8 and second water supply channel 2 composed of pipes 20a, 20b, etc.
Through 0 is determined in proportion to the time that the water supply is taking place. Therefore, a desired concentration can be set by controlling the water supply time. Incidentally, in this type of washing machine, the water level is set in accordance with the amount of laundry, and generally, the water supply amount for washing and rinsing can be adjusted to about 10 to 70 (L). Therefore, when the amount of rinsing water is large, the water supply time is long and sterilized water containing high concentration of hypochlorous acid is obtained,
When the amount of water is small, water is supplied for a short time, and the concentration becomes low.

FIG. 10 shows such a phenomenon. For example, the solid line in FIG. 10 shows the water supply time associated with the water amount 70 (L) as in the present embodiment when the water supply amount is different as described above.
The relationship between the concentration and the concentration of hypochlorous acid eluted during the water supply time was measured, which corresponds to FIG. 8B of the present embodiment. Water volume 1
5 (L), it is clear that the so-called bactericidal concentration changes depending on the length of the water supply time on the horizontal axis, and the water supply time is the second water supply time as described above.
The water supply time to the water storage tank 23 using the water supply channel 20 of the above, and corresponds to the time during which the solid 28 is in contact with water by immersion in the water storage tank 23. However, finally the washing tub 6
Since the hypochlorous acid concentration charged to is the integrated average of the hypochlorous acid concentration generated during the water supply time, it can be set to a substantially constant sterilizable concentration regardless of the amount of water for the above-mentioned rinsing. . Therefore, the sterilization concentration in the final washing tub 6 can be made constant without using a complicated and special concentration control mechanism.

The second water supply channel 2 for producing and supplying sterilized water
0, the water supply pattern such as the water supply amount and the water supply time can be variously changed and implemented, but only the tap water (the first water supply passage 19) is set to a predetermined water amount in advance as in the present embodiment shown in FIG. It is desirable to add sterilizing water after the supply in order to prevent discoloration of the laundry due to decolorization or the like. In addition, tap water (first water supply path 19) may be supplied temporarily at the end of the rinsing shown in FIG. Even if there is residual adhesion, it can be washed away, so that it is possible to avoid a situation in which this is inadvertently dropped on laundry and discolored. In many cases, stainless steel or iron-based steel is used for the components such as the washing tub 6 and the water receiving tub 4. In this case, the solid 28 contains a material having an anti-rust effect, so It is also possible to prevent corrosion.

(Second Embodiment) In contrast to the above, FIG.
Is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and different configurations and operations will be described. First,
As described in the above embodiment, the contact time between the solid 28 and the water is determined by controlling the water supply time by the second water supply passage 20 via the water supply switching valve 18, and the water is generated from the solid 28. The concentration of hypochlorous acid, which is a hypohalous acid, can be set to a desired concentration. By the way, the dissolution rate of the halogenated hydantoin compound, which is the solid 28, changes depending on the temperature of the contacting water. In other words, when the water temperature is low, such as in winter,
Since hypochlorous acid is difficult to elute, a difference occurs in the antibacterial ability even in the same contact time in winter and summer, resulting in a lack of stability for long-term use.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, a water supply temperature detecting means (not shown) is provided, and the water supply time is adjusted according to the detection result of the water supply temperature. Hereinafter, a description will be given based on the flowchart of FIG. 11 showing the control content of the second water supply passage 20. In step S1, the water supply switching valve 18 opens the water passage on the pipe 20a side to start water supply, and the water storage tank 23 The water that flows into is stored.

In step S2, for example, a tap water temperature is detected as a tap water temperature by a tap water temperature detecting sensor (not shown), and the control unit 11 sets a tap water supply time by using the detection result as an input. Step S3). In this case, specifically, the pipe 2 of the feed water switching valve 18
The opening time of the water channel on the 0a side is set. The pattern P1 illustrates the setting content in which the water supply time becomes longer as the water temperature is lower in step S3.

Therefore, in step S4, the contact time between the solid 28 immersed in the water storage tank 23 and the water is determined, whereby after a long contact time at a low water temperature such as in winter, and at a high water temperature in summer, After a short contact time, a substantially constant concentration of hypochlorous acid is always eluted from the solid 28 as shown in the pattern P2, so-called germicidal water is generated,
In step S5, this is put into the washing tub 6 and exerts an antibacterial function under an effective sterilizing concentration.

As described above, sterilizing water having a sterilizing concentration corresponding to the water temperature is generated, and a constant desired concentration can be obtained without excessive or insufficient sterilizing concentration due to a change in the water temperature in winter or summer. The same operation and effect as described in the embodiment can be expected. According to the present embodiment, when the water temperature is low, the water supply time is set longer as described above, but the water supply amount from the second water supply passage 20 is the water supply amount of the first water supply passage 19. Is about 3 (L / min) of the total water supply amount including, for example, 10 (L / min), which is a small amount of 1/3 or less, so that the water level in the washing tub 6 rises slightly. And no problem occurs in performing the rinsing.
Further, in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the flow for detecting the water supply temperature of the second water supply passage 20 is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the water supply temperature of the first water supply passage 19 having the same water source is detected in advance. Thus, the water supply by the second water supply path 20 may be started after the water supply time is set accordingly.

(Third Embodiment) Next, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment of the present invention. This is a hypohalous acid eluted from the solid 28 according to the water quality of the rinsing condition. The concentration of hypochlorous acid can be adjusted. That is, as described above, as the amount of dirt such as detergent solution or bath water increases, hypochlorous acid is consumed by oxidative decomposition of organic substances contained therein, and the desired effective antibacterial action cannot be obtained. Therefore, at the bottom of the washing tub 6, for example, at the drain port 12, an optical sensor that detects the turbidity of the rinsing water in this case based on the light transmittance is provided as liquid permeability detecting means (not shown). Then, an effective sterilization concentration is obtained by the control device 11 based on the detection result of the optical sensor, which will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the turbidity of the water at the bottom of the washing tub 6 due to the tap water (first water supply passage 19) supplied in advance is detected by an optical sensor (step P1). In step P2, the water supply time (second water supply passage 20) is set by the control device 11 based on the detection result, and the pattern T1 is set.
Illustrates the setting contents, and is set such that the greater the turbidity of water, the longer the water supply time. Accordingly, the contact time between the solid 28 and water is determined (step P
3) At this time, the pattern T2 indicates that the higher the turbidity of water, the higher the sterilization concentration is.

Next, in step P4, the second water supply channel 2
Water supply is started from 0, and after a contact time between the solid 28 and water determined based on the water supply time set in the previous steps P2 and P3, a desired concentration of hypochlorous acid is released to produce sterilized water. You. Then, in step P5, the sterilizing water is put into the washing tub 6, and always exerts an effective antibacterial function even if the rinsing water is dirty. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the time of water supply to the water storage tank 23 is set by detecting the degree of turbidity of water, whereby the contact time between the solid 28 and water can be controlled, and regardless of the degree of water contamination. The same effective and stable antibacterial effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained, and practical effects such as effective use of the remaining bath water to save water can be achieved.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings. For example, the siphon pipe 26 is used as the drainage means in the water storage tank 23. Even if a small hole is provided in the lowest part of 23d and a small amount of water is always discharged as compared with the supplied water amount, water can be stored in the water storage tank 23 and substantially the same function and effect can be expected. Further, the storage container 29 is not limited to the configuration functioning as a cassette container, and the storage container is directly provided integrally with the water storage tank 23, and preferably, an inlet / outlet of water is provided at least at a lower portion, and the lower portion of the solid 28 is immersed in water. In this case, the effective antibacterial function described in each of the above embodiments can be exerted, and the embodiments can be appropriately combined with each other. Can be implemented with various changes without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0087]

As described above, the present invention comprises a solid comprising a halogenated hydantoin compound which releases hypohalous acid upon contact with water, and generates water containing this hypohalous acid to produce the above-mentioned laundry. In a washing machine having a water supply mechanism for charging the tub, the solid is stored in a water storage tank that is supplied with water from a water source and can be stored therein, and a drainage unit that discharges the stored water into the water storage tank; An overflow port having a predetermined height capable of draining water is provided, and the amount of drainage by the drainage means is set to be smaller than the amount of water supply, so that water can be stored until the drainage overflows from the overflow port. The solid is brought into contact with the solid.

Accordingly, the sterilizing water containing hypohalous acid released from the solid can suppress the growth of bacteria in the laundry or the washing tub, and can effectively suppress the generation of mold, odor, yellowing and the like. In addition to this, a clean and hygienic cleaning effect suitable for a sick person or a home with infants susceptible to pathogenic bacteria can be expected. Moreover, since the solid is brought into contact with water in a so-called immersed state with the water stored in the water storage tank, a static contact state is obtained for the solid without being subjected to sudden water impact, It is possible to prevent the solid from collapsing or being powdered due to abrasion. As a result, the solid can be efficiently used for a long period of time by preventing early consumption of the solid. And in particular, the concentration of hypohalous acid is controlled by the contact time between the solid and water, which can be easily set based on the setting of the water supply time during which water is supplied into the water storage tank, and thus the desired A washing machine suitable for practical use can be provided, for example, the antibacterial concentration can be easily and reliably obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing a sterilizing water generating mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional side view showing a schematic configuration of the entire washing machine.

FIG. 3 is an overall plan view partially broken away.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view showing a water supply mechanism.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of a filter.

FIG. 6 is a chemical reaction mechanism diagram showing a change caused by hydrolysis of a solid.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a change in the number of bacteria in washing water with respect to a rinsing time.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a change in water level in a water storage tank and a change in hypochlorous acid concentration during water supply.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the concentration of hypochlorous acid and the bactericidal effect.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing a relationship between a water supply time and a hypochlorous acid concentration.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a main part showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a main part showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 is a top cover, 4 is a water receiving tub, 6 is a washing tub, 11 is a control device, 17 is a water supply mechanism, 16a and 16b are operation parts, 1
Reference numeral 8 denotes a water supply switching valve, 19 denotes a first water supply path, 20 denotes a second water supply path, 21 denotes a water inlet, 22 denotes a sterilizing water generation mechanism, 23 denotes a water storage tank, 23b denotes a communication port (entrance), and 26 denotes a siphon. Pipe (drainage means), 27 is an overflow pipe, 27a is an overflow port, 28 is a solid, 29 is a storage container, 30 is a filter (inlet / outlet),
And 32 indicate a lid opening / closing device.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Takaga Iwai 991 Anada-cho, Seto-shi, Aichi F-term in the Ashi Factory, Toshiba 3B155 AA15 AA17 BA02 BB08 CB39 FE00 FE13 MA01 MA02 MA06 MA07

Claims (9)

[Claims] A water supply mechanism for supplying water from a water source to a washing tub includes a solid made of a halogenated hydantoin compound that releases hypohalous acid in contact with water, and contains the hypohalous acid. Water is generated and put into the washing tub, wherein the solid is supplied with water from a water source and stored in a water storage tank capable of storing the water, and the water stored in the water storage tank is stored in the water storage tank. And a water outlet having a predetermined height capable of overflow drainage is provided.The amount of water discharged by the water drainage means is smaller than the amount of water supply, and water is stored until the water overflows from the water overflow outlet. A washing machine wherein the stored water and the solid are brought into contact with each other. 2. The storage container according to claim 1, wherein a storage container for storing solids is provided in the water storage tank, and the storage container is provided with a water inlet / outlet at least below the overflow port. Washing machine. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the drain means has a siphon pipe structure. 4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a storage container for storing solids is provided in the water storage tank, and a sheet-like cushioning material is provided on an inner wall surface of the container. 5. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a storage container for storing solids is provided in the water storage tank, and the container is detachably stored in the water storage tank. 6. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a storage container for storing solids is provided in the water storage tank, and a mesh filter is provided at the bottom of the container to serve as a water inlet / outlet. 7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the storage container is formed of a thermoplastic resin, and the filter is joined by heat fusion. 8. A water supply temperature detecting means, wherein a water supply time to a water storage tank is set based on a result of the detection, whereby a contact time between the solid and water is controlled. The washing machine according to 1. 9. A liquid permeability detecting means for detecting turbidity of water is provided, and a water supply time to a water storage tank is set based on a result of the detection, thereby controlling a contact time between a solid and water. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein