JP2002346288A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine which is not only capable of suppressing the occurrence of mold, smells, yellowing, etc., in a basket and laundry by suppressing the propagation of microorganisms but is capable of maintaining a stable and effective sterilizing effect in long-term use as well. SOLUTION: This washing machine has a housing section 27 to house a sterilizing agent 34 consisting of a hydantoin halide compound for releasing a hypohalogenic acid by contacting water in a feed route 21 to the basket 6 and is constituted to supply water containing the hypohalogenic acid to the basket 6 by feeding the water into this housing section 27. The water containing the hypohalogenic acid is supplied to at least the final stroke after a washing stroke.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine mainly for suppressing the growth of microorganisms and enabling hygienic washing.

[0002]

Conventionally, a home washing machine puts laundry into a washing tub, supplies a required amount of detergent and washing water (generally tap water), and stirs them. By washing the laundry, sufficient washing performance against ordinary dirt on the laundry is ensured. However, during this washing, the calcium component in tap water reacts with the surfactant in the detergent to produce insoluble metal soap, and furthermore, some of the water-insoluble components such as zeolite mixed in the detergent are removed. It tends to adhere to the peripheral wall of the washing tub (especially on the back side), and such a tendency has been more remarkable when the detergent uses a powdered detergent containing sodium higher fatty acid as a main component.

[0003] In addition, to the deposits such as metal soaps generated in this way, fiber scraps and dirt separated from the laundry are likely to adhere, and the dirt and deposits absorb water to remove bacteria (microorganisms). ), Which causes rot to cause floc and eventually mold. This mold may cause odors due to its metabolites,
If the washing machine further develops, in the subsequent washing operation, they may be separated and float in the water and adhere to the laundry, which may cause stains and the like in the laundry and give an unsanitary feeling.

In general, a washing machine capable of a dehydrating operation basically has a double tub structure, in which a water tub is arranged on the outside and a washing tub serving also as a dehydrating tub is rotatable inside the tub. And a stirrer provided at the bottom of the washing tub. Then, as is well known, the laundry put into the washing tub is washed and rinsed by rotating the stirring body, and centrifugal dewatering is performed by rotating the washing tub at high speed. Therefore, in this type of washing machine, since there is no frictional contact between the washing tub and the water tub due to the laundry, the portions on the back side of the washing tub (the outer peripheral wall of the washing tub and the inner peripheral wall of the water tub) are not covered with metal. Soap and fiber waste easily adhere. In addition, the back side of such a washing tub is difficult to be disassembled and cleaned by ordinary users, and the washing tub and the water tub have an uneven shape mainly including reinforcing ribs for improving strength. For this reason, metal soap and dirt tend to adhere and accumulate under such conditions that mold is more likely to be generated.

[0005] Furthermore, laundry (clothes) is liable to adhere to many bacteria from the human body or the outside air when worn, such as, for example, generally Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and atypical acid-fast bacteria. 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-grow, and the odor and It causes yellowing. In addition, in a home where there is a sick person or a baby who is susceptible to pathogenic bacteria, there is a demand for a more clean and sanitary washing effect on laundry, for example, bacteria easily adhere to the skin with bacteria attached to clothes.

[0006] As a countermeasure, it is conceivable to remove bacteria by adding an organic antibacterial agent into a washing tub. In this method, it is necessary to supply a high concentration each time it is used, and if this remains on the clothes to be washed, it may affect the human body. There are restrictions on handling such as the need for rinsing. Therefore, a disinfecting means using hypohalous acid, which does not have the above-mentioned persistence and is excellent in immediate effect, has been considered. This uses a halogenated hydantoin compound that releases hypohalous acid, which has a disinfecting (antibacterial) action when it comes in contact with water. The compound is solidified, and the disinfectant is supplied to the washing tub by supplying water to the washing tub. In addition, water containing hypohalous acid is gradually supplied.

However, when the above-mentioned hypohalous acid is supplied to the washing water still containing much detergent and dirt in the washing tub,
This hypohalous acid reacts with the detergent components and stains and is consumed, so that an effective disinfecting action cannot be obtained. Therefore, if a large amount of hypohalous acid is supplied, the disinfecting agent is consumed. Cannot respond to long-term use quickly. In addition, the solubility of the disinfectant is greatly affected by the temperature of the washing water (water supply). For example, when the temperature is low, the generation of hypohalous acid is small and the disinfecting effect is reduced. Once released, the disinfectant depletes prematurely. As described above, the supply amount (concentration) of hypohalous acid is not uniform due to the use conditions at the time of washing, so that stable disinfecting performance cannot be obtained, and the disinfectant is consumed at an early stage. Need to improve these points.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to suppress the growth of microorganisms (fungi) and to suppress the occurrence of mold, odor, yellowing, and the like. It is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine that can exhibit stable sterilization performance and is suitable for long-term use.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a washing machine according to the present invention is provided in a washing machine having a washing step and a rinsing step. Having a storage unit containing a solid sanitizer consisting of a halogenated hydantoin compound that releases hypohalous acid,
By supplying water into the storage section, water containing hypohalous acid is supplied to the washing tub, wherein the water containing hypohalous acid is supplied at least to a final rinsing step after the washing step. The present invention is characterized in that it is configured as described above.

[0010] According to such a configuration, hypohalous acid can be supplied to the rinse water where the water in the washing tub is clean, and the germicidal action can be exerted effectively, thereby suppressing the growth of microorganisms and reducing the number of fungi and bacteria. In addition to effectively suppressing the generation of odor and yellowing, the release of hypohalous acid can be optimized, and the disinfectant can be prevented from being dissolved wastefully and is suitable for long-term use.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a water supply temperature detecting means is provided, and the time for supplying the disinfectant to the storage section is controlled based on the detection result. Invention).

According to such a configuration, the solubility of the halogen hydantoin compound as a disinfectant is greatly affected by the temperature, but the water supply time is controlled in accordance with the water supply water temperature. The desired concentration can be maintained substantially constant by adjusting the amount of the release of the bacterium, and the wasteful consumption of the disinfectant is suppressed and the stable use of the bactericide can be continued for a long period of time.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, before the final rinsing step, preliminary water supply for temporarily supplying and draining water to and from the storage section of the disinfectant is performed. The invention of claim 3).

According to this configuration, the surface of the disinfectant in the area that comes into contact with water can be kept in a certain moisture absorbing state in preparation for supply into the washing tub. Therefore, it is suitable for practical use, such as stabilizing the amount of release of hypohalous acid and suppressing fluctuations in concentration and solubility at all times.

Incidentally, if this preliminary water supply is carried out during a washing step or a first rinsing step, for example, in which still a large amount of detergent or dirt is present, the partial water supply with such a high concentration of hypohalogen is partially carried out. Even if the acid is supplied into the washing tub, its effect is consumed by the detergent components and the like and is diminished, so that the washing does not cause fading or damage to the cloth, which is convenient.

[0016] Further, in the apparatus according to the first aspect, a supply water temperature detecting means is provided, and when the supply water temperature is higher than a set temperature, water is not supplied to the storage section of the disinfectant. (Invention of claim 4).

According to such a configuration, the solubility of the disinfectant has a large temperature dependency, and in addition, when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature, the dissolution and hydrolysis rates increase rapidly, making it difficult to control the concentration. When the temperature of the supply water is equal to or higher than the temperature, the supply of water to the disinfectant is stopped to prevent abnormal supply and dissolution of hypohalous acid, and proper use of the disinfectant can be achieved.

The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the necessity of water supply to the accommodating portion of the disinfectant and the water supply time can be set by a manual switch.

According to such a configuration, the disinfection function can be easily selected according to the user's request, and when the disinfection function is required, the water supply time can be selectively set. And can be easily adjusted to supply a high concentration of hypohalous acid, or conversely, to a low concentration, so that the range of application can be expanded accordingly.

[0020] In the first aspect, a rinsing degree determining means is provided, and when the rinsing degree is determined to be insufficient in the final rinsing step, the rinsing step is additionally executed and the final rinsing step is executed. In the rinsing process, water is supplied to the storage section of the disinfectant (invention of claim 6).

According to such a configuration, the hypohalous acid is supplied on condition that the hypohalous acid is clean water in which the hypohalous acid works effectively, and the antibacterial action is assured and the desired performance can be stably maintained. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the concern that the sterilization action cannot be sufficiently exerted even in the final final rinsing step, such as when the detergent input amount is too large or the stain is severe.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the initial stage of the use of the disinfectant, the water supply time to the storage unit is controlled to be shorter than usual until a predetermined integrated water flow rate is reached. (The invention of claim 7).

According to such a configuration, the unstable (high concentration) hypohalous acid release at the beginning of use can be corrected and stable supply can be achieved under a substantially constant concentration. That is, when the halogenated hydantoin compound is solidified, a fine powder adheres to the surface of the solid disinfectant, and in the initial stage of use, this dissolves and the hypohalous acid tends to have a high concentration. Occurs. Therefore, the water supply time is controlled to a short time to reduce the amount of hypohalous acid released as a so-called small water amount until the predetermined integrated water flow amount in the initial stage is reached, so that the concentration can be adjusted to be substantially constant throughout. It was done.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a washing machine with a combination of dehydration will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 are a side view showing a part of the entire configuration of the washing machine and a plan view showing a part of the washing machine, respectively. The entire configuration will be described with reference to these drawings. First, as shown in FIG.
Is composed of an outer box 2 and a top cover 3 attached to the upper surface thereof. A water tank 4 is elastically hung by an elastic support mechanism 5 inside the housing 1, and is inside the housing 1. Washing tub 6 also serving as a dehydration tub and having a large number of through holes 6a on the peripheral wall surface
Are rotatably disposed to form a so-called vertical axis type double tank structure.

The washing tub 6 is provided at its upper end with a balance ring 7 filled with a liquid, for example, and at its inner bottom, a stirring body 8 is rotatably arranged. A drive mechanism unit 10 including a clutch mechanism, a brake mechanism, and the like (not shown) is provided at a central portion of the outer bottom surface of the water tank 4 mainly with a direct drive type motor 9 having an outer rotor structure. The body 8 and the washing tub 6 can be selectively driven to rotate.
The washing operation, the rinsing operation, the dehydration operation, and the like are executed based on an operation program stored in advance based on the control device 11 and the like provided therein.

The drive mechanism 10 includes a rotation sensor (not shown), and a motor 9 (outer rotor).
Laundry amount detecting means for detecting the capacity of the laundry based on the rotation characteristics of the laundry. In addition, the drainage port 12 at the bottom of the water tank 4 is provided with, for example, an optical sensor 13, which is provided with a light emitting portion 13a and a light receiving portion 13b at opposed positions to detect the transmittance of water. Is composed. A drain valve 14 is provided in communication with the drain port 12, and is led out of the machine via a drain hose 15. Further, although not shown, a well-known water level detecting means such as an air trap and a water level sensor 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,
An opening / closing lid 16 is provided rotatably. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4 as well, the opening / closing lid 16 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. The front lid 16a and the rear lid 16b are configured to be folded in two.

An operation panel 17 is provided at the forefront of the top cover 3. The operation panel 17 includes a number of switch operation units and display units for performing various setting operations related to the operation course of the washing machine. (Details will be described later). The control device 11 (see FIG. 3) is disposed inside the operation panel 17, and the control device 11 is mainly configured by a circuit having a microcomputer and the like. The washing operation course is automatically executed and controlled according to a program stored in advance based on input signals from the panel 17 and various detection sensors.

On the other hand, a water supply mechanism 18 for supplying water to the washing tub 6 is provided inside the rear of the top cover 3.
Is provided. The overall configuration of the water supply mechanism 18 will be described with reference to an enlarged plan view of a main part in FIG. 5. When the water source is, for example, tap water, the water supply mechanism 18 is connected to a tap (not shown) inside the top cover 3. Hose connection port 19a
Is provided as an electromagnetic water supply switching valve 19 which projects from the water supply switching valve 19 as a water supply path leading to the washing tub 6.
For example, first and second water supply channels 20, 21 branched into two
Is provided. The opening and closing (switching) operation of each flow path of the first and second water supply channels 20 and 21 by the water supply switching valve 19 is controlled by the control device 11.

First, the first water supply passage 20 is connected to a water injection case 22 provided at a position facing the inlet 3a of the top cover 3, and a water temperature sensor 23 is provided in the middle thereof. A so-called water supply temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of water for washing and rinsing flowing through the water supply passage 20 is provided. Therefore, the first water supply path 2 is controlled by the water supply switching valve 19.
The water supply when the communication is opened to the zero side is supplied directly from the water injection case 22 into the washing tub 6.

On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the second water supply passage 21 is provided with a front end opening between the washing tub 6 and the water tub 4 in the present embodiment via a sterilizing water generating device 24 described later. Have been. Specifically, as shown in an enlarged sectional view of a main part in FIG. 2, a ring-shaped tank cover 25 attached to the upper end opening of the water tank 4 has a sink-shaped water injection section having a water injection port 26a. The second water supply channel 21 has a configuration in which the front end of the second water supply channel 21 is opened in the vicinity of the upper surface of the second water supply channel 21. Therefore, the water supplied through the water supply channel 21 is supplied between both the tubs as sterilizing water described later via the sterilizing water generating device 24, that is, can be supplied into the washing tub 6 through the through-hole 6a.

However, as is clear from FIGS. 4 and 5, the sterilizing water generator 24 is provided with the top cover 3 in this embodiment.
The water supply switching valve 19 is arranged in parallel.
The second water supply passage 21 connected to the sterilized water generation device 24 is connected to the sterilization water generation device 24 by an inflow line 21 a connected to the water supply switching valve 19.
As shown in FIG. 2, the outflow pipe 21b is connected to the water outlet 26 of the tank cover 25.

Next, the specific structure of the sterilizing water generator 24 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5. The storage unit 27 has a rectangular bottomed shape and can store a predetermined amount of water. A water supply / drainage chamber 28 connected to the second water supply passage 21 for water supply / drainage, and a relatively large space via a partition wall 29 in the storage portion 27. 30 are formed separately from each other. At least at the lower portion of the partition wall 29, a vertical groove-shaped communication port 29a serving as a water inlet / outlet is formed.
8 and 30 are in a communication configuration. However, the inflow pipe 21a communicates with the water supply / drainage chamber 28 of the storage section 27, is connected to an inflow port 28a at the lower part of the side wall, and the water flowing in through the pipeway 21a is supplied to the water supply / drainage chamber 28. And it is configured to be able to flow into and out of the storage chamber 30 through the communication port 29a.

On the other hand, in the water supply / drainage chamber 28,
7, a siphon pipe 31 which is opened at a predetermined height capable of draining by utilizing the siphon phenomenon, and an overflow port 32a provided adjacent to and slightly higher than the siphon pipe 31
Are formed integrally with each other by vertically penetrating the bottom portion 27a of the semi-cylindrical overflow pipe 32 having the following shape. The siphon pipe 31 and the overflow pipe 32 are arranged within a range equivalent to the approximate diameter (inner diameter) of the overflow pipe 32, as can be particularly understood from the plan view of FIG. A portion extending through the bottom portion 27a having the bottom 31 and the overflow pipe 32 and extending below is unified as a cylindrical outlet 28b including both of them inside, and is configured to protrude downward. However,
The outlet 28b is connected to the outlet pipe 21b via a joint 33, and the tip of the outlet pipe 21b is extended onto the water injection section 26. As described above, water passing through the second water supply path 21 As a result, the water is supplied into the washing tub 6, thereby forming a water supply path to the washing tub 6.

On the other hand, in the storage chamber 30 described above, a solid disinfectant 34 that releases hypohalous acid that exhibits a disinfecting action when contacted with water is accommodated, as will be described in detail later. Bacterial agent 34 is configured to be capable of contacting water at its lower part. For example, the disinfectant 34 in this configuration
Is in the shape of a tablet with a diameter of about 10 mm,
This is provided with a storage container 35 in which a large number of the storage containers 35 are randomly stored, and a water-permeable filter member 36 having a mesh structure of, for example, a 1 mm square, through which water can enter and exit, is provided at the bottom of the storage container 35. And

Further, as to this storage container 35, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, an appropriate number of air vent holes 35a having a diameter of about 3 mm are formed in the upper portion of the side wall.
Except for having the upper part in a closed configuration,
The top plate is provided with a grip 35b for gripping. Therefore, the storage container 35 can be carried as a so-called cassette container with respect to the storage portion 27.

Then, of the bottom part 27a of the storage part 27,
A plurality of ribs or pin-shaped protrusions 30a projecting upward are formed at a portion corresponding to the bottom surface of the storage chamber 30, and the storage container 35 is separated from the bottom 27a (shown by a gap G in the figure). ), And is configured to allow water to flow between the projections 30a along the surface of the bottom 27a. Therefore, water can easily flow into and out of the storage container 35 through the filter member 36 constituting the bottom, and the disinfectant 34 stored in the storage container 35 can be easily contacted with water. .

A lid 37 for opening and closing the upper opening of the accommodation chamber 30 is provided. This lid 37
A rectangular cylindrical support frame 38 is provided above the inner periphery of the accommodation chamber 30.
Is fitted and fixed, and is rotatably supported on one end of the upper surface of the support frame 38. A handle 37 for opening and closing operation is provided on the opposite side of the support.
a is provided. Therefore, the upper part of the storage container 35 is closed by the lid 37 and opened to make the storage container 35 detachable from the storage chamber 30 as a cassette container. In addition, on the inner side wall of the storage container 35,
A buffer sheet 47 is stuck to prevent the disinfectant 34 from being rubbed and crushed by the impact of the carrying of the storage container 35 or the vibration of the washing machine, and the generation of fine powder and the like. This is because, for example, the fine powder easily dissolves or hydrolyzes, thereby avoiding adverse effects such as a change in concentration due to the release of hypohalous acid and a rapid consumption of the disinfectant 34. .

Here, the constitution of the above-mentioned disinfectant 34 will be described. The disinfectant 34 is made of a halogenated hydantoin compound which releases hypohalous acid upon contact with water. A powder of an organic compound is filled in a mold and solidified into a tablet by compression molding by press molding. Examples of the halogenated hydantoin compound include 1,3-dichloro5,5-dimethylhydantoin, 1-bromo-3-dichloro5,5-dimethylhydantoin, and 1,3-dichloro5,5-ethylmethylhydantoin. . These compounds have a bond such as nitrogen-chlorine, nitrogen-bromine, or nitrogen-iodine in the molecule, and these so-called nitrogen-halogen bond are
It is hydrolyzed by contact with water to produce hypochlorous acid, hypobromous acid, and hypoiodic acid, respectively, and these so-called hypohalous acids have an oxidizing effect and are sterilized (antibacterial) It has an effect.

In this embodiment, 1,3-
It adopts dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin. When it comes into contact with water, the nitrogen-halogen atom bond is hydrolyzed to produce hypochlorous acid, which is hypohalous acid. The saliva effectively functions as sanitizing water, and when the sanitizing agent 34 is not used, it can be stably maintained in a solid state without collapse.

As described above, since the disinfecting agent 34 comes into contact with water and releases hypochlorous acid to be produced as disinfecting water having a strong oxidizing effect, there is a possibility that the disinfecting agent 34 may come into contact with such disinfecting water. In addition to a certain storage container 35 and a filter member 36, the entire portion of the storage portion 27 is formed of any material having excellent halogen resistance, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, vinylidene chloride, or vinyl chloride. The molded parts are prevented from being deteriorated or discolored.

The operation panel 17 on the front surface of the top cover 3 will now be described. As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 6, a power switch 39, a start switch 40, and a main course selection are provided as general switches. Switch 41, special course selection switch 42a and its display unit 4
2b, a time and number setting switch 43a and a display 43b,
In addition to the water level setting switch 44a and the display unit 44b, a disinfection switch 45a for selecting a disinfection course and a display unit 45b are provided. In addition, there is provided a detergent amount display section 46 determined based on the washing capacity detecting means described above.

The sterilization switch 45a selects whether or not to execute the sterilization course (ON / OFF) and indicates the concentration of hypochlorous acid as a hypohalous acid when the sterilization course is executed (ON). "Strong / Standard / Weak" can also be set. Therefore, although the details will be described in the following description of the operation, setting ON / OFF of the sterilization course is performed by the water supply switching valve 19.
The necessity of water supply to the storage section 27 containing the disinfectant 34 is set via the, and the concentration depends on the contact time between the disinfectant 34 and water. It can be set by adjusting the water supply time to the section 27.

Next, the operation of the washing / drying machine having the above structure will be described with reference to FIGS. In the case of performing the washing operation, the washing operation corresponding to the setting operation by the various switch groups on the operation panel 17 shown in FIG. 6 can be executed. The sterilization switch 45 is set to a standard course which is often performed, and is set to perform a sterilization course.
A case will be described in which a is turned on and the concentration of hypochlorous acid is selected and set to, for example, "standard" while checking the display portion 45b.

First, roughly speaking, in the standard course, two rinsings are performed under a predetermined washing time and a dehydrating time. Generally, as shown in a time chart of FIG. Based on a program stored in advance, it is automatically executed in the order of “washing-first rinsing-intermediate dehydration-second (final) rinsing-final dehydration”. In the washing and rinsing steps, the motor 9
Is activated, and only the stirrer 8 is driven forward and reverse to rotate the laundry together with the water stored in the washing tub 6 and the water tub 4. 8 to spin at high speed to spin-dry the laundry.

FIG. 7 shows a water supply operation state particularly by the water supply switching valve 19.
When the first water supply channel 20 side is opened, water is directly supplied to the washing tub 6 as washing water (washing and rinsing water). When the second water supply channel 21 side is opened, the above-described removal is performed halfway. It is supplied between the washing tub 6 and the water tub 4 after passing through the storage section 27 of the fungus 34. In other words, it indicates that the sterilized water generated by the sterilized water generation device 24 is supplied to the washing tub 6 at a predetermined time in a predetermined process.

Of these, the preliminary water supply performed at the end of the washing operation is that water is supplied to the storage section 27 for a limited short time, whereas the preliminary water supply is performed at the time of the second final rinse. The water is passed for a necessary time to sufficiently release hypohalous acid to obtain sterilized water exhibiting an effective sterilizing action, and is supplied to the washing tub 6 as sterilized water. However, in this preliminary water passing, the surface state of the halogenated hydantoin compound as the disinfectant 34 is always kept in a constant state (hygroscopic state) before the main water passing, and the influence of the concentration due to the dissolution rate is suppressed to maintain the surface state in the predetermined range. It is a pre-means to make it possible. In this case, the storage container 3 shown in FIG.
The water level at which the disinfectant 34 in 5 is in contact with the water is in the storage section 2.
7, and the amount of water that can be drained is supplied from the siphon tube 31 beyond the height of the siphon tube 31.

Therefore, in the preliminary water supply,
Water supply and drainage are performed temporarily. At the time of this drainage, a small amount of sterilizing water is discharged and supplied to the washing tub 6, but the washing water in the water tub 4 and the washing tub 6 possibly contains detergent and dirt. Therefore, even if hypochlorous acid is mixed, it is immediately reacted with these detergent components and consumed, so that the laundry does not suffer from fading or damage to the cloth. Conversely, in this water flow,
As will be described later in detail, in order to improve the disinfecting effect, the cleaning is performed in the final rinsing step when the water is clean.

In this embodiment, the preliminary water flow time is
As will be described later, for example, the water is supplied for 20 seconds, but even if the water supply switching valve 19 is closed and the water supply is cut off, the water temporarily stored in the storage section 27 is supplied from the siphon pipe 31. It is discharged with a delay and dropped between the water tub 4 and the washing tub 6. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the water is discharged (dropped) during the drainage process. In this case, however, the water is unnecessary as the sterilizing water, and is rather quickly discharged to the outside, which is convenient.

Hereinafter, the operation will be specifically described mainly with reference to the flowchart of the washing operation shown in FIG. First, the power switch 39 is turned on (step S1), and the standard course of the main course is set as described above (step S1).
2) Further, an ON setting operation is performed by the sterilization switch 45a (step S3). Then, the laundry is stored in the washing tub 6 and the start switch 40 is turned on (step S).
4) and the laundry amount is detected based on a rotation sensor (laundry amount detecting means) provided on the motor 9 (step S).
5) The water level corresponding to this is determined (step S)
6) At the same time, the amount of detergent corresponding to the
Is displayed on the display unit 46 (step S7), and the user inputs a necessary amount of detergent (step S8).

Thereafter, the operation is automatically controlled until the operation is completed. In step S9, as is clear from FIG. 7, the first water supply passage 20 side of the water supply switching valve 19 is opened, and the water supply case 22 at the end is opened. The washing water is supplied directly into the washing tub 6. When the water is supplied to a predetermined water level by a water level sensor (water level detecting means) (not shown), the water supply switching valve 19
Is closed, the drive mechanism 10 is activated to rotate the stirrer 8 forward and reverse, and the washing operation is started (step S10).

However, in the next step S11, the process directly proceeds to step S12 based on the fact that the sterilization switch 45a is set ON as described above. In this step S12, the remaining time t of the washing operation is a predetermined time,
For example, it is determined whether or not the time is 20 seconds or more, and t is 20 seconds or less (N
If the answer is O), the process moves to the next step S13. In step S13, so-called preliminary water supply for temporarily supplying and draining water to and from the storage section 27 is performed.

As shown in FIG. 7, the water supply switching valve 19 immediately before the end of the washing operation (in this case, 20 seconds before) is used.
The opening operation of the second water supply passage 21 causes short-time water supply to the storage section 27 for 20 seconds. The water comes into contact with the disinfectant 34 to make it damp and moisture-absorbing, and after reaching the water level of the siphon tube 31, is discharged from the storage portion 27. Then, it flows down to the water injection section 26 through the outflow pipe 21b and is supplied between the water tub 4 and the washing tub 6. However, as apparent from FIG. 7, the washing step is immediately completed, and the drainage / intermediate dehydration step (step) is performed. In order to proceed to S13 / Step S14), the drain valve 14 is opened and drained from the drain hose 15 to the outside of the machine together with the washing water.

In the subsequent intermediate dehydration step, the drain valve 14
The drive mechanism 10 is energized and driven to rotate the washing tub 6 together with the stirrer 8 at a high speed in the open state. This intermediate dehydration is started immediately before the washing water of the detergent solution is completely drained, and the subsequent rinsing action is efficiently performed by performing centrifugal dehydration from the laundry containing a large amount of detergent. I have. If the sterilization course has not been set (OFF), “OF” is performed in step S11.
F ", the preliminary water flow (step S13) is not performed, and immediately after the washing operation for a predetermined time is completed, the process immediately proceeds to step S14 to start drainage, and to cause the sanitizing agent 34 to unnecessarily absorb moisture. It does not wear out.

Next, the process proceeds to the first rinsing process. In this rinsing process, first, in step S16, the water supply switching valve 1
9, the first water supply channel 20 side is opened, and water is directly supplied from the water inlet 22 into the washing tub 6 in the same manner as in the above-described washing process. When the water reaches a predetermined water level, the water supply operation is stopped and the stirring body 8 is turned off. The motor is driven forward and reverse to perform a so-called rinsing as the first rinsing (step S17). Then, when the rinsing operation for a predetermined time is completed, the flow sequentially shifts to drainage (step S18) and intermediate dehydration (step S19), and the same drainage and dehydration operations as described in steps S14 and S15 are performed.

Subsequently, the process proceeds to the second (final) rinsing step, and first, water is supplied into the washing tub 6 through the first water supply passage 20 of the water supply switching valve 19 (step S20). Then, after a lapse of 30 seconds from the start of water supply, the water temperature sensor 2 shown in FIG.
3, the water supply water temperature T is measured, and a comparison with a preset temperature α is performed (step S21).
When the water temperature T is equal to or higher than the set temperature α (“YES” of T ≧ α)), the supply of the sterilized water is not performed thereafter.

This is because the solid disinfectant 34 composed of a hypohalous compound reacts to the water temperature T to greatly affect the dissolution and hydrolysis rates, and the concentration of hypochlorous acid, which is a hypohalous acid, also increases. Change. FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the water temperature T and the concentration. As the water temperature T increases, the concentration tends to increase, and particularly when the temperature reaches the water temperature α or higher shown in FIG. , It becomes difficult to control the concentration. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the water temperature α is set and compared with the set temperature to determine whether or not the sterilization course can be executed, so that excessive hypochlorous acid is not mixed. Since the water temperature is measured 30 seconds after the water supply is started, even if there is a temperature difference between the water temperature and the room temperature, the original water supply water temperature can be accurately measured, and thus the concentration can be accurately set. .

However, in general, tap water is often used as a water source, and usually, the temperature is equal to or lower than the set temperature α (T
The process moves to the next step S22 based on the determination of <α).
Here, when the water is supplied to a certain water level, as shown in FIG. 3, the rinsing degree detecting means by the optical sensor 13 detects the turbidity of the lower rinsing water in the supplied water tank 4 and rinses the water. Is determined to be sufficient.

However, at the time of this determination, although the stirring operation by the stirring body 8 has not been performed yet, the turbidity of the water that has just been supplied through the laundry is determined based on a criterion that has been experimentally determined in advance and stored in advance. A determination is made on the basis of whether or not an expected proper rinsing effect (a so-called rinsing degree) is obtained. The reason is that as shown in FIG. 7, the water supply operation (first water supply path 20) which is the initial stage of the final rinse is performed.
At the same time, the water is also supplied from the second water supply passage 21 to supply the sterilized water, and the stirring time by the rotation of the stirring body 8 is increased after that, so that the sterilized water is added to the laundry. It is also to make it permeate.

In the case of ordinary soiled laundry, the process proceeds to step S23 based on the determination of “sufficient rinsing” in the second rinsing. Returning to S16, the same rinsing as the first time is additionally executed thereafter. Then, in step S23, a water supply time of the disinfectant 34 to the storage section 27 is set. In this case, an appropriate water supply time is determined based on a relational expression with the water level and the water temperature in accordance with the setting of the sterilization concentration by the sterilization switch 45a of the operation panel 17 (here, “standard”).

Thereafter, the flow shifts to step S24, in which the accumulated water flow rate F used since the first use of the disinfectant 34 is started.
Is determined to exceed a predetermined water flow rate β set in advance. As a result, if the flow rate F is still small, "NO"
Then, the water supply time set in the previous step S23 is reduced by a fixed rate (for example, 30%), and is reset to the original water supply time of 70% (step S25). This is for the following reason.

That is, immediately after the start of use, fine powder adheres to the surface of the solidified disinfectant 34 or tends to accumulate downward. The concentration of chlorite increases, but tends to gradually converge to a substantially constant level during use. Therefore, in this embodiment, instead of measuring the accumulated water flow rate F, in order to obtain a stepwise tendency, for example, the number of times of use of the sterilization course is counted under the setting of the standard concentration, and the initial number of the courses is determined as described above. The number of times until the influence of the transient high concentration of can be eliminated was experimentally determined.

FIG. 9 shows the relationship between the number of uses (corresponding to the flow rate) and the concentration of hypochlorous acid based on the result.
A stable tendency is observed after the number of integrations n shown in the figure.
Therefore, the number of times n is determined as an integrated reference value until the influence of the initial transient high concentration can be eliminated, and a reference water flow amount corresponding to the use number n is determined, and this is determined as a predetermined water flow amount β. be able to. Then, the above step S
24, the controller 11 is provided with a function of counting the number of uses of the sterilization course, and compares the number of uses at the start of the process with a reference value (in this case, the number n). By doing so, it is possible to easily determine.
By such determination and the water supply time (step S25) reset as necessary, even in the early stage of the start of the disinfectant 34, a large error in the concentration range can be suppressed and maintained in an appropriate range. Setting is possible.

In step S26, the second water supply passage 21 of the water supply switching valve 19 is also opened, and water is supplied to the washing tub 6 together with the first water supply passage 20. Water runs. Therefore, the water is supplied from the second water supply channel 21 to the washing tub 6 as sterilized water via the sterilized water generator 24, and the water supply time is determined based on the conditions of the previous steps S23, S24 and S25. It is performed under appropriate density settings.

That is, water is supplied from the water supply switching valve 19 to the storage section 27 through the inflow pipe 21 a constituting the second water supply path 21.
Supplied to Specifically, it flows into the water supply / drainage chamber 28 from the inflow port 28a, and further flows into the storage chamber 30 through the communication port 29a of the partition wall 29. Then, the water level is stored and raised without being drained until the water level reaches each upper opening position of the siphon pipe 31 and the overflow pipe 32 in the water supply / drainage chamber 28. Thereafter, the water level first rises to the opening position of the siphon tube 31, and even when the water is drained from the siphon tube 31, the water supply amount flowing in is set to be larger than this drainage amount. And
Eventually, the water level exceeds the overflow port 32a, and the water overflows from the overflow port 32a.

In this state, water is discharged together from the siphon pipe 31 and the overflow pipe 32, and the amount of drainage is set to be equal to or greater than the amount of water supplied to the storage section 27, and in particular, the overflow port 32a has a large drainage capacity. Therefore, the water supplied and stored in the storage section 27 does not exceed the overflow port 32a and is not further stored, and is maintained at the water level (constant water level) substantially at the position of the overflow port 32a.

This means that water flows into the storage container 35 in the storage chamber 30 containing the disinfectant 34 through the filter member 36 through the gap G at the bottom. The lower part is immersed. Therefore, 1,3-
The disinfectant 34 made of a dichloro 5,5-dimethylhydantoin compound is hydrolyzed by contact with water, and hypochlorous acid (hypohalous acid) exhibiting a disinfecting (antibacterial) action.
Gradually dissolved and released, and the concentration gradually increased. As described above, the water that has come into contact with the disinfectant 34 is generated as disinfecting water containing hypochlorous acid, but not all is immediately discharged from the overflow pipe 32 or the siphon pipe 31.

The reason for this is that water that has entered through the filter member 36 at the bottom of the storage container 35 cannot flow out of the storage container 35 unless there is another entrance and exit and flows in the path that has flowed in. While the water supply is continued, the water is discharged from the siphon pipe 31 and the overflow pipe 32 as described above, while the water is also supplied to the storage container 35 to keep the water level equal to the constant water level in the storage chamber 30. In addition, the filter member 3 at the bottom serving as a water inlet / outlet for the storage container 35 with respect to the overflow port 32a capable of discharging a large amount of water.
The position 6 is largely separated from the position 6, so that the flow path resistance between them is not discharged immediately and is discharged gradually.

As described above, the sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid is supplied from the siphon pipe 31 and partly from the overflow pipe 32 to the outlet 28.
b, flows out to the outflow pipe 21 b through the joint 33, flows down to the water injection section 26 of the tub cover 25, and is supplied between the water tub 4 and the washing tub 6. Therefore, the water supply switching valve 19
From the first water supply channel 2 through the second water supply channel 21
It is supplied to the washing tub 6 with a slight delay from the 0 side. Thereafter, water is supplied from the first water supply channel 20 until a predetermined water level is reached, and water is continuously supplied from the second water supply channel 21 for a time set based on the concentration setting. Then, when the second water supply passage 21 of the water supply switching valve 19 is closed and the supply of water is cut off, the overflow port 32a having a constant water level until now is provided.
The water in the storage section 27 that has been stored up to the height becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined water level and thereafter is discharged through the siphon pipe 31. Particularly, high-concentration sterilized water in the storage chamber 30 side almost remains in the storage section 27. And is effectively supplied to the washing tub 6.

In step S27, the driving mechanism 10 such as the motor 9 is operated in the same manner as in the first rinsing (step S17). Stirring operation of the object (storage rinsing) is started. As a result, the laundry put into the washing tub 6 is stirred, and the sterilizing water supplied between the water tub 4 and the washing tub 6 flows into the washing tub 6 through the through-hole 6a together with the stirring water flow. It flows in, is further diffused, is evenly diluted and distributed, penetrates into the laundry, and disinfects various germs attached to the laundry by its bactericidal action.

When the stirring operation of the final rinse is performed for a predetermined time, the same drainage as before (step S) is performed.
28), final dehydration (step S29), which is slightly longer than the intermediate dehydration, is performed, and the laundry is centrifugally dehydrated together with sterilized water to complete the entire operation. When the disinfectant 34 is dissolved and consumed by long-term use, the lid 37 is opened as shown in FIG.
You just have to take it out and replace it with a new one. On the other hand, when the laundry is extremely delicate clothing and may be easily discolored, or when the antibacterial effect is not particularly required, if the operation is started by turning off the disinfecting switch 45a of the operation panel 17, A washing operation having a generally known rinsing process can be performed without any trouble.

As described above, the present embodiment has the following effects. In the second water supply path 21 of the water supply path to the washing tub 6, a storage section 27 containing a solid sanitizing agent 34 made of a halogenated hydantoin compound is provided, and water is supplied into the storage section 27 at least in the final rinsing step. do it,
By contacting the disinfectant 34 with water, hypochlorous acid as a hypohalous acid is released, and water containing this hypochlorous acid (sterilized water) is supplied to the washing tub 6. . This makes it possible to supply hypochlorous acid to the rinse water where the water in the washing tub 6 is clean, to effectively exert the disinfecting action, and particularly to the back side of the washing tub 6 which also serves as a dewatering tub which is difficult to clean. By suppressing the growth of microorganisms, it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of mold, odor, and yellowing, etc., and it is possible to optimize the release of hypochlorous acid, thereby suppressing wasteful dissolution of the disinfectant 34 for long-term use. Be suitable.

The solubility of the halogen hydantoin compound as the disinfectant 34 largely depends on the temperature.
3 is provided in the water supply path to the washing tub 6, in this embodiment, in the first water supply path 20, and based on the detection result, the water supply time of the disinfectant 34 to the storage section 27 is variably controlled. In addition, the temperature is detected 30 seconds after the start of water supply, so that an accurate temperature of the water supply can be measured. Therefore, the water supply time can be set in accordance with the water supply water temperature, the amount of hypochlorous acid released can be adjusted, and the desired concentration can be maintained within a substantially constant range. It is suitable for long-term use.

In addition, if the temperature of the feed water exceeds a predetermined temperature, the dissolution and hydrolysis rates of the disinfectant 34 increase rapidly, making it difficult to control the concentration. When the temperature is equal to or higher than the temperature, water is not supplied to the storage section 27 of the disinfectant 34, so that abnormal supply and dissolution of hypohalous acid can be avoided, and wasteful consumption can be prevented. it can.

Further, the disinfectant 34 has a different dissolution rate or the like between a dry state and a moisture-absorbed state, and changes in the concentration of hypochlorous acid make the concentration control complicated, which is not easy. According to the present embodiment, before the final rinsing step is performed, preliminary water supply for temporarily supplying and draining water to and from the storage section 27 of the disinfectant 34 is performed. The surface of the disinfectant 34 can be placed in a predetermined moisture absorbing state in advance to be supplied into the washing tub 6, the amount of hypochlorous acid released can be made constant, and the fluctuation of the concentration and the solubility can be suppressed for a long time. Stabilization can be achieved over use.

In addition, in this embodiment, the preliminary water flow is performed during the washing process in which a large amount of detergent or dirt still remains. Even if it is supplied into the washing tub 6, its effect is reduced by detergent components and dirt, and does not cause damage to the laundry that causes discoloration or damage to the cloth. In addition, the necessity of the disinfection course is provided by the disinfection switch 45a which can be appropriately selected according to the request of the user, so that the range of use can be expanded, and when the disinfection course is executed, the concentration of hypochlorous acid is reduced. The water supply time can be easily set by manual operation to set it, and the usability is good.

Further, in the present embodiment, an optical sensor 13 is provided as rinsing degree determining means so that the rinsing degree in the final rinsing step can be detected. If it is determined that the rinsing is insufficient based on the detection result, Since the rinsing step is additionally executed, and in the final rinsing step, water is supplied to the storage section 27 of the disinfectant 34, so-called disinfection is performed on condition that the clean water is effective for hypochlorous acid. Water is supplied, the sterilization effect is assured, and the expected performance can be stably maintained. Therefore, when the amount of detergent is too large, or when there is still a large amount of dirt such as hot water remaining in the bath, it is possible to avoid the concern that a sufficient sterilization effect cannot be exerted.

According to the present embodiment, the release of hypochlorous acid can be stably supplied at a substantially constant concentration even at the beginning of unstable (high-concentration) use of the disinfectant 34. ing. That is, when the halogenated hydantoin compound is solidified, a fine powder adheres to the surface of the solid disinfectant 34, which dissolves at the initial use stage and tends to have a high concentration of hypochlorous acid. Occurs. Therefore, in the initial stage, until the predetermined integrated water flow rate is reached, the water supply time is controlled in a short time to reduce the amount of hypochlorous acid released as a small amount of water, so that the concentration can be adjusted to be substantially constant throughout. It was done. Therefore, the concentration of hypochlorous acid can be stably maintained from beginning to end, and there is a practical effect that the disinfectant 34 can be appropriately and effectively used for a long period of time.

In addition to the fact that the sterilized water is supplied in a state in which the predetermined washing water has already been introduced into the washing tub 6, the sterilizing water is directly injected between the water tub 4 and the washing tub 6. So
There is no risk that disinfecting water such as decoloring will be caused by direct application of high-concentration sterilized water to the laundry. Furthermore, the disinfectant 34 is provided with a buffer sheet 47 on the side wall of the storage container 35 to protect it from impact, abrasion, and the like. Even if small particles are generated by crushing, there is a possibility that the disinfectant 34 leaks out of the filter member 36. Not
This does not flow out directly into the washing tub 6 and does not cause discoloration or the like of the laundry, which is the laundry.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings. For example, the feed water temperature can be accurately measured by a water temperature sensor 23 provided immediately after the feed water switching valve 19. Although it is convenient in terms of the point, it is also feasible to provide it in the water tank 4. Further, although the rinsing degree detecting means by the optical sensor 13 is provided, this is not always necessary, and the supply of the sterilized water can be sufficiently dealt with by supplying it to the final rinsing. Furthermore, preliminary water supply was performed near the end of the washing process in order to bring the sanitizing agent 34 into a certain moisture absorbing state. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, detergent components or dirt that reduces the effect of the sanitizing water are used. It may be performed at the beginning of the remaining first rinsing. In addition, the storage section 27 provided in the water supply path to the washing tub 6 may be provided so that the disinfectant 34 can be brought into contact with water within a range that does not depart from the gist of the present invention in a specific configuration. Various modifications can be made.

[0081]

As described above, according to the present invention, a disinfectant comprising a halogenated hydantoin compound which releases hypohalous acid upon contact with water and a disinfectant are provided in the water supply path to the washing tub. A storage section was provided, and the water containing hypohalous acid was supplied to the final rinsing step in which the water in the tank was clean. Therefore, hypohalous acid can be supplied to clean rinsing water, which can effectively exert a disinfecting effect and suppresses the growth of microorganisms.
It is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of yellowing and the like, and it is possible to optimize the release of hypohalous acid, suppress wasteful dissolution of the disinfectant, and be suitable for long-term use. A washing machine capable of being provided can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart for explaining control contents according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a main part.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a schematic cross section of a schematic configuration of the entire washing machine;

FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway plan view.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of a main part of FIG. 4;

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

FIG. 7 is a time chart showing a state of a washing operation process and a water supply operation.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between water temperature and hypochlorous acid concentration.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing the tendency of the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the initial stage of use.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a housing, 3 is a top cover, 4 is an aquarium, 6 is a washing tub,
10 is a drive mechanism unit, 11 is a control device, 13 is an optical sensor (rinsing degree detecting means), 17 is an operation panel, 18 is a water supply mechanism, 19 is a water supply switching valve, 20 is a first water supply path (water supply path), 21 is a second water supply path (water supply path), 23 is a water temperature sensor (water supply temperature detecting means), 24 is a sterilized water generator, 2
5 is a tank cover, 26 is a water injection section, 27 is a storage section, 30 is a storage room, 31 is a siphon pipe, 32 is an overflow pipe, 34 is a disinfectant, 35 is a storage container, 36 is a filter member, and 4
5a indicates a sterilization switch.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) C02F 1/50 C02F 1/50 532D 532H 540 540E 550 550B 550C 550L D06F 33/02 D06F 33/02 T 39 / 08 301 39/08 301R (72) Inventor Shinichiro Kawabata 991 Anata-cho, Seto-shi, Aichi F-term (reference) 3A155 AA03 AA15 AA21 BA05 BA10 CB06 CB58 FA04 GA13 GA27 GB10 KA12 KA18 KB04 LB29 LC34 MA02 MA05 MA06 MA07 MA10

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A washing machine having a washing step and a rinsing step, wherein a solid sanitizing agent comprising a halogenated hydantoin compound which releases hypohalous acid in contact with water is provided in a water supply path to a washing tub. A storage section containing the storage section, wherein water containing hypohalous acid is supplied to the washing tub by supplying water into the storage section, wherein the water containing hypohalous acid is provided after the washing process. A washing machine characterized in that the washing machine is supplied at least in a final rinsing step. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a water supply temperature detecting means for controlling a water supply time of the disinfectant to the storage section based on the detection result. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, before the final rinsing step, preliminary water supply for temporarily supplying and draining water to and from the storage section of the disinfectant is executed. 4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a water supply temperature detecting means is provided, and when the water supply water temperature is equal to or higher than a set temperature, water is not supplied to the storage section of the disinfectant. 5. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the necessity of water supply to the storage section of the disinfectant and the water supply time can be set by a manual switch. 6. A rinsing degree determining means is provided, and when the rinsing degree in the final rinsing step is determined to be insufficient by the means, the rinsing step is additionally executed, and in the final rinsing step, the sterilizing agent is removed. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein water is supplied to the storage section. 7. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the water supply time to the storage unit is controlled to be shorter than usual until a predetermined integrated water flow rate is reached at the beginning of use of the disinfectant. .