JP2003251094A - Washing machine, and cleaning machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent electrolysis from being carried out more than necessary while water is supplied to restrict consumption of an electrode in an electrolytic device. <P>SOLUTION: In a final rinsing process, water is supplied into a washing/ drying tank 4 first. In this water supply process, a supply water valve 12 is opened first, and supply of water is started (step S61). When the water level in the washing/drying tank 4 reaches a prescribed electrolysis water level that is lower than the washing water level, energization to the electrode 25 is started to carry out electrolysis (steps S62 and S63). Simultaneously, counting to limit time of electrolysis is started using an internal counter. When flow of supply water is considerably small, it takes a long time to reach from the electrolysis water level to the washing water level. In case the limit time has passed before the washing water level is reached, a control part 28 stops energization to the electrode 25 (steps S64 and S65). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine such as a fully automatic washing machine, a drum type washing machine, and a two-tub type washing machine. Further, the present invention relates to a washing machine such as a washing machine or a dishwasher for washing an object to be washed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a washing machine (washing machine), a detergent is usually used for washing. For example, in a fully-automatic washing machine, water (washing liquid) in which detergent is dissolved is stored in a washing / dehydrating tub, and a pulsator located at the bottom is rotated to generate a water flow to stir the laundry, thereby washing the laundry. I'm doing the washing.
That is, the laundry is cleaned by the mechanical force of the pulsator and the effect of the detergent.

By the way, in such a washing machine, there is a demand to reduce the amount of detergent used in order to reduce the cost of washing operation. There is also a desire to disinfect the laundry at the same time as washing.

Therefore, an electrolysis device for electrolyzing the water accumulated in the washing tub is provided, and instead of a washing step of washing the laundry with a detergent, a mechanical force is applied to the laundry while electrolyzing with the electrolysis device. After performing the electrolytic washing process to wash the laundry, or the washing process using a detergent or the electrolytic washing process, the hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite ion generated by the electrolysis by the electrolysis device is caused to act on the laundry. A washing machine capable of performing an electrolytic rinsing process for disinfecting has been realized.

[0005]

In such a washing machine, in order to increase the electrolysis efficiency, before the water is supplied up to the wash water level at which water is finally washed and rinsed at the time of water supply, that is, at a water level lower than the wash water level. Therefore, it is preferable to start energizing the electrolysis device at least when the electrodes of the electrolysis device are immersed in water.

However, in the case of such a structure, if the water supply flow rate to the washing machine is considerably small due to a fairly low water supply pressure, electrolysis will take place for a considerably long time before reaching the washing water level. There is a possibility that the electrolysis will be performed more than necessary and the consumption of the electrodes will be increased.

Further, in such a washing machine, the conductivity of water stored as washing water in the washing tub varies considerably. This is because the content of chlorine and the like in tap water varies depending on the region, or bath water containing a bath agent is used for washing. Therefore, the magnitude of the current flowing through the electrodes varies, and the electrolysis performance may vary.

Therefore, in order to obtain stable cleaning performance and sterilization performance, or to prevent overcurrent and protect the power supply circuit, etc., it is necessary to take such points into consideration.

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine (washing machine) capable of favorably performing washing (washing) and sterilization utilizing electrolysis by solving the above problems. .

[0010]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention A washing machine according to the first invention of the present application for solving the above problems is an electrolysis device for electrolyzing water stored in a washing tub to generate electrolyzed water. In the washing machine for washing laundry using the generated electrolyzed water, which controls energization for electrolysis with respect to the electrolysis device, at the time of water supply in the washing process and the rinsing process, An energization control unit that starts energization from a water level lower than the wash water level at which washing and rinsing are performed, and a time counting unit that starts measurement of a predetermined time limit when energization is started by the energization control unit. The energization control means is characterized in that when the time limit elapses before the water level in the washing tub reaches the washing water level, energization to the electrolyzer is stopped and electrolysis is temporarily stopped.

In this configuration, in the washing process and the rinsing process, water supply to the washing tub is first started. And
In this water supply, energization to the electrolysis device is started from a water level lower than the wash water level. When the energization is started, the time limit is measured.

If the flow rate of water supplied to the washing tub is sufficiently large and water is supplied to the washing water level before the time limit elapses,
Water supply is stopped. Energization to the electrolyzer is continued,
After this, washing and rinsing with electrolyzed water are performed.

On the other hand, when the flow rate of the water supplied to the washing tub is considerably small and the time limit elapses before the water is supplied to the washing water level, the power supply to the electrolysis device is stopped. After that, the water is supplied to the washing water level, the water supply is stopped, and when the washing and rinsing are performed, the electrolysis device is energized again.

That is, in this structure, by providing the time limit, it is possible to prevent the electrolysis from being performed more than necessary at the time of water supply, so that the electrolysis device (electrode of the electrolysis device) can be suppressed from being consumed.

A washing machine according to a second invention of the present application, which solves the above-mentioned problems, has an electrolysis device for electrolyzing water stored in a washing tub to generate electrolyzed water. In a washing machine for washing laundry, an energizing circuit for applying a voltage to an electrode of the electrolysis device, a current detecting unit for detecting a magnitude of an energizing current to the electrode, and a current detecting unit for detecting the current. The voltage applied to the electrode is changed according to the applied current, and an applied control means for adjusting the applied current is provided, and the applied control means is low when first applying the electric current to the electrode in the washing process and the rinsing process. While starting the application from the voltage, when stopping the energization to the electrodes and restarting the energization during the same stroke,
The feature is that the application is started from the voltage set when the energization is stopped.

With this configuration, when water is supplied into the washing tub and the energization of the electrodes of the electrolysis device is started in the washing process and the rinsing process, the magnitude of the energizing current flowing through the electrodes is increased according to the detected energizing current. The voltage applied to the electrodes is adjusted so that the value becomes appropriate. Here, the voltage applied at the beginning of energization is a predetermined low voltage, and if the energizing current at this time is small, the voltage is increased. By doing so, it is possible to prevent an overcurrent from suddenly flowing and damaging the power supply circuit or the like.

In the same process, the energization of the electrodes may be temporarily stopped and then restarted.
For example, the washing operation may be temporarily stopped by the user's operation of temporary stop. Further, when water is supplied, energization is started from a water level lower than the washing water level, but it is conceivable that the energization is temporarily stopped because the time limit elapses before reaching the washing water level. In such a case, the possibility that the conductivity of water in the washing tub will change is extremely small.

Therefore, when the energization of the electrodes is stopped and then the energization of the electrodes is resumed during the same stroke, the value of the voltage applied first is set to the value at the time when the energization was stopped. Application is started from this voltage, and the voltage is adjusted according to the energizing current. By doing so, the voltage can be quickly adjusted.

Further, in the washing machine according to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of the loading port to the washing tub, and the energization control means is configured to apply the loading while the electrodes are energized. It is preferable that when the mouth is opened, the energization to the electrode is stopped, and when the energization to the electrode is restarted after the closing of the charging port, the application is started from a low voltage.

In this structure, when the loading port to the washing tub is opened while the electrode is energized (the lid or door covering the loading port is opened), the energization to the electrode is stopped, and the energization is performed when the loading port is closed again. To resume. When the charging port is opened, for example, the softening agent may have been charged during the rinsing process. That is, it is possible that some operation was performed to increase the conductivity of water in the washing tub after opening and closing the inlet.

Therefore, when the energization to the electrodes is restarted after the closing of the charging port, the voltage value before the stop is not used, but the initially applied voltage is set to a predetermined low voltage. The application is started from a low voltage, and the voltage is adjusted according to the applied current. By doing so, even if the conductivity of water in the cleaning tank changes so as to increase, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of overcurrent.

A washing machine according to a third invention of the present application which solves the above-mentioned problems has an electrolysis device for electrolyzing water stored in a washing tub to generate electrolyzed water, and uses the electrolyzed water thus produced. In a washing machine for washing laundry, an energizing circuit for applying a voltage to an electrode of the electrolysis device, a current detecting unit for detecting a magnitude of an energizing current to the electrode, and a current detecting unit for detecting the current. The energization control unit is provided with an energization control unit that changes the voltage applied to the electrode according to the energization current and adjusts the energization current, and an opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening / closing of the inlet to the washing tub. In the washing step and the rinsing step, application of the voltage is started from a low voltage when the electrode is first energized, and when the opening is opened, energization to the electrode is stopped and after closing the opening. , The electrode It is characterized that it will start the application from a low voltage when resuming the energization.

According to this structure, it is possible to prevent sudden occurrence of an overcurrent at the time of first energizing after supplying water to the washing tub, and at the same time, after the opening / closing operation of the inlet, the conductivity of water in the washing tub. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of overcurrent even when the value changes so as to become higher.

A washing machine according to a fourth invention of the present application which solves the above-mentioned problems has an electrolysis device for electrolyzing water used for washing to generate electrolyzed water, and the electrolyzed water thus produced is used to perform laundry. In a washing machine for washing, an energizing circuit for applying a voltage to the electrode of the electrolysis device, a current detecting means for detecting a magnitude of an energizing current to the electrode, and an energizing current detected by the current detecting means In accordance with the above, a combination of changing the voltage applied to the electrode and changing the on / off ratio of the energization is provided, and an energization control means for adjusting the energization current is provided. The electrolyzer may electrolyze the water stored in the washing tub, or may electrolyze the water supplied to the washing tub before it is stored in the washing tub.

For example, as one mode of adjusting the energizing current,
The energization control means first sets the value of the voltage to be applied to the electrodes in accordance with the energization current detected by the current detection means and makes the voltage constant, and then the energization detected by the current detection means. The on / off ratio of energization is set according to the current.

That is, first, when energization to the electrodes is started, an initial voltage (a low voltage is preferable) is applied. Then, if the detected energizing current is within a range where it becomes an appropriate energizing current easily by adjusting the on / off ratio of energization performed thereafter, the voltage is fixed to this initial voltage.

On the other hand, when it is not possible to obtain an appropriate energizing current by adjusting the on / off ratio of energization, the voltage is changed to an upper value or a lower value.

When the current applied to the electrodes is fixed, the on / off ratio of energization is adjusted according to the detected energizing current. That is, the larger the detected energizing current with respect to the target energizing current value, the larger the off-time ratio. In this way, the electrodes are intermittently energized at the set on / off ratio,
Make sure that the current supplied to the electrodes (average current) has an appropriate value. In addition, when the off time is set to zero, continuous energization is performed.

As a method of adjusting the energizing current, there is a method of keeping the voltage constant and changing only the on / off ratio of energizing. In the case of this method, the realized circuit is inexpensive and the cost can be kept low. However, since it only changes the average current value and does not change the absolute current value, it cannot deal with the case where the energization current value is largely deviated from the appropriate value. That is, when the energizing current becomes extremely small, the energization becomes continuous and the current cannot be increased further. Further, if the energizing current becomes extremely large, the power supply circuit may be damaged even in a short ON state.

On the other hand, there is a method of changing the magnitude of voltage,
In the case of this method, since the absolute current value changes, it is possible to cope even if the current value deviates from the appropriate value relatively large.
However, voltage variable control such as PWM control using an inverter circuit can finely change the voltage, but the cost is high. Further, the control for changing the voltage by switching the taps by using a transformer having an intermediate tap is relatively inexpensive, but the voltage can be changed only in several steps and fine adjustment cannot be performed.

In this respect, according to the above-mentioned configuration, since the control of changing the voltage applied to the electrode and the control of changing the ON / OFF ratio of the conduction are combined to adjust the conduction current to the electrode, the conduction current is adjusted. Can be dealt with by changing the voltage when it deviates significantly from the appropriate current value, and by changing the on / off ratio for subsequent fine adjustments, the current supplied to the electrodes can be adjusted with a relatively inexpensive voltage variable. It can be performed accurately by using a means.

A washing machine according to a fifth invention of the present application for solving the above-mentioned problems has an electrolysis device for electrolyzing water stored in a washing tank to generate electrolyzed water, and using the electrolyzed water thus produced. In a washing machine for washing an object to be washed, an energizing circuit for applying a voltage to an electrode of the electrolysis device, a current detecting means for detecting the magnitude of an energizing current to the electrode, and a current detecting means for detecting the current. The voltage applied to the electrode is changed according to the applied current, and an energization control unit that adjusts the applied current is provided, and the energization control unit is used in the washing process and the rinsing process when the first electrode is energized. When starting the application from a low voltage and restarting the energization to the electrodes and then restarting the energization during the same process, start the application from the voltage set when the energization is stopped. To It is a symptom.

According to the structure of the washing machine, as in the washing machine according to the second aspect of the invention, the power supply circuit and the like can be protected from an overcurrent, and the voltage applied to the electrodes can be quickly adjusted. .

A washing machine according to a sixth aspect of the present invention which solves the above-mentioned problems has an electrolysis device for electrolyzing water used for washing to generate electrolyzed water, and the electrolyzed water thus produced is used for washing. In a washing machine for washing things, an energizing circuit for applying a voltage to the electrodes of the electrolysis device, a current detecting means for detecting the magnitude of an energizing current to the electrodes, and an energization detected by the current detecting means. The present invention is characterized by comprising an energization control means for adjusting an energization current by combining a voltage applied to the electrodes and an on / off ratio of energization in accordance with the current.

According to the structure of the washing machine, the current supplied to the electrodes can be adjusted accurately by using the relatively inexpensive voltage varying means, as in the washing machine according to the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0036]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, a washing machine according to the present invention and a coin type fully automatic washing machine which is one embodiment of a washing machine will be described with reference to the drawings. The washing machine of the present invention is not limited to this coin-type fully automatic washing machine, and may be a fully automatic washing machine for households (commercially available), a drum type washing machine, or a two-tub washing machine. It may be. The washing machine of the present invention is not limited to these washing machines, and may be, for example, a dishwasher or an instrument washing machine.

FIG. 1 is a side vertical sectional view showing an outline of the coin type fully automatic washing machine of this embodiment.

In FIG. 1, an outer tub 2 having an open upper surface is suspended and supported by four suspension rods 3 inside a machine frame 1. In the outer tub 2, a washing / dehydrating tub 4 having the same upper surface is arranged. This washing and dewatering tank 4
Has a large number of dehydration holes 4a in its periphery and rotates about a rotation shaft 5 provided on the bottom wall. The outer tub 2 and the washing / dehydrating tub 4 form the washing tub of the present invention.

A pulsator 6 is rotatably arranged at the bottom of the washing / dehydrating tub 4. A motor 7 is connected to the washing / dehydrating tub 4 and the pulsator 6 via a power transmission mechanism 8. The motor 7 rotates only the pulsator 6 at a low speed during washing and rinsing (rinsing rinsing and water rinsing), and the washing / dehydrating tub 4 rotates the rotating shaft 5 when the laundry is dehydrated.
At a high speed in one direction (at this time, the pulsator 6 also rotates at a high speed).

An upper surface plate 18 is arranged on the upper surface of the machine casing 1. The top plate 18 is provided with a laundry loading port 19 connected to the top openings of the outer tub 2 and the washing / dehydrating tub 4 at the center. The input port 19 is opened and closed by the upper lid 20.

An operation box 9 is arranged at the rear of the top plate 18. An operation panel 10 is provided on the front surface. The operation panel 10 includes an operation unit 10a including a start key and the like and a display unit 10b for displaying operating conditions and travel. A control unit, which will be described later, is provided inside the operation box 9. In addition, operation box 9
Is equipped with a coin insertion box (not shown) into which coins are inserted when the user performs a washing operation.

Inside the upper plate 18 above the rear part of the outer tub 2, a water supply pipe 1 for supplying water to the outer tub 2 and the washing / dehydrating tub 4 is provided.
1 is arranged. An electromagnetic water supply valve 12 is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 11. A drain pipe 13 having a drain valve 14 is connected to the bottom wall of the outer tub 2. The drain valve 14 is opened and closed by the operation of the torque motor 15. An air trap 17 is provided at the bottom of the outer tank 2, and a pressure hose 16a is provided in this air trap.
The water level sensor 16 is connected via. The water level sensor 16 detects the water level in the washing / dehydrating tub 4, and the amount of water supplied to the washing / dehydrating tub 4 is known.

The outer tub 2 is provided with an overflow port 21 at a position above a washing water level described later. This overflow port 21
Is connected to a position downstream of the drain valve 14 of the drain pipe 13 via an overflow hose 22. Water that has passed the position of the overflow port 21 in the outer tub 2 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the overflow port 21, the overflow hose 22, and the drain pipe 13.

An electrolysis device 23 is provided below the outer peripheral wall of the outer tank 2. The electrolysis device 23 is unitized, is formed separately from the outer tank 2, and is attached to the outer tank 2 by a screw or the like. The electrolysis device 23 is provided on the rear side of the outer tank 2, and the electrolysis device 23 appears only by removing a rear panel (not shown) on the rear surface of the machine frame 1. With such a configuration, the electrolysis device 23 can be easily repaired or replaced.

The electrolysis device 23 includes an electrolysis tank 24 provided as a room separate from the outer tank 2, an electrode 25 arranged in the electrolysis tank 24, and an upper portion connecting the upper portion of the electrolysis tank 24 and the outer vessel 2. It has a water passage 26 and a lower water passage 27 that connects the lower part of the electrolytic cell 24 and the outer tank 2. In the present embodiment, five flat plate-shaped electrodes 25 are arranged in the electrolytic cell 24 with their plate surfaces facing each other. In this case, the polarities of the electrodes 25 are alternately switched so that the two electrodes 25 adjacent to each other have opposite polarities. Electrode 25
Is formed by coating the surface of a base material with a thin film member serving as an oxidation catalyst. The base material is, for example, made of titanium,
Platinum, for example, is used as the thin film member. Other thin film members include gold, palladium, platinum iridium, and titanium oxide. In addition, at least one pair of electrodes 25 may be arranged.

FIG. 2 is an electric system configuration diagram of the fully automatic washing machine of this embodiment. At the center of control, CPU, RAM, RO
A control unit 28 (corresponding to energization control means and timing means of the present invention) including M, a timer and the like is installed. The control unit 28 is composed of a microcomputer.

The control section 28 receives an operation signal from the operation section 10a and a water level detection signal from the water level sensor 16. An open / close detection switch 29 (corresponding to the open / close detection means of the present invention) for detecting the open / closed state of the upper lid 20 is connected to the control unit 28. The control unit 28 can detect opening / closing of the upper lid 20 by turning on / off the internal circuit of the opening / closing detection switch 29. Furthermore, a coin detection signal is input to the control unit 28 from a coin detector 30 that detects that a predetermined amount of coins have been inserted into the coin box.

The control unit 28, based on the above various signals,
The motor 7, the torque motor 15, the
The operation of the water supply valve 12 is controlled. The torque motor 26 controls the operation of the drain valve 15 as described above. In addition, the control unit 28 controls the operation of the display unit 10b and the buzzer 32 that notifies the end of operation or an abnormality.

The electrode 25 is connected to the output side of the control unit 28 via an energizing circuit 33 including a power transformer. When a signal instructing energization is output from the control unit 28, the energizing circuit 33 operates to energize the electrode 25. A current detector 34 (corresponding to the current detecting means of the present invention) is connected to the energizing circuit 33. This current detector 34 is
The magnitude of the energizing current supplied to the electrode 33 is detected, and the detected current value is output to the control unit 28.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram including a current detector 34 for showing an outline of the energizing circuit 33. This energizing circuit 33
Then, an intermediate tap is provided on the secondary side of the power transformer 35, the current flowing through the electrode 25 is detected, and the tap of the power transformer 35 is switched according to the detected current to change the output voltage.

A relay switch 36 for switching between high and low taps is inserted on the secondary side of the power transformer 35. Switching of the relay switch 36 is performed by energizing the relay coil 37. 38 is a rectifying diode, and C is a smoothing capacitor. The output of the rectifying diode 38 is supplied to the electrode 25. A switching transistor Q1 and a resistor R1 are inserted in series with the electrode 25, and the voltage of the resistor R1 is input to an operational amplifier 39 which is a current detector 34. The output of the operational amplifier 39 is the control unit 28.
Detected in. The control unit 28 detects the current flowing through the electrode 25 based on the output of the operational amplifier 39, and
ON / OFF control of the switching transistor Q1 is performed by supplying a current to the base of the switching transistor Q1. Further, by supplying a current to the base of the switching transistor Q2 that drives the relay coil 37, on / off control of the switching transistor Q2 is also performed.

The switching transistor Q1 is turned off when the relay switch 36 is switched. This is because no surge occurs in the relay switch 36. Even if the relay switch 36 is provided with an integrator circuit or a varistor formed of a resistor and a capacitor, the surge prevention effect can be obtained.

Next, the washing operation of the coin type fully automatic washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is based on the above configuration, will be described. This coin-type fully automatic washing machine is characterized in that in the rinsing step, the laundry is rinsed and electrolytically rinsed with electrolyzed water to sterilize the laundry.

When the user inputs a fee required for the washing operation and presses the start key, the washing operation is started under the control of the control unit 28.

First, the washing step is executed. Control unit 28
Opens the water supply valve 12 to supply water to a predetermined washing water level (step S1). In the coin-type fully automatic washing machine of the present embodiment, the water level is not set according to the amount of laundry, but the wash water level is always constant, and the water level is suitable for laundry of the rated capacity of that model. In this way, the detergent liquid formed by dissolving the detergent in tap water is stored in the outer tub 2.
When water is supplied to the washing water level, the water supply valve 12 is closed.

Next, the control unit 28 causes the pulsator 6 to reversely rotate in the left and right directions at a predetermined speed to generate a water flow in the outer tub 2 to wash the laundry (step S).
2). The dirt attached to the laundry is removed by the effect of the detergent and the effect of the water flow (mechanical force of the pulsator 6). In addition, due to the effect of the detergent, the reattachment of the dropped dirt to the laundry is prevented. Then, when a predetermined washing time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed, the pulsator 6 is stopped and the washing is finished. The control unit 28 opens the drain valve 14,
The washing liquid from the outer tub 2 is drained (step S3).

After the washing process is completed, intermediate dehydration is performed (step S4). The control unit 28 spins the washing / dehydrating tub 4 at high speed in one direction to spin off the laundry.

Upon completion of the intermediate dehydration, first, dehydration rinse is performed as the first rinse step (step S5).
That is, the control unit 28 controls the washing / dehydrating tub 4 by, for example, 30r.
While slowly rotating to about pm, water supply valve 12
Open the water supply. As a result, the laundry that sticks to the inner wall of the washing / dehydrating tub 4 due to the intermediate dehydration is evenly moistened with water. Next, the control unit 28 sets the washing / dehydrating tank 4
For example, the laundry is dehydrated by rotating it at a high speed of about 1000 rpm. As a result, the detergent component contained in the laundry is blown off together with the water to be removed. The dehydration rinsing may be performed in such a manner that the washing / dehydration tub 4 is rotated at a high speed at the same time as the water is supplied for dehydration.

In this way, when the first rinsing stroke is completed, the final rinsing stroke is executed.

In this last rinsing step, electrolytic water is used to sterilize the laundry at the same time as rinsing with electrolytic water.

In this last rinsing step, first, water is supplied into the washing / dehydrating tub 4 (step S6). The flowchart of FIG. 5 shows the detailed operation in this water supply process. First, the water supply valve 12 is opened to start water supply (step S61). When the water level in the washing / dehydrating tub 4 reaches a predetermined electrolytic water level lower than the washing water level by the output from the water level sensor 16, energization to the electrode 25 is started to perform electrolysis (steps S62 and S63). Of course,
At this electrolytic water level, the electrode 25 is submerged in the electrolytic bath 24. At the same time, the control unit 28 starts measurement of the electrolysis time limit (for example, 4 minutes) using an internal counter. Then, when the water level in the washing / dehydrating tub 4 reaches the washing water level, the control unit 28 closes the water supply valve 12 to stop the water supply (steps S66 and S67). In this way, the water supply process is terminated while the power supply to the electrode 25 is continued.

By the way, when the water supply flow rate becomes considerably small due to the reason that the tap water pressure is considerably low, it takes a long time to reach the washing water level from the electrolytic water level. As a result, if the time limit elapses before reaching the wash water level,
The control unit 28 stops energizing the electrodes 25 (steps S64 and S65). In such a case, the water supply process is terminated while the power supply to the electrode 25 is stopped. By thus setting the time limit for electrolysis, it is possible to prevent the electrolysis from being performed more than necessary during water supply.
The consumption of can be suppressed.

Next, an electrolytic rinsing step is performed (step S7). In the electrolytic rinsing process, a soaking process and a disinfection rinsing process are sequentially executed. First, carry out the process. That is, the control unit 28 keeps the pulsator 6 stopped,
The electrode 25 is energized (if the energization is not stopped during the water supply process, the energization is continued) to perform electrolysis.

The tap water contains trace amounts of iron, calcium, magnesium, chlorine, etc., and active oxygen is generated in the electrolyzed water produced by electrolysis. (HClO) and hypochlorite ion (HClO-) are generated. More specifically, on the side of the electrode serving as the anode (+ side), hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ions are generated by a chemical reaction between water and chlorine contained therein. In addition, active oxygen is generated when hypochlorous acid is decomposed. At this time, since the pulsator 6 is stopped, the water in the outer tank 2 and the water in the electrolytic tank 24 are retained. Therefore, electrolyzed water having a high concentration of hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite ions is gradually generated in the electrolyzer 24 or in the outer tank 2 in the vicinity of the electrolyzer 24. In this way, the soaking process is executed until the determined soaking time elapses, and the concentration of hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite ion is generated in the electrolytic bath 32 or in the vicinity of the electrolytic bath 32 in the outer bath 2. Highly accumulated electrolyzed water. As described above, a higher concentration can be obtained by performing electrolysis from the water supply process.

When the soaking period (for example, 10 minutes) elapses, the soaking period is finished, and then the sterilization rinsing process is executed. When entering the disinfection rinsing process, the control unit 28 rotates the pulsator 6 in the left-right direction. Further, when an air pump for supplying air is provided in the electrolytic cell 24, the air pump is operated. As a result, water begins to circulate between the inside of the outer tank 2 and the inside of the electrolytic tank 24, and the water inside the electrolytic tank 24 and the outside tank 2
The electrolyzed water having a high concentration of hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite ions accumulated in the vicinity of the electrolyzer 24 inside spreads in the outer tank 2 at once. Then, the electrolyzed water having a high concentration acts on the laundry at once, and the laundry is sterilized.

Even if the disinfection rinsing step is started, the electrolysis is continued for a while. Therefore, electrolyzed water continues to be generated,
Not only hypochlorous acid accumulated in the soaking process but also newly generated hypochlorous acid acts on the laundry. Then, when the end time of the electrolysis operation is reached during the disinfection rinsing process, the control unit 28 stops energizing the electrode 25. After that, the sterilization rinsing process is continued only by the operation of the pulsator 6. During this time, the laundry is stirred in the already-generated electrolyzed water, so that the laundry is further sterilized.

A short time before the disinfection rinsing process is completed, for example, 3 minutes before, the control unit 28 gives a notification to the user by using a buzzer or display to prompt the user to add the softening finishing agent. The laundry is sterilized and softened by the user by adding a softening agent. In this way, when the execution time (for example, 13 minutes) of the disinfection rinsing step has elapsed, the control unit 2
8 stops the pulsator 6 and ends the electrolytic rinsing process.

When the electrolytic rinsing process is completed in this way, drainage is performed (step S8), and the final rinsing process is completed. Then, final dehydration is executed (step S9), and the washing operation is ended.

In the coin-type fully automatic washing machine of this embodiment, when the electrodes 25 are energized (when the electrolysis device 23 is operating),
The energization control is performed to adjust the energizing current to the electrode 25 by changing the applied voltage and the on / off ratio of energization according to the detected current. Particularly, in this energization control, the energization current to the electrode 25 is adjusted by combining the control of changing the voltage applied to the electrode and the control of changing the on / off ratio of the energization. Therefore, when the energizing current greatly deviates from the appropriate current value, it can be handled by changing the voltage, and subsequent fine adjustment can be handled by changing the on / off ratio. This can be performed accurately by using a relatively inexpensive voltage varying means such as a transformer. The energization control process will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When it is time to start energizing the electrode 25, the control unit 28 first checks whether it is the first energizing in this process, that is, the first energizing after supplying water into the outer tub 2 (step S101). If it is the first energization, the switching transistor Q2 is turned off, and the relay switch 36 is set to the tap on the low voltage side (step S102). Then, the switching transistor Q1 is turned on to start energization (step S103). At this time, a DC voltage of, for example, 15V is applied to the electrode 25. In this way, since the tap is set on the low voltage side in the first energization after water supply, even if the conductivity of the water in the outer tub 2 is high, it is possible to prevent sudden overcurrent from flowing.

Next, based on the output of the operational amplifier 39,
The current flowing through the electrode 25 is detected, and the current is Ih (for example,
11A) or more is checked (step S104). I
h is an overcurrent determination threshold value.

If the current is less than Ih, it is checked whether the current is less than It (for example, 4 A) (step S10).
5). It is a target current value. If the current is greater than or equal to Ih, then on / off energization is performed (step S10).
6). That is, the on / off ratio is determined so that the average current value (average current value in one on / off cycle) becomes the target current value, and the electrode 25 is intermittently energized at this on / off ratio. At this time, the on-time is fixed, and the off-time is determined according to the current value detected within the on-time. For example, when the on time is 4 seconds, the off time is 4 seconds when the detected current value is 8A and the target current value is 4A. In addition,
If the detected current value is equal to the target current value, the off time is zero, that is, continuous energization is performed.

In this way, when it is time to stop energizing the electrodes, such as when the electrolysis operation is finished, the energizing of the electrodes is stopped (steps S107 and S108).

On the other hand, if the detected current is less than It in step S105, the energization is temporarily turned off (steps S109 and S110), and the relay switch 36 is switched to the high voltage side (step S111). Then, energization is started (step S112). At this time, a DC voltage of, for example, 30 V is applied to the electrode 25.

Next, it is checked whether the current is Is (for example, 0.3 A) or less (step S113). Is electrode 2
5 and the abnormality determination threshold value for determining the abnormality of the energizing circuit 33, which is an extremely low value. If the current is higher than Is, the energization control state as it is is maintained and step 10
The same on / off energization as that of No. 6 is performed (step S11).
4). Note that the reason why the power is temporarily turned off before the relay switch 36 is switched to the high voltage side is to prevent the occurrence of sparks at the contacts and protect the contacts.

When comparing the current with values such as Ih and It, it is preferable that the output of the operational amplifier 39 has a hysteresis characteristic. This is because, if there is no hysteresis characteristic, the determination is frequently made when the current value is close to the value to be compared, and the contact of the relay switch 36 is heavily consumed.

If the current is Ih or more in step S104, it is checked whether the relay switch 36 is set to the low voltage side (step S115).
It is judged to be an overcurrent state (step S116), an abnormality is displayed, and power supply is stopped (step S117). If it is on the high voltage side, the energization is once turned off (step S118), and the relay switch 36 is switched to the low voltage side (step S1).
19). Then, energization is started (step S120).

If the current is Is or less in step S113, the current does not flow, and therefore the electrode 25 and the energizing circuit 33 are provided.
It is determined that there is a failure (step S121), an abnormality is displayed, and power supply is stopped (step S117). Before stopping the energization, it may be possible to switch the energization pattern by inverting the polarity of the electrode 25 or the like to test whether or not to energize.
For reversing the polarity, a relay switch for switching the polarity may be provided.

As described above, in the water supply process, the energization to the electrode 25 is temporarily stopped due to the passage of the electrolysis time limit, and the energization process is restarted to start the energization process. The energization may be restarted. In this case, since the water has not been replaced, it is almost unlikely that the conductivity of the water in the outer tub 2 after the resumption of energization will be the same as that before the stop of energization.

Therefore, in step S101,
When it is determined that the power is not first applied after water is supplied, the control unit 28
In step S123, the relay switch 36 is not switched to the low voltage side, but is maintained in the same state as when the energization was stopped. That is, the high pressure side is the high pressure side, and the low pressure side is the low pressure side. By doing so, the current supplied to the electrode 25 can be adjusted quickly.

By the way, in the coin-type fully automatic washing machine of the present embodiment, in order to make the user feel secure,
When the upper lid 20 is opened and the charging port 19 is opened during the electrolytic operation during the electrolytic rinsing process, the current supply to the electrode 25 is stopped and the electrolysis is stopped. Then, in this case, if the upper lid 20 is closed again and the charging port 19 is closed,
Energization is restarted. In such a case, it is conceivable that the conductivity of the water in the outer tub 2 after the resumption of energization will be different from that before the stop of energization. For example, when a softening finish containing a component that extremely increases the conductivity is added.
In the present embodiment, the timing of adding the softening agent is notified after the electrolytic operation, but such a situation does not always occur.

Therefore, when the energization of the electrode 25 is restarted, further, in step S122, the upper lid 2
It is checked whether or not 0 is energized after closing, and if so,
In step S102, the relay switch 36 is set to the low voltage side. Therefore, even if the upper lid 20 is opened and some operation is performed to increase the conductivity of the water in the outer tub 2, the occurrence of overcurrent can be prevented.

The coin type fully automatic washing machine of the above embodiment is provided with only one washing operation course. However, as a washing operation course, a detergent zero course may be provided in which electrolytic water is used also in the washing process, and the laundry can be washed without using detergent by washing the laundry with electrolytic water. Regarding the washing operation of the detergent zero course, the applicant of the present application filed Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-212.
It has already been proposed in No. 762. Although a detailed description of the detergent zero course is omitted here, the water supply process in the electrolytic washing process and the electrolytic rinsing process in the detergent zero course may be the same operation as the water supply process in the final rinsing process of the above-described embodiment. In addition, in the electrolytic washing process and the electrolytic rinsing process, the energization of the electrodes in the above-described embodiment may be controlled.

Although one embodiment of the washing machine and the washing machine of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be appropriately modified or modified within the scope of the present invention. You can make corrections.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a coin-type fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an electric system configuration diagram of the coin-type fully automatic washing machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a coin-type fully automatic washing machine according to the present embodiment,
The circuit diagram which shows the outline of an electricity supply circuit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a washing operation operation of the coin-type fully automatic washing machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the water supply process in the final rinsing process in the same washing operation.

FIG. 6 shows a coin-type fully automatic washing machine according to the present embodiment,
The flowchart which shows the electricity supply control of an electrode.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 Outer tank (washing tank, washing tank) 4 Washing and dewatering tank (washing tank, washing tank) 19 slot 23 Electrolyzer 25 electrodes 28 Control unit (energization control means, timing means) 29 Open / close detection switch (open / close detection means) 33 energizing circuit 39 Operational amplifier (current detection means)

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 3B082 BD01 DB00 DC01                 3B155 AA01 AA15 AA17 AA21 BA12                       CB39 DB11 KB08 LB05 LC02                       MA02 MA06 MA08 MA09

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A washing machine having an electrolyzer for electrolyzing water stored in a washing tub to generate electrolyzed water, wherein the electrolyzed water is used to wash a laundry. An energization control means for controlling energization for electrolysis, wherein energization is started at a water level lower than a washing water level at which washing and rinsing are finally performed during water supply in a washing process and a rinsing process. When energization is started by the control means, a time counting means for starting measurement of a predetermined time limit, and the energization control means, the time limit before the water level in the washing tub reaches the washing water level. A washing machine characterized in that, after a lapse of time, power supply to the electrolysis device is stopped and electrolysis is temporarily stopped. 2. A washing machine having an electrolyzer for electrolyzing water stored in a washing tub to produce electrolyzed water, wherein the electrolyzed water is used to wash a laundry. An energizing circuit for applying a voltage, a current detecting means for detecting a magnitude of an energizing current to the electrode, and a voltage applied to the electrode in accordance with the energizing current detected by the current detecting means, An energization control unit that adjusts the energization current is provided, and the energization control unit is a washing process and a rinsing process,
When first energizing the electrode, the application is started from a low voltage, and when energizing the electrode and restarting energization during the same stroke, the voltage set when energizing is stopped. A washing machine characterized by starting application from. 3. An opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of an input port to the washing tub is provided, wherein the energization control means energizes the electrode when the input port is opened during energization of the electrode. 3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the application is started from a low voltage when the energization to the electrodes is restarted after the charging is stopped and the input port is closed. 4. A washing machine having an electrolyzer for electrolyzing water stored in a washing tub to generate electrolyzed water, wherein the electrolyzed water is used to wash a laundry. An energizing circuit for applying a voltage, a current detecting means for detecting a magnitude of an energizing current to the electrode, and a voltage applied to the electrode in accordance with the energizing current detected by the current detecting means, An energization control unit that adjusts the energization current, and an opening / closing detection unit that detects opening / closing of the inlet to the washing tub are provided, wherein the energization control unit is a washing process or a rinsing process,
When applying electricity to the electrode for the first time, application is started from a low voltage, and when the opening is opened, energization to the electrode is stopped, and after closing the opening, energization to the electrode is resumed. The washing machine is characterized in that the application is started from a low voltage when performing. 5. A washing machine having an electrolyzer that electrolyzes water used for washing to generate electrolyzed water, wherein the generated electrolyzed water is used to wash a laundry, and a voltage is applied to an electrode of the electrolyzer. An energizing circuit for applying the current, a current detecting means for detecting the magnitude of the energizing current to the electrode, and changing the voltage applied to the electrode according to the energizing current detected by the current detecting means. A washing machine comprising: an energization control means for adjusting an energization current in combination with changing an on / off ratio of energization. 6. The energization control means first sets the value of the voltage to be applied to the electrodes according to the energization current detected by the current detection means to make the voltage constant, and then the current detection means. Depending on the energizing current detected by
The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein an on / off ratio of energization is set. 7. A washing machine having an electrolysis device for electrolyzing water stored in a washing tank to produce electrolyzed water, wherein the electrolyzed water produced is used to wash an article to be washed, wherein an electrode of the electrolysis device is provided. An energizing circuit for applying a voltage to the electrode, a current detecting means for detecting the magnitude of the energizing current to the electrode, and a voltage applied to the electrode depending on the energizing current detected by the current detecting means. , An energization control means for adjusting the energization current, and the energization control means, in the washing process and rinse process,
When first energizing the electrode, the application is started from a low voltage, and when energizing the electrode and restarting energization during the same stroke, the voltage set when energizing is stopped. A washing machine characterized by starting application from. 8. A washing machine having an electrolyzer for electrolyzing water used for washing to produce electrolyzed water, wherein the produced electrolyzed water is used to wash an object to be washed, wherein a voltage is applied to electrodes of the electrolyzer. An energizing circuit for applying a current, a current detecting means for detecting the magnitude of an energizing current to the electrode, and changing the voltage applied to the electrode according to the energizing current detected by the current detecting means. A washing machine, characterized by comprising: an energization control means for adjusting an energization current by a combination of an energization ON / OFF ratio.