JP2005118198A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine having a mildewproof function for a washing and spin-drying tub and a receiving tub over a long period of time. <P>SOLUTION: The washing machine comprises: the washing and spin-drying tub 6 where a pulsator 5 is freely rotatably disposed at an inner bottom part; the receiving tub 3 where the washing and spin-drying tub 6 is freely rotatably housed; a driving means 11 for rotationally driving the pulsator 5 or the washing and spin-drying tub 6; a control means 15 for controlling a series of processes such as washing, rinsing and spin-drying; and a volatile chemical releasing device for protecting the receiving tub 3 and the washing and spin-drying tub 6 from mildew. The volatile chemical releasing device is provided with at least the almost closed space where a volatile chemical is arranged and the volatilized volatile chemical is retained inside a main body container 18 and an air sending means 19 for detecting a temperature environment and controlling an air sending amount to the main body container 18 of the volatile chemical releasing device, and the concentration of the volatile chemical inside the receiving tub 3 is adjusted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a function of preventing a washing / dehydrating tub and its receiving tub from being fungied in a washing machine that circulates washing water, rinses, and dewaters.

Conventionally, a washing tub of a washing machine has been generally recognized as a place where black mold or the like is likely to be generated on the wall surface of the washing tub due to environmental factors such as a nutrient source from detergent and clothes and high humidity. Therefore, various anti-mold measures have been tried. For example, it has been proposed to add an organic antibacterial / antifungal agent to a PP resin washing tub by a kneading method (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, it has been proposed to add an inorganic antibacterial and antifungal agent by a kneading method (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Furthermore, a method of taking antibacterial / antifungal measures by dispersing 0.4 to 3 wt% of Cu in a material matrix using stainless steel as a washing tub has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 3). In addition, a method for preventing mold by irradiating the photocatalytic titanium oxide fine particles with black light is proposed (for example, see Patent Document 4). In addition, antibacterial / antifungal measures have been proposed in which a chemical aqueous solution having an antibacterial effect is mechanically flowed or sprayed into a washing tub (see, for example, Patent Document 5).
JP-A-4-241896 JP-A-5-111595 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-24196 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-313780 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-244581

  However, the above-described conventional configuration was effective in preventing molds that are generated directly in the washing / dehydrating tub and the receiving tub of the washing machine. The occurrence of mold as a trigger, that is, the generation of indirect mold, could not exhibit a sufficient antifungal effect. In addition, the structure of mechanically spraying the aqueous solution of the medicine is not practical because the apparatus is very expensive.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and detects a low concentration chemical vapor by detecting the necessary temperature environment and controlling the amount of air supplied to the main body container of the volatilizing chemical sustained-release device, thereby washing A washing machine having an antifungal function can be provided over a long period of time by periodically retaining a predetermined chemical vapor inside the cum dewatering tank and the receiving tank.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the washing machine of the present invention includes a volatile drug sustained-release device, and the volatile drug is disposed inside the main body container, and the substantially closed space in which the volatilized volatile drug stays. It has a configuration in which the concentration of the volatile drug inside the receiving tank is adjusted by detecting the temperature environment and controlling the amount of air supplied to the main body container of the volatile drug sustained release device.

  As a result, the amount of air supplied to the main body container of the volatile drug sustained-release device is controlled to increase / decrease by the air supply means by detecting the necessary temperature environment for the mold-proofing volatile drug, and the predetermined chemical vapor is received. It can be retained inside the tank. By periodically repeating this operation, the washing and dewatering tub and the receiving tub can be kept mold-proof for a long period of time.

  The washing machine of the present invention controls the increase or decrease of the amount of air supplied to the main body container of the volatile drug sustained release device by detecting the necessary temperature environment of the volatile drug having antifungal properties by a predetermined means. The chemical vapor can be retained in the receiving tank.

  A first invention is a washing and dewatering tub in which a pulsator is rotatably disposed on an inner bottom, a receiving tub in which the washing and dewatering tub is rotatably accommodated, and the pulsator or the washing and dewatering tub is rotationally driven. A volatilizing agent sustained release device comprising a driving unit, a control unit for controlling a series of processes such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration; Has a substantially closed space where at least the volatile drug is disposed inside the main body container and the volatilized drug that has volatilized stays, detects the temperature environment, and controls the amount of air supplied to the volatile drug sustained release device. By adjusting the concentration of the volatile chemical inside the receiving tank with the air supply means to be controlled, it becomes possible to retain a predetermined amount of chemical vapor in the tank depending on the temperature environment, and such an operation is periodically performed. By repeating The washing and dewatering tank and the receiving tank over a period can be maintained by mildew.

  In the second invention, in particular, the check valve is disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the flow path for supplying air to the main body container of the volatile drug sustained-release device of the first invention. By suppressing the diffusion through the air flow path, it is possible to control the concentration of the substantially closed space after a certain period of time by keeping the space where the volatile chemicals stay in a substantially closed state. By repeating the sustained release, the washing / dehydrating tub and the receiving tub can be kept mold-proof for a long period of time.

  In the third invention, in particular, a temperature sensor is disposed in the vicinity of the receiving tank or the washing and dehydrating tank of the first or second invention, and the amount of air supplied to the main body container of the volatile drug sustained release device is controlled by the temperature sensor. By controlling, it becomes possible to increase / decrease the amount of air supplied to the main body container of the volatile drug slow release device while checking the state of the washing / dehydrating tub and the receiving tub that you want to prevent mold, depending on the temperature environment The predetermined drug vapor can be controlled.

  In the fourth invention, in particular, the sensing of the temperature sensor according to any one of the first to third inventions is almost immediately before the end of the entire process of the washing machine. It is possible to determine the state immediately before the air is fed, and it is possible to retain the volatile chemical concentration as required.

  In the fifth aspect of the invention, in particular, the sensing of the temperature sensor according to any one of the first to third aspects of the invention is performed at the start of the washing process because the washing process is started almost immediately before the end of the entire washing machine. By referring to the temperature, it is possible to retain the concentration of the volatile chemical agent as necessary while taking into consideration the environment where the washing machine is installed.

  According to the sixth invention, in particular, when the temperature sensor of any one of the first to fifth inventions is 40 ° C. or higher, mold is not fed to the main body container of the volatile drug sustained release device, so that mold propagates at 40 ° C. or higher. Since the speed is decreased, it is not necessary to release the volatile drug gradually, and it is possible to prevent the volatile drug from being released and to effectively use the volatile drug.

  According to the seventh invention, in particular, when the temperature sensor of any one of the first to sixth inventions is 10 ° C. or lower, mold is not fed to the main body container of the volatile drug sustained release device, so that mold is propagated at 10 ° C. or lower. Since the speed is decreased, it is not necessary to release the volatile drug gradually, and it is possible to prevent the volatile drug from being released and to effectively use the volatile drug.

  In the eighth aspect of the invention, in particular, by using the air supply means of any one of the first to seventh aspects as an air pump, it becomes possible to arbitrarily supply low-flowing air of about 10 to 100 ml, Low concentration volatile chemical vapor can be retained inside the tank.

  The ninth invention is provided with the timer means of any one of the first to eighth inventions, particularly when the time during which the air is not supplied to the main body container of the volatile drug sustained-release device exceeds a predetermined value, the temperature and humidity. By detecting the environment and supplying air to the main container of the volatile drug sustained release device, the temperature and humidity environment can be detected and the volatile drug can be received in the tank even when the washing machine has not been used for a certain period of time. In addition, the washing and dewatering tub and the receiving tub can be kept mold-proof and maintained with high accuracy.

  In the tenth invention, in particular, after supplying air to the main body container of the volatile drug sustained-release device of any one of the first to ninth inventions, the washing / dehydrating tank or the pulsator is rotationally driven to thereby gradually reduce the volatile drug gradual. After supplying air to the main body container of the discharge device, the concentration of the volatile chemical inside the receiving tub of the washing machine can be quickly made uniform, and the washing / dehydrating tub and the receiving tub can be uniformly prevented and maintained.

  In the eleventh aspect of the invention, in particular, in the check valve according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the check valve mechanism portion is composed of an elastomer nozzle, and the nozzle is opened for air supply from one side. For the air supply, the nozzle closes in reverse, so that it can be guided to the valve mechanism while opening and closing the nozzle tip for a small amount of air supply. The inside of the main body container can be maintained in a sufficient closed space.

  In the twelfth aspect of the invention, in particular, when the volatile chemical of any one of the first to eleventh aspects of the invention is allyl isothiocyanate, a low concentration of allyl isothiocyanate odor, a level that does not reach the odor threshold, is received inside the tank. The retention of fungi can be suppressed by the retention, and the user can also fully bring out the effect of the drug without feeling uncomfortable with the volatile drug.

  In the thirteenth aspect of the invention, in particular, when the allyl isothiocyanate volatilization amount in the main body container of the volatile drug sustained-release device of any one of the first to twelfth aspects is 2 to 20 mg / day, the odor threshold is reached. The level which does not reach will be retained inside the tank, and the user can also fully bring out the effect of the drug without any discomfort to the volatile drug.

  In the fourteenth aspect, a part of the washing machine main body has a transparent part or an opening / closing mechanism part, a receiving tub also has a transparent part, and a part of the washing and dehydrating tub can be arbitrarily observed from the outside of the main body. With this configuration, the user can freely check with his own eyes what kind of state the washing / dehydrating tub or the receiving tub is now, and the user can reliably make his own judgment. It is also possible to take mold prevention measures.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The exterior body 1 elastically supports a receiving tank 3 supported by a support plate 2 with a suspension 4. The receiving tub 3 includes a washing / dehydrating tub 6 in which a pulsator 5 is rotatably disposed at the center bottom. The washing and dewatering tub 6 has a plurality of through holes 6a formed on the inner peripheral surface. The clutch mechanism portion 7 is attached to the outer bottom portion of the support plate 2 and includes a dewatering shaft 8 connected to a washing and dewatering tub 6 formed on a concentric double shaft and a washing shaft 9 fixed to the pulsator 5. The power of the motor (driving means) 11 that is supported and transmitted by the V-belt 10 is transmitted by switching to the dehydrating shaft 8 and the washing shaft 9, and also has a brake mechanism for fixing the washing and dewatering tub 6 at the time of washing and rinsing. ing.

  The electromagnetic valve 12 opens and closes the electromagnetic drain cock 13. The electromagnetic drain cock 13 is closed, washed and rinsed by non-excitation (off), and the solenoid valve 12 is excited (on). When the electromagnetic drain cock 13 is opened, drainage is enabled and braking of the washing / dehydrating tub 6 is released, so that the washing / dehydrating tub 6 can be rotated and dehydrated. The water supply valve 14 supplies water to the washing and dewatering tank 6.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a washing machine showing the layout of the volatile drug sustained-release device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram for explaining components constituting the volatile drug sustained-release device. is there.

  A control unit (control means) 15 of the washing machine is arranged at the upper part on the front side of the washing machine main body, and a lid 17 provided at the upper part of the insertion port 16 in order to put the laundry into the washing and dewatering tub 6. This is done by opening and closing. The main body container 18 of the volatilizing drug sustained release device is disposed on the back side of the upper surface of the washing machine main body, and an air pump 19 serving as a means for supplying air to the main body container 18 is adjacent to the main body container 18. The air pump 19 and the main body container 18 are connected by a thin tube 20, and a check valve 21 is disposed in the middle of the tube 20.

  In addition, a tube 22 for guiding the volatile chemical from the main body container 18 to the gap space between the washing / dehydrating tub 6 and the receiving tub 3 is connected, and a check valve 23 is disposed in the middle of the tube 22. As a result, in the state where air from the air pump 19 does not come, the chemical vapor volatilized from the volatile chemical 24 in the main body container 18 is substantially closed in the flow path by the check valves 21 and 23. It will volatilize to saturated vapor concentration without slow release.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the check valve 21, and FIG. 5 is an external view from the downstream side of the check valve 21. The check valve 21 is formed of a silicone resin molded body, and the tip of the nozzle to be fed is tapered from four directions to an oblique direction. As a result, when the air is supplied from the upstream side, the gap becomes large so that the tapered portion 21a opens the opening 21b and the air can be supplied, but conversely, with respect to the wind pressure from the downstream, the tapered portion 21a And the mouth 21b at the tip of the nozzle is closed tightly. The check valves 21 and 23 have the same configuration. The air pump referred to in the embodiment of the present invention is not limited as long as it has a positive pressure enough to supply air to open and close the check valve.

  For example, when the volatile agent is allyl isothiocyanate, the vapor pressure at 25 ° C. is about 5 mmHg, so the saturated vapor concentration is about 6600 ppm at the maximum. The temperature sensor 25 provided in the gap space between the washing and dewatering tub 6 and the receiving tub 3 senses the temperature, and the result is fed back to the control unit 15 so that the operation signal to the air pump 19 is controlled. Therefore, the air supply amount is increased or decreased depending on the operation time of the air pump 19.

  The volume of the space inside the receiving tub 3 of the washing machine is about 90L. Therefore, if there is about 90 ml of space in the main body container 18 of the volatile drug sustained release device where the volatile drug can stay, about 6 ppm of allyl isothiocyanate can be diffused. In the case of allyl isothiocyanate, the antifungal property is possible at about 0.5 ppm or more. In addition, the threshold value of allyl isothiocyanate is about 10 ppm, and a person who is sensitive to odor may notice a change even at 5 ppm. Therefore, it is estimated that the air pump 19 actually supplies air is about 10 to 100 ml.

  Next, the structure of the volatile chemical | medical agent 24 is demonstrated. The volatile chemical 24 is composed of a laminated film pillow package, and specifically, the heat seal width of the polyethylene 50 μm side with respect to the laminated film of polypropylene (CPP) 30 μm / polyethylene terephthalate 12 μm / polyethylene 50 μm. Pillow-wrapped at 5 mm. Inside, a polyurethane continuous porous body of 25 × 25 × 4 mm, a bulk density of 0.35 g / ml, an average pore diameter of 30 μm, and a porosity of 70% are absorbed with 7.5 g of allyl isothiocyanate to give about 35 × 35 × 5 The thing swollen to 6 mm is stored. At 25 ° C. allyl isothiocyanate had a release profile of about 12 mg / day in the above configuration.

  Next, the operation mode for the volatile drug sustained release device will be described. The temperature sensor 25 senses the temperature after the entire process of the washing machine, for example, the temperature after the dehydration process. At this time, if the temperature is 30 ° C., the mold is in a very easy to propagate state, so that the allyl isothiocyanate vapor staying in the main body container 18 is sent to the inside of the tank 3 with a relatively long air supply time. do. However, if the temperature sensor 25 is 15 ° C., the mold does not have much fertility, so even if the air supply time is shortened, there is no problem. Further, when the temperature sensor 25 is 40 ° C. or higher, mold hardly grows, and therefore it is not necessary to send allyl isothiocyanate vapor into the receiving tank 3. Similarly, when the temperature sensor 25 is 10 ° C. or less, the mold hardly grows, so that it is not necessary to send allyl isothiocyanate vapor into the receiving tank 3. In the case of allyl isothiocyanate, the vapor pressure differs by about 3 times between 40 ° C. and 10 ° C., so it is preferable to set the operation mode so that it can be temperature-corrected.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the temperature after dehydration is sensed to control the air supply to the volatile drug sustained-release device, but when the washing machine is placed in a room such as a washroom However, the temperature after dehydration can be detected by the sensing method. However, when the washing machine is placed outdoors such as a veranda, the environment is greatly different from that at the end of washing. In order to perform air supply control to the sex medicine sustained release device, it is desirable to sense the temperature at the start of the washing process, which is the time when the washing machine starts.

  Moreover, in embodiment of this invention, whenever the user actually operated the washing machine, the case where air_supply control to a volatile chemical | medical agent sustained release apparatus was performed was demonstrated. However, it is assumed that the user goes out for a while and leaves the house for a few days, for example. At that time, the interval time from the operation of the air pump 19 of the volatile drug sustained-release device in the washing machine is calculated by a timer, and if the air pump 19 is set to operate about once every 12 hours, it can be used for a long time. It is possible to reliably prevent mold inside the receiving tub 3 of the washing machine.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the case where an air pump is used as the air supply means has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The effect of the present invention can be expected by other means as long as it is an air supply means that drives out the volatile chemical vapor staying inside the main body container 18 of the volatile chemical sustained-release device and leads it to the inside of the receiving tank 3. Can be substituted.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the gas is supplied to the main body container 18 of the volatile drug sustained-release device and guided to the gap between the washing / dehydrating tub 6 and the receiving tub 3 via the tube 22 has been described. In order to further improve the effect of the present invention, after supplying air to the main body container 18, the washing and dewatering tub 6 is operated about 1/2 turn, thereby increasing the diffusion rate of the volatile chemical vapor and making the concentration uniform. It turned out that it can plan. Further, the same effect can be obtained by rotating the pulsator 5 instead of operating the washing and dewatering tub about ½ rotation.

  Moreover, in embodiment in this invention, although demonstrated with the type which has the lid | cover 17 of a washing machine, it is applicable also to the type by which the inner lid is arrange | positioned. The inner lid type is a washing machine having a drying function after washing, but the user does not always use the drying function after washing. Therefore, when the drying function is not used, the inside of the receiving tub 3 of the washing machine is exposed to a high humidity state for a long time, which can be said to be an environment in which mold tends to propagate. Even in such a case, antifungal property can be imparted by the volatile drug sustained release device.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the case of allyl isothiocyanate has been described as the volatile drug, but the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the effect of the present invention can be expected to have a similar antifungal effect without giving a sense of incongruity to the user at a low concentration, it can also be used while controlling eucalyptus, tea tree, and the like.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the volatilization amount of allyl isothiocyanate is about 12 mg / day has been described, but about 4 mg is required to make the inside of the about 90 L receiving tank about 10 ppm. . If the user performs washing twice a day, about 8 mg can be handled. However, when the adhesion to the washing / dehydrating tub 6 and the receiving tub 3 is taken into consideration, it is necessary to allow a certain safety factor. Therefore, it is considered sufficient to have a release characteristic of 20 mg / day. In addition, if the number of washings is once a day, the inside of the receiving tank can be prevented from mold by using it together with the timer mechanism even with a release characteristic of 2 mg / day.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Only the differences from the first embodiment will be described. An openable / closable door 1 a is disposed in the lower right front portion of the exterior body 1. Moreover, the transparent part 3a is arrange | positioned with respect to the receiving tank 3 which hits the inner side. The user can observe the outer portion of the washing and dewatering tub 6 through the transparent portion 3a by opening the door 1a according to his / her intention. Thereby, for example, it can be directly confirmed that the volatile drug sustained-release device functions sufficiently and maintains the antifungal function.

  As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention detects the necessary temperature environment of the low concentration chemical vapor, and controls the amount of air supplied to the volatile chemical sustained release device, so that the washing and dehydrating tank and By periodically retaining a predetermined chemical vapor inside the receiving tank, it is possible to provide a washing machine with an antifungal function over a long period of time, making it difficult for users to easily maintain and to propagate molds in a temperature and humidity environment. It can be applied to facilities or equipment that are of concern.

Sectional drawing of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention The perspective view showing the layout of the volatile chemicals sustained release device of the washing machine Configuration diagram of volatile drug sustained release device of the washing machine Cross section of check valve of the washing machine External view from the downstream side of the check valve of the washing machine The perspective view of the washing machine in Embodiment 2 of this invention

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Exterior body 3 Receiving tank 5 Pulsator 6 Washing and dehydration tank 18 Main body container 19 Air pump (air supply means)
21 Check Valve 23 Check Valve 24 Volatile Agent 25 Temperature Sensor 1a Door 3a Transparent Part

Claims (14)

A washing and dewatering tub in which a pulsator is rotatably arranged on the inner bottom, a receiving tub in which the washing and dewatering tub is rotatably accommodated, driving means for rotationally driving the pulsator or the washing and dewatering tub, washing, Control means for controlling a series of processes such as rinsing and dehydration, and a volatile drug sustained release device for preventing the receiving tub and the washing and dewatering tub from being moldable. The volatile drug sustained release device is at least inside the main body container. The volatilizing agent is disposed in the chamber and has a substantially closed space where the volatilizing agent that has volatilized stays, and the temperature environment is detected to control the amount of air supplied to the main body container of the volatilizing agent sustained release device. A washing machine comprising a gas means and adjusting the concentration of the volatile chemical in the receiving tank. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a check valve is provided on the upstream side and the downstream side of the flow path for supplying air to the main body container of the volatile drug sustained-release device. The laundry according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a temperature sensor is disposed in the vicinity of the receiving tub or the washing / dehydrating tub, and the amount of air supplied to the main body container of the volatile drug sustained release device is controlled by the temperature sensor. Machine. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensing of the temperature sensor is almost immediately before the end of the entire process of the washing machine. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensing of the temperature sensor is at the start of the washing process and almost immediately before the end of the entire process of the washing machine. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the temperature sensor is 40 ° C or higher, air is not supplied to the main body container of the volatile drug sustained-release device. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the temperature sensor is 10 ° C or lower, no air is supplied to the main body container of the volatile drug sustained-release device. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the air supply means is an air pump. A timer means is provided, and when the time during which the air is not supplied to the main body container of the volatile drug sustained release apparatus becomes a predetermined time or more, the temperature and humidity environment are detected and the air is supplied to the main body container of the volatile drug sustained release apparatus. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the washing / dehydrating tub or the pulsator is driven to rotate after supplying air to the main body container of the volatile chemical sustained-release device. The check valve has a structure in which the check valve mechanism portion is composed of an elastomer nozzle, the nozzle is opened for air supply from one side, and the nozzle is closed reversely for air supply from one side. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the volatile chemical is allyl isothiocyanate. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein an allyl isothiocyanate volatilization amount inside the main body container of the volatilizing drug sustained release device is 2 to 20 mg / day. The washing machine main body has a transparent part or an opening / closing mechanism part, the receiving tub also has a transparent part, and a part of the washing and dehydrating tank can be arbitrarily observed from the outside of the main body. Features a washing machine.

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