JP2007082646A - Continuous washing machine and washing method using continuous washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a structure which an enzymolyzing process is incorporated into a continuous washing machine for washing a massive amount of diapers containing biodegradable water-absorbing polymer, a temperature and concentration management method for enzyme solution for increasing enzymolyzing rate, and a washing method when this continuous washing machine is used. <P>SOLUTION: The continuous washing machine, provided with a treating drum partitioned inside by partitioning panels in several tanks and equipped with an inserting slot for inserting laundry on one end and a removing slot on the other end and a transferring means for transferring laundry inside the tanks by the rotation in one direction, and a supplying device and a discharging section for supplying and discharging washing water and rinsing water, sequentially transfers laundry from the inserting slot to the removing slot to wash and rinse the laundry. One of the washing drums is used as an enzymolyzing tank for enzymolyzing the water-absorbing polymer of used cloth diapers containing biodegradable water-absorbing polymer put in the continuous washing machine provided with the enzymolyzing tank containing enzyme which decomposes water-absorbing polymer and washes the laundry. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a continuous washing machine for continuously washing laundry such as clothes, and in particular, a continuous diaper made of cloth containing a biodegradable water-absorbing polymer is provided with an enzymatic decomposition tank for enzymatically decomposing a water-absorbing polymer that can be washed. The present invention relates to a type washing machine and a washing method using the washing machine.

  From the viewpoint of convenience, disposable paper diapers and paper pads with good water absorption have been widely used. However, diapers that are thrown away after use become a large amount of waste and contain moisture, so it is difficult to incinerate, requires a lot of fuel, and generates a lot of carbon dioxide. In addition, a normal cloth diaper that can be reused has a relatively small amount of moisture absorption, a wet one after urination is uncomfortable, and a long drying time after washing.

  As shown in Patent Document 1, recently, a cloth diaper in which a biodegradable polymer is provided in a water absorbing portion has been disclosed. As a method of collecting and processing the diapers for reuse, in the case of small-scale washing (for example, for several hundred people), a batch-type washing machine (for example, as described in Patent Document 2) A washing method using an enzyme agent is disclosed.

  The above washing method using a batch type washing machine is convenient for small-scale washing (for example, for several hundred people), but more extensive (for example, for more than 1,000 people) laundry processing requires manual labor. Since it costs a lot and equipment costs increase, there is an increasing need for a continuous washing machine that can perform a large amount of washing processing and does not require manual operation.

  The conventional continuous washing machine presented in Patent Document 3 includes a plurality of washing tubs configured to partition a washing drum and a plurality of rinsing tubs configured to partition a rinsing drum. The washing method using a washing machine is to put an item to be washed into a washing drum, supply water and detergent into the washing tub of the washing drum, oscillate the item to be washed for a certain period of time, and sequentially transfer between the washing tubs. This is a continuous water washing method in which an object to be washed is washed, then the object to be washed is transferred to a rinsing drum, and the object to be washed is oscillated and transferred in a rinsing tank.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-245703 (FIG. 1) Japanese Patent No. 2759311 (FIG. 1) Japanese Patent No. 2948387 (FIG. 1)

In the batch type washing machine of the conventional example of Patent Document 2, a large amount of diaper washing processing takes a lot of manpower,
Equipment costs also increase. Further, the conventional general-purpose continuous washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 3 cannot remove the water-absorbing polymer contained in the diaper.
The present invention relates to a structure in which an enzymatic decomposition process is incorporated in a continuous washing machine for washing a large amount of a diaper containing a biodegradable water-absorbing polymer, and a method for controlling the temperature and concentration of an aqueous enzyme solution for increasing the enzymatic decomposition efficiency And it aims at providing the washing method when this continuous type washing machine is used.

With respect to the above problems, the present invention aims to solve the problems by the following means.
(1) The washing method of the first means, after using a cloth diaper containing a biodegradable water-absorbing polymer, is put into a continuous washing machine equipped with an enzyme decomposition tank containing an enzyme solution for decomposing the water-absorbing polymer, The water-absorbing polymer is enzymatically decomposed and washed.

  (2) The continuous washing machine of the second means includes a laundry inlet at one end and a carry-out port at the other end. The interior is divided into a plurality of tubs by a partition plate, and is rotated in one direction. A processing drum having transfer means for transferring laundry in the tub, a supply device for supplying and discharging washing water and rinsing water, and a discharge unit are provided. In the continuous washing machine for rinsing, the diaper is washed by the washing method of (1) above using any one of a plurality of tanks as an enzymatic decomposition tank.

(3) The continuous washing machine of the third means is characterized in that, in the continuous washing machine of (2), an enzyme decomposition tank is provided between the pre-washing tank and the main washing tank.
(4) The washing method of the fourth means uses the continuous washing machine of (3) above. First, the laundry is put into the washing drum of the pre-washing tub, and after pre-washing by swinging for a set time, the washing drum Is rotated and transferred to the washing drum of the enzymatic decomposition tank, and the enzymatic decomposition tank is swung for a set time to enzymatically decompose the water-absorbing polymer incorporated in the laundry, and then transferred to the next step (main wash). Features.

(5) The washing method of the fifth means is characterized in that, in the washing method described in (4) above, the enzyme concentration in the enzyme decomposition tank is controlled to 0.25% and the temperature is controlled to 60 ± 3 ° C. .
(6) The continuous washing machine of the sixth means is characterized in that in the continuous washing machine of the above (2), an enzyme decomposition tank is provided before the prewash tank.
(7) The washing method of the seventh means uses the continuous washing machine of (6) above. First, the laundry is put into the washing drum of the enzymatic decomposition tank, and is swung for a set time and incorporated in the laundry. After the water-absorbing polymer is enzymatically decomposed, the laundry drum is rotated to transfer the laundry to the laundry drum of the pre-wash tank.

(8) The washing method of the eighth means is characterized in that, in the washing method of (7), the enzyme concentration in the enzymatic decomposition tank is controlled to 0.25% and the temperature is controlled to 35 ± 3 ° C.
(9) The continuous washing machine of the ninth means is the continuous washing machine of the above (2), wherein a pre-washing / enzymatic decomposition tank for simultaneously performing pre-washing and enzymatic decomposition is provided at the head, followed by a main washing tank. It is characterized by that.
(10) The washing method of the tenth means uses the continuous washing machine of (9) above. First, the laundry is put into the washing drum of the pre-washing / enzymatic decomposition tank, and the laundry is swung for a set time. At the same time as pre-washing, the water-absorbing polymer incorporated in the laundry is enzymatically decomposed, and then the laundry drum is rotated to transfer the laundry to the laundry drum of the tank in the next step.

(11) The continuous washing machine of the eleventh means is the same as the continuous washing machine of (2), (3), (6), provided with a steam jacket, an electric heater, etc. for indirectly heating the enzymatic decomposition tank from the outside. And a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the washing water in the enzymatic decomposition tank.
(12) The continuous washing machine of the twelfth means is the same as the continuous washing machine of (9), wherein a pre-washing / enzymatic decomposition is provided by installing a steam jacket, an electric heater, etc. for indirectly heating the pre-washing / enzymatic decomposition tank from the outside. A temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the washing water in the tank is provided.

(13) The continuous washing machine of the thirteenth means is the external enzyme solution tank in the continuous washing machine of the above (2), (3), (6), (9), (11), (12) And a flow meter for measuring the amount of the enzyme solution fed into the enzyme decomposition tank, and the enzyme concentration in the enzyme decomposition tank is controlled to a specified concentration.
(14) The continuous washing machine of the fourteenth means is provided with a plurality of washing drums that are separated and independent from a main general-purpose continuous washing machine and that swing / rotate within an outer trunk partitioned by a plurality of tubs. And a general-purpose continuous washing machine, and a means for transferring diapers treated from the enzymatic decomposition tank to a general-purpose continuous washing machine. .
(15) The continuous washing machine of the fifteenth means is the separate enzymatic decomposition tank for enzymatically decomposing undegraded biodegradable water-absorbing polymer contained in the waste water of the pre-washing step in the continuous washing machine of (3) above. Is added.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a washing method according to the first means, and the invention according to claim 2 is a continuous washing machine for carrying out the washing method according to the first means. It is possible to wash a large amount of diapers, and it is easy to dehydrate and dry afterwards because it is possible to remove not only ordinary dirt but also water-absorbing polymer, which is a constituent part of diapers, by enzymatic decomposition when washing diapers. By storing the water-absorbing polymer in a dry diaper, it can be reused and economical, and at the same time, there is almost no waste and no incineration, so it does not lead to air pollution.

  The invention according to claims 3 to 10 is the order of installation of the enzymatic decomposition tanks responsible for enzymatic degradation, among the plurality of laundry tanks responsible for each step of the continuous washing machine of the second means, and in that order. The above-described washing method is described, and when the continuous washing machine is used, the installation position of the enzymatic decomposition tank can be selected according to the layout of existing facilities and the convenience of work. And having the same effect as that of the second aspect.

The invention according to claim 11 is the continuous washing machine of the eleventh means, wherein the second, third,
In the continuous washing machine of the sixth means, the enzymatic decomposition tank can be indirectly heated from the outside to control the washing water in the pre-washing / enzymatic decomposition tank to an optimum temperature range for enzymatic decomposition.
The invention according to claim 12 is the continuous washing machine of the twelfth means, wherein the prewash / enzymatic decomposition tank is indirectly heated from the outside in the continuous washing machine of the ninth means. It is possible to control the washing water in the temperature range optimal for enzymatic degradation.
The invention according to claim 13 is the continuous washing machine of the thirteenth means, in the continuous washing machine of the second, third, sixth, ninth, eleventh and twelfth means, an external enzyme. Since the means for measuring the enzyme solution sent from the tank is provided, it is easy to adjust the enzyme concentration in the decomposition tank.

The invention according to claim 14 is the continuous washing machine of the fourteenth means, which has an effect that an enzymatic decomposition tank for enzymatic decomposition of the water-absorbing polymer can be added to an existing general-purpose continuous washing machine.
The invention according to claim 15 is the continuous washing machine of the fifteenth means, and the effect of enzymatically decomposing undegraded biodegradable water-absorbing polymer contained in the waste water from the continuous washing machine of the third means There is.

In the present invention, a part of a washing tub of a normal continuous washing machine is used as an enzymatic decomposition tank for enzymatic decomposition of a water-absorbing polymer, and by adding an enzyme tank, an enzyme supply means, and a temperature adjusting means for the enzymatic decomposition tank treated water, The present invention relates to a continuous washing machine capable of washing a cloth diaper containing a degradable water-absorbing polymer and a washing method using the washing machine, and three embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the continuous washing machine according to the first embodiment.
In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a disassembling / washing unit, which comprises an outer drum 13 and a washing drum 11 that rotates within the outer drum 13. The washing drum 11 is partitioned into five tubs by a partition plate 12 having no circulation hole. The tanks partitioned by the partition plate 12 are numbered in order from the entrance side of the laundry (dirty diapers) as the pre-washing tank 1, the enzymatic decomposition tanks 2, 3, and the main washing tanks 4, 5.

  The partition plates 12 in the washing drum 11 do not have any circulation holes, and lip packings 19 are fitted in the gaps between the washing drum 11 and the outer body 13 in the respective compartments. The washing function can be given. The numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in the subsequent washing steps are defined as the numbers of each washing tub having a washing function in which the washing drum 11 and the outer body 13 are combined.

  The pre-wash tub 1 is provided with a laundry inlet 18, and the main tub 5 is provided with a laundry outlet 29. In the enzymatic decomposition tank 2, the washing water transferred from the pre-washing tank 1 is measured and discharged by the liquid level adjustment pipe 15, and then the automatic valve 44 at the lower part of the liquid level adjustment pipe 15 is closed to swing after measurement. Prevent water loss in the tank.

  The prewash tank 1 is charged with appropriate amounts of water and detergent in batches and drained at regular intervals. The enzyme solution is stored in the enzyme tank 16, and the enzyme solution is continuously or batch-wise decomposed while measuring the flow rate with the measuring cylinder 17 so that the enzyme concentration in the enzyme decomposition tanks 2 and 3 is necessary and optimal. Sent to tank 2. The enzyme washing water in the enzymatic decomposition tank 2 and the tank 3 is controlled to an optimum temperature for enzymatic decomposition. The enzyme wash water overflowing from the liquid level adjustment pipe 15 of the enzyme decomposition tank 2 is discharged to a drain tank (enzyme decomposition tank) 21. Wash water discharged from the pre-wash tank 1 at regular intervals is also drained into the drain tank 21, and the water-absorbing polymer dissolved in the wash water is poured into the enzyme solution from the enzyme tank 16, and water vapor is directly blown into the tank. To decompose by heating. Appropriate amounts of water and detergent are put into the main washing tanks 4 and 5 continuously or in batches, respectively, to perform the washing operation.

  The washing drum 11 in which the laundry is put in each tub performs a swinging motion of 180 degrees to 270 degrees, and performs a washing process over a predetermined time. Each tub is provided with a scoop (spiral chute) as a transfer means, and the transfer scoop picks up the laundry to be transferred to the next tub by rotating the washing drum 11 at least 270 degrees or more in one direction. be able to.

  Steam piping is installed to increase the washing effect of the detergent and to heat to a temperature that optimizes the action of the water-absorbing polymer-degrading enzyme. Heating of the washing water in the pre-washing tank 1 and the main washing tanks 4 and 5 may be performed directly or indirectly by direct injection of water vapor and temperature measurement with a thermometer, but the temperature of the water-absorbing polymer-degrading enzyme is optimal. Is considerably narrow, the heating of the enzymatic decomposition tanks 2 and 3 is indirect heating by an indirect heater 28 (steam jacket or electric heater) provided outside the outer body 13. The measured value of the inserted thermometer is compared with an optimum temperature setting value for polymer decomposition in a control device (not shown), and the water vapor amount (or current value) is controlled so as to become this setting value. In addition, indirect heating alone requires time for heating to the optimum temperature for polymer decomposition, and therefore, by direct heating by the steam supply valve 45 installed in the pre-washing tank 1, the temperature is set in advance before transfer to the enzyme decomposition tank 2. Keep it heated close. In order to maintain the temperature in the enzymatic decomposition tanks 2 and 3, a heat insulating material 14 is applied outside the outer body 13 of the enzymatic decomposition tanks 2 and 3.

  In the figure, reference numeral 20 denotes a rinsing / finishing portion, which comprises an outer drum 23 and a rinsing drum 24 that rotates within the outer drum 23. The rinsing drum 24 is partitioned into three tanks by a partition plate 25. The tanks partitioned by the partition plate 25 are numbered as rinse tanks 6 and 7 and a rinse finish tank 8 in order from the entrance side of the laundry.

  The partition plates 25 in the rinsing drum 24 do not have any flow holes, and lip packings 19 are fitted in the gaps between the rinsing drum 24 and the outer drum 23 in the respective tanks. The water tank (rinse water storage part) between the trunk | drum 23 is isolate | separated, and each tank can have an independent rinse function, respectively. The numbering numbers 6, 7, and 8 in the subsequent rinsing steps are defined as the numbering numbers of each rinsing tank having a washing function in which the rinsing drum 24 and the outer drum 23 are combined.

  The rinsing tub 6 is provided with a laundry receiving port 42 for receiving the laundry (diaper) from the disassembly / washing unit 10, and the rinsing finishing tub 8 has a carry-out port 39 for sending the laundry to a dehydrator (not shown) in the subsequent process. Is provided. The rinse tanks 6 and 7 are connected by a large-diameter pipe 46 so that new rinse water flows. The partition plate 25 between the rinsing tank 7 and the rinsing finishing tank 8 has no flow holes so that water does not flow between the tanks. The rinsing tanks 6 and 7 are rinsing tanks in which fresh water is used as a common rinsing water, and the rinsing finishing tank 8 is a rinsing finishing tank using new water.

  The rinsing tank 6 and the rinsing finish tank 8 are provided with a liquid level adjusting pipe 15 so as to keep the water surface height of the rinsing water constant. The water after rinsing used in the rinsing tanks 6 and 7 is soaked together with the recovered water from the recovery tank 27 for recovering the squeezed water of the dehydrator, recovered in the water tank 26, and re-used as washing water in the disassembly / washing section 10. used.

  The rinsing drum 24 in which the laundry is put in each tub performs a swinging motion of 180 degrees to 270 degrees and performs a rinsing process over a predetermined time. Each tub is provided with a scoop (spiral chute) that serves as a transfer means. By rotating the rinsing drum 24 in at least 270 degrees in one direction, the transfer scoop picks up the laundry to the next tub and dewatering Can be transferred to the machine.

An example of washing will be described in the order of each process. The tact time for transferring diapers between tanks is 10 minutes.
Pre-washing step: In the pre-washing tank 1, the rinsed recovered water is used for rough washing (10 minutes).
Water can be changed about five times by rapid water supply by the immersion water pump 41 and rapid drainage by the large damper (drain valve) 43. At the end of the pre-washing step, heating is performed by direct blowing of water vapor, and heating is performed up to about 60 ° C.
Enzymatic decomposition step: In the enzymatic decomposition tank 2, the washing water transferred from the pre-washing tank 1 is measured and discharged by the liquid level adjustment pipe 15, and then measured by closing the automatic valve 44 below the liquid level adjustment pipe 15. Prevents the water in the tank from being reduced due to later swinging. A fixed amount of enzyme solution is added from the enzyme tank 16 to the measuring cylinder 17 so that the enzyme concentration in the enzyme decomposition tank 2 is 0.25%. The temperature of water is controlled by an indirect heating method so as to control at 60 ° C. ± 3 ° C. After the transfer from the enzymatic decomposition tank 2 to 3, the internal temperature is maintained and the water-absorbing polymer contained in the diaper is enzymatically decomposed (20 minutes in total). Since the washing water overflowing from the washing water in the pre-washing tank 1 and the liquid level adjustment pipe 15 in the enzyme decomposition tank 2 contains a large amount of water-absorbing polymer, it is stored in the drainage tank 21 and is 60 ° C ± by direct or indirect heating. After heating to 3 ° C, a certain amount of enzyme is added and decomposed.

Main washing step: In the main washing tanks 4 and 5, the enzyme is rinsed, steam is directly blown, and the mixture is sterilized by rapid heating to 80 ° C., and a detergent is added to perform main washing. The wash water is changed several times to enhance washability and rinsing performance.
Rinsing / finishing step: Put fresh water into rinsing tanks 6 and 7 and rinse. Finish the rinse finish tank 8 with fresh water and finish. The cleaned diaper is sent to a dehydrator (not shown).

(Second Embodiment)
The difference from the continuous washing machine of the first embodiment described above is that the decomposition / washing unit 30 is provided with an enzyme decomposition tank at the head, then a prewash tank, and then a main wash tank. . As shown in FIG. 2, each tank formed by partitioning the washing drum 11 includes an enzyme decomposition tank 1 and 2, a prewash tank 3, and a main wash tank 4 and 5.

An indirect heater 28 (steam jacket or electric heater) is provided outside the outer body 13 of the enzymatic decomposition tanks 1 and 2 for indirect heating, and a thermometer inserted into the enzymatic decomposition tanks 1 and 2 is measured. The value is compared with an optimum temperature setting value for polymer decomposition in a control device (not shown), and the water vapor amount (or current value) is controlled so as to be the set value. In order to maintain the temperature in the enzymatic decomposition tanks 1 and 2, a heat insulating material 14 is applied to the outside of the outer body 13 of the enzymatic decomposition tanks 1 and 2. The water stored in the immersion water tank 31 is preheated to a temperature suitable for enzymatic decomposition, and is measured by the float 47 in the tank 31 before being sent to the enzymatic decomposition tank 1. Since the configuration other than this is the same as that of the continuous washing machine of the first embodiment including the rinsing finish 20, description thereof is omitted.

An example of washing in the second embodiment will be described in the order of each process. The takt time for transferring the diaper between the tanks is set to 10 minutes as in the first embodiment.
Enzymatic decomposition step: In the enzymatic decomposition tank 1, a certain amount of water measured by the float 47 in the tank 31 is sent from the immersion water tank 31, and the measuring cylinder 17 from the enzyme tank 16 in the enzymatic decomposition tank 1. A fixed amount of enzyme is added so that the enzyme concentration is 0.25%. The temperature of water is controlled by an indirect heating method so that it becomes 35 ° C. ± 3 ° C. After the transfer from the enzymatic decomposition tank 1 to 2, the internal temperature of the tank is maintained and the water-absorbing polymer incorporated in the diaper is enzymatically decomposed. (20 minutes total)

Pre-washing process: In the pre-washing tank 3, the diaper containing the enzyme is rinsed well by using the recovered water from the soaking water tank 31 and the rapid water supply by the soaking water pump 41 and the rapid drainage by the large damper (drain valve) 43. Add roughly to clean.
Main washing process: In main washing tanks 4 and 5, water vapor is directly blown to rapidly heat sterilize to 80 ° C.
Add a detergent and do the main wash.
Rinsing / finishing step: Put fresh water into rinsing tanks 6 and 7 and rinse. The diaper that has been finished and washed with fresh water and finish in the rinsing finish tank 8 is sent to a dehydrator (not shown).

The continuous washing machine according to the second embodiment describes the order of installation of the enzymatic decomposition tanks responsible for enzymatic degradation among the plurality of laundry tanks responsible for each step of washing, and the washing method adapted to the order. In the case of using a continuous washing machine, the installation position of the enzyme decomposition tank can be selected depending on the layout of existing facilities and the convenience of work.
For example, a pre-washing / enzymatic decomposition tank that simultaneously performs pre-washing and enzymatic decomposition is provided at the top of the washing drum, followed by a main washing tank. First, the laundry is put into the washing drum of the pre-washing / enzymatic decomposition tank and pre-washed.・ Oscillating the enzymatic decomposition tank for a set time to pre-wash the laundry and at the same time enzymatically decompose the water-absorbing polymer contained in the laundry, and then rotate the laundry drum to transfer the laundry to the laundry drum in the next step You may make it do.
(Third embodiment)

  The continuous washing machine of this embodiment is an enzymatic decomposition tank that enzymatically decomposes a biodegradable water-absorbing polymer provided with a plurality of enzymatic decomposition drums 51 that swing / rotate within an outer cylinder that is partitioned into a plurality of tanks. However, it is separated and independent from the main general-purpose continuous washing machine, and the diaper treated from the enzymatic decomposition tank is delivered to the general-purpose continuous washing machine by the chute 57, which is a diaper transfer means, for normal washing. is there. That is, it has the effect of becoming a continuous washing machine for diapers by adding an enzymatic decomposition tank for enzymatically decomposing water-absorbing polymer to an existing general-purpose continuous washing machine. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an enzymatic decomposition unit 40 having three enzymatic decomposition tanks and a continuous washing machine 60 having no general enzymatic decomposition tank.

  Each tank formed by partitioning the enzyme decomposition drum 51 is an enzyme decomposition tank.

An indirect heater 28 (steam jacket or electric heater) is provided on the outside of the outer body 53 for indirect heating, and a measured value of a thermometer inserted into the enzymatic decomposition tank is measured by a control device (not shown). The amount of water vapor (or current value) is controlled in comparison with the optimum temperature setting value for polymer decomposition. In order to maintain the temperature in the enzymatic decomposition tank, the heat insulating material 14 is applied to the outside of the enzymatic decomposition fixing drum 53.

A washing example in the third embodiment will be described. Since the tact time for transferring the diaper between the tanks is large in the enzyme decomposition tank, the enzyme decomposition treatment can be performed even at an operation interval shorter than that in the first and second embodiments (for example, 7 minutes). Moreover, the enzyme decomposition tank 3 can also be utilized for enzyme removal washing.
Enzymatic decomposition step: In the enzymatic decomposition tanks 1, 2, and 3, fresh water or recovered water is added, an appropriate amount of enzyme is added, and the water-absorbing polymer contained in the diaper is enzymatically decomposed. The temperature of water is controlled at 35 ° C. ± 3 ° C.
(Example)

The biodegradable water-absorbing polymer described in the embodiment is a starch polymer and is CMS (Carboxy Methyl Starch). Developed by Tomtec Co., Ltd. so as to be suitable for biodegradability, it is built in a diaper having a trade name -Raffine HG- and marketed.
The enzyme that degrades the biodegradable water-absorbing polymer is Spitase LFE (Raphine Enzyme) developed by Tomtec Corporation, and the degradation rate of this enzyme with a 0.25% aqueous solution at 60 ° C. for 15 minutes, A temperature control of 60 ± 3 ° C. is necessary to maximize the enzyme degradation performance. (Refer to the first embodiment)

  In addition, when throwing used diapers into the enzymatic decomposition tank without pre-washing, the temperature of the aqueous enzyme solution is 35 ± 3 ° C. in order to avoid deterioration of organic substances such as proteins attached to the diaper at high temperature. A biodegradable water-absorbing polymer that can be applied to this temperature has been developed by Tomtec Corporation.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the continuous type washing machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the continuous washing machine which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the continuous washing machine which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Disassembly / washing part 11 Washing drum 12 Partition plate 13 Outer cylinder 14 Heat insulating material 15 Liquid level adjustment pipe 16 Enzyme tank 18 Input port 19 Lip packing 20 Rinse / finish 21 Drain tank 23 Outer trunk 24 Rinsing drum 25 Partition plate 26 Immersion Water tank 28 Indirect heater 30 Disassembly / washing section 31 Immersion water tank 40 Enzymatic decomposition section 51 Enzymatic decomposition drum 53 Outer cylinder 57 Chute 60 Continuous washing machine

Claims (15)

After using a cloth diaper containing a biodegradable water-absorbing polymer, it is put into a continuous washing machine equipped with an enzymatic decomposition tank containing an enzyme solution for decomposing the water-absorbing polymer, and the water-absorbing polymer is enzymatically decomposed and washed. A washing method using a featured continuous washing machine.   A treatment provided with a laundry inlet at one end and a carry-out port at the other end, the interior is divided into a plurality of tubs by a partition plate, and a transfer means for transferring the laundry in the tub by rotation in one direction In a continuous washing machine having a drum, a supply device for supplying and discharging washing water and rinsing water, and a discharge unit, and sequentially transferring the laundry from the input port to the carry-out port for washing and rinsing, A continuous washing machine characterized in that the diaper is washed by the washing method according to claim 1, using kama as an enzymatic decomposition tank.   The continuous washing machine according to claim 2, wherein an enzymatic decomposition tank is provided between the prewash tank and the main wash tank.   Using the continuous washing machine according to claim 3, first, the laundry is put into the washing drum of the pre-washing tub, pre-washed by swinging for a set time, and then the washing drum is rotated to the washing drum of the enzymatic decomposition tub. A washing method using a continuous washing machine characterized in that the water-absorbing polymer incorporated in the laundry is transported, rocked for a set time and enzymatically decomposed, and then transferred to the next step (main wash).   5. A washing method using a continuous washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the enzyme concentration in the enzyme decomposition tank is controlled to 0.25% and the temperature is controlled to 60 ± 3 ° C.   The continuous washing machine according to claim 2, wherein an enzyme decomposition tank is provided in front of the prewash tank.   7. The laundry machine according to claim 6, wherein the laundry is first put into the washing drum of the enzymatic decomposition tank, and the water absorbing polymer incorporated in the laundry is enzymatically decomposed by swinging for a set time, and then the washing drum. A washing method using a continuous washing machine, wherein the laundry is transferred to a washing drum of a pre-washing tub by rotating the door.   The washing method using a continuous washing machine according to claim 7, wherein the enzyme concentration in the enzyme decomposition tank is controlled to 0.25% and the temperature is controlled to 35 ± 3 ° C.   The continuous washing machine according to claim 2, wherein a pre-washing / enzymatic decomposition tank for simultaneously performing pre-washing and enzymatic decomposition is provided at the head, and a main washing tank is provided thereafter.   10. Using the continuous washing machine according to claim 9, first, the laundry is put into a washing drum of a pre-washing / enzymatic decomposition tank, and the washing polymer is pre-washed by swinging for a set time, and at the same time the water-absorbing polymer incorporated in the laundry A laundry method using a continuous washing machine, wherein the laundry drum is rotated and the laundry is transferred to the laundry drum of the tank in the next step after enzymatic decomposition.   A steam jacket, an electric heater or the like for indirectly heating the enzymatic decomposition tank from the outside is provided, and a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the washing water in the enzymatic decomposition tank is provided. Continuous washing machine to be described. Installed a steam jacket, electric heater, etc. to indirectly heat the prewash / enzymatic decomposition tank from the outside,
The continuous washing machine according to claim 9, further comprising a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the washing water in the pre-washing / enzymatic decomposition tank.   10. An external enzyme solution tank and a flow meter for measuring the amount of enzyme solution fed into the enzyme decomposition tank are provided, and the enzyme concentration in the enzyme decomposition tank is controlled to a specified concentration. , 11 and 12 are continuous washing machines.   An enzymatic decomposition tank for enzymatically degrading a biodegradable water-absorbing polymer, which is separated and independent from a main general-purpose continuous washing machine, and has a plurality of washing drums that swing / rotate within an outer cylinder partitioned into a plurality of tanks; A continuous washing machine comprising: a general-purpose continuous washing machine; and means for transferring diapers treated from the enzymatic decomposition tank to a general-purpose continuous washing machine.   The continuous washing machine according to claim 3, wherein a separate enzymatic decomposition tank for enzymatically decomposing undegraded biodegradable water-absorbing polymer contained in the waste water of the pre-washing step is added.

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