JP2007204999A - Water supply unit and equipment equipped with it - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water supply unit which can also supply water from a source for supplying water except purified water, such as a bathwater hose for supplying water from bathwater and the inside of which can be kept clean, and equipment which is equipped with the water supply unit. <P>SOLUTION: The water, which passes through a first water supply pipe 52a for supplying the purified water from a hydrant etc., is passed into a second water supply pipe 101 for supplying reclaimed water from the source for supplying the water except the purified water, toward the source for supplying the water except the purified water, from the side near the hydrant. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a water supply device that supplies water to a water supply target (for example, laundry, toilet, etc.) and a device including the same.

  In recent years, with increasing awareness of the environment, toilet wash water and remaining bath water (hereinafter simply referred to as “bath water”) in the bath bath (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “tub”) when washing is performed. ”Is sometimes used. For example, a bath water hose is often used to supply bath water to a washing machine. If you use bath water, you can save water. Moreover, there are cases where the water temperature is higher than tap water such as tap water supplied from a water tap, and the cleaning effect can be improved.

However, the remaining hot water in the bath has lost residual chlorine that has been added to tap water and other water for disinfection, contains organic matter such as sweat and sebum derived from the human body, and the temperature also propagates bacteria. Since the period of 40 to 30 ° C. suitable for is long, it is in an environment where bacteria are very easy to propagate. Actually, the number of bacteria of general bacteria contained in tap water supplied to the bath is stipulated as 100 CFU / mL or less by the “water quality standard item” based on the Water Supply Law, and is hardly included. On the other hand, the number of bacteria contained in the bath water left overnight after bathing may be 10 ⁵ to ⁶ CFU / mL. It is known that washing with water containing a lot of bacteria will cause odors in the laundry. The cause of such an odor is a low molecular weight organic substance produced by the decomposition of the organic substance with the metabolism of the bacteria.

  In order to solve such a problem, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-28473 (Patent Document 1), a sterilizing means is provided in a water passage that circulates bath water to a flush water tank of a toilet. The bath residual water reuse device is described in which sterilized water is produced by sterilizing and sent to a wash water tank, and if there is no bath water, tap water is sent to the wash water tank.

  In JP 2002-126723 A (Patent Document 2), a cartridge filled with a deodorant and a bactericidal agent is disposed in a water passage through which bath water flows, and before the bath water is injected into the washing tub. The bath water is sterilized by deodorizing the odorous components in the bath water and gradually releasing a predetermined amount of the bactericidal agent.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-301295 (Patent Document 3) discloses a means for introducing a washing auxiliary agent such as a bleaching agent, a disinfectant, and a fragrance into the bath water passing through the bath water supply means. The bath water is sterilized.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-10588 (Patent Document 4) is made in a washing tub and an outer tub, a bath water supply hose is attached to the washing liquid, and the washing tub is rotated intermittently during the putting. The bath water supply hose is washed.

In JP-A-8-47548 (Patent Document 5), a hose pipe that leads fire-fighting water from a fire hydrant (tentatively called a first hose pipe) and a hose pipe that leads fire-fighting water from a river, a pond, etc. A fire engine equipped with a hose pipe) is described.
JP 11-28473 A JP 2002-126723 A JP 2002-301295 A JP 2003-10588 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-47548

  However, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-28473 (Patent Document 1), Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-126723 (Patent Document 2), and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-301295 (Patent Document 3), the bath before sterilization is used. Water that contains many bacteria, such as water, may remain in the path through which bath water passes, such as a bath water hose. In such a case, bacteria or mold may enter the path through which bath water passes. There was a possibility of breeding. Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-47548 (Patent Document 5), water is obtained from two different water sources and can be discharged from a water discharge pipe. However, water such as rivers and ponds contains bacteria. Therefore, when such water remains in the hose pipe, there is a problem that mold and slime are generated in the hose pipe.

  In addition, a filter is provided at the water supply port of the bath water hose to prevent solid matter such as hair contained in the bath water from getting tangled in the pump or adhering to the laundry. There is a problem that the bacteria must be washed regularly because fungi and mold propagate and clogged solids.

  In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-10588 (Patent Document 4), the bath water supply hose is washed. However, the bath water feed hose must be washed in the washing tub, which is troublesome. was there.

  An object of the present invention is made in view of the above problems, and is a water supply that can keep the inside of a water supply device that can supply water from a water supply source other than purified water, such as a bath water hose that supplies water from bath water, cleanly. It is providing a device and a device provided with the device.

  The water supply apparatus according to the present invention includes a first water supply path that supplies purified water as the first water supply, and a second water supply path that supplies the second water supply, and the purified water supplied from the first water supply path is the second water supply path. It is characterized by allowing water to flow through the water supply route.

  According to this configuration, purified water (for example, tap water such as tap water) obtained from a purified water supply source (for example, tap water) can be passed through the second water supply path. By washing away water other than the remaining purified water (for example, bath water, river water, pond water, etc.), the growth of fungi and mold can be suppressed.

  In the water supply apparatus of the present invention, the first water supply path is provided with antibacterial water generating means for generating antibacterial water by adding an antibacterial substance to the water, and the first water supply path to the second water supply path. The purified water passed through is preferably antibacterial water generated by the antibacterial water generating means.

  With this configuration, water other than the purified water remaining in the second water supply path (for example, bath water, river water, pond water, etc.) can be washed away, and the second water supply can be performed with antibacterial water. The path can be sterilized and antibacterial.

  In the water supply apparatus of this invention, it is preferable that the purified water that is passed from the first water supply path to the second water supply path can be supplied to the water source of the second water supply.

  With such a configuration, purified water or antibacterial water can be supplied to the water source of the second water supply (hereinafter also referred to as “second water supply source”). For example, if the second water supply source is the remaining hot water of a bath or stored rainwater, the remaining hot water, rainwater, or the like can be sterilized or antibacterial by supplying antibacterial water to the remaining hot water, rainwater, or the like.

  In the water supply apparatus of this invention, after supplying 2nd water supply, it is preferable to flow antibacterial water through a 2nd water supply path | route.

  In such a configuration, after using water other than purified water (for example, bath water, river water, pond water, etc.), water other than purified water remaining in the second water supply path is washed away. Therefore, it becomes possible to wash easily, and it is possible to reduce the possibility of mold and fungi breeding in the second water supply path.

  In the water supply apparatus of this invention, it has the 3rd water supply path | route connected with a 1st water supply path | route in the position of the 1st water supply source side rather than an antimicrobial water production | generation means, and a 2nd water supply is a 1st water supply path | route and a 1st water supply path | route. It is preferable that water is supplied through the three water supply paths, and the second water supply is added with an antibacterial substance by the antibacterial water generating means.

  If it is such a structure, the substance which has antibacterial property can be added also to the water supplied from the 2nd water supply source which is a water supply source other than purified water, and it can be set as antibacterial water, and water supply can be carried out. it can.

  The water supply device of the present invention has a water supply start timer for setting a time for supplying water to the water supply target, and when the water supply start timer is set, the antibacterial water generated by the antibacterial water generation means is supplied from the first water supply path. It is preferable to supply the second water supply source through the two water supply paths.

  If it is such a structure, before starting water supply, antibacterial water can be supplied to the 2nd water supply source which is a water supply source other than purified water, and the water of the 2nd water supply source can be sterilized beforehand. .

  In the water supply apparatus of the present invention, the water supply path capable of passing water supplied from at least one of the first water supply path and the second water supply path, the first water supply path, the second water supply path, and the water supply It is preferable to include a connection route switching unit that connects at least two routes out of the routes and can switch the combination.

  With such a configuration, when connecting the first water supply path and the second water supply path, when connecting the first water supply path and the water supply path, and when connecting the second water supply path and the water supply path. Can be switched easily.

  The device according to the present invention includes a water supply device having the above-described configuration.

  According to the apparatus of this invention, the 2nd water supply source which is a water supply source other than purified water can be utilized. Moreover, purified water or antibacterial water can be supplied to the second water supply source.

  According to this invention, since purified water or antibacterial water can be passed through the second water supply path, water other than purified water remaining in the second water supply path (for example, bath water, river water, pond By washing away water, etc., it is possible to reduce the growth of fungi and fungi inside the second water supply path.

  An embodiment of a water supply apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the first water supply source is referred to as a first water supply source, and the second water supply source is referred to as a second water supply source.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the water supply device 2 as seen from the front side. As shown in FIG. 1, the water supply apparatus 2 includes a main water supply valve 50, a connection pipe 51, a first water supply pipe 52a that is a first water supply path, a second water supply pipe 101 that is a second water supply path, It consists of a water flow pipe 102 as a path, a three-way valve 100 as a connection path switching means, and a metal ion water generating means 90 as antibacterial water generating means.

  The outlet side of the connecting pipe 51 is connected to one end of the first water supply pipe 52a, and the other end is connected to the first water supply source side. The connection pipe 51 is provided with a main water supply valve 50.

  The other end of the first water supply pipe 52 a is connected to the three-way valve 100. Further, one end of the water conduit 102 is connected to the three-way valve 100, and the other end of the water conduit 102 can supply water to the water supply target 103. One end of the second water supply pipe 101 is connected to the three-way valve 100, and the other end of the second water supply pipe 101 is connected to the second water supply source (a water supply source different from the first water supply source).

  In the present embodiment, the first water supply may be water that is cleaner than the second water supply. For example, as the first water supply, purified water, for example, tap water such as tap water, well water, industrial water, etc. Examples of the second water supply include middle water, for example, remaining water of a bath, circulating water of a fountain, circulating water of a pool, rain water, pond water, river water, and the like. It is possible to use without being limited.

  The three-way valve 100 is controlled by a control unit (not shown). By switching the three-way valve 100, the first water supply pipe 52a and the second water supply pipe 101 are connected, and the first water supply pipe 52a and the water supply pipe 102 are connected. The connected state, the state where the second water supply pipe 101 and the water pipe 102 are connected, and the above three states can be switched. That is, the combination of the connection of the first water supply pipe 52a, the second water supply pipe 101, and the water flow pipe 102 can be switched.

  If the first water supply pipe 52a and the second water supply pipe 101 are connected, the purified water supplied from the first water supply pipe 52a can be supplied to the second water supply pipe 101, and conversely the second water supply pipe 101. It is in the state which can supply the middle water supplied from to the 1st water supply pipe | tube 52a.

  If the first water supply pipe 52 a and the water pipe 102 are connected, the purified water supplied from the first water pipe 52 a can be supplied to the water supply target 103 through the water pipe 102.

  If the second water supply pipe 101 and the water supply pipe 102 are connected, the middle water supplied from the second water supply pipe 101 can be supplied to the water supply object 103 through the water supply pipe 102.

  In place of the three-way valve 100, an electromagnetic valve is provided in each of the first water supply pipe 52a, the second water supply pipe 101, and the water pipe 102, and the first water supply pipe 52a is switched by switching the combination of opening and closing of the respective electromagnetic valves. The combination of the connection between the second water supply pipe 101 and the water pipe 102 may be switched.

  The first water supply pipe 52a is provided with metal ion water generating means 90 shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the metal ion water generating means 90. 2A is a horizontal schematic cross-sectional view, and FIG. 2B is a vertical schematic cross-sectional view. As shown in FIGS. 2 (A) and 2 (B), the metal ion water generating means 90 has a case 91 formed of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. Plate-shaped silver electrodes 92a and 92b, which are metal electrodes having a size of about 20 mm × 50 mm and a thickness of about 1 mm, are arranged so as to be substantially parallel with a distance of about 5 mm. Further, connection terminals 93a and 93b are integrally formed on the silver electrodes 92a and 92b, respectively. The connection terminals 93a and 93b are connected to the control unit 80 by, for example, wiring (not shown). The case 91 is provided with an inflow port 94 through which water flows in and an outflow port 95 through which water flows out. Water flows into the case 91 from the inflow port 94, and water flows out of the case 91 from the outflow port 95. Can be spilled. That is, water flows parallel to the longitudinal direction of the silver electrodes 92a and 92b.

When a voltage is applied between the silver electrodes 92a and 92b by the control unit 80 in a state where the silver electrodes 92a and 92b are immersed in the water, a reaction of Ag → Ag ⁺ + e ⁻ occurs at the silver electrode on the anode side. And silver ions (Ag ⁺ ) are eluted in water. If silver ions (Ag ⁺ ) continue to elute, the silver electrode on the anode side will wear out. Silver ions eluted from the silver electrode 92a or the silver electrode 92b exhibit an excellent bactericidal effect and fungicidal effect. Therefore, silver ion water which is metal ion water acts as antibacterial water having antibacterial properties. The antibacterial or sterilization here includes not only sterilization and antibacterial bacteria and fungi but also inactivation of viruses. In addition, the fact that the virus is inactivated by silver ions is described in “Silver Ion Water LA Criskey, New Japan Foundry Association (Publishing Association) 1993”.

On the other hand, in the silver electrode on the cathode side, a reaction of H ⁺ + e ⁻ → 1 / 2H ₂ occurs, hydrogen is generated, and calcium contained in water is deposited on the surface of the silver electrode as a scale of calcium compound such as calcium carbonate. To do.

  In addition, silver chloride and sulfide, which are component metals of the electrode, are generated on the surface. Therefore, when used for a long time, a scale such as calcium carbonate, chloride, or sulfide is deposited thickly on the electrode surface, preventing the elution of silver ions, which are metal ions. For this reason, the elution amount of silver ions becomes unstable, and the electrode wear becomes uneven. Therefore, the control unit 80 periodically reverses the polarity of the voltage applied between the silver electrodes 92a and 92b of the metal ion water generating means 90 to adhere the scale to the silver electrodes 92a and 92b (for example, every 20 seconds). And only one silver electrode is prevented from being consumed.

  In addition to the silver electrode, the metal electrode may be any metal that can elute metal ions having antibacterial properties. Specifically, copper, an alloy of silver and copper, zinc, or the like can be selected. . Silver ions eluted from the silver electrode, copper ions eluted from the copper electrode, or zinc ions eluted from the zinc electrode exhibit excellent bactericidal and antifungal effects. Silver ions and copper ions can be simultaneously eluted from the alloy of silver and copper. The anode may be an electrode that elutes metal ions, and the cathode may be an electrode that does not elute metal ions. When the electrode form is composed of two or more (plural) electrodes, all may be metal electrodes of the same material, either one is a metal electrode, and the other electrode is a non-metal electrode (for example, a carbon electrode) , Conductive plastic electrode, etc.) or a plated electrode. Furthermore, a metal electrode that is difficult to ionize (for example, a titanium electrode, a platinum electrode that is a noble metal, a gold electrode, or the like) may be used. Or you may be comprised from the some metal electrode (for example, silver electrode, copper electrode, etc.) from which a material differs.

  The elution of silver ions was controlled at a constant current so that the current value was constant. Constant current control is control to maintain a constant current value regardless of the resistance value change between the electrodes, but the generation of bubbles on the electrode surface, the change in the distance between the electrodes due to electrode vibration, etc. Since the resistance value between the electrodes always changes, it is difficult to make it completely constant, and some current fluctuation occurs. Here, even if this is the case, in response to the change in the resistance value between the electrodes, the voltage is changed within the allowable voltage range of the circuit, and if the resistance value generally increases, the voltage is increased, and if the resistance value decreases. Control for lowering the voltage and stabilizing the current value between the electrodes is referred to as constant current control.

  The silver ion concentration of silver ion water can be controlled by the amount of electricity flowing between the electrodes and the amount of water. For example, in the case of the metal ion water generating means 90 having the above structure, in order to obtain 90 ppb of silver ion water, the current value may be 3 mA when the amount of water is 1 L / min. Further, in order to obtain 600 ppb of silver ion water, the current value may be 10 mA when the amount of water is 1 L / min. The elution amount of silver ions is approximately proportional to the amount of electricity (C) = constant current value (A) × time (sec), except in the low current region. Further, if the amount of water is constant, there is a correlation between the amount of electricity and the silver concentration of the obtained silver ion water, so that silver ion water having a desired concentration can be obtained by adjusting the current value. In this manner, a desired silver ion concentration can be obtained by flowing a predetermined current through the silver electrodes 92a and 92b through a constant flow of water. Further, since the flow rate can be substantially fixed by the structure of the water supply valve, a substantially constant silver ion water can be generated by supplying a constant current. In addition, it is preferable to obtain | require beforehand the combination of an electric current value and time so that silver ion water of various density | concentrations can be obtained.

  These silver ions, copper ions, and zinc ions are not irritating to the human body and have low toxicity. In addition, since metal ions and their compounds are difficult to volatilize, volatilization is promoted by raising the temperature or ventilating, such as hypochlorous acid, and the effect is lost or an unpleasant odor is generated. The antibacterial property can be maintained for a long time without being generated.

  Further, in the metal ion water generating means 90 having the above-described form, elution / non-elution of silver ions as metal ions can be selected depending on whether or not voltage is applied, and the current and voltage application time are controlled as described above. Thus, the elution amount of silver ions can be controlled.

  In addition, as the metal ion water generating means 90, a metal ion-containing substance having a structure in which metal ions can be gradually released or dissolved in water by being immersed in water may be used in addition to the method using electrolysis. Specific examples of the metal ion-containing substance 1 include zeolite, silica gel, glass, calcium phosphate, zirconium phosphate, silicate, titanium oxide, whisker, ceramics, or the like carrying metal ions, or these substances. Resin or fiber.

  Also, as means for producing antibacterial water, means for sustained release of bactericides such as quaternary ammonium salts and benzalkonium chloride, and means for generating substances having bactericidal effects such as hypochlorous acid and ozone by electrolysis It may be used. Hypochlorous acid, ozone, and the like have a shorter sterilization and antibacterial effect than metal ions, but they are effective immediately. Therefore, the second water supply pipe 101, the water flow pipe 102, and the second water supply pipe are used. It is effective when used for the purpose of sterilizing the inside of a hose to be connected (for example, a pump 202 or a bath water hose 205 of a bath water pump 200 described later). In addition, as long as the antibacterial water generating means utilizing the electrolysis method is used, elution / non-elution of the antibacterial component can be selected depending on whether or not voltage is applied, and the antibacterial component can be controlled by controlling the current and voltage application time. Since it is possible to control the amount of elution, it can be suitably used.

  Next, an example of a device using the water supply device 2 will be described using a fountain 300 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the fountain 300. The fountain 300 is provided with a water supply device 2, and the first water supply pipe 52 a is connected to a water tap (first water supply source) (not shown) via the connection pipe 51. Metal ion water generating means 90 is disposed in the first water supply pipe 52a. The second water supply pipe 101 plays a role as a circulation path for circulating the water of the fountain 300, and the water flow pipe 102 plays a role of a fountain passage of the fountain 300. The second water supply pipe 101 is provided with a circulation pump 301 for circulating water.

  When the normal fountain operation is performed, the three-way valve 100 is in a state where the second water supply pipe 101 and the water pipe 102 are connected. When the water of the fountain 300 is jetted from the water pipe 102, it is stored in the storage section 302, and then sprayed from the water pipe 102 again through the second water supply pipe 101, the circulation pump 301, and the three-way valve 100. . Thus, the storage unit 302 is the water supply target 103 and also a water supply source (second water supply source).

  When the amount of water circulating through the fountain 300 decreases to some extent, it is necessary to supply water. In this case, the three-way valve 100 is switched to a state in which the first water supply pipe 52a and the second water supply pipe 101 are connected, and the metal ion water generation means 90 adds metal ions to the tap water supplied from the water tap. Metal ion water is generated, and the metal ion water is supplied to the storage unit 302 via the second water supply pipe 101. By doing in this way, since metal ions adhere to the inside of the second water supply path 101 and the storage part 302, bacteria, mold and slime are generated in the second water supply pipe 101, or clogging is caused thereby. The possibility can be reduced. Of course, if the fountain 300 resumes the fountain operation, metal ions adhere to the water pipe 102, so that the water pipe 102 is also antimicrobial.

  When water is supplied to the fountain 300, the three-way valve 100 may be switched to a state in which the first water supply pipe 52a and the water pipe 102 are connected. Even if it does in this way, since the metal ion water will be supplied to the storage part 302, if the fountain operation is restarted, the metal ion water will also flow through the second water supply pipe 101. The inside can be antibacterial. However, the reservoir 302 often takes in microorganisms in the atmosphere and is exposed to light, so that algae and the like may propagate. As for the bactericidal action of metal ions, the presence of microorganisms such as fungi and algae and organic substances produced by them will reduce the antibacterial action. For this reason, the antibacterial effect of the water containing metal ions that has passed through the reservoir 302 has been reduced. In addition, when the metal ion is silver ion, the antibacterial effect is further reduced because part of the silver ion having bactericidal action is reduced to metal silver having no bactericidal action by exposure to light. . In addition, in antibacterial substances other than metal ions, antibacterial properties generally decrease in the presence of organic substances. In addition, in the case of a volatile substance having antibacterial properties such as hypochlorous acid and ozone, it volatilizes when exposed to the atmosphere, so that the antibacterial properties are also reduced by jetting.

  Therefore, the three-way valve 100 is switched to a state in which the first water supply pipe 52a and the second water supply pipe 101 are connected, and the metal ion water generating means 90 adds metal ions to the tap water supplied from the water tap so that the metal It is possible to generate ionic water and supply metal ionic water to the storage unit 302 via the second water supply pipe 101, that is, to pass the antibacterial water directly to the second water supply path 101 without passing through the storage unit 302. preferable.

  Further, even when no antibacterial substance is added to the purified water, the reservoir 302 is often dirty as described above, so the purified water is directly passed through the first water supply pipe 52a without passing through the reservoir 302. By supplying water to the water supply path 101, the inside of the second water supply path 101 can be washed to make it clean.

  Next, Tables 1 and 2 show the effect of silver ion water on bacteria detected from water. Table 1 is a table derived from “bacterial and fungicidal vol. 22, No. 9, pp. 531-536, 1994” and is a table showing “antibacterial effect of silver ions against E. coli”. . Table 2 is a table showing “the antibacterial effect of silver ions against Pseudomonas aeruginosa” actually tested by the present inventors. In any of the test methods, silver ion water and a bacterial solution were brought into contact with each other, and the initial number of bacteria was compared with the number of bacteria after 24 hours. The “logarithmic difference from 0 ppb” in Table 1 means the logarithmic difference between the number of bacteria having a silver ion concentration of 0 ppb after 24 hours and the number of bacteria having a silver ion concentration of 10 ppb after 24 hours, and the silver number after 24 hours. It represents the logarithmic difference between the number of bacteria with an ion concentration of 0 ppb and the number of bacteria with a silver ion concentration of 100 ppb after 24 hours, and the “logarithmic difference with 0 ppb” in Table 2 is the silver ion concentration of 0 ppb after 24 hours. The logarithmic difference between the number of bacteria and the number of bacteria with a silver ion concentration of 60 ppb after 24 hours, the difference between the number of bacteria with a silver ion concentration of 0 ppb after 24 hours and the number of bacteria with a silver ion concentration of 100 ppb after 24 hours Represents.

  As described in Tables 1 and 2, it can be seen that when the silver ion concentration of silver ion water is at least 10 ppb to 60 ppb, the antibacterial effect is obtained. Moreover, if the silver ion concentration of silver ion water is 100 ppb, it turns out that an antimicrobial effect is still higher. Therefore, it can be seen that the higher the concentration of silver ions, the higher the antibacterial effect. Therefore, what is necessary is just to determine the addition amount of silver ion so that an antibacterial effect can be exhibited according to the kind and water quality of 1st water supply and 2nd water supply.

  As described above, the purified water can be passed from the direction near the first water supply source of the second water supply pipe 101 (second water supply path) toward the direction of the second water supply source, that is, with normal use. Since water can flow (reversely flow) in the reverse direction, the intermediate water remaining in the second water supply pipe 101 can be washed away, and the inside of the second water supply pipe 101 can be cleaned. Further, water other than purified water adhering to a hose or the like connected to the second water supply pipe 101 can be washed away.

  Moreover, the metal ion water production | generation means 90 (antibacterial water production | generation means) provided in the 1st water supply pipe | tube 52a (1st water supply path | route) which supplies water from a 1st water supply source purifies the metal ion (silver ion etc.) which has antibacterial property. In the direction close to the first water supply source of the second water supply pipe 101 (second water supply path) that generates metal ion water (such as silver ion water) by adding to the second water supply water source from the second water supply source Water can be passed in the direction of the second water supply source. That is, since water can be flowed (reversely flowed) in the opposite direction to normal use, the inside of the second water supply pipe 101 can be sterilized and antibacterial with metal ions. Moreover, the hose etc. which are connected with the 2nd water supply pipe 101 can also be disinfected / antibacterial. Moreover, since metal ion water can be supplied also to a 2nd water supply source, the water currently stored by the 2nd water supply source can be sterilized and antibacterial. For example, if the second water supply source is the fountain reservoir 302, the water stored in the reservoir 302 can be sterilized and antibacterial. In addition, if the second water supply source is a bathtub, the remaining hot water (bath water) remaining in the bathtub can be sterilized and antibacterial. If the second water supply source is a rainwater tank that stores rainwater, Can sterilize and antibacterial rainwater stored. That is, the water itself stored in the second water supply source can be kept clean. Of course, the reservoir 302, the bathtub, and the rainwater tank itself can be sterilized and antibacterial with metal ions.

  Here, since the antibacterial water generating means is installed in the first water supply path, the first water supply can have an antibacterial action, and thus the first water supply is not particularly limited. It is preferable that the water is cleaner than the two water supplies. This is because, in the case of the antibacterial water generating means described in the present embodiment, which electrolyzes the metal electrode and elutes metal ions to generate metal ion water, electrolysis is performed with the intermediate water supplied from the second water supply source. When performing, middle water is not clean (contains many impurities) compared to purified water, which is the first water supply, so deposits (for example, scale) are attached to the metal electrode compared to electrolyzing with purified water. And elution of metal ions is likely to be hindered. In addition, suspension (for example, impurities that are not soluble in water such as dust, hair, sand, etc.) may cause a short circuit between the electrodes and hinder elution. However, in the present invention, since metal ion water is generated by adding metal ions to the purified water, it is possible to prevent deposits from adhering to the metal electrode and to prevent short circuit due to suspension. Moreover, the path | route to the 2nd water supply source which supplies metal ion water to a 2nd water supply source, the 2nd water supply source itself, the middle water stored in the 2nd water supply source, and a middle water flow through Can be antibacterial and sterilized.

  In addition, when a metal ion-containing substance having a structure that allows metal ions to be gradually released or dissolved in water by immersing in water instead of the electrolytic method is used, the contact area of the metal ion-containing substance and water is the metal ion. Since the amount of dissolution is greatly affected, it is necessary to obtain a certain area or more, and therefore, it is necessary to form a complicated shape. Therefore, when it is slowly released or dissolved in middle water that is not clean compared to purified water (contains many impurities), clogging due to impurities is likely to occur or impurities adhere to the surface compared to purified water, There is a possibility that the contact area of the metal ion-containing substance and water is reduced and the elution amount is reduced. In the present invention, since sustained release or dissolution is performed with purified water, there is a low possibility that clogging or a decrease in the amount of elution will occur due to impurities.

  Thus, if it mounts in the fountain which circulates and uses water many times, if circulating water will decrease, an antibacterial substance (metal ion etc.) can be added to purified water, and water can be supplied. Even when no antibacterial substance is added to the water flowing from the first water supply path to the second water supply path, the purified water supplied from the first path is cleaner than the second water supply. Needless to say, it is possible to clean the path and keep it clean.

  As an example of a device that circulates water and uses it many times (a device that has the same water supply source as the second water supply source), a fountain was cited. However, the same applies to artificial waterfalls, water slides, and pools. It is possible to implement with such a configuration.

  Next, a washing machine will be described with reference to the drawings as an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the washing machine, the description will mainly be made by using tap water as the first water supply and remaining hot water in the bath (hereinafter also simply referred to as “bath water”) as the second water supply. To do.

  First, the configuration of the washing machine will be described. FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view showing the overall configuration of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 is of a fully automatic type and includes an outer box 10. The outer box 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is formed of metal or synthetic resin, and the upper surface and the bottom surface thereof are openings. An upper surface plate 11 made of synthetic resin is stacked on the upper surface opening of the outer box 10, and the upper surface plate 11 is fixed to the outer box 10 with screws.

  In FIG. 4, assuming that the left side is the front of the washing machine 1 and the right side is the back, a back panel 12 made of synthetic resin is overlapped on the upper surface of the top plate 11 located on the back side of the washing machine 1. 12 is fixed to the outer box 10 or the top plate 11 with screws. A base 13 made of synthetic resin is stacked on the bottom opening of the outer box 10, and this base is fixed to the outer box 10 with screws. In FIG. 1, the illustration of any of the screws described so far is omitted.

  At the four corners of the base 13, legs 14a and 14b for supporting the outer box 10 on the floor are provided. The front leg portion 14a is a screw leg of variable height, and the level of the washing machine 1 is adjusted by turning this leg. The rear leg portion 14 b is a fixed leg integrally formed with the base 13.

  The upper surface plate 11 is formed with a laundry inlet 15 for putting laundry into a washing tub 30 described later. The lid 16 is coupled to the upper surface plate 11 by a hinge portion 17, rotates in a vertical plane, and covers the laundry input port 15 from above.

  Inside the outer box 10, a water tub 20 and a washing tub 30 that also serves as a dewatering tub are disposed. Both the water tub 20 and the washing tub 30 are in the shape of a cylindrical cup with an open top surface, each axis is in the vertical direction, and the water tub 20 is on the outside and the washing tub 30 is on the inside. They are arranged concentrically.

  The water tank 20 is suspended by a suspension member 21. The suspension member 21 is provided at a total of four locations in such a manner that the lower outer surface of the water tank 20 and the inner corner of the outer box 10 are connected, and supports the water tank 20 so that it can swing within a horizontal plane.

  The washing tub 30 has a tapered peripheral wall that gradually spreads upward. The peripheral wall has no opening for allowing liquid to pass through except for the plurality of dewatering holes 31 arranged in an annular shape at the top. That is, the washing tub 30 is a so-called “no hole” type. An annular balancer 32 is attached to the edge of the upper opening of the washing tub 30. The balancer 32 has a function of suppressing vibration when the washing tub 30 is rotated at a high speed for dehydrating the laundry. On the inner bottom surface of the washing tub 30, a pulsator 33 for causing the washing water or the rinsing water to flow in the tub is disposed. A drain hole 34 is formed in the bottom wall of the washing tub 30 covered with the pulsator 33.

  A drive unit 40 is mounted on the lower surface of the water tank 20. The drive unit 40 includes a motor 41, a clutch mechanism 42, and a brake mechanism 43, and a dewatering shaft 44 and a pulsator shaft 45 project upward from the center thereof. The dewatering shaft 44 and the pulsator shaft 45 have a double shaft structure in which the dewatering shaft 44 is on the outside and the pulsator shaft 45 is on the inside. The dewatering shaft 44 enters the water tank 20 from below to above and is connected to and supports the washing tank 30. The pulsator shaft 45 penetrates the water tub 20 from the lower side to the upper side and further enters the washing tub 30 and is connected to and supports the pulsator 33. Seal members for preventing water leakage are disposed between the dehydrating shaft 44 and the water tank 20 and between the dewatering shaft 44 and the pulsator shaft 45, respectively.

  A water supply device 2 a is provided in a space below the back panel 12, and the water supply device 2 a is connected to a container-like water supply port 53. The water supply port 53 is provided at a position facing the inside of the washing tub 30. The water supply apparatus 2 has a connecting pipe 51 protruding upward through a through hole 18 provided in the back panel 12. A water supply hose (not shown) for supplying tap water such as tap water is connected to the connection pipe 51, and is connected to a water tap through the hose. The water supply apparatus 2a has a structure shown in FIG.

  A drain hose 60 for draining the water in the water tank 20 and the washing tank 30 out of the outer box 10 is attached to the bottom of the water tank 20. Water flows into the drain hose 60 from the drain pipe 61. The drain pipe 61 is connected to a location near the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the water tank 20.

  The drain pipe 61 is provided with a drain valve 62 that opens and closes electromagnetically. An air trap (not shown) is provided at a location on the upstream side of the drain valve 62 of the drain pipe 61, and a pressure guiding pipe 70 extends from the air trap. Connected to the upper end of the pressure guiding pipe 70 is a water level switch 71 which is a water amount detecting means of the washing tub 30 or the water tub 20.

  A control unit 80 is disposed on the front side of the outer box 10. The control unit 80 is placed under the upper surface plate 11, receives an operation command from the user through an operation / display unit 81 provided on the upper surface of the upper surface plate 11, and issues an operation command to the drive unit 40 and the like. At the same time, it also controls the water supply device 2a. Further, the control unit 80 issues a display command to the operation / display unit 81.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the water supply device 2a, as viewed from the front side. In addition, the same code | symbol is put to the same part as the water supply apparatus 2 of FIG. 1 mentioned above. As shown in FIG. 5, the water supply apparatus 2 includes a main water supply valve 50, a first water supply valve 50a, a second water supply valve 50b, a connection pipe 51, a first water supply pipe 52a that is a first water supply path, The second water supply pipe 101 that is the two water supply paths, the third water supply pipe 52b that is the third water supply path, the water supply pipe 102 that is the water supply path, the three-way valve 100 that is the connection path switching means, and the antibacterial water generating means And metal ion water generating means 90. The water supply port 53 is displayed as the water supply target 103.

  The outlet side of the connecting pipe 51 is connected to one end of the first water supply pipe 52a, and the other end is connected to a water tap as a first water supply source via a hose or the like. A main water supply valve 50 is provided in the connection pipe 51, and a first water supply valve 50a is provided in the first water supply pipe 52a. One end of a third water supply pipe 52b is connected to the first water supply pipe 52a between the main water supply valve 50 and the first water supply valve 50a, and the second water supply valve 50b is provided in the third water supply pipe 52b. It has been. The other end of the third water supply pipe 52b can supply water to the water supply object 103.

  The other end of the first water supply pipe 52 a is connected to the three-way valve 100. Further, one end of the water conduit 102 is connected to the three-way valve 100, and the other end of the water conduit 102 can supply water to the water supply target 103. One end of the second water supply pipe 101 is connected to the three-way valve 100, and the other end of the second water supply pipe 101 is connected to a bath water hose 205 of a bath water pump 200 described later. The three-way valve 100 is controlled by the control unit 80. By switching the three-way valve 100, the first water supply pipe 52a and the second water supply pipe 101 are connected, and the first water supply pipe 52a and the water supply pipe 102 are connected. It is possible to switch between the above state, the state in which the second water supply pipe 101 and the water pipe 102 are connected, and the above three states. That is, the combination of the connection of the first water supply pipe 52a, the second water supply pipe 101, and the water flow pipe 102 can be switched.

  If the first water supply pipe 52a and the second water supply pipe 101 are connected, the tap water supplied from the first water supply pipe 52a can be supplied to the second water supply pipe 101, and conversely the second water supply pipe The bath water supplied from 101 can be supplied to the first water supply pipe, and the water supply target 103 can be supplied through the third water supply pipe 52b.

  If the first water supply pipe 52 a and the water pipe 102 are connected, the tap water supplied from the first water pipe 52 a can be supplied to the water supply target 103 through the water pipe 102.

  If the second water supply pipe 101 and the water supply pipe 102 are connected, the bath water supplied from the second water supply pipe 101 can be supplied to the water supply object 103 through the water supply pipe 102.

  In place of the three-way valve 100, an electromagnetic valve is provided in each of the first water supply pipe 52a, the second water supply pipe 101, and the water pipe 102, and the first water supply pipe 52a is switched by switching the combination of opening and closing of the respective electromagnetic valves. The combination of the connection between the second water supply pipe 101 and the water pipe 102 may be switched.

  The first water supply pipe 52a is provided with the above-described metal ion water generating means 90 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of the bath water pump 200. A pump 202 is provided in the housing 201 of the bath water pump 200, and a filter 204 is provided at the suction port 203. The filter 204 is for preventing hair mixed with bath water from entering the pump 202 or the washing machine. The pump 202 is connected to one end of the bath water hose 205 so that bath water sucked from the suction port 203 can be sent to the bath water hose 205. The other end of the bath water hose 205 is connected to the second water supply pipe 101 described above. Therefore, the bath water that has passed through the bath water hose 205 is passed through the second water supply pipe 101. The bath water pump 200 is provided with water detection means (not shown). As the water detection means, for example, the pump 202 is moved to check whether the load is applied to the pump 202, or two electrode plates are provided near the suction port 203, and a voltage is applied between the electrode plates. Any known method such as a method of judging whether or not current flows (a method of judging from electrical conductivity) and a method of utilizing absorption of light such as infrared rays may be used.
In this way, by providing the water detection means, when the user has not set the suction port 203 of the bath water pump in the bathtub or the like in the bath water antibacterial process described later, water is discharged from the suction port 203. To prevent spilling on the floor.

  Then, operation | movement of the washing machine 1 is demonstrated using FIGS. 7-12. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the entire washing process of the washing machine 1. In S201, it is confirmed whether or not a reserved operation for starting washing at the set time is selected. This reserved operation can be set to an arbitrary time by operating the reserved operation timer, which is a water supply start timer, by the user using the operation / display unit 81 described above. If the reserved operation is selected, the process proceeds to S206. If not selected, the process proceeds to S202.

  When it progresses to S206, it is confirmed whether use of bath water is selected in at least 1 process among several processes, such as the washing process of S300 mentioned later, and the rinse process of S400. If the use of bath water is selected, the process proceeds to the bath water antibacterial process of S600. The contents of the bath water antibacterial process of S600 will be described separately with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It progresses to S207 after completion | finish of the bath water antibacterial process of S600. If the use of bath water is not selected, the process proceeds to S207.

  In S207, it is confirmed whether or not the operation start time has come. When the operation start time is reached, the process proceeds to S202.

  In S202, it is confirmed whether or not a washing process has been selected. If a selection has been made, the process proceeds to S300. The contents of the washing process of S300 will be separately described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After the washing process is completed, the process proceeds to S203. If the washing process has not been selected, the process immediately proceeds from S202 to S203.

  In S203, it is confirmed whether or not the rinsing process is selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to S400. The contents of the rinsing process of S400 will be separately described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 9, since the rinsing process is performed once, this rinsing process becomes the final rinsing process. The rinsing process may be performed a plurality of times, and the number of rinsing processes may be arbitrarily set by the user.

  After the rinsing process ends, the process proceeds to S204. If the rinsing process is not selected, the process immediately proceeds from S203 to S204.

  In S204, it is confirmed whether or not a dehydration process has been selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to S500. The contents of the dehydration process in S500 will be separately described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After the dehydration process is completed, the process proceeds to S205. If the dehydration process has not been selected, the process immediately proceeds from S204 to S205.

  In S205, the termination process of the control unit 80, particularly the arithmetic unit (microcomputer) included therein, is automatically advanced according to the procedure. In addition, the end sound is notified that the washing process has been completed. After all is finished, the washing machine 1 returns to the standby state in preparation for the next washing process.

  Next, the details of the individual steps of the above-described bath water antibacterial process of S600, the washing process of S300, the rinsing process of S400, and the dehydrating process of S500 will be described based on FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. .

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations in the bath water antibacterial process of the washing machine 1. In the following steps, the main body that performs the predetermined determination is the control unit 80. In S601, whether or not water is present in the bathtub is confirmed by water detection means (not shown) provided in the bath water pump 200. If the presence of water can be confirmed, the process proceeds to S602. If the presence of water cannot be confirmed, the process proceeds to S608. Normally, when using the remaining hot water of the bath for washing, the user needs to immerse the suction port 203 of the bath water pump 200 in the remaining hot water remaining in the bathtub in advance. However, when water is not detected in S601, there is a possibility that the remaining hot water of the bath does not exist in the bathtub or the suction port 203 is not immersed in the remaining hot water of the bathtub.

  When it progresses to S608, the three-way valve 100 is switched to the state which connected the 1st water supply pipe | tube 52a and the water flow pipe 102. FIG. And, it escapes from this bath water antibacterial process. Note that the user may be notified that bath water cannot be supplied after S608 is completed. Alternatively, the washing process may be stopped.

  When it progresses to S602, the three-way valve 100 is switched to the state which connected the 1st water supply pipe | tube 52a and the 2nd water supply pipe | tube 101, and it progresses to S603. In S603, the main water supply valve 50 and the first water supply valve 50a are opened, and the second water supply valve 50b is closed. In this way, the tap water flowing from the connection pipe 51 can be supplied to the second water supply pipe 101 without supplying water to the water supply object 103, and the tap water can be supplied to the bathtub through the bath water pump 200. become. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S604.

In S604, the metal ion water generating means 90 is operated, a voltage is applied between the silver electrodes 92a and 92b, and silver ions (Ag ⁺ ) are eluted into tap water passing through the metal ion water generating means 90, and the silver ion water Is generated. By doing in this way, while supplying silver ion water to the 2nd water supply pipe | tube 101, it will be in the state which can supply silver ion water to a bathtub. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S605.

  In S605, it waits for a predetermined time to elapse. This predetermined time is the time required to supply the silver ion water so that the remaining hot water in the bathtub has a silver ion concentration (about 10 ppb to 60 ppb is sufficient) to obtain sufficient sterilization and antibacterial properties. You only have to set it. For example, when the remaining hot water in the bath is 200 L, in order to increase the silver ion concentration to 10 ppb (10 μg / L) or more, at least 2 mg of silver ions may be added. In this case, for example, when the current flowing between the silver electrodes 92a and 92b is 29 mA, the silver elution amount from the silver electrode is about 1.8 mg / min, so if the water supply amount is 1 L / min, 90 seconds. By performing electrolysis as much as possible, the concentration of silver ions contained in the remaining hot water of the bath can be about 13 ppb. Therefore, in this case, the predetermined time is 90 seconds.

  Since the remaining hot water in the bath is not necessarily 200 L, if the amount of the remaining hot water is selected, it is automatically flowed to the silver electrode necessary to obtain a silver ion concentration that provides sufficient sterilization and antibacterial properties. If current, current flow time, water supply amount per unit time, and the like are set, the usability is improved.

  When a predetermined time has elapsed in S605, the process proceeds to S606. In S606, the voltage application between the silver electrodes 92a and 92b is stopped, and the operation of the metal ion water generating means 90 is stopped. Then, the process proceeds to S607. In S607, the main water supply valve 50 is closed, and water supply to the second water supply pipe 101 and the bathtub is stopped. When the operation of S607 is completed, the process exits the flowchart of the bath water antibacterial process of S600.

  In the case where the process proceeds to S600 after S206, a certain time may elapse before S600 is performed. By doing so, when there is a change in the schedule such as when you want to use the bath again, or when you stop washing after looking at the weather forecast the next day, so as not to perform the bath water antibacterial process of S600, It is possible to provide a grace period during which the user operates the operation / display unit 81, and it is possible to avoid wasteful metal ion processing. Note that the fixed time may be fixed, or may be arbitrarily selected by the user.

  In addition, the growth of bacteria rapidly occurs in the logarithmic growth phase after an induction period of about several hours. Therefore, for example, if the time until the bath water antibacterial process is performed is within the induction period (for example, about 1 hour), the growth of bacteria does not occur so much. If the antibacterial treatment of water is carried out, the growth of bacteria after that can be suppressed, so that it is possible to efficiently suppress the growth of bacteria. In addition, the amount of metal ions added can be reduced, which is efficient.

  Of course, it is preferable to add metal ions to the bath water immediately after the use of the bath or within the induction period to suppress the growth of the bacteria, but it is not necessarily immediately after the use of the bath or within the induction period. Metal ions cannot always be added, and metal ions may be added after entering the logarithmic growth phase. In such a case, the bacteria have grown, but the bath water can be sterilized by introducing more metal ions than in the induction period. Therefore, if a certain time is less than a certain value (for example, 1 hour), a metal ion water having a first metal ion concentration (for example, 10 ppb) is added to the bath water. Metal ion water having a second metal ion concentration higher than the concentration (for example, 100 ppb or more) may be added to the bath water. In this way, bath water can be sterilized and antibacterial even after the logarithmic growth phase.

  In addition, it is desirable for the antibacterial and sterilization of bath water to always supply a high concentration (for example, 100 ppb or more) of metal ion water to bath water. There is also a disadvantage that the life of the battery is shortened. Therefore, a mode in which the concentration of metal ion water is switched according to the time until the bath water antibacterial process is performed and a mode in which high concentration metal ion water is always supplied may be selected.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations in the washing process of the washing machine 1. In the following steps, the main body that performs the predetermined determination is the control unit 80. In S301, the water level data in the washing tub 30 detected by the water level switch 71 is taken in. In S302, it is confirmed whether or not capacitive sensing is selected. If capacitive sensing is selected, the process proceeds to S307, and if not selected, the process proceeds to S303.

  In S307, the amount of laundry is measured by the rotational load of the pulsator 33. After capacitive sensing, the process proceeds to S303.

  In S303, it is confirmed whether it is selected to use bath water in the washing process. If it is selected, the process proceeds to the bath water supply process of S700. The contents of the bath water supply process in S700 will be described separately with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It progresses to S305 after completion | finish of a bath water supply process. If the use of bath water is not selected, the process proceeds to S304.

  In S304, the main water supply valve 50 and the first water supply valve 50a are opened, the second water supply valve 50b is closed, and the three-way valve 100 is connected to the first water supply pipe 52a and the water supply pipe 102. By doing in this way, the tap water supplied from the connection pipe 51 can be poured into the washing tub 30 through the water supply port 53 which is the water supply object 103. At this time, the drain valve 62 is closed. When the water level switch 71 detects the set water level, the main water supply valve 50 is closed and the process proceeds to S305.

  In step S <b> 305, the motor 41 rotates the pulsator 33 in a predetermined pattern according to the setting of the user to form a main water flow for washing in the washing tub 30. Laundry of the laundry is performed by this main water flow. The dehydrating shaft 44 is braked by the brake device 43, and the washing tub 30 does not rotate even if the washing water and the laundry move.

  After the main water flow period elapses, the process proceeds to S306. In S <b> 306, the pulsator 33 reverses in small steps to loosen the laundry so that the laundry is distributed in the washing tub 30 in a well-balanced manner. This is to prepare for the spin-drying of the washing tub 30. When the operation of S306 is completed, the process leaves the flowchart of the washing process.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in the bath water supply process of the washing machine 1. In the following steps, the main body that performs the predetermined determination is the control unit 80. In S701, the three-way valve 100 is switched to a state in which the second water supply pipe 101 and the water pipe 102 are connected, and the process proceeds to S702.

  In S702, the pump 202 is driven. Bath water is pumped up by the pump 202, and bath water can be poured into the washing tub 30 through the second water supply pipe 101, the three-way valve 100, and the water flow pipe 102 through the water supply port 53 that is the water supply target 103. At this time, the drain valve 62 is closed. Then, it progresses to S703.

  In S703, it is confirmed whether the water level in the washing tub 30 has reached a predetermined water level. When the water level switch 71 detects the set water level, the process proceeds to S704. If it is not at the predetermined water level, it waits until it reaches the predetermined water level.

  In S704, the driving of the pump 202 is stopped, the bath water supply process is terminated, and the process exits the flowchart of the bath water supply process.

  In the flowchart of the bath water supply process of the present embodiment, it is written on the premise that water can be supplied to the washing tub 30 only with bath water to a predetermined water level. In some cases, the amount of water required to reach a predetermined water level cannot be secured. In such a case, by stopping the supply of bath water from the bathtub that is the second water supply source to the washing tub 30 and switching to the water supply from the water tap that is the first water supply source, the predetermined water level is set. It can be ensured. The fact that the amount of water necessary for the predetermined water level cannot be secured with only bath water is, for example, a method for detecting that the predetermined water level is not reached within a certain time, or a method for detecting that the water level is not increased for a certain time. Judgment may be made by

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in the rinsing process of the washing machine 1. In the following steps, the main body that performs the predetermined determination is the control unit 80.

  First, the dehydration process of S500 is entered, which will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After this dehydration step, the process proceeds to S401. In S401, it is confirmed whether or not the bath water is selected to be used in the rinsing process. If it is selected, the process proceeds to the bath water supply step of S700 described above. It progresses to S403 after completion | finish of a bath water supply process. If use of bath water is not selected, the process proceeds to S402.

  In S402, the main water supply valve 50 and the first water supply valve 50a are opened, the second water supply valve 50b is closed, and the three-way valve 100 is connected to the first water supply pipe 52a and the water supply pipe 102. By doing in this way, the tap water supplied from the connection pipe 51 can be poured into the washing tub 30 through the water supply port 53 which is the water supply object 103. At this time, the drain valve 62 is closed. When the water level switch 71 detects the set water level, the main water supply valve 50 is closed and the process proceeds to S403.

  In S <b> 403, the motor 41 rotates the pulsator 33 in a predetermined pattern according to the setting of the user to form a main water flow for rinsing in the washing tub 30. The laundry is agitated by this main water flow, and the laundry is rinsed. The dehydrating shaft 44 is braked by the brake device 43, and the washing tub 30 does not rotate even if the washing water and the laundry move.

  After the main water flow (stirring) period has elapsed, the process proceeds to S404. In S404, the pulsator 33 reverses in small increments to loosen the laundry so that the laundry is distributed in the washing tub 30 in a well-balanced manner. This is to prepare for the dehydration step. When the operation of S404 is completed, the process exits the flowchart of the rinsing process.

  In the above description, it is assumed that “rinse rinsing” is performed in which rinsing water is stored in the washing tub 30, but “water rinsing” in which new water is constantly supplied, or the washing tub 30. It is good also as performing "shower rinsing" which pours water to the laundry from the water supply port 53, making it rotate at low speed (it is a low speed rotation compared with the rotational speed of the washing tub 30 in the spin-drying | dehydration process mentioned later).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of operations in the dehydration process of the washing machine 1. In the following steps, the main body that performs the predetermined determination is the control unit 80.

  First, in S501, the drain valve 62 is opened. Thereby, the washing water in the washing tub 30 is drained through the drain pipe 61 and the drain hose 60. The drain valve 62 remains open during the dehydration process.

  In S502, a relatively low-speed dehydration operation (lower dehydration operation than a high-speed dehydration operation described later) is performed, and then in S503, a high-speed dehydration operation (a higher-speed dehydration operation than the low-speed dehydration operation described above) is performed. )I do. In step S504, stop processing such as turning off the power to the motor 41 and applying a brake is performed.

  In the dehydration process of S502 and S503, the following operation is performed. When most of the washing water is drained from the washing tub 30 and the laundry, the clutch device 42 and the brake device 43 are switched. The switching timing of the clutch device 42 and the brake device 43 may be before the start of drainage or simultaneously with drainage. This time, the motor 41 rotates the dehydrating shaft 44. Thereby, the washing tub 30 performs dehydration rotation. At this time, the pulsator 33 also rotates with the washing tub 30.

  When the washing tub 30 rotates, the laundry is pressed against the inner peripheral wall of the washing tub 30 by centrifugal force. Then, the washing water contained in the laundry also gathers on the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the washing tub 30. At this time, as described above, since the washing tub 30 extends upward in a tapered shape, the washing water that receives the centrifugal force rises on the inner surface of the washing tub 30. The washing water is discharged from the dewatering hole 31 when it reaches the upper end of the washing tub 30. The washing water leaving the dewatering hole 31 is struck on the inner surface of the water tank 20 and flows down to the bottom of the water tank 20 along the inner surface of the water tank 20. Then, the washing water is discharged out of the outer box 10 through the drain pipe 61 and the drain hose 60 subsequent thereto.

  As described above, the tap water obtained from the tap can be passed from the direction close to the tap of the second water supply pipe 101 that is the second water supply path toward the bathtub, that is, normal use. Since water can flow (reversely flow) in the opposite direction, bath water remaining in the second water supply pipe 101 can be washed away, and the second water supply pipe 101 can be cleaned. Moreover, the bath water adhering to the thing connected with the 2nd water supply pipe | tube 101 like the bath water pump 200 can also be washed away.

  Moreover, metal ion (such as silver ions) having antibacterial properties is added to tap water by the metal ion generating means 90 which is an antibacterial water generating means provided in the first water supply pipe 52a which is the first water supply path for supplying water from the tap. Addition to generate metal ion water (silver ion water, etc.), and the generated metal ion water from the direction close to the water tap of the second water supply pipe 101 which is the second water supply path for supplying water from the bathtub toward the bathtub. Water, that is, water can flow (reversely flow) in the opposite direction to normal use, so that the inside of the second water supply pipe 101 can be sterilized and antibacterial. Moreover, the thing connected with the 2nd water supply pipe | tube 101 like the bath water pump 200 can also disinfect and antibacterial. Moreover, since metal ion water can also be supplied to the bathtub, the bath water stored in the bathtub can be sterilized and antibacterial. Of course, the bathtub itself can be sterilized and antibacterial.

  Moreover, in the washing machine 1 provided with the water supply apparatus 2a, when the reserved operation timer is set, the metal ion water (for example, silver ion water) is added to the bath water before washing is performed (for example, immediately after the reserved operation timer is set). ) Is supplied and sterilization and antibacterial of the bath water are performed in advance, so that it is possible to prevent bacteria from breeding in the bath water before washing is started. It is also convenient when washing is performed automatically at night, such as when the laundry is to be dried before going out in the morning or when using late-night power. Furthermore, when silver ion water is used, silver ions can be attached to the clothes during washing, so that antibacterial properties can be imparted to the clothes. Furthermore, if it is a silver ion, even if it takes a bath after adding a silver ion to bath water, it is safe. Thus, by setting the water supply start timer, before water supply to the water supply target 103 is started, antibacterial water is supplied to the second water supply source (a water supply source other than the water supply), and the second water supply source is set in advance. Water can be sterilized.

  In addition, after supplying the water supplied from the second water supply source (a water supply source other than the water supply) to the water supply target 103, the antibacterial water may be passed through the second water supply path. As an example of this, a washing process and a rinsing process in the washing machine 1 including the water supply device 2 will be described. The flowcharts of FIGS. 13 and 14 are used for the description.

  FIG. 13 is a second flowchart showing a flow of operations in the washing process of the washing machine 1. In the flowchart of FIG. 13, the cleaning operation of S308 and the hose cleaning of S309 are added after the S700 bath water supply process of the flowchart of FIG. 9, and the process proceeds to S306 after the completion of S309. This is the same as the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 14 is a second flowchart showing a flow of operations in the rinsing process of the washing machine 1. In the flowchart of FIG. 14, the rinsing operation of S405 and the hose cleaning of S406 are added after the S700 bath water supply process of the flowchart of FIG. 11, and after S406 ends, the process proceeds to S404. This is the same as the flowchart of FIG. In the following steps, the main body that performs the predetermined determination is the control unit 80.

  First, the 2nd flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement in the washing process of the washing machine 1 of FIG. 13 is demonstrated. Since the operations from S301 to S307 and S700 are the same as those in the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10, the description thereof will be omitted. When the bath water supply process of S700 is completed, the process proceeds to the cleaning operation of S308. The cleaning operation in S308 is the same as the cleaning operation in S305. When S308 ends, the process proceeds to S309.

  In S309, the three-way valve 100 is switched to a state where the first water supply pipe 52a and the second water supply pipe 101 are connected. Next, the main water supply valve 50 and the first water supply valve 50a are opened, and the second water supply valve 52b is closed. In this way, the tap water flowing from the connection pipe 51 is supplied to the second water supply pipe 101 without supplying water to the water supply target 103, and the tap water is supplied to the bathtub through the bath water pump 200. It will be ready to.

  When S309 ends, the process proceeds to S306 to exit from this flowchart.

  Then, the 2nd flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement in the rinse process of the washing machine 1 of FIG. 14 is demonstrated. The operations from S401 to S404, S500, and S700 are the same as those in the flowcharts of FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, and will not be described. When the bath water supply process of S700 is completed, the process proceeds to the cleaning operation of S405. The rinse operation in S405 is the same as the rinse operation in S403. When S405 ends, the process proceeds to S406.

  In S406, the three-way valve 100 is switched to a state where the first water supply pipe 52a and the second water supply pipe 101 are connected. Next, the main water supply valve 50 and the first water supply valve 50a are opened, and the second water supply valve 52b is closed. In this way, the tap water flowing from the connection pipe 51 is supplied to the second water supply pipe 101 without supplying water to the water supply target 103, and the tap water is supplied to the bathtub through the bath water pump 200. It will be ready to.

  When S406 ends, the process proceeds to S404 and exits from this flowchart.

  In this way, the second water supply path can be obtained by using the middle water (for example, the remaining water of the bath, the circulating water of the fountain, the circulating water of the pool, the water of the pond, the water of the river, etc.) as the second water supply. The second water supply remaining inside the second water supply pipe 101 or the bath water pump 200 can be washed away with the purified water that is the first water supply. Therefore, bacteria and molds can be prevented from breeding in the second water supply path using the organic matter contained in the second water supply as nutrition. This is because, as described above, the purified water (for example, tap water) contains almost no bacteria, and contains almost no organic matter for nutrition. Further, after the second water supply is used, the second water supply remaining in the second water supply path can be automatically washed away without setting by the user again. And the possibility of breeding bacteria can be reduced.

  In addition, there may be a suspension in the second water supply, and there is a case where a filter is provided to prevent the suspension from being sucked into a pump or the like. In this case, by supplying purified water as the first water supply to the second water supply source such as a bathtub through the second water supply pipe, the filter is backwashed (by flowing water in a direction opposite to normal use, It is also possible to eliminate clogging). It is more effective to use a filter suitable for backwashing such as a wedge wire type filter.

Further, in the hose cleaning of S309 and S406, the metal ion water generating means 90 may be operated to elute silver ions (Ag ⁺ ) into the purified water to generate silver ion water. By doing so, silver ion water can be supplied to the second water supply pipe 101 and the bath water pump 200, so that the inside of the second water supply pipe 101 and the bath water hose 205 and pump 202 of the bath water pump 200 can be supplied. Since silver ions can be adhered to the inside of the filter 204 and water can be prevented from decaying, the interior of the second water supply pipe 101 and the bath water hose 205 and pump 202 of the bath water pump 200 can be more effectively prevented. Inside, the filter 204 can be antibacterial and sterilized.

  In addition, the timing for performing the hose cleaning in S309 and S406 is not limited to the present embodiment, but is after the bath water supply process in S700 is performed until the washing process of the washing machine 1 is completed. Anytime. In addition, when the water supply device 2 or the water supply device 2a is used alone, medium water (for example, remaining water of a bath, circulating water of a fountain, circulating water of a pool, pond water, river water, etc.) is used. After the operation, the operation as shown in S309 or S406 is performed until the operation of the water supply device 2 or the water supply device 2a is completed, so that the second water supply pipe 101 or the second water supply pipe 101 which is the second water supply path is connected. What is necessary is just to wash | clean the hose etc. which are done.

  In addition, for example, in the washing machine 1 including the water supply device 2a according to the present embodiment, the intermediate water supplied through the second water supply pipe 101 that is the second water supply path is the first water supply path that is the first water supply path. The water supply target 103 may be supplied with water through the water supply pipe 52a and the third water supply pipe 52b which is the third water supply path. In this case, the three-way valve 100 is switched to a state in which the first water supply pipe 52a and the second water supply pipe 101 are connected. Next, the first water supply valve 50a and the second water supply valve 50b are opened, and the main water supply valve 50 is closed. The bath water pump 200 may be driven to supply bath water.

  By doing in this way, the metal ion water production | generation means 90 which is the antibacterial water production | generation means provided in the 1st water supply pipe 52a adds a metal ion (silver ion) to bath water, and supplies water to a water supply object. be able to. That is, not only purified water (tap water) but also metal ions (silver ions) can be added to middle water. Therefore, after adding metal ions (silver ions) to the purified water, supplying metal ion water (silver ion water) to the second water supply source, and sterilizing and antibacterial the water itself in the second water supply source, Water other than antibacterial purified water can be passed through the first water supply pipe 52a, and metal ions (silver ions) can be added again by the metal ion water generating means 90 to increase the metal ion concentration of the metal ion water. . However, in this case, since water other than purified water is passed through the metal ion water generating means 90, as described above, the elution of metal ions may be hindered. In 90, it is preferable to pass purified water.

  In addition, if the water supply object is a paddy field, the water supply apparatus 2 and the water supply apparatus 2a can also be used as a water supply apparatus which supplies water to a paddy field. In this case, the water flowing through the first water supply pipe 52a may be obtained by connecting the connecting pipe 51 to a water tap or the like, and the water flowing through the second water supply pipe 101 may be obtained from an irrigation channel or the like. Since the water flowing in the irrigation channel contains bacteria and the like, mold and slime may occur in the pipe. After obtaining water from the irrigation channel, the metal ion water is allowed to flow to the second water supply pipe 101. Thus, sterilization and antibacterial can be performed with metal ion water, and the possibility that bacteria, mold, and slime are generated in the second water supply pipe 101 can be reduced.

  Moreover, the water supply apparatus 2 and the water supply apparatus 2a can be mounted in various facilities (an apparatus, an apparatus, etc.). For example, it can also be used as a water supply device such as a fire engine. The water supply device 2 of the present invention is used in a fire engine, and water flowing through the first water supply pipe 52a (corresponding to the first hose pipe) is obtained by connecting the connection pipe 51 to a fire hydrant, and the second water supply pipe 101 ( The water flowing to the second hose pipe) may be obtained from a river or pond. If it does in this way, after discharging the water obtained from the river or the pond, metal ions are added to the water obtained from the fire hydrant, and the metal ion water is supplied to the second water supply pipe 101 or the water pipe 102 (corresponding to the water discharge pipe). It can be sterilized and antibacterial with metal ion water, and the possibility that bacteria, mold and slime are generated in the second water supply pipe 101 and the water flow pipe 102 can be reduced.

  For example, if a water supply object is a plant, you may mount in a watering apparatus. In this case, the water (purified water such as tap water) that flows through the first water supply pipe 52a is obtained by connecting the connection pipe 51 to a water tap or the like, and the water that flows through the second water supply pipe 101 is a rainwater tank that stores rainwater. You can get it from And tap water and rain water should just sprinkle a plant through the water flow pipe 102. FIG. In addition, since the rainwater stored in the rainwater tank contains bacteria and the like, there is a possibility that mold and slime may be generated in the pipe, but by flowing metal ion water through the second water supply pipe 101, The second water supply pipe 101 can be sterilized and antibacterial, and the possibility that bacteria, mold, and slime are generated in the second water supply pipe 101 can be reduced. Further, since the metal ion water can be supplied to the rainwater tank, the rainwater stored in the rainwater tank can be sterilized and antibacterial, and the rainwater tank itself can also be sterilized and antibacterial with metal ions. In addition, if a water supply object is changed to a plant and a toilet is used, it can be applied to a toilet purification device that uses both middle water (rain water) and purified water (tap water such as tap water). By installing the antibacterial water generating device in the water passage instead of the water supply source such as the tank body, the device is simplified and the antibacterial water generating device can be easily replaced.

  The above embodiments and examples are only examples, and the water supply device, the fountain, the specific configuration of the washing machine, the specific shape and configuration of the metal ion elution means, the mounting position, etc. are illustrated in all respects. However, it should be considered not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above embodiments but by the scope of claims, and includes all modifications and variations within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

It is the typical vertical sectional view of the water supply apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is the figure seen from the front side. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the metal ion water production | generation means 90 which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (A) is a horizontal schematic sectional drawing, (B) is a vertical schematic sectional drawing. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the fountain which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a vertical sectional view showing an overall configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the typical vertical sectional view of the modification of the water supply apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is the figure seen from the front side. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the bath water pump 200 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the whole washing process of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement in the bath water antibacterial process of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement in the washing process of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement in the bath water supply process of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement in the rinse process of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement in the spin-drying | dehydration process of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement in the washing process of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement in the rinse process of the washing machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing machine 2 Water supply apparatus 10 Outer box 11 Upper surface board 12 Back panel 13 Base 14a, 14b Leg part 15 Laundry inlet 16 Lid 17 Hinge part 18 Through hole 20 Water tank 21 Suspension member 30 Washing tank 31 Dehydration hole 32 Balancer 33 Pulsator 40 drive unit 41 motor 42 clutch mechanism 43 brake mechanism 44 dehydrating shaft 45 pulsator shaft 50 main water supply valve 50a first water supply valve 50b second water supply valve 51 connection pipe 52a first water supply pipe 52b third water supply pipe 53 water supply port 60 drainage hose 61 Drain pipe 62 Drain valve 70 Pressure guiding pipe 71 Water level switch 80 Control unit 81 Operation / display unit 90 Metal ion water generating means 91 Case 92a Silver electrode 92b Silver electrode 93a Connection terminal 93b Connection terminal 94 Inlet 95 Outlet 100 Three-way valve 101 Second water supply pipe 102 Water flow pipe 103 Water supply target 200 Bath water pump 201 Housing 202 Pump 203 Suction port 204 Filter 205 Bath water hose 300 Fountain 301 Circulation pump 302 Reservoir

Claims (8)

A first water supply path for supplying purified water as the first water supply;
A second water supply path for supplying the second water supply,
A water supply apparatus, wherein purified water supplied from the first water supply path can be passed through the second water supply path. The first water supply path is provided with an antibacterial water generating means for generating antibacterial water by adding an antibacterial substance to the water,
2. The water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the purified water that is passed from the first water supply path to the second water supply path is antibacterial water generated by the antibacterial water generation unit.   The water supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein purified water that is passed from the first water supply path to the second water supply path can be supplied to a water source of the second water supply.   4. The water supply device according to claim 3, wherein after supplying the second water supply, the antibacterial water is passed through the second water supply path. 5. A third water supply path connected to the first water supply path at a position closer to the first water supply source than the antibacterial water generating means;
The second water supply is supplied through the first water supply path and the third water supply path, and the second water supply is added with an antibacterial substance by the antibacterial water generating means. The water supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Having a water supply start timer for setting a time for supplying water to the water supply target;
When the water supply start timer is set, the antibacterial water generated by the antibacterial water generating means is supplied from the first water supply path to the second water supply source through the second water supply path. The water supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A water flow path capable of passing water supplied from at least one of the first water supply path and the second water supply path;
And a connection path switching means that connects at least two paths among the first water supply path, the second water supply path, and the water flow path, and can switch a combination thereof. The water supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   The apparatus provided with the water supply apparatus of Claim 1-7.

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