JP2008029560A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine provided with a light source so as not to lower the emission amount of light, lower a service life or obstruct the take-out of laundry. <P>SOLUTION: The washing machine 100 comprises an outer box 1, a rotary drum 3 supported inside the outer box 1 for housing clothes 6, and a light source member 20 for irradiating the rotary drum 3 and/or the clothes 6 housed inside the rotary drum 3 with light. The light source member 20 is attached to an outer door 71 as a structure member connected to the outer box 1 and is arranged inside an outer space where fluid from the space inside the rotary drum 3 is interrupted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention generally relates to a washing machine, and more particularly to a washing machine (including a washing / drying machine) to which a light source such as an illumination lamp is attached.

  Conventionally, washing machines equipped with illumination lamps for illuminating the interior of a tub are disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-245292 (Patent Document 1), Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-190186 (Patent Document 2), and -327887 (Patent Document 3) and JP-A 2000-157781 (Patent Document 4).

  In the washing machine described in JP-A-5-245292 (Patent Document 1), a lamp for illuminating the inside of the tub is provided, and light emitted from the lamp is guided to the operation part of the operation panel to illuminate the operation part. By providing the light member, the inside of the tank and the operation part of the operation panel can be illuminated with one lamp.

  A washing machine described in JP-A-6-190186 (Patent Document 2) includes an illumination lamp that illuminates the inside of the washing tub.

  A washing machine described in JP-A-6-327887 (Patent Document 3) includes an illumination device that illuminates the interior of the washing machine, and a switch that controls the illumination device by opening and closing the door.

  In the washing machine described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-157781 (Patent Document 4), an illuminating device that illuminates the inside of the drum is provided so as to illuminate the inside of the drum from the inside upper part of the laundry entrance.

  In addition, in the electric washing machine described in JP-A-9-135992 (Patent Document 5), in order to decompose organic substances and bacteria and other filth attached to the upper plate, water tank and outer lid of the outer tub, An ultraviolet lamp is provided as an ultraviolet light source on the inner surface of the outer lid so that the photocatalyst is applied to the upper plate, water tank, outer lid, and the like of the outer tank, and the photocatalyst can be irradiated with ultraviolet light.

Furthermore, in the washing machine described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-43481 (Patent Document 6), in order to prevent the laundry from becoming unpleasant smell even if the laundry is left in the tub, An irradiator for irradiating the laundry with a light beam having a bactericidal action is provided at the center on the back side of the lid.
JP-A-5-245292 JP-A-6-190186 JP-A-6-327887 JP 2000-157781 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-135992 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-43481

  However, if a light source for illuminating the inside of the washing machine or a light source for irradiating ultraviolet light inside the washing machine is provided, there is a possibility that problems such as disconnection may occur due to vibration of the washing machine. When a light source is provided in the washing / drying machine, dew condensation occurs on the light source during the drying process, which may reduce the light irradiation amount. Furthermore, there is a possibility that problems such as a short circuit of the electric wire may occur due to condensation. For this reason, there exists a problem that the lifetime of a light source falls.

  In addition, if a light source is provided at the opening of the drum, which is the laundry entrance / exit, it may interfere with the removal of the laundry.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine provided with a light source so as not to reduce the amount of light irradiation, to reduce the service life, and to prevent the laundry from being taken out. .

  The washing machine according to the present invention includes an outer box, a storage tank that is supported in the outer box and stores a fiber structure, and a fiber structure stored in and / or in the storage tank. A light source member that irradiates light to the light source member, the light source member is attached to a structural member connected to the outer box, and is disposed in a space outside the storage tank where fluid from the space in the storage tank is blocked Has been.

  In the washing machine of this invention, the light source member is attached to the structural member connected to the outer box. Even if the storage tank swings in the washing process, the vibration is hardly transmitted to structural members such as a door member and a frame member connected to the outer box. For this reason, the vibration described above is difficult to be transmitted to the light source member. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the life of the light source member from being reduced by the vibration of the washing machine.

  Moreover, in the washing machine of this invention, the light source member is arrange | positioned in the space outside the storage tank by which the fluid from the space in the storage tank was interrupted | blocked. For this reason, since it can prevent that fluids, such as water vapor | steam in a storage tank, contact a light source member, it can prevent that dew condensation arises on the surface of a light source member. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light irradiation amount of the light source member from being lowered.

  Furthermore, since the light source member is disposed in the space outside the storage tank where the fluid from the space in the storage tank is blocked, the light source member is provided in a space away from the opening of the storage tank. Thereby, taking in and out of the fiber structure from the opening part of a storage tank is not prevented by the light source member.

  In the washing machine of this invention, it is preferable that the light source member is disposed in a space outside the door member that closes the opening of the storage tub.

  With this configuration, it is possible to more effectively prevent a fluid such as water vapor in the storage tank from coming into contact with the light source member, and thus more effectively prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the light source member. can do. For this reason, it can prevent that the light irradiation amount of a light source member falls. Furthermore, since the light source member is provided in a space away from the opening of the storage tank via the door member, the light source member does not prevent the fiber structure from being taken in and out from the opening of the storage tank.

  The washing machine of the present invention further includes an inner door member that closes the opening of the storage tub, and an outer door member that is disposed outside the inner door member as a structural member and supported by the outer box, and is a light source member Is preferably attached to the outer door member.

  By comprising in this way, even if a storage tank shakes in a washing process, the vibration is hard to be transmitted to the outer side door member supported by the outer case. For this reason, the vibration described above is difficult to be transmitted to the light source member. Thereby, it can prevent that the lifetime of a light source member falls by the vibration of a washing machine.

  In this case, since the light source member is disposed outside the inner door member, it is possible to prevent a fluid such as water vapor in the storage tank from contacting the light source member. For this reason, dew condensation can be prevented from occurring on the surface of the light source member. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light irradiation amount of the light source member from being lowered.

  Furthermore, the washing machine of the present invention is arranged on the outside of the inner door member that closes the opening of the storage tub, on the outer side of the inner door member, supported on the outer box, and on the outer side of the inner door member. And a reflecting member that reflects light emitted from the light source member attached to the structural member, wherein the light source member is disposed outside the inner door member, and the reflecting member is preferably attached to the outer door member. .

  By comprising in this way, even if a storage tank shakes in a washing process, the vibration is hard to be transmitted to structural members, such as a frame member connected to the outer case. For this reason, the vibration described above is difficult to be transmitted to the light source member. Thereby, it can prevent that the lifetime of a light source member falls by the vibration of a washing machine.

  In this case, since the light source member and the reflection member are disposed outside the inner door member, it is possible to prevent a fluid such as water vapor in the storage tank from contacting the light source member and the reflection member. For this reason, it can prevent that dew condensation arises on the surface of a light source member and a reflection member. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the light irradiation amount from the light source member from being lowered.

  The washing machine of the present invention further includes a light guide means for guiding light from the light source member attached to the structural member to the storage tank and / or the fiber structure stored in the storage tank, And / or it is preferable to irradiate light to the fiber structure accommodated in the storage tank from the light guide means.

  By configuring in this way, the light source member is not limited to the installation location, so that it is possible to prevent the light source member from having a reduced life due to vibration of the washing machine and the light irradiation amount of the light source member from being reduced due to condensation. Moreover, since a light source member is not restrict | limited to an installation location, it can be provided in the space away from the opening part of the storage tank. Thereby, taking in and out of the fiber structure from the opening part of a storage tank is not prevented by the light source member.

  In the washing machine of the present invention, the storage tub includes an inner tub that stores the fiber structure and an outer tub disposed outside the inner tub, and the light guide means is between the inner tub and the outer tub. It is preferable to arrange in the space.

  By comprising in this way, light can be irradiated to the fiber structure in an inner tank through the hole formed in the inner tank, the outer tank, and the inner tank.

  The washing machine of the present invention further includes a silver ion imparting portion that imparts silver ions to the storage tub and / or the fiber structure stored in the storage tub, and the light source member is silver by the silver ion provision portion. It is preferable to irradiate light to the storage tank and / or the fiber structure to which ions are applied.

  In this case, when the light source member irradiates light to the storage tank and / or the fiber structure to which silver ions are applied, a higher sterilization effect than that obtained only by applying silver ions can be obtained. In addition, the storage tank and / or the fiber structure to be sterilized is not necessarily heated to a dry state, and the storage tank and / or the fiber structure to which silver ions are applied is sterilized only by irradiating light. The effect can be improved. Furthermore, the propagation of microorganisms such as germs can be more effectively suppressed simply by irradiating light to the storage tank and / or the fiber structure to which the silver ions are applied. In addition, according to the washing machine of this invention compared with the washing machine which only provides a silver ion to a storage tank and / or a fiber structure, predetermined | prescribed bactericidal action can be acquired with the usage-amount of silver small. Therefore, it is possible to sterilize the members constituting the storage tank made of synthetic resin and / or the fiber structure such as clothing, futon, rug, etc., and the substance to be sterilized is not damaged and is sufficient. Bactericidal action can be obtained.

  According to this invention, it can prevent that the lifetime of a light source member falls by the vibration of a washing machine. Moreover, it can prevent that the light irradiation amount of a light source member falls. Further, the light source member does not prevent the fiber structure from being taken in and out from the opening of the storage tank.

  In particular, the washing machine of the present invention further includes a silver ion imparting portion for imparting silver ions to the storage tub and / or to the fiber structure stored in the storage tub, and the light source member includes the silver ion provision portion. In the case where it is configured to irradiate light to the storage tank and / or the fiber structure to which silver ions are given by the above, it is possible to prevent the life and light irradiation amount of the light source member from being lowered, Bactericidal action higher than that obtained only by applying can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, a washing / drying machine will be described with reference to the drawings as an embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a washing / drying machine as one embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view showing another side sectional view.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the washing and drying machine 100 includes an outer box 1, a water tank 2 as an outer tank that is supported and attached in the outer box 1, and an inside of the water tank 2. And a rotating drum 3 as an inner tub constituting a storage tub, which is supported rotatably.

  At the bottom of the rotating drum 3, a rotating mechanism unit that rotates the rotating drum 3 forward and backward by the motor 4 is attached. A baffle 5 is attached to the inner peripheral wall surface of the rotating drum 3 in order to stir the clothes in the rotating drum 3.

  The clothes 6 can be taken in and out as a fiber structure, and an inner door 72 as an inner door member is attached to the opening of the rotary drum 3 so as to be openable and closable in order to maintain airtightness and watertightness. The inner door 72 is provided with a door glass so that the state of the garment 6 can be visually recognized from the outside and light passes therethrough. Thus, the inner door 72 is provided so that the opening part of the rotating drum 3 can be block | closed.

  An outer door 71 as an outer door member is arranged outside the inner door 72. The outer door 71 is supported by the outer box 1 and is attached to be openable and closable.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the drying device includes a circulation fan 9 and an air heater 10. The air heater 10 heats air. The circulation fan 9 circulates air through the water tank 2, the inside of the rotating drum 3, and the cooler 8 as a path for the air heated by the air heater 10 to evaporate and dehumidify moisture from the clothes. Let

  The light source member 20 includes a light source mainly composed of a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp, an LED, and the like that emits light including visible light. The light source member 20 is attached to an outer door 71 as one structural member connected to the outer box 1. The light source member 20 is disposed in a space outside the inner door 72 as a space in which a fluid such as water vapor from the space in the water tank 2 and the space in the rotating drum 3 is blocked as the space in the storage tank. The light source member 20 irradiates light in the direction indicated by the arrow P through the door glass of the inner door 72 to the inner peripheral wall surface of the rotating drum 3 as the storage tank and / or the clothing 6 as the fiber structure. It is configured to be able to. Further, the light emitted from the light source member 20 passes through the peripheral wall 31 of the rotary drum 3 and penetrates the peripheral wall 31 of the rotary drum 3 so that the inner peripheral wall surface of the water tank 2 as a storage tank can be irradiated. A large number of small holes 32 are formed.

  FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a washing / drying machine as another embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the washer / dryer 200, the light source member 20 is disposed outside the inner door 72 and attached to the upper frame member 101 as one structural member connected to the outer box 1. Yes. The outer door 71 is disposed outside the inner door 72 and is supported by the outer box 1. The mirror 21 as a reflecting member is attached to the inner side surface of the outer door 71, reflects light emitted from the light source member 20, and passes through the door glass of the inner door 72, so that the inner peripheral wall surface of the rotating drum 3 as a storage tank. And / or it is comprised so that light can be irradiated to the direction shown by the arrow P to the clothing 6 as a fiber structure. Further, the light emitted from the mirror 21 passes through the peripheral wall 31 of the rotating drum 3, and a large number of the peripheral walls 31 penetrate the rotating drum 3 so that the inner peripheral wall surface of the water tank 2 as a storage tank can be irradiated. A small hole 32 is formed.

  FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing a water tank mounting structure in the embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a front sectional view showing a water tank mounting structure in the embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the washing / drying machine 100 or the washing / drying machine 200, support members 51 are attached to the upper and lower portions of the water tank 2. One end of a damper or spring elastic member 52 is attached to the support member 51. The other end of the elastic member 52 is fixed to each of the upper frame member 101 and the lower frame member 102. In this way, the water tank 2 is supported by the upper and lower frame members 101 and 102 via the elastic member 52.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the upper frame member 101 is supported by horizontal frame members 103 and 104. The outer box 1 is connected to the upper frame member 101, the lower frame member 102, and the horizontal frame members 103 and 104. Since it is constituted in this way, even if the water tank 2 is shaken, the vibration is not easily transmitted to the outer box 1 and is, for example, an outside supported by the outer box 1 as one of the structural members connected to the outer box 1. It is difficult to reach the door 71.

  In the washing / drying machine 100 or 200 as one embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention configured as described above, the light source member 20 is an outer door as one structural member connected to the outer box 1. 71 or the upper frame member 101. Even if the water tank 2 and the rotating drum 3 as the storage tank are swung in the washing process, the vibration is not easily transmitted to the structural member such as the outer door 71 or the upper frame member 101 connected to the outer case 1. For this reason, the vibration described above is difficult to be transmitted to the light source member 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the life of the light source member 20 from being reduced by the vibration of the washing / drying machine 100 or 200.

  By the way, the outer door 71 is a movable part for performing an opening / closing operation. If a light source member that needs to be wired for energization is provided in the movable part, there is a risk of disconnection during operations such as opening and closing the door. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the mirror 21 is provided in the movable part, and the light source member 20 is provided in the non-movable part. Thus, since the light source member 20 is provided in the non-movable part, there is no fear of disconnection.

  Further, the space inside the water tank 2 and the rotating drum 3 as the storage tank is an atmosphere of high humidity because water is used inside. In particular, in the drying process, the water is volatilized from the laundry by raising the temperature, resulting in a high-temperature and high-humidity atmosphere. On the other hand, since it is not preferable to provide the light source member in a high temperature atmosphere, the temperature of the space in which the light source member is provided becomes lower than the space in the storage tank by providing a cooling mechanism in the space in which the light source member is provided. It is desirable to configure. For this reason, when the light source member is in contact with the fluid from the space inside the storage tank, significant dew condensation occurs.

  Therefore, in the washing / drying machine 100 or 200, the light source member 20 is disposed in an outer space in which the fluid from the space inside the water tank 2 and the rotary drum 3 as a storage tank is blocked. For this reason, since it is possible to prevent a fluid such as water vapor inside the water tank 2 and the rotating drum 3 from contacting the light source member 20, it is possible to prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the light source member 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light irradiation amount of the light source member 20 from being reduced.

  Furthermore, since the light source member 20 is disposed in the outer space where the fluid from the space inside the water tank 2 and the rotating drum 3 is blocked, the light source member 20 is provided in a space away from the opening of the rotating drum 3. Accordingly, the light source member 20 does not prevent the clothes 6 from being taken in and out from the opening of the rotary drum 3.

  In the washing / drying machine 100 or 200, the light source member 20 is disposed in a space outside the inner door 72 that closes the opening of the rotary drum 3, so that fluid such as water vapor in the rotary drum 3 is supplied to the light source member 20. Contact can be more effectively prevented. It is possible to more effectively prevent condensation from occurring on the surface of the light source member 20. For this reason, it can prevent that the light irradiation amount of the light source member 20 falls. Furthermore, since the light source member 20 is provided in a space away from the opening of the rotating drum 3 with the inner door 72 interposed, the light source member 20 prevents the clothes 6 from being put in and out of the opening of the rotating drum 3. Absent.

  The washing / drying machine 100 includes an inner door 72 that closes the opening of the rotary drum 3 and an outer door 71 that is disposed outside the inner door 72 and is supported by the outer box 1 as a structural member. It is attached to the outer door 71. Even if the rotating drum 3 and the water tub 2 are swung in the washing process, the vibration is hardly transmitted to the outer door 71 supported by the outer box 1. For this reason, the vibration described above is difficult to be transmitted to the light source member 20. Thereby, it can prevent that the lifetime of the light source member 20 falls by the vibration of the washing dryer 100. FIG.

  Further, in this case, since the light source member 20 is disposed outside the inner door 72, it is possible to prevent a fluid such as water vapor in the rotating drum 3 from contacting the light source member 20. For this reason, dew condensation can be prevented from occurring on the surface of the light source member 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light irradiation amount of the light source member 20 from being reduced.

  The washing / drying machine 200 includes an inner door 72 that closes the opening of the rotary drum 3, an outer door 71 that is disposed outside the inner door 72 and supported by the outer box 1, and an outer door 71 that is disposed outside the inner door 72. And a mirror 21 as a reflecting member that reflects light emitted from the light source member 20 attached to the frame member 101, the light source member 20 is disposed outside the inner door 72, and the mirror 21 is attached to the outer door 71. ing. Even if the rotating drum 3 and the water tub 2 are swung in the washing process, the vibration is not easily transmitted to the structural members such as the upper frame member 101 and the outer door 71 connected to the outer box 1. For this reason, the vibration described above is difficult to be transmitted to the light source member 20. Thereby, it can prevent that the lifetime of the light source member 20 falls by the vibration of the washing-drying machine 200. FIG.

  Further, in this case, since the light source member 20 and the mirror 21 are disposed outside the inner door 72, it is possible to prevent a fluid such as water vapor in the rotating drum 3 from contacting the light source member 20 and the mirror 21. . For this reason, it is possible to prevent condensation from occurring on the surfaces of the light source member 20 and the mirror 21. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light irradiation amount from the light source member 20 from being reduced.

  FIG. 6 is a front sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a washing machine or a washing / drying machine as another embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the washing machine or the washing / drying machine 300, the light source member 20 is attached to a structural member connected to the outer box. An optical fiber 22 as a light guide means is attached to the light source member 20. The optical fiber 22 is a side emission type optical fiber, and includes, for example, a core made of synthetic resin and a clad made of synthetic resin, and has flexibility. In the side emission type optical fiber, a part of the light traveling in the core is transmitted through the cladding and emitted to the outside of the optical fiber. The optical fiber 22 is in a space between a rotating drum (or a dehydrating tub) 3 as an inner tub that houses a fiber structure such as clothing and a water tub 2 as an outer tub disposed outside the rotating drum 3. These are arranged so as to extend along the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum 3 or the inner peripheral surface of the water tank 2. The optical fiber 22 may be arranged in a spiral shape. The light emitted from the light source member 20 through the optical fiber 22 passes through the peripheral wall 31 of the rotating drum 3 and penetrates the peripheral wall 31 of the rotating drum 3 so that the space in the rotating drum 3 can be irradiated. A large number of small holes 32 are formed.

  Since it is configured in this manner, the optical fiber 22 is connected to the outer peripheral wall surface of the rotating drum 3 and the inner peripheral wall surface of the water tank 2 and / or the rotating drum 3 from the light source member 20 attached to the structural member. Light can be guided to the fiber structure housed in the fiber structure, the outer peripheral wall surface of the rotating drum 3 as the storage tank, the inner peripheral wall surface of the water tank 2, and / or the fiber structure stored in the rotary drum 3 Can be irradiated with light from the optical fiber 22.

  In this embodiment, since the light source member 20 is not limited to the installation location, the life of the light source member 20 due to vibration of the washing machine or the washing and drying machine 300 and the light irradiation amount of the light source member 20 due to condensation are prevented. can do. Further, since the light source member 20 is not limited by the installation location, it can be provided in a space away from the opening of the rotating drum 3. Accordingly, the light source member 20 does not prevent the fiber structure from being taken in and out from the opening of the rotary drum 3.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, as the light source member 20, a fluorescent lamp, a light bulb, a light emitting diode (LED), a laser, or the like can be used. The light source member 20 includes a light source mainly including ultraviolet light such as a germicidal lamp and an ultraviolet (UV) lamp, a light source mainly including near ultraviolet light such as a black light that irradiates near ultraviolet light, and a halogen. It may be configured to include a light source that mainly contains light in the infrared region, such as a heater, but it may be a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp, a light emitting diode (LEDs such as white, blue, red, and green), a visible light laser, etc. As described above, it is preferable to use a light source mainly containing visible light.

  In addition, the light source member 20 such as an LED or a fluorescent lamp has a short life when used under a high temperature condition. In particular, in the case of an LED, when the temperature increases, the light output decreases and the light emission efficiency decreases, resulting in a problem that the power consumption increases. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, the light source member 20 is disposed in the outer space where the fluid from the space inside the water tank 2 and the rotating drum 3 as the storage tank is blocked, so that the temperature is relatively low. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above problems, to prolong the life of the light source member 20 and to reduce power consumption.

  In one embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention, the washing / drying machine 100 includes a silver ion applying unit 40 as shown in FIG. The silver ion applying unit 40 includes a water supply pipe 41, a silver ion elution unit 42 connected to the water supply pipe 41, and a water supply path 43 that connects between the silver ion elution unit 42 and the water supply port of the water tank 2. The Inside the silver ion elution unit 42, two plate-like silver electrodes are arranged with a gap therebetween. By supplying water into the silver ion elution unit 42 through the water supply pipe 41 and applying a voltage between the silver electrodes, silver ions are eluted into the silver ion elution unit 42. Water containing silver ions is supplied into the water tank 2 through the water supply path 43. Thereby, silver ion water is provided to the inner peripheral wall surface of the water tank 2 as the accommodating portion, the outer peripheral wall surface and inner peripheral wall surface of the rotating drum 3 and the clothing 6 as the fiber structure.

  Next, a schematic operation of the washing / drying machine 100 of the present invention configured as described above will be described.

  In response to a signal from a control unit (not shown), the motor 4 rotates forward and backward, and the rotary drum 3 directly connected to the motor 4 also rotates forward and backward in the same manner. By this rotation, the washing process is performed by repeating the operation in which the baffle 5 fixed to the inner peripheral wall surface in the rotating drum 3 lifts the garment 6 and drops it downward. In this way, the washing process is performed using the so-called tapping effect.

  When the washing process is completed, the drain pump 11 is driven and the water in the water tank 2 is discharged from the drain hose 12. Then, it transfers to a rinse process and a dehydration process, and a washing process is complete | finished.

  When the washing process is finished and the drying operation is started, the rotating action of the rotating drum 3 causes the stirring action by the vertical movement of the clothes 6 and the power is supplied to the circulation fan 9 and the air heater 10 so that the air temperature is increased. Rises. Water evaporates from the clothing heated by the heated air and flows into the cooler 8. Since the cooling water is supplied into the cooler 8 from the upper cooling water inlet pipe 13 disposed so as to be opposed, the evaporated water is cooled and condensed. This condensed water flows to the drainage pump 11 side, is mixed with cooling water, and is drained. The dehumidified air is returned to the air heater 10 and heated. The heated air flows into the rotating drum 3 and heats the clothing 6 to evaporate moisture contained in the clothing 6. By repeating this, drying of the garment 6 proceeds. The clothing heating source used in the drying process is an air heater 10. In general, the air heater 10 is a sheathed heater provided in an air circulation duct and formed by metallizing a resistance heating wire.

  Next, operation | movement of the washing dryer 100 is demonstrated in order using a flowchart.

  First, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the user opens the outer door 71 and the inner door 72, puts the clothes 6 as laundry in the rotating drum 3, and also has a detergent chamber (not shown) at the water supply port. )). If necessary, the user places the finish in a finish agent chamber (not shown). The finish may be added during the washing process.

  After preparing the detergent, the user closes the outer door 71 and the inner door 72 and operates the operation button group (not shown) of the operation switch section of the operation panel to set the washing condition (washing mode). Choose. Finally, when the user presses the start button, a washing process corresponding to the washing mode is performed by a control unit (not shown) according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the entire washing process. As shown in FIG. 7, first, in step S101, it is confirmed whether or not a washing process has been selected. If selection has been made, the process proceeds to step S200. The contents of the washing process in step S200 will be separately described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. After the washing process ends, the process proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if the washing process is not selected in step S101, the process immediately proceeds to step S102.

  In step S102, it is confirmed whether or not a rinsing process has been selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, it is confirmed whether a sterilization course has been selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to step S400. On the other hand, if a sterilization course is not selected in step S103, the process proceeds to step S300.

  The contents of the silver sterilization rinsing process in step S400 will be described separately using the flowchart shown in FIG. The contents of the rinsing process in step S300 will be described separately using the flowchart shown in FIG. The rinsing process may be performed a plurality of times. After the rinsing process ends, the process proceeds to step S500. On the other hand, if the rinsing process is not selected in step S102, the process immediately proceeds to step S500.

  The contents of the dehydration / drying selection step in step S500 will be described separately with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. After completion of the dehydration drying selection process, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the termination process by the control unit is automatically advanced according to the procedure. In step S105, the control unit notifies the user of the completion of the washing process with an end sound. After all the processes are completed, the user opens the door unit 7 and takes out the laundry. After the door unit 7 is closed, the laundry dryer 100 returns to the standby state in preparation for the next washing process. If the fungus course has been selected, after performing the in-tank sterilization step in step S1000, the process returns to the standby state in preparation for the next washing step. The contents of the in-vessel sterilization step in step S1000 will be described separately using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Next, details of the individual steps of the washing step, the rinsing step, the silver sterilization rinsing step, the dehydration drying selection step, and the in-bath sterilization step will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the washing process will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the washing process. As shown in FIG. 8, in step S201, the water level data in the rotary drum 3 detected by the water level sensor is taken. In step S202, it is confirmed whether or not capacitive sensing is selected. If capacitive sensing is selected, the process proceeds to step S203. In step S203, capacity sensing is performed to measure the amount of laundry by the rotational load of the rotary drum 3. Then, after capacitive sensing, the process proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if capacitive sensing is not selected in step S202, the process immediately proceeds to step S204.

  In step 204, a main water supply valve (not shown) is opened, and water is poured into the rotary drum 3 through the main water supply pipe and the water supply port. Precisely, water is poured into the water tank 2 and the water enters the rotating drum 3 through the small holes 32. The detergent put in the detergent chamber at the water supply port is also mixed with water and put into the rotating drum 3. At this time, the drain valve is closed. When the water level sensor detects the set water level, the main water supply valve is closed. Then, the process proceeds to step S205.

  In step S205, acclimation tumbling is performed. In this acclimation tumbling, the rotating drum 3 rotates at a low speed, and the clothes 6 as laundry are taken out of the water and dropped into the water again so that the clothes 6 can sufficiently absorb water. In addition, air trapped in various places of the clothing 6 is released.

  After acclimation tumbling, the process proceeds to step S206. In step S206, the rotating drum 3 rotates in a washing tumbling pattern, and the clothes 6 are lifted and dropped. Due to the impact at the time of dropping, a jet of water is generated between the fibers of the garment 6 and the garment 6 is washed.

  After the washing tumbling period elapses, the process proceeds to step S207. In step S207, the rotary drum 3 rotates gently. When the rotating drum 3 rotates gently, the garment 6 falls off the rotating drum 3 at a low position before being lifted to a high position.

  Here, when the garment 6 falls from a high position, the garment 6 is struck against the inner peripheral wall surface of the rotating drum 3 and stuck to the inner peripheral wall surface. For this reason, when the rotating drum 3 starts high-speed dewatering rotation, the unbalance is hardly eliminated.

  On the other hand, when the garment 6 is separated from the inner peripheral wall surface of the rotary drum 3 at a low position, the garment 6 feels rolling rather than being struck, and the garments 6 overlap with each other relatively softly. In this state, when the rotary drum 3 starts high-speed dewatering rotation, the clothes 6 are easily dispersed in all directions. That is, it is easy to balance. For this reason, the rotating drum 3 is gently rotated to loosen the clothing 6 and prepare for dehydration rotation.

  Next, the contents of the rinsing process will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the dehydration process in step S600 (here, since it is a dehydration process in the rinsing process, referred to as an intermediate dehydration process) is performed. This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. After completion of the intermediate dehydration process in step S600, the process proceeds to step S301. In step S301, the main water supply valve is opened and water is supplied to the set water level.

  It progresses to step S302 after water supply. In step S <b> 302, acclimation tumbling is performed. The familiar tumbling is the same as the process performed in step S205 of the washing process.

  After the familiar tumbling, the process proceeds to step S303. According to the setting of the user, the rotary drum 3 rotates in a rinse tumbling pattern. The rotating drum 3 causes the garment 6 to pass through the water by rotation, and is lifted upward and dropped. Thereby, the garment 6 is rinsed.

  After the rinse tumbling period elapses, the process proceeds to step S304. In step S304, the rotating drum 3 rotates gently to loosen the garment 6 and prepare for dehydration rotation.

  In the above description, the “reservoir” is performed in which the rinse water is stored in the rotary drum 3, but the rinse is always performed to replenish new water, or the clothes 6 are showered with water. A shower rinse may be performed.

  Next, the content of the silver sterilization rinsing process will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The difference from the rinsing process of S300 shown in FIG. 9 is that after the intermediate dehydration process in step S600 is completed, the process proceeds to step S401. Ionized water is supplied. As shown in FIG. 2, silver ions are eluted into the silver ion elution unit 42 by supplying water into the silver ion elution unit 42 through the water supply pipe 41 and applying a voltage between the silver electrodes. Water containing silver ions is supplied into the water tank 2 through the water supply path 43. Thereby, silver ion water is provided to the inner peripheral wall surface of the water tank 2 as the accommodating portion, the outer peripheral wall surface and inner peripheral wall surface of the rotating drum 3, and the clothing 6 as the fiber structure.

  Other steps S402 to S404 in the silver sterilization rinsing process are the same as steps S302 to S304 in the rinsing process.

  Next, the content of the dehydration drying selection process will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, first, in step S501, it is confirmed whether or not a sterilization process is selected. If selection has been made, the process proceeds to step S502. On the other hand, if the sterilization process is not selected in step S501, the process proceeds to step S505.

  In step S502, it is confirmed whether the dehydration process has been selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to step S503.

  In step S503, it is confirmed whether a drying process has been selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to step S600.

  The contents of the dehydration process in step S600 will be separately described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. After the dehydration process is completed, the process proceeds to step S900. On the other hand, if the drying process is not selected in step S503, the process proceeds to step S700.

  The contents of the light irradiation dehydration process in step S700 will be described separately using the flowchart shown in FIG. The contents of the light irradiation drying process in step S900 will be described separately using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  If the dehydration process has not been selected in step S502, the process proceeds to step S504.

  In step S504, it is confirmed whether the drying process has been selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to step S900. On the other hand, if the drying process is not selected in step S504, the dehydration drying selection process is terminated.

  In step S505, it is confirmed whether the dehydration process has been selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to step S600.

  The contents of the dehydration process in step S600 will be separately described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. After the dehydration process is completed, the process proceeds to step S506. On the other hand, if the dehydration process has not been selected in step S505, the process immediately proceeds to step S506.

  In step S506, it is confirmed whether the drying process has been selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to step S800.

  The contents of the drying process in step S800 will be separately described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. After the drying process is finished, the dehydration drying selection process is finished. On the other hand, if no drying process has been selected in step S506, the dehydration drying selection process is terminated.

  Next, the content of the dehydration process will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, in step S601, the drain valve is opened. Thereby, the washing water or the rinsing water in the rotary drum 3 is drained through the drain valve. The drain valve remains open during the dehydration process.

  When a predetermined amount of time has passed and most of the water has drained from the garment 6, the rotating drum 3 starts dehydrating rotation. When the rotating drum 3 rotates at a high speed, the clothing 6 is pressed against the inner peripheral wall surface of the rotating drum 3 by centrifugal force. Thereby, the water contained in the clothing 6 also gathers on the inner peripheral wall surface of the rotating drum 3 and is discharged from the small holes 32. Washing water or rinsing water leaving the small hole 32 is struck against the inner peripheral wall surface of the water tank 2 and flows down to the bottom of the water tank 2 along the inner peripheral wall surface of the water tank 2. Then, the water is discharged out of the main body 1 through the drain hose 12.

  In the sequence shown in FIG. 12, a relatively low speed dewatering operation is performed in steps S602 and S603, and then a high speed dewatering operation is performed in steps S604 and S605. After step S605, the process proceeds to step S606. In step S606, the energization of the motor 4 is cut off, and the rotating drum 3 is rotated by inertia without causing the brake to operate, and a natural stop is brought about.

  Next, the content of the light irradiation dehydration process will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The difference from the dehydration process of S600 shown in FIG. 12 is that light irradiation is started in step S701 before draining in step S702, and light irradiation is stopped in step S708 after inertial dehydration in step S707. In step S701, as shown in FIG. 1, the light source member 20 is formed from a light source mainly composed of a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp, an LED and the like that emits light including visible light, and the inner peripheral wall surface of the water tank 2 and the rotating drum 3. The control unit starts light irradiation so that light is directly irradiated in the direction indicated by the arrow P to the outer peripheral wall surface, the inner peripheral wall surface, and the garment 6. Other steps S702 to S707 in the light irradiation dehydration process are the same as steps S601 to S606 in the dehydration process. When the dehydration process ends, the control unit ends the light irradiation in step S708. In this way, by irradiating the inner peripheral wall surface of the water tank 2 to which silver ion water has been applied, the outer peripheral wall surface of the rotating drum 3 and the inner peripheral wall surface and the clothing 6 during the dehydration process, The inner peripheral wall surface, the outer peripheral wall surface of the rotary drum 3, the inner peripheral wall surface, and the clothing 6 can be sterilized. This bactericidal effect is particularly remarkable when light including visible light is irradiated. In addition, you may irradiate light according to step S701 and S708 after the spin-drying | dehydration process of step S702-S707. In this case, it is preferable to rotate the rotating drum 3 intermittently.

  Next, the content of the drying process will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, dehumidification and drying are performed in step S801. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the rotating action of the rotating drum 3 causes a stirring action due to the vertical movement of the garment 6, and electric power is supplied to the circulation fan 9 and the air heater 10, so that the air temperature Rises. Water evaporates from the clothing heated by the heated air and flows into the cooler 8. Since the cooling water is supplied from the cooling water inlet pipe 13 into the cooler 8, the evaporated water is cooled and condensed. This condensed water flows to the drainage pump 11 side, is mixed with cooling water, and is drained. The dehumidified air is returned to the air heater 10 and heated. The heated air flows into the rotating drum 3 and heats the clothing 6 to evaporate moisture contained in the clothing 6. By repeating this, drying of the garment 6 proceeds.

  The washing / drying machine 100 includes a water-cooled dehumidifying mechanism, and dehumidification / drying is performed as described above. However, in order to perform a drying process at a low temperature, a heat pump device may be included instead of the water-cooled dehumidifying mechanism. In the case of a washing / drying machine employing a heat pump device, the temperature of the dehumidifying part can be set lower than the water temperature, so that the air temperature of the dehumidifying part can be lowered as compared with water cooling. For this reason, even if the air temperature of a high temperature part is made low, highly efficient drying can be performed. In addition, even if it is the washing dryer 100 provided with the water-cooling dehumidification mechanism, drying at low temperature is possible by performing a drying process for a long time. The low temperature in this case is about 30 to 80 ° C, preferably about 40 to 65 ° C.

  After dehumidifying and drying for a predetermined time, stop processing is performed in step S802, and the drying process is terminated.

  Next, the contents of the light irradiation drying step will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The difference from the drying process in S800 shown in FIG. 14 is that light irradiation is started in step S901 before dehumidification drying in step S902, and light irradiation is stopped in step S904 after the stop process in step S903. . In step S901, as shown in FIG. 1, the light source member 20 is formed from a light source mainly composed of a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp, an LED or the like that emits light including visible light, and the inner peripheral wall surface of the water tank 2 and the rotating drum 3. The control unit starts light irradiation so that light is directly irradiated in the direction indicated by the arrow P to the outer peripheral wall surface, the inner peripheral wall surface, and the garment 6. Other steps S902 to S903 in the light irradiation drying process are the same as steps S801 to S802 in the drying process. When the drying process ends, the control unit ends the light irradiation in step S904. In this way, by irradiating the inner peripheral wall surface of the water tank 2 provided with silver ions, the outer peripheral wall surface of the rotating drum 3 and the inner peripheral wall surface and the clothing 6 with light during the drying process, The peripheral wall surface, the outer peripheral wall surface and the inner peripheral wall surface of the rotating drum 3, and the garment 6 can be sterilized. In addition, you may irradiate light according to step S901 and S904 after the drying process of step S902-S903. In this case, it is preferable to rotate the rotating drum 3 intermittently.

  Finally, the contents of the in-vessel sterilization step will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. In step S1001, light irradiation is started, and in step 1002, light irradiation is stopped. In step S1001, as shown in FIG. 1, the light source member 20 is formed from a light source mainly composed of a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp, and an LED that emits light including visible light. The control unit starts light irradiation so that light is directly irradiated to the outer peripheral wall surface and the inner peripheral wall surface in the direction indicated by the arrow P. After the light irradiation for a predetermined time, in step S1002, the control unit ends the light irradiation. In this way, by irradiating the inner peripheral wall surface of the water tank 2 provided with silver ions and the outer peripheral wall surface and inner peripheral wall surface of the rotating drum 3 with light after the operation is completed, The outer peripheral wall surface and inner peripheral wall surface of the rotating drum 3 can be sterilized.

  In the embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention, after the clothes 6 are taken out from the rotating drum 3, the light source member 20 is connected to the inner peripheral wall surface of the water tank 2 and the rotating drum 3 in the above-described sterilization process in the tank. The outer peripheral wall surface and the inner peripheral wall surface may be irradiated with light, and before the garment 6 is taken out from the rotating drum 3, the light source member 20 is placed inside the garment 6 and the water tank 2 in the above-described sterilization step in the tank. You may make it irradiate light to a surrounding wall surface and the outer peripheral wall surface and inner peripheral wall surface of the rotating drum 3. FIG.

  Further, in the case where light irradiation is started in the light irradiation and dehydration process in step S700 and then the washing operation is ended, the light irradiation may be stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed after the washing operation is ended. In addition, when light irradiation is started in the light irradiation drying process of step S900 and then the drying operation is terminated, the light irradiation may be stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed after the drying operation is completed. In this way, when the inside of the tank is to be sterilized, the clothes 6 are taken out from the rotating drum 3 after the washing operation or the drying operation is completed, and then light is efficiently irradiated into the tank for a predetermined time. Can do. In addition, since light irradiation stops after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is not necessary for the user to wait until completion. At this time, by rotating the rotating drum 3 or the like, not only the inner peripheral wall surface of the water tank 2 and the outer peripheral wall surface and inner peripheral wall surface of the rotating drum 3 may be irradiated with light uniformly in the space in the tank. Good.

  Furthermore, light irradiation may be started after opening the inner door 72 and the outer door 71 to take out the garment 6 from the rotary drum 3 and closing the inner door 72 and the outer door 71. By doing in this way, irradiation of light can be started in the space closed after clothes 6 were taken out.

  As an embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention, when the washing / drying machine is used only for the purpose of drying, silver ion water is previously applied to the fiber structure such as clothing, futon, rug, etc. You may put in a storage tank and perform light irradiation during a drying process. Further, as an embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention, when a washing machine, a washing / drying machine, etc. are used only for dehydration purposes, silver ion water is preliminarily applied to fiber structures such as clothes, futons and rugs containing water. Then, the fiber structure may be put in a storage tank and irradiated with light during the dehydration step.

  In addition, when light irradiation is performed by applying silver ion water to a fiber structure, it is desirable to use a light source member that includes visible light, but ultraviolet light is applied regardless of whether silver ion water is applied. You may make it bring about the bactericidal action by ultraviolet light using the light source member containing.

  The embodiment disclosed above should be considered as illustrative in all points and 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 a figure which shows one side cross section which shows the schematic structure of a washing-drying machine as one Embodiment of the washing machine of this invention. It is a figure which shows another side cross section which shows the schematic structure of a washing-drying machine as one Embodiment of the washing machine of this invention. It is one side sectional view which shows the schematic structure of a washing-drying machine as another embodiment of the washing machine of this invention. It is one sectional side view which shows the attachment structure of the water tank in embodiment of the washing machine of this invention. It is one front sectional view which shows the attachment structure of the water tank in embodiment of the washing machine of this invention. It is one front sectional view showing a schematic structure of a washing machine or a washing dryer as another embodiment of the washing machine of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the whole washing process. It is a flowchart which shows a washing process. It is a flowchart which shows a rinse process. It is a flowchart which shows a silver disinfection rinse process. It is a flowchart which shows a dehydration drying selection process. It is a flowchart which shows a dehydration process. It is a flowchart which shows a light irradiation dehydration process. It is a flowchart which shows a drying process. It is a flowchart which shows a light irradiation drying process. It is a flowchart which shows a sterilization process in a tank.

Explanation of symbols

  1: outer box, 2: water tank, 3: rotating drum, 6: clothing, 20: light source member, 22: optical fiber, 71: outer door, 72: inner door, 100, 200, 300: washing and drying machine, 101: Upper frame member.

Claims (7)

An outer box,
A storage tank that is supported in the outer box and stores the fiber structure;
A light source member that irradiates light to the storage tank and / or the fiber structure stored in the storage tank;
The light source member is attached to a structural member connected to the outer box, and is disposed in a space outside the storage tub where fluid from the space in the storage tub is blocked.   The said light source member is a washing machine of Claim 1 arrange | positioned in the space of the outer side of the door member which blocks the opening part of the said storage tank. An inner door member for closing the opening of the storage tank;
The structural member further includes an outer door member disposed outside the inner door member and supported by the outer box,
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source member is attached to the outer door member. An inner door member for closing the opening of the storage tank;
An outer door member disposed outside the inner door member and supported by the outer box;
A reflection member that reflects light emitted from the light source member attached to the structural member;
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source member is disposed outside an inner door member, and the reflecting member is attached to the outer door member. A light guide means for guiding light from the light source member attached to the structural member to the storage tank and / or the fiber structure stored in the storage tank;
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein light is irradiated from the light guide means to the storage tank and / or the fiber structure stored in the storage tank. The storage tank includes an inner tank for storing a fiber structure, and an outer tank disposed outside the inner tank,
The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the light guiding means is disposed in a space between the inner tub and the outer tub. In the storage tank and / or the fiber structure stored in the storage tank, further provided with a silver ion imparting section for imparting silver ions,
The said light source member irradiates light to the said storage tank and / or the said fiber structure to which silver ion was provided by the said silver ion provision part, The laundry of any one of Claim 1 to 6 Machine.

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