JP2008148825A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve bacteria-elimination/antibacterial effects in a washing machine having a bacteria-elimination/antibacterial function. <P>SOLUTION: A light emitting means 17 is disposed near an electrolytic cell 10 having a silver electrode 14, water obtained by illuminating water in which silver is eluted by electrolyzing silver with light is poured from a filling port 12 to a receiving cylinder 14 in which laundry 13 is stored, and the silver and active oxygen species contained in water eliminate bacteria from the laundry 13. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine having a function of disinfecting laundry.

  Conventionally, this type of washing machine is configured to allow silver ions to adhere to the laundry efficiently by bringing the silver ion-containing water into contact with the laundry during the dehydration operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Alternatively, the laundry is treated with silver ions having an optimum concentration, for example, 50 ppb to 100 ppb or 50 ppb to 900 ppb, so that the antibacterial effect of silver ions can be sufficiently exerted (for example, patents). Reference 2). Alternatively, when silver ion-containing water is made into droplets of small-diameter particles that are easy to dry and brought into contact with the laundry, silver ions that are dissolved in water once crystallize by drying of water, and are dissolved in water again. The effect of silver ions is more easily exhibited (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  The configuration and operation of the washing machine described in Patent Document 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 shows a sectional view of the washing machine described in the publication. As shown in FIG. 10, the washing machine 101 is a so-called fully automatic type, and the outer box 102 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and has an opening 103 for putting laundry on the upper surface thereof. The outer box 101 has a receiving cylinder 104 and a lid 105 on the upper surface of the opening 103, and is fixed with screws. The receiving cylinder 104 has an inner cylinder 106 and a pulsator 107 for stirring the laundry, and is configured to rotate by the action of the motor 108. When water is poured into the inner cylinder 106 and the receiving cylinder 104, it is carried out from the water channel 109 through the ion supply unit 110.

Next, the operation | movement at the time of performing disinfection and antibacterial processing to the laundry 111 is demonstrated. When performing sterilization and antibacterial of the laundry, the ion supply unit 110 is controlled when water is injected from the water flow path 9 to supply silver into the water injection in an ionic state. As a result, the silver ion concentration of the water 112 in the washing tub becomes a predetermined concentration. When the pulsator 107 and the inner cylinder 106 are stirred by the motor 108, silver ions adhere to the laundry 111, and the laundry 111 Disinfect the attached bacteria. Moreover, since the silver ion adhering to the laundry 111 remains in the laundry 111, the laundry 111 has an effect of suppressing the growth of bacteria even after washing (antibacterial effect).
JP 2004-57423 A JP 2004-105692 A JP-A-2005-87712

  However, in the conventional configuration, in order to antibacterial or disinfect a large amount of laundry, it is necessary to elute high concentration Ag from the ion supply unit 110, and if the laundry is repeatedly treated with Ag, There was a problem that the laundry was discolored. Furthermore, although sterilization with Ag is highly effective against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, there is a problem that the effect is low against other bacteria and molds.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and can sterilize and antibacterial a large amount of laundry even with a low concentration of antibacterial material, and exhibits wide sterilization and antibacterial effects against bacteria and molds. An object is to provide a washing machine that can be used.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the washing machine of the present invention supplies an electrolytic cell that elutes an antibacterial metal into water by electrolysis, and water into which the metal is eluted in the electrolytic cell. A water supply path and light irradiation means for irradiating light to the water from which the metal is eluted in the electrolytic cell are provided.

  Bactericidal and antibacterial metals are transition metals, and transition metals or oxides and compounds thereof have a photocatalytic action. When irradiated with light, the electrons released by the photocatalytic reaction react with water molecules, and active oxygen species such as hydroxy radicals or superoxide having a large sterilizing action are obtained. Due to the synergistic effect of the sterilization action of the active oxygen species and the sterilization action of the metal, a wide range of sterilization and antibacterial effects are exhibited at a lower concentration than before.

  Since the washing machine of this invention can irradiate light efficiently to the water in which the eluted metal is dark, it can produce a large amount of active oxygen species and enhance the sterilization effect.

  The first invention is a washing tub for storing laundry, an electrolytic bath for eluting antibacterial metal into water by electrolysis, and a water supply channel for supplying water from which the metal has eluted in the electrolytic bath to the washing tub And a light irradiating means for irradiating light to the water from which the metal has been eluted in the electrolytic bath, so that the water from which the metal has been eluted by electrolysis is brought into contact with the laundry, so that In addition to sterilizing bacteria adhering to substances, it is further sterilized by reactive oxygen species such as hydroxy radicals or superoxide, which are obtained by the reaction of electrons released by photocatalysis with water molecules. To do. These synergistic effects can exert sterilization and antibacterial effects even at low concentrations. Furthermore, since oxidative decomposition by reactive oxygen species is utilized, the antibacterial spectrum can be expanded to exert effects on bacteria and molds other than Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. And since it can irradiate light efficiently to the water in the state where the eluted metal is deep, a large amount of active oxygen species can be generated, and the sterilization effect can be enhanced.

  In the second invention, in particular, the electrolytic cell of the first invention has at least a pair of electrodes facing each other, and the light irradiating means is just eluted by irradiating the electrode or its vicinity with light. Since it is possible to irradiate light on the water in which the metal is dark, it is possible to efficiently irradiate the eluted metal with light. If it is intended to irradiate light where the eluted metal is thinned and diffused, it is necessary to irradiate a wide range, and the amount of light is so much that it is wasteful. Since light can be irradiated efficiently in this way, a large amount of reactive oxygen species is generated, and the sterilization effect is increased accordingly.

  In the third invention, in particular, the light irradiating means of the second invention irradiates light between the electrodes, so that the concentration of the metal that elutes most between the electrodes is high. If light is irradiated there, it becomes possible to generate active oxygen species efficiently, and the sterilization effect is increased accordingly.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, in particular, the light irradiation means of the second aspect of the invention irradiates light directly under the electrode, so that if the metal is electrolyzed and eluted, the metal heavier than water is Begin to fall. By irradiating light directly under the electrode, light is effectively applied to the falling dense metal, so that active oxygen species can be generated efficiently, and the sterilization effect is increased accordingly.

  In the fifth invention, in particular, the light irradiating means of the second invention is arranged above the water surface in the electrolytic cell so as to irradiate light to the electrode or the vicinity thereof. Since the light irradiation means is placed and covered with a waterproof member, or the electrode is covered with a transparent material member to allow light to pass through, the light transmission efficiency is not lowered by various members, and it is directly above the electrode Since light can be irradiated in a state where the electrolyzed metal is dense, it becomes possible to efficiently generate active oxygen species, and the sterilization effect is increased accordingly.

  In the sixth aspect of the invention, in particular, the light irradiation means of the first aspect of the invention irradiates the electrolyzed water passing through the water supply channel with light, so that the eluted metal remains in a dense state. Since the light passing through the water is irradiated with light, the light can be efficiently irradiated. Since light can be irradiated efficiently, a large amount of active oxygen species is generated, and the sterilization effect is increased accordingly.

  In the seventh aspect of the invention, in particular, the light irradiating means of the sixth aspect of the invention irradiates light at a portion where the cross-sectional area of the water supply channel is narrowed, so that the range of water to be irradiated becomes narrower. Since light is efficiently irradiated, reactive oxygen species can be efficiently generated, and the sterilization effect is increased accordingly.

  In the eighth aspect of the invention, in particular, the light irradiating means of the sixth aspect of the invention irradiates light onto the water surface passing through the water supply channel from above, so that the light irradiating means is disposed in the water path underwater. Since the irradiation means is covered with a waterproof member or the water path is covered with a transparent material member to allow light to pass through, the light can be irradiated without reducing the light transmission efficiency by various members. Thus, reactive oxygen species can be generated efficiently, and the sterilization effect is increased accordingly.

  In the ninth aspect of the invention, in particular, the light irradiating means of the first aspect of the invention irradiates light to the water inlet through which the electrolyzed water is poured into the washing tub, so that the eluted metal is in a dark state. Since light is irradiated to the water as it is, it becomes possible to irradiate light efficiently. In addition, since light is directly applied to water poured into the washing tub, the light irradiation means is placed in the water and the light irradiation means is covered with a waterproof member so that the light is irradiated without lowering the light transmission efficiency. Therefore, it is possible to irradiate light efficiently, and a large amount of reactive oxygen species are generated, so that the sterilization effect is increased accordingly.

  In the tenth aspect of the invention, in particular, the light irradiation means of any one of the first to ninth aspects of the invention is such that the wavelength of the irradiated light is a wavelength that is less than or equal to the visible light from the ultraviolet light. By using visible light from high ultraviolet light, a photocatalytic reaction occurs efficiently, a large amount of active oxygen species are generated, and the sterilization effect is enhanced.

  In the eleventh aspect of the invention, in particular, the electrode tank of any one of the first to fourth inventions is made of any one of glass, methacrylic resin, and FPA resin, so that the light irradiation means can enter the electrode tank. Since 80% or more of visible light can be transmitted from the reaching ultraviolet light, sterilization can be performed effectively.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, in particular, the light irradiation means of the sixth or seventh aspect of the invention is configured such that the light transmitting portion is made of any one of glass, methacrylic resin, and FPA resin, so Visible light can be transmitted 80% or more from the ultraviolet light reaching the temperature, so that sterilization can be performed effectively.

  In the thirteenth aspect of the invention, in particular, the metal to be electrolyzed according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects of the invention is zinc, silver, or copper. On the other hand, zinc, silver and copper have high photocatalytic activity and a large amount of active oxygen species are produced, so that the sterilization effect is enhanced.

  In the fourteenth invention, the metal to be electrolyzed in the thirteenth invention is silver, and the silver concentration obtained by elution is 0.01 ppm or more and 1 ppm or less, so that a necessary and sufficient amount of silver is used. Therefore, efficient sterilization can be performed.

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

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an electrolytic cell of the washing machine. In FIG. 1, a washing machine 1 is a so-called fully automatic type in which washing and dewatering are integrated, and an outer box 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and has an opening 3 for putting laundry on the upper surface thereof. Yes. The outer box 2 has a receiving cylinder 4 and a lid 5 that can be opened and closed on the upper surface of the opening 3, and can be opened and closed. The receiving cylinder 4 has an inner cylinder 6 and a pulsator 7 with holes for dehydrating the laundry 13, and is configured to rotate by the action of the motor 8. When water is poured into the washing tub composed of the inner cylinder 6 and the receiving cylinder 4, water is poured from the water inlet 12 through the electrolytic tank 10 and the water supply path 11 from the water path 9 connected to the water supply. In the inner cylinder 6, the laundry 13 put in by the user is stored.

  Next, in FIG. 2, the electrolytic cell 10 is provided with two plate-like silver electrodes 14 facing each other, and a DC voltage is applied through a lead wire 15 by a control unit (not shown). The lower part of the electrolytic cell 10 is composed of a transparent light transmission part 16 made of methacrylic resin, and is a material that well transmits light from the light irradiation means 17 made of a light emitting diode immediately below.

  Next, the process of washing the laundry 13 and rinsing it once will be described with reference to FIG. First, the user opens the lid 5, puts the laundry 13 and detergent into the inner cylinder 6 from the opening 3, and presses the power switch and start switch (not shown) to start the operation of the washing machine 1. The Next, tap water enters from the water path 9 and a predetermined amount of water is injected from the water inlet 12. Next, the motor 8 is actuated to rotate the pulsator 7 so that the water 13 in which the detergent in the inner cylinder 6 is dissolved and the laundry 13 are stirred, and the laundry 13 is cleaned. When agitated for a predetermined time, the water in the inner cylinder 6 is drained by a drainage mechanism (not shown), and the washing process ends.

  Next, as a rinsing process, the motor 8 operates to rotate the inner cylinder 6 to centrifugally dehydrate the laundry 13, and the dehydrated water is drained. When dehydration is performed for a predetermined time, the motor 8 stops and water enters again as water for rinsing from the water path 9, and a predetermined amount of water is poured into the inner cylinder 6. Next, the motor 8 is actuated to rotate the pulsator 7 and the water in the inner cylinder 6 and the laundry 13 are agitated. After stirring for a predetermined time, the water is drained and dehydrated again. This completes the first rinsing step.

  Next, in the second rinsing step, sterilization and antibacterial treatment are performed. The operation at that time will be described with reference to FIGS. First, when tap water flows from the water path 9 to the electrolytic cell 10, a control unit (not shown) controls, a DC voltage is applied to the lead wire 15, and the silver electrode 14 is eluted into water by electrolysis. . At this time, the light irradiation means 17 emits light, and the light passes through the light transmission part 16 and is irradiated between the silver electrodes 14. At this time, the electrolyzed silver is eluted in the form of silver ions, silver oxide, silver chloride and the like, and when irradiated with light, a photocatalytic reaction occurs to generate active oxygen species such as hydroxy radicals. Since the light irradiation means 17 irradiates between the electrodes 14, the light reaction is likely to occur in a state where the eluted silver is dark.

  Moreover, since the light irradiation means 17 is irradiating light from directly under the silver electrode 14, since light hits the place where the eluted heavy silver falls, it will be close to the light irradiation means 17 and further active. Oxygen is easily generated. Since this light irradiation means 17 has a high energy in the wavelength of visible light to ultraviolet light, particularly ultraviolet light, active oxygen species are likely to be generated. And since the light transmission part 16 uses the methacryl resin, the transmittance | permeability of ultraviolet light is high and the effect of light irradiation is high.

  In this way, water containing active oxygen species generated by light irradiation and including eluted silver is poured into the inner cylinder 6 from the water inlet 12 through the water supply channel 11. When a predetermined amount of water enters the inner cylinder 6, the silver concentration of the water is desirably 0.01 ppm or more and 1 ppm or less. If it is 0.01 ppm or less, it is difficult to obtain a sterilizing effect of silver. If it is 1 ppm or more, it is not economical because a large amount of silver is required, and too much silver adheres to the laundry and discolors This is because there is a risk of doing so.

  The silver concentration is determined by the amount of silver determined by the product of the current value flowing through the silver electrode 14 and the energization time and the amount of water entering the receiving tube 4. For example, when the amount of 20 L of water is set to a silver concentration of 0.1 ppm, the calculation can be performed by supplying a current at a current value of 0.1 A for 90 seconds. Therefore, it is controlled so that 0.1 A is energized for 90 seconds to the silver electrode 14 in the electrolytic cell 10, and then water is passed through the electrolytic cell 10. Water may be passed while the electrode 14 is energized. In short, it may be controlled so that the silver concentration in the washing tub becomes a predetermined value.

  In addition, since the application of the DC voltage elutes only the silver of the silver electrode 14 on the anode side, it is necessary to invert the DC polarity at regular intervals so that only one silver electrode 14 does not decrease. is there. In the present embodiment, the current is passed by changing the direction of the direct current every 15 seconds.

  In this way, water containing active oxygen species and silver is mixed with the laundry 13. On the other hand, the motor 8 is actuated to rotate the pulsator 7 so that the laundry 13 in the inner cylinder 6 is agitated and further mixed, and bacteria attached to the laundry 13 are sterilized. After stirring for a predetermined time, the water is drained and dehydrated again. This completes the second rinsing step.

  As described above, the ratio of bacteria sterilized by water containing active oxygen species and silver is 99% or more, although it varies depending on various conditions. It is higher than the case of sterilization using only the sterilization power of silver without irradiating light, and there are many types of bacteria that can be sterilized. This is because sterilization by reactive oxygen species contributes to the toxicity of silver.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic cell in the second embodiment of the present invention. The present embodiment is a configuration in which the light irradiation means 17 is incorporated inside the electrolytic cell 10 of the first embodiment, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, so only the description of the electrolytic cell 10 will be given. This will be omitted.

  In FIG. 3, the light irradiation means 17 is inside the electrolytic cell 10 and is configured to irradiate from right above between two silver electrodes 14. When a DC voltage is applied to the silver electrode 14, silver is eluted in a state where the silver is concentrated between both electrodes 14, particularly on the anode side. Since light from the light irradiation means 17 is irradiated there, active oxygen species are also efficiently generated.

  Moreover, since the light irradiation means 17 is arrange | positioned just above the water surface in the electrolytic cell 10, light will hit directly, without being interrupted by a structural member etc., and also the effect of light irradiation is high. If the waterproofing for the electrical insulation of the light irradiation means 17 is taken into consideration, a high effect can be obtained with a simple configuration. In this way, high sterilization performance can be obtained by the water containing silver in which many active oxygen species are generated.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the light irradiating means and the water supply channel in the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply channel. In the present embodiment, the light irradiation means 17 is arranged in the lower part of the water supply channel 11. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, so only the light irradiating means 17 will be described, and the other description will be omitted.

  In FIG. 4, the light irradiation means 17 is in the lower part of the water supply channel 11 downstream of the electrolytic cell 10, and is configured to irradiate light toward the water inside the water supply channel 11 as shown in FIG. Has a configuration in which the portion irradiated with light is narrower than the surroundings. The light irradiated from the light irradiation means 17 is irradiated into the water supply channel 11 through the light transmission part 16.

  When water from which silver is eluted is generated (or generated) in the electrolytic cell 10, the water is pushed into the water supply channel 11. At this time, when the light irradiation means 17 irradiates light with water, active oxygen species are generated.

  If the water supply channel 11 has a structure narrower than its peripheral portion as in this configuration, water flows through a place near the light irradiation means 17, so that the light is eluted in a high energy state before being attenuated by the distance. It will hit silver, and the effect of light will increase accordingly. In this way, high sterilization performance can be obtained by the water containing silver in which many active oxygen species are generated.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 6 is a side view showing the configuration of the light irradiation means and the water supply channel in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the water supply channel. In the present embodiment, the light irradiation means 17 of the first embodiment is arranged in the upper part of the water supply channel 11. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, so only the light irradiating means 17 will be described, and the other description will be omitted.

  In FIG. 6, the light irradiation means 17 exists in the upper part of the water supply path 11 downstream of the electrolytic cell 10, and is a structure which irradiates light directly toward the water inside the water supply path 11 like FIG. The light irradiated from the light irradiation means 17 is irradiated to the water in the water supply channel 11 without being blocked by any structural member. When water from which silver is eluted is generated (or generated) in the electrolytic cell 10, the water is pushed into the water supply channel 11. At this time, when the light irradiation means 17 irradiates light with water, active oxygen species are generated.

  When the light irradiating means 17 directly irradiates the water in the water supply channel 11 from above the water surface as in this configuration, there is nothing to block from the light irradiating means 17 to the water, and the light has high energy. It will hit the silver eluted in the state, and the effect of light will increase accordingly. In this way, high sterilization performance can be obtained by the water containing silver in which many active oxygen species are generated.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the water injection port. In the present embodiment, the light irradiation means 17 of the first embodiment is arranged below the water injection port 12. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, so only the light irradiating means 17 will be described, and the other description will be omitted.

  In FIG. 8, the light irradiation means 17 is in the lower part of the water inlet 12 at the tip of the outlet side of the water supply channel 11, and is configured to directly irradiate light toward the water inside the water supply channel 11 as shown in FIG. The light irradiated from the light irradiation means 17 is irradiated to the water in the water supply channel 11 without being blocked by any structural member. When water from which silver is eluted is generated (or generated) in the electrolytic cell 10, the water is pushed into the water supply channel 11. At this time, when the light irradiation means 17 irradiates light with water, active oxygen species are generated.

  When the light irradiating means 17 directly irradiates the water in the water supply channel 11 from above the water surface as in this configuration, there is nothing to block from the light irradiating means 17 to the water, and the light has high energy. It will hit the silver eluted in the state, and the effect of light will increase accordingly. In this way, high sterilization performance can be obtained by the water containing silver in which many active oxygen species are generated.

  As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention can effectively perform sterilization and antibacterial of laundry, so that it is not only for home use, but also a sanitary device for business use and a household appliance such as a washing machine and a dishwasher It can also be applied to.

Sectional drawing of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention Cross-sectional view of electrolytic bath of the washing machine Sectional drawing of the electrolytic cell of the washing machine in Embodiment 2 of this invention Side view of the water supply channel of the washing machine in Embodiment 3 of the present invention Sectional view of the water supply channel of the washing machine Side view of the water supply channel of the washing machine in Embodiment 4 of the present invention Sectional view of the water supply channel of the washing machine Sectional drawing of the washing machine in Embodiment 5 of this invention Cross section of the water inlet of the washing machine Cross section of a conventional washing machine

Explanation of symbols

1 Washing machine 4 Receptacle (washing tub)
6 Inner cylinder (washing tub)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9 Water path 10 Electrolytic tank 11 Water supply path 14 Electrode 16 Light transmission part 17 Light irradiation means

Claims (14)

A washing tub for storing laundry, an electrolytic bath for eluting antibacterial metal into water by electrolysis, a water supply channel for supplying water to which the metal is eluted in the electrolytic bath, and the electrolytic bath A washing machine provided with light irradiation means for irradiating light to water from which metal has eluted. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the electrolytic cell has at least a pair of electrodes facing each other, and the light irradiation means irradiates light to the electrodes or the vicinity thereof. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the light irradiation means irradiates light between the electrodes. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the light irradiation means irradiates light directly under the electrode. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the light irradiation means is disposed above the water surface in the electrolytic cell so as to irradiate the electrode or the vicinity thereof. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the light irradiation means irradiates light to the electrolyzed water passing through the water supply channel. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the light irradiating means irradiates light at a portion where the cross-sectional area of the water supply channel becomes narrow. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the light irradiating means irradiates light from above to the water surface passing through the water supply channel. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the light irradiating means irradiates light to a water inlet through which electrolyzed water is poured into a washing tub. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the light irradiating means has a wavelength of light to be radiated from ultraviolet light to visible light or less. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electrode tank is made of any one of glass, methacrylic resin, and FPA resin. The washing machine according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the light irradiating means comprises a light transmitting portion made of any one of glass, methacrylic resin, and FPA resin. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the metal to be electrolyzed is any one of zinc, silver, and copper. The washing machine according to claim 13, wherein the metal to be electrolyzed is silver, and the silver concentration obtained by elution is 0.01 ppm to 1 ppm.