JP2008284207A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine capable of completing washing for a time shorter than that of the conventional one in the washing machine having an ion elution unit for applying a voltage between electrodes and generating metal ions, and using water containing the metal ions (hereinafter, referred to as "metal ion water"). <P>SOLUTION: This washing machine is provided with a water storage tub 21 for storing the metal ion water separately from a water tub 2 for executing either of a washing step, a rinsing step, a spin-drying step and a drying step, the metal ion water generated by the ion elution unit 9 is previously stored in the water storage tub 21 in a step before using the metal ion water, and the metal ion water in the water storage tub is fed to the water tub 2 in the step of using the metal ion water. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to all types of washing machines such as a drum-type washing machine, a fully automatic washing machine, and a two-tank washing machine.

  When washing in a washing machine, it is often done to add a finishing substance to water, especially rinse water. Common finish materials are softeners and pastes. In addition to this, recently, there is an increasing need for finishing treatments that impart antibacterial properties to laundry.

  Laundry is preferably sun-dried from a hygienic point of view. In recent years, however, the number of households in which no one is at home during the day has increased due to an increase in the employment rate of women and the advancement of nuclear families. In such a home, it must be dried indoors. Even in a home where someone is at home during the day, folding in the rain will dry the room.

  In the case of indoor drying, bacteria and molds are more likely to propagate in the laundry than in the sun. This tendency is conspicuous when the laundry takes time to dry, such as at high humidity such as during the rainy season or at low temperatures. Depending on the breeding situation, the laundry may give off an odor. For this reason, there is a strong demand for applying antibacterial treatment to fabrics in order to suppress the growth of bacteria and molds in homes where daily indoor drying is required.

  Recently, there are an increasing number of clothing with antibacterial and antibacterial and antibacterial treatments applied to the fibers. However, it is difficult to prepare all textile products in the home with antibacterial and deodorant processed products. In addition, the effect of antibacterial and deodorant finishes with repeated washing.

This led to the idea of antibacterial treatment of laundry every time it was washed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an electric washing machine equipped with an ion generator that generates metal ions having sterilizing power, such as silver ions and copper ions. Patent Document 2 describes a washing machine in which a cleaning liquid is sterilized by generation of an electric field. Patent Document 3 describes a washing machine equipped with a silver ion addition unit for adding silver ions to washing water.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-74487 JP 2000-93691 A JP 2001-276484 A

  Among the techniques for performing antibacterial treatment in the washing process, those using metal ions are practical because they are highly safe and rich in persistence. After the dehydration and until the laundry is dried, a metal such as silver is present as an ion and exhibits a bactericidal action. After the laundry dries, silver exists as silver salt instead of ions, but when it is wetted again, it is ionized again and the sterilizing power is restored. However, when metal ions are used for antibacterial treatment, the following problems occur.

  When an ion elution unit is provided in the water supply path and metal ions are added to water and used in the form of metal ion water, the concentration of metal ion water is determined by the ion elution rate and the water supply rate. The elution rate of ions is determined by the current value supplied to the ion elution unit, but the upper limit value of the voltage is defined by the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law, and the upper limit value of the current value that can be supplied to the ion elution unit is determined. There is a limit to the ion elution rate. Accordingly, the water supply speed is limited in obtaining the required concentration of metal ion water.

  Therefore, in the conventional washing machine, in order to obtain a necessary amount of metal ion water having a necessary concentration, a certain time determined by the water supply speed is required. For this reason, a process that requires water supply of metal ions takes a long time corresponding to a certain time determined by the water supply speed. As a result, there has been a problem that the washing time as a whole becomes long.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and in a washing machine that includes an ion elution unit that generates metal ions by applying a voltage between electrodes and uses water to which the metal ions are added, An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can finish washing in a shorter time.

  In order to achieve the above object, the washing machine is configured as follows in the present invention.

  (1) In a washing machine including an ion elution unit that generates metal ions by applying a voltage between electrodes, and using water to which the metal ions are added (hereinafter referred to as “metal ion water”), A water tank for storing the metal ion water is provided separately from the water tank for performing any one of the process, the rinsing process, the dehydration process, and the drying process, and the metal ion water is previously stored in the water tank in the process before using the metal ion water. In the step of using metal ion water, the metal ion water in the water tank is supplied to the water tank.

  According to this configuration, the metal ion water can be stored in advance in the water storage tank in the step before using the metal ion water. Therefore, when supplying the metal ion water, an extra time for obtaining the metal ion water having the necessary concentration is unnecessary, and as a result, the time required for supplying the metal ion water, for example, the time required for the rinsing process can be shortened.

  In general, there are problems such as rot and odor generation in the stored water, and care must be taken in using the stored water. However, in the present invention, the water is mixed with antibacterial metal ions. Is suppressed, the occurrence of rot and odor is suppressed, and clean water can be used.

  (2) In addition to a path for supplying water to the tank, a path for storing water is provided, both of which can be switched by a storage water selection valve, and water from the water supply connection port is supplied to the tank by the storage water selection valve. It is possible to select whether to supply water or to store in the water tank.

  According to this configuration, the water injection timing can be freely switched by switching the storage water selection valve, so that metal ion water is supplied to the storage tank simultaneously with any process that does not require water supply to the water tank. And it is not necessary to take the time required for water storage independently.

  (3) Further, the ion elution unit is provided upstream of the stored water selection valve.

  With this configuration, the water supplied from the water supply connection port can be supplied to either the water tank or the water tank by the selection valve after passing through the ion elution unit.

  (4) Moreover, the water storage tank was arrange | positioned upwards rather than the water tank.

  With this configuration, the water stored in the water tank is supplied to the water tank by gravity only by opening a valve provided at the lower part of the water tank. Therefore, since a pump is not required when supplying the water tank, the amount of power consumed by the pump when supplying the stored water to the water tank becomes unnecessary, which is effective for energy saving. In addition, the number of parts is reduced, which is effective in reducing costs.

  (5) Moreover, a drainage path for draining from the water tank to the outside of the washing machine, a water storage path for storing water from the water tank to the water tank, and a storage drainage selection valve capable of selectively switching both paths The storage / drainage selection valve can be used to select whether wastewater from the water tank is drained outside the washing machine or stored in the water tank.

  With this configuration, wastewater containing highly antibacterial metal ions can be stored in a water storage tank and reused, for example, as cooling water for dehumidification in the drying process.

  When storing wastewater for reuse, the growth of bacteria is promoted due to organic substances such as detergents and dirt contained in the wastewater. It is regarded as a problem that the stored water rots and the generation of odors due to the growth of bacteria, but according to this configuration, waste water containing metal ions with high antibacterial properties can be stored, so the stored water rots. Odor generation is suppressed, and the stored water can be reused as clean water.

  In addition, sterilization of stored water using ozone or the like is limited to sterilization of stored water. However, according to the present invention, antibacterial action can be performed on the entire path through which metal ion water passes.

  (6) Moreover, the density | concentration of the metal ion water stored in a water tank was made higher than the density | concentration of the metal ion required in the process using metal ion water.

  According to this structure, since the said metal ion water is high concentration, it dilutes with the water which does not contain a metal ion, makes it predetermined concentration, and supplies it to a water tank. That is, in addition to the metal ion water, water supplied to the water tank from the water supply connection port through the ion elution unit can be supplied to the water tank at the same time, so that the water supply time to the water tank is further shortened.

  In addition to this metal ion water, the water supplied to the water tank from the water supply connection port through the ion elution unit can be simultaneously supplied to the water tank. The amount of water can be reduced compared to the case where water supplied from the water supply connection port to the water tank through the ion elution unit is not added. Therefore, since the water tank can be made small, it is effective for improvement in installation property and cost reduction.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to store the metal ion water in the water storage tank in advance in the process before using the metal ion water. Therefore, when supplying the metal ion water, an extra time for obtaining the metal ion water having the necessary concentration is unnecessary, and as a result, the time required for supplying the metal ion water, for example, the time required for the rinsing process can be shortened.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a drum type washer / dryer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the drum type washing and drying machine is provided with an outer box 1, a bottomed cylindrical water tank 2 disposed in the outer box 1, and a water tank 2 rotatably disposed in the water tank 2. The bottomed cylindrical drum 3 for storing the object, the drum motor 4 which is attached to the rear part of the water tank 2 and rotationally drives the drum 3, the drying system 5 for drying the laundry, and the rear part of the water tank 2 are elastic. Two dampers 6 (only one is shown) are provided.

  An outer box opening 12 is provided on the front surface of the outer box 1. The outer box opening 12 is opened and closed by a door 13 rotatably attached to the outer box 1. And most of the front part of the said outer case 1 consists of the front panel 14, and the lower part of the outer case 1 is comprised by the base 15. In addition, a detergent case 16 for storing detergent, bleach and softener, and an operation part 17 having operation keys and a display part are provided on the upper part of the outer box 1. A control device 18 for controlling the operation of the drum type washing and drying machine is disposed on the back side of the operation unit 17 (inside the outer box 1).

  A water supply connection port 19 is provided at the upper rear portion of the outer box 1. One end of the water supply connection port 19 is connected to a water tap, and the other end is connected to an ion elution unit 79 via a water supply pipe 20a. The ion elution unit 79 is connected to the inlet of the stored water selection valve 23 through the water supply pipe 20b. The stored water selection valve 23 is a selection valve (three-way valve) that switches between storing water in a water tank 21 to be described later, supplying water to the water tank 2, and stopping water. A detergent case 16 is connected to one outlet of the stored water selection valve 23 via a water supply pipe 20c. An upper end of the water storage hose 22 is connected to the other outlet of the stored water selection valve 23, and a water storage tank 21 is connected to the lower end of the water storage hose 22.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the ion elution unit 79 has a pair of silver metal plates (electrodes) 82 inside, and generates silver ions to be attached to the laundry in running water. The inlet 80 of the ion elution unit 79 is connected to the water supply pipe 20a, and the outlet 81 of the ion elution unit 79 is connected to the water supply pipe 20b. As a result, the ion elution unit 79 can add silver ions to the water from the water supply connection port 19 through the stored water selection valve 23 toward the water storage tank 21. That is, water in which silver ions are added to the water storage tank 21 (hereinafter referred to as “silver ion water”) can be stored.

  A water tank opening 25 is provided on the front surface of the water tank 2. A packing 26 made of an elastic material such as rubber or soft resin is fixed to the opening edge of the water tank opening 25. As a result, when the door 13 is closed, the door 13 comes into close contact with the packing 26, so that the liquid in the water tank 2 can be prevented from leaking out of the water tank 2. Further, the water tank 2 is disposed sideways so that the water tank opening 25 faces the outer box opening 12. More specifically, the central axis of the water tank 2 is inclined so as to form an angle of 5 to 30 ° with respect to the horizontal direction. A water supply duct 27 connected to the detergent case 16 is connected to the upper part of the water tank 2, and washing water (tap water containing detergent or mere tap water) is supplied from the water supply duct 27 into the water tank 2. . On the other hand, a drain port 69 for draining the washing liquid in the water tank 2 to the outside is provided in the lower part of the water tank 2. The drain port 69 is connected to the upper end of the drain duct 28.

  The liquid that has flowed through the drainage duct 28 passes through the filter case 29 and then flows through a drainage hose 30 as an example of a drainage path and goes out of the outer box 1 or flows through the circulation hose 7 into the water tank 2. Return.

  A circulation nozzle 8 for injecting water into the drum 3 is connected to the upper end portion of the circulation hose 7, while a lower end portion of the circulation hose 7 is connected to a circulation pump 34 located behind the filter case 29. Has been. The circulation hose 7 and the drainage duct 28 constitute an example of a circulation path.

  Below the water tank 2, a water storage tank 21 for storing silver ion water is provided separately from the water tank for performing any of the washing process, the rinsing process, the dehydration process, and the drying process.

  The liquid that has flowed through the water storage discharge pipe 24 passes through the filter case 29, then flows through the circulation hose 7 and returns into the water tank 2.

  A drain valve 33 is attached to the end of the drain hose 30 near the filter case 29. The drain valve 33 is opened and closed by a drain motor 32.

  The rotation axis of the drum 3 is inclined so as to form an angle of 5 to 30 ° with respect to the horizontal direction. A drum opening 36 facing the outer box opening 12 and the water tank opening 25 is provided on the front surface of the drum 3. The drum opening 36 has a larger diameter than the water tank opening 25. A plurality of small holes 37 are provided in the entire peripheral wall of the drum 3. The small holes 37 are for circulating wash water, dry air, and the like between the space between the water tank 2 and the drum 3 and the space in the drum 3. Further, a baffle 38 that protrudes inward in the radial direction is provided on the inner wall surface of the drum 3. The baffles 38 are arranged at three locations in the circumferential direction, for example, at intervals of 120 °, and repeat the lifting and dropping of the laundry as the drum 3 rotates. Further, a liquid balancer 39 is provided to surround the drum opening 36 of the drum 3 from the outside, and an imbalance that is likely to occur due to bias of laundry, washing liquid, etc. when the drum 3 rotates is caused inside the liquid balancer 39. The movement is canceled by the movement of the sealed liquid. The small hole 37 is an example of a communication hole.

  The drying system 5 includes a fan unit 40 and a hot air unit 42. Although not shown, the drying system 5 also has a heat exchange plate for dehumidification.

  The dehumidifying heat exchange plate is disposed between the lower part of the water tank 2 and the lower part of the drum 3. The dehumidifying heat exchange plate is cooled with cooling water during operation of the drying system 5, that is, during a drying operation. The air containing moisture evaporated from the laundry is brought into contact with the cooled dehumidifying heat exchange plate to condense the moisture of the air, thereby dehumidifying the air.

  The fan unit 40 is attached to the lower part of the rear surface of the water tank 2. The fan unit 40 includes a fan case 43 into which the air dehumidified by the dehumidifying heat exchange plate is contained, a blower fan 44 accommodated in the fan case 43, and a fan motor that rotationally drives the blower fan 44. 45. The fan motor 45 is directly connected to the blower fan 44, and rotates the blower fan 44 by a direct drive structure.

  The warm air unit 42 includes a drying heater 47, a drying heater case 48 that accommodates most of the drying heater 47, and a blower case 49 that guides the air heated by the drying heater 47 into the drum 3. It consists of.

  The drying heater 47 is installed between the lower part of the water tank 2 and the lower part of the drum 3 so as to be located on the side of the heat exchange plate for dehumidification, and heats the blown air from the fan unit 40. That is, the air dehumidified by the heat exchange plate for dehumidification is sent to the drying heater 47 by the fan unit 40 and is heated by the drying heater 47.

  The air outlet (not shown) of the air blowing case 49 is located between the lower edge of the water tank opening 25 and the lower edge of the drum opening 36. As a result, the air guided by the blower case 49 is blown out from the blowout port into the drum 3.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the filter case 29, the water storage tank 21, and the periphery thereof as viewed from above.

  The filter case 29 is integrally provided with a circulation pump 34. The circulation pump 34 has a pump chamber 72 located behind the filter case 29 and a pump motor 73 that sends the liquid in the pump chamber 72 to the circulation hose 7. The space in the pump chamber 72 communicates with the space in the filter case 29 via the connection hose 63.

  A water discharge pipe 24 is connected to the water tank 21 in the horizontal direction. A water storage / discharge valve 51 is attached to an end of the water storage / discharge pipe 24 near the filter case 29. The water storage / discharge valve 51 is opened and closed by a water storage / discharge motor 52.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the filter case 29, the water storage tank 21, and the peripheral portion as viewed from the side. The connection hose 63 is shown in cross section.

  A maintenance cover 62 is rotatably attached to the front portion (portion on the front panel 14 side) of the filter case 29. The rotation axis of the maintenance cover 62 is substantially parallel to the horizontal direction, and the maintenance cover 62 rotates in the vertical direction around the lower portion of the filter case 29.

  The pump chamber 72 is provided with a suction port 74 and a discharge port 75. The suction port 74 is connected to the upper end portion of the connection hose 63. The discharge port 75 is connected to the lower end portion of the circulation hose 7. Has been.

  FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of the filter case 29, the water storage tank 21, and the periphery thereof as seen from the front. Note that the filter case 29 and a part of the periphery thereof are shown in cross section.

  The filter case 29 has a first inlet 64, a second inlet 50, a first outlet 65, and a second outlet 66. The first inlet 64 is connected to the lower end of the drain duct 28. The second inflow port 50 is connected to the downstream end of the water storage / discharge pipe 24 so that the liquid flowing out of the water storage tank 21 flows into the filter case 29 through the water storage / discharge pipe 24. . Further, the lower end portion of the connection hose 63 is connected to the first outlet 65 so that the liquid discharged from the first outlet 65 flows through the connection hose 63, the pump chamber 72 and the circulation hose 7 sequentially. (See FIG. 3). Further, one end of the drainage hose 30 is connected to the second outlet 66 so that the liquid discharged from the first outlet 65 flows out of the outer box 1 through the drainage hose 30. It has become.

  The filter case 29 accommodates a resin or metal lint filter 31 and a resin support frame 76 that removably supports the lint filter 31. The eyes of the support frame 76 are rougher than the eyes of the lint filter 31. The support frame 76 can be taken out from the filter case 29 together with the lint filter 31.

  According to the drum type washing / drying machine having the above configuration, the circulation pump 34 is operated while the drain valve 33 is closed during the washing process. Thereby, after the washing water between the water tank 2 and the drum 3 comes out of the water tank 2 from the water outlet 69 of the water tank 2 as shown by a solid line arrow in FIG. 1, the drain duct 28, the filter case 29, The circulation pump 34 and the circulation hose 7 flow sequentially. Then, wash water is ejected from the circulation nozzle 8 connected to the upper end of the circulation hose 7 into the drum 3. Thereby, since the said wash water falls on the laundry in the drum 4, even if there is little quantity of the wash water collected in the water tank 2, a washing | cleaning effect can be heightened.

  At this time, since the washing water between the water tank 2 and the drum 3 circulates through the filter case 29, foreign matters such as yarn waste mixed in the washing water are captured by the lint filter 31. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter from adhering to the laundry and improve the finished state of the laundry. In addition, since foreign matters can be removed from the washing water, it is possible to prevent foreign matters from accumulating at the drain outlet 69 of the water tank 2.

  Further, during the washing process, the outlet of the storage water selection valve 23 on the side of the water storage hose 24 is opened, and the ion elution unit 79 is energized. Thereby, as shown by a dotted arrow in FIG. 1, water is supplied from the water supply connection port 19, and silver ions are eluted into the water passing through the ion elution unit 79. The silver ion water is stored in the water storage tank 21 through the storage water selection valve 23 and the water storage pipe 24.

  Next, when water is supplied to the water tank 2 in the initial stage of the rinsing process, the water storage / discharge valve 51 is opened with the drain valve 33 kept closed, and the circulation pump 34 is operated. Thereby, as shown by solid line arrows in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the silver ion water in the water storage tank 21 sequentially flows through the water storage discharge pipe 24, the filter case 29, the circulation pump 34, and the circulation hose 7. Then, silver ion water is ejected from the circulation nozzle 8 connected to the upper end of the circulation hose 7 into the drum 3.

  At this time, the water supply speed can be the maximum speed determined by the performance of the circulation pump 34 regardless of the ion elution speed, so that the water supply time is shortened and, as a result, the time required for the rinsing process is shortened.

  Subsequently, the circulation pump 34 is operated in a state where the water storage / discharge valve 51 is closed and the drain valve 33 is closed. Thereby, as shown by a solid line arrow in FIG. 1, after the rinse water containing silver ions between the water tank 2 and the drum 3 comes out of the water tank 2 from the water outlet 69 of the water tank 2, the drain duct 28, The filter case 29, the circulation pump 34, and the circulation hose 7 sequentially flow. Then, washing water is ejected from the circulation nozzle 8 connected to the upper end of the circulation hose 7 into the drum 3. Thereby, since the rinse water containing the said silver ion falls on the laundry in the drum 4, even if there is little quantity of the wash water stored in the water tank 2, while being able to raise a rinse effect, enhancing an antibacterial effect. Can do.

  The concentration of silver ion water stored in the water storage tank 21 may be a minimum concentration necessary for the process to be used, or may be a higher concentration than necessary. When the concentration of silver ion water stored in the water storage tank 21 is higher than necessary, water supplied from the water supply connection port 19 through the detergent case 16 and the water supply duct 27 in addition to the above silver ion water. Can be simultaneously supplied to the water tank 2. By supplying water using two paths, the water supply speed by the other path is added to the water supply speed by one path, so that the water supply speed becomes faster than when water is supplied by each path alone. Therefore, the water supply time to the water tank 2 is further shortened.

  Further, in addition to the water supply of the silver ion water, water can be supplied into the water tank 2 from the water supply connection port 19 through the detergent charging case 16 and the water supply duct 27. The amount of water is small. Therefore, the capacity | capacitance of the water storage tank 21 can be made small and it can prevent that the whole washing machine enlarges.

  In addition, you may arrange | position the water storage tank 21 in the position higher than the water tank 2, as shown in FIG. When the water tank 21 is arranged at a position higher than the water tank 2, the metal ion water in the water tank 21 simply opens the water discharge valve 51 provided at the lower part of the water tank 21, and does not use a circulation pump. Since it can be supplied to the water tank 2, there is no consumption of power by the circulation pump, and there is no increase in the size of the apparatus due to the installation of the circulation pump. Moreover, cost can be reduced by not installing a circulation pump.

(2) Second Embodiment FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a drum type washer / dryer according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a filter case, a water storage tank, and the periphery of the drum type washer / dryer. FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the filter case, the water tank, and its peripheral part as viewed from the side, and FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the filter case, the water tank, and its peripheral part. It is the schematic which looked at from the front. 8 to 11, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the drum type washer / dryer of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, and detailed description thereof will be given. Omitted.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the drainage duct 28 is divided into two, first and second drainage ducts 28a and 28b, and the water tank 2 is the first drainage duct 28a. Is connected to the inflow port of the storage / drainage selection valve 53. A second drainage duct 28 b is connected to one outlet of the storage / drainage selection valve 53, and a drainage / outflow pipe 54 is connected to the other outlet of the storage / drainage selection valve 53. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the drainage outflow pipe 54 is connected to the water storage tank 21 in the horizontal direction. The storage / drainage selection valve 53 is configured to flow the wastewater flowing out from the drain port 69 of the water tank 2 to the drainage outflow pipe 54 (whether to store water in the water storage tank 21) or to flow to the second drainage duct 28b (whether to drain). This is a selection valve (three-way valve) that switches whether to stop water.

  According to the drum type washing / drying machine having the above-described configuration, at the time of the rinsing process, the rinsing is performed using silver ion water as in the first embodiment. Then, during or during the rinsing process, the storage / drainage selection valve 53 is switched to the storage water inflow pipe 54 side while the storage / drainage valve 51 remains closed. Accordingly, as shown by solid line arrows in FIGS. 9 to 11, after the rinse water containing silver ions between the water tank 2 and the drum 3 comes out of the water tank 2 from the drain port 69 of the water tank 2, 1 is stored in the water storage tank 21 through the drainage duct 28a and the storage / drainage selection valve 53.

  And at the time of a drying process implementation, the storage water discharge valve 51 is opened and the circulation pump 34 is operated. As a result, the silver ion water in the water storage tank 21 is supplied to the dehumidification heat exchange plate 55 through the water storage discharge pipe 50, the filter case 29, the circulation pump 34, and the circulation hose 7, and used as dehumidifying cooling water at the time of drying. Is done.

  The water used for rinsing the laundry contains organic substances such as dirt and detergents, so that bacteria can easily propagate and there are problems such as spoilage and odor generation. In the present invention, antibacterial metal ions are mixed in the stored water, so that the growth of bacteria is suppressed, the occurrence of rot and odor is suppressed, and clean water can be used.

  In the above embodiment, the ion elution unit has been described as a silver ion elution unit having a silver plate. However, the ion elution unit is not limited to this, and an antibacterial metal ion such as a copper ion elution unit having a copper plate is used. Any device provided with an electrode may be used.

  In the above embodiment, the drum-type washing and drying machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to all types of washing machines such as a fully automatic washing machine and a two-tank washing machine. In particular, the inventive idea embodied in the first embodiment, in which the metal ion water is stored in the water tank in advance in the washing process and the metal ion water in the water tank is supplied to the water tank in the rinse process, is a drying function. The present invention can be applied not only to a washing / drying machine having the above, but also to a washing machine having no drying function.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the ion elution unit is provided upstream of the storage water selection valve (the water supply path from the water supply connection port 19 to the storage water selection valve 23) has been described. Alternatively, an ion elution unit may be provided directly. With this configuration, after draining water from the water tank is stored in the water storage tank, metal ions can be eluted directly into the water storage at any time, so there is no need to supply new water from the water supply connection port. It becomes water saving. In addition, even when water is being supplied from the water supply connection port to the water tank, silver ion water can be created independently in the water tank. Therefore, it is not necessary to stop the production of silver ion water even during water supply to the water tank. Further, with this configuration, even when the concentration of metal ions in the stored water is small and the stored water cannot be sufficiently antimicrobial, metal ions can be added at an arbitrary timing to obtain sufficient antimicrobial properties.

These are schematic sectional drawings of the drum type washing-drying machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. These are the schematic views which looked at the filter case, water storage tank, and this peripheral part of the said drum type washing-drying machine from upper direction. These are the schematic which looked at the said filter case, the water storage tank, and this peripheral part from the side. These are the schematic views which looked at the above-mentioned filter case, water storage tank, and this peripheral part from the front. These are the schematic sectional drawings seen by cut | disconnecting along the flowing water direction of an ion elution unit. These are the schematic sectional drawings seen by cut | disconnecting in the direction orthogonal to the flowing water direction of an ion elution unit. These are the schematic sectional drawings of the drum type washing-drying machine of the other example of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. These are schematic sectional drawings of the drum type washing-drying machine of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. These are the schematic views which looked at the filter case, water storage tank, and this peripheral part of the said drum type washing-drying machine from upper direction. These are the schematic which looked at the said filter case, the water storage tank, and this peripheral part from the side. These are the schematic views which looked at the above-mentioned filter case, water storage tank, and this peripheral part from the front.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Outer box 2 Water tank 3 Drum 7 Circulation hose 19 Water supply connection port 21 Water tank 23 Storage water selection valve 28 Drain duct 28a 1st drain duct (2nd Embodiment)
28b Second drainage duct (second embodiment)
53 Storage drainage selection valve 29 Filter case 30 Drainage hose 34 Circulation pump 79 Ion elution unit 82 Silver plate (electrode)

Claims (6)

  In a washing machine including an ion elution unit that generates metal ions by applying a voltage between electrodes, and using water to which the metal ions are added (hereinafter referred to as “metal ion water”), a washing step, a rinse A water storage tank for storing the metal ion water is provided separately from the water tank for performing any one of the process, the dehydration process, and the drying process, and the metal ion water is stored in the water storage tank in advance before using the metal ion water. The washing machine is characterized in that in the step of using metal ion water, the metal ion water in the water storage tank is supplied to the water tank.   In addition to the path for supplying water to the aquarium, a path for storing water is provided, both of which can be switched by a storage water selection valve, and water from the water supply connection port is supplied to the water tank by the storage water selection valve. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein it is possible to select whether to store water in the water tank.   The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the ion elution unit is provided upstream of the storage water selection valve.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water storage tank is arranged above the water tank.   A drainage path for draining water out of the washing machine from the water tank, a water storage path for storing water from the water tank to the water tank, and a storage / drainage selection valve capable of selectively switching both paths, The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein it is possible to select whether the waste water from the water tank is drained out of the washing machine or stored in the water tank by a storage / drainage selection valve.   The concentration of metal ion water stored in the water tank is higher than the concentration of metal ions required in the step of using metal ion water. Washing machine.

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