JP2010051513A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To always keep a clean state by treating a washing tub and an outer tub by a relatively inexpensive technique. <P>SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: the washing tub 10 for storing the laundry; the outer tub 9 rotatably housing the washing tub inside; a water feeding means for feeding washing water to the outer tub; and an electrostatic mist generating device 36 for feeding electrostatic mist generating particles to the laundry. The washing process includes a step of washing the laundry with washing water and a detergent, a step of rinsing the laundry with washing water, a step of dewatering the laundry, and an after-care step of feeding electrostatic mist generating particles to the washing tub and the outer tub. By executing these steps one after another, the washing tub 10 and the outer tub 9 are protected from propagation of germs and mold, and can be retained always in the clean state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine that enables sterilization and mold prevention by supplying electrostatic atomization generating particles to a washing tub and an outer tub.

  For a long time, washing machines have always kept a lot of moisture, so they have been feared as a place where bacteria and mold are likely to be generated.

  Thus, several methods have been proposed for washing machines to disinfect and prevent mold from washing tubs. In general, the inside of the washing tub is sufficiently dried by using a heater. However, it is not known when the user should dry the washing tub, and depending on the frequency of use, it costs a lot of electricity. Even if it is known that the method of drying the washing tub with a heater is good as a sterilization and antifungal measure, it may not be used by the user.

  As another means, antibacterial components may be added to the resin parts or metal parts used in the washing tub for sterilization and mold prevention. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that the surface of a washing tub is coated with a resin film in which an organic microbial growth inhibitory substance is blended.

As another means, a method of disinfecting and supplying an antifungal component into the washing tub during washing has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 2 is intended to perform sterilization and antibacterial of clothes by supplying Ag ions at the time of rinsing, as well as sterilization and mold prevention for washing tubs.
JP-A-8-252392 JP 2001-276484 A

  However, in Patent Document 1 having the above-described conventional configuration, when washing debris or the like adheres to the surface of the washing tub and fungi and mold propagate from that point, an antibacterial component is added to such a component. However, it has been confirmed that it is not very effective.

  Further, in Patent Document 2 having a conventional configuration, if an attempt is made to supply Ag ions necessary for mold prevention, there is a risk of adverse effects on clothing, and the cost of generating Ag ions cannot be ignored. Therefore, there is a demand for more economically cheap means.

  This invention solves the said subject, and it aims at maintaining a clean state always by processing a washing tub and an outer tub with a comparatively economical method.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the washing machine of the present invention has a function of enabling sterilization and mold prevention by supplying electrostatic atomization generating particles to the washing tub and the outer tub. It is.

  Thereby, the negative ion mist is supplied from the electrostatic atomization generating means to the washing tub and the outer tub, so that the washing tub and the outer tub can be protected from the growth of fungi and can always be kept clean.

  The washing machine of the present invention can protect the washing tub and the outer tub from the growth of fungi by supplying electrostatic atomization generating particles to the washing tub and the outer tub, and can always keep it clean.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing tub for storing laundry, an outer tub in which the washing tub is rotatably installed, water supply means for supplying washing water to the outer tub, and electrostatic atomization in the laundry. There is an electrostatic atomization generating means for supplying particles, and the washing process includes a washing process for washing the laundry with washing water and a detergent, a rinsing process with the washing water, and a dehydration of the washing water from the laundry. The negative ion mist from the electrostatic atomization generating means to the washing tub and the outer tub is configured by sequentially performing a dehydration process and an aftercare process for supplying electrostatic mist generation particles to the washing tub and the outer tub. As a result, the washing tub and the outer tub can be protected from the growth of fungi and can always be kept clean.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the aftercare process for supplying electrostatic atomization generating particles to the washing tub and the outer tub of the first aspect is performed after the laundry is taken out of the washing machine, thereby The energy required for rotation can be reduced, and the negative ion mist from the electrostatic atomization generating means can be distributed evenly throughout the washing tub and the outer tub.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the aftercare process for supplying electrostatic atomization generating particles to the washing tub and the outer tub of the first or second invention occurs in a path portion that communicates with the outer tub while rotating the washing tub. By supplying the generated electrostatic atomization particles to the washing tub and the outer tub by blowing with a blower, it is sufficient to suppress the loss of the generated electrostatic atomization particles, while sufficient from the electrostatic atomization generation means. The amount of negative ion mist can be evenly distributed throughout the washing tub and the outer tub.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the aftercare process for supplying electrostatic atomization particles to the washing tub and the outer tub of any one of the first to third aspects, the temperature in the vicinity of the washing tub or the outer tub is 5 ° C. By controlling so as not to be carried out below or at 40 ° C. or higher, waste of electric power can be reduced by omitting the aftercare process when recognizing an environment in which fungi and fungi are difficult to grow.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the electrostatic atomization generating particles according to any one of the first to fourth aspects are generated by being introduced into the inside of the washing tub from the bottom surface of the rotatable washing tub. A sufficient amount of negative ion mist from the electrostatic atomization generating means can be evenly distributed throughout the washing tub and the outer tub while suppressing the loss of the atomized particles.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the aftercare process of supplying electrostatic atomization generating particles to the washing tub and the outer tub of any one of the first to fifth aspects, the rotation speed of the washing tub and the strength of the blower are By being comprised by this combination, the pressure loss which a fan receives is controlled, and sufficient amount of negative ion mist can be spread evenly between a washing tub and an outer tub.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the electrostatic atomization generating means according to any one of the first to sixth aspects includes a discharge electrode, a voltage applying means for applying a high voltage to the discharge electrode, and water in the discharge electrode. By comprising water supply means for supplying, nanometer-sized negative ion mist can be stably generated.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the water supply means for supplying water to the discharge electrode according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the invention cools the discharge electrode to condense moisture in the air to condense water on the discharge electrode. By providing a Peltier element that generates water, it is possible to supply water to the discharge electrode without using a water tank to supply water to the discharge electrode, using the humidity present in the air without maintenance. It becomes.

  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 schematic configuration diagram from the lateral direction of an electrostatic atomization generating apparatus serving as an electrostatic atomization generating means in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electrostatic atomization generator includes a discharge electrode 1, a counter electrode 2 disposed opposite to the discharge electrode 1, a water supply means 3 for supplying water to the discharge electrode 1, and a discharge electrode 1. Voltage application means 4 for applying a high voltage between the electrode 2 and water supplied to the discharge electrode 1 by applying a high voltage between the discharge electrode 1 and the counter electrode 2 by the voltage application means 4. Is electrostatic atomized. Here, a negative voltage of 5.5 kV was applied to cause electrostatic atomization, and feedback control was performed so that the discharge current value at that time was 6 μA.

  In the electrostatic atomization, when the high voltage is applied, the discharge electrode 1 side becomes a negative electrode, and charges are concentrated. This is done by repeating Rayleigh splitting in which water is split and scattered in such a way that the charge concentrates at the tip and becomes high density and is repelled by the repulsive force of this high density charge. At this time, the formation of the Taylor cone is influenced by the wettability of the surface of the discharge electrode 1, and if the wettability is small, the predetermined Taylor cone is not formed and the amount of electrostatic atomization cannot be secured. It is necessary to ensure a predetermined wettability of the surface of 1.

  The water supply means 3 is provided with a cooling means comprising a Peltier element 5, and the discharge electrode 1 is cooled by this cooling means to cause moisture (humidity) in the air to condense on the surface of the tip portion of the discharge electrode 1. That is to supply water. Here, the amount of water required for electrostatic atomization is about 0.5 ml / h. The end of the Peltier element 5 on the discharge electrode 1 side is a cooling portion 5a, and the opposite end is a heat dissipation portion 5b. The cooling portion 5a is thermally connected to the discharge electrode 1, and the heat dissipation portion. 5 b is thermally connected to the radiation fin 6.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the washing / drying machine in which the electrostatic atomization generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed, and FIG. 3 is an electrostatic fog according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a rear view of the washing-drying machine in which the chemical generator was installed.

  In FIG. 2, a cylindrical outer tub 9 elastically supported by a plurality of suspensions 8 is provided inside the main body 7, and vibrations during washing and dehydration are absorbed by the suspensions 8. A cylindrical inner tub (washing tub) 10 for storing clothes is rotatably provided inside the outer tub 9 and is rotationally driven by a drive motor 11 as a driving means. The outer tub 9 becomes a clothes laundry room in the washing process, and becomes a clothes drying room in the drying process.

  On the front surface of the main body 7, there are provided an opening 7a for putting clothes in and out and a door 12 for opening and closing the opening 7a. The door 12 is made of transparent glass so that the clothes inside the washing tub can be observed. A similar opening is provided on the front side of the outer tub 9 and the inner tub 10, and the opening of the outer tub 9 is water-tightly connected to the opening 7a of the main body 7 by a bellows. The bottom of the outer tub 9 has a drain port 13 for discharging washing water, and is connected to a drain valve 14 for opening and closing the drain path. During washing, the drain valve 14 is closed and a predetermined amount of washing water can be stored in the outer tub 9. A blower 15 as a blowing means is provided in an upper part of the main body 7.

The blower 15 sucks the drying air that has passed through the inner tub 10 and the outer tub 9 from the outer tub outlet 16 provided above the outer tub 9, and the upstream circulation air passage 17 provided on the back surface of the outer tub 9. The air is blown inside and led out from the upstream circulating air passage inlet 18 to the upstream circulating air passage outlet 19 as indicated by an arrow a.
Further, a downstream circulation air passage 20 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tub 9, and drying air that has entered from the downstream circulation air passage inlet 21 is blown in the direction of the arrow b, and the outer tub 9 and the inner tub are blown from the outlet 22. Supply into the tank 10.

  In the lower part of the back surface of the outer tub 9, the compressor 23 and a radiator 24 that radiates heat of the compressed refrigerant and a decompression means (not shown) for decompressing the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant are decompressed to a low pressure. The heat pump device 26 connected by a pipe line is arranged so that the refrigerant circulates through the heat absorber 25 from which the refrigerant takes heat from the surroundings, and the empty space in the main body 7 is used effectively. The heat exchange air passage 27 is for flowing the air blown by the blower 15 from the heat absorber 25 to the heat radiator 24 in the direction of arrow c, and the compressor 23 is placed in the left-right direction of the main body 7. 27 are arranged side by side. The inlet side of the heat exchange air passage 27 communicates with the upstream circulating air passage outlet 19, and the outlet side communicates with the downstream circulating air passage inlet 21.

  An exhaust port 28 for exhausting the air flowing therethrough to the outside of the main body 7 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 7 in the upstream circulation air passage 17 from the outer tank 9 to the heat absorber 25. The exhaust port 28 is provided with an openable / closable louver 29 so that whether or not to exhaust air from the exhaust port 28 can be selected and the exhaust direction can be adjusted.

  Further, an intake port 30 for intake of outside air is provided downstream of the exhaust port 28 of the upstream circulation air passage 17. The intake port 30 is located between the exhaust port 28 and the blower 15, and an intake valve 31 including an open / close valve such as an electromagnetic valve constitutes an opening / closing means for the intake port 30 to select whether to perform intake. Can do.

  The downstream circulation air passage inlet 21 and the heat exchange air passage outlet 27a communicate with each other via an air supply hose 32 made of a bellows-like stretchable flexible material, and the outer tank outlet 16 and the upstream circulation air passage inlet. Similarly, 18 communicates via an exhaust hose 33 made of a bellows-like stretchable flexible material to prevent the vibration of the outer tub 9 from being transmitted to the heat pump device 26. In addition, a drain water container 34 for storing dehumidified water from the heat absorber 25 is provided below the heat exchange air passage 27, and the water stored in the drain water container 34 is discharged from the drain pump 35 to the outside of the machine body. The

  The heat pump device 26 includes a compressor 23, a radiator 24 that dissipates heat of the compressed refrigerant, a decompression unit that includes a throttle valve, a capillary tube, and the like for decompressing the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant, The refrigerant is connected to the heat absorber 25 that takes heat from the surroundings through a pipe line so that the refrigerant circulates to realize a heat pump cycle.

  The electrostatic atomization generator 36 is disposed above the downstream circulation air passage 20. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional configuration diagram of a main part related to the electrostatic atomization generator 36 and the air passage in the first embodiment of the present invention. The electrostatic atomization generator 36 is provided with a bypass air passage 37 provided in the downstream circulation air passage 20, and the wind from the bypass air passage inlet 37 a is electrostatically generated using the circulation air generated by the blower 19. When passing through the atomization generator 36 and returning to the downstream circulation air passage 20 via the bypass air passage outlet 37b, the electrostatic atomization particles are caused to accompany the inside of the outer tank 9 and the inner tank 10 from the outlet 22 Can be supplied to. A filter (not shown) is disposed at the outlet 22 in order to prevent clothing from entering the downstream circulating air passage 20 side.

  About the washing machine comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below. First, when starting the washing process, the laundry is put into the inner tub 10. In addition, an amount of detergent necessary for the cleaning process is prepared in advance. The above operation is performed as a preparation operation for the user to start washing, and the washing machine is switched on.

When the washing machine is operated, the water supply valve is opened, and a predetermined amount of washing water is supplied into the outer tub 9 and a detergent is also introduced. The inner tub 10 is operated in the forward and reverse directions by the operation of the drive motor 11, and the laundry is washed while applying some mechanical force to the laundry. When the cleaning process is finished, the drain valve is opened to drain the cleaning liquid. After that, a simple dehydration process for rotating the inner tub 10 at a high speed and a rinsing process for rinsing the detergent adhering to the laundry by supplying tap water again, and the rinsing process is usually performed twice. There are many. In that case, after the first rinsing step, the rinsing water is drained, and then a simple dehydration step for rotating the inner tub 10 at a high speed, and a second rinsing step for rinsing the laundry sufficiently by supplying tap water again. After that, the final dehydration process is executed to inform the user of the end sign of the normal washing process.

  In this embodiment, after confirming that the user has taken out the laundry from the washing machine, in this embodiment, the inner tub 10 and the outer tub 9 are electrostatically atomized particles while rotating the inner tub 10 as an aftercare process. For a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 30 minutes). At that time, if the temperature sensor (not shown) provided in the washing machine detects that the temperature near the inner tub or the outer tub is 5 ° C. or lower or 40 ° C. or higher, it is determined that the aftercare process is unnecessary. Even if an aftercare process is set, it will be omitted. That is, when the temperature is 5 ° C. or lower or 40 ° C. or higher, there is a low possibility that bacteria and molds propagate.

  In the aftercare process, the inner tank 10 is rotated at a high speed, the blower 15 is blown at a rated capacity to supply electrostatic atomization generated particles, and the inner tank 10 is rotated at a low speed while the blower 15 is approximately rotated. Aftercare B course that blows at 1/3 rated capacity and supplies electrostatic atomization generated particles, and blows the blower 15 at rated capacity and supplies electrostatic atomization generated particles while rotating the inner tank 10 at low speed In combination with the aftercare C course. By this aftercare process, the electrostatic atomization generated particles can be spread throughout the inner tank 10, the outer tank 9 and the circulation air path. In particular, a filter (not shown) disposed at the outlet 22 by supplying electrostatic atomization particles from the bottom surface of the inner tank 10 while rotating the inner tank 10 causes a pressure loss of the blower 15, and the inner tank A sufficient electrostatic atomization generating particle is supplied also to a labyrinth seal portion (not shown) that shields the air path between the outer tub 10 and the outer tub 9 and to a space formed by the inner tub 10 and the outer tub 9. It becomes possible. Numerous hydroxyl radicals are present in the negative ion mist from the electrostatic atomization generating particles, and thus sterilization and mold spore growth can be suppressed. Since the negative ion mist is very fine particles having a center diameter of about 5 nm, it has high diffusibility and a long residence time. The radical trap concentration was about 300 μmol / L.

  The aftercare process is an option selection function, but once selected by the user, it is performed every time after cleaning, rinsing, and dehydration are completed unless the setting is canceled. However, when the drying function is selected after washing, the temperature in the tank reaches 40 ° C. or higher, so that it is not necessary to carry out the aftercare process. As a result, the inside of the first clean laundry tub is sterilized for a long period of time, and the mycelium does not germinate even if mold spores are present, so that no unpleasant odor is generated.

  The actual effect was verified using a mold sensor on a new washing machine. The mold sensor is a film that penetrates oxygen and moisture, wraps mold-containing spores (Eurotium, Alternaria), and is installed at three locations on the outer wall of the washing tub. Three locations were installed. The washing conditions were an environmental laboratory at 25 ° C. and a relative humidity of 65%, and the laundry was carried out once a day for 1 month using 7 kg of practical clothing. Moreover, 20 degreeC bath simulated water was used in the washing | cleaning process and 1st rinse 1 process as a wash water, and 20 degreeC tap water was used in the 2nd rinse process. Here, the simulated bath water is water assuming that four adults have bathed in 180 L of bath water. Of 30 minutes aftercare process, after washing C course as washing tank 80 rpm, blower 2700 rpm for 5 minutes, aftercare A course as washing tank 500 rpm, blower 2700 rpm for 15 minutes, aftercare B course as washing tank 80 rpm, blower 600 rpm The composition was for 10 minutes.

  As a result, the mold sensor maintained the initial spore state, and almost no hyphal growth was confirmed.

  In addition, as a comparative example for the present embodiment, compared to the case where the above-mentioned aftercare process is used, without using the aftercare process, 7 kg of practical clothing is used in an environmental laboratory at 25 ° C. and a relative humidity of 65%. Washing once a day was continued. Moreover, 20 degreeC bath simulated water was used in the washing | cleaning process and the 1st rinse process, and 20 degreeC tap water was used in the 2nd rinse process as washing water. In the same manner as in the first embodiment, three types of mold sensors were installed on the outer wall of the washing tub and three on the airway shield between the inner tub and the outer tub in the new washing machine. As a result, the mycelium grew greatly from the mold sensor after one week, and after one month, red yeast (Rodotorula) was also propagated in the airway shielding part between the inner tank and the outer tank.

  Therefore, the inside of the washing machine is a suitable environment for the propagation of fungi and mold, but the aftercare process as in this embodiment is continuously performed every day to prevent the inside of the washing tub from being propagated by fungi and mold. I was able to.

  In the present embodiment, the aftercare process for supplying the electrostatic atomization generating particles after the laundry is taken out from the washing tub is performed, but the present invention is not limited to this. Even if the aftercare process is performed in a state where the laundry is present inside the washing tub, it is effective to keep the inside of the washing tub clean compared to the case where the aftercare process is not performed. However, since electrostatic atomization generation | occurrence | production particles are collected by the laundry, it was necessary to perform an aftercare process for 1 hour or more. Furthermore, if there is wet laundry, the load for rotating the washing tub is also large, so that the amount of power consumption is increased, and this is not economical.

  In this Embodiment, since it demonstrated with the washing machine which has a drying function, although the air blower used at the time of drying was used for electrostatic atomization generation | occurrence | production particles, it is not necessarily limited to this. A dedicated fan for electrostatic atomization generating particles may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the electrostatic atomization generating particles are introduced into the inside of the washing tub from the bottom surface of the rotatable washing tub, but are not limited thereto. It is also possible to introduce electrostatic atomization generating particles from the upper front direction of the washing tub. However, by introducing electrostatic atomization particles from the bottom of the rotatable washing tub to the inside of the washing tub, it is the easiest way for fungi and mold to propagate inside the washing tub. The labyrinth seal part that was performing was able to be cleaned for a long time.

  In this embodiment, the aftercare process has a structure of 5 minutes aftercare C course, 15 minutes aftercare A course, and 10 minutes aftercare B course, but is not limited thereto. Consists of a labyrinth seal and an inner tub and an outer tub that shield the air path between the inner tub and the outer tub by making good use of the pressure loss of the filter disposed at the outlet 22 that is generated when the washing tub rotates. What is necessary is just to optimize so that sufficient electrostatic atomization generation | occurrence | production particle | grains can be supplied to the space part made. For that purpose, the combination of the strength of the rotation speed of the washing tub and the strength of the blower is important.

  In the present embodiment, the electrostatic atomization generating means is provided with a Peltier unit that generates condensed water, but is not limited thereto. Since the amount of water used by the electrostatic atomization generating means is about 0.5 ml / h, several times may be supplied by the water tank. It is also possible to intentionally create a water reservoir using the water supply path during washing and supply water to the discharge electrode from the water reservoir.

As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention protects the washing tub and the outer tub from the growth of fungi by supplying the electrostatic atomization generating particles to the washing tub and the outer tub, and always keeps it clean. Therefore, it can be applied to water facilities equipment that requires sterilization and mold prevention.

Schematic view from the lateral direction of an electrostatic atomization generator serving as an electrostatic atomization generator in the first embodiment of the present invention. Sectional drawing of the washing-drying machine in which the electrostatic atomization generator in the 1st Embodiment of this invention was installed The rear view of the washing-drying machine in which the electrostatic atomization generator in the 1st Embodiment of this invention was installed Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of main parts related to an electrostatic atomization generator and an air passage in a first embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Discharge electrode 2 Counter electrode 3 Water supply means 4 Voltage application means 5 Peltier element 6 Radiation fin 9 Outer tub 10 Inner tub (washing tub)
11 Drive motor (rotating means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Blower 20 Downstream air circulation path 36 Electrostatic atomization generator 37 Bypass air path

Claims (8)

A washing tub for storing the laundry; an outer tub in which the washing tub is rotatably mounted; a water supply means for supplying washing water to the outer tub; and an electrostatic for supplying electrostatic atomization generating particles to the laundry. A spraying means is provided, and the washing process includes a washing process of washing the laundry with washing water and a detergent, a rinsing process of the laundry with washing water, a dehydration process of dehydrating the washing water from the laundry, and a washing tub And a aftercare process for supplying electrostatic atomization generating particles to the outer tub sequentially. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the aftercare process of supplying the electrostatic atomization generating particles to the washing tub and the outer tub is performed after the laundry is taken out of the washing machine. The aftercare process of supplying electrostatic atomization generating particles to the washing tub and the outer tub is to blow the electrostatic atomization generation particles generated in the path portion communicating with the outer tub with a blower while rotating the washing tub. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the washing machine is supplied to the washing tub and the outer tub. The aftercare process for supplying electrostatic atomization generating particles to the washing tub and the outer tub is controlled so as not to be performed when the temperature near the washing tub or near the outer tub is 5 ° C. or lower or 40 ° C. or higher. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electrostatic atomization generating particles are introduced into the inside of the washing tub from a bottom surface of the rotatable washing tub. The aftercare process of supplying electrostatic atomization generating particles to a washing tub and an outer tub is configured by a combination of the strength of the rotation speed of the washing tub and the strength of the rotation speed of the blower. The washing machine according to any one of 5. The electrostatic atomization generating means is composed of a discharge electrode, a voltage application means for applying a high voltage to the discharge electrode, and a water supply means for supplying water to the discharge electrode. The washing machine according to any one of 6. 8. The water supply means for supplying water to the discharge electrode includes a Peltier element that cools the discharge electrode to condense moisture in the air and generates condensed water on the discharge electrode. A washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims.