JP2010088859A - Washing and drying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To sterilize and deodorize an object without heating it or wetting it with water. <P>SOLUTION: By configuring an electrostatic atomization means 83 for supplying electrostatic atomization particles into an outer tub inside an air delivery and circulation path 5, the object and the inside of the tub are protected from propagation of bacteria and mold, and a clean state is maintained at all times. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing and drying machine capable of disinfecting clothes, small items, etc., deodorizing and suppressing mold growth in the tank by supplying electrostatic atomization generating particles to the washing tank and the outer tank. .

  In recent years, hygiene in living spaces has attracted attention, and many hygiene-friendly products that achieve sterilization, deodorization, and the like have been distributed in the market. As for laundry products, laundry dryers having a function of sterilizing and deodorizing clothes, fabric products, leather products, toys and accessories are on the market. In general, a dedicated course is set in which an object is put into a washing tub and a tens of minutes of operation is performed. Specific sterilization / deodorization means are various, for example, heating in the tank, utilization of ozone, use of chemicals, etc., but the basic is realized by applying heat.

  Further, in the sense of hygiene of the washing machine itself, it has been feared for a long time that the inside of the washing machine tank is a place where bacteria and mold are likely to occur. This is because the washing machine always retains a lot of moisture due to residual water, etc., and when people keep their clothes in the washing tub until the washing machine is driven, miscellaneous bacteria on the clothes enter the tub etc. by. Furthermore, the appearance of the washing and drying machine has increased the secrecy of the tank, and the heat retention and moisture retention has increased.

  Therefore, several methods have been proposed for washing machines to prevent germs and mold in the washing tub. For example, there is a method of sufficiently drying the inside of the washing tub using a heating means such as a heater. However, if the user dries the washing tub at what timing and frequency, it is impossible to determine whether it is possible to effectively prevent germs and fungi, and a situation occurs in which nervous drying is frequently performed. If the frequency of use becomes high in this way, a lot of time and electricity costs are involved, and on the contrary, the energy saving efficiency is lowered. Therefore, even if it is known that the method of drying the washing tub is a good countermeasure against bacteria and mold, it is not often used by users.

  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, since the conventional sterilization / deodorization function achieves this by applying heat, the target items are limited due to consideration of heat stress. In this case, as many items as the normal drying function cannot be used, and it is complicated and difficult for the user to determine this. Moreover, since heat must be applied for a long time, a lot of electricity costs are involved. In addition, in deodorizing means for making water mist and acting on clothes, stress on the material due to wetting with water can be considered.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problem, and does not apply heat or wet water to an item to be sterilized / deodorized, and exposes the object to the object by placing electrostatic atomization generation particles on the wind. It achieves sterilization and deodorization. As a result, the width of the target item is widened, and the running cost is reduced only by discharging and blowing, so that the electricity bill is greatly reduced.

  In addition, regarding the hygiene of the washing machine, 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 bacteria and molds propagate from there, the surface of the debris or the like Since fungi, molds and the like are propagated, it has been confirmed that the antibacterial components of the component parts do not come into contact with the fungi, molds and the like and cannot exert the antibacterial effect and are not very effective even when added.

  Furthermore, as in Patent Document 2 having a conventional configuration, if an attempt is made to supply Ag ions necessary for fungicide to such an extent that the antibacterial effect is exerted, there is a concern about the adverse effect on the washing effect itself such as darkening of clothes, The cost for generating Ag ions cannot be ignored. Therefore, there is a demand for more economically cheap means.

  This invention solves the said subject and implement | achieves mold growth suppression by carrying out electrostatic atomization generation | occurrence | production particle | grains on a wind and exposing to a washing tub and an outer tub. By treating the washing tub and the outer tub by a relatively economical and inexpensive method without applying stress to clothes and the case, it is possible to always maintain a clean state.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the washing and drying machine of the present invention disinfects clothes, small items, and the like stored in the washing tub by exposing electrostatic atomization particles to the washing tub and the outer tub. -It has a function that makes it possible to deodorize and suppress the growth of molds generated in the washing tub and the outer tub. This electrostatic atomization generating particle is a fine mass of water molecules charged with electricity and contains radicals having a high oxidative decomposition action. By supplying the electrostatic atomization generating particle by electrostatic atomization generating means, It is possible to achieve sterilization, deodorization and suppression of mold growth without using heat as in the past.

  In the washing and drying machine of the present invention, the electrostatic atomization generating particles supplied from the electrostatic atomization generating means are efficiently exposed to the washing tub and the outer tub through an optimized air passage with little loss. The item to be treated and the washing machine itself can be protected from the growth of fungi and mold, and can always be kept clean. In addition, unlike conventional means for sterilization, deodorization, and mold suppression, low running cost by not using heat and item-free by not applying load to the object can be realized.

  According to the first invention, a washing tub for storing laundry, an outer tub in which the washing tub is rotatably mounted, a housing for elastically supporting the outer tub, and supplying washing water to the outer tub A water supply means, a heating means for heating the air in the outer tub, a blower path that allows the air in the outer tub to be circulated via the heating means, and the air in the blower path is pumped and circulated Blower means and electrostatic atomization generator means for supplying electrostatic atomization generating particles into the outer tub are provided, and the electrostatic atomization generator means is configured in the blow path. As a result, electrostatic atomization generation particles can be supplied to the washing tub and the outer tub using the in-machine air circulation path used at the time of drying, and the item to be processed and the washing machine itself are protected from the growth of bacteria and mold. Can always be kept clean.

  According to the second invention, in addition to the first invention, the electrostatic atomization generating means is integrally formed on the pressure air discharge side of the air blowing means. As a result, it is not necessary to newly provide the electrostatic atomization generating means in the circulation ventilation path, and the system becomes simpler and less expensive, and further improves the assembly and reduces the number of man-hours. As functions, atomization and air blowing are effective for the first time, and it is desirable to unitize them in consideration of lateral development of functions.

According to the third invention, the electrostatic atomization generating means is configured on the housing side. Thereby, durability reliability can be improved by not attaching the electrostatic atomization generator which is a precise key device to the outer tank which is the movable side which vibrates at the time of dehydration.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the air blowing path has a bypass path that branches or merges in two directions, and the electrostatic atomization generating means is disposed in the bypass path. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the wind noise and the fall of a circulating air volume which are feared by the structure which made the electrostatic atomization generator protrude directly in the ventilation path | route can be avoided. In addition, by optimizing the branching ratio with the bypass path, it is possible to structurally adjust the optimum air volume and wind speed for placing the electrostatic atomization particles on the circulating air.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the air guide plate is configured in parallel with the flow direction of the circulating air on the main flow side of the joining portion of the bypass path. When there is no air guide plate, the main flow side air flow is disturbed at the part where the path once branched by the bypass path joins again, the overall circulation flow rate decreases and the noise worsens, and the branch side A large amount of electrostatic atomization particles are lost due to the air rotating in a spiral. However, this can be prevented by configuring the wind guide plate on the main flow side of the junction part in parallel with the flow direction of the circulating air.

  According to the sixth invention, the electrostatic atomization generating means comprises a discharge electrode, a voltage applying means for applying a high voltage to the discharge electrode, and a water supply means for supplying water to the discharge electrode, This water supply means flows in the bypass path when it comprises a Peltier element that cools the discharge electrode and condenses moisture in the air to generate condensed water on the discharge electrode, and a radiating fin for releasing the absorbed heat. Air is brought into contact with the heat dissipating fins and used for heat dissipation. In the case of a Peltier-type atomizing discharge unit, the necessary heat radiation amount during atomizing discharge is determined, and therefore the minimum required wind speed is determined by determining the heat-dissipating fins. Therefore, air that circulates in the air flow path is used for this heat dissipation, and heat radiation fins are enclosed in the bypass path and the two-way branching ratio of the air flow path is adjusted, thereby reducing the minimum required wind speed for heat dissipation fins during atomization discharge operation. It can be secured.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dedicated course for supplying the electrostatic atomization-generating particles into the outer tub and exposing the surface of the clothes tub and accessories stored in the washing tub or the surface of the washing tub and the outer tub. This is what the laundry dryer has. As described above, since the electrostatic atomization-generating particles have a strong oxidative decomposition ability, the electrostatic atomization-generating particles can be generated by the electrostatic atomization generation means without using heat as in the prior art. By simply supplying it, it is possible to achieve sterilization, deodorization and suppression of mold growth. In addition, by setting it as a dedicated course, the user can easily select the optimal operation according to the purpose, and usability is improved.

  According to the eighth invention of the present application, the dedicated course operates the electrostatic atomization generating means together with circulating air pressure feeding by the blowing means. As mentioned above, atomization and ventilation are effective for the first time as a function, and electrostatic atomization generated particles can be efficiently made into an object by circulating air pressure optimized for the blowing means even in a dedicated course. Exposure is essential.

  The washing / drying machine according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings for understanding of the present invention. The following description is a specific example of the present invention and does not limit the content of the claims.

(Embodiment 1)
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the washing / drying machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the washing tub 2 is inclined horizontally downward or inclined downward from the horizontal direction toward the rear. In addition to washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes, the air in the outer tub 3 is sucked through the circulation air flow path 5 by the air blow unit 15 and passed through the evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 to be dehumidified and heated. The drying process of drying the laundry by repeatedly blowing air into the rear outer tub 3 is performed. For this drying process, it is mounted as an air-conditioning blower unit 81 in which an air conditioner 39 and a blower unit 15 that house an evaporator 31 and a condenser 32 that are integrally formed and a compressor 37 that circulates refrigerant in them are connected to the blower unit 15. And it is connected in the middle of the circulation ventilation path 5.

  Corresponding to the horizontal arrangement of the washing tub 2 or the inclination shown in the figure, a clothing doorway leading to the opening end of the washing tub 2 is formed on the front side of the outer tub 3, and the upward direction formed on the front side of the washing dryer main body 44 Laundry can be taken in and out of the laundry tub 2 by opening the door 9 that can open and close the opening 11 provided on the inclined surface. Since the door is provided on the upward inclined surface, the work for putting in and out the laundry can be performed without bending the waist.

  In the washing tub 2, a large number of through holes 8 communicating with the outer tub 3 are formed on the peripheral surface, and stirring protrusions (not shown) are provided at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface. The washing tub 2 is rotationally driven in the forward and reverse directions by a motor 7 attached to the rear side of the outer tub 3. In addition, a water injection pipe (water supply means, not shown) and a drain pipe are connected to the outer tub 3 by piping, and the water supply valve (water supply means, not shown) and the drain valve are controlled to enter the outer tub 3. Water is poured and drained.

  The operation of the washing process will be described in order. Open the door, put laundry and detergent into the washing tub 2, and operate through the control board etc. provided inside the laundry dryer 1, for example, on the operation panel provided on the front upper part Is started, a predetermined amount of water is injected into the outer tub 3 from the water injection pipe, and the washing tub 2 is rotationally driven by the motor 7 to start the washing process. By the rotation of the washing tub 2, the laundry stored in the washing tub 2 is lifted in the rotation direction by the stirring protrusion provided on the inner peripheral wall of the washing tub 2, and the stirring operation is performed to drop from the lifted appropriate height position Is repeated, so that the laundry has the effect of tapping and washing. After the required washing time, the dirty washing liquid is discharged from the drain pipe, and the washing liquid contained in the laundry is squeezed out by a dehydrating operation that rotates the washing tub 2 at a high speed, and then the water injection pipe in the outer tub 3. Rinsing is performed by pouring water from the road. Also in this rinsing step, the laundry stored in the washing tub 2 is repeatedly rinsed by the stirring operation of being lifted and dropped by the stirring protrusions by the rotation of the washing tub 2. When the rinsing process is finished, the water is drained and the laundry is drained by a dehydrating operation of rotating the washing tub 2 at a high speed to finish the washing.

  Next, operation | movement of a drying process is demonstrated in order. Open the door, put the laundry into the washing tub 2, and start the operation through the control by the control board etc. provided on the inside of the washing / drying machine 1, for example, on the operation panel provided at the upper front. Then, the air in the outer tub 3 is sucked through the circulation air passage 5 by the blower unit 15 and is passed through the filter box 5d to the evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 to be dehumidified and heated to circulate in the outer tub 3. Blow. While repeating this circulation, the moisture contained in the clothing is removed and the laundry is dried. In the drying step, the rotation mode and the stationary mode of the washing tub 2 can be selected according to the object to be dried.

  The operation course of the washing / drying machine 1 in the present embodiment includes a washing course in which only the washing process is performed, a drying course in which only drying is performed, a washing / drying course in which washing is performed continuously from drying to drying, and nanoemission in which sterilization and deodorization are performed. There are four settings for the course. In order to realize sterilization and deodorization in the middle of the nano e-course, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, using the circulation air passage 5 used for air circulation in the outer tank 3 in the drying process. This is a dedicated course for exposing the electrostatic atomization generating particles 82 to the object in the washing tub 2 by providing the electrostatic atomization generation means 83 for generating the electrostatic atomization generation particles 82 and blowing air. Also for this course, the rotation mode and the stationary mode of the washing tub 2 can be selected according to the object, and the operation time is about 35 minutes.

In addition, after the laundry course is completed, the nanoe tank clean mode is installed in which the electrostatic atomization particles 82 are automatically exposed to the washing tub 2 and the outer tub 3 every time after the clothes are taken out. It can be turned off. The operation in this mode is performed while the washing tub 2 is stationary for about 60 minutes after the laundry course is completed and the door 9 is opened and closed.

  In the washing / drying machine 1 according to the present embodiment, these hygiene-friendly courses are set to courses equivalent to washing and drying, and a dedicated operation button is also provided. Since the electrostatic atomization generating particles 82 have a strong oxidative decomposition ability acting on the object, the material deterioration can be achieved only by supplying the electrostatic atomization generating particles without using heat as in the prior art. It is possible to easily realize sterilization, deodorization, and mold growth control without worrying about the risks. Therefore, by setting it as a dedicated course, the user can easily select the optimum operation according to the purpose with peace of mind, and the usability is improved.

  The circulating air blowing path 5 will be described in detail. The air blowing unit 15 forms a centrifugal fan in which a centrifugal fan 15a is accommodated in a spiral casing 15b as shown in FIGS. The air conditioner 39 and the blower unit 15 are fitted to the suction discharge port 38a formed in the end wall on one end side in the longitudinal direction facing the left and right of the air conditioning case 38 by fitting the intake connection port 15c of the spiral casing 15b to each other. The seal is connected. As a result, the suction force of the blower unit 15 extends into the air conditioning case 38 and from the suction introduction port 38b on the other end side of the air conditioning case 38 to the inside of the outer tub 3 through the suction passage 5a of the circulation air flow path 5. 3 is sucked into the air-conditioning case 38 and dehumidified and heated through the evaporator 31 and the condenser 32. The dehumidified and heated dry high-temperature air is fed into the spiral casing 15b through the suction discharge port 38a and the suction connection port 15c. Then, the air is blown into the outer tub 3 from the blowing portion 15d of the spiral casing 15b through the blowing bellows connecting portion 5b and the blowing passage 5c of the circulation blowing passage 5. This is repeated to dry the laundry in the washing tub 2. The electrostatic atomization generating means 83 is installed in the vicinity of the blowing portion 15d.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the electrostatic atomization generating means 83 encloses an atomizing discharge block 84, a transformer P plate 85 that generates a high voltage, a control P plate 86 that controls the atomizing discharge, and an atomizing discharge block 84 to bypass the path. The element housing 87 and the atomizing discharge block 84 are fixed, and the fixed plate 88 constituting the inlet / outlet shape of the bypass path and the transformer P plate case 89 enclosing the transformer P plate 85 are subjected to reed connection and unitized. It is a thing.

  By installing the electrostatic atomization generating means 83 in the circulation air flow path 5, the structure and operation required during the drying operation are utilized, and electrostatic atomization is performed in the washing tub and the outer tub with little structural change. The generated particles can be supplied. In addition, the electrostatic atomization generation particles cannot be expected to be diffusible like gas, and need to be moved on the wind flowing through the circulation air path and exposed to the object. At this time, when passing through the aluminum heat exchange fins forming the evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 of the air conditioner 39 and the blades of the aluminum fan 15a used in the blower unit 15, the electrostatic atomization generating particles 82 collide. It disappears in large quantities and the loss increases. In actual measurements, the aluminum heat exchange fin is attenuated by about 70%, and the aluminum fan is attenuated by about 25%. Therefore, it is desirable to install in the vicinity of the outer tub without using an aluminum heat exchange fin or an aluminum fan. The electrostatic atomization generating means 83 in the washing / drying machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is installed in the vicinity of the blowing portion 15d of the blower unit 15, so that the washing tub 2 of the electrostatic atomization generating particles 82 and Transmission loss to the outer tub 3 can be minimized, and sterilization, deodorization, and mold suppression can be performed more efficiently.

  Further, in the course of exposing the electrostatic atomization generating particles 82 to the washing tub 2 and the outer tub 3, it is necessary to operate the electrostatic atomization generating means 83 simultaneously with the circulation air pressure feeding. As described above, atomization and air blowing are effective for the first time as functions, and the electrostatic atomization generating particles 82 are efficiently exposed to the object by the optimized circulating air pressure supply of the air blowing means. Is indispensable.

The electrostatic atomization generating means 83 is configured on the side of the washing and drying machine main body 44 that is cut off from the movable portion on the outer tub 3 side by the blower bellows connecting portion 5b. Thereby, durability reliability can be improved by not attaching the electrostatic atomization generating means 83 which is a precise key device to the outer tank side that vibrates during dehydration.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the electrostatic atomization generating means 83 is configured integrally with the blowing portion 15 d on the pressure-feed air discharge side of the blower unit 15. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, an opening is provided on the wall surface of the spiral casing 15b, and the seal is fixed so as to be covered with electrostatic atomization generating means 83 including a bypass path. As a result, it is not necessary to newly provide the electrostatic atomization generating means 83 in the circulation air flow path, which leads to a simpler and cheaper configuration as a system, as well as improved assembly and reduced man-hours. In addition, atomization and ventilation are effective for the first time as functions, and it is desirable to make them into a unit in consideration of lateral development of functions.

  The electrostatic atomization generating means 83 has a bypass path that branches or merges in two directions inside the unit, and the atomization discharge block 84 is disposed in the bypass path. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the wind noise and the fall of a circulating air volume etc. which are worried by the structure which made the discharge part of the atomization discharge block 84 protrude directly in the ventilation path | route can be avoided. In addition, by optimizing the branching ratio with the bypass path, the optimal air volume and speed for placing the electrostatic atomization particles 82 on the circulating air are changed, and the opening area of the fixed plate intake port 88a protruding into the air path is changed. Can be structurally adjusted. In this configuration, the optimum wind speed for discharging the electrostatic atomization-generating particles 82 is desirably around 1 m / s, and therefore, the opening is designed in accordance with this.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the exhaust side opening 88 b portion of the fixed plate 88, an air guide plate 88 c is configured on the main flow side of the joining portion of the bypass path in parallel with the flow direction of the circulating air. In the absence of the air guide plate 88c, the main flow side air flow is disturbed at the part where the paths once branched by the bypass path are joined again, the overall circulation flow rate is reduced and the noise is worsened, and the tributary side The air rotates in a spiral shape and a large amount of electrostatic atomization generation particles 82 are lost. However, this can be prevented by configuring the air guide plate 88c on the main flow side of the merging portion in parallel with the flow direction of the circulating air.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the atomizing discharge block 84 includes a counter electrode 84b disposed opposite to the discharge electrode 84a, a water supply means 84c for supplying water to the discharge electrode 84b, and a high voltage between the discharge electrode 84a and the counter electrode 84b. Voltage applying means 84d for applying a voltage, and applying a high voltage between the discharge electrode 84a and the counter electrode 84b by the voltage applying means 84d electrostatically atomizes the water supplied to the discharge electrode 84a. Is. Here, a negative voltage of 4.85 kV is applied to cause electrostatic atomization, and feedback control is performed so that the discharge current value at that time is about 6 μA.

  In the electrostatic atomization, when a high voltage is applied, the discharge electrode 84a side becomes a negative electrode and charges concentrate, and water attached to the surface of the discharge electrode 84a rises in a cone shape to form a Taylor cone. 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 affected by the wettability of the surface of the discharge electrode 84a. If the wettability is low, a predetermined Taylor cone is not formed and electrostatic atomization cannot be performed. It is necessary to secure a predetermined amount.

  The water supply means 84c is provided with a cooling means composed of a Peltier element 84e. The cooling means cools the discharge electrode 84a so that moisture (humidity) in the air is condensed on the surface of the distal end portion of the discharge electrode 84a. It supplies water with Here, the amount of water required for electrostatic atomization is about 0.5 ml / h. The end of the Peltier element 84e on the discharge electrode 84a side is a cooling portion 84f, and the opposite end is a heat dissipation portion 84g. The cooling portion 84f is thermally connected to the discharge electrode 84a, and the heat dissipation portion. 84g is thermally connected to the radiation fin 84h.

  The air flowing in the bypass path of the electrostatic atomization generating means 83 is configured to flow in contact with the heat radiating fins 84h, and this air flow is used for heat dissipation when performing atomization discharge. In the case of a Peltier-type atomizing discharge unit, the necessary heat radiation amount during atomizing discharge is determined, and therefore the minimum required wind speed is determined by determining the heat-dissipating fins. In this configuration, 0.5 m / s or more is required, but a sufficient wind speed is secured. By utilizing the air circulating in the ventilation path for heat radiation, the heat radiation means that is originally required can be eliminated.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washer / dryer 1 according to the present embodiment is a filter that has a negative pressure with respect to the atmospheric pressure when the air in the outer tub 3 is circulated via the circulation air passage 5. An outside air intake configuration in which an opening is provided around the box 5d, and an open / close valve (not shown) and an outside air introduction duct 5e are connected to the opening, and a positive pressure or dynamic pressure of circulating air acts on the atmospheric pressure. An opening is provided in a part of the ventilation path in the vicinity of the filter box 5d, and a circulating air discharge structure is provided in which a circulating air discharge duct 5f is connected to the opening. A part of circulating air can be replaced with outside air by opening and closing the on-off valve. In the exclusive course for exposing the electrostatic atomization particles 82, it is necessary to open the on-off valve at least at the initial stage of the process and replace the air in the outer tub 3 with the outside air. The washing and drying machine is designed with high confidentiality for drying, and there is almost no exchange of air between the outside of the machine and the inside of the tub when the clothing input door 9 is closed. Since it is a washing machine, there is not a little water remaining, so the relative humidity in the tub when the clothes inlet is closed will soon exceed 90%. High humidity is not suitable as an environment for discharging, and even when the electrostatic atomization generating means 83 is operated, the relative humidity in the tank needs to be 85% or less. Therefore, it is necessary to consider that abnormal discharge does not occur by gradually replacing the air in the outer tub 3 with the outside air.

  Specifically, the opening / closing valve is normally opened from the start of the course, and the air conditioner 39 is operated for about 2 minutes after the start 3 minutes while the air in the outer tub 3 is replaced with the outside air to perform the dehumidifying operation. This ensures a more perfect operational stability.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a drum type washing / drying machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of another part of the drum type washing / drying machine, and FIG. 10 is the same drum. It is another longitudinal cross-sectional view in another site | part of a type washing-drying machine. The description of the same configuration, operation, and effect as in the first embodiment is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the rotating drum 121 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, provided with a large number of through holes 122 on the entire outer periphery, and is rotatably disposed in the water receiving tank 123. A rotary shaft 124 is provided in the tilt direction at the rotation center of the rotary drum 121, and the axial center direction of the rotary drum 121 is tilted downward from the front side toward the back side. A motor 125 attached to the back surface of the water receiving tank 123 is connected to the rotating shaft 124, and the rotating drum 121 is rotated in the forward and reverse directions. Several protruding plates 126 are provided on the inner wall surface of the rotating drum 21.

  An opening provided in the upward inclined surface on the front side of the water receiving tub 123 is covered with a lid 127 so as to be opened and closed, and by opening the lid 127, the laundry can be taken in and out of the rotary drum 121 through the clothing doorway 128. ing. Since the lid 127 is provided on the upward inclined surface, the laundry can be carried out without bending the waist.

The water receiving tank 123 is suspended from the main body 129 so as to be swingable by the spring body 130 and the damper 131, one end of the drainage path 132 is connected to the lower part of the water receiving tank 123, and the other end of the drainage path 132 is connected to the drain valve 133. And the washing water in the water receiving tank 123 is drained. The water supply valve 134 supplies water into the water receiving tank 123 through the water supply path 135. The water level detection means 136 detects the water level in the water receiving tank 123.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation shaft 124 is provided in the inclined direction at the rotation center of the rotating drum 121, and the axial center direction of the rotating drum 121 is inclined downward from the front side toward the back side. However, the rotating shaft 124 may be provided in the horizontal direction at the rotation center of the rotating drum 121, and the axial center direction of the rotating drum 121 may be disposed in the horizontal direction.

  In FIG. 9, the structure of the drying function will be described with a cross section different from that in FIG.

  The drying function includes a heater (heating means) 137, an air blowing fan (air blowing means) 138, and a fan case (air blowing path) 139 that accommodates the heater 137 and the air blowing fan 138 therein, and the fan case 139 is a main body. 29 is attached. The water receiving tank 123 is provided with a hot air intake port (air blowing path) 140 for taking in the air in the water receiving tank 123 in the body portion of the water receiving tank 123, and a hot air blowing port 141 is provided on the back surface of the water receiving tank 123. ing. The water receiving tank 123 is integrally provided with a heat exchange path (air blowing path) 142 so that one end communicates with the hot air intake port 140, and the other end of the heat exchange path 142 is connected to the first bellows hose ( It is connected to the intake end 139a of the fan case 139 via a ventilation path 143. On the other hand, the exhaust end 139b of the fan case 139 has a second bellows hose at the other end of the back surface air passage 144 provided integrally with the water receiving tank 123 so that one end communicates with the hot air blowing port 141 of the water receiving tank 123. 145 is connected. Further, a back surface through-hole 146 is provided on the back surface of the rotating drum 121 at a position corresponding to the hot air blowing port 141, and air from the warm air blowing port 141 is blown into the rotating drum 121. .

  A plate-shaped heat exchanging member 147 is attached to the heat exchanging path 142 so as to be inclined downward from the front side toward the rear side above the hot air intake port 140. The heat exchanging path 142 includes the heat exchanging member 147. Is divided into a lower heat exchange path 142a and an upper heat exchange path 142b, and the lower heat exchange path 142a and the upper heat exchange path 142b communicate with each other on the lower end portion 147b side of the heat exchange member 147 through the communication port 142c. The path is substantially U-shaped. The cooling water supply valve (cooling water supply means) 148 supplies cooling water from the water supply cap 150 to the upper end 147a side of the heat exchange member 147 via the cooling water hose 149. The cooling water supply valve 148 and the cooling water The hose 149 and the water supply cap 150 constitute a cooling water supply means. In this configuration, the cross-sectional area of the upper heat exchange path 142b is larger than the cross-sectional area of the communication port 142c.

  In the drum type washing and drying machine having the above-described configuration, the washing process, the rinsing process, the dehydrating process, and the drying process are executed by the control operation of the control device 151.

  The operation in the above configuration will be described. Since the operation from the washing process to the dehydration process is the same as the operation of the conventional example, the description thereof is omitted.

  In the drying process, as shown by the white arrow, the air blown by the rotation of the blower fan 138 is heated to a predetermined temperature by the heater 137, and warm air is blown through the second bellows hose 145 and the back blower path 144. Air is blown into the water receiving tank 123 from the mouth 141, and further blown into the rotating drum 121 from the back surface through-hole 146. The heated hot air deprives moisture from the wet laundry in the rotating drum 121 and becomes hot air having moisture. Thereafter, the hot air having moisture passes through the through-hole 122 from the inside of the rotary drum 121 and is discharged to the water receiving tank 123, and is further blown from the hot air intake port 140 to the heat exchange path 142.

At this time, the cooling water supply valve 148 is in an ON state, and the cooling water falls from the water supply base 150 to the upper end 147a side of the heat exchange member 147, and the upper surface 147c of the heat exchange member 147 is moved along the broken line arrow. It flows and falls from the tip of the lower end 147b of the heat exchange member 147 to the lower heat exchange path 142a side. Thereafter, the cooling water is discharged into the water receiving tank 123 through a drain hole 152 provided on the bottom surface of the lower heat exchange path 142 a and communicating with the water receiving tank 123, and is discharged outside the apparatus through the drainage path 132.

  The wet warm air sent from the hot air intake port 140 into the lower heat exchange path 142a of the heat exchange path 142 first comes into contact with the lower surface 147d of the heat exchange member 147. At this time, since the lower surface 147d of the heat exchange member 147 is also cooled by the cooling water flowing through the upper surface 147c of the heat exchange member 147, heat exchange is performed between the wet warm air and the lower surface 147d of the heat exchange member 147. The action is performed, and the wet warm air is dehumidified (first dehumidifying step).

  Further, the wet hot air is sent to the upper heat exchange path 142b on the lower end portion 147b side of the heat exchange member 147 through the communication port 142c. At this time, the wet hot air is sent to the lower end portion of the heat exchange member 147. The cooling water falling from 147b is rolled up and scattered, heat exchange action is performed with the scattered cooling water, and the wet warm air is dehumidified (second dehumidifying step).

  Thereafter, the wet warm air is sent to the upper heat exchange path 142b, and comes into contact with the upper surface 147c of the heat exchange member 147 and the cooling water flowing therethrough. At this time, the direction in which the cooling water flows and the direction in which the wet warm air flows are opposed to each other. Thereby, the wet warm air is subjected to heat exchange action with the upper surface 147c of the heat exchange member 147 and the cooling water flowing therethrough, and the wet warm air is dehumidified (third dehumidification step).

  In this way, the humid hot air that has passed through the three dehumidifying steps, the first dehumidifying step, the second dehumidifying step, and the third dehumidifying step, is efficiently cooled and dehumidified air, and is supplied to the fan via the first bellows hose 143. The air is sent from the intake end 139 a of the case 139 into the fan case 139 and reaches the blower fan 138.

  In the above process, since the cross-sectional area of the upper heat exchange path 142b is larger than the cross-sectional area of the communication port 142c, the flow rate of the wet hot air in the upper heat exchange path 142b is lower than the flow rate in the communication port 142c. As a result, the scattered cooling water rides on the flow of the warm air and does not enter the fan case 139 from the intake end 139a of the fan case 139, and on the heat exchange member 147 in the middle of the upper heat exchange path 142b. Since it falls, water drops do not reach the heater 137.

  In FIG. 9, an electrostatic atomization generating means 83 is provided in a part of the air supply path, upstream of the air supply means 138 and downstream of the intake end 39a, and an open / close valve 90 for taking in outside air is provided. At the time of drying, as in the first embodiment, the operation course of the washing / drying machine includes a washing course in which only the washing process is performed, a drying course in which only drying is performed, a washing / drying course in which washing is performed continuously from washing to drying, There are four types of nanoecourse settings that deodorize. This nano ecourse is using the air flow path used in the air circulation in the water receiving tank 123 in the drying process to generate electrostatic atomization generation particles 82 for realizing sterilization and deodorization in the middle. The electrostatic atomization generating means 83 is provided and the on-off valve 90 is opened so that the upstream side of the blower fan 138 has a negative pressure, and the electrostatic atomization generating means 83 blows air without being adversely affected by the heat of the heater 137. This is a dedicated course for exposing the electrostatic atomization generating particles 82 to the object in the rotating drum 121. Also for this course, the rotation mode and stationary mode of the rotating drum 121 can be selected according to the object, and the operation time is about 35 minutes.

In addition, after the washing course is completed, the nanoe tank clean mode is installed in which the electrostatic atomization generated particles 82 are automatically exposed to the rotating drum 121 and the water receiving tank 123 after taking out the clothes, and the mode setting is turned on. / OFF is possible. The operation in this mode is performed while the washing tub 2 is stationary for about 60 minutes after the laundry course is completed and the door 9 is opened and closed.

  In the washing and drying machine according to the present embodiment, each of these hygiene-conscious courses is set to a course equivalent to washing and drying, and a dedicated operation button is also provided. Since the electrostatic atomization generating particles 82 have a strong oxidative decomposition ability acting on the object, the material deterioration can be achieved only by supplying the electrostatic atomization generating particles without using heat as in the prior art. It is possible to easily realize sterilization, deodorization, and mold growth control without worrying about the risks. Therefore, by setting it as a dedicated course, the user can easily select the optimum operation according to the purpose with peace of mind, and the usability is improved.

  By the air circulation as described above, the laundry is gradually dried, and the drying process is finished after a predetermined time has elapsed or when the laundry reaches a predetermined dryness.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, during the drying process, the flow velocity of the moist hot air in the upper heat exchange path 142b is lower than the flow velocity in the communication port 142c, so that the scattered cooling water is heated by the hot air. Without entering the fan case 139 or the electrostatic atomization generating means 83 from the intake end 139a of the fan case 139 and without being absorbed by the scattered cooling water. Since the water drops do not reach the heater 137 because they fall on the heat exchange member 147 in the middle of the upper heat exchange path 142b, it is possible to prevent water from adhering to the heater 137 and becoming unsafe. It is possible to efficiently dehumidify the air having moisture while ensuring safety, and the electrostatic atomization generation particles 82 are not absorbed by the moisture and the rotating drum 121 and Can be exposed electrostatic atomization occurs particles 82 in water tub 123.

  Further, in FIG. 10, since the electrostatic atomization generating means 83 is provided in the vicinity of the hot air blowing port 141 in the blowing path, it is hardly affected by the heat of the heater 137, and the blowing path is a water level stored in the water receiving tank 123. Therefore, the water stored in the water receiving tank 123 is less likely to come into contact with the electrostatic atomization generating means 83, and sufficient sterilization / disinfection is achieved by the electrostatic atomization generated particles. Suppresses the growth of odor and mold. Further, as in the first embodiment, a bypass path is provided in a part of the ventilation path, an electrostatic atomization generating means 83 is provided in the bypass path, and the flow direction of the circulating air is arranged on the main stream side of the junction part of the bypass path. A wind guide plate may be provided in parallel.

  As described above, the washing / drying machine according to the present invention supplies the electrostatic atomization generating particles to the washing tub and the outer tub so that the target item in the washing tub and the washing tub and the outer tub are propagated from the propagation of fungi and mold. Protect and always keep it clean. Therefore, it can be applied to water facilities equipment that requires sterilization, mold suppression and deodorization. In addition, it is suitable for household equipment because it does not incur running costs and is safe and harmless.

Sectional drawing which shows the principal part structure of the washing-drying machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention The internal rear view which shows the circulation ventilation path | route and outer tank back part of the washing-drying machine in Embodiment 1 of this invention The perspective view which shows the inside of the air-conditioning ventilation unit in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The perspective view of the air-conditioning ventilation unit in Embodiment 1 of this invention Sectional drawing which shows the inside of the electrostatic atomization generating means in Embodiment 1 of this invention The perspective view which shows the atomization discharge block fixing plate vicinity in Embodiment 1 of this invention Sectional drawing which shows the inside of the atomization discharge block in Embodiment 1 of this invention The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drum type washing-drying machine in Embodiment 2 of this invention The longitudinal cross-sectional view of another site | part of the drum type washing-drying machine in Embodiment 2 of this invention The other longitudinal cross-sectional view of another site | part of the drum type washing-drying machine in Embodiment 2 of this invention

Explanation of symbols

2 Washing tub 3 Outer tub 5 Circulating air flow path (air flow path)
15 Blower unit (Blower unit)
39 Air conditioner (heating means)
44 Washer / dryer body (housing)
83 Electrostatic atomization generating means 84a Discharge electrode (discharge electrode)
84d Voltage application means 84e Peltier element 84h Radiation fin 121 Rotating drum (washing tub)
122 Through-hole 123 Water receiving tank (outer tank)
124 Rotating shaft 129 Main body 137 Heater (heating means)
138 Blower fan (Blower unit)
139 Fan Case (Blower Route)
140 Hot air intake (air flow path)
142 Heat exchange path (blower path)
143 1st bellows hose (air flow path)
147 Heat exchange member 148 Cooling water supply valve (cooling water supply means)

Claims (8)

A washing tub for storing laundry; an outer tub rotatably mounted on the washing tub; a housing for elastically supporting the outer tub; water supply means for supplying washing water to the outer tub; A heating means for heating the air in the air, a blower path that allows the air in the outer tub to be circulated via the heating means, a blower means for pumping and circulating the air in the blower path, and electrostatic atomization An electrostatic atomization generating means for supplying generated particles into the outer tub, wherein the electrostatic atomization generating means is configured in the air blowing path. The washing / drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the electrostatic atomization generating means is disposed in the vicinity of the outer tub after the circulating air discharged from the outer tub to the air blowing path passes through the air blowing means. The washing / drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the electrostatic atomization generating means is configured on the housing side. The washing / drying machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the blower path has a bypass path that branches or merges in two directions, and the electrostatic atomization generating means is disposed in the bypass path. The washing / drying machine according to claim 4, wherein an air guide plate is formed on the main stream side of the junction portion of the bypass path in parallel with the flow direction of the circulating air. The electrostatic atomization generating means includes a discharge electrode, a voltage applying means for applying a high voltage to the discharge electrode, and a water supply means for supplying water to the discharge electrode, and the water supply means is the discharge electrode. When it consists of a Peltier element that cools the air and condenses moisture in the air to generate condensed water on the discharge electrode, and a radiating fin for releasing the absorbed heat, the air flowing in the bypass path is brought into contact with the radiating fin The washing and drying machine according to claim 4 or 5 used for heat radiation. Any one of Claims 1-6 which have the exclusive course which supplies the said electrostatic atomization generation | occurrence | production particle | grains in the said outer tub, and exposes to the clothes, accessories, etc. stored in the said washing tub, or the said washing tub and the outer tub surface. 2. The washing / drying machine according to claim 1. The washing / drying machine according to claim 7, wherein the dedicated course operates the electrostatic atomization generating unit together with circulating air pressure feeding by the blowing unit.