JP2010194060A - Dishwasher - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dishwasher capable of stably using and generating effective components by electric discharge in large amounts and preventing the effective component from flying away to the outside. <P>SOLUTION: The dishwasher 3 is constituted by arranging an effective component generating unit 50 for generating the effective components by microplasma discharge in the dishwasher body 8 used while housing articles 2 to be washed in a washing chamber 1 having an openable door 6 so as to discharge the effective components into the washing chamber 1. Further, the dishwasher is controlled such that the effective component generating unit 50 can be operated only when the door 6 of the washing chamber 1 is closed, the door 6 is locked when the operation of the effective component generating unit 50 is started and the lock is released after a predetermined time passes from the time when the operation of the effective component generating unit 50 is stopped. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a dishwasher equipped with an active ingredient generator.

  As a dishwasher having functions such as deodorization and sterilization, Patent Document 1 describes a dishwasher equipped with a discharge block for generating an active ingredient. The discharge block provided in the dishwasher has a structure in which corona discharge is generated between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode, and active components such as radicals are generated by the corona discharge.

  However, in the method using the corona discharge, there is a limit to the amount of active ingredients that can be generated. Is not sufficient (first problem). Therefore, as a solution to the above problem, there is a demand for a dishwasher capable of stably generating a large amount of active ingredients by discharge and releasing them into the washing cabinet.

  On the other hand, when a large amount of active ingredient is generated in this way, ozone is also generated to some extent by the discharge. If ozone is released into the cleaning cabinet together with the active ingredient, ozone will be scattered outside when the door of the cleaning cabinet is opened. When ozone is scattered outside at a certain concentration or more, there is a problem that it is not preferable for the human body (second problem).

JP 2005-118209 A

  The present invention has been invented in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it can stably generate a large amount of active ingredients by discharge and supply them into the washing cabinet, and these active ingredients can be supplied to the outside. It is an object to provide a dishwasher that can prevent scattering.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is based on the present invention, in which an active ingredient is generated by a discharge in a dishwasher main body 8 that uses an object to be cleaned 2 in a washing cabinet 1 provided with a door 6 that can be opened and closed. It is assumed that the dishwasher 3 includes the device 50 and is provided so as to discharge the active ingredient into the washing cabinet 1. The active ingredient generator 50 includes an active ingredient generator 56 that generates a discharge and an active ingredient generating air passage 54 in which the active ingredient generator 56 is disposed. The active component generating unit 56 includes an electrode unit 58 and an insulating spacer 57 disposed in close contact with or in the vicinity of the electrode unit 58, and applies a high voltage to the electrode unit 58, thereby along the insulating spacer 57. The discharge is generated in the minute discharge space S formed in this manner. The effective component generating air passage 54 is formed so that the air sent to the effective component generating portion 56 passes through the discharge space S and the outer peripheral surface of the electrode portion 58 together.

  In addition, the tableware washing machine main body 8 operates the lock means 31 for locking the door 6 of the washing cabinet 1 in the closed state and the active ingredient generator 50 only when the door 6 of the washing cabinet 1 is in the closed state. When the operation of the active ingredient generator 50 is started, the door 6 is locked by the locking means 31, the operation of the active ingredient generator 50 is stopped, and the controller 33 releases the lock after a lapse of a certain time. .

  By setting the present invention to the dishwasher 3 having the above-described configuration, the active ingredient generator 56 of the active ingredient generator 50 generates high-density plasma in the minute discharge space S to generate a large amount of active ingredients. Can be supplied into the washing cabinet 1. Moreover, it is possible to achieve both the sequential delivery of effective components generated in large quantities in the discharge space S to the downstream side and the efficient heat dissipation of the high-temperature electrode unit 58 by the air sent to the active component generation unit 56. Therefore, a large amount of active ingredients can be stably generated and discharged for a long time.

  And it is prohibited to operate the active ingredient generator 50 with the door 6 opened, and it is also prohibited to open the door 6 until a certain time has passed after the operation of the active ingredient generator 50 is stopped. Therefore, in spite of generating a large amount of active ingredients in this way, it is possible to prevent ozone having a certain concentration or more from being scattered outside.

  In the dishwasher 3 of the present invention, the operation of the active ingredient generator 50 is not stopped and the lock is not released after a certain time has passed (or in addition to the control). It is also preferable to include an ozone detection unit 32 that detects the ozone concentration in the inside, and to control the door 6 to be unlocked when the detection result of the ozone detection unit 32 becomes a set concentration or less. By controlling in this way, it is possible to prevent ozone having a certain concentration or more from being scattered outside.

  In the dishwasher 3 of the present invention, the dishwasher main body 8 is locked after the hot air supply means 35 for supplying warm air into the washing cabinet 1 and the operation of the active ingredient generator 50 are stopped. It is preferable to include a control unit 33 that operates the hot air supply means 35 until the release of. By doing in this way, the environment in the washing | cleaning store | warehouse | chamber 1 after an operation stop can be set to high temperature, and decomposition | disassembly of ozone can be accelerated | stimulated.

  The operating time of the hot air supply means 35 is preferably set based on the power consumption of the active ingredient generator 50. By doing so, for example, when the power consumption is large, it is assumed that the ozone concentration is high and the operation time is set to be long, and when the power consumption is low, the ozone concentration is low and the operation time is set to be short. In this way, it is possible to supply warm air in an amount corresponding to the situation.

  The invention according to claim 1 can generate a large amount of active ingredients in the minute discharge space of the active ingredient generating section and sequentially send them out into the cleaning cabinet, and efficiently dissipate the high temperature electrode section by blowing air. Therefore, a large amount of active ingredients can be generated and discharged stably for a long time. In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent a situation where ozone having a certain concentration or more is scattered outside and adversely affects the human body.

  The invention according to claim 2 can generate a large amount of active ingredients in the minute discharge space of the active ingredient generator and sequentially send them out into the cleaning cabinet, and efficiently dissipate the high temperature electrode part by blowing air. Therefore, a large amount of active ingredients can be generated and discharged stably for a long time. In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent a situation where ozone having a certain concentration or more is scattered outside and adversely affects the human body.

  In addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the invention according to claim 3 promotes the decomposition of ozone by warm air, and more reliably prevents ozone having a certain concentration or more from scattering outside. There is an effect.

  In addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 3, the invention according to claim 4 has an effect that the decomposition of ozone can be surely promoted without providing extra warm air.

It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows an example dishwasher in embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the active ingredient generator with which a dishwasher same as the above is equipped. It is a control block diagram of a dishwasher same as the above. It is explanatory drawing which shows the locking means of the same dishwasher. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a dishwasher same as the above. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the modification of the active ingredient generator provided for this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the other modification of an active ingredient generator same as the above. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the other modification of an active ingredient generator same as the above. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the other modification of an active ingredient generator same as the above. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the other modification of an active ingredient generator same as the above. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the other modification of an active ingredient generator same as the above. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the other modification of an active ingredient generator same as the above. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the other modification of an active ingredient generator same as the above. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the other modification of an active ingredient generator same as the above.

  The present invention will be described based on embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of a dishwasher 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The dishwasher 3 of this example is a dishwasher body 8 having a generally box shape. A dishwasher 1 having a dish bowl 9 for storing objects 2 to be washed such as dishes and chopping boards, and washing water. A cleaning nozzle 10 for spraying, a cleaning pump 17, a circulating water channel 13, a warm air supply means 35 for supplying warm air into the cleaning cabinet 1, and the like are provided. The hot air supply means 35 is for drying the article 2 to be cleaned, and is formed by the heating unit 11, the ventilation duct 12, the ventilation fan 16 for ventilating the inside of the cleaning cabinet 1, and the like.

  Further, the tableware washing machine main body 8 has a door 6 that can be freely opened and closed for putting the object to be cleaned 2 in and out of the washing cabinet 1, an opening and closing detection unit 30 for detecting the opening and closing of the door 6, and the door 6 is closed. Locking means 31 for locking the door 6 when in a state is provided (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The locking means 31 has a structure as shown in FIG. In the illustrated example, the lock means 31 is formed by a lock portion 31a provided so as to be freely put in and out using a drive means such as an electromagnetic solenoid disposed on the wall portion on the cleaning cabinet 1 side, and a lock hole member 31b provided on the door 6 side. When the door 6 is in the closed state, the lock portion 31a is fitted into the lock hole member 31b so that the door 6 is locked.

  Further, the dishwasher main body 8 includes an ozone detector 32 for detecting the ozone concentration in the washing cabinet 1, and a lock means 31 and an active ingredient described later in addition to the normal washing operation of the dishwasher main body 8. And a control unit 33 that controls the operation of the device 50 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). The open / close detection unit 30 detects whether the door 6 is in an open state or a closed state using appropriate detection means such as a limit switch or a magnetic switch.

  And the dishwasher main body 8 which consists of the said structure is equipped with the active ingredient generator 50 which can generate | occur | produce various active ingredients by discharge.

  The active ingredient generator 50 is installed on a support member 7 provided in the upper part of the cleaning cabinet 1. The support member 7 has one end connected to a rotation mechanism 40 provided on the ceiling portion of the cleaning cabinet 1, and an active ingredient generator 50 is supported on the other end side of the support member 7. When the support member 7 is rotated about the vertical axis by the rotation mechanism 40, the active ingredient generator 50 installed on the support member 7 rotates and moves so as to draw a circle in plan view. Therefore, various active ingredients released from the active ingredient generator 50 can be diffused to every corner in the cleaning cabinet 1.

  Next, the configuration of the active ingredient generator 50 will be described in detail based on FIG. The active ingredient generator 50 has a suction port 52 and a discharge port 53 opened on the outer surface of a case 51 that forms an outer shell of the entire device, and the active component generating wind that communicates the suction port 52 and the discharge port 53 in the case 51. The passage 54 is formed so as to penetrate therethrough. In the air passage 54 for generating an active ingredient, the air blowing part 55 is arranged on the upstream side, and the active ingredient generating part 56 is arranged on the downstream side. The blower unit 55 is composed of a dedicated blower fan. By rotating the blower fan, the air outside the case 51 is introduced into the active component generating air passage 54 from the suction port 52 and discharged from the discharge port 53 to the outside. . An openable / closable shutter 20 is disposed at the discharge port 53. When the active ingredient generator 50 is not used, the shutter 20 is closed to prevent the cleaning water from entering the active ingredient generating air passage 54. It has become.

  The active component generator 56 generates a micrometer-sized microscopic plasma (hereinafter referred to as “microplasma”) in the micro discharge space S at a high density, and is upstream of the insulating spacer 57 having a disk shape. The electrode portion 58 provided in the shape of a disk having a smaller diameter than the insulating spacer 57 is arranged in the vicinity of the side. A gap 59 is interposed between the insulating spacer 57 and the electrode portion 58 with a substantially uniform width of about several hundred μm. A through hole 60 is provided at the center of the insulating spacer 57 with a minute diameter of about several hundreds of micrometers.

  As a material of the electrode part 58, a well-known appropriate material suitably used as an electrode can be adopted, and not only a metal material but also a material such as a conductive resin can be used. Moreover, although the material of the insulating spacer 57 can be adopted as appropriate, a ceramic material such as alumina is preferably used.

  A minute gap 59 formed between the insulating spacer 57 and the electrode portion 58 communicates with the surrounding active component generating air passage 54 at the outer peripheral edge portion, and at the center portion of the insulating spacer 57. It communicates with the through hole 60. The through hole 60 communicates with the gap 59 at its upstream end, and communicates with the downstream effective component generating air passage 54 at its downstream end.

  Therefore, as shown by the arrows in the figure, the air generated by the air blowing unit 55 first hits the flat plate surface of the upstream electrode unit 58, detours along the outer peripheral surface of the electrode unit 58, and then the gap 59 is The flow passes through to the through hole 60 of the insulating spacer 57 and the flow along the outer peripheral surface of the insulating spacer 57, merges at the downstream side of the through hole 60, and then is discharged from the discharge port 53 to the outside of the case 51. The

  The negative electrode side of the high voltage application unit 61 is connected to the electrode unit 58, and when a high voltage is applied to the electrode unit 58 of the active ingredient generation unit 56 by the high voltage application unit 61, the through hole 60 provided in the insulating spacer 57 and The microplasma discharge is started in both the gap 59 formed between the insulating spacer 57 and the electrode portion 58. That is, in this example, a minute discharge space S along the insulating spacer 57 is formed by the gap 59 and the through hole 60 communicating with the clearance 59 on the downstream side. Plasma discharge is generated.

  In the active ingredient generator 50 of this example, in order to generate an active ingredient and send it out of the case 51, outside air is introduced into the active ingredient generating air passage 54 by the blower 55 and directed toward the active ingredient generator 56. The high voltage application unit 61 applies a high voltage to the electrode unit 58 of the active component generation unit 56 to generate a microplasma discharge in the discharge space S. By this microplasma discharge, an active component is generated at a very high density in the discharge space S (that is, the gap 59 and the through hole 60) as compared with corona discharge or the like.

  The air sent to the active ingredient generating unit 56 by the air blowing unit 55 flows along the flat plate surface and the outer peripheral surface facing the upstream side of the electrode unit 58, and is sent to a position where it contacts the outer peripheral edge of the insulating spacer 57. . A part of the blown air hitting the outer peripheral edge of the insulating spacer 57 is sent into the gap 59, and the remaining part is sent into a flow path that bypasses the insulating spacer 57.

  The blown air sent into the gap 59 conveys a large amount of active components generated in the discharge space S composed of the gap 59 and the through hole 60 to the downstream side, and takes heat of the electrode portion 58 and the insulating spacer 57. Then, it is sent out through the through hole 60 to the downstream side. Further, the air blown to the side detouring the insulating spacer 57 takes the heat of the insulating spacer 57 and then merges with the air sent out from the through hole 60, with a sufficient air volume after joining, and the discharge port. 53 is sent to the outside. The effective component generated in large quantities by the microplasma discharge of the effective component generation unit 56 riding on the discharge air having a sufficient amount of air is ejected vigorously toward the external space.

  As described above, according to the active ingredient generator 50 of the present example, a large amount of microplasma discharge in the discharge space S is performed while the electrode portion 58 of the active ingredient generator 56 and the insulating spacer 57 are efficiently dissipated by blowing air. Active ingredients can be generated. In addition, a large amount of the active ingredient produced here is efficiently conveyed from the inside of the through hole 60 to the downstream side by air blowing, and after being merged with the air blowing that is diverted so as to take heat away from the outer peripheral surface of the insulating spacer 57, It can be discharged to the outside with a sufficient air volume.

  When the entire active ingredient generator 50 is arranged in an appropriate air path, the active ingredient generator 50 is not provided with a dedicated air blowing section 55, and the active air generator 50 is used for generating an active ingredient by using the air from the air path. It is possible to send air into the air passage 54.

  The active ingredient produced | generated and discharge | released here is a hydroxyl radical, a superoxide radical, nitrate ion, nitrogen oxide etc., for example. The generation balance of each active ingredient can be adjusted by appropriately adjusting discharge conditions and the like. For example, when a hydroxyl radical or a superoxide radical is generated and released to the outside, a deodorizing effect, a sterilizing effect, an allergen inactivating effect, an agrochemical decomposing effect, an organic matter decomposing (soil removing) effect and the like can be obtained.

  As a discharge for generating the active ingredient, it is preferable to generate a discharge of several hundred μA to several tens of mA. Due to this discharge, the temperature of the electrode portion 58 rises by several tens to several hundreds of degrees Celsius. On the other hand, in the present invention, the active ingredient generator 56 is disposed in the active ingredient generating air passage 54, and the air sent from the blower 55 passes through the discharge space S of the active ingredient generator 56, and Since the electrode portion 58 is provided so as to take heat away from the outer peripheral surface of the electrode portion 58 while bypassing, the temperature rise is suppressed.

  And in the dishwasher 3 provided with the said active ingredient generator 50 in the dishwasher main body 8 from the discharge port 53 of the active ingredient generator 50, a hydroxyl radical, a superoxide radical, etc. are discharge | released as an active ingredient. Therefore, deodorization, sterilization, and yellowing (protein stains such as eggs) are prevented and removed from the air in the washing cabinet 1, the inner wall adhering matter, the object to be washed 2 and the like. Removal can be performed.

  The configuration of the dishwasher 3 of this example has been described above. Below, the specific operation control of the dishwasher 3 is demonstrated based on FIG.

  The cleaning operation performed by the dishwasher body 8 of the present invention has at least two cleaning operation modes. In the first washing operation mode, the washing object 2 is circulated while jetting washing water from the washing nozzle 10 in a state where the detergent is introduced (washing operation), and when the washing operation is completed, the washing is continued. New washing water is ejected from the nozzle 10 to rinse the object to be cleaned 2 (rinsing operation), and when the rinsing operation is finished, the hot air heated by the heating unit 11 is blown to dry the object 2 to be cleaned. (Drying operation), an operation mode in which the operation is terminated when the drying is completed (that is, a washing operation → a rinsing operation → a drying operation).

  Further, in the second cleaning operation mode, the cleaning object 2 is circulated while jetting cleaning water from the cleaning nozzle 10 in a state in which the detergent is introduced (cleaning operation). This is an operation mode in which new washing water is ejected from the washing nozzle 10 to rinse the object to be washed 2 (rinsing operation), and the operation is terminated when the rinsing operation is completed (that is, the washing operation → the rinsing operation). .

  In the first cleaning operation mode, after the drying operation is completed, the active ingredient generator 50 is operated for a predetermined time to release the active ingredients into the cleaning cabinet 1. In the second cleaning operation mode, after the drying operation is completed, the active ingredient generator 50 is operated for a predetermined time to release the active ingredient into the cleaning cabinet 1.

  In any cleaning operation mode, the control unit 33 can operate the active ingredient generator 50 only when it is detected by the input signal from the open / close detection unit 30 that the door 6 of the cleaning cabinet 1 is closed. To do. That is, when it is detected that the door 6 of the cleaning cabinet 1 is in an open state, the active component generator 50 is controlled to be prohibited from operating, thereby preventing ozone having a certain concentration or more from being scattered outside.

  At the same time as the operation of the active ingredient generator 50 is started, the control unit 33 drives the lock unit 31a constituting the lock means 31 to lock the door 6 in the closed state. And the elapsed time after stopping the driving | operation of the active ingredient generator 50 is counted, and when this elapsed time becomes fixed time, the lock part 31a is driven and the lock | rock of the door 6 is cancelled | released. Until the door 6 is unlocked, ozone in the cleaning cabinet 1 is decomposed to some extent. Therefore, when the door 6 is opened, ozone is prevented from being scattered outside.

  Further, the unlocking timing of the door 6 may be determined based on the detection result of the ozone detector 32. In this case, the ozone concentration in the cleaning cabinet 1 after the operation of the active ingredient generator 50 is stopped is observed, and when the ozone concentration becomes equal to or lower than the set concentration, the lock unit 31a is driven to open the door 6. Release the lock. Therefore, when the door 6 is opened, ozone having a certain concentration or more is prevented from being scattered outside.

  Either the lock release timing may be determined by the elapsed time or the ozone concentration may be determined, or both may be used. When both are used, for example, both the elapsed time after the operation of the active ingredient generator 50 is stopped and the ozone concentration are observed, the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time, and the ozone concentration is equal to or lower than the set concentration. At that point, unlock. Further, it may be controlled to release the lock when the elapsed time passes a certain time or the ozone concentration becomes equal to or lower than the set concentration.

  Then, during a period from when the operation of the active ingredient generator 50 is stopped to when the door 6 is unlocked, the hot air supply means 35 is operated so as to supply hot air into the cleaning cabinet 1. It is preferable. The decomposition of ozone is promoted by supplying warm air to bring the inside of the cleaning cabinet 1 into a high temperature environment.

  The time for operating the hot air supply means 35 for promoting ozone decomposition may be a predetermined time set in advance, or determined based on the power consumption when the active ingredient generator 50 is operated. You may do.

  The ozone concentration in the washing cabinet 1 at the time when the operation of the active ingredient generator 50 is completed is estimated by the power consumption during the operation of the active ingredient generator 50. Therefore, if the operation time of the hot air supply means 35 is controlled based on the power consumption, the decomposition of ozone can be promoted reliably without providing extra hot air.

  By the way, in the above-described dishwasher 3, the active ingredient generator 56 is arranged with an insulating spacer 57 with a very small gap 59 on the downstream side of the electrode 58, and a small diameter at the center of the insulating spacer 57. The through-hole 60 is provided (see FIG. 2). However, the configuration of the active ingredient generator 56 is not limited to this, and various modifications can be appropriately employed.

  The active ingredient generator 56 used in the active ingredient generator 50 of the present invention includes an electrode part 58 and an insulating spacer 57 disposed in close contact with or in the vicinity of the electrode part 58, and a high voltage is applied to the electrode part 58. What is necessary is just to produce discharge in the minute discharge space S formed along the insulating spacer 57 by applying. The discharge space S may be a through hole 60 having a small diameter provided in the insulating spacer 57 itself, or may be a minute gap 59 provided between the insulating spacer 57 and the electrode portion 58. Further, the discharge space S may be formed by both the through hole 60 and the gap 59.

  Below, the various modifications of the active ingredient generator 50 are demonstrated based on FIGS. However, detailed description of the same components as those of the active ingredient generator 50 shown in FIG. 2 and other modified examples will be omitted.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 6, the through hole 62 is also formed in the center of the electrode portion 58. The through hole 62 on the electrode part 58 side is formed so as to be aligned with the through hole 60 on the insulating spacer 57 side through a gap 59 between the electrode part 58 and the insulating spacer 57. The electrode portion 58 and the insulating spacer 57 are formed in a disk shape having substantially the same diameter.

  According to the modification of FIG. 7, the wind can be directly sent to the through hole 60 forming the discharge space S through the through hole 62 of the electrode portion 58. Therefore, there is an advantage that the active ingredient generated in the discharge space S can be released in a large amount and vigorously toward the outside. In addition, there is an advantage that the heat of the electrode portion 58 can be more effectively taken away by the air passing through the through hole 62.

  The gap 59 may not be provided between the insulating spacer 57 and the electrode portion 58, and the both 57 and 58 may be in close contact with each other. In this case, the insulating spacer 57 that is in close contact with the electrode portion 58 also functions as a radiation fin.

  The modification shown in FIG. 8 is different from the modification shown in FIG. 6 in that through holes 62 are formed at a plurality of locations surrounding the central portion of the electrode portion 58. The respective through holes 62 on the electrode portion 58 side are formed so as to be displaced from each other when viewed from the axial direction of the effective component generating air passage 54 so as not to be aligned with the through holes 62 on the insulating spacer 57 side. According to the modification of FIG. 7, since the air blown from the upstream passes through the plurality of through holes 62 of the electrode portion 58 and further bypasses the gap 59 and then passes through the through holes 60 of the insulating spacer 57, Therefore, there is an advantage that the heat of the electrode part 58 and the insulating spacer 57 can be efficiently taken. In order to more efficiently remove the heat of the electrode part 58, it is also preferable to form the electrode part 58 in a net-like shape having a large number of through holes 62.

  The modification shown in FIG. 8 is different from the modification shown in FIG. 6 in that a plurality of through holes 60 and 62 are provided in the insulating spacer 57 and the electrode portion 58. The through hole 60 on the insulating spacer 57 side and the through hole 62 on the electrode portion 58 side are formed in a one-to-one relationship so as to be aligned on a straight line with a gap 59 therebetween. According to the modified example of FIG. 6, since the plurality of through holes 60 can be used as the discharge space S, the total amount of active component generation can be increased, and each through hole 60 has each through hole of the electrode portion 58. The wind can be sent directly through 62. Therefore, there is an advantage that the active ingredient can be released in a large amount and vigorously toward the outside.

  In the modified example of FIG. 8 as well, when the electrode portion 58 and the insulating spacer 57 are in close contact with each other, the insulating spacer 57 can function like a radiating fin.

  The modified example shown in FIG. 9 is an active component so that the insulating spacer 57 is provided with a plurality of through holes 60 and the positions of the through holes 60 are not aligned with the through holes 62 on the electrode part 58 side. 6 is different from the modification shown in FIG. 6 in that it is formed so as to be shifted from the axial direction of the generating air passage 54. According to the modification of FIG. 9, since the plurality of through holes 60 can be used as the discharge space S, the total effective component generation amount can be increased. Further, since the air that has passed through the through hole 62 of the electrode portion 58 bypasses the gap 59 and then passes through each of the through holes 60 of the insulating spacer 57, the heat of the electrode portion 58 and the insulating spacer 57 is further increased by the air blowing. Can be taken away efficiently.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 10, metal electrode portions 58 that are also plate-like are arranged in close contact on both sides in the thickness direction of the plate-like insulating spacer 57. The insulating spacer 57 is formed by a pair of electrode portions 58. It has a sandwiched structure. The pair of electrode portions 58 are electrically connected via a high voltage application portion 61 so that a high voltage is applied between the electrode portions 58. The insulating spacer 57 and the electrode portion 58 are provided with through holes 60 and 62 penetrating in the thickness direction in the same opening shape. Due to the close contact arrangement of the insulating spacer 57 and the electrode part 58, the through hole 60 of the insulating spacer 57 and the through hole 62 of the electrode part 58 on both sides communicate in a straight line in the thickness direction. Both of the through holes 60 and 62 have a hole diameter D of about several hundred μm.

  Further, the first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2 are branched from the portion where the effective component generation portion 56 of the effective component generation air passage 54 is disposed. The first flow path R1 introduces a part of the blown air sent from the upstream side into the through holes 60 and 62 of the active ingredient generator 56, and discharges it downstream after passing through the through holes 60 and 62. It is something to be made. The second flow path R2 is configured such that the other part of the air sent from the upstream side (that is, the part excluding the part that flows into the first flow path R1 out of the whole air sent to the active ingredient generator 56) is the electrode part 58 on both sides. It is made to flow along the outer peripheral surface of the water and then discharged downstream.

  A branching portion between the first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2 is provided with an adjustment valve 63 for changing the proportion of the air flowing into the first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2. The regulating valve 63 is appropriately controlled so as to maintain the flow rate of the air flowing into the first flow path R1 at a substantially constant amount.

  The first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2 are partitioned by a partition wall portion 64. The partition wall portion 64 includes an upstream portion of the first flow path R1 (that is, a portion that guides air flow from the branch portion into the through holes 60 and 62), and an upstream portion of the second flow path R2 provided in parallel therewith. A tubular partition wall 64a, a downstream portion of the first flow path R1 (that is, a portion that guides the air blown from the through holes 60 and 62 to the joining portion), and a second flow path R2 provided in parallel therewith. And a tubular partition wall 64b for partitioning the downstream side portion. Both the partition walls 64 a and 64 b are installed with their ends in close contact with the flat surface of the electrode portion 58.

  In the modification of FIG. 10, when a high voltage is applied between the pair of electrode portions 58 by the high voltage application portion 61, microplasma discharge is started in the discharge space S formed by the through holes 60 of the insulating spacer 57, and the density is high. An active ingredient is generated.

  Here, the air blown straight through the upstream portion of the first flow path R1 and into the through holes 60 and 62 of the active ingredient generator 56 has a high density in the discharge space S composed of the through holes 60. The active ingredient produced | generated by this is carried out downstream. On the other hand, the blast introduced through the upstream portion of the second flow path R2 is a flat plate surface and an outer peripheral surface of the upstream electrode portion 58, an outer peripheral surface of the insulating spacer 57, an outer peripheral surface of the downstream electrode portion 58, and It flows down along the flat plate surface so as to wrap around in a U-shape as viewed from the side, and after the heat of both electrode portions 58 is taken away, it is discharged downstream.

  At this time, the microplasma discharge in the through hole 60 is influenced by the entire air volume by controlling the opening of the regulating valve 63 so that the flow rate of the air flowing into the first flow path R1 is maintained at a substantially constant amount. It is done stably without.

  The modification shown in FIG. 11 is that a gap 59 is interposed between the insulating spacer 57 and the upstream and downstream electrode portions 58 with a substantially uniform width of about several hundreds μm, and the downstream electrode portion. 58 in that the through hole 62 is provided with a sufficiently larger diameter than the through holes 60 and 62 of the insulating spacer 57 and the upstream electrode portion 58, and the partition wall portion 64 and the adjustment valve 63 are not provided. This is different from the modification shown in FIG.

  The blown air sent to the active component generating air passage 54 first passes through the through hole 62 of the upstream electrode portion 58 and into the through hole 60 of the insulating spacer 57 at a portion where it contacts the flat plate surface of the upstream electrode portion 58. And a flow detouring along the outer peripheral surface of the upstream electrode portion 58. The flow that has passed through the through-hole 60 of the insulating spacer 57 is sent further downstream through a large-diameter through-hole 62 provided in the downstream electrode portion 58. The flow detoured along the outer peripheral surface of the upstream electrode portion 58 is sent further downstream along the outer peripheral surface of the insulating spacer 57 and the outer peripheral surface of the downstream electrode portion 58, and then the downstream electrode. It merges with the flow that has passed through the through hole 62 of the portion 58.

  Further, a part of the flow sent out along the outer peripheral surface of the upstream electrode part 58 passes through the gap 59 between the upstream electrode part 58 and the insulating spacer 57 into the through hole 60 of the insulating spacer 57. It is sent. Further, a part of the flow sent out from the outer peripheral surface of the upstream electrode portion 58 as it is along the outer peripheral surface of the insulating spacer 57 passes through the gap 59 between the insulating spacer 57 and the downstream electrode portion 58. It is fed into the through hole 62 of the downstream electrode portion 58.

In the modification shown in FIG. 11, when a high voltage is applied between the pair of electrode portions 58, a through hole 60 provided in the insulating spacer 57 and a gap formed between the insulating spacer 57 and the upstream electrode portion 58. In the gap 59 formed between the insulating spacer 57 and the downstream electrode portion 58, the microplasma discharge is started. That is, a minute discharge space S along the insulating spacer 57 is formed by the through hole 60 of the insulating spacer 57 and the gap 59 on the upstream side and the downstream side. Since the through hole 62 of the downstream electrode portion 58 is provided with a large diameter as described above, the active component generated in the discharge space S is suppressed from adhering to the downstream electrode portion 58.

  The modification shown in FIG. 12 is different from the modification shown in FIG. 11 in that the insulating spacer 57 and the upstream electrode portion 58 are in close contact with each other. In the modification of FIG. 12, a minute discharge space S along the insulating spacer 57 is formed by the through hole 60 of the insulating spacer 57 and the gap 59 between the insulating spacer 57 and the downstream electrode portion 58. Has been.

  The gap 59 that forms the discharge space S may be provided between the insulating spacer 57 and the upstream electrode portion 58, and the downstream electrode portion 58 may be provided in close contact with the insulating spacer 57. Even in this case, a large amount of effective components generated in the discharge space S can be conveyed to the downstream side, and the heat of the effective component generation unit 56 can be efficiently taken away.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 13, the liquid reservoir 76 is arranged so as to communicate with the downstream end of the downstream electrode part 58 in the modification shown in FIG. 10, and the liquid is further supplied into the liquid reservoir 76. Liquid supply means 66 for performing the above operation, and an atomizing section 67 for atomizing the liquid in the liquid reservoir section 76. In addition, the partition part 64 and the adjustment valve 63 are not provided similarly to the modification shown in FIG.

  The liquid supply means 66 includes a cooling device 69 having a cooling surface 68 where condensed water is generated, and a liquid supply pipe 70 disposed between the cooling surface 68 and the liquid reservoir 76. The cooling device 69 has a structure in which a heat radiation fin 72 is connected to the heat dissipation side of a plurality of Peltier elements 71 and a cooling plate 73 is connected to the cooling side of the Peltier elements 71.

  In the effective component generating air passage 54, a cooling air passage 74 that branches after the effective component generating portion 56 is diverged is provided. The cooling plate 73 of the cooling device 69 is exposed in the cooling air passage 74. The heat dissipating fins 72 of the cooling device 69 are exposed at a location downstream of the location where the cooling air passage 74 in the effective component generating air passage 54 is branched and upstream of the effective component generating portion 56. It is.

  The cooling surface 68 is formed on the surface of the cooling plate 73, and condensed water generated on the cooling surface 68 based on the moisture in the air is similarly tubularly stored through the liquid supply pipe 70. It is designed to supply up to In the illustrated example, the liquid supply pipe 70 and the liquid reservoir 76 are formed in a series of crank-shaped tubes, but instead of the liquid supply pipe 70, a fibrous member such as felt, a foamable material, A porous member made of ceramic may be arranged to convey the liquid. Further, the liquid reservoir 76 may be provided in a tank shape. Furthermore, the liquid supply means 66 may be configured to have another structure in which moisture in the air is collected and released using a hygroscopic agent such as silica gel or zeolite.

  The atomizing section 67 has an ultrasonic vibrator 75, and the liquid supplied from the liquid reservoir section 76 is atomized by ultrasonic vibration and then discharged to the outside. Note that the atomizing unit 67 is not limited to the above-described configuration, a structure in which atomization is performed using surface acoustic waves, a structure in which pressure is applied to a wall surface, a structure in which a spray is sprayed using a pump, and electrostatic atomization Other structures such as a structure using the above (see a modification example to be described later based on FIG. 14) may be used. Moreover, it may replace with the atomization part 67 and you may provide the vaporization part which discharge | releases outside after vaporizing the liquid in the liquid reservoir part 76 using a wind or a heat | fever.

  In the modified example of FIG. 13, the effective component generated in the discharge space S (through hole 60) of the effective component generating unit 56 is directly fed into the liquid reservoir 76, and is effective for the liquid in the liquid reservoir 76. After the components are dissolved, atomization is performed by the atomization unit 67. That is, the mist M in a state where the active ingredient is concentrated and dissolved is released to the outside.

  Here, when superoxide radicals or hydroxy radicals produced as active ingredients are dissolved in water, hydrogen peroxide water is produced. Therefore, the mist M released to the outside becomes a mist containing hydrogen peroxide solution, and exhibits effects such as deodorization and sterilization. Further, when nitrate ions or nitrogen oxides generated as active ingredients are dissolved in water, nitric acid is generated. Therefore, the mist M released to the outside becomes a mist containing nitric acid. That is, by sending the active ingredient generated in the discharge space S directly into the liquid and dissolving it, the liquid composed of dew condensation water can be modified so as to exhibit effects such as deodorization and sterilization.

  In addition, since the liquid reservoir portion 76 is disposed and brought into close contact with the downstream side of the active ingredient generating portion 56, the effect of cooling the electrode portion 58 and the insulating spacer 57 heated by the discharge can also be obtained. Since the through holes 60 and 62 have a very small diameter, the liquid in the liquid reservoir portion 76 is prevented from entering the through holes 60 and 62.

  In addition, the presence of the liquid reservoir 76 in the immediate vicinity of the downstream side of the discharge space S also provides an effect of greatly promoting the active component generation reaction. This is because fine bubbles are generated in the liquid reservoir 76 due to the air sent from the discharge space S side, and a discharge is generated in the bubbles near the discharge space S. The generation reaction of the active ingredient is promoted by supplying the moisture of the surrounding liquid to the discharge portion in the fine bubbles.

Specific examples formation reaction is accelerated here, the reaction can be considered such by reacting a water molecule (H 2 _O) to generate hydroxyl radicals (· OH) to molecular oxygen (O ₂₎ under high energy . Also, a nitrogen molecule (N ₂₎ and various components will now be generated, by a water molecule (H 2 _O) is reacted, the reaction is also conceivable to produce hydroxy radicals (· OH). Furthermore, it is considered that the reaction for generating hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂ ) from hydroxy radicals (.OH) is promoted along with the promotion of these reactions.

  In the illustrated example, the electrode portions 58 are disposed on both sides of the insulating spacer 57, but the electrode portions 58 may be disposed only on one side (for example, only on the upstream side). Even in this case, by providing the liquid reservoir 76 so as to communicate with the through hole 60 of the insulating spacer 57, the active ingredient can be directly fed into the liquid reservoir 76 and dissolved.

  By the way, in the modified example of FIG. 11, the liquid reservoir 76 is disposed downstream of the discharge space S and the bubbles are sent in so as to promote the generation of active ingredients. By adopting it, it is possible to supply water to the discharge part and promote the production reaction of the active ingredient.

  As another configuration that can be adopted, moisture is conveyed toward one of the upstream side and the downstream side (or both points) from the insulating spacer 57 of the air passage 54 for generating an active ingredient by an appropriate conveying unit. A configuration is mentioned. Examples of the transport means include means for transporting moisture in an appropriate water tank installed in the dishwasher main body 1 via a transport body such as felt. Instead of the water tank, a configuration in which condensed water is generated may be used. In this case, the dew condensation water is sequentially conveyed to the vicinity of the discharge space S through the conveyance body, and moisture is continuously supplied to the discharge portion.

  Here, when water is transported to a location upstream of the insulating spacer 57 and in the immediate vicinity of the discharge space S, the transported water is sequentially supplied to the discharge portion in the discharge space S by wind pressure. And act to greatly accelerate the reaction of producing the active ingredient. The production reaction promoted here is the same reaction as the above reaction.

  In addition, when water is transported to a location downstream of the insulating spacer 57 and in the immediate vicinity of the discharge space S, the transported moisture is discharged from the discharge space S due to wind pressure. In order to greatly accelerate the reaction for producing the active ingredient.

  The modification shown in FIG. 14 is different from the modification shown in FIG. 13 in that the electrostatic atomization phenomenon is used as a means for atomizing the liquid in the liquid reservoir 76. .

  In the case of this modification, the electrode portion 58 is disposed in close contact with the upstream side of the insulating spacer 57, and the tank-type liquid reservoir portion 76 is disposed in close contact with the downstream side of the insulating spacer 57. Is communicated with the liquid reservoir 76. The downstream electrode portion 58 that forms a pair with the upstream electrode portion 58 is disposed in the liquid reservoir portion 76, and a voltage is applied between the pair of electrode portions 58 via the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir portion 76. To generate a microplasma discharge in the through hole 60 of the insulating spacer 57.

  In the modification of FIG. 14, the downstream electrode portion 58 in the liquid reservoir 76 also serves as an electrode for electrostatic atomization. From the liquid reservoir 76, a liquid transport section 77 for sequentially supplying the liquid in the liquid reservoir section 76 for electrostatic atomization is provided so as to be transported to the tip of the liquid transport section 77 by capillary action. For the liquid, the electrode 58 in the liquid reservoir applies a high voltage for electrostatic atomization.

  The liquid transported to the tip of the liquid transport section 77 generates a Taylor cone by applying a high voltage, and sequentially generates a large amount of mist M so that it can be repelled by the electrostatic atomization phenomenon. As described above, by adopting a configuration in which the liquid in the liquid reservoir 76 is atomized by electrostatic atomization as the atomizing unit 67, the liquid in which the active ingredient is dissolved is reduced to a very small particle size including a nanometer size. Further, there is an advantage that the charged mist M can be discharged to the outside. Instead of using the downstream electrode portion 58 as an electrode for electrostatic atomization, a dedicated electrode may be provided.

  Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate design changes can be made within the intended scope of the present invention. Is possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing machine 2 To-be-washed object 3 Dishwasher 6 Door 8 Dishwasher main body 31 Locking means 32 Ozone detection part 33 Control part 35 Hot air supply means 50 Active ingredient generator 54 Effective ingredient generation air path 56 Effective ingredient generation part 57 Insulating spacer 58 Electrode section 59 Clearance 60 Through hole S Discharge space

Claims (4)

  A dishwasher main body that contains and uses an object to be cleaned in a washing cabinet provided with a door that can be opened and closed is equipped with an active ingredient generator that generates an active ingredient by discharge, so that the active ingredient is discharged into the washing cabinet. The active ingredient generator comprises an active ingredient generator that generates a discharge, and an active component generator air passage that arranges the active ingredient generator. An electrode portion and an insulating spacer disposed in close proximity to or in the vicinity of the electrode portion, and applying a high voltage to the electrode portion allows discharge in a minute discharge space formed along the insulating spacer. The effective component generating air passage is formed so that the air sent to the active component generating portion passes through both the discharge space and the outer peripheral surface of the electrode portion, and The main body of the dishwasher A lock means for locking the storage door in a closed state, and the active ingredient generator can be operated only when the door of the cleaning cabinet is in a closed state. When the operation of the active ingredient generator is started, the lock means is used to open the door. A dishwasher comprising: a controller that locks and releases the lock after a certain period of time has elapsed after stopping the operation of the active ingredient generator.   A dishwasher main body that contains and uses an object to be cleaned in a washing cabinet provided with a door that can be opened and closed is equipped with an active ingredient generator that generates an active ingredient by discharge, so that the active ingredient is discharged into the washing cabinet. The active ingredient generator comprises an active ingredient generator that generates a discharge, and an active component generator air passage that arranges the active ingredient generator. An electrode portion and an insulating spacer disposed in close proximity to or in the vicinity of the electrode portion, and applying a high voltage to the electrode portion allows discharge in a minute discharge space formed along the insulating spacer. The effective component generating air passage is formed so that the air sent to the active component generating portion passes through both the discharge space and the outer peripheral surface of the electrode portion, and The main body of the dishwasher Locking means that locks the cabinet door in the closed state, an ozone detector that detects the ozone concentration in the washing cabinet, and the active ingredient generator can be operated only when the washing cabinet door is in the closed state. A dishwasher comprising: a control unit that locks the door with the locking means when the operation of the component generator starts, and releases the lock when the detection result of the ozone detection unit falls below a set concentration.   In the dishwasher body, the hot air supply means for supplying hot air into the washing cabinet and the hot air supply means are operated after the operation of the active ingredient generator is stopped until the lock is released. The dishwasher according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit. 4. The dishwasher according to claim 3, wherein the operation time of the hot air supply means is set based on the power consumption of the active ingredient generator.

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