JP2012066198A - Water softener, and washing machine with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To soften water by improving adsorption efficiency to reduce the hardness degree of raw water, and minimizing pressure loss.SOLUTION: The water softener includes: at least a pair of capacitor electrodes 5a, 5b having adsorption action by static electricity; an adsorption tank 4 having a flow path 4c in which the capacitor electrodes 5a, 5b are arranged; a water supply device 1 for supplying a raw water to be softened into the adsorption tank 4; a voltage application device 6 for applying a DC voltage to the capacitor electrodes 5a, 5b; a water softening material injection device 2 for injecting a particulate water softening material that develops a negative charge on the surface thereof; and a control device 8 for controlling the water supply device 1 and the voltage application device 6. The control device 8 is configured, after the water softening material is injected with raw water into the adsorption tank 4 while the voltage application device 6 applies a DC voltage, to inject raw water into the adsorption tank 4 for water softening.

Description

  The present invention relates to a water softening device that removes hardness components contained in raw water and softens the water, and a washing machine equipped with the same.

  Washing water used for washing is generally tap water, groundwater, well water, etc., and is greatly affected by the water quality of the place where the washing machine is used. In particular, hard water components such as calcium and magnesium have the property of reducing the detergency of the surfactant and negatively affect the cleaning performance. Further, in the case of hard water, the detergent is difficult to dissolve, and each part of the washing machine is easily soiled with detergent residue, which causes mold and the like.

  In order to cope with such a problem, a water softening agent such as zeolite that adsorbs a hard water component is blended in a commercial detergent. Zeolite is usually a mineral having a primary particle size of several μm, and has sites that adsorb so as to surround calcium ions and magnesium ions (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The water softening capacity of zeolite is evaluated as a cation exchange capacity, and in the case of synthetic zeolite, it is 400 to 600 meq / 100 g. As an example, when 140 g of detergent (zeolite content 25%, exchange capacity 500 meq / 100 g) is added to 20 L of water, the zeolite in the detergent has a water softening capacity of 175 meq. If all the water softening capacities are used, the water can be softened from water having a hardness of 430 ppm to a hardness of 0 ppm.

  However, when the detergent is dissolved in hard water in a batch manner, the adsorption of the hard water component to the zeolite becomes a one-stage equilibrium state between the adsorption / dissolution and only about 30 to 40% of the original hard water component is adsorbed. . This indicates that 60% or more of the adsorption capacity of zeolite remains unexpressed.

  In general, in order to maximize the adsorption capacity, a method (column type) is used in which an adsorbent is packed into a column and the adsorbate permeates through the column. In column type adsorption, pseudo-stage adsorption equilibrium is performed in the column, and the adsorbate that has flowed in can always come into contact with an adsorbent having a lower saturation level. Compared to batch-type adsorption in which adsorption equilibrium is performed in one stage, the concentration of adsorbate in the liquid flowing out from the column outlet is lower. When zeolite is used in a column type, the hardness can be further reduced. Further, the zeolite adsorbent is saturated from the upstream of the flow path, and more adsorption capacity is expressed than the batch type.

  As a water softening filter medium, a water softening device is known that softens water by continuously flowing raw water into a water softening treatment tank containing an ion exchanger such as zeolite (see, for example, Patent Document 2). ). In addition, a washing machine has been considered in which a zeolite contained in a powdered synthetic detergent has a softening degree and is allowed to penetrate into laundry (for example, see Patent Document 3).

JP 2005-46187 A JP-A-8-164386 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-355489

  However, in the conventional configuration, when zeolite particles having a particle size of several μm are packed in a column, most of the flow path is blocked as shown in FIG. There was a problem that it was difficult to put it to practical use because it required pressurization of atmospheric pressure.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a water softening device capable of reducing the hardness of raw water by minimizing pressure loss and improving adsorption efficiency by zeolite particles. .

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, a water softening device according to the present invention includes at least a pair of capacitor electrodes having an adsorption action due to static electricity, an adsorption tank in which the capacitor electrodes are disposed in a flow path, and an inside of the adsorption tank. Water supply means for supplying raw water for water softening treatment, voltage application means for applying a DC voltage to the capacitor electrode, water softener introduction means for introducing a particulate water softener that expresses a negative charge on the surface, Control means for controlling the water supply means and the voltage application means, the control means, after introducing the water-softening material into the adsorption tank together with raw water in a state where a DC voltage is applied by the voltage application means, Raw water is introduced into the adsorption tank and softened.

  Thereby, while preventing an increase in pressure loss to a minimum, zeolite particles can be pseudo-packed along the flow path to improve adsorption efficiency and reduce the hardness of raw water.

  The water softening device of the present invention can reduce the hardness of raw water by improving the adsorption efficiency by filling the zeolite particles in a pseudo column shape along the flow path while minimizing the increase in pressure loss. .

The block diagram of the water softening apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention AA sectional view of FIG. 1 of the water softening device. (A)-(d) Operation explanatory drawing of the water softening device The block diagram of the washing machine provided with the water softening apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention Time chart showing the operation of the washing machine Sectional view of a conventional water softener

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided at least a pair of capacitor electrodes having an adsorption action due to static electricity, an adsorption tank in which the capacitor electrodes are disposed in a flow path, and water supply means for supplying raw water to be softened in the adsorption tank. A voltage applying means for applying a DC voltage to the capacitor electrode; a water softening material charging means for charging a particulate water softening material that expresses a negative charge on the surface; and a control for controlling the water supply means and the voltage applying means And the control means introduces the water-softening material into the adsorption tank together with the raw water in a state where a DC voltage is applied by the voltage application means, and then introduces the raw water into the adsorption tank to soften the water. By doing so, the zeolite particles are pseudo-packed along the flow path while minimizing the increase in pressure loss, improving the adsorption efficiency and reducing the hardness of the raw water It can be. Water softening materials such as zeolite develop multiple negative charges in water due to permanent charge. When the water softening material is introduced into the adsorption path with a DC voltage applied to the capacitor electrode, the water softening material is held on the anode surface by electrostatic force, and the surface of the anode is covered with the water softening material. In this way, the state of being arranged on the anode surface can be maintained without blocking the flow path. The polyvalent cation, which is a hard water component, is electrostatically attracted to the negative charge on the zeolite surface and the negative charge on the cathode surface to be removed from the water and softened.

  A second aspect of the present invention is a washing tub that accommodates laundry and is rotatably provided in a water receiving tub, a driving means that rotationally drives the washing tub, and a water supply means that supplies washing water to the water receiving tub. A washing machine comprising: a draining means for draining the washing water in the water receiving tub; a control means for sequentially controlling each step of washing, rinsing and dewatering; and the water softening device of the first invention. Usually, the powder detergent contains 10 to 30% of zeolite by weight. When the powder detergent is dissolved in a relatively small amount of the washing water used in the washing step and the zeolite is held in the adsorption route, the zeolite having a relatively low saturation can be prepared in a pseudo column state. When the remaining washing water (hard water) is introduced into the adsorption path, the contact with the zeolite having a relatively low degree of saturation is always repeated, so that the adsorption removal (softening) of the hard water component is performed efficiently. As a result, sufficient softening can be achieved with the amount of zeolite contained in the powder detergent.

  In the third invention, in particular, when the washing means drains the washing water after the end of the washing process, the control means of the second invention stops the voltage application of the voltage application means and drains the water in the adsorption tank. As a result, the zeolite can be desorbed from the inner surface of the adsorption path and discarded together with the waste water.

  In the fourth invention, in particular, the control means of the second invention drains the water in the adsorption tank by reversing the voltage application of the voltage application means for a predetermined time when the washing water is drained after the washing process is completed. By doing so, by reversing the voltage for a relatively short time, the zeolite can be reliably desorbed from the inner surface of the adsorption path and discarded together with the waste water.

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

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a water softening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, raw water (hard water) supplied by a water supply means 1 composed of a water supply valve or the like is introduced into a water softening material input means 2 for storing fine water softening material such as zeolite. 3 is supplied to the adsorption tank 4. The adsorption tank 4 is formed in a cylindrical shape, communicates with the water supply path 3 on the side surface near the bottom 4a of the adsorption tank 4, and is supplied to the adsorption tank 4 from the water supply port 3a of the water supply path 3 in a state where the water softening material is suspended. The The bottom portion 4a of the adsorption tank 4 forms a bulging portion 4b so as to rise upward in a conical shape inward.

  Suspended water of the water softening material introduced from the side surface of the adsorption tank 4 is introduced in the direction of arrow A along the inner peripheral surface of the adsorption tank 4 formed in a cylindrical shape. Inside the adsorption tank 4, a pair of capacitor electrodes 5a and 5b formed in an arc shape along the inner peripheral surface are arranged to face each other. The capacitor electrodes 5a and 5b are made of a material having an electrostatic capacity such as graphite, activated carbon cloth, porous carbon material, carbon nanotube composite material, and are connected to the voltage applying means 6 through a platinum wire or the like. .

  The water that has passed through the flow path 4c of the adsorption tank 4 is softened and drained out of the adsorption tank 4 through the drainage port 7a through the drainage channel 7. The drain port 7a is provided at a position away from the water supply port 3a, one end is positioned near the bottom 4a of the adsorption tank 4, and other than the capacitor electrodes 5a and 5b extending in the cylindrical adsorption tank 4 Located near the edge. Therefore, the water of softening material that has flowed into the adsorption tank 4 from the water supply port 3a flows along the capacitor electrodes 5a and 5b through the flow path 4c in the adsorption tank 4 toward the drain port 7a. Drained.

  The control means 8 is connected to the water supply means 1 and the voltage application means 6, and supplies / stops the raw water to the adsorption tank 4 by the water supply means 1, and applies / stops the DC voltage to the capacitor electrodes 5a and 5b by the voltage application means 6. To do. Application / stop of the DC voltage by the voltage application means 6 is controlled by turning on / off the switch 6a.

  About the water softening apparatus comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are hereafter demonstrated with the operation | movement explanatory drawing of FIG. FIG. 3A shows a state when water supply is started by the water supply means 1. When the switch 6a is turned on and a DC voltage of 1 to 2V is applied to the capacitor electrodes 5a and 5b by the voltage applying means 6, the capacitor electrode 5a becomes an anode and the surface is positively charged. The capacitor electrode 5b becomes a cathode, and the surface is negatively charged.

  Zeolite, which is a water softening material, has a negative charge on the surface and usually has sodium ions as counter ions. The control means 8 supplies 1/10 to 1/3 of the water to be softened from the water supply means 1 in a state where a DC voltage is applied to the capacitor electrodes 5a and 5b, and the zeolite supplied by the water softener introduction means 2 The water softening material such as is introduced into the adsorption tank 4 from the water supply port 3a while being suspended in hard water.

  Since the zeolite particles have a specific gravity of 2.7 and heavier than water, the zeolite particles rise toward the drain port 7a while causing a vortex in the direction of arrow A along the inner peripheral surface of the adsorption tank 4 by centrifugal force. Since the capacitor electrodes 5a and 5b are arranged along the inner peripheral surface of the adsorption tank 4, the zeolite particles flow in the vicinity of the capacitor electrodes 5a and 5b.

  When the zeolite particles sufficiently approach the capacitor electrode 5a, they are adsorbed by the capacitor electrode 5a serving as the anode due to static electricity and are held in a state of covering the surface of the capacitor electrode 5a (FIG. 3B). Since the adsorbed zeolite particles are kept in an aligned state without moving much on the electrode surface as long as voltage is continuously applied, a pseudo multistage adsorption tank 4 equivalent to a column is obtained.

  Further, since the zeolite particles are held on the surface of the capacitor electrode 5a, most of the flow path 4c is not blocked. In addition, since the bottom part 4a of the adsorption tank 4 forms a bulging part 4b so as to rise upward in a conical shape, some zeolite particles that have sunk in the bottom part 4a also ride on the vortex and again form the capacitor electrode 5a. Retained on the surface.

When hard water (raw water) is additionally introduced into the adsorption tank 4, as shown in FIG. 3 (c), sodium ions (Na ⁺ ), which are counter ions of zeolite, are caused by calcium ions (Ca ²⁺ ), which are hard water components. As a result, the hard water component is adsorbed and held on the zeolite surface. Also, the cation of the hard water component is adsorbed and held by the electrostatic force on the surface of the capacitor electrode 5b as the cathode. Although sodium ions and calcium ions in the figure are schematically shown in a circular diagram, they are actually 1 to 2 nm or less in size and do not block the flow path.

  The surface of the capacitor electrode 5b serving as the cathode can adsorb cations of hard water components to soften the water. However, the water softening device of the present invention is capable of hard water at both the anode and the cathode of the capacitor electrodes 5a and 5b. Since the components can be adsorbed, a large adsorption capacity can be realized in a limited apparatus space.

  When draining the water in the adsorption tank 4, the switch 6a is turned off and the application of voltage to the capacitor electrodes 5a and 5b is stopped, so that the adsorbed zeolite and hard water components are as shown in FIG. It is desorbed and drained from the drain port 7a to the drain channel 7. Thus, by regenerating the surfaces of the capacitor electrodes 5a and 5b, it is possible to repeatedly exert a water softening action.

As described above, at least a pair of capacitor electrodes 5a and 5b having an adsorption action due to static electricity, the adsorption tank 4 in which the capacitor electrodes 5a and 5b are disposed in the flow path 4c, and the water softening treatment in the adsorption tank 4 Water supply means 1 for supplying raw water to be applied, voltage application means 6 for applying a DC voltage to the capacitor electrodes 5a and 5b, and a water softener introduction means 2 for introducing a particulate water softener that expresses a negative charge on the surface. And control means 8 for controlling the water supply means 1 and the voltage application means 6, the control means 8 adsorbing the water softening material together with raw water in a state where a DC voltage is applied by the voltage application means 6. After being introduced into the tank 4, the raw water is introduced into the adsorption tank 4 and softened to keep the softened material on the anode surface without blocking the flow path 4 c, and the column of It is possible to exert a sea urchin high water softening performance.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a washing machine provided with the water softening device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the operation of the washing machine. 4 and 5, a washing tub 11 formed in a cylindrical shape accommodates laundry such as clothes to be washed, and is rotatably provided in the water receiving tub 12. The washing tub 11 is rotationally driven by driving means 13 such as a motor. A large number of small holes (not shown) are provided in the peripheral side surface 11a of the washing tub 11, and water supplied to the water receiving tub 12 flows into the washing tub 11 through the small holes.

  A plurality of inwardly projecting baffles 11b are provided on the inner side of the peripheral side surface 11a of the washing tub 11, and the laundry in the washing tub 11 is rotated in the rotation direction by rotating the washing tub 11 at a predetermined rotation speed. Laundry is performed by the action of tapping, which is lifted upward and dropped.

  A water supply means 14 constituted by a water supply valve or the like for supplying washing water into the water receiving tank 12 is provided in a water supply path 15 connecting the water supply and the water receiving tank 12. The water supply path 15 between the water supply means 14 and the water receiving tank 12 is provided with a detergent supply means 16 as a water softening material input means, and the powder detergent is water together with tap water (raw water) supplied by the water supply means 14. It is put into the receiving tank 12.

  A pump 18 as a pressurizing means is provided in a circulation path 17 having one end communicating with the bottom of the water receiving tank 12 and the other end communicating with the upper part of the water receiving tank 12. Washing water can be supplied to the upper part of the water receiving tank 12 through the circulation path 17 and circulated.

  The circulation path 17 is provided with a water softening device 19 for softening the tap water (raw water) supplied by the water supply means 14, and the wash water passing through the circulation path 17 passes through the water softening device 19 to soften the water. And introduced into the water receiving tank 12. The configuration, operation, and action of the water softening device 19 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given, and the detailed description uses those in the first embodiment.

  A switching valve 20 as a flow path switching means provided in the circulation path 17 is disposed between the water receiving tank 12 on the downstream side of the outlet 19a of the water softening device 19, and the drainage path as the circulation path 17 and the drainage means. It consists of a three-way valve that switches to 21 and switches between washing water circulation and drainage.

  The control means 22 controls the drive means 13, the water supply means 14, the pump 18, the water softening device 19, the switching valve 20, and the like, and sequentially controls each step of washing, rinsing and dehydration.

  With respect to the washing machine configured as described above, the operation and action of the washing process will be described with reference to the time chart of FIG. When a laundry such as clothes to be washed is put into the washing tub 11 and the operation is started, the amount of the thrown laundry is detected by a cloth amount detecting means (not shown), and an optimum water amount and Operation time etc. are set.

  First, the water supply means 14 supplies 1/4 to 1/3 of the water used for washing, and a detergent supply means 16 as a water softening material input means in which a powder detergent containing a water softening material such as zeolite is placed. Then, the powder detergent is introduced into the water receiving tank 12 together with the tap water (raw water). The water supplied to the water receiving tub 12 flows into the washing tub 11 through the small holes (step 1).

  Next, the washing tub 11 is rotationally driven by the driving means 13 for a predetermined time to dissolve the powder detergent (step 2). Next, the rotation operation of the washing tub 11 is stopped, and the water softening material such as zeolite contained in the powder detergent is allowed to settle by allowing it to stand for a predetermined time (for example, about 1 minute) (step 3).

  Next, in a state where a DC voltage of 1 to 2 V is applied to the capacitor electrodes 5a and 5b by the voltage applying means 6, the pump 18 as the pressurizing means is operated, and the zeolite which is the water softening material in the water receiving tank 12 It introduce | transduces into the adsorption tank 4 of the water softening device 19 (step 4). The remaining washing water is supplied by the water supply means 14 (step 5). At this time, the switching valve 20 is switched to the circulation path 17 side.

  The washing water that has passed through the circulation path 17 by the pump 18 is softened by the water softening device 19 and introduced into the water receiving tank 12. A predetermined amount of softened water is stored in the water receiving tub 12 and the washing tub 11, and the washing tub 11 is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed by the driving means 13 so that the laundry in the washing tub 11 is rotated. Washing is performed by a so-called tapping operation, in which it is lifted upward and dropped (step 6).

  After the washing process is completed, the switch 6a is turned off, and the voltage application to the capacitor electrodes 5a and 5b is stopped, the switching valve 20 is switched to the drainage path 21 side, the pump 18 is operated, and the dirty washing water is drained. (Step 7).

  The operation and action of the water softening device 19 between steps 4 to 6 are the same as those in FIGS. 3A to 3D described in the first embodiment. Following the washing process, a rinsing process and a dehydrating process are executed, and the operation is terminated.

  Zeolite, which is a water softening material, is a fine particle having a diameter of several μm, but if it adheres in large amounts to the surface of dark clothing, it may appear that the color of the clothing has faded. Since the washing machine of the present invention discharges a large part of the zeolite without much contact with the clothes, the problem of residual adhesion can be avoided.

  As described above, the washing machine of the present invention includes a washing tub 11 that accommodates laundry and is rotatably provided in the water receiving tub 12, the driving means 13 that rotationally drives the washing tub 11, and the water receiving A water supply means 14 for supplying washing water to the tank 12, a drain means 21 for draining the washing water in the water receiving tank 12, a control means 22 for sequentially controlling each step of washing, rinsing and dehydration, a first The water softening device 19 described in the invention is provided, and the water softening device 19 including the adsorption tank 4 is disposed in the circulation path 17, and the circulation path 17 constitutes a part of the adsorption path and the flow path 4 c. . Moreover, the water softening material input means 2 is comprised by the detergent supply means 16 which supplies the detergent for washing | cleaning. The control means 22 introduces the washing water in which the laundry detergent and water softener are dissolved with a relatively small amount of water into the water softening device 19 by the pressurizing means 18 and then introduces additional washing water into the water softening device 19. Thus, the washing water can be softened by maximizing the adsorption capacity of the water softening material such as zeolite contained in the powder detergent.

  In addition, when draining the wash water after the washing process is completed, the control means 22 stops the voltage application of the voltage application means 6 and drains the water in the adsorption tank 4, so that the zeolite and The hard water component can be desorbed from the inner surface of the adsorption tank 4 and discarded together with the waste water, and the water softening effect can be exhibited repeatedly.

In addition, when the washing means is drained after the washing process is completed, that is, in step 7 of the second embodiment, the control means 22 applies the voltage application of the voltage application means 6 for a predetermined time (for example, several tens of seconds to several tens of seconds). By reversing the rotation, the zeolite and the hard water component that have been adsorbed and retained can be reliably desorbed by the electric repulsion action with the electrode, and the water softening effect can be exhibited repeatedly.

  As described above, the water softening device according to the present invention and the washing machine equipped with the device softly adsorb zeolite particles along the flow path while preventing the increase in pressure loss to a minimum, Since efficiency can be improved and the hardness of raw | natural water can be reduced, it is useful as a water softening apparatus and a washing machine provided with the same apparatus.

1 Water supply valve (water supply means)
2 Softening material charging means 4 Adsorption tank 4c Flow path 5a Capacitor electrode 5b Capacitor electrode 6 Voltage applying means 8 Control means

Claims (4)

At least a pair of capacitor electrodes having an adsorption action due to static electricity, an adsorption tank in which the capacitor electrodes are arranged in a flow path, water supply means for supplying raw water to be softened in the adsorption tank, and direct current to the capacitor electrode A voltage applying means for applying a voltage; a water softening material charging means for charging a particulate water softening material that expresses a negative charge on the surface; and a control means for controlling the water supply means and the voltage applying means, The control means introduces the water softening material into the adsorption tank together with the raw water in a state where a DC voltage is applied by the voltage application means, and then softens the water by introducing the raw water into the adsorption tank. apparatus. A washing tub that accommodates laundry and is rotatably provided in the water receiving tub, a driving means that rotationally drives the washing tub, a water supply means that supplies washing water to the water receiving tub, and an inside of the water receiving tub A washing machine comprising: draining means for draining the washing water; control means for sequentially controlling each of the steps of washing, rinsing, and dewatering; and the water softening device according to claim 1. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein when the washing water is drained after completion of the washing step, the control means stops the voltage application of the voltage applying means and drains the water in the adsorption tank. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein when the washing water is drained after completion of the washing process, the control means reverses the voltage application of the voltage applying means for a predetermined time to drain the water in the adsorption tank.

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