JP2015043886A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To apply a hydrophilic antifouling function to a part where the function is most effectively exerted; and to enhance a function for keeping the inside of a tub hygienic.SOLUTION: A washing machine according to the present embodiment includes a hydrophilic part on a rotary tub rotatably provided within a water tub. In addition, the washing machine is mounted with a device for generating and releasing a functional element having oxidizing power into the water tub.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a washing machine.

  Conventionally, it has been considered to provide various functional films on a water tank of a washing machine. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a heat insulating paint film is provided on the inner surface of a water tank in order to reduce power consumption during drying. Further, in this Patent Document 1, by including hydrophilic hollow beads in the water-repellent heat-insulating coating film, the water film adhering to the surface of the film is spread and evaporated. It is disclosed to further reduce power consumption.

  By the way, in recent years, paints that exhibit antifouling functions due to hydrophilicity have been developed, and if such paints are applied to the inner surface of a water tank of a washing machine, the antifouling function keeps the inner surface of the water tank clean. Can do. However, the water stored in the water tank is contacted with the inner surface of the water tank during the washing operation or the rinsing operation, and the water splashed from the internal rotating tank is also in contact with the water during the dehydration operation. Therefore, the inner surface of the water tank can be kept relatively clean without applying such antifouling function paint, and therefore even if the antifouling function is held on the inner surface of the water tank, the function is effective. It cannot be used.

JP 2010-172436 A

  This embodiment provides the washing machine which applied the antifouling function by hydrophilicity to the site | part where the said function is exhibited most effectively, and also strengthened the function for keeping the inside of a tank hygienic.

  The washing machine of the present embodiment is a washing machine having a hydrophilic performance portion in a rotating tub rotatably provided in the water tank, and further a device that generates a functional element having an oxidizing power and releases it into the water tank. Is installed.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a drum type washing machine according to a first embodiment. 1 is a longitudinal side view schematically showing the configuration of a vertical washing machine according to a first embodiment. Longitudinal side view schematically showing the structure of the mist generator Schematic showing the connection state of the water tub, rotating tub, hot air supply device, and mist generator of the washing machine Longitudinal side view schematically showing the structure of the mist generator FIG. 1 equivalent view according to the second embodiment Longitudinal side view schematically showing the structure of the mist generator Functional block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the ion emitter

Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments according to a washing machine will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the substantially same element in each embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.
(First embodiment)
A washing machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called horizontal axis type drum-type washing machine in which the rotation center axis of the rotating tub is horizontal or slightly inclined, and the front surface of the casing 101 constituting the outer shell is smoothly inclined. The tap water supply port 102 and the bath water supply port 103 are provided on the upper surface thereof.

  A substantially circular door 104 is provided on the front surface of the housing 101, and an operation button (not shown) for opening the door 104 is provided. In addition, an operation panel 105 and a detergent input unit (not shown) are provided at the upper front of the housing 101. The operation panel 105 is connected to a control device 106 provided on the back side of the housing 101. In addition, the operation panel 105 is provided with various switches for selecting, for example, various driving courses and starting driving. The control device 106 is configured to include a ROM, a RAM, and the like with a microcomputer at the center, and controls the overall operation of the washing machine 100 based on various input signals and previously stored control programs.

  A water tank 107 is disposed inside the casing 101, and a drum 108 is disposed inside the water tank 107 as an example of a rotating tank. In this case, the drum 108 is made of metal such as stainless steel. The water tank 107 may be provided so that its central axis is positioned on a horizontal axis that is not inclined. In this case, the drum 108 is provided so as to be rotatable about the horizontal axis.

  Both the water tank 107 and the drum 108 have a bottomed cylindrical shape with one end closed, and have openings 109 and 110 respectively at the front end surface. The opening part 110 of the drum 108 is surrounded by the opening part 109 of the water tank 107, and the opening part 109 of the water tank 107 is connected to the opening part 111 formed in the front part of the housing 101 by the bellows 112. A door 104 is provided in the opening 111 so as to be openable and closable. With this, the door 104 is used to open and close the laundry inlet / outlet opening 109, 110, and 111.

  For example, a liquid-sealed rotary balancer 113 is provided around the opening 110 of the drum 108, and a plurality of holes 114 are formed in almost the entire area of the peripheral side that forms the body of the drum 108. Yes. These holes 114 function as water holes during a washing process, a rinse process, and a dehydration process, and function as ventilation holes during a drying process. A plurality of baffles 115 projecting inward are provided on the inner surface of the peripheral side portion of the drum 108, and a plurality of temperature is arranged on the rear end surface portion of the drum 108 by an annular arrangement concentric with the central axis. A wind inlet 116 is formed. The water tank 107 has a hot air outlet 117 at the upper part of the front end face part, and has a hot air inlet 118 at the upper part of the rear end face part so as to face the rotation locus of the hot air inlet 116.

  A water supply case 120 is connected to the upper part of the water tank 107 via a water supply hose 119. A tap water supply port 102 and a bath water supply port 103 are connected to the water supply case 120 via a water supply valve 121. Thus, tap water from the tap water supply port 102 or bath water from the bath water supply port 103 is supplied into the water tank 107 through the water supply valve 121, the water supply case 120, and the water supply hose 119. . The water supply case 120 is supplied with detergents (detergents, softeners, bleaches, etc.) via a detergent input part, and these detergents together with tap water or bath water. It is supplied into the water tank 107.

  A drain port 122 is formed at the rearmost part of the bottom of the water tank 107, and a drain hose 123 connected to the outside of the washing machine 100 is connected to the drain port 122. A drain valve 124 is provided in the middle of the drain hose 123. As a result, the water in the water tank 107 can be drained outside the apparatus.

  A washing machine motor 125 is attached to the back surface of the water tank 107, and a rotating shaft 126 thereof protrudes into the water tank 107. A central portion of the rear end surface portion of the drum 108 is attached to the distal end portion of the rotating shaft 126. Thereby, the drum 108 is coaxially supported by the water tank 107 so that rotation is possible. That is, the washing machine 100 is configured to directly rotate and drive the drum 108 by the washing machine motor 125, and adopts a direct drive system using the washing machine motor 125. In this case, the washing machine motor 125 is composed of an outer rotor type brushless DC motor.

  The water tank 107 is elastically supported by the casing 101 by a plurality of suspensions 127, and the support form is a horizontal axis shape in which the axial direction of the water tank 107 is the front-rear direction, and is an upwardly inclined shape. . Therefore, the drum 108 supported in the water tank 107 as described above has the same configuration.

  A base plate 128 is disposed on the bottom surface of the casing 101 below the water tank 107, and a ventilation duct 129 is disposed on the base plate 128. The ventilation duct 129 has an air inlet 130 at the upper part of the front end, and a hot air outlet 117 of the water tank 107 is connected to the air inlet 130 via a connection hose 131 and a return air duct 132. Yes. The return air duct 132 is piped so as to bypass the side of the opening 109 of the water tank 107.

  A casing 134 of the circulation fan 133 is connected to the rear end of the ventilation duct 129, and an outlet 135 of the casing 134 is connected to the hot air of the water tank 107 via the connection hose 136 and the air supply duct 137. Connected to the inlet 118. Note that the air supply duct 137 is piped so as to bypass the right side of the washing machine motor 125 when viewed from the back side of the water tank 107. Here, the return air duct 132, the connection hose 131, the ventilation duct 129, the casing 134 of the circulation fan 133, the connection hose 136, and the air supply duct 137 constitute a circulation air passage 138 connected to the water tank 107. .

  The circulation fan 133 is composed of, for example, a centrifugal fan. That is, the circulation blower 133 has a centrifugal impeller 139 inside the casing 134 and a motor 140 that rotates the centrifugal impeller 139 outside the casing 134. The circulation blower 133 functions as an example of a blowing unit that circulates the air in the water tank 107 or the drum 108 through the circulation air passage 138.

  Inside the ventilation duct 129 in the circulation air path 138, an evaporator 141, which is an example of a dehumidifying means, is disposed at the front, and a condenser 142, which is an example of a heating means, is disposed at the rear. The evaporator 141 and the condenser 142 are finned tube types in which a large number of heat transfer fins are arranged at a fine pitch, and are excellent in heat exchange. As indicated by solid arrows in FIG. The wind flowing through the ventilation duct 129 passes between the heat transfer fins.

  The evaporator 141 and the condenser 142 constitute a heat pump 144 together with the compressor 143 and a flow rate control valve (not shown). In this heat pump 144, the compressor 143, the condenser 142, the flow rate control valve, and the evaporator 141 are cycle-connected in this order (refrigeration cycle) by the refrigerant circulation pipe, and the refrigerant is supplied by operating the compressor 143. It is designed to circulate. The air flowing in the circulation air path 138 is cooled and dehumidified by the evaporator 141, and heated by the condenser 142 to warm air.

  A washing machine 200 shown in FIG. 2 is a so-called vertical axis type washing machine in which a rotation center axis of a rotating tub extends in a vertical direction, and a bottomed cylinder whose upper surface is opened inside an outer box 201 constituting the outer shell. A water tank 202 is elastically supported by an elastic suspension mechanism 203. Inside the water tank 202, a bottomed cylindrical rotating tank 204 having an open upper surface is rotatably provided.

  The rotating tank 204 has a body portion made of a metal first member 204a made of, for example, stainless steel, and a bottom portion made of a synthetic resin second member 204b. A reinforcing member 204c for reinforcing the second member 204b, in other words, the bottom of the rotating tub 204, is provided outside the second member 204b constituting the bottom of the rotating tub 204. The reinforcing member 204c is made of metal such as a stainless plate. The rotating tub 204 is configured to rotate about a vertical axis, and is a washing tub for washing laundry, a washing tub for rinsing the laundry, and a dehydration tub for a dehydration step for dehydrating the laundry. Also used as. The rotary tank 204 has a large number of holes 205 in its peripheral wall. These holes 205 are penetrating and allowing water and air to pass therethrough. In the drawing, only a part of these holes 205 is shown. A balance ring 206 made of synthetic resin in which a liquid such as salt water is enclosed is attached to the upper part of the rotating tub 204. The balance ring 206 is fixed from the outer surface side of the rotating tub 204 by a metal screw 206a made of, for example, stainless steel. A synthetic resin stirring body 207 is rotatably provided at the bottom of the rotary tank 204.

  A drainage path 208 is provided below the water tank 202. The drainage path 208 is provided with a drainage valve 209. By opening the drainage valve 209, the water in the water tank 202 is discharged outside the apparatus. In addition, an air trap 210 for water level detection is provided at the bottom of the water tank 202. A water level sensor (not shown) is connected to the air trap 210 via an air tube 211. In this case, the water level sensor includes a pressure sensor, and detects the water level in the water tank 202 based on the pressure in the air trap 210.

  A drive mechanism 213 is provided at the center of the lower part of the water tank 202. The drive mechanism unit 213 includes a motor capable of variable speed drive, a clutch mechanism, a reduction gear, a brake device, and the like. During the washing process or the rinsing process, the drive mechanism 213 decelerates the rotational force of the motor by the speed reducer and transmits it to the agitator 207 by the clutch mechanism. On the other hand, during the dehydration process, the drive mechanism unit 213 transmits the rotational force of the motor to the rotating tub 204 and the stirring member 207 at high speed by the clutch mechanism without being decelerated by the reduction device.

  A top cover 214 is provided on the outer box 201. The top cover 214 is provided with an openable / closable lid 215 that opens and closes the laundry doorway, for example. A tank cover (not shown) is attached to the upper part of the water tank 202 so as to be openable and closable. An operation panel 217 is provided on the front portion of the top cover 214. A control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the washing machine 200 is provided on the back side of the operation panel 217. A water supply mechanism (not shown) that supplies water from the water supply into the water tank 202 is provided at the rear portion of the top cover 214.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the above-described washing machine 100 includes a hydrophilic performance film 300 that is an example of a hydrophilic performance section on at least the outer surface of the side portion of the drum 108. In this case, the hydrophilic performance film 300 is formed on the entire outer surface of the side portion of the drum 108. As shown in FIG. 2, the above-described washing machine 200 includes a hydrophilic performance film 300 that is an example of a hydrophilic performance section on at least the outer surface of the first member 204 a that forms the side portion of the rotating tub 204. In this case, the hydrophilic performance film 300 is formed on the entire outer surface of the side of the rotating tub 204. Next, the hydrophilic performance membrane 300 will be described in more detail. The hydrophilic performance film 300 is formed by spraying a coating having a hydrophilic performance such as a silica-based inorganic coating (hereinafter referred to as “hydrophilic material”) on the outer surface of the drum 108 side or the outer surface of the rotating tank 204 side. It is.

  In this case, since both the drum 108 and the rotating tub 204 are made of metal, coating can be performed by spraying a hydrophilic material on the outer surface of the drum 108 or the outer surface of the rotating tub 204 and baking it. Can be. Note that the baking temperature of the hydrophilic material is preferably set at a temperature higher than 250 ° C., which is generally considered to be a temperature at which organic matter is decomposed, and may be set at a temperature of 300 ° C. or 500 ° C., for example. . By baking the hydrophilic material at such a high temperature, the organic matter contained in the hydrophilic material can be almost or completely decomposed, and the hydrophilic performance film 300 made almost or completely inorganic can be formed.

  Moreover, when coating this kind of material, it is common to perform the degreasing process which degreases the surface of the said base material before spraying a material on a base material. In the present embodiment, since the drum 108 and the rotating tub 204, which are the base materials, are both made of stainless steel, degreasing is performed using a strong alkaline degreasing agent such as PH14 in the degreasing treatment performed before spraying the hydrophilic material. be able to. Accordingly, the hydrophilic material can be sprayed after the oil and fat components are almost or reliably removed from the surface of the drum 108 as the base material or the surface of the rotating tub 204, and the surface of the drum 108 or the surface of the rotating tub 204 can be sprayed. It becomes easy to get familiar with hydrophilic materials.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the hydrophilic material which forms the hydrophilic performance film | membrane 300 which has the following performance at least is applied. That is, the hydrophilic performance membrane 300 of this embodiment has a hydrophilic performance in which the water contact angle is less than the lower limit value of the water contact angle with respect to the glass. Generally, the lower limit of the contact angle of water with respect to glass is considered to be 20 degrees. Therefore, in this embodiment, the hydrophilic material forming the hydrophilic performance film 300 in which the contact angle of water is less than 20 degrees, for example, 13 degrees is applied.

  In the present embodiment, a material containing silicon oxide is applied as the hydrophilic material forming the hydrophilic performance film 300, and the hydrophilic performance film 300 formed of this hydrophilic material has at least a pencil hardness of 5H or more. It has the following hardness characteristics. That is, the hydrophilic performance film 300 according to the present embodiment has a strong structure formed of a so-called siloxane skeleton and an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal. As a result, the hydrophilic performance film 300 has a pencil hardness of 5H or more. It has a strong structure.

  Moreover, the hydrophilic performance film | membrane 300 of this embodiment has a silanol group, The hydrophilic performance is a very high thing. Specifically, the hydrophilic performance film 300 has such a hydrophilic performance that a general oil-based ink attached to the hydrophilic performance film 300 can be removed only by contacting with water. Therefore, even when general oil-based pen ink is attached to the hydrophilic performance film 300, the ink is peeled off and removed so as to be lifted by water by bringing water into contact therewith.

  Moreover, the hydrophilic performance film | membrane 300 of this embodiment is 10 micrometers or less in thickness, and the film thickness is very thin. That is, in general, when it is desired to improve the hydrophilic performance, it is necessary to repeat the coating of the hydrophilic material. Therefore, the thickness of the obtained hydrophilic performance portion tends to increase. In the present embodiment, a hydrophilic material in which the hydrophilic performance film 300 having extremely high hydrophilic performance is formed by one-time coating and baking of the hydrophilic material is applied. Therefore, it is possible to form the hydrophilic performance film 300 having extremely high hydrophilic performance without repeating the coating of the hydrophilic material, and thereby the thickness of the hydrophilic performance film 300 can be suppressed to a thickness of 10 μm or less. . In the drawing, for the sake of convenience, the film thickness of the hydrophilic performance film 300 is shown to be larger than the actual film thickness.

  Further, the hydrophilic performance film 300 of the present embodiment has a so-called surface roughness of 2 μm or less. In the present embodiment, a hydrophilic material on which the hydrophilic performance film 300 having an extremely smooth surface is formed is applied. The hydrophilic material applied in the present embodiment is milky white before spraying, but becomes transparent so that milky white is hardly recognized after spraying, and is almost or completely transparent after baking.

  According to the washing machines 100 and 200 according to the present embodiment, the hydrophilic performance membrane 300 having extremely high hydrophilic performance is provided on the outer surface of the side of the rotary tubs 108 and 204 that are rotatably provided in the water tanks 107 and 202. ing. According to this configuration, the outer surfaces of the side portions of the rotating tubs 108 and 204 that cannot be easily reached and cannot be easily maintained can be kept clean by the antifouling function of the hydrophilic performance film 300, and the washing machine In 100 and 200, the antifouling function due to hydrophilicity can be most effectively utilized.

  In addition, according to the washing machines 100 and 200, the hydrophilic performance film 300 is provided on the outer surface of the rotating rotating tubs 108 and 204. Therefore, when the rotating tubs 108 and 204 are rotated, the surfaces of the rotating tubs 108 and 204 are rotated. The dirt peeled off is easily removed by the action of centrifugal force, and the surfaces of the rotary tanks 108 and 204 can be kept clean.

  Moreover, according to the washing machines 100 and 200, the hydrophilic performance film 300 is provided on the entire outer surface of the side portion of the rotary tubs 108 and 204. Therefore, the entire outer surfaces of the side portions of the rotary tanks 108 and 204 can be kept clean by the antifouling function of the hydrophilic performance film 300. Moreover, according to the washing machines 100 and 200, since the rotary tubs 108 and 204 are made of metal instead of synthetic resin, a hydrophilic material can be coated on the outer surface of the metal portion of the rotary tubs 108 and 204 by baking. Thereby, it is possible to form a highly hydrophilic and durable hydrophilic performance membrane 300.

  Moreover, according to the washing machines 100 and 200, the hydrophilic performance film 300 has a water contact angle less than the lower limit value of the water contact angle with respect to glass, and has a silanol group. Therefore, the hydrophilic performance film 300 exhibits extremely high hydrophilic performance. This makes it easier for water to enter between the surface of the hydrophilic performance film 300 and the dirt adhering to the hydrophilic performance film 300, and the dirt adhering to the hydrophilic performance film 300 can be lifted and removed.

  Moreover, according to the washing machines 100 and 200, the hydrophilic performance film 300 has a silicon oxide and has a hardness characteristic such that the pencil hardness is 5H or more. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the hydrophilic performance film 300 from being damaged or the hydrophilic performance film 300 from being peeled off. Moreover, according to the washing machines 100 and 200, the hydrophilic performance film 300 has a thickness of 10 μm or less, and an extremely thin hydrophilic performance film 300 is realized. In addition, according to the washing machines 100 and 200, the hydrophilic performance film 300 has a surface roughness of 2 μm or less, and an extremely smooth hydrophilic performance film 300 is realized.

  Note that the washing machine 100 may further include a metal screw attached to the drum 108 or a hydrophilic performance film 300 on the inner surface of the drum 108. The washing machine 200 may further include a hydrophilic screw 300a attached to the rotating tub 204 or a hydrophilic performance film 300 on the inner surface of the rotating tub 204. That is, in this embodiment, the portion where the hydrophilic performance film 300 is formed is not limited to the outer surface of the side portion of the drum 108 or the outer surface of the side portion of the rotating tub 204. In the case where the hydrophilic performance film 300 is formed on a metal screw, it is not necessary to form the hydrophilic performance film 300 on the entire screw, and it is sufficient to form the hydrophilic performance film 300 on the surface of the screw head that is the outer surface. It is. When the hydrophilic performance film 300 is formed on the inner surface of the drum 108 or the rotary tank 204, the hydrophilic performance film 300 may be formed on the entire inner surface, or the hydrophilic performance portion 300 may be formed on a part of the inner surface. Also good.

  Further, the hydrophilic performance film 300 may be colored. That is, as the hydrophilic material for forming the hydrophilic performance film 300, a material that retains color after spraying onto the substrate and after baking may be applied. Thereby, it can be easily confirmed visually whether or not the formed hydrophilic performance film 300 is uneven. For example, a rotating tank in which the hydrophilic performance film 300 is not uniformly formed is regarded as a defective product. Can be identified.

  Further, in the washing machines 100 and 200, water is stored in the water tanks 107 and 202 after the washing course including the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydrating process is completed or during the execution of the washing course, and the drum 108 and the rotating tank 204. You may set so that the washing process which rotates may be performed. When the hydrophilic performance film 300 comes into contact with water in this cleaning process, dirt attached to the hydrophilic performance film 300 can be removed. In this washing process, the amount of water stored in the water tanks 107 and 202 is increased from the washing course, or the rotation speed of the drum 108 and the rotation tank 204 is increased faster than the rotation speed in the washing process or the rinsing process. It is good to set.

Moreover, according to the washing machines 100 and 200, the antirust effect by the hydrophilic performance film 300 can also be expected.
As described above, the washing machines 100 and 200 according to the present embodiment sanitize the inside of the tank by providing the hydrophilic performance film 300 in the rotary tanks 108 and 204 that are rotatably provided in the water tanks 107 and 202. Demonstrate the function to keep. And in washing machines 100 and 200 concerning this embodiment, in addition to the function by hydrophilic performance part 300 mentioned above, the device for strengthening the function for maintaining the inside of a tub hygienically is given. .

  That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, in the washing machine 100 having the above-described configuration, a functional element having oxidizing power is generated in the middle portion of the circulation air passage 138, in this case, the lower portion of the air supply duct 137. A mist generating apparatus 400 is mounted as an example of a device that discharges into 107. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the mist generating device 400 includes a discharge electrode member 402 in a case 401 that forms an outline of the mist generating device 400. In this case, the mist generator 400 includes a plurality of discharge electrode members 402. The case 401 is formed of, for example, an electrically insulating resin material, and includes a bottomed box-shaped case main body 401a and a lid portion 401b that covers an opening of the case main body 401a.

  The discharge electrode member 402 is formed of a porous material having water absorption and water retention, and has a pin shape with a sharp tip. In this case, the distal end portion of the discharge electrode member 402 made of one member constitutes the mist discharge portion, and the portion other than the distal end portion of the discharge electrode member 402 constitutes the water absorption portion. In other words, the discharge electrode member 402 is entirely made of the same member, and in this discharge electrode member 402, the mist discharge portion on the distal end side is provided seamlessly and integrally with one end portion of the water absorption portion on the proximal end side. . The discharge electrode member 402 has its tip portion, that is, the mist discharge portion exposed to the outside of the case 401. Further, the discharge electrode member 402 has a base end portion, that is, an end portion of the water absorption portion opposite to the mist discharge portion exposed to the outside of the case 401. In addition, as a porous material which comprises the discharge electrode member 402, the felt material which consists of fibrous polyester etc. can be considered, for example.

  These discharge electrode members 402 have a structure in which a porous material having water absorption and water retention is impregnated with a substance having self-water absorption that absorbs moisture in the air. Accordingly, the discharge electrode member 402 exhibits self-water absorption that spontaneously absorbs moisture in the air when the humidity of the surrounding atmosphere becomes a predetermined value or higher. As such a self-water-absorbing substance, for example, a deliquescent substance that spontaneously absorbs and dissolves moisture in the air without requiring external energy. In the present embodiment, the discharge electrode member 402 is impregnated with potassium polyphosphate, which is a phosphate-based polymer, as such a deliquescent material. As a result, the discharge electrode member 402 has a self-water-absorbing structure that absorbs moisture in the air as a whole, including the mist discharge portion and the water absorption portion.

  The discharge electrode member 402 impregnated with potassium polyphosphate as a deliquescent material starts to absorb water from the surrounding air when the ambient temperature is 5 ° C. and the humidity exceeds 40%, for example. In this case, by maintaining the ambient humidity at about 40 to 50%, the water absorption action of the discharge electrode member 402 is stably continued. Thus, the water absorption start condition of the discharge electrode member 402 can be controlled by adjusting the ambient temperature and humidity according to the characteristics of the substance impregnated in the discharge electrode member 402, and the discharge electrode member The water absorbing action of 402 can be stabilized.

  The deliquescent material impregnated in the discharge electrode member 402 is preferably a material that is not easily ionized as much as possible. For example, a polymer having a molecular weight of 300 or more may be used. For example, a low-molecular-weight deliquescent material such as sodium chloride is ionized and eluted from the discharge electrode member 402 when the material is deliquescent, so that the content of the deliquescent material gradually decreases and the discharge electrode member 402 This is because the self-water-absorbing property is deteriorated. In this case, at least one type of deliquescent substance having a molecular weight of 300 or more is required to be impregnated in the discharge electrode member 402, and the discharge electrode member is provided on the condition that at least one type of deliquescent substance having a molecular weight of 300 or more is included. 402 may be impregnated with two or more deliquescent substances having different molecular weights. Therefore, the discharge electrode member 402 may be impregnated with a deliquescent substance having a molecular weight of 300 or more (for example, about 400) and a deliquescent substance having a molecular weight of less than 300 (for example, about 200). Even when the discharge electrode member 402 is impregnated only with a deliquescent material having a molecular weight of about 200, the deliquescent material is easily ionized and eluted from the discharge electrode member 402. However, even if a deliquescent substance having a molecular weight of about 200 is impregnated in the discharge electrode member 402 together with a deliquescent substance having a molecular weight of 300 or more, the low molecular weight deliquescent substance is eluted from the discharge electrode member 402. Can be suppressed. Further, it has been confirmed that the self-water-absorbing property of the discharge electrode member 402 is hardly deteriorated by impregnating the discharge electrode member 402 with two or more kinds of deliquescent substances having different molecular weights.

  Further, the discharge electrode member 402 does not need to be impregnated with a substance having self water absorption, and a part of the discharge electrode member 402 may be impregnated with a substance having self water absorption. Further, the discharge electrode member 402 may include a mist discharge part on the distal end side and a water absorption part on the proximal end side by different members. In this case, the member constituting the mist emitting part may or may not be impregnated with a substance having self-water absorption, and the member constituting the water-absorbing part is entirely made of a substance having self-water absorption. It may be impregnated, or a part thereof may be impregnated with a substance having self-water absorption.

  A holding member 403 made of an insulating material is provided inside the case 401. The discharge electrode member 402 is fixed to the holding member 403 through the holding member 403. In addition, as an insulating material which comprises this holding member 403, resin materials, such as a polypropylene, can be considered, for example.

  In addition to the holding member 403 described above, a conductive member 404 containing a conductive substance such as carbon is provided inside the case 401. A plurality of discharge electrode members 402 are inserted into the conductive member 404 so as to penetrate therethrough. In addition, a conductive rod 405 is inserted into the conductive member 404 from the outside of the case 401. The base end portion of the conductive rod 405 is connected to the negative electrode of a high voltage power source 405a of a power supply circuit (not shown). Thus, a negative high voltage from the high voltage power source 405a is applied to the discharge electrode member 402 via the conductive rod 405 and the conductive member 404, and the discharge electrode member 402 is negatively charged. That is, the conductive rod 405 and the high voltage power source 405 a constitute an example of a high voltage applying unit that applies a high voltage to the discharge electrode member 402 to charge the discharge electrode member 402. In this case, the output voltage of the high voltage power source 405a is set to about −6 kV, for example.

  On the outside of the case 401, a counter electrode 406 for the tip of the discharge electrode member 402, that is, a mist discharge portion is provided. The counter electrode 406 is connected to the positive electrode of the high voltage power source 405a. The counter electrode 406 is made of a conductive material such as metal, and in this case, is formed in an annular shape. The shape of the counter electrode 406 is not limited to an annular shape, and may be, for example, an elliptical shape or a polygonal shape. Further, the counter electrode 406 may not be annular, and may be formed in a plate shape or a spherical shape, for example.

  According to the mist generating apparatus 400 configured in this way, moisture in the air is spontaneously absorbed by the discharge electrode member 402 having self-water absorption without requiring external energy. That is, when the deliquescent substance is scattered from the surface to the inside in the porous material constituting the discharge electrode member 402, the deliquescent substance existing in the vicinity of the surface of the porous material in contact with the air The water is chemically combined, and the adsorbed water is absorbed and retained in the porous material by capillary condensation of the porous material. After that, as a mechanism until moisture is supplied to the mist emitting part, when moisture in the air chemically binds to the deliquescent substance, and the binding force exceeds the force due to capillary condensation of the porous material, Water is separated from the deliquescent material, and the water moves from the vicinity of the surface in contact with the air to the inside of the porous material, and some of the moisture is relatively less bound to the water than in the vicinity of the surface. Move to deliquescent materials present in In this way, moisture is expected to move from the vicinity of the surface in contact with air to the side closer to the mist emitting part.

  When moisture in the air is absorbed, moisture in the air is easily absorbed in the portion of the discharge electrode member 402 exposed to the outside of the case 401. The moisture absorbed by the discharge electrode member 402 penetrates the discharge electrode member 402 and is supplied to the mist discharge portion at the tip. In this case, since the mist discharge portion is configured as a part of the discharge electrode member 402 having self-water absorption, the mist discharge portion itself naturally has self-water absorption. Therefore, the mist discharge part includes not only the water supplied from the water absorption part, in other words, the water permeating from the water absorption part, but also the water absorbed by the mist discharge part itself.

  Then, a negative high voltage from the high voltage power source 405 a is applied to the discharge electrode member 402 to which water is supplied to the mist discharge portion in this way via the conductive rod 405 and the conductive member 404. At this time, electric charges concentrate on the tip of the discharge electrode member 402, that is, the mist discharge portion, and energy exceeding the surface tension is given to the water contained in the mist discharge portion. As a result, the water contained in the mist discharge portion of the discharge electrode member 402 is split, that is, Rayleigh split and discharged in the form of a mist. That is, an electrostatic atomization phenomenon occurs. Here, the water particles released in the form of mist are negatively charged and contain hydroxy radicals generated by the energy as functional elements. Accordingly, hydroxy radicals having a strong oxidizing action are released together with mist, and thereby, for example, sterilization, deodorization, inactivation of microorganisms, inactivation of viruses, inactivation of allergens such as pollen, Odor and harmful components can be decomposed.

  In the washing machine 100, the mist generating device 400 having such a configuration is mounted in the middle of the circulation air path 138 in this case, in this case, in the lower part of the air supply duct 137. Therefore, the mist containing the hydroxy radicals generated by the mist generating device 400 is also released into the water tank 107 together with the air flowing in the circulation air passage 138, and thereby, sterilization and deodorization in the water tank 107, microorganisms, It is possible to inactivate viruses and allergens, decompose odorous components and harmful components.

  In this case, the mist generator 400 uses water absorbed from the air as water to be discharged as mist. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a water storage part for storing water to be supplied to the mist discharge part, and since such a water storage part is unnecessary, it is not necessary to provide a drainage part for draining water in the water storage part. Therefore, the mist generating device 400 can be reduced in size, and the degree of freedom of the installation position of the mist generating device 400 can be significantly improved in the washing machine 100 where the space is limited.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a partition plate 145 is provided in a portion of the circulation air passage 138 where the mist generator 400 is installed. The partition plate 145 has a flange portion 145a inclined downward, and is opposed to the upper side of the discharge electrode member 402 of the mist generating device 400. As a result, as indicated by broken line arrows in FIG. 1, a part of the air flowing in the circulation air passage 138 is supplied to the mist generator 400 side and passes through the discharge electrode member 402 and its peripheral portion, and then the circulation air It merges with the road 138.

  Further, in the washing machine 100 in which the mist generating device 400 is mounted on the circulation air path 138, during the drying operation, air dehumidified by the evaporator 141 and heated by the condenser 142, that is, dried high-temperature air, is discharged. To be supplied. Therefore, it becomes an environment where the self-water absorption function of the discharge electrode member 402 is difficult to be exhibited during the drying operation. However, for example, during the washing operation or the rinsing operation, the moisture in the water tank 107 reaches the mist generating device 400 through the circulation air passage 138, so that the discharge electrode member 402 can sufficiently absorb moisture in the air. That is, in the washing machine 100 in which the mist generating device 400 is mounted on the circulation air path 138, when mist is generated during the drying operation, the water absorbed in the discharge electrode member 402 during the drying operation is not misted. It is effective to set the water absorbed in the discharge electrode member 402 at a time other than the drying operation and accumulated in the discharge electrode member 402 to be mist during the drying operation.

  Further, the mist generator 400 may be mounted, for example, below the return air duct 132 in the middle part of the circulation air path 138. Since wet air before being dehumidified by the evaporator 141 flows through this portion, the self-water absorption function of the discharge electrode member 402 can be sufficiently exhibited.

  It is also possible to mount the mist generator 400 in a washing machine that does not include the circulation air path 138. For example, in a washing machine having an air passage that sucks air from outside the machine and discharges the air outside the machine through a water tank (rotating tank), intake air that is upstream of the water tank (rotating tank) in the air path By mounting the mist generating device 400 inside the passage or in the vicinity of the inlet of the intake air passage, the mist generated by the mist generating device 400 can be guided into the water tank or the rotating tank together with the air flowing in the intake air passage. .

  Further, when another air passage is connected to the circulation air passage or the intake air passage, the mist generating device 400 can be mounted in the air passage. It is also possible to mount the mist generating device 400 on a washing machine that does not have an air passage such as a circulation air passage or an intake air passage. In this case, for example, the mist generator 400 is mounted in the vicinity of the water tank (rotating tank). And the mist which the mist generating apparatus 400 generate | occur | produces can be suck | inhaled and taken in in a water tank or a rotation tank by rotating the rotation tank in a water tank and making the inside of the said water tank into a negative pressure. In short, the mist generating device 400 can be mounted not only on the air passage but at an appropriate position of the washing machine as long as the mist can be discharged into the water tank or the rotating tank.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine 200 having the above configuration includes a hot air supply device 500 that supplies hot air for drying into the water tank 202 and the rotating tank 204. The hot air supply device 500 supplies hot air for drying laundry into the water tank 202 and the rotating tub 204. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the hot air supply device 500 includes a first filter 502, a second filter 503, a blower 504, a heater 505, a thermistor 506, and the like inside a case 501 that forms the outer shell. .

  Specifically, one end side of the exhaust duct 507 is connected to the upstream side of the case 501. The other end side of the exhaust duct 507 is connected to an exhaust port 508 provided on the upper surface of the water tank 202. Further, one end side of the air supply duct 509 is connected to the downstream side in the case 501. The other end side of the air supply duct 509 is connected to an air supply port 510 provided on the upper surface of the water tank 202. As a result, the case 501 has both an upstream side and a downstream side communicating with the inside of the water tank 202 and the inside of the rotating tank 204. The air in the water tank 202 and the rotary tank 204 circulates through the exhaust duct 507, the case 501, and the air supply duct 509 as indicated by an arrow C in FIG. 4. In this case, the exhaust duct 507, the case 501, and the air supply duct 509 form a circulation air path that communicates with the water tank 202 and the rotary tank 204.

  The first filter 502 and the second filter 503 are provided in order from the upstream side in the case 501. For example, the second filter 503 is configured to be finer than the first filter 502. In this case, relatively large foreign matter such as lint is captured by the first filter 502, and relatively small foreign matter that is missed by the first filter 502 is captured by the second filter 503.

  The blower 504 is configured by, for example, a so-called sirocco fan having a plurality of blades, and includes a blower blade 504a and a fan motor 504b. The blower 504 blows the air in the case 501 from the exhaust port 508 side to the air supply port 510 side by rotating the blower blade 504a by the fan motor 504b. A discharge port 511 that communicates with the outside and a damper 512 that opens and closes the discharge port 511 are provided in the middle of the case 501. When the blower 504 is driven with the discharge port 511 opened, a part of the air blown from the blower 504 is discharged to the outside through the discharge port 511 as indicated by an arrow D.

  The heater 505 and the thermistor 506 are sequentially provided in the case 501 from the upstream side. The heater 505 heats the air in the case 501. The thermistor 506 detects the temperature of air in the case 501. The air blown by driving the blower 504 is heated to a temperature suitable for drying the laundry by the heater 505 and the thermistor 506.

  Furthermore, the washing machine 200 includes a mist generator 600 as an example of a device that generates a functional element having an oxidizing power and discharges it into the water tank 202. This mist generating device 600 is a so-called electrostatic atomizing device, which utilizes the electrostatic atomization phenomenon to have sterilization, deodorization, and the like, and in this case, a hydroxyl radical as a functional element having oxidizing power. A mist containing is generated.

  The mist generating apparatus 600 includes a power supply unit and an atomizing unit 601 that are not shown. The power supply unit includes a rectifier circuit or a booster circuit that converts AC power into DC, and outputs a negative high voltage of −4.5 kV, for example, to the atomization unit 601. In addition, an opening 602 is formed in the mist generator 600, and outside air is taken into the mist generator 600 through the opening 602.

  The atomization unit 601 includes a mist generating unit 603, a water supply unit 604, and the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the mist generating unit 603 includes a water retention member 605, a conductive member 606, a plurality of mist emission electrodes 607, and the like. The water retention member 605 is composed of a porous material, for example, a felt material composed of resin fibers such as polyester, a resin foam having minute open cells, and the like, and has water absorption and water retention. The water retaining member 605 is formed in a substantially rectangular sheet shape.

  The conductive member 606 includes, for example, a mixture of resin fibers such as polyester and carbon fibers as a conductive material, or a carbon foam as a conductive material added to a resin foam having minute open cells. It has a water absorption property, water retention property, and conductivity. The conductive member 606 is formed in a substantially rectangular sheet shape, and is provided on the upper side of the water retention member 605. The conductive member 606 is connected to the output-side electrode of the power supply unit. Thereby, the high voltage output from the power supply unit is applied to the conductive member 606.

  The mist emitting electrode 607 is made of, for example, a twisted resin fiber such as polyester and a carbon fiber as a conductive material, and has water absorption, water retention, water uptake characteristics, and conductivity. . In this case, platinum nanocolloid may be supported on the mist emitting electrode 607. The mist emission electrode 607 is formed in a pin shape extending in the vertical direction, and is provided through the support member 608 in the vertical direction.

  The upper part of the mist emitting electrode 607 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the support member 608, tapers upward, and has a tip that has a smooth curved surface. The lower part of the mist emission electrode 607 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the support member 608. In this case, the mist emitting electrode 607 is in contact with the conductive member 606 at the bottom and part of the lower outer peripheral surface. Thereby, the mist emission electrode 607 sucks up the water retained by the water retention member 605 via the conductive member 606. Further, a negative high voltage output from the power supply unit is applied to the mist emitting electrode 607 via the conductive member 606.

  The mist emission electrode 607 generates an electrostatic atomization phenomenon when a negative high voltage is applied in a state of containing water therein. That is, when a negative high voltage is applied to the mist emission electrode 607 in a state where water is retained inside, charges are concentrated on the tip of the mist emission electrode 607. The electric charge concentrated on the tip of the mist emitting electrode 607 gives energy exceeding the surface tension to the water contained in the tip. Then, at the tip of the mist emitting electrode 607, an electrostatic atomization phenomenon occurs in which water given energy causes Rayleigh splitting and splits into fine mist-like particles. At this time, water particles that contain hydroxy radicals and are negatively charged, that is, mist, are released from the tip of the mist emission electrode 607. This mist exerts effects such as sterilization and deodorization, an effect of inactivating microorganisms, viruses, allergens and the like, and an effect of decomposing odorous components and harmful components by the strong oxidizing action of hydroxy radicals.

  In this case, the mist generating unit 603 is not provided with a counter electrode corresponding to the mist emitting electrode 607. Therefore, the discharge from the mist emission electrode 607 becomes very gentle. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of harmful gases, such as ozone, can be suppressed, without generating corona discharge between a discharge electrode and a counter electrode.

  The water supply unit 604 is provided above the mist generating unit 603. Specifically, the water supply unit 604 includes a Peltier element 609, a cooling plate 610, a radiator 611, and the like. In this case, the cooling plate 610 is provided on the lower side of the Peltier element 609, and the radiator 611 is provided on the upper side of the Peltier element 609.

  The Peltier element 609 is formed in a plate shape by joining two kinds of metal pieces constituting the heat absorbing surface 609a and the heat generating surface 609b. When a voltage is applied to the Peltier element 609, a Peltier effect is generated in which heat is transferred from the heat absorbing surface 609a side to the heat generating surface 609b side, whereby the heat absorbing surface 609a is cooled and the heat generating surface 609b generates heat. The Peltier element 609 is provided with the heat absorption surface 609a facing downward, that is, toward the mist emission electrode 607, and the heat generation surface 609b facing upward. Below the Peltier element 609, a cooling plate 610 is provided in contact with the heat absorbing surface 609a. The cooling plate 610 is made of a metal plate having a high thermal conductivity such as aluminum. The Peltier element 609 and the cooling plate 610 are held inside the holding member 612. The holding member 612 is made of, for example, a resin having excellent insulating properties and heat resistance.

  An insulating sheet 613 is provided on the lower surface of the cooling plate 610. The insulating sheet 613 is made of, for example, a polyester film, and is excellent in water resistance and heat resistance in addition to the electrical insulating edge. The insulating sheet 613 is formed in a larger sheet shape than the cooling plate 610, and has an adhesive surface on one surface thereof, that is, the surface on the cooling plate 610 side, and is attached to the lower surface of the cooling plate 610. Thus, the insulating sheet 613 electrically insulates between the cooling plate 610 and the mist emission electrode 607 by covering the lower surface of the cooling plate 610. That is, the insulating sheet 613 electrically insulates the mist generating portion 603 and the Peltier element 609 from each other. In this case, the insulating sheet 613 functions as an electrical insulating portion.

  A radiator 611 is provided above the Peltier element 609. The radiator 611 is made of a material having high thermal conductivity such as aluminum. The radiator 611 is integrally formed with a pedestal portion 611a and a plurality of heat dissipation portions 611b. The pedestal portion 611a is formed in a plate shape parallel to the heat generating surface 609b of the Peltier element 609, and is provided close to or in contact with the heat generating surface 609b. The heat dissipating part 611b is formed in a plate shape and is provided at a right angle to the pedestal part 611a.

  In this configuration, when a voltage is applied to the Peltier element 609, the heat absorption surface 609a is cooled and the heat generation surface 609b generates heat due to the Peltier effect. The heat generated on the heat generating surface 609b is transmitted from the base portion 611a of the radiator 611 to the heat radiating portion 611b and is radiated from the heat radiating portion 611b to the air. In this case, the air taken into the atomization unit 601 flows between the plurality of heat radiating portions 611b, whereby the heat transmitted to the heat radiating portion 611b is efficiently radiated into the air.

  On the other hand, the Peltier element 609 cools the air around the insulating sheet 613 via the cooling plate 610 and the insulating sheet 613 when the heat absorbing surface 609a is cooled. Then, moisture in the surrounding air is condensed on the lower surface of the insulating sheet 613 to generate water droplets. This condensed water is supplied to the mist discharge electrode 607 as mist generation water. In this way, the water supply unit 604 supplies the dew condensation water generated in the insulating sheet 613 by driving the Peltier element 609 to the mist discharge electrode 607 of the mist generation unit 603 as mist generation water.

  The dimension between the lower surface of the insulating sheet 613 and the tip of the mist emitting electrode 607 is the same as that in the case where the mist emitting electrode 607 is not present below the insulating sheet 613, and the water droplet generated on the lower surface of the insulating sheet 613 is dropped by its own weight. Is set to a size sufficiently smaller than the vertical dimension of the water droplet, for example, about 0.5 mm. As a result, water droplets generated on the lower surface of the insulating sheet 613 come into contact with the tip of the mist emitting electrode 607 and are sucked into the mist emitting electrode 607 before growing to a size that falls due to its own weight. Note that the size of water droplets generated on the lower surface of the insulating sheet 613 varies depending on the surface state of the insulating sheet 613, for example, roughness and wettability. Therefore, it is preferable that the dimension between the lower surface of the insulating sheet 613 and the tip of the mist emission electrode 607 is appropriately changed according to characteristics such as the surface state of the insulating sheet 613.

  The mist generating apparatus 600 configured in this way is connected to the case 501 of the hot air supply apparatus 500 via a connecting pipe 614, for example, as shown in FIG. In this case, the connection pipe 614 is connected to a portion of the case 501 between the first filter 502 and the second filter 503. That is, the connection pipe 614 is connected to a portion of the case 501 that is upstream of the blower 504. A negative pressure is generated in the portion of the case 501 that is upstream of the blower 504 by the blowing action of the blower 504. Therefore, for example, as shown by an arrow I in FIG. 4, the air in the mist generating device 600 is sucked into the case 501, and accordingly, the mist generated by the atomizing unit 601 is also sucked into the case 501. Then, the mist sucked into the case 501, that is, the mist containing hydroxy radicals continues to be blown by the blower 504, thereby being supplied into the water tank 202. This makes it possible to disinfect and deodorize the water tank 202, inactivate microorganisms, viruses and allergens, decompose odorous components and harmful components, and the like.

  Next, an operation when the mist containing hydroxy radicals released from the mist generating devices 400 and 600 in the washing machines 100 and 200 described above reaches the rotary tanks 108 and 204 will be described. That is, as described above, the hydrophilic performance portion 300 is provided on the surfaces of the rotary tanks 108 and 204, and the surfaces have extremely high hydrophilic performance. Therefore, the mist discharged into the rotary tanks 108 and 204 and reaching the surfaces of the rotary tanks 108 and 204 comes into contact with the hydrophilic performance unit 300. At the time of this contact, the mist does not adhere as water droplets, but spreads evenly on the hydrophilic performance film 300 having high hydrophilic performance. Thereby, for example, the function by the mist as described above can be given uniformly and uniformly over a wide range on the surface of the hydrophilic performance portion 300.

  According to the washing machines 100 and 200 according to the present embodiment, the washing machines 100 and 200 configured to keep the inside of the tub hygienic by providing the hydrophilic performance section 300 in the rotating tubs 108 and 204 in the water tubs 107 and 202. In 200, mist generators 400 and 600 are further mounted as devices for generating functional elements having oxidizing power and releasing them into the water tanks 107 and 202, respectively. Therefore, the functional elements released by these mist generators 400 and 600 allow the hydrophilic performance part 300 that exhibits an antifouling function to be added to various hygienic functions (for example, microorganisms that inactivate microorganisms). Activation function, virus inactivation function to inactivate viruses, allergen inactivation function to inactivate allergens, and harmful component decomposition function to decompose odor components and harmful components. Thereby, the function for keeping the inside of a tank hygienic is further strengthened, and the inside of a tank can be maintained more hygienically.

  Moreover, extremely high hydrophilic performance is realized by the hydrophilic performance film 300 on the surfaces of the rotary tanks 108 and 204 from which the functional elements are released. Therefore, when the functional element (in this case, a mist containing a hydroxy radical) released from the mist generators 400 and 600 reaches the hydrophilic performance film 300, the mist spreads uniformly and uniformly on the hydrophilic performance film 300. Become. As a result, on the surface of the rotating tank on which the hydrophilic performance film 300 is formed, the function of the functional element is uniformly and uniformly exhibited.

  In addition, when the water repellency is applied to the rotating tank, relatively large water droplets remain when mist reaches the surface. When mist reaches the surface of the rotating tank where such water droplets remain, the mist is absorbed by the water droplets, and the concentration of the functional element is significantly reduced. Therefore, various sanitary functions due to the functional elements are significantly reduced. According to the present embodiment, extremely high hydrophilic performance is imparted to the surfaces of the rotary tanks 108 and 204 by the hydrophilic performance film 300, and therefore the mist that has reached the surfaces of the rotary tanks 108 and 204 is not water repellent, It is difficult for water droplets to be formed on the surfaces of the rotating tanks 108 and 204. Therefore, it can be avoided that mist is absorbed by water droplets and the concentration of the functional element is lowered, and various sanitary functions by the functional element can be sufficiently exhibited.

  In addition, in the washing machines 100 and 200 according to the present embodiment, the timing for operating the mist generators 400 and 600, that is, the timing for releasing the functional element into the tub can be appropriately changed and set. That is, the washing machines 100 and 200 drive the mist generators 400 and 600 when the rotating tubs 108 and 204 are wet, for example, after the washing operation not including the drying process or after the tank washing operation is finished. It may be configured to release functional elements. Moreover, you may comprise the washing machines 100 and 200 so that the operation | movement which supplies and discharges water in a tank intentionally before starting the drive of the mist generators 400 and 600 can be performed. In this case as well, the functional element can be released when the rotating tanks 108 and 204 are wet.

  In addition, the washing machines 100 and 200 are mist generators when the rotating tubs 108 and 204 are not wet, for example, before the start of the washing operation (for example, when the washing operation start button is operated) or after the end of the drying process. 400 and 600 may be driven to release the functional element. In addition, the washing machines 100 and 200 may be configured to be able to execute an operation of intentionally performing a drying process before starting to drive the mist generating devices 400 and 600. In this case as well, the functional element can be released when the rotating tanks 108 and 204 are not wet.

  The driving of the mist generating devices 400 and 600 is configured to be controlled based on, for example, a driving signal output from a control device included in the washing machines 100 and 200. For example, the driving is controlled by a manual operation by a user. You may comprise as follows.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. This embodiment discloses an example of a device that can be mounted on a washing machine in place of the mist generators 400 and 600 described above. That is, in the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, a mist generator 700 is provided in the middle of the circulation air passage 138 of the washing machine 100 to generate mist that is a functional element and supply it to the water tank 107. It is done. The mist generating device 700 is provided in a portion of the air supply duct 137 that constitutes a middle portion of the circulation air passage 138 that is downstream of the hot air inlet 118 and just beyond the connection hose 136 upstream. Yes.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the mist generating device 700 includes a plurality of discharge electrodes 702 in a case 701 made of an insulating material that is attached to the back wall portion of the circulation air path 138 (air supply duct 137). A conductive sheet 703, a water retention material 704, and the like are provided. Further, the mist generating device 700 includes a high voltage power supply device 705 on the back side of the case 701.

  The case 701 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin such as polypropylene and has a thin vertical rectangular box shape in the front-rear direction. In addition, a partition wall 706 is provided inside the case 701 to divide the internal space back and forth except for the lower portion. An opening 706 a is formed in the partition wall 706. A water supply port 701a is provided in the upper part of the case 701, and a water supply pipe 707 constituting a water supply path of a water supply mechanism described later is connected to the water supply port 701a. A drain pipe 708 is connected to the lower part of the case 701. The distal end of the drain pipe 708 is connected to a portion downstream of the drain valve 124 of the drain hose 123 together with an overflow hose (not shown).

  A wall portion 701 c that rises upward in the case 701 is provided on the bottom wall portion of the case 701 so as to surround the periphery of the connection portion of the drain pipe 708. As a result, a water reservoir 709 is provided at the bottom of the case 701 and is located in a portion outside the wall 701c, and stores water supplied into the case 701 through the water supply port 701a. When the water level stored in the water storage unit 709 exceeds the upper end of the wall 701c, the water overflows to the drain pipe 708 side and is drained. Therefore, a predetermined amount (for example, 10 cc) of water can be stored.

  The discharge electrode 702 is formed in a rod shape from a porous material (for example, a felt material made of fibrous polyester) having water absorption, water retention, and suction properties, and has a pin shape with a sharp tip. ing. The plurality of discharge electrodes 702 are held in a state where the base end side passes through a plate-like pin collar 710 made of an insulating material (for example, a resin such as polypropylene). Then, with the discharge electrode 702 extending horizontally in the front-rear direction, the pin collar 710 is fixed so as to block the opening 706a portion of the partition wall 706, so that the tip of each discharge electrode 702 is in front of the case 701. It arrange | positions in the state which penetrated the wall part and protruded in the air supply duct 137. FIG.

  The conductive sheet 703 is formed by mixing a porous material made of, for example, urethane sponge with a conductive substance made of, for example, graphite, and forming it into a relatively hard thin plate having water retention and conductivity. A rectangular plate shape having a convex portion 703a protruding downward is formed on the portion. The conductive sheet 703 is electrically connected so that the front plate surface is in contact with the rear end portion of each discharge electrode 702 in a state where the convex portion 703a at the lower end is immersed in the water in the water storage portion 709. It is arranged so that.

  The water retention material 704 is formed in a thin plate shape from a porous material having water retention property such as urethane sponge, and is configured in a substantially rectangular plate shape having a rectangular opening 704a in the upper portion. The lower end of the water retaining material 704 is immersed in the water in the water storage unit 709. Further, the water retaining material 704 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the front surface of the conductive sheet 703 and the partition wall 706 including the pin collar 710 in a state where each discharge electrode 702 is disposed in the rectangular opening 704a. Has been. A rib (not shown) for positioning and holding the conductive sheet 703 and the water retaining material 704 is provided at the bottom of the case 701.

  The water supplied into the water storage section 709 of the case 701 is absorbed by the water retaining material 704 and the conductive sheet 703, sucked up, and supplied to each discharge electrode 702. In addition, on the front surface of the case 701, a bowl-shaped duct cover 711 is provided, which is positioned in front of each discharge electrode 702 and is inclined downward toward the front. As a result, as indicated by arrows in FIG. 7, a part of the air (warm air) flowing through the circulation air path 138 (air supply duct 137) is guided to the distal end side of each discharge electrode 702 by the duct cover 711, After passing through the discharge electrode 702 portion, it joins the circulation air path 138.

  The conductive sheet 703 is electrically connected to the discharge pin 712, and the discharge pin 712 passes through the back wall portion of the case 701 and is connected to the output terminal (negative side) of the high-voltage power supply device 705. As is well known, the high-voltage power supply device 705 is configured by molding a rectifier circuit or a booster circuit that converts a high-frequency power supply (AC power supply) into direct current with an insulating material, and generates a negative high voltage (for example, -6 kV). And output to the output terminal. The high-voltage power supply device 705 is attached to the back side of the case 701 while being housed in a power supply case (not shown) for waterproofing and insulation.

  Thus, a negative high voltage from the high voltage power supply 65 is applied to the discharge electrode 702 via the discharge pin 712 and the conductive sheet 703, and each discharge electrode 702 is negatively charged. In this case, the casing 101 of the washing machine 100 is grounded via an unillustrated ground wire or the like, and the casing 101 thus grounded (not facing the discharge electrode 702 and the An example of a member provided at a position far away from the discharge electrode 702 is configured to function as a counter electrode corresponding to the negatively charged discharge electrode 702.

  In the mist generator 700 configured as described above, the water in the water storage unit 709 is sucked up by the water retaining material 704 and the conductive sheet 703 and supplied to each discharge electrode 702, and in this state, each discharge electrode 702 has a high voltage. A negative high voltage from the power supply device 705 is applied. At this time, electric charges concentrate on the tip of the discharge electrode 702, and energy exceeding the surface tension is given to the water contained in the tip. As a result, water at the tip of the discharge electrode 702 is split, that is, Rayleigh split, and discharged from the tip of the discharge electrode 702 in a mist form. That is, an electrostatic atomization phenomenon occurs. Here, the water particles released in the form of mist are negatively charged and contain hydroxy radicals generated by the energy as functional elements.

  Accordingly, hydroxy radicals having a strong oxidizing action are released from the discharge electrode 702 together with mist. By the action of the hydroxy radicals, sterilization and deodorization, inactivation of microorganisms, viruses, allergens, odor components and harmful substances The components can be decomposed. In this case, a counter electrode corresponding to the negatively charged discharge electrode 702 is not provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 702. For this reason, the discharge from the discharge electrode 702 itself becomes very gentle, and unlike the conventional configuration in which corona discharge is generated between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode, noxious gas (such as ozone or nitrogen in the air). Generation of nitrogen oxides, nitrous acid, nitric acid, and the like, which are generated by oxidizing the oxidant.

  Next, a water supply mechanism 750 for supplying water to the mist generator 700 having the above-described configuration will be described. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, a water supply mechanism 750 that supplies water into the case 701 of the mist generating device 700 and thus into the water storage unit 709 is provided at the rear side of the casing 101 on the back side of the water tank 107. It has been. The water supply mechanism 750 is located in the upper part of the housing 101 and includes a water supply tank 751.

  The water supply tank 751 has a cylindrical container shape with an upper surface opened, and the upper surface opening is closed by a lid member. The water supply tank 751 is not sealed by the lid member, but has a gap that allows air to flow. The water supply tank 751 is connected to the second outlet port of the water supply valve 121 via a connection hose 752. In this case, the water supply valve 121 is provided with a first output port for supplying water into the water tank 107 and a second output port for supplying water to the water supply mechanism 750 and thus the mist generator 700.

  A water supply pipe 707 is connected to the bottom of the water supply tank 751 via an open / close valve (not shown). The on-off valve is controlled to be opened and closed by the control device 106, and is normally closed. By opening the on-off valve, the water stored in the water supply tank 751 is supplied to the case 701 (water storage unit 709) of the mist generator 700 through the water supply pipe 707. Further, a drain port (not shown) is provided in the side wall portion of the water supply tank 751 to extend in the horizontal direction for discharging excess water when the water in the water supply tank 751 exceeds a certain level.

  Also in the washing machine 100, 200 provided with the hygienic function by the hydrophilic performance unit 300, the mist generating apparatus 700 according to the present embodiment can further add various sanitary functions by the functional elements, It can be maintained more hygienically.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. This embodiment also discloses an example of a device that can be mounted on a washing machine in place of the mist generators 400 and 600 described above. That is, for example, an ion emission apparatus 800 schematically shown in FIG. 8 includes a high voltage circuit 802, a high voltage transformer 803, and a drive circuit 804 inside a case 801 that forms the outline of the ion emission apparatus 800. The ion emission device 800 includes a power connector 805 and the like. The power connector 805 inputs power to the ion emission device 800. The drive circuit 804 is electrically connected to the primary side terminal of the high-voltage transformer 803. The high voltage transformer 803 boosts the voltage input to the primary side and outputs the boosted voltage to the secondary side terminal. In this case, the high-voltage transformer 803 includes two secondary-side terminals, one secondary-side terminal is electrically connected to the induction electrode 806, and the other secondary-side terminal is a high-voltage circuit. It is electrically connected to the discharge electrode 807 through 802. The induction electrode 806 is provided with two through holes 806a, and the distal end portions of the discharge electrodes 807 are directed to the through holes 806a, respectively. The ion emission device 800 configured as described above can generate and discharge positive ions or negative ions as functional elements from the discharge electrode 807 by so-called corona discharge.

  When the high voltage circuit 802 generates positive ions from the discharge electrode 807, the high voltage circuit 802 applies a high voltage having a positive polarity to the induction electrode 806 to the discharge electrode 807. On the other hand, when the high voltage circuit 802 generates negative ions from the discharge electrode 807, the high voltage circuit 802 applies a high voltage having a negative polarity to the induction electrode 806. With such a configuration, the ion emitter 800 can generate and release positive ions, and can generate and release negative ions. The ion emission device 800 is configured to alternately release positive ions and negative ions based on a drive signal input from an external control device. In this case, the ion emission device 800 is configured to switch the positive ion emission period and the negative ion emission period, for example, every several seconds based on a drive signal from an external control device.

  Also in the washing machines 100 and 200 having a sanitary function by the hydrophilic performance unit 300, the ion release device 800 according to the present embodiment can further add various sanitary functions by the functional elements, It can be maintained more hygienically.

(Other embodiments)
The present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be expanded or modified as follows, for example.

  The hydrophilic performance film 300 may be provided on a part of the outer surface of the side portion of the rotating tub instead of being provided on the entire outer surface of the side portion of the rotating tub. Moreover, the hydrophilic performance film | membrane 300 is good also as a structure provided in the outer surface of the back part of a rotation tank, or the outer surface of a bottom face. In this case, the hydrophilic performance film 300 may be provided on the entire outer surface of the back surface portion of the rotating tank or may be provided on a part thereof. Moreover, the hydrophilic performance film | membrane 300 may be provided in the whole outer surface of the bottom face of a rotation tank, and may be provided in a part. Moreover, you may provide the hydrophilic performance film | membrane 300 in the reinforcement member which reinforces a rotation tank. In this case, the hydrophilic performance film 300 may be provided on the entire reinforcing member or a part thereof. Moreover, you may provide the hydrophilic performance film | membrane 300 in the several through-hole formed in the rotation tank.

  The device provided in the washing machine is not limited to the device exemplified in the present embodiment, and a device that generates and releases a functional element (for example, ion, radical, active oxygen species, etc.) having oxidizing power. If it is, it can change and implement suitably. The active oxygen species generated by the device may be so-called superoxide radicals, hydroxy radicals, hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen, or similar elements. Moreover, you may implement combining each above-mentioned embodiment suitably. The device releases charged water particles as a functional element by applying a voltage to the electrode, and releases water particles by collecting moisture in the air on the electrode and applying a voltage to the electrode. There may be.

  The washing machine according to each embodiment described above is a washing machine including a hydrophilic performance portion in a rotating tub rotatably provided in the water tub, and further generates a functional element having an oxidizing power and Equipped with a device that releases inside. According to this configuration, in the washing machine, the surface of the rotating tub, which is a part that cannot be easily reached such as cleaning because it is out of reach, can be kept clean, and the antifouling function due to hydrophilicity is most effective. Can be used. Furthermore, various sanitary functions are added by the functional elements released by the device, and the inside of the tank can be maintained more sanitary.

  This embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  In the drawings, 100 and 200 are washing machines, 107 and 202 are water tanks, 108 is a drum (rotating tank), 204 is a rotating tank, 300 is a hydrophilic performance membrane (hydrophilic performance section), and 400, 600, and 700 are mist generators ( Device), 800 denotes an ion emission device (device), and 900 denotes an electrostatic atomizer (device).

Claims (19)

A washing machine having a hydrophilic performance part in a rotating tub provided rotatably in a water tub,
A washing machine equipped with a device that generates a functional element having oxidizing power and discharges it into the water tank.   The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the device releases any one of ions, radicals, and active oxygen species as the functional element.   The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a function of inactivating microorganisms is given to the hydrophilic performance unit by the functional element released by the device.   The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a function of inactivating a virus is given to the hydrophilic performance unit by the functional element released by the device.   The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a function to inactivate allergen is given to the hydrophilic performance part by the functional element released by the device.   The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a function of decomposing an odor component is given to the hydrophilic performance portion by the functional element released by the device.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device releases the functional element when the rotating tub is wet.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device releases the functional element when the rotating tub is not wet.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device releases positive ions and negative ions as the functional element by applying a voltage to an electrode.   The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the device alternately releases the positive ions and the negative ions.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device releases charged water particles as the functional element by applying a voltage to an electrode.   The washing machine according to claim 11, wherein the device collects moisture in the air at the electrode and releases the water particles by applying a voltage to the electrode.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the hydrophilic performance section is obtained by coating the rotating tub with a hydrophilic material. The rotating tank is made of metal,
The washing machine according to claim 13, wherein the hydrophilic performance portion is coated by baking the hydrophilic material on an outer surface of the rotating tub.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the hydrophilic performance portion has a thickness of 10 µm or less.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the hydrophilic performance section has a surface roughness of 2 µm or less.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the hydrophilic performance portion is colored.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the hydrophilic performance part includes silicon oxide and has a performance of a pencil hardness of 5H or more.   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the hydrophilic performance section has a performance in which a water contact angle is less than a lower limit value of a water contact angle with respect to glass.

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