JP2015066059A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stably elute a silver ion, which is a bactericidal component, without being affected by concentration of a calcium ion contained in water to be used.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes a bactericidal agent 28A containing magnesium oxide, zinc oxide and silver oxide, at a bottom part of a rotary tub 11, which is a water contact part where water comes into contact. As the water contact part, other than this, at least one can be selected out of: a drain hose 22 as a drain path for draining water in a water tub 9; a lifting pipe 16 as a circulation path for circulating the water in the water tub; and an overflow path for draining the water of equal to or more than a predetermined water level in the water tub 9.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a washing machine.

  Conventionally, laundry such as clothes cannot completely remove the various germs attached at the time of wearing, and there has been a risk of breeding or generating odor after washing. Further, for example, in a washing machine having a rotating tub for dehydration in a water tub, germs and sputum easily grow on the back side of the rotating tub, which may cause off-flavors. In addition, as this progresses, there is a concern that the biofilm of the attached bacteria, that is, a collection of microorganisms and cocoons surrounded by slime from which microorganisms excrete, peels off and adheres to clothes and becomes dirty.

  Therefore, in recent years, a method has been considered in which, for example, a silver ion-based disinfecting component is supplied by bringing a disinfectant into contact with water used in a washing machine. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a disinfectant mainly composed of a calcium component. Silver ions eluted from such disinfectants bind to and inactivate enzymes (especially SH groups) that control the respiratory chain of microorganisms, or generate hydroxy radicals having an oxidizing action, thereby producing microorganisms. It is said that it has the function to stop the activity of. Accordingly, such a disinfectant that elutes silver ion-based components has a large disinfecting effect even in a very small amount, and is preferable as a disinfectant for washing machines.

JP 2008-279056 A

  However, water generally used in washing machines, particularly tap water, contains a large amount of calcium ions. The concentration is often overwhelmingly higher than the concentration of calcium ions eluted from a disinfectant mainly composed of calcium components. Therefore, when the concentration of calcium ions contained in the water used in the washing machine is high, the solubility of calcium ions is saturated, and the amount of disinfectant dissolved, in other words, the amount of silver ions eluted decreases. There is a fear. Moreover, the density | concentration of the calcium ion contained in tap water changes with areas. Therefore, the dissolved amount of the disinfectant (elution amount of silver ions) may vary depending on the calcium ion concentration of tap water in the area.

  Therefore, this embodiment provides a washing machine provided with a disinfectant that can stably elute silver ions as a disinfecting component without being affected by the concentration of calcium ions contained in the water used. .

  The washing machine of this embodiment is equipped with the disinfectant containing magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, and silver oxide in the water contact part which water contacts.

1 is a longitudinal side view showing a schematic configuration of the entire washing machine according to the first embodiment. Longitudinal side view of the disinfectant supply section and its surroundings The perspective view which looked at the disinfectant supply part from the front side The perspective view which looked at the disinfectant supply part from the back side Disassembled perspective view of disinfectant supply unit The figure which shows an example of the composition component of the disinfection agent of this embodiment, and the conventional disinfection agent The figure which shows an example of the disinfection performance of the disinfection agent of this embodiment, and the conventional disinfection agent The perspective view which shows the whole external appearance of the washing machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. Longitudinal side view schematically showing the internal structure of the washing machine Perspective view specifically showing the internal configuration of the washing machine The figure before attaching a lint filter to the tank Vertical side view showing the inside of the filter case and circulation pump Perspective view showing the overall appearance of the lint filter Vertical side view showing the inside of the filter case with the lint filter attached to the tank The figure which shows the modification which concerns on this embodiment (the 1) The figure which shows the modification which concerns on this embodiment (the 2) The figure which shows the modification which concerns on this embodiment (the 3) The figure which shows the modification which concerns on this embodiment (the 4)

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)
For example, the washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an outer box 2 that forms an outer shell, a top cover 3 that covers the upper surface, and a base plate 4 that is attached to the lower surface. Nearly the center of the top cover 3 is provided with a slot for putting in and out laundry such as clothes, and a bi-fold lid 5 for opening and closing the slot. In addition, an operation unit 6 including an operation course selection key, a start key, a display unit, and the like is provided at the front portion of the top cover 3. A control device 7 having a circuit configuration mainly composed of a microcomputer is provided at an upper front portion in the washing machine 1. Further, a water supply valve 8 for supplying washing water is provided at the upper rear portion in the washing machine 1. The control device 7 controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1 in addition to controlling the automatic operation from the washing process to the dehydration process based on various signals such as operation signals from the operation unit 6 and a control program stored in advance. .

  In the outer box 2, a water tank 9 for storing washing water is elastically supported by an elastic support mechanism 10. Inside the water tank 9, a rotary tank 11 that also serves as a dehydration tank is rotatably disposed. A large number of through holes 11 a capable of passing water and venting are formed in the peripheral wall of the rotary tank 11. A liquid-filled rotary balancer 12 is attached to the upper end of the rotary tank 11. A large-diameter disk-shaped stirring body 13 occupying most of the bottom surface is rotatably disposed on the inner bottom portion of the rotating tank 11. An annular cover member 14 as a whole is fixed around the stirring body 13.

  In addition, a part of the cover member 14 forms a passage 15 communicating with the back side of the stirring body 13. The passage 15 is connected to a pumping pipe 16 extending upward along the inner surface of the rotary tank 11. A mesh-like lint filter 17 is attached to the upper opening of the pumping pipe 16. On the back surface of the agitator 13, radial back blades 13a are integrally formed. When the agitator 13 is driven to rotate, the washing water in the rotary tub 11 is pumped from the passage 15 to the pumping pipe 16 by the back blade 13 a, and the washing water that has moved up the pumping pipe 16 rotates through the lint filter 17. It is circulated in the tank 11. In this manner, the washing water in the rotating tub 11 is circulated through the passage 15 and the pumping pipe 16, so that lint (waste waste) or the like in the washing water is captured by the lint filter 17. At the bottom of the rotating tank 11, a disinfectant supply unit 18 is provided at a position diagonal to the lint filter 17. Details of the disinfectant supply unit 18 will be described later.

  A drive mechanism 19 is disposed on the outer bottom surface side of the water tank 9. The drive mechanism 19 includes an outer rotor type direct drive motor 19a as a drive source. The drive mechanism 19 includes a clutch mechanism (not shown) and the like, and the agitator 13 is driven to rotate forward and backward in a washing process and an excessive process, and the rotating tank 11 is driven to rotate at a high speed in one direction in a dehydration process.

  A drain port 20 is formed at the bottom of the water tank 9. A drainage hose 22 with a drainage valve 21 interposed is connected to the drainage port 20. The drain hose 22 is an example of a drain path. An air trap 23 is formed in a portion adjacent to the drain port 20. A pressure type water level sensor (not shown) is connected to the air trap 23 through an air tube 23a. The control device 7 detects the water level in the water tank 9 including the rotating tank 11 based on the output signal from the water level sensor.

  A trap mechanism 24 is installed in the drain hose 22 at a portion downstream of the drain valve 21. The trap mechanism 24 includes a drainage lint filter 25 made of a mesh of about 1 mm square on the upstream side and a silver ion adsorbent 26 on the downstream side, and has a downflow type column structure. The drainage lint filter 25 prevents clogging of the silver ion adsorbent 26 by capturing lint and the like in the drainage. The drainage lint filter 25 can be attached to and detached from the trap mechanism 24, and the drainage lint filter 25 can be cleaned. The silver ion adsorbent 26 is made of, for example, a granular cation exchange resin having a particle diameter of about 1 to 3 mm, and collects silver ions contained in the waste water.

  Next, the structure of the disinfectant supply unit 18 will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the disinfectant supply unit 18 is provided in a position lower than the minimum use water level in the vicinity of the stirring body 13. Therefore, the disinfectant supply unit 18 is installed at a position where the disinfectant supply unit 18 is always immersed in the washing water regardless of the amount of clothes to be washed in the washing process or the excessive process. Note that the minimum water level is, for example, the lowest water level among the water levels determined by the control device 7 based on the amount of clothing in the rotating tub 11 specified by a known weight sensing function.

  The disinfectant supply unit 18 includes a disinfectant case 27 having a vertically long container shape. In this disinfectant case 27, a solid disinfectant 28A is accommodated in a filter-like disinfectant bag 29 made of polyester resin, nylon resin or the like. The disinfectant case 27 is made of, for example, a polyolefin resin such as a polypropylene resin. Further, this polyolefin resin does not contain fillers such as calcium carbonate, glass fiber, talc and the like, and is a nonpolar synthetic resin.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the disinfectant case 27 is composed of a rectangular container-shaped front case portion 27a whose back surface is opened, and a plate-like back case portion 27b that closes the back surface of the front case portion 27a. ing. The lower end portion of the front case portion 27a and the lower end portion of the back case portion 27b are connected in the longitudinal direction by a thin self-hinge portion 27c. The front case portion 27a and the back case portion 27b are integrally formed with the self hinge portion 27c as a fulcrum so that the front case portion 27a and the back case portion 27b can be bent in the vertical direction as indicated by an arrow A, for example.

  A plurality of water passage holes 30 are formed in the front case portion 27 a, and the inside and outside of the disinfectant case 27 can be passed through the water passage holes 30. In addition, on the left and right side surfaces of the front case portion 27a, substantially inverted U-shaped hook receivers 31 that open downward are formed in two locations, upper and lower. In addition, narrow groove-like locking holes 32 are formed at two locations on the left and right sides of the front case portion 27a. Further, a fastening portion 33 is projected from the center of the lower end of the front case portion 27a. The fastening portion 33 is provided with a through hole 33a through which the screw 34 can be inserted.

  The back case portion 27b is formed with a discharge port 35 including a plurality of small holes located in the vicinity of the self hinge portion 27c. Further, elastic claw 36 that can be elastically deformed are formed at two upper and lower portions on the left and right ends of the back case portion 27b. These locking claws 36 are provided at positions corresponding to the locking holes 32 when the back case portion 27b is folded to a position where the back surface of the front case portion 27a is closed.

  The disinfectant bag 29 has a mesh shape, the mesh size is smaller than the water passage hole 30, and the disinfectant 28A is not leaked even if the disinfectant 28A is consumed or chipped for a lifetime. It is a size. Further, the disinfectant bag 29 has an effect of buffering the impact applied to the disinfectant 28A by centrifugal action or vibration, and suppressing wear, chipping, cracking, etc. of the disinfectant 28A. Further, the disinfectant bag 29 has an action of suppressing a high concentration disinfecting component (silver ion described later) from being easily eluted through the disinfectant bag 29 and the water passage hole 30 from the disinfectant 28A.

  The cover member 14 has an annular portion 14 a that extends along the outer periphery of the stirring member 13, and is fixed to the bottom portion of the rotating tub 11 by engagement pieces 14 b that project downward from both ends of the annular portion 14 a. . A groove portion 37 into which the fastening portion 33 can be fitted is provided in the lower center of the cover member 14. A screw hole 37 a is formed in the groove portion 37.

  The cover member 14 is integrally formed with a substantially rectangular attachment portion 38 that protrudes upward. The attachment portion 38 is provided with a rectangular groove-shaped concave portion 38a having a size and a shape capable of fitting the disinfectant case 27. A substantially L-shaped hook 39 that engages with the hook receiver 31 is integrally formed at positions corresponding to the hook receiver 31 of the front case section 27a on both the left and right side surfaces of the concave portion 38a. Corresponding to this hook 39, an opening 40 for punching is formed in the concave portion 38a. Moreover, the opening part 41 is formed in the both lower ends of the left and right of the concave part 38a.

  The attachment portion 38 is fitted into a rectangular concave recess 11b (see FIG. 2) formed on the bottom side wall of the rotating tub 11, and the outer periphery thereof is surrounded. Thereby, the disinfectant case 27 attached to the attachment portion 38 does not protrude greatly inward of the rotary tank 11. Further, the position of the mounting portion 38 is not easily displaced by the protruding piece 38 b provided at the upper end portion of the mounting portion 38.

  In order to attach and fix the disinfectant case 27 to the attachment part 38, first, the disinfectant 28A wrapped in the disinfectant bag 29 is stored in the front case part 27a, and the back case part 27b is placed in the front case part 27a. The locking claws 36 are respectively locked in the locking holes 32. Thereby, the hollow box-shaped disinfectant case 27 is configured. Then, the disinfectant case 27 is fitted into the concave portion 38 a of the attachment portion 38.

  At the time of fitting, the hook receiver 31 on the side of the sterilizing agent case 27 is inserted into the opening portion 41 while the self hinge portion 27c protruding from the lower end of the sterilizing agent case 27 is inserted into the opening 41. The hook 39 is engaged while being engaged. Then, the screw 34 is inserted through the through hole 33a and tightened into the screw hole 37a. Thereby, the disinfectant case 27 is attached and fixed to the attachment portion 38. After the attachment, the disinfectant case 27, that is, the screw 34 can be removed only after the stirrer 13 is removed so that the user may not directly touch the disinfectant 28A. It has become.

  When the disinfectant case 27 is attached to the attachment portion 38, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the lower end portion of the disinfectant case 27 is in a state along the outer periphery of the stirring body 13 together with the annular portion 14a. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the discharge port 35 of the disinfectant case 27 faces the opening 41 of the attachment portion 38. Accordingly, the water in the disinfectant case 27 flows out from the discharge port 35 to the water tank 9 side through the opening 41 and is discharged from the drain hose 22 to the outside of the machine.

Next, the configuration and function of the disinfectant 28A will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, this disinfectant 28A is about 9% magnesium oxide, about 61% (60.8%) phosphate component (P ₂ O ₅ ), about 7% potassium oxide, oxidized It is composed of about 2% calcium, about 0.2% cobalt oxide, about 11% zinc oxide, about 4% aluminum oxide, and about 6% silver oxide.

  Magnesium oxide is a composition component that replaces a calcium component (for example, calcium oxide) that is a main component of a conventional disinfectant (for example, disinfectant 28B), and mainly has a function of maintaining the mechanical strength of the disinfectant 28A. Demonstrate. Magnesium oxide has a property of gradually eluting into water, that is, has a slow solubility in water, and has the function of gradually reducing the disinfectant 28A. Magnesium oxide also has a function of imparting mechanical strength to the disinfectant 28A.

  Aluminum oxide has a function of improving the water resistance of the sterilizing agent 28A, and thereby lowers the dissolution rate of the sterilizing agent 28A. The dissolution rate of the disinfectant 28A can be adjusted by appropriately adjusting the content of this aluminum oxide. In addition, when there is extremely much content of aluminum oxide, the range which does not vitrify to a disinfectant may arise. Therefore, the content of aluminum oxide is preferably about 3 to 4%.

  Silver oxide exhibits sterilizing effect by eluting silver ions having sterilizing properties into the wash water as a sterilizing component. If the silver oxide content is 0.1% by weight or less, a substantial sterilization effect cannot be obtained. Therefore, the content of silver oxide is preferably at least 0.1% by weight.

In this case, the disinfectant 28A has a composition in which the content of silver oxide is increased to about 8% by increasing the content of magnesium oxide and the content of zinc oxide as compared with the conventional disinfectant. It has become. The disinfectant 28A contains at least magnesium oxide more than silver oxide. The disinfectant 28A contains at least zinc oxide more than silver oxide. The disinfectant 28A contains at least zinc oxide more than magnesium oxide. That is, the disinfectant 28A has at least the following three formulas (1) in relation to the magnitude of the magnesium oxide content C [Mg], the zinc oxide content C [Zn], and the silver oxide content C [Ag]. ) To (3).
C [Mg]> C [Ag] ... Formula (1)
C [Zn]> C [Ag] ... Formula (2)
C [Zn]> C [Mg]> C [Ag] (3)

In addition, the disinfectant 28A has a composition in which the content C [Ca] of calcium oxide satisfies at least the following formulas (4) to (6). That is, the disinfectant 28A contains at least magnesium oxide more than calcium oxide. The disinfectant 28A contains at least zinc oxide more than calcium oxide. The disinfectant 28A contains at least silver oxide more than calcium oxide.
C [Mg]> C [Ca] ... Formula (4)
C [Zn]> C [Ca] ... Formula (5)
C [Ag]> C [Ca] ... Formula (6)

  Zinc oxide mainly has a function to prevent browning of silver oxide. In addition, the zinc ion eluted from the zinc oxide also has a function as a sterilizing component because a sterilizing action is recognized although not as much as silver ion. However, since zinc oxide is also slightly discolored, its content is preferably 50% by weight or less, for example.

  Cobalt oxide is added as a metal oxide for coloring the disinfectant 28A in blue. The cobalt oxide can color the disinfectant 28A in a bright blue color even with a very small content of about 0.01%, for example, and it is easy to confirm the presence or absence of the disinfectant 28A from the outside of the disinfectant case 27. It is effective in terms of

As the soluble glass, generally, boric acid glass mainly containing SiO ₂ and B ₂ O ₃ and phosphoric acid glass mainly containing P ₂ O ₅ are known. In the present embodiment, phosphate glass is used as the soluble glass. The phosphoric acid component (P ₂ O ₅ ) of the phosphoric acid-based glass is used for the solubility of the disinfectant 28A in the washing water, and maintains the transparency of the glass or removes silver ions from the washing water. The effect of gradually dissolving in water is exerted. If this content is less than 10% by weight, the mechanical strength of the disinfectant may not be maintained, and if it exceeds 80% by weight, the mechanical strength of the disinfectant may be reduced. Therefore, the content of the phosphoric acid component is preferably 10 to 80% by weight, and most preferably 30 to 70% by weight, based on the entire disinfectant 28A.

Moreover, when this phosphoric acid component dissolves in water, it takes a chelate structure (Ca ₂ P ₆ O ₁₈ ²⁻ , Mg ₂ P ₆ O ₁₈ ²⁻ ) for calcium and magnesium in the wash water (tap water), The water solubility of calcium and magnesium can be increased, the effect as a surfactant can be increased, and the cleaning performance can be improved. In addition, the penetrating power of silver ions into clothing is increased by this phosphoric acid component, and the sterilization performance can be improved.

  In addition, in the conventional method, when silver ions are combined with anions (especially chlorine ions, sulfide ions, etc.) in tap water, a salt with a low solubility product is formed, the solubility is reduced, and it becomes difficult to dissolve in washing water. In some cases, it was not possible to obtain a sterilizing effect as effective as possible. On the other hand, in this embodiment, it has a phosphoric acid component as an anion. Therefore, it is possible to stably keep the eluted silver ions in a state where there is an effective sterilizing effect without generating the hardly soluble salt as described above, and it is possible to maintain the sterilizing action. Therefore, an effective sterilizing effect can be exhibited even at a relatively low concentration, and the cost of the sterilizing agent 28A can be reduced.

On the other hand, the conventional disinfectant 28B has about 3% magnesium oxide, about 67% (66.8%) phosphate component (P ₂ O ₅ ), about 0% potassium oxide, and about calcium oxide. About 26%, cobalt oxide is about 0.1%, zinc oxide is about 0%, and silver oxide is about 4% (4.1%). In addition, the content of potassium oxide and zinc oxide being “about 0%” indicates that the component is not contained at all, or that the component is contained in an impurity level.

  In this case, the disinfectant 28B has a composition in which the content of silver oxide is only about 4% because the content of magnesium oxide and the content of zinc oxide are small. That is, when the content of magnesium oxide and zinc oxide contained in the sterilizing agent is small, in other words, when the content of calcium oxide is large, silver oxide is dispersed, and as a result, contained in the sterilizing agent. The content of silver oxide cannot be increased. On the other hand, by increasing the content of magnesium oxide and zinc oxide contained in the sterilizing agent, in other words, by reducing the content of calcium oxide contained in the sterilizing agent, for example, it is oxidized like the sterilizing agent 28A. The silver content can be increased.

  Next, an example of operation | movement of the washing machine 1 which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated. In the standard washing operation course, a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydrating process are executed in order, but since the actions in the washing process and the rinsing process are common among these processes, the explanation of the washing process and the rinsing process is as follows. Do it all at once.

  In the washing process (rinsing process), the control device 7 repeatedly performs the water supply operation, the washing operation (rinsing operation), and the drainage operation as appropriate based on the control program. In the water supply operation, the control device 7 opens the water supply valve 8 and starts supplying water to the rotating tank 11. At this time, since the disinfectant supply unit 18 is provided at the bottom of the rotating tank 11, the disinfectant even if the water level in the rotating tank 11 is low (the maximum water level has not been reached). 28A comes into contact with the washing water, and silver ions begin to elute. Further, since the disinfectant 28A is housed in the disinfectant case 27 and is in communication with the inside of the rotary tank 11 through the water passage 30, silver ions eluted in the disinfectant case 27 are in the rotary tank. 11 is difficult to be released (diffused).

  And if the control apparatus 7 detects that the water level of the washing water in the rotation tank 11 has reached the maximum use water level via the water level sensor, the control device 7 stops the water supply operation and executes the washing operation (rinsing operation). In the washing operation (rinsing operation), the control device 7 drives the drive mechanism 19 to rotate the agitator 13 and executes washing (rinsing) of the clothes in the rotating tub 11. At this time, the washing water enters and exits between the rotary tub 11 and the disinfectant case 27, so that the silver ions eluted in the disinfectant case 27 are released into the rotary tank 11 and washed. The silver ion concentration of water reaches about 30 ppb, for example. Then, the clothes in the rotating tub 11 are stirred together with the washing water, so that silver ions adhere to the clothes.

  When the washing operation (rinsing operation) is finished, the control device 7 executes a draining operation. In the draining operation, the control device 7 drains the wash water through the drain hose 22 by opening the drain valve 21. At this time, the silver ions in the waste water are collected by the silver ion adsorbent 26 of the trap mechanism 24, and the waste water from which the silver ions have been removed is discharged outside the washing machine 1 through the drain hose 22.

  When the control device 7 repeatedly executes the above-described water supply operation, washing operation (rinsing operation), and draining operation as appropriate, the controller 7 ends the washing process and proceeds to the dehydration process. In the dehydration process, the control device 7 rotationally drives the rotating tub 11 to centrifugally dehydrate moisture contained in the clothing. At this time, water droplets remaining on the sterilizing agent 28A and the sterilizing agent bag 29 and water droplets remaining on the bottom of the sterilizing agent case 27 are also discharged due to centrifugal action, so that the sterilizing agent 28A is dissolved. Thus, it is possible to prevent high concentration silver ions from being eluted.

Next, an example of a comparison result between the sterilization performance of the sterilization agent 28A according to this embodiment and the sterilization performance of the conventional sterilization agent 28B will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the case where about 36 g of the sterilizing agent 28A is stored in the sterilizing agent case 27 and the case where about 36 g of the sterilizing agent 28B are stored in the sterilizing agent case 27 are compared. Further, in this case, the mold resistance indicates a test result according to “mold resistance test” (JIS Z 2911) standardized by JIS. In general, the test results obtained by a method of placing sample pieces on an agar medium, spraying various mold spores on the agar medium, and observing the growth of mold in a predetermined period (for example, about 28 days). is there. And the test result is shown by the level of the following display "0"-display "3", for example.
Display “0”: growth of mold is not recognized.
Indication “1”: Mold growth is not observed with the naked eye, but is observed under a microscope.
Indication "2": The growth of mold is recognized with the naked eye, but the growth area does not exceed 25% of the whole sample.
Indication “3”: The growth of mold is recognized with the naked eye, and the growth area exceeds 25% of the whole sample.

  According to the disinfectant 28A according to the present embodiment, about 8.0 ppb of silver ions are eluted from about 36 g of the disinfectant 28A in the initial stage, and the mold resistance is at the level of “1”. After one year, the weight of the disinfectant 28A decreased to about 34.5 g. However, since the amount of the sterilizing agent 28A is small, the silver ion concentration is suppressed to about 7.8 ppb, and the mold resistance is maintained at the level of “1”. In addition, after 2 years, the weight of the disinfectant 28A decreased to about 33.5 g. However, since the amount of the sterilizing agent 28A is small even after 2 years, the concentration of silver ions is suppressed by a decrease to about 7.6 ppb, and the mold resistance is maintained at the level of “1”. . In addition, after 10 years, the weight of the disinfectant 28A decreased to about 28.0 g. However, even after 10 years, the remaining amount of the disinfectant 28A is sufficiently large, so that the concentration of silver ions is suppressed by a decrease to about 7.0 ppb, and the mold resistance is maintained at the level of “1”. ing.

  On the other hand, according to the conventional sterilizing agent 28B, about 270.0ppb of silver ions are eluted from about 36g of the sterilizing agent 28B in the initial stage. Therefore, the mold resistance is also indicated at the level of "1". Is shown. However, after one year, the weight of the disinfectant 28B was greatly reduced to about 3.0 g. Therefore, the silver ion concentration was reduced to about 18.6 ppb, and the mold resistance was also deteriorated to the level of “2”. Further, after 2 years, all the disinfectant 28B disappears, and thus the eluted silver ions disappear, and the mold resistance remains deteriorated at the level of the indication “2”.

  That is, the disinfectant 28A according to the present embodiment is gradually dissolved over a long period from the start of use, and has a characteristic that silver ions are gradually eluted over a long period. Therefore, according to the disinfectant 28A, the disinfection performance by silver ions can be maintained for a long period from the start of use.

  On the other hand, the conventional disinfectant 28B dissolves rapidly immediately after the start of use, and has a characteristic that silver ions are rapidly eluted immediately after the start of use. Therefore, according to the conventional sterilizing agent 28B, although high sterilization performance can be exhibited in the initial stage, the sterilization performance is significantly deteriorated within a year from the start of use.

  According to the washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the disinfectant 28A containing silver oxide having a disinfecting action is disposed inside the aquarium 9, which is an example of a water contact portion in contact with water, in this case, in the aquarium 9. It was provided at the inner bottom of the rotating tank 11. And this sanitizer 28A contains many magnesium oxide and zinc oxide instead of the calcium component which was the main component of the conventional sanitizer. Accordingly, the silver ions as the sterilizing component can be stably eluted without being affected by the concentration of calcium ions contained in the water used in the washing machine 1.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. For example, the washing machine 51 shown in FIG. 8 is configured such that an outer box 52 constituting an outer shell thereof includes side plates 53, 54, a base 55, a top plate 56, a front cover 57, and a bottom cover 58, and is substantially a rectangular box as a whole. It has a shape. The side plates 53 and 54 are formed of iron plates and constitute the left and right lateral sides of the washing machine 51. The base 55 is disposed at the lower portion of the outer box 52 and has a function as a base that supports the entire washing machine 51. The top plate 56 is made of resin and constitutes the upper surface of the washing machine 51. In addition, a decorative plate 59 is embedded in the top plate 56, and a tap water supply port 60 and a bath water supply port 61 are provided. The decorative plate 59 is for preventing the washing machine 51 from being damaged when, for example, laundry or detergent is placed on the upper part of the washing machine 51. The tap water supply port 60 and the bath water supply port 61 constitute a water supply device 70 to be described later, and serve as a tap water and bath water supply port.

  A circular opening 57a is provided at the center of the front cover 57, and a door 62 for opening and closing the opening 57a is pivotally supported by a hinge portion (not shown). A button 63 for opening the door 62 is provided on the side of the door 62. On the upper part of the front cover 57, an operation panel 64 and a washing agent charging case 65 are provided. The operation panel 64 is connected to a control device 66 provided on the back side of the front cover 57. The operation panel 64 is provided with various switches for selecting a driving course and starting driving, and the user operates the operating panel 64 to operate the laundry driving course and the like. A course can be selected and executed. The control device 66 includes a ROM, a RAM, and the like centered on a microcomputer. In addition to the above-described control of the operation course, the control device 66 performs the laundry pump drive control and the washing water temperature control described later. The overall operation of the machine 51 is controlled. A plurality of rooms are formed inside the laundry agent charging case 65, and each room can accommodate various laundry agents such as detergents, softeners, and bleaches. And the washing | cleaning agent accommodated in each room can be automatically thrown in during washing operation.

  The bottom cover 58 is detachably provided at the lower portion of the washing machine 51. For example, when a drain pipe is installed directly below the washing machine 51, the bottom cover 58 is removed to easily operate the bottom of the washing machine 51. Can be done. The bottom cover 58 is provided with a filter lid 67 that opens and closes a tank portion 84 to be described later.

  Next, the internal configuration of the washing machine 51 will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the washing machine 51 includes a water tank 68, a drum 69, a water supply device 70, a filter case 71, a hot air device 72, a heat exchanger 73, and the like. The water tank 68 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open front side. The water tank 68 is elastically supported by the base 55 by the suspension 74 in such a manner that the front side, that is, the opened side is slightly upward and faces the door 62. In addition, a water tank cover 75 having an opening 75 a that is slightly smaller than the opening diameter of the water tank 68 is provided on the front side of the water tank 68. The opening 75 a is connected to the opening 57 a of the front cover 57 via the bellows 76.

  The drum 69 is an example of a rotating tank, and has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open front side. And the drum 69 is arrange | positioned inside the water tank 68 in the aspect which made the front side, ie, the opened side, face the door 62 a little upwards. A large number of through-holes 69a are formed in the inner peripheral wall of the drum 69, and a baffle 77 (see FIG. 10) for lifting the laundry is provided. The drum 69 is connected to a rotating shaft of a motor 78 disposed on the back side of the water tank 68, and is rotatable with respect to the water tank 68 when the motor 78 is driven to rotate.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the water supply device 70 is disposed at a position slightly lowered from the uppermost part of the water tank 68 to the left side in front view. The water supply case 79 of the water supply device 70 is connected to the tap water supply port 60 and the bath water supply port 61 via a water supply valve (not shown). In addition, the water injection case 79 is connected to the water tank 68 via a water supply pipe (not shown). The water injection case 79 accommodates a washing agent charging case 65, and an appropriate laundry agent is introduced into the water injection case 79 for each course of the washing course. With such a configuration, the water flowing into the water injection case 79 from the tap water supply port 60 or the bath water supply port 61 is supplied into the water tank 68 together with an appropriate washing agent.

  The warm air device 72 is disposed at a position slightly lowering from the uppermost part of the water tank 68 to the right side when viewed from the front. The warm air device 72 includes a heater 80 as a heat source, a blower fan 81, and a circulating air path 82. The air outlet 82 a of the circulation air passage 82 faces the water tank 68 from the diagonally upper right of the water tank 68 when viewed from the front. The heat generated in the heater 80 is blown by the blower fan 81, so that warm air is supplied into the water tank 68 from the outlet 82a.

  The heat exchanger 73 is disposed on the back side of the water tank 68, and hot air supplied into the water tank 68 by the above-described hot air device 72 is sent into the heat exchanger 73. The warm air sent to the heat exchanger 73 contains the moisture of the laundry in the drum 69. In the heat exchanger 73, the hot air can be sprinkled from a water spray pipe (not shown), and the water in the hot air is cooled by the water spray to dehumidify the hot air.

  The filter case 71 is for accommodating a lint filter 97 described later. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the filter case 71 is a part on the left side of the front bottom of the front side in the washing machine 51, in other words, a part diagonal to the warm air device 72 in the washing machine 51. It is located at. The filter case 71 is provided with a circulation pump 83.

  Here, the configuration of the filter case 71 and the circulation pump 83 will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the filter case 71 is provided with a tank portion 84 for storing the lint filter 97 and storing washing water. The tank portion 84 has a substantially cylindrical shape with one end opened, and is arranged so that the opening side faces the filter lid 67 at the bottom of the washing machine 51. A female screw portion 84a is provided on the inner wall on the opening side. An inflow port 85 is provided on the upper portion of the tank portion 84, and one end side thereof communicates with the opening side of the tank portion 84. Further, a drain port 84 b is provided at the lower part of the tank portion 84. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a concave portion 84 c is formed on the side portion of the tank portion 84. The recess 84c communicates with the inside of the tank portion 84 through the connection port 84d. Although not described in detail, an outlet 86 is communicated with the recess 84c.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the circulation pump 83 includes a pump motor 87 and an impeller 88 connected to the pump motor 87. The circulation pump 83 is provided in the filter case 71 in such a manner that the impeller 88 faces the connection port 84d. At this time, a hollow impeller case 89 is formed by the recess 84c on the filter case 71 side and the recess 83a on the circulation pump 83 side. The impeller 88 is rotatable in the impeller case 89.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the inflow port 85 of the filter case 71 is connected to a drain port 68 a provided in the lower part of the water tank 68 via the first connection hose 90. On the other hand, the outflow port 86 is connected to a spout 92 provided obliquely above and to the left of the water tank cover 75 through the second connection hose 91. With such a configuration, the circulation path 93 that communicates with the inside of the water tank 68 is provided from the lower part of the water tank 68 to the vicinity of the upper part. Then, in the filter case 71 in the middle of the circulation path 93, for example, as shown by an arrow A in FIG. 11, washing water flows into the tank portion 84 from the inlet 85, and for example, as shown by an arrow B in FIG. 84d and the impeller case 89 are discharged from the outflow port 86. In addition, the 1st connection hose 90 and the 2nd connection hose 91 are comprised with elastic materials, such as rubber | gum, and the one part is formed in the bellows shape. And the vibration formed from the water tank 68, the impact, etc. are absorbed by the part formed in this bellows shape.

  A drain valve 94 is connected to the drain port 84b of the filter case 71 via a drain pipe (not shown). The drain valve 94 is connected to a drain port (not shown) provided outside the washing machine 51 via a drain hose 95. The drain valve 94 is opened or closed when the drain valve motor 96 is driven. When the drain valve 94 is opened, the washing water in the water tank 68 is drained to the outside of the washing machine 51 through the filter case 71 (tank portion 84).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the water tank cover 75 is provided with an overflow port 115 at a position lower than the jet port 92. One end of an overflow hose 116 is connected to the overflow port 115. The other end of the overflow hose 116 is connected to a portion of the drain hose 95 downstream of the drain valve 94. When the water level in the water tank 68 exceeds a predetermined water level, that is, the height position of the overflow port 115, the water above the predetermined water level is discharged out of the machine via the overflow hose 116.

  Next, the configuration of the lint filter 97 housed in the tank portion 84 of the filter case 71 will be described. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the lint filter 97 includes a filter main body 98 and a cap portion 99. The filter body 98 has a container shape with an open upper surface. A plurality of slits are formed in the side wall and the bottom. The cap portion 99 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and a male screw portion 99a that can be screwed into the female screw portion 84a of the tank portion 84 is formed on the outer peripheral wall thereof. An operation knob 99b is formed at the tip of the cap portion 99.

  Next, an arrangement mode (attachment mode) of the lint filter 97 to the filter case 71 will be described. That is, when the filter lid 67 is opened, the lint filter 97 can be inserted into the tank portion 84 of the filter case 71. Then, while inserting the filter body 98 of the lint filter 97 into the tank portion 84, the operation knob 99b is rotated to screw the male screw portion 99a into the female screw portion 84a. As a result, the lint filter 97 can be attached to the tank portion 84 constituting the middle portion of the circulation path 93. At this time, the inside of the tank portion 84 becomes watertight due to the sealing material 105 provided in the cap portion 99. In addition, since the filter case 71 is provided at a position higher than the drain valve 94, the lint filter 97 is disposed at a position higher than the drain valve 94 in the washing machine 51.

  The filter case 71 is further provided with a disinfectant 28A. Next, a configuration for arranging the disinfectant 28A will be described. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, a disinfectant case 125 formed of, for example, a resin is detachably attached to the back of the tank portion 84 of the lint filter 97. The disinfectant case 125 includes a bottomed cylindrical main body 125a having one end opened and a lid 125b that closes the open end of the main body 125a, and has a through-hole 125c at substantially the center thereof. The disinfectant case 125 is fixed to the inner part of the tank portion 84 by the screw 126 through the through hole 125c.

  The disinfectant case 125 is provided with a large number of water passage holes, and water can be passed between the inside and the outside of the case through the water passage holes. The disinfectant case 125 contains, for example, the disinfectant 28A described above. In this case as well, the disinfectant 28A may be used in a state of being accommodated in a filter-like disinfectant bag made of polyester resin or nylon resin.

  According to the washing machine 51 according to the present embodiment, the sterilizing agent 28A containing silver oxide having a sterilizing action is disposed on the middle part of the circulation path 93 (an internal part of the filter case 71), which is an example of a water contact part that comes into contact with water. ). And this sanitizer 28A contains many magnesium oxide and zinc oxide instead of the calcium component which was the main component of the conventional sanitizer. Therefore, silver ions as a sterilizing component can be stably eluted without being affected by the concentration of calcium ions contained in the water used in the washing machine 51.

(Other embodiments)
The present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and for example, the following modifications or expansions are possible.
For example, as shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of sub water supply paths may be provided in parallel in a part of the water supply path 201 for supplying water into the water tank 200, and a disinfectant unit may be provided in each sub water supply path. Good. In this case, the water supply path 201 is provided with two sub-water supply paths 201a and 201b, the sub-water supply path 201a is provided with a sterilizing agent unit 202a including a sterilizing agent 28A, and the sub-water supply path 201b is provided with A disinfectant unit 202b including a disinfectant 28B is provided. Water supply to the sub water supply path 201 a and the sub water supply path 201 b is switched by a switching valve 203.

  According to this configuration, a plurality of the sterilizing agents 28A and 28B having different sterilizing performances can be used by appropriately switching, and the concentration and elution mode (elution speed, elution amount, etc.) of the erasing component to be eluted are appropriately selected. It can be adjusted and efficiently sterilized.

  Moreover, if the disinfectant 28A is a portion (water contact portion) in contact with water in the washing machine, its installation position can be changed as appropriate. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the disinfectant 28A is provided in at least one of the inside of the water tank 300, the water supply path 301 that supplies water into the water tank 300, and the drainage path 302 that discharges water in the water tank 300. Can be provided. In this case, the disinfectant 28A may be installed at the bottom of the water tank 300, for example, as shown in the first embodiment, or may be installed at other parts, for example, the inner periphery of the water tank 200, etc. May be. Moreover, in the water supply path 301, the disinfectant 28A may be installed on the upstream side of the water supply valve 301a or may be installed on the downstream side, for example. In the drainage path 302, the disinfectant 28A may be installed on the upstream side of the drainage valve 302a or on the downstream side, for example.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 17, in a washing machine including a circulation path 303 that circulates the water in the water tank 300 outside the water tank 300, the disinfectant 28 </ b> A can be provided in the circulation path 303. In this case, the disinfectant 28A may be installed in the filter case, for example, as shown in the second embodiment in the circulation path 303, or may be installed upstream of the filter case. You may install in the downstream. Although not shown, in a washing machine including a circulation path (for example, a path including the passage 15 and the pumping pipe 16 illustrated in the first embodiment) inside the water tank 300, the disinfectant 28A is included in the circulation path. Can be provided.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 18, in a washing machine including an overflow path 304 that discharges water at a predetermined water level or higher in the water tank 300, the disinfectant 28 </ b> A can be provided in the overflow path 304. In addition, you may install the conventional sanitizer (for example, sanitizer 28B) in each water contact part of the washing machine illustrated above.

  The disinfectant 28A may contain about 0 to 50% by weight of disinfectant zinc oxide, cerium oxide, aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, or the like. Such a substance is useful for preventing the sterilization agent 28A from being browned and preventing deliquescence, and can also be expected to have effects of removing contact microorganisms and fungi and suppressing propagation, although not as much as silver ions. However, if the content exceeds 50% by weight, browning may occur.

  The amount of the disinfectant used can be appropriately changed according to, for example, the product life of the washing machine. In addition, the disinfectant cases 27 and 125 and other synthetic resin parts are not limited to those made of polypropylene resin, and can be configured using, for example, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polystyrene resin, silicon tube, or the like as appropriate.

  The washing machine according to each embodiment described above includes a disinfectant containing magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, and silver oxide in a water contact portion in contact with water. According to this configuration, instead of the conventional disinfectant mainly composed of the calcium component, the disinfectant mainly composed of magnesium oxide or zinc oxide is provided, so that the calcium ions contained in the water to be used Silver ions that are sterilizing components can be stably eluted without being affected by the concentration.

  In addition, the washing machine according to the present embodiment includes, for example, the inside of a water tank, a water supply path for supplying water to the water tank, a drainage path for discharging water in the water tank, a circulation path for circulating the water in the water tank, At least any one of the overflow paths for discharging water at a predetermined water level or higher can be configured as a water contact portion provided with a disinfectant.

  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, 1, 51 are washing machines, 9, 68, 200, 300 are water tanks (water contact portions), 28A is a disinfectant, 93 is a circulation route (water contact portion), and 201, 301 are water supply routes (water contact). Part), 302 is a drainage path (water contact part), 303 is a circulation path (water contact part), and 304 is an overflow path (water contact part).

Claims (4)

  A washing machine provided with a disinfectant containing magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, and silver oxide in a water contact portion in contact with water.   The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the disinfectant contains more magnesium oxide than the silver oxide.   The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the disinfectant contains more zinc oxide than the silver oxide.   Inside the aquarium, a water supply path for supplying water into the aquarium, a drainage path for draining the water in the aquarium, a circulation path for circulating the water in the aquarium, and an overflow that drains water above a predetermined water level in the aquarium The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the paths is configured as the water contact portion provided with the sterilizing agent.

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