JP2016106693A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow for effective sterilization by increasing a generation amount of radicals without increasing an ozone amount.SOLUTION: A washing machine is provided that includes: a washing tub 3 provided rotatably in a water tub 2; a motor 7 for rotationally driving the washing tub 3; active oxygen generation means 18 for generating active oxygen such as radicals and ozone; ozone decomposition means 19 for decreasing an ozone amount in the active oxygen generated in the active oxygen generation means 18; and control means 14 for controlling each step of washing, rinsing, dewatering, sterilizing and the like. The control means 14 introduces the active oxygen in which the ozone amount is decreased by the ozone decomposition means 19 into the washing tub 3, in the sterilization step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing laundry such as clothes.

  In general, it is known that an unpleasant odor is felt when a laundry such as clothes washed by a washing machine is dried in a room or used after drying. The cause of this unpleasant odor is insufficient washing of the bacteria attached to the laundry, reattachment of the bacteria washed away by the detergent to other laundry, or adhesion of the bacteria living in the washing machine to the laundry. And by producing metabolites by the bacteria remaining in the washed laundry.

  Therefore, in order to eliminate the unpleasant odor, it has been considered to disinfect and deodorize laundry and washing tubs and decompose organic matter (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, a high voltage is applied to water to generate OH radicals in the air, and the generated OH radicals are supplied into the washing tub.

  In addition, it is considered to improve the sterilization efficiency by ozone or active species introduced into the washing tub (see, for example, Patent Document 2). The washing machine described in Patent Document 2 changes the ratio of ozone and active species contained in the airflow according to the amount of water contained in the clothes in the washing tub when in the dehydration process. In the case where the amount of water contained in the clothes is less than a predetermined amount, the amount of ozone contained in the air flow is small and the amount of active species is greater than or equal to the specified amount.

  In addition, it is considered to provide a sterilization device including a light irradiation device as an ozone amount adjusting unit, a water amount adjusting unit, and a radical converting unit (see, for example, Patent Document 3). The washing machine described in Patent Document 3 is designed to be sterilized by hydroxy radicals generated from ozone and water.

  Further, it is considered to provide an ozonolysis mechanism for decomposing ozone (see, for example, Patent Document 4). The washing machine described in Patent Document 4 is one in which the inside of the washing machine is sterilized by ozone.

JP-A-2005-192901 JP 2013-94432 A JP 2011-78658 A JP 2001-87590 A

  However, in the conventional configuration, when a high voltage is applied to water, oxygen is also discharged in the air to generate ozone, and ozone is blown into the washing tub together with the generated OH radicals. Since OH radicals are highly active and an oxidation reaction is carried out on contact, the consumption rate is fast and the lifetime as OH radicals is short. Therefore, disinfecting and deodorizing clothes and washing tubs in the washing tub. In addition, there is a problem that it is difficult to enhance the effect of decomposition of organic substances.

  Therefore, it is conceivable to increase the amount of OH radicals generated in order to enhance the effects of sterilization, deodorization and decomposition of organic substances by OH radicals. However, if the amount of OH radicals generated is increased, the amount of ozone generated Therefore, there is a problem that measures against ozone are necessary.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a washing machine that can effectively disinfect by increasing the amount of radicals generated without increasing the amount of ozone.

  In order to solve the conventional problems, a washing machine of the present invention generates a washing tub rotatably provided in a water tub, a motor that rotationally drives the washing tub, and active oxygen such as radicals and ozone. Active oxygen generation means, ozone decomposition means for reducing the amount of ozone in the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generation means, and control means for controlling each step of washing, rinsing, dehydration, sterilization, etc. In the sterilization step, the control means introduces active oxygen whose ozone amount has been reduced by the ozonolysis means into the washing tub.

  As a result, the amount of radicals generated can be increased without increasing the amount of ozone, and effects such as safe sterilization, deodorization and decomposition of organic matter on laundry such as clothes in the laundry tub and laundry tub Can be increased.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The washing machine of the present invention can enhance the effects of sterilization, deodorization, decomposition of organic substances, and the like safely on laundry such as clothes in the washing tub and the washing tub.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Schematic configuration diagram of active oxygen generating means and ozonolysis means of the washing machine Block diagram of the washing machine A graph showing the relationship between the amount of radical components and the amount of ozone components in the washing machine Schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine in Embodiment 2 of the present invention Block diagram of the washing machine System configuration diagram of a washing machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention

  The first invention includes a washing tub rotatably provided in a water tub, a motor for rotationally driving the washing tub, an active oxygen generating means for generating active oxygen such as radicals and ozone, and the active oxygen generating means. Ozonolysis means for reducing the amount of ozone in the active oxygen generated in the control, and control means for controlling each step such as washing, rinsing, dehydration, sterilization, the control means in the sterilization step, By introducing the active oxygen whose ozone amount has been reduced by the ozone decomposing means into the washing tub, the ozone amount is reduced by decomposing ozone molecules from the plurality of active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generating means. It is possible to increase the generation amount of active oxygen species such as hydroxy radicals without increasing the amount of ozone, and safely improve the sterilization and deodorization effects of laundry such as clothing Door can be. In addition, by increasing the amount of radicals generated, hydrogen peroxide is generated by the reaction of radicals in the moisture layer on the surface of the clothing even when the clothing is moistened, thereby sterilizing and deodorizing. It is possible to suppress unpleasant odors when the room is dried after washing and during use.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, in particular, in the first aspect of the invention, the ozone decomposing means comprises a discharge means, whereby ozone molecules in the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generating means are decomposed into oxygen molecules and oxygen radicals. After that, the oxygen radicals react with the ozone molecules in a chain to decompose the ozone molecules into oxygen molecules, thereby reducing the amount of ozone in the active oxygen.

  In a third aspect of the invention, in particular, in the first aspect of the invention, the ozone decomposing means comprises an ultraviolet ray generating means, so that a chemical reaction occurs between ozone molecules in active oxygen and water molecules present in the air stream. It is promoted to generate hydroxyl radicals, and simultaneously with the decrease of ozone molecules, active radical species are generated in the airflow, which increases the active oxygen components other than ozone and disinfects laundry such as clothes in the laundry tub. The deodorizing effect can be improved.

  According to a fourth invention, in particular, in any one of the first to third inventions, the active oxygen generation means is composed of an electrostatic atomization means, so that it adheres to the electrode surface simultaneously with the generation of active oxygen. The generated water molecules cause a splitting phenomenon during discharge, cover the active oxygen surface where the water particles are generated, suppress collision and disappearance of active oxygen, generate charged particles containing active oxygen, and the lifetime of active oxygen It is possible to disinfect a lot of active oxygen generated by extending the length of the clothes, and to reach the laundry such as clothes in the washing tub that is subject to deodorization. The deodorizing effect can be improved.

  In particular, the fifth aspect of the present invention is the method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generating means is introduced into the washing tub, and the laundry tub is passed through the introducing lane. And having the blowing means for blowing air in, and providing the active oxygen generating means and the ozone decomposing means in the introduction path, after generating active oxygen by the active oxygen generating means, the ozone amount is reduced by the ozone decomposing means. After the decrease, it becomes possible to quickly and intensively send it into the washing tub together with the airflow flowing through the introduction path, and it becomes possible to develop the sterilization and deodorization effects of laundry such as clothes in a shorter time. . In addition, since ozone decomposing means is provided in the introduction path, ozone contained in the active oxygen present in the limited volume along with the blown gas can be intensively decomposed and reduced, making it easy to decompose ozone. Can be done.

  In particular, in the sixth invention, in any one of the first to fifth inventions, by providing a drying means for drying laundry such as clothes in the washing tub, after the sterilization step by active oxygen, Alternatively, the drying step can be performed before the sterilization step, and the sterilization and deodorization effects can be enhanced by the synergistic effect of the active oxygen and the drying means.

  In a seventh aspect of the invention, in particular, in any one of the first to sixth aspects of the invention, an introduction path for introducing active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generating means into the washing tub, and the washing tub through the introduction path Blower means for blowing air and a branch path formed in the introduction path, provided with drying means for drying laundry such as clothes in the washing tub in the branch path, the introduction path and the branch path By being configured to be switchable, it is possible to divide the air flow path during the sterilization process and the drying process, reduce pressure loss in each process, and enhance the sterilization and drying effects. In addition, the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generating means is not consumed by adsorption to the condenser and evaporator of the heat pump device that is the drying means, but the active oxygen species is sent into the washing tub by circulating air. It is possible to enhance the sterilization and deodorizing effect.

  In an eighth aspect of the invention, in particular, in any one of the first to seventh aspects of the invention, the control means is configured to execute the sterilization step continuously with steps such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration. In addition to the sterilization process for sterilization and deodorization of clothes with decorations that are difficult to wash normally, the sterilization process can be shortened by enhancing the sterilization and deodorization effect. It can be performed as a course that is continuous with other processes in the washing process, and by setting the sterilization process to be executed following the dehydration process, the laundry is not taken out after dehydration. Even when left untreated, the growth of adherent bacteria can be suppressed.

  The ninth invention is generated by a rotatable rotating tank, a motor for rotating the rotating tank, active oxygen generating means for generating active oxygen such as radicals and ozone, and the active oxygen generating means. Ozone decomposition means for reducing the amount of ozone in the active oxygen, and control means for controlling the sterilization process, wherein the control means is the active oxygen in which the ozone amount is reduced by the ozone decomposition means in the sterilization process Can be reduced by decomposing ozone molecules from a plurality of active oxygens generated by the active oxygen generating means. Without increasing the amount, the amount of active oxygen species such as hydroxy radicals generated can be increased, and the sanitization and deodorizing effects of laundry such as clothing can be increased safely. In addition, by increasing the amount of radicals generated, hydrogen peroxide is generated due to the reaction between radicals in the moisture layer on the surface of the clothing even when the clothing is moist, and the effect of sterilization and deodorization is achieved. It can be expressed, and an unpleasant odor at the time of drying the room after washing and use can be suppressed.

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

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of active oxygen generating means and ozone decomposing means of the washing machine, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the washing machine. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the radical component amount and the ozone component amount of the washing machine.

  1 to 4, a bottomed cylindrical water tank 2 that is elastically suspended and supported in a housing 1 is provided. A bottomed cylindrical washing tub 3 is rotatably provided in the water tub 2. A large number of small holes 4 communicating with the inside of the water tub 2 are provided on the peripheral side surface of the washing tub 3, and a door that opens and closes when laundry such as clothes (hereinafter referred to as laundry) is taken in and out of the upper portion of the housing 1. 5 is provided.

  A pulsator 6 is provided at the bottom of the washing tub 3 for stirring the laundry a put in the washing tub 3. The washing tub 3 and the pulsator 6 are rotationally driven by a motor 7 attached to the outer bottom of the water tub 2. The motor 7 is constituted by a brushless DC motor, and the rotation speed can be freely changed by inverter control.

  A water supply valve 8 for supplying washing water into the washing tub 3 is provided in a water supply pipe 9 connected to a water supply or the like. When water is supplied, the water supply valve 8 is opened to enter the washing tub 3 from the water inlet 10. Water is supplied. The drain valve 11 for draining the washing water in the aquarium 2 to the outside of the machine is provided in a drain pipe 12 connected to the bottom of the aquarium 2 and communicated with the inside of the aquarium 2, and when draining, the drain valve 11 is opened. It is drained at. Door opening / closing detection means 13 is provided near the lower side of the door 5 so as to detect the opening / closing of the door 5.

  The control means 14 provided in the upper front part in the housing 1 drives the motor 7, the water supply valve 8, the drain valve 11, etc., and sequentially controls each process such as washing, rinsing and dehydration. The control means 14 includes an output of the door opening / closing detection means 13 for detecting the opening / closing of the door 5, an output of the cloth amount detection means 15 for detecting the amount of the laundry a put in the washing tub 3, and the inside of the water tub 2. The output of the water level detection means 16 for detecting the amount of the washing water supplied to the water and the output of the rotation detection means 17 for detecting the rotation speed and torque of the motor 7 are input.

  The laundry a can be taken in and out from above the opened washing tub 3 by opening the door 5 that can be freely opened and closed. Active oxygen generation means 18 and ozone decomposition means 19 are provided on the lower surface side of the door 5, that is, on the inner surface side facing the opening 3 a of the washing tub 3 when the door 5 is closed.

  The active oxygen generation means 18 is composed of electrostatic atomization means. A cooling module 20 composed of Peltier elements, a pin-shaped first discharge electrode 21 projecting so as to be in contact with the cooling surface 20a of the cooling module 20, and a heating surface 20b of the cooling module 20 are provided. A radiation fin 22 and a first counter electrode 23 facing the first discharge electrode 21 are provided.

  The first counter electrode 23 includes a curved portion 23a that is recessed in a spherical shape, and a cylindrical portion 23b that is formed immediately below the first discharge electrode 21 of the curved portion 23a, and active oxygen is provided inside the cylindrical portion 23b. An air passage 24 is formed. A first power supply 25 that applies a DC voltage (for example, 14 V) is connected between the first discharge electrode 21 and the first counter electrode 23.

  The ozonolysis means 19 is formed so as to face the lower side of the active oxygen generation means 18, that is, the downstream side of the active oxygen blowing path 24, and the active oxygen generation means 18 by a support portion 26 made of an electrical insulator such as ceramics. And are integrated into a single unit.

  The ozonolysis means 19 is constituted by a discharge means. A second discharge electrode 27 and a second counter electrode 28 facing the second discharge electrode 27 are provided, and an active oxygen release portion 29 is provided between the second discharge electrode 27 and the second counter electrode 28. Yes. An execution space 30 is formed between the active oxygen blowing path 24 and the active oxygen discharge portion 29. A second power source 31 that applies a DC voltage (for example, 14 V) is connected between the second discharge electrode 27 and the second counter electrode 28.

  About the washing machine comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below. For washing, after the detergent is put into a predetermined place or the washing tub 3, the washing water is supplied to the washing tub 3, and the detergent is dissolved between the washing tub 3 and the water tub 2 by the rotation of the washing tub 3. . After the detergent is dissolved, stirring washing is performed while rotating the pulsator 6, and the intermediate dehydration step, the rinsing step 1, the rinsing step 2, and the final dehydration step are sequentially performed following the washing step of removing dirt on the laundry.

  First, the door 5 provided on the upper surface of the housing 1 is opened and opened, the laundry a is put into the washing tub 3, and a power switch (not shown) of the operation display unit 32 provided at the front of the upper surface of the housing 1 is shown. To start operation by operating a start switch (not shown).

  When the operation is started, the amount of laundry a put in the washing tub 3 is detected by the cloth amount detection means 15 from the amount of torque applied to the motor 7 when the pulsator 6 rotates, the current value of the motor 7, and the like. The control means 14 sets the time of each step such as washing, rinsing, dehydration, etc. according to the detected amount of laundry a, and determines the amount of detergent set according to the amount of laundry a, The guide is displayed on the operation display unit 32. The user puts the detergent into a predetermined place or the washing tub 3 according to the displayed guideline for the amount of detergent.

  At the time of water supply in the washing step, water is supplied from the water supply pipe 9 through the water supply valve 8 into the washing tub 3 through the water inlet 10. The washing water supplied into the washing tub 3 enters and exits between the washing tub 3 and the water tub 2 through the small holes 4. At this time, the drain valve 11 is closed. The washing water accumulated in the water tub 2 is detected by the water level detection means 16, and when a predetermined amount of washing water set according to the amount of the laundry a is supplied, the water supply valve 8 is closed.

  The laundry tub 3 and / or the disk-shaped pulsator 6 provided at the bottom of the laundry tub 3 is rotated at a low speed (for example, 45 rpm) by a motor 7 and is alternately driven forward and reverse at predetermined time intervals. Stir and perform the washing step. The agitation washing is a frictional force generated when the laundry a is brought into contact with each other by the rotation of the washing tub 3 and / or the pulsator 6 while washing water stored in the laundry tub 3 is stirred. In addition, when the agitating force of the water flow is given to the laundry a, the washing is performed by the mechanical force together with the chemical force by the detergent.

  After a predetermined washing time elapses, the washing water is discharged, the intermediate dehydration step and the rinsing step are executed, and then the final dehydration step of removing water from the laundry a by rotating the washing tub 3 at a high speed (for example, 900 rpm) is executed. To do.

  Next, the sterilization process will be described. The control means 14 drives the active oxygen generation means 18 and the ozonolysis means 19 to control the sterilization process. The sterilization step is performed after the final dehydration step, and the following operation is performed in order to reduce ozone in the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generation means 18.

  The process of generating active oxygen by the electrostatic atomization means is shown below. By energizing the cooling module 20, the temperature of the cooling surface 20 a of the cooling module 20 in contact with the first discharge electrode 21 is lowered, and the temperature of the heating surface 20 b of the cooling module 20 in contact with the radiation fins 22 is increased.

  Since the heating surface 20b of the heated cooling module 20 is in contact with the radiation fins 22, heat transfer to the cooling surface 20a side can be suppressed and a temperature difference can be maintained. The cooling module 20 can be easily set in temperature control by using a Peltier element, and can be a small device.

  As shown by the arrow A in FIG. 2, while taking in the air around the active oxygen generation means 18, the water vapor present in the air is removed from the surface of the first discharge electrode 21 cooled by the cooling surface 20 a of the cooling module 20. Allow condensation.

  After water vapor is condensed on the surface of the first discharge electrode 21, a direct current voltage (for example, 14V) is applied between the first discharge electrode 21 and the first counter electrode 23 by the first power source 25, and the first Discharge is performed between the first discharge electrode 21 and the first counter electrode 23. Due to this discharge phenomenon, water molecules condensed on the first discharge electrode 21 are split and atomized, and oxygen in the air is also converted into active oxygen.

  The generated active oxygen passes through the active oxygen blowing passage 24 and then enters the execution space 30 of the ozone decomposition means 19, and the second discharge electrode 27 that forms the active oxygen discharge portion 29 that is the exit of the execution space 30. By applying a DC voltage (for example, 14V) between the second counter electrode 28 by the second power source 31 and discharging between the second discharge electrode 27 and the second counter electrode 28, ozone in active oxygen Can be converted into oxygen molecules, and ozone can be reduced.

  Discharge that decomposes ozone can use arc discharge, corona discharge, glow discharge, etc. Glow discharge has less noise during discharge than arc discharge, and has better ozone reduction effect than corona discharge. Is preferred.

  The decomposition reaction of ozone is shown in Chemical Formula 1 and Chemical Formula 2. Chemical formula 1 indicates that ozone molecules receive oxygen generated by glow discharge to become oxygen molecules and oxygen radical components. Chemical formula 2 indicates that oxygen molecules react with another ozone molecule to generate two molecules. It shows that the reaction to become oxygen occurs almost simultaneously.

  FIG. 4 shows the amount of active oxygen generated when the value of the current applied between the first discharge electrode 21 and the first counter electrode 23 of the active oxygen generation means 18 is changed, and when the ozone decomposition means 19 is used. The relationship between the amount of radical components and the amount of ozone components is shown. When using ozone, there are restrictions on the amount safe for the human body, and the maximum safe amount that can be used is indicated by a one-dot chain line.

  When the applied current value μA is a, the radical component amount (solid line) is “A”. The amount of ozone in the active oxygen (broken line) is “B”, which is less than the maximum safe amount.

  When the current value μA is increased to b in order to increase the radical component amount and enhance the sterilization effect, the radical component amount increases from “I” to “C”. At this time, the ozone amount also increases from “b” to “d” and exceeds the safe amount, but by the ozone decomposition means 19, it can be suppressed to “e” below the maximum safe amount, without increasing the ozone amount, The amount of radicals can be increased to increase the sanitization effect safely.

  In addition, in the active oxygen species such as OH radical, although it is high from the viewpoint of sterilization effect and oxidative decomposability with respect to organic matter, since the lifetime as the above form is short, in order to react as OH radical, It is necessary to continue to continuously expose a large amount of organisms and organic matter.

  For example, when the dehydrated laundry a contains moisture, the active oxygen component generated by the active oxygen generator 18 in the moisture layer held by the laundry a is, for example, As the hydrogen peroxide component formed by reaction between the active oxygen components or between the active oxygen component and the water molecule as shown in Chemical formula 4 increases, the bacteria can be sterilized by the hydrogen peroxide component. It becomes possible.

  The active oxygen generation means 18 and the ozonolysis means 19 do not need to be provided integrally, and may be provided separately. In short, any structure that allows the ozonolysis means 19 to act on an airflow containing active oxygen flowing out from the active oxygen generation means 18 may be used.

  Active oxygen is a general term for chemical substances in a narrow and broad sense derived from oxygen that exhibits high reaction activity. Superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxy radical, singlet oxygen, ozone, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide Etc.

  In addition, the sterilization step can be performed continuously with the steps such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration, and only the sterilization step can be performed.

  Moreover, a drying means for drying the laundry a in the washing tub 3 may be provided, and the drying process may be executed after the final dehydration process. In this case, the drying step can be performed after the sterilization step with active oxygen or before the sterilization step, and the sterilization and deodorization effects can be enhanced by the synergistic effect of the active oxygen and the drying means.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the washing tub 3 rotatably provided in the water tub 2, the motor 7 that rotationally drives the washing tub 3, and the active oxygen that generates active oxygen such as radicals and ozone. Generating means 18, ozone decomposing means 19 for reducing the amount of ozone in the active oxygen generated by active oxygen generating means 18, and control means 14 for controlling each step of washing, rinsing, dehydration, sterilization, etc. In the sterilization process, the control means 14 introduces the active oxygen whose ozone amount has been reduced by the ozonolysis means 19 into the washing tub 3, and a plurality of active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generation means 18. It is possible to decompose ozone molecules from the inside and reduce the amount of ozone, increase the amount of active oxygen species such as hydroxy radicals without increasing the amount of ozone, safely Sterilization of laundry a class of such, it is possible to enhance the deodorizing effect. In addition, by increasing the amount of radicals generated, hydrogen peroxide is generated by the reaction of radicals in the moisture layer on the surface of the laundry a, even when the laundry a such as clothes is moist, A deodorizing effect can be expressed, and unpleasant odors during room drying after use and during use can be suppressed.

  The ozone decomposing means 19 is constituted by a discharge means. After decomposing ozone molecules in the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generating means 18 into oxygen molecules and oxygen radicals, the oxygen radicals are chained into ozone molecules. Ozone molecules can be decomposed while reacting with oxygen molecules to reduce the amount of ozone in active oxygen.

  Further, the active oxygen generation means 18 is constituted by electrostatic atomization means, and simultaneously with the generation of active oxygen, water molecules adhering to the surface of the first discharge electrode 21 cause a splitting phenomenon at the time of discharge. Covers the active oxygen surface where fine particles are generated, suppresses collision and disappearance of active oxygen, generates charged fine particles containing active oxygen, and disinfects many active oxygen generated by extending the life of active oxygen Therefore, it is possible to reach the laundry a in the washing tub 3 to be deodorized, and the sterilization and deodorizing effects on the laundry a in the laundry tub 3 can be improved.

  In addition, the sterilization process is performed continuously with processes such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration, and sterilization and deodorization of clothes with decorations that are difficult to wash normally are performed alone. In addition to the sterilization process, it is possible to shorten the time of the sterilization process by enhancing the sterilization and deodorizing effect, and it is possible to execute as a course that is continuous with other processes in the washing process, and dehydration By setting so that the sterilization process is performed following the process, even when the laundry is left without being taken out after dehydration, the growth of the attached bacteria can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a block configuration diagram of the washing machine. The feature of the present embodiment is that it has an introduction path 41 for introducing the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generation means 18 into the washing tub 3 and a blowing means 42 for blowing air into the washing tub 3 through the introduction path 41. The path 41 is provided with the active oxygen generation means 18 and the ozonolysis means 19. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and the detailed description of the first embodiment is used.

  5 and 6, a water tank 2 elastically supported is provided in the housing 1. A drum 3 as a bottomed cylindrical washing tub is rotatably provided in the water tub 2, and the rotation axis of the drum 3 is inclined upward at an angle θ (for example, 5 to 20 degrees).

  On the peripheral side surface of the drum 3, a plurality of baffles 43 projecting inward toward the rotation center of the drum 3, which is the direction of the rotation axis, and a plurality of small holes 4 communicating with the inside of the water tank 2 are provided. Is provided with an opening 44 for taking in and out the laundry a.

  A suction port 45 is formed in the rear surface of the water tank 2, and a blow-out port 46 is provided in the upper front portion of the water tank 2. Both ends of a circulation air passage 41 serving as an introduction passage are connected to the suction port 45 and the blowout port 46 in communication with each other, and are arranged in the front-rear direction above the water tank 2.

  The circulation air passage 41 is provided with an air blowing means 42 constituted by an electric fan, an active oxygen generating means 18 for generating active oxygen, and an ozone decomposing means 19 on the downstream side of the active oxygen generating means 18. By blowing air to the circulation air passage 41 by the blowing means 42, the air in the drum 3 is taken in from the suction port 45 and blown out again from the blowing port 46 into the drum 3.

  The active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generating means 18 is decomposed and reduced by the ozone decomposing means 19 and then blown into the drum 3 from the outlet 46 on the circulating air flowing through the circulation air passage 41.

  A drainage filter 49 is provided in the drainage pipe 12 that communicates with the detergent case 47 in the water supply pipe 9 and the drainage port 48 provided in the bottom of the water tank 2.

  In the washing process in the present embodiment, the rotation speed (for example, 45 rpm) at which the laundry a in the drum 3 is beaten and washed by the motor 7 is driven to rotate forward and reverse alternately every predetermined time.

  In the tapping washing, after the laundry a is lifted in the rotation direction of the drum 3 by the baffle 43, it falls from the upper part in the drum 3 and is struck against the laundry a remaining on the bottom surface of the drum 3 or the bottom part of the drum 3. Accordingly, cleaning is performed by the mechanical force of the detergent together with the chemical force of the detergent.

  Next, the sterilization process by the active oxygen generation means 18 and the ozonolysis means 19 will be described. In addition to the case where the sterilization process is performed as a course that is continuous with the washing, rinsing, and dehydration processes, when the sterilization process is performed alone, for example, even after the dehydration process is completed, the laundry a It can be executed when the door opening / closing detection means 13 detects that the door 5 remains closed even after the washing is finished, such as when it is difficult to take out or when it is forgotten.

  In the sterilization step, active oxygen is generated by the active oxygen generator 18, the amount of ozone is reduced by the ozonolysis means 19, and then an air stream containing active oxygen is blown out from the outlet 46 into the drum 3. Even when the ozone concentration in the drum 3 is low and the sterilization process is completed or the door 5 is opened during the sterilization process, the sterilization and deodorizing effects on the laundry a can be safely expressed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the introduction path 41 for introducing the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generation means 18 into the washing tub 3 and the blowing means 42 for blowing air into the washing tub 3 through the introduction path 41 are provided. The active oxygen generating means 18 and the ozone decomposing means 19 are provided in the introduction path 41. After the active oxygen generating means 18 generates active oxygen, the ozone decomposing means 19 reduces the amount of ozone. In addition to the airflow flowing through the introduction path 41, it can be quickly and intensively fed into the washing tub 3, and the sterilization and deodorization effects of the laundry a can be expressed in a shorter time. In addition, since the ozone decomposing means 19 is provided in the introduction path 41, ozone contained in the active oxygen present in the limited volume together with the blowing gas can be intensively decomposed and reduced, and the amount of ozone can be reduced. Decomposition can be performed easily.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 7 is a system configuration diagram of the washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The feature of the present embodiment is that a drying means 52 is provided in a branch path 51 formed in the introduction path 41 so that the introduction path 41 and the branch path 51 can be switched. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and the detailed description uses those in the first and second embodiments.

  In FIG. 7, the present embodiment is a so-called drum type laundry dryer having a drying function. A suction port 45 is formed on the rear side of the water tank 2, and a blowout port 46 is provided on the front side of the water tank 2. Both ends of a circulation air passage 41 as an introduction passage are connected to the suction port 45 and the blow-out port 46 in communication.

  The circulation air passage 41 is provided with an air blowing means 42 constituted by an electric fan, an active oxygen generating means 18 for generating active oxygen, and an ozone decomposing means 19 on the downstream side of the active oxygen generating means 18. By blowing air to the circulation air passage 41 by the blowing means 42, the air in the washing tub 3 is taken in from the suction port 45 and blown out again from the blowout port 46 into the washing tub 3.

  The active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generating means 18 is decomposed and reduced by the ozone decomposing means 19 and then blown into the washing tub 3 from the outlet 46 on the circulating air flowing through the circulation air passage 41. The drying means 52 is provided in the branch passage 51 formed in the circulation air passage 41, and the introduction passage 41 and the branch passage 51 are configured to be switchable by the switching valve 53 provided in the branch portion of the introduction passage 41 and the branch passage 51. .

  The drying means 52 provided in the branch path 51 is constituted by a heat pump device. The heat pump device (drying means) 52 includes a compressor 54 that compresses the refrigerant, a condenser 55 that radiates heat of the compressed high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant, and a throttle means 56 that includes a capillary tube that reduces the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant. Then, the reduced pressure and low pressure refrigerant is connected by a pipe 58 so that the refrigerant circulates through the evaporator 57 that takes heat from the surroundings, and the condenser 55 and the evaporator 57 are arranged in the branch 51. Yes.

  The condenser 55 and the evaporator 57 are constituted by fin tube heat exchangers. The pipe 58 through which the refrigerant flows is formed of a copper pipe, and is formed by penetrating the pipe 58 through a number of thin fins arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals in order to form an air flow path.

  In the present embodiment, the washing machine in the second embodiment is provided with a drying function, and the control unit 14 controls each step of washing, rinsing, dehydration, drying, and sterilization.

  At the time of the sterilization process, the switching valve 53 is switched to the circulation air passage 41 side and blown as shown by the arrow B by the blower means 42, passes through the active oxygen generation means 18 and the ozone decomposition means 19, and is washed from the blowout port 46. The air is blown into the tank 3.

  At the time of the drying process, the switching valve 53 is switched to the branch path 51 side and blown as indicated by an arrow C by the blowing means 42, passed through the evaporator 57 and the condenser 55, and dried into the washing tub 3 from the outlet 46. Hot air is blown.

  The active oxygen generation means 18 and the ozonolysis means 19 are provided as separate components, and the amount of ozone can be reduced in a short time with respect to a large amount of blown air containing active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generation means 18. It is.

  The ozone decomposing means 19 is composed of an ultraviolet ray generating means, and the ultraviolet light to be irradiated is preferably, for example, having a wavelength of 240 nm or more and 340 nm or less, and the decomposition of ozone is accelerated as shown in Chemical Formula 5 and Chemical Formula 6 below. In addition, the radical species such as O · and OH · generated in the middle of ozonolysis can enhance the decomposition, sterilization, and deodorization effects of organic matter.

  In addition, when water molecules are present in a place where ozone is decomposed, reactions such as Chemical Formula 7 and Chemical Formula 8 are also promoted in a chain.

  Even when the amount of active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generating means 18 is increased by these reactions, ozone molecules whose generated amount increases with the active oxygen are decomposed and decreased, for example, forgetting to take out the laundry a after dehydration Even at times, it becomes possible to perform hygiene management of the laundry a in a safe environment, and suppress the generation of unpleasant odors when the room is dried or used by the bacteria that inhabit the laundry a after washing. It becomes possible.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the introduction path 41 for introducing the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generation means 18 into the washing tub 3, and the blowing means 42 for blowing air into the washing tub 3 through the introduction path 41. The branch path 51 formed in the introduction path 41 is provided, and the branch path 51 is provided with drying means 52 for drying the laundry a such as clothes in the washing tub 3 so that the introduction path 41 and the branch path 51 can be switched. Therefore, it is possible to divide the air flow path during the sterilization process and the drying process, eliminate pressure loss in each process, and enhance the sterilization and drying effects.

  Moreover, by branching the introduction path 41 provided with the active oxygen generation means 18 and the ozone decomposition means 19 and the branch path 51 provided with the drying means 52 in a switchable manner, the active oxygen generated in the active oxygen generation means 18 is Without being consumed by adsorption to the condenser 55 and the evaporator 57 of the heat pump device which is the drying means 52, it is possible to send the active oxygen species into the washing tub 3 by circulating air and to disinfect and disinfect it. The odor effect can be enhanced.

  The ozonolysis means 19 is constituted by an ultraviolet ray generation means, and a chemical reaction is promoted between ozone molecules in active oxygen and water molecules present in the air stream to generate hydroxyl radicals. Active radical species other than ozone are increased by generating radical radicals in the air stream at the same time as the decrease of the molecule, and the sterilizing and deodorizing effects on the laundry a such as clothes in the washing tub 3 can be improved. it can.

  In addition to the heat pump device, the drying unit 52 may be configured such that the dehumidifying unit is configured with a water-cooled heat exchanger and the heating unit is configured with a heater.

  In each of the above embodiments, the active oxygen species supplied into the washing tub 3 can be uniformly attached to the laundry a by stirring the laundry a in the washing tub 3 during the sterilization step. Can be sterilized efficiently.

  As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention can safely enhance the effects of sterilization, deodorization, decomposition of organic matter, etc. on laundry such as clothes in the washing tub and the washing tub. It is useful as a machine.

  In addition, it can be applied not only as a washing machine but also to a clothes dryer and a clothes refresh device for smelling and sterilizing clothes. For example, a rotating tub that is rotatably provided corresponding to the washing tub 3 in FIGS. 1 and 5, a motor 7 that rotationally drives the rotating tub, and active oxygen generating means 18 that generates active oxygen such as radicals and ozone. And an ozone decomposing means 19 for reducing the amount of ozone in the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generating means 18 and a control means 14 for controlling the sterilization process. If it is set as the structure which introduce | transduces into the rotation tank the active oxygen which reduced the ozone amount by the means 19, the content described in Embodiment 1-3 will be the washing machine which has a washing machine and a drying function, only a drying function. The present invention can be applied to general clothes processing apparatuses such as clothes dryers and clothes refreshing apparatuses.

2 Water tank 3 Washing tank 7 Motor 14 Control means 18 Active oxygen generation means 19 Ozone decomposition means

Claims (9)

A washing tub provided rotatably in the water tub;
A motor for rotationally driving the washing tub;
Active oxygen generating means for generating active oxygen such as radicals and ozone;
Ozonolysis means for reducing the amount of ozone in the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generation means;
With control means for controlling each process such as washing, rinsing, dehydration, sterilization,
The control means includes
A washing machine in which, in the sterilization step, active oxygen having an ozone amount reduced by the ozonolysis means is introduced into the washing tub. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the ozonolysis means comprises a discharge means. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the ozonolysis means comprises an ultraviolet ray generation means. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the active oxygen generation means is constituted by electrostatic atomization means. An introduction path for introducing active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generating means into the washing tub;
Blower means for blowing air into the washing tub through the introduction path,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the active oxygen generation means and the ozonolysis means are provided in the introduction path. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a drying unit that dries laundry such as clothes in the washing tub. An introduction path for introducing active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generating means into the washing tub;
Blower means for blowing air into the washing tub through the introduction path;
Having a branch path formed in the introduction path,
A drying means for drying laundry such as clothes in the washing tub is provided in the branch path,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the introduction path and the branch path are switchable. The control means includes
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sterilization step is executed continuously with steps such as washing, rinsing and dehydration. A rotating tank provided rotatably,
A motor for rotationally driving the rotating tub,
Active oxygen generating means for generating active oxygen such as radicals and ozone;
Ozonolysis means for reducing the amount of ozone in the active oxygen generated by the active oxygen generation means;
A control means for controlling the sterilization process,
The control means includes
In the sterilization step, a clothing processing apparatus in which active oxygen having an ozone amount reduced by the ozonolysis means is introduced into the rotating tank.

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