JP3957617B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a laundry and a washing machine capable of sterilizing each part of a washing machine such as a washing tub with metal ions having an antibacterial action. In particular, the present invention relates to a washing machine including an ion elution unit that applies a voltage between electrodes to elute metal ions.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When washing in a washing machine, it is often done to add a finishing substance to water, especially rinse water. Common finish materials are softeners and pastes. In addition to this, recently, there is an increasing need for finishing treatments that impart antibacterial properties to laundry.
[0003]
Laundry is preferably sun-dried from a hygienic point of view. In recent years, however, the number of households that have nobody in the daytime has increased due to an increase in the employment rate of women and the advancement of nuclear families. In such a home, it must be dried indoors. Even in a home where someone is at home during the day, folding in the rain will dry the room.
[0004]
In the case of indoor drying, bacteria and molds are more likely to propagate in the laundry than in the sun. This tendency is conspicuous when the laundry takes time to dry, such as at high humidity such as during the rainy season or at low temperatures. Depending on the breeding situation, the laundry may give off an odor. For this reason, there is a strong demand for applying antibacterial treatment to fabrics in order to suppress the growth of bacteria and molds in homes where daily indoor drying is required.
[0005]
Recently, there are an increasing number of clothing with antibacterial and antibacterial and antibacterial treatments applied to the fibers. However, it is difficult to prepare all textile products in the home with antibacterial and deodorant processed products. In addition, the effect of antibacterial and deodorant finishes with repeated washing.
[0006]
This led to the idea of antibacterial treatment of laundry every time it was washed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an electric washing machine equipped with an ion generator that generates metal ions having sterilizing power, such as silver ions and copper ions. Patent Document 2 describes a washing machine in which a cleaning liquid is sterilized by generation of an electric field. Patent Document 3 describes a washing machine including a silver ion addition unit for adding silver ions to washing water.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-74487
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2000-93691 A
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-276484 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of using a plurality of types of finishing substances and capable of improving efficiency in terms of time while handling a plurality of types of finishing substances.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the washing machine is configured as follows in the present invention.
[0010]
WashMultiple types of finishing substances can be automatically input in the rinsing process.The plurality of types of finishing substances include metal ions and a finishing agent for washing, and at the same time when the metal ions are introduced through the first water supply path, the second water supply is a separate system from the first water supply path. The finishing agent for washing is introduced through a route.It was supposed to be.
[0011]
According to this configuration, a plurality of types of finishing substances can be automatically charged in the washing process, and the finishing effect of each finishing substance can be exerted on the laundry.
[0013]
on the other handOne finish substance is an antibacterial metal ion, and the other finish substance isFor laundryFinishing agent (For example, softener)IsBecauseIt is desirable that both should be input separately. Because metal ions are softener ingredientsSuchThis is because when it comes into contact with the metal, it changes into a compound, and the antibacterial effect due to metal ions is reduced. However, a considerable amount of metal ions remains in the rinse water until the end. In addition, the effect depletion can be compensated to some extent by setting the metal ion concentration. Therefore,Metal ions and finishes for washingBy enabling simultaneous automatic input ofMetal ions and finishes for washingCompared with the case where the rinsing is performed separately and rinsing each, the rinsing time can be shortened and the efficiency of housework can be improved.
[0019]
AlsoThe laundry can be sterilized with the sterilizing power of metal ions, and the laundry can be finished with a normal finish after the antibacterial power is given to the laundry.
[0020]
UpIn a washing machine such asThe metal ion isIon elution unitButApply voltage between electrodesby doingGenerationIsIt was supposed to be.
[0021]
According to this configuration, metal ions necessary for the antibacterial treatment of the laundry can be generated on the spot when necessary.
[0022]
UpIn a washing machine such asThe ion elution unit is disposed in the first water supply path, and the flow rate of the first water supply path is set to be larger than the flow rate of the second water supply path.
[0024]
UpIn the washing machine as described above,Finishing agent for washingIn the preparation spaceFinishing agent for washingWhether or notFinishing agent for washingIt was assumed that the input operation itself was performed at the time of input.
[0025]
  According to this configuration,Finishing agent for washingThe selection operation of the input of is not necessarily must be performed,Finishing agent for washingIf you do not want to throw inFinishing agent for washingIf you don't put it in, that's all.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view showing the overall configuration of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 is a fully automatic type and includes an outer box 10. The outer box 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is formed of metal or synthetic resin, and the upper surface and the bottom surface are openings. An upper surface plate 11 made of synthetic resin is stacked on the upper surface opening of the outer box 10 and fixed to the outer box 10 with screws. In FIG. 1, the left side is the front of the washing machine 1, and the right side is the back, and a synthetic resin back panel 12 is overlaid on the upper surface of the top plate 11 located on the back side and fixed to the outer box 10 or the top plate 11 with screws. To do. A base 13 made of synthetic resin is stacked on the bottom opening of the outer box 10 and fixed to the outer box 10 with screws. None of the screws described so far are shown.
[0029]
Legs 14 a and 14 b for supporting the outer box 10 on the floor are provided at the four corners of the base 13. The rear leg portion 14 b is a fixed leg integrally formed with the base 13. The front leg portion 14a is a screw leg of variable height, and the level of the washing machine 1 is adjusted by turning this leg.
[0030]
The upper surface plate 11 is formed with a laundry loading port 15 for loading laundry into a laundry tub described later. A lid 16 covers the laundry input port 15 from above. The lid 16 is coupled to the upper surface plate 11 by a hinge portion 17 and rotates in a vertical plane.
[0031]
A water tub 20 and a washing tub 30 that also serves as a dewatering tub are disposed inside the outer box 10. Both the water tub 20 and the washing tub 30 have the shape of a cylindrical cup having an open top surface, and are arranged concentrically with the axis line vertical, the water tub 20 being the outside, and the washing tub 30 being the inside. A suspension member 21 suspends the water tank 20. Suspension members 21 are provided at a total of four locations so as to connect the lower outer surface of the water tank 20 and the inner corners of the outer box 10 and support the water tank 20 so that it can swing within a horizontal plane.
[0032]
The washing tub 30 has a peripheral wall extending upward with a gentle taper. The peripheral wall has no opening for allowing liquid to pass through except for the plurality of dewatering holes 31 arranged in an annular shape at the top. That is, the washing tub 30 is a so-called “no hole” type. An annular balancer 32 is attached to the edge of the upper opening of the washing tub 30 so as to suppress vibration when the washing tub 30 is rotated at a high speed for the dehydration of the laundry. A pulsator 33 for generating a flow of washing water or rinsing water in the tub is disposed on the inner bottom surface of the washing tub 30.
[0033]
A drive unit 40 is attached to the lower surface of the water tank 20. The drive unit 40 includes a motor 41, a clutch mechanism 42, and a brake mechanism 43, and a dehydrating shaft 44 and a pulsator shaft 45 are projected upward from the center thereof. The dewatering shaft 44 and the pulsator shaft 45 have a double shaft structure with the dewatering shaft 44 on the outside and the pulsator shaft 45 on the inside, and after entering the water tank 20, the dewatering shaft 44 is connected to the washing tub 30. Support this. The pulsator shaft 45 further enters the washing tub 30 and is connected to and supports the pulsator 33. Seal members for preventing water leakage are disposed between the dewatering shaft 44 and the water tank 20 and between the dewatering shaft 44 and the pulsator shaft 45, respectively.
[0034]
  A water supply valve 50 that opens and closes electromagnetically is disposed in the space below the back panel 12. The water supply valve 50 has a connecting pipe 51 that penetrates the back panel 12 and protrudes upward. A water supply hose (not shown) for supplying tap water or the like is connected to the connection pipe 51. The water supply valve 50 is a container-like shape provided at a position facing the inside of the washing tub 30.Water supplyWater is supplied to 53. The water supply port 53 has the structure shown in FIG.
[0035]
FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the water supply port 53. The water supply port 53 is open on the front side, and a drawer 53a is inserted through the opening. The inside of the drawer 53a is partitioned into a plurality (two in the embodiment, left and right). The left compartment is a detergent chamber 54, which is a preparation space for storing detergent. The right compartment is a finishing agent chamber 55, which is a preparation space for storing a finishing agent for washing. A water injection port 54 a that opens toward the inside of the water supply port 53 is provided at the bottom of the detergent chamber 54. The finishing agent chamber 55 is provided with a siphon unit 57. The water supply port 53 is a water injection port 56 for pouring water into the washing tub 30 at a position below the drawer 53a.
[0036]
The siphon unit 57 includes an inner tube 57a that rises vertically from the bottom surface of the finishing agent chamber 55, and a cap-shaped outer tube 57b that covers the inner tube 57a. A gap through which water passes is formed between the inner tube 57a and the outer tube 57b. The bottom of the inner pipe 57 a opens toward the bottom of the water supply port 53. The lower end of the outer tube 57b maintains a predetermined gap with the bottom surface of the finishing agent chamber 55, and this is the water inlet. When water is poured into the finishing agent chamber 55 to a level exceeding the upper end of the inner pipe 57a, a siphon action occurs. To the washing tub 30 through the water inlet 56.
[0037]
The water supply valve 50 includes a main water supply valve 50a and a sub water supply valve 50b. The main water supply valve 50a is set to a relatively high flow rate, and the sub water supply valve 50b is set to a relatively low flow rate. The magnitude setting of the flow rate may be realized by making the internal structures of the main water supply valve 50a and the sub water supply valve 50b different from each other. The structure of the valve itself is the same, and this is combined with flow rate limiting members having different throttle rates. May be realized. The connection pipe 51 is common to both the main water supply valve 50a and the sub water supply valve 50b.
[0038]
The main water supply valve 50a is connected to the opening of the ceiling part of the water supply port 53 through the main water supply path 52a. This opening is open toward the detergent chamber 54, and therefore a large flow of water flowing out from the main water supply valve 50a is poured into the detergent chamber 54 from the main water supply path 52a. The sub water supply valve 50b is connected to the opening of the ceiling part of the water supply port 53 through the sub water supply path 52b. This opening is open toward the finishing agent chamber 55, and therefore a small flow of water flowing out from the sub water supply valve 50b is poured into the finishing agent chamber 55 from the sub water supply path 52b. In other words, the path from the main water supply valve 50a through the detergent chamber 54 to the washing tub 30 and the path from the sub water supply valve 50b through the finish agent chamber 55 to the washing tub 30 are different systems.
[0039]
Returning to FIG. 1, the description will be continued. A drain hose 60 for draining water in the water tank 20 and the washing tank 30 out of the outer box 10 is attached to the bottom of the water tank 20. Water flows into the drain hose 60 from the drain pipe 61 and the drain pipe 62. The drain pipe 61 is connected to a location near the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the water tank 20. The drain pipe 62 is connected to a location near the center of the bottom surface of the water tank 20.
[0040]
An annular partition wall 63 is fixed to the inner bottom surface of the water tank 20 so as to enclose the connection portion of the drain pipe 62 inside. An annular seal member 64 is attached to the upper part of the partition wall 63. When the seal member 64 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the disk 65 fixed to the outer surface of the bottom of the washing tub 30, an independent drainage space 66 is formed between the water tub 20 and the washing tub 30. The drainage space 66 communicates with the inside of the washing tub 30 through a drainage port 67 formed at the bottom of the washing tub 30.
[0041]
The drain pipe 62 is provided with a drain valve 68 that opens and closes electromagnetically. An air trap 69 is provided at a location on the upstream side of the drain valve 68 of the drain pipe 62. A pressure guiding tube 70 extends from the air trap 69. A water level switch 71 is connected to the upper end of the pressure guiding tube 70.
[0042]
A control unit 80 is disposed on the front side of the outer box 10. The control unit 80 is placed under the top plate 11, receives an operation command from the user through the operation / display unit 81 provided on the top surface of the top plate 11, and receives the drive unit 40, the water supply valve 50, and the drain valve. An operation command is issued to 68. The control unit 80 issues a display command to the operation / display unit 81. The control unit 80 includes a drive circuit for an ion elution unit described later.
[0043]
The operation of the washing machine 1 will be described. The lid 16 is opened, and the laundry is put into the washing tub 30 from the laundry loading port 15. The drawer 53a is pulled out from the water supply port 53, and the detergent is put into the detergent chamber 54 therein. A finishing agent (softening agent) is placed in the finishing agent chamber 55. A finishing agent (softening agent) may be added during the washing process, or may not be added if not necessary. When the detergent and finish (softener) are set, the drawer 53a is pushed into the water supply port 53.
[0044]
After preparing for the introduction of the detergent and finish (softener), the lid 16 is closed, and the operating buttons of the operation / display unit 81 are operated to select the washing conditions. Finally, when the start button is pressed, the washing process is performed according to the flowcharts of FIGS.
[0045]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the entire washing process. In step S <b> 201, it is confirmed whether or not a reserved operation for starting washing at the set time is selected. If the reserved operation is selected, the process proceeds to step S206. If not selected, the process proceeds to step S202.
[0046]
When the process proceeds to step S206, it is confirmed whether or not the operation start time has been reached. When the operation start time is reached, the process proceeds to step S202.
[0047]
In step S202, it is confirmed whether a washing process has been selected. If a selection has been made, the process proceeds to step S300. The contents of the washing process in step S300 will be separately described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It progresses to step S203 after completion | finish of a washing process. If no washing process has been selected, the process immediately proceeds from step S202 to step S203.
[0048]
In step S203, it is confirmed whether or not a rinsing process has been selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to step S400. The contents of the rinsing process in step S400 will be separately described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 10, the rinsing process is performed three times, and the step numbers of each time are indicated by adding branch numbers “S400-1”, “S400-2”, and “S400-3”. The number of rinsing steps can be arbitrarily set by the user. In this case, “S400-3” is the final rinsing step.
[0049]
After the rinsing process ends, the process proceeds to step S204. If no rinsing process has been selected, the process immediately proceeds from step S203 to step S204.
[0050]
In step S204, it is confirmed whether or not a dehydration process has been selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to step S500. The contents of the dehydration process in step S500 will be separately described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After the dehydration process is completed, the process proceeds to step S205. If the dehydration process has not been selected, the process immediately proceeds from step S204 to step S205.
[0051]
In step S205, the end process of the control unit 80, particularly the arithmetic unit (microcomputer) included therein, is automatically advanced according to the procedure. In addition, the end sound is notified that the washing process has been completed. After all is finished, the washing machine 1 returns to the standby state in preparation for the next washing process.
[0052]
Next, the contents of the individual steps of washing, rinsing, and dehydration will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0053]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the washing process. In step S301, the water level data in the washing tub 30 detected by the water level switch 71 is fetched. In step S302, it is confirmed whether or not capacitive sensing is selected. If it is selected, the process proceeds to step S308. If not selected, the process immediately proceeds from step S302 to step S303.
[0054]
In step S308, the amount of laundry is measured by the rotational load of the pulsator 33. After capacitive sensing, the process proceeds to step S303.
[0055]
In step 303, the main water supply valve 50 a is opened, and water is poured into the washing tub 30 through the water supply port 53. Since the main water supply valve 50a is set to have a large flow rate, the water quickly fills the washing tub 30. The detergent put in the detergent chamber 54 is also washed away by a large amount of water, and is put into the washing tub 30 in a state mixed with water. The drain valve 68 is closed. When the water level switch 71 detects the set water level, the main water supply valve 50a is closed. Then, the process proceeds to step S304.
[0056]
In step S304, the running operation is performed. The pulsator 33 rotates in reverse, stirs the laundry and water, and adjusts the laundry to water. As a result, water is sufficiently absorbed by the laundry. In addition, the air trapped in various places in the laundry is released. When the water level detected by the water level switch 71 has fallen from the beginning as a result of the running-in operation, in step S305, the main water supply valve 50a is opened to supply water, and the set water level is restored.
[0057]
If a laundry course for “clothing sensing” is selected, clothing sensing is carried out along with the running-in operation. After performing the acclimation operation, a change in the water level from the set water level is detected, and if the water level is lower than the specified value, it is determined that the fabric has high water absorption.
[0058]
After a stable set water level is obtained in step S305, the process proceeds to step S306. According to the setting of the user, the motor 41 rotates the pulsator 33 in a predetermined pattern to form a main water flow for washing in the washing tub 30. Washing of the laundry is performed by this main water flow. The dehydrating shaft 44 is braked by the brake device 43, and the washing tub 30 does not rotate even if the washing water and the laundry move.
[0059]
After the main water flow period elapses, the process proceeds to step S307. In step S307, the pulsator 33 reverses in small increments to loosen the laundry so that the laundry is distributed in the washing tub 30 in a well-balanced manner. This is to prepare for the spin-drying of the washing tub 30.
[0060]
Next, the contents of the rinsing process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, the dehydration process of step S500 comes. This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. After dehydration, the process proceeds to step S401. In step S401, the main water supply valve 50a is opened and water is supplied up to the set water level.
[0061]
It progresses to step S402 after water supply. In step S402, the running-in operation is performed. In the running-in operation in step S402, the laundry attached to the washing tub 30 in step S500 (dehydration process) is peeled off, and is made familiar with water, so that the laundry sufficiently absorbs water.
[0062]
After the running-in operation, the process proceeds to step S403. When the water level detected by the water level switch 71 has fallen from the beginning as a result of the running-in operation, the main water supply valve 50a is opened to supply water, and the set water level is restored.
[0063]
After the set water level is recovered in step S403, the process proceeds to step S404. According to the setting of the user, the motor 41 rotates the pulsator 33 in a predetermined pattern to form a main water flow for rinsing in the washing tub 30. The main water stream rinses the laundry. The dehydrating shaft 44 is braked by the brake device 43, and the washing tub 30 does not rotate even if the rinse water and the laundry move.
[0064]
After the main water flow period elapses, the process proceeds to step S406. In step S406, the pulsator 33 reverses in small steps to loosen the laundry. As a result, the laundry is distributed in a well-balanced manner in the washing tub 30 to prepare for the spin-drying.
[0065]
In the above description, it is assumed that “rinse rinsing” is performed in which rinsing water is stored in the washing tub 30; However, “shower rinsing” in which water is poured into the laundry from the water supply port 53 may be performed.
[0066]
In the final rinse, a slightly different sequence is executed, which will be described in detail later.
[0067]
Next, the content of the dehydration process will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S501, the drain valve 68 is opened. Washing water in the washing tub 30 is drained through the drainage space 66. The drain valve 68 remains open during the dehydration process.
[0068]
The clutch device 42 and the brake device 43 are switched when most of the washing water is removed from the laundry. The switching timing of the clutch device 42 and the brake device 43 may be before the start of drainage or simultaneously with drainage. The motor 41 now rotates the dewatering shaft 44. Thereby, the washing tub 30 performs dehydration rotation. The pulsator 33 also rotates with the washing tub 30.
[0069]
When the washing tub 30 rotates at a high speed, the laundry is pressed against the inner peripheral wall of the washing tub 30 by centrifugal force. The washing water contained in the laundry also collects on the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the washing tub 30. As described above, the washing tub 30 spreads upward in a tapered shape, so that the washing water that receives centrifugal force is washed away. The inner surface of 30 is raised. When the washing water reaches the upper end of the washing tub 30, it is discharged from the dewatering hole 31. The washing water leaving the dewatering hole 31 is struck on the inner surface of the water tank 20 and flows down to the bottom of the water tank 20 along the inner surface of the water tank 20. Then, it is discharged out of the outer box 10 through the drain pipe 61 and the drain hose 60 subsequent thereto.
[0070]
In the flow of FIG. 13, a relatively low-speed dewatering operation is performed in step S502, and then a high-speed dewatering operation is performed in step S503. After step S503, the process proceeds to step S504. In step S504, the energization of the motor 41 is cut off and a stop process is performed.
[0071]
Now, the washing machine 1 includes an ion elution unit 100. The ion elution unit 100 is connected to the downstream side of the main water supply pipe 52a. Hereinafter, the structure and function of the ion elution unit 100 and the role of the ion elution unit 100 mounted on the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0072]
FIG. 3 is a partial top view showing the arrangement relationship of the water supply valve 50, the ion elution unit 100, and the water supply port 53. Both ends of the ion elution unit 100 are directly connected to the main water supply valve 50 a and the water supply port 53. That is, the ion elution unit 100 alone constitutes the entire main water supply path 52a. The sub water supply path 52b is configured by connecting a pipe protruding from the water supply port 53 and the sub water supply valve 50b with a hose. In the model representation of FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the water supply valve 50, the ion elution unit 100, and the water supply port 53 are drawn side by side in the front-rear direction of the washing machine 1, but in an actual washing machine, these are the front-rear direction. They are arranged in a line along the left-right direction instead of the left and right.
[0073]
4 to 8 show the structure of the ion elution unit. FIG. 4 is a top view. FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 6 is also a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. FIG. 7 is a horizontal sectional view. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the electrode.
[0074]
The ion elution unit 100 has a case 110 made of a transparent or translucent synthetic resin (colorless or colored) or an opaque synthetic resin. The case 110 includes a case main body 110a having an open top surface and a lid 110b that closes the top surface opening (see FIG. 5). The case main body 110a has an elongated shape, and includes a water inlet 111 at one end in the longitudinal direction and a water outlet 112 at the other end. Both the inflow port 111 and the outflow port 112 have a pipe shape. The sectional area of the outlet 112 is smaller than the sectional area of the inlet 111.
[0075]
The case 110 is arranged such that the longitudinal direction is the horizontal direction, and the bottom surface of the case body 110a arranged horizontally in this way is an inclined surface that gradually falls toward the outflow port 112 (see FIG. 5). . That is, the outflow port 112 is provided at the lowest position in the internal space of the case 110.
[0076]
The lid 110b is fixed to the case main body 110a by four screws 170 (see FIG. 4). A seal ring 171 is sandwiched between the case main body 110a and the lid 110b (see FIG. 5).
[0077]
Inside the case 110, two plate electrodes 113 and 114 are arranged facing each other along the water flow from the inlet 111 to the outlet 112. When a predetermined voltage is applied to the electrodes 113 and 114 while water is present in the case 110, metal ions of the electrode constituent metal are eluted from the anode side of the electrodes 113 and 114. As an example, the electrodes 113 and 114 may be configured such that silver plates of about 2 cm × 5 cm and a thickness of about 1 mm are arranged with a distance of about 5 mm.
[0078]
The material of the electrodes 113 and 114 is not limited to silver. Any metal may be used as a source of metal ions having antibacterial properties. In addition to silver, copper, an alloy of silver and copper, zinc and the like can be selected. Silver ions eluted from the silver electrode, copper ions eluted from the copper electrode, and zinc ions eluted from the zinc electrode exhibit excellent bactericidal and antifungal effects. Silver ions and copper ions can be eluted simultaneously from the alloy of silver and copper.
[0079]
In the ion elution unit 100, elution / non-elution of metal ions can be selected depending on whether or not voltage is applied. Further, the elution amount of metal ions can be controlled by controlling the current and voltage application time. Compared with a method in which metal ions are eluted from a metal ion carrier such as zeolite, selection of whether or not to introduce metal ions and adjustment of the concentration of metal ions can all be performed electrically, which is convenient.
[0080]
The electrodes 113 and 114 are not arranged completely in parallel. When viewed in plan, the water flow flowing in the case 110 is tapered so that the distance between the electrodes becomes narrower from the upstream side toward the downstream side, in other words, from the inlet 111 toward the outlet 112. (See FIG. 7).
[0081]
The planar shape of the case main body 110a is also narrowed from the end where the inflow port 111 exists toward the end where the outflow port 112 exists. That is, the cross-sectional area of the internal space of the case 110 gradually decreases from the upstream side toward the downstream side.
[0082]
The electrodes 113 and 114 are front-shaped rectangles, and terminals 115 and 116 are provided, respectively. The terminals 115 and 116 hang down from the lower edges of the electrodes 113 and 114, respectively, and are formed at locations that enter the inside of the upstream electrode end.
[0083]
The electrode 113 and the terminal 115, and the electrode 114 and the terminal 116 are integrally formed of the same metal material. The electrodes 115 and 116 are led out to the lower surface of the case body 110a through a through hole provided in the bottom wall of the case body 110a. A portion where the terminals 115 and 116 penetrate the case main body 110a is subjected to a watertight seal 172 as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. The watertight seal 172 forms a double seal structure together with a second sleeve 175, which will be described later, and prevents water leakage from here.
[0084]
An insulating wall 173 that separates the terminals 115 and 116 is integrally formed on the lower surface of the case body 110a (see FIG. 6). The terminals 115 and 116 are connected to a drive circuit attached to the control unit 80 via a cable (not shown).
[0085]
Of the terminals 115 and 116, the portion remaining in the case 110 is protected by a sleeve made of an insulating material. Two types of sleeves are used. The first sleeve 174 is made of synthetic resin and is fitted to the base portions of the terminals 115 and 116. A portion of the first sleeve 174 protrudes from one side surface of the electrodes 113 and 114. A projection is formed on the side surface of this portion, and the projection is provided in the electrodes 113 and 114. (See FIGS. 6 and 7). This prevents the electrodes 113 and 114 from falling off the sleeve 174. The second sleeve 175 is made of soft rubber, fills the gap between the first sleeve 174 and the bottom wall of the case body 110a, and from the gap between itself and the case body 110a, and the gap between itself and the electrodes 113 and 114. Prevent water leaks.
[0086]
As described above, the terminals 115 and 116 are located on the upstream side of the electrodes 113 and 114, and the first sleeve 174 fitted to the terminals 115 and 116 constitutes a support for the upstream portion of the electrodes 113 and 114. The A fork-shaped support portion 176 is formed on the inner surface of the lid 110b in accordance with the position of the first sleeve 174 (see FIG. 6). The support portion 176 sandwiches the upper edge of the first sleeve 174, The second sleeve 175, together with filling the gap between the first sleeve 174 and the case body 110a, constitutes a firm support. The fork-shaped support portion 176 sandwiches the electrodes 113 and 114 with long and short fingers so that the distance between the electrodes 113 and 114 is properly maintained also on the lid 110b side.
[0087]
The downstream portion of the electrodes 113 and 114 is also supported by a support portion provided on the inner surface of the case 110. A fork-shaped support portion 177 rises from the bottom wall of the case body 110a, and a fork-shaped support portion 178 also hangs down from the ceiling surface of the lid 110b so as to face the support portion 177 (see FIGS. 5 and 8). ). The electrodes 113 and 114 are respectively held between the lower and upper edges of the downstream portion by the support portions 177 and 178 so as not to move.
[0088]
As can be seen in FIG. 7, the electrodes 113 and 114 are arranged in such a manner that a space is formed between the surface opposite to the surface facing each other and the inner surface of the case 110. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the electrodes 113 and 114 are arranged so that a space is generated between the upper and lower edges of the electrodes and the inner surface of the case 110 (contact with the support portions 176, 177, and 178). Part is an exception). Further, as can be seen in both FIG. 7 and FIG. 5, a space is also provided between the upstream and downstream edges of the electrodes 113 and 114 and the inner surface of the case 110.
[0089]
When the width of the case 110 is inevitably narrowed, a configuration in which the surfaces of the electrodes 113 and 114 opposite to the surfaces opposite to each other are in close contact with the inner wall of the case 110 is also possible.
[0090]
In order to prevent foreign matter from coming into contact with the electrodes 113 and 114, a wire mesh strainer is disposed on the upstream side of the electrodes 113 and 114. In the case of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a strainer 180 is provided in the connection pipe 51. The strainer 180 is for preventing foreign matter from entering the water supply valve 50, but also serves as an upstream strainer for the ion elution unit 100.
[0091]
A wire mesh strainer 181 is also arranged on the downstream side of the electrodes 113 and 114. The strainer 181 prevents the fragments 113 from flowing away when the electrodes 113 and 114 become thin due to long-term use. As an arrangement place of the strainer 181, for example, the outflow port 112 can be selected.
[0092]
The arrangement place of the strainers 180 and 181 is not limited to the above place. As long as the conditions “upstream side of the electrode” and “downstream side of the electrode” are satisfied, it may be disposed anywhere in the water supply path. Note that the strainers 180 and 181 are removable so that the trapped foreign matter can be removed and the clogging substances can be cleaned.
[0093]
FIG. 9 shows a drive circuit 120 of the ion elution unit 100. A transformer 122 is connected to the commercial power source 121 to step down 100V to a predetermined voltage. The output voltage of the transformer 122 is rectified by the full-wave rectifier circuit 123 and then made constant by the constant voltage circuit 124. A constant current circuit 125 is connected to the constant voltage circuit 124. The constant current circuit 125 operates to supply a constant current to the electrode driving circuit 150 described later regardless of a change in the resistance value in the electrode driving circuit 150.
[0094]
A rectifier diode 126 is connected to the commercial power source 121 in parallel with the transformer 122. The output voltage of the rectifier diode 126 is smoothed by the capacitor 127, is then made constant by the constant voltage circuit 128, and is supplied to the microcomputer 130. The microcomputer 130 controls the activation of the triac 129 connected between one end of the primary coil of the transformer 122 and the commercial power source 121.
[0095]
The electrode drive circuit 150 is configured by connecting NPN transistors Q1 to Q4, diodes D1 and D2, and resistors R1 to R7 as shown in the figure. The transistor Q1 and the diode D1 constitute a photocoupler 151, and the transistor Q2 and the diode D2 constitute a photocoupler 152. That is, the diodes D1 and D2 are photodiodes, and the transistors Q1 and Q2 are phototransistors.
[0096]
Now, when a high level voltage is applied to the line L1 from the microcomputer 130 and a low level voltage or OFF (zero voltage) is applied to the line L2, the diode D2 is turned on, and the transistor Q2 is also turned on accordingly. When the transistor Q2 is turned on, current flows through the resistors R3, R4, and R7, a bias is applied to the base of the transistor Q3, and the transistor Q3 is turned on.
[0097]
On the other hand, since the diode D1 is OFF, the transistor Q1 is OFF and the transistor Q4 is also OFF. In this state, a current flows from the anode-side electrode 113 toward the cathode-side electrode 114. As a result, cation metal ions and anions are generated in the ion elution unit 100.
[0098]
When a current is passed through the ion elution unit 100 in one direction for a long time, the electrode 113 on the anode side in FIG. 9 is depleted, and impurities in the water adhere to the electrode 114 on the cathode side as a scale. Since this brings about the performance fall of the ion elution unit 100, it is comprised so that the electrode drive circuit 150 can be drive | operated in forced electrode washing | cleaning mode.
[0099]
In the forced electrode cleaning mode, the voltage of the lines L1 and L2 is reversed, and the microcomputer 130 switches the control so that the current flows through the electrodes 113 and 114 in the reverse direction. In this case, the transistors Q1 and Q4 are turned on and the transistors Q2 and Q3 are turned off. The microcomputer 130 has a counter function, and performs the above switching every time a predetermined count number is reached.
[0100]
When a change in resistance in the electrode driving circuit 150, particularly a change in resistance of the electrodes 113 and 114, causes a decrease in the value of the current flowing between the electrodes, the constant current circuit 125 increases its output voltage, To prevent the decrease. However, if the accumulated use time becomes longer, the ion elution unit 100 reaches the end of its life, and even if the operation is switched to the forced electrode cleaning mode or the output voltage of the constant current circuit 125 is increased, the current decrease cannot be prevented.
[0101]
Therefore, in this circuit, the current flowing between the electrodes 113 and 114 of the ion elution unit 100 is monitored by the voltage generated in the resistor R7, and when the current reaches a predetermined minimum current value, the current detection circuit 160 detects it. I have to. Information that the minimum current value has been detected is transmitted from the photodiode D3 constituting the photocoupler 163 to the microcomputer 130 via the phototransistor Q5. The microcomputer 130 drives the warning notification means 131 via the line L3 to cause a predetermined warning notification. The warning notification unit 131 is disposed in the operation / display unit 81 or the control unit 80.
[0102]
Further, for an accident such as a short circuit in the electrode drive circuit 150, a current detection circuit 161 for detecting that the current has exceeded a predetermined maximum current value is prepared, and based on the output of the current detection circuit 161. Then, the microcomputer 130 drives the warning notification means 131. Further, when the output voltage of the constant current circuit 125 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined minimum value, the voltage detection circuit 162 detects this, and similarly, the microcomputer 130 drives the warning notification means 131.
[0103]
The metal ions generated by the ion elution unit 100 are put into the washing tub 30 as follows.
[0104]
Metal ions and softeners used as finishes are added at the final rinse stage. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a final rinsing sequence. In the final rinse, after the dehydration process in step S500, the process proceeds to step S420. In step S420, it is confirmed whether or not the input of the finishing substance is selected. If “input of finishing substance” is selected in the setting operation by the operation / display unit 81, the process proceeds to step S421. If it is not selected, the process proceeds to step S401 in FIG. 12, and the final rinse is performed in the same manner as in the previous rinsing process.
[0105]
In step S421, it is confirmed whether there are two types of finishing substances to be added, metal ions and softening agents. If “metal ions and softener” is selected in the setting operation by the operation / display unit 81, the process proceeds to step S422. If not selected, the process proceeds to step S426.
[0106]
In step S422, both the main water supply valve 50a and the sub water supply valve 50b are opened, and water flows through both the main water supply path 52a and the sub water supply path 52b.
[0107]
Step S422 is a metal ion elution step. A water flow of a predetermined water amount set to the main water supply valve 50a and larger than the water amount set to the sub water supply valve 50b flows while filling the internal space of the ion elution unit 100. At the same time, the drive circuit 120 applies a voltage between the electrodes 113 and 114 to elute ions of the electrode constituent metal into water. When the electrode constituent metal is silver, a reaction of Ag → Ag ++ e− occurs in the electrode on the anode side, and silver ions Ag + are eluted in water. The current flowing between the electrodes is a direct current. The water to which the metal ions are added enters the detergent chamber 54 and is poured into the washing tub 30 from the water inlet 54a through the water inlet 56.
[0108]
A smaller amount of water flows out from the sub water supply valve 50b than from the main water supply valve 50a, and is poured into the finishing agent chamber 55 through the sub water supply path 52b. If a finishing agent (softening agent) is put in the finishing agent chamber 55, the finishing agent (softening agent) is put into the washing tub 30 together with water from the siphon unit 57. This means that metal ions are added simultaneously. Since the siphon effect occurs only after the water level in the finish agent chamber 55 reaches a predetermined height, the liquid finish agent (softener) is supplied until the time comes and water is injected into the finish agent chamber 55. 55 can be held.
[0109]
The sub-water supply valve 50b is closed when a predetermined amount of water (an amount sufficient for causing the siphon portion 57 to cause siphon action or more) is injected into the finishing agent chamber 55. This water injection process, that is, a finishing agent charging operation, is automatically executed if “finishing agent charging” is selected regardless of whether or not the finishing agent (softener) is in the finishing agent chamber 55. Is done.
[0110]
When it is determined that the metal ion concentration of the rinse water reaches a predetermined value by pouring a predetermined amount of metal ion added water into the washing tub 30 and then pouring non-metal ion added water to the set water level, the voltages to the electrodes 113 and 114 are determined. Application stops. Even after the ion elution unit 100 no longer generates metal ions, the main water supply valve 50a continues to supply water and stops water supply when the water level inside the washing tub 30 reaches the set water level.
[0111]
As described above, the metal ion and the finishing agent (softening agent) are simultaneously added in step S422. This is not necessarily the case when the ion elution unit 100 is generating the metal ion by the siphon action. It does not mean that the time when the agent) is put into the washing tub 30 must completely overlap. Either one may be shifted back and forth. After the ion elution unit 100 stops the production of metal ions, a finishing agent (softener) may be added when the non-metal ion added water is added. In short, it is sufficient that the metal ions and the finishing agent (softener) are charged in one sequence.
[0112]
As described above, the terminal 115 is integrally formed with the electrode 113 and the terminal 116 is integrally formed with the electrode 114 with the same metal material. For this reason, unlike the case where other metal parts are joined together, there is no potential difference between the electrode and the terminal, and no corrosion occurs. In addition, the manufacturing process can be simplified by integration.
[0113]
The distance between the electrodes 113 and 114 is set to be tapered so as to become narrower from the upstream side toward the downstream side. For this reason, when the electrode wears down along the flow of water and the plate thickness is reduced, chatter vibrations are less likely to occur and chipping is difficult. Moreover, there is no fear of short-circuiting due to excessive deformation.
[0114]
The electrodes 113 and 114 are supported in a form that creates a space between the inner surface of the case 110. For this reason, a metal layer does not grow from the electrodes 113 and 114 to the inner surface of the case 110, and a short circuit phenomenon does not occur between the other electrodes.
[0115]
Even if the terminals 115 and 116 are integrated with the electrodes 113 and 114, it is inevitable that the electrodes 113 and 114 wear out with use, but it is difficult for the terminals 115 and 116 to wear out. In the case of the present embodiment, the portions of the terminals 115 and 116 located in the case 110 are protected by the sleeves 174 and 175 made of an insulating material, so that wear due to energization is small. For this reason, the situation where the terminals 115 and 116 break during use is prevented.
[0116]
In the electrodes 113 and 114, the locations where the terminals 115 and 116 are provided are locations that enter the inside from the upstream end. The electrodes 113 and 114 are worn away from the portion where the distance between them becomes narrow. Although the end portion wears out quickly, the terminals 115 and 116 are not upstream ends of the electrodes 113 and 114, but are not completely ends. There is no need to worry about the situation where the wear that started from the end of the electrode reaches the terminal and the terminal breaks from the base.
[0117]
The upstream side of the electrodes 113 and 114 is supported by a first sleeve 174 and a support portion 176. The downstream sides of the other electrodes 113 and 114 are supported by support portions 177 and 178. Since the upstream side and the downstream side are firmly supported in this way, the electrodes 113 and 114 do not vibrate even in a water flow. Therefore, the electrodes 113 and 114 are not broken due to vibration.
[0118]
The terminals 115 and 116 project downward through the bottom wall of the case body 110a. For this reason, steam comes into contact with the case 110a (when washing is performed using bath water, the steam easily enters the washing machine 1), or the case 110 is cooled by passing water. Even if dew condensation occurs on the outer surface, the dew condensation water flows down through the cables connected to the terminals 115 and 116 and does not stay at the boundary between the terminals 115 and 116 and the case 110. Therefore, the situation does not develop in which the terminals 115 and 116 are short-circuited with condensed water. Since the case body 110a is arranged with the longitudinal direction horizontal, it is easy to make the terminals 115 and 116 provided on the side surfaces of the electrodes 113 and 114 project downward from the bottom wall of the case body 110a.
[0119]
The outlet 112 of the ion elution unit 100 has a smaller cross-sectional area than the inlet 111 and has a higher flow path resistance. For this reason, the water that has entered the case 110 from the inflow port 111 overflows without creating an air pocket inside the case 110, soaking the electrodes 113 and 114 completely. Therefore, a portion that does not participate in the generation of metal ions occurs in the electrodes 113 and 114, and a situation in which this portion remains undissolved does not occur.
[0120]
Not only the cross-sectional area of the outflow port 112 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the inflow port 111, but also the cross-sectional area of the internal space of the case 110 gradually decreases from the upstream side toward the downstream side. For this reason, turbulent flow and bubbles are less likely to occur inside the case 110, and the water flow is smooth. Bubbles do not dissolve in the electrode. Since metal ions also leave the electrodes 113 and 114 quickly and do not return to the electrodes 113 and 114, the ion elution efficiency is improved.
[0121]
The ion elution unit 100 is disposed in the main water supply path 52a having a large flow rate, and a large amount of water flows. For this reason, the metal ions are immediately carried out of the case 110 and do not return to the electrodes 113 and 114. Therefore, ion elution efficiency is improved.
[0122]
The outlet 112 is provided at the lowest position in the internal space of the case 110. For this reason, when the water flow to the ion elution unit 100 is stopped, all the water in the ion elution unit 100 flows out from the outlet 112. Accordingly, there is no situation in which the residual water in the case 110 freezes at the time of cold and the ion elution unit 100 fails or is destroyed.
[0123]
A strainer 180 exists on the upstream side of the electrodes 113 and 114. For this reason, even if solid foreign matter exists in the water supplied to the ion elution unit 100, the foreign matter is captured by the strainer 180 and does not reach the electrodes 113 and 114. Accordingly, the foreign matter does not damage the electrodes 113 and 114, and the electrodes are not short-circuited by the foreign matter, so that an excessive current does not flow or metal ion generation is not insufficient.
[0124]
A strainer 181 is present downstream of the electrodes 113 and 114. Even if the electrodes 113 and 114 are worn out and become brittle due to long-term use, and the broken pieces may flow out, the broken pieces are captured by the strainer 181 and flow downstream. Absent. Therefore, the fragments of the electrodes 113 and 114 do not damage downstream articles.
[0125]
When the ion elution unit 100 is mounted on the washing machine 1 as in the present embodiment, foreign matter and electrode fragments may adhere to the laundry without the strainers 180 and 181. Foreign objects and electrode debris can stain or damage the laundry, and if the laundry is dehydrated and dried with foreign objects or electrode fragments attached to it, the person who wears the laundry later This may lead to a situation in which the user feels uncomfortable by touching or injuries in extreme cases, but such a situation can be avoided if the strainers 180 and 181 are provided.
[0126]
The strainers 180 and 181 do not always have to be arranged. If it can be determined that there will be no problem even if it is not, one or both can be abolished.
[0127]
Returning to the flowchart of FIG. In step S423, the rinsing water charged with the metal ions and the finishing agent (softener) is stirred with a strong water flow (strong water flow), the contact between the laundry and the metal ions, and the finishing agent (softener) on the laundry. Promotes adhesion.
[0128]
By sufficiently stirring with a strong water flow, the metal ions and the finishing agent (softening agent) can be uniformly dissolved in water, and can be spread all over the laundry. After stirring with a strong water flow for a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S424.
[0129]
In step S424, the agitation is performed with a weak water flow (weak water flow). The aim is to attach metal ions to the surface of the laundry and to exert its effect. If the water flow is weak even though it is weak, there is no possibility that the user will misunderstand that the operation of the washing machine 1 has been completed. However, if there is a way for the user to recognize that it is in the middle of the rinsing process, for example, if the display can be made on the operation / display unit 81 to call the user's attention, the stirring is stopped and the water is kept stationary. You can put it on.
[0130]
After the weak water flow period set to a level sufficient for the laundry to adsorb metal ions, the process proceeds to step S425. Here, the agitation is performed again with a strong water flow (strong water flow). Thereby, a metal ion is sent even to the location where the metal ion did not spread in the laundry, and it adheres firmly.
[0131]
After step S425, the process proceeds to step S406. In step S406, the pulsator 33 reverses in small steps to loosen the laundry. As a result, the laundry is distributed in a well-balanced manner in the washing tub 30 to prepare for the spin-drying.
[0132]
FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each component from step S422 to step S406.
[0133]
Here is an example of time allocation for each step. Step S423 (strong water flow) is 4 minutes, step S424 (weak water flow) is 4 minutes 15 seconds, step S425 (strong water flow) is 5 seconds, and step S406 (balance) is 1 minute 40 seconds. The total time from step S423 to step 406 is 10 minutes. The weak water flow period may be replaced with a water flow stationary period.
[0134]
When the water rinsing is selected, step S425 (strong water flow) is extended from 5 seconds to 1 minute, and the main water supply valve 50a is opened to supply water as shown by a one-dot chain line. At this time, step S406 (balance) is 45 seconds.
[0135]
When the water flow is generated, the motor 41 periodically repeats ON (forward rotation), OFF, ON (reverse rotation), and OFF. The ratio between the ON time and the OFF time varies depending on the amount of water and / or the amount of laundry. For example, the time ratio (ON / OFF) at the rated load is as follows.
Step S423 (strong water flow): 1.9 / 0.7
Step S424 (weak water flow): 0.6 / 10.0
Step S425 (strong water flow): 1.4 / 1.0
Step S406 (balance): 0.9 / 0.4
[0136]
When metal ions are charged in the final rinsing process, the total process time is longer than when metal ions are not charged. Since a certain amount of time is required for the metal ions to be sufficiently adsorbed on the laundry, such a program is used. Thereby, metal ions can be sufficiently adhered to the laundry, and the desired antibacterial effect can be exhibited.
[0137]
The time distribution between step S423 (strong water flow) and step S424 (weak water flow) can be constant regardless of the amount of water in the washing tub 30 and / or the amount of laundry. In this way, control programming is facilitated.
[0138]
The time distribution between step S423 (strong water flow) and step S424 (weak water flow) may be changed according to the amount of water in the washing tub 30 and / or the amount of laundry. If it does in this way, the ratio of a strong water flow period and a weak water flow period can be set appropriately according to the amount of water or the amount of laundry, cloth damage can be reduced, and electric power can also be considered not to be consumed unnecessarily.
[0139]
Originally, it is desirable that the metal ion and the finishing agent (softening agent) are separately supplied. This is because when the metal ion comes into contact with the softener component, it changes into a compound and the antibacterial effect of the metal ion is diminished. However, a considerable amount of metal ions remains in the rinse water until the end. In addition, the effect depletion can be compensated to some extent by setting the metal ion concentration. Therefore, although metal ions and a finishing agent (softening agent) are added at the same time, the effect of imparting antibacterial properties is somewhat reduced, but the rinsing time is shortened and the efficiency of housework compared to the case where they are separately supplied and rinsed separately. It is a plan to make it.
[0140]
Although it is inevitable that the metal ions and the finishing agent (softener) meet in the washing tub 30, it is desirable to avoid contact until entering the washing tub 30. In the case of this embodiment, metal ions are introduced into the washing tub 30 from the main water supply path 52a through the detergent chamber 54. The finishing agent (softening agent) is put into the washing tub 30 from the finishing agent chamber 55. Since the path for introducing metal ions into the rinsing water and the path for adding finishing agents to the rinsing water are different systems, the metal ions and the finishing agent (soft) until they meet in the washing tub 30. In other words, the metal ions do not come into contact with the finishing agent (softener) having a high concentration to form a compound and lose the antibacterial activity.
[0141]
In the case of the final rinse, the explanation has been made on the assumption that the “rinse rinse” is performed in which the rinse water is stored in the washing tub 30, but the final rinse may be performed by the “water rinse”. Good. In this case, the water to be poured is assumed to be metal ion added water.
[0142]
In the case of “rinsing water”, metal ions can be introduced into the water to be poured. In this way, the metal ion concentration in the water does not decrease even when rinsing with water, and a necessary amount of metal ions can be adhered to the laundry. When the antibacterial effect is not emphasized, the consumption of the electrodes 113 and 114 can be suppressed by pouring water without adding metal ions.
[0143]
Now, the introduction of metal ions as the first finishing substance and the addition of the finishing agent (softening agent) as the second finishing substance are both optional items. You can stop one or both. When both of them are stopped, the process proceeds from step S420 to step S401, which has been described above. From here, the case where only one of two types of finishing substances is charged will be described.
[0144]
In step S421, if there are not two types of finishing substances to be charged, that is, metal ions and softeners, it means that only one of them is selected. In this case, the process proceeds to step S426.
[0145]
In step S426, it is confirmed whether the finishing substance to be added is a metal ion. If it is a metal ion, the process proceeds to step S427. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S428.
[0146]
In step S427, the main water supply valve 50a is opened, and water flows into the main water supply path 52a. The sub water supply valve 50b does not open. When water flows into the ion elution unit 100, the drive circuit 120 applies a voltage between the electrodes 113 and 114 to elute the ions of the electrode constituent metal into the water. When it is determined that the metal ion concentration of the rinse water reaches a predetermined value by pouring a predetermined amount of metal ion added water into the washing tub 30 and then pouring non-metal ion added water to the set water level, the voltages to the electrodes 113 and 114 are determined. Application stops. Even after the ion elution unit 100 no longer generates metal ions, the main water supply valve 50a continues to supply water and stops water supply when the water level inside the washing tub 30 reaches the set water level.
[0147]
After step S427, the process proceeds to step S423. Thereafter, the process proceeds from step S423 (strong water flow) → step S424 (weak water flow) → step S425 (strong water flow) → step S406 (balance) in the same manner as when metal ions and a finishing agent (softening agent) are simultaneously added. The weak water flow period can be replaced by a water flow quiescence period.
[0148]
If it is determined in step S426 that the finishing substance to be added is not a metal ion, the finishing agent (softening agent) is added alone. At this time, the process proceeds to step S428.
[0149]
In step S428, both the main water supply valve 50a and the sub water supply valve 50b are opened, and water flows through both the main water supply passage 52a and the sub water supply passage 52b. However, the ion elution unit 100 is not driven and metal ions are not generated. After enough water is poured into the finishing agent chamber 55 to cause the siphoning action and the finishing agent (softening agent) is put into the washing tub 30 through the siphon part 57, the sub water supply valve 50b is closed.
[0150]
The main water supply valve 50a continues water supply even after the sub water supply valve 50b is closed, and stops water supply when the water level in the washing tub 30 reaches the set water level.
[0151]
After step S428, the process proceeds to step S423. Thereafter, the process proceeds from step S423 (strong water flow) → step S424 (weak water flow) → step S425 (strong water flow) → step S406 (balance) in the same manner as when metal ions and a finishing agent (softening agent) are simultaneously added. The weak water flow period can be replaced by a water flow quiescence period.
[0152]
In this way, even when only one type of finishing material is added, the steps of strong water flow → weak water flow → strong water flow are executed to ensure that the finishing material adheres to the laundry. However, since the time distribution of each step does not need to be the same between the metal ion and the finishing agent (softener), it is adjusted and set so as to suit each.
[0153]
In the case of a finishing agent (softening agent), it is not necessary to spend a long time like metal ions to adhere to the laundry. Therefore, it is possible to place only steps S423 (strong water flow) and S406 (balance) after step S428, and to complete step S423 (strong water flow) in a short time such as 2 minutes.
[0154]
If the balance is not well achieved in step S406, the washing machine 1 vibrates greatly in the subsequent dewatering process. The vibration due to the unbalance of the laundry is detected by a physical detection means such as a touch sensor, a shock sensor, or an acceleration sensor, or by a software detection means such as analyzing a voltage / current pattern of the motor 41.
[0155]
When an imbalance is detected, the spin-drying rotation of the washing tub 30 is stopped, and “balance rinsing” is performed in which water is poured again and stirred to rebalance.
[0156]
FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each component in “balance correction rinsing”. After water supply, stir firmly with stirring (1) to change the state of the laundry. After that, in step (2), a little stirring is performed to balance the laundry in preparation for the dehydration rotation. The time distribution is, for example, 2 minutes and 5 seconds for water supply, 1 minute for stirring (1), and 30 seconds for stirring (2) 2.
[0157]
During stirring, the motor 41 periodically repeats ON (forward rotation), OFF, ON (reverse rotation), and OFF. The ratio of ON time and OFF time varies depending on the amount of water and / or the amount of laundry. For example, the time ratio (ON / OFF) at the rated load is as follows.
Agitation (1): 1.9 / 0.7
Stirring (2): 0.9 / 0.4
[0158]
When an imbalance is detected in the dehydration process after the metal ions are introduced in the final rinse process, a process different from that in the unbalance detection when the metal ions are not introduced is executed.
[0159]
The first “different treatment” is “performing balance correction rinsing by supplying metal ion-added water”. By doing so, even when the balance is rinsed by pouring water anew, since the metal ions are added to the water, the effect of the antibacterial treatment applied to the laundry is not diminished.
[0160]
Thus, when supplying metal ion addition water and performing balance correction rinse, it is good to make metal ion input amount smaller than the metal ion input amount in the process before it. In this way, it is possible to suppress consumption of metal ions without unnecessarily supplying a large amount of metal ions to laundry once treated with metal ions.
[0161]
The second “different treatment” is “balance-correction rinsing for supplying and stirring metal-non-added water while displaying and / or notifying that the water supplied is non-metal-ion-added water”. .
[0162]
If metal ion added water is used at the time of balance correction, the metal of the electrodes 113 and 114 is consumed earlier than the design life, and there is a possibility that the time when the metal ions cannot be used comes sooner. As described above, when balance correction rinsing is performed with metal ion non-added water in order to suppress consumption of metal ions, means for displaying the fact on the operation / display unit 81 or notifying by voice. Thus, it can be taught to the user that the desired antibacterial effect may not be obtained.
[0163]
The third “different processing” is “dehydration stop and display and / or notification that imbalance is detected”.
[0164]
In this way, without performing balance correction rinsing etc., the user is informed that an imbalance has occurred, and the balance of the laundry is corrected by the user's hand, thereby reducing the consumption of metal ions. While suppressing, the antibacterial effect which the user is expecting can be acquired.
[0165]
When unbalance detection is performed a plurality of times, the process executed by each time can be changed.
[0166]
If the balance correction rinsing is performed with metal ion-added water each time an imbalance is detected, the metal that is the source of the metal ions, that is, the electrodes 113 and 114 are quickly worn out. If it does as mentioned above, the wear of the electrodes 113 and 114 can be suppressed by mixing the process of the balance correction etc. which do not involve use of metal ion addition water.
[0167]
In the operation options of the washing machine 1, a plurality of types of “processing after unbalance detection” are prepared, and the type and / or order of processing to be executed can be selected.
[0168]
If it does in this way, processing according to a user's intention, such as giving priority to maintaining an antibacterial effect by using metal ion generously or giving priority to the saving of metal ion, can be performed.
[0169]
In driving the ion elution unit 100, the constant current circuit 125 of the drive circuit 120 controls the voltage so that the current flowing between the electrodes 113 and 114 becomes a constant value. Thereby, the metal ion elution amount per unit time becomes constant. If the metal ion elution amount per unit time is constant, the metal ion concentration in the washing tub 30 can be controlled by controlling the amount of water flowing to the ion elution unit 100 and the ion elution time. It becomes easier to obtain the ion concentration.
[0170]
At this time, the current flowing between the electrodes 113 and 114 is a direct current. If this is alternating current, the following phenomenon occurs: That is, when the metal ion is, for example, silver ion, once eluted silver ion returns to the electrode due to the reverse reaction of Ag ++ e− → Ag when the polarity of the electrode is reversed. This is not the case with direct current.
[0171]
Scale is deposited on the side of the electrodes 113 and 114 used as the cathode. If a direct current is kept flowing without reversing the polarity and the amount of scale deposition increases, it becomes difficult for current to flow and it becomes difficult to elute metal ions at a predetermined rate. In addition, there is a problem of “one side reduction” in which only the electrode used as the anode is quickly worn out. Therefore, the polarities of the electrodes 113 and 114 are periodically reversed.
[0172]
The electrodes 113 and 114 are gradually depleted while continuing to elute metal ions, and the amount of metal ions eluted decreases. If it is used for a long time, the elution amount of metal ions becomes unstable, or a predetermined elution amount cannot be secured. For this reason, the ion elution unit 100 can be replaced, and can be replaced with a new unit when the electrodes 113 and 114 have reached the end of their lifetime. Further, the user is notified through the operation / display unit 81 that the electrodes 113 and 114 have reached the service life limit, and maintenance such as replacement of the ion elution unit 100 is urged.
[0173]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0174]
In addition to the fully automatic washing machine of the type described in the above embodiment, the present invention can be applied to all types of washing machines such as a horizontal drum (tumbler method), an oblique drum, a dryer combined use, or a two-layer type. Applicable.
[0175]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the present invention, in a washing machine capable of using a plurality of types of finishing substances, a plurality of types of finishing substances can be automatically charged, and the finishing effect of each finishing substance can be exerted on the laundry. The finished material isMetal ionsWhenFinishing agent for washingAnd allowing them to be auto-injected simultaneously,Metal ions and finishes for washingCompared with the case where the rinsing is performed separately and rinsing each, the rinsing time can be shortened and the efficiency of housework can be improved. Also, metal ions generated by the ion elution unitNThe laundry can be finished with a normal finishing agent after the laundry is sterilized with sterilizing power and antibacterial power is given to the laundry.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[Fig. 2] Model vertical cross-sectional view of the water inlet
[Fig. 3] Partial top view of the inside of the washing machine
Fig. 4 Top view of ion elution unit
FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view cut along the line AA in FIG.
6 is a vertical sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.
[Figure 7] Horizontal sectional view of the ion elution unit
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an electrode.
Fig. 9 Ion elution unit drive circuit diagram
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the entire washing process.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a washing process.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a rinsing process.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the dehydration process.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the final rinsing process.
FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram of the final rinsing process.
FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram of balance correction rinsing.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Washing machine
10 Outer box
20 Aquarium
30 Washing tub
33 Pulsator
40 Drive unit
50 Water supply valve
50a Main water supply valve
50b Sub water supply valve
53 Water inlet
54 Detergent room
55 Finishing agent room
68 Drain valve
80 Control unit
81 Operation / display section
100 ion elution unit
113, 114 electrodes
120 Drive circuit
125 constant current circuit
150 electrode drive circuit
180, 181 strainer

Claims (4)

Ri can der automatic insertion of a plurality of types of treatment substance in the washing process,
The plurality of types of finishing substances include metal ions and a finishing agent for washing,
The washing machine is characterized in that , at the same time when the metal ions are introduced through the first water supply path, the finishing agent for washing is introduced through a second water supply path that is a system different from the first water supply path. . The metal ions, washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the ion elution unit is shall be generated by applying a voltage between the electrodes. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the ion elution unit is arranged in the first water supply path, and the flow rate of the first water supply path is set larger than the flow rate of the second water supply path . Wherein said regardless of whether or not laundry finishing agent is present, the closing operation itself is performed at the time of introduction of the finishing agent for the laundry in the preparation space finishing agent for inputting for the washing The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .

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