JP4929297B2 - Washing and drying machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing / drying machine configured to circulate air in a washing tub through a circulation path.

  As this type of washing and drying machine, for example, there is one provided with a heat pump. This washing and drying machine heats the air flowing in the circulation air passage and the evaporator for cooling and dehumidifying the air flowing in the circulation air passage in the circulation air passage (circulation passage) connected to the washing tub. And a condenser. In the drying process, the air in the washing tub is circulated through the circulation air passage by the circulation fan while the air heated by the condenser (warm air) is supplied into the washing tub to evaporate the air discharged from the washing tub. The clothes in the washing tub are dried by repeating the cooling and dehumidification by the vessel.

  Such a drying process is performed after the washing process of washing clothes in the washing tub. However, germs attached to clothing may not be able to be removed in the washing process, resulting in poor hygiene, generation of odor, mold, discoloration of clothing, and the like. In particular, in recent years, in order to save water, bath water containing a large amount of various germs and the like may be used as washing water during the washing process, and in this case, the residual amount of germs remaining on the clothing tends to increase. is there.

  On the other hand, for example, an apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is considered as a means for removing germs, malodorous components, harmful substances, and the like. This device includes a discharge electrode, a counter electrode facing the discharge electrode, and a Peltier element that generates water in the discharge electrode. Then, by applying a high voltage between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode, a hydroxy radical having a strong oxidizing action is generated, thereby removing germs, malodorous components, harmful substances and the like.

JP 2006-26117 A

  If the apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is installed in the middle of the circulation air passage of the washing and drying machine, hydroxy radicals can be supplied into the washing tub together with hot air for drying, and the clothes are applied to the clothes after the washing process. It is considered that remaining germs can be removed.

  However, the apparatus described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which the discharge electrode and the counter electrode face each other in the very vicinity. Therefore, corona discharge occurs between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode, and ozone and nitrogen oxides are generated accordingly. Such ozone and nitrogen oxides decolor clothes and generate odors, and are harmful to the human body.

  In particular, in drum-type washing and drying machines with high airtightness, generated harmful gases (ozone and nitrogen oxides) tend to remain in the washing tub, so that the user is exposed to harmful gases when putting in and taking out clothes. There is a high possibility. As a means for solving such a problem, a configuration in which the lid of the washing tub is locked until the generated toxic gas disappears can be considered. However, in such a configuration, clothes cannot be taken out immediately after the end of washing, and usability deteriorates.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to generate hydroxy radicals without generating harmful gases and to perform sterilization and deodorization of clothes in a washing tub. It is to provide a dryer.

The present invention includes a circulation path connected to a washing tub, a blowing means for circulating air in the washing tub through the circulation path, a dehumidification means for cooling and dehumidifying the air flowing in the circulation path, and the circulation In a washing and drying machine provided with heating means for heating the air flowing in the path, it is formed of a porous material having water absorption, water retention and suction characteristics, and a tip portion is provided so as to protrude into the circulation path Formed of a porous material having water retention capacity, water retention means for supplying the retained water to the discharge electrode, water supply means for supplying water to the water retention means, and a negative high voltage to the discharge electrode Washing and drying, which is a member provided with an electrostatic atomizing device comprising a high voltage applying means for applying a negative voltage to the discharge electrode and applying the electrostatic atomizer to the discharge electrode and facing away from the discharge electrode The housing of the machine In particular having the features are configured to function as a counter electrode corresponding to the discharge electrode which is negatively charged by the voltage applying means.

  According to the washer / dryer of the present invention, the water retained in the water retaining means is supplied to the discharge electrode whose tip protrudes into the circulation path. A negative high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode supplied with water by the high voltage applying means. As a result, the water at the tip of the discharge electrode is split and released into the circulation path in the form of a mist. Here, the water particles released in the form of mist are negatively charged and contain hydroxy radicals generated by the energy. Accordingly, the hydroxy radical having a strong oxidizing action is supplied into the washing tub together with the air flowing in the circulation air passage, and the sterilization and deodorization of the clothes in the washing tub becomes possible.

  In this case, the counter electrode corresponding to the discharge electrode negatively charged by the high voltage applying means is not provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode. Therefore, the discharge from the discharge electrode itself becomes very gentle, and unlike the conventional configuration where corona discharge is generated between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode, the generation of harmful gases such as ozone and nitrogen oxides is suppressed. Can do.

The 1st Embodiment of this invention is shown, The vertical side view which shows the structure of an electrostatic atomizer roughly External perspective view of the washer / dryer Longitudinal side view schematically showing the internal configuration of the washing and drying machine Rear view of aquarium FIG. 1 equivalent view showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention The vertical side view which expands and shows the discharge electrode and its peripheral part which shows the 6th Embodiment of this invention A plan view showing the discharge electrode and its peripheral part

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of the drum-type washing / drying machine 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the casing 2 constituting the outline of the washing / drying machine 1 has a substantially rectangular box shape whose entire surface is smoothly inclined. A handle 3 is provided for use at times. Further, a tap water supply port 4 and a bath water supply port 5 are provided on the upper surface of the housing 2.

  A substantially circular door 6 is provided at the center of the front surface of the housing 2, and an operation button 7 for opening the door 6 is provided. In addition, an operation panel 8 and a detergent input unit 9 are provided at the upper front of the housing 2. The operation panel 8 is connected to a control device 10 (see FIG. 3) provided on the back side of the housing 2. Further, the operation panel 8 is provided with various switches for selecting, for example, various driving courses and starting driving. The control device 10 includes a ROM, a RAM, and the like centered on a microcomputer, and controls the overall operation of the washing / drying machine 1 based on various input signals and pre-stored control programs. It has become. At the lower part of the housing 2, there is provided a filter housing portion 11 in which a lint filter (not shown) for capturing foreign matter contained in drainage or circulating water is detachably disposed.

  Next, the internal configuration of the washing / drying machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal side view schematically showing the internal configuration of the washing / drying machine 1. As shown in FIG. 3, a water tank 12 (corresponding to a washing tub) is disposed inside the housing 2, and a drum 13 is disposed inside the water tank 12.

  Both the water tank 12 and the drum 13 have a bottomed cylindrical shape with one end closed, and have openings 14 and 15 at the front end face (left side in the figure), respectively. The opening 15 of the drum 13 is surrounded by the opening 14 of the water tank 12, and the opening 14 of the water tank 12 is connected to the opening 16 formed on the front surface of the housing 2 by a bellows 17. The above-described door 6 is provided in the opening 16 so as to be openable and closable. With this, the door 6 opens and closes a loading / unloading opening for laundry (clothing, etc.) including the openings 14, 15, and 16. It is like that.

  For example, a liquid-sealed rotary balancer 18 is provided around the opening 15 of the drum 13, and a plurality of holes 19 are formed in almost the entire area of the peripheral side portion (body portion) of the drum 13. (Only a part is shown). These holes 19 function as water holes during the washing process, during the rinsing process, and during the dewatering process, and function as ventilation holes during the drying process. A plurality of baffles 20 project from the inner surface of the peripheral side portion of the drum 13, and a plurality of hot air inlets 21 are arranged on the rear end surface portion of the drum 13 by an annular arrangement concentric with the central axis. Is formed.

The aquarium 12 has a hot air outlet 22 at the upper part of the front end face (above the opening 14), and faces the rotational locus of the hot air inlet 21 at the upper part of the rear end face. The hot air inlet 23 is provided.
A water supply case 25 is connected to the upper part of the water tank 12 via a water supply hose 24. A tap water supply port 4 and a bath water supply port 5 are connected to the water supply case 25 via a water supply valve 26. Thus, tap water from the tap water supply port 4 or bath water from the bath water supply port 5 is supplied into the water tank 12 through the water supply valve 26, the water supply case 25, and the water supply hose 24. It is like that. In the water supply case 25, detergents (detergent, softener, bleaching agent, etc.) are introduced through the detergent introduction unit 9, and these detergents are tap water or bath water. At the same time, it is supplied into the water tank 12.

  A drainage port 27 is formed at the rearmost part of the water tank 12, and a drainage hose 28 (corresponding to a drainage path) connected to the outside of the washing / drying machine 1 is connected to the drainage port 27. A drain valve 29 is provided in the middle of the drain hose 28. As a result, the water in the water tank 12 can be drained outside the apparatus.

  A washing machine motor 30 is attached to the back surface of the water tank 12, and a rotating shaft 31 of the washing machine motor 30 projects into the water tank 12. A central portion of the end surface portion on the rear side of the drum 13 is attached to the distal end portion of the rotating shaft 31. Thereby, the drum 13 is coaxially supported by the water tank 12 so that rotation is possible. That is, the washing / drying machine 1 is configured to directly rotate and drive the drum 13 by the washing machine motor 30, and adopts a direct drive system using the washing machine motor 30. Further, in this case, the washing machine motor 30 is constituted by an outer rotor type brushless DC motor.

  The aquarium 12 is elastically supported by the housing 2 by a plurality of suspensions 32 (only one is shown). The supporting form is a horizontal axis in which the axial direction of the aquarium 12 is the front-rear direction, and the front is raised upward. It is inclined. Therefore, the drum 13 supported in the water tank 12 as described above has the same configuration.

  A base plate 33 is disposed below the water tank 12 (on the bottom surface of the housing 2), and a ventilation duct 34 is disposed on the base plate 33. The ventilation duct 34 has an air inlet 35 at the upper part of the front end, and the hot air outlet 22 of the water tank 12 is connected to the air inlet 35 via a connection hose 36 and a return air duct 37. Yes. The return air duct 37 is piped so as to bypass the side of the opening 14 of the water tank 12.

  A casing 39 of a circulation fan 38 is connected to the rear end of the ventilation duct 34, and an outlet 40 of the casing 39 is connected to the hot air of the water tank 12 via a connection hose 41 and an air supply duct 42. Connected to the inlet 23. As shown in FIG. 4, the air supply duct 42 is piped so as to bypass the right side of the washing machine motor 30 when viewed from the back side of the water tank 12 (washing and drying machine 1). Here, the return air duct 37, the connection hose 36, the ventilation duct 34, the casing 39 of the circulation fan 38, the connection hose 41, and the air supply duct 42 are connected to the circulation tank 43 (corresponding to the circulation path) connected to the water tank 12. ) Is configured.

  In this case, the circulation fan 38 is constituted by a centrifugal fan. That is, the circulation fan 38 has a centrifugal impeller 44 inside the casing 39 and a motor 45 that rotates the centrifugal impeller 44 outside the casing 39. The circulation blower 38 functions as a blower that circulates the air in the water tank 12 (in the drum 13) through the circulation air passage 43.

  An evaporator 46 (corresponding to dehumidifying means) is arranged in the front part and a condenser 47 (corresponding to heating means) is arranged in the rear part of the circulation duct 43 inside the ventilation duct 34. Although neither the evaporator 46 nor the condenser 47 is shown in detail in detail, the evaporator 46 and the condenser 47 are of a finned tube type in which a large number of heat transfer fins are arranged at a fine pitch, and are excellent in heat exchange. A wind (see an arrow indicated by a solid line in FIG. 3) flowing through the ventilation duct 34 passes between the fins.

  The evaporator 46 and the condenser 47 constitute a heat pump 49 together with a compressor 48 and a flow rate control valve (for example, an electronic control valve) not shown. In the heat pump 49, the compressor 48, the condenser 47, the flow rate control valve, and the evaporator 46 are cycle-connected in this order (refrigeration cycle) by the refrigerant circulation pipe, and the refrigerant is supplied by the operation of the compressor 48. It is designed to circulate. The air flowing in the circulation air passage 43 is cooled and dehumidified by the evaporator 46 and heated by the condenser 47 to be warmed.

  In the washing / drying machine 1 having such a configuration, an electrostatic atomizer 50 is provided in the middle of the circulation air passage 43. As shown in FIG. 4, in the electrostatic atomizer 50, in the air supply duct 42 constituting the middle portion of the circulation air passage 43, the electrostatic atomizer 50 is downstream of the hot air inlet 23 and the connection hose 41 is set upstream. It is provided in a portion immediately after the passage (in FIG. 4, the lower end portion of the portion in which the air supply duct 42 extends upward while bypassing the washing machine motor 30).

  Next, the configuration of the electrostatic atomizer 50 will be described with reference to FIG. The electrostatic atomizer 50 includes a case 51 attached to the outside of the circulation air passage 43, a plurality of discharge electrodes 52, a water retention material 53 (corresponding to water retention means), and a conductive rod 54. Yes.

  The discharge electrode 52 is formed of a porous material (for example, a felt material made of fibrous polyester) having water absorption, water retention, and suction properties, and has a pointed end (upper end in FIG. 1). It has a pin shape. The plurality of discharge electrodes 52 are fixed to the fixing plate 55 so as to penetrate through the fixing plate 55 made of an insulating material (for example, resin such as polypropylene), and each tip portion of the discharge air passage 43 is connected to the circulation air passage 43. It is provided so as to protrude inside. The plurality of discharge electrodes 52 include a discharge electrode 52a disposed in the center and a plurality of discharge electrodes 52b disposed concentrically around the discharge electrode 52a. In this case, the central discharge electrode 52 a is formed longer than the surrounding discharge electrode 52 b, and the base end portion (lower end portion in FIG. 1) is provided below the discharge electrode 52 in the case 51. It extends to the water storage tank 51a (corresponding to a water storage tank).

  The water retention material 53 is formed of a porous material (for example, urethane sponge) having water retention, and is disposed below the fixed plate 55. A plurality of discharge electrodes 52 are inserted into the water retaining material 53 so as to penetrate therethrough. Thereby, the part (the lower part in FIG. 1) of the discharge electrode 52 outside the circulation air passage 43 is covered with the water retention material 53.

  A water supply path 56 (see also FIG. 3) extending from the water supply valve 26 is connected to the water storage tank portion 51a. In this case, the water supply valve 26 can be switched so that only the tap water supply port 4 of the two water supply ports 4 and 5 is opened to the water supply path 56. Accordingly, a part of the tap water from the tap water supply port 4 is supplied to the water storage tank portion 51 a via the water supply valve 26 and the water supply path 56.

  And the water supplied in the water storage tank part 55a is water-absorbed (sucked up) via the discharge electrode 52a extended to the said water storage tank part 55a, and is supplied to the water retention material 53. The water supplied to the water retention material 53 permeates the water retention material 53, and accordingly, water is supplied to the discharge electrode 52a and the discharge electrode 52b. Here, the water supply valve 26 functions as the water supply means of the present invention for supplying water to the water retaining material 53 via the tap water supply port 4, the water supply path 56, the water storage tank portion 55a, and the discharge electrode 52a.

  The discharge electrode 52a includes not only water supplied from the water retention material 53 but also water absorbed by the discharge electrode 52a itself from the water storage tank portion 55a. Further, since the discharge electrode 52b is arranged concentrically with the discharge electrode 52a as the center, water penetrating into the water retaining material 53 from the discharge electrode 52a is evenly supplied to the surrounding discharge electrodes 52b. ing.

  Further, an overflow path 57 (see also FIG. 3) extending to a portion of the drain hose 28 downstream of the drain valve 29 is connected to the water storage tank portion 51a. In this overflow channel 57, the end portion 57a extends to the inside of the water storage tank portion 55a, whereby the amount of water until the water level reaches the end portion 57a (the water level indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1, for example, less than 1 cc), Water can be stored in the water storage tank portion 55a. When the water level in the water storage tank portion 55a reaches the end portion 57a, the water in the water storage tank portion 55a overflows from the end portion 57a, and the overflowed water is drained to the drainage hose 28 via the overflow channel 57. ing.

  The conductive rod 54 has a distal end portion that penetrates the water retaining material 53 and is fixed to the fixing plate 55, and a proximal end portion that is a negative electrode of a high voltage power source 58 (not shown) of the power supply circuit (not shown) of the washing / drying machine 1. For example, it is connected to −6 kV). As a result, a negative high voltage from the high voltage power supply 58 is applied to the discharge electrode 52 via the conductive rod 54 and the water retaining material 53 containing water, and the discharge electrode 52 is negatively charged. ing. That is, the high voltage applying means of the present invention is configured to apply a negative high voltage to the discharge electrode 52 from the conductive rod 54 and the high voltage power source 58 to negatively charge the discharge electrode 52.

  In this case, the casing 2 of the washing / drying machine 1 is grounded via a ground wire (not shown) or the like, and the casing 2 grounded in this way (opposite the discharge electrode 52). And a member provided at a position far away from the discharge electrode 52) functions as a counter electrode corresponding to the negatively charged discharge electrode 52.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a partition plate 43 a is provided in a portion of the circulation air passage 43 where the electrostatic atomizer 50 is installed. The partition plate 43 a has a flange portion 43 b that is inclined downward, and is opposed to the discharge electrode 52 of the electrostatic atomizer 50. Thereby, a part of the air (warm air) flowing in the circulation air passage 43 is supplied to the electrostatic atomizer 50 side so as to join the circulation air passage 43 after passing through the discharge electrode 52 and its peripheral portion. (Refer to the arrow indicated by a broken line in FIG. 3).

  According to the washing and drying machine 1 including the electrostatic atomizer 50 configured as described above, the water stored in the water storage tank portion 55a is supplied to the water retention material 53 via the discharge electrode 52a, and the water retention material 53 is supplied. The water retained in the water is supplied to the discharge electrode 52 whose tip protrudes into the circulation air passage 43. And the negative high voltage from the high voltage power supply 58 is applied to the discharge electrode 52 supplied with water. At this time, electric charges concentrate on the tip of the discharge electrode 52, and energy exceeding the surface tension is given to the water contained in the tip. As a result, the water at the tip of the discharge electrode 52 is split (Rayleigh split) and discharged into the circulation air passage 43 in the form of a mist (electrostatic atomization phenomenon). Here, the water particles released in the form of mist are negatively charged and contain hydroxy radicals generated by the energy. Accordingly, hydroxy radicals having a strong oxidizing action are supplied into the water tank 12 together with the air (warm air) flowing through the circulation air passage 43, so that the laundry (clothing, etc.) in the water tank 12 is sterilized and deodorized. Is possible.

  In this case, the counter electrode corresponding to the discharge electrode 52 negatively charged by the negative high voltage from the high voltage power supply 58 is not provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 52. For this reason, the discharge itself from the discharge electrode 52 becomes very gentle, and unlike the conventional configuration in which corona discharge is generated between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode, noxious gas (such as ozone or nitrogen in the air). Generation of nitrogen oxides, nitrous acid, nitric acid, and the like, which are generated by oxidizing the oxidant.

Accordingly, the door 6 and the bellows 17 are provided at the loading / unloading port for the laundry, and even in the drum-type washing / drying machine 1 having a high hermeticity, no harmful gas remains in the water tank 12 or the like, and the laundry is loaded / unloaded. There is no risk that the user will be exposed to harmful gases. In addition, there is no risk of discoloration of clothes or generation of bad odor due to harmful gases.
Moreover, since generation | occurrence | production of noxious gas can be suppressed in this way, it is not necessary to provide the structure (for example, ozone decomposition catalyst) for removing noxious gas.

  Further, the tap water from the tap water supply port 4 with high cleanliness is supplied to the water storage tank 51a, and bath water containing a large amount of germs and minerals (for example, calcium and magnesium) compared to tap water. Bath water from the water supply port 5 is not supplied to the water storage tank 51a. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the water storage tank 51a to become unsanitary due to various germs. Further, the mineral contained in the bath water does not reach the discharge electrode 52, and therefore, the mineral does not aggregate at the discharge electrode 52 to form a scale and accumulate. Therefore, it is possible to maintain good water permeability without causing the discharge electrode 52 to be clogged, and it is possible to prevent the amount of mist (water particles released in the form of mist) from being reduced. Further, the useful life of the discharge electrode 52 itself can be extended.

  The electrostatic atomizer 50 can be installed in any part of the circulation air passage 43 as long as it is in the middle of the circulation air passage 43. It is preferable to install in a part constituted by the duct 42. The air supply duct 42 constitutes a portion downstream of the evaporator 46 and the condenser 47 in the circulation air passage 43, and the hydroxy radical generated in this portion is used to cool the evaporator 46 and heat the condenser 47. This is because it becomes difficult to be affected by the action.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, platinum nanocolloid is supported on the discharge electrode 52. The platinum nanocolloid can be supported, for example, by immersing the discharge electrode 52 in a treatment solution containing the platinum nanocolloid and baking it.

  When platinum is reduced to a nano size (for example, a particle size of 2 to 5 nm) (when it is made into fine particles), the fine particles (platinum nanoparticles) become charged. When a negative charge is given to such platinum nanoparticles via the discharge electrode 52, the potential (oxidation-reduction potential) of the platinum nanoparticles becomes negative. When platinum nanoparticles having a negative oxidation-reduction potential come into contact with the air in the circulation air passage 43, the potential transfer from oxygen molecules is promoted on the platinum nanoparticles, and negatively charged oxygen atoms are generated. Is done. The negatively charged oxygen atoms become oxygen radicals by their energy, and are released from the platinum nanoparticles and released into the circulation air passage 43. Oxygen radicals released into the circulation air passage 43 come into contact with water particles released into the circulation air passage 43 in the form of mist, thereby generating hydroxy radicals.

  In addition, even if platinum particles that are not as small as nano-size are supported on the discharge electrode 52, such platinum particles have a positive charge, and thus cannot generate oxygen radicals or hydroxy radicals having a strong oxidizing action. .

  According to the present embodiment, the platinum nanocolloid supported on the discharge electrode 52 facilitates the generation of hydroxy radicals in the circulation air passage 43, and the sterilization function and deodorization function in the water tank 12 by the electrostatic atomizer 50. Can be further improved.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the water retaining material 53 is formed not by urethane sponge but by a fibrous ion exchange resin. Accordingly, the portion of the discharge electrode 52 outside the circulation air passage 43 is covered with the ion exchange resin. In this case, the ion exchange resin is formed by mixing a strongly acidic ion exchange resin and a strongly alkaline ion exchange resin.

  According to such a configuration, before the tap water from the tap water supply port 4 is supplied to the discharge electrode 52, minerals contained in the tap water are adsorbed and removed by the ion exchange resin. It is possible to prevent the scale from accumulating on the discharge electrode 52. Thereby, the water permeability of the discharge electrode 52 can be maintained satisfactorily, and the discharge electrode 52 can be appropriately negatively charged. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the amount of mist from being reduced. Further, the useful life of the discharge electrode 52 itself can be extended. Further, since the ion exchange resin is fibrous, it is difficult for the ion exchange resin to flow out of the water retaining material 53.

  The water retaining material 53 may be formed by mixing a water-absorbing resin (for example, cellulose, sodium polyacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol resin, polyamide resin, etc.) with an ion exchange resin. As a result, the water retention of the water retaining material 53 is improved, water for supplying to the discharge electrode 52 is hardly deficient, and water supply to the discharge electrode 52 is performed uniformly. The water absorbent resin may be fibrous or particulate, but preferably has a large surface area per weight.

  In addition, although there is a possibility that the ion exchange resin may flow out, the entire water retaining material 53 is not formed of a fibrous ion exchange resin, but, for example, particulate (bead-shaped) ions having a particle diameter of several tens to several hundreds of microns. The water retaining material 53 may be formed by mixing an exchange resin with urethane sponge. Further, for example, the ion exchange resin may be housed in a water-permeable cassette provided with a large number of holes and installed in the water storage tank portion 51a. For example, a column filled with an ion exchange resin may be installed in the middle of the water supply path 56. In short, before the water is supplied to the discharge electrode 52, the ion exchange resin may be brought into contact with the water to remove minerals.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In each of the above-described embodiments, a negative high voltage from the high voltage power supply 58 is applied to the discharge electrode 52 through the water contained in the water retention material 53. This is to make it easy to flow electricity through water so as to appropriately maintain energization efficiency and to prevent ignition due to heating due to a decrease in conductivity. However, as shown in the third embodiment described above, if the mineral contained in the water is removed by the ion exchange resin, the conductivity of the water is greatly reduced, and the energization efficiency is lowered. there is a possibility.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the discharge electrode 52 is obtained by mixing a conductive material (for example, carbon fiber) with a porous material (for example, a felt material made of fibrous polyester) having water absorption, water retention, and suction characteristics. Is formed. According to such a configuration, since the discharge electrode 52 itself has conductivity, even when the conductivity of water is lowered, the discharge electrode 52 is negatively charged from the high voltage power supply 58. The voltage is applied appropriately. As a result, ignition due to heating caused by a decrease in conductivity can be prevented, and discharge from the discharge electrode 52 becomes stable.
Alternatively, the discharge electrode 52 may be formed of only a felt material made of, for example, carbon fiber, and the entire discharge electrode 52 may be formed of a conductive substance.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the disinfectant 61 is installed inside the water storage tank 51a.
In this case, the disinfectant 61 is formed as a cubic block material, and is composed of silver oxide and calcium phosphate (corresponding to phosphate glass). The silver oxide has a sterilizing action by eluting silver contained therein (corresponding to a metal element having sterilizing properties) as silver ions in water.

  Calcium phosphate has a property of gradually eluting into water (gradual solubility), and has a function of gradually reducing the volume of the disinfectant 61 itself by this slow solubility. Calcium phosphate has hardness (hardness) which is a property of glass. Therefore, it also has a function of imparting mechanical strength (hardness) to the disinfectant 61.

  According to the present embodiment, the silver ions eluted from the disinfectant 61 can suppress the growth of various germs in the water storage tank 51a, and the electrostatic atomizer 50 in the water storage tank 51a. The inside can be kept hygienic. Moreover, generation | occurrence | production of the slime derived from miscellaneous fungi can be suppressed, and the fall of the water absorption to the discharge electrode 52 and the fall of the discharge | release amount of mist can be prevented. Further, the water supplied to the discharge electrode 52 and thus the mist-like water particles released from the discharge electrode 52 contain silver ions, and the silver ions are supplied into the water tank 12. Therefore, it becomes possible to impart antibacterial properties to the laundry in the water tank 12.

Moreover, when the phosphate component contained in the disinfectant 61 is dissolved in water, a chelate structure (Ca ₂ P ₆ O ₁₈ ²⁻ , Mg ₂ P ₆ O ₁₈ ²⁻ ) with respect to a mineral content (calcium or magnesium). To increase the water solubility of minerals. This makes it difficult for the mineral content to aggregate on the discharge electrode 52 and does not form and accumulate scales, so that the discharge electrode 52 can maintain good water flow without causing clogging, It can prevent that the discharge | release amount of mist (water particle discharge | released in mist form) falls. Further, the useful life of the discharge electrode 52 itself can be extended.

  Note that the disinfectant 61 may include zinc oxide having a function of preventing browning of silver oxide, cobalt oxide added to disinfect the disinfectant 61 in blue, and the like. Moreover, the shape of the disinfectant 61 is not limited to a cube, and may be, for example, a disk shape or a plate shape. Moreover, it is possible to adjust the elution amount of silver ions by appropriately changing the weight and size per grain.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, a plurality of curvatures at the tips of the plurality of discharge electrodes 71 are set.
That is, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the discharge electrode 71a disposed in the central portion has a curvature at the tip (radius of the tip) of 1 to 2 mm. On the other hand, the discharge electrode 71b arranged around the discharge electrode 71a has a larger curvature at the tip than the discharge electrode 71a, and the largest is about 5 mm. That is, the tip of the discharge electrode 71a at the center is pointed, while the tip of the surrounding discharge electrode 71b is a smooth hemisphere. In addition, the surrounding discharge electrode 71b is arrange | positioned concentrically centering on the discharge electrode 71a, as shown in FIG.

  In general, the sharper the tip of the discharge electrode, the higher the discharge voltage and the smaller the particle size of water particles released in the form of mist (about several tens to several hundreds of nm). Therefore, the ratio (content ratio) of hydroxy radicals contained in the water particles can be increased. However, in this case, the amount of mist generated itself decreases. On the other hand, when the tip of the discharge electrode is rounded, the amount of mist generated can be increased, but the particle size of the water particles increases and the proportion of hydroxy radicals contained in the water particles decreases. .

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a plurality of curvatures at the tip of the discharge electrode 71 are set, and a discharge electrode with a sharp tip and a rounded discharge electrode are mixed. According to such a configuration, it is possible to increase the ratio of hydroxy radicals contained in the water particles as much as possible while suppressing the decrease in the amount of mist generated as much as possible. This stabilizes both the amount of mist generated and the content of hydroxy radicals, and the generated mist and hydroxy radicals are released uniformly. Therefore, efficient sterilization action and deodorization action can be realized.

  For example, the curvature of the distal end portion of the central discharge electrode 71a may be increased, and the curvature of the distal end portion of the surrounding discharge electrode 71b may be decreased. In short, it is only necessary to have a configuration in which a rounded discharge electrode having a large curvature at the tip and a sharp discharge electrode having a small curvature at the tip are mixed. Further, the curvature of each discharge electrode is not limited to the above numerical values, and can be appropriately changed and set.

(Other embodiments)
In addition, this invention is not limited only to each above-mentioned embodiment, It can deform | transform or expand as follows.
As a porous material for forming the discharge electrodes 52 and 71, a porous ceramic material, a porous metal material, or the like may be used.
As long as at least one discharge electrode 52, 71 is formed long and extends to the water storage tank portion 51a, all may be formed long, or some of the plurality may be formed long. May be.

  The water supply path 56 may be connected to the bottom of the air duct 34 so that dehumidified water generated from the evaporator 46 is supplied into the water storage tank portion 55a. Further, the water supply valve 26 is configured to be switchable so that the bath water supply port 5 is opened to the water supply path 56, and a part of the bath water from the bath water supply port 5 is supplied into the water storage tank portion 51a. You may make it do.

For example, the overflow path 57 may be connected to the bottom of the water tank 12 so that the water overflowing from the water storage tank part 55a is drained into the water tank 12. According to such a configuration, the water overflowing from the water storage tank portion 55a can be used as washing water without being wasted.
As a counter electrode corresponding to the discharge electrodes 52 and 71 that are negatively charged by the high voltage applying means, a grounding body may be provided at a position that is not opposed to the discharge electrodes 52 and 71 and is away from the discharge electrodes 52 and 71. .

  For example, when it is desired to disinfect and deodorize laundry that cannot be washed by being immersed in water, an operation course for supplying mist from the electrostatic atomizer 50 without supplying water into the water tank 12 is provided. Also good. This makes it possible to disinfect and deodorize laundry that is weak against water without immersing it in water.

  In addition, when the washing process is performed using bath water, control for increasing the amount of mist generated from the electrostatic atomizer 50 in the drying process and control for increasing the content of hydroxy radicals are performed. Also good. In addition, control for extending the generation time of mist may be performed. Thereby, even if miscellaneous bacteria contained in the bath water remain in the laundry after the completion of washing, such miscellaneous bacteria can be removed.

  The present invention is applicable not only to the washing / drying machine 1 having the heat pump 49 in the circulation air passage 43 but also to the heater type washing / drying machine having a heater and a water-cooled heat exchanger in the circulation air passage. Can do. In this case, the electrostatic atomizer 50 is preferably installed on the downstream side (water tank side) of the heat exchanger in the circulation air path.

  In the drawings, 1 is a washing / drying machine, 2 is a housing (a member provided not to face the discharge electrode and away from the discharge electrode, a counter electrode corresponding to the discharge electrode negatively charged by the high voltage applying means) 4 is a tap water supply port (water supply port), 12 is a water tank (washing tub), 26 is a water supply valve (water supply means), 28 is a drain hose (drainage route), 38 is a circulation fan (blower means), 43 Is a circulation air path (circulation path), 46 is an evaporator (dehumidifying means), 47 is a condenser (heating means), 50 is an electrostatic atomizer, 51a is a water storage tank (water storage tank), and 52 and 71 are release. Electrode, 53 is a water retaining material (water retaining means), 54 is a conductive rod (high voltage applying means), 56 is a water supply path, 57 is an overflow path, 58 is a high voltage power source (high voltage applying means), and 61 is a disinfectant. Show.

Claims (8)

A circulation path connected to the washing tub, a blowing means for circulating the air in the washing tub through the circulation path, a dehumidifying means for cooling and dehumidifying the air flowing in the circulation path, and a flow in the circulation path In a washing and drying machine provided with a heating means for heating air,
Formed with a porous material having water absorption, water retention and wicking properties, a discharge electrode provided so that the tip protrudes into the circulation path, and formed with a porous material having water retention and retained water A static holding device comprising water retaining means for supplying water to the discharge electrode, water supply means for supplying water to the water retention means, and high voltage application means for applying a negative high voltage to the discharge electrode to negatively charge the discharge electrode. Equipped with an atomizer ,
A housing of the washing / drying machine, which is a member that is not opposed to the discharge electrode and is located away from the discharge electrode, functions as a counter electrode corresponding to the discharge electrode that is negatively charged by the high voltage applying means. A washing and drying machine characterized by being configured as described above . The washing / drying machine according to claim 1, wherein platinum nanocolloid is supported on the discharge electrode . The washing / drying according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water retaining means is formed of a fibrous ion exchange resin and covers a portion of the discharge electrode outside the circulation path. Machine. The washing / drying machine according to claim 3, wherein the water retention means is formed by mixing the water-absorbing resin with the ion exchange resin . The washing / drying machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the discharge electrode contains a conductive substance . A water storage tank that is provided below the discharge electrode and stores water supplied to the discharge electrode through the water retention means;
A water supply path connected to a water supply port for supplying water to the inside of the washing tub, and supplying a part of the water from the water supply port to the water storage tank;
6. An overflow path connected to a drainage path for draining water in the washing tub and draining water overflowing from the water storage tank to the drainage path . The washing dryer as described in. The washing / drying machine according to claim 6 , wherein a disinfectant comprising a disinfecting metal element and a phosphate glass having a slow solubility in water is installed in the water storage tank . A plurality of the discharge electrodes are provided,
The plurality of discharge electrodes, together forms a pin-shaped having a sharp tip, respectively, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the curvature thereof tip is more set Washing and drying machine.

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