JP6039377B2 - Ion eluting device, ion cartridge, and washing machine equipped with them - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ion eluting apparatus for eluting ions for antibacterial treatment, an ion cartridge for enabling replacement, and a washing machine including them.

  A washing machine for antibacterial treatment of laundry is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. This washing machine includes an ion elution device (hereinafter referred to as an ion unit) that elutes into tap water supplied with metal ions by electrolysis, for example, in a water supply path for supplying tap water to a washing tub for storing laundry. I have to prepare.

  The ion unit elutes silver ions by electrolysis by supplying a predetermined voltage between two electrodes (for example, silver electrodes) for eluting metal ions. The water to which the silver ions eluted in this way are added is guided to a common supply path for supplying bath water and the like after passing through the water supply path, and is supplied to the washing tub containing the laundry. The As a result, the laundry is supplied with water containing silver ions, for example, during the rinsing process, so that the silver ions penetrate into the fibers of the laundry, and the antibacterial treatment is performed.

  The metal ions for performing sterilization and antibacterial treatment are not limited to silver ions, and are selected from other metal ions such as copper, zinc, and other metals.

  In the ion unit, the electrode for eluting metal ions is not permanent and is gradually consumed (depleted). In order to provide metal ion water having a sufficient concentration for laundry or the like, it is necessary to replace the electrode with a new one. For this reason, a serviceman requests to replace the electrode.

  However, it is very troublesome for a user to request a serviceman, and the user cannot respond to the same day in a short time. As a result, the laundry is also stored. In addition, requesting a service person increases the economic burden.

  In order to solve this problem, for example, the one described in Patent Document 2 has been proposed and put into practice. In the device described in Patent Document 2, an ion elution apparatus (unit) itself provided with an electrode for eluting metal ions is formed into a cartridge so that it can be replaced. This replaceable ion elution unit is provided in a sealed state in a water supply path for supplying tap water to a washing tub, and is configured to be replaceable, that is, detachable.

Special table 2007-512938 Japanese Patent No. 3638018

  According to the washing machine described in Patent Document 2, the ion elution unit can be replaced not only by a dedicated service person but also by a user. Therefore, it can be easily exchanged by the user when necessary, is economical, and can be exchanged on the same day.

  Here, the problem is the configuration in which the ion unit protrudes from the washing machine body. That is, in order to allow replacement, the ion unit is protruded from the top surface of the washing machine by a considerable amount so as to be pulled upward. Since the ion unit protrudes, a place where the ion unit does not get in the way is required at the place where the washing machine is installed.

  For example, when a new washing machine is installed in a place where an old washing machine has been installed, it is necessary that the protruding ion unit does not interfere. However, when installing a new washing machine, the protruding replaceable ion unit may be in the way and cannot be installed. Therefore, it is easy to receive restrictions on an installation place, and limited installation is forced.

  Moreover, even if it protrudes partially on the top surface of the washing machine, when packing the washing machine, the entire height including the protruding portion becomes high and bulky. Therefore, restrictions and restrictions are imposed on the stacking at the time of shipment.

  On the other hand, in the ion unit described in Patent Document 2, it is provided in a sealed state in the water supply path, and it is an absolute requirement to prevent water leakage or the like during replacement. Therefore, if the washing machine is operated with the ion unit removed, the water to be supplied spouts out to the upper part of the top surface and flows into the washing machine from the opening of the removed part. Furthermore, a part of the water overflows to the outside of the washing machine and wets the floor surface on which it is placed. Even if the washing machine is placed on a washing pan or the like, if the installation area of the washing pan is sufficiently large, it will be drained as it is, but in other cases, the water overflows to the floor.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, it is necessary to disable the operation of the washing machine if the means for detecting the removal of the ion unit and the detection means detect the removal. In this case, since the washing machine does not operate, the user may misunderstand that the washing machine has failed.

  Furthermore, according to the ion unit of patent document 1 or patent document 2, since it arrange | positions in the water supply path | route of a sealing state, the time which passes between electrodes is very short. Although the problem can be solved by reducing the amount of water supply and slowing down the flow rate, the time for supplying water to the washing tub becomes longer and the washing time becomes longer.

  Therefore, in order to increase the concentration of ions eluted while ensuring a sufficient amount of water supply, it is conceivable to increase the voltage applied between the electrodes and increase the amount of current flowing. However, if the voltage value is increased, problems such as electrical insulation arise from the relationship of treating water. Therefore, it is necessary to suppress the voltage value as low as possible (→ suppress). Therefore, there is a contradiction between increasing the ion concentration and the demand for obtaining the amount of water supply for pouring water into the washing tub in a short time.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present invention is to provide an ion unit that constantly stabilizes eluted ions and obtains a sufficient ion concentration, that is, an ion elution apparatus.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an ion cartridge that does not protrude from the washing machine and can be exchanged for an ion unit.

  Another object of the present invention is to make it easier to replace the ion cartridge.

  This invention is providing the washing machine which does not receive restrictions with an installation place etc. by providing the ion elution apparatus (ion unit) by this invention.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that is not bulky in the height direction.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention provides an ion elution device that elutes ions for antibacterial treatment in water poured into a washing tub in a washing machine having at least a washing function. This ion elution device is provided in a water injection path for injecting water into the washing tub. The ion elution apparatus includes a water storage tank for storing water, a partition plate that forms one side wall of the water storage tank, and causes the stored water to overflow and flow out, and an ion elution member that is provided in the water storage tank and performs ion elution. Become.

  With the above configuration, the ion elution apparatus does not need to be configured in a watertight state due to water leakage.

  In addition, it can be attached to and detached from the cover case having a water injection path for receiving the bath water and injecting water into the washing tub. It can be configured as an ion cartridge provided.

  Thereby, the ion cartridge can be taken out from the cover case and replaced with a new ion cartridge. In addition, the ion elution device is provided in the water injection route for injecting water into the washing machine via the tap water supply route, so there is no need to protrude from the top surface of the washing machine, and water is injected into the washing tub of the washing machine. The ion cartridge can be detachable in the water injection path.

  According to the washing machine including the ion eluting device having such a configuration, the lid is closed so as to cover the washing tub during the washing operation, and the opening of the lid is locked. Therefore, the ion cartridge cannot be replaced during the washing operation.

  As described above, the ion elution apparatus is very safe, and when the washing machine is not in operation, the ion cartridge can be exchanged, and the ion cartridge and the washing machine with excellent safety can be provided.

  In the ion eluting apparatus of the present invention, the electrode that elutes ions is immersed in the water accumulated in the water storage tank. In the meantime, ion elution is performed by the electrode. For this reason, ion elution is performed during the period from the overflow of the partition plate of the water tank to the outflow, and stable ion elution can be performed.

  Therefore, the voltage supplied between the electrodes can be kept low.

The perspective view which shows an ion elution apparatus part in the state which open | released the upper cover of the washing machine of this invention. The sectional side view which shows the cross section of the ion elution apparatus part in the state which closed the upper cover of the washing machine of this invention. The perspective view which shows the state which pulled out the ion cartridge which comprises an ion elution apparatus in the state which opened the washing machine of this invention. The sectional side view in the state where the section of an ion eluting device was shown in the state where the upper lid of the washing machine of the present invention was closed, and the ion cartridge was pulled out. The top view of the ion elution apparatus in this invention. Sectional drawing of the ion elution apparatus in the AA of FIG. It is sectional drawing in the BB line of FIG. 5, and sectional drawing of the ion cartridge part except the cover case of the ion elution apparatus. Sectional drawing of the ion elution apparatus in the CC line | wire of FIG. The perspective view which shows the ion cartridge which comprises the ion elution apparatus in this invention. The top view which shows the ion cartridge which comprises the ion elution apparatus in this invention.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows an upper portion of the washing machine in a perspective view viewed from the front side with an upper lid opened. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the ion cartridge of the ion elution apparatus of the present invention is pulled out from the perspective view of FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a side sectional view according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a state where the upper lid of the washing machine is closed, and is a cross-sectional view showing an ion eluting apparatus portion of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an ion cartridge constituting the ion elution apparatus of the present invention is pulled out for replacement with respect to the cross-sectional view of FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a top view of the ion elution apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 9 and 10 are a perspective view and a plan view showing an ion cartridge of the present invention that can be replaced.

  First, the configuration of the washing machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The washing machine 1 represents a fully automatic washing machine in a vertical system, and includes an outer box 2. The outer box 2 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and is formed of a metal or a synthetic resin, and the upper surface and the bottom surface thereof are openings. The outer box 2 has an upper open portion covered with a top plate 3 made of synthetic resin and fixed with screws 3a. An operation unit 4 for performing a washing operation is provided on the front and upper surfaces of the upper surface plate 3. The operation unit 4 is shown in a state where a panel on which printing or the like for a washing operation is performed is excluded. A back panel 5 made of a synthetic resin is also mounted on the back side of the top plate 3 and is screwed. Further, a base (base) (not shown) made of synthetic resin is provided at the bottom opening of the outer box 2 and is screwed.

  In the center of the top plate 3, an entrance / exit 6 for opening the laundry into the washing machine 1 is opened. The doorway 6 is opened and closed by a lid 8 pivotally supported by a hinge portion 7 provided at the front end portion of the back panel 5. The outer shape of the lid 8 is formed in a substantially D shape in plan view, and the linear portion is pivotally supported by the hinge portion 7 so as to be opened and closed. A packing portion (not shown) is provided at the periphery of the lid 8 so that the space between the entrance 6 and the lid 8 is kept airtight. The packing portion may be provided at the upper edge of the entrance / exit 6 of the top plate 3.

  Inside the outer box 2, there are provided a laundry dewatering tub 9, which is a washing tub for storing laundry and performing washing and dewatering, and a water tank (not shown) that houses the laundry dewatering tub 9. The laundry dewatering tank 9 stores water in which detergent is dissolved or water for rinsing (hereinafter collectively referred to as “washing water”). Both the water tank and the washing and dewatering tank 9 have a shape of a bottomed cylindrical cup having an open top surface, and are arranged concentrically with the water tank being on the outside and the washing and dewatering tank 9 being on the inside with the axis being vertical. The

  The water tank is suspended inside the outer box 2 by a suspension member (not shown). Suspension members are provided at a total of four locations connecting the lower outer surface of the water tank and the inner corners of the outer box 2, supporting the water tank so that it can swing within the outer box 2, and absorbing vibration. .

  The laundry dewatering tub 9 has a peripheral wall extending upwardly in a tapered shape, and this peripheral wall has no opening for allowing liquid to pass through except for a plurality of unillustrated dewatering holes arranged in an annular shape at the uppermost portion. That is, the laundry dewatering tank 9 is formed in a so-called “no hole” type. An annular balancer is attached to the edge of the upper opening of the laundry dewatering tub 9 to suppress vibration when the dewatering tub 9 is rotated at a high speed for dewatering the laundry. A pulsator which is a stirring blade for stirring and flowing the washing water in the tank is disposed on the inner bottom surface of the dehydration tank 9. Note that the washing and dewatering tank 9 may be a holed type in which a large number of holes are provided in the peripheral wall, instead of the holeless type.

  A drive unit is attached to the lower surface of the water tank (not shown). The drive unit has a motor, a clutch mechanism, and a brake mechanism. The clutch mechanism and the brake mechanism selectively rotate the laundry dewatering tub and the pulsator at the same time through the dehydrating shaft and the pulsator shaft. The brake mechanism brakes the rotation of the dehydrating shaft by electromagnetic force and releases the brake.

  A water treatment unit for supplying and supplying tap water, bath water, and the like is provided in a space below the back panel 5. The water treatment unit includes a water supply valve (not shown) for supplying tap water connected to a tap faucet for supplying tap water, a bath water supply unit 19 for supplying bath water, and the like.

  Tap water (hereinafter referred to as water) supplied through the water supply valve is supplied to an ion elution apparatus (hereinafter referred to as ion unit) 10 according to the present invention. Below, the structure of the ion unit 10 of this invention is demonstrated.

(Configuration of ion elution device)
As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and the like, the ion unit 10 is provided in a space portion on the lower surface of the back panel 5, and is screwed and fixed to the washing machine body side. An ion cartridge 30 for eluting ions provided so as to be slidable with respect to 20 and detachably mounted.

  The cover case 20 has an opening 20a on the front side (the side facing the washing / dehydrating tub 9 and the side facing the front side of the washing machine main body, the side pouring water into the washing / dehydrating tub 9). Water to which ions to be described later are added and washing water such as bath water to be described later are poured into the washing and dewatering tank 9. Further, the ion cartridge 30 can be attached and detached through the opening 20a. The cover case 20 is fixed to a support member 12 attached and fixed to the back panel 5, and an opening 20 a corresponds to an opening portion where the front surface of the support member 12 (side where the washing / dehydrating tub 9 is located) is opened. Is fixed.

  In the cover case 20, the bottom plate 20b functions as a water injection path for water, washing water, etc., as shown in the cross-sectional view along line AA in FIG. 5 (FIG. 6) and the cross-sectional view along line CC (FIG. 8). To do. The bottom plate 20b is formed to be downwardly inclined (inclined toward the washing / dehydrating tub 9) and curved downward, and efficiently injects water and washing water into the washing / dehydrating tub 9.

  The cover case 20 includes an opening 20a on the front side, an upper plate (top plate) 20c on the upper surface, a back plate 20d serving as a back surface on the side opposite to the opening 20a, and side plates 20e and 20f forming both side surfaces. The top plate 20c is composed of a stepped surface 20g whose central portion is lowered by one step, and a face 20h that hangs down from the top plate 20c corresponding to the stepped surface 20g. The bottom plate 20b, the top plate 20c, the back plate 20d, and both side plates 20e and 20f are integrally formed, and the top plate 20c has stepped surfaces 20g and 20h. In the cover case 20, washing water such as water and bath water is introduced into a case space having an opening 20a on the front side. In addition, each board mentioned above which comprises the cover case 20 can be formed separately, and can also be integrated with an adhesive agent etc.

  The back plate 20d of the cover case 20 communicates with the water supply path, communicates with a water receiving pipe 21 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape for introducing water into the cover case, and a bath water supply unit 19, and introduces washing water. A prismatic bath water receiving pipe 22 is provided. The top plate 20c is provided with a plurality of fixing pieces 23a, 23b, 23c and the like for screwing and fixing to the washing machine body side. The fixing pieces 23a and 23b are provided on the side plate 20e side, and the fixing pieces 23c are provided on the side plate 20f side.

  The back plate 20d is provided with an introduction pipe 24 that introduces water into the cover case and supplies it to the ion cartridge 30 described later at the opening of the water receiving pipe 21. As shown in FIG. 6, the introduction pipe 24 is separate from the cover case 20 and is provided so as to surround the opening, and is provided with a screw (not shown) via a screwing piece 24a with a screw (not shown) on the back plate 20d of the cover case 20. It is fixed to. The introduction pipe 24 has a first supply port 24b for supplying a water reservoir 38 of an ion elution part 32 (described later) provided on the ion cartridge 30 side on the lower surface in the vicinity of the tip part, with the tip part on the downstream side of the water flow blocked. And the 2nd supply port 24c which supplies directly to the bottom face 20b used as the water injection path | route mentioned above is formed. The first supply port 24b is set to flow less than the second supply port 24c. For example, the first supply port 24b is provided with two to three small holes, whereas the second supply port 24c is provided with small holes of the same diameter about 5 to 10 times. Therefore, a large amount of water is supplied from the second supply port 24 c to the bottom surface 20 b of the cover case 20, and the remaining part is supplied to the water storage tank 31.

  The back plate 20 d of the cover case 20 is formed with an inlet 26 for introducing bath water (washing water) from the bath water receiving pipe 22, and the bath water receiving pipe 22 is connected to the water injection path of the cover case 20. Direct communication. The inlet 26 is formed so that the lower edge thereof is connected to the bottom plate 20b of the cover case 20 and is flush with the same plane.

  Further, the cover case 20 is provided with guide pieces 25a and 25b that function as guides when the ion cartridge 30 is pulled out and put in and out. The guide pieces 25a and 25b are formed in an L shape that hangs downward from the top plate 20c of the cover case 20 and extends from the back plate 20d. As shown in FIG. 8, the gap formed between the guide piece 25a and the side plate 20e and between the guide piece 25b and the side face 20h of the top plate 20c guides the guide wall provided in the ion cartridge 30. Functions as a guide hole.

  In the cover case 20, as shown in FIG. 8, the portion corresponding to the bath water receiving pipe 22 has a step portion formed one step lower as described above. An electrical connection portion (described later) that supplies power for generating metal ions of the ion cartridge 30 is located in a portion corresponding to the lower portion of the step portion surface 20g constituting the step portion.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the cover case 20 is formed with step portions 20i and 20i at portions where the bottom plate 20b and both side plates 20e and 20f are connected. This step portion 20i is formed as a support portion when an ion cartridge 30 described later is attached or detached.

(Ion cartridge constituting the ion elution device)
Next, the configuration of the ion cartridge 30 that can be attached to and detached from the cover case 20 will be described. This ion cartridge 30 is provided with an electrical connection part 31 and an ion elution part 32 separately. The ion cartridge 30 corresponds to the surface of the opening 20a of the cover case 20 as shown in FIGS. 7, 9, and 10, and includes a front wall 30a that covers the opening 20a so as to hide it, and an ion elution part 32 that performs ion elution. The partition wall 30b that separates the electrical connection part 31 that supplies voltage to the electrode provided in the ion elution part, the side wall 30c on the side of the ion elution part 32 that constitutes one side surface with the same size as the partition wall 30b, A space part defined by a side wall 30d on the side of the electrical connection part 31 constituting the side surface and a bottom wall 30e located between the partition wall 30b and the side wall 30c is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the upper part of the side wall 30c and the partition wall 30b has a gap between the side plate 20e provided on the cover case 20 side and the guide piece 25a and a gap between the vertical surface 20h and the guide piece 25b as guide holes. It becomes slidable, and functions as a guide part that makes the attachment and detachment of the ion cartridge 30 reliable and easy with the positioning of the ion cartridge 30. Further, the lower portions of the side plate 30c and the other side plate 30d are in contact with each other so as to be supported by step portions 20i formed on both sides of the bottom plate 20b of the cover case 20, as shown in FIG. It functions as a guide part. Here, the ion elution part 32 is formed by partitioning the electrical connection part 31 as shown in FIG. 8 between the partition wall 30 b and the wall 20 h facing the cover case 20, and supplies the electrical connection part 31 to the cover case 20. It has a structure separated from water.

  The electrical connection portion 31 has a box 33 having a rectangular cross section with an upper surface opened and a side wall 30d including a side wall 30d, and a silver electrode connection terminal 31a for ion elution described later in the space. 31b (see FIG. 7), a lead wire 34 for supplying a voltage to the connection terminal is provided. The other end side of the lead wire 34 is connected to a receptacle portion 35 a that constitutes a connector 35 provided on the front wall 30 a outside the box 33. The other plug part 35b that can be electrically connected to and separated from the receptacle part 35a is connected to a voltage supply circuit on the washing machine body side via a lead wire (not shown). The receptacle portion 35a and the plug portion 35b constituting the connector 35 are covered with an insulating member except for the electrical connection portion, and the periphery is covered with the insulating member when the plug and the receptacle are electrically connected to each other. In addition, airtightness is maintained at the same time as insulation, and entry of water and the like is prevented.

  The opening surface of the box 33 is provided with a sealing lid 33a covering the upper surface. Around this sealing lid 33a, there is formed a recess 33c into which a packing 33b for sealing is fitted. In addition, a fixing piece 33d for screwing is provided at one end of the front side of the sealing lid 33a. Corresponding to this fixed piece 33d, a boss portion 30f (see FIG. 9) for screwing is provided on the front wall 30a. Thus, the sealing lid 33a is attached to the upper surface of the box 33, and the fixing piece 33d is screwed to the boss 30f as shown in FIG. The space is kept watertight.

  Note that the lead wire 34 is led out from a notch provided in the side wall portion of the front surface of the box 33. The lead-out portion is bundled by an elastic insulating member 34a (see FIG. 7), and by fixing the sealing lid 33a, the notch is closed together with the packing 33b, and the water tightness in the box 33 is secured.

  Moreover, the periphery of the connection terminals 31a and 31b is covered with insulating members 31c and 31d so as to enhance insulation and further ensure safety. One end of each of the connection terminals 31 a and 31 b is provided with a communication portion 33 e that communicates between the box 33 and the ion elution portion 32 in order to guide the connection terminal 31 a and 31 b to the ion elution portion 32. One end of each of the connection terminals 31a and 31b reaches the ion elution part 32 in an appearance filled with the insulating rubber 33f and the like in the communication part 33e. The insulating rubber 33 f is provided to prevent water stored in a water storage tank provided in the ion elution part 32 from flowing into the box 33 during ion elution.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the box 33 of the electrical connection portion 31 has a portion facing the bath water inlet 26 of the cover case 20 formed in a shape that forms an inclined surface. Thereby, the resistance of water when bath water is supplied from an inlet 26 (not shown) on the right side in FIG. 7 is greatly reduced. Thereby, the bath water can be smoothly poured into the washing / dehydrating tub 9 without being obstructed by the presence of the box 33 of the electrical connection portion 31.

  In FIG. 9, the ion cartridge 30 includes a holding portion for holding and fixing the receptacle portion 35a of the connector 35 on the front wall 30a, a screwing boss portion 30f for fixing the sealing lid 33a, and the ion cartridge 30 itself as a washing machine. A screw hole 30g for fixing to the main body is provided in a recess 30h formed one step lower. The screw holes 30g are provided so as to correspond to the fixing portions 12a provided in the support member 12 provided in the lower part of the back panel 5 of the washing machine body as shown in FIGS. The fixed portion 12a is formed so as to hang downward from the edge of the opening 20a of the top plate 20c of the cover case 20 and to protrude to the front side. Corresponding to the protruding fixing portion 12a, the above-described recess 30h is provided on the upper surface of the front wall 30a of the ion cartridge 20, and the screw hole 30g is provided in the recess.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the fixing part 12a is provided on the front wall 30a by inserting the ion cartridge 30 into the cover case 20 so that the front wall 30a of the ion cartridge 30 covers the opening 20a of the cover case 20. The ion cartridge 30 is fixed to the support member 12 by being fitted into the recessed portion 30h and screwed with a screw or the like through the screw hole 30g. As described above, the cover case 20 is fixed to the support member 12 with screws or the like via the fixing pieces 23.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the lower portion 30i of the front wall 30a of the ion cartridge 30 is formed with an interval enough to allow a finger of a hand to be inserted between the edge of the bottom plate 20b of the cover case 20. The lower edge portion serving as a water supply passage is hidden, and the ion cartridge 30 is pulled out and functions as a handle (30i) for insertion. Therefore, the ion cartridge 30 can be pulled out from the cover case 20 by placing a hand on the handle 30i.

  FIG. 2 shows a state in which the decorative plate 13 that covers the front surface of the ion cartridge 30 is attached in a state where the ion cartridge 30 is inserted and fixed in the cover case 20. The decorative board (cover) 13 is detachably attached to the support member 12. Thereby, the front surface of the front wall 30a of the ion cartridge 30 is covered. As a result, the appearance looks beautiful and the design is excellent. The decorative plate 13 may be provided directly on the ion cartridge 30 side.

  Then, the structure of the ion elution part 32 of the ion cartridge 30 is demonstrated in detail. The ion elution part 32 is provided with a metal electrode for ion elution, for example, two silver electrodes 37 (37a, 37b). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the ion elution part 32 is provided with a partition plate 36 near the center of the bottom wall 30e, and is partitioned into the partition plate 36, the front wall 30a, the partition wall 30b, the side wall 30c, and the bottom wall 30e. A water storage tank 38 whose upper surface is open is formed.

  A silver electrode 37 is disposed in the water storage tank 38. In the silver electrode 37, the electrodes 37a and 37b are electrically connected to one end of the connection terminals 31a and 31b described above. Further, the partition plate 36 has a function of storing a certain amount of water in the water storage tank 38, and the water exceeding the certain amount gets over (overflows) the upper edge of the partition plate 36 and flows out to the bottom wall 30e.

  The partition plate 36 constituting the water storage tank 38 blocks the tap water supplied from the first supply port 24b of the introduction pipe 24 described above so that a constant amount of water is always accumulated, and the elution of silver ions Is ensured and stabilized, and the electrode loss is reduced not from the tip but from the tip. Therefore, the upper edge of the partition plate 36 is formed at such a height that all the silver electrodes 37 can be immersed in water. Moreover, the water supplied from the 1st supply port 24b is supplied between the silver electrode 37 and the front wall 30a, as shown in FIG. As a result, a constant amount of water always accumulates in the water storage tank 38 and flows between the silver electrodes 37 and overflows and flows out of the partition plate 36. Therefore, in the silver electrode 37, silver ions are eluted in the water in a state where all are immersed in water, and the silver electrode 37 flows out from the partition plate 36 side, so that the amount of elution can be stabilized and at the same time the electrode is partially depleted. Also disappear.

  Further, the bottom wall 30e of the ion cartridge 30 is formed with a large number of rectangular holes 30j in the bottom wall 30e on the side that overflows and flows out of the partition plate. The many holes 30j function as a rectifying plate that prevents the supplied water from splashing and scattering. Hereinafter, the portion where the numerous holes are formed will be described as a current plate 30k. The second supply port 24c of the introduction pipe 24 is positioned corresponding to the rectifying plate 30k. Therefore, even if a large amount of water is supplied from the second supply port 24c, the water is prevented from splashing and scattering by the numerous holes 30j of the rectifying plate 30k, and the supplied water is rectified to rectify the supplied water. To 20b. The shape of the hole 30j of the rectifying plate 30k is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be a square shape, a hexagonal shape, a circular shape, or the like. With such a shape, it is possible to arrange the holes in an orderly manner. However, the object can be sufficiently achieved even with holes having shapes that cannot be arranged in an orderly manner.

  The silver electrodes 37a and 37b provided in the water storage tank 38 constituting the ion elution part 32 are positioned and arranged so that the interval on the end surface side opposite to the connection terminal side is narrow. That is, the silver electrodes 37a and 37b are positioned in a square shape so that the interval gradually decreases from the connection terminal side toward the end face side. About this positioning, it can position by providing the rib protruded from the bottom wall 30e of the ion cartridge 30, and putting an electrode along the rib. At the same time, a resin electrode cover 39 is provided so as to surround the silver electrode 37 for the purpose of ensuring this positioning.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the electrode cover 39 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape whose lower surface is a front opening, and a plurality of crosspieces 39c (see FIG. 6) bridged between the upper edges of both side walls 39a and 39b corresponding to the flat plate surface of the electrode. 10). Further, a receiving portion 39d having a substantially U-shaped cross section for attaching (locking) the electrode cover 39 to the water storage tank 38 is provided on one end surface side facing the partition wall 30b side, and on the other end surface side opposite thereto. As shown in FIG. 8, a locking claw 39e inserted into a locking hole 30l provided in the bottom wall 30e of the water storage tank 38 and locked to the bottom wall 30e is integrally formed. Further, the bar 39c of the electrode cover 39 is integrally formed including an adjustment piece 39f (see FIGS. 6 and 8) that keeps between the electrodes 37 that hang downward.

  On the other hand, the partition wall 30b is provided with a projecting portion 30m that corresponds to the receiving portion 39d provided on the one end surface side of the electrode cover 39 and can be locked and received by the receiving portion 39d. Therefore, by inserting the latching claw 39e into the latching hole 30l and elastically deforming it, the receiving part 39d gets over the projecting part 30m of the partition wall 30b, so that the receiving part 39d is engaged with the projecting part 30m, and the electrode A cover 39 is attached to the water storage tank 38. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the silver electrodes 37a and 37b are kept at a constant interval in the adjustment piece 39f, and are secured in a square shape. The electrode cover 30 can be easily removed by releasing the locking claw 39e locked to the bottom wall 30e.

  The water storage tank 38 stores water when ions are eluted. Therefore, it is not preferable as an electrode if water remains even in a state where ions are not eluted. Therefore, a drain hole 30n is formed in the bottom wall 30e of the water storage tank 38. The drain hole 30k is formed in a funnel shape in order to improve drainage. Therefore, if the supply of tap water is stopped, all the water in the water storage tank 38 is discharged through the drain hole 30n. However, when performing ion elution, the drain hole 30n has a hole opening diameter so that the amount of drained water is smaller than the amount of water supplied from the first supply port 24b to the water storage tank 38 through the introduction pipe 24. Is set. Therefore, even if water is drained from the drain hole 30n, the supplied water is accumulated in the water storage tank 38 and flows out from the partition plate 36.

  In the washing machine having the ion unit 10 having the above-described configuration, the operation of the ion unit 10 will be described below in accordance with the operation description of the washing machine.

  In the washing machine 1, the laundry is put into the laundry dewatering tub 9 from the entrance 6 and the upper lid 8 is closed. When the washing part is selected by the operation unit 4 and the start of washing is instructed, the lid opening / closing sensor detects that the upper lid part 8 is closed, and the washing process and the drying process are executed.

(Washing water supply operation)
In the washing process, a water supply valve (not shown) is opened, and tap water is poured into the laundry dewatering tank 9 through the water injection path of the bottom plate 20b of the cover case 20 via the ion unit 10 described above. At this time, the tap water passes through the water receiving pipe 21 provided in the cover case 20 of the ion unit 10, passes through the introduction pipe 24 in the cover case, and the ion cartridge through the first and second supply ports 24 b and 24 c. 30, part of the water flow is rectified by the rectifying plate 30 k via the ion elution part 32, and water is poured from the opening 20 a into the washing and dewatering tub 9 through the water injection path of the bottom plate 20 b of the cover case 20. In the ion elution part 32, no voltage is supplied to the silver electrode 37 if the silver ion button or the like is not operated during the washing process. Moreover, although the explanation was later, the user has put the detergent into the washing and dewatering tank 9.

  In addition, when the selection operation which uses bath water at the time of washing in operation part 4 is made, the well-known bath water supply pump which is not illustrated operates. As a result, the bath water is pumped up to the bath water supply unit 19, passes through the bath water receiving pipe 22 of the cover case 20, and is poured from the inlet 26 through the bottom plate 20 b to the washing and dewatering tank 9 through the opening 20 a. At this time, the bath water is poured through a common (same) cover case 20 for pouring tap water into the washing and dewatering tub 9. However, the bath water does not flow into the ion elution part 32 in a state where the ion cartridge 30 is mounted, and there is no fear that the silver electrode 37 is stained with the bath water.

  In this way, the supply of tap water or bath water can be performed at the same and common site and location (cover case), so the path of washing water (including bath water) including tap water is simplified. Yes, there is an advantage that the washing water supply path can be made compact.

  Conventionally, the ion elution part must be provided in a location that can treat only tap water in a sealed water supply channel of tap water, which is completely different from the supply route of washing water. It was necessary to separately provide a flow path for feeding the wash water to the supply location for pouring the water into the washing and dewatering tank 9. For this reason, it is necessary to provide a completely separate water supply channel at the ion elution part, so that not only a space for dividing many flow channels such as the water supply channel and the supply channel is required, but also washing water. The supply path including the gas tends to be complicated and bulky. Such problems can be solved at once by the ion elution apparatus (ion unit 10) of the present invention.

  As described above, washing water by tap water or bath water is poured into the washing and dewatering tank 9, and when a predetermined amount of water is accumulated, the water supply valve is closed by the detection of the water level sensor (or the operation of the bath water supply pump is stopped). ) Next, the pulsator (stirring blade) rotates and the washing operation is performed by stirring the water in the washing and dewatering tank 9.

  When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the washing operation, the drain valve is opened and the water in the washing and dewatering tub 9 is drained. After this drainage, the laundry dewatering tub 9 is rotated at a high speed by the driving of the washing motor, and the dewatering operation is performed. The water splashed from the laundry by the high-speed rotation of the laundry dewatering tank 9 flows out from the dewatering hole and is discharged to the outside of the laundry dewatering tank 9 through the drain valve.

(Operation for ion elution)
When a predetermined time has elapsed after starting the dehydrating operation, the motor is stopped, the drain valve is closed, and the water supply valve is opened. When a predetermined amount of water accumulates in the washing and dewatering tank 9, the water supply valve is closed by the detection of the water level sensor. Next, the pulsator rotates, and the rinsing operation is performed by stirring the water in the washing and dewatering tank 30.

  In this rinsing operation, the ion unit 10 of the present invention operates, silver ions are eluted in the supplied water, and water is poured into the laundry dewatering tub 9. This operation will be described in detail below.

  First, when the water supply valve is opened, tap water is introduced into the cover case 20 through the water receiving tank 21 of the ion unit 10 through the water supply valve. The received water is supplied to the water storage tank 38 of the ion cartridge 30 from the first supply port 24b through the introduction pipe 24. The remaining tap water is all directly supplied from the second supply port 24c to the rectifying plate 30k of the ion cartridge 30. The amount of water supplied to the rectifying plate 30k is larger than the amount of water supplied to the water storage tank 38, and when it falls, it bounces off and scatters to form a large pulsating flow, and the water injection path of the bottom plate 20b of the cover case 20 After that, water is poured into the washing and dewatering tank 9. If the upper lid 8 is opened, it is feared that it will scatter to the floor on which the washing machine 1 is placed or to the user.

  In this regard, according to the present invention, tap water that falls due to the action of the rectifying plate 30k is rebounded and prevented from splashing in the numerous holes 30j, and the water flow is rectified and sent to the bottom plate 20b and washed from the opening 20a. Water is poured into the dehydration tank 9. Thereby, even if a large amount of tap water is dropped and supplied, the water flow is rectified and poured into the washing and dewatering tank 9. Also, since it can be prevented from splashing, the splashed water will not flow out and leak out. Therefore, by providing the rectifying plate 30k in the ion cartridge 30, there is a concern about water intrusion into an electrical connection portion such as a supply terminal or a connection line for supplying a voltage to the silver electrode 37 mounted in the ion cartridge 30. Can be eliminated.

  When water is supplied to the water storage tank 38, the water is accumulated up to the height of the partition plate 36 constituting the water storage tank 38. The accumulated water overflows beyond the partition plate 36 and flows out to the rectifying plate 30k side. At this time, the silver electrode 37 is all immersed in the accumulated water, and a current flows between the electrodes by voltage supply. This elutes silver ions (by electrolysis). The eluted water containing silver ions overflows (passes over) the partition wall 36 by tap water continuously supplied and flows out of the water storage tank 38. The water containing silver ions that have flowed out (silver ion-added water) flows through the rectifying plate 30k and the bottom plate 20b of the cover case 20, and is poured into the washing and dewatering tank 9 from the opening 20a.

  The silver electrode 37 is subjected to ion elution in a state where the silver electrode 37 is always immersed in water filled with a certain amount of supplied tap water. The water from which the silver ions are eluted overflows and flows out from the partition plate 36 by a fixed amount. Therefore, the elution of ions is performed stably and reliably, and the silver ion-added water having a desired concentration can be supplied to the laundry dewatering tank 9.

  In addition, since a fixed amount of water flows between the silver electrodes 37 and flows out, the silver electrode is partially and randomly depleted, and the problem that the silver electrode is broken in the middle can be solved. According to the present invention, the silver electrodes 37 are arranged in a letter C shape so that the distance between the tips is narrowed, and the silver electrodes 37 are gradually worn out from the tips. Therefore, the lifetime of the expensive silver electrode 37 can be extended.

  By operating a silver ion button that desires an antibacterial treatment with silver ions during the rinsing operation, silver ion-added water is supplied as described above. And if the water determined according to the quantity of the laundry is poured into the washing dewatering tub 9, the water level sensor detects it and the water supply valve is closed. At the same time, the silver ion elution operation is stopped, that is, the voltage supply to the silver electrode 37 is stopped. The timing for stopping the supply of voltage to the silver electrode 37 may be stopped before the operation of closing the water supply valve, but before that.

  When the water supply valve is closed, the pulsator is driven to rotate in order to rinse the laundry. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the pulsator operation for this rinsing operation, the dehydrating operation is performed in the same manner as the dehydrating operation during washing. When the dehydrating operation is performed for a predetermined time, the washing process ends. Thereby, silver ion penetrate | invades into a laundry and an antibacterial process is performed.

  In the rinsing process, even if the water supply valve is closed and the supply of tap water is stopped, the water storage tank 38 remains filled with the supplied tap water. However, since the water storage tank 38 is provided with a drain hole 30n, the stored water is discharged from the drain hole 30n. Therefore, water is not always stored in the water storage tank 38, and all water is drained, and the silver electrode 37 can be prevented from being constantly exposed to water.

  Conventionally, since it is necessary to provide a silver electrode in a sealed manner in the water supply channel, it is inclined at least in the direction in which the silver electrode is arranged to prevent water from staying even if the supply of tap water is stopped. It was. For this reason, if the inclined shape is reversed, water remains, and a precise design of the water supply channel has been required. However, according to the present invention, since the water storage tank 38 is provided and the water drain hole 30k is provided there, it is not necessary to configure the inclined shape. As a result, the degree of freedom in design increases. That is, conventionally, it is impossible to provide the water drain hole 30n as in the present invention, and a configuration for preventing water retention has been essential.

(Replacement of the original ion cartridge)
As described above, when an operation for antibacterial treatment with silver ions is performed when washing is performed by the washing machine 1, the silver electrode is depleted each time.

  When the silver electrode is depleted, the silver ion added water having a desired concentration cannot be supplied. A method for detecting such a state is well known, and notification for exchanging the silver electrode may be performed using the known method and means.

  For example, a method and means disclosed in Patent Document 2 may be provided. Therefore, a current detection circuit that detects a current flowing through the silver electrode 37 and a voltage control circuit that controls a voltage supplied to the silver electrode 37 based on the detection current are provided. When the amount of current decreases due to depletion of the silver electrode 37, the voltage control circuit sets the voltage to be higher based on this and controls so that a constant current that can supply silver ion-added water having a predetermined concentration flows. However, when the set voltage exceeds the threshold due to further wear of the electrode 37, a notification that prompts the replacement of the silver electrode 37 is given on the assumption that a constant current cannot flow. The notification that prompts the effect of the silver electrode 37 is displayed on the display unit provided in the operation unit 4. At the same time, if a notification sound or the like is output at the same time, the notification to the user can be reliably performed.

  The ion cartridge 30 is replaced by the above notification. Of course, this exchange can be done by the user himself and does not require a service man call. In order to replace the ion cartridge 30, the upper lid 8 is opened in the state shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, with the upper lid 8 open, the decorative plate 15 that covers the front surface of the ion cartridge 30 shown in FIG. 2 is removed from the support member 12.

  When the decorative plate (cover) 13 is removed, the upper surface of the front wall 30a of the ion cartridge 30 is exposed in the state shown in FIG. The screw of the protrusion part 12a of the support member 12 located in the upper part of the front wall 30a is removed. When the screw is removed, a finger is put on the handle 30i of the ion cartridge 30, and the ion cartridge 30 is pulled out slightly forward. The extracted ion cartridge 30 can be detached from the connector 35 located on the front wall 30a. The plug portion 35b at the top of the connector 35 is removed from the receptacle portion 35a that is held and fixed to the front wall 30a. Thereby, the ion cartridge 30 can be completely removed from the cover case 20.

  As described above, instead of the removed ion cartridge 30, a new ion cartridge 30 is prepared, and the partition wall 30b and the side wall 30c are provided with guide holes on the cover case 20 side (the side plate 20e and the guide piece 25a of the cover case 20 shown in FIG. 8). And the gap between the facing 20h and the guide piece 25b). Then, the ion cartridge 30 is pushed into the cover case 20. In the state of being pushed in halfway, the plug 35b on the washing machine body side is electrically connected to the receptacle 35a, and then the ion cartridge 30 is completely pushed in. Thereby, the protrusion 12a of the support member 12 fits into the recess 30h of the front wall 30a of the ion cartridge 30, and is screwed with the removed screw. And the decorative board 13 which covers the front surface of the ion cartridge 30 is attached to the support member 12, and replacement | exchange of the ion cartridge 30 is completed.

  As described above, the ion cartridge 30 can be replaced with a configuration in which the wash water for tap water and bath water can be replaced at a position where water is poured into the washing / dehydrating tub (washing tub) 9 and can be easily replaced by the user. Can do.

  Further, the ion cartridge 30 is a water injection path for injecting the washing water into the washing and dewatering tub 9, and as described in Patent Document 2, the water supply path in a sealed state from the upper part of the washing machine 1 body, that is, from the water supply valve of the back panel portion. Since there is no need to provide it inside, the ion cartridge 30 does not protrude upward. Therefore, the position where the washing machine 1 is installed is not restricted by the ion cartridge 30. In addition, since there is no protruding portion, the height direction of the packing appearance at the time of packing does not become bulky, and this also works advantageously when carrying out stacking during transportation and transportation.

(Another form and embodiment of the ion elution apparatus according to the present invention)
In the ion elution apparatus, the present invention is configured such that a water storage tank 38 is provided, and the ion-added water is supplied to the washing and dewatering tank 9 by overflowing the water storage tank 38. Therefore, the ion concentration to be eluted can be stabilized.

  In other words, when the ion generating unit is arranged in a sealed state in the conventional water supply channel, all tap water passes through the ion generating unit, so the ion generating unit becomes an obstacle at the time of passage, and a sufficient amount of water cannot be expected, The flow rate of the washing water to the washing / dehydrating tank 9 is suppressed. In order to solve this problem, it is compulsory to form the water supply channel so that it is blocked by the ion generator.

  Therefore, the amount of water passing between the electrodes for elution of ions is limited and reduced, and the amount of water supplied as it is without being eluted is increased by avoiding the ion elution portion. Therefore, in order to obtain the target ion elution concentration, the supply voltage tends to be high and the amount of current tends to increase. In this way, the hurdle for clearing the problem of insulation and safety is increased.

  On the other hand, according to the ion elution apparatus of the present invention, since the ion elution part is provided in the water storage tank 38, the ion elution is always performed within the determined amount of water, and the ion addition of the determined concentration is performed. Water can be supplied easily. In addition, it is possible to supply ion-added water having a sufficient concentration without increasing the voltage and increasing the amount of current.

(Other forms of the water storage tank of the present invention)
Therefore, another embodiment in which tap water (water) supplied to the water storage tank 38 efficiently flows between the electrodes 37a and 37b and ion elution can be performed well will be described below.

  The partition plate 36 constituting the water storage tank 38 is set to a height at which the electrode 37 is immersed in water, and the upper end edge thereof is set to a horizontal state. Such a form has been described in the previous embodiment. According to such a configuration, the tap water supplied to the water storage tank 38 in FIG. 10 overflows and flows out evenly over the entire upper end edge of the time divider 36, straddling the silver electrode 37. 38. Therefore, a flow in a direction crossing both the silver electrodes 37 is formed, and the ion-eluted water flows out from the water storage tank 38.

  Therefore, in the embodiment shown below, the water channel until it flows out of the water storage tank 38 is lengthened. As shown in FIG. 8, the water storage tank 38 is formed long in a direction that coincides with the longitudinal direction of the silver electrode 37. In addition, a considerable space is formed between the tip of the silver electrode 37 and the side wall 30c. A configuration in which this interval functions as a water channel will be described below.

  In FIG. 8, the partition plate 36 is formed slightly higher than the upper end edge of the silver electrode 37. The upper edge of the partition plate 36 is formed in an inclined shape so that the upper end on the side wall 30c side of the partition plate 36 is slightly higher than the partition wall 30b side on the opposite side.

  By forming the partition plate 36 as described above, when water is supplied through the first supply port 24b of the introduction pipe 24 in FIG. 10, the flow of water is, for example, the opposite side wall 30c from the partition wall 31b side. Then, the gap between the tip of the silver electrode 37 and the side wall 30c flows as a flow path, and further flows from the side wall 30c to the partition wall 30b. In the middle of the flow, it sequentially overflows and flows out from the upper edge of the partition plate 36. Therefore, a water channel that reciprocates in the longitudinal direction of the silver electrode 37 is formed. As a result, the time for the flowing water to pass through the silver electrode 37 becomes longer, and ion elution is favorably performed.

  Further, in order to reliably form a water flow path in the longitudinal direction of the electrode 37, the upper edge of the partition plate 36 is formed so as to be inclined so that the side facing the connection terminal 31 is higher. This is opposite to the configuration of the partition plate 36 described above. By adopting such a configuration, a water channel (flow channel) is formed so that the water supplied to the water storage tank 38 flows to the side wall 30c on the opposite side, and the partition plate 36 is moved along the flow through the above-described interval. Overflow and spill. Thereby, a water channel in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the electrode is formed.

  In addition, according to this form, it becomes the water channel structure of the one direction of the longitudinal direction of the silver electrode 37. FIG. Therefore, the space | interval of the silver electrode 37 front-end | tip and the side wall 30c can be narrowed. In this way, the entire ion cartridge 30 can be configured to be small.

  As described above, the shape of the upper edge of the partition plate 36 is devised, that is, an inclined shape, whereby a water channel (flow path) in the longitudinal direction of the silver electrode 37 is formed in the water storage tank 38. Thereby, the tap water supplied to the water storage tank 38 takes a long time to pass through the silver electrode 37, and the ion concentration that is sufficiently eluted can be increased even if the voltage is low.

(Structure to pour washing water into the washing dehydration tank)
In the present invention, due to the above-described characteristic configuration of the ion eluting apparatus, the structure for pouring bath water as washing water also has one characteristic structure.

  That is, a route for directly introducing tap water as washing water and pouring water into the washing and dewatering tank and a route for directly introducing bath water and pouring water into the washing and dewatering tank are made common. As a configuration for that purpose, a receiving pipe 21 for introducing tap water as it is through a water supply valve and a bath water receiving pipe 22 for introducing pumped-up bath water are provided on the back plate 20d of the cover case 20 of the ion elution apparatus. In the cover case 20, the supplied tap water is distinguished from bath water and supplied to a water storage tank 38 that performs ion elution. Therefore, the bath water is directly poured into the washing and dewatering tank 9 through the cover case 20, and the tap water is supplied through the ion cartridge 30 of the ion unit 10 constituting the ion elution device, that is, the same water injection route as the bath water supply. It is supplied to the washing and dewatering tank 9 through the cover case 20. When the tap water is supplied, control for ion elution is performed and supplied as ion-added water when necessary.

  Therefore, the path for supplying the washing water can be simplified and configured compactly. That is, conventionally, it is necessary to provide the ion elution part at a place where a part of the water supply path of the tap water is branched and a path completely different from the path for supplying the wash water is sealed. And it was necessary to provide the flow path which sends the ion addition water after ion elution to the supply location which supplies wash water, such as bath water, to the washing dehydration tank 9. For this reason, it is necessary to provide a completely separate water supply channel from the water supply channel of the ion elution part, so that not only a space for separating many flow channels such as the water supply channel and the supply channel is required, but also washing The supply part containing water was complicated and tended to be bulky. Such problems can be solved at once by providing the ion elution apparatus (ion unit 10) of the present invention.

(Characteristics of the structure of the washing machine itself)
The ion elution apparatus (ion unit 10) of the present invention is provided at a portion corresponding to the back plate 5 on the upper part of the washing / dehydrating tub 9 serving as a water injection path for directly pouring water as washing water into the washing / dehydrating tub. Therefore, if the upper lid 8 is closed in order to put the laundry into the laundry dewatering tub 9, the ion eluting device itself will not protrude or be exposed from the washing machine body.

  From the above, the present situation is that when the washing process is performed, the upper lid 8 is locked in a state in which the upper lid 8 cannot be opened with the upper lid 8 closed. Accordingly, the closed upper lid 8 is locked during the washing operation, the rinsing operation, and the dehydrating operation, and cannot be opened.

  Therefore, the ion cartridge 30 is not unexpectedly removed during the operation of the washing machine. Further, even when the ion cartridge 30 is removed, there is no influence on the supply of washing water. That is, the ion cartridge 30 is not provided in the water supply channel in a sealed state, but is provided in the water injection path for injecting water into the washing and dewatering tub 9, and is not affected at all by the supply of the washing water.

  When the ion cartridge 30 of the present invention is not attached, the ion elution cannot be performed, and a normal washing operation other than the antibacterial treatment can be performed. This operation can be performed without any inconvenience.

  Further, when the operation is performed with the ion cartridge 30 not attached and the antibacterial treatment operation is selected, it can be easily known that the ion cartridge 30 is not present, and it can be notified. In other words, by using an existing circuit for detecting the current flowing between the electrodes and detecting that no current flows, it can be detected that the ion cartridge 30 is not present, and notification is made based on this. That's fine.

  In this regard, according to Patent Document 2, an ion elution device (water treatment unit) protrudes outside the washing machine body. Therefore, it can be removed regardless of the operation. When the ion elution device is removed, if the water supply valve is opened, tap water is ejected, which impedes the supply of washing water and the like. Such a problem can be solved by the washing machine of the present invention as described above.

  Moreover, according to this invention, in order to wash, the upper cover 8 was open | released and it demonstrated as a structure in which a user throws in a washing | cleaning dehydration tank 9 directly. In this way, a detergent case for storing the detergent is provided instead of putting the detergent directly. The washing water poured from the cover case 20 can be poured into the detergent case, and the washing water and the detergent can be poured into the washing and dewatering tank.

  Moreover, the washing machine demonstrated in embodiment of this invention demonstrated the structure of the vertical washing machine. Naturally, the present invention can be implemented not only in this washing machine but also in a drum type washing machine. The drum-type washing machine has an opening on one side rather than an upper part of the outer outer box, and a lid that opens and closes the opening. Corresponding to this opening, there is provided a cylindrical water tank having a bottom and a bottom, and a rotating drum (washing dewatering tank) for storing laundry that is housed in the water tank and rotated. The drum and the water tank are provided coaxially, and the water tank is supported by a plurality of buffer members (dampers, etc.) in the outer box. The rotating drum has a bottomed cylindrical shape corresponding to the opening of the water tank, and is directly connected to a rotating shaft of a drive motor (DD motor or the like). The drum and water tank shafts are horizontal or inclined, and the opening portion is the front surface, the bottomed side is the back surface, and the laundry is put in and out by opening the lid.

  Also in the drum type washing machine having such a configuration, tap water or bath water is supplied as washing water and poured into the drum. The ion unit 10 described above may be provided in the tap water injection path, and the tap water receiving pipe 21 and the bath water receiving pipe 22 may be provided in the ion unit 10. In such a drum type washing machine, the same effect as the washing machine described above can be expected.

(Another form of ion cartridge)
The exchangeable ion cartridge 30 of the present invention is configured to elute silver ions into the supplied water by supplying a voltage to the silver electrode 37. Therefore, it is essential to provide the water storage tank 38.

  It is necessary to provide the water storage tank 38, the electrode 37, and the electrical connection portion 31 that supplies voltage to the electrode 37. Therefore, the rectifying plate 30k does not need to be provided, and may be provided on the cover case 20 side if necessary.

  In addition, in order to perform an antibacterial process, in this invention, it demonstrated as a structure which provided the silver electrode which elutes silver ion to water from an electrolysis as an ion elution member. This antibacterial treatment is not limited to silver ions, but may be other metal ions. As described above, the member of the electrode 37 may be copper, zinc, or another metal other than silver.

  Moreover, in order to perform ion elution, a metal electrode by electrolysis is provided as an ion elution member. Instead of such an ion elution method, for example, an antibacterial agent containing silver oxide or the like is provided so as to be immersed in the water storage tank 38. Even in this case, silver ions for antibacterial treatment can be eluted by immersing the antibacterial agent, which is an ion eluting member, in water. If such an antibacterial agent is configured as an ion elution member, it is not necessary to provide the above-described electrical connection portion and the like, the ion cartridge can be greatly simplified, and handling and the like are simplified.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for equipment that elutes metal ions and requires the eluted ion-added water. As an example of the apparatus, it can be widely used for a processing apparatus for processing laundry, a washing machine for washing, and a vertical washing machine, a drum-type washing machine, etc. as washing machines.

1 Washing machine 9 Washing / dehydration tank (washing tank)
10 Ion unit (ion elution device)
20 Cover case 20a Opening serving as water injection port 20b Bottom plate (water injection route)
20d Back plate 30 Ion cartridge 30a Front wall 30b Partition wall 30c Side wall 30d Side wall 30e Bottom wall 30k Current plate 31 Electrical connection part 32 Ion elution part 35 Connector 36 Partition plate 37 Electrode (ion elution member)
38 water tank

Claims (8)

A water reservoir for storing water,
A partition plate that forms one side wall of the water storage tank and causes the accumulated water to overflow and flow out;
An ion elution member that elutes by immersing in water in the water tank,
An introduction pipe for supplying tap water to the water tank,
A water injection path for injecting water that has flowed out of the water storage tank into the washing tank,
The introduction pipe is provided with a first supply port for supplying a part of the tap water to the water storage tank and a second supply port for supplying the remaining tap water to the water injection path,
The flow rate of tap water flowing out of the first supply port, the ion elution unit that is set smaller than the flow rate of tap water flowing out of the second feed port. The ion elution apparatus of Claim 1 provided with the baffle plate which rectifies | straightens the tap water supplied from the said 2nd supply port between the said 2nd supply port and the said water injection path | route . 3. The ion elution apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a drain hole is formed on a bottom surface of the water storage tank so as to drain water smaller than an amount of water supplied from the first supply port. The tap water receiving water, to cover case having a water injection path for water injection into the washing tub, provided detachably, an ion cartridge for performing ion elution,
In the ion cartridge, a water tank for storing tap water,
A partition plate that forms one side wall of the water tank and causes it to overflow and flow out,
An ion elution member for elution of ions provided in the water tank,
A rectifying plate provided on the side that overflows from the partition plate and flows out to the water injection path,
An ion cartridge comprising: 5. The ion cartridge according to claim 4, wherein a drain hole for draining the accumulated water is formed in the bottom surface of the water storage tank, and the drain hole communicates with a water injection path of the cover case. A cover case with a water receiving pipe that receives tap water connected to a water supply valve that supplies tap water and a bath water receiving pipe that receives pumped bath water into a washing tub for storing and washing laundry provided on the route in you water injection and,
In the cover case,
A water tank for storing the tap water;
A partition plate that forms one side wall of the water tank and causes the water to overflow and to flow out,
An ion elution member that elutes ions in the water stored in the water tank;
A water injection path for injecting water that has flowed out of the water storage tank into the washing tank;
An introduction pipe comprising a first supply port for supplying a part of tap water passing through the water receiving pipe to the water storage tank, and a second supply port for supplying the remaining tap water to the water injection path;
An inlet for introducing bath water through the bath water receiving pipe and supplying it to the water injection path;
With
A washing machine in which a partition is formed in the cover case so that bath water introduced from the introduction port does not flow into the water storage tank . The washing machine according to claim 6, further comprising a rectifying plate that rectifies tap water supplied from the second supply port between the second supply port and the water injection path. The integrated water tank, partition plate, and ion elution member provided integrally in the cover case are configured as an ion cartridge that is detachable from the cover case.
A lid that opens and closes an entrance for taking laundry into and out of the washing tub;
Providing a lock mechanism for locking the lid during washing operation of the washing machine;
The washing machine according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the ion cartridge cannot be removed during a washing operation.