JP7344688B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to washing machines.

In conventional washing machines, metal ions such as silver ions and copper ions are eluted and added to the wash water and rinse water to add antibacterial functions that suppress the growth of bacteria. It is considered. However, in the conventional configuration, there was room for improvement in the effect of metal ions on the laundry to suppress bacterial growth.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-111595

Therefore, the present invention provides a washing machine that can improve the effect of metal ions on laundry to suppress bacterial growth.

The washing machine of the embodiment includes an aquarium, a microbubble generator that precipitates microbubbles including nanobubbles in the water supplied to the aquarium, and suppresses the growth of bacteria in the water supplied to the aquarium or the water supplied to the aquarium. and a metal ion supply device that elutes metal ions . The metal ion supplier is provided upstream of the fine bubble generator, and the fine bubble generator is provided downstream of the metal ion supplier, passing through the metal ion supplier. It is provided at a position through which water containing the metal ions passes.

A diagram schematically showing an example of a drum-type washing machine according to the first embodiment A diagram schematically showing an example of a vertical washing machine according to the first embodiment A diagram schematically showing an example of the internal configuration of a water injection device in the first embodiment. A sectional view showing an example of a fine bubble generator in the first embodiment Regarding the first embodiment, a cross-sectional view showing an example of the fine bubble generator along the line X5-X5 in FIG. A diagram schematically showing an example of the internal configuration of a water injection device in the second embodiment. A diagram schematically showing an example of the internal configuration of a water injection device in the third embodiment. Regarding the third embodiment, a diagram schematically showing another example of the internal configuration of the water injection device. A diagram schematically showing an example of the internal configuration of a water injection device in the fourth embodiment. A diagram schematically showing an example of the internal configuration of a water injection device in the fifth embodiment. A diagram schematically showing an example of the internal configuration of a water injection device in the sixth embodiment. A diagram schematically showing an example of the internal configuration of a water injection device in the seventh embodiment A diagram schematically showing an example of a drum-type washing machine according to a seventh embodiment A diagram schematically showing an example of a vertical washing machine according to a seventh embodiment A diagram schematically showing an example of a drum-type washing machine according to an eighth embodiment A diagram schematically showing an example of a vertical washing machine according to an eighth embodiment Regarding the seventh and eighth embodiments, a diagram schematically showing another example of the internal configuration of the water injection device (Part 1) Regarding the seventh and eighth embodiments, a diagram schematically showing another example of the internal configuration of the water injection device (Part 2) Regarding the seventh and eighth embodiments, a diagram schematically showing another example of the internal configuration of the water injection device (Part 3)

Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that substantially the same elements in each embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Each embodiment can be applied to both a horizontal or diagonal shaft drum type washing machine shown in FIG. 1 and a vertical shaft type washing machine shown in FIG. 2.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.
The washing machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes an outer box 11, a water tank 12, a rotating tank 13, a motor 14, a drainage path 15, a drainage valve 16, a filter device 17, a circulation path 18, and a circulation pump 19. In FIG. 1, the installation surface side of the washing machine 10, that is, the vertically lower side, is the lower side of the washing machine 10, and the opposite side to the installation surface, that is, the vertically upper side, is the upper side of the washing machine 10. The washing machine 10 is a drum-type washing machine in which the rotating shaft of the rotary tub 13 is horizontally oriented horizontally or diagonally tilted downward toward the rear. In this case, the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13 function as a washing tank for storing laundry.

The washing machine 20 shown in FIG. 2 includes an outer box 21, a water tank 22, a rotating tank 23, a motor 24, a drainage path 25, a drainage valve 26, a filter device 27, a circulation path 28, and a circulation pump 29. In FIG. 2, the installation surface side of the washing machine 20, that is, the vertically lower side, is the lower side of the washing machine 20, and the opposite side to the installation surface, that is, the vertically upper side, is the upper side of the washing machine 20. The washing machine 20 is a vertical washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotation tub 23 is oriented in the vertical direction. In this case, the water tank 22 and the rotating tank 23 function as a washing tank for storing laundry. Note that instead of the circulation pump 29, a blade member is provided on the back side of the baffle 231 to scrape up water, and when the baffle 231 is driven, the water inside the water tank 22 is passed through a circulation channel (not shown) provided between the rotating tank 23 and the water tank 22. It may also be configured to circulate water.

In the drum-type washing machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the vertical washing machine 20 shown in FIG. 2, the water tanks 12 and 22 are arranged inside the outer boxes 11 and 21 and are elastically supported by a suspension (not shown). The rotating tanks 13 and 23 are rotatably arranged within the water tanks 12 and 22, and are rotationally driven by motors 14 and 24.

Drainage paths 15 and 25 are paths for draining water stored in water tanks 12 and 22 to the outside of washing machines 10 and 20. Drainage paths 15 and 25 are composed of, for example, flexible drainage hoses, one end of which is connected to drain valves 16 and 26, and the other end of which is connected to the outside of washing machines 10 and 20. It is.

The drain valves 16 and 26 are liquid on-off valves that can be opened and closed electromagnetically. The drain valves 16, 26 are provided between the drain ports 121, 221 provided at the bottoms of the water tanks 12, 22 and the drain paths 15, 25. The drain valves 16 and 26 open and close the drain paths 15 and 25 based on control signals from a control device (not shown).

The filter devices 17, 27 are provided between the drain ports 121, 221 and the drain valves 16, 26. The filter devices 17, 27 have mesh filters 171, 271 inside, and the filters 171, 271 collect lint and dirt contained in the water passing through the filter devices 17, 27.

The circulation paths 18 and 28 are paths for pumping up the water stored in the water tanks 12 and 22 and supplying the pumped water back into the water tanks 12 and 22 from the upper part of the water tanks 12 and 22. The circulation paths 18 and 28 are provided outside the water tanks 12 and 22. One end of the circulation path 18, 28 is connected to the drain port 121, 221 of the water tank 12, 22 via the filter device 17, 27, and the other end is connected to the drain port 121, 221 of the water tank 12, 22 through the filter device 17, 27. The nozzle portions 181 and 281 are connected to each other. Although details are not shown, the nozzle parts 181 and 281 are configured so that water discharged from the nozzle parts 181 and 281 is directed toward the center of the water tanks 12 and 22.

Circulation pumps 19 and 29 are provided on circulation paths 18 and 28. When the circulation pumps 19, 29 are driven with the drain paths 15, 25 closed by the drain valves 16, 26, the circulation pumps 19, 29 pump up water in the water tanks 12, 22 through the drain ports 121, 221, Water is again poured into the water tanks 12 and 22 from the nozzle parts 181 and 281. Thereby, the circulation pumps 19 and 29 circulate the water stored in the water tanks 12 and 22 through the circulation paths 18 and 28.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, washing machines 10 and 20 each include a water injection device 30. The water injection device 30 is provided at the upper part of the outer boxes 11 and 21, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the water injection device 30 is connected to an external water source, such as a water faucet (not shown), via a water supply hose 100, for example. The water injection device 30 is configured to be able to accommodate a laundry treatment agent therein, and has a function of receiving water supplied from the outside, such as tap water or bath water, and flushing the laundry treatment agent into the water tanks 12 and 22. . In this embodiment, the laundry treatment agent is a concept that includes detergents such as powder detergents and liquid detergents, and finishing agents such as fabric softeners and fragrance agents.

As shown in FIG. 3, the water injection device 30 includes a water supply hose connection port 31, water supply valves 32 and 33, a water injection case 40, and a laundry treatment agent case 50. The water supply hose connection port 31 is connected to a water supply source such as a water faucet via a hose 100. The downstream side of the water supply hose connection port 31 is connected to the water injection case 40 via water supply valves 32 and 33. In the case of this embodiment, the downstream side of the water supply hose connection port 31 is branched into two. One branch branched from the water supply hose connection port 31 is connected to the water injection case 40 via the water supply valve 32 , and the other branch is connected to the water injection case 40 via the water supply valve 33 .

The water supply valves 32 and 33 are liquid on-off valves that can be opened and closed electromagnetically. The inflow sides of the water supply valves 32 and 33 are connected to the water supply hose connection port 31, and the discharge sides are connected to the water injection case 40. In this embodiment, one of the two water supply valves 32 and 33 is referred to as a detergent water supply valve 32, and the other water supply valve 33 is referred to as a finishing agent water supply valve 33.

The water injection case 40 constitutes the outer shell of the water injection device 30, and is made of resin, for example, and has a box shape with a space inside. In this case, the water injection case 40 has an accommodation space 41 inside and an outlet 42 at the bottom. The outlet 42 communicates the accommodation space 41 inside the water filling case 40 with the outside, and opens toward the water tanks 12 and 22 side. This outlet 42 has a function of injecting water that has flowed into the water injection case 40 into the water tanks 12 and 22, and is also referred to as a water injection port 42.

Further, the water injection case 40 has in-case channels 43 and 44. The in-case channels 43 and 44 are channels that connect the water supply valves 32 and 33 to the housing space 41 of the water injection case 40. That is, the in-case flow paths 43 and 44 are flow paths for guiding water that has flowed into the water injection case 40 through the water supply valves 32 and 33 to a predetermined position in the accommodation space 41.

In this case, the in-case channels 43 and 44 are connected to the inside of the laundry treatment agent case 50 while the laundry treatment agent case 50 is accommodated in the housing space 41 of the water injection case 40 . The water that has passed through the water supply valves 32 and 33 is poured into the laundry treatment agent case 50 housed in the housing space 41 through the in-case channels 43 and 44, respectively. The channels 43 and 44 in each case may have a structure that is provided integrally with the water injection case 40 by forming a groove shape in the water injection case 40, or may be configured as a separate member from the water injection case 40. It's okay.

The laundry treatment agent case 50 is, for example, a drawer-type container that has an opening on the upper surface side and is configured to be able to be inserted into and taken out of the accommodation space 41 of the water injection case 40 . The laundry treatment agent case 50 has, for example, two laundry treatment agent storage sections 51 and 52. Each laundry treatment agent storage section 51, 52 is a portion that stores detergent or finishing agent, respectively. In the case of the present embodiment, the laundry treatment agent storage sections 51 and 52 are provided in one common laundry treatment agent case 50, but they may be configured as separate cases.

Further, in the present embodiment, one of the two laundry treatment agent storage units 51 and 52, in this case, the laundry treatment agent storage unit 51, stores powder or liquid detergent as the laundry treatment agent. The other of the two laundry treatment agent storage sections 51 and 52, in this case the laundry treatment agent storage section 52, stores a liquid finishing agent such as a fabric softener and a fragrance agent as a laundry treatment agent. In the following description, when distinguishing between the laundry treatment agent storage sections 51 and 52, the one that stores detergent among the laundry treatment agent storage sections 51 and 52 will be referred to as the detergent storage section 51, and the one that stores finishing agent will be referred to as the detergent storage section 51. is referred to as a finishing agent storage section 52.

In this case, one of the in-case channels 43 and 44 is connected to the detergent storage section 51, and the other is connected to the finishing agent storage section 52. That is, one of the two in-case channels 43 and 44 is a channel for supplying water to the detergent storage section 51, and the other channel 44 is a channel for supplying water to the finishing agent storage section 52. It is a route for supplying. In the following description, when distinguishing between the in-case channels 43 and 44, the one connected to the detergent storage section 51 among the in-case channels 43 and 44 will be referred to as the detergent channel 43, and the one that is connected to the detergent storage section 43 will be referred to as the The one connected to the section 52 is referred to as a finishing agent flow path 44.

The detergent storage section 51 has a detergent outflow section 511. The detergent outflow section 511 is, for example, one or more holes provided at the bottom of the detergent storage section 51, and communicates the inside and outside of the detergent storage section 51 within the storage space 41. In this case, the detergent outflow portion 511 opens toward the bottom of the housing space 41 of the water injection case 40 .

The water that has flowed into the detergent flow path 43 via the detergent water supply valve 32 flows out into the storage space 41 and is poured into the detergent storage section 51 . At this time, if detergent is stored in the detergent storage section 51, the detergent is washed away by the water poured into the detergent storage section 51 and flows out of the detergent storage section 51 from the detergent outflow section 511. The detergent flowing out from the detergent outlet 511 flows to the bottom of the storage space 41 together with water, and then flows down from the outlet 42 of the water injection case 40, that is, the water injection port 42, into the water tanks 12, 22 and the rotating tanks 13, 23. It will be done.

Further, the finishing agent storage section 52 has a finishing agent outflow section 521. The finishing agent outflow section 521 has a siphon structure provided at the bottom of the finishing agent storage section 52, and communicates the inside and outside of the finishing agent storage section 52. In this case, the finishing agent outflow portion 521 also opens toward the bottom of the housing space 41 of the water injection case 40 .

The water that has flowed into the finishing agent flow path 44 via the finishing agent water supply valve 33 flows out into the storage space 41 and is poured into the finishing agent storage section 52 . When a certain amount of water accumulates in the finishing agent storage section 52, the water flows down from the finishing agent outflow section 521 to the outside of the finishing agent storage section 52 due to the siphon structure of the finishing agent outflow section 521, and then from the water inlet 42. Water is poured into the water tanks 12 and 22 and the rotating tanks 13 and 23. At this time, if the finishing agent is accommodated in the finishing agent accommodating section 52, the finishing agent is dissolved in the water flowing out from the finishing agent accommodating section 52, and is passed through the water inlet 42 to the water tanks 12, 22 and the rotating tank 13. It is washed away into 23.

Further, the washing machines 10 and 20 further include a microbubble generator 60 and a metal ion supplier 70, as shown in FIG. The microbubble generator 60 has a function of precipitating microbubbles containing nanobubbles into the water supplied to the water tanks 12 and 22. In this embodiment, the fine bubble generator 60 is provided on a path from the detergent water supply valve 32 to the outlet 42 of the water injection case 40, that is, the water injection port 42. In this case, the microbubble generator 60 is provided on the detergent channel 43.

In this case, the microbubble generator 60 generates microbubble water by including a large amount of microbubble in the water passing through the detergent channel 43. In the present embodiment, fine bubble water refers to water that, by passing through the fine bubble generator 60, contains more so-called ultra-fine bubbles with particle diameters on the nano-order than before passing through the fine bubble generator 60. means. That is, in the present embodiment, microbubbled water refers to water that contains more nano-order microbubbles than ordinary tap water, bath water, or the like that has not been subjected to any treatment. In addition, in this embodiment, nano-order microbubbles, nanobubbles, and ultra-fine bubbles all have the same meaning, and mean bubbles whose particle diameter is nanoorder.

Here, microbubbles are generally classified as follows depending on the particle size of the bubbles. For example, bubbles with a particle diameter of about several μm to 50 μm, that is, on the micro-order, are called microbubbles or fine bubbles. On the other hand, bubbles with a particle diameter of several hundred nanometers to several tens of nanometers or smaller, that is, on the nano-order, are called nanobubbles or ultrafine bubbles, as described above.

When the particle size of the bubbles becomes several hundred nanometers to several tens of nanometers or less, they become smaller than the wavelength of light and cannot be visually recognized, and the liquid becomes transparent. Furthermore, nano-order microbubbles have characteristics such as a larger total interface area, a slower floating speed, and a larger internal pressure than bubbles of micro-order or larger. For example, air bubbles with a particle size on the order of micrometers rapidly rise in the liquid due to their buoyancy, burst and disappear on the liquid surface, and therefore stay in the liquid for a relatively short time. On the other hand, microbubbles with a particle size on the order of nanometers have a small buoyancy, so they stay in the liquid for a long time.

Micro-bubble water containing micro-bubbles with particle diameters on the order of nanometers can be used in washing operations or cleaning operations in water tanks 12 and 22 and rotating tanks 13 and 23 without using detergents containing surfactants, etc. It is expected that the cleaning performance will be improved to some extent compared to tap water. However, by mixing so-called ultra-fine bubbles, which have particle sizes on the order of nanometers, into a cleaning solution containing a surfactant, cleaning is more efficient than when cleaning with a regular cleaning solution that does not contain microbubbles. Performance can be improved.

In other words, when microbubbles are added to concentrated detergent water by dissolving the detergent in water containing nano-order microbubbles, the surfactants in the detergent This causes the surfactant aggregates, or micelles, to loosen and become easier to disperse in water. As a result, the surfactant molecules are in a state where they can easily react with dirt in a short time, improving cleaning performance.

For this reason, by dissolving detergent in water containing nano-sized microbubbles to generate washing liquid, the interaction between the surfactant in the detergent and the microbubbles works, and as a result, the detergent dissolves in tap water. Compared to a simple washing liquid, the cleaning ability can be greatly improved. In addition, since dirt is emulsified and easily dispersed in water, it can be expected to have the effect of preventing dirt from re-adhering to clothing. For these reasons, a washing liquid prepared by dissolving detergent in fine bubble water has a higher cleaning ability than a washing liquid prepared by dissolving detergent in ordinary tap water. As a result, washing machines 10 and 20 can exhibit high cleaning performance.

Note that the microbubble generator 60 may be formed separately from the water injection case 40 that constitutes the detergent channel 43, or may be formed integrally with the water injection case 40. Furthermore, the microbubble generator 60 may be configured to be detachable from the water injection case 40 that constitutes the detergent channel 43, or may be configured to be non-removable.

In this embodiment, the diameter and overall length of the microbubble generator 60 are set to about several mm to several tens of mm, specifically, the diameter is set to about 15 mm at the maximum and the length to about 10 mm. The microbubble generator 60 is a separate member from the water injection case 40 and is configured to be detachable from the detergent channel 43.

In addition, in this embodiment, the micro-bubble generator 60 generates micro-bubble water by locally reducing the area through which water can pass, so that the water passing through the micro-bubble generator 60 contains micro-bubbles. . Specifically, the microbubble generator 60 has a constriction part 61, an upstream straight part 62, a collision part 63, and a downstream straight part 64, as shown in FIG. The constricted portion 61 , the upstream straight portion 62 , and the downstream straight portion 64 are holes extending in the longitudinal direction of the microbubble generation portion 60 and constitute a flow path of the microbubble generation portion 60 .

The constriction section 61 is provided on the inflow side, that is, the upstream side, of the fine bubble generator 60. The constriction section 61 is formed into a so-called truncated conical taper tube shape in which the cross-sectional area, that is, the inner diameter of the flow path gradually decreases from the upstream end in the longitudinal direction of the fine bubble generator 60 to an intermediate portion thereof. ing. The upstream straight portion 62 is provided on the downstream side of the constriction portion 61. The upstream straight portion 62 is formed into a cylindrical shape, a so-called straight tube shape, in which the inner diameter does not change, that is, the cross-sectional area of the flow path, that is, the area through which liquid can pass does not change.

The collision part 63 is provided at the boundary between the upstream straight part 62 and the downstream straight part 64. That is, the collision part 63 is provided at the downstream end of the upstream straight part 62 and at the upstream end of the downstream straight part 64. The collision part 63 can generate microbubbles in the liquid passing through the microbubble generator 60 by locally reducing the cross-sectional area through which water can pass through the microbubble generator 60 . That is, the collision part 63 can generate fine bubbles in the liquid passing through the upstream straight part 62 by locally reducing the cross-sectional area of the upstream straight part 62.

The downstream straight portion 64 is provided downstream of the collision portion 63, that is, on the outflow side of the microbubble generator 60. Like the upstream straight part 62, the downstream straight part 64 is formed into a cylindrical shape, a so-called straight tube shape, in which the inner diameter does not change, that is, the cross-sectional area of the flow path, that is, the area through which liquid can pass does not change. The downstream straight portion 64 maintains the speed of the water that has passed through the collision portion 63 at a high speed, thereby promoting the generation of fine bubbles.

In addition, in the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the fine bubble generator 60 includes an upstream member 601 having, for example, a constriction part 61, an upstream straight part 62, and a collision part 63, and a downstream straight part. 64 and a downstream member 602 having a diameter of 64. However, the fine bubble generator 60 is not limited to this configuration. The micro-bubble generator 60 includes, for example, an upstream member 601 and a downstream member 602 integrally, and a constriction part 61, an upstream straight part 62, a collision part 63, and a downstream straight part 64 are integrated into one member. It may also be a configuration provided in .

In the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the collision part 63 is composed of, for example, four rod-shaped parts with sharp tips, and extends from the inner circumferential surface of the straight part 62 toward the center of the cross section of the straight part 62. protruding towards. The four collision parts 63 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cross section of the straight part 62. In this case, the downstream side surface of each collision portion 63 is formed into a flat surface.

When the detergent water supply valve 32 is opened and water flows into the upstream side of the microbubble generator 60, the cross-sectional area of the flow path is narrowed in the constriction part 61 formed to reduce into a truncated conical taper shape. , the flow velocity is increased by the so-called Venturi effect of fluid mechanics. Then, when the high-speed flow passes through the straight portion 62, it collides with the collision portion 63, and the pressure is rapidly reduced. Thereby, the micro-bubble generator 60 precipitates a large amount of air dissolved in the water passing through the micro-bubble generator 60 as nano-order micro-bubbles, and fills the detergent channel 43 with nanobubbles. A large amount of fine bubble water can be supplied.

The micro-bubble generator 60 of this embodiment generates micro-bubble water in which water passing through the micro-bubble generator 60 contains a large amount of nanobubbles without actively obtaining a supply of gas from the outside. be able to. That is, the micro-bubble generator 60 does not require a drive source such as a dedicated pump for generating micro-bubbles other than normal water pressure, that is, water pressure.

Note that, for example, the micro-bubble generator 60 may have a hole that communicates the inside of the constricted part 61 or the straight part 62 with the outside, so that outside air can be taken into the water flowing inside the micro-bubble generator 60. . According to this, the amount of air dissolved in water can be increased, and as a result, the amount of microbubbles deposited can also be increased.

The micro-bubble water generated by each micro-bubble generator 60 then passes through a metal ion supply device 70 and is supplied to the detergent storage section 51, and then, together with the laundry treatment agent stored in the detergent storage section 51, enters the water inlet. 42 into the water tanks 12, 22 and the rotating tanks 13, 23.

The metal ion supplier 70 includes, for example, a metal ion source 71. The metal ion supplier 70 supplies the water supplied to the water tanks 12 and 22 or the water supplied to the water tanks 12 and 22 with metal ions having a function of suppressing bacterial growth, such as antibacterial properties, from a metal ion source 71. It has the function of adding antibacterial action to the water that has passed through the metal ion supply device 70 by eluting and adding it, thereby producing antibacterial water. The metal ions added by the metal ion supply device 70 are preferably ones with positive potential, such as silver ions (Ag+) and copper ions (Cu+). Such silver ions, copper ions, and the like are known to have functions such as sterilization and antibacterial effects that inhibit the growth of bacteria.

There are two main methods for adding metal ions to water: One is to place a metal electrode containing metal ions to be added as a metal ion source on the water supply, in this case, on the detergent channel 43, and apply voltage to the metal electrode to electrolyze the metal ions. This is a method of elution. For example, if it is desired to add silver ions (Ag+) to water flowing through the detergent flow path 43, a silver electrode is placed in the detergent flow path 43. According to this, by controlling the timing and period of voltage application and the magnitude of the applied voltage, it is possible to arbitrarily adjust the timing, period, amount, etc. of the generation amount of metal ions added to water.

The other method is to place a metal ion additive containing metal ions to be added as a metal ion source on a water channel and dissolve the metal ions in water. For example, if it is desired to add silver ions (Ag+) to water flowing through the detergent flow path 43, a silver ion additive that adds silver ions (Ag+) is placed in the detergent flow path 43. According to this, there is no need for a special configuration such as a metal electrode or a power source for applying voltage to the metal electrode, and no special control or driving power is required, so the configuration is relatively simple and inexpensive. can do.

Examples of metal ion additives include those in which metal ions as an active ingredient are dissolved in slowly water-soluble glass and formed into a powder, granule, or pellet form, or a honeycomb structure that allows water to pass through the inside. . When water comes into contact with the metal ion additive, the metal ions gradually dissolve into the water, thereby adding the metal ions to the water. In this case, the amount of the metal ion additive eluted into water and the amount contained in the container are adjusted so that the metal ion additive can be used for a long period of time, for example about 10 years, without being replaced.

In the case of this embodiment, the metal ion supply device 70 is provided at a position where it can elute and add metal ions to water that passes through the microbubble generator 60 and contains microbubbles of nanoders. That is, the metal ion supplier 70 is provided at a position where the fine bubble water generated by passing through the fine bubble generator 60 comes into contact with it.

In the case of this embodiment, the metal ion supply device 70 is provided downstream of the microbubble generator 60. In other words, the fine bubble generator 60 is provided upstream of the metal ion supplier 70. Specifically, the metal ion supply device 70 is provided on the same path as the path from the detergent water supply valve 32 to the detergent accommodating portion 51 and in which the microbubble generator 60 is provided. In this case, the metal ion supply device 70 is located on the same detergent flow path 43 as the detergent flow path 43 in which the fine bubble generator 60 is provided, and is provided on the downstream side of the fine bubble generator 60. .

Therefore, the water passing through the detergent channel 43 first passes through the microbubble generator 60 and contains a large amount of nanobubbles, and then passes through the metal ion supplier 70 to which metal ions are added. As a result, water whose cleaning ability and rinsing ability are improved by nano-order microbubbles, so-called ultra-fine bubbles, and which has sterilizing and antibacterial effects added by metal ions, is poured into the water tanks 12 and 22.

Here, ultra-fine bubbles, that is, nanobubbles, have a particle size on the order of nanometers and are charged with a negative potential. On the other hand, silver ions (Ag+) and copper ions (Cu+) have ion diameters on the pico order, which are sufficiently smaller than nanobubbles, and have a positive potential. Therefore, when microbubble water containing nanobubbles is passed through the metal ion supply device 70 to elute metal ions, metal ions having a positive potential are adsorbed around the nanobubbles having a negative potential. This improves the elution efficiency of metal ions by the metal ion supply device 70 compared to the case where normal water containing no nanobubbles is used. Therefore, even with a small amount of metal ion source, a large amount of metal ions can be added to the water that comes into contact with the metal ion source in a short time. Coordination of metal ions to the surface of nanobubbles in water stabilizes the nanobubbles and makes them difficult to disappear, thereby lengthening the period during which the nanobubbles remain in water.

The washing machines 10 and 20 of the present embodiment perform a washing operation in which laundry is washed in the rotating tubs 13 and 23, a rinsing operation in which the laundry in the rotating tubs 13 and 23 is rinsed, or a water tank 12 and 22 and the rotating tub 13. , 23, water that passes through the microbubble generator 60 and contains a large amount of nanobubbles and passes through the metal ion supply device 70 and contains a large amount of metal ions is used.

In this case, when detergent is dissolved in water containing large amounts of nanobubbles and metal ions and used as washing water for washing laundry, the cleaning ability of the detergent is improved due to the interaction between the nanobubbles and the surfactant contained in the detergent. can be done. Furthermore, the action of metal ions eliminates germs contained in the water and germs attached to the laundry, and by suppressing the adhesion of germs to the laundry, it is possible to keep the laundry clean. At the same time, for example, odor during half-drying can be suppressed.

In addition, when water containing large amounts of nanobubbles and metal ions is used as rinsing water for rinsing laundry, the action of nanobubbles adsorbs dirt and remaining detergent components, ie surfactant components, from the laundry. This improves rinsing performance. Furthermore, the action of nanobubbles makes it easier to remove dirt and detergent components from the surface of the laundry, making it easier for metal ions to adhere to the surface of the laundry. Thereby, it is possible to further improve the bacterial growth inhibiting effect such as sterilization and antibacterial action while improving the washing performance of laundry. In particular, in operations where the rinsing process is performed once or multiple times, the rinsing water used at least in the final rinsing process contains a large amount of nanobubbles and metal ions, so that the clothes can be dried directly through the dehydration process. The antibacterial function can be retained, and the cleanliness can be maintained even when the clothing is worn.

In addition, when water containing a large amount of nanobubbles and metal ions is used as cleaning water for cleaning the water tanks 12, 22 and the rotating tanks 13, 23, the inner surfaces of the water tanks 12, 22 and The inner and outer surfaces of the rotating baths 13, 23 are effectively cleaned. Furthermore, metal ions contained in the water adhere to the inner surfaces of the water tanks 12 and 22 and the inner and outer surfaces of the rotating tanks 13 and 23, so that metal ions are removed from the water tanks 12 and 22 and the rotating tanks 13 and 23. Bacterial and antibacterial effects are added. Thereby, the water tanks 12, 22 and the rotating tanks 13, 23 can be kept clean.

According to the embodiments described above, the washing machines 10 and 20 include the water tanks 12 and 22, the microbubble generator 60, and the metal ion supplier 70. The fine bubble generator 60 has a function of precipitating fine bubbles including nano-sized nanobubbles, so-called ultra-fine bubbles, into the water supplied to the water tanks 12 and 22. That is, the microbubble generator 60 has a function of causing the water supplied to the water tanks 12 and 22 to contain a large amount of nanobubbles to transform the water into microbubble water. The metal ion supply device 70 has a function of eluting metal ions having a bacterial growth inhibiting effect such as sterilization and antibacterial properties into the water supplied to the water tanks 12 and 22 or the water supplied to the water tanks 12 and 22. In this case, the metal ion supplier 70 has the function of impregnating metal ions into the water supplied to the water tanks 12 and 22 to make it sterilizing and antibacterial water.

According to this, laundry is washed using water that contains both nano-order microbubbles, which contribute to improved cleaning performance, and metal ions, which have sterilizing and antibacterial effects and inhibit bacterial growth. By performing a washing operation to wash the laundry, a rinsing operation to rinse the laundry, or a tank cleaning operation to wash the water tanks 12 and 22 and the rotating tanks 13 and 23, compared to using ordinary water such as tap water, At the same time, the washing ability for the laundry, the water tanks 12, 22, and the rotating tanks 13, 23 is improved, and at the same time, the sterilizing and antibacterial effects for the laundry, the water tanks 12, 22, and the rotating tanks 13, 23 can be obtained.

The nano-sized bubbles increase the cleaning power and remove stains from the laundry, making it easier for metal ions to adhere to the laundry. As a result, more metal ions can be attached to the laundry compared to conventional washing with water that contains only metal ions without containing microbubbles, and as a result, metal ions are removed. It is possible to improve the sterilizing and antibacterial effects on laundry.

Furthermore, by simultaneously using nanobubbles with a negative potential and metal ions with a positive potential, the metal ions are coordinated around the nanobubbles, thereby stabilizing the nanobubbles and the metal ions. As a result, the period during which nanobubbles and metal ions exist in water can be extended, and it is possible to prevent nanobubbles and metal ions from disappearing before they can exert their effects. As a result, compared to the case where nanobubbles and metal ions are used alone, the synergistic effect of nanobubbles and metal ions allows the cleaning effect of nanobubbles and the sterilization and antibacterial effects of metal ions to be exerted more efficiently and over a long period of time. be able to.

In this embodiment, the microbubble generator 60 is provided upstream of the metal ion supplier 70. Then, the metal ion supply device 70 elutes metal ions having functions of inhibiting bacterial growth such as sterilization and antibacterial properties into the water that has passed through the microbubble generator 60 and contains a large amount of nanoscale microbubbles. It is located in a position where it can be That is, the metal ion supplier 70 elutes metal ions into the fine bubble water by coming into contact with the fine bubble water.

According to this, the metal ion supply device 70 can add more metal ions to water than when using simple water that does not contain nano-sized bubbles. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if the metal ion source is small, a large amount of metal ions can be added in a short time, and the sterilizing and antibacterial effects of the sterilizing and antibacterial water can be further enhanced. I can do it.

Further, the washing machines 10 and 20 are equipped with a water injection device 30. The water injection device 30 includes water supply valves 32 and 33, laundry treatment agent storage sections 51 and 52, and a water injection case 40. The water supply valves 32 and 33 are connected to an external water source such as a water tap. The laundry treatment agent storage units 51 and 52 accommodate laundry treatment agents such as detergent and fabric softener.

The water injection case 40 accommodates the laundry treatment agent storage parts 51 and 52, in this case, the laundry treatment agent case 50, and receives water supplied from an external water source via the water supply valves 32 and 33 to the water tanks 12 and 22. Fill with water. The metal ion supply device 70 is placed on the path from the water supply valves 32 and 33 to the outlet 42 of the water injection case 40, in this case, on the detergent flow path 43, which is the path from the detergent water supply valve 32 to the water injection port 42. It is provided.

According to this, water to which metal ions have been added through the metal ion supply device 70, that is, sterilizing antibacterial water, is once discharged into the water injection case 40. Therefore, the metal ions contained in the sterilizing and antibacterial water adhere to the inner surface of the water injection case 40, and can exhibit sterilizing and antibacterial effects. As a result, it is possible to suppress the propagation of various bacteria in the water injection case 40 due to the washing treatment agent remaining in the water injection case 40, and also to suppress the generation of mold, blackheads, and slime, and as a result, the water injection case 40 can be kept clean. can be kept.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the microbubble generator 60 and the metal ion supplier 70 are provided on the same path from the water supply valves 32 and 33 to the laundry treatment agent storage sections 51 and 52. In this case, the microbubble generator 60 and the metal ion supplier 70 are provided on the detergent flow path 43 that is a path from the detergent water supply valve 32 to the detergent storage section 51. According to this, the fine bubbles and metal ions are mixed in water flowing through the detergent flow path 43 before they are discharged from the detergent flow path 43 into the detergent accommodating portion 51 and come into contact with the air. The interaction between bubbles and metal ions can be brought out even more effectively.

Note that in this embodiment, the microbubble generator 60 and the metal ion supplier 70 are provided on the detergent flow path 43, but are not limited to this, and may be provided on the finishing agent flow path 44. good.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6.
In this embodiment, the microbubble generator 60 and the metal ion supplier 70 are provided on the same path that does not pass through the laundry treatment agent storage sections 51 and 52. Specifically, the water injection device 30 of this embodiment further includes a bypass water supply valve 34 in addition to the detergent water supply valve 32 and the finishing agent water supply valve 33. In addition to the detergent flow path 43 and the finishing agent flow path 44, the water injection case 40 further includes a bypass flow path 45 as an in-case flow path.

The bypass water supply valve 34, like the other water supply valves 32 and 33, is a liquid opening/closing valve that can be opened and closed electromagnetically. The inflow side of the bypass water supply valve 34 is connected to the water supply hose connection port 31, and the discharge side is connected to a bypass flow path 45 provided in the water injection case 40. That is, in the case of this embodiment, the downstream side of the water supply hose connection port 31 is branched into three. The ends branching off from the water supply hose connection port 31 are connected to the water injection case 40 via a detergent water supply valve 32, a finishing agent water supply valve 33, and a bypass water supply valve 34, respectively.

The bypass flow path 45 is a flow path provided in the water injection case 40 and connects the bypass water supply valve 34 and the accommodation space 41 of the water injection case 40 . The bypass water supply valve 34 is connected within the storage space 41 and to the outside of the laundry treatment agent storage sections 51 and 52. In this case, water flowing into the bypass flow path 45 from the bypass water supply valve 34 is poured into the space between the laundry treatment agent case 50 and the water injection case 40.

In this embodiment, the fine bubble generator 60 and the metal ion supplier 70 are provided on the bypass path 45. In this case, the microbubble generator 60 is provided upstream of the metal ion supplier 70.
According to this configuration, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

Here, the micro bubble generator 60 and the metal ion supplier 70 serve as resistance to the water flowing through the channel. Therefore, if the water pressure is the same, the flow rate of water flowing through the channel tends to be lower when the water passes through the micro bubble generator 60 and the metal ion supplier 70 than when it does not pass through. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the water injection device 30 includes a bypass flow path as a flow path dedicated to the fine bubble generator 60 and the metal ion supplier 70, in addition to the detergent flow path 43 and the finishing agent flow path 44. It is equipped with 45. According to this, by providing the microbubble generator 60 and the metal ion supplier 70, it is possible to suppress the amount of water injected per unit time from decreasing. As a result, by providing the microbubble generator 60 and the metal ion supplier 70, it is possible to prevent the water injection time into the water tanks 12 and 22 from being extended.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7.
In this embodiment, the microbubble generator 60 is provided on the path from the water supply valves 32 and 33 to the laundry processing agent storage sections 51 and 52. In this case, the microbubble generator 60 is provided on the detergent flow path 43 from the detergent water supply valve 32 to the detergent storage section 51, as in the first embodiment.

On the other hand, the metal ion supply device 70 is provided on a path from the washing treatment agent storage sections 51 and 52 to the outlet 42 of the water injection case 40, that is, the water injection port 42. In the case of this embodiment, the metal ion supply device 70 is provided downstream of the detergent outlet 511. In this case, the metal ion supply device 70 is located on the back side of the bottom surface of the laundry treatment agent case 50 and is attached at a position corresponding to the detergent outflow portion 511.

In this configuration, water that has passed through the microbubble generator 60 on the detergent channel 43 and contains a large amount of nanobubbles flows out of the detergent channel 43 and is poured into the detergent storage section 51 . The water poured into the detergent storage section 51 flows out of the detergent storage section 51 from the detergent outflow section 511, passes through the metal ion supply device 70, and metal ions are added thereto. Thereafter, water containing nanobubbles and metal ions is poured into the water tanks 12 and 22 from the water inlet 42.
This configuration also provides the same effects as those of the embodiments described above.

Further, the metal ion supply device 70 is provided in the laundry treatment agent case 50. The laundry treatment agent case 50 is configured to be able to be taken in and out of the water injection case 40. Therefore, when the metal ion source 71 of the metal ion supply device 70 is exhausted and needs to be replaced or added, the user can remove the laundry treatment agent case 50 to expose the metal ion supply device 70 and replace the metal ion source 71. Can be replaced or added. This makes it possible to easily replace or add the metal ion source 71 of the metal ion supply device 70.

Note that the metal ion supply device 70 may be provided inside the water injection case 40, for example, inside the water injection port 42, as shown in FIG. Regarding the effects other than the workability of replacing the metal ion supply device 70, the same effects as those of the above embodiments can be obtained.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9.
In this embodiment, the fine bubble generator 60 and the metal ion supplier 70 are configured in a positional relationship opposite to that of the first embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, the fine bubble generator 60 and the metal ion supplier 70 are provided on the detergent flow path 43.

In this case, the metal ion supplier 70 is provided upstream of the microbubble generator 60. In other words, the fine bubble generator 60 is provided downstream of the metal ion supplier 70. The microbubble generator 60 is provided downstream of the metal ion supplier 70 at a position through which water containing metal ions passes through the metal ion supplier 70.

According to this, the same effects as in each of the above embodiments can be obtained regarding the cleaning effect by microbubbles including nanobubbles and the antibacterial effect by metal ions.
Moreover, according to this, the fine bubble generator 60 precipitates fine bubbles using water that has passed through the metal ion supply device 70 and contains metal ions. At this time, metal ions with a positive potential coordinate around the nanobubbles with a negative potential, thereby stabilizing the nanobubbles. Thereby, nanobubbles become difficult to disappear, and the generation efficiency of microbubbles including nanobubbles can be improved.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10.
In this embodiment, the fine bubble generator 60 and the metal ion supplier 70 are configured in a positional relationship opposite to that of the second embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, the fine bubble generator 60 and the metal ion supplier 70 are provided on the bypass channel 45.

In this case, the metal ion supplier 70 is provided upstream of the microbubble generator 60. In other words, the fine bubble generator 60 is provided downstream of the metal ion supplier 70. The microbubble generator 60 is provided downstream of the metal ion supplier 70 at a position through which water containing metal ions passes through the metal ion supplier 70.

According to this, the same effects as in each of the above embodiments can be obtained regarding the cleaning effect by microbubbles including nanobubbles and the antibacterial effect by metal ions.
Further, regarding the improvement in the generation efficiency of microbubbles including nanobubbles, the same effects as in the fourth embodiment can be obtained.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11.
This embodiment differs from the second and fifth embodiments in the positional relationship between the microbubble generator 60 and the metal ion supplier 70. In this embodiment, one of the microbubble generator 60 and the metal ion supply device 70 is provided on the path from the water supply valves 33 and 34 to the laundry treatment agent storage sections 51 and 52, and the other is provided on the path leading to the laundry treatment agent storage section 51 and 52. It is provided on a route that does not pass through parts 51 and 52. The water that has passed through the microbubble generator 60 and the water that has passed through the metal ion supplier 70 are combined in the water injection case 40 and are injected into the water tanks 12 and 22 from the water injection port 42. In this case, the microbubble generator 60 is provided on the detergent channel 43. On the other hand, the metal ion supply device 70 is provided on the bypass channel 45.

According to this, the same effects as in each of the above embodiments can be obtained regarding the cleaning effect by microbubbles including nanobubbles and the antibacterial effect by metal ions.
Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, by controlling the opening and closing of the detergent water supply valve 32 and the bypass water supply valve 34, microbubble water containing nano-order microbubbles, sterilizing antibacterial water containing metal ions, and microbial water can be produced. Water containing both bubbles and metal ions can be selectively supplied to the water tanks 12, 22. As a result, water suitable for each step of the operation of washing machines 10 and 20 can be supplied.

(Seventh embodiment)
Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14.
Also in this embodiment, the fine bubble generator 60 is provided upstream of the metal ion supplier 70. The metal ion supplier 70 is provided at a position where the metal ions can be eluted into the water that passes through the microbubble generator 60 and contains microbubbles. That is, the fine bubble generator 60 is provided on the path from the water supply valves 32 and 33 to the outlet of the water injection case 40, that is, the water injection port 42, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the microbubble generator 60 is provided on the detergent channel 43.

On the other hand, the metal ion supply device 70 is provided downstream of the outlet of the water injection case 40, that is, the water injection port 42. In this case, the metal ion supply device 70 is provided on the inner surface of the water tanks 12 and 22, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Therefore, the water that has passed through the microbubble generator 60 and contains microbubbles is poured into the water tanks 12 and 22, and then comes into contact with the metal ion supplier 70 in the water tanks 12 and 22. That is, the metal ion supply device 70 comes into contact with fine bubble water containing nano-order fine bubbles in the water tanks 12 and 22, and elutes and adds metal ions.

This also provides the same effects as in each of the above embodiments regarding the cleaning effect by microbubbles including nanobubbles and the antibacterial effect by metal ions.
Further, for example, during a washing operation or a rinsing operation, the washing water or rinsing water stored in the water tanks 12 and 22 comes into contact with the metal ion supply device 70. Therefore, the elution period of metal ions by the metal ion supply device 70 can be ensured for a long time, and thereby more metal ions can be added. As a result, the sterilizing and antibacterial effects of metal ions on laundry can be further improved.

(Eighth embodiment)
Next, an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.
This embodiment differs from the seventh embodiment in the position of the metal ion supply device 70. In this case, the washing machines 10, 20 are equipped with a water injection device 30 having the same configuration as the seventh embodiment, that is, a water injection device 30 shown in FIG. 12. In this embodiment, the metal ion supply device 70 is provided on the circulation path 28, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Further, when the most upstream of the circulation path 28 is the drain port 121, 221, and the most downstream of the circulation path 28 is the nozzle part 181, 271, the metal ion supply device 70 is provided downstream of the filter devices 17, 27. ing.

This also provides the same effects as in each of the above embodiments regarding the cleaning effect of microbubbles including nanobubbles and the sterilization/antibacterial effect of metal ions.
Further, for example, by driving the circulation pumps 19 and 29 during washing or rinsing operations to circulate the washing water or rinsing water, metal ions can be continuously added from the metal ion supply device 70. This also makes it possible to ensure a long elution period for metal ions by the metal ion supply device 70, so that more metal ions can be added. As a result, the sterilizing and antibacterial effects of metal ions on laundry can be further improved.

In addition, in the seventh and eighth embodiments, the microbubble generator 60 may be provided in both the detergent channel 43 and the finishing agent channel 44, as shown in FIG. 17, for example. good. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18, for example, the microbubble generator 60 may not be provided in the detergent channel 43 and the finishing agent channel 44, but may be provided in the bypass channel 45. . Furthermore, the fine bubble generator 60 may be provided in all of the detergent flow path 43, the finishing agent flow path 44, and the bypass flow path 45, as shown in FIG.

Note that the above embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.
Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included within the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

In the drawing, 10 and 20 are washing machines, 12 and 22 are water tanks, 18 and 28 are circulation paths, 32 is a water supply valve for detergent (water supply valve), 33 is a water supply valve for finishing agent (water supply valve), and 34 is for bypass Water supply valve (water supply valve), 40 is a water injection case, 42 is a water injection port (outlet of the water injection case), 43 is a flow path for detergent (flow path in the case), 44 is a flow path for finishing agent (flow path in the case), 45 is a bypass channel (channel in the case), 50 is a laundry treatment agent case, 51 is a detergent storage section (laundry treatment agent storage section), 52 is a finishing agent storage section (laundry treatment agent storage section), and 60 is a fine A bubble generator 70 indicates a metal ion supply device.

Claims (7)

aquarium and
a microbubble generator that precipitates microbubbles including nanobubbles in water supplied to the water tank;
a metal ion supply device that elutes metal ions having a function of suppressing the growth of bacteria into the water supplied to the aquarium or the water supplied to the aquarium;
Equipped with
The metal ion supplier is provided upstream of the fine bubble generator,
The fine bubble generator is provided downstream of the metal ion supplier at a position where water containing the metal ions passes through the metal ion supplier.
washing machine. a water valve connected to an external water source;
a laundry treatment agent storage section that stores a laundry treatment agent;
further comprising: a water injection case that accommodates the laundry treatment agent storage section, receives water supplied from the external water source via the water supply valve, and injects water into the water tank;
The metal ion supply device is provided on a path from the water supply valve to the outlet of the water injection case.
A washing machine according to claim 1 . The fine bubble generator and the metal ion supply device are provided on the same path from the water supply valve to the laundry treatment agent storage section.
A washing machine according to claim 2 . The fine bubble generator and the metal ion supply device are provided on the same path that does not pass through the laundry treatment agent storage section.
A washing machine according to claim 2 . The fine bubble generator is provided on a path from the water supply valve to the laundry treatment agent storage section,
The metal ion supply device is provided on a path from the laundry treatment agent storage section to the outlet of the water injection case.
A washing machine according to claim 2 . a water valve connected to an external water source;
a water injection case that receives water supplied from the external water source via the water supply valve and injects water into the water tank;
a laundry treatment agent case, which is provided with a laundry treatment agent storage section for accommodating the laundry treatment agent therein, and configured to be able to be put in and taken out of the water injection case;
further comprising;
The metal ion supply device is provided in the laundry treatment agent case.
A washing machine according to claim 5 . Of the microbubble generator and the metal ion supplier, one is provided on a path from the water supply valve to the laundry treatment agent storage section, and the other is installed on a path that does not pass through the laundry treatment agent storage section. has been
The water that has passed through the microbubble generator and the water that has passed through the metal ion supplier are combined in the water injection case and are injected into the water tank from the outlet.
A washing machine according to claim 2 .

Images