JPH1024191A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To disperse or dissolve a reducing agent in tap water or washing liquid of a preset prescribed amount, remove the reducing agent and free chlorine completely and quickly by an oxidation reduction reaction, prevent the discoloration and fading of a colored pattern (dye), yellowing of silk, and oxidation of various types of organic textile surface treatment material due to the oxidation of free chlorine contained in tap water, and make possible stable elution of the reducing agent without causing an unsymmetrical wear due to water pressure in a washing machine where free chlorine contained water or washing liquid supplied to a washing tub can be removed. SOLUTION: A reducing agent 19 which reduces free chlorine contained in water is stored in a storage 18, of multiple water routes branching from a water supply valve 16, the first water route 14 is provided with a storage 18, and after a reducing agent is eluted in part of water from the water supply valve 16, water is supplied to a washing and dehydrating tube 23.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a washing machine capable of removing free chlorine contained in water or washing liquid supplied to a washing tub.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, techniques for removing free chlorine from tap water supplied to a washing machine are disclosed in JP-A-2-136170, JP-A-6-154474, and JP-A-6-238.
No. 092 is known.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2-136170 discloses an internal hose 3 connected to a water supply valve 2 to which a water supply hose 1 is connected, as shown in FIG.
The tap water from which free chlorine has been removed is supplied to a water supply port through a free chlorine removing device 5 having a built-in cartridge (not shown) filled with a free chlorine removing material. It is configured so that water can be supplied from the section 6 into the water tank.

As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-154474, as shown in FIG. 11, a water supply hose 1 is connected to a double water supply valve 7, and one of the two water supply valves 7 is provided with a free chlorine removing material. 8 is connected to a free chlorine removing device 10 containing a cartridge 9 filled with
The tap water entered from 1 is discharged from the outlet 12 through the free chlorine removing material 8 and the tap water from which free chlorine has been removed is supplied to the water inlet 6.
It is configured so that water can be supplied into the water tank.

[0005] Further, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-238092, as shown in FIG. 12, a water supply path for supplying water through an internal hose 3 connected to a water supply valve 2 is filled with a free chlorine removing material 8. A filter case 13a for accommodating the cartridge 13 is detachably mounted in a drawer shape, and tap water from which free chlorine has been removed is supplied into the water tank when the filter case 13a is mounted.

[0006]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention
No. 0, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-154474, all the water is filled by completely switching the water supply path in order to supply tap water from which free chlorine has been removed into the water tank. It is necessary to pass water through the free chlorine remover and to apply water pressure to pass through the densely packed free chlorine remover.

Further, in a cartridge system using a reducing agent, a reducing agent obtained by granulating powdered calcium sulfite having a reducing action as a main component and ethyl cellulose or the like which is hardly soluble in water as a binder is used. Had been used. As a result, the principle of the reaction mechanism was that free chlorine contacted and reacted with the surface of the calcium sulfite granular material.

[0008] Further, in the structure filled with the granular material, a portion that easily passes through water and a portion that does not easily pass through are likely to be generated, and when used in a state where water pressure is applied, the portion that easily passes through water is more than other portions. Consumed to react with the free chlorine of
A short path was generated while leaving a large amount of the active ingredient, and free chlorine began to leak, resulting in a long life.

[0009] In the cartridge using activated carbon, the flow rate is reduced due to clogging by foreign substances contained in tap water, and the free chlorine gradually leaks because the flow rate in the activated carbon increases to exceed the adsorption capacity. However, the life is short.

In any case, since it is impossible for the user to visually recognize the service life of the reducing agent from the outside, it is necessary to predict the service life from the number of times of use and leave it alone.

Next, in the configuration described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-238092, in order to supply tap water from which free chlorine has been removed into a water tank, a filter case 13a accommodating the cartridge 13 is mounted at the portion where the filter case 13a is mounted. In order to remove free chlorine contained in tap water, a poorly soluble reducing agent requires high contact efficiency (wide contact area) with tap water. For this reason, the contact area gradually decreases during use, and similarly, it is impossible for the user to know the life from the outside. Therefore, it is also required to predict and inform the life from the number of times of use and the like.

In addition, it is impossible to supply a predetermined amount of reducing agent into tap water in each of the washing process and the rinsing process with a readily soluble reducing agent. If too much reducing agent is present in the cleaning solution, it is necessary to control the elution to a substantially predetermined amount in order to cause the color pattern (dye) to change color by the reducing action.

Further, the reducing agent needs to be replaced or repaired by its use, and operability such as easy loading is required for loading the reducing agent into the washing machine. It is also important that the agent can be used stably.

Furthermore, when all of the tap water is passed through the reducing agent, the reducing agent partially decreases depending on the water pressure, so that a predetermined amount of elution cannot be maintained for a long period of time.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and disperses or dissolves a predetermined amount of a reducing agent in tap water or a washing solution to completely and rapidly cause a redox reaction between the reducing agent and free chlorine. To prevent the discoloration of the color pattern (dye) due to the oxidizing action of free chlorine contained in tap water, yellowing of silk, and oxidation of various organic fiber surface treatment materials. It is an object of the present invention to stably elute a reducing agent without causing a loss or the like.

[0016]

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, a reducing agent for reducing free chlorine contained in water is stored in a storage, and at least one of a plurality of water supply paths branched from water supply means is provided. In this case, a storage is provided, and a reducing agent is eluted in a part of the water supplied from the water supply means in the storage, and then the water is injected into the washing tub.

Thus, the predetermined amount of the reducing agent is dispersed or dissolved in the tap water or the washing liquid, and the reducing agent and the free chlorine are completely and rapidly subjected to the oxidation-reduction reaction to be removed and contained in the tap water. To prevent discoloration and discoloration of colored patterns (dyes) due to the oxidizing action of free chlorine, yellowing of silk, and oxidation of various organic fiber surface treatment materials, and to prevent loss due to water pressure It is possible to stably elute the reducing agent.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a storage housing for storing a reducing agent for reducing free chlorine contained in water, and a plurality of water supply paths branched from water supply means. The storage is provided in at least one of the water supply paths, and the reducing agent is eluted in a part of the water supply from the water supply means in the storage and then poured into a washing tub. There is no need to completely switch the water supply path or apply water pressure to the cartridge, nor is it necessary to have a high contact efficiency with tap water, and to supply a predetermined amount of a reducing agent into tap water or cleaning liquid. It can be dispersed or dissolved in water to completely and quickly remove and reduce the reducing agent and free chlorine by redox reaction, and the discoloration and discoloration of the colored pattern (dye) and silk by the oxidizing action of free chlorine contained in tap water Yellowing and various organic fibers It is possible to prevent oxidation of the surface workpiece.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the amount of water supplied from each of the plurality of water supply paths is such that the concentration of the reducing agent in the washing liquid in the washing tub becomes a predetermined value. The free chlorine contained in the washing liquid (washing liquid or rinsing liquid) in the washing tub supplied with tap water can be completely removed by an oxidation-reduction reaction with the reducing agent, and free chlorine contained in the washing liquid can be removed. It is possible to prevent discoloration and fading of a color pattern (dye) due to the oxidizing action of chlorine, yellowing of silk, oxidation of various organic fiber surface processing materials, and the like.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, a lid for opening and closing a storage for storing the reducing agent, and an open state of the lid is detected. A lid open detecting means for controlling or stopping the water supply path in which the storage is disposed when the open state of the lid is detected by the lid open detecting means. When the lid has been opened during water supply, when the lid has been opened due to abnormal water pressure or when the lid has been opened due to other problems, the lid open detection means changes the open state of the lid. It is possible to detect and detect or control the supply of water only to the water supply path in which the storage is provided, and to prevent water leakage outside the storage. Also in this case,
Since the water supply path where no storage is provided continues to supply water, the washing operation can be continued.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, a water stop valve which operates in conjunction with the lid is provided in the water supply path in which the storage is disposed, and the lid is When it is in the open state, the water is stopped by the water shutoff valve.There is no reducing agent in the storage, and when the lid is opened during water supply, abnormal water pressure is applied and the lid is opened. When the lid is opened due to a drop or other trouble, the water supply can be controlled or stopped only in the water supply path where the storage is arranged, in conjunction with the lid, Water leakage can be prevented, safety can be improved, and the cost can be reduced.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or the second aspect of the present invention, water is supplied through a water supply passage through which the reducing agent is eluted after passing through the storage and the storage is not provided. It is designed to be combined with water and injected into the washing tub, and it is possible to prevent water that has not eluted the reducing agent from being directly injected into the washing tub during the water supply process to the washing tub. When the amount of clothing is large, water in which the reducing agent is not eluted continues to be applied to some of the clothing, thereby preventing the clothing from being discolored.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the flow rate detecting means for detecting the flow rate of at least one water supply path, and the flow rate of the water supply path provided with the storage case are determined. Flow rate control means for controlling the water supply amount of the water supply path in which the storage is arranged by the output of the flow rate detection means, and the flow rate per unit time fluctuates due to fluctuations in water pressure or the like. In this case, by controlling the flow rate of the water supply path in which the storage is arranged by the output of the flow rate detection means, the flow rate per unit time passing through the reducing agent can be made substantially constant, and the flow rate due to fluctuations in the water pressure, etc. A certain amount of reducing agent can be eluted in the washing solution irrespective of the fluctuation of the washing solution.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the water supplied into the storage, and the temperature is detected by the output of the temperature detecting means. Flow rate control means for controlling the flow rate of a water supply path provided with a storage, wherein the flow rate control means corresponds to an elution characteristic with respect to the temperature of the reducing agent, and the flow rate to the storage when the reducing agent is easily eluted. Is reduced, if the elution is difficult, the flow rate is increased, regardless of the elution characteristics of the reducing agent depending on the temperature, for example, when washing with hot water or lukewarm water, Even when washing at a low temperature in a cold region, a certain amount of reducing agent can be eluted in the washing solution.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flow rate changing means for changing a flow rate of a water supply path in which no storage is provided, and the storage rate is changed by the flow rate changing means. In this case, the flow rate of the water supply path not provided is changed to secure at least the minimum flow rate of the water supply path to the storage, and when the flow rate to the storage storing the reducing agent is constantly low. By controlling or stopping the flow rate of the water supply path where no storage is provided by a valve, a baffle plate, etc., the amount of water supplied to the storage can be secured even at low water pressure, and the minimum amount of reducing agent Can be ensured.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the water supply path from the water supply means is divided into a plurality of parts by a partition, and the storage and the plurality of water supply paths are connected. The water supply and water supply paths having a storage and a plurality of water supply paths can be obtained at a low cost because the water supply paths can be easily separated from each other by partition walls.

[0027]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first water supply path (water supply path) 14 and a second water supply path (water supply path) 15 are connected to a water supply valve (water supply means) 16. A branch 18 is provided at the first water supply path 14, and a storage 18 is provided at the first water supply path 14. The reducing agent 19 is for reducing free chlorine contained in water. The reducing agent 19 contains calcium sulfite as a main component and is solidified by a binder which is gradually soluble in water.
Are stored in the storage 18.

The lid 20 covers the storage 18, and the storage 18 is opened from the water supply port 21 with the lid 20 closed.
And water is sprinkled over the reducing agent 19 to reduce
Is eluted, and a washing and dewatering tub (washing tub) 2
3 is being supplied. Water is supplied from the second water supply path 15 to the washing / dewatering tub 23 through the water supply port 24. The two waters are mixed in the washing and dewatering tub 23.

Here, the amount of water supplied from the first water supply path 14 and the amount of water supplied from the second water supply path 15 are mixed with each other in the washing / dewatering tub 23 so that the concentration of the reducing agent 19 becomes a predetermined value. Value (for example, 1 to 3 ppm).

The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the reducing agent 19 is stored in the storage 18 and the water supply valve 16 is opened with the lid 20 closed, the reduction agent is returned from the water supply port 21 through the first water supply path 14. Water is sprinkled above the agent 19 and the water supply port 2
Water is poured into the washing / dewatering tub 23 from 2. At this time, the binder of the reducing agent 19 is gradually dissolved, and fine particles of calcium sulfite are dispersed and released into the tap water.

On the other hand, water is supplied from the second water supply path 15 to the washing / dewatering tub 23 through the water supply port 24. This 2
The two waters are mixed in the washing and dewatering tub 23. The calcium sulfite fine particles dispersed and released into the tap water are used as the reducing agent 19
In the water supply port 22 and the washing / dewatering tub 23 from the surface of the water, the free chlorine having an oxidizing effect in the tap water can undergo an oxidation-reduction reaction to remove the free chlorine.

The concentration of calcium sulfite required to remove 1 ppm of free chlorine in tap water is 2.33 p.
pm. On the other hand, the average value of free chlorine concentration in tap water in Japan is 0.4 ppm, and the maximum value is 1.2 ppm.
It is. Therefore, by reducing the concentration of the reducing agent 19, that is, calcium sulfite to 1 to 3 ppm in the state of being mixed in the washing and dewatering tub 23,
Free chlorine in the washing liquid (washing liquid or rinsing liquid) in the inside can be removed, and the discoloration and discoloration of colored pattern (dye), yellowing of silk and various organic fibers due to the oxidizing action of free chlorine contained in tap water Oxidation of the surface-treated material can be prevented.

In the present embodiment, (Embodiment 2) As shown in FIG. 3, the lid 20 is provided with a lid open state detection portion 25 such as a magnet or a reflection plate, and the lid 20 is closed. A lid open detection unit 26 such as a magnetic sensor or a phototransistor is provided on the outer wall of the storage 18 so as to correspond to the lid open state detection unit 25 sometimes. When the lid 20 is in the open state, the water stop control device 27 controls the water stop device 28 provided in the first water supply path 14 based on the output of the lid open detection unit 26 to suppress or stop water supply to the storage 18. It is configured to be. At this time, most or all of the water supplied from the water supply valve 16 passes through the second water supply path 15 and is supplied to the washing tub 23 from the water supply port 24. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the lid 20 is in the closed state, the closed state of the lid 20 is detected by the lid open detecting section 26, the water stopping device 28 is opened, and the first water supply path 1 is opened.
4, water can be supplied to the storage 18 through the water supply port 21, water is sprinkled above the reducing agent 19, the binder of the reducing agent 19 is gradually dissolved, and calcium sulfite fine particles are dispersed and released into tap water. .

Next, when the reducing agent 19 is exhausted from the storage 18 and the lid 20 is opened during the supply of water, when the lid 20 is opened due to abnormal water pressure, or when the lid 20 is opened due to other problems. When the lid is opened, the lid open detecting section 26 detects the open state of the lid 20 and controls the water stop device 28 to control or stop water supply only to the first water supply path 14.

Therefore, the storage 18 with the lid 20 opened.
Water leakage to the outside can be prevented. Also in this case, since the second water supply path 15 continues to supply water,
The washing operation can be continued.

(Embodiment 3) As shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), a water stop device 29 is provided in the first water supply passage 14, and the water stop device 29 has a first water supply passage. A water stop valve 30 for controlling the water flow and the water stop is provided, and the water stop valve 30 is controlled by a water stop valve control unit 31. An extension portion 32 is provided on the lid portion 20, and when the lid portion 20 is in the closed state, the water shutoff control portion 31 is pressed by the extension portion 32 and the water shutoff valve 30 is provided.
To open. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will now be described.
As shown in (b), when the lid part 20 is in the closed state, the water stop valve control part 31 is pushed by the extension part 32, the water stop valve 30 is opened, and the water supply port 21 is passed through the first water supply path 14. Water can be supplied to the storage 18, water is sprinkled above the reducing agent 19, the binder of the reducing agent 19 is gradually dissolved, and fine particles of calcium sulfite are dispersed and released into tap water.

Next, as shown in FIG.
When there is no reducing agent 19 inside and the lid 20 is opened during water supply, when the lid 20 is opened due to abnormal water pressure, or when the lid 20 is opened due to other problems, the water shutoff valve control is performed. The part 31 is in an open state, and at this time, the water stop valve 30 can control or stop water supply only to the first water supply path 14.

Therefore, the storage 18 with the lid 20 opened.
Water leakage to the outside can be prevented, safety can be improved, and the cost can be reduced. Also in this case, since the second water supply path 15 continues to supply water,
The washing operation can be continued.

(Embodiment 4) As shown in FIG. 5, the mixed water tank 33 elutes the reducing agent 19 in the storage 18 through the first water supply path 14, and supplies water supplied from the water supply port 22.
The water supplied from the water supply port 24 through the second water supply path 15 is combined and mixed, and the water is supplied from the water supply port 34 to the washing / dewatering tub. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the reducing agent 19 is stored in the storage 18 and the water supply valve 16 is opened with the lid 20 closed, the reduction agent is returned from the water supply port 21 through the first water supply path 14. Water is sprinkled above the agent 19 and the water supply port 2
Water is supplied into the mixed water tank 33 from the second tank. At this time, the binder of the reducing agent 19 is gradually dissolved, and fine particles of calcium sulfite are dispersed and released into the tap water. On the other hand, water is supplied from the second water supply path 15 to the mixed water tank 33 through the water supply port 24. The two waters are mixed in the mixing tank 33,
Water is supplied to the washing and dewatering tub.

Therefore, in the process of supplying water to the washing and dewatering tub, it is possible to prevent water not eluted with the reducing agent 19 from the second water supply path 15 from being directly supplied to the washing and dewatering tub. In particular, when the amount of clothing is large, water that does not elute the reducing agent 19 continues to splash on some clothing,
The problem that the clothing causes discoloration or the like can be prevented.

(Embodiment 5) As shown in FIG. 6, the flow rate detecting device 35 detects the flow rate of the first water supply path 14, and is based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate detecting device 35 by the control device 36. , The flow control device 38 is controlled, and when the flow rate is large, the storage 1
The water supply amount flowing into the storage 18 is controlled to be reduced, and when the flow rate is small, the water supply amount is controlled to be increased. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the reducing agent 19 is stored in the storage 18 and the water supply valve 16 is opened with the lid 20 closed, the reduction agent is returned from the water supply port 21 through the first water supply path 14. Water is sprayed above the agent 19, and the reducing agent 19
Gradually dissolves, and calcium sulfite fine particles are dispersed and released into tap water.

At this time, when the flow rate is large, the flow rate control device 38 is controlled based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection device 35.
Thus, the amount of water supplied to the storage 18 through the first water supply path 14 can be reduced so that the reducing agent 19 does not elute too much. If the flow rate is small, the amount of water supplied to the storage 18 can be increased. , A predetermined amount of the reducing agent 19 can be eluted.

Therefore, when the flow rate per unit time fluctuates due to fluctuations in the water pressure, etc., the flow rate of the first water supply path 14 is controlled by the output of the flow rate detecting device 35, so that the unit time passing through the reducing agent 17 is reduced. The flow rate per contact can be made substantially constant, and a fixed amount of the reducing agent 19 can be eluted into the cleaning liquid regardless of the fluctuation of the flow rate due to the fluctuation of the water pressure.

In this embodiment, the flow rate detecting device 35
Detects the flow rate of the first water supply path 14, but may detect the flow rate of the second water supply path 15.

(Embodiment 6) As shown in FIG. 7, the temperature detecting device 39 detects the temperature of the water supply in the water supply passage 17, and based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting device 39 by the control device 40, When the flow rate control device 41 is controlled and the temperature is high and the reducing agent 19 is easily eluted, the flow rate is controlled so as to reduce the amount of water supplied to the storage 18 and the temperature is lowered and the reducing agent 19 is reduced.
When it is difficult to elute, the water supply amount flowing into the storage 18 is controlled to be increased. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the reducing agent 19 is stored in the storage 18 and the water supply valve 16 is opened with the lid 20 closed, the reduction agent is returned from the water supply port 21 through the first water supply path 14. Water is sprayed above the agent 19, and the reducing agent 19
Gradually dissolves, and calcium sulfite fine particles are dispersed and released into tap water.

At this time, when the temperature of the feed water is high and the reducing agent 19 is easily eluted, the flow control device 41 controls the flow rate to the storage 18 through the first feed water path 14 based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting device 39. Reduce the amount of incoming water,
If the reducing agent 19 can be prevented from being eluted too much and the supply water temperature is low and the reducing agent 19 is not easily eluted, increase the amount of water supplied to the storage 18 to elute a predetermined amount of the reducing agent 19. Can be.

Therefore, regardless of the elution characteristics of the reducing agent depending on the temperature, for example, even when washing with hot water or lukewarm water in a hot water supply system, or when washing at a low temperature in a cold region, a certain amount of water is contained in the washing liquid. Quantity of reducing agent 1
9 can be eluted.

(Embodiment 7) As shown in FIG. 8, the water stop device 42 is provided in the second water supply path 15, the amount of water supplied from the water supply valve 16 is constantly small, and When the flow rate is low, the water stop device 42 is configured to suppress or stop the flow rate of the second water supply path 15. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the reducing agent 19 is stored in the storage 18 and the water supply valve 16 is opened with the lid 20 closed, the reduction agent is returned from the water supply port 21 through the first water supply path 14. Water is sprayed above the agent 19, and the reducing agent 19
Gradually dissolves, and calcium sulfite fine particles are dispersed and released into tap water.

At this time, when the amount of water supplied from the water supply valve 16 is steadily small and the flow rate of the first water supply path 14 is small, the flow rate of the second water supply path 15 is suppressed or stopped by the water stopping device 42. Thus, the flow rate of the first water supply path 14 can be constantly increased to a certain value or more.
A predetermined amount of the reducing agent 19 can be eluted by securing the amount of water supplied to the cooling water 8. Therefore, the amount of water supply to the storage 18 can be ensured even at the time of low water pressure, and the elution of the minimum amount of the reducing agent 19 can be ensured at least.

(Embodiment 8) As shown in FIG. 9, the storage component 43 has a storage 44 and a hanging piece 45 on the periphery to form a space 46 in the lower part. The flow path component member 47 has a partition wall 48 on the upper surface. When the lower end of the hanging piece 45 of the storage component member 43 is welded or bonded to the flow path component member 47 and integrated, the partition wall 48 defines the inside of the space 46. Are separated to form a first water supply path 49 and a second water supply path 50. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. The storage component 43 and the flow channel component 47 are integrated, and the first water supply path 49 and the second water supply path 50 are formed by the partition wall 48 and connected. When the water supply A from a water supply valve (not shown) flows into the port 51, the water supply B is divided into a water supply B passing through the first water supply path 49 and a water supply C passing through the second water supply path 50. The water supply B flows into the storage 44 through the first water supply path 49. The water supply B that has flowed into the storage case 44 passes through a drain port 52 of the storage case 44 and is supplied to a washing tub (not shown) from a water supply port portion 53. On the other hand, the water supply C is the second water supply path 50.
The water is supplied to the washing tub (not shown) from the water supply port 54 through the water supply port.

Therefore, the first water supply path 49 and the second water supply path 50 can be easily separated from each other by the partition wall 48, and the storage case 44, the first water supply path 49, and the second water supply path 49 can be formed. A water treatment and water supply path having the path 50 can be realized at low cost.

[0060]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a storage for storing a reducing agent for reducing free chlorine contained in water, and a plurality of water supply paths branched from water supply means. Wherein the storage is provided in at least one of the water supply paths, and the reducing agent is eluted in the storage in a part of the water supplied from the water supply means, and then water is poured into the washing tub. Therefore, a predetermined amount of a reducing agent set in advance can be dispersed or dissolved in tap water or a washing solution, and the reducing agent and free chlorine can be completely and rapidly subjected to an oxidation-reduction reaction to be removed, which is included in tap water. It is possible to prevent discoloration and fading of a color pattern (dye), yellowing of silk, and oxidation of various organic fiber surface processing materials due to the oxidizing action of free chlorine.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the amount of water supplied from each of the plurality of water supply paths is adjusted so that the concentration of the reducing agent in the washing liquid in the washing tub becomes a predetermined value. The free chlorine and the reducing agent in the washing liquid (washing liquid or rinsing liquid) in the washing tub in which water has been supplied can be completely removed by an oxidation-reduction reaction. Dyeing), yellowing of silk, oxidation of various organic fiber surface treatment materials, and the like can be prevented.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lid for opening and closing a storage for storing a reducing agent, and a lid open detecting means for detecting an open state of the lid. When the open state of the lid is detected by the lid open detection means, the water supply path in which the storage is disposed is controlled or water is stopped.Therefore, there is no reducing agent in the storage, and the lid is closed during water supply. When the lid is opened due to abnormal water pressure when opened,
Or, when the lid is opened due to other problems, the open state of the lid is detected by the lid open detection means, and the water supply can be controlled or stopped only in the water supply path in which the storage is arranged, and the outside of the storage can be controlled. Water can be prevented. Further, even in this case, the water supply path in which the storage is not provided continues to supply water, so that the washing operation can be continued.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the water supply path in which the storage is provided is provided with a water stop valve which operates in conjunction with the lid, and when the lid is opened, Since the water stop valve is used to stop the water, there is no reducing agent in the storage, and when the lid is opened during water supply, when the lid is opened due to abnormal water pressure, or due to other problems, When the part is opened, the water supply can be controlled or stopped only in the water supply path where the storage is arranged in conjunction with the lid, preventing water leakage outside the storage and ensuring safety. Can be improved and the cost can be reduced.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the water that has passed through the storage and eluted with the reducing agent and the water that is supplied through the water supply path without the storage are joined to form a washing tub. In this way, water that has not eluted the reducing agent during the water supply process to the washing tub can be prevented from being directly injected into the washing tub, especially when the amount of clothes is large. Water which does not elute is continuously applied to some of the clothes, thereby preventing the clothes from discoloring or the like.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flow rate detecting means for detecting a flow rate of at least one water supply path, and a flow rate control means for controlling a flow rate of the water supply path provided with the storage. Since the amount of water supplied to the water supply path in which the storage is arranged is controlled by the output of the flow rate detecting means, when the flow rate per unit time fluctuates due to fluctuations in water pressure or the like, storage is performed by the output of the flow rate detecting means. By controlling the flow rate of the water supply path where the storage is located, the flow rate per unit time passing through the reducing agent can be made almost constant, and the flow rate in the cleaning liquid is constant regardless of the flow rate fluctuation due to water pressure fluctuation etc. An amount of reducing agent can be eluted.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the water supplied into the storage, and the water supply path in which the storage is disposed by the output of the temperature detecting means. Flow rate control means for controlling the flow rate, wherein the flow rate control means reduces the flow rate to the storage when the reducing agent is easily eluted, in accordance with the elution characteristics with respect to the temperature of the reducing agent, when the elution is difficult. Because the flow rate is increased, regardless of the elution characteristics of the reducing agent depending on the temperature, for example, when cleaning with hot water or lukewarm water, or when cleaning at low temperature in a cold region However, a certain amount of the reducing agent can be eluted in the washing solution.

Further, according to the invention of claim 8, there is provided flow rate changing means for changing the flow rate of the water supply path without the storage, and the flow rate of the water supply path without the storage is arranged by the flow rate changing means. Was changed to ensure at least the minimum required flow rate of the water supply path to the storage, so if the flow rate to the storage that stores the reducing agent is constantly low, the water supply path without the storage By suppressing or stopping the flow rate, the amount of water supplied to the storage can be ensured even at the time of low water pressure, and at least the elution of the minimum amount of the reducing agent can be ensured.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the water supply path from the water supply means is configured to be divided into a plurality by the partition, and the storage and the plurality of water supply paths are integrally formed. The water supply path can be easily configured by being separated by a partition, and a water treatment and water supply path having a storage and a plurality of water supply paths can be obtained at low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with a portion cut away.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the washing machine with a part cut away.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 (a) is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which a lid part of the main part is opened, and FIG. Exploded perspective view with part cutaway in the folded state

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a principal part of a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with a portion cut away.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a washing machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a washing machine according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a washing machine according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, with a portion cut away.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a washing machine according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, with a portion cut away.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an essential part of an example of a conventional washing machine.

FIG. 11 (a) is an exploded perspective view of another example of a conventional washing machine, and FIG. 11 (b) is a sectional view of a free chlorine removing device of the washing machine.

FIG. 12 (a) is an exploded perspective view of a main part of another example of the conventional washing machine, and (b) is a partially cutaway perspective view of a cartridge of the washing machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 14 First water supply path (water supply path) 15 Second water supply path (water supply path) 16 Water supply valve (water supply means) 18 Storage case 19 Reducing agent 23 Washing and dewatering tub (Washing tub)

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Norio Onoki 7-6 Tonoshimacho, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Excel Techno Co., Ltd.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A storage for storing a reducing agent for reducing free chlorine contained in water, and a plurality of water supply paths branched from water supply means, wherein the storage is disposed in at least one of the water supply paths. A washing machine configured to elute the reducing agent in a part of water supplied from the water supply means in the storage and then pour water into a washing tub. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the amount of water supplied from each of the plurality of water supply paths is such that the concentration of the reducing agent in the washing liquid in the washing tub becomes a predetermined value. 3. A lid for opening and closing a storage for storing a reducing agent, and lid open detecting means for detecting an open state of the lid, wherein the lid open state is detected by the lid open detecting means. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, when the condition is detected, the water supply path provided with the storage is controlled or stopped. 4. A water supply valve provided in a water supply path in which a storage is disposed, the water stop valve being operated in conjunction with a lid portion, and when the lid portion is opened, water is stopped by the water stop valve. Item 3. The washing machine according to item 1 or 2. 5. Water which has passed through a storage and eluted a reducing agent,
3. The structure according to claim 1, wherein water supplied via a water supply path in which a storage is not provided is merged and injected into a washing tub.
The washing machine as described. 6. A flow rate detecting means for detecting a flow rate of at least one water supply path, and a flow rate control means for controlling a flow rate of a water supply path provided with a storage, wherein the storage is operated by an output of the flow rate detecting means. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flow rate of the water supply path provided with (3) is controlled. 7. A temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of water supplied into the storage, and a flow control means for controlling a flow rate of a water supply path in which the storage is disposed by an output of the temperature detecting means, The flow rate control means, according to the elution characteristic of the reducing agent with respect to the temperature, reduces the flow rate to the storage when the reducing agent is easily eluted, and increases the flow rate when the elution is difficult. 3. The washing machine according to 1 or 2. 8. A method for changing the flow rate of a water supply path in which no storage is provided, wherein the flow rate of the water supply path in which no storage is provided is changed by the flow rate change means to supply water to at least the storage. 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a minimum required flow rate of the path is secured. 9. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the water supply path from the water supply means is divided into a plurality of parts by a partition, and the storage and the plurality of water supply paths are integrally formed.