TWI400377B - Washing machines and droplet generation devices - Google Patents

Description

Washing machine and mist generating device

The present invention relates to a washing machine configured to circulate air in a tank through a circulation path, and a mist generating device provided in the washing machine.

For this type of washing machine, for example, a heat pump is provided. The washing machine is provided with an evaporator that cools and dehumidifies air flowing in the circulation air passage, and heats the air flowing in the circulation air passage, in a circulation air passage (circulation path) that is connected to the tank. Condenser. Next, in the drying process, the air in the tank is circulated through the circulation air passage by the circulation fan, and the air (warm air) heated by the condenser is supplied into the tank, and the The air discharged from the tank is cooled and dehumidified by an evaporator. The washing machine performs the drying of the clothes in the tank by repeating such an operation.

Such a drying procedure is carried out after the laundry procedure of the laundry in the washing tank. However, the bacteria and the like attached to the clothes are not completely removed in the washing process, and are unsanitary, or cause odor, mold, or the like, or discoloration of the clothes. In particular, in recent years, in order to save water, there is a case where washing water containing a lot of bacteria or the like is used as a washing water in a washing program. In this case, there is a tendency that the amount of residual bacteria or the like remaining attached to the clothes will increase.

In addition, it is a device described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-26117 (Prior Art Document 1), for example, a person who removes a bacterium, a malodorous component, or a harmful substance. The device includes a discharge electrode, a counter electrode facing the discharge electrode, and a Peltier device for generating water on the discharge electrode. Next, a hydroxyl group having a strong oxidizing action is generated by applying a high voltage between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode. Thereby, bacteria, malodorous components, harmful substances, and the like are removed.

When the apparatus described in the above-mentioned prior art document 1 is installed in the middle of the circulation air passage of the washing machine, it is considered that the hydroxyl group can be supplied into the tank together with the warm air for drying, and can be removed after the laundry procedure. Miscellaneous fungi of clothing.

However, the apparatus described in the prior art document 1 has a structure in which the discharge electrode and the counter electrode are opposed to each other. Therefore, a corona discharge is generated between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode, and along with this, ozone or nitrogen oxides are generated. Such ozone or nitrogen oxides are deodorizing clothes, or causing odors, and are gases harmful to the human body.

In particular, a drum type washing machine having a high airtightness is likely to remain in the tank because harmful gases (ozone or nitrogen oxides) are generated. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the user is exposed to harmful gases when the clothes are put in and taken out. As a means of solving such a problem, it is considered that the cover of the groove is locked until the generated toxic gas is destroyed. However, such a structure is incapable of taking out the clothes immediately after the completion of the laundry, which is inconvenient to use.

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine which can generate a hydroxyl group without causing a harmful gas and which can perform sterilization and deodorization of clothes in a tank, and a mist generating device which is placed in the washing machine.

A washing machine according to the present invention includes: a circulation path that communicates with the groove, and a blowing means that circulates the air in the groove through the circulation path, and cools and dehumidifies the air flowing in the circulation path. a dehumidification means and a heating means for heating the air flowing in the circulation path, and an electrostatic atomization device comprising: a porous material having water absorption, water retention and suction characteristics And a front end portion protruding from the inside of the circulation path, a discharge electrode, and a water-repellent porous material, and water-retaining water supplied to the discharge electrode, and water supply The water supply means of the water retention means and the high voltage application means for applying a negative high voltage to the discharge electrode to negatively charge the discharge electrode.

According to the washing machine of the present invention, the water retained by the water retaining means is supplied to the discharge electrode whose front end portion protrudes inside the circulation path. Next, a negative high voltage is applied to the discharge electrode to which water is supplied by a high voltage application means. Thereby, the water at the end of the discharge electrode is split and sprayed in a mist-like manner inside the circulation path. Here, the water particles sprayed in the form of droplets are negatively charged and contain hydroxyl groups generated by their energy. Therefore, the hydroxyl group having a strong oxidizing effect is supplied into the tank together with the air flowing in the circulation air passage, and the clothes in the tank can be sterilized or deodorized.

In this case, the other electrode corresponding to the discharge electrode negatively charged by the high voltage application means is not provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode. Thus, the discharge from the discharge electrode itself is very stable. Therefore, unlike the conventional structure in which corona discharge is generated between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode, generation of harmful gases such as ozone or nitrogen oxides can be suppressed.

The droplet generating device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a discharge electrode formed of a porous material having water absorbability, water retention property, and suction property, and a porous material having water retention property, and is provided with water retention. The water retaining means for supplying the rear water to the discharge electrode, the water supply means for supplying water to the water retaining means, and the high voltage generated by the droplet from the discharge electrode by applying a negative high voltage to the discharge electrode The means is applied, and a space portion is provided in a portion of the water supply path from the water supply means to the water retaining means.

According to the mist generating device of the present invention, since the washing machine is configured such that the air in the tank circulates through the circulation path, the same effects as those of the washing machine of the present invention can be obtained.

[Embodiment of the Invention] (First embodiment)

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 . Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of the drum type washing machine 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the casing 2 constituting the outer periphery of the washing machine 1 has a substantially rectangular box shape in which the entire surface is smoothly inclined. On the left and right sides of the casing 2, a handle 3 for use in moving the washing machine 1 or the like is provided. Further, on the upper surface of the casing 2, a water supply port 4 for tap water and a water supply port 5 for bath water are provided.

At a central portion of the front surface of the casing 2, a substantially circular sill 6 is provided, and an operation button 7 for opening the sill 6 is provided. Moreover, the operation panel 8 and the lotion type input part 9 are provided in the front part of the front surface of the casing 2. The operation panel 8 is connected to the control device 10 provided on the back side of the casing 2 (see FIG. 3). Further, the operation panel 8 is provided with, for example, various switches for selecting various operation strokes or starting the operation. Further, the control device 10 is configured by a microcomputer, a RAM, a RAM, and the like as a main body. The control device 10 controls the entire operation of the washing machine 1 based on various input signals and a control program that is memorized in advance. A filter housing portion 11 to which a lint filter (not shown) is detachably disposed is provided at a lower portion of the casing 2. The lint filter is a foreign matter (cotton, etc.) for trapping water contained in a drain water passage (not shown) that drains water from the water tank 12 (see FIG. 3) or circulates water in the water tank 12. .

Next, the internal structure of the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal side view schematically showing the internal structure of the washing machine 1. As shown in FIG. 3, a water tank 12 (corresponding to a groove) is disposed inside the casing 2. Inside the water tank 12, a drum 13 is disposed.

Each of the water tank 12 and the drum 13 has a bottomed cylindrical shape in which one end portion is closed, and an end portion on the front side (left side in FIG. 3), and has an opening portion 14 and an opening portion 15, respectively. The opening 15 of the drum 13 is surrounded by the opening portion 14 of the water tank 12. The opening portion 14 of the water tank 12 is connected to the opening portion 16 formed in the front surface portion of the casing 2 by a bellows 17. The above-described threshold 6 is provided in the opening portion 16 so as to be openable and closable. Thereby, the input port formed by the opening portion 14, the opening portion 15, and the opening portion 16 is an input port for taking in and taking out laundry (clothing, etc.), and is opened and closed by the threshold 6.

Around the opening 15 of the drum 13, a liquid-sealed rotary balancer 18 is provided, for example. A plurality of holes 19 (only a part of which is shown) are formed in substantially the entire area of the circumferential side portion (the crotch portion) of the drum 13. The holes 19 function as a water-passing hole during the washing process, the washing process, and the spin-drying process, and function as a vent hole during the drying process. A plurality of baffles 20 are protruded from the inner surface of the circumferential side portion of the drum 13. On the end surface portion of the rear side of the drum 13, a plurality of warm air introduction ports 21 are formed. These warm air introduction ports 21 are arranged in a ring shape so as to be centered on the center axis of the drum 13.

The water tank 12 has an upper portion of the front end surface portion (a portion above the opening portion 14) and has a warm air outlet 22. Further, the water tank 12 is provided on the upper end portion of the rear side surface, and has a warm air inlet 23 facing the rotation locus of the warm air introduction port 21.

At the upper portion of the water tank 12, a water supply tank 25 is connected via a water supply hose 24. In the water supply tank 25, a water supply port 4 for tap water and a water supply port 5 for bath water are connected via a water supply valve 26. In this way, the tap water from the tap water supply port 4 or the bath water from the bath water supply port 5 is supplied to the inside of the water tank 12 via the water supply valve 26, the water supply tank 25, and the water supply hose 24. Further, the water supply cartridge 25 is supplied with a lotion (a lotion, a softener, a bleach, etc.) via the lotion-type input unit 9. These lotions are supplied to the water tank 12 together with tap water or bath water.

At the rear of the bottom of the water tank 12, a drain port 27 is formed. A drain hose 28 (corresponding to a drain path) connected to the outside of the washing machine 1 is connected to the drain port 27. A drain valve 29 is provided in the middle of the drain hose 28. Thereby, the water in the water tank 12 can be drained outside the machine.

A motor 30 is attached to the back portion of the water tank 12. The rotating shaft 31 of the motor 30 protrudes into the water tank 12. At the front end of the rotating shaft 31, a central portion of the end surface portion on the rear side of the drum 13 is attached. Thereby, the drum 13 is rotatably supported coaxially in the water tank 12. That is, the washing machine 1 is configured to directly rotate the drum 13 by the motor 30, and is directly driven by the motor 30. Further, the motor 30 is in this case a gearless DC motor of a different gear type.

The water tank 12 is elastically supported by the casing 2 by a plurality of suspensions 32 (only one shown). The support form of the water tank 12 is such that the axial direction of the water tank 12 is a horizontal axis shape in the front-rear direction, and is inclined in the forward direction. Therefore, the drum 13 supported in the water tank 12 as described above also has the same configuration.

A bottom plate 33 is disposed below the water tank 12 (on the bottom surface of the casing 2). A ventilation duct 34 extending in the front-rear direction is disposed on the bottom plate 33. The ventilation duct 34 has an air suction port 35 at an upper portion of the front end portion. The air inlet 35 is connected to the warm air outlet 22 of the water tank 12 via a connection hose 36 and a return air duct 37. Further, the return air duct 37 is piped so as to return to the side of the opening portion 14 of the water tank 12.

At the rear end of the ventilation duct 34, a casing 39 for circulating the blower 38 is connected. The outlet portion 40 of the outer casing 39 is connected to the warm air inlet 23 of the water tank 12 via a connection hose 41 and a supply duct 42. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, the air supply duct 42 is connected to the right side of the motor 30 from the back side of the water tank 12 (washing machine 1). Here, the return duct 37, the connection hose 36, the ventilation duct 34, the casing 39 of the circulation blower 38, the connection hose 41, and the air supply duct 42 constitute a circulation air passage 43 that is connected and connected to the water tank 12. In the loop path).

The blower 38 is circulated, and in this case, it is constituted by a centrifugal fan. That is, the circulation blower 38 has a centrifugal impeller 44 inside the outer casing 39, and a motor 45 that rotates the centrifugal impeller 44 outside the outer casing 39. The circulation blower 38 functions as a blowing means for circulating the air in the water tank 12 (in the drum 13) as indicated by an arrow symbol in Fig. 3 through the circulation air passage 43.

Among the circulation ducts 43, an evaporator 46 (corresponding to a dehumidification means) is disposed in the front portion of the ventilation duct 34, and a condenser 47 (corresponding to a heating means) is disposed in the rear portion. Although the evaporator 46 and the condenser 47 are not shown in detail, they are those having a fin-shaped tubular shape in which a plurality of heat transfer fins are arranged at a small pitch. Therefore, the evaporator 46 and the condenser 47 are excellent in heat exchangeability, and the wind flowing in the ventilation duct 34 (see the arrow symbol shown by a solid line in FIG. 3) passes through the heat transfer fins. Between each.

The evaporator 46 and the condenser 47 constitute a heat pump 49 together with the compressor 48 and a flow control valve (for example, an electronic control valve). In the heat pump 49, the refrigerant circulation pipe is connected in the order of the compressor 48, the condenser 47, the flow rate control valve, and the evaporator 46, thereby constituting a refrigeration cycle. The drive of the compressor 48 and the flow control valve is controlled by the control unit 10.

The control device 10 circulates the air in the water tank 12 through the circulation air passage 43 by operating the circulation blower 38 as described above. Further, the control device 10 circulates the refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle by operating the compressor 48 and the flow rate control valve. Next, the air flowing in the circulation air path 43 is cooled and dehumidified by the evaporator 46, and heated by the condenser 47 to be warmed and weathered. Thereby, the control device 10 is configured to perform a drying operation of supplying the warm air in the water tank 12 and drying the laundry in the water tank 12 (in the drum 13).

In the washing machine 1 having such a configuration, the electrostatic atomizing device 50 is provided in the middle of the circulation air passage 43. As shown in FIG. 4, the electrostatic atomizing device 50 is disposed upstream of the warm air inlet 23 and further downstream than the connecting hose 41 in the air supply duct 42 constituting the middle portion of the circulating air passage 43. The side immediately exceeds the immediately downstream portion of the downstream end of the connection hose 41 (in Fig. 4, the lower end portion of the portion of the air supply duct 42 that extends upward while the motor 30 is turned back).

Next, the structure of the electrostatic atomization device 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 . The electrostatic atomization device 50 is a case 51 mounted on the outside of the circulation air path 43, and includes a plurality of discharge electrodes 52, and a droplet generator including a water retaining material 53 (corresponding to a water retention means), a conductive rod 54, and the like. And water supply means.

The discharge electrode 52 is formed of a porous material (for example, a felt made of a fibrous polyester) having water absorbing property, water retention property, and suction property, and each end portion (in the first figure, The upper end portion is formed in a pointed pin shape. The plurality of discharge electrodes 52 are fixed to the fixing plate 55 so as to pass through a fixing plate 55 made of an insulating material (for example, a resin such as polypropylene). Further, the plurality of discharge electrodes 52 are provided such that their respective front end portions protrude from the inside of the circulation air passage 43. The plurality of discharge electrodes 52 are composed of a discharge electrode 52a disposed at the center portion and a plurality of discharge electrodes 52b disposed concentrically around the discharge electrode 52a. In this case, the discharge electrode 52a at the center portion is formed longer than the surrounding discharge electrode 52b. The base end portion (the lower end portion in the first drawing) of the discharge electrode 52a extends through the reservoir portion 51a (corresponding to the water storage tank) provided below the discharge electrode 52 in the casing 51.

The water retaining material 53 is formed of a porous material (for example, a urethane sponge) having water retention property, and is disposed below the fixing plate 55. In the water retaining material 53, a plurality of discharge electrodes 52 are inserted in a passing manner. Thereby, the outer portion of the circulation air passage 43 in the discharge electrode 52 (the portion on the lower side in the first drawing) is in a state of being covered by the water retaining material 53.

In the water storage tank portion 51a, a water supply path 56 extending from the water supply valve 26 (see also FIG. 3) is connected, and the water supply means is configured to supply water to the water retaining material 53. In this case, the water supply valve 26 is switchable so that only the tap water supply port 4 of the two water supply ports 4, 5 is opened to the water supply path 56. Therefore, part of the tap water from the water supply port 4 is supplied with water to the reservoir portion 51a via the water supply valve 26 and the water supply path 56.

Then, the water supplied to the water storage tank portion 51a is sucked (absorbed) through the discharge electrode 52a extending from the water storage tank portion 51a, and is supplied to the water retaining material 53. The water supplied to the water retaining material 53 permeates into the water retaining material 53, and water is also supplied to the discharge electrode 52a and the discharge electrode 52b. Here, the water supply valve 26 functions as a part of the water supply means for supplying water to the water retaining material 53 via the water supply port 4 for the tap water, the water supply path 56, the water storage tank portion 51a, and the discharge electrode 52a.

In addition, the discharge electrode 52a contains not only water supplied from the water retaining material 53, but also the water which is absorbed from the water storage tank portion 51a. In addition, since the discharge electrode 52b is arranged concentrically around the discharge electrode 52a, the water that has penetrated from the discharge electrode 52a into the water retaining material 53 is uniformly supplied to the surrounding discharge electrode 52b.

Further, the water storage tank portion 51a is connected to an overflow path 57 that extends in a portion of the drain hose 28 that is further downstream than the drain valve 29 (see also FIG. 3). The overflow path 57, the end portion 57a extends to the inside of the reservoir portion 51a. Thereby, the water level can be reached in the water amount of the end portion 57a (the water level shown by a broken line in Fig. 1, for example, less than 1 cc), and the water can be stored in the water storage tank portion 51a. When the water level in the water storage tank portion 51a reaches the end portion 57a, the water in the water storage tank portion 51a overflows from the end portion 57a. The overflowed water is drained to the drain hose 28 via the overflow path 57.

The conductive rod 54 is fixed to the fixed plate 55 through the water retaining material 53 at its front end portion. Further, the conductive rod 54 is connected to the negative electrode (for example, -6 kV) of the high-voltage power source 58 of the power supply circuit (not shown) of the washing machine 1 at the base end portion thereof. Thereby, the negative high voltage from the high voltage power source 58 is applied to the discharge electrode 52 via the conductive rod 54 and the water retaining material 53 containing water, and the discharge electrode 52 is negatively charged. That is, the conductive rod 54 and the high-voltage power source 58 constitute a high-voltage applying means for applying a negative high voltage to the discharge electrode 52 to negatively charge the discharge electrode 52.

In this case, the casing 2 of the washing machine 1 is grounded via a grounding wire (not shown) or the like. Then, the housing 2 thus grounded (a member that is not disposed at a position facing away from the discharge electrode 52 in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 52) can function as: corresponding to the negatively-charged discharge electrode 52. The function of the other electrode (opposite pole) is formed.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the portion of the circulation air passage 43 where the electrostatic atomization device 50 is provided is provided with the partition plate 43a. The partition plate 43a of this region has a weir portion 43b which is inclined downward, and is provided to face the upper side of the discharge electrode 52 of the electrostatic atomization device 50. Thereby, a part of the air (warm air) flowing in the circulation air path 43 is supplied to the electrostatic atomization device 50 side, and merges with the circulation air path 43 after passing through the discharge electrode 52 and its peripheral portion (refer to Figure 3 shows the arrow symbol in dotted lines).

The water stored in the water storage tank portion 51a is supplied to the water retaining material 53 via the discharge electrode 52a in the washing machine 1 in which the electrostatic atomizing device 50 configured as described above is provided. The water retained in the water retaining material 53 is supplied to the discharge electrode 52 whose front end portion protrudes inside the circulation air passage 43. Next, a negative high voltage from the high voltage power source 58 is applied to the discharge electrode 52 to which water is supplied. At this time, electric charges are concentrated on the front end of the discharge electrode 52, and energy exceeding the surface tension is given to the water contained in the front end portion. Thereby, the water at the front end of the discharge electrode 52 is split (Rayleigh splitting), and the mist is sprayed out of the inside of the circulation air passage 43. That is, an electrostatic atomization phenomenon occurs. Here, the water particles sprayed in the form of droplets are negatively charged and contain hydroxyl groups generated by their energy. Therefore, the hydroxyl group having a strong oxidizing effect is supplied into the water tank 12 together with the air (warm air) flowing in the circulation air path 43, and the laundry (clothing, etc.) in the water tank 12 can be sterilized or removed. smelly.

In this case, the washing machine 1 is not provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 52 with the other electrode corresponding to the discharge electrode 52 negatively charged by the negative high voltage from the high voltage power source 58. Thus, the discharge from the discharge electrode 52 itself is very stable. Therefore, unlike the conventional structure in which a corona discharge is generated between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode, it is possible to suppress harmful gases (ozone, or nitrogen oxides, nitrous acid, nitric acid, etc. generated by oxidizing nitrogen in the air by the ozone). ).

Therefore, the drum-type washing machine 1 is provided with a sill 6 and a bellows 17 at the input port for taking in and taking out the laundry, and has a structure with high airtightness. In addition, no harmful gas remains in the water tank 12, and when the laundry is taken in and taken out, there is no possibility that the user is exposed to harmful gases. Moreover, there is no such thing as discoloration or odor generation of clothing due to harmful gases.

Further, since the washing machine 1 can suppress the generation of harmful gases in this way, it is not necessary to provide a structure for removing harmful gases (for example, an ozone decomposing catalyst).

In the water storage tank portion 51a, the tap water is supplied from the water supply port 4 of the tap water having a high degree of cleanliness. Then, in the water storage tank portion 51a, the bath water from the bath water supply port 5 is not supplied. The bath water contains a large amount of bacteria or minerals (for example, calcium or magnesium) than tap water. Therefore, the inside of the water tank portion 51a is less likely to be unsanitary by bacteria or the like. Further, the mineral component contained in the bath water does not reach the discharge electrode 52, so that the deposit electrode 52 does not have agglomeration of the mineral component and forms scale to accumulate. Therefore, the discharge electrode 52 does not cause clogging and maintains good water permeability, and it is possible to prevent the ejection amount of the mist droplets (water particles sprayed in a mist form) from being lowered. Also, the durability of the discharge electrode 52 itself can be lengthened.

Further, the electrostatic atomization device 50 may be provided in any part of the circulation air passage 43 in any part. However, as shown in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the portion of the circulation air passage 43 that is formed by the air supply duct 42 is preferable. The air supply duct 42 is configured to be downstream of the evaporator 46 and the condenser 47 of the circulation air path 43. Therefore, the hydroxyl group generated in this portion is less susceptible to the cooling action of the evaporator 46 and the heating action of the condenser 47.

(Second embodiment)

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the discharge electrode 52 of the mist generator is used to carry the platinum colloid. The platinum colloidal body is, for example, immersed in the treatment liquid containing the platinum colloidal body, and can be carried by baking.

When the platinum is reduced (micronized) to a nanometer size (for example, a particle diameter of 2 to 5 nm), the fine particles (white gold nanoparticles) have a potential. Next, when a negative electric charge is applied to such a platinum nanoparticle via the discharge electrode 52, the potential (oxidation reductive potential) of the platinum nanoparticle becomes negative. When the air in the circulation air path 43 is in contact with the platinum-nanoparticles having a negative oxidation potential, the potential of the oxygen molecules can be promoted on the platinum nanoparticles, and an oxygen atom with a negative charge can be generated. The negatively charged oxygen atom is oxidized by its energy and is detached from the platinum nanoparticles to be ejected into the circulation air path 43. The oxy group sprayed in the circulation air path 43 is in contact with the water particles which are sprayed in the form of droplets in the circulation air path 43, whereby a hydroxyl group can be formed.

Further, even if the discharge electrode 52 is carried and does not become as small as a nanometer-sized platinum particle, such a platinum particle system also has a positive electric charge. Therefore, it is impossible to form an oxy group or a hydroxyl group having a strong oxidizing action.

According to the present embodiment, the platinum colloidal body carried by the discharge electrode 52 easily generates a hydroxyl group in the circulation air passage 43, and the sterilization function and the deodorization in the water tank 12 of the electrostatic atomization device 50 can be further improved. Features.

(Third embodiment)

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, the water retaining material 53 in the mist generator is formed of a fibrous ion exchange resin, and is not a urethane sponge. Therefore, a portion of the discharge electrode 52 that surrounds the outside of the air passage 43 forms a structure covered by the ion exchange resin. In this case, the ion exchange resin is formed by mixing a strongly acidic ion exchange resin with a strongly alkaline ion exchange resin.

According to such a configuration, before the tap water from the tap water supply port 4 is supplied to the discharge electrode 52, the mineral portion contained in the tap water is adsorbed and removed by the ion exchange resin. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the scale from accumulating at the discharge electrode 52. Thereby, the water permeability of the discharge electrode 52 can be favorably maintained, and the discharge electrode 52 can be appropriately negatively charged. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the amount of mist droplets from being lowered. Also, the durability of the discharge electrode 52 itself can be lengthened. Further, since the ion exchange resin is fibrous, it is less likely to flow out of the water retaining material 53.

Further, the water retaining material 53 may be formed by mixing a water-absorbent resin (for example, cellulose, sodium polyacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol-based resin, or polyamine-based resin) with an ion exchange resin. Thereby, the water retention property of the water retaining material 53 is increased, and the water supplied to the discharge electrode 52 is less likely to be lacking, and the water supply to the discharge electrode 52 can be uniformly performed. As the water-absorbent resin, it may be fibrous or particulate, but it is preferable that the surface area per weight is large.

Further, although the ion exchange resin flows out, the entire water retaining material 53 is not formed by the fibrous ion exchange resin, and for example, a particle-shaped (jointed) ion exchange resin having a particle diameter of several tens of micrometers to several hundreds of micrometers is used. It does not matter if it is mixed with a polyurethane sponge to form the water retaining material 53. Further, for example, the ion exchange resin may be stored in a tank having a plurality of holes and provided in the water storage tank portion 51a. Further, for example, a column filled with an ion exchange resin may be provided in the middle of the water supply path 56. The key is that the water can be contacted with the ion exchange resin to remove the mineral component before the water is supplied to the discharge electrode 52.

(Fourth embodiment)

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In each of the above embodiments, the negative high voltage from the high voltage power source 58 of the electrostatic atomization device 50 is applied to the discharge electrode 52 via the water contained in the water retaining material 53. In order to maintain the electric conduction efficiency appropriately by making the electric flow easy by water, it is possible to prevent ignition or the like caused by heating with reduced conductivity. However, as shown in the third embodiment described above, when the mineral component contained in water is removed by the ion exchange resin, the conductivity of water is greatly lowered, and the electrification efficiency may be lowered.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the discharge electrode 52 is a mixture of a porous material (for example, a felt composed of a fibrous polyester) having water absorbing property, water retention property, and suction property (for example, carbon fiber). ) formed. According to such a structure, the discharge electrode 52 itself has electrical conductivity. Therefore, even if the conductivity of water is lowered, a negative high voltage from the high voltage power source 58 can be appropriately applied to the discharge electrode 52. Thereby, it is possible to prevent ignition or the like caused by heating with reduced conductivity. Also, the discharge from the discharge electrode 52 is stabilized.

Further, the discharge electrode 52 may be formed only of a felt made of, for example, carbon fibers, and the entire discharge electrode 52 may be formed of a conductive material.

(Fifth Embodiment)

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In the fifth embodiment, the same portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the present embodiment, the sterilization agent 61 is installed inside the water storage tank portion 51a.

In the case of the sterilizing agent 61, a cubic type of bulk material is formed, which is composed of silver oxide and calcium phosphate (corresponding to phosphate glass). The silver oxide is a sterilizing effect by dissolving silver (corresponding to a metal element having a sterilizing property) contained in the silver oxide as silver ions in water.

The calcium phosphate has a property of gradually eluting water (resolved), and has a function of gradually reducing the volume of the disinfectant 61 itself by the solubility. Further, calcium phosphate has hardness (hardness) as a property of glass. Therefore, the function of imparting mechanical strength (hardness) to the disinfectant 61 is also exerted.

According to the present embodiment, the silver ions eluted from the sterilizing agent 61 can suppress the proliferation of the fungi in the water storage tank portion 51a, and the inside of the water storage tank portion 51a can be cleaned in the electrostatic atomizing device 50. Keep it. Further, it is possible to suppress the generation of the slag derived from the microorganisms, and it is possible to prevent the decrease in the water absorbing property of the discharge electrode 52 and the decrease in the discharge amount of the droplets. Further, the water supplied to the discharge electrode 52 and the droplet-shaped water particles ejected from the discharge electrode 52 contain silver ions, and the silver ions are supplied into the water tank 12. Thereby, the antibacterial property can be provided to the laundry in the water tank 12.

Further, when the phosphoric acid component contained in the disinfectant 61 is dissolved in water, a chelate structure (Ca ₂ P ₆ O ₁₈ ^2- , Mg ₂ P ₆ O ₁₈ ) is formed for the mineral component (calcium or magnesium). ^2- ), improve the water solubility of minerals. Thereby, the mineral portion is less likely to aggregate on the discharge electrode 52, and does not form scale and accumulates. Therefore, the discharge electrode 52 does not cause clogging and maintains good water permeability, and it is possible to prevent the ejection amount of the mist droplets (water particles sprayed in a mist form) from being lowered. Also, the durability of the discharge electrode 52 itself can be lengthened.

In addition, the sterilizing agent 61 may contain lead oxide oxide having a function of preventing browning of the silver oxide, or cobalt oxide added to color the sterilizing agent 61 to blue. Further, the shape of the disinfectant 61 is not limited to a cube, and may be, for example, a disk shape or a plate shape. Further, the amount of elution of silver ions can be adjusted by appropriately changing the weight and size of each particle.

(Sixth embodiment)

Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. In the sixth and seventh embodiments, the same portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the present embodiment, the curvature of the tip end portion of the plurality of discharge electrodes 71 is set to a plurality of types.

That is, as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the projection electrode 71a disposed at the center portion has a curvature (the radius of the tip end portion) of the tip end portion of 1 to 2 mm. On the other hand, the plurality of discharge electrodes 71b disposed around the discharge electrode 71a have a larger curvature at the tip end portion than the discharge electrode 71a, and the largest one is about 5 mm. In other words, the front end portion of the discharge electrode 71a at the center portion is formed in a pointed shape, whereas the front end portion of the surrounding discharge electrode 71b is formed in a smooth hemispherical shape. Next, the curvature of the tip end portion of each of the discharge electrodes 71b is changed. Further, as shown in Fig. 7, the surrounding discharge electrodes 71b are arranged concentrically around the discharge electrode 71a.

In general, the more the tip of the electrode is sharpened, the higher the discharge voltage is, and the smaller the particle size of the water droplets sprayed in the form of droplets (tens to several nm to several hundreds of nm). Therefore, the ratio (content ratio) of the hydroxyl groups contained in the water particles can be increased. However, in this case, the amount of droplets generated per se is reduced. On the other hand, when the end portion of the discharge electrode has a circular shape, the amount of generation of the droplets can be increased. However, the particle size of the water particles to be ejected becomes large, and the ratio of the hydroxyl groups contained in the water particles decreases.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the curvature of the tip end portion of the discharge electrode 71 is set to a plurality of types, and the discharge electrode having the tip end portion is mixed with the discharge electrode having a circular shape. According to such a configuration, the ratio of the hydroxyl groups contained in the water particles can be increased as much as possible while suppressing the decrease in the amount of generation of the droplets. Thereby, the amount of generated droplets and the content of the hydroxyl group are stabilized, and the generated droplets and hydroxyl groups are uniformly discharged. Therefore, efficient sterilization and deodorization can be achieved.

Further, for example, the curvature of the front end portion of the discharge electrode 71a at the center portion may be increased, and the curvature of the front end portion of the surrounding discharge electrode 71b may be made small. The key is that it is a structure in which a circular discharge electrode having a large curvature at the front end portion and a sharp electrode having a small curvature at the front end portion are mixed. Further, the curvature of each of the discharge electrodes is not limited to the above numerical value, and can be set as appropriate.

(Seventh embodiment)

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 11 . This embodiment is an embodiment of a mist generating device (corresponding to an electrostatic atomizing device). Fig. 8 is a view schematically showing the configuration of the mist generating device 81. The mist generating device 81 is provided with a water supply path 82 and a mist generator 83.

The water supply path 82 is a first water retention material 99 (see FIG. 11) from a water supply valve 84 (corresponding to a water supply means) connected to a water supply source (a faucet or the like) (not shown) to a mist generator 83 to be described later. By. The water supply path 82 is provided with a U-shaped collecting pipe 85 in a part thereof.

The U-shaped collecting pipe 85 has a long hollow shape as a whole in the vertical direction, and has a partition portion 85a having a lower end opening therein. Thereby, a water path having a substantially U-shaped cross section is formed inside the U-shaped collecting pipe 85, and a structure in which water can be stored in the water passage portion is formed. The U-shaped collecting pipe 85 has a water supply port 85b in the upstream portion (the upper end portion on the right side in Fig. 8), and has a drain port 85c in the downstream portion (the upper side portion of the left side in the vertical direction in the eighth direction). . Further, the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 has a water overflow port 85d at a position lower than the lower portion of the water supply port 85b and lower than the water discharge port 85c. Further, the opening size of the overflow port 85d is set to be larger than the opening size of the drain port 85c.

The water supply valve 84 is connected to the water supply port 85b via the water supply pipe 86. A drain line 87 extending downward and extending downward is connected to the drain port 85c. In the overflow port 85d, a buffer tank 89 is connected and connected via the overflow pipe 88. The buffer water tank 89 is connected to a drain passage 90 at the bottom thereof. A drain valve 91 is provided in the middle of the drain passage 90. Further, a pressurizing device 93 (corresponding to an internal pressure increasing means) constituted by, for example, a fan device is connected to the upper portion of the buffer tank 89 via the pressurizing pipe 92.

In the state in which the drain valve 91 of the buffer tank 89 is closed, the pressurizing device 93 pressurizes the air from the overflow port 85d to the U-shaped collection through the pressurizing pipe 92, the buffer water tank 89, and the overflow pipe 88. Inside the tube 85 (especially in the upstream). Thereby, the pressurizing device 93 is configured to increase the pressure (internal pressure) in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85. Further, the pressurizing device 93 may be constituted by, for example, a pressure feed pump or a compressor, and may not be constituted by a fan device.

On the other hand, the mist generator 83 is provided with a water guiding portion 94 that extends toward the U-shaped collecting tube 85 side. A water guiding port 94a is provided at an upper portion of the end portion of the water guiding portion 94. Further, an ion exchange resin 95 is provided in a portion of the inside of the water guiding portion 94 facing the water guiding port 94a. The water guiding port 94a of the water guiding portion 94 faces the front end portion (the lower end portion in Fig. 8) of the above-described drainage pipe 87 from below, and is formed to be spaced apart from the front end portion of the drainage pipe 87. status. Thereby, a space portion 96 that is open to the atmosphere is formed between the end portion of the drain pipe 87 and the water conduit 94a.

According to such a configuration, the water supplied from the water supply valve 84 to the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 via the water supply pipe 86 (refer to the arrow symbol A in Fig. 9) is gradually accumulated in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85. Inside. When the water level of the water supplied to the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 exceeds the height of the overflow port 85d, the water overflowing from the overflow port 85d flows out of the buffer water tank 89 via the overflow pipe 88 ( In Fig. 9, reference is made to the arrow symbol B). The water flowing out of the buffer tank 89 is drained to the outside by appropriately opening the drain valve 91.

The U-shaped collecting pipe 85 accumulates water in the buffer tank 89 so as not to drain from the drain port 85c, and accumulates a predetermined amount (in this case, the water level is the amount of water of the overflow port 85d). This U-shaped collection tube 85 is inside. At the same time, the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 forms a space portion 97 on the upstream side. By forming the space portion 97 in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 as described above, the water in the water supply valve 84 and the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 is isolated. As such, in the water supply path 82, two space portions 96, 97 are formed.

Next, the pressurizing device 93 is in a state where the water supply valve 84 is closed (a state in which the water supply in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 is stopped), and the air is pressure-fed into the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 (Fig. 10, The internal pressure of the space portion 97 formed in the upstream portion of the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 is raised by referring to the arrow symbol C). By this, the water accumulated in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 is pushed out from the upstream side toward the downstream side, and is drained from the drain port 85c (refer to the arrow D in Fig. 10), and passes through the drain pipe 87. The water is supplied to the water guiding portion 94.

Moreover, in this case, the amount of water supplied from the inside of the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 to the water guiding portion 94 can be adjusted by changing the amount of pressure of the air from the pressurizing device 93, for example. In other words, all of the water in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 can be supplied to the water guiding portion 94 by increasing (augmenting) the amount of air pressure from the pressurizing device 93. Further, a part of the water in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 may be supplied to the water guiding portion 94 by reducing (weakening) the amount of air pressure from the pressurizing device 93.

Next, the mist drop generator 83 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a longitudinal side view schematically showing the structure of the mist generator 83.

The mist generator 83 is attached to the outer casing 98, and is provided with a first water retaining material 99 (corresponding to a water retaining means), a second water retaining material 100, a water absorbing member 101 (corresponding to a water supply means), and a plurality of 11 is a view showing four of the discharge electrodes 102 and the conductive rods 103 (corresponding to a high voltage application means).

The case 98 is made of an insulating material (for example, a resin such as polypropylene), and the lower portion thereof has a hollow shape to constitute a water storage tank portion 98a (corresponding to a water storage tank). A water guiding portion 94 is connected to a side portion of the water storage tank portion 98a. The water supplied from the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 as described above is introduced into the water storage tank portion 98a via the water guiding portion 94.

Further, an overflow path 104 is connected to the bottom of the water storage tank portion 98a. The overflow path 104 extends from the end 104a to the inside of the reservoir portion 98a. Thereby, water having a water level of the end portion 104a (for example, less than 100 cc) can be stored in the water storage tank portion 98a. When the water level in the water storage tank portion 98a reaches the end portion 104a, the water in the water storage tank portion 98a overflows from the end portion 104a. The overflowed water is drained through the overflow path 104.

The first water retaining material 99 and the second water retaining material 100 are disposed on the upper portion of the case 98. The first water retaining material 99 is formed of a porous material (for example, a urethane sponge) having water retention property. The first water retaining material 99 is housed above the water storage tank portion 98a inside the casing 98. The second water retaining material 100 is formed by mixing a conductive material (for example, graphite) with a water-repellent porous material (for example, a urethane sponge). The second water retaining material 100 is housed above the first water retaining material 99 in the inside of the case 98. In addition, the graphite mixed with the second water retaining material 100 as a conductive material is used to ensure the electrical conductivity and rigidity of the second water retaining material 100.

The water absorbing member 101 is formed of a porous material (for example, a felt made of a fibrous polyester) having water absorption, water retention, and water absorption characteristics, and has a pin shape at both upper and lower ends. . The base end portion (the end portion on the lower side in Fig. 11) of the water absorbing member 101 extends in the water storage tank portion 98a provided to cover the water absorbing member 101 from below, and is stored in the water storage tank portion 98a. The water in the tank portion 98a is in contact. On the other hand, the front end portion (the upper end portion in Fig. 11) of the water absorbing member 101 is inserted into the first water retaining material 99 so as to be inserted from below. Thereby, the front end side portion of the water absorbing member 101 is covered by the first water retaining material 99 and brought into contact with the first water retaining material 99.

The discharge electrode 102 is formed of a porous material (for example, a felt made of a fibrous polyester) having water absorption, water retention, and water absorption characteristics, and each end portion (the upper side of Fig. 11) The end portion) forms a pin shape. The base end portions (the end portions on the lower side in Fig. 11) of the plurality of discharge electrodes 102 are inserted into the first water retaining material 99 so as to be inserted from above. Thereby, the lower end side portions of the plurality of discharge electrodes 102 are in a state of being covered by the first water retaining material 99, respectively.

Further, the plurality of discharge electrodes 102 are disposed so as to pass through the second water retaining material 100 in the case 98 and the upper surface of the case 98. Therefore, the discharge electrodes 102 are mainly fixed by the upper surface of the case 98, and are fixedly fixed by the second second water retaining material 100 having rigidity. The discharge electrodes 102 are arranged concentrically around the water absorbing member 101.

The water accumulated in the water storage tank portion 98a is sucked (absorbed) through the water absorbing member 101 extending in the water storage tank 98a, and is supplied to the first water retaining material 99. Then, the water supplied to the first water retaining material 99 penetrates into the first water retaining material 99, and the water is supplied to the discharge electrode 102. Further, the discharge electrode 102 is arranged concentrically around the water absorbing member 101. Therefore, the water that has permeated the first water retaining material 99 from the water absorbing member 101 is uniformly supplied to the surrounding discharge electrode 102. Further, part of the water contained in the first water retaining material 99 also permeates into the second water retaining material 100. Therefore, water is also supplied to the discharge electrode 102 from the second water retaining material 100.

The conductive rod 103 is a distal end portion (the upper end portion in FIG. 11), passes through the first water retaining material 99 in the case 98, and is fixed to the second second water retaining material 100 having rigidity. Further, the conductive rod 103 is attached to the outside of the case 98, leaving the entire area of the peripheral side portion of the base end portion (the end portion on the lower side in Fig. 11), which is covered by an insulating material. Covered by member 103a. The conductive rod 103 has its base end portion (lower end portion) connected to a negative electrode (for example, -6 kV) of a high voltage power source 105 of a power supply circuit (not shown). Thereby, the negative high voltage from the high voltage power source 105 is applied to the discharge electrode 102 via the conductive rod 103, the first water retention material 99 containing water, and the second water retention material 100, and the discharge electrode 102 carries Negative. In other words, the conductive rod 103 functions as a high voltage applying means for applying a negative high voltage from the high voltage power source 105 to the discharge electrode 102 and negatively charging the discharge electrode 102.

According to such a configuration, a negative high voltage from the high voltage power source 105 is applied to the discharge electrode 102 to which water is supplied. At this time, electric charges are concentrated on the front end of the discharge electrode 102, and energy exceeding the surface tension is given to the water contained in the front end portion. Thereby, the water at the front end of the discharge electrode 102 is split (Rayleigh splitting), and the tip end portion of the discharge electrode 102 is ejected in a droplet shape. That is, an electrostatic atomization phenomenon occurs. Here, the water particles sprayed in the form of droplets are negatively charged and contain a hydroxyl group generated by the energy thereof. Therefore, the hydroxyl group having a strong oxidizing effect is ejected from the discharge electrode 102 together with the mist, and can be sterilized or deodorized by the action of the hydroxyl group.

Further, the mist generator 83 does not have the other electrode corresponding to the negatively charged discharge electrode 102. In this case, in the target device (for example, the washing machine 1) in which the mist generator 83 is provided, a member (for example, the casing 2) that is grounded via a ground wire or the like can function as a negatively charged discharge electrode. 102 corresponds to the function of the other electrode.

That is, the droplet generator 83 is formed such that the other electrode corresponding to the discharge electrode 102 negatively charged by the negative high voltage from the high voltage power source 105 is not provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 102. The structure. Thus, the discharge from the discharge electrode 102 itself is very stable. Therefore, corona discharge is not generated, and generation of harmful gases (ozone, nitrogen oxides, nitrous acid, nitric acid, etc. generated by oxidizing nitrogen in the air by the ozone) can be suppressed.

In the droplet generating device for generating a hydroxyl group, the supply of water to the discharge electrode of the mist generator and the application of a high voltage to the discharge electrode are indispensable. Next, when such a mist generating device is installed in a washing machine, it is conceivable to use a water supply source (a faucet or the like) in the tank together as a water source. However, the water supply path for supplying the water supply source or the water from the water supply source to the mist generator of the mist generation device is usually installed on the upper side of the washing machine, and thus it is used. The parts that are accessible are more. Then, such a portion is also connected to the portion of the mist generating device via water, and therefore, a portion where a high voltage can be applied if leakage or the like from the mist generating device occurs. Therefore, when the application of the high voltage applied to the discharge electrode is an indispensable droplet generation device, it is required to prevent leakage, electric shock, and the like to improve the safety.

According to the mist generating device 81 of the present embodiment, the first water retaining material 99 that supplies water after the water retention to the discharge electrode 102 and the space portion that supplies water to the water supply valve 84 of the first water retaining material 99 are provided. 96, 97, the first water retaining material 99 and the water supply valve 84 are electrically insulated. Thereby, the high voltage from the conductive rod 103 can be prevented from being applied to the water supply valve 84 side of the water supply path 82 accessible to the user, and the ejection of the mist from the discharge electrode 102 can be performed safely.

In this manner, the droplet generating device 81 prevents the application of the high voltage to the portion accessible to the user, and can safely perform the discharge from the discharge electrode 102. The spray of mist drops. Therefore, the mist generating device 81 can realize a structure that can prevent leakage, electric shock, and the like from being improved in safety, and can be placed in a washing machine or the like without impairing safety.

Further, the mist generating device 81 is different from the timing of the feed water from the water supply valve 84 to the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 and the water supply from the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 to the mist generator 83. Thereby, the state in which the water supply valve 84 and the mist generator 83 are connected via water can be avoided, and the application of the high voltage to the user-accessible water supply valve 84 side can be further prevented.

(Eighth embodiment)

Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 12. In Fig. 12, the same portions as those in the seventh embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. The present embodiment relates to an embodiment of a droplet generating device (corresponding to an electrostatic atomizing device), and the configuration of the water supply path is different from that of the seventh embodiment described above. The mist generating device 111 is provided with a mist generator 83 and a water supply path 112 instead of the above-described water supply path 82.

The water supply path 112 is from the water supply valve 84 to the first water retaining material 99 (see FIG. 11) in the mist generator 83. The water supply path 112 is provided with a drop tank 113 in a part thereof.

The dripping water tank 113 is formed in a rectangular hollow shape as a whole, and has a water supply port 113a at the upper portion and a drain port 113b at the bottom portion. Further, the water tank 113 is dropped to have a water overflow port 113c at its side portion.

The water supply port 114a is inserted into the water supply pipe 114 which is bent downward from the water supply valve 84 and extends. The front end portion (the lower end portion in Fig. 12) of the water supply pipe 114 extends in the dripping water tank 113. In this case, the front end portion of the water supply pipe 114 extends to a position higher than the overflow port 113c. A drain pipe 115 is connected to the drain port 113b. A drain valve 116 is provided in the middle of the drain line 115. The lower end portion of the drain pipe 115 is opposed to the water guiding port 94a of the water guiding portion 94 extending from the mist generator 83 from above, and is formed in a state of being separated from the water guiding port 94a. Thereby, a space portion 117 is formed between the lower end portion of the drain pipe 115 and the water conduit 94a.

According to this configuration, in the state where the drain valve 116 is closed, the water supplied from the water supply valve 84 to the dripping water tank 113 via the water supply pipe 114 is gradually accumulated in the dripping water tank 113. Next, when the water level of the water supplied to the dripping water tank 113 exceeds the height of the overflow port 113c, the water overflowing from the overflow port 113c is drained to the outside of the dripping water tank 113. Thereby, the water level in the water tank 113 is dropped so as not to exceed the height of the overflow port 113c.

Here, the lower end portion of the water supply pipe 114 is located at a height higher than the overflow port 113c, that is, it can store water at a position higher than the highest water level in the dripping water tank 113. Therefore, the space portion 118 is formed in the upper portion of the dripping water tank 113. By forming the space portion 118 in the dripping water tank 113 in this manner, the water in the water supply valve 84 and the dripping water tank 113 is isolated. As such, in the water supply path 112, two space portions 117, 118 are formed.

In the drain valve 116, the water accumulated in the dripping water tank 113 is dripped in the water guiding portion 94 through the drain pipe 115 by appropriately adjusting the opening degree. In other words, the drain valve 116 functions as a throttle valve for dropping water droplets in the water tank 113 instead of continuously flowing.

According to the mist generating device 111 of the present embodiment, the first water retaining material 99 interposed between the mist generator 83 and the space portion 117, 118 between the water supply valve 84 for supplying the water to the first water retaining material 99 are provided. The first water retaining material 99 and the water supply valve 84 are electrically insulated from each other. Thereby, the high voltage from the conductive rod 103 can be prevented from being applied to the water supply valve 84 side accessible to the user, and the ejection of the mist from the discharge electrode 102 can be performed safely.

In this way, the droplet generating device 111 prevents the application of the high voltage to the portion accessible to the user, and can safely perform the discharge from the discharge electrode 102. The spray of mist drops. Therefore, the mist generating device 111 can realize a structure that prevents leakage, electric shock, and the like, and improves safety, and can be placed in a washing machine or the like without impairing safety.

Further, the mist generating device 111 is configured to supply the water drop in the water tank 113 to the water guiding portion 94. Therefore, unlike the structure in which the water in the dripping water tank 113 is continuously flowed and supplied, intermittent water supply can be performed. Thereby, the state in which the water supply valve 84 and the mist generator 83 are connected via water can be avoided, and the application of the high voltage to the user-accessible water supply valve 84 side can be further prevented.

Further, when the amount of water in the dropping tank 113 is increased, the water pressure is increased. Therefore, even if the opening degree of the drain valve 116 is adjusted, it is difficult to drip the water droplets in the water tank 113 into the water guiding portion 94. In the present embodiment, the mist generating device 111 is provided with a water overflow port 113c on the side of the dripping water tank 113. Therefore, the amount of water in the dripping water tank 113 is limited to a predetermined amount (the amount of water whose water level becomes the height of the overflow port 113c). Thereby, the water pressure in the dripping water tank 113 can be prevented from becoming excessively large, and the water in the dripping water tank 113 can be appropriately dropped into the water guiding portion 94. Further, by appropriately changing the position of the overflow port 113c of the dropping tank 113 in the vertical direction, the water pressure in the dropping tank 113 can be adjusted, and the amount of dripping or dripping of the water from the tank 113 can be adjusted.

Further, the mist generating device 111 may not be configured such that the front end portion of the water supply pipe 114 is inserted into the dripping water tank 113. Instead of this, the mist generating device 111 may be configured such that the front end portion of the water supply pipe 114 is opposed to the water supply port 113a of the dripping water tank 113 from above, and is formed in a state of being separated from the water supply port 113a. A space portion is formed between the water supply valve 84 and the dripping water tank 113.

(Ninth Embodiment)

Hereinafter, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 16 . This embodiment relates to an embodiment of a washing machine. As shown in Fig. 13, in the present embodiment, the washing machine 1 is configured such that the water supply port 5 for shower water is not provided. Further, on the operation panel 8, a liquid crystal display portion 8a for displaying various kinds of information (washing amount, operation time, and the like) is provided. Further, the operation panel 8 is provided with switches for selecting various operation strokes including the sterilization passages to be described later, and various switches for starting and stopping the operation. Further, the control device 10 functions as a control means for executing a droplet generation program to be described later, and as a setting means for setting a time for supplying water into the U-shaped collection tube 85.

Further, in the washing machine 1 having such a configuration, the same mist droplet generating device 81 as that shown in the seventh embodiment shown in the eighth embodiment is provided. Next, the configuration of the mist generating device 81 in the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 14 and 15 .

The U-shaped collecting pipe 85 constituting the water supply path 82 of the mist generating device 81 is disposed on the back surface of the water tank 12, and is disposed at a position slightly higher than the motor 30 (Fig. 15 is a position slightly above the side of the motor 30). ). A water supply pipe 121 extending from the water supply valve 26 is connected to the water supply port 85b of the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 (see also FIG. 14). That is, the water supply valve 26 corresponds to the water supply valve 84 of Fig. 8. The water supply pipe 121 corresponds to the water supply pipe 86 of Fig. 8. A drain pipe 122 that extends downward and extends downward is connected to the drain port 85c of the U-shaped collecting pipe 85. The drain pipe 122 extends toward the mist generator 83 side of the mist generating device 81 almost without bending, and communicates with the water guiding portion 94 connected to the mist generator 83. That is, the drain pipe 122 corresponds to the drain pipe 87 of Fig. 8. In this case, the front end portion of the drain pipe 122 is closely connected to the water conduit 94a of the water guiding portion 94 (see Fig. 8). Therefore, a space portion opened to the atmosphere is not formed between the end portion of the drain pipe 122 and the water conduit 94a.

The U-shaped collecting pipe 85 is in a state of communicating with the inside of the water tank 12 via the water overflow port 85d. That is, the water tank 12 corresponds to the buffer water tank 89 of Fig. 8. Next, the drain hose 28 (refer to Fig. 14) connected to the bottom of the water tank 12 corresponds to the drain passage 90 of Fig. 8. The drain valve 29 (see Fig. 14) disposed in the middle of the drain hose 28 corresponds to the drain valve 91 of Fig. 8. Further, the circulation blower 38 disposed in the middle of the circulation air passage 43 that communicates with the water tank 12 corresponds to the pressurizing device 93 of Fig. 8.

On the other hand, the mist generator 83 of the mist generating device 81 is disposed upstream of the warm air inlet 23 and over the downstream side of the air supply duct 42 constituting the intermediate portion of the circulation air passage 43. The immediately adjacent portion of the hose 41 (refer to Fig. 14) is a lower end portion of the portion of the air duct 42 that extends upward while the motor duct 40 is turned back. Next, the discharge electrodes 102 of the mist generator 83 are disposed so that the respective front end portions protrude from the inside of the circulation air passage 43.

As also shown in Fig. 14, a portion of the air (warm air) flowing in the circulation air passage 43 is supplied to the mist generator 83 side by the partition plate 43a having the crotch portion 43b, and is passed through The discharge electrode 102 and its peripheral portion are merged with the circulation air passage 43 (refer to the arrow mark shown by a broken line in Fig. 14).

The drain path 104 of the mist generator 83 is connected to a portion of the drain hose 28 that is further downstream than the drain valve 29. Therefore, the water overflowing from the drain path 104 from the water tank portion 98a of the mist drop generator 83 is drained to the drain hose 28 through the drain path 104.

Further, although not shown, the conductive rod 103 of the mist generator 83 is connected to the negative electrode (for example, -6 kV) of the high-voltage power source of the power supply circuit of the washing machine 1 at its base end. Thereby, the negative high voltage from the high voltage power source is applied to the discharge electrode 102 via the conductive rod 103 and the first water retention material 99 and the second water retention material 100 containing water, and the discharge electrode 102 With negative power.

Further, in this case, the casing 2 that is grounded via a grounding wire (not shown) or the like (a member that is disposed at a position that does not face the discharge electrode 102 and is away from the discharge electrode 102) can be used as: The function of the other electrode corresponding to the negatively charged discharge electrode 102.

In the washing machine 1 configured as described above, the control device 10 can be configured to perform a sterilization process. This sterilization route corresponds to the stroke of the mist generation program, and a stroke is generated in order to cause the mist generation device 81 to operate, and the droplets are supplied into the water tank 12 together with the air flowing in the circulation air passage 43. Here, the content of the control by the control device 10 in the case where the sterilization route is executed will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Figure 16 is a time chart showing the contents of its control. Further, in the portion shown by the cross-sectional line in Fig. 16, the control device 10 drives the respective components (the open feed water valve 26, the drive circulation blower 38, and the energization conductive rod 103).

When the sterilization operation is selected via the operation panel 8, the control device 10 opens the water supply valve 26 at the beginning of the sterilization operation, and supplies water to the U-shaped collection tube 85 via the water supply pipe 121 and the water supply port 85b. (In the 16th figure, the interval shown by symbol A). The supplied water is gradually accumulated in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85. In this case, the control device 10 sets in advance the time (setting means) for supplying the amount of water flowing from the overflow port 85d to the U-shaped collecting pipe 85. Next, when the set time has elapsed, the control device 10 closes the water supply valve 26 and stops the feed water in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85. Thereby, the control device 10 does not drain the water in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 from the drain port 85c, and accumulates water of a predetermined amount (in this case, the water amount of the water level into the height of the overflow port 85d) in the U-shaped word. A space portion 97 is formed in the collection tube 85 and on the upstream side of the U-shaped collection tube 85 (see Fig. 15).

In the state in which the water supply valve 26 is closed (the state in which the water supply in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 is stopped), the control device 10 determines the predetermined time (the water remaining in the water supply pipe 121 flows out in the U-shaped collection). Whether or not the time in the tube 85 has passed (the interval shown by the symbol B in Fig. 16). Then, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the control device 10 drives the circulation blower 38 at a high speed (for example, 3000 rpm) to increase the pressure (internal pressure) in the water tank 12 (in the range indicated by symbol C in Fig. 16). . Moreover, at this time, the control device 10 is in a state in which the drain valve 29 is closed (a state in which the circulation air passage 43 is left in the water tank 12 and is substantially sealed). Thereby, the pressure (internal pressure) in the water tank 12 is improved efficiently.

As the internal pressure of the water tank 12 rises, the internal pressure of the space portion 97 in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 in a state of communicating with the inside of the water tank 12 via the water overflow port 85d rises. In this way, the water accumulated in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 is pushed out from the upstream side of the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 toward the downstream side, and is drained from the drain port 85c, and is drained by the drain pipe 87. The water supply is in the water guiding portion 94.

When the water supply to the mist drop generator 83 is completed, the control device 10 determines that the water accumulated in the water storage tank portion 98a is supplied to the water in the water storage tank portion 98a via the water absorbing member 101, the first water retaining material 99, and the like. Whether or not the time for discharging the electrode 102 has passed (in the interval indicated by the symbol D in Fig. 16). Next, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the control device 10 energizes the conductive rod 103 from the high-voltage power source to operate the droplet generating device 81 (in the section indicated by the symbol E in Fig. 16). Thereby, the negative high voltage from the high voltage power source is applied to the discharge electrode 102 via the conductive rod 103, the first water retaining material 99, and the second water retaining material 100, and the discharge electrode 102 is negatively charged. Thereby, a droplet containing a hydroxyl group having a strong oxidizing action is ejected from the front end of the discharge electrode 102.

At this time, the control device 10 drives the circulation blower 38 at a low speed (for example, 1500 rpm which is lower than the rotation speed at the time of water supply), and circulates the air in the water tank 12 through the circulation air passage 43. Thereby, the droplet containing the hydroxyl group ejected from the mist droplet generating device 81 is supplied into the water tank 12 together with the air (warm air) flowing in the circulation air passage 43. Then, by the hydroxyl group supplied in this way, the laundry (clothing, etc.) in the water tank 12 can be sterilized and deodorized. In this case, the control device 10 drives the circulation blower 38 at a lower rotation speed than when the water supply to the mist generator 83 (refer to the section indicated by the symbol C). Therefore, the amount of air flowing in the circulation air passage 43 is weakened, and the droplets can be prevented from being dried, and the mist can be supplied into the water tank 12.

Further, in the above-described sterilization route, the user can select two modes of the first mode and the second mode via a mode selection button (not shown) provided on the operation panel 8. When the first mode is selected, the control device 10 supplies the droplets in the water tank 12 (the driving of the circulation blower 38 and the energization to the conductive rod 103), and rotates the drum at a predetermined low speed (for example, 50 rpm). 13 positive and negative rotation. In the first mode, it is suitable for sterilization of a washing object (a rotatable person such as a coat, a female suit, a scarf, etc.) that can be stirred. On the other hand, when the second mode is selected, the control device 10 does not rotate the drum 13 when the mist is supplied to the water tank 12. This second mode is suitable for the sterilization of a washing object (a non-rotatable person such as a doll, a handbag, a leather product, etc.) which is not desired to be stirred.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the mist containing the hydroxyl group having a strong oxidizing action is ejected into the circulation air path 43 during the sterilization process, and is accompanied by the air (warm air) flowing in the circulation air path 43. It is supplied into the water tank 12. Thereby, the laundry (clothing, etc.) in the water tank 12 can be sterilized and deodorized.

Then, the space portion 97 formed in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 can maintain the electrical insulation state between the first water retaining material 99 and the water supply valve 26 in the mist generator 83, and can prevent high The voltage is applied to the side of the feedwater valve 84 accessible to the user.

Further, in this case, the washing machine 1 is not provided in the vicinity of the discharge electrode 102, and the other electrode corresponding to the discharge electrode 102 negatively charged by the negative high voltage from the high-voltage power source. Thus, the discharge from the discharge electrode 102 itself is very stable. Therefore, corona discharge is not generated, and generation of harmful gases (ozone, nitrogen oxides, nitrous acid, nitric acid, etc. generated by oxidizing nitrogen in the air by the ozone) can be suppressed.

Further, the mist generator 83 may be provided in any part of the circulation air passage 43 in any part. However, as shown in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the portion of the circulation air passage 43 that is formed by the air supply duct 42 is preferable. The air supply duct 42 is configured to be downstream of the evaporator 46 and the condenser 47 of the circulation air path 43. Therefore, the hydroxyl group generated in this portion is less susceptible to the cooling action of the evaporator 46 and the heating action of the condenser 47.

(Tenth embodiment)

Hereinafter, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 17. In the same manner as the ninth embodiment shown in the fifteenth embodiment, the description will be omitted, and only the differences will be described. In the embodiment shown in the above-described ninth embodiment, an embodiment in which the overflow collecting pipe 131 is provided on the back surface of the water tank 12 is also provided.

The overflow collecting pipe 131 is disposed on the back surface of the water tank 12 at a position lower than the U-shaped collecting pipe 85. The overflow collecting pipe 131 has a similar shape in which the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 is enlarged in the vertical direction, and is formed in a hollow shape that is long in the vertical direction as a whole, and has a partition portion 131a having a lower end opening therein. Thereby, a water passage having a substantially U-shaped cross section is formed inside the overflow collecting pipe 131, and a structure in which water can be stored in the water passage portion is formed. The overflow collecting pipe 131 has a water supply port 131b in the upstream portion (the upper end portion of the right side of the overflow collecting pipe 131 in Fig. 17), and the downstream portion (the upper side of the overflow collecting pipe 131 in Fig. 17) The upper portion of the central portion in the direction has a drain port 131c.

A water supply pipe 132 extending from the water supply valve 26 is connected to the water supply port 131b. A drain pipe 133 that extends downward and extends downward is connected to the drain port 131c. Although not shown, the drain pipe 133 is connected to a portion of the drain hose 28 that is downstream of the drain valve 29.

The upstream portion of the overflow collecting pipe 131 is connected to the water tank 12 via an overflow outlet 12a provided on the back surface of the water tank 12. The overflow outlet 12a is for draining the overflowed water outside the water tank 12 when the amount of water in the water tank 12 exceeds a predetermined amount (the amount of water whose water level is the height of the overflow outlet 12a) (in this case, the overflow collecting pipe 131) Inside). Thereby, even if, for example, a failure of the water supply valve 26 occurs, and the water level in the water tank 12 exceeds the set water level and abnormally rises, water exceeding a predetermined amount is drained from the overflow water outlet 12a.

Further, the overflow port 85d of the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 described above is provided at a position higher than the overflow outlet 12a of the water tank 12. Thereby, even if the water level in the water tank 12 abnormally rises, the water in the water tank 12 is drained from the overflow water outlet port 12a before the water level reaches the overflow port 85d of the U-shaped collecting pipe 85. Therefore, the overflow from the water tank 12 does not flow into the U-shaped collecting pipe 85.

Further, in the present embodiment, the dedicated water supply valve 134 using the water supply in the conventional U-shaped collecting pipe 85 and the water supply valve 26 are separately provided. Next, a water supply pipe 135 extending from the dedicated water supply valve 134 is connected to the water supply port 85b of the U-shaped collecting pipe 85. Thereby, the dedicated water supply valve 134 and the water supply valve 26 can be independently controlled, and only the amount of water required for the water can be supplied to the U-shaped collection tube 85. Therefore, the water that is supplied with water in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 is not wasted.

Next, the action of this embodiment will be described.

In the washing program or the washing program of various operation strokes, the control device 10 opens the water supply valve 26, and supplies water to the inside of the water tank 12 via the water supply tank 25 or the like. At the same time, the control device 10 supplies water to the inside of the overflow collecting pipe 131 from the water supply port 131b via the water supply pipe 132.

Therefore, the feed water in the overflow collecting pipe 131 is continued between the feed water flowing into the water tank 12. Therefore, the water which has been supplied with water in the overflow collecting pipe 131 does not remain in the overflow collecting pipe 131, continues to flow beyond the drain port 131c, and flows out of the washing machine 1 via the overflow pipe 133 and the drain hose 28. When the water level in the water tank 12 reaches the set water level, the control device 10 closes the water supply valve 26 and stops the feed water in the water tank 12 and the feed water in the overflow water collection pipe 131. Thereby, the predetermined amount (the amount of water whose water level is the height of the drain port 131c) remains, and water is stored in the overflow collecting pipe 131.

In the drying process, the control device 10 is operated in a state where the drain valve 29 is closed, and the circulation blower 38, the evaporator 46, and the condenser 47 are operated to supply warm air into the water tank 12, and the inside of the water tank 12 (roller 13) The laundry is dried.

In the drying process, the overflow collecting pipe 131 that communicates with the inside of the water tank 12 via the overflow outlet 12a is in a state in which the air permeability is blocked by the water stored in the inside. Therefore, even if a part of the warm air supplied into the water tank 12 flows into the overflow collecting pipe 131 from the overflow overflow port 12a, the warm air does not escape from the drain port 131c and leaks outside the washing machine 1. In other words, the inside of the water tank 12 is in a state in which the circulation air passage 43 is left and is substantially sealed.

Then, by supplying warm air to the water tank 12 that is maintained in such a sealed state, the pressure (internal pressure) in the water tank 12 rises. In this case, since the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 is smaller than the overflow collecting pipe 131, the amount of water accumulated in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 is smaller than the amount of water accumulated in the overflow collecting pipe 131. Therefore, even if the internal pressure in the overflow collecting pipe 131 does not rise by the warm air flowing in from the overflow outlet 12a, the space in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 is flown by the warm air flowing from the overflow port 85d. The pressure inside 97 will also rise. Then, as the internal pressure of the space portion 97 rises, the water accumulated in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 is pushed out from the upstream side of the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 toward the downstream side, and is drained from the drain port 85c. Then, the water drained from the drain port 85c is supplied to the water guiding portion 94 of the mist generator 83 through the drain pipe 122. In other words, in the air volume of the drying process, the water in the overflow collecting pipe 131 cannot be pushed out and discharged, but the air in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 can be pushed out to discharge the air volume (for example, for circulation) The rotation speed of the blower 38 is taken as the air volume at 3000 rpm.

According to the present embodiment, in the configuration in which the overflow outlet 12a is provided on the back surface of the water tank 12, the overflow port 85d of the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 is provided at a position higher than the overflow outlet 12a. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the overflow water from the water tank 12 from flowing into the U-shaped collecting pipe 85, and the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 is filled with water. Therefore, the state in which the space portion 97 is formed in the U-shaped collecting pipe 85, that is, the state in which the first water retaining material 99 in the mist generator 83 and the water supply valves 26, 134 are electrically insulated can be appropriately maintained. Moreover, the application of the high voltage to the side of the water supply valve 26, 134 accessible to the user can be further prevented.

(Eleventh embodiment)

Hereinafter, an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 18. In addition, the description of the same portions as those of the tenth embodiment described above will be omitted, and only the differences will be described. This embodiment is a modified embodiment in which the overflow collecting pipe 131 is provided on the back surface of the water tank 12.

In the side portion of the U-shaped collecting pipe 85, a connecting port 85e is provided at a position lower than the overflow port 85d. One end of the connecting line 136 is connected to the connecting port 85e. In the present embodiment, the water supply pipe 121 extending from the water supply valve 26 is connected to the water supply port 85b of the U-shaped collecting pipe 85.

On the other hand, a connection port 131d is provided in the upper portion of the overflow collecting pipe 131. The other end of the connection line 136 that connects one end to the connection port 85e of the U-shaped collection tube 85 is connected to the connection port 131d.

According to this configuration, when the water level of the water supplied into the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 exceeds the height of the connecting port 85e, the water overflowing from the connecting port 85e flows out of the overflow collecting pipe 131 via the connecting pipe 136. Inside. Thereby, the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 can be prevented from being filled with water, and the electrical insulation state between the first water retaining material 99 and the water supply valve 26 in the mist generator 83 can be maintained. Further, water that is excessively supplied into the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 can be used as water for storing water in the overflow collecting pipe 131.

Further, water from the single water supply valve 26 can be supplied to both the U-shaped collecting pipe 85 and the overflow collecting pipe 131, and a simple water supply structure can be created.

(Twelfth embodiment)

Next, a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 19. It is to be noted that the same portions as those in the eighth embodiment shown in Fig. 12 are omitted, and only the differences will be described. In the present embodiment, an embodiment in which the drip water tank 113 is used on the back surface of the water tank 12 constitutes a mist generating device.

The dropping tank 113 is disposed on the back surface of the water tank 12 at a position slightly higher than the motor 30 (the position slightly above the side of the motor 30 in Fig. 19). In the water supply port 113a of the dropping tank 113, a water supply pipe 121 extending from the water supply valve 26 is connected in communication. That is, the water supply valve 26 corresponds to the water supply valve 84 in Fig. 12. The water supply pipe 121 corresponds to the water supply pipe 114 in Fig. 12. Further, in this case as well, the front end portion of the water supply pipe 121 extends to a position higher than the overflow port 113c provided at the side of the dripping water tank 113.

A drain pipe 137 is connected to the drain port 113b of the water tank 113. A drain valve 138 is provided in the middle of the drain pipe 137. In other words, the drain pipe 137 corresponds to the drain pipe 115 in Fig. 12. The drain valve 138 corresponds to the drain valve 116 in Fig. 12. The drain pipe 137 extends to the side of the mist generator 83 with almost no bending, and is connected to the water guiding portion 94 of the mist generator 83. In this case, the front end portion of the drain pipe 137 is closely connected to the water conduit 94a of the water guiding portion 94 (see Fig. 12). Therefore, a space portion opened to the atmosphere is not formed between the end portion of the drain pipe 137 and the water conduit 94a.

A drain pipe 139 that is bent downward and extends downward is connected to the overflow port 113c of the water tank 113. Although not shown, the drain pipe 139 is connected to a portion of the drain hose 28 that is downstream of the drain valve 29.

According to such a configuration, water in the water level 113 is accumulated in the water tank 113 at a height equal to the height of the overflow port 113c, and a space portion 118 is formed in the dripping water tank 113. Then, by dropping the space portion 118 formed in the water tank 113, the electrical insulation state between the first water retaining material 99 and the water supply valve 26 in the mist generator 83 can be maintained, and the high insulation can be prevented. The voltage is applied to the side of the feedwater valve 26 accessible to the user.

Further, by appropriately adjusting the opening degree of the drain valve 138, the water accumulated in the dripping water tank 113 can be dropped into the water guiding portion 94 through the drain pipe 137, and the flow to the mist drop generator 83 can be performed. Sexual water supply. Thereby, the state in which the water supply valve 26 and the mist generator 83 are connected via water can be avoided, and the application of the high voltage to the water supply valve 26 side accessible to the user can be further prevented.

Further, in addition to the dropping of the water tank 113, the overflow collecting pipe 131 shown in the above-described tenth embodiment or the eleventh embodiment may be provided.

(Other implementations)

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described respective embodiments, and can be modified or expanded as follows.

As the porous material forming the discharge electrode 52, the discharge electrode 71, and the discharge electrode 102, a porous ceramic material or a porous metal material can be used.

In the electrostatic atomization device 50, although at least one of the discharge electrodes 52 and 71 is formed to be long and extends to the water storage tank portion 51a, all of them may be formed longer or may be plural. The number of branches in the middle is longer.

Alternatively, the base end portion of the discharge electrode 52a may not be extended to the water storage tank portion 51a, and instead, the water retaining material 53 may be used to absorb water. In this case, the water is supplied to the water retaining material 53 to be supplied. Alternatively, one portion of the water retaining material 53 is extended until the water directly immersed in the water storage tank portion 51a.

In the droplet generating devices 81 and 111, the electrode 102 is not limited to the shape of the tip end, and for example, the tip end portion may be rounded into a smooth hemispherical shape. Further, the base end portion of the discharge electrode 102 may be extended in the water storage tank portion 98a to function as a water supply means.

The water supply path 56 or the water supply pipe 121 may be connected to the bottom of the ventilation duct 34, and the dehumidified water generated from the evaporator 46 may be supplied with water into the water storage tank portion 51a or the water storage tank portion 98a. Further, the water supply valve 26 may be configured such that the bath water supply port 5 is opened to the water supply path 56, and a part of the bath water from the bath water supply port 5 is supplied with water in the water storage tank portion 51a.

The overflow path 57 or the overflow path 104 may be connected to, for example, the bottom of the water tank 12, and the water overflowing from the water storage tank portion 51a or the water storage tank portion 98a may be drained into the water tank 12. According to such a configuration, the water overflowing from the water storage tank portion 51a or the water storage tank portion 98a can be utilized as washing water without waste.

The amount of water that can be stored in the water storage tank portion 51a or the water storage tank portion 98a can be appropriately changed by changing, for example, the size or shape of the water storage tank portion 51a or the water storage tank portion 98a.

The other electrode corresponding to the discharge electrode 52, the discharge electrode 71, and the discharge electrode 102 which are negatively charged by the high voltage application means may not face the discharge electrode 52, the discharge electrode 71, and the discharge electrode 102, and A grounding body is disposed away from the discharge electrode 52, the discharge electrode 71, and the discharge electrode 102.

In the mist droplet generating devices 81 and 111, the water absorbing member 101 is not covered by the first water retaining material 99, and the second water retaining material 100 and the second water retaining material 100 may be passed through the same manner as the discharge electrode 102. The face above the box 98. In this case, the water absorbing member functions as a water supply means for supplying water in the water storage tank portion 98a to the first water retaining material 99, and also functions as a discharge electrode for discharging the mist.

By causing the base end portion of the water absorbing member 101 (the portion in contact with the water in the water storage tank portion 98a) to be pointed, the foreign matter (dust or the like) of the water contained in the water storage tank portion 98a is less likely to be sucked into the water absorbing member. In 101, the decrease in the water absorbing property of the water absorbing member 101 can be prevented. However, the shape of the proximal end portion of the water absorbing member 101 is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a flat shape.

Further, the water absorbing member 101 is not limited to being extended in the vertical direction as shown in Fig. 11 . For example, when the water storage tank portion 98a is provided on the side portion of the casing 98, the water absorbing member may be placed in contact with the water in the first water retaining member 99 and the water storage tank portion 98a, and the water absorbing member may be disposed in the lateral direction. .

Further, as a configuration in which the water absorbing member 101 is not provided, instead of this, the first water retaining material 99 or the second water retaining material 100 may be configured to absorb water. In this case, water is supplied to the first water retaining material 99 or the second water retaining material 100. Alternatively, one of the first water retaining material 99 or the second water retaining material 100 is extended until the water is directly immersed in the water storage tank portion 98a.

The discharge electrode 102 can also be loaded with a platinum colloid.

A sterilizing agent may be provided in the water storage tank portion 98a.

For example, the first water retaining material 99 may be formed of a fibrous ion exchange resin, and the ion exchange resin may be provided in the water storage tank portion 98a. In this case, a conductive material (for example, carbon fiber) may be blended in the discharge electrode 102.

For example, when the laundry to be washed without being soaked is sterilized or deodorized, the electrostatic atomizing device 50 or the mist generating device 81 may be provided in a state where water is not supplied into the water tank 12, 111 supplies the running stroke of the droplet. Thereby, the water-repellent laundry can be sterilized and deodorized without being soaked in water.

Further, when the washing process is executed using the bath water, the control for increasing the amount of mist generated from the electrostatic atomizing device 50 or the mist generating devices 81 and 111 during the drying process can be performed. Further, it is also possible to control the increase in the content ratio of the hydroxyl group. Further, it is also possible to perform control for increasing the generation time of the droplets. Thereby, such a fungus can be removed even if the impurities contained in the bath water remain in the laundry after the washing is completed.

The present invention is applicable not only to the washing machine 1 in which the heat pump 49 is disposed in the circulation air passage 43, but also to a heater type washing machine in which a heater and a water-cooled heat exchanger are disposed in the circulation air passage. In this case, the electrostatic atomization device 50 or the droplet generator 83 of the droplet generation devices 81 and 111 is preferably disposed in the circulation air passage on the downstream side (the water tank side) of the heat exchanger. Further, the present invention is also applicable to a dryer which does not have a washing function.

1. . . washing machine

2. . . Casing

3. . . handle

4. . . Tap water supply

5. . . Bath water inlet

6. . . Threshold

7. . . Operation button

8. . . Operation panel

8a. . . Liquid crystal display unit

9. . . Lotion input department

10. . . Control device

11. . . Filter housing

12. . . sink

12a. . . Overflow outlet

13. . . roller

14. . . Opening

15. . . Opening

16. . . Opening

17. . . Bellows

18. . . Rotary balancer

19. . . hole

20. . . Baffle

twenty one. . . Warm air inlet

twenty two. . . Warm air outlet

twenty three. . . Warm air inlet

twenty four. . . Water supply hose

25. . . Water supply box

26. . . Water supply valve

27. . . Drainage port

28. . . Drain hose

29. . . Drain valve

30. . . motor

31. . . Rotary axis

32. . . Suspended

33. . . Bottom plate

34. . . Ventilation duct

35. . . Air intake

36. . . Connecting hose

37. . . Return air duct

38. . . Circulating blower

39. . . shell

40. . . Export Department

41. . . Connecting hose

42. . . Air duct

43. . . Circulation wind path

43a. . . Partition

43b. . . Crotch

44. . . Centrifugal impeller

45. . . motor

46. . . Evaporator

47. . . Condenser

48. . . compressor

49. . . Heat pump

50. . . Electrostatic atomization device

51. . . box

51a. . . Water tank

52. . . Electrode

52a. . . Electrode

52b. . . Electrode

53. . . Water retention material

54. . . Conductive rod

55. . . Fixed plate

56. . . Water supply path

57. . . Overflow path

57a. . . Ends

58. . . High voltage power supply

61. . . Bactericide

71. . . Electrode

71a. . . Electrode

71b. . . Electrode

81. . . Droplet generating device

82. . . Water supply path

83. . . Drop generator

84. . . Water supply valve

85. . . U word collection tube

85a. . . Partition

85b. . . Water supply

85c. . . Drainage port

85d. . . Overflow

85e. . . Link

86. . . Water supply pipe

87. . . Drainage pipeline

88. . . Pipeline for overflow

89. . . Buffer tank

90. . . Drainage road

91. . . Drain valve

92. . . Pressurizing tube

93. . . Pressurizing device

94. . . Water guide

94a. . . Water inlet

95. . . Ion exchange resin

96. . . Space department

97. . . Space department

98. . . box

98a. . . Water tank

99. . . 1st water retention material

100. . . 2nd water retention material

101. . . Water absorbing member

102. . . Electrode

103. . . Conductive rod

103a. . . Covered member

104. . . Overflow (drainage) path

104a. . . Ends

105. . . High voltage power supply

111. . . Droplet generating device

112. . . Water supply path

113. . . Drop the water tank

113a. . . Water supply

113b. . . Drainage port

113c. . . Overflow

114. . . Water supply pipe

115. . . Drainage pipeline

116. . . Drain valve

117. . . Space department

118. . . Space department

121. . . Water supply pipe

122. . . Drainage pipeline

131. . . Overflow collection tube

131a. . . Partition

131b. . . Water supply

131c. . . Drainage port

131d. . . Link

132. . . Water supply pipe

133. . . Drainage pipeline

134. . . Dedicated water supply valve

135. . . Water supply pipe

136. . . Connecting pipe

137. . . Drainage pipeline

138. . . Drain valve

139. . . Drainage pipeline

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal side view showing a configuration of an electrostatic atomization device in a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the washing machine.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the washing machine.

Figure 4 is a rear view of the sink.

Fig. 5 is a view corresponding to Fig. 1 showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal side view showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which a discharge electrode and its peripheral portion are enlarged.

Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the discharge electrode and its peripheral portion.

Fig. 8 is a view showing a configuration of a droplet generating device in a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal side view showing the U-shaped collecting tube and its peripheral portion enlarged.

Figure 10 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 9 in different states.

Fig. 11 is a longitudinal side view schematically showing the structure of the mist generator.

Fig. 12 is a view corresponding to Fig. 8 showing an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a washing machine in a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a longitudinal side view schematically showing the internal structure of the washing machine.

Figure 15 shows the rear view of the sink.

Fig. 16 is a timing chart showing the contents of control when the sterilization route is executed.

Fig. 17 is a view corresponding to Fig. 15 showing a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a view corresponding to Fig. 15 showing an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a view corresponding to Fig. 15 showing a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

43. . . Circulation wind path

50. . . Electrostatic atomization device

51. . . box

51a. . . Water tank

52. . . Electrode

52a. . . Electrode

52b. . . Electrode

53. . . Water retention material

54. . . Conductive rod

55. . . Fixed plate

56. . . Water supply path

57. . . Overflow path

57a. . . Ends

58. . . High voltage power supply

Claims (19)

A washing machine characterized by comprising: a circulation path that is connected to a groove in communication; and a blowing means that circulates air in the groove through the circulation path; and a dehumidification means The dehumidification means cools and dehumidifies the air flowing in the circulation path; and the heating means heats the air flowing in the circulation path; and the electrostatic atomization means is composed of the following The constituent elements are: a discharge electrode formed of a porous material having water absorbing property, water retention property, and suction property, and a front end portion protruding from the inside of the circulation path; and a water retaining means The water retention means is formed by a porous material having water retention property, and water after water retention is supplied to the discharge electrode; and a water supply means for supplying water to the water retention means; and a high voltage application means, the high voltage application The method applies a negative high voltage to the discharge electrode to make the discharge electrode negatively charged, and does not overlap with the discharge electrode As a function of the discharge electrodes by means of the high-voltage is applied and the negatively charged electrode corresponding to the other of the members and the configuration of the discharge electrode at a position remote from the set, the system can play. Such as the washing machine of claim 1 of the patent scope, wherein A space portion is provided in a portion of the water supply path from the water supply means to the water retaining means. A washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the water supply valve is provided as the water supply means; and the U-shaped collector is provided in the water supply valve a part of the water supply path to the water retaining means has a water supply port connected to the water supply valve at an upstream portion, and a water discharge port connected to the water retaining means at a downstream portion, and is located near the water supply port and lower than the water discharge port And an internal pressure rising means connected to an upstream portion of the U-shaped collector to increase an internal pressure of the U-shaped collector, wherein the U-shaped collector is attached to the water supply valve When the water level of the water supplied to the U-shaped collector via the water supply port exceeds the height of the overflow port, the overflowed water flows out from the overflow port; thereby, the water is not drained from the drain port. Water accumulates in the U-shaped collector, and the space portion is formed in the upstream portion, and the internal pressure increasing means is formed in a state in which the water supply valve is closed. The space portion of the upstream portion of said U-shaped trap within the pressure increases; whereby accumulated inside the U-shaped collector drain water from the drain port is supplied to the water holding means. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the water supply valve is provided as a water supply means; and the water supply valve is provided as the water supply means; a water tank provided in a part of a water supply path from the water supply valve to the water retaining means, wherein the space portion is formed between the water supply valve and water accumulated in the water tank, and the water tank and the water retaining means between. The washing machine of claim 3, wherein the overflow port of the U-shaped collector is connected to the tank; and the air blowing means is provided as the internal pressure increasing means. The washing machine of claim 5, wherein the control means is configured to control the operation of the water supply valve, the high voltage applying means, and the air blowing means of the electrostatic atomizing device, and a fog generation program for generating a droplet from the discharge electrode; and a setting means for setting a time during which water in an amount of water flowing out from the overflow port is supplied to the U-shaped collector, the control means In the initial stage of the mist generation program, only the water supply valve is opened during the time set by the setting means, and after the predetermined time has elapsed after the water supply valve is closed, the air blowing means is driven by a predetermined number of rotations. The water accumulated in the U-shaped collector is drained from the drain port and supplied to the water retaining means, and thereafter, the air blowing means is driven by a rotation number lower than the predetermined number of rotations, and is high by the high voltage applying means. A voltage is applied to the above discharge electrode. Such as the washing machine of claim 5 or 6, wherein The tank is provided with an overflow outlet for draining the overflowed water when the amount of water in the tank exceeds a predetermined amount; and the overflow port of the U-shaped collector is disposed at the overflow outlet of the tank High position. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the discharge electrode is provided with a platinum colloid. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the water retaining means is formed of a fibrous ion exchange resin, and covers a portion of the discharge electrode outside the circulation path. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the water retaining means is formed by mixing a water absorbent resin with the ion exchange resin. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the discharge electrode contains a conductive material. The washing machine according to the second aspect of the invention, further comprising: a water storage tank provided below the discharge electrode and supplied to the discharge electrode via the water retaining means a water storage path; the overflow path is connected to a drainage path for draining water in the tank, and draining water overflowing from the water storage tank to the drainage path, wherein the water supply path is connected to Water is supplied to the inside of the water supply port of the above tank, and a part of the water from the water supply port is supplied to the water storage tank. The washing machine according to claim 12, wherein a disinfectant composed of a metal element having a disinfecting property and a phosphate-based glass having water solubility in water is provided inside the water storage tank. A washing machine according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the plurality of discharge electrodes are provided with a plurality of discharge electrodes, wherein the front end portions are formed in a shape of a pin, and the curvatures of the front end portions are plural. A washing machine characterized by comprising: a circulation path that is connected to a groove in communication; and a blowing means that circulates air in the groove through the circulation path; and a dehumidification means The dehumidification means cools and dehumidifies the air flowing in the circulation path; and the heating means heats the air flowing in the circulation path; and the electrostatic atomization means is composed of the following The constituent elements are: a discharge electrode formed of a porous material having water absorbing property, water retention property, and suction property, and a front end portion protruding from the inside of the circulation path; and a water retaining means The water retaining means is formed by a porous material having water retention property, and water after retaining water is supplied to the discharge electrode; and a water supply means for supplying water to the water retaining means; a high voltage applying means for applying a negative high voltage to the discharge electrode to negatively charge the discharge electrode, wherein the electrostatic atomization device is disposed on a downstream side of the air blowing means in the circulation path . The washing machine of claim 15, wherein the circulation path is provided with a partition plate that supplies air flowing in the circulation path to the electrostatic atomization device side. A mist droplet generating device comprising: a discharge electrode formed of a porous material having water absorbability, water retention property, and suction property; and a water retaining means, wherein the water retaining means is a water-repellent porous material is formed, and water after water retention is supplied to the discharge electrode; and a water supply means for supplying water to the water retention means; and a high voltage application means, the high voltage application means By applying a negative high voltage to the discharge electrode, a droplet is generated from the discharge electrode, and a member that is not disposed opposite to the discharge electrode and located away from the discharge electrode can be used as The high voltage applying means is configured to function as a negative electrode of the other electrode corresponding to the discharge electrode, and a space portion is provided in a portion of the water supply path from the water supply means to the water retaining means. The mist droplet generating device of claim 17, wherein the following components are provided: a water supply valve, the water supply valve is provided as the water supply means; and a U-shaped collector is disposed in a portion of the water supply path from the water supply valve to the water retaining means, and has an upstream water supply valve connected thereto a water supply port having a drain port connected to the water retaining means at a downstream portion, an overflow port at a position lower than the water supply port and lower than the drain port; and an internal pressure rising means connected to the above The upstream portion of the U-shaped collector raises the internal pressure of the U-shaped collector, and the U-shaped collector exceeds the water level of the water supplied from the water supply valve to the U-shaped collector via the water supply port. In the case of the height of the overflow port, the overflowed water flows out from the overflow port; thereby, water is not drained from the drain port, and water is accumulated in the U-shaped collector, and the space portion is formed in the upstream portion. The internal pressure increasing means increases the internal pressure of the space portion formed in the upstream portion of the U-shaped collector in a state where the water supply valve is closed; Accumulated inside the U-trap water to be drained from the drain port is supplied to the water holding means. The mist generating device of claim 17, wherein the water supply valve is provided as the water supply means, and the water tank is provided in the water supply valve from the water supply valve to the water retention In one of the water supply paths of the means, the space portion is formed between the water supply valve and the water stored in the water tank, and between the water tank and the water retaining means.