Classifications

• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
  • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
  • C02F1/4606—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods for producing oligodynamic substances to disinfect the water
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F35/00—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for
  • D06F35/003—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for using electrochemical cells
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
  • D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
  • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
  • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
  • D06F39/088—Liquid supply arrangements
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
  • C02F2201/46—Apparatus for electrochemical processes
  • C02F2201/461—Electrolysis apparatus
  • C02F2201/46105—Details relating to the electrolytic devices
  • C02F2201/4612—Controlling or monitoring
  • C02F2201/46125—Electrical variables
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
  • C02F2201/46—Apparatus for electrochemical processes
  • C02F2201/461—Electrolysis apparatus
  • C02F2201/46105—Details relating to the electrolytic devices
  • C02F2201/4612—Controlling or monitoring
  • C02F2201/46125—Electrical variables
  • C02F2201/4613—Inversing polarity
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
  • C02F2201/46—Apparatus for electrochemical processes
  • C02F2201/461—Electrolysis apparatus
  • C02F2201/46105—Details relating to the electrolytic devices
  • C02F2201/4612—Controlling or monitoring
  • C02F2201/46145—Fluid flow
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
  • C02F2201/46—Apparatus for electrochemical processes
  • C02F2201/461—Electrolysis apparatus
  • C02F2201/46105—Details relating to the electrolytic devices
  • C02F2201/4612—Controlling or monitoring
  • C02F2201/4615—Time
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
  • C02F2303/24—Separation of coarse particles, e.g. by using sieves or screens

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an ion eluting unit that elutes metal ions having an antibacterial action into water, and an apparatus that uses the metal ions generated by the ion eluting unit added to water.
• the equipment particularly relates to a washing machine.
• finishing substances When washing in a washing machine, it is common to add finishing substances to the rinse water. Common finishing materials are softeners and glues. In addition to this, there is a growing need for finishing treatments that provide laundry with antibacterial properties. 'Laundry should be sun-dried for hygiene reasons. However, in recent years, the number of families who have no one at home during the daytime has increased due to the increase in the employment rate of women and the development of nuclear families. In such homes, you have to rely on indoor drying. Even in a home where somebody is at home during the day, when it rains, it will dry indoors.
• Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 5-744887 discloses an electric washing machine equipped with an ion generator for generating metal ions having sterilizing power such as silver ions and copper ions.
• Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-093691 describes a washing machine in which a cleaning liquid is sterilized by generating an electric field.
• Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-2766484 describes a washing machine provided with a silver ion-added unit for adding silver ions to washing water. Disclosure of the invention
• an ion elution unit that elutes metal ions from the electrodes by applying a voltage between the electrodes.
• the electrode on the anode side is made of silver, and when this is put in water and a voltage is applied, a reaction of Ag ⁇ Ag + + e occurs at the anode, and silver ions A g + Elutes. If silver ions A g + elute, the anode will be depleted.
• the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ion elution unit that can stably and efficiently elute metal ions having an antibacterial action over a long period of time. is there. Another object of the present invention is to provide a device, particularly a washing machine, capable of avoiding the adverse effects of bacterial growth by adding the metal ions produced by the ion eluting unit to water and using the same.
• the ion eluting unit is configured as follows.
• the polarity of the electrodes is periodically inverted with a voltage application pause.
• scale deposited during the cathode period elutes during the anode period due to polarity reversal, so that scale deposition on the electrode surface is prevented, and stable elution of metal ions is possible. It becomes.
• the metal ions that have been dissolved from the electrode, which was the anode can leave sufficiently far from the electrode.
• the metal ions to be eluted are any of silver ions, copper ions, or zinc ions. According to this configuration, it is possible to utilize the excellent bactericidal effect and anti-power effect of silver ions, copper ions, or zinc ions.
• the application of voltage to the electrodes is started after the supply of water is started. According to this configuration, metal ions can be reliably eluted from the start of voltage application to the electrode, and the desired total amount of metal ions can be reliably supplied.
• the applied voltage is varied so that a constant current flows through the electrode. Since the amount of metal ion eluted is proportional to the current per unit time flowing between the electrodes, according to this configuration, the metal ion elution reaction can be stabilized and the amount of elution can be easily calculated.
• the current flowing through the electrode is detected by a current detection unit, and the drive circuit is controlled based on the detection result.
• the current detection means Before the start of voltage application to the electrodes, the current detection means should be checked with IH. According to this configuration, the operation of the current detection means is checked before the operation of starting periodic voltage application to the electrode, so that the possibility that the current detection means performs erroneous detection is eliminated, and the metal ion is detected at an incorrect concentration. Can be prevented from being eluted.
• the current flowing through the electrode is detected by the current detecting means, and the drive circuit is controlled based on the detection result, and the current detecting means detects the current after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of voltage application to the electrode. It is assumed that the operation starts. According to this configuration, the detection operation is not performed when the current immediately after the start of voltage application is not stable, and the detection operation is performed after the current is stabilized, so that correct detection can be performed. Further, according to the present invention, in the ion elution unit configured as described above, the current flowing through the electrode is detected by a current detection unit, and the drive circuit is controlled based on the detection result.
• the notifying means When the current detecting means detects an abnormality in the current value, the notifying means notifies the fact. According to this configuration. Since the current value is abnormal, the ion elution unit cannot secure the expected amount of metal ion elution, the desired antibacterial effect cannot be obtained, and adjustment or repair of the ion elution unit is required. Can be notified to the user.
• the ion elution unit configured as described above, even if the current detection means detects an abnormality in the current value, the current having a normal value is detected at least once during the ion elution process. In this case, the notification means does not perform the abnormality notification. According to this configuration, even if the current detection unit detects an abnormality in the current value, the abnormality notification is not performed if a current having a normal value is detected at least once during the ion elution process. The operation of the ion eluting unit can be continued even if an abnormality is temporarily detected by the erroneous detection.
• the current flowing through the electrode is detected by a current detection unit, and the drive circuit is controlled based on the detection result.
• the current detecting means detects that the current value flowing through the electrode is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the voltage application time and the Z or voltage application pause time to the electrode or the ion elution time are adjusted.
• the above-described ion elution unit is mounted on a device, and the metal ions generated by the ion elution unit are added to water for use.
• the metal ions generated by the ion eluting unit can be added to water for use.
• the equipment is a dishwasher
• the tableware is subjected to antibacterial treatment with the metal ions to enhance hygiene. be able to.
• the equipment is a humidifier, it prevents bacteria and algae from propagating in the water in the water tank, and spores of bacteria and algae are scattered in the air and inhaled by infectious and allergic diseases. Can be prevented.
• the ion elution time is adjusted according to the amount of water used.
• the ion elution time (the sum of the voltage application time to the electrode and the voltage application suspension time) is adjusted according to the amount of water used, so that water with a stable metal ion concentration can be supplied. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a situation in which water having an excessively high metal ion concentration causes contamination, and conversely, an antibacterial effect is not exhibited due to an excessively low metal ion concentration.
• the voltage application time and / or the voltage application pause time to the electrode are adjusted according to the amount of water used and / or the ion elution time.
• the amount of elution from the electrode varies depending on the amount of water used or the ion elution time, but by adjusting at least one of the voltage application time and the voltage application suspension time, Can be compensated. Therefore, the electrode wear is made uniform, the electrode is biased to one polarity, and a large amount of scale is deposited on the cathode side (the side where the time used as a cathode is long), and then when the anode is turned over. It is possible to prevent the elution of metal ions from being inhibited.
• a flow rate detecting means for detecting a flow rate of water flowing through the ion eluting unit is provided, and based on the detection result, a voltage application time to the electrode and Z Alternatively, the voltage application pause time or the ion elution time was adjusted.
• the conditions such as water pressure and pipeline resistance differ in each household, and even if the valve opening is fixed on the equipment side, the water flowing through the ion elution unit Does not become constant.
• the amount of metal ions eluted can be adjusted according to the flow rate of water, so that water with a small variation in metal ion concentration can be supplied, and a uniform antibacterial effect can be exerted.
• the device configured as described above when the current detecting unit detects an abnormality in the current value, a specific process is executed. According to this configuration, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the device continues normal operation while lacking the function of imparting antibacterial properties expected of the ion elution unit. Examples of specific processing include suspending the operation of the equipment, notifying the user with a buzzer, lamp, or other notification means while continuing the operation of the equipment. Inform the user, etc. Further, in the present invention, in the device configured as described above, the specific processing is to suspend the device. According to this configuration, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the user continues to use the device without noticing that the ion-eluting unit lacks the antibacterial function expected of the ion-eluting unit.
• the device in the device equipped with the ion eluting unit as described above, when the current detecting means detects that the value of the current flowing through the electrode is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the device detects the ion eluting unit.
• the feedwater flow rate was reduced to extend the ion elution time. According to this configuration, even when the current value is not enough to secure the expected amount of metal ions eluted, that is, when the metal ions are hardly eluted, the water supply time is extended by reducing the water supply flow rate, and By extending the ion elution time, it is possible to elute a predetermined amount of metal ions by the time the water supply is completed. Further, in the present invention, in the device configured as described above, the device is a washing machine. As a result, the following effects can be obtained.
• the ion elution time is adjusted according to the amount of water used, the ion elution time (total of the voltage application time to the electrode and the voltage application pause time) Since water is adjusted, water having a stable metal ion concentration can be supplied to the laundry. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a situation in which water having a too high concentration of metal ions causes stains on the laundry instead, and conversely, the concentration of the metal ions is too low so that the laundry cannot be sufficiently subjected to antibacterial treatment.
• the elution amount from the electrode depends on the amount of water used or the ion elution time.
• the difference can be compensated for by adjusting at least one of the voltage application time and the voltage application pause time. Therefore, when the electrodes are worn uniformly, the electrodes are biased to one polarity, and a large amount of scale is deposited on the cathode side (the side where the time used as a cathode is long), and then the anode is turned over.
• a flow rate detecting means for detecting a flow rate of water flowing through the ion elution unit, and based on the detection result, adjusts a voltage application time and / or a voltage application pause time to the electrode, or an ion elution time, Since the amount of metal ion eluted can be adjusted according to the flow rate of water, water with little variation in metal ion concentration can be supplied to the washing machine regardless of installation conditions at home, and laundry can be uniformly treated with antibacterial treatment. For this reason, the stirring step for distributing the metal ions to the entire laundry can be minimized.
• the washing machine is usually used while lacking the function of imparting antibacterial properties expected of the ion elution unit. It is possible to avoid a situation in which the operation of the vehicle is continued.
• the specific treatment is a temporary stoppage of the machine
• a situation in which the user continues to use the washing machine without noticing the lack of the antibacterial treatment of the laundry expected from the ion elution unit. Can be reliably avoided.
• the current detecting means detects that the value of the current flowing through the electrode is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the flow rate of the water supply to the ion elution unit is reduced, and the ion elution time is extended. Value is sufficient to secure the expected amount of metal ion eluted.
• the current detecting means detects an abnormality in the current value, if the normal value current is detected at least once during the ion elution process, the notifying means does not perform the abnormality notification. Even if an abnormality is temporarily detected due to erroneous detection due to, for example, the operation of the washing machine can be continued and the washing process can be completed.
• the current flowing through the electrode is detected by a current detecting unit, and the drive circuit is controlled based on the detection result, and the current detecting unit determines that a current value flowing through the electrode is equal to or less than a predetermined value. If the current is not enough to secure the expected amount of metal ions eluted, if the voltage is applied to the electrode and the voltage or the voltage application pause time or the ion elution time is adjusted, In other words, adjust the voltage application time and Z or voltage application pause time, or ion elution time (sum of the voltage application time to the electrode and the voltage application suspension time) even when the metal ions are hard to elute. By doing so, it is possible to complement and carry out antibacterial treatment of laundry with the expected total amount of metal ions.
• an ion eluting unit for eluting silver ions from the electrode by applying a voltage between the electrodes arranged in the water supply path, wherein a polarity of a voltage applied to the electrode is periodically inverted.
• silver ions are eluted into the water supplied through the water supply path, so that silver ions can be attached to the target using the water, and the target can be disinfected and fungi can be removed.
• the polarity reversal prevents the scale from being deposited on the electrode surface, and enables the stable dissolution of silver ions.
• FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• Figure 2 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the water supply port.
• FIG. 3 is a partial top view of the inside of the washing machine.
• Figure 4 is a top view of the ion elution unit.
• FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.
• FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG.
• FIG. 7 is a horizontal sectional view of the ion elution unit.
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the electrode.
• Figure 9 is a drive circuit diagram of the ion elution unit.
• FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the entire washing process.
• FIG 11 is a flowchart of the washing process.
• Figure 12 is a flow chart of the rinsing and process.
• FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the dehydration step.
• FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the final rinsing step.
• FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram of the final rinsing step.
• FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram of the balance correction rinsing.
• FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each component and the operation of inverting the polarity of the electrode in the ion elution step in association with each other.
• FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view showing the entire configuration of the washing machine 1.
• the washing machine 1 is of a fully automatic type and includes an outer box 10.
• the outer box 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, is formed of metal or synthetic resin, and has an opening on the top and bottom surfaces.
• An upper surface plate 11 made of synthetic resin is stacked on the upper surface opening of the outer case 10 and fixed to the outer case 10 with screws.
• the left side is the front of the washing machine 1
• the right side is the back
• the back panel 12 made of synthetic resin is also stacked on the upper surface of the upper surface plate 11 located on the back side. 1 Secure to 1 with screws.
• a synthetic resin base 13 is overlapped on the bottom opening of the outer case 10 and fixed to the outer case 10 with screws. None of the screws mentioned so far are shown. .,
• the four corners of the base 13 are provided with legs 14a and 14b for supporting the outer box 10 on the floor.
• the rear leg 14 b is a fixed leg integrally formed with the base 13.
• the front leg 14 a is a variable height screw leg, which is turned to level the washing machine 1.
• a laundry input port 15 for inputting laundry into a washing tub described later is formed in the upper surface plate 11.
• the lid 16 covers the laundry inlet 15 from above.
• the lid 16 is connected to the top plate 11 by a hinge 17 and rotates in a vertical plane.
• a water tub 20 and a washing tub 30 also serving as a dehydration tub are arranged inside the outer box 10.
• Both the water tub 20 and the washing tub 30 have the shape of a cylindrical cup with an open top, with each axis being vertical, concentric with the water tub 20 outside and the washing tub 30 inside. It is located at Suspension member 21 suspends water tank 20.
• the suspension members 21 are provided at a total of four places in such a manner as to connect the lower portion of the outer surface of the water tank 20 and the inner corner of the outer box 10, and support the water tank 20 so that it can swing in a horizontal plane.
• the washing tub 30 has a peripheral wall that extends upward and has a gentle taper.
• the washing tub 30 is a so-called “holeless” type.
• an annular balancer 32 that functions to suppress vibration when the washing tub 30 is rotated at a high speed for dehydrating the laundry is attached.
• a pulsator 33 for generating a flow of washing water or rinsing water in the tub is arranged.
• the drive unit 40 is mounted on the lower surface of the water tank 20.
• the drive unit 40 includes a motor 41, a clutch mechanism 42, and a brake mechanism 43, and has a dewatering shaft 44 and a pulsator shaft 45 protruding upward from the center thereof.
• the dewatering shaft 4 4 and the pulsator shaft 4 5 have a double shaft structure with the dewatering shaft 44 outside and the pulsator shaft 45 inside, and after entering the water tank 20, the dewatering shaft 4 4 It is connected to the washing tub 30 to support it.
• the pulsator shaft 45 further enters the washing tub 30 and is connected to and supports the pulsator 33.
• Seal members are provided between the dewatering shaft 44 and the water tub 20 and between the pulsator shaft 45 and the washing tub 30 to prevent water leakage.
• a water supply valve 50 that opens and closes electromagnetically is arranged.
• the water supply valve 50 has a connection pipe 51 that penetrates the back panel 12 and protrudes upward.
• a water supply hose (not shown) for supplying tap water or other clean water is connected to the connection pipe 51.
• the water supply valve 50 supplies water to a container-like water supply port 53 provided at a position facing the inside of the washing tub 30.
• the water supply port 53 has the structure shown in FIG.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the water supply port 53.
• the water supply port 53 is open on the front side, and a drawer 53 a is inserted through the opening.
• the inside of the drawer 53 a is partitioned into a plurality (two in the embodiment, left and right).
• the compartment on the left is a detergent room 54, which is a preparation space for storing detergent.
• the compartment on the right is the finishing agent room 55, which is a preparation space for storing the finishing agent for washing.
• An ice pouring port 54 a that opens toward the inside of the water supply port 53 is provided at the bottom of the detergent chamber 54.
• the finishing agent chamber 55 is provided with a siphon section 57.
• a portion below the drawer 53 a is a water supply port 56 for supplying water to the washing tank 30.
• the siphon section 57 includes an inner tube 57a that rises vertically from the bottom surface of the finishing agent chamber 55, and a cap-shaped outer tube 57b that covers the inner tube 57a.
• a gap through which water passes is formed between the inner pipe 57a and the outer pipe 57b.
• the bottom of the inner pipe 57 a opens toward the bottom of the water supply port 53.
• the lower end of the outer pipe 57b keeps a predetermined gap with the bottom of the finishing agent chamber 55, and this is the water inlet.
• the water supply valve 50 is composed of a main water supply valve 50a and a sub water supply valve 5Ob.
• the main water supply valve 50a is set to have a relatively large flow rate
• the sub water supply valve 50b is set to have a relatively small flow rate.
• the size of the flow rate may be set by making the internal structure of the main water supply valve 50a and the sub water supply valve 50b different from each other. It may be realized by combining members.
• the connecting pipe 51 is common to both the main water supply valve 50a and the sub water supply valve 50b.
• the main water supply valve 50a is connected to the ceiling opening of the water supply port 53 through the main water supply path 52a.
• This opening is open toward the detergent chamber 54, so that the large flow water flowing out of the main water supply valve 50a is poured into the detergent chamber 54 from the main water supply path 52a.
• the water supply valve 50b is connected to the ceiling opening of the water supply port 53 through the water supply path 52b.
• This opening opens toward the finishing agent chamber 55, so that the small flow of water flowing out from the sub water supply valve 50b is poured into the finishing agent chamber 55 from the sub water supply path 52b. That is, the path from the main water supply valve 50a to the washing tub 30 through the detergent room 54 and the path from the sub water supply valve 50b to the washing tub 30 through the finishing agent room 55 are different. System.
• a drain hose 60 for draining water in the water tub 20 and the washing tub 30 out of the outer box 10 is attached. Water flows into the drain hose 60 from the drain pipe 61 and the drain pipe 62.
• the drain pipe 61 is connected to a position near the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the water tank 20.
• the drain pipe 62 is connected to a location near the center of the bottom of the water tank 20.
• An annular partition wall 63 is fixed to the inner bottom surface of the water tank 20 so as to surround the connection point of the drain pipe 62 inside.
• An annular seal member 64 is attached to the upper part of the partition 63.
• the drainage space 66 communicates with the inside of the washing tub 30 through a drainage port 67 formed at the bottom of the washing tub 30.
• the drain pipe 62 is provided with a drain valve 68 that opens and closes electromagnetically.
• An air trap 69 is provided at a location on the upstream side of the drain valve 68 of the drain pipe 62.
• a pressure guiding tube 70 extends from the air trap 69.
• a water level switch 71 is connected to the upper end of the pressure guiding tube 70.
• the control unit 80 is arranged on the front side of the outer box 10.
• the control unit 80 is placed below the top plate 11, receives operation commands from the user through the operation display unit 81 provided on the top surface of the top plate 11, and receives a drive unit 40, a water supply valve Issue an operation command to 50 and drain valve 6 8.
• the control unit 80 issues a display command to the operation / display unit 81.
• the control unit 80 includes a drive circuit for the ion elution tub described later.
• a flow rate detecting means 185 is arranged in the water supply path from the main water supply valve 50a to the main water supply path 52a.
• the flow detecting means 185 can be constituted by a known flow meter.
• the flow rate detecting means 18 ′ 5 is depicted as being attached to the water supply valve 50, but the location is not limited to this. It may be provided at the ion elution unit 100 or at the water supply port 53.
• the flow rate detection can be performed by a method of calculating from a change in water amount per unit time detected by the water level switch 71 or a time required for the change in unit water amount. The operation of the washing machine 1 will be described. Open the lid 16 and put the laundry into the washing tub 30 from the laundry inlet 15.
• Drawer 5 3a is pulled out from water supply port 5 3, and detergent is put in detergent room 54 inside it. Finishing agent room 5 5 A finishing agent (softening agent) is filled. Finishing agents (softeners) may be added during the washing process or may not be added if not required. When you have finished setting the detergent and finishing agent (softener), push the drawer 5 3a into the water supply port 53.
• FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the entire washing process.
• step S201 it is checked whether or not the scheduled operation to start washing at the set time has been selected. If the reserved operation has been selected, the process proceeds to step S206. If not, the process proceeds to step S202. When the process proceeds to step S206, it is confirmed whether the operation start time has come. When the operation start time comes, the process proceeds to step S202.
• step S202 it is confirmed whether or not a washing step has been selected. If the selection has been made, the process proceeds to step S300. The contents of the washing step in step S300 will be described separately with reference to the flowchart in FIG. After the completion of the washing process, the process proceeds to step S203. If the washing process has not been selected, the process immediately proceeds from step S202 to step S203.
• step S 400 If the selection of step S 2 0 3 in the rinsing step is c selected to verify that made the process proceeds to step S 4 0 0.
• the contents of the rinsing step of step S400 will be described separately with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In Fig. 10, the rinsing process is performed three times, and the step numbers of each step are “S 400 — 1”, “S 400 — 2”, “S 400 — 3” and the branch numbers. The notation is attached.
• the number of rinsing steps can be set arbitrarily by the user. In this case, "S400-3" is the final rinsing step.
• step S204 If the rinsing process has not been selected, the process immediately proceeds from step S203 to step S204.
• step S204 it is confirmed whether or not a dehydration step has been selected. If it has been selected, the process proceeds to step S500. The details of the dehydration step in step S500 will be described separately with reference to the flowchart in FIG. After the dehydration step, the process proceeds to Step S205. If the dehydration step has not been selected, the process immediately proceeds from step S204 to step S205.
• step S205 the termination process of the control unit 80, particularly the arithmetic unit (microphone computer) included therein, is automatically advanced according to the procedure. Also, the completion sound is notified that the washing process is completed. After all the operations are completed, the washing machine 1 returns to the standby state in preparation for the next washing process.
• FIG 11 is a flowchart of the washing process.
• step S301 water level data in the washing tub 30 detected by the water level switch 71 is acquired.
• step S If it is c selected to check whether Tetsupu S 3 0 2 Selection The capacitance sensing is made processing proceeds to Step S 3 0 8. If not selected, the process immediately proceeds from step S302 to step S303.
• step S308 the amount of laundry is measured by the rotation load of the pulsator 33. After the capacitance sensing, go to step S303.
• step S303 the main water supply valve 50a is opened, and water is poured into the washing tub 30 through the water supply port 53. Since the main water supply valve 50a is set to a large flow rate, the water quickly fills the washing tub 30. All of the detergent contained in the detergent room 5 is also washed away by a large amount of water, and is poured into the washing tub 30 while being mixed with the water.
• the drain valve 68 is closed. When the water level switch 71 detects the set water level, the main water supply valve 50a is closed. Then, the process proceeds to step S304.
• step S304 the running-in operation is performed.
• the pulsator 33 reverses rotation and stirs the laundry and the water, so that the laundry is adapted to the water. 'This allows the laundry to absorb enough water. In addition, let air trapped in various places of the laundry escape. If the water level detected by the water level switch 71 is lower than the initial level as a result of the running-in operation, the main water supply valve 50a is opened in step S305 to capture water and recover the set water level.
• the fabric sensing will be performed along with the running-in operation. After the running-in operation, the change in water level from the set water level is detected, and if the water level falls below the specified value, it is determined that the fabric has high water absorption.
• step S305 After a stable set water level is obtained in step S305, the process proceeds to step S306.
• the motor 41 rotates the pulsator 33 in a predetermined pattern to form a main water flow for washing in the washing tub 30.
• the laundry is washed by the main water flow.
• the dehydrating shaft 44 is braked by the brake device 43, and the washing tub 30 does not rotate even if the washing water and the laundry move.
• step S307 the pulsator 33 is turned upside down to loosen the laundry so that the laundry is distributed in the washing tub 30 in a well-balanced manner. This is in preparation for spinning of the washing tub 30 That's because.
• step S500 a dehydration step of step S500 is performed, which will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. After dehydration, proceed to step S401.
• step S401 the main water supply valve 50a is opened, and water is supplied to the set water level.
• step S402 After water supply, go to step S402.
• step S402 the running-in operation is performed.
• step S500 dehydration process
• the laundry stuck to the washing tub 30 is peeled off, and the water is absorbed into the washing tub 30 to allow the laundry to sufficiently absorb water. .
• step S403. As a result of the running-in operation, if the water level detected by the water level switch 71 is lower than the initial level, the main water supply valve 50a is opened to capture water and recover the set water level.
• step S404 After the set water level is recovered in step S404, the process proceeds to step S404.
• the motor 41 rotates the pulsator 33 in a predetermined pattern to form a main water flow for rinsing in the washing tub 30. Washing of the laundry is performed by this main water flow.
• the dehydrating shaft 44 is braked by the brake device 43, so that the washing tub 30 does not rotate even if rinsing water and laundry move.
• step S406 the pulsator 33 is turned upside down to loosen the laundry. This allows the laundry to be distributed in the washing tub 30 in a well-balanced manner, and prepares for the spin-drying operation.
• the rinsing water is stored in the washing tub 30 and the “rinsing” is performed, but the rinsing water is always supplied with fresh water. Pour water into the laundry from the water supply port 53 while rotating at a low speed. You can also do a "shower rinse”.
• the drain valve 68 is opened.
• the washing water in the washing tub 30 is drained through the drainage space 66.
• the drain valve 68 remains open during the dewatering process.
• the clutch device 42 and the brake device 43 are switched.
• the switching timing of the clutch device 42 and the brake device 43 may be before the start of drainage or at the same time as drainage.
• the motor 41 turns the spinning shaft 44 this time.
• the washing tub 30 performs a spin-drying operation.
• the pulsator 33 also rotates with the washing tub 30.
• the washing tub 30 When the washing tub 30 rotates at a high speed, the laundry is pressed against the inner peripheral wall of the washing tub 30 by centrifugal force. The washing water contained in the laundry also collects on the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the washing tub 30, but as described above, the washing tub 30 is tapered and spreads upward. Rises inside the washing tub 30. When the washing water reaches the upper end of the washing tub 30, it is discharged from the dehydration hole 31. The rinsing water leaving the dewatering hole 31 is beaten to the inner surface of the water tank 20 and flows down the inner surface of the water tank 20 to the bottom of the water tank 20. Then, the water is discharged out of the outer box 10 through the drain pipe 61 and the drain hose 60 following the drain pipe 61.
• step S503 The flow in FIG. 13 is configured to perform a relatively low-speed dehydration operation in step S502 and then perform a high-speed dehydration operation in step S503. After step S503, the process proceeds to step S504. In step S504, the power supply to the motor 41 is stopped, and a stop process is performed.
• the washing machine 1 includes the ion elution unit 100.
• the ion elution unit 100 is connected to the downstream side of the main water supply pipe 52a.
• the structure and function of the ion eluting unit 100 and the role of the ion eluting unit 100 mounted on the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
• FIG. 3 is a partial top view showing the arrangement of the water supply valve 50, the ion elution cut 100, and the water supply port 53. Both ends of the ion elution cut 100 are directly connected to the main water supply valve 50a and the ice supply port 53. That is, the ion elution unit 100 alone constitutes the entire main water supply path 52a.
• the sub water supply path 52b is configured by connecting a pipe projecting from the water supply port 53 and the sub water supply valve 50b with a hose.
• the water supply valve 50, the ion elution unit 100, and the water supply port 53 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction of the washing machine 1 in the model expression of FIG. In the washing machine, these are arranged not in the front-back direction but in the left-right direction Is done.
• FIG. 4 is a top view.
• FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG.
• FIG. 6 is also a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG.
• Figure 7 is a horizontal sectional view.
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the electrode.
• the ion eluting unit 100 has a case 110 made of a transparent or translucent synthetic resin (colorless or colored) or an opaque synthetic resin.
• the case 110 is composed of a case body 110a having an open upper surface and a lid 110b closing an upper surface opening thereof (see FIG. 5).
• the case body 110a has an elongated shape, and has a water inlet 111 at one end in the longitudinal direction and a water outlet 112 at the other end. Both the inlet 1 1 1 and the outlet 1 1 2 are pipe-shaped.
• the cross section of outlet 1 1 2 is smaller than the cross section of inlet 1 1 1.
• the case 110 is arranged such that the longitudinal direction is the horizontal direction, and the bottom surface of the case body 110a arranged horizontally in this way has an inclined surface that descends toward the outlet 1 112. (See Figure 5). That is, the outlet 1 1 2 is provided at the lowest position in the internal space of the case 110.
• the lid 110b is fixed to the case body 110a with four screws 170 (see Fig. 4).
• a seal ring 1711 is sandwiched between the case body 110a and the lid 110b (see Fig. 5).
• two plate-like electrodes 1 13 and 1 14 are arranged to face each other along the water flow from the inlet 1 1 1 to the outlet 1 1 2 I have.
• metal ions of the metal constituting the electrodes elute from the anode side of electrodes 113 and 114 I do.
• the electrodes 113 and 114 can be configured such that silver plates having a size of 2 cm ⁇ 5 cm and a thickness of about 1 mm are arranged at a distance of about 5 mm.
• the material of the electrodes 113 and 114 is not limited to silver. Any metal can be used as long as it is a source of antibacterial metal ions.
• silver ions eluted from the silver electrode, copper ions eluted from the copper electrode, and zinc ion eluted from the zinc electrode exhibit excellent bactericidal and antimicrobial effects.
• Silver ions and copper ions can be simultaneously eluted from an alloy of silver and copper.
• elution and non-elution of metal ions can be selected depending on whether or not voltage is applied.
• the elution amount of metal ions can be controlled by controlling the current and voltage application time. Compared with the method in which metal ions are eluted from a metal ion carrier such as zeolite, it is convenient to use since metal ions can be selected or not, and the concentration of metal ions can be controlled electrically.
• the electrodes 1 1 3 and 1 1 4 are not arranged completely parallel.
• the water flow flowing through the case 110 from the upstream side to the downstream side, in other words, from the inlet 11 1 to the direction of the outlet 1 12 They are arranged in a tapered shape so that the spacing is narrow (see Fig. 7).
• the planar shape of the case body 110a is also narrowed down from the end where the inflow port 111 exists to the end where the outflow port 112 exists. That is, the cross-sectional area of the internal space of case 110 gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side.
• Electrodes 1 13 and 1 14 are rectangular in front shape, and terminals 1 15 and 1 16 are provided respectively.
• the terminals 115 and 116 are formed so as to hang down from the lower edges of the electrodes 113 and 114, respectively, and to enter inside the electrode end on the upstream side.
• the electrodes 1 13 and the terminals 1 15 and the electrodes 1 14 and the terminals 1 16 are integrally formed of the same metal material.
• the electrodes 1 15 and 1 16 are led out to the lower surface of the case main body 110a through through holes formed in the bottom wall of the case main body 110a.
• the portions where the terminals 1 15 and 1 16 penetrate through the case main body 110 a are treated with a watertight seal 17 2.
• the watertight seal 17 2 forms a double seal structure together with a second sleeve 17 5, which will be described later, to prevent water leakage therefrom.
• an insulating wall 173 separating the terminals 115 and 116 is formed (see FIG. 6).
• the terminals 115 and 116 are connected to a drive circuit attached to the control unit 80 via a cable (not shown).
• the remaining portion of the terminals 115 and 116 in the case 110 is protected by an insulating sleep.
• Two types of sleep are used.
• the first sleep 1 7 4 is made of synthetic resin and is fitted to the base of the terminals 1 15 and 1 16 c
• the first slip 1.74 has a shape in which a part protrudes from one side of the electrodes 113 and 114, and a projection is formed on the side of this part. They are engaged with through holes provided in 13 and 11 (see Figs. 6 and 7). This prevents the electrodes 113 and 114 from falling off the sleeve 174.
• the second sleep 1 75 5 is made of soft rubber, and fills a gap between the first sleep 1 74 and the bottom wall of the case body 110 a, and a gap between itself and the case body 110 a and the self. To prevent water leakage from the gap between the electrode and the electrodes.
• the terminals 115 and 116 are located at the upstream side of the electrodes 113 and 114, and the first three mated to the terminals 115 and 116 are connected.
• the support on the upstream side of the electrodes 113 and 114 is formed.
• a fork-shaped support portion 176 is formed on the inner surface of the lid 110b in accordance with the position of the first sleeve 174 (see FIG. 6).
• the second sleeve 175 fills the gap between the first sleep 174 and the case body 110a with the upper edge of the sleep 174 sandwiched therebetween, and forms a firm support.
• the fork-shaped support part 17 6 sandwiches the electrodes 113 and 114 with long and short fingers, so that the space between the electrodes 113 and 114 is appropriately maintained even on the side of the 110 ob.
• the downstream portions of the c- electrodes 113 and 114 which are adapted to be supported are also supported by the support provided on the inner surface of the case 110.
• a fork-shaped support portion 177 rises from the bottom wall of the case body 110a, and a fork-shaped support portion 178 also faces the support portion 177 from the ceiling surface of the lid 110b. Hanging in shape (see Figures 5 and 8).
• the electrodes 113 and 114 are sandwiched between the lower and upper edges of the downstream portion by the supporting portions 177 and 178, respectively, and are held immovable.
• the electrodes 113 and 114 are arranged such that a surface facing each other and a surface on the opposite side create a space between the electrode 110 and the inner surface of the case 110.
• the electrodes 113 and 114 are arranged so that a space is also created between the upper edge and the lower edge thereof and the inner surface of the case 110 (support portion 1). Exceptions are those that come in contact with 176, 177, 178).
• a space is provided between the upstream and downstream edges of the electrodes 113 and 114 and the inner surface of the case 110. . If it is necessary to make the width of the case 110 narrower, make sure that the surfaces of the electrodes 113 and 114 facing each other and the opposite side are in close contact with the inner wall of the case 110. A configuration is also possible.
• a wire mesh strainer is placed upstream of the electrodes 113 and 114.
• a strainer 180 is provided in the connection pipe 51 as shown in FIG.
• the strainer-180 is for preventing foreign matter from entering the water supply valve 50, but also serves as a strainer on the upstream side of the ion elution unit 100.
• a strainer 118 made of wire mesh is also arranged downstream of the electrodes 113 and 114.
• the strainer 18 1 prevents the electrodes 1 13 and 1 14 from breaking when the electrodes 1 13 and 1 14 become thin due to long-term use, so that the debris does not flow away.
• the outlet 1 1 2 can be selected as the location of the strainer 1 18 1.
• the locations of the strainers 1 80 and 18 1 are not limited to the above locations. As long as the conditions of “upstream of the electrode” and “downstream of the electrode” are satisfied, they can be placed anywhere in the water supply path. Note that the storage trays 180 and 1801 can be removed so that trapped foreign matter can be removed and substances that cause clogging can be cleaned.
• FIG. 9 shows a drive circuit 120 of the ion elution unit 100.
• a transformer 122 is connected to the commercial power supply 1 2 1 to reduce 100 V to a predetermined voltage.
• the output voltage of the transformer 122 is rectified by the full-wave rectifier circuit 123, and is made constant by the constant voltage circuit 124.
• the constant voltage circuit 124 is connected to a constant current circuit 125.
• the constant current circuit 125 operates so as to supply a constant current to an electrode drive circuit 150 described later irrespective of a change in the resistance value in the electrode drive circuit 150.
• a rectification diode 126 is connected to the commercial power supply 121 in parallel with the transformer 122. After the output voltage of the rectifier diode 126 is smoothed by the capacitor 127, the output voltage is made constant by the constant voltage circuit 128 and supplied to the microcomputer 130.
• the microcomputer 130 controls activation of the triac 129 connected between one end of the primary coil of the transformer 122 and the commercial power supply 121. I do.
• the electrode drive circuit 150 is configured by connecting NPN transistors Q1 to Q4, diodes D1, D2, and resistors R1 to R7 as shown in the figure. Transistor Q 1 and diode D 1 make up photocoupler 15 1, and transistor Q 2 and diode D 2 make up photocoupler 15 2. That is, the diodes D 1 and D 2 are photodiodes, and the transistors Ql and Q 2 are phototransistors.
• the electrode 113 on the anode side in FIG. 9 is consumed, and the electrode 114 on the cathode side contains calcium in water. Impurities such as adhere to the scale. Electrode components Metal chlorides and sulfides are generated on the electrode surface. This causes the performance of the ion elution unit 100 to deteriorate, so that the electrode driving circuit 150 can be operated in the forced electrode cleaning mode by reversing the polarity of the electrode.
• the microphone port computer 130 switches the control so that the voltages of the lines Ll and L2 are reversed so that current flows through the electrodes 113 and 114 in opposite directions.
• the transistors Ql, Q4 ⁇ SON, and the transistors Q2, Q3 are OFF.
• the microcomputer 130 has a counter function, and performs the above-described switching every time a predetermined count is reached.
• a constant current Circuit 125 raises its output voltage and prevents the current from decreasing.
• the ion elution unit 100 reaches the end of its life, and the polarity of the electrode is reversed, or the electrode with a specific polarity is made longer than in normal times to forcibly remove impurities attached to the electrode. Switching to the cleaning mode or increasing the output voltage of the constant current circuit 125 cannot prevent the current from decreasing.
• the current flowing between the electrodes 113 and 114 of the ion elution unit 100 is monitored by the voltage generated at the resistor R7, and when the current reaches a predetermined minimum current value, this is monitored.
• the current detection circuit 160 detects the current. The information that the minimum current value was detected is obtained from the photodiode D that constitutes the photo cover 16 3
• the signal is transmitted from 3 to the microcomputer 130 via the phototransistor Q5.
• the microcomputer 130 drives the warning display means 131 via the line L3 to perform a predetermined warning display.
• the warning display means 13 1 is arranged on the operation / display section 8 1.
• a current detection circuit 161 is provided to detect that the current has exceeded the specified maximum current value.
• the microcomputer 130 drives the warning display means 131 based on the output of 161. Further, when the output voltage of the constant current circuit 1 2 5 falls below the minimum value determined Me pre, the voltage detection circuit 1 6 2 detects this and likewise microphone port computer 1 3 0 warning display means 1 3 1 Drive.
• the metal ions generated by the ion elution cut 100 are put into the washing tub 30 as follows.
• FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a final rinsing sequence.
• the process proceeds to step S420.
• step S420 it is checked whether the input of the finishing material is selected. Operation If “input of finishing material” is selected in the setting operation using the Z display section 81, the flow proceeds to step S4221. If it is not selected, the process proceeds to step S401 in FIG. 12, and the final rinsing is performed in the same manner as the rinsing process up to that point.
• step S 4 21 the finishing materials to be charged are two types: metal ions and softeners. Check if there is. If “metal ion and softener” has been selected in the setting operation using the operation display section 81, the process proceeds to step S422. If not, go to step S 4 26.
• step S422 both the main water supply valve 50a and the sub water supply valve 50b are opened, and water flows through both the main water supply path 52a and the sub water supply path 52b.
• Step S422 is a metal ion elution step.
• a water flow of a predetermined amount larger than the water amount set in the sub water supply valve 50b set in the main water supply valve 50a flows while filling the internal space of the ion elution unit 100.
• the drive circuit 120 applies a voltage between the electrodes 113 and 114 to elute ions of the metal constituting the electrode into water.
• the electrode constituent metal is silver
• a g ⁇ A g + + e- reactions occur at the anode side of the electrode, silver ion A g + are eluted into the water.
• the current flowing between the electrodes is DC.
• the water to which the metal ions have been added enters the detergent room 54, and is poured into the washing tub 30 from the water inlet 54a through the water inlet 56.
• the finishing agent room 55 contains a finishing agent (softening agent)
• the finishing agent (softening agent) is put into the washing tub 30 together with water from the siphon section 57. This means that they are injected simultaneously with metal ions. Since the siphon effect occurs only when the water level in the finishing agent chamber 55 reaches a predetermined level, the liquid finishing agent (softening agent) is supplied until the time comes and water is injected into the finishing agent room 55. It can be held in the finishing agent chamber 55.
• the sub water supply valve 50b When a predetermined amount of water (a sufficient amount to cause the siphon section 57 to have a siphon action or more) is injected into the finishing agent chamber 55, the sub water supply valve 50b is closed. Note that this water injection process, that is, the finishing agent charging operation is automatically performed when “filling agent” is selected, regardless of whether the finishing agent (softening agent) is in the finishing agent chamber 55 or not. Be executed.
• a predetermined amount of metal ion-added water is poured into the washing tub 30, and after that, metal ion-free water is poured to the set water level. Voltage application to 1 14 stops. Main water supply valve 50a continues to supply water even after ion elution unit 100 no longer produces metal ions. 8
• Water supply is stopped when the water level in the washing tub 30 reaches the set water level.
• the metal ions and the finishing agent (softening agent) are simultaneously added in step S422, but this is not always necessary when the ion elution unit 100 is generating metal ions during the siphon action. This does not mean that the time for the finish (softener) to be added to the washing tub 30 must completely overlap. Either one may be shifted back and forth. After the ion elution unit 100 stops generating metal ions, the finishing agent (softening agent) may be added when the metal ion-free water is additionally injected. In short, it suffices that the input of metal ions and the input of finishing agent (softening agent) are performed in one sequence.
• the terminal 1 15 is integrally formed with the electrode 1 13, and the terminal 1 16 is integrally formed with the electrode 1 14 with the same metal material. Therefore, unlike the case where metal parts are joined together, there is no potential difference between the electrode and the terminal, and no corrosion occurs. Further, the integration makes it possible to simplify the manufacturing process.
• the interval between the electrodes 113 and 114 is set to be tapered so as to become narrower from the upstream side to the downstream side. Therefore, when the electrode is worn down and the plate thickness becomes thinner along with the flow of water, the electrode is less likely to cause chattering and is not easily chipped. Also, there is no risk of excessive deformation and short circuit.
• the electrodes 113 and 114 are supported in such a manner that a space is formed between the electrodes 113 and 114 and the inner surface of the case 110. For this reason, a metal layer does not grow from the electrodes 113 and 114 to the inner surface of the case 110 and short-circuiting does not occur between the metal layer and the other electrode.
• the portions of the terminals 115 and 116 located in the case 110 are protected by sleeps 174 and 175 made of an insulating material, and there is little wear due to conduction. This prevents the terminals 115 and 116 from being broken during use.
• Electrodes 1 13 and 1 14 are depleted from the narrower part of each other. Although the end parts wear quickly, terminals 1 1 5 and 1 16 is the upstream part of the electrodes 1 13 and 1 14, but it is not at all the end, but it is formed at the place that goes inside from there, so it started from the end of the electrode It is not necessary to worry about the situation where the wear reaches the terminal and the terminal is broken from the base.
• the upstream side of the electrodes 113 and 114 is supported by a first sleeve 174 and a support portion 176.
• the downstream sides of the electrodes 113 and 114 are supported by supporting portions 177 and 178.
• the electrodes 113 and 114 do not vibrate even in the water flow because they are firmly supported on the upstream side and the downstream side. Therefore, the electrodes 113 and 114 do not break due to vibration.
• the terminals 115 and 116 project downward through the bottom wall of the case body 110a. For this reason, steam may come into contact with the case 110a (when washing with bath water, steam easily penetrates into the washing machine 1), or the case 110 may be cooled by water flow. Therefore, even if dew condensation occurs on the outer surface of case 110, the condensed water flows down the cables connected to terminals 115, 116, and the terminals 115, 116 and case 115 Does not stay at the boundary with 0. Therefore, a situation where the terminals 115 and 116 are short-circuited by dew condensation water does not occur.
• the case body 110a is arranged with the long side in the horizontal direction, so the terminals 115, 116 provided on the sides of the electrodes 113, 114 are connected to the bottom of the case body 110a. It is easy to adopt a configuration that projects downward from the wall.
• the outlet 1 1 2 of the ion elution unit 100 has a smaller cross-sectional area than the inlet 1 1 1 and the flow resistance is larger. For this reason, the water that has entered the case 110 from the inlet 1 11 overflows without creating an air pocket inside the case 110, and soaks the electrodes 113, 114 . Therefore, there is a portion in the electrodes 113 and 114 that is not involved in the generation of metal ions, and a situation in which this portion remains undissolved does not occur.
• the ion elution unit 100 is disposed in the main water supply path 52a having a large flow rate, and the amount of flowing water is large. Therefore, the metal ions are immediately carried out of the case 110 and do not return to the electrodes 113, 114. Therefore, the ion elution efficiency is improved.
• the outlet 1 1 2 is provided at the lowest position in the internal space of the case 110. Therefore, when the flow of water to the ion elution unit 100 is stopped, all the water in the ion elution unit 100 flows out of the outlets 112. Therefore, when cold, the residual water in case 110 freezes, and the ion elution unit 100 breaks down or breaks down, so that no accident occurs.
• a strainer 118 exists upstream of the electrodes 113, 114. For this reason, even if there is a solid foreign matter in the water supplied to the ion elution unit 100, the foreign matter is trapped by the storage device 180 and does not reach the electrodes 113, 114. Does not damage the electrodes 113, 114, and the electrodes are not short-circuited by foreign matter, causing an excessive current to flow or insufficient metal ion generation.
• a strainer 181 exists downstream of the electrodes 113, 114. Even if the electrodes 113, 114 are worn out or become brittle due to long-term use, they may be broken and the fragments may flow out, but the fragments are captured by the strainer 181 and downstream therefrom. Does not flow to Therefore, fragments of the electrodes 113 and 114 do not damage the downstream articles.
• step S4243 the rinse water into which the metal ions and the finishing agent (softening agent) have been introduced is stirred by a strong water flow (strong water flow) to bring the laundry into contact with the metal ions and the finishing agent (softening agent) for the laundry. Agent) is promoted.
• the metal ions and the finishing agent can be uniformly dissolved in the water, and can be spread to every corner of the laundry.
• the process proceeds to step S424.
• step S424 agitation is performed with a weak water flow (weak water flow).
• the aim is to make metal ions adhere to the surface of the laundry and exert its effect. If the water flow is weak, the user does not misunderstand that the operation of the washing machine 1 has been completed. However, if there is a way for the user to recognize that it is in the middle of the rinsing process, for example, if a display can be displayed on the operation display 81 to draw the user's attention, stop stirring and remove water. It may be left stationary.
• strong water flow strong water flow
• step S405 the process moves to step S406.
• step S406 the pulsator 33 is turned upside down to loosen the laundry. This allows the laundry to be distributed in the washing tub 30 in a well-balanced manner, and prepares for the spin-drying operation.
• FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each component from step S422 to step S406.
• Step S 4 2 3 strong water flow
• step S 4 24 weak water flow
• step S 4 25 strong water flow
• step S 4 06 balance
• Step S 4 2 5 strong water
• Step S406 balance
• the motor 41 When a water flow is generated, the motor 41 periodically repeats ON (forward rotation), OFF, ON (reverse rotation), and OFF.
• the ratio between the ON time and the OFF time varies depending on the amount of water and the amount of washing.
• the time ratio (ON / OFF) at the rated load is as follows (unit is seconds). .
• Step S 4 2 4 (weak water flow) 0 6 0 0
• Step S 4 2 5 strong water flow 4 1 0
• Step S 4 0 6 (balance) 0 9 0 4
• the total time of the step is longer than when metal ions are not added.
• This program was used because it takes a certain amount of time for the metal ions to be sufficiently absorbed by the laundry. As a result, the metal ions can be sufficiently attached to the laundry, and the desired antibacterial effect can be exerted.
• Step S 4 2 3 strong water
• Step S 4 2 4 of (delicate) time allocation by thus c which can be constant regardless of the amount of water and / or amount of laundry in the washing tub 3 within 0 If this is the case, control programming will be easier.
• step S 4 2 3 strong water
• the ratio of the strong water flow period to the weak water flow period can be set appropriately according to the amount of water and the amount of laundry, so that damage to the cloth can be reduced, and unnecessary power consumption can be prevented.
• metal ions and finishing agent softening agent
• metal ions and finishing agent softening agent
• the metal ions are injected into the washing tub 30 from the main water supply path 52 a through the detergent room 54.
• the finishing agent (softening agent) is supplied from the finishing agent room 55 to the washing tub 30.
• the path for introducing the metal ions into the rinse water and the path for introducing the finishing agent into the rinse water are separate systems. There is no contact with the finishing agent (softener), and the metal ions do not come into contact with the high-concentration finishing agent (softener) to become compounds and lose antibacterial activity.
• the explanation has been made assuming that the rinsing water is stored in the washing tub 30 and the rinsing is performed, but the final rinsing is performed with the ⁇ rinsing rinse ''. May go. In that case, the water to be poured shall be metal ion added water.
• the input of the metal ion as the first finishing substance and the input of the finishing agent (softening agent) as the second finishing substance are both optional items. Either one can be stopped or both can be stopped. If both inputs are stopped, the process proceeds from step S420 to step S401, as described above. Hereafter, the case where only one of the two types of finishing materials is introduced will be described.
• step S 4 21 the finishing materials to be charged are metal ions and softeners. If not, it means that only one of the inputs is selected. C In this case, the process proceeds to step S 4 26.
• step S424 it is confirmed whether or not the finishing material to be charged is a metal ion. If it is a metal ion, the process proceeds to step S 427. Otherwise, go to step S428.
• step S427 the main water supply valve 50a is opened, and water flows through the main water supply path 52a.
• Sup water valve 50b does not open.
• the drive circuit 120 applies a voltage between the electrodes 113 and 114 to elute ions of the metal constituting the electrode into the water.
• a predetermined amount of metal ion-added water is poured into the washing tub 30, and thereafter, metal ion-free water is poured to the set water level, and when it is determined that the metal ion concentration of the rinsing water reaches the predetermined value, the electrodes 1 13 and Voltage application to 1 14 stops.
• the main water supply valve 50a continues to supply water, and stops supplying water when the water level in the washing tub 30 reaches the set water level.
• step S4 23 strong water flow
• step S 4 24 weak water flow
• step S 4 25 strong water flow
• step S406 balance
• step S426 If it is determined in step S426 that the finishing substance to be charged is not a metal ion, the finishing agent (softening agent) is charged alone. In this case, the process proceeds to step S428.
• step S4208 both the main water supply valve 50a and the sub water supply valve 50b are opened, and water flows through both the main water supply path 52a and the sub water supply path 52b.
• the ion elution unit 100 is not driven, and no metal ions are generated.
• the finishing agent softener
• Main water supply valve 50a continues water supply even after sub water supply valve 50b is closed, and washing tub 3 Water supply is stopped when the water level inside 0 reaches the set water level.
• step S428, go to step S432. Thereafter, as in the case where the metal ions and the finishing agent (softening agent) are simultaneously injected, step S 4 23 (strong water flow) ⁇ step S 4 24 (weak water flow) ⁇ step S 4 25 (strong water flow) ⁇ Proceed to step S406 (balance).
• the weak flow period can be replaced by a stationary flow period.
• step S4208 only steps S423 (strong water flow) and S406 (parance) are placed, and step S424 (strong water flow) can be completed in a short time, for example, two minutes. It is possible.
• step S406 the washing machine 1 vibrates greatly in the subsequent water removal process. Vibration due to laundry imbalance is detected by physical detection means such as touch sensors, shock sensors, and acceleration sensors, or by software detection means such as analyzing the voltage / current pattern of the motor 41. You.
• Fig. 16 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each component in "balance correction rinsing". After water is supplied, agitate and agitate with agitation 1 to change the arrangement of laundry. Then, stir a little bit with agitation to balance the laundry in preparation for resuming spinning.
• the time distribution is, for example, 2 minutes and 5 seconds for water supply, 1 minute for stirring 1, and 30 seconds for stirring 22.
• the motor 41 periodically repeats ON (forward rotation), OFF, ON (reverse rotation), and OFF.
• the ratio between ON time and OFF time depends on the amount of water and Z or the amount of laundry. Different.
• the time ratio (ON / OFF) at the rated load is as follows (unit is seconds).
• the first “different treatment” is to “supply water with added metal ions and perform balance correction too”. In this way, even when the balance is rinsed by newly pouring water, the effect of the antibacterial treatment applied to the laundry is not diminished because the metal ions are added to the water.
• the metal ion input amount may be smaller than the metal ion input amount in the previous process. In this way, the consumption of metal ions can be suppressed without unnecessarily capturing a large amount of metal ions in the laundry once treated with metal ions.
• the second ⁇ different treatment '' is ⁇ balance correction rinsing by supplying and stirring metal ion-free water while indicating and / or notifying that water is being supplied. .
• the metal of electrodes 113 and 114 will be consumed earlier than the design life, and the time when metal ions cannot be used may come earlier. According to the above, if the balance is rinsed with water without metal ions in order to suppress the consumption of metal ions, the operation / display unit 81 will indicate this, or will be notified by voice, etc. By this means, the user can be informed that the desired antibacterial effect may not be obtained.
• the third “different treatment” is “stop of spin-drying and display and Z or notification that imbalance has been detected”.
• the user is not required to perform a balance correction rinse or the like, but is notified of the imbalance that has occurred, and has the user correct the balance of the laundry with his / her hand, thereby reducing the metal ion.
• Antibacterial effect that users expect while reducing the consumption of Fruit can be obtained.
• the metal that is the source of metal ions that is, the electrodes 113, 114, will be quickly depleted. According to the above, it is possible to suppress the depletion of the electrodes 113 and 11 by mixing the processing of the balance correction without using the metal ion-added water.
• a plurality of options of “processing after unbalance detection” can be prepared, and the type of processing to be executed and the order or order can be selected.
• the electrodes 113 and 114 gradually deplete as the metal ions continue to elute, and the elution amount of the metal ions decreases. If used for a long time, the elution amount of metal ions becomes unstable or the specified elution amount cannot be secured. For this reason, the ion elution unit 100 can be replaced, and when the life of the electrodes 113 and 114 comes, a new unit can be replaced. Further, the user is notified through the operation Z display section 81 that the electrodes 113, 114 have reached the service limit, and the maintenance is promoted such as replacement of the ion elution cut 100.
• the constant current circuit 125 of the drive circuit 120 controls the voltage so that the current flowing between the electrodes 113 and 114 becomes constant. This makes the amount of metal ion eluted per unit time constant. If the amount of metal ions eluted per unit time is constant, it is possible to control the metal ion concentration in the washing tub 30 by controlling the amount of water flowing into the ion elution unit 100 and the ion elution time. Therefore, it becomes easy to obtain a desired metal ion concentration.
• Scale is deposited on the side used as a cathode out of 13 and 1 14. If DC continues to flow without reversing the polarity and the amount of deposited scale increases, it becomes difficult for current to flow, and it becomes difficult to elute metal ions at a predetermined rate. In addition, the problem of "one-sided reduction" in which the electrode used as an anode wears out quickly also occurs. Therefore, the polarities of the electrodes 113 and 114 are periodically inverted.
• the current flowing between the electrodes 113 and 114 is DC, but the following phenomenon occurs when the polarity is reversed. That is, when the metal ion is, for example, silver ion, the silver ion once eluted returns to the electrode due to the reverse reaction of Ag + + e- ⁇ Ag when the polarity of the electrode is reversed. In order to solve this problem, the following ingenuity has been devised in reversing the polarity of the electrodes 113 and 114.
• FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each component and the operation of inverting the polarity of the electrode in the ion elution step in association with each other. If “Injection of metal ions” is selected in the final rinsing step, the final rinsing step is an ion elution step.
• the main water supply valve 50a and the sub water supply valve 50b become ON (open), and the transformer 122 of the drive circuit 120 also becomes ON. No voltage has been applied to electrode A (one of electrodes 113, 114) and electrode B (the other of electrodes 113, 114).
• the operation of the current detection circuits 160 and 161 is checked. This eliminates the possibility that the current detection circuits 160 and 161 may perform erroneous detection, and can prevent metal ions from being eluted at an incorrect concentration.
• the voltage application to the electrode A is stopped.
• the voltage application to the electrode B is started with the voltage application pause time T3 interposed. Electrode A remains at ground voltage. This time, electrode B is the anode and electrode A is the cathode. That is, the polarity of the electrode was reversed.
• the application of the voltage to the voltage B is stopped.
• the polarity of the electrode is reversed again with the voltage application pause T 3 interposed.
• the polarity of the electrodes 113, 114 is periodically inverted while the voltage application time T2 and the voltage application pause time ⁇ 3 are alternately repeated.
• the polarity reversal continues until the expected amount of metal ion is eluted.
• the sum of the voltage application time ⁇ 2 and the voltage application pause time ⁇ 3 is defined here as “ion elution time” ⁇ 4.
• the optimal value for realizing ion elution efficiency and uniform wear of the electrode is as follows. It was confirmed that 19.9 seconds and the voltage application pause time ⁇ 3 was 0.1 second.
• the voltage and current are preferably 1'0 V and the current is about 29 mA.
• the presence of the voltage application pause time T3 reduces the variation in metal ion concentration in water. Therefore, a uniform antibacterial effect can be exerted on the laundry.
• the constant current circuit 125 changes the voltage applied so that a constant current flows through the electrodes 113 and 114. Since the amount of metal ion elution is proportional to the current per unit time flowing between electrodes 113 and 114, stabilization of the current value can stabilize the metal ion elution reaction, The elution volume can also be easily calculated.
• Voltage application to the electrodes 113 and 114 is started after water supply to the ion elution unit 100 is started. For this reason, metal ions can be reliably eluted from the start of voltage application to the electrodes, and the desired total amount of metal ions can be reliably supplied to the laundry.
• the current detection circuits 16 0 and 16 1 start detection operations after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of voltage application to the electrodes 113 and 114. Until the end of the detection operation ion elution time T 4, monitoring of the current flowing through the electrodes 113 and 114 continues. Current detection circuit 1
• the drive circuit 120 is controlled based on the detection results of 60 and 161.
• the current detection circuits 16 0 and 16 1 do not perform the detection operation when the current immediately after the start of voltage application to the electrodes 11 3 and 1 14 is not stable. Since the detection operation is performed, more accurate detection can be performed.
• the warning notification means 13 31 notifies the fact.
• the user has noticed that the current value is abnormal, so that the ion elution unit 100 cannot secure the desired amount of metal ion elution, and cannot carry out the desired antibacterial treatment on the laundry. It can be known that the dissolution unit 100 needs adjustment or repair.
• a specific process may be executed. Examples of specific processing include suspending the operation of the device, notifying the user with a buzzer, lamp, or other alarm while continuing to operate the device, using the device as usual, and using it after the next operation is disabled. Inform the person. By doing so, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the washing machine 1 continues normal operation while lacking the function of antibacterial treatment of laundry expected from the ion elution unit 100.
• the “specific treatment” is "pause of the washing machine"
• the user lacks the antibacterial treatment of the laundry expected of the ion-eluting unit 100, but does not notice it. It is possible to reliably avoid the situation where the user continues to use the washing machine 1.
• the following operation can be performed. That is, even if the current detection circuits 16 0 and 16 1 detect an abnormality in the current value, if at least once a current having a normal value is detected during the ion elution process, the warning notification means 13 1 will notify the abnormality. It will not be done. In this way, even if an abnormality is temporarily detected due to erroneous detection due to noise or the like, the operation of the washing machine 1 including the ion elution unit 100 can be continued, and the washing process can be completed.
• the current detection circuits 16 0 and 16 1 detect that the value of the current flowing through the electrodes 113 and 114 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Then, the voltage application time and / or the voltage application pause time or the ion elution time to the electrode are adjusted. In this way, even when the current value is not enough to secure the expected amount of metal ion eluted, that is, even when the metal ions are not easily eluted, the voltage application time and / or the voltage application pause time can be reduced. Alternatively, it can be complemented by adjusting the ion elution time, and the antibacterial treatment of the laundry can be performed with the expected total amount of metal ions.
• the ion elution time T4 is adjusted according to the amount of water used by the washing machine 1, in other words, the water level in the washing tub 30.
• the ion elution time T4 is adjusted according to the amount of water used, so that water having a stable metal ion concentration can be supplied to the laundry. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a situation in which water having an excessively high metal ion concentration causes stains on the laundry, and conversely, an excessively low metal ion concentration prevents the laundry from being sufficiently subjected to antibacterial treatment.
• the voltage application time T2 and the voltage application suspension time T3 to the electrodes 113 and 114 are adjusted according to the amount of water used and Z or the ion elution time T4. In this way, the difference in the amount of elution from the electrodes 113 and 114 depending on the amount of water used or the ion elution time T4 is determined by at least the voltage application time T2 and the voltage application pause time T3.
• the voltage application time T 2 and / or the voltage application pause time T 3 or the ion elution time T 4 to the electrodes 113 and 114 are adjusted based on the flow rate detection result of the flow rate detecting means 185.
• the current detection circuit 160 detects that the current value flowing through the electrodes 113, 114 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the flow rate of water supply to the ion elution unit 100 is reduced, and the ion elution time is reduced. Extend.
• the present invention can be applied to all types of washing machines such as a horizontal drum (one tumbler type), a diagonal drum, a dryer and a double-layer type. Applicable to
• the ion eluting unit of the present invention is configured by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments to be disposed in a water supply path of a household electric appliance (a dishwasher, a water purifier, etc.) that uses water other than a washing machine. It is also possible to use a stand-alone function and immerse it in water in a container. As a result, it is easy to install, does not require special skills for operation, and can effectively treat various types of objects to be cleaned with a small amount of water, thus improving convenience for users. be able to.
• a household electric appliance a dishwasher, a water purifier, etc.
• antibacterial treatment using metal ions can be performed not only for washing but also for a wide range of applications. This includes preventing the growth of bacteria and mold and preventing the generation of foul odors.
• the present invention can be widely used in a situation where the antibacterial action of metal ions is to be used.
• Devices that are effective by combining the ion eluting unit of the present invention are not limited to washing machines. It is effective for all equipment that needs to suppress the generation of bacteria and mold, such as dishwashers and humidifiers.

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