JP2015019828A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine which includes a built-in pump and can inactivate bacteria contained in water within the pump prior to the actuation of the pump.SOLUTION: A washing machine 100 includes a pump 44 and a silver ion elution part 90. The pump 44 is actuated by sucking priming water. The silver ion elution part 90 adds silver ions in the upstream of the pump 44. The pump 44 is built in the washing machine 100.

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine having a built-in pump that pumps up water present at a position distant from the washing machine.

  With regard to a washing machine with a built-in pump that pumps the remaining hot water of a bathtub in a bathroom, for example, JP-A-9-182893 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) and JP-A-2007-319704 (hereinafter referred to as Patent). Document 2) and JP 2010-82344 A (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 3).

  In the washing machine described in Patent Literature 1, the pump casing is formed of a synthetic resin containing an antibacterial agent. Thereby, the pump in the washing machine described in Patent Document 1 has superior characteristics compared to the conventional one in terms of bacterial resistance.

  Patent Document 2 describes a washing machine equipped with a water absorption pump that is compact and has good storability as a pump for pumping up remaining hot water in a bathtub.

  The washing and drying machine as the washing machine described in Patent Document 3 determines the water temperature during the washing operation or before the drying operation when the remaining hot water is used for washing, and the water temperature is determined to be 25 ° C. or higher. In this case, the drying operation is performed by reducing the energization time to the heater, the heater input, or the blower fan input. Compared with tap water, the remaining hot water in the bath has a high water temperature, and using only warm water is effective in increasing the temperature of clothing important for drying. That is, the washing / drying machine described in Patent Literature 3 can reduce the power consumption for the temperature rise by performing the drying operation as described above.

JP-A-9-182893 JP 2007-319704 A JP 2010-82344 A

  Generally, the remaining hot water in a bathtub in a bathroom has lost chlorine added to tap water or the like for disinfection, and further contains organic substances such as sweat or sebum derived from the human body. Moreover, the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub is maintained for a relatively long time in the vicinity of 30 to 40 ° C. suitable for the propagation of bacteria. In other words, the hot water in the bathtub is exposed to an environment where bacteria can easily propagate. Therefore, it is desirable that the inside of the pump that pumps the remaining hot water in the bathtub is periodically sterilized. On the other hand, it is not desirable to store the remaining hot water in the bathtub inside the pump.

  However, in each of the above patent documents, there is no disclosure regarding the handling of water from the bathtub left inside the pump after the operation of washing an object such as clothing is completed. That is, in the washing machine described in each of the above patent documents, it is considered that water from the bathtub remains in the pump even after the operation of washing the object is completed. Thus, in the washing machine described in each of the above-mentioned patent documents, after the supply of water from the pump to the water tank containing the object is finished, how the water stored in the pump is treated. No consideration is given to what kind of water is stored in the pump after the supply of water from the pump to the water tank is completed.

  For this reason, in the pump of the washing machine described in each of the above-mentioned patent documents, there is a possibility that bacteria may propagate due to water stored in the pump. Furthermore, odors are generated by the bacteria that propagate in the pump. Furthermore, there is a possibility that bacteria or odors may adhere to an object put into the washing machine.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine with a built-in pump that can inactivate bacteria contained in water inside the pump before the pump is operated.

  Alternatively, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine with a built-in pump and capable of suppressing the growth of bacteria in the pump.

  A washing machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes a pump and a supply unit. The pump operates by inhaling expired water. A supply part supplies the substance which acts on the microbe contained in water upstream of a pump. The pump is built in the washing machine.

  A washing machine according to another aspect of the present invention is a washing machine incorporating a pump. The pump operates by inhaling exhalation water, and uses the clean water flowing from the upstream side of the pump as exhalation water. The pump is also formed with a discharge port for discharging water from the pump to the outside of the washing machine. Furthermore, the washing machine according to another aspect of the present invention includes a valve for opening and closing the flow of water flowing out from the discharge port.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it is a washing machine which incorporates a pump, Comprising: The washing machine which can inactivate the microbe contained in the water inside a pump before the action | operation of a pump can be provided.

  Or according to this invention, it is a washing machine which incorporates a pump, Comprising: The washing machine which can suppress propagation of the microbe in a pump can be provided.

It is a side view which shows roughly the internal structure of an example of the washing machine of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control relation in an example of the washing machine of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows roughly an example of the supply part in the washing machine of this invention, Comprising: (A) is a horizontal sectional view, (B) is a vertical sectional view. It is a flowchart which shows an example of control in an example of the washing machine of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of control in an example of the washing machine of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control in a predetermined process among examples of control in an example of the washing machine of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control in another example of the washing machine of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a washing machine 100 as an example of a washing machine according to the present invention. The washing machine 100 is a so-called drum type washing machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 100 includes an outer box 1. The outer box 1 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The outer box 1 forms the outer shape of the main body of the washing machine 100. The washing machine 100 includes a water tub 2 and a washing tub 3. The water tank 2 stores water. The washing tub 3 is arranged inside the water tub 2 so that it can rotate in a predetermined direction. The washing tub 3 stores the laundry W as an object. The washing tub 3 rotates around a rotation axis extending in a direction between a substantially horizontal direction and a substantially vertical direction.

  The water tank 2 has a cylindrical shape, and a bottom is formed in the lower part of the water tank 2. The water tank 2 is accommodated in and supported by the outer box 1. The washing tub 3 is accommodated in the space inside the water tub 2. A drive mechanism 4 a is attached to the outer surface of the bottom of the water tank 2.

  The motor shaft 4b included in the drive mechanism 4a passes through the bottom of the water tub 2 and is fixed to the bottom of the washing tub 3 via an attachment member or the like. The motor shaft 4b rotates according to the operation of the drive mechanism 4a. The washing tub 3 rotates according to the operation of the motor shaft 4b.

  A door 1 a is attached to the front surface of the outer box 1. The door 1 a opens and closes an opening formed on the front surface of the outer box 1. The door 1 a opens and closes the opening of the water tank 2 together with the opening of the outer box 1. The user can put the laundry W into the washing tub 3 through the opening of the outer box 1 and the opening of the water tub 2 or take out the laundry W from the washing tub 3 by opening the door 1a. The rear part of the door 1 a swells toward the rear of the washing machine 100. Thus, the door 1a has a container shape. In addition, in the state of the washing machine 100 shown in FIG. 1, the door 1a is closed.

  A packing 2 a made of a soft material such as rubber is attached to the edge of the opening of the water tank 2. When the user closes the door 1a, the packing 2a comes into close contact with the periphery of the door 1a, whereby the water tank 2 is sealed by the periphery of the door 1a and the packing 2a.

  An annular liquid balancer 3 b is attached to the edge of the opening 3 a of the washing tub 3. In addition, as a material of the washing tub 3, a stainless steel plate is generally used. A plurality of holes (not shown) for water supply, drainage, and ventilation are formed in the peripheral wall and bottom of the washing tub 3, respectively. The peripheral wall is a cylindrical portion of the washing tub 3. In the washing machine 100, the peripheral wall has a substantially cylindrical shape. The peripheral wall extends in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the rotation axis extends.

  Various operation panels (not shown) are arranged on the upper part of the front surface of the outer box 1. This panel has a plurality of buttons as operation keys 21 (see FIG. 2), a display unit for displaying the remaining time of operation, and the like. When the user operates the buttons on the panel, the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydrating process are sequentially performed, or each process is performed independently. In addition, operation conditions such as the course and mode of operation of the washing machine 100 can be selected by operating the buttons. In addition, this panel may be comprised with the touchscreen containing a liquid crystal display device (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display).

  The user can put a detergent, a bleaching agent, a softening agent, or the like necessary for washing from the outside to the inside of the outer box 1. A detergent charging case 1 b is disposed on the upper side of the outer box 1. The case 1b is attached to the outer box 1 so that it can be attached or detached, or can be pulled out toward the front surface with respect to the outer box 1. As will be described later, water stored in the water tank 2 is supplied to the case 1b in the washing process or the rinsing process. The detergent or the like put into the case 1b is dissolved in the water flowing into the case 1b. The water in which the detergent is dissolved is supplied to the water tub 2 and the washing tub 3.

  The washing machine 100 includes a pump 44. The pump 44 is disposed inside the outer box 1 in the upper rear part of the washing machine 100. That is, the washing machine 100 incorporates the pump 44. The pump 44 operates by inhaling expired water. The pump 44 is, for example, a pump for pumping water stored in a bath tub (not shown) (this is referred to as remaining hot water). A portion of the pump 44 through which water flows is formed of, for example, an antibacterial synthetic resin material. As will be described later, the water tank 2 is disposed downstream of the pump 44. Further, tap water such as tap water is used as the pump 44.

  Moreover, the washing machine 100 includes an introduction pipe 12, a branch pipe 13, a shower nozzle 14, a water supply duct 15, and a drainage duct 16 as pipe parts that form a flow path through which water flows. Yes. The water supply valve 10 and the silver ion elution part 90 are connected to the introduction pipe 12 in order from the upstream in the direction in which water flows to the downstream. The branch pipe 13 branches from the introduction pipe 12 downstream of the silver ion elution part 90. A shower nozzle 14 is connected to the downstream end of the introduction pipe 12. The shower nozzle 14 is disposed inside the case 1b. One end of the duct 15 is connected to the bottom of the case 1b. The other end of the duct 15 is connected to the water tank 2.

  The water supply valve 10 has a connection part 10a. A hose (not shown) for connecting a water tap (not shown) and the water supply valve 10 is connected to the connection portion 10a. When the water supply valve 10 is opened, water flowing from the connection portion 10a flows through the introduction pipe 12.

  The water flowing through the introduction tube 12 flows through a silver ion elution part 90 described later. A part of the water flowing through the silver ion elution part 90 flows into the branch pipe 13 from the introduction pipe 12. Water flowing through the introduction pipe 12 downstream of the silver ion elution part 90 is discharged from the shower nozzle 14 to the case 1b. Although not shown, it is preferable that the washing machine 100 includes a sensor for detecting the flow rate of water flowing through the introduction pipe 12. When water does not flow into the introduction pipe 12 such as when the water faucet is not open, the washing machine 100 including the control unit described later is configured to interrupt the operation of the washing machine 100.

  The branch pipe 13 branched from the introduction pipe 12 is connected to the pump 44. A water supply pipe 42 is connected to the pump 44. The water supply pipe 42 is a pipe member through which water pumped by the pump 44 and tap water flow. The downstream end of the water supply pipe 42 is connected to the case 1b. The tap water flowing through the branch pipe 13 and the water pumped up by the pump 44 flow into the case 1b through the water supply pipe 42. The tap water flowing through the introduction pipe 12 also flows into the case 1b.

  The water flowing into the case 1b is carried to the water tank 2 through the duct 15. The inside of the case 1b is configured so that, for example, the detergent D introduced into the case 1b can be dissolved by the water discharged from the shower nozzle 14. The water flowing through the water supply pipe 42 can also be configured to flow into the case 1b, dissolve the detergent D that has been thrown in, and be supplied to the water tank 2. Further, the water flowing through the water supply pipe 42 may be configured to flow out from the case 1b to the duct 15 with little contact with the detergent D.

  A duct 16 is connected to the lower part of the water tank 2. The downstream end of the duct 16 protrudes outside the outer box 1. The downstream end of the duct 16 is opened, and this opening is a drain port 16a. The washing machine 100 also includes a drain valve 11. The drain valve 11 is disposed inside the outer box 1. The drain valve 11 opens and closes the flow of water inside the duct 16. The water supply valve 10 and the drain valve 11 are electromagnetic valves controlled by a control unit described later.

  The pump 44 has a nozzle 44a for water supply. A part of the nozzle 44 a protrudes outside the outer box 1. A hose 43 is connected to the nozzle 44a. The tip of the hose 43 connected to the nozzle 44a is carried to a position where there is water to be pumped up by the pump 44, such as a water channel, a bathtub or a barrel. The hose 43 has a sufficient length so that the pump 44 can pump up the target water that is located away from the washing machine 100.

  One end of a drain pipe 46 is further connected to the pump 44. The drain pipe 46 is connected to a discharge port 44 b formed in the pump 44. The discharge port 44 b is for discharging water from the pump 44 to the outside of the washing machine 100. The other end of the drain pipe 46 is connected to the drain valve 11. A drain valve 45 is disposed in the drain pipe 46. The drain valve 45 opens and closes the flow of water flowing out from the discharge port 44b. As will be described later, the drain valve 45 is an electromagnetic valve controlled by a control unit.

  The opening / closing of the drain valve 45 is detected by the opening / closing sensor 38. The open / close sensor 38 is attached to the drain pipe 46, for example.

  The washing machine 100 includes a water level sensor 39. As the water level sensor 39, a capacitance type sensor or a sensor such as a pressure sensor is used. The water level sensor 39 is configured in the washing machine 100 so as to be able to detect the water level of the water tank 2 and is disposed at a position where the water level of the water tank 2 can be detected. As the water level sensor 39, a general-purpose sensor used for detecting the water level in a general washing machine can be used.

  Below, the structure of the control part 30 is demonstrated using FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing control relations in the washing machine 100. The control unit 30 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a central processing unit. The control unit 30 includes a storage unit 32, a determination unit 33, a detection unit 34, and a timer 35. The timer 35 has a clock function and measures time. The detection unit 34 is electromagnetically or electrically connected to the water level sensor 39 and the open / close sensor 38. The detection unit 34 detects the water level of the water tank 2 and the open / closed state of the drain valve 45. For example, the determination unit 33 compares the information detected by the detection unit 34 with the information stored in the storage unit 32 to perform a determination necessary for the operation of each component of the washing machine 100.

  The control unit 30 is configured to include a control circuit 31. The control unit 30 operates the respective components of the washing machine 100 so that the washing machine 100 operates according to the programs stored in the storage unit 32 or based on the result of determination by the determination unit 33 with a predetermined amount of operation. Thus, each component of the washing machine 100 is controlled through the control circuit 31. The control unit 30 controls the water supply valve 10, the drain valve 11, the silver ion elution unit 90, the drive mechanism 4 a, the pump 44, the drain valve 45, the open / close sensor 38, and the water level sensor 39.

  The detection unit 34 is electromagnetically or electrically connected to the operation key 21 provided on the panel. Information based on the operation of the operation key 21 by the user is input to the detection unit 34. The control unit 30 appropriately selects and reads the information stored in the storage unit 32 according to the information input to the detection unit 34. Based on this, the control part 30 controls each structure according to a program.

  Then, the silver ion elution part 90 as an example of a supply part is demonstrated using FIG. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views schematically showing the silver ion elution portion 90, where FIG. 3A is a horizontal cross-sectional view and FIG. 3B is a vertical cross-sectional view. The silver ion elution part 90 adds silver ion as a substance acting on the bacteria contained in water upstream of the pump 44 to the water.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the silver ion elution portion 90 has a case 91 formed of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. Inside the case 91, a plate-like silver electrode 92a and an electrode 92b are arranged. A distance of about 5 mm is provided between the two electrodes 92a and 92b. The direction in which the surface of the electrode 92a and the surface of the electrode 92b extend is a substantially parallel direction. For example, the plane dimensions of the electrodes 92a and 92b are 20 mm × 50 mm, and the thickness is about 1 mm. Connection terminals 93a and 93b are integrally formed on the electrodes 92a and 92b, respectively. The connection terminals 93a and 93b are connected to the control unit 30 (see FIG. 2) through wiring (not shown). The case 91 has an inlet 94 through which water flows in and an outlet 95 through which water flows out. In the silver ion elution part 90, water flows into the case 91 from the inlet 94, and water flows out of the case 91 from the outlet 95. That is, water flows along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electrodes 92a and 92b.

In a state where the electrode 92a and the electrode 92b are immersed in water and water is flowing, a voltage is applied between the electrode 92a and the electrode 92b by the control unit 30 (see FIG. 2). As a result, a reaction of Ag → Ag ⁺ + e ⁻ occurs in the electrode on the anode side, and silver ions (Ag ⁺ ) are eluted in water. When silver ions (Ag ⁺ ) continue to elute, the anode electrode is depleted. Silver ions exhibit excellent bactericidal and antifungal effects. Therefore, the water to which silver ions eluted from the electrode 92a or the electrode 92b are added acts as a water having antibacterial properties on bacteria contained in the water and also acts on the flow path of the water. The action here includes not only sterilization or antibacterial bacteria or fungi but also inactivation of viruses and the like.

On the other hand, in the electrode on the cathode side, a reaction of H ⁺ + e ⁻ → 1 / 2H ₂ occurs, and hydrogen is generated. For example, calcium contained in water forms a scale of a calcium compound such as calcium carbonate on the surface of the electrode. Precipitate. Further, silver chloride or sulfide which is a component metal of the electrode is generated on the surface of the electrode. Therefore, in the case of long-term use, the elution of silver ions is prevented by the thick accumulation of scales such as calcium carbonate, chloride or sulfide on the surface of the electrode. For this reason, there arises a situation where silver ions cannot be stably eluted and a situation where one electrode is extremely depleted. Therefore, the control unit 30 (see FIG. 2) reverses the polarity of the applied voltage between the electrodes 92a and 92b periodically (for example, every 20 seconds). Thereby, the adhesion of the scale to the electrodes 92a and 92b and the consumption of only one electrode can be prevented.

  For elution of silver ions, the silver ion elution part 90 is controlled such that a constant current flows through the electrodes 92a and 92b by constant current control. The constant current control executed for the silver ion elution part 90 changes the voltage in response to the change in the resistance value between the electrodes. If the resistance value generally increases, the voltage increases, and if the resistance value decreases. Any control may be used as long as the voltage is lowered to stabilize the current value between the electrodes.

  The silver ion concentration of silver ion water can be controlled by the amount of electricity flowing between the electrodes and the amount of water. For example, in order to obtain 90 ppb of silver ion water, the amount of water in the silver ion elution part 90 may be 20 L / min and the current may be 29 mA. In order to obtain 600 ppb of silver ion water, the amount of water may be 3 L / min and the current may be 29 mA. The elution amount of silver ions is approximately proportional to the amount of electricity (C) = constant current value (A) × time (sec), except in the low current region. Further, when the flow rate of water is constant, there is a correlation between the amount of electricity and the silver concentration of the obtained silver ion water. For this reason, the silver ion water of a desired density | concentration can be obtained by adjusting an electric current value, flow volume, or the time of electricity supply.

  Thus, a desired silver ion concentration can be obtained by flowing a predetermined current through the electrodes 92a and 92b immersed in water at a constant flow rate. Further, for example, since the flow rate can be substantially fixed by the structure of the water supply valve 10 (see FIG. 1), a substantially constant silver ion water can be generated by supplying a constant current. It should be noted that a plurality of combinations of current value and time are preferably set in advance by experiments or the like so that silver ion water having various concentrations can be obtained. Further, in the silver ion elution part 90, elution or non-elution of silver ions can be selected depending on whether or not voltage is applied, and the elution amount of silver ions is controlled by controlling the current or voltage application time as described above. be able to.

  By such a method, the silver ions added to the water flow into the pump 44 (see FIG. 1) when the water supply valve 10 is opened. That is, the silver ion elution part 90 can supply the substance which acts on the microbe contained in the water pumped up by the pump 44 upstream of the pump 44. Silver ions exert an antibacterial effect by adhering to the flow path including the laundry W or the water tub 2 while exhibiting effects such as sterilization or sterilization in the flow path of water including the inside of the pump 44. Finally, the water to which the silver ions are added is discharged from the drain port 16a to the outside of the washing machine 100 through the drain pipe 46 or the duct 16 (see FIG. 1).

  Next, the operation in each operation of the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing an example of control in the washing machine 100.

  First, the user closes the door 1a after putting the laundry W into the washing tub 3 by opening the door 1a. The detergent D used for washing is put in the case 1b. Depending on the degree of finishing of the laundry W desired by the user, the user can put a finishing agent such as a softener in the case 1b. The user may put the finishing agent in the middle of the washing process or the rinsing process. Further, the washing machine 100 may be provided with a case for finishing agent (not shown) separately from the case 1b.

  Next, the user operates the operation key 21 to select a driving condition or the like (see step S101 in FIG. 4). A signal is input to the control unit 30 based on the operation of the operation key 21 by the user. The control unit 30 controls each component of the washing machine 100 based on information included in the input signal. In the washing machine 100, for example, a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydrating process are sequentially performed according to the operation conditions selected by the user, or each process is performed individually. The driving conditions include a plurality of courses and a plurality of modes. Further, the operation time in each stroke can be changed by operating the operation key 21. That is, the driving conditions include driving time in each stroke.

  In step S102, whether or not the selected course and mode is a standard course in which a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dewatering process are performed in order, and is a bath water mode that uses pumped water of the pump 44. Determined. If it is determined as YES in step S102, the process proceeds to step S103, and if it is determined NO, the control routine is exited.

  In step S103, it is determined whether or not the sterilization mode is selected by the user. The sterilization mode is a predetermined mode for sterilizing the inside of the pump 44. The sterilization mode is a mode set in the washing machine 100 in advance, and control information necessary for the mode is programmed and stored in the control unit 30. If it is determined as YES in step S103, the process proceeds to step S104. If NO is determined, the control routine is exited.

  In step S104, it is determined whether or not a start button (not shown) of the operation keys 21 has been pressed. For example, each condition of driving can be freely changed until the start button for starting driving is pressed. In addition, when the user selects the bath water mode, the hose 43 is connected to the nozzle 44a before the start button is pressed so that the pump 44 can pump up water in the bathtub or the like. The tip of the hose 43 is carried to the inside of the machine. In the washing machine 100, the drain valve 45 of the pump 44 and the main drain valve 11 that drains the water in the aquarium 2 are closed before step S105.

  When the operation of the standard course in the washing machine 100 is started, the water supply valve 10 is opened in step S105, and the application of voltage is started for elution of silver ions as described above in step S106. Although not shown in FIG. 4, when the operation of the washing machine 100 is started, the door 1 a is locked by being controlled by the control unit 30. Tap water is supplied to the introduction pipe 12 by opening the water supply valve 10. The tap water flowing through the introduction pipe 12 passes through the silver ion elution part 90. Silver ions are added to the water flowing through the introduction tube 12 by the voltage applied to the silver ion elution part 90.

  A part of the water flowing through the introduction pipe 12 flows into the branch pipe 13 downstream of the silver ion elution part 90. The water flowing into the branch pipe 13 flows into the pump 44 as expiratory water. At the start of operation of the washing machine 100, the drain valve 45 of the pump 44 is closed. The water flowing into the pump 44 from the branch pipe 13 as water containing silver ions exhibits effects such as sterilization or sterilization inside the pump 44. The amount of water exceeding the internal volume of the pump 44 flows from the pump 44 through the water supply pipe 42 and the duct 15 to the water tank 2. The water tank 2 positioned downstream of the introduction pipe 12 and the branch pipe 13 is supplied with water from which silver ions are eluted and mixed with the detergent put into the case 1b.

  Subsequent to step S106, in step S107, it is determined whether or not water has been supplied to the water tank 2 to a predetermined water level. According to this determination, the supply of a predetermined amount of expiratory water to the pump 44 can be estimated. The predetermined water level used for the determination in step S107 is set in advance as the water level with respect to the predetermined set water level of the water tank 2 in the washing process. If it is determined as YES in step S107, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S108, the water supply valve 10 is closed. In step S109, the elution of silver ions is stopped by stopping the application of the voltage. In step S <b> 110, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the time when exhaled water flowed into the pump 44. The start time of the predetermined time used for this determination may be a control time when the water supply valve 10 is closed, or a control time when the application of voltage to the silver ion elution unit 90 is stopped. Alternatively, it may be at the time when YES is determined in step S107.

  When it determines with YES in step S110, the action | operation of the pump 44 is started in step S111 (refer FIG. 5). As described above, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when exhaled water from which silver ions as a substance acting on the bacteria are eluted flows into the pump 44, the pump 44 starts pumping. In the washing machine 100, when the sterilization mode is selected, the pump 44 stops operating for a predetermined time before the start of pumping.

  After the operation of the pump 44 is started, it is determined whether or not water has been supplied to the water tank 2 up to the set water level (step S112). When it is determined that the water has reached the set water level, the operation of the pump 44 is stopped (step S113), and the washing process is started (step S114).

  An example of the operation from the washing process to the dehydration process will be described below. In the washing process, the washing tub 3 is rotated by the operation of the drive mechanism 4a. In the washing process, the washing tub 3 rotates at, for example, about 50 rpm. Information regarding rotation of the washing tub 3 is stored in the control unit 30 after being set in advance. Information on the rotation of the washing tub 3 is different for each washing process, rinsing process and dehydration process, or depending on the type of laundry or the operating conditions, so that the rotation speed, the rotation period, the inversion period, etc. are different. It is set in advance. Furthermore, the rotation conditions including the rotation speed, rotation period, reversal period, etc. of the washing tub 3 may be programmed to be selected by the user, or programmed to be automatically selected. May be.

  When the motor shaft 4b of the drive mechanism 4a rotates forward and backward, the washing tub 3 also rotates forward and backward in the same manner. As the washing tub 3 rotates, the laundry W accommodated in the washing tub 3 is lifted by a baffle (not shown) provided in the washing tub 3. However, the laundry W does not rotate once but leaves the inner peripheral wall surface of the washing tub 3 during the rotation and falls downward. While the washing tub 3 rotates, such an operation of the laundry W is repeated. Thereby, the laundry W is stirred inside the washing tub 3. Such agitation is continued for about 10 minutes in the standard course. In this way, the washing process is performed using a so-called tapping effect. In addition, water may be replenished to the water tank 2 by operating the pump 44 or opening the water supply valve 10 during this washing process. When the operation of washing the laundry W is completed, the water in the water tub 2 is discharged out of the outer box 1 through the duct 16.

  After the drainage is completed, an intermediate dehydration process is performed. In this process, the washing tub 3 rotates at a high speed in accordance with a rotation condition defined separately from the washing process. The water contained in the laundry W is discharged from the washing tub 3 to the water tub 2 through the holes by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the washing tub 3. The water discharged into the water tank 2 flows downward along the inner wall surface of the water tank 2, and then is discharged out of the outer box 1 through the duct 16.

  When the intermediate dehydration process is completed, the program shifts from the washing process to the rinsing process. In the standard course of the washing machine 100, when step S115 shown in FIG. 5 is ignored or determined as YES, or when step S115 is omitted, the control flow proceeds to steps S116 and S117. .

  In the rinsing process, water is supplied to the water tank 2 by the operation of the pump 44. When the water level sensor 39 and the detection unit 34 detect that water has been supplied to the water tank 2 to a predetermined water level, the operation of the pump 44 is stopped. After stopping the operation of the pump 44, the control section 30 controls the drive mechanism 4a, so that the washing tub 3 rotates according to the rotation conditions defined for the rinsing process.

  After the rinsing process is repeated once or a plurality of times, the program proceeds from the rinsing process to the final rinsing process (step S117). In the operation of the washing machine 100, the final rinsing process is a part of the rinsing process. That is, the final rinsing process is included in the rinsing process. The final rinsing process will be described later.

  After a predetermined number of rinsing strokes including the final rinsing stroke, a dehydration stroke is performed. In the standard course of the washing machine 100, when step S118 shown in FIG. 5 is ignored or determined as YES, or when step S118 is omitted, the control flow proceeds to step S119.

  When the final rinsing process is completed, the rinsing liquid is discharged from the water tank 2 to the outside of the outer box 1 by opening the drain valve 11. After the drainage is completed, the washing tub 3 rotates at a high speed of 1000 rpm, for example, according to the rotation conditions defined for the dehydration process. In the dehydration process, as in the intermediate dehydration process, the rinsing liquid contained in the laundry W is discharged to the water tank 2 through the holes by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the laundry tank 3. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the dehydration process, the control unit 30 performs an end process such as turning off the power to the drive mechanism 4a (step S120).

  Next, the final rinsing process in the operation of the washing machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing control of the final rinsing process in one example of control in the washing machine 100.

  In the final rinsing process of the washing machine 100, clean water is used, and water pumped up by the pump 44 is not used. In step S171, the water supply valve 10 is opened. In step S172, it is determined whether or not water has been supplied to the water tank 2 up to a predetermined water level. When it is determined that water has been supplied to the water tank 2 up to the predetermined water level lower than the predetermined set water level, silver ions are added to the water as described above in step S173.

  Subsequently, in step S174, it is determined whether or not water has been supplied to the water tank 2 up to the set water level. When it is determined that water has reached the set water level, the water supply valve 10 is closed (step S175), and the application of voltage for elution of silver ions is stopped (step S176). After step S176, the washing tub 3 rotates according to the prescribed rotation conditions. While the washing tub 3 rotates, it is determined whether or not makeup water for the water tub 2 is necessary (step S177).

  When it determines with YES in step S177, the water supply valve 10 is opened (step S178) and elution of silver ions is started (step S179). In the washing machine 100, the determination in step S177 may not be included in the final rinsing process, and a process for replenishing water to the water tank 2 in the final rinsing process may be set normally. For example, when a predetermined time that is set in advance and when a time for starting the supply of water to the water tank 2 in the final rinsing process elapses, the water is automatically supplied to the water tank 2. Also good.

  Subsequently, in step S180, after it is determined that a predetermined amount of water containing silver ions has been supplied to the water tank 2, the end time has elapsed in step S181 (the predetermined operation time as the final rinsing process has elapsed). If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S182. In step S182, the control unit 30 stops the application of voltage to the silver ion elution unit 90, opens the drain valve 11, and performs an end process such as cutting off the energization of the drive mechanism 4a. Note that the washing machine 100 may end the final rinsing process when a predetermined operation time elapses without waiting for the supply of the predetermined amount of makeup water to end.

  As described above, according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, when the washing machine 100 is operated in the bath water mode, the washing machine 100 sucks the expiration water in the washing process and the final rinsing process in the rinsing process. In addition, silver ions are supplied to the water flowing into the pump 44.

  As described above, the washing machine 100 includes the pump 44 and the silver ion elution unit 90. The pump 44 operates by inhaling expired water. The silver ion elution unit 90 adds silver ions upstream of the pump 44. The pump 44 is built in the washing machine 100.

  According to the configuration of the washing machine 100, since silver ions are supplied upstream of the pump 44, germs contained in the water circulating in the pump 44 or in the water remaining in the pump 44 are sterilized or not used as expiratory water. It can be activated.

  By doing in this way, it is washing machine 100 which has pump 44 built in, and is provided with washing machine 100 which can inactivate bacteria contained in water inside pump 44 before operation of pump 44. Can do.

  The washing machine 100 includes a water tank 2. The process of the washing machine 100 includes a washing process and a rinsing process in order. The silver ion elution part 90 adds silver ion to the water flowing into the pump 44 in the final rinsing process as at least the final stage of the process of supplying water to the water tank 2 in the washing process or the rinsing process.

  According to this configuration, water containing silver ions can be stored in the pump 44 after the operation of the pump 44 is stopped. That is, the water left in the pump 44 after the operation of the washing machine 100 is not water in which bacteria such as remaining hot water has propagated. Thereby, the propagation of bacteria in the pump 44 can be suppressed until the next operation of the pump 44.

  In the washing machine 100, the pump 44 starts pumping after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when exhaled water containing silver ions flows into the pump 44.

  According to this configuration, the bacteria can be sufficiently inactivated or sterilized within the pump 44 from when the exhalation water containing silver ions flows into the pump 44 until the pump 44 starts pumping. it can.

  In the washing machine 100, a sterilization mode is set as a predetermined mode for sterilizing the inside of the pump 44. When this sterilization mode is selected, the pump 44 stops operating for a predetermined time before the start of pumping.

  In this manner, in the mode selected by the user himself, the user waits for inactivation or sterilization of the bacteria inside the pump 44. In other words, according to this configuration, the user is not unnecessarily forced to wait, and the configuration can be convenient for the user.

  In addition, the washing machine 100 uses tap water as drinking water and clean water flowing from the upstream side of the pump 44.

  According to this configuration, since silver ions are added to the tap water upstream of the pump 44, clean tap water that contains silver ions can be stored as expiratory water inside the pump 44. . Therefore, before the operation of the pump 44, the bacteria contained in the water inside the pump 44 can be sterilized or inactivated by clean expiratory water containing silver ions.

  In addition, in the stage before step S171, the drain valve 45 may be continuously closed after being once closed, and the water inside the pump 44 is discharged by opening the drain valve 45 once. After that, the drain valve 45 may be closed.

  In the washing machine 100, the sterilization mode may not be set. That is, in the washing machine 100, when the bath water mode is selected, the operation of the pump 44 may always be stopped for a predetermined time as in step S110 (see FIG. 4). That is, in the control for driving the washing machine 100, step S103 may be omitted. Further, even when the washing process and the rinsing process are performed independently, the operation of the pump 44 may be stopped for a predetermined time as in steps S104 to S110 (see FIG. 4). . In other words, the washing machine according to the present invention is configured so that the pump starts pumping after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the exhalation water supplied with the substance that acts on the bacteria flows into the pump. That's fine.

  In addition, in the supply part of the washing machine according to the present invention, the metal electrode may be a metal that can elute metal ions having antibacterial properties other than the electrode. Specifically, copper, an alloy of silver and copper, zinc, or the like can be selected. Silver ions eluted from the electrode, copper ions eluted from the copper electrode, or zinc ions eluted from the zinc electrode exhibit excellent bactericidal and antifungal effects. From an alloy of silver and copper, silver ions and copper ions can be eluted simultaneously. The anode may be an electrode that elutes metal ions, and the cathode may be an electrode that does not elute metal ions. When the electrode configuration is composed of two or more electrodes, all may be metal electrodes made of the same material, one of which is a metal electrode, and the other electrode is a non-metal electrode (for example, a carbon electrode) , Conductive plastic electrodes, etc.) or plated electrodes. Furthermore, the electrode of the supply unit may be a metal electrode that is not easily ionized (for example, a titanium electrode, a platinum electrode that is a noble metal, a gold electrode, or the like). Or the electrode of a supply part may be comprised from the some metal electrode from which a material differs.

  In addition, the supply part may use a metal ion-containing substance having a structure capable of gradually releasing or dissolving metal ions by immersing in water, in addition to the electrolysis. Specific examples of the metal ion-containing substance include zeolite, silica gel, glass, calcium phosphate, zirconium phosphate, silicate, titanium oxide, whisker, ceramics, etc., which carry metal ions, or resins containing these substances or Fiber etc.

  The supply part of the washing machine according to the present invention may be configured to inject a substance that acts on bacteria, for example, toward the water inside the pump, in addition to the configuration using the flow of water. Moreover, the supply part may be arrange | positioned above the pump so that gravity may be utilized.

  The pump water contained in the washing machine according to the present invention is not limited to tap water. By arranging the shape of the outer box so that a part of the outer box of the washing machine can be freely opened and closed, the user can supply the pump directly to the pump from this opened part. A pump and an outer box may be constituted so that it can do. Moreover, the water supply valve may be comprised so that the user can supply the expiration water directly to the water supply valve from the connection part of a water supply valve.

  In addition, the pump 44 and the drain valve 45 are illustrated in FIG. 1 so that the drain valve 45 has a different configuration from the pump 44. However, the drain valve 45 may be incorporated in the pump 44.

  The drain pipe 46 located downstream of the pump 44 is not connected to the drain valve 11 connected to the duct 16, and is configured so that water is discharged directly from the drain pipe 46 to the outside of the outer box 1. It may be.

  The washing machine according to the present invention may include a washing tub that rotates about a rotation axis extending in a substantially vertical direction. Furthermore, the washing machine according to the present invention includes a washing / drying machine having a drying function.

(Second Embodiment)
Below, the washing machine of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated using FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control in the final rinsing process among the examples of the control in the washing machine of the second embodiment. In addition, below, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure which has a function similar to the structure of the washing machine 100 of 1st Embodiment.

  The washing machine of the second embodiment is different from the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment in that the washing machine of the second embodiment uses the pump 44 pumping water in the final rinsing process in addition to the washing process and the rinsing process. It is that. The washing machine of the second embodiment supplies silver ion water to the water tank 2 through the pump 44 at the final stage of supplying water to the water tank 2 in the final rinsing process.

  First, in the stage before step S271, the drain valve 45 remains closed, and the state of the pump 44 is a state where water can be pumped smoothly. In step S271, the operation of the pump 44 is started. Subsequently, when it is determined in step S272 that water has been supplied to the water tank 2 to the set water level, the operation of the pump 44 is stopped in step S273.

  After step S273, the washing tub 3 rotates according to the prescribed rotation conditions. It is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed while the washing tub 3 rotates (step S274). The predetermined time is, for example, a time in which the timing for starting the replenishment of water to the water tank 2 in the final rinsing process is defined.

  When it determines with YES in step S274, the water supply valve 10 is opened (step S275) and elution of silver ions is started (step S276). If it is determined in step S277 that the end time has elapsed (predetermined operation time has elapsed), in step S278, the control unit 30 stops applying voltage to the silver ion elution unit 90, and drains water. An end process such as opening the valve 11 and cutting off the energization of the drive mechanism 4a is performed. It should be noted that a step of determining whether or not a predetermined amount of makeup water has been supplied may be performed between steps S276 and S277.

  As described above, when the washing machine according to the second embodiment is operated in the bath water mode, silver ions are supplied to the water flowing into the pump 44 when water is supplied in the final rinsing process.

  Other configurations and operational effects of the washing machine of the second embodiment are the same as those of the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment. Therefore, description of other configurations and operational effects of the washing machine of the second embodiment is omitted.

(Third embodiment)
Hereinafter, the washing machine according to the third embodiment will be described. In addition, below, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure which has a function similar to the structure of the washing machine 100 of 1st Embodiment.

  The washing machine of the third embodiment is different from the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment and the washing machine of the second embodiment in that the drain valve 45 supplies water to the aquarium 2 in the washing machine of the third embodiment. After the end of the stroke, it is automatically opened so that water flows out from the discharge port 44b.

  For example, in the washing machine of the first or second embodiment, the drain valve 45 ends the process of supplying water to the water tank 2 when the bath water mode is selected but the sterilization mode is not selected. Sometimes it is a valve that opens automatically. When the drain valve 45 is configured as described above, for example, in the end process in step S182 (see FIG. 6) or step S278 (see FIG. 7) or in the end process in step S120 (see FIG. 5). Control of opening the drain valve 45 is included. In this case, the drain valve 11 is also opened in the same manner as the drain valve 45 if the drainage is performed via the main drain valve 11. Further, when the drain pipe 46 communicates with the duct 16 on the downstream side of the drain valve 11, drainage can be performed by opening the drain valve 45 even when the drain valve 11 is closed.

  In addition, when the washing machine of 3rd Embodiment is a washing-drying machine which has a drying function, as the time after the process which supplies water to a water tank is complete | finished, the water inside a pump at the completion | finish of a drying process The structure which discharges | emits may be sufficient.

  As described above, in the washing machine according to the third embodiment, the pump 44 has the discharge port 44b for discharging water from the pump 44 to the outside of the washing machine. The washing machine includes a drain valve 45. The drain valve 45 is automatically opened so that water flows out from the outlet 44b after the process of supplying water to the water tank 2 is completed.

  According to this configuration, the drain valve 45 opens the discharge port 44b after the process of supplying water to the water tank 2 is completed, whereby the water inside the pump 44 can be discharged to the outside of the washing machine. This prevents water containing bacteria from remaining in the pump 44. In addition, when the pump 44 is operated, water supplied with silver ions is newly used as expiratory water, thereby further inactivating bacteria contained in the water inside the pump 44 before the pump 44 is operated. Can do.

  On the other hand, the washing machine of the third embodiment is a washing machine with a built-in pump 44. The pump 44 operates by sucking exhalation water, and uses the clean water flowing from the upstream of the pump 44 as the exhalation water. The pump 44 has a discharge port 44b for discharging water from the pump 44 to the outside of the washing machine. The washing machine includes a drain valve 45 that opens and closes the flow of water flowing out from the discharge port 44b.

  In the washing machine, the water inside the pump 44 can be discharged to the outside of the washing machine by the drain valve 45 opening the discharge port 44b. This prevents water containing bacteria from remaining in the pump 44. That is, the propagation of bacteria in the pump 44 can be suppressed. In addition, when the pump 44 is operated, it is possible to prevent the water in which the bacteria have propagated from being supplied into the pump 44 by newly using clean water as expiratory water.

  As described above, the drain valve 11 opens the water flow in the drain duct 16 at the end of the operation of the washing machine 100. However, in preparation for opening the drain valve 45 when the drain valve 11 is closed, for example, the volume of the portion between the pump 44 and the drain valve 11 in the drain pipe 46 is the water inside the pump 44. It is preferable that the drain pipe 46 and the pump 44 are configured to be larger than the volume of the portion in which the water is stored.

  Other configurations and operational effects of the washing machine of the third embodiment are the same as those of the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment and the washing machine of the second embodiment. Therefore, description of other configurations and operational effects of the washing machine of the third embodiment is omitted.

(Fourth embodiment)
Hereinafter, the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In addition, below, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure which has a function similar to the structure of the washing machine 100 of 1st Embodiment.

  The washing machine of the fourth embodiment is different from the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment, the washing machine of the second embodiment, and the washing machine of the third embodiment. In the washing machine of the fourth embodiment, the drain valve 45 is Including a manually operated valve configuration.

  As a part for operating the opening and closing of the drain valve 45, the drain valve 45 is provided with a configuration like a lever (not shown). Or the part which operates opening and closing of the drain valve 45 may be contained in the button of the operation key 21, for example. According to such a configuration, the drain valve 45 can be opened by a user operation. When the process of supplying water to the aquarium 2 is completed by pumping up the pump 44 or when the operation of the washing machine is completed, the user manually opens the drain valve 45 so that the water inside the pump 44 is discharged. Discharged. Thereby, the propagation of bacteria in the pump 44 can be suppressed until the next operation of the pump 44.

  The open / close sensor 38 and the detection unit 34 can detect the open / close state of the drain valve 45 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the control unit 30 automatically controls the opening and closing of the drain valve 45 in accordance with the detected state of the drain valve 45. That is, when the determination unit 33 determines that the drain valve 45 is open, the control unit 30 controls the drain valve 45 to automatically close the drain valve 45.

  On the other hand, in the washing machine of the third embodiment, for example, when the determination unit 33 determines that the drain valve 45 remains closed after the process of supplying water to the aquarium is completed, the control unit 30 is The drain valve 45 is controlled so that the drain valve 45 is automatically opened.

  Other configurations and operational effects of the washing machine of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the washing machine 100 of the first embodiment, the washing machine of the second embodiment, and the washing machine of the third embodiment. Therefore, description of other configurations and operational effects of the washing machine of the fourth embodiment is omitted.

  The embodiment disclosed above should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above embodiments but by the scope of claims, and includes all modifications and variations within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

2: Water tank, 44: Pump, 44b: Discharge port, 45: Drain valve, 90: Silver ion elution part, 100: Washing machine

Claims (5)

A pump that operates by inhaling exhalation water;
Upstream of the pump, a washing machine comprising a supply unit for supplying a substance that acts on bacteria contained in water,
A washing machine in which the pump is built in the washing machine. Further comprising a water tank disposed downstream of the pump;
The process of the washing machine includes a washing process and a rinsing process in order,
The supply unit supplies the substance to water flowing into the pump in at least the last stage of the process of supplying water to the water tank in the washing process or the rinsing process.
The washing machine according to claim 1.   The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pump starts pumping after a predetermined time has elapsed from a point in time when exhalation water supplied with the substance is introduced into the pump. In the washing machine, a predetermined mode for sterilizing the inside of the pump is set,
The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein, when the predetermined mode is selected, the pump stops operating for the predetermined time until the start of pumping. A washing machine with a built-in pump,
The pump operates by inhaling exhalation water, and uses the clean water flowing from the upstream of the pump as exhalation water,
The pump has a discharge port for discharging water from the pump to the outside of the washing machine,
A washing machine further comprising a valve for opening and closing a flow of water flowing out from the discharge port.

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