Detergentless washing machine with consistent laundry efficiency

Abstract

The present invention relates to a detergentless washing machine with consistent laundry efficiency, and comprises: a drum-shaped washing tub (4) which is loaded with laundry, is in the shape of a sideways drum, and rotates for washing; and an outer tub (6) that surrounds the outside of the washing tub (4), makes washing water stay in the washing tub (4), and has a lower arc shape. A surface-recessed puddle portion (8) is provided on the bottom of the outer tub (6), and the puddle portion (8) includes an inclined bottom surface (10), extending in a circumferential direction along the surface of the outer tub (6), and a standing wall portion (12) provided with a drain hole (14). An electrolysis port (16) for generating detergentless washing water (W) by electrolysis of the water in the washing tub (4) is installed on the inclined bottom surface (10) of the puddle portion (8). The wave force of the detergentless washing water (W), generated by the water flow resulting from the reciprocating rotational motion of the washing tub (4) during washing or by the drainage flow toward the drain hole (14), removes laundry foreign matter and oils that adhere to the surface of the puddle portion (8) and the electrolysis port (16) installed on the inclined bottom surface (10) of the puddle portion (8).

Description

Detergent-free washing machine with sustained washing efficiency

[0001] The present invention relates to a detergent-free washing machine, and more particularly to a detergent-free washing machine that maintains consistent washing efficiency while performing detergent-free washing.

[0002] Generally, most laundry systems use detergent for washing. Although the detergents used in washing machines cause water pollution and entail a cost burden, the characteristic of detergents possessing both hydrophilic and lipophilic groups offers advantages in terms of washing efficiency.

[0003] However, if detergent residue remains on clothes, it can irritate the skin and cause various skin diseases, which is detrimental to health; furthermore, for commercial laundries handling large volumes of clothing, the cost burden associated with purchasing detergent is significant.

[0004] Accordingly, research and technology regarding detergent-free washing machines and washing methods have been presented, and there are numerous prior art documents as follows.

[0005] Although such conventional detergent-free washing machines have the advantages of being health-friendly and environmentally friendly, there is still a question regarding whether their washing power is excellent, and there is a disadvantage that foreign substances or oil separated from the laundry have an adverse effect on the detergent-free washing machine during washing, thereby reducing washing efficiency.

[0006] Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a detergent-free washing machine that maintains consistent washing efficiency while performing detergent-free washing.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a detergent-free washing machine that prevents secondary contamination of laundry caused by contaminants separated from laundry through detergent-free washing and improves washing efficiency.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a detergent-free washing machine that enables the reuse of washing water, thereby saving water usage and minimizing water pollution.

[0009] The present invention, according to the above-mentioned purpose, comprises a washing tub in the form of a horizontal drum into which laundry is introduced and which rotates for washing, and an outer tub that surrounds the outside of the washing tub, allows washing water to remain in the washing tub, and has a lower arc shape.

[0010] The bottom of the above-mentioned outer tub is provided with a water pool in the form of a surface depression, wherein the water pool is configured such that a sloping bottom surface extending in the circumferential direction and a standing wall portion having a drain are formed on the surface of the outer tub, and an electrolysis outlet is installed on the sloping bottom surface of the water pool to generate detergent-free washing water by electrolyzing the water in the washing tub.

[0011] It is characterized by being configured to remove laundry foreign substances and oil attached to the surface of the water puddle and the inclined bottom surface of the water puddle through the wave force of detergent-free washing water caused by the water flow from the reciprocating rotational motion of the washing tub or the drainage flow toward the drain side during washing.

[0012] In addition, as another aspect of the detergent-free washing machine having sustained washing efficiency according to the present invention, the detergent-free washing machine comprises a washing tub in the form of a drum lying down, into which laundry is introduced and which rotates for washing, and an outer tub that surrounds the outside of the washing tub, allows washing water to remain in the washing tub, and has a lower arc shape.

[0013] The bottom of the above-mentioned outer tub is provided with a water pool section having a surface-recessed drain, the water pool section having an open top and a circumferential water channel corresponding to the flow of washing water due to the rotation of the washing tub during washing and the flow of drainage towards the drain during or after washing, and the bottom surface of the water pool section is configured to have an electrolysis port installed to generate detergent-free washing water by electrolyzing the water in the washing tub.

[0014] It is characterized by being configured to remove laundry foreign substances and oil attached to the surface of the water puddle and the bottom surface of the water puddle through the wave force of detergent-free washing water caused by the water flow from the reciprocating rotational motion of the washing tub or the drainage flow toward the drain side during washing.

[0015] In addition, the detergent-free washing machine having sustained washing efficiency according to the present invention is characterized by being configured such that a standing wall is formed in the water puddle section, which blocks the water channel and faces the direction of rotation of the washing tub during spin operation, and a drain is formed in the standing wall.

[0016] In addition, the detergent-free washing machine having continuous washing efficiency according to the present invention is configured such that a drain line connected to the drain of the water puddle section is equipped with a filter for removing foreign substances and oil, and a drain pump that pumps the washing water of the washing tub to be drained through the drain to the drain line, and the drain line is configured to be connected to the circulating water line of the circulating water inlet formed on the side of the water puddle of the outer tub via a circulating valve.

[0017] In addition, the detergent-free washing machine having sustained washing efficiency according to the present invention is characterized in that a circulating water inlet and a circulating water line formed in the water pool are configured such that the circulating water injected into the water pool is directed toward the electrolysis port.

[0018] In addition, in the present invention, the electrolytic device installed on the bottom surface of the water puddle is characterized by having positive and negative electrode plates arranged in a multilayered and one or more rows along the axial direction of the outer tube on a support.

[0019] In addition, the water puddle section according to the present invention is characterized by having a heater and a temperature sensor installed to maintain the water temperature of the washing tub so that it becomes an initial submerged state upon water injection.

[0020] In addition, in configuring the detergent-free washing machine having sustained washing efficiency according to the present invention, the filter for removing foreign substances and oil is installed on a drainage line connected to a drain hole in the water puddle section, and is composed of a storage outer tank having an upper inlet opening into which the drainage from the drainage line falls, and a filter inner tank having a lower deep drain hole and a filter mesh wrapped around the outer circumference of a perforated drum, so that foreign substances and oil from the drainage discharged through the drain hole remain in the storage outer tank and filtered water is discharged through the deep drain hole of the filter inner tank.

[0021] In addition, as another aspect of the present invention, a detergent-free washing machine comprises a washing tub into which laundry is introduced and which rotates for washing in an external flow or agitation type, and an outer tub that surrounds the outside of the washing tub and allows washing water to remain in the washing tub.

[0022] The outer bottom of the above-mentioned outer tub is provided with a water pool in the form of a surface depression, wherein the water pool is configured such that a sloping bottom surface and a standing wall portion with a drain are formed, which are connected in a circumferential or concentric direction on the surface of the outer tub, and an electrolysis outlet is installed on the sloping bottom surface of the water pool to generate detergent-free washing water by electrolyzing the water in the washing tub.

[0023] It is characterized by being configured to remove laundry foreign substances and oil attached to the surface of the water puddle and the inclined bottom surface of the water puddle through the wave force of detergent-free washing water caused by the water flow from the reciprocating rotational motion of the washing tub or the drainage flow toward the drain side during washing.

[0024] The present invention has the advantage of being able to perform detergent-free washing while maintaining good washing efficiency and sustaining that washing efficiency, and also improves washing efficiency by preventing secondary contamination of the laundry caused by contaminants separated from the laundry during detergent-free washing and maintaining hot water. In addition, the present invention has the advantage of enabling the reuse of washing water, thereby saving water usage for washing and minimizing water pollution.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a detergent-free washing machine having sustained washing efficiency according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a key part related to the water puddle formed on the bottom of the outer tank of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a plan view (a) and a cross-sectional view (b) of a key part related to the water puddle at the bottom of the outer tank shown in FIG. 2,

[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an electrolytic device installed in the water pool portion of an outer tank according to the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a side view of the electrolytic cell of FIG. 4.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the installation of a filter for removing foreign substances and oil according to the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a detergent-free washing machine having sustained washing efficiency according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a detergent-free washing machine having sustained washing efficiency according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] The detergent-free washing machine with sustained washing efficiency according to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Fig. 1 is a drum-type washing machine that is widely used as an industrial washing machine mainly installed in commercial establishments, and can also be used as a general household washing machine.

[0035] The washing machine body (2) of the drum-type detergent-free washing machine illustrated in FIG. 1 is equipped with a washing tub (4), which is a washing basket that rotates on an axis during washing and spin-drying, in a drum shape in which laundry is loaded. Additionally, it is equipped with an outer tub (6) that surrounds the outside of the washing tub (4), stores water (W) so that it remains in the washing tub (4) containing the laundry, and has a curved lower section.

[0036] In the outer tank (6), an inlet is provided at the top through which water from a water tank (46) installed outside the washing machine body (2) is pumped by a water pump (48) and flows in via a water supply valve (49), and a drain (14) and a circulating water inlet (28) are provided at the bottom.

[0037] A detergent-free washing machine according to the present invention ionizes supplied water by electrolysis to generate washing water (referred to as 'detergent-free washing water' in the present invention) (W) that effectively removes dirt, and performs washing using this water.

[0038] That is, the washing machine body (2) of the present invention is equipped with an electrolysis unit (16) for generating detergent-free washing water (W). The electrolysis unit (16) electrolyzes water supplied from the outside to generate detergent-free washing water (W) containing alkaline ionized water that acts similarly to detergent (acting as a surfactant and an ion exchange agent).

[0039] The present invention implements a detergent-free washing machine that significantly improves washing performance compared to existing detergent-free washing machines, which are known to have relatively lower washing power than general detergent washing machines. Furthermore, by washing with detergent-free water, it minimizes the adverse effects that foreign substances or oils, which are contaminants separated from the laundry, have on the detergent-free washing machine during operation. Therefore, the present invention not only enhances the washing efficiency of the detergent-free washing machine but also ensures that the enhanced initial washing efficiency is continuously maintained even after prolonged use.

[0040] The inventor of the present invention confirmed that improving the structure and performance of the electrolytic device (16) that generates detergent-free washing water (W) can increase the washing performance of the detergent-free washing water containing at least alkaline ionized water, and also recognized through experimental experience that in order to guarantee the initial washing performance of the electrolytic device (16), oil or other substances in the washing water must not accumulate on the electrode plate of the electrolytic device (16).

[0041] In addition, it was confirmed that if the detergent-free washing water (W), such as alkaline ion water, is maintained in a hot water state in the range of 30 to 50°C, the water molecules are activated and the washing efficiency is improved, and if the detergent-free washing water (W), such as alkaline ion water generated by the electrolysis unit (16), is not supplied through a narrow path such as a hose or pipe but acts immediately in that space at the time of generation, the washing efficiency is improved.

[0042] Therefore, in the present invention, an electrolytic cell (16) that generates detergent-free washing water (W) is provided, and a water puddle (8) is provided in the bottom of the outer tub (6) surrounding the washing tub (4), with an exposed space where the electrolytic cell (16) and the drain (14) can be positioned together.

[0043] In addition, a circulating water inlet (28) is formed in the water puddle (8) so that the dirty water from the detergent-free washing water (W) during washing is filtered and then recirculated into the water.

[0044] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a water puddle (8) formed in part of the bottom of the outer tank (6) of FIG. 1 according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a plan view (a) and a cross-sectional view (b) of a water puddle (8) on the bottom of the outer tank (6) shown in FIG. 2.

[0045] The water puddle section (8) according to the present invention is formed mainly in a rectangular shape on a part of the bottom of the outer tank (6), and a deep bottom surface (10) having a depth (d) of 100 to 200 mm is formed so that the electrolytic port (16) can be located lower than the bottom of the outer tank (6).

[0046] And it is preferable that the water puddle (8) formed at the bottom of the outer tank (6) has a length of 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the front-rear length of the outer tank (6) in the axial direction (AX) of the outer tank (6) and is formed within the range of +30° to -30° from the lowest bottom point of the outer tank (6) in the circumferential direction (CR).

[0047] In addition, the water pool section (8) of the present invention forms a circumferential (CR) water channel that allows the oil from the laundry stains adhered to the electrolysis section (16) to be removed frequently by the driving rotation of the washing tub (4) during washing or spin-drying operation, so that the detergent-free washing water (W) acts as a stronger water flow in the electrolysis section (16) installed on the bottom surface (10).

[0048] According to the present invention, the circumferential (CR) water channel formed in the water puddle section (8) basically includes a deep bottom surface (10) having a depth (d) of 100 to 200 mm where an electrolytic outlet (16) is installed, and left and right groove walls (8a) (8b) facing in the circumferential (CR) direction.

[0049] For better water flow sliding, the bottom surface (10) of the water puddle section (8) is preferably formed with a sloping bottom surface (10) in the circumferential direction (CR) as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, and for faster water drainage, a drain (14) is preferably located at the lowest position of the water puddle section (8). The sloping bottom surface (10) of the water puddle section (8) is preferably formed continuously on the surface of the outer tank (6), and a depth (d) of 100 to 200 mm is formed at the deepest part of the gradually deepening sloping bottom surface (10).

[0050] The inclined surface of the bottom surface (10) formed in the circumferential direction (CR) may be formed in both directions, and more preferably according to the present invention as shown in the attached drawings (Figs. 1 to 3), one side of the circumferential direction (CR) is formed as an inclined bottom surface (10), and the other side of the circumferential direction (CR) is formed as a standing wall (12) that blocks the waterway like a dike, and a drain (14) is formed on the lower side of the standing wall (12).

[0051] The upright wall section (12) having an inclined bottom surface (10) and a drain (14) in the water puddle section (8) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 is configured to facilitate the removal of oil trapped in the electrolysis section (16), as well as the flow of washing water changing direction due to the reciprocating rotational movement of the washing tub (4) during washing and the drainage flow formed towards the drain (14) during or after washing. The upright wall section (12) and the drain (14) are formed such that the wall surface faces the axial rotation direction (e.g., clockwise) of the drum-shaped washing tub (4) during the spin-drying operation when draining after washing is completed.

[0052] Also, the circulating water inlet (28) formed in the water puddle section (8) is formed so that the circulating water injected into the water puddle section (8) together with the circulating water line (32) is directed toward the electrolysis port (16).

[0053] Specifically, during washing according to the present invention, a washing water circulation routine is performed to filter out the laundry water contained in the detergent-free washing water (W) and then reintroduce it, through a process of draining to the drain (14) and entering to the circulation water inlet (28). After washing is completed, during the draining and spin-drying process, the washing tub (4) is strongly rotated clockwise while the washing water (W) is passed through the drain (14) and the drain line (30). The drain (14) formed on the bottom side of the upright wall (12) facilitates drainage from the outer tub (6), and the water coming out after hitting the upright wall (12) creates waves, thereby removing foreign matter or oil stuck in the inner wall surface of the water puddle (8) or the electrolysis tube (16).

[0054] In addition, the circulating water continuously ejected through the circulating water inlet (28) during the washing process is directed toward the electrolytic device (16), which helps to remove laundry foreign matter and oil attached to the electrode plate of the electrolytic device (16) installed on the bottom surface (10) of the water puddle (8), and also allows the alkaline ion water generated in the electrolytic device (16) to spread evenly throughout the entire space of the washing tub (4).

[0055] In particular, during the spin-drying operation of the detergent-free washing machine, the washing tub (4) rotates only in one axis rotation direction (clockwise), so the high-speed underwater movement of the drum outer surface member constituting the washing tub (4) causes the water flow of the detergent-free washing water (W) to be formed in one circumferential direction (clockwise) and directed toward the upright wall part (12) where the drain (14) is located. Additionally, a strong wind is formed in the clockwise direction (circular direction) at the bottom of the outer tub (6), thereby accelerating the water flow of the detergent-free washing water (W) following the water path forming channel of the water puddle part (8) so that it is quickly pushed into the drain (14) of the upright wall part (12) of the present invention. This increases the spin-drying power in the detergent-free washing machine.

[0056] Consequently, in the detergent-free washing machine of the present invention, the wave force of the detergent-free washing water (W) due to the rotation of the washing tub (4) or the drainage flow toward the drain (14) during the washing process removes laundry foreign substances and oil attached to the surface of the water puddle (8) and the electrolysis outlet (16) installed on the inclined bottom surface (10) of the water puddle (8).

[0057] Meanwhile, in the present invention, an electrolytic unit (16) that generates detergent-free washing water (W) is installed directly on the inclined bottom surface (10) of the water puddle (8) inside the outer tub (6) that is directly exposed to the washing tub (4), and is configured so as to improve the structure and performance of the electrolytic unit (16).

[0058] That is, in the present invention, the washing performance of the detergent-free washing water (W) containing alkaline ion water generated by the electrolysis unit (16) is improved, and the initial washing performance of the electrolysis unit (16) is maintained by appropriately arranging a number of electrode plates [(54, 56) of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5] and using the principle of alternating operation of (+)(-) so that oil and other substances do not accumulate in the washing water.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an electrolytic device (16) installed in the water puddle (8) of an outer tank (6) according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a side view of the electrolytic device (16) of FIG. 4.

[0060] The electrolytic device (16) according to the present invention is a means for generating detergent-free washing water (W) containing at least alkaline ionized water, and has a structure that can improve the washing performance of the detergent-free washing water (W). It is positioned on the inclined bottom surface (10) of the water puddle section (8) so that oil and other substances from the washing water can be effectively removed by the strong water flow even if they get stuck on the electrode plates (54)(56).

[0061] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the electrolytic cell (16) of the present invention has a structure in which positive and negative electrode plates (54) (56) are formed in multiple layers and arranged in the axial direction (AX) of the outer tube (6) on a stand formed by a base plate (50) made of a transparent resin material and left and right supports (52), and are arranged in one or more rows (two rows in the example of FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0062] In constructing the electrolysis unit (16) according to the present invention, the positive and negative electrode plates (54) (56), which are arranged lengthwise along the axial direction (AX) of the outer tube (6), are in the form of thin sheets, with the positive electrode plate (54) and the negative electrode plate (56) closely connected in the vertical direction and arranged in multiple layers. The positive electrode plates (54) and the negative electrode plates (56), which are arranged in multiple layers along the axial direction (AX) of the outer tube (6), form a row, and these row sets are arranged in multiple columns (two columns in the examples of FIGS. 1 to 5). The electrolysis unit (16), which is composed of multiple layers and multiple columns, can generate a large amount of alkaline ionized water, which is detergent-free washing water (W), through electrolysis.

[0063] In order to generate alkaline ionized water as detergent-free washing water (W) during electrolysis by the anode and cathode electrode plates (54)(56) according to the present invention, titanium, which has excellent electrical conductivity, is used as the material for the electrode plates (54)(56) to generate a large amount of alkaline ionized water while maintaining heat resistance and durability. Furthermore, the surface of the titanium electrode plates (54)(56) is treated with platinum plating to additionally form a platinum plating film. Since the platinum plating film formed on the titanium electrode plates (54)(56) has excellent heat resistance, corrosion resistance, electrical properties, and catalytic action, it significantly increases the lifespan of the electrolysis performance of the anode and cathode electrode plates (54)(56).

[0064] According to the present invention, the more the thickness of the positive electrode plate (54) and the negative electrode plate (56) is thin and the closer the plates are to each other, the more alkaline ionized water (W), which is detergent-free washing water, is generated. If the plates become too thick, the resistance increases, leading to high power consumption, and if the plates are far apart, the electrolytic power of the electrolysis unit (16) decreases.

[0065] On the other hand, if the electrode plates are too close or too thin, durability is not guaranteed, and loss due to an electrical short circuit or failure to guarantee performance may occur. That is, the electrode plates (54)(56) may be lost due to deformation of the electrode plates caused by water pressure shock from waves of the washing water (W).

[0066] Therefore, in the present invention, the positive and negative electrode plates (54) (56), which are provided to maximize performance and ensure durability while taking these situations into consideration, are configured such that the plate width is 25 to 35 mm, the plate thickness is 1 to 3 mm, and the plate length is 150 to 250 mm, and the gap between the positive electrode plate (54) and the negative electrode plate (56) is maintained at 3 to 8 mm.

[0067] Among the multilayer and two-row arrangement structure, positive electrode plates (54) are commonly connected to the first terminal block (58), and negative electrode plates (56) are commonly connected to the second terminal block (60). The first and second terminal blocks (58) (60) receive DC power (e.g., 32V DC power) from the power supply unit (42) via wires.

[0068] The electrolytic device (16), which has a structure similar to electricity, can continuously generate a large amount of alkaline ionized water, thereby increasing the washing performance of the detergent-free washing water (W). Since the electrode plates (54) (56) are arranged along the axial direction of the outer tube (6) on the inclined bottom surface (10) of the water puddle (8), oil or foreign substances from the washing water can be effectively removed by the strong water flow in the circumferential direction (CR) even if they are attached to the electrode plates (54) (56).

[0069] In addition, the inventor of the present invention confirmed that when the electrolytic cell (16) generates alkaline ionized water (W), which is detergent-free washing water, a phenomenon occurs in which oil is adsorbed and accumulates on the negative electrode plate (56) targeted by the alkaline ions.

[0070] Accordingly, in the present invention, to eliminate the phenomenon in which foreign substances such as oil, Ca, and Mg from laundry water adhere to the surface of the negative electrode plate (56) while the electrolysis unit (16) continues to perform electrolysis and thereby reduce electrolysis performance, a method of periodically switching the polarity of the electrolysis unit (16) is adopted to resolve this problem.

[0071] That is, the electrolysis unit (16) of the present invention operates with the output of a DC power supplied from the power supply unit (42) shown in FIG. 1, and is configured so that the (+)(-) DC power output from the power supply unit (42) under the control of the control unit (40) is supplied to the first and second terminal blocks (58)(60) of the electrolysis unit (16) with polarity switching between them at a cycle of 1 to 6 minutes (preferably at a cycle of 3 to 5 minutes). The critical significance of the above 1 to 6-minute cycle is that if polarity switching occurs at a cycle of less than 1 minute, there is a problem of reduced electrolytic performance, and if 5 minutes pass, there is a disadvantage that oil or the like begins to accumulate in the electrolysis unit (16).

[0072] According to the present invention, the electrolytic device (16) installed on the inclined bottom surface (10) of the water puddle section (8) is configured to allow for external repair for maintenance.

[0073] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, the inclined bottom surface (10) of the water puddle (8) is configured to have an opening formed so that a base plate (50) of a mounting bracket made of a transparent material can be inserted from the outside, and the electrolytic port (16) into which the base plate (50) of the mounting bracket inserted through the opening of the inclined bottom surface (10) is inserted is configured to be fixed by watertight packing and bolt fastening in the form of a square window frame.

[0074] In addition, the water pool section (8) of the present invention is equipped with a rod-shaped heater (18) and a temperature sensor (19) to maintain the water temperature of the detergent-free washing water (W) filled in the washing tub (4) at a lukewarm state, and is configured to be positioned in an appropriate part within the water pool section (8) so as to be in an initial submerged state when water is introduced.

[0075] Proteins and oils from the human body do not melt at cold temperatures, so it is better to wash with warm water. Therefore, in the present invention, under the control of the control unit (40), the temperature of the detergent-free washing water (W) is maintained in a hot water state in the range of 30 to 50°C using a heater (18) and a temperature sensor (19).

[0076] Referring again to FIG. 1, the present invention is provided with a drain line (30) connected to a drain (14) of a water puddle (8) located at the bottom of an outer tank (6). A filter (20) for removing foreign substances and oil is provided on the drain line (30) to prevent secondary contamination of the laundry caused by contaminants separated from the laundry, and a drain pump (22) is installed to pump the laundry water (W) so that it is drained into the drain line (30).

[0077] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the installation of a filter (20) for removing foreign substances and oil according to the present invention.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 6, the filter (20) for removing foreign substances and oil according to the present invention is installed on a drainage line (30) connected to a drain (14) of a water puddle (8). Among the drainage lines (30), the drain pipe (30a) connected to the drain (14) of the water puddle (8) becomes the inlet pipe of the filter (20) for removing foreign substances and oil and has a larger diameter than the outlet pipe (30b) of the filter (20) to enhance drainage power.

[0079] The filter (20) for removing foreign substances and oil is composed of a storage outer body (62) having an upper inlet opening into which drainage from the drainage line (30) falls, and a filter inner body (64) having a lower deep drainage opening and a filter mesh (64b) wrapped around the outer circumference of a grid-shaped perforated drum (64a).

[0080] The storage outer body (62) has a structure in which the cover can be separated. Foreign substances and oil in the detergent-free washing water (W) discharged through the drain (14) of the water puddle (8) do not enter the deep space (68) of the filter inner body (64) and remain in the inner space (66) of the storage outer body (62), and through the deep drain hole of the filter inner body (64), water filtered by the filter inner body (64) is discharged and delivered to the drain line (30) on the drain pump (22) side.

[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the drainage line (30) of the present invention is configured to branch into a circulating water line (32) with a circulation valve (24) installed and a drainage line (34) with a drainage valve (26) installed, and the circulating water line (32) is configured to communicate with a circulating water inlet (28) formed directly on the side of the water puddle (8) inside the outer tank (6).

[0082] The drain line (34) is equipped with a drain valve (26), a recovery filtration unit (38), and a recovery pump (44) to recycle the laundry water, and a sewage line (27) branched from the drain line (34) is equipped with a sewage valve (28) to discharge the laundry water as sewage as needed.

[0083] In FIG. 1, the circulating water valve (24), drain valve (26), sewage valve (29), and water supply valve (49) are all electronic valves that open and close under the control of the control unit (40), and the opening and closing operations of the circulating water valve (24) and the drain valve (26) operate in opposite directions. That is, when the circulating water valve (24) is opened, the drain valve (26) is closed, and that is, when the circulating water valve (24) is closed, the drain valve (26) is opened.

[0084] During the washing cycle of the detergent-free washing machine, the drain line (30) and the circulating water line (32) are opened, and the detergent-free washing water (W) in the outer tank (4) passes through the drain (14) by the pumping operation of the drain pump (22), and foreign substances and oil are filtered by the filter (30) for removing foreign substances and oil on the drain line (30), and the filtered washing water (W) travels through the circulating water line (32) and is reintroduced into the outer tank (4).

[0085] During the spin-drying operation after washing is complete, the drain line (30) and the drain line (34) are opened, and the foreign matter and oil are filtered in the first filtration by the filter (30) for removing foreign matter and oil on the drain line (30) through pumping operation by the drain pump (22) and the recovery pump (44), and then the water is stored in the water supply tank (46) after undergoing second filtration by the recovery filtration unit (38) on the drain line (34).

[0086] The water stored in the water supply tank (46) is recycled as washing water that is supplied to the outer tank (6) of the washing machine body (2) by pumping using the water supply pump (48). The recycling of washing water according to the present invention saves washing water in a detergent-free washing machine and minimizes water pollution.

[0087] Although omitted in the attached drawings of the present invention, it should be understood that the outer tank (6) is additionally equipped with an ozone generator, and that sterilization and bleaching can be performed using detergent-free washing water (W) containing ozone generated from the ozone generator.

[0088] The detergent-free washing machine of the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 is applied to a drum-type washing machine, but the present invention can be used not only in drum-type washing machines but also in washing machines having a washing tub that rotates for washing, such as a vortex type or agitation type, which are used in general household washing machines.

[0089] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a detergent-free washing machine having continuous washing efficiency according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing a detergent-free washing machine having a washing tub (104) that rotates for washing in a vortex or agitation type.

[0090] As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the case of a vortex or agitation type washing machine, the washing machine body (102) is equipped with a washing tub (104) into which laundry is introduced and which rotates for vortex or agitation washing, and an outer tub (106) that surrounds the outside of the washing tub (104) and allows detergent-free washing water (W) to remain in the washing tub (104).

[0091] In addition, according to the present invention, the outer bottom of the outer tank (106) is provided with a water puddle section (6) in the form of a surface depression, wherein the water puddle section (6) is configured such that an inclined bottom surface (10) and a drain (14) are formed on the surface of the outer tank (106) in a circumferential or concentric direction, and an upright wall surface (12) is provided with an inclined bottom surface (10) and an electrolysis unit (16) is installed on the inclined bottom surface (10) of the water puddle section (8) to generate detergent-free washing water (W) by electrolyzing the water of the washing tank (104).

[0092] Therefore, the wave force of the detergent-free washing water (W) due to the water flow caused by the reciprocating rotational motion of the washing tub (104) during washing or the drainage flow towards the drain (14) removes washing foreign substances and oil attached to the surface of the water puddle (8) and the electrolysis outlet (16) installed on the inclined bottom surface (10) of the water puddle (8).

[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 7, a drainage line (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention is configured to branch into a circulating water line (32) with a circulation valve (24) installed and a drainage line (34) with a drainage valve (26) installed, and the circulating water line (32) is configured to communicate with a circulating water inlet (28) formed directly on the side of the water puddle (8) inside the outer tank (106). A drainage valve (26) for discharging as sewage is installed in the drainage line (34).

[0094] In FIG. 7, the circulating water valve (24), the drainage valve (26), etc. are all electronic valves that are opened and closed under the control of the control unit (40), and the opening and closing operations of the circulating water valve (24) and the drainage valve (26) are opposite to each other.

[0095] Although specific embodiments have been described in the foregoing description of the present invention, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should not be determined by the described embodiments but by the claims and equivalents thereof.

[0096] The present invention can be used in washing machines capable of washing without detergent, and is particularly valuable for commercial use.

Claims

1. Regarding detergent-free washing machines, It comprises a washing tub in the form of a horizontal drum that rotates for washing as laundry is fed in, and an outer tub that surrounds the outside of the washing tub, keeps washing water in the washing tub, and has a lower arc shape. The bottom of the above-mentioned outer tank is provided with a water puddle section in the form of a surface depression, wherein the water puddle section is configured such that a sloping bottom surface and a standing wall section with a drain are formed on the surface of the outer tank in the circumferential direction. The inclined bottom surface of the water pool is configured to have an electrolysis unit installed to electrolyze the water in the washing tub to generate detergent-free washing water, A detergent-free washing machine having sustained washing efficiency, characterized by being configured to remove washing foreign substances and oil attached to the surface of the water puddle and the inclined bottom surface of the water puddle by the wave force of the detergent-free washing water resulting from the water flow caused by the reciprocating rotational motion of the washing tub or the drainage flow towards the drain side during washing.

2. Regarding detergent-free washing machines, It comprises a washing tub in the form of a horizontal drum that rotates for washing as laundry is fed in, and an outer tub that surrounds the outside of the washing tub, keeps washing water in the washing tub, and has a lower arc shape. The bottom of the above-mentioned outer tub is provided with a water puddle section having a surface-recessed drain, wherein the water puddle section has an open top and has a circumferential water channel that corresponds to the flow of washing water due to the rotation of the washing tub during washing and the flow of drainage toward the drain during or after washing. The bottom surface of the water pool is configured to have an electrolysis unit installed to generate detergent-free wash water by electrolyzing the water in the washing tub, A detergent-free washing machine having sustained washing efficiency, characterized by being configured to remove washing foreign substances and oil attached to the surface of the water puddle and the bottom surface of the water puddle through the wave force of the detergent-free washing water caused by the water flow from the reciprocating rotational motion of the washing tub or the drainage flow toward the drain side during washing.

3. A detergent-free washing machine having sustained washing efficiency, characterized in that, in the water puddle section, a water channel is blocked and an upright wall section is formed opposite to the direction of rotation of the washing tub during spin-drying operation, and a drain is formed in the upright wall section.

4. In Paragraph 1 or 2, A detergent-free washing machine with sustained washing efficiency, characterized in that a drain line connected to a drain inlet of the water puddle section is configured to be equipped with a filter for removing foreign substances and oil, and a drain pump that pumps the washing water of the washing tub to be drained through the drain inlet to the drain line, and the drain line is configured to be connected to a circulating water line of a circulating water inlet formed on the side of the water puddle of the outer tub via a circulating valve.

5. A detergent-free washing machine having sustained washing efficiency, characterized in that, in claim 4, the circulating water inlet and circulating water line formed in the water puddle section are configured so that the circulating water injected into the water puddle section is directed toward the electrolysis port.

6. A detergent-free washing machine having sustained washing efficiency, characterized in that, in claim 1 or 2, the electrolytic device installed on the bottom surface of the water puddle section is configured such that positive and negative electrode plates arranged in a multilayer form and arranged in one or more rows along the axial direction of the outer tube on a mounting bracket.

7. A detergent-free washing machine having sustained washing efficiency, characterized in that, in claim 1 or 2, a heater and a temperature sensor for maintaining the water temperature of the washing tub are installed in the water puddle section to ensure an initial submerged state upon water injection.

8. A detergent-free washing machine having sustained washing efficiency, characterized in that, in paragraph 4, the filter for removing foreign substances and oil is installed on a drain line connected to a drain of a water puddle, and is composed of a storage outer tank having an upward inlet opening through which drainage from the drain line falls in, and a filter inner tank having a downward deep drain hole and a filter mesh wrapped around the outer circumference of a perforated drum, so that foreign substances and oil of the drainage discharged through the drain remain in the storage outer tank and filtered water is discharged through the deep drain hole of the filter inner tank.

9. Regarding detergent-free washing machines, A washing tub that rotates for external flow or agitation type washing as laundry is introduced, and an outer tub that surrounds the outside of the washing tub and keeps washing water in the washing tub, are configured. The outer bottom of the above-mentioned outer tank is provided with a water puddle section in the form of a surface depression, wherein the water puddle section is configured such that an inclined bottom surface and a drainage hole are formed on the surface of the outer tank in a circumferential or concentric direction. The inclined bottom surface of the water pool is configured to have an electrolysis unit installed to electrolyze the water in the washing tub to generate detergent-free washing water, A detergent-free washing machine having sustained washing efficiency, characterized by being configured to remove washing foreign substances and oil attached to the surface of the water puddle and the inclined bottom surface of the water puddle by the wave force of the detergent-free washing water resulting from the water flow caused by the reciprocating rotational motion of the washing tub or the drainage flow towards the drain side during washing.

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