Clothing processing device

Abstract

The invention provides a clothes processing device which can restrain deviation of sterilization performance and can stably exert sterilization effect even under various conditions. According to one embodiment, the clothes processing apparatus includes: a clothes accommodating tank which accommodates clothes and accommodates water therein; an electrolysis device which has a pair of electrodes and generates an active component supplied to the water stored in the clothing storage tank; a current monitoring unit that monitors the value of current flowing between the pair of electrodes; and a control device that controls the operation of the electrolysis device and executes a sterilization operation. And a control device that controls the output of the electrolysis device on the basis of the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothing processing device. Background Art

[0002] In the past, the use of electrolyzed water, softened water, or water containing dissolved metal ions in washing machines has been studied. By using electrolyzed water, softened water, or water containing metal ions, it is hoped that the sterilization and cleaning effects can be improved or the solubility of detergents can be increased.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device having the following structure, namely, it comprises: at least one first electrode having a polarity of either an anode or a cathode; at least one second electrode arranged opposite to the first electrode and having a polarity different from that of the first electrode; a driving mechanism that applies a voltage between the first and second electrodes to dissolve metal ions; a control unit that controls at least one of the voltage and current applied between the first and second electrodes; and a water quality monitoring mechanism that monitors at least one of hardness, chloride ion concentration, and conductivity. In a metal ion dissolution unit that dissolves metal ions in water, the control unit periodically reverses the polarity of the first and second electrodes. When at least one of the hardness, chloride ion concentration, and conductivity monitored by the water quality monitoring mechanism is less than a specified value, the control unit performs rated current control. When at least one of the hardness, chloride ion concentration, and conductivity monitored by the water quality monitoring mechanism is greater than or equal to a specified value, the control unit performs rated voltage control.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-13505 Summary of the Invention

[0007] When sterilization is performed by supplying an active component generated by electrolysis, the sterilization performance varies depending on the concentration of the active component.

[0008] Therefore, it is an object to provide a clothes treating apparatus that can suppress variations in sterilization performance and stably exhibit a sterilization effect even under various conditions.

[0009] A clothing treatment device according to an embodiment includes: a clothing storage tank containing water and storing clothing; an electrolysis device having a pair of electrodes and generating an active ingredient that is supplied to the water stored in the clothing storage tank; a current monitoring unit that monitors the value of the current flowing between the pair of electrodes; and a control device that controls the operation of the electrolysis device to perform a sterilization operation. The control device controls the output of the electrolysis device based on the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit.

[0010] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress variations in sterilization performance and to stably exhibit a sterilization effect even under various conditions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the structure of an example of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an example of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a longitudinally sectional side view schematically showing the structure of an example of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an example of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 A schematic perspective view showing an electrolysis device of a washing machine according to a first embodiment

[0016] Figure 6 This is an example of a timing chart of the operation of each component during the sterilization operation of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a table showing an example of voltage values, current values, and sterilization indexes before and after adjustment under various conditions of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 This table shows an example of adjusted voltage values, current values, power consumption, and sterilization indexes in the sterilization operation in the standard mode, energy-saving mode, and fine-wash mode of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a table showing an example of voltage values, current values, and sterilization indexes before and after adjustment under various conditions of the washing machine according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10This is an example of a timing chart showing the sterilization operation in the standard mode and the fine wash mode of the washing machine according to the third embodiment.

[0021] Figure 11 It is a longitudinally sectional side view schematically showing the structure of an example of a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an example of a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment.

[0023] Figure 13 This table shows an example of water temperature, adjusted voltage value, current value, power consumption, and sterilization index in sterilization operation in normal temperature mode and high temperature mode of the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment.

[0024] Figure 14 This table shows an example of water temperature, adjusted voltage value, current value, and sterilization index in the sterilization operation in the normal temperature mode and the high temperature mode of the washing machine according to the fifth embodiment.

[0025] Figure 15 This table shows an example of water volume, adjusted voltage value, current value, and sterilization index in the sterilization operation in the standard mode and the fine wash mode of the washing machine according to the sixth embodiment.

[0026] Figure 16 This table shows an example of water temperature, water volume, adjusted voltage value, current value, and sterilization index in the sterilization operation in the standard mode and the fine wash mode of the washing machine according to the seventh embodiment.

[0027] Description of Reference Numerals

[0028] 10 ... washing machine (clothing processing device), 12 ... water tank (clothing storage tank), 13 ... rotary tank (clothing storage tank), 30 ... electrolysis device, 31 ... electrode, 40 ... control device, 41 ... current monitoring unit, 42 ... temperature monitoring unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Configurations common to the plurality of embodiments will be designated by common reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0030] (First embodiment)

[0031] First, refer to Figures 1 to 8 , describing the first embodiment.

[0032] The washing machine 10 as a clothes processing device is as follows Figures 1 to 4As shown, it includes: an outer box 11, a water tank 12, a rotating tank 13, a rotating tank motor 14, a drainage path 15, a drainage valve 16, a water supply path 17, a water supply valve 18, a circulating water path 19, a circulating pump 20, an electrolysis device 30, and a control device 40. In addition, Figure 1 In the figure, the side of the installation surface of washing machine 10, i.e., the vertically lower side, is referred to as the lower side of washing machine 10, and the side opposite the installation surface, i.e., the vertically upper side, is referred to as the upper side of washing machine 10. Furthermore, the left-right direction when viewing washing machine 10 from the front is referred to as the left-right direction of washing machine 10. Washing machine 10 is, for example, a horizontal-axis type drum-type washing machine in which the rotation axis of rotating tub 13 is horizontally oriented, or an inclined-axis type drum-type washing machine in which the rotation axis is tilted downwardly toward the rear. In this embodiment, washing machine 10 is an inclined-axis type drum-type washing machine. Washing machine 10 may or may not have a drying function, such as a heat pump type or a heater type.

[0033] The outer box 11 is formed into a rectangular box shape as a whole by components such as steel or resin materials, forming the outer shell of the washing machine 10. The water tank 12 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape and is arranged in the outer box 11, and is elastically supported by a suspension device not shown in the figure. The rotating tank 13 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape and is arranged in the water tank 12 in a rotatable manner. In this case, the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13 function as a washing tank for storing laundry. A water tank cover not shown in the figure is arranged on the front outer periphery of the water tank 12 to block a part of the front opening of the water tank 12 to the rotating tank 13. The rotating tank motor 14 is arranged at the rear outside of the water tank 12. The rotating tank motor 14 is connected to the rotating tank 13 and rotates the rotating tank 13 by driving it.

[0034] Drain path 15 is a path for draining water from water tank 12 to the outside. One end of drain path 15 is connected to drain section 121 provided at the bottom of water tank 12, and the other end of drain path 15 is led outside washing machine 10. Drain valve 16 is, for example, an electromagnetically operable liquid on-off valve. Drain valve 16 is located downstream of drain section 121 and opens and closes drain path 15.

[0035] The water supply path 17 is a path that receives water from an external water supply source such as tap water and supplies water to the water tank 12. Specifically, the water supply path 17 is connected to the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13 from the connection port 171. The connection port 171 is connected to the external water source via, for example, a hose. The connection port 171 is provided on the top surface of the outer box 11, exposed to, for example, the inner left side. The water supply valve 18 is provided on the water supply path 17 between the connection port 171 and the water tank 12, and is used to open and close the water supply path 17. The water supply valve 18 is, for example, an on-off valve for liquids that can be opened and closed electromagnetically. A water filling box 172 is provided in the middle of the water supply path 17.

[0036] Circulating water path 19 is located inside outer casing 11 and serves as a path for water drained from water tank 12 to flow back into water tank 12 for circulation. Circulating water path 19 connects drain section 121 and drain section 22. It draws water from water tank 12 via circulation pump 20 and supplies this drawn-up water back into water tank 12 from above. Drain path 15 and circulating water path 19 share a common portion from drain section 121 to upstream. In this embodiment, drain path 15 and circulating water path 19 branch downstream of drain section 121 and upstream of drain valve 16.

[0037] Downstream of the circulation pump 20, the circulation water channel 19 extends upward, following the contour of the water tank 12 and arcing the inside of the water tank cover (not shown), until it reaches the drain 22. The drain 22 is located near the upper end of the water tank 12 and faces the interior of the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13. Downstream of the circulation pump 20, the circulation water channel 19 extends generally upward.

[0038] The circulation pump 20 is located midway along the circulating water path 19 and has the function of drawing water from the water tank 12. The circulation pump 20 is located downstream of the branch point between the drainage path 15 and the circulating water path 19. The drain section 22 is the terminal end of the circulating water path 19, that is, the end opposite the drain section 121. When the circulation pump 20 is driven with the drain valve 16 closed, the circulation pump 20 draws water from the water tank 12 through the drain section 121 and supplies the water back to the water tank 12 from the drain section 22. This allows the circulation pump 20 to circulate the water remaining in the water tank 12 through the circulating water path 19.

[0039] When the electrolysis device 30 is driven in water, it electrolyzes the reactants in the water, generating active substances with sterilizing and deodorizing effects such as free radicals, ozone, and hypochlorous acid. The electrolysis device 30 is positioned midway in the circulating waterway 19. By being located within the circulating waterway 19, the water surrounding the electrolysis device 30 is regularly replaced. This prevents the generated active ingredients from reaching saturation. Furthermore, the frequent supply of new reactants increases the total amount of active ingredients generated by the electrolysis device 30.

[0040] like Figure 5 As shown, the electrolysis device 30 comprises a pair of electrodes 31, 31 arranged facing each other. When a control device 40 applies a voltage between the electrodes 31, 31 while the electrodes 31, 31 are immersed in water, active components are generated in the water. For example, the electrodes 31, 31 can be rectangular plates plated with platinum. The generated active components are supplied to the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13 via the circulating water path 19 by the operation of the circulation pump 20.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the control device 40 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU 401 and a storage area 402 such as ROM, RAM, and rewritable flash memory, and controls the overall operation of the washing machine 10. The control device 40 is electrically connected to the rotary drum motor 14, the drain valve 16, the water supply valve 18, the circulation pump 20, and the electrolysis device 30 to control these operations.

[0042] Washing machine 10 includes a current monitoring unit 41. Current monitoring unit 41 monitors the current flowing through water supplied to the clothing storage tub. Specifically, current monitoring unit 41 monitors the current flowing between electrodes 31 when a predetermined voltage is applied between electrodes 31.

[0043] The control device 40 controls the operation of the rotary tank motor 14, the drain valve 16, the water supply valve 18, the circulation pump 20, the electrolysis device 30, and the current monitoring unit 41, and performs a sterilization operation in which water containing the active ingredients generated by the electrolysis device 30 is supplied to the clothes. During the sterilization operation, the control device 40 opens the water supply valve 18 while the drain valve 16 is closed, and supplies a predetermined amount of water to the water tank 12. In addition, the control device 40 drives the circulation pump 20 and circulates the water stored in the water tank 12 through the circulating water path 19. The water stored in the water tank 12 is Figure 3When the water level is above the minimum water level L0 shown, the electrodes 31, 31 of the electrolysis device 30 are immersed in water. The minimum water level L0 is set to at least above the bottom of the rotating tank 13. The control device 40 drives the electrolysis device 30 while the electrodes 31, 31 are immersed in water to generate active ingredients in the water. In this embodiment, the control device 40 drives the electrolysis device 30 after supplying a predetermined amount of water. In addition, as Figure 6 As shown, the control device 40 may also intermittently drive the rotary tank motor 14 at this time to agitate the clothes together with the water stored in the water tank 12 .

[0044] In this case, the sterilization effect of the sterilization operation can be expressed as a dimensionless quantity called a sterilization index. It is well known that the number of bacterial colonies reduced by the sterilization operation can be approximated as an exponential function of the product of the concentration of the active ingredient in contact with the clothing and the time the active ingredient is in contact with the clothing. In other words, it is well known that the sterilization index can be approximated as a logarithmic function of the number of bacterial colonies reduced by the sterilization operation, which can be expressed as a logarithmic function of the product of the concentration of the active ingredient in contact with the clothing and the time the active ingredient is in contact with the clothing. Furthermore, the concentration of the active ingredient is proportional to the amount of active ingredient generated by the electrolysis device 30, and the amount of active ingredient generated can be approximated as being proportional to the current value between the electrodes 31, 31.

[0045] like Figure 7 As shown in the example, the monitoring current value of the current monitoring unit 41 when the same voltage is applied between the electrodes 31, 31 varies depending on various conditions such as water quality, chlorine content in the water, water temperature, and type of detergent or other cleaning agent. Figure 7 In the example shown, when a 12V voltage is applied to electrodes 31, 31, the current value for household A is 0.5A, the current value for household B is 1.0A, and the current value for household C is 0.1A. Therefore, without adjusting the voltage applied between electrodes 31, 31, the sterilization effect of washing machine 10 during sterilization operation will vary among households A, B, and C. For example, in this example, the sterilization index of washing machine 10 for household A is 2.5, the sterilization index of washing machine 10 for household B is 5.0, and the sterilization index of washing machine 10 for household C is 0.5. As is well known, a sterilization index of 2.0 or higher indicates a sterilization effect. Therefore, in this case, it can be expected that sterilization will be effective for households A and B, while sterilization will likely be insufficient for household C.

[0046] The control device 40 performs an adjustment process. The adjustment process is a process of controlling the output of the electrolysis device 30, that is, the voltage applied between the electrodes 31, 31, based on the monitored current value of the current monitoring unit. In the adjustment process, the control device 40 adjusts the current value in such a way that the current value becomes a prescribed first reference value. The first reference value can be set, for example, in the range of about 0.4A to about 0.6A. In the present embodiment, the first reference value of the current value is set to 0.5A. In other words, the control device 40 adjusts the sterilization index in such a way that the sterilization index becomes a prescribed first reference index. The first reference index can be set, for example, in the range of 2.2 to 2.7. In the present embodiment, the first reference index is set to 2.5.

[0047] If the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41 before adjustment is less than the first reference value, the control device 40 performs an adjustment process so that the current value between the electrodes 31, 31 reaches or exceeds the first reference value. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, if the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41 before adjustment is greater than the first reference value, the control device 40 performs an adjustment process so that the current value between the electrodes 31, 31 reaches the first reference value. That is, in the present embodiment, the adjustment process is a process for adjusting the output of the electrolysis device 30 so that the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41 reaches the first reference value.

[0048] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, when the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41 before adjustment is 0.5A, the control device maintains the output of the electrolysis device 30 at 12V and the adjusted current value at 0.5A. Furthermore, when the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41 before adjustment is 1.0A, the output of the electrolysis device 30 is reduced to 6.0V and the adjusted current value is reduced to 0.5A. Furthermore, when the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41 before adjustment is 0.1A, the output of the electrolysis device 30 is increased to 60V and the adjusted current value is increased to 0.5A. As a result, the adjusted sterilization index of the washing machines 10 of households A, B, and C is adjusted to 2.5.

[0049] The control device 40 performs an adjustment process at the start of the sterilization operation. Specifically, the control device 40 performs the adjustment process based on the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41 immediately after the electrolysis device 30 is activated, that is, within a predetermined period after the electrolysis device 30 is activated. Consequently, the electrolysis device 30 is driven with the adjusted output for substantially the entire sterilization operation period, resulting in a sterilization index that satisfies a first reference index or higher. The predetermined period can be set, for example, within a range of approximately 5 to 60 seconds.

[0050] In addition, the control device 40 can select from the energy saving mode (named and Figure 8 The sterilization operation is performed by selectively selecting from a plurality of modes, including a standard (consistent) mode, a fine wash mode that improves sterilization performance compared to the standard mode. When the sterilization index in the standard mode is the first reference index, the control device 40 sets the sterilization index in the energy-saving mode to a second reference index that is smaller than the first reference index, and sets the sterilization index in the fine wash mode to a third reference index that is larger than the first reference index.

[0051] For example, when executing the standard mode, the control device 40 adjusts the output voltage applied to the electrolysis device 30 so that the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41 reaches a first reference value after the adjustment. The control device 40 adjusts the output of the electrolysis device 30 so that the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41 reaches a second reference value that is smaller than the first reference value in the energy-saving mode. Furthermore, the control device 40 adjusts the output of the electrolysis device 30 so that the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41 reaches a third reference value that is larger than the first reference value in the fine cleaning mode. For example, if the first reference value is 0.5 A, the second reference value may be set within a range of 0.4 A to 0.5 A, and the third reference value may be set within a range of 0.6 A to 1.0 A.

[0052] exist Figure 8 The output voltage value, current value, and sterilization index of the standard mode, energy-saving mode, and fine washing mode under certain conditions are shown in the figure. Under this condition, the adjusted voltage value in the standard mode is 12V, the current value is 0.5A, and the sterilization index is 2.5. The adjusted voltage value in the energy-saving mode is 9.6V, the current value is 0.4A, and the sterilization index is 2.0. The adjusted voltage value in the fine washing mode is 15V, the current value is 0.6A, and the sterilization index is 3.1. In addition, in this case, the power consumption in the standard mode is 200Wh, the power consumption in the energy-saving mode is 160Wh, and the power consumption in the fine washing mode is 250Wh. That is, the power consumption in the energy-saving mode is less than that in the standard mode or the fine washing mode, and the power consumption in the standard mode is less than that in the fine washing mode.

[0053] According to the embodiment described above, the washing machine 10, which serves as a clothing processing device, includes a water tank 12 and a rotary tank 13 serving as clothing storage tanks, an electrolysis device 30, a current monitoring unit 41, and a control device 40. The water tank 12 and the rotary tank 13 store water therein and store clothing. The electrolysis device 30 includes a pair of electrodes 31, 31 and generates active ingredients that are supplied to the water stored in the clothing storage tanks 12, 13. The current monitoring unit 41 monitors the current flowing between the pair of electrodes 31, 31. The control device 40 controls the operation of the electrolysis device 30 and performs a sterilization operation. The control device 40 controls the output of the electrolysis device 30 based on the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41.

[0054] As described above, sterilization performance is expressed as a function of the product of current value and application time. By controlling the output of the electrolysis device 30 according to the current value under various conditions, it is possible to provide a clothing treatment device that suppresses variations in sterilization performance and achieves a stable sterilization effect under various conditions.

[0055] When the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41 is smaller than a predetermined first reference value, the control device 40 executes a process of increasing the output of the electrolysis device.

[0056] When the current value is low, by increasing the output, a sterilization performance with a sterilization index of at least 1 can be ensured. Thus, a clothes processing device that can stably exert a sterilization effect under various conditions can be provided.

[0057] The sterilization operation can be selectively performed in multiple modes, including a standard mode and an energy-saving mode that further reduces power consumption compared to the standard mode. In the standard mode, the control device 40 controls the output of the electrolysis device 30 so that the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41 reaches or exceeds a predetermined first reference value. In the energy-saving mode, the control device 40 controls the output of the electrolysis device 30 so that the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41 reaches a predetermined second reference value that is lower than the first reference value.

[0058] According to this, by setting the second reference value within a range where a sterilization effect can be confirmed, a sterilization effect can be obtained, and power consumption in the energy-saving mode can be suppressed.

[0059] (Second embodiment)

[0060] Reference Figure 9A second embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, when the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41 before adjustment is less than a first reference value, the control device 40 adjusts the output of the electrolysis device 30 so that the current reaches or exceeds the first reference value. On the other hand, when the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41 before adjustment is greater than the first reference value, the output of the electrolysis device 30 is not reduced. In other words, when the current value is higher than the first reference value, even though the sterilization index is greater than the first sterilization index, the process of suppressing sterilization performance is not performed if the sterilization performance is high.

[0061] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, when the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41 before adjustment is 0.5A, the control device maintains the output of the electrolysis device 30 at 12V and the adjusted current value at 0.5A. Furthermore, when the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41 before adjustment is 1.0A, the output of the electrolysis device 30 is maintained at 12V and the adjusted current value is maintained at 1.0A. Furthermore, when the current value monitored by the current monitoring unit 41 before adjustment is 0.1A, the output of the electrolysis device 30 is increased to 60V and the adjusted current value is increased to 0.5A. As a result, the adjusted sterilization index of the washing machines 10 of households A, B, and C is adjusted to 2.5 or higher.

[0062] According to this embodiment as well, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

[0063] (Third embodiment)

[0064] Reference Figure 10 The third embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the control device 40 executes the fine cleaning mode using control different from that in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the control device 40 increases the adjusted sterilization index in the fine cleaning mode by setting the operating period in the fine cleaning mode longer than the operating period in the standard mode, or by setting the adjusted current value of the electrolysis device 30 during at least a portion of the fine cleaning mode to be higher than the adjusted current value of the electrolysis device 30 in the standard mode.

[0065] In this embodiment, the operating period of the standard mode is set to the first period. Furthermore, the operating period of the fine cleaning mode is set to be longer than the first period, being the first period + the second period. In the standard mode, during the first period between time t0 and t1, the electrolysis device 30 is driven to perform a sterilization operation in a state adjusted so that the monitoring current of the current monitoring unit 41 reaches the first reference value. Furthermore, in the fine cleaning mode, the sterilization operation is performed during the first period between time t0 and t1 and the second period between time t1 and t2. In the fine cleaning mode, the control device 40 drives the electrolysis device 30 between time t0 and t1 in a state adjusted so that the monitoring current of the current monitoring unit 41 reaches the first reference value. Between time t1 and t2, the control device 40 drives the electrolysis device 30 in a state adjusted so that the monitoring current of the current monitoring unit 41 reaches the fourth reference value that is higher than the first reference value. Therefore, in fine-wash mode, the sterilization index during the entire sterilization period is greater than that in standard mode. Furthermore, as sterilization continues, the bacterial colony count gradually decreases, with the number of colonies decreasing per unit time. By increasing the output voltage applied to the electrolysis device 30 during the second period following the first period, the efficiency of further reducing the decreased colony count can be improved.

[0066] According to this embodiment as well, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be achieved.

[0067] According to this embodiment, sterilization operation can be selectively performed from multiple modes, including a standard mode and a fine cleaning mode that improves sterilization performance compared to the standard mode. The control device 40 operates the electrolysis device 30 in the standard mode for a predetermined first period, and in the fine cleaning mode for a period longer than the predetermined first period, that is, the period after the first and second periods are combined.

[0068] Accordingly, since the sterilization index in the fine wash mode is greater than that in the standard mode, the sterilization performance can be improved compared to the standard mode.

[0069] (Fourth embodiment)

[0070] Reference Figures 11 to 13 The fourth embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, washing machine 10 includes a temperature monitoring unit 42 and a heater 50. Temperature monitoring unit 42 monitors the temperature of water in water tank 12 or water in circulating water path 19. Heater 50 is located, for example, at the bottom of water tank 12, below rotary tank 13, and heats the water in water tank 12.

[0071] Furthermore, the control device 40 performs adjustment processing in accordance with the temperature monitored by the temperature monitoring unit 42. As is well known, the reaction rate of the electrolysis reaction varies depending on the temperature of the solution. Specifically, since the resistance decreases as the temperature of the solution increases, the current generated between the electrodes 31, 31 increases when the water temperature is high compared to when it is low, for the same output voltage. Conversely, the output voltage required to achieve the same current value is lower at high temperatures than at low temperatures.

[0072] The control device 40 can selectively select from a plurality of modes including a normal temperature mode and a high temperature mode to perform a sterilization operation. In the normal temperature mode, the control device 40 uses water with a temperature lower than a specified temperature to perform a sterilization operation. In the high temperature mode, the control device 40 uses water with a temperature higher than a specified temperature to perform a sterilization operation. For example, the specified temperature can be set within a range of 40°C to 70°C. In the present embodiment, the specified temperature is set to 60°C. In the present embodiment, the control device 40 uses normal temperature water, such as 20°C water, supplied from an external water supply source in the normal temperature mode to perform a sterilization operation, and in the high temperature mode, drives the heater 50 and heats the water retained in the water tank 12 to 60°C. In addition, in other embodiments, warm water can also be supplied from an external water supply source when the high temperature mode is executed.

[0073] The control device 40 performs the adjustment process in the normal temperature mode and the high temperature mode so that the adjusted current value reaches the first reference value. That is, in the high temperature mode, the control device 40 performs the adjustment process so that the monitoring current of the current monitoring unit 41 after the adjustment process is the same as the monitoring current of the current monitoring unit 41 after the adjustment process in the normal temperature mode. Figure 14 In the example shown, the control device 40 sets the output voltage in normal temperature mode to 12 V. In this case, the current between the electrodes 31 and 31 is 0.5 A, the power consumption of the electrolysis device 30 is 6.0 W, and the sterilization index is 2.5. On the other hand, the control device 40 sets the output voltage in high temperature mode to 6.0 V. In this case, the current between the electrodes 31 and 31 is 0.5 A, the power consumption of the electrolysis device 30 is 3.0 W, and the sterilization index is 2.5.

[0074] According to this embodiment as well, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be achieved.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the washing machine 10, serving as a clothing processing device, includes a temperature monitoring unit 42 for monitoring the temperature of water stored in the clothing storage tubs 12 and 13. When the temperature monitored by the temperature monitoring unit 42 is at or above a predetermined temperature, the control device 40 reduces the output of the electrolysis device 30 compared to when the temperature monitored by the temperature monitoring unit 42 is below the predetermined temperature.

[0076] When the water temperature is high, the current value increases even with the same output voltage, and the electrolysis reaction is also promoted. Therefore, even if power consumption is reduced, the sterilization performance can be maintained. This provides a clothing treatment device that can reduce power consumption and fully exert a sterilization effect.

[0077] (Fifth embodiment)

[0078] Reference Figure 14 , the fifth embodiment will be described. Also in this embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment described above, the washing machine 10 includes a temperature monitoring unit 42 and a heater 50. Unlike the fourth embodiment described above, in this embodiment, the control device 40 does not perform adjustment processing in the high temperature mode so that the monitored current of the current monitoring unit 41 after the adjustment processing is the same as the monitored current of the current monitoring unit 41 after the adjustment processing in the normal temperature mode. In other words, in the high temperature mode, the control device 40 does not suppress the output voltage value even if the monitored current of the current monitoring unit 41 after the adjustment processing is greater than the first reference value.

[0079] For example, in Figure 14 In the example shown, the control device 40 sets the output voltage to 12 V in both normal temperature mode and high temperature mode. In this case, in normal temperature mode, the current between electrodes 31 is 0.5 A, and the sterilization index is 2.5. On the other hand, in high temperature mode, the current between electrodes 31 is 0.8 A, and the sterilization index is 4.0.

[0080] According to this embodiment as well, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be achieved.

[0081] According to this embodiment, the washing machine 10, serving as a clothing processing device, includes a temperature monitoring unit 42 for monitoring the temperature of water stored in the clothing storage tubs 12 and 13. When the temperature monitored by the temperature monitoring unit 42 is at least a predetermined temperature, the control device 40 does not reduce the output of the electrolysis device 30 compared to when the temperature monitored by the temperature monitoring unit 42 is less than the predetermined temperature.

[0082] Thus, when the water temperature is high, the current value increases even with the same output voltage value. In addition, since the electrolysis reaction of the electrolysis device 30 is promoted, the sterilization performance of the clothes processing device can be stably improved by using high-temperature water.

[0083] (Sixth embodiment)

[0084] Reference Figure 15 , describing the sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, during sterilization operation in the fine wash mode, the controller 40 sets the water level in the water tank 12 to a lower level than in the standard mode. As described above, the sterilization index depends on the concentration of the active ingredient. Furthermore, the concentration of the active ingredient depends on the amount of water remaining in the water tank 12, i.e., the water supply. Specifically, the lower the water level in the water tank 12, the higher the concentration of the active ingredient, resulting in a higher sterilization index.

[0085] For example, in Figure 15 In the example shown, the water volume in standard mode (the first water volume) is set to 20L. In this case, the adjusted output voltage is 12V, the current is 0.5A, and the sterilization index is 2.5. On the other hand, the water volume in fine wash mode (the second water volume) is set to 10L. The adjusted output voltage is 12V, the current is 0.5A, and the sterilization index is 5.0.

[0086] In the fine wash mode, the control device 40 increases the driving frequency and / or driving time of the circulation pump 20 compared to the driving frequency and / or driving time in the standard mode to perform a sterilization operation. This allows the water containing the active ingredient to more easily come into contact with the clothes, thereby enhancing the sterilization effect on the clothes.

[0087] According to this embodiment as well, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be achieved.

[0088] According to this embodiment, a sterilization operation can be selectively performed from a plurality of modes, including a standard mode and a fine-wash mode that further improves sterilization performance compared to the standard mode. In the standard mode, the control device 40 sets the amount of water supplied to the water tank 12 to a predetermined first water volume, and in the fine-wash mode, the control device 40 sets the amount of water supplied to the water tank 12 to a predetermined second water volume that is smaller than the first water volume.

[0089] According to this, in the fine wash mode, the concentration of the active ingredient is increased with a low amount of water, thereby providing a clothes treating apparatus capable of improving the sterilization effect.

[0090] (Seventh embodiment)

[0091] Reference Figure 16, the seventh embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the control device 40 also executes the fine wash mode with a lower water volume than the standard mode, similar to the sixth embodiment described above. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 40 selectively selects and executes the fine wash mode from among multiple fine wash modes, including the normal temperature fine wash mode and the high temperature fine wash mode.

[0092] In the normal temperature fine washing mode, the control device 40 uses water with a temperature lower than the specified temperature to perform the sterilization operation. In the high temperature fine washing mode, the control device 40 uses water with a temperature higher than the specified temperature to perform the sterilization operation. For example, the specified temperature can be set in the range of above 40°C and below 70°C. In the present embodiment, the specified temperature is set to 60°C. In the present embodiment, the control device 40 uses normal temperature water, such as 20°C water, supplied from an external water supply source in the normal temperature mode to perform the sterilization operation, and drives the heater 50 in the high temperature mode to heat the water retained in the water tank 12 to 60°C. In addition, in other embodiments, warm water can also be supplied from an external water supply source when the high temperature mode is executed.

[0093] For example, in Figure 16 In the example shown, the control device 40 sets the water level to 10 L in both the normal temperature and high temperature finishing modes, and the output voltage to 12 V. In this case, in the normal temperature finishing mode, the current between the electrodes 31 and 31 is 0.5 A, and the sterilization index is 5.0. On the other hand, in the high temperature finishing mode, the current between the electrodes 31 and 31 is 0.8 A, and the sterilization index is 8.0.

[0094] According to this embodiment as well, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be achieved.

[0095] According to this embodiment, sterilization operation can be selectively performed in multiple modes, including a standard mode and a fine-wash mode that improves sterilization performance compared to the standard mode. In the standard mode, the controller 40 sets the water volume supplied to the water tank 12 to a predetermined first water volume. In the fine-wash mode, the controller 40 sets the water volume supplied to the water tank 12 to a predetermined second water volume that is even smaller than the first water volume. The controller 40 uses warm water to perform sterilization operation in the fine-wash mode.

[0096] This can further enhance the sterilization effect by increasing the concentration of the active ingredient and increasing the reaction speed at high temperature. Therefore, it is possible to provide a clothing treatment device that can further sterilize clothing during fine washing.

[0097] The above-described embodiments can be implemented in appropriate combinations within the scope of the present invention.

[0098] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the electrolysis device 30 is driven continuously during the sterilization operation, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in other embodiments, the electrolysis device 30 may be configured to be driven intermittently, such as by periodically repeating ON and OFF.

[0099] Furthermore, although the clothes processing apparatus in each of the above-mentioned embodiments is a drum-type washing machine, the invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the clothes processing apparatus may also be a vertical washing machine.

[0100] While one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is provided merely as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments may be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are intended to be within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A clothing processing device, characterized in that: The clothing treatment device includes: a clothing storage tank that stores water and stores clothing; an electrolysis device that has a pair of electrodes and generates an active component that is supplied to the water stored in the clothing storage tank; and a current monitoring unit that monitors the value of the current flowing between the pair of electrodes. and a control device that controls the operation of the electrolysis device to perform sterilization operation, The control device controls the output of the electrolysis device based on the monitored current value of the current monitoring unit.

2. The clothing processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control device executes a process of increasing the output of the electrolysis device when the monitored current value of the current monitoring unit is smaller than a predetermined first reference value.

3. The clothing processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sterilization operation can be selectively performed in a plurality of modes including a standard mode and a fine washing mode which has a higher sterilization performance than the standard mode. The control device operates the electrolysis device for a predetermined period in the standard mode. In the fine cleaning mode, the electrolysis device is driven for a period longer than the predetermined period.

4. The clothing processing device according to claim 1, wherein The sterilization operation can be selectively performed in a plurality of modes including a standard mode and an energy-saving mode that can further reduce power consumption compared to the standard mode. The control device controls the output of the electrolysis device in the standard mode so that the monitored current value of the current monitoring unit reaches or exceeds a predetermined first reference value. In the energy-saving mode, the output of the electrolysis device is controlled so that the monitored current value of the current monitoring unit reaches a predetermined second reference value that is lower than the first reference value.

5. The clothing processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clothing processing apparatus includes a temperature monitoring unit for monitoring the temperature of water stored in the clothing storage tank. The control device reduces the output of the electrolysis device when the monitored temperature of the temperature monitoring unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, compared to when the monitored temperature of the temperature monitoring unit is lower than the predetermined temperature.

6. The clothing processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clothing processing apparatus includes a temperature monitoring unit for monitoring the temperature of water stored in the clothing storage tank. When the monitored temperature of the temperature monitoring unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the control device does not reduce the output of the electrolysis device compared to when the monitored temperature of the temperature monitoring unit is lower than the predetermined temperature.

7. The clothing processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sterilization operation can be selectively performed in a plurality of modes including a standard mode and a fine washing mode which has a higher sterilization performance than the standard mode. The control device sets the amount of water supplied to the clothing storage tub to a predetermined first amount of water in the standard mode, and sets the amount of water supplied to the clothing storage tub to a predetermined second amount of water that is smaller than the first amount of water in the fine wash mode.

8. The clothing processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sterilization operation in the fine wash mode is performed using warm water.

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