Washing machine

Abstract

A cleaning method, a washing machine, a dishware cleaning machine, and a toilet for cleaning an object to be cleaned with a cleaning solution obtained by mixing a surfactant and fine bubble water containing 1 * 105 or more fine bubbles having a particle size of 500 nm or less per 1 ml.

Description

[0001] The invention is a divisional application of the following application, the original application information of which is as follows: International Application Number: PCT / JP2018 / 000832 Application Number: 201880004925.X Application date: January 15, 2018 Invention Titles: Cleaning Method, Washing Machine, Dishwashing Machine, and Toilet Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to cleaning methods, washing machines, dishwashing machines, and toilets. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, microbubbles, also known as microbubbles or nanobubbles, with particle sizes ranging from tens of nm to several μm, have attracted attention, leading to the development of techniques for cleaning objects using microbubble water containing multiple microbubbles. Here, for example, when cleaning oil stains, surfactants such as detergents are generally used. However, in previous formulations, the interaction between microbubbles and surfactants has not been fully validated, and the effects resulting from this interaction have not been fully explored.

[0004] Existing technical documents: Patent documents: Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-43103 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem that the invention will solve Therefore, we provide cleaning methods that improve cleaning efficiency by inducing the interaction between microbubbles and surfactants, as well as washing machines, dishwashing machines, and toilets that use such cleaning methods.

[0006] Methods for solving problems The cleaning method of this embodiment is a cleaning method that uses a cleaning solution to clean the object. This cleaning solution is a mixture of microbubble water and a surfactant, wherein each 1 ml of the microbubble water contains 1×10⁻⁶ surfactants. 5 More than one fine bubble with a particle size of less than 500 nm.

[0007] Furthermore, the washing machine, dishwashing machine, and toilet of this embodiment use a cleaning method that cleans the object using a cleaning solution. This cleaning solution is a mixture of microbubble water and a surfactant, wherein each 1 ml of the microbubble water contains 1×10⁻⁶ surfactants. 5 More than one fine bubble with a particle size of less than 500 nm. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a graph showing the distribution of the number of fine bubbles in the fine bubble water used in a cleaning method according to one embodiment, in terms of particle size.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a graph showing the relationship between the particle size and number of fine bubbles in the fine bubble water used in a cleaning method according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a graph showing the evaluation results of cleaning performance in a table format for a cleaning method according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a graph that shows the evaluation results of cleaning performance for a cleaning method according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a microbubble generator used in a cleaning method according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The X6-X6 line represents a cross-sectional view of a microbubble generator used in a cleaning method according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates the configuration of a measurement system for measuring the number distribution of fine bubble water according to particle size in a cleaning method according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 8 It is a graph showing the results obtained by measuring the fine bubble water used in a cleaning method according to one embodiment using a measurement system.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a diagram (1) that schematically illustrates the interaction between microbubbles and surfactants in a cleaning method according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a diagram (Figure 2) that schematically illustrates the interaction between microbubbles and surfactants in a cleaning method according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a diagram (3) that schematically illustrates the interaction between microbubbles and surfactants in a cleaning method according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a diagram (4) that schematically illustrates the interaction between microbubbles and surfactants in a cleaning method according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 13This is a diagram (5) that schematically illustrates the interaction between microbubbles and surfactants in a cleaning method according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a washing machine according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment is a cleaning method that uses a cleaning solution, i.e., a surfactant solution, made by mixing fine bubble water and surfactant to clean the object. Each 1 ml of the fine bubble water contains 1×10⁻⁶ surfactants. 5 More than 1 × 10^5 microbubbles with a particle size of less than 500 nm, and more preferably, the microbubble water contains 1 × 10^5 microbubbles per ml. 5 One or more fine bubbles with a particle size of 250 nm or less. In this embodiment, the surfactant can be a naturally derived surfactant such as soap, or a synthetic surfactant contained in synthetic detergents. The soap or synthetic detergent can also be in any form, including solid, liquid, or powder.

[0024] Fine bubble water refers to water or a solution containing a large number of tiny bubbles with a diameter at the nanometer level. That is, the fine bubble water used in the cleaning method of this embodiment contains a large number of tiny bubbles with a particle size at the nanometer level compared to tap water. For example, by locally reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path through which the liquid such as water flows, the pressure of the liquid flowing through the flow path can be rapidly reduced, thereby causing dissolved air in the liquid to precipitate and generate fine bubbles. Alternatively, for example, fine bubbles can also be generated by rapidly mixing external air into the liquid such as water flowing through the flow path.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the fine bubble water used in the cleaning method of this embodiment is configured such that the maximum peak value P1 of the distribution of the number of fine bubbles with a particle size of 500 nm or less according to their diameter falls within the range of 100 nm ± 70 nm, more preferably within the range of 100 nm ± 50 nm, and even more preferably within the range of 100 nm ± 30 nm. In this case, the maximum peak value P1 of the distribution of the number of fine bubbles according to their particle size appears near a particle size of 80 nm.

[0026] Furthermore, the second peak P2 appears near a particle size of 140 nm, and the third peak P3 appears near a particle size of 110 nm. Additionally, the fourth peak P4 appears near a particle size of 50 nm, and the fifth peak P5 appears near a particle size of 220 nm. In this embodiment, the distribution of at least two peaks in the number of diameters of fine bubbles with a particle size of 500 nm or less, including the maximum peak P1, in this case, means that the maximum peak P1 and the third peak P3 fall within the range of 100 nm ± 30 nm in particle size.

[0027] The cleaning method of this embodiment uses fine bubble water in a configuration where the number of fine bubbles with a particle size in the range of 100nm ± 30nm accounts for more than 50% of the number of fine bubbles with a particle size of 500nm or less. In this embodiment, for example... Figure 2 As shown, each 1 ml of finely sparkling water contains 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ particles. 6 More than one fine bubble with a particle size of less than 500 nm, in this case, approximately 1.25 × 10⁻⁶ per ml. 6 There are approximately 8.25 × 10⁻⁶ microbubbles with a particle size of less than 500 nm. Among them, microbubbles with a particle size in the range of 100 nm ± 30 nm are present. 5 Therefore, the number of fine bubbles in water with a particle size in the range of 100nm ± 30nm accounts for approximately 66% of the number of fine bubbles with a particle size below 500nm.

[0028] The inventors of this application used the aforementioned microbubble water to verify the correlation between the number of microbubbles in the cleaning solution and the improvement rate of cleaning performance against sebum and dirt in the following order. Furthermore, the microbubbles used in this verification refer to bubbles with a particle size of 500 nm or less.

[0029] (The formulation of the polluting components of artificial sebum dirt) Using chloroform as a solvent, oleic acid and triglycerides were dissolved, and a 50% solution containing 32.5% oleic acid and 17.5% triglycerides was used as the contaminant.

[0030] (Artificial contamination and preparation of the sample) 40 ml of the above-mentioned contaminant solution was evenly soaked into a 150 mm × 200 mm cotton cloth. After being naturally dried indoors for 24 hours, the cloth was cut into 50 mm square pieces to obtain the contaminated cloth. Meanwhile, the cotton cloth that was not soaked in the contaminant solution was used as the original cloth.

[0031] (Testing Method) Use one soiled cloth as a baseline sheet that is not cleaned. Additionally, use six soiled cloths respectively with a solution containing 1.30 × 10⁻⁶... 6A cleaning solution containing 6.5 × 10⁶ microbubbles per ml. 5 A cleaning solution containing microbubbles per ml, with 3.25 × 10⁶ bubbles. 5 A cleaning solution containing 2.6 × 10⁶ microbubbles per ml. 5 A cleaning solution containing 1.60 × 10⁶ microbubbles per ml. 5 Six cleaning solutions were used, including a cleaning solution with microbubbles per ml and a cleaning solution without microbubbles. The samples were then allowed to air dry indoors for 24 hours. Evaluation samples 1-5 and a comparison sample were obtained.

[0032] Furthermore, each cleaning solution contains the same amount of detergent. Specifically, the cleaning solution used for the comparison sheet is prepared by dissolving a prescribed amount of commercially available detergent in tap water. Similarly, the cleaning solutions used for the evaluation sheets 1-5 are prepared by dissolving a prescribed amount of commercially available detergent in tap water after incorporating the aforementioned fine air bubbles. The amount of detergent dissolved is, for example, the amount specified in the detergent's instruction manual. Additionally, the cleaning of the comparison sheet and each of the evaluation sheets 1-5 is performed using a commercially available washing machine under the same operating conditions.

[0033] Next, Sudan Red was dissolved as an oil-soluble pigment in an ethanol-water solution with a mixing ratio of 13:7 (ethanol:water = 13:7) to obtain a staining solution with a concentration of 0.664 mg / ml. Then, evaluation slides 1-5 and the comparison slides were immersed in the staining solution for 15 minutes for staining. Afterward, they were rinsed in the order of ethanol-water solution and water to remove excess staining solution. Finally, the comparison slides, evaluation slides 1-5, and the comparison slides were allowed to air dry indoors for 24 hours.

[0034] Next, using a colorimeter, the color difference between the original fabric and the reference fabric was measured as the color difference of each evaluation piece 1 to 5 and the comparison piece before cleaning. Additionally, the color difference between the original fabric and each evaluation piece 1 to 5 and the comparison piece after cleaning was measured as the color difference of each evaluation piece 1 to 5 and the comparison piece. Then, the cleanliness of the evaluation pieces 1 to 5 and the comparison piece was calculated based on the following formula (1), and a comparison was made between the cleanliness of each evaluation piece 1 to 5 and the cleanliness of the comparison piece.

[0035] Cleanliness = 1 - (color difference after cleaning) / (color difference before cleaning) ... (1) The results of the experiment are expressed in Figure 3 In addition, Figure 3 The "mixing ratio" indicates that each 1 ml contains 1.30 × 10 6 The cleaning solution is prepared by mixing 100% microbubble water with tap water to produce a cleaning solution, which represents the percentage of microbubble water in the total cleaning solution. Figure 3The "fine bubble concentration" indicates the number of fine bubbles contained in each 1 ml of each cleaning solution. Furthermore, Figure 3 The “logarithm” in the text refers to the value of the fine bubble concentration of each cleaning solution, expressed using a common logarithm to the base 10.

[0036] according to Figure 3 The experimental results shown indicate that when using a solution containing 1.30 × 10⁻⁶ 6 In evaluation sample 1, which was cleaned with a cleaning solution containing 6.5 × 10⁶ microbubbles / ml, a 19.2% improvement in cleaning performance was observed compared to the comparison sample cleaned with a cleaning solution without microbubbles. Additionally, in the case of a cleaning solution containing 6.5 × 10⁶ microbubbles / ml... 5 In evaluation sample 2, which was cleaned with a cleaning solution containing fine bubbles (3.25 × 10⁶ / ml), a 13.7% improvement in cleaning performance was observed compared to the comparison sample cleaned with a cleaning solution without fine bubbles. Additionally, in the case of a cleaning solution containing 3.25 × 10⁶ / ml, the cleaning performance was improved. 5 In the evaluation sample 3, which was cleaned with a cleaning solution containing fine bubbles per ml, a 13.0% improvement in cleaning performance was observed compared to the comparison sample cleaned with a cleaning solution without fine bubbles.

[0037] In addition, when using a mixture containing 2.6 × 10 5 In evaluation sample 4, which was cleaned with a cleaning solution containing fine bubbles (1.60 × 10⁶ / ml), a 12.6% improvement in cleaning performance was observed compared to the comparison sample cleaned with a cleaning solution containing no fine bubbles. Furthermore, in the sample cleaned with a solution containing 1.60 × 10⁶ / ml fine bubbles... 5 In the evaluation sample 5, which was cleaned with a cleaning solution containing fine bubbles per ml, a 10.7% improvement in cleaning performance was observed compared to the comparison sample cleaned with a cleaning solution without fine bubbles.

[0038] Figure 4 It is about Figure 3 The graph shows evaluation samples 1-5, with the horizontal axis set to the logarithm of the number of fine bubbles in the cleaning solution and the vertical axis set to the cleaning performance improvement rate. Furthermore, in... Figure 4 In this case, with the horizontal axis representing the concentration of fine bubbles in the cleaning solution as the X-axis and the vertical axis representing the improvement rate of cleaning performance as the Y-axis, the approximate curve calculated by the least squares method can be represented by the following equation (2). In addition, the correlation coefficient R^2 in this case is 0.908.

[0039] Y=(5.02×10^(-4))X^(3.25)···(2) according to Figure 4Equation (2) and its correlation coefficient R^2 show that the cleaning performance increases roughly linearly, i.e., roughly in a straight line, with the increase of the amount of fine bubbles in the cleaning solution. That is, this experiment shows that there is a high correlation between the number of fine bubbles in the cleaning solution and the cleaning performance. Furthermore, according to Equation (2), the number of fine bubbles in the cleaning solution is 1.0 × 10^6. 5 When X = 5, the cleaning performance is improved by approximately 9.4% compared to cleaning with a conventional cleaning solution that does not contain fine bubbles. Furthermore, according to equation (2), the number of fine bubbles in the cleaning solution is 1.26 × 10⁻⁶. 5 When X = 5.1, the cleaning performance is improved by approximately 10% compared to cleaning with a conventional cleaning solution that does not contain fine bubbles. This demonstrates that by ensuring the cleaning solution contains at least 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ particles / ml, the cleaning performance is significantly improved. 5 The presence of microbubbles per ml improves cleaning performance by approximately 10% compared to cleaning with conventional cleaning solutions that do not contain microbubbles.

[0040] Here, in the above experiment, using Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The microbubble generator 10 shown generates microbubble water. The microbubble generator 10 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and is integrally formed into a cylindrical shape. The microbubble generator 10 has a throttling section 11, a straight passage 12, and a protrusion 13. The throttling section 11 and the straight passage 12 form a continuous flow path. In this case, the throttling section 11 side is the input side, and the straight passage 12 side is the output side.

[0041] The throttling section 11 is formed in a shape where the inner diameter decreases from the input side to the output side of the microbubble generator 10, that is, a so-called conical tube shape in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path, i.e., the inner diameter, gradually decreases continuously. The straight section 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape, i.e., a so-called straight tube shape, in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path, i.e., the inner diameter, does not change.

[0042] The protrusion 13 is located at the midpoint of the length of the straight passage 12. The protrusion 13 is used to generate fine bubbles in the liquid passing through the straight passage 12 by locally reducing the cross-sectional area through which water can pass. In this embodiment, multiple protrusions 13 are provided in the straight passage 12, specifically four in this case. Each protrusion 13 is composed of a rod-shaped member with a pointed tip, protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the straight passage 12 toward the center of its cross-section. The protrusions 13 are arranged at equal intervals around each other in the circumferential direction toward the cross-section of the straight passage 12.

[0043] If water flows into the microbubble generator 10 from the throttling section 11, the flow velocity is increased by utilizing the so-called Venturi effect in fluid mechanics because the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path from the throttling section 11 to the straight section 12 is reduced. Furthermore, this high-speed flow collides with the protrusion 13, causing a sharp drop in pressure. As a result, a large amount of air dissolved in the water is released as microbubbles.

[0044] When water is passed through the microbubble generator 10 once to generate microbubble water, the number of microbubbles per unit volume of the microbubble water (e.g., per 1 ml) and the distribution of the number of microbubbles by particle size are measured to evaluate the performance of the microbubble generator 10. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the situation where water is passed through the microbubble generator 10 only once to generate microbubble water is referred to as a one-pass.

[0045] use Figure 7 The measurement system 20 shown evaluates the performance of the microbubble generator 10. The measurement system 20 includes the microbubble generator 10, a water tank 21, a circulation pump 22, and piping 23 and 24 connecting the water tank 21 and the circulation pump 22. The microbubble generator 10 is located in the middle section of the piping 23 connected to the discharge side of the circulation pump 22, that is, in the middle section of the piping 23 from the circulation pump 22 to the water tank 21.

[0046] A predetermined amount, for example, 10 L of ultrapure water W is stored in water tank 21. A circulation pump 22 circulates the ultrapure water W between water tank 21 and the circulation pump 22. At this time, the ultrapure water W is applied to the microbubble generator 10 at a pressure of 0.1 MPa by the action of the circulation pump 22. As a result, microbubbles precipitate in the ultrapure water W passing through the microbubble generator 10, forming microbubble water. Furthermore, the circulation pump 22 is driven for a predetermined time, circulating the ultrapure water W through the microbubble generator 10 multiple times, thereby increasing the number of microbubbles contained in the ultrapure water W in water tank 21.

[0047] After starting the circulation pump 22, the inventors of this application collect ultrapure water W from the water tank 21 as samples at predetermined intervals, for example, approximately 10 minutes. Furthermore, the inventors of this application use a nanoparticle analysis device (NANOSIGHT LM10, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) to analyze each collected sample using a nanoparticle tracking method (also known as particle trajectory tracking method), thereby measuring the number of tiny bubbles per 1 ml.

[0048] Furthermore, the inventors of this application calculated the time required for one cycle of ultrapure water W based on the circulation flow rate of ultrapure water W and the initial storage volume in the water tank 21. In this embodiment, the time required for one cycle is approximately 1 minute. Moreover, based on the time required for one cycle and the sample collection time, the inventors of this application calculated the number of times ultrapure water W passes through the microbubble generator 10 up to the time of sample collection. In the following description, the number of times calculated in this way, that is, the number of times ultrapure water W passes through the microbubble generator 10 from the time the circulation pump 22 is activated until the time of sample collection, is referred to as the number of passes.

[0049] Figure 8 This graph is obtained by plotting each sample with the number of times it was generated on the horizontal axis and the amount of fine bubbles generated on the vertical axis. According to... Figure 8 The results show that the more the number of passes (i.e., the number of cycles of ultrapure water W) increases, the more linearly the amount of fine bubbles contained in ultrapure water W increases. That is, the more times ultrapure water W passes through the fine bubble generator 10, the more concentrated the fine bubbles in ultrapure water W become. In other words, according to... Figure 8 The results show that the number of times the microbubble generator 10 passes through, i.e. the number of times ultrapure water W is circulated, and the amount of microbubbles contained in ultrapure water W have a linear correlation.

[0050] Therefore, if the number of fine bubbles generated when a liquid such as water passes through the fine bubble generator 10 once is defined as the performance of the fine bubble generator 10 in one pass, then this performance can be calculated as follows: At any time after the start of the cycle, a sample of ultrapure water W in the water tank 21 is taken, and the number of fine bubbles contained in the sample is measured. Then, the performance of the fine bubble generator 10 in one pass is calculated by dividing the measured number of fine bubbles by the number of passes, i.e., the number of cycles, up to the sampling time. Since the performance calculated in this way, i.e., the number of fine bubbles, is obtained by averaging the number of passes based on a temporary increase in concentration, the influence of fine particles other than the resolution of the measuring device or the fine bubbles contained in the water used can be minimized, resulting in a highly accurate evaluation result.

[0051] In this embodiment, observation Figure 8 The results shown indicate that, after 10.6 cycles, approximately 1.48 × 10⁻⁶ mg / ml was generated. 7 Each bubble contains microbubbles with a diameter of less than 500 nm. Furthermore, through 20.2 cycles, approximately 2.85 × 10⁻⁶ bubbles are generated per 1 ml. 7 Each bubble contains microbubbles with a diameter of less than 500 nm. Furthermore, through 29.8 cycles, approximately 3.95 × 10⁻⁶ bubbles are generated per 1 ml. 7These results indicate that 1.3–1.4 × 10⁻⁶ microbubbles with a diameter of less than 500 nm were generated per 1 ml using a single-pass method. 6 The cleaning method of this embodiment uses a fine bubble generator 10 with a particle size of less than 500 nm. Therefore, it can be seen that the fine bubble generator 10 can generate approximately 1.3 to 1.4 × 10⁻⁶ particles per ml in a single pass under a dynamic water pressure of 0.1 MPa. 6 Microbubble water containing tiny bubbles with a particle size of less than 500nm.

[0052] Furthermore, in the aforementioned cleaning performance test, the fine bubble water obtained by passing tap water through the fine bubble generator 10 only once, i.e., the fine bubble water generated in a single pass, was defined as 100% fine bubble water. In this 100% fine bubble water, each ml contains approximately 1.3 × 10⁻⁶ particles. 6 Each particle contains fine air bubbles with a diameter of less than 500 nm. Furthermore, this 100% fine air bubble water is used as a stock solution without dilution in tap water, thereby obtaining a solution containing 1.30 × 10⁻⁶ microbubbles for use in evaluation tablet 1. 6 A cleaning solution containing 6.50 × 10⁶ microbubbles per ml was obtained by diluting 100% microbubble water to 50% with tap water. 5 A cleaning solution containing fine bubbles per ml.

[0053] In addition, by diluting 100% fine bubble water to 25% with tap water, a solution containing 3.25 × 10⁻⁶ microbubbles was obtained for use in evaluation tablet 3. 5 A cleaning solution containing 2.60 × 10⁶ microbubbles per ml was obtained by diluting 100% microbubble water to 20% with tap water. 5 A cleaning solution containing microbubbles per ml was also obtained. Furthermore, by diluting 100% microbubble water to 12.5% ​​with tap water, a solution containing 1.60 × 10⁻⁶ microbubbles was obtained for use on evaluation tablet 5. 5 A cleaning solution containing fine bubbles per ml.

[0054] Therefore, the peak value and proportion of the number distribution of fine bubbles according to particle size in the cleaning solutions used for evaluation sheets 1 to 5 are the same. That is, as described above, the maximum peak value of the number distribution of fine bubbles with a particle size of 500 nm or less in the cleaning solutions used for evaluation sheets 1 to 5 falls within the range of 100 nm ± 30 nm. In addition, as described above, the proportion of fine bubbles with a particle size of 100 nm ± 30 nm to the number of fine bubbles with a particle size of 500 nm or less in the cleaning solutions used for evaluation sheets 1 to 5 is more than 50%.

[0055] Generally speaking, fine bubbles are classified according to their particle size as follows. For example, bubbles with a particle size of a few μm to about 50 μm, i.e., micrometer-scale bubbles, are called microbubbles or microbubbles. In contrast, bubbles with a particle size of several hundred nm to less than tens of nm, i.e., nanometer-scale bubbles, are called nanobubbles or ultrafine bubbles.

[0056] If the bubble size is less than a few hundred nm to tens of nm, it cannot be visually confirmed because it is smaller than the wavelength of light, making the liquid appear transparent. Furthermore, compared to bubbles larger than micrometers, nanoscale bubbles have a larger total interfacial area, slower rising speed, and higher internal pressure. For example, micrometer-sized bubbles rise rapidly in a liquid due to buoyancy, burst at the liquid surface, and disappear, resulting in a relatively short residence time. On the other hand, nanoscale bubbles have low buoyancy and therefore a long residence time in a liquid.

[0057] The above experiments show that by introducing fine air bubbles into the cleaning solution containing dissolved surfactants, cleaning performance can be improved compared to cleaning with a regular cleaning solution that does not contain fine air bubbles. The underlying principle is as follows: ... Figure 9 As shown, typically, when surfactant 32 reaches a certain concentration or higher, the hydrophobic groups of surfactant 32 aggregate and micellize to form surfactant 32 aggregates 33. The particle size of these aggregates 33 is set to tens of nm. On the other hand, for example, fine bubbles 31 with a particle size of less than 500 nm are hydrophobic due to their negatively charged surface, thus attracting the hydrophobic groups of surfactant 32.

[0058] Therefore, if a detergent containing aggregates 33 of micellized surfactant 32 is mixed into microbubble water containing microbubbles 31 with a particle size of less than 500 nm, the energy stability of aggregates 33 is disrupted due to the hydrophobic effect of the surface of the microbubbles 31. Figure 10 As shown, the aggregate 33 is broken down, and the individual molecules of surfactant 32 are dispersed. Furthermore, the dispersed surfactant 32 molecules are adsorbed onto the surface of the microbubbles 31 through the interaction between the hydrophobic groups of surfactant 32 and the hydrophobic surface of the microbubbles 31. Thus, the surfactant 32 contained in the cleaning solution is adsorbed onto the microbubbles 31 to form a complex 34.

[0059] And, as Figure 11 As shown, the composite 34 of surfactant 32 and microbubbles 31 diffuses over a wide area of ​​the cleaning solution due to the buoyancy of the microbubbles 31. Therefore, the probability of each molecule of surfactant 32 coming into contact with, for example, sebum and dirt components 36 adhering to fibers 35 is greatly increased. Furthermore, as... Figure 12As shown, if the composite 34 of surfactant 32 and microbubbles 31 approaches the dirt component 36, the energy stability of surfactant 32 and microbubbles 31 is disrupted due to the hydrophobic effect of the surface of dirt component 36, resulting in deformation or rupture of microbubbles 31. Consequently, the molecules of surfactant 32 separate and adsorb onto dirt component 36, and due to the impact caused by the rupture of microbubbles 31, dirt component 36 is easily lifted and peeled off from fiber 35.

[0060] At this point, surfactant 32 enters the gap between dirt component 36 and fiber 35, generated by the impact of the bursting of microbubbles 31, promoting the emulsification of dirt component 36. Furthermore, surfactant 32 acquires and emulsifies dirt component 36, thereby peeling dirt component 36 from fiber 35, thus exerting its cleaning ability. In this way, microbubbles 31 bring out the cleaning ability of surfactant 32.

[0061] The cleaning method of this embodiment is, for example, as follows: Figure 14 The washing machine 40 shown can be applied to washing machines. The washing machine 40 includes an outer casing 41, a top cover 42, a water tank 43, a rotating drum 44, a pulsator 45, a motor 46, a water injection device 50, and a microbubble generator 10. The washing machine 40 is a so-called vertical axis type washing machine where the rotation axis of the rotating drum 44 faces vertically. However, the washing machine is not limited to the vertical axis type; it can also be a so-called front-loading washing machine where the rotation axis of the rotating drum is horizontal or inclined downwards towards the rear.

[0062] The water injection device 50 is located on the upper part of the outer casing 41 and inside the top cover 42. The water injection device 50 includes a first water supply valve 51, a second water supply valve 52, a third water supply valve 53, a connection port 54, a water injection box 60, and a microbubble generator 10. That is, in the washing machine 40, the microbubble generator 10 is assembled into the water injection device 50 as a component of the water injection device 50.

[0063] The connector 54 is connected to a water source such as a tap via a flexible hose (not shown). Multiple downstream branches of the connector 54 are connected to the water inlet box 60 via water supply valves 51, 52, and 53. In this embodiment, the connector 54 has three downstream branches, each connected to the water inlet box 60 via a water supply valve 51, 52, and 53.

[0064] Water inlet 60 receives water supplied from connection port 54 and fills the water into water tank 43 and rotating tank 44 through water inlet 61. Water inlet 60 has a pull-out detergent dispenser 62 and fabric softener dispenser 63. Detergent dispenser 62 is filled with detergent, and fabric softener dispenser 63 is filled with fabric softener.

[0065] In this configuration, when the first water supply valve 51 is opened, tap water supplied from the faucet (not shown) to the connection port 54 is transformed into microbubble water containing microbubbles by the microbubble generator 10 and supplied to the detergent dispenser 62 inside the water filling box 60. The microbubble water supplied to the detergent dispenser 62 by the microbubble generator 10 flows to the bottom of the water filling box 60, and then fills the water tank 43 and rotating drum 44 from the water inlet 61. If detergent is contained in the detergent dispenser 62, the detergent dissolves in the microbubble water supplied to the detergent dispenser 62, and thus flows from the water inlet 61 into the water tank 43 and rotating drum 44.

[0066] Similarly, if the second water supply valve 52 is opened, tap water supplied from the faucet (not shown) to the connection port 54 is supplied to the detergent dispenser 62 inside the water filling box 60. The tap water supplied to the detergent dispenser 62 flows to the bottom of the water filling box 60, and then flows from the water inlet 61 into the water container 43 and the rotating drum 44. At this time, if detergent is contained in the detergent dispenser 62, the detergent dissolves in the tap water supplied to the detergent dispenser 62, and thus flows from the water inlet 61 into the water container 43 and the rotating drum 44.

[0067] In this embodiment, finely bubbled water supplied through the fine bubble generator 10 by opening the first water supply valve 51, and tap water supplied without passing through the fine bubble generator 10 by opening the second water supply valve 52, mix in the water inlet box 60 or the water tank 43 to form the washing liquid. In this case, the washing machine 40 can adjust the mixing ratio of finely bubbled water and tap water in the washing liquid by adjusting the opening and closing times or timing of the first water supply valve 51 and the second water supply valve 52. Therefore, the concentration of fine bubbles in the washing liquid can be adjusted arbitrarily.

[0068] Additionally, if the third water supply valve 53 is opened, tap water supplied from the faucet (not shown) to the connection port 54 is supplied to the fabric softener cartridge 63 inside the water filling box 60. The tap water supplied to the fabric softener cartridge 63 flows down to the bottom of the water filling box 60, and then flows from the water inlet 61 into the water container 43 and the rotating drum 44. At this time, if fabric softener is contained in the fabric softener cartridge 63, the fabric softener dissolves in the tap water supplied to the fabric softener cartridge 63, and thus flows from the water inlet 61 into the water container 43 and the rotating drum 44. Furthermore, a microbubble generator 10 may be further installed in the path of the third water supply valve 53.

[0069] Furthermore, when the washing machine 40 contains washing liquid in the water tank 43 and the rotating drum 44, the motor 46 drives the impeller 45 to rotate, agitating the laundry in the rotating drum 44 to perform the washing action. In this case, tap water is applied to the microbubble generator 10 instead of recycled water. That is, in this embodiment, the microbubble water used in the washing liquid is generated by passing tap water through the microbubble generator 10 once, i.e., generated in a single pass. Alternatively, the microbubble generator 10 can be located midway through the circulation path of the washing liquid within the washing machine 40. Accordingly, by passing the washing liquid through the microbubble generator 10 multiple times, the concentration of microbubbles in the washing liquid can be further increased.

[0070] According to the cleaning method and washing machine 40 described above, the object to be cleaned is cleaned using a cleaning solution made by mixing microbubble water and surfactants such as detergent, wherein each 1 ml of the microbubble water contains 1×10 5 More than one tiny bubble with a particle size of less than 500 nm.

[0071] Accordingly, the number and size of the microbubbles can be made suitable for surfactant-based cleaning. This allows the full effect of the interaction between the microbubbles and the surfactant to be brought into play, resulting in improved cleaning efficiency compared to cleaning with a cleaning solution that does not contain microbubbles.

[0072] Microbubbles carry a negative charge on their surface. Furthermore, the smaller the particle size (diameter) of the microbubble, the greater the negative charge on its surface. Therefore, smaller particle sizes make it easier for microbubbles to adsorb surfactants, resulting in the formation of surfactant aggregates. However, if the particle size of the microbubble decreases, its surface area decreases, and thus the amount of surfactant that a single microbubble can adsorb decreases.

[0073] In contrast, in the cleaning method of this embodiment and the microbubble water used in the washing machine 40, the maximum peak value of the number distribution of microbubbles with a particle size of 500 nm or less is within the range of 100 nm ± 30 nm. Accordingly, the adsorption capacity of surfactants based on the electrical properties of microbubbles and the adsorption amount of surfactants based on the size of microbubbles can be appropriately balanced. As a result, the effects of the interaction between microbubbles and surfactants can be more effectively brought out.

[0074] Furthermore, in the cleaning method of this embodiment and the microbubble water used in the washing machine 40, the proportion of microbubbles with a particle size in the range of 100nm ± 30nm to the proportion of microbubbles with a particle size of 500nm or less reaches 50% or more. This allows for a more appropriate state in terms of the adsorption capacity of surfactants based on the electrical properties of microbubbles and the adsorption amount of surfactants based on the size of microbubbles. As a result, the effects of the interaction between microbubbles and surfactants can be more effectively brought out.

[0075] Furthermore, the cleaning method of this embodiment and the microbubble water used by the washing machine 40 are generated by passing tap water through the microbubble generator 10 once. Therefore, compared to generating microbubble water by passing tap water through the microbubble generator 10 multiple times, the supply time of the microbubble water can be shortened. As a result, the cleaning time can be shortened.

[0076] Furthermore, the cleaning method described above is not limited to the washing machine 40; it can also be applied to dishwashing machines and toilets.

[0077] When the cleaning method described above is applied to a dishwashing machine, the dishwashing machine uses, for example, the microbubble water generated by the microbubble generator 10 to clean the tableware. In this case, the microbubble generator 10 only needs to be located midway through the water supply path for supplying tap water from the tap to the dishwashing machine or midway through the circulation path for circulating the water supplied to the dishwashing machine. Thus, microbubble water containing microbubbles, generated by the microbubble generator 10, is supplied to the dishwashing machine. Furthermore, within the dishwashing machine, the microbubble water mixes with dishwashing detergent, thereby effectively bringing out the effect of the interaction between the microbubbles and the surfactant, as described above.

[0078] Furthermore, when the cleaning method described above is applied to a toilet, the toilet is cleaned, for example, using microbubble water generated by the microbubble generator 10. In this case, the microbubble generator 10 only needs to be located midway in the water supply path for supplying tap water from the tap to the toilet. Thus, microbubble water containing microbubbles, generated by the microbubble generator 10, is supplied to the toilet. Furthermore, the detergent added to the toilet, for example when the user cleans the toilet, mixes with the microbubble water supplied to the toilet, thereby effectively bringing out the effect of the interaction between the microbubbles and the surfactant, as described above. In this case, the toilet may also have a mechanism that automatically supplies detergent and microbubble water together into the toilet.

[0079] While one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This new embodiment can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A washing machine, wherein, have: Connection port, for connecting to the water supply source; Microbubble generator; and Water bucket; Microbubble water is injected into the water tank through the connection port via the microbubble generator. Each 1 ml of the microbubble water contains 1×10⁻⁶ particles. 5 More than one fine bubble with a particle size of less than 500 nm.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, In the microbubble water, the maximum peak value of the distribution of microbubbles with a diameter of less than 500 nm according to the number of diameters is within the range of 100 nm ± 30 nm.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, In the microbubble water, at least two peaks, including the largest peak, in the distribution of microbubbles with a diameter of less than 500 nm fall within the range of 100 nm ± 30 nm.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein, It also has: The water injection box injects water supplied from the connection port into the water tank through the water inlet. The microbubble water that has passed through the microbubble generator is supplied to the detergent dispenser in the water injection box, where it mixes with the detergent contained in the detergent dispenser and is then injected into the water tank.

5. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The microbubble water is produced by passing tap water through the microbubble generator once.

6. A washing machine, wherein, have: Connection port, for connecting to the water supply source; A first water supply valve and a second water supply valve are provided on the downstream side of the connection port; Microbubble generator; and Water bucket; When the first water supply valve is opened, the tap water supplied to the connection port passes through the microbubble generator and becomes microbubble water containing microbubbles, which is then supplied to the water tank. When the second water supply valve is opened, the tap water supplied to the connection port does not pass through the microbubble generator and is supplied to the water tank. Adjust the opening and closing time or timing of the first water supply valve and the second water supply valve to adjust the mixing ratio of the fine bubble water and the tap water in the washing liquid.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein, It also has: The water injection box injects water supplied from the connection port into the water tank through the water inlet. The microbubble water that has passed through the microbubble generator is supplied to the detergent dispenser in the water injection box, where it mixes with the detergent contained in the detergent dispenser and is then injected into the water tank.

8. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein, The microbubble water contains 1×10 per 1 ml. 5 More than one fine bubble with a particle size of less than 500 nm.

9. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein, The number of fine bubbles in the water with a particle size of 100nm ± 30nm accounts for more than 50% of the number of fine bubbles with a particle size of less than 500nm.

10. A washing machine, wherein, have: Connection port, for connecting to the water supply source; Water bucket; The water injection box injects water supplied from the connection port into the water tank through the water inlet. as well as A microbubble generator transforms the passing water into microbubble water containing tiny air bubbles. The microbubble generator is located midway through the circulation path that circulates the washing liquid.

11. The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein, The microbubble water contains 1×10 per 1 ml. 5 More than one fine bubble with a particle size of less than 500 nm.

12. The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein, The number of fine bubbles in the water with a particle size of 100nm ± 30nm accounts for more than 50% of the number of fine bubbles with a particle size of less than 500nm.

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