Cleaning assisting tool for washing

Abstract

To provide a cleaning assisting tool for washing 5 that improves cleaning effect with a specified amount or less of detergent use amount without generating soap scum and has sterilizing effect.SOLUTION: Crushed zeolite rocks 2 are enclosed in a bag body 1. A helical wire 3 formed of narrow belt-shaped copper alloy wiring body is wound multiple times around and fixed to a whole area of an outside surface of the bag body 1 so that pressure can be applied from the whole area of the outside surface of the bag body 1 toward an inside center of the bag body 1. The bag body is further enclosed in a net bag 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry cleaning aid that is placed in the water of a washing tub to remove contaminants adhering to textile products made of cotton, synthetic fibers, etc., and that enables the amount of detergent used to be reduced to about half the amount recommended by the manufacturer. [Background technology]

[0002] When washing vegetable fiber products such as cotton and hemp, or synthetic fiber products at home, dirt adhering to the washed items is removed by soaking and stirring the items in the detergent solution obtained by adding commercially available synthetic detergent to the washing tub of a washing machine filled with water. The detergent forms micelles in water by reducing the interfacial tension, emulsifies the contaminants adhering to the washed items when it comes into contact with them, and removes them from the washed items by the action of the stirred water flow in the washing tub of the washing machine, thereby achieving a cleaning effect. Commercially available synthetic detergents generally contain soap obtained by saponifying oils and fats with alkali hydroxide and linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, and the wastewater has a large load of BOD, COD, etc., which has a negative effect on the ecosystem of the natural environment and causes environmental pollution. Sewage treatment is usually performed by coagulation sedimentation, filtration, and activated sludge treatment, but synthetic detergents have poor purification efficiency due to their interfacial activity, and physical treatment is required to cut and separate the chain bonds of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, which requires large-scale equipment. If washing with water after washing with detergent is insufficient, the detergent remaining on the textile product may induce allergic symptoms in the human body, and soap scum may adhere to the textile product. Considering the environmental issues and the impact on the human body, there is a demand from society for further reduction in the amount of specified detergent used in washing.

[0003] Conventionally, a laundry cleaning aid has been proposed in which particles containing 50% or more by weight of simple magnesium metal or particles containing 100% by weight are enclosed in a water-permeable mesh bag (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 is such that magnesium particles generate hydrogen in the washing liquid, and this hydrogen promotes the dirt-removing action of the surfactant. When magnesium is added to water, it generates a small amount of hydrogen, reduces hydrogen ions, and makes the water alkaline. Alkaline water has the effect of denaturing sebum and proteins, and this denaturing action acts similarly to that of detergent, so that the cleaning power is improved. In addition, the smell of damp laundry is reduced by enhancing the denaturing action of sebum and proteins. However, when magnesium is present in water, magnesium reacts with water to generate hydrogen, while magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) crystallizes, and there is a problem in that the crystallized magnesium hydroxide adheres to the aluminum fins of the washing machine and corrodes them.

[0004] It has been proposed to improve the washing effect by mechanically stirring laundry stones containing magnesium sealed in a mesh bag together with the laundry to be washed in water with or without detergent (see, for example, Patent Document 2). All laundry stones disclosed in Patent Document 2 use natural ores containing magnesium. Therefore, when natural ores containing magnesium are added to tap water, the pH rises and the tap water becomes weakly alkaline (see the description in paragraph 0009 of the "Description" of Patent Document 2). Weakly alkaline water has the effect of denaturing sebum and protein, and this denaturing effect is similar to that of detergent. Therefore, the invention disclosed in Patent Document 2, like the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, has the problem that crystallized magnesium hydroxide adheres to the aluminum fins of the washing machine and corrodes them.

[0005] The inventions disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 involve the coexistence of magnesium in water to increase the surface activity of soap and detergent, thereby reducing the amount of detergent used. Although the invention has an antibacterial effect that creates an environment that is difficult for bacteria that cause the laundry to smell damp to live in, it does not have a disinfecting effect, and there is a problem that the laundry will smell damp if it is left to dry after washing. Currently, the only ways to solve the damp smell of washed textile products are to use bleach or to immerse the items to be washed in water at 60°C or higher (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). In addition, there is a problem that magnesium ions react with soap to produce soap scum, which increases the amount and frequency of rinsing water used to remove the soap scum. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5312663 [Patent Document 2] JP 2004-238602 A [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] Mami, "What is that smell of damp laundry? If you know what it is, you'll know what to be careful of!", [online], June 20, 1993, Yahoo! News, [searched October 31, 1993], Internet<https: / / news.yahoo.co.jp / expert / articles / f1f48462dc3fd18992566f14b43a6a28a0cf5fa0> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The problems that the invention aims to solve are that magnesium may adhere to the aluminum fins of a washing machine and cause corrosion, that soap scum is generated, and that bacteria including Moraxella, which causes a damp smell, remain alive in textile products even after rinsing, causing the proliferation of bacteria in washed textile products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The invention described in claim 1 is characterized in that crushed zeolite is enclosed in a bag made of a water-permeable material, a spiral made of a copper alloy thin strip wire is wound around the entire outer surface of the bag, and the restoring force of the spiral wire applies pressure from the entire outer surface of the bag toward the inside center of the bag to prevent the crushed zeolite from moving within the bag, and the zeolite-encapsulated bag with the copper alloy spiral wire wound around it is sealed in a mesh bag to prevent the copper alloy spiral wire from coming into contact with the clothes being washed in the washing tub and being damaged. The invention as recited in claim 2 is characterized in that the copper alloy helical wire as recited in claim 1 is a helical wire made of an alloy of copper and zinc. Effect of the Invention

[0010] Sodium ions in zeolite (Na + ) in tap water is calcium ion (Ca 2+ ) and magnesium ions (Mg 2+ ) reduces the water hardness, softens tap water, and improves cleaning effectiveness.

[0011] Since calcium ions and magnesium ions are no longer present in the water in the washing tub, metal soaps (soap scum) such as calcium salts and magnesium salts are not generated, making it possible to reduce the number of rinsing cycles after washing. In addition, since soap scum does not adhere to the washing tub of the washing machine, there is also no risk of mold growth.

[0012] Since the metal helical wire is wound around the entire outer surface of the zeolite-encapsulated bag, the zeolite does not move within the bag and the zeolite surfaces do not rub against each other, so that the surface portion does not turn into powder and peel off.

[0013] Since the helix is ​​made of a copper alloy thin ribbon-shaped wire, the generated active oxygen molecular species inhibits the proliferation of bacteria, and prevents the generation of a damp odor caused by residual bacteria. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a laundry cleaning auxiliary tool (Example 1). [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laundry cleaning aid (Example 1). [Diagram 3] Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 2 (Example 1). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The use of zeolite improves surface activity, reducing the amount of detergent used and significantly reducing the amount of soap scum produced. By wrapping a copper alloy helical wire around the entire outer surface of the zeolite-encapsulated bag, it is possible to sterilize the water in the washing tub while preventing the zeolite inside the bag from moving or being damaged. EXAMPLES

[0016] Example 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. Zeolite crushed stones 2 are enclosed inside the bag 1. The zeolite crushed stones 2 have a particle size of about 3 to 15 mm. The type of zeolite is not limited, but it is preferable to use a type with high ion exchange capacity. The bag 1 is made of a material having chemical resistance, water resistance, abrasion resistance, and water permeability, and specific examples thereof include nonwoven fabric, a synthetic resin sheet with pores less than 1 mm in diameter, and a fine mesh body made of polyester fiber. The bag 1 with the zeolite crushed stones 2 enclosed inside has a bale shape. The opening of the bag 1 is closed by a means such as heat welding. The helical winding 3 is wound around the entire outer surface of the bag 1 with the zeolite crushed stones 2 enclosed inside in several layers. The helical winding 3 is made of a copper alloy of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), and it is preferable that the copper content is 60% by weight or more. In particular, an alloy of copper and zinc with a copper content of about 78.5 to 96.0% is suitable. The helix 3 is a flat free length strip of copper alloy wire wound into a helical coil of the same diameter. As a specific example, a copper alloy wire with a wire diameter of 0.13 to 0.18 mm is rolled using a roller to flatten it, and then curled to an outer diameter of about 5.0 mm. The helix 3 made of a single flat copper alloy wire is crimped to the body of the bag body 1 from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the bag body 1, and the helix 3 is wound multiple times in contact with each other, so that it is overlapped and wound in layers. The helix 3 is arranged on each side of the bag body 1 by overlapping and laminating the helix 3 continuing from the body of the bag body 1, which is spirally wound along the shapes of the left and right sides.

[0017] The bag body 1 with the helical wire 3 wound thereon and the crushed zeolite stone 2 enclosed therein is enclosed in a water-permeable mesh bag 4. The mesh bag 4 is preferably made of polyester fiber. To prevent the mesh bag 4 from opening during use, the opening may be crimped to prevent the zipper pull from moving, or the opening may be sealed by heat welding or sewing.

[0018] Next, the operation and effects will be described. The laundry cleaning aid 5 is used by hanging it on the wall below the desired water level in the washing tub, or by simply dropping it in and leaving it there from the start of the washing machine to the final spin-drying. When the laundry cleaning aid 5 is placed in the water in the washing tub, the crushed zeolite stone 2 reacts with the calcium ions (Ca 2+ ) and magnesium ions (Mg 2+ ) in the crushed zeolite stone 2, and the sodium ions (Na + ) to reduce water hardness. By removing calcium ions and magnesium ions that reduce the activity of surfactants used in laundry detergents, water is softened, in other words, the water is made alkaline, sebum and proteins are denatured, and the surface activity of soap and detergent is increased, resulting in a reduction in the amount of detergent used. Zeolite's pores also have the effect of adsorbing and removing contaminants and germs in the water. Furthermore, since no metal soaps such as calcium salts and magnesium salts are produced in the washing tub, aluminum fins and the like are not damaged, and the life of the washing tub can be extended. Furthermore, white stains from metal soaps do not adhere to textile products after washing, resulting in a beautiful wash.

[0019] The helical wire 3 wound around the curved portion of the bag body 1 in which the crushed zeolite stones 2 are enclosed is urged by the restoring force of the helical wire 3 toward the inside of the curved portion of the helical wire 3, in other words, toward an interior angle of less than 180° formed by the axial line of the helical wire 3. That is, the restoring force of the helical wire 3 fixes the crushed zeolite stones 2 inside the bag body 1 so that they do not move. The crushed zeolite stones 2 are pressed against each other by the restoring force of the helical wire 3, and their positions are fixed, and they do not move even with the water flow in the washing tub. As a result, even if the surface of the crushed zeolite stones 2 becomes brittle, the crushed zeolite stones 2 do not rub against each other, so the crushed zeolite stones 2 are not easily powdered, and there is an effect that the situation of zeolite powder adhering to the textile product after washing does not occur, and the finish is beautiful.

[0020] The helix 3 is made of a copper alloy. Therefore, a small amount of copper contained in the helix 3 dissolves into the water in the washing tub and ionizes, generating active oxygen molecular species with strong oxidizing power. The copper ions in the water have the effect of decomposing target molecules such as bacteria, sterilizing live bacteria, and inhibiting bacterial growth. As a result, there is an effect of not generating a damp odor caused by residual bacteria. Test Example 1

[0021] A laundry cleaning aid 5 was used for the laundry test, in which 50g of crushed zeolite stones 2 with a particle size of about 3 to 6 mm were enclosed in a drawstring bag made of 100% hemp plain weave fabric, and the entire outer surface of the drawstring bag was wrapped with a helical coil 3 of about 5.0 mm in diameter made of 30g of flat copper wire with a mixture ratio of 80% copper and 20% zinc, and the resultant coil was enclosed in a 100% polyester mesh bag 4. The laundry test was carried out using this test laundry cleaning aid 5. Soy sauce, sauce, chili oil, meat sauce, and curry roux were applied to pieces of 100% cotton fabric as contaminants and left at room temperature for 24 hours, and wet artificially contaminated cloth were also used as test pieces. The soy sauce used was freshly squeezed raw soy sauce (product name of Kikkoman Corporation), the sauce used was medium-thick sauce (product name of Bulldog Sauce Co., Ltd.), the chili oil used was chili oil (product name of S&B Foods Co., Ltd.), the meat sauce used was carefully simmered meat umami meat sauce (product name of FamilyMart Co., Ltd.), the curry roux used was Curry-ya Curry (product name of House Foods Co., Ltd.), and the wet artificially soiled cloth (Souritsu Co., Ltd.) was used. The liquid detergent Attack ZERO (product name of Kao Corporation) was used as the laundry detergent. The laundry detergent used was a half amount of detergent specified by the detergent manufacturer, and the laundry detergent cleaning aid for the test of Example 1 was used, and the laundry detergent was added in the amount specified by the detergent manufacturer. The laundry was washed in a pulsator washing machine according to the JIS-L-0217 method, and the cleaning power was evaluated and compared with the naked eye. The evaluation method was a 9-level classification from grade 1 to grade 5, and the higher the grade, the higher the cleaning power. The results are shown in Table 1 below. It can be seen that, when the laundry cleaning auxiliary tool of Example 1 is used, the amount of detergent used is half that specified by the manufacturer. It was confirmed that, when the laundry cleaning auxiliary tool of Example 1 is used, the amount of detergent used can be reduced by half, and environmental pollution of water systems can be reduced.

[0022] [Table 1] [Explanation of symbols]

[0023] 1 bag body 2 Zeolite Crushed Stone 3 Helical Winding 4 Net bag 5. Laundry cleaning aids

Claims

1. The crushed zeolite stones are enclosed in a bag made of a water-permeable material, A helical wire made of a copper alloy thin strip is wound around the entire outer surface of the bag body, and the restoring force of the helical wire presses the entire outer surface of the bag body toward the center of the inside of the bag body, preventing the crushed zeolite from shifting position within the bag body. This washing aid is characterized in that a zeolite-containing bag body with a copper alloy helix wound thereon is enclosed in a mesh bag so that the copper alloy helix does not come into contact with the article to be washed in the washing tub and is not damaged.

2. 2. The laundry cleaning assistant according to claim 1, wherein the copper alloy helical wire is a copper-zinc alloy helical wire.

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