Clothing treatment device

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment device which suppresses variation in sterilization performance, and which can exhibit a sterilization effect stably under various conditions.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment device includes: a clothing storage tub for storing water and storing clothing inside; an electrolysis device having a pair of electrodes and generating active components to be supplied to the water stored in the clothing storage tub; a current detection part for detecting a current value flowing between the pair of electrodes; and a control device for controlling the operation of the electrolysis device and executing a sterilization operation. The control device controls an output of the electrolysis device based on a detected current value of the current detection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothing treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, washing machines that use electrolyzed water, softened water, or water with dissolved metal ions have been considered for washing. The use of electrolyzed water, softened water, or metal ion water is expected to improve disinfecting and cleaning effects and detergent solubility.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a metal ion elution unit that elutes metal ions into water, the unit comprising: at least one first electrode that is either an anode or a cathode; at least one second electrode that is disposed opposite the first electrode and has a polarity different from that of the first electrode; a drive means that applies a voltage between the first and second electrodes to elute 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 detection means that detects at least one of hardness, chloride ion concentration, and electrical conductivity. The control unit periodically reverses the polarity of the first and second electrodes, and when at least one of hardness, chloride ion concentration, and electrical conductivity detected by the water quality detection means is below a predetermined value, the control unit performs constant current control, and when at least one of hardness, chloride ion concentration, and electrical conductivity detected by the water quality detection means is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit performs constant voltage control. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-13505 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When sterilization is carried out by supplying an active ingredient produced by electrolysis, the sterilization performance varies depending on the concentration of the active ingredient.

[0006] To provide a clothing treatment device that can suppress variations in sterilization performance and exhibit a stable sterilization effect under various conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The clothing treatment device according to the present invention includes a clothing storage tub for storing water and storing clothing therein, an electrolyzer having a pair of electrodes for generating active ingredients to be supplied to the water stored in the clothing storage tub, a current detector for detecting the value of a current flowing between the pair of electrodes, and a control device for controlling the operation of the electrolyzer to perform a sterilization operation. The control device controls the output of the electrolyzer based on the current value detected by the current detector. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an example of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an example of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional side view schematically illustrating a configuration of an example of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an electrolysis device of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 6] An example of a timing chart showing the operation of each component in a sterilization operation of the washing machine according to the first embodiment [Figure 7] Table showing examples of voltage values, current values, and sterilization indices before and after adjustment under various conditions of the washing machine according to the first embodiment [Figure 8] 1 is a table showing an example of voltage values, current values, power consumption amounts, and sterilization indices after adjustment of sterilization operations in a normal course, an energy-saving course, and a thorough course of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9]Table showing examples of voltage values, current values, and sterilization indices before and after adjustment under various conditions of the washing machine according to the second embodiment [Figure 10] An example of a timing chart of sterilization operation in a normal course and a thorough course of a washing machine according to a third embodiment [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional side view schematically illustrating a configuration of an example of a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] Table showing an example of water temperatures, adjusted voltage values, current values, power consumption, and sterilization indexes in sterilization operations in the normal temperature course and the high temperature course of a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] Table showing an example of water temperatures, adjusted voltage values, current values, and sterilization indices in the sterilization operation in the normal temperature course and the high temperature course of the washing machine according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] Table showing an example of the amount of water used in the sterilization operation in the normal course and the thorough course of the washing machine according to the sixth embodiment, as well as the adjusted voltage value, current value, and sterilization index. [Figure 16] 10 is a table showing an example of the water temperature, water volume, adjusted voltage value, current value, and sterilization index in the sterilization operation of the normal course and the thorough course of the washing machine according to the seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Components common to several embodiments will be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0010] (First embodiment) A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a washing machine 10 serving as a laundry treatment device includes an outer case 11, a water tub 12, a rotating tub 13, a rotating tub motor 14, a drainage path 15, a drainage valve 16, a water supply path 17, a water supply valve 18, a circulation water channel 19, a circulation pump 20, an electrolyzer 30, and a control device 40. In FIG. 1, the installation surface side of the washing machine 10, i.e., the vertically lower side, is defined as the lower side of the washing machine 10, and the opposite side of the installation surface, i.e., the vertically upper side, is defined as the upper side of the washing machine 10. The left-right direction when viewed from the front of the washing machine 10 is defined as the left-right direction of the washing machine 10. The washing machine 10 may be, for example, a horizontal-axis type in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub 13 is horizontal, or an inclined-axis type in which the rotation axis is tilted downward toward the rear. In this embodiment, the washing machine 10 is an inclined-axis type drum washing machine. The washing machine 10 may or may not have a drying function, such as a heat pump or heater.

[0011] Outer case 11 is made of, for example, steel or resin and has an overall rectangular box shape, constituting the outer shell of washing machine 10. Water tub 12 is cylindrical with a bottom, disposed within outer case 11, and resiliently supported by a suspension (not shown). Rotating tub 13 is cylindrical with a bottom, disposed rotatably within water tub 12. In this case, water tub 12 and rotating tub 13 function as a washing tub for storing laundry. A water tub cover (not shown) is disposed around the front periphery of water tub 12, partially closing the front openings of water tub 12 and rotating tub 13. Rotating tub motor 14 is disposed outside and behind water tub 12. Rotating tub motor 14 is connected to rotating tub 13 and drives it to rotate.

[0012] Drain path 15 is a path for draining water from water tub 12 to the outside. One end of drain path 15 is connected to drain section 121 provided at the bottom of water tub 12, and the other end is drawn out to the outside of washing machine 10. Drain valve 16 is configured, for example, as an on-off valve for liquid that can be opened and closed electromagnetically. Drain valve 16 is provided downstream of drain section 121 and opens and closes drain path 15.

[0013] Water supply path 17 is a path that receives water from an external water source, such as a water line, and supplies the water to water tub 12. Specifically, water supply path 17 connects connection port 171 to water tub 12 and rotating tub 13. Connection port 171 is connected to the external water source, for example, via a hose. Connection port 171 is provided on the top surface of outer casing 11 so as to be exposed, for example, at the left rear portion. Water supply valve 18 is provided in water supply path 17 between connection port 171 and water tub 12, and opens and closes water supply path 17. Water supply valve 18 is, for example, an on-off valve for liquid that can be opened and closed electromagnetically. A water filling case 172 is provided midway along water supply path 17.

[0014] Circulation water channel 19 is provided inside outer casing 11 and is a channel for circulating water drained from water tank 12 by discharging it back into water tank 12. Circulation water channel 19 is a channel connecting drain section 121 and water discharge section 22, and is a channel for pumping up water stored in water tank 12 with circulation pump 20 and supplying the pumped water back into water tank 12 from above. Drainage channel 15 and circulation water channel 19 share a section from drain section 121 to a portion upstream. In this embodiment, drainage channel 15 and circulation water channel 19 branch off downstream of drain section 121 and upstream of drain valve 16.

[0015] Downstream of the circulation pump 20, the circulation water passage 19 extends upward, tracing an arc along the outer shape of the water tub 12 and inside the water tub cover (not shown), to the water discharge section 22. The water discharge section 22 is provided near the upper end of the water tub 12 and faces the inside of the water tub 12 and the rotating tub 13. Downstream of the circulation pump 20, the circulation water passage 19 extends generally upward.

[0016] Circulation pump 20 is provided midway along circulation water channel 19 and has the function of pumping up water from water tank 12. Circulation pump 20 is provided downstream of the branch point of drainage path 15 and circulation water channel 19. Water discharge section 22 is the terminal end of circulation water channel 19, i.e., the end opposite drainage section 121. When circulation pump 20 is driven with drainage valve 16 closed, circulation pump 20 pumps up water from water tank 12 through drainage section 121 and supplies the water back into water tank 12 from water discharge section 22. In this way, circulation pump 20 circulates the water stored in water tank 12 through circulation water channel 19.

[0017] When operated in water, the electrolyzer 30 electrolyzes reactants in the water to generate active substances with disinfecting and deodorizing effects, such as free radicals, ozone, and hypochlorous acid. The electrolyzer 30 is disposed midway through the circulating water channel 19. By placing the electrolyzer 30 in the circulating water channel 19, the water surrounding the electrolyzer 30 is constantly replaced. This makes it difficult for the generated active components to become saturated, and new reactants are frequently provided, increasing the total amount of active components produced by the electrolyzer 30.

[0018] As shown in Figure 5, the electrolyzer 30 includes a pair of electrodes 31, 31 arranged opposite each other. When the 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. The electrodes 31, 31 can be formed into rectangular plates, for example, by plating titanium with platinum. The generated active components are supplied to the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13 through the circulating water channel 19 by the action of the circulating pump 20.

[0019] 4, control device 40 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having CPU 401 and storage area 402 such as ROM, RAM, and rewritable flash memory, and controls the overall operation of washing machine 10. Control device 40 is electrically connected to rotary tub motor 14, drain valve 16, water supply valve 18, circulation pump 20, and electrolyzer 30, and controls the operations of these devices.

[0020] Washing machine 10 has current detection unit 41. Current detection unit 41 has a function of detecting the value of current flowing in water supplied to the clothes storage tub. Specifically, current detection unit 41 detects the current flowing between electrodes 31, 31 when a predetermined voltage is applied between electrodes 31, 31.

[0021] The control device 40 controls the operation of the rotating tub motor 14, the drain valve 16, the water supply valve 18, the circulation pump 20, the electrolyzer 30, and the current detection unit 41 to perform a sterilization operation in which water containing active ingredients produced by the electrolyzer 30 is supplied to laundry. During the sterilization operation, the control device 40 opens the water supply valve 18 with the drain valve 16 closed, and supplies a predetermined amount of water to the water tub 12. The control device 40 also drives the circulation pump 20 to circulate the water stored in the water tub 12 through the circulation water channel 19. When the water stored in the water tub 12 is equal to or higher than the minimum water level L0 shown in FIG. 3, the electrodes 31 of the electrolyzer 30 are submerged in water. The minimum water level L0 is set to be at least equal to or higher than the bottom of the rotating tub 13. With the electrodes 31 submerged in water, the control device 40 drives the electrolyzer 30 to produce active ingredients in the water. In this embodiment, the control device 40 drives the electrolyzer 30 after supplying a predetermined amount of water. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the control device 40 may intermittently drive the rotary tub motor 14 to agitate the clothes together with the water stored in the water tub 12.

[0022] In this case, the sterilization effect of the sterilization operation can be expressed as a sterilization index, which is a dimensionless quantity. It is 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 contact time between the active ingredient and the clothing. That is, it is known that the sterilization index can be approximated as a logarithmic function of the number of bacterial colonies reduced by the sterilization operation, and can be expressed as a logarithmic function of the product of the concentration of the active ingredient in contact with the clothing and the contact time between the clothing. Furthermore, the concentration of the active ingredient is directly proportional to the amount of active ingredient produced by the electrolyzer 30, and the amount of active ingredient produced can be approximated as being directly proportional to the current value between the electrodes 31, 31.

[0023] As shown in an example in FIG. 7 , when the same voltage is applied between electrodes 31, 31, the detected current value of current detection unit 41 varies depending on various conditions, such as water quality, the amount of chlorine in the water, water temperature, and the type of laundry treatment agent (e.g., detergent). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7 , when a voltage of 12 V is applied to electrodes 31, 31, the current value is 0.5 A in household A, 1.0 A in household B, and 0.1 A in household C. Therefore, if the voltage applied between electrodes 31, 31 is not adjusted, the sterilization effectiveness of the sterilization operation by washing machine 10 in households A, B, and C will vary. For example, in this example, the sterilization index of washing machine 10 in household A is 2.5, the sterilization index of washing machine 10 in household B is 5.0, and the sterilization index of washing machine 10 in household C is 0.5. It is known that a sterilization index of 2.0 or higher provides a significant sterilization effect. Therefore, in this case, significant sterilization effectiveness can be expected in households A and B, but the sterilization effect may be insufficient in household C.

[0024] The control device 40 executes an adjustment process. The adjustment process is a process for controlling the output of the electrolyzer 30, i.e., the voltage applied between the electrodes 31, 31, based on the current value detected by the current detection unit. In the adjustment process, the control device 40 adjusts the current value to a predetermined first reference value. The first reference value can be set, for example, within a range from approximately 0.4 A to approximately 0.6 A. In this embodiment, the first reference value of the current value is set to 0.5 A. In other words, the control device 40 adjusts the sterilization index to a predetermined first reference index. The first reference index can be set, for example, within a range from 2.2 to 2.7. In this embodiment, the first reference index is set to 2.5.

[0025] If the current value detected by the current detection unit 41 before adjustment is less than the first reference value, the control device 40 performs an adjustment process to adjust the current value between the electrodes 31, 31 to be equal to or greater than the first reference value. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the current value detected by the current detection unit 41 before adjustment is greater than the first reference value, the control device 40 performs an adjustment process to adjust the current value between the electrodes 31, 31 to be the first reference value. That is, in this embodiment, the adjustment process is a process of adjusting the output of the electrolyzer 30 so that the current value detected by the current detection unit 41 is the first reference value.

[0026] In the example shown in FIG. 7, when the current value detected by current detection unit 41 before adjustment is 0.5 A, the control device maintains the output of electrolyzer 30 at 12 V and maintains the adjusted current value at 0.5 A. When the current value detected by current detection unit 41 before adjustment is 1.0 A, the control device reduces the output of electrolyzer 30 to 6.0 V and reduces the adjusted current value to 0.5 A. When the current value detected by current detection unit 41 before adjustment is 0.1 A, the control device increases the output of electrolyzer 30 to 60 V and increases the adjusted current value to 0.5 A. As a result, the adjusted sterilization index of washing machines 10 in each of households A, B, and C is adjusted to 2.5.

[0027] The control device 40 performs an adjustment process at the start of sterilization operation. That is, the control device 40 performs the adjustment process based on the current value detected by the current detection unit 41 within a predetermined period of time after the electrolyzer 30 is started, that is, immediately after the electrolyzer 30 is started. As a result, the electrolyzer 30 is driven by the adjusted output for almost the entire sterilization operation, and as a result of the sterilization operation, a sterilization index equal to or higher than the first standard index can be achieved. The predetermined period can be set, for example, within a range of approximately 5 to 60 seconds.

[0028] Furthermore, the control device 40 can select and perform the sterilization operation alternatively from a plurality of courses including a normal course, an energy-saving course (Shibata note: the names have been aligned in Figure 8) that has higher energy-saving performance than the normal course, and a thorough course that has higher sterilization performance than the normal course. When the sterilization index in the normal course is a first standard index, the control device 40 sets the sterilization index in the energy-saving course to a second standard index that is smaller than the first standard index, and sets the sterilization index in the thorough course to a third standard index that is larger than the first standard index.

[0029] For example, when executing the normal course, the control device 40 adjusts the output voltage to the electrolyzer 30 through the adjustment process so that the current value detected by the current detection unit 41 after adjustment becomes a first reference value. The control device 40 adjusts the output of the electrolyzer 30 so that the current value detected by the current detection unit 41 after adjustment during the energy saving course becomes a second reference value that is smaller than the first reference value. The control device 40 also adjusts the output of the electrolyzer 30 so that the current value detected by the current detection unit 41 after adjustment during the thorough course becomes a third reference value that is larger than the first reference value. For example, if the first reference value is 0.5 A, the second reference value can be set within a range of 0.4 A to 0.5 A, and the third reference value can be set within a range of 0.6 A to 1.0 A.

[0030] FIG. 8 shows the output voltage, current, and sterilization index for the normal course, energy-saving course, and thorough course under certain conditions. Under these conditions, the adjusted voltage for the normal course is 12V, the adjusted current is 0.5A, and the sterilization index is 2.5. The adjusted voltage for the energy-saving course is 9.6V, the adjusted current is 0.4A, and the sterilization index is 2.0. The adjusted voltage for the thorough course is 15V, the adjusted current is 0.6A, and the sterilization index is 3.1. In this case, the power consumption for the normal course is 200Wh, the power consumption for the energy-saving course is 160Wh, and the power consumption for the thorough course is 250Wh. In other words, the power consumption for the energy-saving course is less than that for the normal course or the thorough course, and the power consumption for the normal course is less than that for the thorough course.

[0031] According to the present embodiment described above, the washing machine 10 as a clothing treatment device includes a water tub 12 and a rotatable tub 13 as clothing storage tubs, an electrolyzer 30, a current detection unit 41, and a control unit 40. The water tub 12 and the rotatable tub 13 store water and store clothing therein. The electrolyzer 30 has a pair of electrodes 31, 31, and generates active ingredients to be supplied to the water stored in the clothing storage tubs 12, 13. The current detection unit 41 detects the value of the current flowing between the pair of electrodes 31, 31. The control unit 40 controls the operation of the electrolyzer 30 to perform a sterilization operation. The control unit 40 controls the output of the electrolyzer 30 based on the current value detected by the current detection unit 41.

[0032] As described above, sterilization performance is expressed as a function of the product of the current value and the application time. By controlling the output of the electrolyzer 30 according to the current value under various conditions, it is possible to suppress variations in sterilization performance and provide a clothing treatment device that can stably achieve sterilization effects under various conditions.

[0033] When the current value detected by the current detector 41 is less than a predetermined first reference value, the controller 40 executes a process to increase the output of the electrolyzer.

[0034] By increasing the output when the current value is low, it is possible to ensure a sterilization performance in which the sterilization index is equal to or higher than the first sterilization index. This provides a clothing treatment device that can stably achieve sterilization effects under various conditions.

[0035] The sterilization operation can be performed selectively from a plurality of courses, including a normal course and an energy-saving course that reduces power consumption more than the normal course. In the normal course, the control device 40 controls the output of the electrolyzer 30 so that the current value detected by the current detection unit 41 is equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference value, and in the energy-saving course, controls the output of the electrolyzer 30 so that the current value detected by the current detection unit 41 is equal to or greater than a predetermined second reference value that is lower than the first reference value.

[0036] According to this, by setting the second reference value within a range where a significant sterilization effect is observed, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the energy saving course while still obtaining the sterilization effect.

[0037] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In this embodiment, when the current value detected by the current detection unit 41 before adjustment is less than a first reference value, the control device 40 increases the output of the electrolyzer 30 to adjust the current to be equal to or greater than the first reference value, whereas when the current value detected by the current detection unit 41 before adjustment is greater than the first reference value, the control device 40 does not reduce the output of the electrolyzer 30. In other words, when the current value is higher than the first reference value, the sterilization index is greater than the first sterilization index, but when the sterilization performance is high, the control device 40 does not execute processing to suppress the sterilization performance.

[0038] In the example shown in FIG. 9, when the current value detected by current detection unit 41 before adjustment is 0.5 A, the control device maintains the output of electrolyzer 30 at 12 V and the adjusted current value at 0.5 A. When the current value detected by current detection unit 41 before adjustment is 1.0 A, the control device maintains the output of electrolyzer 30 at 12 V and the adjusted current value at 1.0 A. When the current value detected by current detection unit 41 before adjustment is 0.1 A, the control device increases the output of electrolyzer 30 to 60 V and the adjusted current value to 0.5 A. As a result, the adjusted sterilization indexes of washing machines 10 in households A, B, and C are adjusted to 2.5 or higher.

[0039] This embodiment also provides the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0040] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. In this embodiment, the control device 40 executes the thorough course using a control method different from that of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the control device 40 increases the sterilization index after adjustment in the thorough course by setting the operation period in the thorough course longer than the operation period in the normal course and / or setting the adjusted current value of the electrolyzer 30 for at least a portion of the thorough course higher than the adjusted current value of the electrolyzer 30 for the normal course.

[0041] In this embodiment, the operating period of the normal course is set to a first period. The operating period of the thorough course is set to be longer than the first period and is set to the first period plus the second period. In the normal course, the sterilization operation is performed during a first period from time t0 to t1, by driving the electrolyzer 30 in a state in which the detected current of the current detection unit 41 is adjusted to a first reference value. In the thorough course, the sterilization operation is performed during a first period from time t0 to t1 and a second period from time t1 to t2. In the thorough course, the control device 40 drives the electrolyzer 30 in a state in which the detected current of the current detection unit 41 is adjusted to a first reference value from time t0 to t1. The control device 40 drives the electrolyzer 30 in a state in which the detected current of the current detection unit 41 is adjusted to a fourth reference value, which is higher than the first reference value, from time t1 to t2. As a result, in the thorough course, the sterilization index during the entire operating period of the sterilization operation is greater than the sterilization index during the normal course. Furthermore, as the sterilization operation continues, the number of bacterial colonies gradually decreases, and the number of colonies decreased per unit time tends to decrease. In the second period after the first period has elapsed, the output voltage to the electrolyzer 30 is increased, thereby improving the efficiency of further reducing the already reduced number of colonies.

[0042] This embodiment also provides the same effects as the above-described embodiments.

[0043] According to this embodiment, the sterilization operation can be selectively performed from a plurality of courses, including a normal course and a thorough course that provides enhanced sterilization performance compared to the normal course. In the normal course, the control device 40 operates the electrolyzer 30 for a predetermined first period, and in the thorough course, the control device 40 operates the electrolyzer 30 for a period longer than the predetermined first period, i.e., in this case, a period that is the combination of the first period and the second period.

[0044] According to this, the sterilization index in the thorough course is greater than that in the normal course, and therefore the sterilization performance can be improved compared to the normal course.

[0045] (Fourth embodiment) A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11 to Fig. 13. In this embodiment, washing machine 10 includes temperature detection unit 42 and heater 50. Temperature detection unit 42 has a function of detecting the temperature of water stored in water tub 12 or water in circulation water channel 19. Heater 50 is disposed, for example, at the bottom of water tub 12 below rotatable tub 13, and has a function of heating the water stored in water tub 12.

[0046] The control device 40 also performs adjustment processing in response to the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 42. It is known that the reaction rate of the electrolysis reaction varies depending on the temperature of the solution. That is, as the temperature of the solution increases, the resistance decreases, and therefore, for the same output voltage, the current value generated between the electrodes 31, 31 is larger when the water temperature is high than when it is low. Conversely, the output voltage required to obtain the same current value is smaller at high temperatures than at low temperatures.

[0047] The control device 40 can alternatively select and execute a sterilization operation from a plurality of courses, including a room temperature course and a high temperature course. In the room temperature course, the control device 40 executes the sterilization operation using water at a temperature below a predetermined temperature. In the high temperature course, the control device 40 executes the sterilization operation using water at a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. For example, the predetermined temperature can be set within a range of 40°C to 70°C. In this embodiment, the predetermined temperature is set to 60°C. In this embodiment, in the room temperature course, the control device 40 executes the sterilization operation using water at a room temperature, e.g., 20°C, supplied from an external water supply source, and in the high temperature course, the control device 40 drives the heater 50 to heat the water stored in the water tank 12 to 60°C. Note that in other embodiments, warm water may be supplied from an external water supply source when executing the high temperature course.

[0048] The control device 40 performs adjustment processing so that the adjusted current value becomes the first reference value in both the room temperature course and the high temperature course. That is, the control device 40 performs adjustment processing so that the current detected by the current detection unit 41 after adjustment processing in the high temperature course becomes the same as the current detected by the current detection unit 41 after adjustment in the room temperature course. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the control device 40 sets the output voltage for the room temperature course to 12 V. In this case, the current value between the electrodes 31, 31 is 0.5 A, the power consumption of the electrolyzer 30 is 6.0 W, and the sterilization index is 2.5. On the other hand, the control device 40 sets the output voltage for the high temperature course to 6.0 V. In this case, the current value between the electrodes 31, 31 is 0.5 A, the power consumption of the electrolyzer 30 is 3.0 W, and the sterilization index is 2.5.

[0049] This embodiment also provides the same effects as the above-described embodiments.

[0050] According to this embodiment, the washing machine 10 as a clothing treatment device includes a temperature detection unit 42 that detects the temperature of the water stored in the clothing storage tubs 12, 13. When the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 42 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the control device 40 reduces the output of the electrolyzer 30 more than when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 42 is lower than the predetermined temperature.

[0051] When the water temperature is high, the current value increases even at the same output voltage, and the electrolysis reaction is also accelerated, so sterilization performance can be ensured even with reduced power consumption. This provides a clothing treatment device that can exert sufficient sterilization effects while reducing power consumption.

[0052] (Fifth embodiment) A fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. In this embodiment, as in the fourth embodiment, the washing machine 10 includes a temperature detection unit 42 and a heater 50. Unlike the fourth embodiment, in this embodiment, the control device 40 does not perform adjustment processing so that the detected current of the current detection unit 41 after adjustment processing in the high temperature course is the same as the detected current of the current detection unit 41 after adjustment in the normal temperature course. In other words, the control device 40 does not suppress the output voltage value in the high temperature course even if the detected current of the current detection unit 41 after adjustment is greater than the first reference value.

[0053] 14, the control device 40 sets the output voltage for both the normal temperature course and the high temperature course to 12 V. In this case, the current value between the electrodes 31, 31 for the normal temperature course is 0.5 A, and the sterilization index is 2.5. On the other hand, the current value between the electrodes 31, 31 for the high temperature course is 0.8 A, and the sterilization index is 4.0.

[0054] This embodiment also provides the same effects as the above-described embodiments.

[0055] According to this embodiment, the washing machine 10 as a clothing treatment device includes a temperature detection unit 42 that detects the temperature of the water stored in the clothing storage tubs 12, 13. When the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 42 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the control device 40 does not reduce the output of the electrolyzer 30 more than when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 42 is lower than the predetermined temperature.

[0056] According to this, when the water temperature is high, the current value increases even with the same output voltage value, and the electrolysis reaction by the electrolyzer 30 is also promoted, so by using high-temperature water, the sterilization performance of the clothing treatment device can be stably improved.

[0057] (Sixth embodiment) A sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 15. In this embodiment, the control device 40 sets the water level of the water tub 12 to a level lower than the water level in the normal course when performing sterilization operation in the thorough course. 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 stored in the water tub 12, i.e., the amount of water supplied. In other words, the lower the water level in the water tub 12, the higher the concentration of the active ingredient and the higher the sterilization index tends to be.

[0058] 15, the first water volume, which is the water volume for the normal course, is set to 20 L, and in this case the adjusted output voltage value is 12 V, the current value is 0.5 A, and the sterilization index is 2.5. On the other hand, the second water volume, which is the water volume for the thorough course, is set to 10 L, and the adjusted output voltage value is 12 V, the current value is 0.5 A, and the sterilization index is 5.0.

[0059] In the thorough course, the control device 40 increases the driving frequency and / or driving time of the circulation pump 20 to perform sterilization operation compared to the driving frequency and / or driving time in the normal course. This allows water containing the active ingredient to come into contact with the clothes more easily, thereby improving the sterilization effect on the clothes.

[0060] This embodiment also provides the same effects as the above-described embodiments.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the sterilization operation can be selectively performed from a plurality of courses, including a normal course and a thorough course that provides enhanced sterilization performance compared to the normal course. The control device 40 sets the amount of water supplied to the water tank 12 in the normal course to a predetermined first water volume, and sets the amount of water supplied to the water tank 12 in the thorough course to a predetermined second water volume that is less than the first water volume.

[0062] This provides a clothing treatment device that can enhance the sterilization effect by increasing the concentration of active ingredients with a low amount of water in the thorough course.

[0063] (Seventh embodiment) A seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. In this embodiment, the control device 40 executes a thorough course with a lower amount of water than the normal course, as in the sixth embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 40 executes the thorough course by alternatively selecting one of a plurality of thorough courses including a room temperature thorough course and a high temperature thorough course.

[0064] In the room temperature thorough course, the control device 40 performs the sterilization operation using water at a temperature below a predetermined temperature. In the high temperature thorough course, the control device 40 performs the sterilization operation using water at a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. For example, the predetermined temperature can be set within a range of 40°C to 70°C. In this embodiment, the predetermined temperature is set to 60°C. In this embodiment, the control device 40 performs the sterilization operation in the room temperature course using water at a room temperature, for example, 20°C, supplied from an external water supply source, and in the high temperature course, drives the heater 50 to heat the water stored in the water tank 12 to 60°C. In other embodiments, warm water may be supplied from an external water supply source when performing the high temperature course.

[0065] 16, the control device 40 sets the water level to 10 L and the output voltage to 12 V for both the room temperature thorough course and the high temperature thorough course. In this case, the current value between the electrodes 31, 31 for the room temperature thorough course is 0.5 A, and the sterilization index is 5.0. On the other hand, the current value between the electrodes 31, 31 for the high temperature thorough course is 0.8 A, and the sterilization index is 8.0.

[0066] This embodiment also provides the same effects as the above-described embodiments.

[0067] According to this embodiment, the sterilization operation can be selectively performed from a plurality of courses, including a normal course and a thorough course that provides enhanced sterilization performance compared to the normal course. The control device 40 sets the amount of water supplied to the water tub 12 in the normal course to a predetermined first water volume, and sets the amount of water supplied to the water tub 12 in the thorough course to a predetermined second water volume that is less than the first water volume. The control device 40 performs the sterilization operation in the thorough course using warm water.

[0068] This increases the concentration of the active ingredient and increases the reaction rate due to the high temperature, thereby further enhancing the sterilization effect. Therefore, a clothing treatment device that can sterilize clothing more thoroughly is provided.

[0069] The above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined and implemented within the scope that does not change the spirit of the invention.

[0070] In each of the above embodiments, the electrolyzer 30 is continuously driven during the sterilization operation, but this is not limiting. For example, in other embodiments, the electrolyzer 30 may be configured to be driven intermittently, such as by periodically turning on and off.

[0071] Furthermore, although the clothing treatment device in each of the above embodiments is a drum-type washing machine, the clothing treatment device is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the clothing treatment device may be a vertical washing machine.

[0072] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10... washing machine (clothing treatment device), 12... water tub (clothing storage tub), 13... rotating tub (clothing storage tub), 30... electrolyzer, 31... electrode, 40... control device, 41... current detection unit, 42... temperature detection unit

Claims

1. a clothing storage tub that stores water therein and stores clothing therein; an electrolysis device having a pair of electrodes for generating active ingredients to be supplied to the water stored in the clothing storage tub; a current detection unit that detects a value of a current flowing between the pair of electrodes; A control device that controls the operation of the electrolyzer to perform sterilization operation, The control device controls the output of the electrolyzer based on the detected current value of the current detection unit. Clothes treatment device.

2. the control device executes a process of increasing the output of the electrolyzer when the detected current value of the current detection unit is less than a predetermined first reference value. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

3. The sterilization operation can be selectively performed from a plurality of courses including a normal course and a thorough course having enhanced sterilization performance compared to the normal course, The control device operates the electrolyzer for a predetermined period in the normal course, and operates the electrolyzer for a period longer than the predetermined period in the pre-commemorative course. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

4. The sterilization operation can be selectively executed from a plurality of courses including a normal course and an energy-saving course that consumes less power than the normal course, the control device controls the output of the electrolyzer so that the current value detected by the current detection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference value during the normal course, and controls the output of the electrolyzer so that the current value detected by the current detection unit is equal to a predetermined second reference value lower than the first reference value during the energy saving course. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

5. A temperature detector is provided to detect the temperature of the water stored in the clothing storage tub. the control device, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, reduces the output of the electrolyzer more than when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is lower than the predetermined temperature; The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

6. A temperature detector is provided to detect the temperature of the water stored in the clothing storage tub. When the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the control device does not reduce the output of the electrolyzer more than when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is lower than the predetermined temperature. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

7. The sterilization operation can be selectively performed from a plurality of courses including a normal course and a thorough course having enhanced sterilization performance compared to the normal course, The control device sets the amount of water supplied to the clothing storage tub in the normal cycle to a predetermined first water amount, and sets the amount of water supplied to the clothing storage tub in the previous commemorative cycle to a predetermined second water amount less than the first water amount. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 .

8. Use warm water to carry out the sterilization operation according to the pre-commemorative course. The clothing treatment device according to claim 7.

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