Laundry equipment

Abstract

To provide laundry equipment capable of preventing unintended leakage of functional water from a portion for supplying the functional water.SOLUTION: Laundry equipment includes: a storage tank which is stored in a housing, and in which an object to be treated is stored; a water storage tank which is arranged above the storage tank in the housing, and in which tap water is stored; a water supply part for supplying the water storage tank with tap water; a storage case arranged in the water storage tank, and for storing a plurality of functional water generation members for generating functional water; a sprayer arranged below the water storage tank, and for atomizing the functional water generated by the plurality of functional water generation members and spraying it toward the inside of the storage tank; and a water supply pipe for flowing the functional water generated in the water storage tank toward the sprayer. The storage case includes a bottom surface part, and a side surface part erected from an outer periphery of the bottom surface part. The bottom surface part does not pass the functional water generation members, but has a mesh structure which includes a plurality of hole parts for passing the tap water or the functional water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to laundry appliances. [Background technology]

[0002] One example of laundry equipment is a washing machine that produces functional water in the washing machine in the form of a mist and sprays it onto the object to be treated, such as clothes, to perform a treatment according to the functional water, such as sterilization, antibacterial treatment, or deodorization (see Patent Document 1). In the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, the functional water is produced by dissolving metal ions produced by a metal ion generating means in water flowing through a water supply path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6857805 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As a configuration for generating functional water and spraying it in mist form onto an object to be treated, for example, the following configuration can be considered.

[0005] That is, a plurality of soluble beads containing silver mixed therein are placed in a storage section located at the top of the washing machine and capable of storing tap water. In this case, the silver mixed into the beads dissolves in the tap water in the storage section, generating silver ion water (functional water). The silver ion water thus generated is then passed through a water supply pipe connected to the storage section to a storage tank in the washing machine that contains the object to be treated. By attaching a sprayer that sprays the functional water in a mist to the lower end of the water supply pipe, the silver ion water can be sprayed onto the object to be treated. In this configuration, in order to prevent the plurality of beads placed in the storage section from leaking out of the water supply pipe, it is possible to, for example, place the plurality of beads in a mesh bag (net) and place it in the storage section.

[0006] The inventors of the present application have studied the above-mentioned configuration as a configuration for producing functional water and spraying it onto an object to be treated, and have found that with the above-mentioned configuration, functional water may unintentionally leak from the sprayer after spraying onto the object to be treated has been completed. Because functional water may have a color such as brown, unintentional leakage as described above may cause problems such as soiling the object to be treated or the inside of a washing machine (laundry equipment).

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a laundry machine that can prevent unintended leakage of functional water from a portion that supplies functional water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] [1] A laundry machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a storage tank arranged within a housing for storing an object to be treated, a water storage tank arranged within the housing above the storage tank for storing tap water, a water supply unit for supplying the tap water to the water storage tank, a storage case arranged within the water storage tank for storing a plurality of functional water generating components for generating functional water, a sprayer arranged below the water storage tank for turning the functional water generated by the plurality of functional water generating components into a mist and spraying it into the storage tank, and a water supply pipe for flowing the functional water generated in the water storage tank toward the sprayer, wherein the storage case has a bottom portion and a side portion rising from the outer periphery of the bottom portion, and the bottom portion has a mesh structure including a plurality of holes that do not allow the functional water generating components to pass through but allow tap water or functional water to pass through.

[0009] In the above configuration, tap water is stored in the water storage tank by the water supply unit. Multiple functional water generating components housed in a storage case are arranged inside the water storage tank. The bottom of the storage case has a mesh structure. Therefore, while the multiple functional water generating components are housed inside the storage case, water can pass through the storage case from the outside to the inside or from the inside to the outside. Because the bottom is water-permeable, the laundry machine can generate functional water using the multiple functional water generating components in the storage case, and the generated functional water can flow out of the storage case. Because the laundry machine has the sprayer and the water supply pipe, the functional water generated by the multiple functional water generating components in the storage case flows through the water supply pipe to the sprayer located below the water storage tank, where it is atomized by the sprayer and sprayed onto the object to be treated. As a result, the object to be treated is treated according to the function of the functional water, such as sterilization, antibacterial properties, or deodorization.

[0010] The bottom of the container has a mesh structure that allows tap water or functional water to pass between the inside and outside of the container. Therefore, even if the functional water is held in the mesh structure of the bottom by surface tension, the amount of functional water held can be less than the amount of functional water held in all the holes formed in the entire bag, such as a mesh bag. As a result, the amount of functional water accumulating in the water supply pipe when the sprayer is stopped is also reduced, preventing the functional water from leaking from the sprayer.

[0011] [2] In the laundry machine described in [1] above, the bottom surface may be inclined relative to the horizontal plane. In this case, functional water tends to move to the lowest part of the bottom surface (mesh structure), making it difficult for functional water to be retained in holes other than the lowest hole of the bottom surface. If functional water collects in the lowest hole of the bottom surface, the amount of functional water increases in the lowest hole of the bottom surface and its vicinity, making the functional water itself heavier. As a result, the functional water is less likely to be retained in the holes due to surface tension. Therefore, when the sprayer is stopped, the amount of functional water flowing from the storage case to the water supply pipe can be reduced. In this way, when the amount of functional water flowing into the water supply pipe is reduced when the sprayer is stopped, leakage of functional water from the sprayer due to the weight of the functional water accumulated in the water supply pipe is less likely to occur.

[0012] [3] In the laundry device described in [1] or [2] above, the side portion may have a first side portion, a second side portion facing the first side portion in a first direction, a third side portion connecting the first side portion and the second side portion, and a fourth side portion connecting the first side portion and the second side portion and facing the third side portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0013] [4] In the laundry machine described in [3] above, the storage case may satisfy at least one of the following conditions 1 and 2. (Condition 1) In a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the length of the first side surface portion is longer than the length of the second side surface portion. (Condition 2) In a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the length of the third side surface portion is longer than the length of the fourth side surface portion.

[0014] [5] In the laundry machine according to any one of [1] to [4] above, the side wall may not have water permeability for producing the functional water and allowing the produced functional water to flow out of the storage case. In this case, the functional water is not retained in the side wall, so that the amount of functional water accumulating in the water supply pipe, etc. can be reduced compared to when the functional water is retained in the side wall after the sprayer is stopped. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a laundry machine that can prevent unintentional leakage of functional water from a portion that supplies functional water. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a washing machine, which is an example of a laundry machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a schematic configuration of a water storage tank included in the washing machine (laundry machine) shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of a storage case that stores a plurality of beads (functional water generating members) in the water storage tank shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the storage case shown in FIG. 3 when viewed from another direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical configuration of the washing machine (laundry machine) shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. The dimensional proportions in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to those in the description.

[0018] The overall configuration of a washing machine 1, which is an example of a laundry device, will be described using FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic configuration of a washing machine (laundry device). In the following description, the mutually orthogonal X direction (second direction), Y direction (first direction), and Z direction (third direction) shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 may be used to describe washing machine 1. The X direction and Z direction correspond to the front-to-rear direction and height direction (or up-down direction or vertical direction) in the installed state of washing machine 1 shown in FIG. 1. The direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1 is the Y direction shown in FIG. 2, which corresponds to the left-to-right direction in the installed state of washing machine 1. In this specification, terms indicating directions such as "front," "back," "up," "down," "left," and "right" are terms based on the installed state of washing machine 1.

[0019] Washing machine 1 is a drum-type washing machine. Washing machine 1 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped housing 10. The shape of housing 10 can be changed as appropriate. A circular door 11 that can be opened and closed is attached to the front of housing 10. Door 11 is provided with a window 11a. Window 11a protrudes into housing 10. Window 11a may be door glass. A circular inlet 12 is formed on the front of housing 10, through which objects to be treated in washing machine 1 are placed. Inlet 12 is opened or closed by door 11.

[0020] An outer tub 13 and a drum (storage tub) 14 are arranged inside the housing 10. Both the outer tub 13 and the drum 14 are cylindrical with a bottom. The drum 14 is rotatably arranged inside the outer tub 13. The outer tub 13 and the drum 14 are arranged concentrically (coaxially) with respect to a central axis extending in the X direction, for example.

[0021] The outer tank 13 can store treated water. In this specification, "treated water" refers to a liquid appropriate for each process, such as a washing process and a rinsing process, of the object to be treated. Therefore, in the washing process, the treated water may be water (liquid) containing detergent, etc., and in the rinsing process, the treated water may be tap water. In the rinsing process, the treated water may contain a fabric softener.

[0022] The outer tub 13 is elastically supported by dampers 15 and springs (not shown) within the housing 10. The number of each of the dampers 15 and springs may be two or more. The outer tub 13 has a circular opening 13a located in front of the opening 14a of the drum 14.

[0023] The outer tub 13 has a first portion 131 and a second portion 132. The first portion 131 is a portion of the outer tub 13 where the drum 14 is disposed. The first portion 131 has a cylindrical peripheral portion 131a and a back portion 131b that closes the rear opening of the peripheral portion 131a. The back portion 131b also serves as the back portion of the outer tub 13. The second portion 132 is disposed concentrically (coaxially) with the first portion 131. The outer diameter of the second portion 132 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first portion 131. The rear end of the second portion 132 is connected to the front end of the first portion 131 (the front end of the peripheral portion 131a) by a connecting portion 133.

[0024] The peripheral edge of the front opening of the second part 132 and the peripheral edge of the input port 12 of the housing 10 are connected by an annular packing 16 made of an elastic material. The packing 16 is fastened and fixed from the outer periphery to the second part 132 (outer tub 13) and the input port 12 by, for example, a circular wire with a tension coil spring or the like incorporated in one part. The peripheral surface of the closed door 11 comes into contact with the packing 16, and the space between the input port 12 and the door 11 is watertight.

[0025] A drain pipe 17 is connected to the lower part of outer tub 13. As shown in FIG. 1, drain pipe 17 may be connected to a lower part of first part 131, closer to connecting part 133. In first part 131, the part around drain pipe 17 may be recessed downward. Drain pipe 17 may be a flexible hose, or may be made of a piping material other than a hose. Drain pipe 17 discharges treated water from outer tub 13. Drain pipe 17 extends, for example, to the outside (downward) of washing machine 1. Drain valve 18 is attached to drain pipe 17. The discharge of treated water from outer tub 13 is controlled by opening and closing drain valve 18. The treated water discharged from washing machine 1 through drain pipe 17 is discharged through a drain outlet provided in a waterproof pan or the like. The layout of drain pipe 17 may be changed as appropriate.

[0026] The material to be treated is accommodated inside the drum 14. A large number of dewatering holes 14b are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 14. A plurality of (e.g., three) baffles 14c are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 14 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. A balancer (not shown) is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the front part of the drum 14.

[0027] The washing machine 1 further includes a drying unit 20, a drive motor 30, a water supply unit 40, and a water storage tank 50.

[0028] The drying unit 20 is disposed above the outer tub 13 within the housing 10. The drying unit 20 includes a circulation path 21, a blower 22, and a heater .

[0029] The circulation path 21 is a flow path for circulating air inside the outer tub 13. The circulation path 21 is formed, for example, from a piping material. A first end 21a of the circulation path 21 is connected to the back portion 131b so as to communicate with the inside of the outer tub 13, and a second end 21b of the circulation path 21 is connected to the second portion 132 so as to communicate with the inside of the outer tub 13.

[0030] The air blower 22 is disposed in the circulation path 21. The air blower 22 has a function of blowing air so that the air is taken out from the outer tub 13 through the first end 21a and returned to the outer tub 13 through the second end 21b. The air blower 22 may be, for example, a blower. When the air blower 22 is operated, the air in the outer tub 13 circulates so that it flows sequentially through the outer tub 13 and the circulation path 21.

[0031] Heating unit 23 is, for example, a heat exchanger in a heat pump or a general heater. At least a portion of heating unit 23 is arranged inside circulation path 21. The portion of heating unit 23 arranged inside circulation path 21 has heat dissipation unit 23A. When heating unit 23 is activated, the temperature of heat dissipation unit 23A rises. This heats the air flowing through circulation path 21, generating hot air.

[0032] The drive motor 30 is disposed within the housing 10 and behind the outer tub 13. The rotation shaft 31 of the drive motor 30 extends in the X direction and is connected to a portion of the drum 14. The rotation shaft 31 and the drum 14 may be connected via a pulley, a speed reducer, or the like, or may be connected directly. During the washing and rinsing processes, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 14 at a relatively low rotation speed so that the centrifugal force acting on the objects to be treated inside the drum 14 is smaller than gravity, causing the objects to tumble. During the spin-drying process, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 14 at a relatively high rotation speed so that the centrifugal force acting on the objects to be treated inside the drum 14 is larger than gravity, causing the objects to stick to the inner circumferential surface of the drum 14.

[0033] Water supply unit 40 is disposed at an upper portion within housing 10. Water supply unit 40 has water supply pipe 41, water supply pipe (water supply section) 42, water supply valve 43, and water supply valve 44. Water supply pipes 41 and 42 may be flexible hoses, or may be made of piping materials other than hoses.

[0034] The water supply pipe 41 is a water supply channel for supplying tap water to the outer tub 13. A water supply valve 43 is provided on the water supply pipe 41. When the water supply valve 43 is opened, tap water from a water faucet is supplied into the outer tub 13 through the water supply pipe 41. In other words, the supply of tap water into the outer tub 13 is controlled by opening and closing the water supply valve 43.

[0035] The water supply pipe (water supply section) 42 is a water supply channel for supplying tap water to the water storage tank 50. A water supply valve 44 is provided on the water supply pipe 42. When the water supply valve 44 is opened, tap water from a water faucet is supplied to the water storage tank 50 through the water supply pipe 42. In other words, the supply of tap water into the water storage tank 50 is controlled by opening and closing the water supply valve 44. The water supply valve 44 may also be part of the water supply section that supplies tap water to the water storage tank 50.

[0036] 1, the water supply pipe 42 is connected to the water supply pipe 41. In the flow direction of the tap water in the water supply pipes 41 and 42, water supply valves 43 and 44 are provided downstream from the connection between the water supply pipes 41 and 42.

[0037] Water storage tank 50 is disposed above outer tub 13 within housing 10. Within water storage tank 50, there is disposed a generator 60 that generates functional water from tap water supplied from water supply pipe 42 and stored in water storage tank 50. The functional water is water for sterilizing, deodorizing, and the like, the objects to be treated (e.g., clothes) in washing machine 1.

[0038] A water supply pipe 53 is connected to the water storage tank 50 for extracting the functional water generated in the generation unit 60. A sprayer 54 is attached to the lower end of the water supply pipe 53, which turns the functional water flowing through the water supply pipe 53 into a mist and sprays it. The lower end of the water supply pipe 53 is positioned so that the mist-like functional water can be sprayed from the sprayer 54 onto the object to be treated in the drum 14.

[0039] The water storage tank 50 may have a function of supplying tap water for cleaning the window portion 11a. An example of an embodiment in which the water storage tank 50 has a function of supplying tap water for cleaning the window portion 11a will be described below.

[0040] A water supply pipe 55 is connected to the water storage tank 50 so that tap water for cleaning the window portion 11a flows from the water storage tank 50 toward the window portion 11a. The lower end of the water supply pipe 55 is positioned so that the tap water flowing out from the lower end flows toward the window portion 11a.

[0041] Next, an example of the water storage tank 50 and the generation unit 60 will be described.

[0042] [Water tank] As shown in FIG. 2, the water storage tank 50 has a flat water channel portion 51 and a storage portion 52 extending downward from one end of the water channel portion 51.

[0043] A downwardly protruding inlet 511a is formed in bottom surface 511 of water channel portion 51. Water supply pipe 42 is connected to inlet 511a. As a result, tap water is supplied from water supply pipe 42 to water channel portion 51 through inlet 511a. A water channel is formed within water channel portion 51 for flowing tap water that has flowed in from inlet 511a into storage portion 52. Specifically, the water channel is formed between bottom surface 511 and top surface 512 of water channel portion 51.

[0044] The reservoir 52 has a bottom surface 521, an annular side surface 522 that rises continuously from the outer periphery of the bottom surface 521, and a top surface 523 that closes the internal space of the reservoir 52. The internal space of the reservoir 52 is surrounded by the bottom surface 521 and the side surface 522. The side surface 522 is continuously connected to the bottom surface 511 of the water channel 51. The top surface 523 is continuously connected to the top surface 512 of the water channel 51.

[0045] The bottom surface 521 has a first outlet 521a that protrudes downward. A water supply pipe 53 is connected to the first outlet 521a. A sprayer 54 is attached to the lower end of the water supply pipe 53. The sprayer 54 has a mist generator 54A that turns the functional water into mist. The mist generator 54A is, for example, an ultrasonic vibrator. When the operation of the sprayer 54 is stopped, the spraying of the functional water from the sprayer 54 also stops, and therefore the functional water does not flow out of the water storage tank 50.

[0046] A second outlet 521b protruding downward is further formed on the bottom surface 521 of the water storage tank 50 according to this embodiment. A water supply pipe 55 is connected to the second outlet 521b. In this embodiment, the second outlet 521b is formed on the bottom surface 521 closer to the water channel portion 51 than the first outlet 521a.

[0047] The bottom surface portion 521 is connected to the second outlet 521b, and a cylindrical siphon pipe 521c extends from the second outlet 521b toward the top surface portion 523, so that there is a gap between the upper end of the siphon pipe 521c and the top surface portion 523.

[0048] A cylindrical siphon cap 523a is formed on top surface 523, extending downward and fitted onto siphon tube 521c from above. The inner diameter of siphon cap 523a is larger than the outer diameter of siphon tube 521c. This forms a flow path between siphon tube 521c and siphon cap 523a. Siphon cap 523a, together with siphon tube 521c, constitutes siphon mechanism 56.

[0049] As described above, the water storage tank 50 has a siphon mechanism 56 in the storage section 52. Therefore, when tap water is flowed into the storage section 52 through the water supply pipe 42 and the water channel section 51 and the tap water is stored in the storage section 52, when the tap water accumulates in the storage section 52 up to the first water level, the siphon phenomenon occurring in the siphon mechanism 56 causes the tap water to start flowing from the siphon pipe 521c toward the second outlet 521b. As a result, the tap water flows out of the water storage tank 50 through the water supply pipe 55 connected to the second outlet 521b. On the other hand, when the inflow of tap water from the water supply pipe 42 and the water channel section 51 to the storage section 52 is stopped, if the water level of the tap water in the storage section 52 drops to the second water level due to the outflow of tap water from the water storage tank 50 as described above, the flow of tap water from the siphon pipe 521c to the second outlet 521b and the water supply pipe 55 stops.

[0050] [Generation part] The generation unit 60 is disposed in the storage unit 52. The generation unit 60 is disposed above the first outlet 521a. The generation unit 60 may be disposed closer to the bottom surface 521 than the upper end of the siphon tube 521c. In this embodiment, the generation unit 60 is disposed closer to the bottom surface 521 than the first water level. The generation unit 60 may be disposed closer to the top surface 523 than the second water level. In one embodiment, the generation unit 60 may be disposed between the first water level and the second water level. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the generation unit 60 is disposed to the side of the siphon cap 523a.

[0051] The generating unit 60 has a plurality of beads (functional water generating members) 61 for generating functional water, and a storage case 62 for storing the plurality of beads 61. The side surface portion 522 may have, for example, a step to support the storage case 62, or a support member for supporting the storage case 62 may be provided on the side surface portion 522 or the bottom surface portion 521. The generating unit 60 may have a lid member 63 to prevent the plurality of beads 61 stored in the storage case 62 from spilling out of the storage case 62.

[0052] The beads 61 are formed, for example, by kneading silver into a soluble material. Examples of the soluble material include glass and titanium oxide. In this case, when the beads 61 come into contact with tap water, silver ions are dissolved into the tap water, generating silver ion water as functional water. Since functional water is generated by dissolving silver ions from the beads 61 in this way, a functional water generation time is required to generate functional water of a certain concentration. An example of the functional water generation time is 15 minutes or more and 25 minutes or less.

[0053] Top surface portion 523 may have recess 523b recessed downward in the portion above generation unit 60, to the side of where siphon cap 523a is formed. In this case, as described above, generation unit 60 is disposed closer to bottom surface portion 521 than the upper end of siphon pipe 521c.

[0054] By including the water storage tank 50, the washing machine 1 can perform a window cleaning process (or a door cleaning process) for cleaning the window portion 11a and a functional water spraying process for spraying functional water onto an object to be treated.

[0055] [Window cleaning process] In the window cleaning process, tap water is allowed to flow from the water supply pipe 42 into the water storage tank 50 by opening the water supply valve 44. This causes the tap water to accumulate in the storage section 52. At this time, the sprayer 54 is stopped. This prevents the tap water from flowing out of the water supply pipe 53.

[0056] When tap water accumulates up to the first water level at which it flows into siphon pipe 521c due to the siphoning effect in siphon mechanism 56, the tap water flows from siphon pipe 521c to second outlet 521b and water supply pipe 55. As a result, tap water is released from water supply pipe 53 toward window portion 11a, cleaning window portion 11a.

[0057] The time required to supply tap water to the water storage tank 50 to clean the window portion 11a may be shorter than the time required to generate functional water by the generation unit 60. In this case, even if the beads 61 of the generation unit 60 are in contact with the tap water in the storage unit 52, functional water is not substantially generated, and therefore tap water, not functional water, is discharged from the water supply pipe 53.

[0058] When the preset execution time for the window cleaning process has elapsed, the supply of water from water supply pipe 42 to water storage tank 50 for cleaning window portion 11a is stopped. As a result, the inflow of tap water into storage portion 52 is stopped, while tap water flows through siphon pipe 521c to water supply pipe 55 and is discharged outside water storage tank 50, causing the water level in storage portion 52 to drop. When the water level in storage portion 52 drops to the second water level, the inflow of tap water into siphon pipe 521c by siphon mechanism 56 is stopped. As a result, the cleaning of window portion 11a automatically ends.

[0059] [Functional water spraying process] In the functional water spraying process, tap water is allowed to flow into the water storage tank 50 through the water supply pipe 42 by opening the water supply valve 44. This allows tap water to accumulate in the storage section 52. At this time, the sprayer 54 is stopped. Because the sprayer 54 is stopped, tap water also accumulates in the water supply pipe 53. In the functional water spraying process, the water supply valve 44 is closed when tap water is accumulated in the storage section 52 to a water level lower than the first water level and at which the generation section 60 is positioned in the tap water. The time required to accumulate tap water in the storage section 52 as described above may be a time calculated in advance based on the capacity of the storage section 52, the inflow rate of tap water into the storage section 52, and the like. Alternatively, a water level meter may be provided in the storage section 52, and tap water may be accumulated to the desired water level based on the results of the water level meter.

[0060] After collecting tap water as described above (after closing the water supply valve 44), the system waits until the functional water production time described above has elapsed. This causes the production unit 60 to produce functional water. After the functional water production time has elapsed, the sprayer 54 is activated. This causes the functional water in the storage unit 52 to flow into the sprayer 54 through the first outlet 521a and the water supply pipe 53. The functional water that has flowed into the sprayer 54 is turned into mist by the mist generation unit 54A and then sprayed toward the object to be treated. As a result, the object to be treated is subjected to treatment according to the functional water, such as sterilization, deodorization, and antibacterial properties.

[0061] After a preset time (spraying time) for spraying the functional water has elapsed, the sprayer 54 is stopped, thereby completing the functional water spraying process.

[0062] Next, the storage case 62 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a side view of the storage case 62. Figure 4 is a side view of the storage case 62 shown in Figure 3 when viewed from the second side surface portion 622b side.

[0063] The storage case 62 has a bottom surface 621 and side surfaces 622 that rise from the outer periphery of the bottom surface 621. The side surfaces 622 have a first side surface 622a, a second side surface 622b, a third side surface 622c, and a fourth side surface 622d. The first side surface 622a and the second side surface 622b face each other in the Y direction. The third side surface 622c and the fourth side surface 622d face each other in the X direction.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 4, the bottom surface portion 621 has a mesh structure 623 including a plurality of holes 623a arranged two-dimensionally. The size of the holes 623a is such that water can pass through but the beads 61 cannot pass through. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the bottom surface portion 621 has a mesh-like structure and is formed integrally with the side surface portion 622.

[0065] Because the bottom surface portion 621 has a mesh structure 623, tap water can flow into the storage case 62, and functional water generated by the beads 61 stored in the storage case 62 can flow out of the storage case 62. In other words, the bottom surface portion 621 has water permeability that allows tap water to flow into the storage case 62 to generate functional water, and allows the generated functional water to flow out of the storage case 62.

[0066] The side surface portion 622 does not have to have water permeability to allow tap water to flow into the storage case 62 to produce functional water and to allow the produced functional water to flow out of the storage case 62. In other words, the side surface portion 622 does not have to have holes formed therein to allow tap water and functional water to flow in and out of the storage case 62.

[0067] The side surface portion 622 may have a slight water permeability as long as it allows tap water to flow into the storage case 62 mainly from the bottom surface portion 621 to generate functional water and allows the generated functional water to flow out of the storage case 62. For example, when the side surface portion 622 has at least one hole formed therein for allowing tap water and functional water to flow in and out of the storage case 62, the total area (area for water passage) of the at least one hole formed in the side surface portion 622 is smaller than the total area of ​​the plurality of holes 623a formed in the bottom surface portion 621.

[0068] 3 and 4, the bottom surface 621 may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane (or the vertical direction). For example, the casing 62 may be configured to satisfy at least one of the following conditions 1 and 2. (Condition 1) In the Z direction (vertical or up-down direction), the length of the first side surface portion 622a is longer than the length of the second side surface portion 622b. (Condition 2) In the Z direction (vertical or up-down direction), the length of the third side surface portion 622c is longer than the length of the fourth side surface portion 622d.

[0069] When the container case 62 satisfies the condition 1, the bottom surface portion 621 is inclined with respect to the Y direction when viewed from the X direction, as shown in FIG. When the container case 62 satisfies the condition 2, the bottom surface 621 is inclined with respect to the X direction when viewed from the Y direction, as shown in FIG. When the casing 62 satisfies both the condition 1 and the condition 2, the bottom surface 621 is inclined when viewed from both the X direction and the Y direction.

[0070] The material of the accommodating case 62 is, for example, resin. The accommodating case 62 may be a molded body formed by integrally molding resin.

[0071] In one embodiment, the bottom surface portion 621 may be configured with a support structure having at least one hole formed in the lower opening of the cylindrical side surface portion 622 and a mesh sheet supported by the support structure. The support structure may be configured, for example, by a plurality of rod-shaped members connecting the lower end of the third side surface portion 622c to the lower end of the fourth side surface portion 622d and discretely arranged between the first side surface portion 622a and the second side surface portion 622b. Alternatively, the support structure may be a lattice structure formed in the lower opening of the cylindrical side surface portion 622. The size of the holes in the mesh sheet may be the same as the size of the holes 623a. In this case, since the mesh sheet prevents the beads 61 from leaking out of the bottom surface portion 621, the size of the holes in the support structure may be larger than the size of the beads 61.

[0072] Although not shown in Fig. 1, washing machine 1 may include other components that are normally included in washing machine 1. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, washing machine 1 may include an operation unit 71, a memory unit 72, a water level detection unit 73, a control unit 75, and a display unit 74. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of washing machine 1.

[0073] The operation unit 71 includes a power button for turning the power to the device on and off, a start button for starting operation, and a course selection button for selecting any course from multiple courses related to washing operation. The operation unit 71 outputs an input signal to the control unit 75 according to the button operated by the user.

[0074] The storage unit 72 includes a memory element (for example, an EEPROM, a RAM, etc.). Programs for executing various courses of operation are stored in the storage unit 72. Various parameters and various control flags used in executing these programs are also stored in the storage unit 72.

[0075] The water level detection unit 73 detects the water level in the outer tub 13. The water level detection unit 73 inputs a signal to the control unit 75 according to the detected water level.

[0076] The display unit 74 includes a light-emitting element such as an LED, a display such as a liquid crystal panel, etc. In response to a control signal from the control unit 75, the display unit 74 displays the selected course, the progress of the washing operation, notifies of abnormalities, etc.

[0077] The control unit 75 includes a CPU, etc. The control unit 75 is electrically connected to the operation unit 71, memory unit 72, water level detection unit 73, control unit 75, display unit 74, drive motor 30, water supply valve 43, water drain valve 18, blower 22, heater 23, and sprayer 54. The control unit 75 controls the drive motor 30, water supply valve 43, water supply valve 44, drain valve 18, blower 22, heater 23, and sprayer 54 in accordance with a program stored in memory unit 72, based on signals from the operation unit 71, water level detection unit, etc.

[0078] In the washing machine 1, when a signal corresponding to the user's operation of the operation unit 71 is input to the control unit 75, the control unit 75 controls the drive motor 30, water supply valves 43, 44, drain valve 18, blower unit 22, heating unit 23 and sprayer 54 in accordance with the program stored in the memory unit 72 based on the signals from the operation unit 71, water level detection unit 73, etc., thereby performing operation according to various operating courses.

[0079] As an example of an operation course performed by the washing machine 1, the washing and drying operation of the washing machine 1 will be described. In the washing and drying operation of the washing machine 1, a preparation process, a washing process, an intermediate spin-drying process, a rinsing process, a final spin-drying process, and a drying process are performed in this order. Unless otherwise specified, the control of each element (drive motor 30, water supply valve 43, etc.) in each process is performed by the control unit 75.

[0080] In the preparation step, the drive motor 30 is operated to rotate the drum 14. For example, the drum 14 is rotated at 100 rpm. In the preparation step, the control unit 75 detects the load amount of the processing objects in the drum 14 based on the resistance value of the current of the drive motor 30, etc. The load amount corresponds to the capacity of the processing objects in the drum 14. An example of the capacity of the processing objects is the weight of the processing objects.

[0081] Based on the detected load amount, the control unit 75 determines the required amounts of detergent and fabric softener, and the target water levels in the outer tub 13 for the wash and rinse steps. The required amounts of detergent and fabric softener for each load amount and the target water levels for each load amount are determined in advance and stored in the memory unit.

[0082] In the washing step, the water supply process is performed by opening the water supply valve 43 while the drain valve 18 is closed. This causes tap water from the water supply pipe 41 to flow into the outer tub 13, and the tap water accumulates in the outer tub 13. The inflow of tap water from the water supply pipe 41 causes the water level in the outer tub 13 to rise. When the tap water in the outer tub 13 rises to the target water level, the water supply valve 43 is closed, and the water supply process ends.

[0083] During the water supply process, a required amount of detergent is added into outer tub 13. The detergent may be added manually by a user or automatically by an automatic dispenser (not shown) provided in washing machine 1. When the detergent is added, treated water generated by dissolving the detergent in tap water accumulates in outer tub 13. For example, when the detergent is added by the automatic dispenser, a water supply pipe may be arranged so that tap water flows into the automatic dispenser, and the treated water in which the detergent added by the automatic dispenser has been dissolved may be supplied into outer tub 13.

[0084] Once the treatment water has accumulated in the outer tank 13 as described above, the objects to be treated, immersed in the treatment water, are tumbled by repeatedly rotating forward and backward in the drum 14. The detergent-containing water penetrates into the interior of the objects to be treated, and the power of the detergent and the mechanical force of the tumbling remove dirt adhering to the surface and interior of the objects to be treated.

[0085] In the intermediate spin-drying step, drive motor 30 is operated with drain valve 18 open to rotate drum 14 for spin-drying. The centrifugal force generated by the spin-drying rotation of drum 14 dehydrates the objects to be treated inside drum 14. Treated water seeping out of the objects to be treated by such spin-drying treatment is discharged from drain pipe 17 to the outside of washing machine 1.

[0086] In the rinsing process, water is filled in the outer tub 13 to a predetermined rinse level by opening the water supply valve 43 for a predetermined time while keeping the drain valve 18 closed. The drum 14 is then rotated forward and backward. This tumbles the objects to be treated, and the detergent contained in the objects is discharged together with tap water, rinsing the objects.

[0087] In the final dewatering step, dewatering is carried out in the same manner as in the intermediate dewatering step, except that the drum 14 is rotated at a higher rotation speed than in the intermediate dewatering step.

[0088] In the drying step, hot air is generated by controlling the air blower 22 and the heating unit 23, and the air is circulated between the drum 14 and the circulation path 21 and supplied to the object to be treated inside the drum 14. In this way, the object to be treated is dried.

[0089] In the washing machine 1, the window cleaning process described above may be carried out after the rinsing process.

[0090] A fabric softener may be added in the rinsing step. The method of adding the fabric softener may be the same as the method of adding the detergent in the washing step. The rinsing step may be performed twice. If the rinsing step is performed twice, the fabric softener is added in the final rinsing step. Although the embodiment in which an intermediate spin-drying step and a final spin-drying step are performed has been described, the spin-drying step may be performed only once in the final spin-drying step. Although the washing and drying operation including the drying step has been described, for example, the washing machine 1 may also perform a washing operation that does not include the drying step.

[0091] The washing machine 1 can also perform a washing operation to wash the dried object with functional water. The washing operation may be performed after the drying operation as part of the washing and drying operation, or may be an operation independent of the washing operation or the washing and drying operation.

[0092] By operating operation unit 71, the user can select whether to execute the cleaning operation as part of the washing and drying operation or as a standalone operation. The objects to be treated in the cleaning operation are not limited to objects that can be washed in washing machine 1, but may also be coats, stuffed toys, and the like that cannot be washed in washing machine 1. As an example, when a user wants to remove dirt from a coat that the user took off after returning home, the cleaning operation is executed as a standalone operation.

[0093] When the cleaning operation begins with the dry material to be treated contained in the drum 14, the control unit 75 calculates the functional water generation time, which is the time required to generate treated water of the required concentration in the drum 14, and the amount of tap water required.

[0094] The functional water production time and the amount of water may vary depending on the load of the object to be treated in the drum 14. In this case, the control unit 75 executes the preparation process described above to detect the load, and calculates the functional water production time and the amount of water according to the detected load. The user can also select whether to sterilize or antibacterialize the object to be treated by operating the operation unit 71. Since sterilization typically requires a higher concentration of functional water than antibacterial treatment, the control unit 75 calculates the functional water production time according to each of sterilization and antibacterial treatment.

[0095] After calculating the functional water production time and water volume, the control unit 75 starts the air wash. Specifically, the control unit 75 circulates air by operating the air blower 22 while rotating the drum 14 at, for example, 45 rpm. As a result, the objects to be treated, which repeatedly fall by tumbling inside the drum 14, are exposed to the circulating air, thereby removing dust and other particles from the objects to be treated. This process is called an air wash. The control unit 75 starts the air wash and simultaneously performs the functional water spraying process described above.

[0096] In the functional water spraying process, the functional water is sprayed in a mist onto the object to be treated. As a result, the object is cleaned by the treated water, such as by sterilization, antibacterial treatment, or deodorization, depending on the function of the functional water, and is also coated with the treated water to prevent the adhesion of dirt, bacteria, etc. When the functional water spraying process is completed, the rotation of the drum 14 and the blower 22 are also stopped.

[0097] The washing machine 1 has a plurality of beads 61 (functional water generating members) housed in a housing case 62 inside the water storage tank 50. This allows functional water (silver ion water in this embodiment) to be generated inside the water storage tank 50. The functional water generated inside the water storage tank 50 is taken out of the water storage tank 50 through a water supply pipe 53. A sprayer 54 is disposed at the lower end of the water supply pipe 53, and the functional water flowing through the water supply pipe 53 is turned into mist by the sprayer 54 and then sprayed onto the object to be treated. As a result, the object to be treated is subjected to a treatment according to the function of the functional water, such as sterilization, antibacterial properties, or deodorization.

[0098] The bottom surface 621 of the storage case 62 has a mesh structure 623. Therefore, while a plurality of beads 61 are stored in the storage case 62, water can pass from the outside to the inside of the storage case 62 or from the inside to the outside. In other words, since the bottom surface 621 of the storage case 62 has the mesh structure 623 as described above, water can pass from the outside to the inside of the storage case 62 or from the inside to the outside. Therefore, the beads 61 stored in the storage case 62 come into contact with tap water, and functional water is produced, and the produced functional water can flow out of the storage case 62.

[0099] One possible method for storing the beads 61 is to store the beads 61 in a mesh bag (e.g., a net) with holes formed throughout the bag. However, when the beads 61 are stored in the mesh bag, the functional water tends to be retained in the holes formed throughout the bag due to surface tension. Over time, the functional water retained in the holes formed throughout the bag also drips from the surface of the bag toward the bottom surface 621 due to gravity and accumulates in the water supply pipe 53. Once a certain amount of functional water accumulates in the water supply pipe 53, gravity may cause the functional water to unintentionally leak from the sprayer 54, even when the sprayer 54 is stopped. If the functional water unintentionally leaks from the sprayer 54 in this way, the object to be treated or the inside of the washing machine 1 may become soiled. In particular, if the functional water is colored (e.g., brown), the stains are easily noticeable.

[0100] In contrast, in the storage case 62, the bottom surface 621 has a mesh structure 623 that allows tap water or functional water to pass between the inside and outside of the storage case 62. Therefore, even if functional water is retained in the holes 623a formed in the bottom surface 621, the amount of functional water retained can be less than the amount of functional water retained in all the holes of a mesh bag (e.g., a net). As a result, when the sprayer 54 is stopped, the amount of functional water that accumulates in the water supply pipe 53 is also reduced, preventing leakage of functional water from the sprayer 54.

[0101] The bottom surface 621 located at the lower side of the container case 62 is mesh-like, and the functional water in the container case 62 flows out of the container case 62 through the bottom surface 621. Therefore, the functional water is less likely to remain in the multiple holes 623a of the bottom surface 621.

[0102] When the bottom surface 621 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, the functional water tends to move to the lowest part of the bottom surface 621, making it difficult for the functional water to be retained in holes 623a other than the lowest hole 623a of the bottom surface 621. If the functional water collects in the lowest hole 623a of the bottom surface 621, the amount of functional water increases in the lowest hole 623a of the bottom surface 621 and its vicinity, making the functional water itself heavier. As a result, the functional water is less likely to be retained in the hole 623a even by surface tension. Therefore, when the sprayer 54 is stopped, the amount of functional water flowing from the container case 62 to the water supply pipe 53 can be reduced. In this way, when the amount of functional water flowing into the water supply pipe 53 is reduced when the sprayer 64 is stopped, leakage of the functional water from the sprayer 64 due to the weight of the functional water accumulated in the water supply pipe 53 is less likely to occur. As a result, unintended leakage of the functional water when the sprayer 54 is stopped can be further prevented.

[0103] If the side portion 622 does not have water permeability for allowing tap water to flow into the container 62 to produce functional water and for the generated functional water to flow out of the container 62, or if the side portion 622 is formed so that tap water can flow into the container 62 to produce functional water mainly from the bottom portion 621 and for the generated functional water to flow out of the container 62, the mesh structure 623 of the bottom portion 621 essentially functions as a water permeability portion for the container 62 from the outside to the inside or from the inside to the outside of the container 62. As a result, as described above, leakage of functional water from the sprayer 54 can be more reliably prevented when the sprayer 54 is stopped.

[0104] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but is intended to include the scope indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0105] The functional water generating member is not limited to the beads 61 shown as an example, as long as it can generate functional water according to the treatment to be performed on the object to be treated. For example, it may be small pieces of a soluble material (e.g., glass, titanium oxide, etc.) mixed with silver. The water storage tank may be a tank dedicated to generating functional water.

[0106] The laundry equipment of the present invention is not limited to drum-type washing machines, but may also be, for example, vertical washing machines, dryers that omit the washing function, or dedicated equipment for performing at least one of sterilization, antibacterial, and deodorizing treatments by spraying functional water onto the object to be treated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1...washing machine, 14...drum (storage tank), 41...water supply pipe, 42...water supply pipe (water supply section), 50...water storage tank, 53...water supply pipe, 54...sprayer, 55...water supply pipe, 61...beads (functional water generating component), 62...storage case, 511...bottom section, 521...bottom section, 522...side section, 621...bottom section, 622...side section, 622a...first side section, 622b...second side section, 622c...third side section, 622d...fourth side section, 623...mesh structure.

Claims

1. a storage tank disposed within the housing and configured to store the material to be treated; a water storage tank disposed above the container within the housing and configured to store tap water; a water supply unit that supplies tap water to the water storage tank; a storage case disposed in the water storage tank and containing a plurality of functional water generating components for generating functional water; a sprayer disposed below the water storage tank, which sprays the functional water generated by the functional water generating members into mist into the storage tank; a water supply pipe for flowing the functional water produced in the water storage tank toward the sprayer; Equipped with The storage case is A bottom portion; a side surface portion rising from the outer periphery of the bottom surface portion; It has the bottom surface portion has a mesh structure including a plurality of holes that do not allow the functional water generating member to pass through but allow tap water or functional water to pass through; Laundry equipment.

2. The bottom surface is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane. The laundry machine according to claim 1.

3. The side surface portion is A first side surface portion; a second side surface portion facing the first side surface portion in a first direction; a third side surface portion connecting the first side surface portion and the second side surface portion; a fourth side surface portion connecting the first side surface portion and the second side surface portion and facing the third side surface portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; having 3. The laundry machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The storage case satisfies at least one of the following conditions 1 and 2: The laundry machine according to claim 3. (Condition 1) In a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the length of the first side surface portion is longer than the length of the second side surface portion. (Condition 2) In a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the length of the third side surface portion is longer than the length of the fourth side surface portion.

5. the side surface portion generates the functional water and does not have water permeability for allowing the generated functional water to flow out of the storage case; 3. The laundry machine according to claim 1 or 2.

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