Washing machine water supply hose that houses a silver ion water generator

Abstract

To provide a sterilizing effect and a virus inactivating effect to tap water supplied to a washing machine without the need to purchase a new washing machine, and to provide an excellent washing effect by converting the tap water supplied to the washing machine into fine bubble water. [Solution] A water supply hose for a washing machine (1A) is provided, which is composed of a coupler joint part (4) having a joint socket (4a) that is detachably connected to a joint plug (4b) attached to a tap water faucet (20), a water hose (2) that is connected to the joint socket (4a), and a connection means (27a) that threadably connects the water outlet end of the water hose (2) to a water inlet (27) of a washing machine (26), and is also composed of a cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge (10) that contains silver ion glass particles that release silver ions into the water upon contact with water.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides a water supply hose for a washing machine that incorporates a silver ion water generator for the washing machine, which has a bactericidal effect and a virus inactivation effect, and a fine bubble water generator that can generate silver ion water and excellent cleaning effects in tap water supplied to the washing machine. Containment This relates to a water supply hose for a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Even after washing, various types of bacteria remain in the fibers of laundry, which can cause unpleasant odors such as a fishy smell. Furthermore, influenza viruses and novel coronaviruses attached to laundry can remain active even after washing. For this reason, many laundry detergents on the market today contain germicidal disinfectants that sterilize bacteria and inactivate viruses during the wash process.

[0003] However, these disinfectants mainly contain sodium hypochlorite, linear alkylbenzenesulfonate sodium, alkylglycosides, alkylamine oxides, benzalkonium chloride, and benzethonium chloride (0.05% or more), and because these are chemical substances that have a bactericidal and disinfecting effect, there is a risk that they may have an adverse effect on the skin if not rinsed properly after washing.

[0004] On the other hand, in order to improve the cleaning power of laundry, it is desirable to use fine bubble water, which makes it easier for the washing water containing detergent to penetrate between the fibers of the laundry, thereby improving cleaning power.In recent years, washing machines equipped with the function of turning tap water into fine bubble water have come onto the market.

[0005] Here, fine bubble water refers to water with a large number of microbubbles (approximately 100 μm in diameter) or nanobubbles (approximately 50 to 500 nm in diameter).These bubbled water, which are smaller than pores, penetrate into the gaps in fiber tissue and have a high cleaning function, effectively washing away dirt.

[0006] Fine bubble water not only penetrates into the gaps between textiles, but is also attracting attention for its cleaning effect due to its electrical action. The surface of fine bubble water is usually negatively charged, which causes the bubbles to repel each other and not coalesce, allowing them to diffuse and float within the water. In contrast, dirt such as oil, sebum, and small foreign objects that adhere to the fibers of clothing is usually positively charged and electrically bonds to the negatively charged items being washed. Therefore, when negatively charged fine bubble water adsorbs to the positively charged dirt, it electrically neutralizes it, making it easier for the dirt to separate from the items being washed.

[0007] As a result, the dirt that has been electrically neutralized and separated from the object to be washed remains adsorbed to the gas-liquid interface of the fine bubble water and rises to the water surface due to the buoyancy of the bubbles, so the dirt removed from the object to be washed is cleaned without adhering to the object again in the fine bubble water.

[0008] Known methods for producing fine bubble water containing a large amount of fine bubbles that exert such effects include the high-speed shear method, the pressurized collapse method, and the cavitation method (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4).

[0009] Here, the cavitation method is known as a method for generating fine bubble water by atomizing the so-called dissolved air in water without drawing in air from the outside.

[0010] As a method for generating fine bubble water using this cavitation method, for example, a type of device is known that has a first nozzle on the water inlet side, which gradually decreases in cross-sectional area perpendicular to the central axis from the water inlet to the water outlet of a narrow water channel, a second nozzle on the water outlet side, which is arranged continuously through a connecting passage that is connected to the outlet of the first nozzle and gradually increases in cross-sectional area perpendicular to the central axis from the inlet to the outlet, and a gap or side chamber that is open only to the connecting passage (Patent Document 2).

[0011] Furthermore, a shower head with a fine bubble water generating function is known as an application of such a cavitation-based fine bubble water generator for beauty and health benefits (Patent Document 3).

[0012] Similarly, an example of a washing machine using a cavitation-based fine bubble water generator from dissolved air is a washing machine equipped with a fluid injection device that injects microbubbles onto laundry in a rotating tub (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

[0013] Furthermore, a washing machine hose is also known in which a microbubble water generator is built into a washing machine water supply hose that supplies tap water to the washing machine, rather than having a microbubble water generator inside the washing machine body (see, for example, Patent Document 5). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-021343 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-136864 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-002196 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-209331 [Patent Document 5] Patent No. 7231593 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] In order to provide the tap water supplied to a washing machine with sterilizing and virus inactivating effects, it was necessary to purchase a new washing machine with such functions. In addition, there was a desire to convert the tap water supplied to the washing machine into fine bubble water to provide excellent cleaning effects.

[0016] The high-pressure shear type microbubble generator shown in Patent Document 1 accelerates water stored in a tank to mix gas and liquid, but the device is complex and large, making it unsuitable for home use where a simple type that can be connected to a water pipe, etc., is desired.

[0017] Furthermore, the microbubble generator disclosed in Patent Document 2 may not be able to supply a sufficient amount of water for use because the water flow that has suddenly expanded in the communicating passage having the side chamber of the waterway is reduced in pressure by throttling with the second nozzle. Therefore, the width of the side chamber in the axial flow direction must be adjusted depending on the water pressure at that time, and it cannot be easily attached to a domestic water pipe.

[0018] The devices described in Patent Documents 3 and 4 allow fine bubble water to be used at home when showering or doing laundry, but these are devices that have a microbubble generator already built into the shower head, which means that existing showers and washing machines must be replaced with new ones, which is costly.

[0019] Patent Document 5 describes a water supply hose for a washing machine that gives a normal household washing machine the ability to generate fine bubble water, but the microbubble water generator built into the washing machine hose has a complex structure and mechanism, making it expensive.

[0020] Furthermore, the above-mentioned known washing machines do not have a sterilizing effect or a virus inactivating effect.

[0021] Furthermore, even if a washing machine with sterilizing and virus inactivating effects were proposed, the washing machine currently in use would have to be discarded and replaced with such a washing machine.

[0022] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide tap water supplied to a washing machine with a bactericidal effect and a virus inactivation effect without incurring the significant cost of purchasing a washing machine, etc. Furthermore, the present invention aims to convert the tap water supplied to the washing machine into fine bubble water, thereby providing an excellent cleaning effect. [Means for solving the problem]

[0023] In order to solve the above problems, the first aspect of the present invention is to place a cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge containing silver ion glass particles that release silver ions into water upon contact with water in the water inlet of a washing machine, a water supply hose for a washing machine, comprising: a coupler joint part having a joint socket detachably connected to a joint plug attached to a tap for tap water; a water hose connected to the joint socket; and a connecting means for threadably connecting the water outlet end of the water hose to a water inlet of the washing machine; The washing machine water supply hose is configured separately from the washing machine water supply hose, a cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge containing silver ion glass particles that release silver ions into the water upon contact with the water; Equipped with , The diameter of the cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge is the same as that of the water inlet of the washing machine. Connection method It is smaller than the inner circumference of the washing machine and part of it is inside the water inlet. Detachable The silver ion water generating cartridge is housed inside the connecting means connected to the tip of the water hose. The part The silver ion water generating cartridge is provided with a space for storing other components, and when the connecting means of the washing machine water supply hose is connected to the water inlet of the washing machine, the silver ion water generating cartridge is stored in the tap water passage between the connecting means and the water inlet, so that the tap water supplied to the washing machine contains silver ions. Contains silver ion water generating cartridge A water supply hose for a washing machine is provided.

[0024] The second aspect of the present invention provides a water supply hose for a washing machine that has a cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge placed in the water inlet of a washing machine, the cartridge containing silver ion glass particles that release silver ions into the water upon contact with water, and a fine bubble water generator that breaks down the bubbles contained in the tap water into fine bubbles, connected to the coupler joint, thereby turning the tap water flowing through the hose into fine bubble water.

[0025] A third aspect of the present invention is a water supply hose for a washing machine, comprising: a coupler joint part having a joint socket detachably connected to a joint plug attached to a tap for water; a water hose connected to the coupler joint part; and a connecting means for threadably connecting the water outlet end of the water hose to a water inlet of a washing machine; The washing machine water supply hose is configured separately from the washing machine water supply hose, A cylindrical container containing silver ion glass particles that release silver ions into the water upon contact with the water. The silver ion glass container has a silver ion glass container, and water-permeable caps each having a circular plate with a plurality of holes are fitted to both sides of the silver ion glass container, and the silver ion glass particles are contained in the silver ion glass container in a confined state. A silver ion water generating cartridge, Equipped with The silver ion water generating cartridge is connected between the coupler joint and the water hose. Detachable The washing machine is connected to a water heater, so that the tap water supplied to the washing machine contains silver ions. Contains silver ion water generating cartridge A water supply hose for a washing machine is provided.

[0026] The third aspect of the present invention differs from the first aspect of the invention described above in that the silver ion water generating cartridge is connected to the coupler joint portion that receives tap water.

[0027] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a water supply hose for a washing machine, characterized in that a fine bubble water generator that breaks down the water bubbles contained in the tap water is further connected to the water hose downstream of the silver ion water generating cartridge connected to the coupler joint portion, thereby further turning the tap water containing silver ions flowing through the water hose into fine bubble water.

[0029] Here, the silver ion particles contain at least cobalt oxide, silver oxide, and boron oxide, and a water-permeable cap having a circular plate with multiple holes is fitted to both sides of the cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge, and the silver ion glass particles are contained within the silver ion water generating cartridge.

[0030] On the other hand, the fine bubble water generator is composed of a water inlet plate into which tap water flows, a water outlet plate from which fine bubble water is released, and a cylinder that connects the water inlet plate and the water outlet plate and forms a flow channel whose inner surface has unevenness created by spiral cuts.The tap water that flows in from the water inlet plate comes into contact with the unevenness inside the cylinder, generating turbulence, which finely breaks down the bubbles in the tap water and causes fine bubble water to flow out from the water outlet plate.

[0031] Here, the water inlet plate is provided with a plurality of water inlet holes through which tap water supplied from a tap water faucet passes, and the plurality of water inlet holes on the water inlet plate are arranged at equal intervals in a concentric pattern at a predetermined distance from the center of the water inlet plate.

[0032] The water outlet plate is provided with a plurality of water outlet holes for discharging the fine bubble water generated in the fine bubble water generator, and the plurality of water outlet holes on the water outlet plate are preferably arranged at equal intervals in a concentric pattern at a predetermined distance from the center of the water outlet plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] As a result, the washing machine water supply hoses of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention make it possible to provide a bactericidal effect and a virus inactivating effect to an existing washing machine that is currently being used, without incurring the huge cost of replacing the washing machine, etc. Furthermore, the washing machine water supply hoses of the second and fourth aspects of the present invention not only provide a bactericidal effect and a virus inactivating effect, but also make it possible to convert tap water supplied to the washing machine into fine bubble water, thereby achieving an excellent cleaning effect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 shows the overall appearance of a water supply hose for a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 3 shows the overall appearance of a water supply hose for a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 4 shows the overall appearance of a water supply hose for a washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 shows a state in which a silver ion water generating cartridge is connected to a joint socket portion of a washing machine water supply hose according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 shows a connection mode between a joint socket and a silver ion water generating cartridge in a water supply hose for a washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and the water hose. [Figure 6] 10 shows the external appearance of a part of a water supply hose for a washing machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 shows a connection mode of a joint socket, a silver ion water generating cartridge, and a fine bubble water generator to a water supply hose in a washing machine water supply hose according to a fourth aspect of the present invention. [Figure 8] The external structure of the silver ion water generating cartridge is shown. [Figure 9] The detailed internal structure of the silver ion water generating cartridge is shown. [Figure 10] This shows the configuration (part 1) of a fine bubble water generator housed in a washing machine water supply hose. Part (a) shows the internal configuration of the fine bubble water generator when housed in a washing machine water supply hose. Part (b) shows the side of the water inlet plate and the side of the water outlet plate. The holes in the water inlet plate (four in the example shown in Figure 5) and the holes in the water outlet plate (four in the example shown in Figure 5) are aligned in the direction of water flow. Part (c) shows a perspective view of the AA' cross section of the fine bubble water generator shown in (b). A spiral cut is made on the inner surface of the cylinder. [Figure 11]This shows the configuration (part 2) of the fine bubble water generator housed inside the water supply hose for this washing machine. Part (a) shows the internal configuration of the fine bubble water generator when housed inside the water supply hose for this washing machine. Part (b) shows the side of the water inlet plate and the side of the water outlet plate. The four holes on the water inlet plate and the four holes on the water outlet plate are rotated approximately 90 degrees in the direction of water flow. Part (c) shows the BB' cross section of the fine bubble water generator shown in (b). A spiral cut is made on the inner surface of the cylinder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] FIG. 1 shows the overall appearance of a water supply hose 1A for a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the first embodiment of the present washing machine water supply hose 1A is a washing machine water supply hose 1A that is composed of a coupler joint part 4 having a joint socket 4a that is detachably connected to a joint plug 4b attached to a tap water faucet 20, a water hose 2 that is connected to the joint socket 4a, and a connection means 27a that threadably connects the water outlet end of the water hose 2 to a water inlet 27 of a washing machine 26, and is also composed of a cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge 10 that contains silver ion glass particles that release silver ions into the water when they come into contact with water.

[0036] Here, the diameter of the cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge 10 is smaller than the inner circumference of the washing machine's water inlet 27, and a portion of it is housed within the washing machine's water inlet 27. A space is provided inside the connecting means 5 connected to the end of the water hose 2 to house the remaining portion of the silver ion water generating cartridge 10. As a result, the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 is housed snugly between the inner space of the connecting means 5 connected to the end of the water hose 2 and the connecting means 27a that is screwed into the water inlet 27 of the washing machine 26.

[0037] In this way, when the connection means 5 of the washing machine water supply hose 1A is connected to the water inlet 27 of the washing machine, the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 is housed in the tap water passage between the connection means 5 and the water inlet 27, thereby causing silver ions to be contained in the tap water supplied to the washing machine 26.

[0038] The coupler joint 4, which includes a joint socket 4a that is detachably connected to a joint plug 4b attached to a tap water faucet 20, is currently widely used and well known, so a detailed description of the attachment / detachment mechanism will be omitted here. The silver ion water generating cartridge 10 will be described in detail later.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1, the inner surface of the connection means 5 at the tip of the water hose 2 is provided with a female thread that threadably engages with the male thread on the outer periphery of the connection means 27a of the water inlet 27 of the washing machine 26, thereby allowing the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 to be neatly stored inside the space between the inner space of the connection means 5 and the water inlet 27 of the washing machine 26.

[0040] Thus, in the washing machine water supply hose 1A according to the first aspect of the present invention, the coupler joint portion 4 having the joint socket 4a which is detachably connected to the joint plug 4b attached to the tap water faucet 20, and the female thread on the inner surface of the connection means 5 at the tip of the water hose 2 are threadably joined to the male thread on the outer periphery of the connection means 27a of the water inlet 27 of the washing machine 26. Therefore, the user can convert the tap water supplied to the washing machine into silver ion water by simply removing the washing machine water supply hose which is currently in use and easily connecting the washing machine water supply hose 1A according to the present invention (without tools) without having to replace the washing machine 26 with a new type which generates silver ion water internally.

[0041] Furthermore, the cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge 10 containing silver ion glass particles that release silver ions needs to be replaced periodically depending on the frequency of use of the washing machine. The user simply removes the connecting means 5 of the washing machine water supply hose 1A from the connecting means 27a of the washing machine's water inlet 27, removes the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 that has been used up until now, and replaces it with a new one. It can be easily replaced with the silver ion water generating cartridge 10.

[0042] Details of the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 will be described later, but as shown in Figure 8, the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 is composed of a silver ion glass container 20 that stores silver ion glass and a cylinder (cylindrical outer tube) 11 that covers the silver ion glass container 20, and the user only needs to replace the silver ion glass container 20 that stores the silver ion glass depending on how often the washing machine is used.

[0043] Water-permeable caps, each having a circular plate with multiple holes perforated therein, are fitted to both sides of the silver ion glass storage body 20 stored in the cylindrical body 11 of the silver ion water generating cartridge 10, and the silver ion glass particles are stored in a state of being enclosed within the silver ion water generating cartridge 10.

[0044] FIG. 2 shows the overall appearance of a water supply hose for a washing machine 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the washing machine water supply hose 1B according to the second aspect of the present invention, a fine bubble water generator 33 that breaks down water bubbles contained in tap water into fine bubbles is connected to the coupler joint 4, turning the tap water flowing through the water hose 2 into fine bubble water. The fine bubble water generator 33 will be described in detail later.

[0045] Here, one example of a method for connecting the fine bubble water generator (inside of symbol 33) to the coupler joint part 4 is to make the outer diameter size of the fine bubble water generator 33 smaller than the inner diameter of the water hose 2, insert the fine bubble water generator 33 into the water hose 2, and then wrap a crimping material around the outside of the water hose 2 and crimp it to fix the fine bubble water generator 33 inside the water hose 2.

[0046] Since the fine bubble water generator 33 does not need to be replaced periodically like the silver ion water generating cartridge 10, this crimping method is the simplest, but of course the connection to the water hose and / or the connection to the coupler joint part 4 can also be made by a screw connection.

[0047] As a result, the second aspect of the present invention places a cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge containing silver ion glass particles that release silver ions into the water upon contact with water in the water inlet of the washing machine 26, and a fine bubble water generator that micronizes the water bubbles contained in the tap water is further connected to the coupler joint, providing a water supply hose for a washing machine that has the function of turning the tap water flowing through the water hose into fine bubble water.This makes it possible to turn the tap water supplied to the washing machine into fine bubble water, providing excellent cleaning effects as well as bactericidal and virus inactivating effects, without incurring significant costs such as replacing the washing machine.

[0048] FIG. 3 shows the overall appearance of a water supply hose for a washing machine 1C according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The washing machine water supply hose 1C according to the third aspect of the present invention differs from the washing machine water supply hose 1A according to the first aspect in that the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 is attached by connecting it to a joint socket 4a which is detachably connected to a joint plug 4b attached to a tap water faucet 20.

[0049] That is, the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 is composed of a coupler joint part 4 having a joint socket 4a that can be detachably connected to a joint plug 4b attached to a tap water faucet, a water hose 2 that is connected to the coupler joint part 4, and a connection means 5 that threadably connects the water outlet end of the water hose 2 to the water inlet 27 of the washing machine 26, and the cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge 10 that contains silver ion glass particles that release silver ions into the water when they come into contact with water is connected between the coupler joint part 4 and the water hose 2, thereby causing the tap water supplied to the washing machine to contain silver ions.

[0050] In this way, in the washing machine water supply hose 1C according to the third aspect of the present invention, by attaching it to a joint socket 4a which is detachably connected to a joint plug 4b attached to a tap water faucet 20, the user can turn the tap water supplied to the washing machine into silver ion water by simply removing the washing machine water supply hose which the user is currently using and simply connecting (without tools) the washing machine water supply hose 1C according to the present invention, without having to replace the washing machine 26 with a new type which generates silver ion water internally.

[0051] FIG. 4 shows a state in which a silver ion water generating cartridge is connected to a joint socket of a washing machine water supply hose 1C according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] 5 shows the connection between the joint socket 4a, the silver ion water generating cartridge 10, and the water hose 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the joint socket 4a and the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 are threadedly connected, and the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 and the water hose 2 are also threadedly connected. By threading the connection in this manner, the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 can be replaced periodically depending on how often the washing machine is used.

[0053] In this way, in the washing machine water supply hose 1C according to the third aspect, the user can simply remove the connection means 5 of the washing machine water supply hose 1 from the connection means 27a of the washing machine's water inlet 27 and easily replace it with the silver ion glass container 20 (see Figure 8) that contains the silver ion glass that constitutes the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 that has been used until then.

[0054] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in order to join the male screw 2-1 for threaded connection with the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 to the tip of the water hose 2, it is preferable to insert the rear end of the male screw 2-1 into the water hose 2, and then cover the outside of the water hose 2 with the crimping portion 3 shown in Figure 4 and then crimp it.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, by making the rotational direction of the screw connection between the joint socket 4a and the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 and the rotational direction of the screw connection between the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 and the water hose 2 reverse rotation rather than rotating in the same direction, it is possible to remove the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 by rotating only the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 in one direction without rotating the joint socket 4a and the silver ion water generating cartridge 10.

[0056] 6 shows the partial external appearance of a washing machine water supply hose 1D according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 is connected to a joint socket 4a which is detachably connected to a joint plug 4b attached to a tap water faucet 20, and the fine bubble water generator 33 is connected downstream of the joint socket 4a.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, a fine bubble water generator 33 that breaks down the water bubbles contained in the tap water is further connected inside the water hose 2 downstream of the silver ion water generating cartridge 10, which is connected to a joint socket 4a (see Figure 1, etc.) that is detachably connected to a joint plug 4b attached to a tap water faucet 20, so that the tap water containing silver ions flowing through the water hose 2 is further turned into fine bubble water.

[0058] As a result, in the washing machine water supply hose 1D according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, like the washing machine water supply hose 1B according to the second aspect described above, the tap water supplied to the washing machine 26 is converted into fine bubble water, which not only provides an excellent cleaning effect but also a bactericidal effect and a virus inactivation effect.

[0059] FIG. 7 shows the connection between the joint socket 4a, the silver ion water generating cartridge 10, the fine bubble water generator (inside the reference numeral 33), and the water hose 2 in a washing machine water supply hose 1D according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] 7, the joint socket 4a and the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 are threadedly connected, and the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 and the fine bubble water generator (inside the reference numeral 33) are also threadedly connected. This allows the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 to be replaced without using tools or the like.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, by making the rotational direction of the threaded connection between the joint socket 4a and the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 and the rotational direction of the threaded connection between the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 and the fine bubble water generator (inside the symbol 33) reverse rather than rotating in the same direction, it is possible to remove the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 by rotating only the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 in one direction without rotating the joint socket 4a and the fine bubble water generator (inside the symbol 33).

[0062] FIG. 8 shows the external configuration of the silver ion water generating cartridge. The silver ion water generating cartridge 10 is composed of a silver ion glass container 20 that contains silver ion glass, and a cylindrical body 11 that covers the silver ion glass container 20.

[0063] As described above, the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 constituting the washing machine water supply hose 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D according to each aspect of the present invention is composed of the silver ion glass container 20 that stores silver ion glass and the cylindrical body 11 that covers the silver ion glass container 20. Therefore, when replacing the silver ion water generating cartridge 10, which needs to be replaced periodically, it is sufficient to replace only the silver ion glass container 20 that is housed in the cylindrical body 11, which is a cylindrical outer cylinder that covers the silver ion glass container 20.

[0064] As shown in Figure 8, water-permeable caps consisting of circular plates with multiple holes are fitted to both sides of the cylindrical silver ion glass container 20, and the silver ion glass particles are contained within the silver ion water generating cartridge 10.

[0065] Next, a description will be given of the silver ion water generating cartridge 10. FIG.

[0066] The cylindrical body 11 that covers the silver ion glass container 20 has an annular projection formed integrally on the inner periphery of the front end and a female screw 11b formed on the inner periphery of the rear end, as shown in Fig. 9. The outer periphery of the outer cylinder 11 is knurled to prevent slipping.

[0067] 9, an annular protrusion 12a is formed integrally with the inner periphery of the front end of the screw member 12, and a male thread 12b is formed on the outer periphery of the front end. An annular flange 12c is formed integrally with the screw member 12 at a location rearward of the male thread 12b on the outer periphery, and a ring-shaped elastic seal ring (not shown) and a locking ring (snap ring 15) are fitted onto the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 12A rearward of this flange 12c.

[0068] The silver ion water generating cartridge 19 is constructed by sealing the front and rear end openings of a cylindrical case 21 with circular water-passing caps 22, 23, respectively. Each water-passing cap 22, 23 has a plurality of circular water-passing holes 22a, 23a formed therein. Each water-passing cap 22, 23 is attached to the front and rear ends of the case 21 by fitting the outer periphery of its inner end surface onto the outer periphery of the front and rear ends of the case 21.

[0069] A silver ion glass particle agent 26 that generates silver ions when it comes into contact with water is accommodated in the space formed by the case 21 and the pair of water passage caps 22, 23 of the silver ion water generating cartridge 19. In this embodiment, cobalt oxide (CO3O4) and silver-containing glass (phosphate glass) are used as the silver ion glass particle agent 26, and its components include silver oxide (Ag2O), boron oxide (BO3, α-BO3), diphosphorus pentoxide (PO5), and calcium oxide (CaO).

[0070] By the way, depending on the state of the microorganisms and the concentration of silver ions (antibacterial effects are seen even in extremely small amounts of 0.01 ppm - 0.00001 g per liter), they can have both a bacteriostatic and a bactericidal effect. This means that even extremely small amounts of silver ions can have a bactericidal and antibacterial effect against a wide range of viruses and bacteria.

[0071] The nut member 13 is an annular member that is fitted onto the outer periphery of one (rear) cap 23 when the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 is in an assembled state, and has a male thread 13a formed on its outer periphery that screws into a female thread 11b formed on the inner periphery of the rear end of the cylindrical body 11. The rear end face of this nut member 13 has engagement grooves 13b formed at two radially opposing locations for engagement with the claws of a tool (not shown).

[0072] FIG. 10 shows the configuration (part 1) of a fine bubble water generator housed in the washing machine water supply hoses 1A to 1D. Part (a) shows the internal structure of the fine bubble water generator when it is housed in the water supply hose 2 of the washing machine water supply hose. Part (b) shows the side of the water inlet plate and the side of the water outlet plate. The holes in the water inlet plate (four in the example shown in Figure 10) and the holes in the water outlet plate (four in the example shown in Figure 5) are aligned in the direction of water flow. Part (c) shows a perspective view of the AA' cross section of the fine bubble water generator shown in (b). A spiral cut is made on the inner surface of the cylinder.

[0073] As shown in Figure 10, the fine bubble water generator 33 is housed inside the water supply hose 2 of the washing machine's water supply hose and is composed of a water inlet plate 33-2 into which tap water flows, a water outlet plate 33-3 from which fine bubble water is released, and a cylinder 33-1 that connects the water inlet plate 33-2 and the water outlet plate 33-3 and forms a flow channel on its inner surface with uneven sections 33-4 made by spiral cuts.The tap water flowing in from the water inlet plate 33-2 comes into contact with the uneven sections 33-4 in the cylinder 33-1, generating turbulence that finely breaks down the bubbles in the tap water and causes fine bubble water to flow out from the water outlet plate 33-3.

[0074] Here, the water inlet plate 33-2 is provided with a plurality of water inlet holes 36 through which tap water supplied from the tap water faucet 20 passes, and these plurality of water inlet holes 36 are arranged concentrically and equally spaced apart at a predetermined distance from the center of the water inlet plate 33-2.

[0075] In addition, the water outlet plate 33-3 is provided with a plurality of water outlet holes 37 for discharging the fine bubble water generated in the fine bubble water generator 33, and these plurality of water outlet holes 37 are arranged concentrically and at equal intervals at a predetermined distance from the center of the water outlet plate 33-3.

[0076] As shown in Figure 10(a), the fine bubble water generator 33 is composed of a cylinder 33-1 that is arranged in close contact with the inner wall of the water supply hose 2 for the washing machine (see Figures 2 and 6), a water inlet plate 33-2 that has water inlet holes 36 (four in the example shown in Figure 10) formed concentrically at a predetermined distance (a size corresponding to the diameter size of the cylinder 33-1) from the central axis of the cylinder 33-1 for supplying tap water, and a water outlet plate 33-3 that has water outlet holes 37 (four in the example shown in Figure 5) for discharging the tap water from the cylinder 33-1.

[0077] Here, the cylindrical body 33-1 is inserted into the inner surface of the main body and fixed to the inner wall of the water hose 2 (see Figures 2 and 6), and an uneven portion 33-4 is formed by spiral cuts on the inner wall of the cylindrical body 33-1 between the water inlet plate 33-2 and the water outlet plate 33-3.

[0078] Water flowing in from the water inlet holes 36 of the water inlet plate 33-2 (four in the example shown in Figure 10) comes into contact with and collides with the spiral uneven portion 33-4, causing turbulence within the cylinder 33-1, and the air bubbles in the tap water are efficiently crushed into small particles, causing fine bubble water to flow out of the water outlet plate 33-3.

[0079] In this way, in the present washing machine water supply hose 1B, 1D, the built-in fine bubble water generator 33 has a small and lightweight shape formed into a cylindrical body 33-1 (containing 33-2 and 33-3) that is in close contact with the inner wall of the water hose 2, and can effectively generate the same number of nano-sized fine bubbles as conventional fine bubble water generators.

[0080] FIG. 11 shows the configuration (part 2) of the fine bubble water generator housed in the water supply hose 2 of the present washing machine water supply hose. Part (a) shows the internal structure of the fine bubble water generator when it is housed in the water supply hose 2 of the washing machine water supply hose. Part (b) shows the side of the water inlet plate and the side of the water outlet plate. The four holes on the water inlet plate and the four holes on the water outlet plate are rotated approximately 90 degrees in the direction of water flow. Part (c) shows the BB' cross section of the fine bubble water generator shown in (b). A spiral cut is made on the inner surface of the cylinder.

[0081] FIG. 11 shows a second example of a fine bubble water generator housed in the water supply hose 2 of the present washing machine water supply hose 1B, 1D. Part (a) shows the internal structure of the fine bubble water generator when housed in a water hose 2, and part (b) shows the side of the water inlet plate and the side of the water outlet plate. Unlike the first example shown in Fig. 2, this second example differs from the first example shown in Fig. 2 in that the water outlet holes 37 of the water outlet plate 33-3 (four in the example shown in Fig. 6) are rotated approximately 90 degrees in the direction of water flow relative to the water inlet holes 36 of the water inlet plate 33-2 (four in the example shown in Fig. 6). Part (c) is the same as the first example shown in Fig. 2, but shows the BB' cross section of the fine bubble water generator shown in (b). A spiral cut 33-4 is made on the inner surface of the cylinder 33-1.

[0082] Thus, in the second example shown in Figure 11, the water inlet holes 36 (four in the example shown in Figure 11) provided in the water inlet plate 33-2 and the water outlet holes 37 (four in the example shown in Figure 11) provided in the water outlet plate 33-3 have their central axes inclined by 90 degrees to the central axis of the water intake plate.Therefore, the water that passes through the water inlet holes 36 (four in the example shown in Figure 11) of the water inlet plate 33-2 does not become a straight water flow but becomes a vortex water flow within the cylinder 33-1.As a result, more water flow collides with the spiral notches in the cylinder 33-1, and fine bubble water can be generated more efficiently.

[0083] The water inlet plate 33-2 and the water outlet plate 33-3 are made of brass, resin or stainless steel material with a thickness of at least 5 millimeters, and the cylindrical body is made of brass, stainless steel or resin material.

[0084] Furthermore, the inner wall of the cylinder 33-1 between the water inlet plate 33-2 and the water outlet plate 33-3 has an uneven portion 33-4 formed by spiral cuts, and the water flowing in from the water inlet holes 36 of the water inlet plate 33-2 (four in the example shown in Figure 11) comes into contact with and collides with the spiral uneven portion 33-4, causing turbulence in the water within the cylinder 33-1, which in turn breaks down the air bubbles in the tap water into fine particles and enables the production of high-performance fine bubble water.

[0085] As described above, the washing machine water supply hose of each aspect of the present invention makes it possible to provide at least the bactericidal and virus inactivating effects of the silver ion water generating cartridge to an existing washing machine that is currently in use, without incurring the significant costs of replacing the washing machine, and furthermore, the washing machine water supply hose of the second and fourth aspects of the present invention makes it possible to convert tap water supplied to the washing machine into fine bubble water, thereby providing excellent cleaning effects, in addition to the bactericidal and virus inactivating effects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1. Washing machine water supply hose according to the present invention 1A Washing machine water supply hose according to the first aspect 1B The washing machine water supply hose according to the second aspect 1C The washing machine water supply hose according to the third aspect 1D. The washing machine water supply hose according to the fourth aspect 2. Washing machine water hose 2-1 Male screw that connects to the silver ion water generating cartridge 10 3. Crimping part for connecting the water hose inlet to the water hose 4 Coupler joint type fittings (4a and 4b) 4a Joint socket (water inlet on the water supply hose side for washing machine that constitutes a coupler joint type joint) 4b Joint plug (tap water faucet side water inlet that constitutes a coupler joint type fitting) 5. Connection means for the water supply hose that is screwed into the water inlet 27 of the washing machine 26 Washing Machine 27 Washing machine inlet 27a Connection means for washing machine inlet 10 Silver ion water generating cartridges 11 Silver ion water generating cartridge cylinder 20 Silver ion glass container 22,23 Water flow cap inside the silver ion water generating cartridge 22a, 22b Water passage holes in the silver ion water generating cartridge 26 Silver ion glass particle agent 33 Fine Bubble Water Generator 33-1 Fine bubble water generator cylinder 33-2 Water entry plate 33-3 Izumi Plate 33-4 Spiral unevenness formed on the inner surface of the cylinder 36 Water inlet hole in water inlet plate 37 Outlet holes in the outlet plate

Claims

1. a water supply hose for a washing machine, comprising: a coupler joint part having a joint socket detachably connected to a joint plug attached to a tap for tap water; a water hose connected to the joint socket; and a connecting means for threadably connecting the water outlet end of the water hose to a water inlet of the washing machine; a cylindrical silver ion water generating cartridge configured separately from the washing machine water supply hose and containing silver ion glass particles that release silver ions into the water upon contact with the water; The silver ion water generating cartridge has a cylindrical diameter smaller than the inner circumference of the connecting means of the water receiving port of the washing machine, and a part of the cartridge is detachably accommodated in the water receiving port of the washing machine, A space for storing the remaining part of the silver ion water generating cartridge is provided inside the connecting means connected to the tip of the water hose, A water supply hose for a washing machine containing a silver ion water generating cartridge, characterized in that when the connection means of the water supply hose for a washing machine is connected to the water inlet of the washing machine, the silver ion water generating cartridge is housed in the tap water passage between the connection means and the water inlet, thereby causing the tap water supplied to the washing machine to contain silver ions.

2. A water supply hose for a washing machine that houses the silver ion water generating cartridge described in claim 1, wherein a fine bubble water generator that micronizes the water bubbles contained in tap water is further connected to the coupler joint portion, thereby turning the tap water flowing through the water hose into fine bubble water.

3. a water supply hose for a washing machine, comprising: a coupler joint part having a joint socket detachably connected to a joint plug attached to a tap for tap water; a water hose connected to the coupler joint part; and a connecting means for threadably connecting the water outlet end of the water hose to a water inlet of a washing machine; a silver ion water generating cartridge that is configured separately from the washing machine water supply hose and has a cylindrical silver ion glass container that contains silver ion glass particles that release silver ions into water when they come into contact with water, and water-permeable caps that are circular plates with a plurality of holes fitted to both sides of the silver ion glass container, and that contains the silver ion glass particles in a state where they are trapped inside the silver ion glass container; The silver ion water generating cartridge is detachably connected between the coupler joint and the water hose, thereby causing the tap water supplied to the washing machine to contain silver ions. This is a water supply hose for a washing machine that houses a silver ion water generating cartridge.

4. A water supply hose for a washing machine that accommodates the silver ion water generating cartridge described in claim 3, characterized in that a fine bubble water generator that breaks down the water bubbles contained in the tap water is further connected inside the water hose downstream of the silver ion water generating cartridge connected to the coupler joint portion, thereby further turning the tap water containing silver ions flowing through the water hose into fine bubble water.

5. 5. The water supply hose for a washing machine accommodating a silver ion water generating cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the silver ion water generating cartridge is threadably connected to the coupler joint portion and the fine bubble water generator, respectively, and is replaceable.

6. 6. A water supply hose for a washing machine accommodating the silver ion water generating cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the silver ion glass particles contain at least cobalt oxide, silver oxide, and boron oxide.

7. The fine bubble water generator comprises: A water inlet plate into which tap water flows, A water outlet plate that releases fine bubble water, a cylindrical body that connects the water inlet plate and the water outlet plate and forms a flow channel whose inner surface is unevenly formed by spiral cuts, The tap water flowing in from the water inlet plate comes into contact with the uneven surface inside the cylinder, causing turbulence, which breaks up the air bubbles in the tap water into fine particles.

5. A water supply hose for a washing machine accommodating the silver ion water generating cartridge according to claim 2 or 4, which is formed so that fine bubble water flows out from the water outlet plate.

8. The water inlet plate is provided with a plurality of water inlet holes through which tap water supplied from a tap passes, A water supply hose for a washing machine accommodating a silver ion water generating cartridge as described in claim 7, wherein the plurality of water inlet holes formed in the water inlet plate are arranged at equal intervals in a concentric circle at a predetermined distance from the center of the water inlet plate.

9. The water outlet plate is provided with a plurality of water outlet holes for discharging the fine bubble water generated in the fine bubble water generator. A water supply hose for a washing machine accommodating a silver ion water generating cartridge as described in claim 8, wherein the plurality of water outlet holes formed in the water outlet plate are arranged at equal intervals in a concentric circle at a predetermined distance from the center of the water outlet plate.

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