washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of preventing function water from dropping on a treatment object such as clothing from a mist nozzle, after completing spraying of the function water.SOLUTION: A drum type washing machine 1 includes: a silver ion elution member 400 for generating silver ion water which is function water from tap water stored in a water storage tank 310; a mist nozzle 350 for misting the silver ion water, and for spraying it to a treatment object in a drum 23 from above; and a control part. The mist nozzle 350 is arranged below the water storage tank 310. After supplying tap water to the water storage tank 310, when the silver ion water is generated in the water storage tank 310, the control part operates the mist nozzle 350 so as to spray the silver ion water, and when the spraying of the silver ion water is completed, it supplies the tap water to the water storage tank 310, and operates the mist nozzle 350 so as to spray the tap water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a washing machine that supplies functional water in a mist form to an object to be processed such as clothing to give the object to be processed a desired effect by the functional water. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, an aqueous solution containing Ag ions and AgCl is generated by electrolysis as functional water, and the aqueous solution is formed into a mist and supplied to clothing housed in an inner tub.

[0003] In the washing and drying machine of Patent Document 1, the aqueous solution containing Ag ions and AgCl is atomized into a mist in the electrolytic cell where the aqueous solution is generated. The mist is discharged from a mist discharge port above the electrolytic cell by a blower fan, reaches the inside of an outer tub through a mist introduction path, is introduced into the inner tub through the front opening of the inner tub, and is applied to the clothing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the washing and drying machine of Patent Document 1, there is a concern that the mist-like functional water is consumed in the process of passing through the mist introduction path. Therefore, it is conceivable to arrange a mist nozzle for spraying the functional water so that its outlet faces the inside of the outer tub, and directly introduce the mist-like functional water into the inner tub through the front opening. Further, in this case, if a tank in which the functional water is generated is arranged above the mist nozzle and the generated functional water is sent to the mist nozzle by its own weight, water supply means such as a pump can be reduced.

[0006] However, with the above configuration, after the spraying of the functional water has finished and the mist nozzle has stopped operating, there is a risk that the functional water remaining in the upstream path of the mist nozzle may leak out of the mist nozzle outlet in clumps and drip onto the clothes stored in the inner tank.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a washing machine that can prevent functional water from dripping from the mist nozzle onto clothing or other objects to be treated after the spraying of functional water has finished. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A washing machine according to the main embodiment of the present invention comprises an outer tub disposed within a casing, an inner tub disposed within the outer tub and containing an object to be processed, a water storage tank for storing tap water, a water supply unit for supplying the tap water into the water storage tank, a generation unit for generating functional water from the tap water stored in the water storage tank, a mist nozzle for atomizing the functional water generated by the generation unit and spraying it from above onto the object to be processed in the inner tub, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the water supply unit and the mist nozzle. Here, the mist nozzle is positioned below the water storage tank so that the functional water is sent from the water storage tank by its own weight. The control unit operates the water supply unit to supply tap water into the water storage tank, and when the functional water is generated in the water storage tank, it operates the mist nozzle to spray the functional water, and when the spraying of the functional water is finished, it operates the water supply unit to supply tap water into the water storage tank and operates the mist nozzle to spray the tap water.

[0009] According to the washing machine of this embodiment, functional water is generated in the water storage tank and sprayed from a mist nozzle onto the object to be treated in the inner tub. This makes it possible to impart the desired effect to the object to be treated by the functional water.

[0010] Furthermore, since the mist nozzles are positioned below the water storage tank so that the functional water is supplied from the tank by gravity, there is no need for a pump or other means of supplying water to the mist nozzles.

[0011] Furthermore, after the functional water is sprayed, tap water is supplied to the storage tank, and this tap water is sprayed from the mist nozzle. This allows any functional water remaining in the upstream path of the mist nozzle to be diluted with tap water and sprayed together with the tap water. This prevents any remaining functional water from dripping from the mist nozzle onto the object being treated in the inner tank.

[0012] In the washing machine according to this embodiment, the mist nozzle may be configured to have a mist generator that atomizes the functional water supplied from the water storage tank by applying ultrasonic vibrations to the functional water.

[0013] With the above configuration, functional water can be sprayed from the mist nozzle by operating the mist generator. Furthermore, when the mist generator is stopped, it is possible to prevent the functional water from leaking out of the mist generator and dripping from the mist nozzle.

[0014] In the washing machine according to this embodiment, the functional water may be silver ion water. In this case, the generation unit may include a silver ion dissolution member that dissolves silver ions into the tap water stored in the water storage tank to generate the silver ion water. The control unit may be configured to operate the mist nozzle after supplying the tap water to the water storage tank and waiting for a time to elapse to generate the silver ion water, and after the spraying of the silver ion water is finished, to immediately operate the mist nozzle after supplying the tap water to the water storage tank.

[0015] With the above configuration, the silver ion water sprayed from the mist nozzle can provide disinfecting, antibacterial, and deodorizing effects to the object being treated.

[0016] Furthermore, it is possible to prevent silver ion water remaining in the upstream path of the mist nozzle from dripping onto the object being treated in the inner tank. In particular, even if a high concentration of silver ion water remains in the upstream path of the mist nozzle, it is possible to prevent discoloration or other defects from occurring on the object being treated due to the dripping of the silver ion water onto the object being treated.

[0017] In the washing machine according to this embodiment, the functional water may be hypochlorous acid water. In this case, the generation unit may include an electrolytic unit that electrolyzes the tap water stored in the water storage tank. The control unit may be configured to supply the tap water to the water storage tank, operate the electrolytic unit to generate the hypochlorous acid water, and then operate the mist nozzle, and after the spraying of the hypochlorous acid water is finished, supply the tap water to the water storage tank and operate the mist nozzle without operating the electrolytic unit.

[0018] With the above configuration, hypochlorous acid water sprayed from the mist nozzle can provide disinfecting, antibacterial, and deodorizing effects to the object being treated.

[0019] Furthermore, this prevents hypochlorous acid water remaining in the upstream path of the mist nozzle from dripping from the mist nozzle onto the object being treated in the inner tank.

[0020] In the washing machine according to this embodiment, the water supply unit is configured to have an outlet from which the tap water supplied to the water storage tank flows out. The water storage tank may also be configured to have an inlet from which the tap water from the water supply unit flows in. In this case, the outlet and the inlet may be connected by a connecting hose formed in a U shape.

[0021] With the above configuration, even if tap water remaining in the water supply channel flows out from the outlet, it accumulates in the connecting hose and is less likely to flow into the water storage tank. This prevents unwanted accumulation of tap water in the water storage tank. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, after spraying of functional water is finished, a washing machine capable of preventing functional water from dripping from a mist nozzle onto an object to be processed such as clothing can be provided.

[0023] The effects or significance of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of the embodiments. However, the following embodiments are merely one example when implementing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to what is described in the following embodiments at all.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a drum-type washing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a first water injection unit and a second water injection unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of a water storage tank according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan cross-sectional view of a water storage tank according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a mist nozzle according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a drum-type washing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control operation of a control unit executed in a sterilization operation according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional view of a water storage tank according to Modification 1.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, a drum-type washing machine, which is an embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the drum-type washing machine 1. FIG. 2 is a front view of the first water injection unit 52 and the second water injection unit 53.

[0027] The drum-type washing machine 1 comprises a rectangular casing 10. A circular opening 11 into which laundry is loaded is formed on the front of the casing 10. The opening 11 is covered by a door 12 that can be opened and closed.

[0028] An outer tank 20 is placed inside the housing 10. The outer tank 20 is elastically supported by a plurality of dampers 21 and springs 22. A drum 23 is rotatably placed inside the outer tank 20. The drum 23 rotates around a horizontal axis. The drum 23 has a circular opening 23a on its front surface. The drum 23 corresponds to the inner tank of the present invention.

[0029] The outer tank 20 has a circular opening 20a in front of the opening 23a of the drum 23. The periphery of the opening 20a of the outer tank 20 and the periphery of the inlet 11 of the housing 10 are connected by an annular packing 24 made of an elastic material. The circumferential surface of the closed door 12 contacts the packing 24, creating a water seal between the inlet 11 and the door 12.

[0030] Numerous dewatering holes 23b are formed on the inner surface of the drum 23. In addition, three baffles 25, which are approximately triangular prism-shaped, are provided on the inner surface of the drum 23 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0031] Behind the outer tub 20 is a drive motor 30 that generates torque to rotate the drum 23. The drive motor 30 is, for example, an outer rotor type DC brushless motor. During the washing and rinsing processes, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry inside the drum 23 is less than gravity, causing the laundry to tumble. On the other hand, during the dewatering process, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 23 at a speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry inside the drum 23 is much greater than gravity, causing the laundry to stick to the inner surface of the drum 23.

[0032] A drain port 20b is formed at the bottom of the outer tank 20. A drain valve 41 is provided in the drain port 20b to open and close the drain port 20b. The drain valve 41 includes, for example, a valve and a torque motor to open and close the valve. The drain valve 41 is connected to a drain hose 42. The drain valve 41 and the drain hose 42 constitute a drain section 40 that drains water from inside the outer tank 20. When the drain valve 41 is opened, the water accumulated in the outer tank 20 is discharged outside the machine through the drain port 20b and the drain hose 42. A drain filter 43 is positioned in the middle of the drain hose 42 to capture foreign matter such as lint.

[0033] A water supply device 50 is located in the upper part of the housing 10. The water supply device 50 comprises a water supply valve unit 51, a first water injection unit 52, and a second water injection unit 53.

[0034] The water supply valve unit 51 includes a water supply valve 110, a first water supply hose 120, and a second water supply hose 130. The water supply valve 110 has a first valve 111 and a second valve 112. The water inlet 113 of the water supply valve 110 is connected to a water tap via a connecting hose (not shown).

[0035] The inlet of the first water supply hose 120 is connected to the first valve 111, and the inlet of the second water supply hose 130 is connected to the second valve 112. When the first valve 111 is opened, tap water flows into the first water supply hose 120, and when the second valve 112 is opened, tap water flows into the second water supply hose 130.

[0036] The first water injection unit 52 includes a water inlet member 210 with an open front, a liquid tank 220 that is retractably housed in the water inlet member 210, and a water channel forming member 230 positioned on the upper surface of the water inlet member 210.

[0037] The liquid tank 220 has a detergent chamber for storing liquid detergent and a fabric softener chamber for storing liquid fabric softener. The liquid tank 220 is housed in the water inlet member 210 through a receiving opening 13 provided on the front of the housing 10. A lid 221 is provided on the front of the liquid tank 220 to close the receiving opening 13.

[0038] Inside the water channel forming member 230, a first water channel 231 is formed to which the outlet of the first water supply hose 120 is connected, and a second water channel 232 is formed to which the outlet of the second water supply hose 130 is connected. Detergent or fabric softener is introduced into the first water channel 231 from the liquid tank 220. The detergent or fabric softener is mixed with tap water flowing from the first water supply hose 120 and discharged from the first water channel 231, and supplied into the outer tank 20 together with the tap water via a water injection path (not shown).

[0039] The water channel forming member 230 is provided with a cylindrical outlet 233 projecting downward at its front right end. The second water channel 232 is connected to the outlet 233. Tap water flowing from the second water supply hose 130 is guided to the outlet 233 by the second water channel 232.

[0040] The water supply unit of the present invention is comprised of the water supply valve unit 51 and the first water injection unit 52.

[0041] The second water supply unit 53 includes a water storage tank 310, a first water supply hose 320, a second water supply hose 330, a third water supply hose 340, a mist nozzle 350, and a door water supply nozzle 360.

[0042] Figure 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the water storage tank 310. Figure 4 is a plan cross-sectional view of the water storage tank 310. Figure 3 is cut along the line B-B' shown in Figure 4, and Figure 4 is cut along the line A-A' shown in Figure 3.

[0043] The water storage tank 310 includes a water storage section 370 having a shape close to a rectangular parallelepiped, and an inlet / outlet water channel section 380 extending to the left from the upper left end of the water storage section 370.

[0044] The bottom surface 370a of the water reservoir 370 has a cylindrical first outlet 371 that protrudes downward in the center and a cylindrical second outlet 372 that protrudes downward in the left end. The area around the second outlet 372 on the bottom surface 370a is a bottom recess 373 that is recessed downward compared to the rest of the bottom surface 370a. The rest of the bottom surface 370a slopes downward toward the bottom recess 373.

[0045] A cylindrical siphon tube 374 is formed in the bottom recess 373, directly above the second outlet 372, extending to the upper end of the water reservoir 370. A cylindrical siphon cap 375 is formed on the top surface 370b of the water reservoir 370, protruding downward and fitting over the siphon tube 374 from above. The lower end of the siphon cap 375 slightly fits into the bottom recess 373. The inner diameter of the siphon cap 375 is larger than the outer diameter of the siphon tube 374, forming a flow path between the siphon tube 374 and the siphon cap 375. The siphon tube 374 and the siphon cap 375 constitute a siphon mechanism.

[0046] On the top surface 370b of the water reservoir 370, a rectangular recessed top surface 376 is formed to the right of the siphon cap 375. On the outer bottom surface of the top recessed top surface 376, a plurality of retaining ribs 377 extending in the left-right direction are formed so as to be aligned in the front-back direction.

[0047] Inside the inlet / outlet channel section 380, an outlet channel 381 and an inlet channel 382, ​​connected to the water storage section 370, are formed on the front and rear sides, respectively. The height of the bottom surface of the outlet channel 381 is slightly lower than the height of the upper end of the siphon tube 374. At the left end of the inlet / outlet channel section 380, a cylindrical third outlet 383 and an inlet 384, projecting downwards, are formed on the front and rear sides, respectively. The third outlet 383 is connected to the outlet channel 381, and the inlet 384 is connected to the inlet channel 382. The outlet 233 of the channel forming member 230 of the first water injection unit 52 and the inlet 384 of the water storage tank 310 are connected by a U-shaped connecting hose 240.

[0048] Within the water storage tank 310, i.e., within the water storage section 370, silver ion water is generated from the tap water stored in the water storage section 370. This functional water provides the desired effects to objects to be treated, such as clothing, and is capable of disinfecting, antibacterial treatment, and deodorizing the objects. To generate silver ion water, a silver ion eluting member 400 is housed within the water storage section 370. The silver ion eluting member 400 has a structure in which numerous silver ion eluting pieces 420 are housed within a water-permeable holder 410 made of nonwoven fabric or the like. The silver ion eluting pieces 420 are, for example, ion beads made by kneading silver into a soluble glass material. The silver ion eluting member 400 is held in place by a retaining rib 377, making it difficult for it to move within the water storage section 370. The silver ion eluting member 400 corresponds to the generation section of the present invention.

[0049] As shown in Figure 2, the inlets of the first water supply hose 320, the second water supply hose 330, and the third water supply hose 340 are connected to the first outlet 371, the second outlet 372, and the third outlet 383 of the water storage tank 310, respectively. A mist nozzle 350 is connected to the outlet of the first water supply hose 320, and a door water supply nozzle 360 ​​is connected to the outlet of the third water supply hose 340.

[0050] As shown in Figure 1, the packing 24 has a cylindrical nozzle mounting opening 24a at its top that slopes downward and backward. In addition, the packing 24 is provided with a shower nozzle 26 on its inner surface to the left of the nozzle mounting opening 24a for supplying water into the drum 23 in a shower-like manner.

[0051] The mist nozzle 350 is attached to the nozzle mounting port 24a. The outlet 355 of the mist nozzle 350 faces into the outer tank 20. Alternatively, the entire mist nozzle 350 may be positioned inside the outer tank 20 so that the outlet 355 faces into the outer tank 20.

[0052] Furthermore, the second water supply hose 330 has its outlet connected to the inlet of the shower nozzle 26. In addition, the door water supply nozzle 360 ​​is mounted to the left of the shower nozzle 26 on the packing 24 so that its tip protrudes into the outer tank 20. The tip of the door water supply nozzle 360 ​​has outlets formed on both the left and right sides for releasing tap water toward the inside of the door 12.

[0053] The mist nozzle 350 is located below the water storage tank 310. Therefore, silver ion water, which is functional water generated by the silver ion elution member 400, is supplied to the mist nozzle 350 by gravity via the first water supply hose 320. The mist nozzle 350 atomizes the silver ion water and sprays it from above onto the items to be processed, such as clothing, contained in the drum 23.

[0054] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the mist nozzle 350.

[0055] The mist nozzle 350 includes a housing 351 and a mist generator 352. The housing 351 is formed by joining a first member 351a and a second member 351b. A cylindrical connection port 353 is formed at the base end of the housing 351, to which the first water supply hose 320 is connected. An inlet passage 354 connected to the connection port 353 is formed inside the housing 351. An outlet port 355 is formed at the tip of the housing 351. The outlet port 355 has a slightly tapered shape that widens towards the tip.

[0056] The mist generator 352 is housed within the housing 351, with its inlet 352a connected to the inlet passage 354 and its outlet 352b connected to the outlet 355. The mist generator 352 incorporates an ultrasonic transducer 356. The ultrasonic transducer 356 has a vibrating surface with numerous micropores formed therein. The vibrating surface vibrates ultrasonically due to the operation of the ultrasonic transducer 356.

[0057] Silver ion water, sent from the water storage tank 310 to the mist nozzle 350 via the first water supply hose 320, passes through the inlet passage 354 and flows into the mist generator 352 from the inlet 352a. By coming into contact with the vibrating surface of the ultrasonic transducer 356, ultrasonic vibrations are imparted to the silver ion water, causing it to atomize. The atomized silver ion water passes through numerous micropores on the vibrating surface and is sprayed from the outlet 352b through the outlet 355.

[0058] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the drum-type washing machine 1.

[0059] In addition to the above-described configuration, the drum-type washing machine 1 includes a control unit 501, a storage unit 502, an operation unit 503, a display unit 504, a water level detection unit 505, a motor drive unit 506, a water supply drive unit 507, a drainage drive unit 508, and a generator drive unit 509.

[0060] The control unit 503 includes a power button for turning the power to the device on and off, a start button for starting the operation, and a course selection button for selecting a course from a number of courses related to the washing operation. The control unit 503 outputs an input signal to the control unit 501 corresponding to the button operated by the user.

[0061] The display unit 504 includes light-emitting elements such as LEDs and a display such as a liquid crystal panel, and performs functions such as displaying the selected course, displaying the progress of the washing operation, and notifying of abnormalities according to control signals from the control unit 501.

[0062] The water level detection unit 505 detects the water level in the outer tank 20 and outputs a water level signal corresponding to the water level to the control unit 501.

[0063] The motor drive unit 506 drives the drive motor 30 according to the control signal from the control unit 501. The motor drive unit 506 includes a rotation sensor for detecting the rotational speed of the drive motor 30, an inverter circuit, etc., and adjusts the drive power so that the drive motor 30 rotates at the rotational speed set by the control unit 501.

[0064] The water supply drive unit 507 drives the first valve 111 and the second valve 112 of the water supply valve 110 according to the control signal from the control unit 501. The drainage drive unit 508 drives the drainage valve 41 according to the control signal from the control unit 501. The generator drive unit 509 drives the mist generator 352 according to the control signal from the control unit 501.

[0065] The memory unit 502 includes an EEPROM, RAM, etc. The memory unit 502 stores programs for executing various course layouts. The memory unit 502 also stores various parameters and control flags used for executing these programs.

[0066] The control unit 501, which includes a CPU and the like, controls the display unit 504, motor drive unit 506, water supply drive unit 507, drainage drive unit 508, generator drive unit 509, etc., according to a program stored in the memory unit 502, based on signals from the operation unit 503, water level detection unit 505, etc.

[0067] In the drum-type washing machine 1, various washing cycles are performed based on the user's operation of the control panel 503. The washing cycle consists of a washing process, an intermediate spin-drying process, a rinsing process, and a final spin-drying process, performed in sequence. Depending on the washing cycle, the rinsing process and the intermediate spin-drying process may be performed two or more times.

[0068] In the washing process, water containing detergent is filled into the outer tub 20 up to a washing water level corresponding to the load of laundry contained in the drum 23. The laundry immersed in this water is tumbled by the repeated forward and reverse rotation of the drum 23. The detergent-containing water penetrates deep into the laundry, and dirt attached to the surface and interior of the laundry is removed by the combined force of the detergent and the mechanical force of tumbling.

[0069] During the rinsing process, the drum 23 rotates forward and backward with water up to a predetermined rinsing level in the outer tub 20, causing the laundry to tumble. This allows the detergent contained in the laundry to be discharged along with the water, thus rinsing the laundry.

[0070] In the intermediate and final dewatering processes, the drive motor 30 rotates at high speed in one direction, causing the drum 23 to rotate in one direction at a speed at which the centrifugal force acting on the laundry inside the drum 23 is much greater than that of gravity. Due to the action of centrifugal force, the laundry is pressed against the inner surface of the drum 23 and dewatered. In the final dewatering process, the drum 23 rotates at a higher speed than in the intermediate dewatering process.

[0071] During the washing process, when water is supplied, the first valve 111 and the second valve 112 are opened in the water supply device 50. When the first valve 111 is opened, tap water is supplied into the outer tank 20 via the first water supply hose 120, the first water channel 231, etc. At this time, detergent supplied from the liquid tank 220 is mixed with the tap water in the first water channel 231 and supplied into the outer tank 20 together with the tap water.

[0072] Furthermore, when the second valve 112 is opened, tap water is supplied to the water storage tank 310 via the second water supply hose 130 and the second water channel 232. The tap water flows through the inflow channel 382 to the water storage section 370. When the water level in the water storage section 370 rises and exceeds the height of the siphon pipe 374, the tap water overflows from the siphon pipe 374 and is discharged from the second outlet 372. The tap water is sent to the shower nozzle 26 via the second water supply hose 330 and sprayed into the drum 23 from the shower nozzle 26. Furthermore, as the water level in the water storage section 370 rises, the tap water overflows into the outflow channel 381, flows through the outflow channel 381 and is discharged from the third outlet 383. The tap water is sent to the door water supply nozzle 360 ​​via the third water supply hose 340 and is discharged from the door water supply nozzle 360 ​​toward the inside of the door 12.

[0073] During the washing process, tap water flows through the water reservoir 370 to the shower nozzle 26 and door water supply nozzle 360, and does not remain stagnant in the water reservoir 370. As a result, there is almost no leaching of silver ions from the silver ion eluting member 400, and the water containing detergent stored in the outer tank 20 contains virtually no silver ions.

[0074] Furthermore, when the water supply ends and the supply of tap water to the water storage tank 310 stops, the siphon pipe 374 continues to drain water according to the siphon principle until the water level in the water storage section 370 falls below the lower end of the siphon cap 375. As a result, almost all of the tap water in the water storage section 370 is removed, with only a small amount remaining in the bottom recess 373. This prevents silver ions dissolved from the silver ion eluting member 400 from mixing with the tap water remaining in the water storage section 370, thus preventing the generation of silver ion water.

[0075] During the rinsing cycle, the water supply device 50 operates in the same way as during the washing cycle. However, fabric softener is added to the outer tub 20 instead of detergent. If the rinsing cycle is performed twice, the fabric softener is added during the final rinse cycle.

[0076] The drum-type washing machine 1 can perform a sterilization operation that disinfects, antibacterializes, and deodorizes the items being treated by spraying silver ion water, which is a functional water. Items that can be treated include clothing such as jackets and coats, as well as items that are difficult to wash, such as stuffed animals.

[0077] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the control operations of the control unit 501 performed during the sterilization operation.

[0078] The user can select a sterilization course using the course selection button on the control unit 503. After placing the object to be processed, such as clothing, into the drum 23, the user selects the sterilization course and presses the start button on the control unit 503. This starts the sterilization operation.

[0079] Referring to Figure 7, when the sterilization operation is started, the control unit 501 opens the second valve 112 for a preset first water supply time and supplies water to the water storage tank 310 (S1). As a result, a predetermined amount of tap water is stored in the water storage section 370 of the water storage tank 310. At this time, the water level in the water storage section 370 becomes lower than the height of the bottom of the outflow channel 381, and no tap water is discharged from the outflow channel 381 or the siphon tube 374. Alternatively, the water storage tank 310 may be equipped with a water level detection unit consisting of a pair of electrode rods or the like, and water supply may be continued until the water level detection unit detects that a predetermined water level has been reached.

[0080] Next, the control unit 501 remains in a standby state for a preset generation time, that is, it does not start the operation of the mist nozzle 350, and causes the silver ion eluting member 400 to generate functional water, which is silver ion water, in the water reservoir 370 (S2). That is, when the silver ion eluting member 400 is immersed in the tap water in the water reservoir 370, silver ions elute from the silver ion eluting fragments 420, pass through the holder 410, and mix with the surrounding tap water. As a result, silver ion water is generated. After the generation time has elapsed, the concentration of silver ion water in the water reservoir 370 reaches the desired concentration suitable for disinfecting the object to be treated.

[0081] Next, the control unit 501 operates the mist nozzle 350, i.e., the mist generator 352, for a predetermined first spraying time, and sprays the silver ion water, which is functional water sent from the water storage tank 310, from the mist nozzle 350 toward the object to be treated in the drum 23 (S3). This provides the object to be treated in the drum 23 with disinfection and other effects using the silver ion water. During spraying, the silver ion water is sent from the water storage tank 310 to the mist nozzle 350 via the first water supply hose 320 due to its own weight.

[0082] The first spraying time is set to a duration that causes the silver ion water in the water reservoir 370 to be depleted. However, in many cases, when spraying is finished, silver ion water may remain in the upstream path of the mist nozzle 350, for example, in the first water supply hose 320. Furthermore, silver ion water with a higher concentration than the intended value, which was held in the silver ion eluting member 400 by seeping into the holder 410, may flow out of the silver ion eluting member 400 and mix with the silver ion water remaining in the first water supply hose 320, etc., potentially resulting in a high concentration of silver ion water remaining.

[0083] When the mist nozzle 350 is stopped, any silver ion water remaining in the upstream path of the mist nozzle 350 may leak out of the outlet 355 of the mist nozzle 350 in clumps. For example, in the mist generator 352, silver ion water accumulated upstream of the ultrasonic transducer 356 may leak out by seeping through the micropores of the vibrating surface and be discharged from the outlet 355. This leaked silver ion water may then drip onto the object being treated in the drum 23. If the silver ion water that drips is highly concentrated, it may cause discoloration or other problems with the object being treated.

[0084] Therefore, once the spraying of silver ion water is finished, the control unit 501 performs a control operation to prevent the silver ion water from dripping from the mist nozzle 350.

[0085] Specifically, the control unit 501 opens the second valve 112 for a preset second water supply time and supplies water to the water storage tank 310 (S4). The second water supply time is shorter than the first water supply time, and a smaller amount of tap water is stored in the water storage unit 370 than when generating silver ion water.

[0086] When the water supply is finished, the control unit 501 immediately, that is, substantially, before silver ions leach from the silver ion eluting member 400 and mix with the tap water, starts the mist nozzle 350 and operates it for a predetermined second spraying time to spray the tap water sent from the water storage tank 310 (S5). The silver ion water remaining in the upstream path of the mist nozzle 350 is diluted with the tap water and sprayed together with the tap water. The second spraying time is set to a time such that the tap water in the water storage unit 370 is depleted.

[0087] Furthermore, regarding the timing of operating the mist nozzle 350 immediately after supplying tap water to the water storage tank 310, it is also possible to start the mist nozzle 350 at a time when a certain amount of tap water has been supplied to the water storage tank 310, before the water supply is stopped, rather than immediately after the water supply is stopped.

[0088] In this way, it is possible to prevent silver ion water from dripping onto the object being treated from the mist nozzle 350 after the spraying of silver ion water has finished.

[0089] The disinfection operation ends when the spraying of tap water from the mist nozzle 350 is complete. The user then removes the object to be processed from the drum 23.

[0090] Furthermore, it is conceivable that tap water remaining in the second water channel 232 of the water channel forming member 230 may flow out from the outlet 233 after some time has passed since the end of water supply. In this case, the tap water flowing out from the outlet 233 will accumulate in the U-shaped connecting hose 240 and will not easily flow into the water storage tank 310.

[0091] The drum-type washing machine 1 of this embodiment may be equipped with a drying device for drying laundry. In this case, the drying device includes, for example, a circulation path connected to the outer tub 20. A blower fan, a cooler, and a heater are arranged in the circulation path. Air heated by the heater circulates between the outer tub 20 and the circulation path by the operation of the blower fan, drying the laundry in the drum 23. The air returning from the outer tub 20 to the circulation path is cooled and dehumidified by the cooler before being heated by the heater.

[0092] <Effects of the Embodiment> According to this embodiment, functional water, specifically silver ion water, is generated in the water storage tank 310, i.e., the water storage section 370, and sprayed from the mist nozzle 350 onto the object to be treated in the drum 23. This provides the object to be treated with sterilization, antibacterial, and deodorizing effects using silver ion water.

[0093] Furthermore, since the mist nozzle 350 is positioned below the water storage tank 310 so that the silver ion water is sent from the water storage tank 310 by gravity, a water supply means such as a pump to deliver the silver ion water to the mist nozzle 350 is unnecessary. Moreover, with this configuration, even if silver ion water remains in the upstream path of the mist nozzle 350 after spraying, tap water is supplied to the water storage tank 310 after the silver ion water has been sprayed, and this tap water is sprayed from the mist nozzle 350. As a result, the remaining silver ion water can be diluted with tap water and sprayed together with the tap water. This prevents the remaining silver ion water from dripping from the mist nozzle 350 onto the object to be treated in the drum 23.

[0094] In particular, even if a high concentration of silver ion water remains in the upstream path of the mist nozzle 350, it is possible to prevent discoloration or other problems from occurring on the object being treated due to the dripping of the silver ion water onto the object being treated.

[0095] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the mist nozzle 350 has a mist generator 352 that atomizes silver ion water supplied from the water storage tank 310 by applying ultrasonic vibrations to the silver ion water. Therefore, by operating the mist generator 352, silver ion water can be sprayed from the mist nozzle 350. In addition, when the mist generator 352 is stopped, it is possible to prevent silver ion water from leaking out of the mist generator 352 and dripping from the mist nozzle 350.

[0096] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the outlet 233 of the channel forming member 230 and the inlet 384 of the water storage tank 310 are connected by a U-shaped connecting hose 240. Therefore, even if tap water remaining in the second channel 232 of the channel forming member 230 flows out from the outlet 233, it accumulates in the connecting hose 240 and is less likely to flow into the water storage tank 310. This prevents unwanted accumulation of tap water in the water storage tank 310, i.e., the water storage section 370. Thus, it is possible to prevent unwanted generation of silver ion water in the water storage section 370.

[0097] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited in any way by the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible to the embodiments of the present invention other than those described above.

[0098] <Example of change 1> In the above embodiment, the silver ion eluting member 400 is housed in the water storage tank 310, and silver ion water is generated as functional water by the silver ion eluting member 400.

[0099] In contrast, in this modified example, hypochlorous acid water is produced as functional water by electrolysis of tap water within the water storage tank 310A.

[0100] Figure 8 is a front cross-sectional view of the water storage tank 310A according to modification example 1.

[0101] In the water storage tank 310A, a pair of electrodes 390 are arranged inside the water storage section 370. The upper ends of one electrode 390 are attached to the top surface recess 376. An energizing circuit for supplying current to the pair of electrodes 390 is connected to the control unit 501. The pair of electrodes 390 correspond to the electrolytic unit and the generating unit of the present invention.

[0102] In the sterilization operation, the control unit 501 performs the control operations shown in Figure 7, as in the above embodiment. In this modified example, the processing in step S2 differs from that of the above embodiment.

[0103] In step S1, when tap water is stored in the water storage unit 370, in step S2, the control unit 501 energizes the pair of electrodes 390 for a predetermined energizing time. The stored tap water contains chlorine, and when the tap water is electrolyzed, hypochlorous acid is generated, and hypochlorous acid water containing this hypochlorous acid is produced as functional water. As the energizing time elapses, the concentration of hypochlorous acid water in the water storage unit 370 reaches the desired concentration suitable for disinfecting the object to be treated.

[0104] In step S3, hypochlorous acid water is sprayed from the mist nozzle 350 and comes into contact with the object to be treated inside the drum 23. This provides the object to be treated inside the drum 23 with disinfection and other effects using hypochlorous acid water.

[0105] In this modified example as well, the hypochlorous acid water remaining in the upstream path of the mist nozzle 350 is diluted with tap water through the processes in steps S4 and S5 and sprayed together with the tap water.

[0106] This modification, like the embodiment described above, eliminates the need for a water supply means such as a pump to deliver hypochlorous acid water to the mist nozzle 350. Furthermore, it prevents any remaining hypochlorous acid water from dripping from the mist nozzle 350 onto the object being treated after spraying.

[0107] <Other examples of changes> In the above embodiment, tap water was supplied from the water supply valve unit 51 to the water storage tank 310 via the first water injection unit 52. However, tap water may also be supplied directly from the water supply valve unit 51 to the water storage tank 310. In this case, the water supply valve unit 51 corresponds to the water supply section of the present invention.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the water storage tank 310 is not only a tank for generating functional water, which is silver ion water, but also a tank that relays the supply of tap water to the shower nozzle 26 and the door water supply nozzle 360. However, the water storage tank 310 may also be a tank dedicated to generating silver ion water. Similarly, the water storage tank 310A in the above modified example 1 may also be a tank dedicated to generating functional water, which is hypochlorous acid water.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, silver ion water is produced as functional water in the water storage tank 310. Also, in the above modified example 1, hypochlorous acid water is produced as functional water in the water storage tank 310A. However, instead of water storage tanks 310 and 310A, a water storage tank having a generating device for producing water containing a photocatalyst as functional water may be used. Similarly, a water storage tank that produces other functional water may be used.

[0110] Furthermore, the above embodiment shows a drum-type washing machine 1. However, the present invention can also be applied to washing machines other than the drum-type washing machine 1, for example, a fully automatic washing machine having a vertical-axis type washing and dewatering tub in the outer tub. The fully automatic washing machine may also be a fully automatic washer-dryer that has a drying function.

[0111] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea set forth in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] 1. Drum-type washing machine (washing machine) 10 cabinets 20 Outer tank 23 Drum (inner tub) 50 Water supply equipment 51 Water supply valve unit (water supply section) 52. First water supply unit (water supply section) 53 Second water injection unit 233 Outlet 240 connecting hoses 310 Water storage tank 310A Water storage tank 350 Mist Nozzle 352 Mist Generator 384 Inlet 390 Pair of electrodes (electrolytic section, generating section) 400 Silver ion elution component (generation part) 501 Control Unit

Claims

1. An outer tank located inside the enclosure, An inner tank is placed inside the outer tank and contains the material to be processed, A water storage tank that can hold tap water, A water supply unit that supplies tap water into the water storage tank, A generation unit that generates functional water from the tap water stored in the water storage tank, A mist nozzle that atomizes the functional water generated by the generation unit and sprays it from above onto the object to be treated in the inner tank, The system comprises a control unit that controls the operation of the water supply unit and the mist nozzle, The mist nozzle is positioned below the water storage tank so that the functional water is sent from the water storage tank by its own gravity. The control unit, After operating the water supply unit to supply tap water into the water storage tank, and once the functional water is generated in the water storage tank, the mist nozzle is operated to spray the functional water. When the spraying of the functional water is finished, the water supply unit is operated to supply tap water into the water storage tank, and the mist nozzle is operated to spray the tap water. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

2. In the washing machine according to claim 1, The mist nozzle has a mist generator that atomizes the functional water supplied from the water storage tank by applying ultrasonic vibrations to the functional water. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

3. In the washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned functional water is silver ion water, The generation unit includes a silver ion dissolution member that dissolves silver ions into the tap water stored in the water storage tank to generate the silver ion water. The control unit, After supplying the tap water to the water storage tank and waiting for the necessary time to elapse to generate the silver ion water, the mist nozzle is activated. After the spraying of the silver ion water is finished, tap water is supplied to the water storage tank, and then the mist nozzle is immediately operated. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

4. In the washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, The functional water is hypochlorous acid water, The generating unit includes an electrolytic unit that electrolyzes the tap water stored in the water storage tank. The control unit, After supplying the tap water to the water storage tank, the electrolysis unit is operated to generate the hypochlorous acid water, and then the mist nozzle is operated. After the spraying of the hypochlorous acid water is completed, tap water is supplied to the water storage tank, and then the mist nozzle is operated without operating the electrolysis unit. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

5. In the washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, The water supply unit has an outlet from which the tap water supplied to the water storage tank flows out. The water storage tank has an inlet into which tap water flows in from the water supply section, The outlet and the inlet are connected by a connecting hose formed in a U-shape. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

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