JP2004073249A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine capable of satisfactorily washing laundry by using electrolytic water. <P>SOLUTION: Water in a washing tub 2 is taken into an electrolytic bath 7 and electrolyzed to generate the electrolytic water. By driving a circulation pump 61, the electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic bath 7 is mixed into water sent from the washing tub 2, guided to the upper side of the washing tub 2 via a water feed pipe 63, and discharged obliquely backward and downward from a circulating water diffusing member 64 arranged on the upper front side of the washing tub 2. Since the washing machine is capable of sprinkling electrolytic water containing hypochlorous acid (HClO) or active oxygen (O<SP>2-</SP>) to the laundry from their upper side, it is possible to spread the electrolytic water out to the whole laundry within the washing tub 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly to a washing machine having an electrolytic bath for electrolyzing water in a washing tub.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a washing machine having an inner tub as a washing and dewatering tub having a bottom and a tubular shape having an opening at an upper portion is known. The inner tank is housed in, for example, an outer tank arranged substantially coaxially. A rotatable pulsator is arranged at the bottom of the inner tub, and is stored in the inner tub by rotating the pulsator while washing water (water in which detergent is dissolved) is stored in the outer tub. Laundry can be washed (washing process). When the washing step is completed, a step of removing detergent components contained in the laundry (a rinsing step) is performed by rotating the pulsator while introducing tap water into the outer tub. When the rinsing step is completed, a step of spinning the inner tub at a high speed in a state in which no water is stored in the outer tub to disperse the moisture contained in the laundry by centrifugal force (a dehydrating step) is performed.
[0003]
Some washing machines of this type include, for example, an electrolytic tank for taking in water in the outer tub and electrolyzing the water at the bottom of the outer peripheral surface of the outer tub. An electrode is provided in the electrolytic cell, and by applying a voltage to the electrode, water in the electrolytic cell is electrolyzed, and hypochlorite (HClO) and active oxygen (O ² ) having a sterilizing effect are provided. ⁻ ) Can be produced.
The electrolytic cell is connected to the outer tank via, for example, an inflow pipe for flowing water in the outer tank into the electrolytic tank, and an outflow pipe for returning electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic tank to the outer tank. It is connected. During the rinsing and rinsing steps, the pulsator is rotated while water is stored in the outer tank, and when voltage is applied to the electrodes in the electrolytic tank, the water in the outer tank flowing with the rotation of the pulsator is removed. After entering the electrolytic cell through the inflow pipe and being electrolyzed, it returns from the outflow pipe to the outer tank. As described above, by circulating the water in the outer tank in the electrolytic tank and increasing the concentration of the electrolyzed water contained in the water in the outer tank, the cleaning performance can be improved.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of the above configuration, there is a problem that the concentration of the electrolyzed water in the vicinity of the outflow pipe becomes high, and it is difficult for the electrolyzed water to spread throughout the laundry.
The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of better washing laundry using electrolyzed water.
[0005]
Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing tub (2) capable of storing laundry and storing water at the time of washing, and taking in water stored in the washing tub to perform electrolysis. (7) for conducting the electrolysis water generated by the electrolysis in the electrolysis apparatus upward, and from above (a position higher than the level of the water stored in the washing tub) from above. A washing machine characterized by including a circulation path (76, 77, 62, 63, 64) for returning to the circulation path, and a pump (61) for circulating electrolytic water in the circulation path.
[0006]
It should be noted that the alphanumeric characters in parentheses indicate corresponding components and the like in embodiments described later. Hereinafter, the same applies in this section.
For example, the washing tub is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape having an opening at the top.
When the water in the washing tub is electrolyzed by the electrolytic device, a chemical reaction occurs between H ₂ O and chlorine components contained in the water (tap water), and hypochlorite (HClO) and active oxygen having a sterilizing effect are generated. Electrolyzed water containing (O ²⁻ ) is generated.
[0007]
According to this configuration, the electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid (HClO) and active oxygen (O ²⁻ ) can be sprinkled on the laundry from above, so that the electrolyzed water can be spread throughout the laundry in the washing tub. be able to. Therefore, the laundry can be thoroughly and uniformly washed.
The invention according to claim 2 is to mix water from the washing tub (2) and electrolyzed water from the electrolyzer (7) in the circulation path (76, 77, 62, 63, 64). 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a mixing section (77).
[0008]
According to this configuration, the high-concentration electrolyzed water generated by the electrolysis device can be diluted to an appropriate concentration and sprinkled on the laundry, so that it is possible to prevent color unevenness from occurring in the laundry.
The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the first water pipe (511) for guiding the water in the washing tub (2) to the mixing section (77) and the electrolyzed water in the electrolysis tub (7) are used. A second water pipe (76) for leading to the mixing section, wherein the mixing section forms the water flow from the first water pipe and the water flow from the second water pipe at an acute angle with each other (for example, about 3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the washing machines are joined so as to form a (60 °) (Y-shape).
[0009]
According to this configuration, the electrolyzed water sent from the electrolysis device via the second water pipe can smoothly flow into the water flowing through the first water pipe.
The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the inner diameter (for example, 3.3 mm) of the second water pipe (76) is smaller than the inner diameter of the first water pipe (511). It is a washing machine.
According to this configuration, the flow rate of the electrolyzed water per unit time flowing through the second water pipe (for example, 1 to 2 liters per minute) is equal to the flow rate of water per unit time flowing through the first water pipe (for example, per minute) 6-8 liters). By suppressing the flow rate of the second water pipe, the flow rate of water passing through the electrolysis device can be adjusted to a flow rate suitable for the generation of electrolyzed water, and the electrolysis water can be favorably generated in the electrolysis device. It is difficult for lint and the like from the laundry to enter the electrolytic device.
[0010]
As in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the second water pipe (76) is provided below the inlet (72) of the water in the washing tub (2) to the electrolysis device (7). If it is connected to the device, it is unlikely that water will remain in the electrolysis device after washing.
In this case, if the second water pipe is connected to the bottom surface of the electrolysis device, it is possible to discharge all water in the electrolysis device after the washing is completed.
The invention according to claim 6 is a member (7) disposed in the electrolytic device (7) and disposed opposite to the inlets (71, 72) of the water in the washing tub (2) to the electrolytic device. 73. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising (73).
[0011]
The member may be an electrode arranged in the electrolysis device for electrolyzing water in the electrolysis device.
According to this configuration, the resistance to the water flow that enters the electrolysis device via the inflow port increases, so that lint does not easily enter the electrolysis device.
In particular, it is possible to prevent a short circuit from occurring between the electrodes by violently invading lint into the electrolytic device and catching the lint on the edge of the electrode arranged in the electrolytic device.
[0012]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, an outlet of the circulation path (76, 77, 62, 63, 64) is provided on the upper front side of the washing tub (2), and discharges water obliquely rearward. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein:
According to this configuration, even when the water discharged from the outlet of the circulation path rebounds to the water in the washing tub and the laundry, it is possible to suppress the water from splashing to the front side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water splashed by the water discharged from the circulation path from hitting the user.
[0013]
In addition, by arranging the outlet of the circulation path on the upper front side of the washing tub (near the front side edge of the opening for taking in and out the laundry), a user standing on the front side of the washing machine can receive the tip of the circulation path. Can be hidden, so it looks good.
Further, for example, in a case where a removable front panel is arranged on the front of the washing machine and the front panel is removed, maintenance in the washing machine can be performed from the front side. By detaching, maintenance of the circulation path can be easily performed from the near side.
[0014]
The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the water sent from the pump (61) is diffused at the outlet of the circulation path (76, 77, 62, 63, 64) to allow the water in the washing tub (2) to be diffused. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a diffusion part (64) for discharging water.
According to this configuration, the water sent from the pump is diffused by the diffusion unit and discharged, whereby the discharged water can be applied to a wide area in the washing tub. Therefore, the laundry can be more favorably washed.
[0015]
The invention according to claim 9 is the washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the diffusion section (64) has a wall surface (642C) facing the water flow from the pump (61). .
According to this configuration, the water sent from the pump to the diffusion unit can be scattered by colliding with the wall surface. Thereby, it is possible to uniformly diffuse the water sent to the diffusion section and discharge the water.
[0016]
Preferably, the wall surface is inclined with respect to the water flow from the pump. This allows the water sent from the pump to the diffusion unit to collide with the inclined wall surface and to be scattered in all directions, so that the water can be more uniformly diffused.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the flow rate of the water sent out by the pump (61) is periodically changed (for example, the drive of the pump is periodically turned on / off). ), It is possible to change the amount of water circulating in the electrolysis device, so that it is possible to change the concentration of the electrolyzed water sent out from the electrolysis device and improve the electrolysis efficiency.
[0017]
In this case, the off time of the pump is set to a time at which the generation efficiency of hypochlorous acid (HClO) per unit time is the best (for example, about 5 seconds), and the on time of the pump is set to If the time is such that all the electrolyzed water generated in the chamber can be discharged, the electrolysis efficiency can be further improved.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a left sectional view showing a partially simplified configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway top view of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway front view of the washing machine shown in FIG.
In this washing machine, a washing tub 2 capable of storing laundry is provided at a predetermined angle (preferably about 5 ° to 20 °) in a box-shaped housing 1 having an opening 11 on an upper surface thereof. It is a washing tub inclined type washing machine. One of the advantages of the washing tub inclined type washing machine is that the washing tub 2 is inclined so that the user can easily see the bottom of the washing tub 2 and take out the laundry from the washing tub 2 easily. It is.
[0019]
The opening 11 on the upper surface of the housing 1 is an opening through which laundry is put in and out of the washing tub 2. The opening 11 is provided with a lid 12 that can be opened and closed. The opening and closing of the laundry is performed by opening the lid 12, and the lid 12 is kept closed during operation.
On the upper surface of the housing 1, an operation panel 13 in which a plurality of operation keys and indicators are arranged is provided in front of the opening 11. Further, a water supply hose connection port 14 for connecting a water supply hose to an external water supply facility is provided on the back side of the opening 11. A water supply passage 31 extends from the water supply hose connection port 14 toward the inside of the housing 1. The front end of the water supply channel 31 forms a water supply port 32 by opening above the washing tub 2. A water supply valve 33 is interposed in the middle of the water supply passage 31. When the water supply valve 33 is opened, tap water supplied through the water supply hose passes through the water supply passage 31 and a water supply port 32 is provided. And water is discharged from the water supply port 32 into the washing tub 2.
[0020]
The washing tub 2 includes an outer tub 21 suspended from the housing 1 by a hanging bar (not shown), and an inner tub 22 as a washing and dewatering tub housed substantially coaxially in the outer tub 21. The inner tank 22 is a bottomed cylinder having an opening at an upper part, and a large number of small holes 221 are formed in the cylindrical peripheral surface. Tap water supplied from the water supply port 32 flows into the inner tank 22, and is stored in the outer tank 21 through a number of small holes 221. At the bottom of the inner tank 22, a pulsator 23 for stirring the water stored in the outer tank 21 to generate a water flow is provided.
[0021]
A bearing 41 is provided on the outer bottom surface of the outer tub 21, and a rotating shaft 42 for supporting the inner tub 22 and the pulsator 23 is rotatably held on the bearing 41. The rotating shaft 42 is in the form of a double shaft in which a blade shaft 422 is rotatably inserted into the inner tank shaft 421, and the tip of the inner tank shaft 421 is connected to the bottom surface of the inner tank 22, and The tip is connected to the pulsator 23.
The rotation of the motor 43 is input to the bearing 41. The bearing 41 has a clutch for switching between transmitting the rotation of the motor 43 only to the blade shaft 422 or transmitting the rotation of the motor 43 to both the inner tank shaft 421 and the blade shaft 422. A speed reduction mechanism for reducing the rotation of the motor 43 at a predetermined reduction ratio (for example, 6.4) when the rotation is transmitted to only the motor. With this configuration, it is possible to rotate only the pulsator 23 at a rotation speed of one of the above-described reduction ratio of the rotation speed of the motor 43, and to integrally rotate the inner tank 22 and the pulsator 23 at the same rotation speed as the rotation speed of the motor 43. Can be rotated.
[0022]
The washing machine includes a step of washing the laundry by rotating the pulsator 23 in a state in which washing water (water in which the detergent is dissolved) is stored in the outer tub 21 (washing step), and is performed after the washing step. By rotating the pulsator 23 while introducing tap water into the tub 21, a step of removing detergent components contained in the laundry (a rinsing step) is performed after the rinsing step, and water is stored in the outer tub 21. By rotating the inner tub 22 at a high speed in a state where no water is present, a step of dewatering the water contained in the laundry by centrifugal force (a dehydrating step) can be executed.
[0023]
A part of the peripheral wall of the inner tank 22 is constituted by a circulation hose 25 for circulating the water stored in the outer tank 21. During the washing step and the rinsing step, the water in the outer tub 21 flows as the pulsator 23 rotates, and a part of the water flows into the circulation hose 25 from the lower end of the circulation hose 25. The water that has flowed into the circulation hose 25 flows upward in the circulation hose 25 due to the water pressure, and flows out from a plurality of outlets (not shown) formed on the surface of the circulation hose 25.
[0024]
A lint filter 26 is attached to the circulation hose 25 so as to cover all of the plurality of outlets (FIG. 1 shows only a part of the lint filter 26 in a mesh shape). Thereby, the water in the outer tub 21 sucked up through the circulation hose 25 flows out of the outlet and then returns to the outer tub 2 through the lint filter 26. With this configuration, lint and the like contained in the water in the outer tub 21 are collected when passing through the lint filter 26.
[0025]
A drainage channel 51 for draining water stored in the outer tub 21 is connected to the lowest position on the bottom surface of the outer tub 21. The tip of the drainage channel 51 is connected to, for example, a drainage hose connection port 52 formed on a side surface of the housing 1. A drain valve 53 for controlling drainage from the outer tub 21 is provided at an intermediate portion of the drain channel 51. With the drain valve 53 closed, water can be stored in the outer tub 21. By opening the drain valve 53, the water stored in the outer tub 21 is transferred to the drain channel 51 and the drain hose connection port 52. Water can be drained through a connected drain hose.
[0026]
A circulation pump 61 is provided below the washing tub 2. The suction port of the circulation pump 61 is connected to a water suction pipe 62 that communicates with the drain passage 51 upstream of the drain valve 53. On the other hand, a water supply pipe 63 is connected to a discharge port of the circulation pump 61. The water pipe 63 extends above the washing tub 2, and has a tip connected to a circulating water diffusion member 64 disposed near the front side edge of the opening 11. The circulating water diffusing member 64 is attached from below to an upper surface cover (not shown), for example, which is disposed to face the lid 12 and in which the opening 11 for taking in and out the laundry into and out of the washing tub 2 is formed. ing. With this configuration, when the circulation pump 61 is driven in a state where water is stored in the washing tub 2 (outer tub 21) during the washing process and the rinsing process, the water in the washing tub 2 passes through the water suction pipe 62. The pumped water is supplied to the circulating water diffusion member 64 through the water supply pipe 63.
[0027]
The circulating water diffusing member 64 has a water outlet 641 facing the inside of the washing tub 2, and water supplied from the water supply pipe 63 to the circulating water diffusing member 64 is directed from the water outlet 641 into the washing tub 2. Water is discharged diagonally downward. That is, when the circulation pump 61 is driven in a state where the water is stored in the washing tub 2, the water stored in the washing tub 2 is constituted by the water suction pipe 62, the water supply pipe 63, and the circulating water diffusion member 64. It will circulate through the circulation channel. Since the water is discharged downward from the circulating water diffusion member 64 disposed on the front side, even if the discharged water rebounds to the water in the washing tub 2 and the laundry, the water scatters to the front side. Can be suppressed. Therefore, even when the lid 12 is opened, it is possible to prevent the water splashed by the water discharged from the circulating water diffusion member 64 from splashing on the user.
[0028]
Further, since the circulating water diffusing member 64 is disposed near the front side edge of the opening 11, the circulating water diffusing member 64 is invisible to a user standing on the front side of the washing machine, and has a good appearance. Is good.
In this embodiment, the front surface of the housing 1 is constituted by a removable front panel 1A. By removing the front panel 1A, maintenance in the washing machine can be easily performed from the front side. I have. By providing the water pipe 63 and the circulating water diffusion member 64 on the front side, the front panel 1A can be removed, and maintenance of these members 63 and 64 can be performed easily.
[0029]
An electrolyzer 7 for taking in water stored in the washing tub 2 and electrolyzing it is attached to a lower portion of the outer peripheral surface of the outer tub 21. The electrolytic cell 7 is formed in a thin box shape, and the inside thereof communicates with the inside of the washing tub 2 through water passages 71 and 72 at two upper and lower positions on the right end when viewed from the front. Therefore, when the tap water supplied from the external water supply system or the remaining hot water (tap water used for the bath) drawn from the bath is stored in the washing tub 2, the stored water is used as the water passage 71, It flows into the electrolytic cell 7 through 72.
[0030]
In the electrolytic cell 7, three plate-like electrodes 73, 74, 75 arranged in parallel with each other are arranged in a state where the flat surfaces of the electrodes 73 face the water passages 71, 72. By opposing the flat surface of the electrode 73 to the water passages 71 and 72, the resistance to water flowing into the electrolytic cell 7 through the water passages 71 and 72 increases, so that lint does not easily enter the electrolytic bath 7. . In particular, shortage between the electrodes 73, 74, 75 can be prevented by violently entering lint into the electrolytic cell 7 and catching the edges of the electrodes 73, 74, 75.
[0031]
A DC voltage is applied to the three electrodes 73, 74, 75 so that the two electrodes facing each other have opposite polarities. That is, voltage is applied such that the electrodes 73 and 75 at both ends become anodes and the center electrode 74 becomes a cathode, or the electrodes 73 and 75 at both ends become anodes while the center electrode 74 becomes an anode. Is applied with a voltage. When a voltage is applied to the electrodes 73, 74, 75 during the rinsing and rinsing steps, a current flows through the water between the electrodes 73, 74, 75, and H ₂ O contained in the water (tap water) A chemical reaction occurs with the chlorine component, and electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid (HClO) or active oxygen (O ²⁻ ) having a bactericidal effect is generated between the electrodes 73, 74, 75.
[0032]
An electrolytic water suction pipe 76 for guiding the electrolytic water generated in the electrolytic tank 7 to the water absorption pipe 62 is connected to the bottom surface of the electrolytic cell 7 near the left end when viewed from the front. In this way, by connecting the electrolytic water suction pipe 76 to the electrolytic cell 7 below the water passage 72, it is possible to discharge all the water in the electrolytic cell 7 after the rinsing step (after washing). .
The electrolysis water suction pipe 76 has a distal end connected to a branch pipe 771 of a Y-shaped pipe 77 interposed in the water absorption pipe 62, so that the electrophoresis water suction pipe 76 merges obliquely with respect to the direction of water flowing through the water absorption pipe 62. It is connected to a tube 62. With this configuration, when the circulating pump 61 is driven in a state where a voltage is applied to the electrodes 73, 74, and 75, the water pumped out of the outer tank 21 and passed through the water pipe 63 converts the electrolysis generated in the electrolytic tank 7 into water. The water is mixed through the electrolytic water suction pipe 76, and the mixed water is discharged from the circulating water diffusion member 64 toward the inside of the washing tub 2. Further, when the electrolytic water in the electrolytic water suction pipe 76 is sucked out, new water flows into the electrolytic tank 7 from the washing tub 2 through the water passages 71 and 72. The inflowing water passes between the electrodes 73, 74, 75, becomes electrolytic water at that time, and flows out to the electrolytic water suction pipe 76.
[0033]
In this manner, the water containing the electrolyzed water containing hypochlorous acid (HClO) and active oxygen (O ²⁻ ) is circulated, and the water is laid above the laundry (up to the level of the water stored in the washing tub 2). (High position), the electrolytic water can be spread over the entire laundry in the washing tub 2. Therefore, the laundry can be thoroughly and uniformly washed. In addition, since the high-concentration electrolyzed water generated in the electrolytic bath 7 can be diluted to an appropriate concentration and sprinkled on the laundry, it is possible to prevent the laundry from becoming uneven in color.
[0034]
Note that the electrolyzed water suction pipe 76 is a pipe having an inner diameter smaller than the water absorption pipe 62 (for example, an inner diameter of 3.3 mm). In the case of 6 to 8 liters per minute, 1-2 liters of electrolytic water per minute flows. By suppressing the flow rate of the electrolyzed water suction pipe 76 to this value, the flow rate of water passing between the electrodes 73, 74, 75 becomes a flow rate suitable for generation of electrolyzed water between the electrodes 73, 74, 75, Electrolytic water can be satisfactorily generated in the electrolytic bath 7 and lint and the like from the laundry hardly enter the electrolytic bath 7.
[0035]
It is preferable that the circulation pump 61 is not constantly driven during the washing process and the rinsing process, but is periodically turned on / off. Thus, the amount of water circulating in the electrolytic cell 7 can be changed, so that the concentration of the electrolytic water sent out from the electrolytic cell 7 can be changed to improve the electrolytic efficiency. In this case, the off time of the circulating pump 61 is set to a time (for example, about 5 seconds) at which the generation efficiency of hypochlorous acid (HClO) per unit time is the best, and the on time of the circulating pump 61 is set during the off period. If the time is set such that all the electrolyzed water generated in the electrolysis tank 7 can be discharged, the electrolysis efficiency can be further improved. However, if the configuration is such that the flow rate of water sent out by the circulation pump 61 changes periodically, for example, a configuration is provided in which a valve is provided downstream of the electrolytic cell 7 and the valve is opened and closed. Alternatively, the driving voltage of the circulation pump 61 may be frequency-controlled.
[0036]
4A and 4B are diagrams showing the configuration of the Y-tube 77, where FIG. 4A is a view from above, and FIG. 4B is a view along an arrow AA in FIG. 4A. The sectional views are respectively shown.
The Y-shaped pipe 77 includes a main pipe 772 for connecting the drain pipe 51 and the water absorption pipe 62, and a branch pipe 771 projecting upward from a substantially central upper end of the main pipe 772. The end of the main pipe 772 on the drainage channel 51 side is connected to a connection pipe 511 (see FIG. 3) that projects substantially horizontally from the drainage channel 51 to the left, so that its inner diameter is equal to the outer diameter of the connection pipe 511. It is formed in a shape that substantially matches. When the Y-shaped pipe 77 is attached to the connection pipe 511, the main pipe 772 extends substantially horizontally to the left. The tip of the suction pipe 62 is covered on the left end of the main pipe 722 (up to the root of the branch pipe 771).
[0037]
The branch pipe 771 extends so as to form an acute angle θ (for example, about 60 °) with respect to the axial direction of the main pipe 772. Therefore, with respect to the water flowing in the main pipe 772, the electrolyzed water sent from the electrolysis tank 7 to the Y-tube 77 via the electrolyzed water suction pipe 76 flows into the main pipe 772 smoothly through the branch pipe 771. I do.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the configuration of the circulating water diffusion member 64, where FIG. 5A is a diagram viewed from above, and FIG. 5B is a diagram viewed from the rear (water outlet 641 side). ing. FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the arrow BB in FIG.
[0038]
The circulating water diffusing member 64 has a hollow main body 642 for guiding water sent from the water pipe 63 to the water outlet 641, and an opening 642A formed on the upper surface when the main body 642 is die-cut into a hollow shape. And a cover member 643 for covering the The main body 642 and the cover member 643 are formed of, for example, resin.
7A and 7B are diagrams showing the configuration of the main body 642, in which FIG. 7A is a diagram viewed from above, FIG. 7B is a diagram viewed from the rear (water outlet 641 side), and FIG. 7 shows a view from the right side (the water pipe 63 side), and FIG. 7D shows a view from the left side. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing the configuration of the cover member 64, where FIG. 8A is a diagram viewed from below (the side inside the main body 642), and FIG. 8B is a diagram shown in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow CC in FIG.
[0039]
Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, connection portion 642 </ b> B of main body 642 to water pipe 63 is a cylindrical part having a substantially elliptical cross section, and water pipe 63 is attached to and attached to the outer peripheral surface thereof.
In the main body 642, for example, a space having a substantially trapezoidal cross section having an upper base of about 12 mm, a lower base of about 15 mm, and a height of about 6 mm extends in the vertical direction, and a part of a wall surface forming the space ( The wall surface 642C) faces the opening of the connection portion 642B. Water that has entered the main body 642 from the water supply pipe 63 via the connection portion 642B collides with the wall surface 642C and scatters (see FIGS. 5A and 5B).
[0040]
A space extending vertically inside the main body 642 along the wall surface 642 </ b> C communicates with the water outlet 641. That is, the bottom surface of the main body 642 is opened downward, and an inclined plate 644 arranged so as to be inclined at a predetermined interval (for example, about 30 ° with respect to the horizontal direction) with respect to this opening. , A water outlet 641 is formed between the lower end edge of the main body 642. The inclined plate 644 is formed, for example, in a substantially trapezoidal shape, and is integrally formed with the main body 642 by coupling its upper bottom side to the main body 642.
[0041]
The water scattered by colliding with the wall surface 642C in the main body 642 is guided to the inclined plate 644 side (downward), further collides with the upper surface of the inclined plate 644, and is rearward from the water outlet 641 (washing tub 2 side). Water is discharged so as to spread in a fan shape. Therefore, the water discharged from the water outlet 641 can be applied to a wide area in the washing tub 2. In particular, in this embodiment, the water discharged from the water discharge port 641 can be uniformly diffused by colliding the water from the water supply pipe 63 with the wall surface 642C and scattering the water. Since the wall surface 642C is inclined and opposed to the water flow from the water supply pipe 63, water that has collided with the wall surface 642C can be scattered in all directions, and thus can be more uniformly diffused.
[0042]
The cover member 643 is, for example, a substantially trapezoidal member, and has a central portion formed with a cylindrical projection 643A having a substantially trapezoidal cross section corresponding to a space formed in the main body 642. The cover member 643 is attached to the main body 642 by inserting the cylindrical protrusion 643A into the main body 642 and welding an annular protrusion 643B formed around the cylindrical protrusion 643A to the upper surface of the main body 642. . Thus, the upper surface side end of the space in the main body 642 can be sealed.
[0043]
As described above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the present invention can be embodied in other forms.
For example, the Y-shaped pipe 77 may be omitted, the water-absorbing pipe 62 may be connected to the drainage channel 51, and the electrolyzed water suction pipe 63 may be connected to the water-absorbing pipe 62 in a Y-shape. .
The circulating water diffusion member 64 may be formed integrally with the water pipe 63.
[0044]
The electrolytic cell 7 is not limited to the configuration attached to the outer tank 21 from the outside, and may be arranged, for example, inside the outer tank 21.
In the above-described embodiment, the washing tub tilt type washing machine has been described. However, the present invention is also applied to a washing machine in which the washing tub is not inclined and the center axis of the washing tub extends substantially vertically. It is possible.
In addition, various design changes can be made within the scope of the matters described in the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a left cross-sectional view showing a partially simplified configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway top view of the washing machine shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway front view of the washing machine shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a Y-shaped tube.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a circulating water diffusion member.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the arrow BB in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a main body.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a cover member.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Washing tub 7 Electrolytic tank 61 Circulation pump 63 Water supply pipe 64 Circulating water diffusion members 71, 72 Water passage 73 Electrode 76 Electrolytic water suction pipe 77 Y-shaped pipe 511 Connection pipe 642C Wall surface

Claims (10)

A washing tub that can store laundry and store water when washing,
An electrolytic device for taking in water stored in the washing tub and electrolyzing the same,
A circulation path for guiding electrolytic water generated by electrolysis in the electrolytic device upward and returning the electrolytic water to the washing tub from above,
A washing machine comprising: a pump for circulating electrolyzed water in the circulation path. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the circulation path is provided with a mixing section for mixing water from the washing tub and electrolyzed water from the electrolysis device. A first water pipe for guiding water in the washing tub to the mixing section;
A second water pipe for guiding the electrolytic water in the electrolytic cell to the mixing section,
3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the mixing section joins the water flow from the first water pipe and the water flow from the second water pipe so as to form an acute angle with each other. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein an inner diameter of the second water pipe is smaller than an inner diameter of the first water pipe. 5. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the second water pipe is connected to the electrolysis device below an inlet of water in the washing tub to the electrolysis device. The laundry according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a member disposed in the electrolysis device, the member disposed opposite to an inlet of water in the washing tub to the electrolysis device. Machine. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an outlet of the circulation path is provided at an upper front side of the washing tub and discharges water obliquely rearward. The outlet of the circulation path is provided with a diffusion unit for diffusing water sent from the pump and discharging the water into the washing tub. A washing machine according to claim 1. 9. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the diffusion unit has a wall facing the water flow from the pump. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a flow rate of the water sent out by the pump changes periodically.

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