JP7522976B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a washing machine.

Patent document 1 discloses a washing machine equipped with a storage bag that contains small pieces of silver crystal material with silver ions kneaded into it.

The washing machine in Patent Document 1 includes a storage bag that is filled with water-soluble silver crystal material and is attached to the washing machine's water supply path, and the storage bag is formed in a mesh shape to allow water to pass through.

JP 2010-119633 A

This disclosure provides a washing machine that can provide a stable auxiliary effect to laundry.

The washing machine of the present disclosure comprises an auxiliary agent unit containing an auxiliary agent, a detergent case provided with an auxiliary agent unit storage section for detachably storing the auxiliary agent unit, and a water supply section for supplying water to the detergent case, the water supply section including a water passage through which water supplied from a water supply valve flows, and a nozzle for pouring water from the water passage into the auxiliary agent unit, the nozzle hole being formed to be narrower than the width of the water passage , the nozzle including a first nozzle and a second nozzle having a hole diameter smaller than that of the first nozzle hole, a water-permeable member formed in a mesh shape is provided on the upper surface of the auxiliary agent unit, the auxiliary agent unit is stored in the auxiliary agent unit storage section so that the hole of the first nozzle and the hole of the second nozzle are adjacent to the water-permeable member from above, and the water released from the hole of the first nozzle and the hole of the second nozzle passes through the water-permeable member and is supplied to the inside of the auxiliary agent unit storage section .

The washing machine disclosed herein can provide a stable auxiliary effect to laundry.

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the upper frame and its periphery of the washing machine; A vertical cross-sectional view of the detergent case of the washing machine FIG. 2A is a top view of a water injection device cover of the washing machine; FIG. 2B is a top view of a water injection structure of the washing machine; FIG. 2C is a top view of a detergent case of the washing machine; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the silver crystal unit housing of the washing machine. FIG. 1A is an external perspective view showing the periphery of the Silver Crystal unit housing of the washing machine with the Silver Crystal unit removed; FIG. 1B is an external perspective view showing the periphery of the Silver Crystal unit housing of the washing machine with the Silver Crystal unit installed; FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the washing machine storage case with a storage case lid closed; FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the washing machine storage case with a storage case lid open; (a) is a top view of the storage case of the washing machine, (b) is an A-A cross-sectional view of the storage case of the washing machine, and (c) is a B-B cross-sectional view of the storage case of the washing machine. (a) is a top view of the silver crystal unit of the washing machine, (b) is a bottom view of the silver crystal unit of the washing machine, and (c) is a CC cross-sectional view of the silver crystal unit of the washing machine. A schematic diagram showing the flow of water flowing into the silver crystal unit in a vertical cross section around the detergent case of the washing machine. A schematic diagram showing the flow of water flowing into the silver crystal unit in a cross section around the detergent case of the washing machine. (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D in FIG. 9(a) showing a state in which the silver crystal unit of the washing machine is filled with silver crystal, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D in FIG. 9(a) showing a state in which there is only a small amount of silver crystal remaining in the silver crystal unit of the washing machine. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of water flowing into the silver crystal unit in a cross section around the detergent case of the washing machine in the second embodiment. Cross-sectional view of the storage case of the washing machine FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of water flowing into the silver crystal unit in a cross section around the detergent case of the washing machine in the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Washing machine configuration)
FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a water tub 4 is provided inside the washing machine main body 1 for storing water during washing, and a washing/spinning tub 3 for storing clothes is rotatably provided inside the water tub 4. A pulsator 5 is provided below the washing/spinning tub 3 for agitating the clothes during washing and rinsing. The clothes inside the washing/spinning tub 3 are agitated by the pulsator 5 rotating around the axis of the washing/spinning tub 3 and rotating counter-rotatingly.

The upper frame 2 is disposed on top of the washing machine main body 1. An operation display unit 31 is provided at the upper rear part of the upper frame 2, and a control device 7 is provided below the operation display unit 31. A plurality of water supply valves 80 are provided inside the rear part of the upper frame 2, and are connected to an external water faucet (not shown) by a water supply hose (not shown). The water supply valves 80 are configured to be able to open and close a water passage provided inside, and each water supply valve 80 is independently opened and closed by electromagnetic force.

A clothes insertion opening 2a is formed in the approximate center of the upper frame 2 to connect the washing/spinning tub 3 with the outside. The top of the clothes insertion opening 2a is covered by a lid 6 that can be opened and closed freely. With the lid 6 open, the user can put laundry in and take it out of the washing/spinning tub 3 through the clothes insertion opening 2a.

(Water injection device, detergent case)
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the upper frame and its surroundings of the washing machine according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, a detergent case storage section 12 is formed at the upper rear part of the upper frame 2, and the detergent case storage section 12 detachably stores the detergent case 9. A water injection device 11 is provided above the detergent case 9, which introduces tap water via the aforementioned water supply valve 80 and injects it into the detergent case 9. The water injected from the water injection device 11 into the detergent case 9 passes through the inside of the detergent case 9, is discharged into the detergent case storage section 12, and is then injected into the water tub 4.

The detergent case 9 is formed in a generally box-like shape that opens upward. A grip portion 9d that is configured to be grippable by a user is provided on the front side of the detergent case 9. The grip portion 9d is formed so as to be flush with the clothing insertion opening 2a formed in the upper frame 2 when the detergent case 9 is housed in the detergent case housing portion 12.

The interior of the detergent case 9 is formed with a powder detergent dispenser 9a into which powder detergent is dispensed, a liquid detergent dispenser 9b into which liquid detergent is dispensed, and a fabric softener dispenser 9c into which fabric softener is dispensed. Behind the fabric softener dispenser 9c is formed a Silver Crystal unit housing 16 into which a Silver Crystal unit 15 is detachably attached. The Silver Crystal unit 15 and the Silver Crystal unit housing 16 will be described later.

Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the detergent case and its surroundings in the washing machine in embodiment 1, Figure 4(a) is a top view of the water injection device lid of the washing machine, Figure 4(b) is a top view of the water injection structure of the washing machine, and Figure 4(c) is a top view of the detergent case of the washing machine.

As shown in Figures 3, 4(a) and 4(b), the water injection device 11 is composed of a water injection device lid 11a, which is the upper surface, and a water injection structure 11b, which is the lower surface. The water injection device lid 11a is provided with water inlets for introducing water from the water supply valve 80, including a water supply inlet 8a for the powder detergent input section connected to the first water supply valve 81, a water supply inlet 8b for the liquid detergent input section, and a water supply inlet 8c for the fabric softener input section connected to the second water supply valve 82. The water introduced from each water supply inlet flows down to the water injection structure 11b.

The water injection structure 11b is formed in a roughly box-like shape, and the inside is divided into small chambers corresponding to the powder detergent input section 9a, the liquid detergent input section 9b, or the fabric softener input section 9c and the Silver Crystal unit storage section 16. The small chambers corresponding to the fabric softener input section 9c and the Silver Crystal unit storage section 16 are a common small chamber. In addition, each small chamber is formed with a plurality of nozzles that communicate with the lower part and drop water into the detergent case 9. In each small chamber, a powder detergent nozzle 13a, a liquid detergent nozzle 13b, a fabric softener nozzle 14, and a Silver Crystal nozzle 10 are provided, respectively, corresponding to the powder detergent input section 9a, the liquid detergent input section 9b, the fabric softener input section 9c, and the Silver Crystal unit storage section 16. As a result, the water injection structure 11b can independently supply water to the powder detergent input section 9a, the liquid detergent input section 9b, or the fabric softener input section 9c and the Silver Crystal unit storage section 16.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4(b), the inside of the water supply valve 80 and each small chamber are formed as a wide water passage. On the other hand, the detergent nozzle 13, fabric softener nozzle 14, and silver crystal nozzle 10 are formed as small-diameter holes. This increases the flow rate as the water passes through each nozzle due to the Venturi effect, thereby increasing the force of the water falling into the detergent case 9.

The silver crystal nozzle 10 is composed of a first nozzle 10a with a large diameter and a second nozzle 10b with a small diameter. The first nozzle 10a and the second nozzle 10b are arranged in a substantially straight line.

As shown in FIG. 4(c), a powder detergent outlet 30a that opens downward is provided at approximately the center of the powder detergent input section 9a, and discharges detergent water containing dissolved powder detergent downward.

The liquid detergent dispenser 9b and fabric softener dispenser 9c are provided with a siphon structure 30b. When the liquid stored inside the siphon structure 30b reaches a predetermined liquid level, the siphon structure 30b sucks up the liquid and discharges it downwards by siphoning. That is, when a predetermined amount of water is supplied from the nozzle, the liquid detergent or fabric softener dissolved in the water is carried downwards by the siphon structure 30b and discharged into the detergent case storage section 12.

A silver crystal unit storage outlet 30c is formed at the inner bottom of the silver crystal unit storage section 16, which discharges water discharged from the silver crystal unit 15 downward.

(Silver crystal unit housing)
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the surroundings of the silver crystal unit storage section of the washing machine in embodiment 1, Figure 6(a) is an external oblique view showing the surroundings of the silver crystal unit storage section of the same washing machine with the silver crystal unit removed, and Figure 6(b) is an external oblique view showing the surroundings of the silver crystal unit storage section of the same washing machine with the silver crystal unit installed.

As shown in Figures 5, 6(a) and 6(b), the silver crystal unit storage section 16 is formed in an approximately box shape and is configured to allow the silver crystal unit 15 to be attached and detached.

Inclined ribs 16c are formed on the inner peripheral wall of the Silver Crystal unit storage section 16, extending vertically. The inclined ribs 16c are formed to protrude downwards, smoothly guiding the Silver Crystal unit 15 as it is inserted downwards. The vertical end faces of the inclined ribs 16c abut against the Silver Crystal unit 15 when the Silver Crystal unit 15 is fully inserted into the Silver Crystal unit storage section 16. As a result, the Silver Crystal unit 15 is held in the Silver Crystal unit storage section 16, and will not fall even if the detergent case 9 is turned upside down.

The silver crystal unit 15 is also provided with a hinge portion 22, which will be described later, and the silver crystal unit storage portion 16 is provided with a silver crystal unit storage portion side claw 16b. The hinge portion 22 not only functions as a hinge structure, but is also configured to be able to engage with the silver crystal unit storage portion side claw 16b. When the user inserts the silver crystal unit 15 into the silver crystal unit storage portion 16, the hinge portion 22 engages with the silver crystal unit storage portion side claw 16b. This causes the silver crystal unit 15 to be attached to the silver crystal unit storage portion 16.

In addition, the silver crystal unit 15 may be held by the inclined rib 16c or the silver crystal unit 15 may be attached by the hinge portion 22, or both may be provided.

The silver crystal unit 15 also has a screw boss portion 23 (described later) protruding from one side, and is configured so that the overall shape is not point symmetrical. The silver crystal unit accommodating portion 16 also has a notch 16a formed in a position opposite the screw boss portion 23, and is configured so as not to interfere with the screw boss portion 23. By inserting the screw boss portion 23 into the notch 16a, the silver crystal unit 15 is positioned so that it is in the correct position (described later) relative to the silver crystal unit accommodating portion 16. This prevents the user from attaching the silver crystal unit 15 in the wrong orientation when wearing it. Note that the positioning structure provided on the silver crystal unit 15 does not have to be the screw boss portion 23.

(Silver Crystal Unit)
FIG. 7(a) is an external perspective view of the storage case of the washing machine in embodiment 1 with the storage case lid closed, and FIG. 7(b) is an external perspective view of the storage case of the washing machine with the storage case lid open.

The silver crystal unit 15 is mainly composed of a silver crystal 29 (described below), a storage case 18 that houses the silver crystal 29, and a storage case lid 19.

The silver crystals 29 are made of a material in which antibacterial silver components are kneaded into water-soluble diboron trioxide (B2O3), and are formed into numerous small granular pieces. Because the silver crystals 29 are formed in a granular shape, they have a large surface area and are easily dissolved in water. When immersed in water, the silver crystals 29 are dissolved, releasing antibacterial silver ions into the water. In this way, the silver crystals 29 act as an auxiliary agent that generates silver ion water and imparts antibacterial properties to laundry.

The storage case 18 is formed in a generally box-like shape that is open at the top, and is covered from the top by a storage case lid 19. The storage case lid 19 is connected to the storage case 18 by a hinge portion 22 that is configured to be bendable.

The storage case lid 19 has an engaging claw protrusion 25 on its outer surface. Meanwhile, an engaging claw recess 26 is provided on the inner surface near the opening of the storage case 18 at a position opposite the engaging claw protrusion 25. With this configuration, the storage case lid 19 is temporarily fixed to the storage case 18 when the storage case lid 19 is closed.

The storage case lid 19 is arranged to protrude to the side and has a screw boss portion 23 extending downward. The screw boss portion 23 and the screw seat portion 24 are arranged on opposite sides of the hinge portion 22. The screw boss portion 23 has a screw hole 23a formed therein for screwing from below. The storage case lid 19 is temporarily fixed to the storage case 18 and is screwed at the screw seat portion 24 and the screw boss portion 23 with a screw 24a.

In this way, when the storage case lid 19 is closed, the mating claws engage with each other and are temporarily fixed, so that the storage case lid 19 is prevented from opening naturally when the screw 24a is screwed into the screw hole 23a of the screw boss portion 23. This makes it easy to seal the silver crystal 29 in the storage case 18.

Figure 8(a) is a top view of the storage case of the washing machine in embodiment 1, Figure 8(b) is an A-A cross-sectional view of the storage case of the washing machine, Figure 8(c) is a B-B cross-sectional view of the storage case of the washing machine, Figure 9(a) is a top view of the Silver Crystal unit of the washing machine, Figure 9(b) is a bottom view of the Silver Crystal unit of the washing machine, and Figure 9(c) is a C-C cross-sectional view of the Silver Crystal unit of the washing machine.

The storage case lid 19 is provided with a first opening 20 for introducing water into the silver crystal unit 15, and the storage case bottom surface 28, which is the bottom surface of the storage case 18, is provided with a second opening 21 for discharging the water. As a result, the silver crystal unit 15 discharges silver ion water, which is generated by immersing the introduced water into the silver crystals 29, downward from the second opening 21.

The second opening 21 is positioned so as not to be vertically below the first opening 20, and is configured so as to have a larger opening area than the first opening 20. The first opening 20 is positioned closer to the end than approximately the center of the storage case lid 19, and a portion of it overlaps with the second opening 21.

In addition, the bottom surface 28 of the storage case 18 is formed with a downward incline. This allows the silver crystals 29 inside to move downward due to their own weight and tend to accumulate at the bottom of the incline.

The first opening 20 and the second opening 21 are integrally molded with the water-permeable member 27 by insert molding so that the openings are covered by the water-permeable member 27. The water-permeable member 27 is made of a material different from the storage case 18, and is formed in a mesh shape with an opening size of about 100 mesh. As a result, the water-permeable member 27 allows water to pass through but does not allow silver crystals 29 of a certain size or larger to pass through. The silver crystals 29 gradually become smaller as they dissolve in water, and the grains of silver crystals 29 that have dissolved to a size that can pass through the openings of the water-permeable member 27 are not visible to the user.

The operation and function of the washing machine and silver ion dissolving device configured as above will be explained below.

(Laundry operation)
The user opens the lid 6, puts clothes into the washing and spin-drying tub 3, operates the operation display unit 31 to set the operation contents, and starts the washing operation with the control device 7. The user puts powder detergent or liquid detergent into the detergent case 9 in an amount corresponding to the amount of clothes.

When the washing process starts, the control device 7 opens the first water supply valve 81 and introduces water into the water injection device 11 through the water supply port 8a for the powder detergent injection part and the water supply port 8b for the liquid detergent injection part, and the water injection device 11 injects water into the powder detergent injection part 9a and the liquid detergent injection part 9b through the powder detergent nozzle 13a and the liquid detergent nozzle 13b of the detergent nozzle 13. The detergent in the detergent case 9 is dissolved in water and discharged into the detergent case storage part 12, and is poured into the water tub 4 and the washing and spin-drying tub 3 together with water. When a predetermined amount of water is supplied, the control device 7 closes the first water supply valve 81 and agitates the clothes stored in the washing and spin-drying tub 3 with the pulsator 5 to wash and agitate them. When the washing process is completed, the rinsing process starts.

When the rinsing process starts, the first rinse operation begins. Note that the first rinse operation may be performed multiple times. In the first rinse operation, the first water supply valve 81 and are opened to pour water into the empty powder detergent dispenser 9a and liquid detergent dispenser 9b, and water that does not contain fabric softener or silver ions is supplied to the water tub 4 and the washing and spin tub 3. Next, the pulsator 5 begins to agitate the clothes, rinsing away any detergent components that have adhered to the clothes.

The control device 7 opens the second water supply valve 82 to supply water to the softener nozzle 14 and the silver crystal nozzle 10 so that the water injection device 11 supplies water to the softener dispenser 9c and the silver crystal unit storage section 16. The water discharged downward from the softener nozzle 14 dissolves the softener dispensed in the softener dispenser 9c, is transported by the siphon structure 30b, and is discharged into the detergent case storage section 12. The water discharged downward from the silver crystal nozzle 10 passes through the silver crystal unit 15 as described below, becomes silver ion water, and is discharged into the detergent case storage section 12. The water containing the softener and silver ions discharged into the detergent case storage section 12 is poured into the water tub 4 and the washing and spin-drying tub 3. Next, the pulsator 5 starts agitating the clothes, attaching the softener and silver ions to the clothes. The rinsing process is completed when the final rinsing operation ends.

Because silver ions are cationic, they tend to adhere easily to ordinary clothing, which contains a negatively polarized molecular structure. However, when silver ions are added to clothes at the same time as detergent containing an anionic surfactant, an interaction occurs between the silver ions and the anionic surfactant, reducing the amount of silver ions that adhere to the clothes.

On the other hand, when it is added at the same time as a fabric softener containing a cationic surfactant, as in this embodiment, a synergistic effect is achieved, allowing it to adhere firmly to the clothes. Therefore, by having the water injection device 11 supply water to the fabric softener injection section 9c and the silver crystal unit storage section 16, the antibacterial effect of the silver ions can be obtained efficiently.

(Around the Silver Crystal Unit)
Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of water flowing into the Silver Crystal Unit in a vertical cross section around the detergent case of a washing machine in embodiment 1, and Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of water flowing into the Silver Crystal Unit in a horizontal cross section around the detergent case of the same washing machine.

When the second water supply valve 82 is opened, water is introduced into the water injection device 11. The water introduced into the water injection device 11 is discharged downward from the first nozzle 10a and the second nozzle 10b, which are the silver crystal nozzles 10, and is supplied to the silver crystal unit 15 through the water passage member 27.

As shown in Figure 11, the silver crystal nozzle 10 is formed as a small diameter hole. Generally, the water released from the hole gradually widens in width as it moves away from the hole.

The silver crystal unit 15 is constructed so that the distance between the water passage member 27 and the silver crystal nozzle 10 is close (approximately 5 mm). This allows the water released from the silver crystal nozzle 10 to reach the water passage member 27 sooner than the width of the water flow widens. The narrow water flow passes through the fine mesh of the water passage member 27 and can be efficiently supplied into the silver crystal unit 15 without colliding with the water passage member 27 and scattering around.

As shown in FIG. 10, the water poured from the first nozzle 10a with a larger diameter and the second nozzle 10b with a smaller diameter collides with the silver crystal 29 inside the storage case 18, creating a turbulent flow that wets the silver crystal 29 evenly and turns into silver ion water. In this way, the entire silver crystal 29 is evenly exposed to water each time water is poured in, so the concentration of silver ion water can be kept constant for each wash run.

As shown in FIG. 11, the silver crystals 29 are moved inside the storage case 18 by the water current. As a result, the silver crystals 29 come into contact with the water evenly and rub against other silver crystals 29 or the inner wall of the storage case 18, causing them to dissolve quickly in the water. In this way, by filling the storage case 18 with granular silver crystals 29 so that there are gaps between the silver crystals 29, the silver crystals 29 are evenly immersed in the water.

Furthermore, the water introduced into the silver crystal unit 15 from the first opening 20 does not flow straight down, but instead bypasses the inside of the storage case 18 and flows down to the second opening 21. In this way, by positioning the second opening 21 so that it is not vertically below the first opening 20, the silver crystals 29 can come into contact with the water over a distance longer than the vertical dimension of the storage case 18. This allows water to come into contact evenly with the entire silver crystals 29, so a stable, high concentration of silver ion water can be produced with each wash run.

As shown in FIG. 11, the silver ion water generated in the silver crystal unit 15 is discharged from the second opening 21. In this embodiment, the second opening 21 is made larger than the first opening 20, thereby preventing the amount of water supplied from exceeding the amount of water discharged, and preventing water from overflowing from the top of the silver crystal unit 15.

(Reduction of silver crystals, replacement of silver crystal units)
Figure 12(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along D-D in Figure 9(a) showing a state in which the silver crystal unit of a washing machine in embodiment 1 is filled with silver crystal, and Figure 12(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along D-D in Figure 9(a) showing a state in which there is only a small amount of silver crystal remaining in the silver crystal unit of the same washing machine.

Because the silver crystals 29 are water-soluble, they gradually decrease each time a washing cycle is performed. As shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), the bottom surface 28 of the storage case 18 is inclined, so that the remaining small amount of silver crystals 29 tends to accumulate at the bottom of the incline. Also, as shown in Figure 10, the bottom surface 28 of the storage case 18 is inclined downward in the direction in which the first nozzle 10a, which discharges a large amount of water, is positioned, so that the remaining small amount of silver crystals 29 can be efficiently dissolved in water.

As the silver ions are dissolved, the amount of silver crystals 29 gradually decreases, and when the amount of silver crystals 29 decreases below a certain level, the antibacterial effect on washed clothes also decreases. Therefore, the user can maintain the antibacterial performance of the washing machine by replacing the silver crystal unit 15 with a new one at the appropriate time.

Since the amount of silver crystal 29 that is reduced correlates with the number of wash cycles performed, the recommended number of wash cycles for replacement of the silver crystal unit 15 can be determined experimentally. In the washing machine of this embodiment, the control device 7 measures the number of wash cycles performed, and when the number of cycles reaches the recommended number of wash cycles for replacement, the LED (not shown) of the operation display unit 31 is caused to flash. This allows the user to check the remaining amount of silver crystal 29 without visually inspecting the inside of the silver crystal unit 15, eliminating the need to provide a window that allows the inside of the silver crystal unit 15 to be viewed.

The operation display unit 31 may also notify the user of the remaining number of times the silver crystal unit 15 can be used. This allows the user to know in advance when it is time to replace the silver crystal unit 15, and therefore allows the user to prepare a replacement silver crystal unit 15 in advance.

(Action, etc.)
As described above, the silver crystal unit 15 in this embodiment contains water-soluble silver crystals 29 and is configured to be attachable to a washing machine, and includes a first opening 20 for introducing water into the silver crystal unit 15 and a second opening 21 for draining water from within the silver crystal unit 15, and the first opening 20 and/or the second opening 21 are provided with a water-permeable member 27 formed in a mesh shape.

This allows water to pass through the silver crystal unit 15 and prevents even silver crystals 29 with small particle sizes from leaking out of the second opening 21.

This allows the use of small silver crystals 29 that dissolve easily in water, so silver ion water with a consistent concentration can be produced reliably with each wash cycle.

As in this embodiment, the second opening 21 may be arranged so as not to face the first opening 20.

As a result, the water introduced through the first opening 20 does not pass straight through the silver crystal unit 15, but travels a long distance before being discharged from the second opening, allowing the water to permeate evenly throughout the entire silver crystal 29.

As a result, the silver ion concentration can be kept almost constant during each wash cycle, providing a stable antibacterial effect.

In this embodiment, when the silver crystal unit 15 is oriented to be attached to the washing machine, the first opening 20 is provided on the upper surface of the silver crystal unit 15, and the second opening 21 is provided on the lower surface of the silver crystal unit 15, and the second opening 21 may be positioned so as to partially overlap with the position of the first opening 20 projected downward.

This allows the water introduced through the first opening 20 to travel a long distance before being discharged through the second opening, even if the area of the upper and lower surfaces of the silver crystal unit 15 is small.

As a result, a high antibacterial effect can be obtained even if the area of the upper and lower surfaces of the silver crystal unit 15 is narrowed, so the silver crystal unit 15 can be made smaller.

As in this embodiment, the area of the second opening 21 may be larger than the area of the first opening 20.

This allows the amount of water that can be discharged to be set greater than the amount that can be introduced.

Therefore, water introduced through the first opening 20 can be reliably drained through the second opening 21.

As in this embodiment, the silver crystal unit 15 comprises a storage case 18 and silver crystals 29 sealed within the storage case 18, and the water-permeable member 27 may be constructed as a separate part from the storage case 18.

This allows a fine-meshed material to be used for the water-permeable member 27, allowing the grain size of the silver crystals 29 to be made smaller.

As in this embodiment, the bottom surface 28 of the storage case of the silver crystal unit 15 is formed at an incline and has a second opening 21, and the second opening 21 may be provided at a position that is the lower part of the inclination of the bottom surface 28 of the storage case.

As a result, even if the silver crystals 29 are consumed and only a small amount remains, the inclination of the bottom surface 28 of the storage case and the weight of the auxiliary agent allow the silver crystals 29 to accumulate at the bottom of the inclination.

As in this embodiment, the washing machine may include a silver crystal unit 15, a detergent case 9 provided with a silver crystal unit storage section 16 that removably stores the silver crystal unit 15, and a water injection device 11 that supplies water to the silver crystal unit 15 from above.

This allows water containing silver ions to be poured into the water tub 4 and the washing and spin-drying tub 3, allowing the silver ions to adhere to the clothes.

This allows for efficient antibacterial action.

As in this embodiment, the device includes a silver crystal unit 15 containing silver crystals 29, a detergent case 9 provided with a silver crystal unit storage section 16 for removably storing the silver crystal unit 15, and a water injection device 11 for supplying water to the detergent case 9. The water injection device 11 includes a water channel through which water supplied from the second water supply valve 82 flows, and a silver crystal nozzle 10 for injecting water from the water channel into the silver crystal unit 15. The opening provided in the silver crystal nozzle 10 may be formed to be narrower than the width of the water channel.

This allows the water pressure supplied from the second water supply valve 82 to be increased through the hole in the silver crystal nozzle 10, thereby increasing the water supply rate flowing into the silver crystal unit 15.

As a result, the silver crystals 29 can be efficiently dissolved to increase the silver ion concentration, so even a small amount of silver crystals 29 can provide a strong antibacterial effect.

As in this embodiment, the silver crystal 29 may be formed in a granular shape.

This allows the silver crystal 29 grains to slide against each other, increasing the rate at which the silver crystal 29 dissolves into water.

As in this embodiment, multiple silver crystal nozzles 10 may be provided.

As in this embodiment, the silver crystal nozzle 10 may include a first nozzle 10a and a second nozzle 10b having a smaller diameter than the first nozzle 10a.

This creates a difference in the flow speed and volume of the two water currents, which makes it possible to generate turbulence efficiently.

As in this embodiment, the device includes a silver crystal unit 15 containing silver crystals 29, a detergent case 9 provided with a silver crystal unit storage section 16 for removably storing the silver crystal unit 15, and a water injection device 11 for supplying water to the detergent case 9. The water injection device 11 includes a silver crystal nozzle 10 for injecting water into the silver crystal unit 15, and a water passage member 27 formed in a mesh shape is provided on the upper surface of the silver crystal unit 15. The silver crystal unit 15 may be stored in the silver crystal unit storage section 16 so that the silver crystal nozzle 10 and the water passage member 27 are close to each other.

This prevents the water released from the silver crystal nozzle 10 from colliding with the water-permeable member 27 and scattering.

In the present embodiment, the detergent case 9 is formed with a powder detergent dispenser 9a, a liquid detergent dispenser 9b, and a fabric softener dispenser 9c, into which the detergent and fabric softener are dispensed.
The water injection device 11 includes a waterway through which water passes to supply water to the silver crystal unit 15 and the fabric softener dispenser 9c, and the waterway is provided with a silver crystal nozzle 10 and a fabric softener nozzle 14 which injects water into the fabric softener dispenser 9c, and the waterway may be connected to the below of the water injection device 11 by the silver crystal nozzle 10 and the fabric softener nozzle 14.

This allows water to be simultaneously supplied to the fabric softener containing cationic components and the silver crystals 29 that dissolve cationic ions, and then poured into the laundry contained inside the water tub 4 and the washing and spin-drying tub 3.

As a result, the synergistic effect of adding cations creates a strong bond between the fabric softener ingredients and silver ions to clothing.

As in this embodiment, the silver crystal unit storage section 16 may be positioned rearward of the fabric softener dispenser section 9c.

By placing the silver crystal unit 15 at the rear, which does not need to be touched except when replacing it, the silver crystal unit 15 does not get in the way when adding fabric softener.

As in this embodiment, the operation display unit 31 may prompt the user to replace the silver crystal unit 15 based on the number of times a washing cycle has been performed.

This makes it possible to notify the user of the timing of replacement. Furthermore, by replacing the auxiliary agent, the amount of cations eluted from the auxiliary agent can be kept appropriate, thereby realizing stable antibacterial performance.

As in this embodiment, the operation display unit 31 may notify the remaining number of times the silver crystal unit 15 can be used based on the number of times the washing operation has been performed.

This allows the user to be notified when it is time to replace the adjuvant. Furthermore, by replacing the adjuvant, the amount of cations eluted from the adjuvant can be kept at an appropriate level, achieving stable antibacterial performance.

(Embodiment 2)
The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

The washing machine according to the second embodiment differs from the washing machine according to the first embodiment at least in that it uses a second silver crystal unit 215 instead of a silver crystal unit 15.

(Silver Crystal Unit)
Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of water flowing into the silver crystal unit in a cross section around the detergent case of a washing machine in embodiment 2.

The second storage case 218 is formed in an approximately box-like shape with a covered top, and is removably attached within the second silver crystal unit storage section 216. A water channel 216a is formed in the second silver crystal unit storage section 216 on the side of the second storage case 218. The water channel 216a is positioned below the silver crystal nozzle 10, and supplies water to the second silver crystal unit 215 from the side.

The lower side of the second storage case 218 is formed with a third opening 220 for introducing water from the water channel 216a, and a fourth opening 221, which is positioned opposite the third opening 220 and discharges water from the second silver crystal unit 215. The third opening 220 and the fourth opening 221 are each formed as a plurality of holes. The second silver crystal unit storage section 216 is provided with a second outlet 230 near the fourth opening 221, which discharges water into the detergent case storage section 12.

In this way, the second silver crystal unit 215 in this embodiment is configured so that when water is introduced, the silver crystals 29 stored in the lower part of the second storage case 218 are submerged. The lower silver crystals 29 exposed to water are gradually dissolved and discharged with each wash cycle, while the upper silver crystals 29 gradually descend under their own weight. As a result, as the number of wash cycles increases, undissolved silver crystals 29 are replenished from above, making it possible to produce silver ion water with a constant silver ion concentration. Therefore, silver ion water with a constant silver ion concentration can be produced regardless of the remaining amount of silver crystals 29.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a storage case for a washing machine in embodiment 2.

As shown in FIG. 14, the third opening 220 and the fourth opening 221 may be provided on the side of the second storage case 218 so as to be higher than the bottom surface of the second storage case 218 by a predetermined dimension A. This causes silver ion water to remain in the second storage case 218 at a position lower than the fourth opening 221 during each wash run. The remaining silver ion water gradually dissolves the surrounding silver crystals 29, so that highly concentrated silver ion water can be used during the next wash run.

(Action, etc.)
As described above, the washing machine in this embodiment has the third opening 220 for introducing water into the inside, the fourth opening 221 for discharging water, and the second silver crystal unit 215 at the lower side of the washing machine.
is provided.

As a result, the water introduced into the second silver crystal unit 215 soaks the silver crystals 29 located at the bottom inside the second storage case 218, and is discharged from the fourth opening 221. As the silver crystals 29 dissolve and decrease, the upper silver crystals 29 drop.

As a result, the silver crystals 29 contained in the second silver crystal unit 215 are dissolved in order from the bottom up, so that silver ion water with a constant silver ion concentration can always be produced.

Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the third opening 220 and the fourth opening 221 may be positioned at a position higher than a predetermined height A from the bottom surface of the second silver crystal unit 215.

As a result, during each wash cycle, silver ion water remains at a position lower than the fourth opening 221 inside the second storage case 218. The remaining silver ion water gradually dissolves the surrounding silver crystals 29, so that highly concentrated silver ion water can be used during the next wash cycle.

(Embodiment 3)
Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The washing machine according to the third embodiment differs from the washing machine according to the first embodiment at least in that it uses a third silver crystal unit 315 instead of a silver crystal unit 15.

(Silver Crystal Unit)
Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of water flowing into the silver crystal unit in a cross section around the detergent case of a washing machine in embodiment 3.

The lower part of the side of the third storage case 318 is formed with a fifth opening 320 for introducing water, and a sixth opening 321 for discharging water, which is positioned opposite the fifth opening 320 and discharging water from the third silver crystal unit 315.

A plurality of ribs 318a are provided to divide the interior of the third storage case 318, and are formed to extend alternately from opposing inner sides of the third storage case 318. As a result, water introduced from the fifth opening 320 passes through the water channel divided by the ribs 318a, submerging the silver crystals 29 in the water channel, and is discharged from the sixth opening 321.

(Action, etc.)
In the washing machine in the present embodiment, ribs 318a are provided inside third storage case 318 so as to divide the inside of third storage case 318.

As a result, water introduced through the fifth opening 320 passes through the water channel separated by the rib 318a, submerges the silver crystals 29 in the water channel, and is discharged through the sixth opening 321.

As a result, the silver crystals 29 in the lower interior of the third storage case 318 can be evenly wetted, so silver ion water can be produced with a constant silver ion concentration regardless of the remaining amount of silver crystals 29.

Other Embodiments
As described above, the first to third embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these.

Therefore, other embodiments are given below as examples.

In the first to third embodiments, a vertical washing machine has been described as an example of a washing machine. The washing machine may be any washing machine capable of washing cloth with water. Therefore, the washing machine is not limited to a vertical washing machine, and may be a drum washing machine or a two-tub washing machine.

In the first to third embodiments, silver crystal that imparts an antibacterial effect to laundry has been described as an example of an auxiliary agent. The auxiliary agent is not limited to silver crystal as long as it is water-soluble and imparts an auxiliary effect to laundry. The auxiliary agent may also be one that imparts antibacterial, deodorizing, or fragrant effects, or one that improves the effects of detergents or fabric softeners.

This disclosure is applicable to washing machines equipped with antibacterial material units. Specifically, this disclosure is applicable to vertical washing machines, drum washing machines, twin-tub washing machines, etc.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Washing machine body 2 Upper frame 2a Clothes inlet 3 Washing and spin tub 4 Water tub 5 Pulsator 6 Lid 7 Control device 8a Water inlet for powder detergent dispenser 8b Water inlet for liquid detergent dispenser 8c Water inlet for fabric softener dispenser 9 Detergent case 9a Powder detergent dispenser 9b Liquid detergent dispenser 9c Fabric softener dispenser 10 Silver crystal nozzle (nozzle)
10a First nozzle (nozzle)
10b Second nozzle (nozzle)
11 Water injection device (water supply part)
11a Water injection device lid (water supply part)
11b Water injection structure (water supply part)
12 Detergent case storage section 13 Detergent nozzle 13a Powder detergent nozzle 13b Liquid detergent nozzle 14 Fabric softener nozzle 15 Silver crystal unit (auxiliary agent unit)
16 Silver crystal unit storage section (auxiliary agent unit storage section)
16a Cutout 16b Silver crystal unit storage section side claw 16c Slanted rib 18 Storage case 19 Storage case lid 20 First opening 21 Second opening 22 Hinge section 23 Screw boss section 23a Screw hole 24 Screw seat section 24a Screw 25 Fitting claw convex section 26 Fitting claw concave section 27 Water-permeable member (mesh structure section)
28 Storage case bottom (bottom)
29 Silver Crystal (auxiliary agent)
30a Powder detergent outlet 30b Siphon structure 30c Silver crystal unit housing outlet 31 Operation display unit 80 Water supply valve 81 First water supply valve 82 Second water supply valve 215 Second silver crystal unit (auxiliary agent unit)
216 Second silver crystal unit storage section (auxiliary agent unit storage section)
216a Water passage 218 Second storage case 220 Third opening 221 Fourth opening 230 Second outlet 315 Third silver crystal unit (auxiliary agent unit)
318 Third storage case 318a Rib 320 Fifth opening 321 Sixth opening

Claims (7)

an auxiliary agent unit containing an auxiliary agent;
a detergent case provided with an auxiliary agent unit housing portion for detachably housing the auxiliary agent unit;
a water supply unit that supplies water to the detergent case,
the water supply unit includes a water passage through which water supplied from a water supply valve flows, and a nozzle that injects the water from the water passage into the auxiliary agent unit,
The nozzle hole is formed to be narrower than the width of the water channel ,
the nozzles include a first nozzle and a second nozzle having a hole diameter smaller than that of the first nozzle,
A water-permeable member formed in a mesh shape is provided on an upper surface of the auxiliary agent unit,
the auxiliary agent unit is accommodated in the auxiliary agent unit accommodating portion such that the hole of the first nozzle and the hole of the second nozzle are adjacent to the water passing member from above,
the water discharged from the first nozzle hole and the second nozzle hole passes through the water passing member and is supplied to the inside of the auxiliary agent unit housing portion;
washing machine. The adjuvant is formed in a granular form.
The washing machine according to claim 1. The adjuvant is a silver crystal that dissolves silver ions in water.
The washing machine according to claim 2 . The detergent case is provided with an input port for inputting a detergent and an input port for inputting a fabric softener,
The water supply unit includes:
The water channel includes the auxiliary agent unit and a water supply section into which the softener is poured, and the water channel is provided with the nozzle and a softener nozzle for injecting water into the water supply section into which the softener is poured.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . The auxiliary agent unit storage section is disposed behind the input section into which the softener is input.
The washing machine according to claim 4 . The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The washing machine prompts the user to replace the auxiliary agent unit based on the number of times the washing cycle has been performed. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The washing machine notifies the user of the remaining number of times the auxiliary agent unit can be used based on the number of times the washing operation has been performed.