US20100242547A1

US20100242547A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: US20100242547A1
Application number: US12/734,216
Authority: US
Inventors: Takayuki Nakada; Hiroshi Suda; Masaharu Machi
Original assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd
Priority date: 2007-10-22
Filing date: 2008-10-20
Publication date: 2010-09-30
Also published as: WO2009054120A3; TW200938685A; CN101835932A; EP2215300A2; JP2009100875A; JP4886652B2; WO2009054120A2

Abstract

The washing machine of this invention comprises a housing with a washing tub, a rotating mechanism, a perforated basket, and an electrostatically atomizing device. The perforated basket is rotatably mounted in the washing tub with leaving a space between the perforated basket and the washing tub. The electrostatically atomizing device is configured to generate the mist of the charged minute water particles. The washing machine is configured to lead the mist of the charged minute water particles to the space, so that the space is filled with the mist of the charged minute water particles. Consequently, molds on an inside of the washing tub and an outside of the perforated basket is eliminated by the electrostatically atomizing device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a washing machine which is provided with an electrostatically atomizing device for generating a mist of charged minute water particles having a good effect for eliminating molds.

BACKGROUND ART

Japanese patent application publication no. 2004-194876 discloses a prior art washing machine. The prior art washing machine comprises a housing, a washing tub, a perforated basket, a rotating mechanism, and a controller. The washing tub is integrally incorporated in the housing. The washing tub is configured to contain wash and rinse water inside of the washing tub. The perforated basket is configured to contain laundry. The perforated basket is rotatably mounted in the washing tub with leaving a space between the washing tub and the perforated basket. The perforated basket is rotated by the rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism is mounted underneath the washing tub. The rotating mechanism includes a motor and a shaft. The shaft is coupled to a bottom of the perforated basket. The motor is configured to rotate the shaft, thereby rotating the perforated basket. The motor is configured to move by receiving an electrical power. The controller controls an operation of the washing machine. In addition, the other type of the washing machine further comprises a dryer.
The washing machine is supplied with the water from a spout. The water from the spout is contained in the washing tub. The perforated basket with laundry is rotated by the rotating mechanism, so that the clothes are washed and rinsed. After washing and rinsing the clothes, the water in the washing tub is drained by way of the drainage. Then, the perforated basket is rotated by the rotating mechanism, so that the clothes are spin dried. In addition, in the other type of the washing machine, the spin dried laundry is dried by the dryer.
In this washing machine, the space is formed between the washing tub and the perforated basket. Therefore, the water is remained on an inside of the washing tub and on an outside of the perforated basket. In addition, the water is also remained at inner circumference surface of perforations of the perforated basket. The remained water causes a growth of the mold. The mold is collected on the inside of the washing tub, the outside of the perforated basket, and the perforations of the perforated basket. Even in the other type of the washing machine having the dryer, it is difficult to prevent the growth of the molds by drying off the water in the washing tub. In addition, it is not enough to eliminate the molds by means of drying the inside of the washing tub and the outside of the perforated basket.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

This invention is achieved to solve the above problem. The object of this invention is to sterilize and deodorize the space between the perforated basket and the washing tub and to eliminate the molds on the washing tub and the perforated basket.
The washing machine in accordance with the present invention comprises a housing with a washing tub, a perforated basket, and a rotating mechanism. The washing tub is formed with a tub opening. The perforated basket is mounted in the washing tub with leaving a space around the perforated basket. The perforated basket is configured to rotate relative to the washing tub. The rotating mechanism is provided for rotating the perforated basket when washing and spin drying. The feature of the invention resides in that the washing machine further comprises an electrostatically atomizing device and a duct. The electrostatically atomizing device is mounted to the housing. The electrostatically atomizing device is configured to electrostatically atomize water for generating a mist of charged minute water particles. The duct extends from the electrostatically atomizing device to supply the mist into the space.
In this case, the electrostatically atomizing device generates the mist of the charged minute water particles. The mist of the charged minute water particles is sent into the washing tub and the space between the perforated basket and the washing tub. The mist of the charged minute water particles deodorizes and sterilizes the space and inner circumference surfaces of perforations. In addition, the mist of the charged minute water particles eliminates the molds on the washing tub and the perforated basket. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the washing machine without the molds on an inside of the washing tub, an outside of the perforated basket, and the perforations of the perforated basket, while deodorizing and sterilizing the space and perforations.
It is preferred that the washing tub is formed with a mist inlet which is connected to the first duct.
It is preferred that the washing machine further comprises a drain valve and a controller. The drain valve is configured to drain the water from the washing tub. The controller is configured to provide a spin dry mode of rotating the perforated basket with the drain valve opened for draining the water from the washing tub. The controller is configured to permit the electrostatically atomizing device to generate the mist of the charged minute water particles and is configured to rotate the perforated basket subsequent to the spin dry mode.
In this case, the mist of the charged minute water particles is sent to the space and surely spreads to an entire portion of the space. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the washing machine without the molds at an entire portion of the space between the perforated basket and the washing tub.
It is preferred that the washing machine further comprises a shutter. The shutter is configured to open and close the mist inlet. The shutter is configured to open, only while the electrostatically atomizing device generates the mist.
In this case, the water in the washing tub never flows to the electrostatically atomizing device. In addition, it is possible for the electrostatically atomizing device to send the mist into the washing tub when the electrostatically atomizing device generates the mist of the charged minute water particles.
It is preferred that the washing machine further comprises a second duct. The second duct is configured to supply the mist to an inside of the perforated basket. The second duct is provided with a duct opening disposed in closely adjacent relation with the tub opening.
In this case, the mist of the charged minute water particles is also sent to the inside of the perforated basket. Therefore, it is possible to supply the mist of the charged minute water particles to the spin dried laundry and the heat dried laundry. The mist of the charged minute water particles in the perforated basket adheres to the spin dried laundry and the heat dried laundry. That is, the laundry in the perforated basket is deodorized and sterilized by the mist of the charged minute water particles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a sectional side view of the washing machine in a first embodiment,

FIG. 2 shows a sectional side view of the washing machine in a second embodiment,

FIG. 3 shows a sectional side view of the electrostatically atomizing device being incorporated into the washing machine in the first and the second embodiment,

FIG. 4 shows a simplified flow-sheet of the washing machine in the first embodiment, and

FIG. 5 shows a simplified flow-sheet of the washing machine in the second embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Now the present invention is explained according to the reference and the attached drawings.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 shows a washing machine of a first embodiment in this invention. In FIG. 1, X direction shows a front side of the washing machine and Y direction shows an upper side of the washing machine. The washing machine in this invention comprises a housing 100, a perforated basket 200, a rotating mechanism 300, and an electrostatically atomizing device 400. In addition, the washing machine further comprises a dryer and a controller which are not shown in the drawings. The washing machine is configured to receive an electric power from an outside electric power source through a power wire (not shown). The controller controls the operation of the washing machine.
The housing 100 has a washing tub 110, a water supply path 180, a door opening 170, a door 160, a drain 182, and a first duct 141. The washing tub 110 is provided for containing the water. The washing tub 110 is formed into cylindrical shape and is formed at its front end with a tub opening 120 and its rear end with a bottom 130. The washing tub is disposed to have its axis inclined from a horizontal plane. The washing tub 110 is formed with a mist inlet 140. The washing tub 110 is provided with a shutter 150. The shutter 150 is configured to prevent the water from flowing to the electrostatically atomizing device 400. The shutter 150 is configured to open and close the mist inlet 140. The shutter is controlled by the controller to open and close the mist inlet 140. The door 160 is configured to open and close the door opening 170. The door opening 170 is formed to communicate with the tub opening 120 to pass laundry into the perforated basket 200. The water supply path 180 is provided for supplying the water to the washing tub 110. The water supply path 180 is provided with a water supply valve 181. The water supply valve 181 is configured to open and close to pour the water into the washing tub and stop supplying the water to the washing tub. The drain 182 is provided with a drain valve 183. The drain valve 183 is configured to open and close to drain the water and stop draining the water from the washing tub 110. The first duct 141 is arranged to connect a tip of the atomizing barrel to the washing tub 110. The first duct 141 has its one end fixed to the mist inlet 140. Therefore, the electrostatically atomizing device 400 is connected to the washing tub 110 through the first duct 141.
The perforated basket is provided for washing the laundry. The perforated basket is formed to have its inside where laundry and detergent are put into. The perforated basket 200 is formed to have a cylindrical shape, an axis, and perforations. The perforated basket has its one end with a bottom and its other end with a basket opening 210. The perforated basket 200 is mounted in the washing tub 110 and to make a space cooperative with the washing tub 110. Therefore, the perforated basket 200 is mounted in the washing tub 110 with leaving a space 500 around the perforated basket 200 and is inclined from the horizontal plane. The perforated basket 200 is configured to rotate relative to the washing tub 110. The perforated basket 200 is mounted to have its bottom facing to the bottom of the washing tub 110.
The rotating mechanism 300 has a motor 310 and a shaft 320 having its one end being held by the motor 310. The shaft is rotated by the motor 310. The shaft has its other end being fixed with the bottom 220 of the perforated basket 200. Therefore, the perforated basket 200 is rotated by the motor 300.
The dryer is for drying the laundry in the perforated basket 200. The dryer includes a heater and a fan. The dryer is connected to the outside of the washing machine through the intake duct which is not shown. The dryer is connected to the washing tub through air outlet which is not shown. The fan is configured to send the air from the heater to the washing tub 110. In this way, the air flows from the outside of the housing through the heater to the washing tub 110. Consequently, the air heated by the heater is sent to the washing tub 110. In addition, the dryer is capable of sending air which is not heated without using the heater.
FIG. 3 shows the electrostatically atomizing device 400 employed in this washing machine. The electrostatically atomizing device is provided for generating a mist of charged minute water particles. The electrostatically atomizing device 400 includes an emitter electrode 410, an opposed electrode 420, an atomizing barrel 430, a high voltage source 440, and a Peltier module 450.
The atomizing barrel 430 is formed into a tube-shape. The atomizing barrel incorporates the emitter electrode 410, the opposed electrode 420, and the Peltier module 450. The atomizing barrel 430 is formed at its circumference wall with apertures 431. The atomizing barrel 430 has the apertures 431 which are configured to pass the air from the outside of the atomizing barrel 430. The atomizing barrel 430 is connected to the other end of the first duct 141.
The emitter electrode 410 is formed into a pole shape and to have an axis. The emitter electrode 410 is disposed at an inside of the atomizing barrel 430 and to have the axis aligned to an axial direction of the atomizing barrel 430. The emitter electrode 410 is formed at its tip with an emitter end 411 and its rear end with a flange 412.
The opposed electrode 420 is formed into a ring shape with a circular window 421. The opposed electrode 420 is held at a tip of the atomizing barrel 430. Therefore, the opposed electrode 420 is disposed at an opposed relation to the emitter electrode 410. The opposed electrode is formed with the circular window 421 which is configured to flow the air from the inside of the atomizing barrel to the outside of the atomizing barrel.
The high voltage source 440 is configured to apply a high voltage between the emitter electrode 410 and the opposed electrode 420 so as to generate the high electric field between the emitter electrode 410 and the opposed electrode 420. The high voltage source 440 includes a transformer to apply a predetermined voltage between the emitter electrode 410 and the opposed electrode 420. The high voltage source is configured to apply a negative voltage (e.g. −4.6 kV) to the emitter electrode 410. On the other hand, the opposed electrode 420 is grounded.
The Peltier module 450 includes a pair of electrically conductive circuit plate 451A, 451B and a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 452. The conductive circuit plate 451A, 451B is made of electrical insulation material such as alumina and aluminum nitride. The thermoelectric conversion elements 452 are made of a thermoelectric conversion material such as Bi—Te based. A plurality of the thermoelectric conversion elements 452 are arranged in parallel between the electrically conductive circuit plate 451A and the electrically conductive circuit 451B. The conductive circuit plate 451A and 451B is configured to be energized from a power source not shown in the drawings, so that a voltage is applied to the thermoelectric conversion elements 452. The Peltier module 450 has the conductive circuit plate 451A as a cooling side and the conductive circuit plate 451B as a heat radiating side. The Peltier module 450 is thermally coupled to the flange 412 of the emitter electrode 410 through a cooling plate 460. Therefore, the Peltier module 450 is configured to cool the emitter electrode 410 when the conductive circuit plate 451A is cooled. On the other hand, the conductive circuit plate 451B is coupled to a heat radiating fin 470. Therefore, heat of the conductive circuit plate 451B transfers to the heat radiating fin 470 when the conductive circuit plate 451B is heated. The heat radiating fin 470 is configured to be cooled by the air which flows from the outside of the housing 100. Therefore, to radiate the heat of the radiating fin 470, the electrostatically atomizing device 400 is incorporated into the housing 100 to have the heat radiating fin 470 which is exposed to the air flow. Therefore, the heat radiating fin 470 is immediately cooled by the air from the outside of the housing 100.
The electrostatically atomizing device 400 generates the mist of the charged minute water particles as follows. The Peltier module 450 is energized by the power source, so that the voltage is applied to the thermoelectric conversion elements. Then the thermoelectric conversion elements transfer the heat from the conductive circuit plate 451A to the conductive circuit plate 451B. Consequently, the thermoelectric conversion element 452 cools the conductive circuit plate 451A. When the conductive circuit plate 451A is cooled, the cooling plate 460 which is thermally coupled to the conductive circuit plate 451A is cooled. The cooling plate 460 is thermally coupled to the flange 412 of the emitter electrode 410. Therefore, the emitter electrode 410 is cooled by the cooling plate 460. That is, the Peltier module 450 cools the emitter electrode 410 which are thermally coupled by the cooling plate 460. So, a cooled emitter electrode 410 condenses vapor within surrounding the air into the water on the surface of the emitter electrode 410. In this way, the water is supplied to the emitter electrode 410, thereby supplied to the emitter end 411. In addition, it is also possible that the emitter electrode 410 is formed to have a porous structure. In this case, the water supplied to the emitter electrode 410 is moved to the emitter end 411 by the capillary action.
The high voltage source 440 is configured to apply a high voltage between the emitter electrode 410 and the opposed electrode, so that the high voltage electrical field is generated between the emitter electrode 410 and the opposed electrode 420. The high electrical field pulls the water which is held on the emitter end 411 toward the opposed electrode 420. In this way, the electrical field forms a Taylor cone at the water held on the emitter electrode 410. Then, the high electrical field causes a high concentration of the electrical charge at the tip of the Taylor cone so as to cause a high Coulomb force at the tip of the Taylor cone. Subsequently, breakups are caused at the tip of the Taylor cone. The break up is so-called Rayleigh Breakup. And finally, according to the Rayleigh breakups which are caused at the tip of the Taylor cone, the mist of the charged minute water particles of nanometer sizes is generated from the Taylor cone of the water which is held on the emitter end 411. The mist of the charged minute water particles of nanometer sizes is negatively charged by the emitter electrode 410 applied with the negative voltage. The mist of the charged minute water particles of nanometer sizes is carried by an ion wind which flows from the emitter electrode 410 to the opposed electrode 420 and is discharged through the circular window 421 of the opposed electrode 420. The mist of the charged minute water particles has small diameters of about nanometer sizes. Therefore, the mist is capable of spreading and floating in the air over an extended time period, thereby adhering to substances. In addition, the mist of the charged minute water particles of nanometer sizes includes radicals. Therefore, the mist of the charged minute water particles of nanometer sizes has deodorizing effect and sterilizing effect. Furthermore, the mist of the charged minute water particles has effect of eliminating molds.
Reverting to FIG. 1, this electrostatically atomizing device 400 is disposed in the housing 100. The electrostatically atomizing device has the atomizing barrel 430 being connected with the washing tub 110 by way of the first duct 141. The housing 100 comprises a fan 143. The fan 143 is configured to flow the air from an air flow path 144 through apertures 431 and the first duct 141 to the washing tub 110. That is, the fan 143 is configured to send the air from the outside of the atomizing barrel 430 through the apertures 431 to the inside of the atomizing barrel 430. Then, the air in the atomizing barrel 430 with the mist of the charged minute water particles flows from the inside of the atomizing barrel 430 through the circular window 421 to the outside of the atomizing barrel 430. Therefore, the mist of the charged minute water particles is carried to the washing tub 110 through the first duct 141 and the mist inlet 140.
With this arrangement, the mist of the charged minute water particles is generated by the electrostatically atomizing device 400. The mist of the charged minute water particles is carried from the atomizing barrel 430 to the space 500 between the washing tub 110 and the perforated basket 200 by the air flow caused by the fan 143. Then, the mist of the charged minute water particles adheres to the molds on the inside of the washing tub, the outside of the perforated basket, and the perforations of the perforated basket 200. The mist of the charged minute water particles includes the radicals. Therefore, the radicals of the mist eliminate the molds. That is, it is possible to obtain the washing machine which is configured to eliminate molds on the inside of the washing tub 110 and the outside of the perforated basket 200.
In this washing machine, the controller is configured to provide a washing mode, a spin dry mode, a heat dry, and a washing tub cleaning mode. The washing mode is for washing and rinsing the laundry. The spin dry mode is for spin drying the laundry. The heat dry mode is for heat drying a spin dried laundry. The washing tub cleaning mode is for eliminating the molds on the inside of the washing tub 110, the outside of the perforated basket 200 and the perforations of the perforated basket 200. Each of the modes is performed on the basis of the mode that users select via a control panel not shown in the drawings. The washing machine is configured to separately perform one of the above modes.
In the washing mode, the washing machine washes the laundry as follows. The washing machine has an initial condition that the water supply valve 181, the drain valve 183, and the shutter 150 are closed. The laundry and the detergent are put in the perforated basket 200 in advance, and subsequently the washing mode is selected via the operation panel. Then, the water supply valve 181 is opened by the controller, so that the water is supplied to the washing tub 110. After the washing tub 110 contains a certain level of the water, the water supply valve 181 is closed and the perforated basket 200 is rotated by the controller. In this way, the washing machine starts a washing of the laundry by rotating the perforated basket 200. After finish washing the laundry, the laundry is rinsed.
In the spin dry mode, the washing machine spin dries a wet laundry as follows. The drain valve 183 is opened by the controller, so that the water in the washing tub 110 is drained through the drain 182. The controller is configured to recognize a finish of draining the water after the elapse of a sufficient time for draining the water from the washing tub 110. However, it is also possible to employ the controller being configured to recognize a finish of draining the water by other means. For example, the washing tub 110 further comprises a water level detector for detecting a water level in the washing tub 110. The water level detector is configured to detect a condition that there is no water in the washing tub, and is configured to generate the signal when the water level detector detects the above condition. In this case, the controller is configured to recognize a finish of draining the water in accordance with the condition that there is no water in the washing tub 110. After a finish of draining the water, the controller controls the rotating mechanism to rotate the perforated basket 200. Therefore, the water is extracted from the laundry, so that the laundry is spin dried. That is, the washing tub 110 contains no water and the laundry is spin dried.
In the heat dry mode, the washing machine dries a spin dried laundry as follows. The drain valve 183 is closed with starting the dryer by the controller. The air flows from the outside of the housing to the heater according to the start of the fan of the heater. The air reached to the heater is heated and is sent to the washing tub 110 by the air flow that the fan causes. The controller further controls the rotating mechanism 300 to rotate the perforated basket 200, so that the hot air is uniformly spread to the entire perforated basket. The heated air is supplied to the laundry. In this way, the laundry is dried by the hot air.
In the washing tub cleaning mode, the washing machine performs as follows. The controller controls the electrostatically atomizing device 400 to generate the mist of the charged minute water particles and controls the fan 143 to send the air from the outside of the housing 100 to the washing tub 110. The controller controls the shutter 150 to open the mist inlet 140. The controller controls the rotating mechanism 300 to rotate the perforated basket 200. In this case, the mist of the charged minute water particles is generated by the electrostatically atomizing device 400. The mist of the charged minute water particles rides on the air flow generated by the fan 143 and is sent to the washing tub 110 through the first duct 141. The mist of the charged minute water particles reached to the space 500 rides on an air flow which is generated by the rotation of the perforated basket 200. In this way, the mist of the charged minute water particles is filled in the space 500. The mist of the charged minute water particles adheres to the molds on the inside of the washing tub 110 and the outside of the perforated basket 200. Furthermore, the mist of the charged minute water particles adheres to the molds at the inner circumference surface of the perforations of the perforated basket 200. Consequently, the molds are eliminated by the mist of the charged minute water particles. Finally, the controller controls the electrostatically atomizing device 400 to stop generating the mist and controls the shutter 150 to close the mist inlet after the elapse of a predetermine period of time.
Meanwhile, in the case that the washing tub 110 contains the water in advance, the controller opens the drain valve 183 to drain the water and controls the water supply valve 181 to stop supplying the water to the washing tub as a first step. After the first step, the controller controls the washing machine to perform the washing tub cleaning mode. In this case, the controller is configured to recognize a finish of drainage after the elapse of a predetermined period of time. Or, the washing machine further comprises a water level detector which is configured to detect the water level in the washing tub 110 and which is configured to generate a signal when there is no water in the washing tub 110. With this configuration, it is also possible to obtain the controller which is configured to recognize the finish of drainage by receiving the signal.
The washing machine with the above configuration comprises the shutter 150. As above mentioned, the controller controls the shutter 150 to open the mist inlet 140 only when the electrostatically atomizing device 400 generates the mist of the charged minute water particles. Therefore, the water in the washing tub never flows to the electrostatically atomizing device 400. With this arrangement, it is possible to prevent the accident of the electrostatically atomizing device.
In the washing tub cleaning mode, the mist of the charged minute water particles spreads to the entire portion of the space 500. The mist of the charged minute water particles adheres to the molds on the inside of the washing tub 110 and the outside of the perforated basket 200. Consequently, the mist of the charged minute water particles eliminates the molds on the inside of the washing tub 110 and the outside of the perforated basket 200. In this way, the inside of the washing tub 110 is cleaned by the mist of the charged minute water particles.
Meanwhile, the washing machine in this embodiment comprises the electrostatically atomizing device which has above mentioned elements. However, it is possible to change design of the electrostatically atomizing device 400. As one sample, it is possible to use an electrostatically atomizing device without having the opposed electrode. For more detail, it is possible to use the washing tub 110, the perforated basket 200, and the housing 100 as the opposed electrode. That is, it is possible to only apply the high voltage to the emitter electrode 400. The energized emitter electrode has a high potential. On the other hand, other substances in the housing is not energized by the high voltage source. Therefore, there is a difference in electrical potentials between the emitter electrode 400 and the other substances. As a result, the mist of the charged minute water particles is generated from the water on the emitter electrode 400. As other example, it is also possible to use an electrostatically atomizing device having a water supply tank as a water supply means instead of the Peltier module. In this case, the water supply tank is configured to supply the water to the emitter electrode.

Embodiment 2

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the washing machine in this invention. The washing machine of this embodiment comprises almost the same elements shown in the first embodiment excepting features shown in this embodiment. Therefore, the elements same as the first embodiment are not explained in this embodiment. In addition, the elements same as the first embodiment are shown by the same numerals with a suffix letter of “B”.
The washing machine in the second embodiment comprises a housing 100B, a perforated basket 200B, a rotating mechanism 300B, and an electrostatically atomizing device 400B. In addition, the washing machine further comprises a dryer and a controller which are not shown in the drawings. The washing machine is configured to receive an electric power from an outside electric power source through a power wire (not shown). In addition, the controller controls the rotating mechanism 300B and the electrostatically atomizing device 400B.
The housing 100B further has a second duct 145B and a directional control valve 146B. The directional control valve 146B is arranged at the mid portion of the first duct 141B. Therefore, the first duct 141B is branched by the directional control valve 146B. The second duct 145B has its one end connected to the directional control valve 146B.
The second duct 145B is provided for supplying the mist of the charged minute water particles into the perforated basket 200B. The second duct 145B is formed at its other end with a duct opening 147B. The second duct 145B is disposed to have the duct opening 147B being located at the tub opening 120B. That is, the second duct 145B is provided with the duct opening 147B disposed in closely adjacent relation with the tub opening 120B. In addition, an electrostatically atomizing device 400B is connected to the inside of the perforated basket 200B via the second duct 145B. The housing 100B further comprises a shutter 151B. The shutter 151B is configured to prevent the water from flowing to the electrostatically atomizing device 400B through the second duct 145B. The shutter 151B is controlled by the controller to open and close the duct opening 147B.
The directional control valve 146B is controlled by the controller to pass and stop passing the mist of the charged minute water particles. In particular, the directional control valve 146B is moved into a first position, a second position, and a third position. When the directional control valve 146B is in the first position, the directional control valve 146B is positioned to open the first duct 141B and to close the second duct 145B. Therefore, the electrostatically atomizing device 400B is connected to the space 500B. When the directional control valve 146B is in the second position, the directional control valve 146B is positioned to close the first duct 141B and to open the second duct 145B. Therefore, the electrostatically atomizing device 400B is connected to the inside of the perforated basket 200B. When the directional control valve is in the third position, the directional control valve 146B is positioned to open each of the first duct 141B and the second duct 145B. Therefore, the electrostatically atomizing device 400B is connected to each of the space and the inside of the perforated basket 200B.
The washing machine with above arrangement is capable of connecting the electrostatically atomizing device 400B to the inside of the perforated basket 200B by positioning the directional control valve 146B to the second position. Therefore, the mist of the charged minute water particles is generated by the electrostatically atomizing device. The mist of the charged minute water particles is carried from the electrostatically atomizing device 400B to the inside of the perforated basket 200B by the air flow from the outside of the housing 100B through the second duct 145B to the inside of the perforated basket 2008. The mist of the charged minute water particles in the perforated basket adheres to the laundry, thereby deodorizing and sterilizing the laundry.
In this washing machine, the controller is also configured to provide a washing tub cleaning mode. In the washing tub cleaning mode, the washing machine is performed as follows. The controller controls the electrostatically atomizing device 400B to generate the mist of the charged minute water particles and controls the fan 143B to send the air from the electrostatically atomizing device 400B to the washing tub 110B. The controller controls the shutter 150B to open the first duct 141B. The controller controls the shutter 151B to close the duct opening 147B. The controller controls the directional control valve 146B to position the first position. The controller controls the rotating mechanism 300B to rotate the perforated basket 200B. In this case, the mist of the charged minute water particles is generated by the electrostatically atomizing device 400B. The mist of the charged minute water particles rides on the air flow generated by the fan 143B and is sent to the washing tub 110B through the first duct 141B. The mist of the charged minute water particles reached to the space 500B rides on the air flow which is generated by the rotation of the perforated basket 200B. In this way, the mist of the charged minute water particles is filled in the space 500B. The mist of the charged minute water particles adheres to the molds on the inside of the washing tub 110B and the outside of the perforated basket 200B. Furthermore, the mist of the charged minute water particles adheres to the mold at the inner circumference surface of the perforations of the perforated basket 200B. Consequently, the molds are eliminated by the mist of the charged minute water particles.
Meanwhile, in the case that the washing tub 110B contains the water in advance, the controller controls the drain valve 183B to drain the water as a first step. After the first step, the controller controls the washing machine to perform the mold elimination mode. In this case, the controller is configured to recognize a finish of drainage after the elapse of a predetermined period of time. Or, the washing machine further comprises a water level detector which is configured to detect the water level in the washing tub 110B and which is configured to generate a signal when there is no water in the washing tub 110 B. With this configuration, it is also possible to obtain the controller which is configured to recognize the finish of drainage by receiving the signal.
In this washing machine, the controller is configured to further provide a deodorizing mode in addition to the washing mode, the spin dry mode, the heat dry mode, and the washing tub cleaning mode.
The deodorizing mode is for deodorizing and sterilizing the dried laundry or the spin dried laundry. In the deodorizing mode, the washing machine performs as follows. The controller controls the electrostatically atomizing device to generate the mist of the charged minute water particles and controls the fan 143B for sending the air from the electrostatically atomizing device 400B to the inside of the perforated basket 200B. The controller controls the shutter 150B to close the mist inlet 140B. The controller controls the shutter 151B to open the duct opening 147B. The controller controls the directional control valve 146B to position the second position. Therefore, the mist of the charged minute water particles is generated by the electrostatically atomizing device 400B. The mist of the charged minute water particles is sent to the inside of the perforated basket 200B through the second duct 145B. The mist of the charged minute water particles reached to the inside of the perforated basket 200B adheres to the laundry which is dried or spin dried. In this way, the laundry is deodorized and sterilized by the mist of the charged minute water particles. In addition, it is preferred that the controller controls the rotating mechanism 300B to rotate the perforated basket 200B when the mist of the charged minute water particles is supplied to the inside of the perforated basket 200B. In this case, it is possible to obtain the washing machine which is capable of deodorizing and sterilizing the laundry evenly.
Meanwhile, it is also preferred that the washing machine further comprises a heater for heating the air generated by the fan 143B. In this case, the fan 143B is capable of sending a heated air through the atomizing barrel 430B to the inside of the perforated basket 200B. The electrostatically atomizing device 400B generates a small amount of ozone in addition to the mist of the charged minute water particles. However, the heated air accelerates the breakdown of the ozone.
In this washing machine, the controller is configured to provide a wash program and a wash and dry program. FIG. 4 shows the wash and dry program. The wash and dry program includes the washing mode, the spin dry mode, the heat dry mode, and the deodorizing mode. Therefore, the washing machine is configured to perform each of the modes in series in the wash and dry program. Consequently, the heat dried laundry is deodorized by the mist of the charged minute water particles. FIG. 5 shows the wash program. The wash program includes the washing mode, the spin dry mode, and the deodorizing mode. Therefore, the washing machine is configured to perform each of the modes in series in the wash program. Consequently, the spin dried laundry is deodorized by the mist of the charged minute water particles. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the washing machine which is configured to deodorize and sterilize the laundry by the mist of the charged minute water particles and which is configured to eliminate the molds on the inside of the washing tub and the outside of the perforated basket.
In addition, it is preferred that the controller controls the directional control valve 146B at the third position in the washing tub cleaning mode. In this case, the controller controls the shutter 150B and the shutter 151B to open the mist inlet 1480 and the duct opening 147B, respectively. Consequently, it is possible to supply the mist of the charged minute water particles to the space 500B through the first duct 141B and to the inside of the perforated basket 200B through the second duct 145B. That is, it is possible to obtain the washing machine which has the washing tub being filled with the mist of the charged minute water particles when the washing machine is performed in the washing tub cleaning mode. Furthermore, it is preferred that the controller controls the directional control valve 146B at the third position in the deodorizing mode. In this case, it is possible to deodorize and sterilize the laundry in the perforated basket 200B.
Although the present invention is described with particular reference to the above illustrated embodiments, the present invention should not be limited thereto, and should be interpreted to encompass any combinations of the individual features of the embodiments.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising:

a housing with a washing tub formed with a tub opening;

a perforated basket being mounted in said washing tub and configured to rotate relative to said washing tub with leaving a space around said perforated basket;

a rotating mechanism for rotating said perforated basket when washing and spin drying,

wherein

said washing machine further comprises an electrostatically atomizing device mounted to said housing and being configured to electrostatically atomize water for generating a mist of charged minute water particles, and a first duct extending from said electrostatically atomizing device to supply said mist into said space.

2. A washing machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein

said washing tub is formed with a mist inlet which is connected to said first duct.

3. A washing machine as set forth in claim 1 further comprising:

a drain valve being configured to drain the water from said washing tub;

a controller being configured to provide a spin dry mode of rotating said perforated basket with said drain valve opened for draining the water from said washing tub,

wherein

said controller is configured to permit said electrostatically atomizing device to generate said mist and to rotate said perforated basket subsequent to said spin dry mode.

4. A washing machine as set forth in claim 2 further comprising a shutter to open and close said mist inlet, and said shutter is configured to open, only while said electrostatically atomizing device generates said mist.

5. A washing machine as set forth in claim 3 further comprising a second duct configured to supply said mist to an inside of said perforated basket,

wherein

said second duct is provided with a duct opening disposed in closely adjacent relation with said tub opening.