Patent Publication Number: US-10323349-B2

Title: Washing system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a washing system, and more particularly to a system for washing clothing and the like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventionally, when clothing is washed at homes or at coin laundromats where a plurality of washing machines is provided, washing is performed by using detergent. However, surfactants in synthetic detergents are known to cause skin stimulation or allergy as well as environmental concerns. Accordingly, Yamaji et al. (Japanese patent publication No. 2003-144793) discloses a washing apparatus that alleviates environmental pollution by using alkaline water and acidic water ionized by electrolyzed saline solutions to reduce the need for detergents. 
     However, the apparatus described by Yamaji requires the installation of a saline solution tank and an ionized water generator for electrolysis. Therefore, the apparatus is disadvantageous in that the salinity may cause rusting on the peripheral and installation of the ionized water generator may result in complications and enlargement of the apparatus. 
     On the other hand, it has been known that alkaline ionized water with high alkalinity exhibits high washing performance and provides sufficient washing capacity with little or no detergent required. It has also been known that alkaline ionized water neither causes skin stimulation or allergy nor leads to environmental pollution. However, it has been difficult to supply alkaline ionized water with highly stable alkalinity. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a washing system with a simple configuration that allows washing clothing and the like without using detergents. 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system for washing clothing is provided. The system for washing clothing includes an alkaline ionized water-generating unit, an alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit, an alkaline ionized water storage unit, and a washing tub. The alkaline ionized water-generating unit is configured to generate alkaline ionized water. The alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit is configured to supply the alkaline ionized water-generating medium to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit, and the alkaline ionized water-generating medium generates the alkaline ionized water. The alkaline ionized water storage unit is configured to store the alkaline ionized water generated in the alkaline ionized water-generating unit. The washing tub is configured to wash an object. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system of washing clothing further includes an adjusting valve disposed on a pipe and configured to connect the alkaline ionized water storage unit to the washing tub. The adjusting valve adjusts a ratio of water supplied directly to the washing tub to the alkaline ionized water supplied from the alkaline ionized water storage unit to the washing tub. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adjusting valve adjusts the ratio of the water supplied directly to the washing tub to the alkaline ionized water supplied from the alkaline ionized water storage unit to the washing tub to be 5:1. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit further includes a timer. The alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit supplies the alkaline ionized water-generating medium to the alkaline ionized water generating unit according to the timer. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit supplies the alkaline ionized water-generating medium to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit according to an amount of the alkaline ionized water stored in the alkaline ionized water storage unit. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system for washing clothing includes N of the washing tubs and one or M of the alkaline ionized water generating units, wherein N a number is larger than M. 
     According to the embodiments, the system for washing clothing of the present invention provides a simple configuration that allows washing clothing and the like without using detergents. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a washing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of configuration of the washing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart of the process of the washing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a main flowchart of another process of the washing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of a subroutine for performing content confirmation of the washing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart of a washing subroutine of the washing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a subroutine flowchart for another content-confirmation performance of the washing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a washing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a washing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate an alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit according to the embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention will now be described more specifically with reference to the following embodiments. It is to be noted that the following descriptions of preferred embodiments of this invention are presented herein for purpose of illustration and description only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a washing system  1  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The washing system  1  includes an alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10 , an alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit  20  configured to supply an alkaline ionized water-generating medium  21  to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10 , an alkaline ionized water storage unit  30  configured to store alkaline ionized water generated in the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10 , and a washing tub  100  configured to wash an object. The washing tub  100  includes a drum tub  200 . 
     Water is supplied to the drum tub  200  in the washing tub  100  by a first pipe  50 . Water is supplied to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10  by a second pipe  51 . The alkaline ionized water-generating medium  21  is also supplied from the alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit  20  to the alkaline ionized water generating unit  10 . Therefore, the alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit  20  includes a plurality of the alkaline ionized water-generating mediums  21 , which react with water to produce alkaline ionized water having a pH≥12.5, for example. 
     The alkaline ionized water generated in the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10  accumulates over time. Therefore, the alkaline ionized water storage unit  30  stores the alkaline ionized water in preparation for use in the washing tub  100 . The alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10  generates alkaline ionized water only. 
     The alkaline ionized water is supplied from the alkaline ionized water storage unit  30  to the drum tub  200  in the washing tub  100  through a third pipe  52 . The alkaline ionized water is supplied by a pump (not illustrated). The third pipe  52  is provided with an adjusting valve  40 , which adjusts the amount of alkaline ionized water supplied from the alkaline ionized water storage unit  30  to the drum tub  200 . Thereby, the adjusting valve  40  adjusts a ratio of water supplied through the first pipe  50  to alkaline ionized water supplied through the third pipe  52 . By adjusting the ratio, an object such as clothing in the washing tub may be washed under a hydrogen ion concentration that is suitable for washing the object. 
     The ratio of water supplied through the first pipe  50  to alkaline ionized water supplied through the third pipe  52  is preferably 5:1. In addition, the water supplied through the first pipe  50  has a pH of around 7, and the alkaline ionized water supplied through the third pipe  52  has a pH of around 12.5. By supplying the water and alkaline ionized water in the ratio of 5:1 to the washing tub, the alkaline ionized water would be maintained at a pH of around 12, and thus, the washing of clothing and the like may be performed without the use of detergents. 
     The alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit  20  may further include a timer (not illustrated) so that the alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit  20  may supply the alkaline ionized water-generating medium  21  to the alkaline ionized-water generating unit  10  automatically according to the timer. Moreover, the alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit  20  may also be configured to supply the alkaline ionized water-generating medium  21  to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10  according to the amount of alkaline ionized water stored in the alkaline ionized water storage unit  30 . In this case, a detecting mean for detecting the amount of stored alkaline ionized water in the alkaline ionized water storage unit  30  is provided to transmit detected information to the alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit  20 . 
     Water supplied to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10  may also be distributed by the first pipe  50 . In this case, an adjusting valve or a distributing path for dividing water supplied to the drum tub  200  in the washing tub  100  and that supplied to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10  is provided. 
     A route for supplying the alkaline ionized water through the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10  and the alkaline ionized water storage unit  30  to the drum tub  200  in the washing tub  100  corresponds to a route for supplying water mixed with detergents to the washing tub  100  in a regular washing system. Therefore, washing clothing and the like may be performed without detergents by installing the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10  provided with the alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit  20  and the alkaline ionized water storage unit  30  into a regular washing system. Moreover, the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10 , the alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit  20 , and the alkaline ionized water storage unit  30  may also be configured as one unit and installed into the regular washing system. 
     An electrolysis auxiliary agent, for example, can be used as the alkaline ionized water-generating medium  21 . The electrolysis auxiliary agent may be comprised of potassium carbonate and formed into a solid. If potassium carbonate is used, about 15 liters of the alkaline ionized water having a pH of 12.5 can be generated in one hour. The amount of potassium carbonate supplied to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10  is adjusted based on the amount of alkaline ionized water needed for the washing tub  100  and the amount of alkaline ionized water stored in the alkaline ionized water storage unit  30 . 
     The alkaline ionized water-generating medium  21  is formed into a solid in the embodiment; however, the alkaline ionized water-generating medium  21  may also be in powder form in other embodiments. The amount of potassium carbonate supplied to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10  may be adjusted based on the amount of the alkaline ionized water desired to be generated or stored. 
     In the present invention, washing is performed with strong alkaline ionized water, which is defined as having a pH over 10 and suitable for washing. Moreover, according to the present invention, washing is preferably performed with strong alkaline ionized water having a bactericidal pH of over 12. Since stains on clothing or the like are acidic, the stains can be removed more easily when washed in water with a strong alkalinity. Especially, alkaline ionized water with a pH≥12 decomposes and washes off oil stains and cigarette tars. 
     Since alkaline ionized water is free of synthetic surfactants and the like, bubbles would not be formed and rinsing and washing can be performed at the same time. Thus, remarkable water saving can be achieved, leading to significant cost reduction. Further, since detergents are not used, washing with alkaline ionized water causes no color or smell, and fungi are eliminated by the sterilizing effect of alkaline ionized water, therefore deodorizing during washing. 
     Next, process in the washing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 2 through 7 .  FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the configuration of the washing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     The washing system includes adjusting valves  40  and  50 A, an input part  101  provided with the washing tub  100 , and a controller  60  for controlling the adjusting valves  40  and  50 A according to a signal provided by the input part  101 . 
     Next, the process of the washing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described in detail in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 3  is a flowchart of the process of the washing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, a coin-operated washing machine is referred to as the washing system. 
     First, whether a user has inserted a coin into a coin slot provided on the coin-operated washing machine is determined (Step ST 10 ). If a coin has been inserted, the adjusting valve  40  is opened to supply alkaline ionized water to the washing tub  100 . The adjusting valve  50 A is also opened to supply tap water to the washing tub  100 . Simultaneously, timers for the adjusting valves  40  and  50 A start to count (Step ST 11 ). 
     Whether a timer count T is larger than a predetermined time t 1  is determined (Step ST 12 ). When the timer count T is larger than the predetermined time t 1  (YES at Step ST 12 ), the controller  60  closes the adjusting valve  40  (Step ST 13 ). 
     Whether a timer count T is larger than a predetermined time t 2  is determined (Step ST 14 ). When the timer count T is larger than the predetermined time t 2  (YES at Step ST 14 ), the controller  60  closes the adjusting valve  50 A (Step ST 15 ). 
     The washing tub  100  rotates to wash laundry (Step ST 16 ). 
     After washing, rinsing is performed in the rinsing process (Step ST 17 ). Lastly, the laundry is dried in the drying process (Step ST 18 ). In this embodiment, washing is performed based on the ratio of the predetermined amount of alkaline ionized water with respect to the predetermined amount of water in a coin-operated washing machine. 
     Next, another process of the washing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described in detail in  FIGS. 4 through 7 .  FIG. 4  is a main flowchart of another process of the washing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5  is a flowchart of a subroutine for performing content confirmation of the washing system of the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  is a flowchart of a washing subroutine of the washing system of the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     The main flow of another process of the washing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described in  FIG. 4 . First, whether a user has inserted a coin into a coin slot provided on the coin-operated washing machine is determined (Step ST 10 ). If a coin has been inserted, content confirmation is performed (Step ST 100 ). Upon confirmation of the content, laundry is washed in the washing process (Step ST 200 ). After washing, rinsing is performed in the rinsing process (Step ST 17 ). Lastly, the laundry is dried in the drying process (Step ST 18 ). 
     Next, the subroutine flow for performing the content confirmation is described in  FIG. 5 . In the subroutine, first, weight of laundry is measured (Step ST 110 ). Based on the measured weight, an amount of water M needed for the washing is calculated (Step ST 111 ). A ratio K of the amount of alkaline ionized water with respect to the amount of water M is determined (Step ST 112 ). 
     Opening time t 1  of the adjusting valve  40  and opening time t 2  of the adjusting valve  50 A are respectively determined according to the ratio K of the amount of alkaline ionized water with respect to the amount of water M (Step ST 113 ). 
     Next, the subroutine flow of the washing process is described in  FIG. 6 . In the subroutine, the adjusting valve  40  is opened to supply the alkaline ionized water to the washing tub  100 . The adjusting valve  50 A is also opened to supply tap water to the washing tub  100 . Simultaneously, the timers of the adjusting valves  40  and  50 A start to count (Step ST 210 ). 
     Whether a timer count T is larger than a predetermined opening time t 1  is determined (Step ST 211 ). When the time count T is larger than the predetermined opening time t 1  (YES at Step ST 211 ), the controller  60  closes the adjusting valve  40  (Step ST 212 ). 
     Whether a timer count T is larger than a predetermined opening time t 2  is determined (Step ST 213 ). When the timer count T is larger than the predetermined opening time t 2  (YES at Step ST 213 ), the controller  60  closes the adjusting valve  50 A (Step ST 214 ). 
     The washing tub  100  rotates to wash laundry (Step ST 215 ). After washing, as described above, rinsing is performed in the ringing process (Step ST 17 ). Finally, the laundry is dried in the drying process (Step ST 18 ). 
     Next, another subroutine flow for performing content confirmation of the washing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described in  FIG. 7 . 
     A digitization is performed by a function f (d, v, s, mode) (Step ST 301 ). Degree of stains (d) as detected by a stain sensor, number of bacteria (v) as detected by a bacteria detecting sensor, smelling (s) as detected by a smell sensor, and mode as selected by a mode selection in the input part  101  are variables of the function f (d, v, s, mode). The stain sensor, the bacteria detecting sensor, the smell sensor, and the input part  101  are provided with the washing tub  100 . 
     A value of the function f (d, v, s, mode) is compared to a predetermined value α (Step ST 302 ). If the value of the function f (d, v, s, mode) is equal to or larger than the predetermined value α (YES at Step ST 302 ), stronger washing capacity would be determined, and the ratio of alkaline ionized water to tap water is increased (Step ST 303 ). 
     If the value of the function f (d, v, s, mode) is smaller than the predetermined value α (NO at Step ST 302 ), weaker washing capacity would be determined, and the ratio of alkaline ionized water to tap water is decreased (Step ST 304 ). 
     Second Embodiment 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a washing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. A washing system  2  according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes four washing tubs  110 ,  120 ,  130  and  140 , and one alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10 . The alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10  includes an alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit  20 . A fourth pipe  53 , disposed at an intermediate portion, branches between the pipes directly supplying water to the four washing tubs  110 ,  120 ,  130  and  140  and the pipe supplying water to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10  via an adjusting valve  41 . The adjusting valve  41  adjusts the amount of water supplied to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10 . 
     Each of the pipes directly supplying water to the four washing tubs  110 ,  120 ,  130  and  140 , includes a corresponding adjusting valve  111 ,  121 ,  131  and  141 , by which the amount of water supplied to the respective washing tubs is adjusted. 
     The alkaline ionized water generated in the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10 , by the alkaline ionized water-generating medium in the alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit  20 , is stored in an alkaline ionized water storage unit  30 . The alkaline ionized water is supplied to the respective washing tubs  110 ,  120 ,  130  and  140  from the alkaline ionized water storage unit  30 . In each of the pipes connecting the respective washing tubs  110 ,  120 ,  130  and  140  to the alkaline ionized water storage unit  30 , a corresponding adjusting valve  112 ,  122 ,  132  and  142  for adjusting the amount of alkaline ionized water supply is provided. 
     Third Embodiment 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a washing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. A washing system  3  according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes four washing tubs  110 ,  120 ,  130  and  140  and two alkaline ionized water-generating units  11  and  12 . The alkaline ionized water-generating units  11  and  12  include alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying units  23  and  24 , respectively. A fifth pipe  54 , disposed at an intermediate portion, branches between the pipes directly supplying water to the four washing tubs  110 ,  120 ,  130  and  140  and the pipe supplying water to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  11 . On the other hand, water is supplied directly through a sixth pipe  55  to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  12 . 
     Each of the pipes supplying water directly to the four washing tubs  110 ,  120 ,  130  and  140  includes a corresponding adjusting valve  111 ,  121 ,  131  and  141 , by which the amount of water supplied to the respective washing tubs is adjusted. 
     The alkaline ionized water generated in the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  11 , by the alkaline ionized water-generating medium in the alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit  23 , is stored in an alkaline ionized water storage unit  31 . The alkaline ionized water is supplied to the respective washing tubs  110  and  120  from the alkaline ionized water storage unit  31 . In each of the pipes connecting the respective washing tubs to the alkaline ionized water storage unit  31 , a corresponding adjusting valve  112  and  122  for adjusting the amount of alkaline ionized water supply is provided. 
     The alkaline ionized water generated in the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  12 , by the alkaline ionized water-generating medium in the alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit  24 , is stored in an alkaline ionized water storage unit  32 . The alkaline ionized water is supplied to the respective washing tubs  130  and  140  from the alkaline ionized water storage unit  32 . In each of the pipes connecting the respective washing tubs to the alkaline ionized water storage unit  32 , a corresponding adjusting valve  132  and  142  for adjusting the amount of alkaline ionized water supply is provided. 
     As described above, by providing one alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit, one alkaline ionized water-generating unit and one alkaline ionized water storage unit for two washing tubs, sufficient amount of alkaline ionized water can be supplied to the washing tubs. Especially, in the cases where generation of alkaline ionized water by the alkaline ionized water-generating unit takes longer time or where the amount of alkaline ionized water needed for the washing tubs is large, alkaline ionized water can be supplied efficiently. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate the alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit of the washing system according to the embodiments of the present invention. The alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit  20  includes a timer  20 T. The alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit  20  is configured to accommodate alkaline ionized water-generating mediums  21 A,  21 B,  21 C and  21 D. A first plate  25  fixed to a first rotating tool  26  and a second plate  27  fixed to a second rotating tool  28  are provided with the alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit  20 . The first plate  25  supports the alkaline ionized water-generating medium  21 A, and the second plate  27  supports the alkaline ionized water-generating mediums  21 B,  21 C and  21 D. 
     The alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit  20  supplies the alkaline ionized water-generating medium  21 A to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10  automatically according to the timer  20 T. At this point, the first rotating tool  26  rotates the first plate  25 , and the alkaline ionized water-generating medium  21 A slides down via the first plate  25  (see  FIG. 11 ) so that the alkaline ionized water-generating medium  21 A is supplied to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10 . When the alkaline ionized water-generating medium  21 A is supplied to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10 , the alkaline ionized water-generating mediums  21 B,  21 C and  21 D are not supplied to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10  since the alkaline ionized water-generating mediums  21 B,  21 C and  21 D remain supported by the second plate  27  fixed to the second rotating tool  28 . Thus alkaline ionized water-generating mediums are supplied to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit  10  one by one. 
     At a predetermined interval, for example, every six hours or every eight hours, the timer  20 T outputs a signal to the first rotating tool  26  and the second rotating tool  28  to activate the rotating tools  26  and  28 . Note that, the second rotating tool  28  may be activated after a predetermined time has passed since the first rotating tool  26  is activated, or after receiving a signal of detecting that the alkaline ionized water-generating medium  21 A has slid down via the first plate  25 . 
     Moreover, detecting means that detect the amount of alkaline ionized water stored in the alkaline ionized water storage unit may be provided, so as to supply the alkaline ionized water-generating medium to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit according to the amount of alkaline ionized water stored in the alkaline ionized water storage unit. 
     In sum, the washing system according to the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention provides necessary amounts of alkaline ionized water to be supplied from the alkaline ionized water storage unit to the washing tub, preferably at a ratio of water directly supplied to the washing tub to alkaline ionized water supplied from the alkaline ionized water storage unit to the washing tub of 5:1, so that objects such as clothing are washed under a suitable hydrogen ion concentration in the washing tub. The alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit of the present invention may supply the alkaline ionized water-generating medium to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit automatically according to the timer disposed with the alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit. Furthermore, the alkaline ionized water can be automatically generated in the alkaline ionized water-generating unit, and stored in the alkaline ionized water storage unit; the alkaline ionized water-generating medium-supplying unit can supply the alkaline ionized water-generating medium to the alkaline ionized water-generating unit according to the amount of alkaline ionized water stored in the alkaline ionized water storage unit; and alkaline ionized water needed for the alkaline ionized water storage unit can be automatically generated in the alkaline ionized water-generating unit. Additionally, the washing system of the present invention also allows washing under a suitable hydrogen ion concentration when a plurality of the washing tubs are used, for example at a coin laundromat, by including N of the washing tubs and one or M of the alkaline ionized water-generating units; wherein N is a number larger than M. 
     While the invention has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.