Laundry machine

Abstract

The present invention is a laundry machine for reusing detergent components contained in waste wash water. Water stored in an outer tub 5 during washing process and rinsing process is discharged from the outer tub 5 and introduced into a water storage tank 17 . By energizing an anode 19 and a cathode 20 to electrolyze the water stored in the water storage tank 17 , organic materials are deposited and separated and at the same time detergent components are separated and floated up. The separated detergent components are stored in a detergent container 30 , which are supplied into the outer tub 5 and reused during the washing process of the next washing.

1 . A laundry machine comprising; 
 a washing container in which laundry can be put and water is stored at the time of washing; and    a water storage tank into which the water discharged from the washing container can be taken and stored, the laundry machine further comprising:    an electrolysis apparatus for electrolyzing the water stored in the water storage tank to separate organic materials and detergent components contained in the water; and    a detergent container for storing the detergent components separated by electrolysis in the electrolysis apparatus.    
   
   
       2 . A laundry machine according to  claim 1 , in which 
 the electrolysis apparatus includes an anode and a cathode disposed in the water storage tank, and    the anode is formed of iron, aluminum or magnesium, or these alloys.    
   
   
       3 . A laundry machine according to  claim 2 , in which the cathode is formed of iron, aluminum or magnesium, or these alloys or stainless.  
   
   
       4 . A laundry machine according to  claim 3  further comprising guide means for guiding the water stored in the washing container during washing process to the water storage tank.  
   
   
       5 . A laundry machine according to  claim 4  further comprising detergent supply means for supplying the detergent components stored in the detergent container into the washing container.  
   
   
       6 . A laundry machine according to  claim 5 , in which the detergent supply means supplies the detergent components stored in the detergent container into the washing container during the washing process subsequent to the detergent component storage.  
   
   
       7 . A laundry machine according to  claim 1  further comprising organic material discharge means for discharging the organic materials separated from the water stored in the water storage tank by electrolysis in the electrolysis apparatus to the outside of the water storage tank.  
   
   
       8 . A laundry machine comprising: 
 a washing container in which the laundry can be put and water is stored at the time of washing;    a water storage tank into which the water discharged from the washing container can be taken and stored;    an electrolysis apparatus for electrolyzing the water stored in the water storage tank to separate organic materials and detergent components contained in the water;    a detergent container for storing the detergent components separated by electrolysis in the electrolysis apparatus;    detergent supply means for supplying the detergent components stored in the detergent container into the washing container; and    treated water supply means for supplying the water in the water storage tank freed of the organic materials and the detergent components by electrolysis in the electrolysis apparatus to the washing container.    
   
   
       9 . A method for reusing wash water comprising the steps of: 
 storing the wash water used for laundry washing and discharged from the washing container; and    electrolyzing the stored water and separating the organic materials and the detergent components contained in the stored water; and    taking out the separated detergent components.    
   
   
       10 . A method for reusing wash water according to  claim 9  further comprising a step of using the detergent components for the next washing.  
   
   
       11 . A method for reusing wash water according to  claim 9  comprising a step of reusing the water freed of the organic materials and the detergent components for laundry washing.  
   
   
       12 . A method for reusing wash water according to  claim 10  comprising a step of reusing the water freed of the organic materials and the detergent components for laundry washing.  
   
   
       13 - 19 . (canceled)