Washing machine and method for recovering metal ions in the same

Abstract

Provided is a washing machine operable to recover metal ions supplied to water used for laundering. The washing machine ( 1 ) comprises a metal ion water generation part ( 90 ) for applying the metal ions to water and a metal ion recovery unit ( 200 ) disposed so as to contact the water with the metal ions applied by the metal ion water generation part ( 90 ), for recovering the metal ions in the water. In a method for recovering the metal ions in the washing machine ( 1 ), the metal ion recovery unit ( 200 ) is disposed, in the washing machine ( 1 ) operable to apply the metal ions to a fabric structure, so as to contact the water used for laundering and recovers the metal ions in the water.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
   
   
       10 . A washing machine operable to apply metal ions to a fabric structure, comprising:
 a metal ion recovery unit disposed so as to contact water used for laundering, for recovering the metal ions in the water; and   a water discharging channel,   wherein the metal ion recovery unit is disposed in the water discharging channel, and   wherein the water discharging channel includes a first water discharging channel having the metal ion recovery unit and a second water discharging channel not having the metal ion recovery unit.   
   
   
       11 . The washing machine according to  claim 10 , wherein the metal ion recovery unit has a flexible member connected upstream of a water flow which contacts the metal ion recovery unit. 
   
   
       12 . The washing machine according to  claim 10 , wherein the metal ion recovery unit is detachable from the washing machine. 
   
   
       13 . The washing machine according to  claim 10 , wherein the metal ion recovery unit includes an adsorbent for selectively recovering specific metal. 
   
   
       14 . A washing machine operable to apply metal ions to a fabric structure, comprising:
 a metal ion recovery unit disposed so as to contact water used for laundering, for recovering the metal ions in the water;   a water discharging channel; and   a discharging water clogging detection part,   wherein the metal ion recovery unit is disposed in the water discharging channel.   
   
   
       15 . The washing machine according to  claim 14 ,
 wherein the metal ion recovery unit has a flexible member connected upstream of a water flow which contacts the metal ion recovery unit.   
   
   
       16 . The washing machine according to  claim 14 ,
 wherein the metal ion recovery unit is detachable from the washing machine.   
   
   
       17 . The washing machine according to  claim 14 ,
 wherein the metal ion recovery unit includes an adsorbent for selectively recovering specific metal.   
   
   
       18 . A washing machine operable to apply metal ions to a fabric structure, comprising
 a metal ion recovery unit disposed so as to contact water used for laundering, for recovering the metal ions in the water,   wherein the metal ion recovery unit includes an adsorbent for adsorbing the metal ions in the water and a depressed portion for containing the adsorbent,   wherein the depressed portion is formed on a inner circumferential wall of the metal ion recovery unit and has an opening portion for allowing the water passing through the metal ion recovery unit to flow into an inside of the depressed portion, and   wherein a filter is attached on the opening portion of the depressed portion.   
   
   
       19 . The washing machine according to  claim 18 ,
 wherein the metal ion recovery unit has a flexible member connected upstream of a water flow which contacts the metal ion recovery unit.   
   
   
       20 . The washing machine according to  claim 18 ,
 wherein the metal ion recovery unit is detachable from the washing machine.   
   
   
       21 . The washing machine according to  claim 18 ,
 wherein the metal ion recovery unit includes an adsorbent for selectively recovering specific metal.