Washing machine

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.

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.