WO2022001211A1

WO2022001211A1 - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2022001211A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/081975
Authority: WO
Inventors: 米泽孝昭; 佐藤弘树; 直野浩树
Original assignee: 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司; Aqua株式会社; 海尔智家股份有限公司
Priority date: 2020-06-29
Filing date: 2021-03-22
Publication date: 2022-01-06
Also published as: JP7503267B2; JP2022010809A

Abstract

A fully automatic washing machine (1), comprising: an ultrasonic cleaning device (50), enabling ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic generator (110) to act on objects to be cleaned to remove dirt attached to the objects to be cleaned; an upper panel (12) having an input port (14); a device accommodating part (17a) provided inside the upper panel (12) and accommodating the ultrasonic cleaning device (50) in the input port (14) in a pull-out allowable fashion; an entrance (18) provided on the upper panel (12) for allowing the ultrasonic cleaning device (50) to enter or exit the device accommodating part (17a); and a cover (19) that covers the entrance (18) when the ultrasonic cleaning device (50) is accommodated in the device accommodating part (17a).

Description

washing machine

technical field

The present invention relates to washing machines.

Background technique

Patent Document 1 describes a washing machine in which an ultrasonic cleaning device is disposed around a laundry inlet on an upper panel, for example, on the front side of the inlet. The ultrasonic cleaning device includes: a water storage bucket capable of storing water; and an ultrasonic generating unit having an ultrasonic generating body located directly above the water storage bucket. The dirt adhering part of the object to be cleaned is placed in the water storage tank containing water, and the cleaning operation is started. The ultrasonic energy generated by the ultrasonic generator acts on the dirt adhering part soaked in water to peel off the dirt.

In the washing machine as described above, it is conceivable to construct the ultrasonic cleaning device in such a way that the water storage tub and the upper panel are formed separately, and the ultrasonic generating unit and the water storage tub are protruded to the inside of the input port at the time of use and the ultrasonic generating unit. The position of the ultrasonic cleaning device is switched between the position when the water storage tank is not used and the water storage tank is accommodated around the input port. In the case of adopting such a structure, even if water splashes from the water storage tub during the washing operation, the splashed water does not easily splash out of the washing machine. In addition, when the cleaning operation is not performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device is less likely to interfere with the laundry that is put into the washing and dewatering tub from the input port.

However, even if the above-mentioned structure is adopted, when the laundry is put into the washing and dewatering tub, some of the laundry may hit the ultrasonic cleaning device when not in use, which is located around the input port. There is a risk of damage to the ultrasonic cleaning device.

Moreover, when washing the to-be-cleaned object thrown into the washing and dehydrating tub, there is a possibility that the water stored in the washing and dehydrating tub may splash upward. The water in the washing and dewatering tub contains detergents and dirt that has been peeled off from objects to be washed. When the washing machine adopts the structure of the outer tub without a cover, the water in the washing and dewatering tub may splash to the ultrasonic cleaning device when not in use, so there is a risk of detergent and dirt adhering to the ultrasonic cleaning device.

prior art literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2018-68435

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problem to be solved by the invention

Here, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of protecting the ultrasonic cleaning device when not in use.

solution to the problem

The washing machine according to the main aspect of the present invention is provided with: an ultrasonic cleaning device that causes the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator to act on the objects to be cleaned to remove the dirt adhering to the objects to be cleaned; the upper panel has an input port; Inside the upper panel, the ultrasonic cleaning device is accommodated in the input port in a pull-out manner; an inlet and outlet are provided on the upper panel for the ultrasonic cleaning device to enter and exit the device accommodating portion; and a cover and covers the entrance and exit when the ultrasonic cleaning device is accommodated in the device accommodating portion.

According to the washing machine of the present aspect, the ultrasonic cleaning device can be accommodated in the device accommodating portion inside the upper panel when not in use, so that the ultrasonic cleaning device can be protected from contact with laundry thrown from the inlet. In addition, when the ultrasonic cleaning device is accommodated in the device accommodating portion, the inlet and outlet are covered by the cover, so that the ultrasonic cleaning device can be further protected from contact with laundry and the like.

The washing machine of the present aspect may further include a linkage mechanism portion that opens and closes the cover in conjunction with the movement of the ultrasonic cleaning device into and out of the device accommodating portion.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, it is not necessary to manually open and close the cover, and the usability is improved.

In the case of adopting the above-mentioned configuration, a configuration further including a cover accommodating portion provided inside the upper panel so as to be adjacent to the device accommodating portion may be employed. In this case, the linkage mechanism portion may have a structure in which the opened cover is accommodated in the cover accommodating portion.

According to such a structure, when a user uses the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus to clean the object to be cleaned, the cover is less likely to become a hindrance.

In the case of adopting the above-mentioned structure, the linkage mechanism portion may adopt the following structure, that is, the linkage mechanism may include: a first slider connected to the ultrasonic cleaning device; a second slider connected to one end of the cover, One end portion of the cover is connected to the second slider so as to be rotatable in the direction of opening and closing the inlet and outlet, and a holding portion holds the first slider and the second slider so as to be rotatable. A pull-out direction for pulling out the ultrasonic cleaning device from the device accommodating portion and sliding in a accommodating direction for accommodating the ultrasonic cleaning device in the device accommodating portion; a connecting rod has one end side connected to the first slider and The other end side is connected to the second slider, and by moving the other end side in a direction opposite to the direction in which the one end side moves, the second slider is slid in the direction opposite to the first slider. sliding in the opposite direction; and a guide portion abutting on the cover when the second slider slides in the accommodating direction, and guiding the cover toward the cover accommodating while opening the cover Department.

According to the above structure, when the ultrasonic cleaning device is pulled out from the device accommodating portion, the first slider slides in the pulling direction, the other end side of the link moves in the accommodating direction, the second slider slides in the accommodating direction, and the cover abuts The guide portion is guided toward the cover accommodating portion while being opened. In addition, when the ultrasonic cleaning device is accommodated in the device accommodating portion, the first slider slides in the accommodating direction, the other end side of the link moves in the pull-out direction, and the second slider slides in the pull-out direction, while the cover is accommodated from the cover. The part sticks out and one side is closed.

In the case of adopting the above-mentioned structure, the cover may have a structure including: a main body part covering the entrance and exit; and a contact part extending from the main body part in the accommodating direction and abutting against the the guide section.

With such a structure, the cover is opened so as not to touch a part of the pulled out ultrasonic cleaning apparatus. Thereby, it becomes difficult to damage a cover and an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus.

Invention effect

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine capable of protecting the ultrasonic cleaning device when not in use.

The effects and significance of the present invention will be further clarified by the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the following embodiment is merely an example for carrying out the present invention, and the present invention is not limited by the contents described in the following embodiment at all.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of the fully automatic washing machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the water supply unit according to the embodiment.

Fig. 3(a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus and the upper panel when the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the water storage unit according to the embodiment are located at the operating position. FIGS. 3( b ) and ( c ) are perspective views of main parts of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus and the upper panel when the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the water storage unit of the embodiment are located at the standby position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus in a state in which the water storage unit according to the embodiment is removed.

5 is a side sectional view of an ultrasonic cleaning part and a main body part according to the embodiment.

6 is a perspective view of a reversed water storage unit according to the embodiment.

7 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device, the storage tank, the supply valve, the supply nozzle, and the drain receiving portion when the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the water storage unit of the embodiment are located at the standby position.

8 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device, the storage tank, the supply valve, the supply nozzle, and the drain receiving portion when the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the water storage portion of the embodiment are in the operating position.

9 is a perspective view of a storage tank, a supply valve, and a supply nozzle according to the embodiment.

FIG. 10( a ) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device, the cover, and the interlocking mechanism part according to the embodiment, and FIG. 10( b ) is the ultrasonic cleaning device, the cover, and the interlock between the link holding member and the cover guide member according to the embodiment. A perspective view of the institutional department.

FIG. 11( a ) is a perspective view of the link holding member according to the embodiment, and FIG. 11( b ) is a perspective view of the cover guide member according to the embodiment.

FIG. 12( a ) is a side view showing a state in which the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the embodiment is accommodated in the apparatus accommodating portion and the cover is closed, and FIG. 12( b ) is a side view showing the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the embodiment being pulled out from the apparatus accommodating portion and the cover is closed. A side view of the state in which it is opened and accommodated in the cover accommodating portion. (c) of FIG. 12 is a figure which shows the state which opened the cover of embodiment.

(a)-(c) of FIG. 13 is a figure for demonstrating the decontamination of the to-be-cleaned object by the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of embodiment.

Description of reference numerals

1: automatic washing machine (washing machine); 12: upper panel; 14: inlet; 17a: device accommodating part; 17b: cover accommodating part; 18: entrance and exit; 19: hood; 50: ultrasonic cleaning device; 110: ultrasonic generator 700: Linkage mechanism portion; 710: Linkage mechanism; 720: Link holding member (holding portion); 730: Cover guide member (Guiding portion); 740: First slider; 750: Second slider; 760: link; 810: main body part; 820: side surface part (abutting part).

detailed description

Hereinafter, one Embodiment of the washing machine of this invention is described with reference to drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of the fully automatic washing machine 1 .

The fully automatic washing machine 1 includes a case 10 that constitutes an outer contour. The box 10 includes: a square cylindrical body portion 11 with open upper and lower surfaces; an upper panel 12 covering the upper surface of the body portion 11 ; and a footrest 13 supporting the body portion 11 . The upper panel 12 is formed with a laundry inlet 14 . The input port 14 is covered with an openable and closable upper cover 15 . A control unit 16 is arranged inside the front portion of the upper panel 12 . The control unit 16 is constituted by a microcomputer or the like, and controls the washing operation of the fully automatic washing machine 1 and the washing operation of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 to be described later.

The outer tub 20 with the upper surface opened is elastically suspended and supported in the case 10 by four suspension bars 21 having a vibration isolation device. Inside the outer tub 20, a washing and dewatering tub 22 whose upper surface is opened is arranged. The washing and dewatering tub 22 rotates around a rotating shaft extending in the vertical direction. A large number of dewatering holes 22a are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the washing and dewatering tub 22 over the entire circumference. A balance ring 23 is provided on the upper part of the washing and dewatering tub 22 . A pulsator 24 is provided at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 22 . On the surface of the pulsator 24, a plurality of blades 24a are radially provided.

The outer bottom of the outer tub 20 is provided with a driving unit 30 that generates torque for driving the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the pulsator 24 . The drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism portion 32 . The transmission mechanism part 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a, and by the switching operation by the clutch mechanism 32a, the torque of the drive motor 31 is only transmitted to the pulsator 24 during the washing process and the rinsing process, and only the pulsator 24 is rotated. During the process, the torque of the driving motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and the washing and dehydrating tub 22, so that the pulsating wheel 24 and the washing and dehydrating tub 22 rotate integrally.

In the outer bottom part of the outer tub 20, the drain port part 20a is formed. The drain valve 40 is provided in the drain port part 20a. The drain valve 40 is connected to a drain hose 41 . When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water stored in the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is discharged out of the machine through the drain hose 41 .

An overflow port 20b is formed in the upper part of the outer tub 20 . When the water above a predetermined overflow level is stored in the outer tub 20, the water is discharged from the overflow port 20b. An overflow receiving portion 25 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tub 20 so as to cover the overflow port 20b. One end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to the bottom of the overflow receiving portion 25 . The other end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to a drain hose 41. The water discharged from the overflow port 20 b is received by the overflow water receiving portion 25 and then flows to the drain hose 41 through the overflow pipe 26 .

The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 is arrange|positioned at the substantially center of the rear part of the upper panel 12. As shown in FIG. The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 mainly performs a cleaning operation for removing locally adhering dirt such as sebum dirt adhering to the cuffs or neckline of shirts, oil dirt adhering to work clothes, etc.

In the rear part of the upper panel 12, the storage tank 60 is arrange|positioned at the back of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50, and the drainage receiving part 70 is arrange|positioned below the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50. As shown in FIG. Detergent-containing water to be supplied to the water storage tub 210 of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 is stored in the storage tank 60 . Hereinafter, the water containing the detergent is referred to as "washing water".

The drain receiving portion 70 receives the water drained from the water storage tub 210 . A drain hole 71 through which the received water is discharged is formed in the drain receiving portion 70 . One end of the drain pipe 72 is connected to the discharge hole 71 . The other end of the drain pipe 72 is connected to the upper part of the overflow pipe 26 .

A water supply unit 80 for supplying tap water into the washing and dewatering tub 22 is arranged at the rear of the upper panel 12 .

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the water supply unit 80 .

The water supply unit 80 has a water supply valve 81 . The water supply valve 81 is a so-called double valve, and includes a main valve 82 and a sub-valve 83 as solenoid valves. The water inlet 81a of the water supply valve 81 is connected to a faucet via a water supply hose not shown. The main water supply passage 84 is connected to the outlet of the main valve 82 of the water supply valve 81 . The main water supply path 84 has a water injection port 84 a located in the upper portion of the washing and dewatering tub 22 .

The water supply unit 80 includes an automatic injection mechanism 90 for automatically injecting a liquid detergent, which is a type of liquid detergent for washing, into the washing and dewatering tub 22 . The automatic injection mechanism 90 also has a function of supplying washing water to the storage tank 60 .

The automatic feeding mechanism 90 includes a detergent box 91 , a supply pipe 92 , a first three-way valve 93 , an auxiliary water supply passage 94 , a supply pump 95 , a detergent supply passage 96 , a second three-way valve 97 , and a washing water supply passage 98 . The sub-valve 83 of the water supply valve 81 is also included in the automatic injection mechanism 90 .

The liquid detergent is stored in the detergent box 91 in the state of a stock solution. The supply pipe 92 guides the liquid detergent of the detergent box 91 to one inlet of the first three-way valve 93 .

The sub-water supply passage 94 is connected to the outlet of the sub-valve 83 and the other inlet of the first three-way valve 93 .

A supply pump 95 is connected to the outlet of the first three-way valve 93 , and a detergent supply passage 96 is connected to the supply pump 95 . The detergent supply path 96 has a supply port 96 a located in the upper portion of the washing and dewatering tub 22 . The supply pump 95 can be, for example, a piston pump.

The first three-way valve 93 can be switched between a state in which the supply pipe 92 and the supply pump 95 are communicated and a state in which the auxiliary water supply passage 94 and the supply pump 95 are communicated.

A second three-way valve 97 is provided in the detergent supply passage 96 . The upstream supply path 96b of the detergent supply path 96 is connected to the inlet of the second three-way valve 97 , and the downstream supply path 96c of the detergent supply path 96 is connected to one outlet of the second three-way valve 97 . In addition, one end of the washing water supply path 98 is connected to the other outlet of the second three-way valve 97 . The other end of the washing water supply path 98 is connected to the storage tank 60 .

The second three-way valve 97 is switchable between a state in which the upstream supply passage 96b and the downstream supply passage 96c are communicated, and a state in which the upstream supply passage 96b and the washing water supply passage 98 are communicated.

Next, the configuration of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the configuration of the periphery of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 including the storage tank 60 and the drain receiving portion 70 will be described in detail.

FIG. 3( a ) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the upper panel 12 when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are located at the operating position. (b) and (c) of FIG. 3 are perspective views of main parts of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the upper panel 12 when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are located at the standby position. In FIG.3(c), the illustration of the cover 19 is abbreviate|omitted so that the inside of the accommodating part 17 can be seen.

The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 includes an ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 , a water storage unit 200 , and a main body unit 300 . The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 has an ultrasonic generator 110 that generates ultrasonic waves. The main body part 300 holds the ultrasonic cleaning part 100 . The water storage part 200 is attached to the main body part 300 and is located below the ultrasonic generator 110 . The water storage portion 200 is provided with a water storage tub 210 that stores the washing water. The water storage portion 200 can be pulled forward from the main body portion 300 by a detachment operation performed by the user to be detached.

Inside the upper panel 12, a accommodating portion 17 for accommodating the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 is provided in the center portion of the rear portion. In the upper panel 12 , the front of the accommodating portion 17 is opened as an entrance and exit 18 . The entrance 18 is provided with a translucent substantially square cover 19 .

As shown in FIG. 3( a ), when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is used for cleaning operation, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is in a state in which the ultrasonic cleaning part 100 and the water storage part 200 , that is, the ultrasonic generator 110 and the water storage tank 210 are removed from the accommodating part. 17 is pulled forward and protrudes inside the inlet 14 of the upper panel 12 . The cover 19 is substantially entirely accommodated in the accommodating portion 17 . The positions of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 at this time are the operating positions.

On the other hand, as shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. 3 , when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is not used and the cleaning operation is not performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 becomes the ultrasonic cleaning part 100 and the water storage part 200 and is accommodated in the container state of section 17. The inlet/outlet 18 of the accommodating part 17 is closed by the cover 19 , and the front of the ultrasonic cleaning part 100 is covered by the cover 19 . At this time, the lower end of the cover 19 is in contact with the proximal end portion of the handle 201 provided in the water storage unit 200 . The handle 201 protrudes forward from the cover 19 . The positions of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 at this time are the standby positions.

Inside the upper panel 12 is provided an interlocking mechanism part to be described later for interlocking the operation of the cover 19 with the ultrasonic cleaning part 100 and the water storage part 200 . When the ultrasonic cleaning part 100 and the water storage part 200 are accommodated in the accommodating part 17, the cover 19 moves from the accommodating position accommodated in the accommodating part 17 to the closing position which closes the entrance 18. When the accommodating portion 17 is pulled out, the cover 19 moves from the closed position to the accommodating position. In addition, the accommodating part 17 is divided into the apparatus accommodating part 17a which accommodates the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50, and the cover accommodating part 17b which adjoins the upper part of the apparatus accommodating part 17a, and accommodates the opened cover 19.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 in a state in which the water storage unit 200 is removed. FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the main body unit 300 . FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the inverted water storage unit 200 .

4 and 5 , the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 includes an ultrasonic generator 110 , a housing 120 , and a cover 130 .

The ultrasonic generator 110 includes: an ultrasonic vibrator 111 ; a vibration horn 112 , which is combined with the ultrasonic vibrator 111 ; . The vibration horn 112 is formed of a conductive metal material, and has a shape that tapers toward the front end side. The shape of the front end surface 112a of the vibration horn 112 is an elongated rectangle. A flange portion 112b is formed on the upper end portion of the vibration horn 112 . A buffer 114 formed of rubber or the like is attached to the vibration horn 112 so as to cover the flange portion 112b. The ultrasonic transducer 111 , the vibration horn 112 , and the head 113 are connected by bolts 115 .

The ultrasonic generator 110 generates ultrasonic waves from the tip of the vibration horn 112 by the high-frequency vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 111 .

The case 120 is formed of a resin material, and has an arm shape that is long in the front-rear direction and whose front end portion 120a is bent downward. An opening 121 is formed on the lower surface of the front end portion 120a.

The case 120 is formed by combining the lower member 140 whose upper surface is opened and the upper member 150 whose lower surface is opened. A metal reinforcing plate 160 is attached to the lower member 140 . The lower member 140 is provided with a lower mounting hole 141 and a lower mounting boss 142 , and the upper member 150 is provided with an upper mounting boss 151 corresponding to the lower mounting hole 141 and an upper mounting hole 152 corresponding to the lower mounting boss 142 . The screws 171 passing through the lower mounting holes 141 are fixed to the upper mounting boss 151 , and the screws 171 passing through the upper mounting holes 152 are fixed to the lower mounting boss 142 . Thereby, the lower member 140 is combined with the upper member 150 . The front end portion 120 a of the housing 120 is formed by the lower member 140 .

The lower member 140 is provided with mounting bosses 143 on the front and rear of the opening portion 121 . Moreover, the periphery of the opening part 121 in the lower member 140 becomes an insertion opening part 144 into which the cover 130 is inserted.

The sonotrode 110 is attached to the lower member 140 , and the flange portion 112 b thereof is pressed from the upper side by the frame-shaped fixing member 180 . The fixing member 180 includes a cylindrical body portion 181 having a shape corresponding to the upper portion of the sonotrode 110 , and

attachment portions

182 and 183 provided on the front and rear sides of the body portion 181 . Mounting

holes

182 a and 183 a are formed in the respective mounting

portions

182 and 183 .

The fixing member 180 passes through the upper part of the ultrasonic generator 110 from above, is provided on the front and rear mounting bosses 143 , and is fixed to the mounting bosses 143 by screws 172 . Thereby, the ultrasonic generator 110 is fixed in the casing 120 . A portion on the front end side of the vibration horn 112 protrudes downward from the opening portion 121 of the housing 120 . A buffer 114 is interposed between the flange portion 112 b of the ultrasonic generator 110 , the lower member 140 , and the fixing member 180 , and the propagation of vibration to the casing 120 is suppressed.

In addition, in the fixing member 180, the attachment part 182 is formed with the claw part 182a, and this claw part 182a is engaged with the engaging piece 153 of the upper member 150 from above. As a result, the lower member 140 and the upper member 150 are not easily separated from each other on the front side of the housing 100 .

The cover 130 is detachably attached to the front end portion 120 a of the casing 120 , and covers a portion of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 exposed from the casing 120 .

The cover 130 has a structure in which the cover main body 131 and the guide portion 132 are integrally formed with a resin material. The cover main body 131 has a cylindrical shape whose front, rear, left, and right widths become narrower toward the downward direction, and covers the portion on the front end side of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 so that the front end portion thereof is exposed.

The guide portion 132 is provided at the center in the left-right direction of the front side surface of the cover main body 131 so as to protrude forward, and has a flat shape in the left-right direction. A lower portion of the guide portion 132 is provided with a guide surface 133 that is inclined rearward and obliquely downward and that is bent horizontally at the lower end portion. Further, the lower end of the guide portion 132 is positioned below the lower end of the cover main body 131 .

The cover 130 is attached to the insertion opening 144 of the housing 120 from below. At this time, protrusions, not shown, provided on the right and left of the fitting opening 144 are fitted into recesses, not shown, provided on the left and right sides of the lid body 131 . Thereby, the cover 130 does not come off from the fitting opening 144 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , in a state where the cover 130 is attached to the housing 120 , the front end portion of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 is slightly exposed from the cover main body 131 . In addition, the lower end of the guide portion 132 of the cover 130 is almost coplanar with the front end surface 112 a of the vibration horn 112 . Furthermore, the guide surface 133 of the guide portion 132 is inclined so as to approach the vibration horn 112 as it approaches the water storage tub 210 . In addition, the position of the guide portion 132 coincides with the position of the front end portion of the vibration horn 112 in the left-right direction, that is, in the direction orthogonal to the front direction of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 .

4 and 5 , the main body portion 300 has a substantially square shape when viewed from the front. A guide rail portion 301 extending forward is provided at the left and right lower end portions of the main body portion 300 . In addition, in the main body portion 300, an opening portion 302 through which the rear portion of the water storage portion 200 and the supply nozzle 500 pass is formed on the left side, and a claw portion 241 for the locking mechanism 240 is formed adjacent to the right side of the opening portion 302. Insertion port 303 for insertion. The rear part 120b of the housing 120 of the ultrasonic cleaning part 100 is fixed to the upper part of the main body part 300.

4 and 6 , the water storage portion 200 is formed of a resin material, and has a shape that is slightly elongated in the front-rear direction and flat in the vertical direction, and the left portion protrudes rearward than the right portion. On the front surface of the water storage part 200 , a handle 201 having an arc shape on the front surface is formed integrally with the water storage part 200 . The user holds the handle 201 when moving the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 into and out of the accommodating part 17 and when attaching and detaching the water storage part 200 to the main body part 300 .

A water storage tub 210 having a shape following the shape of the water storage portion 200 is formed on the upper surface of the water storage portion 200 . The inner peripheral surface of the water storage tub 210 is inclined so as to expand upward. In the water storage tub 210, a circular drain port 211 is formed in the lower part of the rear surface.

The water storage portion 200 is provided with a valve body 220 for closing the drain port 211 and a valve switching mechanism 230 for switching between a closed state in which the valve body 220 is closed and an open state in which the valve body 220 is opened.

The valve body 220 is formed of a resin material and has a substantially cylindrical shape. The valve body 220 has an O-ring 221 on the peripheral surface, and the O-ring 221 is in contact with the peripheral edge of the drain port 211 to block the drain port 211 from the front.

The valve switching mechanism 230 includes a valve movable member 231 , an operation portion 232 , and a spring 233 . The valve movable member 231 and the operation portion 232 are integrally formed of a resin material.

The valve movable member 231 is disposed on the back side of the water storage portion 200 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction, that is, the opening and closing direction of the valve body 220 . The rear end portion 231 a of the valve movable member 231 protrudes rearward of the water storage portion 200 . On the rear side of the water storage portion 200 , the valve body 220 is connected to the rear end portion 231 a of the valve movable member 231 .

The operation portion 232 is provided at the front end portion 231b of the valve movable member 231 . The operation part 232 faces the outside from the operation window 202 provided on the left side of the water storage part 200 . The spring 233 urges the valve movable member 231 backward, that is, in the closing direction of the valve body 220 .

A lock mechanism 240 for fixing the water storage portion 200 attached to the main body portion 300 so as not to be detached forward is provided in the rear portion of the water storage portion 200 . The locking mechanism 240 has a pawl portion 241 and a button 242 . The claw portion 241 is biased upward by a spring (not shown), descends when the button 242 is pressed, and returns to the original position when the button 242 is released.

The water storage portion 200 is attached to the main body portion 300 from the front. In the back side of the water storage part 200, insertion parts 203 are provided at the right end and the left end, respectively. The left rear part of the water storage part 200 passes through the opening part 302 of the main body part 300 . Further, the claw portion 241 of the locking mechanism 240 pushes against the upper edge of the insertion port 303 of the main body portion 300 to be pressed down, and passes through the insertion port 303 . When the attachment of the water storage part 200 to the main body part 300 is completed, the claw part 241 is engaged with the upper edge of the insertion port 303 on the back side of the main body part 300 . As a result, the water storage portion 200 cannot be detached forward from the main body portion 300 . When the water storage part 200 is detached from the main body part 300, the button 242 of the lock mechanism 240 is pressed, and the claw part 241 is lowered. Thereby, the engagement between the claw portion 241 and the upper edge of the insertion port 303 is released. By pulling the water storage part 200 forward, the water storage part 200 is detached from the main body part 300 .

In the state where the water storage part 200 is attached to the main body part 300, the position of the front end surface 112a of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 is slightly lower than the position of the upper surface of the water storage tub 210, and the front end of the vibration horn 112 The part is in a state of slightly entering the water storage tub 210 .

7 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 , the storage tank 60 , the supply valve 400 , the supply nozzle 500 , and the drain receiving part 70 when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are in the standby position. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 , the storage tank 60 , the supply valve 400 , the supply nozzle 500 , and the drain receiver 70 when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are in the operating position. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the storage tank 60 , the supply valve 400 , and the supply nozzle 500 .

In the accommodating part 17, the storage tank 60, the supply valve 400, and the supply nozzle 500 are arrange|positioned at the back of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50.

The supply valve 400 is a solenoid valve. The supply valve 400 includes a valve housing 410 having an inlet on the left and right side surfaces and an outlet on the lower surface, a valve body 420 for opening and closing the outlet of the valve housing 410 , and a driving unit 430 such as a solenoid, which drives the valve body 420 . The outlet of the valve housing 410 is connected to the inlet of the supply nozzle 500 .

The storage tank 60 is formed of a resin material, and is divided into a first tank 61 and a second tank 62 via the supply valve 400 . The first case 61 and the second case 62 are set to have larger left and right dimensions than up and down and front and rear dimensions. In the first case 61 , the left end portion protrudes forward from the other portions, and in the second case 62 , the right end portion protrudes forward from the other portions. The size of the entire storage tank 60 in the left-right direction is much larger than the size in the front-rear direction, and has a shape that is thin in the front-rear direction and long in the left-right direction when viewed from above.

The upper parts of both the first tank 61 and the second tank 62 are connected by a communication portion 63 extending from the first tank 61 . In the first tank 61 , the outflow port 64 formed in the lower part of the right side surface thereof is connected to the inlet port on the left side of the valve housing 410 . In the second tank 62 , the outflow port 65 formed in the lower part of the left side surface thereof is connected to the inlet port on the right side of the valve housing 410 . In the first tank 61 and the second tank 62 , the

outflow ports

64 and 65 of each other are connected via the valve case 410 .

In the storage tank 60, the inflow port 66 of the washing water which goes into the storage tank 60 is formed in the left end part of the 1st tank 61. As shown in FIG. The inflow port 66 is connected to the washing water supply path 98 of the automatic injection mechanism 90 . The washing water supplied from the automatic feeding mechanism 90 flows into the first tank 61 from the inflow port 66 and then flows into the second tank 62 through the valve housing 410 and the communication portion 63 . Thereby, the washing water is stored in the storage tank 60 . The water storage capacity of the storage tank 60 is larger than the water storage capacity of the water storage tank 210 .

When the supply valve 400 , that is, the valve body 420 is opened, the cleaning water flows out from the first tank 61 and the second tank 62 of the storage tank 60 through the outlet of the valve housing 410 , respectively.

The supply nozzle 500 is formed of a resin material, extends forward from the supply valve 400 , and has a front end portion 500a bent downward. The discharge port 501 is formed in the lower surface of the front-end|tip part 500a.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the supply nozzle 500 penetrates the opening 302 of the main body 300 with the ultrasonic cleaning part 100 and the water storage part 200 accommodated in the accommodating part 17 , and its front end 500 a is located at the front of the water storage tub 210 . On the other hand, when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are pulled out to the inside of the input port 14 as shown in FIG.

In the accommodating part 17, the drain receiving part 70 is arrange|positioned below the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50. The drainage receiving portion 70 has a substantially square dish shape with an open upper surface and a front surface. The bottom surface of the drainage receiving portion 70 is inclined so that the rear portion becomes lower. A drain hole 71 is formed on the right side of the drain receiving portion 70 at the lower end of the rear portion and at the position where the bottom surface is the lowest. A drain pipe 72 is connected to a connection pipe 73 extending rightward from the discharge hole 71 .

Next, the cover 19 that opens and closes the entrance 18 of the accommodating portion 17 and the interlocking mechanism portion 700 that opens and closes the cover 19 and the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 in and out of the accommodating portion 17 are described in detail.

FIG. 10( a ) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 , the cover 19 , and the interlocking mechanism part 700 , and FIG. 10( b ) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 , the cover 19 , and the link holding member 720 and the cover guide member 730 are omitted. A perspective view of the linkage mechanism unit 700 . FIG. 11( a ) is a perspective view of the link holding member 720 , and FIG. 11( b ) is a perspective view of the cover guide member 730 .

Inside the upper panel 12, the interlocking mechanism part 700 is provided around the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 so as to surround the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from the upper, lower, left and right directions. The space surrounded by the interlocking mechanism part 700 becomes the device accommodating part 17a, and the upper part of the interlocking mechanism part 700 becomes the cover accommodating part 17b.

The link mechanism portion 700 includes two left and right link mechanisms 710 , a link holding member 720 , and a cover guide member 730 . The two link mechanisms 710 have left and right opposite shapes. The link holding member 720 corresponds to the "holding portion" of the present invention, and the cover guide member 730 corresponds to the "guide portion" of the present invention.

Each link mechanism 710 includes a first slider 740 , a second slider 750 and a link 760 .

The first slider 740 has a substantially oblong plate shape, and is fixed to the lower portion of the side surface of the main body portion 300 of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 . The first slider 740 is provided with two rollers 741 lined up in the front-rear direction between the first slider 740 and the main body portion 300 . In addition, a shaft portion 742 protruding outward is provided on the front side of the first slider 740 .

The second slider 750 has a substantially oblong plate shape. The second slider 750 is provided with two cylindrical sliding portions 751 that protrude inward so as to be aligned in the front-rear direction. The two sliding parts 751 are connected by two upper and lower ribs 752 . Further, in the second slider 750, a shaft portion 753 protruding outward is provided at the rear end portion, and a boss hole 754 is formed at the front end portion. Furthermore, the second slider 750 on the right is provided with an engaging piece 755 extending outward.

The link 760 has an elongated plate shape. An oblong connecting hole 761 having an elongated one end side is formed in the link 760 . The shaft portion 742 of the first slider 740 is slidably fitted in the connecting hole 761 . Thereby, one end side of the link 760 is coupled to the first slider 740 . In addition, a connecting boss 762 is provided at the other end of the link 760 . The shaft portion 753 of the second slider 750 is rotatably fitted in the connection boss 762 . Thereby, the other end side of the link 760 is connected to the second slider 750 .

An oblong fixing hole 763 is formed on the other end side of the link 760 . A fixed shaft 764 is inserted into the fixed hole 763 . The fixed shaft 764 has a head 764a slightly larger than the fixed hole 763 . The link 760 is rotatable in the front-rear direction around the fixed shaft 764, and when one end side moves forward or rearward, the other end side moves backward or forward opposite to the one end side.

The link holding member 720 holds the left and right link mechanisms 710 . The link holding member 720 is composed of a metal base member 771 and a resin-made left side member 772 and a right side member 773 . The left-side surface member 772 and the right-side surface member 773 have left-right opposite shapes.

The base member 771 includes a bottom surface portion 771a, a left side surface portion 771b and a right side surface portion 771c rising from the left and right ends of the bottom surface portion 771a, and a left side surface member 772 is attached to the outside of the left side surface portion 771b and the right side surface portion 771c, respectively. and right side member 773. The left side surface portion 720a of the link holding member 720 is formed by the left side surface portion 771b and the left side surface member 772, and the right side surface portion 720b of the link holding member 720 is formed by the right side surface portion 771c and the right side surface member 773.

A first sliding hole 721 and a second sliding hole 722 are formed in the lower portion and the upper portion of the left side surface portion 720 a and the right side surface portion 720 b of the link holding member 720 , respectively. The first sliding hole 721 and the second sliding hole 722 have elongated oval shapes, and extend in the front-rear direction, that is, in the direction in which the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 enters and exits the device accommodating portion 17a.

The two rollers 741 of the first slider 740 are inserted into the first sliding hole 721 . By sliding the two rollers 741 in the first sliding holes 721 , the first slider 740 is guided by the first sliding holes 721 to be slidable in the front-rear direction. The two sliding parts 751 of the second sliding member 750 are inserted into the second sliding holes 722 . By sliding the two sliding parts 751 in the second sliding holes 722 , the second sliding member 750 is guided by the second sliding holes 722 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. In this way, the first slider 740 and the second slider 750 are held by the link holding member 720 so as to be able to accommodate the ultrasonic cleaning device in the pull-out direction of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from the device accommodating portion 17a and in the device accommodating portion 17a. 50's accommodating direction slides.

In the left side surface part 720a and the right side surface part 720b, the attachment boss|hub 723 is formed in the center part of an upper part. A fixing shaft 764 inserted into the fixing hole 763 of the link 760 is fixed to the mounting boss 723 . The peripheral portion of the fixing hole 763 of the link 760 is fixed by the head portion 764 a of the fixing shaft 764 so as not to fall out from the fixing shaft 764 to the outside.

On the left side surface portion 720a and the right side surface portion 720b, mounting bosses 724 are formed at the front and rear end portions of the upper portion, and mounting holes 725 are formed in the vicinity of the mounting bosses 724 at the rear end portion. The two mounting bosses 724 and the mounting holes 725 are used when mounting the cover guide member 730 to the link holding member 720 . Each mounting boss 724 is hollow, and has openings 724a inside the left side surface portion 720a and the right side surface portion 720b.

The cover guide member 730 includes a top surface portion 730a, and a left side surface portion 730b and a right side surface portion 730c that hang down from the left and right ends of the top surface portion 730a.

When viewed from above, the top surface portion 730a has a substantially square shape. In the top surface part 730a, the flat rail surface 731 extended rearward from the front end is formed in the edge part on either side. Moreover, in the top surface part 730a, the attachment boss|hub 732 is formed in the rear of the rail surface 731 so that it may face outward.

On the left side surface portion 730b and the right side surface portion 730c, fitting bosses 733 are formed at the front end portion and the rear end portion.

The cover guide member 730 is attached to the upper end portion of the link holding member 720 . At this time, the two fitting bosses 733 of the left side surface portion 730b of the cover guide member 730 are fitted into the inside of the two mounting bosses 724 of the left side surface portion 720a of the link holding member 720 from the inside, and the right side of the cover guide member 730 The two fitting bosses 733 of the surface portion 730c are fitted into the inside of the two mounting bosses 724 of the right side surface portion 720b of the link holding member 720 from the inside. In addition, the mounting boss 732 of the left side surface portion 730b of the cover guide member 730 is matched with the mounting hole 725 of the left side surface portion 720a of the link holding member 720, and the mounting boss 732 of the right side surface portion 730c of the cover guide member 730 is matched with the link The mounting holes 725 of the right side surface portion 720b of the holding member 720 are matched. On the left and right sides, the mounting bosses 724 and the fitting bosses 733 are fixed by screws 781 , and the mounting bosses 732 are fixed to the mounting holes 725 by screws 782 .

The cover 19 includes a substantially square plate-shaped main body portion 810 formed of a translucent resin material and covering the inlet and outlet 18 , and side surfaces 820 provided at the left and right ends of the main body portion 810 and extending rearward. The rear edge of the side surface portion 820 has a concave portion 821 recessed forward at an upper portion, and a linear portion 822 extending linearly below the concave portion 821 . The side surface portion 820 corresponds to the "contact portion" of the present invention.

A rotating shaft 830 protruding outward is provided at the upper end portion of each side surface portion 820 . The rotating shaft 830 is rotatably embedded in the boss hole 754 of the second sliding member 750 . Thereby, the upper end part of the cover 19 is connected to the second slider 750 so as to be rotatable in the up-down direction, that is, in the direction of opening and closing the inlet and outlet 18 . A torsion spring 840 is attached to the rotation shaft 830 on the left side of the cover 19 . One end of the torsion spring 840 is engaged with the engaging body 850 mounted on the rotating shaft 830 , and the other end is engaged with the engaging piece 755 of the second slider 750 . The torsion spring 840 urges the cover 19 in a direction to close the port 18 .

Next, the operation of the interlocking mechanism portion 700 to open and close the cover 19 in conjunction with the entry and exit of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12( a ) to ( c ).

FIG. 12( a ) is a side view showing a state in which the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 is accommodated in the apparatus accommodating portion 17 a and the cover 19 is closed, and FIG. 12( b ) is a side view showing the cover 19 when the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 is pulled out from the apparatus accommodating portion 17 a . A side view of a state in which it is opened and accommodated in the cover accommodating portion 17b. (c) of FIG. 12 is a view showing a state in which the cover 19 is opened. In addition, for convenience, the front-end|tip part of the ultrasonic cleaning part 100 is shown by the dotted line in FIG.12(c).

As shown in FIG. 12( a ), when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is accommodated in the device accommodating portion 17 a , the first sliding member 740 is located at the rear end portion of the first sliding hole 721 . One end of the link 760 connected to the first slider 740 is located in the rear, the other end is located in the front, and the second slider 750 connected to the other end is located at the front end of the second sliding hole 722 . The cover 19 connected to the second slider 750 protrudes forward from the cover accommodating portion 17b, and is in a substantially vertical state by its own weight and the biasing force of the torsion spring 840, and closes the entrance 18.

Since the urging force of the torsion spring 840 is applied to the cover 19, it is difficult to move in the opening direction. Thereby, the water splashed from the washing and dewatering tub 22 is less likely to enter the device accommodating portion 17a from between the cover 19 and the inlet and outlet 18 . In addition, even if the upper panel 12 vibrates during the dehydration process, the cover 19 is not easily opened or closed, and noise and the like are not easily generated.

When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out from the device accommodating portion 17a, the first slider 740 slides forward, that is, in the pull-out direction. When the rotating link 760 rotates, one end of the link moves in the pulling-out direction, and the other end moves in the rearward direction, that is, the accommodating direction. Thereby, the second slider 750 slides in the accommodating direction.

As shown in FIG. 12( c ), when the second slider 750 starts to slide in the accommodating direction, the concave portion 821 of the side surface portion 820 of the cover 19 abuts against the front end portion of the cover guide member 730 . Then, as the second slider 750 slides in the accommodating direction, the concave portion 821 maintains a state of abutting against the front end of the cover guide member 730, and the cover 19 is opened to be accommodated in the cover accommodating portion 17b. When the cover 19 is opened to a substantially horizontal state, the linear portion 822 of the side surface portion 820 of the cover 19 climbs up the rail surface 731 and then moves in the accommodating direction along the rail surface 731 . At this time, the side surface portion 820 of the cover 19 protruding rearward from the main body portion 810 is in contact with the front end portion of the cover guide member 730 . Therefore, the cover 19 is brought into a substantially horizontal state so that the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 moving forward does not come into contact with the main body 810 of the cover 19 . Thereby, the main body portion 810 of the cover 19 can be prevented from colliding with the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 .

In this way, when the second slider 750 slides in the accommodating direction, the side surface portion 820 of the cover 19 abuts on the cover guide member 730, and the cover 19 is guided to the cover accommodating portion 17b while being opened.

As shown in FIG. 12( b ), when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out to the end and the first sliding member 740 reaches the front end of the first sliding hole 721 , the second sliding member 750 reaches the rear of the second sliding hole 722 Ends. Thereby, the cover 19 is accommodated to the end of the cover accommodating portion 17b. The lower end portion of the cover 19 is slightly exposed forward from the cover accommodating portion 17b.

When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is accommodated in the device accommodating portion 17a, the first sliding member 740 slides in the accommodating direction to reach the rear end of the first sliding hole 721, and the second sliding member 750 slides in the pulling direction to reach the second sliding member The front end of the hole 722 . Further, as shown in FIG. 12( a ), the cover 19 is closed, and the inlet and outlet 18 are closed by the cover 19 .

The fully automatic washing machine 1 performs washing operation in various operation modes. In the washing operation, a washing process, an intermediate dehydration process, a rinsing process, and a final dehydration process are performed in sequence.

During the cleaning process and the rinsing process, the pulsator 24 rotates rightward and leftward in a state where water is stored in the washing and dewatering tub 22 . Through the rotation of the pulsator 24, a water flow is generated in the washing and dewatering tub 22. During the washing process, the laundry is washed by the generated water flow and the detergent contained in the water. During the rinsing process, the laundry is rinsed by the generated water flow.

During the intermediate dehydration process and the final dehydration process, the washing and dehydrating tub 22 and the pulsator 24 rotate together at a high speed. The laundry is dehydrated by the centrifugal force generated in the washing and dehydrating tub 22 .

When the water supply in the cleaning process is performed, the liquid detergent is automatically injected into the washing and dewatering tub 22 by the automatic injection mechanism 90 . At this time, first, the first three-way valve 93 is switched to a state in which the supply pipe 92 and the supply pump 95 communicate with each other. Further, the second three-way valve 97 is switched to a state in which the upstream supply passage 96b and the downstream supply passage 96c communicate with each other. When the supply pump 95 operates, the liquid detergent in the detergent box 91 is discharged by suction. The discharged liquid detergent is sent to the detergent supply path 96 through the supply pipe 92 , the first three-way valve 93 and the supply pump 95 as indicated by the dotted arrows in FIG. 2 , and is stored in the upstream side supply path 96 b of the detergent supply path 96 . The supply pump 95 operates for a predetermined time, whereby a predetermined amount of the liquid detergent is stored in the upstream supply passage 96b.

Next, the first three-way valve 93 is switched to a state in which the auxiliary water supply passage 94 and the supply pump 95 communicate with each other, and the main valve 82 and the auxiliary valve 83 are opened. The water from the faucet flows through the main water supply passage 84 and is discharged into the washing and dewatering tub 22 from the water injection port 84a. Meanwhile, as indicated by the solid arrows in FIG. 2 , water from the faucet flows to the detergent supply passage 96 through the auxiliary water supply passage 94 , the first three-way valve 93 and the supply pump 95 to flush away the liquid detergent. The liquid detergent washed away by the water is injected into the washing and dewatering tub 22 from the supply port 96 a of the detergent supply passage 96 together with the water as indicated by the dashed-dotted arrow in FIG. 2 . When the water level in the washing and dewatering tub 22 reaches a predetermined washing water level, the main valve 82 and the sub-valve 83 are closed, and the water supply ends.

Then, in the fully automatic washing machine 1, the cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is performed. When washing a to-be-cleaned object such as a shirt, if the to-be-cleaned object contains stubborn dirt locally, the user uses the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 to locally clean the to-be-cleaned object before washing.

When performing the cleaning operation, the user pulls out the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from the accommodating portion 17 as shown in FIG. 3( a ), and moves the ultrasonic cleaning portion 100 and the water storage portion 200 to the operating position. As shown in FIG. 8 , the valve switching mechanism 230 urges the valve body 220 backward, that is, in the closing direction, through the valve movable member 231 by the urging force of the spring 233 . Thereby, the valve body 220 closes the drain port 211, and the drain port 211 is in a closed state.

The user performs a predetermined start operation to start the cleaning operation.

When the cleaning operation is started, the supply of the cleaning water into the storage tank 60 is first performed by the automatic feeding mechanism 90 . That is, first, the first three-way valve 93 is switched to a state in which the supply pipe 92 and the supply pump 95 communicate with each other. In addition, the second three-way valve 97 is switched to a state in which the upstream supply passage 96b and the washing water supply passage 98 communicate with each other. Also, the supply valve 400 is closed. When the supply pump 95 operates, the liquid detergent in the detergent box 91 is discharged by suction. As shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. 2 , the liquid detergent discharged from the detergent box 91 reaches the detergent supply path 96 and is stored in the upstream side supply path 96 b of the detergent supply path 96 . By operating the supply pump 95 for a predetermined time, a predetermined amount of the liquid detergent is accumulated in the upstream supply passage 96b.

Next, the first three-way valve 93 is switched to a state in which the auxiliary water supply passage 94 and the supply pump 95 communicate with each other, and the auxiliary valve 83 is opened. As indicated by the solid arrows in FIG. 2 , the water from the faucet flows to the detergent supply passage 96 through the auxiliary water supply passage 94 , the first three-way valve 93 , and the supply pump 95 , and washes away the liquid detergent. Water and liquid detergent are mixed into wash water. As indicated by the thick-line arrows in FIG. 2 , the washing water flows into the storage tank 60 through the washing water supply path 98 .

When the water level in the storage tank 60 reaches a predetermined water supply stop water level and the water level is detected by a water level sensor (not shown), the sub-valve 83 is closed.

In this way, by supplying the washing water from the automatic feeding mechanism 90 , the washing water having a predetermined water amount and a predetermined detergent concentration is stored in the storage tank 60 . In the present embodiment, the amount of the washing water stored in the storage tank 60 is set to an amount that can replace the washing water in the water storage tub 210 and perform two washing operations. In addition, the quantity of the washing|cleaning water stored in the storage tank 60 may be set as the quantity which can perform a washing|cleaning operation three or more times.

Next, the supply valve 400 is opened. The washing water in the storage tank 60 is discharged into the water storage tub 210 from the discharge port 501 through the supply nozzle 500 . The cleaning water is stored in the water storage tub 210, and the water level in the water storage tub 210 rises. 8 , when the water level in the water tank 210 rises to the height of the discharge port 501 and the discharge port 501 is blocked by the washing water, the air pressure in the storage tank 60 is balanced with the air pressure outside. As a result, the water supply from the storage tank 60 is stopped while the open state of the supply valve 400 is maintained.

When the water storage bucket 210 is filled with cleaning water, the user places the dirt adhering part of the object to be cleaned, such as the collar of a shirt, on the water storage bucket 210 from the front of the ultrasonic cleaning part 100 , that is, the connection between the water storage bucket 210 and the ultrasonic generator 110 between the vibration horns 112 .

The dirt adhering portion of the object to be cleaned is submerged by the washing water stored in the water storage tub 210 , and the washing water that has penetrated into the inside of the object to be cleaned seeps out to the surface. A thin water layer is formed on the surface of the object to be cleaned, and the vibration horn 112 is in contact with the water layer. It should be noted that when the object to be cleaned absorbs water and the water level in the water storage tank 210 drops, and the discharge port 501 of the supply nozzle 500 is not blocked by the cleaning water, the cleaning water is supplied from the storage tank 60 to the water storage tank 210 until the discharge port 501 is blocked by the cleaning water again. Thereby, the water level in the water storage tank 210, that is, the amount of water is maintained in an appropriate state.

After the supply valve 400 is opened, the ultrasonic transducer 111 is not energized until a predetermined standby time elapses, and the ultrasonic generator 110 is in a standby state. During this period, washing water is stored in the water storage tub 210, and objects to be washed are placed in the water storage tub 210 in which the washing water is stored. When the standby time has elapsed, the ultrasonic transducer 111 is energized to operate the ultrasonic generator 110.

(a)-(c) of FIG. 13 is a figure for demonstrating the decontamination of the to-be-cleaned object by the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50. FIG.

When the ultrasonic generator 110 operates, ultrasonic waves are generated from the front end of the vibration horn 112 , and the ultrasonic vibration is transmitted to the cleaning water inside the object to be cleaned through the cleaning water around the vibration horn 112 . As shown in FIG. 13( a ), inside the object to be cleaned, decompression and pressurization are alternately generated by the action of ultrasonic vibration, and a vacuum cavity is generated in the part where the pressure becomes low. That is, there is a state in which a plurality of cavities exist in the dirt portion of the object to be washed. Next, as shown in FIG. 13( b ), when the pressure of the cavity portion rises and the cavity is crushed and destroyed by the pressure, a shock wave is generated on the dirt portion of the object to be cleaned. By this shock wave, the dirt is separated from the object to be cleaned. As shown in FIG. 13( c ), the ultrasonic vibration from the vibration horn 112 generates a water flow from the inside of the object to be cleaned to the water storage tub 210 , and the dirt separated from the object to be cleaned is discharged to the Water storage bucket 210 . In the water storage tub 210, since convection is generated by the above-mentioned water flow, it becomes easy to peel off the dirt from the object to be washed. Furthermore, the action of the detergent contained in the washing water also makes it easy to peel off the dirt from the object to be cleaned, and furthermore, it becomes difficult for the dirt to adhere to the object to be cleaned again. In this way, dirt is removed from the wash.

When the cleaning of the object to be cleaned is completed, the user performs a predetermined end operation to end the cleaning operation. The ultrasonic generator 110 stops working, and the cleaning operation ends.

When a new cleaning operation is not performed next, as shown in FIGS. 3( b ) and ( c ), the user accommodates the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the accommodating portion 17 , and causes the ultrasonic cleaning portion 100 and the water storage portion 200 to stand by. position moves. When the water storage portion 200 is moved to the standby position as shown in FIG. 7, in the valve switching mechanism 230, the rear end portion 231a of the valve movable member 231 abuts on the rear surface of the drain receiving portion 70, and is pressed by these ribs 74, It moves forward with respect to the water storage part 200 against the urging force of the spring 233 . The valve body 220 connected to the valve movable member 231 moves forward with respect to the drain port 211 of the water storage tub 210, that is, in the opening direction, and the drain port 211 is opened. Thereby, the washing water stored in the water storage tank 210 and the washing water remaining in the storage tank 60 are discharged through the drain port 211 . The washing water discharged from the water discharge port 211 is received by the water discharge receiving portion 70 and discharged from the discharge hole 71 . The washing water discharged from the discharge hole 71 flows through the drain pipe 72 , the overflow pipe 26 and the drain hose 41 and is discharged out of the machine.

The user sometimes wants to replace the washing water of the water storage tub 210 to continue the washing operation. In this case, the user performs a movement operation to move the operation unit 232 forward. As a result, in the valve switching mechanism 230, the valve movable member 231 moves in the forward direction relative to the water storage portion 200, the valve body 220 moves in the opening direction, and the drain port 211 is moved in the same manner as when the water storage portion 200 is moved to the standby position. Open. The washing water stored in the water tank 210 is drained through the drain port 211 , and is drained out of the machine via the drain receiving portion 70 , the overflow pipe 26 , and the drain hose 41 . At the same time, new washing water is supplied from the storage tank 60 to the water storage tub 210 .

In this way, the user can discharge the washing water from the water storage tub 210 without moving the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 while the water storage unit 200 is maintained at the operating position, and can supply new washing water into the water storage tub 210 . Thereafter, the cleaning operation is continued.

In the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, while the cleaning operation is repeated, the water tank 210 may be soiled. In this embodiment, since the water storage part 200 is detachable from the main body part 300 , the user can remove the water storage part 200 from the main body part 300 to clean the water storage tub 210 .

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 can be accommodated in the device accommodating portion 17 a inside the upper panel 12 when not in use, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 can be protected from contact with the laundry put in from the input port 14 . and contact with water splashed from the washing and dewatering tub 22 during the washing operation. In addition, when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is accommodated in the device accommodating portion 17a, the inlet and outlet 18 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 relative to the device accommodating portion 17a are covered by the cover 19, so that the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 can be further protected from contact with laundry and washing water . Furthermore, since the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is in a hidden state, the fully automatic washing machine 1 becomes beautiful.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the interlocking mechanism portion 700 that opens and closes the cover 19 in conjunction with the movement of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 into and out of the device housing portion 17a is provided, so that the cover 19 does not need to be opened and closed manually, and the usability is improved. good.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the interlocking mechanism unit 700 has a structure in which the open cover 19 is accommodated in the cover accommodating portion 17b, the cover 19 is less likely to become a hindrance when the user uses the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 to clean the object to be cleaned.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the linkage mechanism portion 700 includes: a first slider 740 connected to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50; The connecting rod holding member 720 holds the first slider 740 and the second slider 750 so as to be able to pull out the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from the device accommodating portion 17a The connecting rod 760 has one end connected to the first sliding member 740 and the other end connected to the second sliding member 750. and the cover guide member 730 when the second slider 750 is slid in the accommodating direction by moving in a direction opposite to the direction in which the one end side moves Abutting on the cover 19, the cover 19 is guided to the cover accommodating portion 17b while the cover 19 is opened.

According to this structure, when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out from the device accommodating portion 17a, the first slider 740 slides in the pull-out direction, the other end of the link 760 laterally moves in the accommodating direction, and the second slider 750 slides in the accommodating direction , the cover 19 abuts on the cover guide member 730 and is guided to the cover accommodating portion 17b while being opened. In addition, when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is accommodated in the device accommodating portion 17a, the first sliding member 740 slides in the accommodating direction, the other end of the link 760 moves in the pulling-out direction, and the second sliding member 750 slides in the pulling-out direction, and the cover 19 is closed while protruding from the cover accommodating portion 17b.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the cover 19 may be structured to include the main body portion 810 covering the inlet/outlet 18 and the side surface portion 820 extending from the main body portion 810 in the accommodating direction and abutting against the cover guide member 730. As shown in FIG.12(c), the cover 19 is opened so that it may not touch the ultrasonic cleaning part 100 of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 drawn out. Thereby, the cover 19 and the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 are less likely to be damaged.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments at all, and various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present invention other than those described above.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the cover 19 is opened and closed in the vertical direction. However, the cover 19 may be opened and closed in the left-right direction.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, the accommodating part 17 is provided in the rear part of the upper panel 12, and the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 is pulled out to the front. However, the accommodating portion 17 may be provided on the left or right portion of the upper panel 12, and the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 may be pulled out to the right or left.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the interlocking mechanism portion 700 adopts a structure in which the cover 19 to be opened and closed is accommodated in the cover accommodating portion 17b. However, the interlocking mechanism portion 700 may have a structure in which the cover 19 that is opened and closed is not accommodated in the cover accommodating portion 17b.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the link mechanism portion 700 is configured to include the link mechanism 710 including the first slider 740, the second slider 750, and the link 760; the link holding member 720; and a cover Guide member 730 . However, the configuration of the interlocking mechanism unit 700 is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and may be any configuration as long as the cover 19 can be opened and closed in conjunction with at least the movement of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 into and out of the device housing portion 17a. For example, the linkage mechanism portion 700 may have a structure in which the slider to which the upper end portion of the rotatable cover 19 is coupled is urged in the pull-out direction by a spring, and the wire extending from the slider passes through the device accommodating portion. The pulley at the rear of 17a is folded back and forth and connected to the rear of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 . In this configuration, when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out from the device accommodating portion 17a, the slider is pulled by the wire to slide in the accommodating direction, and the cover 19 is opened. When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is accommodated in the device accommodating portion 17a, the slider slides in the pull-out direction by the biasing force of the spring, and the cover 19 is closed.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the plate-shaped side surfaces 820 having a predetermined shape are provided on the left and right end portions of the main body portion 810 of the cover 19 . However, the side surface portion 820 may have any shape as long as it protrudes in the accommodating direction and abuts against the cover guide member 730 at least when the second slider 750 slides in the accommodating direction. Furthermore, the cover 19 may have a structure in which the side surface portion 820 is not provided, and the rear surface side of the main body portion 810 abuts on the cover guide member 730 .

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the automatic injection mechanism 90 may be configured to automatically inject detergent and softener. In this case, there is a softener cartridge containing the liquid softener. The softener cartridge is connected to the auxiliary water supply path 94 via a supply pipe and a three-way valve. During the rinsing process, the softener in the softener box is supplied into the washing and dewatering tub 22 by the same operation as the supply of the detergent from the detergent box 91 .

Further, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may have a configuration different from that of the above-described embodiment as long as it is a member that causes the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator 110 to act on the object to be cleaned to remove contaminants adhering to the object to be cleaned.

Moreover, in the said embodiment, the fully automatic washing machine 1 provided with the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 was shown. However, the present invention can also be used for washing machines other than the fully automatic washing machine 1, for example, a fully automatic washing and drying machine with a drying function. In a fully automatic washer-dryer, a lid can be used to cover the upper surface opening of the outer tub. In this case, it is unlikely that water splashes from the inside of the washing and dewatering tub to the inlet of the upper panel during the washing operation. However, even in the structure in which the outer tub is provided with a lid, by applying the present invention, the ultrasonic cleaning device when not in use can be protected from contact with the laundry thrown in from the inlet.

In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately modified in various ways within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.

Claims

A washing machine, characterized in that it has:

The ultrasonic cleaning device makes the ultrasonic wave generated by the ultrasonic generator act on the object to be cleaned to remove the dirt attached to the object to be cleaned;

The upper panel has an input port;

a device accommodating part, which is arranged inside the upper panel, and accommodates the ultrasonic cleaning device in the input port in a pull-out manner;

an entrance and exit, provided on the upper panel, for the ultrasonic cleaning device to enter and exit the device accommodating part; and

The cover covers the inlet and outlet when the ultrasonic cleaning device is accommodated in the device accommodating portion.
The washing machine of claim 1, wherein

It further includes a linkage mechanism that opens and closes the cover in conjunction with the movement of the ultrasonic cleaning device into and out of the device accommodating portion.
The washing machine of claim 2, wherein

and further comprising: a cover accommodating portion provided inside the upper panel so as to be adjacent to the device accommodating portion,

The linkage mechanism portion accommodates the opened cover in the cover accommodating portion.
The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein,

The linkage mechanism includes:

a first sliding member, connected to the ultrasonic cleaning device;

a second slider connected to one end of the cover, and one end of the cover is connected to the second slider so as to be rotatable in the direction of opening and closing the inlet and outlet;

a holding part that holds the first slider and the second slider so as to be able to accommodate the ultrasonic cleaning device in a pull-out direction in which the ultrasonic cleaning device is pulled out from the device accommodating part and to the device accommodating part sliding in the accommodating direction of the device;

The link has one end connected to the first slider and the other end connected to the second slider, and moves the other end in a direction opposite to the direction in which the one end moves The second slider slides in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first slider slides; and

The guide portion comes into contact with the cover when the second slider slides in the accommodating direction, and guides the cover to the cover accommodating portion while opening the cover.
The washing machine of claim 4, wherein

The cover includes: a main body part covering the inlet and outlet; and a contact part extending from the main body part in the accommodating direction and abutting against the guide part.