CN111511971A

CN111511971A - Washing machine and washing method

Info

Publication number: CN111511971A
Application number: CN201980006654.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 堀端裕司; 西村诚
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-02-21
Filing date: 2019-02-15
Publication date: 2020-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 2039-02-15
Also published as: JPWO2019163667A1; WO2019163667A1; CN111511971B

Abstract

The washing machine (1) is provided with a washing tank (4) for storing an object to be washed (2) and washing water, a plurality of pressing parts (8a, 8b) for respectively pressing and releasing the pressing of the object to be washed (2), and a control part (26) for releasing the pressing of at least one of the plurality of pressing parts (8a, 8b) on the object to be washed (2) in a state that the object to be washed (2) is pressed by at least one of the plurality of pressing parts (8a, 8 b).

Description

Washing machine and washing method

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a washing machine for washing laundry such as clothes.

Background

As a conventional washing machine, there is a so-called vertical washing machine which agitates laundry such as clothes in a spin basket to wash the laundry. In addition, there is a so-called drum-type washing machine that lifts laundry in a rotation direction of a rotary tub inside the rotary tub and drops the laundry from above to perform a beat-wash. In all of the above washing machines, mechanical force is applied to laundry to knead the laundry or the laundry is rubbed to wash the laundry, so that the laundry is easily damaged. Therefore, in particular, laundry that is easily damaged by cloth and laundry that is easily deformed by being entangled with each other are generally press-washed by hand washing. In addition, various ideas have been made on a washing machine that washes laundry without applying a mechanical force to the laundry.

As an example, a washing machine in which a movable washing action member is disposed in a small tank for storing laundry is considered (for example, see patent document 1). In patent document 1, it is considered that washing is performed by reciprocating a washing member to repeat pressing and loosening of laundry.

As shown in fig. 8, the conventional washing machine disclosed in patent document 1 includes a small-sized groove 51. The small-sized tank 51 has a net-like or lattice-like rack 52 for placing laundry thereon, and a washing action member 53 formed of net-like or lattice-like plates for applying a pressing action and a loosening action to the laundry. The washing action member 53 is formed by a motor 54, an eccentric cam 55, and the like. The washing operation member 53 is connected to a reciprocation generation device 57 for reciprocating the washing operation member 53 via a shaft 56. The washing action member 53 and the reciprocation generation device 57 can be rotated about the rotation shaft 58.

When washing laundry such as sweater, the folded laundry is placed on the rack 52. The washing action member 53 is rotated to be overlapped on the laundry, and then the controller 59 supplies water to the small-sized tank 51. Then, the controller 59 drives the motor 54 to swing the washing operation member 53 together with the shaft 56, and repeatedly performs the pressing operation and the loosening operation on the laundry.

The conventional washing machine described in patent document 1 presses laundry by rotation of the washing member 53 around the shaft. Therefore, when the laundry is a knitted fabric or the like having a large elasticity and a large amount of deformation when pressed, the laundry can be washed in a state in which the shape of the laundry is arranged. However, in the case where the laundry is thin chemical fiber shirts or the like having low water absorption and low specific gravity, the laundry floats in the washing water, and therefore, in the press washing by the rotation of the washing member 53 centering on the shaft, the laundry cannot be washed while being pressed to suppress the movement thereof. In addition, since the laundry is moved from the initially set position by the water current generated by the press washing during the washing process, the laundry may be pressed in a deviated state, and the laundry may be deformed by a large pressing force.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 57-175394

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure provides a washing machine which can restrain the floating of the object to be washed, make the pressing force act on the object to be washed properly, and restrain the cloth damage and the deformation of the object to be washed for washing.

A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a cleaning tank for storing an object to be cleaned and cleaning water; a plurality of pressing portions that press and release the object to be cleaned, respectively; and a control unit configured to release the pressing of the object to be cleaned by at least one of the plurality of pressing units in a state where the object to be cleaned is pressed by at least one of the plurality of pressing units.

This can prevent the objects to be washed from floating by the water flow generated during washing, and can prevent the objects to be washed from moving from the installed position. Therefore, the pressing force can be appropriately applied to the object to be cleaned. This can prevent the cloth of the object to be cleaned from being damaged or deformed. In addition, water flow can be generated inside the objects to be cleaned, and the cleaning effect on the objects to be cleaned can be improved.

A washing method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a washing method in a washing machine including: a cleaning tank for storing an object to be cleaned and cleaning water; a plurality of pressing portions that press and release the object to be cleaned, respectively; and a control part for controlling the plurality of pressing parts, in the cleaning method,

the cleaning method comprises the following steps:

pressing the object to be cleaned by at least one of the plurality of pressing portions; and

and a step of releasing the pressing of the object to be cleaned by at least one of the plurality of pressing portions in a state where the object to be cleaned is pressed by at least one of the plurality of pressing portions.

This can suppress the floating of the object to be cleaned and clean the object without stirring the object to be cleaned. Therefore, the fabric damage and the deformation of the object to be cleaned can be suppressed, and the cleaning effect can be improved.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a main part of a washing machine of embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a main part showing a state where the cover is opened in the washing machine according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an operation in a washing process of the washing machine according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 4A is another diagram showing an operation in a washing process of the washing machine according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 4B is another diagram showing the operation in the washing process of the washing machine according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 4C is another diagram showing the operation in the washing process of the washing machine according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 5 is a timing chart showing operations in a washing process of the washing machine according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 6 is a timing chart showing another example of the operation in the washing step of the washing machine according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 7 is a timing chart showing an operation in a washing process of the washing machine according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a structure of a conventional washing machine.

Detailed Description

This prevents the object to be cleaned from floating even if it is a thin shirt or the like having a low specific gravity, and can prevent the object to be cleaned from moving from the installed position. In addition, a plurality of portions of the object to be cleaned spreading out inside the cleaning tank can be pressed. Therefore, the object to be cleaned can be cleaned without stirring the object to be cleaned, and damage and deformation of the cloth can be suppressed to improve the cleaning effect. Further, since the plurality of pressing portions are provided, when the object to be cleaned is disposed inside the cleaning tank, the object to be cleaned can be reliably pressed even if there are portions of different thicknesses of the object to be cleaned.

The washing machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure may be configured to: the plurality of pressing portions include a1 st pressing portion and a2 nd pressing portion, and the control portion performs at least one of a1 st pressing operation and a2 nd pressing operation, wherein in the 1 st pressing operation, release and pressing of the 1 st pressing portion to the object to be cleaned are performed from a state in which the object to be cleaned is pressed by the 1 st pressing portion and the 2 nd pressing portion, and in the 2 nd pressing operation, release and pressing of the 2 nd pressing portion to the object to be cleaned are performed from a state in which the object to be cleaned is pressed by the 1 st pressing portion and the 2 nd pressing portion.

Therefore, the cleaning object can be cleaned on the premise of not stirring the cleaning object, and cloth damage and deformation can be inhibited, so that the cleaning effect is improved.

The washing machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure may be configured to: the control unit alternately performs a1 st pressing operation and a2 nd pressing operation.

Thereby, the object to be cleaned is compressed by the 1 st pressing part and the 2 nd pressing part, and the discharge of the air contained in the object to be cleaned to the outside of the object to be cleaned is promoted. Therefore, the movement of the object to be cleaned due to floating and the deformation caused by the movement can be prevented.

The washing machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure may be configured to: the control unit continuously performs at least one of the 1 st pressing operation and the 2 nd pressing operation a plurality of times.

This can suppress the floating of the object to be cleaned, promote the generation of multi-directional water flow in the object to be cleaned, and improve the cleaning effect of the press washing.

The washing machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure may be configured to: the control unit simultaneously presses the object to be cleaned by the 1 st pressing part and the 2 nd pressing part in a preparatory step before the 1 st pressing action or the 2 nd pressing action.

Thus, the object to be cleaned is pressed simultaneously by the 1 st pressing part and the 2 nd pressing part in the preparation step, and the object to be cleaned can be pressed reliably. Therefore, the movement of the object to be cleaned due to floating and the deformation caused by the movement can be prevented.

The washing machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure may be configured to: in a preparatory step before the 1 st pressing operation or the 2 nd pressing operation, the control unit presses the object to be cleaned by one of the 1 st pressing unit and the 2 nd pressing unit and then presses the object to be cleaned by the other of the 1 st pressing unit and the 2 nd pressing unit.

This enables air contained in the object to be cleaned to be efficiently discharged to the outside of the object to be cleaned. That is, the moving distance of the air when the air in the object to be cleaned is discharged to the outside of the object to be cleaned can be made short. Therefore, air remaining can be suppressed and movement of the object to be cleaned due to floating and thus the occurrence of the running can be effectively prevented.

The washing machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure may be configured to: the washing machine further includes a water supply valve for supplying washing water to the washing tub, and the control unit opens the water supply valve in a state where the object to be washed is pressed by at least one of the plurality of pressing units.

This can suppress floating of the object to be cleaned due to the water flow during water supply, and prevent movement due to floating and thus displacement. In addition, since the air contained in the object to be washed can be discharged before the water supply, the time for the washing water containing the detergent to permeate into the object to be washed can be increased. Thus, a predetermined cleaning performance can be obtained in a shorter time.

The washing machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure may further include a pressure increasing and reducing portion that expands and contracts the plurality of pressing portions.

This makes it possible to reliably press and release the object to be cleaned by the plurality of pressing portions.

The pressure increasing/reducing section of the washing machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure may include a pressure pump, a communication section that communicates the plurality of pressure sections and the pressure pump, and an opening/closing valve provided in the communication section.

The washing machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure may further include a pressing force detection unit that detects a pressing force with which the plurality of pressing portions press the object to be washed.

Thus, the object to be cleaned can be pressed with a predetermined pressing force, and the object to be cleaned can be reliably pressed against the bottom of the cleaning tank. Therefore, the object to be cleaned can be prevented from floating by the water flow during pressing, and the object to be cleaned can be prevented from going out of shape.

A washing machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes: a cleaning tank for storing an object to be cleaned and cleaning water; a plurality of pressing portions that press an object to be cleaned; a pressure increasing and reducing section having a pressure pump for expanding the plurality of pressing sections, a communication section for connecting the pressure pump and the plurality of pressing sections in communication, and an opening/closing valve for opening and closing the communication section; and a control unit that, in a washing process of the object to be washed, expands and contracts at least one of the plurality of pressing units in a state in which at least one of the plurality of pressing units is expanded, and presses and releases the object to be washed.

In a washing method in a washing machine according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the washing machine includes: a cleaning tank for storing an object to be cleaned and cleaning water; a plurality of pressing portions that press and release the object to be cleaned, respectively; and a control part for controlling the pressing parts, in the washing method of the washing machine,

the cleaning method comprises the following steps:

This can suppress the floating of the object to be cleaned and clean the object to be cleaned without stirring the object. Therefore, the cloth damage and the deformation of the object to be cleaned can be suppressed, and the cleaning effect can be improved.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment.

(embodiment mode 1)

[1-1. Overall Structure ]

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a main part of a washing machine of embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a main portion showing a state where the cover is opened in the washing machine according to the present embodiment.

As shown in fig. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a lower water tank 6 and an upper lid 5. The washing machine 1 further includes a control unit 26 and an operation display unit 27.

The water tank 6 includes a cleaning tank 4 having a predetermined depth. In the present embodiment, cleaning tank 4 is formed in a square shape. An opening 3 is formed in the upper surface of cleaning tub 4. Laundry such as clothes (hereinafter referred to as an object to be cleaned 2) is taken out of or put into the opening 3.

Lid 5 opens and closes opening 3 of cleaning tank 4. The lid body 5 is attached to the upper rear edge of the water tank 6 by a hinge portion 6a so as to be rotatable in the direction of an arrow R1 (see fig. 2).

The cleaning tank 4 accommodates the object 2 to be cleaned. The user places the object 2 on the bottom 4a of the cleaning tank 4 in a state where the shape of the object 2 is finished. The washing machine 1 of the present embodiment is useful for a case where the object 2 to be washed is clothes which are likely to be lost or damaged after being washed in a general washing machine to which a mechanical force acts. The object 2 to be washed is, for example, a thin fiber shirt with a low specific gravity, a sweater such as a sweater and a lappet sweater, a scarf made of a delicate material made of a very thin fiber, or the like.

A handle 5a is provided on the front surface of the lid 5. The user can open and close the opening 3 with the lid 5 by holding the handle 5a and rotating it in the direction of the arrow R1. The lid 5 is configured to be capable of being held in an open state. When the opening 3 is closed, the lid 5 is locked by a lock device (not shown) and kept in a closed state. In addition, the user operates the handle 5a when the lid 5 is to be opened. Thereby, the lock device is unlocked.

A plurality of pressing portions 8 (e.g., two

pressing portions

8a and 8b) are provided on the inner side of the lid body 5. The details of which will be described later.

As shown in fig. 2, a seal 15 is provided on the upper surface of the peripheral edge portion of opening 3 of washing tub 4. The seal 15 is formed in a hollow shape and can be freely deformed. Lid body 5 is provided with a sealing portion 15a at a position facing the peripheral edge portion of opening 3 of cleaning tub 4. When the lid body 5 is closed, the seal 15 is in close contact with the seal portion 15 a. Thus, when the lid 5 is closed, the peripheral edge of the opening 3 is in a liquid-tight state. Therefore, leakage of water and air from opening 3 to the outside of washing tub 4 can be prevented during execution of each step such as the washing step, the rinsing step, and the dewatering step.

As shown in fig. 1, lid 5 is provided with water supply path 16 for supplying washing water to washing tub 4. A water supply valve 17 is provided in the water supply path 16. The water supply path 16 communicates with the inside of the washing tub 4 via a detergent box 18. Thereby, tap water (cleaning water) is supplied from water supply port 16a to the inside of cleaning tub 4. The water supply valve 17 is opened and closed to supply water and stop the supply of water.

As shown in fig. 1, washing machine 1 is provided with water level detection unit 19 for detecting the water level in washing tub 4, and water level detection unit 19 communicates with the inside of washing tub 4. The water level detection unit 19 includes a water level detection tank 20 having an opening at the upper part thereof, a float 21 that moves up and down in accordance with fluctuation of the water level in the water level detection tank 20, and a water level switch 21a that detects that the float 21 has risen to a predetermined position.

A drain hole 22 for draining washing water used in a washing process or the like is formed in the bottom portion 4a of the washing tub 4. The drain hole 22 communicates with the drain path 24. The drain path 24 is provided with a drain valve 23. By opening and closing drain valve 23, the washing water inside washing tub 4 is discharged and the water discharge is stopped.

In addition, water tub portion 6 is provided with overflow path 25, and overflow path 25 is provided for discharging the washing water inside washing tub 4 to the outside when the water level inside washing tub 4 reaches a predetermined water level or higher. The overflow path 25 has an overflow hole 25a opened toward the inside of the washing tub 4 at the upper portion of the washing tub 4. The overflow path 25 is connected to the drain path 24 on the downstream side of the drain valve 23.

The control unit 26 is provided in the lid 5. More specifically, as shown in fig. 1, the control unit is provided on a side surface portion inside the lid body 5. The operation display unit 27 is disposed on the upper surface of the lid 5 and can be operated by the user. More specifically, the operation display unit 27 is provided above the control unit 26. The control unit 26 controls operations of the pressure pump 10, the discharge valve 11, the opening/closing valve 12, the water supply valve 17, the drain valve 23, and the like, performs a washing step, a rinsing step, a spin-drying step, and the like, and controls a washing operation of the washing machine 1.

[1-2. Structure of pressing part ]

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 1, the plurality of pressing portions 8 include

pressing portions

8a and 8 b. These

pressing portions

8a and 8b are arranged inside the lid body 5. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which pressing and releasing of the pressing of the object 2 to be cleaned are performed by expanding and contracting the pressing portion 8.

As shown in fig. 1, the washing machine 1 has a pressure increasing and reducing section 7. In the present embodiment, a plurality of pressure increasing/reducing sections 7(7a, 7b) are provided. The pressure increasing and reducing section 7(7a, 7b) includes a pressure pump 10, a communication section 9, discharge valves 11(11a, 11b), and opening and closing valves 12(12a, 12 b). The pressure pump 10 supplies a fluid such as gas or liquid to the inside of the pressing portions 8(8a, 8 b). The fluid inside one pressing portion 8a is discharged to the outside through the discharge valve 11 a. The fluid in the other pressing portion 8b is discharged to the outside through the discharge valve 11 b.

In the present embodiment, a case where the fluid supplied to the inside of the pressing portions 8(8a, 8b) is air will be described, but the fluid is not limited to air as a matter of course.

The pressure pump 10 is in communication with the pressing portions 8(8a, 8b) via the communication portion 9 and the opening/closing valves 12(12a, 12 b).

The pressing portion 8 is formed of, for example, rubber or synthetic resin. The pressing portion 8 is formed in a bellows shape and is extendable and retractable. The pressing portion 8 is flexible and formed in a bag shape, i.e., hollow inside.

Pressing portions 8(8a, 8b) are attached to lid body 5 on the side of cleaning tank 4. The pressing portions 8(8a, 8b) are configured to be expandable and contractible by expansion and contraction. Thus, pressing portions 8(8a, 8b) are configured to be able to press and release the object 2 to be cleaned stored in bottom portion 4a of cleaning tank 4. The pressing portions 8(8a, 8b) have pressing surfaces 81(81a, 81b) for pressing the object to be cleaned 2 and bellows-shaped expansion portions 82(82a, 82 b). The pressing portions 8(8a, 8b) are configured to be able to extend to such an extent that the pressing surfaces 8(81a, 81b) reach the bottom portion 4a of the cleaning tank 4.

The communication portions 9(9a, 9b) are formed of flexible hoses made of rubber, synthetic resin, or the like. The communicating portions 9(9a, 9b) connect the pressurizing pump 10 and the pressing portions 8(8a, 8b) in communication. An opening/closing valve 12a is provided in a communication portion 9a connecting the pressure pump 10 and the pressing portion 8a, and an opening/closing valve 12b is provided in a communication portion 9b connecting the pressure pump 10 and the pressing portion 8 b.

As shown in fig. 3, washing machine 1 includes a press detection unit 13. The pressing detection unit 13 detects the pressing force of the pressing unit 8 pressing the object 2 to be cleaned. In the present embodiment, the pressing force detection unit 13(13a, 13b) detects the pressing force pressing the object to be cleaned 2 by expanding the pressing unit 8(8a, 8b) by detecting the internal pressure of the pressing unit 8(8a, 8 b).

The pressure increasing/reducing section 7(7a, 7b) has a relief valve 14(14a, 14 b). The relief valve 14(14a, 14b) is a constant pressure relief valve that releases the pressure inside the pressing portion 8(8a, 8b) when the pressure rises and exceeds a predetermined value, and discharges the fluid supplied to the inside of the pressing portion 8(8a, 8b) to the outside. This can prevent the pressing portions 8(8a, 8b) from being pressed beyond a predetermined pressing force.

[1-3. actions ]

The operation and action of the washing machine 1 configured as described above will be described below.

The user sets the operation program and the time of each step of the washing operation by operating the operation display unit 27 provided on the front portion of the upper surface of the lid body 5, and inputs the setting contents to the control unit 26. The control unit 26 executes the steps from the washing step to the dehydration step as a series of operations based on the setting contents. The user can arbitrarily select an operation to be performed by the washing machine, for example, only a washing process is performed. The setting operation by the user may be performed after the object 2 to be washed is placed in the washing tub 4.

After the user operates and unlocks the handle 5a, the lid 5 is opened and the object 2 to be washed is placed in the washing tub 4. At this time, the bottom portion 4a of the object 2 to be cleaned in the cleaning tank 4 is shaped and spread so as to face the pressing surfaces 81(81a, 81 b). Depending on the size of the object 2 to be washed, the object 2 may be folded.

After the setting of the object 2 to be washed is completed and the lid 5 is closed and locked, the control unit 26 starts the operation based on the set operation program when a start button (not shown) provided on the operation display unit 27 is operated.

[1-3-1. washing Process ]

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the operation of the washing process of the washing machine according to the present embodiment. Fig. 4A to 4C are other diagrams illustrating the operation of the washing process of the washing machine according to the present embodiment. Fig. 5 is a timing chart showing operations in a washing process of the washing machine according to the present embodiment.

In the washing operation, a washing process is first performed. The preparation process, the water supply process and the pressing process are sequentially performed in the washing process. The preparation step is a step of restraining the object 2 to be cleaned so that the object 2 to be cleaned cannot move. This can suppress the movement of the object 2 to be cleaned from the set position. The water supply step is a step of supplying washing water into washing tub 4. The pressing step is a step of press-washing the object 2 to be cleaned.

In fig. 5, and fig. 6 and 7 described later, in order to show the states of the discharge valves 11(11a, 11b), the opening/closing valves 12(12a, 12b), the pressing force, and the pressing portions 8(8a, 8b) corresponding to the two

pressing portions

8a and 8b, respectively, (a) or (b) is described at the end of the row on the left side. The term "expansion" and "contraction" in fig. 5 to 7 mean "pressing" and "releasing of pressing" of the object 2 by the pressing portion 8(8a, 8b), respectively.

First, in the preparation step, as shown in fig. 5, the object 2 to be cleaned is pressed by the pressing portion 8a (the 1 st pressing portion) and the pressing portion 8b (the 2 nd pressing portion). Specifically, the controller 26 closes, i.e., closes, the

discharge valves

11a and 11b (T500). At the same time, the control unit 26 opens the opening and

closing valves

12a and 12b, that is, opens the valves, and drives the pressure pump 10 (T500). Thus, air from the pressure pump 10 is supplied to the insides of the

pressing portions

8a, 8b through the open-

close valves

12a, 12b and the

communication portions

9a, 9 b.

As a result, as shown in fig. 3, pressing portion 8a (the 1 st pressing portion) expands (arrow a1), and pressing portion 8B (the 2 nd pressing portion) expands (arrow B1). At this time, the expansion and

contraction parts

82a, 82b expand toward the object 2 to be cleaned. Then, the object 2 to be cleaned is pressed against the bottom 4a of the cleaning tank 4 by the

pressing surfaces

81a and 81b (T501).

The

pressure detection portions

13a and 13b detect the increase in the pressure inside the

pressing portions

8a and 8b due to the expansion of the

pressing portions

8a and 8b, that is, the pressing forces of the

pressing portions

8a and 8b, respectively.

The controller 26 drives the pressurizing pump 10 until the pressure rises to the preparatory pressure P1 (pressing force). P1 is a pressure when the object 2 to be cleaned is pressed by the

pressing portions

8a and 8b in the cleaning water and compressed, and movement in the planar direction (in the up-down direction in the present embodiment) is restricted. When the pressure inside the

pressing portions

8a and 8b rises to the preparatory pressure P1, the control portion 26 stops the driving of the pressurizing pump (T502). At the same time, the control unit 26 closes the on-off

valves

12a and 12b, that is, closes them (T502). At this time, the

pressing portions

8a and 8b are in the expanded state, and the pressure inside the

pressing portions

8a and 8b is maintained at the preparatory pressure P1. The object 2 to be cleaned is pressed by the

pressing surfaces

81a and 81b and held in a state of being placed on the bottom 4a of the cleaning tank 4.

Then, a water supply process (T502) is performed. In the water supply step, the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed against the bottom 4a of the cleaning tank 4. The controller 26 opens, i.e., opens, the water supply valve 17 shown in fig. 1 (T502). Detergent is previously put into the detergent box 18. Thereby, tap water and detergent are supplied as washing water from water supply port 16a to the inside of washing tub 4 through water supply path 16.

The washing water supplied into the washing tub 4 gradually permeates into the object 2 to be washed and is contained between the fibers of the object 2 to be washed, that is, the washing water is present between the fibers of the object 2 to be washed. When the washing water is supplied to a predetermined water level inside washing tub 4, water level switch 21a of water level detecting unit 19 is operated. When it is detected by water level detecting part 19 that washing water is supplied to a predetermined water level, control part 26 closes water supply valve 17, that is, sets it to a closed state (T503). Here, the predetermined water level may be, for example, a water level set by a user through input from the operation display unit 27 or a water level set by the control unit 26 through calculation based on the amount of the objects 2 to be washed.

When water is supplied, the object to be washed 2 is pressed by the

pressing portions

8a and 8b with the pressing force P1. Therefore, the object 2 to be washed can be prevented from being washed away or floating by the water flow when the washing water is supplied into the washing tub 4. Therefore, the object 2 to be cleaned can be prevented from moving from the position of the bottom 4a placed in the cleaning tank 4.

When the object to be washed 2 is pressed by a part of the plurality of pressing portions 8, it is preferable that the object to be washed 2 is pressed by the pressing portion 8b close to the water supply port 16 a. That is, it is preferable that at least a portion of the object to be washed 2 close to the water supply port 16a is pressed. This prevents the object 2 from moving by the flow of the cleaning water supplied from the water supply port 16 a. Further, it is more preferable that the washing target 2 is pressed in a wide range at a portion close to the water supply port 16 a.

Next, as shown in fig. 5, a pressing process is performed (T503). The control unit 26 releases the pressing of the object 2 to be cleaned by at least one of the pressing portions 8 in a state where the object 2 to be cleaned is pressed by at least one of the pressing portions 8.

Specifically, in the pressing step, the control unit 26 first opens, i.e., opens, the discharge valve 11b (T503). As a result, as shown in fig. 4A, the air inside the pressing portion 8B is discharged from the discharge valve 11B to contract the pressing portion 8B (arrow B2), and the pressing surface 81B of the pressing portion 8B is separated from the object 2 to be washed. That is, the pressing force of the pressing portion 81b is released from the state where the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed by the

pressing portions

8a and 8b, and the pressing of the pressing portion 8b is released (T504). At this time, the object to be washed 2 is pressed by the pressing portion 8a at the preparatory pressure P1, and the pressure pump 10 is stopped.

After that, the control portion 26 closes the discharge valve 11b again and opens the opening and closing valve 12b (T505). Further, the control unit 26 drives the pressure pump 10 (T505). Thereby, as shown in fig. 4B, the pressing portion 8B expands (arrow B3). Then, when the pressure inside the pressing portion 8b reaches the switching pressure P2 (pressing force), the control portion 26 opens the discharge valve 11a, that is, sets the discharge valve in an open state (T506).

Here, the switching pressure P2 is a pressure at which the object to be cleaned 2 is compressed by the pressing of the pressing portion 8 in the cleaning water and movement in the planar direction is restricted, that is, a pressure at which the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed by the pressing portion 8. In other words, P2 is a pressing force for switching between the state of pressing by pressing part 8 and the state of releasing the pressing. That is, when the pressing force is P2 or more, the object 2 to be cleaned is pressed by the pressing part 8 and does not move, and when the pressing force is less than P2, the pressing of the pressing part 8 is released.

At T506, when the discharge valve 11a is in the open state, the air inside the pressing portion 8a can be discharged from the discharge valve 11a, and the pressing portion 8a can contract (arrow a 2). At this time, the object 2 to be cleaned is pressed by the pressing portion 8 b. The preparatory pressure P1 and the switching pressure P2 may be the same value.

Thereby, air is supplied into pressing portion 8B, pressing portion 8B expands, and stretchable portion 82B stretches as shown in fig. 4B. When the pressing portion 8b extends toward the object 2 to be cleaned, the portion of the object 2 to be cleaned below the pressing portion 8b pressed by the pressing surface 81b is compressed and becomes thinner.

As shown in fig. 4B, the volume of the object 2 to be washed is changed by compressing the object 2 by the expansion of the pressing portion 8B (arrow B3). Accordingly, the washing water contained in the inside of the object 2 to be washed is pushed out from the object 2 to be washed. Thereby generating a water flow inside the object 2 to be cleaned. The dirt attached to the object 2 to be cleaned is separated from the fibers by the water flow and removed from the object 2 to be cleaned.

When the object 2 to be washed is compressed, the washing water contained in the object 2 to be washed moves from below the pressing portion 8b to below the pressing portion 8a in the object 2 to be washed. That is, the washing water moves in the direction indicated by the arrow C1, and a water flow of the washing water indicated by the arrow C1 is generated. Then, the washing water moving from the lower side of pressing portion 8b to the lower side of pressing portion 8a in this way expands object to be washed 2 below pressing portion 8a, and pushes up pressing surface 81a of pressing portion 8 a. When the pressing surface 81a of the pressing portion 8a is pushed upward and air is discharged from the opened discharge valve 11a, the pressing portion 8a contracts (arrow a 2). When the pressing force of the pressing portion 8a decreases to P2, the pressing force of the pressing portion 8a against the object to be washed 2 is released (T507).

When the pressure inside the presser portion 8a reaches the opening pressure P0, the control portion 26 closes the discharge valve 11a again and opens the opening and closing valve 12a, thereby communicating the presser portion 8a with the pressure pump 10 (T508). Further, the control unit 26 closes the opening/closing valve 12b (T508). Thereby, the pressing portion 8a expands. When the pressing force of the pressing portion 8a reaches the switching pressure P2, that is, when the object 2 to be cleaned is pressed by the pressing portion 8a, the control portion 26 opens the discharge valve 11b to allow the pressing portion 8b to contract (T509).

As a result, as shown in fig. 4C, air is supplied into the pressing portion 8a, thereby expanding the pressing portion 8a (arrow a3) and extending the stretchable portion 82 a. When the pressing portion 8a extends toward the object 2 to be cleaned, the portion of the object 2 to be cleaned below the pressing portion 8a pressed by the pressing surface 81a is compressed and becomes thinner.

The object 2 to be washed is compressed and changes in volume by the expansion of the pressing portion 8a (arrow a 3). Accordingly, the washing water contained in the inside of the object 2 to be washed is pushed out from the object 2 to be washed. This generates a water flow inside the object 2 to be cleaned. The dirt adhering to the object 2 to be cleaned is separated from the fibers of the object 2 to be cleaned by the water flow and removed from the object 2 to be cleaned.

When the object 2 to be washed is compressed, the washing water contained in the object 2 to be washed moves from below the pressing portion 8a to below the pressing portion 8b in the object 2 to be washed in the direction indicated by the arrow C2 (see fig. 4C). That is, a water flow of the washing water indicated by an arrow C2 is generated. Then, the washing water moving from the lower side of the pressing portion 8a to the lower side of the pressing portion 8b expands the object 2 to be washed below the pressing portion 8b, and pushes up the pressing surface 81b of the pressing portion 8 b. When the pressing surface 8c of the pressing portion 8B is pushed upward and air is discharged from the opened discharge valve 11B, the pressing portion 8B contracts (arrow B4). When the pressing force of the pressing portion 8b decreases to P2, the pressing force of the pressing portion 8b against the object to be washed 2 is released (T510).

Here, the operation of releasing and pressing the object to be cleaned 2 by the 1 st pressing part 8a from the state where the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed by the 1 st pressing part 8a and the 2 nd pressing part 8b is referred to as "the 1 st pressing operation". Specifically, the 1 st pressing portion 8a contracts when the "1 st pressing operation" is performed.

The operation of releasing and pressing the object to be cleaned 2 by the 2 nd pressing part 8b from the state in which the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed by the 1 st pressing part 8a and the 2 nd pressing part 8b is referred to as "the 2 nd pressing operation". Specifically, the 2 nd pressing portion 8b contracts when the "2 nd pressing operation" is performed.

In the present embodiment, as described above, in the pressing step, the pressing portions 8a (the 1 st pressing portion) and 8b (the 2 nd pressing portion) are expanded and contracted at different timings (alternately in the present embodiment). Namely, the 1 st pressing motion and the 2 nd pressing motion are alternately performed. In other words, the 1 st pressing motion and the 2 nd pressing motion are exclusively performed.

In the example of the present embodiment, the 1 st pressing operation and the 2 nd pressing operation are repeated. As the timing of the expansion and contraction, for example, pressurization by the expansion of the pressing portion 8a is performed for 1 second, and decompression by the contraction of the pressing portion 8b is performed for 1 second. The pressurization and depressurization by the pressing portion 8b are repeated for a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 minutes). This enables the object 2 to be washed to be pressure-washed and improves the washing effect of the object 2.

In the present embodiment, the case where the 1 st pressing operation and the 2 nd pressing operation are alternately and simultaneously performed has been described, but a configuration may be adopted in which at least either one of the 1 st pressing operation and the 2 nd pressing operation is performed. This can suppress the movement of the object 2 to be cleaned and can perform the press washing of the part of the object 2 to be cleaned.

In the present embodiment, the two pressing portions 8(8a and 8b) are described, but the pressing of the object to be cleaned 2 by at least one of the plurality of pressing portions 8 (for example, 3 or more) may be released in a state where the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed by at least one pressing portion 8 of the plurality of pressing portions 8. That is, the object 2 to be cleaned may be pressed by any one of the plurality of pressing portions 8 in the washing step.

Further, the object 2 to be cleaned may be constantly pressed by at least one pressing portion 8 of the plurality of pressing portions 8. At this time, the at least one pressing portion 8 may be configured to press the object 2 to be cleaned with a pressing force equal to or greater than a pressing force (switching pressure P2 in the present embodiment) capable of restricting the movement of the object 2 to be cleaned. This can suppress floating of the object 2 to be cleaned. That is, mechanical force such as stirring or beating is not applied to the object 2 to be cleaned. Moreover, the movement of the object 2 due to floating can be suppressed, and the dirt can be removed by generating a multi-directional water flow inside the object 2 by operating at least one of the pressing portions.

[1-3-2. rinsing step and dewatering step ]

When a washing program is set to be continuously executed from the washing step to the spin-drying step, the control unit 26 executes the rinsing step and the spin-drying step after the washing step.

In the rinsing step, for example, a drain operation and a pre-dehydration operation are followed by a water accumulation rinsing operation.

In the drain step, drain valve 23 is opened to drain the washing water inside washing tub 4 to the outside of washing machine 1 through drain path 24.

In the preliminary dehydration action, the

discharge valves

11a, 11b are closed and the pressurizing pump 10 is driven in a state where the discharge valve 23 is opened. Thereby, the object 2 to be washed is pressed and compressed, and a part of the washing water contained in the object 2 to be washed is forcibly discharged.

In the water-retaining rinsing operation, water supply valve 17 is opened to supply a predetermined amount of washing water (tap water) into washing tub 4. Thereafter, the pressurizing pump 10 is driven in the same manner as in the washing step, and the

pressing portions

8a and 8b are repeatedly expanded and contracted at different timings. In the present embodiment, the 1 st pressing operation and the 2 nd pressing operation are exclusively performed. Thereby, the detergent concentration of the washing water inside the object 2 to be washed is diluted. This water-retaining rinsing operation is repeated a plurality of times (for example, twice) in the rinsing step.

The control unit 26 performs the spin-drying process after performing the rinsing process. In the dehydration step, drain valve 23 is opened to discharge the washing water inside washing tub 4 to the outside. After that, the

discharge valves

11a, 11b are closed and the pressurizing pump 10 is driven in a state where the discharge valve 23 is opened. The

pressing portions

8a and 8b expand to press and compress the object 2 to be washed, and a part of the washing water contained in the object 2 to be washed is forcibly discharged. Thereby dehydrating the object 2 to be cleaned.

[1-4. modified examples ]

Fig. 6 is a timing chart showing an operation of another example of the washing process of the washing machine according to the present embodiment.

In the example shown in fig. 6, the following structure is shown: in the preparation step, after the 1 st pressing part presses the object 2 to be cleaned, water is supplied and the 2 nd pressing part presses the object 2 to be cleaned. The pressing process may be started before the washing water reaches a predetermined water level by the water supply.

The operation of the pressing step is the same as that shown in fig. 5. That is, in the pressing step, the control section 26 contracts the 1 st pressing section 8a in a state where the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed from the 1 st pressing section 8a and the 2 nd pressing section 8b, and then expands the 1 st pressing section 8a again (the 1 st pressing operation). Further, the control unit 26 contracts the 2 nd pressing part 8b in a state where the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed by the 1 st pressing part 8a and the 2 nd pressing part 8b, and then expands the 2 nd pressing part 8b again (the 2 nd pressing operation). The control unit 26 alternately repeats the 1 st pressing operation and the 2 nd pressing operation.

Then, in the pressing step, the object 2 to be cleaned is pressed by at least one of the 1 st pressing portion 8a and the 2 nd pressing portion 8b without interruption.

Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to fig. 6.

As shown in fig. 6, in the preparation step, the control unit 26 closes the

discharge valves

11a and 11b (T600). At the same time, the control unit 26 opens the on-off valve 12a and closes the on-off valve 12b, and drives the pressure pump 10 (T600). At this time, the air supplied from the pressure pump 10 moves into the 1 st pressing portion 8a, and the 1 st pressing portion 8a expands to expand the stretchable portion 82 a. Thereby, the pressing surface 81a presses the object 2 to be cleaned (T601). When the object 2 to be washed is pressed by the pressing portion 8a, the control portion 26 opens the water supply valve 17 to start the water supply process (T602).

According to such a configuration, since only one pressing portion needs to be inflated before the start of water supply in the preparation step, the time required for water supply is short as compared with the case where two

pressing portions

8a and 8b are inflated by 1 pressurizing pump 10, and as a result, the time required for the washing operation can be shortened.

The control unit 26 opens the opening/closing valve 12a to communicate the pressing portion 8a with the pressure pump 10 until the pressing detection portion 13a detects that the 1 st pressing portion 8a has risen to the preparatory pressure P1 (T602). Then, the control portion 26 closes the open-close valve 12a and opens the open-close valve 12b (T602). At this time, the pressurization pump 10 is continuously driven. Then, the air supplied from the pressure pump 10 moves into the 2 nd pressing portion 8b, and the 2 nd pressing portion 8b expands to expand the expansion/contraction portion 82 b. Then, the pressing surface 81b presses the object 2 to be cleaned (T603).

The control unit 26 opens the opening/closing valve 12b to communicate the pressing portion 8b with the pressure pump 10 until the pressing detection portion 13b detects that the 2 nd pressing portion 8b reaches the preparatory pressure P1 (T604).

Thereafter, in the pressing step, as in the case shown in fig. 5, the control portion 26 controls the 1 st pressing portion 8a and the 2 nd pressing portion 8b so that at least one of the

pressing portions

8a and 8b becomes the switching pressure P2 or more.

Specifically, the control unit 26 performs the 2 nd pressing operation of releasing the pressing by the 2 nd pressing unit 8b from the state in which the object 2 to be cleaned is pressed by the 2 nd pressing unit 8b (T605) and then pressing by the 2 nd pressing unit 8b (T607). Further, the control unit 26 performs the 1 st pressing operation of releasing the pressing of the object to be cleaned 2 by the 1 st pressing part 8a from the state in which the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed by the 1 st pressing part 8a (T608) and then performing the pressing by the 1 st pressing part 8a (T610).

As shown in fig. 6, the

pressing portions

8a and 8b alternately perform the 1 st pressing operation and the 2 nd pressing operation. The control section 26 controls the

pressing sections

8a and 8b to alternately repeat expansion and contraction of the 1 st pressing section 8a and the 2 nd pressing section 8 b. At this time, as shown in fig. 6, after one pressing portion 8 expands, the other pressing portion 8 contracts. Further, after the other pressing portion 8 expands, one pressing portion 8 contracts. This makes it possible to perform cleaning while suppressing movement of the object 2 to be cleaned due to floating. In this manner, the pressing step is performed in the washing step, whereby the washing effect of the object 2 to be washed can be obtained.

In the water supply step, controller 26 opens water supply valve 17 until the washing water is supplied into washing tub 4 and reaches a predetermined water level inside washing tub 4. Then, when water level detector 19 detects that the water level reaches the predetermined water level, controller 26 closes water supply valve 17.

In fig. 6, the timing of closing water supply valve 17 is set for convenience of explanation (T604), but the timing of closing water supply valve 17 is not limited to this and the pressing step may be started during the water supply for the above-described reasons. That is, the object 2 can be pressed while supplying water. This enables the object 2 to be washed to be pressure-washed with washing water having a high detergent concentration during the supply of water, thereby improving the washing performance.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 26 has been described as a control unit that alternately repeats the 1 st pressing operation and the 2 nd pressing operation, but may be a control unit that performs at least one of the 1 st pressing operation and the 2 nd pressing operation.

In the present embodiment, the pressing and releasing of the pressing of the object to be cleaned 2 are performed by operating the pressure increasing and reducing section 7 to expand and contract the pressing section 8. However, the structure of the pressing portion 8 is not limited to this. For example, the pressing portion 8 may be driven vertically by a stepping motor or the like to press and release the object 2 to be cleaned.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the pressure increasing and reducing portion 7 includes the pressure pump 10 that supplies the fluid into the interior of the flexible pressing portion 8 to expand the pressing portion 8, and the discharge valve 11 that discharges the fluid from the interior of the pressing portion 8 to contract the pressing portion 8. However, the pressurizing/depressurizing unit 7 is not limited to this configuration, and, for example, a depressurizing pump (not shown) may be used instead of the discharge valve 11 to perform depressurization for contracting the pressurizing unit 8.

When a decompression pump is used, the flow rate and discharge speed of the fluid discharged from the pressing portion 8 can be controlled. Therefore, even if the object to be cleaned 2 is a thin article lacking elasticity such as a scarf or a thick article having elasticity such as a knit, the pressing portion 8 can be appropriately contracted in accordance with the state of the object to be cleaned 2, and stable cleaning performance can be achieved.

In the present embodiment, two pressure/relief sections 7(7a, 7b) are provided, and two pressure sections 8(8a, 8b) alternately expand and contract. However, the number of the pressurizing and depressurizing units 7 is not limited to this, and 3 or more may be provided. Further, the pressing part 8 may be configured to be sequentially expanded and contracted by 3 or more pressing and decompression parts 7 to be operated at different timings. In this case, at least 1 pressing part 8 is configured to press the object to be cleaned 2 with a pressing force equal to or higher than the switching pressure P2 at any timing. That is, after at least 1 pressing portion 8 expands and reaches the switching pressure P2, the other pressing portions 8 contract. The order of expansion and contraction of the plurality of pressing portions 8 may be either regular or random.

As the fluid that is supplied to the inside of pressing portion 8 to inflate pressing portion 8, either gas or liquid can be used. When gas is used as the fluid, the washing machine 1 may be configured to directly discharge the ambient air by sucking the ambient air by the pressure pump 10 or the like, and may be configured to have a simple structure. In the case where a liquid is used as the fluid, at least one of water, an aqueous solution, oil, and the like can be used. In this case, it is preferable that the pressure increasing and reducing section 7 has a reservoir for storing the liquid to be used. Furthermore, liquids are denser than air and are not as elastic as gases. Therefore, when liquid is used as the fluid, the pressing portion 8 can be reliably inflated.

In the present embodiment, the pressing force detection unit 13 that detects the pressing force of the pressing portion 8(8a, 8b) is configured to detect the pressing force by detecting the internal pressure of the pressing portion 8(8a, 8b), but is not limited to this. For example, the pressing force may be directly detected by the pressing force detector 13 provided on the pressing surface 82.

[1-5. Effect, etc. ]

The washing machine of the present embodiment includes washing tub 4 for storing object to be washed 2 and washing water, a plurality of pressing portions 8 for pressing object to be washed 2 in washing tub 4, pressure increasing/reducing portion 7, and control portion 26 for controlling pressure increasing/reducing portion 7 and controlling the washing operation.

The pressure increasing and reducing portion 7 includes a pressure pump 10 that expands the pressing portion 8, a communication portion 9 that connects the pressure pump 10 and the pressing portion 8 in communication, and an opening/closing valve 12 that opens and closes the communication portion 9.

In the washing step, the control unit 26 performs pressing and releasing of the pressing of the object to be washed 2 by at least 1 pressing portion 8 out of the plurality of pressing portions 8 while pressing the object to be washed 2 by expanding at least 1 pressing portion 8, thereby contracting and expanding the object to be washed 2. Thereby generating a multi-directional water flow inside the object 2 to be cleaned.

With such a configuration, even if the object 2 to be cleaned is a thin shirt or the like having a low specific gravity, the object 2 to be cleaned can be prevented from floating by the water flow generated by the press washing, and the object 2 to be cleaned can be prevented from moving from the position where the object 2 is placed at the start of washing. Further, the plurality of portions of the object 2 to be cleaned spreading out inside the cleaning tank 4 can be pressed at different timings, such as alternately or sequentially. Therefore, the object 2 to be cleaned is not agitated inside the cleaning tank 4. Further, since the water flow can be generated in multiple directions throughout the inside of the object 2 to be cleaned, it is possible to suppress the fabric damage, the deformation, and the like of the object 2 to be cleaned, and to improve the cleaning effect of the object 2 to be cleaned. Further, since washing machine 1 includes a plurality of pressing portions 8, even if there are portions of different thicknesses of objects to be washed 2 inside washing tub 4, it is possible to press and wash these portions with reliability.

In the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the pressure increasing and reducing portion 7 includes the 1 st pressing portion 8a and the 2 nd pressing portion 8 b. The control unit 26 is configured to alternately repeat a1 st pressing step and a2 nd pressing step from a state where the 1 st pressing portion 8a and the 2 nd pressing portion 8b are expanded to press the object 2 to be cleaned, the 1 st pressing step being a step of contracting the 2 nd pressing portion 8b and then expanding the 2 nd pressing portion 8b again to press the object 2 to be cleaned, and the 2 nd pressing step being a step of contracting the 1 st pressing portion 8a and then expanding the 1 st pressing portion 8a again to press the object 2 to be cleaned.

This compresses the entire object 2 to be cleaned, and promotes the discharge of air contained in the object 2 to be cleaned to the outside of the object 2 to be cleaned. Therefore, the movement of the object 2 to be cleaned due to floating and the deformation of the object 2 due to movement can be prevented.

Further, the control unit 26 may be configured to alternately repeat the 1 st pressing step of pressing the object to be cleaned 2 by expanding the 2 nd pressing portion 8b from a state where the 1 st pressing portion 8a is expanded to press the object to be cleaned 2, and the 2 nd pressing step of pressing the object to be cleaned 2 by contracting the 1 st pressing portion 8a and then expanding the same again, and the 2 nd pressing step of expanding the same again after contracting the 2 nd pressing portion 8 b.

Thereby, the portion where the pressing force acts on the object 2 to be cleaned is divided into a plurality of portions. Therefore, when the air contained in the object to be cleaned 2 is discharged to the outside of the object to be cleaned 2, the moving distance of the air can be made short. This makes it easy to suppress air remaining in the object 2 to be cleaned, and therefore, movement of the object 2 to be cleaned due to floating and displacement of the object 2 to be cleaned due to displacement can be effectively prevented.

Washing machine 1 of the present embodiment further includes water supply valve 17 for supplying washing water to washing tub 4. In the washing step, controller 26 is configured to perform a preparation step of pressing object 2 by pressing part 8, and thereafter, to open water supply valve 17 to perform a water supply step of supplying washing water to washing tub 4.

This can prevent the objects to be cleaned 2 from floating due to the water flow during water supply, and can prevent the objects to be cleaned 2 from moving due to floating and prevent the objects to be cleaned 2 from being deformed due to the movement of the objects to be cleaned 2. Further, since the air contained in the object 2 to be washed can be discharged to the outside of the object 2 to be washed, the time for which the washing water containing the detergent enters the object 2 to be washed is increased. Therefore, a predetermined cleaning performance can be obtained in a shorter time.

The washing machine of the present embodiment further includes a pressing force detector 13 that detects a pressing force applied to the object 2 to be washed. The control unit 26 is configured to expand the pressing unit 8 to press the object 2 to be cleaned with a predetermined pressing force.

This prevents the object 2 to be cleaned from being excessively pressed and reliably presses the object 2 to be cleaned against the bottom of the cleaning tank 4. Therefore, when the pressing portion 8 presses the object to be cleaned, the object to be cleaned 2 can be prevented from floating due to the water flow and from moving due to floating. In addition, since the movement of the object 2 to be cleaned is suppressed, the object 2 to be cleaned can be prevented from being out of shape.

(embodiment mode 2)

In the present embodiment, the timing of pressing and releasing the pressing when the object 2 to be cleaned is pressed by the plurality of pressing portions 8 in the pressing step is different from the example shown in embodiment 1.

[2-1. washing step ]

Fig. 7 is a timing chart showing the operation of the washing process of the washing machine according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

In the present embodiment, while one pressing portion 8 (the 1 st pressing portion 8a) is expanded and presses the object to be cleaned 2, the other pressing portion 8 (the 2 nd pressing portion 8b) repeats the operations of expansion and contraction a plurality of times. Other structures are the same as those of embodiment 1, and the same structures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof refers to the contents of embodiment 1.

As shown in fig. 7, in the preparation step, the control unit 26 first closes the discharge valve 11a and opens the on-off valve 12a (T700). Further, the control unit 26 closes the opening/closing valve 12b (T700). Then, in this state, the control unit 26 drives the pressurizing pump 10 until the pressing portion 8a reaches the preparatory pressure P1. Thereby pressing the object 2 to be cleaned (T701). Although not shown, the control unit 26 may start the water supply process as long as the object 2 to be cleaned is pressed by the pressing portion 8 a. When the pressure of the pressing portion 8a reaches the preparatory pressure P1, the process proceeds to the pressing step (T702).

In the pressing step, the control unit 26 first opens the on-off valve 12b with the discharge valve 11b closed (T702). Further, the control unit 26 closes the on-off valve 12a (T702). At this time, the pressurizing pump 10 is in a driving state. Thereby, air is supplied into the 2 nd pressing portion 8b to expand the 2 nd pressing portion 8b, and the object 2 to be cleaned is pressed (T703).

In the present embodiment, the pressing step is started and the water supply to washing tub 4 is started. That is, the object 2 can be pressed while supplying water. This enables the object 2 to be washed to be pressure-washed with washing water having a high detergent concentration during the supply of water, thereby improving the washing performance.

Next, the control unit 26 opens the discharge valve 11b (T704) to contract the 2 nd pressing part 8b, and releases the pressing of the 2 nd pressing part 8b against the object 2 to be washed (T705).

The volume of the 2 nd pressing part 8b is changed by the contraction of the 2 nd pressing part 8b, and the object 2 to be washed is expanded accordingly, and the washing water flows into the object 2 to be washed.

In this manner, the control unit 26 releases and presses the object 2 to be cleaned by the 2 nd pressing part 8b from the state in which the object 2 to be cleaned is pressed by the 1 st pressing part 8a and the 2 nd pressing part 8b (the 2 nd pressing operation). The control unit 26 repeats the 2 nd pressing operation of the 2 nd pressing portion 8b a plurality of times (twice in the example of fig. 7). While the 2 nd pressing portion 8b repeats the contraction and expansion operations a plurality of times, the 1 st pressing portion 8a continues to press the object 2 to be cleaned.

Thereafter, the control unit 26 expands the 2 nd pressing portion 8b to press the object 2 to be cleaned by the 2 nd pressing portion 8b (T711). Then, the discharge valve 11a is opened (T712) with the object 2 pressed by the 2 nd pressing part 8b, and the 1 st pressing part 8a is contracted. Thereby releasing the 1 st pressing part 8a from pressing the object 2 (T713). As the volume of the 1 st pressing portion 8a changes, the object 2 to be washed expands, and washing water flows into the object 2 to be washed.

Subsequently, the control unit 26 closes the discharge valve 11a and opens the on-off valve 12a (T714). Further, the control unit 26 drives the pressure pump 10 to supply air into the 1 st pressing portion 8a (T714). Thereby, the 1 st pressing portion 8a expands to press the object 2 to be cleaned (T715).

In this manner, the control unit 26 releases and presses the object to be cleaned 2 by the 1 st pressing part 8a (the 1 st pressing operation) from the state where the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed by the 1 st pressing part 8a and the 2 nd pressing part 8 b. Further, the control unit 26 repeats the 1 st pressing operation of the 1 st pressing unit 8a plurality of times. While the 1 st pressing portion 8a repeats the contraction and expansion operations a plurality of times, the 2 nd pressing portion 8b continues to press the object 2 to be cleaned.

The volume of the object 2 to be washed changes due to the expansion of the pressing portion 8a, and the washing water contained in the object 2 to be washed is pushed out from the object 2 to be washed. The volume of the pressing portion 8a changes due to the contraction of the pressing portion 8a, and the object 2 to be washed expands accordingly, so that the washing water flows into the object 2 to be washed. This generates a water flow inside the object 2 to be cleaned. Then, the dirt attached to the object 2 to be cleaned is separated from the fibers of the object 2 to be cleaned by the water flow and removed from the object 2 to be cleaned.

In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the 2 nd pressing operation is continuously performed a plurality of times and then the 1 st pressing operation is continuously performed a plurality of times in the pressing step is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any configuration may be used as long as at least one of the 1 st pressing operation and the 2 nd pressing operation is continuously performed a plurality of times.

[2-2. Effect, etc. ]

Washing machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a1 st pressing portion 8a and a2 nd pressing portion 8 b. The control unit 26 continuously performs the 2 nd pressing operation of expanding and contracting the 2 nd pressing part 8b in a state where the 1 st pressing part 8a is expanded and pressed against the object 2 to be washed, a plurality of times. The control unit 26 continuously performs the 1 st pressing operation, which is an operation of expanding and contracting the 1 st pressing part 8a in a state where the 2 nd pressing part 8b is expanded and presses the object 2 to be washed, a plurality of times. The control unit 26 alternately repeats the above operations.

This can suppress floating of the object to be cleaned 2 and promote generation of multidirectional water flow inside the object to be cleaned 2. Therefore, the cleaning effect of the press washing on the object 2 to be cleaned can be improved.

Industrial applicability

As described above, the washing machine according to the present disclosure washes the object to be washed using the water flow generated by pressing the object to be washed, and thus can suppress damage to the cloth, deformation, and the like, and improve the washing effect. Therefore, it is useful as various washing machines.

Description of the reference numerals

1. A washing machine; 2. an object to be cleaned; 3. an opening part; 4. a cleaning tank; 4a, a bottom; 5. a cover body; 5a, a handle; 7(7a, 7b), a pressure increasing and reducing section; 8(8a, 8b), a pressing portion; 81(81a, 81b), a pressing surface; 82(82a, 82b), an expansion section; 9(9a, 9b), a communication portion; 10. a pressure pump; 11(11a, 11b), a discharge valve; 12(12a, 12b), an opening and closing valve; 13(13a, 13b), a pressing detection unit; 14(14a, 14b), a pressure relief valve; 15. a seal member; 16. a water supply path; 17. a water supply valve; 18. a detergent box; 19. a water level detection unit; 20. a water level detection tank; 21. a float; 22. a drain hole; 23. a drain valve; 24. a drainage path; 25. an overflow path; 26. a control unit; 27. an operation display unit.

Claims

1. A washing machine, wherein,

the washing machine has:

a cleaning tank for storing an object to be cleaned and cleaning water;

a plurality of pressing portions that press the object to be cleaned and release the pressing, respectively; and

and a control unit configured to release the pressing of the object to be cleaned by at least one of the plurality of pressing units in a state where the object to be cleaned is pressed by at least one of the plurality of pressing units.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein,

the plurality of pressing parts comprise a1 st pressing part and a2 nd pressing part,

the control unit performs at least one of a1 st pressing operation and a2 nd pressing operation,

in the 1 st pressing operation, the release and pressing of the 1 st pressing part against the object to be cleaned are performed from a state in which the object to be cleaned is pressed by the 1 st pressing part and the 2 nd pressing part,

in the 2 nd pressing operation, the release and pressing of the object to be cleaned by the 2 nd pressing portion are performed from a state in which the object to be cleaned is pressed by the 1 st pressing portion and the 2 nd pressing portion.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein,

the control unit alternately performs the 1 st pressing operation and the 2 nd pressing operation.

4. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein,

the control unit continuously performs at least one of the 1 st pressing operation and the 2 nd pressing operation a plurality of times.

5. The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4,

the control unit simultaneously presses the object to be cleaned by the 1 st pressing unit and the 2 nd pressing unit in a preparatory step prior to the 1 st pressing operation or the 2 nd pressing operation.

6. The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4,

the control unit presses the object to be cleaned by one of the 1 st pressing unit and the 2 nd pressing unit after the object to be cleaned is pressed by the other of the 1 st pressing unit and the 2 nd pressing unit in a preparatory step before the 1 st pressing operation or the 2 nd pressing operation is performed.

7. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the washing tub further has a water supply valve for supplying washing water,

the control unit opens the water supply valve in a state where the object to be washed is pressed by at least one of the plurality of pressing units.

8. The washing machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7,

the washing machine further includes a pressure increasing/reducing section that expands and contracts the plurality of pressing sections.

9. The washing machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein,

the pressure increasing and reducing section includes:

a pressure pump;

a communicating portion that communicates the plurality of pressing portions and the pressure pump; and

and an opening/closing valve provided in the communication portion.

10. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9,

the washing machine further includes a pressing detection unit for detecting pressing force of the plurality of pressing units against the object to be washed.

11. A washing machine, wherein,

the washing machine has:

a cleaning tank for storing an object to be cleaned and cleaning water;

a plurality of pressing portions that press the object to be cleaned;

a pressure increasing and reducing section including a pressure pump that expands the plurality of pressing sections, a communication section that connects the pressure pump and the plurality of pressing sections in communication, and an opening/closing valve that opens and closes the communication section; and

and a control unit that, in the washing step of the object to be washed, expands and contracts at least one of the plurality of pressing units in a state in which at least one of the plurality of pressing units is expanded, and presses and releases the object to be washed.

12. A washing method, which is a washing method in a washing machine having: a cleaning tank for storing an object to be cleaned and cleaning water; a plurality of pressing portions that press the object to be cleaned and release the pressing, respectively; and a control section for controlling the plurality of pressing sections, in the cleaning method,

the cleaning method comprises the following steps:

and releasing the pressing of the object to be cleaned by at least one of the plurality of pressing portions in a state where the object to be cleaned is pressed by at least one of the plurality of pressing portions.