CN112105773B

CN112105773B - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: CN112105773B
Application number: CN201980029514.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 西村诚; 堀端裕司; 河合雅弘
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-07-31
Filing date: 2019-06-04
Publication date: 2023-03-28
Anticipated expiration: 2039-06-04
Also published as: CN112105773A; TWI825105B; JPWO2020026582A1; TW202012734A; WO2020026582A1

Abstract

A washing machine (1) is provided with a washing tank (4) for storing an object to be washed (2) and washing water, a lid body (5) for opening and closing an opening of the washing tank (4), a pressing part (8) provided on the lid body (5) and capable of extending and retracting, a film body (41) for covering the pressing part (8), a pressure and pressure reducing part (7) for advancing and retracting the pressing part (8) relative to the object to be washed stored in the washing tank (4), and a control part (39) for controlling the pressure and pressure reducing part (7). The film body (41) is formed of a material having flexibility. The film body (41) is provided with a deformation absorbing section (45), and the deformation absorbing section (45) can deform following the advance and retreat of the pressing section (8) with respect to the object to be cleaned.

Description

Washing machine

Technical Field

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

Background

Generally, a washing machine includes a vertical washing machine for agitating laundry such as laundry in a rotary tub to wash the laundry, and a drum washing machine for beating and washing the laundry by lifting the laundry in the rotary tub in a rotation direction of the rotary tub and dropping the laundry from above. In any of the washing machines, washing is performed by applying mechanical force to laundry in addition to chemical action of detergent. In addition, as a structure for dehydrating the washed laundry, generally, the centrifugal force is used to dehydrate the laundry by separating water from the laundry by the centrifugal force generated by the high-speed rotation of the rotary tub.

These washing machines which apply mechanical force to laundry to wash the laundry are not suitable for washing the laundry as described below. That is, laundry in which fabric damage is likely to occur, laundry in which deformation is likely to occur due to entanglement and stretching of the laundry, and laundry in which the texture is likely to deteriorate. As the laundry whose style is easily deteriorated, there are knitted fabrics using knitting yarns such as sweater and lappet sweater, woollen goods, and fine scarves made of fine fibers, which are generally used in hand washing. In the dehydration after washing, the centrifugal dehydration is not suitable for the above-mentioned laundry. Therefore, a washing machine that dehydrates laundry by applying a pressing force to the laundry is considered for laundry that is generally hand-washed as described above (see, for example, patent document 1).

As shown in fig. 9, in the dehydration device described in patent document 1, after the space 52 below the washing tub 51 is decompressed by the decompression device 53, the pressing part 56 provided at the lower end of the bellows-shaped expansion part 55 of the pressure follower 54 is moved downward. Thereby, the laundry is pressed and compressed by the pressing portion 56 to be dehydrated.

Here, a lid 57 for opening and closing an upper surface opening of the washing tub 51 is pivotally supported by a shaft 59 at an upper end of a washing machine frame 58 so as to be rotatable. The upper end of expansion unit 55 is attached to the inner surface of cover 57. With such a configuration, after the final dehydration step (corresponding to the dehydration step in the embodiment of the present invention), pressing part 56 of pressure follower 54 is lifted up to an upper position, and all steps are completed in a state where stretchable part 55 is folded.

Further, a washing machine is considered in which a pressure body is formed of a flexible expansion member such as a bellows and the pressure body is reciprocated (for example, see patent document 2). The washing machine is constructed to press and wash laundry and washing liquid by repeatedly pressurizing them with a pressurizing body.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 63-21097

Patent document 2: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 52-62970

Disclosure of Invention

However, in the conventional structure described in patent document 1, when the pressing part 56 provided in the pressure follower 54 is moved downward to press and compress the laundry and dewater the laundry, most of the water separated from the laundry is sucked by the decompressor 53 and discharged to the outside of the washing machine. On the other hand, the water adhering to the bellows-shaped expansion and contraction portion 55 is not sucked by the pressure reducing device 53, i.e., is not discharged. Therefore, when the pressure follower 54 is lifted up to the upper position, the water adheres to and remains in the expansion/contraction portion 55 in the folded state.

In particular, in an intermediate dewatering step (corresponding to an intermediate dewatering operation in the embodiment of the present invention) after a washing step (corresponding to a washing step in the embodiment of the present invention), since water in the washing tank 51 contains a large amount of dirt, detergent components, and the like adhering to the laundry, there is a possibility that dirt may be deposited on the expansion/contraction part 55 due to long-term use. Further, since the stretchable part 55 is folded when not in use, it is difficult for a user to wipe dirt or the like from the stretchable part 55, and it may be difficult to keep clean.

In the present invention, in the case of washing an object to be cleaned which is not suitable for washing by applying a mechanical force, the pressing portion is covered with the film body to prevent dirt from adhering to the pressing portion when the pressing force is applied to the object to be cleaned by the pressing portion which is stretchable and contractible. Further, the present invention has an object to provide a washing machine capable of causing a pressing force to act on an object to be washed by causing a film body to follow the movement of a pressing portion.

The washing machine of the present invention is a washing machine: the washing machine comprises a washing tank for accommodating an object to be washed and washing water, a cover body for opening and closing an opening of the washing tank, a pressing part provided on the cover body and capable of freely extending and contracting, a film body for covering the pressing part, a pressure reducing part for advancing and retreating the pressing part relative to the object to be washed accommodated in the washing tank, and a control part for controlling the pressure reducing part, wherein the film body is made of a flexible material, and the film body is provided with a deformation absorbing part capable of deforming following the advancing and retreating of the pressing part relative to the object to be washed.

Thus, the pressing portion is covered with the film body, and dirt can be prevented from adhering to the pressing portion. Further, the deformation absorbing portion of the film body can operate in accordance with the movement of the pressing portion, and the film body can smoothly follow the advancing and retreating movement of the pressing portion to apply the pressing force to the object to be cleaned. Further, the resistance when the film body follows the pressing portion can be made small, and the load applied to the pressure increasing and reducing portion can be suppressed to be low.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a main part sectional view of a washing machine according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

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

Fig. 3A is a schematic diagram showing an operation of the washing machine according to embodiment 1 of the present invention at the time of washing.

Fig. 3B is a schematic diagram showing an operation of the washing machine according to embodiment 1 of the present invention during washing.

Fig. 4 is a main part sectional view of the washing machine according to embodiment 1 of the present invention during a spin-drying operation.

Fig. 5A is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the membrane body of the washing machine according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 5B is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the membrane body of the washing machine according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a main part sectional view of the washing machine according to embodiment 1 of the present invention, in a state where the cover is opened and the film body is stretched by the pressing portion.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a membrane body of a washing machine according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a membrane body of a washing machine according to embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a structural diagram of a conventional dehydration apparatus.

Detailed Description

The washing machine of the invention 1 is a washing machine: the washing machine comprises a washing tank for accommodating an object to be washed and washing water, a cover body for opening and closing an opening of the washing tank, a pressing part provided on the cover body and capable of freely extending and contracting, a film body for covering the pressing part, a pressure reducing part for advancing and retreating the pressing part relative to the object to be washed accommodated in the washing tank, and a control part for controlling the pressure reducing part, wherein the film body is made of a flexible material, and the film body is provided with a deformation absorbing part capable of deforming following the advancing and retreating of the pressing part relative to the object to be washed.

Therefore, the pressing part is covered by the film body, and the bellows-shaped expansion part is not exposed to the cleaning tank, so that the pressing part can be protected. Therefore, detergent components contained in the washing water and dirt washed off from the object to be washed do not adhere to the pressing portion, and the pressing portion can be kept clean. The deformation absorbing portion of the film body can be operated in accordance with the movement of the pressing portion, and the film body can smoothly follow the advancing and retreating movement of the pressing portion to apply the pressing force to the object to be cleaned. Further, the resistance when the film body follows the movement of the pressing portion can be made small, and the load applied to the pressure reducing portion for performing the expansion and contraction operation of the pressing portion can be suppressed to be low.

The invention of claim 2 is the invention: in particular, in the invention 1, the pressing portion is provided to be capable of extending in a state where the lid body is opened, and the deformation absorbing portion deforms in the film body in accordance with the extension of the pressing portion.

Thus, in a non-use state where the washing is not performed, the pressing portion can be extended in a state where the lid body is opened. The film body is urged and stretched by the extension of the pressing portion. This allows the user to easily wipe off water droplets and dirt adhering to the membrane body by stretching the deformation absorbing portion.

The invention 3 is an invention as follows: in particular, in the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the film body is formed in a bag shape having an opening, the film body covers the pressing portion such that a bottom portion of the film body faces a pressing surface of the pressing portion, the film body has a peripheral edge portion held by the lid portion facing a peripheral edge of the opening portion of the cleaning tank, and the deformation absorbing portion is formed in a ring shape so as to surround a periphery of the pressing portion between the bottom portion and the peripheral edge portion of the film body.

Thus, the film body can smoothly follow the advancing and retreating movement of the pressing part to apply the pressing force to the object to be cleaned. In addition, the resistance of the film body when following the movement of the pressing portion can be made small. As a result, the load applied to the pressure increasing and reducing section can be suppressed to be low. Further, the deformation absorbing portion is provided on the inner side of the peripheral edge portion of the film body, and thus resistance at the time of deformation can be made smaller.

The 4 th invention is an invention as follows: in particular, in any one of the inventions 1 to 3, the side wall portion of the cleaning tank and the peripheral edge of the bottom portion of the cleaning tank are provided continuously, the side wall portion is provided obliquely so as to expand toward the opening portion, and the deformation absorbing portion is provided at a position facing the upper portion of the side wall portion when the lid body is closed.

Therefore, the membrane body can be contacted with a large range of the objects to be cleaned stored at the bottom of the cleaning tank, and the objects to be cleaned can be uniformly pressed.

The 5 th invention is an invention as follows: in particular, in the invention of

claim

3 or 4, the membrane body is hermetically and liquid-tightly sealed between the peripheral edge portion and the cleaning tank.

Thus, the opening of the cleaning tank and the lid body provided with the pressing part and the film body can be reliably sealed and combined. Thus, the structure is simplified.

The invention 6 is an invention as follows: in particular, in any one of the inventions 1 to 5, the washing machine has a plurality of pressing portions, and the film body is configured to wrap the plurality of pressing portions inside.

Thus, in a non-use state where the film is not washed, the film body is supported by the plurality of pressing portions and is in a stable state. This allows the user to easily wipe off dirt and the like adhering to the membrane. In addition, the object to be cleaned can be prevented from entering between the alternately telescopic pressing parts.

The 7 th invention is an invention as follows: in particular, in any one of the inventions 1 to 6, the film body is provided with a convex portion facing the pressing surface of the pressing portion.

This prevents the film body from being worn due to contact with the pressing portion, thereby preventing the film body from being reduced in thickness. Therefore, the durability of the film body can be improved.

The 8 th invention is an invention as follows: in particular, in any one of the inventions 1 to 7, the film body is provided with a connecting portion connected to the pressing surface of the pressing portion.

Thus, when the pressing portion contracts, the film body also moves in a direction away from the object to be cleaned following the movement of the pressing portion. Therefore, the expansion and contraction of the laundry in the washing step can be easily performed, and the washing performance can be improved.

The 9 th invention is an invention as follows: particularly, in any one of the inventions 1 to 8, the washing machine further includes a suction unit for sucking washing water from the object to be washed, and an outside air introduction unit for introducing outside air into the inside of the washing tub, and the control unit performs at least one of the following operations: the washing machine includes a washing operation for performing press washing by contracting and expanding the object to be washed by pressing and releasing the object to be washed by the pressing part, and a dewatering operation for performing dewatering by sucking washing water and introduced outside air by the suction part.

Thus, the object to be cleaned, which is not suitable for washing or squeezing by applying a mechanical force to the object to be cleaned, can be pressed and washed in the washing step. In the dehydration step, the washing water can be sucked from the object to be washed to perform suction dehydration. Thus, at least one of washing and dewatering can be efficiently performed without damaging the object to be washed.

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

(embodiment mode 1)

Hereinafter, a washing machine according to embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 1 to 6. The washing machine 1 performs a washing operation including a washing step, a rinsing step, a dehydrating step, and the like.

Fig. 1 is a main part sectional view of a washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a main part sectional view of the washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1 in a state where the lid is opened. Fig. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating an operation of washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1 during washing. Fig. 4 is a main part sectional view of the washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1 during a spin-drying operation. Fig. 5A and 5B show the operation of the membrane body of the washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 5A is a schematic view of the state where the object to be cleaned is not pressed. Fig. 5B is a schematic view of the state where the pressing portion is pressed to press the object to be cleaned. Fig. 6 is a main part sectional view of the washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1, in a state where the cover is opened and the film is pressed by the pressing portion to stretch the film. In fig. 3A and 3B, a water level detector 17 and the like described later are omitted. In fig. 3A and 3B, the water level of the washing water is denoted by W.

In fig. 1 to 6, the washing machine 1 is composed of a lower water tank 6 and an upper lid 5. The water tank 6 includes a washing tank 4 having a quadrangular shape with a predetermined depth. The washing tub 4 has an opening 3 formed in the upper surface thereof, and the user takes in or out the object 2 to be washed through the opening 3. The lid 5 is rotatably attached to the rear edge of the upper side of the water tank 6 by a hinge portion 6 a. Lid 5 has lid 5b for opening and closing opening 3 of cleaning tub 4.

The object 2 to be cleaned is stored in the bottom portion 4a of the cleaning tank 4 in a shape set by the user. In the present embodiment, the object to be washed 2 is a washing object, and is effective, for example, a sweater such as a sweater or a lappet sweater, a scarf made of a delicate material made of fine fibers, or the like. These objects to be washed 2 are easily deformed or damaged by applying a mechanical force to the objects to be washed 2 when washed in a general washing machine. Side wall portion 4b connected to the peripheral edge of bottom portion 4a of cleaning tub 4 is provided obliquely so as to expand from bottom portion 4a of cleaning tub 4 toward opening 3.

A handle 5a is provided on the front surface of the lid 5. The user grips the handle 5a and rotates the lid 5 in the direction of the arrow R1 in fig. 2, thereby opening and closing the opening 3 with the lid 5. The lid 5 is configured to be able to be held in a state of being opened at a predetermined angle. When the user closes the opening 3, the lid 5 is locked by a lock device (not shown) and held in a closed state. When the user wants to open the lid 5, the lock device is unlocked in cooperation with the operation of the handle 5a (not shown).

A pressurizing and depressurizing portion 7 is provided inside the lid body 5. In the present embodiment, the pressure increasing and reducing section 7 includes a 1 st pressure increasing and reducing section 7a and a 2 nd pressure increasing and reducing section 7b. Specifically, the 1 st pressure increasing/reducing section 7a includes a pressing section 8a, a pressure pump 10a, and an opening/closing valve 11a.

That is, the pressure increasing and reducing portion 7a includes a pressing portion 8a, a pressure pump 10a, and an opening/closing valve 11a. Here, the pressing portion 8a is formed in a flexible bag shape formed in a bellows shape by rubber, synthetic resin, or the like, for example. The pressure pump 10a communicates with the pressing portion 8a through a hose 9a, and supplies a fluid such as gas (e.g., air) or liquid (e.g., water, an aqueous solution, or oil) into the pressing portion 8 a. The opening/closing valve 11a performs the opening/closing operation to discharge the fluid supplied to the pressing portion 8a and stop the discharge.

Further, the 2 nd pressure/pressure reducing section 7b includes a pressing section 8b, a pressure pump 10b, and an opening/closing valve 11b, as in the pressure/pressure reducing section 7 a. Here, the pressing portion 8b is formed in a bellows shape of rubber, synthetic resin, or the like, and has a flexible bag shape. The pressure pump 10b communicates with the pressing portion 8b through a hose 9b, and supplies a fluid such as gas or liquid into the pressing portion 8 b. The opening/closing valve 11b performs opening/closing operations to discharge the fluid supplied to the pressing portion 8b and to stop the discharge. In the present embodiment, a structure in which the washing machine has two pressure increasing/reducing sections is described, but the washing machine may be configured by 1 pressure increasing/reducing section or 3 or more pressure increasing/reducing sections.

Hereinafter, a plurality of reference numerals a and b may be omitted and labeled unless they are particularly distinguished. For example, the pressure increasing/reducing section 7 represents a pressure increasing/reducing section 7a and a pressure increasing/reducing section 7b. Similarly, the pressing portion 8, the hose 9, the pressure pump 10, the opening/closing valve 11, the pressing surface 80, and the expansion/contraction portion 90, which will be described later, respectively represent the pressing portion 8a and the pressing portion 8b, the hose 9a and the hose 9b, the pressure pump 10a and the pressure pump 10b, the opening/closing valve 11a and the opening/closing valve 11b, the pressing surface 80a and the pressing surface 80b, and the expansion/contraction portion 90a and the expansion/contraction portion 90b.

The pressurizing and depressurizing portions 7 are arranged in line inside the lid body 5. Pressing portion 8 is attached to lid body 5 on the side of cleaning tank 4 and expands and contracts. That is, pressing portion 8 is provided so as to be extendable and retractable, and is configured to be movable forward and backward with respect to object to be cleaned 2 stored in bottom portion 4a of cleaning tank 4. As shown in fig. 3A and 3B, the pressing portion 8a and the pressing portion 8B have pressing surfaces 80a and 80B for pressing the object 2 to be cleaned, and bellows-shaped expansion and contraction portions 90a and 90B, respectively. The

pressing portions

8a and 8b can extend to such an extent that the

pressing surfaces

80a and 80b reach the bottom portion 4a of the cleaning tank 4.

The pressure increasing/reducing section 7 is provided with a constant pressure opening valve (not shown). The constant pressure opening valve opens when the inside of the pressing portion 8 reaches a predetermined pressure, and discharges the fluid to the outside. Thereby, the pressing portion 8 is prevented from being pressurized beyond a predetermined pressure. In the present embodiment, the fluid supplied to the interior of the pressing portion 8 will be described as air.

The pressing portion 8 is covered with a film body 41, and the film body 41 is formed of a material having flexibility such as rubber. The film body 41 is set to have a thickness (for example, 2mm to 3 mm) that ensures sufficient strength, and can withstand repeated pressing against the object 2 to be cleaned. As shown in fig. 5A, the film body 41 is formed in a bag shape having an opening. Film body 41 covers pressing part 8 such that bottom part 42 of film body 41 faces pressing surface 80 of pressing part 8. The bottom 42 of the film 41 is located between the pressing surface 80 of the pressing part 8 and the object 2 to be cleaned. Here, at the annular peripheral edge portion 43 provided at the opening of the film body 41, the section of the film body 41 opened outward is formed in a shape of japanese katakana "12467. Thereby, the peripheral edge portion 43 of the film body 41 is fitted and held in the lid portion 5b opposed to the peripheral edge of the opening portion 3 of the cleaning tank 4.

Further, a sealing portion 44 is provided at the peripheral edge portion 43 of the film body 41 in the opening 3. When lid 5 is closed, cleaning tank 4 and lid 5b are hermetically and liquid-tightly sealed by sealing section 44. Therefore, when lid 5b is closed, the inside of washing tub 4 becomes a hermetically sealed space that is airtight and liquid-tight. This prevents water and air from leaking to the outside through the opening 3 when each step of washing, rinsing, and dewatering is performed.

The film body 41 is provided with a deformation absorbing portion 45, and the deformation absorbing portion 45 extends and contracts in a direction in which the pressing portion 8 advances and retracts with respect to the object 2 to be cleaned. That is, the deformation absorbing portion 45 can deform following the advancing and retreating movement of the pressing portion 8. Further, the deformation absorbing portion 45 is located between the bottom portion 42 and the peripheral edge portion 43 of the film body 41, and is provided at a position facing the upper side of the inclined side wall portion 4b of the cleaning tank 4 when the lid body 5 is closed. That is, deformation absorbing portion 45 is formed in a ring shape so as to surround the periphery of pressing portion 8, and deforms as pressing portion 8 expands and contracts.

Here, the deformation absorbing portion 45 is formed to bulge upward in an arc shape. The deformation absorbing portion 45 has an S-letter shape (including a substantially S-letter shape) in cross section so as to be positioned inward of the peripheral edge portion 43 of the film body 41. This can reduce the resistance when the film body 41 deforms following the expansion and contraction of the pressing portion 8. Accordingly, the load applied to the pressure increasing/reducing portion 7 that expands/contracts the

pressing portions

8a and 8b is suppressed to be low. The lid 5 is provided with a release hole 46 that can release the air inside surrounded by the lid 5 and the film 41 to the outside when the shape of the film 41 is changed.

In addition, lid body 5 is provided with water supply path 16 for supplying washing water to washing tub 4. A water supply valve 14 is provided in the water supply path 16, and communicates with the inside of the washing tub 4 via a detergent box 15. Therefore, supply and stop of the tap water (cleaning water) to washing tub 4 can be performed by opening and closing water supply valve 14.

Water level detector 17 detects a water level W (see fig. 3A and 3B) of the washing water stored in washing tub 4. Water level detector 17 is provided to communicate with the inside of washing tub 4. For example, the water level detection part 17 has a water level detection tank 18, a float 19, and a water level switch 20. The water level detection tank 18 is a tank having an opening at the upper part. The float 19 moves up and down according to the fluctuation of the water level in the water level detection tank 18. The water level switch 20 detects the water level when the float 19 rises to a predetermined position.

A drain hole 21 for draining the washing water used in the washing step and the like is formed in the bottom portion 4a of the washing tub 4. The drain hole 21 communicates with a drain path 23 provided with a drain valve 22. The drainage of the washing water and the stoppage of the drainage of the washing water inside washing tub 4 are performed by opening and closing drain valve 22.

Water tank 6 is provided with overflow path 24 for discharging the washing water in washing tank 4 to the outside when the water level in washing tank 4 reaches a predetermined level or higher. The overflow path 24 has an overflow hole 24a, for example, in the upper portion of the washing tub 4, and is connected to the drain path 23 on the downstream side of the drain valve 22.

Further, a check valve (not shown) is provided in the overflow path 24. The check valve is configured to open the overflow path 24 in the discharge direction of the washing water in the washing tub 4 and to close the overflow path 24 in the inflow direction. That is, the check valve allows the washing water flowing out of the overflow hole 24a to pass therethrough and to be discharged to the outside in the washing step and the rinsing step. On the other hand, the check valve is configured to prevent the inflow of the outside air into the interior of the washing tub 4 when the air in the washing tub 4 is sucked by a suction pump 27 described later during the dewatering operation in the rinsing step and the dewatering step.

A suction port 25 is provided in the center (including substantially the center) of the bottom portion 4a of the cleaning tank 4. When the object to be cleaned 2 is placed inside the cleaning tank 4, the suction port 25 is covered with the object to be cleaned 2. A dehydration path 26 is provided in communication with the suction port 25. Further, a suction pump 27 is provided in communication with the dehydration path 26. When the suction pump 27 sucks the washing water from the object to be washed 2, the air in the washing tub 4 is also sucked.

Therefore, when the air in cleaning tank 4 is sucked, the outside air is introduced into cleaning tank 4 from the outside of cleaning tank 4 by outside air introduction unit 28. External air introducing unit 28 may be provided with an opening at a position above the water level of the washing water stored in washing tub 4. For example, in fig. 1, 2, and 4, outside air introduction unit 28 is provided above water level detection unit 17 communicating with the inside of washing tub 4. In fig. 3A and 3B, outside air introducing unit 28 is disposed above cleaning tank 4. The outside air introducing portion 28 is provided with an air volume adjusting valve 29 which is an air volume adjusting portion capable of adjusting the introduced air volume. The air volume adjustment valve 29 has a narrow air passage area in the flow passage, such as a needle valve, and can adjust the volume of air sucked by the suction pump 27. The outside air introduced into washing tub 4 by outside air introduction unit 28 may be directly introduced from the outside of washing machine 1, or may be introduced through the internal space of washing machine 1.

The dehydration passage 26 is provided with a gas-liquid separation section 30. Gas-liquid separation unit 30 separates the air in washing tub 4 and the washing water sucked out from object to be washed 2, and stores the sucked-out washing water. The gas-liquid separator 30 is composed of, for example, a pressure-resistant container, and has a primary vent 33 and a secondary vent 31. The primary vent 33 communicates with the suction pump 27 through the suction path 32. The secondary side vent 31 communicates with the dehydration path 26 above it. Further, a barrier 34 is provided between the primary side vent 33 and the secondary side vent 31. The barrier 34 is formed to protrude downward from the top surface of the gas-liquid separation portion 30. This prevents the cleaning water sucked into the gas-liquid separation unit 30 from the secondary-side vent hole 31 from entering the primary-side vent hole 33.

The dewatering drain port 35 is provided at the bottom of the gas-liquid separator 30. The drain outlet 35 communicates with a drain passage 37 having a drain valve 36 that can be opened and closed.

The overflow detecting portion 38 is provided at a predetermined height of the inner wall of the gas-liquid separating portion 30. Specifically, the height position at which the overflow water detecting portion 38 is provided is preferably in the range of 1/2 to 4/5 with respect to the maximum water level at which the gas-liquid separation portion 30 can store water.

The overflow detecting unit 38 is constituted by 1 pair of electrodes, for example. When the overflow detecting unit 38 detects that the amount of the washing water stored in the gas-liquid separating unit 30 reaches a predetermined amount, the dehydration drain valve 36 is opened. Thereby, the washing water is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 1 through the dehydration discharge path 37.

Here, when the washing water contains foam, the foam may be attached to the barrier 34 and remain therein, which may cause generation of odor. In order to prevent the foam from remaining, the overflow detecting unit 38 is set such that a certain space exists between the lower end of the barrier 34 and the washing water surface when the washing water is detected. That is, the overflow detecting unit 38 detects a predetermined amount in consideration of the amount of the bubbles contained in the washing water.

The control unit 39 is disposed on the side surface of the inside of the lid 5. The operation display unit 40 is provided on the upper surface of the control unit 39. The control unit 39 controls various components based on the input information to perform the washing operation.

Specifically, information such as the water level of the cleaning water in cleaning tub 4 detected by water level detecting unit 17 and the amount of the cleaning water in gas-liquid separating unit 30 detected by overflow detecting unit 38 is input to control unit 39.

Then, the controller 39 controls the pressurizing pump 10, the on-off valve 11, the water supply valve 14, the drain valve 22, the suction pump 27, the air volume adjusting valve 29, the dehydration drain valve 36, and the like based on these input information, and controls the washing step, the rinsing step, and the dehydration step to perform the washing operation. As will be described later, in the present embodiment, the washing process includes at least one of a washing step, a rinsing step, and a dehydrating step.

Here, the pressing portion 8 is configured to be able to extend in a state where the lid body 5 is opened. Therefore, pressing portion 8 is provided with an extension setting portion (not shown) for setting an extension operation of pressing portion 8. The extension setting portion pressurizes the pressing portion 8 by a manual operation of the user in a state where the cover body 5 is opened. Thereby, the bellows-like stretchable and contractible portion 8d is stretched, and the pressing portion 8 is stretched. The extension setting unit is provided in an operation display unit 40 for performing various settings during the washing operation. The extension setting unit may be provided separately from the operation display unit 40.

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

First, the user inputs settings such as selection of a washing program and time of each step using the operation display unit 40 provided on the front portion of the upper surface of the lid body 5. The control unit 39 executes the operations of each of the washing step, the rinsing step, and the spin-drying step as a washing program based on the setting contents. In this case, the user can arbitrarily select to execute only the washing process such as the washing step. The user may perform this setting operation after placing the object to be cleaned 2 described later.

The user operates the handle 5a to unlock the lock device, and then opens the lid body 5 to arrange the shape of the object 2 to be washed and places it on the bottom 4a of the washing tub 4. In addition, the user can fold and place the object 2 to be washed according to the size of the object 2 to be washed. When the setting of the object 2 to be washed is completed and the lid body 5 is closed and the lock device is locked, the washing tub 4 is sealed by the sealing section 44 provided at the peripheral edge section 43 of the film body 41. Then, the control unit 39 starts the operation according to the operation program set by the operation display unit 40.

When lid body 5 is closed, film body 41 comes into contact with object 2 to be cleaned placed on bottom 4a of cleaning tank 4 in a state where pressing part 8 is not pressed while film body 41 passes through opening 3 of cleaning tank 4. Then, as the lid 5 is closed, the degree of contact between the film body 41 and the object 2 to be cleaned increases, and the film body 41 is deformed so as to be pushed back. At this time, since the deformation absorbing portion 45 is provided in the film body 41, the film body 41 can be prevented from bulging outward and entering the gap formed by the lid body 5 and the opening portion 3. That is, the shape of the deformation absorbing portion 45 can be changed to smoothly and reliably close the lid 5.

First, the operation and action of the washing machine 1 in the case where only the washing step is set will be described with respect to the washing program.

The control section 39 performs a washing step. The washing step includes a water supply action and a washing action. Controller 39 first opens water supply valve 14 to perform a water supply operation. Thus, the tap water and the detergent put into the detergent box 15 are supplied as washing water from the water supply path 16 to the inside of the washing tub 4. At this time, the washing water gradually permeates into the object 2 to be washed, and is contained between the fibers of the object 2 to be washed.

Then, control part 39 detects that the washing water has been supplied to a predetermined water level inside washing tub 4 by water level switch 20 of water level detecting part 17, thereby closing water supply valve 14.

The control unit 39 performs the washing operation after the water supply operation is completed. In the washing action, the control section 39 first closes the on-off valve 11a of the 1 st pressure increasing and reducing section 7a and drives the pressure pump 10a for a predetermined time or drives the pressure pump 10a until the pressing section 8a reaches a predetermined pressure. This supplies air into pressing portion 8a, and pressing portion 8a expands. As shown in fig. 3A, the stretchable and contractible portion 90a is stretched, and the pressing portion 8a extends toward the object 2 to be cleaned. As a result, the portion of the object 2 to be cleaned below the pressing portion 8a pressed by the pressing surface 80a through the film body 41 is compressed and becomes thinner.

The object 2 to be washed is compressed by the expansion of the pressing portion 8a to change its volume, and the washing water contained in the object 2 to be washed is pushed out from the object 2 to be washed. As a result, water flow is generated inside the object 2 to be cleaned, and dirt adhering to the object 2 to be cleaned is separated from the fibers and removed by the water flow.

At this time, the controller 39 opens the on-off valve 11b of the 2 nd pressure/reducing section 7b to allow the pressing section 8b to contract. Therefore, the washing water contained in the inside of the object to be washed 2 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow a (see fig. 3A) from the inside of the object to be washed 2 to the lower side of the pressing portion 8b of the pressing portion 8 a. The washing water thus moved expands the object 2 to be washed below the pressing portion 8b and pushes up the pressing surface 80b of the pressing portion 8 b. This causes air to be discharged from the open on-off valve 11b, and the pressing portion 8b contracts.

Next, the control section 39 closes the opening/closing valve 11b of the 2 nd pressure increasing/reducing section 7b and drives the pressure pump 10b for a predetermined time or drives the pressure pump 10b until the pressing section 8b reaches a predetermined pressure. This supplies air into pressing portion 8b, and pressing portion 8b expands.

As shown in fig. 3B, when the stretchable portion 90B is stretched to extend the pressing portion 8B 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 80B through the film body 41 is compressed and becomes thinner.

The object 2 to be washed is compressed by the expansion of the pressing portion 8b to change its volume, and the washing water contained in the object 2 to be washed is pushed out from the object 2 to be washed. As a result, water flow is generated inside the object 2 to be cleaned, and dirt adhering to the object 2 to be cleaned is separated from the fibers by the water flow and removed.

At this time, the control unit 39 opens the opening/closing valve 11a of the 1 st pressure increasing/reducing section 7a to allow the pressing section 8a to contract. Therefore, the washing water contained in the inside of the object to be washed 2 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow B (see fig. 3B) from the inside of the object to be washed 2 to the lower side of the pressing portion 8a of the pressing portion 8B. The washing water thus moved expands the object to be washed 2 below the pressing portion 8a and pushes up the pressing surface 80a of the pressing portion 8 a. This causes air to be discharged from the open on-off valve 11a, and the pressing portion 8a contracts.

As described above, in the washing operation, the pressing and washing effects can be exerted on the object to be washed 2 by repeating the expansion and contraction of the pressing portion 8a and the pressing portion 8b at alternately different timings (for example, by performing the pressurization by the expansion of the pressing portion 8a for 1 second and the depressurization by the contraction of the pressing portion 8b for 1 second) for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes). That is, the dirt can be removed by generating the multi-directional water flow in the inside of the object 2 without applying a mechanical force such as stirring or beating washing to the object 2.

At this time, since the film body 41 is provided so as to wrap the

pressing portions

8a and 8b, the object 2 to be cleaned can be prevented from entering between the

pressing portions

8a and 8 b. In addition, since bellows-shaped stretchable and

contractible portions

90a, 90b of

pressing portions

8a, 8b are covered by film body 41, stretchable and

contractible portions

90a, 90b can be kept clean without coming into contact with the washing water containing dirt in washing tub 4. Further, water droplets or dirt adhering to the membrane 41 can be easily wiped off by the user, and thus cleanliness can be maintained.

As described above, the case where only the washing step is executed has been described with respect to the washing program.

Next, a case where a washing program continuously executed from the washing step to the dehydration step is set will be described. The controller 39 executes the rinsing step and the spin-drying step described below, following the washing step described above.

In the rinsing step, for example, a water storage rinsing operation is performed after the dehydration operation. Hereinafter, the dehydration operation in the rinsing step is referred to as an intermediate dehydration operation. As described later, the dehydration operation is also performed in the dehydration step. The dehydration operation in this dehydration step is referred to as a final dehydration operation to be distinguished from the intermediate dehydration operation in the rinsing step.

Further, the rinsing step may be repeated a plurality of times. The intermediate dehydration may be performed between the rinsing steps repeated a plurality of times.

The intermediate dewatering action includes drainage, compression and suction. First, the controller 39 performs water discharge. That is, the controller 39 opens the drain valve 22 to drain the washing water inside the washing tub 4 from the drain hole 21 to the outside of the washing machine 1 through the drain path 23.

When the drainage is completed, the control unit 39 performs compression. That is, the control unit 39 closes the on-off

valves

11a and 11b and drives the pressurizing pumps 10a and 10b in a state where the water discharge valve 22 is opened. As a result, the object 2 to be washed is pressed and compressed by the expansion of the

pressing portions

8a and 8b, and a part of the washing water contained in the object 2 to be washed is forcibly discharged.

When the compression is completed, the suction is performed by the control unit 39. That is, the control unit 39 closes the drain valve 22 and drives the suction pump 27 in a state where the object 2 to be cleaned is pressed. Thereby, the outside air is introduced from outside air introduction portion 28 into washing tub 4 via air volume control valve 29. By the introduced outside air, the cleaning water and the air in the cleaning tank 4 are sucked from the suction port 25 and are sent to the gas-liquid separation unit 30 through the dehydration passage 26. The sucked air is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 1 by the suction pump 27. On the other hand, the cleaning water is retained in the gas-liquid separation section 30. Thereby, the object 2 to be cleaned is dehydrated.

In the rinsing step, the control unit 39 continues the water accumulation rinsing operation following the intermediate dewatering operation. First, the controller 39 supplies water. Water supply valve 14 is opened by controller 39, and a predetermined amount of washing water is supplied into washing tub 4. At this time, the detergent in the detergent box 15 is completely used in the above washing step. Therefore, the washing water used in the rinsing operation is tap water.

Thereafter, the pressurizing pumps 10a and 10b are driven in the same manner as the washing operation, and the

pressing portions

8a and 8b are alternately expanded and contracted. Thereby, the detergent concentration of the washing water inside the object 2 to be washed is diluted. Above, the rinsing step is ended.

This rinsing step is repeated a plurality of times (e.g., twice). In this case, the same intermediate spin-drying operation as described above is also performed between the 1 st rinsing step and the 2 nd rinsing step.

Next, the control unit 39 executes the spin-drying step after executing the rinsing step.

The dehydration step is performed by a dehydration operation. Hereinafter, the dewatering operation in the dewatering step will be referred to as a final dewatering operation. The final dewatering action includes drainage, compression and suction.

First, the controller 39 performs drainage of the washing water used in the rinsing step. That is, controller 39 opens drain valve 22 to drain the washing water inside washing tub 4 from drain hole 21 to the outside of washing machine 1 through drain path 23. At this time, outside air introducing unit 28 is opened by control unit 39, and the inside and the outside of washing tub 4 are communicated. As a result, the washing water is smoothly discharged. Further, the controller 39 opens the air volume control valve 29 and closes both the opening and

closing valves

11a and 11b to close the dehydration drain valve 36.

The control unit 39 performs compression after the completion of the water discharge. That is, the control unit 39 drives both the pressure pumps 10a and 10b substantially simultaneously (including simultaneously) in a state where the discharge valve 22 is opened and both the on-off

valves

11a and 11b are closed. Accordingly, air is supplied to the insides of the

pressing portions

8a and 8b, and the object 2 to be cleaned is pressed and compressed by the expansion of the

pressing portions

8a and 8 b. Therefore, a part of the washing water contained in the object 2 to be washed is forcibly discharged, and is discharged from the drain hole 21 to the outside of the washing machine 1 through the drain path 23. With the structure and operation of the pressing portion 8, the pressing surface 80 can be brought into close contact with the object 2 to be cleaned through the film body 41, and can be uniformly pressed. That is, the washing water contained in the inside of the object 2 to be washed can be forcibly pushed out.

When the compression is finished, the control section 39 performs suction. That is, after the predetermined time T1 (for example, 1 minute) from the stop of the pressurizing pumps 10a and 10b, the control unit 39 closes the drain valve 22 and drives the suction pump 27 in a state where the object 2 to be washed is pressed. Thereby, the air and water inside the cleaning tank 4 are sucked into the gas-liquid separation section 30. At this time, as shown in fig. 4, the cleaning tank 4 is depressurized compared to the atmosphere, and the film body 41 presses the object 2 to be cleaned by the pressure difference. Outside air is introduced into washing tub 4 from outside air introduction unit 28, and the outside air is introduced into object 2 to be washed pressed through membrane 41. The pressure inside the cleaning tank 4 is maintained at a predetermined pressure by, for example, a constant pressure open valve, and the object 2 to be cleaned is maintained in a pressurized state at a constant pressure.

The outside air introduced from outside air introduction unit 28 into washing tub 4 pushes out the washing water accumulated between the fibers of object to be washed 2. Then, the outside air is sucked together with the wash water and moved toward the suction port 25. The washing water supplied to the suction port 25 by the outside air tends to stay in the fibers by the surface tension. However, the washing water is separated from the fibers by the shearing force generated by the airflow, and is sent from the suction port 25 to the gas-liquid separation unit 30 through the dewatering channel 26.

The air sucked together with the washing water enters the gas-liquid separation unit 30 from the secondary-side vent 31, and is discharged from the primary-side vent 33 provided in the upper portion of the gas-liquid separation unit 30 by the suction pump 27. The cleaning water falls from the secondary-side vent hole 31 by gravity, and is accumulated in the gas-liquid separation unit 30 without entering the primary-side vent hole 33 by the barrier 34 provided between the primary-side vent hole 33 and the secondary-side vent hole 31.

Here, when the washing water and the air inside the washing tub 4 are sucked, they pass through a path of least resistance. Therefore, when the dehydration operation is performed, a short-circuit path containing no washing water is formed in the object 2 to be washed, and the flow of air may be concentrated on the short-circuit path. As a result, the suction of the washing water cannot be promoted. However, in the present embodiment, since the object 2 to be cleaned is uniformly pressurized at a constant pressure all the time by the

pressing portions

8a and 8b through the film body 41, the formation of the short-circuit air passage can be suppressed. As a result, the washing water can be sucked and dehydrated without stagnation together with the outside air introduced into washing tub 4.

In this way, the pressing portion 8 can be inflated by the suction pump 27. The film body 41 is provided with a deformation absorbing portion 45 above the inclined portion of the side wall portion 4b of the cleaning tank 4. This allows the deformation absorbing portion 45 to change its shape so as to expand and contract in the direction in which the pressing portion 8 advances and retracts, and to smoothly follow the movement of the pressing portion 8. The surface of the film body 41 that contacts the object 2 to be cleaned is formed to be smooth. Therefore, the pressing surface 80 of the pressing portion 8 can be brought into close contact with the object 2 to be washed through the film body 41, and can be uniformly pressed. This allows the object 2 to be cleaned to have a predetermined dewatering performance by introducing the outside air into the object.

In the dehydration step, the washing water may be retained in the gas-liquid separation section 30 in an amount exceeding a set amount. The control portion 39 stops the driving of the suction pump 27 when it detects this with the overflow detecting portion 38. Thereafter, the dehydration drain valve 36 is opened to discharge the washing water accumulated in the gas-liquid separation section 30 to the outside of the washing machine 1. After the washing water is discharged, the controller 39 closes the dehydration drain valve 36 again to drive the suction pump 27. Thereby, control unit 39 sucks the cleaning water together with the outside air introduced into cleaning tub 4.

When the above-described suction has elapsed the predetermined time T2 (for example, 4 minutes), the control section 39 opens the opening and closing valve 11. Further, the control unit 39 stops the driving of the pressure pump 10 and the suction pump 27.

Thereby, the air in pressing portion 8 is discharged from open/close valve 11, and the pressure in cleaning tank 4 is returned to the atmospheric pressure. The pressing by the pressing part 8 of the object 2 to be cleaned is released, and the dewatering step is ended.

Through the above-described series of operations, when the dehydration step is completed, the controller 39 discharges the cleaning water accumulated in the gas-liquid separator 30 through the dehydration discharge path 37, and the washing process is completed.

The final dewatering operation is the same as the intermediate dewatering operation. Here, the intermediate spinning operation includes an intermediate spinning operation performed in the rinsing step and an intermediate spinning operation performed between the rinsing steps repeatedly performed a plurality of times. The predetermined times T1 and T2 are also set to be optimal in each intermediate dewatering operation.

When the dehydration step is completed, the user opens the lid body 5 and takes out the object 2 to be washed from the washing tank 4. In the non-use state where washing is not performed, the lid 5 can be kept in the open state. In this state, the user operates the extension setting unit to keep the pressing unit 8 extended and the film body 41 extended. Thereby, the film body 41 is pressed by the pressing portion 8 in a stable state. The user can easily wipe off water droplets and dirt adhering to the membrane 41. This can keep the film body 41 pressed against the object 2 to be washed clean.

Further, both the pressure pumps 10a and 10b are driven to supply air into the

pressing portions

8a and 8b, thereby extending both the

pressing portions

8a and 8 b. As a result, the film body 41 is stretched and the deformation absorbing portion 45 is extended, so that the film body 41 can be pushed out in a stable state. This allows the user to easily wipe off dirt and the like adhering to the film body 41.

In the present embodiment, the pressure increasing/reducing portion 7 includes a flexible pressing portion 8, a pressure pump 10 that supplies air into the pressing portion 8 to expand the pressing portion, and an on-off valve 11 that discharges air from the inside of the pressing portion 8 to contract the pressing portion. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the pressure reduction for contracting the pressing portion 8 may be performed by a pressure reduction pump (not shown) instead of the opening/closing valve 11. Alternatively, the pressure pump 10 may be used as a decompression pump by reversing the direction.

In the present embodiment, the fluid that is supplied to the inside of pressing portion 8 to inflate pressing portion 8 is air, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the fluid may be other gases or liquids. In the case of gas, as in the present embodiment, it is sufficient to suck ambient air by a pressure pump or the like, and it is preferable that the restriction at the time of exhaust is small. On the other hand, in the case of a liquid, water, an aqueous solution, oil, or the like can be used. Further, it is preferable to have a reservoir for storing liquid. Since the liquid has a higher density than air and is not as elastic as gas, the pressing portion 8 can be reliably expanded.

As described above, the washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1 is a washing machine including: the washing machine comprises a washing tank 4 for containing an object 2 to be washed and washing water, a lid body 5 for opening and closing an opening 3 of the washing tank 4, a pressing part 8 provided on the lid body 5 and being stretchable and contractible, a film body 41 for covering the pressing part 8, a pressure reducing part 7 for advancing and retreating the pressing part 8 relative to the object 2 to be washed contained in the washing tank 4, and a control part 39 for controlling the pressure reducing part 7, wherein the film body 41 is formed of a flexible material, and the film body 41 is provided with a deformation absorbing part 45, and the deformation absorbing part 45 is deformable following the advancing and retreating of the pressing part 8 relative to the object 2 to be washed.

With this configuration, pressing portion 8 is covered with film 41, and bellows-shaped stretchable and contractible portion 8d can protect pressing portion 8 without being exposed to washing tub 4. Therefore, detergent components contained in the washing water and dirt washed off from the object 2 to be washed do not adhere to the pressing portion 8, and can be kept clean. The deformation absorbing portion 45 of the film body 41 can operate in accordance with the movement of the pressing portion 8, and the film body 41 can smoothly follow the advancing and retreating movement of the pressing portion 8 to apply the pressing force to the object 2 to be cleaned. Further, the resistance when the film body 41 follows the movement of the pressing portion 8 can be made small, and the load applied to the pressure reducing and pressurizing portion 7 for performing the expansion and contraction operation of the pressing portion 8 can be suppressed to be low.

The pressing portion 8 is provided to be capable of extending in a state where the lid body 5 is opened, and the deformation absorbing portion 45 of the film body 41 deforms in accordance with the extension of the pressing portion 8.

According to this configuration, in a non-use state where washing is not performed, the pressing portion 8 can be extended in a state where the lid body 5 is opened. The film body 41 is biased and stretched by the extension of the pressing portion 8. Thus, the user can easily wipe off water droplets or dirt adhering to the membrane 41 by stretching the deformation absorbing portion 45.

The film body 41 is formed in a bag shape having an opening, the film body 41 covers the pressing portion 8 so that the bottom portion 42 of the film body 41 faces the pressing surface 80 of the pressing portion 8, the film body 41 has a peripheral edge portion 43, the peripheral edge portion 43 is held by the lid portion 5b facing the peripheral edge of the opening portion 3 of the cleaning tank 4, and the deformation absorbing portion 45 is formed in a ring shape so as to surround the periphery of the pressing portion 8 between the bottom portion 42 and the peripheral edge portion 43 of the film body 41.

With this configuration, the film body 41 can smoothly follow the advancing and retreating movement of the pressing portion 8 to apply the pressing force to the object 2 to be cleaned. Further, the resistance when the film body 41 follows the movement of the pressing portion 8 can be made small. As a result, the load applied to the pressure increasing and reducing section 7 can be kept low. Further, the deformation absorbing portion 45 is provided on the inner side of the peripheral edge portion 43 of the film body 41, and thus resistance at the time of deformation can be made smaller.

The side wall portion 4b of the cleaning tank 4 is provided continuously with the peripheral edge of the bottom portion 4a of the cleaning tank 4, and the side wall portion 4b is provided obliquely so as to expand toward the opening 3, and the deformation absorbing portion 45 is provided at a position facing the upper portion of the side wall portion 4 b. With this configuration, the film body 41 can be brought into contact with a wide range of the object 2 to be cleaned stored in the bottom portion 4a of the cleaning tank 4. Therefore, the object 2 to be cleaned can be uniformly pressed.

Further, the film body 41 is hermetically and liquid-tightly sealed between the peripheral edge portion 43 and the cleaning tank 4. According to this configuration, opening 3 of cleaning tub 4 and lid 5 provided with pressing part 8 and film body 41 can be reliably sealed and joined, and the structure can be simplified.

The washing machine has a plurality of pressing portions 8, and a film body 41 wraps the plurality of pressing portions 8 inside. According to this configuration, the film body 41 is supported by the plurality of pressing portions 8 and is in a stable state in a non-use state where washing is not performed. This allows the user to easily wipe off dirt and the like adhering to the membrane 41. In addition, the object to be cleaned 2 can be prevented from entering between the alternately stretchable pressing portions 8.

Further, the washing machine includes a suction pump 27 for sucking washing water from the object 2 to be washed, and an outside air introducing unit 28 for introducing outside air into the washing tub 4, and the control unit 39 performs at least one of the following steps: a washing step (washing operation) in which the object 2 to be cleaned is pressed and released by the pressing portion 8 to contract and expand the object 2 to be cleaned and press-washing is performed, and a dehydration step (dehydration operation) in which the cleaning water and the introduced outside air are sucked by the suction pump 27 and dehydration is performed.

According to this configuration, the object 2 to be cleaned, which is not suitable for washing or squeezing by applying a mechanical force to the object 2 to be cleaned, is pressed and washed in the washing step. In the dehydration step, the washing water can be sucked from the object 2 to be washed to perform suction dehydration. This enables at least one of washing and dewatering to be performed efficiently without damaging the object 2 to be cleaned.

That is, in the washing step and the rinsing step, the object 2 to be cleaned is contracted and expanded by pressing and releasing the object 2 to be cleaned by the pressing portion 8, and thus, a multidirectional water flow can be generated inside the object 2 to be cleaned without agitating the object 2 to be cleaned. This can suppress damage and deformation of the cloth of the object 2 to be cleaned, which is not suitable for cleaning by applying a mechanical force to the object 2 to be cleaned, and can perform satisfactory cleaning.

In the dehydration step, the plurality of pressing portions 8 are simultaneously expanded to press the object 2 to be cleaned. Further, by sucking the cleaning water and the introduced outside air by the suction pump 27, it is possible to suppress damage or deformation of the cloth of the object 2 to be cleaned, which is not suitable for squeezing and twisting the object 2 to be cleaned by applying a mechanical force to the object 2, and to perform satisfactory dewatering.

(embodiment mode 2)

Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a membrane body of a washing machine according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. The feature of embodiment 2 is that a convex portion 47 is provided on the inner surface of the film body 41 so as to face the pressing surface 80 of the pressing portion 8. Other structures are the same as those in embodiment 1, and the same structures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the details of embodiment 1 will be described.

In fig. 7, a convex portion 47 protruding toward the pressing surface 80 of the pressing portion 8 is provided on the inner surface of the bottom portion 42 of the film body 41. The convex portion 47 is formed to have a thickness 2 times as large as the thickness (for example, 2mm to 3 mm) of the bottom portion 42. The projections 47 have a relatively small area and are provided in plurality at intervals, so that the flexibility of the bottom portion 42 is not impaired.

As described above, the film body 41 of the present embodiment has the convex portion 47 on the inner surface facing the pressing surface 80 of the pressing portion 8.

With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the film 41 from being worn due to contact with the pressing portion 8 and the film 41 from being thinned, and to improve the durability of the film 41.

(embodiment mode 3)

Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a membrane body of a washing machine according to embodiment 3 of the present invention. The feature of embodiment 3 is that the bottom portion 42 of the film body 41 is connected to the pressing surface 80 of the pressing portion 8. Other structures are the same as those in embodiment 1, and the same structures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the details of embodiment 1 will be described.

In fig. 8, a fixing portion 48 is provided on an inner surface of the bottom portion 42 of the film body 41. The fixing portion 48 is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the pressing surface 80 provided in the pressing portion 8. The bottom portion 42 of the film body 41 is connected to the pressing portion 8 by a fixing portion 48 (also referred to as a connecting portion). Here, the fixing portion 48 may be provided on the entire outer periphery of the pressing surface 80 or may be provided on a part of the outer periphery.

As described above, in the film body 41 of the present embodiment, the pressing surface 80 of the pressing portion 8 is connected to the bottom portion 42 of the film body 41.

According to this configuration, since the film body 41 moves in the direction away from the object 2 to be washed following the movement of the pressing portion 8 even when the pressing portion 8 contracts, the object 2 to be washed, i.e., clothes, can be easily expanded and contracted in the washing step. Thereby, the washing performance is improved.

In the present embodiment, the case where 1 fixing portion 48 is provided has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The number of the fixing portions 48 may be plural.

The bottom portion 42 of the film body 41 may be connected to the pressing surface 80 of the pressing portion 8 in a manner different from the fixing portion 48. For example, the bottom portion 42 and the pressing surface 80 may be surface-bonded.

The above embodiments can be combined with other embodiments and implemented.

As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention is useful as a washing machine because the membrane can follow the movement of the pressing portion to apply the pressing force to the object to be washed.

Description of the reference numerals

1. A washing machine; 2. an object to be cleaned; 3. an opening part; 4. a cleaning tank; 4a, the bottom of the cleaning tank; 4b, a side wall portion; 5. a cover body; 5b, a cover part; 7. 7a, 7b, a pressure increasing and reducing part; 8. 8a, 8b, a pressing part; 80a, 80b, a pressing surface; 27. a suction pump (suction section); 28. an outside air introduction part; 39. a control unit; 41. a membrane body; 42. the bottom of the membrane body; 43. a peripheral edge portion; 45. a deformation absorbing portion; 47. a convex portion; 48. a fixed part (connecting part).

Claims

1. A washing machine, wherein,

the washing machine has:

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

a lid body that opens and closes an opening of the cleaning tank;

a pressing portion provided on the lid body and being extendable and retractable;

a film body covering the pressing portion;

a pressurizing/depressurizing unit that advances/retreats the pressing unit with respect to the object to be cleaned stored in the cleaning tank; and

a control unit for controlling the pressure increasing and reducing unit,

the film body is formed of a material having flexibility,

the film body is provided with a deformation absorbing portion that can deform in accordance with the advance and retreat of the pressing portion with respect to the object to be cleaned.

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

the pressing portion is provided to be capable of extending in a state where the lid body is opened,

in the film body, the deformation absorbing portion deforms along with the extension of the pressing portion.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2,

the membrane body is formed in a bag shape having an opening,

the film body covers the pressing part in a manner that the bottom of the film body is opposite to the pressing surface of the pressing part,

the film body has a peripheral edge portion held by a lid portion facing the peripheral edge of the opening of the cleaning tank,

the deformation absorbing portion is located between the bottom portion and the peripheral edge portion of the film body and is formed in a ring shape so as to surround the pressing portion.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2,

a side wall portion of the cleaning tank is provided continuously with a periphery of a bottom portion of the cleaning tank, and the side wall portion is provided obliquely so as to expand toward the opening portion,

the deformation absorbing portion is provided at a position opposing an upper portion of the side wall portion when the lid body is closed.

5. The washing machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein,

the membrane body is hermetically and liquid-tightly sealed between the peripheral portion and the cleaning tank.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2,

the washing machine is provided with a plurality of pressing parts,

the film body wraps the plurality of pressing portions inside.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2,

a convex portion is provided on the film body so as to face the pressing surface of the pressing portion.

8. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2,

the film body is provided with a connecting portion connected to the pressing surface of the pressing portion.

9. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2,

the washing machine further has:

a suction unit for sucking the washing water from the object to be washed; and

an external air introduction part which introduces external air into the cleaning tank,

the control unit executes at least one of the following operations: the washing machine includes a washing operation for performing press washing by compressing and expanding the object to be washed by releasing the compression of the object to be washed by the compression part, and a dehydrating operation for dehydrating by sucking the washing water and the introduced outside air by the suction part.