CN118055811A - Cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

A cleaning device for cleaning a laundry by hand and for cleaning the laundry locally by ultrasonic waves. The cleaning device (1) is provided with: a washing tub (30) for storing water for washing laundry; a water storage barrel (40) which is arranged in the cleaning barrel (30) and can store water, and the opening area of the water storage barrel is smaller than that of the cleaning barrel (30); and an ultrasonic cleaning unit (200) which is located above the water storage tank (40) and which causes ultrasonic waves to act on a part of the laundry immersed in the water storage tank (40) to clean the part. The water storage tub (40) is formed on the bottom surface of the washing tub (30). The cleaning device (1) further comprises: and a holding mechanism (300) for holding the ultrasonic cleaning unit (200) so as to be movable between a position above the water storage tank (40) inside the cleaning tank (30) and a position outside the cleaning tank (30).

Description

Cleaning device Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing apparatus that can wash laundry by hand and can locally wash the laundry by ultrasonic waves.

Background

Conventionally, for delicate washings which cannot be washed by a washing machine, water containing a detergent (hereinafter referred to as "detergent water") is stored in a wash tub, a wash basin, or the like, and is washed by a human hand, that is, so-called hand washing is performed. In addition, in the case of a severely contaminated laundry, detergent water is stored in a wash tub or the like before washing with a washing machine, and the washing is performed by a human hand, so-called pre-washing.

In order to remove dirt adhering locally to the laundry, so-called local cleaning of the laundry may be performed locally before the entire laundry is cleaned. Patent document 1 describes an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus for local cleaning. The ultrasonic cleaning device comprises a water storage bucket capable of storing water and an ultrasonic generator for generating ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic waves act on the part of the washing articles soaked in the water storage bucket and soaked by the water, so that dirt attached to the washing articles locally is removed.

In the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, the water storage tub is a tub for storing water to be impregnated into the dirt adhering portion, and since the size thereof is small with respect to the laundry, it is difficult to clean the entire laundry using the water stored in the cleaning tub. Accordingly, when the entire laundry is to be subjected to hand washing or pre-washing after the local washing, it is necessary to separately prepare a wash basin or the like.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2019-10618

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing apparatus capable of washing a laundry by hand and performing local washing of the laundry by ultrasonic waves.

Solution for solving the problem

The cleaning device according to the main aspect of the present invention comprises: a first tub storing water for washing laundry; the second barrel is arranged in the first barrel and can store water, and the opening area of the second barrel is smaller than that of the first barrel; and an ultrasonic cleaning unit located above the second tub, for applying ultrasonic waves to a part of the laundry immersed in the water in the second tub to clean the part.

According to the above structure, the washing can be washed by the hand of the user in the first tub capable of storing water, and the washing can be locally washed by the ultrasonic wave in the second tub capable of storing water.

Further, since the second tub having the smaller opening area than the first tub is provided and the water is stored in the second tub when the washing is locally performed by the ultrasonic wave, the amount of water required for storing water according to the depth of the washing to be locally immersed is reduced, and the generation of wasteful water can be prevented. Further, since the second tub is located inside the first tub, water is less likely to scatter outside the washing apparatus when the washing is locally washed by ultrasonic waves.

The water stored in the first tub and the second tub may contain a detergent.

In the washing apparatus of the present embodiment, the second tub may be formed on a bottom surface of the first tub.

According to the above structure, the second tub is not easy to be blocked when the washing is washed in the first tub.

In the case of adopting the above-described structure, the structure may be such that it further includes: and a holding mechanism for holding the ultrasonic cleaning unit so as to be movable between a position above the second tub inside the first tub and a position outside the first tub.

With this configuration, the ultrasonic cleaning unit can be retracted outside the first tub when cleaning the laundry in the first tub, and the ultrasonic cleaning unit can be prevented from being immersed in the water stored in the first tub. In addition, the ultrasonic cleaning section is less likely to interfere with cleaning performed in the first tub.

In the case of adopting the above-described structure, the structure may be such that it further includes: the water supply port is arranged in the second barrel; and a water supply device supplying water to the second tub through the water supply port.

When such a structure is adopted, water can be supplied into the second tub by the water supply device, and water can be supplied into the first tub in such a manner as to overflow from the second tub. Therefore, the water supply path of the water supply device for supplying water to the first tub and the second tub can be shared.

In the case of adopting the above-described structure, the water supply device may have a structure including: a first water supply unit for supplying detergent water in which detergent is contained in the water; a second water supply unit for supplying pure water without detergent; and a merging portion for merging the detergent water from the first water supply portion and the pure water from the second water supply portion. In this case, a first inlet through which the detergent water from the first water supply portion flows may be provided in the joining portion, and a second inlet through which the pure water from the second water supply portion flows may be provided at a position higher than the first inlet. The first inlet may be covered by a cover portion having a downward opening from the inside of the joining portion.

With such a configuration, the detergent water can be supplied into the second tub, and the diluted detergent water in which the detergent water is diluted with the pure water can be supplied into the first tub. Thus, the part of the laundry can be cleaned by ultrasonic waves using the detergent water having a high detergent concentration, and the diluted detergent water generated from the detergent water can be used for cleaning in the first tub.

Further, by flowing the pure water and the detergent hydrate at the junction, the pure water and the detergent water are easily mixed. Thus, the concentration of the diluted detergent water stored in the first tub is easily uniform. Further, since the first inlet is covered by the hood having the downward opening from the inside of the merging portion, the diluted detergent water stored in the first tub can be prevented from flowing backward from the first inlet to the first water supply portion.

In the case of adopting a structure in which the second tub is formed on the bottom surface of the first tub, a structure in which the second tub is formed by partially recessing the bottom surface of the first tub and a drain port is provided in the second tub may be adopted.

According to the above configuration, water can be discharged from the second tub through the water discharge port, and water can be discharged from the first tub through the second tub. This allows the drain paths for draining the first tub and the second tub to be shared.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, a washing apparatus capable of washing a laundry by hand and performing local washing of the laundry by ultrasonic waves can be provided.

The effects and meaning of the present invention will be further clarified by the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the following embodiments are merely examples of the practice of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the description of the following embodiments.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of a washing apparatus according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a side sectional view of the washing apparatus of the embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the washing apparatus according to the embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a plan view showing an internal structure of the washing apparatus according to the embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a partially cut-away plan view of the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the holding mechanism according to the embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a side sectional view of the washing apparatus of modification 1.

Fig. 7 is a side sectional view of a washbasin in which the washing apparatus of modification 2 is assembled.

Description of the reference numerals

1. 1A, 1B: a washing device; 30: a washing tub (first tub); 40. 45: a water storage tub (second tub); 41: a water supply port; 42: a water outlet; 100: a water supply device; 110: a first water supply part; 120: a second water supply part; 130: a junction; 200: an ultrasonic cleaning section; 300: a holding mechanism.

Detailed Description

An embodiment of the washing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Structure of cleaning device

Fig. 1 and 2 are side sectional views of the washing apparatus 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the washing apparatus 1. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the internal structure of the washing apparatus 1.

Fig. 1 and 3 show the cleaning apparatus 1 in a state where the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is opened at the use position, and fig. 2 shows the cleaning apparatus 1 in a state where the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is opened at the retracted position. For convenience, the main portions of the first water supply portion 110 and the second water supply portion 120 are illustrated in fig. 1 and 2 by blocks. Further, the case 10 is shown in a transparent state in fig. 4 for convenience.

Referring to fig. 1 to 4, the washing apparatus 1 includes a substantially square box-shaped casing 10. A double-folded upper cover 20 is disposed on the top surface of the case 10. A handle 21 is provided on the upper cover 20. When the washing apparatus 1 is not used, as shown by the two-dot chain line of fig. 1, almost the entire top surface of the cabinet 10 is covered with the upper cover 20. The upper cover 20 is opened and closed with two hinge portions 11 provided at the rear end portion of the case 10 as fulcrums. Legs 12 are provided at four corners of the bottom surface of the case 10.

A washing tub 30 is provided on the front side of the top surface of the cabinet 10. The washing tub 30 has a substantially rectangular shape having a long front edge portion in a left-right direction as viewed from above and a circular arc-like bulge. The front side surface of the washing tub 30 is gently inclined downward, the rear side surface, the left side surface, and the right side surface are substantially vertical, and the bottom surface is substantially horizontal. When the washing tub 30 is manually cleaned, such as by hand washing, pre-cleaning, or immersing washing, water containing the detergent is stored in the washing tub 30. The washing tub 30 corresponds to the first tub of the present invention.

The depth dimension of the washing tub 30 is smaller than the front-rear-left-right dimension thereof. Desirably, the washing tub 30 employs a volume capable of sufficiently washing laundry such as shirts having a usual size in the tub by a human hand. For example, the washing tub 30 may be disposed to have a front-rear dimension of about 300mm, a left-right dimension of about 500mm, and a depth of about 100 mm.

In the washing tub 30, a raised portion 31 raised from the bottom surface is provided at the left rear corner. An overflow port 32 is formed in the top surface of the plateau 31.

A water storage tub 40 having an opening area smaller than that of the washing tub 30 is provided inside the washing tub 30. The water storage tub 40 is formed by partially recessing the bottom surface of the washing tub 30 at a substantially central portion thereof. The water storage tub 40 has a substantially square shape long in the left-right direction when viewed from above. The front, left and right sides of the water storage tub 40 are inclined downward, the rear side is substantially vertical, and the bottom is substantially horizontal. In the ultrasonic cleaning operation described later, water containing a detergent is stored in the water storage tub 40. The water storage tub 40 corresponds to the second tub of the present invention.

The depth dimension of the water storage tub 40 is smaller than the front-rear-left-right dimension thereof. For example, the water storage tub 40 may be disposed to have a front-rear dimension of about 100mm, a left-right dimension of about 120mm, and a depth of about 20 mm.

The water storage tub 40 is provided with a water supply port 41 at a center portion of a rear side surface. The water supply port 41 has a cylindrical shape and protrudes rearward of the water storage tub 40.

The water storage tub 40 includes a drain groove portion 40a extending forward from a central portion of a front end thereof. A drain port 42 is provided at the bottom surface of the drain groove 40a. The drain opening 42 has a cylindrical shape and protrudes downward from the water storage tub 40. The drain opening 42 is blocked by a drain plug 43. The drain plug 43 is attached to the drain port 42 by a human hand. Note that, a mechanism for opening and closing the drain plug 43 by a button operation may be provided, or an electromagnetic drain valve may be provided in place of the drain plug 43 in the drain port 42.

A drain strainer 44 is disposed in the drain port 42. Foreign matter such as lint mixed in the drain is captured by the drain filter 44. The user can grasp the handle portion 44a to attach and detach the drain strainer 44 to and from the drain port 42.

In the case 10, a drain hose 50 is connected to the drain port 42. The drain hose 50 is composed of a first hose 51, a second hose 52, and a T-shaped hose joint 53 connecting the first hose 51 and the second hose 52. The drain hose 50 extends in the left direction from the drain port 42, and is pulled out from the left side surface of the casing 10. An overflow hose 54 connected to the overflow 32 is connected to the hose connector 53. The water overflowed from the overflow port 32 flows into the drain hose 50 through the overflow hose 54.

An operation portion 60 is provided on the front surface of the case 10. A plurality of operation buttons are arranged in the operation unit 60. The plurality of operation buttons include a washing button 61, a detergent water supply button 62, a chemical water supply button 63, a water supply button 64, and the like, the washing button 61 being operated when the ultrasonic washing operation is performed by the ultrasonic washing section 200, the detergent water supply button 62 being operated when the detergent water is automatically supplied into the washing tub 30, the chemical water supply button 63 being operated when the chemical water is automatically supplied into the washing tub 30, and the water supply button 64 being operated when the pure water is automatically supplied into the washing tub 30.

The detergent water is water containing a detergent. The chemical water is water containing a chemical for treating laundry other than a detergent such as a softener or a bleach. Pure water is pure water containing no detergent or the like.

In the case 10, a control unit 70 is disposed behind the operation unit 60. The control unit 70 includes a microcomputer or the like, and controls operations of electrical components such as an ultrasonic wave generator 210, a first water supply valve 114, and a second water supply valve 121, which will be described later. The control unit 70 performs an ultrasonic cleaning operation based on the operation of the cleaning button 61. Further, the control section 70 performs an operation of automatically supplying water based on the operations of the detergent water supply button 62, the medicine water supply button 63, and the water supply button 64.

Inside the casing 10, a rear part of the washing tub 30 is disposed with: a water level detecting device 80 for detecting the water level of the water stored in the washing tub 30; and a water supply device 100 for supplying water to the washing tub 30 and the water storage tub 40.

The water level detection device 80 includes: an air trap 81 connected to the bottom of the washing tub 30; and a water level sensor 83 connected to the air trap 81 via a hose 82. The water level sensor 83 is a diaphragm type water level sensor, and detects the air pressure in the air trap 81 to detect the water level in the washing tub 30 and outputs a water level signal corresponding to the detected water level.

The water supply device 100 has a function of supplying pure water containing no detergent or a chemical other than detergent, a function of generating detergent water by mixing detergent with pure water and supplying the generated detergent water, and a function of generating chemical water by mixing a chemical other than detergent with pure water and supplying the generated chemical water.

The water supply device 100 includes: a first water supply part 110 selectively supplying detergent water and chemical water; a second water supply part 120 for supplying pure water; a merging portion 130 for merging the detergent water or chemical water from the first water supply portion 110 with the pure water from the second water supply portion 120; and a connection part 140 connecting the joining part 130 with the water supply port 41 of the water storage tub 40.

The first water supply unit 110 includes a storage cartridge 111, a supply pump 112, a first water path unit 113, a first water supply valve 114, a first three-way valve 115, a second three-way valve 116, a supply valve 117, a connection pipe 118, a first cartridge 150, a second cartridge 160, a first supply pipe 155, and a second supply pipe 165.

The storage box 111 has a substantially square box shape, and stores detergent water or chemical water. The storage box 111 has a volume capable of storing detergent water or chemical water in an amount equal to or more than the primary amount to be supplied to the water storage tub 40 during the ultrasonic cleaning operation. A vent, not shown, which is open to the atmosphere is formed in the top surface of the storage case 111.

An inlet of the storage box 111 is connected to an outlet of the supply pump 112. The feed pump 112 may be, for example, a piston pump.

An outlet of the first water path portion 113 is connected to a suction port of the supply pump 112. The first water path portion 113 is constituted by a pipe or the like.

A first water supply valve 114 is connected to an inlet of the first water path portion 113, and a first three-way valve 115 and a second three-way valve 116 are disposed in the middle of the first water path portion 113. The first water supply valve 114 has a water inlet 114a shared with a second water supply valve 121 described later, and the water inlet 114a is connected to a faucet via a water supply hose not shown.

An inlet of the supply valve 117 is connected to the outflow port of the storage cartridge 111. One end of a connection pipe 118 is connected to the outlet of the supply valve 117.

The first cartridge 150 has a substantially square box shape, and stores a liquid detergent in a stock solution state. That is, the first cartridge 150 is a detergent box. The first cartridge 150 has an inlet 151 on the top surface and an outlet 152 on the bottom surface. The inlet 151 is covered with a cover 153 that can be opened and closed. One end of the first supply pipe 155 is connected to the discharge port 152. The other end of the first supply pipe 155 is connected to the first three-way valve 115.

The second cartridge 160 has a substantially square box shape, and stores liquid chemicals such as liquid softener and liquid bleach in a stock solution state. The second cartridge 160 has an inlet 161 on the top surface and an outlet 162 on the bottom surface. The inlet 161 is covered with a cover 163 that can be opened and closed. One end of the second supply pipe 165 is connected to the discharge port 162. The other end of the second supply pipe 165 is connected to the second three-way valve 116.

The frequency of use of the detergent is higher than that of the other chemicals. Thus, the size of first cartridge 150 is greater than the size of second cartridge 160. The first cartridge 150 and the second cartridge 160 are accommodated in the accommodation recess 13 provided in the top surface of the case 10 in a side-to-side arrangement. The first cartridge 150 and the second cartridge 160 can be detachably mounted in the accommodating recess 13.

The second water supply part 120 includes a second water supply valve 121 and a second waterway part 122. The rated flow rate of the second water supply valve 121 is greater than the rated flow rate of the first water supply valve 114. The second water path 122 is formed of a pipe or the like. An inlet of the second waterway part 122 is connected to the second water supply valve 121.

The joining portion 130 is a vertically long cylindrical pipe with an open upper end face and a closed lower end face. A first inlet 131 is provided in a side wall surface of the joining portion 130, and a second inlet 132 is provided at a position higher than the first inlet 131. The first inlet 131 protrudes rearward of the merging portion 130, and the second inlet 132 protrudes leftward of the merging portion 130. Further, an outflow port 133 is provided at a lower end of a side wall surface of the joining portion 130.

The other end of the connection pipe 118 of the first water supply part 110 is connected to the first introduction port 131. The outlet of the second water path portion 122 of the second water supply portion 120 is connected to the second inlet 132. The detergent water or chemical water from the first water supply part 110 flows into the merging part 130 from the first inlet 131, and the pure water from the second water supply part 120 flows into the merging part 130 from the second inlet 132. At the bottom of the merging portion 130, the detergent water or the chemical water merges with the pure water.

The first inlet 131 is covered by the cover 134 from the inside of the joining portion 130. The cover 134 extends downward from the first inlet 131, and has a downward opening 134a at a lower end surface. The height position of the opening 134a is lower than the position of the upper end of the water storage tub 40.

The joining portion 130 is attached to the case 10 by an attachment portion 135 provided at an upper portion thereof. A cylindrical portion 14 protruding downward from the top surface portion of the case 10 is inserted into an opening 130a at the upper end of the joining portion 130. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 14 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the joining portion 130, and a slight gap is generated between the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 14 and the inner wall of the joining portion 130. In addition, a slight gap is also generated between the upper end of the joining portion 130 and the top surface portion of the case 10. When the detergent water and the pure water flow into the merging portion 130, the air in the merging portion 130 escapes to the outside through the labyrinth-shaped gap having the reverse L-shaped cross section.

The connection portion 140 is a cylindrical pipe, and is integrally formed with the joining portion 130 so as to be connected to the outflow port 133. The connection portion 140 horizontally extends forward from the joining portion 130 and is connected to the water supply port 41.

The cleaning apparatus 1 includes an ultrasonic cleaning section 200 and a holding mechanism 300. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is located above the water storage tub 40, and applies ultrasonic waves to a part of the laundry immersed in the detergent water in the water storage tub 40 to clean the part. The holding mechanism 300 holds the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 so as to be movable between a position above the water storage tub 40 inside the cleaning tub 30 (hereinafter, referred to as "use position") and a position outside the cleaning tub 30 (hereinafter, referred to as "retreat position").

Fig. 5 is a partially cut-away plan view of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 and the holding mechanism 300. In fig. 5, the portion of the pair of first link members 310 on the front side of the one-dot chain line P1 is horizontally sectioned at the center position of the front shaft hole 311, and the portion on the rear side of the one-dot chain line P1 is horizontally sectioned at the center position of the rear shaft hole 312. Similarly, in fig. 5, the portions of the pair of second link members 320 on the front side of the one-dot chain line P2 are horizontally sectioned at the center position of the front shaft hole 321, and the portions on the rear side of the one-dot chain line P2 are horizontally sectioned at the center position of the rear shaft hole 322.

Referring to fig. 5 in addition to fig. 1 to 4, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 includes an ultrasonic generator 210 and a housing 220. The ultrasonic wave generator 210 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 211 and a vibration horn 212 coupled to the ultrasonic vibrator 211. The ultrasonic wave generator 210 generates ultrasonic waves from the tip of the vibration horn 212 by high-frequency vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 211. The housing 220 has an arm shape long in the front-rear direction and a front end 221 thereof is bent downward. An ultrasonic wave generating body 210 is disposed at the front inside the housing 220. The front end of the vibration horn 212 is exposed from the opening 222 of the housing 220. When the ultrasonic cleaning section 200 is located at the use position, the distal end portion of the ultrasonic wave generator 210 enters the water tank 40.

A pair of first rotation shafts 223 and a pair of second rotation shafts 224 having a cylindrical shape are provided on both side surfaces of the housing 220 in a back-and-forth arrangement at the rear portion. The pair of first rotation shafts 223 is longer than the pair of second rotation shafts 224. An opening 225 communicating with the inside of the pair of first rotation shafts 223 is formed in a side surface of the housing 220.

The holding mechanism 300 is a mechanism for holding the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 so that the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 can move by a so-called parallel link. The holding mechanism 300 includes a pair of first link members 310, a pair of second link members 320, a pair of first support portions 330, and a pair of second support portions 340.

The pair of first link members 310 and the pair of second link members 320 are hollow members having a substantially L-shape. A pair of first link members 310 and a pair of second link members 320 are formed with cylindrical front shaft holes 311 and 321 at front end portions and cylindrical rear shaft holes 312 and 322 at rear end portions, respectively.

The pair of first support portions 330 has a cylindrical rotation shaft 331, and are integrally formed on the top surface of the case 10 so that the rotation shafts 331 face each other in the left-right direction. The pair of second support portions 340 has a cylindrical rotation shaft 341, and are integrally formed on the top surface of the case 10 such that the rotation shafts 341 face away from each other in the left-right direction. The pair of second support portions 340 are disposed rearward and inward of the pair of first support portions 330. The pair of first supporting portions 330 and the pair of second supporting portions 340 are formed to be hollow.

A pair of second link members 320 are disposed inside the pair of first link members 310. The first rotation shaft 223 of the ultrasonic cleaning section 200 is rotatably inserted into the front shaft holes 311 of the pair of first link members 310, and the rotation shaft 331 of the pair of first supporting sections 330 is rotatably inserted into the rear shaft holes 312 of the pair of first link members 310. Further, the second rotation shaft 224 of the ultrasonic cleaning section 200 is rotatably inserted into the front shaft holes 321 of the pair of second link members 320, and the rotation shaft 341 of the pair of second supporting sections 340 is rotatably inserted into the rear shaft holes 322 of the pair of second link members 320.

An opening 15 communicating with the inside of one of the first support portions 330 is provided in the top surface of the case 10. As shown in fig. 5, the wiring C for energizing the ultrasonic vibrator 211 of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is led from inside the casing 10 into the housing 220 through the opening 15, the inside of the first support 330, and the inside of the first link member 310.

When the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is lifted up from the state of being located at the use position shown in fig. 1, the pair of first link members 310 and the pair of second link members 320 are rotated rearward. Thus, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 moves upward and backward while maintaining the posture at the use position, and moves to the retracted position shown in fig. 2. The retracted position is a position rearward of the washing tub 30 on the top surface of the casing 10, and the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is also not present in the area immediately above the washing tub 30.

The distal end 221 of the housing 220 of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 has a pointed shape in the left-right direction. Therefore, when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 moves to the retracted position, the distal end 221 is positioned between the pair of second support portions 340, and does not interfere with the pair of second support portions 340. When the upper cover 20 is closed with the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 in the use position, the pair of first link members 310, the pair of second link members 320, the pair of first support portions 330, and the pair of second support portions 340 are accommodated in the space on the back side of the upper cover 20.

< Action of cleaning device >)

Next, the operation of the washing apparatus 1 will be described.

When the user performs the partial washing of the laundry, the washing button 61 is operated in a state where the ultrasonic washing unit 200 is located at the use position. This starts the ultrasonic cleaning operation under the control of the control unit 70.

When the ultrasonic cleaning operation is started, the detergent water is supplied into the water storage tub 40 through the first water supply part 110 of the water supply device 100 as follows.

First, the detergent water is stored in the storage box 111. That is, the first three-way valve 115 is switched to a state in which the first supply pipe 155 communicates with the downstream side of the first three-way valve 115 in the first waterway portion 113. The second three-way valve 116 is switched to a state in which the upstream side and the downstream side of the second three-way valve 116 in the first waterway portion 113 are communicated. Further, the supply valve 117 is closed. The supply pump 112 is operated, and air in the first water path portion 113 is sucked to form a negative pressure, and the liquid detergent in the first cartridge 150 is sucked into the first water path portion 113 through the first supply pipe 155. The supply pump 112 is operated for a predetermined time, and a predetermined amount of liquid detergent is stored in the first water path portion 113.

Next, the first three-way valve 115 is switched to a state in which the upstream side and the downstream side of the first three-way valve 115 in the first waterway portion 113 are communicated, and the first water supply valve 114 is opened. Pure water from the tap flows to the first waterway part 113 to wash away the liquid detergent. Pure water and a liquid detergent are mixed to form detergent water. The detergent water flows into the retention box 111 through the supply pump 112.

When a predetermined amount of detergent water is stored in the storage box 111, the first water supply valve 114 is closed. In this way, the storage box 111 stores detergent water having a predetermined detergent concentration.

Next, the supply valve 117 is opened. The detergent water in the storage box 111 passes through the connection pipe 118, the first inlet 131, and the cover 134, and is discharged from the opening 134a into the merging portion 130. The detergent water flows to the water storage tub 40 through the connection part 140 and the water supply port 41, and is stored in the water storage tub 40. As shown by the one-dot chain line in fig. 1, when the water level in the water storage tub 40 rises to the height of the opening 134a of the cover 134 and the opening 134a is blocked by the detergent water, the air pressure in the storage box 111 is balanced with the external air pressure. Thereby, the supply of water from the storage cartridge 111 is stopped while the supply valve 117 is kept open. About one third of the detergent water remains in the storage box 111 when the water remains. The front end of the ultrasonic wave generating body 210 contacts the water surface.

When the detergent water is stored in the water storage tub 40, the user places the dirt adhering portion of the laundry between the water storage tub 40 and the vibration horn 212 of the ultrasonic wave generating body 210. The dirt adhering portion of the laundry is immersed in the detergent water, and the detergent water impregnated into the interior of the laundry oozes out of the surface. The surface of the laundry is formed with a thin water layer, and the vibration horn 212 is in contact with the water layer.

When the water level drops due to the water absorption of the laundry so that the water amount in the water storage tub 40 decreases and the opening 134a of the cover 134 is no longer blocked by the detergent water, the detergent water is supplied from the storage box 111 into the water storage tub 40 until the opening 134a is blocked again by the detergent water. Thereby, the water level, i.e., the water amount, in the water storage tub 40 is maintained in an appropriate state.

When a predetermined standby time elapses after the supply valve 117 is opened, the ultrasonic vibrator 211 is energized to operate the ultrasonic generator 210. Ultrasonic waves are generated from the tip of the vibration horn 212, and dirt is peeled from the laundry by the action of the ultrasonic waves. At this time, the detergency increases due to the increase in the effectiveness of the detergent.

When a predetermined operation time elapses after the operation of the ultrasonic wave generator 210 is started, the ultrasonic wave generator 210 stops operating, and the ultrasonic cleaning operation is ended.

The user removes the drain plug 43 from the drain opening 42 and opens the drain opening 42. When the drain port 42 is opened, the detergent water in the water storage tub 40 flows to the drain hose 50 and is discharged to the outside. At this time, the supply valve 117 is opened, and the detergent water remaining in the storage box 111 is also discharged to the outside through the water storage tub 40 or the like.

Next, when the user performs hand washing or the like of the laundry, if the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is located at the use position, the user moves the ultrasonic cleaning unit to the retracted position, and in a state where the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is located at the retracted position, the detergent water supply button 62 is operated. Thereby, under the control of the control unit 70, automatic water supply into the washing tub 30 is started.

First, as in the case of the ultrasonic cleaning operation, detergent water is supplied into the water storage tub 40 through the first water supply unit 110 of the water supply device 100.

Next, the pure water is supplied through the second water supply part 120 of the water supply device 100. That is, the second water supply valve 121 is opened, and pure water from the faucet flows through the second water path portion 122 and is discharged from the second inlet 132 into the merging portion 130. The discharged pure water and the washing agent hydrate flow, and further, flow to the water storage tub 40 through the connection part 140 and the water supply port 41, overflow from the water storage tub 40 together with the washing agent water, and are stored in the washing tub 30. The pure water is mixed with the detergent water and the detergent water is diluted to produce diluted detergent water having a lower detergent concentration than the detergent water. In the present embodiment, pure water and detergent water are easily mixed by flowing the pure water and the detergent water at the merging portion 130. Thus, the concentration of the diluted detergent water stored in the washing tub 30 is easily uniform.

When the water level in the washing tub 30 rises and reaches a predetermined water level L shown by a one-dot chain line in fig. 2, the water level is detected by the water level detecting device 80. Thereby, the second water supply valve 121 is closed, and the water supply of the second water supply part 120 is stopped. The predetermined water level L is a water level slightly lower than the height position of the overflow port 32. Further, the height position of the overflow 32 is lower than the height position of the second introduction port 132 of the merging portion 130.

The cover 134, the first inlet 131, and the connection pipe 118 are filled with detergent water, and the opening 134a of the cover 134 is disposed downward. Therefore, the diluted detergent water stored in the washing tub 30 does not flow back to the first water supply part 110 from the first inlet 131 located at a position lower than the predetermined water level L.

In this way, when the diluted detergent water is stored in the washing tub 30, the diluted detergent water is used to perform hand washing of the laundry in the washing tub 30. That is, the laundry is washed by the hand of the user.

When the user has washed the laundry, the drain plug 43 is removed from the drain port 42, and the drain port 42 is opened. The diluted detergent water in the washing tub 30 is discharged from the drain port 42 and flows through the drain hose 50 to be discharged to the outside. The detergent water remaining in the storage case 111 is also discharged to the outside.

When pure water is discharged from the second inlet 132, the pure water may collide with the cover 134 or the like and splash upward. In the present embodiment, the air in the joining portion 130 is configured to escape from a labyrinth-like gap generated by inserting the cylindrical portion 14 of the top surface portion of the case 10 into the opening 130a of the joining portion 130, so that the splashed water is less likely to leak out from the joining portion 130.

When the water is supplied continuously due to an abnormality of the second water supply valve 121 and the water level detecting device 80, the diluted detergent water overflows from the overflow port 32 and is discharged to the outside through the overflow hose 54 and the drain hose 50 when the water level in the washing tub 30 exceeds the height position of the overflow port 32. This prevents the diluted detergent water from overflowing the washing tub 30 or flowing backward from the second inlet 132 to the second water path 122.

Next, the user operates the water supply button 64 in the case of rinsing the washed laundry with pure water. Pure water is supplied only through the second water supply unit 120, and pure water is stored in the washing tub 30 to a predetermined water level L. When the rinsing is finished, water is drained from the inside of the washing tub 30.

Before water is supplied through the second water supply unit 120, the supply valve 117 is closed. Accordingly, the air filled in the cover 134, the first inlet 131, and the connection pipe 118 is not allowed to escape, and thus the pure water stored in the washing tub 30 is not caused to flow back into the first water supply unit 110 from the opening 134a of the cover 134.

Next, in the case where the laundry is treated with the chemical water in the washing tub 30, the chemical water supply button 63 is operated, and the cases include a case where the liquid softener is stored in the second chemical cartridge 160 in advance and rinsed with the softener-containing water after rinsing with pure water, a case where the liquid bleaching agent is stored in the second chemical cartridge 160 in advance and bleaching of the laundry is performed with the bleach-containing water, and the like.

By the operation of the water supply device 100 similar to the hand washing, the chemical water, that is, the water containing the softener and the bleaching agent, is supplied from the first water supply unit 110, and then the pure water is supplied from the second water supply unit 120, so that the chemical water diluted with the pure water is stored in the washing tub 30 to the predetermined water level L.

However, unlike the case of the hand washing, in the first water supply portion 110, in order to supply the chemical water into the storage cassette 111, the second three-way valve 116 is switched to a state in which the second supply pipe 165 communicates with the downstream side of the second three-way valve 116 in the first water path portion 113, and the first three-way valve 115 is switched to a state in which the upstream side and the downstream side of the first three-way valve 115 in the first water path portion 113 communicate. Thus, when the supply pump 112 is operated, the liquid chemical, that is, the liquid softener and the liquid bleaching agent, of the second cartridge 160 is sucked into the first water path portion 113.

When the treatment of the laundry with the chemical water is completed, water is discharged from the washing tub 30.

Effect of the embodiments >

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

The cleaning apparatus 1 includes: a washing tub 30 storing water for washing laundry; a water storage barrel 40 provided in the washing barrel 30 and capable of storing water, the opening area of which is smaller than that of the washing barrel 30; and an ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 located above the water storage tub 40, for applying ultrasonic waves to a part of the laundry immersed in the water storage tub 40 to clean the part.

According to this configuration, the washing by hand such as hand washing, pre-washing, and soaking washing can be performed in the washing tub 30 storing water, and the washing can be locally washed by ultrasonic waves in the water storage tub 40 storing water.

Further, since the water storage tub 40 having the opening area smaller than the washing tub 30 is provided and the water is stored in the water storage tub 40 when the washing is locally performed by ultrasonic waves, the amount of water required for storing water according to the depth of the washing to be locally immersed is reduced, and the generation of wasteful water can be prevented. Further, since the water storage tub 40 is located inside the washing tub 30, water is less likely to fly out of the washing apparatus 1 when the washing is locally washed by ultrasonic waves.

In the washing apparatus 1, the water storage tub 40 is formed on the bottom surface of the washing tub 30 by partially recessing the bottom surface.

According to this structure, the water storage tub 40 can be easily formed by partially recessing the bottom surface inside the washing tub 30. In addition, the water storage tub 40 is not likely to cause an obstacle when washing laundry in the washing tub 30. In addition, when the washing is locally washed by ultrasonic waves, water is extremely difficult to fly out of the washing apparatus 1.

The cleaning apparatus 1 further includes: the holding mechanism 300 holds the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 so as to be movable between a position above the water storage tub 40 inside the cleaning tub 30 and a position outside the cleaning tub 30.

In the case of performing hand washing or the like of the laundry in the washing tub 30, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 can be retracted to a position outside the washing tub 30, and thus the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 can be prevented from being immersed in the water stored in the washing tub 30. Further, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is less likely to interfere with hand washing or the like.

In particular, the holding mechanism 300 is a mechanism using parallel links, and is configured to move the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 to a position outside the cleaning tub 30 while maintaining a posture when the ultrasonic cleaning unit is positioned above the water storage tub 40, so that water adhering to the tip of the ultrasonic generator 210, the surrounding casing 220, and the like is less likely to enter the casing 220 from the opening 222.

The cleaning apparatus 1 further includes: a water supply port 41 provided in the water storage tub 40; and a water supply device 100 for supplying water to the water storage tub 40 through the water supply port 41.

According to this structure, water can be supplied into the water storage tub 40 by the water supply device 100, and water can be supplied into the washing tub 30 so as to overflow from the water storage tub 40. This allows the water supply path of the water supply device 100 for supplying water to the washing tub 30 and the water storage tub 40 to be shared.

In the washing apparatus 1, the water supply apparatus 100 includes: a first water supply part 110 for supplying detergent water; a second water supply part 120 for supplying pure water; and a merging portion 130 for merging the detergent water from the first water supply portion 110 with the pure water from the second water supply portion 120. The merging portion 130 has a first inlet 131 for inflow of the detergent water on a side wall surface, and a second inlet 132 for inflow of the pure water at a position higher than the first inlet 131. The first introduction port 131 is covered with a cover portion 134 having a downward opening 134a from the inside of the joining portion 130.

According to this structure, the detergent water can be supplied into the water storage tub 40, and the diluted detergent water in which the detergent water is diluted with the pure water can be supplied into the washing tub 30. Thus, the part of the laundry can be washed by ultrasonic waves using the detergent water having a high detergent concentration, and the diluted detergent water generated from the detergent water can be used for hand washing or the like in the washing tub 30.

Further, by flowing the pure water and the detergent hydrate at the merging portion 130, the pure water and the detergent water are easily mixed. Thus, the concentration of the diluted detergent water stored in the washing tub 30 is easily uniform. Further, since the first inlet 131 is covered with the cover 134 having the downward opening 134a from the inside of the merging portion 130, the diluted detergent water stored in the washing tub 30 can be prevented from flowing backward from the first inlet 131 to the first water supply portion 110.

The washing apparatus 1 further has a drain port 42 provided in the water tank 40. With this structure, water can be drained from the inside of the water storage tub 40 through the drain port 42, and water can be drained from the inside of the washing tub 30 through the water storage tub 40. This allows the drain paths for draining the washing tub 30 and the water storage tub 40 to be shared.

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

< Variant 1 >)

Fig. 6 is a side sectional view of the cleaning apparatus 1A of modification 1.

In the washing apparatus 1 of the above embodiment, the water storage tub 40 is formed inside the washing tub 30 by partially recessing the bottom surface of the washing tub 30.

In contrast, in the washing apparatus 1A of the present modification, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped stage 35 is formed in the rear center portion of the washing tub 30, which is raised from the bottom surface, and a substantially square-shaped concave water storage tub 45 is formed on the top surface of the stage 35. That is, the water storage tub 45 is disposed at an upper portion of a rear center portion in the washing tub 30. A drain 46 is formed on the front surface of the water tank 45, and is opened and closed by a drain plug 47. The drain plug 47 is attached to the drain port 46 by the hand of the user.

The water storage tub 40 is not provided at the bottom surface of the washing tub 30, and the drain groove 40a extends to the water supply port 41.

The first water supply unit 110 of the water supply device 100 is provided with a supply pump 171 connected to the storage box 111, and a supply nozzle 172 extending from the supply pump 171 to the upper side of the water storage tank 45, instead of the supply valve 117 and the connection pipe 118. In addition, in the water supply device 100, a water injection portion 130A is provided instead of the joining portion 130, and the water injection portion 130A has a structure in which the first introduction port 131 and the cover portion 134 are omitted from the joining portion 130.

The ultrasonic cleaning section 200 is held by a holding table 350 provided on the top surface of the casing 10, and is fixed at a position above the water storage tank 45. The distal end portion of the ultrasonic wave generator 210 enters the water tank 45.

In the ultrasonic cleaning operation, the supply pump 171 is operated for a predetermined time in a state where the drain port 46 is closed. The detergent water in the storage box 111 is supplied to the water storage tub 45 through the supply nozzle 172, and the detergent water is stored in the water storage tub 45 to a predetermined water level. When draining from the water reservoir 45, the two drain pins 43, 47 are removed, and the two drain ports 42, 46 are opened.

When the diluted detergent water is stored in the washing tub 30, the supply pump 171 is operated for a predetermined time in a state where the drain port 46 of the water storage tub 45 is opened. The detergent water in the storage box 111 is supplied from the drain port 46 into the washing tub 30 via the water storage tub 45. Simultaneously with or after the supply of the detergent water, pure water is supplied from the second water supply unit 120 into the washing tub 30 through the water injection unit 130A, the connection unit 140, and the water supply port 41 until the predetermined water level L is reached.

In the structure of the present modification, similar to the above embodiment, the washing can be performed by hand washing of the laundry in the washing tub 30, and the local washing of the laundry can be performed by ultrasonic waves in the water storage tub 45. Further, when the washing is locally washed by ultrasonic waves, waste water is not easily generated, and the detergent water is not easily scattered outside the washing apparatus 1.

Further, according to the present modification, the local cleaning can be performed by ultrasonic waves in the water storage tub 45 in a state where water such as diluted detergent water is stored in the cleaning tub 30.

< Modification 2 >)

Fig. 7 is a side sectional view of an upper portion of the washbasin 2 in which the washing apparatus 1B of modification 2 is assembled.

In this modification, the washing apparatus 1B is assembled to the washbasin 2. In other words, the washing apparatus 1B forms a part of the washbasin 2.

A tap 3 is provided at the rear of the box 10. A water supply pipe 4 for supplying water to the faucet 3 extends from a storage 5 serving as a base of the washing apparatus 1B and penetrates the housing 10. A drain hose 50 connected to the drain port 42 of the water storage tub 40 extends downward, protrudes from the bottom surface of the case 10, and is connected to the drain pipe 6 in the storage 5. The case 10 is not provided with the upper cover 20 on the top surface and the legs 12 on the bottom surface.

< Other modification examples >)

In the above embodiment, the holding mechanism 300 is configured to be capable of moving the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 upward and rearward from the use position, that is, is configured to be capable of moving in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. However, the holding mechanism 300 may be configured to move the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 only in the vertical direction. However, in this case, since the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 that moves to the outside of the cleaning tub 30 stays in the area immediately above the cleaning tub 30, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is likely to be obstructed when performing hand washing or the like in the cleaning tub 30, as compared with the configuration of the above embodiment.

In the above embodiment, when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is moved to the retracted position, the entire ultrasonic cleaning unit may be deviated from the area directly above the cleaning tub 30, but the entire ultrasonic cleaning unit may be partially left in the area directly above the cleaning tub 30.

In the above embodiment, the water storage tub 40 is formed on the bottom surface of the washing tub 30 by partially recessing the bottom surface. However, the water storage tub 40 may be formed by surrounding a part of the bottom surface of the washing tub 30 with a wall portion such as a rib.

The configuration of the water supply device 100 is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. For example, the water supply device 100 may be configured to not provide the second cartridge 160 and to not supply chemical water containing chemicals other than detergent. The water supply device 100 may be configured to supply the detergent water and the pure water in a different configuration from the above-described embodiment. Further, the water supply device 100 may be configured to supply a stock liquid detergent and pure water instead of detergent water. Further, the water supply device 100 may be configured to supply only any one of the detergent water and the pure water. Further, the water supply device 100 may be configured to include a water storage tank capable of storing water without being connected to a faucet.

In the above embodiment, the water supply device 100 is provided in the washing apparatus 1 to automatically supply water to the washing tub 30 and the water storage tub 40. However, the washing apparatus 1 may be configured without the water supply apparatus 100.

In the above embodiment, the pair of first link members 310 and the pair of second link members 320 of the holding mechanism 300 may be configured to be rotated by a driving unit such as a motor, so that the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 may be automatically moved between the use position and the retracted position based on the operation of a button or the like by the user.

The structure of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is not limited to the structure of the above embodiment, and may be any structure as long as ultrasonic waves can be applied to a part of the laundry immersed in the water tank 40.

The washing apparatus 1 may be incorporated in a drum washing machine. In this case, the washing apparatus 1 may be provided on the top surface of the drum washing machine. The washing apparatus 1 may be housed in a drawer of the washbasin so as to be able to be pulled out.

The embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical idea shown in the technical proposal.

Claims (6)

1. A washing apparatus is characterized by comprising:

   a first tub storing water for washing laundry;

   The second barrel is arranged in the first barrel and can store water, and the opening area of the second barrel is smaller than that of the first barrel; and

   And an ultrasonic cleaning unit located above the second tub, for applying ultrasonic waves to a part of the laundry immersed in the water in the second tub to clean the part.
2. The washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

   The second tub is formed at a bottom surface of the first tub.
3. The washing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,

   The device further comprises: and a holding mechanism for holding the ultrasonic cleaning unit so as to be movable between a position above the second tub inside the first tub and a position outside the first tub.
4. A washing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising:

   The water supply port is arranged in the second barrel; and

   And the water supply device supplies water to the second barrel through the water supply port.
5. The washing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the water supply means comprises:

   a first water supply unit for supplying detergent water in which detergent is contained in the water;

   a second water supply unit for supplying pure water without detergent; and

   A merging portion for merging the detergent water from the first water supply portion and the pure water from the second water supply portion,

   A first inlet through which the detergent water from the first water supply part flows is provided on the side wall surface of the merging part, a second inlet through which the pure water from the second water supply part flows is provided at a position higher than the first inlet,

   The first inlet is covered from the inside of the joining portion by a cover portion having a downward opening.
6. The washing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein,

   The second tub is formed by partially recessing a bottom surface of the first tub,

   The second tub is provided with a drain opening.