JP2016043180A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a washing machine which can wash clothes efficiently by foam with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a water tub 540 for storing a washing liquid; a housing tub 510 which is disposed in the water tub and in which clothes and the like are housed; a foam generation part 620 for generating foam and supplying the generated foam to the housing tub 510; and a circulation pump 610 for supplying the washing liquid in the water tub 540 to the foam generation part 620. The foam generation part 620 has a foam generation chamber 623 for storing the washing liquid supplied from the circulation pump 610, and also has a discharge port 682 for discharging the washing liquid toward the stored washing liquid, and there is formed a discharge port 684 which supplies the foam generated in the foam generation part 620 to the housing tub 510 over an upper position than the stored washing liquid from a bottom surface of the foam generation chamber 623.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing clothes.

  In a washing machine, dissolving the detergent as soon as possible in the washing process and allowing it to penetrate into the garment is very efficient in removing dirt from the garment. Also, spraying the dissolved washing liquid in the form of foam on clothes is an effective means for spreading high-concentration detergent components (mainly surfactants) to every corner of the clothes as the volume increases. is there.

  Conventionally, a washing machine has been disclosed in which washing liquid stored in a water tank is circulated by a pump and air is introduced into a circulation flow path to generate foam (Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-172547 A

  In the configuration of Patent Document 1, washing liquid is circulated using a circulation pump, and air is discharged from the air pump to a foam generation tank provided in the circulation flow path to generate foam. When the circulation pump is stopped, the washing water in the foam generating unit is drained through the drain channel from the drain hole provided at the bottom of the foam generating unit. In the configuration of Patent Document 1, since a drain passage dedicated to drainage is required, there is a problem that the number of assembling steps and the number of parts increase, and the cost becomes high. In Patent Document 1, the drain hole is set to a small diameter. However, if the drain hole is set to a small diameter, there is a problem that the fibers of the clothes generated in the washing and rinsing processes are likely to be clogged.

  An object of this invention is to provide the washing machine which can drain appropriately the foam production | generation room | chamber with simple structure.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, a washing machine of the present invention includes a water tank for storing a washing liquid, a storage tank that is disposed in the water tank and stores clothing, generates foam, and generates the generated foam. A foam generation unit for supplying to the storage tank; and a circulation pump for supplying the washing liquid in the water tank to the foam generation unit, wherein the foam generation unit stores the washing liquid supplied from the circulation pump. A discharge port for discharging the washing liquid toward the washing liquid stored in the bubble generation chamber, and an outlet for supplying the bubbles generated in the bubble generation unit to the storage tank. The outlet is formed over a position above the washing liquid stored from the bottom surface of the foam generating chamber.

According to the said structure, a washing | cleaning liquid is supplied to a foam production | generation part with a circulation pump, and it collides with the liquid level of the washing liquid collected in the foam production | generation part. The washing liquid supplied by the circulation pump entrains air and collides with the washing liquid to generate bubbles in the liquid layer. The washing liquid whose volume is increased by the bubbles is supplied onto the clothes in the storage tank from the outlet of the foam generation unit. When the washing liquid comes into contact with the clothes and penetrates, the bubbles become foam films and cover the clothes. Since the foam film contains a high concentration of surfactant, it is possible to efficiently remove stains on clothes. The washing liquid sprayed in the storage tank flows down into the water tank and is supplied again to the foam generating unit by the circulation pump. When the circulation pump is stopped, the washing liquid in the foam generating unit is discharged through the outlet. The outlet has not only the function of supplying bubbles but also the function of the drainage channel after stopping the circulation pump, so it does not require a new drainage channel and has a simple configuration.
It can be manufactured at low cost. Moreover, since it drains from an outflow port, the drainage flow-path cross-sectional area can be taken widely and the fiber of the clothing which generate | occur | produces in a washing | cleaning and a rinsing process is hard to clog.

  The said structure WHEREIN: You may make it incline so that a bubble production | generation chamber bottom may become low toward an outflow port.

  According to the above configuration, when the circulation pump is stopped, the washing liquid in the foam generation chamber is efficiently discharged from the outlet. In order to store the washing liquid in the foam generation chamber, the bottom surface of the foam generation chamber is gently inclined so that the washing liquid easily collects in the foam generation chamber, and the washing liquid foams from the outlet to the stored washing liquid surface. , The surrounding air can be entrained and bubbles can be generated efficiently. When the circulation pump is stopped, the washing liquid accumulated in the foam generation chamber is drained from the outlet. Since the outlet serves not only a function of discharging bubbles but also a function of a drainage channel after the circulation pump is stopped, it does not require a new drainage channel, and can be manufactured inexpensively with a simple configuration. Moreover, since it drains from an outflow port, the drainage flow-path cross-sectional area can be taken widely, and the fiber of the clothing which generate | occur | produces in a washing | cleaning and a rinsing process is hard to be blocked.

  The said structure WHEREIN: You may provide a bending part in the flow path from a bubble production | generation chamber to a tank discharge part.

  According to the above configuration, since the bent portion serves as a resistance to the flow of the washing liquid, the washing liquid easily collects in the foam generation chamber, and the washing liquid collides with the stored washing liquid surface to the extent that the washing liquid bubbles from the discharge port. Thus, bubbles can be efficiently generated by entraining the surrounding air.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, drainage in a foam production | generation part can be performed appropriately with simple structure.

Schematic block diagram of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Schematic perspective view of the washing machine Schematic sectional view of the washing machine Schematic front view of the washing machine Schematic side view of the washing machine Sectional view showing the internal circulation path in the outer ring wall of the washing machine Sectional drawing which showed embodiment of the circulation path of the washing machine of this invention Schematic permeation diagram of foam generator of the washing machine Schematic permeation diagram of the bubble generator in Embodiment 2 of the present invention Schematic permeation diagram seen from above the foam generation part of the washing machine

  Hereinafter, an exemplary washing machine will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that terms used in the following description to indicate directions such as “up”, “down”, “left”, and “right” are merely for the purpose of clarifying the description. Therefore, these terms do not limit the principle of the washing machine. The washing machine disclosed below has not only a washing function for washing clothes, but also a drying function for drying clothes. Alternatively, the clothing processing apparatus may be a washing machine that does not have a drying function.

(Embodiment 1)
(Washing machine)
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment. The washing machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the solid line arrow shown by FIG. 1 represents the flow of water. The dotted arrow shown in FIG. 1 represents the flow of air. A chain line arrow shown in FIG. 1 represents a transmission path of a control signal.

  The washing machine 100 includes a main housing 200, a control unit 300, a water supply mechanism 400, a washing mechanism 500, a circulation mechanism 600, and a drying mechanism 700. The main housing 200 accommodates the control unit 300, the water supply mechanism 400, the washing mechanism 500, the circulation mechanism 600, and the drying mechanism 700. The control unit 300 controls the water supply mechanism 400, the washing mechanism 500, the circulation mechanism 600, and the drying mechanism 700.

  The washing machine 100 may sequentially execute a washing process for washing clothes, a rinsing process for rinsing clothes, a dehydration process for dehydrating clothes, and a drying process for drying clothes.

  The washing mechanism 500 includes a storage tank 510 in which clothing is stored, and a motor 520 that drives the storage tank 510. The motor 520 drives the storage tank 510 under the control of the control unit 300. In the washing process, the storage tank 510 stirs the clothes in a liquid containing a detergent. As a result, the garment is properly washed. In the rinsing process, the storage tank 510 stirs the clothes in water having a lower detergent concentration than in the washing process. Further, in the rinsing process, water supply to the storage tank 510 and drainage from the storage tank 510 are repeated. As a result, the detergent is properly removed from the garment. In the dehydration step, the storage tank 510 dehydrates the clothes using centrifugal force. As a result, drying of clothes is promoted. In the drying process, dry air is supplied to the storage tank 510. Since the humidity of the dry air is low and the temperature is high, the clothes are appropriately dried in the storage tank 510. While the dry air is supplied, the storage tank 510 stirs the clothes. As a result, the clothes are appropriately dried.

  The water supply mechanism 400 supplies water to the storage tank 510 in the above-described washing process and rinsing process. The water supply mechanism 400 includes a water supply port 410 connected to the faucet, a switching valve 420, and a detergent storage unit 430 in which a detergent is stored. The water supplied to the water supply port 410 reaches the switching valve 420. The switching valve 420 switches the water supply path between the first water supply path 421 in which the water goes directly to the storage tank 510 and the second water supply path 422 in which water is supplied to the storage tank 510 through the detergent storage unit 430. Switch. The first water supply path 421 may be used, for example, in a rinsing process. As a result, tap water is directly supplied to the storage tank 510. The 2nd water supply path 422 may be used for a washing process, for example. When the switching valve 420 opens the second water supply path 422, water flows into the detergent container 430. In the detergent container 430, water and detergent are mixed. As a result, water containing the detergent flows into the storage tank 510. In this embodiment, the pipe line that defines the second water supply path 422 is exemplified as a water supply pipe. The water supply mechanism 400 is illustrated as a water supply part.

  The circulation mechanism 600 includes a circulation pump 610 and a foam generation unit 620. The circulation mechanism 600 may circulate water between the circulation pump 610 and the storage tank 510 in the above-described washing process and rinsing process. In the present embodiment, the circulation mechanism 600 includes a first circulation path 611 and a second circulation path 612 for circulating water between the circulation pump 610 and the storage tank 510. When the first circulation path 611 is used, water flows into the storage tank 510 through the foam generation unit 620. When the second circulation path 612 is used, water is sent directly from the circulation pump 610 to the storage tank 510. For switching the water circulation path, a switching valve and other elements that can selectively define the water flow direction may be used. Since water is sent to the foam generating unit 620 and the storage tank 510 by the single pump 610, the space in the main housing 200 can be used effectively, and the washing machine 100 can be manufactured at low cost. In addition, the use of a single pump 610 results in increased flexibility in layout design within the main housing 200.

The bubble generation unit 620 generates bubbles. The washing liquid whose volume is increased by the bubbles is sent to the storage tank 510 and spreads over the clothes. When the washing liquid comes into contact with the clothes and penetrates, the bubbles become foam films and cover the clothes. Since the foam film contains a high concentration of a surfactant, it is possible to efficiently remove stains on clothes.

  The drying mechanism 700 includes an air filter 710 that receives air sent out from the storage tank 510, a heat exchange unit 720 that exchanges heat with the air that has passed through the air filter 710, and a blower fan that sends out air that has passed through the heat exchange unit 720. 730. The air filter 710 removes lint from the air sent out from the storage tank 510. Accordingly, the purified air flows into the heat exchange unit 720. In the drying process, the control unit 300 may activate the heat exchange unit 720. The heat exchange unit 720 dehumidifies and heats the air. As a result, dry air suitable for drying clothes is generated. The controller 300 may stop the heat exchange unit 720 during the washing process and the dehydrating process. As a result, the heat exchange unit 720 does not consume power unnecessarily. Alternatively, the control unit 300 may activate the heat exchange unit 720 in the washing process. As a result, the detergent may be activated using the heat transferred from the heat exchange unit 720 to the air. In this embodiment, the drying mechanism 700 is illustrated as a ventilation part.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the washing machine 100. The washing machine 100 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  The main housing 200 is opposite to the front wall 210, the rear wall 220 opposite to the front wall 210, the left wall 230 erected between the front wall 210 and the rear wall 220, and the left wall 230. And a top wall 250 surrounded by the upper edges of the front wall 210, the rear wall 220, the left wall 230 and the right wall 240, and a bottom wall 260 opposite to the top wall 250. The water supply port 410 described with reference to FIG. 1 is exposed on the top wall 250. The user can connect the water supply port 410 and the faucet (not shown) using, for example, a hose.

  The washing machine 100 further includes a door body 101 attached to the front wall 210. The door body 101 rotates between a closed position along the front wall 210 and an open position protruding from the front wall 210. Note that the door body 101 shown in FIG. 2 is in the open position. When the door body 101 is in the open position, the insertion port 511 defined by the storage tank 510 is exposed. The user can turn the door body 101 to the open position and put the clothes into the storage tank 510 through the insertion port 511.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine 100. The washing machine 100 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3.

  The storage tank 510 includes a rotating drum 530 in which clothing is stored and a water tank 540 in which the rotating drum 530 is stored. The rotating drum 530 includes an inner ring wall 531 that defines the inlet 511, an inner bottom wall 532 opposite to the inner ring wall 531, and a cylindrical inner peripheral wall between the inner ring wall 531 and the inner bottom wall 532. 533. The water tank 540 includes an outer ring wall 541 disposed between the front wall 210 and the inner ring wall 531, an outer bottom wall 542 disposed between the rear wall 220 and the inner bottom wall 532, and the outer ring wall 541. And an outer peripheral wall 543 surrounding the inner peripheral wall 533 between the outer bottom wall 542 and the outer bottom wall 542. In the present embodiment, the rotating drum 530 is exemplified as an inner tank. The water tank 540 is illustrated as an outer tank.

  The motor 520 includes a main body 521 that generates a driving force and a driving shaft 522 that transmits the driving force to the rotating drum 530. The drive shaft 522 passes through the outer bottom wall 542 and is connected to the inner bottom wall 532.

In addition to the circulation pump 610 and the foam generation unit 620 (see FIG. 1), the circulation mechanism 600 includes a drain valve 690, an upstream circulation pipe 640 that defines a path of water flowing from the water tank 540 to the circulation pump 610, and a circulation. A downstream circulation pipe 650 that defines a path of water returning from the pump 610 to the water tank 540 and a drain pipe 660 that defines a drain path to the outside of the main housing 200 are provided. The drain valve 690 is attached to the drain pipe 660. The control unit 300 (see FIG. 1) controls the drain valve 690. While water is being circulated between the storage tank 510 and the circulation pump 610, the control unit 300 closes the drain valve 690. The controller 300 opens the drain valve 690 in order to discharge the water that is no longer needed.

  The downstream circulation pipe 650 includes a first branch pipe 651 connected to the foam generation unit 620 and a second branch pipe 652 connected to the outer ring wall 541. The first branch pipe 651 defines the first circulation path 611 described with reference to FIG. The second branch pipe 652 defines the second circulation path 612 described with reference to FIG. The control unit 300 controls the rotation direction and the number of rotations of the circulation pump 610 to selectively execute the water circulation through the first branch pipe 651 and the water circulation through the second branch pipe 652. Good. In the present embodiment, the downstream circulation pipe 650 is exemplified as a branch pipe via the circulation pump 610.

  In addition to the air filter 710, the heat exchange unit 720, and the blower fan 730, the drying mechanism 700 includes an intake pipe 750 that defines a flow path of air from the storage tank 510 to the blower fan 730, and air sent from the blower fan 730. An air supply pipe 760 that regulates the flow of the air. The air filter 710 and the heat exchange unit 720 are disposed in the intake pipe 750. The blower fan 730 is disposed at a connection portion between the intake pipe 750 and the air supply pipe 760. When the blower fan 730 rotates, a negative pressure environment is created in the intake pipe 750, while a positive pressure environment is created in the air supply pipe 760.

  4 is a schematic front view of the washing machine 100, FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the washing machine 100, and FIG. 6 shows an internal circulation path in a schematic outer ring wall 541 of the washing machine 100. FIG. The washing machine 100 is further described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

  The outer peripheral wall 543 of the water tank 540 includes a front peripheral wall 545 to which the outer ring wall 541 is attached, and a rear peripheral wall 546 disposed between the outer bottom wall 542 and the front peripheral wall 545. The foam generation unit 620 is attached to the front peripheral wall 545. 3 and 5 show the rotation axis RX of the rotary drum 530 defined by the motor 520. FIG. In the present embodiment, the bubble generation unit 620 is disposed above the rotation axis RX.

  In the present embodiment, the first branch pipe 651 of the downstream circulation pipe 650 is connected to the outer ring wall 541 of the water tank, and is exemplified as a structure that reaches the foam generation unit 620 via the internal circulation path in the outer ring wall 541. . As a result, the space in the main housing 200 can be used effectively, and the washing machine 100 can be manufactured at low cost. In addition, this results in an increase in the degree of freedom in layout design in the main housing 200.

(Bubble generator)
FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bubble generator 620. The bubble generation unit 620 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the circulation pump 610 is disposed below the storage tank 510. The foam generation unit 620 is disposed above the rotation axis RX of the rotary drum 530 (that is, above the circulation pump 610). When the circulation pump 610 rotates, the water is pumped by the circulation pump 610 toward the foam generation unit 620 through the first branch pipe 651. As shown in FIG. 5, the second branch pipe 652 is connected to the water tank 540 above the circulation pump 610. In addition, the connection position of the 2nd branch pipe 652 and the water tank 540 is below the rotating shaft RX. Therefore, the circulation pump 610 can rotate at a relatively low rotational speed and feed water into the water tank 540.

When the circulation pump 610 rotates at a high rotation speed, the washing liquid flows into the first branch pipe 651 or the second branch pipe 652. The first branch pipe 651 guides to the housing 621. Accordingly, the washing liquid that has flowed into the first branch pipe 651 reaches the foam generation unit 620. The circulation mechanism 600 only needs to be configured to supply the washing liquid to the foam generation unit. In FIG. 3, the circulation pump 610 having two discharge ports is taken as an example, but the circulation pump 610 is the first branch pipe 651. The structure which has only. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the washing liquid may be sent out from the single first branch pipe 651 to the foam generation unit 620 and the storage tank 510 through the internal circulation path in the outer ring wall.

  The foam generated in the foam generation unit 620 is then sent out to the storage tank 510 via the tank discharge unit 685 connected to the outlet 684 of the foam generation unit 620. The tank discharge part 685 is bent and connected to the flow path in the bubble generation chamber 623. By providing a bent portion in the flow path from the foam generation chamber 623 to the tank discharge portion 685, the bent portion becomes resistance to the flow of the washing liquid, and the washing liquid is easily collected in the bubble generation chamber 623. In the present embodiment, the tank discharge unit 685 is configured separately from the foam generation unit 620, but may be configured integrally with the foam generation unit 620.

  In the present embodiment, the flow path to the tank discharge section 685 is bent with respect to the foam generation section 620 to form the bent section, but the flow path in the foam generation section 620 may be bent, and the tank discharge section The flow path leading to 685 may be bent. By bending any part of the flow path from the foam generating part 620 to the tank discharge part 685 to form a bent part, it becomes resistance to the flow of the washing liquid, and the washing liquid is easily accumulated in the foam generating chamber 623. be able to.

  Moreover, you may form the throttle part in which a cross-sectional area becomes narrow in any part of the flow path from the bubble production | generation part 620 to the tank discharge part 685. FIG. Also in this configuration, the throttle portion provides resistance to the flow of the washing liquid, and the washing liquid can be easily stored in the foam generation chamber 623.

  The second branch pipe 652 guides water directly to the water tank 540. Therefore, the water that has flowed into the second branch pipe 652 flows directly into the water tank 540. The inflow path of the washing liquid is selected by controlling the rotation direction of the circulation pump 610.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the foam generation unit 620 includes a housing 621, and the inside of the housing 621 is partitioned into a water supply channel 622 and a foam generation chamber 623 by a partition wall 680. An inflow port 681 is formed on one end side of the water supply channel 622, and a discharge port 682 is formed on the other end side of the water supply channel 622 at a position above the bubble generation chamber 623. The water supply channel 622 is formed so that the cross-sectional area gradually decreases from the inlet 681 toward the discharge port 682 so that the flow rate of the washing water ejected from the discharge port 682 toward the foam generation chamber 623 increases. Further, the discharge port 682 is formed so as to gradually become smaller in diameter toward the tip on the ejection side, and is configured to increase the flow rate of the washing water ejected from the discharge port 682 toward the foam generation chamber 623.

  An air induction chamber 624 is formed between the discharge port 682 and the bubble generation chamber 623, and an air suction port 683 is formed in the air induction chamber 624. External air is attracted from the air suction port 683 by the flow rate of the wash water discharged from the discharge port 682 toward the foam generation chamber 623, and the external air is discharged into the foam generation chamber 623 together with the wash water.

  In the bubble generation chamber 623, an outlet 684 is formed at a position separated from the discharge port 682. The washing liquid flows into the foam generation chamber 623 from the discharge port 682 and out of the outlet 684 by driving the circulation pump 610. The inflow amount from the discharge port 682 and the outflow amount from the outflow port 684 are in a balanced state, and the washing liquid at a predetermined water level accumulates in the foam generation chamber 623.

  The outflow port 684 is formed from the bottom surface of the foam generation chamber 623 to a position higher than a predetermined level of the washing water accumulated in the foam generation chamber 623, and is formed so that bubbles floating on the washing liquid can pass through the outflow port 684 efficiently. ing.

  The bottom surface of the foam generation chamber 623 is formed so as to be gradually inclined toward the outlet 684. When the circulation pump 610 stops and the supply of the washing liquid to the foam generation chamber 623 stops, the washing liquid in the foam generation chamber 623 is stopped. Is discharged from the outlet 684 to the storage tank 510 via the tank discharge part 685 without remaining in the bubble generation chamber 623. In addition, at the bottom surface of the foam generation chamber 623, the amount of the washing liquid flowing in from the discharge port 682 and the amount of the washing liquid flowing out from the outlet 684 are in a balanced state, and the washing liquid accumulates in the foam generation chamber 623. Thus, the inclination angle toward the outflow port 684 is formed to be relatively gentle.

  The first branch pipe 651 described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 is connected to the inflow port 681 through an internal circulation path in the outer ring wall 541 of the water tank. When the circulation pump 610 pumps up the washing liquid to the foam generation unit 620, the washing liquid that flows in from the inflow port 681 is discharged from the discharge port 682 toward the foam generation chamber 623. The washing liquid accumulates in the foam generation chamber 623, and the inflow amount from the discharge port 682 and the outflow amount from the outflow port 684 are in a balanced state. This state is shown in FIG. 8, and a boundary BD between the liquid layer WL and the air layer AL is formed in the bubble generation unit 620. The washing liquid discharged from the discharge port 682 collides with the boundary BD, and bubbles are mixed into the liquid layer WL by entraining the air in the air layer AL. Since the washing liquid discharged from the discharge port 682 is configured to collide with the boundary BD by increasing the flow velocity, bubbles are efficiently generated in the liquid layer WL. Further, in the air attraction chamber 624, external air is attracted from the air suction port 683 by the washing liquid from the discharge port 682, and the external air is entrained in the washing liquid and mixed into the liquid layer WL, thereby efficiently. Generate bubbles.

  The washing liquid whose volume is increased by the bubbles is sprayed from the outlet 684 to the clothes in the storage tank 510 through the tank discharge part 685. The diameter of the discharge port 682 may be adjusted according to the amount of pumped water so as to have a flow rate at which bubbles are mixed into the liquid layer WL. The flow rate may be adjusted by the number of rotations of the circulation pump. The air suction port 683 is formed to have a size capable of taking in air necessary for forming the air layer AL. In addition, as an embodiment in consideration of water leakage, in this embodiment, connection to the front peripheral wall 545 of the water tank is illustrated.

  In the present embodiment, the water supply channel 622 and the foam generation chamber 623 can be configured by partitioning the inside of the housing 621 by the partition wall 680, the foam generation unit 620 can be formed compactly, and the structure is simplified. can do.

  In addition, the water supply path 622 should just be the structure which can supply a washing | cleaning liquid to the foam production | generation chamber 623, and can be comprised with a hose etc. other than this Embodiment, for example.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 9 is a schematic transparent view of the bubble generation unit 620 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a conceptual transmission diagram of the bubble generation unit 620 as viewed from above.

  In the second embodiment, the water supply channel 622 is extended toward the outflow port 684 and the discharge port 682 is inclined in the direction opposite to the outflow port 684. In addition, the foam generation unit 620 forms a wide part where the washing liquid from the discharge port 682 collides with the washing liquid in the foam generation unit 620, and the generated foam avoids the washing liquid from the discharge port 682 and flows. It is configured to easily flow toward the outlet 684. With this configuration, the washing liquid can easily stay in the foam generation chamber 623 by the flow rate of the washing liquid discharged from the discharge port 682. Foam generation efficiency is improved by spraying the washing liquid from the oblique direction onto the liquid surface of the washing liquid in the bubble generation chamber 623.

The principle of the present embodiment is preferably used for an apparatus having a function of cleaning clothes using foam.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Washing machine 300 Control part 400 Water supply mechanism 422 2nd water supply path 430 Detergent storage part 500 Washing mechanism 510 Storage tank 511 Input port 530 Rotating drum 540 Water tank 600 Circulation mechanism 610 Circulation pump 620 Foam generation part 621 Housing 623 Foam generation chamber 650 Downstream circulation pipe 651 First branch pipe 652 Second branch pipe 684 Outlet 685 Tank discharge part 700 Drying mechanism 730 Blower fan AL Air layer BD Boundary WL Liquid layer

Claims (6)

A water tank for storing washing liquid;
A storage tank disposed in the water tank and storing clothes, etc .;
A foam generating unit for generating foam and supplying the generated foam to the storage tank;
A circulation pump for supplying the washing liquid in the water tank to the foam generating unit,
The foam generating unit has a foam generating chamber for storing the washing liquid supplied from the circulation pump, and a discharge port for discharging the washing liquid toward the washing liquid stored in the foam generating chamber; and the foam generating unit The washing machine is characterized in that it forms an outlet for supplying the foam generated in step 1 to the storage tank, and the outlet is formed over a position above the washing liquid stored from the bottom surface of the foam generation chamber. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the foam generation chamber bottom surface is inclined so as to gradually become lower toward the outflow port. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a flow path that leads from the outlet to the storage tank is provided, and the flow path is inclined so as to gradually become lower toward the storage tank. The tank discharge part which supplies a washing | cleaning liquid to the said storage tank from the said foam production | generation chamber is provided, and a bending part is provided in the flow path from the said foam production | generation room | chamber interior to the said tank discharge part. The washing machine according to any one of claims. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein a throttle portion is provided in the flow path. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the discharge port is formed in a shape for discharging washing liquid in a direction opposite to the outflow port.

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