JP2021035485A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve a washing effect by allowing washing water to penetrate into an article to be washed.SOLUTION: A washing machine comprises a washing tub 4 for storing an article to be washed 2 and washing water, a water supply valve 17 for supplying washing water into the washing tub 4, pressing parts 8a, 8b for pressing an article to be washed 2 in the washing tub 4 by a pressure pump 10, an exhaust pump 26 for sucking and discharging air in the washing tub 4 to reduce pressure, and a control part 29 for controlling a washing operation including a washing process. The control part 29 supplies washing water into the washing tub 4 by the water supply valve 17 in a state where the pressing parts 8a, 8b are stretched by the pressure pump 10 to press the article to be washed 2 and reduces pressure in the washing tub 4 by the exhaust pump 26.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

Conventional washing machines include so-called vertical washing machines that stir and wash laundry such as clothes inside a rotary tub. In addition, there is a so-called drum-type washing machine in which the laundry is lifted inside the rotary tub in the direction of rotation and dropped from above to wash the laundry. All of these washing machines are washed by applying mechanical force to the laundry to knead it or rub it against each other.

In addition, it is common to wash by hand for laundry that is easily damaged by cloth or that is easily lost in shape due to being pulled by being entangled with each other. Therefore, a washing machine capable of washing laundry while suppressing cloth damage and shape loss has been considered (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

As shown in FIG. 9, the conventional washing machine described in Patent Document 1 can freely advance and retreat with respect to the washing tub 52 for accommodating the object to be washed 51 and washing water, and the object to be washed 51 in the washing tub 52. It is provided with a pressurizing and depressurizing unit 55a and 55b having a pressurizing unit 53a and 53b and a pressurizing pump 54a and 54b, and a control unit 56 for controlling the pressurizing and depressurizing unit 55a and 55b. The control unit 56 contracts and expands the object to be cleaned 51 by pressing and releasing the pressure on the object to be cleaned 51 by the plurality of pressing units 53a and 53b, and generates water flow in multiple directions inside the object to be cleaned 51 for washing. I do.

In addition, in order to enhance the cleaning effect, clothes and detergent solution are put in a sealable bag, and then the air inside the bag is evacuated to reduce the pressure, so that the detergent solution is soaked in the clothes to improve the permeability. Bags are being considered (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP-A-2018-51114 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-73307

In the conventional configuration described in Patent Document 1, the object to be cleaned 51 is contracted and expanded by pressing and releasing the object to be cleaned by the plurality of pressing portions 53a and 53b, and the object to be cleaned is pressed and washed. It is possible to prevent the cloth from being damaged or losing its shape. However, for example, when air is present inside the fibers of the object to be cleaned 51, it is difficult to allow the water flow generated by push-washing to permeate the inside of the fibers of the object to be cleaned 51 into the inside of the fibers. As a result, there is a problem that it is difficult to enhance the cleaning effect by allowing the washing water to act on the dirt in the back of the fiber.

The present disclosure is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of permeating washing water into the fibers of an object to be washed to enhance the washing effect.

In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the washing machine of the present disclosure uses a washing tub for accommodating an object to be washed and washing water, a water supply valve for supplying washing water into the washing tub, and a pressure pump in the washing tub. It is provided with a pressing unit that presses the object to be cleaned, an exhaust pump that sucks and discharges the air in the cleaning tank to reduce the pressure, and a control unit that controls the washing operation including the washing process. The control unit is configured to supply washing water to the washing tub with a water supply valve and depressurize the inside of the washing tub with an exhaust pump in a state where the pressing part is extended by a pressure pump to press the object to be cleaned. Is.

As a result, the air contained in the object to be cleaned is sucked and discharged by the exhaust pump, and the washing water can be permeated into the fibers of the object to be cleaned by the water flow generated by the push-washing. The cleaning effect can be enhanced.

The washing machine of the present disclosure can permeate the washing water into the fibers of the object to be washed to enhance the washing effect.

Sectional sectional view of the main part of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1. Sectional sectional view of the main part of the washing machine in the first embodiment with the lid opened. The operation diagram which shows the operation of the washing process of the washing machine in Embodiment 1. The operation diagram which shows another operation of the washing process of the washing machine in Embodiment 1. The operation diagram which shows another operation of the washing process of the washing machine in Embodiment 1. The operation diagram which shows another operation of the washing process of the washing machine in Embodiment 1. Time chart showing the operation of the washing process of the washing machine according to the first embodiment Time chart showing the operation of the washing process of the washing machine according to the second embodiment The operation diagram which shows the operation of the washing process of the washing machine in Embodiment 2. The operation diagram which shows another operation of the washing process of the washing machine in Embodiment 2. The operation diagram which shows another operation of the washing process of the washing machine in Embodiment 2. Time chart showing the operation of the washing process of the washing machine according to the third embodiment Configuration diagram of a conventional washing machine

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or duplicate explanations for substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

(Embodiment 1)
[1-1. Constitution]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the washing machine in the present embodiment with the lid opened.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the washing machine 1 is composed of a lower water tank portion 6 and an upper lid body 5. The water tank portion 6 includes a washing tank 4 formed in a square shape having a predetermined depth. An opening 3 is formed on the upper surface of the washing tub 4, and is an opening for inserting laundry such as clothes (hereinafter referred to as the object to be washed 2). The lid 5 is rotatably attached to the trailing edge of the upper side of the water tank 6 by a hinge 6a to open and close the opening 3 of the washing tank 4.

The object to be cleaned 2 is shaped and housed by the user in the bottom 4a of the cleaning tank 4. The first embodiment is effective for an object to be washed which is easily lost in shape or damaged when washed with a general washing machine on which mechanical force acts. The object to be washed 2 is, for example, a thin synthetic blouse having a light specific gravity, a woolen fabric such as a sweater or a cardigan, a scarf made of a delicate material made of ultrafine fibers, or the like.

A handle 5a is provided on the front surface of the lid 5. The lid 5 is configured so that the user holds the handle 5a and rotates it in the direction of the arrow R1 to open and close the opening 3 and hold the lid 5 in an open state. When the opening 3 is closed, the lid 5 is locked by a locking device (not shown) and held in the closed state. When opening, the lock device is unlocked by operating the handle 5a.

A pressurizing / depressurizing unit 7 is provided inside the lid 5. The pressurizing / depressurizing unit 7 includes a pressing unit 8, a pressurizing pump 10, and a discharge valve 11. The pressing portion 8 is made of rubber, synthetic resin, or the like and is formed in a bellows shape and has a flexible bag shape that can be expanded and contracted. The pressurizing pump 10 communicates with the pressing portion 8 via the communicating portion 9 and the on-off valve 12. Then, the pressurizing pump 10 supplies a fluid such as a gas or a liquid to the inside of the pressing portion 8. The discharge valve 11 is a valve for discharging the fluid inside the pressing portion 8 to the outside.

A plurality of pressurizing and depressurizing portions 7 may be provided side by side inside the lid body 5. In the first embodiment, the pressurizing and depressurizing portions 7 are arranged inside the lid 5 to form, for example, two sets. Hereinafter, the pressurizing and depressurizing portions will be referred to as 7a and 7b. Further, the number of pressing portions 8 is, for example, two, and will be referred to as pressing portions 8a and 8b below. Further, the number of communication portions 9 is, for example, two, and will be referred to as communication portions 9a and 9b below. Similarly, the number of on-off valves 12 is, for example, two, and will be referred to as 12a and 12b below. There are, for example, two discharge valves 11, which are hereinafter referred to as 11a and 11b.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the pressurizing / depressurizing section 7a includes a pressing section 8a, a pressurizing pump 10, and a discharge valve 11a. The pressurizing pump 10 communicates with the pressing portion 8a via the communicating portion 9a and the on-off valve 12a. Then, the pressurizing pump 10 supplies a fluid such as a gas or a liquid to the inside of the pressing portion 8a. The discharge valve 11a is a valve for discharging the fluid inside the pressing portion 8a to the outside. The same applies to the pressurizing / depressurizing section 7b, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the fluid supplied to the inside of the pressing portion 8 will be described as air. Hereinafter, the symbols a and b indicating a plurality of symbols will be omitted unless otherwise specified.

The pressing portion 8 is attached to the cleaning tank 4 side of the lid 5, is provided so as to expand and contract by expanding and contracting, and can freely advance and retreat with respect to the object to be cleaned 2 housed in the bottom 4a of the cleaning tank 4. It is configured. The pressing portion 8 has a pressing surface 8c that presses the object to be cleaned 2 and a bellows-shaped telescopic portion 8d. Further, the pressing portion 8 extends to the extent that the pressing surface 8c reaches the bottom portion 4a of the cleaning tank 4.

The communication portions 9a and 9b are composed of a flexible hose made of rubber, synthetic resin, or the like, and communicate and connect the pressurizing pump 10 and the pressing portions 8a and 8b. An on-off valve 12a is provided in the communication portion 9a connecting the pressurizing pump 10 and the pressing portion 8a, and an on-off valve 12b is provided in the communicating portion 9b connecting the pressurizing pump 10 and the pressing portion 8b.

The pressurizing / depressurizing unit 7 is provided with a pressing detection unit (details will be described later) that detects the pressure for pressing the object to be cleaned 2 due to the expansion of the pressing unit 8. Further, the pressurizing / reducing unit 7 is provided with a constant pressure release valve 14, and when the pressure in the pressing unit 8 becomes higher than a predetermined value, the pressure / depressurizing unit 7 is opened and discharged to the outside. This prevents the pressing portion 8 from being pressurized beyond a predetermined pressure. In the first embodiment, the pressurizing / reducing section 7a is provided with a constant pressure release valve 14a, and the pressurizing / reducing section 7b is provided with a constant pressure release valve 14b.

A deformable hollow packing 15 is provided on the upper surface of the peripheral edge of the opening 3 of the cleaning tank 4. When the lid 5 is closed, the packing 15 faces the peripheral edge of the opening 3 and comes into close contact with the seal portion 15a formed on the lid 5. As a result, when the lid 5 is closed, the inside of the washing tank 4 becomes a watertight and airtight space, and water and air leak to the outside through the opening 3 when the washing, rinsing, and dehydrating steps are executed. Never.

The lid 5 is provided with a water supply path 16 for supplying washing water to the washing tub 4. The water supply path 16 is provided with a water supply valve 17 for supplying tap water. Further, the water supply path 16 is provided with a detergent case 18 for supplying detergent and a detergent stirring unit 35 for generating washing water by stirring and mixing the detergent with the tap water. The water supply path 16 communicates with the washing tank 4, and the washing water is supplied from the water supply port 16a. By opening and closing the water supply valve 17, tap water (washing water) is supplied to and stopped from the washing tank 4.

Although not shown, as will be described later, in order to reduce the pressure inside the cleaning tank 4, the connecting portion such as the lid portion of the detergent case 18 is provided with a means for ensuring airtightness by packing or the like. Further, a second water supply valve is provided between the water supply port 16a and the detergent stirring unit 35, and the second water supply valve is closed after the detergent is added so that the decompression state in the cleaning tank 4 can be maintained. Here, as a stirring method in the detergent stirring unit 35, the detergent and tap water may be agitated by the water supply pressure of tap water, or a stirring blade-like object is provided inside the detergent stirring unit 35, and the detergent and tap water are rotated by the rotation thereof. It is not particularly limited, such as stirring with water. Further, the detergent case 18 itself is used as the detergent stirring unit 35, and tap water is supplied to the detergent case 18 into which the detergent is charged, and after stirring in the detergent case 18, water is supplied into the washing tank 4 from the water supply port 16a. It doesn't matter. Further, the detergent stirring unit 35 may generate washing water by mixing the detergent and tap water by a method other than stirring. For example, any known method such as heating, vibration by ultrasonic waves, or circulation of washing water may be used, and the method is not limited. In the conventional vertical washing machine and drum type washing machine, after the washing water is supplied into the washing tub, the washing tub is rotated to equalize the detergent concentration. However, in the washing machine of the present embodiment, the washing machine has a detergent. The washing water is agitated by the stirring unit 35 to supply water. As a result, it becomes possible to supply washing water having a substantially uniform concentration to the object to be cleaned 2 placed in the cleaning tank, and cleaning with less uneven washing regardless of the position of the object to be cleaned 2 from the water supply port. Performance can be obtained.

Further, a water level detecting unit 19 for detecting the water level in the cleaning tank 4 is provided in the water level detecting tank 20 communicating with the inside of the cleaning tank 4. The water level detection unit 19 detects the water level of the cleaning tank 4 by detecting the water level or the amount of water in the water level detection tank 20, but the detection method is not particularly limited.

Further, a heating unit 31 for heating the washing water is provided in the water level detection tank 20. The heating portion 31 may be provided at another location as long as it does not come into contact with the object to be cleaned 2 and the bottom portion 4a. For example, the heating unit 31 may be provided between the drain hole 22 and the drain valve 23, or may be provided on the water supply path 16 or on the upstream side thereof. Further, the heating unit 31 may be provided outside the washing machine 1. For example, the heating unit 31 is a heating device such as a hot water supply device. The washing water heated by the hot water supply device is supplied into the washing tank 4 via the water supply path 16 instead of tap water. As a result, the heating unit 31 does not have to be provided in the washing machine 1.

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

Further, the water tank portion 6 is provided with an overflow path 25 for discharging the washing water in the washing tank 4 to the outside when the water level in the washing tank 4 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value. The overflow path 25 has an overflow hole 25a at the upper part of the cleaning tank 4, and is connected to the drainage path 24 on the downstream side of the drain valve 23.

The exhaust pump 26 is provided in the exhaust path 27 which is connected to the inside of the cleaning tank 4 on the outside of the pressing portion 8. The exhaust path 27 is provided with a dehumidifying section 32 and an exhaust path on-off valve 28 on the cleaning tank 4 side of the exhaust pump 26. The exhaust pump 26 sucks the air in the cleaning tank 4 and discharges it to the outside of the cleaning tank 4 through the exhaust path 27. The exhaust path on-off valve 28 opens and closes the exhaust path 27. For example, the exhaust path on-off valve 28 is opened when the exhaust pump 26 is driven, and closed when the exhaust pump 26 is stopped. As an example, the exhaust path on-off valve 28 is opened at the time of water supply, and the air replaced with the washing water in the washing tub 4 is released to the outside via the exhaust pump 26. The exhaust path on-off valve 28 may be a three-way valve so that the exhaust path 28 can be released to the outside without passing through the exhaust pump 26.

Further, the dehumidifying unit 32 reduces the humidity by condensing the amount of water contained in the exhaust gas from the cleaning tank 4. The condensed water is discharged to the outside of the machine via the condensed water drainage route (not shown). The dehumidifying section 32 is not particularly limited. For example, a cooling plate or the like is provided in the exhaust path 27 to form a dew condensation water on the surface of the cooling section, and the condensed water is discharged to the outside of the system through the drainage path.

The control unit 29 is arranged on a side surface portion inside the lid body 5. Further, the operation display unit 30 is provided on the upper part of the control unit 29 and is operably arranged on the upper surface of the lid body 5. The control unit 29 controls the operations of the pressurizing pump 10, the discharge valve 11, the on-off valve 12, the water supply valve 17, the drain valve 23, the exhaust pump 26, the exhaust path on-off valve 28, and the like, and performs a washing step, a rinsing step, and a dehydration step. Etc. are sequentially executed to control the washing operation.

The function of the control unit 29 may be realized by a microcomputer and peripheral circuits as an example.

The microprocessor and peripheral circuits may be in any form as long as they perform control described later. The control unit 29 may be composed of an arithmetic processing unit and a storage unit that stores a control program. Examples of the arithmetic processing unit include an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and a CPU (Central Processing Unit). A memory is exemplified as a storage unit. The control program recorded in the storage unit is executed by the arithmetic processing unit.

Further, the control unit 29 may be configured by hard logic. If it is configured with hard logic, it is effective in improving the processing speed. Each component may be composed of one semiconductor chip, or may be physically composed of a plurality of semiconductor chips. When the control unit 29 is composed of a plurality of semiconductor chips, each control described later can be realized by different semiconductor chips. It can also be realized by combining the above-mentioned microcomputer and peripheral circuits with the below-mentioned hard logic.

[1-2. motion]
The operation and operation of the washing machine 1 configured as described above will be described below. First, the washing process will be described. FIG. 3 is an action diagram showing a preparatory operation in the washing process of the washing machine 1 in the first embodiment. 4A, 4B, and 4C are operation diagrams showing a pressing operation in the washing process of the washing machine 1 in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the operation of the washing process of the washing machine 1 in the first embodiment.

The user inputs the setting of the washing operation course such as the selection of the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydration process and the time of each process from the operation display unit 30 provided on the front portion of the upper surface of the lid 5. The user can arbitrarily select such as performing only the washing process. Further, this setting work may be performed after setting the object to be cleaned 2 described later.

The user operates the handle 5a to unlock and then opens the lid 5. The user arranges the shape of the object to be cleaned 2 and sets it on the bottom 4a in the cleaning tank 4 so as to face the pressing surface 8c. Depending on the size of the object to be cleaned 2, it may be folded and set.

After the setting of the object to be cleaned 2 is completed and the lid 5 is closed and locked by the user, the start button (not shown) provided on the operation display unit 30 is operated. The control unit 29 starts operations such as a washing step, a rinsing step, and a dehydration step based on the set contents.

First the washing process is performed. As shown in FIG. 5, the washing step includes a preparatory operation, a water supply operation, a degassing operation, and a pressing operation. The preparatory operation is an operation of restraining the movement of the object to be cleaned 2 with the object to be cleaned 2 set. The water supply operation is an operation of supplying washing water into the washing tub 4. The degassing operation is an operation of sucking and exhausting the air in the cleaning tank 4. The pressing operation is an operation of pressing and washing the object to be cleaned 2. Each operation will be described below.

In each operation, the pressing force due to the expansion of the pressing portions 8a and 8b is detected by the pressing detecting portions 13a and 13b. This pressing force will be described using the pressure symbols P0 to P4 shown in Table 1. In Table 1, for example, P0 indicates the pressure acting on the object to be cleaned 2 when the pressure in the pressing portion 8 is atmospheric pressure and the pressure in the cleaning tank 4 is atmospheric pressure.

Here, in order to make the inside of the pressing unit 8 at atmospheric pressure, the control unit 29 closes, for example, the on-off valve 12 and opens the discharge valve 11. In order to pressurize the inside of the pressing unit 8, the control unit 29 closes the discharge valve 11, opens the on-off valve 12, and drives the pressurizing pump 10 to supply air. Further, in order to make the inside of the cleaning tank 4 at atmospheric pressure, the control unit 29, for example, stops the exhaust pump 26 and opens the exhaust path opening / closing valve 28. In order to reduce the pressure inside the cleaning tank 4, the control unit 29 opens the exhaust path on-off valve 28 and drives the exhaust pump 26 so as to suck and exhaust air.

First, the preparatory operation will be described. The control unit 29 closes the discharge valves 11a and 11b (time t0 in FIG. 5). Almost at the same time, the control unit 29 opens the on-off valves 12a and 12b to drive the pressurizing pump 10. Air is supplied from the pressurizing pump 10 to the inside of the pressing portions 8a and 8b through the open on-off valves 12a and 12b and through the communicating portions 9a and 9b. The exhaust path on-off valve 28 is closed, and the exhaust pump 26 is stopped.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the pressing portion 8b expands (arrow B1) almost at the same time as the pressing portion 8a expands (arrow A1). As a result, the stretchable portion 8d extends toward the object to be cleaned 2. Therefore, the pressing surface 8c presses the object to be cleaned 2 toward the bottom portion 4a of the cleaning tank 4.

The control unit 29 drives the pressurizing pump 10 until the pressing force rises to the preparatory pressure P1, and then stops (time t1). Here, the preparatory pressure P1 is a pressure at which the object to be cleaned 2 is compressed by the pressing of the pressing surface 8c in the washing water and the movement in the plane direction is surely restrained, as will be described later. Almost at the same time as the pressurizing pump 10 is stopped, the control unit 29 closes the on-off valves 12a and 12b and maintains the preparatory pressure P1 in a state where the pressing units 8a and 8b are inflated.

As described above, by the preparatory operation, the object to be cleaned 2 is held in a state of being pressed and set by the pressing surface 8c, and shifts to the water supply operation. At this time, the discharge valve 11 and the on-off valve 12 are closed.

In the preparatory operation, in the first embodiment, the inside of the cleaning tank 4 is set to atmospheric pressure, and the pressing portion 8 is pressurized to the atmospheric pressure or higher by the pressurizing pump 10 to extend the pressing portion. It may be inflated. For example, the pressing portion 8 may be extended by setting the inside of the pressing portion 8 to atmospheric pressure and depressurizing the inside of the cleaning tank 4 to below atmospheric pressure by the exhaust pump 26. That is, the control unit 29 may drive the pressurizing pump 10, the exhaust pump 26, the discharge valve 11, the on-off valve 12, and the like so as to generate a pressure difference between the inside of the cleaning tank 4 and the inside of the pressing unit 8.

Next, the water supply operation will be described. The discharge valve 11 and the on-off valve 12 are closed. The exhaust path on-off valve 28 is closed, and the exhaust pump 26 is stopped.

The control unit 29 opens the water supply valve 17. Tap water and detergent are stirred and mixed by the detergent stirring unit 35 provided in the water supply path 16 to generate washing water. The washing water is supplied into the washing tub 4 from the water supply port 16a through the water supply path 16. By opening and closing the water supply valve 17 in this way, tap water (washing water) is supplied and stopped in the washing tank 4.

The control unit 29 closes the water supply valve 17 when the washing water is supplied to the washing tub 4 to a predetermined water level (time t2). The predetermined water level in the washing tank 4 is detected by the water level detecting unit 19. It is desirable that the predetermined water level is at least the water level at which the object to be cleaned 2 is completely submerged.

As described above, by the water supply operation, the washing water gradually permeates into the object to be cleaned 2 and is contained between the fibers of the object to be cleaned 2. Since the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed by the pressing portion 8 at the preparation pressure P1, the set state is maintained without being washed away or floating by the water flow when water is supplied into the cleaning tank 4. Move to degassing operation. At this time, the discharge valve 11 and the on-off valve 12 are in a closed state.

When the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed by a part of the pressing portion 8, it is preferable to prevent the object to be cleaned 2 from moving due to the water flow from the water supply port 16a. For example, a wide range of the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed by the pressing portion 8b near the water supply port 16a.

Next, the degassing operation will be described. The object to be cleaned 2 is in a state of being immersed in the washing water supplied into the washing tub 4. The control unit 29 opens the exhaust path on-off valve 28 and drives the exhaust pump 26 almost at the same time (time t2). The air in the cleaning tank 4 is sucked and discharged to the outside of the cleaning tank 4 through the exhaust path 27.

As a result, the inside of the washing tub 4 is depressurized, the air contained in the object to be cleaned 2 is sucked and discharged, and the washing water penetrates deeply into the object to be cleaned 2. Here, it is desirable that the pressure in the washing tank 4 is reduced by 10% or more from the atmospheric pressure.

As the pressure in the cleaning tank 4 is reduced by the exhaust pump 26, the pressing force P4 by the pressing portions 8a and 8b acts on the object to be cleaned 2. The pressing force P4 is stronger than the preparing pressure P1. As a result, the amount of shrinkage deformation of the object to be cleaned is increased, and the suction and discharge of air in the object to be cleaned 2 can be enhanced. Further, by doing so, the effect of permeating the washing water into the object to be washed 2 can be enhanced. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the pressing pressure P4 of the pressing portions 8a and 8b may be increased to the normal pressing pressure P3 or more in the pressing operation described later.

In the degassing operation, the control unit 29 may operate the heating unit 31 to drive the exhaust pump 26 in a state where the washing water is heated. As a result, the amount of gas that can be dissolved in the washing water decreases as the temperature of the washing water rises. Therefore, when the inside of the cleaning tank 4 is depressurized by the exhaust pump 26, the removal of air from the inner part of the fibers of the object to be cleaned 2 is promoted.

Further, the washing machine 1 may include a dehumidifying unit 32 between the washing tub 4 and the exhaust pump 26. The dehumidifying unit 32 dehumidifies the air sucked and discharged from the cleaning tank 4. In general, when the amount of water in the air sucked and discharged from the cleaning tank 4 is large, it is conceivable that the exhaust pump 26 may malfunction, for example, dew condensation may occur and water may accumulate in the exhaust pump 26. In particular, when the washing water is heated, the removal of the air existing in the back of the fibers is promoted as described above, and the air discharged from the washing tub 4 contains a large amount of water. The amount of water in the air sucked and discharged by the exhaust pump 26 can be reduced by the dehumidifying portion 32 provided in the exhaust path 27, and the performance of the exhaust pump 26 can be maintained. The heating unit 31 and the dehumidifying unit 32 are not essential to the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment.

As described above, by the degassing operation, the air contained in the object to be cleaned 2 is sucked and discharged by the exhaust pump 26, and the washing water penetrates deeply into the object to be cleaned 2. At this time, the discharge valve 11 and the on-off valve 12 are in a closed state.

The control unit 29 may drive the exhaust pump 26 during the water supply operation as long as the object to be cleaned 2 is immersed in the washing water. Since the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed while being immersed in the washing water, the air contained inside the object to be cleaned 2 is sucked and discharged, and the washing water can be permeated into the inside of the object to be cleaned 2. .. Here, the water level detection unit 19 shown in FIG. 1 has electrical, optical, and mechanical technical means, but is not particularly limited.

Further, the control unit 29 may drive the exhaust pump 26 to reduce the pressure in the cleaning tank 4 at the same time as the start of water supply or before the start of water supply. As a result, the air contained in the washing water in the water supply can be sucked and discharged, and the decompression in the washing tub 4 can be quickly performed.

Next, the pressing operation will be described. First, FIG. 4A will be described. The object to be cleaned 2 is in a state of being pressed by the pressing portions 8a and 8b and immersed in the washing water supplied into the washing tub 4. The pressurizing pump 10 is stopped, and the inside of the cleaning tank 4 is in a depressurized state.

The control unit 29 opens the discharge valve 11b (time t3). Since the on-off valves 12a and 12b and the discharge valve 11a are closed, the air inside the pressing portion 8b is discharged from the discharge valve 11b, and the pressure inside the pressing portion 8b becomes atmospheric pressure. Almost at the same time as the time t3, the control unit 29 stops the exhaust pump 26. As a result, the outside air flows back through the exhaust path 27 and flows into the cleaning tank 4. After the pressure in the cleaning tank 4 reaches atmospheric pressure, the control unit 29 closes the exhaust path on-off valve 28 (time t5).

As a result, as shown in FIG. 4A, the pressure difference between the inside of the cleaning tank 4 and the inside of the pressing portion 8b is reduced, and the pressing portion 8b moves in the direction of contraction (arrow B2) (time t4). On the other hand, as the inside of the cleaning tank 4 returns to the atmospheric pressure, the force with which the pressing surface 8c of the pressing portion 8a presses the object to be cleaned 2 is reduced as compared with P4, and is pressed at P1 which is the same as the preparation pressure. Become. Further, although the pressing force of the pressing portion 8a is reduced, the pressing portion 8b continues to press the object to be cleaned, while the pressing portion 8b contracts and does not actively press, so that the pressing portion 8a is included in the object to be cleaned 2. The washing water moves inside the object to be cleaned 2 from below the pressing portion 8a to below the pressing portion 8b in the direction indicated by the arrow C2. By this water flow, the dirt adhering to the object to be cleaned 2 is removed apart from the fibers, and the cleaning effect can be enhanced.

Next, FIG. 4B will be described. The control unit 29 closes the discharge valve 11b again, opens the on-off valve 12b at about the same time, and drives the pressurizing pump 10 (time t5). As a result, the pressing portion 8b is pressurized and expanded (arrow B3). When the pressing pressure of the pressing unit 8b reaches the switching pressure P2, the control unit 29 opens the discharge valve 11a of the pressing unit 8a (time t6). Here, the switching pressure P2 is a pressure at which the object to be cleaned 2 is compressed by the pressing of the pressing surface 8c in the washing water, and the movement in the plane direction is restricted. The switching pressure P2 may be less than or equal to the preparation pressure P1.

By opening the discharge valve 11a while the object to be cleaned 2 is being pressed by the pressing portion 8b, the air inside the pressing portion 8a is discharged from the discharge valve 11a, and the pressure inside the pressing portion 8a is released from the pressurized state. It drops to the atmospheric pressure state and allows the pressing portion 8a to contract (arrow A3).

As described above, as shown in FIG. 4B, air is supplied to the inside of the pressing portion 8b to expand the pressing portion 8b (arrow B3). As a result, when the stretchable portion 8d is stretched and the pressing portion 8b is stretched toward the object to be cleaned 2, the portion of the object to be cleaned 2 below the pressing portion 8b is compressed by the portion pressed by the pressing surface 8c to increase the thickness. getting thin. At this time, the pressing force of the pressing portion 8b rises to the pressing pressure P3 (time t7). Here, the pressing pressure P3 is a normal pressing force in the pressing operation. The pressing pressure P3 may be equal to or higher than the preparation pressure P1.

Due to the expansion of the pressing portion 8b, the object to be cleaned 2 is compressed and its volume changes. Along with this, the washing water contained in the object to be cleaned 2 is pushed out from the object to be cleaned 2, a water flow is generated inside the object to be cleaned 2, and the washing water is permeated into the object to be cleaned 2. Can be done.

Further, the washing water contained in the object to be cleaned 2 moves inside the object to be cleaned 2 from below the pressing portion 8b to below the pressing portion 8a in the direction indicated by the arrow C3. The washing water moving in this way pushes up the pressing surface 8c of the pressing portion 8a while expanding the object 2 to be cleaned below the pressing portion 8a, and discharges air from the open discharge valve 11a to the pressing portion. 8a is contracted (arrow A3).

Next, FIG. 4C will be described. When the pressing pressure of the pressing unit 8a reaches the opening pressure P0, the control unit 29 closes the discharge valve 11a and the on-off valve 12b, and opens the on-off valve 12a almost at the same time (time t7). As a result, the pressing portion 8a expands (arrow A4). When the pressing pressure of the pressing unit 8a reaches the switching pressure P2, the control unit 29 opens the discharge valve 11b of the pressing unit 8b (time t8). As a result, the air inside the pressing portion 8b is discharged from the discharge valve 11b, and the pressing portion 8b can be contracted (B4).

As described above, as shown in FIG. 4C, air is supplied to the inside of the pressing portion 8a to expand the pressing portion 8a. As a result, when the stretchable portion 8d is stretched and the pressing portion 8a is stretched toward the object to be cleaned 2, the portion of the object to be cleaned 2 below the pressing portion 8a is compressed by the portion pressed by the pressing surface 8c to increase the thickness. getting thin. At this time, the pressing force of the pressing portion 8a rises to the pressing pressure P3 (time t9).

Due to the expansion of the pressing portion 8a, the object to be cleaned 2 is compressed and its volume changes. Along with this, the washing water contained in the object to be cleaned 2 is pushed out from the object to be cleaned 2, a water flow is generated inside the object to be cleaned 2, and the washing water is permeated into the object to be cleaned 2. Can be done.

Further, the washing water contained in the object to be cleaned 2 moves inside the object to be cleaned 2 from below the pressing portion 8a to below the pressing portion 8b in the direction indicated by the arrow C4. Then, the washing water moving in this way pushes up the pressing surface 8c of the pressing portion 8b while expanding the object 2 to be cleaned below the pressing portion 8b, and discharges air from the open discharge valve 11b. The pressing portion 8b is contracted (arrow B4).

As described above with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C, in the pressing operation, the pressing portion 8a (first pressing portion) and the pressing portion 8b (second pressing portion) are expanded at different timings alternately. The contraction is repeated for a predetermined time. For example, pressurization by expansion of the pressing portion 8a for 1 second and decompression by contraction of the pressing portion 8b for 1 second are repeated for 10 minutes. As a result, the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed and washed. By performing this pressing operation and the above-mentioned degassing operation, the effect of permeating the washing water into the inner part of the fiber can be improved, and a high cleaning effect can be exhibited.

Further, at least one of the pressing portions 8 always presses the object to be cleaned 2 with a pressing force that can restrain the movement of the object to be cleaned 2. As a result, mechanical force due to stirring, tapping, etc. does not act on the object to be cleaned 2, and while preventing the object to be cleaned 2 from floating, a multi-directional water flow is generated inside the object to be cleaned 2 to remove dirt. Can be removed. In addition, by suppressing the mechanical force, it is possible to suppress the damage to the cloth and the shape loss, and to enhance the cleaning effect.

Here, in the first embodiment, as described above, the control unit 29 stops the exhaust pump 26 after the degassing operation and returns the inside of the cleaning tank 4 to the atmospheric pressure. There is no need to continue depressurization. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed by shortening the time for driving the exhaust pump.

Next, a case where a washing course that consistently executes from the washing process to the dehydration process is set will be described. Following the washing step described above, a rinsing step and a dehydration step are performed.

In the rinsing step, for example, a drainage operation, a preliminary dehydration operation, and then a trial rinsing operation are performed. First, in the drainage operation, the control unit 29 opens the drain valve 23. The washing water in the washing tub 4 is discharged to the outside through the drainage path 24.

Next, in the preliminary dehydration operation, for example, the control unit 29 closes the drain valve 11 and opens the on-off valve 12 with the drain valve 23 open to drive the pressurizing pump 10. As a result, the pressing portion 8 expands. The object to be cleaned 2 is pressed by the pressing surface 8c and compressed, and the washing water contained in the object to be cleaned 2 is forcibly discharged to the outside.

Then, in the trial rinsing operation, the control unit 29 opens the water supply valve 17 and supplies a predetermined amount of tap water into the washing tank 4. After that, as in the washing step, the control unit 29 drives the pressurizing pump 10 to repeat expansion and contraction of the pressing units 8a and 8b at different timings. As a result, the detergent concentration of the washing water contained in the object to be cleaned 2 is diluted. This rinsing process is repeated a plurality of times (eg, twice).

After performing the rinsing process, a dehydration process is performed. In the dehydration step, the control unit 29 opens the drain valve 23 and discharges the washing water in the washing tub 4 to the outside. After that, the control unit 29 closes the drain valve 11 and opens the on-off valve 12 with the drain valve 23 open to drive the pressurizing pump 10. As a result, the pressing portion 8 expands. The object to be cleaned 2 is pressed and compressed by the pressing surface 8c, and the washing water contained in the object to be cleaned 2 is forcibly discharged.

Finally, after the dehydration step is completed, the control unit 29 contracts the pressing unit 8 to release the pressing of the object to be cleaned 2. Further, the control unit 29 opens the exhaust path on-off valve 28 to return the inside of the cleaning tank 4 to atmospheric pressure. After unlocking by operating the handle 5a, the user opens the lid 5 and takes out the object to be cleaned 2.

In the first embodiment, the pressurizing / depressurizing unit 7 includes a flexible pressing unit 8, a pressurizing pump 10 that supplies fluid to the inside of the pressing unit 8 to expand it, and the inside of the pressing unit 8. It is composed of a discharge valve 11 that discharges and contracts the fluid of. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and for example, the depressurization for contracting the pressing portion 8 may be performed by a decompression pump (not shown) instead of the discharge valve 11. Further, in the first embodiment, the pressurizing pump 10 is used as a pressurizing means for expanding the pressing portion 8. However, by reversing this, the pressurizing pump 10 may be used as a depressurizing pump (depressurizing means) for contracting the pressing portion 8.

In this case, even if the object to be cleaned 2 is a thin object with poor elasticity such as a scarf or a thick object with high elasticity such as a knit, the amount and discharge of the fluid discharged from the pressing portion 8 By controlling the speed, it is possible to change the pressing force on the object to be cleaned 2. As a result, it is possible to realize a washing machine 1 that can obtain stable cleaning performance according to the state of the object to be cleaned 2.

Further, in the first embodiment, the pressurizing / depressurizing unit 7 shares the pressurizing pump 10, and two sets (7a, 7b) are provided so as to alternately expand and contract. A set or more may be provided so as to be sequentially expanded and contracted so as to operate at different timings. In this case, at least one pressing portion 8 is configured to press at a preparation pressure P1 or higher, expand, and contract the other pressing portion 8 when the switching pressure P2 is reached. At this time, the order in which the plurality of pressing portions 8 expand and contract may be regular or random.

Further, the fluid supplied to the inside of the pressing portion 8 to expand the pressing portion 8 may be a gas or a liquid. In the case of gas, the surrounding air may be taken in by a pressurizing pump 10 or the like, and there are few restrictions when exhausting, which is convenient. In the case of liquid, water, aqueous solution, oil, etc. can be used. In this case, it is desirable to have a storage unit for storing the liquid. Further, since the liquid has a higher density than air and is not as elastic as a gas, the pressing portion 8 can be reliably expanded.

Further, as described above, in the preparatory operation, the inside of the cleaning tank 4 is set to atmospheric pressure, and air is supplied to the pressing portion 8 to extend the pressure, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pressing portion 8 may be extended by driving the exhaust pump 26 to reduce the pressure inside the cleaning tank 4. As a result, when the water supply operation is started, the air to be cleaned is immersed in the washing water, and at the same time, the air contained inside the object 2 is sucked and discharged by the exhaust pump 26 to wash the inside of the object 2 to be washed. The water penetration effect can be enhanced.

Further, the washing machine 1 may be provided with a vibrating portion (not shown) in the washing tub 4 or in the pressing portion 8 so as to be in contact with the washing water. By applying external energy such as ultrasonic vibration to the washing water by the vibrating portion, small bubbles can be grown large and can be easily pulled out from the inner part of the fiber of the object to be cleaned 2.

As described above, in the first embodiment, as a method of removing the gas existing in the back of the fiber of the object to be cleaned 2, a method of reducing the pressure at the time of immersion, a method of causing the fiber to be mechanically deformed by a pressing operation, and a method of washing. The method of lowering the dissolved amount of gas by raising the temperature of water and the method of growing small bubbles by vibration were explained. By using these methods alone or in combination, gas is removed from the object to be cleaned 2 submerged in washing water. As a result, the washing water permeates deep into the fibers, and the dirt on the fibers and the washing water come into direct contact with each other, so that a washing machine with high washability can be realized.

[1-3. Effect, etc.]
As described above, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided by the washing tub 4 for accommodating the object to be washed 2 and the washing water, the water supply valve 17 for supplying the washing water into the washing tub 4, and the pressurizing pump 10. It includes a pressing unit 8 that presses the object to be cleaned 2 in the cleaning tank 4, an exhaust pump 26 that sucks and discharges the air in the cleaning tank 4 to reduce the pressure, and a control unit 29 that controls the washing operation including the washing process. .. The control unit 29 supplies washing water to the cleaning tank 4 by the water supply valve 17 in a state where the pressing unit 8 is extended by the pressure pump 10 and presses the object to be cleaned 2, and the inside of the cleaning tank 4 is supplied by the exhaust pump 26. It is configured to reduce the pressure.

As a result, the air contained inside the submerged object 2 to be cleaned is placed in a decompressed environment by the exhaust pump 26 and is discharged as bubbles. Therefore, the washing water can be permeated into the space behind the deflated fibers. The water flow generated by the push-washing can form and permeate the washing water flow into the inside of the object to be washed 2, suppress the cloth damage and the shape loss, and enhance the washing effect.

Further, the control unit 29 of the present embodiment is configured to drive the exhaust pump 26 at least after the water supply of the washing water to the washing tank 4 is completed or during the water supply.

As a result, since the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed while being immersed in the washing water, the air contained inside the object to be cleaned 2 is easily sucked and discharged, and the effect of permeating the washing water can be enhanced.

Further, the control unit 29 of the present embodiment is configured to drive the exhaust pump 26 at the start of supplying the washing water to the washing tub 4.

As a result, the air contained in the washing water in the water supply can be sucked and discharged, and the decompression in the washing tub 4 can be quickly performed.

Further, the control unit 29 of the present embodiment returns the inside of the cleaning tank 4 to atmospheric pressure after driving the exhaust pump 26 for a predetermined time, and then presses and releases the pressed object 2 by the pressing unit 8 to be cleaned. The object 2 is contracted and expanded so that a multi-directional water flow is generated inside the object 2 to be cleaned.

As a result, it is not necessary to reduce the pressure inside the cleaning tank 4 during the pressing operation. Therefore, the time for driving the exhaust pump is shortened, and the power consumption can be suppressed.

Further, the control unit 29 of the present embodiment includes a degassing operation of sucking and exhausting the air in the cleaning tank 4 in the washing step, and in the degassing operation, the pressing unit 8 presses the normal pressing pressure (P3) in the pressing operation. It is configured to be pressed as described above.

As a result, the difference between the pressure inside the pressing portion and the pressure inside the cleaning tank is widened, the amount of shrinkage deformation of the object to be cleaned 2 is increased, and the air contained inside the object to be cleaned 2 can be reliably discharged. it can.

Further, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a heating unit 31 for heating the washing water, and the control unit 29 is configured to drive the exhaust pump 26 in a state where the washing water is heated by the heating unit 31. It is a thing.

As a result, the temperature of the washing water rises, and the amount of gas that can be dissolved in the washing water decreases. Therefore, when the pressure is reduced, air can be easily removed from the inner part of the fiber of the object to be cleaned 2. Further, by increasing the temperature of the washing water penetrating into the inner part of the fiber, the removal of the dirt substance existing in the inner part of the fiber is promoted and the cleaning performance can be improved.

Further, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a dehumidifying section 32 between the washing tub 4 and the exhaust pump 26, and the dehumidifying section 32 dehumidifies the air sucked and discharged from the washing tub 4.

As a result, the amount of water in the air sucked and discharged can be reduced, high humidity air can be prevented from directly flowing into the exhaust pump 26, and the performance of the exhaust pump 26 can be maintained.

Further, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a detergent stirring unit (mixing unit) 35 that mixes detergent and tap water to generate washing water.

As a result, it becomes possible to supply washing water having a substantially uniform concentration to the object to be cleaned 2 placed in the cleaning tank 4, and there is little uneven washing regardless of the position of the object to be cleaned 2 from the water supply port 16a. And cleaning performance can be obtained.

(Embodiment 2)
[2-1. Constitution]
The configuration of the washing machine 1 in the second embodiment is the same as that shown in the first embodiment. The pressurizing pump 10 is used as a pressurizing / depressurizing pump capable of pressurizing and depressurizing by supplying and discharging a fluid such as gas or liquid to the inside of the pressing portion 8. Hereinafter, the pressurizing pump 10 of the first embodiment will be described as a pressurizing / depressurizing pump 10 in the second embodiment.

[2-2. motion]
FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the operation of the washing process of the washing machine 1 in the second embodiment. Further, FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are action diagrams showing a pressing operation in the washing process of the washing machine 1 in the second embodiment. The feature of the second embodiment is that the exhaust pump 26 is driven even during the pressing operation, and the air contained inside the object to be cleaned 2 is sucked and discharged. Further, in the pressing operation, the pressurizing / depressurizing pump 10 sucks the air in the pressing portion 8, that is, drives the pressing portion 8 to reduce the pressure, and contracts the pressing portion 8.

It should be noted that the steps from the preparatory operation to the degassing operation are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description of the first embodiment is incorporated. The pressure will be described using the pressure symbols P0 to P6 shown in Table 2. Here, in order to reduce the pressure inside the pressing unit 8, the control unit 29 closes the discharge valve 11 provided in the pressing unit on the depressurizing side and opens the on-off valve 12 connected to the pressing unit on the depressurizing side. The pressurizing / depressurizing pump 10 is driven so as to suck air. Note that P0 to P4 are the same as those in Table 1.

The pressing operation will be described below.

First, the object to be cleaned 2 is in a state of being pressed by the pressing portions 8a and 8b in the preparatory operation and immersed in the washing water supplied into the cleaning tub 4 in the water supply operation. Then, the control unit 29 opens the exhaust path on-off valve 28 and drives the exhaust pump 26, so that the air in the cleaning tank 4 is discharged to the outside of the cleaning tank 4 through the exhaust path 27. As a result, the pressure inside the cleaning tank 4 is reduced.

First, FIG. 7A will be described. Since the control unit 29 opens the discharge valve 11a (time t10) and the on-off valve 12a is closed, the air inside the pressing unit 8a pressurized to the atmospheric pressure or higher flows out from the discharge valve 11a. Although the pressure inside the pressing portion 8a is reduced and the pressing portion 8a is still in the expanded state, the pressing pressure P5 is lower than the pressing pressure P4 during the degassing operation. Here, the pressing pressure P5 is a pressure at which the object to be cleaned 2 is compressed by the pressing of the pressing surface 8c in the washing water and the movement in the plane direction is restricted, and may be a preparation pressure P1 or more.

Further, substantially at the same time as the time t10, the control unit 29 opens the on-off valve 12b and drives the pressurizing / reducing pump 10 so as to depressurize the air inside the pressing unit 8b. Since the discharge valve 11b is closed, the air inside the pressing portion 8b is sucked from the on-off valve 12b through the communication portion 9b, and the pressing pressure of the pressing portion 8b is reduced.

When the pressing force of the pressing portion 8b reaches the switching pressure P6, the pressing portion 8b contracts (arrow B5) (time t11). Here, the switching pressure P6 is a pressure at which the inside of the pressing portion 8b is decompressed from the inside of the cleaning tank 4. The switching pressure P6 may be less than or equal to the preparation pressure P1.

As described above, as shown in FIG. 7A, the pressure inside the pressing portion 8a is made higher than the pressure inside the cleaning tank 4, so that the pressing portion 8a is extended to press the object to be cleaned 2, and the pressure inside the pressing portion 8b. Shrinks (arrow B5) by lowering the pressure in the washing tank 4 below. Further, the washing water contained in the object to be cleaned 2 moves from below the pressing portion 8a extended inside the object to be cleaned 2 to below the contracted pressing portion 8b in the direction indicated by the arrow C5. By this water flow, the dirt adhering to the object to be cleaned 2 is removed apart from the fibers, and the cleaning effect can be enhanced.

Next, FIG. 7B will be described. The control unit 29 opens the discharge valve 11b almost at the same time.
The on-off valve 12b is closed (time t12). As a result, air flows into the pressing portion 8b from the discharge valve 11b, and the pressing portion 8b expands (arrow B6).

Further, almost at the same time as the time t12, the control unit 29 closes the discharge valve 11a and opens the on-off valve 12a. As a result, the air inside the pressing portion 8a is sucked from the on-off valve 12a through the communicating portion 9a, and the pressing pressure of the pressing portion 8a is reduced.

When the pressing force of the pressing portion 8a reaches the switching pressure P6, contraction (arrow A6) is started from the initial state when the pressing portion 8a is neither depressurized nor pressurized (time t13).

As a result, as shown in FIG. 7B, the air inside the pressing portion 8a is sucked and discharged to contract the pressing portion 8a. Since the object to be cleaned 2 is in a state of being pressed by the pressing portion 8b, the washing water contained inside the object to be cleaned 2 flows from below the pressing portion 8b to below the pressing portion 8a inside the object to be cleaned 2. It moves in the direction indicated by the arrow C6, and a water flow is generated.

Next, FIG. 7C will be described. The control unit 29 closes the on-off valve 12a almost at the same time when the discharge valve 11a is opened (time t14). As a result, air flows into the pressing portion 8a from the discharge valve 11b, and the pressing portion 8a expands (arrow A7).

Further, almost at the same time as the time t14, the control unit 29 closes the discharge valve 11b and opens the on-off valve 12b. As a result, the air inside the pressing portion 8b is sucked from the on-off valve 12b through the communicating portion 9b, and the pressing pressure of the pressing portion 8b is reduced.

When the pressing force of the pressing portion 8b reaches the switching pressure P6, contraction (arrow B7) is started from the initial state when the pressing portion 8b is neither depressurized nor pressurized (time t15).

As a result, as shown in FIG. 7C, the air inside the pressing portion 8b is sucked and discharged to contract the pressing portion 8b. Since the object to be cleaned 2 is in a state of being pressed by the pressing portion 8a, the washing water contained inside the object to be cleaned 2 flows from below the pressing portion 8a to below the pressing portion 8b inside the object to be cleaned 2. It moves in the direction indicated by the arrow C7, and a water flow is generated.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C, in the pressing operation, the pressing portion 8a and the pressing portion 8b are repeatedly expanded and contracted for a predetermined time at different timings. As a result, the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed and washed. By performing this pressing operation and the above-mentioned degassing operation, it is possible to exert a high cleaning effect in addition to the effect of permeating the washing water into the inner part of the fiber.

Further, the floating of the object to be cleaned 2 can be prevented by constantly pressing the object to be cleaned 2 with at least one pressing portion 8 having a pressing force that can restrain the movement of the object to be cleaned 2. That is, without mechanical force acting on the object to be cleaned 2 due to stirring, tapping, etc., while preventing the object to be cleaned 2 from floating, a multi-directional water flow is generated inside the object to be cleaned 2 to remove dirt. can do. It is possible to improve the cleaning effect by suppressing cloth damage and shape loss.

The exhaust pump 26 may be driven to the end of the pressing operation, or may be stopped during the pressing operation. When the exhaust pump 26 is stopped, the control unit 29 closes the exhaust path on-off valve 28 at about the same time to maintain the depressurized state in the cleaning tank 4.

[2-3. Effect, etc.]
As described above, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 29 maintains the inside of the washing tub 4 in a predetermined depressurized state at least until the washing step is completed or until the middle of the washing step. It is configured to drive the exhaust pump 26.

As a result, the shrinkage and expansion of the object to be cleaned 2 due to push-washing causes the object to be cleaned 2 to be physically deformed, and the air inside the object to be cleaned 2 can be continuously sucked and discharged during the washing process. The effect of permeating the washing water into the inside of the object to be cleaned 2 can be further enhanced.

(Embodiment 3)
[3-1. Constitution]
The configuration of the washing machine 1 in the third embodiment is the same as that shown in the first and second embodiments.

[3-2. motion]
Further, FIG. 8 is a time chart showing the operation of the washing process of the washing machine 1 in the third embodiment. The feature of the third embodiment is that the washing process is carried out by raising the temperature of the washing water.

In the third embodiment, the water supply / heating operation is performed instead of the water supply operation of the second embodiment. The water supply / heating operation will be described. The preparatory operation, the degassing operation, and the pressing operation are the same as those in the second embodiment, and the same components are designated by the same reference numerals. Invite.

The control unit 29 opens the water supply valve 17. As a result, tap water dissolves and stirs the detergent in the detergent stirring unit 35 to generate washing water, which is supplied from the water supply port 16a into the washing tank 4 through the water supply path 16. When the washing water is supplied to the first predetermined water level in the washing tub 4, the control unit 29 operates the heating unit 31 to start heating the washing water (time t20). The water level in the washing tank 4 is detected by the water level detecting unit 19. Here, it is desirable that the first predetermined water level is at least a water level at which the heating unit 31 is completely submerged.

The control unit 29 closes the water supply valve 17 when the washing water is supplied into the washing tub 4 to the second predetermined water level. Here, it is desirable that the second predetermined water level is at least a water level at which the object to be cleaned 2 is completely submerged.

A water temperature detecting unit (not shown) is provided in the heating unit 31. The control unit 29 controls the heating unit 31 to heat the washing water. When the temperature of the washing water reaches a predetermined temperature, the control unit 29 stops the operation of the heating unit 31. The predetermined temperature is preferably 20 ° C to 40 ° C. The predetermined temperature of the washing water may be different depending on the clothes to be washed. Further, in the pressing operation, it is desirable that the temperature and the amount of decompression are such that the washing water does not boil when the inside of the washing tub 4 is depressurized.

As described above, the water supply to the washing tank 4 and the heating operation of the washing water are completed, and the degassing operation proceeds (time t2). As the temperature of the washing water rises, the amount of gas that can be dissolved in the washing water decreases, so when the inside of the washing tub 4 is depressurized by the exhaust pump 26, the removal of air from the inner part of the fibers of the object 2 to be washed is promoted. Will be done.

Further, the washing machine 1 may include a dehumidifying unit 32 between the washing tub 4 and the exhaust pump 26. As a result, the amount of water in the air sucked and discharged from the cleaning tank 4 is reduced by the dehumidifying unit 32 provided in the exhaust path 27, preventing high humidity air from directly flowing into the exhaust pump, and the performance of the exhaust pump. Can be maintained.

In the third embodiment, the washing water is heated while being supplied, but it may be heated after the water supply is completed. In FIG. 8, the heating unit 31 is stopped after the water supply / heating operation. Here, the control unit 29 may shorten the water supply / heating operation time by operating the heating unit 31 even during the degassing operation. Further, when the temperature of the washing water becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature during the degassing operation or the pressing operation, the control unit 29 may operate the heating unit 31 again to heat the washing water.

The above-mentioned water supply / heating operation may be applied to the first embodiment.

[3-3. Effect, etc.]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the washing machine 1 includes a heating unit 31 for heating the washing water, and the control unit 29 is configured to drive the exhaust pump in a state where the washing water is heated. Is to be done.

As a result, the amount of gas that can be dissolved in the washing water decreases as the temperature of the washing water rises. Therefore, when the pressure is reduced, air can be easily removed from the inner part of the fiber of the object to be cleaned 2. Furthermore, the cleaning water flows into the space where the bubbles have escaped, and the removal of dirt at the back of the fibers is promoted, so that the cleaning performance can be improved.

Further, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a dehumidifying section 32 between the washing tub 4 and the exhaust pump 26, and the dehumidifying section 32 dehumidifies the air sucked and discharged from the washing tub 4.

As a result, the amount of water in the air sucked and discharged can be reduced, high humidity air can be prevented from directly flowing into the exhaust pump 26, and the performance of the exhaust pump 26 can be maintained.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, Embodiments 1 to 3 have been described as examples of the techniques disclosed in the present application. However, since the above-described embodiment is for exemplifying the technique in the present disclosure, the present invention is not limited to this, and various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. It can be carried out. It is also possible to combine the components described in the first to third embodiments to form a new embodiment.

It should be noted that any combination of the above components and the conversion of the expressions of the present disclosure between methods, devices, systems, recording media, computer programs and the like are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

As described above, the present disclosure is useful as a washing machine because the washing water can be permeated into the fibers of the object to be washed to enhance the washing effect. Further, the object to be washed is not limited to clothes, and the present disclosure is applicable to other than washing machines.

1 Washing machine 2 Items to be washed 4 Washing tank 5 Lid body 7, 7a, 7b Pressurizing and depressurizing part 8, 8a, 8b Pressing part 8c Pressing surface 10 Pressurizing pump (pressurizing and depressurizing pump)
11, 11a, 11b Discharge valve 12, 12a, 12b On-off valve 17 Water supply valve 19 Water level detector 24 Drainage path 26 Exhaust pump 27 Exhaust path 28 Exhaust path on-off valve 29 Control unit 31 Heating unit 32 Dehumidifying unit 35 Detergent stirring unit (mixing) Department)

Claims (9)

A washing tub that houses the object to be washed and washing water,
A water supply valve that supplies the washing water into the washing tank,
A pressing portion that presses the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank by a pressure pump, and a pressing portion.
An exhaust pump that sucks and discharges the air in the washing tank to reduce the pressure.
It is equipped with a control unit that controls the washing operation including the washing process.
The control unit
In a state where the pressing portion is extended by the pressurizing pump and the object to be cleaned is pressed.
The washing water is supplied to the washing tank by the water supply valve, and the washing water is supplied.
A washing machine configured to depressurize the inside of the washing tub by the exhaust pump. The control unit is configured to drive the exhaust pump at least after the water supply to the washing tank is completed or during the water supply.
The washing machine according to claim 1. The control unit is configured to drive the exhaust pump at the start of water supply to the washing tank.
The washing machine according to claim 1. After driving the exhaust pump for a predetermined time, the control unit returns the inside of the cleaning tank to atmospheric pressure.
After that, the object to be cleaned is contracted and expanded by pressing and releasing the object to be cleaned by the pressing portion, so that a water flow is generated in the object to be cleaned.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The control unit is configured to drive the exhaust pump so as to maintain the inside of the washing tank in a predetermined depressurized state at least until the washing step is completed or until the middle of the washing step. ,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The control unit includes a degassing operation for sucking and exhausting air in the washing tank in the washing step.
In the degassing operation, the pressing portion is configured to press the object to be cleaned with a pressure equal to or higher than the normal pressing pressure in the pressing operation.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The washing machine includes a heating unit for heating the washing water.
The control unit is configured to drive the exhaust pump in a state where the washing water is heated by the heating unit.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The washing machine includes a dehumidifying section between the washing tub and the exhaust pump.
The dehumidifying section dehumidifies the air sucked and discharged from the washing tank.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The washing machine includes a mixing unit that mixes detergent and tap water to produce the washing water.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8.