JP3596738B2 - Part washing apparatus with a washing machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a washing machine provided with a partial washing device for removing partial stains on clothes by using a washing action by ultrasonic waves.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In conventional home washing machines, stubborn dirt such as the collar, cuffs, and socks of a cutter shirt was difficult to remove, and it was common practice to pre-wash the portion with a brush or hand washing in advance. However, pre-cleaning is a problem that the fabric damage is large due to the friction of the fibers in addition to the laborious to.
[0003]
Therefore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-224793 proposes a washing machine with a partial washing device. FIG. 5 shows the configuration of this washing machine.
[0004]
The jet nozzle 21 as a partial washing device is located above the washing tub 23 in the washing machine main body 22, and the washing water in the washing tub 23 is supplied by the pump 26 of the washing water supply member 25. The washing water is sprayed toward the washing tub 23 after being subjected to the ultrasonic vibration generated by the ultrasonic generating member 27. When a dirty portion of an object to be washed is applied to the jetted washing water, the stain is removed by a synergistic effect of the vibration acceleration and the jet pressure.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The partial washing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-224793 uses ultrasonic vibration in a relatively high frequency band of about 500 kHz to several MHz, and has a configuration in which energy density is increased by narrowing down with the injection nozzle 21. . This causes the following problem.
[0006]
That is, the cleaning water jetted from the jet nozzle 21 has a high energy density, and its flow velocity is several m / sec. Therefore, when the object to be washed is hit, it often scatters and wets around the washing machine.
[0007]
It is also said that the ultrasonic vibration in the high frequency band is transmitted to the deep part of the human body, so that sufficient pain is felt, and that the cartilage is adversely affected. Therefore, in the above-mentioned partial washing apparatus, the washing water to which the ultrasonic vibration of the relatively high frequency band is applied is configured to be easy to touch the hand, and thus the hand may be damaged.
[0008]
The ultrasonic intensity of the cleaning water jetted from the jet nozzle 21 is highest at the tip of the jet nozzle 21 and slightly varies depending on the frequency. However, the frequency rapidly attenuates at a distance of several tens mm from the tip. Thus, the distance from the injection nozzle 21 a high cleaning effect is obtained until the washload is limited. For example, if the frequency is 1 MHz, it is necessary to clean the object to be cleaned at a distance of about 20 mm from the tip of the injection nozzle 21. However, in the washing machine because hardly holds a distance to the object to be cleaned from the injection nozzle 21 to be constant, depending on how the work there is a risk that the cleaning effect is significantly reduced.
[0009]
Furthermore, when a detergent for partial washing is used, the washing water is sprayed onto a portion where the detergent has been applied to the partial dirt beforehand, but since the flow rate of the washing water at this time is several L / min, the detergent flows out and sufficient washing is performed. No effect was obtained. In addition, if the stain is severe, it is necessary to apply the detergent again, and the usability is poor.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a washing machine having a partial washing device that can be effectively cleaned using a detergent solution and that is safe and easy to use. Aim.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, partial washing apparatus with a washing machine of the present invention, supply and ultrasonic vibrator vibrates ultrasonically, and an ultrasonic vibration horn for amplifying vibrations at ultrasonic vibrator, a liquid detergent And a partial washing device that removes stains on an object to be washed by the ultrasonic vibration-provided detergent liquid, wherein a slit is formed in a case of the partial washing device, By passing the object to be cleaned through the slit, a detergent liquid to which ultrasonic vibrations are applied is supplied, and the partial washing device is curved so as to be convex downward, and an upper cover having a bottom opening, and an upper cover having a bottom opening. A lower cover that is curved so as to be convex upward at the bottom and whose top is open is provided in the case, and the tip of the ultrasonic vibration horn is lower than the opening in the opening of the upper cover. Or at the same height Ri, wherein from feed tank the detergent liquid is fed onto the top cover, the object to be cleaned through the slit is characterized in that passing between the lower cover and the upper cover.
[0012]
In the above partial washing device, a detergent solution (such as a solution obtained by diluting a liquid detergent to a standard use concentration) is previously supplied to a liquid supply tank. The amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration generated by the ultrasonic vibrator is amplified by the ultrasonic vibration horn, and the vibration energy converges to high energy. Therefore, the ultrasonic transducer only needs to generate ultrasonic vibration in a relatively low frequency band.
[0013]
The detergent liquid discharged from the liquid supply tank is subjected to high-energy ultrasonic vibration, and is supplied to a contaminated portion of the object to be cleaned. Due to the high energy of the vibration, cavitation can be generated inside the fiber even when the amount of the detergent liquid is small, and the dirt is quickly removed. The tip of the ultrasonic vibration horn that vibrates ultrasonically is located in the case. To supply the detergent liquid to the object to be cleaned, only the object to be cleaned is passed through the slit of the case. Therefore, the tip of the ultrasonic vibration horn does not touch the hand. Further, since the tip of the ultrasonic vibration horn is fixed in position with respect to the slit, the distance from the tip to the object to be cleaned passing through the slit is always constant. In addition, the detergent liquid discharged from the liquid supply tank flows down along the curved surface of the upper cover, is guided to the bottom opening, and is subjected to ultrasonic vibration by the tip of the ultrasonic vibration horn located in the opening. . The cleaning liquid flows down from the opening, and is supplied to the object to be cleaned through the slit of the case by the user. Further, the tip of the ultrasonic vibration horn can slightly touch the object to be cleaned.
[0014]
Further , the liquid supply tank of the partial washing device has a shape having a concave portion, and the ultrasonic vibrator is located in the concave portion. When the ultrasonic vibrator is driven, heat is generated due to dielectric loss, and the liquid supply tank located around the ultrasonic vibrator is heated by heat conduction and radiation. Therefore, the detergent solution inside is also heated, and its enzymatic activity and chemical reaction are promoted.
[0019]
Also , the partial washing device is provided with a solid soap storage part that stores the solid soap so that it is partially exposed. When water is supplied to the liquid supply tank, the solid soap is applied to the object to be cleaned together with the water supply. It is characterized by being performed. That is, in this partial washing apparatus, effective washing can be performed even with water by using solid soap.
[0020]
Further , a solid soap storage section in which the solid soap stored therein is exposed from the lower end, and means for pressing the solid soap downward in the solid soap storage section, wherein the exposed solid soap is a tip of the ultrasonic vibration horn. It is characterized by being located at the same height as the part.
[0021]
This partial washing device removes stains on an object to be washed with water and soap to which ultrasonic vibrations are applied. That is, water is previously charged into the liquid supply tank, and ultrasonic water is applied to the water discharged from the liquid supply tank at the tip of the ultrasonic vibration horn. When the user passes the object to be cleaned through the slit of the case, the solid soap exposed from the lower end of the solid soap storage section is applied to the object to be cleaned, and at the same time, water to which ultrasonic vibration is applied is supplied. Further, the tip of the ultrasonic vibration horn can slightly touch the object to be cleaned.
[0022]
In addition, the provision of the pressure contact means ensures that the solid soap is always exposed from the lower end of the solid soap storage section even if the solid soap is consumed.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of a washing machine with a partial washing device according to the present embodiment. Reference numeral 10 denotes a partial washing device for removing dirt from the object to be washed by ultrasonic waves, and is attached to the lid 2 of the main body 1 of the washing machine.
[0024]
Reference numeral 3 denotes an oscillator for generating an ultrasonic driving electric pulse, 4 denotes a lead wire for transmitting a drive signal from the oscillator 3 to the partial washing device 10, and 5 denotes a washing tub. Further, reference numeral 13b provided in the partial washing device 10 is a slit, and reference numeral 18a is an opening / closing door of a solid soap storage section described later.
[0025]
The lid 2 is opened by being folded in two at the front and back, and a partial washing device 10 is attached to the front lid 2a at the center in the horizontal direction in the vicinity of the front edge. When the front edge of the lid 2 reaches the position of the diameter of the washing tub 5 during opening, the lid 2 can be easily locked by a magnet or the like (not shown). Is ready. At this time, since the partial washing device 10 is located substantially at the center of the washing tub 5, that is, at a position where the frontage of the main body opening 1a is the widest, the workability is very good for washing long items such as collar stains. .
[0026]
The height from the floor surface to the lid 2 is slightly different depending on the washing machine but is about 900 mm or more. Therefore, when using the partial washing device 10, the user can take an almost upright working posture. Therefore, work can be performed very easily.
[0027]
Next, the configuration of the partial washing device 10 will be described. The partial washing apparatus 10 employs a configuration (Japanese Patent Application No. 10-197126) filed by the present inventor.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration unit provided in the partial washing device 10. Reference numeral 11 denotes an ultrasonic vibrator, and reference numeral 12 denotes an ultrasonic vibration horn for amplifying the vibration.
[0029]
FIG. 3 is a partially broken sectional view of the partial washing device 10. The case 13 of the partial washing device 10 is a rectangular parallelepiped with an upper end and a lower end open, and a wall 13a for dividing the inside of the case 13 into an upper part and a lower part is provided therein. The center of the wall 13a is open, and a support member 14 is attached to the periphery thereof. The ultrasonic vibrating sections 11, 12 are inserted into the wall 13a such that the tip 12a of the ultrasonic vibration horn 12 faces downward. , Has been fixed.
[0030]
A cartridge type liquid supply tank 15 is inserted from the upper end of the case 13. The liquid supply tank 15 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and has a concave portion 15a on the lower surface. It is preferable that the liquid supply tank 15 is a resin molded product such as polyethylene or polypropylene because it is easy to manufacture. When this liquid supply tank 15 is inserted into the case 13, the ultrasonic vibrator 11 and the ultrasonic vibration horn 12 can be avoided in the concave portion 15a.
[0031]
A tube 15c is provided at the lower end of the liquid supply tank 15 via a valve portion 15b, and the tube 15c penetrates the wall 13a, and its tip is located below the wall 13a. When the liquid supply tank 15 is inserted to the fixed position of the case 13, the valve portion 15b is pressed against the wall 13a and opened, and the detergent liquid in the liquid supply tank 15 is discharged from the tube 15c. If the liquid supply tank 15 is not inserted to the home position, the valve portion 15b closes and no detergent liquid flows.
[0032]
Below the wall 13a in the case 13, there is provided an upper cover 16 which is curved so as to project downward and has an open bottom. At this time, the distal end portion 12a of the ultrasonic vibration horn 12 is located in the opening 16a of the upper cover 16 slightly lower than or at the same height as the opening 16a. Below the upper cover 16, there is provided a lower cover 17 which is curved so as to protrude upward and has an open top.
[0033]
The case 13 has a slit 13b. The article 6 to be cleaned passed through the slit 13b passes through a gap provided between the upper cover 16 and the lower cover 17.
[0034]
A solid soap container 18 is provided between the wall 13a and the upper cover 16 adjacent to the ultrasonic vibration horn 12. The solid soap storage portion 18 has no bottom wall, and the lower end of the side wall is curved inward to support the internal solid soap 7 from below. The solid soap 7 exposed from the lower end of the solid soap storage portion 18 is located in the opening 16 a of the upper cover 16 and is fixed at the same height as the tip of the ultrasonic vibration horn 12. The solid soap 7 is taken in and out through the opening / closing door 18a shown in FIG.
[0035]
Further, a spring 18b and a movable plate 18c fixed to one end of the spring 18b are provided as press-contact means in an upper portion of the solid soap storage unit 18, and the solid soap 7 is restored by the spring 18b via the movable plate 18c. It is receiving power from above. As a result, the solid soap 7 is constantly pressed downward in the solid soap storage unit 18.
[0036]
The partial washing by the partial washing apparatus 10 having the above configuration will be described. When the liquid supply tank 15 in which the detergent liquid has been charged in advance is inserted to the fixed position of the case 13, the valve portion 15b opens and the detergent liquid is discharged from the tube 15c. The detergent liquid flows down along the curved surface of the upper cover 16 and is guided to the tip 12 a of the ultrasonic vibration horn 12.
[0037]
Although FIG. 3 shows that the solid soap 7 is contained in the solid soap storage section 18, the solid soap 7 is not used in the partial washing with the detergent solution.
[0038]
When the liquid supply tank 15 is inserted, the ultrasonic vibrator 11 vibrates at a resonance frequency by a drive signal from the oscillator 3 (see FIG. 1), and the vibration is amplified by the ultrasonic vibration horn 12. The tip portion 12a vibrates with an amplitude of several times to several tens times or more, depending on its material and shape. When this vibration is applied to the detergent liquid, the detergent liquid generates a capillary surface wave to be atomized, accelerated, and flows down to the washing tub 5 from the opening 17a of the lower cover 17.
[0039]
The user inserts the dirty portion of the cleaning object 6 into the slit 13b of the case 13 and moves the same to the left and right. At this time, the detergent liquid to which the ultrasonic vibration has been applied is supplied to the object 6 to be cleaned, and the tip portion 12a of the ultrasonic vibration horn 12 slightly contacts the object 6 to be cleaned. Therefore, the cleaning effect of the detergent solution, the strong cavitation generated on the surface and in the fiber of the cleaning object 6 by the ultrasonic vibration, and the physical vibration mechanical force of several tens kHz applied directly to the cleaning object 6 Due to the synergistic effect, partial soiling is very effectively removed.
[0040]
The user may determine whether to stop or continue the operation while visually checking the cleaning condition. Then, the washing target 6 after the partial washing is put into the washing tub 5 as it is, and normal washing is performed.
[0041]
In the above-described partial washing apparatus 10, the detergent liquid supplied to the article 6 to be washed is in the form of a mist, and the flow rate is about 0.1 L / min. Therefore, even when the detergent liquid is brought close to the object 6 to be cleaned, the detergent liquid does not scatter to the surroundings to such an extent that it permeates.
[0042]
Since the flow rate of the detergent liquid is about 0.1 L / min, if the capacity of the liquid supply tank 15 is about 1 L, it can be used for about 10 minutes and does not hinder the partial washing.
[0043]
The ultrasonic vibrator 11 generates heat due to dielectric loss (60 ° C. to 70 ° C.). However, since the liquid supply tank 15 surrounds the ultrasonic vibrator 11, the liquid supply tank 15 is heated and radiated. The detergent liquid in 15 is heated. Therefore, an improvement in the cleaning effect can be expected.
[0044]
Further, since the vibration energy from the ultrasonic vibrator 11 is converged by the ultrasonic vibration horn 12, the energy density at the tip 12a is very high, and the power density is easily several tens of W / cm ² or more. Reach Therefore, if the tip portion 12a is touched by hand, the vibration is absorbed and there is a danger of burns. Therefore, the configuration is such that the cleaning target 6 is passed through the slit 13b of the case 13 so that the hand does not contact the distal end portion 12a. For example, when the height of the slit 13b is set to about 10 mm, the hand may not easily enter.
[0045]
When the height of the slit 13b is at least about 10 mm in the vicinity of the distal end portion 12a of the ultrasonic vibration horn 12, the collar and sleeve of a cutter shirt, which frequently performs partial washing, socks, shirts, underwear, etc. are easily formed. Can be inserted. Therefore, it is not accompanied by inconvenience.
[0046]
Further, the distance from the object 6 to be cleaned passing through the slit 13a of the case 13 to the tip 12a of the ultrasonic vibration horn 12 is constant. Therefore, no matter who performs, the working conditions are the same, so that a constant cleaning effect can always be obtained.
[0047]
Further, since the partial washing apparatus 10 uses ultrasonic waves of a relatively low frequency of several tens of kHz, the vibration waves do not concentrate in a beam shape as in a high frequency band. Therefore, since the ultrasonic vibration caused by the excitation of water is not transmitted to the continuously flowing liquid with high intensity, the detergent liquid falling from the lower end of the case 13 to the washing tub 5 does not feel pain even if touched by hand.
[0048]
Next, a method using a solid soap will be described as a method other than the partial washing with the detergent liquid described above. That is, when a detergent liquid cannot be prepared, only water is poured into the liquid supply tank 15 and the solid soap 7 for hand washing used in ordinary households is inserted into the solid soap storage unit 18.
[0049]
The solid soap 7 exposed from the lower end of the solid soap storage unit 18 has the same height as the tip 12 a of the ultrasonic vibration horn 12. Therefore, when the dirty portion of the object to be cleaned is inserted into the slit 13b and moved left and right, the solid soap 7 is applied to the object 6 to be cleaned.
[0050]
The water discharged from the liquid supply tank 15 is supplied to the object 6 to be cleaned, to which the ultrasonic vibration is applied as described above and the soap is applied. Further, the tip portion 12a of the ultrasonic vibration horn 12 slightly contacts the object 6 to be cleaned. Therefore, the washing effect of soap, the strong cavitation generated on the surface and the fiber of the object 6 by the ultrasonically washed water, and the physical vibration of several tens kHz applied directly to the object 6 Due to the synergistic effect with mechanical force, partial soiling is very effectively removed.
[0051]
At this time, the soap flows out of the article 6 to be washed by water supply, but the soap is applied every time the article 6 is moved, so that the washing effect is not reduced.
[0052]
Further, even if the solid soap 7 is consumed, since the spring 18b and the movable plate 18c are pressed against the lower end of the solid soap storage unit 18, the exposed portion is always at the same height as the tip 12a of the ultrasonic vibration horn 12. Become.
[0053]
Next, the results of the actual washing test of the cloth with the washing machine according to the present invention are shown below. In this test, the degree of cleaning (%) was obtained by using an artificially stained cloth (simulating collar stain) as a test cloth in accordance with the JIS electric washing machine C9606 cleaning test. The cleaning degree (%)
Degree of washing (%) = (Reflectance after washing−Reflectance before washing) / (Reflectance of original cloth−Reflectance before washing) × 100
Required by
[0054]
The tests consisted of (a) diluting a commercially available liquid laundry detergent to a standard use concentration and putting it in a liquid supply tank, and (b) putting only water into the liquid supply tank and placing it on an artificially stained cloth. 2 was carried out for two conditions when a standard detergent liquid detergent was applied in a standard amount. In each case, an oscillator that generates a frequency of 40 kHz with an output of 30 W was used.
[0055]
FIG. 4 is a graph showing the results of this test, and shows the degree of cleaning with respect to the cleaning time. In the case of (b), the detergent flows out due to the supply of water, so that the concentration of the detergent is reduced. If the washing time becomes longer, the washing degree becomes almost the same. On the other hand, in the case of (a), since the detergent liquid is always supplied, the cleaning degree is improved as the cleaning time elapses. Therefore, (a) can perform more effective partial washing. In addition, the condition of the artificially stained cloth after cleaning does not have friction damage as seen in brush cleaning and hand-flush cleaning.
[0056]
【The invention's effect】
As described above , according to the present invention, since the detergent liquid to which ultrasonic vibration is applied is used, effective cleaning can be performed. In addition, since the detergent liquid is previously supplied to the liquid supply tank and is continuously supplied to the object to be cleaned, it is not necessary to apply the detergent liquid to the object to be cleaned one by one.
[0057]
In addition, since the ultrasonic vibration in the relatively low frequency band is amplified by the ultrasonic vibration horn, the cleaning liquid given the ultrasonic vibration is in the form of a mist, and may be scattered even when applied to the object to be cleaned. There is no. Since the tip of the ultrasonic vibration horn does not touch the hand, partial washing can be performed safely without damaging the hand. Further, since the distance from the tip of the ultrasonic vibration horn to the object to be cleaned is constant, the same cleaning effect can always be obtained. Further, since the tip of the ultrasonic vibration horn touches the object to be cleaned, the cleaning effect is further improved by vibrating mechanical force.
[0058]
Further , since the detergent liquid is heated by the heat generated by the ultrasonic vibrator, the cleaning effect by the detergent liquid is improved.
[0061]
Further, it is possible to perform effective parts washing with water and soap, even if the detergent liquid is not ready.
[0062]
Even if the soap is applied to the object to be washed and the soap flows out by water supply, the soap is applied each time the object to be washed is moved in the slit, so that the washing effect is not reduced. Further, even if the solid soap is consumed by the pressing means, the soap is surely applied to the object to be cleaned.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a washing machine having a partial washing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration unit provided in the partial washing device.
FIG. 3 is a partially broken sectional view of the partial washing device.
FIG. 4 is a graph showing a result of a cleaning test using the washing machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of a conventional washing machine.
[Explanation of symbols]
6 Object to be cleaned 7 Bar soap 10 Partial washing device 11 Ultrasonic vibrator 12 Ultrasonic vibration horn 12a Tip 13 Case 13b Slit 15 Liquid supply tank 15a Depression 16 Upper cover 16a Opening 17 Lower cover 17a Opening 18 Bar for storing solid soap

Claims (4)

An ultrasonic vibrator for ultrasonic vibration, an ultrasonic vibration horn for amplifying vibration in the ultrasonic vibrator, and a liquid supply tank for supplying a detergent liquid, wherein the detergent liquid is given the ultrasonic vibration. Equipped with a partial washing device that removes dirt on the object to be washed,
A slit is formed in the case of the partial washing device, and a detergent liquid subjected to ultrasonic vibration is supplied by passing the object to be cleaned through the slit,
The partial washing device has an upper cover that is curved so as to be convex downward and has an open bottom, and a lower cover that is curved so as to be convex upward below the upper cover and has an open top. And the tip of the ultrasonic vibration horn is located in the opening of the upper cover at a lower level or at the same height as the opening, and the detergent liquid is supplied from the liquid supply tank onto the upper cover. Wherein the object to be cleaned passed through the slit passes between the upper cover and the lower cover. The washing machine with a partial washing device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid supply tank of the partial washing device has a concave shape, and the ultrasonic vibrator is located in the concave portion. The partial washing device is provided with a solid soap storage portion for storing the solid soap so as to partially expose the solid soap, and when the water is supplied to the liquid supply tank, the solid soap is supplied to the object to be cleaned together with the water. The washing machine with a partial washing device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein is applied. A solid soap storage section in which the solid soap stored therein is exposed from the lower end, and means for pressing the solid soap downward in the solid soap storage section; the exposed solid soap is a tip of the ultrasonic vibration horn; The washing machine with a partial washing device according to claim 1 , wherein the washing machine is located at the same height as the part.

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