JP7213434B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, there are vertical washing machines that agitate and wash laundry such as clothes in a rotating tub, and drum-type washing machines that lift the laundry in the rotation direction in the rotating tub and drop it from above to wash it. . All washing machines are configured to wash laundry by applying mechanical force to the laundry in addition to the chemical force of the detergent.

The above-described washing machine generally dehydrates washed laundry by centrifugal dehydration, in which water is separated from the laundry by centrifugal force generated by high-speed rotation of a rotating tub (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, the above-described washing machine that applies mechanical force to the laundry to wash it is not suitable for washing the laundry described below. In addition, centrifugal dehydration is not suitable for dehydration after washing for the laundry shown below. Specifically, the laundry is likely to be damaged, and the laundry is likely to lose its shape when the laundry is tangled and pulled. Furthermore, it is laundry whose texture tends to deteriorate (generally hand-washed, for example, sweaters, cardigans and other knitted yarns, woolen fabrics, scarves made of delicate materials made of ultrafine fibers, etc.).

In general, centrifugal dehydration has the advantage of high dehydration efficiency. On the other hand, vibration and noise are likely to occur due to the high-speed rotation of the rotating tub. Therefore, in order to reduce vibration and noise during the dehydration operation, a washing machine configured to dehydrate the laundry by sucking moisture from the laundry has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

The drum-type fully automatic washing machine described in Patent Document 2 sucks moisture from the laundry 52 together with the air in the drum 51, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the washing machine has a suction member 54 that covers the outer peripheral wall of the drum 51 and communicates with the water passage hole 53 of the drum 51 . Moisture contained in the laundry 52 stuck to the inner peripheral wall of the drum 51 is sucked through the suction body 54 by the suction pump 55 . As a result, water contained in the laundry 52 is dehydrated.

That is, the suction dehydration method in which air and washing water are sucked together enables dehydration while suppressing damage to the laundry. However, the air flowing into the washing water foams the detergent component contained in the washing water. Therefore, it is necessary to construct a suction pump that sucks air and cleansing water so that the sucked water does not enter. Therefore, the washing machine having the above configuration generally includes a gas-liquid separation device that separates air and liquid.

Furthermore, a washing machine has been proposed that has a configuration that prevents detergent foam generated during washing from entering an air passage or the like (see, for example, Patent Documents 3 and 4).

Specifically, the drum-type washer/dryer described in Patent Document 3 includes a valve body 56 that closes an air passage 57 during washing, as shown in FIG. This prevents bubbles from entering the air passage 57 .

Further, the drum-type washing machine described in Patent Document 4 includes a foam detection sensor 59 provided in a water tank 58 and a heating air blower 60, as shown in FIG. Then, when the foam detection sensor 59 detects foaming in the water tank 58, the heated air blower 60 blows hot air onto the generated foam to eliminate the foam.

However, in the configuration of the washing machine described in Patent Document 2, the cleaning water and air sucked by the suction pump 55 are separated in the drain tank. At this time, the pressure is reduced by the suction, and the pressure inside the suction body 54 becomes negative from the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the negative pressure expands and increases the bubbles generated from the washing water. Then, the expanded foam is sucked, and there is a possibility that the foam may enter the suction pump through the air passage connecting the gas-liquid separation device and the suction pump or through this air passage.

JP-A-10-201988 JP-A-7-222894 JP 2008-253589 A JP 2008-73126 A

To provide a washing machine capable of realizing stable dehydration performance by preventing bubbles from entering a suction part during dehydration of an object to be washed that is inappropriate to be squeezed by applying a mechanical force.

The washing machine of the present invention comprises a washing tank containing an object to be washed and washing water, a pressing part for pressing the object to be washed in the washing tank, a suction part for sucking the washing water from the object to be washed, and a washing tank. and a dehydration path that communicates with the suction unit. Further, the washing machine includes an outside air introduction section for introducing outside air into the washing tub, a gas-liquid separation section provided in the dehydration path for separating the washing water sucked from the object to be washed and the air, and a dehydration operation of the washing machine. including a control unit for controlling the washing operation. The gas-liquid separation section includes a water storage section for storing the sucked cleaning water, a water amount detection section for detecting the amount of cleaning water stored in the water storage section and the height of bubbles contained in the cleaning water, and external air flowing into the water storage section. a dehydration drainage path for draining the washing water stored in the water reservoir to the outside of the washing machine; and a dehydration drainage valve provided in the dehydration drainage path . The pressurizing section is provided in a suction path connecting the gas-liquid separating section and the suction section . When it is detected by the water amount detector that the amount of wash water stored in the water reservoir has reached a predetermined amount or that the top of the bubbles has reached a predetermined height position, the suction unit is stopped and the water is drained. The valve is opened to let outside air flow into the water reservoir by means of the pressurizing part, and to drain the foam and washing water accumulated in the water reservoir to the outside through the dehydration and drainage path .

According to this configuration, during the dehydration operation, bubbles are prevented from entering the suction section, and washing water is sucked from the object to be washed together with the introduced outside air. As a result, dehydration can be performed well without applying mechanical force such as twisting to the object to be washed that is inappropriate for washing by the action of mechanical force or washing by washing operation such as squeezing. As a result, a washing machine capable of achieving stable dehydration performance is obtained.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the essential parts of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1, with the lid body opened. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram showing the washing operation of the washing machine. FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram showing the washing operation of the washing machine. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the essential parts of the washing machine during the dewatering operation. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the steps of the washing course of the washing machine. FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the final dehydration operation of the washing machine. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of the pressure unit of the washing machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional washing machine. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing another configuration example of a conventional washing machine. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing still another configuration example of a conventional washing machine.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, a washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. The washing machine 1 performs a washing operation including a washing step, a rinsing step, a spin-drying step, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts of the washing machine 1 with the cover 5 opened. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the washing machine 1 during washing. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts of the washing machine 1 during dehydration operation. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the steps of the washing course of the washing machine 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the final spin-drying operation of the washing machine 1. FIG. In addition, in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the water level detection part 17 etc. which are mentioned later are abbreviate|omitted. Also, in FIGS. 3A and 3B, W indicates the water level of the washing water.

In the following description, the handle 5a side is defined as the front side, the gas-liquid separation section 30 side is defined as the rear side, the lid body 5 side is defined as the upper side, and the cleaning tank 4 side is defined as the lower side.

1 to 6, washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1 includes at least water tank section 6 arranged in the lower portion and lid body 5 arranged in the upper portion. The water tank section 6 includes a cleaning tank 4 having a predetermined depth and having a square shape, for example. The cleaning tank 4 includes an opening 3 formed on the upper surface, a bottom 4a, and the like. The opening 3 constitutes an opening through which the object to be washed 2, which is laundry such as clothes, can be taken in and out. In the bottom portion 4a of the cleaning tank 4, the object 2 to be cleaned is arranged and accommodated by the user.

The lid body 5 is rotatably attached to the rear edge of the upper side of the water tank section 6 by means of a hinge section 6a. The lid body 5 has a lid portion 5 b inside which opens and closes the opening portion 3 of the cleaning tank 4 .

The configuration of the washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 is such that in a general washing machine that applies a mechanical force to wash the objects 2 to be washed, the objects 2 to be washed that easily lose their shape, the objects to be washed 2 that are easily damaged, etc. It is effective for washing of Specific examples of the objects 2 to be washed include woolen fabrics such as sweaters and cardigans, scarves made of delicate materials made of ultrafine fibers, and the like.

The lid 5 also includes a handle 5a provided on the front surface. The lid 5 opens and closes the opening 3 of the washing tank 4 when the user holds the handle 5a and rotates it in the direction of the arrow R1 (see FIG. 2). Further, the lid body 5 is configured to be opened at a predetermined angle (approximately 60 degrees) and held in that state. Further, when the opening 3 is closed, the lid 5 is locked by a locking device (not shown) and kept closed. When the lid 5 is opened, the lock device is unlocked by the user operating the handle 5a.

The lid body 5 includes a pressurization/decompression part 7 provided inside. The pressurizing/depressurizing section 7 of Embodiment 1 is composed of, for example, two sets of a first pressurizing/depressurizing section 7a and a second pressurizing/depressurizing section 7b. Specifically, the first pressurizing/depressurizing section 7a includes a first pressing section 8a, a first hose 9a, a first pressurizing pump 10a, a first on-off valve 11a, and the like. The second pressurizing/depressurizing section 7b includes a second pressing section 8b, a second hose 9b, a second pressurizing pump 10b, a second on-off valve 11b, and the like.

Hereinafter, when the first pressurization/decompression unit 7a and the second pressurization/decompression unit 7b are collectively described, they are simply referred to as the pressurization/decompression unit 7 . Further, the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b, the first hose 9a and the second hose 9b, the first pressure pump 10a and the second pressure pump 10b, and the first When the on-off valve 11a and the second on-off valve 11b are collectively described, they are simply referred to as the pressing portion 8, the hose 9, the pressure pump 10 and the on-off valve 11. FIG. In other words, the symbols a and b that individually indicate a plurality are omitted unless there is a particular need to distinguish them.

The pressurizing/depressurizing unit 7 described above is composed of a pressing unit 8, a hose 9, a pressurizing pump 10, an on-off valve 11, and the like. The pressing portion 8 is made of, for example, a flexible bag made of rubber or synthetic resin, and is formed in, for example, a bellows shape. A pressure pump 10 communicates with the pressing portion 8 through a hose 9 . The pressure pump 10 supplies fluid such as gas (eg, air) or liquid (eg, water, aqueous solution, oil, etc.) to the interior of the pressing portion 8 through the hose 9 during operation. The on-off valve 11 discharges the fluid supplied to the pressing portion 8 to the outside or stores it inside by the opening/closing operation.

The first pressurizing/depressurizing part 7a and the second pressurizing/depressurizing part 7b are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction inside the lid body 5, for example. The pressing portion 8 of the pressurizing/depressurizing portion 7 is attached to the cleaning tank 4 side (lower side) of the lid portion 5b of the lid body 5, and is configured to expand and contract by expansion and contraction. In other words, the pressing portion 8 is configured to move forward and backward, for example, in the vertical direction with respect to the object to be cleaned 2 accommodated in the bottom portion 4a of the cleaning tank 4 .

Specifically, the pressing portion 8 includes a pressing surface 8c that presses the object 2 to be cleaned, and a bellows-like expandable portion 8d. The elastic portion 8d of the pressing portion 8 extends to such an extent that the pressing surface 8c reaches the bottom portion 4a of the washing tank 4 during the washing operation of the object 2 to be washed.

The pressurization/decompression unit 7 further includes a constant pressure release valve (not shown) that opens to discharge the pressure to the outside when the pressure inside the pressing unit 8 reaches a predetermined pressure. The constant pressure release valve prevents the pressing portion 8 from being pressurized beyond a predetermined pressure. In addition, in Embodiment 1, the case where the fluid supplied to the inside of the pressing part 8 is air will be described as an example.

The lid portion 5 b includes a deformable hollow packing 12 provided in an annular shape on the outside of the pressing portion 8 . When the lid portion 5 b is closed together with the lid body 5 , the packing 12 is in close contact with the seal portion 13 formed in a concave shape along the peripheral portion of the opening 3 of the cleaning tank 4 . As a result, the inside of the cleaning tank 4 becomes a watertight and airtight space. Therefore, leakage of water or air to the outside from the opening 3 of the washing tub 4 is prevented during the washing operation.

A water supply path 16 for supplying cleaning water to the cleaning tank 4 is provided in the lid 5 . A water supply valve 14 is provided in the water supply path 16 and communicates with the interior of the washing tank 4 via the detergent case 15 . By opening and closing the water supply valve 14, supply of tap water (cleansing water) to the inside of the cleaning tank 4 is started and stopped.

The water level detector 17 is provided in communication with the inside of the cleaning tank 4 . The water level detector 17 detects the water level of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 4 .

The water level detection unit 17 includes a water level detection tank 18 having an upper opening, a float 19, a water level switch 20, and the like. The float 19 moves up and down according to fluctuations in the water level in the water level detection tank 18 . The water level switch 20 detects when the float 19 rises to a predetermined position due to the supply of washing water.

The washing tank 4 includes a drain hole 21 formed in the bottom portion 4a for discharging washing water used in the washing step or the like. The drain hole 21 communicates with a drain path 23 in which a drain valve 22 is arranged. By opening and closing the drain valve 22, the cleaning water inside the cleaning tank 4 is drained and stopped.

The water tank section 6 also includes an overflow path 24 . The overflow path 24 constitutes a path for draining the cleaning water from the cleaning tank 4 to the outside when the water level of the cleaning water inside the cleaning tank 4 exceeds a predetermined level. The overflow path 24 has an overflow hole 24 a that opens above the cleaning tank 4 and is connected to the drain path 23 on the downstream side of the drain valve 22 .

A check valve (not shown) is arranged in the overflow path 24 . The check valve operates in the overflow path 24 so as to be open in the direction of discharge from the washing tank 4 and to be closed (closed) in the direction of flow into the washing tank 4 . That is, in the washing step and the rinsing step, the check valve allows the wash water that has flowed out from the overflow hole 24a to pass therethrough and is discharged to the outside. In addition, the check valve is set so that when the air inside the washing tank 4 is sucked by the suction pump 27 (to be described later) during the dehydration operation in the rinsing step and the dehydration step, the outside air flows into the washing tank 4 through the overflow path 24. prevent it from flowing into

Further, the cleaning tank 4 includes a suction port 25 provided substantially in the center (including the center) of the bottom portion 4a. The suction port 25 is covered with the object to be washed 2 when the object to be washed 2 is set inside the washing tank 4 . The suction port 25 is provided in communication with the dehydration path 26 .

A suction pump 27, which is a suction section, is disposed in communication with the dehydration path 26 via a gas-liquid separation section 30 and a suction path 32, which will be described later. The suction pump 27 sucks washing water or the like from the object 2 to be washed.

When the cleaning water is sucked from the object to be cleaned 2 by the suction pump 27, the air inside the cleaning tank 4 is also sucked. Therefore, an outside air introduction part 28 is provided for introducing outside air from the outside of the cleaning tank 4 into the inside. The external air introduction part 28 may be arranged at any position as long as the opening is formed above the water level of the cleaning water stored inside the cleaning tank 4 . For example, in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the outside air introduction part 28 is arranged above the water level detection part 17 communicating with the inside of the cleaning tank 4 . 3A and 3B, the outside air introduction part 28 is arranged on the upper side of the cleaning tank 4. As shown in FIG.

The outside air introduction section 28 includes an air volume control valve 29 . The air volume adjustment valve 29 adjusts the air volume of outside air introduced into the cleaning tank 4 . The air volume control valve 29 has a narrow air passage area portion in the flow path, for example, like a needle valve. By adjusting the air passage area, it is possible to adjust the amount of outside air sucked into the cleaning tank 4 by the suction pump 27 . The outside air introduced into the washing tub 4 may be introduced directly from the outside of the washing machine 1 . Moreover, it is good also as a structure which introduce|transduces outside air into the washing tub 4 via the internal space of the washing machine 1. FIG.

A gas-liquid separator 30 is provided in the dehydration path 26 . The gas-liquid separator 30 separates the air in the cleaning tank 4 from the cleaning water sucked from the object 2 to be cleaned, and stores the sucked cleaning water. Specifically, the gas-liquid separation unit 30 includes a water storage unit 30a configured by a pressure-resistant container. The water reservoir 30 a includes a secondary ventilation port 31 that communicates with the dewatering path 26 and a primary side ventilation port 33 that communicates with the suction pump 27 through the suction path 32 , which are formed above. A barrier 34 is provided between the primary side ventilation port 33 and the secondary side ventilation port 31 . The barrier 34 is formed so as to protrude downward from the top surface of the gas-liquid separation section 30 . The barrier 34 prevents the washing water sucked into the gas-liquid separation section 30 from the secondary side ventilation port 31 from entering the primary side ventilation port 33 .

The gas-liquid separator 30 has a dehydration drain port 35 provided at the bottom. The dehydration drainage port 35 communicates with a dehydration drainage path 37 having a dehydration drainage valve 36 that can be freely opened and closed.

The gas-liquid separation unit 30 also includes a water amount detection unit 38 provided at a predetermined height position on the inner wall. Specifically, the height position at which the water amount detection unit 38 is provided is desirably within the range of 1/2 to 4/5 of the maximum water level that can be stored in the water storage unit 30a.

The water volume detection unit 38 is composed of, for example, a pair of electrodes. The water amount detection unit 38 detects that the wash water stored in the water storage unit 30a of the gas-liquid separation unit 30 has reached a predetermined amount. Furthermore, when the washing water contains bubbles, the water amount detection unit 38 detects that the upper portion of the bubbles has reached a predetermined height position. That is, when the water amount detection unit 38 detects washing water (water and/or foam), the control unit 40 (to be described later) opens the dehydration drain valve 36 . As a result, the wash water is drained out of the machine through the dehydration drain path 37 .

Here, when bubbles are contained in the washing water, if the bubbles adhere to the barrier 34 and remain, they cause an odor. In order to prevent this foam residue, the water amount detection unit 38 is arranged at a position where a certain space exists between the lower end of the barrier 34 and the surface of the washing water when the washing water is detected. That is, the water amount detection unit 38 detects a predetermined amount in consideration of the amount of foam contained in the wash water.

The release valve 39, which is a pressurizing section, is arranged in a branched path of the suction path 32 connecting the gas-liquid separation section 30 and the suction pump 27 in communication. By opening and closing the open valve 39, the inside of the gas-liquid separation section 30 and the atmosphere (outside air) are communicated or blocked.

The control unit 40 is arranged on the front side surface inside the lid 5 . An operation display unit 41 is provided on the upper surface of the control unit 40 . The control unit 40 controls various components based on the input information to perform the washing operation.

Specifically, the control unit 40 receives information such as the water level of the washing water in the washing tank 4 detected by the water level detection unit 17 and the amount of washing water in the water storage unit 30a detected by the water amount detection unit 38. .

Based on the input information, the control unit 40 controls the pressure pump 10, the on-off valve 11, the water supply valve 14, the drain valve 22, the suction pump 27, the air volume adjustment valve 29, the dehydration drain valve 36, the open valve 39, and the like. controls the behavior of Thereby, the control unit 40 sequentially controls each step such as the washing step, the rinsing step, and the spin-drying step to perform the washing operation. Note that the control unit 40 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer.

The washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1 is configured as described above.

The operation and action of the washing machine 1 having the above configuration will be described below.

First, the user inputs the selection of the washing course, the operation time of each step, and the like through the operation display section 41 provided on the front portion of the upper surface of the lid 5 . As a result, the controller 40 executes a series of operations from the washing step to the spin-drying step shown in FIG. 5, for example, as a washing course based on the input settings. At this time, the user can arbitrarily set the contents such as executing only the washing step, for example. The setting operation may be performed after setting the object to be cleaned 2 to be described later on the bottom portion 4 a in the cleaning tank 4 .

Next, the user operates the handle 5a of the cover 5 to unlock the locking device that locks the cleaning tank 4 and the cover 5 together. After that, the user opens the lid 5, adjusts the shape of the object 2 to be washed on the bottom portion 4a of the washing tank 4, and sets it so as to cover at least the suction port 25. - 特許庁At this time, depending on the size of the object 2 to be washed, it may be folded and set.

Next, when the object to be washed 2 has been set, the user closes the opening 3 of the cleaning tank 4 with the lid 5 and locks the cleaning tank 4 and the lid 5 with the locking device.

Then, the control unit 40 starts the washing operation according to the washing course set by the operation display unit 41, for example, as shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the operation and action of the washing machine will be described using the washing course shown in FIG. 5 as an example.

First, the operation and action of the washing machine 1 when only the washing step is set as the washing course will be specifically described.

In the washing step, the controller 40 performs, for example, a water supply operation and a washing operation.

First, in the washing step, the controller 40 performs water supply operation. That is, the controller 40 opens the water supply valve 14 . By opening the water supply valve 14 , tap water and detergent are supplied as washing water from the water supply path 16 to the interior of the washing tank 4 via the detergent case 15 . The washing water supplied to the washing tank 4 gradually permeates the inside of the object 2 to be washed. As a result, the washing water is contained between the fibers of the object 2 to be washed.

Next, the control unit 40 monitors whether or not the cleaning water has been supplied to a predetermined water level inside the cleaning tank 4 by the water level switch 20 of the water level detection unit 17 . When the water level switch 20 detects that the wash water has been supplied to a predetermined water level, the control unit 40 closes the water supply valve 14 .

When the water supply operation ends, the controller 40 executes the washing operation in the washing step. That is, the control unit 40 first closes the first on-off valve 11a of the first pressurization/decompression unit 7a. Then, the control unit 40 drives the first pressurizing pump 10a for a predetermined time or until the first pressing portion 8a reaches a predetermined pressure. As a result, air is supplied to the inside of the first pressing portion 8a, and the first pressing portion 8a expands.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, by supplying air to the inside of the first pressing portion 8a, the expansion/contraction portion 8d of the first pressing portion 8a extends downward, and the first pressing portion 8a extends toward the object 2 to be cleaned. As a result, the object to be cleaned 2 set below the first pressing portion 8a is pressed by the pressing surface 8c of the first pressing portion 8a, and the pressed portion of the object to be cleaned 2 is compressed. Therefore, the thickness of the object 2 to be cleaned is reduced. At this time, the control unit 40 opens the second opening/closing valve 11b of the second pressurizing/depressurizing unit 7b to make the second pressing unit 8b contractable.

That is, due to the expansion of the first pressing portion 8a, the object 2 to be cleaned is compressed and its volume changes. As a result, the washing water contained inside the object 2 to be washed is pushed out from the object 2 to be washed. At this time, a water flow is generated inside the object 2 to be cleaned. As a result, the dirt adhering to the object to be washed 2 is separated from the fibers and the like and removed by the water flow.

Further, the washing water contained in the object to be washed 2 moves from below the first pressing portion 8a to below the second pressing portion 8b inside the object to be cleaned 2, that is, as indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 3A. move in the direction At this time, the moving cleaning water pushes up the pressing surface 8c of the second pressing portion 8b while expanding the object to be cleaned 2 below the second pressing portion 8b, for example, upward. As a result, the air inside the second pressing portion 8b is discharged from the opened second on-off valve 11b. As a result, the second pressing portion 8b contracts.

Next, the control unit 40 closes the second on-off valve 11b of the second pressurization/decompression unit 7b. Then, the control unit 40 drives the second pressurizing pump 10b for a predetermined time or until the second pressing portion 8b reaches a predetermined pressure. As a result, air is supplied to the inside of the second pressing portion 8b, and the second pressing portion 8b expands.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3B, by supplying air to the inside of the second pressing portion 8b, the expanding/contracting portion 8d of the second pressing portion 8b extends downward, and the second pressing portion 8b extends toward the object 2 to be cleaned. The object to be cleaned 2 set below the second pressing portion 8b is pressed by the pressing surface 8c of the second pressing portion 8b, and the pressed portion of the object to be cleaned 2 is compressed. Therefore, the thickness of the object 2 to be cleaned is reduced. At this time, the control unit 40 opens the first on-off valve 11a of the first pressurizing/depressurizing unit 7a to make the first pressing unit 8a contractable.

That is, the object to be cleaned 2 is compressed by the expansion of the second pressing portion 8b, and the volume is changed. As a result, the washing water contained inside the object 2 to be washed is pushed out from the object 2 to be washed. At this time, a water flow is generated inside the object 2 to be cleaned. As a result, the dirt adhering to the object to be washed 2 is separated from the fibers and the like and removed by the water flow.

Further, the washing water contained in the object to be washed 2 moves from below the second pressing portion 8b to below the first pressing portion 8a inside the object to be cleaned 2, that is, indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 3B. move in the direction At this time, the moving cleaning water pushes up the pressing surface 8c of the first pressing portion 8a while expanding the object to be cleaned 2 below the first pressing portion 8a, for example, upward. As a result, the air inside the first pressing portion 8a is discharged from the opened first on-off valve 11a. As a result, the first pressing portion 8a contracts.

That is, in the washing operation, the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b alternately repeat expansion and contraction at different timings for a predetermined period of time. As a result, the object 2 to be washed can be pushed and washed. Therefore, no mechanical force such as agitation or beating is applied to the object 2 to be washed. In other words, a water flow that moves in multiple directions is generated inside the object 2 to be cleaned. As a result, dirt on the object to be cleaned 2 is removed without applying mechanical force. Here, specifically, the different timings of the expansion and contraction described above are, for example, 1 second of pressurization by expansion of the first pressing portion 8a and 1 second of pressure reduction by contraction of the second pressing portion 8b. Also, the predetermined time is, for example, about 10 minutes. Needless to say, the different timings of expansion and contraction and the predetermined time are not limited to the above values, and may be arbitrarily set according to the state of the object 2 to be cleaned.

As described above, only the washing step is executed as the washing course.

A case in which a washing course is set in which the steps from the washing step to the spin-drying step are consistently set will be described below.

In this case, the controller 40 first executes the washing step described above.

After the washing step, the controller 40 sequentially executes the rinsing step and the dewatering step.

In the rinsing step, the controller 40 performs, for example, a dewatering operation and a water rinsing operation. Hereinafter, the dehydration operation in the rinsing step is referred to as an intermediate dehydration operation.

That is, in the intermediate dehydration operation, the control unit 40 first opens the drain valve 22 to drain water. As a result, the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 4 is drained outside through the drainage hole 21 and the drainage path 23 .

After the water is drained, the controller 40 performs compression in the intermediate dehydration operation. That is, the control unit 40 closes the first on-off valve 11a and the second on-off valve 11b while the drain valve 22 is open, and drives the first pressure pump 10a and the second pressure pump 10b. do. As a result, the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b expand, and the object 2 to be cleaned is pressed and compressed. As a result, part of the washing water contained in the object to be washed 2 is pushed out from the object to be washed 2 and is forcibly discharged from the drain hole 21 .

After the compression is completed, the controller 40 performs suction in the intermediate dehydration operation. That is, the control unit 40 closes the drain valve 22 and drives the suction pump 27 while pressing the object 2 to be washed. As a result, outside air is introduced into the washing tank 4 from the outside air introduction part 28 via the air volume control valve 29 . The cleaning water and air in the cleaning tank 4 are sucked from the suction port 25 by the introduced outside air and carried to the gas-liquid separation section 30 through the dehydration path 26 . Further, the sucked air is discharged outside by the suction pump 27 . On the other hand, the washing water is stored in the water storage portion 30a of the gas-liquid separation portion 30, whereby dehydration of the object 2 to be washed proceeds.

In the rinsing step, the controller 40 performs the water rinsing operation after the dewatering operation.

In the water rinsing operation, the controller 40 first supplies water. The controller 40 opens the water supply valve 14 to supply a predetermined amount of washing water to the inside of the washing tank 4 . At this time, all the detergent in the detergent case 15 has been used in the washing step described above. Therefore, tap water is used as wash water during the rinsing operation.

After that, similarly to the washing operation described above, the control unit 40 drives the first pressurizing pump 10a and the second pressurizing pump 10b to expand and expand the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b. and contraction are alternately and repeatedly executed. As a result, the concentration of the detergent in the washing water inside the object 2 to be washed is diluted.

This completes the rinsing step.

Then, the control unit 40 repeats the rinsing step a plurality of times (for example, twice). Specifically, the rinsing step 1 and the rinsing step 2 shown in FIG. 5 are performed. At this time, intermediate dehydration operations similar to those described above are performed between the rinsing step 1 and the rinsing step 2 as well.

Next, after executing the rinsing step, the controller 40 executes the dehydration step shown in FIG. A dehydration operation is performed in the dehydration step. Hereinafter, the dehydration operation in the dehydration step is referred to as the final dehydration operation.

The final dehydration operation of the dehydration step will be described below with reference to FIG.

That is, in the dehydration step, the controller 40 first drains the washing water used in the rinsing step.

Specifically, the controller 40 opens the drain valve 22 . As a result, the cleaning water inside the cleaning tank 4 is drained to the outside through the drainage hole 21 and the drainage path 23 . At this time, the control unit 40 opens the air volume adjustment valve 29 to open the outside air introduction unit 28 . As a result, the inside of the cleaning tank 4 communicates with the outside, and outside air is introduced. By introducing outside air, the cleaning water is smoothly discharged to the outside. At this time, the first on-off valve 11a, the second on-off valve 11b, and the dehydration drain valve 36 are closed.

After draining, the controller 40 performs compression in the final dehydration operation. That is, the controller 40 first opens the drain valve 22 as shown in FIG. Then, the control unit 40 operates both the first pressurizing pump 10a and the second pressurizing pump 10b substantially simultaneously ( (including simultaneously). As a result, air is supplied to the inside of the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b, and the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed by the expansion of the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b to be compressed. be done. As a result, part of the washing water contained in the object to be washed 2 is forcibly discharged and discharged to the outside through the drainage hole 21 and the drainage path 23 .

That is, due to the configuration and operation of the pressing portion 8 of Embodiment 1, the pressing surface 8c can be brought into close contact with the object 2 to be cleaned and uniformly pressed. As a result, the washing water contained inside the object to be washed 2 can be forcibly pushed out.

After compression, the controller 40 performs suction in the final dehydration operation. That is, the control unit 40 stops the first pressurizing pump 10a and the second pressurizing pump 10b, and after a predetermined time T1 (for example, 1 minute), the pressing unit 8 presses the object 2 to be cleaned. , the drain valve 22 is closed and the suction pump 27 is driven. As a result, the air and water inside the cleaning tank 4 are sucked into the gas-liquid separation section 30 via the suction port 25 and the dehydration path 26 . Therefore, the inside of the cleaning tank 4 shown in FIG. 4 is decompressed from the atmospheric pressure by the suction. The object to be cleaned 2 is pressed by the pressure difference between the pressure in the pressing portion 8 and the pressure in the cleaning tank 4 .

Furthermore, outside air is introduced into the cleaning tank 4 from the outside air introduction part 28 via the air volume adjustment valve 29, and the inside of the object 2 to be cleaned pressed by the first pressing part 8a and the second pressing part 8b outside air enters. At this time, the internal pressure of the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b expanded by driving the first pressurizing pump 10a and the second pressurizing pump 10b is controlled by, for example, a constant pressure release valve. kept under pressure. Therefore, the object to be cleaned 2 is maintained in a state of being pressurized with a constant pressure.

The outside air introduced into the cleaning tank 4 from the outside air introduction part 28 is sucked together while pushing out the cleaning water remaining between the fibers of the object 2 to be cleaned, and moves to the suction port 25 . At this time, the washing water carried to the suction port 25 by the outside air tends to stay on the fibers of the object 2 to be washed due to surface tension. However, the washing water is separated from the fibers of the object to be washed 2 by the shearing force of the airflow of the outside air, and carried from the suction port 25 of the washing tank 4 to the gas-liquid separation section 30 through the dehydration path 26 .

Of the cleaning water and the sucked air that flowed into the gas-liquid separation section 30 from the secondary side ventilation port 31 , only the air is discharged from the primary side ventilation port 33 in the upper part of the gas-liquid separation section 30 by the suction pump 27 . be done. On the other hand, the wash water drops from the secondary side ventilation port 31 due to its own weight and is stored in the water storage portion 30 a of the gas-liquid separation portion 30 . At this time, a barrier 34 provided between the primary side ventilation port 33 and the secondary side ventilation port 31 prevents washing water from entering the primary side ventilation port 33 . Therefore, washing water is prevented from entering the suction pump 27 in advance.

Washing water and air inside the washing tank 4 that are sucked normally pass through the route with the least resistance. Therefore, if a short-circuit path that does not contain cleaning water is formed in the object to be washed 2 as the dehydration progresses, the flow of air concentrates on the formed short-circuit path, and suction of the cleaning water does not progress.

However, in the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the object to be washed 2 is always pressed with a constant pressure by the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b. Therefore, the formation of the short-circuit air path is suppressed. As a result, suction and dehydration of the cleaning water progresses without stagnation together with the outside air introduced into the cleaning tank 4 . That is, washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1 expands pressing portion 8 by suction pump 27, and presses pressing surface 8c of pressing portion 8 against object 2 to be washed uniformly. As a result, outside air is introduced into the object to be washed 2, and desired dehydration performance can be obtained.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the controller 40 sucks the cleaning water together with the outside air introduced into the cleaning tank 4 by the suction pump 27 for a predetermined time T2 (for example, 4 minutes). Then, when the predetermined time T2 has passed, the control unit 40 opens the first on-off valve 11a and the second on-off valve 11b, and the first pressurizing pump 10a, the second pressurizing pump 10b, and the suction pump 27 stop driving. As a result, the air inside the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b is discharged to the outside via the first opening/closing valve 11a and the second opening/closing valve 11b.

Then, the object to be washed 2 is released from the pressing by the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b, and the final dewatering operation is completed.

After the dehydration step is completed through the series of operations described above, the control unit 40 drains the wash water accumulated in the water reservoir 30a through the dehydration drain path 37, and the washing course ends.

Although the final dehydration operation has been described with reference to FIG. 6, the same dehydration operation as in FIG. 6 is also performed in the intermediate dehydration operation. Here, the intermediate dehydration operation includes the intermediate dehydration operation performed in the rinsing step and the intermediate dehydration operation performed between the rinsing steps repeatedly performed a plurality of times. The predetermined time T1 and the predetermined time T2 are also set to optimum values in each intermediate dehydration operation.

Note that the control unit 40 performs operations such as temporarily stopping the driving of the suction pump 27 at T3 in FIG. This is the operation when the wash water stored in the water storage portion 30a exceeds a predetermined amount. The control unit 40 drains the foam and washing water accumulated in the water storage unit 30a to the outside of the machine. After that, at T4 in FIG. 6, the control unit 40 returns to the dehydration step by, for example, re-driving the suction pump 27 .

That is, in the intermediate dehydration operation and the final dehydration operation that are performed after the washing step, the amount of washing water stored in the water reservoir 30a gradually increases as each step progresses. Therefore, in Embodiment 1, the control unit 40 monitors the amount of water stored in the water storage unit 30a of the gas-liquid separation unit 30 using the water amount detection unit 38 during the dehydration operation. Then, when the amount of cleaning water (water and/or foam) exceeding a predetermined amount is detected by the water amount detection unit 38 , the control unit 40 stops driving the suction pump 27 and opens the open valve 39 . As a result, outside air flows into the gas-liquid separation section 30 through communication with the atmosphere. Almost at the same time (including at the same time), the controller 40 opens the closed dehydration drain valve 36 . As a result, the foam and washing water accumulated in the water storage portion 30a are discharged from the dehydration discharge port 35 through the dehydration discharge path 37 to the outside.

At this time, outside air flows from the opened open valve 39 through the suction path 32 into the gas-liquid separation section 30 , which has a negative pressure (−P) from the atmosphere due to suction by the suction pump 27 . As a result, the internal pressure of the gas-liquid separation section 30 increases.

Further, in the intermediate dewatering operation in the rinsing step immediately after the washing step, wash water containing a large amount of detergent components is sucked into the water storage portion 30a of the gas-liquid separation portion 30 . At this time, the space volume in the gas-liquid separation section 30 is reduced due to the suction of the cleaning water. As a result, the washing water in the gas-liquid separation section 30 is pressurized from the decompressed state. Therefore, the volume of bubbles in the gas-liquid separation section 30 is reduced, and as a result, the volume of washing water containing bubbles is reduced. Then, the reduced volume of the washing water containing bubbles is drained to the outside through the dehydration drain path 37 . This prevents washing water containing bubbles from entering the suction pump 27 .

Furthermore, even if bubbles scattered from the washing water adhere to the suction path 32 when flowing into the gas-liquid separation unit 30, the adhering bubbles are separated from the gas-liquid by the inflow of outside air through the suction path 32. It can be pushed back into the part 30 .

Also, the introduction of outside air restores the reduced pressure inside the gas-liquid separation section 30 . This reduces the foam volume in a short period of time. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bubbles remaining in the upper portion of the gas-liquid separation section 30 from entering the suction pump 27 during the next suction.

In the first embodiment, the pressurizing/depressurizing unit 7 includes a flexible pressing portion 8 , a pressurizing pump 10 that supplies air to the inside of the pressing portion 8 to expand the pressing portion 8 , and a Although the example configured with the on-off valve 11 that discharges and contracts the air has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a decompression pump may be provided in place of the on-off valve 11, and the pressure may be reduced by contracting the pressing portion 8 via the decompression pump. Furthermore, the pressure pump 10 may be used as a decompression pump by rotating the pressure pump 10 in reverse.

Further, in Embodiment 1, air is used as an example of the fluid that is supplied to the inside of the pressing portion 8 to inflate the pressing portion 8, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, other highly safe gases such as nitrogen gas and argon gas, or even liquids may be used. In the case of gas, the surrounding air can be sucked in by the pressurizing pump 10 or the like as in the first embodiment, and restrictions on exhausting are lessened, which is convenient in terms of configuration and the like. On the other hand, in the case of liquids, for example water, aqueous solutions or oils can be used. In the case of liquids, it is even more desirable to have a reservoir to hold the liquid. In other words, since the liquid has a higher density than air and is not as elastic as gas, the pressing portion 8 can be reliably inflated.

As described above, the washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes the washing tank 4 containing the object to be washed 2 and washing water, the pressing portion 8 for pressing the object to be washed 2 in the washing tank 4, and the object to be washed. 2 and a dehydration path 26 connecting the washing tank 4 and the suction pump 27 in communication. Further, the washing machine 1 has an outside air introduction part 28 for introducing outside air into the washing tub 4, and a gas-liquid separation part 30 provided in the dehydration path 26 for separating the washing water sucked from the object 2 to be washed and the air. , a control unit 40 for controlling the washing operation including the spin-drying operation of the washing machine. The gas-liquid separation unit 30 includes a water storage unit 30a for storing the suctioned cleaning water, a water amount detection unit 38 for detecting the amount of cleaning water stored in the water storage unit 30a and the height of bubbles contained in the cleaning water, and a water storage unit. It includes an open valve 39 that allows outside air to flow into the interior 30a, a dehydration drainage path 37 that drains wash water stored in the water reservoir 30a to the outside of the washing machine, and a dehydration drainage valve 36 provided in the dehydration drainage path 37 . The open valve 39 is provided in the suction path 32 that connects the gas-liquid separation section 30 and the suction pump 27, and the control section 40 presses the object 2 to be washed 2 with the pressing section 8 during the dehydration operation, and the suction pump 27 sucks cleansing water and the introduced air, and the amount of cleansing water stored in the water storage unit 30a reaches a predetermined amount or the top of the foam reaches a predetermined height position by the water amount detection unit 38. is detected, the drive of the suction pump 27 is stopped and the dehydration drain valve 36 is opened . Configured to drain to the outside .

According to this configuration, the volume of generated bubbles can be reduced by increasing the pressure in the gas-liquid separation section 30, and the bubbles can be prevented from entering the suction pump 27 during the dehydration operation. Also, the washing water pushed out from the object to be washed 2 can be sucked through the dehydration path 26 together with the outside air introduced into the gas-liquid separation section 30 . Therefore, dehydration can be performed satisfactorily without applying mechanical force such as twisting to the object to be washed 2 that is inappropriate for washing by the action of mechanical force or washing by washing operation such as squeezing.

Further, in washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the pressure unit is provided in suction path 32 that connects gas-liquid separation unit 30 and suction pump 27 .

According to this configuration, bubbles that have scattered and adhered to the suction path 32 can be pushed back to the gas-liquid separation section 30 by introducing outside air by opening the open valve 39 . This can more reliably prevent bubbles from entering the suction pump 27 .

In the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1, the pressurizing portion is configured by the release valve 39 that blocks the inflow of outside air into the water storage portion 30a.

According to this configuration, by opening the open valve 39, outside air can flow into the gas-liquid separation section 30, and the pressure inside the gas-liquid separation section 30 can be increased with a simple configuration. As a result, the volume of generated bubbles can be reduced, and the bubbles can be prevented from entering the suction pump 27 during the dehydration operation.

Further, the gas-liquid separator 30 of the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1 includes a dehydration drain path 37 for draining wash water stored in the water storage part 30a to the outside of the washing machine, and a dehydration drain valve 36 provided in the dehydration drain path 37. including. The control unit 40 is configured to open the dehydration drain valve 36 when outside air flows from the open valve 39 into the water storage unit 30a.

According to this configuration, the bubbles and washing water in the gas-liquid separation section 30 can be discharged to the outside of the machine, and the dehydration step can be quickly resumed. As a result, bubbles can be prevented from entering the suction pump 27, and the dehydration time can be shortened.

(Embodiment 2)
A washing machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a pressure unit of washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

The washing machine 1 of Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that it includes a pressurizing section 42 having a pressurizing function. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and the detailed description of the first embodiment is used.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the pressurizing section 42 of Embodiment 2 includes an open valve 39 and an air blowing section 42b. The open valve 39 blocks and blocks outside air from flowing into the water storage section 30 a of the gas-liquid separation section 30 based on an open/close operation instruction from the control section 40 . The air blower 42b blows outside air into the water reservoir 30a based on a drive instruction from the controller 40. As shown in FIG.

The pressurizing part 42 is arranged in a path branching from the suction path 32 connecting the gas-liquid separation part 30 and the suction pump 27 . In addition, the air blower 42b is configured by, for example, an air pump.

The operation of the pressure unit 42 of the washing machine according to Embodiment 2 will be described below.

First, when the dehydration drain valve 36 is opened, the controller 40 drives the air blower 42 b to blow outside air into the water reservoir 30 a of the gas-liquid separator 30 . The inside of the water storage portion 30a is pressurized by the blown outside air. As a result, the bubbles and washing water stored in the water storage portion 30a of the gas-liquid separation portion 30 are quickly discharged from the dehydration drain port 35 to the outside of the machine. As a result, the dehydration time can be shortened, and the remaining bubbles in the water storage portion 30a can be suppressed.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the washing machine of the present invention includes a washing tank for containing an object to be washed and washing water, a pressing portion for pressing the object to be washed in the washing tank, and suction of the washing water from the object to be washed. and a dehydration path that communicates and connects the washing tank and the suction unit. Further, the washing machine includes an outside air introduction section for introducing outside air into the washing tub, a gas-liquid separation section provided in the dehydration path for separating the washing water sucked from the object to be washed and the air, and a dehydration operation of the washing machine. including a control unit for controlling the washing operation. The gas-liquid separation section includes a water storage section for storing the sucked cleaning water, a water amount detection section for detecting the amount of cleaning water stored in the water storage section, and a pressurizing section for allowing outside air to flow into the water storage section. In the dewatering operation, the control unit presses the object to be washed with the pressing unit, sucks the washing water and air with the suction unit, and the amount of washing water stored in the water storage unit reaches a predetermined amount by the water amount detection unit. When this is detected, the driving of the suction unit is stopped, and the pressure unit is configured to allow outside air to flow into the water storage unit.

According to this configuration, during the dehydration operation, the water reservoir of the gas-liquid separator is opened to the atmosphere, and the pressure inside the water reservoir, which has become negative due to suction, increases. As a result, the volume of generated bubbles can be reduced to prevent the bubbles from entering the suction section. In addition, the washing water pushed out from the object to be washed can be sucked through the dehydration path together with the outside air introduced into the gas-liquid separation section. Therefore, dehydration can be performed well without applying mechanical force such as twisting to the object to be washed that is inappropriate for washing by the action of mechanical force or washing by washing operation such as squeezing.

Further, in the washing machine of the present invention, it is desirable that the pressurizing section is provided in the suction path connecting the gas-liquid separating section and the suction section.

According to this configuration, the bubbles scattered and adhering to the suction path can be pushed back to the gas-liquid separation section by introducing outside air by opening the pressurization section. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent bubbles from entering the suction portion.

Further, in the washing machine of the present invention, it is desirable that the pressurizing section is configured with an open valve for shielding and inflow of outside air into the water storage section.

According to this configuration, by opening the open valve, outside air can flow into the gas-liquid separation section, and the pressure inside the gas-liquid separation section can be increased with a simple configuration. As a result, the volume of the generated bubbles can be reduced, and the bubbles can be prevented from entering the suction section during the dehydration operation.

Further, the gas-liquid separation unit of the washing machine of the present invention includes a dehydration drain path for draining wash water stored in the water reservoir to the outside of the washing machine, and a dehydration drain valve provided in the dehydration drain path. Further, it is desirable that the control section is configured to open the dehydration drain valve when outside air flows into the water storage section from the pressurization section.

According to this configuration, it is possible to discharge bubbles and washing water in the gas-liquid separation section to the outside of the apparatus, and quickly return to the dehydration step. As a result, bubbles can be prevented from entering the suction portion, and the dehydration time can be shortened.

Further, the pressurizing unit of the washing machine of the present invention may further include a blower unit for blowing outside air into the water storage unit, and the control unit may be configured to drive the blower unit when the dehydration drain valve is opened. desirable.

According to this configuration, the bubbles and washing water in the gas-liquid separation section can be quickly discharged to the outside of the machine. As a result, the dehydration time can be shortened, and the remaining bubbles in the gas-liquid separation section can be suppressed.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful for washing machines, etc., because it can prevent bubbles from entering the suction section during the dehydration operation and achieve stable dehydration performance.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 washing machine 2 object to be washed 3 opening 4 washing tank 4a bottom 5 cover 5a handle 5b cover 6 water tank 6a hinge 7 pressurization/reduction unit 7a first pressurization/reduction unit 7b second pressurization/reduction unit 8 pressing part 8a first pressing part 8b second pressing part 8c pressing surface 8d expanding and contracting part 9 hose 9a first hose 9b second hose 10 pressure pump 10a first pressure pump 10b second pressure Pump 11 On-off valve 11a First on-off valve 11b Second on-off valve 12 Packing 13 Seal part 14 Water supply valve 15 Detergent case 16 Water supply path 17 Water level detector 18 Water level detection tank 19 Float 20 Water level switch 21 Drain hole 22 Drain valve 23 Drainage route 24 Overflow route 24a Overflow hole 25 Suction port 26 Dehydration route 27, 55 Suction pump (suction unit)
28 outside air introduction part 29 air volume adjustment valve 30 gas-liquid separation part 30a water storage part 31 secondary side ventilation port 32 suction path 33 primary side ventilation port 34 barrier 35 dehydration drainage port 36 dehydration drainage valve 37 dehydration drainage path 38 water volume detector 39 open Valve 40 Control Part 41 Operation Display Part 42 Pressurizing Part 42b Air Blowing Part 51 Drum 52 Laundry 53 Water Vent 54 Suction Body 56 Valve Body 57 Air Path 58 Water Tank 59 Foam Detection Sensor 60 Heating Air Blowing Part

Claims (3)

a cleaning tank containing an object to be cleaned and cleaning water;
a pressing part that presses the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank;
a suction unit for sucking the washing water from the object to be washed;
a dehydration path that communicates and connects the washing tank and the suction unit;
an outside air introduction section for introducing outside air into the cleaning tank;
a gas-liquid separation unit provided in the dehydration path for separating the cleaning water sucked from the object to be cleaned and air;
A control unit that controls the washing operation including the dehydration operation of the washing machine,
The gas-liquid separation unit includes: a water storage unit for storing the sucked cleansing water; a water amount detection unit for detecting the amount of cleansing water stored in the water storing unit and the height of bubbles contained in the cleansing water; a pressurizing unit that allows external air to flow into the washing machine; a dehydration and drainage path that drains the wash water stored in the water storage section to the outside of the washing machine; and a dehydration and drainage valve provided in the dehydration and drainage path ,
The pressure unit is provided in a suction path connecting the gas-liquid separation unit and the suction unit,
In the dehydration operation, the control section presses the object to be washed with the pressing section, sucks the cleaning water and the air with the suction section, and causes the washing water and the air stored in the water storage section with the water amount detection section. When it is detected that the washing water has reached a predetermined amount or that the upper portion of the foam has reached a predetermined height position, the driving of the suction unit is stopped and the dehydration drain valve is opened . A washing machine that allows outside air to flow into a water reservoir and drains bubbles and washing water accumulated in the water reservoir to the outside through the dehydration and drainage path . 2. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the pressurizing part is composed of an open valve for blocking the inflow of the outside air into the water storage part. The pressurizing unit further has a blowing unit that blows the outside air into the water storage unit,
The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the controller drives the air blower when the dehydration drain valve is opened.

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