TW201943915A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

This washing machine includes a cleaning tank for accommodating items to be cleaned and cleaning water, and a pressing unit provided with freedom to move forward or backward with respect to the accommodated items to be cleaned. The washing machine additionally includes a lid, including the pressing unit, for opening and closing an opening portion of the cleaning tank, and a control unit for controlling a washing operation of the washing machine. Furthermore, the pressing unit includes an expandable expanding and contracting unit, and is configured to be capable of being extended with the lid open. That is, washing is performed by causing a pressing force to act on the items to be cleaned by means of the expandable pressing unit. This makes it possible to achieve a washing machine in which the pressing unit can be maintained in a clean state.

Description

washing machine

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing laundry and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventionally, there has been an upright washing machine in which laundry such as laundry is stirred in a rotary tub, or the laundry is lifted in a rotary tub in the direction of rotation, and then it is dropped from above to perform tap cleaning Drum type washing machine. No matter what kind of washing machine is used, in addition to the chemical force of the lotion, a mechanical force is applied to the laundry for washing.

Moreover, in the above-mentioned washing machine, a structure for dewatering the washed laundry by centrifugal force dewatering is generally common. The centrifugal force dehydration separates water from the laundry by centrifugal force caused by high-speed rotation of a rotary tank.

However, the above-mentioned washing machine in which a mechanical force is applied to the laundry for washing is not suitable for washing the laundry shown below. In addition, centrifugal dehydration during dehydration after washing is not suitable for the laundry shown below. Specifically, it is a laundry which is prone to damage to cloth, or a laundry which is easily deformed due to entanglement and pulling of the laundry. Even the touch is easy to deteriorate (in general, hand-washing, such as knitted fabrics or woolen fabrics of sweaters, cardigan sweaters, scarves made of fine materials made of ultra-fine fibers, etc.).

Therefore, a washing machine which requires hand washing in general to dewater the laundry by pressing force is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-21097 (hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 1"). Been proposed.

As shown in FIG. 8, the dehydration device described in Patent Document 1 first decompresses the space 52 below the washing tank 51 by a pressure reducing device 53. Then, the pressing portion 56 provided at the lower end of the bellows-shaped telescopic portion 55 of the pressure response body 54 is moved downward, and the laundry is pressed to compress it. Thereby, the laundry is dehydrated.

At this time, the lid 57 opened on the upper surface of the washing tub 51 is pivotably supported on the upper end of the outer frame 58 of the washing machine through a shaft 59 so as to be rotatable. The upper end of the telescopic portion 55 is attached to the inner surface of the cover 57.

After the above-mentioned dehydration device performs the final dehydration step, the pressing portion 56 of the pressure response body 54 is lifted to an upper position. And it is comprised so that all the steps may be completed in the state which the expansion-contraction part 55 was folded.

In addition, a washing machine having a pressurized body has been proposed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 52-62970 (hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 2"). The pressurized body is provided with a bellows or the like. Made of flexible telescopic members.

In the washing machine of Patent Document 2, the laundry and the washing liquid are repeatedly pressurized by the reciprocating motion of the pressurizing body. Thereby, it is comprised so that the washing | cleaning of a laundry may be performed.

On the other hand, the washing machine described in Patent Document 1 is configured to move the pressing portion 56 provided in the pressure response body 54 downward to press the compressed laundry to perform dehydration. At this time, almost all of the water dewatered from the laundry is attracted by the pressure reducing device 53 and drained out of the machine. However, there may be water adhering to the bellows-shaped telescopic portion 55. The attached water is not drained when the decompression device 53 sucks. Therefore, after the pressure response body 54 is lifted to the upper position, water remains in a state where it is still attached to the stretchable portion 55 in a folded state.

In particular, in the intermediate dehydration step after the washing step, the water in the washing tank 51 contains a lot of dirt attached to the laundry, a lotion component, and the like. Therefore, there is a possibility that dirt may accumulate on the telescopic portion 55 due to long-term use. Furthermore, since the telescopic portion 55 is folded when not in use, it is difficult to wipe off dirt and the like, and it is difficult to keep it clean.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a washing object that can be washed due to the action of mechanical force, and the pressing force can be applied to the washed object by a retractable pressing part, and the pressing part can be held. Clean washing machine.

The washing machine of the present invention comprises: a washing tank, which contains the object to be washed and washing water; a pressing part, which is provided to move freely with respect to the object to be washed stored in the washing tank; and a cover body, which has a pressing part and is opened and closed for washing. Opening of the clean tank. Furthermore, the washing machine includes a control unit that controls a washing operation of the washing machine. In addition, the pressing portion has a retractable and retractable portion, and is configured to be more elongated when the cover is opened than in a washing operation.

According to this configuration, for objects to be washed which are not suitable for washing or squeezing caused by the action of mechanical force, a pressing force can be applied to the object to be washed by a retractable pressing portion. Thereby, washing | cleaning or dehydration of a to-be-washed object can be performed favorably. In addition, by further flattening the telescopic portion by the further elongation operation of the pressing portion, dirt and the like attached to the pressing portion such as the telescopic portion can be easily wiped off. Thereby, a washing machine capable of maintaining a clean state can be obtained.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 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 5. The washing machine 1 performs a washing operation including a washing step, a rinsing step, a dehydrating step, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a washing machine 1 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of main parts in a state where the cover 5 of the washing machine 1 is opened. 3A and 3B are schematic views showing the operation of the washing machine 1 during washing. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part during a dehydration operation of the washing machine 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part when dirt on the pressing portion 8 of the washing machine 1 is wiped off. In addition, in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the water level detection part 17 etc. which are mentioned later are omitted and described. In addition, in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the water level of a washing water is shown by W.

In the following description, the grip 5a side shown in the figure is defined as the front, the gas-liquid separation part 30 side is defined as the rear, the cover 5 side is defined as the upper side, and the washing tank 4 side is defined as the lower side. .

In FIGS. 1 to 5, the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment includes at least a water tank portion 6 disposed at a lower portion and a cover 5 disposed at an upper portion. The water tank part 6 includes a washing tank 4 having a predetermined depth and formed into, for example, a square shape. The washing tank 4 includes an opening portion 3 formed on the upper surface, a bottom portion 4a, and the like. The opening part 3 is an opening which can take out and put in the to-be-washed object 2 which is laundry, such as laundry. After being cleaned by the user, the object to be cleaned 2 is stored in the bottom 4 a of the washing tank 4.

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

In addition, the structure of the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment is such that, in a general washing machine where mechanical force is applied to wash the object to be washed 2, the object to be washed 2 which is easily deformed and deformed, or the object 2 to be damaged is easily damaged. Waiting for washing is very effective. The specific objects to be cleaned 2 include, for example, woolen fabrics such as sweaters and cardigans, or scarves made of fine materials made of extremely fine fibers.

The cover 5 includes a grip 5a provided at the front. The lid 5 opens and closes the opening 3 of the washing tank 4 when the user holds the grip 5a and rotates it in the direction of the arrow R1 (see FIG. 2). The cover 5 is configured to be maintained in a state where it is opened at a predetermined angle (about 60 degrees). Furthermore, after the cover 5 is closed, the cover 5 is locked by a locking device (not shown) to maintain the closed state. When the cover 5 is opened, the user operates the grip 5a to unlock the locking device.

The cover 5 includes a pressure reducing section 7 provided on the inside. In addition, the pressurization and decompression part 7 of Embodiment 1 is comprised with the 2nd pressurization and decompression part 7a and the 2nd pressurization and decompression part 7b, for example. Specifically, the first pressure reducing section 7a includes a first pressing section 8a, a first hose 9a, a first pressure pump 10a, a first on-off valve 11a, and the like. The second pressure reducing section 7b includes a second pressing section 8b, a second hose 9b, a second pressure pump 10b, a second on-off valve 11b, and the like.

Herein, when the first pressurized and decompressed portion 7 a and the second pressurized and decompressed portion 7 b are collectively described below, they are simply labeled as the pressurized and decompressed portion 7. In addition, 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, the first on-off valve 11a, and When the second on-off valve 11 b is collectively described, only the pressing portion 8, the hose 9, the pressure pump 10, and the on-off valve 11 are simply labeled. That is, for a plurality of a and b symbols that are individually displayed, as long as there is no special difference, they will be omitted for labeling.

The above-mentioned pressure reducing section 7 is constituted by a pressing section 8, a hose 9, a pressure pump 10, an on-off valve 11, and the like. The pressing portion 8 has a flexible bag shape such as rubber or synthetic resin, and is formed into a bellows shape, for example. The pressure pump 10 communicates with the pressing portion 8 through a hose 9. When the pressurizing pump 10 is operating, a fluid such as gas (for example, air or the like) or liquid (for example, water, aqueous solution, or oil) is supplied to the inside of the pressing section 8 through the hose 9. The on-off valve 11 discharges the fluid supplied to the pressing portion 8 to the outside or stores it in the inside by the opening and closing operation.

The first pressure-reducing and pressure-reducing portion 7 a and the second pressure-reducing and pressure-reducing portion 7 b are arranged inside the cover body 5 in the front-rear direction, for example. The pressing portion 8 of the pressurizing and decompressing portion 7 is attached to the washing tank 4 side (lower side) of the cover portion 5 b of the cover body 5 and is configured to expand and contract freely by expansion and contraction. That is, the pressing portion 8 is configured to move forward and backward in the vertical direction with respect to the object 2 to be cleaned accommodated in the bottom portion 4 a of the cleaning tank 4.

Specifically, the pressing portion 8 includes a pressing surface 8c that presses the object 2 to be washed, and a bellows-like telescopic portion 8d. When the pressing portion 8 is in the washing operation of the object 2 to be washed, the telescopic portion 8 d is extended until the pressing surface 8 c reaches the bottom portion 4 a of the washing tank 4. In addition, the pressing portion 8 is configured to be extended further when the lid 5 is opened when the washing operation is not in use, and the lid 5 is opened. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the bellows-shaped telescopic portion 8 d is in an extended state. Thereby, the expansion-contraction part 8d is extended to the more flat state with small unevenness | corrugation, for example.

The pressure reducing section 7 further includes a constant pressure release valve (not shown) that is opened to be discharged to the outside when the inside of the pressing section 8 reaches a predetermined pressure. The constant pressure release valve prevents the pressing portion 8 from being pressurized beyond a predetermined pressure. In the first embodiment, a case where the fluid supplied to the inside of the pressing portion 8 is air will be described as an example.

The cover portion 5 b includes a hollow cushion 12 that is provided annularly on the outside of the pressing portion 8 and is freely deformable. When the cover member 5 b is closed together with the cover body 5, the cushion member 12 is in close contact with the sealing portion 13 formed in a concave shape along the peripheral edge portion of the opening portion 3 of the washing tank 4. Thereby, the inside of the washing tank 4 becomes a watertight and airtight space. Therefore, during the washing operation, water, air, or the like can be prevented from leaking from the opening 3 of the washing tank 4 to the outside.

The lid body 5 is provided with a water supply path 16 for supplying washing water to the washing tank 4. A water supply valve 14 is provided in the water supply path 16 and communicates with the inside of the washing tank 4 through the detergent box 15. The opening and closing operation of the water supply valve 14 supplies and stops the supply of tap water (washing water) to the inside of the washing tank 4.

The water level detection unit 17 is provided in communication with the inside of the washing tank 4. The water level detecting section 17 detects the water level of the washing water stored in the washing tank 4.

The water level detection unit 17 includes a water level detection tank 18 having an opening above, a float 19, a water level switch 20, and the like. The buoy 19 will float up and down in response to changes in the water level in the water level detection tank 18. The water level switch 20 detects this when the buoy 19 is raised to a predetermined position by the supply of washing water.

The washing tank 4 includes a drainage hole 21 formed in the bottom 4a and discharging the washing water used in the washing step and the like. The drain hole 21 communicates with a drain path 23 provided with a drain valve 22. The opening and closing of the drain valve 22 drains and stops the washing water inside the washing tank 4.

The water tank portion 6 includes an overflow path 24. The overflow path 24 is a path for draining the washing water from the washing tank 4 to the outside when the level of the washing water included in the washing tank 4 becomes a predetermined level or more. The overflow path 24 has an overflow hole 24 a opened on the upper part of the washing 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 provided in the overflow path 24. The check valve is opened in the overflow path 24 so as to be opened in the discharge direction from the washing tank 4 and closed (closed) in the inflow direction of the washing tank 4. That is, in the cleaning step and the flushing step, the check valve allows the washing water flowing out of the overflow hole 24a to pass through and is discharged to the outside. In the dehydration operation of the flushing step and the dewatering step, the check valve prevents outside air from passing through the overflow path 24 toward the washing tank 4 when the suction pump 27 sucks the air inside the washing tank 4 described later. Internal flow.

Furthermore, the washing tank 4 includes a suction port 25 provided at a substantially central portion (including the central portion) of the bottom portion 4a. When the object to be cleaned 2 is placed inside the cleaning tank 4, the suction port 25 is covered by the object to be cleaned 2. The suction port 25 is provided in communication with the dehydration path 26.

The suction pump 27, which is a suction unit, is arranged to communicate with the dehydration path 26 through a gas-liquid separation unit 30 and a suction path 32 described later. The suction pump 27 sucks washing water and the like from the object 2 to be washed.

When the washing water is sucked from the object 2 by the suction pump 27, the air inside the washing tank 4 is also sucked. Therefore, an external air introduction part 28 for introducing external air into the interior from the outside of the washing tank 4 is provided. In addition, the arrangement position of the outside air introduction part 28 may be arbitrary as long as it is a structure which forms an opening above the water level of the wash water accumulated in the inside of the washing tank 4, and is provided. For example, in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, the external air introduction portion 28 is disposed above the water level detection portion 17 that communicates with the inside of the washing tank 4. In FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the outside air introduction part 28 is disposed on the upper side of the washing tank 4.

The outside air introduction unit 28 includes an air volume adjustment valve 29. The air volume adjustment valve 29 adjusts the air volume of the external air introduced into the washing tank 4. The air volume adjustment valve 29 has a narrow air passage area portion in a flow path like a needle valve, for example. By adjusting the area of the air passage, the air volume of the outside air that is sucked into the washing tank 4 by the suction pump 27 can be adjusted. The outside air introduced into the washing tank 4 may be directly introduced from the outside of the washing machine 1. Moreover, it can also be set as the structure which introduce | transduces external air into the washing tank 4 through the internal space of the washing machine 1.

A gas-liquid separation unit 30 is provided in the dehydration path 26. The gas-liquid separation unit 30 separates the air in the washing tank 4 from the washing water that has been sucked from the object to be washed 2 and stores the sucked washing water. Specifically, the gas-liquid separation unit 30 includes a water storage unit 30a constituted by a pressure-resistant container. The water storage unit 30 a includes a secondary-side ventilation port 31 formed above and communicating with the dewatering path 26, and a primary-side ventilation port 33 passing through the suction path 32 and communicating with the suction pump 27. A barrier 34 is provided between the primary air vent 33 and the secondary air vent 31. The barrier 34 is formed to protrude downward from the top surface of the gas-liquid separation unit 30. The barrier 34 prevents the washing water drawn into the gas-liquid separation unit 30 from the secondary air vent 31 from entering the primary air vent 33.

The gas-liquid separation unit 30 includes a dehydration and drainage port 35 provided at the bottom. The dewatering drainage port 35 is in communication with a dewatering drainage path 37 having a dewatering drainage valve 36 that can be opened and closed freely.

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

The water amount detection unit 38 is configured by, for example, a pair of electrodes. The water amount detecting section 38 detects that the washing water stored in the water storage section 30 a of the gas-liquid separation section 30 has reached a predetermined amount. That is, after the washing water is detected by the water amount detection unit 38, the control unit 41 described later opens the dehydration and drainage valve 36. As a result, the washing water is discharged outside the machine through the dewatering drainage path 37.

Here, when the washing water contains foam, if the foam adheres and remains on the barrier ribs 34, it becomes a cause of odor. In order to prevent the foam from remaining, when detecting the washing water, the water amount detecting unit 38 is disposed at a position where a certain space exists between the lower end of the barrier 34 and the washing water surface. That is, the water amount detecting unit 38 detects a predetermined amount that takes into account the amount of foam contained in the washing water.

The cover 5 includes an opening detection unit 39 that detects the opening of the cover 5. The opening detection unit 39 is disposed between the cover body 5 and the water tank portion 6 facing each other, and is disposed between the side surface in front of the cover body 5 and the cover portion 5b. The open detection unit 39 is configured by, for example, a micro switch or a reed switch. That is, after the opening detecting part 39 is rotated in the direction of the arrow R1 in FIG. 2, the opening detecting part 39 detects that the cover 5 is opened. In addition, the opening detection unit 39 may be configured to detect the opening of the cover 5 by unlocking the locking device caused by the operation of the grip 5a when the user opens the cover 5.

Moreover, the pressing part 8 of Embodiment 1 is comprised so that it may be extended further when the cover 5 is opened. Therefore, an extension setting section 40 for setting the extension operation of the pressing section 8 by the user is provided on the operation display section 42. The extension setting portion 40 is configured to be further extended by the user's manual operation when the open state of the cover 5 is detected by the opening detection portion 39. The extension setting section 40 may be provided separately from the operation display section 42.

Output signals from the open detection section 39 and the extension setting section 40 are input to a control section 41 described later.

The control unit 41 is a side surface portion disposed in front of the inside of the cover 5. The control section 41 is provided with an operation display section 42 on the upper surface. The control unit 41 controls various constituent elements based on the inputted information to execute a washing operation.

Specifically, the control unit 41 is input with the water level of the washing water in the washing tank 4 detected by the water level detection unit 17 and the water storage unit 30a detected by the water amount detection unit 38. The amount of washing water and other information.

In addition, the control unit 41 controls operations of 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, and the dewatering drain valve 36 based on the input information. Thereby, the control part 41 controls each step, such as a washing | cleaning process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process, sequentially, and performs a washing operation. The control unit 41 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer.

In addition, the control unit 41 performs control such that when the user operates the elongation setting unit 40 in the state where the lid 5 is opened, the pressure pump 10 is driven and the pressing unit 8 is further extended. The state in which the lid body 5 is opened corresponds to, for example, when a washing operation is not performed before or after washing.

At this time, the elongation length (L2) shown in FIG. 5 is set to be larger than the elongation length (L1) shown in FIG. 4, the aforementioned elongation length (L2) is the elongation amount of the pressing portion 8, and the aforementioned elongation length (L1) The amount of elongation when the object 2 is pressed during the washing operation. Thereby, the pressing part 8 in the extended state is comprised so that the pressing surface 8c and the expansion-contraction part 8d may be exposed more outward from the cover part 5b.

As described above, the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured.

The operation and effect of the washing machine 1 configured as described above will be described below.

First, the user inputs a selection of a washing course, an operation time of each step, and the like through an operation display portion 42 provided on a front portion of the upper surface of the cover 5. As a result, the control unit 41 performs a series of operations such as each of the steps of the washing step, the rinsing step, and the dehydrating step as the washing schedule according to the input setting contents. At this time, the user can arbitrarily set, for example, the content such that only the washing step is performed. In addition, the above-mentioned setting operation may be performed after the to-be-cleaned object 2 described later is placed on the bottom portion 4 a in the washing tank 4.

Next, the user operates the handle 5a of the cover 5 to unlock the locking device for locking the washing tank 4 and the cover 5. Then, the user opens the cover 5 and arranges the shape of the object 2 to be cleaned, and then places it on the bottom 4a of the cleaning tank 4 so as to cover at least the suction opening 25. At this time, depending on the size of the object 2 to be washed, it may be folded.

After the placement of the object to be cleaned 2 is completed, the user closes the opening 3 of the washing tank 4 with the cover 5 and locks the washing tank 4 and the cover 5 with a locking device.

Then, the control unit 41 starts the washing operation in accordance with the washing schedule set by the operation display unit 42.

The operation and effect of the washing machine 1 will be described below.

First, as the washing cycle, the operation and role of the washing machine 1 when only the washing step is set will be described.

In the cleaning step, the control unit 41 performs, for example, a water supply operation and a cleaning operation.

First, in the washing step, the control unit 41 performs a water supply operation. That is, the control unit 41 opens the water supply valve 14. When the water supply valve 14 is opened, tap water and lotion are used as washing water and are supplied from the water supply path 16 to the inside of the washing tank 4 through the lotion box 15. The washing water supplied to the washing tank 4 slowly penetrates into the inside of the object 2 to be washed. As a result, a state is obtained in which washing water is contained between the fibers of the object 2 to be washed.

Next, the control unit 41 monitors whether or not the washing water has been supplied to a predetermined water level inside the washing tank 4 with the water level switch 20 of the water level detecting unit 17. After detecting that the washing water has been supplied to a predetermined water level with the water level switch 20, the control unit 41 closes the water supply valve 14.

After the water supply operation is completed, the control unit 41 executes the cleaning operation in the cleaning step. That is, the control unit 41 first closes the first on-off valve 11a of the first pressurizing and decompressing unit 7a. Then, the control unit 41 drives the first pressurizing pump 10a for a predetermined time or until the first pressing part 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 is expanded.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, by supplying air to the inside of the first pressing portion 8a, the telescopic portion 8d of the first pressing portion 8a is extended downward, and the first pressing portion 8a is washed toward the target.物 2Extended. As a result, the object to be cleaned 2 placed below the first pressing part 8a is pressed by the pressing surface 8c of the first pressing part 8a, and the part of the object 2 to be washed that is pressed is compressed. Therefore, the thickness of the object to be washed 2 becomes thin. At this time, the control unit 41 opens the second on-off valve 11b of the second pressurizing and decompressing unit 7b, so that the second pressing unit 8b can be contracted.

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

In addition, the washing water included in the object to be washed 2 will be inside the object to be washed 2 from below the first pressing portion 8a to below the second pressing portion 8b, that is, toward the arrow A in FIG. 3A Move in the direction shown. At this time, the moving object is used to push the pressing surface 8c of the second pressing portion 8b upward while expanding the object to be washed 2 below the second pressing portion 8b. Thereby, 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 41 closes the second on-off valve 11b of the second pressurizing and decompressing unit 7b. Then, the control section 41 drives the second pressurizing pump 10b for a predetermined time or until the second pressing section 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 is expanded.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3B, by supplying air to the inside of the second pressing portion 8b, the telescopic portion 8d of the second pressing portion 8b is extended downward, and the second pressing portion 8b is washed toward the target.物 2Extended. Further, the object to be cleaned 2 placed below the second pressing part 8b is pressed by the pressing surface 8c of the second pressing part 8b, and the part of the object 2 to be washed that is pressed is compressed. Therefore, the thickness of the object to be washed 2 becomes thin. At this time, the control unit 41 opens the first on-off valve 11a of the first pressurizing and decompressing unit 7a, so that the first pressing unit 8a can be contracted.

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

In addition, the washing water included in the object to be washed 2 will be inside the object to be washed 2 from below the second pressing portion 8b to below the first pressing portion 8a, that is, toward arrow B in FIG. 3B Move in the direction shown. At this time, the moving object is used to push the pressing surface 8c of the first pressing portion 8a upward while expanding the object to be washed 2 below the first pressing portion 8a. Thereby, 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 is contracted.

That is, during the cleaning operation, the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b are repeatedly expanded and contracted repeatedly at different time points for a predetermined time. As a result, a scrubbing effect is exerted on the object 2 to be washed. Therefore, the mechanical force caused by stirring, tapping, washing, etc. does not act on the object 2 to be cleaned. That is, a water flow that moves in multiple directions is generated inside the object to be cleaned 2. Thereby, the stain | pollution | contamination of the to-be-cleaned object 2 can be removed without applying a mechanical force. Here, specifically, the time difference between the expansion and contraction described above is, for example, pressing for 1 second by the expansion of the first pressing portion 8a, and decompressing for 1 second by the contraction of the second pressing portion 8b. . The predetermined time is, for example, about 10 minutes. In addition, it is needless to say that the time point and the predetermined time at which the expansion and contraction differ are not limited to the above-mentioned values, and can be arbitrarily set according to the state of the object 2 to be washed.

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

Hereinafter, a case where a washing course in which a washing step, a rinsing step, and a dehydrating step are performed consistently is set will be described.

In this case, the control unit 41 first performs the above-mentioned cleaning step.

Then, after the washing step, the control unit 41 sequentially performs the washing step and the dehydration step.

In the rinsing step, the control unit 41 performs, for example, a dehydration operation and a water storage rinsing operation. Hereinafter, the dehydration operation in the washing step is referred to as an intermediate dehydration operation.

That is, in the intermediate dehydration operation, the control unit 41 first opens the drain valve 22 to drain water. As a result, the washing water in the washing tank 4 is discharged to the outside through the drainage hole 21 through the drainage path 23.

After the drainage is completed, the control unit 41 performs compression during the intermediate dehydration operation. That is, the control unit 41 closes the first on-off valve 11 a and the second on-off valve 11 b in a state where the drain valve 22 is opened, and drives the first pressure pump 10 a and the second pressure pump 10 b. Thereby, the 1st pressing part 8a and the 2nd pressing part 8b expand, and the to-be-cleaned material 2 is pressed and compressed. As a result, a part of the washing water included in the object to be washed 2 is squeezed out from the object to be washed 2 and is forcibly discharged from the drainage hole 21.

After the compression is completed, the control unit 41 sucks during the intermediate dehydration operation. That is, the control unit 41 closes the drain valve 22 and drives the suction pump 27 in a state where the object to be washed 2 is pressed. Thereby, the outside air passes through the air volume adjustment valve 29 and is introduced into the washing tank 4 from the outside air introduction part 28. With the introduced external air, the washing water and air in the washing tank 4 are sucked from the suction port 25 and are conveyed to the gas-liquid separation unit 30 through the dehydration path 26. Furthermore, the sucked air is discharged to the outside by the suction pump 27. On the other hand, the washing water is accumulated in the water storage section 30 a of the gas-liquid separation section 30. Thereby, dehydration of the to-be-washed object 2 is performed.

In the rinsing step, after the dehydration operation, the control unit 41 then performs a water storage rinsing operation.

In the water storage rinsing operation, the control unit 41 first supplies water. The control unit 41 opens the water supply valve 14 and supplies a predetermined amount of washing water to the inside of the washing tank 4. At this time, the lotion in the lotion box 15 is completely used up in the above-mentioned washing step. Therefore, the washing water during the water rinsing operation is tap water.

Then, similar to the cleaning operation described above, the control unit 41 drives the first pressurizing pump 10a and the second pressurizing pump 10b, and executes the expansion and shrink. As a result, the detergent concentration of the washing water inside the object to be washed 2 is diluted.

This concludes the rinsing step.

Then, the control unit 41 repeatedly executes the above-mentioned rinsing step a plurality of times (for example, twice). At this time, the same intermediate dehydration operation as described above is also performed between the first washing step and the second washing step.

Next, the control unit 41 executes the dehydration step after performing the rinsing step. During the dehydration step, a dehydration action is performed. Hereinafter, the dehydration operation in the dehydration step is referred to as a final dehydration operation.

That is, in the dehydration step, the control unit 41 first performs drainage of the washing water used in the rinsing step.

Specifically, the control unit 41 opens the drain valve 22. As a result, the washing water inside the washing tank 4 is discharged from the drainage hole 21 through the drainage path 23 to the outside. At this time, the control section 41 opens the air volume adjustment valve 29 and opens the external air introduction section 28. Thereby, the inside of the washing tank 4 communicates with the outside, and external air is introduced. Then, by the introduction of the external air, the washing 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 and drainage valve 36 are closed.

After the drainage is completed, the control unit 41 performs compression in the final dehydration operation. That is, the control unit 41 first opens the drain valve 22. Then, the control unit 41 drives both the first pressure pump 10a and the second pressure pump 10b almost simultaneously (including simultaneously) in a state in which both the first on-off valve 11a and the second on-off valve 11b are closed. Thereby, air is supplied to the inside of the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b, and the expansion of the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b causes the object 2 to be compressed and compressed . As a result, a part of the washing water included in the object to be washed 2 is forcibly discharged, and is discharged to the outside through the drainage hole 21 through the drainage path 23.

That is, with the configuration and function of the pressing section 8 of the first embodiment, the pressing surface 8c can be pressed closely against the object 2 to be pressed uniformly. Thereby, the washing water contained in the inside of the to-be-cleaned material 2 can be forced out.

After the compression is completed, the control unit 41 performs suction in the final dehydration operation. That is, the control unit 41 stops the first pressure pump 10a and the second pressure pump 10b, and after a predetermined time T1 (for example, 1 minute), the control unit 41 presses the object 2 to be washed by the pressing unit 8. Then, the drain valve 22 is closed, and the suction pump 27 is driven. Thereby, the air and water inside the washing tank 4 pass through the suction port 25 and the dehydration path 26, and are sucked into the gas-liquid separation part 30. Therefore, the inside of the washing tank 4 shown in FIG. 4 is decompressed from atmospheric pressure by suction. Then, the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed by a pressure difference between the pressure in the pressing portion 8 and the pressure in the washing tank 4.

Furthermore, the outside air passes through the air volume adjustment valve 29 and is introduced into the washing tank 4 from the outside air introduction part 28, and the outside air penetrates the inside of the object 2 to be washed. At this time, the pressure inside the cleaning tank 4 is maintained at a predetermined pressure by, for example, a constant pressure release valve. Therefore, the object to be cleaned 2 is maintained in a state of being pressurized by a certain pressure.

The external air introduced into the washing tank 4 from the external air introduction part 28 is sucked together and moves toward the suction port 25 while squeezing the washing water remaining between the fibers of the object 2 to be washed. . At this time, the washing water carried to the suction port 25 by the external air will remain in the fibers of the object 2 due to surface tension. However, due to the shearing force caused by the external air flow, the washing water is separated from the fibers of the object to be washed 2 and is drawn from the suction port 25 of the washing tank 4 through the dewatering path 26 toward the gas-liquid separation section 30. Moving.

Moreover, among the washing water and the suctioned air flowing from the secondary-side ventilation port 31 toward the gas-liquid separation unit 30, only air will flow from the primary-side ventilation port 33 above the gas-liquid separation unit 30, and the suction pump 27 And was expelled. On the other hand, the washing water falls from the secondary-side vent 31 due to its own weight, and is stored in the water storage section 30 a of the gas-liquid separation section 30. At this time, the barrier 34 provided between the primary air vent 33 and the secondary air vent 31 prevents entry of the washing water into the primary air vent 33. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the immersion of the washing water toward the suction pump 27 in advance.

In addition, in general, the washing water and air inside the suctioned washing tank 4 pass through a path having the least resistance. Therefore, when a short circuit path containing no washing water is formed in the object to be cleaned 2 with the progress of dehydration, the flow of air will concentrate on the formed short circuit path, causing the suction of the washing water. No progress will be made.

However, in the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the object to be washed 2 is pressurized by a certain pressure at any time by the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b. Therefore, the formation of the short-circuit path is suppressed. Thereby, together with the external air introduced into the inside of the washing tank 4, the suction and dehydration of the washing water is performed without stagnation. That is, the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment expands the pressing portion 8 by the suction pump 27 so that the pressing surface 8c of the pressing portion 8 comes into close contact with the object 2 to be pressed uniformly. As a result, external air is introduced into the object to be cleaned 2 and a desired dehydration performance can be obtained.

Next, after the washing water is drained, the control unit 41 closes the dehydration drain valve 36 which was originally opened. Then, the control unit 41 drives the suction pump 27 to suck the washing water together with the external air introduced into the washing tank 4 for a predetermined time T2 (for example, 4 minutes). After a predetermined time T2 has elapsed, the control unit 41 opens the on-off valve 11 and stops driving of the pressure pump 10 and the suction pump 27. Accordingly, the air in the pressing portion 8 is discharged to the outside through the on-off valve 11.

Then, the object to be washed 2 is released to be pressed by the pressing portion 8, and the final dehydration operation in the dehydration step is ended.

With the above-mentioned series of operations, after the dehydration step is completed, the control unit 41 discharges the washing water stored in the water storage unit 30a through the dehydration drainage path 37 to end the washing cycle.

In the intermediate dehydration operation, the same dehydration operation as the above-mentioned final dehydration operation is performed. Here, the intermediate dehydration operation includes an intermediate dehydration operation performed in the rinsing step, and an intermediate dehydration operation performed between repeatedly performing a plurality of rinsing steps. The predetermined time T1 and the predetermined time T2 are also set to optimal values in each intermediate dehydration operation.

In addition, in the intermediate dehydration operation and the final dehydration operation performed after the washing step, the washing water stored in the water storage unit 30a gradually increases as each step proceeds. Therefore, in Embodiment 1, during the dehydration operation, the control section 41 monitors the water storage amount of the water storage section 30 a of the gas-liquid separation section 30 with the water amount detection section 38. Then, when the accumulation of washing water (water and / or foam) exceeding a predetermined amount is detected by the water amount detecting section 38, the control section 41 stops driving the suction pump 27. The control unit 41 opens the dehydration and drainage valve 36 which was originally closed almost simultaneously (including simultaneously). As a result, the foam and washing water accumulated in the water storage unit 30 a are discharged from the dewatering drainage port 35 through the dewatering drainage path 37 to the outside.

Next, after the above-mentioned washing cycle is completed and the washing operation is completed, the user opens the cover 5 and takes out the object to be washed 2 from the washing tank 4. At this time, the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to be able to be maintained in a state where the lid 5 is opened when the washing operation is not performed (when not in use).

Therefore, the control unit 41 detects whether the cover 5 is in the opened state with the opening detection unit 39. In addition, after the opening of the cover body 5 is detected by the opening detection unit 39, a manual operation of the extension setting unit 40 by the user can be performed. At this time, when the user operates the extension setting portion 40, the pressing portion 8 is extended. By this operation, as shown in FIG. 5, the pressing surface 8 c, which is the lowermost part of the pressing portion 8, is exposed to the outside in a state that is more elongated than the pressing operation during the washing operation.

That is, the control section 41 is configured to further extend the pressing section 8 based on the output of the open detection section 39 and the output of the extension setting section 40. Thereby, after taking out the object to be cleaned 2 from the washing tank 4, the user can wipe off the dirt adhered to the pressing surface 8c of the pressing portion 8 or the extending portion 8d while the elastic portion 8d is extended. As a result, the pressing portion 8 can be maintained in a clean state over a long period of time.

In addition, when the dirt adhering to the pressing portion 8 is wiped off, as shown in FIG. 5, the cover 5 should preferably be rotated in the direction of the arrow R2 and opened to be approximately vertical as indicated by the chain line at 2 in the figure The position (including the vertical position) is preferred. This makes it easier for the user to wipe off the dirt on the pressing portion 8.

In the case where a plurality of pressing portions 8 are provided as in the first embodiment, either of the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b can be contracted by the extension setting portion 40. In the state, the other can be stretched. Thereby, the user can easily and more surely wipe off the dirt of the portions where the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b are close to each other.

Furthermore, when, for example, the washing machine 1 has a free use interval, the user may wipe off the dirt on the pressing portion 8 before performing the washing operation.

In the first embodiment, the pressing part 8 having flexibility, a pressure pump 10 that supplies air to the inside of the pressing part 8 and expands the air, and exhausts the air inside the pressing part 8 The example in which the on-off valve 11 which has been contracted to constitute the pressure and pressure reducing section 7 has been described, but is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a pressure reducing pump is provided instead of the on-off valve 11, and the pressure portion 8 is contracted and reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing pump. Furthermore, the pressure pump 10 can be used as a pressure reducing pump by reversing the pressure pump 10.

In the first embodiment, the fluid supplied to the inside of the pressing portion 8 to expand the pressing portion 8 has been described using air as an example, but it is not limited to this. It can also be other gases with high safety such as nitrogen or argon, or even liquids. In the case of gas, it is only necessary to suck in the surrounding air with a pressure pump 10 or the like as in the first embodiment, and the restriction on exhausting will be reduced, so it is convenient in terms of structure and the like. of. On the other hand, in the case of a liquid, for example, water, an aqueous solution, or an oil can be used. In the case of a liquid, it is more preferable if there is a storage portion where the liquid is stored. That is, since the density of the liquid is higher than that of the air and the elasticity is not as great as that of the gas, the pressing portion 8 can be surely expanded.

As described above, the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment includes the washing tank 4 that stores the object to be washed 2 and the washing water, and the pressing part 8 is provided to move forward and backward relative to the object 2 to be stored in the washing tank 4. And a cover 5 having a pressing portion 8 and opening and closing the washing tank 4. Furthermore, the washing machine 1 includes a control unit 41 that controls a washing operation of the washing machine 1. In addition, the pressing portion 8 includes a retractable and retractable portion 8d, and is configured to be extended longer than in the washing operation when the cover 5 is opened.

According to this configuration, for the object to be cleaned 2 that is not suitable for washing or squeezing caused by the action of the mechanical force, a pressing force is applied to the object to be cleaned 2 by the retractable pressing part 8. Thereby, washing | cleaning or dehydration of the to-be-cleaned object 2 can be performed favorably. In addition, by further extending the pressing portion 8 to flatten the telescopic portion 8d, it is possible to easily wipe off dirt and the like adhering to the pressing portion 8. Thereby, a washing machine capable of maintaining a clean state across a long period can be obtained. That is, in a state where the lid body 5 is opened, the pressing portion 8 can be extended more than during the washing operation. Accordingly, in a state where the telescopic portion 8 d of the pressing portion 8 is further extended, dirt and the like adhering to the pressing portion 8 can be more surely wiped off.

The pressing portion 8 of the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment is set such that the elongation length L2 in the state where the cover 5 is opened is larger than the elongation length L1 when the object to be washed 2 is pressed during the washing operation.

According to this configuration, when the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed, a desired pressing force can be applied to the object 2 through the pressing portion 8. Further, when the dirt or the like is wiped off, the pressing portion 8 can be sufficiently extended to easily wipe off the dirt or the like adhering to the pressing portion 8.

The pressing portion 8 of the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to be exposed from the cover body 5 above the opening portion 3 of the washing tank 4 when the cover body 5 is extended while the cover body 5 is opened.

According to this configuration, the pressing portion 8 can be exposed above the opening portion 3. This makes it possible to easily wipe off dirt and the like attached to the elastic portion 8 d of the pressing portion 8.

The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment includes: an elongation setting unit 40 that sets the elongation action of the pressing unit 8; and an open detection unit 39 that detects the opening of the cover 5. The control section 41 is configured to extend the pressing section 8 based on the output of the extension setting section 40 and the output of the open detection section 39.

According to this configuration, when the opening of the lid body 5 is detected and the user operates the extension setting portion 40, the pressing portion 8 can be further extended. Thereby, an erroneous operation of the pressing portion 8 caused by an erroneous operation by the user can be prevented.

The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment includes a suction pump 27 that sucks washing water from the object to be washed 2, and an external air introduction part 28 that introduces external air into the washing tank 4. The control unit 41 shrinks and swells the object 2 to be washed by pressing and releasing the object 2 to be washed by the pressing part 8. Furthermore, the control unit 41 is configured to perform dehydration by sucking the washing water by the suction pump 27 and external air introduced by the external air introduction unit.

According to this configuration, the washing object 2 that is not suitable for washing such as washing or squeezing caused by the action of mechanical force is pressed and washed during the washing operation. Then, in the dehydration operation, suction water is sucked from the object to be washed 2 to perform suction dehydration. Thereby, a washing operation and a dehydration operation can be performed efficiently without injuring the to-be-cleaned object 2.

The control unit 41 of the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to shrink and expand the object to be washed 2 by pressing and releasing the object to be washed 2 by the pressing unit 8 during the washing operation, and A multi-directional water flow is generated inside the object to be cleaned 2.

According to this configuration, a multi-directional water flow is generated inside the object to be cleaned 2 without agitating the object to be cleaned 2. Thereby, for the washed object 2 which is not suitable for washing caused by the action of the mechanical force, it is possible to suppress damage or deformation of the cloth, and obtain a high washing effect.

The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment includes a pressurizing and decompressing unit 7 and a pressing unit 8 that can move forward and backward with respect to the object 2 in the washing tank 4. Section 8 (the first pressing section 8a and the second pressing section 8b) can be expanded and contracted freely; the pressure pump 10 supplies air to the inside of the pressing section 8; . The control unit 41 controls the pressure reduction when the at least one first pressing portion 8a is expanded during the cleaning operation, and the other second pressing portions 8b are contracted, and the expansion and contraction are performed at different time points.压 部 7。 Pressing section 7. In addition, the control unit 41 is configured to expand the plurality of pressing portions 8 at the same time (including simultaneous) to press the object 2 to be washed during the dehydration operation, and to suck the washing water by the suction pump 27 and the introduced water. Outside gas.

According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the damage or deformation of the cloth to the washed object 2 which is not suitable for washing such as washing or squeezing caused by the action of the mechanical force, and to perform good washing. Furthermore, for the object 2 to be washed, dehydration can be performed well without applying a mechanical force such as a knob.
(Embodiment 2)

Hereinafter, a washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 7B.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts when the dirt on the pressing portion 8 of the washing machine 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is wiped off. 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams showing operations during washing of the washing machine 1.

The washing machine 1 according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the washing machine 1 further includes a film body 43 covering the pressing portion 8. 7A and 7B, the water level detection unit 17 and the like are omitted.

In the second embodiment, the outside-air introducing portion 28 is disposed so as to communicate with the inside of the membrane body 43 and the cleaning tank 4. As in the first embodiment, the outside air introduction unit 28 includes an air volume adjustment valve 29. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same configurations, and the detailed description will refer to the first embodiment.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the film body 43 of Embodiment 2 is arrange | positioned so that the 1st pressing part 8a and the 2nd pressing part 8b may be covered. The film body 43 is formed of a flexible material such as rubber or synthetic resin, and is, for example, a thin film having a thickness of about 1 cm to 3 cm. Furthermore, the film body 43 is formed in a bag shape having an opening portion. The film body 43 has a bag-shaped bottom portion facing the pressing surface 8c of the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b. The peripheral edge 43 a of the opening portion of the film body 43 is fixed to the cover portion 5 b opposite to the peripheral edge of the opening portion 3 of the washing tank 4 on the outer side of the elastic portion 8 d of the first pressing portion 8 a and the second pressing portion 8 b.

Further, when the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b are extended, the film body 43 is pressed by the pressing surface 8c, and is stretched from a relaxed state.

The cover 5 has a liberation hole 44 that releases the air inside the area surrounded by the membrane 43 to the outside. The release hole 44 is a cover portion 5b formed between the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b arranged in parallel. As a result, the liberation holes 44 communicate with the inside and the outside of the membrane body 43 in the substantially central portion (including the central portion) of the membrane body 43. Furthermore, air is replaced in accordance with the membrane body 43 whose shape changes with the expansion and contraction of the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b.

As described above, the washing machine 1 according to the second embodiment is configured.

The washing machine 1 configured as described above executes the washing step of the washing cycle by the actions and effects shown in Figs. 7A and 7B.

The washing procedure of the washing machine 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. That is, in the washing machine 1 according to the second embodiment, the film body 43 performs a telescoping operation in accordance with the telescoping operation of the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b. Pressing action.

The steps such as a rinsing step and a dewatering step that are performed after the washing step are also the same as those of the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof is omitted.

In the second embodiment, the film body 43 and the pressing portion 8, that is, the first pressing portion 8 a and the second pressing portion 8 b can be freely expanded and contracted as an example, but it is not limited to this. For example, it is good also as a structure which connects the pressing surface 8c of the 1st pressing part 8a and the 2nd pressing part 8b to the bottom of the film body 43 which opposes the pressing surface 8c. Thereby, the bottom part of the membrane body 43 can be configured to advance and retract freely with respect to the to-be-cleaned material 2 by linking with the expansion and contraction of the 1st pressing part 8a and the 2nd pressing part 8b. That is, when the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b are contracted, the film body 43 moves in a direction away from the object 2 together with the pressing surface 8c in conjunction with the contraction operation. Therefore, in the washing step and the flushing step, expansion and contraction of the object 2 to be washed can be performed more accurately. Thereby, cleaning performance can be improved.

As described above, the washing machine 1 according to the second embodiment includes the film body 43 covering the pressing portion 8. The film body 43 is configured to be stretched in accordance with the elongation of the pressing portion 8.

With this configuration, the pressing portion 8 is covered with the film body 43. Therefore, the bellows-shaped telescopic portion 8 d of the pressing portion 8 can be protected without being exposed to the washing tank 4. Thereby, adhesion of the lotion component contained in the washing water, the stain | pollution | contamination which wash | cleaned from the to-be-cleaned material 2, etc. to the press part 8 can be prevented reliably. As a result, the pressing portion 8 can be kept in a clean state over a long period of time.

Furthermore, when the lid 5 is not in use when the washing operation is not performed, the pressing portion 8 can be further extended. At this time, the membrane body 43 is stretched by being given potential energy by the elongation of the pressing portion 8. Therefore, the surface of the cleaning tank 4 side of the film body 43 extended and supported by the pressing portion 8 is stretched in a flat and stable state. This makes it easier to wipe off water droplets, dirt, and the like adhering to the film body 43. As a result, the membrane body 43 can be maintained in a clean state over a long period of time.

The washing machine 1 according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of pressing portions 8. The film body 43 is configured to include a plurality of pressing portions 8 therein.

According to this configuration, the membrane body 43 is supported by the pressing portion 8, that is, the plurality of first pressing portions 8 a and the second pressing portion 8 b. Therefore, in a stable state, dirt and the like adhering to the film body 43 can be easily wiped off. Furthermore, by the membrane body 43, it is possible to prevent the object to be washed 2 from biting between the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b which are alternately retracted.

In addition, each of the embodiments described above can be implemented in combination with other embodiments.

As described above, the washing machine of the present invention includes: a washing tank that houses the object to be washed and washing water; a pressing part that is provided to move forward and backward relative to the object to be washed that is contained in the washing tank; It has a pressing part and opens and closes the opening of a washing tank. Furthermore, the washing machine includes a control unit that controls a washing operation of the washing machine. In addition, the pressing portion has a retractable and retractable portion, and is configured to be more elongated when the cover is opened than in a washing operation.

According to this configuration, for objects to be washed which are not suitable for washing or squeezing caused by the action of mechanical force, a pressing force can be applied to the object to be washed by a retractable pressing portion. Thereby, washing | cleaning or dehydration of a to-be-washed object can be performed favorably. Furthermore, dirt and the like adhering to the pressing portion can be easily wiped off and can be kept in a clean state. In addition, in a state where the lid is opened, the pressing portion can be extended more than during the washing operation. With this, it is possible to more reliably wipe off dirt and the like attached to the pressing portion while the telescopic portion of the pressing portion is more extended.

In addition, the pressing portion of the washing machine of the present invention is preferably set such that the elongation in the state where the cover is opened is larger than the elongation in the state where the object to be washed is pressed during the washing operation.

According to this configuration, when the object to be washed is pressed, a desired pressing force can be applied to the object to be washed through the pressing portion. Further, when the dirt or the like is wiped off, the pressing portion can be sufficiently extended to easily wipe off the dirt or the like attached to the pressing portion.

Moreover, when the pressing part of the washing machine of this invention is extended in the state which opened the cover body, it is suitable for the structure which exposed above the washing tank from the cover body outward.

According to this configuration, the pressing portion can be exposed above the opening portion. This makes it possible to more easily wipe off dirt and the like attached to the expansion and contraction portions of the pressing portion.

Moreover, the washing machine of this invention has a film body which covers a pressing part. The film body is preferably configured to be stretched along with elongation of the pressing portion.

With this configuration, the pressing portion is covered with the membrane. Therefore, the bellows-like telescopic portion of the pressing portion can be protected without being exposed to the washing tank. With this, it is possible to surely prevent adhesion of the lotion components contained in the washing water, or the stains and the like washed away from the object to the pressing portion. As a result, the pressing portion can be kept in a clean state over a long period of time. Furthermore, in a non-use state in which a washing operation is not performed, the pressing portion can be further extended in a state where the cover is opened. At this time, the membrane body is stretched by being given potential energy by the elongation of the pressing portion. Therefore, the surface of the washing tank side of the film body extended and supported by the pressing portion is stretched in a flat and stable state. This makes it easier to wipe off water droplets, dirt, and the like adhering to the membrane. As a result, the membrane body 43 can be maintained in a clean state over a long period of time.

The washing machine of the present invention includes a plurality of pressing portions. In addition, the membrane body is preferably configured to include a plurality of pressing portions.

According to this configuration, the membrane is supported by the plurality of pressing portions. Therefore, in a stable state, dirt and the like adhering to the membrane can be easily wiped off. Furthermore, with the membrane, it is possible to prevent the object to be washed from biting between the pressing portions that are retractable and contractible.

In addition, the washing machine of the present invention includes: an elongation setting part that sets an elongation action of the pressing part; and an opening detection part that detects the opening of the cover. The control section is preferably configured to extend the pressing section based on the output of the extension setting section and the output of the open detection section.

According to this configuration, when the opening of the cover is detected and the user operates the extension setting portion, the pressing portion can be further extended. Thereby, an erroneous operation of the pressing portion caused by an erroneous operation by the user can be prevented.

The washing machine according to the present invention includes a suction unit that sucks washing water from the object to be washed, and an external air introduction unit that introduces external air into the washing tub. The control unit shrinks and swells the object to be washed by pressing and releasing the object to be washed by the pressing unit, and performs scrubbing. Furthermore, it is preferable that the control unit is configured to perform dehydration by sucking the washing water by the suction unit and the external air introduced by the external air introduction unit.

According to this configuration, for objects to be washed which are not suitable for washing such as washing or squeezing caused by the action of a mechanical force, the objects to be washed are pressed and rubbed during the cleaning operation. Then, in the dehydration operation, suction water is sucked from the object to be washed to perform suction dehydration. Thereby, a washing operation and a dehydration operation can be performed efficiently without injuring a to-be-cleaned thing.

1‧‧‧washing machine

2‧‧‧ to be washed

3‧‧‧ opening

4‧‧‧washing tank

4a‧‧‧ bottom

5‧‧‧ cover

5a‧‧‧grip

5b‧‧‧ cover

6‧‧‧Sink section

6a‧‧‧hinge section

7‧‧‧Pressure and pressure reduction section

7a‧‧‧The first pressure reducing section

7b‧‧‧Second pressure decompression unit

8,56‧‧‧Pressing section

8a‧‧‧The first pressing part

8b‧‧‧Second pressing part

8c‧‧‧Pressing surface

8d, 55‧‧‧ telescopic section

9‧‧‧ hose

9a‧‧‧1st hose

9b‧‧‧ 2nd hose

10‧‧‧ booster pump

10a‧‧‧The first booster pump

10b‧‧‧Second booster pump

11‧‧‧ On-off valve

11a‧‧‧The first on-off valve

11b‧‧‧2nd on-off valve

12‧‧‧ Pads

13‧‧‧Sealing Department

14‧‧‧ Water supply valve

15‧‧‧ lotion box

16‧‧‧ Water supply route

17‧‧‧Water level detection department

18‧‧‧Water level detection tank

19‧‧‧ Buoy

20‧‧‧Water Level Switch

21‧‧‧Drain hole

22‧‧‧Drain valve

23‧‧‧ drainage path

24‧‧‧ overflow path

24a‧‧‧ overflow hole

25‧‧‧ Attraction

26‧‧‧ Dehydration path

27‧‧‧ Attraction Pump

28‧‧‧ External air introduction unit

29‧‧‧Air volume adjustment valve

30‧‧‧Gas-liquid separation department

30a‧‧‧Water storage department

31‧‧‧ secondary air vent

32‧‧‧ Attraction Path

33‧‧‧Primary vent

34‧‧‧ The barrier

35‧‧‧dehydration drain

36‧‧‧ Dewatering Drain Valve

37‧‧‧ Dewatering drainage path

38‧‧‧Water detection unit

39‧‧‧Open the detection department

40‧‧‧Extension setting section

41‧‧‧Control Department

42‧‧‧ Operation display

43‧‧‧ membrane

43a‧‧‧periphery

44‧‧‧Liberation hole

51‧‧‧Sink

52‧‧‧ space below

53‧‧‧ Decompression device

54‧‧‧Pressure responder

57‧‧‧ cover

58‧‧‧Washing machine frame

59‧‧‧axis

A, B, R1, R2‧‧‧ arrows

L1, L2‧‧‧ elongation length

W‧‧‧ Water level of washing water

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of main parts in a state where a lid body of the washing machine is opened. FIG.

FIG. 3A is a schematic view showing an operation during washing in the same washing machine.

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram showing an operation during washing in the same washing machine.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts during the dehydration operation of the washing machine.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part when dirt on the pressing portion of the washing machine is wiped off.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part when dirt on a pressing portion of a washing machine in Embodiment 2 of the present invention is wiped off.

FIG. 7A is a schematic view showing an operation during washing in the same washing machine.

FIG. 7B is a schematic view showing an operation during washing in the same washing machine.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a conventional dehydration device.

Claims (7)

A washing machine comprising: Washing tank, containing the objects to be washed and washing water; The pressing part is arranged to move forward and backward relative to the object to be cleaned stored in the cleaning tank; A lid body having the pressing portion and opening and closing the washing tank; and The control unit controls the washing operation of the washing machine, In addition, the pressing portion has a stretchable and retractable portion, and is configured to be more elongated than in the washing operation when the cover is opened. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion is set so that an elongation amount in a state where the cover is opened is larger than an elongation amount when the object to be washed is pressed during the washing operation. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressing portion is configured to be exposed from the cover above the washing tank when the pressing portion is extended while the cover is opened. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, has a film body covering the pressing portion, and the film body is stretched as the pressing portion is extended. The washing machine according to claim 4, further comprising a plurality of the pressing portions, and the membrane body includes the plurality of the pressing portions. The washing machine of any one of claims 1 to 5, which has: An elongation setting section for setting an elongation action of the pressing section; and Open the detection section to detect the opening of the cover, The control unit is configured to extend the pressing unit based on an output of the extension setting unit and an output of the opening detection unit. The washing machine of any one of claims 1 to 6, which has: A suction section that sucks the washing water from the washed object; and The outside air introduction part introduces outside air into the cleaning tank, In addition, the control unit is configured to shrink and expand the object to be washed and perform rubbing by pressing and releasing the object to be washed by the pressing unit, and to suck the object by the suction unit. The washing water and the external air introduced by the external air introduction unit perform dehydration.