WO2016027404A1 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A washing machine is provided with a water tank for holding washing solution, a rotating drum enclosed in the water tank and holding the clothes, a housing tank equipped with the water tank and the rotating drum, and a suds-generating unit for generating suds and supplying the generated suds to the housing tank. Furthermore, the suds-generating unit is provided with a suds-generating chamber for retaining the washing solution supplied from a circulation pump. The washing solution supplied from the circulation pump collides with the liquid surface of the washing solution retained inside the suds-generating chamber. As a result, a washing machine with a simple configuration and capable of washing clothes efficiently with suds is provided.

Description

Washing machine

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

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

Conventionally, a washing machine has been disclosed in which detergent liquid stored in a water tank is circulated by a pump and air is introduced into a circulation flow path to generate foam (see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

In Patent Document 1, the washing liquid is circulated using a circulation pump, and air is discharged from the air pump to a foam generation tank provided in the circulation flow path to generate foam. However, the foam produced is relatively small and cannot diffuse widely into clothing. Moreover, an air pump is required to introduce air.

In Patent Document 2, washing liquid is circulated using a circulation pump, and air is sucked in front of the pump to generate bubbles. However, the bubbles tend to disappear in the flow path due to the water pressure, and it is difficult to diffuse sufficient bubbles in the clothes when introduced into the washing tub. In addition, an air supply valve such as a duckbill system is required for the air suction portion.

JP 2010-172547 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-7224

The present invention has been made in view of the conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can efficiently wash clothes by dissolving detergent and generating foam with a simple configuration.

The washing machine according to the present invention includes a water tank for storing a washing liquid, a rotating drum that is contained in the water tank and stores clothing, a storage tank that includes the water tank and the rotating drum, and generates foam, and the generated foam The foam generation part supplied to a storage tank and the circulation pump which supplies the washing liquid in a water tank to a foam generation part are provided. Furthermore, the foam generation unit includes a foam generation chamber for storing the washing liquid supplied from the circulation pump, and the washing liquid supplied from the circulation pump collides with the liquid level of the washing liquid stored in the foam generation chamber. .

In this washing machine, water containing detergent is supplied to the foam generation unit by the circulation pump and collides with the level of the washing liquid stored in the foam generation chamber. As a result, bubbles are generated in the liquid layer of the washing liquid. The washing liquid whose volume is increased by the bubbles is discharged from the foam generation unit and spreads over the clothes in the storage tub. When the washing liquid comes into contact with the clothes and penetrates, the bubbles become foam films and cover the clothes. Since the foam film contains a high concentration of surfactant, it is possible to efficiently remove stains on clothes. The washing liquid sprayed in the storage tank flows down into the water tank and is supplied again to the foam generation unit by the circulation pump. Since the washing liquid fed from the circulation pump is stably supplied to the housing at a predetermined flow rate, foam can be generated with high reliability along with dissolution of the detergent.

As described above, in the washing machine according to the present invention, in order to generate bubbles, the air introduction means using the air pump of Patent Document 1 and the air intake means such as the duckbill system of Patent Document 2 that require an air supply valve It is not necessary to provide Therefore, it is possible to efficiently wash clothes by dissolving the detergent and generating foam with a simple configuration.

The washing machine according to the present invention can perform efficient clothes washing with foam with a simple configuration.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the washing machine. FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the washing machine. FIG. 4 is a schematic front view of the washing machine. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the washing machine. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the foam generating unit of the washing machine. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an internal circulation path of the washing machine in the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the internal circulation path of the washing machine in the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bubble generation unit according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. FIG. 13: is the schematic figure seen from the upper direction of the foam production | generation part of the washing machine. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a circulation path in a water tub of a washing machine according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a circulation path in a water tub of a washing machine according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a casing of a circulation pump of the washing machine. FIG. 17 is a schematic front view of the washing machine according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram of the washing machine according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram of the washing machine in the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram of the washing machine according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21: is schematic sectional drawing of the foam production | generation part of the washing machine concerning Embodiment 13 of this invention. FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine in the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bubble generation unit 620 generates bubbles. The detergent liquid whose volume is increased by the bubbles is sent to the storage tank 510 and spreads over the clothes. When the detergent solution comes into contact with the clothes and penetrates, the bubbles become foam films and cover the clothes. Since the foam film contains a high concentration of a surfactant, it is possible to efficiently remove stains on clothes. In addition, when the washing liquid is discharged from the second circulation path 612 to the storage tank 510 at the same time as the washing liquid is discharged from the foam generation unit 620 to the storage tank 510, the wettability of the clothes is improved and the clothes are uniformly applied. Laundry liquid can be applied. As a result, the penetrating power of the high-concentration foam is increased and a high cleaning power can be obtained in a short time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The downstream circulation pipe 650 is divided into a main pipe 659 into which water discharged from the circulation pump 610 flows, a first branch pipe 651 branched from the main pipe 659 and connected to the foam generating unit 620, and branched from the main pipe 659. A second branch pipe 652 connected to the annular wall 541. The first branch pipe 651 defines the first circulation path 611 described with reference to FIG. The second branch pipe 652 defines the second circulation path 612 described with reference to FIG. The control unit 300 controls the rotation direction and the number of rotations of the circulation pump 610 to selectively execute the water circulation through the first branch pipe 651 and the water circulation through the second branch pipe 652. Good. In the present embodiment, the downstream circulation pipe 650 is exemplified as a branch pipe via the circulation pump 610.

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

4 and 5 are a schematic front view and side view of the washing machine 100. FIG. The washing machine 100 is further described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 5.

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

In the present embodiment, the first branch pipe 651 of the downstream circulation pipe 650 is exemplified as a structure that is connected to the front peripheral wall 545 of the water tank and reaches the foam generation unit 620 via an internal circulation path in the front peripheral wall 545. As a result, the space in the main housing 200 can be used effectively, and the washing machine 100 can be manufactured at low cost. In addition, this results in an increase in the degree of freedom in layout design in the main housing 200.

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

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

When the circulation pump 610 rotates at a high rotation speed, the washing liquid flows into the first branch pipe 651 or the second branch pipe 652. The first branch pipe 651 guides the washing liquid that has flowed into the housing 621. Accordingly, the washing liquid that has flowed into the first branch pipe 651 reaches the foam generation unit 620. The foam generated in the foam generation unit 620 is then sent out to the storage tank 510. The second branch pipe 652 guides water directly to the water tank 540. Therefore, the water that has flowed into the second branch pipe 652 flows directly into the water tank 540. The inflow path of the washing liquid is selected by controlling the rotation direction of the circulation pump 610.

6, the foam generation unit 620 includes a housing 621, and the inside of the housing 621 is partitioned into a water supply channel 622 and a foam generation chamber 623 by a partition wall 680. An inflow port 681 is formed on one end side of the water supply channel 622, and a discharge port 682 is formed on the other end side of the water supply channel 622 at a position above the bubble generation chamber 623. The water supply channel 622 is formed so that the cross-sectional area gradually decreases from the inlet 681 toward the discharge port 682 so that the flow rate of the washing water ejected from the discharge port 682 toward the foam generation chamber 623 increases. Further, the discharge port 682 is formed so as to gradually decrease in diameter toward the discharge-side tip, and is configured to increase the flow rate of the washing water that is jetted from the discharge port 682 toward the foam generation chamber 623. Note that “gradually smaller diameter” can be rephrased as “the cross-sectional area gradually decreases”. In this manner, by increasing the flow rate of the washing water ejected from the discharge port 682 toward the foam generation chamber 623, the amount of foam generated by the collision of the foam generation chamber 623 with the wash water can be increased.

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

In the bubble generation chamber 623, an outlet 684 is formed at a position separated from the discharge port 682. The bottom surface of the bubble generation chamber 623 is formed to be inclined toward the outlet 684, and the outlet 684 is formed in contact with the bottom of the bubble generation chamber 623. As a result, the washing water supplied into the foam generation chamber 623 is discharged from the outlet 684 without remaining in the foam generation chamber 623.

The first branch pipe 651 described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 is connected to the inflow port 681 through an internal circulation path in the outer ring wall 541 of the water tank. When the circulation pump 610 pumps up the washing liquid to the foam generation unit 620, the washing liquid that flows in from the inflow port 681 is discharged from the discharge port 682 toward the inside of the foam generation unit 620.

Due to the inflow of the washing liquid into the foam generation unit 620, the washing liquid is accumulated in the foam generation chamber 623, and the inflow amount from the discharge port 682 and the outflow amount from the outflow port 684 are in a balanced state. This state is illustrated in FIG. 6, and a boundary BD between the liquid layer WL and the air layer AL is formed in the bubble generation unit 620. The washing liquid discharged from the discharge port 682 collides with the boundary BD, and bubbles are mixed into the liquid layer WL by entraining the air in the air layer AL. Since the foam generation unit 620 is configured so that the washing liquid discharged from the discharge port 682 collides with the boundary BD by increasing the flow velocity, bubbles are efficiently generated in the liquid layer WL. Further, in the air attraction chamber 624, external air is attracted from the air suction port 683 by the washing liquid from the discharge port 682, and the external air is caught in the washing liquid and mixed into the liquid layer WL. Thereby, bubbles are efficiently generated.

The washing liquid whose volume is increased by the bubbles is sprayed from the outlet 684 to the clothes in the storage tank. The diameter of the discharge port 682 may be adjusted to a flow rate at which bubbles are mixed into the liquid layer according to the amount of pumped water. The flow rate may be adjusted by the number of rotations of the circulation pump. The air inlet 683 is formed with a size that allows intake of air necessary for forming the air layer AL. Further, as an embodiment in consideration of water leakage, in the present embodiment, the connection of the air suction port 683 to the front peripheral wall 545 of the water tank is exemplified.

In the present embodiment, the water supply channel 622 and the bubble generation chamber 623 are configured by partitioning the inside of the housing 621 with a partition wall 680. Thereby, the bubble production | generation part 620 can be formed compactly and a structure can be simplified.

In addition, the water supply channel 622 may be configured to supply the washing liquid to the foam generation chamber 623, and may be configured by, for example, a hose other than the present embodiment.

The air inlet 683 may use a venturi structure. Even if it is this structure, there can exist an effect similar to the form mentioned above. Further, both the air suction port 683 of the above-described form and the venturi structure air suction port may be provided.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to the second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, an annular bubble generation unit 620 that forms a bubble generation chamber 623 is provided on the inner surface of the rotary drum 530 on the inlet 511 side. Further, the water tank 540 is formed with a discharge port 682 for discharging washing water toward the foam generation chamber 623.

When the circulation pump 610 pumps the washing liquid into the foam generation chamber 623, the washing liquid accumulates in the foam generation chamber 623, and the washing liquid collides with the accumulated washing liquid to generate bubbles. The generated bubbles are supplied from the inner diameter side opening of the bubble generating unit 620 to the clothing in the rotary drum 530. The bubbles generated in the bubble generation chamber 623 are directly supplied into the rotary drum 530 through the opening provided in the bubble generation unit 620, so that the bubbles can be supplied efficiently.

The washing liquid accumulated in the foam generation chamber 623 can be supplied to the inside of the rotating drum 530 by rotating the rotating drum 530. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the washing liquid from remaining in the foam generation chamber 623.

In addition, the structure of the bubble production | generation part 620 in this embodiment is suitably changed according to an attachment site | part (location).

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to the third embodiment.

Embodiment 3 is a so-called vertical washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotary drum is set to be vertical as shown in FIG. 8, and a foam generation unit 620 is provided on the upper inner side of the rotary drum 530. The foam generation unit 620 is formed on the inner surface of the rotary drum 530. The foam generation unit 620 has an open top surface, and the foam generation unit 620 communicates with the inside of the rotating drum 530. A discharge port 682 for supplying the washing liquid into the foam generation unit 620 is formed above the foam generation unit 620.

When the circulation pump 610 pumps up the washing liquid to the foam generation unit 620, the washing liquid accumulates in the foam generation unit 620, and the washing liquid collides with the accumulated washing liquid to generate bubbles. The generated bubbles are supplied from the opening on the upper surface of the bubble generation unit 620 to the clothing in the rotary drum 530. Since the bubbles generated in the bubble generation unit 620 are supplied directly into the rotary drum 530 from the opening above the bubble generation unit 620, the bubbles can be supplied efficiently.

In addition, the washing | cleaning liquid collected in the foam production | generation part 620 can be supplied in the rotating drum 530 by forming the opening part for drainage (not shown) in at least one of the foam production | generation part 620 side surface and a bottom face. Thereby, it can suppress that the washing liquid remains in the foam production | generation part 620 inside.

In addition, the structure of the bubble production | generation part 620 in this embodiment is suitably changed according to an attachment site | part (location).

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment.

The washing machine according to Embodiment 4 includes a foam generation unit 620 between the water tank 540 and the rotating drum 530, as shown in FIG. A discharge port 682 for supplying the washing liquid toward the foam generation unit 620 is provided.

Bubbles are generated in the foam generation unit 620 by discharging the washing liquid from the discharge port 682 toward the foam generation unit 620. When the rotating drum 530 is rotated, the stirring blade 535 disposed at the bottom of the rotating drum 530 generates a stirring flow in the water tank 540. As a result, bubbles generated above the foam generating unit 620 flow into the rotating drum 530 and come into contact with clothing in the rotating drum 530.

In addition, the structure of the bubble production | generation part 620 in this embodiment is suitably changed according to an attachment site | part (location).

(Embodiment 5)
In the present embodiment, in the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment, the outlet 684 and the tank discharge section 685 are communicated with each other, and the flow path 950 that carries the foam generated in the foam generation section 620 into the water tank 540 is provided. An example will be described in detail. FIG. 10 is a perspective view for explaining an internal circulation path of the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view for explaining a modification of the internal circulation path of the washing machine 100 according to the present embodiment.

Also in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the circulation pump 610 is disposed below the storage tank 510. The foam generation unit 620 is disposed above the rotation axis RX of the rotary drum 530 (that is, above the circulation pump 610). When the circulation pump 610 rotates, the water is pumped by the circulation pump 610 toward the foam generation unit 620 through the first branch pipe 651. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the second branch pipe 652 is connected to the water tank 540 above the circulation pump 610. In addition, the connection position of the 2nd branch pipe 652 and the water tank 540 is below the rotating shaft RX. Accordingly, the circulation pump 1610 can rotate at a relatively low rotational speed and feed water into the water tank 540.

When the circulation pump 610 rotates at a high rotation speed, the washing liquid flows into the first branch pipe 651 or the second branch pipe 652. The first branch pipe 651 guides the flowing washing liquid to the housing 621. Accordingly, the washing liquid that has flowed into the first branch pipe 651 reaches the foam generation unit 620. In addition, the circulation mechanism 600 should just be the structure which can supply a washing | cleaning liquid to the foam production | generation part 620. FIG. In FIG. 3, the circulation pump 610 having two discharge ports is taken as an example, but the circulation pump 610 may be configured to have only the first branch pipe 651. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the washing liquid may be sent from the single first branch pipe 1651 to the foam generation unit 620 and the storage tank 510 via the internal circulation path in the outer ring wall.

The foam generated in the foam generation unit 620 is then sent out to the storage tank 510 via the tank discharge unit 685 connected to the outlet 684 of the foam generation unit 620. The tank discharge part 685 is bent and connected to the flow path in the bubble generation chamber 623. By providing the bent portion 900 in the flow path 950 from the bubble generating chamber 623 to the tank discharge portion 685, the bent portion 900 becomes a resistance to the flow of the washing liquid, and the washing liquid easily accumulates in the bubble generating chamber 623. In the present embodiment, the tank discharge unit 685 is configured separately from the foam generation unit 620, but may be configured integrally with the foam generation unit 620.

In the present embodiment, the flow path 950 reaching the tank discharge section 685 is bent with respect to the foam generation section 620 to form the bent section 900, but the flow path in the foam generation section 620 may be bent. The flow path leading to the tank discharge part 685 may be bent. By bending any part of the flow path from the foam generating part 620 to the tank discharge part 685 to form a bent part, it becomes resistance to the flow of the washing liquid, and the washing liquid is easily accumulated in the foam generating chamber 623. be able to.

Further, a constriction portion (not shown) having a narrow cross-sectional area may be formed in any part of the flow path 950 from the bubble generation unit 620 to the tank discharge unit 685. Also in this configuration, the throttle portion provides resistance to the flow of the washing liquid, and the washing liquid can be easily stored in the foam generation chamber 623.

Note that the flow path for guiding the washing water from the outlet 684 to the storage tank 510 is inclined so as to become lower from the outlet 684 toward the storage tank 510.

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

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

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

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

The outlet 684 is formed from the bottom surface of the foam generation chamber 623 to a position higher than a predetermined level of the washing water accumulated in the foam generation chamber 623. Thereby, it forms so that the bubble which floats on a washing | cleaning liquid can pass the outflow port 684 efficiently.

The bottom surface of the bubble generation chamber 623 is formed so as to be gradually inclined toward the outlet 684. As a result, when the circulation pump 610 is stopped and the supply of the washing liquid to the foam generation chamber 623 is stopped, the washing liquid in the foam generation chamber 623 does not remain in the foam generation chamber 623, and the tank is discharged from the outlet 684. It is discharged to the storage tank 510 through the discharge part 685. In addition, at the bottom surface of the foam generation chamber 623, the amount of the washing liquid flowing in from the discharge port 682 and the amount of the washing liquid flowing out from the outlet 684 are in a balanced state, and the washing liquid accumulates in the foam generation chamber 623. Thus, the inclination angle toward the outflow port 684 is formed to be relatively gentle. Further, the flow path for guiding the washing water from the outlet 684 into the storage tank 510 is inclined so as to become lower from the outlet 684 toward the storage tank 510.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bubble generation unit 1620 that is a modification of the bubble generation unit 620 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of the bubble generation unit 1620 in this embodiment as viewed from above. In the present embodiment, description of portions showing substantially the same functions and operations as those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the water supply channel 1622 is extended to the outlet 684 side, and the discharge port 682 is inclined in the direction opposite to the outlet 684 side. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13, the foam production | generation part 1620 forms the part which the washing | cleaning liquid from the discharge outlet 682 collides with the washing | cleaning liquid in the foam production | generation part 620 wider compared with another part. . Thereby, the produced | generated foam can collide with the washing | cleaning liquid discharged from the discharge outlet 682. FIG. Therefore, the generated foam is easy to flow toward the outlet 684. Also, with this configuration, the washing liquid can easily stay in the foam generation chamber 623 by the flow rate of the washing liquid discharged from the discharge port 682. Foam generation efficiency is improved by spraying the washing liquid from the oblique direction onto the liquid surface of the washing liquid in the bubble generation chamber 623.

(Embodiment 7)
In the present embodiment, in the washing machine according to the first embodiment, the washing liquid is supplied into the water tank 540 from the first circulation path 611 that supplies the washing liquid from the circulation pump 610 to the foam generation unit 620 and the circulation pump 610. An example of the second circulation path 612 will be described in detail.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining the first circulation path 611 and the second circulation path 612 according to the present embodiment. The first circulation path 611 communicating with the foam generating unit 620 and the second circulation path 612 communicating with the storage tank 510 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 14.

Also in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the circulation pump 610 is disposed below the storage tank 510. The foam generation unit 620 is disposed at a position above the rotation axis RX of the rotating drum 530 (a position above the washing water level in the aquarium).

As shown in FIG. 14, the first circulation path 611 communicating with the foam generating unit 620 is formed inside the water tank 540. The first circulation path 611 is connected to the first branch pipe 651 connected to the lower side of the water tank 540 from the circulation pump 610 and the foam generation unit 620. The second circulation path 612 communicating with the storage tank 510 is formed inside the water tank 540. The second circulation path 612 is connected to the second branch pipe 652 and supplies wash water into the storage tank 510.

By disposing the first circulation path 611 and the second circulation path 612 inside the water tank 540, exposure of the first circulation path 611 and the second circulation path 612 to the outside of the water tank 540 is minimized. Can do. Thereby, space saving inside the product can be realized, and the first circulation path 611 and the second circulation path 612 can be prevented from contacting the main housing 200 and the like when the water tank 540 is swung.

Further, the first circulation path 611 may be formed to have a uniform cross-sectional area from the first branch pipe 651 to the bubble generation unit 620. Thereby, loss of water pressure is suppressed, and efficient washing water can be pumped.

The first circulation path 611 and the second circulation path 612 may be formed of the same part. Thereby, the number of parts can be reduced and the assembly can be simplified. In the present embodiment, the second circulation path 612 is formed in an annular shape, and the first circulation path 611 is formed adjacent to the second circulation path 612 in the left portion in FIG. This saves space.

Also in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the water supply channel 622 is formed so that the cross-sectional area gradually decreases from the inlet 681 toward the outlet 682. In other words, the first circulation path 611 has a cross-sectional area that gradually decreases toward the discharge port 682. This is because the first circulation path 611 communicates with the water supply path 622. Thereby, it is comprised so that the flow rate of the washing water which ejects toward the foam production | generation chamber 623 from the discharge outlet 682 may be increased. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the discharge port 682 is formed so that the cross-sectional area gradually decreases toward the discharge-side tip. Thereby, it is comprised so that the flow rate of the washing water which ejects toward the foam production | generation chamber 623 from the discharge outlet 682 may be increased. By increasing the flow rate of the washing water ejected from the discharge port 682, the amount of foam generated by the collision of the foam generation chamber 623 with the washing water can be increased.

(Embodiment 8)
In the present embodiment, an example of a circulation pump 610 that supplies washing liquid to at least one of the first circulation path 611 and the second circulation path 612 in the first embodiment will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 15, the first circulation path 611 that communicates with the foam generation unit 620 is formed inside the water tank 540. The first circulation path 611 is connected to the first branch pipe 651 connected to the lower side of the water tank 540 from the circulation pump 610 and the foam generation unit 620. The second circulation path 612 communicating with the storage tank 510 is formed inside the water tank 540. The second circulation path 612 is connected to the second branch pipe 652 and supplies the washing liquid into the storage tank 510 through a plurality of liquid discharge ports 613 formed in the second circulation path 612. The positions and discharge amounts of the tank discharge unit 685 and the liquid discharge port 613 are set so that the washing liquid discharged from the tank discharge unit 685 and the liquid discharge port 613 does not collide with each other.

By disposing the first circulation path 611 and the second circulation path 612 inside the water tank 540, exposure of the first circulation path 611 and the second circulation path 612 to the outside of the water tank 540 is minimized. Can do. Thereby, space saving inside the product can be realized, and the first circulation path 611 and the second circulation path 612 can be prevented from contacting the main housing 200 and the like when the water tank 540 is swung.

Further, the first circulation path 611 is formed in a shape having a uniform cross-sectional area from the first branch pipe 651 to the bubble generation unit 620. Thereby, loss of water pressure is suppressed, and efficient washing water can be pumped.

The first circulation path 611 and the second circulation path 612 may be formed of the same part. Thereby, reduction of a number of parts and simplification of an assembly are realizable. The second circulation path 612 is formed in an annular shape, and the first circulation path 611 is formed adjacent to the second circulation path 612 in the left portion in FIG. Thereby, space saving can be realized.

(Circulation pump)
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the shape of a casing 900 of a circulation pump that is a drive device for circulating washing liquid.

Rotation direction A and rotation direction B shown in Fig. 16 indicate the rotation direction of the impeller of circulation pump 610. The impeller of the circulation pump 610 selectively rotates in the rotation direction A or the rotation direction B. The circulation pump 610 has a discharge port A 910 and a discharge port B 920, the discharge port A 910 is connected to the first circulation path 611, and the discharge port B 920 is connected to the second circulation path 612. The discharge port A910 and the discharge port B920 are formed such that the cross-sectional area of the discharge port A910 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the discharge port B920. Further, the circulation pump 610 is provided with a tongue 930 for drawing water with respect to the rotation of the impeller.

When the impeller rotates in the rotation direction A, the washing liquid is discharged to the discharge port A910 and the discharge port B920, and the washing liquid is supplied to the first circulation path 611 and the second circulation path 612. The discharge amount to the discharge port A910 and the discharge port B920 is set to be substantially uniform. When the impeller rotates in the rotation direction A, the washing liquid is supplied to the foam generation unit 620 via the first circulation path 611, and the washing liquid is supplied from the tank discharge unit 685 to the storage tank 510 together with the generated foam. . Also, the washing liquid is supplied from the liquid discharge port 613 to the storage tank 510 via the second circulation path 612. In this state, the discharge amount is set so that the washing liquid is discharged only from the liquid discharge port 613 located below the rotation axis RX of the rotary drum 530. Thereby, it is suppressed that the foam supplied from the tank discharge part 685 to the storage tank 510 collides with the washing liquid discharged from the liquid discharge port 613 and disappears.

The foam from the tank discharge unit 685 and the washing liquid from the liquid discharge port 613 are supplied onto the clothes in the storage tank 510, penetrate into the clothes, and the bubbles form a foam film to cover the clothes, and the high concentration interface. A foam membrane containing the active agent effectively removes soiling of clothing.

When the impeller rotates in the rotation direction B, the washing liquid is mainly discharged to the discharge port B920. In this state, the washing liquid is discharged from all the liquid discharge ports 613 to the storage tank 510. Thereby, the washing liquid can be efficiently circulated from the entire front side of the storage tank 510.

In the present embodiment, when the impeller of the circulation pump 610 rotates in the rotation direction A, the washing liquid is discharged from the liquid discharge port 613 located below the rotation axis RX of the rotary drum 530 depending on the discharge amount of the circulation pump 610. Although it is configured to discharge, a control valve may be provided to perform the same operation. Alternatively, the liquid discharge port 613 may be formed only at a position below the rotation axis RX of the rotary drum 530.

In the present embodiment, when the impeller of the circulation pump 610 rotates in the rotation direction B, the washing liquid is supplied to the discharge port B 920. However, both the discharge port A 910 and the discharge port B 920 are provided. Alternatively, the washing liquid may be supplied. In this configuration, the supply amount of the washing liquid to the discharge port A910 is reduced. For this reason, the washing liquid is discharged from the tank discharge unit 685 without storing the washing liquid in the foam generation unit 620. In this case, there is little foam generation in the foam generation unit 620, and the foam is discharged from the tank discharge unit 685 in the state of the washing liquid. Therefore, when the impeller rotates in the rotation direction B, the tank discharge unit 685 performs the same function as the liquid discharge port 613. Therefore, together with the discharge of the washing liquid from the liquid discharge port 613, the washing liquid can be circulated more uniformly and efficiently from the entire front side of the storage tank 510.

(Embodiment 9)
In the present embodiment, FIG. 17 shows an example of means for setting the amount of the washing liquid supplied from the circulation pump 610 to at least one of the first and second circulation paths in the washing machine according to the first embodiment. This will be described in detail.

Circulation pump 610 selectively rotates in the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction. When the circulation pump 610 rotates in the first rotation direction, the washing liquid in the water tank 540 is supplied to the first branch pipe 651 and the second branch pipe 652. Further, when the circulation pump 610 rotates in the second rotation direction, the washing liquid is supplied to the second branch pipe 652.

When the circulation pump 610 rotates in the first rotation direction, the washing liquid is supplied to the first circulation path 611 through the first branch pipe 651 and the second circulation path 612 through the second branch pipe 652. To be supplied. The supply amount of the washing liquid from the circulation pump 610 to the first branch pipe 651 and the supply amount of the washing liquid to the second branch pipe 652 are set substantially equally.

When the circulation pump 610 rotates in the first rotation direction, the washing liquid is supplied to the foam generation unit 620 via the first circulation path 611, and the washing liquid together with the generated foam is supplied from the tank discharge unit 685 to the storage tank 510. Supplied. The discharge state of the washing liquid containing foam from the tank discharge unit 685 to the storage tank 510 is shown by a solid arrow in FIG.

Further, the washing liquid is supplied from the liquid discharge port 613 to the storage tank 510 through the second circulation path 612. In this state, the discharge amount is set so that the washing liquid is discharged only from the liquid discharge port 613 located below the rotation axis RX of the rotary drum 530. Thereby, it is suppressed that the foam supplied from the tank discharge part 685 to the storage tank 510 collides with the washing liquid discharged from the liquid discharge port 613 and disappears. The state of discharge of the washing liquid from the liquid discharge port 613 to the storage tank 510 is indicated by a broken line arrow in FIG. FIG. 17 shows a state where the washing liquid is discharged from all the liquid discharge ports 613.

The foam from the tank discharge unit 685 and the washing liquid from the liquid discharge port 613 are supplied onto the clothes in the storage tank 510, penetrate into the clothes, and the bubbles form a foam film to cover the clothes. And the foam film containing a high concentration surfactant removes the stain | pollution | contamination of clothing efficiently.

When the circulation pump 610 rotates in the second rotation direction, the washing liquid is discharged to the second circulation path 612 through the second branch pipe 652. In this state, the washing liquid is discharged from all the liquid discharge ports 613 to the storage tank 510. Thereby, the washing liquid can be efficiently circulated from the entire front side of the storage tank 510.

In the present embodiment, when the circulation pump 610 rotates in the first rotation direction, the washing liquid is discharged from the liquid discharge port 613 located below the rotation axis RX of the rotary drum 530 according to the discharge amount of the circulation pump 610. However, a similar operation may be performed by providing a control valve. Alternatively, the liquid discharge port 613 may be formed only at a position below the rotation axis RX of the rotary drum 530.

In the present embodiment, the washing liquid is supplied to the second branch pipe 652 when the circulation pump 610 rotates in the second rotation direction, but the first branch pipe 651 and the second branch pipe 651 are also configured. The washing liquid may be supplied to both the pipes 652. In this configuration, since the supply amount of the washing liquid to the first branch pipe 651 is reduced, the washing liquid is discharged from the tank discharge unit 685 without storing the washing liquid in the foam generation unit 620. In this case, there is little foam generation in the foam generation unit 620, and the foam is discharged from the tank discharge unit 685 in the state of the washing liquid. Therefore, when the circulation pump 610 rotates in the second rotation direction, the tank discharge unit 685 performs the same function as the liquid discharge port. Therefore, together with the discharge of the washing liquid from the liquid discharge port 613, the washing liquid can be circulated more uniformly and efficiently from the entire front side of the storage tank 510.

(Embodiment 10)
Compared with the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment, the washing machine 1100 according to the present embodiment switches the pumping water of the circulation pump 610 to the first circulation path 611 and the second circulation path 612. Is provided.

FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram of the washing machine 1100 according to this embodiment. In the present embodiment, the description of the portions showing substantially the same functions and operations as those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

With the configuration according to this embodiment, the circulation pump 610 need not use a pump that rotates in two directions, and can use a pump that rotates in one direction.

The switching valve 615 selectively switches the pumping of the circulation pump 610 to the first circulation path 611 or the second circulation path 612. Thereby, only the foam produced | generated by the foam production | generation part 620 is supplied to the storage tank 510 at the time of switching to the 1st circulation path 611 of the switching valve 615. FIG. Since the washing liquid is not supplied from the liquid discharge port 613, the foam supplied from the tank discharge unit 685 is not defoamed by the washing liquid from the liquid discharge port 613.

Further, the switching valve 615 may be configured to switch the flow rate of the washing liquid to the first circulation path 611 and the second circulation path 612 in an adjustable manner. The switching valve 615 can perform the same operation as that of the above-described embodiment by adopting a configuration in which the flow rate of the washing liquid to the first circulation path 611 and the second circulation path 612 can be adjusted.

(Embodiment 11)
Compared with the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment, the washing machine 2100 according to the present embodiment has a circulation pump 610 for pumping the washing liquid in the first circulation path 611 and a laundry in the second circulation path 612. And a circulation pump 610a for pumping the liquid.

FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram of the washing machine 2100 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the description of the portions showing substantially the same functions and operations as those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

The circulation pump 610 and the circulation pump 610a may be operated independently or simultaneously.

(Embodiment 12)
The washing machine 3100 according to the present embodiment includes a heating unit 616 that heats the washing liquid supplied to the second circulation path 612, as compared with the washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram of washing machine 3100 according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the description of substantially the same functions and operations as those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

The heating unit 616 heats the washing liquid supplied from the liquid discharge port 613 to the clothes in the storage tank 510 through the second circulation path 612. By heating the washing liquid, dirt such as clothing can be more efficiently removed.

(Embodiment 13)
In the present embodiment, the bubble generation unit 620 according to Embodiment 1 will be described in more detail. FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bubble generator 620.

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

An air induction chamber 624 is formed between the discharge port 682 and the bubble generation chamber 623, and an air suction port 683 is formed in the air induction chamber 624. The air suction port 683 communicates with a position higher than the full water level stored in the water tank 540. The air in the water tank 540 is attracted from the air suction port 683 by the flow rate of the washing water discharged from the discharge port 682 toward the foam generation chamber 623. The attracted air is discharged into the foam generation chamber 623 together with the washing water. The air suction port 683 is communicated with the water tank 540. As a result, even if the washing water in the foam generation chamber 623 overflows for some reason and leaks from the air suction port 683, the leaked washing water is guided into the water tank 540. As a result, it is possible to suppress the possibility of a failure or the like due to the leaked washing water. In the present embodiment, the air suction port 683 communicates with the water tank 540. However, the present invention is not limited to the water tank 540, and other configurations can be used as long as it is possible to introduce the external air of the foam generating unit 620. It may be.

On the downstream side of the discharge port 682, a conduction path 625 for guiding the wash water discharged from the discharge port 682 to the foam generation chamber 623 is formed. The conduction path 625 includes a first region 625 a provided with an air suction port 683 and a second region 625 b communicating with the bubble generation chamber 623. The inner diameter of the second region 625 b is formed so as to be close to the wash water discharged from the discharge port 682. That is, the inner diameter of the second region 625b is smaller than the region of the first region 625a. As a result, air is efficiently sucked from the air suction port 683 by being attracted by the flow rate of the washing water discharged from the discharge port 682. The sucked air is guided toward the washing water level in the foam generation chamber 623 together with the washing water, and bubbles are efficiently generated.

In the bubble generation chamber 623, an outlet 684 is formed at a position separated from the discharge port 682. The bottom surface of the bubble generation chamber 623 is formed to be inclined toward the outlet 684, and the outlet 684 is formed in contact with the bottom of the bubble generation chamber 623. As a result, the washing water supplied into the foam generation chamber 623 is discharged from the outlet 684 without remaining in the foam generation chamber 623. Since air is efficiently sucked from the air suction port 683 and guided to the foam generation chamber 623, the pressure in the foam generation chamber 623 rises, and the washing water in the foam generation chamber 623 is efficiently discharged from the outlet 684. . Thereby, the liquid level of the washing water in the foam generation chamber 623 does not rise above the predetermined water level.

In the present embodiment, the inner diameter of the second region 625b in the conduction path 625 is formed so as to be close to the wash water discharged from the discharge port 682, so that the air suction port 683 can be attracted by the flow rate of the wash water. It is configured to suck air efficiently. A blower device may be connected to the air suction port 683 so that outside air is guided from the air suction port 683 by blowing air from the blower device. In this configuration, it is preferable that the outside air from the air introduction port 683 is guided to a position where the washing water from the discharge port 682 collides with the washing water level in the foam generation chamber 623. Thereby, the inner diameter of the conduction path 625 can be formed larger by adjusting the blowing pressure and the blowing amount of the blowing device.

The first branch pipe 651 described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 is connected to the inflow port 681 through an internal circulation path in the outer ring wall 541 of the water tank. When the circulation pump 610 pumps up the washing liquid to the foam generation unit 620, the washing liquid that flows in from the inflow port 681 is discharged from the discharge port 682 toward the foam generation unit 620.

Due to the inflow of the washing liquid into the foam generation unit 620, the washing liquid is accumulated in the foam generation chamber 623, and the inflow amount from the discharge port 682 and the outflow amount from the outflow port 684 are in a balanced state. This state is shown in FIG. 21, and a boundary BD between the liquid layer WL and the air layer AL is formed in the bubble generation unit 620. The washing liquid discharged from the discharge port 682 collides with the boundary BD, and bubbles are mixed into the liquid layer WL by entraining the air in the air layer AL. Since the foam generating unit 620 is configured such that the washing liquid discharged from the discharge port 682 collides with the boundary BD by increasing the flow velocity, bubbles are efficiently generated in the liquid layer WL. Further, in the air attraction chamber 624, external air is attracted from the air suction port 683 by the washing liquid from the discharge port 682, and the external air is caught in the washing liquid and mixed into the liquid layer WL. Thereby, bubbles are efficiently generated.

The washing liquid whose volume is increased by the bubbles is sprayed from the outlet 684 to the clothes in the storage tank. The diameter of the discharge port 682 may be adjusted to a flow rate at which bubbles are mixed into the liquid layer according to the amount of pumped water. The flow rate may be adjusted by the number of rotations of the circulation pump. The air inlet 683 is formed based on a size that allows intake of air necessary for forming the air layer AL. Further, as an embodiment in consideration of water leakage, in the present embodiment, the connection of the air suction port 683 to the front peripheral wall 545 of the water tank is exemplified.

In the present embodiment, the water supply channel 622 and the bubble generation chamber 623 are configured by partitioning the inside of the housing 621 with a partition wall 680. Thereby, the bubble production | generation part 620 can be formed compactly and a structure can be simplified.

In addition, the water supply channel 622 may be configured to supply the washing liquid to the foam generation chamber 623, and may be configured by, for example, a hose other than the present embodiment.

(Embodiment 14)
FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to the fourteenth embodiment.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, an annular bubble generation unit 620 that forms a bubble generation chamber 623 is provided on the inner surface of the rotary drum 530 on the inlet 511 side. Further, the water tank 540 is formed with a discharge port 682 for discharging washing water toward the foam generation chamber 623.

When the circulation pump 610 pumps the washing liquid into the foam generation chamber 623, the washing liquid accumulates in the foam generation chamber 623, and the washing liquid collides with the accumulated washing liquid to generate bubbles. The generated bubbles are supplied from the inner diameter side opening of the bubble generating unit 620 to the clothing in the rotary drum 530. The bubbles generated in the bubble generation chamber 623 are directly supplied into the rotary drum 530 through the opening provided in the bubble generation unit 620, so that the bubbles can be supplied efficiently.

The washing liquid accumulated in the foam generation chamber 623 can be supplied to the inside of the rotating drum 530 by rotating the rotating drum 530. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the washing liquid from remaining in the foam generation chamber 623.

Not only the above embodiments, but also combinations of all the above embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

As described above, the washing machine according to the first aspect of the present invention includes the water tank 540 that stores the washing liquid, the rotary drum 530 that is contained in the water tank 540 and accommodates clothes, and the water tank 540 and the rotary drum 530. The storage tank 510, a foam generation unit 620 that generates foam and supplies the generated foam to the storage tank 510, and a circulation pump 610 that supplies the washing liquid in the water tank to the foam generation unit 620 are provided. . Further, the foam generation unit 620 includes a foam generation chamber 623 that stores the washing liquid supplied from the circulation pump 610, and the washing liquid supplied from the circulation pump 610 is stored in the foam generation chamber. Collide with the surface.

This makes it possible to efficiently wash clothes with foam with a simple configuration.

The washing machine according to the second aspect of the present invention is the washing machine according to the first aspect, in which the foam generation unit 620 discharges the washing liquid toward the washing liquid stored in the foam generation chamber; An outflow port 684 that supplies the foam generated in the foam generation unit 620 to the storage tank 510, and the outflow port 684 is formed over a position above the liquid level of the washing liquid stored from the bottom surface of the foam generation chamber. ing.

The washing liquid sprayed in the storage tank flows down into the water tank and is supplied again to the foam generation unit by the circulation pump. When the circulation pump is stopped, the washing liquid in the foam generating unit is discharged through the outlet. Since the outlet serves not only the function of supplying bubbles but also the function of the drainage channel after the circulation pump is stopped, it does not require a new drainage channel and can be manufactured at a low cost with a simple configuration. Moreover, since it drains from an outflow port, a drainage channel cross-sectional area can be taken widely and it can prevent clogging of the fiber of the clothing which generate | occur | produces in a washing | cleaning and a rinsing process.

The washing machine according to the third aspect of the present invention is the washing machine according to the second aspect, wherein the bottom surface of the foam generation chamber 623 is inclined so as to gradually become lower toward the outlet 684.

∙ As a result, when the circulation pump is stopped, the washing liquid in the foam generation chamber is efficiently discharged from the outlet. If the slope of the bottom of the foam generation chamber is gently formed in order to store the washing liquid in the foam generation chamber, the washing liquid is easily stored in the foam generation chamber. Then, by causing the washing liquid to collide with the stored washing liquid surface to the extent that the washing liquid is foamed from the discharge port, the surrounding air can be entrained and foam can be efficiently generated.

The washing machine according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is the washing machine according to the second aspect, further comprising a tank discharge portion 685 for supplying the washing liquid from the foam generation chamber 623 to the storage tank, and from the outlet 684 to the storage tank. A bent portion 900 is provided in the flow path for guiding the washing water.

Thereby, since the bent portion becomes resistance to the flow of the washing liquid, the washing liquid is easily accumulated in the foam generation chamber. As a result, the washing liquid can collide with the stored washing liquid surface to the extent that the washing liquid bubbles from the discharge port, and bubbles can be efficiently generated by entraining the surrounding air.

A washing machine according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the washing machine according to the first aspect, in which the washing liquid is circulated and supplied from the circulation pump 610 to the foam generation unit 620, and from the circulation pump to the water tank. The circulation pump further includes a second circulation path 612 that circulates and supplies the washing liquid, and the circulation pump supplies the washing liquid to the first circulation path 611 and the second circulation path 612.

Thereby, the washing liquid can be discharged into the storage tank simultaneously with the generation of the foam and the dispersion of the foam into the storage tank. As a result, the wettability of the clothes is improved in a short time, the contact with the washing liquid is increased, and the clothes can be efficiently washed without unevenness. Therefore, the clothes can be efficiently washed by spraying the foam and the washing liquid simultaneously on the clothes with a simple configuration.

In the washing machine according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the washing machine according to the first aspect, the foam generation unit 620 has a water supply path 622 serving as a passage for guiding the washing liquid supplied from the circulation pump 610 to the foam generation chamber 623. The water supply channel 622 and the foam generation chamber 623 are partitioned by a partition wall 680.

Thereby, the bubble generating part can be formed compactly, and the structure can be simplified.

The principle of this embodiment is suitably used for an apparatus having a function of washing clothes using bubbles.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100,1100,2100,3100 Washing machine 300 Control part 400 Water supply mechanism 422 2nd water supply path 430 Detergent storage part 500 Washing mechanism 510 Storage tank 511 Input port 530 Rotating drum 540 Water tank 600 Circulation mechanism 610,610a Circulation pump 611 1st Circulation path 612 Second circulation path 620, 1620 Foam generation unit 621 Housing 622, 1622 Water supply path 623 Foam generation chamber AL Air layer BD Boundary WL Liquid layer 650 Downstream circulation pipe 651, 1651 First branch pipe 652 Second branch pipe 684 Outflow port 685 Tank discharge part 700 Drying mechanism 730 Blower fan 950 Flow path

Claims (28)

1. A water tank for storing washing liquid;
   A rotating drum contained in the water tank and containing clothing;
   A storage tank comprising the water tank and the rotating drum;
   A foam generating unit that generates foam and supplies the generated foam to the storage tank;
   A circulation pump for supplying the washing liquid in the water tank to the foam generating unit,
   The foam generation unit includes a foam generation chamber for storing the washing liquid supplied from the circulation pump,
   The washing machine supplied from the circulation pump to the foam generating chamber collides with the liquid level of the washing liquid stored in the foam generating chamber.
2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the foam generating unit is disposed outside the water tank.
3. The foam generating unit has a discharge port for discharging the washing liquid toward the washing liquid stored in the foam generating chamber, and an outlet for supplying the foam generated by the foam generating unit to the storage tank And
   The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the outlet is formed from a bottom surface of the foam generation chamber to a position above a liquid level of the washing liquid stored in the foam generation chamber.
4. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein a bottom surface of the foam generation chamber is inclined so as to gradually become lower toward the outlet.
5. The flow path which guide | induces the said washing water from the said outflow port in the said storage tank is further provided, The said flow path is inclined so that it may become low toward the said storage tank from the said outflow port. Washing machine.
6. The tank discharge part which supplies the said washing | cleaning liquid from the said foam production | generation chamber into the said storage tank is further provided, and the bending part is provided in the flow path which guide | induces the said washing water from the said outlet into the said storage tank. The washing machine as described in.
7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein a throttle portion is provided in the second flow path from the foam generation chamber to the tank discharge section.
8. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the discharge port discharges the washing liquid in a direction opposite to the outflow port.
9. A first circulation path that circulates and supplies the washing liquid from the circulation pump to the foam generation unit; and a second circulation path that circulates and supplies the washing liquid from the circulation pump into the water tank. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit is disposed at a position above the washing liquid level in the water tank.
10. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the first and second circulation paths are disposed inside the water tank.
11. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the first circulation path and the second circulation path are disposed adjacent to each other in the water tank.
12. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the first circulation path and the second circulation path are formed of the same component.
13. The first circulation path includes a discharge port that discharges the wash water toward the wash water stored in the foam generation chamber, and the first circulation path has a cross-sectional area toward the discharge port. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein a decrease is made.
14. The first circulation path includes a discharge port that discharges the wash water toward the wash water stored in the foam generation unit, and the discharge port has a cross-sectional area that decreases toward a discharge-side tip. The washing machine according to claim 9.
15. A first circulation path that circulates and supplies the washing liquid from the circulation pump to the foam generation unit; and a second circulation path that circulates and supplies the washing liquid from the circulation pump into the water tank. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the pump supplies the washing liquid to at least one of the first circulation path and the second circulation path.
16. The washing machine according to claim 15, wherein the circulation pump supplies the washing liquid simultaneously to the first circulation path and the second circulation path.
17. A tank discharge part for supplying the washing liquid from the foam generating part into the storage tank, and a liquid discharge port for supplying the washing liquid from the second circulation path to the storage tank,
    The washing machine according to claim 15, wherein the liquid discharge port that discharges the washing liquid into the storage tank is disposed below the tank discharge portion.
18. The washing machine according to claim 17, wherein the washing liquid supplied from the tank discharge unit to the storage tank does not collide with the washing liquid supplied from the liquid discharge port to the storage tank.
19. A first circulation path that circulates and supplies the washing liquid from the circulation pump to the foam generation unit; and a second circulation path that circulates and supplies the washing liquid from the circulation pump into the water tank. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein an amount of the washing liquid supplied through the first circulation path and an amount of the washing liquid supplied through the second circulation path are set according to a rotation direction of the pump.
20. A first circulation path for circulatingly supplying the washing liquid from the circulation pump to the foam generating unit; a second circulation path for circulatingly supplying the washing liquid from the circulation pump into the water tank; and pumping by the circulation pump And a switching mechanism for diverting the fluid into the first circulation path and the second circulation path, and the amount of the washing liquid supplied through the first circulation path under the control of the switching mechanism; The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein an amount of the washing liquid supplied through the second circulation path is set.
21. A first circulation path that circulates and supplies the washing liquid from the circulation pump to the foam generating unit; a second circulation path that circulates and supplies the washing liquid from the circulation pump into the water tank; and the second circulation. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising heating means for heating the washing liquid supplied to the path.
22. The foam generation unit includes a water supply passage serving as a passage for guiding the washing liquid supplied from the circulation pump to the foam generation chamber, and the water supply passage and the foam generation chamber are partitioned by a partition wall. The washing machine as described in.
23. The washing machine according to claim 22, wherein the water supply path includes a discharge port that discharges the washing liquid toward the washing liquid stored in the foam generation chamber.
24. The washing machine according to claim 23, further comprising an air suction port for sucking outside air into the foam generating unit in the vicinity of the discharge port.
25. A conduction path for guiding the washing liquid discharged from the discharge port to the foam generation chamber;
    The conduction path includes a first region provided with the air suction port and a second region communicating with the bubble generation chamber,
    The washing machine according to claim 24, wherein an inner diameter of the second region is smaller than an inner diameter of the first region.
26. The washing machine according to claim 24, wherein the air suction port is formed on the upstream side of the conduction path.
27. The washing machine according to claim 24, further comprising a blower that supplies air to the air suction port.
28. The washing machine according to claim 26, wherein the air suction port communicates with the water tank.

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