WO2018077200A1 - 超声波清洗装置以及洗衣机 - Google Patents

超声波清洗装置以及洗衣机 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018077200A1
WO2018077200A1 PCT/CN2017/107708 CN2017107708W WO2018077200A1 WO 2018077200 A1 WO2018077200 A1 WO 2018077200A1 CN 2017107708 W CN2017107708 W CN 2017107708W WO 2018077200 A1 WO2018077200 A1 WO 2018077200A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
ultrasonic
water storage
storage tank
generating body
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2017/107708
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
川上直也
鸢幸生
向井贞
Original Assignee
青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司
Aqua株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Application filed by 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司, Aqua株式会社 filed Critical 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司
Publication of WO2018077200A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018077200A1/zh

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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F19/00—Washing machines using vibrations for washing purposes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
    • B08B3/04—Cleaning involving contact with liquid
    • B08B3/10—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration
    • B08B3/12—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration by sonic or ultrasonic vibrations
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F7/00—Washing devices adapted to be used independently of any particular receptacle, e.g. for removable mounting on wash-tubs, bath-tubs, or the like
    • D06F7/04—Washing devices adapted to be used independently of any particular receptacle, e.g. for removable mounting on wash-tubs, bath-tubs, or the like of the vibrator type

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an ultrasonic cleaning device and a washing machine including the ultrasonic cleaning device.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasonic cleaning device including: a cleaning device main body in which an ultrasonic generating unit including a vibrating horn is incorporated; and a tray having a water accumulating portion that stores water and receives the object to be cleaned.
  • the user infiltrates the object to be cleaned in the water accumulated in the water reservoir while the tip of the vibrating horn is in contact with the dirt portion of the object to be cleaned.
  • the ultrasonic generating unit operates, the ultrasonic energy released from the vibrating horn is transmitted to the object to be cleaned via the water, and the dirt component adhering to the object to be cleaned is separated from the object to be cleaned.
  • Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-216244
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an ultrasonic cleaning device capable of obtaining stable cleaning performance and a washing machine including the ultrasonic cleaning device.
  • An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus includes: an ultrasonic generating body that generates ultrasonic waves; and a casing that accommodates the ultrasonic generating body so that a tip end of the ultrasonic generating body is exposed; a water storage tank that accumulates water, and An object to be cleaned; a water supply port provided in the water storage tank; a fixing portion that fixes the casing such that the ultrasonic generating body is located directly above the water storage tank; and a water supply portion through The water supply port supplies water into the water storage tank.
  • the water supply unit supplies water into the water storage tank in such a manner that water overflows from the water storage tank.
  • the casing is fixed to the top end of the ultrasonic generating body by the fixing portion, and water that overflows from the water storage tank and permeates the object to be washed placed on the water storage tank and oozes to the surface thereof The height position of the contact.
  • the ultrasonic vibration released from the ultrasonic generating body is transmitted to the inside of the object to be cleaned by the water existing on the surface of the object to be cleaned, and acts on the inside of the object to be cleaned to separate the dirt from the object to be cleaned.
  • the user can place the object to be cleaned on the water storage tank.
  • the user does not need to adjust the height of the ultrasonic generating body to adjust the amount of the object to be washed in the water.
  • the amount of water present around the tip of the ultrasonic generating body is made appropriate. Therefore, stable cleaning performance can be obtained.
  • the contact detecting unit may be further provided to detect whether the tip end of the ultrasonic generating body is in contact with water oozing out to the surface of the object to be cleaned, and the control unit based on the The detection result of the contact detecting unit controls the operation of the ultrasonic generating body.
  • the ultrasonic generating body is driven in vain.
  • the water tank can be provided with a drain tank provided around the water storage tank to receive water overflowing from the water storage tank, and a drain port provided in the drain tank. Water is drained from the drain.
  • the water overflowing from the water storage tank can be received by the drain tub. Moreover, the water received by the drain tub is discharged from the drain port, so the user can not perform the operation of dumping the water in the drain tub.
  • the support unit may further include a support portion that is provided in the casing and elastically supports the ultrasonic generating body in the vertical direction.
  • the tip end of the ultrasonic generating body can be vertically moved following the vertical movement generated when the object to be cleaned is laterally moved. Thereby, it is difficult to apply an excessive load to the object to be cleaned or the ultrasonic wave generating body, and it is possible to prevent breakage of the object to be cleaned or the ultrasonic wave generating body.
  • a washing machine includes: a washing tub for accommodating and washing the laundry; and an ultrasonic cleaning device of the first aspect.
  • an upper surface plate is further provided, and an input port for feeding the laundry into the washing tub is provided.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device is provided at a front side position of the input port of the upper surface plate.
  • the user can easily perform the cleaning operation of the object to be cleaned using the ultrasonic cleaning device, and the user's usability is good.
  • an ultrasonic cleaning device capable of obtaining stable cleaning performance and a washing machine including the ultrasonic cleaning device.
  • Fig. 1 is a side sectional view showing a fully automatic washing machine of an embodiment.
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an upper portion of the fully automatic washing machine of the embodiment.
  • FIG 3 is a perspective view of the periphery of the ultrasonic cleaning device in a state in which the ultrasonic generating unit is removed in the embodiment.
  • Fig. 4 (a) is a side cross-sectional view of the periphery of the ultrasonic cleaning device after the position of the ultrasonic generating body of the ultrasonic generating unit of the embodiment, and Fig. 4 (b) shows the housing of the ultrasonic generating unit of the embodiment being fixed.
  • Fig. 5 (a) is a front cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic cleaning device after the position of the ultrasonic generating body of the ultrasonic generating unit in the embodiment
  • Fig. 5 (b) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic generating body of the embodiment
  • Fig. 5 (Fig. 5 (b) c) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic generating body attached to the holder of the embodiment.
  • Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment.
  • Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the partial washing operation in the embodiment.
  • 8(a) to 8(d) are views for explaining the removal of dirt of the object to be cleaned by the ultrasonic cleaning device of the embodiment.
  • Fig. 1 is a side sectional view showing a fully automatic washing machine 1 of the present embodiment.
  • the fully automatic washing machine 1 is provided with a casing 10 that constitutes an appearance.
  • the casing 10 includes a square tubular body portion 11 having an upper and lower surface open, an upper surface plate 12 covering the upper surface of the body portion 11, and a leg 13 for supporting the body portion 11.
  • An input port 14 for washing is formed on the upper surface plate 12.
  • the inlet 14 is covered by an upper cover 15 that is openable and closable.
  • the outer tub 20 having an open upper surface is elastically suspended and supported by four booms 21 having anti-vibration means.
  • a washing and dewatering tub 22 having an open upper surface is disposed in the outer tub 20.
  • the washing and dewatering tub 22 rotates around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction.
  • a plurality of dewatering holes 22a are formed on the entire inner circumferential surface of the washing and dewatering tub 22.
  • a balance ring 23 is provided at an upper portion of the washing and dewatering tub 22.
  • a pulsator 24 is disposed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 22.
  • a plurality of blades 24a are radially provided on the surface of the pulsator 24.
  • the washing tub of the present invention is constituted by the outer tub 20 and the washing and dewatering tub 22.
  • a drive for generating a torque for driving the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the pulsator 24 is disposed.
  • the drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism portion 32.
  • the transmission mechanism unit 32 includes a clutch mechanism 32a. By the switching operation by the clutch mechanism 32a, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted only to the pulsator 24 in the washing process and the rinsing process, and only the pulsator 24 is rotated. In the spin-drying process, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and the washing and dewatering tub 22, and the pulsator 24 and the washing and dewatering tub 22 are integrally rotated.
  • a drain port portion 20a is formed at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20.
  • a drain valve 40 is provided in the drain port portion 20a.
  • the drain valve 40 is connected to the drain hose 41. When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water accumulated in the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain hose 41.
  • An ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is provided at the front portion of the upper surface plate 12.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is mainly used to remove stubborn dirt which is locally attached to the cuffs of the shirt, the neckline portion, and the like before the washing is performed by the fully automatic washing machine 1.
  • a water supply unit 60 for supplying tap water into the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is disposed at the rear of the upper surface plate 12.
  • the water supply unit 60 corresponds to the water supply unit of the present invention.
  • the water supply unit 60 has a water supply valve 61.
  • the water supply valve 61 includes a first valve 62 and a second valve 63 and is connected to the faucet.
  • tap water from the faucet is supplied into the washing and dewatering tub 22 through the water supply path 64.
  • the second valve 63 is opened, the tap water is supplied to the water storage tank (described later) of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.
  • the water supply unit 60 is a water supply unit that supplies water to the water storage tank of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 . Therefore, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 includes the water supply unit 60 .
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an upper portion of the fully automatic washing machine 1 of the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in a state where the ultrasonic generating unit 100 is detached according to the embodiment.
  • 4(a) is a side cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 after the position of the ultrasonic generating body 110 of the ultrasonic generating unit 100 according to the present embodiment
  • FIG. 4(b) is the ultrasonic generating unit of the present embodiment.
  • a side cross-sectional view of the periphery of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 after the housing 130 of the 100 is mounted on the right side of the fixing table 200.
  • FIG. 5 (a) is a front cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 after the position of the ultrasonic generating body 110 of the ultrasonic generating unit 100 is cut in the present embodiment.
  • Fig. 5 (b) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic generating body 110 of the present embodiment
  • Fig. 5 (c) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic generating body 110 attached to the retainer 120 of the present embodiment.
  • the front frame 16 constituting the upper surface plate 12 is formed of a resin material so that the front portion 17 is lower than the rear portion 18, and the front portion of the upper cover 15 is received by the rear portion 18.
  • the upper surface 17a of the front portion 17 has a concave curved shape with a central portion.
  • the front surface 18a of the rear portion 18 rises substantially perpendicularly from the rear end of the upper surface 17a of the front portion 17.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is provided at a central portion of the front frame 16. That is, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is provided on the front side of the input port 14 of the upper surface plate 12. In addition, when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is not used, the upper portion of the front portion 17 of the front frame 16 is covered by a cover (not shown), and the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 can be covered.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 includes an ultrasonic generating unit 100, a fixing table 200, a water storage tub 300, and a drain tub 400.
  • the fixing table 200 is integrally formed with the front frame 16 at a central portion of the upper surface 17a of the front portion 17 of the front frame 16 so as to be in contact with the front surface 18a of the rear portion 18.
  • the fixing table 200 corresponds to the fixing portion of the present invention.
  • the fixed table 200 has a predetermined height with respect to the water storage tank 300.
  • the fixing table 200 has a mounting surface 201 as a top surface.
  • Two left and right mounting bosses 202 are provided in the vertical direction behind the mounting surface 201.
  • An insertion hole 203 is formed in the mounting boss 202.
  • An opening portion 18b is formed at a position of the front surface 18a of the rear portion 18 of the front frame 16 corresponding to the two mounting bosses 202.
  • the water storage tub 300 is formed on the front side of the central portion of the upper surface 17a of the front portion 17 of the front frame 16.
  • the rear portion of the water storage tub 300 has a circular arc shape.
  • a water supply port 301 is formed in the center of the rear end portion of the bottom surface of the water storage tub 300.
  • a water supply pipe 302 connected to the water supply port 301 is formed on the outer bottom surface of the water storage tank 300.
  • a water supply pipe 303 extending from the second valve 63 is connected to the water supply pipe 302.
  • accommodation recesses 304 are formed in the upper end portions of the left and right side walls, and a rod-shaped electrode body 305 is accommodated in each of the accommodation recesses 304. A part of the electrode body 305 is exposed to the inside of the water storage tank 300.
  • the drain tub 400 is formed around the water storage tub 300 at the central portion of the upper surface 17a of the front portion 17 of the front frame 16.
  • a drain port 401 is formed at a central position behind the water storage tub 300 on the bottom surface of the drain tub 400.
  • a drain pipe 402 connected to the drain port 401 is formed on the outer bottom surface of the drain tub 400.
  • a drain pipe 403 connected to the outer tub 20 is connected to the drain pipe 402. It should be noted that the drain pipe 403 may also be connected to the drain hose 41.
  • a water discharge drain port 306 having a smaller diameter than the water supply port 301 is formed at a position before the water supply port 301 on the bottom surface. Water discharge drain 306 via drain pipe 307 and drain pipe 402 is connected. After the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is used, the water remaining in the water storage tank 300 is drained from the water discharge drain port 306 to the drain pipe 402.
  • the ultrasonic generating unit 100 includes an ultrasonic generating body 110 that generates ultrasonic waves, a holder 120 that holds the ultrasonic generating body 110, and a casing 130 that houses the ultrasonic generating body 110.
  • the ultrasonic generating body 110 is attached to the inside of the casing 130 via the holder 120.
  • the ultrasonic generating body 110 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 111 and a vibrating horn 112 coupled to the ultrasonic vibrator 111.
  • the vibrating horn 112 is formed of a conductive metal material and has a shape that gradually tapers toward the tip end side.
  • the shape of the tip end surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112 is an elongated rectangle.
  • a substantially quadrangular flange portion 113 is formed at an upper end portion of the vibrating horn 112.
  • the central portion of the holder 120 has a substantially quadrangular opening portion 121.
  • a groove portion 122 is formed on the entire inner circumferential surface of the opening portion 121.
  • the ultrasonic generating body 110 passes through the opening 121 and the flange portion 113 of the vibrating horn 112 is fitted into the groove portion 122 to be fixed to the holder 120.
  • mounting tabs 123 are formed on the left and right sides.
  • a shaft hole 124 is formed in each of the mounting tabs 123.
  • the holder 120 may preferably be vertically separated from the position of the groove portion 122.
  • the casing 130 is formed of a resin material and has an arm shape that is long in the front-rear direction and whose tip end portion 130a protrudes downward.
  • the distal end portion 130a of the casing 130 is formed to have a tapered end portion, and an opening portion 131 is formed on the distal end surface thereof.
  • the housing 130 is formed by connecting the lower member 140 whose upper surface is open and the upper member 150 whose lower surface is open.
  • the lower member 140 and the upper member 150 are provided with a lower mounting boss 141 and an upper mounting boss 151 for connecting them.
  • the lower mounting boss 141 and the upper mounting boss 151 are stopped by a fixing screw 161.
  • a substantially rectangular tubular installation portion 142 extending upward from the opening 131 is provided in the lower member 140.
  • the holder 120 that holds the ultrasonic generating body 110 is disposed on the setting portion 142.
  • the vibrating horn 112 is housed in the inside of the installation portion 142, and the distal end portion of the vibrating horn 112 is slightly exposed from the opening portion 131.
  • a lower support boss 143 is formed on the right and left sides of the installation portion 142 of the lower member 140, and an upper support boss 152 is formed at a position directly above the lower support boss 143 of the upper member 150.
  • a lower insertion hole 144 is formed in each of the lower support bosses 143, and an upper insertion hole 153 is formed in each of the upper support bosses 152.
  • a guide rod 170 of a round bar shape made of a metal material is attached between each of the lower support bosses 143 and each of the upper support bosses 152.
  • the inner diameter of the lower insertion hole 144 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the guide shaft 170,
  • the guide shaft 170 is fixed to the lower support boss 143 by pressing the lower end portion thereof into the lower insertion hole 144.
  • the inner diameter of the upper insertion hole 153 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the guide shaft 170, and the upper end portion of the guide shaft 170 is inserted into the upper insertion hole 153.
  • the left and right guide shafts 170 pass through the shaft holes 124 of the left and right mounting tabs 123 of the holder 120 provided on the setting portion 142.
  • a support spring 180 is inserted between each of the mounting tabs 123 and each of the upper support bosses 152 for each of the guide shafts 170.
  • the ultrasonic generating body 110 held by the holder 120 is elastically supported by the left and right support springs 180 in the vertical direction.
  • the support spring 180 is a compression spring that presses the ultrasonic generating body 110 downward with a predetermined spring force.
  • the support spring 180 When the distal end surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112 is pressed upward by a force larger than the spring force, the support spring 180 is compressed, and the ultrasonic generating body 110 is guided by the guide shaft 170 and moved upward. It should be noted that the support spring 180 corresponds to the support portion of the present invention.
  • the top surface of the casing 130 is formed with a marking portion 132 having the same shape as the distal end surface 112a at a position similar to the distal end surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112 of the ultrasonic generating body 110 as viewed from above.
  • the marker portion 132 When the user observes the marker portion 132, the position of the distal end surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112 can be confirmed.
  • a circular display window 133 is formed on the top surface of the casing 130.
  • a cylindrical lamp housing portion 154 connected to the display window 133 is formed in the upper member 150, and a notification lamp 190 as a notification portion is housed in the lamp housing portion 154 from below.
  • the notification lamp 190 is attached to the base 191 and is fixed to the lower end of the lamp housing portion 154 via the base 191.
  • the notification lamp 190 is, for example, an LED lamp, and faces the outside from the display window 133.
  • mounting bosses 145 corresponding to the mounting bosses 202 of the fixing table 200 are formed on the left and right sides of the lower member 140 side. Screw holes 146 are formed in each of the mounting bosses 145.
  • the rear end portion of the housing 130 is placed on the mounting surface 201 of the fixing table 200.
  • the fixing screw 162 that passes through the insertion hole 203 of the mounting boss 202 of the fixing table 200 terminates in the screw hole 146 of the mounting boss 145 of the housing 130, whereby the housing 130 is at a prescribed height with respect to the water storage tub 300. The position is fixed to the fixed table 200.
  • the ultrasonic generating body 110 is located directly above the water storage tank 300. Further, a predetermined gap L is formed between the distal end surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112 of the ultrasonic generating body 110 and the upper surface of the water storage tub 300.
  • the predetermined gap L is set to be slightly larger than the thickness.
  • the predetermined gap L can be set to 3 mm.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the fully automatic washing machine 1 of the present embodiment.
  • the automatic washing machine 1 includes a control unit 70, an operation unit 80, and a contact detecting unit 90 in addition to the above configuration.
  • the control unit 70 includes a control unit 71, a storage unit 72, a motor drive unit 73, a clutch drive unit 74, a water supply drive unit 75, a drain drive unit 76, a vibrator drive unit 77, and a lamp drive unit 78.
  • the operation unit 80 includes various operation buttons such as a power button 81, a start button 82, a mode selection button 83, and a cleaning button 84.
  • the power button 81 is a button for turning on and off the power of the fully automatic washing machine 1.
  • the start button 82 is a button for starting the washing operation.
  • the mode selection button 83 is a button for selecting an arbitrary operation mode from among a plurality of operation modes of the washing operation.
  • the cleaning button 84 is a button for starting and ending the partial cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.
  • the operation unit 80 outputs an input signal corresponding to the button operated by the user to the control unit 71 from among various buttons such as the power button 81, the start button 82, the mode selection button 83, and the cleaning button 84. It should be noted that although not shown in FIG. 2, the operation portion 80 can be provided, for example, at the front portion of the upper cover 15. Alternatively, the area in which the operation unit 80 is provided may be secured in the front frame 16.
  • the contact detecting unit 90 detects whether the tip end of the ultrasonic generating body 110, that is, the tip end of the vibrating horn 112 is in contact with water oozing out to the surface of the object to be cleaned, and includes the vibrating horn 112 of the ultrasonic generating body 110, the two electrode bodies 305, and The power detecting unit 91 is provided.
  • the energization detecting unit 91 applies a voltage between the vibrating horn 112 and the two electrode bodies 305, and when detecting that there is energization therebetween, outputs a detection signal to the control unit 71.
  • the motor drive unit 73 drives the drive motor 31 based on a control signal from the control unit 71.
  • the clutch drive unit 74 drives the clutch mechanism 32a based on a control signal output from the control unit 71.
  • the water supply drive unit 75 drives the water supply valve 61 based on a control signal from the control unit 71, that is, drives the first valve 62 and the second valve 63.
  • the drain drive unit 76 drives the drain valve 40 based on a control signal from the control unit 71.
  • the vibrator driving unit 77 drives the ultrasonic vibrator 111 of the ultrasonic generating body 110 based on the control signal output from the control unit 71.
  • the lamp driving unit 78 drives the notification lamp 190 based on the control signal output from the control unit 71.
  • the storage unit 72 includes an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a RAM, and the like.
  • the storage unit 72 stores a program for executing the washing operation in various operation modes and the partial cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. This In addition, various parameters and various control flags for executing these programs are stored in the storage unit 72.
  • the control unit 71 drives the motor drive unit 73, the clutch drive unit 74, the water supply drive unit 75, the drain drive unit 76, and the vibrator based on the signals stored in the storage unit 72 based on the respective signals from the operation unit 80 and the contact detection unit 90.
  • the portion 77, the lamp driving unit 78, and the like are controlled.
  • the washing operation of various operation modes is performed in the fully automatic washing machine 1.
  • the washing step, the intermediate dehydration step, the rinsing step, and the final dehydration step are sequentially performed.
  • the pulsator 24 is rotated to the right and to the left in a state where water is accumulated in the washing and dewatering tub 22.
  • a flow of water is generated in the washing and dewatering tub 22 by the rotation of the pulsator 24.
  • the laundry is washed by the generated water stream and the detergent contained in the water.
  • the rinsing process the laundry is rinsed by the generated water stream.
  • the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the pulsator 24 are integrally rotated at a high speed.
  • the laundry is dehydrated by the centrifugal force generated in the washing and dewatering tub 22.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the partial washing operation according to the embodiment.
  • 8(a) to 8(d) are views for explaining the removal of dirt of the object to be cleaned by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 of the present embodiment.
  • the object to be cleaned such as a shirt
  • the object to be cleaned partially contains stubborn dirt
  • the object to be cleaned is partially cleaned by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 before washing.
  • the detergent may be applied to the dirt portion of the object to be cleaned in advance.
  • the user places the dirt adhering portion of the object to be cleaned, for example, the collar portion of the shirt, on the water storage tub 300, that is, between the water storage tub 300 and the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic wave generating body 110, and presses the cleaning button 84.
  • the washing button 84 is pressed, the partial washing operation is started by the control unit 71.
  • the control unit 71 first opens the second valve 63 and operates the contact detecting unit 90 (S1). The water flows into the water storage tank 300 from the water supply port 301.
  • the accumulated water overflows from the upper surface opening of the water storage tank 300 and penetrates into the inside of the object to be cleaned, and the water passing through the object to be washed passes from the object to be cleaned.
  • the surface is oozing out.
  • a thin water layer is formed on the surface of the object to be cleaned, and the water layer is in contact with the tip end of the vibrating horn 112.
  • Portion 90 detects contact with water.
  • the notification lamp 190 is turned on, and the ultrasonic vibrator 111 is energized to operate the ultrasonic generating body 110. (S3).
  • the user can be informed that the cleaning is started in order to be able to properly clean the object to be cleaned.
  • ultrasonic vibration is generated from the tip end of the vibrating horn 112, and the ultrasonic vibration, that is, ultrasonic energy is transmitted to the water inside the object to be cleaned via the water around the vibrating horn 112. At this time, the water around the vibrating horn 112 is not excessive, and thus the ultrasonic energy is efficiently transmitted.
  • a pressure-reduced and pressurized pressure is alternately generated by the action of ultrasonic energy, and a cavity in which a vacuum is generated in a portion where the pressure is low is generated. That is, there are many states in which a large number of cavities exist in the dirt portion of the object to be cleaned.
  • Fig. 8(c) when the pressure of the cavity portion becomes high and the cavity is broken by the pressure to be broken, a shock wave is generated in the dirt portion of the object to be cleaned. The dirt is separated from the object to be cleaned by the shock wave.
  • Fig. 8(c) when the pressure of the cavity portion becomes high and the cavity is broken by the pressure to be broken, a shock wave is generated in the dirt portion of the object to be cleaned. The dirt is separated from the object to be cleaned by the shock wave.
  • the ultrasonic vibration from the vibrating horn 112 generates a flow of water from the inside of the object to be washed toward the water storage tank 300, and the dirt separated from the object to be washed is discharged to the water tank by the water flow.
  • the water storage tank 300 In the water storage tank 300, convection is generated by the above-described water flow, and therefore, it is easy to separate the dirt from the object to be cleaned.
  • the water overflowing from the water storage tank 300 to the surroundings during the washing is received by the drain tub 400.
  • the water in the drain tank 400 is discharged from the drain port 401, and is sent to the outer tub 20 through the drain pipe 403.
  • the water sent to the outer tub 20 may be directly stored in the outer tub 20 for the washing operation or may be discharged to the outside through the drain hose 41.
  • the upper surface 17a of the front portion 17 of the front frame 16 located outside the drain tub 400 is attached In the case of water, this water flows through the inclined upper surface 17a and is guided to the drain tub 400. Further, since the upper surface 17a of the front portion 17 is an arc, the user can smoothly move the object to be washed along the upper surface 17a.
  • the cleaning button 84 is pressed again.
  • the control unit 71 stops the ultrasonic wave generating body 110 and turns off the notification lamp 190 (S5). Further, the control unit 71 stops the contact detecting unit 90 and closes the second valve 63 (S6). As a result, the partial cleaning operation ends.
  • the control unit 71 turns off the notification lamp 190, and stops the ultrasonic generating body 110 until the contact with water is detected again. it is good.
  • the object to be cleaned when the user washes the object to be cleaned using the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the object to be cleaned can be effectively removed by merely placing the object to be cleaned on the water storage tank 300 and moving the object to be cleaned as needed.
  • the dirt of the object to be cleaned In other words, the user holds the ultrasonic unit separated from the water storage tank by hand, and presses the object to be cleaned on the water storage tank in which the water is accumulated by the tip end of the ultrasonic generating body, so that the object to be cleaned is immersed in the water storage tank.
  • the conventional configuration for cleaning is different, and the user does not need to adjust the height of the ultrasonic generating body to adjust the amount of the object to be washed in the water so that the amount of water present around the tip of the ultrasonic generating body can be stabilized. Cleaning performance.
  • the stage in which the water overflowing from the water storage tank 300 and oozing out to the surface of the object to be cleaned is brought into contact with the tip end of the vibrating horn 112 of the ultrasonic wave generating body 110, and the object to be cleaned can be washed, so that the ultrasonic wave is generated. Since the body 110 operates, it is possible to prevent the ultrasonic generating body 110 from being driven in vain.
  • the water overflowing from the water storage tank 300 can be received by the drain tub 400.
  • the water received by the drain tub 400 is discharged from the drain port 401. Therefore, the user does not need to increase the drain tub 400 to a required level or more, and there is no need to perform the operation of dumping the water in the drain tub 400.
  • the tip end of the vibrating horn 112 can be vertically moved following the vertical movement of the object to be cleaned during the movement, so that it is difficult to apply an excessive load to the object to be cleaned or the ultrasonic generating body 110, and the object to be cleaned can be prevented.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is provided on the front side of the input port 14 of the upper surface plate 12, the user can easily use the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 to clean the object to be cleaned.
  • the user's convenience is good.
  • the flow rate of the water supplied from the water supply port 301 into the water storage tank 300 is the same before and after the contact detecting unit 90 detects whether or not the water is in contact with the tip end of the vibration horn 112.
  • the flow into the water storage tank 300 can also be reduced after the contact with water is detected. In this case, for example, by intermittently operating the second valve 63 or reducing the opening amount of the second valve 63, the flow rate can be reduced. Further, it is also possible to stop supplying water into the water storage tank 300 after detecting contact with water until no contact with water is detected.
  • the fixing table 200 is formed behind the drain tub 400, and the housing 130 of the ultrasonic generating unit 100 is fixed to the fixing table 200.
  • the housing 130 may be fixed to the front surface 18a of the rear portion 18 by providing a mounting boss or the like on the front surface 18a of the rear portion 18 of the front frame 16.
  • the contact detecting unit 90 may have any configuration as long as it can detect whether or not water is in contact with the tip end of the vibrating horn 112. Further, the contact detecting portion 90 may not necessarily be provided.
  • water is supplied from the water supply unit 60 to the water storage tank 300.
  • a water storage tank that stores water may be provided, and water may be supplied from the water storage tank to the water storage tank 300 by the water supply pump.
  • drain port 401 may not necessarily be provided in the drain tub 400.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may not be provided on the front side of the input port 14 of the upper surface plate 12.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may be provided in the rear portion of the upper surface plate 12 so as to protrude from the rear direction insertion opening 14. In this case, the water overflowing from the water storage tank 300 is lowered into the washing and dewatering tub 22 through the inlet port 14, and therefore, the drain tub 400 may not be provided.
  • the ultrasonic generating body 110 is elastically supported by the support spring 180 in the vertical direction in the casing 130.
  • the configuration of the elastic support can also be realized by an elastic body other than the spring.
  • the ultrasonic generating body 110 may be fixed so as not to move up and down in the casing 130.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is provided in the fully automatic washing machine 1.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may be provided in a washing machine other than the fully automatic washing machine 1, for example, a drum type washing machine.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 can also be provided, for example, with a drying function.
  • the washing tub is constituted by the outer cylinder and the drum disposed in the outer cylinder.
  • washing dewatering bucket (washing bucket)

Abstract

一种超声波清洗装置 (50)，具备：超声波发生体(110)，产生超声波；壳体(130)，以超声波发生体(110)的顶端露出的方式容纳超声波发生体(110)；蓄水桶(300)，积存水，并且在其上放置被清洗物；供水口(301)，设于蓄水桶(300)；固定台(200)，固定有壳体(130)，以使超声波发生体(110)位于蓄水桶(300)的正上方；以及供水单元(60)，通过供水口(301)将水供给至蓄水桶(300)内；供水单元(60)以使水从蓄水桶(300)溢出的方式将水供给至蓄水桶(300)内；壳体(130)由固定台(200)固定于超声波发生体(110)的顶端与从蓄水桶(300)溢出并渗出至被清洗物表面的水接触的高度位置。该装置能得到稳定的清洗性能。

Description

超声波清洗装置以及洗衣机 技术领域
本发明涉及一种超声波清洗装置、以及具备该超声波清洗装置的洗衣机。
背景技术
专利文献1中记载有一种超声波清洗装置，其具备：清洗装置主体，内置包含振动喇叭的超声波发生单元；以及托盘，具有积存水的水积存部，承接被清洗物。
在专利文献1的超声波清洗装置中，用户在使振动喇叭的顶端与被清洗物的污垢部位接触的状态下，将被清洗物浸入积存于水积存部的水中。当超声波发生单元工作时，从振动喇叭释放的超声波能量经由水传递至被清洗物，使附着于被清洗物的污垢成分与被清洗物分离。
现有技术文献
专利文献
专利文献1：日本特开2004-216244号公报
发明内容
发明所要解决的问题
可是，在存在于振动喇叭周围的水量多的情况下，从振动喇叭释放的超声波能量不会适当地传递至被清洗物，难以充分地去除被清洗物的污垢。因此，在上述的超声波清洗装置中，用户自身必须调整被清洗物向水积存部的水中的浸入量，以使存在于振动喇叭周围的水为适度的量。但是，这样的调整对用户来说并不容易。因此，在上述的超声波清洗装置中，产生难以得到稳定的清洗性能的问题。
本发明是鉴于该问题而完成的，其目的在于，提供一种能得到稳定的清洗性能的超声波清洗装置、以及具备该超声波清洗装置的洗衣机。
用于解决问题的方案
本发明的第一方案的超声波清洗装置具备：超声波发生体，产生超声波；壳体，以所述超声波发生体的顶端露出的方式容纳所述超声波发生体；蓄水桶，积存水，并且在其上放置被清洗物；供水口，设于所述蓄水桶；固定部，固定所述壳体，以使所述超声波发生体位于所述蓄水桶的正上方；以及供水部，通过所述供水口将水供给至所述蓄水桶内。在此，所述供水部以使水从所述蓄水桶溢出的方式将水供给至所述蓄水桶内。而且，所述壳体由所述固定部固定于所述超声波发生体的顶端与从所述蓄水桶溢出并渗透放置于所述蓄水桶上的被清洗物且渗出至其表面的水接触的高度位置。
根据上述的构成，从超声波发生体释放的超声波振动通过存在于被清洗物表面的水而传递至被清洗物的内部，作用于被清洗物内部的污垢，使污垢与被清洗物分离。用户将被清洗物置于蓄水桶上即可，与具有与蓄水桶分离的超声波单元的以往的构成不同，用户无需通过调整超声波发生体的高度来调整被清洗物在水中的浸入量，以使存在于超声波发生体的顶端周围的水适量。因此，能得到稳定的清洗性能。
在本方案的超声波清洗装置中，能采用以下构成：还具备接触检测部，用于检测所述超声波发生体的顶端是否与渗出至被清洗物表面的水接触；以及控制部，基于所述接触检测部的检测结果，控制所述超声波发生体的动作。
根据上述的构成，能在准备好从蓄水桶溢出并渗出至被清洗物表面的水与超声波发生体的顶端接触而能清洗被清洗物的阶段，使超声波发生体工作，因此，能防止超声波发生体被白白地驱动。
在本方案的超声波清洗装置中，能采用以下构成：还具备排水桶，设于所述蓄水桶周围，承接从所述蓄水桶溢出的水；以及排水口，设于所述排水桶，将水从所述排水桶排出。
根据上述的构成，能由排水桶承接从蓄水桶溢出的水。而且，排水桶承接的水从排水口排出，因此，用户可以不进行倒掉排水桶内的水的作业。
在本方案的超声波清洗装置中，能采用以下构成：还具备支承部，设于所述壳体内，在上下方向弹性地支承所述超声波发生体。
根据上述的构成，能使超声波发生体的顶端跟随被清洗物横向移动时产生的垂直运动而垂直运动。由此，不易对被清洗物、超声波发生体施加过度的负荷，能防止被清洗物、超声波发生体的破损等。
本发明的第二方案的洗衣机具备：洗涤桶，用于对洗涤物进行容纳、洗涤；以及第一方案的超声波清洗装置。
根据上述的构成，与第一方案的超声波清洗装置同样，能得到由超声波清洗装置实现的稳定的清洗性能。
在本方案的洗衣机中，能采用以下构成：还具备上表面板，具有将洗涤物向所述洗涤桶内投入的投入口。在该情况下，所述超声波清洗装置设于所述上表面板的所述投入口的前侧位置。
根据上述的构成，用户易于进行使用了超声波清洗装置的被清洗物的清洗作业，用户的使用方便性良好。
发明效果
根据本发明，能提供一种能得到稳定的清洗性能的超声波清洗装置、以及具备该超声波清洗装置的洗衣机。
本发明的效果或意义通过以下所示的实施方式的说明进一步明确。但是，以下的实施方式仅是实施本发明时的一个例示，本发明并不受以下的实施方式所述的任何限制。
附图说明
图1是实施方式的全自动洗衣机的侧面剖面图。
图2是实施方式的全自动洗衣机的上部的立体图。
图3是实施方式的卸下超声波发生单元的状态下的超声波清洗装置的周边的立体图。
图4(a)是实施方式的在超声波发生单元的超声波发生体的位置切割后的超声波清洗装置的周边的侧面剖面图，图4(b)是实施方式的在超声波发生单元的壳体在固定台的右侧装配位置切割后的超声波清洗装置的周边的侧面剖面图。
图5(a)是实施方式的在超声波发生单元的超声波发生体的位置切割后的超声波清洗装置的周边的正面剖面图，图5(b)是实施方式的超声波发生体的立体图，图5(c)是实施方式的装配于保持器的超声波发生体的立体图。
图6是表示实施方式的全自动洗衣机的构成的框图。
图7是表示实施方式的局部清洗运转的控制动作的流程图。
图8(a)至图8(d)是用于说明通过实施方式的超声波清洗装置去除被清洗物的污垢的图。
具体实施方式
以下，参照附图，对本发明的超声波清洗装置以及洗衣机的一实施方式进行说明。
图1是本实施方式的全自动洗衣机1的侧面剖面图。
全自动洗衣机1具备构成外观的壳体10。壳体10包含上下表面开放的方形筒状的机身部11、覆盖机身部11的上表面的上表面板12以及支承机身部11的脚台13。在上表面板12形成有洗涤物的投入口14。投入口14由开闭自如的上盖15覆盖。
在壳体10内，上表面开口的外桶20由具有防振装置的四根吊棒21弹性地悬挂支承。在外桶20内配置有上表面开口的洗涤脱水桶22。洗涤脱水桶22以在铅垂方向延伸的旋转轴为中心旋转。在洗涤脱水桶22的整个内周面形成有许多脱水孔22a。在洗涤脱水桶22的上部设有平衡环23。在洗涤脱水桶22的底部配置有波轮24。在波轮24的表面呈放射状设有多个叶片24a。需要说明的是，由外桶20和洗涤脱水桶22构成本发明的洗涤桶。
在外桶20的外底部配置有产生驱动洗涤脱水桶22以及波轮24的转矩的驱 动单元30。驱动单元30包含驱动马达31和传递机构部32。传递机构部32具有离合器机构32a，通过由该离合器机构32a进行的切换操作，在洗涤工序以及漂洗工序中，将驱动马达31的转矩仅传递至波轮24而仅使波轮24旋转，在脱水工序中，将驱动马达31的转矩传递至波轮24以及洗涤脱水桶22，使波轮24以及洗涤脱水桶22一体地旋转。
在外桶20的外底部形成有排水口部20a。在排水口部20a设有排水阀40。排水阀40与排水软管41连接。当排水阀40被打开时，积存于洗涤脱水桶22以及外桶20的水通过排水软管41向机外排出。
在上表面板12的前部设有超声波清洗装置50。超声波清洗装置50主要用于在全自动洗衣机1进行洗涤之前，去除局部附着于衬衫的袖口、领口部分等被清洗物的顽固污垢。
在上表面板12的后部配置有用于向洗涤脱水桶22内以及超声波清洗装置50供给自来水的供水单元60。供水单元60相当于本发明的供水部。供水单元60具有供水阀61。供水阀61包含第一阀62和第二阀63，并与水龙头连接。当第一阀62打开时，来自水龙头的自来水通过供水路64供给至洗涤脱水桶22内。当第二阀63打开时，自来水被供给至超声波清洗装置50的蓄水桶(后述)。需要说明的是，供水单元60是向超声波清洗装置50的蓄水桶进行供水的供水部，因此，超声波清洗装置50包含供水单元60。
接着，对超声波清洗装置50的构成进行详细说明。
图2是本实施方式的全自动洗衣机1的上部的立体图。图3是本实施方式的卸下超声波发生单元100的状态下的超声波清洗装置50的周边的立体图。图4(a)是本实施方式的在超声波发生单元100的超声波发生体110的位置切割后的超声波清洗装置50的周边的侧面剖面图，图4(b)是本实施方式的在超声波发生单元100的壳体130在固定台200的右侧装配位置切割后的超声波清洗装置50的周边的侧面剖面图。图5(a)是本实施方式的在超声波发生单元100的超声波发生体110的位置切割后的超声波清洗装置50的周边的正面剖面图。图5(b)是本实施方式的超声波发生体110的立体图，图5(c)是本实施方式的装配于保持器120的超声波发生体110的立体图。
如图2所示，构成上表面板12的前框架16由树脂材料形成为前部17比后部18低一级的形状，由后部18承接上盖15的前端部。前部17的上表面17a具有中央部低的凹状弯曲形。后部18的前表面18a从前部17的上表面17a的后端大致垂直地立起。
超声波清洗装置50设于前框架16的中央部。即，超声波清洗装置50设于上表面板12的投入口14的前侧。需要说明的是，在不使用超声波清洗装置50时，前框架16的前部17上方由未图示的罩覆盖，能遮盖超声波清洗装置50。
如图2至图5(c)所示，超声波清洗装置50包含超声波发生单元100、固定台200、蓄水桶300以及排水桶400。
固定台200在前框架16的前部17的上表面17a的中央部以与后部18的前表面18a相接的方式与前框架16一体形成。固定台200相当于本发明的固定部。固定台200相对于蓄水桶300具有规定的高度。固定台200具有作为顶面的装配面201。在装配面201的后方在上下方向设有左右两个安装凸台202。在安装凸台202形成有插通孔203。在前框架16的后部18的前表面18a的与两个安装凸台202对应的位置形成有开口部18b。
蓄水桶300形成于前框架16的前部17的上表面17a的中央部的靠前侧。蓄水桶300的后部具有圆弧形。对于蓄水桶300的底面，在后端部的中央形成有供水口301。蓄水桶300的外底面形成有与供水口301相连的供水管302。在供水管302连接有从第二阀63延伸的供水管303。而且，对于蓄水桶300，在左右侧壁的上端部形成有容纳凹部304，在各容纳凹部304内容纳有棒状的电极体305。电极体305的一部分向蓄水桶300内露出。
排水桶400形成于前框架16的前部17的上表面17a的中央部处的蓄水桶300周围。在排水桶400的底面的蓄水桶300的后方的中央位置形成有排水口401。排水桶400的外底面形成有与排水口401相连的排水管402。在排水管402连接有与外桶20相连的排水管403。需要说明的是，排水管403也可以与排水软管41相连。
对于蓄水桶300，在底面的供水口301之前的位置还形成有口径比供水口301小的放水用排水口306。放水用排水口306经由放水用排水管307与排水管 402相连。在使用超声波清洗装置50之后，残留于蓄水桶300内的水从放水用排水口306排水至排水管402。
超声波发生单元100包含产生超声波的超声波发生体110、保持超声波发生体110的保持器(holder)120以及容纳超声波发生体110的壳体130。超声波发生体110经由保持器120装接于壳体130的内部。
超声波发生体110包含超声波振子111以及与超声波振子111耦合的振动喇叭112。振动喇叭112由具有导电性的金属材料形成，具有随着朝向顶端侧慢慢变细的形状。振动喇叭112的顶端面112a的形状为细长的长方形。在振动喇叭112的上端部形成有大致四角形的凸缘部113。
在保持器120的中央部具有大致四角形的开口部121。在开口部121的整个内周面形成有槽部122。超声波发生体110穿过开口部121，将振动喇叭112的凸缘部113嵌入槽部122，由此固定于保持器120。对于保持器120，在左右两侧形成有安装凸片(mounting tab)123。在各安装凸片123形成有轴孔124。需要说明的是，为了将振动喇叭112的凸缘部113嵌入槽部122，保持器120采用在槽部122的位置能上下分离的构成为好。
壳体130由树脂材料形成，具有前后方向长且其顶端部130a向下方突出的臂形。壳体130的顶端部130a形成为顶端变细，在其顶端面形成有开口部131。
壳体130通过连接上表面开放的下构件140与下表面开放的上构件150而形成。在下构件140和上构件150设有用于连接它们的下安装凸台141和上安装凸台151。该下安装凸台141与上安装凸台151通过固定螺钉161止动。
在壳体130的内部，从开口部131向上方延伸的大致四角筒状的设置部142设于下构件140。保持超声波发生体110的保持器120设置于设置部142上。此时，振动喇叭112呈容纳于设置部142的内部的状态，振动喇叭112的顶端部从开口部131稍微露出。在下构件140的设置部142的左右两侧形成有下支承凸台143，在上构件150的下支承凸台143的正上方位置形成有上支承凸台152。在各下支承凸台143形成有下插入孔144，在各上支承凸台152形成有上插入孔153。在各下支承凸台143与各上支承凸台152之间，装配有由金属材料形成的圆棒状的引导轴170。此时，下插入孔144的内径比引导轴170的外径稍小，引 导轴170通过将其下端部压入下插入孔144而固定于下支承凸台143。此外，上插入孔153的内径比引导轴170的外径稍大，成为引导轴170的上端部插入至上插入孔153的状态。
左右引导轴170穿过设置于设置部142上的保持器120的左右安装凸片123的轴孔124。对于各引导轴170，在各安装凸片123与各上支承凸台152之间插入有支承弹簧180。保持于保持器120的超声波发生体110在上下方向由左右支承弹簧180弹性地支承。支承弹簧180是压缩弹簧，以规定的弹簧力将超声波发生体110向下方按压。当振动喇叭112的顶端面112a通过比弹簧力大的力被向上方按压时，支承弹簧180被压缩，超声波发生体110被引导轴170引导并向上方移动。需要说明的是，支承弹簧180相当于本发明的支承部。
对于壳体130的顶面，在从上方观察与超声波发生体110的振动喇叭112的顶端面112a相同的位置形成有具有与顶端面112a相同形状的标记部132。用户观察标记部132，由此能确认振动喇叭112的顶端面112a的位置。
而且，在壳体130的顶面形成有圆形的显示窗133。在上构件150形成有与显示窗133相连的圆筒状的灯容纳部154，在灯容纳部154从下方容纳有作为报知部的报知灯190。报知灯190安装于底座191，经由底座191固定于灯容纳部154的下端。报知灯190例如是LED灯，从显示窗133面向外部。
对于壳体130的后端部，在下构件140侧的左右形成有与固定台200的安装凸台202对应的安装凸台145。在各安装凸台145形成有螺钉孔146。壳体130的后端部载置于固定台200的装配面201。穿过固定台200的安装凸台202的插通孔203的固定螺钉162止于壳体130的安装凸台145的螺钉孔146，由此壳体130以相对于蓄水桶300为规定的高度位置的方式固定于固定台200。
在壳体130装配于固定台200的状态下，超声波发生体110位于蓄水桶300的正上方。此外，在超声波发生体110的振动喇叭112的顶端面112a与蓄水桶300的上表面之间形成有规定的间隙L。考虑到被认为较多用于由超声波清洗装置50进行的清洗的衬衫和与其同类的衬衫的领口、袖口的厚度，该规定的间隙L设定为比此厚度稍大的间隙。当间隙过大时，无法在被清洗物的表面形成薄的水层，难以得到稳定的清洗性能。在本实施方式中，例如，为了确保被清洗物表面的水层为1mm左右，能将规定的间隙L设定为3mm。
图6是表示本实施方式的全自动洗衣机1的构成的框图。
全自动洗衣机1除了上述的构成以外，还具备控制单元70、操作部80以及接触检测部90。控制单元70包含控制部71、存储部72、马达驱动部73、离合器驱动部74、供水驱动部75、排水驱动部76、振子驱动部77以及灯驱动部78。
操作部80包含电源按钮81、开始按钮82、模式选择按钮83、清洗按钮84等各种操作按钮。电源按钮81是用于接通以及切断全自动洗衣机1的电源的按钮。开始按钮82是用于使洗涤运转开始的按钮。模式选择按钮83是用于从洗涤运转的多个运转模式中选择任意运转模式的按钮。清洗按钮84是用于使由超声波清洗装置50进行的局部清洗运转开始以及结束的按钮。
操作部80从电源按钮81、开始按钮82、模式选择按钮83、清洗按钮84等各种按钮中，将对应于用户所操作的按钮的输入信号输出至控制部71。需要说明的是，虽然图2中未示出，但是，操作部80例如能设于上盖15的前部。或者，也可以在前框架16确保设置操作部80的区域。
接触检测部90用于检测超声波发生体110的顶端、即振动喇叭112的顶端是否与渗出至被清洗物表面的水接触，其包含超声波发生体110的振动喇叭112、两个电极体305以及通电检测部91。通电检测部91对振动喇叭112与两个电极体305之间施加电压，当检测出其间有通电时，将检测信号输出至控制部71。
马达驱动部73根据来自控制部71的控制信号，对驱动马达31进行驱动。离合器驱动部74根据从控制部71输出的控制信号，驱动离合器机构32a。
供水驱动部75根据来自控制部71的控制信号，驱动供水阀61，即驱动第一阀62以及第二阀63。排水驱动部76根据来自控制部71的控制信号，驱动排水阀40。
振子驱动部77根据从控制部71输出的控制信号，驱动超声波发生体110的超声波振子111。灯驱动部78根据从控制部71输出的控制信号，驱动报知灯190。
存储部72包含EEPROM(电可擦可编程只读存储器：Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory)、RAM等。在存储部72存储有用于执行各种运转模式的洗涤运转、由超声波清洗装置50进行的局部清洗运转的程序。此 外，在存储部72存储有用于执行这些程序的各种参数、各种控制标志。
控制部71基于来自操作部80、接触检测部90等的各信号，根据存储于存储部72的程序，对马达驱动部73、离合器驱动部74、供水驱动部75、排水驱动部76、振子驱动部77以及灯驱动部78等进行控制。
在全自动洗衣机1中进行各种运转模式的洗涤运转。在洗涤运转中，按顺序执行洗涤工序、中间脱水工序、漂洗工序以及最终脱水工序。
在洗涤工序以及漂洗工序中，在洗涤脱水桶22内积存有水的状态下，波轮24向右以及向左旋转。通过波轮24的旋转，在洗涤脱水桶22内产生水流。在洗涤工序中，洗涤物通过所产生的水流和水中所含的洗涤剂被洗涤。在漂洗工序中，洗涤物通过所产生的水流被漂洗。
在中间脱水工序以及最终脱水工序中，洗涤脱水桶22和波轮24一体地高速旋转。通过产生于洗涤脱水桶22的离心力的作用，将洗涤物脱水。
而且，在全自动洗衣机1中，进行由超声波清洗装置50进行的局部清洗运转。
图7是表示本实施方式的局部清洗运转的控制动作的流程图。图8(a)至图8(d)是用于说明通过本实施方式的超声波清洗装置50去除被清洗物的污垢的图。
用户在洗涤衬衫等被清洗物时，在该被清洗物局部地包含顽固污垢时，在洗涤之前，使用超声波清洗装置50对被清洗物进行局部清洗。此时，也可以预先在被清洗物的污垢部分涂敷洗涤剂。
用户将被清洗物的污垢附着部分、例如衬衫的领子部分放置于蓄水桶300上，即蓄水桶300与超声波发生体110的振动喇叭112之间，并按压清洗按钮84。当按压清洗按钮84时，通过控制部71开始局部清洗运转。
控制部71首先使第二阀63打开，并且使接触检测部90工作(S 1)。水从供水口301流入至蓄水桶300内。
如图8(a)所示，在蓄水桶300中，所积存的水从蓄水桶300的上表面开口溢出并渗透至被清洗物的内部，从被清洗物通过的水从被清洗物的表面渗出。 在被清洗物的表面形成有薄的水层，该水层与振动喇叭112的顶端接触。如上所述，当对振动喇叭112与电极体305之间施加电压、来自蓄水桶300的水与振动喇叭112的顶端接触时，电流在振动喇叭112与电极体305之间流动，通过接触检测部90检测出与水接触。在渗出至被清洗物表面的水成为与振动喇叭112的顶端接触的状态时，为在振动喇叭112周围存在适量水的状态。
控制部71当基于接触检测部90的检测结果判定出水与振动喇叭112的顶端接触时(S2：是)，使报知灯190点亮，并且对超声波振子111进行通电，使超声波发生体110工作(S3)。通过报知灯190的点亮，能使用户得知为了成为能适当地清洗被清洗物的状态，开始清洗。
当超声波发生体110工作时，从振动喇叭112的顶端产生超声波振动，该超声波振动、即超声波能量经由振动喇叭112周围的水传递至被清洗物内部的水。此时，振动喇叭112周围的水不会过多，因此会有效地传播超声波能量。
如图8(b)所示，在被清洗物的内部，通过超声波能量的作用交替地产生减压和加压，在压力低的部分产生真空的空腔。即，成为在被清洗物的污垢部分存在许多空腔的状态。接着，如图8(c)所示，当空腔部分的压力变高，空腔被该压力弄碎而破坏时，在被清洗物的污垢部分产生冲击波。通过该冲击波从被清洗物分离出污垢。如图8(d)所示，来自振动喇叭112的超声波振动产生从被清洗物的内部朝向蓄水桶300内的水流，通过该水流，将从被清洗物分离出的污垢排出至蓄水桶300内。在蓄水桶300中，通过上述的水流产生对流，因此，容易使污垢与被清洗物分离。
如此一来，会从被清洗物去除污垢。用户一边使被清洗物左右移动，一边去除被清洗物的污垢。在进行该移动时，被清洗物能垂直运动。但是，超声波发生体110在上下方向由支承弹簧180弹性地支承，因此，振动喇叭112的顶端跟随被清洗物的垂直运动而垂直运动。由此，不易对被清洗物、超声波发生体110施加过度的负荷。
清洗中从蓄水桶300向周围溢出的水由排水桶400承接。排水桶400内的水从排水口401排出，通过排水管403被送至外桶20内。送至外桶20内的水既可以直接积存于外桶20内，用于洗涤运转，也可以通过排水软管41向外部排出。而且，在位于排水桶400的外侧的前框架16的前部17的上表面17a附 着有水的情况下，此水流过倾斜的上表面17a并被导向排水桶400。而且，前部17的上表面17a为圆弧，因此，用户能使被清洗物沿上表面17a顺利地移动。
用户当结束对被清洗物的局部清洗时，再次按压清洗按钮84。当通过按下清洗按钮84完成停止操作时(S4：是)，控制部71使超声波发生体110停止，并且使报知灯190熄灭(S5)。而且，控制部71使接触检测部90停止，并且使第二阀63关闭(S6)。如此一来，局部清洗运转结束。
需要说明的是，在局部清洗运转中，在接触检测部90未检测到与水接触时，通过控制部71熄灭报知灯190，并且使超声波发生体110停止，直至再次检测到与水接触为好。
<本实施方式的效果>
以上，根据本实施方式，在用户使用超声波清洗装置50清洗被清洗物的情况下，仅通过将被清洗物放置于蓄水桶300上，根据需要使被清洗物左右移动，就能有效地去除被清洗物的污垢。即，与用户一边用手拿着与蓄水桶分离的超声波单元，通过用超声波发生体的顶端按压置于积存有水的蓄水桶上的被清洗物，使被清洗物浸入蓄水桶内的水中，一边进行清洗的以往构成不同，用户无需通过调整超声波发生体的高度来调整被清洗物在水中的浸入量，以使存在于超声波发生体的顶端周围的水适量，就能得到稳定的清洗性能。
此外，根据本实施方式，在准备好从蓄水桶300溢出并渗出至被清洗物表面的水与超声波发生体110的振动喇叭112的顶端接触而能清洗被清洗物的阶段，使超声波发生体110工作，因此，能防止超声波发生体110被白白地驱动。
而且，根据本实施方式，能由排水桶400承接从蓄水桶300溢出的水。而且，排水桶400所承接的水从排水口401排出，因此，用户无需增大排水桶400至所需以上，也无需进行倒掉排水桶400内的水的作业。
而且，根据本实施方式，能使振动喇叭112的顶端跟随被清洗物在移动时产生的垂直运动而垂直运动，因此不易对被清洗物、超声波发生体110施加过度的负荷，能防止被清洗物、超声波发生单元100的破损等。
而且，根据本实施方式，超声波清洗装置50设于上表面板12的投入口14的前侧，因此，用户易于使用超声波清洗装置50对被清洗物进行清洗作业，用 户的使用方便性良好。
以上对本发明的实施方式进行了说明，但是本发明并不受上述实施方式的任何限制，此外，本发明的实施方式除了上述以外也能进行各种变更。
例如，在上述实施方式中，在接触检测部90对水与振动喇叭112的顶端是否接触进行检测之前与之后，使从供水口301向蓄水桶300内供给的水的流量相同。但是，在检测到与水接触之后，也可以减少向蓄水桶300内的流量。在该情况下，例如，通过使第二阀63间歇地工作，或者减小第二阀63的打开量，能减少流量。此外，也可以在检测到与水接触之后，停止向蓄水桶300内供水，直至检测不到与水接触。
此外，在上述实施方式中，在排水桶400的后方形成有固定台200，在该固定台200固定有超声波发生单元100的壳体130。但是，也可以通过在前框架16的后部18的前表面18a设置安装凸台等，将壳体130固定于后部18的前表面18a自身。
而且，接触检测部90若是能检测水是否与振动喇叭112的顶端接触的构成，就可以是任何构成。此外，可以未必设置接触检测部90。
而且，在上述实施方式中，水从供水单元60供给至蓄水桶300，但也可以例如设有积存水的蓄水箱，通过供水泵将水从蓄水箱供给至蓄水桶300。
而且，在排水桶400可以未必设置排水口401。
而且，超声波清洗装置50也可以不设于上表面板12的投入口14的前侧。例如，也可以在上表面板12的后部以从后方向投入口14内伸出的方式设有超声波清洗装置50。在该情况下，从蓄水桶300溢出的水通过投入口14下降至洗涤脱水桶22内，因此也可以不设置排水桶400。
而且，在上述实施方式中，超声波发生体110在壳体130内在上下方向由支承弹簧180弹性支承。但是，弹性支承的构成也可以由弹簧以外的弹性体实现。此外，也可以固定超声波发生体110，以免其在壳体130内上下移动。
而且，在上述实施方式中，超声波清洗装置50设置于全自动洗衣机1。但是，也可以将超声波清洗装置50设置于全自动洗衣机1以外的洗衣机，例如，滚筒式洗衣机。此外，也可以将超声波清洗装置50设置于例如具有烘干功能的 全自动洗干一体机、滚筒式洗干一体机。在滚筒式洗衣机以及滚筒式洗干一体机中，由外筒和配置于外筒内的滚筒构成洗涤筒。
此外，本发明的实施方式在权利要求书所示的技术思想的范围内，能适当地进行各种变更。
附图标记说明
1   全自动洗衣机(洗衣机)
12  上表面板
14  投入口
20  外桶(洗涤桶)
22  洗涤脱水桶(洗涤桶)
60  供水单元(供水部)
50  超声波清洗装置
71  控制部
90  接触检测部
110 超声波发生体
130 壳体
180 支承弹簧(支承部)
200 固定台(固定部)
300 蓄水桶
301 供水口
400 排水桶
401 排水口

Claims (6)

  1. 一种超声波清洗装置，其特征在于，具备：
    超声波发生体，产生超声波；
    壳体，以所述超声波发生体的顶端露出的方式容纳所述超声波发生体；
    蓄水桶，积存水，并且在其上放置被清洗物；
    供水口，设于所述蓄水桶；
    固定部，固定所述壳体，以使所述超声波发生体位于所述蓄水桶的正上方；以及
    供水部，通过所述供水口将水供给至所述蓄水桶内，
    所述供水部以使水从所述蓄水桶溢出的方式将水供给至所述蓄水桶内，
    所述壳体由所述固定部固定于所述超声波发生体的顶端与从所述蓄水桶溢出并渗透放置于所述蓄水桶上的被清洗物且渗出至其表面的水接触的高度位置。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的超声波清洗装置，其特征在于，还具备：
    接触检测部，用于检测所述超声波发生体的顶端是否与渗出至被清洗物表面的水接触；以及
    控制部，基于所述接触检测部的检测结果，控制所述超声波发生体的动作。
  3. 根据权利要求1或2所述的超声波清洗装置，其特征在于，还具备：
    排水桶，设于所述蓄水桶周围，承接从所述蓄水桶溢出的水；以及
    排水口，设于所述排水桶，将水从所述排水桶排出。
  4. 根据权利要求1至3中任一项所述的超声波清洗装置，其特征在于，还具备：
    支承部，设于所述壳体内，在上下方向弹性地支承所述超声波发生体。
  5. 一种洗衣机，其特征在于，具备：
    洗涤桶，用于对洗涤物进行容纳、洗涤；以及
    权利要求1至4中任一项所述的超声波清洗装置。
  6. 根据权利要求5所述的洗衣机，其特征在于，还具备：
    上表面板，具有将洗涤物向所述洗涤桶内投入的投入口，
    所述超声波清洗装置设于所述上表面板的所述投入口的前侧位置。
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