WO2019202924A1 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

This washing machine includes a cleaning tank (4) for accommodating items to be cleaned (2) and cleaning water, and a pressing unit (8) provided with freedom to move forward or backward with respect to the accommodated items to be cleaned (2). The washing machine additionally includes a lid (5), including the pressing unit (8), for opening and closing an opening portion of the cleaning tank (4), and a control unit (41) for controlling a washing operation of the washing machine (1). Furthermore, the pressing unit (8) includes an expandable expanding and contracting unit (8d), and is configured to be capable of being extended with the lid (5) open. That is, washing is performed by causing a pressing force to act on the items to be cleaned (2) by means of the expandable pressing unit (8). This makes it possible to achieve a washing machine (1) in which the pressing unit (8) can be maintained in a clean state.

Description

Washing machine

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

Conventionally, there has been a vertical washing machine that stirs and wash laundry such as clothes in a rotating tub, and a drum type washing machine that lifts laundry in the rotating tub in the rotating direction and drops it from above to wash it. is there. Both washing machines are configured to perform washing by applying mechanical force to the laundry in addition to the chemical force of the detergent.

In addition, the washing machine generally has a configuration in which the washed laundry is dehydrated by centrifugal force dehydration that separates moisture from the laundry by centrifugal force generated by high-speed rotation of the rotating tub.

However, the above-described washing machine that performs washing by applying mechanical force to the laundry is inappropriate for washing the laundry shown below. In addition, centrifugal dehydration in dehydration after washing is inappropriate for the laundry shown below. Specifically, it is a laundry that easily causes fabric damage or a laundry that easily loses its shape when the laundry is pulled by being tangled. In addition, the texture is easily deteriorated (generally hand-washed, for example, knitted yarns such as sweaters and cardigans, woolen fabrics, and scarves made of delicate materials made of ultrafine fibers).

Therefore, in general, a washing machine is considered that performs dehydration by applying a pressing force to the laundry to be washed by hand (for example, see Patent Document 1).

As shown in FIG. 8, the dehydrating apparatus described in Patent Document 1 first depressurizes the lower space 52 of the washing tub 51 by the decompression device 53. And the press part 56 provided in the lower end of the bellows-shaped expansion-contraction part 55 of the pressure responsive body 54 is moved down, and a laundry is pressed and compressed. Thereby, the laundry is dehydrated.

At this time, the lid 57 for opening and closing the upper surface opening of the washing tub 51 is pivotally supported on the upper end of the washing machine outer frame 58 via the shaft 59. And the upper end of the expansion-contraction part 55 is attached to the inner surface of the lid | cover 57. FIG.

In the dehydrator, after the final dehydration step, the pressing portion 56 of the pressure responder 54 is pulled up to the upper position. And it is comprised so that all the steps may be complete | finished in the state which the expansion-contraction part 55 was folded.

Also, a washing machine having a pressurizing body composed of a flexible elastic member such as a bellows is considered (for example, see Patent Document 2).

The washing machine of Patent Document 2 repeatedly pressurizes the laundry and the washing liquid by the reciprocating motion of the pressurizing body. Thereby, it is comprised so that the washing of laundry may be performed.

On the other hand, the washing machine described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that the pressing portion 56 provided on the pressure responder 54 is moved downward to press and compress the laundry to be dehydrated. At this time, most of the water dehydrated from the laundry is sucked by the decompression device 53 and drained outside the machine. However, there is water adhering to the bellows-shaped stretchable portion 55. The adhering water is not drained during suction by the decompression device 53. Therefore, when the pressure responder 54 is pulled up to the upper position, the water remains attached to the expanded / contracted portion 55 in the folded state.

In particular, in the intermediate dehydration step after the washing step, the water in the washing tub 51 contains a lot of dirt, detergent components and the like adhering to the laundry. Therefore, there is a possibility that dirt is accumulated on the stretchable portion 55 due to long-term use. Furthermore, since the stretchable part 55 is folded when not in use, it is difficult to wipe off dirt and the like, and it is difficult to keep it clean.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-21097 JP 52-62970 A

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, an object to be cleaned that is improperly washed by the action of a mechanical force can be washed by applying a pressing force to the object to be cleaned by a stretchable pressing portion, and the pressing portion can be kept clean. Provide a washing machine.

The washing machine of the present invention includes a washing tub that contains an object to be washed and washing water, a pressing portion that is provided so as to be able to move forward and backward with respect to the object to be washed, and an opening of the washing tub. Including a lid for opening and closing the part. Further, the washing machine includes a control unit that controls the washing operation in the washing machine. And a press part has an elastic part which can be expanded-contracted, and is comprised so that it can expand | extend more than the time of a washing operation in the state by which the cover body was opened.

According to this configuration, a pressing force is applied to the object to be cleaned by the stretchable pressing portion with respect to the object to be cleaned such as washing by the action of mechanical force or washing such as squeezing. As a result, it is possible to satisfactorily wash and dehydrate the article to be cleaned. Moreover, the expansion / contraction part can be further flattened by the further extending operation of the pressing part, and dirt and the like adhering to the pressing part such as the expansion / contraction part can be easily wiped off. Thereby, the washing machine which can maintain a clean state is obtained.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main part in a state where the lid of the washing machine is opened. FIG. 3A is a schematic view showing an operation during washing of the washing machine. FIG. 3B is a schematic view showing an operation during washing of the washing machine. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part during the dehydrating operation of the washing machine. FIG. 5: is principal part sectional drawing at the time of dirt wiping of the press part of the washing machine. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main part at the time of wiping off the dirt of the pressing part of the washing machine in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing an operation during washing of the washing machine. FIG. 7B is a schematic view showing an operation during washing of the washing machine. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a conventional dehydrating apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The washing machine 1 executes a washing operation including a washing step, a rinsing step, a dehydrating step, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of main parts of a washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the washing machine 1 with the lid 5 opened. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the washing machine 1 during washing. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part during the dehydrating operation of the washing machine 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the main part when the pressing portion 8 of the washing machine 1 is wiped off. In FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the water level detection unit 17 described later is omitted. 3A and 3B, the water level of the washing water is indicated by W.

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

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

The lid 5 is pivotally attached to the rear edge of the upper side of the water tank 6 by a hinge 6a. The lid body 5 has a lid portion 5b for opening and closing the opening portion 3 of the cleaning tank 4 therein.

The configuration of the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment is such that, in a general washing machine that washes the article to be cleaned 2 by applying a mechanical force, the article to be cleaned 2 that easily loses its shape, the article to be cleaned 2 that is easily painful, and the like. It is effective for washing. Specific examples of the object to be cleaned 2 include woolen fabrics such as sweaters and cardigans, and delicate scarves made of ultrafine fibers.

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

The lid 5 includes a pressurizing / decompressing unit 7 provided inside. The pressurization / decompression unit 7 according to the first embodiment includes, for example, two sets of a first pressurization / decompression unit 7a and a second pressurization / decompression unit 7b. Specifically, the 1st pressurization pressure reduction part 7a contains the 1st press part 8a, the 1st hose 9a, the 1st pressurization pump 10a, the 1st on-off valve 11a, etc. The second pressurizing / decompressing unit 7b includes a second pressing unit 8b, a second hose 9b, a second pressurizing pump 10b, a second on-off valve 11b, and the like.

Here, hereinafter, when the first pressurizing / decompressing unit 7a and the second pressurizing / decompressing unit 7b are collectively described, they are simply referred to as the pressurizing / decompressing unit 7. Moreover, the 1st press part 8a and the 2nd press part 8b, the 1st hose 9a and the 2nd hose 9b, the 1st pressurization pump 10a and the 2nd pressurization pump 10b, and the 1st When the on-off valve 11a and the second on-off valve 11b are described generically, they are simply referred to as a pressing portion 8, a hose 9, a pressure pump 10, and an on-off valve 11. In other words, the symbols “a” and “b” individually indicating a plurality are omitted unless otherwise distinguished.

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

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

Specifically, the pressing portion 8 includes a pressing surface 8c that presses the article to be cleaned 2 and a bellows-like expansion / contraction portion 8d. In the pressing portion 8, the expansion / contraction portion 8 d extends to the extent that the pressing surface 8 c reaches the bottom portion 4 a of the cleaning tank 4 during the washing operation of the article to be cleaned 2. The pressing portion 8 is configured to be further extendable when the lid 5 is opened when the washing operation is not performed. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the bellows-like stretchable part 8d is in a stretched state. Thereby, the expansion-contraction part 8d expand | extends to a flatter state with small unevenness, for example.

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

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

The lid 5 is provided with a water supply path 16 for supplying cleaning water to the cleaning tank 4. A water supply valve 14 is disposed in the water supply path 16 and communicates with the inside of the cleaning tank 4 through the detergent case 15. By the opening / closing operation of the water supply valve 14, tap water (cleaning water) is supplied to the cleaning tank 4 and stopped.

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

The water level detection unit 17 includes a water level detection tank 18 having an opening above, a float 19, a water level switch 20, and the like. The float 19 moves up and down according to the fluctuation of the water level in the water level detection tank 18. The water level switch 20 detects when the float 19 rises to a predetermined position by supplying cleaning water.

The washing tank 4 includes a drain hole 21 that is formed in the bottom 4a and discharges washing water used in a washing step or the like. The drain hole 21 communicates with a drain path 23 in which a drain valve 22 is disposed. By opening and closing the drain valve 22, draining and stopping of the cleaning water inside the cleaning tank 4 are executed.

Further, the water tank unit 6 includes an overflow channel 24. The overflow path 24 constitutes a path for draining the cleaning water from the cleaning tank 4 to the outside when the level of the cleaning water inside the cleaning tank 4 becomes a predetermined level or more. The overflow path 24 has an overflow hole 24 a that opens at the top of the cleaning tank 4, and is connected to the drain path 23 on the downstream side of the drain valve 22.

A check valve (not shown) is disposed in the overflow path 24. The check valve operates in the overflow path 24 so as to be opened in the discharge direction from the cleaning tank 4 and sealed (closed) in the inflow direction to the cleaning tank 4. That is, the check valve allows the wash water that has flowed out of the overflow hole 24a to pass through and is discharged outside in the washing step and the rinsing step. In addition, the check valve is configured so that when the air inside the washing tank 4 is sucked by a suction pump 27 described later during the dehydrating operation in the rinsing step and the dehydrating step, the outside air passes through the overflow path 24 and the outside air flows inside the washing tank 4. Is prevented from entering.

Furthermore, the cleaning tank 4 includes a suction port 25 provided at a substantially central part (including the central part) of the bottom part 4a. The suction port 25 is covered with the cleaning object 2 when the cleaning object 2 is set in the cleaning tank 4. The suction port 25 is provided in communication with the dehydration path 26.

The suction pump 27 serving as a suction unit is disposed in communication with the dehydration path 26 via a gas-liquid separation unit 30 and a suction path 32 described later. The suction pump 27 sucks cleaning water and the like from the object to be cleaned 2.

When the cleaning water is sucked from the object to be cleaned 2 by the suction pump 27, the air inside the cleaning tank 4 is also sucked. Therefore, an outside air introduction unit 28 that introduces outside air from the outside to the inside of the cleaning tank 4 is disposed. In addition, the arrangement | positioning position may be arbitrary if the external air introduction part 28 is a structure by which an opening is formed above the water level of the washing water stored in the inside of the washing tank 4. FIG. For example, in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, the outside air introduction unit 28 is disposed above the water level detection unit 17 that communicates with the inside of the cleaning tank 4. In FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the outside air introduction unit 28 is disposed on the upper side of the cleaning tank 4.

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

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

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

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

The water amount detection unit 38 is composed of, for example, a pair of electrodes. The water amount detection unit 38 detects that the cleaning water stored in the water storage unit 30a of the gas-liquid separation unit 30 has reached a predetermined amount. That is, when the water amount detection unit 38 detects cleaning water, the control unit 41 described later opens the dewatering drain valve 36. As a result, the wash water is drained outside the machine through the dewatering drainage path 37.

Here, when bubbles are included in the washing water, if the bubbles remain attached to the barrier 34, it becomes a cause of odor. In order to prevent this foam residue, the water amount detection unit 38 is disposed at a position where a certain space exists between the lower end of the barrier 34 and the cleaning water surface when the cleaning water is detected. In other words, the water amount detection unit 38 detects a predetermined amount in consideration of the amount of bubbles contained in the cleaning water.

Moreover, the lid 5 includes an opening detection unit 39 that detects the opening of the lid 5. The opening detection unit 39 is disposed between the front side surface of the lid 5 and the lid 5b at a position where the lid 5 and the water tank 6 face each other. The opening detection unit 39 includes, for example, a micro switch or a reed switch. That is, the opening detection unit 39 detects that the lid 5 has been opened when the lid 5 is rotated in the direction of the arrow R1 in FIG. The opening detection unit 39 may be configured to detect the opening of the lid 5 by unlocking the lock device by operating the handle 5a when the user opens the lid 5.

Further, the pressing portion 8 of the first embodiment is configured to be further extendable when the lid 5 is opened. Therefore, the operation display unit 42 is provided with an extension setting unit 40 in which the user sets the extension operation of the pressing unit 8. The extension setting unit 40 is configured such that when the opening detection unit 39 detects the opened state of the lid body 5, the pressing unit 8 can be further extended by a manual operation of the user. The extension setting unit 40 may be provided separately from the operation display unit 42.

The output signals of the opening detection unit 39 and the extension setting unit 40 are input to the control unit 41 described later.

The control unit 41 is disposed on the front side surface inside the lid 5. The control unit 41 is provided with an operation display unit 42 on the upper surface. Based on the input information, the control unit 41 controls various components to execute the washing operation.

Specifically, the control unit 41 receives information such as the water level of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 4 detected by the water level detection unit 17 and the amount of cleaning water in the water storage unit 30 a detected by the water amount detection unit 38. .

And the control part 41 controls operation | movement of the pressurization pump 10, the on-off valve 11, the water supply valve 14, the drain valve 22, the suction pump 27, the air volume adjustment valve 29, the dehydration drain valve 36, etc. based on those input information. To do. Thereby, the control part 41 controls each step, such as a washing | cleaning step, a rinse step, and a spin-drying | dehydration step, sequentially, and performs a washing operation. In addition, the control part 41 is comprised by the microcomputer etc., for example.

Further, when the user operates the extension setting unit 40 in a state where the lid 5 is opened, the control unit 41 controls the pressing unit 8 to further extend by driving the pressure pump 10. The state in which the lid 5 is opened corresponds to a time when the washing operation is not executed, for example, before or after washing.

At this time, the extension length (L2) that is the extension amount of the pressing portion 8 shown in FIG. 5 is the extension length that is the extension amount when the object to be cleaned 2 shown in FIG. 4 is pressed during the washing operation. It is set larger than (L1). Thereby, the pressing part 8 in the extended state is configured such that the pressing surface 8c and the expansion / contraction part 8d are further exposed outward from the lid part 5b.

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

Hereinafter, the operation and action of the washing machine 1 configured as described above will be described.

First, the user inputs the selection of the washing course, the operation time of each step, and the like via the operation display unit 42 provided on the upper front portion of the lid 5. Thereby, the control part 41 performs a series of operation | movement of each step of a washing | cleaning step, a rinse step, and a spin-drying | dehydration step as a washing course based on the input setting content, for example. At this time, the user can arbitrarily set contents such as executing only the washing step, for example. Note that the above setting operation may be performed after an object to be cleaned 2 described later is set on the bottom 4 a in the cleaning tank 4.

Next, the user operates the handle 5 a of the lid 5 to unlock the lock device that locks the cleaning tank 4 and the lid 5. Thereafter, the user opens the lid 5, arranges the shape of the article to be cleaned 2 on the bottom 4 a of the cleaning tank 4, and sets the cover to cover at least the suction port 25. At this time, depending on the size of the article 2 to be cleaned, it may be folded and set.

Next, when the set of the article to be cleaned 2 is completed, the user closes the opening 3 of the cleaning tank 4 with the lid 5 and locks the cleaning tank 4 and the lid 5 with the lock device.

And the control part 41 starts a washing operation according to the washing course set by the operation display part 42.

Hereinafter, the operation and action of the washing machine 1 will be described.

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

In the washing step, the control unit 41 executes, for example, a water supply operation and a washing operation.

First, in the washing step, the control unit 41 performs a water supply operation. That is, the control unit 41 opens the water supply valve 14. By opening the water supply valve 14, tap water and detergent are supplied as cleaning water from the water supply path 16 into the cleaning tank 4 via the detergent case 15. The cleaning water supplied to the cleaning tank 4 gradually penetrates into the object to be cleaned 2. Thereby, it will be in the state where washing water was contained between the textiles of article 2 to be washed.

Next, the control unit 41 monitors the water level switch 20 of the water level detection unit 17 whether or not the cleaning water has been supplied up to a predetermined water level inside the cleaning tank 4. When the water level switch 20 detects that the cleaning water has been supplied to a predetermined water level, the control unit 41 closes the water supply valve 14.

When the water supply operation is finished, in the washing step, the control unit 41 executes the washing operation. That is, the control part 41 closes the 1st on-off valve 11a of the 1st pressurization pressure reduction part 7a first. Then, the control unit 41 drives the first pressurizing pump 10a for a predetermined time or until the first pressing unit 8a reaches a predetermined pressure. Thereby, air is supplied into the inside of the 1st press part 8a, and the 1st press part 8a expand | swells.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, by the supply of air to the inside of the first pressing portion 8a, the expansion / contraction portion 8d of the first pressing portion 8a extends downward, and the first pressing portion 8a. Extends toward the object 2 to be cleaned. Thereby, the to-be-cleaned object 2 set under the 1st press part 8a is pressed by the press surface 8c of the 1st press part 8a, and the part of the pressed to-be-cleaned object 2 is compressed. Therefore, the thickness of the article to be cleaned 2 is reduced. At this time, the control unit 41 opens the second on-off valve 11b of the second pressurizing and depressurizing unit 7b to make the second pressing unit 8b contractible.

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

Also, the cleaning water contained in the object to be cleaned 2 is indicated inside the object to be cleaned 2 from below the first pressing part 8a to below the second pressing part 8b, that is, by the arrow A in FIG. 3A. Move in the direction. At this time, the pressing surface 8c of the second pressing portion 8b is pushed upward while the cleaning object 2 below the second pressing portion 8b is expanded upward, for example, by the moving cleaning water. Thereby, the air inside the second pressing portion 8b is discharged from the opened second on-off valve 11b. As a result, the second pressing portion 8b contracts.

Next, the control unit 41 closes the second on-off valve 11b of the second pressurizing / decompressing unit 7b. Then, the control unit 41 drives the second pressurizing pump 10b for a predetermined time or until the second pressing unit 8b reaches a predetermined pressure. Thereby, air is supplied to the inside of the second pressing portion 8b, and the second pressing portion 8b expands.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3B, due to the supply of air to the inside of the second pressing portion 8b, the expansion / contraction portion 8d of the second pressing portion 8b extends downward, and the second pressing portion 8b. Extends toward the object 2 to be cleaned. And the to-be-cleaned object 2 set below the 2nd press part 8b is pressed by the press surface 8c of the 2nd press part 8b, and the part of the pressed to-be-cleaned object 2 is compressed. Therefore, the thickness of the article to be cleaned 2 is reduced. At this time, the control unit 41 opens the first on-off valve 11a of the first pressurizing / decompressing unit 7a to make the first pressing unit 8a contractible.

That is, due to the expansion of the second pressing portion 8b, the article to be cleaned 2 is compressed and the volume changes. As a result, the cleaning water contained in the object to be cleaned 2 is pushed out of the object to be cleaned 2. At this time, a water flow is generated inside the object to be cleaned 2, and as a result, the dirt attached to the object to be cleaned 2 is removed away from the fibers and the like by the water flow.

Further, the cleaning water contained in the object to be cleaned 2 is indicated inside the object to be cleaned 2 from below the second pressing part 8b to below the first pressing part 8a, that is, by an arrow B in FIG. 3B. Move in the direction. At this time, the pressing surface 8c of the first pressing portion 8a is pushed upward while the object to be cleaned 2 below the first pressing portion 8a is expanded upward, for example, by the moving cleaning water. Thereby, the air inside the 1st press part 8a is discharged | emitted from the open | released 1st on-off valve 11a. As a result, the first pressing portion 8a contracts.

That is, in the washing operation, the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b are alternately expanded and contracted at different timings for a predetermined time. Thereby, the washing effect is exhibited with respect to the article 2 to be cleaned. Therefore, mechanical force due to stirring or tapping is not applied to the object 2 to be cleaned. That is, a water flow that moves in multiple directions is generated inside the article to be cleaned 2. Thereby, the stain | pollution | contamination of the to-be-cleaned object 2 is removed, without making mechanical force act. Here, specifically, the different timings of expansion and contraction are, for example, 1 second of pressurization due to expansion of the first pressing portion 8a and 1 second of decompression due to contraction of the second pressing portion 8b. The predetermined time is, for example, about 10 minutes. In addition, it is needless to say that the timing at which expansion and contraction differ and the predetermined time are not limited to the above values, and are arbitrarily set according to the state of the article 2 to be cleaned.

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

In the following, a case where a washing course that consistently executes a washing step, a rinsing step, and a dehydrating step is set will be described.

In this case, the control unit 41 first executes the above-described washing step.

Then, following the washing step, the control unit 41 sequentially executes a rinsing step and a dehydrating step.

In the rinsing step, the control unit 41 performs, for example, a dehydrating operation and a reservoir rinsing operation. Hereinafter, the dehydrating operation in the rinsing step is referred to as an intermediate dehydrating operation.

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

When draining is finished, the control unit 41 performs compression in the intermediate dewatering operation. That is, the controller 41 closes the first on-off valve 11a and the second on-off valve 11b with the drain valve 22 opened, and drives the first pressurization pump 10a and the second pressurization pump 10b. To do. Thereby, the 1st press part 8a and the 2nd press part 8b expand | swell, and the to-be-cleaned object 2 is pressed and compressed. As a result, a part of the cleaning water contained in the object to be cleaned 2 is pushed out of the object to be cleaned 2 and forcibly discharged from the drain hole 21.

When the compression is finished, the control unit 41 performs suction in the intermediate dehydration operation. That is, the control unit 41 closes the drain valve 22 and drives the suction pump 27 in a state where the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed. As a result, outside air is introduced into the cleaning tank 4 from the outside air introduction section 28 via the air volume adjusting valve 29. By the introduced outside air, the cleaning water and air in the cleaning tank 4 are sucked from the suction port 25 and are carried to the gas-liquid separation unit 30 through the dehydration path 26. Further, the sucked air is discharged to the outside by the suction pump 27. On the other hand, the wash water is stored in the water storage unit 30 a of the gas-liquid separation unit 30. Thereby, dehydration of the cleaning object 2 proceeds.

In the rinsing step, the control unit 41 executes a reservoir rinsing operation after the dehydrating operation.

In the reservoir rinsing operation, the control unit 41 first supplies water. The control unit 41 opens the water supply valve 14 and supplies a predetermined amount of cleaning water into the cleaning tank 4. At this time, all the detergent in the detergent case 15 has been used in the above washing step. Therefore, the wash water during the reservoir rinsing operation is tap water.

Thereafter, similarly to the above-described washing operation, the control unit 41 drives the first pressurizing pump 10a and the second pressurizing pump 10b to expand the first pressing unit 8a and the second pressing unit 8b. Shrinkage is repeatedly performed alternately. Thereby, the detergent concentration of the washing water inside the article to be cleaned 2 is diluted.

This completes the rinsing step.

And the control part 41 repeatedly performs the said rinse step in multiple times (for example, twice). At this time, an intermediate dehydration operation similar to the above is also performed between the first rinse step and the second rinse step.

Next, after executing the rinsing step, the control unit 41 executes the dehydrating step. In the dehydration step, a dehydration operation is performed. Hereinafter, the dehydration operation in the dehydration step is referred to as a final dehydration operation.

That is, in the dehydration step, the control unit 41 first drains the cleaning water used in the rinsing step.

Specifically, the control unit 41 opens the drain valve 22. Accordingly, the cleaning water inside the cleaning tank 4 is drained to the outside through the drainage passage 23 from the drainage hole 21. At this time, the control unit 41 opens the air volume adjustment valve 29 and opens the outside air introduction unit 28. Thereby, the inside of the washing tank 4 is communicated with the outside, and outside air is introduced. And by introduction | transducing of external air, wash water is discharged | emitted smoothly outside. At this time, the first on-off valve 11a, the second on-off valve 11b, and the dewatering drain valve 36 are closed.

When draining is finished, the control unit 41 performs compression in the final dewatering operation. That is, the control unit 41 first opens the drain valve 22. Then, the controller 41 closes both the first on-off valve 11a and the second on-off valve 11b, and makes both the first pressurization pump 10a and the second pressurization pump 10b almost simultaneously ( (Including simultaneous). Thereby, air is supplied to the inside of the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b, and the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed by the expansion of the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b, and compressed. Is done. As a result, part of the cleaning water contained in the article to be cleaned 2 is forcibly discharged and drained to the outside through the drain hole 21 through the drain path 23.

That is, by the configuration and action of the pressing portion 8 of the first embodiment, the pressing surface 8c can be brought into close contact with the object to be cleaned 2 and pressed uniformly. Thereby, the washing water contained in the inside of the article to be cleaned 2 can be forced out.

When the compression is finished, the control unit 41 performs suction in the final dehydration operation. That is, the control unit 41 stops the first pressurizing pump 10a and the second pressurizing pump 10b, and presses the article 2 to be cleaned with the pressing unit 8 after a predetermined time T1 (for example, 1 minute). Then, the drain valve 22 is closed and the suction pump 27 is driven. As a result, the air and water inside the cleaning tank 4 are sucked into the gas-liquid separator 30 via the suction port 25 and the dehydration path 26. Therefore, the inside of the cleaning tank 4 shown in FIG. 4 is depressurized from the atmospheric pressure by suction. The object to be cleaned 2 is pressed by the pressure difference between the pressure in the pressing unit 8 and the pressure in the cleaning tank 4.

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

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

Of the washing water flowing into the gas-liquid separation unit 30 from the secondary side ventilation port 31 and the sucked air, only the air is discharged from the primary side ventilation port 33 above the gas-liquid separation unit 30 by the suction pump 27. Is done. On the other hand, the wash water falls from the secondary side vent 31 due to its own weight and is stored in the water storage part 30 a of the gas-liquid separation part 30. At this time, the barrier 34 provided between the primary side vent hole 33 and the secondary side vent hole 31 prevents the cleaning water from entering the primary side vent hole 33. Therefore, intrusion of cleaning water into the suction pump 27 is prevented in advance.

In addition, normally, the cleaning water and air inside the cleaning tank 4 to be sucked pass through the path with the least resistance. For this reason, if a short-circuit path that does not include cleaning water is formed in the object to be cleaned 2 as dehydration proceeds, the air flow concentrates on the formed short-circuit path, and the suction of the cleaning water does not proceed.

However, in the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the object to be cleaned 2 is constantly pressurized with a constant pressure by the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b. Therefore, the formation of the short circuit path is suppressed. Thereby, the suction dehydration of the cleaning water proceeds together with the outside air introduced into the cleaning tank 4 without stagnation. That is, the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment expands the pressing portion 8 with the suction pump 27 and causes the pressing surface 8 c of the pressing portion 8 to be in close contact with the article to be cleaned 2 to press it uniformly. As a result, outside air is introduced into the object to be cleaned 2 and desired dewatering performance can be obtained.

Next, when the washing water is drained, the control unit 41 closes the opened dewatering drain valve 36. Then, the control unit 41 drives the suction pump 27 to suck the cleaning water together with the outside air introduced into the cleaning tank 4 for a predetermined time T2 (for example, 4 minutes). When the predetermined time T2 has elapsed, the control unit 41 opens the on-off valve 11 and stops driving the pressurizing pump 10 and the suction pump 27. Thereby, the air in the pressing part 8 is discharged outside via the on-off valve 11.

Then, the object 2 to be cleaned is released from being pressed by the pressing portion 8, and the final dehydrating operation of the dehydrating step is completed.

When the dehydration step is completed by the above-described series of operations, the control unit 41 discharges the washing water accumulated in the water storage unit 30a through the dehydration drainage passage 37 and ends the washing course.

In the intermediate dehydration operation, the same dehydration operation as the final dehydration operation is performed. Here, the intermediate dehydration operation includes an intermediate dehydration operation performed in the rinsing step and an intermediate dehydration operation performed between the rinsing steps that are repeatedly executed a plurality of times. Further, the predetermined time T1 and the predetermined time T2 are set to optimum values in each intermediate dehydration operation.

In the intermediate dehydration operation and the final dehydration operation performed after the washing step, the wash water stored in the water storage unit 30a gradually increases with the progress of each step. Therefore, in the first embodiment, during the dehydrating operation, the control unit 41 monitors the water storage amount of the water storage unit 30a of the gas-liquid separation unit 30 with the water amount detection unit 38. When the water amount detection unit 38 detects the storage of cleaning water (water and / or bubbles) exceeding a predetermined amount, the control unit 41 stops driving the suction pump 27. Almost simultaneously (including simultaneously), the control unit 41 opens the dewatering drain valve 36 that has been closed. As a result, the foam and the cleaning water accumulated in the water storage unit 30a are drained to the outside through the dewatering drainage passage 37 from the dewatering drainage port 35.

Next, when the washing course is finished and the washing operation is finished, the user opens the lid 5 and takes out the article 2 to be washed from the washing tub 4. At this time, the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1 is configured to be able to hold the lid 5 in an open state when the washing operation is not performed (when not in use).

Therefore, the control unit 41 detects whether or not the lid 5 is opened by the opening detection unit 39. When the opening detection unit 39 detects the opening of the lid 5, the user can manually operate the extension setting unit 40. At this time, when the user operates the extension setting unit 40, the pressing unit 8 extends. By this operation, as shown in FIG. 5, the pressing surface 8c, which is the lowermost part of the pressing portion 8, is exposed outwardly in a more extended state than the pressing operation during the washing operation.

That is, the control unit 41 is configured to further extend the pressing unit 8 based on the output of the opening detection unit 39 and the output of the extension setting unit 40. Thereby, after taking out the to-be-cleaned object 2 from the washing tank 4, the user can wipe the dirt adhering to the pressing surface 8c of the pressing part 8 and the expansion / contraction part 8d in a state where the expansion / contraction part 8d is extended. . As a result, the pressing portion 8 can be maintained in a clean state for a long period.

When wiping off the dirt adhering to the pressing portion 8, as shown in FIG. 5, the lid 5 is rotated in the direction of the arrow R2, and a substantially vertical position (vertical position is indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure). Open). Thereby, the user can wipe off the dirt of the pressing portion 8 more easily.

Further, as in the first embodiment, when a plurality of pressing portions 8 are provided, one of the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b is contracted by the extension setting portion 40. It is good also as a structure which can be extended | stretched in the other in the state. As a result, the user can easily and more surely wipe off the dirt of the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b in the vicinity of each other one by one.

Furthermore, for example, when the use interval of the washing machine 1 is free, the user can wipe off the dirt on the pressing portion 8 before executing the washing operation.

In the first embodiment, the pressurizing / depressurizing unit 7 includes a pressing unit 8 having flexibility, a pressurizing pump 10 that supplies air to the inside of the pressing unit 8 and expands the inside, and the inside of the pressing unit 8. Although the example comprised with the on-off valve 11 which discharges | emits air and shrinks was demonstrated, it is not restricted to this. For example, a pressure reducing pump may be provided in place of the on-off valve 11 and the pressure may be reduced by contracting the pressing portion 8 via the pressure reducing pump. Further, the pressure pump 10 may be used as a pressure reducing pump by rotating the pressure pump 10 in the reverse direction.

In the first embodiment, air has been described as an example of the fluid that is supplied to the inside of the pressing portion 8 and expands the pressing portion 8, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, other safe gas such as nitrogen gas or argon gas, or a liquid may be used. In the case of gas, ambient air may be sucked by the pressurizing pump 10 or the like as in the first embodiment, and restrictions on exhausting are reduced, which is convenient in terms of configuration. On the other hand, in the case of a liquid, for example, water, an aqueous solution or oil can be used. In the case of a liquid, it is more desirable that there is a reservoir for storing the liquid. That is, since the liquid has a higher density than air and is not as elastic as a gas, the pressing portion 8 can be reliably expanded.

As described above, the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment is provided with a cleaning tank 4 that stores the object to be cleaned 2 and cleaning water, and a press that is movable forward and backward with respect to the object to be cleaned 2 that is stored in the cleaning tank 4. And a lid 5 having a pressing portion 8 and opening and closing the opening 3 of the cleaning tank 4. Furthermore, the washing machine 1 includes a control unit 41 that controls the washing operation of the washing machine 1. And the press part 8 has the elastic part 8d which can be expanded-contracted, and is comprised so that it can expand | extend more than the time of a washing operation in the state in which the cover body 5 was opened.

According to this configuration, a pressing force is applied to the object to be cleaned 2 by the stretchable pressing portion 8 against the object 2 to be cleaned that is not suitable for washing by mechanical force or washing such as squeezing. Thereby, washing | cleaning and dehydration of the to-be-cleaned object 2 can be performed favorably. Moreover, the expansion / contraction part 8d can be further flattened by the further extension operation of the pressing part 8, and dirt and the like adhering to the pressing part 8 can be easily wiped off. Thereby, the washing machine which can maintain a clean state over a long period of time is obtained. That is, in the state where the lid 5 is opened, the pressing portion 8 can be further extended as compared with the washing operation. Thereby, the dirt etc. which adhered to the press part 8 can be wiped off more reliably in the state which the expansion-contraction part 8d of the press part 8 extended further.

In addition, the pressing portion 8 of the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment has an extension length L2 when the lid 5 is opened larger than an extension length L1 when the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed during the washing operation. Set to

According to this configuration, when the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed, a desired pressing force can be applied to the object to be cleaned 2 via the pressing portion 8. And at the time of wiping off dirt etc., the press part 8 can be fully extended, and the dirt etc. which adhere to the press part 8 can be wiped off easily.

Further, the pressing portion 8 of the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment is exposed to the outside from the lid body 5 above the opening 3 of the cleaning tank 4 when the lid body 5 is extended in the opened state. Configured.

According to this configuration, the pressing portion 8 can be exposed above the opening 3. Thereby, the stain | pollution | contamination etc. which adhered to the expansion-contraction part 8d of the press part 8 can be wiped off easily.

Further, the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment includes the extension setting unit 40 that sets the extension operation of the pressing unit 8 and the opening detection unit 39 that detects the opening of the lid 5. The control unit 41 is configured to extend the pressing unit 8 based on the output of the extension setting unit 40 and the output of the opening detection unit 39.

According to this configuration, when the opening of the lid 5 is detected and the user operates the extension setting unit 40, the pressing unit 8 can be further extended. Thereby, the malfunctioning of the press part 8 by a user's misoperation can be prevented.

Further, the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment includes a suction pump 27 that sucks cleaning water from the object to be cleaned 2 and an outside air introduction unit 28 that introduces outside air into the cleaning tank 4. The control unit 41 presses and washes the object 2 to be cleaned by contraction and expansion by pressing and releasing the object 2 to be cleaned by the pressing unit 8. Further, the control unit 41 is configured to perform dehydration by sucking the washing water and the outside air introduced by the outside air introduction unit with the suction pump 27.

According to this configuration, the object to be cleaned 2 that is inappropriate to be washed by mechanical force or washing such as squeezing is pressed in the washing operation by pressing the object 2 to be cleaned. In the dehydration operation, the cleaning water is sucked from the object to be cleaned 2 and the suction dehydration is executed. Thereby, the washing operation and the dehydrating operation can be effectively executed without damaging the article 2 to be cleaned.

Further, in the washing operation, the control unit 41 of the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment contracts and expands the object to be cleaned 2 by pressing and releasing the object to be cleaned 2 by the pressing unit 8, and the inside of the object to be cleaned 2. Are configured to generate multi-directional water flow.

According to this configuration, a multidirectional water flow is generated inside the object to be cleaned 2 without stirring the object 2 to be cleaned. Thereby, with respect to the to-be-cleaned object 2 in which the washing | cleaning by the effect | action of a mechanical force is unsuitable, a fabric damage and shape loss can be suppressed and the high cleaning effect can be acquired.

Moreover, the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1 has the pressurization pressure reduction part 7 which has the press part 8 which can be moved forwards / backwards with respect to the to-be-cleaned object 2 in the washing tank 4, and the pressurization pressure reduction part 7 expands / contracts A plurality of free pressing portions 8 (first pressing portion 8a and second pressing portion 8b), a pressure pump 10 for supplying air to the inside of the pressing portion 8, and opening / closing for discharging the air in the pressing portion 8 A valve 11 is included. In the washing operation, the control unit 41 controls the pressurization / decompression unit 7 so that the other second pressing unit 8b contracts and expands and contracts at different timings when the at least one first pressing unit 8a expands. To do. In the dehydrating operation, the control unit 41 expands the plurality of pressing units 8 almost simultaneously (including simultaneously) to press the object to be cleaned 2, and the cleaning water and the introduced outside air by the suction pump 27. Are configured to suck.

According to this configuration, it is possible to satisfactorily clean the object to be cleaned 2 which is inappropriately washed by mechanical force and washing such as squeezing while suppressing damage to the fabric and deformation of the shape. Further, the dewatering can be performed well without applying mechanical force such as twisting to the object to be cleaned 2.

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

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part at the time of wiping off the dirt of the pressing portion 8 of the washing machine 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the washing machine 1 during washing.

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

In Embodiment 2, the outside air introduction unit 28 is disposed so as to communicate with the membrane body 43 and the inside of the cleaning tank 4. As in the first embodiment, the outside air introduction unit 28 includes an air volume adjustment valve 29. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and the first embodiment is referred to for the detailed description.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the film body 43 of the second embodiment is arranged so as to cover the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b. The film body 43 is formed from a flexible material such as rubber or synthetic resin, for example, as a thin film having a thickness of about 1 to 3 mm. Furthermore, the film body 43 is formed in a bag shape having an opening. The film body 43 is covered so that the bag-shaped bottom part faces the pressing surfaces 8c of the first pressing part 8a and the second pressing part 8b. The peripheral edge 43a of the opening of the film body 43 is fixed to the lid 5b facing the peripheral edge of the opening 3 of the cleaning tank 4 outside the expansion / contraction part 8d of the first pressing part 8a and the second pressing part 8b. .

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

The lid body 5 has a release hole 44 for releasing the air inside surrounded by the film body 43 to the outside. The release hole 44 is formed in the lid portion 5b located between the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b that are juxtaposed. Thereby, the release hole 44 communicates the inside of the film body 43 with the outside at the substantially center part (including the center part) of the film body 43. Then, air replacement is performed corresponding to the film body 43 whose shape changes with expansion and contraction of the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b.

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

The washing machine 1 configured as described above executes the washing step of the washing course by the operation and action shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

In addition, since the washing step of the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 2 is the same as that of the washing machine 1 of Embodiment 1 demonstrated using FIG. 3A and 3B, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. That is, in the washing machine 1 of the second embodiment, the film body 43 expands and contracts with the expansion and contraction of the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b, and the object to be cleaned 2 sandwiching the film body 43 therebetween. The pressing operation is executed.

In addition, since the steps such as the rinsing step and the dehydrating step that are executed after the washing step are the same as those in the washing machine 1 of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

In the second embodiment, the configuration in which the film body 43 and the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b that are the pressing portions 8 can freely expand and contract has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. . For example, it is good also as a structure which connects the press surface 8c of the 1st press part 8a and the 2nd press part 8b, and the bottom part of the film body 43 facing the press surface 8c. Thereby, the bottom part of the film | membrane body 43 can be comprised with respect to the to-be-washed | cleaned material 2 freely in conjunction with expansion / contraction of the 1st press part 8a and the 2nd press part 8b. That is, when the first pressing portion 8a and the second pressing portion 8b are contracted, the film body 43 is moved in a direction away from the article to be cleaned 2 together with the pressing surface 8c in conjunction with the contracting operation. Therefore, in the washing step and the rinsing step, the object 2 can be expanded and contracted more accurately. Thereby, cleaning performance can be improved.

As described above, the washing machine 1 of the second embodiment has the film body 43 that covers the pressing portion 8. The film body 43 is configured to expand as the pressing portion 8 expands.

According to this configuration, the pressing portion 8 is covered with the film body 43. Therefore, the bellows-like stretchable part 8 d of the pressing part 8 can be protected without being exposed to the cleaning tank 4. Thereby, the adhesion to the press part 8 of the detergent component contained in washing water, the stain | pollution | contamination wash | cleaned off from the to-be-cleaned object 2, etc. can be prevented reliably. As a result, the pressing part 8 can be kept clean for a long time.

Furthermore, the pressing portion 8 can be further extended while the lid 5 is opened when the washing operation is not being performed. At this time, the film body 43 is urged and expanded by the extension of the pressing portion 8. Therefore, the surface on the cleaning tank 4 side of the film body 43 supported and extended by the pressing portion 8 extends in a flat and stable state. Thereby, water droplets, dirt, and the like attached to the film body 43 can be more easily wiped off. As a result, the film body 43 can be kept clean for a long time.

Further, the washing machine 1 of the second embodiment has a plurality of pressing portions 8. And the film body 43 is comprised so that the some press part 8 may be included.

According to this configuration, the film body 43 is supported by the plurality of first pressing portions 8a and the second pressing portions 8b which are the pressing portions 8. Therefore, it is possible to easily wipe off dirt and the like attached to the film body 43 in a stable state. Furthermore, the film body 43 can prevent the object to be cleaned 2 from being caught between the first pressing portion 8 a and the second pressing portion 8 b that alternately expand and contract.

Note that each of the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with other embodiments.

As described above, the washing machine of the present invention includes a washing tub that accommodates an object to be cleaned and washing water, a pressing portion that is provided so as to be movable forward and backward with respect to the object to be cleaned contained in the cleaning tub, and a press And a lid that opens and closes the opening of the cleaning tank. Further, the washing machine includes a control unit that controls the washing operation of the washing machine. And a press part has an elastic part which can be expanded-contracted, and is comprised so that it can expand | extend more than the time of a washing operation in the state by which the cover body was opened.

According to this configuration, a pressing force is applied to the object to be cleaned by the stretchable pressing portion against an object to be cleaned which is not suitable for washing such as washing by the action of mechanical force or squeezing. As a result, it is possible to satisfactorily wash and dehydrate the article to be cleaned. Furthermore, dirt and the like adhering to the pressing portion can be easily wiped off and can be kept clean. Moreover, in a state where the lid is opened, the pressing portion can be further extended as compared with the washing operation. Thereby, in the state which the expansion-contraction part of the press part extended further, the dirt etc. which adhered to the press part can be wiped off more reliably.

Also, it is desirable that the pressing portion of the washing machine of the present invention is set so that the extension amount when the lid is opened is set larger than the extension amount when the object to be cleaned is pressed during the washing operation.

According to this configuration, when the object to be cleaned is pressed, a desired pressing force can be applied to the object to be cleaned through the pressing portion. And at the time of wiping off dirt etc., a press part can fully be extended and dirt etc. which adhere to a press part can be wiped off easily.

In addition, it is desirable that the pressing portion of the washing machine of the present invention is configured to be exposed outward from the lid above the cleaning tank when the lid is extended with the lid open.

According to this configuration, the pressing portion can be exposed above the opening. Thereby, the dirt etc. which adhered to the expansion-contraction part of a press part can be wiped off easily more reliably.

Further, the washing machine of the present invention has a film body that covers the pressing portion. The film body preferably has a configuration that expands as the pressing portion extends.

According to this configuration, the pressing portion is covered with the film body. Therefore, the bellows-like elastic part of the pressing part can be protected without being exposed to the washing tub. Thereby, it is possible to surely prevent the detergent component contained in the cleaning water and the adherence to the pressing portion, such as dirt washed away from the object to be cleaned. As a result, the pressing portion can be kept clean for a long period of time. Furthermore, the pressing part can be extended with the lid open when not in use and not being washed. At this time, the film body is urged and extended by the extension of the pressing portion. Therefore, the surface of the cleaning tank side of the film body that is supported and extended by the pressing portion extends in a flat and stable state. Thereby, water droplets, dirt, and the like attached to the film body can be more easily wiped off. As a result, the film body 43 can be kept clean for a long time.

Moreover, the washing machine of the present invention has a plurality of pressing portions. The film body preferably includes a plurality of pressing portions.

According to this configuration, the film body is supported by the plurality of pressing portions. Therefore, it is possible to easily wipe off dirt and the like attached to the film body in a stable state. Furthermore, the film body can prevent the object to be cleaned from being caught between the pressing portions that alternately expand and contract.

Also, the washing machine of the present invention includes an extension setting unit that sets the extension operation of the pressing unit and an opening detection unit that detects the opening of the lid. The control unit is preferably configured to extend the pressing unit based on the output of the extension setting unit and the output of the opening detection unit.

According to this configuration, when the opening of the lid is detected and the user operates the extension setting part, the pressing part can be further extended. Thereby, the malfunctioning of a press part by the user's misoperation can be prevented.

Also, the washing machine of the present invention has a suction part that sucks cleaning water from the object to be cleaned, and an outside air introduction part that introduces outside air into the cleaning tank. The control unit performs press washing by contracting and expanding the object to be cleaned by pressing and releasing the object to be cleaned by the pressing unit. Furthermore, it is desirable that the control unit perform dehydration by sucking the washing water and the outside air introduced by the outside air introduction unit by the suction unit.

According to this configuration, the object to be cleaned that is not properly washed by mechanical force or washing such as squeezing is pressed in the washing operation by pressing the object to be cleaned. In the dehydration operation, the suction water is sucked from the object to be cleaned and suction dehydration is executed. Accordingly, the washing operation and the dehydrating operation can be effectively executed without damaging the object to be cleaned.

The present invention is useful for a washing machine and the like because the stretchable pressing portion that applies a pressing force to the object to be cleaned can be kept clean.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing machine 2 To-be-washed object 3 Opening part 4 Washing tank 4a Bottom part 5 Lid body 5a Handle 5b Cover part 6 Water tank part 6a Hinge part 7 Pressurization pressure reduction part 7a 1st pressurization pressure reduction part 7b 2nd pressure reduction part 8, 56 Pressing part 8a First pressing part 8b Second pressing part 8c Pressing surface 8d, 55 Stretching part 9 Hose 9a First hose 9b Second hose 10 Pressure pump 10a First pressure pump 10b First 2 pressurizing pump 11 open / close valve 11a first open / close valve 11b second open / close valve 12 packing 13 seal part 14 water supply valve 15 detergent case 16 water supply path 17 water level detection part 18 water level detection tank 19 float 20 water level switch 21 drain hole 22 Drain valve 23 Drain path 24 Overflow path 24a Overflow hole 25 Suction port 26 Dehydration path 27 Suction pump (suction part)
28 Outside air introduction part 29 Air volume adjustment valve 30 Gas-liquid separation part 30a Water storage part 31 Secondary side ventilation port 32 Suction path 33 Primary side ventilation hole 34 Barrier 35 Dewatering drainage port 36 Dehydration drainage valve 37 Dehydration drainage path 38 Water volume detection part 39 Opening Detection unit 40 Extension setting unit 41 Control unit 42 Operation display unit 43 Film body 43a Periphery of opening 44 Release hole 51 Washing tub 52 Lower space 53 Pressure reducing device 54 Pressure responder 57 Lid 58 Washer outer frame 59 Shaft

Claims (7)

1. A cleaning tank for storing an object to be cleaned and cleaning water;
   A pressing portion provided so as to freely advance and retract with respect to the object to be cleaned contained in the cleaning tank;
   A lid having the pressing portion and opening and closing the opening of the cleaning tank;
   A control unit for controlling the washing operation of the washing machine,
   The pressing unit includes a stretchable part that is stretchable, and is configured to be further extendable than in the washing operation when the lid is opened.
2. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion is set such that an extension amount in a state in which the lid is opened is set larger than an extension amount when the object to be cleaned is pressed in the washing operation.
3. The said pressing part is comprised so that it may be exposed outside from the said cover body above the said washing tank at the time of the expansion | extension in the state in which the said cover body was opened. The washing machine according to Item 1.
4. Having a membrane covering the pressing portion;
   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the film body expands as the pressing portion extends.
5. A plurality of the pressing parts,
   The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the film body includes the plurality of pressing portions.
6. An extension setting unit for setting the extension operation of the pressing unit;
   An opening detector for detecting the opening of the lid,
   The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit extends the pressing unit based on an output of the extension setting unit and an output of the opening detection unit.
7. A suction part for sucking the cleaning water from the object to be cleaned;
   An outside air introduction section for introducing outside air into the cleaning tank,
   The controller is
   By pressing and releasing the object to be cleaned by the pressing part, the object to be cleaned is contracted and expanded to perform press washing,
   The laundry according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the washing unit and the outside air introduced by the outside air introduction unit are sucked by the suction unit to perform dehydration. Machine.

Images