WO2020124997A1

WO2020124997A1 - Ultrasonic cleaning device and washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2020124997A1
Application number: PCT/CN2019/095186
Authority: WO
Inventors: 米泽孝昭; 直野浩树
Original assignee: 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司; Aqua株式会社; 海尔智家股份有限公司
Priority date: 2018-12-21
Filing date: 2019-07-09
Publication date: 2020-06-25
Also published as: CN113226576A; WO2020125394A1; JP7217881B2; JP2020099545A; CN113226576B

Abstract

Disclosed is an ultrasonic cleaning device (50), wherein a user can easily place a dirty portion of laundry to be cleaned between a top end face (112a) of an ultrasonic wave generator (110) and a water storage tank (210). The ultrasonic cleaning device (50) comprises: the ultrasonic wave generator (110) for generating ultrasonic waves; the water storage tank (210) disposed below the ultrasonic wave generator (110) and used for storing water for soaking the laundry; and an outer mounted body (100a) for accommodating the ultrasonic wave generator (110). The outer mounted body (100a) comprises: a cover main body (131) for covering a portion at a top end side of the ultrasonic wave generator (110) in such a way that a top end portion (120a) of the ultrasonic wave generator is exposed; and a guide portion (132) arranged at a front side face of the cover main body (131) and used for guiding a dirty portion of the laundry to be cleaned between the top end face (112a) of the ultrasonic wave generator (110) and the water storage tank (210).

Description

Ultrasonic cleaning device and washing machine

Technical field

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic cleaning device and a washing machine provided with the ultrasonic cleaning device.

Background technique

Patent Literature 1 describes a washing machine in which an ultrasonic cleaning device is arranged around the laundry inlet of the upper panel, for example, in front of the inlet. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus includes a water storage tank capable of storing water and an ultrasonic wave generating unit having an ultrasonic wave generating body located directly above the water storage tank.

The ultrasonic generating unit includes a housing that houses the ultrasonic generating body. The case has an arm shape that is long in the front-rear direction and whose tip portion protrudes downward. An opening is formed in the front end surface of the front end portion of the housing, and the front end portion of the ultrasonic generating body is exposed to the water storage tank side from the opening portion.

The dirt adhering part of the object to be cleaned is placed between the top end surface of the ultrasonic generator and the water storage tank so as to be immersed in the water stored in the water storage tank, and the cleaning operation is started. The ultrasonic energy generated by the ultrasonic generating body acts on the dirt attachment portion soaked in water and peels the dirt.

When the ultrasonic cleaning device is provided on the upper panel, the user generally observes the ultrasonic cleaning device from above when using it. In this case, it is difficult for the user to confirm the gap between the tip surface of the ultrasonic generating body and the water storage tank. Therefore, in such a situation, there may be a problem of how the user can easily place the dirt attachment portion between the top end surface of the ultrasonic generating body and the water storage tank.

Existing technical literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-68435

Summary of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The present invention has been made in view of this problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic cleaning device in which a user can easily place a dirt adhering portion of an object to be cleaned between a tip surface of an ultrasonic generator and a water storage tank, and Washing machine with ultrasonic cleaning device.

Solutions for solving problems

An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves; a water storage tank that is disposed below the ultrasonic generator and stores water for soaking the object to be cleaned; and an exterior body that houses the ultrasonic waves Spawn. Here, the exterior body includes: a covering portion that covers a portion of the ultrasonic generating body on the distal end side so as to expose the distal end portion thereof; and a guide portion that is provided on a side surface of the covering portion to clean the object to be cleaned The dirt attachment portion is guided between the top end surface of the ultrasonic wave generating body and the water storage tank.

According to the above configuration, by being guided by the guide portion, the user can easily place the dirt adhering portion of the object to be cleaned between the distal end surface of the ultrasonic generating body and the water storage tank.

In the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of this aspect, a guide surface can be provided in the guide portion, and the guide surface is inclined so as to approach the ultrasonic wave generating body as it approaches the water storage tank, and the dirt adhered portion follows.

According to the above configuration, the user only needs to make the dirt adhering portion of the object to be cleaned contact the guide surface and follow the guide surface, so that it can reach between the tip surface of the ultrasonic generating body and the water storage tank.

In the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of this aspect, the structure can be adopted in which the exterior body includes: a housing that accommodates a portion other than the tip side portion of the ultrasonic generator; and a cover including the covering portion The guide portion is detachably attached to the housing.

According to the above structure, the user can detach the cover and clean the portion on the tip side of the ultrasonic wave generating body.

In the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of this aspect, a structure can be adopted in which the position of the guide portion and the position of the ultrasonic generator are orthogonal to the direction in which the dirt adhesion portion is guided by the guide portion The location is consistent.

According to the above configuration, the guide portion becomes a mark, and the user can easily confirm the position of the ultrasound generator.

In the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of this aspect, a structure can be adopted in which the lower end of the guide portion is located below the lower end of the covering portion.

According to the above configuration, the lower end portion of the guide portion can cover the tip portion of the ultrasound generator exposed from the covering portion in the direction in which the dirt adhesion portion is guided by the guide portion. Thus, the dirt adhering portion guided by the guide portion is less likely to be caught by the corner of the tip portion of the ultrasound generator, and damage and the like are less likely to occur.

A washing machine according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: a washing tub for storing and washing laundry; an upper panel having an inlet for putting washing into the washing tub; and an ultrasonic cleaning device of the first aspect, attached to The upper panel.

According to the above structure, the same effect as the ultrasonic cleaning device of the first aspect can be achieved.

Effect of invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic cleaning device in which a user can easily place a dirt adhering portion of an object to be cleaned between the tip surface of an ultrasonic generator and a water storage tank, and a washing machine provided with the ultrasonic cleaning device.

The effect and significance of the present invention will be made clearer by the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the following embodiments are only examples when the present invention is implemented, and the present invention is not limited by the contents described in the following embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine of an embodiment.

2 is a perspective view of the left side portion of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the upper panel before the ultrasonic cleaning device of the embodiment is installed.

Fig. 3 (a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the upper panel when the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the water storage unit of the embodiment are in the standby position, and Fig. 3 (b) is the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the water storage unit of the embodiment are in operation A perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the upper panel in position.

4 is a main cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device, the left side surface portion of the upper panel, and the drainage unit of the embodiment, taken from the center of the main body.

5 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device taken from the center of the main body of the embodiment.

6 is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of the ultrasonic cleaning device taken from the center of the ultrasonic cleaning unit.

7( a) and (b) are main cross-sectional views of the ultrasonic cleaning section omitting the upper member of the housing according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view of the cover of the embodiment, and FIG. 8(b) is a bottom view of the cover of the embodiment.

FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view of the water storage portion of the embodiment, and FIG. 9(b) is an AA' cross-sectional view of FIG. 9(a).

10(a) and (b) are perspective views of the valve body switching mechanism and the water storage portion of the embodiment.

11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the water supply tank according to the embodiment.

12 is a main cross-sectional view of the peripheral portion of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus when the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the water storage unit of the embodiment are in the operating position and the water supply tank is in the water outlet position.

13 (a) to (c) are diagrams for explaining decontamination of an object to be cleaned by the ultrasonic cleaning device of the embodiment.

14 is a main cross-sectional view of the peripheral portion of the ultrasonic cleaning device when the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the water storage unit of the embodiment are in the standby position and the water supply tank is in the water discharge position.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1: Automatic washing machine (washing machine); 12: Upper panel; 14: Input port; 20: Outer bucket (washing bucket); 22: Washing dehydration bucket (washing bucket); 50: Ultrasonic cleaning device; 100: Ultrasonic cleaning section; 100a: exterior body; 110: ultrasonic wave generator; 120: housing; 130: cover; 131: cover body (cover) 132: guide; 135: guide surface; 210: water tank.

detailed description

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of the fully automatic washing machine 1 of the present embodiment.

The fully automatic washing machine 1 includes a cabinet 10 that constitutes an appearance. The cabinet 10 includes a rectangular tube-shaped body portion 11 whose upper and lower surfaces are open, an upper panel 12 covering the upper surface of the body portion 11, and a stand 13 supporting the body portion 11. The upper panel 12 is formed with a laundry inlet 14. The inlet 14 is covered by an upper cover 15 that can be opened and closed freely. A control unit 16 is arranged inside the front of the upper panel 12. The control unit 16 controls the washing operation of the fully automatic washing machine 1 and the washing operation of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 described later.

In the box body 10, the outer tub 20 whose upper surface is open is elastically suspended and supported by four suspension bars 21 having vibration-proof devices. In the outer tub 20, a washing and dewatering tub 22 having an upper surface opened is disposed. The washing and dewatering tub 22 rotates around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. A large number of dehydration holes 22a are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the washing and dehydrating tub 22 over the entire circumference. On the upper part of the washing and dewatering tub 22, a balance ring 23 is provided. At the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 22, a pulsator 24 is arranged. On the surface of the pulsator 24, a plurality of blades 24a are provided radially. It should be noted that the outer tub 20 and the washing and dewatering tub 22 constitute the washing tub of the present invention.

At the outer bottom of the outer tub 20, a drive unit 30 that generates torque that drives 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 32. The transmission mechanism section 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a. By the switching operation by the clutch mechanism 32a, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and only the pulsator 24 is rotated during the washing process and the rinsing process. During the dehydration process, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and the washing and dehydrating tub 22 to rotate the pulsator 24 and the washing and dehydrating tub 22 integrally.

A drain port 20a is formed on the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain valve 40 is provided in the drain port 20a. The drain valve 40 is connected to the drain hose 41. When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water stored in the washing and dehydrating 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 on the left side surface portion 12a of the upper panel 12. The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is mainly used to perform the following cleaning operation: before the automatic washing machine 1 performs washing, remove the sebum dirt attached to the sleeve of the shirt, the neckline portion, the oil stain attached to the work clothes, etc., and the dirt locally attached to the object to be cleaned.

A water supply unit 60 for supplying tap water into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 is arranged at the rear of the upper panel 12. The water supply unit 60 has a water supply valve 61. The water inlet 61a of the water supply valve 61 is connected to a faucet. When the water supply valve 61 is opened, tap water from the faucet is supplied into the washing and dewatering tub 22 through the water supply path 62.

A drain unit 70 is provided on the outer bottom surface of the upper panel 12 at a position corresponding to the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The drain unit 70 includes a drain receiving portion 71 that receives drain from the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and a hose 72 connected to the drain receiving portion 71. The hose 72 is connected to the drain port 20a.

2 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the left side surface portion 12a of the upper panel 12 before the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is installed. FIG. 3(a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the upper panel 12 when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are in the standby position, and FIG. 3(b) is the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 in operation. A perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the upper panel 12 in the position.

The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 includes an ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, a water storage unit 200, a main body 300, and a water supply tank 400. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 has an ultrasonic generator 110 that generates ultrasonic waves. The main body 300 holds the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100. The water storage section 200 is located below the ultrasonic generating body 110, has a water storage tank 210 capable of storing water, and is attached to the main body section 300. By the user's detachment operation, the water storage unit 200 can be pulled forward from the main body unit 300 to be detached. The water supply tank 400 is provided on the upper portion of the main body 300 and stores water to be supplied to the water storage tank 210. In this embodiment, the water stored in the water supply tank 400 and supplied to the water storage tank 210 is detergent-containing water. Hereinafter, water containing detergent is referred to as "washing water".

On the left side surface portion 12a of the upper panel 12, an installation portion 80 where the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is installed is provided. The installation portion 80 includes an attachment portion 81 having a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape, and a storage portion 82 formed so that the left side surface portion 12 a is recessed toward the front of the attachment portion 81. The attachment portion 81 has an accommodating portion 83 formed into a shape corresponding to the body portion 300 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. A recess 84 slightly recessed from the surroundings is formed on the bottom surface of the housing section 83. A circular drain hole 85 is formed on the bottom surface of the recess 84. Furthermore, a horizontally long opening 86 connected to the housing 83 is formed in the lower portion on the front side of the attachment portion 81.

The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is attached to the attachment portion 81 so that the body portion 300 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 83, and the water storage portion 200 protrudes to the outside of the attachment portion 81 through the opening 86. In addition, the body part 300 is attached to the attachment part 81 with the water storage part 200 removed. The water storage 200 is attached to the main body 300 through the opening 86, and the main body is attached to the attachment 81.

As shown in FIG. 3( a ), when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is not used and the cleaning operation is not performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200, that is, the ultrasonic generator 110 and the water storage tank 210. State of Department 82. At this time, the positions of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are the standby positions. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3( b ), when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is used for the cleaning operation, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is switched to the inside of the inlet 14 of the upper panel 12 by the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200. Outstanding state. At this time, the positions of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are operating positions.

Next, each configuration of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 will be described in detail.

4 is a main cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the left side surface portion 12a of the upper panel 12, and the drain unit 70 cut from the center of the main body 300. FIG. FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 taken from the center of the main body 300. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the main part of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 taken from the center of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100. 7(a) and (b) are main cross-sectional views of the ultrasonic cleaning section 100 with the upper member 150 of the housing 120 omitted. In (a) of FIG. 7, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is cut away from the position of the LED 145 provided in the lower member 140, and in (b) of FIG. 7, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is formed from the protrusion 147 of the lower member 140 and the recess 134 of the cover 130 The fitting part is cut open.

5 to 7 (b), the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 includes an ultrasonic generator 110, a housing 120, and a cover 130. The exterior body 100a is composed of a housing 120 and a cover 130, and the ultrasound generator 110 is housed inside the exterior body 100a.

The ultrasonic generating body 110 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 111 and a vibration horn 112 coupled to the ultrasonic vibrator 111. The vibration horn 112 is formed of a metal material having electrical conductivity, and has a shape tapered gradually toward the tip side. The shape of the tip surface 112a of the vibration horn 112 is an elongated rectangle. The ultrasonic wave generating body 110 generates ultrasonic waves from the tip of the vibration horn 112. A flange 113 is formed on the upper end of the vibration horn 112. A buffer 114 is attached to the ultrasonic generating body 110 so as to cover the flange 113.

The housing 120 is formed of a resin material, and has an arm shape that is long in the front-rear direction and whose tip portion 120a is bent downward. An opening 121 is formed on the lower surface of the tip 120a.

The housing 120 is formed by combining a lower member 140 with an open upper surface and an upper member 150 with an open lower surface. The upper member 150 is formed integrally with the case 500 constituting the main body 300. 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 fastened by screws 161. The top end 120 a of the housing 120 is formed by the lower member 140.

In the lower member 140, an installation portion 142 is provided above the opening 121, and mounting bosses 143 are provided in front of and behind the installation portion 142. In addition, the lower member 140 is provided with a recess 144 in front of the opening 121. The concave portion 144 is recessed upward so as to have a shape corresponding to the light receiving portion 133 of the cover 130. In the concave portion 144, LEDs 145 are arranged on the left and right (see (a) of FIG. 7 ). Furthermore, the periphery of the opening 121 of the lower member 140 becomes an insertion opening 146 into which the lid 130 is fitted, and protrusions 147 are formed on the left and right sides of the insertion opening 146 (see (b) of FIG. 7 ).

The flange portion 113 of the ultrasonic generating body 110 covered by the buffer 114 is provided on the installation portion 142 of the housing 120. A frame-shaped fixing plate 170 is attached above the flange 113. The fixing plate 170 is fixed to the mounting boss 143 with screws 162. The flange portion 113 is sandwiched between the installation portion 142 and the fixing plate 170, and the ultrasonic generating body 110 is fixed in the housing 120. The portion on the tip side of the vibration horn 112 protrudes downward from the opening 121 of the housing 120.

The cover 130 is detachably attached to the top end portion 120a of the housing 120, and is covered with a portion of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic wave generating body 110 exposed from the housing 120.

FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view of the cover 130, and FIG. 8(b) is a bottom view of the cover 130. FIG. In addition, in (b) of FIG. 8, for convenience, the tip end surface 112 a of the vibration horn 112 is shown by a one-dot chain line.

Referring to (a) and (b) of FIG. 8, the cover 130 has a structure in which the cover body 131, the guide portion 132, and the light-receiving portion 133 are integrally formed of a resin material having translucency. The cover main body 131 has a cylindrical shape whose width in front, back, left, and right sides becomes narrower in three stages as it goes downward, and includes a top portion 131a having a substantially track-and-track shape, a middle portion 131b having a substantially square shape, and a lower portion 131c in a plan view. On the upper portion 131a of the cover body 131, concave portions 134 having a shape corresponding to the protrusions 147 of the housing 120 are formed on the left and right inner side surfaces. The cover main body 131 covers the portion of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic wave generator 110 on the distal end side such that the distal end portion is exposed. The cover body 131 corresponds to the cover part of the present invention.

The guide portion 132 is provided in the center in the left-right direction of the front side surface of the cover body 131 so as to protrude forward, and has a flat shape in the left-right direction. The width of the guide portion 132 in the left-right direction is slightly larger than the width of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 in the left-right direction. The upper portion of the guide portion 132 has a shape matching the outer surface of the tip portion 120 a of the housing 120. In addition, a lower surface of the guide portion 132 is provided with a guide surface 135 inclined horizontally downward and curved at the lower end to be horizontal. Furthermore, the lower end of the guide portion 132 is located below the lower end of the cover body 131.

The light receiving unit 133 is provided at the front upper end of the cover body 131. The light-receiving portion 133 has a long dimension in the left-right direction, and is slightly curved along the front upper end portion of the cover body 131. In the light receiving portion 133, circular holes 136 corresponding to the LEDs 145 of the housing 120 are formed on the left and right sides.

Returning to (b) of FIGS. 5 to 7, the cover 130 is attached to the fitting opening 146 of the housing 120 from below. As shown in FIG. 7( b ), the left and right protrusions 147 of the housing 120 are fitted into the left and right recesses 134 of the cover 130. At this time, the protrusion 147 slightly protrudes outward from the inner surface of the upper portion 131a of the cover main body 131, and when attached, the upper portion 131a of the cover main body 131 touches the protrusion 147 and expands in the left-right direction to fit into the fitting opening 146. As shown in FIG. 7( a ), the light-receiving portion 133 of the cover 130 fits into the recess 144 of the housing 120, and the left and right LEDs 145 of the recess 144 fit into the left-right holes 136 of the light receiving portion 133. As a result, the two LEDs 145 are connected to the cover 130 which is the light receiving unit 133. When the left and right LEDs 145 emit light, this light is introduced into the inside of the cover 130 through the light receiving portion 133, so that the entire cover 130 emits light.

As shown in FIG. 6, in a state where the cover 130 is attached to the housing 120, the tip portion of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generating body 110 is slightly exposed from the cover body 131. In addition, the lower end of the guide portion 132 of the cover 130 is almost flush with the front end surface 112a of the vibration horn 112. Furthermore, the guide surface 135 of the guide portion 132 is inclined so as to approach the vibration horn 112 as it approaches the water storage tank 210. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8( b ), in the left-right direction, that is, in the direction orthogonal to the front direction of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, the position of the guide portion 132 coincides with the position of the tip portion of the vibration horn 112. .

As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 7, the left and right side surfaces of the tip portion 120 a of the housing 120 are inclined so that the width of the tip portion 120 a becomes narrower as it goes downward. In addition, the cover 130 also has a tapered shape whose left and right widths become narrower as it goes downward. As a result, the user can usually see the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 provided on the upper panel 12 obliquely from above. At this time, the position of the tip end of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 can be easily confirmed.

As shown in FIG. 6, the position of the tip surface 112 a of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generating body 110 is slightly lower than the position of the upper surface of the water storage tank 210, and the top end of the vibration horn 112 enters the water storage tank 210 slightly. status.

FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view of the water storage unit 200, and FIG. 9(b) is an AA' cross-sectional view of FIG. 9(a).

Referring to (a) and (b) of FIG. 9, the water storage portion 200 is formed of a resin material, has a long dimension in the front-rear direction, and has a shape in which the rear portion is curved to the right. In addition, the front end and the rear end of the water storage section 200 have an arc shape. A water storage tank 210 long in the front-rear direction is formed at the front of the water storage unit 200. The water storage tank 210 has a mortar shape, and its inner peripheral surface is gradually inclined. A circular water supply tank 220 is formed at the rear of the water storage 200. The water supply tank 220 is connected to the water storage tank 210 through the water supply tank 230. The bottom surfaces of the water storage tank 210 and the water supply tank 230 are gradually inclined toward the water supply tank 220.

A drain port 221 is formed in the center of the bottom surface of the water supply tank 220. A protrusion 222 having a hole 222a is provided at the center of the drain 221. Both sides of the protrusion 222 are connected to the inner periphery of the drain port 221 by two ribs 223. A cylindrical rib 201 surrounding the drain 221 is formed on the outer bottom surface of the water storage 200 so as to protrude downward.

The water supply tank 220 is provided with a drain mechanism 240 for draining through the drain port 221. The drain mechanism 240 includes a valve body 241, an operating member 242, and a coil spring 243.

The valve body 241 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and closes the drain port 221 from below. The operation member 242 is formed of a resin material, and includes a cylindrical hub portion 244 whose top surface portion is blocked, a cylindrical protrusion portion 245 protruding upward from the surface center of the top surface portion of the hub portion 244, and a top portion of the hub portion 244 A shaft portion 246 extending downward from the center of the back surface of the face portion, and four arm portions 247 extending in four directions from the peripheral surface portion of the hub portion 244. The shaft portion 246 passes through the hole portion 222a of the protrusion 222 so as to be movable up and down. A valve body 241 is attached to the lower end of the shaft 246. After each arm portion 247 extends substantially horizontally outward from the circumferential surface of the hub portion 244, it is bent substantially vertically to extend upward, and then further bent substantially vertically to extend substantially horizontally to the outside. The coil spring 243 is arranged between the hub portion 244 of the operation member 242 and the two ribs 223. The coil spring 243 is in a compressed state, and the valve body 241 urges the operation member 242 in a direction to close the drain port 221.

4 and 5, the main body 300 includes a housing 500, a valve body switching mechanism 600, and a water tank switching mechanism 700. The main body 300 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 83 provided in the attachment portion 81 of the upper panel 12.

The case 500 is formed of a resin material and has a cylindrical shape with a closed bottom portion and an open top portion. In the lower part of the housing 500, an insertion port 501 is formed on the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 side. The insertion port 501 matches the opening 86 of the attachment portion 81. Inside the housing 500, a storage chamber 502 is provided deep in the insertion port 501. The storage chamber 502 is composed of a peripheral wall 503 rising from the bottom surface of the housing 500 and a fixing plate 510 covering the upper surface of the peripheral wall 503. The fixing plate 510 is fastened to a plurality of mounting bosses 504 provided on the peripheral wall 503 by screws (not shown). The fixing plate 510 is provided with a circular opening 511 at the center. At the peripheral edge of the opening 511, two ribs 512 extending in the circumferential direction are provided at positions facing each other.

An opening 505 is formed in the bottom of the housing 500 inside the storage chamber 502. The water supply tank 220 of the water storage unit 200 is accommodated in the storage chamber 502 through the insertion port 501. When the water supply tank 220 is accommodated in the accommodating chamber 502, the rib 201 on the outer bottom surface of the water storage section 200 fits into the opening 505. A U-shaped slit 506 is formed around the opening 505 on the bottom surface of the housing 500. When the water storage unit 200 enters and exits the storage chamber 502, the inner portion of the slit 506 including the opening 505 can be ribbed 201 pushes and flexes downward. The bent portion enters the recess 84 of the receiving portion 83.

The drain hole 85 of the storage section 83 is located directly below the drain port 221 of the water storage section 200 and the opening 505 of the case 500. The drain hole 85 is connected to an inflow port 73 provided in the drain receiving portion 71 of the drain unit 70.

The valve body switching mechanism 600 is arranged inside the housing 500 and switches the position of the valve body 241 in such a manner that the valve body 241 of the drainage mechanism 240 is closed when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are in the operating position When the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are in the standby position, the valve body 241 is opened.

10( a) and (b) are perspective views of the valve body switching mechanism 600 and the water storage 200. FIG. 10(a) shows a state where the water storage unit 200 is located at the standby position, and FIG. 10(b) shows a state where the water storage unit 200 is located at the operating position.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 10 (a) and (b ), the valve body switching mechanism 600 includes a cam member 610 and a holding member 620 that holds and raises and lowers the cam member 610. The cam member 610 and the holding member 620 are formed of a resin material.

The cam member 610 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The cam member 610 has a stepped portion 611 in the middle portion, and the outer diameter on the lower side of the stepped portion 611 becomes smaller. In the cam member 610, two notch portions 612 are formed at mutually opposite positions on the lower side of the step portion 611. The two notch portions 612 are respectively engaged with the ribs 512 of the corresponding fixing plate 510, whereby the cam member 610 is connected to the fixing plate 510 in such a manner that it cannot move in the circumferential direction with respect to the fixing plate 510 and can move in the vertical direction. . On the upper portion of the cam member 610, four shafts 613 protruding outward are formed at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface. In a state where the water supply tank 220 of the water storage unit 200 is accommodated in the storage chamber 502 of the housing 500, the lower end of the cam member 610 contacts the four arm portions 247 of the operation member 242 disposed in the water supply tank 220.

The holding member 620 has a substantially cylindrical frame portion 621, and a disc-shaped holding portion 622 is integrally formed on the upper portion inside the frame portion 621. The lower portion of the frame portion 621 opens a portion through which the water storage portion 200 passes. On the lower surface of the holding portion 622, mounting bosses 623 are provided at three places. The mounting boss 623 extends downward along the inner surface of the frame portion 621 and slightly protrudes from the lower end portion of the frame portion 621.

A circular opening 624 is formed in the center of the holding portion 622. On the upper surface of the holding portion 622, four lifting portions 625 are provided on the periphery of the opening 624. When the cam member 610 is inserted into the opening 624, each shaft 613 of the cam member 610 is arranged in the elevating portion 625. The upper surface of the lifting portion 625 has a ramp shape in which the shaft 613 can go up and down when the cam member 610 moves in the circumferential direction. In addition, on the upper surface of the holding portion 622, cylindrical guide portions 626 extending upward are provided at four positions, and claw portions 627 protruding upward are provided on the rear side. Furthermore, the holding portion 622 is provided with a detection hole 628 on the front side.

On the bottom surface of the housing 500, elliptical openings 507 curved in the circumferential direction are formed at three positions. The three mounting bosses 623 of the holding member 620 pass through the corresponding openings 507 and are fixed to the bottom surface of the housing 83. As a result, the holding member 620 cannot rotate with respect to the attachment portion 81, and the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, the water storage portion 200, and the housing 500 can rotate with respect to the attachment portion 81 and holding member 620 between the standby position and the operating position. In addition, the cam member 610 is connected to the fixed plate 510 of the housing 500 and therefore rotates together with the fixed plate 510.

The rotation range of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, the water storage unit 200, and the housing 500 is determined by the circumferential length of the opening 507 of the housing 500. When the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, the water storage unit 200, and the housing 500 are in the standby position, one end of the opening 507 contacts the mounting boss 623. When the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, the water storage unit 200, and the housing 500 move to the operating position, the other end of the opening 507 comes into contact with the mounting boss 623, preventing further rotation.

Inside the housing 500, the water tank switching mechanism 700 is arranged above the valve body switching mechanism 600. The water tank switching mechanism 700 switches the position of the water supply water tank 400 between a water stop position where water is not discharged from the water supply water tank 400 and an outlet position where water is discharged from the water supply water tank 400. In the housing 500, the water stop position is above the water discharge position. Like the valve body switching mechanism 600, the water tank switching mechanism 700 does not rotate with respect to the attachment portion 81.

4 and 5, the water tank switching mechanism 700 includes an upper receiving member 710, a lower receiving member 720, a coil spring 730, and a locking device 740. The upper receiving member 710 has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the water supply tank 400, and the upper and lower surfaces are open. The lower receiving member 720 has a circular inverted dish shape with a central portion opened, and is fitted on the outer bottom surface of the upper receiving member 710. The lower receiving member 720 is provided with guide holes 721 into which the four guide portions 626 of the holding member 620 are inserted. The lower receiving member 720 is guided by the guide portion 626 when moving up and down.

The coil spring 730 is disposed between the lower receiving member 720 and the stepped portion 611 of the cam member 610. The coil spring 730 pushes up the upper receiving member 710 and the lower receiving member 720 to the water stop position by its elastic force.

The locking device 740 is mounted on the rear side of the lower receiving member 720 in a downward manner. The claw portion 627 of the holding member 620 is located directly below the locking device 740. The lock device 740 includes a lever 741 having holding pieces on both sides of the tip portion, a housing 742 through which the lever 741 enters and exits, and an alternate mechanism (not shown).

When the upper receiving member 710 and the lower receiving member 720 are pushed down to the water outlet position against the elastic force of the coil spring 730, the holding piece of the rod 741 of the locking device 740 abuts the claw portion 627 of the holding member 620 from above, and the rod 741 is The claw 627 is pushed into the inside of the housing 742. The claw portion 627 is grasped from both sides by the holding piece of the lever 741, and the lever 741 is held inside the housing 742 by the action of the alternating mechanism. As a result, the claw portion 627 does not disengage from the locking device 740, and the upper receiving member 710 and the lower receiving member 720 are locked at the water discharge position.

When the lever 741 is pushed in again by the claw portion 627 from this state, the hold is released by the action of the alternating mechanism, and when the pushing force is released, the tip of the lever 741 protrudes from the housing 742, and the holding piece of the lever 741 is released. Thus, the claw portion 627 is disengaged from the locking device 740. The upper receiving member 710 and the lower receiving member 720 are pushed upward to the water stop position by the elastic force of the coil spring 730.

On the front side of the lower receiving member 720, a sensor mounting portion 722 extending downward is provided at a position corresponding to the detection hole 628 of the holding member 620. A reed switch 801 is mounted on the tip of the sensor mounting part 722. On the other hand, a magnet 802 is attached to the fixing plate 510 of the housing 500. The reed switch 801 and the magnet 802 constitute a detection unit 800.

When the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are in the standby position, the magnet 802 of the fixed plate 510 is located at a position offset from the detection hole 628 of the holding member 620. When the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 move to the operating position, Then it moves to directly below the detection hole 628. When the upper receiving member 710 and the lower receiving member 720, that is, the water supply tank 400 are lowered to the water outlet position, the reed switch 801 is inserted into the detection hole 628. At this time, if the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are in the operating position, the reed switch 801 approaches the magnet 802. As a result, the reception signal is output from the reed switch 801 to the control unit 16, and the control unit 16 can detect that the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are in the operating position and the water supply tank 400 is in the water outlet position.

11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the water supply tank 400.

11, the water supply tank 400 includes a tank body 410 and a cover 420. The water tank body 410 and the cover 420 are formed of a resin material. The cover 420 is provided with an on-off valve mechanism 430.

The water tank body 410 is a substantially cylindrical transparent container, and is formed by screwing the upper container 411 with the lower surface open and the lower container 412 with the upper surface open through the gasket 441 for water sealing. The upper part of the water tank body 410 has a step, and the outer diameter becomes smaller on the lower side of the step. A water inlet/outlet 413 is formed in the center of the bottom surface of the water tank body 410, and a cylindrical connection port 414 is provided around the inlet/outlet 413 so as to protrude downward.

The cover 420 is screwed to the connection port 414 and covers the entrance 413. A gasket 442 for water sealing is sandwiched between the cover 420 and the connection port 414. An outlet 421 is formed on the bottom surface of the cover 420. A protrusion 422 having a hole 422a is provided in the center of the outlet 421. Both sides of the protrusion 422 are connected to the peripheral portion of the outlet 421 by two ribs 423.

The opening and closing valve mechanism 430 includes a valve body 431, a pin 432, and a coil spring 433. The valve body 431 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber. The pin 432 is formed of a metal material or a resin material, and passes through the hole 422a of the protrusion 422 so as to move up and down. A valve body 431 is attached to the upper end of the pin 432. The lower end portion of the pin 432 is larger than the outer diameter of other parts, and constitutes a flange portion 432a, and a coil spring 433 is arranged between the flange portion 432a and the protrusion 422. The coil spring 433 is in a compressed state, the pin 432 is pressed downward by the coil spring 433, and the valve body 431 closes the outlet 421.

A cylindrical discharge port 424 is formed on the outer bottom surface of the cover 420 so as to surround the pin 432. The outlet of the outlet portion 424 is the final outlet 401 of the water supply tank 400.

As shown in FIG. 4, the water supply tank 400 is provided on the upper receiving member 710 of the tank switching mechanism 700 from above. The discharge port portion 424 of the cover 420 is exposed downward from the lower surface opening of the upper receiving member 710 and enters the inside of the cam member 610.

In the fully automatic washing machine 1, washing operations in various operation modes are performed. In the washing operation, the washing process, the intermediate dehydration process, the rinsing process, and the final dehydration process are sequentially performed.

During the washing process and the rinsing process, the pulsator 24 rotates in the right direction and the left direction with the water stored in the washing and dehydrating tub 22. The rotation of the pulsator 24 generates a water flow in the washing and dewatering tub 22. During the washing process, the laundry is washed by the generated water stream and the detergent contained in the water. During the rinsing process, the laundry is rinsed by the generated water flow.

In the intermediate dehydration process and the final dehydration process, the washing dehydration tub 22 and the pulsator 24 integrally rotate at a high speed. By the action of the centrifugal force generated in the washing and dewatering tub 22, the laundry is dehydrated.

Furthermore, in the fully automatic washing machine 1, the cleaning operation of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is performed. When the user is washing the object to be washed, such as a shirt, and the object to be washed partially contains stubborn dirt, the object to be washed is partially cleaned using the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 before washing.

When the cleaning operation has not been performed, as shown in FIG. 3( a ), the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is in a state where the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are located at the standby position. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the water supply tank 400 is held at the water stop position by the tank switching mechanism 700. The valve body 431 is closed, and the washing water is not discharged from the water supply tank 400. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10( a ), the cam member 610 of the valve body switching mechanism 600 moves the lowermost point by positioning the four shafts 613 at the lowermost points of the corresponding lifting portions 625, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, in the water storage unit 200, the operation member 242 of the drainage mechanism 240 is pushed downward by the cam member 610 to move the valve body 241 away from the drainage port 221, and the drainage port 221 is in an open state.

In the case of performing the washing operation, if there is no washing water in the water supply tank 400, the user takes the water supply tank 400 to the outside and turns it over, and opens the lower container 412. The user adds water and liquid detergent into the water supply tank 400, closes the lower container 412, and gently shakes the water supply tank 400 to mix the liquid detergent and water. Thus, washing water is generated in the water supply tank 400. After that, the user throws the water supply tank 400 into the main body 300 again.

Furthermore, the user rotates the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 toward the inlet 14 and moves the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 to the operating position as shown in FIG. 3( b ). Then, the user pushes the water supply tank 400 downward. The water supply tank 400 descends and reaches the water outlet position. The water supply tank 400 is maintained at the water outlet position by the tank switching mechanism 700.

12 is a main cross-sectional view of the peripheral portion of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are in the operating position and the water supply tank 400 is in the water outlet position.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the water supply tank 400 is lowered to the water discharge position, the pin 432 of the water supply tank 400 touches the protrusion 245 of the operation member 242 and is pushed up against the urging force of the coil spring 433. As a result, the valve body 431 leaves the outlet 421 and the outlet 421 is opened, and the washing water in the water supply tank 400 is discharged from the outlet 401. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10( b ), the cam member 610 of the valve body switching mechanism 600 moves the uppermost point by positioning the four shafts 613 at the uppermost points of the corresponding elevating portions 625, respectively. Therefore, in the water storage section 200, the operation member 242 of the drainage mechanism 240 is released from the pressing of the cam member 610, and is pushed up by the elastic force of the coil spring 243. As a result, the valve body 241 closes the drain port 221, and the drain port 221 is in a closed state.

The washing water discharged from the water supply tank 400 is received by the water supply tank 220 and sent to the water storage tank 210 through the water supply tank 230. When washing water is stored in the water storage tank 210, the water level in the water supply tank 220 rises together with the water level in the water storage tank 210. As shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 12, when the water level in the water supply tank 220 rises to the height of the outlet 401 of the water supply tank 400, and the outlet 401 is blocked by the washing water, the air pressure in the water supply tank 400 is The balance of the air pressure keeps the valve body 431 open, and the water supply from the water supply tank 400 is stopped.

When washing water is stored in the water storage tank 210, the user places the dirt attachment portion of the object to be cleaned, such as the collar portion of the shirt, on the water storage tank 210, that is, the water storage tank 210 and the ultrasonic generator 110 from the front of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 Between the vibration horn 112.

At this time, in the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, the position of the guide portion 132 of the cover 130 and the position of the tip end portion of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 are aligned in the front-rear direction, and therefore, the guide portion 132 becomes a mark, so that the user It is easy to grasp the position of the tip of the vibration horn 112. On the other hand, the user usually observes the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 provided on the upper panel 12 from diagonally above. Therefore, it is difficult to confirm the gap between the ultrasonic generator 110 and the water storage tank 210.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the user contacts dirt adhering portions such as collars and cuffs with the guide surface 135 of the guide portion 132 and moves downward and rearward along the guide surface 135 to reach the front end surface 112a of the vibration horn 112 s position. At this time, the lower end of the guide portion 132 extends downward from the lower end of the cover body 131, and covers the front of the front end portion of the vibration horn 112 exposed from the cover body 131. Therefore, the dirt adhering portion guided by the guide portion 132 is less likely to be caught by the corner of the tip portion of the vibration horn 112, and damage or the like is less likely to occur. In addition, by the guidance of the guide portion 132, the dirt attachment portion is positioned at an appropriate height position that is almost in contact with the tip surface 112a of the vibration horn 112, and is not too far from the tip surface 112a of the vibration horn 112.

The dirt adhering portion of the object to be cleaned is soaked with the washing water stored in the water storage tank 210, and the washing water that has penetrated into the object to be washed permeates the surface. A thin water layer is formed on the surface of the object to be cleaned, and the vibration horn 112 is in contact with the water layer. It should be noted that when the object to be cleaned absorbs water, the water level in the water storage tank 210 drops and the water level in the water supply tank 220 drops, and the outlet 401 of the water supply tank 400 is not blocked by the cleaning water, from the water supply tank 400 to the water supply tank 220 is the replenishment of the washing water in the water storage tank 210 until the discharge port 401 is blocked again by the washing water. Thereby, the water level in the water storage tank 210, that is, the amount of water is maintained in an appropriate state.

In order to start the cleaning operation, the user performs a predetermined start operation.

When the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are in the operating position and the water supply tank 400 is in the water discharge position, this state is detected by the detection unit 800, and the reed switch 801 of the detection unit 800 outputs an on signal to the control unit 16 . In this case, the control unit 16 energizes the ultrasonic transducer 111 to operate the ultrasonic generator 110. Thus, the cleaning operation is started.

It should be noted that, at least when the water supply tank 400 is located at the rest position or the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are located at the standby position, that is, washing water is not supplied from the water supply tank 400 or washing water is supplied but from the drain port 221 In the case of discharge, the reed switch 801 does not output an on signal. Therefore, the control unit 16 does not energize the ultrasound vibrator 111 and does not operate the ultrasound generator 110. Therefore, the cleaning operation will not be started when the cleaning operation is not ready.

When the cleaning operation is started and the ultrasonic generator 110 is operated, the two LEDs 145 of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 are lit by the control unit 16. Thus, the entire cover 130 emits light. Thus, the user can easily understand that the ultrasonic generator 110 is working, that is, the cleaning operation is in progress.

13( a) to (c) are diagrams for explaining decontamination of the object to be cleaned by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

When the ultrasonic generating body 110 operates, ultrasonic waves are generated from the tip of the vibration horn 112, and the ultrasonic vibration is transmitted to the cleaning water inside the object to be cleaned through the cleaning water around the vibration horn 112. As shown in (a) of FIG. 13, inside the object to be cleaned, decompression and pressurization are alternately generated by the action of ultrasonic vibration, and a vacuum cavity is generated in a portion where the pressure becomes lower. That is, there are many cavities in the contaminated part of the object to be cleaned. Next, as shown in (b) of FIG. 13, when the pressure of the cavity portion becomes high and the cavity is broken by the pressure and fragmented, a shock wave is generated on the contaminated portion of the object to be cleaned. This shock wave separates the dirt from the object to be cleaned. As shown in FIG. 13(c), the ultrasonic vibration from the vibration horn 112 generates a water flow from the inside of the object to be cleaned toward the water storage tank 210, and the dirt separated from the object to be cleaned is discharged to the water storage tank by the water flow Within 210. In the water storage tank 210, convection is caused by the above-mentioned water flow, and therefore, dirt is easily peeled off from the object to be cleaned. Furthermore, due to the action of the detergent contained in the washing water, the dirt is easily peeled off from the object to be cleaned, and the dirt is not easily attached to the object to be cleaned. In this way, dirt is removed from the object to be cleaned.

When the cleaning of the object to be cleaned is completed, the user performs a predetermined end operation to end the cleaning operation. The control unit 16 stops the operation of the ultrasonic generator 110 and ends the cleaning operation.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, by placing the dirt attachment portion of the object to be cleaned not too far from the top end surface 112 a of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generating body 110, the ultrasonic vibration from the vibration horn 112 is effective It acts on the attached part of dirt and is easy to decontaminate.

When the new washing operation is not continued, the user gently presses the water supply tank 400 downward with his finger. When the finger leaves the water supply tank 400, the locking device 740 disengages from the claw portion 627, and the water supply tank 400 moves to the water stop position together with the upper receiving member 710. The pin 432 moves downward, the outlet 421 is blocked by the valve body 431, and the water supply from the water supply tank 400 is not performed.

Then, the user turns the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 to the installation unit 80 side, and moves the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 to the standby position as shown in FIG. 3( a ). As described above, the drain port 221 of the water storage unit 200 is opened at the standby position (see FIG. 4 ). Thus, the washing water stored in the water storage tank 210 and the water supply tank 220 is discharged through the drain port 221. The water discharged from the drain port 221 is discharged to the drain port 20 a of the outer tub 20 through the drain receiving portion 71 of the drain unit 70 and the hose 72.

Sometimes, the user may want to discard the washing water remaining in the water supply tank 400 after the washing operation is completed. In this case, although the user can take out the water supply tank 400 from the main body 300 and take it to a waste place such as a washbasin, and remove the cover 420 to discharge the washing water of the water supply tank 400 to the waste place, such operation is troublesome.

In this embodiment, the user can discard the washing water of the water supply tank 400 without removing the water supply tank 400 from the main body 300. Therefore, in a state where the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are at the standby position, the user pushes the water supply tank 400 located at the water stop position downward to reach the water discharge position.

Fig. 14 is a main cross-sectional view of the peripheral portion of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are in the standby position and the water supply tank 400 is in the water outlet position.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the water supply tank 400 is lowered to the outlet position, the pin 432 of the water supply tank 400 touches the protrusion 245 of the operation member 242 and is pushed up against the urging force of the coil spring 433. As a result, the valve body 431 leaves the outlet 421 to open the outlet 421, and the washing water in the water supply tank 400 is discharged from the outlet 401. It should be noted that when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are in the standby position, the operating member 242 is pushed down by the cam member 610. Therefore, the position of the protrusion 245 is in operation than the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200. The location is low. Therefore, the amount of movement of the pin 432 becomes smaller compared to when water is supplied to the water storage tank 210, so the gap between the valve body 431 and the outlet 421 becomes smaller, and the flow rate discharged from the outlet 401 becomes smaller. The washing water discharged from the water supply tank 400 is received by the water supply tank 220 and discharged from the drain port 221 to flow to the drain unit 70.

In this way, the user can discard the washing water remaining in the water supply tank 400 without removing the water supply tank 400 from the main body 300.

In the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, during the repeated cleaning operation, dirt may enter the lid 130 from the opening of the lid 130, and the dirt may adhere to the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasound generator 110 inside the lid 130. In this embodiment, the cover 130 can be attached to and detached from the housing 120, so that the user can remove the cover 130 from the housing 120 to clean the vibration horn 112.

In addition, during the repeated washing operation, the water storage tank 210 and the water supply tank 220 may be contaminated. In this embodiment, the water storage unit 200 can be attached to and detached from the main body 300, so that the user can remove the water storage unit 200 from the main body 300, and clean the water storage tank 210 and the water supply tank 220. In addition, since the water storage part 200 is accommodated in the storage part 82 when it is in a standby position, the water storage part 200 cannot be detached from the body part 300. Therefore, when the user removes the water storage unit 200 from the main body unit 300, the user moves the water storage unit 200 to a position away from the storage unit 82, for example, an operation position.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the cover 130 covering the portion of the distal end side of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic wave generator 110 is provided with the guide portion 132, so that the user can guide the object to be cleaned easily by the guide portion 132 The attached portion of dirt is placed between the top end surface 112a of the vibration horn 112 and the water storage tank 210.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the guide portion 132 is provided with the guide surface 135 inclined so as to be closer to the ultrasonic generating body 110 as it approaches the water storage tank 210, so that the user only needs to press the dirt adhered portion of the object to be guided to the guide On the surface 135 and along the guide surface 135, the top surface 112a of the vibration horn 112 and the water storage tank 210 can be reached.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the cover 130 is detachably attached to the housing 120, so that the user can detach the cover 130 to clean the portion on the tip side of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generating body 110.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the dirt adhering portion is guided by the guide portion 132, the position of the guide portion 132 coincides with the position of the ultrasonic generating body 110, so the guide portion 132 becomes a mark, and the user can easily confirm The position of the ultrasonic generating body 110.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the lower end of the guide portion 132 is located below the lower end of the cover body 131, and therefore, the lower end portion of the guide portion 132 can cover the cover body 131 in the direction in which the dirt adhesion portion is guided by the guide portion 132 The tip portion of the exposed vibration horn 112. As a result, the dirt adhering portion guided by the guide portion 132 is less likely to be caught by the corner of the tip portion of the vibration horn 112, and damage or the like is less likely to occur.

In the above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited by the above-mentioned embodiments, and the embodiments of the present invention may be variously modified in addition to the above.

For example, in the above embodiment, the cover 130 is detachably attached to the housing 120. However, the cover 130 and the housing 120 may be formed integrally.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the position of the lower end of the guide portion 132 is set substantially in the same plane as the position of the front end surface 112 a of the vibration horn 112. However, the position of the lower end of the guide portion 132 may be slightly lower or slightly higher than the position of the front end surface 112a of the vibration horn 112.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the light receiving portion 133 of the cover 130 is provided with the hole 136 and the light receiving portion 133 is fitted into the recess 144 of the housing 120, the LED 145 is fitted into the hole 136. However, it is also possible to adopt a structure in which the hole 136 is not formed in the light-receiving part 133 and the LED 145 contacts or comes close to the upper surface of the light-receiving part 133.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is provided in the fully automatic washing machine 1. However, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may be installed in a washing machine other than the fully automatic washing machine 1, for example, a drum washing machine. In addition, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may be installed in, for example, a fully automatic integrated washing and drying machine having a drying function or a drum-type integrated washing and drying machine. In a drum washing machine and a drum-type washer-dryer, a washing tub is composed of an outer tub and a drum disposed in the outer tub.

In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately modified in various ways within the scope of the technical idea shown in the technical solutions.

Claims

An ultrasonic cleaning device is characterized by:

Ultrasonic wave generating body, generating ultrasonic waves;

A water storage tank, which is arranged below the ultrasonic generating body and stores water for soaking the object to be cleaned; and

The exterior body, which contains the ultrasonic generating body,

The exterior body includes:

A covering portion that covers a portion of the ultrasonic generating body on the tip side such that the tip portion is exposed; and

The guide portion is provided on the side surface of the covering portion, and guides the dirt adhering portion of the object to be cleaned between the distal end surface of the ultrasonic wave generating body and the water storage tank.
The ultrasonic cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein

The guide portion is provided with a guide surface that is inclined so as to approach the ultrasonic wave generating body as it approaches the water storage tank, so that the dirt adhesion portion follows.
The ultrasonic cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

The exterior body includes:

A housing that accommodates a portion other than the tip side portion of the ultrasound generator; and

The cover, including the cover portion and the guide portion, is detachably attached to the housing.
The ultrasonic cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

In the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the dirt adhesion portion is guided by the guide portion, the position of the guide portion coincides with the position of the ultrasonic wave generating body.
The ultrasonic cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

The lower end of the guide portion is located below the lower end of the cover portion.
A washing machine characterized by:

Washing bucket, used to contain and wash the laundry;

An upper panel having an input port for inputting laundry into the washing tub; and

The ultrasonic cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, is attached to the upper panel.