CN115884836A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a washing machine which can detect the water level in a storage part with high precision to stabilize the water supply amount of water supplied to the storage part. The full-automatic washing machine is provided with: an ultrasonic generator for generating ultrasonic waves; a water storage barrel which is positioned below the ultrasonic generator and stores water for soaking the cleaned object; a storage tank (60) for storing water containing detergent to be supplied to the water storage tub; an automatic feeding mechanism for supplying water containing detergent into the storage tank (60); and a water level detection unit (700) that detects the water level in the storage tank (60). The water level detection unit (700) includes a pair of electrode terminals (710, 720) extending downward from the top surface of the storage tank (60), and of the pair of electrode terminals (710, 720), the first electrode terminal (710) is longer than the second electrode terminal (720).

Description

Washing machine Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Background

Patent document 1 describes a washing machine in which an ultrasonic cleaning device is disposed on the upper panel around a laundry inlet, for example, on the front side of the laundry inlet. The ultrasonic cleaning device is provided with a water storage barrel capable of storing water and an ultrasonic generating unit with an ultrasonic generator positioned right above the water storage barrel. A dirt adhering portion of an object to be cleaned is placed in a water storage tank storing water, and a cleaning operation is started. Ultrasonic energy generated by the ultrasonic generator acts on the dirt-adhering portion into which water has permeated, to peel off the dirt.

The washing machine is provided with a water supply unit for supplying water to the water storage barrel. The water supply unit includes a water supply valve connected to the water tap, and supplies water to the water storage tub when the water supply valve is opened.

In the above-described washing machine, in order to further improve the washing effect of the object to be washed by the ultrasonic washing apparatus, it is conceivable to store water containing a detergent as washing water in the water storage tub. In such a case, a structure may be employed in which the detergent and water are supplied into a storage part provided separately from the water storage tub to generate washing water, and the generated washing water is supplied to the water storage tub.

In the case of such a configuration, the amount of water supplied to the storage unit needs to be stabilized to reduce variation in detergent concentration in the washing water.

Documents of the prior art

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2018-68435

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of stabilizing the amount of water supplied to a storage by detecting the water level in the storage with high accuracy.

Means for solving the problems

The washing machine of the main scheme of the invention comprises: an ultrasonic generator for generating ultrasonic waves; a water storage barrel which is positioned below the ultrasonic generator and stores water for soaking the cleaned object; a storage unit for storing water containing detergent to be supplied to the water storage tub; a supply unit configured to supply at least water into the storage unit; and a water level detection unit for detecting the water level in the storage unit. The water level detection unit includes a pair of electrode terminals extending downward from a top surface of the storage unit, and one of the electrode terminals is longer than the other electrode terminal.

According to the washing machine of the present invention, the position of the tip of one electrode terminal can be made lower than the position of the tip of the other electrode terminal, so that the one electrode terminal can be brought into contact with the water in the storage section from a state in which the water level in the storage section is lower than the water level detected by the water level detection section. This stabilizes the contact between one of the electrode terminals and water even when the water surface fluctuates. Therefore, the time of detecting the water level is not likely to fluctuate, and the water level in the storage portion can be detected with high accuracy.

In the washing machine according to the present aspect, the storage unit may have a dimension in a first direction larger than a dimension in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from above. In this case, the pair of electrode terminals may be arranged in the first direction.

According to the above configuration, since the distance between the pair of electrode terminals can be increased, even if the detergent bubbles at a part of the water surface when the water is supplied to the storage unit, both the electrode terminals are less likely to come into contact with the bubbles. Thus, the water level is not likely to be erroneously detected due to the pair of electrode terminals being brought into a conductive state by contact with the bubble, and the accuracy of detecting the water level can be improved.

In the washing machine according to the present aspect, the storage unit may include an inflow port into which water from the supply unit flows. In this case, the inflow port may be located on the opposite side of the one electrode terminal from the other electrode terminal in the direction in which the pair of electrode terminals are aligned.

According to the above configuration, when water flows in from the inlet, one electrode terminal is on the upstream side of the water flow, and the other electrode terminal is on the downstream side of the water flow. Since the downstream side tends to be more gentle than the upstream side, the other electrode terminal is likely to be in stable contact with water. Therefore, the time of detecting the water level is less likely to fluctuate, and the water level in the reservoir can be detected with higher accuracy.

In the washing machine of the present aspect, the retention part may have a structure including a first tank (tank) into which water from the supply part flows and a second tank connected to the first tank at a lower portion thereof. In this case, the pair of electrode terminals may be disposed in the second case.

According to the above configuration, the second tank has less fluctuation of the water surface than the first tank into which the water from the supply unit directly flows. According to the above configuration, since the pair of electrode terminals is disposed in the second tank, the water level in the reservoir can be detected with higher accuracy without causing fluctuation at the time of detecting the water level.

In the case of the above configuration, the storage unit may be divided into the first tank and the second tank with a supply valve interposed therebetween. In this case, the supply valve may comprise two inlets. Further, an outflow port of water from the first tank and an outflow port of water from the second tank may be connected to the two inlets.

With this configuration, since the water containing the detergent can be discharged from the first tank and the second tank through the supply valves, respectively, the water containing the detergent can be smoothly supplied from the storage portion to the water storage tub. In addition, the water flowing into the first tank from the inlet can flow into the second tank through the supply valve and be stored in the second tank.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine capable of stabilizing the amount of water supplied to a storage part by detecting the water level in the storage part with high accuracy.

The effects and significance of the present invention will be further apparent from the following description of the embodiments. However, the following embodiments are merely examples for carrying out the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments.

Drawings

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

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the water supply unit of the embodiment.

Fig. 3 (a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus and the upper panel in the operating position of the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the water storage unit according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 (b) and 3 (c) are perspective views of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus and the main portion of the upper panel in the standby position of the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the water storage unit according to the embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the embodiment with the water storage unit removed.

Fig. 5 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the main body unit according to the embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the inverted water storage unit of the embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, the storage tank, the supply valve, the supply nozzle, and the drain receiving portion in the case where the ultrasonic cleaning portion and the water storage portion of the embodiment are located at the standby position.

Fig. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device, the storage tank, the supply valve, the supply nozzle, and the drain receiving portion in the embodiment when the ultrasonic cleaning portion and the water storage portion are at the operation position.

Fig. 9 (a) and 9 (b) are a perspective view and a front cross-sectional view of the storage tank, the supply valve, and the supply nozzle of the embodiment.

Fig. 10 (a) to (c) are diagrams for explaining the decontamination of the object to be cleaned by the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the embodiment.

Description of the reference numerals

1: full automatic washing machines (washing machines); 50: an ultrasonic cleaning device; 60: a storage tank (storage section); 61: a first tank; 62: a second tank; 64: an outflow port; 65: an outflow port; 66: an inflow port; 90: an automatic dispensing mechanism (supply unit); 100: an ultrasonic cleaning section; 110: an ultrasonic generator; 200: a water storage part; 210: a water storage barrel; 400: a supply valve; 411. 412: an inlet; 700: a water level detection unit; 710: a first electrode terminal (one electrode terminal); 720: a second electrode terminal (the other electrode terminal).

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a washing machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

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

The full automatic washing machine 1 includes a casing 10 constituting an outer contour. The case 10 includes: a square cylindrical body part 11 with open upper and lower surfaces; an upper panel 12 covering an upper surface of the body section 11; and a footstool 13 for supporting the body part 11. An inlet 14 for laundry is formed in the upper panel 12. The inlet 14 is covered with an upper cover 15 that can be opened and closed. A control unit 16 is disposed inside the front portion of the upper panel 12. The control unit 16 is constituted by a microcomputer or the like, and controls the washing operation of the fully automatic washing machine 1 and the washing operation of the ultrasonic washing device 50 described later.

In the casing 10, an outer tub 20 having an upper surface opening is elastically suspended and supported by four suspension rods 21 having a vibration isolator. A washing and dehydrating tub 22 having an open upper surface is provided in the outer tub 20. The washing and spin-drying tub 22 rotates around a rotation shaft extending in a vertical direction. A plurality of dewatering holes 22a are formed over the entire circumference on the inner circumferential surface of the washing and dewatering tub 22. A balancing ring 23 is provided at the upper part of the washing and dehydrating tub 22. The bottom of the washing and dehydrating tub 22 is provided with a pulsator 24. A plurality of blades 24a are radially provided on the surface of the pulsator 24.

A driving unit 30 generating a torque for driving the washing and dehydrating tub 22 and the pulsator 24 is provided at an outer bottom of the outer tub 20. The drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism portion 32. The transmission mechanism unit 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a, and by a switching operation by the clutch mechanism 32a, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to only the pulsator 24 to rotate only the pulsator 24 in the washing process and the rinsing process, and the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and the washing and dewatering tub 22 to rotate the pulsator 24 and the washing and dewatering tub 22 integrally in the dewatering process.

A drain port 20a is formed at an outer bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain valve 40 is provided in the drain port portion 20a. The drain valve 40 is connected to a drain hose 41. When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water accumulated in the washing and dehydrating tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is drained out of the machine through the drain hose 41.

A overflow hole 20b is formed at an upper portion of the outer tub 20. When water is stored in the tub 20 at a level equal to or higher than a predetermined overflow level, the water is discharged from the overflow port 20b. An overflow receiving portion 25 is provided on an outer surface of the outer tub 20 so as to cover the overflow vent 20b. One end of an overflow pipe 26 is connected to the bottom of the overflow receiving portion 25. The other end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to a drain hose 41. The water discharged from the overflow port 20b is received by the overflow receiving portion 25 and then flows through the overflow pipe 26 to the drain hose 41.

An ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is disposed substantially at the center of the rear portion of the upper panel 12. The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 mainly performs a cleaning operation for removing sebum dirt adhering to the cuff or collar portion of a shirt, dirt adhering to work clothes, and other dirt locally adhering to an object to be cleaned, before the full-automatic washing machine 1 performs washing.

In the rear portion of the upper panel 12, a storage tank 60 is disposed behind the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, and a drain receiver 70 is disposed below the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The storage tank 60 stores therein water containing a detergent to be supplied to the water storage tub 210 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The water containing the detergent is hereinafter referred to as "washing water".

The drain receiving portion 70 receives water drained from the water storage tub 210. The drain receiving portion 70 is formed with a drain hole 71 through which the received water is drained. One end of a drain pipe 72 is connected to the drain hole 71. The other end of the drain pipe 72 is connected to the upper portion of the overflow pipe 26.

A water supply unit 80 for supplying tap water into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 is provided at the rear of the upper panel 12.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the water supply unit 80.

The water supply unit 80 has a water supply valve 81. The water supply valve 81 is a so-called double valve having a main valve 82 and a sub valve 83 as electromagnetic valves. The water inlet 81a of the water supply valve 81 is connected to a faucet through a water supply hose not shown. A main water supply line 84 is connected to an outlet of the main valve 82 of the water supply valve 81. The main water supply path 84 has a water inlet 84a located at an upper portion of the washing and dehydrating tub 22.

The water supply unit 80 includes an automatic dispensing mechanism 90 for automatically dispensing a liquid detergent, which is a kind of liquid agent for washing, into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. The automatic dispensing mechanism 90 also has a function of supplying washing water to the storage tank 60. The automatic dispensing mechanism 90 corresponds to the supply unit of the present invention.

The automatic dispensing mechanism 90 includes a detergent box 91, a supply pipe 92, a first three-way valve 93, a sub-water supply path 94, a supply pump 95, a detergent supply path 96, a second three-way valve 97, and a washing water supply path 98. The sub-valve 83 of the water supply valve 81 is also included in the automatic dispensing mechanism 90.

The liquid detergent is stored in the detergent box 91 in a stock solution state. The supply pipe 92 guides the liquid detergent of the detergent box 91 to one inlet of the first three-way valve 93.

The sub water supply passage 94 is connected to an outlet of the sub valve 83 and an inlet of the other of the first three-way valves 93.

A supply pump 95 is connected to an outlet of the first three-way valve 93, and a detergent supply path 96 is connected to the supply pump 95. The detergent supply path 96 has a supply port 96a located at an upper portion of the washing and dehydrating tub 22. The supply pump 95 may be a piston pump, for example.

The first three-way valve 93 is switchable between a state in which the supply pipe 92 communicates with the supply pump 95 and a state in which the sub water supply passage 94 communicates with the supply pump 95.

The detergent supply path 96 is provided with a second three-way valve 97. An upstream supply path 96b of the detergent supply path 96 is connected to an inlet of the second three-way valve 97, and a downstream supply path 96c of the detergent supply path 96 is connected to one outlet of the second three-way valve 97. One end of a cleaning water supply line 98 is connected to the other outlet of the second three-way valve 97. The other end of the cleaning water supply line 98 is connected to the storage tank 60.

The second three-way valve 97 is switchable between a state in which the upstream side supply path 96b and the downstream side supply path 96c are communicated and a state in which the upstream side supply path 96b and the washing water supply path 98 are communicated.

Next, the structure of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 and the structure of the periphery of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 including the storage tank 60 and the drain receiving portion 70 will be described in detail.

Fig. 3 (a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 and the top panel 12 when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are located at the operating position. Fig. 3 (b) and 3 (c) are perspective views of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 and the main part of the top panel 12 when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are located at the standby position. In fig. 3 (c), the cover 19 is not shown in order to see the inside of the housing 17.

The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 includes an ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, a water reservoir 200, and a main body 300. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 includes an ultrasonic generator 110 that generates ultrasonic waves. The main body 300 holds the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100. The water reservoir 200 is attached to the main body 300 below the ultrasonic wave generator 110. The water storage unit 200 is provided with a water storage tub 210 for storing washing water. The water storage portion 200 can be pulled out forward from the main body 300 by a detachment operation performed by a user.

A storage portion 17 for storing the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 is provided in a central portion of the rear portion of the upper panel 12. The upper panel 12 opens in front of the housing 17 as an entrance 18. A cover 19 having a substantially square shape and having translucency is provided at the doorway 18.

As shown in fig. 3 (a), when the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 is used for the cleaning operation, the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 is in the following state: ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and water storage unit 200, that is, ultrasonic generator 110 and water storage tub 210 are drawn out forward from storage unit 17 and protrude inward of inlet 14 of upper panel 12. Substantially the entirety of the cover 19 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 17. The positions of ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and water storage unit 200 at this time are the operating positions.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 3 (b) and (c), when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is not used and the cleaning operation is not performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is in a state in which the ultrasonic cleaning portion 100 and the water storage portion 200 are accommodated in the accommodating portion 17. The entrance 18 of the housing 17 is closed by a cover 19, and the front of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is covered by the cover 19. At this time, the lower end of the cover 19 abuts against the base end portion of the handle 201 provided in the water storage portion 200. The handle 201 protrudes forward from the cover 19. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are at the standby position.

An interlocking mechanism, not shown, is provided inside the upper panel 12 to interlock the cover 19 with the movement of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200. When ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and water storage unit 200 are housed in housing unit 17, cover 19 moves from the housing position housed in housing unit 17 to the closing position closing access opening 18, and when ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and water storage unit 200 are pulled out from housing unit 17, cover 19 moves from the closing position to the housing position.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 with the water storage unit 200 removed. Fig. 5 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the main body 300. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the inverted water reservoir 200.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 includes an ultrasonic generator 110, a housing 120, and a cover 130.

The ultrasonic wave generator 110 includes: an ultrasonic transducer 111; a vibration horn 112 coupled to the ultrasonic transducer 111; and a head 113 positioned above the ultrasonic transducer 111, the head 113 and the vibration horn 112 being separated by the ultrasonic transducer 111. The vibration horn 112 is formed of a metal material having conductivity, and has a shape that is tapered as it goes toward the tip end side. The distal end surface 112a of the vibration horn 112 is formed in an elongated rectangular shape. A flange portion 112b is formed at the upper end portion of the vibration horn 112. A buffer member 114 formed of rubber or the like is attached to the vibration horn 112 so as to cover the flange portion 112b. The ultrasonic transducer 111, the vibration horn 112, and the head 113 are coupled by a bolt 115.

The ultrasonic generator 110 generates ultrasonic waves from the distal end of the vibration horn 112 by high-frequency vibration of the ultrasonic transducer 111.

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

The housing 120 is formed by combining a lower member 140 having an opened upper surface and an upper member 150 having an opened lower surface. A metal reinforcing plate 160 is attached to the lower member 140. The lower member 140 is provided with lower mounting holes 141 and lower mounting bosses 142, and the upper member 150 is provided with upper mounting bosses 151 corresponding to the lower mounting holes 141 and upper mounting holes 152 corresponding to the lower mounting bosses 142. The screw 171 passing through the lower mounting hole 141 is fixed to the upper mounting boss 151, and the screw 171 passing through the upper mounting hole 152 is fixed to the lower mounting boss 142. Thereby, the lower member 140 is combined with the upper member 150. The front end 120a of the housing 120 is formed by the lower member 140.

The lower member 140 is provided with mounting bosses 143 at the front and rear of the opening 121. Further, the periphery of the opening 121 of the lower member 140 is formed as an insertion opening 144 into which the cap 130 is inserted.

The ultrasonic generator 110 is attached to the lower member 140, and the flange portion 112b thereof is pressed from above by the frame-shaped fixing member 180. The fixing member 180 includes a tubular main body 181 having a shape corresponding to the upper portion of the ultrasonic generator 110, and mounting portions 182 and 183 provided on both front and rear sides of the main body 181. The mounting portions 182 and 183 have mounting holes 182a and 183a, respectively.

The fixing member 180 is inserted through the upper portion of the ultrasonic generator 110 from above, is disposed on the front and rear mounting bosses 143, and is fixed to the mounting bosses 143 by screws 172. Thereby, the ultrasonic generator 110 is fixed in the housing 120. The portion of the vibration horn 112 on the distal end side protrudes downward from the opening 121 of the housing 120. The buffer member 114 is interposed between the flange 112b of the ultrasonic generator 110 and the lower member 140 and the fixing member 180, and suppresses propagation of vibration to the housing 120.

In the fixing member 180, a claw portion 182a is formed on the mounting portion 182, and the claw portion 182a is engaged with the engaging piece 153 of the upper member 150 from above. Thereby, the lower member 140 and the upper member 150 become not easily separated at the front side of the housing 100.

The cover 130 is detachably attached to the front end portion 120a of the housing 120, covering the portion of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 exposed from the housing 120.

The cover 130 has a structure in which a cover main body 131 and a guide portion 132 are integrally formed of a resin material. The cover main body 131 has a cylindrical shape in which the front-rear left-right width is narrowed as it goes downward, and covers a portion of the ultrasonic generator 110 on the distal end side of the vibration horn 112 so that the distal end portion thereof is exposed.

The guide 132 is provided at the center of the front surface of the cover main body 131 in the left-right direction so as to protrude forward, and has a flat shape in the left-right direction. A guide surface 133 inclined in a downward direction obliquely rearward and bent to be horizontal at a lower end portion is provided at a lower portion of the guide portion 132. The lower end of the guide 132 is located below the lower end of the cover main body 131.

The cover 130 is attached to the insertion port portion 144 of the housing 120 from below. At this time, the protrusions, not shown, provided on the left and right of the fitting opening portion 144 are fitted into the recesses, not shown, provided on the left and right of the cap body 131. Thereby, the cap 130 is not detached from the fitting opening portion 144.

As shown in fig. 5, in a state where the cover 130 is attached to the housing 120, the front end portion of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 is slightly exposed from the cover main body 131. Further, the lower end of the guide portion 132 of the cap 130 is almost coplanar with the front end surface 112a of the vibration horn 112. Further, the guide surface 133 of the guide portion 132 is inclined so as to approach the vibration horn 112 as approaching the water storage tub 210. The position of the guide portion 132 coincides with the position of the distal end portion of the vibration horn 112 in the left-right direction, that is, the direction orthogonal to the front direction of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the main body 300 has a substantially square shape in front view. The right and left lower ends of the main body 300 are provided with guide rail portions 301 extending forward. Further, the body 300 has an opening 302 formed on the left side through which the rear portion of the water storage portion 200 and the supply nozzle 500 pass, and an insertion opening 303 formed adjacent to the right side of the opening 302 into which the claw portion 241 of the lock mechanism 240 is inserted. The rear part 120b of the housing 120 of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is fixed to the upper part of the main body 300.

Referring to fig. 4 and 6, the water storage unit 200 is formed of a resin material and has a shape slightly longer in the front-rear direction, flat in the vertical direction, and with the left side portion projecting rearward from the right side portion. A handle 201 having an arc-shaped front surface is formed integrally with water storage unit 200 on the front surface of water storage unit 200. The user grips the handle 201 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is inserted into and removed from the housing portion 17 and when the water storage portion 200 is attached to and detached from the main body portion 300.

A water storage tub 210 having a shape following the shape of the water storage part 200 is formed on the upper surface of the water storage part 200. The water storage tub 210 has its inner peripheral surface inclined so as to expand upward. The water storage tub 210 has a circular water discharge port 211 formed in a lower portion of a rear surface thereof.

The water storage unit 200 is provided with a valve body 220 for closing the water discharge port 211, and a valve switching mechanism 230 for switching between a closed state in which the valve body 220 is closed and an open state in which the valve body 220 is opened.

The valve body 220 is formed of a resin material and has a substantially cylindrical shape. Valve body 220 has O-ring 221 on its peripheral surface, and drain port 211 is closed from the front by fitting O-ring 221 to the peripheral edge of drain port 211.

The valve switching mechanism 230 includes a valve movable member 231, an operation unit 232, and a spring 233. The valve movable member 231 and the operation portion 232 are integrally formed of a resin material.

The valve movable member 231 is disposed on the back side of the water storage unit 200 so as to be movable in the front-back direction, i.e., the opening/closing direction of the valve body 220. The rear end 231a of the valve movable member 231 protrudes rearward from the water storage unit 200. On the rear side of the water reservoir 200, the valve body 220 is connected to a rear end 231a of the valve movable member 231.

The operation portion 232 is provided at the distal end 231b of the valve movable member 231. The operation unit 232 faces outward from an operation window 202 provided on the left side surface of the water storage unit 200. The spring 233 biases the valve movable member 231 rearward, i.e., in the closing direction of the valve body 220.

A lock mechanism 240 for fixing the water storage portion 200 attached to the main body 300 so as not to be separated forward is provided at the rear portion of the water storage portion 200. The locking mechanism 240 has a pawl portion 241 and a button 242. The claw portion 241 is biased upward by a spring, not shown, and moves downward when the push button 242 is pressed down, and returns to the original position when the push button 242 is released.

The water storage portion 200 is attached to the main body portion 300 from the front. Insertion portions 203 are provided on the right and left end portions of the back side of the water storage portion 200, and the water storage portion 200 is guided by the left and right guide rail portions 301 of the main body 300 by inserting these insertion portions 203. The left rear portion of the water storage portion 200 passes through the opening 302 of the main body 300. The claw portion 241 of the lock mechanism 240 is pressed down against the upper edge of the insertion port 303 of the main body 300 and passes through the insertion port 303. When the water storage portion 200 is completely attached to the main body 300, the claw portion 241 engages with the upper edge of the insertion port 303 on the back side of the main body 300. This prevents the water storage unit 200 from being separated forward from the main body 300. When the water storage portion 200 is detached from the main body 300, the button 242 of the lock mechanism 240 is pressed, and the claw portion 241 is lowered. This releases the engagement between the claw portion 241 and the upper edge of the insertion port 303. By pulling the water storage portion 200 forward, the water storage portion 200 is detached from the main body 300.

In a state where the reservoir part 200 is attached to the main body part 300, the position of the distal end surface 112a of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 is slightly lower than the position of the upper surface of the reservoir barrel 210, and the distal end portion of the vibration horn 112 enters slightly into the reservoir barrel 210.

Fig. 7 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50, the storage tank 60, the supply valve 400, the supply nozzle 500, and the drain receiving portion 70 when the ultrasonic cleaning portion 100 and the water storage portion 200 are located at the standby position. Fig. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the storage tank 60, the supply valve 400, the supply nozzle 500, and the drain receiving portion 70 when the ultrasonic cleaning portion 100 and the water storage portion 200 are at the operating position. Fig. 9 (a) and (b) are a perspective view and a front cross-sectional view of the storage tank 60, the supply valve 400, and the supply nozzle 500, respectively.

In the housing 17, the storage tank 60, the supply valve 400, and the supply nozzle 500 are disposed behind the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50. The storage tank 60 corresponds to the storage unit of the present invention.

Supply valve 400 is a solenoid valve. The supply valve 400 includes: a valve housing 410 having inlets 411 and 412 on left and right side surfaces and an outlet 413 on a lower surface; a valve body 420 for opening and closing the outlet 413 of the valve housing 410; and a driving unit 430 such as a solenoid for driving the valve body 420. The outlet 413 of the valve housing 410 is connected to the inlet of the supply nozzle 500.

The storage tank 60 is made of a resin material and is divided into a first tank 61 and a second tank 62 with a supply valve 400 interposed therebetween. The first tank 61 and the second tank 62 are set to have a larger left-right dimension than an up-down dimension and a front-back dimension. The left end portion of the first case 61 protrudes forward from the other portions, and the right end portion of the second case 62 protrudes forward from the other portions. The storage tank 60 has a shape that is thinner in the front-rear direction and longer in the left-right direction as viewed from above, since the size in the left-right direction is much larger than the size in the front-rear direction.

The upper portions of both the first tank 61 and the second tank 62 are connected by a communication portion 63 extending from the first tank 61. The nozzle portion 63a at the front end of the communication portion 63 faces the inside of the second tank 62. In the first tank 61, an outlet port 64 formed in a lower portion of a right side surface thereof is connected to an inlet port 411 on a left side of the valve housing 410. In the second tank 62, an outlet 65 formed in a lower portion of a left side surface thereof is connected to an inlet 412 on a right side of the valve housing 410. The outflow openings 64, 65 of the first tank 61 and the second tank 62 are connected to each other via a valve housing 410.

The storage tank 60 has an inlet 66 for the washing water flowing into the storage tank 60 formed at the left end of the first tank 61. The inflow port 66 is connected to a cleaning water supply line 98 of the automatic feed mechanism 90. The washing water supplied from the automatic feed mechanism 90 flows into the first tank 61 through the inlet port 66, and then flows into the second tank 62 through the valve housing 410 and the communication portion 63. This stores the washing water in the storage tank 60. The storage tank 60 has a water storage capacity larger than that of the storage tub 210, and can store water having a water storage capacity more than twice that of the storage tub 210 in the storage tank 60.

When supply valve 400, i.e., valve body 420, is opened, wash water flows out from inside first tank 61 and inside second tank 62 of storage tank 60 through outlet 413 of valve housing 410, respectively.

The storage tank 60 is provided with a water level detector 700 for detecting the water level in the storage tank 60. The water level detecting unit 700 includes a pair of electrode terminals 710 and 720, i.e., a first electrode terminal 710 and a second electrode terminal 720. The first electrode terminal 710 corresponds to one electrode terminal of the present invention, and the second electrode terminal 720 corresponds to the other electrode terminal of the present invention.

The first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 720 are formed of a conductive material such as steel, and include round bar-shaped terminal portions 711 and 721 and head portions 712 and 722 provided at upper end portions of the terminal portions 711 and 721. Male screws 713 and 723 are formed above the terminal portions 711 and 721, respectively. In addition, a cross-shaped groove is formed at each of the head portions 712 and 722 so that the first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 720 can be rotated by the driver. The length of the first electrode terminal 710, i.e., the length of the terminal portion 711, is set to be longer than the length of the second electrode terminal 720, i.e., the length of the terminal portion 721.

A first mounting boss 67 and a second mounting boss 68 protruding into the second case 62 are formed on the top surface of the second case 62 so as to be aligned in the left-right direction. The first mounting boss 67 is located near the left end portion of the second case 62, and the second mounting boss 68 is located at the right end portion of the second case 62.

The first and second electrode terminals 710 and 720 are inserted into the interior of the second case 62 from above through the first and second mounting bosses 67 and 68. At this time, the upper portions of the terminal portions 711 and 721 having the male screws 713 and 723 are rotated and passed through the first mounting bosses 67 and the second mounting bosses 68. Thereby, the first and second electrode terminals 710 and 720 are fixed to the first and second mounting bosses 67 and 68, respectively. In this way, the first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 720 are fixed to the top surface portion of the second case 62 so as to be aligned in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the left-right direction, of the top surface portion.

Terminal portion 711 of first electrode terminal 710 extends downward from the top surface of second case 62, and the tip thereof approaches or contacts the bottom surface of second case 62. Terminal portion 721 of second electrode terminal 720 extends downward from the top surface of second case 62, and its tip is positioned above second case 62. That is, the position of the tip of the first electrode terminal 710 is lower than the position of the tip of the second electrode terminal 720 in the second case 62.

In the retention tank 60, the inlet 66 of the first tank 61 is located on the opposite side of the first electrode terminal 710 from the second electrode terminal 720 in the left-right direction in which the first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 720 are aligned. Therefore, when the washing water flows from the inlet port 66 into the first tank 61 and further flows into the second tank 62 via the supply valve 400, the first electrode terminal 710 is on the upstream side of the water flow, and the second electrode terminal 720 is on the downstream side of the water flow.

The first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 720 are connected to the sensing circuit 800. The detection circuit 800 is connected to the control unit 16. In the water level detection, a voltage is applied between the first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 720. The detection circuit 800 includes a rectangular wave generation circuit, and outputs a pulse-shaped detection signal to the control unit 16 when the first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 720 are brought into an on state by contact with the washing water, and changes the pulse width of the detection signal according to the magnitude of the current flowing between the first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 720.

A cylindrical overflow port 69 is provided in the second tank 62 so as to protrude upward from the bottom surface. The opening 69a at the front end of the overflow portion 69 is located at a position higher than the predetermined water level L2 stored in the storage tank 60 by the detection of the water level detecting portion 700, and when the water level of the washing water exceeds the overflow water level, the washing water flows to the overflow portion 69. The outlet of the lower end of the overflow portion 69 is connected to the supply nozzle 500, and the washing water discharged from the overflow portion 69 is guided to the supply nozzle 500.

The supply nozzle 500 is formed of a resin material, extends forward from the supply valve 400, and has a distal end portion 500a bent downward. A discharge port 501 is formed in the lower surface of the distal end portion 500 a.

As shown in fig. 7, in a state where ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and water storage unit 200 are accommodated in accommodation unit 17, supply nozzle 500 penetrates opening 302 of main body 300, and its tip end 500a is positioned at the front of water storage tub 210. On the other hand, as shown in fig. 8, in a state where ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and water storage unit 200 are pulled out to the inside of inlet port 14, tip end portion 500a of supply nozzle 500 is positioned at the rear of water storage tub 210.

A drain receiving portion 70 is disposed below the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the housing portion 17. The drain receiver 70 has a generally square dish shape with an upper surface and a front surface open. The bottom surface of the drain receiving portion 70 is inclined so that the rear portion becomes lower. A discharge hole 71 is formed in the right side surface of the drain receiving portion 70 at the lower end of the rear portion and at the lowest position of the bottom surface. A drain pipe 72 is connected to a connection pipe 73 extending rightward from the discharge hole 71.

The full automatic washing machine 1 performs washing operations in various operation modes. In the washing operation, a washing process, an intermediate dehydration process, a rinsing process, and a final dehydration process are sequentially performed.

In the washing process and the rinsing process, the pulsator 24 rotates in the right and left directions in a state that water is stored in the washing and dehydrating tub 22. By the rotation of the pulsator 24, a water current is generated in the washing and dehydrating tub 22. In the washing process, the laundry is washed by the generated water flow and the detergent contained in the water. In 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 are integrally rotated at a high speed. The laundry is dehydrated by the centrifugal force generated in the washing and dehydrating tub 22.

When water is supplied during the washing process, the automatic supply mechanism 90 automatically supplies a liquid detergent into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. At this time, first, the first three-way valve 93 is switched to a state in which the supply pipe 92 communicates with the supply pump 95. The second three-way valve 97 is switched to a state in which the upstream supply passage 96b and the downstream supply passage 96c communicate with each other. When the supply pump 95 is operated, the liquid detergent in the detergent box 91 is discharged by a pumping action. The discharged liquid detergent is sent to the detergent supply path 96 through the supply pipe 92, the first three-way valve 93, and the supply pump 95 as indicated by the broken line arrow in fig. 2, and is stored in the upstream side supply path 96b of the detergent supply path 96. The supply pump 95 operates for a predetermined time, and thereby a predetermined amount of liquid detergent is stored in the upstream side supply passage 96b.

Subsequently, the first three-way valve 93 is switched to a state in which the sub water supply passage 94 and the supply pump 95 are communicated, and the main valve 82 and the sub valve 83 are opened. The water from the faucet flows through the main water supply path 84 and is discharged from the water inlet 84a into the washing and spin-drying tub 22. At the same time, as shown by solid arrows in fig. 2, water from the faucet flows through the sub-water supply path 94, the first three-way valve 93, and the supply pump 95 to the detergent supply path 96 to wash away the liquid detergent. The liquid detergent flushed by the water is fed into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 from the supply port 96a of the detergent supply path 96 together with the water as indicated by the dotted arrow in fig. 2. When the water level in the washing and dehydrating tub 22 reaches a predetermined washing water level, the main valve 82 and the sub valve 83 are closed, and the water supply is terminated.

Then, the full-automatic washing machine 1 performs a washing operation by the ultrasonic washing device 50. When an object to be cleaned such as a shirt is washed and if the object to be cleaned partially contains stubborn dirt, the user uses the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 to clean the part of the object to be cleaned before washing.

When the user performs the cleaning operation, the user pulls out the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 from the housing portion 17 as shown in fig. 3 (a), and moves the ultrasonic cleaning portion 100 and the water storage portion 200 to the operation position. As shown in fig. 8, the valve switching mechanism 230 biases the valve body 220 rearward, that is, in the closing direction via the valve movable member 231 by the biasing force of the spring 233. Thereby, the valve body 220 closes the drain port 211, and the drain port 211 is in a closed state.

The user performs a prescribed start operation to start the washing operation.

When the washing operation is started, the automatic supply mechanism 90 first supplies washing water into the storage tank 60. That is, first, the first three-way valve 93 is switched to a state in which the supply pipe 92 communicates with the supply pump 95. The second three-way valve 97 is switched to a state in which the upstream side supply passage 96b communicates with the washing water supply passage 98. Also, the supply valve 400 is closed. When the supply pump 95 is operated, the liquid detergent in the detergent box 91 is discharged by a pumping action. As shown by the broken line arrows in fig. 2, the liquid detergent discharged from the detergent box 91 reaches the detergent supply path 96 and is stored in the upstream supply path 96b of the detergent supply path 96. The supply pump 95 is operated for a predetermined time, and thereby a predetermined amount of liquid detergent is stored in the upstream side supply passage 96b.

Subsequently, the first three-way valve 93 is switched to a state in which the sub water supply passage 94 communicates with the supply pump 95, and the sub valve 83 is opened. As shown by solid arrows in fig. 2, water from the faucet flows through the sub-water supply path 94, the first three-way valve 93, and the supply pump 95 to the detergent supply path 96, and washes away the liquid detergent. Water and liquid detergent are mixed into washing water. As shown by the thick line arrows in fig. 2, the washing water flows into the storage tank 60 through the washing water supply line 98.

As shown in fig. 9 (b), in the storage tank 60, the washing water flowing from the inflow port 66 into the first tank 61 of the storage tank 60 flows into the second tank 62 through the outflow port 64, the valve housing 410, and the outflow port 65 as indicated by solid arrows. Thus, the washing water is accumulated in first tank 61 and second tank 62, and the water level in these tanks is raised. When the washing water starts to be accumulated in the second tank 62, the first electrode terminal 710 is immediately brought into contact with the washing water.

In the present embodiment, normally, the flow rate from the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 to the first tank 61 is larger than the flow rate from the first tank 61 to the second tank 62. Therefore, the water level in first tank 61 rises earlier than the water level in second tank 62, and the water level in second tank 62 reaches the position of communication part 63 before reaching water supply stop level L1 at which the washing water contacts second electrode terminal 720. In such a case, as shown by the broken line arrow in fig. 9 (b), the washing water is discharged from the nozzle portion 63a of the communication portion 63 into the second tank 62.

When the water level in the second tank 62 rises to reach the water supply stop level L1, the second electrode terminal 720 comes into contact with the washing water, and the pair of electrode terminals 710 and 720 are brought into a conductive state. Thereby, the detection circuit 800 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 16. The control unit 16 closes the sub valve 83, and the supply of the cleaning water from the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 is stopped. Thereafter, until the water level in first tank 61 becomes equal to the water level in second tank 62, the washing water flows from first tank 61 to second tank 62, and finally the water level in storage tank 60 becomes a predetermined water level L2 slightly higher than water supply stop water level L1.

Here, when the washing water is supplied, the water level in the storage tank 60 is likely to fluctuate due to the inflow pressure of the water. Therefore, when the length of the first electrode terminal 710 is made equal to the length of the second electrode terminal 720 and the position of the tip of the first electrode terminal 710 is made equal to the position of the tip of the second electrode terminal 720 that coincides with the water supply stop level L1, the contact between the washing water and both the electrode terminals 710 and 720 becomes unstable when the water level fluctuates, and therefore the timing of detecting the water level is likely to fluctuate.

In contrast, in the present embodiment, the water level detection unit 700 is configured such that the first electrode terminal 710 is longer than the second electrode terminal 720, and the position of the tip of the first electrode terminal 710 is lower than the position of the tip of the second electrode terminal 720. Accordingly, the first electrode terminal 710 can be brought into contact with the washing water from the state in which the water level in the second tank 62 is much lower than the water supply stop level L1. Accordingly, since the washing water is stably contacted with the first electrode terminal 710, even if the water level fluctuates, the timing of detecting the water level is not easily fluctuated.

The current flowing between the first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 720 varies depending on the detergent concentration of the washing water, and the pulse width of the detection signal from the detection circuit 800 varies. When it is determined based on the pulse width of the detection signal that the detergent is insufficient or not contained, the control unit 16 notifies the user through a not-shown notification unit.

By supplying the washing water from the automatic feed mechanism 90 in this manner, the washing water of a predetermined water amount and a predetermined detergent concentration is stored in the storage tank 60. In the present embodiment, the amount of the washing water stored in the storage tank 60 is set to an amount that enables two washing operations to be performed by replacing the washing water in the storage tub 210. The amount of the washing water stored in the storage tank 60 may be set to an amount that allows the washing operation to be performed three or more times.

Subsequently, the supply valve 400 is opened. The washing water in the storage tank 60 is discharged from the discharge port 501 into the storage tub 210 through the supply nozzle 500. The washing water is stored in the water storage tub 210, and the water level in the water storage tub 210 rises. When the water level in the storage tub 210 rises to the level of the drain port 501 and the drain port 501 is blocked by the washing water as shown by the dotted line in fig. 8, the air pressure in the retention tank 60 is balanced with the air pressure outside. Thereby, the water supply from the storage tank 60 is stopped with the state in which the supply valve 400 is opened.

When the washing water is stored in the tub 210, the user places a dirt-attached portion of the object to be washed, such as a collar portion of a shirt, on the tub 210, i.e., between the tub 210 and the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110, from the front direction of the ultrasonic washing section 100.

The dirt adhering portion of the object to be cleaned is immersed in the washing water stored in the water storage tub 210, and the washing water permeating into the object to be cleaned seeps out of 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. When the water level in the storage tub 210 drops due to the water absorption of the object to be washed and the drain port 501 of the supply nozzle 500 is not blocked by the washing water, the washing water is supplied from the storage tank 60 into the storage tub 210 until the drain port 501 is blocked by the washing water again. Thereby, the water level, i.e., the amount of water, in the water storage tub 210 is maintained in an appropriate state.

After the supply valve 400 is opened, the ultrasonic transducer 111 is not energized until a predetermined standby time elapses, and the ultrasonic generator 110 is in a standby state. During this time, the washing water is stored in the storage tub 210, and the object to be washed is placed in the storage tub 210 in which the washing water is stored. When the standby time has elapsed, the ultrasonic transducer 111 is energized to operate the ultrasonic generator 110.

Fig. 10 (a) to (c) are diagrams for explaining decontamination of an object to be cleaned by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

When the ultrasonic generator 110 is operated, ultrasonic waves are generated from the distal end of the vibration horn 112, and the ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted to the cleaning water inside the object to be cleaned via the cleaning water around the vibration horn 112. As shown in fig. 10 (a), the inside of the object to be cleaned is alternately depressurized and pressurized by the action of ultrasonic vibration, and a vacuum cavity is formed in a portion where the pressure is lowered. That is, a state is assumed in which many cavities are present in the contaminated portion of the object to be cleaned. Next, as shown in fig. 10 (b), when the pressure of the cavity portion rises and the cavity is crushed by the pressure and broken, a shock wave is generated in the contaminated portion of the object to be cleaned. The impact wave separates dirt from the object to be cleaned. As shown in fig. 10 (c), the ultrasonic vibration from the vibration horn 112 generates a water flow heading from the inside of the object to be cleaned into the water storage tub 210, and dirt separated from the object to be cleaned is discharged into the water storage tub 210 by the water flow. In the water storage tub 210, the above-described water flow causes convection, and therefore, dirt is easily peeled off from the object to be cleaned. Further, the detergent contained in the washing water also acts to easily peel off the dirt from the object to be washed, and the dirt is less likely to adhere to the object to be washed again. In this way, the 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 termination operation to terminate the cleaning operation. The operation of the ultrasonic generator 110 is stopped, and the cleaning operation is completed.

When a new cleaning operation is not performed, as shown in fig. 3 (b) and (c), the user stores the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the storage portion 17 and moves the ultrasonic cleaning portion 100 and the water storage portion 200 to the standby position. When the water storage portion 200 moves to the standby position as shown in fig. 7, the rear end 231a of the valve movable member 231 abuts against the rear surface of the drain receiver 70 in the valve switching mechanism 230, is pressed by the ribs 74, and moves in the forward direction with respect to the water storage portion 200 against the biasing force of the spring 233. The valve body 220 connected to the valve movable member 231 moves forward, i.e., in an opening direction, with respect to the water discharge port 211 of the water storage tub 210, and the water discharge port 211 opens. Thus, the washing water stored in the storage tub 210 and the washing water remaining in the storage tank 60 are discharged through the drain port 211. The washing water discharged from the drain port 211 is received by the drain receiving portion 70 and discharged from the drain hole 71. The washing water discharged from the discharge hole 71 flows through the drain pipe 72, the overflow pipe 26, and the drain hose 41 to be discharged outside the machine.

The user may sometimes want to replace the washing water of the tub 210 to continue the washing operation. In this case, the user performs a moving operation of moving the operation unit 232 forward. Thus, in the valve switching mechanism 230, the valve movable member 231 moves forward relative to the water storage unit 200, the valve body 220 moves in the opening direction, and the water discharge port 211 opens, as in the case where the water storage unit 200 moves to the standby position. The washing water stored in the water storage tub 210 is drained through the drain port 211 and discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain receiver 70, the overflow pipe 26, and the drain hose 41. At the same time, new washing water is supplied from the retention tank 60 to the tub 210.

In this way, the user can discharge the washing water from the water storage tub 210 without moving the ultrasonic washing device 50 while maintaining the water storage unit 200 at the operation position, and can supply new washing water into the water storage tub 210. Thereafter, the cleaning operation is continued.

In the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, the water storage tank 210 is dirty while the cleaning operation is repeated. In the present embodiment, the water storage portion 200 is detachable from the main body 300, and therefore the user can detach the water storage portion 200 from the main body 300 and clean the water storage tub 210.

< effects of the embodiment >

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the water level detection unit 700 includes the first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 720 extending downward from the top surface of the storage tank 60, and the first electrode terminal 710 is longer than the second electrode terminal 720. According to this configuration, since the position of the distal end of the first electrode terminal 710 can be made lower than the position of the distal end of the second electrode terminal 720, the first electrode terminal 710 can be brought into contact with the washing water from a state in which the water level in the second tank 62 is lower than the water supply stop level L1. Accordingly, even if the water surface fluctuates, the first electrode terminal 710 is stably in contact with the washing water. Therefore, the water level detection timing is less likely to fluctuate, and the water level in the storage tank 60 can be detected with high accuracy.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the dimension of the storage box 60 in the left-right direction is larger than the dimension in the front-rear direction, and the pair of electrode terminals 710 and 720 are arranged in the left-right direction. With this configuration, since the distance between the pair of electrode terminals 710 and 720 can be increased, even if bubbles are generated by the detergent in a part of the water surface when the washing water is supplied to the storage tank 60, both of the electrode terminals 710 and 720 are less likely to come into contact with the bubbles. This makes it difficult for the pair of electrode terminals 710 and 720 to be brought into conduction due to contact with bubbles, thereby making it difficult to detect the water level erroneously, and the accuracy of detecting the water level can be improved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, in the retention tank 60, the inlet 66 of the first tank 61 is located on the opposite side of the first electrode terminal 710 from the second electrode terminal 720 in the left-right direction in which the first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 720 are aligned with respect to the first electrode terminal 710. According to the above configuration, when the washing water flows into the storage tank 60 from the inflow port 66, the first electrode terminal 710 is on the upstream side of the water flow, and the second electrode terminal 720 is on the downstream side of the water flow. The downstream side is more apt to smooth than the upstream side, and thus the contact of the second electrode terminal 720 with water becomes stable. Therefore, the timing of detecting the water level is less likely to fluctuate, and the water level in the retention tank 60 can be detected with higher accuracy.

Further, according to the above embodiment, the storage tank 60 includes the first tank 61 into which water from the automatic supply mechanism 90 flows and the second tank 62 connected to the first tank 61 at the lower portion thereof, and the pair of electrode terminals 710 and 720 are disposed in the second tank 62. The second tank 62 has less fluctuation of the water surface than the first tank 61 into which the water from the automatic feed mechanism 90 directly flows. According to the above configuration, since the pair of electrode terminals 710 and 720 are disposed in the second tank 62, the timing of detecting the water level is less likely to fluctuate, and the water level in the storage tank 60 can be detected with higher accuracy.

Further, according to the above embodiment, the storage tank 60 is divided into the first tank 61 and the second tank 62 via the supply valve 400, and the outlet 64 of the first tank 61 and the outlet 65 of the second tank 62 are connected to the left and right inlets 411, 412 of the supply valve 400. According to this configuration, since the washing water from the first tank 61 and the second tank 62 can be discharged through the supply valve 400, the washing water can be smoothly supplied from the storage tank 60 to the water storage tub 210. The water flowing from the inlet 66 into the first tank 61 can flow into the second tank 62 through the supply valve 400 and be stored in the second tank 62.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications other than those described above may be made to the embodiments of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the storage tank 60 is disposed so as to be constituted by two tanks, i.e., the first tank 61 and the second tank 62. However, the holding tank 60 may be configured to be constituted by one tank.

The shape of the storage tank 60 is not limited to the shape shown in the above embodiment, and may be any shape. Similarly, the position of supply valve 400 with respect to storage tank 60 is not limited to the position shown in the above embodiment, and may be any position. Similarly, the shapes of the first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 720 are not limited to those shown in the above embodiments, and may be any shapes as long as they are elongated.

In the above embodiment, the tip of the first electrode terminal 710 is close to or in contact with the bottom surface of the second case 62. However, the tip of the first electrode terminal 710 may be located at a position lower than the tip of the second electrode terminal 720, and may not be close to or in contact with the bottom surface of the second case 62.

In the above embodiment, in second case 62, first electrode terminal 710 is disposed on the left side, i.e., on the side closer to first case 61, and second electrode terminal 720 is disposed on the right side, i.e., on the side farther from first case 61. However, in the second case 62, the second electrode terminal 720 may be disposed on the left side and the first electrode terminal 710 may be disposed on the right side.

In the above embodiment, the washing water mixed with the detergent, i.e., the washing water, is supplied from the automatic supply mechanism 90 to the storage tank 60. However, since the storage tank 60 is required to store the washing water at last, at least water should be supplied to the storage tank 60. For example, it is also possible to provide: the storage tank 60 is supplied with water from a water supply unit 80 not including the automatic dispensing mechanism 90, and the water is mixed with the detergent additionally dispensed into the storage tank 60. In this case, the detergent is preferably automatically supplied to the storage tank 60, but may be manually supplied.

In the above embodiment, the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 may be configured to automatically dispense the detergent and the softener. In this case, a conditioner cartridge containing a liquid conditioner is provided. The conditioner box is connected to the sub water supply path 94 via a supply pipe and a three-way valve. During the rinsing process, the conditioner in the conditioner tank is supplied into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 by the same action as the supply of the detergent from the detergent box 91.

In the above embodiment, the fully automatic washing machine 1 including the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is shown. However, the present invention can also be applied to washing machines other than the full automatic washing machine 1, such as a drum washing machine. Moreover, the invention can also be applied to a full-automatic washing and drying integrated machine and a roller washing and drying integrated machine with drying function.

The embodiments of the present invention may be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.

Claims (5)

1. A washing machine is characterized by comprising:

   an ultrasonic generator for generating ultrasonic waves;

   a water storage barrel which is positioned below the ultrasonic generator and stores water for soaking the cleaned object;

   a storage unit for storing water containing detergent to be supplied to the water storage tub;

   a supply unit configured to supply at least water into the storage unit; and

   a water level detection part for detecting the water level in the storage part,

   the water level detection part comprises a pair of electrode terminals extending downwards from the top surface part of the storage part,

   one of the pair of electrode terminals is longer than the other electrode terminal.
2. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1,

   the storage portion has a dimension in a first direction larger than a dimension in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from above.

   The pair of electrode terminals are arranged in the first direction.
3. A washing machine according to claim 1 or 2,

   the storage section includes an inflow port into which water from the supply section flows,

   the inflow port is located on the opposite side of the one electrode terminal from the other electrode terminal in the direction in which the pair of electrode terminals are arranged.
4. Washing machine according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

   The retention part includes a first tank into which water from the supply part flows and a second tank connected to the first tank at a lower portion thereof,

   the pair of electrode terminals is disposed in the second case.
5. Washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that

   The storage section is divided into the first tank and the second tank with a supply valve interposed therebetween,

   the supply valve comprises two inlets which are arranged such that,

   an outflow of water from the first tank and an outflow of water from the second tank are connected to the two inlets.

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