CN115884836B - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a washing machine capable of stabilizing the water supply amount of water supplied to a storage part by detecting the water level in the storage part with high precision. The fully automatic washing machine comprises: an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves; a water storage bucket which is positioned below the ultrasonic generator and stores water for soaking the cleaned objects; a storage tank (60) for storing water containing a detergent to be supplied to the water storage tank; an automatic dispensing mechanism for supplying water containing detergent into the storage tank (60); and a water level detection unit (700) for detecting the water level in the storage tank (60). Wherein 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 the first electrode terminal (710) is longer than the second electrode terminal (720) among the pair of electrode terminals (710, 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 around a laundry inlet in an upper panel, for example, at the front side of the inlet. The ultrasonic cleaning device comprises a water storage bucket capable of storing water and an ultrasonic wave generating unit provided with an ultrasonic wave generating body positioned right above the water storage bucket. A dirt adhering portion of the 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 water-saturated dirt adhering part to peel off the dirt.

The washing machine is provided with a water supply unit for supplying water to the water storage tub. The water supply unit includes a water supply valve connected to the 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 cleaning effect of the object to be cleaned by the ultrasonic cleaning device, it is considered to store water containing a detergent as cleaning water in the water storage tub. In this case, the detergent and the water may be supplied to a storage portion provided separately from the water storage tub to generate the washing water, and the generated washing water may be supplied to the water storage tub.

In the case of such a configuration, it is required that the amount of water supplied to the storage portion is stable to reduce the variation in the detergent concentration in the washing water.

Prior art literature

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 a water supply amount of water supplied to a storage portion by detecting a water level in the storage portion with high accuracy.

Solution for solving the problem

The washing machine according to the main aspect of the present invention comprises: an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves; a water storage bucket which is positioned below the ultrasonic generator and stores water for soaking the cleaned objects; a storage unit configured to store water containing a 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 that detects the water level in the storage unit. The water level detection unit includes a pair of electrode terminals extending downward from a top surface portion of the storage unit, and one of the pair of electrode terminals is longer than the other electrode terminal.

According to the washing machine of the present embodiment, the position of the tip of one electrode terminal can be made lower than the position of the tip of the other electrode terminal, and therefore, the one electrode terminal can be brought into contact with the water in the storage portion from a state where the water level in the storage portion is lower than the water level detected by the water level detecting portion. Thus, even if the water surface fluctuates, the contact between one electrode terminal and water is stabilized. Therefore, the water level in the storage portion can be detected with high accuracy, with the water level hardly fluctuating at the time of detection.

In the washing machine of the present aspect, the storage portion may have a larger dimension in a first direction than 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 interval between the pair of electrode terminals can be increased, even if foaming by the detergent occurs in a part of the water surface when water is supplied to the storage portion, both electrode terminals are less likely to come into contact with the foaming. This makes it possible to prevent the pair of electrode terminals from being turned on by contact with the bubble, and to improve the detection accuracy of the water level.

In the washing machine of the present aspect, the storage portion may have an inflow port into which water from the supply portion flows. In this case, the inlet 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 inflow port, one electrode terminal becomes an upstream side of the water flow, and the other electrode terminal becomes a downstream side of the water flow. Since the downstream side tends to calm and rise more easily than the upstream side, the contact between the other electrode terminal and water tends to be stabilized. Therefore, the water level is less likely to fluctuate at the time of detection of the water level, and the water level in the storage portion can be detected with higher accuracy.

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

According to the above configuration, in the second tank, fluctuation in the water surface is reduced as compared with the first tank in which water from the supply unit directly flows in. According to the above configuration, since the pair of electrode terminals are disposed in the second tank, fluctuation is less likely to occur at the time of detecting the water level, and the water level in the storage portion can be detected with higher accuracy.

In the case of the above-described configuration, the storage portion may be divided into the first tank and the second tank through a supply valve. In this case, the supply valve may include two inlets. Further, the outflow port of the water from the first tank and the outflow port of the water from the second tank may be connected to the two inlets.

With such a configuration, the water containing the detergent can be discharged from the first tank and the second tank through the supply valve, respectively, and therefore 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 inflow port can be made to 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 water supply amount of water supplied to the storage portion by detecting the water level in the storage portion with high accuracy.

The effects and the meaning of the present invention will be further clarified by the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the following embodiments are merely examples of the practice of 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 according to the embodiment.

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 are located at the operation position according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 (b) and 3 (c) are perspective views of the main parts 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.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device in which the water storage unit is removed according to the embodiment.

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

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the inverted water storage portion according to the embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device, the storage tank, the supply valve, the supply nozzle, and the drain receiving portion when the ultrasonic cleaning portion and the water storage portion are in the standby position in accordance with the embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device, the tank, the supply valve, the supply nozzle, and the drain receiving portion when the ultrasonic cleaning portion and the water storage portion are in the operating positions according to the embodiment.

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

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

Description of the reference numerals

1: full automatic washing machine (washing machine); 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 delivery mechanism (supply unit); 100: an ultrasonic cleaning section; 110: an ultrasonic wave generator; 200: a water storage part; 210: a water storage bucket; 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 the washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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

The fully automatic washing machine 1 includes a casing 10 that forms an outer contour. The case 10 includes: a square cylindrical body portion 11 having upper and lower surfaces opened; an upper panel 12 covering the upper surface of the body 11; and a foot stand 13 for supporting the body 11. A washing dispensing opening 14 is formed in the upper panel 12. The dispensing opening 14 is covered with an openable and closable upper cover 15. A control unit 16 is disposed in 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 case 10, an outer tub 20 having an opening in the upper surface is elastically suspended and supported by four suspension bars 21 having vibration isolation devices. The washing and dehydrating tub 22 having an opened upper surface is provided in the outer tub 20. The washing and dehydrating tub 22 rotates around a rotation shaft extending in the vertical direction. A plurality of dehydration holes 22a are formed throughout the entire circumference on the inner circumferential surface of the washing and dehydrating tub 22. A balance ring 23 is provided at an upper portion of the washing and dehydrating tub 22. A pulsator 24 is provided at the bottom of the washing and dehydrating tub 22. A plurality of blades 24a are radially provided on the surface of the pulsator 24.

A driving unit 30 for generating torque for driving the washing and dehydrating tub 22 and 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 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a, and transmits the torque of the drive motor 31 to only the pulsator 24 to rotate only the pulsator 24 during the washing and rinsing processes, and transmits the torque of the drive motor 31 to the pulsator 24 and the washing and dehydrating tub 22 to integrally rotate the pulsator 24 and the washing and dehydrating tub 22 during the dehydrating process, by the switching operation performed by the clutch mechanism 32 a.

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 20a. The drain valve 40 is connected to a drain hose 41. When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water stored in the wash water and dehydrating tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is discharged to the outside through the drain hose 41.

An overflow 20b is formed at an upper portion of the outer tub 20. When water above a predetermined overflow level is stored in the outer tub 20, water is discharged from the overflow port 20b. An overflow receiving portion 25 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tub 20 so as to cover the overflow port 20b. 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 20b is received by the overflow receiving portion 25 and flows through the overflow pipe 26 to the drain hose 41.

An ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is disposed at a substantially 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 cuffs or collar portions of shirts, dirt adhering to the work clothes locally, and the like, before the fully automatic washing machine 1 performs washing.

A storage tank 60 is disposed behind the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 at the rear of the upper panel 12, and a drain receiving unit 70 is disposed below the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The storage tank 60 stores water containing detergent to be supplied to the water storage tub 210 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The water containing the detergent will be 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 has a drain hole 71 for discharging the received water. 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 solenoid valves. The water inlet 81a of the water supply valve 81 is connected to a faucet via a water supply hose, not shown. A main water supply channel 84 is connected to an outlet of a main valve 82 of the water supply valve 81. The main water supply path 84 has a water injection port 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 one of the liquid detergent for washing, into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. The automatic dispensing mechanism 90 further has a function of supplying the cleaning water to the storage tank 60. The automatic dispensing mechanism 90 corresponds to a 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 secondary water supply path 94, a supply pump 95, a detergent supply path 96, a second three-way valve 97, and a wash water supply path 98. A 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 state of stock solution. 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 the outlet of the sub valve 83 and the other inlet of the first three-way valve 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, for example, a piston pump.

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

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

The second three-way valve 97 can be switched between a state in which the upstream side supply passage 96b communicates with the downstream side supply passage 96c and a state in which the upstream side supply passage 96b communicates with the wash water supply passage 98.

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

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 located at the operation positions. Fig. 3 (b) and 3 (c) are perspective views of the main parts 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. In fig. 3 (c), the cover 19 is omitted so that the inside of the accommodating portion 17 can be seen.

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

The upper panel 12 has a receiving portion 17 for receiving the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 at a central portion of the rear portion. In the upper panel 12, the front of the housing 17 is opened as an entrance 18. A cover 19 having light transmittance and having a substantially square shape is provided at the inlet/outlet 18.

As shown in fig. 3 (a), when the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 is used for cleaning operation, the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 is in the following state: the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200, that is, the ultrasonic generator 110 and the water storage tank 210 are pulled forward from the housing 17, and protrude toward the inside of the inlet 14 of the upper panel 12. The cover 19 is housed in the housing 17 substantially entirely. The positions of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 at this time are operation 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 unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are accommodated in the accommodating unit 17. The inlet/outlet 18 of the housing 17 is closed by the 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 is in contact with 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 positions of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 at this time are standby positions.

A not-shown linkage mechanism is provided in the upper panel 12 to move the cover 19 in conjunction with the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200. When the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are accommodated in the accommodating unit 17, the cover 19 moves from the accommodated position accommodated in the accommodating unit 17 to the closed position closing the inlet/outlet 18, and when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are pulled out of the accommodating unit 17, the cover 19 moves from the closed position to the accommodated position.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 with the water storage portion 200 removed. Fig. 5 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning section 100 and the main body section 300. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the inverted water storage portion 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 generating body 110 includes: an ultrasonic vibrator 111; a vibration horn 112 coupled to the ultrasonic vibrator 111; and a head 113 located above the ultrasonic vibrator 111, the ultrasonic vibrator 111 being interposed between the head 113 and the vibration horn 112. The vibration horn 112 is formed of a conductive metal material, and has a tapered shape as it approaches the distal end side. The front end surface 112a of the vibration horn 112 has an elongated rectangular shape. A flange 112b is formed at the upper end 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 connected by bolts 115.

The ultrasonic wave generator 110 generates ultrasonic waves from the tip of the vibration horn 112 by high-frequency vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 111.

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

The housing 120 is formed by combining a lower member 140 having an open upper surface and an upper member 150 having an open lower surface. A reinforcing plate 160 made of metal is attached to the lower member 140. The lower member 140 is provided with a lower mounting hole 141 and a lower mounting boss 142, and the upper member 150 is provided with an upper mounting boss 151 corresponding to the lower mounting hole 141 and an upper mounting hole 152 corresponding to the lower mounting boss 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 coupled 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 in the lower member 140 serves as an insertion opening 144 into which the cover 130 is inserted.

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

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

The fixing member 180 has a claw 182a formed in the mounting portion 182, and the claw 182a is engaged with the engaging piece 153 of the upper member 150 from above. Thus, the lower member 140 and the upper member 150 become less likely to separate on the front side of the housing 100.

The cover 130 is detachably attached to the distal end portion 120a of the housing 120, and covers a portion of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic horn 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 whose width in the front-rear, left-right direction becomes narrower toward the lower direction, and the front end portion of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic wave generator 110 is covered so as to be exposed.

The guide portion 132 is provided at the center of the front side surface of the cover main body 131 in the lateral direction so as to protrude forward, and has a shape flattened in the lateral direction. A guide surface 133 inclined in a downward backward direction and bent to be horizontal at a lower end portion is provided at a lower portion of the guide portion 132. Also, the lower end of the guide portion 132 is located below the lower end of the cover main body 131.

The cover 130 is attached to the fitting opening 144 of the housing 120 from below. At this time, the protrusions, not shown, provided on the left and right sides of the fitting opening 144 are fitted into recesses, not shown, provided on the left and right sides of the cover main body 131. Thus, the cap 130 does not come off from the fitting opening 144.

As shown in fig. 5, in a state where the cover 130 is attached to the housing 120, the tip end portion of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic wave generator 110 is slightly exposed from the cover main body 131. Further, the lower end of the guide portion 132 of the cover 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 reservoir 210. The position of the guide 132 coincides with the position of the distal end portion of the vibration horn 112 in the right-left direction, that is, in 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 a front view. Rail portions 301 extending forward are provided at left and right lower end portions of the main body 300. The main body 300 has an opening 302 formed on the left side through which the rear portion of the water storage 200 and the supply nozzle 500 pass, and an insertion opening 303 into which the claw portion 241 of the lock mechanism 240 is inserted is formed adjacent to the right side of the opening 302. A rear portion 120b of the housing 120 of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is fixed to an upper portion of the main body 300.

Referring to fig. 4 and 6, the water storage portion 200 is formed of a resin material, and has a shape that is slightly longer in the front-rear direction, flat in the up-down direction, and has a left side portion protruding rearward than a right side portion. A handle 201 having an arcuate front surface is formed integrally with the water storage portion 200 on the front surface of the water storage portion 200. The user holds the handle 201 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is moved into and out of the housing 17 and when the water storage part 200 is attached to and detached from the main body 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 is inclined such that its inner circumferential surface expands upward. A circular drain port 211 is formed at a lower portion of the rear surface of the water storage tub 210.

The water storage portion 200 is provided with a valve body 220 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 open.

The valve body 220 is formed of a resin material and has a substantially cylindrical shape. The valve body 220 has an O-ring 221 on the peripheral surface, and is configured to attach the O-ring 221 to the peripheral edge of the drain port 211, thereby closing the drain port 211 from the front.

The valve switching mechanism 230 includes a valve movable member 231, an operation portion 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 rear side of the water storage unit 200 so as to be movable in the front-rear 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 reservoir 200. The valve body 220 is connected to a rear end 231a of the valve movable member 231 at the rear side of the water storage section 200.

The operation portion 232 is provided at the distal end 231b of the valve movable member 231. The operation unit 232 faces outward from the 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 part 200 attached to the main body 300 so as not to be separated forward is provided at the rear of the water storage part 200. The lock mechanism 240 has a claw portion 241 and a button 242. The claw portion 241 is biased upward by a spring, not shown, and is lowered when the button 242 is pressed, and returns to its original position when the button 242 is released.

The water storage part 200 is attached to the main body part 300 from the front. On the inner side of the water storage portion 200, insertion portions 203 are provided at the right and left end portions, respectively, and the water storage portion 200 is guided by the guide rail portions 301 by inserting the right and left guide rail portions 301 of the main body portion 300 into 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 pushed down against the upper edge of the insertion port 303 of the main body 300, and passes through the insertion port 303. When the attachment of the water storage unit 200 to the main body 300 is completed, the claw portion 241 engages with the upper edge of the insertion port 303 on the inner side of the main body 300. Thus, the water storage unit 200 cannot be separated forward from the main body 300. When the water storage unit 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. Thereby, the engagement between the claw portion 241 and the upper edge of the insertion port 303 is released. By pulling the water storage unit 200 forward, the water storage unit 200 is separated from the main body 300.

In a state where the water storage portion 200 is attached to the main body 300, the front end surface 112a of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic wave generator 110 is positioned slightly lower than the upper surface of the water storage bucket 210, and the front end portion of the vibration horn 112 is slightly brought into a state of entering the water storage bucket 210.

Fig. 7 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the tank 60, the supply valve 400, the supply nozzle 500, and the drain receiving unit 70 when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are in the standby position. Fig. 8 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the tank 60, the supply valve 400, the supply nozzle 500, and the drain receiving unit 70 when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are in the operating positions. Fig. 9 (a) and (b) are a perspective view and a front sectional view of the reserve 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 device 50. The storage tank 60 corresponds to a storage portion of the present invention.

The 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 sides and an outlet 413 on a lower surface; a valve body 420 for opening and closing an outlet 413 of the valve housing 410; and a driving unit 430 such as a solenoid, which drives the valve body 420. The outlet 413 of the valve housing 410 is connected to the inlet of the supply nozzle 500.

The reserve tank 60 is formed of a resin material, and is divided into a first tank 61 and a second tank 62 through a supply valve 400. The first box 61 and the second box 62 are set to have a larger left-right dimension than a top-bottom and front-rear dimension. The first case 61 has a left end portion protruding forward from the other portion, and the second case 62 has a right end portion protruding forward from the other portion. The storage tank 60 has a substantially larger dimension in the lateral direction than in the front-rear direction, and has a shape that is thin in the front-rear direction and long in the lateral direction when viewed from above.

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, the outflow port 64 formed in the lower portion of the right side surface thereof is connected to the inlet 411 on the left side of the valve housing 410. In the second tank 62, the outflow port 65 formed in the lower portion of the left side surface thereof is connected to the inlet 412 on the right side of the valve housing 410. The outflow openings 64, 65 of the first and second tanks 61, 62 are connected to each other via a valve housing 410.

The storage tank 60 has an inflow port 66 for the washing water flowing into the storage tank 60 formed in the left end portion of the first tank 61. The inflow port 66 is connected to a cleaning water supply path 98 of the automatic dispensing mechanism 90. The cleaning water supplied from the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 flows into the first tank 61 through the inflow port 66, and then flows into the second tank 62 through the valve housing 410 and the communication portion 63. Thereby, the cleaning water is stored in the storage tank 60. The water storage capacity of the storage tank 60 is larger than that of the water storage tank 210, and for example, water having a water storage capacity twice that of the water storage tank 210 can be stored in the storage tank 60.

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

The storage tank 60 includes a water level detection unit 700 for detecting the water level in the storage tank 60. The water level detection unit 700 is composed of a pair of electrode terminals 710, 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 screw portions 713, 723 are formed at the upper portions of the respective terminal portions 711, 721. Further, a cross-shaped groove is formed in each of the head portions 712, 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 thereof, is set to be longer than the length of the second electrode terminal 720, i.e., the length of the terminal portion 721 thereof.

A first mounting boss 67 and a second mounting boss 68 protruding toward the inside of the second tank 62 are formed in the top surface portion of the second tank 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 electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 720 are inserted into the interior of the second case 62 from above through the first mounting boss 67 and the second mounting boss 68. At this time, the upper portions of the terminal portions 711, 721 having the male screw portions 713, 723 are passed through the first mounting boss 67 and the second mounting boss 68 while being rotated. Thereby, the first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 720 are fixed to the first mounting boss 67 and the second mounting boss 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, that is, in the left-right direction.

The terminal portion 711 of the first electrode terminal 710 extends downward from the top surface portion of the second case 62, and the tip thereof is close to or in contact with the bottom surface portion of the second case 62. The terminal portion 721 of the second electrode terminal 720 extends downward from the top surface portion of the second case 62, and the tip end thereof is located at the upper portion of the second case 62. That is, in the second case 62, 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 storage tank 60, the inflow port 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 arranged. Therefore, when the cleaning water flows into the first tank 61 from the inflow port 66 and further flows into the second tank 62 via the supply valve 400, the first electrode terminal 710 becomes an upstream side of the water flow, and the second electrode terminal 720 becomes a downstream side of the water flow.

The first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 720 are connected to the detection 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, 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 cleaning 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 portion 69 is provided in the second tank 62 so as to protrude upward from the bottom surface portion. The opening 69a at the front end of the overflow port 69 is positioned at a position higher than the predetermined water level L2 stored in the storage tank 60 based on the detection of the water level detection unit 700, and when the water level of the washing water exceeds the overflow water level, the washing water flows to the overflow port 69. The outlet of the lower end of the overflow portion 69 is connected to the supply nozzle 500, and the cleaning 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 front end 500a bent downward. A discharge port 501 is formed in the lower surface of the tip end portion 500 a.

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

A drain receiving portion 70 is disposed below the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the housing portion 17. The drain receiving portion 70 has a substantially 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 drain 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 position where the bottom surface is lowest. A drain pipe 72 is connected to a connection pipe 73 extending rightward from the drain hole 71.

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

In the washing and rinsing processes, the pulsator 24 rotates in right and left directions in a state where 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. During the washing process, the laundry is washed by the generated water flow and the detergent contained in the water. During the rinsing process, the laundry is rinsed by the generated water flow.

The wash water tub 22 and the pulsator 24 are integrally rotated at a high speed during the intermediate dehydration process and the final dehydration process. The laundry is dehydrated by the centrifugal force generated in the washing and dehydrating tub 22.

When water is supplied during the cleaning process, the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 automatically dispenses the 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 side supply path 96b and the downstream side supply path 96c are communicated. When the supply pump 95 is operated, the liquid detergent in the detergent box 91 is discharged by the suction 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 arrows in fig. 2, and is stored in the upstream side supply path 96b of the detergent supply path 96. The supply pump 95 is operated for a predetermined time, whereby a predetermined amount of liquid detergent is accumulated in the upstream side supply path 96b.

Next, 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 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 injection port 84a into the washing and dehydrating tub 22. Meanwhile, as shown by solid arrows in fig. 2, water from the faucet flows to the detergent supply path 96 through the sub water supply path 94, the first three-way valve 93, and the supply pump 95 to wash away the liquid detergent. The liquid detergent washed away by the water is poured into the washing and dehydrating tub 22 together with the water from the supply port 96a of the detergent supply path 96 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 ended.

Further, the fully automatic washing machine 1 performs a washing operation by the ultrasonic washing device 50. When washing an object to be washed such as a shirt, if the object to be washed contains a tough dirt locally, a user uses the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 to wash the object to be washed locally before washing.

When the user performs the cleaning operation, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out of the housing 17 as shown in fig. 3 (a), and the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are moved to the operation positions. As shown in fig. 8, the valve switching mechanism 230 biases the valve body 220 rearward, i.e., 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 predetermined start operation to start the washing operation.

When the cleaning operation is started, the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 initially supplies the cleaning 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 wash 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 the suction action. As indicated 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 side supply path 96b of the detergent supply path 96. The supply pump 95 is operated for a predetermined time, whereby a predetermined amount of liquid detergent is stored in the upstream side supply path 96b.

Next, 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 to the detergent supply path 96 through the sub water supply path 94, the first three-way valve 93, and the supply pump 95, and washes out the liquid detergent. Water and liquid detergent are mixed into washing water. As shown by the bold arrow in fig. 2, the washing water flows into the storage tank 60 through the washing water supply path 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. Thereby, the cleaning water is stored in the first tank 61 and the second tank 62, and the water level in these tanks is raised. When the storage of the washing water starts in the second tank 62, the first electrode terminal 710 is immediately brought into contact with the washing water.

In the present embodiment, the flow rate from the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 to the first tank 61 is generally greater than the flow rate from the first tank 61 to the second tank 62. Therefore, the water level of the first tank 61 rises earlier than the water level of the second tank 62, and the water level in the second tank 62 reaches the position of the communication portion 63 before reaching the water supply stop water level L1 where the washing water contacts the second electrode terminal 720. In this 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 and reaches the water supply stop water level L1, the second electrode terminal 720 comes into contact with the washing water, and the pair of electrode terminals 710, 720 becomes conductive. 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 the first tank 61 is the same as the water level in the second tank 62, the washing water flows from the first tank 61 to the second tank 62, and finally the water level in the reserve tank 60 becomes a predetermined water level L2 slightly higher than the water supply stop water level L1.

Here, when the washing water is supplied, the water surface in the storage tank 60 tends to rise and fall due to the inflow pressure of the water or the like. Therefore, when the length of the first electrode terminal 710 is made the same as the length of the second electrode terminal 720 and the position of the tip of the first electrode terminal 710 is made the same as the position of the tip of the second electrode terminal 720 which coincides with the water supply stop water level L1, contact between the cleaning water and both electrode terminals 710, 720 becomes unstable when the undulation occurs, and therefore the detection timing of the water level is liable to fluctuate.

In contrast, in the present embodiment, the water level detection unit 700 has a structure in which the first electrode terminal 710 is made longer than the second electrode terminal 720, so that 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. Thereby, the first electrode terminal 710 can be brought into contact with the washing water from a state where the water level in the second tank 62 is far lower than the water supply stop level L1. Accordingly, since the contact of the washing water with the first electrode terminal 710 is stable, the water level is less likely to fluctuate at the time of detection even if the water level fluctuates.

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

In this way, by supplying the cleaning water from the automatic dispensing mechanism 90, the cleaning water having 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 allows the washing water in the water storage tub 210 to be replaced for two washing operations. The amount of the washing water stored in the storage tank 60 may be an amount that performs three or more washing operations.

Next, the supply valve 400 is opened. The washing water in the storage tank 60 is discharged from the discharge port 501 into the water 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 water storage tub 210 rises to the height of the drain outlet 501 and the drain outlet 501 is blocked by the washing water as shown by a dot-dash line of fig. 8, the air pressure in the storage tank 60 is balanced with the external air pressure. Thereby, the water supply from the reserve tank 60 is stopped while maintaining the opened state of the supply valve 400.

When the washing water is stored in the water storage tub 210, the user places a dirt adhering portion of the object to be washed, for example, a collar portion of a shirt, on the water storage tub 210 from the front direction of the ultrasonic washing section 100, that is, between the water storage tub 210 and the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic wave generating body 110.

The dirt adhering portion of the object to be washed is immersed in the washing water stored in the water storage tub 210, and the washing water permeated into the interior of the object to be washed oozes 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 water tank 210 drops due to water absorption of the object to be cleaned, and the drain 501 of the supply nozzle 500 is not blocked by the cleaning water, the cleaning water is supplied from the storage tank 60 into the water tank 210 until the drain 501 is blocked again by the cleaning water. 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 water storage tub 210, and the object to be washed is placed in the water storage tub 210 storing the washing water. When the standby time elapses, the ultrasonic vibrator 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 wave generator 110 is operated, ultrasonic waves are generated from the tip of the vibration horn 112, and 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 interior of the object to be cleaned is alternately depressurized and pressurized by the action of ultrasonic vibration, and a vacuum cavity is generated in the portion where the pressure is lowered. That is, a state in which many cavities exist in the contaminated portion of the object to be cleaned is exhibited. Then, as shown in fig. 10 (b), when the pressure in the cavity portion increases and the cavity is broken by the pressure, a shock wave is generated in the contaminated portion of the object to be cleaned. By the shock wave, dirt is separated from the object to be cleaned. As shown in fig. 10 (c), the ultrasonic vibration from the vibration horn 112 generates a water flow from the inside of the object to be cleaned to the inside of the water storage tank 210, and the dirt separated from the object to be cleaned is discharged into the water storage tank 210 by the water flow. In the water storage tub 210, convection is generated by the water flow, and thus dirt is easily peeled from the object to be cleaned. Further, dirt is easily peeled from the object to be cleaned by the action of the detergent contained in the cleaning water, and the dirt is less likely to adhere to the object to be cleaned again. 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 operation of the ultrasonic wave generator 110 is stopped, and the cleaning operation is ended.

When a new cleaning operation is not performed, the user stores the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the storage unit 17 and moves the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 to the standby position, as shown in fig. 3 (b) and (c). When the water storage unit 200 moves to the standby position as shown in fig. 7, the rear end 231a of the valve movable member 231 is pressed by the ribs 74 against the rear surface of the drain receiving unit 70 in the valve switching mechanism 230, and moves forward with respect to the water storage unit 200 against the urging force of the spring 233. The valve body 220 connected to the valve movable member 231 moves forward, i.e., in the opening direction, with respect to the drain port 211 of the water storage tub 210, and the drain port 211 is opened. Thereby, the washing water stored in the water storage tub 210 and the washing water remaining in the storage tank 60 are discharged through the water discharge port 211. The cleaning water discharged from the drain port 211 is received by the drain receiving portion 70, and is 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 user sometimes wants to replace the washing water of the water storage tub 210 to continue the washing operation. In this case, the user performs a movement operation to move the operation unit 232 forward. Accordingly, in the valve switching mechanism 230, the valve movable member 231 is moved in the forward direction with respect to the water storage portion 200, and the valve body 220 is moved in the opening direction, so that the drain port 211 is opened, similarly to when the water storage portion 200 is moved to the standby position. The washing water stored in the water storage tub 210 is drained through the drain port 211, and is discharged to the outside through the drain receiving portion 70, the overflow pipe 26, and the drain hose 41. Meanwhile, new washing water is supplied from the sump 60 to the water storage tub 210.

In this way, the user can drain 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 tank 210 becomes dirty during the repeated cleaning operation. In the present embodiment, since the water storage unit 200 is detachable from the main body 300, the user can detach the water storage unit 200 from the main body 300 and clean the water storage tub 210.

Effect of the embodiments >

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the water level detection part 700 is configured to include the first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 720 extending downward from the top surface part of the storage tank 60, and the first electrode terminal 710 is longer than the second electrode terminal 720. According to this structure, the position of the tip of the first electrode terminal 710 can be made lower than the position of the tip of the second electrode terminal 720, and therefore, the first electrode terminal 710 can be brought into contact with the washing water from a state where the water level in the second tank 62 is lower than the water supply stop level L1. Thus, even if the water surface fluctuates, the contact of the first electrode terminal 710 with the washing water is stabilized. Therefore, the water level in the reserve tank 60 can be detected with high accuracy, with the water level hardly fluctuating at the time of detection.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the dimension of the storage case 60 in the left-right direction is larger than the dimension in the front-rear direction, and the pair of electrode terminals 710, 720 are arranged in the left-right direction. According to this configuration, since the interval between the pair of electrode terminals 710 and 720 can be increased, even if foaming occurs in a part of the water surface due to the detergent when the cleaning water is supplied to the storage tank 60, both the electrode terminals 710 and 720 are less likely to come into contact with the foaming. This makes it less likely that the pair of electrode terminals 710 and 720 are turned on by contact with the bubble, and false detection of the water level is performed, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the water level.

Further, according to the present embodiment, in the storage tank 60, the inflow port 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 arranged. According to the above configuration, when the cleaning water flows into the storage tank 60 from the inflow port 66, the first electrode terminal 710 becomes the upstream side of the water flow, and the second electrode terminal 720 becomes the downstream side of the water flow. The downstream side is more prone to smooth fluctuation than the upstream side, and thus the contact of the second electrode terminal 720 with water becomes stable. Therefore, the water level detection timing 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 includes the first tank 61 into which water from the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 flows and the second tank 62 connected to the first tank 61 at a 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 in the water surface than the water from the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 directly flows into the first tank 61. According to the above configuration, since the pair of electrode terminals 710 and 720 are disposed in the second tank 62, the detection timing of 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 through the supply valve 400, and the outflow port 64 of the first tank 61 and the outflow port 65 of the second tank 62 are connected to the left and right inlets 411 and 412 of the supply valve 400. According to this structure, the washing water from the first tank 61 and the second tank 62 can be discharged through the supply valve 400, and therefore the washing water can be smoothly supplied from the storage tank 60 to the water storage tub 210. The water flowing into the first tank 61 from the inflow port 66 can be introduced into the second tank 62 through the supply valve 400 and stored in the second tank 62.

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

For example, in the above embodiment, the storage tank 60 is configured to be constituted by two tanks, i.e., the first tank 61 and the second tank 62. However, the storage 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 the supply valve 400 with respect to the 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 embodiment, and may be any shape as long as they are long.

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 lower than the tip of the second electrode terminal 720, and may not be in proximity to or in contact with the bottom surface of the second case 62.

In the above embodiment, the first electrode terminal 710 is disposed on the left side, that is, on the side closer to the first case 61, and the second electrode terminal 720 is disposed on the right side, that is, on the side farther from the first case 61, in the second case 62. 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, which is water mixed with the detergent, is supplied from the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 to the storage tank 60. However, since the cleaning water is eventually stored in the storage tank 60, at least water may be supplied to the storage tank 60. For example, it may be: the water supply unit 80, which does not include the automatic dispensing mechanism 90, supplies water to the reserve tank 60, and the water is mixed with the detergent which is additionally dispensed into the reserve tank 60. In this case, it is desirable to automatically deliver the detergent to the storage tank 60, but it may be delivered by a human hand.

In the above embodiment, the automatic dispensing mechanism 90 may be configured to automatically dispense the detergent and the softener. In this case, a softener box containing a liquid softener is provided. The softener box is connected to the secondary water supply 94 via a supply pipe and a three-way valve. During the rinsing process, the softener in the softener 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 fully automatic washing machine 1, such as a drum washing machine. Moreover, the invention can also be applied to full-automatic washing and drying integrated machines and roller washing and drying integrated machines with drying functions.

The embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical idea shown in the technical proposal.

Claims (3)

1. A washing machine is characterized by comprising:

an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves;

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

a storage unit configured to store water containing a detergent to be supplied to the water storage tub; the storage part is a storage box;

A supply unit configured to supply at least water into the storage unit; the supply part is an automatic throwing mechanism; the supply part is used for automatically throwing a liquid detergent which is one liquid for washing into the washing and dehydrating barrel; the supply unit supplies the washing water to the storage unit; the said supply part includes detergent box, supply pipe, the first three-way valve, auxiliary water supply path, supply pump, detergent supply path, the second three-way valve and wash water supply path; and

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

the water level detecting part includes a pair of electrode terminals extending downward from a top surface part of the storage part,

one electrode terminal of the pair of electrode terminals is longer than the other electrode terminal;

the storage portion has a larger dimension in a first direction than in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from above; the pair of electrode terminals are arranged in the first direction;

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

the inlet 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 aligned.

2. A washing machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that

The storage 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 of each other,

the pair of electrode terminals is disposed in the second case.

3. A washing machine as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that

The reserve portion is divided into the first tank and the second tank via a supply valve,

the supply valve comprises two inlets,

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