CN116457520A

CN116457520A - Drum washing machine

Info

Publication number: CN116457520A
Application number: CN202280007418.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 铃木肇; 新村光则
Original assignee: Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd; Aqua Co Ltd
Current assignee: Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd; Aqua Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-21
Filing date: 2022-10-19
Publication date: 2023-07-18
Also published as: WO2023066274A1; JP2023062454A

Abstract

A drum washing machine capable of suppressing an increase in the height dimension of a main body of the machine and obtaining a smooth appearance of a top surface portion; a top surface part (10 b) of a casing (10) of a drum washing machine (1) comprises: a first face (101); a second surface (102) that is positioned higher than the first surface (101); and a third surface (103) which is raised from the rear end of the first surface (101) and is connected to the front end of the second surface (102); a water storage cylinder (110) is provided on a first surface (101), and an ultrasonic cleaning unit (200) for applying ultrasonic waves to a part of a washing object immersed in detergent water in the water storage cylinder (110) to clean the part is arranged above the water storage cylinder (110). The ultrasonic cleaning part (200) is fixed on the top surface part (10 b) and does not protrude above the second surface part (102); a detergent water supply unit (310) for supplying detergent water into the water storage cylinder (110) is disposed in a space (S2) formed directly below the second surface (102) and directly behind the third surface (103) in the case (10).

Description

Drum washing machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a drum washing machine. The drum washing machine may continuously perform washing to drying, or may perform washing without drying.

Background

Before washing with a washing machine in a household, so-called partial cleaning for removing dirt adhering to the laundry partially is sometimes performed. Patent document 1 describes a washing machine that is provided with a water drum that is provided on the top surface of a casing and that is capable of storing water, and an ultrasonic wave generator that generates ultrasonic waves and cleans a part of a laundry immersed in water in the water drum by the ultrasonic waves, and that is capable of cleaning the part of the laundry. The water drum is supplied with water from the water supply device and detergent from the detergent supply device.

In the washing machine of patent document 1, since the ultrasonic wave generator is not fixed to the casing, the user needs to hold the ultrasonic wave generator by hand during washing, and the laundry cannot be held with both hands well. Therefore, there are the following risks: when a user cleans a contaminated portion of laundry in a water drum, the laundry is likely to slip off the top surface due to the weight of the portion exposed from the top surface of the cabinet, and it is difficult to clean the laundry.

Therefore, the ultrasonic washing unit fixed to the casing may be provided so that the laundry can be handled with both hands.

Although not specifically described in patent document 1, a water supply device and a detergent supply device, i.e., a detergent water supply part for supplying water containing detergent (hereinafter referred to as "detergent water") into the water tank may be inserted into an upper part of the case.

However, in the case of adopting a structure in which the ultrasonic cleaning part is fixed to the cabinet and the detergent water supply part is embedded in the upper part of the cabinet as described above, the height of the washing machine is easily increased. Further, the ultrasonic cleaning portion protrudes upward from the top surface of the casing, and the like, and the top surface portion of the washing machine is likely to have a rough appearance.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: chinese patent application publication No. 104233698 specification

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a drum washing machine capable of suppressing an increase in the height dimension of an apparatus main body and obtaining a smooth appearance of a top surface portion in a case where a structure for washing laundry by ultrasonic waves is provided at the top surface portion of a cabinet.

Solution for solving the problem

The drum washing machine according to the main aspect of the present invention comprises: a box-shaped box body; an outer cylinder disposed in the case; and a horizontal shaft type roller rotatably disposed in the outer cylinder. Here, an inlet for inputting laundry into the drum is provided in a front surface portion of the casing. The top surface portion of the case includes: a first face portion constituting a front side of the top face portion; a second face portion which is located at a position higher than the first face portion and which is located at a rear side of the top face portion; and a third face portion rising from a rear end of the first face portion and connected to a front end of the second face portion. A water storage tank for storing detergent water is provided on the first surface, and an ultrasonic cleaning unit for applying ultrasonic waves to a part of the laundry immersed in the detergent water in the water storage tank to clean the part is disposed above the water storage tank. The ultrasonic cleaning part is fixed on the top surface part and does not protrude above the second surface part. In the case, a detergent water supply unit for supplying the detergent water into the water storage tank is disposed in a space formed directly below the second surface portion and directly behind the third surface portion.

According to the above configuration, since the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the detergent water supply unit are arranged in the front-rear direction across the third surface, an increase in the height dimension of the drum washing machine can be suppressed when the ultrasonic cleaning unit is fixed to the top surface of the casing and the detergent water supply unit is arranged at the upper portion in the casing.

Further, the ultrasonic cleaning portion is housed in a space right above the first face portion and lower than the second face portion, without protruding above the second face portion, so that a smooth appearance of the top face portion of the case can be obtained.

In the drum washing machine of the present aspect, a wall portion rising from the first surface portion may be provided along a front edge portion, a right edge portion, and a left edge portion of the first surface portion.

According to the above configuration, even if the detergent water in the water storage cylinder leaks to the first surface, the detergent water can be blocked by the wall portion, so that the detergent water can be prevented from leaking out of the machine.

In the drum washing machine of the present embodiment, the water storage cylinder may be configured to extend rearward of the third surface portion. In this case, a water supply member may be disposed in the space, the water supply member discharging the detergent water from the detergent water supply unit to a rear portion of the water storage tub, the rear portion being located rearward of the third surface portion.

According to the above configuration, the detergent water discharged into the water storage tub is less likely to splash to the peripheral portion of the water storage tub in the first face. In addition, the water supply member does not appear outside the case, thus making the appearance of the top surface portion of the case smoother.

In the drum washing machine according to the present embodiment, the drum washing machine may further include: an operation control unit that executes a washing operation and a washing operation, wherein the washing operation is an operation for washing the laundry by the ultrasonic washing unit; and an operation unit that receives a start operation for starting the washing operation. In this case, the following structure may be adopted: the operation control section does not start the washing operation when the start operation is received by the operation section during execution of the dehydration process under the washing operation.

In the drum washing machine according to the present embodiment, the drum washing machine may further include: and an operation control unit that executes a washing operation and a washing operation, wherein the washing operation is an operation for washing the laundry by the ultrasonic washing unit. In this case, the following structure may be adopted: when the washing operation is being performed when the dewatering process in the washing operation is to be started, the operation control unit waits until the washing operation is completed and then starts the dewatering process.

According to these structures, the detergent water in the water storage cylinder can be prevented from splashing outside the machine due to shaking of the box body during the washing operation.

In the drum washing machine according to the present embodiment, the drum washing machine may further include: a water supply device for supplying water into the outer cylinder; a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the outer cylinder; and a water supply control part controlling the water supply device based on the water level detected by the water level sensor. In this case, the following structure may be adopted: when the ultrasonic cleaning unit performs a cleaning operation for cleaning the laundry when a predetermined water level lower than the lower edge of the inlet is detected by the water level sensor after the water supply by the water supply device is started, the water supply control unit temporarily stops the water supply by the water supply device and notifies the water supply device by the notification unit.

According to this configuration, when the washing operation is being performed at the start of the water supply, the user can easily add the laundry washed by the washing operation to the drum before the door of the input port cannot be opened.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a drum washing machine capable of suppressing an increase in the height dimension of an apparatus main body and obtaining a smooth appearance of a top surface portion in a case where a structure for washing laundry by ultrasonic waves is provided at the top surface portion of a cabinet.

The effects and meaning of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments. However, the following embodiment is merely an example of the practice of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiment.

Drawings

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

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the drum washing machine of the embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a top cross-sectional view of the drum washing machine according to the embodiment, taken at a position between the first surface portion and the second surface portion of the top surface portion.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a drum washing machine according to an embodiment.

In fig. 5, (a) is a flowchart showing a control process for causing the washing operation and the dehydration process to be misaligned when the washing operation is started in the embodiment, and (b) is a flowchart showing a control process for causing the washing operation and the dehydration process of the washing operation to be misaligned when the washing operation is started in the embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a control process performed at the time of water supply in the cleaning process according to the embodiment.

In fig. 7, (a) is a side sectional view of an upper portion of the drum washing machine of modification 1, and (b) is a plan view of the drum washing machine of modification 1.

Description of the reference numerals

1: a drum washing machine; 10: a case; 10a: a front surface portion; 10b: a top surface portion; 13: a charging port; 20: an outer cylinder; 22: a roller; 101: a first face; 102: a second face; 103: a third face; 104: a wall portion; 110: a water storage cylinder; 112: a rear portion; 200: an ultrasonic cleaning section; 300: a water supply device; 310: a detergent water supply part; 400: a supply nozzle (water supply member); 611: an operation unit; 612: a display unit (notification unit); 613: a sound output unit (notification unit); 614: a water level sensor; 615: a control unit (operation control unit, water supply control unit); s2: space.

Detailed Description

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

< Structure of Drum washing machine >

Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of a drum washing machine 1. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the drum washing machine 1. Fig. 3 is a top cross-sectional view of the drum washing machine 1 taken at a position between the first surface 101 and the second surface 102 of the top surface 10 b. For convenience, the water supply device 300 and the detergent water supply part 310 are shown in fig. 1 by blocks.

The drum washing machine 1 includes a box 10 having a substantially square box shape. The case 10 is composed of a lower member 11 having an open top surface, which constitutes most of the case 10, and an upper member 12 having an open bottom surface, which constitutes an upper end portion of the case 10.

A circular input port 13 into which laundry is input is formed in the front surface portion 10a of the casing 10. The inlet 13 is covered with a door 14 that can be opened and closed.

An outer tube 20 is disposed in the case 10. The outer tube 20 is elastically supported by a plurality of dampers 21 and a spring, not shown. A horizontal shaft type drum 22 is rotatably disposed in the outer tube 20. The drum 22 rotates about a horizontal axis. The front surfaces of the tub 20 and the drum 22 are opened. The laundry is introduced into the drum 22 through the introduction port 13 and the two openings.

The peripheral edge of the opening of the outer tube 20 and the peripheral edge of the inlet 13 of the case 10 are connected by an annular seal member 23 made of an elastic material. The peripheral surface of the closed door 14 is in contact with the seal member 23, and the space between the inlet 13 and the door 14 is sealed with water.

A plurality of dehydration holes 22a are formed in the inner circumferential surface of the drum 22. Further, on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 22, a ring-shaped balancer 24 is provided at the front portion, and a plurality of lifting ribs 25 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

A drive motor 30 for generating a torque for rotating the drum 22 is disposed behind the outer tube 20. The drive motor 30 is, for example, an outer rotor type DC (direct current) brushless motor. The driving motor 30 rotates the drum 22 at a rotational speed at which laundry may tumble (spin) during a washing process and a rinsing process, and rotates the drum 22 at a rotational speed at which laundry may adhere to an inner circumferential surface of the drum 22 during a dehydrating process.

A concave portion 20a recessed downward is provided at the bottom of the outer tube 20. A first drain valve 40 is connected to a drain port provided in the bottom surface of the recess 20a.

A first water discharge passage 50 for discharging water in the outer tube 20 to the outside is connected to the first water discharge valve 40.

A filter 60 is disposed in the first water discharge passage 50. The filtering device 60 includes: a filter housing 61 constituting a part of the first water discharge path 50; and a drain filter 62 removably accommodated in the filter housing 61, for trapping foreign matter such as lint contained in the water discharged from the outer tube 20. The filter housing 61 is connected to an inlet and outlet provided in the lower portion of the front surface portion 10a of the casing 10, and the drain filter 62 can be taken out through the inlet and outlet and placed in the filter housing 61. A door may be provided at the doorway. The filter device 60 may be a filter unit described in japanese patent application laid-open publication 2020-103718, for example.

In the first drain passage 50, a first drain hose 51 is connected to an outlet of the first drain valve 40 and an inlet 61a of the filter housing 61. Further, the second drain hose 52 is connected to the outflow port 61b of the filter housing 61. The second drain hose 52 is led out of the tank 10.

The drum washing machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a water storage tub 110 and an ultrasonic washing unit 200 at a top surface portion 10b of a casing 10, and has a function of washing laundry by ultrasonic waves. That is, in the drum washing machine 1, in addition to the washing operation, a washing operation is performed in which the laundry is washed by ultrasonic waves.

The top surface portion 10b of the case 10 includes a first face portion 101, a second face portion 102, and a third face portion 103. The first surface 101 has a square flat plate shape and forms the front side of the top surface 10 b. The second surface 102 has a square flat plate shape and forms the rear side of the top surface 10 b. The second face 102 is located higher than the first face 101, and has a larger front-rear dimension than the first face 101. The third surface 103 has a square flat plate shape, and stands substantially vertically from the rear end of the first surface 101 and is connected to the front end of the second surface 102.

A water storage tube 110 is formed in a central portion of the first surface 101 by partially recessing the first surface 101. The water storage tub 110 has a substantially square shape when viewed from above. The water storage tank 110 stores water containing detergent, i.e., detergent water.

The water storage tub 110 is extended to the rear of the third face 103 and into the inside of the cabinet 10. That is, the water storage tub 110 is divided into a front portion 111 formed on the first face portion 101 and a rear portion 112 formed on the rear side of the third face portion 103. The water storage cylinder 110 is provided with a water outlet 113 at a rear portion 112. The water discharge port 113 has a cylindrical shape and protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the water storage cylinder 110.

In the third surface 103, the lower end of the portion of the water storage tube 110 is slightly lower than the lower ends of the other portions, and slightly enters the water storage tube 110.

In the present embodiment, the front portion 111 and the rear portion 112 of the water storage tube 110 have the same width in the left-right direction, but the width of the rear portion 112 in the left-right direction may be smaller than the width of the front portion 111 in the left-right direction.

Wall portions 104 rising from the first face 101 are provided along the front edge portion, the right edge portion, and the left edge portion of the first face 101.

An ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is disposed above the water storage tank 110. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 applies ultrasonic waves to a part of the laundry immersed in the detergent water in the water storage tank 110 to clean the part.

The ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 includes an ultrasonic generator 210 and a housing 220. The ultrasonic wave generator 210 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 211 and a vibration horn 212 coupled to the ultrasonic vibrator 211. The vibration horn 212 is formed of a conductive metal material, and has a tapered shape toward the distal end side. The front end surface 212a of the vibration horn 212 has an elongated rectangular shape. The ultrasonic wave generator 210 generates ultrasonic waves from the tip of the vibration horn 212 by high-frequency vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 211.

The housing 220 has an arm shape long in the front-rear direction and a front end 221 thereof being bent downward. The ultrasonic wave generator 210 is disposed at the front portion inside the housing 220. The front end of the vibration horn 212 is exposed from the opening 222 of the housing 220. The distal end portion of the ultrasonic wave generator 210 enters the water storage tube 110.

The rear end portion of the housing 220 is fixed to the third face 103. Thereby, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is fixed to the top surface portion 10b. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is not projected above the second surface 102, but is housed in a space S1 directly above the first surface 101 and lower than the second surface 102.

In the interior of the case 10, the water supply device 300 is disposed in a space S2 formed immediately below the second surface 102 and immediately behind the third surface 103. In the space S2, a supply nozzle 400 is disposed. The supply nozzle 400 extends from the water supply device 300 toward the water storage cylinder 110. The supply nozzle 400 has a front end portion bent downward, and a discharge port 401 on a lower surface of the front end portion. The supply nozzle 400 corresponds to a water supply means of the present invention.

In the space S2, a space S2a immediately above the rear portion 112 of the water storage tube 110 is surrounded by the third surface 103, the left and right side walls 105, and the rear surface wall 106, and is blocked from the surrounding space S2 b. Left and right side walls 105 and rear surface wall 106 are continuous from left and right side surfaces and rear surface of water storage cylinder 110, extend upward, and are connected to second surface 102. The supply nozzle 400 passes through an opening 107 provided in the rear surface wall 106. The front end of the supply nozzle 400 is located above the rear portion 112 of the water storage tub 110, and the discharge opening 401 is located at a lower level than the upper end of the water storage tub 110.

The water supply device 300 includes: a detergent water supply unit 310 for supplying detergent water into the water storage tub 110; and a water supply part 320 for supplying water into the outer tube 20. The detergent water supply unit 310 also functions as an automatic input unit for inputting detergent and softener into the outer tub 20.

The detergent water supply part 310 includes a first water supply valve 311, a first waterway part 312, a first three-way valve 313, a second three-way valve 314, a third three-way valve 315, a supply pump 316, a storage tank 317, a supply valve 318, a detergent tank 350, a softener tank 360, a first supply pipe 355, and a second supply pipe 365.

The first water supply valve 311 has a water inlet 311a shared with a second water supply valve 321 described below, and the water inlet 311a is connected to a faucet via a water supply hose, not shown. The first water supply valve 311 is connected to an inlet of the first waterway portion 312.

The first water path 312 is formed of a pipe or the like. The first three-way valve 313 and the second three-way valve 314 are disposed midway in the first waterway portion 312. In the first waterway portion 312, the supply pump 316 is disposed downstream of the second three-way valve 314, and the third three-way valve 315 is disposed downstream of the supply pump 316. The feed pump 316 may be, for example, a piston pump. The third three-way valve 315 is connected to the inflow port of the reservoir 317.

The storage case 317 has a substantially square box shape and stores detergent water. The storage case 317 has a capacity to store more than one serving of detergent water to be supplied to the water storage tub 110 during the washing operation. A vent, not shown, which is open to the atmosphere is formed in the top surface of the storage case 317. The outflow port of the reservoir tank 317 is connected to the supply nozzle 400 via the supply valve 318.

The portion of the first water path portion 312 downstream of the third three-way valve 315 extends downward after exiting from the space S2, and is connected to the water filling port 26 provided in the upper part of the rear surface of the outer tube 20.

The detergent box 350 has a substantially square box shape, and stores a liquid detergent in a raw liquid state. The detergent box 350 has an inlet 351 on the top surface and an outlet 352 on the bottom surface. The inlet 351 is covered with a cover 353 that can be opened and closed. One end of the first supply pipe 355 is connected to the discharge port 352. The other end of the first supply pipe 355 is connected to the first three-way valve 313.

The softener box 360 has a generally square box shape, and holds the liquid softener in a stock solution state. The softener box 360 has an inlet 361 on the top surface and an outlet 362 on the bottom surface. The inlet 361 is covered with a cover 363 that can be opened and closed. One end of the second supply pipe 365 is connected to the discharge port 362. The other end of the second supply pipe 365 is connected to the second three-way valve 314.

The detergent box 350 and the softener box 360 are housed in the housing concave portions 108 and 109 provided in the second surface portion 102 of the top surface portion 10b so as to be arranged in the left-right direction. The detergent box 350 and the softener box 360 may be detachable from the storage recesses 108 and 109.

The water supply part 320 includes a second water supply valve 321 and a second water path part 322. The rated flow rate of the second water supply valve 321 is greater than the rated flow rate of the first water supply valve 311. The second water supply valve 321 is connected to an inlet of the second waterway portion 322.

The second water path portion 322 is formed of a pipe or the like. The second water path portion 322 extends downward after leaving the space S2, and is connected to the water filling port 26 provided at the upper part of the rear surface of the outer tube 20.

The water supply device 300 may be configured such that all but the first water path portion 312 and the second water path portion 322 extending toward the outer tube 20 below are accommodated in the space S2, or such that a part of the configuration thereof is exposed downward from the space S2.

A second drain valve 510 is disposed below the supply nozzle 400 in the case 10, i.e., in the upper member 12. The second drain valve 510 is connected to the drain port 113. A second drain pipe 520 is connected to the second drain valve 510. The second water discharge path 520 is constituted by a hose, for example, and extends downward and is connected to the bottom of the outer tube 20. The second drain pipe 520 may be connected to the upstream side of the drain filter 62, and may be connected to the first drain hose 51 and the filter housing 61.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of the drum washing machine 1.

The drum washing machine 1 includes, in addition to the above-described configuration, an operation unit 611, a display unit 612, an audio output unit 613, a water level sensor 614, a control unit 615, a storage unit 616, a motor drive unit 617, eight valve drive units 618 to 625, a pump drive unit 626, a vibrator drive unit 627, and a door locking device 628.

The operation unit 611 includes various operation buttons such as a power-on button 611a, a power-off button 611b, a start button 611c, a mode selection button 611d, and a washing button 611e, and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation button to the control unit 615.

The power on button 611a and the power off button 611b are buttons for turning on and off the power to the drum washing machine 1, respectively. The start button 611c is a button for starting the washing operation. The mode selection button 611d is a button for selecting an arbitrary operation mode from a plurality of operation modes of the washing operation. The washing button 611e is a button for starting the washing operation.

The display unit 612 includes a display element such as an LED, and displays information related to the washing operation and the cleaning operation, such as display of the selected operation mode and display of an error code.

The sound output unit 613 outputs a notification sound such as a sound notifying the end of the operation or a sound notifying the reception of a button operation. The notification sound includes other sounds such as an alarm sound.

The water level sensor 614 detects the water level in the outer tub 20, and outputs a water level signal corresponding to the detected water level to the control part 615.

The motor driving unit 617, the eight valve driving units 618 to 625, the pump driving unit 626, and the vibrator driving unit 627 drive the driving motor 30, the first water supply valve 311, the second water supply valve 321, the first three-way valve 313, the second three-way valve 314, the third three-way valve 315, the first drain valve 40, the second drain valve 510, the supply pump 316, and the ultrasonic vibrator 211 in response to control signals from the control unit 615, respectively. The door locking device 628 locks and unlocks the door 14 in accordance with a control signal from the control section 615.

The storage unit 616 includes a ROM (read only memory), a RAM (random access memory), and the like. The storage unit 616 stores therein programs for executing the washing operation and the cleaning operation in various operation modes. The storage unit 616 stores various parameters and various control flags for executing these programs.

The control unit 615 includes a CPU (central processing unit) and the like, and controls the display unit 612, the sound output unit 613, the motor drive unit 617, the eight valve drive units 618 to 625, the pump drive unit 626, the vibrator drive unit 627, the door locking device 628 and the like in accordance with programs stored in the storage unit 616 based on signals from the operation unit 611, the water level sensor 614 and the like.

The control unit 615 corresponds to an operation control unit and a water supply control unit of the present invention.

< action of Drum washing machine >

The drum washing machine 1 can perform washing operations in various operation modes. The washing operation is performed under the control of the control part 615. In the washing operation, a washing process, an intermediate dehydrating process, a rinsing process, and a final dehydrating process are sequentially performed. Depending on the operation mode, the rinsing process and the intermediate dehydrating process are sometimes performed more than twice.

During the washing, water containing detergent is stored in the outer tub 20 to a predetermined washing water level, and the washing material immersed in the water is tumbled by repeating the forward rotation and the reverse rotation of the drum 22. The water containing the detergent permeates into the interior of the laundry, and dirt adhering to the surface and the interior of the laundry is removed by the effectiveness of the detergent and mechanical force generated by tumbling.

In the rinsing process, the drum 22 rotates forward and backward in a state where water reaching a predetermined rinsing water level is stored in the tub 20, and the laundry is tumbled. Thus, the detergent contained in the laundry is discharged together with the water, and the laundry is rinsed.

In the intermediate dehydration process and the final dehydration process, the driving motor 30 is rotated at a high speed in one direction, and the drum 22 is rotated in one direction at a rotational speed at which centrifugal force acting on laundry in the drum 22 is much greater than gravity. The laundry is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the drum 22 by the centrifugal force, and is dehydrated. During the final dehydration, the drum 22 rotates at a higher rotational speed than during the intermediate dehydration.

When water supply is performed during the cleaning, water is supplied into the outer tub 20 by the water supply device 300 and liquid detergent is automatically injected.

First, in the detergent water supply section 310, the first three-way valve 313 is switched to a state in which the first supply pipe 355 communicates with the downstream side of the first three-way valve 313 in the first water path section 312. Further, the second three-way valve 314 is switched to a state in which the upstream side and the downstream side of the second three-way valve 314 in the first waterway portion 312 are communicated. The third three-way valve 315 is switched to a state in which the upstream side and the downstream side of the third three-way valve 315 in the first waterway portion 312 communicate with each other.

The supply pump 316 is operated, and air in the first water path 312 is sucked to form a negative pressure, so that the liquid detergent in the detergent box 350 is sucked into the first water path 312 through the first supply pipe 355. The supply pump 316 is operated for a predetermined time, and a predetermined amount of liquid detergent is stored in the first water path 312.

Next, the first three-way valve 313 is switched to a state in which the upstream side and the downstream side of the first three-way valve 313 in the first waterway portion 312 are communicated, and the first water supply valve 311 is opened. The water from the tap flows to the first waterway part 312 to wash away the liquid detergent. The liquid detergent washed away flows into the water filling port 26, and is poured into the outer tube 20 from the water filling port 26.

In the water supply part 320, the second water supply valve 321 is opened while the first water supply valve 311 is opened. Water from the faucet flows through the second water path portion 322 to the water filling port portion 26, and is discharged from the water filling port portion 26 into the outer tube 20.

When the water level in the outer tub 20 reaches a predetermined washing water level, the first water supply valve 311 and the second water supply valve 321 are closed, and the water supply is ended. The cleaning water level is set at a position higher than the position of the lower edge of the inlet 13.

When the water is supplied during the rinsing process, the water supply unit 320 is only supplied by the water supply device 300, and the water is stored in the outer tub 20 to a predetermined rinsing water level.

In the case of performing the rinsing process a plurality of times, in the final rinsing process, the liquid softener of the softener box 360 is put into the outer tub 20 by performing the same operation of the water supply device 300 as that in the cleaning process when water is supplied.

However, unlike the water supply during the washing, in the detergent water supply part 310, the second three-way valve 314 is switched to a state in which the second supply pipe 365 communicates with the downstream side of the second three-way valve 314 in the first waterway part 312, and the first three-way valve 313 is switched to a state in which the upstream side and the downstream side of the first three-way valve 313 in the first waterway part 312 communicate. Thus, when the supply pump 316 is operated, the liquid softener of the softener box 360 is sucked to the first waterway part 312.

During the water discharge in the washing and rinsing processes, the water discharged from the outer tub 20 is discharged to the outside through the first water discharge passage 50. At this time, foreign matter such as lint contained in the drain water is captured by the drain filter 62. Thereby, the foreign matter is prevented from being discharged outside the machine.

The drum washing machine 1 can perform a washing operation. The washing operation is performed under the control of the control section 615. By the washing operation, the user can perform so-called partial washing for removing dirt partially adhering to the laundry before performing the washing operation.

When the user operates the wash button 611e, the washing operation starts.

When the washing operation is started, the detergent water is supplied into the water storage tub 110 through the detergent water supply part 310 of the water supply device 300 as follows.

First, the detergent water is stored in the storage case 317. That is, the first three-way valve 313 is switched to a state in which the first supply pipe 355 communicates with the downstream side of the first three-way valve 313 in the first waterway portion 312. Further, the second three-way valve 314 is switched to a state in which the upstream side and the downstream side of the second three-way valve 314 in the first waterway portion 312 are communicated. The third three-way valve 315 is switched to a state in which the upstream side of the third three-way valve 315 in the first water path portion 312 communicates with the inlet of the storage cassette 317. Also, the supply valve 318 is closed. The supply pump 316 is operated for a predetermined time, and a predetermined amount of liquid detergent is stored in the first water path 312.

Next, the first three-way valve 313 is switched to a state in which the upstream side and the downstream side of the first three-way valve 313 in the first waterway portion 312 are communicated, and the first water supply valve 311 is opened. The water from the tap flows to the first waterway part 312 to wash away the liquid detergent. The water is mixed with a liquid detergent to form detergent water. The detergent water flows into the retention tank 317 through the supply pump 316 and the third three-way valve 315.

When a predetermined amount of detergent water is stored in the storage case 317, the first water supply valve 311 is closed. In this way, the storage case 317 stores detergent water having a predetermined detergent concentration.

Next, the supply valve 318 is opened. The detergent water in the storage case 317 is discharged from the discharge port 401 to the rear portion 112 of the water storage cartridge 110 through the supply nozzle 400, and is stored in the water storage cartridge 110. At this time, since the rear portion 112 is located behind the third surface 103, that is, inside the casing 10, the discharged detergent water is less likely to splash around the water storage tub 110 in the first surface 101. Further, since the space S2a immediately above the rear portion 112 is partitioned from the surrounding space S2b by the left and right side walls 105 and the rear surface wall 106, the discharged detergent water is less likely to splash outside the space S2b, that is, the space S2a in the casing 10.

When the water level in the water reservoir 110 rises to the height of the discharge port 401 as shown by the one-dot chain line of fig. 1 so that the discharge port 401 is blocked by the detergent water, the air pressure in the reservoir tank 317 is balanced with the external air pressure. Thereby, the supply of water from the reservoir tank 317 is stopped while the supply valve 318 is kept open. About one third of the detergent water remains in the retention box 317 when it is full. The front end of the ultrasonic wave generating body 210 contacts the water surface.

When the detergent water is stored in the water storage tank 110, the user places the laundry on the first surface 101, and places the dirt adhering portion of the laundry between the water storage tank 110 and the vibration horn 212 of the ultrasonic generator 210. The dirt adhering portion of the laundry is immersed in the detergent water, and the detergent water impregnated into the interior of the laundry oozes out of the surface. The surface of the laundry is formed with a thin water layer, and the vibration horn 212 is in contact with the water layer.

When the water level decreases due to the water absorption of the laundry and the water level decreases so that the discharge outlet 401 is no longer blocked by the detergent water, the detergent water is supplied from the storage tank 317 into the water storage tank 110 until the discharge outlet 401 is blocked again by the detergent water. Thus, the water level, i.e., the amount of water, in the water storage tank 110 is maintained in an appropriate state.

When a predetermined waiting time elapses after the supply valve 318 is opened, the ultrasonic vibrator 211 is energized to operate the ultrasonic generator 210. Ultrasonic waves are generated from the tip of the vibration horn 212, and dirt is peeled from the laundry by the action of the ultrasonic waves. At this time, the detergency is improved by increasing the effectiveness of the detergent.

The user moves the laundry left and right while touching the contaminated portion to the vibration horn 212 to remove dirt from the contaminated portion. At this time, the third surface 103 guides the laundry, so that the user can easily move the laundry stably left and right. In addition, even if the detergent water in the water storage tub 110 is squeezed by the laundry or the like, overflows to the first surface portion 101 and spreads, the detergent water is blocked by the wall portion 104 on the outer periphery of the first surface portion 101, and is not likely to leak out of the first surface portion 101.

When a predetermined operation time elapses after the operation of the ultrasonic wave generating body 210 is started, the operation of the ultrasonic wave generating body 210 is stopped, and the cleaning operation is ended.

The second drain valve 510 is opened, and the detergent water in the water storage tub 110 flows to the second drain path 520 through the drain port 113. The detergent flowing through the second drain path 520 flows into the outer tub 20. At this time, the first drain valve 40 is opened, and the detergent water is discharged to the outside through the first drain passage 50. Foreign matter such as lint mixed into the detergent water is captured by the drain filter 62.

The supply valve 318 is opened, and the remaining detergent water in the storage case 317 is discharged to the outside through the water storage tank 110 and the like.

In the drum washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the washing operation and the cleaning operation can be performed simultaneously. That is, the washing operation can be started even during the washing operation, and the washing operation can be started also during the washing operation.

In the drum washing machine 1, the cabinet 10 is easily shaken up and down greatly at the time of dehydration. Therefore, when the washing operation is performed during the dehydration process of the washing operation, that is, during the intermediate dehydration process or the final dehydration process, the detergent water in the water storage tub 110 is easily splashed outside the machine. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 615 executes a control process for causing the washing operation and the dewatering process not to overlap, as described below.

Fig. 5 (a) is a flowchart showing a control process for causing the washing operation and the dewatering process not to overlap each other, which is performed when the washing operation is started.

Referring to fig. 5 (a), when the start operation of the washing operation is performed by the washing button 611e (yes in S101), the control unit 615 determines whether or not the washing operation is in progress (S102). If the washing machine is not in the dehydration process (S102: NO), the control unit 615 starts the washing operation (S103). On the other hand, if the washing operation is being performed (S102: yes), the control unit 615 invalidates the start operation (S104) and does not start the washing operation.

The control unit 615 may be configured to automatically start the washing operation when the dehydration process is completed.

Fig. 5 (b) is a flowchart showing a control process performed during the washing operation to prevent the spin-drying process of the washing operation from overlapping with the spin-drying process of the washing operation.

Referring to fig. 5 b, when the washing process or rinsing process, which is the process preceding the dehydration process, is completed (S201: yes), the control unit 615 determines whether or not the washing operation is in progress (S202). If the washing operation is not in progress (S202: NO), the control unit 615 starts the dehydration process (S203). On the other hand, if the washing operation is in progress (S202: yes), the control unit 615 waits until the washing operation is completed (S204: no). When the washing operation is completed (S204: yes), the control unit 615 starts the dehydration process (S203).

Further, since water is stored to a higher level than the lower edge of the inlet 13 during the washing operation, the door 14 is locked by the door locking device 628 so that the door 14 is not opened. Therefore, additional input of the laundry into the drum 22 cannot be performed in the middle of the water supply. When the washing operation is being performed at the start of the washing operation, it is preferable that the laundry washed by the washing operation can be additionally put into the drum 22 before the door 14 cannot be opened. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 615 executes the control process described below at the time of water supply in the cleaning process.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a control process performed at the time of water supply in the cleaning process.

Referring to fig. 6, when water supply during washing is started, the control part 615 monitors whether the water level in the outer tub 20 has reached the lock water level based on the detection result of the water level sensor 614 (S301). The lock water level is set to a water level lower than the lower edge of the inlet 13.

When the water level in the outer tub 20 reaches the lock water level (S301: yes), the control unit 615 determines whether or not the washing operation is being performed (S302). When the washing operation is being performed (S302: yes), the control unit 615 closes the first water supply valve 311 and the second water supply valve 321, and stops the water supply into the outer tub 20 (S303). Then, the control unit 615 notifies the user of the addition of the laundry by the display on the display unit 612 and/or the sound from the sound output unit 613 (S304). Then, the control section 615 waits for a resume operation by the start button 611c (S305). The display unit 612 and/or the audio output unit 613 correspond to the notification unit of the present invention.

After adding the washed article washed by the washing operation, or without adding the washed article, the user performs a recovery operation. When the restoration operation is completed (S305: yes), the control portion 615 opens the first water supply valve 311 and the second water supply valve 321 to restore the water supply into the outer tub 20 (S306), and operates the door locking device 628 to lock the door 14 (S307).

When the washing operation has not been performed yet (S302: no) when the water level in the outer tube 20 has reached the door locking water level, the control unit 615 locks the door 14 without stopping the water supply (S307).

< effects of embodiments >

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

The top surface portion 10b of the cabinet 10 of the drum washing machine 1 includes: a first surface 101 constituting a front side of the top surface 10 b; a second surface 102, which is located at a position higher than the first surface 101, and which is located at the rear side of the top surface 10 b; and a third surface 103 rising from the rear end of the first surface 101 and connected to the front end of the second surface 102. A water storage tank 110 for storing detergent water is provided on the first surface 101, and an ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is disposed above the water storage tank 110, and the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 applies ultrasonic waves to a part of the laundry immersed in the detergent water in the water storage tank 110 to clean the part. The ultrasonic cleaning section 200 is fixed to the top surface section 10b so as not to protrude above the second surface section 102. In the case 10, a detergent water supply unit 310 for supplying detergent water into the water storage tub 110 is disposed in a space S2 formed immediately below the second surface 102 and immediately behind the third surface 103.

According to this configuration, since the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 and the detergent water supply unit 310 are arranged in the front-rear direction across the third surface 103, an increase in the height dimension of the drum washing machine 1 can be suppressed when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is fixed to the top surface 10b of the casing 10 and the detergent water supply unit 310 is arranged at the upper portion in the casing 10. In the case where the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 and the detergent water supply unit 310 are arranged in the vertical direction, that is, in the height direction of the casing 10, the height dimension of the drum washing machine 1 is easily increased significantly.

Further, the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is housed in the space S1 immediately above the first surface 101 and lower than the second surface 102, without protruding above the second surface 102, and thus a smooth appearance of the top surface portion of the casing 10 can be obtained. In addition, when articles such as a laundry basket are placed on the second surface 102, the ultrasonic cleaning section 200 is less likely to be obstructed.

In the drum washing machine 1, wall portions 104 rising from the first surface 101 are provided along the front edge portion, the right edge portion, and the left edge portion of the first surface 101.

According to this structure, even if the detergent water in the water storage tub 110 leaks to the first surface 101, the detergent water is blocked by the wall 104, and thus the detergent water can be prevented from leaking out of the machine.

In the drum washing machine 1, the water storage tub 110 extends rearward of the third surface 103, and a supply nozzle 400 is disposed in the space S2, and the supply nozzle 400 discharges the detergent water from the detergent water supply unit 310 to the rear portion 112 of the water storage tub 110 rearward of the third surface 103.

According to this structure, the detergent water discharged into the water storage tub 110 is less likely to splash to the peripheral portion of the water storage tub 110 in the first face 101. In addition, the supply nozzle 400 does not appear outside the case 10, thus making the appearance of the top surface portion of the case 10 smoother.

In the drum washing machine 1, when a start operation is received through the operation part 611 while the dehydration process under the washing operation is being performed, the control part 615 does not start the washing operation. When the washing operation is being performed when the dehydration process in the washing operation is to be started, the control unit 615 and the like restart the dehydration process until the washing operation is completed.

According to these structures, the detergent water in the water storage tub 110 can be prevented from splashing outside the machine due to the shaking of the casing 10 during the washing operation.

In the drum washing machine 1, when the water level sensor 614 detects that the washing operation is being performed after the water supply by the water supply device 300 is started, the control unit 615 temporarily stops the water supply by the water supply device 300 and notifies the water level sensor 612 and the sound output unit 613.

According to this configuration, when the washing operation is being performed at the time of starting the water supply during the washing, the user can easily add the laundry washed by the washing operation to the drum 22 before the door 14 cannot be opened.

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 may be made to the embodiments of the present invention.

< modification 1>

Fig. 7 (a) is a side sectional view of the upper part of the drum washing machine 1 of modification 1. Fig. 7 (b) is a plan view of the drum washing machine 1 of modification 1.

The drum washing machine 1 of the present modification includes a cover 700, and the cover 700 covers the water storage tub 110 and the ultrasonic cleaning section 200 provided on the top surface 10b of the casing 10.

The cover 700 has a square box shape with an open rear surface and a bottom surface. The front-rear and left-right dimensions of the cover 700 are equal to the front-rear and left-right dimensions of the first face 101. In addition, the upper and lower dimensions of the cover 700 are equal to the distance between the upper surface of the wall portion 104 and the surface of the second face portion 102, and the top surface of the cover 700 is flush with the surface of the second face portion 102 when the cover 700 is attached to the case 10.

The cover 700 is configured to be openable and closable by being attached and detached, and is opened when the water storage cartridge 110 and the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 are used. Note that, the configuration may be: a hinge portion is provided between the rear end portion of the cover 700 and the front end portion of the second surface 102, and the cover 700 is opened and closed with the hinge portion as a fulcrum.

According to this modification, the water storage tank 110 and the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 can be protected by the cover 700. Further, since the top surface of the cover 700 is flush with the surface of the second surface 102, the entire top surface of the case 10 including the top surface of the cover 700 is flat, and articles such as a laundry basket can be easily placed on the case 10.

< other modification >

The structure of the detergent water supply part 310 is not limited to the structure of the above embodiment, and may be any structure as long as detergent water can be supplied into the water storage tub 110. For example, the detergent water supply unit 310 may be configured to directly supply detergent water from the first water path unit 312 into the water storage tub 110 without providing the storage tank 317. The detergent water supply unit 310 may have the following structure: the water and the detergent are not mixed in the first water path portion 312, and the detergent directly put into the storage box 317 from the detergent box 350 and the water supplied into the storage box 317 from the first water path portion 312 are mixed in the storage box 317.

In the above embodiment, the detergent water supply unit 310 has a function of automatically supplying detergent and softener into the outer tub 20. However, the detergent water supply part 310 may not have such a function. In this case, the softener case 360, the second supply pipe 365, and the second three-way valve 314 are not provided in the detergent water supply part 310. The detergent water supply unit 310 may have a function of automatically supplying only detergent into the outer tub 20.

In the above embodiment, the water storage tube 110 extends rearward of the third surface 103 and enters the case 10. However, the water storage tank 110 may be provided only on the first surface 101 and not inside the case 10. In this case, the detergent water may be discharged into the water storage tub 110 from the supply nozzle 400 exposed to the outside of the casing 10.

In the above embodiment, the wall 104 is provided on the first surface 101, but the wall 104 may not be provided.

In the above embodiment, the detergent water is discharged into the water storage tub 110 through the supply nozzle 400. However, it may be set as follows: the detergent water is discharged into the water storage tub 110 by a water supply member having a form other than the supply nozzle 400.

In the above embodiment, in the control process of fig. 5 (a), the washing operation is not started when the washing machine is in the dehydration process. However, although not as much as the dehydration process, the cabinet 10 is easily shaken up and down even during the washing and rinsing processes. Therefore, the control process of fig. 5 (a) may be changed to: the washing operation is not started not only during the dehydration but also during the washing and rinsing processes. Similarly, the control process in fig. 5 (b) may be modified as follows: when the washing operation is being performed at the start of the washing process or rinsing process, the washing process or rinsing process is restarted after the washing operation is completed.

In the above embodiment, both the detergent water supply unit 310 and the water supply unit 320 are disposed in the space S2 formed directly below the second surface 102 and directly behind the third surface 103 in the casing 10. However, at least the detergent water supply unit 310 may be disposed in the space S2, and the water supply unit 320 may be disposed in a place other than the space S2 in the casing 10.

The structure of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 200 is not limited to the structure of the above embodiment, and any structure may be used as long as ultrasonic waves can be applied to a part of the laundry immersed in the detergent water in the water storage tub 110.

In the above embodiment, the water storage tube 110 is formed by partially recessing the first surface 101. However, the water storage tank 110 may be formed by surrounding a part of the first face 101 with a wall portion such as a rib.

The drum washing machine 1 of the above embodiment does not have a drying function, but the present invention can be applied to a drum washing machine having a drying function, that is, a drum washing and drying integrated machine.

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

Claims

A drum washing machine is characterized by comprising:

A box-shaped box body;

an outer cylinder disposed in the case; and

a transverse shaft type roller rotatably disposed in the outer cylinder,

an input port for inputting the washings into the roller is arranged on the front surface part of the box body,

the top surface portion of the case includes:

a first face portion constituting a front side of the top face portion;

a second face portion which is located at a position higher than the first face portion and which is located at a rear side of the top face portion; and

a third face portion rising from the rear end of the first face portion and connected to the front end of the second face portion,

a water storage cylinder for storing detergent water is arranged on the first surface,

an ultrasonic cleaning section is disposed above the water storage tank, and the ultrasonic cleaning section applies ultrasonic waves to a part of the laundry immersed in the detergent water in the water storage tank to clean the part,

the ultrasonic cleaning part is fixed on the top surface part and does not protrude above the second surface part,

in the case, a detergent water supply unit for supplying the detergent water into the water storage tank is disposed in a space formed directly below the second surface portion and directly behind the third surface portion.
A drum washing machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein,

wall portions rising from the first face are provided along the front edge portion, the right edge portion, and the left edge portion of the first face.
A drum washing machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein,

the water storage tube extends to the rear of the third face,

a water supply member is disposed in the space, and discharges the detergent water from the detergent water supply unit to a rear portion of the water storage tube, the rear portion being located rearward of the third surface portion.
A drum washing machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

an operation control unit that executes a washing operation and a washing operation, wherein the washing operation is an operation for washing the laundry by the ultrasonic washing unit; and

an operation unit that receives a start operation for starting the washing operation,

the operation control section does not start the washing operation when the start operation is received by the operation section during execution of the dehydration process under the washing operation.
The drum washing machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein,

Further comprises an operation control unit for executing a washing operation and a washing operation, wherein the washing operation is an operation for washing the washing object by the ultrasonic washing unit,

when the washing operation is being performed when the dewatering process in the washing operation is to be started, the operation control unit waits until the washing operation is completed and then starts the dewatering process.
The drum washing machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

a water supply device for supplying water into the outer cylinder;

a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the outer cylinder; and

a water supply control part for controlling the water supply device based on the water level detected by the water level sensor,

when the ultrasonic cleaning unit performs a cleaning operation for cleaning the laundry when a predetermined water level lower than the lower edge of the inlet is detected by the water level sensor after the water supply by the water supply device is started, the water supply control unit temporarily stops the water supply by the water supply device and notifies the water supply device by the notification unit.