WO2024067066A1 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Washing machine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2024067066A1
WO2024067066A1 PCT/CN2023/118267 CN2023118267W WO2024067066A1 WO 2024067066 A1 WO2024067066 A1 WO 2024067066A1 CN 2023118267 W CN2023118267 W CN 2023118267W WO 2024067066 A1 WO2024067066 A1 WO 2024067066A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
water storage
distance
washing
supply
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2023/118267
Other languages
French (fr)
Chinese (zh)
Inventor
前场克之
北川宏之
Original Assignee
青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司
Aqua株式会社
海尔智家股份有限公司
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司, Aqua株式会社, 海尔智家股份有限公司 filed Critical 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司
Publication of WO2024067066A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024067066A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
    • B08B3/04—Cleaning involving contact with liquid
    • B08B3/10—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration
    • B08B3/12—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration by sonic or ultrasonic vibrations
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F19/00—Washing machines using vibrations for washing purposes
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/32—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F33/34—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of water filling
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/32—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F33/37—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of metering of detergents or additives
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a washing machine.
  • Patent Document 1 describes a washing machine equipped with an ultrasonic cleaning device that stores cleaning water containing water and detergent in a water storage tub and cleans objects immersed in the cleaning water by applying ultrasonic waves to the objects.
  • a detergent supplied from a washing box is mixed with water sent from a faucet by a water supply unit to generate washing water.
  • the generated washing water is stored in a storage box arranged behind a water storage barrel.
  • a supply nozzle extends from the storage box to the water storage barrel, and the washing water in the storage box is supplied to the water storage barrel through the supply nozzle.
  • the front end of the supply nozzle is bent downward, and a discharge port for discharging washing water is formed on the lower surface of the front end.
  • washing water can be stored in the water storage tank to the height position of the discharge port, that is, the predetermined water level.
  • the washing water temporarily stored in the storage box is supplied to the water storage barrel, the water supply time of the washing water to the water storage barrel tends to be long. Therefore, in order to shorten the water supply time, it is conceivable to adopt a structure in which the washing water is directly supplied from the water supply unit to the water storage barrel without providing a storage box. However, when such a structure is adopted, the structure of storing the washing water to a predetermined water level provided in the above-mentioned washing machine cannot be adopted.
  • Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-23547
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine which can shorten the water supply time of washing water into a water storage tub and store an appropriate amount of washing water in the water storage tub.
  • the main embodiment of the present invention is a washing machine comprising: an ultrasonic cleaning device including a water storage tank for storing cleaning water and an ultrasonic cleaning unit for applying ultrasonic waves to objects to be cleaned immersed in the cleaning water to clean the objects; a water supply unit for supplying at least water sent from a faucet as the cleaning water into the water storage tank; a distance sensor disposed above the water storage tank for measuring the distance from the water surface of the cleaning water stored in the water storage tank; and a control unit for controlling the water supply unit.
  • the control unit controls the water supply unit to supply the cleaning water into the water storage tank until the distance from the water surface measured by the distance sensor reaches a first specified distance corresponding to a first specified water level.
  • water mixed with detergent is supplied to the water storage tank as washing water.
  • water not containing detergent may be supplied to the water storage tank as washing water.
  • the water supply unit supplies at least water sent from the faucet to the water storage tub as wash water in a manner that the water is not temporarily stored, thereby shortening the water supply time for supplying wash water to the water storage tub. Furthermore, the water supply unit supplies wash water to the water storage tub until the distance to the water surface measured by the distance sensor reaches the first specified distance corresponding to the first specified water level, thereby storing wash water in the water storage tub to the first specified water level.
  • the control unit measures the distance from the bottom surface of the water storage tub by the distance sensor and sets the first specified distance based on the distance from the bottom surface of the water storage tub.
  • the first predetermined water level can be detected with high accuracy using the distance sensor without being affected by variations in the height position relationship between the distance sensor and the bottom surface of the water storage tank.
  • the control unit causes the water supply unit to replenish the washing water when the water level is equal to or greater than a second predetermined distance corresponding to a second predetermined water level lower than the first predetermined water level.
  • the amount of washing water in the water storage tank can be maintained within an appropriate range.
  • the control unit measures the distance from the bottom surface of the water storage tank by the distance sensor and sets the second specified distance based on the distance from the bottom surface of the water storage tank.
  • the second predetermined water level can be detected with high accuracy using the distance sensor without being affected by the variation in the height position relationship between the distance sensor and the bottom surface of the water storage tank.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device further includes: a water storage part, which is formed with the water storage bucket; and a base part, to which the water storage part is attached in a detachable manner.
  • the control part determines whether the water storage part is attached to the base part based on the distance to the object measured by the distance sensor, and causes the notification part to notify if the water storage part is not attached to the base part.
  • the water supply unit may supply the washing water into the water storage tub via a supply member.
  • the supply member may have an outlet opening downward for the washing water to flow out, and may be arranged above the water storage tub in a manner overlapping the water storage tub.
  • the distance sensor may be fixed to the supply member.
  • the distance sensor may be fixed to the supply member in a manner that it is exposed downward from the supply member. In this case, if a cover that covers the distance sensor from the front is provided on the supply member, the object to be washed is unlikely to contact the distance sensor during washing.
  • a washing machine can be provided which can shorten the water supply time of washing water into a water storage tub and store an appropriate amount of washing water in the water storage tub.
  • Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a water supply unit according to the embodiment.
  • (a) is a stereoscopic view of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the upper panel of the embodiment when the ultrasonic cleaning device is in a state of being pulled out from the storage portion
  • (b) and (c) are stereoscopic views of the main parts of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the upper panel of the embodiment when the ultrasonic cleaning device is in a state of being stored in the storage portion.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device, the installation plate, and the supply nozzle when the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the embodiment is stored in the storage portion.
  • FIG 5 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device in a state where the water storage part is detached from the base part according to the embodiment.
  • FIG6 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the base unit according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a rear portion of a water storage unit and a supply nozzle when the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the embodiment is in a state of being pulled out from a storage unit.
  • FIG8 is a block diagram showing the structure of the fully automatic washing machine according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control process for a washing operation executed by a control unit according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 (a) is a flowchart showing a water storage unit attachment confirmation process according to an embodiment, and (b) is a flowchart showing a predetermined distance setting process according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 (a) to (c) are diagrams for explaining the predetermined distance setting process according to the embodiment.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic cleaning device according to Modification Example 1.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic cleaning device according to Modification Example 1.
  • washing machine fully automatic washing machine (washing machine); 50: ultrasonic cleaning device; 70: water supply unit (water supply part); 100: ultrasonic cleaning part; 200: water storage part; 210: water storage barrel; 300: base part; 500: supply nozzle (supply component); 600: distance sensor; 720: display part (notification part); 801: control part; L1: first specified water level; L2: second specified water level; D1: first specified distance; D2: second specified distance.
  • FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine 1 .
  • the fully automatic washing machine 1 has a housing 10 constituting an outer contour.
  • the housing 10 includes: a square cylindrical body 11, the upper and lower surfaces of which are open; an upper panel 12, which covers the upper surface of the body 11; and a footrest 13, which supports the body 11.
  • An inlet 14 for washing is formed on the upper panel 12.
  • the inlet 14 is covered by an upper cover 15 that can be opened and closed.
  • a control unit 16 is arranged inside the front part of the upper panel 12. The control unit 16 controls the washing operation of the fully automatic washing machine 1 and the washing operation of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.
  • An outer barrel 20 with an opening on the upper surface is arranged in the casing 10.
  • the outer barrel 20 is elastically suspended and supported by four suspension rods 21 with a vibration-proof device.
  • a washing and dehydrating barrel 22 as an inner barrel is arranged in the outer barrel 20.
  • the upper surface of the washing and dehydrating barrel 22 is opened and rotates around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction.
  • Many dehydration holes 22a are formed all around the inner circumference of the washing and dehydrating barrel 22.
  • a balance ring 23 is arranged on the upper part of the washing and dehydrating barrel 22.
  • a pulsator 24 is arranged at the bottom of the washing and dehydrating barrel 22.
  • a plurality of blades 24a are radially arranged on the surface of the pulsator 24.
  • a driving unit 30 for generating a torque for driving the washing and dehydrating barrel 22 and the pulsator 24 is disposed at the outer bottom of the outer barrel 20.
  • the driving unit 30 includes a driving motor 31 and a transmission mechanism 32.
  • the transmission mechanism 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a, and through the switching operation of the clutch mechanism 32a, the torque of the driving motor 31 is transmitted only to the pulsator 24 during the washing process and the rinsing process to rotate only the pulsator 24, and the torque of the driving motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and the washing and dehydrating barrel 22 during the dehydration process to rotate the pulsator 24 and the washing and dehydrating barrel 22 as a whole.
  • a drain port 20a is formed at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20.
  • a drain valve 40 is provided at 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 washing and dehydrating tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is discharged. The water in the tub 20 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain hose 41 .
  • An overflow port 20b is formed at the upper portion of the outer barrel 20.
  • An overflow receiving portion 25 is provided on the outer surface of the outer barrel 20 in a manner covering the overflow port 20b.
  • One end of an overflow pipe 26 is connected to the bottom of the overflow receiving portion 25.
  • the other end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to a drain hose 41. After being received by the overflow receiving portion 25, the water discharged from the overflow port 20b flows to the drain hose 41 through the overflow pipe 26.
  • An ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is disposed substantially at the center of the rear portion of the upper panel 12.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 can remove dirt partially attached to the object to be cleaned before the fully automatic washing machine 1 starts washing by performing a cleaning operation.
  • a drain receiving portion 60 is disposed at the rear of the upper panel 12 below the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.
  • the drain receiving portion 60 receives water discharged from the water storage tank 210.
  • a discharge hole 61 is formed in the drain receiving portion 60 for discharging the received water.
  • One end of a drain pipe 62 is connected to the discharge hole 61.
  • the other end of the drain pipe 62 is connected to the upper portion of the overflow pipe 26.
  • a water supply unit 70 is disposed at the rear of the upper panel 12.
  • the water supply unit 70 is connected to a faucet, and supplies water sent from the faucet into the washing and dehydrating tub 22.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the water supply unit 70 .
  • the water supply unit 70 has a water supply valve 71.
  • the water supply valve 71 is a so-called double valve, which has a main valve 72 and a sub-valve 73 as electromagnetic valves.
  • the water inlet 71a of the water supply valve 71 is connected to the faucet via a water supply hose not shown.
  • a main water supply path 74 is connected to the outlet of the main valve 72.
  • the main water supply path 74 is connected to a water injection box 75 located at the upper part of the washing and dehydrating barrel 22.
  • a water injection port 75a is formed on the bottom surface of the water injection box 75.
  • the water supply unit 70 includes an automatic injection mechanism 80 for automatically injecting liquid detergent, which is a kind of liquid agent for washing, into the washing and dehydrating barrel 22.
  • the automatic injection mechanism 80 also has a function of mixing detergent with water sent from a faucet to generate washing water and supply it to the water storage barrel 210.
  • the water supply unit 70 corresponds to the water supply unit of the present invention.
  • Automatic feeding mechanism 80 includes detergent box 81, supply pipe 82, first three-way valve 83, auxiliary water supply path 84, detergent supply path 85, second three-way valve 86, washing water supply path 87 and supply pump 88. Automatic feeding mechanism 80 also includes auxiliary valve 73 of water supply valve 71.
  • the liquid detergent is stored in the detergent box 81 in the form of a raw liquid.
  • the supply pipe 82 supplies the liquid in the detergent box 81 to the detergent box 81.
  • the liquid detergent is directed to an inlet of the first three-way valve 83 .
  • the auxiliary water supply path 84 is connected to the outlet of the auxiliary valve 73 and the other inlet of the first three-way valve 83 .
  • the outlet of the first three-way valve 83 is connected to a detergent supply path 85 .
  • the detergent supply path 85 is connected to the water filling tank 75 .
  • the first three-way valve 83 can be switched between a state in which the supply pipe 82 is connected to the detergent supply path 85 and a state in which the auxiliary water supply path 84 is connected to the detergent supply path 85 .
  • the detergent supply path 85 is provided with a second three-way valve 86.
  • An inlet of the second three-way valve 86 is connected to the upstream supply path 85a of the detergent supply path 85, and one outlet of the second three-way valve 86 is connected to the downstream supply path 85b of the detergent supply path 85.
  • one end of a washing water supply path 87 is connected to the other outlet of the second three-way valve 86.
  • the other end of the washing water supply path 87 is connected to the supply nozzle 500.
  • the second three-way valve 86 can be switched between a state in which the upstream supply path 85 a is communicated with the downstream supply path 85 b and a state in which the upstream supply path 85 a is communicated with the washing water supply path 87 .
  • a supply pump 88 is disposed in the upstream supply passage 85a.
  • the supply pump 88 may be, for example, a piston pump.
  • the auxiliary water supply path 84, the upstream supply path 85a, and the washing water supply path 87 constitute a water supply path 89 for allowing water from the faucet to flow to the supply nozzle 500.
  • the water supply unit 70 generates washing water by mixing water and detergent in the water supply path 89, and supplies the generated washing water to the water storage tank 210 through the supply nozzle 500.
  • Fig. 3 (a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the upper panel 12 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out from the storage portion 17.
  • Fig. 3 (b) and (c) are perspective views of the main parts of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the upper panel 12 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage portion 17.
  • the cover 19 is omitted in order to make the interior of the storage portion 17 visible.
  • a storage section 17 for storing the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is provided at the center of the rear portion of the upper panel 12.
  • the front of the storage section 17 is opened as an entrance 18 in the upper panel 12.
  • a cover 19 is provided at the entrance 18.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 includes an ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, a water storage unit 200, and a base unit 300.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 includes an ultrasonic generator 110 for generating ultrasonic waves.
  • the base unit 300 holds the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100.
  • the water storage unit 200 is attached to the base unit 300 and is located below the ultrasonic generator 110.
  • the water storage unit 200 is provided with a water storage tank 210 for storing washing water.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 when the cleaning operation is performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled forward from the storage portion 17 and protrudes toward the inner side of the input port 14 of the upper panel 12.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 when the cleaning operation is not performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage portion 17.
  • the entrance and exit 18 is closed by a cover 19.
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the setting plate 400, and the supply nozzle 500 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage portion 17.
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in a state where the water storage portion 200 is separated from the base portion 300.
  • Fig. 6 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning portion 100 and the base portion 300.
  • Fig. 7 is a view showing the rear portion of the water storage portion 200 and the supply nozzle 500 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out from the storage portion 17. In Fig. 7, the water storage portion 200 is shown in a sectional view.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is held by the base unit 300 , and the water storage unit 200 is detachably attached to the base unit 300 .
  • the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 includes an ultrasonic generator 110 and a housing 120.
  • the ultrasonic generator 110 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 111 and a vibration horn 112 coupled to the ultrasonic vibrator 111.
  • the ultrasonic 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 has an arm shape that is long in the front-to-back direction and has a front end 121 that is bent downward.
  • the ultrasonic generator 110 is disposed in the front portion of the housing 120.
  • the ultrasonic generator 110 is pressed from above by a frame-shaped fixing member 130.
  • the front end of the vibration horn 112 is exposed from an opening 122 of the housing 120.
  • the water storage part 200 is formed of a resin material, and has a shape that is slightly long in the front-rear direction and flat in the top-bottom direction, and the left side portion protrudes further rearward than the right side portion.
  • a handle 201 is formed on the front surface of the water storage part 200 .
  • the water storage tank 210 is formed in the water storage part 200.
  • the water storage tank 210 has a shape following the shape of the water storage part 200, that is, a dish shape in which the left part protrudes further rearward than the right part.
  • a drain port 211 is formed at the lower portion of the rear surface of the water storage barrel 210.
  • the drain port 211 is closed by the valve body 220.
  • a valve movable member 230 is connected to the valve body 220.
  • a rear portion 231 of the valve movable member 230 protrudes further rearward than the water storage portion 200.
  • the valve movable member 230 is urged rearward, i.e., in a direction in which the valve body 220 is closed, by a spring (not shown).
  • the drain port 211 is closed by the valve body 220 (see FIG. 7 ).
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 i.e., the water storage portion 200
  • the rear portion 231 of the valve movable member 230 abuts against the rear wall of the drain receiving portion 60, and the valve movable member 230 moves forward.
  • the valve body 220 moves forward, and the drain port 211 is opened.
  • a locking mechanism 240 is provided at the rear of the water storage part 200 to fix the water storage part 200 attached to the base part 300 so that it does not detach forward.
  • the locking mechanism 240 includes a claw 241 and a button 242.
  • the claw 241 is urged upward by a spring (not shown), and the claw 241 descends when the button 242 is pressed, and returns to its original position when the button 242 is released.
  • the base 300 has a substantially square shape when viewed from the front.
  • a guide rail 301 extending forward is provided at the lower left and right ends of the base 300.
  • an opening 302 is formed on the left side of the base 300 through which the rear portion of the water storage portion 200 and the supply nozzle 500 pass.
  • an insertion port 303 is formed on the right side of the base 300 adjacent to the opening 302, through which the claw 241 of the locking mechanism 240 is inserted.
  • the rear portion 123 of the housing 120 of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is fixed to the upper portion of the base 300.
  • the water storage part 200 is attached to the base part 300 from the front.
  • the water storage part 200 is guided by the guide rail part 301 by inserting the left and right guide rail parts 301 of the base part 300 into the insertion parts provided at the left and right ends of the water storage part 200.
  • the rear part of the left side of the water storage part 200 passes through the opening part 302 of the base part 300.
  • the claw part 241 of the locking mechanism 240 abuts against the upper edge of the insertion opening 303 of the base part 300 and is pressed down, and passes through the insertion opening 303.
  • the claw part 241 engages with the upper edge of the insertion opening 303 on the inner side of the base part 300.
  • the water storage part 200 cannot be detached from the base part 300 to the front.
  • the front end surface of the vibration transformer 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 is slightly lower than the upper surface of the water storage barrel 210, and the front end of the vibration transformer 112 is slightly inserted into the water storage barrel 210.
  • the button 242 of the locking mechanism 240 is pressed, and the claw part 241 is lowered. As a result, the engagement between the claw part 241 and the upper edge of the insertion port 303 is released.
  • the water storage part 200 is separated from the base part 300 by pulling the water storage part 200 forward.
  • the water storage part 200 can be tilted so that the rear side becomes lower, so that the front end of the vibration horn 112 and the supply nozzle 500 will not be caught by the water storage barrel 210 when separated.
  • a setting plate 400 is disposed behind the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the storage portion 17.
  • the supply nozzle 500 extends forward from the setting plate 400.
  • the supply nozzle 500 overlaps the water storage tank 210.
  • the supply nozzles 500 are arranged in a stacked manner above the water storage tank 210.
  • the supply nozzles 500 correspond to the supply means of the present invention.
  • the installation plate 400 is formed of a resin material and has a shape that is long in the left-right direction.
  • the installation plate 400 is installed on the water supply unit 70 in the storage portion 17.
  • An L-shaped connecting pipe 410 is integrally formed at the left end of the installation plate 400.
  • the outlet of the washing water supply path 87 of the water supply unit 70 is connected to the inlet 411 of the connecting pipe 410.
  • One end of the relay hose 420 is connected to the outlet 412 of the connecting pipe 410.
  • the supply nozzle 500 is formed of a resin material and has a shape long in the front-rear direction.
  • the supply nozzle 500 is mounted on the installation plate 400 via left and right mounting bosses 501 provided at the base end portion 500 a thereof.
  • a cylindrical inlet 502 opening upward is formed on the upper surface of the base end 500a of the supply nozzle 500.
  • the other end of the relay hose 420 is connected to the inlet 502.
  • the supply nozzle 500 is connected to the washing water supply path 87 of the water supply unit 70, that is, the water supply flow path 89 via the relay hose 420 and the connecting pipe 410.
  • a cylindrical outflow port 503 opening downward is formed on the bottom surface of the front end portion 500b of the supply nozzle 500.
  • a supply flow path extending in the front-rear direction and connecting the inflow port 502 and the outflow port 503 is formed inside the supply nozzle 500.
  • a distance sensor 600 is disposed on the bottom surface of the supply nozzle 500.
  • the distance sensor 600 is attached to an attachment portion 504 formed on the supply nozzle 500, and measures the distance from the distance sensor 600 to the surface of the water when the water storage tank 210 stores water.
  • the distance sensor 600 is, for example, a light reflection type sensor such as a TOF sensor that measures the distance using the reflection of light.
  • the distance sensor 600 may also be an ultrasonic sensor that measures the distance using ultrasonic waves.
  • the outflow port 503 functions as a cover portion that covers the distance sensor 600 from the front side.
  • the supply nozzle 500 is fixed in the storage portion 17 and does not move.
  • the water storage portion 200 moves in the front-rear direction as the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 enters and exits the storage portion 17. Therefore, when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is in a state of being stored in the storage portion 17, as shown in FIG. 4, the supply nozzle 500 as a whole overlaps with the water storage bucket 210.
  • the front end portion 500b of the supply nozzle 500 where the distance sensor 600 is arranged overlaps with the rear portion of the water storage bucket 210.
  • the distance sensor 600 is disposed at a portion of the supply nozzle 500 that always overlaps with the water storage tub 210 . Therefore, regardless of the position of the water storage unit 200 , the distance sensor 600 is always located within the area of the water storage tub 210 .
  • the distance sensor 600 is connected to the control unit 16 via a connecting wire such as a conductor.
  • the water storage portion 200 can be inserted into and removed from the storage portion 17 and can be removed from the base portion 300. Therefore, in the case of a structure in which the distance sensor 600 is arranged in the water storage portion 200, a structure in which the connecting wire can be extended when the water storage portion 200 is pulled out and a structure in which the distance sensor 600 and the connecting wire can be connected or disconnected according to the installation and removal of the water storage portion 200 are required, and the structure for arranging the distance sensor 600 is likely to become complicated.
  • the distance sensor 600 is disposed in the supply nozzle 500 which is stationary in the storage portion 17 , so the above-mentioned special structure is not required, and the structure for arranging the distance sensor 600 becomes simple.
  • the lower end of the distance sensor 600 is located higher than the upper surface of the rear end of the water storage unit 200. Therefore, when the water storage unit 200 is slid in the front-rear direction to be attached to and detached from the base unit 300, the rear end of the water storage unit 200 is unlikely to contact the distance sensor 600.
  • FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the structure of the fully automatic washing machine 1 .
  • the fully automatic washing machine 1 further includes an operation unit 710, a display unit 720 and a water level sensor 730.
  • the control unit 16 includes a control unit 801, a storage unit 802, a motor driver 803, a clutch driver 804, four valve drivers 805-808, a pump driver 809 and a vibrator driver 810.
  • the operation unit 710 includes various operation buttons such as a power button 711, a start button 712, a mode selection button 713, and a wash button 714.
  • the power button 711 is a button for turning on and off the power of the fully automatic washing machine 1.
  • the start button 712 is a button for starting a washing operation and a washing operation.
  • the mode selection button 713 is a button for selecting an arbitrary operation mode from a plurality of operation modes of the washing operation.
  • the wash button 714 is a button for selecting a washing operation.
  • the operation unit 710 outputs an operation signal corresponding to a button operated by a user among the various operation buttons to the control unit 801.
  • Display unit 720 includes a light emitting element such as an LED or a display such as a liquid crystal panel, and displays the selected mode, the progress of the washing operation, and fault notifications based on a control signal from control unit 801. Display unit 720 corresponds to the notification unit of the present invention.
  • the water level sensor 730 detects the water level in the washing and dehydrating barrel 22, i.e., the outer barrel 20, and compares the water level with the water level. The corresponding water level signal is output to the control unit 801 .
  • the distance sensor 600 measures the distance from an object such as the surface of the washing water stored in the water storage tank 210 , and outputs a distance signal corresponding to the distance to the control unit 801 .
  • the motor drive unit 803, the clutch drive unit 804, the four valve drive units 805 to 808, the pump drive unit 809 and the vibrator drive unit 810 respectively drive the drive motor 31, the clutch mechanism 32a, the water supply valve 71, the first three-way valve 83, the second three-way valve 86, the drain valve 40, the supply pump 88 and the ultrasonic vibrator 111 according to the control signal from the control unit 801.
  • the storage unit 802 includes an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a RAM (random access memory), etc.
  • the storage unit 802 stores programs for executing washing operations of various operation modes and the washing operation of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.
  • the storage unit 802 stores various parameters and various control marks for executing these programs.
  • the control unit 801 includes a CPU (central processing unit) and the like, and controls the display unit 720, the motor driver 803, the clutch driver 804, the four valve drivers 805 to 808, the pump driver 809, the vibrator driver 810 and the like based on the signals from the operation unit 710, the water level sensor 730, the distance sensor 600 and the like, according to the program stored in the storage unit 802. As a result, the control unit 801 controls the ultrasonic generator 110 and the water supply unit 70.
  • CPU central processing unit
  • the fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform washing operations in various operation modes.
  • a washing process an intermediate dehydration process, a rinsing process and a final dehydration process are performed in sequence.
  • the pulsator 24 rotates to the right and left in a state where water is stored in the washing and dehydrating barrel 22.
  • the rotation of the pulsator 24 generates a water flow in the washing and dehydrating barrel 22.
  • the laundry is washed by the generated water flow and the detergent contained in the water.
  • the laundry is rinsed by the generated water flow.
  • the washing and dehydration tub 22 and the pulsator 24 rotate integrally at a high speed.
  • the washing and dehydration tub 22 is dehydrated by the centrifugal force generated therein.
  • liquid detergent is automatically dropped into the washing and dehydrating barrel 22 by the automatic input mechanism 80.
  • the first three-way valve 83 is switched to the state in which the supply pipe 82 is communicated with the detergent supply path 85.
  • the second three-way valve 86 is switched to the state in which the upstream supply path 85a is communicated with the downstream supply path 85b.
  • the liquid detergent in detergent box 81 is discharged to detergent supply path 85 by the suction action of supply pump 88.
  • Supply pump 88 is operated for a predetermined time, thereby storing a predetermined amount of liquid detergent in detergent supply path 85.
  • the first three-way valve 83 is switched to the state that the auxiliary water supply path 84 is connected to the detergent supply path 85, and the main valve 72 and the auxiliary valve 73 are opened. Water from the faucet flows through the main water supply path 74 and is released into the washing and dehydration barrel 22 from the water injection port 75a of the water injection box 75.
  • the water from the faucet flows through the auxiliary water supply path 84 and the first three-way valve 83 to the detergent supply path 85, flushing away the liquid detergent.
  • the liquid detergent flushed away by the water flows through the detergent supply path 85 together with the water, and is poured into the washing and dehydrating barrel 22 from the water injection port 75a.
  • the main valve 72 and the auxiliary valve 73 are closed, and the water supply ends.
  • the fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform a cleaning operation using the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 .
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control process for the washing operation executed by the control unit 801 .
  • control unit 801 starts the control process of FIG. 9 .
  • the control unit 801 first executes a water storage unit attachment confirmation process for confirming whether the water storage unit 200 has been attached to the base unit 300 ( S1 ).
  • FIG. 10( a ) is a flowchart showing the water storage unit attachment confirmation process.
  • the control unit 801 acquires the distance to the object measured by the distance sensor 600 and compares the distance with a predetermined threshold value, thereby determining whether the water storage unit 200 is attached to the base unit 300 ( S101 ).
  • the distance to the bottom surface of the water storage bucket 210 is measured by the distance sensor 600.
  • the distance to the bottom surface of the drainage receiving part 60 existing below the water storage part 200 is measured by the distance sensor 600.
  • a distance slightly longer than the distance between the distance sensor 600 and the bottom surface of the water storage tub 210 is set as the predetermined threshold.
  • the control unit 801 determines that the water storage unit 200 is attached to the base unit 300 .
  • the control unit 801 When it is determined that the water storage unit 200 has been attached to the base unit 300 (S101: Yes), the control unit 801 immediately This completes the water storage unit installation confirmation process.
  • the control unit 801 causes the display unit 720 to issue a fault notification indicating that the water storage unit 200 is not attached (S102). It should be noted that the control unit 801 may also cause a speaker (not shown) to issue a fault notification by sound.
  • the control unit 801 causes the display unit 720 to stop the failure notification (S104), and the water storage unit attachment confirmation process ends.
  • control unit 801 may cause a speaker (not shown) to perform a fault notification by sound in addition to or instead of the fault notification performed by the display unit 720 .
  • control unit 801 monitors whether an operation for starting the washing operation has been performed ( S2 ).
  • the user when performing a washing operation, the user pulls out the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from the storage portion 17. At this time, the water storage tank 210 is in a state where the drain port 211 is closed by the valve body 220. Thereafter, as a start operation of the washing operation, the user selects the washing operation with the washing button 714 and then presses the start button 712.
  • the control unit 801 When the start operation of the washing operation is performed (S2: Yes), the control unit 801 performs a predetermined distance setting process (S3) of setting a first predetermined distance D1 corresponding to the first predetermined water level L1 and a second predetermined distance D2 corresponding to the second predetermined water level L2.
  • the first predetermined water level L1 is a water level at which washing water should be stored in the water storage tank 210 before starting ultrasonic washing in the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100.
  • the second predetermined water level L2 is a water level lower than the first predetermined water level L1, and is a water level in the water storage tank 210 at which washing water needs to be replenished.
  • Fig. 10(b) is a flowchart showing the predetermined distance setting process.
  • Fig. 11(a) to (c) are diagrams for explaining the predetermined distance setting process.
  • the control unit 801 measures the distance to the bottom surface of the water storage tank 210 as a reference distance DR by the distance sensor 600 ( S201 ).
  • control unit 801 sets a first predetermined water level L1 corresponding to the first predetermined water level L1 based on the reference distance DR. Predetermined distance D1 (S202). Furthermore, the control unit 801 sets a second predetermined distance D2 corresponding to the second predetermined water level L2 based on the reference distance DR (S203).
  • the distance obtained by subtracting the height H1 from the bottom surface of the water storage tank 210 to the first predetermined water level L1 from the reference distance DR becomes the first predetermined distance D1. Furthermore, as shown in FIG11(c), the distance obtained by subtracting the height H2 from the bottom surface of the water storage tank 210 to the second predetermined water level L2 from the reference distance DR becomes the second predetermined distance D2.
  • the heights H1 and H2 are stored in the storage unit 802.
  • control unit 801 operates the water supply unit 70 to start supplying washing water into the water storage tank 210 (S4).
  • the first three-way valve 83 is switched to connect the supply pipe 82 with the detergent supply path 85.
  • the second three-way valve 86 is switched to connect the upstream supply path 85a with the washing water supply path 87.
  • the supply pump 88 operates for a predetermined time, and a predetermined amount of liquid detergent is stored in the detergent supply path 85.
  • the first three-way valve 83 is switched to a state where the auxiliary water supply path 84 is connected to the detergent supply path 85, and the auxiliary valve 73 is opened.
  • Water from the faucet flows through the auxiliary water supply path 84 and the first three-way valve 83 to the detergent supply path 85, washing away the liquid detergent.
  • the water and the liquid detergent are mixed to form washing water.
  • washing water flows into the supply nozzle 500 through the washing water supply path 87.
  • washing water flows into the supply nozzle 500 from the inlet 502 and flows out from the outlet 503 into the water storage tank 210.
  • the washing water supplied from the supply nozzle 500 is stored in the water storage tank 210, and the water level in the water storage tank 210 rises.
  • the control unit 801 monitors the distance between the distance sensor 600 and the water surface of the washing water through the distance sensor 600, thereby monitoring whether the distance to the water surface reaches the first predetermined distance D1 (S5).
  • the distance to the water surface of the washing water reaches the first predetermined distance D1.
  • the control unit 801 closes the sub-valve 73 of the water supply unit 70 to stop supplying washing water into the water storage tank 210 ( S6 ).
  • the distance from the bottom surface of the water storage tank 210 is measured as the reference distance DR, and the first predetermined distance D1 corresponding to the first predetermined water level L1 is set based on the reference distance DR.
  • the distance sensor 600 can be used to accurately determine the height of the water storage tank 210. Detection of the first prescribed water level L1 by the distance sensor 600.
  • the first predetermined water level L1 is set at a position higher than the lower end of the outflow port 503 of the supply nozzle 500. Therefore, in a state where washing water is stored in the water storage tank 210 to near the first predetermined water level L1, washing water from the outflow port 503 flows into the water and does not fall on the water surface. Therefore, near the first predetermined water level L1, the water surface is not likely to fluctuate, and the distance to the water surface can be measured with high accuracy by the distance sensor 600, so that the first predetermined water level L1 can be detected with high accuracy.
  • a predetermined amount of wash water corresponding to the first predetermined water level L1 that is, wash water having a predetermined detergent concentration, can be stored in the water storage tank 210 .
  • the user places the dirt-attached part of the object to be cleaned between the water storage tank 210 and the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110.
  • the dirt-attached part of the object to be cleaned is immersed in the cleaning water, and the cleaning water that has penetrated into the inside of the object to be cleaned seeps out on the surface.
  • the following state is presented: 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.
  • the control unit 801 starts ultrasonic cleaning of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 (S7). That is, the control unit 801 operates the ultrasonic generator 110 by energizing the ultrasonic vibrator 111. Ultrasonic waves are generated from the front end of the vibration horn 112, and dirt is peeled off from the object to be cleaned due to the action of the ultrasonic waves. At this time, the cleaning power is improved by the effect of the additional detergent.
  • the control unit 801 monitors the distance to the water surface of the washing water through the distance sensor 600, thereby monitoring whether the distance to the water surface is greater than the second predetermined distance D2 (S10).
  • the washing water is absorbed by the washing object placed in the water storage bucket 210, the water level in the water storage bucket 210 drops below the second predetermined water level L2. In this case, the distance to the water surface of the washing water is greater than the second predetermined distance D2.
  • the control unit 801 When the distance from the surface of the washing water is greater than the second predetermined distance D2 (S10: Yes), the control unit 801 operates the water supply unit 70 in the same manner as step S6, and starts to supply washing water into the water storage tank 210 (S11). Then, when the distance from the surface of the washing water reaches the first predetermined distance D1 (S12: Yes), the control unit 801 closes the auxiliary valve 73 of the water supply unit 70, and stops supplying washing water into the water storage tank 210 (S13).
  • the amount of water supplied to the water storage tank 210 is approximately equal to the amount corresponding to the water level difference from the second predetermined water level L2 to the first predetermined water level L1.
  • the amount of liquid detergent supplied from detergent box 81 is such that the detergent concentration of the replenished washing water becomes the same as the detergent concentration of the washing water supplied before ultrasonic cleaning.
  • the amount of washing water in the water storage tank 210 is maintained within an appropriate range during the ultrasonic cleaning.
  • the second predetermined distance D2 is set based on the reference distance DR, similarly to the first predetermined distance D1.
  • the second predetermined water level L2 can be detected with high accuracy using the distance sensor 600.
  • the control unit 801 stops ultrasonic cleaning of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 (S9). That is, the control unit 801 stops energizing the ultrasonic vibrator 111 to stop the operation of the ultrasonic generator 110. In this way, the cleaning operation ends.
  • the user stores the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the storage portion 17.
  • the valve body 220 leaves the drain port 211, so that the drain port 211 is opened, and the cleaning water in the water storage tank 210 is discharged to the drain receiving portion 60. Thereafter, the cleaning water flows through the drain pipe 62, the overflow pipe 26, and the drain hose 41 and is discharged outside the machine.
  • the washing operation is then followed by the cleaning operation, or the washing operation is performed instead of the cleaning operation, and when the washing operation is finished, the power is automatically turned off.
  • the control unit 801 ends the control process for the washing operation.
  • flush water including water sent from the faucet is supplied to the water storage tank 210 by the water supply unit 70 without being temporarily stored, so that the supply time of flush water to the water storage tank 210 can be shortened.
  • a distance sensor 600 is provided for measuring the distance to the water surface of the washing water stored in the water storage tank 210, and washing water is supplied to the water storage tank 210 through the water supply unit 70 until the distance to the water surface measured by the distance sensor 600 reaches a first predetermined distance D1 corresponding to the first predetermined water level L1.
  • the washing water supplied from the water supply unit 70 can be stored in the water storage tank 210 up to the first predetermined water level L1.
  • flush water is replenished by the water supply unit 70 .
  • the amount of flush water in the water storage tank 210 can be maintained within an appropriate range.
  • the distance to the bottom surface of the water storage tub 210 is measured by the distance sensor 600, and the first predetermined distance D1 and the second predetermined distance D2 are set based on the measured distance.
  • the first predetermined water level L1 and the second predetermined water level L2 can be detected with high accuracy using the distance sensor 600 without being affected by the variation in the height position relationship between the distance sensor 600 and the bottom surface of the water storage tank 210 .
  • the water storage portion 200 before starting to supply washing water into the water storage barrel 210, it is determined whether the water storage portion 200 has been attached to the base portion 300 based on the distance to the object measured by the distance sensor 600. When the water storage portion 200 is not attached to the base portion 300, a fault notification is performed through the display portion 720.
  • washing water is supplied from the water supply unit 70 to the water storage tank 210 via the supply nozzle 500.
  • the supply nozzle 500 has an outlet 503 that opens downward to allow washing water to flow out, and is disposed above the water storage tank 210 so as to overlap with the water storage tank 210.
  • the distance sensor 600 is fixed to the supply nozzle 500.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the structure of an ultrasonic cleaning device 50 according to Modification 1.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and a base unit 300 as viewed from the front. The end surface of the water storage part 200 at the position of the distance sensor 600.
  • the distance sensor 600 is disposed at the supply nozzle 500 .
  • the distance sensor 600 is disposed at the base portion 300 .
  • the base 300 is provided with a mounting portion 304 at the left end of the upper edge of the opening 302, and a distance sensor 600 is mounted on the mounting portion 304.
  • a signal for measuring distance, such as light or ultrasonic waves, output from the distance sensor 600 passes through the left side of the supply nozzle 500 and reaches an object such as the surface of the washing water.
  • the distance sensor 600 is fixed to the base part 300 which is separate from the water storage part 200 and cannot be disassembled. Therefore, there is no need for a structure that can connect or disconnect the distance sensor 600 and the connecting line, and the structure for configuring the distance sensor 600 is not likely to become complicated.
  • the distance from the bottom surface of the water storage tank 210 is measured by the distance sensor 600 as the reference distance DR, and the first predetermined distance D1 and the second predetermined distance D2 are set based on the reference distance DR.
  • the first predetermined distance D1 and the second predetermined distance D2 may be set to constant values instead of being set based on the reference distance DR.
  • the water storage part 200 before supplying washing water into the water storage tub 210, it is determined whether the water storage part 200 is attached to the base part 300 based on the distance to the object measured by the distance sensor 600. However, it is not necessary to determine whether the water storage part 200 is attached to the base part 300.
  • water mixed with detergent is supplied as wash water to the water storage tank 210 by the water supply unit 70.
  • water not mixed with detergent may be supplied as wash water to the water storage tank 210 by the water supply unit 70.
  • only water may be stored in the water storage tank 210 as wash water, or a detergent injection device may be provided to automatically inject detergent such as liquid detergent directly into the water storage tank 210 so that wash water containing water and detergent is generated in the water storage tank 210.
  • the automatic input mechanism 80 can also adopt a structure that can automatically input detergent and softener.
  • a softener box for accommodating liquid softener is provided.
  • the softener box is connected to the auxiliary water supply path 84 via a supply pipe and a three-way valve. During the rinsing process, the softener in the softener box is supplied to the washing and dehydrating barrel 22 by the same action as supplying detergent from the detergent box 81.
  • the structures of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 , the water storage unit 200 , the base unit 300 , the water supply unit 70 , and the supply nozzle 500 are not limited to those shown in the above embodiment.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is provided in the fully automatic washing machine 1.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may also be provided in a washing machine other than the fully automatic washing machine 1, such as a drum-type washing machine.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may also be provided in, for example, a fully automatic washer-dryer or a drum-type washer-dryer having a drying function.
  • a drum-type washing machine or a drum-type washer-dryer a drum as an inner drum is arranged in an outer drum.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
  • Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)

Abstract

A washing machine, comprising: an ultrasonic cleaning device (50), comprising a water storage tank (210) for storing cleaning water and an ultrasonic cleaning unit (100) for enabling ultrasonic waves to act on an object to be cleaned soaked in the cleaning water to clean said object; a water supply unit (70), used for supplying water fed from a faucet, i.e., water mixed with a detergent, to the water storage tank (210) as the cleaning water; a distance sensor (600), arranged above the water storage tank (210) and used for measuring the distance between the distance sensor (600) and the water surface of the cleaning water stored in the water storage tank (210); and a control unit (810), used for controlling the water supply unit (70), wherein the control unit (810) enables the water supply unit (70) to supply the cleaning water into the water storage tank (210) until the distance from the distance sensor to the water surface measured by the distance sensor (600) reaches a first predetermined distance D1 corresponding to a first predetermined water level L1. According to the washing machine, the water supply time for supplying the cleaning water into the water storage tank can be shortened, and a proper amount of the cleaning water can be stored in the water storage tank.

Description

洗衣机washing machine 技术领域Technical Field
本发明涉及一种洗衣机。The invention relates to a washing machine.
背景技术Background technique
专利文献1中记载了一种具备超声波洗净装置的洗衣机，该超声波洗净装置将含有水和洗涤剂的洗净水蓄于贮水桶内，并使超声波作用于浸入贮水桶内的洗净水中的被洗净物来洗净被洗净物。Patent Document 1 describes a washing machine equipped with an ultrasonic cleaning device that stores cleaning water containing water and detergent in a water storage tub and cleans objects immersed in the cleaning water by applying ultrasonic waves to the objects.
在专利文献1的洗衣机中，通过供水单元，从洗净盒(tank)供给来的洗涤剂与从水龙头送来的水混合而生成洗净水。生成的洗净水贮留于配置在贮水桶的后方的贮留盒。供给喷嘴从贮留盒向贮水桶延伸，贮留盒内的洗净水经由供给喷嘴供给至贮水桶。供给喷嘴的前端部向下方弯曲，在前端部的下表面形成有放出洗净水的放出口。In the washing machine of Patent Document 1, a detergent supplied from a washing box (tank) is mixed with water sent from a faucet by a water supply unit to generate washing water. The generated washing water is stored in a storage box arranged behind a water storage barrel. A supply nozzle extends from the storage box to the water storage barrel, and the washing water in the storage box is supplied to the water storage barrel through the supply nozzle. The front end of the supply nozzle is bent downward, and a discharge port for discharging washing water is formed on the lower surface of the front end.
通过从贮留盒供给洗净水，当贮水桶内的水位上升至放出口的高度而放出口被洗净水堵住时，贮留盒内的气压与外部的气压相平衡，来自贮留盒的供水停止。由此，能向贮水桶内蓄留洗净水至放出口的高度位置即规定水位。When the water level in the water storage tank rises to the height of the discharge port and the discharge port is blocked by the washing water by supplying washing water from the storage box, the air pressure in the storage box is balanced with the air pressure outside, and the water supply from the storage box is stopped. Thus, washing water can be stored in the water storage tank to the height position of the discharge port, that is, the predetermined water level.
在上述洗衣机中，由于是将短暂蓄于贮留盒的洗净水供给向贮水桶内的结构，因此向贮水桶内供给洗净水的供水时间容易变长。因此，为了缩短供水时间，可以考虑采用不设置贮留盒而从供水单元直接向贮水桶内供给洗净水的结构。然而，在采用了这样的结构的情况下，就无法采用上述洗衣机所具备的蓄留洗净水至规定水位的结构。In the above-mentioned washing machine, since the washing water temporarily stored in the storage box is supplied to the water storage barrel, the water supply time of the washing water to the water storage barrel tends to be long. Therefore, in order to shorten the water supply time, it is conceivable to adopt a structure in which the washing water is directly supplied from the water supply unit to the water storage barrel without providing a storage box. However, when such a structure is adopted, the structure of storing the washing water to a predetermined water level provided in the above-mentioned washing machine cannot be adopted.
现有技术文献Prior art literature
专利文献Patent Literature
专利文献1：日本特开2021－23547号公报 Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-23547
发明内容Summary of the invention
发明所要解决的问题Problems to be solved by the invention
因此，本发明的目的在于提供一种洗衣机，其能缩短向贮水桶内供给洗净水的供水时间，并且能向贮水桶内蓄留适量的洗净水。Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine which can shorten the water supply time of washing water into a water storage tub and store an appropriate amount of washing water in the water storage tub.
用于解决问题的方案Solutions for solving problems
本发明的主要方案的洗衣机具备：超声波洗净装置，包括蓄留洗净水的贮水桶和使超声波作用于浸入所述洗净水中的被洗净物来洗净被洗净物的超声波洗净部；供水部，至少将从水龙头送来的水作为所述洗净水供给至所述贮水桶内；距离传感器，配置于所述贮水桶的上方，测定与蓄于所述贮水桶内的所述洗净水的水面的距离；以及控制部，控制所述供水部。其中，所述控制部使所述供水部向所述贮水桶内进行所述洗净水的供给，直至由所述距离传感器测定的与所述水面的距离达到与第一规定水位对应的第一规定距离。The main embodiment of the present invention is a washing machine comprising: an ultrasonic cleaning device including a water storage tank for storing cleaning water and an ultrasonic cleaning unit for applying ultrasonic waves to objects to be cleaned immersed in the cleaning water to clean the objects; a water supply unit for supplying at least water sent from a faucet as the cleaning water into the water storage tank; a distance sensor disposed above the water storage tank for measuring the distance from the water surface of the cleaning water stored in the water storage tank; and a control unit for controlling the water supply unit. The control unit controls the water supply unit to supply the cleaning water into the water storage tank until the distance from the water surface measured by the distance sensor reaches a first specified distance corresponding to a first specified water level.
例如，混合有洗涤剂的水作为洗净水被供给至贮水桶。或者也可以是，不含洗涤剂的水作为洗净水被供给至贮水桶。For example, water mixed with detergent is supplied to the water storage tank as washing water. Alternatively, water not containing detergent may be supplied to the water storage tank as washing water.
根据本方案的洗衣机，通过供水部，至少使从水龙头送来的水以不短暂贮留的方式作为洗净水供给至贮水桶内，因此能缩短向贮水桶供给洗净水的供水时间。而且，通过供水部来向贮水桶内进行洗净水的供给，直至由距离传感器测定的与水面的距离达到与第一规定水位对应的第一规定距离，因此能向贮水桶内蓄留洗净水至第一规定水位。According to the washing machine of this aspect, the water supply unit supplies at least water sent from the faucet to the water storage tub as wash water in a manner that the water is not temporarily stored, thereby shortening the water supply time for supplying wash water to the water storage tub. Furthermore, the water supply unit supplies wash water to the water storage tub until the distance to the water surface measured by the distance sensor reaches the first specified distance corresponding to the first specified water level, thereby storing wash water in the water storage tub to the first specified water level.
在本方案的洗衣机中，可以采用如下结构：所述控制部在开始向所述贮水桶内供给所述洗净水之前，通过所述距离传感器来测定与所述贮水桶的底面的距离，并基于与所述贮水桶的底面的距离来设定所述第一规定距离。In the washing machine of this aspect, the following structure can be adopted: before the control unit starts to supply the washing water into the water storage tub, the control unit measures the distance from the bottom surface of the water storage tub by the distance sensor and sets the first specified distance based on the distance from the bottom surface of the water storage tub.
根据上述结构，能不受距离传感器与贮水桶的底面之间的高度位置的关系的偏差的影响，高精度地进行使用距离传感器的第一规定水位的检测。According to the above configuration, the first predetermined water level can be detected with high accuracy using the distance sensor without being affected by variations in the height position relationship between the distance sensor and the bottom surface of the water storage tank.
在本方案的洗衣机中，可以采用如下结构：在向所述贮水桶内蓄留所述洗净水至所述第一规定水位后，当由所述距离传感器测定的与所述水面的距离为 与比所述第一规定水位低的第二规定水位对应的第二规定距离以上时，所述控制部使所述供水部进行所述洗净水的补给。In the washing machine of this embodiment, the following structure may be adopted: after the washing water is stored in the water storage barrel to the first specified water level, when the distance to the water surface measured by the distance sensor is The control unit causes the water supply unit to replenish the washing water when the water level is equal to or greater than a second predetermined distance corresponding to a second predetermined water level lower than the first predetermined water level.
根据上述结构，能使贮水桶内的洗净水的量维持在适量范围。According to the above structure, the amount of washing water in the water storage tank can be maintained within an appropriate range.
在采用了上述结构的情况下，可以进一步采用如下结构：所述控制部在开始向所述贮水桶内供给所述洗净水之前，通过所述距离传感器来测定与所述贮水桶的底面的距离，并基于与所述贮水桶的底面的距离来设定所述第二规定距离。When the above structure is adopted, the following structure can be further adopted: before the control unit starts to supply the washing water into the water storage tank, the control unit measures the distance from the bottom surface of the water storage tank by the distance sensor and sets the second specified distance based on the distance from the bottom surface of the water storage tank.
若采用这样的结构，则能不受距离传感器与贮水桶的底面之间的高度位置的关系的偏差的影响，高精度地进行使用距离传感器的第二规定水位的检测。According to such a configuration, the second predetermined water level can be detected with high accuracy using the distance sensor without being affected by the variation in the height position relationship between the distance sensor and the bottom surface of the water storage tank.
在本方案的洗衣机中，可以采用如下结构，即，所述超声波洗净装置还包括：贮水部，形成有所述贮水桶；以及基体部，供所述贮水部以能脱离的方式装接。在该情况下，所述控制部在开始向所述贮水桶内供给所述洗净水之前，基于由所述距离传感器测定的与对象的距离来判定所述贮水部是否已装接于所述基体部，并在所述贮水部未装接于所述基体部的情况下使通知部进行通知。In the washing machine of this aspect, the following structure may be adopted, that is, the ultrasonic cleaning device further includes: a water storage part, which is formed with the water storage bucket; and a base part, to which the water storage part is attached in a detachable manner. In this case, before starting to supply the cleaning water into the water storage bucket, the control part determines whether the water storage part is attached to the base part based on the distance to the object measured by the distance sensor, and causes the notification part to notify if the water storage part is not attached to the base part.
根据上述结构，能防止在未装接贮水部的状态下开始超声波洗净装置的洗净运转。According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the ultrasonic cleaning device from starting the cleaning operation in a state where the water storage unit is not attached.
在本方案的洗衣机中，可以采用如下结构：所述供水部经由供给构件将向所述贮水桶内供给所述洗净水。在该情况下，可以采用如下结构：所述供给构件具有向下方开口来供所述洗净水流出的流出口，并以与所述贮水桶重叠的方式配置于所述贮水桶的上方。可以进一步采用如下结构：所述距离传感器固定于所述供给构件。In the washing machine of this embodiment, the water supply unit may supply the washing water into the water storage tub via a supply member. In this case, the supply member may have an outlet opening downward for the washing water to flow out, and may be arranged above the water storage tub in a manner overlapping the water storage tub. The distance sensor may be fixed to the supply member.
根据上述结构，可以不必为了将距离传感器配置于贮水桶的上方而设置专用的固定构件，因此能谋求减少零部件。According to the above configuration, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated fixing member in order to arrange the distance sensor above the water storage tank, so that the number of parts can be reduced.
例如，距离传感器可以以从供给构件向下方露出的方式固定于供给构件。在该情况下，若在供给构件设置从前侧覆盖距离传感器的罩部，则在洗净时被洗净物不易与距离传感器接触。For example, the distance sensor may be fixed to the supply member in a manner that it is exposed downward from the supply member. In this case, if a cover that covers the distance sensor from the front is provided on the supply member, the object to be washed is unlikely to contact the distance sensor during washing.
发明效果 Effects of the Invention
根据本发明，能提供一种洗衣机，其能缩短向贮水桶内供给洗净水的供水时间，并且能向贮水桶内蓄留适量的洗净水。According to the present invention, a washing machine can be provided which can shorten the water supply time of washing water into a water storage tub and store an appropriate amount of washing water in the water storage tub.
本发明的效果和意义通过以下所示的实施方式的说明会更加明确。不过，以下的实施方式只是实施本发明时的一个示例，本发明不受以下的实施方式所述的内容的任何限制。The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent through the description of the following embodiments. However, the following embodiments are merely examples of implementing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited in any way to the contents described in the following embodiments.
附图说明BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
图1是实施方式的全自动洗衣机的侧剖图。Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment.
图2是表示实施方式的供水单元的结构的概略图。FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a water supply unit according to the embodiment.
图3中，(a)是实施方式的超声波洗净装置处于从收纳部拉出的状态时的超声波洗净装置和上面板的立体图，(b)和(c)是实施方式的超声波洗净装置处于收纳于收纳部的状态时的超声波洗净装置和上面板的主要部分的立体图。In Figure 3, (a) is a stereoscopic view of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the upper panel of the embodiment when the ultrasonic cleaning device is in a state of being pulled out from the storage portion, (b) and (c) are stereoscopic views of the main parts of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the upper panel of the embodiment when the ultrasonic cleaning device is in a state of being stored in the storage portion.
图4是实施方式的超声波洗净装置处于收纳于收纳部的状态时的超声波洗净装置、设置板以及供给喷嘴的立体图。4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device, the installation plate, and the supply nozzle when the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the embodiment is stored in the storage portion.
图5是实施方式的贮水部从基体部脱离的状态的超声波洗净装置的立体图。5 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device in a state where the water storage part is detached from the base part according to the embodiment.
图6是实施方式的超声波洗净部和基体部的侧剖图。FIG6 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the base unit according to the embodiment.
图7是表示实施方式的超声波洗净装置处于从收纳部拉出的状态时的贮水部的后部和供给喷嘴的图。7 is a diagram showing a rear portion of a water storage unit and a supply nozzle when the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the embodiment is in a state of being pulled out from a storage unit.
图8是表示实施方式的全自动洗衣机的结构的框图。FIG8 is a block diagram showing the structure of the fully automatic washing machine according to the embodiment.
图9是表示实施方式的由控制部执行的用于洗净运转的控制处理的流程图。FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control process for a washing operation executed by a control unit according to the embodiment.
图10中，(a)是表示实施方式的贮水部装接确认处理的流程图，(b)是表示实施方式的规定距离设定处理的流程图。In FIG. 10 , (a) is a flowchart showing a water storage unit attachment confirmation process according to an embodiment, and (b) is a flowchart showing a predetermined distance setting process according to an embodiment.
图11中，(a)至(c)是用于说明实施方式的规定距离设定处理的图。In FIG. 11 , (a) to (c) are diagrams for explaining the predetermined distance setting process according to the embodiment.
图12是表示变更例1的超声波洗净装置的结构的图。FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic cleaning device according to Modification Example 1. FIG.
附图标记说明 Description of Reference Numerals
1：全自动洗衣机(洗衣机)；50：超声波洗净装置；70：供水单元(供水部)；100：超声波洗净部；200：贮水部；210：贮水桶；300：基体部；500：供给喷嘴(供给构件)；600：距离传感器；720：显示部(通知部)；801：控制部；L1：第一规定水位；L2：第二规定水位；D1：第一规定距离；D2：第二规定距离。1: fully automatic washing machine (washing machine); 50: ultrasonic cleaning device; 70: water supply unit (water supply part); 100: ultrasonic cleaning part; 200: water storage part; 210: water storage barrel; 300: base part; 500: supply nozzle (supply component); 600: distance sensor; 720: display part (notification part); 801: control part; L1: first specified water level; L2: second specified water level; D1: first specified distance; D2: second specified distance.
具体实施方式Detailed ways
以下，参照附图对本发明的洗衣机的一个实施方式进行说明。Hereinafter, one embodiment of a washing machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
图1是全自动洗衣机1的侧剖图。FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine 1 .
全自动洗衣机1具备构成外轮郭的箱体10。箱体10包括：方形筒状的机身部11，上下表面敞开；上面板12，覆盖机身部11的上表面；以及脚台13，支承机身部11。在上面板12形成有洗涤物的投入口14。投入口14由开闭自如的上盖15覆盖。在上面板12的前部，于内部配置有控制单元16。控制单元16控制全自动洗衣机1的洗涤运转和超声波洗净装置50的洗净运转。The fully automatic washing machine 1 has a housing 10 constituting an outer contour. The housing 10 includes: a square cylindrical body 11, the upper and lower surfaces of which are open; an upper panel 12, which covers the upper surface of the body 11; and a footrest 13, which supports the body 11. An inlet 14 for washing is formed on the upper panel 12. The inlet 14 is covered by an upper cover 15 that can be opened and closed. A control unit 16 is arranged inside the front part of the upper panel 12. The control unit 16 controls the washing operation of the fully automatic washing machine 1 and the washing operation of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.
在箱体10内配置有上表面开口的外桶20。外桶20由具有防振装置的四根吊棒21弹性地悬吊支承。在外桶20内配置有作为内桶的洗涤脱水桶22。洗涤脱水桶22的上表面开口并以沿铅垂方向延伸的旋转轴为中心旋转。在洗涤脱水桶22的内周面遍及整周地形成有许多脱水孔22a。在洗涤脱水桶22的上部设有平衡环23。在洗涤脱水桶22的底部配置有波轮24。在波轮24的表面呈辐射状地设有多个叶片24a。An outer barrel 20 with an opening on the upper surface is arranged in the casing 10. The outer barrel 20 is elastically suspended and supported by four suspension rods 21 with a vibration-proof device. A washing and dehydrating barrel 22 as an inner barrel is arranged in the outer barrel 20. The upper surface of the washing and dehydrating barrel 22 is opened and rotates around a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. Many dehydration holes 22a are formed all around the inner circumference of the washing and dehydrating barrel 22. A balance ring 23 is arranged on the upper part of the washing and dehydrating barrel 22. A pulsator 24 is arranged at the bottom of the washing and dehydrating barrel 22. A plurality of blades 24a are radially arranged on the surface of the pulsator 24.
在外桶20的外底部配置有产生驱动洗涤脱水桶22和波轮24的转矩的驱动单元30。驱动单元30包括驱动马达31和传递机构部32。传递机构部32具有离合机构32a，通过该离合机构32a的切换操作，在清洗过程和漂洗过程中将驱动马达31的转矩仅传递给波轮24而仅使波轮24旋转，在脱水过程中将驱动马达31的转矩传递给波轮24和洗涤脱水桶22而使波轮24和洗涤脱水桶22一体地旋转。A driving unit 30 for generating a torque for driving the washing and dehydrating barrel 22 and the pulsator 24 is disposed at the outer bottom of the outer barrel 20. The driving unit 30 includes a driving motor 31 and a transmission mechanism 32. The transmission mechanism 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a, and through the switching operation of the clutch mechanism 32a, the torque of the driving motor 31 is transmitted only to the pulsator 24 during the washing process and the rinsing process to rotate only the pulsator 24, and the torque of the driving motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and the washing and dehydrating barrel 22 during the dehydration process to rotate the pulsator 24 and the washing and dehydrating barrel 22 as a whole.
在外桶20的外底部形成有排水口部20a。在排水口部20a设有排水阀40。排水阀40与排水软管41连接。当排水阀40打开时，蓄于洗涤脱水桶22和外 桶20的水经过排水软管41向机外排出。A drain port 20a is formed at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain valve 40 is provided at 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 washing and dehydrating tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is discharged. The water in the tub 20 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain hose 41 .
在外桶20的上部形成有溢水口20b。当外桶20内蓄有规定的溢水水位以上的水时，水会从溢水口20b排出。在外桶20的外表面以覆盖溢水口20b的方式设有溢水承接部25。在溢水承接部25的底部连接有溢水管26的一端。溢水管26的另一端与排水软管41连接。从溢水口20b排出的水在由溢水承接部25承接后，经过溢水管26流向排水软管41。An overflow port 20b is formed at the upper portion of the outer barrel 20. When water above a predetermined overflow level is stored in the outer barrel 20, the water will be discharged from the overflow port 20b. An overflow receiving portion 25 is provided on the outer surface of the outer barrel 20 in a manner covering the overflow port 20b. One end of an overflow pipe 26 is connected to the bottom of the overflow receiving portion 25. The other end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to a drain hose 41. After being received by the overflow receiving portion 25, the water discharged from the overflow port 20b flows to the drain hose 41 through the overflow pipe 26.
在上面板12的后部的大致中央配置有超声波洗净装置50。超声波洗净装置50能通过进行洗净运转而在全自动洗衣机1进行洗涤之前去除局部附着于被洗净物的污垢。An ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is disposed substantially at the center of the rear portion of the upper panel 12. The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 can remove dirt partially attached to the object to be cleaned before the fully automatic washing machine 1 starts washing by performing a cleaning operation.
在上面板12的后部，于超声波洗净装置50的下方配置有排水承接部60。排水承接部60承接从贮水桶210排出的水。在排水承接部60形成有供承接到的水排出的排出孔61。在排出孔61连接有排水管62的一端。排水管62的另一端与溢水管26的上部连接。A drain receiving portion 60 is disposed at the rear of the upper panel 12 below the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The drain receiving portion 60 receives water discharged from the water storage tank 210. A discharge hole 61 is formed in the drain receiving portion 60 for discharging the received water. One end of a drain pipe 62 is connected to the discharge hole 61. The other end of the drain pipe 62 is connected to the upper portion of the overflow pipe 26.
在上面板12的后部配置有供水单元70。供水单元70与水龙头相连，将从水龙头送来的水供给至洗涤脱水桶22内。A water supply unit 70 is disposed at the rear of the upper panel 12. The water supply unit 70 is connected to a faucet, and supplies water sent from the faucet into the washing and dehydrating tub 22.
图2是表示供水单元70的结构的概略图。FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the water supply unit 70 .
供水单元70具有供水阀71。供水阀71是所谓的双联阀，具有作为电磁阀的主阀72和副阀73。供水阀71的进水口71a经由未图示的供水软管与水龙头连接。在主阀72的出口连接有主供水路74。主供水路74与位于洗涤脱水桶22的上部的注水箱75连接。在注水箱75的底面形成有注水口75a。The water supply unit 70 has a water supply valve 71. The water supply valve 71 is a so-called double valve, which has a main valve 72 and a sub-valve 73 as electromagnetic valves. The water inlet 71a of the water supply valve 71 is connected to the faucet via a water supply hose not shown. A main water supply path 74 is connected to the outlet of the main valve 72. The main water supply path 74 is connected to a water injection box 75 located at the upper part of the washing and dehydrating barrel 22. A water injection port 75a is formed on the bottom surface of the water injection box 75.
供水单元70中包括用于将作为洗涤用的液剂的一种的液体洗涤剂自动投入到洗涤脱水桶22内的自动投入机构80。自动投入机构80还具备通过在从水龙头送来的水中混合洗涤剂而生成洗净水并将其供给至贮水桶210的功能。供水单元70对应本发明的供水部。The water supply unit 70 includes an automatic injection mechanism 80 for automatically injecting liquid detergent, which is a kind of liquid agent for washing, into the washing and dehydrating barrel 22. The automatic injection mechanism 80 also has a function of mixing detergent with water sent from a faucet to generate washing water and supply it to the water storage barrel 210. The water supply unit 70 corresponds to the water supply unit of the present invention.
自动投入机构80具备洗涤剂盒81、供给管82、第一三通阀83、副供水路84、洗涤剂供给路85、第二三通阀86、洗净水供给路87以及供给泵88。供水阀71的副阀73也包括在自动投入机构80中。Automatic feeding mechanism 80 includes detergent box 81, supply pipe 82, first three-way valve 83, auxiliary water supply path 84, detergent supply path 85, second three-way valve 86, washing water supply path 87 and supply pump 88. Automatic feeding mechanism 80 also includes auxiliary valve 73 of water supply valve 71.
液体洗涤剂以原液的状态贮留于洗涤剂盒81。供给管82将洗涤剂盒81的 液体洗涤剂导向第一三通阀83的一个入口。The liquid detergent is stored in the detergent box 81 in the form of a raw liquid. The supply pipe 82 supplies the liquid in the detergent box 81 to the detergent box 81. The liquid detergent is directed to an inlet of the first three-way valve 83 .
副供水路84与副阀73的出口和第一三通阀83的另一入口连接。The auxiliary water supply path 84 is connected to the outlet of the auxiliary valve 73 and the other inlet of the first three-way valve 83 .
在第一三通阀83的出口连接有洗涤剂供给路85。洗涤剂供给路85与注水箱75连接。The outlet of the first three-way valve 83 is connected to a detergent supply path 85 . The detergent supply path 85 is connected to the water filling tank 75 .
第一三通阀83能在使供给管82与洗涤剂供给路85连通的状态和使副供水路84与洗涤剂供给路85连通的状态之间切换。The first three-way valve 83 can be switched between a state in which the supply pipe 82 is connected to the detergent supply path 85 and a state in which the auxiliary water supply path 84 is connected to the detergent supply path 85 .
在洗涤剂供给路85设有第二三通阀86。第二三通阀86的入口与洗涤剂供给路85的上游侧供给路85a连接，第二三通阀86的一个出口与洗涤剂供给路85的下游侧供给路85b连接。此外，在第二三通阀86的另一个出口连接有洗净水供给路87的一端。洗净水供给路87的另一端与供给喷嘴500连接。The detergent supply path 85 is provided with a second three-way valve 86. An inlet of the second three-way valve 86 is connected to the upstream supply path 85a of the detergent supply path 85, and one outlet of the second three-way valve 86 is connected to the downstream supply path 85b of the detergent supply path 85. In addition, one end of a washing water supply path 87 is connected to the other outlet of the second three-way valve 86. The other end of the washing water supply path 87 is connected to the supply nozzle 500.
第二三通阀86能在使上游侧供给路85a与下游侧供给路85b连通的状态和使上游侧供给路85a与洗净水供给路87连通的状态之间切换。The second three-way valve 86 can be switched between a state in which the upstream supply path 85 a is communicated with the downstream supply path 85 b and a state in which the upstream supply path 85 a is communicated with the washing water supply path 87 .
在上游侧供给路85a配置有供给泵88。供给泵88例如可以采用活塞式泵。A supply pump 88 is disposed in the upstream supply passage 85a. The supply pump 88 may be, for example, a piston pump.
由副供水路84、上游侧供给路85a以及洗净水供给路87构成使来自水龙头的水流向供给喷嘴500的供水流路89。供水单元70通过在供水流路89内混合水和洗涤剂而生成洗净水，并将生成的洗净水经由供给喷嘴500供给至贮水桶210内。The auxiliary water supply path 84, the upstream supply path 85a, and the washing water supply path 87 constitute a water supply path 89 for allowing water from the faucet to flow to the supply nozzle 500. The water supply unit 70 generates washing water by mixing water and detergent in the water supply path 89, and supplies the generated washing water to the water storage tank 210 through the supply nozzle 500.
接着，对超声波洗净装置50及其周边结构详细地进行说明。Next, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and its peripheral structure will be described in detail.
图3的(a)是超声波洗净装置50处于从收纳部17拉出的状态时的超声波洗净装置50和上面板12的立体图。图3的(b)和(c)是超声波洗净装置50处于收纳于收纳部17的状态时的超声波洗净装置50和上面板12的主要部分的立体图。图3的(c)中，为了能看见收纳部17的内部，省略了罩19的图示。Fig. 3 (a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the upper panel 12 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out from the storage portion 17. Fig. 3 (b) and (c) are perspective views of the main parts of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the upper panel 12 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage portion 17. In Fig. 3 (c), the cover 19 is omitted in order to make the interior of the storage portion 17 visible.
在上面板12，于后部的中央部设有收纳超声波洗净装置50的收纳部17。上面板12中，收纳部17的前方作为出入口18被开口。在出入口18设有罩19。A storage section 17 for storing the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is provided at the center of the rear portion of the upper panel 12. The front of the storage section 17 is opened as an entrance 18 in the upper panel 12. A cover 19 is provided at the entrance 18.
超声波洗净装置50具备超声波洗净部100、贮水部200以及基体部300。超声波洗净部100具有产生超声波的超声波发生体110。基体部300保持超声波洗净部100。贮水部200装接于基体部300，位于超声波发生体110的下方。在 贮水部200设有蓄留洗净水的贮水桶210。The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 includes an ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, a water storage unit 200, and a base unit 300. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 includes an ultrasonic generator 110 for generating ultrasonic waves. The base unit 300 holds the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100. The water storage unit 200 is attached to the base unit 300 and is located below the ultrasonic generator 110. The water storage unit 200 is provided with a water storage tank 210 for storing washing water.
如图3的(a)所示，在进行洗净运转时，超声波洗净装置50从收纳部17向前方被拉出而向上面板12的投入口14的内侧突出。另一方面，如图3的(b)和(c)所示，在不进行洗净运转时，超声波洗净装置50收纳于收纳部17。出入口18由罩19关闭。As shown in FIG. 3 (a), when the cleaning operation is performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled forward from the storage portion 17 and protrudes toward the inner side of the input port 14 of the upper panel 12. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3 (b) and (c), when the cleaning operation is not performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage portion 17. The entrance and exit 18 is closed by a cover 19.
图4是超声波洗净装置50处于收纳于收纳部17的状态时的超声波洗净装置50、设置板400以及供给喷嘴500的立体图。图5是贮水部200从基体部300脱离的状态的超声波洗净装置50的立体图。图6是超声波洗净部100和基体部300的侧剖图。图7是表示超声波洗净装置50处于从收纳部17拉出的状态时的贮水部200的后部和供给喷嘴500的图。图7中，贮水部200以剖视表示。Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the setting plate 400, and the supply nozzle 500 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage portion 17. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in a state where the water storage portion 200 is separated from the base portion 300. Fig. 6 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning portion 100 and the base portion 300. Fig. 7 is a view showing the rear portion of the water storage portion 200 and the supply nozzle 500 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out from the storage portion 17. In Fig. 7, the water storage portion 200 is shown in a sectional view.
超声波洗净装置50中，超声波洗净部100保持于基体部300，贮水部200以能脱离的方式装接于基体部300。In the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 , the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is held by the base unit 300 , and the water storage unit 200 is detachably attached to the base unit 300 .
超声波洗净部100具备超声波发生体110和外壳120。超声波发生体110包括超声波振子111和与超声波振子111结合的振动变幅杆112。超声波发生体110通过超声波振子111的高频振动而从振动变幅杆112的前端产生超声波。The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 includes an ultrasonic generator 110 and a housing 120. The ultrasonic generator 110 includes an ultrasonic vibrator 111 and a vibration horn 112 coupled to the ultrasonic vibrator 111. The ultrasonic generator 110 generates ultrasonic waves from the tip of the vibration horn 112 by high frequency vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 111.
外壳120具有前后方向上长且其前端部121向下方弯曲的臂状。超声波发生体110配置于外壳120内的前部。超声波发生体110被框状的固定构件130从上侧按压。振动变幅杆112的前端部从外壳120的开口部122露出。The housing 120 has an arm shape that is long in the front-to-back direction and has a front end 121 that is bent downward. The ultrasonic generator 110 is disposed in the front portion of the housing 120. The ultrasonic generator 110 is pressed from above by a frame-shaped fixing member 130. The front end of the vibration horn 112 is exposed from an opening 122 of the housing 120.
贮水部200由树脂材料形成，具有前后方向上稍长且上下方向上扁平且左侧部分比右侧部分更向后方突出的形状。在贮水部200，于前表面形成有把手201。The water storage part 200 is formed of a resin material, and has a shape that is slightly long in the front-rear direction and flat in the top-bottom direction, and the left side portion protrudes further rearward than the right side portion. A handle 201 is formed on the front surface of the water storage part 200 .
在贮水部200形成有贮水桶210。贮水桶210具有沿循贮水部200的形状的形状，即，具有左侧部分比右侧部分更向后方突出的盘子状。The water storage tank 210 is formed in the water storage part 200. The water storage tank 210 has a shape following the shape of the water storage part 200, that is, a dish shape in which the left part protrudes further rearward than the right part.
在贮水桶210，于后表面的下部形成有排水口211。排水口211由阀体220关闭。在阀体220连结有阀可动构件230。阀可动构件230的后部231比贮水部200更向后方突出。阀可动构件230被未图示的弹簧向后方即阀体220关闭的方向施力。A drain port 211 is formed at the lower portion of the rear surface of the water storage barrel 210. The drain port 211 is closed by the valve body 220. A valve movable member 230 is connected to the valve body 220. A rear portion 231 of the valve movable member 230 protrudes further rearward than the water storage portion 200. The valve movable member 230 is urged rearward, i.e., in a direction in which the valve body 220 is closed, by a spring (not shown).
在超声波洗净装置50即贮水部200处于从收纳部17向前方拉出的状态时， 排水口211由阀体220关闭(参照图7)。当超声波洗净装置50即贮水部200收纳于收纳部17时，阀可动构件230的后部231与排水承接部60的后壁抵接，阀可动构件230向前方移动。由此，阀体220向前方移动，排水口211打开。When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, that is, the water storage portion 200, is pulled forward from the storage portion 17, The drain port 211 is closed by the valve body 220 (see FIG. 7 ). When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, i.e., the water storage portion 200, is stored in the storage portion 17, the rear portion 231 of the valve movable member 230 abuts against the rear wall of the drain receiving portion 60, and the valve movable member 230 moves forward. As a result, the valve body 220 moves forward, and the drain port 211 is opened.
在贮水部200的后部设有用于对装接于基体部300的贮水部200进行固定以使其不会向前方脱离的锁定机构240。锁定机构240具有爪部241和按钮242。爪部241被未图示的弹簧向上方施力，当按下按钮242时爪部241下降，当松开按钮242时爪部241返回原本的位置。A locking mechanism 240 is provided at the rear of the water storage part 200 to fix the water storage part 200 attached to the base part 300 so that it does not detach forward. The locking mechanism 240 includes a claw 241 and a button 242. The claw 241 is urged upward by a spring (not shown), and the claw 241 descends when the button 242 is pressed, and returns to its original position when the button 242 is released.
基体部300从正面观察时具有大致方形。在基体部300的左右的下端部设有向前方延伸的导轨部301。此外，在基体部300，于左侧形成有供贮水部200的后部和供给喷嘴500穿过的开口部302。而且，在基体部300，于开口部302的右侧相邻处形成有供锁定机构240的爪部241***的***口303。超声波洗净部100的外壳120的后部123固定于基体部300的上部。The base 300 has a substantially square shape when viewed from the front. A guide rail 301 extending forward is provided at the lower left and right ends of the base 300. In addition, an opening 302 is formed on the left side of the base 300 through which the rear portion of the water storage portion 200 and the supply nozzle 500 pass. Furthermore, an insertion port 303 is formed on the right side of the base 300 adjacent to the opening 302, through which the claw 241 of the locking mechanism 240 is inserted. The rear portion 123 of the housing 120 of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is fixed to the upper portion of the base 300.
贮水部200从前方装接于基体部300。通过将基体部300的左右的导轨部301***设于贮水部200的左右的端部的***部，贮水部200被导轨部301引导。贮水部200的左侧的后部穿过基体部300的开口部302。此外，锁定机构240的爪部241与基体部300的***口303的上缘抵接而被下压，穿过***口303。当贮水部200向基体部300的装接完成时，爪部241在基体部300的里侧与***口303的上缘卡合。由此，贮水部200无法从基体部300向前方脱离。The water storage part 200 is attached to the base part 300 from the front. The water storage part 200 is guided by the guide rail part 301 by inserting the left and right guide rail parts 301 of the base part 300 into the insertion parts provided at the left and right ends of the water storage part 200. The rear part of the left side of the water storage part 200 passes through the opening part 302 of the base part 300. In addition, the claw part 241 of the locking mechanism 240 abuts against the upper edge of the insertion opening 303 of the base part 300 and is pressed down, and passes through the insertion opening 303. When the attachment of the water storage part 200 to the base part 300 is completed, the claw part 241 engages with the upper edge of the insertion opening 303 on the inner side of the base part 300. As a result, the water storage part 200 cannot be detached from the base part 300 to the front.
在贮水部200装接于基体部300的状态下，超声波发生体110的振动变幅杆112的前端面的位置比贮水桶210的上表面的位置稍低，振动变幅杆112的前端部呈进入贮水桶210内少许的状态。When the water storage part 200 is attached to the base part 300, the front end surface of the vibration transformer 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 is slightly lower than the upper surface of the water storage barrel 210, and the front end of the vibration transformer 112 is slightly inserted into the water storage barrel 210.
在使贮水部200从基体部300脱离时，按下锁定机构240的按钮242，爪部241下降。由此，爪部241与***口303的上缘的卡合被解除。通过将贮水部200向前方拉出，贮水部200从基体部300脱离。可以使贮水部200以后侧变低的方式倾斜，以便使脱离时振动变幅杆112、供给喷嘴500的前端部不会被贮水桶210卡住。When the water storage part 200 is separated from the base part 300, the button 242 of the locking mechanism 240 is pressed, and the claw part 241 is lowered. As a result, the engagement between the claw part 241 and the upper edge of the insertion port 303 is released. The water storage part 200 is separated from the base part 300 by pulling the water storage part 200 forward. The water storage part 200 can be tilted so that the rear side becomes lower, so that the front end of the vibration horn 112 and the supply nozzle 500 will not be caught by the water storage barrel 210 when separated.
如图4所示，在收纳部17内，于超声波洗净装置50的背后配置有设置板400。供给喷嘴500从设置板400向前方延伸。供给喷嘴500以与贮水桶210重 叠的方式配置于贮水桶210的上方。供给喷嘴500对应本发明的供给构件。As shown in FIG. 4 , a setting plate 400 is disposed behind the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the storage portion 17. The supply nozzle 500 extends forward from the setting plate 400. The supply nozzle 500 overlaps the water storage tank 210. The supply nozzles 500 are arranged in a stacked manner above the water storage tank 210. The supply nozzles 500 correspond to the supply means of the present invention.
设置板400由树脂材料形成，具有左右方向上长的形状。设置板400在收纳部17内安装于供水单元70。在设置板400，于左端部一体形成有L字形的连接管410。在连接管410的入口411连接有供水单元70的洗净水供给路87的出口。在连接管410的出口412连接有中继软管420的一端。The installation plate 400 is formed of a resin material and has a shape that is long in the left-right direction. The installation plate 400 is installed on the water supply unit 70 in the storage portion 17. An L-shaped connecting pipe 410 is integrally formed at the left end of the installation plate 400. The outlet of the washing water supply path 87 of the water supply unit 70 is connected to the inlet 411 of the connecting pipe 410. One end of the relay hose 420 is connected to the outlet 412 of the connecting pipe 410.
供给喷嘴500由树脂材料形成，具有前后方向上长的形状。供给喷嘴500通过设于其基端部500a的左右的安装突耳501来安装于设置板400。The supply nozzle 500 is formed of a resin material and has a shape long in the front-rear direction. The supply nozzle 500 is mounted on the installation plate 400 via left and right mounting bosses 501 provided at the base end portion 500 a thereof.
在供给喷嘴500的基端部500a，于上表面形成有向上方开口的圆筒状的流入口502。在流入口502连接有中继软管420的另一端。由此，供给喷嘴500经由中继软管420和连接管410与供水单元70的洗净水供给路87即供水流路89连接。A cylindrical inlet 502 opening upward is formed on the upper surface of the base end 500a of the supply nozzle 500. The other end of the relay hose 420 is connected to the inlet 502. Thus, the supply nozzle 500 is connected to the washing water supply path 87 of the water supply unit 70, that is, the water supply flow path 89 via the relay hose 420 and the connecting pipe 410.
在供给喷嘴500的前端部500b，于底面形成有向下方开口的圆筒状的流出口503。在供给喷嘴500的内部形成有沿前后方向延伸并与流入口502和流出口503相连的供给流路。A cylindrical outflow port 503 opening downward is formed on the bottom surface of the front end portion 500b of the supply nozzle 500. A supply flow path extending in the front-rear direction and connecting the inflow port 502 and the outflow port 503 is formed inside the supply nozzle 500.
如图7所示，在供给喷嘴500的底面配置有距离传感器600。距离传感器600装接在形成于供给喷嘴500的装接部504，在贮水桶210蓄有洗净水时测定从该距离传感器600到洗净水的水面的距离。7 , a distance sensor 600 is disposed on the bottom surface of the supply nozzle 500. The distance sensor 600 is attached to an attachment portion 504 formed on the supply nozzle 500, and measures the distance from the distance sensor 600 to the surface of the water when the water storage tank 210 stores water.
距离传感器600例如为TOF传感器等利用光的反射来测定距离的光反射型的传感器。距离传感器600也可以为利用超声波来测定距离的超声波传感器。The distance sensor 600 is, for example, a light reflection type sensor such as a TOF sensor that measures the distance using the reflection of light. The distance sensor 600 may also be an ultrasonic sensor that measures the distance using ultrasonic waves.
流出口503作为从前侧覆盖距离传感器600的罩部发挥功能。由此，当在贮水桶210中由超声波洗净部100对被洗净物进行洗净时，能防止被洗净物与距离传感器600接触。The outflow port 503 functions as a cover portion that covers the distance sensor 600 from the front side. Thus, when the object to be cleaned is cleaned by the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 in the water storage tub 210, it is possible to prevent the object to be cleaned from coming into contact with the distance sensor 600.
供给喷嘴500固定于收纳部17内而不动。另一方面，贮水部200随着超声波洗净装置50出入于收纳部17而在前后方向上移动。因此，在超声波洗净装置50处于收纳于收纳部17内的状态时，如图4所示，供给喷嘴500整体与贮水桶210重叠。另一方面，在超声波洗净装置50处于从收纳部17拉出的状态时，如图7所示，供给喷嘴500的配置有距离传感器600的前端部500b与贮水桶210的后部重叠。 The supply nozzle 500 is fixed in the storage portion 17 and does not move. On the other hand, the water storage portion 200 moves in the front-rear direction as the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 enters and exits the storage portion 17. Therefore, when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is in a state of being stored in the storage portion 17, as shown in FIG. 4, the supply nozzle 500 as a whole overlaps with the water storage bucket 210. On the other hand, when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is in a state of being pulled out from the storage portion 17, as shown in FIG. 7, the front end portion 500b of the supply nozzle 500 where the distance sensor 600 is arranged overlaps with the rear portion of the water storage bucket 210.
如此，距离传感器600配置于供给喷嘴500中的始终与贮水桶210重叠的部位，因此无论贮水部200的位置如何，距离传感器600都始终位于贮水桶210的区域内。As described above, the distance sensor 600 is disposed at a portion of the supply nozzle 500 that always overlaps with the water storage tub 210 . Therefore, regardless of the position of the water storage unit 200 , the distance sensor 600 is always located within the area of the water storage tub 210 .
距离传感器600通过导线等连接线与控制单元16连接。贮水部200能出入于收纳部17，能从基体部300卸下。因此，在采用将距离传感器600配置于贮水部200的结构的情况下，需要能在贮水部200被拉出时伸长连接线的构造和能根据贮水部200的拆装来将距离传感器600与连接线连接或切断的构造，用于配置距离传感器600的构造容易变得复杂。The distance sensor 600 is connected to the control unit 16 via a connecting wire such as a conductor. The water storage portion 200 can be inserted into and removed from the storage portion 17 and can be removed from the base portion 300. Therefore, in the case of a structure in which the distance sensor 600 is arranged in the water storage portion 200, a structure in which the connecting wire can be extended when the water storage portion 200 is pulled out and a structure in which the distance sensor 600 and the connecting wire can be connected or disconnected according to the installation and removal of the water storage portion 200 are required, and the structure for arranging the distance sensor 600 is likely to become complicated.
在本实施方式中，距离传感器600配置于在收纳部17内不动的供给喷嘴500，因此不需要上述特殊的构造，用于配置距离传感器600的构造变得简单。In the present embodiment, the distance sensor 600 is disposed in the supply nozzle 500 which is stationary in the storage portion 17 , so the above-mentioned special structure is not required, and the structure for arranging the distance sensor 600 becomes simple.
而且，距离传感器600中，其下端的位置比贮水部200的后端部的上表面的位置高。由此，在使贮水部200在前后方向上滑动来拆装于基体部300时，贮水部200的后端部不易与距离传感器600接触。Furthermore, the lower end of the distance sensor 600 is located higher than the upper surface of the rear end of the water storage unit 200. Therefore, when the water storage unit 200 is slid in the front-rear direction to be attached to and detached from the base unit 300, the rear end of the water storage unit 200 is unlikely to contact the distance sensor 600.
图8是表示全自动洗衣机1的结构的框图。FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the structure of the fully automatic washing machine 1 .
全自动洗衣机1除了上述结构之外，还具备操作部710、显示部720以及水位传感器730。此外，控制单元16包括控制部801、存储部802、马达驱动部803、离合驱动部804、四个阀驱动部805～808、泵驱动部809以及振子驱动部810。In addition to the above structure, the fully automatic washing machine 1 further includes an operation unit 710, a display unit 720 and a water level sensor 730. In addition, the control unit 16 includes a control unit 801, a storage unit 802, a motor driver 803, a clutch driver 804, four valve drivers 805-808, a pump driver 809 and a vibrator driver 810.
操作部710包括电源按钮711、开始按钮712、模式选择按钮713、洗净按钮714等各种操作按钮。电源按钮711是用于对全自动洗衣机1进行电源的投入和切断的按钮。开始按钮712是用于开始洗涤运转和洗净运转的按钮。模式选择按钮713是用于从洗涤运转的多个运转模式中选择任意的运转模式的按钮。洗净按钮714是用于选择洗净运转的按钮。操作部710将与各种操作按钮中被用户操作的按钮相应的操作信号输出至控制部801。The operation unit 710 includes various operation buttons such as a power button 711, a start button 712, a mode selection button 713, and a wash button 714. The power button 711 is a button for turning on and off the power of the fully automatic washing machine 1. The start button 712 is a button for starting a washing operation and a washing operation. The mode selection button 713 is a button for selecting an arbitrary operation mode from a plurality of operation modes of the washing operation. The wash button 714 is a button for selecting a washing operation. The operation unit 710 outputs an operation signal corresponding to a button operated by a user among the various operation buttons to the control unit 801.
显示部720包括LED等发光元件、液晶面板等显示器，根据来自控制部801的控制信号，进行所选择的模式的显示、洗涤运转的进行状况的显示、故障通知等。显示部720对应本发明的通知部。Display unit 720 includes a light emitting element such as an LED or a display such as a liquid crystal panel, and displays the selected mode, the progress of the washing operation, and fault notifications based on a control signal from control unit 801. Display unit 720 corresponds to the notification unit of the present invention.
水位传感器730检测洗涤脱水桶22内即外桶20内的水位，并将与该水位 相应的水位信号输出至控制部801。The water level sensor 730 detects the water level in the washing and dehydrating barrel 22, i.e., the outer barrel 20, and compares the water level with the water level. The corresponding water level signal is output to the control unit 801 .
距离传感器600测定其与蓄于贮水桶210内的洗净水的水面等对象的距离，并将与该距离相应的距离信号输出至控制部801。The distance sensor 600 measures the distance from an object such as the surface of the washing water stored in the water storage tank 210 , and outputs a distance signal corresponding to the distance to the control unit 801 .
马达驱动部803、离合驱动部804、四个阀驱动部805～808、泵驱动部809以及振子驱动部810分别按照来自控制部801的控制信号来驱动驱动马达31、离合机构32a、供水阀71、第一三通阀83、第二三通阀86、排水阀40、供给泵88以及超声波振子111。The motor drive unit 803, the clutch drive unit 804, the four valve drive units 805 to 808, the pump drive unit 809 and the vibrator drive unit 810 respectively drive the drive motor 31, the clutch mechanism 32a, the water supply valve 71, the first three-way valve 83, the second three-way valve 86, the drain valve 40, the supply pump 88 and the ultrasonic vibrator 111 according to the control signal from the control unit 801.
存储部802包括EEPROM(带电可擦可编程只读存储器)、RAM(随机存取存储器)等。存储部802中存储有用于执行各种运转模式的洗涤运转和超声波洗净装置50的洗净运转的程序。此外，存储部802中存储有用于执行这些程序的各种参数、各种控制标记。The storage unit 802 includes an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), a RAM (random access memory), etc. The storage unit 802 stores programs for executing washing operations of various operation modes and the washing operation of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. In addition, the storage unit 802 stores various parameters and various control marks for executing these programs.
控制部801包括CPU(中央处理器)等，基于来自操作部710、水位传感器730、距离传感器600等的各信号，按照存储于存储部802的程序来控制显示部720、马达驱动部803、离合驱动部804、四个阀驱动部805～808、泵驱动部809、振子驱动部810等。其结果是，控制部801控制超声波发生体110和供水单元70。The control unit 801 includes a CPU (central processing unit) and the like, and controls the display unit 720, the motor driver 803, the clutch driver 804, the four valve drivers 805 to 808, the pump driver 809, the vibrator driver 810 and the like based on the signals from the operation unit 710, the water level sensor 730, the distance sensor 600 and the like, according to the program stored in the storage unit 802. As a result, the control unit 801 controls the ultrasonic generator 110 and the water supply unit 70.
全自动洗衣机1能进行各种运转模式的洗涤运转。在洗涤运转中，依次执行清洗过程、中间脱水过程、漂洗过程以及最终脱水过程。The fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform washing operations in various operation modes. In the washing operation, a washing process, an intermediate dehydration process, a rinsing process and a final dehydration process are performed in sequence.
在清洗过程和漂洗过程中，在洗涤脱水桶22内蓄有水的状态下，波轮24向右方和左方旋转。通过波轮24的旋转，洗涤脱水桶22内产生水流。在清洗过程中，通过产生的水流和水中所含的洗涤剂来清洗洗涤物。在漂洗过程中，通过产生的水流来漂洗洗涤物。In the washing process and the rinsing process, the pulsator 24 rotates to the right and left in a state where water is stored in the washing and dehydrating barrel 22. The rotation of the pulsator 24 generates a water flow in the washing and dehydrating barrel 22. In the washing process, the laundry is washed by the generated water flow and the detergent contained in the water. In the rinsing process, the laundry is rinsed by the generated water flow.
在中间脱水过程和最终脱水过程中，洗涤脱水桶22和波轮24一体地高速旋转。通过洗涤脱水桶22中产生的离心力的作用，洗涤物被脱水。In the intermediate dehydration process and the final dehydration process, the washing and dehydration tub 22 and the pulsator 24 rotate integrally at a high speed. The washing and dehydration tub 22 is dehydrated by the centrifugal force generated therein.
在清洗过程中的供水时，通过自动投入机构80，液体洗涤剂被自动投入洗涤脱水桶22内。此时，首先，第一三通阀83切换至使供给管82与洗涤剂供给路85连通的状态。此外，第二三通阀86切换至使上游侧供给路85a与下游侧供给路85b连通的状态。 During the water supply in the cleaning process, liquid detergent is automatically dropped into the washing and dehydrating barrel 22 by the automatic input mechanism 80. At this time, first, the first three-way valve 83 is switched to the state in which the supply pipe 82 is communicated with the detergent supply path 85. In addition, the second three-way valve 86 is switched to the state in which the upstream supply path 85a is communicated with the downstream supply path 85b.
接着，供给泵88工作。如图2的虚线箭头所示，洗涤剂盒81内的液体洗涤剂通过供给泵88的抽吸作用而向洗涤剂供给路85排出。供给泵88工作预定的时间，由此，预定量的液体洗涤剂蓄于洗涤剂供给路85。2 , the liquid detergent in detergent box 81 is discharged to detergent supply path 85 by the suction action of supply pump 88. Supply pump 88 is operated for a predetermined time, thereby storing a predetermined amount of liquid detergent in detergent supply path 85.
接着，第一三通阀83切换至使副供水路84与洗涤剂供给路85连通的状态，主阀72和副阀73打开。来自水龙头的水流过主供水路74，从注水箱75的注水口75a放出至洗涤脱水桶22内。Then, the first three-way valve 83 is switched to the state that the auxiliary water supply path 84 is connected to the detergent supply path 85, and the main valve 72 and the auxiliary valve 73 are opened. Water from the faucet flows through the main water supply path 74 and is released into the washing and dehydration barrel 22 from the water injection port 75a of the water injection box 75.
同时，如图2的实线箭头所示，来自水龙头的水经过副供水路84、第一三通阀83流向洗涤剂供给路85，冲走液体洗涤剂。如图2的单点划线箭头所示，被水冲走的液体洗涤剂与水一起流过洗涤剂供给路85，从注水口75a向洗涤脱水桶22内投入。当洗涤脱水桶22内的水位达到规定的清洗水位时，主阀72和副阀73关闭，供水结束。At the same time, as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 2 , the water from the faucet flows through the auxiliary water supply path 84 and the first three-way valve 83 to the detergent supply path 85, flushing away the liquid detergent. As shown by the single-point dashed arrow in FIG. 2 , the liquid detergent flushed away by the water flows through the detergent supply path 85 together with the water, and is poured into the washing and dehydrating barrel 22 from the water injection port 75a. When the water level in the washing and dehydrating barrel 22 reaches the specified washing water level, the main valve 72 and the auxiliary valve 73 are closed, and the water supply ends.
而且，全自动洗衣机1能进行由超声波洗净装置50实现的洗净运转。Furthermore, the fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform a cleaning operation using the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 .
图9是表示由控制部801执行的用于洗净运转的控制处理的流程图。FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control process for the washing operation executed by the control unit 801 .
当对全自动洗衣机1通电时，控制部801开始图9的控制处理。When fully automatic washing machine 1 is powered on, control unit 801 starts the control process of FIG. 9 .
控制部801首先执行确认贮水部200是否已装接于基体部300的贮水部装接确认处理(S1)。The control unit 801 first executes a water storage unit attachment confirmation process for confirming whether the water storage unit 200 has been attached to the base unit 300 ( S1 ).
图10的(a)是表示贮水部装接确认处理的流程图。FIG. 10( a ) is a flowchart showing the water storage unit attachment confirmation process.
控制部801获取距离传感器600所测定的与对象的距离，并将该距离与规定的阈值进行比较，由此判定贮水部200是否已装接于基体部300(S101)。The control unit 801 acquires the distance to the object measured by the distance sensor 600 and compares the distance with a predetermined threshold value, thereby determining whether the water storage unit 200 is attached to the base unit 300 ( S101 ).
在贮水部200已装接于基体部300的情况下，通过距离传感器600来测定与贮水桶210的底面的距离。另一方面，在贮水部200从基体部300卸下的情况下，通过距离传感器600来测定与存在于贮水部200的下方的排水承接部60的底面的距离。When the water storage part 200 is attached to the base part 300, the distance to the bottom surface of the water storage bucket 210 is measured by the distance sensor 600. On the other hand, when the water storage part 200 is removed from the base part 300, the distance to the bottom surface of the drainage receiving part 60 existing below the water storage part 200 is measured by the distance sensor 600.
例如，将比距离传感器600与贮水桶210的底面的距离稍长的距离设定为规定的阈值。在从距离传感器600获取的距离比规定的阈值短的情况下，控制部801判定为贮水部200已装接于基体部300。For example, a distance slightly longer than the distance between the distance sensor 600 and the bottom surface of the water storage tub 210 is set as the predetermined threshold. When the distance acquired from the distance sensor 600 is shorter than the predetermined threshold, the control unit 801 determines that the water storage unit 200 is attached to the base unit 300 .
在判定为贮水部200已装接于基体部300时(S101：是)，控制部801立 即结束贮水部装接确认处理。When it is determined that the water storage unit 200 has been attached to the base unit 300 (S101: Yes), the control unit 801 immediately This completes the water storage unit installation confirmation process.
另一方面，在判定为贮水部200从基体部300卸下时(S101：否)，控制部801使显示部720进行旨在贮水部200未装接的故障通知(S102)。需要说明的是，控制部801也可以使未图示的扬声器进行由声音实现的故障通知。On the other hand, when it is determined that the water storage unit 200 is detached from the base unit 300 (S101: No), the control unit 801 causes the display unit 720 to issue a fault notification indicating that the water storage unit 200 is not attached (S102). It should be noted that the control unit 801 may also cause a speaker (not shown) to issue a fault notification by sound.
之后，当贮水部200装接于基体部300时(S103：是)，控制部801使显示部720停止故障通知(S104)，结束贮水部装接确认处理。Thereafter, when the water storage unit 200 is attached to the base unit 300 (S103: Yes), the control unit 801 causes the display unit 720 to stop the failure notification (S104), and the water storage unit attachment confirmation process ends.
需要说明的是，也可以是，控制部801在由显示部720实现的故障通知的基础上，或者代之使未图示的扬声器进行由声音实现的故障通知。It should be noted that the control unit 801 may cause a speaker (not shown) to perform a fault notification by sound in addition to or instead of the fault notification performed by the display unit 720 .
如此，在贮水部200未装接的情况下，向用户通知该情况，因此能防止在贮水部200未装接的状态下开始洗净运转。In this way, when the water storage unit 200 is not attached, the user is informed of this fact, so it is possible to prevent the washing operation from being started in a state where the water storage unit 200 is not attached.
返回图9，当贮水部装接确认处理结束时，控制部801监视是否进行了用于开始洗净运转的操作(S2)。Returning to FIG. 9 , when the water storage unit attachment confirmation process is completed, the control unit 801 monitors whether an operation for starting the washing operation has been performed ( S2 ).
如图3的(a)所示，在进行洗净运转的情况下，用户从收纳部17拉出超声波洗净装置50。此时，贮水桶210成为排水口211被阀体220关闭的状态。之后，作为洗净运转的开始操作，用户在通过洗净按钮714来选择洗净运转之后按压开始按钮712。As shown in Fig. 3 (a), when performing a washing operation, the user pulls out the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from the storage portion 17. At this time, the water storage tank 210 is in a state where the drain port 211 is closed by the valve body 220. Thereafter, as a start operation of the washing operation, the user selects the washing operation with the washing button 714 and then presses the start button 712.
当进行了洗净运转的开始操作时(S2：是)，控制部801执行设定与第一规定水位L1对应的第一规定距离D1和与第二规定水位L2对应的第二规定距离D2的规定距离设定处理(S3)。第一规定水位L1是在开始超声波洗净部100的超声波洗净前洗净水应当蓄于贮水桶210内的水位。第二规定水位L2是比第一规定水位L1低的水位，是需要补给洗净水的贮水桶210内的水位。When the start operation of the washing operation is performed (S2: Yes), the control unit 801 performs a predetermined distance setting process (S3) of setting a first predetermined distance D1 corresponding to the first predetermined water level L1 and a second predetermined distance D2 corresponding to the second predetermined water level L2. The first predetermined water level L1 is a water level at which washing water should be stored in the water storage tank 210 before starting ultrasonic washing in the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100. The second predetermined water level L2 is a water level lower than the first predetermined water level L1, and is a water level in the water storage tank 210 at which washing water needs to be replenished.
图10的(b)是表示规定距离设定处理的流程图。图11的(a)至(c)是用于对规定距离设定处理进行说明的图。Fig. 10(b) is a flowchart showing the predetermined distance setting process. Fig. 11(a) to (c) are diagrams for explaining the predetermined distance setting process.
如图11的(a)所示，在贮水桶210内未蓄留洗净水的状态下，控制部801通过距离传感器600测定与贮水桶210的底面的距离来作为基准距离DR(S201)。As shown in FIG. 11( a ), in a state where no washing water is stored in the water storage tank 210 , the control unit 801 measures the distance to the bottom surface of the water storage tank 210 as a reference distance DR by the distance sensor 600 ( S201 ).
接着，控制部801基于基准距离DR来设定与第一规定水位L1对应的第一 规定距离D1(S202)。而且，控制部801基于基准距离DR来设定与第二规定水位L2对应的第二规定距离D2(S203)。Next, the control unit 801 sets a first predetermined water level L1 corresponding to the first predetermined water level L1 based on the reference distance DR. Predetermined distance D1 (S202). Furthermore, the control unit 801 sets a second predetermined distance D2 corresponding to the second predetermined water level L2 based on the reference distance DR (S203).
如图11的(b)所示，基准距离DR减去从贮水桶210的底面到第一规定水位L1的高度H1所得的距离成为第一规定距离D1。而且，如图11的(c)所示，基准距离DR减去从贮水桶210的底面到第二规定水位L2的高度H2所得的距离成为第二规定距离D2。高度H1、H2存储于存储部802。As shown in FIG11(b), the distance obtained by subtracting the height H1 from the bottom surface of the water storage tank 210 to the first predetermined water level L1 from the reference distance DR becomes the first predetermined distance D1. Furthermore, as shown in FIG11(c), the distance obtained by subtracting the height H2 from the bottom surface of the water storage tank 210 to the second predetermined water level L2 from the reference distance DR becomes the second predetermined distance D2. The heights H1 and H2 are stored in the storage unit 802.
再次返回图9，当规定距离设定处理结束时，控制部801使供水单元70工作，开始向贮水桶210内供给洗净水(S4)。Returning to FIG. 9 again, when the predetermined distance setting process is completed, the control unit 801 operates the water supply unit 70 to start supplying washing water into the water storage tank 210 (S4).
即，第一三通阀83切换至使供给管82与洗涤剂供给路85连通的状态。此外，第二三通阀86切换至使上游侧供给路85a与洗净水供给路87连通的状态。供给泵88工作规定时间，规定量的液体洗涤剂蓄于洗涤剂供给路85。That is, the first three-way valve 83 is switched to connect the supply pipe 82 with the detergent supply path 85. In addition, the second three-way valve 86 is switched to connect the upstream supply path 85a with the washing water supply path 87. The supply pump 88 operates for a predetermined time, and a predetermined amount of liquid detergent is stored in the detergent supply path 85.
接着，第一三通阀83切换至使副供水路84与洗涤剂供给路85连通的状态，副阀73打开。来自水龙头的水经过副供水路84、第一三通阀83流向洗涤剂供给路85，冲走液体洗涤剂。水和液体洗涤剂混合而成为洗净水。Next, the first three-way valve 83 is switched to a state where the auxiliary water supply path 84 is connected to the detergent supply path 85, and the auxiliary valve 73 is opened. Water from the faucet flows through the auxiliary water supply path 84 and the first three-way valve 83 to the detergent supply path 85, washing away the liquid detergent. The water and the liquid detergent are mixed to form washing water.
如图2的粗线箭头所示，洗净水经过洗净水供给路87流入供给喷嘴500内。如图7的箭头所示，洗净水从流入口502流入供给喷嘴500内，从流出口503向贮水桶210内流出。从供给喷嘴500供给的洗净水蓄于贮水桶210内，贮水桶210内的水位上升。As shown by the bold arrow in Fig. 2, washing water flows into the supply nozzle 500 through the washing water supply path 87. As shown by the arrow in Fig. 7, washing water flows into the supply nozzle 500 from the inlet 502 and flows out from the outlet 503 into the water storage tank 210. The washing water supplied from the supply nozzle 500 is stored in the water storage tank 210, and the water level in the water storage tank 210 rises.
当开始向贮水桶210内供给洗净水时，控制部801通过距离传感器600来监视该距离传感器600与洗净水的水面的距离，由此监视与该水面的距离是否达到第一规定距离D1(S5)。当贮水桶210内的水位达到第一规定水位L1时，与洗净水的水面的距离达到第一规定距离D1。When the washing water starts to be supplied to the water storage tank 210, the control unit 801 monitors the distance between the distance sensor 600 and the water surface of the washing water through the distance sensor 600, thereby monitoring whether the distance to the water surface reaches the first predetermined distance D1 (S5). When the water level in the water storage tank 210 reaches the first predetermined water level L1, the distance to the water surface of the washing water reaches the first predetermined distance D1.
当与洗净水的水面的距离达到第一规定距离D1时(S5：是)，控制部801关闭供水单元70的副阀73，停止向贮水桶210内供给洗净水(S6)。When the distance from the water surface of the washing water reaches the first predetermined distance D1 ( S5 : YES), the control unit 801 closes the sub-valve 73 of the water supply unit 70 to stop supplying washing water into the water storage tank 210 ( S6 ).
在此，在本实施方式中，测定与贮水桶210的底面的距离来作为基准距离DR，并基于该基准距离DR来设定与第一规定水位L1对应的第一规定距离D1。由此，在超声波洗净装置50中，即使由于制造误差等而导致距离传感器600与贮水桶210的底面之间的高度位置的关系产生偏差，也能高精度地进行使用距 离传感器600的第一规定水位L1的检测。Here, in this embodiment, the distance from the bottom surface of the water storage tank 210 is measured as the reference distance DR, and the first predetermined distance D1 corresponding to the first predetermined water level L1 is set based on the reference distance DR. Thus, in the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, even if the height position relationship between the distance sensor 600 and the bottom surface of the water storage tank 210 varies due to manufacturing errors, etc., the distance sensor 600 can be used to accurately determine the height of the water storage tank 210. Detection of the first prescribed water level L1 by the distance sensor 600.
而且，在本实施方式中，如图11的(b)所示，第一规定水位L1设定于比供给喷嘴500的流出口503的下端高的位置。因此，在向贮水桶210内蓄留洗净水至第一规定水位L1附近的状态下，来自流出口503的洗净水向水中流出，不会落到水面上。因此，在第一规定水位L1附近，水面不易产生起伏，能通过距离传感器600来高精度地测定与水面的距离，因此能高精度地进行第一规定水位L1的检测。Moreover, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11( b ), the first predetermined water level L1 is set at a position higher than the lower end of the outflow port 503 of the supply nozzle 500. Therefore, in a state where washing water is stored in the water storage tank 210 to near the first predetermined water level L1, washing water from the outflow port 503 flows into the water and does not fall on the water surface. Therefore, near the first predetermined water level L1, the water surface is not likely to fluctuate, and the distance to the water surface can be measured with high accuracy by the distance sensor 600, so that the first predetermined water level L1 can be detected with high accuracy.
如此，通过从供水单元70供给洗净水，能向贮水桶210内蓄留与第一规定水位L1对应的规定量的洗净水即规定洗涤剂浓度的洗净水。In this manner, by supplying wash water from the water supply unit 70 , a predetermined amount of wash water corresponding to the first predetermined water level L1 , that is, wash water having a predetermined detergent concentration, can be stored in the water storage tank 210 .
当贮水桶210内蓄有洗净水时，用户将被洗净物的污垢附着部分放置于贮水桶210与超声波发生体110的振动变幅杆112之间。被洗净物的污垢附着部分被浸入洗净水中，浸透至被洗净物的内部的洗净水渗出于表面。呈现出如下状态：在被洗净物的表面形成有薄薄的水层，振动变幅杆112与该水层接触。When the water storage tank 210 is filled with cleaning water, the user places the dirt-attached part of the object to be cleaned between the water storage tank 210 and the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110. The dirt-attached part of the object to be cleaned is immersed in the cleaning water, and the cleaning water that has penetrated into the inside of the object to be cleaned seeps out on the surface. The following state is presented: 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.
控制部801开始超声波洗净部100的超声波洗净(S7)。即，控制部801通过向超声波振子111进行通电来使超声波发生体110工作。从振动变幅杆112的前端产生超声波，污垢由于超声波的作用而从被洗净物剥离。此时，通过附加洗涤剂的效力，洗净力提高。The control unit 801 starts ultrasonic cleaning of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 (S7). That is, the control unit 801 operates the ultrasonic generator 110 by energizing the ultrasonic vibrator 111. Ultrasonic waves are generated from the front end of the vibration horn 112, and dirt is peeled off from the object to be cleaned due to the action of the ultrasonic waves. At this time, the cleaning power is improved by the effect of the additional detergent.
在从开始超声波洗净起经过规定的运转时间的期间(S8：否)，控制部801通过距离传感器600来监视与洗净水的水面的距离，由此监视与该水面的距离是否为第二规定距离D2以上(S10)。当放置于贮水桶210内的被洗净物吸收了洗净水时，贮水桶210内的水位会降低至第二规定水位L2以下。在该情况下，与洗净水的水面的距离为第二规定距离D2以上。After the predetermined operation time has passed since the start of ultrasonic cleaning (S8: No), the control unit 801 monitors the distance to the water surface of the washing water through the distance sensor 600, thereby monitoring whether the distance to the water surface is greater than the second predetermined distance D2 (S10). When the washing water is absorbed by the washing object placed in the water storage bucket 210, the water level in the water storage bucket 210 drops below the second predetermined water level L2. In this case, the distance to the water surface of the washing water is greater than the second predetermined distance D2.
当与洗净水的水面的距离为第二规定距离D2以上时(S10：是)，控制部801与步骤S6同样，使供水单元70工作，开始向贮水桶210内补给洗净水(S11)。然后，当与洗净水的水面的距离达到第一规定距离D1时(S12：是)，控制部801关闭供水单元70的副阀73，停止向贮水桶210内补给洗净水(S13)。When the distance from the surface of the washing water is greater than the second predetermined distance D2 (S10: Yes), the control unit 801 operates the water supply unit 70 in the same manner as step S6, and starts to supply washing water into the water storage tank 210 (S11). Then, when the distance from the surface of the washing water reaches the first predetermined distance D1 (S12: Yes), the control unit 801 closes the auxiliary valve 73 of the water supply unit 70, and stops supplying washing water into the water storage tank 210 (S13).
需要说明的是，向贮水桶210内补给洗净水的补给量大致为与从第二规定水位L2到第一规定水位L1的水位差相应的量。因此，根据该补给量来调整来 自洗涤剂盒81的液体洗涤剂的供给量，以使补给的洗净水的洗涤剂浓度与超声波洗净前所供给的洗净水的洗涤剂浓度相同。It should be noted that the amount of water supplied to the water storage tank 210 is approximately equal to the amount corresponding to the water level difference from the second predetermined water level L2 to the first predetermined water level L1. The amount of liquid detergent supplied from detergent box 81 is such that the detergent concentration of the replenished washing water becomes the same as the detergent concentration of the washing water supplied before ultrasonic cleaning.
如此，通过进行洗净水的补给，在进行超声波洗净的期间，贮水桶210内的洗净水的量维持在适量范围。By replenishing the washing water in this manner, the amount of washing water in the water storage tank 210 is maintained within an appropriate range during the ultrasonic cleaning.
在此，在本实施方式中，与第一规定距离D1同样，基于基准距离DR来设定第二规定距离D2。由此，能高精度地进行使用距离传感器600的第二规定水位L2的检测。Here, in the present embodiment, the second predetermined distance D2 is set based on the reference distance DR, similarly to the first predetermined distance D1. Thus, the second predetermined water level L2 can be detected with high accuracy using the distance sensor 600.
当从开始超声波洗净起经过规定的运转时间时(S8：是)，控制部801停止超声波洗净部100的超声波洗净(S9)。即，控制部801停止向超声波振子111通电从而停止超声波发生体110的工作。如此，洗净运转结束。When a predetermined operation time has passed since the start of ultrasonic cleaning (S8: YES), the control unit 801 stops ultrasonic cleaning of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 (S9). That is, the control unit 801 stops energizing the ultrasonic vibrator 111 to stop the operation of the ultrasonic generator 110. In this way, the cleaning operation ends.
如图3的(b)和(c)所示，用户将超声波洗净装置50收纳于收纳部17。阀体220离开排水口211从而排水口211打开，贮水桶210内的洗净水向排水承接部60排出。之后，洗净水流过排水管62、溢水管26以及排水软管41向机外排出。As shown in (b) and (c) of Fig. 3, the user stores the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the storage portion 17. The valve body 220 leaves the drain port 211, so that the drain port 211 is opened, and the cleaning water in the water storage tank 210 is discharged to the drain receiving portion 60. Thereafter, the cleaning water flows through the drain pipe 62, the overflow pipe 26, and the drain hose 41 and is discharged outside the machine.
洗净运转后接着进行洗涤运转，或者不进行洗净运转而进行洗涤运转，当该洗涤运转结束时，电源自动断开。当电源断开时(S14：是)，控制部801结束用于洗净运转的控制处理。The washing operation is then followed by the cleaning operation, or the washing operation is performed instead of the cleaning operation, and when the washing operation is finished, the power is automatically turned off. When the power is turned off (S14: Yes), the control unit 801 ends the control process for the washing operation.
＜实施方式的效果＞＜Effects of implementation＞
以上，根据本实施方式，通过供水单元70，含有从水龙头送来的水的洗净水以不会短暂贮留的方式供给至贮水桶210内，因此能缩短向贮水桶210供给洗净水的供水时间。As described above, according to the present embodiment, flush water including water sent from the faucet is supplied to the water storage tank 210 by the water supply unit 70 without being temporarily stored, so that the supply time of flush water to the water storage tank 210 can be shortened.
而且，具备测定与蓄于贮水桶210内的洗净水的水面的距离的距离传感器600，通过供水单元70来向贮水桶210内进行洗净水的供给，直至由距离传感器600测定的与水面的距离达到与第一规定水位L1对应的第一规定距离D1。A distance sensor 600 is provided for measuring the distance to the water surface of the washing water stored in the water storage tank 210, and washing water is supplied to the water storage tank 210 through the water supply unit 70 until the distance to the water surface measured by the distance sensor 600 reaches a first predetermined distance D1 corresponding to the first predetermined water level L1.
由此，能向贮水桶210内蓄留从供水单元70供给的洗净水至第一规定水位L1。Thus, the washing water supplied from the water supply unit 70 can be stored in the water storage tank 210 up to the first predetermined water level L1.
而且，根据本实施方式，在向贮水桶210内蓄留洗净水至第一规定水位L1 后，当由距离传感器600测定的与洗净水的水面的距离为与比第一规定水位L1低的第二规定水位L2对应的第二规定距离D2以上时，通过供水单元70来进行洗净水的补给。According to the present embodiment, after the washing water is stored in the water storage tank 210 to the first predetermined water level L1 Then, when the distance to the water surface of the flush water measured by the distance sensor 600 is equal to or greater than a second predetermined distance D2 corresponding to a second predetermined water level L2 lower than the first predetermined water level L1 , flush water is replenished by the water supply unit 70 .
由此，能使贮水桶210内的洗净水量维持在适量范围。Thus, the amount of flush water in the water storage tank 210 can be maintained within an appropriate range.
而且，根据本实施方式，在开始向贮水桶210内供给洗净水之前，通过距离传感器600来测定与贮水桶210的底面的距离，基于该距离设定第一规定距离D1和第二规定距离D2。Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, before supply of flush water into the water storage tub 210 is started, the distance to the bottom surface of the water storage tub 210 is measured by the distance sensor 600, and the first predetermined distance D1 and the second predetermined distance D2 are set based on the measured distance.
由此，能不受距离传感器600与贮水桶210的底面之间的高度位置的关系的偏差的影响，高精度地进行使用距离传感器600的第一规定水位L1和第二规定水位L2的检测。Thus, the first predetermined water level L1 and the second predetermined water level L2 can be detected with high accuracy using the distance sensor 600 without being affected by the variation in the height position relationship between the distance sensor 600 and the bottom surface of the water storage tank 210 .
而且，根据本实施方式，在开始向贮水桶210内供给洗净水之前，基于由距离传感器600测定的与对象的距离来判定贮水部200是否已装接于基体部300，在贮水部200未装接于基体部300的情况下，通过显示部720来进行故障通知。Moreover, according to the present embodiment, before starting to supply washing water into the water storage barrel 210, it is determined whether the water storage portion 200 has been attached to the base portion 300 based on the distance to the object measured by the distance sensor 600. When the water storage portion 200 is not attached to the base portion 300, a fault notification is performed through the display portion 720.
由此，能防止在贮水部200未装接的状态下开始超声波洗净装置50的洗净运转。This can prevent the cleaning operation of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from starting in a state where the water storage unit 200 is not attached.
而且，根据本实施方式，洗净水从供水单元70经由供给喷嘴500供给至贮水桶210内。并且，供给喷嘴500具有向下方开口来供洗净水流出的流出口503，并以与贮水桶210重叠的方式配置于贮水桶210的上方。而且，距离传感器600固定于供给喷嘴500。According to the present embodiment, washing water is supplied from the water supply unit 70 to the water storage tank 210 via the supply nozzle 500. The supply nozzle 500 has an outlet 503 that opens downward to allow washing water to flow out, and is disposed above the water storage tank 210 so as to overlap with the water storage tank 210. The distance sensor 600 is fixed to the supply nozzle 500.
由此，可以不必为了将距离传感器600配置于贮水桶210的上方而设置专用的固定构件，因此能谋求减少零部件。Thus, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated fixing member in order to dispose the distance sensor 600 above the water storage tank 210, so that the number of parts can be reduced.
以上，对本发明的实施方式进行了说明，但本发明并不受上述实施方式的任何限制，此外，本发明的实施方式还可以进行上述以外的各种变更。As mentioned above, although embodiment of the present invention is described, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment at all, and various changes other than the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention can be made.
＜变更例1＞＜Change Example 1＞
图12是表示变更例1的超声波洗净装置50的结构的图。图12是从正面观察超声波洗净部100和基体部300的图。图12中，方便起见，用单点划线表示 距离传感器600的位置处的贮水部200的端面。FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the structure of an ultrasonic cleaning device 50 according to Modification 1. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and a base unit 300 as viewed from the front. The end surface of the water storage part 200 at the position of the distance sensor 600.
在上述实施方式中，距离传感器600配置于供给喷嘴500。与此相对，在本变更例中，距离传感器600配置于基体部300。In the above-described embodiment, the distance sensor 600 is disposed at the supply nozzle 500 . In contrast, in this modification, the distance sensor 600 is disposed at the base portion 300 .
在基体部300，于开口部302的上缘部的左端设有装接部304，在该装接部304装接有距离传感器600。从距离传感器600输出的光、超声波等用于测定距离的信号穿过供给喷嘴500的左侧方前往洗净水的水面等对象。The base 300 is provided with a mounting portion 304 at the left end of the upper edge of the opening 302, and a distance sensor 600 is mounted on the mounting portion 304. A signal for measuring distance, such as light or ultrasonic waves, output from the distance sensor 600 passes through the left side of the supply nozzle 500 and reaches an object such as the surface of the washing water.
根据本变更例，与上述实施方式同样可以不必为了将距离传感器600配置于贮水桶210的上方而设置专用的固定构件，因此能谋求减少零部件。According to this modification, similarly to the above-described embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated fixing member in order to dispose the distance sensor 600 above the water storage tank 210, so that the number of parts can be reduced.
而且，根据本变更例，距离传感器600固定于与贮水部200有别的不会被拆装的基体部300，因此不需要能将距离传感器600与连接线连接或切断的构造，用于配置距离传感器600的构造不易变得复杂。Moreover, according to this modification, the distance sensor 600 is fixed to the base part 300 which is separate from the water storage part 200 and cannot be disassembled. Therefore, there is no need for a structure that can connect or disconnect the distance sensor 600 and the connecting line, and the structure for configuring the distance sensor 600 is not likely to become complicated.
＜其他变更例＞＜Other changes＞
在上述实施方式中，通过距离传感器600测定与贮水桶210的底面的距离来作为基准距离DR，并基于该基准距离DR来设定第一规定距离D1和第二规定距离D2。然而，第一规定距离D1和第二规定距离D2也可以设为恒定的值而不是基于基准距离DR来设定。In the above embodiment, the distance from the bottom surface of the water storage tank 210 is measured by the distance sensor 600 as the reference distance DR, and the first predetermined distance D1 and the second predetermined distance D2 are set based on the reference distance DR. However, the first predetermined distance D1 and the second predetermined distance D2 may be set to constant values instead of being set based on the reference distance DR.
而且，在上述实施方式中，在开始向贮水桶210内供给洗净水之前，基于由距离传感器600测定的与对象的距离来判定贮水部200是否已装接于基体部300。然而，也可以不进行贮水部200是否已装接于基体部300的判定。Furthermore, in the above embodiment, before supplying washing water into the water storage tub 210, it is determined whether the water storage part 200 is attached to the base part 300 based on the distance to the object measured by the distance sensor 600. However, it is not necessary to determine whether the water storage part 200 is attached to the base part 300.
而且，在上述实施方式中，通过供水单元70，混合有洗涤剂的水作为洗净水被供给至贮水桶210。然而，也可以是，通过供水单元70，未混入洗涤剂的水作为洗净水被供给至贮水桶210。在该情况下，既可以仅将水作为洗净水蓄于贮水桶210，也可以以在贮水桶210内生成含有水和洗涤剂的洗净水的方式设置直接将液体洗涤剂等洗涤剂自动投入贮水桶210内的洗涤剂投入装置。Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, water mixed with detergent is supplied as wash water to the water storage tank 210 by the water supply unit 70. However, water not mixed with detergent may be supplied as wash water to the water storage tank 210 by the water supply unit 70. In this case, only water may be stored in the water storage tank 210 as wash water, or a detergent injection device may be provided to automatically inject detergent such as liquid detergent directly into the water storage tank 210 so that wash water containing water and detergent is generated in the water storage tank 210.
而且，在上述实施方式中，自动投入机构80也可以采用能自动投入洗涤剂和柔顺剂的结构。在该情况下，设有容纳液体柔顺剂的柔顺剂盒。柔顺剂盒经由供给管和三通阀与副供水路84相连。在漂洗过程时，通过与从洗涤剂盒81供给洗涤剂同样的动作来向洗涤脱水桶22内供给柔顺剂盒内的柔顺剂。 Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the automatic input mechanism 80 can also adopt a structure that can automatically input detergent and softener. In this case, a softener box for accommodating liquid softener is provided. The softener box is connected to the auxiliary water supply path 84 via a supply pipe and a three-way valve. During the rinsing process, the softener in the softener box is supplied to the washing and dehydrating barrel 22 by the same action as supplying detergent from the detergent box 81.
而且，超声波洗净部100、贮水部200、基体部300、供水单元70以及供给喷嘴500的结构不限于上述实施方式所示的结构。Furthermore, the structures of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 , the water storage unit 200 , the base unit 300 , the water supply unit 70 , and the supply nozzle 500 are not limited to those shown in the above embodiment.
而且，在上述实施方式中，超声波洗净装置50设置于全自动洗衣机1。然而，超声波洗净装置50也可以设置于全自动洗衣机1以外的洗衣机，例如滚筒式洗衣机。此外，超声波洗净装置50还可以设置于例如具有烘干功能的全自动洗干一体机、滚筒式洗干一体机。在滚筒式洗衣机和滚筒式洗干一体机中，在外筒内配置有作为内筒的滚筒。Moreover, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is provided in the fully automatic washing machine 1. However, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may also be provided in a washing machine other than the fully automatic washing machine 1, such as a drum-type washing machine. In addition, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may also be provided in, for example, a fully automatic washer-dryer or a drum-type washer-dryer having a drying function. In a drum-type washing machine or a drum-type washer-dryer, a drum as an inner drum is arranged in an outer drum.
此外，本发明的实施方式能在技术方案所示的技术思想的范围内适当地进行各种变更。 In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be variously modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept shown in the claims.

Claims (6)

  1. 一种洗衣机，其特征在于，具备：A washing machine, characterized by comprising:
    超声波洗净装置，包括蓄留洗净水的贮水桶和使超声波作用于浸入所述洗净水中的被洗净物来洗净被洗净物的超声波洗净部；The ultrasonic cleaning device comprises a water storage tank for storing cleaning water and an ultrasonic cleaning part for applying ultrasonic waves to an object to be cleaned immersed in the cleaning water to clean the object to be cleaned;
    供水部，至少将从水龙头送来的水作为所述洗净水供给至所述贮水桶内；A water supply unit supplies at least water sent from a faucet as the washing water into the water storage tank;
    距离传感器，配置于所述贮水桶的上方，测定与蓄于所述贮水桶内的所述洗净水的水面的距离；以及a distance sensor disposed above the water storage barrel and measuring the distance from the surface of the washing water stored in the water storage barrel; and
    控制部，控制所述供水部，a control unit, controlling the water supply unit,
    所述控制部使所述供水部向所述贮水桶内进行所述洗净水的供给，直至由所述距离传感器测定的与所述水面的距离达到与第一规定水位对应的第一规定距离。The control unit controls the water supply unit to supply the washing water into the water storage tank until the distance to the water surface measured by the distance sensor reaches a first predetermined distance corresponding to a first predetermined water level.
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的洗衣机，其特征在于，The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that
    所述控制部在开始向所述贮水桶内供给所述洗净水之前，通过所述距离传感器来测定与所述贮水桶的底面的距离，The control unit measures the distance from the bottom surface of the water storage tub by the distance sensor before starting to supply the washing water into the water storage tub.
    所述控制部基于与所述贮水桶的底面的距离来设定所述第一规定距离。The control unit sets the first predetermined distance based on a distance from a bottom surface of the water storage tank.
  3. 根据权利要求1所述的洗衣机，其特征在于，The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that
    在向所述贮水桶内蓄留所述洗净水至所述第一规定水位后，当由所述距离传感器测定的与所述水面的距离为与比所述第一规定水位低的第二规定水位对应的第二规定距离以上时，所述控制部使所述供水部进行所述洗净水的补给。After the washing water is stored in the water storage tank to the first specified water level, when the distance to the water surface measured by the distance sensor is greater than a second specified distance corresponding to a second specified water level lower than the first specified water level, the control unit causes the water supply unit to replenish the washing water.
  4. 根据权利要求3所述的洗衣机，其特征在于，The washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that
    所述控制部在开始向所述贮水桶内供给所述洗净水之前，通过所述距离传感器来测定与所述贮水桶的底面的距离，The control unit measures the distance from the bottom surface of the water storage tub by the distance sensor before starting to supply the washing water into the water storage tub.
    所述控制部基于与所述贮水桶的底面的距离来设定所述第二规定距离。The control unit sets the second predetermined distance based on the distance from the bottom surface of the water storage tank.
  5. 根据权利要求1至4中任一项所述的洗衣机，其特征在于，The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that
    所述超声波洗净装置还包括： The ultrasonic cleaning device also includes:
    贮水部，形成有所述贮水桶；以及a water storage portion, formed with the water storage bucket; and
    基体部，供所述贮水部以能脱离的方式装接，A base portion, to which the water storage portion is attached in a detachable manner,
    所述控制部在开始向所述贮水桶内供给所述洗净水之前，基于由所述距离传感器测定的与对象的距离来判定所述贮水部是否已装接于所述基体部，The control unit determines whether the water storage unit is attached to the base unit based on the distance to the object measured by the distance sensor before starting to supply the washing water into the water storage tub.
    所述控制部在所述贮水部已装接于所述基体部的情况下使通知部进行通知。The control unit causes the notification unit to perform notification when the water storage unit is attached to the base unit.
  6. 根据权利要求1至4中任一项所述的洗衣机，其特征在于，The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that
    所述供水部经由供给构件向所述贮水桶内供给所述洗净水，The water supply unit supplies the washing water into the water storage tank via a supply member.
    所述供给构件具有向下方开口来供所述洗净水流出的流出口，并以与所述贮水桶重叠的方式配置于所述贮水桶的上方，The supply member has an outflow port that opens downward to allow the washing water to flow out, and is disposed above the water storage bucket so as to overlap with the water storage bucket.
    所述距离传感器固定于所述供给构件。 The distance sensor is fixed to the supply member.
PCT/CN2023/118267 2022-09-27 2023-09-12 Washing machine WO2024067066A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2022/154262 2022-09-27
JP2022154262A JP2024048294A (en) 2022-09-27 2022-09-27 washing machine

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024067066A1 true WO2024067066A1 (en) 2024-04-04

Family

ID=90476057

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/CN2023/118267 WO2024067066A1 (en) 2022-09-27 2023-09-12 Washing machine

Country Status (2)

Country Link
JP (1) JP2024048294A (en)
WO (1) WO2024067066A1 (en)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN204122406U (en) * 2014-04-22 2015-01-28 常州捷佳创精密机械有限公司 A kind of ultrasonic wave fluid infusion system
CN109868609A (en) * 2017-12-05 2019-06-11 东芝生活电器株式会社 Washing machine
CN110857496A (en) * 2018-08-10 2020-03-03 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 Control method of ultrasonic cleaning device and ultrasonic cleaning device
JP2020175187A (en) * 2019-04-15 2020-10-29 シャープ株式会社 Washing machine
CN112111920A (en) * 2019-08-05 2020-12-22 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 Washing machine and control method thereof
CN113056581A (en) * 2018-12-21 2021-06-29 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 Ultrasonic cleaning device and washing machine
JP2022010806A (en) * 2020-06-29 2022-01-17 青島海爾洗衣机有限公司 washing machine

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN204122406U (en) * 2014-04-22 2015-01-28 常州捷佳创精密机械有限公司 A kind of ultrasonic wave fluid infusion system
CN109868609A (en) * 2017-12-05 2019-06-11 东芝生活电器株式会社 Washing machine
CN110857496A (en) * 2018-08-10 2020-03-03 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 Control method of ultrasonic cleaning device and ultrasonic cleaning device
CN113056581A (en) * 2018-12-21 2021-06-29 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 Ultrasonic cleaning device and washing machine
JP2020175187A (en) * 2019-04-15 2020-10-29 シャープ株式会社 Washing machine
CN112111920A (en) * 2019-08-05 2020-12-22 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 Washing machine and control method thereof
JP2022010806A (en) * 2020-06-29 2022-01-17 青島海爾洗衣机有限公司 washing machine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2024048294A (en) 2024-04-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8505341B2 (en) Method for automatically flushing a bulk dispensing system in a cleaning appliance
JP7398697B2 (en) Ultrasonic cleaning equipment and washing machines
JPH05137888A (en) Washing machine
WO2024067066A1 (en) Washing machine
WO2022021969A1 (en) Washing machine
JP7506374B2 (en) washing machine
WO2022028065A1 (en) Washing machine
WO2022001223A1 (en) Washing machine
JP2002360980A (en) Washing machine
JP2023095647A (en) washing machine
JP7436989B2 (en) washing machine
JP3317615B2 (en) Washing machine and detergent input device
WO2023116851A1 (en) Washing machine
WO2022242566A1 (en) Washing machine
WO2022134523A1 (en) Washing machine
WO2019128900A1 (en) Washing machine
JP7503268B2 (en) Ultrasonic cleaning equipment and washing machines
JP2024097527A (en) washing machine
WO2022021911A1 (en) Washing machine
WO2021218426A1 (en) Washing machine
KR101544760B1 (en) Washing machine having the detergent feeding device
JP2002035469A (en) Washing machine
JP2023062454A (en) Drum type washing machine
JP2002018184A (en) Washing machine

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 23870304

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1