JP6906136B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing laundry such as clothes.

As a conventional washing machine, there is a so-called vertical washing machine in which laundry such as clothes is agitated and washed inside the rotary tub. In addition, there is a so-called drum-type washing machine in which the laundry is lifted inside the rotary tub in the direction of rotation, dropped from above, and beaten to wash. Since all of these washing machines wash the laundry by applying a mechanical force to the laundry by rubbing or rubbing it, the laundry is easily damaged. Therefore, it is common to wash the laundry by hand, especially the laundry that is easily damaged by the cloth and the laundry that is easily lost in shape due to being pulled by being entangled with each other. Further, as a washing machine, various washing machines have been considered in which the laundry is washed so that the mechanical force does not act violently on the laundry.

In a vertical washing machine, in order to reduce the cloth damage and shape loss of the laundry, a centrifugal force is applied to the laundry, and the strength of the centrifugal force applied to the laundry is changed to add a push-washing action. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the conventional washing machine described in Patent Document 1. In FIG. 13, the outer tub 51 includes a rotatably arranged washing / dehydrating tub 52, and is suspended from the washing machine outer frame 54 by a hanging rod 53. The motor 55 rotationally drives the washing / dehydrating tub 52 via the V-belt 56 and the speed reduction mechanism 57. The control unit 58 controls the operation of the motor 55, the water supply valve 59, the drain valve 60, etc., and sequentially controls a series of processes such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration. The control unit 58 is configured to change the rotation speed of the washing / dehydrating tub 52 into a rotation speed at which the washing water is sprinkled and a rotation speed at which the washing water is not sprinkled.

In addition, in order to prevent cloth damage to wool, dry cleaning mark clothes, etc., an auxiliary tool is provided above the rotor blades provided at the bottom of the washing tub, and the clothes are placed on this auxiliary tool and pushed to wash. (See, for example, Patent Document 2). In this auxiliary tool, when the rotor blades rotate, a water flow in the vertical direction is generated, and the auxiliary tool on which the clothes are placed is sunk by the force of the water flow. When the rotation of the rotor blades stops and the downward water flow weakens, the auxiliary tool floats up, and by repeating this, the clothes are pushed and washed.

Further, a washing machine in which a push-washing attachment for pushing-washing laundry is detachably housed inside the washing tub is considered (see, for example, Patent Document 3). The push-wash attachment consists of a circular push plate with an inner diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the washing tub, and a screw shaft that is screwed into the center of the push plate and extends vertically inside the washing tub. The push plate is moved up and down by rotating the screw shaft, and the laundry is repeatedly pressed against the bottom of the washing tub by the push plate to push and wash the laundry.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-350883 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-38376 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-33884

However, in the conventional configuration described in Patent Document 1, a strong water flow is generated from the central portion of the washing tub to the outside by centrifugal force, and the shearing force due to the water flow is applied to the dirt adhering to the fibers of the laundry. By action, dirt is removed from the fibers and moved to the outside of the laundry by a stream of water. However, since the water flow generated inside the fiber is unidirectional to the outside of the laundry stuck to the inner peripheral wall surface of the washing tub, no force acts on the dirt in the part where the water flow is difficult to hit, and the dirt is dirty. There was a problem that it did not fall well. In addition, since the laundry sticks to the washing tub, there is a problem that the laundry cannot be washed in a well-shaped state.

Further, in the conventional configuration described in Patent Document 2, since the auxiliary tool submerged by the force of the water flow floats by the buoyancy, the water flow passing through the laundry at the time of floating is weak and dirt is removed. Since the strong water flow that can be created is only in one direction when descending, there is a problem that dirt removal is poor.

Further, in the conventional configuration described in Patent Document 3, the push plate is moved up and down by rotationally driving a screw shaft vertically provided in the central portion of the washing tub. Therefore, the push plate needs to be made of a highly rigid material so that it can be compressed even in the peripheral portion away from the central portion. Then, for the laundry that is not necessarily housed at an even height inside the washing tub, the high overlapping parts of the laundry are strongly compressed, and the low parts are not compressed or are compressed only weakly. There is a problem that the cleaning effect becomes non-uniform and a part where dirt is not easily removed is generated. In addition, since the screw shaft is provided in the center of the washing tub, it is not possible to spread the laundry inside the washing tub and set it, and it is pressed in a small folded state, so there is a problem that wrinkles are likely to occur. was there.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and to provide a washing machine capable of suppressing cloth damage and shape loss of laundry and enhancing a washing effect.

In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the washing machine of the present invention has a washing tub for accommodating an object to be washed and washing water, and a pressing portion that can move forward and backward against the object to be washed inside the washing tub. The pressure-reducing unit is provided with a pressure-reducing unit, a lid on which the pressing unit is arranged and can be opened and closed, and a control unit for controlling the pressure-reducing unit. The pressure-reducing unit is the pressure-reducing unit. the object to be cleaned is deflated expanded by pressing the pressure release of the object to be cleaned by the pressing portion is configured to multidirectional flow within the object to be cleaned occurs, the control unit, the user the lid When the washing tank is closed, the pressurizing and depressurizing portion is controlled to release the pressure inside the pressing portion, or the inside of the pressing portion is sucked and pulled. ..

As a result, it is possible to generate a multi-directional water flow inside the object to be cleaned without stirring the object to be cleaned, and it is possible to suppress cloth damage and shape loss and enhance the cleaning effect. Further, when the user closes the lid, a large force for contracting the pressing portion is not required, and the convenience of the user is not impaired.

The washing machine of the present invention can enhance the washing effect by suppressing cloth damage and shape loss of the object to be washed.

External perspective view of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention XX sectional view of FIG. 1 of the washing machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine with the lid open. YY sectional view of FIG. 1 of the washing machine according to the present embodiment. Cross-sectional view of the state where the inside of the pressing portion in FIG. 4 is pressurized. YY sectional view of FIG. 1 in another example of the washing machine of the present embodiment. XX sectional view of FIG. 1 in the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. XX sectional view of FIG. 1 in the washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine with the lid open. The figure which shows the transition of the internal pressure of the pressing part of the washing machine in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the expansion / contraction specification change of the pressing part in the washing process with respect to the volume of the object to be washed of the washing machine in this embodiment YY sectional view of FIG. 1 in the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Longitudinal section showing the configuration of a conventional washing machine

The washing machine of the first invention has a washing tub for accommodating an object to be washed and washing water, a pressurizing / depressurizing section having a pressing portion that can move forward and backward with respect to the object to be washed inside the washing tub, and the pressing portion. A lid body that is openable and closable on the upper part of the washing tank, and a control unit that controls the pressurizing and depressurizing unit to sequentially execute each step of washing, rinsing, and dehydration, and the pressurizing unit is provided. decompression unit, the pressing portion of the object to be cleaned is deflated expanded by pressing the pressure release of the object to be cleaned by being configured such that multi-directional water flow generated within the object to be cleaned, the control unit, the user Is configured to control the pressurizing and depressurizing portion to release the pressure inside the pressing portion or to suck and pull the inside of the pressing portion when the lid is closed with respect to the washing tank. It was done . With this configuration, it is possible to generate a multi-directional water flow inside the object to be cleaned without stirring the object to be cleaned, and it is possible to suppress cloth damage and shape loss and enhance the cleaning effect. Further, when the user closes the lid, a large force for contracting the pressing portion is not required, and the convenience of the user is not impaired.

The second invention, in particular, in the first invention, the pressurizing and depressurizing portion presses the object to be cleaned with the pressing portion, so that the cleaning water contained in the object to be cleaned flows out to the outside of the object to be cleaned. At the same time, by releasing the pressing of the object to be cleaned by the pressing portion, the cleaning water is configured to flow into the inside of the object to be cleaned so that the object to be cleaned contains the cleaning water. With this configuration, it is possible to generate a multi-directional water flow inside the object to be cleaned with a simple configuration, and it is possible to suppress cloth damage and shape loss and enhance the cleaning effect.

The third invention, in particular, in the first or second invention, has a water storage unit for accommodating the washing water that has flowed out from the inside of the object to be cleaned to the outside of the object to be cleaned when the object to be cleaned is pressed. The unit is configured outside the cleaning tank so as to communicate with the inside of the cleaning tank. With this configuration, the object to be cleaned can be spread over a wide area inside the cleaning tank and washed.

The fourth invention, in particular, in the first or second invention, has a water storage unit for accommodating the washing water that has flowed out from the inside of the object to be cleaned to the outside of the object to be cleaned when the object to be cleaned is pressed. The part is formed inside the washing tank. With this configuration, it is possible to secure a space inside the cleaning tank for accommodating the cleaning water flowing out from the inside of the object to be cleaned, and the configuration can be simplified.

A fifth invention, particularly in the third or fourth invention, is such that the water storage unit is configured such that the water level of the stored washing water is higher than that of the object to be washed inside the washing tank. .. With this configuration, the cleaning water inside the water storage unit can be forcibly returned toward the object to be cleaned inside the cleaning tank due to the difference in head between the cleaning water inside the water storage unit and the cleaning water inside the cleaning tank. Therefore, it is possible to accelerate the flow velocity of the cleaning water flowing into the inside of the object to be cleaned that has been pressed and contracted, and the cleaning effect can be enhanced.

A sixth invention, in particular, in the third or fourth invention, when a water storage pressure section is provided in the water storage section, and the water storage pressurization section releases the pressing of the object to be cleaned by the pressing section. In addition, it is configured to pressurize the washing water contained in the water storage unit. With this configuration, the cleaning water inside the water storage unit can be forcibly returned toward the object to be cleaned inside the cleaning tank, so that the flow velocity of the cleaning water flowing into the compressed and contracted object to be cleaned can be reduced. It can be accelerated and the cleaning effect can be enhanced.

A seventh invention, in particular, in any one of the first to sixth inventions, the pressurizing and depressurizing portion is a pressing portion capable of expanding and contracting, and the pressing portion by supplying a fluid to the inside of the pressing portion. It is provided with a pressurizing device for expanding the pressure device and a discharge valve for discharging the fluid inside the pressing portion. With this configuration, the object to be cleaned can be pressed according to its shape, and a water flow can be generated throughout the inside of the object to be cleaned to enhance the cleaning effect.

The eighth invention, in particular, in the seventh invention, the control unit closes the discharge valve when driving the pressurizing device to supply the fluid to the inside of the pressing unit, and pressurizes the pressure. It is configured to open the discharge valve when the device is stopped and the fluid inside the pressing portion is discharged. With this configuration, it is possible to accurately press and release the pressed object.

A ninth invention, particularly in the seventh or eighth invention, causes the control unit to release the pressure of the pressing portion by opening the discharge valve and opening the inside of the pressing portion to the atmosphere. It is composed of. With this configuration, when the user closes the lid, a large force for contracting the pressing portion is not required, and the convenience of the user is not impaired.

A tenth invention, in particular, in the seventh or eighth invention, the pressurizing device is composed of a device capable of pressurizing and depressurizing the inside of the pressing portion, and the control unit depressurizes the pressurizing device. It is configured to pull the pressing portion by performing an operation. With this configuration, when the user closes the lid, a large force for contracting the pressing portion is not required, and the convenience of the user is not impaired.

The eleventh invention particularly includes, in any one of the first to tenth inventions, a pressure detecting unit for measuring the internal pressure of the pressing unit, and the control unit is an expansion detected by the pressure detecting unit. It is configured to control the expansion and contraction of the pressing portion in the washing step according to the internal pressure value of the pressing portion at the time of time or contraction. With this configuration, it is possible to perform an expansion / contraction operation of the pressing portion suitable for the volume of the object to be cleaned.

In the twelfth invention, particularly in the eleventh invention, the control unit estimates the volume of the object to be cleaned from various numerical values calculated by the control unit from the internal pressure value of the pressing unit detected by the pressure detection unit. However, it is configured to control the expansion and contraction of the pressing portion in the washing step according to the estimation result. With this configuration, when the volume of the object to be washed is estimated to be small, for example, when the number of thin clothes is small, the speed or displacement or maximum pressure of the expansion / contraction of the pressing portion during the washing process is reduced. By changing to, it is possible to prevent the thin clothes from being deformed or moved inside the washing tank. As a result, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of wrinkles due to the pressing by the pressing portion and the occurrence of folding of the clothes when the user takes out the clothes after washing.

A thirteenth invention, in particular, in the eleventh or twelfth invention, the control unit has a maximum value within a predetermined time of an increase value of the internal pressure of the pressing unit detected by the pressure detecting unit per unit time. It is configured to control the pressurizing and depressurizing portion so as to change the speed or displacement of expansion and contraction of the pressing portion or the maximum pressure in the washing step according to (ΔP / ΔT) max. With this configuration, the volume of the object to be cleaned is estimated by comparing the increase value of the internal pressure of the pressing unit stored in the control unit in advance with the threshold value Ps of the maximum value (ΔP / ΔT) max within a predetermined time. By doing so, it is possible to realize appropriate washing according to the volume of the object to be cleaned, suppress cloth damage and shape loss, and enhance the cleaning effect.

In the fourteenth invention, particularly in any one of the eleventh to thirteenth inventions, the control unit responds to the maximum value Pmax of the internal pressure of the pressing unit detected by the pressure detecting unit within a predetermined time. Therefore, the pressurizing / depressurizing portion is configured to control the speed or displacement of the expansion / contraction of the pressing portion or the maximum pressure in the washing step. With this configuration, the volume of the object to be cleaned is estimated by comparing the internal pressure of the pressing unit stored in the control unit in advance with the threshold value Pm of the maximum value Pmax within a predetermined time, so that the volume of the object to be cleaned can be adjusted according to the volume of the object to be cleaned. Appropriate washing can be achieved, cloth damage and shape loss can be suppressed, and the cleaning effect can be enhanced.

A fifteenth invention, in particular, in any one of the eleventh to fourteenth inventions, causes the control unit to detect the internal pressure of the pressing unit by the pressure detecting unit before supplying water to the washing tank. It is composed of. With this configuration, it is possible to realize an accurate volume estimation of the object to be cleaned without being affected by the water absorption of the object to be cleaned.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of FIG. 1 of the washing machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine in FIG. 2 with the lid open. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line YY of FIG. 1 of the washing machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the inside of the pressing portion in FIG. 4 is pressurized. It should be noted that the figures shown in the embodiments of the present invention are all schematic, and the arrangement, size, and the like are described to the extent that they are sufficient for explanation.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the washing machine 1 is composed of a lower water tank portion 6 and an upper lid body 5. The water tank portion 6 includes a washing tank 4 formed in a square shape having a predetermined depth. An opening 3 is formed on the upper surface of the washing tub 4 as a whole, and is an opening for inserting an object to be washed 2 which is laundry such as clothes. The lid 5 is rotatably attached to the trailing edge of the upper side of the water tank 6 by a hinge 6a to open and close the opening 3 of the cleaning tank 4.

The object to be cleaned 2 is shaped and housed by the user in the bottom 4a of the cleaning tank 4. In the present embodiment, the object to be washed 2 is a general washing in which mechanical force acts on the object to be washed 2, for example, a woolen fabric such as a sweater or a cardigan, or a scarf made of a delicate material made of ultrafine fibers. It is effective to use a machine that easily loses its shape or hurts when washed with a machine.

A handle 5a is provided on the front surface of the lid 5. The lid 5 is configured so that the user holds the handle 5a and rotates it in the direction of the arrow R1 to open and close the opening 3 and hold the lid 5 in an open state. When the opening 3 is closed, the lid 5 is locked by a locking device (not shown) and held in the closed state. When opening, the lock device is unlocked by operating the handle 5a.

A pressurizing / depressurizing unit 7 is provided inside the lid 5. The pressurizing / depressurizing section 7 communicates with a flexible bag-shaped pressing section 8 formed of rubber, synthetic resin, or the like through a hose 9 inside the pressing section 8 and inside the pressing section 8. It has a pressurizing pump 10 that supplies a fluid such as a gas or a liquid, and a discharge valve 11 that discharges the fluid supplied to the pressing portion 8 to the outside of the pressing portion 8.
The pressing portion 8 has a pressing surface 8a that presses the object to be cleaned 2 and a bellows-shaped telescopic portion 8b. The pressing portion 8 is attached to the cleaning tank 4 side of the lid 5, is provided so as to expand and contract by expanding and contracting, and is configured to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the object to be cleaned 2 housed in the bottom 4a of the cleaning tank 4. Has been done. Further, the pressing portion 8 expands to the extent that the pressing surface 8a reaches the bottom portion 4a of the cleaning tank 4.

The pressurizing / depressurizing unit 7 is provided with a constant pressure release valve 12 that opens when the inside of the pressing unit 8 reaches a predetermined pressure and discharges the pressure to the outside. The constant pressure release valve 12 prevents the pressing portion 8 from being pressurized beyond a predetermined pressure. In the present embodiment, the fluid supplied to the inside of the pressing portion 8 will be described as air.

The lid 5 is provided with a deformable hollow packing 16. The packing 16 comes into close contact with the sealing portion 17 formed in a concave shape along the peripheral edge of the opening 3 of the cleaning tank 4 when the lid 5 is closed. As a result, when the lid 5 is closed, the inside of the washing tank 4 becomes a watertight and airtight space, and when each of the washing, rinsing, and dehydrating steps is executed, water and air flow from the opening 3 to the outside. It will not leak.

The lid 5 is provided with a water supply path 20 for supplying washing water to the washing tank 4. A water supply valve 18 is provided in the water supply path 20, and communicates with the inside of the cleaning tank 4 via a detergent case 19. By opening and closing the water supply valve 18, tap water (washing water) is supplied and stopped inside the washing tank 4.

Further, the water level detection unit 21 is provided so as to communicate with the inside of the cleaning tank 4. The water level detection unit 21 detects when the water level detection tank 22 having an opening above, the float 23 that moves up and down according to the fluctuation of the water level in the water level detection tank 22, and the float 23 rises to a predetermined position. It has a water level switch 24.

A drain hole 25 for discharging the washing water used in the washing step or the like is formed in the bottom 4a of the washing tank 4. The drain hole 25 communicates with a drainage path 27 provided with a drain valve 26. By opening and closing the drain valve 26, the washing water in the washing tank 4 is drained and stopped.

Further, the water tank portion 6 is provided with an overflow path 28 for draining the washing water inside the washing tank 4 to the outside when the water level inside the washing tank 4 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined level. The overflow path 28 has an overflow hole 28a at the upper part of the cleaning tank 4 and communicates with the drainage path 27 on the downstream side of the drain valve 26.

The control unit 29 is arranged on a side surface portion inside the lid body 5. Further, the operation display unit 30 is provided on the upper surface of the control unit 29. The control unit 29 controls the pressurizing pump 10, the discharge valve 11, the water supply valve 18, the drain valve 26, and the like, and sequentially executes each process of washing, rinsing, and dehydration.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a water storage unit 13 is provided adjacent to the washing tank 4. The water storage unit 13 is configured to communicate with the inside of the washing tank 4 and below the side surface. Although the cleaning water is supplied to the cleaning tank 4, the cleaning water can move between the inside of the cleaning tank 4 and the inside of the water storage unit 13 through the communication portion 14. The upper surface 13a of the water storage unit 13 is configured to be higher than the pressing surface 8a. That is, it is configured to be at least higher than the object to be cleaned 2 inside the cleaning tank 4.

Further, a ventilation hole 15 is provided on the upper surface 13a of the water storage unit 13. The ventilation hole 15 exhausts the air inside the water storage unit 13 to the outside when the wash water flows into the water storage unit 13 from the communication unit 14, and exhausts the outside air when the wash water flows out from the water storage unit 13. It is a through hole for supplying air.

The operation and operation of the washing machine configured as described above will be described below.

The user inputs the selection of the operation course, the time of each process, and the like from the operation display unit 30 provided on the front portion of the upper surface of the lid body 5. The control unit 29 executes the steps from washing to dehydration as a series of operations based on the set contents. The user can make an arbitrary choice, such as performing only the washing process. Further, this setting work may be performed after setting the object to be cleaned 2 described later.

After unlocking by operating the handle 5a, the user opens the lid 5 and sets the shape of the object to be cleaned 2 on the bottom 4a in the cleaning tank 4. Depending on the size of the object to be cleaned 2, it may be folded and set.

When the setting of the object to be cleaned 2 is completed, the user operates the handle 5a to close the lid 5 with respect to the cleaning tank 4. When this operation is performed, the control unit 29 controls the pressurizing / depressurizing unit 7 so as to release the pressure inside the pressing unit 8 or to suck and pull the inside of the pressing unit 8. Specifically, the control unit 29 releases the pressure inside the pressing unit 8 by opening the discharge valve 11 and opening the inside of the pressing unit 8 to the atmosphere. Alternatively, the control unit 29 rotates the pressurizing pump 10 in the direction opposite to that at the time of pressurization to drive the pressurizing pump 10 as a decompression pump, and sucks and pulls the inside of the pressing unit 8. As a result, the user can perform the work of closing the lid 5 without requiring a force to contract the pressing portion 8.

When the lid 5 is closed and locked, the control unit 29 starts the washing operation according to the operation course set by the operation display unit 30.

The control unit 29 first performs a water supply operation. When the control unit 29 opens the water supply valve 18, tap water and detergent are supplied as cleaning water from the water supply path 20 to the inside of the cleaning tank 4. At this time, the cleaning water gradually permeates the object to be cleaned 2 and is contained between the fibers of the object to be cleaned 2. When the washing water is supplied to the inside of the washing tank 4 to a predetermined water level as shown in FIG. 4 and the water level switch 24 of the water level detecting unit 21 detects that the washing water has reached the predetermined water level, the control unit 29 supplies water. The valve 18 is closed.

When the water supply is completed, the control unit 29 drives the pressurizing pump 10 to supply air to the inside of the pressing unit 8 to expand the pressing unit 8. As shown in FIG. 5, when the expansion / contraction portion 8b extends and the pressing portion 8 extends toward the object to be cleaned 2, the pressing surface 8a compresses the object to be cleaned 2. The object to be cleaned 2 is pressed by the pressing surface 8a and compressed to reduce the thickness.

As the volume of the object to be cleaned 2 changes due to compression, the cleaning water contained inside the object to be cleaned 2 is pushed out from the object to be cleaned 2. As a result, a water flow is generated from the inside of the object to be cleaned 2 to the outside, and the dirt adhering to the object to be cleaned 2 is removed from the fibers by the water flow. Then, the washing water extruded from the object to be cleaned 2 moves in the direction of arrow A to the water storage section 13 through the communication section 14 as shown in FIG. The air inside the water storage unit 13 is discharged to the outside through the ventilation holes 15.

The control unit 29 drives the pressurizing pump 10 for a predetermined time or until the inside of the pressing unit 8 reaches a predetermined pressure. After that, the control unit 29 immediately stops the pressurizing pump 10 and opens the discharge valve 11. When the discharge valve 11 is opened, the air inside the pressing portion 8 is discharged to the outside of the pressing portion 8, and the internal pressure of the pressing portion 8 is reduced. Various well-known methods such as detection by a pressure gauge can be applied to the detection that the inside of the pressing portion 8 reaches a predetermined pressure, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the head pressure of the cleaning water stored in the water storage unit 13 becomes larger than the internal pressure of the pressing unit 8, the cleaning water inside the water storage unit 13 passes through the communication unit 14 and the cleaning tank 4 as shown in FIG. Move inward in the direction of arrow B. As a result, the cleaning water flows into the object to be cleaned 2 to expand the object to be cleaned 2 and further contract the pressing portion 8. At this time, a water flow in a direction different from the water flow generated by pressing the object to be cleaned 2 is generated inside the object to be cleaned 2, and dirt is further removed.

In the washing step, the pressurizing and depressurizing unit 7 causes the object to be cleaned 2 to contract and expand (for example, pressurizing 1 second due to expansion of the pressing unit 8 and depressurizing 1 second due to contraction of the pressing unit 8) for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). By repeating this (10 minutes), the push-washing effect can be exerted on the object to be cleaned 2. That is, it is possible to remove dirt by generating water flows from multiple directions inside the object to be cleaned 2 without applying mechanical force such as stirring or tapping to the object to be cleaned 2.

When a washing course that consistently executes from the washing step to the dehydration step is set, the control unit 29 executes the rinsing step and the dehydration step following the washing step.

In the rinsing step, for example, a drainage operation, a preliminary dehydration operation, and then a trial rinsing operation are performed. In the drainage operation, the drain valve 26 is opened, and the washing water inside the washing tank 4 is drained to the outside through the drainage path 27. In the pre-dewatering operation, the pressurizing pump 10 is driven while the drain valve 26 is open, the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed and compressed, and a part of the cleaning water contained in the object to be cleaned 2 is forced. Is drained.

In the trial rinsing operation, after the drain valve 26 is closed, the water supply valve 18 is opened, and a predetermined amount of washing water is supplied to the inside of the washing tank 4. At this time, the cleaning water supplied to the inside of the cleaning tank 4 does not contain detergent. After that, the pressurizing pump 10 is driven for a predetermined time in the same manner as in the washing step, and the pressurizing object 2 is pressurized by the expansion of the pressing portion 8 and the pressure is reduced by discharging the air inside the pressing portion 8. As a result, the object to be cleaned 2 repeatedly contracts and expands, and the detergent concentration of the cleaning water inside the object to be cleaned 2 is diluted. This rinsing process is repeated a plurality of times (eg, twice).

The control unit 29 executes the dehydration step after executing the rinsing step. In the dehydration step, the drain valve 26 is opened, and the washing water inside the washing tank 4 is drained to the outside. After that, with the drain valve 26 open, the pressurizing pump 10 is driven, the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed and compressed, and a part of the cleaning water contained in the object to be cleaned 2 is forcibly drained. Will be done.

In the present embodiment, the pressurizing / depressurizing unit 7 discharges the flexible and expandable pressing unit 8, the pressurizing pump 10 that expands the pressing unit 8, and the fluid inside the pressing unit 8. It is composed of a discharge valve 11, and the head pressure of the washing water stored in the water storage unit 13 is used to contract the pressing unit 8. However, the pressure is not limited to this, and for example, the pressure reduction for contracting the pressing portion 8 may be performed by a pressure reducing pump (not shown) instead of the discharge valve 11. Further, the pressurizing pump 10 may be reversed and used as a depressurizing pump.

In this case, even if the object to be cleaned 2 is a thin object having poor elasticity such as a scarf or a thick object having high elasticity such as a knit, the amount and discharge of the fluid discharged from the pressing portion 8 The speed can be controlled. As a result, the washing machine can obtain stable washing performance according to the state of the object to be washed 2 and the like.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line YY of FIG. 1 in another example of the washing machine of the present embodiment. That is, instead of the ventilation hole 15 of the water storage unit 13 in FIG. 4, the water storage pressure unit 31 (for example, a pressure pump, a piston, etc.) that pressurizes the inside of the water storage unit 13 above the water storage unit 13 and the water storage unit 13 An exhaust valve 32 for exhausting the air inside the water and stopping the exhaust is provided.

In FIG. 6, when the pressing portion 8 expands, the exhaust valve 32 of the water storage portion 13 is opened. Then, when the pressing portion 8 contracts, the exhaust valve 32 is closed in accordance with the opening of the discharge valve 11, the water storage pressurizing section 31 is driven to pressurize the inside of the water storage section 13, and the washing water is pressurized. It is configured to be moved to the washing tank 4. With this configuration, the flow velocity of the cleaning water flowing into the compressed object 2 to be cleaned can be accelerated, the cleaning effect can be enhanced, and the cleaning time can be shortened.

The pressing surface 8a has an appropriate flexibility while having a rigidity capable of compressing the object to be cleaned 2. In this configuration, the pressing surface 8a itself may be made of a material such as rubber or resin. Further, the pressing surface 8a may be formed by attaching, for example, a foam rubber sheet having a predetermined thickness and having no water absorption to a flat plate made of a highly rigid material, and these materials and mounting methods. Etc. are not particularly limited. With this configuration, even if the height of the object to be cleaned 2 housed in the bottom 4a is different due to compression deformation, the pressing surface 8a can be deformed according to the height, and the pressing surface 8a is the object to be cleaned. It can be pressed over the entire area of 2. As a result, the washing machine can obtain stable washing performance.

The flexible configuration is not limited to the pressing surface 8a, but the bottom 4a of the cleaning tank 4 configured to sandwich the object to be cleaned 2 facing the pressing surface 8a has appropriate flexibility. It may be formed. If at least one of the two surfaces is flexible, the effect of pressing against the object to be cleaned 2 is exhibited.

Further, the pressing surface 8a may have a rigidity that does not deform even if the cloth or wool is compressed. With such a configuration, when the pressing portion 8 is expanded, the pressing surface 8a can be tilted according to the height of the compression deformation of the object to be cleaned 2 due to the difference in flexibility and expansion of the expansion / contraction portion 8b. Yes, the pressing surface 8a can be pressed over the entire object 2 to be cleaned. As a result, the washing machine can obtain stable washing performance.

Further, the pressing surface 8a may be formed in an uneven shape. The uneven shape is not particularly limited, such as a circular or polygonal protrusion or groove regardless of the length. If consideration is given, it is desirable that the surface is formed so as not to surround the flow of the cleaning water discharged from the object to be cleaned 2 when pressed.

As described above, the washing machine of the present embodiment has a washing tub 4 for accommodating the object to be washed 2 and washing water, and a pressing portion 8 that can move forward and backward with respect to the object to be washed 2 inside the washing tub 4. A pressurizing / depressurizing unit 7 and a control unit 29 that controls the pressurizing / depressurizing unit 7 to sequentially execute each step of washing, rinsing, and dehydration are provided. It is configured so that the object to be cleaned 2 is contracted and expanded by pressing and releasing the pressing object 2 to generate a multi-directional water flow inside the object to be cleaned 2. With this configuration, it is possible to generate a multi-directional water flow inside the object to be cleaned 2 without stirring the object to be cleaned 2, and it is possible to suppress the cloth damage and shape loss of the object to be cleaned 2 and enhance the cleaning effect. Can be done.

Further, the pressurizing / depressurizing unit 7 presses the object to be cleaned 2 with the pressing unit 8 to allow the cleaning water contained in the object to be cleaned 2 to flow out to the outside of the object to be cleaned 2, and the object to be cleaned by the pressing unit 8. By releasing the pressing of 2, the cleaning water flowing out of the object to be cleaned 2 is configured to flow into the object to be cleaned 2. With this configuration, it is possible to generate a multi-directional water flow inside the object to be cleaned 2 with a simple configuration, and it is possible to suppress cloth damage and shape loss and enhance the cleaning effect.

Further, it has a water storage unit 13 for accommodating the cleaning water that has flowed out of the object to be cleaned 2 from the inside of the object to be cleaned 2 when the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed, and the water storage unit 13 communicates with the inside of the cleaning tank 4. It is configured outside the cleaning tank 4. With this configuration, the object to be cleaned 2 can be spread and washed over a wide area inside the cleaning tank 4.

Further, the water storage unit 13 is configured so that the water level of the stored washing water is higher than that of the object to be washed 2 inside the washing tank 4. With this configuration, the cleaning water inside the water storage unit 13 is forced toward the object to be cleaned 2 inside the cleaning tank 4 due to the difference in head between the cleaning water inside the water storage unit 13 and the cleaning water inside the cleaning tank 4. Since it can be returned to the target, the flow velocity of the washing water flowing into the compressed and shrunk object 2 to be cleaned can be accelerated, and the cleaning effect can be enhanced.

Further, a water storage pressurizing unit 31 is provided in the water storage unit 13, and the water storage pressurizing unit 31 receives the washing water stored in the water storage unit 13 when the pressing of the object to be cleaned 2 by the pressing unit 8 is released. It is configured to pressurize. With this configuration, the cleaning water inside the water storage unit 13 can be forcibly returned toward the object to be cleaned 2 inside the cleaning tank 4, so that the cleaning that flows into the compressed and shrunk object 2 to be cleaned can be performed. The flow velocity of water can be accelerated, the cleaning effect can be enhanced, and the cleaning time can be shortened.

Further, the pressurizing / depressurizing unit 7 includes a pressing unit 8 that can expand and contract, a pressurizing pump 10 that supplies a fluid such as air to the inside of the pressing unit 8 to expand the pressing unit 8, and the inside of the pressing unit 8. It is provided with a discharge valve 11 for discharging a fluid. With this configuration, the object to be cleaned 2 can be pressed according to its shape, and a strong water flow can be generated throughout the inside of the object to be cleaned 2 to enhance the cleaning effect.

Further, the control unit 29 closes the discharge valve 11 when driving the pressure pump 10 to supply air to the inside of the pressing unit 8, and stops the pressure pump 10 to release the air inside the pressing unit 8. It is configured to open the discharge valve 11 when discharging. With this configuration, the object to be cleaned 2 can be pressed and released accurately.

Further, the control unit 29 is configured to control the pressurizing / depressurizing unit 7 so as to release the pressure or pull the pressing unit 8 when the user closes the lid 5 with respect to the washing tank 4. .. With this configuration, the user can perform the work of closing the lid 5 without requiring a force to contract the pressing portion 8.

Further, the control unit 29 is configured to release the pressure inside the pressing unit 8 by opening the discharge valve 11 to the atmosphere and opening the inside of the pressing unit 8 to the atmosphere. With this configuration, the user can perform the work of closing the lid 5 without requiring a force to contract the pressing portion 8.

Alternatively, the control unit 29 may be configured to rotate the pressurizing pump 10 in the direction opposite to that at the time of pressurization to drive the pressurizing pump 10 as a depressurizing pump to perform a depressurizing operation to pull the inside of the pressing unit 8. With this configuration, the user can perform the work of closing the lid 5 without requiring a force to contract the pressing portion 8.

In the present embodiment, the pressing portion 8 is composed of one, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of pressing portions 8 may be configured inside the cleaning tank 4. At this time, the pressing surface 8a may be provided independently on the lower surface of each pressing portion 8. Further, one pressing plate (not shown) is provided so as to connect the lower surfaces of the plurality of pressing portions 8, and the pressing plate is configured to act as a pressing surface 8a on the object to be cleaned 2. May be good.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of FIG. 1 in the washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The washing machine of the present embodiment is characterized in that the water storage unit 13 is configured inside the washing tub 4. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description of the first embodiment is incorporated.

As shown in FIG. 7, a water storage unit 13 for accommodating the cleaning water that has flowed out from the inside of the object to be cleaned 2 when the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed is provided inside the cleaning tank 4. The water storage portion 13 is formed in a space between the side wall of the washing tank 4 and the expansion / contraction portion 8b which is the side wall of the expansion / contractionable pressing portion 8. The cleaning water that has flowed out of the object to be cleaned 2 from the inside of the object to be cleaned 2 that has been pressurized by the expansion of the pressing portion 8 moves to the water storage unit 13 and is stored.

The volume of the space serving as the water storage portion 13 is a portion inside the cleaning tank 4 excluding the volume of the pressing portion 8 that expands and contracts up and down. However, a large area is occupied by the pressing portion 8 inside the washing tank 4, and the volume and horizontal cross-sectional area of the water storage portion 13 are smaller than the volume and horizontal cross-sectional area of the washing tank 4. Therefore, the water surface of the washing water stored in the water storage unit 13 becomes high, and the head pressure becomes large. As a result, when the pressing portion 8 contracts, the washing water vigorously flows into the inside of the object to be cleaned 2 to expand the object to be cleaned 2 and further contract the pressing portion 8. At this time, a water flow in a direction different from the water flow generated by pressing the object to be cleaned 2 is generated inside the object to be cleaned 2, and dirt is further removed.

As described above, in the washing machine of the present embodiment, the washing tank 4 has a water storage unit 13 for accommodating the washing water that has flowed out from the inside of the object to be washed 2 to the outside of the object to be washed 2 when the object to be washed 2 is pressed. It is constructed inside. With this configuration, it is possible to secure a space inside the cleaning tank 4 for accommodating the cleaning water flowing out from the inside of the object to be cleaned 2, and the configuration can be simplified. Further, since the volume and the horizontal cross-sectional area of the water storage portion 13 are formed to be small, the head pressure is increased and the inflow speed of the washing water is increased, so that the washing effect can be enhanced.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of FIG. 1 in the washing machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the washing machine in FIG. 8 with the lid open. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a transition of the internal pressure of the pressing portion of the washing machine in the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of changing the expansion / contraction specifications of the pressing portion in the washing step with respect to the volume of the object to be washed in the washing machine according to the present embodiment.

The washing machine of the present embodiment is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, a pressure detecting unit 33 for measuring the internal pressure of the pressing unit 8 is provided. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the same configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description of the first embodiment is incorporated.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a pressure detecting unit 33 is provided in a discharge path provided with a discharge valve 11 for discharging the fluid inside the pressing unit 8 to the outside of the pressing unit 8. The pressure detecting unit 33 measures the internal pressure of the pressing unit 8. As the pressure detecting unit 33, a general pressure gauge such as a liquid column type, a Bourdon tube type, or a diaphragm type is used.

By providing the pressure detection unit 33 in the vicinity of the discharge valve 11, the pressure reducing state at the time of fluid discharge can be measured with high sensitivity. Further, by providing the discharge path so as to be separable from the pressurizing / depressurizing section 7 including the pressing section 8, the pressure detecting section 33 can be easily inspected or replaced.

The control unit 29 includes a storage unit (not shown) composed of a non-volatile memory or the like. In the storage unit, reference data for comparing the internal pressure of the pressing unit 8 such as the threshold Ps of the maximum value (ΔP / ΔT) max within the predetermined time and the threshold Pm of the maximum pressure value Pmax within the predetermined time, etc. And the drive specification data (expansion / contraction speed, displacement, maximum pressure, etc.) of the pressurizing pump 10 associated with those thresholds are stored in advance.

The operation and operation of the washing machine configured as described above will be described below.

When the setting of the object to be cleaned 2 by the user is completed, the lid 5 is closed and locked, the control unit 29 starts the washing operation according to the operation course set by the operation display unit 30.

Prior to the water supply operation to the washing tank 4, the control unit 29 drives the pressurizing pump 10 of the pressurizing / depressurizing unit 7 to supply air to the inside of the pressing unit 8 to expand the pressing unit 8. At that time, the control unit 29 detects the state of increase in the internal pressure of the pressing unit 8 over time by the pressure detecting unit 33. The state of the detected change in the internal pressure increase of the pressing portion 8 differs depending on the volume of the object to be cleaned 2 set inside the cleaning tank 4. The volume of the object to be cleaned 2 can also be expressed by the wording "bath ratio" used among those skilled in the art.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the state of transition of the internal pressure rise of the pressing portion 8 at this time. A graph is obtained by comparing the detection data of one thick piece of clothing as a typical example of a large volume (small bath ratio) and one piece of thin clothing as a typical example of a small volume (large bath ratio). .. As shown in FIG. 10, when the volume is large, the maximum value (ΔP / ΔT) max of the increase value of the internal pressure of the pressing portion 8 per unit time within a predetermined time is larger than the threshold value Ps, and the pressing portion 8 The maximum value Pmax of the internal pressure within a predetermined time is also larger than the threshold value Pm. On the other hand, when the volume is small, the maximum value (ΔP / ΔT) max of the increase value of the internal pressure of the pressing portion 8 per unit time within a predetermined time is smaller than the threshold value Ps, and the internal pressure of the pressing portion 8 is within the predetermined time. The maximum value Pmax is also smaller than the threshold value Pm.

The volume of the object to be cleaned 2 is estimated by the control unit 29 as follows. The control unit 29 calculates various numerical values such as an increase value ΔP / ΔT per unit time of the internal pressure of the pressing unit 8 from the internal pressure value of the pressing unit 8 detected by the pressure detecting unit 33 every moment. Then, based on these calculated values, the maximum value (ΔP / ΔT) max of the increase value of the internal pressure of the pressing unit 8 per unit time within a predetermined time, and the maximum value of the internal pressure of the pressing unit 8 within a predetermined time. Calculate various numerical values such as Pmax.

The control unit 29 compares the maximum value (ΔP / ΔT) max of the ascending speed detected by the pressure detection unit 33 within a predetermined time with the threshold value Ps stored in advance in the storage unit, or the pressing unit 8 of the pressing unit 8. The volume of the object to be cleaned 2 is estimated by comparing the maximum value Pmax of the internal pressure within a predetermined time with the threshold value Pm stored in advance in the storage unit.

Then, after supplying water to the cleaning tank 4, the control unit 29 controls the drive of the pressurizing pump 10 of the pressurizing / depressurizing unit 7 according to the estimation result to change the expansion / contraction of the pressing unit 8. And carry out the washing process. As shown in FIG. 11, when the volume of the housed object 2 to be cleaned 2 is large, for example, the control unit 29 increases the speed of expansion and contraction of the pressing unit 8 or increases the vertical displacement of the pressing surface 8a. Or, increase the maximum pressure inside the pressing portion 8. On the other hand, when the volume of the stored object 2 to be cleaned is small, for example, the speed of expansion and contraction of the pressing portion 8 is reduced, the vertical displacement of the pressing surface 8a is reduced, or the maximum pressure inside the pressing portion 8 is reduced. Make it smaller.

The basic operation of the washing step, the subsequent rinsing step, and the dehydration step are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

In addition, a plurality of threshold values Ps and a plurality of threshold values Pm may be provided so that the volume of the object to be cleaned 2 is divided into a plurality of ranks to correspond to each other.

Further, the volume of the object to be cleaned 2 may be determined by detecting the internal pressure of the pressing portion 8 after the water is supplied to the inside of the cleaning tank 4, but the effect of the water absorption of the object 2 to be cleaned on the detection result. In order to avoid the above, it is preferable that the water supply operation to the washing tank 4 is performed prior to the operation of water supply as in the present embodiment.

As described above, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the washing machine of the present embodiment includes a pressure detecting unit 33 for measuring the internal pressure of the pressing unit 8, and the control unit 29 includes a pressure detecting unit 33. The expansion and contraction of the pressing unit 8 in the washing step is controlled according to the internal pressure value of the pressing unit 8 during expansion or contraction detected by the pressure detecting unit 33. With this configuration, it is possible to perform an expansion / contraction operation of the pressing portion 8 suitable for the volume of the object to be cleaned 2.

Further, the control unit 29 estimates the volume of the object to be cleaned 2 from various numerical values calculated by the control unit 29 from the internal pressure value of the pressing unit 8 detected by the pressure detection unit 33, and the washing step is performed according to the estimation result. It is configured to control the expansion and contraction of the pressing portion 8 in. With this configuration, when the volume of the object to be washed 2 is estimated to be small, for example, when the number of thin clothes is small, the speed or displacement or maximum pressure of expansion and contraction of the pressing portion 8 during the washing process is small. By changing the size so as to be, it is possible to prevent the thin clothes from being deformed or moved inside the washing tank 4. As a result, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of wrinkles due to the pressing by the pressing portion 8 and the occurrence of folding of the clothes when the user takes out the clothes to be washed 2 after washing.

Further, the control unit 29 presses in the washing step according to the maximum value (ΔP / ΔT) max within a predetermined time of the increase value of the internal pressure of the pressing unit 8 detected by the pressure detecting unit 33 per unit time. It is configured to control the pressurizing / depressurizing section 7 so as to change the rate or displacement of the expansion / contraction of the section 8 or the maximum pressure. With this configuration, the volume of the object to be cleaned 2 is compared with the threshold Ps of the maximum value (ΔP / ΔT) max within a predetermined time of the increase value of the internal pressure of the pressing unit 8 stored in the storage unit in advance per unit time. By estimating, it is possible to realize appropriate washing according to the volume of the object to be cleaned 2, suppress cloth damage and shape loss, and enhance the cleaning effect.

Further, the control unit 29 increases / contracts the speed or displacement of the pressing unit 8 or the maximum pressure in the washing step according to the maximum value Pmax of the internal pressure of the pressing unit 8 detected by the pressure detecting unit 33 within a predetermined time. It is configured to control the pressurizing and depressurizing unit 7 so as to change. With this configuration, the volume of the object to be cleaned 2 is estimated by comparing the internal pressure of the pressing unit 8 stored in the storage unit in advance with the threshold value Pm of the maximum value Pmax within a predetermined time. Appropriate washing can be realized according to the situation, and the washing effect can be enhanced by suppressing cloth damage and shape loss.

Further, the control unit 29 is configured to detect the internal pressure of the pressing unit 8 by the pressure detecting unit 33 before supplying water to the cleaning tank 4. With this configuration, it is possible to realize an accurate volume estimation of the object to be cleaned 2 without being affected by the water absorption of the object to be cleaned 2.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line YY of FIG. 1 in the washing machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the washing machine of the present embodiment, the pressurizing / depressurizing unit 41 is a link mechanism composed of an electric motor 42 serving as a driving unit, a rotating plate 43 rotated by the electric motor 42, and a shaft 44, and the link mechanism. It is composed of a pressing portion 45 connected to the above. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description of the first embodiment is incorporated.

As shown in FIG. 12, one end of the shaft 44 is connected to the peripheral edge of the rotating plate 43 that is rotated by the drive of the electric motor 42, and the pressing portion 45 is connected to the other end of the shaft 44. The pressing portion 45 is configured to be movable up and down, for example, by guiding the peripheral portion thereof by the side wall of the cleaning tank 4. When the rotating plate 43 is rotated in the direction of arrow R2 by the drive of the electric motor 42, the pressing portion 45 moves up and down inside the cleaning tank 4. When the pressing portion 45 descends inside the cleaning tank 4, the object to be cleaned 2 is pressed and compressed, and the cleaning water inside the object to be cleaned 2 is pushed out and moved to the water storage unit 13.

When the pressing portion 45 rises inside the cleaning tank 4 and moves away from the object to be cleaned 2, the object to be cleaned 2 is decompressed and expands, and the cleaning water contained in the water storage unit 13 moves into the inside of the cleaning tank 4. Moving. As the pressing unit 45 moves up and down with respect to the object to be cleaned 2, the cleaning water moves in the direction of arrow C between the cleaning tank 4 and the water storage unit 13.

The vertical movement strokes of the ascending position and the descending position of the pressing portion 45 can be set by the distance from the rotation center of the rotating plate 43 to the connecting position of the rotating plate 43 and the shaft 44. Further, the water storage unit 13 may be provided either inside or outside the washing tank 4.

As described above, in the washing machine of the present embodiment, the pressurizing / depressurizing unit 41 has an electric motor 42 as a driving unit, a link mechanism composed of a rotating plate 43 and a shaft 44, and a pressing unit 45. It is prepared. With this configuration, the outflow of the cleaning water from the inside of the object to be cleaned 2 and the inflow of the cleaning water into the inside of the object to be cleaned 2 are repeated, and the water is covered by the multi-directional water flow generated inside the object to be cleaned 2. The dirt on the cleaning object 2 is removed. Thereby, the cleaning effect can be enhanced.

It should be noted that each of the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with other embodiments.

As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention can suppress cloth damage and shape loss of the object to be washed and enhance the washing effect. Therefore, in particular, clothes that are easily damaged or that are easily lost in shape are to be washed. It is useful as a washing machine for things.

1 Washing machine 2 Items to be washed 4 Washing tank 7,41 Pressurizing and depressurizing part 8,45 Pressing part 10 Pressurizing pump (pressurizing device)
11 Discharge valve 13 Water storage unit 29 Control unit 31 Water storage pressurization unit 33 Pressure detection unit 42 Electric motor (drive unit)
43 Rotating plate (link mechanism)
44 Shaft (link mechanism)

Claims (15)

A washing tank that houses the object to be washed and washing water,
A pressurizing / depressurizing unit having a pressing unit that can move forward and backward with respect to the object to be cleaned inside the cleaning tank.
A lid in which the pressing portion is arranged and is provided on the upper part of the washing tank so as to be openable and closable.
The pressurizing and depressurizing unit is provided with a control unit that controls each step of washing, rinsing, and dehydrating, and the pressurizing and depressurizing unit presses and releases the pressed object to be cleaned. Is configured to contract and expand to generate a multi-directional water flow inside the object to be cleaned .
When the user closes the lid with respect to the washing tank, the control unit controls the pressurizing / depressurizing unit to release the pressure inside the pressing unit, or presses the inside of the pressing unit. A washing machine configured to suck and pull. By pressing the object to be cleaned with the pressing portion, the pressurizing and depressurizing portion causes the cleaning water contained in the object to be cleaned to flow out to the outside of the object to be cleaned, and releases the pressing of the object to be cleaned by the pressing portion. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the washing water is configured to flow into the inside of the object to be washed so that the object to be washed contains the washing water. It has a water storage unit that stores the cleaning water that has flowed from the inside of the object to be cleaned to the outside of the object to be cleaned when the object to be cleaned is pressed.
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water storage unit communicates with the inside of the washing tub and is configured outside the washing tub. It has a water storage unit that stores the cleaning water that has flowed from the inside of the object to be cleaned to the outside of the object to be cleaned when the object to be cleaned is pressed.
The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water storage unit is configured inside the washing tub. The washing machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the water storage unit is configured such that the water level of the stored washing water is higher than that of the object to be washed inside the washing tub. A water storage pressurizing section is provided in the water storage section, and a water storage pressurizing section is provided.
The washing machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the water storage pressurizing unit is configured to pressurize the washing water contained in the water storage unit when the pressing of the object to be cleaned by the pressing unit is released. The pressurizing and depressurizing portion includes a pressing portion that can expand and contract, and a pressurizing device that supplies fluid to the inside of the pressing portion to expand the pressing portion.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a discharge valve for discharging the fluid inside the pressing portion. When the control unit drives the pressurizing device to supply the fluid to the inside of the pressing unit, the control unit closes the discharge valve, stops the pressurizing device, and pushes the fluid inside the pressing unit. The washing machine according to claim 7, which is configured to open the discharge valve when discharging. The washing machine according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein the control unit is configured to release the pressure of the pressing portion by opening the discharge valve to the atmosphere and opening the inside of the pressing portion to the atmosphere. The pressurizing device is composed of a device capable of pressurizing and depressurizing the inside of the pressing portion, and the control unit is configured to pull the pressing portion by performing a depressurizing operation of the pressurizing device. Item 7. The washing machine according to Item 7. A pressure detecting unit for measuring the internal pressure of the pressing unit is provided.
The control unit is configured to control the expansion and contraction of the pressing portion in the washing step according to the internal pressure value of the pressing portion during expansion or contraction detected by the pressure detecting unit. The washing machine according to any one of 1 to 10. The control unit estimates the volume of the object to be cleaned from various numerical values calculated by the control unit from the internal pressure value of the pressing unit detected by the pressure detecting unit, and the pressing unit in the washing step according to the estimation result. The washing machine according to claim 11, which is configured to control the expansion and contraction of the portion. The control unit is the pressing unit in the washing step according to the maximum value (ΔP / ΔT) max within a predetermined time of the increase value of the internal pressure of the pressing unit per unit time detected by the pressure detecting unit. The washing machine according to claim 11 or 12, which is configured to control the pressurizing / depressurizing unit so as to change the rate or displacement of expansion / contraction or the maximum pressure. The control unit changes the speed or displacement or maximum pressure of expansion and contraction of the pressing unit in the washing step according to the maximum value Pmax of the internal pressure of the pressing unit within a predetermined time detected by the pressure detecting unit. The washing machine according to any one of claims 11 to 13 , which is configured to control the pressurizing and depressurizing unit. The washing machine according to any one of claims 11 to 14 , wherein the control unit is configured to detect the internal pressure of the pressing unit by the pressure detecting unit before supplying water to the washing tub.

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