JP7398697B2 - Ultrasonic cleaning equipment and washing machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic cleaning device and a washing machine equipped with such an ultrasonic cleaning device.

Patent Document 1 describes a washing machine in which an ultrasonic cleaning device is disposed around a laundry input port on a top plate, for example, in front of the laundry input port. The ultrasonic cleaning device includes a water tank in which water is stored, and an ultrasonic generation unit having an ultrasonic generator located directly above the water tank. The dirty part of the object to be cleaned is set in a water tank filled with water, and the cleaning operation is started. The ultrasonic energy generated by the ultrasonic generator acts on the dirt-adhered part where water has penetrated, and the dirt is removed.

JP2018-68435A

In the ultrasonic cleaning device as described above, the water tank is formed separately from the top plate, and the position of the unit consisting of the water tank and the ultrasonic generation unit is such that the unit protrudes inside the input port during cleaning operation. A configuration may be adopted in which the unit is switched to be housed around the input port during non-cleaning operation. With such a configuration, even if water splashes from the water tank during a washing operation, the splashed water easily falls into the washing tank and is difficult to come out of the washing machine. Further, when the washing operation is not performed, the unit is less likely to interfere with the laundry that is input from the input port.

The water stored in the water tank is drained through a drainage channel connected to the water tank. The drain channel is provided with an openable and closable valve body that closes the drain port, and when the valve body opens, water is drained from the water tank. As described above, if a configuration is adopted in which the position of the unit can be switched between cleaning operation and non-cleaning operation, the user will be required to Maintain the unit in the wash operation position. The water in the reservoir can also be used for subsequent cleaning operations. Therefore, it is convenient for the user to have a configuration in which drainage is not performed when the unit is in the cleaning operation position, and drainage is performed when the unit is returned to the non-cleaning operation position. Desirable for improving. Further, there are cases where it is desired to replace the water in the water tank during the cleaning operation, and in such cases, it is desirable to be able to easily replace the water.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and provides an ultrasonic cleaning device that can improve convenience for users by enabling good drainage from a water storage tank, and an ultrasonic cleaning device that can improve convenience for users. The purpose is to provide a washing machine with

A first aspect of the present invention includes an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves, and a water tank that is located below the ultrasonic generator and stores water in which an object to be cleaned is immersed. an ultrasonic wave generator disposed in a positioning section of the ultrasonic wave generator, wherein the positions of the ultrasonic generator and the water tank are switched between an operating position when a cleaning operation is performed and a standby position when a cleaning operation is not performed; Regarding cleaning equipment. In the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the present aspect, a drain port through which water is discharged from the water tank, a valve body that blocks the drain port, the ultrasonic generator, and the water tank are in the operating position. A valve switching mechanism that switches the valve body so that the valve body is in a closed state at times, and is in an open state when the ultrasonic generator and the water storage tank are in the standby position. and. Here, the valve switching mechanism includes an operation section that performs an opening operation to open the valve body, and the opening operation is performed when the ultrasonic generator and the water storage tank are in the operating position. Then, the valve body is switched from the closed state to the open state.

More specifically, the valve switching mechanism includes a biasing member that biases the valve body in a closing direction in which the drain port is closed, and a biasing member that is connected to the valve body and that connects the ultrasonic generator and the water tank. When the valve moves from the operating position to the standby position, the valve contacts an abutting part provided on the arrangement part side, and is pushed by the abutting part to open the drain port. and a valve movable member that moves the body. The opening operation is a movement operation that moves the operation section in a predetermined direction, and the valve movable member is connected to the operation section, and when the movement operation is performed on the operation section, the valve movable member is connected to the operation section. and moves the valve body in the opening direction.

According to the above configuration, when the ultrasonic cleaning device is in a state where the cleaning operation can be performed, when the water tank is not drained and the ultrasonic cleaning device is in the state where the cleaning operation cannot be performed. The water tank can then be drained. In addition, even when the ultrasonic generator and the water tank are in the operating position, when necessary, such as replacing the water in the water tank, the ultrasonic generator and the water tank can be placed in the water storage tank without returning to the standby position. Water can be drained from. Therefore, good drainage from the water tank is possible, and convenience for the user can be improved.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a washing machine. The washing machine according to the present aspect includes an outer tank in which water is stored, an inner tank arranged in the outer tank and in which laundry is stored, and an ultrasonic cleaning device according to the first embodiment.

According to the above configuration, the same effects as the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the first aspect can be achieved.

In the washing machine according to the present aspect, a first drainage channel through which water discharged from the bottom of the outer tub flows, an overflow port provided at the top of the outer tank, and a first drainage channel through which water discharged from the overflow port flows. 1 an overflow channel that leads to a drainage channel, a drainage receiver that receives water discharged from the drainage outlet, and a drainage receiver that is connected to the drainage receiver and the overflow channel, and that collects the water discharged from the drainage receiver. A configuration may be adopted that further includes a second drainage channel leading to the drain.

According to the above configuration, the second drainage channel through which the wash water discharged from the drainage receiving part flows is connected to the overflow channel that guides the water flowing out from the overflow port to the first drainage channel, so that the second drainage channel The second drainage channel can be made shorter than the configuration in which it is connected to the first drainage channel.

The washing machine according to this aspect includes: a storage portion having a larger water storage capacity than the water storage tank, in which water containing detergent to be supplied to the water storage tank is stored; and a supply portion that supplies at least water into the storage portion. A configuration may also be adopted in which it is further provided.

According to the above configuration, water containing detergent is stored in a storage section with a larger water storage capacity than the water storage tank, and is supplied from this storage section to the water storage tank, so that the detergent is added each time the water in the water storage tank is replaced. There is no need to generate water containing water, which increases convenience for users.

According to the present invention, it is possible to drain water from the water tank effectively, and convenience for users can be improved.

The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer from the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the following embodiments are merely one example of implementing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to what is described in the following embodiments.

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 configuration of the water supply unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 3(a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the top plate when the ultrasonic cleaning section and the water storage section are in the standby position according to the embodiment, and FIG. 3(b) is a perspective view of the top plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the top plate when the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the water storage unit are in the operating position. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the embodiment with the water storage section removed. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning section and the main body section according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the water storage section according to the embodiment. FIG. 7(a) is a perspective view of the water storage section turned over according to the embodiment, and FIG. 7(b) is a side sectional view of the water storage section according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the rear part of the top plate in a state where the ultrasonic cleaning device is stored in the storage section according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the rear part of the top plate in a state in which the ultrasonic cleaning device is pulled out from the storage unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 10(a) is a perspective view of a storage tank, a supply valve, and a supply nozzle according to an embodiment, and FIG. 10(b) is a perspective view of a drainage receiving part according to an embodiment. FIGS. 11A to 11C are diagrams for explaining the removal of dirt from an object to be cleaned by the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the rear part of the top plate showing the state when the operating unit is operated to move with the ultrasonic cleaning device pulled out from the storage unit according to the embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an ultrasonic cleaning device and a washing machine of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

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

The fully automatic washing machine 1 includes a housing 10 forming an outer shell. The housing 10 includes a rectangular cylindrical body part 11 with open upper and lower surfaces, a top plate 12 that covers the upper surface of the body part 11, and a leg stand 13 that supports the body part 11. A laundry inlet 14 is formed in the top plate 12. The input port 14 is covered by a top lid 15 that can be opened and closed. A control section 16 is disposed inside the front part of the top plate 12. The control unit 16 controls a washing operation by the fully automatic washing machine 1 and a cleaning operation by an ultrasonic cleaning device 50, which will be described later.

Inside the casing 10, an outer tank 20 having an open top surface is elastically suspended and supported by four hanging rods 21 having vibration isolators. Inside the outer tank 20, a washing and dehydrating tank 22 having an open top is disposed. The washing and dehydrating tub 22 rotates around a rotating shaft extending in the vertical direction. A large number of dehydration holes 22a are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the washing dehydration tank 22 over the entire circumference. A balance ring 23 is provided at the top of the washing and dehydrating tank 22. A pulsator 24 is arranged at the bottom of the washing and dehydrating tank 22. A plurality of blades 24a are provided radially on the surface of the pulsator 24. Note that the washing and dehydrating tank 22 corresponds to the inner tank of the present invention.

A drive unit 30 that generates torque for driving the washing/dehydrating tub 22 and the pulsator 24 is disposed at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20 . Drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism section 32. The transmission mechanism section 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a, and in the washing process and the rinsing process, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted only to the pulsator 24 to rotate only the pulsator 24, and the dehydration process is performed by switching the clutch mechanism 32a. In the process, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and the washing/dehydrating tank 22 to rotate the pulsator 24 and the washing/dehydrating tank 22 integrally.

A drain port 20a is formed at the outer bottom of the outer tank 20. A drain valve 40 is provided at the drain port portion 20a. Drain valve 40 is connected to drain hose 41. When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water stored in the washing/dehydrating tank 22 and the outer tank 20 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain hose 41. Note that the drain port portion 20a and the drain hose 41 constitute a first drain channel of the present invention.

An overflow port 20b is formed in the upper part of the outer tank 20. When water above a predetermined overflow level is stored in the outer tank 20, the water is discharged from the overflow port 20b. An overflow receiving part 25 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tank 20 so as to cover the overflow port 20b. One end of an overflow pipe 26 is connected to the bottom of the overflow receiving part 25. The other end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to a drain hose 41. The water discharged from the overflow port 20b is received by the overflow receiving part 25, and then flows through the overflow pipe 26 to the drain hose 41. In addition, the overflow receiving part 25 and the overflow pipe 26 constitute the overflow channel of the present invention. Further, the drain pipe 72 corresponds to a second drain channel of the present invention.

An ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is arranged approximately in the center of the rear part of the top plate 12. The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 mainly uses the fully automatic washing machine 1 to remove stains partially adhered to the object to be cleaned, such as sebum stains adhering to the sleeves and collars of shirts and oil stains adhering to work clothes. A washing operation is performed to remove the particles prior to washing.

At the rear of the top plate 12, a storage tank 60 is arranged behind the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, and a drainage receiving part 70 is arranged below the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The storage tank 60 stores water containing detergent to be supplied to the water storage tank 210 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 . Hereinafter, water containing detergent will be referred to as "washing water."

The drainage receiving section 70 receives water discharged from the water storage tank 210. A drain hole 71 is formed in the drain receiving portion 70 through which the received water is drained. One end of a drainage pipe 72 is connected to the discharge hole 71 . The other end of the drain pipe 72 is connected to the upper part of the overflow pipe 26.

A water supply unit 80 for supplying tap water into the washing and dehydrating tank 22 is disposed at the rear of the top plate 12.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the water supply unit 80.

The water supply unit 80 has a water supply valve 81. The water supply valve 81 is a so-called double valve, and includes a main valve 82 and a sub-valve 83, which are electromagnetic valves. The water inlet 81a of the water supply valve 81 is connected to a water faucet via a water supply hose (not shown). A main water supply channel 84 is connected to the outlet of the main valve 82 of the water supply valve 81 . The main water supply channel 84 has a water inlet 84 a located above the washing and dehydrating tank 22 .

The water supply unit 80 includes an automatic loading mechanism 90 for automatically loading liquid detergent, which is one of the liquid agents for washing, into the washing and dehydrating tank 22. The automatic injection mechanism 90 also has a function of supplying cleaning water to the storage tank 60. The automatic feeding mechanism 90 corresponds to the supply section of the present invention.

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

The detergent tank 91 stores liquid detergent in the form of an undiluted solution. The supply pipe 92 leads the liquid detergent from the detergent tank 91 to one inlet of the first three-way valve 93 .

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

A supply pump 95 is connected to the outlet of the first three-way valve 93, and a detergent supply path 96 is connected to the supply pump 95. The detergent supply path 96 has a supply port 96a located above the washing and dehydrating tank 22. Supply pump 95 can be, for example, a piston type pump.

The first three-way valve 93 can be switched between a state in which the supply pipe 92 is communicated with the supply pump 95 and a state in which the sub water supply channel 94 is communicated with the supply pump 95.

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

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

Next, the configuration of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the configuration of the periphery of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 including the storage tank 60 and the drainage receiver 70 will be described in detail.

3(a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the top plate 12 when the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 are in the standby position, and FIG. 3(b) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the top plate 12. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the top plate 12 when the water storage section 200 is in the operating position.

The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 includes an ultrasonic cleaning section 100, a water storage section 200, and a main body section 300. The ultrasonic cleaning section 100 includes an ultrasonic generator 110 that generates ultrasonic waves. The main body section 300 holds the ultrasonic cleaning section 100. The water storage unit 200 is located below the ultrasonic generator 110, has a water tank 210 in which cleaning water is stored, and is attached to the main body 300. The water storage section 200 can be pulled forward and detached from the main body section 300 by a detachment operation by the user.

The top plate 12 is provided with a storage section 17 in the center of the rear portion thereof, in which the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored. The upper surface plate 12 opens in front of the storage section 17 as an entrance/exit 18 . The storage section 17 corresponds to the arrangement section of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is not used and the cleaning operation is not performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 has the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200, that is, the ultrasonic generator The body 110 and the water tank 210 are now stored in the storage section 17. The positions of the ultrasonic cleaning section 100 and the water storage section 200 at this time are the standby positions. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3(b), when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is used and a cleaning operation is performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is configured such that the ultrasonic cleaning section 100 and the water storage section 200 are separated from the storage section 17. It is switched to a state in which it is pulled out forward and protrudes inside the input port 14 of the top plate 12. The positions of the ultrasonic cleaning section 100 and the water storage section 200 at this time are the operating positions.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 with the water storage section 200 removed. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning section 100 and the main body section 300. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the water storage section 200. 7(a) is a perspective view of the water storage unit 200 turned over, and FIG. 7(b) is a side sectional view of the water storage unit 200.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 includes an ultrasonic generator 110, a housing 120, and a cap 130.

The ultrasonic generator 110 includes an ultrasonic transducer 111 and a vibration horn 112 coupled to the ultrasonic transducer 111. The vibrating horn 112 is made of a conductive metal material and has a shape that gradually becomes thinner toward the tip. The shape of the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112 is an elongated rectangle. The ultrasonic generator 110 generates ultrasonic waves from the tip of a vibrating horn 112. A flange portion 113 is formed at the upper end of the vibrating horn 112 .

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

The housing 120 is formed by combining a lower member 140 with an open upper surface and an upper member 150 with an open lower surface. A metal reinforcing plate 160 is attached to the lower member 140. The lower member 140 is provided with a lower mounting hole 141 and a lower mounting boss 142, and the upper member 150 is provided with an upper mounting boss 151 corresponding to the lower mounting hole 141 and an upper mounting hole 152 corresponding to the lower mounting boss 142. will be provided. The screw 171 passed through the lower mounting hole 141 is fixed to the upper mounting boss 151, and the screw 171 passed through the upper mounting hole 152 is fixed to the lower mounting boss 142. Thereby, the lower member 140 and the upper member 150 are coupled. A distal end portion 120a of the housing 120 is formed by a lower member 140.

The lower member 140 is provided with attachment bosses 143 in front and behind the opening 121. Further, the lower member 140 has a fitting opening 144 around the opening 121 into which the cap 130 is fitted.

The ultrasonic generator 110 is attached to the lower member 140, and its flange portion 113 is pressed from above by a frame-shaped fixing plate 180. The fixing plate 180 is installed on the front and rear mounting bosses 143 and is fixed to these mounting bosses 143 with screws 172. Thereby, the ultrasonic generator 110 is fixed within the housing 120. A distal end portion of the vibrating horn 112 protrudes downward from an opening 121 of the housing 120 .

The cap 130 is removably attached to the tip 120a of the housing 120, and is placed over the portion of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 that is exposed from the housing 120.

The cap 130 has a structure in which a cap body 131 and a guide portion 132 are integrally formed from a resin material. The cap main body 131 has a cylindrical shape whose front, rear, left, and right widths become narrower toward the bottom, and covers a portion of the ultrasonic generator 110 on the distal end side of the vibration horn 112 so that the distal end thereof is exposed.

The guide portion 132 is provided at the center of the front side surface of the cap body 131 in the left-right direction so as to project forward, and has a shape that is flat in the left-right direction. A guide surface 133 is provided at the lower part of the guide portion 132, which is inclined rearward and diagonally downward, curved at the lower end portion, and becomes horizontal. Furthermore, the lower end of the guide portion 132 is located below the lower end of the cap body 131.

The cap 130 is attached to the insertion opening 144 of the housing 120 from below. At this time, projections (not shown) provided on the left and right sides of the fitting opening 144 fit into recesses (not shown) provided on the left and right sides of the cap body 131. Thereby, the cap 130 does not fall off from the insertion opening 144.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the cap 130 is attached to the housing 120, the tip of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 is slightly exposed from the cap body 131. Further, the lower end of the guide portion 132 of the cap 130 and the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112 are substantially flush with each other. Furthermore, the guide surface 133 of the guide portion 132 is inclined so as to approach the vibrating horn 112 as it approaches the water tank 210. Further, in the left-right direction, that is, in the direction perpendicular to the front direction of the ultrasonic cleaning section 100, the position of the guide section 132 and the position of the tip of the vibration horn 112 match.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, main body portion 300 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. At the left and right lower end portions of the main body portion 300, rail portions 301 extending forward are provided. Furthermore, an opening 302 is formed on the left side of the main body 300, through which the rear part of the water storage section 200 and the supply nozzle 500 are passed, and the claw 281 of the locking mechanism 280 is inserted to the right of the opening 302. An insertion port 303 is formed. The rear portion 120b of the housing 120 of the ultrasonic cleaning section 100 is fixed to the upper part of the main body section 300 using screws (not shown).

Referring to FIGS. 4, 6, 7(a) and 7(b), the water storage portion 200 is formed of a resin material, is slightly longer in the front-rear direction, and is flatter in the up-down direction, with the left side being longer than the right side. It also has a shape that juts out backwards. A handle 201 having an arcuate front surface is integrally formed on the front surface of the water storage section 200 . The user holds the handle 201 when taking the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in and out of the storage section 17 and when attaching and detaching the water storage section 200 to and from the main body section 300.

A water tank 210 having a shape that follows the shape of the water storage section 200 is formed on the upper surface of the water storage section 200 . The inner peripheral surface of the water tank 210 is inclined so as to expand upward. A circular drainage port 211 is formed in the lower part of the rear surface of the water tank 210 . A groove portion 212 concave in an arc shape and concentric with the drain port 211 is formed in the bottom surface of the water tank 210 in front of the drain port 211 .

The water storage unit 200 includes a valve body 220 that closes the drain port 211, and a valve switching mechanism 230 that switches between a closed state in which the valve body 220 is closed and an open state in which the valve body 220 is opened. provided.

The valve body 220 is made of a resin material and has a substantially cylindrical shape. An O-ring 221 made of an elastic material is attached to the circumferential surface of the front end of the valve body 220 . Further, a rectangular hole 222 is formed in the valve body 220 and extends from the rear end surface to a position slightly behind the O-ring 221. Further, behind the O-ring 221 of the valve body 220, the upper and lower sides of the circumferential surface are shaved to form a flat surface 223, and rectangular shapes connected to the holes 222 are formed on the right and left sides of the circumferential surface. An opening 224 is formed.

The valve switching mechanism 230 includes a valve movable member 240, an operating section 250, and a spring 260. The valve movable member 240 and the operating section 250 are integrally formed from a resin material. Spring 260 corresponds to the biasing member of the present invention.

The valve movable member 240 includes a substantially rectangular bottom plate portion 241, and elongated rectangular left and right plate portions 242 and 243 that rise from the left and right ends of the bottom plate portion 241 and extend rearward from the bottom plate portion 241, respectively. , an elongated rectangular rear plate part 244 connected to the rear end of the left plate part 242 and the rear end of the right plate part 243, and an elongated rod-shaped rear plate part 244 extending forward from the left end of the bottom plate part 241 and the front end of the left plate part 242. A connecting portion 245 is included.

The bottom plate portion 241 is provided with a mounting portion 246 having a shaft 246a extending forward. The rear end of spring 260 is inserted into shaft 246a. The front portion of the attachment portion 246 of the bottom plate portion 241 is formed in an arc shape so as not to interfere with the spring 260. An opening 247 that is slightly larger than the hole 222 of the valve element 220 is formed in the center part of the rear plate part 244 where the valve element 220 is attached. Attachment pieces 248 having claws are formed on the sides. A long hole 249 extending in the front-rear direction is formed at the distal end of the connecting portion 245 .

The operating section 250 is connected to the tip of the connecting section 245 of the valve movable member 240. A rib 251 extending in the vertical direction is formed at the front end of the operating section 250. The rib 251 becomes a part on which the user hooks his or her finger when operating the operation unit 250 to move it.

The valve switching mechanism 230 is attached to the water storage section 200 from below so as to fit into the space around the water storage tank 210 formed on the back side of the water storage section 200. The spring 260 is housed in a semi-cylindrical housing section 202 formed on the back side of the water storage section 200, and its front end abuts against the front surface of the housing section 202. Further, the elongated hole 249 of the connecting portion 245 of the valve movable member 240 is aligned with the attachment boss 203 formed on the back side of the water storage portion 200. The screw 270 passed through the elongated hole 249 is fastened to the mounting boss 203 without pressing the connecting portion 245. As a result, the connecting portion 245 is fixed in the vertical and horizontal directions, but is movable in the front and rear directions within the length of the elongated hole 249. Further, the operation section 250 faces the outside through an operation window 204 provided on the left side of the water storage section 200.

The valve body 220 is inserted into the drain port 211 from inside the water tank 210, passes through the drain port 211, and is attached to the rear plate portion 244 of the valve movable member 240. At this time, the claws of the left and right mounting pieces 248 of the rear plate portion 244 engage with the rear edges of the left and right openings 224 of the valve body 220. The lower side of the valve body 220 is accommodated in the groove 212 of the water tank 210 and does not interfere with the bottom surface of the water tank 210.

The valve body 220 closes the drain port 211 from the front by bringing the O-ring 221 into close contact with the periphery of the drain port 211. At this time, the spring 260 is in a compressed state, and the valve body 220 is urged backward by the spring 260 via the valve movable member 240, that is, in the closing direction. In the water storage section 200 , the rear of the water storage tank 210 is open, and the rear end of the valve movable member 240 , that is, the rear plate section 244 protrudes further rearward than the water storage section 200 .

A locking mechanism 280 is provided at the rear of the water storage section 200 to fix the water storage section 200 attached to the main body section 300 so that it does not come off forward. The locking mechanism 280 has a claw portion 281 and a button 282. The claw portion 281 is urged upward by a spring (not shown), moves down when the button 282 is pressed down, and returns to its original position when the button 282 is released.

The water storage section 200 is attached to the main body section 300 from the front. On the back side of the water storage section 200, insertion sections 205 are provided at the right end and the left end, respectively. By inserting the left and right rail sections 301 of the main body section 300 into these insertion sections 205, the water storage section 200 is inserted into the rails. You will be guided to section 301. The left rear portion of the water storage section 200 passes through the opening 302 of the main body section 300. Further, the claw portion 281 of the lock mechanism 280 hits the upper edge of the insertion port 303 of the main body portion 300 and is pushed down, allowing the device to pass through the insertion port 303. When the attachment of the water storage section 200 to the main body section 300 is completed, the claw section 281 returns to its original position and engages with the upper edge of the insertion port 303 on the back side of the main body section 300. As a result, the water storage section 200 cannot be detached from the main body section 300 in the forward direction. When removing the water storage section 200 from the main body section 300, the button 282 of the locking mechanism 280 is pressed down and the claw section 281 is lowered. As a result, the engagement between the claw portion 281 and the upper edge of the insertion port 303 is released. By pulling out the water storage section 200 forward, the water storage section 200 separates from the main body section 300.

When the water storage section 200 is attached to the main body section 300, the position of the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 is slightly lower than the position of the upper surface of the water storage tank 210, and the tip of the vibrating horn 112 is located at the top of the water storage tank 210. It is in a state where it has entered the tank 210 a little.

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of the rear part of the top plate 12 with the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 housed in the housing section 17. FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the rear part of the top plate 12 with the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 pulled out from the storage section 17. 10(a) is a perspective view of the storage tank 60, the supply valve 400, and the supply nozzle 500, and FIG. 10(b) is a perspective view of the drainage receiving part 70.

In the storage section 17 , a storage tank 60 , a supply valve 400 , and a supply nozzle 500 are arranged behind the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 .

The storage tank 60 is made of a resin material, has a shape that is thin in the front-back direction and long in the left-right direction, and is divided into a left tank 61 and a right tank 62 with the supply valve 400 in between. The left tank 61 and the right tank 62 are connected by a communication portion 63 extending from the top of the left tank 61. In the storage tank 60, an inlet 64 is formed at the left end of the left tank 61. The inlet 64 is connected to a wash water supply path 98 of the automatic injection mechanism 90 . Washing water supplied from the automatic injection mechanism 90 flows in from the inlet 64 and is stored in the storage tank 60. The water storage capacity of the storage tank 60 is larger than the water storage capacity of the water storage tank 210, and for example, water with a water storage capacity that is more than twice the water storage capacity of the water storage tank 210 can be stored in the storage tank 60. Note that the storage tank 60 corresponds to a storage section of the present invention.

Supply valve 400 is an electromagnetic valve. The outlet of the left tank 61 and the outlet of the right tank 62 of the storage tank 60 are connected to the inlet of the supply valve 400. The outlet of supply valve 400 is connected to the inlet of supply nozzle 500.

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

As shown in FIG. 8, when the ultrasonic cleaning section 100 and the water storage section 200 are housed in the storage section 17, the supply nozzle 500 passes through the opening 302 of the main body section 300, and the tip end 500a is connected to the water storage section. Located at the front of 210. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when the ultrasonic cleaning section 100 and the water storage section 200 are pulled out inside the input port 14, the tip 500a of the supply nozzle 500 is located at the rear of the water storage tank 210.

In the storage section 17 , a drainage receiving section 70 is arranged below the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 . The drainage receiving portion 70 has a substantially rectangular dish shape with an open top and front surface. The bottom surface of the drainage receiving part 70 is sloped so that the rear part is lower. A drain hole 71 is formed on the right side surface of the drain receiving portion 70 at the lower end of the rear portion where the bottom surface is the lowest. A drain pipe 72 is connected to a connecting pipe 73 extending from the drain hole 71 to the right.

Two ribs 74 extending in the vertical direction are provided on the rear surface of the drainage receiving part 70 so as to be lined up in the left-right direction. The height positions of the two ribs 74 are approximately equal to the height position of the rear plate portion 244 of the valve movable member 240 of the water storage portion 200. The rib 74 corresponds to the abutting portion of the present invention.

In the fully automatic washing machine 1, washing operations of various operation courses are performed. In the washing operation, a washing process, an intermediate dehydration process, a rinsing process, and a final dehydration process are executed in order.

In the washing process and the rinsing process, the pulsator 24 rotates to the right and to the left while water is stored in the washing and dehydrating tank 22. The rotation of the pulsator 24 generates a water flow within the washing and dehydrating tank 22. In the washing process, the laundry is washed by the generated water flow and detergent contained in the water. In the rinsing process, the generated water stream rinses the laundry.

In the intermediate dehydration step and the final dehydration step, the washing dehydration tank 22 and the pulsator 24 rotate together at high speed. The laundry is dehydrated by the action of centrifugal force generated in the washing and dehydrating tank 22.

When water is supplied in the washing process, liquid detergent is automatically introduced into the washing and dehydrating tank 22 by the automatic injection mechanism 90. At this time, first, the first three-way valve 93 is switched to a state in which the supply pipe 92 is communicated with the supply pump 95. Further, the second three-way valve 97 is switched to a state in which the upstream supply path 96b is communicated with the downstream supply path 96c. When the supply pump 95 operates, the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 91 is discharged by the pump action. The discharged liquid detergent is sent to the detergent supply path 96 through the supply pipe 92, the first three-way valve 93, and the supply pump 95, as shown by the broken line arrow in FIG. It is stored in road 96b. The supply pump 95 operates for a predetermined period of time, so that a predetermined amount of liquid detergent accumulates in the upstream supply path 96b.

Next, the first three-way valve 93 is switched to a state in which the sub-water supply channel 94 is communicated with the supply pump 95, and the sub-valve 83 is opened. As shown by the solid line arrow in FIG. 2, water from the tap flows through the sub-water supply channel 94, the first three-way valve 93, and the supply pump 95 to the detergent supply channel 96, flushing out the liquid detergent. The liquid detergent washed away by the water is thrown into the washing/dehydration tank 22 together with water from the supply port 96a of the detergent supply path 96, as shown by the dashed-dotted line arrow in FIG. When the addition of liquid detergent into the washing and dehydrating tank 22 is completed, the sub-valve 83 is closed.

Thereafter, water is supplied into the washing and dehydrating tank 22. The main valve 82 is opened, and water from the tap flows through the main water supply channel 84 and is discharged into the washing and dewatering tank 22 from the water inlet 84a. When the water level in the washing and dewatering tank 22 reaches a predetermined washing water level, the main valve 82 is closed and the water supply ends.

Further, in the fully automatic washing machine 1, a cleaning operation is performed by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. When washing an item to be cleaned, such as a dress shirt, if the item to be cleaned partially contains stubborn stains, the user may wash the item using the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 prior to washing. Perform spot cleaning.

When performing a cleaning operation, the user pulls out the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from the storage section 17 and moves the ultrasonic cleaning section 100 and water storage section 200 to the operating position, as shown in FIG. 3(b). As shown in FIG. 9, the valve switching mechanism 230 urges the valve body 220 in the closing direction via the valve movable member 240 by the urging force of the spring 260. As a result, the valve body 220 closes the drain port 211, and the drain port 211 is in a closed state.

The user performs a predetermined starting operation to start the cleaning operation.

When the cleaning operation is started, first, the automatic injection mechanism 90 supplies cleaning water into the storage tank 60. That is, first, the first three-way valve 93 is switched to a state in which the supply pipe 92 is communicated with the supply pump 95. Further, the second three-way valve 97 is switched to a state in which the upstream supply path 96b is communicated with the wash water supply path 98. When the supply pump 95 operates, the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 91 is discharged by the pump action. As shown by the broken line arrow in FIG. 2, the liquid detergent discharged from the detergent tank 91 reaches the detergent supply path 96 and is stored in the upstream supply path 96b of the detergent supply path 96. The supply pump 95 operates for a predetermined period of time, so that a predetermined amount of liquid detergent accumulates in the upstream supply path 96b.

Next, the first three-way valve 93 is switched to a state in which the sub-water supply channel 94 is communicated with the supply pump 95, and the sub-valve 83 is opened. As shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 2, water from the tap flows into the detergent supply channel 96 through the sub water supply channel 94, the first three-way valve 93, and the supply pump 95, and washes away the liquid detergent. Water and liquid detergent are mixed to form cleaning water. As shown by the thick arrow in FIG. 2, the wash water flows into the storage tank 60 through the wash water supply path 98. When a predetermined supply time has elapsed since the sub-valve 83 was opened, the sub-valve 83 is closed.

In this way, cleaning water of a predetermined amount and detergent concentration is stored in the storage tank 60. In this embodiment, the amount of cleaning water stored in the storage tank 60 is such that the cleaning water in the water storage tank 210 can be replaced and two cleaning operations can be performed. Note that the amount of cleaning water stored in the storage tank 60 may be set to be enough to perform three or more cleaning operations.

Next, supply valve 400 is opened. Wash water in the storage tank 60 passes through the supply nozzle 500 and is discharged into the water storage tank 210 from the discharge port 501. Wash water is stored in the water tank 210, and the water level in the water tank 210 rises. As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 9, when the water level in the water tank 210 rises to the level of the outlet 501 and the outlet 501 is blocked with wash water, the air pressure in the storage tank 60 and the air pressure outside are balanced. . As a result, water supply from the storage tank 60 is stopped while the supply valve 400 remains open.

When the cleaning water is stored in the water tank 210, the user cleans the dirty part of the object to be cleaned, for example, the collar of a shirt, from the front direction of the ultrasonic cleaning section 100, onto the water tank 210, i.e. It is set between the water tank 210 and the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110.

In the ultrasonic cleaning section 100, the position of the guide part 132 of the cap 130 matches the position of the tip of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the position of the tip of the vibrating horn 112 using the guide portion 132 as a landmark.

The user places a dirty part, such as a collar or cuff, on the guide surface 133 of the guide section 132 and moves it downward and backward along the guide surface 133 until it reaches the position of the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112. . At this time, the lower end of the guide portion 132 extends below the lower end of the cap body 131 and covers the front of the tip of the vibrating horn 112 exposed from the cap body 131. Therefore, the dirt-attached portion guided by the guide portion 132 is less likely to get caught on the corner of the tip of the vibrating horn 112, and is less likely to be damaged. Furthermore, by the guidance of the guide portion 132, the dirt-attached portion is positioned at an appropriate height where it almost contacts the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112, and is not too far away from the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112.

The dirty part of the object to be cleaned is soaked in the cleaning water stored in the water tank 210, and the cleaning water that has penetrated into the inside of the object to be cleaned seeps out to the surface. A thin layer of water is formed on the surface of the object to be cleaned, and the vibrating horn 112 comes into contact with this layer of water. Note that when the water level in the water storage tank 210 decreases as the object to be cleaned absorbs water and the discharge port 501 of the supply nozzle 500 is no longer blocked with cleaning water, the water is stored until the discharge port 501 is again blocked with cleaning water. Wash water is replenished into the tank 210 from the storage tank 60. Thereby, the water level in the water tank 210, that is, the amount of water, is maintained at an appropriate level.

The ultrasonic transducer 111 is not energized until a predetermined standby time has elapsed after the supply valve 400 is opened, and the ultrasonic generator 110 is in a standby state. During this time, cleaning water is stored in the water tank 210, and the object to be cleaned is set in the water tank 210 in which the cleaning water is stored. When the standby time has elapsed, the ultrasonic transducer 111 is energized and the ultrasonic generator 110 is activated.

FIGS. 11A to 11C are diagrams for explaining how the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 removes dirt from an object to be cleaned.

When the ultrasonic generator 110 operates, ultrasonic waves are generated from the tip of the vibrating horn 112, and the ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted to the cleaning water inside the object to be cleaned via the cleaning water around the vibrating horn 112. As shown in FIG. 11(a), inside the object to be cleaned, depressurization and pressurization occur alternately due to the action of ultrasonic vibration, and a vacuum cavity is created in a portion where the pressure is low. In other words, a large number of cavities exist in the dirty portion of the object to be cleaned. Next, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the pressure in the cavity increases, and when the cavity is crushed by this pressure and destroyed, a shock wave is generated in the dirty part of the object to be cleaned. This shock wave separates dirt from the object to be cleaned. As shown in FIG. 11(c), the ultrasonic vibration from the vibration horn 112 generates a water flow from the inside of the object to be cleaned into the water storage tank 210, and this water flow causes the dirt separated from the object to be cleaned to be stored in the water tank 210. It is discharged into tank 210. In the water storage tank 210, convection is generated by the water flow, so dirt is easily removed from the object to be cleaned. Furthermore, the action of the detergent contained in the washing water also makes it easier to separate dirt from the object to be cleaned, and makes it difficult for dirt to re-adhere to the object to be cleaned. In this way, dirt is removed from the object to be cleaned. As described above, the object to be cleaned is set in the water tank 210 so that the dirty part is not too far away from the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110. As a result, the ultrasonic vibration from the vibrating horn 112 effectively acts on the dirt-attached portion, making it easier to remove the dirt.

When the cleaning of the object to be cleaned is completed, the user performs a predetermined termination operation to terminate the cleaning operation. The operation of the ultrasonic generator 110 is stopped, the supply valve 400 is closed, and the cleaning operation ends.

If the user does not want to continue a new cleaning operation, the user stores the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the storage section 17 and moves the ultrasonic cleaning section 100 and water storage section 200 to the standby position, as shown in FIG. 3(a). let As shown in FIG. 8, when the water storage section 200 moves to the standby position, in the valve switching mechanism 230, the rear plate section 244 of the valve movable member 240 comes into contact with the two ribs 74 on the rear surface of the drainage receiving section 70, and It is pushed by the ribs 74 and moves forward with respect to the water storage section 200 against the biasing force of the spring 260. The valve body 220 connected to the rear plate portion 244 of the valve movable member 240 moves forward with respect to the drain port 211 of the water tank 210, that is, in the opening direction, and the drain port 211 is opened. As a result, the cleaning water stored in the water tank 210 is discharged through the drain port 211. At this time, the cleaning water passes through the gap between the inner wall surface of the drain port 211 and the upper and lower flat surfaces 223 of the valve body 220, and the left and right openings 224 and holes 222 of the valve body 220. Washing water discharged from the drain port 211 is received by the drain receiving portion 70 and discharged from the drain hole 71. The wash water discharged from the discharge hole 71 flows through the drain pipe 72, the overflow pipe 26, and the drain hose 41, and is discharged to the outside of the machine.

The user may want to replace the cleaning water in the water tank 210 and perform a second cleaning operation. In this case, the cleaning water can be discharged from the water tank 210 by storing the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the storage part 17 and moving the water storage part 200 to the standby position, but such work is somewhat troublesome.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the user can discharge the cleaning water from the water tank 210 while maintaining the water storage section 200 in the operating position without moving the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the rear part of the top plate 12, showing the state when the operation unit 250 is operated to move with the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 being pulled out from the storage section 17. In addition, in FIG. 12, for convenience, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is depicted in a cross section behind the operation window 204 of the water storage section 200 where the operation section 250 is arranged.

With the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage unit 200 in the operating position, the user performs a movement operation to move the operating unit 250 forward as shown by the thick arrow in FIG. 12 . As a result, in the valve switching mechanism 230, the valve movable member 240 moves forward with respect to the water storage section 200, similarly to when the water storage section 200 is moved to the standby position. As a result, the valve body 220 moves in the opening direction with respect to the drain port 211 of the water tank 210, and the drain port 211 is opened. As a result, the cleaning water stored in the water tank 210 is drained through the drain port 211 and received by the drain receiving section 70. The wash water is then discharged to the outside of the machine via the drain pipe 72, the overflow pipe 26, and the drain hose 41.

The user performs a predetermined continuation operation to continue the cleaning operation. The second cleaning operation is started. Note that in this cleaning operation, since cleaning water remains in the storage tank 60, the supply valve 400 is opened without supplying cleaning water into the storage tank 60, and the supply valve 400 is opened from the storage tank 60 to the water storage tank 210. Cleaning water is supplied to the In addition, in this embodiment, since the cleaning water in the storage tank 60 runs out after two cleaning operations are performed, only one continuous operation is accepted.

In the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, while the cleaning operation is repeated, dirt may enter into the cap 130 through the opening of the cap 130, and the dirt may adhere to the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 inside the cap 130. . In this embodiment, since the cap 130 is removable from the housing 120, the user can remove the cap 130 from the housing 120 and clean the vibrating horn 112.

Additionally, the water tank 210 may become dirty while the cleaning operation is repeated. In this embodiment, since the water storage section 200 is detachable from the main body section 300, the user can remove the water storage section 200 from the main body section 300 and clean the water tank 210.

<Effects of the embodiment>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the valve element 220 that opens and closes the drain port 211 of the water storage tank 210 and the valve switching mechanism 230 are provided, and the ultrasonic cleaning section 100 and the water storage section 200, that is, the ultrasonic generator 110, are provided. The valve switching mechanism 230 is configured so that the valve body 220 is in a closed state when the water storage tank 210 is in the operating position, and the valve body 220 is in an open state when the ultrasonic cleaning section 100 and the water storage section 200 are in the standby position. Switching of the valve body 220 is performed. As a result, when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is in a state where a cleaning operation can be performed, water is not drained from the water tank 210, and when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is in a state where a cleaning operation cannot be performed. , the water storage tank 210 can be drained.

Further, the valve switching mechanism 230 includes an operation section 250, and when an opening operation is performed by the operation section 250 when the ultrasonic generator 110 and the water tank 210 are in the operating position, the valve switching mechanism 230 closes the operation section 250. Valve body 220 is switched from the state to the open state. As a result, even when the ultrasonic generator 110 and the water tank 210 are in the operating position, the ultrasonic generator 110 and the water tank 210 can be moved to the standby position when necessary, such as when replacing the water in the water tank 210. Wash water can be drained from the water tank 210 without returning it.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, water can be drained from the water tank 210 effectively, and convenience for the user can be improved.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the drain pipe 72 through which the wash water discharged from the drain receiver 70 flows is connected to the overflow pipe 26 that guides the overflow water flowing out from the overflow port 20b to the drain hose 41. Therefore, the drain pipe 72 can be made shorter than the structure in which the drain pipe 72 is connected to the drain hose 41. Thereby, for example, when the outer tank 20 vibrates during dehydration, the drain pipe 72 is less likely to come into contact with the housing 10, and the drain pipe 72 is less likely to be damaged.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the cleaning water supplied from the automatic injection mechanism 90 is stored in the storage tank 60 having a larger water storage capacity than the water storage tank 210, and is supplied from the storage tank 60 to the water storage tank 210. With this configuration, it is no longer necessary to generate wash water every time the wash water in the water tank 210 is replaced, which increases convenience for the user.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the embodiments of the present invention can also be modified in various ways other than the above. .

For example, in the embodiment described above, the valve switching mechanism 230 includes a spring 260 that biases the valve body 220 in the closing direction in which the drain port 211 is closed, and a valve movable member 240 that is connected to the valve body 220 and the operating section 250. When the ultrasonic generator 110 and the water tank 210 move from the operating position to the standby position, the rear plate part 244 of the valve movable member 240 comes into contact with the rib 74 provided on the drainage receiving part 70, and the rib 74 to move the valve body 220 in the opening direction in which the drain port 211 is opened, and when a moving operation is performed on the operating section 250, the valve movable member 240 moves together with the operating section 250. The valve body 220 is configured to move in the opening direction.

However, when the ultrasonic generator 110 and the water tank 210 are in the operating position, the valve body 220 is in a closed state, and when the ultrasonic generator 110 and the water tank 210 are in the standby position, the valve body 220 is in an open state. When the valve body 220 is switched as shown in FIG. If switched, the valve switching mechanism 230 may be a mechanism other than the above.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the drain pipe 72 is connected to the overflow pipe 26. However, the drain pipe 72 may be connected to the overflow receiving part 25. However, in order to prevent the washing water discharged from the drain pipe 72 from entering the outer tank 20 from the overflow port 20b, the drain pipe 72 is connected to the overflow pipe 26 far from the overflow port 20b. It is desirable that

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, an automatic injection mechanism 90 for supplying washing water, that is, water containing detergent, is connected to the storage tank 60. However, in the end, it is sufficient that the cleaning water is stored in the storage tank 60, so it is sufficient that at least water is supplied to the storage tank 60. For example, the storage tank 60 is provided with a detergent inlet, and the detergent is prefilled in the storage tank 60. A configuration may be adopted in which only water is supplied from the water supply unit 80 to the filled storage tank 60.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the fully automatic washing machine 1 is equipped with the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. However, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may be included in a washing machine other than the fully automatic washing machine 1, for example, a drum-type washing machine. Further, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may be included in, for example, a fully automatic washer/dryer or a drum type washer/dryer having a drying function. In a drum-type washing machine and a drum-type washer/dryer, a drum is arranged as an inner tank in an outer tank. Furthermore, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may be placed in a placement part prepared in a device other than a washing machine, such as a washstand.

In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately modified in various ways within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.

1 Fully automatic washing machine (washing machine)
12 Top plate
17 Storage section (arrangement section)
20 Outer tank
20a Drainage port (first drainage channel)
20b Overflow mouth
22 Washing and dehydrating tank (inner tank)
25 Overflow receiving area (overflow channel)
26 Overflow pipe (overflow channel)
41 Drainage hose (first drainage channel)
50 Ultrasonic cleaning device
60 Storage tank (storage part)
70 Drainage receiving part
72 Drainage pipe (second drainage channel)
74 Rib (contact part)
90 Automatic feeding mechanism (supply section)
100 Ultrasonic cleaning section
110 Ultrasonic generator
200 Water storage section
210 Water tank
211 Drain port
220 Valve body
230 Valve switching mechanism
240 Valve movable member
250 Operation unit
260 Spring (biasing member)

Claims (4)

an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves; and a water tank that is located below the ultrasonic generator and stores water in which the object to be cleaned is immersed; An ultrasonic cleaning device in which the positions of an ultrasonic generator and the water tank are switched between an operating position when a cleaning operation is performed and a standby position when a cleaning operation is not performed,
a drain port through which water from the water tank is discharged;
a valve body that blocks the drain port;
When the ultrasonic generator and the water tank are in the operating position, the valve body is in a closed state, and when the ultrasonic generator and the water tank are in the standby position, the valve body is open. a valve switching mechanism that switches the valve body so that it is in an open state,
The valve switching mechanism is
an operating section on which an opening operation is performed to open the valve body;
a biasing member that biases the valve body in a closing direction in which the drain port is closed;
connected to the valve body, when the ultrasonic generator and the water tank move from the operating position to the standby position, the ultrasonic generating body and the water tank abut against a contact portion provided on the arrangement portion side; a valve movable member that is pushed to move the valve body in an opening direction in which the drain port is opened;
When the opening operation is performed when the ultrasonic generator and the water storage tank are in the operating position, switching the valve body from the closed state to the open state ;
The opening operation is a movement operation of moving the operation part in a predetermined direction,
The valve movable member is connected to the operating portion, and when the moving operation is performed on the operating portion, the valve movable member moves together with the operating portion to move the valve body in the opening direction.
An ultrasonic cleaning device characterized by: An outer tank that stores water,
an inner tank disposed within the outer tank and containing laundry;
The ultrasonic cleaning device according to claim 1;
A washing machine characterized by comprising:. The washing machine according to claim 2,
a first drainage channel through which water discharged from the bottom of the outer tank flows;
an overflow port provided at the top of the outer tank;
an overflow channel that guides water discharged from the overflow port to the first drainage channel;
a drainage receiver for receiving water discharged from the drainage port;
further comprising a second drainage channel connected to the drainage receiving section and the overflow channel and guiding water discharged from the drainage receiving section to the overflow channel;
A washing machine characterized by: The washing machine according to claim 2 or 3,
a storage portion having a larger water storage capacity than the water storage tank, in which water containing detergent to be supplied to the water storage tank is stored;
further comprising a supply section that supplies at least water into the storage section ;
A washing machine characterized by:

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