Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a laundry processing device provided with a compact irradiation device that can effectively irradiate the inside of a washing tub and is difficult to fall off without hindering the entire product. The laundry processing device of the present invention is provided with a tub having an opening portion in the front surface, a rotating tub provided inside the tub and having an open front portion, a tub cover provided in a circular ring shape at the opening portion of the tub, and an irradiation device that irradiates the inside of the rotating tub. The tub cover has a recessed portion recessed toward the rear at the inner peripheral side of the front portion. The irradiation device is installed in the recessed portion from the front.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a garment processing device. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, washing machines are known to use an illumination device to light the tub, for example, to prevent residue from being removed from the laundry. For example, a configuration has been disclosed in which an illumination device is provided around the laundry outlet located on the outer casing to illuminate the tub from above or below.

[0003] A washing machine that illuminates the tub from above the outlet has the following configuration: a corrugated pipe that provides a watertight connection between the tub and the outlet, and a through hole that extends through the tub cover in the vertical direction so that the illuminating device can be inserted into the through hole from above.

[0004] However, when the irradiation device is placed in the bellows, the bellows vibrates along with the rotating groove, which may cause the irradiation device to fall off. In addition, in the configuration where the irradiation device is inserted from above the sink cover, the width of the sink cover in the front-back direction is increased in proportion to the width of the irradiation device. As a result, it may make it difficult to load and unload laundry, or it may increase the overall size of the washing machine.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-223571 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the present invention provides a clothing treatment device having a miniaturized irradiation device that can effectively irradiate the washing tub and is difficult to remove without affecting the overall product.

[0009] The garment processing apparatus of the present invention comprises: a water tank having an opening on its front surface; a rotating trough disposed within the water tank and having an opening at its front; a water tank cover disposed annularly at the opening of the water tank; and an irradiation device for irradiating the interior of the rotating trough. The water tank cover has a recessed portion on its inner circumferential side facing rearward. The irradiation device is mounted on the recessed portion from the front.

[0010] Based on the above configuration, the irradiation device can effectively irradiate the washing tank, and it is difficult to fall off without hindering the overall miniaturization of the product. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1This is a longitudinal sectional view that schematically illustrates the configuration of an example of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of an example of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the periphery of the sink cover of an example of a washing machine according to one embodiment, viewed from a front-obliquely upward direction parallel to the rotation axis of the rotating tank.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the periphery of the sink cover of an example of a washing machine according to one embodiment, viewed from the front and slightly below.

[0015] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 The VV line is used to represent a longitudinal sectional view of the periphery of the sink cover of an example of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates the water circulation system configuration of an example of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 Yes Figure 4 The view is enlarged within frame VII to show a perspective view of the periphery of the irradiation device of an example of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the irradiation device configuration of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the irradiation unit of an example of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10 Yes Figure 5 The circle X is enlarged to show a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the irradiation device of an example of a washing machine according to one embodiment.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0022] 10…washing machine (clothes handling device), 11…outer casing, 111…front section, 112…outlet, 12…water tank, 122…drain section, 13…rotating trough, 16…corrugated pipe, 161…front end, 162…rear end, 19…circulation mechanism, 191…circulation water path, 193…water discharge section, 30…water tank cover, 31…cylindrical section, 32…front section (mounting surface), 38…recess, 40…irradiation device, 41…irradiation unit, 42…holder, 421…part 1, 422…part 2, 50…device cover. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, one embodiment will be described. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the washing machine 10, which serves as a clothes handling device, includes: an outer casing 11, a water tank 12, a rotating drum 13, a rotating drum motor 14, a door 15, a corrugated pipe 16, a drainage mechanism 17, a water supply mechanism 18, a circulation mechanism 19, and a control device 20. Additionally, Figure 1 In this embodiment, the side of the washing machine 10 with its mounting surface, i.e., the vertically lower side, is designated as the lower side of the washing machine 10, and the opposite side of the mounting surface, i.e., the vertically upper side, is designated as the upper side of the washing machine 10. Furthermore, the left-right direction when viewing the washing machine 10 from the front is designated as the left-right direction of the washing machine 10. The washing machine 10 is, for example, a horizontal axis type with the rotation axis of the rotating drum 13 pointing horizontally, or an inclined axis type with the rotation axis pointing downwards and downwards. In this embodiment, the washing machine 10 is an inclined axis type drum washing machine. Additionally, the washing machine 10 may or may not have a drying function, such as a heat pump type or a heater type.

[0024] The outer casing 11 is constructed as a rectangular box using components such as steel or resin, thus forming the outer shell of the washing machine 10. The outer casing 11 has a front portion 111 and an opening, i.e., a dispensing outlet 112, formed on the front portion 111. The dispensing outlet 112 serves as an inlet / outlet for loading and unloading laundry. The water tank 12 is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape and is disposed within the outer casing 11, elastically supported by a suspension device (not shown). The rotating tub 13 is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape and is rotatably disposed within the water tank 12. In this case, the water tank 12 and the rotating tub 13 function as washing tubs for receiving laundry. The water tank 12 and the rotating tub 13 each have an opening 121 and an opening 131 on their front surfaces facing the dispensing outlet 112. The openings 121 and 131 connect the interior and exterior of the washing tubs. The rotating tub motor 14 is located at the rear outer side of the water tank 12. The rotary groove motor 14 is connected to the rotary groove 13 and drives the rotary groove 13 to rotate.

[0025] The centerline of the cylindrical shape of the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13 coincides with the rotation axis of the rotating tank 13. Hereinafter, the direction parallel to the rotation axis of the rotating tank 13 is referred to as axial direction A, and is denoted as A in the accompanying drawings, etc. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to axial direction A of the rotating tank 13 is referred to as radial direction. In the case of radial direction alone, it refers to the direction perpendicular to axial direction A. Within the radial direction, the direction connecting the upper and lower ends of the opening 121 is referred to as vertical direction B, and is denoted as B in the accompanying drawings. The direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the rotating tank 13, i.e., axial direction A and radial direction, is referred to as circumferential direction. Furthermore, in the case of a horizontal axis type drum washing machine, axial direction A coincides with the front-to-back direction, and vertical direction B coincides with the up-and-down direction.

[0026] Door 15 is supported on front panel 111 via a hinge (not shown) and can be rotatably opened and closed to access port 112. At least a portion of door 15 is made of a transparent or translucent component, allowing the interior to be seen through door 15 from the outside of outer casing 11. Bellows 16 is formed into a ring shape when viewed from the front, providing a watertight connection between access port 112 and water tank 12. Bellows 16 is made of a component that is flexible, elastic, and watertight, such as rubber.

[0027] The drainage mechanism 17 has the function of draining water remaining in the water tank 12 to the outside of the washing machine 10. The drainage mechanism 17 includes a drainage path 171 and a drain valve 172. The drainage path 171 is constructed, for example, of a flexible drain hose, one end of which is connected to the drain valve 172, and the other end is led out to the outside of the washing machine 10. The drain valve 172 is constructed as a liquid-operated on / off valve capable of, for example, electromagnetic opening and closing. The drain valve 152 is positioned between the drain section 122 located at the bottom of the water tank 12 and the drainage path 171, and opens and closes the drainage path 171.

[0028] A water supply mechanism 18 is disposed above a water tank 12, for example, inside an outer casing 11. The water supply mechanism 18 receives water from an external water source, such as tap water, and supplies water to the water tank 12. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the water supply mechanism 18 includes a connection port 181, a water supply path 182, and a water supply valve 183. The connection port 181 is located on the top surface 111 of the outer casing 11, protruding, for example, from the upper left corner. The connection port 181 is connected to an external water source via, for example, a hose. The water supply path 182 is a path from the connection port 181 to the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13. The water supply valve 183 is a liquid-operated on / off valve capable of electromagnetic opening and closing. A detergent dispensing unit (not shown) for dispensing detergent or fabric softener, etc., is provided midway through the water supply path 182.

[0029] A circulation mechanism 19 is installed inside the outer casing 11 to circulate water discharged from the water tank 12 back into the water tank 12. The circulation mechanism 19 includes a circulation water path 191, a circulation pump 192, and a discharge section 193. The circulation water path 191 is a path connecting the drain section 122 and the discharge section 193, and is a path through which the circulation pump 192 draws water remaining in the water tank 12 and supplies the drawn water back into the water tank 12 from above. The circulation pump 192 is located midway through the circulation water path 191 and has the function of drawing water from the water tank 12. The discharge section 193 is the terminal portion of the circulation water path 191, i.e., the end opposite to the drain section 122. With the drain valve 172 closed, when the circulation pump 192 is driven, the circulation pump 192 draws water from the water tank 12 through the drain section 122 and supplies water back into the water tank 12 through the drain section 193. In this way, the circulation pump 192 circulates the water remaining in the water tank 12 through the circulation water passage 191.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the control device 20 is mainly composed of a microcomputer with a CPU 201, ROM, RAM, and a rewritable flash memory storage area 202, and is used to control the overall operation of the washing machine 10. The control device 20 is electrically connected to the rotary drum motor 14, the drain valve 172, the water supply valve 183, the circulation pump 192, and the irradiation device 40 described later, and controls their operation.

[0031] The water tank 12 includes: a main body 123, and Figure 1 , Figure 3 The sink cover 30 is shown in the figure. The main body 123 forms the rear portion of the cylindrical portion of the sink 12. The sink cover 30 is connected to the front end of the main body 123, forming the front portion of the cylindrical portion of the sink 12. The sink cover 30 is configured to include a cylindrical portion 31 and a front portion 32. The cylindrical portion 31 is cylindrical, and its rear end is connected to the front end of the main body 123. The front portion 32 is formed in a generally annular shape centered on the rotation axis of the rotating groove 13. The outer peripheral end of the front portion 32 is connected to the front end of the cylindrical portion 31. The inner peripheral end of the front portion 32 is connected to the opening 121.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a view of the bellows 16 and the sink cover 30 from the front and in a direction parallel to axis A. Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the corrugated pipe 16 and the sink cover 30 viewed from the lower right. Figure 5 It is along Figure 3The longitudinal sectional view shown by line V-V. The bellows 16 is formed to have a predetermined length in the depth direction and to have: a front end portion 161, a rear end portion 162, a cylindrical portion 163, a bulge portion 164, and an engaging portion 165.

[0033] The front end portion 161 is the front end of the bellows 16, formed in an annular shape, and connected to the outlet 112. The rear end portion 162 is the opposite side of the bellows 16 to the front end portion 161, i.e., the rear side, formed in an annular shape with a surface perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating groove 13, and connected to the front part 32 of the sink cover 30. The front part 32 of the sink cover 30 functions as a mounting surface for mounting the rear end portion 162 of the bellows 16. The cylindrical portion 163 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an inner surface extending rearward from the front end portion 161. The bulge portion 164 connects the cylindrical portion 163 to the engaging portion 165. The bulge portion 164 extends radially outward and forward from the portion of the cylindrical portion 163 near the rear end. In addition, the bulge portion 164 extends radially outward and forward from the radially front end of the engaging portion 165. The bulge 164 is generally formed such that its cross-sectional shape bulges forward and radially outward. The engaging portion 165 connects the bulge 164 to the rear end portion 162. The engaging portion 165 is generally cylindrical and has a groove shape that is recessed radially outward at its front end.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the circulating water passage 191 inside the water tank cover 30, viewed from the front. The circulating water passage 191 extends upward from the circulating pump 192, leading to the inside of the water tank cover 30. The circulating water passage 191 enters the interior of the water tank cover 30 from the lower part, extending upward in an arc from the rear side of the front part 32, i.e., the inner side related to the water tank 12. The circulating water passage 191 branches into multiple (two in this case) openings in the upper part of the water tank cover 30, each in the upper part of the front part 32, extending to multiple (two in this case) openings 33 arranged radially inward. A drain section 193 connects to the openings 33, draining water through the openings 33 into the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13.

[0035] In this case, such as Figure 5 As shown, the water tank cover 30 has an outer peripheral wall portion 34, an inner peripheral wall portion 35, and a rear plate 36. The outer peripheral wall portion 34 and the inner peripheral wall portion 35 are formed such that they protrude rearward from the inside of the front portion 32 in the radially outer portion of the front portion 32. The rear plate 36 is formed into a fan-shaped plate when viewed from the front, and connects to the front end portion of the outer peripheral wall portion 34 and the inner peripheral wall portion 35 from the rear side, i.e., the inside of the water tank 12. The circulating water passage 191 passes through the space formed between the outer peripheral wall portion 34, the inner peripheral wall portion 35, and the rear plate 36.

[0036] The sink cover 30 also includes: an ear 37, a recess 38, and a groove 39. The ear 37 is formed into a ring shape when viewed from the front and protrudes forward from the front part 32 of the sink cover 30. The ear 37 is located radially outward from the opening 121. The recess 38 is located on a portion of the circumferentially inner side of the front part 32. In this embodiment, the recess 38 is located above the top of the opening 121. The recess 38 is formed by recessing the lower end of the inner diameter side of the front part 32 towards the rear, i.e., the inner side of the sink 12. The upper end of the outer diameter side of the recess 38 is connected to the rear end of the ear 37. Figure 3 , Figure 8 As shown, the groove 39 is formed by recessing a portion of the front side surface of the front part 32, i.e. the outer side surface of the water tank 12, in the thickness direction to form a groove shape, and extends upward from the center of the recess 38 in the left-right direction.

[0037] The front end of the ear portion 37 protrudes radially outward. The protruding front end of the ear portion 37 is embedded in the groove shape of the engaging portion 165 of the bellows 16. Accordingly, by fixing the rear end portion 162 to the front end portion 32, it is possible to prevent the bellows 16 from falling off the sink cover 30 or from moving in the axial or radial direction.

[0038] like Figure 8 As shown, the recess 38 has: an outer peripheral surface 381, a back surface 382, ​​and one or more fastening portions 383 (in this case, two). The outer peripheral surface 381 is formed as the radially outer peripheral surface of the recess 38, which is the upper surface. The back surface 382 is formed as the back surface of the recess 38, which is also the central surface of the water tank 12. The fastening portions 383 are provided at both circumferential ends of the back surface 382, ​​which are the ends closest to the left and right. The fastening portions 383 are formed as cylindrical sections that protrude forward from the back surface 382 and are open at the front, with internal threaded grooves formed on their inner surfaces.

[0039] The back portion 382 is positioned at the same level as the rear plate 36 or closer to the center of the water tank 12 than the rear plate 36 in the depth direction of the water tank 12. The upper part of the back portion 382 forms a surface parallel to the radial direction and is located on the same surface as the rear plate 36. The lower part of the back portion 382 is inclined relative to the axial direction A and the radial direction, and is located closer to the center of the water tank 12 than the rear plate 36 in the depth direction of the water tank 12.

[0040] The washing machine 10 also includes an illumination device 40. The recess 38 serves as a housing for the illumination device 40. The illumination device 40 has the function of illuminating the interior of the washing tub, especially the interior of the rotating tub 13. The illumination device 40 is electrically connected to the control device 20 and is controlled by the control device 20 to turn the light on or off.

[0041] like Figure 8 As shown, the irradiation device 40 is configured to include an irradiation unit 41, a holder 42, and a device cover 50. The irradiation unit 41 is the device in the irradiation device 40 that performs the irradiation function. That is, the irradiation unit 41 is electrically connected to the control device 20 and is controlled by the control device 20 to perform or stop irradiation. The holder 42 is made of a soft and watertight material, such as rubber, and is formed into a cylindrical shape with openings at the top and bottom, holding the irradiation unit 41 inside. The device cover 50 houses the holder 42 and the irradiation unit 41 held in the holder 42 inside.

[0042] like Figure 9 As shown, the illumination unit 41 is configured to include: a substrate 411, a light-emitting element 412, a housing 413, and a wire 414. The substrate 411 is equipped with a light-emitting element 412, such as an LED, and is encapsulated within the housing 413. The housing 413 constitutes the outer shell of the illumination unit 41 and is generally cylindrical, with a hemispherical front end 413a. The end of the housing 413 opposite to the front end 413a is referred to as the head 413b. At least a portion or all of the illumination unit 41 is made of transparent components. In this embodiment, the front end 413a and the cylindrical portion are made of transparent components. The illumination unit 41 is made of, for example, quartz glass. A wire 414 is connected to the substrate 411, and the wire 414 extends outward from a hole (not shown) provided at the upper end of the housing 413.

[0043] The irradiation unit 41 is configured to emit either or both of ultraviolet and visible light. In this embodiment, the irradiation unit 41 is capable of irradiating both ultraviolet and visible light. The control device 20 may also be configured to selectively irradiate ultraviolet and visible light, or it may be configured to simultaneously irradiate both ultraviolet and visible light. In this embodiment, the control device 20 is capable of simultaneously irradiating both ultraviolet and visible light. Specifically, the light-emitting element 412 is configured to include a light-emitting element that generates both white light and ultraviolet light. Furthermore, the control device 20 can irradiate ultraviolet light during or after at least one of the following processes: the washing process, the rinsing process, the dehydration process, and the drying process. Accordingly, the laundry and the interior of the washing tank are sterilized by ultraviolet light.

[0044] like Figure 9As shown, the irradiation unit 41 is configured such that the irradiation direction of the light-emitting element 412 faces the inside of the washing tub. That is, the optical axis L of the light-emitting element 412 is tilted relative to the horizontal and vertical directions in a manner that decreases towards the rear. In addition, the optical axis L is also tilted relative to the axial direction A and the vertical direction B. Accordingly, the light emitted from the light-emitting element 412 can be efficiently directed to the clothes located in the inner position within the rotating tub 13, and further, by reflecting the light inside the rotating tub 13, for example, made of stainless steel, sterilization within the rotating tub 13 can be further achieved efficiently.

[0045] In this embodiment, the light-emitting element 412 is fixed with its optical axis L perpendicular to the substrate 411, which is fixed perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical shape of the housing 413. Therefore, the illumination unit 41 is configured to tilt relative to the horizontal and vertical directions, decreasing in elevation as it moves rearward, and also tilted relative to the axial direction A and the vertical direction B. While the angle between the optical axis L and the horizontal plane can be appropriately set according to the illumination angle of the light-emitting element 412, it can also be set within, for example, a range of 50° to 60°.

[0046] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 10 As shown, the retainer 42 is formed with a curved cross-sectional shape. The retainer 42 is configured to include a first part 421 and a second part 422. The first part 421, when installed in the recess 38, constitutes the radially outer portion, i.e., the upper part of the retainer 42, and has a first opening 421a at its upper end. The cylindrical outer peripheral wall of the first part 421 extends along the vertical direction B, i.e., the direction of the front portion 32. Here, "extending along the direction of the front portion 32" means extending in a direction substantially parallel to the front portion 32; "substantially parallel" also includes "parallel." In this case, the cylindrical outer peripheral wall of the first part 421 extends parallel to the vertical direction B, i.e., parallel to the front portion 32. The first opening 421a is upwardly oriented, communicating between the interior and exterior of the retainer 42.

[0047] When the second part 422 is installed in the recess 38, it constitutes the radially inner portion, i.e., the lower part of the retainer 42 at this time, and has a second opening 422a at its lower end. The cylindrical outer peripheral wall of the second part 422 extends in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction A and the vertical direction B. Specifically, the outer peripheral wall of the second part 422 extends in a direction along the axial direction of the cylindrical shape of the housing 413. That is, the outer peripheral wall of the second part 422 extends in a direction along the optical axis L. In this case, the outer peripheral wall of the second part 422 extends parallel to the axial direction of the cylindrical shape of the housing 413, that is, it extends substantially parallel to the optical axis L.

[0048] The diameter of the second part 422 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the first part 421. That is, a step portion 423 is formed between the first part 421 and the second part 422. The step portion 423 is formed as a surface extending toward the inside of the holder 42 and perpendicular to the second part 422. When inserted into the holder 42, the head 413b of the housing 413 of the irradiation unit 41 is in close contact with the step portion 423. In addition, at least the portion of the cylindrical part of the housing 413 near the head 413b is in close contact with the second part 422.

[0049] The device cover 50 is formed as a container shape with openings on its radially inner, outer, and rear sides. The device cover 50 has a front portion 51, a frame portion 52, and side portions 53 and 54. The front portion 51 forms the front surface of the device cover 50. The frame portion 52 is formed as a rectangular frame shape that is longer in the left-right direction in the circumferential direction, and its surface located on the radially outer side of the device cover 50 is the upper surface. The side portions 53 and 54 form the circumferential surfaces of the device cover 50, i.e., its left-right surfaces.

[0050] like Figure 10 As shown, the front portion 51 is opposite to the bulge 164 of the bellows 16. The front portion 51 is configured to include a first surface 511 and a second surface 512. The first surface 511 is configured such that the radially outer portion of the front portion 51, i.e., the upper portion at this time, extends substantially parallel to the radial direction. The second surface 512 is configured such that the radially inner portion of the front portion 51, i.e., the lower portion at this time, extends obliquely relative to the axial direction A and the radial direction. The second surface 512 extends substantially parallel to the second portion 422 of the irradiation unit 41 and the holder 42. With the device cover 50 fixed to the water tank cover 30, the second surface 512 extends parallel to the lower portion of the back surface portion 382 of the recess 38. That is, the irradiation unit 41, the second portion 422 of the holder 42, the second surface 512 of the device cover 50, and the lower portion of the back surface portion 382 of the recess 38 are respectively formed as substantially parallel surfaces. In this case, the second part 422 of the irradiation unit 41, the second surface 512 of the holder 42, and the lower part of the back surface 382 of the recess 38 are formed as a surface that is substantially parallel to the optical axis L of the light-emitting element 412.

[0051] The first surface 511 has a protrusion 511a and one or more holes 511b (in this case, two). The protrusion 511a protrudes forward from the first surface 511, forming a curved surface along the outer peripheral wall of the first portion 421 of the retainer 42 and a portion of the outer peripheral wall of the upper part of the second portion 422. The two holes 511b are provided at the circumferential ends of the first surface 511, i.e., the left and right ends, and penetrate the first surface 511 in the thickness direction. In this case, the two holes 511b are provided on the left and right sides, separated by the protrusion 511a.

[0052] With the device cover 50 housed in the recess 38, each fastening part 383 of the recess 38 is positioned corresponding to the hole 511b. The device cover 50 is fixed to the water tank cover 30 from the front by fastening components 60 such as externally threaded screws through the holes 511b and the fastening parts 383. That is, the irradiation device 40 is assembled into the recess 38 from the front.

[0053] With the retainer 42 inserted into the device cover 50, the first surface 511 is in close contact with the first portion 421 of the retainer 42 and extends in the direction along the first portion 421. In this case, the first surface 511 extends parallel to the first portion 421. With the retainer 42 inserted into the device cover 50, at least a portion of the second surface 512 is in close contact with the second portion 422 of the retainer 42, and the second surface 512 extends in the direction along the second portion 422. In this case, at least a portion of the second surface 512 extends parallel to the second portion 422.

[0054] A circular ring 521 is formed at the center of the frame portion 52 in the circumferential direction, which is also the center in the left-right direction. The upper end of the first part 421 of the retainer 42 is inserted into and held inside the circular ring 521. The diameter of the circular ring 521 is set to be longer than the radial side of the frame portion 52, i.e., the short side. The circular ring 521 is configured such that a portion protrudes forward from the frame portion 52. A protrusion 511a is formed on the radially inner side of the circular ring 521.

[0055] In the annular portion 521, a defect 521a is formed on the left side in the circumferential direction. The retainer 42 has a protrusion 421b at the upper end of the first portion 421, which protrudes outward from the first opening 421a. When the retainer 42 is inserted into the device cover 50, the protrusion 421b is embedded in the defect 521a. Accordingly, the possibility of the retainer 42 rotating inside the device cover 50 is suppressed.

[0056] When the irradiation unit 41 is housed in the holder 42 and the device cover 50 and secured to the sink cover 30 by the fastening member 60, the irradiation device 40 is inserted into the recess 38. That is, at least a portion of the irradiation unit 41, at least a portion of the holder 42, and at least a portion of the device cover 50 are located inside the recess 38 at a position closer to the rear side than the front portion 32, i.e., closer to the center of the sink 12. Therefore, the situation where the irradiation device 40 protrudes forward beyond the sink cover 30 in the depth direction is prevented. Thus, the situation where the depth of the sink cover 30 increases correspondingly to the overall depth of the irradiation device 40 is suppressed.

[0057] like Figure 10As shown, an opening 371 is provided in the ear portion 37, located above the recess 38. The opening 371 extends through the ear portion 37 in the thickness direction, connecting the space above and below the sink cover 30, and thus connecting the inside and outside of the washing tub within the outer casing 11. The opening 371 functions as a passageway for guiding the wire 414 from the irradiation unit 41 to the top of the sink cover 30.

[0058] Except for the gap through which the wire 414 passes, which is the rear part of the hole 371 at this time, the hole 371 is sealed by the engaging part 165 of the bellows 16. Furthermore, when the irradiation device 40 is fixed to the water tank cover 30, the upper end of the retainer 42, that is, the upper end of the first part 421, is in close contact with the water tank cover 30. That is, the upper end of the first part 421 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 381 of the recess 38 or the radially inner surface of the ear 37, which is the lower surface at this time. Through the flexible and watertight bellows 16 and the retainer 42, the inner and outer sides of the washing tank are kept watertight within the outer casing 11. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent water or steam in the washing tank from leaking out to the outside of the washing tank through the hole 371.

[0059] The axial length of the cylindrical shape of housing 413 is set to be longer than the axial length of the cylindrical shape of the second part 422. When inserted into the retainer 42, the front end 413a of housing 413 protrudes outside the retainer 42. Therefore, the obstruction of ultraviolet or visible light emitted from the irradiation unit 41 by the retainer 42 is suppressed.

[0060] On the other hand, the axial length of the cylindrical shape of the housing 413 is set to be shorter than the length of the inclined surface of the second surface 512 of the device cover 50. When housed in the retainer 42 and the device cover 50, the irradiation unit 41 will not protrude to a position radially inward beyond the device cover 50. Therefore, situations where the user directly sees the irradiation unit 41 are suppressed. Furthermore, incidents such as laundry being irradiated by the irradiation unit 41 during operation, or the user accidentally touching the irradiation unit 41 when loading or unloading laundry, are suppressed, making it difficult for the irradiation unit 41 to detach.

[0061] As described above, the conductor 414 extends upwards towards the water tank cover 30 via the groove 39 provided in the front section 32. The circulating water passage 191 extends through the rear side of the front section 32, i.e., the inner side of the water tank 12. The control device 20 controls the drain valve 172 and the circulating pump 192, enabling water to flow through the circulating water passage 191. In the event that the conductor 414 reaches a high temperature or is likely to reach a high temperature, the control device 20 reduces the temperature of the conductor 414 by circulating water within the circulating water passage 191, thereby suppressing overheating.

[0062] Furthermore, the circulating water passage 191 is located in the region where the recess 38 extends radially outward. Additionally, openings 33 are provided on both circumferential sides of the recess 38, and drain portions 193 are connected to them. That is, the irradiation device 40 is installed near the circulating water passage 191. Therefore, when the irradiation device 40 reaches a high temperature, or is likely to reach a high temperature, the control device 20 reduces the temperature of the irradiation device 40 by circulating water within the circulating water passage 191, thereby suppressing overheating.

[0063] According to the embodiment described above, the washing machine 10, as a clothes handling device, includes: a water tank 12, a rotating tank 13, a water tank cover 30, and an irradiation device 40. The water tank 12 has an opening 121 on its front surface. The rotating tank 13 is disposed within the water tank 12, with its front portion being open. The water tank cover 30 is annularly disposed within the opening 121 of the water tank 12. The irradiation device 40 is configured to irradiate the interior of the rotating tank 13. The water tank cover 30 has a recess 38 on its inner circumferential side of the front portion 32, which is recessed rearward. The irradiation device 40 is mounted on the recess 38 from the front.

[0064] Accordingly, the irradiation device 40 can be configured without the sink cover 30 protruding forward. This reduces the impact on the overall depth of the washing machine 10. Furthermore, since the sink cover 30 is fixed to the sink 12, the irradiation device 40 is less susceptible to vibrations from the rotating drum 13. Therefore, even if the rotating drum 13 vibrates, the irradiation device 40 is unlikely to detach, and the possibility of the wire 414 breaking can be prevented. Additionally, the irradiation device 40 can be positioned such that at least a portion is located behind the front part 32. This allows irradiation from a position closer to the rotating drum 13, making it easier to irradiate the inner side of the rotating drum 13. Therefore, a clothes handling device with a miniaturized irradiation device 40 that effectively irradiates the washing tub, is difficult to detach, and does not obstruct the overall product can be provided.

[0065] The irradiation device 40 includes an irradiation unit 41, a holder 42, and a device cover 50. The irradiation unit 41 generates visible light or ultraviolet light. The holder 42 is formed into a hollow cylinder with an open top and bottom by means of a flexible and watertight component, holding the irradiation unit 41 inside. The device cover 50 houses the holder 42 inside. With the holder 42 housing the irradiation unit 41 inside and the device cover 50 housing it, the holder 42 is fixed in place by fitting the device cover 50 into the recess 38, thus ensuring tight contact with the sink cover 30.

[0066] Accordingly, since the retainer 42, which is flexible and watertight, is in watertight contact with the sink cover 30, it is possible to prevent water or water vapor from entering the outer casing and the outside of the sink from the inside of the washing tub, i.e., the inside of the sink 12 or the rotating tub 13.

[0067] Here, we will discuss the case where the irradiation unit 41 is mounted parallel to the front part 32 of the sink cover 30, and the retainer 42 does not bend. In this case, when the irradiation unit 41 is pressed from the radially inward side, for example, from below, due to the flexibility of the retainer 42, it is possible that the irradiation unit 41 moves parallel to the front part 32, or the wire 414 bends excessively. When this happens frequently, the wire 414 may also break.

[0068] In this regard, the retainer 42 has: a first portion 421 with a cylindrical axis extending along the front portion 32 of the water tank cover 30, and a second portion 422 disposed at a position closer to the radial inner side of the rotating groove 13 than the first portion 421, and inclined in such a way that the cylindrical axis gets closer to the radial inner side of the rotating groove 13 as it moves further rearward. The irradiation unit 41 is inclined relative to the rotation axis of the rotating groove 13 along the inclination of the second portion 422.

[0069] Accordingly, since the irradiation unit 41 is tilted towards the inward side of the rotating groove 13, it can irradiate not only the near-front side of the rotating groove 13, which is closer to the irradiation unit 41, but also the interior of the rotating groove 13 without any blind spots. Furthermore, compared to the case where the irradiation unit 41 is installed parallel to the front part 32 of the water tank cover 30, even if the irradiation unit 41 is pressed from the radial inward side, the force can be dispersed by the bending of the retainer 42. Therefore, movement of the irradiation unit 41 is suppressed. Thus, the possibility of the irradiation unit 41 detaching from the water tank cover 30 can be suppressed, and the occurrence of disconnection of the wire 414 is also suppressed. Therefore, the occurrence of malfunctions of the irradiation device 40 can be reduced.

[0070] Furthermore, the device cover 50 has a second surface 512 that is connected to and extends along the second portion 422 of the retainer 42, and a first surface 511 that is connected to and extends along the first portion 421 of the retainer 42 and is inclined relative to the second portion 422 of the retainer 42. Therefore, even assuming that the irradiation unit 41 is pressed in a direction parallel to the second portion 422 of the retainer 42, it will prevent the first portion 421 of the retainer 42 and the first surface 511 of the device cover 50 from moving obliquely upward along the inclined surface of the irradiation unit 41. Therefore, it becomes a configuration that makes it even more difficult for the irradiation unit 41 to detach.

[0071] The washing machine 10, which serves as a clothes handling device, includes an outer casing 11 and a corrugated pipe 16. The outer casing 11 has a drain outlet 112 at its front portion 111, which houses the water tank 12 and the rotating tank 13. The front end 161 of the corrugated pipe 16 is connected to the drain outlet 112, and the rear end 162 of the corrugated pipe 16 is mounted on the front portion 32, which serves as the mounting surface of the water tank cover 30. The irradiation device 40 is assembled such that at least a portion of it is located rearward from the mounting surface, i.e., the front portion 32.

[0072] Accordingly, the irradiation device 40 is positioned rearward from the mounting surface of the bellows 16 and close to the center of the rotating tank 13. Therefore, the irradiation device 40 is configured to facilitate the illumination of the inner side of the rotating tank 13. Furthermore, since the wire 414 passes between the bellows 16 and the front portion 32, which serves as the mounting surface, there is no need for extensive winding of the wire 414. This improves workability during manufacturing and shortens the length of the wire 414, which is located near the inner side of the washing tank and may be exposed to water or steam. Therefore, the occurrence of malfunctions of the irradiation device 40 can be reduced.

[0073] Here, when the irradiation unit 41 is irradiated for a long period of time, or when the light-emitting element 412 is a high-output LED, the irradiation unit 41 may sometimes get hot, depending on the situation.

[0074] In this regard, the washing machine 10, which is a clothes handling device, includes a circulating water passage 191. The circulating water passage 191 passes through the inside of the sink cover 30 and connects the drain section 122 located at the bottom of the sink 12 with the drain section 193 that drains water from the top into the sink 12. The irradiation device 40 and the circulating water passage 191 are arranged radially overlapping in the sink cover 30 such that the irradiation device 40 is located radially inside the circulating water passage 191.

[0075] Accordingly, since the circulating water path 191 passes near the irradiation device 40, water flows near the irradiation device 40 during operation, thereby cooling the irradiation device 40. This prevents the irradiation device 40, the wire 414, or the components surrounding the irradiation device 40 from reaching excessively high temperatures. Therefore, the occurrence of malfunctions in the irradiation device 40 can be reduced.

[0076] In the embodiment described above, although the recess 38 is provided above the top of the opening 121, it is not limited to this. For example, the recess 38 may also be provided at a position offset from the top of the opening 121 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, although there is only one irradiation device 40 in this embodiment, it is not limited to this. Multiple irradiation devices 40 may also be provided, for example, two arranged symmetrically on both sides.

[0077] While an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is merely an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are all included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A garment processing apparatus comprising: a water tank having an opening on its front surface; a rotating trough disposed within the water tank and having an opening at its front; a water tank cover disposed annularly at the opening of the water tank; and an irradiation device for irradiating the interior of the rotating trough. The water tank cover has a recessed portion on the inner circumference of its front part, facing rearward. The irradiation device is mounted on the recess from the front. The irradiation device comprises: an irradiation unit that generates light; a holder formed from a flexible and watertight component into a hollow cylindrical shape with openings at the top and bottom, which holds the irradiation unit inside; and a device cover that houses the holder inside. With the retainer housing the irradiation unit inside being housed in the device cover, the device cover is fitted into the recess, thereby securing the retainer in close contact with the sink cover.

2. The garment processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retainer is curvedly formed and has: a first portion whose cylindrical axis extends along the front surface of the sink cover; and a second portion positioned radially inward of the rotating groove than the first portion, and inclined such that the cylindrical axis becomes closer to the radial inward of the rotating groove as it moves rearward. The irradiation unit is tilted relative to the axis of the rotating groove along the inclination of the second part.

3. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The garment processing device includes: an outer casing having an outlet at the front, housing the water tank and the rotating trough inside; and a corrugated pipe that watertightly connects the outlet to the water tank cover. The front end of the corrugated pipe is connected to the outlet, and the rear end of the corrugated pipe is mounted on the mounting surface of the water tank cover. The irradiation device is assembled such that at least a portion of it is located rearward from the mounting surface.

4. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The garment processing device includes a circulating water passage that passes through the inside of the water tank cover and connects a drain section and a discharge section, wherein the drain section is located at the lower part of the water tank, and the discharge section discharges water from above into the water tank. The irradiation device and the circulating water path are configured to overlap radially on the water tank cover such that the irradiation device is located radially inside the circulating water path.

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