Ultrasonic cleaning device and washing machine

Abstract

An ultrasonic cleaning device in which a cleaning target can be easily placed in a water tank. The ultrasonic cleaning device (50) includes a water storage portion (200) having a water tank (210) that can store water; an ultrasonic wave generating body (110) disposed directly above the water tank (210) so that ultrasonic waves generated from a front end of the ultrasonic wave generating body (110) act on a cleaning target placed in the water tank (210); a support portion (310) that supports the water storage portion (200) so that it can move in the up-down direction; and an elastic member (320) disposed between the water storage portion (200) and the support portion (310) that imparts an upward elastic force to the water storage portion (200). Thus, a user can easily insert a cleaning target between the water tank (210) and the ultrasonic wave generating body (110) and can easily place the cleaning target in the water tank (210).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an ultrasonic cleaning device and a washing machine provided with the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a washing machine provided with an ultrasonic cleaning device around a laundry introduction port of an upper panel, for example, a front side of the introduction port. The ultrasonic cleaning device is provided with a water storage tub that can store water, and an ultrasonic wave generating body disposed directly above the water storage tub. A user places a portion of an object to be cleaned, on which dirt is attached, i.e., a cleaned portion, in the water storage tub in a manner of being inserted between the ultrasonic wave generating body and the water storage tub. The cleaned portion is soaked in water stored in the water storage tub.

[0003] The front end of the ultrasonic wave generating body is in contact with water soaked in the cleaned portion, and ultrasonic wave vibrations are emitted from the ultrasonic wave generating body in this state. The ultrasonic wave vibrations propagate into water contained in the cleaned portion, and cavitation occurs in the water. Dirt is peeled off from the cleaned portion by the effect of the cavitation.

[0004] In the above-described ultrasonic cleaning device, it is desirable to make the distance between the front end of the ultrasonic wave generating body and the bottom surface of the water storage tub relatively small so that the front end of the ultrasonic wave generating body easily comes into contact with water soaked in the cleaned portion. However, in this case, it is feared that the user will have difficulty in inserting the cleaned portion between the ultrasonic wave generating body and the water storage tub, and in placing the cleaned portion, i.e., the object to be cleaned, in the water storage tub.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-10243 SUMMARY

[0008] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide an ultrasonic cleaning device and a washing machine in which an object to be cleaned can be easily placed in a water storage tub.

[0010] SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0011] A first aspect of the present application relates to an ultrasonic cleaning device. The ultrasonic cleaning device of this aspect is provided with a water storage portion having a water storage tub that can store water; an ultrasonic wave generating body disposed directly above the water storage tub so that ultrasonic waves generated from a front end of the ultrasonic wave generating body act on an object to be cleaned placed in the water storage tub; a support portion that supports the water storage portion so that it can move in an up-and-down direction; and an elastic member disposed between the water storage portion and the support portion that imparts an upward elastic force to the water storage portion.

[0012] According to the above structure, when the laundry is placed in the tub, the water storage portion can be depressed to increase the distance between the ultrasonic wave generating body and the bottom surface of the tub. Thus, the user can easily insert the laundry between the tub and the ultrasonic wave generating body, and can easily place the laundry in the tub.

[0013] In the ultrasonic wave cleaning apparatus of the present embodiment, the following structure can be employed, that is, further comprising: a housing that accommodates the ultrasonic wave generating body; and a guard portion provided to the housing to surround the front end of the ultrasonic wave generating body. In this case, the guard portion protrudes toward the tub side than the front end of the ultrasonic wave generating body.

[0014] According to the above structure, the portion of the laundry near the ultrasonic wave generating body can be sandwiched by the guard portion and the bottom surface of the tub, and the guard portion can be pressed from below by the elastic force of the elastic member. Thus, the portion of the laundry near the ultrasonic wave generating body is easily stretched flat, and the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic wave generating body easily acts on the portion. Thus, it is expected that the decontamination of the laundry becomes good.

[0015] In the case where the above structure is employed, the following structure can be further employed, that is, the surface of the guard portion that opposes the bottom surface of the tub has a concave-convex shape.

[0016] When such a structure is employed, the vibration generated due to the operation of the ultrasonic wave generating body propagates to vibrate the guard portion, and thus the laundry can be beaten by the portions of the concave-convex shape. Thus, it is expected that the decontamination of the laundry becomes better.

[0017] The second aspect of the present invention relates to a washing machine. The washing machine of the present aspect includes: a washing tub for accommodating a washing object to perform washing; and the ultrasonic wave cleaning apparatus of the first aspect.

[0018] According to the above structure, the same effects as the ultrasonic wave cleaning apparatus of the first aspect can be obtained.

[0019] Effects of Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, an ultrasonic wave cleaning apparatus and a washing machine in which the laundry can be easily placed in the tub can be provided.

[0021] The effects and the significance of the present invention are further clarified by the following description of the embodiments. However, the following embodiments are ultimately only an example of implementing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited in any way by the contents described in the following embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a full-automatic washing machine of the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 (a) is a perspective view of an ultrasonic cleaning device and an upper panel in a state of being pulled out of a housing portion according to the embodiment, and (b) and (c) are perspective views of main portions of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the upper panel in a state of being housed in the housing portion according to the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 is a front sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 is a front sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 is a front sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the modification 1.

[0028] Figure 7 (a) and (b) are a plan view and a sectional view of the guard according to the modification 1, respectively.

[0029] Figure 8 (a) to (d) are views for explaining another configuration example of the modification 1.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] 1: full automatic washing machine (washing machine); 20: outer tub (washing tub); 22: washing and dewatering tub (washing tub); 50: ultrasonic cleaning device; 110: ultrasonic generating body; 120: housing; 160: guard (guard portion); 161: concave-convex shape; 200: water storage portion; 210: water storage tub; 310: support portion; 320: coil spring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 is a side sectional view of the full automatic washing machine 1.

[0034] The full automatic washing machine 1 is provided with a cabinet 10 constituting an outer contour. The cabinet 10 includes a machine body portion 11 of a square tub shape with its upper and lower surfaces open, an upper panel 12 covering the upper surface of the machine body portion 11, and a foot stand 13 supporting the machine body portion 11. A throwing-in port 14 of a washing object is formed in the upper panel 12. The throwing-in port 14 is covered by an upper lid 15 which is openable and closable. In the front portion of the upper panel 12, a control portion 16 is arranged inside. The control portion 16 controls a washing operation of the full automatic washing machine 1 and a cleaning operation of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

[0035] The outer tub 20 having the upper surface opening is elastically suspended and supported in the cabinet 10 by four hangers 21 having a vibration-proof device. A washing and dewatering tub 22 having the upper surface opening is disposed in the outer tub 20. The washing and dewatering tub 22 is rotated about a rotation shaft extending in the vertical direction. A plurality of dewatering holes 22a are formed in the inner circumferential surface of the washing and dewatering tub 22 throughout the entire circumference. A balance ring 23 is provided at the upper portion of the washing and dewatering tub 22. A pulsator 24 is disposed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 22. A plurality of blades 24a are provided on the surface of the pulsator 24 in a radial pattern. It is to be noted that the washing tub of the present application is composed of the outer tub 20 and the washing and dewatering tub 22.

[0036] A drive unit 30 for generating a torque to drive the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the pulsator 24 is disposed at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. The drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism portion 32. The transmission mechanism portion 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a, and by switching operation by the clutch mechanism 32a, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted only to the pulsator 24 to rotate the pulsator 24 alone during the washing process and the rinsing process, and the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and the washing and dewatering tub 22 to rotate the pulsator 24 and the washing and dewatering tub 22 integrally during the dewatering process.

[0037] A drain port portion 20a is formed at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain valve 40 is provided at the drain port portion 20a. The drain valve 40 is connected to a drain hose 41. When the drain valve 40 is opened, water accumulated in the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is discharged to the outside of the machine through the drain hose 41.

[0038] An overflow port 20b is formed at the upper portion of the outer tub 20. When water is accumulated in the outer tub 20 to a level above a predetermined overflow level, the water is discharged from the overflow port 20b. An overflow receiving portion 25 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tub 20 in such a manner as to cover the overflow port 20b. One end of an overflow pipe 26 is connected to the bottom of the overflow receiving portion 25. The other end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to the drain hose 41. Water discharged from the overflow port 20b is received by the overflow receiving portion 25 and then flows to the drain hose 41 through the overflow pipe 26.

[0039] An ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is disposed at the substantially central portion of the rear portion of the upper panel 12. The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 mainly performs a cleaning operation for removing dirt adhering to a part of the laundry before washing in the fully automatic washing machine 1.

[0040] In the rear portion of the upper panel 12, a storage tank 60 is arranged behind the ultrasonic washing device 50, and a drain receiving portion 70 is arranged below the ultrasonic washing device 50. The storage tank 60 is capable of storing detergent-containing water to be supplied to the tub 210 of the ultrasonic washing device 50 as washing water. The storage tank 60 is provided with a supply valve 61 that opens and closes a flow outlet of the washing water from inside the storage tank 60. A supply nozzle 62 connected to the supply valve 61 extends from the storage tank 60 toward the upper portion of the tub 210 of the ultrasonic washing device 50.

[0041] The drain receiving portion 70 has a tray shape and receives water drained from the tub 210. The drain receiving portion 70 is provided with a drain hole 71 through which the received water is drained. One end of a drain pipe 72 is connected to the drain hole 71. The other end of the drain pipe 72 is connected to the upper portion of the overflow pipe 26. The water received by the drain receiving portion 70 is drained toward the drain hose 41 through the drain pipe 72 and the overflow pipe 26.

[0042] In the rear portion of the upper panel 12, a water supply device 80 is arranged so as to surround the ultrasonic washing device 50. The water supply device 80 is connected to a water faucet and has a function of supplying water into the washing and dewatering tub 22. In addition, the water supply device 80 has a liquid detergent box and a softener box, not shown, that contain liquid detergent and softener, respectively, and functions also as an automatic feeding device that automatically feeds the detergent and the softener into the washing and dewatering tub 22. Furthermore, the water supply device 80 also has a function of generating washing water by water from the water faucet and the detergent from the detergent box and supplying the washing water to the storage tank 60.

[0043] Figure 2 Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic washing device 50 and the upper panel 12 in a state in which the ultrasonic washing device 50 is pulled out from the housing portion 17. Figure 2 Figs. 2(b) and (c) are perspective views of the main portions of the ultrasonic washing device 50 and the upper panel 12 in a state in which the ultrasonic washing device 50 is housed in the housing portion 17. Figure 2 In Fig. 2(c), the illustration of the cover 19 is omitted so that the inside of the housing portion 17 can be seen.

[0044] In the upper panel 12, a housing portion 17 that houses the ultrasonic washing device 50 is provided in the central portion of the rear portion. In the upper panel 12, the front portion of the housing portion 17 is opened as an entrance 18. In the entrance 18, a cover 19 having a substantially square shape and a light-transmitting property is provided.

[0045] The ultrasonic washing device 50 has an ultrasonic washing portion 100, a water storage portion 200, and a main body portion 300. The ultrasonic washing portion 100 has an ultrasonic wave generating body 110 that generates ultrasonic waves. In the water storage portion 200, a tub 210 that stores washing water is provided. The ultrasonic wave generating body 110 is located directly above the tub 210. The washing water is supplied to the tub 210 from the storage tank 60 through the supply nozzle 62.

[0046] As Figure 2 (a) shows, when the washing operation is performed, the ultrasonic washing device 50 is pulled out from the housing portion 17 to the front and protrudes to the inside of the inlet 14 of the upper panel 12. On the other hand, as shown in (b) and (c) of Figure 2 , when the washing operation is not performed, the ultrasonic washing device 50 is housed in the housing portion 17. The entrance 18 of the housing portion 17 is closed by the cover 19. At this time, the lower end of the cover 19 abuts against the front end portion of the water reservoir 200.

[0047] Figure 3 is a side sectional view of the ultrasonic washing device 50. Figure 4 and Figure 5 are front sectional views of the ultrasonic washing device 50. Figure 3 In Figure 4 , the position is cut along the line B-B', Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the position is cut along the line A-A' of Figure 3 . Figure 4 represents a state in which the water reservoir 200 is located at the uppermost position, Figure 5 represents a state in which the water reservoir 200 is located at the lowermost position.

[0048] In the ultrasonic washing device 50, the ultrasonic washing portion 100 and the water reservoir 200 are held in the main body portion 300.

[0049] The ultrasonic washing portion 100 is provided with an ultrasonic wave generating body 110 and a housing 120. The ultrasonic wave generating body 110 includes an ultrasonic wave vibrator 111 and a vibration amplitude rod 112 which is coupled to the ultrasonic wave vibrator 111. The vibration amplitude rod 112 is formed of a metal material having electrical conductivity, and has a shape which is gradually tapered as it approaches the front end side. The front end surface 112a of the vibration amplitude rod 112 has an elongated rectangular shape. A flange portion 112b is formed at the upper end portion of the vibration amplitude rod 112. The ultrasonic wave generating body 110 generates ultrasonic waves from the front end of the vibration amplitude rod 112 by high frequency vibration of the ultrasonic wave vibrator 111.

[0050] The housing 120 is formed of a resin material, and has an arm shape which extends in the front-rear direction and is curved downward, and includes a housing main body 130 and a cover 140. The housing main body 130 extends in the front-rear direction, and has an opening portion 131 at the lower surface of the front end portion 130a thereof. In the housing main body 130, a mounting portion 132 is provided around the opening portion 131.

[0051] The lid 140 is installed from below to the front end portion 130a of the case main body 130 in a manner to block the opening portion 131, and constitutes the front end portion 121 of the case 120. The lid 140 has a bottomed cylindrical shape that becomes slender as it tends downward. An opening portion 141 having an elongated rectangular shape is formed in the bottom surface of the lid 140 that is the front end surface of the case 120. A guide rib 142 that protrudes forward is provided in the central portion in the left-right direction of the front surface of the lid 140.

[0052] In the inside of the case 120, the ultrasonic wave generating body 110 is installed to the installation portion 132 in a manner that its flange portion 112b is pressed from above by the frame-shaped fixing member 150. The fixing member 150 is fixed to the installation portion 132 by a screw 172. The front end portion of the vibration amplitude rod 112, that is, the front end portion of the ultrasonic wave generating body 110, protrudes slightly downward from the opening portion 141 of the front end of the case 120.

[0053] The water storage portion 200 is formed of a resin material, and has a shape that is slightly longer in the front-rear direction and flat in the up-down direction, and the left side portion protrudes rearward more than the right side portion. A water storage tub 210 having a shape that follows the outer shape of the water storage portion 200 is formed in the upper surface portion 201 of the water storage portion 200. The water storage tub 210 is inclined in a manner that its inner peripheral surface expands as it tends upward.

[0054] A circular drain port 211 is formed in the lower portion of the rear surface of the water storage tub 210. The drain port 211 is occluded by a valve body 220. The valve body 220 is opened and closed by a valve opening and closing mechanism not shown. When the ultrasonic wave washing device 50 is pulled out from the storage portion 17, the drain port 211 becomes in a closed state by the valve body 220. When the ultrasonic wave washing device 50 is stored in the storage portion 17, the valve body 220 is distanced from the drain port 211, and the drain port 211 is opened. When the drain port 211 is opened, the washing water in the water storage tub 210 is discharged to the drain receiving portion 70.

[0055] In the water storage portion 200, the front surface portion 202 has a square plate shape that is elongated in the left-right direction, and the left and right side surface portions 203 have square plate shapes that are elongated in the front-rear direction. In the water storage portion 200, an inner wall portion 204 that is an elongated square plate shape extending in parallel with the front surface portion 202 is provided inside the front surface portion 202, and an inner wall portion 205 that is an elongated square plate shape extending in parallel with the left and right side surface portions 203 is provided inside the left and right side surface portions 203. A groove portion 206 that is recessed upward and extends in the front-rear direction is formed between each side surface portion 203 and each inner wall portion 205. In each groove portion 206, the front side is blocked by the inner wall portion 204.

[0056] The main body 300 has a substantially square shape when viewed from the front. The rear portion 122 of the housing 120 of the ultrasonic cleaning section 100 is fixed to the upper portion of the main body 300. In the main body 300, an opening portion 301 is formed on the left side. The lower side of the opening portion 301 is wider than the upper side, and the rear portion of the water storage section 200 passes through the lower side, and the supply nozzle 62 passes through the upper side.

[0057] Support portions 310 extending forward are provided at the lower ends of the left and right sides of the main body 300. The support portions 310 have an elongated cuboid shape. On the upper surfaces 310a of the support portions 310, coil springs 320 are provided on the front and rear portions. The left and right support portions 310 are fitted into the left and right groove portions 206 of the water storage section 200 from below. The front surfaces 310b of the support portions 310 are in contact with the inner wall portions 204 of the water storage section 200, and the left and right side surfaces 310c of the support portions 310 are in contact with the side surface portions 203 and the inner wall portions 205 of the water storage section 200.

[0058] The water storage section 200 is loaded on the four coil springs 320. The left and right support portions 310 support the water storage section 200 so as to be movable in the vertical direction via the four coil springs 320.

[0059] The upper ends of the coil springs 320 are fitted into the protrusions 207 formed in the groove portions 206 of the water storage section 200, and the lower ends are fitted into the protrusions 311 formed in the upper surfaces 310a of the support portions 310. The four coil springs 320 impart an upward elastic force to the water storage section 200.

[0060] In a state in which the water storage section 200 is located at the uppermost position, the position of the front end surface 112a of the vibration amplitude rod 112 of the ultrasonic wave generating body 110 is slightly lower than the position of the upper surface of the water tub 210, and the front end portion of the vibration amplitude rod 112 slightly enters the water tub 210.

[0061] The full-automatic washing machine 1 is capable of performing various modes of washing operation. In the washing operation, a cleaning process, an intermediate dehydration process, a rinsing process, and a final dehydration process are sequentially performed.

[0062] In the cleaning process and the rinsing process, the pulsator 24 is rotated to the right and left in a state in which water is stored in the washing and dehydration tub 22. By the rotation of the pulsator 24, a water flow is generated in the washing and dehydration tub 22. In the cleaning process, the laundry is cleaned by the generated water flow and the detergent contained in the water. In the rinsing process, the laundry is rinsed by the generated water flow.

[0063] In the intermediate dehydration process and the final dehydration process, the washing and dehydration tub 22 and the pulsator 24 are integrally rotated at high speed. By the action of the centrifugal force generated in the washing and dehydration tub 22, the laundry is dehydrated.

[0064] The fully automatic washing machine 1 is equipped with an ultrasonic cleaning device 50 that performs the washing operation on the laundry, i.e. the items to be washed.

[0065] When the washing operation begins, washing water is supplied from the storage tank 60 to the water tank 210. When the supply of washing water to the water tank 210 is complete, the user places the dirt-covered part of the item to be washed, i.e. the part to be washed, into the water tank 210 by inserting it between the water tank 210 and the ultrasonic generator 110.

[0066] At this time, the user presses down on the water reservoir 200. For example, the user can either pull the part being washed from both sides and use the taut part to press the water reservoir 200, or they can use the hands holding both sides of the part being washed to press the water reservoir 200. Figure 5 As shown, the water storage section 200 moves downward against the elastic force of the helical spring 320, and the distance between the ultrasonic generator 110 and the bottom surface 210a of the water storage tank 210 increases. As a result, the user can easily insert the part to be washed between the water storage tank 210 and the ultrasonic generator 110, and can easily place the part to be washed inside the water storage tank 210.

[0067] It should be noted that if the material to be cleaned is thin and can be easily placed in the water tank 210 without increasing the distance between the ultrasonic generator 110 and the bottom surface 210a of the water tank 210, it is not necessary to press down the water tank 200.

[0068] The cleaned portion of the item placed in the water storage tank 210 is immersed in cleaning water, which seeps to the surface. A thin layer of water forms on the surface of the cleaned portion, and the tip of the ultrasonic generator 110, i.e., the tip of the vibration amplitude transformer 112, is in contact with this water layer. The ultrasonic generator 110 operates, emitting ultrasonic vibrations from the tip of the vibration amplitude transformer 112. The ultrasonic vibrations propagate into the water contained in the cleaned portion, causing cavitation in the water. Through this cavitation effect, dirt is removed from the cleaned portion. At this time, the cleaning power increases due to the addition of detergent.

[0069] <Effects of the Implementation Method>

[0070] According to this embodiment, when the cleaned portion of the object to be cleaned is placed in the water storage tank 210, the water storage section 200 can be pressed down to increase the distance between the ultrasonic generator 110 and the bottom surface 210a of the water storage tank 210. This allows the user to easily insert the cleaned portion between the water storage tank 210 and the ultrasonic generator 110, and to easily place the cleaned portion into the water storage tank 210. This improves user convenience.

[0071] In particular, even in the case of washing a thick-walled object, the washed portion can be easily placed in the tub 210.

[0072] The above describes embodiments of the present application, but the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the embodiments of the present application can be variously changed in addition to the above.

[0073] <Modification Example 1>

[0074] Figure 6 Fig. 1 is a front sectional view of an ultrasonic washing device 50 of Modification Example 1. Figure 7 Figs. 1 (a) and (b) are a plan view and a sectional view, respectively, of a guard 160 of Modification Example 1.

[0075] In the ultrasonic washing device 50 of the present modification example 1, the guard 160 is provided on the front end surface of the housing 120. The guard 160 is formed of a rubber member such as silicone and is fixed to the front end surface of the housing 120 by an adhesive or the like. The guard 160 has a square plate shape with an open central portion and a shape corresponding to the front end surface of the housing 120, i.e., the same shape as the opening portion 141, and surrounds the front end of the ultrasonic wave generating body 110. The guard 160 protrudes toward the tub 210 side than the front end of the ultrasonic wave generating body 110. The guard 160 corresponds to the guard portion of the present application.

[0076] The lower end surface 160a of the guard 160, which opposes the bottom surface 210a of the tub 210, has a wavy concave-convex shape 161. The concave-convex shape 161 is formed in a manner of extending over the entire area of the lower end surface 160a, i.e., the entire circumference of the opening.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 1 (b), in the ultrasonic washing device 50 of the present modification example 1, the portion of the object to be washed near the ultrasonic wave generating body 110 can be sandwiched by the guard 160 and the bottom surface 210a of the tub 210, and the guard 160 is pressed from below by the elastic force of the coil spring 320. Thus, the portion of the object to be washed near the ultrasonic wave generating body 110 is easily stretched flat, and the ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic wave generating body 110 easily act on the portion. Thus, it is expected that the decontamination of the object to be washed becomes good. Figure 6 Furthermore, the lower end surface 160a of the guard 160, which contacts the object to be washed, has the concave-convex shape 161, and the vibration of the ultrasonic transducer 111 propagates to vibrate the guard 160, whereby the portion of the concave-convex shape 161 can be used to beat-wash the object to be washed. Thus, it is expected that the decontamination of the object to be washed becomes better.

[0078]

[0079] ​Note that, in the above example, the wavy concave-convex shape 161 is formed on the entire area of the lower end surface 160a of the shield 160. However, it can also be that, as shown in (a) of FIG. 10, Figure 8 the wavy concave-convex shape 161 is provided on a part of the lower end surface 160a of the shield 160. Further, for example, as shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. 10, it can also be that, instead of the wavy concave-convex shape 161, a concave-convex shape 162 formed of a plurality of semispherical protrusions is formed on the entire area or a part of the lower end surface 160a of the shield 160. Figure 8

[0080] Further, it can also be that, as shown in (d) of FIG. 10, the lower end surface 160a of the shield 160 is not provided with a concave-convex shape but is provided as a flat surface. In this case, although the effect of beating can not be expected, the effect of extending the portion near the ultrasonic wave generator 110 of the object to be washed flat can be expected. Figure 8

[0081] Further, in the above example, the shield 160 is formed separately from the housing 120. However, the shield 160 can also be formed integrally with the housing 120, i.e., the cover 140. In this case, the cover 140 can also be formed of a rubber material.

[0082] <Other Modified Examples>

[0083] In the above embodiment, the water storage portion 200 is supported by the two support portions 310 extending forward from the lower end portions on the left and right of the main body portion 300. However, the structure of the support portions is not limited to that of the above embodiment and can be any structure. For example, one flat support portion can also be provided below the water storage portion 200.

[0084] Further, in the above embodiment, the coil spring 320 is used in order to impart an upward elastic force to the water storage portion 200. However, a spring other than the coil spring 320 can also be used, and an elastic member other than a spring, such as rubber, can also be used.

[0085] Further, in the above embodiment, the ultrasonic wave washing device 50 is provided to the fully automatic washing machine 1. However, the ultrasonic wave washing device 50 can also be provided to a washing machine other than the fully automatic washing machine 1, such as a drum washing machine. Further, the ultrasonic wave washing device 50 can also be provided to, for example, a fully automatic washing-drying integrated machine or a drum-type washing-drying integrated machine having a drying function. In the drum washing machine and the drum-type washing-drying integrated machine, a washing drum is constituted by an outer drum and a drum disposed inside the outer drum.

[0086] Further, the embodiments of the present application can be appropriately changed within the scope of the technical idea indicated in the technical solutions.​​

Claims

1. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus, characterized by comprising: Possessing: a water storage portion having a water storage tub that can store water; an ultrasonic wave generating body disposed directly above the water storage tub so that ultrasonic waves generated from a front end of the ultrasonic wave generating body act on a washing target placed in the water storage tub; a support portion that supports the water storage portion so that it can move in the up-and-down direction; and a resilient member disposed between the water storage portion and the support portion that imparts an upward resilient force to the water storage portion, when a washing target is placed in the water storage tub, the water storage portion can be depressed to increase the distance between the ultrasonic wave generating body and the bottom surface of the water storage tub. Further possessing:

2. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a housing that houses the ultrasonic wave generating body; and a protective portion provided on the housing that surrounds the front end of the ultrasonic wave generating body, the protective portion protrudes toward the water storage tub side than the front end of the ultrasonic wave generating body.

3. The ultrasonic wave washing device according to claim 2, wherein a surface of the protective portion that opposes the bottom surface of the water storage tub has a concave-convex shape. The concave-convex shape is formed on the entire area of the lower end surface of the protective portion, or the concave-convex shape is provided on a partial area of the lower end surface of the protective portion.

4. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 3, wherein A storage tank is disposed behind the ultrasonic wave washing device, and a water drain receiving portion is disposed below the ultrasonic wave washing device, and the storage tank can store water containing detergent to be supplied to the water storage tub of the ultrasonic wave washing device as washing water.

5. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein A supply valve that opens and closes a flow outlet for the washing water from the storage tank is provided in the storage tank, and a supply nozzle connected to the supply valve extends from the storage tank to above the water storage tub of the ultrasonic wave washing device.

6. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, wherein The water drain receiving portion receives water drained from the water storage tub, and a drain hole through which the received water is drained is formed in the water drain receiving portion.

7. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, wherein On the upper surface of the support portion, the resilient members are provided on the front and rear portions, the front surface of the support portion is in contact with the inner wall portion of the water storage portion, and the left and right side surfaces of the support portion are in contact with the side portions and the inner wall portion of the water storage portion.

8. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The resilient member is a coil spring.

9. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein Possessing:

10. A laundry machine characterized by a washing tub for accommodating washing objects to be washed; and the ultrasonic wave washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. ​

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