Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of compactly storing a pressure dissolution tank while simplifying assembly.SOLUTION: A washing machine comprises: a water tank; a water injecting case; a pressure dissolution tank disposed adjacent to the water injecting case; a fine air bubble generator; and a water feeding valve mechanism configured to include a first water feeding valve to open and close a first water feeding path passing through the pressure dissolution tank and the fine air bubble generator to the water tank via the water injecting case and a second water feeding valve to open and close a second water feeding path leading to the water tank via the water injecting case without passing through the pressure dissolution tank and the fine air bubble generator. The pressure dissolution tank has a tank side inlet part that is directly connected to a discharge port of the first water feeding valve. The water injecting case has a case side inlet part that is directly connected to a discharge port of the second water feeding valve. The tank side inlet part is located on a same side as the case side inlet part with respect to the water feeding valve mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a technology that improves the cleaning effect by using fine bubble water containing fine bubbles such as microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles, known as fine bubbles, in a washing machine has been attracting attention. In a conventional configuration, a technology has been disclosed that improves the cleaning effect by using fine bubble water generated through a pressurized dissolving device that dissolves air components in water from an external water supply source and a fine bubble generator installed downstream of the pressurized dissolving device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-137114 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional configuration, the compact storage of the pressurized dissolving tank in the limited space inside the washing machine was not taken into consideration. Therefore, in the conventional configuration, there is room for improvement in terms of compact storage of the pressurized dissolving tank inside the washing machine. In addition, it is desirable to reduce the number of parts and simplify assembly in the structure connecting the pressurized dissolving tank to other devices.

[0005] In view of the above, a washing machine capable of storing a pressurized dissolving tank compactly while simplifying assembly is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A washing machine according to an embodiment includes a water tub, a water injection case that receives water supplied from an external water source and injects the water into the water tub, a pressurized dissolving tank that is provided adjacent to the water injection case and that is capable of pressurizing the water supplied from the external water source with the pressure of the water to dissolve air components in the water and discharge the water, a fine bubble generator that is provided downstream of the pressurized dissolving tank and that precipitates fine bubbles in the water flowing out of the pressurized dissolving tank, a first water supply valve that opens and closes a first water supply path that passes through the pressurized dissolving tank and the fine bubble generator and leads to the water tub via the water injection case, and a pressure adjusting device that adjusts the pressure adjusting device between the pressurized dissolving tank and the fine bubble generator. and a water supply valve mechanism comprising: a second water supply valve which opens and closes a second water supply path which leads to the water tank via the water supply case without passing through a fine bubble generator, wherein the pressurized dissolution tank is directly connected to the outlet of the first water supply valve and has a tank side inlet portion through which water flows from the outside of the pressurized dissolution tank to the inside, and the water supply case is directly connected to the outlet of the second water supply valve and has a case side inlet portion through which water flows from the outside of the water supply case to the inside, and the tank side inlet portion is located on the same side as the case side inlet portion relative to the water supply valve mechanism. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a vertical washing machine according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a back cover is removed from an example of a vertical washing machine according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state in which a back cover is removed from an example of a vertical washing machine according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a water supply device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a rear view of an example of a water supply device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a top view of an example of a water supply device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a path of water supplied from an external water source according to one embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a water supply device according to an embodiment with a pressurized dissolving tank removed; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a pressurized dissolving tank is accommodated in a recess of a water injection case in an example of a water supply device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a pressurized dissolution tank according to an embodiment taken along line X10-X10 in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a pressurized dissolution tank according to an embodiment taken along line X11-X11 in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a microbubble generator according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a micro-bubble generator according to an embodiment, taken along line X13-X13 in FIG. 12 , in an enlarged scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the terms "first," "second," ... attached to components are merely intended to distinguish similar components, and do not indicate superiority or inferiority between the components or time elements.

[0009] The washing machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a so-called vertical washing machine in which the rotation axis of the spin tub 13 faces vertically. The washing machine is not limited to a vertical washing machine, and may be a horizontal-axis type in which the rotation axis of the spin tub faces horizontally or a diagonal-axis type in which the rotation axis of the spin tub is inclined downward toward the rear. The washing machine 10 may or may not have a drying function. The washing machine 10 may also be equipped with an automatic treatment agent dispenser that can automatically dispense laundry treatment agents such as detergent and finishing agent. The automatic treatment agent dispenser has a treatment agent tank that can store an amount of laundry treatment agent used for multiple washing operations, and can automatically dispense a predetermined amount of laundry treatment agent from the treatment agent tank into the water tub for each washing operation.

[0010] Washing machine 10 includes housing 11, water tub 12, spin tub 13, top cover 14, back cover 15, lid 16, operation panel 17, and water supply device 20. In FIG. 1, the side of washing machine 10 on which washing machine 10 is installed, i.e., the vertically lower side, is defined as the lower side of washing machine 10, and the opposite side of the installation surface, i.e., the vertically upper side, is defined as the upper side of washing machine 10. Also, the side of washing machine 10 seen from the user, i.e., the left side of the paper in FIG. 1, is defined as the front side of washing machine 10, and the opposite side of the user, i.e., the right side of the paper in FIG. 1, is defined as the rear side of washing machine 10. The direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-rear direction of washing machine 10 is defined as the left-right direction of washing machine 10.

[0011] The housing 11 constitutes the outer shell of the washing machine 10. The housing 11 is formed into a substantially rectangular box shape using, for example, a steel plate. The water tub 12 and the spin tub 13 are both formed into a so-called bottomed cylinder shape, with one side in the axial direction of the cylinder, i.e., the upper side, being open, and the other side, i.e., the lower side having a bottom. The water tub 12 is disposed within the housing 11 and is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown). The spin tub 13 is disposed rotatably within the water tub 12, and is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). The motor is provided on the outside of the bottom of the water tub 12, and has the function of driving the spin tub 13 to rotate relative to the water tub 12.

[0012] The top cover 14 is made of, for example, synthetic resin, and is formed in a thin rectangular ring shape with the upper surface inclined downward toward the front. The top cover 14 is not limited to being inclined downward toward the front of the washing machine 10, and may be configured to be horizontal with respect to the floor surface. The top cover 14 is provided on the upper part of the housing 11, and has an opening (not shown) in the center. The opening communicates the inside and outside of the washing machine 10. Laundry is put in and taken out of the inside of the washing machine 10 through the opening. The back cover 15 is provided on the rear end part and part of the upper part of the top cover 14. The back cover 15 is configured in, for example, a substantially rectangular box shape extending in the left-right direction of the washing machine 10.

[0013] The lid 16 is rotatably provided on the upper part of the top cover 14. The lid 16 has a function of opening and closing the opening of the top cover 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the lid 16 is inclined downward toward the user side, i.e., toward the front, when the opening is closed. The lid 16 is not limited to being inclined downward toward the front of the washing machine 10, but may be provided so as to be horizontal to the floor surface. The lid 16 is configured as a so-called bi-fold type configured to be folded at a midpoint in the front-rear direction of the lid 16. The lid 16 is not limited to being a bi-fold type, and may be configured as a single lid body configured as a substantially rectangular plate as a whole.

[0014] Operation panel 17 is provided with a display section and an operation section (not shown), and receives input operations for setting a washing operation course by the user, and displays the input operation contents and operation status, etc. Operation panel 17 is provided, for example, on the front part of the top surface of housing 11. Washing machine 10 also includes a drainage mechanism (not shown). The drainage mechanism has a function of draining water stored in water tub 12 to the outside of washing machine 10.

[0015] The water supply device 20 has a function of supplying water supplied from an external water source such as a water supply into the water tank 12. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the water supply device 20 is accommodated inside the back cover 15. The water supply device 20 has a water supply case 21, treatment agent cases 221 and 222, a water supply valve mechanism 23, a pressurized dissolving tank 30, and a fine bubble generator 40. The water supply case 21 is provided downstream of the water supply valve mechanism 23. The water supply case 21 has a function of receiving water supplied from an external water supply source and supplying the water into the water tank 12 through a water supply hose (not shown). The water supply case 21 is made of, for example, synthetic resin, and can be formed into a long box shape along the front-rear direction of the washing machine 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the water supply case 21 is located, for example, near the center of the washing machine 10 in the left-right direction.

[0016] The treatment agent cases 221, 222 are formed of, for example, containers made of synthetic resin, and are configured to be able to accommodate an amount of laundry treatment agent to be used for one washing run. The treatment agent cases 221, 222 are detachably accommodated within the water injection case 21. The treatment agent cases 221, 222 can be configured as drawers that can be inserted and removed from the water injection case 21, for example, in the front-rear direction. The treatment agent cases 221 and 222 are, for example, arranged side by side within the water injection case 21, as shown in FIG.

[0017] The washing machine 10 includes, as the treatment agent cases 221, 222, for example, a detergent case 221 and a finishing agent case 222. The detergent case 221 is for receiving an amount of detergent to be used in one operation from the user and supplying the detergent into the water tub 12. On the other hand, the finishing agent case 222 is for receiving an amount of finishing agent to be used in one operation from the user and supplying the finishing agent into the water tub 12.

[0018] The treatment agent cases 221, 222 can be configured to receive water supplied from an external water source. A hole (not shown in detail) is formed in the bottom of the treatment agent cases 221, 222, which is connected to the bottom side of the water injection case 21. When water flows into the treatment agent cases 221, 222 with the laundry treatment agent stored in them, the laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent cases 221, 222 is drained down from the hole to the bottom side of the water injection case 21. Thereafter, the mixed water in which the laundry treatment agent and the water are mixed flows along the bottom of the water injection case 21, and is then supplied into the water tub 12.

[0019] The water supply valve mechanism 23 is connected to an external water source such as a water faucet (not shown). The water supply valve mechanism 23 is composed of an on-off valve for liquid that can be electromagnetically opened and closed, for example, and is driven and controlled by a control device (not shown). The water supply valve mechanism 23 is provided on the upstream side of the water injection case 21. As shown in FIG. 3 etc., the water supply valve mechanism 23 is provided side by side with the water injection case 21 and the pressurized dissolution tank 30 in the left-right direction. The water supply valve mechanism 23 has a function of individually opening and closing multiple water supply paths leading to the water tank 12 via the water supply device 20.

[0020] 4, the water supply valve mechanism 23 has, for example, a plurality of water supply valves 231, 232, and 233. The plurality of water supply valves 231, 232, and 233 can be configured as an integrated water supply valve unit 24 by, for example, fixing them to a common base (not shown) with their outlets facing the same direction. In the following description, of the three water supply valves 231, 232, and 233, water supply valve 231 may be referred to as the first water supply valve 231, water supply valve 232 may be referred to as the second water supply valve 232, and water supply valve 233 may be referred to as the third water supply valve 233.

[0021] At least some of the multiple water supply valves 231, 232, 233 are arranged in a vertical line. The second water supply valve 232 or the third water supply valve 233 is arranged below the first water supply valve 231. In this embodiment, the second water supply valve 232 is arranged below the first water supply valve 231. The outlet 231a of the first water supply valve 231 is located above the outlet 232a of the second water supply valve 232. The third water supply valve 233 is arranged in front of the first water supply valve 231 and the second water supply valve 232. The water supply valve mechanism 23 may be configured to include four or more water supply valves, and multiple water supply valves may be arranged below the first water supply valve 231.

[0022] As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the outlet 231a of the first water supply valve 231 is directly connected to the pressurized dissolution tank 30. Direct connection means that no other member is interposed between the members connected to each other. The outlet 232a of the second water supply valve 232 and the outlet 233a of the third water supply valve 233 are directly connected to the water supply case 21. The water supply case 21 is provided with case-side inlets 211 at positions corresponding to the outlet 232a of the second water supply valve 232 and the outlet 233a of the third water supply valve 233. Each case-side inlet 211 is provided on the surface side of the water supply case 21 that faces the water supply valve mechanism 23. Water flowing from the outside of the water supply case 21 to the inside passes through the case-side inlet 211. Water supplied from an external water source to the second water supply valve 232 or the third water supply valve 233 flows into the water supply case 21 from the case-side inlet 211. Moreover, one or both of second water supply valve 232 and third water supply valve 233 can be fixed to water injection case 21 by fastening members such as screws or bolts (not shown).

[0023] 7, the washing machine 10 can be configured to include, for example, a first water supply path R1, a second water supply path R2, and a third water supply path R3. Each of the water supply paths R1, R2, and R3 flows from the water supply valve mechanism 23 through a different path into the water supply case 21, and reaches the water tub 12 through the water supply case 21. That is, each of the water supply paths R1, R2, and R3 is indirectly connected to the water tub 12 via the water supply case 21. The first water supply valve 231, the second water supply valve 232, and the third water supply valve 233 open and close the first water supply path R1, the second water supply path R2, and the third water supply path R3, respectively.

[0024] The first water supply path R1 is a path that extends from the first water supply valve 231 through the pressurized dissolving tank 30 and the fine bubble generator 40 to the water tank 12 via the water injection case 21. That is, the first water supply valve 231 is provided midway along the water supply path that supplies water from an external water source through the pressurized dissolving tank 30 and the fine bubble generator 40 to the water tank 12. The first water supply path R1 has the function of supplying fine bubble water, which is water supplied from an external water source and has fine bubbles added thereto, to the water tank 12.

[0025] The second water supply path R2 and the third water supply path R3 are paths leading to the water tank 12 via the water supply case 21 without passing through the pressurized dissolving tank 30 and the fine bubble generator 40. The second water supply path R2 is a path leading to the water tank 12 from the second water supply valve 232 through either the detergent case 221 or the finishing agent case 222 in the water supply case 21. The third water supply path R3 is a path leading to the water tank 12 from the third water supply valve 233 through the other of the detergent case 221 or the finishing agent case 222 in the water supply case 21. In this embodiment, the second water supply path R2 is configured to pass through the finishing agent case 222 of the detergent case 221 or the finishing agent case 222. The third water supply path R3 is configured to pass through the detergent case 221 of the detergent case 221 or the finishing agent case 222.

[0026] 7, the first water supply path R1 can be configured as a path leading to the water tank 12 without passing through the treatment agent cases 221 and 222 in the water injection case 21. The fine bubble water generated by passing through the fine bubble generator 40 is supplied to a position in the water injection case 21 where water mixed with the laundry treatment agent dropped from the treatment agent cases 221 and 222 flows. The water mixed with the laundry treatment agent and the fine bubble water join together in the water injection case 21 and are then supplied to the water tank 12. The first water supply path R1 may be configured as a path leading to the water tank 12 through the treatment agent cases 221 and 222 downstream of the fine bubble generator 40. In this case, the fine bubble water generated by passing through the fine bubble generator 40 is supplied to the treatment agent cases 221 and 222 in the water injection case 21.

[0027] The pressurized dissolving tank 30 and the fine bubble generator 40 have the function of generating fine bubbles such as ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles in water supplied from an external water source to produce fine bubble water containing the fine bubbles. The pressurized dissolving tank 30 and the fine bubble generator 40 are provided on the first water supply path R1, downstream of the water supply valve 231. The pressurized dissolving tank 30 is capable of pressurizing the water supplied from the external water source, dissolving air components in the water, and discharging the water.

[0028] The pressurized dissolving tank 30 is formed, for example, in a generally inverted L-shape. As shown in FIG. 10, the bottom 301 on the upstream side of the pressurized dissolving tank 30 is located higher than the bottom 302 on the downstream side. The pressurized dissolving tank 30 has a space formed therein, and can temporarily store water supplied through the first water supply valve 231 together with air. The pressurized dissolving tank 30 can be formed, for example, of a synthetic resin or metal container that is airtight, watertight, and pressure-resistant. Pressure-resistant means that it can withstand a predetermined pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. The pressurized dissolving tank 30 may be formed, for example, by combining a plurality of members so that a space is formed inside the pressurized dissolving tank 30.

[0029] The pressurized dissolving tank 30 is located, for example, behind the water supply case 21 and near the center in the left-right direction of the washing machine 10. The pressurized dissolving tank 30 is provided adjacent to the water supply case 21. Adjacent means that at least a part of the pressurized dissolving tank 30 is disposed within the range surrounded by the outer edge of the water supply case 21.

[0030] In this embodiment, the water injection case 21 has a recess 212 and a connection part 213 as shown in FIG. 8. The recess 212 is provided at the rear of the water injection case 21 and is recessed inward from the outer surface of the water injection case 21. The recess 212 is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the pressurized dissolution tank 30. The pressurized dissolution tank 30 can be accommodated in the recess 212 as shown in FIG. 9. That is, the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the water injection case 21 are positioned by fitting together. The width dimension in the left-right direction of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 is set to be approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the width dimension in the left-right direction of the water injection case 21. The height dimension in the up-down direction of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 is set to be approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the height dimension in the up-down direction of the water injection case 21. In this embodiment, the width dimension and height dimension of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 are set to be approximately the same as the width dimension and height dimension of the water injection case 21.

[0031] The connection part 213 is provided inside the water injection case 21, and connects the water injection case 21 to the pressurized dissolution tank 30. Water flowing out from the pressurized dissolution tank 30 flows into the water injection case 21 through the connection part 213.

[0032] The pressurized dissolving tank 30 and the first water supply valve 231 are detachably fixed to each other via a first fixing member 51. The first fixing member 51 is formed of, for example, a screw or a bolt. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the pressurized dissolving tank 30 has a boss portion 303. The boss portion 303 is provided on a surface of the pressurized dissolving tank 30 facing the water supply valve mechanism 23, and is formed so as to protrude toward the water supply valve mechanism 23. The boss portion 303 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape.

[0033] The first water supply valve 231 has a fixing surface portion 231b. The fixing surface portion 231b is formed, for example, in a plate shape, and is provided so as to protrude to the side of the first water supply valve 231. The fixing surface portion 231b is provided at a position corresponding to the boss portion 303 in a state in which the pressurized dissolution tank 30 is accommodated in the recess 212. The fixing surface portion 231b has a hole penetrating in the thickness direction. The hole is formed so that the tip side of the first fixing member 51 can be inserted. Then, the first fixing member 51 is attached to the boss portion 303 via the fixing surface portion 231b, whereby the pressurized dissolution tank 30 is fixed to the first water supply valve 231.

[0034] Moreover, the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the water injection case 21 are detachably fixed to each other via a second fixing member 52. The second fixing member 52 is formed, for example, of a screw or a bolt. As shown in Figs. 8 and 11, the water injection case 21 has a boss portion 214. The boss portion 214 is provided on the lower surface of the water injection case 21 and is formed to extend in the front-rear direction. The boss portion 214 is formed, for example, in a semi-cylindrical cross section and has an insertion hole formed on the tip side.

[0035] The pressurized dissolving tank 30 has a fixing surface portion 304. The fixing surface portion 304 is formed, for example, in a plate shape, and is provided so as to protrude downward from the pressurized dissolving tank 30. The fixing surface portion 304 is provided at a position corresponding to the boss portion 214 when the pressurized dissolving tank 30 is accommodated in the recessed portion 212. The fixing surface portion 304 has a hole penetrating in the thickness direction. The hole is formed so that the tip side of the second fixing member 52 can be inserted. The second fixing member 52 is attached to the boss portion 214 via the fixing surface portion 304, thereby fixing the pressurized dissolving tank 30 to the water injection case 21. The second fixing member 52 can be fixed in the same direction as the direction in which the pressurized dissolving tank 30 is connected to the water injection case 21. This makes it more difficult for the pressurized dissolving tank 30 to come off from the water injection case 21.

[0036] The pressurized dissolution tank 30 has an inlet 31, an outlet 32, a water guide 33, and a partition wall 34. When the pressurized dissolution tank 30 is constructed by combining a plurality of members, the inlet 31, the outlet 32, the water guide 33, and the partition wall 34 may be integrated into the same member among the plurality of members. This improves the maintainability of the pressurized dissolution tank 30. The pressurized dissolution tank 30 may be constructed with an intake part (not shown) for introducing air from outside the pressurized dissolution tank 30 into the pressurized dissolution tank 30. The intake part may be constructed, for example, with a check valve, and may be constructed to close when the pressure in the pressurized dissolution tank 30 becomes higher than atmospheric pressure, and to open when the pressure in the pressurized dissolution tank 30 becomes close to atmospheric pressure. The intake part is not limited to a check valve, and may be constructed to include an electromagnetic valve for air.

[0037] The inlet 31 and the outlet 32 ​​are configured, for example, in a cylindrical shape. As shown in Fig. 10, the inlet 31 is provided at the top of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and is a portion through which water flows from the outside of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 into the inside. The inlet 31 functions as a tank-side inlet. Water that has passed through the first water supply valve 231 from an external water source is introduced into the pressurized dissolution tank 30 through the inlet 31.

[0038] The inlet portion 31 is provided on the surface of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 that faces the water supply valve mechanism 23. That is, the inlet portion 31 is located on the same side as the multiple case-side inlet portions 211 of the water injection case 21 with respect to the water supply valve mechanism 23. The inlet portion 31 is located on the same plane as at least the case-side inlet portion 211 that is connected to the outlet 232a of the second water supply valve 232 among the multiple case-side inlet portions 211. The inlet portion 31 is directly connected to the outlet 231a of the first water supply valve 231. Therefore, the water discharged from the first water supply valve 231 can be supplied from the inlet portion 31 into the pressurized dissolution tank 30 while still being at high pressure. The inlet portion 31 and the case-side inlet portion 211 are connected by a common water supply valve unit 24. Therefore, the water supply valve unit 24, the pressurized dissolution tank 30, and the water injection case 21 are interconnected as a whole to form a single unit, and the relative positions of these components can be made extremely stable and unlikely to shift.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 10, the outlet 32 ​​is provided at the bottom of the pressurized dissolution tank 30, and is a portion through which water flows out from inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30 to the outside. In other words, the outlet 32 ​​is located below the inlet 31. The outlet 32 ​​functions as a tank-side outlet. The outlet 32 ​​is directly connected to the water supply case 21. The water introduced into the pressurized dissolution tank 30 flows out into the water supply case 21 through the outlet 32, and then merges with the water supplied to the second water supply path R2 or the third water supply path R3, i.e., the water mixed with the laundry treatment agent, in the water supply case 21 and is supplied into the water tank 12. Note that the water is drained from the outlet 32 ​​only by the water pressure, i.e., the hydrostatic pressure, of the water stored in the pressurized dissolution tank 30, and no drive source such as a dedicated pump for drainage is required.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 11, the outlet portion 32 is connected to the connection portion 213. The outlet portion 32 is configured to be insertable into the connection portion 213, for example. A first seal member 61 is provided between the outer circumferential surface of the outlet portion 32 and the inner circumferential surface of the connection portion 213. The first seal member 61 is configured, for example, by an O-ring made of synthetic resin. The first seal member 61 is pressed by the outer circumferential surface of the outlet portion 32 and the inner circumferential surface of the connection portion 213, and the outlet portion 32 and the connection portion 213 are connected in a watertight state.

[0041] The water guide section 33 is connected to the inlet section 31 as shown in Fig. 10. The water guide section 33 extends in the width direction of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 at a predetermined distance from the bottoms 301, 302 of the pressurized dissolution tank 30, and is for guiding the water that has flowed through the inlet section 31 to a predetermined position inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30. The water guide section 33 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape, with one end, i.e., the base end, being open and the other end, i.e., the tip end, being closed. Note that the tip end of the water guide section 33 is not limited to being closed, and may be open.

[0042] The water guide section 33 has an opening 331. The opening 331 is formed penetrating the bottom of the water guide section 33 in the thickness direction. The opening 331 is for allowing the water passing through the water guide section 33 to fall vertically downward. As shown in FIG. 10, the opening 331 is located above the bottom section 302 on the downstream side of the pressurized dissolution tank 30. The water flowing out and falling from the opening 331 collides violently against the water surface while drawing in air above the water surface stored inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30. As a result, the water stored in the pressurized dissolution tank 30 is agitated by the energy of the collision of the water falling from the opening 331, and the dissolution of the air components inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30 is promoted.

[0043] As shown in Figs. 10 and 11, the partition wall 34 is formed, for example, in a plate shape and is provided rising from the bottom 302 on the downstream side of the pressurized dissolution tank 30. When the inside of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 is viewed in a plan view, the partition wall 34 divides the area inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30 into an area on the inlet 31 side and an area on the outlet 32 ​​side. The opening 331 of the water conveying section 33 is located closer to the inlet 31 side than the partition wall 34. In other words, the water that has passed through the water conveying section 33 is discharged into the area on the inlet 31 side of the pressurized dissolution tank 30. As a result, the water that has flowed into the pressurized dissolution tank 30 through the water conveying section 33 is stirred on the water surface in the area on the inlet 31 side of the pressurized dissolution tank 30, so that the water and air in the pressurized dissolution tank 30 can be efficiently contacted with each other.

[0044] As described above, the pressurized dissolving tank 30 is formed in an inverted L-shape, and the water guide section 33 is disposed along the bottom 301 on the upstream side of the pressurized dissolving tank 30 extending horizontally. In this way, the water flow can be stabilized by making the water flowing into the pressurized dissolving tank 30 from the first water supply valve 231 through the inlet section 31 flow a predetermined distance by the water guide section 33. In other words, by using the bottom 301 on the upstream side of the pressurized dissolving tank 30, the length of the water guide section 33 can be set long. Then, after the water flow has stabilized by passing through the inside of the water guide section 33, the water is discharged from the opening 331 of the water guide section 33, and the water can be smoothly guided to the area on the inlet section 31 side of the partition wall 34.

[0045] In addition, when the supply of water into the pressurized dissolution tank 30 starts and the water level in the area on the inlet 31 side rises, most of the water in the area on the inlet 31 side moves to the area on the outlet 32 ​​side, overflowing from above the partition wall 34. Therefore, the water in the area on the inlet 31 side of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 can be caused to collide with the water surface in the area on the outlet 32 ​​side, thereby improving the efficiency of mixing the water and air.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 11, the partition wall 34 has a gap 341 formed therein. The gap 341 has the function of blocking bubbles having a particle size larger than that of fine bubbles. Of the water flowing into the pressurized dissolution tank 30, the water located below the upper end of the partition wall 34 passes through the gap 341 and flows to the area on the outlet 32 ​​side. At this time, relatively large bubbles, for example on the order of millimeters, generated by the water dropping from the opening 331 of the water conveying section 33 colliding with the water surface do not pass through the gap 341 and disappear without flowing out to the area on the outlet 32 ​​side.

[0047] Next, the state in which air components are dissolved in the water in the pressurized dissolution tank 30 will be described. In this embodiment, the pressurized dissolution tank 30 can pressurize the inside of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 using only tap water pressure, for example, by making the amount of water flowing into the pressurized dissolution tank 30 greater than the amount of water flowing out of the pressurized dissolution tank 30. For example, when the first water supply valve 231 is opened, the remaining water that has flowed in from the inlet 31 but has not flowed out from the outlet 32 ​​is stored in the pressurized dissolution tank 30, and the water level in the pressurized dissolution tank 30 rises.

[0048] After that, when the water continues to flow in from the inlet 31 and the water level in the pressurized dissolution tank 30 rises to a predetermined water level, the pressure in the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the pressure of the water flowing in from the external water source, i.e., the water supply pressure, are balanced. As a result, the amount of water flowing in from the inlet 31 and the amount of water flowing out of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 from the outlet 32 ​​become approximately equal, and the pressure in the pressurized dissolution tank 30 becomes close to the water supply pressure, which is the maximum pressure. In this way, the pressure in the pressurized dissolution tank 30 rises above atmospheric pressure, making it easier for the air in the pressurized dissolution tank 30 to dissolve in the water stored in the pressurized dissolution tank 30. In other words, by passing water supplied from an external water source through the pressurized dissolution tank 30, water can be supplied to the water supplied downstream of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 with a larger amount of dissolved air components than normal water that does not pass through the pressurized dissolution tank 30. In this way, the pressurized dissolution tank 30 can discharge water with dissolved air components.

[0049] The fine-bubble generator 40 is provided on the first water supply path R1 downstream of the first water supply valve 231 and downstream of the pressurized dissolution tank 30. The fine-bubble generator 40 has a function of precipitating fine bubbles in the water flowing out from the pressurized dissolution tank 30. As shown in FIG. 11, the fine-bubble generator 40 is attached in a state in which it is supported between the outlet portion 32 and the connection portion 213. The fine-bubble generator 40 is attached, for example, in a state in which it is sandwiched between the outlet portion 32 and the connection portion 213. The fine-bubble generator 40 may be configured to be fixed to the outlet portion 32 and the connection portion 213 by press-fitting.

[0050] A second seal member 62 is provided between the outer circumferential surface of the fine-bubble generator 40 and the inner circumferential surface of the connection part 213. The second seal member 62 is configured, for example, by an O-ring made of synthetic resin. The second seal member 62 is pressed by the outer circumferential surface of the fine-bubble generator 40 and the inner circumferential surface of the connection part 213, so that the fine-bubble generator 40 and the connection part 213 are connected in a watertight state.

[0051] The micro-bubble generator 40 has a diameter and a total length of, for example, several mm to several tens of mm, specifically, a maximum diameter of about 15 mm and a length of about 10 mm. As shown in FIG. 12, the micro-bubble generator 40 has a throttle section 41, a straight section 42, and a collision section 43. The throttle section 41 and the straight section 42 form a flow path for flowing water in the longitudinal direction of the micro-bubble generator 40. The throttle section 41 is provided on the inlet side, i.e., the upstream side, of the micro-bubble generator 40. The throttle section 41 is formed in the shape of a so-called truncated cone tapered tube in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path, i.e., the inner diameter, decreases continuously and gradually from the upstream end to the middle part in the longitudinal direction of the micro-bubble generator 40.

[0052] The straight section 42 is provided downstream of the throttle section 41. The straight section 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape, a so-called straight tube shape, in which the inner diameter does not change, i.e., the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path, i.e., the area through which liquid can pass, does not change. The collision section 43 is provided at the downstream end portion of the straight section 42. The collision section 43 locally reduces the cross-sectional area through which water can pass in the fine-bubble generator 40, thereby generating a large amount of fine bubbles, mainly of the nano-order or smaller, in the water passing through the fine-bubble generator 40.

[0053] 13, the collision portions 43 are formed, for example, of four rod-shaped portions with pointed tips, and protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the straight portion 42 toward the center of the cross section of the straight portion 42. The four collision portions 43 are arranged spaced apart at equal intervals from one another in the circumferential direction of the cross section of the straight portion 42. The downstream surface of each collision portion 43 is formed into a flat surface. The area of ​​the gap formed by each collision portion 43 is the minimum cross-sectional area in the micro-bubble generator 40 through which water can pass.

[0054] When water flows into the upstream side of the fine-bubble generator 40, the flow path cross-sectional area is narrowed at the narrowing section 41, which is formed to reduce in a truncated cone tapered shape, and the flow velocity is increased based on the so-called Bernoulli's theorem of fluid mechanics, and cavitation occurs due to reduced pressure. Then, the high-speed flow collides with the collision section 43, generating fine bubbles that are broken down by the shear force that acts. As a result, the fine-bubble generator 40 can separate a large amount of air dissolved in the water passing through the fine-bubble generator 40 as fine bubbles, and supply fine-bubble water that contains a larger amount of fine bubbles than before it passed through the fine-bubble generator 40.

[0055] Generally, microscopic bubbles or fine bubbles are classified according to the particle size of the bubbles as follows. For example, bubbles with a particle size of several μm to 100 μm, i.e., micro-order, are called microbubbles. In contrast, bubbles with a particle size of 50 nm to less than 1,000 nm, i.e., nano-order, are called ultrafine bubbles. The term fine bubbles is used as a general term for both microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles.

[0056] Microbubbles have a negative electrical charge, and are easily electrostatically attracted to positively charged dirt attached to laundry, for example. Dirt removed from laundry by an electrical reaction with the microbubbles remains adsorbed on the microbubble surface and rises to the water surface due to the buoyancy of the microbubbles, where it remains. Furthermore, microbubbles with negatively charged surfaces repel each other and do not bond together, so they disperse in the liquid, preventing dirt removed from laundry from adhering to the laundry again in the washing water.

[0057] On the other hand, ultrafine bubbles have a small particle size, so they can penetrate into intricate areas and can exert a cleaning effect that removes dirt from objects that cannot be removed by other fine bubbles such as microbubbles. Ultrafine bubbles also have the properties of having a nano-order particle size, small buoyancy, and being more hydrophobic than microbubbles and less soluble in water, so they stay in liquid for a long time. As described above, microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles have different expected cleaning abilities due to their different properties, so it is possible to further improve the cleaning effect by using both of them together.

[0058] The fine bubble generator 40 functions by itself to mainly precipitate nano-order fine bubbles, i.e. ultrafine bubbles. The amount of ultrafine bubbles generated when water passes through the fine bubble generator 40 can be increased by increasing the amount of air dissolved in the water passing through the fine bubble generator 40. When a large amount of ultrafine bubbles are generated and collide repeatedly with the surface of the laundry, the ultrafine bubbles combine with each other at the collision point and develop into microbubbles. At this time, the collision of the ultrafine bubbles causes the microbubbles to expand rapidly, and dirt attached to the surface of the laundry is lifted and peeled off. This is expected to result in a higher cleaning effect.

[0059] In this embodiment, the pressurized dissolution tank 30 is provided upstream of the fine bubble generator 40. This makes it possible to increase the amount of air contained in the water passing through the fine bubble generator 40. This allows a large amount of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles to be generated in the water that has passed through the fine bubble generator 40. As a result, it is possible to simultaneously obtain the cleaning effect of the ultrafine bubbles and the effect of suppressing the re-adhesion of dirt by the microbubbles.

[0060] According to the embodiment described above, the washing machine 10 includes the water tub 12, the water supply case 21, the pressurized dissolving tank 30, the fine bubble generator 40, and the water supply valve mechanism 23. The water supply case 21 receives water supplied from an external water source and supplies the water into the water tub 12. The pressurized dissolving tank 30 is provided adjacent to the water supply case 21, and can pressurize the water supplied from the external water source with the pressure, dissolve air components in the water, and discharge the water. The fine bubble generator 40 is provided downstream of the pressurized dissolving tank 30, and precipitates fine bubbles in the water flowing out from the pressurized dissolving tank 30. The water supply valve mechanism 23 includes a first water supply valve 231 and a second water supply valve 232. The first water supply valve 231 opens and closes a first water supply path R1 that passes through the pressurized dissolving tank 30 and the fine bubble generator 40, and leads to the water tub 12 via the water supply case 21. The second water supply valve 232 opens and closes a second water supply path R2 that leads to the water tank 12 via the water injection case 21 without passing through the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the fine bubble generator 40.

[0061] The pressurized dissolution tank 30 has an inlet portion 31. The inlet portion 31 is directly connected to the discharge port 231a of the first water supply valve 231, and water flowing from the outside of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 to the inside passes through the inlet portion 31. The water injection case 21 has a case-side inlet portion 211. The case-side inlet portion 211 is directly connected to the discharge port 232a of the second water supply valve 232, and water flowing from the outside of the water injection case 21 to the inside passes through the inlet portion 31. The inlet portion 31 is located on the same side of the water supply valve mechanism 23 as the case-side inlet portion 211.

[0062] According to this, the number of parts can be reduced and assembly can be simplified by directly connecting the water supply case 21 and the pressurized dissolving tank 30 to the water supply valves 231 and 232, respectively. In addition, by arranging the water supply case 21 and the pressurized dissolving tank 30 adjacent to each other and positioning the connection parts of the water supply case 21 and the pressurized dissolving tank 30 to the water supply valves 231 and 232 on the same side of the water supply valve mechanism 23 and aligning the connection directions, the pressurized dissolving tank 30 can be stored compactly inside the washing machine 10.

[0063] The water injection case 21 further has a recess 212. The recess 212 is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the pressurized dissolving tank 30. At least a part of the pressurized dissolving tank 30 can be accommodated in the recess 212. Accordingly, by accommodating the pressurized dissolving tank 30 in the recess 212 of the water injection case 21, the pressurized dissolving tank 30 can be accommodated within the size of the water injection case 21. This allows the installation space for the water injection case 21 and the pressurized dissolving tank 30 inside the washing machine 10 to be made compact.

[0064] In addition, the outlet 231a of the first water supply valve 231 is located above the outlet 232a of the second water supply valve 232. Here, the pressurized dissolving tank 30 can improve the efficiency of dissolving the air components by promoting the mixing of the water and air inside the pressurized dissolving tank 30 with the water that falls from the top of the pressurized dissolving tank 30. Therefore, by providing the outlet 231a of the first water supply valve 231 connected to the pressurized dissolving tank 30 at an upper position, the efficiency of dissolving the air components by the pressurized dissolving tank 30 can be improved. And, by arranging the outlet 232a of the second water supply valve 232 below the outlet 231a of the first water supply valve 231, the internal volume of the water supply case 21 and the pressurized dissolving tank 30 can be secured while preventing the installation space of the water supply case 21 and the pressurized dissolving tank 30 from becoming larger in the vertical direction.

[0065] The pressurized dissolving tank 30 further has an outlet section 32. The outlet section 32 is directly connected to the water injection case 21, and water flowing out from inside the pressurized dissolving tank 30 to the outside passes through the outlet section 32. The inlet section 31 is located above the outlet section 32. By positioning the inlet section 31 above the outlet section 32, the water in which the air components are efficiently dissolved can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pressurized dissolving tank 30 by the water dropping from above into the pressurized dissolving tank 30. In addition, the first water supply valve 231, the pressurized dissolving tank 30, and the water injection case 21 are directly connected without using other parts, and the number of connection points is minimized, so that water in which a large amount of air components are dissolved can be supplied with the pressure loss minimized. Furthermore, the number of parts is reduced, and the structure around the water injection case 21 can be simplified.

[0066] In addition, the first water supply valve 231 and the pressurized dissolving tank 30 are fixed to each other. By fixing the first water supply valve 231 and the pressurized dissolving tank 30 to each other, the pressurized dissolving tank 30 can be stably installed. This makes it possible to stabilize the connection portion between the first water supply valve 231 and the pressurized dissolving tank 30, thereby suppressing the occurrence of water leakage from the connection portion. As a result, the reliability of the washing machine 10 can be improved.

[0067] Furthermore, the pressurized dissolving tank 30 and the water supply case 21 are fixed to each other. By fixing the pressurized dissolving tank 30 and the water supply case 21 to each other, the pressurized dissolving tank 30 can be stably installed. This makes it possible to stabilize the connection between the pressurized dissolving tank 30 and the water supply case 21, thereby preventing water leakage from the connection. This improves the reliability of the washing machine 10.

[0068] It should be noted that the above embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 10... washing machine, 12... water tub, 21... water supply case, 211... case side inlet, 212... recess, 23... water supply valve mechanism, 231... first water supply valve, 231a... outlet, 232... second water supply valve, 232a... outlet, 30... pressurized dissolution tank, 31... inlet (tank side inlet), 32... outlet (tank side outlet), 40... fine bubble generator, R1... first water supply path, R2... second water supply path

Claims

1. Aquarium and a water injection case that receives water supplied from an external water source and injects it into the water tank; a pressurized dissolving tank provided adjacent to the water injection case, capable of dissolving air components in the water by pressurizing the water with the pressure of the water supplied from the external water source and discharging the water; a microbubble generator provided downstream of the pressurized dissolution tank for precipitating microbubbles in the water flowing out of the pressurized dissolution tank; a water supply valve mechanism including: a first water supply valve for opening and closing a first water supply path that passes through the pressurized dissolution tank and the fine bubble generator and leads to the water tank via the water supply case; and a second water supply valve for opening and closing a second water supply path that does not pass through the pressurized dissolution tank and leads to the water tank via the water supply case; the pressurized dissolving tank has a tank-side inlet portion that is directly connected to the outlet of the first water supply valve and through which water flows from the outside of the pressurized dissolving tank to the inside of the pressurized dissolving tank; the water injection case is directly connected to the outlet of the second water supply valve and has a case-side inlet through which water flows from the outside of the water injection case to the inside of the water injection case, The tank-side inlet portion is located on the same side as the case-side inlet portion with respect to the water supply valve mechanism. washing machine.

2. The water injection case further has a recess formed in a shape corresponding to an outer shape of the pressurized dissolution tank, At least a portion of the pressurized dissolution tank can be accommodated in the recess. The washing machine according to claim 1.

3. The outlet of the first water supply valve is located above the outlet of the second water supply valve. The washing machine according to claim 2.

4. The pressurized dissolution tank further has a tank-side outlet portion that is directly connected to the water injection case and through which water flows from the inside of the pressurized dissolution tank to the outside, The tank side inlet portion is located above the tank side outlet portion. The washing machine according to claim 2.

5. The first water supply valve and the pressurized dissolving tank are fixed to each other. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The pressurized dissolution tank and the water injection case are fixed to each other. The washing machine according to claim 5.

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