Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of keeping a clean state.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes a washing machine body, a water tank 21 oscillatably supported in the washing machine body, a washing tub 22 rotatably supported in the water tank 21, which accommodates clothing, a motor 60 which rotates the washing tub 22. and a nozzle disposed in the inner surface of the water tank 21, having at least one nozzle hole through which a liquid is injected toward the outer peripheral surface 22a of the washing tub 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration of a washer-dryer that dries the tub to prevent mold growth. In such a washer-dryer, for example, water containing detergent is supplied into the tub, and the tub is cleaned by performing an operation similar to washing while the inner tub is immersed in the water in the outer tub, and then the inside of the tub is dried. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-49254 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, while the configuration described in Patent Document 1 can remove dirt that has accumulated on the walls inside the inner tank, it has the problem that it is difficult to remove dirt that has accumulated on the walls outside the inner tank, i.e., between the inner tank and the outer tank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The washing machine comprises a washing machine body, a water tub supported in the washing machine body so as to be able to swing, a washing tub supported rotatably in the water tub and for storing clothes, a motor for driving and rotating the washing tub, and a nozzle disposed on the inner surface of the water tub and having at least one nozzle hole for spraying liquid toward the outer peripheral surface of the washing tub. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a liquid ejection unit of the washing machine shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. [Figure 4] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a liquid ejection unit of a washing machine according to a modified example. [Diagram 5] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a liquid ejection unit of a washing machine according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] First, the configuration of a washing machine 1000 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0008] As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1000 includes a washing machine main body 10, a tub 20 disposed inside the washing machine main body 10, a top cover 30 disposed on top of the washing machine main body 10, and an operation panel 40 disposed on the upper front of the washing machine main body 10.

[0009] The washing machine body 10 is in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with an opening at the bottom. The tub 20 is configured as a double tub consisting of a water tub 21 and a washing tub 22 (see FIG. 2). The water tub 21 and the washing tub 22 are in the shape of a cylinder with a bottom.

[0010] Next, the internal structure of the washing machine 1000 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 2, tub 20 is disposed inside washing machine body 10. As described above, tub 20 has water tub 21 and washing tub 22. Water tub 21 is supported swingably by support mechanism 23, mainly composed of multiple hanging rods 23a suspended from the upper part of washing machine body 10.

[0012] Washing tub 22 is rotatably disposed inside water tub 21. Washing tub 22 holds clothes. Agitator 24 is rotatably disposed at the lower inner portion of washing tub 22. A motor 60 is disposed at the lower outer portion of water tub 21. Motor 60 selectively drives and rotates agitator 24 and washing tub 22. A rotation balancer 31 is provided at the upper edge of washing tub 22.

[0013] The top cover 30 is attached to the top of the washing machine main body 10. The top cover 30 forms a laundry entrance 32 facing the inside of the washing tub 22. The top cover 30 is configured to be folded in half, for example.

[0014] A controller 50 is disposed at the rear of the top cover 30. The controller 50 is configured mainly with a microcomputer, for example, and controls the operation of the washing machine 1000.

[0015] A nozzle 100 having at least one nozzle hole 101 for spraying liquid 300 (see FIG. 3) toward outer peripheral surface 22a of washing tub 22 is disposed on the inner surface of water tub 21. A specific description will be given with reference to FIG. 3. A drain hose 25 for draining liquid 300 in washing tub 22 to the outside of washing machine 1000 is disposed below water tub 21.

[0016] Next, the configuration of the liquid jet unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0017] 3, the liquid jet unit 500 includes a nozzle 100, a first switching unit 210, a nozzle flow path 220 connected between the nozzle 100 and the first switching unit 210, a water supply flow path 240 connected between the first switching unit 210 and a faucet 230, the water supply flow path 240 disposed between the first switching unit 210 and the washing tub 22, and a control unit 250 that controls the liquid jet unit 500. The control unit 250 may be included in the controller 50 described above.

[0018] The nozzle 100 is capable of ejecting a stable continuous flow of liquid 300 in a straight line by feeding the liquid 300, and can generate droplets 301 from the continuous flow due to the action of surface tension.

[0019] The nozzle 100 has at least one nozzle hole 101 for spraying the liquid 300. The liquid 300 is, for example, water. In this embodiment, the number of the nozzle holes 101 is, for example, several tens or several hundreds. The hole diameter of the nozzle hole 101 is φ0.05 mm to φ0.12 mm.

[0020] The cross section of the nozzle hole 101 is formed, for example, in a straight line from the inflow side to the outflow side of the liquid 300, or in a tapered shape in which the hole diameter decreases toward the outflow side. The multiple nozzle holes 101 are arranged in a line in the depth direction of the water tank 21, and are arranged in a line or in multiple rows. In consideration of cleaning efficiency, it is preferable that the nozzle holes 101 are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0021] The supply source of the liquid 300 to be sprayed is, for example, a water faucet 230 connected to the washing machine main body 10. The first switching unit 210 is disposed at the connection between the nozzle flow path 220 and the water supply flow path 240, and switches the flow path for sending the liquid 300. The first switching unit 210 is, for example, a three-way valve. The water supply flow path 240 has a flow path through which the liquid is sent to the first switching unit 210, and a flow path through which the liquid is sent to the washing tub 22.

[0022] The switching operation of first switching unit 210 is controlled, for example, by control unit 250. In this manner, since first switching unit 210 is provided, supplied liquid 300 can be sent to washing tub 22 side or nozzle 100 side.

[0023] The spray pressure of the liquid 300 when sent to the nozzle 100 is a general water pressure (0.7 MPa or less). The distance over which the continuous flow sprayed from the nozzle 100 turns into droplets at a spray pressure of 0.7 MPa or less is, for example, 15 mm to 60 mm. The diameter of the nozzle hole 101 is φ0.05 mm to φ0.12 mm. Therefore, the droplets 301 can be caused to collide with the outer peripheral surface 22a of the washing tub 22.

[0024] In this manner, since the distance from which the continuous flow turns into droplets is 15 mm or more, by positioning the nozzle 100 in consideration of this distance, dirt on the outer peripheral surface 22a of the washing tub 22 can be efficiently removed.

[0025] When the droplets 301 sprayed from the nozzle holes 101 collide with the object to be cleaned, for example, the outer peripheral surface 22a of the washing tub 22, the impact pressure generated when the droplets 301 collapse promotes the destruction of the dirt on the outer peripheral surface 22a to be cleaned, and the adhesion between the dirt and the washing tub 22 can be reduced by softening (emulsifying) and crushing the dirt surface, so that severe dirt and mold can be removed without using a detergent.

[0026] Nozzle 100 having multiple nozzle holes 101 has a length including the entire height of washing tub 22, and is fixed to water tub 21. Nozzle 100 is also fixed to water tub 21 so that droplets 301 collide with outer circumferential surface 22a of washing tub 22 almost perpendicularly. This allows droplets 301 to collide with the object to be washed while maintaining an equal distance, making it possible to apply a high impact pressure to the entire area of ​​the object to be washed, thereby achieving high cleaning power.

[0027] The rotation speed of washing tub 22 when washing outer peripheral surface 22a of washing tub 22 is, for example, 1 rpm. In other words, washing tub 22 rotates once per minute. In this manner, by rotating washing tub 22 at a predetermined speed while liquid 300 is being sprayed from nozzle 100, it becomes possible to make many droplets 301 collide evenly with the entire outer peripheral surface 22a of washing tub 22, and to apply sufficient impact, thereby reducing the amount of dirt left behind after washing.

[0028] By periodically performing such cleaning, the washing tub 22 can be kept clean at all times. The frequency of cleaning may be set to once a month or once every few months. Also, the accumulated operating time of the washing machine 1000 may be recorded, and cleaning may be performed when a predetermined time is exceeded. Specifically, it is preferable that the control unit 250 sprays the liquid 300 from the nozzle 100 at a specific date and time set in advance.

[0029] As described above, the washing machine 1000 of this embodiment comprises: a washing machine main body 10; a water tub 21 supported so as to be rockable within the washing machine main body 10; a washing tub 22 supported so as to be rotatable within the water tub 21 and for storing clothes; a motor 60 which drives and rotates the washing tub 22; and a nozzle 100 which is arranged on the inner surface of the water tub 21 and has at least one nozzle hole 101 which sprays liquid 300 towards the outer peripheral surface 22a of the washing tub 22.

[0030] According to this configuration, since nozzle 100 is provided on the inner surface of water tub 21, it is possible to spray liquid 300 onto the portion between washing tub 22 and water tub 21 where dirt is difficult to remove, i.e., onto outer peripheral surface 22a of washing tub 22, thereby removing dirt accumulated on outer peripheral surface 22a of washing tub 22. Also, washing tub 22 can be restored to a cleaner state using a small amount of water in a short time.

[0031] In addition, in the washing machine 1000 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the nozzle 100 sprays the liquid 300 in a continuous stream, and causes the continuous stream to turn into droplets and collide with the outer peripheral surface 22a of the washing tub 22. According to this configuration, the continuous stream of the liquid 300 turns into droplets and causes them to collide with the outer peripheral surface 22a of the washing tub 22, so that the action of the impact pressure generated when the droplets 301 collapse can promote the destruction of dirt, and the degree of adhesion between the dirt and the washing tub 22 can be reduced, and the dirt can be removed from the washing tub 22.

[0032] In the washing machine 1000 of the present embodiment, the distance at which the continuous flow is turned into droplets is preferably 15 mm or more from the nozzle 100. According to this configuration, by arranging the nozzle 100 in consideration of the above distance, it becomes possible to turn the continuous flow into droplets, and dirt can be efficiently removed from the washing tub 22.

[0033] In addition, in the washing machine 1000 of the present embodiment, the nozzle 100 includes a plurality of nozzle holes 101, and the plurality of nozzle holes 101 are preferably arranged in a row in the depth direction of the water tub 21. According to this configuration, since the nozzle holes 101 are arranged in a row in the depth direction of the water tub 21, it is possible to collide the liquid droplets 301 over the entire outer circumferential surface 22a of the washing tub 22 by rotating the washing tub 22.

[0034] Moreover, the washing machine 1000 of the present embodiment includes a nozzle flow path 220 that is connected to the nozzle 100 and sends the liquid 300 to the nozzle 100, and the nozzle flow path 220 is preferably connected to a water supply flow path 240 that supplies the liquid 300 to the washing machine main body 10. According to this configuration, since the nozzle 100 is connected to the nozzle flow path 220 and the water supply flow path 240, it becomes possible to supply the liquid 300 from a position away from the nozzle 100, and the outer circumferential surface 22a of the washing tub 22 can be cleaned.

[0035] Moreover, in the washing machine 1000 of the present embodiment, it is preferable to provide a first switching unit 210 that is disposed at a connection portion between the nozzle flow path 220 and the water supply flow path 240 and switches the flow path for sending the liquid 300. According to this configuration, since the first switching unit 210 is provided, the supplied liquid 300 can be sent to the washing tub 22 side or the nozzle 100 side.

[0036] Moreover, the washing machine 1000 of the present embodiment preferably includes a control unit 250 that controls the spraying of the liquid 300, and the control unit 250 causes the nozzle 100 to spray the liquid 300 at a specific date and time that is set in advance. According to this configuration, the liquid 300 is sprayed at a set date and time according to an instruction from the control unit 250, so that dirt accumulated on the outer peripheral surface 22a can be efficiently removed over a long period of time.

[0037] Modifications of the above embodiment will now be described.

[0038] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment in which the water supply passage 240 is connected to the water faucet 230 and the liquid 300 is sprayed from the nozzle hole 101 by water pressure, but may be configured as shown in FIG.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid ejection unit 500A of the modified example differs from the configuration of the liquid ejection unit 500 of the above embodiment in that a pressure section 260 for increasing the pressure of the liquid 300 to be ejected from the nozzle hole 101 is disposed in the middle of the nozzle flow path 220.

[0040] The pressurizing unit 260 is, for example, a pressure pump. In this way, the pressure from the pressurizing unit 260 in addition to the water pressure from the faucet 230 can increase the ejection speed of the liquid 300 ejected from the nozzle hole 101, thereby improving the cleaning performance.

[0041] Specifically, for example, when this ejection mode is selected on the operation panel 40, the control unit 250 switches the flow path of the first switching unit 210, sends the liquid 300 pressurized by the pressurizing unit 260 to the nozzle 100, and ejects the liquid 300 from the nozzle hole 101.

[0042] For example, when the spray pressure is increased to 3 MPa, the distance over which the continuous flow flowing out of the nozzle hole 101 breaks into droplets is approximately 35 mm when the nozzle hole 101 has a diameter of φ0.05 mm, and the distance over which the droplets break into droplets does not increase significantly, and the droplets 301 can collide with the outer peripheral surface 22a of the washing tub 22.

[0043] The ejection speed increases by about four times as the ejection pressure increases (from 0.7 MPa to 3 MPa), and the impact pressure also increases by about four times. As a result, the droplets 301 ejected at high pressure have a stronger effect of softening (emulsifying) or destroying dirt, making it easier to remove stubborn dirt and mold.

[0044] In this way, the washing machine 1000 is preferably provided with a pressurizing unit 260 that is disposed in the nozzle flow path 220 and pressurizes the liquid 300 in the direction of the nozzle hole 101. With this configuration, since the pressurizing unit 260 is provided, the pressure of the liquid 300 sprayed from the nozzle hole 101 can be increased. Therefore, it becomes possible to increase the pressure of the droplets 301 sprayed onto the outer peripheral surface 22a of the washing tub 22 to a predetermined pressure, and dirt accumulated on the outer peripheral surface 22a can be removed.

[0045] Furthermore, unlike the embodiment described above, the liquid 300 is not limited to being supplied from the water faucet 230, but may be configured as shown in FIG.

[0046] 5, the liquid jet unit 500B of the modified example is provided with a first switching unit 210, a second switching unit 211, and a third switching unit 212 in the middle of the water supply passage 240. In addition, the pressurizing unit 260a uses, for example, a bath water pump that is built into the washing machine 1000 in advance.

[0047] The first switching unit 210 supplies the supplied liquid 300, 300a to the nozzle 100 side or to the washing tub 22. The second switching unit 211 supplies tap water (liquid 300) from the faucet 230 or supplies bath water (liquid 300a) from the bathtub 270 to the first switching unit 210 side. The third switching unit 212 supplies the supplied liquid 300, 300a to the nozzle 100 side or to the washing tub 22.

[0048] When liquid 300 is sent from a water faucet 230 to the nozzle 100 by a bath water pump, the first switch 210 and the second switch 211 are operated to send tap water to the bath water pump.

[0049] According to this configuration, the liquid 300 is sent to the nozzle 100 via the third switching unit 212 and sprayed, with the liquid pressure increased by the synergistic effect of the tap water pressure and the liquid sending force of the bath water pump. This allows the liquid droplets 301 to collide with the object to be cleaned at a higher speed, thereby achieving high cleaning performance.

[0050] In addition, the outer peripheral surface 22a of the washing tub 22 is washed only with bath water (liquid 300a) pumped by the bath water pumping pump. In other words, by directly connecting the bathtub 270 and the bath water pumping pump, it is possible with a simple configuration to spray bath water from the nozzle hole 101 with increased liquid pressure due to the liquid pumping force of the bath water pumping pump, thereby enabling the same washing to be performed while also achieving the effect of saving water.

[0051] In addition, in the liquid jet unit 500B, the dirt removal effect can be obtained by simply jetting water that does not contain detergent, but a higher dirt removal effect can be obtained by jetting the liquid 300 mixed with detergent. Note that, as in the above modification, a pressure pump may be used instead of the bath water pump built into the washing machine 1000. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 10...washing machine body, 20...tub, 21...water tub, 22...washing tub, 22a...outer surface, 23...support mechanism, 23a...hanging rod, 24...agitator, 25...drain hose, 30...top cover, 31...rotary balancer, 32...laundry inlet / outlet, 40...operation panel, 50...controller, 100...nozzle, 101...nozzle hole, 210...first switching unit, 211...second switching unit, 212...third switching unit, 220...nozzle flow path, 230...faucet, 240...water supply flow path, 250...control unit, 260...pressurizing unit, 260a...pressurizing unit, 270...tub, 300, 300a...liquid, 301...droplets, 500...liquid injection unit, 500A...liquid injection unit, 500B...liquid injection unit, 1000...washing machine.

Claims

1. The washing machine body, A water tub supported in a swingable manner within the washing machine body; A washing tub that is rotatably supported within the water tub and that contains clothes; A motor that rotates the washing tub; A nozzle is disposed on the inner surface of the water tub and has at least one nozzle hole for spraying liquid toward an outer peripheral surface of the washing tub; A washing machine equipped with

2. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, The nozzle sprays the liquid in a continuous stream, converts the continuous stream into droplets, and causes them to collide with the outer circumferential surface of the washing tub.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, The distance at which the continuous stream breaks into droplets is 15 mm or more from the nozzle.

4. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, The nozzle includes a plurality of nozzle holes, The plurality of nozzle holes are arranged in a line in a depth direction of the water tub.

5. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, a nozzle flow path connected to the nozzle and configured to deliver the liquid to the nozzle; The nozzle flow path is connected to a water supply flow path that supplies the liquid to the washing machine main body.

6. The washing machine according to claim 5, The washing machine further comprises a first switching unit arranged at a connection between the nozzle flow path and the water supply flow path and configured to switch the flow path for delivering the liquid.

7. The washing machine according to claim 5, The washing machine further comprises a pressurizing unit disposed in the nozzle flow path and pressurizing the liquid in a direction toward the nozzle hole.

8. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, A control unit for controlling the ejection of the liquid is provided, The control unit causes the liquid to be sprayed from the nozzle at a specific date and time that is preset.

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