Clothing treatment device

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment device which can include both a circulation path and a washing path while avoiding complication of a path structure and lowering of a force of water to be jetted.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment device includes: an outer case having an outside opening part for putting in / taking out clothing; a clothing storage tub having an inside opening part for putting in / taking out clothing; a connection member for connecting the outside opening part and the outside opening part; a first jetting path for jetting water toward the inside of the clothing treatment tub; and a second jetting path for jetting water toward the inside of the connection member. In the first jetting path and the second jetting path, at least part is three-dimensionally crossed along the axial direction of the clothing storage tub.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothing treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, the drum-type washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is an example of a clothing processing device that processes clothing. This drum-type washing machine is equipped with a circulation path that circulates water in a water tub, and is configured to be able to spray the water circulated through this circulation path into the water tub in a shower-like manner.

[0003] Another example of a clothing treatment device is a drum-type washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 2. This drum-type washing machine has an opening in the outer casing and an opening in the water tub that form a clothing entrance for loading and unloading clothing. The opening in the outer casing and the opening in the water tub are watertightly connected by a bellows. This drum-type washing machine also has a cleaning path that sprays water toward the inner circumferential surface of the bellows to clean the bellows. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-56113 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-85850 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, if one washing machine is to be equipped with both the circulation path and the cleaning path, one path must be arranged to avoid the other path, resulting in a complex path structure. It is also possible to provide both the circulation path and the cleaning path by, for example, dividing the circulation path into multiple paths so as to avoid the cleaning path. However, with such a configuration in which the circulation path is divided into multiple paths, the water pumped by the circulation pump is dispersed among the multiple circulation paths, resulting in a problem of a decrease in the force of the water sprayed from each circulation path.

[0006] Therefore, this embodiment provides a clothing treatment device that can be equipped with both a circulation path and a cleaning path while avoiding a complicated path structure or a decrease in the force of the sprayed water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The clothing treatment device of this embodiment comprises an outer box having an outer opening for putting clothing in and taking clothing out, a clothing storage tub having an inner opening for putting clothing in and taking clothing out, a connecting member connecting the outer opening and the inner opening, a first spray path for spraying water toward the inside of the clothing treatment tub, and a second spray path for spraying water toward the inner surface of the connecting member, and at least a portion of the first spray path and the second spray path intersect at an elevated position along the axial direction of the clothing storage tub. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional side view schematically illustrating a configuration example of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a rear view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the water tank cover according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a water tank cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a rear view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a circulation path and a bellows cleaning path according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing a schematic configuration example of a portion where a circulation path and a bellows cleaning path intersect with each other in accordance with the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration example of a water outlet and its surrounding area according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a schematic configuration example of a water outlet and its surrounding area according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a rear view (part 1) schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a circulation path and a bellows cleaning path according to a modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a rear view (part 2) schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a circulation path and a bellows cleaning path according to a modified example of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of a clothing treatment device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The washing machine 1 shown in Fig. 1 is an example of a clothing treatment device that can perform predetermined processes on clothing, in this case at least a washing process for washing the clothing, a rinsing process for rinsing the clothing, and a dehydration process for dehydrating the clothing. The washing machine 1 is a so-called horizontal-axis drum washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub extends horizontally or in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal.

[0010] Washing machine 1 includes a water tub 3 housed within a rectangular outer casing 2 that forms the outer shell of the washing machine. Water tub 3 is an example of a clothing storage tub that holds clothes, and is elastically supported by, for example, a suspension (not shown). Water tub 3 is generally cylindrical, with its peripheral wall and back closed, allowing water to be stored inside. A generally circular water tub cover 4 is attached to the front of water tub 3.

[0011] A rotatable drum (not shown) is housed inside the water tub 3. The drum is generally cylindrical, with its peripheral wall and back surface generally closed. The peripheral wall and back surface of the drum are provided with numerous small holes (not shown) that allow ventilation and water to pass through. The inner surface of the drum is also provided with multiple baffles (not shown) for stirring up the clothes. The drum's central axis of rotation extends horizontally or in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal. The drum can be rotated in both forward and reverse directions by a drum motor 5 provided on the back surface of the water tub 3.

[0012] An outer opening 6 is provided on the front of the outer box 2 for putting clothes in and taking them out. Meanwhile, an inner opening 7 for putting clothes in and taking them out is provided in the center of the water tub cover 4. Both the outer opening 6 and the inner opening 7 are roughly circular. These outer opening 6 and inner opening 7 are watertightly connected by bellows 8, which is an example of a connecting member. The bellows 8 is formed in a bellows shape using, for example, a rubber material, and is watertight and flexible.

[0013] The washing machine 1 has a clothes opening 9 for putting clothes into and taking clothes out of the water tub 3, which is formed by combining an outer opening 6, an inner opening 7, and a bellows 8. The clothes opening 9 can be opened and closed by a door 10 provided on the front of the outer box 2. By opening the door 10, the user can put clothes into and take clothes out of the water tub 3, or more specifically, into a drum (not shown), through the clothes opening 9.

[0014] Washing machine 1 also includes water supply unit 11 for supplying water into water tub 3. Water supply unit 11 includes water supply valve 13, water filling case 14, and the like, along water supply path 12, which extends from a water source (not shown), such as a water tap, to water supply inlet 3a of water tub 3. Water supply inlet 3a is provided at the top of water tub 3, but its position can be changed as appropriate.

[0015] Washing machine 1 also includes drain section 15 for draining water from water tub 3 to the outside of the machine. Drain section 15 includes drain valve 17 and other components along drain path 16 that extends from drain outlet 3b of water tub 3 to the outside of the machine. Drain outlet 3b is provided at the bottom of water tub 3, but its position can be changed as appropriate.

[0016] Washing machine 1 is configured such that a predetermined amount of water is stored in water tub 3 by supplying water from water supply unit 11 into water tub 3 with drain valve 17 closed. Washing machine 1 is also configured such that water in water tub 3 is discharged to the outside of the machine via drain path 16 when drain valve 17 is opened.

[0017] A drain filter 18 is provided in the drain path 16, located upstream of the drain valve 17. The drain filter 18 captures foreign matter contained in the water that is discharged from the water tub 3 to the outside of the machine via the drain path 16. The foreign matter may be, for example, lint or dust from clothing.

[0018] Washing machine 1 also has circulation path 21, which is an example of a first spray path. Circulation path 21 is connected from drain outlet 3b of water tub 3 via drain filter 18 to an upper portion of inner opening 7 of water tub cover 4. A circulation pump (not shown) is provided midway along circulation path 21. Washing machine 1 circulates water in water tub 3 through circulation path 21 by driving this circulation pump. Washing machine 1 is configured to spray the circulated water in a shower-like manner from the outlet of circulation path 21 toward the inside of water tub 3. Note that a portion of circulation path 21, in this case the portion from drain outlet 3b of water tub 3 to drain filter 18, is a common path with drain path 16.

[0019] As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the path main body 22 of the circulation path 21 extends in an arc shape on the rear side of the water-tub cover 4, bypassing the side of the inner opening 7. The circulation path 21 has a plurality of nozzles 23, 24 (two in this case) at its outlet, i.e., the tip of the path main body 22, which can spray water in a shower-like manner toward the inside of the water tub 3. While the path main body 22 of the circulation path 21 extends circumferentially around the water tub 3, the nozzles 23, 24 extend radially around the water tub 3; in other words, they extend toward the axis of the water tub 3. The flow path area of ​​the nozzles 23, 24 is smaller than the flow path area of ​​the path main body 22 of the circulation path 21. The tip ends 23a, 24a of the nozzles 23, 24 are shaped to expand in a generally fan-like manner, i.e., have a larger flow path area than the base ends 23b, 24b of the nozzles 23, 24.

[0020] Nozzle section 23 is a nozzle section provided at the most downstream portion of circulation path 21. Hereinafter, nozzle section 23 may be referred to as the "downstream nozzle section 23." On the other hand, nozzle section 24 is a nozzle section provided at a portion of circulation path 21 upstream of downstream nozzle section 23. Hereinafter, nozzle section 24 may be referred to as the "upstream nozzle section 24."

[0021] The washing machine 1 also includes a bellows cleaning path 31, which is an example of a second spray path. The bellows cleaning path 31 is provided in an upper portion of the inner opening 7 of the water tub cover 4, and is configured to be able to spray water toward the inner circumferential surface of the bellows 8. The bellows 8 is formed in a bellows shape, which makes it easy for foreign matter to remain. Therefore, by cleaning the inner circumferential surface of the bellows 8 with the bellows cleaning path 31, foreign matter can be removed.

[0022] The path main body 32 of the bellows cleaning path 31 extends in an arc shape above the inner opening 7. The bellows cleaning path 31 also has, at the tip of the path main body 32, multiple water outlets 33, 34 (two in this case) that can spray water toward the inner circumferential surface of the bellows 8.

[0023] The bellows cleaning path 31 also has a water inlet 35 on the base end side of the path main body 32. The water inlet 35 is located circumferentially outward of the downstream nozzle 23, i.e., on the opposite side from the upstream nozzle 24. Water is supplied into the water inlet 35 from the water supply valve 13 via a water supply hose 36, also shown in FIG. 3 . The water supplied into the water inlet 35 flows through a communicating path 37 to the tip end side of the path main body 32, i.e., the water outlets 33, 34. The communicating path 37 is formed in a thin tube shape and connects the path main body 32 and the water inlet 35, which sandwich the downstream nozzle 23 in the bellows cleaning path 31.

[0024] The water outlets 33, 34 are disposed between the downstream nozzle section 23 and the upstream nozzle section 24. In other words, the water outlets 33, 34 are disposed upstream of the downstream nozzle section 23 and downstream of the upstream nozzle section 24. The water outlets 33, 34 are disposed radially outward of the tips of the downstream nozzle section 23 and the upstream nozzle section 24. The water tank cover 4 is provided, between the downstream nozzle section 23 and the upstream nozzle section 24, with a mounting section 4a where an ultraviolet light (not shown) is disposed. The mounting section 4a is disposed between the water outlets 33, 34.

[0025] 4, at least a portion of the circulation path 21 and the bellows cleaning path 31 are configured to intersect with each other in an overhead crossing along the axial direction of the water tank 3. That is, the communication flow path 37 that constitutes part of the bellows cleaning path 31 intersects with the tip of the circulation path 21 that sprays water toward the inside of the water tank 3 in an overhead crossing manner.

[0026] More specifically, a communicating flow path section 37 constituting a part of the bellows cleaning path 31 crosses over a grade-separate area with the downstream nozzle section 23, which sprays water in a shower-like manner toward the inside of the water tank 3. Furthermore, the communicating flow path section 37 constituting a part of the bellows cleaning path 31 crosses over a grade-separate area with a portion of the downstream nozzle section 23 whose flow path area is smaller than that of the path main section 22, i.e., the base end section 23b. Furthermore, the communicating flow path section 37 constituting a part of the bellows cleaning path 31 crosses over a grade-separate area with a portion of the downstream nozzle section 23 whose flow path area is smaller than that of the tip end section 23a, i.e., the base end section 23b.

[0027] Furthermore, the width of the flow path of the downstream nozzle portion 23, which is one of the multiple nozzle portions 23, 24 and intersects with the bellows cleaning path 31 at an upper level, i.e., the width H1 of the flow path at the base end 23b in this case, is wider than the width of the flow path of the upstream nozzle portion 24, which is one of the multiple nozzle portions 23, 24 and does not intersect with the bellows cleaning path 31 at an upper level, i.e., the width H2 of the flow path at the base end 24b in this case. In this case, the width H1 of the flow path at the base end 23b of the downstream nozzle portion 23 is, for example, 13 millimeters, and the width H2 of the flow path at the base end 24b of the upstream nozzle portion 24 is, for example, 10 millimeters. That is, the washing machine 1 is configured such that the width H1 of the flow path at the base end 23b of the downstream nozzle portion 23 is several millimeters wider than the width H2 of the flow path at the base end 24b of the upstream nozzle portion 24.

[0028] 5, the circulation path 21 and the bellows cleaning path 31 have a flat, step-free surface at their intersection, in this case the surface of the communicating path 37. That is, the surface of the communicating path 37 located at the intersection of the circulation path 21 and the bellows cleaning path 31 has a smooth, convex shape, making it difficult for foreign matter contained in the water passing through the downstream nozzle 23 to become caught. The foreign matter may be, for example, lint or dust from clothing.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 6, water outlets 33, 34 are disposed on the left and right sides of center line L of water tub 3 in the left-right direction when viewed from the front side of washing machine 1. Water outlets 33, 34 each open outward in the left-right direction. More specifically, water outlet 33 located on the left side when viewed from the front side of washing machine 1 opens to the left. Therefore, water outlet 33 can spray water mainly toward the inner circumferential surface on the left side of bellows 8. On the other hand, water outlet 34 located on the right side when viewed from the front side of washing machine 1 opens to the right. Therefore, water outlet 34 can spray water mainly toward the inner circumferential surface on the right side of bellows 8.

[0030] As shown in Figure 7, the water outlets 33, 34 are configured to penetrate the water tub cover 4 along the axial direction of the water tub 3. Therefore, the water outlets 33, 34 can be easily formed by combining a first die (not shown) that is arranged on the front side of the water tub cover 4 with a second die (not shown) that is arranged on the rear side of the water tub cover 4.

[0031] Washing machine 1 exemplified above includes circulation path 21 that sprays water toward the inside of water tub 3, and bellows cleaning path 31 that sprays water toward the inner circumferential surface of bellows 8. In addition, washing machine 1 has a configuration in which circulation path 21 and bellows cleaning path 31 intersect at least partially along the axial direction of water tub 3.

[0032] According to this configuration example, both the circulation path 21 and the bellows cleaning path 31 can be provided without arranging one of them so as to avoid the other, thereby avoiding a complicated path structure. Furthermore, both the circulation path 21 and the bellows cleaning path 31 can be provided without dividing the circulation path 21 into multiple paths, thereby avoiding a decrease in the force of water sprayed from the circulation path 21. In this way, according to the washing machine 1, both the circulation path 21 and the bellows cleaning path 31 can be provided reasonably while avoiding a complicated path structure and a decrease in the force of the sprayed water. Furthermore, since there is no need to divide the circulation path 21 into multiple paths, it is possible to avoid an increase in the number of parts, an increase in the number of assembly steps, and a complicated structure.

[0033] Moreover, according to washing machine 1, circulation path 21 has, as nozzle parts that spray water toward the inside of water tub 3, downstream nozzle part 23 provided downstream of circulation path 21 and upstream nozzle part 24 provided upstream of downstream nozzle part 23. Bellows cleaning path 31 crosses downstream nozzle part 23 of the plurality of nozzle parts 23, 24 at an overpass.

[0034] That is, the water that has reached the downstream portion of the circulation path 21 has no other route, or outlet, than the downstream nozzle portion 23. Therefore, the flow velocity and volume of the sprayed water are less likely to decrease in the downstream nozzle portion 23 provided downstream of the circulation path 21 than in the upstream nozzle portion 24 provided upstream. On the other hand, of the nozzle portions 23, 24, the nozzle portion that intersects with the bellows cleaning path 31 at an overpass will have a reduced flow path area at least by the amount of the overpass with the bellows cleaning path 31.

[0035] According to the washing machine 1, the bellows cleaning path 31 is arranged to cross the downstream nozzle part 23, which is less likely to experience a decrease in the flow velocity and volume of water sprayed compared to the other nozzle parts 24 provided upstream. Therefore, even if the flow path area of ​​the downstream nozzle part 23 is reduced by the amount of the crossing with the bellows cleaning path 31, the flow velocity and volume of water sprayed from the downstream nozzle part 23 can be sufficiently maintained compared to when the bellows cleaning path 31 crosses the upstream nozzle part 24.

[0036] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, bellows cleaning path 31 crosses over an end of circulation path 21, which sprays water into water tub 3. According to this configuration example, the flow path area of ​​the end of circulation path 21, which sprays water into water tub 3, can be reduced by an amount corresponding to the crossing over with bellows cleaning path 31. This allows the end of circulation path 21 to have a tapered shape, and the force of water sprayed from the end of circulation path 21 can be increased.

[0037] The crossing point between the circulation path 21 and the bellows cleaning path 31 can be a rate-limiting point that determines the speed of the sprayed water, i.e., a bottleneck. Therefore, it is recommended to configure the crossing point between the circulation path 21 and the bellows cleaning path 31 so that the flow path area is not too narrow.

[0038] In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the width H1 of the flow path of the downstream nozzle section 23, which among the multiple nozzle sections 23, 24 intersects with the bellows cleaning path 31 in a three-dimensional manner, is wider than the width H2 of the flow path of the upstream nozzle section 24, which among the multiple nozzle sections 23, 24 does not intersect with the bellows cleaning path 31 in a three-dimensional manner.

[0039] That is, according to the washing machine 1, the width H1 of the flow path of the downstream nozzle portion 23, whose flow path area is reduced by the amount of the three-dimensional intersection with the bellows cleaning path 31, is set wider than the width H2 of the flow path of the upstream nozzle portion 24, which does not intersect with the bellows cleaning path 31. Therefore, even in a configuration in which the bellows cleaning path 31 intersects with the downstream nozzle portion 23 three-dimensionally, the flow velocity and volume of water sprayed from the downstream nozzle portion 23 can be sufficiently ensured.

[0040] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1, the circulation path 21 and the bellows cleaning path 31 have a step-free shape where there is no step at the intersection between them. This configuration example makes it possible to prevent foreign matter from getting caught at the intersection, i.e., the area of ​​the flow path that is likely to be narrow, and to prevent the flow path from being clogged by foreign matter.

[0041] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, bellows cleaning path 31 has a plurality of water outlets 33, 34 that spray water toward the inner circumferential surface of bellows 8. Water outlets 33, 34 open outward in the left-right direction on the left and right sides of center line L in the left-right direction of water tub 3 when viewed from the front side of washing machine 1. According to this configuration example, cleaning water from bellows cleaning path 31 can be sprayed evenly in both left and right directions toward the inner circumferential surface of bellows 8, making it possible to clean as wide an area of ​​the inner circumferential surface of bellows 8 as possible.

[0042] The present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and extensions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the present embodiment is not limited to a so-called horizontal-axis drum washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub extends horizontally or inclined, but can also be applied to a so-called vertical-axis washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub extends vertically.

[0043] 8, the water outlets 33, 34 may be provided circumferentially outward of the nozzle portions 23, 24. In this configuration example, it is preferable that the bellows cleaning path 31 intersects with both the nozzle portions 23, 24 at an overhead crossing.

[0044] 9, the washing machine 1 may be configured to have one water outlet 133 between two nozzle portions 23, 24. In this configuration example, one water outlet 133 may be provided with two water outlet holes 133L, 133R facing left and right, respectively. Water outlet hole 133L opens to the left when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 1. On the other hand, water outlet hole 133R opens to the right when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 1.

[0045] The present embodiment is presented merely as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present embodiment and its modifications are intended to be covered by the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also intended to be covered by the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] In the drawing, 1 indicates a washing machine (clothing treatment device), 2 indicates an outer box, 3 indicates a water tub (clothing storage tub), 6 indicates an outer opening, 7 indicates an inner opening, 8 indicates a bellows (connecting member), 21 indicates a circulation path (first spray path), 23 indicates a downstream nozzle portion (nozzle portion), 24 indicates an upstream nozzle portion (nozzle portion), 31 indicates a bellows cleaning path (second spray path), and 33 and 34 indicate water outlets.

Claims

1. an outer box having an outer opening for putting in and taking out the garment; a clothing storage tub having an inner opening for inserting and removing clothing; a connecting member connecting the outer opening and the inner opening; a first spray path for spraying water toward the inside of the laundry treatment tub; a second spray path for spraying water toward the inner surface of the connecting member; Equipped with A clothing treatment device in which the first spray path and the second spray path intersect at least partially along the axial direction of the clothing storage tub.

2. The first spray path has a nozzle portion for spraying water toward the inside of the clothing treatment tub, the nozzle portion being a downstream nozzle portion provided downstream of the first spray path, and an upstream nozzle portion being provided upstream of the downstream nozzle portion, The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the second spray path crosses the downstream nozzle portion at an intersection.

3. The clothing treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the second spray path intersects with the tip of the first spray path, which sprays water toward the inside of the clothing treatment tub, at an intersection.

4. The first spray path has a plurality of nozzles that spray water toward the inside of the laundry treatment tub, The clothing treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the flow path of one of the plurality of nozzle sections that intersects with the second spray path at an elevated level is wider than the width of the flow path of one of the plurality of nozzle sections that does not intersect with the second spray path at an elevated level.

5. The laundry treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the first spray path and the second spray path have a flat, stepped shape at their intersection.

6. the second jetting path has a water outlet that jets water toward the inner surface of the connecting member, The clothing processing device according to claim 1, wherein the water outlet opens outward in the left-right direction of the clothing storage tub.

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