Washing machine cleaning cover and method of using washing machine cleaning cover

Abstract

To provide a cover for washing a washing machine and a method for using the cover for washing the washing machine capable of easily executing washing with a high washing effect to a rotary drum and a water tank of the washing machine.SOLUTION: A cover 10 for washing a washing machine can be attached to a water tub 131 in a drum type washing and drying machine 100 having the water tub 131 capable of storing and draining water, and a rotary drum 133 rotatably provided in the water tub 131, the rotary drum 133 having a large number of holes on a wall surface of the rotary drum 133. The cover 10 for washing the washing machine is provided with an opening part 12 larger than the opening of a water tub 131, a bottom part 13 provided at an end part on the opposite side of the opening part 12, a hollow cylindrical part 11 provided between the opening part 12 and the bottom part 13 and a communication port 15 opened at the bottom part 13. The opening part 12 has an expansion / contraction part 20 capable of expanding / contracting the size of the opening part 12, and the bottom part 13 is at least partially or entirely transparent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine wash cover and a method for using the washing machine wash cover. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, drum-type washer-dryers that are widely used in ordinary households are known to be capable of washing, spin-drying, and drying in a single rotating drum.

[0003] A drum-type washer-dryer performs washing, spin-drying, and drying operations by placing laundry inside a rotating drum that is rotatably mounted inside a water tub. The rotating drum is capable of storing wash water and has many small holes that allow water and air to circulate between the drum and the water tub, which forms an air passage for drying.

[0004] That is, drying in a drum-type washer-dryer is performed by circulating heated air inside the rotating drum through a drying air passage formed between the rotating drum and the water tub. Because drying also occurs on the back side of the rotating drum, there is a problem in that dirt remaining on the outer surface of the rotating drum and the inner surface of the water tub after washing adheres strongly to them due to drying. To address this problem, a method for cleaning the rotating drum of a washing machine is known, as described in Patent Document 1.

[0005] The method for cleaning a washing machine's rotating drum described in Patent Document 1 is a method for cleaning the rotating drum using a rotating tub cleaning device. The rotating tub cleaning device includes a splash prevention container, a holding device that rotatably holds the rotating drum, a drive device that rotates the rotating tub holding part of the holding device, a spray nozzle that sprays cleaning liquid onto the rotating drum to clean it, a nozzle moving device that moves the spray nozzle, and a cleaning liquid supply device that sends cleaning liquid to the spray nozzle.

[0006] When the spray nozzle moves toward the bottom of the rotating drum it is held in, it can change its spray direction toward the bottom. The nozzle movement device has a guide member that guides the moving spray nozzle and a ball screw that is installed along the guide member. The spray nozzle is fixed to the nut member side of the ball screw and can move back and forth along the screw shaft member. The screw shaft member is configured so that it can be constantly covered with a cover member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-222893 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] According to the method for cleaning a rotary drum of a washing machine described in Patent Document 1, the outside of the rotary drum removed from the washing machine can be cleaned.

[0009] However, the rotating drum in a washing machine is heavy and sometimes rotates at high speeds. It is not designed for users to remove and clean the drum, and it is not easy to remove. Even if it were possible to remove it, users might feel uneasy about accurately reinstalling the rotating drum, which rotates at high speed. Furthermore, the removed rotating drum is quite large and difficult to handle.

[0010] On the other hand, if dirt remains in the rotating drum or water tank, the cleaning ability will decrease and the feeling of cleanliness will decrease, so it is desirable to keep the rotating drum and water tank clean.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned situation, and its purpose is to provide a washing machine cleaning cover and a method of using the washing machine cleaning cover that make it easy to perform highly effective cleaning of the rotating drum and water tub of a washing machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A washing machine cleaning cover that solves the above problem is a washing machine cleaning cover that can be attached to a water tub in a washing machine that has a water tub capable of storing and draining water, and a rotating drum that is rotatably mounted within the water tub and has a number of holes in the wall of the rotating drum, and is equipped with an opening that is larger than the opening of the water tub, a bottom that is provided at the end opposite the opening, a hollow body that is provided between the opening and the bottom, and a communication port that opens into the bottom, wherein the opening has an expansion / contraction portion that allows the size of the opening to be expanded or contracted, and the bottom is at least partially or entirely transparent.

[0013] With this configuration, the washing machine cleaning cover can be placed over the washing machine's tub. Furthermore, cleaning components can be inserted and removed from the tub covered by the washing machine cleaning cover through a communication opening at the bottom. This makes it easier to perform highly effective cleaning of the washing machine's rotating drum and tub. In other words, by placing the washing machine cleaning cover over the washing machine's tub, the scattering of detergent, water, water droplets, etc. that occurs during cleaning of the tub and rotating drum is suppressed, allowing for the application of a highly effective cleaning method.

[0014] In a preferred configuration, the rotating drum is installed in a washing machine with the rotation axis of the rotating drum inclined relative to the vertical direction, and further includes a curtain portion provided on the opening side of the bottom so as to close the communication port, and a hose portion provided on the body as a hose that allows communication between the inside and outside of the body.

[0015] With this configuration, the provision of a curtain at the communication port further reduces the scattering of detergent, water, water droplets, etc. during washing, allowing for the application of a more effective washing method. In addition, the provision of a hose can prevent water and other substances from accumulating inside the washing machine cleaning cover during washing.

[0016] In a preferred configuration, the bottom, curtain portion, and body portion are each made of a transparent synthetic resin, the communication port is circular, the curtain portion is rectangular, one side of the rectangle is fixed to the bottom portion, and the hose portion is provided in the body portion at a position closer to the opening than the bottom portion so that one end of the hose portion can communicate.

[0017] With this configuration, the bottom, curtain, and body are transparent, making it easy to check the cleaning process, and the synthetic resin construction ensures lightweight flexibility, making the work easier. The communication port is circular, just like the rotating drum and water tub, making it ideal for cleaning. The curtain is rectangular, with only one side fixed, making it easy to open and close during work. The hose is attached to the opening, making it easier to drain cleaning water that tends to accumulate in the opening at the bottom of a washing machine cleaning cover that is placed over an upwardly tilted water tub.

[0018] In a preferred configuration, the curtain portion has one or more slits in a direction intersecting the fixed side.

[0019] With this configuration, the curtain section can be opened and closed more easily, improving workability through the communication opening.

[0020] In a preferred configuration, the expansion / contraction section has a string that goes around the opening, and the size of the opening can be expanded or contracted by adjusting the circumference determined by the length of the string, thereby making it possible to attach and detach the opening to the outside of the aquarium.

[0021] With this configuration, the opening can be expanded or contracted, so that it can be attached to and used with aquariums of various sizes.

[0022] a method for attaching a washing machine cleaning cover to a water tub in a washing machine having a water tub capable of storing and draining water, and a rotating drum rotatably mounted within the water tub, the rotating drum having a number of holes in its wall, the washing machine cleaning cover having an opening larger than the opening of the water tub, a bottom provided at the end opposite the opening, a hollow body provided between the opening and the bottom, and a communication port opened in the bottom, the method comprising the steps of: positioning the opening outside the water tub, and removably positioning the washing machine cleaning cover on the outside of the water tub by enlarging or reducing the size of the opening with an expansion / contraction unit; and installing the washing machine cleaning cover so that the inside of the water tub can be seen through the bottom, which is at least partially or entirely transparent when attached to the water tub.

[0023] This configuration makes it possible to easily attach and detach the washing machine cleaning cover to and from the washing machine tub. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, it becomes easy to perform highly effective cleaning of the rotary drum and water tub of a washing machine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a washing machine cleaning cover and a method of using the washing machine cleaning cover in this embodiment. [Figure 2] 3A and 3B are diagrams of a washing machine cleaning cover in the same embodiment, in which (a) is a front view and (b) is a right side view. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the rear surface of the washing machine cleaning cover in the embodiment. [Figure 4]4 is a flowchart showing a method of using the washing machine cleaning cover in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] An embodiment of the washing machine cleaning cover 10 and a method of using the washing machine cleaning cover 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG.

[0027] 1 can be attached to the washing tub 130 so as to cover the opening side of the washing tub 130 of the drum type washer-dryer 100 by being placed over the opening side of the washing tub 130. In other words, the washing machine washing cover 10 is detachable from the water tub 131 that constitutes the washing tub 130 of the drum type washer-dryer 100. As a result, the washing machine washing cover 10 can prevent water droplets generated in the washing tub 130 from scattering around the washing tub 130 during washing when the washing tub 130 to which the washing machine washing cover 10 is attached is washed.

[0028] First, a drum type washer / dryer 100 will be described as an example of a washing machine to which the washing machine cleaning cover 10 can be applied.

[0029] Drum type washer-dryer 100 has a washing tub 130 housed within a box-shaped housing 110. Housing 110 separates the interior of drum type washer-dryer 100 from the outside. For example, housing 110 has a back wall 112a at the rear of the housing, a bottom wall 112b at the bottom of the housing, and a lower front wall 112c at the lower part of the front of the housing. Although not shown in the present embodiment for convenience of explanation, housing 110 also has a top plate that can be attached and detached by disassembly on the top surface of the housing, and a front plate that can be attached and detached by disassembly on the front surface of the housing.

[0030] Washing tub 130 has water tub 131 in the shape of a container with an opening, and rotating drum 133 installed inside water tub 131. Drum type washer-dryer 100 is installed in the washing machine so that washing tub 130, that is, the rotation axis of water tub 131 and rotating drum 133, is inclined at an angle of, for example, 45 to 90 degrees, more preferably 55 to 80 degrees, relative to the vertical direction.

[0031] Water tub 131 is a container with opening 132 facing opening door 113 attached to housing 110, and is connected to a water supply unit and a drain unit (not shown) to enable storage and drainage of wash water as well as supply and drainage of wash water. The drain unit is connected to a drain trap outside the washing machine via a water stop valve. Water tub 131 (washing tub 130) is supported within housing 110 by a damper device (not shown).

[0032] A rotary drum 133 for accommodating laundry is rotatably mounted inside the water tub 131.

[0033] Rotating drum 133 has a number of holes in side wall surface 133a and bottom portion 133b that form the wall surface of rotating drum 133, which enable the circulation of wash water and dry air between rotating drum 133 and water tub 131. Rotation of motor 141 is transmitted to rotating drum 133 through rotating shaft 140 connected to bottom portion 133b of rotating drum 133, and rotating drum 133 is rotated about the axis of rotating shaft 140.

[0034] Rotating drum 133 also has an opening 136 on the opposite side of bottom 133b, through which laundry can be put in and taken out. That is, rotating drum 133 has opening 136 disposed opposite opening door 113, and opening door 113 can be opened and closed relative to opening 136.

[0035] Door 113 is attached to housing 110 so as to be openable and closable relative to opening 136. More specifically, door 113 is attached to the front panel of housing 110 so as to be able to open and close opening 132 of water tub 131 and opening 136 of rotating drum 133. This makes it possible to load and unload laundry into and seal rotating drum 133 by opening and closing door 113.

[0036] Between water tub 131 and rotating drum 133, there is provided drying air passage 135 as an air passage for drying. That is, drying air passage 135 is provided so as to follow side wall 131a and bottom wall 131b of water tub 131 and side wall surface 133a and bottom 133b of rotating drum 133. Water tub 131 is provided with an outlet (not shown) that blows hot air or cold air into water tub 131 from the outside of washing tub 130, and the hot air or cold air blown into water tub 131 can be introduced into rotating drum 133 to dry the laundry in rotating drum 133. The washing machine cleaning cover 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0037] Generally, the washing machine cleaning cover 10 has an opening 12 larger than the opening of the water tub 131, a bottom 13 provided at the end opposite the opening 12, a tubular portion 11 as a hollow body portion provided between the opening 12 and the bottom 13, and a communication port 15 opened in the bottom 13.

[0038] The opening 12 also has an expandable / contractable portion 20 that allows the size of the opening 12 to be expanded or contracted, and the bottom 13 is at least partially or entirely transparent.

[0039] 2(a) and 2(b), the washing machine cleaning cover 10 is a cylindrical body with one open end and the other bottom end, in which the cylindrical portion 11 constitutes the cylindrical body, the bottom portion 13 constitutes the bottom of the other end, and the opening portion 12 constitutes the open end of one end. A hose portion 14 is connected to the cylindrical portion 11.

[0040] The washing machine cleaning cover 10 is made of a waterproof, transparent, and flexible synthetic resin sheet. Examples of synthetic resins include polyvinyl chloride and vinyl chloride resin. If the synthetic resin is polyvinyl chloride, for example, the thickness of the material is 0.5 mm or less, preferably 0.3 mm or less, and more preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.1 mm, including 0.15 mm.

[0041] The tubular portion 11 is a wide ring-shaped body made of a synthetic resin sheet. The tubular portion 11 can be made, for example, by connecting the short sides of one or more rectangular sheets. The tubular portion 11 has an opening 12 at one end of the ring-shaped body and a bottom 13 at the other end of the ring-shaped body. In many cases, the circumferential length of one end of the tubular portion 11 is approximately the same as the circumferential length of the other end.

[0042] The opening 12 has an expansion / contraction portion 20 formed from a synthetic resin sheet similar to that of the cylindrical portion 11 .

[0043] The expansion / contraction section 20 includes a double section 21 in which the sheets constituting the tubular section 11 are doubled, an outer sheet 22 that is the outer side of the double section 21, and a plurality of adjustment tool holes 23 arranged in the outer sheet 22.

[0044] The double portion 21 is provided around the entire circumference of the opening 12. The double portion 21 is an annular tubular portion extending in the circumferential direction, and has a circumferential space 24 inside. The double portion 21 is formed, for example, by folding the tubular portion 11 back at the open end to form a double sheet, and is joined to an opposing sheet at a predetermined distance from the open end. In this case, it is preferable that the sheet is folded back to the outside of the tubular portion 11 at the open end, but it may also be folded back to the inside of the tubular portion 11. If the joining is fused all around the circumference, the intrusion of water and the like into the circumferential space 24 is suppressed, but partial fusion is also possible.

[0045] 3, the adjuster holes 23 are provided in three locations on the circumference of the double portion 21, with adjacent pairs of holes provided in each. The adjuster holes 23 are provided on the outer sheet 22 side of the double portion 21 and are holes that connect the circumferential space 24 to the outside, but are not connected to the inside of the tubular portion 11 that faces the outer sheet 22. This reduces the risk of water or the like splashing inside the tubular portion 11 entering the circumferential space 24 through the adjuster holes 23.

[0046] An adjustment string 25 is connected to the entire circumferential space 24 of the double portion 21. The adjustment string 25 is a string or rope made of synthetic resin, and has resistance to tension and flexibility. The adjustment string 25 is arranged along the length of the circumferential space 24, and where there are two adjacent adjuster holes 23, it forms an arc-shaped loop portion 40 that exits the circumferential space 24 from one adjuster hole 23 and returns to the circumferential space 24 from the other adjuster hole 23.

[0047] The loop portion 40 is formed by the adjustment string 25 going out of the circumferential space 24 at a position where the two adjuster holes 23 are adjacent to each other. For ease of explanation, the loop portion 40 is not shown in FIG. 2(b).

[0048] When the length of the loop portion 40 increases, the length of the adjustment string 25 disposed within the circumferential space 24 decreases, thereby narrowing and reducing the size of the opening 12. Conversely, when the length of the loop portion 40 decreases, the length of the adjustment string 25 disposed within the circumferential space 24 increases, thereby greatly expanding the size of the opening 12.

[0049] Additionally, a fastener 41 is attached to the loop portion 40 to maintain the length of the adjustment string 25 outside the circumferential space 24. Because the loop portion 40 is made up of a portion of the adjustment string 25, the fastener 41 prevents the portion of the adjustment string 25 from being pulled back into the circumferential space 24 due to the large force of the reduced opening 12 trying to restore its original shape. The fastener 41 is arranged to bundle and fasten the two adjustment strings 25 extending from the two adjuster holes 23 at a position of the loop portion 40 close to the circumferential space 24.

[0050] The fastener 41 maintains the size of the loop portion 40, thereby maintaining the size of the opening 12 in a predetermined reduced state.

[0051] The hose portion 14 is a cylindrical body with both ends open, one end of which is connected to the cylindrical portion 11, and the other end of which extends below the cylindrical portion 11. The hose portion 14 allows water accumulated inside the cylindrical portion 11 to circulate, thereby enabling the water to be discharged to the outside of the cylindrical portion 11. The hose portion 14 is connected from the outside to a drainage port provided in the cylindrical portion 11, thereby communicating the inside of the cylindrical portion 11 with the inside of the hose portion 14. The hose portion 14 is connected to the cylindrical portion 11 by fusion bonding, adhesive, or the like.

[0052] The hose part 14 extends below the tubular part 11, and the other end of the hose part 14 can be arranged below the tubular part 11. The length of the hose part 14 is preferably such that the other end of the hose part 14 can be arranged outside the housing 110 when the washing machine cleaning cover 10 is attached to the washing tub 130.

[0053] The bottom 13 is made of a synthetic resin sheet and is provided at the other end of the cylindrical portion 11. The outer periphery of the bottom 13 is approximately the same as the periphery of the other end of the cylindrical portion 11. The outer periphery of the bottom 13 is connected to the other end of the cylindrical portion 11 by fusion or the like. It is preferable that the entire periphery of the bottom 13 and the cylindrical portion 11 are tightly connected to prevent leakage of moisture, etc.

[0054] The bottom 13 has a communication opening 15 as a hole that connects the front and back of the sheet of the bottom 13. The washing machine cleaning cover 10 is designed so that cleaning equipment can be put in and taken out of the washing machine cleaning cover 10 through the communication opening 15 in the bottom 13.

[0055] The communication port 15 is provided in a circular shape at a position including the center of the bottom portion 13. For example, the communication port 15 is provided as a circle concentric with the circular bottom portion 13.

[0056] The bottom 13 is provided with a curtain portion 30 at a position overlapping the communication port 15. The curtain portion 30 is made of a rectangular synthetic resin sheet similar to that of the bottom 13, and has the same waterproofness, flexibility, and transparency as the bottom 13. Note that the curtain portion 30 may be made of a sheet of a material different from that of the bottom 13, as long as it has flexibility and transparency.

[0057] The curtain section 30 is provided on the bottom 13 inside the tubular section 11. That is, one side of the curtain section 30 is fixed by welding or the like to the inside of the bottom 13 at a position above the communication port 15, while the other three sides are provided as movable sides whose movement relative to the bottom 13 is not restricted.

[0058] The curtain portion 30 has a slit extending in a direction intersecting the fixed side, for example, vertically; that is, the curtain portion 30 is divided into two by a slit extending in the up-and-down direction of the washing machine cleaning cover 10. When the bottom portion 13 is viewed from the outside, the curtain portion 30 has a first sheet 31 on the left side and a second sheet 32 ​​on the right side. The first sheet 31 and the second sheet 32 ​​are adjacent to each other so that the gap between them is small. The first sheet 31 and the second sheet 32 ​​may be the same size or different sizes.

[0059] Since the curtain portion 30 is separated into a first sheet 31 and a second sheet 32 ​​suspended from the bottom portion 13, when work is performed to bring in cleaning equipment or the like from outside through the communication opening 15, there is little risk that the work will be restricted by the curtain portion 30 which is arranged to cover the communication opening 15.

[0060] The curtain part 30 covers the communication opening 15 to the extent that it can hang down without restricting the freedom of operation, and therefore, water etc. that has splashed inside the washing machine cleaning cover 10 can be prevented from passing through the communication opening 15 and splashing further outside.

[0061] The size of the washing machine cleaning cover 10 will be described.

[0062] For example, when shaped like a cylinder, the tubular portion 11 has a diameter of 80 cm and a width of 40 cm from the opening 12 to the bottom 13. The diameter of the tubular portion 11 may be large enough to fit over the outer periphery of the water tub 131, and may be, for example, 60 cm or more, preferably 75 cm or more. The diameter of the tubular portion 11 may be 100 cm or less, preferably 90 cm or less, so as to minimize any slack between the tub 131 and the outer periphery. The width of the tubular portion 11 may be large enough to stably attach the washing machine cleaning cover 10 to the outer periphery of the water tub 131, and is preferably 40 cm, but may be 30 cm or more and 60 cm or less.

[0063] The opening 12 has a diameter of 80 cm when made into a circle, similar to the cylindrical portion 11. The diameter of the opening 12 may also be approximately the same as the diameter of the cylindrical portion 11, as long as it is large enough to fit over the outer periphery of the water tank 131.

[0064] The diameter of the bottom 13 is 80 cm when circular, similar to the cylindrical portion 11. The diameter of the bottom 13 may be any size suitable for cleaning the water tank 131, and may be approximately the same as the diameter of the cylindrical portion 11. Since the bottom 13 does not need to overlap the outer periphery of the water tank 131, it may be smaller than the diameter of the opening 12.

[0065] Communication opening 15 is provided in the center of bottom 13 in the shape of a circle with a diameter of 30 cm. The diameter of communication opening 15 is preferably 30 cm as long as cleaning tools can be put in and taken out of water tank 131, but may be in the range of 20 cm to 50 cm.

[0066] The attachment position of the center of the hose part 14 in the width direction of the tubular part 11 is 15 cm from the opening 12 in the width direction of the tubular part 11, that is, 25 cm from the opposite bottom part 13. For example, the hose part 14 may be positioned at a distance of 5 cm or more from the opening 12 and at a slight distance from the bottom 13, i.e., 10 cm or more from the bottom 13, as long as it does not interfere with the expansion / contraction part 20 and allows drainage from inside the washing machine cleaning cover 10.

[0067] The hose part 14 has a diameter of 5 cm when the cylindrical end is rounded. The hose part 14 is only required to be able to drain water from the washing machine cleaning cover 10, and a diameter of 5 cm is preferable, but the diameter may be in the range of 2 cm to 8 cm.

[0068] The double portion 21 has a width of 5 cm in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the circumferential space 24. The double portion 21 only needs to be able to accommodate the adjustment string 25 in the circumferential space 24, and the width may be, for example, in the range of 3 cm or more and 8 cm or less.

[0069] Adjacent two adjuster holes 23 form a set, and three sets are distributed around the circumference of double portion 21 at approximately equal intervals, for example, at intervals of 120 degrees. For example, if double portion 21 is circular with a diameter of 80 cm, one of the three sets is located at the bottom, and the other two sets are located 30 cm to the left and right on the circumference from the top. By locating at least one set at the bottom, even if moisture flows into circumferential space 24, it will flow out of the lowest adjuster hole 23 due to its own weight.

[0070] The curtain portion 30 is preferably large enough to cover the communication opening 15, but may have some gaps from the communication opening 15 as long as this can prevent splashes and the like from being scattered to the outside. When the communication opening 15 is a circle with a diameter of 30 cm, the curtain portion 30 is preferably 44 cm wide and 40 cm long so that it overlaps the communication opening 15 by at least about 5 cm on all four sides.

[0071] Note that the effect of suppressing water scattering can be obtained by covering 50% or more, preferably 70% or more, of the communication opening 15. Therefore, the curtain portion 30 may have a width in the range of 20 cm or more and 60 cm or less, and preferably in the range of 30 cm or more and 50 cm or less.

[0072] The first sheet 31 and the second sheet 32 ​​are the same size as the curtain portion 30 cut in half lengthwise, each measuring 22 cm long and 20 cm wide. The length between the adjacent sides of the first sheet 31 and the second sheet 32 ​​is preferably long enough to be in contact with each other, but they may overlap by 5 cm or less, or conversely, they may have a gap of 10 cm or less.

[0073] Next, a method of using the washing machine cleaning cover 10 will be described using the drum type washer-dryer 100 as an example.

[0074] The washing machine cleaning cover 10 can be used in the drum type washer-dryer 100, particularly when cleaning the drying air duct 135 with water or with a brush.

[0075] Washing water and dry air circulate through dry air duct 135. Dirt contained in washing water adheres to and accumulates on dry air duct 135, specifically on the inside of water tub 131 and the outside of rotating drum 133 that constitute dry air duct 135. Thereafter, the adhesion of the accumulated dirt in dry air duct 135 may become stronger as it dries due to the flow of dry air.

[0076] Conversely, it is known that dirt that has been separated from dry air duct 135 by the flow of wash water mixes with the wash water during washing and soils the laundry. To prevent this, it is desirable to clean the dirt that has adhered to and accumulated in dry air duct 135. However, dry air duct 135 is often difficult to see from opening 132 and is often narrow and deep, making cleaning difficult.

[0077] Therefore, a method is known in which washing tub 130 is exposed by removing a portion of housing 110 of drum type washer-dryer 100 and washed. While it is conceivable to remove washing tub 130 from drum type washer-dryer 100 and wash it, it is also preferable to wash washing tub 130 while it is attached to drum type washer-dryer 100, since removing large washing tub 130 requires a lot of time and effort.

[0078] When washing tub 130 is washed while attached to drum type washer-dryer 100, in order to avoid corrosion and breakdown of the washing machine's components and electrical components, it is preferable to suppress the scattering of water around washing tub 130. In other words, during such washing, suppressing the scattering of washing water around increases the degree of freedom involved in the washing operation of washing tub 130, making washing easier and improving the cleaning effect.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 4, the method of using the washing machine cleaning cover 10 includes a washing machine tub exposing step (step S110), a washing machine cleaning cover installing step (step S120), a washing machine tub cleaning step (step S130), a washing machine cleaning cover removing step (step S140), and a washing machine tub hiding step (step S150).

[0080] The washing tub exposing step (step S110) is a step in which a part of the housing 110 of the washing machine cleaning cover 10 is removed to expose the water tub 131 that constitutes the washing tub 130. Any members that may obstruct the installation of the washing machine cleaning cover 10 around the periphery of the water tub 131 are also removed.

[0081] The washing machine cleaning cover installation step (step S120) is a step in which washing machine cleaning cover 10 is installed around the outer periphery of water tub 131. First, washing machine cleaning cover 10 is positioned such that opening 12 faces opening 136 of water tub 131 when expansion / contraction section 20 is expanded, and opening 12 is moved toward water tub 131 so that opening 12 and a portion of tubular section 11 cover the outer periphery of water tub 131. Furthermore, washing machine cleaning cover 10 is installed on water tub 131 via transparent bottom 13 so that the inside of water tub 131 can be seen through bottom 13, which is at least partially or entirely transparent, when attached to water tub 131.

[0082] At this time, hose portion 14 is positioned downward. For example, washing machine cleaning cover 10 is positioned so that about half the length of tubular portion 11 covers water tub 131. Then, expansion / contraction portion 20 is contracted by adjusting adjustment string 25, and opening 12 abuts against the outer periphery of water tub 131 and is fastened, thereby installing washing machine cleaning cover 10 on water tub 131. In addition, the other end of hose portion 14 that drains water is positioned in a drainable position.

[0083] The washing tub cleaning process (step S130) is a process in which the drying air duct 135 is washed with water and scrubbed while the washing machine washing cover 10 is installed. In this process, the inside of the water tub 131 with the washing machine washing cover 10 installed can be seen through the transparent bottom 13. Examples of water cleaning include high-pressure washing and washing with warm water. Examples of scrubbing cleaning include washing with various brushes. At this time, it is preferable that the drum type washer-dryer 100 is set to a state in which water can be drained from the water tub 131.

[0084] The washing machine cleaning cover removal process (step S140) is a process of removing the washing machine cleaning cover 10 that has been installed around the periphery of the water tub 131. After the water remaining inside the washing machine cleaning cover 10 is drained through the hose part 14, the adjustment string 25 is adjusted so that the expansion / contraction part 20 fastened to the periphery of the water tub 131 expands, thereby making the opening 12 detachable from the periphery of the water tub 131. Then, the washing machine cleaning cover 10 is removed by being pulled out from the water tub 131.

[0085] The washing tub concealing step (step S150) is a step in which housing 110, a portion of which has been removed to expose washing tub 130 (water tub 131), is restored to conceal washing tub 130. When housing 110 is restored, drum type washer-dryer 100 is restored to an operable state. As a result, drum type washer-dryer 100, whose washing tub 130 has been cleaned, can be used as usual.

[0086] (1) The washing machine cleaning cover 10 can be placed over the water tub 131 of the drum type washer-dryer 100. In addition, cleaning materials and the like can be inserted and removed from the water tub 131 covered with the washing machine cleaning cover 10 through the communication opening 15 in the bottom 13. This makes it easier to effectively wash the rotating drum 133 and water tub 131 of the drum type washer-dryer 100. In other words, by placing the washing machine cleaning cover 10 over the water tub 131 of the drum type washer-dryer 100, the scattering of detergent, water, water droplets, and the like that would otherwise splash when washing the water tub 131 and the rotating drum 133 is suppressed, making it possible to apply a cleaning method that is highly effective.

[0087] (2) Providing the curtain portion 30 at the communication port 15 can further reduce the scattering of detergent, water, water droplets, etc. during washing, thereby enabling the application of a washing method with a higher cleaning effect. In addition, providing the hose portion 14 can prevent water and other substances from accumulating inside the washing machine washing cover 10 during washing.

[0088] (3) The bottom 13, curtain portion 30, and tube portion 11 are transparent, making it easy to check the cleaning work while doing so, and because they are made of synthetic resin, they are lightweight and flexible, making the work easier. The communication port 15 has the same circular shape as the rotating drum 133 and the water tub 131, making it suitable for cleaning work. The curtain portion 30 is rectangular, with only one side fixed, making it easy to open and close during work. The hose portion 14 is attached to the opening 12 side, so when the washing machine cleaning cover 10 is placed over the upwardly tilted water tub 131 from above, cleaning water that tends to accumulate in the opening 12 on the lower side can be easily drained.

[0089] (4) The curtain portion 30 can be opened and closed more easily, which improves workability through the communication opening 15.

[0090] (5) Since the opening 12 is expandable and contractible, it can be attached to and used with water tanks 131 of various sizes.

[0091] (6) The washing machine cleaning cover 10 can be easily attached to and detached from the water tub 131 of the drum type washer-dryer 100.

[0092] The above embodiment can also be implemented in the following manner.

[0093] Although the washing machine has been exemplified as a drum type washer-dryer 100, the washing machine is not limited to this and may be a drum type washer with a spin-drying function. Also, the washing machine may be a vertical washer-dryer or a washing machine with a spin-drying function.

[0094] The washing machine wash cover 10 is preferably transparent, but may be partially opaque as long as it has a transparent portion that allows the washing operation to be monitored.

[0095] The material of the washing machine cleaning cover 10 is not limited to polyvinyl chloride or vinyl chloride resin, but may be any known synthetic resin or other material as long as it is waterproof and flexible.

[0096] The circumferential length of one end of the tubular portion 11 does not have to be approximately the same as the circumferential length of the other end. In other words, the circumferential length of one end of the tubular portion 11 may be different from the circumferential length of the other end, as long as the expansion / contraction portion 20 can be provided at the open end and the bottom portion 13 having the communication port 15 can be provided at the other end.

[0097] The double portion 21 does not necessarily have to be formed by folding back the sheet of the tubular portion 11 at the opening end, but may be formed by overlapping another sheet on top of the sheet of the tubular portion 11 near the opening end and joining them by welding or the like.

[0098] The fastener 41 is not limited to fastening the adjustment string 25 at two points with one fastener, and the adjustment string 25 may be fastened at two points with separate fasteners.

[0099] Even if the communication port 15 is circular, it does not have to be concentric with the bottom 13 .

[0100] The communication opening 15 does not have to be circular, but may be elliptical, annular, rectangular, or other polygonal shape.

[0101] The communication opening 15 may be located at an eccentric position on the bottom 13, and does not have to include the center of the bottom 13 as long as it allows for the insertion and removal of cleaning equipment.

[0102] The bottom 13 does not have to be circular, but may be elliptical or annular, or may be rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or polygonal with more angles.

[0103] The center of the bottom 13 may be defined arbitrarily depending on the shape of the bottom 13. For example, the center may be the center of gravity, the center of an ellipse, the center of a triangle, or a center equidistant from each corner in the case of a rectangle, or may be a center corresponding to the shape.

[0104] The curtain portion 30 may be made up of three or more sheets.

[0105] The curtain portion 30 may be provided on the outside of the washing machine wash cover 10 at the bottom portion 13.

[0106] The bottom 13 does not have to have the curtain portion 30. The bottom 13 can suppress the scattering of moisture. Furthermore, by devising the size and arrangement of the communication openings 15, it is possible to suppress the scattering of moisture through the communication openings 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 10 Washing Machine Cover 11 Cylinder part 12 Opening 13 Bottom 14 Hose section 15 Connecting port 20. Expansion / contraction section 21 Double eyelids 22 outer seat 23 Adjuster hole 24 All-around space 25 Adjustment string 30 Curtain section 31 First Sheet 32 Second Sheet 40 Loop section 41 Fasteners 100 Drum type washer-dryer 110 Case 112a back wall 112b Bottom wall 112c Front lower wall 113 Opening and closing door 130 washing machine tub 131 Aquarium 131a side wall 131b Bottom wall 132 Opening 133 Rotating Drum 133a Side wall surface 133b bottom 135 Drying air path 136 Opening 140 Rotational Axis 141 Motor

Claims

1. A washing machine cleaning cover that can be attached to a water tub in a washing machine having a water tub that can store and drain water, and a rotating drum that is rotatably installed in the water tub and has a number of holes in a wall surface of the rotating drum, an opening larger than the opening of the water tank; a bottom provided at an end opposite to the opening; a hollow body portion provided between the opening and the bottom portion; a communication port opened at the bottom, The opening has an expansion / contraction portion that allows the size of the opening to be expanded or contracted, The bottom is at least partially or entirely transparent. A washing machine washable cover.

2. The rotating drum is installed in the washing machine with a rotation axis of the rotating drum inclined relative to a vertical direction, a curtain portion provided on the opening side of the bottom portion so as to close the communication port; a hose portion provided in the body portion as a hose that allows communication between the inside and outside of the body portion. The washing machine wash cover according to claim 1.

3. The bottom, the curtain, and the body are each made of a transparent synthetic resin, The communication port is circular, The curtain portion is rectangular, and one side of the rectangular shape is fixed to the bottom portion, The hose portion is provided in the body portion at a position closer to the opening than the bottom portion, and one end of the hose portion is capable of communicating. The washing machine cleaning cover according to claim 2.

4. The curtain portion has one or more slits in a direction intersecting the fixed side. The washing machine cleaning cover according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The expansion / contraction unit has a string provided around the opening, and the size of the opening can be expanded or contracted by adjusting the circumference defined by the length of the string, thereby enabling the opening to be attached or detached to the outside of the water tank. The washing machine cleaning cover according to claim 4.

6. A method for using a washing machine cleaning cover that can be attached to a water tub in a washing machine having a water tub that can store and drain water, and a rotary drum that is rotatably installed in the water tub and has a number of holes in a wall of the rotary drum, comprising: The washing machine cleaning cover has an opening larger than the opening of the water tub, a bottom provided at an end opposite to the opening, a hollow body provided between the opening and the bottom, and a communication port opened in the bottom, a step of detachably arranging the washing machine cleaning cover on the outside of the water tub by enlarging or reducing the size of the opening with an expansion / contraction unit while the opening is arranged on the outside of the water tub; and installing the washing machine cleaning cover so that the inside of the water tub can be seen through the bottom, which is at least partially or entirely transparent when attached to the water tub. A method for using a washing machine cleaning cover.

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