Laundry appliance

Abstract

To provide a laundry apparatus capable of preventing unintended leakage of functional water from a part for supplying the functional water.SOLUTION: A laundry apparatus according to an embodiment includes a storage tank, a reservoir configured to store tap water and functional water and having a first bottom surface area and a second bottom surface area in which a first outlet and a second outlet are formed, a functional water generator disposed in the reservoir and configured to generate the functional water, a first drain pipe communicating with the first outlet, a second drain pipe communicating with the second outlet, and a sprayer attached to a lower end portion of the second drain pipe. The storage part includes a siphon mechanism that causes tap water to flow out from the first outlet when the tap water is stored up to a first water level and stops outflow of the tap water when the tap water drops to a second water level, and a residual water outflow prevention wall formed around the second outlet, the first bottom surface region is located below the second bottom surface region, and an upper end of the residual water outflow prevention wall is located above the second water level in a vertical direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to laundry appliances. [Background technology]

[0002] One example of laundry equipment is a washing machine that produces functional water in the washing machine in the form of a mist and sprays it onto the object to be treated, such as clothing, to perform treatment on the object depending on the functional water, such as sterilization, antibacterial properties, and deodorization (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6857805 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A washing machine is provided with a reservoir that stores tap water for cleaning a window of the washing machine, etc. A functional water generating unit that generates functional water may be disposed in the reservoir, and the functional water generated may be converted into mist and sprayed onto an object to be treated.

[0005] The inventors of the present application have studied the above-mentioned configuration as a configuration for producing functional water and spraying it onto an object to be treated, and have found that with the above-mentioned configuration, functional water may unintentionally leak from the sprayer after spraying onto the object to be treated has been completed. Because functional water may have a color such as brown, unintentional leakage as described above may cause problems such as soiling the object to be treated or the inside of a washing machine (laundry equipment).

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a laundry machine that can prevent unintended leakage of functional water from a portion that supplies functional water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] A laundry machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes a storage tank disposed within a housing for storing an object to be treated, a storage section disposed within the housing vertically above the storage tank for storing tap water and functional water between a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface having a first bottom surface area in which a first outlet for removing the tap water is formed, and a second bottom surface area in which a second outlet for removing the functional water is formed, a functional water production section disposed within the storage section for producing the functional water using the tap water, a first distribution pipe communicating with the first outlet for removing the tap water from the storage section, a second distribution pipe communicating with the second outlet for removing the functional water from the storage section, and a functional water production section attached to a lower end of the second distribution pipe for producing the functional water. and a sprayer that turns water into a mist and sprays it into the storage tank. The storage section has a siphon mechanism that is configured to discharge the tap water from a first outlet formed in the bottom section when the tap water is accumulated to a first water level and to stop the outflow of the tap water from the first outlet when the tap water drops to a second water level lower than the first water level, and a residual water outflow prevention wall that is formed around the second outlet and prevents residual water remaining between the second water level and the first bottom area from flowing out from the second outlet when the outflow of tap water from the first outlet by the siphon mechanism is stopped, the first bottom area being located below the second bottom area, and the upper end of the residual water outflow prevention wall being located vertically above the second water level.

[0008] In the above configuration, when tap water reaches a first water level in the reservoir, the siphon mechanism causes tap water to flow into the first drain pipe connected to the first outlet. The tap water flowing into the first drain pipe can be used to clean the window of a washing machine, for example. After tap water begins to flow into the first drain pipe, when the water level in the reservoir drops to the second water level, the siphon mechanism stops the flow of tap water into the first drain pipe. A functional water generator is disposed in the reservoir, generating functional water from the tap water stored in the reservoir and storing it in the reservoir. This functional water in the reservoir flows into the second drain pipe through the second outlet. When the sprayer is stopped, the sprayer does not spray functional water, so the functional water remains stored in the second drain pipe and the reservoir. When the sprayer is activated, the functional water is converted into a mist by the sprayer and sprayed from the sprayer.

[0009] As mentioned above, when tap water is flowing into the first water pipe using the siphon mechanism, the flow of tap water into the first water pipe stops when the water level in the storage section drops to the second water level. In this case, tap water remains below the second water level in the storage section as residual water. If this residual water flows into the second water pipe from the second outlet, unintended pressure will be applied to the sprayer, which may cause functional water to leak from the sprayer.

[0010] In the washing machine, the first bottom area where the first outlet is formed is located vertically below the second bottom area where the second outlet is formed, and the residual water outflow prevention wall is formed around the second outlet, which prevents residual water from flowing into the second outlet and also prevents unintentional leakage of functional water from the sprayer.

[0011] [2] The laundry machine described in [1] above may further include a third drainage pipe disposed within the storage section for draining the residual water to the second drainage pipe, and the third drainage pipe may have a first end located between the second water level and the first bottom area, and a second end opposite the first end, located on the second drainage pipe side, and vertically lower than the first end.

[0012] In this laundry machine, the second end of the third drain pipe, located on the second drain pipe side, is located vertically lower than the first end, located between the second water level and the first bottom area. Therefore, when functional water is sprayed from the sprayer, residual water flows through the third drain pipe into the second drain pipe due to siphoning. As a result, functional water containing residual water is sprayed from the sprayer, reducing the amount of residual water in the reservoir. This reduction in residual water further prevents residual water from unintentionally flowing into the second drain pipe through the second outlet when the sprayer is stopped.

[0013] [3] In the laundry machine described in [2] above, the third drain pipe may have a first portion including the first end, a second portion including the second end and passing through the second outlet, and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion so as to straddle the residual water outflow prevention wall.

[0014] [4] In the laundry machine described in any of [1] to [3] above, the siphon mechanism may have a siphon pipe connected to the first drain pipe and extending from the first bottom surface area toward the top surface area, and a siphon cap extending from the top surface area toward the first bottom surface area and placed over the siphon pipe. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a laundry machine that can prevent unintended leakage of functional water from a portion that supplies functional water. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a washing machine, which is an example of a laundry machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a schematic configuration of a water storage tank included in the washing machine (laundry machine) shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the storage tank in a state where the inflow of tap water into the water supply pipe (first water pipe) by the siphon mechanism is stopped. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical configuration of the washing machine (laundry machine) shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. The dimensional proportions in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to the actual proportions.

[0018] The overall configuration of a washing machine 1, which is an example of laundry equipment, will be described using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic configuration of a washing machine (laundry equipment). In the following description, the mutually perpendicular X, Y, and Z directions shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2 may be used to describe washing machine 1. The X and Z directions correspond to the front-to-rear and height directions (or up-down or vertical directions) in the installed state of washing machine 1 shown in Figure 1. The direction perpendicular to the plane of Figure 1 is the Y direction shown in Figure 2, which corresponds to the left-to-right direction in the installed state of washing machine 1. In this specification, terms indicating directions such as "front," "rear," "up," "down," "left," and "right" are terms based on the installed state of washing machine 1.

[0019] Washing machine 1 is a drum-type washing machine. Washing machine 1 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped housing 10. The shape of housing 10 can be modified as appropriate. A circular door 11 that can be opened and closed is attached to the front of housing 10. Door 11 is provided with a window 11a. Window 11a protrudes into housing 10. Window 11a may be door glass. A circular inlet 12 is formed on the front of housing 10, through which objects to be treated in washing machine 1 are put in. Inlet 12 is opened and closed by door 11. The objects to be treated are, for example, clothes.

[0020] An outer tub 13 and a drum (storage tub) 14 are arranged inside the housing 10. Both the outer tub 13 and the drum 14 are cylindrical with a bottom. The drum 14 is rotatably arranged inside the outer tub 13. The outer tub 13 and the drum 14 are arranged concentrically (coaxially) with respect to a central axis extending in the X direction, for example.

[0021] The outer tank 13 can store treated water. In this specification, "treated water" refers to a liquid appropriate for each process, such as a washing process and a rinsing process, of the object to be treated. Therefore, in the washing process, the treated water may be water (liquid) containing detergent, etc., and in the rinsing process, the treated water may be tap water. In the rinsing process, the treated water may contain a fabric softener.

[0022] The outer tub 13 is elastically supported by dampers 15 and springs (not shown) within the housing 10. The number of each of the dampers 15 and springs may be two or more. The outer tub 13 has a circular opening 13a located in front of the opening 14a of the drum 14.

[0023] The outer tub 13 has a first portion 131 and a second portion 132. The first portion 131 is a portion of the outer tub 13 where the drum 14 is disposed. The first portion 131 has a cylindrical peripheral portion 131a and a back portion 131b that closes the rear opening of the peripheral portion 131a. The back portion 131b also serves as the back portion of the outer tub 13. The second portion 132 is disposed concentrically (coaxially) with the first portion 131. The outer diameter of the second portion 132 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first portion 131. The rear end of the second portion 132 is connected to the front end of the first portion 131 (the front end of the peripheral portion 131a) by a connecting portion 133.

[0024] The peripheral edge of the front opening of the second part 132 and the peripheral edge of the input port 12 of the housing 10 are connected by an annular packing 16 made of an elastic material. The packing 16 is fastened and fixed from the outer periphery to the second part 132 (outer tub 13) and the input port 12 by, for example, a circular wire with a tension coil spring or the like incorporated in one part. The peripheral surface of the closed door 11 comes into contact with the packing 16, and the space between the input port 12 and the door 11 is watertight.

[0025] A drain pipe 17 is connected to the lower part of outer tub 13. As shown in FIG. 1, drain pipe 17 may be connected to a lower part of first part 131, closer to connecting part 133. In first part 131, the part around drain pipe 17 may be recessed downward. Drain pipe 17 may be a flexible hose, or may be made of a piping material other than a hose. Drain pipe 17 discharges treated water from outer tub 13. Drain pipe 17 extends, for example, to the outside (downward) of washing machine 1. Drain valve 18 is attached to drain pipe 17. The discharge of treated water from outer tub 13 is controlled by opening and closing drain valve 18. The treated water discharged from washing machine 1 through drain pipe 17 is discharged through a drain outlet provided in a waterproof pan or the like. The layout of drain pipe 17 may be changed as appropriate.

[0026] The material to be treated is accommodated inside the drum 14. A large number of dewatering holes 14b are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 14. A plurality of (e.g., three) baffles 14c are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the drum 14 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. A balancer (not shown) is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the front part of the drum 14.

[0027] The washing machine 1 further includes a drying unit 20, a drive motor 30, a water supply unit 40, and a water storage tank 50.

[0028] The drying unit 20 is disposed within the housing 10, for example, above the outer tub 13 as shown in FIG.

[0029] The circulation path 21 is a flow path for circulating air inside the outer tub 13. The circulation path 21 is formed, for example, from a piping material. A first end 21a and a second end 21b of the circulation path 21 are connected to different positions in the outer tub 13 so as to communicate with the interior of the outer tub 13. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the first end 21a is connected to the back surface portion 131b, and the second end 21b is connected to the second portion 132.

[0030] The air blower 22 is disposed in the circulation path 21. The air blower 22 has a function of blowing air so that the air is taken out from the outer tub 13 through the first end 21a and returned to the outer tub 13 through the second end 21b. The air blower 22 may be, for example, a blower. When the air blower 22 is operated, the air in the outer tub 13 circulates so that it flows sequentially through the outer tub 13 and the circulation path 21.

[0031] Heating unit 23 is, for example, a heat exchanger in a heat pump or a general heater. At least a portion of heating unit 23 is arranged inside circulation path 21. The portion of heating unit 23 arranged inside circulation path 21 has heat dissipation unit 23A. When heating unit 23 is activated, the temperature of heat dissipation unit 23A rises. This heats the air flowing through circulation path 21, generating hot air or warm air.

[0032] The drive motor 30 is disposed within the housing 10 and behind the outer tub 13. The rotation shaft 31 of the drive motor 30 extends in the X direction and is connected to a portion of the drum 14. The rotation shaft 31 and the drum 14 may be connected via a pulley, a speed reducer, or the like, or may be connected directly. During the washing and rinsing processes, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 14 at a relatively low rotation speed such that the centrifugal force acting on the objects to be treated in the drum 14 is smaller than gravity, causing the objects to tumble. During the spin-drying process, the drive motor 30 rotates the drum 14 at a relatively high rotation speed such that the centrifugal force acting on the objects to be treated in the drum 14 is larger than gravity, causing the objects to stick to the inner circumferential surface of the drum 14.

[0033] Water supply unit 40 is disposed at an upper portion within housing 10. Water supply unit 40 has water supply pipe 41, water supply pipe (water supply section) 42, water supply valve 43, and water supply valve 44. Water supply pipes 41 and 42 may be flexible hoses, or may be made of piping materials other than hoses.

[0034] The water supply pipe 41 is a water supply channel for supplying tap water to the outer tub 13. A water supply valve 43 is provided on the water supply pipe 41. When the water supply valve 43 is opened, tap water from a water faucet is supplied into the outer tub 13 through the water supply pipe 41. In other words, the supply of tap water into the outer tub 13 is controlled by opening and closing the water supply valve 43. The water supply valve 43 may be part of a water supply unit that supplies tap water to the outer tub 13.

[0035] The water supply pipe (water supply section) 42 is a water supply channel for supplying tap water to the water storage tank 50. A water supply valve 44 is provided on the water supply pipe 42. When the water supply valve 44 is opened, tap water from a water faucet is supplied to the water storage tank 50 through the water supply pipe 42. In other words, the supply of tap water into the water storage tank 50 is controlled by opening and closing the water supply valve 44. The water supply valve 44 may be part of the water supply section that supplies tap water to the water storage tank 50.

[0036] 1, the water supply pipe 42 is connected to the water supply pipe 41. In the flow direction of the tap water in the water supply pipes 41 and 42, water supply valves 43 and 44 are provided downstream from the connection between the water supply pipes 41 and 42.

[0037] The water storage tank 50 is disposed vertically above the outer tub 13 within the housing 10. The water storage tank 50 stores tap water and functional water. In this embodiment, the tap water in the water storage tank 50 is used to clean the window portion 11a and also to produce functional water. The functional water is water that has a predetermined function for sterilizing, deodorizing, etc. the object to be treated (e.g., clothes) in the washing machine 1.

[0038] A water supply pipe (first water distribution pipe) 61 for extracting tap water from the water storage tank 50 and a water supply pipe (second water distribution pipe) 62 for extracting functional water from the water storage tank 50 are connected to the water storage tank 50. In this embodiment, the lower end of the water supply pipe 61 is positioned so that the tap water flowing out from the lower end is directed toward the window portion 11a. A sprayer 63 is attached to the lower end of the water supply pipe 62, which turns the functional water flowing through the water supply pipe 62 into a mist and sprays it. The lower end of the water supply pipe 62 is positioned so that the mist of functional water can be sprayed from the sprayer 63 onto the object to be treated in the drum 14.

[0039] An example of the water storage tank 50 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0040] The water storage tank 50 has a storage section (main body) 52 that stores tap water and functional water. The water storage tank 50 is connected to the water supply pipe 42, and may have a flat water channel section 51 for directing tap water flowing from the water supply pipe 42 toward the storage section 52. Below, a form in which the water storage tank 50 has the water channel section 51 will be described.

[0041] A downwardly protruding inlet 511a is formed in bottom surface 511 of water channel portion 51. Water supply pipe 42 is connected to inlet 511a. As a result, tap water is supplied from water supply pipe 42 to water channel portion 51 through inlet 511a. A water channel is formed within water channel portion 51 for flowing tap water that has flowed in from inlet 511a into storage portion 52. Specifically, the water channel is formed between bottom surface 511 and top surface 512 of water channel portion 51.

[0042] Storage section 52 is a section that stores tap water flowing in from water channel section 51, and in this embodiment, extends vertically downward from one end of water channel section 51. Storage section 52 has a bottom surface section 521, an annular side surface section 522 that rises continuously from the outer periphery of bottom surface section 521, and a top surface section 523 that closes the internal space of storage section 52. The internal space of storage section 52 is surrounded by bottom surface section 521 and side surface section 522. Side surface section 522 is continuously connected to bottom surface section 511 of water channel section 51. Top surface section 523 is continuously connected to top surface section 512 of water channel section 51.

[0043] The bottom surface portion 521 has a first bottom surface region 521A and a second bottom surface region 521B. As shown in FIG. 2, the first bottom surface region 521A is a region of the bottom surface portion 521 closer to the water channel portion 51. The first bottom surface region 521A is positioned lower than the second bottom surface region 521B in the vertical direction. Because the first bottom surface region 521A is positioned lower than the second bottom surface region 521B, the storage portion 52 has a recess 53 recessed downward.

[0044] The first bottom surface region 521A has an outlet (first outlet) 54 that protrudes downward. A water supply pipe 61 is connected to the outlet 54. The second bottom surface region 521B has an outlet (second outlet) 55 that protrudes downward. A water supply pipe 62 is connected to the outlet 55. A sprayer 63 is attached to the lower end of the water supply pipe 62. The sprayer 63 has a mist generating unit 63A that turns the functional water into mist. The mist generating unit 63A is, for example, an ultrasonic vibrator. When the operation of the sprayer 63 is stopped, the spraying of the functional water from the sprayer 63 stops, and therefore the functional water does not flow out of the water storage tank 50.

[0045] The water storage tank 50 has a siphon mechanism 56 and a wall 57 for preventing residual water from flowing out.

[0046] Siphon mechanism 56 is a mechanism for causing tap water stored in water storage tank 50 to flow into water supply pipe 61. Siphon mechanism 56 is configured to automatically cause tap water to flow into water supply pipe 61 through outlet 54 when tap water is stored in storage section 52 up to a first water level, and to automatically stop the flow of tap water into water supply pipe 61 when the water level in storage section 52 drops to a second water level that is lower than the first water level.

[0047] 2, siphon mechanism 56 has a cylindrical siphon pipe 56a and a cylindrical siphon cap 56b. Siphon pipe 56a communicates with outlet 54 of first bottom surface region 521A and extends from outlet 54 toward top surface portion 523. A gap is formed between the upper end of siphon pipe 56a and top surface portion 523.

[0048] Siphon cap 56b extends downward from top surface portion 523 to cover siphon tube 56a. The outer diameter of siphon cap 56b is larger than the outer diameter of siphon tube 56a. This forms a flow path between siphon tube 56a and siphon cap 56b. A gap is formed between the lower end of siphon cap 56b and first bottom surface region 521A. In this embodiment, the lower end of siphon cap 56b is located within recess 53.

[0049] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which the level of tap water in storage section 52 has dropped to the second level. As described above, when the level of tap water in storage section 52 drops to the second level, the flow of tap water from siphon mechanism 56 to water supply pipe 61 stops. In this way, tap water remaining in storage section 52 when the flow of tap water to water supply pipe 61 has stopped is referred to as "residual water W." Residual water W accumulates at or below the second level in the vertical direction. In an embodiment in which recess 53 is formed in water storage tank 50, recess 53 functions as a storage section for residual water W.

[0050] Residual water outflow prevention wall 57 surrounds outlet 55. Residual water outflow prevention wall 57 is a wall for preventing residual water W shown in Figure 3 from unintentionally flowing from the outlet into water supply pipe 62. The position of upper end 57a of residual water outflow prevention wall 57 is higher than the second water level.

[0051] A functional water generating unit 70 is disposed within the reservoir 52. The functional water generating unit 70 generates functional water from tap water stored within the reservoir 52. The functional water generating unit 70 is disposed between the second bottom surface region 521B and the top surface portion 523. The functional water generating unit 70 is disposed vertically above the second water level. The functional water generating unit 70 may be disposed below the first water level. The functional water generating unit 70 has a plurality of beads (functional water generating members) 71 for generating functional water and a storage unit 72 for storing the plurality of beads 71.

[0052] The beads 71 ​​are formed, for example, by kneading silver into a soluble material. Examples of the soluble material include glass and titanium oxide. In this case, when the beads 71 ​​come into contact with tap water, silver ions are dissolved into the tap water, generating silver ion water as functional water. Since functional water is generated by dissolving silver ions from the beads 71 ​​in this way, a functional water generation time is required to generate functional water of a certain concentration. An example of the functional water generation time is 15 minutes or more and 25 minutes or less.

[0053] The storage section 72 has at least one hole 72a that does not allow the beads 71 ​​to pass through but allows tap water to pass through. This allows each bead 71 stored in the storage section 72 to come into contact with the tap water stored in the reservoir 52, generating functional water as described above, and the generated functional water can flow out of the storage section 72 through the hole 72a. The storage section 72 may be, for example, a mesh bag.

[0054] The side surface portion 522 may be formed to have a step, for example, to support the storage portion 72, or a support member for supporting the storage portion 72 may be provided on the side surface portion 522 or the bottom surface portion 521.

[0055] In the top surface 523 of the reservoir 52, a recess 523a recessed toward the bottom surface 521 may be formed in the region above the functional water generator .

[0056] A water distribution pipe (third water distribution pipe) 80 may be arranged within the storage section 52. The water distribution pipe 80 is a flow path for flowing residual water W toward the water supply pipe 62 when functional water is sprayed by the sprayer 63. The water distribution pipe 80 functions as a siphon pipe that utilizes the siphon phenomenon to flow residual water W into the water supply pipe 62. An example of the water distribution pipe 80 will be described.

[0057] The water distribution pipe 80 has a first end 80a and a second end 80b. The first end 80a is located between the second water level and the first bottom area 521A. Therefore, the first end 80a is in contact with the residual water W and functions as a suction port for the residual water W. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first end 80a is located within the recess 53. The second end 80b is located opposite the first end 80a in the flow direction of the tap water flowing through the water distribution pipe 80. The second end 80b is located on the water supply pipe 62 side and vertically lower than the first end 80a.

[0058] The water distribution pipe 80 may have a first portion 81 including a first end 80a, a second portion 82 including a second end 80b and passing through the outlet 55, and a third portion 83 connecting the first portion 81 and the second portion 82 and spanning the residual water outflow prevention wall 57. The water distribution pipe 80 may be in an inverted L-shape.

[0059] In a configuration in which the water storage tank 50 has a water distribution pipe 80, a part of the water distribution pipe 80 (specifically, the third part 83) is located between the functional water production unit 70 and the residual water outflow prevention wall 57.

[0060] When functional water is sprayed from sprayer 63, second end 80b of water distribution pipe 80 is located vertically below first end 80a, so the pressure difference causes residual water W to flow from first end 80a to second end 80b through water distribution pipe 80. When sprayer 63 stops spraying functional water, the pressure difference is eliminated, and the flow of residual water W through water distribution pipe 80 toward second end 80b stops with tap water remaining in reservoir 52 up to the second water level, as shown in Figure 3.

[0061] By including the water storage tank 50, the washing machine 1 can perform a window cleaning process (or a door cleaning process) for cleaning the window portion 11a and a functional water spraying process for spraying functional water onto an object to be treated.

[0062] [Window cleaning process] In the window cleaning process, tap water is allowed to flow into the water storage tank 50 through the water supply pipe 42 by opening the water supply valve 43. This causes the tap water to accumulate in the reservoir 52. At this time, the sprayer 63 is stopped. This prevents the tap water from flowing out of the water supply pipe 62.

[0063] When tap water accumulates in reservoir 52 up to the first water level, the siphoning effect of siphon mechanism 56 causes the tap water to flow from siphon pipe 56a to outlet 54 and water supply pipe 61. As a result, tap water is released from water supply pipe 61 toward window portion 11a, cleaning window portion 11a.

[0064] The time required for supplying tap water to the water storage tank 50 to clean the window portion 11a may be shorter than the time required for producing functional water by the functional water production unit 70. In this case, even if the beads 71 ​​of the functional water production unit 70 are in contact with the tap water in the storage unit 52, functional water is not substantially produced, and therefore tap water, not functional water, is discharged from the water supply pipe 61.

[0065] When the preset execution time for the window cleaning process has elapsed, the supply of water from water supply pipe 42 to water storage tank 50 for cleaning window portion 11a is stopped. As a result, the inflow of tap water into storage portion 52 is stopped, and tap water flows through siphon pipe 56a to water supply pipe 61 and is discharged outside water storage tank 50, causing the water level in storage portion 52 to drop. When the water level in storage portion 52 drops to the second water level, the inflow of tap water into siphon pipe 56a by siphon mechanism 56 is stopped. As a result, the cleaning of window portion 11a automatically ends.

[0066] At the end of the window cleaning process, residual water W remains in the reservoir 52, as shown in Fig. 3. When the functional water generator 70 is positioned higher than the second water level, the beads 71 ​​in the functional water generator 70 do not come into contact with the residual water W. Therefore, the residual water W does not cause functional water to be generated.

[0067] [Functional water spraying process] In the functional water spraying process, tap water is allowed to flow into the water storage tank 50 through the water supply pipe 42 by opening the water supply valve 43. This allows tap water to accumulate in the storage section 52. At this time, the sprayer 63 is stopped. Because the sprayer 63 is stopped, tap water also accumulates in the water supply pipe 61. In the functional water spraying process, the water supply valve 43 is closed when tap water is accumulated in the storage section 52 to a level lower than the first water level and at which the functional water production section 70 is positioned in the tap water. The time required to accumulate tap water in the storage section 52 as described above may be a time calculated in advance based on the capacity of the storage section 52, the inflow rate of tap water into the storage section 52, and the like. Alternatively, a water level meter may be provided in the storage section 52, and tap water may be accumulated to the desired level based on the measurement of the water level meter.

[0068] After collecting tap water as described above (after closing the water supply valve 43), the device waits until the functional water production time described above has elapsed. This causes functional water to be produced by the functional water production unit 70. The produced functional water flows into the water supply pipe 62 through the outlet 55. When the sprayer 63 is not operating, the functional water is not sprayed from the sprayer 63. Therefore, the functional water is stored in the reservoir 52 and the water supply pipe 62 until the sprayer 63 is operated.

[0069] After the functional water production time has elapsed, the sprayer 63 is activated. This causes the functional water in the reservoir 52 and the water supply pipe 61 to flow into the sprayer 63. The functional water that has flowed into the sprayer 63 is turned into mist by the mist generator 63A and then sprayed toward the object to be treated. As a result, the object to be treated is subjected to treatment according to the functional water, such as sterilization, deodorization, and antibacterial properties.

[0070] After a preset time (spray time) for spraying the functional water has elapsed, the sprayer 63 is stopped, thereby completing the functional water spraying process.

[0071] Although not shown in Fig. 1, washing machine 1 may include other components that are normally included in washing machine 1. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, washing machine 1 may include an operation unit 91, a memory unit 92, a water level detection unit 93, a display unit 94, and a control unit 95. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration of washing machine 1.

[0072] Operation unit 91 includes a power button for turning the power to the appliance on and off, a start button for starting operation, and a course selection button for selecting any course from a plurality of courses related to washing operation. Operation unit 91 outputs an input signal corresponding to the button operated by the user to control unit 95. Operation unit 91 may be located in a position on housing 10 that is easy for the user of washing machine 1 to operate. For example, operation unit 91 may be located on the upper front surface of housing 10 or on the top wall of housing 10.

[0073] The storage unit 92 includes a memory element (for example, an EEPROM, a RAM, etc.). Programs for executing various courses of operation are stored in the storage unit 92. Various parameters and various control flags used in executing these programs are also stored in the storage unit 92.

[0074] The water level detection unit 93 detects the water level in the outer tub 13. The water level detection unit 93 inputs a signal corresponding to the detected water level to the control unit 95.

[0075] The display unit 94 includes a light-emitting element such as an LED, a display such as a liquid crystal panel, etc. The display unit 94 displays the selected course, the progress of the washing operation, notifies of abnormalities, etc. in response to a control signal from the control unit 95. The display unit 94 may be located in the same place as the operation unit 91 on the housing 10.

[0076] The control unit 95 includes a CPU, etc. The control unit 95 is electrically connected to the operation unit 91, memory unit 92, water level detection unit 93, display unit 94, drive motor 30, water supply valve 43, water drain valve 18, air blower 22, heating unit 23, and sprayer 63. The control unit 95 controls the drive motor 30, water supply valve 43, water supply valve 44, drain valve 18, air blower 22, heating unit 23, and sprayer 63 in accordance with a program stored in the memory unit 92, based on signals from the operation unit 91, water level detection unit, etc.

[0077] In the washing machine 1, when a signal corresponding to the user's operation of the operation unit 91 is input to the control unit 95, the control unit 95 controls the drive motor 30, water supply valves 43, 44, drain valve 18, blower unit 22, heating unit 23 and sprayer 63 in accordance with a program stored in the memory unit 92 based on the signals from the operation unit 91, the water level detection unit, etc., thereby performing operation according to various operating courses.

[0078] As an example of an operation course performed by the washing machine 1, the washing and drying operation of the washing machine 1 will be described. In the washing and drying operation of the washing machine 1, a preparation process, a washing process, an intermediate spin-drying process, a rinsing process, a final spin-drying process, and a drying process are performed in this order. Unless otherwise specified, the control of each element (drive motor 30, water supply valve 43, etc.) in each process is performed by the control unit 95.

[0079] In the preparation step, the drive motor 30 is operated to rotate the drum 14. For example, the drum 14 is rotated at 100 rpm. In the preparation step, the control unit 95 detects the load amount of the processing objects in the drum 14 based on the resistance value of the current of the drive motor 30, etc. The load amount corresponds to the capacity of the processing objects in the drum 14. An example of the capacity of the processing objects is the weight of the processing objects.

[0080] Based on the detected load amount, the control unit 95 determines the required amounts of detergent and fabric softener, and the target water levels in the outer tub 13 for the wash and rinse cycles. The required amounts of detergent and fabric softener for each load amount and the target water levels for each load amount are determined in advance and stored in the memory unit 92.

[0081] In the washing step, the water supply process is performed by opening the water supply valve 43 while the drain valve 18 is closed. This causes tap water from the water supply pipe 41 to flow into the outer tub 13, and the tap water accumulates in the outer tub 13. The inflow of tap water from the water supply pipe 41 causes the water level in the outer tub 13 to rise. When the tap water in the outer tub 13 rises to the target water level, the water supply valve 43 is closed, and the water supply process ends.

[0082] During the water supply process, a required amount of detergent is added into outer tub 13. The detergent may be added manually by a user or automatically by an automatic dispenser (not shown) provided in washing machine 1. When the detergent is added, treated water generated by dissolving the detergent in tap water accumulates in outer tub 13. For example, when the detergent is added by the automatic dispenser, a water supply pipe may be arranged so that tap water flows into the automatic dispenser, and the treated water in which the detergent added by the automatic dispenser has been dissolved may be supplied into outer tub 13.

[0083] Once the treatment water has accumulated in the outer tank 13 as described above, the objects to be treated, immersed in the treatment water, are tumbled by repeatedly rotating forward and backward in the drum 14. The detergent-containing water penetrates into the interior of the objects to be treated, and the power of the detergent and the mechanical force of the tumbling remove dirt adhering to the surface and interior of the objects to be treated.

[0084] In the intermediate spin-drying step, drive motor 30 is operated with drain valve 18 open to rotate drum 14 for spin-drying. The centrifugal force generated by the spin-drying rotation of drum 14 dehydrates the objects to be treated inside drum 14. Treated water seeping out of the objects to be treated by such spin-drying treatment is discharged from drain pipe 17 to the outside of washing machine 1.

[0085] In the rinsing process, the water supply valve 43 is opened for a predetermined time with the drain valve 18 closed, and water is allowed to accumulate in the outer tub 13 up to a predetermined rinse level. The drum 14 is then rotated forward and backward. This causes the objects to be treated to tumble, and the detergent contained in the objects to be treated is discharged together with tap water, rinsing the objects.

[0086] In the final dewatering step, dewatering is carried out in the same manner as in the intermediate dewatering step, except that the drum 14 is rotated at a higher rotation speed than in the intermediate dewatering step.

[0087] In the drying step, hot air or warm air is generated by controlling the air blower 22 and the heating unit 23, and the air is circulated between the drum 14 and the circulation path 21 and supplied to the object to be treated inside the drum 14. In this way, the object to be treated is dried.

[0088] In the washing machine 1, the window cleaning process described above may be carried out after the rinsing process.

[0089] A fabric softener may be added in the rinsing step. The method of adding the fabric softener may be the same as the method of adding the detergent in the washing step. The rinsing step may be performed twice. If the rinsing step is performed twice, the fabric softener is added in the final rinsing step. Although the embodiment in which an intermediate spin-drying step and a final spin-drying step are performed has been described, the spin-drying step may be performed only once in the final spin-drying step. Although the washing and drying operation including the drying step has been described, for example, the washing machine 1 may also perform a washing operation that does not include the drying step.

[0090] The washing machine 1 can also perform a washing operation to wash the dried object with functional water. The washing operation may be performed after the drying operation as part of the washing and drying operation, or may be an operation independent of the washing operation or the washing and drying operation.

[0091] By operating operation unit 91, the user can select whether to execute the cleaning operation as part of the washing and drying operation or as a standalone operation. The objects to be treated in the cleaning operation are not limited to objects that can be washed in washing machine 1, but may also be coats, stuffed toys, and the like that cannot be washed in washing machine 1. As an example, when a user wants to remove dirt from a coat that the user took off after returning home, the cleaning operation is executed as a standalone operation.

[0092] When the cleaning operation begins with the dry material to be treated contained in the drum 14, the control unit 95 calculates the functional water generation time, which is the time required to generate treated water of the required concentration in the drum 14, and the amount of tap water required.

[0093] The functional water production time and the amount of water may vary depending on the load of the object to be treated in the drum 14. In this case, the control unit 95 executes the preparation process described above to detect the load, and calculates the functional water production time and the amount of water according to the detected load. The user can also select whether to sterilize or antibacterialize the object to be treated by operating the operation unit 91. Since sterilization typically requires a higher concentration of functional water than antibacterial treatment, the control unit 95 calculates the functional water production time according to each of sterilization and antibacterial treatment.

[0094] After calculating the functional water production time and water volume, the control unit 95 starts the air wash. Specifically, the control unit 95 circulates air by operating the air blower 22 while rotating the drum 14 at, for example, 45 rpm. As a result, the objects to be treated, which repeatedly fall by tumbling inside the drum 14, are exposed to the circulating air, thereby removing dust and other particles from the objects to be treated. This process is called an air wash. The control unit 95 starts the air wash and simultaneously performs the functional water spraying process described above.

[0095] In the functional water spraying process, the functional water is sprayed in a mist onto the object to be treated. As a result, the object is cleaned by the treated water, such as by sterilization, antibacterial treatment, or deodorization, depending on the function of the functional water, and is also coated with the treated water to prevent the adhesion of dirt, bacteria, etc. When the functional water spraying process is completed, the rotation of the drum 14 and the blower 22 are also stopped.

[0096] Storage unit 52 of washing machine 1 has siphon mechanism 56. When tap water is stored in storage unit 52 up to a first water level, siphon mechanism 56 causes the tap water to flow into water supply pipe 61 connected to outlet 54. This causes tap water to be drawn from storage unit 52, and for example, as described in the present embodiment, the tap water is used to clean window portion 11a. When the water level in storage unit 52 drops to a second water level, the flow of tap water through siphon mechanism 56 to water supply pipe 61 stops. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3 , tap water is stored in storage unit 52 at or below the second water level.

[0097] An outlet 55 is formed in the bottom surface 521 of the reservoir 52 in addition to the outlet 54. A water supply pipe 62 to which a sprayer 63 is attached is connected to the outlet 55. When the sprayer 63 is operating, the functional water that flows to the sprayer 63 through the water supply pipe 62 is sprayed from the sprayer 63. On the other hand, when the sprayer 63 is stopped, the functional water from the sprayer 63 is not sprayed, and the functional water is stored in the water supply pipe 62.

[0098] However, for example, if the residual water W flows further into the water supply pipe 62, the functional water stored in the water supply pipe 62 may unintentionally leak out from the sprayer 63. In such a case, the object to be treated may unintentionally become wet or dirty.

[0099] Bottom surface portion 521 of storage portion 52 has first bottom surface region 521A in which outlet 54 is formed, and second bottom surface region 521B in which outlet 55 is formed. First bottom surface region 521A is lower than second bottom surface region 521B, and bottom surface portion 521 is formed with recess 53. Therefore, residual water W is likely to collect in recess 53 and is less likely to flow into outlet 55. Furthermore, outlet 55 is surrounded by residual water outflow prevention wall 57, making it even more difficult for residual water W to flow into outlet 55. Therefore, washing machine 1 equipped with storage portion 52 can prevent unintended leakage of functional water from sprayer 63 described above.

[0100] In a configuration in which washing machine 1 is provided with drain pipe 80, residual water W can be intentionally caused to flow through drain pipe 80 toward water supply pipe 62 and sprayed from sprayer 63 when sprayer 63 is operating. This reduces the amount of residual water W that remains after sprayer 63 is stopped. Therefore, residual water W is prevented from unintentionally flowing into water supply pipe 62 through outlet 55, for example. As a result, it is possible to prevent tap water or functional water from unintentionally leaking from sprayer 63.

[0101] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but is intended to include the scope indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0102] The functional water generating member is not limited to the beads 71 ​​shown as an example, as long as it can generate functional water according to the treatment to be performed on the object to be treated. For example, it may be small pieces of a soluble material (e.g., glass, titanium oxide, etc.) mixed with silver. The water storage tank may be a tank dedicated to generating functional water.

[0103] The tap water discharged from the water supply pipe (first water pipe) 61 may be used for purposes other than cleaning the window portion 11a.

[0104] The laundry equipment of the present invention is not limited to drum-type washing machines, but may also be, for example, vertical washing machines, dryers that omit the washing function, or dedicated equipment for performing at least one of sterilization, antibacterial, and deodorizing treatments by spraying functional water onto the object to be treated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1...washing machine, 14...drum (storage tank), 52...storage section, 54...outlet (first outlet), 55...outlet (second outlet), 56...siphon mechanism, 56a...siphon pipe, 56b...siphon cap, 57...residual water outflow prevention wall, 57a...upper end, 61...water supply pipe (first distribution pipe), 62...water supply pipe (second distribution pipe), 63...sprayer, 70...functional water generation section, 80...distribution pipe (third distribution pipe), 80a...first end, 80b...second end, 81...first part, 82...second part, 83...third part, 521...bottom part, 523...top part, 521A...first bottom area, 521B...second bottom area, W...residual water.

Claims

1. a storage tank disposed within the housing and configured to store the material to be treated; a storage section disposed vertically above the storage tank within the housing, the storage section storing tap water and functional water between a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface having a first bottom surface area in which a first outlet for extracting the tap water is formed, and a second bottom surface area in which a second outlet for extracting the functional water is formed; a functional water generating unit disposed in the reservoir and configured to generate the functional water using the tap water; a first water pipe communicating with the first outlet and for extracting the tap water from the storage section; a second water pipe communicating with the second outlet for extracting the functional water from the reservoir; a sprayer attached to a lower end of the second water pipe, which turns the functional water into mist and sprays it into the storage tank; Equipped with The storage section is a siphon mechanism configured to discharge the tap water from a first outlet formed in the bottom portion when the tap water reaches a first water level, and to stop the discharge of the tap water from the first outlet when the tap water falls to a second water level lower than the first water level; a residual water outflow prevention wall formed around the second outlet for preventing residual water remaining between the second water level and the first bottom area from flowing out of the second outlet when the outflow of tap water from the first outlet by the siphon mechanism is stopped; and the first bottom surface area is located below the second bottom surface area, The upper end of the residual water outflow prevention wall is located above the second water level in the vertical direction. Laundry equipment.

2. The water supply system further includes a third drain pipe disposed in the storage section for discharging the residual water to the second drain pipe, The third water pipe is a first end portion located between the second water level and the first bottom surface area; a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, the second end portion being located on the second water pipe side and vertically lower than the first end portion; having The laundry machine according to claim 1.

3. The third water pipe is a first portion including the first end; a second portion including the second end and passing through the second outlet; a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion so as to straddle the residual water outflow prevention wall; having The laundry machine according to claim 2.

4. The siphon mechanism includes: a siphon pipe communicating with the first drainage pipe and extending from the first bottom surface area toward the top surface portion; a siphon cap extending from the top surface portion toward the first bottom surface area and covering the siphon tube; having The laundry machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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