Clothes treatment apparatus

Abstract

In the present embodiment, in a laundry treating apparatus in which injection ports are dispersedly provided in an upstream portion and a downstream portion of a water guide portion guiding water from a water supply source, occurrence of a difference between water injection performance from the injection port on the upstream side and water injection performance from the injection port on the downstream side is suppressed.SOLUTION: A clothes processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an outer box having an outer opening for taking in and out clothes, a clothes storage tub having an inner opening for taking in and out clothes, a connection member connecting the outer opening and the inner opening, and a washing unit for washing the connection member, wherein the washing unit includes an injection port for injecting water toward an inner surface of the connection member and a water guide unit for guiding water from a water supply source to the injection port, and the injection port includes an upstream side injection port provided at an upstream portion of the water guide unit and a downstream side injection port provided at a downstream portion of the water guide unit, and the water guide unit includes a guide unit for guiding water to the downstream side injection port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, the drum-type washing machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is an example of a clothing processing device that processes clothing. This drum-type washing machine has a clothing entrance / exit for loading and unloading clothing, which is formed by an opening in the outer casing and an opening in the water tub. The opening in the outer casing and the opening in the water tub are connected watertightly by a bellows. This drum-type washing machine also has multiple nozzles that spray water toward the inner circumferential surface of the bellows for cleaning. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-40597 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a conventional configuration, the water conveying section that directs water from a water supply source to the nozzles has nozzles that are provided separately in the upstream and downstream sections of the water conveying section. In other words, the path length from the water supply source to the upstream nozzle is different from the path length to the downstream nozzle. In addition, the upstream nozzle and the downstream nozzle spray water in different directions. This results in differences in water spray performance, such as the force and volume of sprayed water, between the upstream and downstream nozzles, resulting in uneven cleaning performance of the bellows.

[0005] Therefore, this embodiment provides a technical proposal that can suppress the occurrence of differences in water spray performance between the upstream nozzle and the downstream nozzle in a clothing treatment device that has nozzles distributed at the upstream and downstream parts of a water conveying section that guides water from a water supply source. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The clothing processing device of this embodiment comprises an outer box having an outer opening for putting clothing in and out, a clothing storage tub having an inner opening for putting clothing in and out, a connecting member connecting the outer opening and the inner opening, and a cleaning unit for cleaning the connecting member, wherein the cleaning unit has a nozzle for spraying water toward the inner surface of the connecting member and a water guide unit for guiding water from a water supply source to the nozzle, and the nozzles include an upstream nozzle provided upstream of the water guide unit and a downstream nozzle provided downstream of the water guide unit, and the water guide unit has a guide unit for guiding water to the downstream nozzle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional side view schematically illustrating a configuration example of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a rear view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the water tank cover according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a water tank cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a rear view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the circulating water channel and the cleaning unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing a schematic configuration example of a portion where a circulation water channel and a cleaning section intersect in a three-dimensional manner according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a front view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of an injection port and its surrounding area according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional plan view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of an injection port and its surrounding area according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a front view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a cover member according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of a clothing treatment device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The washing machine 1 shown in Fig. 1 is an example of a clothing treatment device that can perform predetermined processes on clothing, in this case at least a washing process for washing the clothing, a rinsing process for rinsing the clothing, and a dehydration process for dehydrating the clothing. The washing machine 1 is a so-called horizontal-axis drum washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub extends horizontally or in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal.

[0009] Washing machine 1 includes a water tub 3 housed within a rectangular outer casing 2 that forms the outer shell of the washing machine. Water tub 3 is an example of a clothing storage tub that holds clothes, and is elastically supported by, for example, a suspension (not shown). Water tub 3 is generally cylindrical, with its peripheral wall and back closed, allowing water to be stored inside. A generally circular water tub cover 4 is attached to the front of water tub 3.

[0010] A rotatable drum (not shown) is housed inside the water tub 3. The drum is generally cylindrical, with its peripheral wall and back surface generally closed. The peripheral wall and back surface of the drum are provided with numerous small holes (not shown) that allow ventilation and water to pass through. The inner surface of the drum is also provided with multiple baffles (not shown) for stirring up the clothes. The drum's central axis of rotation extends horizontally or in a direction inclined relative to the horizontal. The drum can be rotated in both forward and reverse directions by a drum motor 5 provided on the back surface of the water tub 3.

[0011] An outer opening 6 is provided on the front of the outer box 2 for putting clothes in and taking them out. Meanwhile, an inner opening 7 for putting clothes in and taking them out is provided in the center of the water tub cover 4. Both the outer opening 6 and the inner opening 7 are roughly circular. These outer opening 6 and inner opening 7 are watertightly connected by bellows 8, which is an example of a connecting member. The bellows 8 is formed in a bellows shape using, for example, a rubber material, and is watertight and flexible.

[0012] The washing machine 1 has a clothes opening 9 for putting clothes into and taking clothes out of the water tub 3, which is formed by combining an outer opening 6, an inner opening 7, and a bellows 8. The clothes opening 9 can be opened and closed by a door 10 provided on the front of the outer box 2. By opening the door 10, the user can put clothes into and take clothes out of the water tub 3, or more specifically, into a drum (not shown), through the clothes opening 9.

[0013] Washing machine 1 also includes water supply unit 11 for supplying water into water tub 3. Water supply unit 11 includes water supply valve 13, water inlet case 14, and the like, along water supply path 12, which extends from a water source (not shown), such as a water pipe, to water supply inlet 3a of water tub 3. Water supply inlet 3a is provided at the top of water tub 3, but its position can be changed as appropriate.

[0014] Washing machine 1 also includes drain section 15 for draining water from water tub 3 to the outside of the machine. Drain section 15 includes drain valve 17 and other components along drain path 16 that extends from drain outlet 3b of water tub 3 to the outside of the machine. Drain outlet 3b is provided at the bottom of water tub 3, but its position can be changed as appropriate.

[0015] Washing machine 1 is configured such that a predetermined amount of water is stored in water tub 3 by supplying water from water supply unit 11 into water tub 3 with drain valve 17 closed. Washing machine 1 is also configured such that water in water tub 3 is discharged to the outside of the machine via drain path 16 when drain valve 17 is opened.

[0016] A drain filter 18 is provided in the drain path 16, located upstream of the drain valve 17. The drain filter 18 captures foreign matter contained in the water that is discharged from the water tub 3 to the outside of the machine via the drain path 16. The foreign matter may be, for example, lint or dust from clothing.

[0017] Washing machine 1 also has circulation water channel 21 configured to circulate water within water tub 3. Circulation water channel 21 is connected from drain outlet 3b of water tub 3 to an upper portion of inner opening 7 of water tub cover 4 via drain filter 18. A circulation pump (not shown) is provided midway along circulation water channel 21. Washing machine 1 can circulate water within water tub 3 through circulation water channel 21 by driving this circulation pump. Washing machine 1 is configured to spray the circulated water in a shower-like manner from the outlet of circulation water channel 21 toward the inside of water tub 3. Note that a portion of circulation water channel 21, in this case the portion from drain outlet 3b of water tub 3 to drain filter 18, is a common path with drain path 16.

[0018] As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the water passage main body 22 of the circulation water passage 21 extends in an arc shape on the rear side of the water tank cover 4, bypassing the side of the inner opening 7. The circulation water passage 21 has a plurality of nozzles 23, 24 (two in this case) at its outlet, i.e., the tip of the water passage main body 22, which can spray water in a shower-like manner toward the inside of the water tank 3. The nozzles 23, 24 extend radially of the water tank 3, while the water passage main body 22 of the circulation water passage 21 extends circumferentially of the water tank 3. In other words, they extend toward the axis of the water tank 3. The flow path area of ​​the nozzles 23, 24 is smaller than the flow path area of ​​the water passage main body 22 of the circulation water passage 21. The tip ends 23a, 24a of the nozzles 23, 24 are shaped to expand in a generally fan-like manner, i.e., have a larger flow path area than the base ends 23b, 24b of the nozzles 23, 24.

[0019] Nozzle section 23 is a nozzle section provided at the most downstream portion of circulation water channel 21. Hereinafter, nozzle section 23 may be referred to as the "downstream nozzle section 23." On the other hand, nozzle section 24 is a nozzle section provided at a portion of circulation water channel 21 upstream of downstream nozzle section 23. Hereinafter, nozzle section 24 may be referred to as the "upstream nozzle section 24."

[0020] The washing machine 1 also includes a bellows cleaning function unit 31 configured to be able to clean the bellows 8. The bellows cleaning function unit 31 is an example of a cleaning unit. The bellows cleaning function unit 31 is provided in the upper portion of the inner opening 7 of the water tub cover 4, and is configured to be able to spray water toward the inner circumferential surface of the bellows 8. The bellows 8 is formed in a bellows shape, which makes it easy for foreign matter to remain. Therefore, by cleaning the inner circumferential surface of the bellows 8 with the bellows cleaning function unit 31, foreign matter can be removed.

[0021] The bellows cleaning function part 31 extends in an arc shape above the inner opening 7. The bellows cleaning function part 31 includes a water guide part 32 that extends in an arc shape above the inner opening 7. The bellows cleaning function part 31 also has a plurality of, in this case two, jet ports 33, 34 that can spray water toward the inner circumferential surface of the bellows 8. In this case, the jet port 33 is provided downstream of the water guide part 32. Hereinafter, the jet port 33 may be referred to as the "downstream jet port 33." Meanwhile, the jet port 34 is provided upstream of the water guide part 32. Hereinafter, the jet port 34 may be referred to as the "upstream jet port 34."

[0022] The downstream jet nozzles 33 and the upstream jet nozzles 34 are disposed on the left and right sides of the center of the water tank 3 in the left-right direction. The downstream jet nozzles 33 are disposed closer to the upstream nozzle section 24 than the downstream nozzle section 23. On the other hand, the upstream jet nozzles 34 are disposed closer to the downstream nozzle section 23 than the upstream nozzle section 24. In other words, the upstream portion of the circulating water passage 21 is paired with the downstream portion of the bellows cleaning function section 31, and the downstream portion of the circulating water passage 21 is paired with the upstream portion of the bellows cleaning function section 31.

[0023] The bellows cleaning function unit 31 also includes a water inlet 35 on the base end side, i.e., upstream side, of the water conduit 32. The water inlet 35 is located circumferentially outward of the downstream nozzle 23, i.e., on the opposite side from the upstream nozzle 24. Water is supplied to the water inlet 35 from the water supply valve 13 via a water supply hose 36, also shown in FIG. 3 . That is, water is supplied to the water inlet 35 from a water supply source. The water supplied to the water inlet 35 then flows into the water conduit 32 through a communicating water passage 37 and into the respective nozzles 33 and 34. That is, the water conduit 32 directs water supplied from the water supply source to the multiple nozzles 33 and 34. The communicating water passage 37 is formed in a thin tube shape and connects the water conduit 32 and the water inlet 35, which sandwich the downstream nozzle 23 of the bellows cleaning function unit 31, so that water can flow between them.

[0024] The injection ports 33, 34 are disposed between the downstream nozzle portion 23 and the upstream nozzle portion 24. In other words, the injection ports 33, 34 are disposed upstream of the downstream nozzle portion 23 in the circulation water passage 21, and downstream of the upstream nozzle portion 24 in the circulation water passage 21. The injection ports 33, 34 are disposed radially outward of the tips of the downstream nozzle portion 23 and the upstream nozzle portion 24 in the radial direction of the water tub 3. The water tub cover 4 is provided in a portion between the downstream nozzle portion 23 and the upstream nozzle portion 24 with a positioning portion 4a where an ultraviolet light (not shown) is disposed. The positioning portion 4a is disposed between the injection ports 33, 34.

[0025] Furthermore, the nozzles 33 and 34 are positioned to avoid the upper part of the arrangement portion 4a. Therefore, the water sprayed from the nozzles 33 and 34 is less likely to adhere to the ultraviolet light (not shown) arranged in the arrangement portion 4a. This configuration example makes it possible to prevent the light emitted from the ultraviolet light (not shown) from being scattered by water droplets from the nozzles 33 and 34, thereby preventing a decrease in the sterilization performance of the ultraviolet light and a decrease in visibility inside the aquarium 3. Note that it is also possible to arrange a light-emitting device other than the ultraviolet light, such as an interior light, in the arrangement portion 4a, and in some cases, it is also possible to arrange a device other than a light-emitting device.

[0026] 4, the circulating water channel 21 and the bellows cleaning function unit 31 are configured so that at least a portion thereof crosses over one another along the axial direction of the water tank 3. That is, the communicating water channel 37 that constitutes part of the bellows cleaning function unit 31 crosses over one another at a three-dimensional intersection with the tip of the circulating water channel 21 that sprays water toward the inside of the water tank 3.

[0027] More specifically, the communicating water passage 37 that constitutes part of the bellows cleaning function part 31 crosses over at an elevated level with the downstream nozzle part 23 that sprays water in a shower-like manner toward the inside of the water tank 3. Furthermore, the communicating water passage 37 that constitutes part of the bellows cleaning function part 31 crosses over at an elevated level with a portion of the downstream nozzle part 23 that has a smaller flow path area than the water path main part 22, i.e., the base end part 23b. Furthermore, the communicating water passage 37 that constitutes part of the bellows cleaning function part 31 crosses over at an elevated level with a portion of the downstream nozzle part 23 that has a smaller flow path area than the tip end part 23a, i.e., the base end part 23b.

[0028] Furthermore, the width of the flow path of the downstream nozzle portion 23, which is one of the multiple nozzle portions 23, 24 and which crosses the bellows cleaning function portion 31 at an upper level, i.e., the width H1 of the flow path at the base end 23b in this case, is wider than the width of the flow path of the upstream nozzle portion 24, which is one of the multiple nozzle portions 23, 24 and does not cross the bellows cleaning function portion 31 at an upper level, i.e., the width H2 of the flow path at the base end 24b in this case. In this case, the width H1 of the flow path at the base end 23b of the downstream nozzle portion 23 is, for example, 13 millimeters, and the width H2 of the flow path at the base end 24b of the upstream nozzle portion 24 is, for example, 10 millimeters. That is, the washing machine 1 is configured such that the width H1 of the flow path at the base end 23b of the downstream nozzle portion 23 is several millimeters wider than the width H2 of the flow path at the base end 24b of the upstream nozzle portion 24.

[0029] 5, the area where the circulation water channel 21 and the bellows cleaning function section 31 intersect over a three-dimensional plane, in this case the surface of the communicating water channel 37, has a flat, stepless shape. That is, the surface of the communicating water channel 37 located at the area where the circulation water channel 21 and the bellows cleaning function section 31 intersect over a three-dimensional plane has a smooth, convex shape, making it difficult for foreign matter contained in the water passing through the downstream nozzle section 23 to become caught. The foreign matter may be, for example, lint or dust from clothing.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 6, the outlets 33, 34 are arranged to the left and right of the center line L of the water tub 3 in the left-right direction when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 1. The outlets 33, 34 each open outward in the left-right direction. More specifically, the outlet 33 located on the left side when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 1 opens to the left. Therefore, the outlet 33 can mainly spray water toward the inner circumferential surface on the left side of the bellows 8. On the other hand, the outlet 34 located on the right side when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 1 opens to the right. Therefore, the outlet 34 can mainly spray water toward the inner circumferential surface on the right side of the bellows 8.

[0031] As shown in Figure 7, the nozzles 33 and 34 are configured to penetrate the water tub cover 4 along the axial direction of the water tub 3. Therefore, the nozzles 33 and 34 can be easily formed by combining a first mold (not shown) that is placed on the front side of the water tub cover 4 and a second mold (not shown) that is placed on the rear side of the water tub cover 4.

[0032] 4, the bellows cleaning function section 31 is provided with a guide rib 38 inside the water conduit section 32. The guide rib 38 is an example of a guide section, and is provided on the water conduit section 32 upstream of the downstream jet port 33. The guide rib 38 forms a wall surface that slopes toward the downstream jet port 33 along the inner wall surface of the water conduit section 32. The tip of the guide rib 38 is formed in an arc shape so as to surround the periphery of the downstream jet port 33. The guide rib 38 configured in this manner is able to guide the water flowing inside the water conduit section 32 toward the downstream jet port 33.

[0033] The bellows cleaning function section 31 also includes a guide wall section 39 within the water conveying section 32. The guide wall section 39 is an example of a guide section, and is provided downstream of the upstream jet nozzle 34 within the water conveying section 32. The guide wall section 39 forms a wall surface that slopes toward the downstream side of the water conveying section 32 where the downstream jet nozzle 33 is provided. The guide wall section 39 configured in this manner is capable of guiding water flowing within the water conveying section 32 toward the downstream jet nozzle 33.

[0034] Furthermore, the communicating water channel 37, which constitutes the part of the water conveying section 32 that crosses the circulating water channel 21 at an elevated intersection, is directed toward the guide wall section 39, that is, extends linearly toward the guide wall section 39. In this case, the communicating water channel 37 is directed particularly toward the upper part of the guide wall section 39. Therefore, water flowing through the communicating water channel 37 hits the guide wall section 39 and is guided toward the downstream jet nozzle 33. Furthermore, water that hits the guide wall section 39 is also guided toward the upstream jet nozzle 34. Therefore, the guide wall section 39 can prevent the water flowing through the communicating water channel 37 from being unevenly supplied to only one of the downstream jet nozzle 33 and the upstream jet nozzle 34, and allows water to be distributed and supplied to both jet nozzles 33, 34.

[0035] Furthermore, the direction of the water bouncing off guide wall 39 and the direction of the water jetted from upstream jet nozzle 34 are both to the right as viewed from the front side of washing machine 1, that is, they are the same direction. According to this configuration example, the water bouncing off guide wall 39 can be guided toward upstream jet nozzle 34 without weakening its force as much as possible. Therefore, even if the force of the water weakens when it hits guide wall 39, the water can be jetted from upstream jet nozzle 34 without further weakening its force.

[0036] 6, a protruding rib 40 is provided below the injection ports 33, 34, along the inner opening 7. The protruding rib 40 is an example of a protruding portion, and extends in an arc shape to follow the circular opening shape of the inner opening 7. The protruding rib 40 is provided at a position a predetermined distance from the opening edge of the inner opening 7. The amount of forward protrusion of the protruding rib 40, i.e., the amount of protrusion toward the bellows 8, is smaller than the amount of forward protrusion of the injection ports 33, 34, i.e., the amount of protrusion toward the bellows 8.

[0037] The circulation water passage 21 and the bellows cleaning function section 31, which are located inside the water tank 3, are closed by a cover member 41, as shown in FIG. 8 . The cover member 41 is fixed to the rear surface of the water tank cover 4, for example, by welding. The cover member 41 has an air vent 42 formed therethrough. When the cover member 41 is attached to the surfaces of the circulation water passage 21 and the bellows cleaning function section 31 located inside the water tank 3, the air vent 42 is located between the upstream jet port 34 and the downstream jet port 33. More specifically, the air vent 42 is located between the upstream jet port 34 and the downstream jet port 33, closer to the downstream jet port 33 than the upstream jet port 34. The size of the air vent 42 may be as small as, for example, about 2 millimeters in diameter, but it is preferable to set the size so that it allows air to pass through but does not allow water to pass through.

[0038] In the washing machine 1 exemplified above, in the bellows cleaning function unit 31, the jet nozzles 33, 34 are provided separately in the upstream and downstream parts of the water conduit unit 32 that guides water from the water supply source, and water is less likely to reach the downstream jet nozzle 33 than the upstream jet nozzle 34 that is closer to the water supply source. Therefore, in the washing machine 1, a guide rib 38 that guides water to the downstream jet nozzle 33 is provided in the water conduit unit 32. With this configuration example, even if the amount of water heading toward the downstream jet nozzle 33 becomes less than the amount of water heading toward the upstream jet nozzle 34, the guide rib 38 allows the water to reach the downstream jet nozzle 33 efficiently, and it is possible to prevent a difference in the water jetting performance between the upstream jet nozzle 34 and the downstream jet nozzle 33.

[0039] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, guide rib 38 is provided on water guide section 32 upstream of downstream jet nozzle 33. According to this configuration example, the water guiding effect of guide rib 38 can be reliably exerted upstream of downstream jet nozzle 33, and water can reach downstream jet nozzle 33 more efficiently.

[0040] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, the direction in which guide rib 38 guides water and the direction in which downstream jet nozzle 33 sprays water are both to the left when viewed from the front side of washing machine 1, that is, they are the same direction. According to this configuration example, in the downstream part of the water channel, where the water force tends to weaken, the water can be guided toward downstream jet nozzle 33 without weakening the water force as much as possible. Therefore, even if the water force weakens in the downstream part of the water channel, the water can be sprayed from downstream jet nozzle 33 without further weakening the water force.

[0041] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, the direction in which upstream jet nozzle 34 jets water is opposite to the direction in which water flows in water conduit 32, whereas the direction in which downstream jet nozzle 33 jets water is the same as the direction in which water flows in water conduit 32. According to this configuration example, the force and volume of water jetted from upstream jet nozzle 34 can be made relatively weaker than the force and volume of water jetted from downstream jet nozzle 33, and it is possible to further prevent a difference in the jetting performance of water from upstream jet nozzle 34 and downstream jet nozzle 33 from occurring.

[0042] Moreover, according to washing machine 1, guide wall portion 39 that guides water toward downstream jet nozzle 33 is provided on water guide portion 32 downstream of upstream jet nozzle 34. According to this configuration example, water that has flowed downstream of upstream jet nozzle 34 is more easily guided toward downstream jet nozzle 33 by guide wall portion 39, making it possible for water to reach downstream jet nozzle 33 more efficiently.

[0043] Furthermore, according to washing machine 1, protruding rib 40 is provided below jet nozzles 33, 34, following the opening shape of inner opening 7. According to this configuration example, even if water remaining in jet nozzles 33, 34 drips from jet nozzles 33, 34 after bellows cleaning function unit 31 has cleaned bellows 8, the water can be received by protruding rib 40 and flowed downward outside inner opening 7. Therefore, even if water drips from jet nozzles 33, 34, it is possible to prevent the water from entering water tub 3 through inner opening 7, and to prevent the water from adhering to clothes in water tub 3.

[0044] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1, the forward protrusion amount of the protruding rib 40, i.e., the amount of protrusion toward the bellows 8, is smaller than the forward protrusion amount of the injection ports 33, 34, i.e., the amount of protrusion toward the bellows 8. This configuration example makes it possible to prevent the water injected from the injection ports 33, 34 from being blocked by the protruding rib 40 and from reaching the bellows 8 while the bellows cleaning function unit 31 is performing the cleaning process of the bellows 8. In other words, it is possible to prevent the protruding rib 40 from impeding the cleaning effect of the bellows cleaning function unit 31 on the bellows 8.

[0045] Moreover, in washing machine 1, water conduit section 32 is provided with air vent 42 between upstream jet nozzle 34 and downstream jet nozzle 33. According to this configuration example, even if water remains in water conduit section 32 after bellows cleaning function section 31 has cleaned bellows 8, the water can be washed away by outside air flowing in through air vent 42, and the inside of water conduit section 32 can be maintained in a hygienic state.

[0046] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, air vent 42 is disposed between upstream jet nozzle 34 and downstream jet nozzle 33, closer to downstream jet nozzle 33 than upstream jet nozzle 34. Here, the downstream portion of water conduit 32 is farther from the water supply source than the upstream portion, and water is more likely to remain there than in the upstream portion. According to the configuration example in which air vent 42 is disposed closer to downstream jet nozzle 33 than upstream jet nozzle 34, water can be more easily drained from the downstream portion of water conduit 32 where water is more likely to remain. This makes it even easier to prevent water from remaining in water conduit 32.

[0047] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, air vent 42 is provided in cover member 41 attached to the back side of water tub cover 4. With this configuration example, even if water leaks from air vent 42, the water can be collected in water tub 3, preventing the water leaking from air vent 42 from adhering to electrical components and the like inside washing machine 1. Even if water leaks from air vent 42, the water can be used to wash the front of the drum (not shown). A structure such as a balance ring is attached to the front of the drum (not shown). Therefore, it is expected that such a structure can be washed with the water leaking from air vent 42.

[0048] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1, the circulation water channel 21 and the bellows cleaning function unit 31 are configured to intersect at least partially along the axial direction of the water tub 3. This configuration example allows both the circulation water channel 21 and the bellows cleaning function unit 31 to be provided without the need to position one of them so as to avoid the other, thereby avoiding a complex structure. Furthermore, both the circulation water channel 21 and the bellows cleaning function unit 31 can be provided without dividing the circulation water channel 21 into multiple parts, thereby avoiding a decrease in the force of the water sprayed from the circulation water channel 21. In this way, the washing machine 1 can reasonably provide both the circulation water channel 21 and the bellows cleaning function unit 31 while avoiding a complex structure or a decrease in the force of the water sprayed. Furthermore, because there is no need to divide the circulation water channel 21 into multiple parts, it is possible to avoid an increase in the number of parts, an increase in the number of assembly steps, a complex structure, and the like.

[0049] According to washing machine 1, circulation water channel 21 has, as nozzle sections that spray water toward the inside of water tub 3, downstream nozzle section 23 provided downstream of circulation water channel 21 and upstream nozzle section 24 provided upstream of downstream nozzle section 23. Bellows cleaning function section 31 crosses downstream nozzle section 23 of the plurality of nozzle sections 23, 24 at an intersection.

[0050] That is, the water that has reached the downstream portion of the circulation water channel 21 has no other route, or outlet, than the downstream nozzle portion 23. Therefore, the flow velocity and volume of the sprayed water are less likely to decrease in the downstream nozzle portion 23 provided downstream of the circulation water channel 21 than in the upstream nozzle portion 24 provided upstream. On the other hand, of the nozzle portions 23, 24, the nozzle portion that intersects with the bellows cleaning function portion 31 at an overpass will have a reduced flow path area at least by the amount of the overpass with the bellows cleaning function portion 31.

[0051] According to the washing machine 1, the bellows cleaning function part 31 is arranged to cross over the downstream nozzle part 23, which is less likely to experience a decrease in the flow velocity and volume of water sprayed compared to the other nozzle parts 24 provided upstream. Therefore, even if the flow path area of ​​the downstream nozzle part 23 is reduced by the amount of crossing over with the bellows cleaning function part 31, the flow velocity and volume of water sprayed from the downstream nozzle part 23 can be sufficiently maintained compared to when the bellows cleaning function part 31 crosses over with the upstream nozzle part 24.

[0052] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, bellows cleaning function unit 31 crosses over an end of circulating water channel 21, which sprays water toward the inside of water tub 3. According to this configuration example, the flow path area of ​​the end of circulating water channel 21, which sprays water into water tub 3, can be reduced by an amount corresponding to the crossing over with bellows cleaning function unit 31. This allows the end of circulating water channel 21 to have a narrowed shape, and the force of water sprayed from the end of circulating water channel 21 can be increased.

[0053] The intersection of the circulation water channel 21 and the bellows cleaning function part 31 can be a rate-limiting part that determines the speed of the sprayed water, i.e., a bottleneck. Therefore, it is recommended to configure the intersection of the circulation water channel 21 and the bellows cleaning function part 31 so that the flow path area is not too narrow.

[0054] In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the width H1 of the flow path of the downstream nozzle section 23, which intersects with the bellows cleaning function section 31 among the multiple nozzle sections 23, 24, is wider than the width H2 of the flow path of the upstream nozzle section 24, which does not intersect with the bellows cleaning function section 31 among the multiple nozzle sections 23, 24.

[0055] That is, according to the washing machine 1, the width H1 of the flow path of the downstream nozzle part 23, whose flow path area is reduced by the amount of the three-dimensional intersection with the bellows cleaning function part 31, is made wider than the width H2 of the flow path of the upstream nozzle part 24, which does not intersect with the bellows cleaning function part 31. Therefore, even in the configuration in which the bellows cleaning function part 31 intersects with the downstream nozzle part 23 three-dimensionally, the flow velocity and volume of water sprayed from the downstream nozzle part 23 can be sufficiently ensured.

[0056] Furthermore, in the washing machine 1, the circulating water channel 21 and the bellows cleaning function unit 31 have a step-free shape where there is no step at the intersection between them. This configuration example makes it possible to prevent foreign matter from getting caught in the intersection, i.e., the area of ​​the flow path that is likely to be narrow, and to prevent the flow path from being clogged by foreign matter.

[0057] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, bellows cleaning function unit 31 has a plurality of jetting ports 33, 34 that jet water toward the inner circumferential surface of bellows 8. Jetting ports 33, 34 open outward in the left-right direction on the left and right sides of center line L in the left-right direction of water tub 3 when viewed from the front side of washing machine 1. According to this configuration example, cleaning water from bellows cleaning function unit 31 can be jetted evenly in both left and right directions toward the inner circumferential surface of bellows 8, making it possible to clean as wide an area of ​​the inner circumferential surface of bellows 8 as possible.

[0058] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, communicating water channel 37, which constitutes the part of water guide section 32 that crosses circulation water channel 21 at an elevated intersection, is directed toward guide wall section 39. This configuration example makes it possible to prevent water flowing through communicating water channel 37 from being unevenly supplied to only one of downstream jet nozzle 33 and upstream jet nozzle 34, and allows water to be distributed and supplied to both jet nozzles 33, 34.

[0059] The present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and extensions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the present embodiment is not limited to a so-called horizontal-axis drum washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub extends horizontally or inclined, but can also be applied to a so-called vertical-axis washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating tub extends vertically.

[0060] Furthermore, the number of nozzle units may be multiple on each side, rather than one on each side. Furthermore, the number of nozzle units on the left side and the number of nozzle units on the right side of the washing machine 1 may be the same or different. Furthermore, the number of jetting orifices may be multiple on each side, rather than one on each side. Furthermore, the number of jetting orifices on the left side and the number of jetting orifices on the right side of the washing machine 1 may be the same or different. Furthermore, the number of nozzle units on the left side and the number of jetting orifices on the left side of the washing machine 1 may be the same or different. Furthermore, the number of nozzle units on the right side of the washing machine 1 may be the same or different.

[0061] Furthermore, the shape, size, direction, and position of the nozzle portion and the injection port can be appropriately changed. Furthermore, the guide portion is not limited to a rib shape, but can be formed into various shapes such as a groove shape or a wall shape. Furthermore, the guide portion is not limited to a wall shape, but can be formed into various shapes such as a groove shape or a rib shape.

[0062] The shape and amount of protrusion of the protrusion can also be changed as appropriate. The amount of protrusion of the protrusion can be changed as appropriate within a range that does not exceed the amount of protrusion of the injection port. The position of the vent can also be changed as appropriate. For example, the vent may be located between the upstream injection port 34 and the downstream injection port 33, closer to the upstream injection port 34 than to the downstream injection port 33, or may be located in a central position between the upstream injection port 34 and the downstream injection port 33.

[0063] The present embodiment is presented merely as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present embodiment and its modifications are intended to be covered by the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also intended to be covered by the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] In the drawings, 1 is a washing machine (clothing processing device), 2 is an outer box, 3 is a water tub (clothing storage tub), 6 is an outer opening, 7 is an inner opening, 8 is a bellows (connecting member), 21 is a circulating water channel, 31 is a bellows cleaning function part (cleaning part), 32 is a water conveying part, 33 is a downstream side jet nozzle (jet nozzle), 34 is an upstream side jet nozzle (jet nozzle), 38 is a guide rib (guide part), 39 is a guide wall part (guide part), 40 is a protruding rib (protruding part), and 42 is an air vent.

Claims

1. an outer box having an outer opening for putting in and taking out the garment; a clothing storage tub having an inner opening for inserting and removing clothing; a connecting member connecting the outer opening and the inner opening; a cleaning unit that cleans the connection member; Equipped with The cleaning unit includes: an injection port that injects water toward an inner surface of the connection member; a water guide portion that guides water from a water supply source to the jet nozzle; and The jet nozzle includes an upstream jet nozzle provided in the upstream portion of the water conveying section, and a downstream jet nozzle provided in the downstream portion of the water conveying section, The water guide section is provided with a guide section that guides water to the downstream nozzle.

2. The clothing treating device according to claim 1 , wherein the guide section is provided on the water conveying section upstream of the downstream jet nozzle.

3. The clothing treating device according to claim 1, wherein a guide section for guiding water toward the downstream jet nozzle is provided downstream of the upstream jet nozzle in the water guide section.

4. The clothing treating device according to claim 1, wherein a protrusion is provided below the nozzle and along the inner opening.

5. The laundry treatment device according to claim 4 , wherein the projection is smaller in projection amount than the nozzle.

6. The clothing treating device according to claim 1 , wherein the water guide section includes an air vent between the upstream nozzle and the downstream nozzle.

7. A circulation water channel is provided for circulating water in the clothing storage tub, The laundry treating device according to claim 1 , wherein the washing section and the circulating water channel intersect at least partially.

8. A circulation water channel is provided for circulating water in the clothing storage tub, The cleaning section and the circulating water channel at least partially intersect with each other, The laundry treating device according to claim 3, wherein the water channel constituting the part of the water conveying section that crosses the circulating water channel in a three-dimensional manner is directed toward the guiding section.

Images