Hanging washing machine

Abstract

This invention provides a hanging washing machine that enables hanging washing with a simple configuration. [Solution] The hanging washing machine 1 is provided in the upper part 5a of the washing room 5 and includes a hanging section 10 from which laundry A is suspended, an upper watering section 20 provided in the upper part 5a and above the hanging section 10 and having an upper body section 21 and a plurality of upper watering nozzles 22, a lower watering section 30 provided in the lower part 5c of the washing room 5 and having a lower body section 31 and a plurality of lower watering nozzles 32, and a pump 7 and circulation piping 8 that supply washing water to the upper watering section 20 and the lower watering section 30. The upper watering section 20 is rotatable around an upper rotation axis L20 that passes through an upper support section 23.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a suspension-type washing machine that washes laundry such as clothes while the laundry is suspended.

Background Art

[0002] Washing machines in which laundry is washed while being suspended are known. For example, in the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, a hanger member that can move in a first motion mode is provided in the washing space. The hanger member moves horizontally, for example. The laundry hung on the hanger member is washed by the water flow ejected from the nozzle and pressurized by the pump. The nozzle moves in a second motion mode different from the first motion mode of the hanger member. The nozzle is a plurality of small-diameter holes provided in the main pipe for spraying, and by moving the main pipe for spraying up and down, the washing part of the laundry is changed.

[0003] In the clothing treatment apparatus described in Patent Document 2, wrinkles of the clothing are removed by steam (water vapor) supplied from the steam unit, and the clothing is refreshed. The hanger rack part for hanging the clothing is configured to reciprocate. The hanger rack part includes a hanger rack body part extending in the width direction and an extension body part provided below the hanger rack body part. Clothing hanging parts are provided on both side surfaces of the extension body part. The user can easily hang the hanger by using this clothing hanging part, and can also change the hanging interval of the clothing according to the thickness of the clothing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the conventional devices described above, it is necessary to move the hanger horizontally or reciprocatingly, and to move the nozzle up and down. In such conventional devices, the mechanisms for moving the hanger and nozzle tend to be complex. This structural complexity leads to increased costs.

[0006] This disclosure describes a hanging washing machine that enables hanging laundry with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] A hanging washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a washing chamber for storing laundry; a hanging section provided above the washing chamber from which the laundry is suspended; an upper watering section provided above the washing chamber and above the hanging section, having an upper body portion extending horizontally and a plurality of upper watering nozzles provided on the upper body portion that open downward, and for spraying water into the washing chamber; a lower watering section provided below the washing chamber, having a lower body portion extending horizontally and a plurality of lower watering nozzles provided on the lower body portion that open upward, and for spraying water into the washing chamber; and a water supply section for supplying washing water to the upper watering section and the lower watering section. At least one of the upper watering section and the lower watering section is rotatable about a vertical axis passing through a support portion that supports the upper body portion or the lower body portion.

[0008] [1] In the suspended washing machine, laundry suspended from the suspension unit is positioned between the upper and lower watering units in the washing chamber. Water is sprayed from the upper watering nozzle of the upper watering unit toward the laundry, and water is sprayed from the lower watering nozzle of the lower watering unit toward the laundry. Water is sprayed from both the upper and lower sides, for example, during the washing (or rinsing) process. Here, since at least one of the upper and lower watering units is rotatable around a vertical axis, the washing water is evenly distributed over the entire laundry, resulting in a sufficient washing (or rinsing) effect. Since the laundry is maintained in a suspended position, it can be dried in the washing chamber even after the washing and rinsing processes are completed. As a result, wrinkles and other damage to the laundry are less likely to occur. Compared to conventional configurations that move the suspension unit or nozzle horizontally or back and forth, a configuration that rotates the upper or lower watering unit around a vertical axis is a relatively simple configuration that enables hanging laundry.

[0009] [2] In the hanging washing machine described in [1] above, the upper and lower watering units spray water simultaneously during the washing process, and the amount of water sprayed per unit time by the upper watering unit during the washing process may be greater than the amount of water sprayed per unit time by the lower watering unit during the washing process. Spraying from the upper watering unit makes it easier to bring the washing water into contact with the entire laundry. By making the amount of water sprayed per unit time by the upper watering unit during the washing process relatively large, the washing effect can be enhanced.

[0010] [3] In the hanging washing machine described in [1] or [2] above, the upper and lower watering units spray water simultaneously during the washing process, and the water pressure of the upper watering unit during the washing process may be higher than the water pressure of the lower watering unit during the washing process. Spraying from the upper watering unit makes it easier to bring the washing water into contact with the entire laundry. By making the water pressure of the upper watering unit during the washing process relatively high, the washing effect can be enhanced.

[0011] [4] In any of the hanging washing machines described in [1] to [3] above, the upper watering unit is rotatable about a vertical axis passing through the support portion of the upper body, and the upper body may have a first horizontal extension extending to one side of the vertical axis in the horizontal direction and a second horizontal extension extending to the other side of the vertical axis in the horizontal direction. One or more upper watering nozzles provided on the first horizontal extension and one or more upper watering nozzles provided on the second horizontal extension may be arranged in asymmetrical positions with respect to the vertical axis. With this configuration, while the upper watering nozzle rotates around (360 degrees), the watering area by the second horizontal extension is different from the watering area by the first horizontal extension (the areas do not overlap and are offset). Therefore, it is possible to water a wider area with an upper body of a limited length and a predetermined number of upper watering nozzles.

[0012] [5] In any of the hanging washing machines described in [1] to [4] above, the upper watering nozzle and the lower watering nozzle may each include a hemispherical projection and a slit formed to traverse the projection horizontally. With this configuration, the washing water is sprayed while diffusing in a fan shape. This allows for efficient contact of the washing water with the laundry.

[0013] [6] In any of the hanging washing machines described in [1] to [5] above, common parts are used for the upper and lower watering sections, and the upper and lower main bodies, which face each other in the vertical direction, may rotate in opposite directions in a plan view. This configuration allows for cost reduction through the use of common parts. The direction (side) in which the washing water hits the laundry is different when water is sprayed from the upper and lower watering sections, thus further improving the washing effect (or rinsing effect).

[0014] [7] Any one of the hanging washing machines described in [1] to [6] above may include a drying device that supplies hot air into the washing chamber and a control unit that controls each part of the hanging washing machine. The control unit may perform the washing, draining, rinsing, and drying processes in this order. With this configuration, the laundry is dried in the drying process while in a suspended position (state). After the drying process is completed, wrinkle-free laundry is obtained (without ironing), and the laundry can be used again for everyday use. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to this disclosure, hanging-type washing is possible with a relatively simple configuration compared to conventional configurations in which the hanging part and nozzle are moved horizontally or back and forth. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a hanging washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of the hanging washing machine shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the upper watering section, seen from below (towards the upper watering nozzle). [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the upper sprinkler section. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a magnified perspective view of the upper watering nozzle. [Figure 6] Figures 6(a) to 6(d) are plan views showing the watering area corresponding to the rotation angle of the upper watering unit (when rotated by 90 degrees increments). [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side view showing the difference (shift) in the watering area between the first horizontal extension and the second horizontal extension. [Figure 8] Figure 8(a) is a side view of a hanging washing machine according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8(b) is a cross-sectional view along line VIIIB-VIIIB in Figure 8(a). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and redundant descriptions are omitted. The dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily match those in the description.

[0018] In the following description, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction that are orthogonal to each other may be used to describe the suspended washing machine 1. The X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction respectively correspond to the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction (or vertical direction) in the installation state of the suspended washing machine 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this specification, terms indicating directions such as "front", "rear", "up", "down", "left", and "right" are terms based on the installation state of the suspended washing machine 1.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the suspended washing machine 1 is a washing machine that washes a plurality of laundry items A hung on each hanger 12 in a vertically long housing 2 while being in a suspended state. The laundry items A are, for example, various types of clothing. The laundry items A may be a jacket, a shirt with a collar, or pants (including bottom clothing such as slacks and trousers). The laundry items A may be various types of underwear. The laundry items A may be fabric products other than clothing such as towels, handkerchiefs, and sheets. The type of the laundry items A is not particularly limited.

[0020] The hanging washing machine 1 can be used in a manner similar to a closet. An example of its use is described below. For example, after returning home, the user places laundry A into the casing 2 and hangs it up, then starts the hanging washing machine 1, or schedules it to run at a predetermined time. The hanging washing machine 1 can wash and dry the laundry A. The washing and drying are completed, for example, by the next morning. The user can then wear the finished clothes when going out. Since the laundry A is washed while hanging on the hanger 12, delicate clothing can be washed gently (without damaging them). Also, since the laundry A is dried while hanging on the hanger 12, creases that cause wrinkles do not form. Ironing is not required.

[0021] The overall configuration of the hanging washing machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In the following description, the hanging washing machine 1 will be simply referred to as "washing machine 1". As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the washing machine 1 comprises a vertically elongated rectangular prism-shaped housing 2 and a washing chamber 5 provided inside the housing 2 for accommodating multiple laundry items A. The front of the housing 2 is open, and a front door 3, which is opened and closed by the user, is provided on the front. The washing chamber 5 is fixed inside the housing 2. The washing chamber 5 is a rectangular prism-shaped water tank capable of storing washing water. When the washing machine 1 is in operation, washing water is sprayed inside the washing chamber 5, but the water level is low (shallow) and does not reach the bottom of the laundry items A. A rectangular annular packing 15 is provided between the front door 3 and the washing chamber 5. The front door 3 is opened and closed by the user when loading or unloading laundry items A.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, each of the pair of sides 2a of the housing 2 has, for example, an opening 2b having a predetermined shape and size, and the opening 2b is provided with a transparent window 2c that allows the inside of the laundry room 5 to be viewed from the side. The laundry room 5 may be installed inside the housing 2 by providing a rectangular box-shaped water tank with only the front open. At least a part of the laundry room 5 (the part facing the transparent window 2c) is made of a transparent plate-like member. The front door 3 also has an opening 3b having a predetermined shape and size, and the opening 3b is provided with a transparent window 3c that allows the inside of the laundry room 5 to be viewed from the front. When the front door 3 is open, a part of the front of the laundry room 5 is open, and laundry A can be placed into the laundry room 5 or taken out of the laundry room 5. By closing the front door 3, the front door 3 and the packing 15 described above form a watertight structure in the rectangular box-shaped laundry room 5.

[0023] The left-right length (width) of the front door 3 (and the rear of the housing 2) is smaller than, for example, the front-to-back length (depth) of each side 2a. In other words, the washing machine 1 has a configuration in which the depth is longer than the width of the opening, and can be installed even in narrow spaces. As shown in Figure 2, the washing room 5 has an upper part 5a where equipment is provided for hanging multiple laundry items A and for spraying water from above, a lower part 5c where equipment is provided for spraying water from below, and a central space 5b formed between the upper part 5a and the lower part 5c. The central space 5b occupies most of the volume of the central space 5b, and multiple laundry items A are suspended and stored in this central space 5b. In addition, a mounting surface (which may be a net, basket, or perforated tray) may be provided in the central space 5b for placing multiple other laundry items A instead of hanging them by hangers 12.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, equipment related to the drying device is installed between the top surface 2t of the housing 2 and the laundry chamber 5 (see Figure 1). A fan 16, a heater 17, and an exhaust duct 18 are installed on the upper wall surface of the water tank that makes up the laundry chamber 5. The fan 16 draws in air and blows it into the laundry chamber 5 through a discharge duct 19 that extends vertically at the rear of the laundry chamber 5, and then discharges the air through the exhaust duct 18. The heater 17, which is provided at the discharge part of the fan 16, heats the air. The type of heater 17 is not particularly limited, but for example, a PTC heater can be used. The warm air is introduced from the bottom of the laundry chamber 5 and flows upward inside the laundry chamber 5. The warm air flows between a plurality of laundry items A that are suspended with a gap between them, passing through the gaps between them. The laundry items A are dried by contact between the warm air and the laundry items A. The detection of humidity (and temperature) during the drying operation and the determination of the timing of the end of the drying process may be performed by the control unit 13 described later, in the same manner as in a general washer-dryer. Furthermore, other configurations known in general washer-dryers may be adopted for the fan 16, heater 17, and the duct which serves as the passage for hot air and exhaust air.

[0025] The washing machine 1 includes a hanging section 10 provided in the upper part 5a of the laundry room 5. The hanging section 10 includes, for example, a single hanger bar 11 fixed to the inner wall surfaces 5d of a pair of side surfaces 2a extending in the left-right direction, and a plurality of hangers 12 that can be hung on the hanger bar 11. Multiple laundry items A are suspended from the hanging section 10 using these hangers 12. The hanger bar 11 is provided with, for example, a plurality of recessed sections 11e at equal intervals. The position of each hanger 12 is determined by the hanger 12 being hooked (engaged) on the recessed sections 11e. Even if the user tries to hang a hanger 12 in a position slightly different from the recessed section 11e, the hanger 12 is guided to the position of the recessed section 11e. Laundry items A, such as clothes, are suspended from the hangers 12. Since each hanger 12 hangs in a position parallel to the front-to-back direction (X direction), multiple laundry items A are suspended while spreading out in the front-to-back direction (X direction) and maintaining distance from each other in the left-to-right direction (Y direction).

[0026] The hanger 12 may be integrated with the hanger bar 11, or it may be provided separately from the hanger bar 11, allowing the hanger 12 to be removed from or attached to the hanger bar 11. Each hanger 12 is configured to hold, for example, one jacket or shirt, or one pair of pants (or any type of bottom garment). At least one hanger 12 may have multiple garment-hanging parts (hanger-like members) or multiple clamping parts (clamping members such as clothespins or clips) attached to a single recessed part 11e (engaging part). Instead of multiple recessed parts 11e, a corrugated rod member may be attached to the hanger bar 11.

[0027] The dimensions of the laundry room 5 in the left-right direction are set appropriately according to the number of laundry items A that can be accommodated in the laundry room 5. The dimensions of the laundry room 5 in the front-back direction are set appropriately according to the size (maximum size) of the laundry items A. The dimensions (height) of the laundry room 5 in the upper direction, i.e., the dimensions (height) of the central space 5b, may also be set appropriately according to the size (maximum size) of the laundry items A.

[0028] The washing machine 1 comprises an upper watering section 20 located in the upper part 5a of the washing chamber 5 and above the suspension section 10, and a lower watering section 30 located in the lower part 5c of the washing chamber 5. The upper watering section 20 has an upper body 21 extending horizontally and a plurality of upper watering nozzles 22 provided on the lower surface of the upper body 21 and opening downwards. The lower watering section 30 has a lower body 31 extending horizontally and a plurality of lower watering nozzles 32 provided on the upper surface of the lower body 31 and opening upwards. In this embodiment, common parts are used for the upper watering section 20 and the lower watering section 30. Due to a structure described later, the upper body 21 and the lower body 31 each rotate using the water flow of the washing water. The upper watering section 20 and the lower watering section 30 can each be called a rotating watering unit.

[0029] A water outlet section 6, which is a pit-shaped depression where laundry water collects, is formed on the bottom surface of the lower part 5c of the laundry chamber 5, and a circulation pipe 8 is connected to the water outlet section 6. A pump 7 is provided in the circulation pipe 8. The circulation pipe 8 is divided into an upper branch pipe 8a and a lower branch pipe 8b on the discharge side of the pump 7 (downstream with respect to the flow of laundry water). The pump 7, the upper branch pipe 8a and the lower branch pipe 8b are housed in a bottom space 9 formed on the bottom 4 below the laundry chamber 5 within the housing 2. The pump 7 and the circulation pipe 8 correspond to the water supply section that supplies laundry water to the upper watering section 20 and the lower watering section 30. The circulation pipe 8 may be provided with several valves for controlling the flow and stopping of laundry water, or the flow path of laundry water.

[0030] In this specification, "washing water" refers to the liquid corresponding to each step of the washing and rinsing processes of the laundry A. In the washing process, the washing water may be water (liquid) containing detergent, etc., and in the rinsing process, the washing water may be water. The washing water in the washing process may be tap water and water containing detergent at the beginning (or in the middle) of the washing process, or it may be circulating water from the washing chamber 5. Fabric softener may be included in the washing water during the rinsing process. To supply tap water to the washing chamber 5, a water supply pipe from a water source may be connected to the circulation pipe 8, or a separate water supply pipe may be provided in addition to the circulation pipe 8. An automatic dispensing device (not shown) for dispensing detergent, etc. may be provided in the water supply pipe. The water supply unit has a known configuration for supplying washing water.

[0031] The washing machine 1 includes a control unit 13 that controls the operation of each part of the washing machine 1. The control unit 13 is located at an appropriate location around the washing chamber 5, for example, in the bottom space 9. Power can be supplied to the pump 7, and the pump 7 is driven by being controlled by the control unit 13. The water supply unit supplies washing water to the upper watering unit 20 through the upper branch pipe 8a and the upper watering pipe 8c, and sprays water (supplies and sprays washing water) into the washing chamber 5. The water supply unit supplies washing water to the lower watering unit 30 through the lower branch pipe 8b, and sprays water (supplies and sprays washing water) into the washing chamber 5.

[0032] In washing machine 1, the user can select a predetermined washing course. The control unit 13 can, for example, perform the washing, draining, rinsing, and drying processes in this order. Washing machine 1 does not have a spin-drying process. Because the laundry A is suspended, after the rinsing process is completed (after the water spraying stops), the amount of water in the laundry A decreases due to gravity and the supply of hot air during the drying process. Whether or not to perform the drying process is at the user's discretion (the drying process is an optional step). Washing machine 1 is equipped with the aforementioned drying device that supplies hot air into the washing chamber 5 for the drying process. The drying device dries the laundry A using the aforementioned fan 16, heater 17, and discharge duct 19, etc.

[0033] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the upper watering section 20 and the lower watering section 30 spray water simultaneously during the washing process. The amount of water sprayed per hour through the upper watering section 20 and the lower watering section 30, and the water pressure of the sprayed water are appropriately set by the pipe diameter or a throttling structure (a throttling structure in the piping, or adjustment by valves, etc.). A flow control valve may be provided in at least one of the upper branch pipe 8a and the lower branch pipe 8b, or a pressure reducing structure such as a pressure reducing valve may be provided.

[0034] In washing machine 1, the amount of water sprayed per hour in the upper watering unit 20 during the washing cycle is greater than the amount of water sprayed per hour in the lower watering unit 30 during the washing cycle. The amount of water sprayed per hour in the upper watering unit 20 during the washing cycle is, for example, 1.1 to 1.5 times the amount of water sprayed per hour in the lower watering unit 30 during the washing cycle. In addition, the water pressure sprayed in the upper watering unit 20 during the washing cycle is higher than the water pressure sprayed in the lower watering unit 30 during the washing cycle. The water pressure sprayed in the upper watering unit 20 during the washing cycle is, for example, 1.1 to 1.5 times the water pressure sprayed in the lower watering unit 30 during the washing cycle. By increasing the amount of water and water pressure in the upper watering unit 20 in this way, dirt and attached substances on laundry A are more easily removed in the direction of gravity.

[0035] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, the upper watering unit 20 and the lower watering unit 30 can simultaneously spray water during the rinsing cycle. The same principles as during the washing cycle apply to the amount of water sprayed per unit time and the water pressure through the upper watering unit 20 and the lower watering unit 30. In addition, during the rinsing cycle, only the upper watering unit 20 may spray water.

[0036] Next, the upper watering unit 20 and the lower watering unit 30 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. As mentioned above, common parts are used for the upper watering unit 20 and the lower watering unit 30, so descriptions of the same parts and components in the upper watering unit 20 and the lower watering unit 30 will be omitted. As shown in Figure 2, the upper watering unit 20 is rotatable around an upper rotation axis L20 that passes through a cylindrical upper support part 23 that supports the upper main body part 21. The lower watering unit 30 is also rotatable around a lower rotation axis L30 that passes through a cylindrical lower support part 33 that supports the lower main body part 31. The upper rotation axis L20 and the lower rotation axis L30 are vertical axes extending in the vertical direction (Z direction). In this embodiment, both the upper rotation axis L20 and the lower rotation axis L30 are located at or near the center of the laundry room 5 in the front-to-back direction (X direction) and the left-to-right direction (Y direction). The upper rotation axis L20 and the lower rotation axis L30 may be arranged in a straight line (on the same straight line).

[0037] The upper watering section 20 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 5. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the upper body 21 is a flat, elongated member having a predetermined thickness in the vertical direction (direction of the upper rotation axis L20) and extending straight on both sides in the horizontal direction of the upper rotation axis L20. The upper body 21 is formed by joining the lower member 28 and the upper member 29 (see Figure 5) to form a horizontal watering channel 21f inside. Four upper watering nozzles 22 are provided on the lower surface of the upper body 21, for example, at equal intervals in the direction of extension of the upper body 21. The upper watering nozzles 22 are integrally formed with the lower member 28, for example.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, each upper watering nozzle 22 includes a hemispherical (or dome-shaped) projection 22a and a slit 22b formed to horizontally traverse the projection 22a. The slit 22b communicates with the interior of the upper body 21, i.e., the horizontal watering channel 21f, and the external space (the space below) of the upper body 21. The direction in which the slit 22b is formed forms a predetermined angle with respect to the extending direction of the upper body 21. As a result, the laundry water sprayed from the slit 22b forms a fan shape that is at an angle with respect to the extending direction of the upper body 21 (see Figures 6(a) to 6(d) and Figure 7).

[0039] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the upper body portion 21 has a first horizontal extension portion 21A extending to one side in the horizontal direction with respect to the upper rotation axis L20, which is the center of rotation, and a second horizontal extension portion 21B extending to the other side in the horizontal direction. Two upper watering nozzles 22 are provided on the lower surface of the first horizontal extension portion 21A. Two other upper watering nozzles 22 are provided on the lower surface of the second horizontal extension portion 21B. The two upper watering nozzles 22 provided on the first horizontal extension portion 21A and the two upper watering nozzles 22 provided on the second horizontal extension portion 21B are positioned asymmetrically with respect to the upper rotation axis L20. For example, the horizontal distance from the upper rotation axis L20 to one upper water spray nozzle 22 located near the rotation center in the first horizontal extension 21A is half the horizontal distance from the upper rotation axis L20 to one upper water spray nozzle 22 located near the rotation center in the second horizontal extension 21B.

[0040] The upper water spraying section 20 further has a pair of propulsion nozzles 26 formed on the lower surface of the upper body section 21 at the positions furthest from the upper rotation axis L20 (i.e., at both ends in the extending direction of the upper body section 21). The propulsion nozzles 26 include propulsion nozzle holes 26f that communicate with the horizontal water spraying channel 21f. Each propulsion nozzle hole 26f is formed facing downward at a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal direction perpendicular to both the upper rotation axis L20 and the extending direction of the upper body section 21 (this direction is the tangential direction of the circular rotation trajectory on the horizontal plane (XY plane) centered on the upper rotation axis L20) (see arrow in Figure 3). The pair of propulsion nozzle holes 26f are formed to be symmetric with respect to the upper rotation axis L20.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, the upper body 21 is connected to the upper support 23 while maintaining a horizontal position by fasteners 27 such as screws and bolts provided in the central part 21C of the upper body 21. Inside the upper support 23, an internal water supply channel 23f is formed, which is connected to the upper watering pipe 8c (see Figure 2). The upper body 21 is rotatable around the upper rotation axis L20 relative to the upper support 23. The upper body 21 receives wash water into the horizontal watering channel 21f through the internal water supply channel 23f and ejects the wash water downward from the four upper watering nozzles 22 and two propulsion nozzles 26. Appropriate bearing structures and seal structures are provided between the fixed upper support 23 and the movable upper body 21.

[0042] The lower watering section 30 has the same configuration as the upper watering section 20, except that its orientation is reversed vertically, so a description of the structure of the lower watering section 30 is omitted. As shown in Figure 2, the lower main body 31 is connected to the lower support section 33 while maintaining a horizontal position. The lower main body 31 is rotatable about the lower rotation axis L30, and receives wash water into the horizontal watering channel of the lower main body 31 through the internal water supply channel of the lower support section 33, and ejects the wash water upward from four lower watering nozzles 32 and two propulsion nozzles (not shown).

[0043] The limited number of nozzles (four each) allows for higher water pressure in the sprayed laundry water, resulting in improved cleaning effectiveness (cleanliness).

[0044] As described above, the upper watering unit 20 and the lower watering unit 30 rotate without requiring any power other than the flow of laundry water. The upper watering unit 20 and the lower watering unit 30 can be said to be unpowered rotating bodies, as they do not have a motor or other rotating drive unit.

[0045] In washing machine 1, for example, the upper watering unit 20 rotates in a counterclockwise direction R20 (see Figure 3) when viewed from above. On the other hand, the lower watering unit 30 rotates in a clockwise direction when viewed from above. In other words, the upper body unit 21 and the upper watering nozzle 22, which use common parts (shared parts), face each other vertically and rotate in opposite directions when viewed from above (i.e., in a plan view).

[0046] The operation of the washing machine 1 will now be described. Multiple laundry items A are suspended from the suspension section 10 in the laundry chamber 5. Note that only one laundry item A may be subject to washing and drying. The washing machine 1 starts operating in response to user operation. First, the washing process is performed. During the washing process, washing water is sprayed from the upper watering section 20 and the lower watering section 30. As the upper body section 21 and the lower body section 31 rotate, multiple fan-shaped watering areas are formed, and the washing water hits the laundry items A. Figures 6(a) to 6(d) show the watering areas when the upper watering section 20 rotates 90 degrees each. Figure 7 also shows the first watering area SA of the washing water sprayed from the first horizontal extension section 21A and the second watering area SB of the washing water sprayed from the second horizontal extension section 21B of the upper watering section 20. In Figure 7, the watering areas shown by solid lines correspond to, for example, the rotation angles (positions) shown in Figure 6(a), and the watering areas shown by dashed lines in Figure 7 correspond to, for example, the rotation angles (positions) shown in Figure 6(c). In other words, these rotation angles (positions) differ by 180 degrees. The washing water comes into contact with all of the laundry A, and the washing solution is applied to every part of all of the laundry A.

[0047] First, tap water is supplied through the water supply pipe, and then the wash water is circulated by the pump 7. After the washing process continues for a predetermined time, the pump 7 stops. When the pump 7 stops, the rotation of the upper body 21 and the lower body 31 also stops. Subsequently, the wash water in the washing chamber 5 is discharged through a drain pipe (not shown) that branches off from the circulation pipe 8 (or is separately connected to the water outlet 6). Subsequently, tap water is supplied through the water supply pipe, and then the wash water is circulated by the pump 7 to perform the rinsing process. During the rinsing process, water is sprayed by the upper water spray unit 20 and the lower water spray unit 30. As the upper body 21 and the lower body 31 rotate, multiple fan-shaped water spray areas are formed, and the water hits the laundry A. During the rinsing process, the water in the washing chamber 5 may be discharged through a drain pipe (not shown). After the rinsing process continues for a predetermined time, the pump 7 stops, and the rotation of the upper body 21 and the lower body 31 also stops.

[0048] After the rinsing process stops, the washing machine 1 remains stopped for a predetermined time, allowing water to drain naturally. Then, the drying process is carried out. The drying device is activated, and warm air is supplied into the washing chamber 5. The drying process may continue for a predetermined drying time, or the end of the drying process may be determined by measuring the temperature and humidity of the circulating air using a thermometer and hygrometer. Through this series of steps, washing and drying are completed.

[0049] In the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, laundry A suspended from the suspension unit 10 is placed between the upper watering unit 20 and the lower watering unit 30 in the washing chamber 5. Water is sprayed from the upper watering nozzle 22 of the upper watering unit 20 toward the laundry A, and water is sprayed from the lower watering nozzle 32 of the lower watering unit 30 toward the laundry A. Water is sprayed from both the upper and lower sides during the washing and rinsing processes. Here, since the upper watering unit 20 is rotatable around the upper rotation axis L20 and the lower watering unit 30 is rotatable around the lower rotation axis L30, the washing water is evenly applied to the entire laundry A, and a sufficient washing effect (or rinsing effect) is obtained. For example, if the laundry A is a jacket, the washing water will also hit the shoulders and sleeves. Since the laundry A is maintained in a suspended position, it can be dried in the washing chamber 5 even after the washing and rinsing processes are completed. As a result, wrinkles and other damage are less likely to occur in laundry A. Compared to conventional configurations in which the hanging part and nozzle move horizontally or back and forth, the configuration in which the upper watering part 20 and the lower watering part 30 rotate around a vertical axis is a relatively simple configuration that enables hanging laundry.

[0050] In washing machine 1, the amount of water sprayed per unit time from the upper watering unit 20 during the washing cycle is greater than the amount of water sprayed per unit time from the lower watering unit 30 during the washing cycle. Spraying from the upper watering unit 20 makes it easier for the washing water to come into contact with the entire laundry A. By making the amount of water sprayed per unit time from the upper watering unit 20 during the washing cycle relatively large, the washing effect can be enhanced.

[0051] Furthermore, in washing machine 1, the water pressure from the upper water spraying unit 20 during the washing cycle is higher than the water pressure from the lower water spraying unit 30 during the washing cycle. Water sprayed from the upper water spraying unit 20 makes it easier for the washing water to come into contact with the entire surface of the laundry A. By making the water pressure from the upper water spraying unit 20 during the washing cycle relatively high, the washing effect can be enhanced.

[0052] The two upper watering nozzles 22 provided on the first horizontal extension 21A and the two upper watering nozzles 22 provided on the second horizontal extension 21B are positioned asymmetrically with respect to the upper rotation axis L20. As a result, while the upper watering nozzles 22 rotate around the entire circumference (360 degrees), the second watering area SB formed by the second horizontal extension 21B is different from the second watering area SB formed by the first horizontal extension 21A (see Figures 6 and 7). Therefore, it is possible to water a wider area with the upper body 21 of a limited length and a predetermined number of upper watering nozzles 22. The same effect is achieved with respect to the lower watering section 30.

[0053] With the upper watering nozzle 22, which includes the protruding portion 22a and the slit portion 22b, the laundry water is sprayed while diffusing in a fan shape. This allows for efficient contact of the laundry water with the laundry A. The same action and effect are achieved with the lower watering nozzle 32 of the lower watering section 30.

[0054] Furthermore, cost reduction is achieved by using common parts in the upper watering unit 20 and the lower watering unit 30. Since the direction (side) in which the washing water hits the laundry A differs between the watering from the upper watering unit 20 and the watering from the lower watering unit 30, the washing and rinsing effects are further improved.

[0055] In the washing machine 1, the control unit 13 performs a drying process following the washing and rinsing processes. The laundry A is dried in the drying process while suspended. After the drying process is completed, wrinkle-free laundry A is obtained (without ironing), and the laundry A can be reused for everyday use.

[0056] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 8(a) is a side view of the hanging washing machine 1A according to the second embodiment, and Figure 8(b) is a cross-sectional view along line VIIIB-VIIIB in Figure 8(a). The difference between the hanging washing machine 1A and the washing machine 1 of the previous embodiment is that a fixed upper watering unit 20A is provided instead of a rotating upper watering unit 20, and a lower rotating watering unit 40 is provided which has two staggered rotating first lower watering units 30A and second lower watering units 30B. The upper watering unit 20A is located in the upper part 5a of the washing chamber 5 and above the hanging unit 10, and has three upper body parts 21F extending in the horizontal direction, and a plurality of upper watering nozzles 22 provided on the lower surface of the upper body parts 21F and opening downward. The three upper main body sections 21F extend parallel to each other in the front-to-back direction (X direction), corresponding to the positions of multiple laundry items A suspended in a manner that spreads out in the front-to-back direction (they overlap in a plan view). Note that in Figure 8(a), the water supply section (pump 7 and circulation piping 8, etc.) located in the bottom space 9 is not shown.

[0057] The first lower watering unit 30A and the second lower watering unit 30B are smaller in size (diameter, etc.) of their respective lower body parts 31 than the lower watering unit 30 of the previous embodiment, and are more compact, but are basically the same as the lower watering unit 30 in that they are equipped with lower watering nozzles 32 and propulsion nozzles (not shown). In both the first lower watering unit 30A and the second lower watering unit 30B, the lower body part 31 is connected to the lower support part 33 while maintaining a horizontal position. The lower support part 33 of the first lower watering unit 30A and the lower support part 33 of the second lower watering unit 30B are arranged in the front-to-back direction with a predetermined distance between them and are erected on the lower watering base part 45. The lower body part 31 of the first lower watering unit 30A is rotatable about the lower rotation axis L30A and sprays laundry water upward from multiple lower watering nozzles 32 and two propulsion nozzles (not shown). The lower body 31 of the second lower watering unit 30B is rotatable around the lower rotation axis L30B and ejects laundry water upward from multiple lower watering nozzles 32 and two propulsion nozzles (not shown).

[0058] Common parts are used for the first lower watering section 30A and the second lower watering section 30B. The rotation direction of the lower body section 31 in the first lower watering section 30A is the same as the rotation direction of the lower body section 31 in the second lower watering section 30B. The lower body section 31 in the second lower watering section 30B is located higher than the lower body section 31 in the first lower watering section 30A. The distance between the lower rotation axes L30A and L30B, which extend vertically and are parallel to each other, is smaller than the diameter of the lower body section 31. Due to this arrangement, the rotation trajectory of the lower body section 31 in the first lower watering section 30A and the rotation trajectory of the lower body section 31 in the second lower watering section 30B overlap in a plan view.

[0059] This suspended washing machine 1A also provides the same functions and effects as the washing machine 1 of the previous embodiment. Although the upper watering section 20A does not rotate, the three upper body sections 21F ensure that the washing water is evenly distributed over the entire laundry A. Furthermore, the first lower watering section 30A and the second lower watering section 30B, which rotate at different heights, allow for efficient spraying of washing water onto the housing 2 (laundry chamber 5), which has a rectangular cross-section that is long in the front-to-back direction.

[0060] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in the above embodiments, common parts were used for the upper watering section 20 and the lower watering section 30, but separate parts (parts dedicated to the upper and lower sections respectively) may be used.

[0061] The number of watering nozzles provided on the upper body portion 21 or the lower body portion 31 may be changed as appropriate. The number of watering nozzles may differ between the horizontal extension portion extending on one side of the rotation axis and the horizontal extension portion extending on the other side of the rotation axis.

[0062] In the washing process, watering from above and from below does not have to be done simultaneously, and the timing of each watering may be different. The timings of each watering may partially overlap and be offset, or the timings of watering from above and from below may be completely separate in time. In the rinsing process, watering from above and from below does not have to be done simultaneously, and the timings of each watering may be different. The timings of each watering may partially overlap and be offset, or the timings of watering from above and from below may be completely separate in time.

[0063] The upper watering unit may be rotatable, and the lower watering unit may be fixed. Similar to the lower rotating watering unit 40 of the hanging washing machine 1A, two staggered rotating upper watering units may be provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1,1A...Hanging washing machine, 2...Housing, 3...Front door, 5...Washing room, 5a...Upper part, 5b...Central space, 5c...Lower part, 7...Pump (water supply unit), 8...Circulation piping (water supply unit), 10...Hanging unit, 11...Hanger bar, 12...Hanger, 13...Control unit, 20,20A...Upper watering unit, 21,21F...Upper main body unit, 21A...First horizontal extension unit, 21B...Second horizontal extension unit, 22...Upper Watering nozzle, 22a...protruding part, 22b...slit part, 23...upper support part, 30...lower watering part, 30A...first lower watering part (lower watering part), 30B...second lower watering part (lower watering part), 31...lower main body part, 32...lower watering nozzle, 33...lower support part, 40...lower rotating watering unit, A...laundry, L20...upper rotation axis (vertical axis), L30, L30A, L30B...lower rotation axis (vertical axis).

Claims

1. A laundry room for storing laundry, A hanging section is provided above the laundry room, from which the laundry is hung, An upper watering unit is provided above the laundry room and above the hanging section, and has an upper body that extends horizontally and a plurality of upper watering nozzles provided on the upper body that open downward, and which sprays water towards the laundry room, A lower watering unit is provided at the bottom of the laundry room and has a lower body that extends horizontally and a plurality of downward watering nozzles provided on the lower body that open upward, and which sprays water towards the laundry room. The system includes a water supply unit that supplies washing water to the upper and lower watering units, A hanging washing machine wherein at least one of the upper watering section and the lower watering section is rotatable about a vertical axis passing through the upper main body or the support section that supports the lower main body.

2. The upper watering section and the lower watering section perform watering simultaneously during the washing process. The hanging washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the amount of water sprayed per unit time in the upper watering section during the washing process is greater than the amount of water sprayed per unit time in the lower watering section during the washing process.

3. The upper watering section and the lower watering section perform watering simultaneously during the washing process. The hanging washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the water pressure of the water sprayed in the upper water spraying section during the washing process is higher than the water pressure of the water sprayed in the lower water spraying section during the washing process.

4. The upper watering unit is rotatable around the vertical axis passing through the support portion of the upper main body, The upper body portion has a first horizontal extension portion extending to one side in the horizontal direction of the vertical axis and a second horizontal extension portion extending to the other side in the horizontal direction of the vertical axis. The hanging washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or more of the upper watering nozzles provided in the first horizontal extension and one or more of the upper watering nozzles provided in the second horizontal extension are arranged in positions asymmetrical with respect to the vertical axis.

5. The hanging washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the upper watering nozzle and the lower watering nozzle includes a hemispherical projection and a slit formed to traverse the projection horizontally.

6. A hanging washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein common parts are used for the upper watering section and the lower watering section, and the upper body section and the lower body section, which face each other in the vertical direction, rotate in opposite directions in a plan view.

7. A drying device that supplies hot air into the aforementioned laundry room, The above-mentioned hanging washing machine comprises a control unit that controls each part of the washing machine, The control unit performs a washing process, a draining process, a rinsing process, and a drying process in this order, as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

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