Dehydrated material support

Abstract

To provide a support for dehydrated items for dehydration in a washing machine, which can stably hold laundry in a washing tub and smoothly perform a dehydration process. [Solution] The dehydration item support device 10 of the present invention is a dehydration item support device for the spin cycle of a washing machine that expands when air is filled in through an air valve, and the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the thickness direction of the dehydration item support device is circular or annular, and an area including a flat surface (flat portion) 12a is formed on the outer wall along the outer periphery of the dehydration item support device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a support for dehydrated items in a washing machine, which is used to improve the dehydration efficiency of the washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, washing machines used in homes and businesses are devices that automatically perform a series of processes, including washing, rinsing, and spin-drying laundry. In particular, during the spin-drying process, the washing tub is rotated at high speed, utilizing centrifugal force to blow water outward from the laundry, thereby removing the water in the laundry in a short period of time. In this way, laundry is usually washed and spin-dried efficiently using a washing machine.

[0003] In a typical washing machine, when washing a small amount of laundry or laundry that tends to be unevenly distributed, the laundry often ends up unevenly distributed in the washing tub, causing imbalance during rotation and preventing normal spin-drying. This can lead to problems such as stopping the spin-drying process midway, generating noise and vibration, and more. Furthermore, with laundry that is asymmetrical, such as shoes, the orientation of the laundry cannot be determined during rotation, so spin-drying may not be completed in one go, requiring repeated spin-drying.

[0004] As a technology for eliminating such unevenness of laundry and realizing efficient washing, for example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a technology that includes an imbalance detection unit that detects unevenness of laundry and a control unit that controls the drive device, and performs an imbalance elimination operation when unevenness occurs in the laundry. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-096681 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 requires a solution that depends on the structure of the washing machine itself, and has the problem that it is difficult to apply to existing washing machines that are already manufactured and sold.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been developed in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a support for laundry in a washing machine spin cycle that can stably hold laundry in the washing tub and enable the spin cycle to be carried out smoothly, even for existing washing machines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The support for dehydration items according to one aspect of the present invention has a structure that expands when air is filled through an air valve, has a ring-shaped or circular cross section perpendicular to the thickness direction, and has an outer wall along the periphery formed with a flat surface. The support for dehydration items is used in a washing machine, and after expanding, it presses the laundry against the side wall of the washing machine, preventing the laundry from becoming uneven and maintaining the orientation of the laundry toward the side wall, thereby ensuring uniform centrifugal force and improving dehydration efficiency.

[0009] In addition, from this viewpoint, it is preferable that the cross section of the dehydrated material support device perpendicular to the thickness direction has a ring shape, and that the entire device is configured in the shape of a flat life ring.

[0010] In addition, in this respect, it is preferable that the air plug is provided on the inner wall along the inner periphery of the dehydrated material support device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a support for laundry in a washing machine for spin-drying, which can stably hold laundry in the washing tub and enable the spin-drying process to be carried out smoothly, even for existing washing machines.

[0012] More specifically, this device allows for stable spinning even with a small load by pressing the laundry against the side wall of the washing tub, effectively preventing uneven rotation and vibration during spinning. This allows the spinning process to proceed smoothly without interruption, improving the washing machine's operating efficiency and contributing to reduced noise and mechanical load. Furthermore, by stably holding the laundry facing the side wall, the spinning process is more reliable and contributes to shorter spinning times.

[0013] The inflatable structure allows for compact storage when not in use and can be easily installed in existing washing machines. Its flexible design allows for flexible use depending on the amount and type of laundry, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from home use to commercial use. Furthermore, the flexible material prevents physical damage to the laundry and washing tub, enhancing safety and reliability during handling. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a dehydrated material support device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the dehydrated material support device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the support tool for dehydrated items according to the embodiment presses laundry against a side wall in the washing tub. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a support device for dehydrated items according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "the support device for dehydrated items") 10, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view thereof. Fig. 3 is a view showing the state in which the support device for dehydrated items 10 presses laundry 16 against a side wall in a washing tub 20.

[0017] The support device 10 for dewatered items is an inflatable holder used in the washing tub 20, and by pressing the laundry 16 against the side wall, it suppresses unevenness and vibration during rotation and achieves stable dewatering. Furthermore, by fixing the laundry so that it faces the side wall, the direction of the centrifugal force acting on the laundry 16 is fixed, improving dewatering efficiency.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the support device 10 for dehydrated items has a structure that allows it to expand when air is filled in through the air plug 14, and it can be stored in a thin folded state when not in use. When filled with air, the support device 10 for dehydrated items expands three-dimensionally and is stably placed in a predetermined position within the washing tub 20.

[0019] The cross section of the support device 10 perpendicular to the thickness direction is annular or circular, and is preferably formed in the shape of a flat float with a circular cross section, as shown in Fig. 2. This increases the contact area with the laundry 16 and distributes the pressure evenly, preventing damage to the laundry 16 and enabling stable holding.

[0020] A flat surface is formed on the outer wall along the periphery of the dehydration item support device 10, and this flat portion 12a comes into contact with the laundry 16, thereby pressing the laundry 16 against the side wall of the washing tub 20. The flat portion 12a has the effect of preventing the laundry 16 from slipping and suppressing unevenness during rotation.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the air valve 14 is provided on the inner wall of the dehydrated material support device 10, and is designed so that the user can easily fill and discharge air manually or automatically. The air valve 14 has a check valve structure, which allows the device to stably maintain an inflated state. After discharging the air, the dehydrated material support device 10 can be folded up for compact storage.

[0022] Suitable materials for the dehydration support device 10 are those with excellent flexibility and water resistance, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyurethane (PU), or ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM). These materials ensure a moderate amount of friction with the laundry 16 while providing a structure that can withstand repeated use. Furthermore, applying an antibacterial treatment to the surface can enhance hygiene.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the expanded support device 10 for items to be dehydrated presses the laundry 16 against the side wall in the washing tub 20, preventing imbalance and vibration during the spin-drying process. The laundry 16 is stably held by the flat portion 12a of the support device for items to be dehydrated 10, and centrifugal force acts evenly on the laundry 16, improving spin-drying efficiency.

[0024] When washing a small amount of laundry or laundry that tends to tip over, such as futons or blankets, the user inserts this spin-dry item support device 10 into the washing tub 20 and inflates it by filling it with air through the air valve 14. After the spin-drying is complete, the air is released, and the item can be removed and dried for storage. This spin-dry item support device 10 is lightweight, flexible, and easy to store, making it suitable for a wide range of washing machines, both home and commercial.

[0025] According to this device, by pressing and fixing the laundry against the side wall of the washing tub, stable spinning is possible even with a small load of laundry, and uneven rotation and vibration during rotation can be effectively prevented. This allows the spinning process to proceed smoothly without stopping midway, improving the operating efficiency of the washing machine and contributing to reducing noise and mechanical load. Furthermore, by holding the laundry facing the side wall, the spinning process is more efficient and leads to shorter spinning times.

[0026] The inflatable design allows for compact storage when not in use and can be easily installed in existing washing machines. It can be used flexibly depending on the amount and type of laundry, making it suitable for a wide range of uses, from home use to commercial use.

[0027] Furthermore, by selecting materials that combine laundry protection, durability, moldability, and hygiene, it is suitable for repeated use and contributes to reducing environmental impact. By carefully selecting the position and structure of the air valve, it is possible to achieve both operability and safety. [Industrial Applicability]

[0028] The present invention has industrial applicability as a support for dehydrated materials. [Explanation of symbols]

[0029] 10...Dehydrated material support device 12a...Flat part (outer wall) 14...Air valve 16...Dehydrated product 20...Washing tub

Claims

1. A support for items to be dehydrated in a washing machine that expands when air is filled in through an air valve, The cross section perpendicular to the thickness direction of the dehydrated material support device has an annular or circular shape, A support for dehydrated material in which an area including a flat surface is formed on an outer wall along the outer periphery of the support for dehydrated material.

2. The cross section perpendicular to the thickness direction of the dehydrated material support device has a ring-shaped shape, The support for dehydrated material according to claim 1 , wherein the support for dehydrated material is in the shape of a flat float.

3. 2. The dehydrated material support device according to claim 1, wherein the air plug is provided on an inner wall along the inner periphery of the dehydrated material support device.

4. The dehydrated article support device is used in the washing tub, The support for dehydrated items according to claim 1 , wherein the outer wall of the support for dehydrated items presses the dehydrated items against a side wall of the washing tub to hold the dehydrated items.

Images