Washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of enhancing detergency.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a housing; a water tub 102 elastically supported in the housing so as to oscillate; a rotary drum included in the water tub 102 so as to rotate; pump means for feeding washing water into the rotary drum; a mixing part 230 provided further on the downstream side than the pump means; and a first path in which the washing water flowing into the mixing part 230 passes. The mixing part 230 includes: a mixing part body 232 formed into a substantially box shape, and for agitating the washing water inside; a mixing part inlet 231 for introducing the washing water into the mixing part body 232; and a mixing part outlet 233 provided at the mixing part body 232 so as to oppose to the mixing part inlet 231, and for discharging the washing water inside the mixing part body 232 to the rotary drum. Cross section areas of the mixing part inlet 231 and the mixing part outlet 233 are smaller than a path cross section area of the mixing part body 232.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a drum-type washing machine that generates detergent foam. This drum-type washing machine includes a water tank, a rotating drum disposed inside the water tank, and a detergent input device that supplies detergent to the rotating drum. The detergent input device includes a detergent storage container into which detergent is input, a storage section that stores the detergent flowing down from the detergent storage container, and a jet outlet that drops water onto the liquid level of the storage section.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a washing machine capable of improving detergency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The washing machine of the present disclosure includes a housing, a water tank that is elastically supported in a swingable manner inside the housing, a rotating drum that is rotatably enclosed inside the water tank, pump means for sending washing water into the rotating drum, a mixing section provided downstream of the pump means, a first path through which the washing water flowing into the mixing section passes, and the mixing section is formed in a substantially box shape and includes a mixing section main body that stirs the washing water inside, a mixing section inlet for introducing the washing water into the mixing section main body, and a mixing section outlet provided on the mixing section main body so as to face the mixing section inlet and sending the washing water inside the mixing section main body to the rotating drum Discharge and the cross-sectional areas of the mixing section inlet and the mixing section outlet are smaller than the path cross-sectional area of the mixing section main body is provided , The mixing section further includes an extension section provided so as to narrow the cross-sectional area of the mixing section outlet .

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] The washing machine in the present disclosure can improve the cleaning power with a simple configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, a more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, a detailed description of well-known matters or a redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

[0009] Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13.

[0011] [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of Washing Machine] In FIG. 1, the washing machine 100 includes a housing 101, a water tank 102, and a rotary drum 103. The water tank 102 is disposed within the housing 101 and is vibration-proof supported by a vibration-proof damper (not shown). The rotary drum 103 is enclosed within the water tank 102 and is rotatably provided by a motor 112. A large number of water through holes 103b are provided on the peripheral surface of the rotary drum 103. The water through holes 103b communicate the water tank 102 and the rotary drum 103 so that water can pass through. The water tank 102 and the rotary drum 103 are formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. A drum opening 103a for loading and unloading clothes is provided on the front side of the rotary drum 103.

[0012] On the front surface of the housing 101, a housing opening 104 is provided so as to face the drum opening 103a. Further, on the front surface of the housing 101, a lid 105 is provided to cover the housing opening 104 in an openable and closable manner. The user opens the lid 105 and puts the laundry into the rotary drum 103 through the housing opening 104 and the drum opening 103a.

[0013] A seal member 115 is provided at the inner front portion of the housing 101. One end of the seal member 115 is connected to the housing opening 104, and the other end is connected to a water tank connection part 102a (shown in FIG. 5) that protrudes from the front surface of the water tank 102. The seal member 115 seals the gap between the housing opening 104 and the water tank 102 watertight.

[0014] Water supply unit 120 is provided at the upper inside portion of housing 101. Water supply unit 120 includes water supply valve 121, water supply path 122, and detergent case 125. Water supply valve 121 is provided so as to be freely opened and closed. Water supply path 122 connects water supply valve 121 and water tub 102. Detergent case 125 is provided midway along water supply path 122. When water supply valve 121 is opened, wash water introduced into housing 101 passes through water supply path 122 while dissolving the detergent contained in detergent case 125, and is poured into water tub 102.

[0015] Drainage unit 130 is provided at the lower inner portion of housing 101. Drainage unit 130 includes drainage path 131 and drainage valve 132 provided midway along drainage path 131. Drainage path 131 connects the bottom of water tub 102 to the outside of washing machine 100. Drainage valve 132 is provided so as to be freely opened and closed. When drainage valve 132 is opened, wash water in water tub 102 is drained to the outside of washing machine 100.

[0016] Inside the housing 101, a washing water circulation unit 140 is provided for circulating the washing water in the water tub 102. The washing water circulation unit 140 includes a circulation path 141, a circulation pump 142, and a foam generating unit 200, which will be described later. The circulation path 141 is a part of the drainage path 131 that is connected to the drain valve 132. It branches off from an upstream location and is connected to foam generating unit 200 provided at the front upper part of water tub 102. Circulating pump 142 is provided midway along circulation path 141. Circulating pump 142 is driven by a pump motor (not shown) whose rotation speed is variable, and sends the wash water in water tub 102 to circulation path 141. The wash water sent to circulation path 141 passes through foam generating unit 200 and is sprayed into rotating drum 103.

[0017] Among the drainage paths 131, a drainage filter 135 is provided upstream of the location where the drainage path 131 and the circulation path 141 branch. The drainage filter 135 filters foreign matters such as lint contained in the washing water flowing from the water tank 102 into the drainage path 131.

[0018] A control means 180 is provided at the inner lower part of the housing 101. The control means 180 controls a washing operation including a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydration process by controlling the motor 112, the water supply valve 121, the drainage valve 132, and the circulation pump 142. The control means 180 can change the flow rate of the washing water sent by the circulation pump 142 into the circulation path 141 by controlling the rotation speed N of the pump motor of the circulation pump 142. When the rotation speed N of the pump motor is high, the washing water is sent out from the circulation pump 142 at a high flow rate, and when the rotation speed N of the pump motor is low, the washing water is sent out from the circulation pump 142 at a low flow rate.

[0019] An operation display unit 185 is provided at the upper front part of the housing 101. The operation display unit 185 receives instructions regarding the washing operation from the user. Further, the operation display unit 185 displays information regarding the operation status and the like.

[0020] [1-1-2. Configuration of the Front of the Water Tank] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a cover member 190, a foam generation unit 200 to be described later, and a seal member cleaning unit 300 are provided on the front surface of the water tank 102.

[0021] The cover member 190 is detachably disposed on the front surface of the water tank 102. The foam generation unit 200 is provided behind the cover member 190. The user can perform maintenance on the foam generation unit 200 by removing the cover member 190 from the front surface of the water tank 102.

[0022] Above the front part of the water tank 102, a flow splitting part 145 and a branch path 146 connected to the flow splitting part 145 are provided. The upstream side of the flow splitting part 145 is connected to the circulation path 141. The downstream side of the flow splitting part 145 branches, one is connected to the bubble generation part 200, and the other is connected to the branch path 146. The downstream side of the branch path 146 is connected to the seal member cleaning part 300.

[0023] [1-1-3. Structure of the bubble generation part] The structure of the bubble generation part 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0024] The bubble generation part 200 includes an introduction part 210, a mixing part 230, and a nozzle part 270.

[0025] The introduction part 210 is integrally formed with the flow splitting part 145 and is provided so as to cover the upstream opening of the mixing part 230. The introduction part 210 includes an introduction path 211 for introducing washing water from the flow splitting part 145 to the mixing part 230. The upstream side of the introduction path 211 communicates with the flow splitting part 145, and the downstream side communicates with the mixing part 230. The introduction path 211 is formed such that the cross-sectional area of the path gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side. Thereby, the washing water flowing into the introduction path 211 increases in flow velocity within the introduction path 211 and is discharged to the mixing part 230.

[0026] The mixing part 230 includes a mixing part inlet 231, a mixing part main body 232, a mixing part outlet 233, a hole part 235, and an extension part 236.

[0027] The mixing part inlet 231 is the opening at the downstream end of the introduction path 211. The mixing part inlet 231 is disposed so as to protrude inward of the mixing part main body 232. The mixing part inlet 231 introduces washing water from the introduction path 211 into the mixing part main body 232.

[0028] The mixing section main body 232 is formed in a substantially box shape and has a space inside. The path cross-sectional area of the mixing section main body 232 is configured to be larger than the path cross-sectional area of the mixing section inlet 231. Thereby, sufficient space is provided for the washing water to be agitated within the mixing section main body 232.

[0029] The hole portion 235 is provided at the upper part of the peripheral wall on the water tank 102 side of the mixing section main body 232 and communicates with the inside of the water tank 102. When the washing water is introduced from the mixing section inlet 231, the hole portion 235 introduces air into the mixing section main body 232 due to the negative pressure generated (arrow Q). The washing water introduced into the mixing section main body 232 is agitated in the mixing section main body 232 with the air introduced from the hole portion 235 and flows out from the mixing section outlet 233 provided so as to face the mixing section inlet 231.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the extension portion 236 extends substantially horizontally from the inner wall of the mixing section main body 232 toward the mixing section outlet 233 so as to narrow the path cross-sectional area of the mixing section outlet 233. By making the path cross-sectional area of the mixing section outlet 233 narrower than the path cross-sectional area of the mixing section main body 232, the discharge amount of the washing water discharged from the mixing section outlet 233 can be suppressed. Thereby, a swirling flow of the washing water is generated within the mixing section main body 232, and the washing water is agitated.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the nozzle portion 270 is provided on the downstream side of the mixing section 230. The downstream tip of the nozzle portion 270 is formed to face inward of the rotary drum 103, and the nozzle portion 270 is formed such that the cross-sectional area of the flow domain expands from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0032] [1-1-4. Configuration of the seal member cleaning section] The configuration of the seal member cleaning section 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5 and FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0033] The seal member cleaning section 300 includes a branch path connection portion 301, a branch path discharge port 302, a guide portion 310, and a guiding portion 320.

[0034] The branch path connection part 301 is connected to the downstream side of the branch path 146. The branch path connection part 301 introduces the washing water passing through the branch path 146 into the seal member cleaning part 300 and discharges it from the branch path discharge port 302 that opens at the upper front part of the water tank 102.

[0035] The guide part 310 is provided on the front surfaces of the water tank 102 and the cover member 190. The guide part 310 includes a first guide part 311 and a second guide part 312. The first guide part 311 is provided on the front surface of the cover member 190 and is provided perpendicular to the flow of the washing water so as to split the washing water flowing out from the branch path discharge port 302 to the left and right. The second guide part 312 is provided so as to protrude forward from the front surfaces of the water tank 102 (the left side in FIG. 2) and the cover member 190 (the right side in FIG. 2). The second guide part 312 causes the washing water split to the left and right by the first guide part 311 to flow down along the front surfaces of the water tank 102 and the cover member 190 and guides it to the left and right guiding parts 320.

[0036] The guiding part 320 is provided near both the left and right ends of the second guiding part 312 and is configured to be inclined upward with respect to the flow of the washing water flowing down the second guiding part 312.

[0037] [1-2. Operation] Regarding the washing machine 100 configured as described above, its operation and function will be described below.

[0038] [1-2-1. Operation of the washing cycle] As shown in FIG. 11, when the washing cycle is started, the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydration process are executed in order.

[0039] When the washing process is started, a water supply operation is executed. In the water supply operation, the control means 180 opens the water supply valve 121 to introduce washing water from outside the washing machine 100. The washing water introduced into the washing machine 100 flows down through the water supply path 122 and is supplied into the water tank 102. In the water supply operation during the washing process, the washing water passes through the water supply path 122 while dissolving the detergent put into the detergent case 125.

[0040] When the washing water is supplied up to a predetermined water level in the water tank 102 and the water supply operation ends, a washing operation is executed. In the washing operation, the control means 180 controls the motor 112 to rotate the rotary drum 103 and stir the laundry in the rotary drum 103. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, the control means 180 controls the rotation speed N of the pump motor and intermittently drives the circulation pump 142. When the washing operation ends, the washing process ends and the rinsing process is entered.

[0041] When the rinsing process is started, first, a drainage operation is executed. In the drainage operation, the control means 180 opens the drain valve 132 to drain the washing water in the water tank 102. When the drainage operation ends, a dehydration operation is executed. In the dehydration operation, the control means 180 controls the motor 112 to rotate the rotary drum 103 and throws off the moisture contained in the laundry in the rotary drum 103 by centrifugal force.

[0042] When the dehydration operation ends, a water supply operation is executed, and then an intermediate rinsing operation is executed. In the intermediate rinsing operation, the control means 180 controls the motor 112 to rotate the rotary drum 103 and stir the laundry in the rotary drum 103. Also, at this time, the control means 180 controls the rotation speed N of the pump motor and intermittently drives the circulation pump 142. When the intermediate rinsing operation ends, the above-described drainage operation, dehydration operation, and water supply operation are executed in order, and then a final rinsing operation is executed.

[0043] In the final rinsing operation, the control means 180 controls the motor 112 to rotate the rotary drum 103 and stir the laundry in the rotary drum 103. Also, at this time, as shown in FIG. 13, the control means 180 controls the rotation speed N of the pump motor and intermittently drives the circulation pump 142. When the final rinsing operation ends, the rinsing process ends, and then the dehydration process is started.

[0044] When the dehydration process is started, the drainage operation and the dehydration operation are executed in order. When the dehydration operation ends, the dehydration process ends and the washing operation ends.

[0045] [1-2-2. Movement of washing water in the foam generation section] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the movement of the washing water in the foam generation section 200 will be described.

[0046] In the washing process and the rinsing process, when the circulation pump 142 is driven, the washing water in the water tank 102 is pumped up, passes through the circulation path 141, and reaches the diversion section 145.

[0047] Most of the washing water that reaches the diversion section 145 flows into the introduction path 211 (arrow P1). Since the cross-sectional area of the introduction path 211 gradually narrows from the upstream side to the downstream side, the washing water can be rectified and made to flow into the mixing section main body 232 at a flow rate higher than the flow rate flowing into the introduction path 211. Thus, the washing water can be rectified and made to flow into the mixing section main body 232 at a flow rate higher than the flow rate flowing into the introduction path 211.

[0048] In the mixing section 230, the extension section 236 narrows the cross-sectional area of the mixing section outlet 233. As a result, the washing water flowing into the mixing section main body 232 is suppressed from discharging from the mixing section outlet 233, and a swirling flow is generated in the mixing section main body 232 (arrow P2). Also, in the mixing section 230, since the cross-sectional area of the mixing section main body 232 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the mixing section inlet 231 and the cross-sectional area of the mixing section outlet 233, the swirling flow generated in the mixing section main body 232 becomes larger. As a result, in the mixing section main body 232, the washing water is stirred and the detergent can be firmly dissolved in the washing water.

[0049] In the mixing unit main body 232, since the washing water flows vigorously from the introduction path 211, a negative pressure is generated due to the Venturi effect, and the air in the water tank 102 is introduced into the mixing unit main body 232 from the hole portion 235 (arrow Q). As a result, air can be mixed into the swirling flow generated in the mixing unit main body 232. Therefore, a large amount of detergent foam can be generated in the mixing unit main body 232.

[0050] The washing water containing detergent foam and flowing out from the mixing unit outlet 233 is jetted into the rotary drum 103 along the wall surface of the nozzle unit 270 (arrow P3). Since the nozzle unit 270 has a structure that widens from the upstream side to the downstream side, the washing water can be jetted over a wide range onto the laundry in the rotary drum 103.

[0051] On the other hand, when the amount of the washing water sent from the circulation pump 142 is small, since the extension portion 236 does not prevent the discharge of the washing water from the mixing unit outlet 233, a swirling flow in the mixing unit 230 does not occur. Further, when the amount of the washing water sent to the mixing unit 230 is small, the introduction of air from the hole portion 235 due to the Venturi effect is also suppressed.

[0052] Thereby, when the amount of the washing water that the circulation pump 142 sends to the foam generation unit 200 is small, the foaming of the washing water in the mixing unit 230 can be suppressed.

[0053] As described above, the control means 180 can control the amount of the washing foam generated in the foam generation unit 200 by controlling the driving of the circulation pump 142 and adjusting the amount of the washing water that the circulation pump 142 sends to the foam generation unit 200.

[0054] After the completion of the washing operation, all the washing water in the mixing unit main body 232 is discharged from the mixing unit outlet 233. As a result, no washing water remains in the mixing unit 230. Therefore, the mixing unit 230 can be kept hygienic.

[0055] [1-2-3. Movement of water in the branch path and the seal member cleaning section] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4, 7 to 10, the water flow in the branch path 146 and the seal member cleaning unit 300 will be described.

[0056] A part of the washing water that has reached the diversion section 145 flows from the diversion section 145 into the branch path 146, passes through the branch path connection section 301, and reaches the branch path discharge port 302 (arrow R1). The branch path 146 and the branch path discharge port 302 are configured with a narrow flow path cross-sectional area in order to discharge the washing water from the branch path discharge port 302 at a high flow rate. The washing water discharged from the branch path discharge port 302 is guided by the first guide section 311 and is diverted left and right. The washing water diverted left and right flows down on the second guide section 312 and reaches the guiding section 320 (arrow R2).

[0057] When the water potential of the washing water reaching the guiding section 320 is weak, the washing water jumps out from the guiding section 320 with a weak upward momentum against the flow flowing down the second guide section 312 (arrow R3). The washing water that has jumped out from the guiding section 320 with a weak momentum reaches the vicinity of the lower surface of the water tank connection section 102a shown in the region A (shown in FIG. 10) and washes the lint and dirt adhering to the vicinity of the lower surface of the water tank connection section 102a. In the present embodiment, the vicinity of the lower surface of the water tank connection section 102a indicated by the region A includes the lower surface of the water tank connection section 102a, the portion of the front surface of the water tank 102 located below the water tank connection section 102a, and the connection portion 119 (shown in FIGS. 8 and 10) between the seal member 115 and the water tank connection section 102a.

[0058] On the other hand, when the water potential of the washing water reaching the guiding section 320 is strong, the washing water jumps out from the guiding section 320 with a strong upward momentum against the flow flowing down the second guide section 312 (arrow R4). The washing water that has jumped out from the guiding section 320 with a strong momentum reaches the seal inner peripheral surface 115a. Thereby, the washing water can wash the lint and dirt accumulated on the seal inner peripheral surface 115a.

[0059] As described above, the control means 180 can adjust the part for cleaning lint and dirt in the vicinity of the lower surface of the water tank connection part 102a and on the inner peripheral surface 115a of the seal by controlling the water potential of the washing water sent out by the circulation pump 142.

[0060] The washing water that has washed the vicinity of the lower surface of the water tank connection part 102a and the inner peripheral surface 115a of the seal flows down along the inner peripheral surface 115a of the seal due to surface tension and flows into the water tank 102.

[0061] [1-2-4. Operation of the circulation pump in the washing operation] As shown in FIG. 12, in the washing operation, the control means 180 controls the rotational speed N of the pump motor of the circulation pump 142. In the initial stage of the washing operation, the laundry in the rotary drum 103 is not sufficiently wet. At this time, if the rotational speed N of the pump motor is too high, the water level in the water tank 102 will drop, air biting will occur in the circulation pump 142, and there is a risk of generating unpleasant noise. Therefore, in the initial stage of the washing operation, the control means 180 drives the pump motor at a medium speed rotation (for example, about 3300 r / min). In the middle stage of the washing operation, in order to generate a large amount of washing bubbles in the bubble generation part 200 and improve the washing performance of the laundry in the rotary drum 103, the control means 180 drives the pump motor at a high speed rotation (for example, about 4000 r / min). In the final stage of the washing operation, in order not to send a large amount of washing bubbles into the rotary drum 103, the control means 180 drives the pump motor at a low speed rotation (for example, about 2500 r / min). As a result, in the final stage of the washing operation, the amount of washing bubbles generated in the bubble generation part 200 is reduced.

[0062] Also, in the washing operation, the control means 180 can send the washing water passing through the circulation pump 142 into the seal member cleaning part 300 at different flow rates by changing the rotational speed N of the pump motor.

[0063] Hereinafter, when the rotational speed N of the pump motor is approximately 2500 r / min, the flow velocity of the washing water delivered from the circulation pump 142 is defined as the first flow velocity V1, and when the rotational speed N of the pump motor is approximately 4000 r / min, the flow velocity of the washing water delivered from the circulation pump 142 is defined as the second flow velocity V2. The second flow velocity V2 is faster than the first flow velocity V1.

[0064] At this time, the washing water sent from the circulation pump 142 to the seal member cleaning unit 300 at the first flow velocity V1 jumps upward with respect to the flow flowing down the second guide portion 312 from the guide portion 320 with a weak momentum (arrow R3 in FIG. 8). As a result, it reaches the vicinity of the lower surface of the water tank connection portion 102a shown by the region A (shown in FIG. 10) and washes the lint and dirt adhering to the vicinity of the lower surface of the water tank connection portion 102a. Further, the washing water sent from the circulation pump 142 to the seal member cleaning unit 300 at the second flow velocity V2 jumps upward with respect to the flow flowing down the second guide portion 312 from the guide portion 320 with a strong momentum (arrow R4 in FIG. 8). The washing water that jumps out strongly from the guide portion 320 reaches the seal inner peripheral surface 115a. Thereby, the washing water can wash the lint and dirt accumulated on the seal inner peripheral surface 115a. The washing water that jumps out strongly from the guide portion 320 reaches the seal inner peripheral surface 115a. Thereby, the washing water can wash the lint and dirt accumulated on the seal inner peripheral surface 115a.

[0065] Also, in the intermediate rinsing operation and the final rinsing operation, the control means 180 changes the flow velocity of the washing water sent from the circulation pump 142.

[0066] As described above, in the washing process and the rinsing process, the control means 180 can control the position where the washing water jumping out from the guide portion 320 reaches at the water tank connection portion 102a and the seal inner peripheral surface 115a by changing the water potential of the washing water sent by the circulation pump 142. Therefore, regardless of the installation environment of the washing machine 100 such as the water pressure of the faucet, the cleaning positions of the water tank connection portion 102a and the seal inner peripheral surface 115a can be stably controlled.

[0067] Also, in the washing process and the rinsing process, the circulation pump 142 feeds the washing water in the water tank 102 into the seal member cleaning unit 300. As a result, since the circulation pump 142 is constantly driven in the washing process and the rinsing process, it can clean the water tank connection portion 102a and the seal inner peripheral surface 115a more efficiently than providing a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the seal inner peripheral surface 115a in the path connected to the water supply valve 121. Further, in the washing operation, the water tank connection portion 102a and the seal inner peripheral surface 115a can be cleaned with the washing water in the water tank 102 in which the agent is dissolved, so that the cleaning can be performed more efficiently.

[0068] Also, in the washing process and the rinsing process, the control means 180 intermittently drives the pump motor of the circulation pump 142. As a result, the washing water sent from the circulation pump 142 to the seal member cleaning unit 300 can clean dirt such as lint adhering to the water tank connection portion 102a and the seal inner peripheral surface 115a at the timing when the water flow starts anew from a state without water flow a plurality of times, so that the cleaning can be performed more effectively than when the washing water is fed at a constant flow rate.

[0069] In the washing operation, the control means 180 determines the rotation speed N of the pump motor of the circulation pump 142 based on the capacity of the laundry accommodated in the rotary drum 103. In the washing machine 100 of the present embodiment, when the capacity of the laundry is low (for example, 2 kg) or high (for example, 10 kg), the maximum rotation speed Nmax of the pump motor in the washing operation is set low (for example, 3300 r / min) so that air biting does not occur in the circulation pump 142. Also, when the capacity of the laundry is medium (for example, 5 kg), since air biting hardly occurs in the circulation pump 142, the maximum rotation speed Nmax of the pump motor in the washing operation is set high (for example, 4000 r / min). Although not described in detail, the control means 180 also changes the rotation speed N of the pump motor based on the capacity of the laundry in the intermediate rinsing operation in the same manner as in the washing operation.

[0070] On the other hand, in the final rinsing operation, the control means 180 controls the rotational speed N of the pump motor to be the maximum (4000 r / min in this embodiment) in the washing operation regardless of the capacity of the laundry. That is, in the final rinsing operation, the control means 180 controls the rotational speed N of the pump motor so as to send washing water from the circulation pump 142 to the seal member cleaning section 300 at the fastest flow rate in the washing operation. Thereby, dirt such as lint accumulated in the branch path 146 and the branch path discharge port 302 having a narrow cross-sectional area of the flow path can be washed away with a strong water flow in the final rinsing operation. Therefore, after the completion of the washing operation and also after the completion of the drying operation when the drying operation is executed, it is possible to suppress the lint from drying and adhering at the branch path 146 and the branch path discharge port 302.

[0071] At the end of the final rinsing operation, when the pump motor is driven at the maximum rotational speed, the washing water sent out with a strong water flow from the circulation pump 142 collides with the surface of the washing water in the water tank 102, generating foam. If there is a detergent residue in the water tank 102, the user may mistakenly recognize it. Therefore, the control means 180 drives the pump motor at the maximum rotational speed at the beginning of the final rinsing operation, and drives the pump motor at a rotational speed smaller than the maximum rotational speed at the end of the final rinsing operation. Thereby, at the end of the final rinsing operation, the foam generated by the collision of the washing water in the water tank 102 can be reduced.

[0072] [1-3. Effects] As described above, in the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 includes a housing 101, a water tank 102 that is elastically supported in the housing 101 so as to be swingable, a rotary drum 103 that is rotatably housed in the water tank 102, a circulation pump 142 that sends washing water into the rotary drum 103, a mixing unit 230 provided on the downstream side of the circulation pump 142, and a circulation path 141 through which the washing water flowing into the mixing unit 230 passes. The mixing unit 230 is formed in a substantially box shape, and includes a mixing unit main body 232 that stirs the washing water inside, a mixing unit inlet 231 that introduces the washing water into the mixing unit main body 232, and a mixing unit outlet 233 that is provided on the mixing unit main body 232 so as to face the mixing unit inlet 231 and discharges the washing water in the mixing unit main body 232 to the rotary drum 103. The cross-sectional areas of the mixing unit inlet 231 and the mixing unit outlet 233 are smaller than the path cross-sectional area of the mixing unit main body 232. As a result, a swirling flow is generated in the mixing unit main body 232, and the washing water is stirred while entraining air.

[0073] Therefore, with a simple configuration, detergent bubbles can be generated, the detergent can be dissolved firmly, and the detergency can be improved.

[0074] As in the present embodiment, the mixing unit 230 may have an extension portion 236 that extends substantially horizontally from the inner wall surface of the mixing unit main body 232 toward the mixing unit outlet 233.

[0075] As a result, since the cross-sectional area of the mixing unit outlet 233 is small, the discharge amount of the washing water from the mixing unit main body 232 can be suppressed, and the swirling flow in the mixing unit main body 232 can be increased.

[0076] Therefore, in the mixing unit main body 232, more detergent bubbles can be generated and the detergent can be more dissolved.

[0077] As in the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 may further include an introduction unit 210 that guides the washing water from the circulation path 141 to the mixing unit 230, and the introduction unit 210 may have a path cross-sectional area that gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0078] As a result, the washing water with an increased flow velocity in the introduction part 210 can be guided to the mixing part 230, so that a larger swirling flow can be generated in the mixing part main body 232.

[0079] Therefore, in the mixing part main body 232, detergent foam can be generated more and the detergent can be dissolved more.

[0080] As in this embodiment, the mixing part 230 has a hole part 235 for introducing air into the mixing part main body 232, and the hole part 235 may be provided near the mixing part inlet 231.

[0081] Thereby, air can be mixed into the swirling flow generated in the mixing part main body 232.

[0082] Therefore, more detergent foam can be generated.

[0083] As in this embodiment, the washing machine 100 seals the gap between the housing 101 and the water tank 102 and may further include a sealing member 115, a branch path 146 branched from the circulation path 141, and a guide part 310 provided on the front surface of the water tank 102 for guiding the washing water flowing down the branch path 146 to the water tank connection part 102a and the inner peripheral surface 115a of the seal.

[0084] Thereby, the washing water sent from the circulation pump 142 can clean the water tank connection part 102a and the connection part 119.

[0085] Therefore, the water tank connection part 102a and the connection part 119 can be kept clean.

[0086] As in this embodiment, the washing machine 100 may further include a guiding part 320 provided on the front surface of the water tank 102 for guiding the washing water guided by the guiding part 310 to the inner peripheral surface 115a of the seal.

[0087] Accordingly, when the water pressure of the washing water guided by the guide portion 310 is strong, the guide portion 320 causes the washing water to splash, thereby cleaning the inner peripheral surface 115a of the seal.

[0088] Therefore, the inner peripheral surface 115a of the seal can be kept clean.

[0089] As in the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 may further include a cover member 190 detachably provided on the front surface of the water tank 102, and the mixing portion 230 may be provided behind the cover member 190.

[0090] Accordingly, when the cover member 190 is removed, a part of the mixing portion 230 is exposed.

[0091] Therefore, the user can easily perform maintenance on the mixing portion 230 by removing the cover member 190.

[0092] (Other Embodiments) As described above, as examples of the technologies disclosed in the present application, Embodiments 1 and 2 have been described. However, the technologies in the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and can also be applied to embodiments in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Further, it is also possible to combine the respective components described in Embodiments 1 and 2 above to form a new embodiment.

[0093] Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0094] In Embodiment 1, as an example of the pump means, the circulation pump 142 that circulates the washing water in the water tank 102 has been described. The pump means may be a water supply pump provided on the water supply path as long as it can supply the washing water to the foam generation portion and the seal member cleaning portion.

[0095] In Embodiment 1, as an example of the seal member cleaning unit, the seal member cleaning unit 300 provided on the front surface of the water tank 102 and the cover member 190 was described. Since the seal member only needs to be able to clean at least the connection portion between the front surface of the water tank and the seal member, the seal member cleaning unit may include only the guide portion. Further, the seal member cleaning unit 300 may clean the front surface of the cover member 190.

[0096] In the embodiment, as an example of the washing operation, a washing operation including a washing process and a rinsing process in which the circulation pump 142 is intermittently driven was described. In the washing process and the rinsing process, the control device does not necessarily need to intermittently drive the circulation pump at a predetermined rotational speed. When the circulation pump is driven, since the flow rate of the washing water sent out from the circulation pump gradually increases until it reaches the controlled rotational speed, the momentum of the washing water that splashes out the washing water on the front surface of the water tank changes, and the water tank can be cleaned over a wide range on the front surface and the inner peripheral surface of the seal.

[0097] In Embodiment 1, as an example of the guide portion and the guiding portion, the guide portion 310 and the guiding portion 320 provided on the front surface of the water tank 102 and the cover member 190 were described. The guide portion and the guiding portion are provided at the front portion of the water tank and only need to be able to clean the vicinity of the lower surface of the water tank connection portion and the inner peripheral surface of the seal member, and thus are not limited to the guide portion 310 and the guiding portion 320. The guide portion and the guiding portion may be provided directly on the front surface of the water tank or on the cover member.

[0098] In Embodiment 1, as an example of the rinsing process, a rinsing process that performs an intermediate rinsing operation and a final rinsing operation was described. In the rinsing process, the control device may execute the intermediate rinsing operation two or more times, or may execute only the final rinsing operation without executing the intermediate rinsing operation.

[0099] In Embodiment 1, as an example of the water tank, the water tank 102 was described. The water tank is not limited to the water tank 102 and may have a heater for heating the washing water in the water tank. Thereby, since warm water can be sent in by the circulation pump, the solubility of the detergent in the washing water increases, and lint on the front surface of the water tank and the inner peripheral surface of the seal can be efficiently removed.

[0100] In Embodiment 1, as an example of the operation of the washing machine controlled by the control means, the washing operation was described. The operation of the washing machine is not limited to the washing operation, and a tank cleaning operation using a tank cleaning agent such as a chlorine-based bleaching agent may be performed. When the control means executes the tank cleaning operation, the washing water sent in by the circulation pump can contain the tank cleaning agent, so that the circulation path, the branch path, the front surface of the water tank, the inner peripheral surface of the seal, etc. can be cleaned more effectively. Further, by setting the operation time of the tank cleaning operation longer than the time of the washing operation of the washing operation, the cleaning of the inner peripheral surface of the seal can be performed more effectively.

Industrial Applicability

[0101] The present disclosure is applicable to washing machines and washing and drying machines.

Explanation of Signs

[0102] 100 Washing machine 101 Housing 102 Water tank 102a Water tank connection part 103 Rotating drum 103a Drum opening 103b Water passing hole 104 Housing opening 105 Lid 112 Motor 115 Seal member 115a Inner peripheral surface of the seal 119 Connection part 120 Water supply part 121 Water supply valve 122 Water supply path 125 Detergent case 130 Drain part 131 Drain path 132 Drain valve 135 Drain filter 140 Washing water circulation section 141 Circulation path 142 Circulation pump 145 Shunt section 146 Branch path 180 Control means 185 Operation display section 190 Cover member 200 Foam generation section 210 Introduction section 211 Introduction path 230 Mixing section 231 Mixing section inlet 232 Mixing section main body 233 Mixing section outlet 235 Hole section 236 Extension section 270 Nozzle section 300 Seal member cleaning section 301 Branch path connection section 302 Branch path discharge port 310 Guide section 311 First guide section 312 Second guide section 320 Induction section

Claims

1. A housing, a water tank that is elastically supported within the housing so as to be swingable, a rotary drum rotatably enclosed within the water tank, pump means for feeding washing water into the rotary drum, a mixing section provided downstream of the pump means, a first path through which the washing water flowing into the mixing section passes, comprising, the mixing section is formed in a substantially box shape and has a mixing section main body for stirring the washing water inside, a mixing section inlet for introducing the washing water into the mixing section main body, a mixing section outlet provided in the mixing section main body so as to face the mixing section inlet and discharging the washing water within the mixing section main body, including, the cross-sectional areas of the mixing section inlet and the mixing section outlet are provided to be smaller than the path cross-sectional area of the mixing section main body, the mixing section further includes an extension section provided so as to narrow the cross-sectional area of the mixing section outlet, a washing machine.

2. A housing, a water tank that is elastically supported within the housing so as to be swingable, a rotary drum rotatably enclosed within the water tank, pump means for feeding washing water into the rotary drum, a mixing section provided downstream of the pump means, a first path through which the washing water flowing into the mixing section passes, comprising, the mixing section is formed in a substantially box shape and has a mixing section main body for stirring the washing water inside, a mixing section inlet for introducing the washing water into the mixing section main body, a mixing section outlet provided in the mixing section main body so as to face the mixing section inlet and discharging the washing water within the mixing section main body, including, the cross-sectional areas of the mixing section inlet and the mixing section outlet are provided to be smaller than the path cross-sectional area of the mixing section main body, further comprising an introduction section for guiding the washing water from the first path into the mixing section, the introduction section is provided such that the path cross-sectional area gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side, a washing machine.

3. A housing, a water tank that is elastically supported within the housing so as to be swingable, a rotary drum rotatably enclosed within the water tank, pump means for feeding washing water into the rotary drum, a mixing section provided downstream of the pump means, a first path through which the washing water flowing into the mixing section passes, comprising, the mixing section is formed in a substantially box shape and has a mixing section main body for stirring the washing water inside, a mixing section inlet for introducing the washing water into the mixing section main body, a mixing section outlet provided in the mixing section main body so as to face the mixing section inlet and discharging the washing water within the mixing section main body, including, the cross-sectional areas of the mixing section inlet and the mixing section outlet are provided to be smaller than the path cross-sectional area of the mixing section main body, The mixing part further has a hole for introducing air into the mixing part main body, The hole is provided near the mixing part inlet, Washing machine.

4. A housing, A water tank that is elastically supported and swingable within the housing, A rotary drum rotatably enclosed within the water tank, Pump means for feeding washing water into the rotary drum, A mixing part provided downstream of the pump means, A first path through which the washing water flowing into the mixing part passes, Comprising, The mixing part, A mixing part main body formed in a substantially box shape and stirring washing water inside, A mixing part inlet for introducing washing water into the mixing part main body, A mixing part outlet provided on the mixing part main body so as to face the mixing part inlet and discharging the washing water in the mixing part main body, Including, The cross-sectional areas of the mixing part inlet and the mixing part outlet are provided to be smaller than the path cross-sectional area of the mixing part main body, A seal member for sealing the gap between the front surface of the housing and the water tank, A second path branched from the first path, A guide part provided on the front surface of the water tank and guiding the washing water flowing down the second path to the front surface of the water tank and / or the seal member, Further comprising, Washing machine.

5. Further comprising a guiding part provided on the front surface of the water tank and guiding the washing water guided by the guiding part to the inner peripheral surface of the seal member, The washing machine according to Claim 4.

6. Further having a cover member removably provided on the front surface of the water tank, The mixing part is disposed behind the cover member, The washing machine according to Claim 4 or 5.

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