washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of keeping a seal member clean.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: a housing; a water tub elastically supported in the housing so as to oscillate; a rotary drum included in the water tub so as to rotate; pump means provided in a first flow passage and for feeding washing water into the rotary drum; a seal member for sealing a gap between a front surface of the housing and the water tub; and a seal member washing part for washing an inner peripheral surface of the seal member. The seal member washing part is provided on the downstream of the pump means, and the washing water which has passed the first flow passage is supplied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

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 feeding device that supplies detergent to the rotating drum. The detergent feeding device includes a detergent storage container into which detergent is loaded, a storage portion that stores the detergent flowing down from the detergent storage container, and a spout that drops water onto the liquid surface of the storage portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] [Figure 1] Vertical cross-sectional view of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Main projection view of the front of the washing machine's water tub in Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] Exploded perspective view of the front of the washing machine's water tub in Embodiment 1 [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing the cross-section and water flow of the washing machine at cross-section AA in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram showing the cross-section of the washing machine BB cross-section and the flow of washing water in Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the CC cross-section of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 [Figure 7] A schematic diagram showing the cross-section and water flow of the washing machine in the DD section of Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram showing the flow of washing water at the front of the washing machine's water tank in Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of the washing machine in the EE cross section in Embodiment 1 [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of the FF cross section of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 [Figure 11] Time chart of washing machine operation in Embodiment 1 [Figure 12] Diagram illustrating the operation of the pump motor during the washing operation of the washing machine in Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] Diagram illustrating the operation of the pump motor during the final rinse cycle of the washing machine in Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted.

[0009] Note that the attached drawings and the following description are provided for 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-isolation supported by a vibration-isolation damper (not shown). The rotary drum 103 is enclosed within the water tank 102 and is rotatably provided by a motor 112. A number of water passing holes 103b are provided on the circumferential surface of the rotary drum 103. The water passing 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] A housing opening 104 is provided on the front surface of the housing 101 so as to face the drum opening 103a. Further, a lid 105 is provided on the front surface of the housing 101 to cover the housing opening 104 in an openable and closable manner. The user opens the lid 105 and inserts 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 part 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) protruding 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 in a watertight manner.

[0014] Inside the upper part of the housing 101, a water supply section 120 is provided. The water supply section 120 includes a water supply valve 121, a water supply path 122, and a detergent case 125. The water supply valve 121 is provided so as to be openable and closable. The water supply path 122 connects the water supply valve 121 and the water tank 102. The detergent case 125 is provided in the middle of the water supply path 122. When the water supply valve 121 is opened, the washing water introduced into the housing 101 dissolves the detergent contained in the detergent case 125, passes through the water supply path 122, and is poured into the water tank 102.

[0015] Inside the lower part of the housing 101, a drainage section 130 is provided. The drainage section 130 includes a drainage path 131 and a drainage valve 132 provided in the middle of the drainage path 131. The drainage path 131 connects the bottom of the water tank 102 and the outside of the washing machine 100. The drainage valve 132 is provided so as to be openable and closable. When the drainage valve 132 is opened, the washing water in the water tank 102 is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 100.

[0016] Inside the housing 101, a washing water circulation section 140 for circulating the washing water in the water tank 102 is provided. The washing water circulation section 140 includes a circulation path 141, a circulation pump 142, and a foam generation section 200 described later. The circulation path 141 branches from a location upstream of the drainage valve 132 in the drainage path 131 and is connected to the foam generation section 200 provided at the upper front part of the water tank 102. The circulation pump 142 is provided in the middle of the circulation path 141. The circulation pump 142 is driven by a pump motor (not shown) with variable rotation speed, and sends the washing water in the water tank 102 to the circulation path 141. The washing water sent to the circulation path 141 passes through the foam generation section 200 and is sprayed into the rotary drum 103.

[0017] On the upstream side of the location where the drainage path 131 and the circulation path 141 branch in the drainage path 131, a drainage filter 135 is provided. 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 in the lower interior of the housing 101. The control means 180 controls the washing operation, including the washing, rinsing, and spinning cycles, by controlling the motor 112, the water supply valve 121, the drain valve 132, and the circulation pump 142, etc. The control means 180 can change the flow rate of the washing water that the circulation pump 142 sends to 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 large, the washing water is sent out from the circulation pump 142 at a fast flow rate, and when the rotation speed N of the pump motor is small, the washing water is sent out from the circulation pump 142 at a slow flow rate.

[0019] An operation display unit 185 is provided on the upper front of the housing 101. The operation display unit 185 receives instructions from the user regarding the washing operation. The operation display unit 185 also displays information related to the operating status.

[0020] [1-1-2. Configuration of the front of the aquarium] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the front of the water tank 102 is provided with a cover member 190 and a foam generating unit 200 and a seal member cleaning unit 300, which will be described later.

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

[0022] A flow diversion section 145 and a branching path 146 connected to the flow diversion section 145 are provided above the front of the water tank 102. The upstream side of the flow diversion section 145 is connected to the circulation path 141. The downstream side of the flow diversion section 145 is branched, with one branch connected to the foam generation section 200 and the other connected to the branching path 146. The downstream side of the branching path 146 is connected to the seal member cleaning section 300.

[0023] [1-1-3. Configuration of the foam generation unit] The configuration of the foam generating unit 200 will be explained using Figures 3 to 6.

[0024] The foam generating unit 200 includes an introduction unit 210, a mixing unit 230, and a nozzle unit 270.

[0025] The introduction section 210 is integrally formed with the diversion section 145 and is provided to cover the upstream opening of the mixing section 230. The introduction section 210 includes an introduction path 211 that introduces laundry water from the diversion section 145 to the mixing section 230. The introduction path 211 communicates with the diversion section 145 on its upstream side and with the mixing section 230 on its downstream side. The introduction path 211 is formed such that its cross-sectional area gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side. As a result, the laundry water flowing into the introduction path 211 increases in flow velocity within the introduction path 211 and is discharged into the mixing section 230.

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

[0027] The mixing section inlet 231 is an opening at the downstream end of the introduction path 211. The mixing section inlet 231 is positioned to protrude inward from the mixing section body 232. The mixing section inlet 231 introduces the wash water from the introduction path 211 into the mixing section body 232.

[0028] The mixing unit body 232 is formed in a roughly box shape and has space inside. The path cross-sectional area of ​​the mixing unit body 232 is larger than the path cross-sectional area of ​​the mixing unit inlet 231. This provides sufficient space for the wash water to be agitated within the mixing unit body 232.

[0029] The hole 235 is located on the upper part of the peripheral wall of the mixing unit body 232 on the side facing the water tank 102, and communicates with the inside of the water tank 102. The hole 235 introduces air into the mixing unit body 232 due to the negative pressure generated when wash water is introduced from the mixing unit inlet 231 (arrow Q). The wash water introduced into the mixing unit body 232 is mixed with the air introduced from the hole 235 and flows out from the mixing unit outlet 233, which is located opposite the mixing unit inlet 231.

[0030] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the extension portion 236 extends approximately horizontally from the inner wall of the mixing unit body 232 toward the mixing unit outlet 233, so as to narrow the path cross-sectional area of ​​the mixing unit outlet 233. By making the path cross-sectional area of ​​the mixing unit outlet 233 narrower than the path cross-sectional area of ​​the mixing unit body 232, the extension portion 236 can reduce the amount of wash water discharged from the mixing unit outlet 233. As a result, a swirling flow of wash water is generated within the mixing unit body 232, and the wash water is agitated.

[0031] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the nozzle section 270 is located downstream of the mixing section 230. The nozzle section 270 is formed so that its downstream tip faces inward towards the rotating drum 103, and the nozzle section 270 is formed so that its drainage area widens from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0032] [1-1-4. Configuration of the sealing member cleaning section] The configuration of the sealing member cleaning unit 300 will be explained using Figures 2 to 5 and Figures 7 to 9.

[0033] The sealing member cleaning section 300 includes a branch route connection section 301, a branch route discharge port 302, a guide section 310, and a guide section 320.

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

[0035] The guide section 310 is provided on the front of the water tank 102 and the cover member 190. The guide section 310 includes a first guide section 311 and a second guide section 312. The first guide section 311 is provided on the front of the cover member 190 and is positioned perpendicular to the flow of the washing water so as to divide the washing water flowing out from the branching path discharge port 302 to the left and right. The second guide section 312 is provided so as to protrude forward from the front of the water tank 102 (left side in Figure 2) and the cover member 190 (right side in Figure 2). The second guide section 312 guides the washing water, which has been divided to the left and right by the first guide section 311, down along the front of the water tank 102 and the cover member 190, to the left and right guide sections 320.

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

[0037] [1-2. Operation] The operation and function of the washing machine 100, configured as described above, will now be explained. .

[0038] [1-2-1. Washing Machine Operation] As shown in Figure 11, once the washing cycle starts, the washing, rinsing, and spinning cycles are executed in sequence.

[0039] When the washing cycle begins, a water supply operation is performed. During the water supply operation, the control means 180 opens the water supply valve 121 and introduces wash water from outside the washing machine 100. The wash water introduced into the washing machine 100 flows down the water supply path 122 and is supplied into the water tank 102. During the water supply operation in the washing cycle, the wash water passes through the water supply path 122 while dissolving the detergent put into the detergent case 125.

[0040] Once the water tank 102 is filled with washing water up to a predetermined level and the water supply operation is complete, the washing operation is performed. During the washing operation, the control means 180 controls the motor 112 to rotate the rotating drum 103 and agitate the laundry inside the rotating drum 103. At this time, as shown in Figure 12, the control means 180 controls the rotation speed N of the pump motor to intermittently drive the circulation pump 142. Once the washing operation is complete, the washing process ends and the process moves on to the rinsing process.

[0041] When the rinsing process begins, the draining operation is performed first. During the draining operation, the control means 180 opens the drain valve 132 and drains the wash water from the water tank 102. Once the draining operation is complete, the spin-drying operation is performed. During the spin-drying operation, the control means 180 controls the motor 112 to rotate the rotating drum 103, and the water contained in the laundry inside the rotating drum 103 is removed by centrifugal force.

[0042] Once the spin-drying operation is complete, the water supply operation is performed, followed by the intermediate rinse operation. During the intermediate rinse operation, the control means 180 controls the motor 112 to rotate the rotating drum 103 and agitate the laundry inside the rotating drum 103. At this time, the control means 180 also controls the rotation speed N of the pump motor to intermittently drive the circulation pump 142. Once the intermediate rinse operation is complete, the draining operation, spin-drying operation, and water supply operation are performed in order, followed by the final rinse operation.

[0043] During the final rinse cycle, the control means 180 controls the motor 112 to rotate the rotating drum 103 and agitate the laundry inside the drum 103. At the same time, as shown in Figure 13, the control means 180 controls the rotation speed N of the pump motor to intermittently drive the circulation pump 142. Once the final rinse cycle is complete, the rinsing process ends, and the spin-drying process begins.

[0044] When the spin-drying process begins, the draining and spin-drying operations are performed in sequence. Once the spin-drying operation is complete, the spin-drying process ends, and the washing cycle is finished.

[0045] [1-2-2. Movement of washing water in the foam generation section] The movement of the wash water in the foam generation unit 200 will be explained below using Figures 4 and 5.

[0046] During the washing and rinsing processes, 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 wash 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, it straightens the flow of the wash water and allows the wash water to flow into the mixing unit body 232 at a faster flow velocity than the flow velocity entering 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 discharge of the wash water flowing into the mixing section body 232 is suppressed at the mixing section outlet 233, and a swirling flow is generated within the mixing section body 232 (arrow P2). In addition, in the mixing section 230, the path cross-sectional area of ​​the mixing section body 232 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the mixing section inlet 231 and the mixing section outlet 233, so the swirling flow generated within the mixing section body 232 is larger. As a result, the wash water is agitated within the mixing section body 232, and the detergent can be thoroughly dissolved in the wash water.

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

[0050] The wash water containing detergent foam, which flows out from the mixing outlet 233, is sprayed into the rotating drum 103 along the wall surface of the nozzle section 270 (arrow P3). Because the nozzle section 270 has a structure that widens from the upstream side to the downstream side, it can spray wash water over a wide area onto the laundry inside the rotating drum 103.

[0051] On the other hand, if the amount of wash water supplied from the circulation pump 142 is small, the extension section 236 does not obstruct the discharge of wash water from the mixing section outlet 233, and therefore no swirling flow occurs within the mixing section 230. Furthermore, if the amount of wash water supplied to the mixing section 230 is small, the introduction of air from the holes 235 due to the Venturi effect is also suppressed.

[0052] This allows for suppression of foaming of the wash water in the mixing unit 230 when the amount of wash water supplied by the circulation pump 142 to the foam generation unit 200 is small.

[0053] As described above, the control means 180 controls the drive of the circulation pump 142 and adjusts the amount of washing water that the circulation pump 142 sends to the foam generation unit 200, thereby controlling the amount of washing foam generated in the foam generation unit 200.

[0054] After the washing cycle is complete, all the wash water in the mixing unit body 232 is discharged from the mixing unit outlet 233. This prevents any wash water from remaining in the mixing unit 230. Therefore, the mixing unit 230 can be kept hygienic.

[0055] [1-2-3. Water movement in branching routes and sealing member cleaning sections] The water flow in the branching path 146 and the sealing member cleaning section 300 will be explained below using Figures 4, 7 to 10.

[0056] A portion of the wash water that reaches 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 to discharge the wash water from the branch path discharge port 302 at a high flow velocity. The wash water discharged from the branch path discharge port 302 is guided to the first guide section 311 and divided to the left and right. The wash water divided to the left and right flows down over the second guide section 312 and reaches the guide section 320 (arrow R2).

[0057] If the water pressure of the wash water reaching the guide section 320 is weak, the wash water will be ejected from the guide section 320 with a weak upward force relative to the flow down the second guide section 312 (arrow R3). The wash water ejected with a weak force from the guide section 320 will flow into the tank shown in area A (illustrated in Figure 10). The device reaches the vicinity of the lower surface of the connection portion 102a and cleans lint and dirt adhering to the vicinity of the lower surface of the water tank connection portion 102a. In this embodiment, the vicinity of the lower surface of the water tank connection portion 102a, indicated by region A, includes the lower surface of the water tank connection portion 102a, the portion of the front surface of the water tank 102 located below the water tank connection portion 102a, and the connection portion 119 between the sealing member 115 and the water tank connection portion 102a (shown in Figures 8 and 10).

[0058] On the other hand, if the water pressure of the wash water reaching the guide section 320 is strong, the wash water will be ejected with strong upward force relative to the flow from the guide section 320 down the second guide section 312 (arrow R4). The wash water ejected with strong force from the guide section 320 will reach the inner circumferential surface 115a of the seal. As a result, the wash water can wash away lint and dirt accumulated on the inner circumferential surface 115a of the seal.

[0059] As described above, the control means 180 can adjust the areas where lint and dirt are washed near the lower surface of the water tank connection part 102a and the inner circumferential surface 115a of the seal by controlling the water pressure of the washing water sent out by the circulation pump 142.

[0060] The wash water that has cleaned the area near the bottom surface of the water tank connection part 102a and the inner circumferential surface 115a of the seal flows down the inner circumferential 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 during the washing cycle] As shown in Figure 12, during the washing operation, the control means 180 controls the rotation speed N of the pump motor of the circulation pump 142. At the beginning of the washing operation, the laundry in the rotating drum 103 is not sufficiently wet. If the rotation speed N of the pump motor is too high at this time, the water level in the water tank 102 will drop, causing air to get trapped in the circulation pump 142, which may produce an unpleasant noise. Therefore, at the beginning of the washing operation, the control means 180 drives the pump motor at a medium speed (for example, about 3300 r / min). In the middle of the washing operation, in order to generate a lot of laundry foam in the foam generation unit 200 and improve the washing performance of the laundry in the rotating drum 103, the control means 180 drives the pump motor at a high speed (for example, about 4000 r / min). To prevent a large amount of laundry foam from being sent into the rotating drum 103 towards the end of the washing cycle, the control means 180 drives the pump motor at a low speed (for example, about 2500 r / min). This reduces the amount of laundry foam generated in the foam generation unit 200 towards the end of the washing cycle.

[0062] Furthermore, during the washing operation, the control means 180 can change the rotation speed N of the pump motor to send the washing water passing through the circulation pump 142 to the seal member washing section 300 at different flow rates.

[0063] In the following, the flow velocity of the wash water discharged from the circulation pump 142 when the rotational speed N of the pump motor is approximately 2500 r / min is defined as the first flow velocity V1, and the flow velocity of the wash water discharged from the circulation pump 142 when the rotational speed N of the pump motor is approximately 4000 r / min 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 wash water sent from the circulation pump 142 to the seal member cleaning section 300 at a first flow velocity V1 is ejected upward from the guide section 320 with weak force relative to the flow flowing down the second guide section 312 (arrow R3 in Figure 8). As a result, it reaches the vicinity of the lower surface of the water tank connection section 102a, indicated by region A (shown in Figure 10), and cleans lint and dirt adhering to the vicinity of the lower surface of the water tank connection section 102a. In addition, the wash water sent from the circulation pump 142 to the seal member cleaning section 300 at a second flow velocity V2 is ejected upward from the guide section 320 with strong force relative to the flow flowing down the second guide section 312 (arrow R4 in Figure 8). The wash water ejected with strong force from the guide section 320 reaches the inner circumferential surface 115a of the seal. As a result, the wash water can clean lint and dirt accumulated on the inner circumferential surface 115a of the seal.

[0065] Furthermore, during the intermediate rinse and final rinse operations, the control means 180 also changes the flow rate of the wash water supplied from the circulation pump 142.

[0066] As described above, during the washing and rinsing processes, the control means 180 can control the position where the washing water ejected from the guide unit 320 reaches the water tank connection part 102a and the inner circumferential surface 115a of the seal by changing the water pressure of the washing water supplied by the circulation pump 142. Therefore, the washing position of the water tank connection part 102a and the inner circumferential surface 115a of the seal can be stably controlled regardless of the installation environment of the washing machine 100, such as the water pressure of the water tap.

[0067] Furthermore, during the washing and rinsing processes, the circulation pump 142 sends the wash water from the water tank 102 to the seal member cleaning unit 300. As a result, since the circulation pump 142 is constantly driven during the washing and rinsing processes, it can clean the water tank connection part 102a and the inner surface of the seal 115a more efficiently than if a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the inner surface of the seal 115a were provided in the path connected to the water supply valve 121. Moreover, during the washing operation, the water tank connection part 102a and the inner surface of the seal 115a can be cleaned with the wash water in the water tank 102 in which the cleaning agent has dissolved, thus enabling even more efficient cleaning.

[0068] Furthermore, during the washing and rinsing processes, the control means 180 intermittently drives the pump motor of the circulation pump 142. This allows the wash water sent from the circulation pump 142 to the seal member cleaning unit 300 to clean lint and other dirt adhering to the water tank connection part 102a and the inner circumferential surface 115a of the seal multiple times, at the timing when the water flow changes from a state of no water to a new flow rate. This results in more effective cleaning than when wash water is sent at a constant flow rate.

[0069] During the washing operation, the control means 180 determines the rotational speed N of the pump motor of the circulation pump 142 based on the volume of laundry contained in the rotating drum 103. In the washing machine 100 of this embodiment, when the volume of laundry is low (e.g., 2 kg) or large (e.g., 10 kg), the maximum rotational speed Nmax of the pump motor during the washing operation is set low (e.g., 3300 r / min) to prevent air from getting trapped in the circulation pump 142. When the volume of laundry is medium (e.g., 5 kg), the maximum rotational speed Nmax of the pump motor during the washing operation is set high (e.g., 4000 r / min) to prevent air from getting trapped in the circulation pump 142. Although not described in detail here, the control means 180 also changes the rotational speed N of the pump motor based on the volume of laundry during the intermediate rinse operation, similar to the washing operation.

[0070] On the other hand, during the final rinse operation, the control means 180 controls the rotation speed N of the pump motor to the maximum (4000 r / min in this embodiment) during the washing operation, regardless of the amount of laundry. In other words, during the final rinse operation, the control means 180 controls the rotation speed N of the pump motor so that washing water is sent from the circulation pump 142 to the seal member cleaning unit 300 at the fastest flow rate during the washing operation. This allows dirt such as lint accumulated in the branch path 146 and branch path discharge port 302, which have a narrow cross-sectional area, to be washed away with a strong water pressure during the final rinse operation. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the drying and hardening of lint in the branch path 146 and branch path discharge port 302 after the washing operation is completed, or after the drying operation is completed if a drying operation is performed.

[0071] If the pump motor is driven at maximum speed towards the end of the final rinse cycle, foam generated when the wash water sent out with strong force from the circulation pump 142 collides with the surface of the wash water in the tank 102 may be mixed in, potentially causing the user to mistakenly believe that detergent remains in the tank 102. Therefore, the control means 180 drives the pump motor at maximum speed at the beginning of the final rinse cycle. The pump motor is driven at a speed lower than its maximum rotational speed towards the end of the final rinse cycle. This reduces the amount of foam generated by the collision of wash water in the water tank 102 towards the end of the final rinse cycle.

[0072] [1-3. Effects] As described above, in this embodiment, the washing machine 100 includes a housing 101, a water tank 102 elastically supported so as to be swingable within the housing 101, a rotating drum 103 rotatably enclosed within the water tank 102, a circulation pump 142 for supplying washing water to the rotating drum 103, a mixing unit 230 provided downstream 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 body 232 that agitates the washing water inside, a mixing unit inlet 231 for introducing washing water into the mixing unit body 232, and a mixing unit outlet 233 provided on the mixing unit body 232 so as to face the mixing unit inlet 231 and for discharging the washing water inside the mixing unit body 232 to the rotating 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 body 232. As a result, a swirling flow is generated within the mixing unit body 232, agitating the wash water while drawing in air.

[0073] Therefore, with a simple configuration, it is possible to generate detergent foam and thoroughly dissolve the detergent, thereby improving cleaning power.

[0074] As in this embodiment, the mixing section 230 may have an extended section 236 that extends substantially horizontally from the inner wall surface of the mixing section body 232 toward the mixing section outlet 233.

[0075] As a result, the cross-sectional area of ​​the mixing outlet 233 is small, which reduces the amount of washing water discharged from the mixing unit body 232 and increases the swirling flow within the mixing unit body 232.

[0076] Therefore, more detergent foam is generated within the mixing unit body 232, and the detergent can be dissolved more effectively.

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

[0078] This allows the laundry water, whose flow velocity has increased in the introduction section 210, to be guided to the mixing section 230, thereby increasing the swirling flow within the mixing section body 232.

[0079] Therefore, more detergent foam is generated within the mixing unit body 232, and the detergent can be dissolved more effectively.

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

[0081] This allows air to be mixed with the swirling flow generated within the mixing unit body 232.

[0082] Therefore, it can generate more detergent foam.

[0083] As in this embodiment, the washing machine 100 includes a sealing member 115 that seals the gap between the housing 101 and the water tank 102, a branch path 146 that branches off from the circulation path 141, and sealing member 115 that seals the gap between the housing 101 and the water tank 102, a sealing member 146 that branches off from the circulation path 141, and a sealing member 115 that seals the gap between the housing 101 and the water A guide portion 310 that guides the surface 115a may be further provided.

[0084] This allows the water tank connection part 102a and the connection part 119 to be cleaned with the wash water supplied from the circulation pump 142.

[0085] Therefore, the aquarium 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 guide unit 320 provided on the front of the water tank 102, which guides the washing water guided by the guide unit 310 to the inner circumferential surface 115a of the seal.

[0087] This allows the inner surface 115a of the seal to be cleaned by the guide unit 320, which causes the wash water to be ejected when the water pressure of the wash water guided by the guide unit 310 is strong.

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

[0089] As in this embodiment, the washing machine 100 further includes a cover member 190 that is removablely provided on the front of the water tub 102, and the mixing unit 230 may be provided behind the cover member 190.

[0090] As a result, when the cover member 190 is removed, a portion of the mixing section 230 is exposed.

[0091] Therefore, the user can easily maintain the mixing section 230 by removing the cover member 190.

[0092] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiments 1 and 2 have been presented as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in Embodiments 1 and 2 to create new embodiments.

[0093] Therefore, other embodiments are illustrated below.

[0094] In Embodiment 1, a circulation pump 142 for circulating the wash water in the water tank 102 was described as an example of a pumping means. The pumping means only needs to supply wash water to the foam generation unit and the seal member cleaning unit, so it may also be a water supply pump installed on the water supply path.

[0095] In Embodiment 1, as an example of a seal member cleaning unit, a seal member cleaning unit 300 provided on the front surface of the water tank 102 and the cover member 190 was described. Since it is sufficient for the seal member to be cleaned at least at the connection point between the front surface of the water tank and the seal member, the seal member cleaning unit may consist only of a guide section. Alternatively, the seal member cleaning unit 300 may clean the front surface of the cover member 190.

[0096] In this embodiment, as an example of a washing operation, a washing operation including a washing and rinsing process in which the circulation pump 142 is driven intermittently was described. In the washing and rinsing processes, the control device does not need to drive the circulation pump intermittently at a predetermined rotational speed. When the circulation pump is driven, the flow velocity of the washing water sent from the circulation pump gradually increases even before reaching the controlled rotational speed, so the force of the washing water splashing out at the front of the tank changes, and a wide area of ​​the front of the tank and the inner surface of the seal can be cleaned.

[0097] In Embodiment 1, as an example of a guide and guide section, a guide section 310 and a guide section 320 provided on the front surface of the water tank 102 and the cover member 190 were described. The guide and guide sections are provided at the front of the water tank and only need to be able to clean the area near the bottom surface of the water tank connection and the inner circumferential surface of the sealing member, so they are not limited to the guide section 310 and the guide section 320. The guide and guide sections may be provided directly on the front surface of the water tank or on the cover member.

[0098] In Embodiment 1, a rinsing process in which an intermediate rinse operation and a final rinse operation are performed was described as an example of a rinsing process. The control device may perform the intermediate rinse operation two or more times during the rinsing process, or it may perform only the final rinse operation without performing the intermediate rinse operation.

[0099] In Embodiment 1, a water tank 102 was described as an example of a water tank. The water tank is not limited to water tank 102 and may have a heater for heating the wash water inside the tank. This allows hot water to be supplied by a circulation pump, which increases the solubility of the detergent in the wash water and also allows for efficient removal of lint from the front surface of the water tank and the inner surface of the seal.

[0100] In Embodiment 1, a washing operation was described as an example of washing machine operation controlled by the control means. The washing machine operation is not limited to washing; it may also be a tub cleaning operation using a tub cleaning agent such as chlorine bleach. When the control means performs a tub cleaning operation, the washing water supplied by the circulation pump can contain the tub cleaning agent, allowing for more effective cleaning of the circulation path, branching path, front surface of the water tank, and inner surface of the seal. Furthermore, by setting the operating time of the tub cleaning operation to be longer than the washing operation time of the washing operation, the inner surface of the seal can be cleaned more effectively. [Industrial applicability]

[0101] This disclosure is applicable to washing machines and washer-dryers. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 100 Washing Machines 101 cabinets 102 Aquariums 102a Aquarium connection section 103 Rotation Drum 103a Drum opening 103b Water hole 104 Enclosure opening 105 Lid 112 Motor 115 sealing member 115a Inner surface of seal 119 Connection part 120 Water supply section 121 Water supply valve 122 Water supply routes 125 Detergent Case 130 Drainage section 131 Drainage Route 132 Drain valve 135 Drain filter 140 Washing water circulation unit 141 Circulatory pathways 142 Circulation pump 145 Diversion section 146 Branch Routes 180 Control means 185 Operation display section 190 Cover component 200 Foam generation section 210 Introduction 211 Implementation Route 230 Mixing section 231 Mixing section inlet 232 Mixing section body 233 Mixing section outlet 235 Hole 236 Stretching section 270 Nozzle section 300 Sealing component cleaning section 301 Branch route connection section 302 Branching route outlet 310 Information Department 311 First Information Desk 312 Second Information Desk 320 Guidance part

Claims

1. The casing and A water tank elastically supported within the housing so as to be able to swing, A rotating drum is rotatably enclosed within the aforementioned water tank, A pump means is provided in the first flow path to supply washing water to the rotating drum, A foam generating unit is provided downstream of the pumping means, A sealing member that seals the gap between the front of the housing and the water tank, A sealing member cleaning unit is provided downstream of the pumping means and cleans the inner circumferential surface of the sealing member, Equipped with, A branching section that splits the washing water that has passed through the first channel into washing water that flows into the sealing member cleaning section and washing water that flows into the foam generating section, A washing machine that is even more well-equipped.

2. The aforementioned sealing member cleaning section is A second channel guides the washing water that has passed through the first channel to the front of the water tank, The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a guide portion provided on the front of the water tank for guiding the washing water that has passed through the second flow path to the sealing member.

3. The aforementioned sealing member cleaning section is A first guide section is provided in the guide section and divides the washing water that has passed through the second flow path to the left and right, The washing machine according to claim 2, further comprising: a guide portion provided on the front of the water tank for guiding the washing water guided by the guide portion to the inner surface of the sealing member.

4. The branching section is formed integrally with the introduction section for introducing washing water into the foam generating section. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the introduction section has a path cross-sectional area that gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side.

5. The foam generating unit is It is formed in a roughly box shape and consists of a mixing unit body that agitates the washing water inside, Having a cross-sectional area smaller than the path cross-sectional area of ​​the mixing unit body, and a mixing unit inlet for introducing washing water into the mixing unit body, Having a cross-sectional area smaller than the path cross-sectional area of ​​the mixing unit body, and having a mixing unit outlet for discharging the washing water from the mixing unit body, The washing machine according to claim 4, including the following:

6. The system further includes a control unit that controls the operation of the pump means, The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit supplies washing water to the sealing member cleaning section by driving the pump means during the washing and rinsing processes.

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