washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine capable of shortening water supply time of washing water in a water storage tub, and capable of storing the washing water up to a prescribed water level in the water storage tub.SOLUTION: A fully automatic washing machine includes: a water storage tub 210 capable of storing washing water; an ultrasonic washing part 100 for washing an object to be washed by allowing ultrasonic waves to act on the object to be washed soaked in the washing water; a water supply unit for supplying water delivered at least from a water faucet as the washing water into the water storage tub 210; and a water level detection part 600 for detecting that the water level in the water storage tub 210 has reached a prescribed water level. The water level detection part 600 includes a pair of electrode terminals 610, 620 arranged above the water storage tub 210, extending in the water storage tub 210, and coming into contact with the washing water which has reached the prescribed water level.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A washing machine provided with an ultrasonic cleaning device that stores cleaning water containing water and detergent in a water storage tank and applies ultrasonic waves to an object to be cleaned immersed in the cleaning water in the water storage tank to clean the object to be cleaned is described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the washing machine of Patent Document 1, water sent from a water tap and detergent supplied from a cleaning tank are mixed by a water supply unit to generate cleaning water. The generated cleaning water is stored in a storage tank disposed behind the water storage tank. A supply nozzle extends from the storage tank to the water storage tank, and the cleaning water in the storage tank is supplied to the water storage tank through the supply nozzle. The tip of the supply nozzle is bent downward, and a discharge port through which the cleaning water is discharged is formed on the lower surface of the tip.

[0004] When the water level in the water storage tank rises to the height of the discharge port due to the supply of cleaning water from the water storage tank and the discharge port is blocked by the cleaning water, the air pressure in the storage tank and the external air pressure are balanced, and the water supply from the storage tank stops. As a result, the cleaning water can be stored in the water storage tank up to a specified water level, which is the height position of the discharge port.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the washing machine described above, the wash water is first stored in a storage tank and then supplied to the reservoir tank, which tends to result in a long water supply time to the reservoir tank. Therefore, in order to shorten the water supply time, it is conceivable to adopt a configuration in which the water supply unit directly supplies wash water to the reservoir tank without a storage tank. However, if such a configuration is adopted, the washing machine described above will not be able to store wash water up to a specified water level.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a washing machine that can shorten the time required to supply washing water to the water tank and can store washing water in the water tank up to a specified water level. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This invention The first aspect of The washing machine comprises a water tank for storing washing water, an ultrasonic cleaning unit for cleaning objects immersed in the washing water by applying ultrasonic waves to the objects to be cleaned, a water supply unit for supplying water, at least from a water tap, into the water tank as the washing water, and a water level detection unit for detecting when the water level in the water tank reaches a specified level. Here, the water level detection unit is positioned above the water tank, extends into the water tank, and includes a pair of electrode terminals that contact the washing water when it reaches the specified level. The pair of electrode terminals consists of a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal, and the water level detection unit is configured such that the position of the tip of the first electrode terminal is lower than the position of the tip of the second electrode terminal in the water storage tank. When the water level in the water storage tank reaches the specified water level, the second electrode terminal comes into contact with the cleaning water, the pair of electrode terminals become conductive, and the supply of the cleaning water from the water supply unit stops.

[0009] For example, water mixed with detergent may be supplied to the water tank as washing water. Alternatively, water without detergent may be supplied to the water tank as washing water.

[0010] According to the present invention, the water supply unit supplies water, at least from a water tap, into the water storage tank as cleaning water without being stored first, thus shortening the time required to supply cleaning water to the water storage tank. Furthermore, when a pair of electrode terminals come into contact with the cleaning water that has reached a specified level, it is detected that the water level in the water storage tank has reached a specified level, so the cleaning water supplied from the water supply unit can be stored in the water storage tank up to the specified level. Furthermore, since the first electrode terminal can be brought into contact with the cleaning water even when the water level in the reservoir is below the specified level, contact of the cleaning water with the first electrode terminal remains stable even if ripples occur on the water surface, and inconsistencies in the timing of water level detection are less likely to occur.

[0011] A washing machine according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises: a water storage tank for storing washing water; an ultrasonic cleaning unit for cleaning an object to be cleaned by applying ultrasonic waves to the object immersed in the washing water; a water supply unit for supplying water, at least from a water tap, into the water storage tank via a supply member as the washing water; a water level detection unit for detecting when the water level in the water storage tank has reached a predetermined level; a water storage unit in which the water storage tank is formed; and a storage unit in which the ultrasonic cleaning unit and the water storage unit are retractably housed. The water level detection unit is positioned above the water storage tank and extends into the water storage tank, and includes a pair of electrode terminals that contact the washing water when it reaches the predetermined level. The supply member has an outlet that opens downwards from which the cleaning water flows out, and is positioned above the water storage tank so as to overlap with the water storage tank. It is fixed within the aforementioned storage compartment and does not move. Furthermore, the pair of electrode terminals are connected to the supply member. In the case where the water storage unit is in the state where it is stored in the storage unit and in the state where it is pulled out from the storage unit, the portion that overlaps the water storage tank Fixed be .

[0012] According to the present invention, since it is not necessary to provide a dedicated fixing member to position the pair of electrode terminals above the water storage tank, the number of components can be reduced. Furthermore, the pair of electrode terminals can be positioned within the area of ​​the water storage tank, regardless of the location of the water reservoir.

[0013] In the above configuration, the lower ends of the pair of electrode terminals may be further exposed downward from the supply member, and the supply member may be provided with a cover portion that covers each of the lower ends from the front.

[0014] With this configuration, when the object to be cleaned in the water tank is cleaned by the ultrasonic cleaning unit, it is possible to prevent the object to be cleaned from coming into contact with the tips of the pair of electrode terminals.

[0015] As described above, when the pair of electrode terminals are fixed to the supply member, the water supply unit may further include a water supply channel through which water flows toward the supply member, and a detergent tank for storing detergent supplied into the water supply channel, and may be configured to generate the cleaning water by mixing water and detergent in the water supply channel. In this case, the supply member may include an inlet into which the cleaning water flows, and a supply channel through which the cleaning water flows from the inlet toward the outlet, and may be configured such that the diameter of the supply channel is narrowed near the inlet.

[0016] With such a configuration, the water mixed with the detergent is supplied to the water storage tank as washing water. Therefore, the effect of the detergent can also be utilized during the cleaning by the ultrasonic cleaning unit, enhancing the cleaning power. Further, in the supply channel, the flow of the washing water is likely to be disturbed upstream of the constricted portion, making it easier for the water and the detergent to mix and facilitating the obtaining of washing water with a uniform detergent concentration.

[0017] In the washing machine according to the present invention, a configuration may be adopted that further includes a water storage portion in which the water storage tank is formed and a base portion to which the water storage portion is detachably attached. In this case, the pair of electrode terminals may be fixed to the base portion.

[0018] According to the present invention, since there is no need to provide a dedicated fixing member to arrange the pair of electrode terminals above the water storage tank, the number of components can be reduced. Further, unlike the case where the pair of electrode terminals are fixed to the water storage portion, a structure that can connect and disconnect the pair of electrode terminals and the connection wires connected thereto is not required, and the structure for arranging the pair of electrode terminals is less likely to become complicated.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, an object is to provide a washing machine capable of shortening the water supply time of the washing water into the water storage tank and storing the washing water up to a specified water level in the water storage tank.

[0020] The effects or significance of the present invention will become clearer from the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the following embodiments are merely examples when implementing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to what is described in the following embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a water supply unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 3]Figure 3(a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device and top panel according to an embodiment, when the ultrasonic cleaning device is pulled out from the storage compartment. Figures 3(b) and (c) are perspective views of the main parts of the ultrasonic cleaning device and top panel according to an embodiment, when the ultrasonic cleaning device is stored in the storage compartment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device, mounting plate, and supply nozzle when the ultrasonic cleaning device is housed in the storage compartment, according to an embodiment of the device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment, in which the water reservoir is detached from the base. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning section and the base section according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7(a) is a perspective view showing the supply nozzle fixed to the mounting plate according to the embodiment. Figure 7(b) is a perspective view of the pair of electrode terminals according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figures 8(a) and (b) are side cross-sectional views of a supply nozzle cut at the position of a pair of electrode terminals according to an embodiment. Figure 8(c) is a plan cross-sectional view of the supply nozzle according to an embodiment, and Figure 8(d) is a bottom view of the supply nozzle according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the rear of the water reservoir and the supply nozzle when the ultrasonic cleaning device according to the embodiment is pulled out from the storage compartment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the configuration of the ultrasonic cleaning device according to Modification Example 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine 1.

[0024] The fully automatic washing machine 1 comprises a housing 10 that forms the outer casing. The housing 10 includes a rectangular cylindrical body 11 with open top and bottom surfaces, a top plate 12 that covers the top surface of the body 11, and a leg base 13 that supports the body 11. A laundry loading opening 14 is formed in the top plate 12. The loading opening 14 is covered by a top lid 15 that can be opened and closed. A control unit 16 is located inside the front of the top plate 12. The control unit 16 is composed of a microcomputer or the like and controls the washing operation of the fully automatic washing machine 1 and the cleaning operation of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

[0025] An outer tub 20 with an open top is placed inside the housing 10. The outer tub 20 is elastically suspended and supported by four suspension rods 21 having vibration damping devices. Inside the outer tub 20 is an inner tub, a washing and dewatering tub 22. The washing and dewatering tub 22 has an open top and rotates around a rotation axis that extends vertically. Numerous dewatering holes 22a are formed around the entire inner circumference of the washing and dewatering tub 22. A balance ring 23 is provided at the top of the washing and dewatering tub 22. A pulsator 24 is placed at the bottom of the washing and dewatering tub 22. Multiple blades 24a are provided radially on the surface of the pulsator 24.

[0026] A drive unit 30 is positioned at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20 to generate torque for driving the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the pulsator 24. The drive unit 30 includes a drive motor 31 and a transmission mechanism 32. The transmission mechanism 32 has a clutch mechanism 32a, and through a switching operation by the clutch mechanism 32a, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted only to the pulsator 24 during the washing and rinsing processes to rotate only the pulsator 24, and during the dewatering process, the torque of the drive motor 31 is transmitted to the pulsator 24 and the washing and dewatering tub 22 to rotate the pulsator 24 and the washing and dewatering tub 22 together.

[0027] A drain port 20a is formed at the outer bottom of the outer tub 20. A drain valve 40 is provided at the drain port 20a. The drain valve 40 is connected to a drain hose 41. When the drain valve 40 is opened, the water accumulated in the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the outer tub 20 is discharged outside the machine through the drain hose 41.

[0028] An overflow port 20b is formed at the top of the outer tank 20. When water accumulates in the outer tank 20 above a predetermined overflow level, the water is discharged from the overflow port 20b. An overflow receiving section 25 is provided on the outer surface of the outer tank 20 so as to cover the overflow port 20b. One end of an overflow pipe 26 is connected to the bottom of the overflow receiving section 25. The other end of the overflow pipe 26 is connected to a drain hose 41. The water discharged from the overflow port 20b is received by the overflow receiving section 25 and then flows through the overflow pipe 26 to the drain hose 41.

[0029] An ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is positioned near the center of the rear of the top panel 12. The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 performs a cleaning operation, which removes dirt partially attached to the object to be cleaned prior to washing in the fully automatic washing machine 1.

[0030] A drain receiving section 60 is positioned at the rear of the top plate 12, below the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The drain receiving section 60 receives water discharged from the water storage tank 210. A discharge hole 61 is formed in the drain receiving section 60 through which the received water is discharged. One end of a drain pipe 62 is connected to the discharge hole 61. The other end of the drain pipe 62 is connected to the upper part of the overflow pipe 26.

[0031] A water supply unit 70 is located at the rear of the top panel 12. The water supply unit 70 is connected to a water tap and supplies water from the tap into the washing and drying tub 22.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the water supply unit 70.

[0033] The water supply unit 70 has a water supply valve 71. The water supply valve 71 is a so-called double valve and has a main valve 72 and a sub-valve 73, which are solenoid valves. The water inlet 71a of the water supply valve 71 is connected to a water tap via a water supply hose (not shown). The outlet of the main valve 72 is connected to the main water supply channel 74. The main water supply channel 74 is connected to a water filling box 75 located at the top of the washing and drying tub 22. A water filling port 75a is formed on the bottom surface of the water filling box 75.

[0034] The water supply unit 70 includes an automatic dispensing mechanism 80 for automatically dispensing liquid detergent, one of the laundry liquids, into the washing and drying tub 22. The automatic dispensing mechanism 80 also has the function of generating washing water containing water and detergent supplied from the water tap and supplying it to the water storage tank 210. The water supply unit 70 corresponds to the water supply section of the present invention.

[0035] The automatic dispensing mechanism 80 includes a detergent tank 81, a supply pipe 82, a first three-way valve 83, a sub-water supply channel 84, a detergent supply channel 85, a second three-way valve 86, a wash water supply channel 87, and a supply pump 88. The sub-valve 73 of the water supply valve 71 is also included in the automatic dispensing mechanism 80.

[0036] Liquid detergent is stored in its undiluted state in the detergent tank 81. The supply pipe 82 guides the liquid detergent from the detergent tank 81 to one inlet of the first three-way valve 83.

[0037] The sub-water supply channel 84 is connected to the outlet of the sub-valve 73 and the other inlet of the first three-way valve 83.

[0038] A detergent supply passage 85 is connected to the outlet of the first three-way valve 83. The detergent supply passage 85 is connected to the water filling box 75.

[0039] The first three-way valve 83 can be switched between a state in which the supply pipe 82 is connected to the detergent supply passage 85 and a state in which the sub-water supply passage 84 is connected to the detergent supply passage 85.

[0040] A second three-way valve 86 is provided in the detergent supply passage 85. The upstream supply passage 85a of the detergent supply passage 85 is connected to the inlet of the second three-way valve 86, and the downstream supply passage 85b of the detergent supply passage 85 is connected to one outlet of the second three-way valve 86. One end of the washing water supply passage 87 is connected to the other outlet of the second three-way valve 86. The other end of the washing water supply passage 87 is connected to the supply nozzle 500.

[0041] The second three-way valve 86 can be switched between a state in which the upstream supply passage 85a is connected to the downstream supply passage 85b and a state in which the upstream supply passage 85a is connected to the wash water supply passage 87.

[0042] A supply pump 88 is located in the upstream supply channel 85a. The supply pump 88 can be, for example, a piston pump.

[0043] The sub-water supply channel 84, the upstream supply channel 85a, and the washing water supply channel 87 form a water supply channel 89 through which water from the tap flows toward the supply nozzle 500. The water supply unit 70 generates washing water by mixing water and detergent in the water supply channel 89 and supplies the generated washing water into the water storage tank 210 via the supply nozzle 500.

[0044] Next, we will describe in detail the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and its surrounding components.

[0045] Figure 3(a) is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the top plate 12 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out from the storage compartment 17. Figures 3(b) and (c) are perspective views of the main parts of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 and the top plate 12 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage compartment 17. In Figure 3(c), the cover 19 is omitted from the illustration so that the inside of the storage compartment 17 is visible.

[0046] The top panel 12 has a storage compartment 17 in the center of its rear, which houses the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The top panel 12 opens in front of the storage compartment 17 as an entrance / exit 18. A cover 19 is provided over the entrance / exit 18.

[0047] The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 comprises an ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, a water reservoir 200, and a base unit 300. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 has an ultrasonic generator 110 that generates ultrasonic waves. The base unit 300 holds the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100. The water reservoir 200 is mounted on the base unit 300 and is located below the ultrasonic generator 110. The water reservoir 200 is provided with a water tank 210 in which cleaning water is stored.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3(a), when a cleaning operation is performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled forward from the storage section 17 and protrudes inward from the input opening 14 of the top plate 12. On the other hand, as shown in Figures 3(b) and (c), when a cleaning operation is not performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage section 17. The inlet / outlet 18 is closed by the cover 19.

[0049] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, the mounting plate 400, and the supply nozzle 500 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is housed in the storage unit 17. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 when the water reservoir 200 is detached from the base unit 300. Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the base unit 300.

[0050] The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 has an ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 held by a base unit 300, and a water reservoir unit 200 detachably attached to the base unit 300.

[0051] The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 comprises an ultrasonic generator 110 and a housing 120. The ultrasonic generator 110 includes an ultrasonic transducer 111 and a vibrating horn 112 coupled to the ultrasonic transducer 111. The ultrasonic generator 110 generates ultrasonic waves from the tip of the vibrating horn 112 by high-frequency vibration of the ultrasonic transducer 111.

[0052] The housing 120 is elongated in the front-to-back direction and has an arm shape in which its tip 121 bends downward. The ultrasonic generator 110 is positioned at the front of the housing 120. The ultrasonic generator 110 is pressed down from above by a frame-shaped fixing member 130. The tip of the vibrating horn 112 is exposed through the opening 122 of the housing 120.

[0053] The water reservoir 200 is made of a resin material and has a shape that is slightly elongated in the front-to-back direction and flattened in the up-to-down direction, with the left side protruding further back than the right side. A handle 201 is formed on the front of the water reservoir 200.

[0054] A water storage tank 210 is formed in the water storage section 200. The water storage tank 210 has a shape that conforms to the shape of the water storage section 200, that is, a dish shape in which the left side protrudes further back than the right side.

[0055] A drain port 211 is formed at the lower rear of the water storage tank 210. The drain port 211 is closed by a valve body 220. A valve movable member 230 is connected to the valve body 220. The rear portion 231 of the valve movable member 230 protrudes behind the water storage section 200. The valve movable member 230 is biased in the rearward direction by a spring (not shown) to close the valve body 220.

[0056] When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, i.e., the water reservoir 200, is pulled forward from the storage compartment 17, the valve body 220 closes the drain port 211 (see Figure 9). When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, i.e., the water reservoir 200, is stored in the storage compartment 17, the rear part 231 of the valve movable member 230 comes into contact with the rear wall of the drain receiving section 60, and the valve movable member 230 moves forward. As a result, the valve body 220 moves forward, and the drain port 211 is opened.

[0057] A locking mechanism 240 is provided at the rear of the water reservoir 200 to prevent it from detaching forward from the base 300. The locking mechanism 240 has a claw portion 241 and a button 242. The claw portion 241 is biased upward by a spring (not shown), and moves down when the button 242 is pressed down, and returns to its original position when the button 242 is released.

[0058] The base portion 300 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. Rail portions 301 extending forward are provided at the left and right lower ends of the base portion 300. In addition, an opening 302 is formed on the left side of the base portion 300 through which the rear of the water reservoir portion 200 and the supply nozzle 500 pass. Furthermore, an insertion port 303 is formed in the base portion 300 to the right of the opening 302, into which the claw portion 241 of the locking mechanism 240 is inserted. The rear portion 123 of the housing 120 of the ultrasonic cleaning portion 100 is fixed to the upper part of the base portion 300.

[0059] The water reservoir 200 is attached to the base 300 from the front. The left and right rail sections 301 of the base 300 are inserted into insertion sections provided at the left and right ends of the water reservoir 200, thereby guiding the water reservoir 200 into the rail sections 301. The left rear end of the water reservoir 200 passes through the opening 302 of the base 300. Also, the claw section 241 of the locking mechanism 240 strikes the upper edge of the insertion opening 303 of the base 300 and is pushed down, passing through the insertion opening 303. Once the attachment of the water reservoir 200 to the base 300 is complete, the claw section 241 engages with the upper edge of the insertion opening 303 on the back side of the base 300. As a result, the water reservoir 200 cannot be detached from the base 300 forward.

[0060] With the water storage unit 200 attached to the base unit 300, the position of the tip surface of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 is slightly lower than the position of the upper surface of the water storage tank 210, and the tip of the vibration horn 112 is slightly recessed into the water storage tank 210.

[0061] When detaching the water reservoir 200 from the base 300, the button 242 of the locking mechanism 240 is pressed down, and the claw portion 241 is lowered. This releases the engagement between the claw portion 241 and the upper edge of the insertion opening 303. The water reservoir 200 is pulled forward, thereby detaching it from the base 300. When detaching, the water reservoir 200 can be tilted so that its rear side is lower, so that the vibrating horn 112 and the tip of the supply nozzle 500 do not get caught in the water tank 210.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4, a mounting plate 400 is positioned behind the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 within the storage compartment 17. A supply nozzle 500 extends forward from the mounting plate 400. The supply nozzle 500 is positioned above the water storage tank 210, overlapping with the water storage tank 210.

[0063] A pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620, namely a first electrode terminal 610 and a second electrode terminal 620, are fixed to the supply nozzle 500. The first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620 are positioned above the water storage tank 210 and extend into the water storage tank 210. The first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620 are included in a water level detection unit 600 that detects when the water level in the water storage tank 210 has reached a specified water level L.

[0064] Figure 7(a) is a perspective view showing the supply nozzle 500 fixed to the mounting plate 400. Figure 7(b) is a perspective view of the pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620. Figures 8(a) and (b) are side cross-sectional views of the supply nozzle 500 cut at the position of the pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620. Figure 8(c) is a plan cross-sectional view of the supply nozzle 500, and Figure 8(d) is a bottom view of the supply nozzle 500. Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the rear of the water reservoir 200 and the supply nozzle 500 when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out from the storage unit 17. For convenience, the relay hose 420 is depicted as transparent in Figure 7(a). Also, for convenience, the position of the inlet 502 is indicated by a dashed line in Figure 8(c).

[0065] The mounting plate 400 is made of resin material and has an elongated shape in the left-right direction. The mounting plate 400 is attached to the water supply unit 70 inside the storage compartment 17. An L-shaped connecting pipe 410 is integrally formed on the left end of the mounting plate 400. The outlet of the cleaning water supply passage 87 of the water supply unit 70 is connected to the inlet 411 of the connecting pipe 410. One end of the relay hose 420 is connected to the outlet 412 of the connecting pipe 410.

[0066] The supply nozzle 500 is made of a resin material and has an elongated shape in the front-to-back direction. The supply nozzle 500 is attached to the mounting plate 400 by mounting tabs 501 provided on the left and right sides of its rear end, i.e., the base end 500a. The supply nozzle 500 corresponds to the supply member of the present invention.

[0067] The base end 500a of the supply nozzle 500 has a cylindrical inlet 502 on its upper surface that opens upward. The base end 500a bulges to the right in the portion having the inlet 502. The other end of the relay hose 420 is connected to the inlet 502. As a result, the supply nozzle 500 is connected to the cleaning water supply passage 87, i.e., the water supply channel 89, of the water supply unit 70 via the relay hose 420 and the connecting pipe 410.

[0068] At the front end of the supply nozzle 500, i.e., the tip 500b, an outlet 503 is formed on the right side of the bottom surface, having a predetermined cylindrical shape and opening downwards. The outlet 503 is surrounded by a cylindrical nozzle opening 504. The outlet 503 and the nozzle opening 504 share a portion of each other.

[0069] Inside the supply nozzle 500, a supply channel 505 is formed that extends in the front-rear direction and connects to the inlet 502 and the outlet 503. As shown in Figure 7(c), the supply channel 505 has a width that is approximately equal to the width of the base end 500a at the position directly below the inlet 502. The diameter, i.e., the width, of the supply channel 505 is narrowed near the inlet 502, becoming narrower as it extends forward on the right side of the supply nozzle 500. Then, at the tip 500b, the width of the supply channel 505 gradually widens as it reaches the outlet 503. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the supply channel 505 after its diameter is narrowed is less than half of the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel before it is narrowed.

[0070] A first mounting boss 506 and a second mounting boss 507 are formed at the tip 500b of the supply nozzle 500, penetrating the supply nozzle 500 in the vertical direction. The first mounting boss 506 and the second mounting boss 507 protrude downward from the bottom surface of the supply nozzle 500.

[0071] The first mounting boss 506 is formed inside the nozzle opening 504 and at the tip of the supply nozzle 500. The lower end surface of the first mounting boss 506 is flush with the outlet 503 and the lower end surface of the nozzle opening 504. The outlet 503 and the first mounting boss 506 share a portion of each other. The second mounting boss 507 is formed behind the nozzle opening 504 and near the left end of the supply nozzle 500.

[0072] The supply nozzle 500 has an arc-shaped wall portion 508 formed in front of the first mounting boss 506 on the lower end surface of the nozzle opening portion 504.

[0073] The first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620 are fixed to the first mounting boss 506 and the second mounting boss 507, respectively.

[0074] As shown in Figure 7(b), the first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620 are formed from a conductive material such as steel and include round bar-shaped terminal portions 611 and 621 and heads 612 and 622 provided at the upper ends of the terminal portions 611 and 621. Male screw portions 613 and 623 are formed on the upper part of each terminal portion 611 and 621. In addition, cross-shaped grooves are formed in each head 612 and 622 so that the first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620 can be turned with a screwdriver. The length of the first electrode terminal 610, i.e., the length of its terminal portion 611, is longer than the length of the second electrode terminal 620, i.e., the length of its terminal portion 621.

[0075] When the first and second electrode terminals are fixed to the first and second mounting bosses 506 and 507, the first and second electrode terminals 610 and 620 are inserted into the first and second mounting bosses 506 and 507 from above, respectively. At this time, the first and second electrode terminals 610 and 620 are rotated as they pass through the first and second mounting bosses 506 and 507. As a result, the male threaded portions 613 and 623 of the first and second electrode terminals 610 and 620 bite into the inner walls of the first and second mounting bosses 506 and 507, respectively, preventing them from being pulled out upwards.

[0076] The lower ends 610a, 620a of the first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620 are exposed downward from the first mounting boss 506 and the second mounting boss 507, i.e., the supply nozzle 500. The lower end 610a of the first electrode terminal 610 is covered from the front by the wall portion 508. The height positions of the lower end of the first electrode terminal 610 and the lower end of the wall portion 508 are approximately equal. The lower end 620a of the second electrode terminal 620 is covered from the front by the nozzle opening portion 504. The height position of the lower end of the second electrode terminal 620 is higher than the height position of the lower end of the nozzle opening portion 504. The wall portion 508 and the nozzle opening portion 504 correspond to the cover portion of the present invention.

[0077] The supply nozzle 500 is fixed inside the storage section 17 and does not move. On the other hand, the water reservoir 200 moves in the front-to-back direction as the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is inserted into and removed from the storage section 17. Therefore, when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored inside the storage section 17, as shown in Figure 4, the entire supply nozzle 500 overlaps the water reservoir 210.

[0078] Furthermore, when the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is extended from the storage unit 17, as shown in Figure 9, the supply nozzle 500 has a tip portion 500b to which a pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620 are fixed, which overlaps the rear of the water storage tank 210. Since the pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620 are fixed to the portion of the supply nozzle 500 that always overlaps the water storage tank 210, they are always located within the area of ​​the water storage tank 210, regardless of the position of the water storage unit 200.

[0079] As shown in Figure 9, the lower ends 610a and 620a of the pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620 are inserted into the water storage tank 210. Inside the water storage tank 210, the position of the tip of the first electrode terminal 610 is lower than the position of the tip of the second electrode terminal 620.

[0080] The first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620 are connected to the detection circuit 630 by connecting wires 641 and 642, such as lead wires. The detection circuit 630 is connected to the control unit 16. The detection circuit 630, together with the first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620, constitutes the water level detection unit 600.

[0081] When detecting the water level, a voltage is applied between the first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620. When the water level of the cleaning water in the water storage tank 210 reaches a specified water level L, both the first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620 come into contact with the cleaning water. The detection circuit 630 includes a square wave generation circuit, and when the first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620 become conductive due to contact with the cleaning water, it outputs a pulse-shaped detection signal to the control unit 16. As a result, the control unit 16 can detect that the water level in the water storage tank 210 has reached a specified water level L.

[0082] Furthermore, the detection circuit 630 changes the pulse width of the detection signal according to the magnitude of the current flowing between the first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620. As a result, the control unit 16 can detect the conductivity of the cleaning water in the water storage tank 210 and determine the detergent concentration in the cleaning water based on the conductivity.

[0083] The water reservoir 200 can be inserted into and removed from the storage unit 17 and detached from the base unit 300. Therefore, if a configuration is adopted in which the pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620 are fixed to the water reservoir 200, a structure is required that allows the connecting wires 641 and 642 to be extended when the water reservoir 200 is pulled out, and a structure is required that allows the pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620 and the connecting wires 641 and 642 to be connected or disconnected in accordance with the attachment and detachment of the water reservoir 200. This tends to make the structure for arranging the pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620 complex.

[0084] In this embodiment, since the pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620 are fixed to the supply nozzle 500 which does not move within the storage section 17, the above-mentioned special structure is unnecessary, and the structure for arranging the pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620 is simplified.

[0085] The fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform various washing cycles. In the washing cycle, the washing, intermediate spin-drying, rinsing, and final spin-drying processes are executed in order.

[0086] During the washing and rinsing cycles, the pulsator 24 rotates clockwise and counterclockwise with water accumulated in the washing and spinning tub 22. The rotation of the pulsator 24 generates a water flow within the washing and spinning tub 22. During the washing cycle, the laundry is washed by the generated water flow and the detergent contained in the water. During the rinsing cycle, the laundry is rinsed by the generated water flow.

[0087] In the intermediate and final dewatering processes, the washing and dewatering tub 22 and the pulsator 24 rotate together at high speed. The laundry is dewatered by the centrifugal force generated in the washing and dewatering tub 22.

[0088] During the water supply process in the washing cycle, liquid detergent is automatically dispensed into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 by the automatic dispensing mechanism 80. At this time, first, the first three-way valve 83 is switched to a state in which the supply pipe 82 is connected to the detergent supply passage 85. Also, the second three-way valve 86 is switched to a state in which the upstream supply passage 85a is connected to the downstream supply passage 85b.

[0089] Next, the supply pump 88 is activated. The pumping action of the supply pump 88 causes the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 81 to be discharged into the detergent supply passage 85, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 2. The supply pump 88 operates for a predetermined time, and as a result, a predetermined amount of liquid detergent accumulates in the detergent supply passage 85.

[0090] Next, the first three-way valve 83 is switched to a state where the sub-water supply channel 84 is connected to the detergent supply channel 85, and the main valve 72 and sub-valve 73 are opened. Water from the tap flows through the main water supply channel 74 and is discharged into the washing and drying tub 22 from the water inlet 75a of the water inlet box 75.

[0091] Simultaneously, as shown by the solid arrows in Figure 2, water from the tap flows through the sub-water supply channel 84 and the first three-way valve 83 to the detergent supply channel 85, washing away the liquid detergent. The liquid detergent, washed away by the water, flows along the detergent supply channel 85 with the water, as shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 2, and is poured into the washing and dewatering tub 22 from the water inlet 75a. When the water level in the washing and dewatering tub 22 reaches a predetermined washing level, the main valve 72 and the sub-valve 73 are closed, and the water supply ends.

[0092] Furthermore, the fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform a cleaning operation using the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

[0093] When the user wants to perform a cleaning operation, they pull out the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 from the storage unit 17, as shown in Figure 3(a). The water tank 210 is then closed at the drain port 211 by the valve body 220. The user then performs a predetermined start operation to begin the cleaning operation.

[0094] When the washing operation is started, the automatic supply mechanism 80, i.e., the water supply unit 70, supplies washing water into the water storage tank 210.

[0095] The first three-way valve 83 is switched to a state where the supply pipe 82 is connected to the detergent supply passage 85. Also, the second three-way valve 86 is switched to a state where the upstream supply passage 85a is connected to the wash water supply passage 87. The supply pump 88 operates for a predetermined time, and a predetermined amount of liquid detergent accumulates in the detergent supply passage 85.

[0096] Next, the first three-way valve 83 is switched to a state where the sub-water supply channel 84 is connected to the detergent supply channel 85, and the sub-valve 73 is opened. Water from the tap flows through the sub-water supply channel 84 and the first three-way valve 83 to the detergent supply channel 85, pushing the liquid detergent through. The water and liquid detergent mix to form the washing water.

[0097] As shown by the thick arrow in Figure 2, the cleaning water flows through the cleaning water supply channel 87 and into the supply nozzle 500. As shown by the arrow in Figure 9, the cleaning water flows from the inlet 502 into the supply channel 505, flows through the supply channel 505 and flows out into the water storage tank 210 from the outlet 503.

[0098] Here, the diameter of the supply channel 505 of the supply nozzle 500 is narrowed near the inlet 502. As a result, the cleaning water stagnates in the narrowed portion, and turbulence in the flow of the cleaning water is more likely to occur upstream of it. This makes it easier for the water and detergent contained in the cleaning water to mix, and makes it easier to obtain cleaning water with a uniform detergent concentration.

[0099] The cleaning water supplied from the supply nozzle 500 accumulates in the water storage tank 210, and the water level in the water storage tank 210 rises. As shown in Figure 9, when the water level rises, the first electrode terminal 610 first comes into contact with the cleaning water.

[0100] Subsequently, when the water level in the water tank 210 reaches the specified water level L, the second electrode terminal 620 comes into contact with the cleaning water, and the pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620 become conductive. As a result, a detection signal is output from the detection circuit 630 to the control unit 16. The control unit 16 closes the sub-valve 73, stopping the supply of cleaning water from the automatic supply mechanism 80, i.e., the water supply unit 70.

[0101] In the water storage tank 210, when the cleaning water is supplied, the cleaning water is discharged from above by the supply nozzle 500, which makes it easy for waves to form on the water surface. Therefore, if the length of the first electrode terminal 610 is the same as the length of the second electrode terminal 620, and the position of the tip of the first electrode terminal 610 is the same as the position of the tip of the second electrode terminal 620 adjusted to the specified water level L, when waves occur, the contact of the cleaning water with both electrode terminals 610 and 620 becomes unstable, which makes it easy for inconsistencies to occur in the timing of water level detection.

[0102] In contrast, in this embodiment, the water level detection unit 600 is configured such that the first electrode terminal 610 is longer than the second electrode terminal 620, so that the position of the tip of the first electrode terminal 610 is lower than the position of the tip of the second electrode terminal 620. This allows the first electrode terminal 610 to be in contact with the cleaning water from a state where the water level in the water tank 210 is sufficiently lower than the specified water level L. Therefore, even if waves occur on the water surface, the contact of the cleaning water with the first electrode terminal 610 remains stable, making it less likely for the timing of water level detection to be inconsistent.

[0103] Furthermore, the current flowing between the first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620 changes depending on the detergent concentration of the washing water, and the pulse width of the detection signal from the detection circuit 630 changes. If the control unit 16 determines, based on the pulse width of the detection signal, that there is insufficient detergent or that no detergent is present, it will issue a notification via a notification unit (not shown).

[0104] In this way, by supplying cleaning water from the water supply unit 70, a predetermined amount of cleaning water corresponding to a specified water level L, with a predetermined detergent concentration, is stored in the water storage tank 210.

[0105] Once the cleaning water is stored in the water tank 210, the user places the part of the object to be cleaned that has dirt attached to it between the water tank 210 and the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110. The part of the object to be cleaned that has dirt attached to it is immersed in the cleaning water, and the cleaning water that has penetrated into the inside of the object seeps out to the surface. A thin layer of water is formed on the surface of the object to be cleaned, and the vibration horn 112 comes into contact with this layer of water.

[0106] The ultrasonic transducer 111 is energized, and the ultrasonic generator 110 is activated. Ultrasonic waves are generated from the tip of the vibrating horn 112, and the dirt is detached from the object being cleaned by the action of the ultrasound. At this time, the force of the detergent is applied, increasing the cleaning power.

[0107] The user moves the object to be cleaned as needed to bring the dirty part to the position of the vibrating horn 112. In the supply nozzle 500, the first electrode terminal 610 is covered on the front side by the wall portion 508, and the second electrode terminal 620 is covered on the front side by the nozzle opening portion 504. This prevents the moved object to be cleaned from coming into contact with the first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620.

[0108] Periodically after the ultrasonic generator 110 starts operating, the water level detection unit 600 detects the water level in the water storage tank 210. If the detection results in the pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620 not being conductive and the control unit 16 determines that the water level in the water storage tank 210 is lower than the specified water level L, the water supply unit 70 replenishes the washing water until the water level reaches the specified water level L.

[0109] After a predetermined operating time has elapsed since the ultrasonic generator 110 started operating, the operation of the ultrasonic generator 110 stops, and the cleaning operation ends.

[0110] The user stores the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 in the storage unit 17, as shown in Figures 3(b) and (c). The valve movable member 230 moves the valve body 220 away from the drain port 211, opening the drain port 211. When the drain port 211 is opened, the cleaning water in the water tank 210 is discharged into the drain receiving unit 60. The cleaning water discharged into the drain receiving unit 60 is discharged from the discharge hole 61, flows through the drain pipe 62, overflow pipe 26 and drain hose 41, and is discharged outside the machine.

[0111] <Effects of the Embodiment> As described above, according to this embodiment, the water supply unit 70 supplies the cleaning water, including water sent from the water tap, into the water storage tank 210 without being stored, thus shortening the time required to supply cleaning water to the water storage tank 210. Furthermore, a water level detection unit 600 is provided, which includes a pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620 positioned above the water storage tank 210 and extending into the water storage tank 210. When the pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620 come into contact with the cleaning water that has reached a specified water level L, it is detected that the water level in the water storage tank 210 has reached a specified water level L.

[0112] This allows the cleaning water supplied from the water supply unit 70 to be stored in the water storage tank 210 up to the specified water level L.

[0113] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, cleaning water is supplied from the water supply unit 70 to the water storage tank 210 via the supply nozzle 500. The supply nozzle 500 has an outlet 503 that opens downwards and from which the cleaning water flows out. It is positioned above the water storage tank 210 so as to overlap with the water storage tank 210, and a pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620 are fixed to the supply nozzle 500.

[0114] This eliminates the need for a dedicated fixing member to position the pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620 above the water storage tank 210, thus reducing the number of components.

[0115] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the lower ends 610a and 620a of the first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620, which are exposed downward from the supply nozzle 500, are covered from the front by the wall portion 508 and the nozzle opening portion 504, respectively. This prevents the object to be cleaned from coming into contact with the lower ends 610a and 620a of the pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620 when the object to be cleaned in the water tank 210 is cleaned by the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, thereby preventing damage to the object to be cleaned and damage to the pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620.

[0116] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, water and detergent are mixed in the water supply channel 89 of the water supply unit 70 to generate cleaning water, which is then supplied to the water storage tank 210. This allows the detergent's effect to be utilized during cleaning by the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, thereby increasing the cleaning power.

[0117] Furthermore, in the supply nozzle 500, the diameter of the supply channel 505 is narrowed near the inlet 502. As a result, turbulence in the flow of the cleaning water is more likely to occur upstream of the narrowed portion in the supply channel 505, which makes it easier for the water and detergent to mix, and makes it easier to obtain cleaning water with a uniform detergent concentration.

[0118] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited in any way by the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible to the embodiments of the present invention other than those described above.

[0119] <Example of change 1> Figure 10 shows the configuration of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus 50 according to modification example 1. Figure 10 is a front view of the ultrasonic cleaning section 100 and the base section 300. For convenience, in Figure 10, the end faces of the water reservoir section 200 at the positions of the pair of electrode terminals 610A and 620A are shown by dashed lines.

[0120] In the above embodiment, a pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620 included in the water level detection unit 600 are fixed to the supply nozzle 500.

[0121] In contrast, in this modified example, the pair of electrode terminals 610A and 620A included in the water level detection unit 600, namely the first electrode terminal 610A and the second electrode terminal 620A, are fixed to the base unit 300.

[0122] The base portion 300 is provided with a first fixing portion 310 and a second fixing portion 320, located on the right and left sides, at a position higher than the portion through which the water storage portion 200 passes in the opening 302.

[0123] The configuration of the first electrode terminal 610A and the second electrode terminal 620A is the same as that of the first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620 in the above embodiment, but their lengths are different.

[0124] The first electrode terminal 610A is inserted from above into the fixing hole 311 of the first fixing part 310 and fixed in place. The second electrode terminal 620A is inserted from above into the fixing hole 321 of the second fixing part 320 and fixed in place. Inside the water storage tank 210, the position of the tip of the first electrode terminal 610A is lower than the position of the tip of the second electrode terminal 620A.

[0125] According to this modified example, similar to the above embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated fixing member to position the pair of electrode terminals 610A and 620A above the water storage tank 210, thus reducing the number of components.

[0126] Furthermore, according to this modified example, since the pair of electrode terminals 610A and 620A are fixed to the base portion 300, which is not detachable like the water reservoir portion 200, a structure that allows the pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620 to be connected or disconnected from the connecting wires 641 and 642 is unnecessary, and the structure for arranging the pair of electrode terminals 610 and 620 does not become complicated. <Other examples of changes> In the above embodiment, the lengths of the first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620 are different. However, the lengths of the first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620 may be equal. Similarly, in the above modified example 1, the lengths of the first electrode terminal 610A and the second electrode terminal 620A may be equal.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620 are fixed to the supply nozzle 500 so that they are aligned in the front-to-back direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the supply nozzle 500. However, the first electrode terminal 610 and the second electrode terminal 620 may also be fixed to the supply nozzle 500 so that they are aligned in the left-to-right direction, which is the short direction of the supply nozzle 500.

[0128] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the lower ends 610a, 620a of the pair of electrode terminals 610, 620 that are exposed downward from the supply nozzle 500 are covered from the front by the wall portion 508 and the nozzle opening portion 504, which are the cover portion. However, the configuration of the cover portion that covers the lower ends 610a, 620a of the pair of electrode terminals 610, 620 is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and any configuration is possible. Furthermore, a configuration in which the lower ends 610a, 620a of the pair of electrode terminals 610, 620 are not covered by the cover portion is also possible.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the diameter of the supply channel 505 of the supply nozzle 500 is narrowed near the inlet 502. However, the supply channel 505 may be configured so that its diameter is not narrowed near the inlet 502.

[0130] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the water supply unit 70 supplies water mixed with detergent to the water storage tank 210 as washing water. However, the water supply unit 70 may also supply water without detergent to the water storage tank 210 as washing water. In this case, only water may be stored in the water storage tank 210 as washing water, but a detergent dispenser may be provided to automatically dispense liquid detergent or the like directly into the water storage tank 210 so that washing water containing water and detergent is generated within the water storage tank 210.

[0131] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the automatic dispensing mechanism 80 may be configured to automatically dispense detergent and fabric softener. In this case, a fabric softener tank for storing liquid fabric softener is provided. The fabric softener tank is connected to the sub-water supply channel 84 via a supply pipe and a three-way valve. During the rinsing process, the fabric softener in the fabric softener tank is supplied into the washing and spin-drying tub 22 in a manner similar to the supply of detergent from the detergent tank 81.

[0132] Furthermore, the configuration of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, water storage unit 200, base unit 300, water supply unit 70, and supply nozzle 500 is not limited to the configuration shown in the above embodiment.

[0133] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is provided in the fully automatic washing machine 1. However, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may also be provided in a washing machine other than the fully automatic washing machine 1, for example, a drum-type washing machine.

[0134] Furthermore, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 may be provided, for example, in a fully automatic washer-dryer or a drum-type washer-dryer that also has a drying function. In a drum-type washing machine and a drum-type washer-dryer, the drum, which is the inner tub, is placed inside the outer tub.

[0135] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea set forth in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0136] 1. Fully automatic washing machine (washing machine) 50 Ultrasonic cleaning equipment 70 Water supply unit (water supply section) 81 Detergent tank 89 Water supply channel 100 Ultrasonic Cleaning Section 200 Water storage section 210 Water storage tanks 300 Base part 500 Supply nozzle (supply component) 502 Inlet 503 Outlet 504 Nozzle opening (cover part) 505 Supply channel 508 Wall section (cover section) 600 Water level detection unit 610 1st electrode terminal 610a Lower end 620 2nd electrode terminal 620a lower end 610A 1st electrode terminal 620A 2nd electrode terminal L Specified water level

Claims

1. A water tank where the washing water can be stored, An ultrasonic cleaning unit that cleans an object to be cleaned by applying ultrasonic waves to the object immersed in the cleaning water, The aforementioned washing water includes a water supply unit that supplies water, at least from a water tap, into the water storage tank, The system includes a water level detection unit that detects when the water level in the water storage tank has reached a specified water level, The water level detection unit is positioned above the water storage tank and extends into the water storage tank, and includes a pair of electrode terminals that come into contact with the washing water when it reaches the specified water level. The pair of electrode terminals consists of a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal. The water level detection unit is configured such that the position of the tip of the first electrode terminal is lower than the position of the tip of the second electrode terminal within the water storage tank. When the water level in the reservoir reaches the specified level, the second electrode terminal comes into contact with the cleaning water, the pair of electrode terminals become electrically connected, and the supply of the cleaning water from the water supply unit stops. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

2. A water tank in which washing water can be stored, An ultrasonic cleaning unit that cleans an object to be cleaned by applying ultrasonic waves to the object immersed in the cleaning water, The aforementioned washing water includes a water supply unit that supplies water, at least from a water tap, into the water storage tank via a supply member, A water level detection unit that detects when the water level in the water storage tank has reached a specified water level, The water storage section in which the water storage tank is formed, The system comprises a storage section in which the ultrasonic cleaning section and the water storage section are retractably housed, The water level detection unit is positioned above the water storage tank and extends into the water storage tank, and includes a pair of electrode terminals that come into contact with the washing water when it reaches the specified water level. The supply member is It has an outlet that opens downwards from which the cleaning water flows out, Above the aforementioned water storage tank, and positioned so as to overlap with the aforementioned water storage tank, It is fixed within the aforementioned storage compartment and does not move. The pair of electrode terminals are fixed to the portion of the supply member that overlaps the water tank whether the water reservoir is housed in the storage section or pulled out from the storage section. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

3. In the washing machine according to claim 2, The lower ends of the pair of electrode terminals are exposed downward from the supply member. The supply member is provided with a cover portion that covers each of its lower ends from the front. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

4. In the washing machine according to claim 2 or 3, The aforementioned water supply unit is It includes a water supply channel through which water flows toward the supply member, and a detergent tank for storing the detergent supplied into the water supply channel, The washing water is generated by mixing water and detergent in the water supply channel. The supply member is The inlet into which the aforementioned washing water flows, It includes a supply channel through which the cleaning water flows from the inlet toward the outlet, The diameter of the supply channel is narrowed near the inlet. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

5. In the washing machine according to claim 1, The water storage section in which the water storage tank is formed, The system further comprises a base portion to which the water storage portion is detachably attached, The pair of electrode terminals are fixed to the base portion. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

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