Ultrasonic cleaning equipment and washing machines

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic cleaning device which allows a user to comfortably perform washing of an object to be washed by reducing noise generated during washing.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic cleaning device 50 includes: a water storage part 200 which has a water storage tub 210 capable of storing water, and in which an object to be washed is immersed in water stored in the water storage tub 210; an ultrasonic generating body 110 which is positioned above the water storage tub 210, comes into contact with the water permeated in the object to be washed, and propagates ultrasonic waves to the water; and a sound shielding cover 400 which covers the water storage tub 210 from above in a state of having a gap G with a peripheral edge part 202 of the water storage tub 210 in the water storage part 200. At the sound shielding cover 400, a sound absorbing sheet 500 is mounted on the water storage tub 210 side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic cleaning device and a washing machine including the ultrasonic cleaning device.

Background Art

[0002] An ultrasonic cleaning device including an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves and a water storage tank located below the ultrasonic generator and storing water is described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In this ultrasonic cleaning device, a portion of the object to be cleaned to which dirt adheres is immersed in the water in the water storage tank. The tip of the ultrasonic generator contacts the dirt-adhering portion where water has penetrated. When ultrasonic waves are generated from the ultrasonic generator, the ultrasonic waves propagate through the water that has penetrated the dirt-adhering portion, and a phenomenon in which a large number of cavities are generated and disappear in a short time, that is, cavitation occurs. Due to the action of this cavitation, dirt is removed from the dirt-adhering portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above ultrasonic cleaning device, the sound generated in the water storage tank due to cavitation is likely to leak to the outside as noise. Therefore, there is a risk that the noise will be annoying and the user will not be able to comfortably clean the object to be cleaned using the ultrasonic cleaning device.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide an ultrasonic cleaning device and a washing machine that can reduce the noise generated during cleaning and enable the user to comfortably clean the object to be cleaned.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus. The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to this aspect includes a water reservoir in which water is stored, a water reservoir in which an object to be cleaned is immersed, an ultrasonic generator located above the water reservoir and in contact with the water that has permeated the object to be cleaned, transmitting ultrasonic waves to the water, and a sound-insulating cover that covers the water reservoir from above, with a gap between it and the peripheral edge of the water reservoir in the water reservoir. A sound-absorbing sheet is attached to the lower surface of the sound-insulating cover, which is the surface facing the water tank. A peripheral rib is formed along the outer edge of the sound-insulating cover, hanging down from the outer edge. The gap is provided between the peripheral rib and the peripheral edge of the water tank. The length of the peripheral rib from the lower surface of the sound-insulating cover is greater than the thickness of the sound-absorbing sheet.

[0008] According to the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus of this embodiment, the noise generated in the water tank when the ultrasonic generator is operating can be blocked by the sound-insulating cover. This reduces the noise emitted to the outside of the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the noise emitted outside the ultrasonic cleaning device can be further reduced.

[0011] In the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to this embodiment, a configuration may be adopted that further includes a housing in which the ultrasonic generator is housed. In this case, the sound-insulating cover may be configured to include a cap portion that is placed over the housing from above, and a flange portion that protrudes outward from the lower end of the cap portion.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the soundproofing cover can be held above the water tank using the housing.

[0013] In the above configuration, the sound-absorbing sheet can be attached to at least the underside of the flange portion, which is the side facing the water tank. Furthermore, if the sound-absorbing sheet is also attached to the inner surface of the cap portion, which is the side facing the water tank, the sound-absorbing effect will be enhanced.

[0014] In the above configuration, the ultrasonic generator may further include a vibrating horn, the tip of which protrudes downward from the housing. In this case, a first marker portion indicating the front, rear, left, and right positions of the tip of the vibrating horn may be provided on the top surface of the cap portion, directly above the tip of the vibrating horn.

[0015] With this configuration, users can confirm the position of the tip of the vibrating horn during the ultrasonic cleaning operation, making it easier to move the desired part of the laundry to that tip.

[0016] In the above configuration, a second marking portion indicating the front and rear position of the tip surface may be provided on both the left and right sides of the cap portion on the upper surface of the flange portion.

[0017] With this configuration, the user can confirm the position of the tip surface of the vibrating horn not only by the first marker but also by the second marker, making it easier to move the desired part of the laundry to that tip surface.

[0018] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a washing machine equipped with an ultrasonic cleaning device. In the washing machine according to this aspect, the ultrasonic cleaning device includes a water reservoir in which water is stored, a water reservoir in which an object to be cleaned is immersed, an ultrasonic generator located above the water reservoir and in contact with the water that has permeated the object to be cleaned, transmitting ultrasonic waves to the water, and a sound-insulating cover that covers the water reservoir from above, with a gap between it and the peripheral edge of the water reservoir in the water reservoir. A sound-absorbing sheet is attached to the lower surface of the sound-insulating cover, which is the surface facing the water tank. A peripheral rib is formed along the outer edge of the sound-insulating cover, hanging down from the outer edge. The gap is provided between the peripheral rib and the peripheral edge of the water tank. The length of the peripheral rib from the lower surface of the sound-insulating cover is greater than the thickness of the sound-absorbing sheet.

[0019] The washing machine according to this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, by reducing the noise generated during cleaning, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic cleaning device and a washing machine that enable users to clean objects comfortably.

[0021] The effects or significance of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of the embodiments. However, the following embodiments are merely an example when implementing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to those described in the following embodiments at all.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view of an ultrasonic cleaning device and an upper panel when the ultrasonic cleaning device is pulled out from the storage part according to an embodiment. FIG. 2(b) is a perspective view of the main part of the ultrasonic cleaning device and the upper panel when the ultrasonic cleaning device is stored in the storage part according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic cleaning device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic cleaning part, a water storage part, and a main body part in a state where the water storage part is detached from the main body part according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic cleaning part and a main body part according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIGS. 6(a) and (b) are perspective views of a sound insulation cover as seen from the front upper side and the rear upper side respectively according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIGS. 7(a) and (b) are bottom views and side cross-sectional views of a sound insulation cover respectively according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic cleaning device cut at the position of an ultrasonic generator according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9(a) is a bottom view of an ultrasonic cleaning device in a state where the water storage part is detached according to an embodiment, and FIG. 9(b) is a plan view of the front part of the ultrasonic cleaning device according to an embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fully automatic washing machine 1.

[0025] 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 controls the washing operation by the fully automatic washing machine 1 and the cleaning operation by the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

[0026] 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. A washing and dewatering tub 22 with an open top is placed inside the outer tub 20. The washing and dewatering tub 22 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] An ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is positioned near the center of the rear of the top panel 12. The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 primarily performs a cleaning operation to remove dirt partially attached to the object to be cleaned, prior to washing in the fully automatic washing machine 1.

[0031] A storage tank 60 is positioned behind the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 at the rear of the top plate 12, and a drain receiving section 70 is positioned below the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The storage tank 60 can store water containing detergent supplied to the water tank 210 of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 as cleaning water. The storage tank 60 is provided with a supply valve 61 that opens and closes the outlet for the cleaning water from inside the tank.

[0032] The drain receiving section 70 receives water discharged from the water storage tank 210. The drain receiving section 70 has a discharge hole 71 through which the received water is discharged. One end of the drain pipe 72 is connected to the discharge hole 71. The other end of the drain pipe 72 is connected to the upper part of the overflow pipe 26. The water received by the drain receiving section 70 is discharged into the drain hose 41 through the drain pipe 72 and the overflow pipe 26.

[0033] A water supply device 80 is positioned at the rear of the top panel 12, surrounding the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. The water supply device 80 is connected to a water tap and has the function of supplying water to the washing and drying tub 22. The water supply device 80 also functions as an automatic dispenser that automatically dispenses liquid detergent and fabric softener into the washing and drying tub 22. Furthermore, the water supply device 80 also has the function of supplying cleaning water to the storage tank 60.

[0034] Figure 2(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 unit 17. Figure 2(b) is a perspective view 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 unit 17. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. In Figure 2(a), for convenience, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is shown before the sound insulation cover 400 is attached to the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100.

[0035] 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.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2(a), when a cleaning operation is performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled forward from the storage compartment 17 and protrudes inward from the input opening 14 of the top plate 12. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2(b), when a cleaning operation is not performed, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage compartment 17. The entrance 18 of the storage compartment 17 is closed by the cover 19.

[0037] The ultrasonic cleaning device 50 comprises an ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, a water storage unit 200, a main body unit 300, and a sound-insulating cover 400. The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 has an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves. The water storage unit 200 is provided with a water storage tank 210 located below the ultrasonic generator, in which cleaning water is stored. Cleaning water is supplied to the water storage tank 210 from a supply nozzle (not shown) connected to a supply valve 61 of a storage tank 60. The sound-insulating cover 400 covers the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water storage tank 210 from above, in a position in front of the main body unit 300.

[0038] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100, the water reservoir 200, and the main body 300 with the water reservoir 200 detached from the main body 300. Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the main body 300.

[0039] The ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 is held in the main body 300. The water reservoir 200 is detachably attached to the main body 300.

[0040] 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. The housing 120 is long in the front-to-back direction and has an arm shape such that its tip 121 bends downward. The rear part 122 of the housing 120 is fixed to the upper part of the main body 300.

[0041] The ultrasonic generator 110 is positioned at the front of the housing 120. The ultrasonic generator 110 is attached to a predetermined position inside the housing 120 using the mounting portion 130.

[0042] The tip of the vibration horn 112 protrudes downward from an opening 123 provided at the tip of the housing 120. The tip surface 112a of the vibration horn 112 has a roughly rectangular shape that is elongated in the front-to-back direction.

[0043] The water reservoir 200 is slightly elongated in the front-to-back direction and flattened in the vertical direction, with the left side protruding further back than the right side. A handle 201 is formed on the front surface of the water reservoir 200.

[0044] A water tank 210 is formed on the upper surface of the water storage section 200. The water tank 210 has a shape that follows the shape of the water storage section 200, that is, the left side protrudes further back than the right side. A drain port 211 is formed in the lower part of the rear surface of the left side of the water 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 part 231 of the valve movable member 230 protrudes further back than the water storage section 200. The valve movable member 230 is biased in the rearward direction to close the valve body 220 by a spring (not shown).

[0045] When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is pulled out from the storage section 17, the valve body 220 closes the drain port 211. When the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is stored in the storage section 17, the valve movable member 230 comes into contact with the rear wall of the drain receiving section 70 and moves forward. As a result, the valve body 220 moves forward and the drain port 211 is opened. When the drain port 211 is opened, the cleaning water in the water tank 210 is discharged into the drain receiving section 70.

[0046] The main body 300 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. Rail sections 301 extending forward are provided at the lower left and right ends of the main body 300. In addition, the main body 300 has an opening 302 on the left side through which the rear part of the water reservoir 200, i.e., the left protruding section 200a, passes.

[0047] Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are perspective views of the sound insulation cover 400 from the front and upper, and from the rear and upper, respectively. Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are bottom and side cross-sectional views of the sound insulation cover 400, respectively. For convenience, the sound absorbing sheet 500 in Figure 7(a) is hatched.

[0048] The sound-insulating cover 400 is made of a resin material such as polypropylene and includes a cap portion 410 and a flange portion 420.

[0049] The cap portion 410 has openings at its bottom and rear. The upper part 410a of the cap portion 410 has a planar shape that is approximately equal to the planar shape of the housing 120 of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100. The lower part 410b of the cap portion 410 has a planar shape that is approximately semi-elliptical, and its dimensions in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions are slightly larger than those of the upper part 410a in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

[0050] A first marker portion 411 is provided on the front side of the top surface of the cap portion 410. The first marker portion 411 indicates the front-rear and left-right position of the tip surface 112a of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110. The first marker portion 411 is an elongated rib in the front-rear direction and is formed in a shape that mimics the tip surface 112a of the vibration horn 112, with its dimensions in the front-rear and left-right directions being close to those of the tip surface 112a.

[0051] The flange portion 420 protrudes outward from the lower end of the cap portion 410 and has a substantially U-shape in plan view. A substantially U-shaped peripheral rib 421 is formed on the outer periphery of the flange portion 420, hanging down from the outer periphery.

[0052] The flange portion 420 is provided with second marker portions 422 on both the left and right sides, flanking the cap portion 410. The second marker portions 422 indicate the front-rear position of the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112. The second marker portions 422 are composed of a plurality of elongated ribs 422a that extend in the left-right direction and are aligned in the front-rear direction. The second marker portions 422 are located at the same position as the first marker portion 411 in the front-rear direction, and their front-rear dimensions are close to the front-rear dimensions of the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112.

[0053] The sound insulation cover 400 is provided with two roughly rectangular first reinforcing ribs 431 and two roughly right-angle trapezoidal second reinforcing ribs 432 on the left and right sides of its rear end.

[0054] Each first reinforcing rib 431 spans the lower part 410b of the cap portion 410 and the flange portion 420. Both surfaces of each first reinforcing rib 431 face in the front-to-back direction.

[0055] Each second reinforcing rib 432 spans both the first reinforcing rib 431 and the flange portion 420. Both surfaces of each second reinforcing rib 432 face left to right and intersect with each first reinforcing rib 431 in a T-shape.

[0056] The sound-insulating cover 400 is fitted with sound-absorbing sheets 500 over almost the entire inner surface of the lower part 410b of the cap portion 410 and over almost the entire lower surface of the flange portion 420. The sound-absorbing sheets 500 are made of a sound-absorbing material such as foamed urethane. The lower surface of the flange portion 420 and the inner surface of the lower part 410b of the cap portion 410 are the surfaces of the sound-insulating cover 400 that face the water tank 210.

[0057] Figure 8 is a front cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 cut at the position of the ultrasonic generator 110. Figure 9(a) is a bottom view of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 with the water reservoir 200 detached, and Figure 9(b) is a top view of the front of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50. In Figure 8, the water level in the water reservoir 210 is indicated by a dashed line. Furthermore, in Figure 9(b), the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112 and the water reservoir 210 are indicated by a dashed line.

[0058] The water reservoir 200 is attached to the main body 300 from the front. Insertion sections 203 are provided on the right and left ends of the back side of the water reservoir 200, and the left and right rail sections 301 of the main body 300 are inserted into these insertion sections 203, thereby guiding the water reservoir 200 to the rail sections 301. The protruding portion 200a of the water reservoir 200 passes through the opening 302 of the main body 300.

[0059] With the water reservoir 200 attached to the main body 300, the tip of the vibration horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 is inserted into the water reservoir 210, and the position of the tip surface 112a of the vibration horn 112 is lower than the position of the top surface of the water reservoir 210. Furthermore, the position of the tip surface 112a of the vibration horn 112 is lower than the water level in the water reservoir 210, and the tip of the vibration horn 112 is in contact with the water in the water reservoir 210.

[0060] The cap portion 410 of the soundproof cover 400 is placed over the housing 120 of the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 from above. As a result, the soundproof cover 400 covers the ultrasonic cleaning unit 100 and the water tank 210 from above. The entire area of ​​the water tank 210 that is exposed to the outside of the fully automatic washing machine 1, in front of the front of the main body 300, is covered by the soundproof cover 400. The rear end of the soundproof cover 400, i.e., the portions of the two first reinforcing ribs 431, contacts the front of the main body 300.

[0061] As shown in Figure 9(a), the inner surface of the upper part 410a of the cap portion 410 fits onto the outer surface of the housing 120. This allows the sound insulation cover 400 to be detachably fixed to the housing 120 and held above the water tank 210.

[0062] Here, the cap portion 410 has a larger internal space in the lower part 410b than in the upper part 410a, creating a step at the boundary between the upper part 410a and the lower part 410b. Therefore, when attaching the sound-absorbing sheet 500 to the inner surface of the lower part 410b, the sound-absorbing sheet 500 does not accidentally overlap with the inner surface of the upper part 410a, and the sound-absorbing sheet 500 does not hinder the fitting of the cap portion 410 and the housing 120. In addition, because the internal space of the lower part 410b is larger than the internal space of the upper part 410a, the work of attaching the sound-absorbing sheet 500 to the inner surface of the lower part 410b can be easily performed.

[0063] As shown in Figure 8, a predetermined gap G is provided in the vertical direction between the peripheral rib 421 of the sound-insulating cover 400, i.e., the flange portion 420, and the peripheral portion 202 of the water tank 210 in the water storage portion 200. The size of the gap G is set so that a thick towel or clothing can pass through it sufficiently, but so that sound leakage is minimized. For example, the gap G is set to about 5 to 10 mm, specifically 8 mm.

[0064] Here, the length of the peripheral rib 421 from the lower surface of the flange portion 420 is greater than the thickness of the sound-absorbing sheet 500 attached to the lower surface of the flange portion 420. As a result, the gap G between the peripheral rib 421 and the peripheral portion 202 can be made smaller while considering sound insulation, and the space formed between the sound-insulating cover 400 and the water tank 210 can be made wider, allowing laundry to move more easily within this space during the washing operation. Furthermore, since the sound-absorbing sheet 500 is protected by the peripheral rib 421, laundry inserted through the gap G is less likely to come into contact with the sound-absorbing sheet 500, preventing damage, peeling, etc. to the sound-absorbing sheet 500.

[0065] As shown in Figure 9(b), the first marker portion 411 of the sound insulation cover 400 is located directly above the front end surface 112a of the vibration horn 112. That is, the front-to-back, left-to-right positions of the first marker portion 411 coincide with the front-to-back, left-to-right positions of the front end surface 112a of the vibration horn 112. When viewed from above, the shape of the first marker portion 411 and the shape of the front end surface 112a of the vibration horn 112 perfectly overlap. Furthermore, the front-to-back positions of the second marker portions 422 on both the left and right sides of the sound insulation cover 400 coincide with the front-to-back positions of the front end surface 112a of the vibration horn 112.

[0066] Now, the fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform various washing cycles. In a washing cycle, the washing, intermediate spin-drying, rinsing, and final spin-drying cycles are executed in order. Depending on the washing cycle, the intermediate spin-drying and rinsing cycles may be performed twice.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] Furthermore, the fully automatic washing machine 1 can perform a cleaning operation using the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

[0070] When the washing operation is started, washing water is supplied from the storage tank 60 to the water tank 210, and the washing water is accumulated in the water tank 210 up to a predetermined level. The user inserts the soiled portion of the laundry through the gap G between the peripheral rib 421 of the sound insulation cover 400 and the peripheral portion 202 of the water tank 210, and sets the soiled portion between the water tank 210 and the ultrasonic generator 110. The soiled portion is immersed in the washing water accumulated in the water tank 210. The tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110 comes into contact with the washing water that has penetrated the soiled portion.

[0071] Subsequently, when the ultrasonic generator 110 is activated, ultrasonic waves are emitted from the tip of the vibrating horn 112. The ultrasonic waves propagate through the water that has penetrated the dirt-covered area, causing a phenomenon called cavitation, in which numerous cavities are created and disappear in a short period of time. This cavitation action causes the dirt to detach from the dirt-covered area. At this time, the force of the detergent is applied, increasing the cleaning power.

[0072] When cavitation occurs in the cleaning water due to ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic generator 110, noise caused by this cavitation is generated inside the water storage tank 210. The generated noise propagates upward through the opening of the water storage tank 210.

[0073] In this embodiment, the top of the water storage tank 210 is covered by a sound-insulating cover 400. Noise that propagates upward is absorbed by a sound-absorbing sheet 500 provided on the sound-insulating cover 400. Furthermore, the sound-insulating cover 400 itself blocks the propagation of noise. As a result, the noise emitted from the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 to the outside is reduced.

[0074] Furthermore, in the sound insulation cover 400, the sound-absorbing sheet 500 is not only attached to the underside of the flange portion 420 facing the water storage tank 210, but also to the inner surface of the lower part 410b of the cap portion 410. This enhances the sound absorption effect and makes it easier to reduce noise.

[0075] If there is a delay in setting the laundry in the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 after water has been supplied to the water tank 210, the ultrasonic generator 110 may operate even when there is no laundry in the water tank 210. In this case as well, cavitation occurs and noise is generated because the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112 is in contact with the stored water in the water tank 210. This noise can also be reduced by the sound-insulating cover 400.

[0076] During the washing operation, the user grasps the left and right sides of the laundry that are outside the water tank 210 with both hands and moves the laundry back and forth and left and right to change the part that comes into contact with the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112. At this time, the user can confirm the front, back, left and right position of the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112, which is hidden by the sound insulation cover 400, using the first marker portion 411. In particular, since the first marker portion 411 is similar in shape and size to the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112, the user can easily grasp the position of the tip surface 112a accurately. In this way, the user can easily move the desired part of the laundry to the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112.

[0077] Furthermore, even when the user is looking at their hands as they grasp the laundry, the second marker 422 located near their hands allows them to confirm the front-to-back position of the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112. This makes it even easier for the user to move the desired portion of the laundry to the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112.

[0078] After a predetermined operating time has elapsed since the ultrasonic generator 110 started operating, the ultrasonic generator 110 stops. This completes the cleaning operation.

[0079] <Effects of the Embodiment> As described above, according to this embodiment, the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 is equipped with a sound-insulating cover 400 that covers the water tank 210 from above, with a gap G in the vertical direction between the cover 400 and the peripheral edge 202 of the water tank 210 in the water storage section 200. As a result, the sound-insulating cover 400 can insulate the noise caused by cavitation that is generated in the water tank 210 when the ultrasonic generator 110 is in operation. Therefore, the noise emitted to the outside of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50 can be reduced, allowing the user to clean the objects to be cleaned comfortably.

[0080] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since a sound-absorbing sheet 500 is attached to the side of the sound-insulating cover 400 facing the water tank 210, noise generated inside the water tank 210 can be absorbed by the sound-absorbing sheet 500. This further reduces the noise emitted outside the ultrasonic cleaning device 50.

[0081] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the sound-insulating cover 400 is configured to include a cap portion 410 that is placed over the housing 120 in which the ultrasonic generator 110 is housed from above, and a flange portion 420 that protrudes outward from the lower end of the cap portion 410. This allows the sound-insulating cover 400 to be held above the water tank 210 using the housing 120.

[0082] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a first marker portion 411 is provided on the top surface of the cap portion 410, directly above the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112 of the ultrasonic generator 110, indicating the front, back, left, and right positions of the tip surface 112a. This allows the user to confirm the front, back, left, and right positions of the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112 during the cleaning operation of the ultrasonic cleaning device 50, making it easier to move the desired part of the laundry to the tip surface 112a.

[0083] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the upper surface of the flange portion 420 is provided with second marker portions 422 on both the left and right sides of the cap portion 410, indicating the front and rear positions of the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112. As a result, even when the user is looking at their hands holding the laundry, they can confirm the front and rear positions of the tip surface 112a of the vibrating horn 112 by the second marker portions 422 located near their hands, making it easier to move the desired portion of the laundry towards the tip surface 112a.

[0084] 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.

[0085] For example, in the above embodiment, the first marker portion 411 provided on the top surface of the cap portion 410 is made up of an elongated rib. However, the configuration of the first marker portion 411 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the first marker portion 411 may be made by recessing the top surface of the cap portion 410 into an elongated shape. Similarly, the second marker portion 422 provided on the flange portion 420 may not be made up of multiple elongated ribs arranged in the front-to-back direction as in the above embodiment, but for example, it may be made up of multiple elongated grooves, or it may be made up of a single rib or groove extending in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the sound insulation cover 400 may be configured such that at least the second marker portion 422 is not provided.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sound-absorbing sheet 500 was attached to the inner surface of the cap portion 410 and the lower surface of the flange portion 420 of the sound-insulating cover 400, but it may also be attached only to the lower surface of the flange portion 420. Moreover, if the sound-insulating cover 400 is made of a material with excellent sound insulation properties, and sufficient sound insulation can be achieved with the sound-insulating cover 400 alone, then the sound-absorbing sheet 500 may not be provided on the sound-insulating cover 400.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sound insulation cover 400 is attached to the housing 120 in a manner that allows it to be detached, that is, removed without the use of tools, by fitting the inner surface of the cap portion 410 to the outer surface of the housing 120. However, if the sound insulation cover 400 cannot be sufficiently held by the above fitting alone, other detachable structures, such as a snap-fit ​​structure, may be added.

[0088] Furthermore, the sound insulation cover 400 does not have to be detachable; for example, it may be fixed to the housing 120 or the main body 300 with screws or adhesive.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sound insulation cover 400 is configured to include a cap portion 410 and a flange portion 420. However, the configuration of the sound insulation cover 400 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the sound insulation cover 400 may be formed in a U-shaped plate shape, such as the flange portion 420, and attached to the outer surface of the housing 120, surrounding the housing 120 and covering the water storage tank 210.

[0090] Furthermore, the sound insulation cover 400 may be formed from a transparent material such as acrylic resin, rather than an opaque material as in the above embodiment. In this case, it becomes easier to confirm the position of the tip surface 112a of the vibration horn 112 from outside the sound insulation cover 400.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, washing water, which is water containing detergent, is stored in the water storage tank 210. However, water without detergent may also be stored in the water storage tank 210.

[0092] Furthermore, the above embodiment shows a fully automatic washing machine 1. However, the present invention can also be applied to washing machines other than the fully automatic washing machine 1, for example, drum-type washing machines having a horizontal drum. The present invention can also be applied to fully automatic washer-dryers and drum-type washer-dryers that have a drying function.

[0093] 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]

[0094] 1. Fully automatic washing machine (washing machine) 50 Ultrasonic cleaning equipment 110 Ultrasonic generator 112 Vibration Horn 112a Tip surface 120 Housing 200 Water storage section 210 Water storage tanks 400 Soundproof Cover 410 Cap section 411 First landmark section 420 Flange section 422 Second landmark section 500 Sound-absorbing sheets

Claims

1. It has a water storage tank in which water can be stored, and a water storage section in which the object to be cleaned is immersed in the water stored in the water storage tank, An ultrasonic generator located above the water storage tank, which comes into contact with the water that has permeated the object to be cleaned and propagates ultrasonic waves through the water, The water storage tank is provided with a sound-insulating cover that covers the water storage tank from above, with a gap between the cover and the peripheral edge of the water storage tank in the water storage section. The sound-insulating cover has a sound-absorbing sheet attached to its lower surface, which is the side facing the water tank. The outer edge of the sound-insulating cover has a peripheral rib formed along the outer edge so as to hang down from the outer edge. The gap is provided between the peripheral rib and the peripheral edge of the water tank. The length of the peripheral rib from the lower surface of the sound insulation cover is greater than the thickness of the sound-absorbing sheet. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. In the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, The housing further comprises the aforementioned ultrasonic generator, The aforementioned soundproof cover is A cap portion is placed over the housing from above, Including a flange portion that protrudes around the lower end of the cap portion, An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus characterized by the following features.

3. In the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, The ultrasonic generator includes a vibrating horn, The tip of the vibration horn protrudes downward from the housing, A first marker is provided on the top surface of the cap portion, directly above the tip surface of the vibration horn, indicating the front, rear, left, and right positions of the tip surface. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus characterized by the following features.

4. In the ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to claim 3, On the upper surface of the flange portion, second markings indicating the front and rear positions of the tip surface are provided on both the left and right sides of the cap portion. An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus characterized by the following features.

5. A washing machine equipped with an ultrasonic cleaning device, The ultrasonic cleaning apparatus is It has a water storage tank in which water can be stored, and a water storage section in which the object to be cleaned is immersed in the water stored in the water storage tank, An ultrasonic generator located above the water storage tank, which comes into contact with the water that has permeated the object to be cleaned and propagates ultrasonic waves through the water, The water storage tank is provided with a sound-insulating cover that covers the water storage tank from above, with a gap between the cover and the peripheral edge of the water storage tank in the water storage section. The sound-insulating cover has a sound-absorbing sheet attached to its lower surface, which is the side facing the water tank. The outer edge of the sound-insulating cover has a peripheral rib formed along the outer edge so as to hang down from the outer edge. The gap is provided between the peripheral rib and the peripheral edge of the water tank. The length of the peripheral rib from the lower surface of the sound insulation cover is greater than the thickness of the sound-absorbing sheet. A washing machine characterized by the following features.

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