washing machine
The washing machine integrates a pressurized dissolution tank and microbubble generator efficiently, addressing space constraints and assembly complexity, achieving enhanced cleaning through microbubble water generation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MIDEA GROUP CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Conventional washing machines face challenges in compactly storing a pressure dissolution tank and simplifying the assembly of components, particularly in the limited space available.
The washing machine design includes a pressurized dissolution tank positioned adjacent to a water supply case, with a microbubble generator downstream, and a water supply valve mechanism that integrates these components efficiently, allowing for compact storage and simplified assembly.
This configuration enables effective generation and distribution of microbubble water, enhancing cleaning efficiency by generating a high volume of microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles, while maintaining a stable and compact structure.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to washing machines.
Background Art
[0002] In recent years, techniques for improving the cleaning effect by using fine bubble water containing fine bubbles such as microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles, called fine bubbles, in washing machines have attracted attention. In the conventional configuration, a technique for improving the cleaning effect by using fine bubble water generated through a pressure dissolution device that dissolves an air component in water from an external water supply source and a fine bubble generator provided on the downstream side of the pressure dissolution device is disclosed.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, in the conventional configuration, consideration has not been given to compactly storing the pressure dissolution tank in the limited space inside the washing machine. Therefore, in the conventional configuration, there is room for improvement in compactly storing the pressure dissolution tank inside the washing machine. In addition, the structure for connecting the pressure dissolution tank and other devices or the like desirably reduces the number of parts and simplifies the assembly.
[0005] Therefore, a washing machine is provided that can compactly store the pressure dissolution tank while simplifying the assembly.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] The washing machine of the embodiment includes a water tank, a water supply case that receives water supplied from an external water source and pours it into the water tank, a pressurized dissolution tank provided adjacent to the water supply case and pressurized by the pressure of the water supplied from the external water source, dissolving air components in the water and discharging it, a microbubble generator provided downstream of the pressurized dissolution tank and depositing microbubbles in the water flowing out of the pressurized dissolution tank, a first water supply valve that opens and closes a first water supply path that passes through the pressurized dissolution tank and the microbubble generator to the water tank via the water supply case, and the pressurized dissolution tank and the The pressurized dissolution tank has a tank-side inlet through which water flows in from the outside to the inside of the pressurized dissolution tank, and the water supply case has a case-side inlet through which water flows in from the outside to the inside of the water supply case, and the tank-side inlet is located on the same side as the case-side inlet with respect to the pressurized dissolution mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view showing an example of a vertical washing machine according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a top-loading washing machine according to one embodiment, with the back cover removed. [Figure 3] A schematic plan view showing an example of a top-loading washing machine according to one embodiment, with the back cover removed. [Figure 4] A schematic perspective view showing an example of a water supply system according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] A rear view of an example of a water supply device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] A view from above of an example of a water supply system according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of a water supply route from an external water source according to one embodiment. [Figure 8]A perspective view showing an example of a water supply system according to one embodiment, with the pressurized dissolution tank removed. [Figure 9] A perspective view showing an example of a water supply device according to one embodiment, in which the pressurized dissolution tank is housed in the recess of the water supply case. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional view of an example of a pressurized dissolution tank according to one embodiment, shown along the line X10-X10 in Figure 6. [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view of an example of a pressurized dissolution tank according to one embodiment, shown along the line X11-X11 in Figure 6. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an enlarged view of the X12 portion of Figure 11, illustrating a microbubble generator according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] A cross-sectional view of an example of a microbubble generator according to one embodiment, further enlarged along the line X13-X13 in Figure 12. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0008] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the terms "first," "second," etc., attached to the components are simply for distinguishing similar components and do not imply any superiority or inferiority between components or any temporal elements.
[0009] The washing machine 10 shown in Figure 1 is a so-called top-loading washing machine in which the rotation axis of the rotating drum 13 is oriented vertically. The washing machine is not limited to a top-loading washing machine; it may also be a drum-type washing machine with a horizontal rotation axis of the rotating drum or a diagonal rotation axis that slopes downward toward the rear. The washing machine 10 may or may not have a drying function. The washing machine 10 may also be equipped with an automatic detergent dispenser that can automatically dispense detergent, fabric softener, and other laundry treatment agents. The automatic detergent dispenser has a detergent tank capable of storing an amount of laundry treatment agent used for multiple wash cycles, and is a device that can automatically dispense a predetermined amount of laundry treatment agent from the detergent tank into the water tank for each wash cycle.
[0010] The washing machine 10 comprises a casing 11, a water tank 12, a rotating drum 13, a top cover 14, a back cover 15, a lid 16, an operation panel 17, and a water supply device 20. In Figure 1, the side of the washing machine 10 facing the installation surface, i.e., the vertically downward side, is considered the bottom of the washing machine 10, and the side opposite the installation surface, i.e., the vertically upward side, is considered the top of the washing machine 10. Furthermore, the side of the washing machine 10 that is in front of the user, i.e., the left side of the paper in Figure 1, is considered the front of the washing machine 10, and the side opposite the user, i.e., the right side of the paper in Figure 1, is considered the rear of the washing machine 10. The direction perpendicular to the vertical and front-to-back directions of the washing machine 10 is considered the left-to-right direction of the washing machine 10.
[0011] The casing 11 constitutes the outer shell of the washing machine 10. The casing 11 is formed in a roughly rectangular box shape from, for example, a steel plate. Both the water tank 12 and the rotating drum 13 are formed in a so-called bottomed cylindrical shape, with one side in the axial direction, i.e., the upper side, open and the other side, i.e., the lower side, having a bottom. The water tank 12 is elastically supported by a suspension (not shown) located inside the casing 11. The rotating drum 13 is rotatably located inside the water tank 12 and is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown). The motor is located on the outside of the bottom of the water tank 12 and has the function of rotating the rotating drum 13 relative to the water tank 12.
[0012] The top cover 14 is made of synthetic resin, for example, and is formed in a thin, rectangular, annular shape with its upper surface sloping downward toward the front. The top cover 14 is not limited to being sloping downward toward the front of the washing machine 10, but may also be configured to be horizontal to the floor. The top cover 14 is provided on the upper part of the housing 11 and has an opening (not shown) in the center. The opening connects the inside and outside of the washing machine 10. Laundry is put in and taken out of the washing machine 10 through the opening. The back cover 15 is provided on the rear end and part of the upper part of the top cover 14. The back cover 15 is configured in a roughly rectangular box shape, for example, extending in the left-right direction of the washing machine 10.
[0013] The lid 16 is rotatably provided above the top cover 14. The lid 16 has a function of opening and closing the opening of the top cover 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the lid 16 slopes downward toward the user side, that is, forward, in the state of closing the opening. The lid 16 is not limited to being sloped downward toward the front of the washing machine 10, and may be provided to be horizontal with respect to the floor surface. The lid 16 is configured in a so-called two-fold type that bends in the middle part in the front-rear direction of the lid 16. The lid 16 is not limited to the two-fold type, and can be constituted by one lid body configured as a substantially rectangular plate as a whole.
[0014] The operation panel 17 is provided with a display part and an operation part (not shown), receives an input operation etc. for the user to set a washing operation course, and displays the input operation content, operation status, etc. The operation panel 17 is provided, for example, at the front side part of the upper surface of the housing 11. Further, the washing machine 10 is provided with a drainage mechanism (not shown). The drainage mechanism has a function of discharging the water stored in the water tank 12 to the outside of the washing machine 10.
[0015] The water supply device 20 has a function of supplying water from an external water source such as a water supply to the water tank 12. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the water supply device 20 is housed inside the back cover 15. The water supply device 20 has a water injection case 21, treatment agent cases 221 and 222, a water supply valve mechanism 23, a pressurized dissolution tank 30, and a fine bubble generator 40. The water injection case 21 is provided on the downstream side of the water supply valve mechanism 23. The water injection case 21 has a function of receiving the water supplied from an external water supply source and supplying the water into the water tank 12 via a water injection hose (not shown). The water injection case 21 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and can be formed in a long box shape along the front-rear direction of the washing machine 10. The water injection case 21 is located, for example, near the center in the left-right direction of the washing machine 10 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0016] The treatment agent cases 221 and 222 are constituted by containers made of, for example, synthetic resin, and are configured to be able to accommodate an amount of laundry treatment agent used for one laundry operation inside. The treatment agent cases 221 and 222 are detachably accommodated in the water injection case 21. The treatment agent cases 221 and 222 can be configured in a pull-out type that can be inserted and removed in the front-rear direction with respect to the water injection case 21, for example. The treatment agent case 221 and the treatment agent case 222 are arranged side by side in the water injection case 21, for example, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0017] The washing machine 10 includes, as the treatment agent cases 221 and 222, for example, a detergent case 221 and a finishing agent case 222. The detergent case 221 is for receiving an input of an amount of detergent used for one operation from the user and supplying the detergent into the water tank 12. On the other hand, the finishing agent case 222 is for receiving an input of an amount of finishing agent used for one operation from the user and supplying the finishing agent into the water tank 12.
[0018] The treatment agent cases 221 and 222 can be configured to receive water supplied from an external water source. And, although not shown in detail, holes connecting to the bottom side of the water injection case 21 are formed at the bottoms of the treatment agent cases 221 and 222. When water flows into the treatment agent cases 221 and 222 in a state where the laundry treatment agent is stored in the treatment agent cases 221 and 222, the laundry treatment agent stored in the treatment agent cases 221 and 222 is poured down to the bottom side of the water injection case 21 through the holes. Then, the mixed water of the laundry treatment agent and water flows along the bottom of the water injection case 21 and is then supplied into the water tank 12.
[0019] The water supply valve mechanism 23 is connected to an external water source such as a faucet of a water supply not shown. The water supply valve mechanism 23 is constituted by, for example, an on-off valve for liquid that can be opened and closed electromagnetically, and is driven and controlled by a control device not shown. The water supply valve mechanism 23 is provided on the upstream side of the water injection case 21. The water supply valve mechanism 23 is provided side by side in the left-right direction with the water injection case 21 and the pressure dissolution tank 30, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like. The water supply valve mechanism 23 has a function of individually opening and closing a plurality of water supply paths leading into the water tank 12 through the water supply device 20.
[0020] As shown in Figure 4, the water supply valve mechanism 23 has, for example, a plurality of water supply valves 231, 232, and 233. The plurality of water supply valves 231, 232, and 233 can be configured as an integrated water supply valve unit 24 by fixing their discharge ports in the same direction to a common base (not shown). In the following description, of the three water supply valves 231, 232, and 233, water supply valve 231 may be referred to as the first water supply valve 231, water supply valve 232 as the second water supply valve 232, and water supply valve 233 as the third water supply valve 233.
[0021] At least some of the multiple water supply valves 231, 232, and 233 are arranged in a vertical direction. Below the first water supply valve 231, the second water supply valve 232 or the third water supply valve 233 is positioned. In this embodiment, the second water supply valve 232 is positioned below the first water supply valve 231. The discharge port 231a of the first water supply valve 231 is located above the discharge port 232a of the second water supply valve 232. The third water supply valve 233 is positioned in front of the first water supply valve 231 and the second water supply valve 232. The water supply valve mechanism 23 may include four or more water supply valves, and multiple water supply valves may be positioned below the first water supply valve 231.
[0022] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the discharge port 231a of the first water supply valve 231 is directly connected to the pressurized dissolution tank 30. Direct connection means that no other components are interposed between the components that are connected to each other. The discharge port 232a of the second water supply valve 232 and the discharge port 233a of the third water supply valve 233 are directly connected to the water injection case 21. The water injection case 21 is provided with case-side inlets 211 at positions corresponding to the discharge ports 232a of the second water supply valve 232 and 233a of the third water supply valve 233. Each case-side inlet 211 is provided on the side of the water injection case 21 that faces the water supply valve mechanism 23. Water flowing into the water injection case 21 from the outside passes through the case-side inlets 211. Water supplied to the second water supply valve 232 or the third water supply valve 233 from an external water source flows into the water injection case 21 from the case-side inlets 211. Furthermore, one or both of the second water supply valve 232 and the third water supply valve 233 can be fixed to the water supply case 21 by fastening members such as screws or bolts (not shown).
[0023] As shown in Figure 7, the washing machine 10 can be configured to include, for example, a first water supply path R1, a second water supply path R2, and a third water supply path R3. Each of the water supply paths R1, R2, and R3 flows from the water supply valve mechanism 23 into the water filling case 21 via a different path, and then passes through the water filling case 21 to reach the water tank 12. In other words, each of the water supply paths R1, R2, and R3 is indirectly connected to the water tank 12 via the water filling case 21. The first water supply valve 231, the second water supply valve 232, and the third water supply valve 233 open and close the first water supply path R1, the second water supply path R2, and the third water supply path R3, respectively.
[0024] The first water supply route R1 is a route from the first water supply valve 231 through the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the microbubble generator 40 to the water tank 12 via the water injection case 21. In other words, the first water supply valve 231 is located in the middle of the water supply route that supplies water from an external water source to the water tank 12 through the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the microbubble generator 40. The first water supply route R1 has the function of supplying microbubbled water, which is water supplied from an external water source with microbubbles added, to the water tank 12.
[0025] The second water supply route R2 and the third water supply route R3 are routes that reach the water tank 12 via the water injection case 21 without passing through the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the microbubble generator 40. The second water supply route R2 is a route that goes from the second water supply valve 232 to the water tank 12 via either the detergent case 221 or the finishing agent case 222 in the water injection case 21. The third water supply route R3 is a route that goes from the third water supply valve 233 to the water tank 12 via either the detergent case 221 or the finishing agent case 222 in the water injection case 21. In this embodiment, the second water supply route R2 is configured to pass through the finishing agent case 222 of the two detergent cases 221 and finishing agent cases 222. The third water supply route R3 is configured to pass through the detergent case 221 of the two detergent cases 221 and finishing agent cases 222.
[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the first water supply path R1 can be configured to reach the water tank 12 without passing through the treatment agent cases 221 and 222 within the water injection case 21. The microbubble water generated after passing through the microbubble generator 40 is supplied to a position within the water injection case 21 where water mixed with the laundry treatment agent that has fallen from the treatment agent cases 221 and 222 flows. The water mixed with the laundry treatment agent and the microbubble water then merge within the water injection case 21 and are subsequently supplied to the water tank 12. Alternatively, the first water supply path R1 may be configured to reach the water tank 12 by passing through the treatment agent cases 221 and 222 downstream of the microbubble generator 40. In this case, the microbubble water generated after passing through the microbubble generator 40 is supplied to the treatment agent cases 221 and 222 within the water injection case 21.
[0027] The pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the microbubble generator 40 have the function of generating microbubbles such as ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles in water supplied from an external water source, thereby producing microbubble water containing these microbubbles. The pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the microbubble generator 40 are located on the first water supply path R1 and downstream of the water supply valve 231. The pressurized dissolution tank 30 can be pressurized by the pressure of the water supplied from an external water source, and can dissolve air components in the water and discharge it.
[0028] The pressurized dissolution tank 30 is formed, for example, in a roughly inverted L-shape overall. As shown in Figure 10, the upstream bottom 301 of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 is located above the downstream bottom 302. The pressurized dissolution tank 30 has a space formed inside, which can temporarily store water supplied through the first water supply valve 231 along with air. The pressurized dissolution tank 30 can be made of, for example, a synthetic resin or metal container that is airtight and watertight and pressure resistant. Pressure resistant means that it can withstand a predetermined pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. The pressurized dissolution tank 30 may also be configured, for example, by combining multiple components so that a space is formed inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30.
[0029] The pressurized dissolution tank 30 is located, for example, on the rear side of the water filling case 21, near the center of the washing machine 10 in the left-right direction. The pressurized dissolution tank 30 is provided adjacent to the water filling case 21. Adjacent means that at least a portion of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 is located within the area enclosed by the outer edge of the water filling case 21.
[0030] In this embodiment, the water filling case 21 has a recess 212 and a connecting portion 213, as shown in Figure 8. The recess 212 is provided at the rear of the water filling case 21 and is formed as a recess inward from the outer surface of the water filling case 21. The recess 212 is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the pressurized dissolution tank 30. The pressurized dissolution tank 30 can be accommodated in the recess 212, as shown in Figure 9. In other words, the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the water filling case 21 are positioned by fitting together. The width dimension of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 in the left-right direction is set to be approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the width dimension of the water filling case 21 in the left-right direction. The height dimension of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 in the up-down direction is set to be approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the height dimension of the water filling case 21 in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the width and height dimensions of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 are set to be approximately the same as the width and height dimensions of the water filling case 21.
[0031] The connection section 213 is located inside the water injection case 21 and connects the water injection case 21 to the pressurized dissolution tank 30. Water flowing out of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 flows into the water injection case 21 through the connection section 213.
[0032] The pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the first water supply valve 231 are detachably fixed to each other via a first fixing member 51. The first fixing member 51 is made of, for example, a screw or a bolt. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the pressurized dissolution tank 30 has a boss portion 303. The boss portion 303 is provided on the surface of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 facing the water supply valve mechanism 23 and is formed to protrude toward the water supply valve mechanism 23. The boss portion 303 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example.
[0033] The first water supply valve 231 has a fixed surface portion 231b. The fixed surface portion 231b is formed, for example, in the shape of a plate and is provided protruding from the side of the first water supply valve 231. The fixed surface portion 231b is provided at a position corresponding to the boss portion 303 when the pressurized dissolution tank 30 is housed in the recess 212. The fixed surface portion 231b has a hole that penetrates in the thickness direction. This hole is formed so that the tip side of the first fixing member 51 can be inserted into it. The pressurized dissolution tank 30 is then fixed to the first water supply valve 231 by attaching the first fixing member 51 to the boss portion 303 via the fixed surface portion 231b.
[0034] Furthermore, the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the water injection case 21 are detachably fixed to each other via a second fixing member 52. The second fixing member 52 is made of, for example, screws or bolts. As shown in Figures 8 and 11, the water injection case 21 has a boss portion 214. The boss portion 214 is provided on the lower surface of the water injection case 21 and extends in the front-rear direction. The boss portion 214 has, for example, a semi-circular cross-sectional shape and has an insertion hole at its tip.
[0035] The pressurized dissolution tank 30 has a fixed surface portion 304. The fixed surface portion 304 is formed, for example, in the shape of a plate and is provided protruding downward from the pressurized dissolution tank 30. The fixed surface portion 304 is provided at a position corresponding to the boss portion 214 when the pressurized dissolution tank 30 is housed in the recess 212. The fixed surface portion 304 has a hole that penetrates in the thickness direction. This hole is formed so that the tip side of the second fixing member 52 can be inserted. The pressurized dissolution tank 30 is then fixed to the water filling case 21 by attaching the second fixing member 52 to the boss portion 214 via the fixed surface portion 304. Furthermore, the direction in which the second fixing member 52 is fixed can be the same as the direction in which the pressurized dissolution tank 30 is connected to the water filling case 21. This makes it more difficult for the pressurized dissolution tank 30 to come loose from the water filling case 21.
[0036] The pressurized dissolution tank 30 has an inlet 31, an outlet 32, a water guide 33, and a partition wall 34. When the pressurized dissolution tank 30 is constructed by combining multiple components, the inlet 31, outlet 32, water guide 33, and partition wall 34 may be integrated into a single component. This improves the maintainability of the pressurized dissolution tank 30. Furthermore, the pressurized dissolution tank 30 may be configured to include an intake section (not shown) for introducing outside air into the pressurized dissolution tank 30. The intake section may include, for example, a check valve, and can be configured to close when the pressure inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30 exceeds atmospheric pressure and open when the pressure inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30 approaches atmospheric pressure. The intake section is not limited to a check valve; it may also include an air solenoid valve.
[0037] The inlet 31 and outlet 32 are configured, for example, in a cylindrical shape. As shown in Figure 10, the inlet 31 is located at the top of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and is the part through which water flows in from the outside to the inside of the pressurized dissolution tank 30. The inlet 31 functions as the tank-side inlet. Water that has passed through the first water supply valve 231 from an external water source is introduced into the pressurized dissolution tank 30 through the inlet 31.
[0038] The inlet section 31 is located on the side of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 that faces the water supply valve mechanism 23. That is, the inlet section 31 is located on the same side as the multiple case-side inlet sections 211 of the water supply case 21 with respect to the water supply valve mechanism 23. The inlet section 31 is located on the same plane as at least the case-side inlet section 211 that is connected to the discharge port 232a of the second water supply valve 232. The inlet section 31 is directly connected to the discharge port 231a of the first water supply valve 231. Therefore, water discharged from the first water supply valve 231 can be supplied into the pressurized dissolution tank 30 from the inlet section 31 while maintaining high pressure. In addition, the inlet section 31 and the case-side inlet sections 211 are connected by a common water supply valve unit 24. Therefore, the water supply valve unit 24, the pressurized dissolution tank 30, and the water injection case 21 are interconnected as a whole, forming a single unit, and their relative positions are extremely stable and unlikely to shift.
[0039] As shown in Figure 10, the outlet section 32 is located at the bottom of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and is the section through which water flows from the inside of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 to the outside. In other words, the outlet section 32 is located below the inlet section 31. The outlet section 32 functions as the tank-side outlet. The outlet section 32 is directly connected to the water filling case 21. Water introduced into the pressurized dissolution tank 30 flows out into the water filling case 21 through the outlet section 32, and then merges with water supplied to the second water supply path R2 or the third water supply path R3, i.e., water mixed with the laundry treatment agent, in the water filling case 21 before being supplied to the water tank 12. Note that drainage from the outlet section 32 is carried out solely by the water pressure, i.e., hydrostatic pressure, of the water stored in the pressurized dissolution tank 30, and does not require a dedicated pump or other drive source for drainage.
[0040] As shown in Figure 11, the outlet portion 32 is connected to the connecting portion 213. The outlet portion 32 is configured to be insertable into, for example, the connecting portion 213. A first sealing member 61 is provided between the outer circumferential surface of the outlet portion 32 and the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 213. The first sealing member 61 is made of, for example, an O-ring made of synthetic resin. The first sealing member 61 is pressed between the outer circumferential surface of the outlet portion 32 and the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 213, thereby connecting the outlet portion 32 and the connecting portion 213 in a watertight state.
[0041] As shown in Figure 10, the water guide section 33 is connected to the inlet section 31. The water guide section 33 extends in the width direction of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 at a predetermined distance from the bottom sections 301 and 302 of the pressurized dissolution tank 30, and is intended to guide the water that has flowed through the inlet section 31 to a predetermined position inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30. The water guide section 33 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape, with one end, i.e., the base end, being open and the other end, i.e., the tip end, being closed. However, the tip end of the water guide section 33 is not limited to being closed; it may also be open.
[0042] The water guide section 33 has an opening 331. The opening 331 is formed by penetrating the bottom of the water guide section 33 in the thickness direction. The opening 331 is intended to allow the water passing through the water guide section 33 to fall vertically downward. As shown in Figure 10, the opening 331 is located above the bottom 302 on the downstream side of the pressurized dissolution tank 30. The water flowing out of the opening 331 and falling then violently impacts the water surface inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30, drawing in air from above the water surface. As a result, the energy from the impact of the water falling from the opening 331 agitates the water stored inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30, promoting the dissolution of air components inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30.
[0043] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the partition wall 34 is formed, for example, in the shape of a plate and is installed rising from the bottom 302 on the downstream side of the pressurized dissolution tank 30. When viewed from above, the partition wall 34 divides the inside of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 into an area on the inlet side 31 and an area on the outlet side 32. The opening 331 of the water guide section 33 is located on the inlet side 31 of the partition wall 34. In other words, water that passes through the water guide section 33 is discharged into the area on the inlet side 31 inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30. As a result, the water that flows into the pressurized dissolution tank 30 through the water guide section 33 is agitated at the water surface in the area on the inlet side 31 inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30, allowing for efficient contact between the water and air inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30.
[0044] As described above, the pressurized dissolution tank 30 is formed in an inverted L shape, and a water guide section 33 is provided along the bottom 301 on the upstream side of the pressurized dissolution tank 30, which extends horizontally. In this way, the water flow can be stabilized by guiding the water that flows into the pressurized dissolution tank 30 from the first water supply valve 231 through the inlet 31 for a predetermined distance using the water guide section 33. In other words, by utilizing the bottom 301 on the upstream side of the pressurized dissolution tank 30, the length of the water guide section 33 can be set to be long. After the water flow has stabilized after passing through the inside of the water guide section 33, the water can be discharged from the opening 331 of the water guide section 33, thereby smoothly guiding the water to the area on the inlet 31 side relative to the partition wall 34.
[0045] Furthermore, when water is supplied to the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the water level in the area on the inlet side 31 rises, most of the water in the area on the inlet side 31 moves to the area on the outlet side 32, overflowing from above the partition wall 34. As a result, the water in the area on the inlet side 31 of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 can be made to collide with the water surface in the area on the outlet side 32, thereby increasing the agitation efficiency of the water and air.
[0046] As shown in Figure 11, a gap 341 is formed in the partition wall 34. The gap 341 has the function of shielding bubbles with a particle size larger than microbubbles. Of the water that flows out into the pressurized dissolution tank 30, water located below the upper end of the partition wall 34 passes through the gap 341 and flows to the area on the outlet side 32. At this time, relatively large bubbles, for example on the order of millimeters, generated when water falling from the opening 331 of the water guide section 33 collides with the water surface, do not pass through the gap 341 and disappear without flowing out to the area on the outlet side 32.
[0047] Next, the state in which air components are dissolved in the water inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30 will be described. In this embodiment, the pressurized dissolution tank 30 can be pressurized by water pressure alone, for example, by making the amount of water flowing into the pressurized dissolution tank 30 greater than the amount of water flowing out of the pressurized dissolution tank 30. For example, when the first water supply valve 231 is opened, the remaining water that did not flow out from the outlet 32 of the water that flowed in from the inlet 31 is stored in the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the water level inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30 rises.
[0048] Subsequently, as water continues to flow in from the inlet 31 and the water level in the pressurized dissolution tank 30 rises to a predetermined level, the pressure inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the pressure of the water flowing in from the external water source, i.e., the tap water pressure, become balanced. As a result, the amount of water flowing in from the inlet 31 and the amount of water flowing out of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 from the outlet 32 become approximately equal, and the pressure inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30 becomes close to the maximum pressure, which is the tap water pressure. In this way, as the pressure inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30 rises above atmospheric pressure, the air inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30 becomes more easily dissolved in the water stored inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30. In other words, by passing water supplied from an external water source through the pressurized dissolution tank 30, it is possible to supply water with a larger amount of dissolved air components to the water supplied downstream of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 compared to ordinary water that does not pass through the pressurized dissolution tank 30. In this way, the pressurized dissolution tank 30 can discharge water with dissolved air components.
[0049] The microbubble generator 40 is installed on the first water supply path R1, downstream of the first water supply valve 231 and downstream of the pressurized dissolution tank 30. The microbubble generator 40 has the function of precipitating microbubbles in the water flowing out of the pressurized dissolution tank 30. As shown in Figure 11, the microbubble generator 40 is installed in a state where it is supported between the outlet portion 32 and the connection portion 213. The microbubble generator 40 is installed in a state where it is sandwiched between the outlet portion 32 and the connection portion 213, for example. The microbubble generator 40 may also be fixed to the outlet portion 32 and the connection portion 213 by press-fitting.
[0050] A second sealing member 62 is provided between the outer circumferential surface of the microbubble generator 40 and the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 213. The second sealing member 62 is made of, for example, an O-ring made of synthetic resin. The second sealing member 62 is pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the microbubble generator 40 and the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 213, thereby connecting the microbubble generator 40 and the connecting portion 213 in a watertight state.
[0051] The microbubble generator 40 has a diameter and overall length of, for example, several millimeters to several tens of millimeters, specifically a maximum diameter of about 15 mm and a length of about 10 mm. As shown in Figure 12, the microbubble generator 40 has a constricted section 41, a straight section 42, and a collision section 43. The constricted section 41 and the straight section 42 constitute a flow path for water to flow in the longitudinal direction of the microbubble generator 40. The constricted section 41 is provided on the inlet side, i.e., the upstream side, of the microbubble generator 40. The constricted section 41 is formed in the shape of a so-called truncated cone tapered tube, such that the cross-sectional area of the flow path, i.e., the inner diameter, continuously and gradually decreases from the upstream end in the longitudinal direction of the microbubble generator 40 to the middle section.
[0052] The straight section 42 is located downstream of the constricted section 41. The straight section 42 is formed in a cylindrical, so-called straight tube shape, where the inner diameter does not change, that is, the cross-sectional area of the flow path, i.e., the area through which liquid can pass, does not change. The impact section 43 is located at the downstream end of the straight section 42. The impact section 43 locally reduces the cross-sectional area through which water can pass in the microbubble generator 40, thereby generating a large amount of microbubbles, mainly on the nano-order or smaller, in the water passing through the microbubble generator 40.
[0053] As shown in Figure 13, the impact section 43 is composed of, for example, four rod-shaped parts with pointed tips, and protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the straight section 42 toward the center of the cross-section of the straight section 42. The four impact sections 43 are arranged at equal intervals from each other in the circumferential direction of the cross-section of the straight section 42. The downstream surface of each impact section 43 is formed as a flat surface. Furthermore, the area of the gap formed by each impact section 43 becomes the minimum cross-sectional area through which water can pass in the microbubble generator 40.
[0054] When water flows upstream of the microbubble generator 40, the flow path cross-sectional area is narrowed in the constricted section 41, which is formed to shrink into a truncated cone tapered shape. Based on Bernoulli's principle of fluid dynamics, the flow velocity is increased and cavitation occurs due to the reduced pressure. Then, the shear force acting on the high-speed flow as it collides with the impact section 43 generates fine bubbles that are further subdivided. As a result, the microbubble generator 40 precipitates a large amount of dissolved air as microbubbles as it passes through the water, and can supply microbubble water containing a larger amount of microbubbles than before it passed through the microbubble generator 40.
[0055] Generally, microbubbles or fine bubbles are classified as follows according to their particle size. For example, bubbles with a particle size of a few μm to about 100 μm, i.e., on the micro-order, are called microbubbles. In contrast, bubbles with a particle size of 50 nm to less than 1,000 nm, i.e., on the nano-order, are called ultrafine bubbles. The term "fine bubble" is used as a general term for both microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles.
[0056] Microbubbles have a negative electrical charge, making them easily attracted to positively charged dirt, such as that attached to laundry, through electrostatic means. The dirt, detached from the laundry by the electrical reaction with the microbubbles, remains attached to the microbubble surface and floats to the water surface due to the buoyancy of the microbubbles, where it remains. Furthermore, because the negatively charged surfaces of the microbubbles repel each other and do not bond, they disperse in the liquid, thus preventing the dirt removed from the laundry from reattaching to the laundry in the wash water.
[0057] On the other hand, because ultrafine bubbles have a very small particle size, they can penetrate even intricate areas and exhibit a cleaning effect that can remove dirt from objects that cannot be completely removed by other fine bubbles such as microbubbles. Furthermore, ultrafine bubbles have a particle size on the nano-order, resulting in low buoyancy and, compared to microbubbles, are highly hydrophobic and less soluble in water, thus having a longer residence time in liquids. As described above, microbubbles and ultrafine bubbles have different characteristics and therefore different expected cleaning capabilities, and using both in combination can further enhance the cleaning effect.
[0058] The microbubble generator 40, on its own, primarily functions to precipitate nano-order microbubbles, or ultrafine bubbles. The amount of ultrafine bubbles generated when passing through the microbubble generator 40 can be increased by increasing the amount of air dissolved in the water passing through the microbubble generator 40. When the large amount of ultrafine bubbles generated repeatedly collide with the surface of the laundry, the ultrafine bubbles combine with each other at the collision points and develop into microbubbles. At this time, the collision of ultrafine bubbles causes a rapid expansion of the microbubbles, lifting and detaching dirt attached to the surface of the laundry. This is expected to result in a higher cleaning effect.
[0059] In this embodiment, a pressurized dissolution tank 30 is provided upstream of the microbubble generator 40. This increases the amount of air contained in the water passing through the microbubble generator 40. As a result, a large amount of ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles can be generated in the water that has passed through the microbubble generator 40. Consequently, the cleaning effect of ultrafine bubbles and the effect of suppressing the re-adhesion of dirt by microbubbles can be obtained simultaneously.
[0060] According to the embodiment described above, the washing machine 10 comprises a water tank 12, a water filling case 21, a pressurized dissolution tank 30, a microbubble generator 40, and a water supply valve mechanism 23. The water filling case 21 receives water supplied from an external water source and fills the water tank 12 with it. The pressurized dissolution tank 30 is provided adjacent to the water filling case 21 and can be pressurized by the pressure of water supplied from an external water source to dissolve air components in the water and discharge it. The microbubble generator 40 is provided downstream of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and precipitates microbubbles in the water flowing out of the pressurized dissolution tank 30. The water supply valve mechanism 23 comprises a first water supply valve 231 and a second water supply valve 232. The first water supply valve 231 opens and closes a first water supply path R1 that passes through the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the microbubble generator 40 and reaches the water tank 12 via the water filling case 21. The second water supply valve 232 opens and closes the second water supply path R2, which leads to the water tank 12 via the water injection case 21, without passing through the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the microbubble generator 40.
[0061] The pressurized dissolution tank 30 has an inlet 31. The inlet 31 is directly connected to the discharge port 231a of the first water supply valve 231, and water flowing into the pressurized dissolution tank 30 from the outside passes through it. The water supply case 21 has a case-side inlet 211. The case-side inlet 211 is directly connected to the discharge port 232a of the second water supply valve 232, and water flowing into the water supply case 21 from the outside passes through it. The inlet 31 is located on the same side as the case-side inlet 211 with respect to the water supply valve mechanism 23.
[0062] According to this, by directly connecting the water filling case 21 and the pressurized dissolution tank 30 to the water supply valves 231 and 232, respectively, the number of parts can be reduced and assembly can be simplified. Furthermore, by placing the water filling case 21 and the pressurized dissolution tank 30 adjacent to each other, and aligning the connection directions of the water supply valves 231 and 232 of the water filling case 21 and the pressurized dissolution tank 30 on the same side with respect to the water supply valve mechanism 23, the pressurized dissolution tank 30 can be compactly stored inside the washing machine 10.
[0063] The water filling case 21 further has a recess 212. The recess 212 is formed in a shape corresponding to the external shape of the pressurized dissolution tank 30. At least a portion of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 can be housed in the recess 212. As a result, by housing the pressurized dissolution tank 30 in the recess 212 of the water filling case 21, the pressurized dissolution tank 30 can be fitted within the size of the water filling case 21. This makes the installation space for the water filling case 21 and the pressurized dissolution tank 30 inside the washing machine 10 more compact.
[0064] Furthermore, the discharge port 231a of the first water supply valve 231 is located above the discharge port 232a of the second water supply valve 232. Here, the pressurized dissolution tank 30 can improve the dissolution efficiency of air components by supplying water from above and promoting the mixing of water and air inside the pressurized dissolution tank 30 with the falling water. Therefore, by positioning the discharge port 231a of the first water supply valve 231, which is connected to the pressurized dissolution tank 30, higher up, the dissolution efficiency of air components by the pressurized dissolution tank 30 can be improved. And by positioning the discharge port 232a of the second water supply valve 232 below the discharge port 231a of the first water supply valve 231, it is possible to secure the internal volume of the water supply case 21 and the pressurized dissolution tank 30 while suppressing an increase in the vertical size of the installation space for the water supply case 21 and the pressurized dissolution tank 30.
[0065] The pressurized dissolution tank 30 further has an outlet section 32. The outlet section 32 is directly connected to the water injection case 21, and water flowing out from the inside of the pressurized dissolution tank 30 to the outside passes through it. The inlet section 31 is located above the outlet section 32. As a result, by positioning the inlet section 31 above the outlet section 32, water falling from above into the pressurized dissolution tank 30 can smoothly discharge water with efficiently dissolved air components to the outside of the pressurized dissolution tank 30. Furthermore, by directly connecting the first water supply valve 231, the pressurized dissolution tank 30, and the water injection case 21 without using other parts, the number of connection points is minimized, allowing for the supply of water with a large amount of dissolved air components while minimizing pressure loss. In addition, reducing the number of parts simplifies the structure around the water injection case 21.
[0066] Furthermore, the first water supply valve 231 and the pressurized dissolution tank 30 are fixed to each other. This allows the pressurized dissolution tank 30 to be installed stably by fixing the first water supply valve 231 and the pressurized dissolution tank 30 to each other. As a result, the connection between the first water supply valve 231 and the pressurized dissolution tank 30 can be stabilized, thereby suppressing water leakage from the connection. Consequently, the reliability of the washing machine 10 can be improved.
[0067] Furthermore, the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the water filling case 21 are fixed to each other. This allows the pressurized dissolution tank 30 to be installed stably by fixing the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the water filling case 21 to each other. As a result, the connection between the pressurized dissolution tank 30 and the water filling case 21 can be stabilized, and water leakage from this connection can be suppressed. Therefore, the reliability of the washing machine 10 can be improved.
[0068] The above embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications are permitted without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0069] 10...Washing machine, 12...Water tank, 21...Water filling case, 211...Case side inlet, 212...Recess, 23...Water supply valve mechanism, 231...First water supply valve, 231a...Discharge port, 232...Second water supply valve, 232a...Discharge port, 30...Pressurized dissolution tank, 31...Inlet (tank side inlet), 32...Outlet (tank side outlet), 40...Microbubble generator, R1...First water supply path, R2...Second water supply path
Claims
1. A fish tank and A water supply case that receives water from an external water source and pours it into the tank, A pressurized dissolution tank is provided adjacent to the water injection case, which is pressurized by the pressure of water supplied from the external water source, dissolves air components in the water, and is capable of discharging it. A microbubble generator is provided downstream of the pressurized dissolution tank and precipitates microbubbles in the water flowing out of the pressurized dissolution tank, The water supply valve mechanism comprises a first water supply valve that opens and closes a first water supply path that passes through the pressurized dissolution tank and the microbubble generator to the water tank via the water injection case, and a second water supply valve that opens and closes a second water supply path that passes through the pressurized dissolution tank to the water tank via the water injection case, The pressurized dissolution tank is directly connected to the discharge port of the first water supply valve and has a tank-side inlet through which water flowing in from outside the pressurized dissolution tank passes. The water supply case is directly connected to the discharge port of the second water supply valve and has a case-side inlet through which water flowing in from the outside of the water supply case into the inside passes. The tank-side inlet is located on the same side as the case-side inlet with respect to the water supply valve mechanism. The water injection case further has a recess formed in a shape corresponding to the external shape of the pressurized dissolution tank, The pressurized dissolution tank is positioned relative to the water injection case by housing at least a portion of it in the recess. washing machine.
2. The discharge port of the first water supply valve is located above the discharge port of the second water supply valve. The washing machine according to claim 1.
3. The pressurized dissolution tank is directly connected to the water injection case and further has a tank-side outlet through which water flowing out from the inside to the outside of the pressurized dissolution tank passes. The tank-side inlet is located above the tank-side outlet. The washing machine according to claim 1.
4. The first water supply valve and the pressurized dissolution tank are fixed to each other. A washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. The pressurized dissolution tank and the water injection case are fixed to each other. The washing machine according to claim 4.