JP7261960B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a washing machine for washing laundry such as clothes.

Conventional washing machines include so-called vertical washing machines that agitate and wash laundry such as clothes inside a rotating tub. There is also a so-called drum-type washing machine in which the laundry is lifted in the rotation direction inside the rotating tub and dropped from above to be beat-washed. All of these washing machines wash the laundry by applying a mechanical force to the laundry to knead or rub the laundry.

In addition, it is common to push wash by hand for laundry that is likely to cause damage to the fabric or that is likely to lose its shape when the laundry is tangled and pulled. Therefore, a washing machine that can wash the laundry while suppressing damage to the laundry and deformation of the laundry has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

As shown in FIG. 9, the conventional washing machine described in Patent Document 1 has a washing tank 52 containing an object 51 to be washed and washing water, and the object 51 to be washed in the washing tank 52 can move forward and backward. pressurizing/depressurizing units 55a and 55b having pressurizing units 53a and 53b and pressurizing pumps 54a and 54b; The control unit 56 causes the object to be washed 51 to contract and expand by pressing and releasing the object to be washed 51 by the plurality of pressing portions 53a and 53b, and generates multidirectional water flow inside the object to be washed 51 for washing. I do.

In addition, in order to enhance the cleaning effect, after the clothes and the detergent solution are placed in a sealable bag, the air inside the bag is removed to reduce the pressure, thereby improving the penetration of the detergent solution into the clothes. A bag has been considered (see, for example, US Pat.

JP 2018-51114 A JP-A-2008-73307

In the conventional configuration described in Patent Document 1, pressing and releasing the pressure of the object 51 to be cleaned by the plurality of pressing portions 53a and 53b causes the object 51 to contract and expand, thereby performing push washing. It can prevent fabric damage and deformation of things. However, for example, when air exists inside the fibers of the object 51 to be washed, it is difficult for the water flow generated by push washing to permeate the washing water to the inside of the fibers of the object 51 to be washed. As a result, there is a problem that it is difficult to enhance the cleaning effect by allowing the washing water to act on the stains deep inside the fibers.

An object of the present disclosure is to solve the conventional problems described above, and to provide a washing machine capable of increasing the washing effect by allowing washing water to permeate the inside of the fibers of the object to be washed.

In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the washing machine of the present disclosure includes a washing tank that accommodates an object to be washed and washing water, a water supply valve that feeds the washing water into the washing tank, and a pressurizing pump in the washing tank. an exhaust pump for sucking and discharging the air in the washing tank to decompress it; and a control part for controlling the washing operation including the washing process. The control unit is configured to supply washing water to the washing tank by means of the water supply valve and depressurize the inside of the washing tank by means of the exhaust pump in a state in which the pressing part is extended by the pressure pump to press the object to be washed. is.

As a result, the air in the object to be washed is sucked and discharged by the exhaust pump, and the washing water can be permeated into the fibers of the object to be washed by the water flow generated by the push washing. It can enhance the cleaning effect.

The washing machine of the present disclosure allows washing water to permeate the inside of the fibers of the object to be washed, thereby enhancing the washing effect.

Principal part cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 Principal part cross-sectional view of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 with the cover opened FIG. 4 is an operation diagram showing the operation of the washing process of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is an operation diagram showing another operation of the washing process of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 4 is an operation diagram showing another operation of the washing process of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 4 is an operation diagram showing another operation of the washing process of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1; Time chart showing the operation of the washing process of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 A time chart showing the operation of the washing process of the washing machine in Embodiment 2 Operational diagram showing the operation of the washing process of the washing machine according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an operation diagram showing another operation of the washing process of the washing machine according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is an operation diagram showing another operation of the washing process of the washing machine according to the second embodiment; A time chart showing the operation of the washing process of the washing machine in Embodiment 3 Configuration diagram of a conventional washing machine

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted.

It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to allow those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter thereby.

(Embodiment 1)
[1-1. composition]
1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a washing machine according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the essential parts of the washing machine according to the present embodiment with the cover opened.

1 and 2, the washing machine 1 is composed of a water tank section 6 at the bottom and a lid body 5 at the top. The water tank section 6 includes a rectangular cleaning tank 4 having a predetermined depth. An opening 3 is formed in the upper surface of the washing tank 4, and serves as an opening into which laundry such as clothes (hereinafter referred to as an object to be washed 2) is put. The lid body 5 is rotatably attached to the rear edge of the upper side of the water tank section 6 by means of a hinge section 6a, and opens and closes the opening 3 of the cleaning tank 4. As shown in FIG.

In the bottom portion 4a of the cleaning tank 4, the object 2 to be cleaned is arranged and accommodated by the user. The first embodiment is effective for objects to be washed which tend to lose their shape or get damaged when washed in a general washing machine where mechanical force acts. The object 2 to be washed is, for example, a thin synthetic fiber blouse with a light specific gravity, woolen fabrics such as sweaters and cardigans, scarves made of delicate materials made of ultrafine fibers, and the like.

A handle 5 a is provided on the front surface of the lid 5 . The lid 5 is configured to open and close the opening 3 and to be held in an open state by the user holding the handle 5a and rotating it in the direction of the arrow R1. When the opening 3 is closed, the lid 5 is locked by a locking device (not shown) and kept closed. When opening, the lock device is unlocked by operating the handle 5a.

A pressurization/decompression unit 7 is provided inside the lid 5 . The pressurization/decompression unit 7 includes a pressing unit 8 , a pressurization pump 10 and a discharge valve 11 . The pressing portion 8 is made of rubber, synthetic resin, or the like, and is flexible and expandable in the shape of a bellows-like bag. The pressurizing pump 10 communicates with the pressing portion 8 via the communicating portion 9 and the on-off valve 12 . The pressurizing pump 10 supplies fluid such as gas or liquid to the inside of the pressing portion 8 . The discharge valve 11 is a valve for discharging the fluid inside the pressing portion 8 to the outside.

It should be noted that a plurality of pressurization/decompression units 7 may be arranged side by side inside the lid 5 . In Embodiment 1, the pressurizing/depressurizing units 7 are arranged inside the lid body 5, for example, as two sets. Hereinafter, the pressurizing/depressurizing units are referred to as 7a and 7b. Further, there are, for example, two pressing portions 8, which are hereinafter referred to as pressing portions 8a and 8b. Further, there are, for example, two communicating portions 9, which are hereinafter referred to as communicating portions 9a and 9b. Similarly, there are, for example, two on-off valves 12, hereinafter referred to as 12a and 12b. There are, for example, two discharge valves 11, hereinafter referred to as 11a and 11b.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the pressurizing/depressurizing section 7a includes a pressing section 8a, a pressurizing pump 10, and a discharge valve 11a. The pressurizing pump 10 communicates with the pressing portion 8a via the communication portion 9a and the on-off valve 12a. Then, the pressure pump 10 supplies fluid such as gas or liquid to the inside of the pressing portion 8a. The discharge valve 11a is a valve for discharging the fluid inside the pressing portion 8a to the outside. The pressurization/decompression unit 7b is the same, and the description thereof is omitted.

It should be noted that in the first embodiment, air is used as the fluid supplied to the interior of the pressing portion 8 . Further, hereinafter, the symbols a and b indicating a plurality will be omitted unless there is a particular need to distinguish them.

The pressing part 8 is attached to the cleaning tank 4 side of the lid 5 and is provided to be expandable and contractible by expansion and contraction, so that it can move forward and backward with respect to the object to be cleaned 2 accommodated in the bottom part 4 a of the cleaning tank 4 . It is configured. The pressing portion 8 has a pressing surface 8c that presses the object 2 to be cleaned, and a bellows-like expandable portion 8d. Further, the pressing portion 8 extends to such an extent that the pressing surface 8 c reaches the bottom portion 4 a of the cleaning tank 4 .

The communicating portions 9a and 9b are composed of flexible hoses made of rubber, synthetic resin, or the like, and connect the pressurizing pump 10 and the pressing portions 8a and 8b. An on-off valve 12a is provided in a communicating portion 9a connecting the pressurizing pump 10 and the pressing portion 8a, and an on-off valve 12b is provided in a communicating portion 9b connecting the pressurizing pump 10 and the pressing portion 8b.

The pressurization/decompression unit 7 is provided with a press detection unit (details will be described later) that detects the pressure that presses the object 2 to be cleaned due to the expansion of the press unit 8 . The pressurization/decompression unit 7 is also provided with a constant pressure release valve 14, which is opened and discharged to the outside when the pressure in the pressing unit 8 exceeds a predetermined value. This prevents the pressing portion 8 from being pressurized beyond a predetermined pressure. In Embodiment 1, the pressurization/decompression unit 7a is provided with a constant pressure release valve 14a, and the pressurization/decompression unit 7b is provided with a constant pressure release valve 14b.

A deformable hollow packing 15 is provided on the top surface of the periphery of the opening 3 of the cleaning tank 4 . The packing 15 is in close contact with a seal portion 15a formed in the lid 5 so as to face the peripheral edge of the opening 3 when the lid 5 is closed. As a result, when the lid 5 is closed, the inside of the washing tank 4 becomes a watertight and airtight space, and water and air leak out from the opening 3 when each step of washing, rinsing, and dehydration is performed. never

The cover 5 is provided with a water supply path 16 for supplying wash water to the washing tank 4 . The water supply path 16 is provided with a water supply valve 17 for supplying tap water. Further, the water supply path 16 is provided with a detergent case 18 for supplying detergent and a detergent stirring section 35 for stirring and mixing the detergent with the tap water to generate washing water. The water supply path 16 communicates with the inside of the washing tank 4, and washing water is supplied from the water supply port 16a. By opening and closing the water supply valve 17, tap water (washing water) is supplied to the washing tank 4 and stopped.

As will be described later, although not shown, the connecting portion such as the lid portion of the detergent case 18 is provided with means for ensuring airtightness by packing or the like in order to reduce the pressure in the cleaning tank 4 . A second water supply valve is provided between the water supply port 16a and the detergent agitating section 35, and by closing the second water supply valve after the detergent has been introduced, the decompressed state in the washing tank 4 can be maintained. Here, as a stirring method in the detergent stirring unit 35, the detergent and the tap water may be stirred by the supply pressure of the tap water, or a stirring blade-like member may be provided inside the detergent stirring unit 35, and the detergent and the tap water may be stirred by the rotation thereof. There is no particular limitation, such as stirring with water. Further, the detergent case 18 itself is used as the detergent agitator 35, and after the detergent is stirred in the detergent case 18 while supplying tap water to the detergent case 18 into which the detergent is put, water is supplied from the water supply port 16a into the washing tank 4. I don't mind. Further, the detergent agitator 35 may mix the detergent and tap water by a method other than agitation to generate washing water. For example, any known method such as heating, vibration by ultrasonic waves, or circulation of washing water may be used without limitation. Conventional upright washing machines and drum-type washing machines perform an operation of rotating the washing tub after washing water is supplied to the washing tub to equalize the concentration of the detergent. The washing water is stirred by the stirring part 35 and supplied. As a result, washing water having a substantially uniform concentration can be supplied to the object 2 to be washed placed in the washing tank, and washing can be performed with little unevenness regardless of the position of the object 2 to be washed from the water supply port. performance can be obtained.

A water level detector 19 for detecting the water level in the cleaning tank 4 is provided in a water level detection tank 20 communicating with the cleaning tank 4 . The water level detection unit 19 detects the water level in the cleaning tank 4 by detecting the water level or the amount of water in the water level detection tank 20, but the detection method is not particularly limited.

A heating unit 31 that heats the washing water is provided in the water level detection tank 20 . The heating part 31 may be provided in another place as long as it does not come into contact with the object 2 to be cleaned and the bottom part 4a. For example, the heating unit 31 may be provided between the drain hole 22 and the drain valve 23, or may be provided in the water supply path 16 or its upstream side. Moreover, the heating unit 31 may be provided outside the washing machine 1 . For example, the heating unit 31 is a heating device such as a hot water supply device. Washing water heated by a water heater is supplied into the washing tub 4 through a water supply path 16 instead of tap water. This eliminates the need to equip the washing machine 1 with the heating unit 31 .

The bottom portion 4a of the washing tub 4 is formed with a drainage hole 22 for discharging the washing water used in the washing process or the like. The drain hole 22 communicates with a drain path 24 provided with a drain valve 23 . By opening and closing the drain valve 23, the washing water in the washing tank 4 is discharged and stopped.

Further, the water tank portion 6 is provided with an overflow path 25 for discharging the washing water in the washing tank 4 to the outside when the water level in the washing tank 4 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value. The overflow path 25 has an overflow hole 25 a in the upper part of the cleaning tank 4 and is connected to the drain path 24 downstream of the drain valve 23 .

The exhaust pump 26 is provided in an exhaust path 27 that communicates with the inside of the cleaning tank 4 outside the pressing portion 8 . The exhaust path 27 is provided with a dehumidifying section 32 and an exhaust path opening/closing valve 28 on the cleaning tank 4 side of the exhaust pump 26 . The exhaust pump 26 sucks the air in the cleaning tank 4 and discharges it to the outside of the cleaning tank 4 through the exhaust path 27 . The exhaust path opening/closing valve 28 opens and closes the exhaust path 27 . For example, the exhaust path opening/closing valve 28 is opened when the exhaust pump 26 is driven, and closed when the exhaust pump 26 is stopped. As an example, when water is supplied, the exhaust path opening/closing valve 28 is opened to release the air replaced by the washing water in the washing tub 4 to the outside via the exhaust pump 26 . It should be noted that the exhaust path opening/closing valve 28 may be a three-way valve so that the exhaust gas is released to the outside without passing through the exhaust pump 26 .

Also, the dehumidifying section 32 reduces the humidity by condensing the amount of water contained in the exhaust air from the cleaning tank 4 . The condensed water is discharged out of the machine through a condensed water drainage path (not shown). The dehumidifying section 32 is not particularly limited. For example, a cooling portion such as a cooling plate is provided in the exhaust path 27, condensed water is formed on the surface of the cooling portion, and the condensed water is discharged out of the system through the condensed water drainage path.

The control unit 29 is arranged on the side surface inside the lid 5 . An operation display unit 30 is provided above the control unit 29 and is operably arranged on the upper surface of the lid 5 . The control unit 29 controls the operations of the pressurizing pump 10, the discharge valve 11, the on-off valve 12, the water supply valve 17, the drain valve 23, the exhaust pump 26, the exhaust path on-off valve 28, etc. etc. are sequentially executed to control the washing operation.

The functions of the control unit 29 may be realized by a microcomputer and peripheral circuits, for example.

Note that the microcomputer and peripheral circuits may be of any form as long as they perform the control described later. The control unit 29 may be composed of an arithmetic processing unit and a storage unit that stores a control program. An MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) are exemplified as the arithmetic processing unit. A memory is exemplified as the storage unit. A control program recorded in the storage unit is executed by the arithmetic processing unit.

Further, the control unit 29 may be configured by hard logic. If configured with hardware logic, it is effective in improving the processing speed. Each component may be composed of one semiconductor chip, or physically composed of a plurality of semiconductor chips. When the control unit 29 is composed of a plurality of semiconductor chips, each control, which will be described later, can be realized by separate semiconductor chips. It can also be realized by combining the aforementioned microcomputer and peripheral circuits with the later-described hard logic.

[1-2. motion]
The operation and action of the washing machine 1 configured as described above will be described below. First, the washing process will be explained. FIG. 3 is an operation diagram showing preparatory operations in the washing process of washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment. 4A, 4B, and 4C are action diagrams showing the pressing action in the washing process of washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the operation of the washing process of washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment.

The user selects the washing process, the rinsing process, and the spin-drying process and sets the washing operation course such as the time for each process from the operation display unit 30 provided on the front part of the upper surface of the lid 5 . The user can arbitrarily select, for example, to perform only the washing process. Also, this setting operation may be performed after setting the object to be washed 2, which will be described later.

The user opens the lid body 5 after unlocking it by operating the handle 5a. The user adjusts the shape of the object 2 to be washed, and spreads it on the bottom 4a in the washing tank 4 so as to face the pressing surface 8c. Depending on the size of the object 2 to be washed, it may be folded and set.

After the object to be washed 2 is set and the lid 5 is closed and locked by the user, a start button (not shown) provided on the operation display section 30 is operated. The control unit 29 starts operations such as the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydration process based on the setting contents.

A washing process is performed first. As shown in FIG. 5, the washing process includes preparation operation, water supply operation, degassing operation, and pressing operation. The preparatory operation is an operation for restraining the movement of the object 2 to be washed while the object 2 to be washed is set. The water supply operation is an operation for supplying washing water into the washing tank 4 . The degassing operation is an operation for sucking and exhausting the air in the cleaning tank 4 . The pressing action is an action of pushing and washing the object 2 to be washed. Each operation will be described below.

In addition, in each operation, the pressing forces accompanying the expansion of the pressing portions 8a and 8b are detected by the pressing detection portions 13a and 13b. This pressing force will be described using the pressure symbols P0 to P4 shown in Table 1. In Table 1, for example, P0 indicates the pressure acting on the object to be cleaned 2 when the pressure in the pressing portion 8 is the atmospheric pressure and the pressure in the cleaning tank 4 is the atmospheric pressure.

ここで、押圧部８内を大気圧にするには、制御部２９は、例えば、開閉弁１２を閉止し、排出弁１１を開放する。押圧部８内を加圧するには、制御部２９は、排出弁１１を閉止し、開閉弁１２を開放して、空気を供給するように加圧ポンプ１０を駆動する。また、洗浄槽４内を大気圧にするには、制御部２９は、例えば、排気ポンプ２６を停止して、排気経路開閉弁２８を開放する。洗浄槽４内を減圧するには、制御部２９は、排気経路開閉弁２８を開放して、空気を吸引排気するように排気ポンプ２６を駆動する。

Here, in order to make the inside of the pressing portion 8 atmospheric pressure, the control portion 29 closes the on-off valve 12 and opens the discharge valve 11, for example. To pressurize the inside of the pressing portion 8, the control portion 29 closes the discharge valve 11, opens the on-off valve 12, and drives the pressurizing pump 10 so as to supply air. Further, in order to make the inside of the cleaning tank 4 atmospheric pressure, the control unit 29 stops the exhaust pump 26 and opens the exhaust path opening/closing valve 28, for example. To reduce the pressure in the cleaning tank 4, the controller 29 opens the exhaust path opening/closing valve 28 and drives the exhaust pump 26 so as to suck and exhaust the air.

First, the preparatory operation will be described. The controller 29 closes the discharge valves 11a and 11b (time t0 in FIG. 5). Almost at the same time, the controller 29 opens the on-off valves 12 a and 12 b to drive the pressure pump 10 . Air is supplied from the pressurizing pump 10 to the inside of the pressing portions 8a, 8b through the opened on-off valves 12a, 12b and the communicating portions 9a, 9b. The exhaust path opening/closing valve 28 is closed, and the exhaust pump 26 is stopped.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the pressing portion 8b expands (arrow B1) almost simultaneously with the expansion of the pressing portion 8a (arrow A1). As a result, the extendable portion 8d extends toward the object 2 to be cleaned. Therefore, the pressing surface 8 c presses the object 2 to be cleaned toward the bottom portion 4 a of the cleaning tank 4 .

The control unit 29 drives the pressure pump 10 until the pressing force rises to the preparatory pressure P1, and then stops (time t1). As will be described later, the preparatory pressure P1 is a pressure at which the object to be washed 2 is compressed by the pressure of the pressing surface 8c in the washing water, and the movement in the plane direction is reliably restrained. Substantially simultaneously with the stoppage of the pressurizing pump 10, the controller 29 closes the on-off valves 12a and 12b, and maintains the preparatory pressure P1 in a state in which the pressing portions 8a and 8b are inflated.

As described above, by the preparatory operation, the object to be washed 2 is kept pressed and set by the pressing surface 8c, and the water supply operation is started. At this time, the discharge valve 11 and the on-off valve 12 are closed.

In the preparation operation, in Embodiment 1, the inside of the cleaning tank 4 is set to the atmospheric pressure, and the pressurizing pump 10 pressurizes the pressing portion 8 above the atmospheric pressure to extend it. May be inflated. For example, the pressing portion 8 may be elongated by setting the inside of the pressing portion 8 to the atmospheric pressure and reducing the pressure in the cleaning tank 4 to below the atmospheric pressure by the exhaust pump 26 . That is, the control unit 29 may drive the pressure pump 10, the exhaust pump 26, the discharge valve 11, the opening/closing valve 12, and the like so as to generate a pressure difference between the cleaning tank 4 and the pressing unit 8. FIG.

Next, the water supply operation will be described. The discharge valve 11 and the on-off valve 12 are closed. The exhaust path opening/closing valve 28 is closed, and the exhaust pump 26 is stopped.

The controller 29 opens the water supply valve 17 . Tap water and detergent are agitated and mixed in detergent agitator 35 provided in water supply path 16 to generate washing water. Washing water is supplied from a water supply port 16 a into the washing tub 4 through a water supply path 16 . By opening and closing the water supply valve 17 in this manner, supply of tap water (washing water) to the washing tank 4 is started and stopped.

The controller 29 closes the water supply valve 17 when the wash water is supplied to the washing tub 4 up to a predetermined water level (time t2). A predetermined water level in the cleaning tank 4 is detected by a water level detector 19 . The predetermined water level is desirably at least a water level at which the object 2 to be washed is completely submerged.

As described above, the water supply operation causes the washing water to gradually permeate the object 2 to be washed and become contained between the fibers of the object 2 to be washed. Since the object to be washed 2 is pressed by the pressing portion 8 with the preparatory pressure P1, the object to be washed 2 is kept in the set state without being swept away or floating by the water flow when water is supplied into the washing tank 4. Move to degassing operation. At this time, the discharge valve 11 and the on-off valve 12 are closed.

When the object to be washed 2 is pressed by a part of the pressing portion 8, it is preferable to prevent the object to be washed 2 from moving due to the water flow from the water supply port 16a. For example, a wide range of the object to be washed 2 is pressed by the pressing portion 8b near the water supply port 16a.

Next, the degassing operation will be described. The object 2 to be washed is in a state of being immersed in the washing water supplied in the washing tank 4 . The control unit 29 opens the exhaust path opening/closing valve 28 and drives the exhaust pump 26 substantially at the same time (time t2). Air in the cleaning tank 4 is sucked and discharged to the outside of the cleaning tank 4 through the exhaust path 27 .

As a result, the inside of the washing tank 4 is depressurized, the air contained in the object 2 to be washed is sucked out, and the washing water penetrates deeply into the object 2 to be washed. Here, it is desirable that the pressure in the cleaning tank 4 is reduced by 10% or more from the atmospheric pressure.

As the pressure in the cleaning tank 4 is reduced by the exhaust pump 26, a pressing force P4 is applied to the object 2 to be cleaned by the pressing portions 8a and 8b. The pressing force P4 is stronger than the preparatory pressure P1. As a result, the amount of contraction and deformation of the object to be washed increases, and the suction and discharge of the air in the object to be washed 2 can be enhanced. Furthermore, the permeation effect of the washing water into the object 2 to be washed can be enhanced thereby. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the pressing force P4 of the pressing portions 8a and 8b may be increased to be higher than the normal pressing pressure P3 in the pressing operation described later.

In the degassing operation, the control unit 29 may operate the heating unit 31 to drive the exhaust pump 26 while the washing water is heated. As a result, the amount of gas that can be dissolved in the washing water decreases as the temperature of the washing water rises. Therefore, when the inside of the cleaning tank 4 is depressurized by the exhaust pump 26, the removal of air from the interior of the fibers of the article 2 to be cleaned is promoted.

Moreover, the washing machine 1 may include a dehumidifying section 32 between the washing tub 4 and the exhaust pump 26 . The dehumidifying section 32 dehumidifies the air sucked and discharged from the cleaning tank 4 . In general, when the amount of moisture in the air sucked and discharged from the cleaning tank 4 is large, it is conceivable that the exhaust pump 26 malfunctions, for example, water accumulates in the exhaust pump 26 due to dew condensation. In particular, when the washing water is heated, the removal of the air present behind the fibers is accelerated as described above, and the air discharged from the washing tub 4 contains a large amount of water. The moisture content of the air sucked and discharged by the exhaust pump 26 is reduced by the dehumidifying section 32 provided in the exhaust path 27, and the performance of the exhaust pump 26 can be maintained. Heating unit 31 and dehumidifying unit 32 are not essential for washing machine 1 of the first embodiment.

As described above, the air contained in the object to be washed 2 is sucked and discharged by the exhaust pump 26 by the degassing operation, and the wash water penetrates deeply into the object to be washed 2 . At this time, the discharge valve 11 and the on-off valve 12 are closed.

It should be noted that the controller 29 may drive the exhaust pump 26 during the water supply operation if the object 2 to be washed is submerged in the washing water. Since the object 2 to be washed is pressed while being immersed in the washing water, the air contained in the object 2 to be washed is sucked and discharged, and the washing water can penetrate into the inside of the object 2 to be washed. . Here, the water level detection unit 19 shown in FIG. 1 includes electrical, optical, and mechanical technical means, but is not particularly limited.

Simultaneously with the start of water supply or before the start of water supply, the controller 29 may drive the exhaust pump 26 to reduce the pressure in the cleaning tank 4 . As a result, the air contained in the washing water being supplied can be sucked out and the pressure inside the washing tank 4 can be quickly reduced.

Next, the pressing operation will be described. First, FIG. 4A will be described. The object to be washed 2 is pressed by the pressing portions 8 a and 8 b and is in a state of being submerged in the washing water supplied into the washing tank 4 . The pressurizing pump 10 is stopped, and the inside of the cleaning tank 4 is in a decompressed state.

The controller 29 opens the discharge valve 11b (time t3). Since the on-off valves 12a and 12b and the discharge valve 11a are closed, the air inside the pressing portion 8b is discharged from the discharge valve 11b, and the pressure inside the pressing portion 8b becomes the atmospheric pressure. At approximately the same time as time t3, the control unit 29 stops the exhaust pump 26. As a result, the outside air flows back through the exhaust path 27 and flows into the cleaning tank 4 . After the pressure in the cleaning tank 4 reaches the atmospheric pressure, the controller 29 closes the exhaust path opening/closing valve 28 (time t5).

As a result, as shown in FIG. 4A, the pressure difference between the inside of the cleaning tank 4 and the inside of the pressing portion 8b is reduced, and the pressing portion 8b moves in the contraction direction (arrow B2) (time t4). On the other hand, since the inside of the cleaning tank 4 has returned to the atmospheric pressure, the force with which the pressing surface 8c of the pressing portion 8a presses the object 2 to be cleaned is reduced compared to P4, and the object is pressed at P1, which is the same as the preparatory pressure. Become. Although the pressing force of the pressing part 8a has decreased, it continues to press the object to be cleaned. Washing water moves in the direction indicated by the arrow C2 from below the pressing portion 8a to below the pressing portion 8b inside the object 2 to be washed. Due to this water flow, dirt adhering to the object to be washed 2 is separated from the fibers and removed, so that the washing effect can be enhanced.

Next, FIG. 4B will be described. The control unit 29 again closes the discharge valve 11b, opens the on-off valve 12b substantially at the same time, and drives the pressure pump 10 (time t5). As a result, the pressing portion 8b is pressurized and expanded (arrow B3). When the pressing force of the pressing portion 8b reaches the switching pressure P2, the control portion 29 opens the discharge valve 11a of the pressing portion 8a (time t6). Here, the switching pressure P2 is the pressure at which the object to be washed 2 is compressed by the pressure of the pressing surface 8c in the washing water, and the movement in the plane direction is restrained. The switching pressure P2 should be equal to or lower than the preparatory pressure P1.

By opening the discharge valve 11a in a state where the object 2 to be cleaned is pressed by the pressing portion 8b, the air inside the pressing portion 8a is discharged from the discharge valve 11a, and the pressure inside the pressing portion 8a is released from the pressurized state. The pressure is lowered to atmospheric pressure, and the pressing portion 8a can be contracted (arrow A3).

As a result, as shown in FIG. 4B, air is supplied to the inside of the pressing portion 8b to expand the pressing portion 8b (arrow B3). As a result, when the extensible portion 8d expands and the pressing portion 8b extends toward the object to be cleaned 2, the portion of the object to be cleaned 2 below the pressing portion 8b, which is pressed by the pressing surface 8c, is compressed and has a reduced thickness. Become thin. At this time, the pressing force of the pressing portion 8b increases to the pressing pressure P3 (time t7). Here, the pressing pressure P3 is a normal pressing force in the pressing operation. The pressing pressure P3 should be equal to or higher than the preparatory pressure P1.

Due to the expansion of the pressing portion 8b, the object 2 to be cleaned is compressed and changes in volume. Along with this, the washing water contained inside the object 2 to be washed is pushed out from the object 2 to be washed, a water flow is generated inside the object 2 to be washed, and the washing water permeates inside the object 2 to be washed. can be done.

Further, the washing water contained inside the object 2 to be washed moves in the direction indicated by the arrow C3 from below the pressing portion 8b to below the pressing portion 8a inside the object 2 to be cleaned. The washing water moving in this manner pushes up the pressing surface 8c of the pressing portion 8a while expanding the object to be washed 2 below the pressing portion 8a. 8a is contracted (arrow A3).

Next, FIG. 4C will be described. When the pressing force of the pressing portion 8a reaches the opening pressure P0, the control portion 29 closes the discharge valve 11a and the on-off valve 12b, and almost simultaneously opens the on-off valve 12a (time t7). As a result, the pressing portion 8a expands (arrow A4). When the pressing force of the pressing portion 8a reaches the switching pressure P2, the control portion 29 opens the discharge valve 11b of the pressing portion 8b (time t8). As a result, the air inside the pressing portion 8b is discharged from the exhaust valve 11b, allowing the pressing portion 8b to contract (B4).

As a result, as shown in FIG. 4C, air is supplied to the inside of the pressing portion 8a to inflate the pressing portion 8a. As a result, when the extensible portion 8d expands and the pressing portion 8a extends toward the object to be cleaned 2, the portion of the object to be cleaned 2 below the pressing portion 8a, which is pressed by the pressing surface 8c, is compressed and the thickness is reduced. Become thin. At this time, the pressing force of the pressing portion 8a rises to the pressing pressure P3 (time t9).

The object to be cleaned 2 is compressed by the expansion of the pressing portion 8a and changes its volume. Along with this, the washing water contained inside the object 2 to be washed is pushed out from the object 2 to be washed, a water flow is generated inside the object 2 to be washed, and the washing water permeates inside the object 2 to be washed. can be done.

Further, the washing water contained inside the object to be washed 2 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow C4 from below the pressing portion 8a to below the pressing portion 8b inside the object 2 to be cleaned. The washing water moving in this manner pushes up the pressing surface 8c of the pressing portion 8b while expanding the object 2 to be washed below the pressing portion 8b, and the air is discharged from the open discharge valve 11b. The pressing portion 8b is contracted (arrow B4).

As described above with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C, in the pressing operation, the pressing portion 8a (first pressing portion) and the pressing portion 8b (second pressing portion) are alternately expanded and expanded at different timings. Contraction is repeated for a predetermined period of time. For example, one second of pressurization by expansion of the pressing portion 8a and one second of pressure reduction by contraction of the pressing portion 8b are repeated for 10 minutes. As a result, the object 2 to be washed is pushed and washed. By performing this pressing operation and the above-described degassing operation, it is possible to improve the penetration effect of the washing water into the interior of the fibers, and to exhibit a high cleaning effect.

In addition, at least one of the pressing portions 8 always presses the object 2 to be cleaned with a pressing force that can restrain the movement of the object 2 to be cleaned. As a result, the objects 2 to be washed 2 are not subjected to mechanical force due to agitation, pounding, or the like, and while preventing the objects 2 to float, water flows in multiple directions are generated inside the objects 2 to remove dirt. can be removed. In addition, by suppressing the mechanical force, it is possible to suppress damage to the fabric and loss of shape, thereby enhancing the cleaning effect.

Here, in Embodiment 1, as described above, the controller 29 stops the exhaust pump 26 after the degassing operation and returns the inside of the cleaning tank 4 to the atmospheric pressure. There is no need to continue depressurization. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed by shortening the time for driving the exhaust pump.

Next, a case in which a washing course is set in which the washing process and the spin-drying process are consistently performed will be described. Following the washing process described above, a rinsing process and a dewatering process are performed.

In the rinsing process, for example, after the draining operation and the preliminary dehydration operation, the preliminary rinsing operation is performed. First, in the drain operation, the controller 29 opens the drain valve 23 . The washing water in the washing tub 4 is discharged to the outside through the drainage path 24 .

Next, in the preliminary dehydration operation, for example, the controller 29 closes the drain valve 11 while the drain valve 23 is open, opens the on-off valve 12 , and drives the pressure pump 10 . As a result, the pressing portion 8 expands. The object to be washed 2 is pressed and compressed by the pressing surface 8c, and the washing water contained in the object to be washed 2 is forcibly discharged to the outside.

In the preliminary rinsing operation, the control unit 29 opens the water supply valve 17 to supply a predetermined amount of tap water into the washing tank 4 . Thereafter, similarly to the washing process, the control unit 29 drives the pressure pump 10 to repeat expansion and contraction of the pressing portions 8a and 8b at different timings. As a result, the detergent concentration in the wash water contained in the object 2 to be washed is diluted. This rinsing process is repeated multiple times (eg, twice).

After performing the rinsing process, the dehydration process is performed. In the dehydration step, the controller 29 opens the drain valve 23 to discharge the washing water in the washing tub 4 to the outside. After that, the controller 29 closes the drain valve 11 while keeping the drain valve 23 open, opens the on-off valve 12 , and drives the pressure pump 10 . As a result, the pressing portion 8 expands. The object to be washed 2 is pressed and compressed by the pressing surface 8c, and the washing water contained in the object to be washed 2 is forcibly discharged.

Finally, after the dehydration process is completed, the control section 29 contracts the pressing section 8 to release the pressing of the object 2 to be cleaned. Further, the control unit 29 opens the exhaust path opening/closing valve 28 to return the inside of the cleaning tank 4 to the atmospheric pressure. After unlocking the handle 5a by operating the handle 5a, the user opens the lid 5 and takes out the object 2 to be washed.

In the first embodiment, the pressurizing/depressurizing unit 7 includes a flexible pressing portion 8 , a pressurizing pump 10 that supplies a fluid to the inside of the pressing portion 8 to expand it, and an inner portion of the pressing portion 8 . and a discharge valve 11 for discharging and contracting the fluid. However, the structure is not limited to this configuration, and for example, the pressure reduction for contracting the pressing portion 8 may be performed by a pressure reduction pump (not shown) instead of the discharge valve 11 . Further, in Embodiment 1, the pressurizing pump 10 is used as pressurizing means for inflating the pressing portion 8 . However, by reversing this, the pressure pump 10 may be used as a decompression pump (decompression means) for contracting the pressing portion 8 .

In this case, even if the object to be washed 2 is a thin object with poor elasticity such as a scarf or a thick object with high elasticity such as a knit, the amount of fluid discharged from the pressing portion 8 and the amount of fluid discharged are By controlling the speed, it is possible to change the pressing force on the object 2 to be cleaned. As a result, it is possible to realize the washing machine 1 that provides stable washing performance according to the condition of the object 2 to be washed.

In the first embodiment, the pressurizing/depressurizing unit 7 shares the pressurizing pump 10, and two sets (7a, 7b) are provided, and are configured to expand and contract alternately. More than one set may be provided, configured to expand and contract sequentially, and operate at different timings. In this case, at least one pressing portion 8 is configured to press at a preparatory pressure P1 or higher, expand, and contract when the switching pressure P2 is reached. At this time, the order of expansion and contraction of the plurality of pressing portions 8 may be regular or random.

Further, the fluid that is supplied to the inside of the pressing portion 8 to inflate the pressing portion 8 may be gas or liquid. In the case of gas, the surrounding air can be sucked in by the pressurizing pump 10 or the like, and there are few restrictions when exhausting, which is convenient. For liquids, water or aqueous solutions or oils and the like can be used. In this case, it is desirable to have a reservoir for storing the liquid. Further, since liquid has a higher density than air and is not as elastic as gas, the pressing portion 8 can be reliably expanded.

Further, as described above, in the preparatory operation, the inside of the cleaning tank 4 is set to the atmospheric pressure, and the pressing portion 8 is expanded by supplying air to it, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pressing portion 8 may be extended by driving the exhaust pump 26 to reduce the pressure in the cleaning tank 4 . As a result, when the water supply operation is started, the object 2 to be washed is immersed in the washing water, and at the same time, the air contained in the object 2 to be washed is sucked and discharged by the exhaust pump 26, so that the inside of the object 2 to be washed is washed. It can enhance the water penetration effect.

Moreover, the washing machine 1 may include a vibrating portion (not shown) in the washing tub 4 or in the pressing portion 8 so as to be in contact with the washing water. By applying external energy such as ultrasonic vibration to the washing water by the vibrating part, small bubbles can be made to grow larger and easily removed from the depths of the fibers of the object 2 to be washed.

As described above, in Embodiment 1, the methods for removing gas present in the interior of the fibers of the object to be cleaned 2 include a method of lowering the pressure during immersion, a method of mechanically deforming the fibers by pressing, and a method of causing mechanical deformation in the fibers by pressing. He explained how to reduce the amount of dissolved gas by raising the temperature of water and how to make small bubbles grow larger by vibration. Gas is removed from the object to be washed 2 submerged in washing water by using these methods alone or in combination. As a result, the washing water penetrates deep into the fibers, and dirt on the fibers and the washing water come into direct contact with each other, making it possible to realize a washing machine with high detergency.

[1-3. effects, etc.]
As described above, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment includes the washing tank 4 containing the object to be washed 2 and washing water, the water supply valve 17 supplying the washing water into the washing tank 4, and the pressurizing pump 10. It comprises a pressing part 8 for pressing the object 2 in the washing tank 4, an exhaust pump 26 for sucking and discharging the air in the washing tank 4 to reduce the pressure, and a control part 29 for controlling the washing operation including the washing process. . The control unit 29 supplies washing water to the washing tank 4 by means of the water supply valve 17 while pressing the object 2 by extending the pressing part 8 by means of the pressure pump 10 , and circulates the inside of the washing tank 4 by means of the exhaust pump 26 . It is configured to reduce the pressure.

As a result, the air contained in the submerged object 2 to be cleaned is placed under a reduced pressure environment by the exhaust pump 26 to be bubbled and discharged. Therefore, it is possible to allow the washing water to permeate into the space deep inside the deflated fibers. A flow of washing water can be formed and permeated to the inside of the object 2 to be washed by the water flow generated by the push washing, and the washing effect can be enhanced by suppressing damage and deformation of the cloth.

Further, the control unit 29 of the present embodiment is configured to drive the exhaust pump 26 at least after the washing water is supplied to the washing tub 4 or during the supply of washing water.

As a result, since the object 2 to be washed is pressed while being immersed in the washing water, the air contained in the object 2 to be washed is easily sucked and discharged, and the permeation effect of the washing water can be enhanced.

Further, the control unit 29 of the present embodiment is configured to drive the exhaust pump 26 when starting to supply washing water to the washing tub 4 .

As a result, the air contained in the washing water being supplied can be sucked out and the pressure inside the washing tank 4 can be rapidly reduced.

Further, after driving the exhaust pump 26 for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 29 of the present embodiment returns the inside of the cleaning tank 4 to the atmospheric pressure, and then presses the object 2 to be cleaned by the pressing unit 8 and releases the pressure to clean the object 2 to be cleaned. It is configured to shrink and expand the object 2 to generate multi-directional water flow inside the object 2 to be cleaned.

As a result, it is not necessary to reduce the pressure in the cleaning tank 4 during the pressing operation. Therefore, the time for driving the exhaust pump is shortened, and power consumption can be suppressed.

Further, the control unit 29 of the present embodiment includes a degassing operation for sucking and exhausting the air in the cleaning tank 4 in the washing process. It is configured to press as described above.

As a result, the difference between the pressure in the pressing portion and the pressure in the cleaning tank increases, the amount of contraction and deformation of the object 2 to be cleaned increases, and the air contained inside the object 2 to be cleaned can be reliably discharged. can.

Further, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a heating unit 31 that heats the washing water, and the control unit 29 is configured to drive the exhaust pump 26 while the washing water is heated by the heating unit 31. It is a thing.

As a result, the temperature of the wash water rises, and the amount of gas that can be dissolved in the wash water decreases. Therefore, it becomes easy to remove air from the interior of the fibers of the object 2 to be cleaned when the pressure is reduced. Furthermore, since the temperature of the washing water that penetrates deep into the fibers is increased, the removal of dirt substances existing deep in the fibers is promoted, and the washing performance can be improved.

Washing machine 1 of the present embodiment also includes dehumidifying section 32 between cleaning tub 4 and exhaust pump 26 , and dehumidifying section 32 dehumidifies the air sucked and discharged from cleaning tub 4 .

This reduces the amount of moisture in the air to be sucked and discharged, prevents the highly humid air from flowing directly into the exhaust pump 26 , and maintains the performance of the exhaust pump 26 .

Moreover, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a detergent stirring section (mixing section) 35 that mixes detergent and tap water to generate wash water.

As a result, washing water having a substantially uniform concentration can be supplied to the object 2 to be washed placed in the washing tank 4, and uneven washing can be reduced regardless of the position of the object 2 to be washed from the water supply port 16a. cleaning performance can be obtained.

(Embodiment 2)
[2-1. composition]
The configuration of the washing machine 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as that shown in the first embodiment. The pressurizing pump 10 is used as a pressurizing and depressurizing pump capable of pressurizing and depressurizing by supplying and discharging a fluid such as gas or liquid into and from the pressing portion 8 . Hereinafter, the pressurizing pump 10 of the first embodiment will be described as the pressurizing and depressurizing pump 10 in the second embodiment.

[2-2. motion]
FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the operation of the washing process of washing machine 1 according to the second embodiment. 7A, 7B, and 7C are action diagrams showing the pressing action in the washing process of washing machine 1 according to the second embodiment. A feature of the second embodiment is that the exhaust pump 26 is driven even during the pressing operation, and the air contained inside the object 2 to be cleaned is sucked and discharged. Furthermore, in the pressing operation, the pressurizing/depressurizing pump 10 sucks the air in the pressing portion 8, that is, it is driven to reduce the pressure, and the pressing portion 8 is contracted.

The steps from the preparatory operation to the degassing operation are the same as in the first embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description of the first embodiment is used. The pressure will be explained using pressure symbols P0 to P6 shown in Table 2. Here, in order to reduce the pressure in the pressing portion 8, the control portion 29 closes the discharge valve 11 provided in the pressing portion on the pressure reducing side, opens the on-off valve 12 connected to the pressing portion on the pressure reducing side, and The pressurization and decompression pump 10 is driven so as to suck air. Note that P0 to P4 are the same as in Table 1.

以下に、押圧動作について説明する。

The pressing operation will be described below.

First, the object 2 to be washed is pressed by the pressing portions 8a and 8b in the preparatory operation, and is submerged in the washing water supplied into the washing tank 4 in the water supply operation. Then, the controller 29 opens the exhaust path opening/closing valve 28 and drives the exhaust pump 26 , so that the air in the cleaning tank 4 is discharged to the outside of the cleaning tank 4 through the exhaust path 27 . As a result, the inside of the cleaning tank 4 is decompressed.

First, FIG. 7A will be described. The control unit 29 opens the discharge valve 11a (time t10), and since the on-off valve 12a is closed, the air inside the pressing part 8a pressurized to the atmospheric pressure or higher flows out from the discharge valve 11a. The pressure inside the pressing portion 8a decreases, and although the pressing portion 8a is still inflated, the pressing force P5 is less than the pressing force P4 during the degassing operation. Here, the pressing force P5 is the pressure at which the object to be washed 2 is compressed by the pressing surface 8c in the washing water and restrained from moving in the planar direction, and may be equal to or greater than the preparatory pressure P1.

At substantially the same time as time t10, the control unit 29 opens the on-off valve 12b and drives the pressurization/decompression pump 10 so as to reduce the pressure of the air inside the pressing portion 8b. Since the discharge valve 11b is closed, the air inside the pressing portion 8b is sucked from the open/close valve 12b through the communicating portion 9b, and the pressing force of the pressing portion 8b is reduced.

When the pressing force of the pressing portion 8b reaches the switching pressure P6, the pressing portion 8b contracts (arrow B5) (time t11). Here, the switching pressure P6 is a pressure at which the inside of the pressing portion 8b is reduced from the inside of the cleaning tank 4. As shown in FIG. The switching pressure P6 should be equal to or lower than the preparatory pressure P1.

As described above, as shown in FIG. 7A, the pressure inside the pressing portion 8a is made higher than the pressure inside the cleaning tank 4, thereby extending the pressing portion 8a to press the object to be cleaned 2, and the pressure inside the pressing portion 8b is increased. is made lower than the pressure in the cleaning tank 4 to perform contraction (arrow B5). Also, the washing water contained inside the object to be washed 2 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow C5 from below the expanded pressing portion 8a inside the object to be washed 2 to below the contracted pressing portion 8b. Due to this water flow, dirt adhering to the object to be washed 2 is separated from the fibers and removed, so that the washing effect can be enhanced.

Next, FIG. 7B will be described. Almost simultaneously with opening the discharge valve 11b, the control unit 29
The on-off valve 12b is closed (time t12). As a result, air flows into the pressing portion 8b from the discharge valve 11b, and the pressing portion 8b expands (arrow B6).

At approximately the same time as time t12, the controller 29 closes the discharge valve 11a and opens the on-off valve 12a. As a result, the air inside the pressing portion 8a is sucked from the on-off valve 12a through the communicating portion 9a, and the pressing force of the pressing portion 8a is reduced.

When the pressing force of the pressing portion 8a reaches the switching pressure P6, contraction (arrow A6) is started from the initial state when the pressing portion 8a is neither decompressed nor pressurized (time t13).

As a result, as shown in FIG. 7B, the air inside the pressing portion 8a is sucked and discharged, causing the pressing portion 8a to contract. Since the object to be washed 2 is in a state of being pressed by the pressing portion 8b, the washing water contained inside the object to be washed 2 flows from below the pressing portion 8b to below the pressing portion 8a inside the object to be washed 2. It moves in the direction indicated by arrow C6, and a water stream is generated.

Next, FIG. 7C will be described. The control unit 29 closes the on-off valve 12a substantially at the same time as the discharge valve 11a is opened (time t14). As a result, air flows into the pressing portion 8a from the discharge valve 11b, and the pressing portion 8a expands (arrow A7).

At approximately the same time as time t14, the controller 29 closes the discharge valve 11b and opens the on-off valve 12b. As a result, the air inside the pressing portion 8b is sucked from the on-off valve 12b through the communicating portion 9b, and the pressing force of the pressing portion 8b is reduced.

When the pressing force of the pressing portion 8b reaches the switching pressure P6, contraction (arrow B7) is started from the initial state when the pressing portion 8b is neither decompressed nor pressurized (time t15).

As a result, as shown in FIG. 7C, the air inside the pressing portion 8b is sucked and discharged, causing the pressing portion 8b to contract. Since the object to be washed 2 is pressed by the pressing portion 8a, the washing water contained in the object to be washed 2 flows from below the pressing portion 8a to below the pressing portion 8b inside the object to be washed 2. It moves in the direction indicated by arrow C7 and a water flow is generated.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C, in the pressing operation, the pressing portions 8a and 8b are alternately expanded and contracted at different timings for a predetermined period of time. As a result, the object 2 to be washed is pushed and washed. By performing this pressing operation and the above-described degassing operation, it is possible to exhibit a high washing effect in addition to the effect of penetrating the washing water into the interior of the fibers.

Further, at least one of the pressing portions 8 always presses the object 2 to be cleaned with a pressing force that can restrain the movement of the object 2 to be cleaned, so that the object to be cleaned 2 can be prevented from floating. That is, without mechanical force acting on the object to be washed 2 due to agitation, pounding, etc., the object to be washed 2 is prevented from floating, and multidirectional water flow is generated inside the object to be washed 2 to remove dirt. can do. The cleaning effect can be enhanced by suppressing cloth damage and deformation.

The exhaust pump 26 may be driven until the end of the pressing operation, or may be stopped during the pressing operation. When the exhaust pump 26 is stopped, the control unit 29 closes the exhaust path opening/closing valve 28 substantially at the same time to keep the cleaning tank 4 in a decompressed state.

[2-3. effects, etc.]
As described above, in the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 29 maintains the inside of the washing tank 4 at a predetermined reduced pressure state at least until the washing process is completed or halfway through the washing process. It is configured to drive the exhaust pump 26 at the same time.

As a result, the shrinkage and expansion of the object to be washed 2 caused by push washing causes physical deformation of the object to be washed 2, and the air inside the object to be washed 2 is continuously sucked out during the washing process. The penetration effect of washing water into the inside of the object 2 to be washed can be further enhanced.

(Embodiment 3)
[3-1. composition]
The configuration of the washing machine 1 according to the third embodiment is the same as that shown in the first and second embodiments.

[3-2. motion]
Moreover, FIG. 8 is a time chart showing the operation of the washing process of the washing machine 1 according to the third embodiment. A feature of the third embodiment is that the washing process is performed by raising the temperature of the washing water.

In the third embodiment, a water supply/heating operation is performed instead of the water supply operation of the second embodiment. The water supply/heating operation will be described. The preparatory operation, degassing operation, and pressing operation are the same as those in the second embodiment. invoke.

The controller 29 opens the water supply valve 17 . As a result, the tap water dissolves and agitates the detergent in the detergent stirring unit 35 to generate washing water, which is supplied through the water supply path 16 into the washing tank 4 from the water supply port 16a. When the wash water is supplied to the washing tank 4 up to the first predetermined water level, the control unit 29 operates the heating unit 31 to start heating the wash water (time t20). The water level in the cleaning tank 4 is detected by the water level detector 19 . Here, it is desirable that the first predetermined water level is at least a water level at which the heating unit 31 is completely submerged.

The controller 29 closes the water supply valve 17 when the washing water is supplied to the second predetermined water level in the washing tub 4 . Here, it is desirable that the second predetermined water level is at least a water level at which the object 2 to be washed is completely submerged.

A water temperature detector (not shown) is provided in the heating unit 31 . The control unit 29 controls the heating unit 31 to heat the washing water. When the temperature of the wash water reaches a predetermined temperature, the control section 29 stops the operation of the heating section 31 . The predetermined temperature is preferably 20°C to 40°C. The predetermined temperature of the washing water may be varied according to the clothes to be washed. Moreover, in the pressing operation, it is desirable that the temperature and the amount of pressure reduction be such that the washing water does not boil when the pressure inside the washing tank 4 is reduced.

As described above, the operation of supplying water to the washing tank 4 and heating the washing water is finished, and the operation proceeds to the degassing operation (time t2). As the temperature of the washing water rises, the amount of gas that can be dissolved in the washing water decreases. Therefore, when the inside of the washing tank 4 is depressurized by the exhaust pump 26, the removal of air from the interior of the fibers of the object 2 to be washed is promoted. be done.

Moreover, the washing machine 1 may include a dehumidifying section 32 between the washing tub 4 and the exhaust pump 26 . As a result, the amount of moisture in the air sucked and discharged from the cleaning tank 4 is reduced by the dehumidifier 32 provided in the exhaust path 27, preventing the highly humid air from directly flowing into the exhaust pump, thereby improving the performance of the exhaust pump. can be maintained.

In the third embodiment, the heating is performed while supplying the washing water, but the heating may be performed after the supply of the washing water is finished. In FIG. 8, after the water supply/heating operation, the heating unit 31 stops operating. Here, the control unit 29 may operate the heating unit 31 even during the degassing operation to shorten the water supply/heating operation time. Furthermore, when the water temperature of the wash water drops below a predetermined temperature during the degassing operation or pressing operation, the control unit 29 may operate the heating unit 31 again to heat the wash water.

Note that the above-described water supply/heating operation may be applied to the first embodiment.

[3-3. effects, etc.]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the washing machine 1 includes the heating unit 31 that heats the wash water, and the control unit 29 is configured to drive the exhaust pump while the wash water is heated. It is what is done.

As a result, the amount of gas that can be dissolved in the washing water decreases as the temperature of the washing water rises. Therefore, it becomes easy to remove the air from the interior of the fibers of the object 2 to be cleaned when the pressure is reduced. Furthermore, washing water flows into the void space as air bubbles, which promotes the removal of stains deep inside the fibers, making it possible to improve the washing performance.

Washing machine 1 of the present embodiment also includes dehumidifying section 32 between cleaning tub 4 and exhaust pump 26 , and dehumidifying section 32 dehumidifies the air sucked and discharged from cleaning tub 4 .

This reduces the amount of moisture in the air to be sucked and discharged, prevents the highly humid air from flowing directly into the exhaust pump 26 , and maintains the performance of the exhaust pump 26 .

(Other embodiments)
As described above, Embodiments 1 to 3 have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, since the above-described embodiment is for illustrating the technology in the present disclosure, it is not limited to this, and various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of claims or equivalents thereof. It can be carried out. Also, it is possible to combine the components described in the first to third embodiments to form a new embodiment.

It should be noted that any combination of the above components, and any conversion of the expressions of the present disclosure between methods, devices, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc. are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present disclosure is useful as a washing machine because washing water can permeate the inside of the fibers of the object to be washed to enhance the washing effect. In addition, the object to be washed is not limited to clothes, and the present disclosure can be applied to other than washing machines.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 washing machine 2 object to be washed 4 washing tank 5 cover 7, 7a, 7b pressurization/decompression part 8, 8a, 8b pressing part 8c pressing surface 10 pressure pump (pressurization/decompression pump)
11, 11a, 11b drain valve 12, 12a, 12b on-off valve 17 water supply valve 19 water level detection unit 24 drain path 26 exhaust pump 27 exhaust path 28 exhaust path on-off valve 29 control unit 31 heating unit 32 dehumidifying unit 35 detergent stirring unit (mixing part)

Claims (9)

a washing tank containing an object to be washed and washing water;
a water supply valve for supplying the washing water into the washing tank;
a pressing part that presses the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank with a pressure pump;
an exhaust pump that sucks and exhausts the air in the cleaning tank to reduce the pressure;
A control unit that controls the washing operation including the washing process,
The control unit
With the pressurizing pump extending the pressing portion to press the object to be cleaned,
supplying the washing water to the washing tank by the water supply valve;
A washing machine configured to reduce the pressure in the washing tub by the exhaust pump. The control unit is configured to drive the exhaust pump at least after or during water supply to the cleaning tank.
The washing machine according to claim 1. The control unit is configured to drive the exhaust pump when water supply to the cleaning tank is started.
The washing machine according to claim 1. After driving the exhaust pump for a predetermined period of time, the control unit returns the inside of the cleaning tank to atmospheric pressure,
After that, the object to be washed is contracted and expanded by pressing and releasing the pressure of the object to be washed by the pressing part, and a water flow is generated in the object to be washed.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-3. The control unit is configured to drive the exhaust pump so as to maintain the interior of the cleaning tank in a predetermined decompressed state at least until the cleaning process is completed or partway through the cleaning process. ,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-3. The control unit includes a degassing operation for sucking and exhausting the air in the washing tank in the washing process,
In the degassing operation, the pressing part is configured to press the object to be cleaned with a pressure higher than a normal pressing pressure in the pressing operation,
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-5. The washing machine includes a heating unit that heats the washing water,
The control unit is configured to drive the exhaust pump while the washing water is heated by the heating unit.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-6. The washing machine includes a dehumidifying section between the washing tank and the exhaust pump,
The dehumidification unit dehumidifies the air sucked and discharged from the cleaning tank.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-7. The washing machine includes a mixing unit that mixes detergent and tap water to generate the washing water.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-8.

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