U.S. patent application number 15/765182 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-18 for washing machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is AQUA CO., LTD., QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Hideyuki ARAI, Tomonari KAWAGUCHI, Naoto NISHIURA, Katsuji ONISHI, Hiroyuki TANAKA, Masanori YONEDA.
Application Number | 20180298538 15/765182 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58422686 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180298538 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NISHIURA; Naoto ; et
al. |
October 18, 2018 |
WASHING MACHINE
Abstract
A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes: a
washing tub having an axis extending longitudinally; a circulation
path configured to draw detergent solution mixed with a detergent
in the washing tub and return the detergent solution into the
washing tub from an upper side; a pump configured to pump the
detergent solution in the washing tub into the circulation path and
allow the detergent solution to rise in the circulation path; and a
controller configured to execute a washing operation. The washing
operation includes a circulation-soaking process during which a
circulation process and a soaking process are conducted alternately
and repeatedly. The detergent solution is circulated between the
washing tub and the circulation path by driving the pump and
sprayed onto washings in the circulation process. The pump is
stopped from being driven and, the washings are soaked with the
detergent solution in the washing tub in the soaking process.
Inventors: |
NISHIURA; Naoto; (Tokyo,
JP) ; TANAKA; Hiroyuki; (Tokyo, JP) ;
KAWAGUCHI; Tomonari; (Tokyo, JP) ; YONEDA;
Masanori; (Tokyo, JP) ; ARAI; Hideyuki;
(Tokyo, JP) ; ONISHI; Katsuji; (Tokyo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
QINGDAO HAIER WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD.
AQUA CO., LTD. |
Qingdao, Shandong
Tokyo |
|
CN
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
58422686 |
Appl. No.: |
15/765182 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
September 29, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CN2016/100886 |
371 Date: |
March 30, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 37/304 20130101;
D06F 33/00 20130101; D06F 2204/065 20130101; D06F 35/006 20130101;
D06F 34/18 20200201; D06F 2204/082 20130101; D06F 39/083 20130101;
D06F 39/086 20130101; D06F 39/02 20130101; D06F 2212/00 20130101;
D06F 2202/085 20130101; D06F 39/087 20130101; D06F 39/088 20130101;
D06F 2202/10 20130101; D06F 23/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 33/00 20060101
D06F033/00; D06F 39/02 20060101 D06F039/02; D06F 37/30 20060101
D06F037/30; D06F 39/08 20060101 D06F039/08; D06F 39/00 20060101
D06F039/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 30, 2015 |
JP |
2015-193923 |
Claims
1. A washing machine, comprising: a washing tub having an axis
extending longitudinally, wherein the washing tub is configured to
accommodate washings and is capable of storing water; a circulation
path configured to draw detergent solution mixed with a detergent
in the washing tub and return the detergent solution into the
washing tub from an upper side; a pump configured to pump the
detergent solution in the washing tub into the circulation path and
allow the detergent solution to rise in the circulation path; and
an execution unit configured to execute a washing operation,
wherein the washing operation comprises a circulation-soaking
process during which a circulation process and a soaking process
are conducted alternately and repeatedly, wherein the detergent
solution is circulated between the washing tub and the circulation
path by driving the pump and sprayed onto washings in the
circulation process, and the pump is stopped from being driven and
the washings are soaked with the detergent solution in the washing
tub in the soaking process.
2. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a
motor for rotating the washing tub, wherein the execution unit is
configured to drive the motor to rotate the washing tub at a low
speed below a predetermined rotation speed in at least one
circulation process.
3. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a
motor for rotating the washing tub, wherein the execution unit is
configured to drive the motor to rotate the washing tub repeatedly
an intermittently in at least one circulation process.
4. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a
motor for rotating the washing tub, during the circulation-soaking
process, the execution unit is configured to cause the washing tub
to stop in the circulation process, and drive the motor to rotate
the washing tub merely for a predetermined angle prior to starting
a next circulation process.
5. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a
water supply path configured to supply water to the washing tub,
and a water supply valve configured to open and close the water
supply path, wherein the washing operation comprises a washing
process consisting of the circulation-soaking process and a normal
washing process, in the normal washing process, water is
accumulated in the washing tub to perform a normal washing of the
washings after the circulation-soaking process, wherein during the
circulation-soaking process, the execution unit is configured to
open the water supply valve, so as to supply a part of a total
water supply amount in the whole washing process to the washing tub
and generate the detergent solution.
6. The washing machine according to claim 5, further comprising a
detergent container connected to the water supply path and
containing the detergent, wherein the water supply path is provided
with a discharge opening, and water flowing through the water
supply path after passing through the detergent container is
discharged from the discharge opening toward a position away from
the washings in the washing tub.
7. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the execution
unit is configured to change a time for performing the circulation
process and a time for performing the soaking process according to
load amount of the washings inside the washing tub.
8. The washing machine according to claim 2, further comprising: a
water supply path configured to supply water to the washing tub,
and a water supply valve configured to open and close the water
supply path, wherein the washing operation comprises a washing
process consisting of the circulation-soaking process and a normal
washing process, in the normal washing process, water is
accumulated in the washing tub to perform a normal washing of the
washings after the circulation-soaking process, wherein during the
circulation-soaking process, the execution unit is configured to
open the water supply valve, so as to supply a part of a total
water supply amount in the whole washing process to the washing tub
and generate the detergent solution.
9. The washing machine according to claim 3, further comprising: a
water supply path configured to supply water to the washing tub,
and a water supply valve configured to open and close the water
supply path, wherein the washing operation comprises a washing
process consisting of the circulation-soaking process and a normal
washing process, in the normal washing process, water is
accumulated in the washing tub to perform a normal washing of the
washings after the circulation-soaking process, wherein during the
circulation-soaking process, the execution unit is configured to
open the water supply valve, so as to supply a part of a total
water supply amount in the whole washing process to the washing tub
and generate the detergent solution.
10. The washing machine according to claim 4, further comprising: a
water supply path configured to supply water to the washing tub,
and a water supply valve configured to open and close the water
supply path, wherein the washing operation comprises a washing
process consisting of the circulation-soaking process and a normal
washing process, in the normal washing process, water is
accumulated in the washing tub to perform a normal washing of the
washings after the circulation-soaking process, wherein during the
circulation-soaking process, the execution unit is configured to
open the water supply valve, so as to supply a part of a total
water supply amount in the whole washing process to the washing tub
and generate the detergent solution.
11. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the execution
unit is configured to change a time for performing the circulation
process and a time for performing the soaking process according to
load amount of the washings inside the washing tub.
12. The washing machine according to claim 3, wherein the execution
unit is configured to change a time for performing the circulation
process and a time for performing the soaking process according to
load amount of the washings inside the washing tub.
13. The washing machine according to claim 4, wherein the execution
unit is configured to change a time for performing the circulation
process and a time for performing the soaking process according to
load amount of the washings inside the washing tub.
14. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein the execution
unit is configured to change a time for performing the circulation
process and a time for performing the soaking process according to
load amount of the washings inside the washing tub.
15. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein the execution
unit is configured to change a time for performing the circulation
process and a time for performing the soaking process according to
load amount of the washings inside the washing tub.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] When washings are washed with detergent solution mixed with
a detergent in a washing machine, the higher the concentration of
the detergent solution is, the greater the washing effect caused by
the detergent solution will be. In a drum-type washing machine
disclosed in the following patent document 1, detergent solution of
high concentration is distributed to the washings inside the drum
from a hollow shaft of the washing machine. In a drum-type washing
machine disclosed in the following patent document 2, washing water
of high concentration is sprayed onto the washings in the drum, so
that the washings can undergo a highly concentrated washing.
[0003] Prior to a main washing process of washing the washings
normally, sometimes washings need to be soaked. The washings are
soaked in the detergent solution during a soaking to make dirt
dissolve out, causing it easier to remove the dirt in the
subsequent main washing process. Generally, the soaking is
performed by utilizing the detergent solution the amount of which
is substantially the same as that during the whole main washing
process. In the case that the washing effect of soaking is improved
by increasing the concentration of the detergent solution, a cost
of the detergent increases if the amount of the detergent is
increased.
[0004] Conversely, if the concentration of the detergent solution
is increased by decreasing the amount of water without increasing
the amount of the detergent, it is difficult to spray the detergent
solution to the washings uniformly because only little detergent
solution is produced. In particular, unlike the drum-type washing
machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the drum-type washing
machine disclosed in Patent Document 2, for a vertical type washing
machine including a washing tub the axis of which extends
longitudinally, the detergent solution tends to be stored at the
bottom of the washing tub, thus there is a possibility that only
lower part of the washings in the washing tub is soaked in the
detergent solution. In this way, it is difficult to improve the
cleaning effect of the washings by the detergent solution.
RELATED TECHNICAL LITERATURES
Patent Literatures
[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication
No. 2005-65873
[0006] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Publication No.
2008-534049
SUMMARY
The Problem to be Solved by the Present Disclosure
[0007] The present disclosure is made in view of the above, and
aims to provide a washing machine capable of improving the cleaning
effect with little detergent solution in a structure accommodated
with washings in a washing tub having an axis that extends
longitudinally.
The Solution to the Technical Problem
[0008] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine,
including a washing tub having an axis extending longitudinally,
where the washing tub is configured to accommodate washings and is
capable of storing water; a circulation path configured to draw
detergent solution mixed with a detergent in the washing tub and
return the detergent solution into the washing tub from an upper
side; a pump configured to pump the detergent solution in the
washing tub into the circulation path and allow the detergent
solution to rise in the circulation path; and an execution unit
configured to execute a washing operation. The washing operation
includes a circulation-soaking process during which a circulation
process and a soaking process are conducted alternately and
repeatedly. The detergent solution is circulated between the
washing tub and the circulation path by driving the pump and
sprayed onto washings in the circulation process. The pump is
stopped from being driven and the washings are soaked with the
detergent solution in the washing tub in the soaking process.
[0009] Furthermore, the washing machine according to the present
disclosure includes a motor for rotating the washing tub. The
execution unit is configured to drive the motor to rotate the
washing tub at a low speed below a predetermined rotation speed in
at least one circulation process.
[0010] Furthermore, the washing machine according to the present
disclosure includes a motor for rotating the washing tub. The
execution unit is configured to drive the motor to rotate the
washing tub repeatedly an intermittently in at least one
circulation process.
[0011] Furthermore, the washing machine according to the present
disclosure includes a motor for rotating the washing tub. During
the circulation-soaking process, the execution unit is configured
to cause the washing tub to stop in the circulation process, and
drive the motor to rotate the washing tub merely for a
predetermined angle prior to starting a next circulation
process.
[0012] Furthermore, the washing machine according to the present
disclosure includes a water supply path configured to supply water
to the washing tub, and a water supply valve configured to open and
close the water supply path. The washing operation includes a
washing process consisting of the circulation-soaking process and a
normal washing process. In the normal washing process, water is
accumulated in the washing tub to perform a normal washing of the
washings after the circulation-soaking process. During the
circulation-soaking process, the execution unit is configured to
open the water supply valve, so as to supply a part of a total
water supply amount in the whole washing process to the washing tub
and generate the detergent solution.
[0013] Furthermore, the washing machine according to the present
disclosure includes a detergent container connected to the water
supply path and containing the detergent. The water supply path is
provided with a discharge opening, and water flowing through the
water supply path after passing through the detergent container is
discharged from the discharge opening toward a position away from
the washings in the washing tub.
[0014] Furthermore, the execution unit is configured to change a
time for performing the circulation process and a time for
performing the soaking process according to load amount of the
washings inside the washing tub.
The Effect of the Present Disclosure
[0015] According to the present disclosure, a washing machine
accommodates washings and stores water in a washing tub having an
axis extending longitudinally. Inside the washing tub, the
detergent solution mixed with a detergent is pumped into the
circulation path by a pump, rises in the circulation path, and then
returns into the washing tub from the upper side.
[0016] The execution unit executes a washing operation including a
circulation-soaking process, in which a circulation process and a
soaking process are conducted alternately and repeatedly. The
detergent solution is circulated between the washing tub and the
circulation path by driving the pump and sprayed onto washings in
the circulation process. The pump is stopped from being driven and
the washings are soaked with the detergent solution in the washing
tub in the soaking process.
[0017] Even if there is little detergent solution, the detergent
solution is repeatedly sprayed onto the washings in the washing tub
by a plurality of circulation processes, and thus is uniformly
sprayed to the washings. Through the soaking process after each
circulation process, the same effect identical to steeping can be
obtained. As a result, dirt is effectively dissolved out of the
whole washings. Therefore, the cleaning effect can be improved with
little detergent solution.
[0018] Further, according to the present disclosure, the execution
unit is configured to drive the motor to rotate the washing tub at
a low speed below a predetermined rotation speed in at least one
circulation process. Thus, the detergent solution returned to the
washing tub from the circulation path can be uniformly sprayed onto
the washings in the washing tub over the entire region in the
rotation direction of the washing tub. Therefore, it is possible to
further improve the cleaning effect brought by the detergent
solution.
[0019] Further, according to the present disclosure, the execution
unit is configured to drive the motor to rotate the washing tub
repeatedly and intermittently in at least one circulation process.
Thus, the detergent solution returned to the washing tub from the
circulation path can be uniformly sprayed onto the washings in the
washing tub over the entire region in the rotation direction of the
washing tub. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the
cleaning effect brought by the detergent solution.
[0020] Further, according to the present disclosure, in the
circulation-soaking process, the execution unit is configured to
stop the washing tub during the circulation process, and drive the
motor to rotate the washing tub for a predetermined angle before
starting the next circulation process. As a result, when the
washing tub is stopped in the circulation process, it is possible
to spray the washing water intensively in one part of the washing
tub containing the washings in the rotation direction. Then, the
washing tub rotates a little before starting the next circulation
process, so that in the next circulation process, the washing water
is sprayed intensively to the other parts except the part where the
washing water was sprayed in the previous circulation process of
the washings. By repeating the circulation process several times
while gradually changing the position where the detergent solution
is sprayed to the washings in such a manner, a sufficient amount of
detergent solution is eventually sprayed to the washings in the
washing tub from the region of the washing tub in the rotation
direction. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the
cleaning effect brought by the detergent solution.
[0021] Further, according to the present disclosure, in the case
that the washing process is constituted by the circulation-soaking
process and a normal washing process, the execution unit is
configured to open the water supply valve in the
circulation-soaking process before the normal washing process to
supply water to the water supply path, so that a part of a total
water supply amount determined throughout the washing process is
supplied to the washing tub to generate the detergent solution. As
a result, a detergent solution of high concentration can be
produced.
[0022] Further, according to the present disclosure, the discharge
opening of the water supply path discharges the water containing
the detergent passing through the detergent container toward the
position away from the washings in the washing tub. As a result, it
is possible to prevent the following situation: the detergent
having an excessively high concentration only adheres to a part of
the surface of the washings Q before being dissolved into the
water, so that it is difficult to clean the entire washings
uniformly.
[0023] Further, according to the present disclosure, since the
execution unit is configured to change the time for performing the
circulation process and the time for performing the soaking process
according to the load amount of the washings in the washing tub,
the most suitable circulation-soaking process is performed
according to the load. Therefore, the cleaning effect brought by
the detergent solution in the circulation-soaking process can be
further improved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a washing machine
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical
structure of the washing machine.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation in a
circulation-soaking process.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a washing machine
according to a first modification.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a washing machine
according to a second modification.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a washing machine
according to a third modification.
LIST OF NUMERALS
[0030] 1: Washing machine; 4, Washing tub; 5, Motor; 6, Water
supply path; 6B: Discharge opening; 7: Water supply valve; 8,
Detergent container; 11, Circulation path; 12, Pump; 30,
Controller; J: Axis; Q, Washings; Z1: Upper side
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a
schematic diagram illustrating a washing machine 1 according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. An up-down direction in FIG.
1 is called as an up-down direction Z of the washing machine 1, and
a left-right direction in FIG. 1 is called as a lateral direction Y
of the washing machine 1. The up-down direction Z coincides with
the vertical direction, and the lateral direction Y coincides with
the horizontal direction. In the up-down direction Z, the upper
side is referred to as an upper side Z1 and the lower side is
referred to as a lower side Z2. Although the washing machine 1 may
be a washing/drying machine having a drying function, the washing
machine 1 will be described by taking a washing machine, in which
the drying function is omitted and only the washing operation is
executed, as an example. The washing machine 1 includes a housing
2, an outer tub 3 disposed in the housing 2, a washing tub 4, a
motor 5, a water supply path 6, a water supply valve 7, a detergent
container 8, a drainage path 9, a drain valve 10, a circulation
path 11 and a pump 12.
[0032] The housing 2 is, for example, made of metal, and is formed
in a box shape. An entrance 2B for communicating the inside and
outside of the housing 2 is formed at an upper surface 2A of the
housing 2. The upper surface 2A is provided with a door 14 for
opening/closing the entrance 2B and a display operation portion 15
including a switch, a liquid crystal panel and the like. A user
operates the switch or the like of the display operation portion 15
to turn on/off the power of the washing machine 1, set a washing
operation mode freely, or issue an instruction for activating or
stopping the washing operation to the washing machine 1.
Information related to the washing operation is visually displayed
on the liquid crystal panel or the like of the display operation
portion 15.
[0033] The outer tub 3 is, for example, made of resin, formed into
a bottomed cylindrical shape and elastically supported by the
housing 2 via an elastic supporting member (not shown) such as a
so-called hanger rod. The outer tub 3 can store water therein. An
imaginary straight line passing through a center of the circle of
the outer tub 3 is axis J of the outer tub 3. The axis J extends in
the vertical direction or in a direction slightly inclined with
respect to the vertical direction, that is, in a longitudinal
direction. The bottomed cylindrical outer tub 3 includes a
substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 3A arranged around
the axis J, a disk-shaped bottom wall 3B for sealing the
circumferential wall 3A from the lower side Z2, and a ring-shaped
annular wall 3C formed by crimping an upper edge of the
circumferential wall 3A to protrude toward the axis J. The outer
tub 3 is formed with a circular entrance 3D which is encircled by
the annular wall 3C and opposed to the entrance 2B of the housing 2
from the lower side Z2, and a through hole 3E penetrating the
center of the bottom wall 3B in the vertical direction Z.
[0034] The washing tub 4 is a metallic drum formed into a bottomed
cylindrical shape slightly smaller than the outer tub 3, and can
accommodate the washings Q therein. The washing tub 4 is coaxially
arranged in the outer tub 3. Therefore, the axis of the washing tub
4 is the axis J aforementioned. The bottomed cylindrical washing
tub 4 includes a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 4A
arranged around the axis J, a disk-shaped bottom wall 4B for
sealing the circumferential wall 4A from the lower side Z2, a
ring-shaped annular wall 4C formed by crimping an upper edge of the
circumferential wall 4A to protrude toward the axis J. The washing
tub 4 is formed with a circular entrance 4D which is encircled by
the annular wall 4C and opposed to the entrance 3D of the outer tub
3 from the lower side Z2, and a plurality of through holes 4E
formed on the circumferential wall 4A or the bottom wall 4B.
[0035] When the door 14 described above is opened, the entrance 2B,
the entrance 3D and the entrance 4D are aligned in the vertical
direction Z and are exposed to the upper side Z1 from the upper
surface 2A of the housing 2, so that the washings Q are threw
into/taken out of the washing tub 4 by means of the entrances. The
water in the outer tub 3 flows between the outer tub 3 and the
washing tub 4 via the through holes 4E, and is stored in the
washing tub 4. Therefore, the water level in the outer tub 3 and
the water level in the washing tub 4 coincide with each other. At
the circular center of the bottom wall 4B, a rotation shaft 17
protruding to the lower side Z2 along the axis J is provided. The
rotation shaft 17 is inserted into the through hole 3E of the
bottom wall 3B of the outer tub 3 from the upper side Z1.
[0036] The motor 5 is constituted by, for example, a frequency
conversion motor. The motor 5 is disposed on the lower side Z2 of
the outer tub 3 in the housing 2, and is fixed to the bottom wall
3B of the outer tub 3 via a fixed part (not shown) or the like. The
motor 5 has an output shaft 18 that rotates about the axis J. The
output shaft 18 is connected to the rotation shaft 17 of the
washing tub 4. When the motor 5 is driven, the driving force
generated by the motor 5 is transmitted from the output shaft 18 to
the rotation shaft 17 to drive the washing tub 4 to rotate around
the axis J. It should be noted that a transmission mechanism (not
shown) consisted of a clutch or the like may also be sandwiched
between the rotation shaft 17 and the output shaft 18. Further, the
washing tub 4 is provided with a pulsator (not shown) that rotates
to stir the contained washings Q, and the driving force of the
motor 5 may be selectively transmitted from the transmission
mechanism to one or both of the washing tub 4 and the pulsator. In
addition, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the
rotation number of the motor 5 is the same as the rotation number
of the washing tub 4 and the pulsator.
[0037] The water supply path 6 is a flow path which has one end 6A
connected to a faucet (not shown) and the other end 6C formed with
a discharge opening 6B. The other end 6C of the water supply path 6
penetrates the annular wall 3C of the outer tub 3 from the upper
side Z1, and the discharge opening 6B is configured to face a gap
19 in the lateral direction Y between the circumferential wall 3A
of the outer tub 3 and the circumferential wall 4A of the washing
tub 4 from the upper side Z1.
[0038] The water supply valve 7 is provided in the water supply
path 6. When the water supply valve 7 is opened, the water supply
path 6 is opened. In this way, through the water supply path 6, the
water from the faucet flows down to the gap 19 from the discharge
opening 6B, and is accumulated in the outer tub 3, as shown by a
thick solid arrow. At this time, the discharge opening 6B
discharges the water flowing through the water supply path 6 toward
the gap 19 between the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4, that is,
the discharge opening 6B discharges the water toward a position
away from the washings Q in the washing tub 4. The water
accumulated in the outer tub 3 passes through the through holes 4E
of the washing tub 4 to be accumulated in the washing tub 4. In
this way, when the water supply valve 7 is opened, the water is
supplied to the washing tub 4 from the water supply path 6. On the
other hand, the water supply path 6 is closed when the water supply
valve 7 is closed, and thus no water is supplied.
[0039] The detergent container 8 is formed as a box for containing
the detergent, and is connected to the middle of the water supply
path 6. The internal space of the detergent container 8 constitutes
a middle section of the water supply path 6. When the water supply
valve 7 is opened to supply water, the water from the faucet passes
through the detergent container 8 to carry the detergent, flows
through the water supply path 6 and is supplied from the discharge
opening 6B to the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4. As a result,
the detergent solution mixed with the detergent is stored in the
outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4.
[0040] The drainage path 9 is a flow path having an end 9A and
another end 9B. The end 9A is connected to the bottom wall 3B of
the outer tub 3 from the lower side Z2 at a position other than the
through hole 3E. The end 9B is drawn out of the housing 2 at a
position lower than the end 9A.
[0041] The drain valve 10 is provided in the drainage path 9. When
the drain valve 10 is opened, the drainage path 9 is opened.
Accordingly, the detergent solution accumulated in the outer tub 3
and the washing tub 4 is discharged to the outside of the machine
through the drainage path 9. In this way, after the water is
drained off, the drainage path 9 is closed when the drain valve 10
is closed, thus the drainage is stopped.
[0042] The circulation path 11 is a flow path having an end 11A and
another end 11C. The end 11A is connected to a section of the
drainage path 9, which is between the end 9A and the drain valve
10. The end 11C is formed with a discharge opening 11B. The
circulation path 11 is bent after extending in the lateral
direction Y from the end 11A, extends to the upper side Z1 through
a gap between the housing 2 and the outer tub 3, and is bent toward
the axis J side to reach the end 11C. The end 11C is bent toward
the lower side Z2 just above the entrance 3D of the outer tub 3.
The discharge opening 11B opens at the lower end of the end 11C,
and faces the entrance 4D of the washing tub 4 from the upper side
Z1.
[0043] The pump 12 is a centrifugal pump equipped with a rotating
impeller (not shown) or the like, and is provided in the
circulation path 11. When being driven, the pump 12 pumps the
detergent solution in the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 into
the end 11A of the circulation path 11 via the drainage path 9, so
as to raise the detergent solution in the circulation path 11. As a
result, the detergent solution is pumped into the circulation path
11 from the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4, and is discharged
from the water discharge opening 11B at the end 11C. The detergent
solution discharged from the discharge opening 11B flows down to
the entrance 4D of the washing tub 4 as indicated by a thick broken
line arrow, and is returned to the washing tub 4 from the upper
side Z1. When the pump 12 is continuously driven, the detergent
solution circulates between the washing tub 4 and the circulation
path 11.
[0044] The washing machine 1 includes a controller 30 as an
execution unit. The controller 30 is, for example, a microcomputer
including a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory such as a
read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM), and is
disposed in the housing 2.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 2, i.e. a block diagram illustrating an
electrical structure of the washing machine 1, the washing machine
1 further includes a water level sensor 31, a rotation sensor 32,
and a timer 33 for measuring time. Each of the water level sensor
31, the rotation sensor 32 and the timer 33 and the motor 5, the
pump 12, the display operation portion 15, the water supply valve 7
and the drain valve 10 described above is electrically connected to
the controller 30.
[0046] The water level sensor 31 is a sensor for detecting the
water level of the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4, and a
detection result of the water level sensor 31 is input to the
controller 30 in real time.
[0047] The rotation sensor 32 is a device for reading the number of
revolutions of the motor 5, strictly speaking, the number of
revolutions of the output shaft 18 of the motor 5. For example, the
rotation sensor 32 is formed by a Hall IC (not shown) that outputs
a pulse each time the output shaft 18 rotates by a predetermined
rotation angle. The number of revolutions read by the rotation
sensor 32 is input to the controller 30 in real time. The
controller 30 controls a voltage applied to the motor 5 based on
the input number of revolutions. More specifically, the controller
30 controls the duty ratio of the voltage applied to the motor 5 to
drive the motor 5 to rotate at the desired number of revolutions.
The controller 30 also controls the driving of the pump 12.
[0048] As described above, in response to selecting operation
conditions of the washing operation by the user through the display
operation portion 15, the controller 30 accepts the selection. The
controller 30 performs control to display information necessary to
the user in the display operation portion 15 in a visible manner.
The controller 30 controls opening/closing of the water supply
valve 7 and the drain valve 10. Therefore, the controller 30 can
supply water to the washing tub 4 by opening the water supply valve
7 with the drain valve 10 being closed, and can drain the washing
tub 4 by opening the drain valve 10.
[0049] Next, the washing operation executed by the controller 30 in
the washing machine 1 will be described. The washing operation
includes a washing process consisting of an original
circulation-soaking process and a normal washing process after the
circulation-soaking process, a rinsing process after the washing
process, and a dewatering process. The circulation-soaking process
may be regarded as an independent process in the washing operation
or may be regarded as part of the washing process as in the present
embodiment. The dewatering process includes a final dewatering
process executed at the end of the washing operation and an
intermediate dewatering process executed after the washing process
and the rinsing process.
[0050] The controller 30 detects the amount of washings Q in the
washing tub 4 as a load amount before starting the washing
operation. The unit of the load amount is, for example, kg. As an
example of detecting the load amount, the controller 30 may acquire
the load amount from the weight of the washings Q detected by a
weight sensor (not shown) provided in the washing machine 1.
Further, the load amount may be detected by variations in the
number of revolutions of the motor 5 when the washing tub 4 is
steadily rotated at a low speed. In the case that the pulsator
described above is provided, the controller 30 stops the driving of
the motor 5 immediately after rotating the pulsator carried with
the washings Q for a predetermined time, thereby rotating the motor
5 inertly, and the inertial rotation amount of the motor 5 at that
time is measured. The larger the load amount is, the smaller the
inertial rotation amount of the motor 5 connected to the pulsator
carried with the heavy washings Q will be. The smaller the load
amount is, the larger the inertia rotation amount of the motor 5
connected to the pulsator carried with the light washings Q will
be. The controller 30 detects the load amount according to the
magnitude of the inertia revolutions.
[0051] The circulation-soaking process will be described with
reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3. During the
circulation-soaking process, the drain valve 10 is always in a
closed state. As the circulation-soaking process starts, the
controller 30 controls the water supply valve 7 to open for a
predetermined time to supply water to the washing tub 4 (step S1).
As a result, the detergent solution is accumulated in the washing
tub 4 to a predetermined water level.
[0052] Next, the controller 30 performs the circulation process for
the first time (step S2). In the circulation process, the
controller 30 controls the pump 12 to circulate the detergent
solution between the washing tub 4 and the circulation path 11, and
the detergent solution is sprayed to the washings Q in the washing
tub 4 from the discharge opening 11B of the circulation path 11
during the circulation process. The time for performing the
circulation process, that is, the time for driving the pump 12 is,
for example, about 15 seconds. Moreover, the detergent solution
which has passed through the pump 12 in the circulation path 11 is
finely crushed by the impeller of the pump 12 and dissolved in
water, so that the detergent solution of high concentration is
generated.
[0053] Next, the controller 30 performs the soaking process for the
first time (step S3). In the soaking process, the controller 30
performs control to stop the driving of the pump 12 to soak the
washings Q in the detergent solution in the washing tub 4.
Specifically, the detergent solution sprayed from the upper side Z1
to the washings Q in the circulation process soaks into the
washings Q due to its own weight. In addition, in the soaking
process, since the drain valve 10 is continuously closed, the
detergent solution is accumulated in the washing tub 4 so that the
washings Q, particularly the lower part of the washings Q, is
immersed in the detergent solution. The time for performing the
soaking process, that is, the time during which the pump 12 is
stopped is, for example, about 45 seconds.
[0054] Next, the controller 30 performs the circulation process for
the second time (step S4), and then performs the soaking process
for the second time (step S5). In addition, since the pump 12 is
stopped in the soaking process just before the circulation process,
at the start of the circulation process, the detergent solution is
in a state of being accumulated in the outer tub 3 and the washing
tub 4 and accumulated at the end 11A of the drainage path 9 and the
circulation path. Therefore, during the circulation process
immediately after the soaking process, the pump 12 can promptly
start the circulation of detergent solution without idling.
Further, in the first circulation process, since the washings Q
before washing are dry and can absorb a large amount of detergent
solution, the time for the first circulation process is set to be
longer. However, the washings Q are in a state of having absorbed a
certain amount of detergent solution since the start of the second
circulation process, the time for the circulation process is set to
be shorter than that of the first circulation process. Based on the
same reason, the time for the first soaking process is set to be
longer in the first soaking process, while the time for subsequent
soaking processes since the second soaking process is set to be
shorter than that of the first soaking process.
[0055] The controller 30 alternately repeats the circulation
process (step S4) and the soaking process (step S5) for a plurality
of times until a predetermined time has elapsed from supplying
water in step S1 (No in step S6). The predetermined time herein is,
for example, 30 minutes. In this case, the circulation process and
the soaking process are repeated 30 times in total. Even if there
is little detergent solution, the detergent solution is uniformly
applied to the washings Q in the washing tub 4 repeatedly through a
plurality of circulation processes, and the washings Q are brought
to a state equivalent to being soaked in the detergent solution
through the soaking processes after the circulation processes. As a
result, the dirt is effectively dissolved out the washings Q.
Therefore, the cleaning effect can be improved with little
detergent solution.
[0056] When the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S6),
the circulation-soaking process is completed, and the controller 30
performs the next process, i.e., the normal washing process. When
the normal washing process is started, the controller 30 controls
the water supply valve 7 to open with the drain valve 10 being
continuously closed, so as to supply water to the washing tub 4
additionally. As a result, the detergent solution is accumulated in
the washing tub 4 to a water level higher than the water level of
the detergent solution accumulated due to the supplied water in
step S1. In the normal washing process, the controller 30 drives
the motor 5 under a state that the detergent solution is stored in
the washing tub 4, so as to rotate the washing tub 4 or the
pulsator described above. As a result, a water flow of the
detergent solution is generated in the washing tub 4 to stir the
washings Q. The dirt is removed from the washings Q by the
mechanical force such as friction and vibration given to the
washings Q by the water flow, or the dirt is chemically decomposed
by the detergent solution, whereby the washings Q are washed
formally. In particular, due to the circulation-soaking process
before the normal washing process, the washings Q are in a state
that the dirt is dissolved out to be easily removed, thus a high
cleaning effect can be exhibited in the normal washing process.
[0057] The controller 30 may further execute a first process, in
which the motor 5 is driven to rotate the washing tub 4 at a low
speed below a predetermined rotation speed, in at least one
circulation process. The number of revolutions of the motor 5 when
the washing tub 4 is rotated at a low speed is, for example, 50
rpm. In addition, the number of revolutions of the motor 5 when the
washing tub 4 is rotated at a high speed in the dewatering process
is, for example, 600 rpm to 800 rpm. By rotating the washing tub 4
at a low speed in the circulation process, it is possible to
suppress the bias of the washings Q in the washing tub 4, and
prevent the detergent solution in the washing tub 4 from being
scattered to the outside from the entrance 4D. Further, the
controller 30 may further execute a second process, in which the
motor 5 is driven to perform an intermittent rotation of the
washing tub 4 repeatedly, in at least one circulation process. The
intermittent rotation of the washing tub 4 refers to stopping or
rotating the washing tub 4 repeatedly by turning on or turning off
the motor 5 repeatedly.
[0058] Through the first process and the second process, the
detergent solution returned to the washing tub 4 from the
circulation path 11 is sprayed to the washings Q in the washing tub
4 over the entire region in the rotation direction of the washing
tub 4. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the cleaning
effect by detergent solution.
[0059] The controller 30 can also perform a third process, in which
the washing tub 4 is stopped during the circulation process and the
motor 5 is driven to rotate the washing tub 4 for only a
predetermined angle before starting the next circulation process,
in the circulation-soaking process. In this way, when the washing
tub 4 is stopped during the circulation process, it is possible to
intensively spray the washing water on a part of the washings Q in
the rotational direction the washing tub 4 containing. Then, the
washing tub 4 slightly rotates before starting the next circulation
process, so that in the next circulation process, the washing water
is intensively sprayed on a part of the washings Q other than the
part sprayed by the washing water in the previous circulation
process. By repeating the circulation process a plurality of times
while slightly changing the position of the washings Q immersed in
the detergent solution, a sufficient amount of detergent solution
is uniformly sprayed to the washings Q in the washing tub 4 over
the entire region in the rotation direction of the washing tub 4
finally. Therefore, the cleaning effect caused by the detergent
solution is further improved. It should be noted that, in the case
of the third process, the washing tub 4 may stop or rotate in a
soaking process immediately after the circulation process in which
the washing tub 4 stopped. In the case that the washing tub 4
rotates in the soaking process, the controller 30 temporarily
stores the stop position of the washing tub 4 in the previous
circulation process.
[0060] In the circulation-soaking process, only one of the first
process, the second process and the third process may be performed,
or a combination of the first process, the second process and the
third process may be carried out. For example, in the first to
fifth circulation process in the early stage of the
circulation-soaking process, only the first process is performed,
and in the sixth circulation process and subsequent circulation
processes, only the third process is performed. In this case, it is
possible to uniformly spray the detergent solution throughout the
whole washings Q at an early stage in the circulation-soaking
process through the first to fifth circulation process, and in
subsequent circulation process since the sixth circulation process,
a large amount of detergent solution is locally sprayed to the
washings Q, so that it is possible to improve the cleaning effect
of the part of the washings Q immersed in the detergent
solution.
[0061] Further, a combination of the first to third processes can
be arbitrarily set according to the load amount of the washings Q
and the washing operation mode. For example, in the case that the
load amount is small due to a small amount of washings Q or under a
mode in which cotton easy to absorb water is washed, the detergent
solution is easily immersed into the lower part of the washings Q
even if little detergent solution is uniformly sprayed to the
washings Q. Therefore, the frequencies of the first and second
processes are increased, and the frequency of the third process is
reduced. On the other hand, in the case that the load amount is
large due to the large number of washings Q or under a mode in
which thick blankets are washed, if no large amount of detergent
solution is intensively sprayed on a part of the washings Q, the
detergent solution can hardly immerse into the lower part of the
washings Q. Therefore, the frequency of the third process is
increased, and the frequencies of the first and second processes
are reduced.
[0062] The controller 30 may open the water supply valve 7 in step
S1 of the circulation-soaking process, so as to supply a part of
water supplied during the entire washing process to the washing tub
4 to generate the detergent solution. That is, the detergent
solution is generated in the circulation-soaking process by using a
part of the water supply amount predetermined in the entire washing
process. As a result, it is possible to generate the detergent
solution of high concentration without increasing the amount of
water supplied during the entire washing operation. In addition,
the water supply amount in the whole washing process is, for
example, 60 L. In this case, the water supply amount in the
circulation-soaking process is set to be about 1/2 to 1/2 of 60 L,
for example, 20 L.
[0063] In this manner, in the circulation process, by generating
high-concentration detergent solution with little detergent and
water and repeating the circulation-soaking process in which the
detergent solution is uniformly immersed into the washings Q via
the pump 12, it is possible to obtain the same cleaning effect as
that obtained in the case of washing by using a large amount of
detergent solution of high concentration. In addition, the high
concentration herein is, for example, a range of 2 to 3 times the
concentration.
[0064] In addition, as described above, when water is supplied in
step S1, water containing the detergent, which has passed through
the detergent container 8, is discharged from the discharge opening
6B of the water supply path 6 to the position away from the
washings Q in the washing tub 4. That is, during the supplying
water in the circulation-soaking process, the water containing the
detergent from the detergent container 8 is supplied without being
sprayed on the washings Q directly. As a result, it is possible to
prevent the following situation: the detergent having an
excessively high concentration only adheres to a part of the
surface of the washings Q before being dissolved into the water, so
that it is difficult to clean the entire washings uniformly.
[0065] The controller 30 may also change the time of the
circulation process and the time of the socking process according
to the load amount of the washings Q in the washing tub 4
respectively. Specifically, when the load is large due to large
number of washings Q, it is necessary to spray a large amount of
detergent solution on the washings Q to immerse the washings, thus
the time of the circulation process and the time of the soaking
process are generally set by the controller 30 to be long. On the
other hand, when the load is little due to a small amount of
washings Q, a sufficient washing effect can be obtained by spraying
little detergent solution to immerse the washings Q, thus the time
of the circulation process and the time of the soaking process are
generally set by the controller 30 to be short. As a result, it is
possible to execute a most suitable circulation-soaking process on
the basis of the load amount. Therefore, the cleaning effect
brought by the detergent solution in the circulation-soaking
process can be further improved.
[0066] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments
described above, and various modifications are possible within the
scope of the claims.
[0067] For example, in the embodiment described above, the end 11A
of the circulation path 11 is connected to the drainage path 9 (see
FIG. 1), but it may be connected to the lower end of the outer tub
3.
[0068] FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a washing machine 1
according to a first modification. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram
illustrating a washing machine 1 according to a second
modification. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a washing
machine 1 according to a third modification. In FIGS. 4 to 6, the
same parts as those described with reference to FIG. 1 are denoted
by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be
omitted. As shown in the first to third modifications of FIGS. 4 to
6, the washing machine 1 may further include a tank 21.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 4, the tank 21 has a capacity capable of
storing the detergent solution generated in the circulation washing
process, and is disposed in the housing 2 in a space that is closer
to the lower side Z2 than the outer tub 3 is. The tank 21 is
interposed in the drainage path 9, and is located between a
connecting portion between the end 11A of the circulation path 11
and the drainage path 9 and the end 9A of the drainage path 9. The
internal space of the tank 21 constitutes an intermediate portion
of the drainage path 9. A drain valve 22 is provided between the
end 9A and the tank 21 in the drainage path 9. Hereinafter, for
convenience of description, the drain valve 10 is referred to as a
first drain valve 10, and the drain valve 22 is referred to as a
second drain valve 22. The opening and closing of the second drain
valve 22 is controlled by the controller 30.
[0070] When both the first drain valve 10 and the second drain
valve 22 are opened, the water flowing to the drainage path 9 from
the outer tub 3 is discharged outside the machine once it passes
through the tank 21 and reaches the other end 9B. On the other
hand, when the first drain valve 10 is closed with the second drain
valve 22 being opened, the water flowing to the drainage path 9
from the outer tub 3 is stored in the tank 21 rather than being
discharged outside the machine. The tank 21 is connected to an end
23A of an air vent pipe 23 from the upper side Z1. The air vent
pipe 23 extends from the end 23A to the upper side Z1, and another
end 23B of the air vent pipe 23 is connected to the upper portion
of the circumferential wall 3A of the outer tub 3. As a result, the
air in the tank 21 escapes into the outer tub 3 through the air
vent pipe 23, so that the water flowing to the drainage path 9 from
the outer tub 3 can flow smoothly into the tank 21. Moreover, even
if bubbles in the tank 21 enter the air vent pipe 23, the bubbles
are guided into the outer tub 3, thus it is possible to prevent the
bubbles from blocking the air vent pipe 23.
[0071] In the first to third modifications, the controller 30
executes the circulation-soaking process illustrated in FIG. 3. In
the circulation-soaking process, the first drain valve 10 is always
in a closed state, and the second drain valve 22 may be opened and
closed as necessary. In addition, when the second drain valve 22 is
always opened, since the tank 21 functions only as a part of the
drainage path 9, a circulation-soaking process, which is the same
as that performed in the case that the tank 21 is not provided, is
executed.
[0072] On the other hand, in the circulation-soaking process in
which the second drain valve 22 is opened or closed as needed, the
detergent solution is accumulated in the tank 21 because the
controller 30 performs control to supply water with the second
drain valve 22 being opened in Step S1. Then, the controller 30
alternately repeats the circulation process and the soaking process
until the predetermined time elapsed in step S6.
[0073] In the circulation process in step S2 or step S4, after the
detergent solution stored in the tank 21 is pumped into the
circulation path 11 by the pump 12, the detergent solution is
sprayed to the washings Q in the washing tub 4 from the upper side
Z1 by means of the discharge opening 11B of the circulation path 11
(see the thick dashed arrow in FIG. 4). The detergent solution
sprayed to the washings Q is accumulated in the tank 21 through the
drainage path 9, pumped into the circulation path 11 again by the
pump 12, and is sprayed to the washings Q. As a result, in the
circulation process, the detergent solution circulates between the
washing tub 4 and the circulation path 11 via the tank 21. It
should be noted that, in the first circulation process in step S2,
in order to immerse a large amount of detergent solution into the
washings Q in a dry state before washing, the second drain valve 22
may be closed so that the detergent solution is stored in the
washing tub 4.
[0074] On the other hand, in the soaking process in step S3 or step
S5, the controller 30 first closes the second drain valve 22 while
stopping the pump 12. As a result, the detergent solution supplied
to the washing tub 4 from the circulation path 11 in the previous
circulation process is accumulated in the washing tub 4, thus the
detergent solution can easily immerse into the washings Q.
Moreover, the controller 30 opens the second drain valve 22 at a
timing in the final stage when a predetermined time has elapsed
from the start of the soaking process. As a result, the detergent
solution in the washing tub 4 is accumulated in the tank 21 through
the drainage path 9, so that circulation of the detergent solution
can be promptly started in the circulation process that is
immediately performed.
[0075] When the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S6) and
the normal washing process is performed, the controller 30 closes
the second drain valve 22 and opens the water supply valve 7 to
supply water to the washing tub 4 along with the start of the
normal washing process. In this case, the pump 12 is driven to
transfer the detergent solution in the tank 21 to the washing tub 4
via the circulation path 11. In this way, by utilizing the
detergent solution of the tank 21 for supplying water, water
supplied from the water supply path 6 can be suppressed to be
little.
[0076] As described above, in step S1 of supplying water in the
circulation-soaking process, as a structure for supplying water
containing the detergent without spraying the detergent solution on
the washings Q directly, the discharge opening 6B of the water
supply path 6 is provided as follows: as indicated by the arrow in
thick solid line, the water containing the detergent is discharged
toward the gap 19 between the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4,
that is, toward the position away from the washings Q in the
washing tub 4. As a modification of this structure, a second
modification and a third modification can be exemplified.
[0077] In the second modification shown in FIG. 5, the water supply
path 6 passes through the detergent container 8, and extends to the
lower side Z2 between the circumferential wall 3A of the outer tub
3 and the housing 2. Another end 6C of the water supply path 6 is
connected to the lower end of the circumferential wall 3A. In this
case, the water supply path 6 is a flow path outside the outer tub
3, and the discharge opening 6B at the end 6C faces the lower end
of the gap 19 between the outer tub 3 and the washing tub 4 in the
lateral direction Y. On the other hand, the washing machine 1 of
the second modification includes a branch path 25 branched from the
water supply path 6 in the detergent container 8. The branch path
25 is a flow path extending from the detergent container 8 to the
lower side Z2. At the lower end of the branch path 25, a water
supply port 25A facing the entrance 4D of the washing tub 4 from
the upper side Z1 is provided. A water supply valve 26 is provided
in the branch path 25. In the following description of the second
modification, the water supply valve 7 is referred to as a first
water supply valve 7, and the water supply valve 26 is referred to
as a second water supply valve 26 for convenience. The opening and
closing of the second water supply valve 26 are controlled by the
controller 30.
[0078] In the circulation-soaking process in the second
modification, when water is supplied in step S1, the controller 30
opens the first water supply valve 7 and closes the second water
supply valve 26. As a result, the water from the faucet passes
through the detergent container 8 to carry the detergent, flows
down to reach the supply path 6, and then is supplied to a space 27
inside the outer tub 3 from the discharge opening 6B, as indicated
by a thick solid arrow. The space 27 is closer to the lower side Z2
than the bottom wall 4B of the washing tub 3. At this time, the
discharge opening 6B discharges the water flowing through the water
supply path 6 toward the space 27, that is, the position away from
the washings Q in the washing tub 4. As a result, the water
containing the detergent is supplied without being sprayed on the
washings Q directly. On the other hand, in the case of supplying
water in the normal washing process performed after the
circulation-soaking process, the controller 30 closes the first
water supply valve 7 and opens the second water supply valve 26. As
a result, the water from the faucet is directly supplied into the
washing tub 4 from the water supply port 25A through the branch
path 25. That is, the water supply path 6 is used to supply water
initially, and the branch path 25 is used to supply water
thereafter.
[0079] In the third modification shown in FIG. 6, the end 6C of the
water supply path 6 passes through the entrance 3D of the outer tub
3, and the discharge opening 6B at the end 6C faces the entrance 4D
of the washing tub 4 from the upper side Z1. In the washing machine
1 of the third modification, a guiding portion 28 is provided
inside the washing tub 4. The guiding portion 28 is a groove
extending in the up-down direction Z along the axis J over a range
from the upper end to the lower end of the circumferential wall 4A
of the washing tub 4, and the plan cross section thereof is
configured in an arc shape curved toward the axis J side. The
guiding portion 28 is fixed to the circumferential wall 4A so as to
cover one circumferential portion of the circumferential wall 4A
from the axis J side. As a result, a guide flow path 29 extending
in the up-down direction Z is formed between the guiding portion 28
and the circumferential wall 4A. The upper end of the guiding
portion 28 is a reception portion 28A formed in a bowl shape
bulging toward the axis J. The guide flow path 29 is exposed from
the reception portion 28A to the upper side Z1. The discharge
opening 6B is opposed to the reception portion 28 A from the upper
side Z1.
[0080] In the circulation-soaking process in the third
modification, the controller 30 opens the water supply valve 7 when
water is supplied in step S1. As a result, the water from the
faucet passes through the detergent container 8 to carry the
detergent, passes through the water supply path 6, and falls from
the discharge opening 6B to the reception portion 28A of the
guiding portion 28 as indicated by a thick solid arrow. The water
received by the reception portion 28A flows down the guide path 29,
is leaked from the through holes 4E of the washing tub 4 to the
outside of the washing tub 4, and reaches the space 27 inside the
outer tub 3 that is closer to the lower side Z2 than the bottom
wall 4B of the washing tub 4. At this time, the discharge opening
6B discharges the water flowing through the water supply path 6
toward the guiding portion 28, that is, the position away from the
washings Q in the washing tub 4. As a result, the water containing
the detergent is supplied without being sprayed on the washings Q
directly.
* * * * *