HK1163196B - Washing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing device comprising: a frame body (18) arranged inside a housing (17); Rotating mechanism to rotate the washing device; A liquid level sensor is used to detect the water level of the washing solution inside the housing (17).If the control unit determines through the signal from the liquid level sensor that the frame body (18) is filled with washing liquid, it drives the rotating mechanism to rotate the frame body (18).By the rotation of the frame body (18), the protruding part set on the inner wall surface of the frame body (18) acts to generate water flow in the washing liquid inside the frame body (18), thereby washing the laundry.

Description

Washing device

The scheme is divided for application, the application date of the mother case is 3/9/2006, the application number is 200680008197.7, and the invention name of the mother case is 'washing method'.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method for washing laundry and the like.

Background

As a method of washing woolen clothes, a washing method called dry cleaning, for example, is known. Dry cleaning is a laundry washing method using a petroleum solvent or an organic solvent as a washing liquid. Dry cleaning is a washing method that facilitates washing and prevents the clothes from going like, shrinking, and warping. This is one of the reasons why dry cleaning is widespread.

In particular, the dirt stuck to the laundry is generally water-soluble dirt such as sweat, food, and muddy dust. In order to completely wash off such water-soluble dirt, the laundry needs to be washed with water. However, when wool clothing is washed with water, the scales formed on the surface of the fiber (wool) are destroyed, so that the fabric becomes felt-like. When the fabric becomes felt-like, the clothes become hard to loose the original texture and are difficult to wear. However, when a petroleum solvent or the like is used as the washing liquid, the above-mentioned change of the fabric does not occur. Therefore, dry cleaning is widely used as a laundry washing method.

However, when a petroleum solvent or the like is used as the washing liquid, water-soluble dirt on the clothes cannot be completely washed off, and there is a problem that the clothes turn yellow or the like later. That is, the dry cleaning is used to avoid the risk of damage to the laundry, and the washing is required to completely wash off the contaminants on the laundry.

The washing methods used in the conventional washing machine can be divided into two types. One is a washing method using a rotating liquid flow of a washing liquid (see, for example, patent publication 1), and the other is a washing method using a mechanical force (see, for example, patent publications 2 and 3).

With the washing method using a rotating flow of washing liquid, the washing tub is rotated about a rotating shaft disposed in a substantially vertical direction, so that the washing liquid is rotated in a substantially horizontal direction within the washing tub. The laundry is washed by a rotating flow of washing liquid. In the washing method using a mechanical force, the washing tub is rotated about a rotation shaft disposed in a substantially horizontal direction, so that the laundry placed in the washing tub moves upward along the inner wall of the washing tub and then falls down. The laundry is washed by an impact force generated when the laundry falls down on an inner wall surface of the washing tub. That is, in the washing method using the rotating liquid flow of the washing liquid, dirt is separated while the laundry is wound by the rotating washing liquid. In the washing method using mechanical force, the contaminants are separated by an impact force applied to the laundry. In both washing methods, the load on the fabric is large, and the fabric is certainly damaged although a certain washing effect can be obtained by the washing method.

Conventional washing apparatuses and washing methods are disclosed in the following patent publications 1 to 10. Specifically, patent publication 4(JP- ｃA-4-61893) discloses ｃA washing method of tumbling laundry by ｃA jet flow and ｃA washing apparatus using the same. As disclosed in patent publication 4, the washing apparatus is provided with an outer tub (1) and an inner tub (4). The clothes to be washed are placed in the inner barrel (4), and the outer barrel (1) is filled with washing liquid. A propelling wing (18) is provided in a space communicating with the inside of the outer tub (1). When the propelling wing (18) rotates, strong washing liquid vortex is generated in the outer barrel (1). The clothes to be washed are swirled by the washing liquid vortex, so that the dirt is washed.

As described above, patent publication 4 discloses that the laundry put into the washing liquid contained in the washing tub is washed of dirt by the strong flow of the washing liquid. As disclosed in patent publication 4, this washing method has little damage to the laundry and has a strong detergency (see line 4 to the lower left column on the upper right of page 4). However, since the washing method disclosed in patent publication 4 uses the strong vortex of the washing liquid generated by the propelling wing (18) as described above, the washing method is far from damaging the laundry. Specifically, with the washing method disclosed in patent publication 4, a swirling jet flow that repeatedly reciprocates in the vertical direction of the inner tub is generated. The whirling jet stream moves the laundry vertically. The laundry is washed in such a manner that the laundry is pressed to the upper inner surface and the lower inner surface of the inner tub to be rubbed while being wound and then released. With this washing method, damage to the laundry is not small at all, and it is apparent that the laundry is strongly convoluted, and thus fibers constituting the laundry are damaged.

Patent publication 1: JP-A-2002-58892

Patent publication 2: JP-A-2003-260290

Patent publication 3: JP-A-2001-269495

Patent publication 4: JP-A-4-61893

Patent publication 5: JP-A-4-164494

Patent publication 6: JP-A-11-169579

Patent publication 7: JP-A-60-246790

Patent publication 8: JP-UM-B-35-31858

Patent publication 9: JP-A-11-267391

Patent publication 10: JP-A-6-238086

Disclosure of Invention

(problems to be solved by the invention)

The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a washing method capable of reliably washing oil-soluble dirt and water-soluble dirt such as sweat without damaging the fabric even in the case where the fabric is a delicate fabric such as wool.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the washing method of the present invention is carried out as follows. A cylindrical basket-shaped washing tub having a center axis arranged in the horizontal direction is disposed in a casing containing a washing liquid and being tightly sealed. The laundry is placed in a cylindrical basket washing tub. Thereafter, the cylindrical basket washing tub is rotated about the central axis in such a manner that the laundry is maintained in a near zero gravity state and is unfolded in the cylindrical basket washing tub so that a contact area with the washing liquid is increased.

The laundry is thus placed in the cylindrical basket washing tub. A cylindrical basket-shaped washing tub is disposed in the housing. The housing contains a cleaning solution containing a surfactant and is tightly sealed. The cylindrical basket-shaped washing barrel also contains washing liquid. Therefore, after the laundry is placed in the cylindrical basket-shaped washing tub, the laundry is maintained in a near zero gravity state.

As used herein, "near-zero gravity condition" does not mean a zero gravity condition, but rather refers to a condition in which the laundry is floating in the wash liquid. There is some gravity acting on the laundry placed in the cylindrical basket-shaped washing tub. Meanwhile, since the cylindrical basket-shaped washing tub contains the washing liquid, buoyancy corresponding to the volume of the laundry and the density of the washing liquid acts on the laundry. Thus, the laundry floats in the cylindrical basket washing tub. The washing liquid is tightly sealed in a casing surrounding the cylindrical basket-shaped washing tub. Therefore, the laundry is maintained in the cylindrical basket washing tub in a near zero gravity state while the cylindrical basket washing tub is rotated.

Since the center axis of the cylindrical basket washing tub is disposed in the horizontal direction, the cylindrical basket washing tub functions as a so-called front load design tub. As the cylindrical basket wash tub rotates, the laundry remains near zero gravity and unfolds in such a way as to avoid its folding in the cylindrical basket wash tub. In this way, the contact area of the laundry with the washing liquid is increased, thereby enabling the surfactant contained in the washing liquid to penetrate deeply into the fabric forming the laundry. Since the surfactant penetrates deeply into the fibers forming the fabric of the laundry, the contaminants adhered to the fibers can be easily removed without the aid of external force. That is, the contaminants adhered to the fibers can be easily removed without applying a mechanical external force to the laundry and the water jet pounding and swirling the laundry.

(2) It is preferable that an undulating surface is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical basket washing tub in the circumferential direction for flowing the washing liquid to the center of the cylindrical basket washing tub when the cylindrical basket washing tub is rotated. The cylindrical basket washing tub may preferably have an inner diameter of less than 500mm, and is preferably rotated 60 to 120 times per minute. The undulating surface is preferably in the form of a sinusoid having a convex portion convex in the radial direction of the cylindrical basket-like washing tub.

Due to the wavy surface of the inner periphery of the cylindrical basket washing tub, the washing liquid moves to the center of the cylindrical basket washing tub in a gentle manner and then moves in the axial direction when the cylindrical basket washing tub is set to the above-mentioned size and rotated at the above-mentioned speed. The washing liquid moved to the center of the cylindrical basket washing tub maintains the laundry in a near zero gravity state and moves the laundry off the inner circumference of the cylindrical basket washing tub. Specifically, since the wavy surface is in a sinusoidal form, a gentle liquid flow in a vortex form is generated near the inner wall surface of the cylindrical basket-shaped washing tub. Due to such a vortex, the laundry is prevented from contacting the inner circumference of the cylindrical basket washing tub, and damage to the laundry is prevented in a more reliable manner. Also, the washing liquid moving in the axial direction from the center of the cylindrical basket washing tub spreads the laundry in the cylindrical basket washing tub. In this way, the washing liquid flows between the fibres of the laundry in a gentle and reliable manner, and the surfactant contained in the washing liquid separates the dirt from the laundry in a reliable manner.

(3) In the case where the undulated surface is formed at the inner circumference of the cylindrical basket washing tub in the circumferential direction for flowing the washing liquid to the center of the cylindrical basket washing tub when the cylindrical basket washing tub is rotated, the cylindrical basket washing tub may have an inner diameter of greater than or equal to 500mm and be rotated 5 to 60 times per minute. The undulating surface may preferably be in the form of a sinusoid having a convex portion convex in the radial direction of the cylindrical basket-like washing tub.

In this case, due to the wavy surface of the inner periphery of the cylindrical basket washing tub, the washing liquid moves to the center of the cylindrical basket washing tub in a gentle manner and then moves in the axial direction from the center when the cylindrical basket washing tub is set to the above-mentioned size and rotated at the above-mentioned speed. The washing liquid moved to the center of the cylindrical basket washing tub maintains the laundry in a near zero gravity state and moves the laundry off the inner circumference of the cylindrical basket washing tub. Specifically, since the wavy surface is in the form of a sine curve, a gentle liquid flow in the form of a vortex is generated near the inner wall surface of the cylindrical basket-shaped washing tub. Due to such a vortex, the laundry is prevented from contacting the inner circumference of the cylindrical basket washing tub, and damage to the laundry is prevented in a more reliable manner. Also, the washing liquid moving in the axial direction from the center of the cylindrical basket washing tub spreads the laundry in the cylindrical basket washing tub. In this way, the washing liquid flows between the fibres of the laundry in a gentle and reliable manner, and the surfactant contained in the washing liquid separates the dirt from the laundry in a reliable manner.

(4) Also, in the case where the cylindrical basket washing tub is rotated at 10 revolutions per minute or more, the cylindrical basket washing tub is preferably regularly rotated in the forward and reverse directions.

Due to the forward rotation and the reverse rotation, the washing liquid is smoothly adjusted to flow in a predetermined direction at such a high rotation speed that the cylindrical basket-shaped washing tub is rotated 10 times per minute or more. Thus, the laundry can be reliably kept in a near zero gravity state. By appropriately setting the period of forward and reverse rotation, the cylindrical basket-shaped washing tub is rotated in a cradle-like swinging manner. This rotation has the advantage that the laundry is washed in a significantly gentler manner.

(5) The wavy surface may be formed with protrusions at regular intervals in parallel with each other in a circumferential direction on an inner periphery of the cylindrical basket-shaped washing tub, each protrusion extending in a length direction of the cylindrical basket-shaped washing tub. Each of the protrusions preferably has a height which is set to 3.0% to 6.0% of the inner diameter D of the cylindrical basket-shaped washing tub.

The protrusions may be integrated with the cylindrical basket-shaped tub. Thus, the corrugated surface has the advantage of being simple to form and low cost. Further, by setting the height of the raised portion within the above range, a swirling flow of washing liquid is formed near the inner periphery of the cylindrical basket washing tub, which is very gentle and can reliably separate the laundry from the inner periphery of the cylindrical basket washing tub. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the laundry from contacting the inner circumference of the cylindrical basket washing tub while allowing the laundry to be further spread in the center portion of the cylindrical basket washing tub.

(6) The cylindrical basket washing tub is preferably rotated in an intermittent manner.

By the intermittent rotation of the cylindrical basket-shaped washing tub, the flow of the washing liquid becomes irregular. Therefore, although the flow of the washing liquid is gentle, the washing liquid smoothly flows between fibers of the laundry. Therefore, the surfactant is more effective in reliably separating the contaminants adhered to the laundry from the laundry.

(7) The pressure of the washing liquid in the cylindrical basket washing tub is preferably increased or decreased by means of a pressure changing device.

By varying the pressure of the washing liquid, the washing liquid penetrates deeply into the fibres forming the laundry. Further, since the air contained in the fibers is removed by changing the pressure of the washing liquid, the washing liquid reliably penetrates into the depth of the fibers. In addition, since the cylindrical basket-shaped washing tub is filled with the washing liquid, strong vortex and the like do not occur due to the change of the washing liquid pressure. Therefore, the laundry is not damaged by the change of the washing liquid pressure.

That is, the contaminants adhered to the surface of the fiber are smoothly removed together with the contaminants (deposited contaminants) penetrating to the depth of the fiber. Specifically, although the soil penetrated deep into the fibers becomes a cause of yellowing of the fabric when it is oxidized, the yellowing of the fabric is favorably prevented because such soil is favorably removed.

(effect of the invention)

According to the present invention, since the surfactant is deeply impregnated into the fibers constituting the fabric of the laundry, the contaminants attached to the laundry can be easily removed without applying an external force to the laundry. Therefore, even if the laundry is made of, for example, wool, which is easily damaged, water-soluble contaminants such as sweat and mud dust, which are attached to the fabric, can be reliably removed without loosing the texture of the fabric. Thus, the following effects can be achieved.

(1) In addition to organic solvents or petroleum solvents, water and emulsions can also be used as washing solutions. Organic solvents may of course be used in the present invention; but a remarkably environmentally benign commercial laundry process can be achieved by avoiding the use of organic and petroleum solvents.

(2) Since shrinkage and loss of texture of the fabric can be prevented, even in the case of washing a finished clothing article composed of various fabrics (typically, casual suits in which an outer fabric is formed of wool, an interlayer is formed of cotton, and an inner liner is formed of rayon), wrinkles due to a difference in shrinkage factor do not occur in the finished clothing article. In commercial laundry, it is often difficult to remove wrinkles from fabrics due to differences in shrinkage factors, especially from the shrinkage of the sewing threads, and the finishing work (ironing finish) results in higher costs by correcting such shrinkage. But since wrinkles generated due to a difference in shrinkage factor can be prevented according to the present invention, the present invention can facilitate ending work in commercial laundry to reduce the cost of laundry service. For example, using the present method, laundry can be performed at 1/10 the cost of conventional laundry methods.

(3) Further, since the removal of the soil is attributed to the action of the surfactant as described above, damage to the fabric can be suppressed as compared with hand washing. Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to safely wash expensive underwear and the like made of significantly delicate fabrics.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing a washing apparatus for performing a washing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a frame body of the washing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing a frame body of the washing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view showing a main portion of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a control device of the washing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view schematically showing a washing process of the washing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

(reference numerals)

N: center of a ship

10: washing device

11: washing tub unit

12: support device

13: rotary drive device

14: washing liquid supply apparatus

16: pressure changing device

17: shell body

18: frame body

19: center shaft

21: end face

23: driving motor

24: drive shaft

25: cabinet

26: suction tube

27: pump and method of operating the same

28: supply pipe

29: discharge pipe

30: bypass pipe

31: valve with a valve body

32: valve with a valve body

33: valve with a valve body

35: clothing article

36: circumference of circle

37: joint cutting

38: back end

39: inner periphery of the inner

40: raised part

50: control device

Detailed Description

The present invention will be specifically described based on preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing a washing apparatus for performing a washing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The washing device 10 is provided with a washing tub unit 11, a supporting device 12 supporting the washing tub unit 11, a rotation driving device 13 for rotating the washing tub unit 11 in a manner described later in this specification, a washing liquid supply device 14 for supplying washing liquid to the washing tub unit 11 and forcibly generating a moderating flow of the washing liquid in the washing tub unit 11, and a pressure changing device 16 for changing the pressure in the washing tub unit 11. Although not shown in fig. 1, the washing apparatus 10 is provided with a control device for controlling the operations of the rotary drive device 13, the washing liquid supply device 14, and the pressure changing device 16. The structure of the control apparatus will be described later in this specification.

The washing tub unit 11 is provided with a housing (outer shell) 17 and a frame body (cylindrical basket-shaped washing tub) 18. The frame body 18 is disposed inside the housing 17 and is closed by the housing 17. The housing 17 may be made of metal such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy. The housing 17 is provided with a door 20 disposed on the front thereof as shown in fig. 1. The door 20 is provided with a handle 15. The user of the washing device 10 operates the handle to open/close the door 20. The front surface of the housing 17 is opened/closed by a door 20 in a liquid-tight manner. When the door 20 is closed, the washing liquid is supplied as described later in this specification. In this way, the housing 17 contains the washing liquid and is tightly sealed.

The housing 17 has a cylindrical container shape as shown in fig. 1. Of course, the housing 17 may have a different shape. In short, the casing 17 only needs to have a shape that can contain the washing liquid, and obtain a tight seal, and enclose the frame body 18. The door 20 of the housing 17 may be provided with a window for viewing the interior of the housing 17. Preferably, a transparent acrylic plate or the like is mounted on the window. Such a window is provided to allow a person to observe a washing state from the outside.

The support device 12 is attached to the housing 17. The support device 12 stably supports the housing 17. The support apparatus 12 is also made of a metal such as stainless steel or an aluminum alloy. The housing 17 is arranged in such a manner that its central axis N is horizontal when it is supported by the support device 12. The central axis N coincides with the central axes of both the washing tub unit 11 and the frame body 18.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the frame body 18. Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing the frame body 18, and fig. 4 is an enlarged view showing a main portion in fig. 3.

The frame body 18 has a cylindrical shape. The frame 18 is provided in the housing 17 (see fig. 1). That is, the frame body 18 is fitted into the housing 17 in a nested manner. The inside of the frame body 18 serves as a laundry accommodation chamber for accommodating laundry. The frame body 18 has a basket-like shape. Specifically, a plurality of slits 37 are provided on the circumference 36 of the frame body 18. Each slit 37 penetrates through the circumference 36 of the frame body 18 in the radial direction. Therefore, the washing liquid supplied to the casing 17 can freely enter and exit the frame body 18. Each slit 37 extends in the axial direction of the frame body 18 as shown in fig. 2. The number of slits 37, the width and length of the slits 37 are appropriately set.

A plurality of punched holes may be provided on the frame body 18 in place of the slits 37. The frame body 18 may have a skeleton structure. In short, the frame body 18 may have a basket shape allowing the washing liquid to freely enter and exit the frame body 18.

The frame body 18 is provided with a central shaft 19. The center shaft 19 projects from a rear end surface 38 (see fig. 2) of the frame body 18. As described above, the center axis 19 is centered on the center axis N (see fig. 1). That is, the frame body 18 is provided in the housing 17 coaxially with the housing 17. As shown in fig. 1, the central shaft 19 of the frame body 18 is supported by a bearing (not shown). Thus, the frame body 18 is freely rotatable around the central axis N within the housing 17. The center shaft 19 is connected to a drive motor 23 described later in this specification. In the present embodiment, the center shaft 19 is supported by a bearing to support the frame body 18 in a cantilever manner. Note that the center shaft 19 may be provided on the door 15 of the housing 17 so that the frame bodies 18 are supported at opposite ends.

As shown in fig. 2 to 4, the inner periphery (wavy surface) 39 of the frame body 18 has a shape of a wavy surface. This shape is formed by forming a plurality of protrusions 40 on the inner periphery 39 of the frame body 18. The boss 40 extends in the axial direction of the frame body 18. In the present embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 40 are provided at fixed intervals in the circumferential direction of the inner periphery 39.

The position and the shape of the inner periphery of the slit 37 are shown in fig. 3. Specifically, 6 slits 37 are provided in the present embodiment, and the width of each slit 37 (the length of the frame body 18 in the circumferential direction) is determined by an angle α based on the center of the frame body 18. In the present embodiment, the angle α is 8.80 °. The distance between both of the adjacent slits 37 (the length of the frame body 18 in the circumferential direction thereof) is determined by angles β and γ based on the center of the frame body 18. In the present embodiment, the angle β is set to 55.16 °, and the angle γ is set to 31.29 °.

The waveform formed by the surface of the convex portion 40 is formed as a sine curve extending in the circumferential direction of the inner periphery 39. The continuous semicircular surface may be formed to realize a waveform in the form of a sine curve. In the present embodiment, the pitch p of the protrusions is set to be a predetermined ratio to the inner diameter D of the frame body 18. Specifically, the pitch p is set to 5.0% to 15.0% of the inner diameter D. The pitch p is preferably set to 7% to 12% of the inner diameter D. The height h of the boss 40 is set to be a predetermined ratio to the inner diameter D of the frame body 18. Specifically, this height may be set to 3.0% to 6.0% of the inner diameter D. In this embodiment, the inner diameter D of the frame 18 is set to 300 mm. The inner diameter D may be adjusted as needed, and may be set to 300mm to less than 500mm in this embodiment.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the rotation driving device 13 has a driving motor 23. The drive motor 23 is mounted on one of the end faces 21 of the housing 17. A drive shaft 24 of the drive motor 23 is connected to the central shaft 19 of the frame body 18. Therefore, when the driving motor 23 is started, the frame body 18 rotates around the center axis N within the housing 17. When the drive motor 23 rotates forward, the frame body 18 rotates forward (in one direction) in the housing 17, and when the drive motor 23 rotates backward, the frame body 18 rotates backward (in the other direction) in the housing 17. In this embodiment, the frame body 18 is rotated 60 times per minute. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 may be set to 60 to 120 rotations per minute in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning liquid supply device 14 is provided with a tank 25 for storing cleaning liquid, a suction pipe 26 connected to the tank 25, a pump 27 connected to the suction pipe 26, a supply pipe connected to the pump 27, a discharge pipe 29 connected to the casing 17, and a bypass pipe 30 providing communication between the discharge pipe 29 and the suction pipe 26. As each of the tubes 26, 28, 29, and 30, a pipe member made of a generally used stainless steel is used. The suction pipe 26, the discharge pipe 29, and the bypass pipe 30 are provided with valves 31 to 33 for opening/closing the respective lines. A pump 27 pumps the washing liquid contained in the tank 25 to supply the washing liquid to the casing 17 and circulate the washing liquid as described later in this specification. As the washing liquid, water or an emulsion can be used. The wash solution may include a surfactant. Further, a petroleum solvent and an organic solvent may be used.

When the washing liquid supply device 14 circulates the washing liquid contained in the casing 17 as described later in this specification, the washing liquid is temporarily withdrawn from the casing 17. The withdrawn washing liquid is returned directly into the housing 17 at a predetermined pressure. Thus, a flow of the washing liquid is generated in the housing 17. In case of strong liquid flow, a swirling of the washing liquid can be generated in the housing 17. Even if the washing liquid flow generates vortex, the washing liquid flow is quite gentle to avoid the fabric of the clothes from being damaged. Also, as described later in this specification, the flow of the washing liquid forcibly positions the laundry at the center portion of the case 17. The washing liquid can be discharged from the housing 17 during its supply to the housing 17 in addition to the above-described circulation within the housing 17.

In the present embodiment, the pressure changing device 16 is a cylinder-piston apparatus. The cylinder-piston device is connected to the housing 17. Therefore, when the piston is activated, the internal pressure of the washing tub unit 11, i.e., the internal pressure of the housing 17, is changed. The pressure changing device 16 is not limited to the cylinder-piston apparatus, and any apparatus that can change the internal pressure (washing liquid pressure) of the housing 17 may be used.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the control apparatus.

The control device 50 controls the actions of the drive motor of the rotation drive device 13, the pump 27 and the valves 31 to 33 of the washing liquid supply device 14, and the pressure changing means 16 and the like. Therefore, a liquid level sensor 75 is provided in the housing 17, and a rotary encoder 76, a rotation speed sensor 77, and the like are provided in the frame body 18. The level sensor 75 detects the amount of the washing liquid in the casing 17. The rotary encoder 76 detects the rotation angle of the frame 18, and the rotation speed sensor 77 detects the rotation speed of the frame 18.

The control device 50 is a microcomputer mainly composed of a CPU (central processing unit) 51, a ROM (read only memory) 52, a RAM (random access memory) 53, and an EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable memory) 54. The control device 50 is connected to an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) 70 through a bus 69.

The ROM 66 stores a computer program and the like for controlling various operations of the washing apparatus 10. The RAM 67 is used as a storage area or a work area for temporarily storing various data to be used by the CPU 65 to execute the program. EEPROM 68 stores settings and flags that need to be saved after power is turned off.

The ASIC 70 generates a signal or the like to be sent to the drive motor 23 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 65. The signal is sent to a drive circuit 78 for driving the motor 23, and the drive signal is sent to the drive motor 23 via the drive circuit 78. The rotation of the drive motor 23 is controlled as described above, with the result that the rotation of the frame body 18 is controlled. The drive circuit 78 is used to drive the drive motor 23 and, upon receiving an output signal from the ASIC 70, generates an electrical signal for rotating the drive motor 23. The drive motor 23 rotates upon receiving an electric signal.

The ASIC 70 generates a signal or the like to be sent to the pump 27 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 65. The signal is sent to a drive circuit 79 of the pump 27, and the drive signal is sent to the pump 27 through the drive circuit 79. The rotation of the pump 27 is controlled as described above, with the result that the supply of washing liquid to the casing 17 is controlled. Drive circuit 79 is used to drive pump 27 and, upon receiving an output signal from ASIC 70, generates an electrical signal for rotating pump 27. The pump 27 rotates upon receiving an electrical signal.

The ASIC 70 generates a signal for driving the pressure changing device 16, and the like in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 65. The signal is sent to the drive circuit 80 of the pressure changing device 16, and the drive signal is sent to the pressure changing device 16 through the drive circuit 80. The rotation of the pressure changing device 16 is controlled as described above, with the result that the pressure of the washing liquid in the housing 17 is controlled. The drive circuit 80 is used to drive the pressure changing device 16 and, upon receiving an output signal from the ASIC 70, generates an electrical signal for activating the pressure changing device 16. The pressure changing device 16 is activated upon receiving an electrical signal.

The ASIC 70 generates signals to be sent to the valves 31 to 33, and the like, in accordance with instructions from the CPU 65. Signals are sent to the drive circuits 81 to 83 of the valves 31 to 33, and drive signals are sent to the valves 31 to 33 through the drive circuits 81 to 83. The opening/closing of the valves 31 to 33 is controlled as described above, with the result that the supply of the washing liquid to the housing 17 or the discharge from the housing 17 is controlled. The drive circuits 81 to 83 are used to drive the valves 31 to 33, and generate electric signals for opening/closing the valves 31 to 33 upon receiving output signals from the ASIC 70. The valves 31 to 33 are opened/closed upon receiving an electric signal.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating a washing process of the washing apparatus 10. The washing apparatus 10 performs laundry washing according to the following procedure.

As shown in fig. 6(a), laundry (laundry to be washed) 35 is placed in the washing tub unit 11. Specifically, the door 20 (see fig. 1) provided in the housing 17 is opened so that the clothing 35 is put into the frame body 18. The work of putting the laundry 35 in the washing tub unit 11 may be automatically performed by a laundry transferring apparatus or the like. In this case, the control device 50 controls the operation of the laundry conveying device. When the laundry 35 is placed in the washing tub unit 11, the valves 31 to 33 are closed. The preparation of the washing liquid may be carried out in the cabinet 25 while the laundry 35 is placed. Although water may be used as the washing liquid in addition to the petroleum solvent and the organic solvent as described above, water and a detergent are mixed as the washing liquid in this embodiment. Of course, water may also be used as such as the washing liquid.

As shown in fig. 6(b), the washing tub unit 11 contains washing liquid. The washing liquid supply device 14 is activated to supply the washing liquid to the washing tub unit 11. Specifically, valve 31 is opened while valves 32 and 33 are closed, and pump 27 is then activated. By these actions, the washing liquid is supplied from the tank 25 through the suction pipe 26 and the supply pipe 28 to the casing 17 through the tank 26. The pump 27 supplies the washing liquid until the casing 17 is filled with the washing liquid. That is, the washing liquid is supplied to the casing 17 to be filled with the washing liquid. In the present embodiment, the housing 17 is provided with a liquid level sensor 75 (not shown) (refer to the schematic view in fig. 5). The level sensor 75 is used to detect the level of the washing liquid supplied into the housing 17. Examples of the level sensor 75 include a sensor that directly detects the level of the washing liquid and a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the washing liquid. Since the washing liquid is supplied until the casing 17 is filled with the washing liquid, it is preferable to use a pressure sensor as the liquid level sensor 75.

The washing liquid contained in the housing 17 is tightly sealed. The laundry 35 is placed in a washing liquid tightly sealed in the casing 17. Therefore, the laundry 35 is in a near-zero gravity state in the frame body 18. Specifically, although some gravity acts on the laundry 35 in the frame body 18, and buoyancy corresponding to the volume of the laundry 35 and the density of the washing liquid acts on the laundry 35. Further, since the casing 17 is filled with the cleaning liquid, the frame 18 is filled with the cleaning liquid. Thus, the laundry 35 floats in the frame body 18. That is, the above-mentioned "near-zero gravity state" does not mean the zero gravity state, but means a state in which the laundry 35 floats in the washing liquid. Thus, the laundry 35 is gently washed in a near zero gravity state.

Next, the valves 31 to 33 are closed as shown in fig. 6(c), and then the washing tub unit 11 starts to rotate. The rotation driving device 13 (refer to fig. 1) is activated to rotate the washing tub unit 11 about the central axis N. Specifically, the drive motor 23 of the rotation drive device 13 is activated to rotate the frame body 18 around the center axis N in the housing 17. When the frame body 18 rotates, the washing liquid rotates in the rotation direction of the frame body 18 within the frame body 18.

Since the center shaft 19 of the frame body 18 is disposed in the horizontal direction as described above, the frame body 18 functions as a so-called front load design bucket. As shown in fig. 2 to 5, the inner periphery 39 of the frame body 18 has a wavy surface. Therefore, when the inner diameter D of the frame body 18 is set within the above range and the frame body 18 is rotated at the above rotation speed, the washing liquid gently moves to the center of the frame body 18 and moves in the axial direction from the center of the frame body 18.

The wash liquid moving to the center of the frame body 18 maintains the laundry in a near zero gravity condition and moves the laundry 35 off the inner periphery 39 of the frame body 18. Specifically, since the inner periphery 39 is in the form of a sine curve, a gentle liquid flow in the form of a vortex is generated near the inner wall surface of the frame body 18. This vortex-like flow prevents the laundry 35 from contacting the inner periphery 39 of the frame body 18. Thus, the fabric of the laundry 35 can be prevented from being damaged during the washing process. Also, the washing liquid moving in the axial direction from the center of the frame body 18 spreads the laundry 35 in the frame body 18, thereby increasing a contact area of each laundry 35 with the washing liquid. Therefore, the surfactant contained in the washing liquid penetrates deeply into the fibers of the fabric constituting the laundry 35. As a result, the contaminants adhered to the laundry 35 are easily removed by the action of the surfactant without pounding and twisting the laundry 35.

When the washing of the laundry 35 is finished, the valve 32 is opened as shown in fig. 6(d), while the valves 31 and 33 are closed.

In the washing method of this embodiment, since the surfactant contained in the washing liquid penetrates deeply into the fibers constituting the fabric of the laundry 35, the contaminants adhered to the laundry 35 are easily removed without applying an external force to the laundry 35. Also, the laundry 35 is washed in the washing liquid in a near zero gravity state. Therefore, even if the clothes are made of a soft fabric such as wool, the fabric is not damaged. That is, the contaminants adhered to the fabric are removed without deteriorating the shape and texture of the laundry 35. Thus, the present invention makes it possible to wash laundry made of a soft fabric such as wool and to reliably remove water-soluble dirt such as sweat and mud dust attached to the laundry. Further, the present invention has advantages in that the finishing work becomes easier and the shape of the laundry 35 does not deviate, so that wrinkles do not occur.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the frame body 18 rotates about the central axis 19 that is horizontally disposed. That is, the washing liquid rotates around the central axis N in the frame body 18. This structure has an advantage in that the washing liquid smoothly passes through the laundry 35. The reason for this advantage is not clear, but it is confirmed that the present constitution can achieve more perfect washing than the constitution in which the central axis of the frame body 18 extends in the vertical direction.

In the present embodiment, since the inner periphery 39 of the frame body 18 has a sinusoidal form, when the frame body 18 rotates, a moderating liquid flow is formed near the inner periphery 39 of the frame body 18. Therefore, the laundry 35 is reliably prevented from contacting the frame body 18, and can be washed more gently. Also, since the contact of the laundry 35 with the frame body 18 is prevented, the laundry 35 is always positioned in the vicinity of the center of the frame body 18. Thus, each piece of clothing 35 can always be reliably unrolled, while the surfactant has an effective effect.

Also, in the present embodiment, the sinusoidal curve shape formed on the inner periphery 39 of the frame body 18 is formed by the convex portions 40 extending in the axial direction of the frame body 18 and provided at fixed intervals in the circumferential direction. Specifically, a corrugated thin plate is provided on the inner surface of the frame body 18. Thus, the wavy surface is simple to form and low in cost, thereby suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost of the washing apparatus 10.

Specifically, by setting the height h of the projection 40 to 3.0% to 6.0% of the inner diameter D of the frame body 18, a flow of washing liquid that is remarkably gentle and reliably separates the laundry 35 from the inner periphery 39 of the frame body 18 is generated near the inner wall surface of the frame body 18. In this way, the laundry 35 is more reliably prevented from contacting the inner wall surface of the frame body, and each laundry 35 is more reliably spread in the center portion of the frame body 18.

The frame body 18 is preferably intermittently rotated. In order to intermittently rotate the frame body 18, the rotation of the drive motor 23 is controlled. The rotation control of the drive motor 23 is easily performed by the control device 50. By rotating the frame body 18 in an intermittent manner, the flow of the washing liquid inside the frame body 18 becomes irregular. This rotation has the advantage that the washing liquid flows smoothly between the fibres of the laundry 35, although the flow of the washing liquid is relatively gentle.

For example, a cycle consisting of the rotation of the frame body 18 for 1 to 240 seconds, the pause for 1 to 60 seconds, and then the rotation of the frame body 18 for 1 to 240 seconds is repeated. The initial rotation time of the frame body 18 may be preferably 5 to 200 seconds, more preferably 10 to 120 seconds, and still more preferably 20 to 80 seconds. The pause time of the frame body 18 may be set to, for example, less than or equal to 1 second. The rotation time of the frame body 18 after the pause may be preferably 5 to 200 seconds, more preferably 10 to 120 seconds, and still more preferably 20 to 80 seconds. With this spin cycle, the washing liquid flows more reliably between the fibers of the laundry 35. Therefore, the contaminants stained on the laundry 35 can be reliably separated from the laundry 35 without damaging the laundry 35 by the washing. Of course, the initial rotation time of the frame body 18 and the rotation time of the frame body 18 after the pause may be different from each other.

Also, the frame body 18 can be regularly rotated forward and backward. Specifically, the drive motor 23 regularly rotates in the forward and reverse directions. Such rotation control of the drive motor 23 is easily performed by the control device 50. With this spin control, the washing liquid flows more reliably between the fibers of the laundry 35.

For example, frame body 18 may be rotated clockwise (in one direction) for 1 to 540 seconds, then paused for 1 to 60 seconds, and then rotated counterclockwise (in the other direction) for 1 to 540 seconds. The clockwise rotation time of the frame body 18 may be preferably 5 to 440 seconds, more preferably 10 to 280 seconds, and still more preferably 20 to 180 seconds. The pause time of the frame body 18 after the clockwise rotation may be set to, for example, less than or equal to 1 second. The counterclockwise rotation time of the frame body 18 after the pause may be preferably 5 to 440 seconds, preferably 10 to 280 seconds, and more preferably 20 to 180 seconds. The normal rotation and the reverse rotation are set to one cycle, and this rotation cycle is repeated. Since the frame body 18 rotates forward and backward, the washing liquid flows more reliably between the fibers of the laundry 35. Therefore, the contaminants stained on the laundry 35 can be reliably separated from the laundry 35 without damaging the laundry 35 by the washing.

Although the normal rotation is set to the clockwise rotation and the reverse rotation is set to the counterclockwise rotation in the above description, the clockwise rotation and the counterclockwise rotation may of course be replaced with each other. Also, the forward rotation time and the reverse rotation time may of course be different from each other.

In the present embodiment, the pressure of the cleaning liquid in the casing 17, i.e., the cleaning liquid in the frame body 18, is increased or decreased by the pressure changing means. By changing the pressure of the washing liquid, the washing liquid can penetrate to the depth of the fibers constituting the laundry 35. Also, since air contained in the fabric is discharged due to the change of the pressure of the washing liquid, the washing liquid can smoothly penetrate into the depth of the fiber. Moreover, since the washing liquid is tightly sealed in the frame body 18, the washing liquid pressure is not changed so as to cause strong eddy currents or the like in the frame body 18. Therefore, the laundry 35 is not damaged by the change of the washing liquid pressure.

Due to the increase of the washing liquid pressure, the contaminants adhered to the surface of the fiber together with the contaminants deep into the fiber (deposited contaminants on the fiber) are reliably removed without damaging the laundry 35. In particular, soil deep into the fibers becomes a cause of yellowing of the fabric after oxidation thereof. However, the present invention has the advantage of reliably preventing the fabric from yellowing because such stains are reliably removed.

Moreover, a gentle washing liquid jet can be formed in the frame body 18 during the washing of the laundry 35.

In particular, the washing liquid supply device 14 is activated during the washing process of the laundry 35. As shown in fig. 6(c), when valves 31 and 32 are closed while valve 33 is open, pump 27 is activated. In this way, the washing liquid withdrawn from the washing tub unit 11 is returned to the washing tub unit 11 after passing through the bypass duct 30 and the supply duct 28. In this case, a gentle flow of the washing liquid is formed in the washing tub unit 11. Note that the flow of liquid needs to be relatively weak and not to cause the laundry 35 to be strongly convoluted. Such moderating flow is conveniently established by control of the action of pump 27 by control apparatus 50. Due to the washing liquid flow and the circulation of the washing liquid, the washing liquid flows more smoothly between the fibers of the laundry 35. As a result, superior soil removal can be expected.

The moderating flow can be formed in the opposite direction. Specifically, when valves 31 and 32 are closed while valve 33 is open, pump 27 is activated in the opposite direction. In this way, the washing liquid withdrawn from the upper portion of the washing tub unit 11 is returned to the washing tub unit 11 after passing through the supply pipe 28 and the bypass pipe 30. In this case, a flow of the washing liquid is formed in the washing tub unit 11 from the bottom to the top. Due to this flow of the washing liquid, the laundry 35 is reliably positioned at the central portion of the washing tub unit 11.

Specifically, the laundry 35 placed in the washing tub unit 11 is in the above-described near-zero gravity state. This state is caused by buoyancy acting on the laundry 35. Since a certain degree of gravity always acts on the laundry 35, the laundry 35 tends to sink to the bottom of the washing tub unit 11 (vertically downward direction). Due to the flow of the washing liquid in the washing tub unit 11 in the downward-upward direction, the laundry 35 is always pushed up to be positioned at the center portion of the washing tub unit 11. In this way, the laundry 35 is reliably prevented from coming into contact with the inner wall surface of the washing tub unit 11, and thus the laundry 35 is reliably prevented from being damaged.

In case that the laundry 35 moves to the upper portion of the washing tub unit 11 due to the flow of the washing liquid, the washing tub unit 11 is formed with the above-mentioned flow of the washing liquid in the upward and downward directions to re-position the laundry 35 at the center portion of the washing tub unit 11.

In the washing method of the present embodiment, the temperature of the washing liquid is not particularly limited. The washing apparatus 10 may be provided with a temperature adjusting device for adjusting the temperature of the washing liquid. The temperature adjusting device may be a heater or the like provided inside the washing tub unit 11. The output of the heater may be controlled by the control device 50. The temperature of the washing liquid can be set to an optimum value for removing contaminants depending on the kind and degree of contaminants. By adjusting the temperature of the washing liquid, the contaminants adhered to the laundry 35 are quickly and reliably removed.

An adjustment example of the present embodiment is described below.

Although the inner diameter D of the frame body 18 is set to 300mm to less than 500mm in the foregoing embodiment, the inner diameter D of this adjustment example is set to 650 mm. Due to the 650mm inner diameter D in this adjustment example, it is possible to sufficiently wash, for example, casual suits. By enlarging the inner diameter D of the frame body 18, it is possible to sufficiently wash the laundry 35 having a large size. Therefore, the present washing method is applied to commercial laundry by setting the inner diameter to 500mm to 1000 mm. However, as the inner diameter D increases, the amount of the washing liquid to be supplied to the frame body 18 also increases. Thus, the optimum internal diameter for commercial laundry is 600mm to 850 mm. Also, the rotation speed of the frame body 18 is set to 5 to 60 rotations per minute.

In the present embodiment, also when the inner periphery 39 of the frame body 18 is in the form of a sine curve and the size and the rotation speed of the frame body 18 are set within the above-described ranges, the washing liquid also gently moves to the center of the frame body 18 and moves in the axial direction from the center of the frame body 18. The wash liquid moving to the center of the frame body 18 maintains the laundry in a near zero gravity condition and dislodges the laundry 35 from the inner periphery 39 of the frame body 18. Therefore, like the foregoing embodiment, the laundry 35 is prevented from contacting the inner periphery 39 of the frame body 18, and thus the laundry 35 is reliably prevented from being damaged. Also, the washing liquid moving in the axial direction from the center of the frame body 18 spreads each laundry 35 inside the frame body 18. Thus, the surfactant contained in the washing liquid flows reliably between fibers of the laundry 35 to separate the contaminants attached to the laundry 35.

In the case where the frame body 18 is rotated at a rotation speed of 10 revolutions per minute or more, the frame body 18 is preferably regularly rotated forward and backward. In the case where the frame body 18 is rotated in the normal and reverse directions regularly, even if the frame body 18 is rotated at a rotation speed of 10 revolutions per minute or more, the washing liquid does not flow strongly in a certain direction in the frame body 18, and the laundry 35 is reliably maintained in a near-zero gravity state. Also, the frame body 18 can be rotated in a rocking manner like a cradle. The frame body 18 can be easily rotated in the cradle swing manner by controlling the rotation of the driving motor 23 with the control device 50. This rotation has the advantage that the laundry is washed significantly gently.

Examples of the invention

The effects of the present invention will be described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not to be construed in a limited manner based on the respective examples.

In each example and comparative example, the sample fabric (wool) was washed with water. The results of each example and each comparative example are shown in tables 1 and 2. In each example and each comparative example, the ratio of the height h (refer to fig. 4) of the boss portion 40 to the inner diameter D of the frame body 18 is expressed by a drum height ratio (%) (refer to tables 1 and 2), and the number of revolutions of the frame body 18 indicates the number of revolutions per minute.

The state of the sample fabric during washing and the texture of the sample fabric after washing were observed for each example and comparative example. The state of the sample fabric during washing was evaluated using the degree of impact of the sample fabric on the wall surface of the frame body 18 and the degree of spreading of each sample fabric in the frame body 18. The texture of the sample panels after washing was evaluated using the Dp value.

The Dp value is a dimensionless number calculated according to the friction coefficient of the surface of each sample fabric and the variation of the friction coefficient of a certain area of the surface of the sample fabric. An increase in Dp value indicates a deterioration in texture. The Dp value of the sample fabric before washing was 143. Also, the Dp value of the sample fabric after washing with water using the conventional horizontal washing machine was 185.

[ example 1]

The drum inner diameter was 340 mm. The drum height ratio was 3%. The frame body 18 rotates in the normal direction. The spin time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 5 rpm, 10 rpm, 60rpm, and 120 rpm.

[ example 2]

The drum inner diameter was 340 mm. The drum height ratio was 5%. The frame body 18 rotates in the normal direction. The spin time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 5 rpm, 10 rpm, 60rpm, and 120 rpm.

[ example 3]

The drum inner diameter was 340 mm. The drum height ratio was 6%. The frame body 18 rotates in the normal direction. The spin time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 5 rpm, 10 rpm, 60rpm, and 120 rpm.

Comparative example 1

The drum inner diameter was 340 mm. The drum height ratio was 0%. The frame body 18 rotates in the normal direction. The spin time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 5 rpm, 10 rpm, 60rpm, and 120 rpm.

Comparative example 2

The drum inner diameter was 340 mm. The drum height ratio was 8%. The frame body 18 rotates in the normal direction. The spin time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 5 rpm, 10 rpm, 60rpm, and 120 rpm.

Comparative example 3

The drum inner diameter was 340 mm. The drum height ratio was 10%. The frame body 18 rotates in the normal direction. The spin time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 5 rpm, 10 rpm, 60rpm, and 120 rpm.

[ example 4]

The drum inner diameter was 340 mm. The drum height ratio was 3%. The frame body 18 rotates forward first and then rotates backward. The forward rotation time was 60 seconds, the pause time was 1 second, and the reverse rotation time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 5 rpm, 10 rpm, 60rpm, and 120 rpm.

[ example 5]

The drum inner diameter was 340 mm. The drum height ratio was 5%. The frame body 18 rotates forward first and then rotates backward. The forward rotation time was 60 seconds, the pause time was 1 second, and the reverse rotation time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 5 rpm, 10 rpm, 60rpm, and 120 rpm.

[ example 6]

The drum inner diameter was 340 mm. The drum height ratio was 6%. The frame body 18 rotates forward first and then rotates backward. The forward rotation time was 60 seconds, the pause time was 1 second, and the reverse rotation time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 5 rpm, 10 rpm, 60rpm, and 120 rpm.

Comparative example 4

The drum inner diameter was 340 mm. The drum height ratio was 0%. The frame body 18 rotates forward first and then rotates backward. The forward rotation time was 60 seconds, the pause time was 1 second, and the reverse rotation time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 5 rpm, 10 rpm, 60rpm, and 120 rpm.

Comparative example 5

The drum inner diameter was 340 mm. The drum height ratio was 8%. The frame body 18 rotates forward first and then rotates backward. The forward rotation time was 60 seconds, the pause time was 1 second, and the reverse rotation time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 5 rpm, 10 rpm, 60rpm, and 120 rpm.

Comparative example 6

The drum inner diameter was 340 mm. The drum height ratio was 10%. The frame body 18 rotates forward first and then rotates backward. The forward rotation time was 60 seconds, the pause time was 1 second, and the reverse rotation time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 5 rpm, 10 rpm, 60rpm, and 120 rpm.

[ example 7]

The drum inner diameter is 650 mm. The drum height ratio was 3%. The frame body 18 rotates in the normal direction. The spin time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 3 revolutions per minute, 5 revolutions per minute, 10 revolutions per minute, 30 revolutions per minute, 60 revolutions per minute, and 120 revolutions per minute.

[ example 8]

The drum inner diameter is 650 mm. The drum height ratio was 5%. The frame body 18 rotates in the normal direction. The spin time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 3 revolutions per minute, 5 revolutions per minute, 10 revolutions per minute, 30 revolutions per minute, 60 revolutions per minute, and 120 revolutions per minute.

[ example 9]

The drum inner diameter is 650 mm. The drum height ratio was 6%. The frame body 18 rotates in the normal direction. The spin time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 3 revolutions per minute, 5 revolutions per minute, 10 revolutions per minute, 30 revolutions per minute, 60 revolutions per minute, and 120 revolutions per minute.

Comparative example 7

The drum inner diameter is 650 mm. The drum height ratio was 0%. The frame body 18 rotates in the normal direction. The spin time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 3 revolutions per minute, 5 revolutions per minute, 10 revolutions per minute, 30 revolutions per minute, 60 revolutions per minute, and 120 revolutions per minute.

Comparative example 8

The drum inner diameter is 650 mm. The drum height ratio was 8%. The frame body 18 rotates in the normal direction. The spin time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 3 revolutions per minute, 5 revolutions per minute, 10 revolutions per minute, 30 revolutions per minute, 60 revolutions per minute, and 120 revolutions per minute.

Comparative example 9

The drum inner diameter is 650 mm. The drum height ratio was 10%. The frame body 18 rotates in the normal direction. The spin time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 3 revolutions per minute, 5 revolutions per minute, 10 revolutions per minute, 30 revolutions per minute, 60 revolutions per minute, and 120 revolutions per minute.

[ example 10]

The drum inner diameter is 650 mm. The drum height ratio was 3%. The frame body 18 rotates forward first and then rotates backward. The forward rotation time was 60 seconds, the pause time was 1 second, and the reverse rotation time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 3 revolutions per minute, 5 revolutions per minute, 10 revolutions per minute, 30 revolutions per minute, 60 revolutions per minute, and 120 revolutions per minute.

[ example 11]

The drum inner diameter is 650 mm. The drum height ratio was 5%. The frame body 18 rotates forward first and then rotates backward. The forward rotation time was 60 seconds, the pause time was 1 second, and the reverse rotation time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 3 revolutions per minute, 5 revolutions per minute, 10 revolutions per minute, 30 revolutions per minute, 60 revolutions per minute, and 120 revolutions per minute.

[ example 12]

The drum inner diameter is 650 mm. The drum height ratio was 6%. The frame body 18 rotates forward first and then rotates backward. The forward rotation time was 60 seconds, the pause time was 1 second, and the reverse rotation time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 3 revolutions per minute, 5 revolutions per minute, 10 revolutions per minute, 30 revolutions per minute, 60 revolutions per minute, and 120 revolutions per minute.

Comparative example 10

The drum inner diameter is 650 mm. The drum height ratio was 0%. The frame body 18 rotates forward first and then rotates backward. The forward rotation time was 60 seconds, the pause time was 1 second, and the reverse rotation time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 3 revolutions per minute, 5 revolutions per minute, 10 revolutions per minute, 30 revolutions per minute, 60 revolutions per minute, and 120 revolutions per minute.

Comparative example 11

The drum inner diameter is 650 mm. The drum height ratio was 8%. The frame body 18 rotates forward first and then rotates backward. The forward rotation time was 60 seconds, the pause time was 1 second, and the reverse rotation time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 3 revolutions per minute, 5 revolutions per minute, 10 revolutions per minute, 30 revolutions per minute, 60 revolutions per minute, and 120 revolutions per minute.

Comparative example 12

The drum inner diameter is 650 mm. The drum height ratio was 10%. The frame body 18 rotates forward first and then rotates backward. The forward rotation time was 60 seconds, the pause time was 1 second, and the reverse rotation time was 60 seconds. The rotation speed of the frame body 18 is changed in the order of 3 revolutions per minute, 5 revolutions per minute, 10 revolutions per minute, 30 revolutions per minute, 60 revolutions per minute, and 120 revolutions per minute.

The contents of examples 1 to 3 and comparative examples 1 to 3 are shown in table 1. The contents of examples 4 to 6 and comparative examples 4 to 6 are shown in table 2. The contents of examples 7 to 9 and comparative examples 7 to 9 are shown in table 3. The contents of examples 10 to 12 and comparative examples 10 to 12 are shown in table 4.

As shown in tables 1 and 2, when the inner diameter D of the frame body 18 was 340mm, the sample fabric was washed in a significantly gentle manner in both the case of the normal rotation of the frame body 18 and the case of the normal rotation and then the reverse rotation of the frame body 18 as long as the drum height ratio was set between 3% and 6% and the rotation speed was set between 60 and 120 revolutions/minute. Note that when the rotation speed of the frame body 18 is 10 rpm or less and the drum height ratio is 0%, it is difficult to remove the dirt of the sample fabric.

As shown in tables 3 and 4, when the inner diameter D of the frame body 18 was 650mm, the sample fabric was washed in a significantly gentle manner in both the case of the normal rotation of the frame body 18 and the case of the normal rotation and then the reverse rotation of the frame body 18 as long as the drum height ratio was set between 3% and 6% and the rotation speed was set between 5 and 60 revolutions/minute. Note that when the rotation speed of the frame body 18 is 5 revolutions per minute or less and the drum height ratio is 0%, it is difficult to remove the dirt of the sample fabric. Also, in comparative examples 8, 9, 11, and 12, in the case where the rotation speed of the frame body 18 was 10 rpm or less, the sample fabric did not lose the texture, but the texture was deteriorated in actual washing since the sample fabric continuously contacted the frame body 18. Further, as is clear from tables 3 and 4, in the case where the rotation speed is 10 rotations per minute or more, the deterioration of the texture is more reliably prevented when the frame body 18 is rotated forward and backward.

(Industrial Applicability)

The present invention can be applied to a washing method for laundry and the like.

Claims (14)

1. A washing device, comprising: a casing (17) in which washing liquid is supplied; a frame body (18) which is provided in the casing (17) and in which laundry (35) is thrown, characterized by comprising:

a plurality of protrusions (40) provided on an inner wall surface of the frame body (18), protruding in a radial direction of the frame body (18), and extending in an axial direction of the frame body (18), so that an inner periphery (39) of the frame body (18) has a wavy surface;

a rotation driving device (13) that rotates the frame body (18) around a central axis within the housing (17);

a liquid level sensor (75) for detecting the level of the washing liquid in the casing (17) until the casing (17) is filled with the washing liquid;

a control device (50) that controls a drive motor (23) of the rotation drive device (13) to rotate the frame body (18).

2. The washing device according to claim 1, wherein the bosses (40) are provided at regular intervals in a circumferential direction of the inner periphery (39) on an inner wall surface of the frame body.

3. A washing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that the frame body (18) is rotated in an intermittent manner by the rotary drive device (13).

4. Washing device according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that the frame body (18) is rotated alternately in a clockwise direction and in a counter-clockwise direction by the rotary drive means (13).

5. Washing device according to any of claims 1-2, further comprising pressure changing means (16) for changing the washing liquid pressure in the frame body (18).

6. A washing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that the height of the raised portion (40) is 3.0-6.0% of the inner diameter of the frame body (18).

7. A washing apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 2,

the inner diameter of the frame body (18) is more than 500mm,

and the rotating speed of the frame body (18) is 5-60 rpm.

8. A washing apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 2,

the inner diameter of the frame body (18) is less than 500mm,

and the rotating speed of the frame body (18) is 60-120 rpm.

9. A washing apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 2,

the frame body (18) includes a plurality of slits (37) penetrating from an inner wall to an outer wall thereof.

10. A washing apparatus according to claim 9,

a slit (37) is provided between the protruding portions (40) when viewed in the circumferential direction of the frame body (18).

11. A washing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-2, further comprising:

a pipe (28, 30) for circulating the washing liquid relative to the housing (17);

a pump (27) for circulating the washing liquid by returning the washing liquid discharged from the casing (17) to the casing (17).

12. A washing apparatus according to claim 11,

the washing liquid is discharged from the bottom of the casing (17), and is fed from the top of the casing (17).

13. A washing apparatus according to claim 11,

the washing liquid is discharged from the top of the casing (17), and is fed from the bottom of the casing (17).

14. A washing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-2, further comprising: a temperature adjusting device for adjusting the temperature of the washing liquid.