CN108541281B

CN108541281B - Washing machine

Info

Publication number: CN108541281B
Application number: CN201780005498.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 西浦直人; 田中启之
Original assignee: Qingdao Jiaonan Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd; Haier Asia Co Ltd
Current assignee: Qingdao Jiaonan Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd; Haier Asia Co Ltd
Priority date: 2016-02-18
Filing date: 2017-02-17
Publication date: 2020-12-29
Anticipated expiration: 2037-02-17
Also published as: WO2017140260A1; JP2017144109A; CN108541281A; JP6799221B2

Abstract

The invention provides a washing machine which can wash and effectively dewater clothes in a state of hanging the clothes on a clothes rack. The washing machine includes: a washing and dehydrating tub (4) and a locking part (10). The washing and dehydrating tub (4) is formed in a cylindrical shape having a longitudinally extending axis (J) and is rotatable about the axis (J). The washing and dehydrating tub (4) contains laundry (Q) and supplies washing water for washing the laundry (Q) to the inside. The locking part (10) can rotate integrally with the washing and dehydrating barrel (4), and a clothes rack (G) is locked in the washing and dehydrating barrel (4).

Description

Washing machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing machine.

Background

The washing and drying machine described in patent documents 1 to 4 includes: an outer case in which a dehydration tub is accommodated; an upper surface plate covering the outer box from the upper side and provided with an inlet and an outlet for washings; and a cover portion supported by the back panel attached to the upper panel so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction, and opening and closing the entrance. A clothes hook for hanging a clothes hanger is provided on the inner surface of the cover portion facing the entrance from the upper side. The clothes washing and drying machine can dry clothes hung in a dewatering barrel by using a clothes hanger.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2013-31601

Patent document 2: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2013-27415

Patent document 3: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2013-244

Patent document 4: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2013-239

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

In the washing and drying machines of patent documents 1 to 4, clothes are washed and dehydrated in a state of being not hung on a clothes hanger without using the clothes hanger in the process before drying. If the clothes are dehydrated in a state of being hung on the clothes hanger, the clothes are in a static state by being supported on the cover part on the outer box side through the clothes hanger and the clothes hook, and therefore, the centrifugal force generated by the dehydration rotation of the dehydration barrel is difficult to receive. Thus, it is difficult to sufficiently dehydrate the laundry.

The present invention has been made under such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a washing machine capable of washing while keeping laundry hung on a hanger and effectively performing dehydration.

Means for solving the problems

The present invention is a washing machine comprising: a washing and dehydrating tub which is formed in a cylindrical shape having a longitudinally extending axis, is rotatable about the axis, contains laundry, and supplies washing water for washing the laundry to the inside; and a locking part which can rotate integrally with the washing and dewatering barrel and locks the clothes rack in the washing and dewatering barrel.

Further, the present invention is characterized by comprising: and a balance ring in which a liquid for maintaining a rotational balance of the washing and dehydrating tub is freely contained and which is fixed to an upper end portion of the washing and dehydrating tub, wherein the locking portion is provided in the balance ring.

In the present invention, the locking portion is movably supported by the gimbal so as to be in contact with and separated from the axis.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the locking portion is rotatable in a lateral direction.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, a washing machine including a washing and dehydrating tub formed in a cylindrical shape having an axis extending in a longitudinal direction includes: and a locking part capable of rotating around the axis and the washing and dewatering tub. In the washing and dehydrating barrel, a clothes hanger hung with washings is clamped at a clamping part. Therefore, the washings can be washed by the washing water supplied to the washing and dehydrating barrel under the state of being hung on the clothes rack. The washings wetted by the washing water can rotate integrally with the washing and dewatering barrel under the state of being hung on the clothes rack clamped on the clamping part. Thus, the centrifugal force generated by the dehydration rotation of the washing dehydration barrel effectively acts on the washings, so that the seepage of the washing water from the washings can be promoted, and the washings in the state of being hung on the clothes rack can be effectively dehydrated.

Further, according to the present invention, the engaging portion is provided in the balance ring fixed to the upper end portion of the washing and dehydrating tub, so that the engaging portion can be rotated integrally with the washing and dehydrating tub.

Further, according to the present invention, the locking portion in a state of being supported by the balancing ring can move in a manner of contacting with and separating from the axis of the washing and dehydrating tub. Thus, when the locking part moves to approach the axis, the clothes rack locked on the locking part can be configured in a way of not contacting with the inner surface of the washing and dehydrating barrel. On the other hand, when the hanger is not used, if the locking portion is moved away from the axis and is along the balance ring, the locking portion does not protrude into the washing and dewatering tub, and therefore the locking portion does not become an obstacle when the laundry or the like is taken in and out of the washing and dewatering tub.

Further, according to the present invention, if the locking portion is rotatable in the lateral direction, it is easy to move the locking portion so as to contact with and separate from the axis of the washing and dehydrating tub. Further, when a centrifugal force is generated by the spin-drying rotation of the washing and spin-drying tub, the engaging portion is easily moved to the inner surface of the washing and spin-drying tub with the engaged hanger away from the axis. Therefore, the laundry hung on the clothes hanger is pressed against the inner surface of the washing and dehydrating tub, thereby promoting the seepage of the washing water from the laundry, and thus dehydrating the laundry hung on the clothes hanger more effectively.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a washing and dehydrating tub included in the washing machine.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the washing and dehydrating tub viewed from the upper side.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the washing and dehydrating tub in a state where the hanger on which the laundry is hung is locked to the locking part, as viewed from the upper side.

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the washing machine in the state of fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the locking portion of the first modification.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a locking portion of a second modification.

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a locking portion of a third modification.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a main part of a locking portion of a fourth modification.

Fig. 10 is a schematic view of a main part of a locking portion of a fifth modification.

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of a main part of a locking portion of a sixth modification.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the washing machine 1. The outline of the washing machine 1 will be described with reference to the vertical direction Z in fig. 1. In the vertical 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. The washing machine 1 includes: a case 2 formed in a box shape; an outer tub 3 disposed in the casing 2; a washing and dehydrating tub 4 rotatable in the outer tub 3; a balance ring 5 fixed on the washing and dewatering barrel 4; a partition member 6 and a water pumping member 7 disposed in the washing and dehydrating tub 4; a water flow generating member 8 rotatable in the washing and dehydrating tub 4; a motor 9 for rotating the washing and dehydrating tub 4 and the water current generating member 8; and a locking portion 10 provided in the gimbal 5. In fig. 1, the casing 2, the outer tub 3, and the motor 9 are shown in a simplified manner.

The tub 3 is made of, for example, resin, and is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape having an axis extending in the vertical direction Z. The outer tub 3 has: a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 3B having an opening 3A at an upper end thereof, and a disk-shaped bottom wall 3C closing a hollow portion of the circumferential wall 3B from a lower side Z2. The opening 3A is opened and closed by a cover (not shown) connected to the upper end of the circumferential wall 3B. Washing water such as tap water, bath water, and a liquid in which a detergent is dissolved is accumulated in the outer tub 3 from the bottom wall 3C side.

The washing and dehydrating tub 4 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape one turn smaller than the outer tub 3. The washing and dewatering tub 4 has an axis J extending in the longitudinal direction, i.e. the up-down direction Z. However, the "longitudinal direction" in the present specification is not limited to the vertical direction Z, which is the vertical direction, but includes a direction inclined to some extent with respect to the vertical direction. Therefore, the axis J of the washing and dehydrating tub 4 may be arranged obliquely with respect to the vertical direction Z, in addition to being arranged vertically along the vertical direction Z. A substantially cylindrical inner space 11 for accommodating the laundry Q is formed in the washing and spin-drying tub 4. The washing and dehydrating tub 4 has: a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall 4B having an inlet/outlet 4A at an upper end thereof and surrounding the internal space 11; and a disk-shaped bottom wall 4C that blocks the internal space 11 from the lower side Z2. For example, the circumferential wall 4B is made of metal, the center of the bottom wall 4C is made of metal, and the outer peripheral portion is made of resin. The bottom wall 4C and the lower end portion connected to the bottom wall 4C in the circumferential wall 4B constitute a bottom portion 4D of the washing and dehydrating tub 4. The washing and spin-drying tub 4 is coaxially housed in the outer tub 3.

Hereinafter, the circumferential direction around the axis J is referred to as a circumferential direction S, and the radial direction around the axis J is referred to as a radial direction R. The circumferential direction S and the radial direction R are both directions along the horizontal direction H. In the radial direction R, a side close to the axis J is referred to as a radially inner side R1, and a side far from the axis J is referred to as a radially outer side R2.

The doorway 4A communicates with the opening 3A from the lower side Z2 in a state where the internal space 11 is exposed to the upper side Z1, and the opening 3A and the doorway 4A are opened and closed together by the aforementioned cover (not shown). The user of the washing machine 1 can take the laundry Q out of the internal space 11 of the washing and dehydrating tub 4 or put the laundry Q into the internal space 11 of the washing and dehydrating tub 4 through the opened access opening 4A. Through holes 4E are formed in the circumferential wall 4B and the bottom wall 4C, respectively, and the washing water in the outer tub 3 can flow between the outer tub 3 and the washing and dehydrating tub 4 through the through holes 4E. Thereby, the washing water is accumulated in the inner space 11 from the bottom wall 4C side so as to be at the same level as the outer tub 3. The plurality of through holes 4E formed in the bottom wall 4C are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction S at positions offset to the axis J side, i.e., the radially inner side R1.

A concave disposition region 12 that is further recessed toward the lower side Z2 is formed on the upper surface of the bottom wall 4C of the bottom portion 4D. The disposition region 12 is a cylindrical space which is coaxial with the bottom wall 4C and is flat in the vertical direction.

The balance ring 5 is an annular hollow body, and is made of, for example, resin. The balance ring 5 is coaxially fixed to an upper end of the washing and dehydrating tub 4, more specifically, to an upper end of an inner circumferential surface 4F of the circumferential wall 4B which partitions the inner space 11 from the radial outer side R2. The balancing ring 5 reduces the vibration of the washing and dehydrating tub 4 during rotation. Therefore, a liquid, such as brine, for maintaining the rotational balance of the washing and dehydrating tub 4 is freely contained in the cavity 5A inside the balance ring 5. The inner peripheral surface 5B of the gimbal ring 5 is curved along the circumferential direction S, and the upper surface 5C of the gimbal ring 5 is flat along the horizontal direction H.

The partition member 6 is a cover formed in a disc shape having an axis coincident with the axis J and flat in the horizontal direction H, and is fitted to the bottom 4D of the washing and dehydrating tub 4 in a state of covering almost the entire area of the disposition area 12 from the upper side Z1. The internal space 11 of the washing and dehydrating tub 4 is in a state of being vertically partitioned into the arrangement area 12 and the washing area 13 located at the upper side Z1 of the arrangement area 12 by the partition member 6. The arrangement region 12 is a minute region occupying the lower end portion of the internal space 11, the cleaning region 13 is a region occupying most of the internal space 11, and the laundry Q is arranged in the cleaning region 13. A plurality of communication ports 6A (see fig. 2) are formed in the outer peripheral portion of the partition member 6 away from the axis J at intervals in the circumferential direction S. Each communication port 6A communicates with the outer peripheral portion of the arrangement region 12 from the upper side Z1, and communicates the outer peripheral portion of the arrangement region 12 with the cleaning region 13 (not shown).

The water scooping member 7 is formed in a cylindrical shape bulging toward the radial inner side R1 and extending in the vertical direction Z, and is fitted to the inner circumferential surface 4F of the circumferential wall 4B of the washing and dehydrating tub 4 from the radial inner side R1. The upper end of the water raising member 7 is joined to the gimbal 5 from the lower side Z2. A plurality of pumping members 7 may be provided, in which case the plurality of pumping members 7 are configured to: arranged in the circumferential direction S. A slit-shaped discharge port 7A extending in the circumferential direction S, for example, is formed at the upper end of the side surface of the radially inner side R1 of the pumping member 7 so as to face the axis J from the radially inner side R1. A water pumping channel 14 extending in the vertical direction Z is formed between the water pumping member 7 and the inner peripheral surface 4F. The upper end of the water raising path 14 is exposed radially inward R1 from the discharge port 7A. The lower end of the water raising path 14 is connected from the upper side Z1 to a portion of the outer peripheral portion of the placement region 12 not covered with the partition member 6.

The water flow generating member 8 is disposed in the disposition region 12 in a state of not contacting both the bottom 4D of the washing and dehydrating tub 4 and the partition member 6. The water flow generating member 8 has: a disc-shaped top plate 15 and a bottom plate 16 disposed coaxially with the washing and dehydrating tub 4; and a plurality of blade portions 17 formed in a blade shape extending radially outward R2 in a state of being laid between the top plate portion 15 and the bottom plate portion 16. A circular inlet 16A penetrating the bottom plate portion 16 in the vertical direction Z is formed at the center of the bottom plate portion 16. A water passage 18 extending from the inlet 16A to the radially outer side R2 is formed between the adjacent blade portions 17 in the circumferential direction S. Each water channel 18 is closed from above and below by the top plate 15 and the bottom plate 16. The end of the radial outer side R2 of each water passage 18 is an outlet 18A that is exposed to the radial outer side R2. The bottom plate portion 16 may be omitted.

The motor 9 is disposed on the lower side Z2 of the bottom wall 3C of the tub 3 in the casing 2. The output shaft of the motor 9 branches into a tubular first transmission shaft 19 extending to the upper side Z1; and a second transmission shaft 20 inserted through the first transmission shaft 19 with a clearance. The motor 9 can selectively output the driving force from either the first transmission shaft 19 or the second transmission shaft 20 through a known speed change mechanism (not shown) or the like.

The first transmission shaft 19 extends upward Z1, passes through the circular center of the bottom wall 3C, and is connected to the circular center of the bottom wall 4C of the washing and dehydrating tub 4. The upper end of the first transmission shaft 19 has a flange 19A projecting in a flange shape, and the flange 19A is fixed to the bottom wall 4C from the lower side Z2 and thereby connected to the washing/dehydrating tub 4. When the drive motor 9 transmits the driving force to the first transmission shaft 19, the washing and dehydrating tub 4 rotates about the axis J. The upper end portion 20A of the second transmission shaft 20 exposed to the upper side Z1 of the flange portion 19A is inserted through the inlet 16A of the bottom plate portion 16 of the water flow generating member 8 from the lower side Z2 and fixed to the center of the top plate portion 15. When the drive motor 9 transmits the driving force to the second transmission shaft 20, the water flow generating member 8 rotates about the axis J.

The washing operation performed in the washing machine 1 includes: a washing process, a rinsing process, and a dehydrating process. When the washing process is started, the washing water containing the detergent is supplied to the inner space 11 of the washing and dehydrating tub 4, and is accumulated in the outer tub 3 and the washing and dehydrating tub 4. In this state, the motor 9 is driven, and the water current generation member 8 rotates. In the rotation of the water current generating member 8, the washing and dehydrating tub 4 is in a stopped state. The washing water present in the arrangement region 12 in which the water flow generating means 8 is arranged flows into the water passages 18 from the inlet 16A of the bottom plate 16 by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the water flow generating means 8 as indicated by the solid arrows, and flows radially outward R2 in the water passages 18. The washing water flowing to the radial outer side R2 in each water channel 18 flows out from the outlet 18A of the water channel 18, and then reaches the communication port 6A (see fig. 2) of the partition member 6 and the water spouting channel 14.

As indicated by the one-dot chain line arrow, the washing water reaching the communication port 6A is pushed by the subsequent washing water accompanying the rotation of the water current generation member 8, and is thereby strongly ejected from the communication port 6A toward the upper side Z1 to reach the washing zone 13. As indicated by the two-dot chain line arrow, the washing water reaching the water scooping path 14 is pushed by the washing water following the rotation of the water current generation member 8, rises in the water scooping path 14, is jetted out from the discharge port 7A of the water scooping member 7 with a large force, and falls into the cleaning region 13. As described above, the water flow is generated in the washing area 13 by the washing water ejected from the communication port 6A and the discharge port 7A to the washing area 13 with the rotation of the water flow generating member 8. The water flow is jetted to the laundry Q in the washing zone 13 or agitates the laundry Q, thereby washing the laundry Q. Further, the detergent contained in the washing water can decompose the stains on the laundry Q.

The washing water present in the washing zone 13 flows out from the through holes 4E of the circumferential wall 4B of the spin-drying tub 4 to the gap 21 between the circumferential wall 3B of the outer tub 3 and the circumferential wall 4B of the spin-drying tub 4. As shown by the dotted arrows, the washing water flowing out to the gap 21 descends through the gap 21, and after reaching the gap 22 between the bottom wall 3C of the outer tub 3 and the bottom wall 4C of the washing and dehydrating tub 4, is introduced from the through hole 4E of the bottom wall 4C to the disposition area 12 by the rotating water flow generating member 8. The washing water introduced into the arrangement region 12 is ejected from the communication port 6A and the discharge port 7A to the cleaning region 13 again through the water passages 18 by the rotation of the water flow generating member 8. That is, in the rotation of the water flow generating member 8, the washing water in the inner space 11 of the washing-dewatering tub 4 circulates between the disposition region 12 and the washing region 13.

When such circulation of the washing water is repeated for a predetermined time, the rotation of the water current generating member 8 is stopped, and the washing water of the outer tub 3 and the washing and dehydrating tub 4 is discharged to the outside of the machine from the drain path 23 connected to the outer tub 3. Thereby, the washing process is ended. After the washing process, a rinsing process is started. In the rinsing process, washing water containing no detergent, for example, tap water is supplied to the internal space 11 of the washing and dehydrating tub 4 and is accumulated in the outer tub 3 and the washing and dehydrating tub 4. In this state, the motor 9 is driven, and the water current generation member 8 rotates. The washing and dehydrating tub 4 is in a stopped state even during the rinsing process. By the rotation of the water flow generating member 8, the washing water in the inner space 11 of the washing and dehydrating tub 4 is sprayed from the communication port 6A and the discharge port 7A toward the washing zone 13 as in the case of the washing process, and circulates between the arrangement zone 12 and the washing zone 13 while generating the water flow in the washing zone 13. The water flow is jetted to the laundry Q in the cleaning zone 13 or agitates the laundry Q, thereby rinsing the laundry Q.

When such circulation of the washing water is repeated for a prescribed time, the rotation of the water current generating member 8 is stopped, and the washing water of the outer tub 3 and the washing and dehydrating tub 4 is discharged. Thereby, the rinsing process is ended. The rinsing process may be repeated several times. After the rinsing process, the dehydrating process is started. During the dehydration, the motor 9 is driven to rotate only the washing and dehydrating tub 4 at a high speed. Thereby, since a centrifugal force acts on the laundry Q in the washing and dehydrating tub 4, the laundry Q is pressed against the inner surface of the washing and dehydrating tub 4, i.e., the circumferential wall 4B, thereby performing dehydration. By the dehydration, the washing water oozing from the laundry Q is discharged. The dehydration process may be performed as an intermediate dehydration process next to the washing process or next to each rinsing process, in which case the dehydration process next to the last rinsing process is the final dehydration process. The final dehydration process is finished, thereby finishing the washing operation.

The washing machine 1 may further include a drying unit (not shown) for supplying hot air into the washing and dehydrating tub 4 after the final dehydrating process. The washing machine 1 in this case is a washing and drying machine capable of performing a drying process of drying the laundry Q in the washing and dehydrating tub 4 by hot wind of the drying unit. In the drying process, the laundry Q in the washing and dehydrating tub 4 is agitated by rotating the washing and dehydrating tub 4, so that the hot wind can be uniformly sprayed to the entire laundry Q.

The washing machine 1 stores laundry Q such as shirts hung on a clothes hanger in the washing and dehydrating tub 4, and can perform a washing operation in this state. The locking portion 10 is a necessary structure for washing or dehydrating the laundry Q while keeping the laundry Q hung on the hanger.

Referring to fig. 3, the locking portion 10 has an overall shape of a lever, for example. The locking portion 10 is made of, for example, resin, and integrally includes a vertical plate portion 30 and a horizontal plate portion 31. The vertical plate portion 30 is formed in a plate shape curved along the circumferential direction S with the posture of the locking portion 10 in fig. 3 as a reference, and the plate thickness direction thereof is aligned with the radial direction R in fig. 3. The horizontal plate portion 31 is formed in a plate shape protruding outward in the radial direction R2 from the entire upper end edge of the vertical plate portion 30, and the plate thickness direction thereof coincides with the vertical direction Z. A circular locking hole 30A penetrating the vertical plate portion 30 in the plate thickness direction is formed at an end portion of one side S1 in the circumferential direction S of the vertical plate portion 30. The end of the other side S2 of the vertical plate 30 in the circumferential direction S constitutes a rotation restricting portion 30B. A circular insertion hole 31A penetrating the transverse plate portion 31 in the plate thickness direction is formed at the end of the other side S2 of the transverse plate portion 31. In the locking portion 10, the end portion of the side S1 where the locking hole 30A is formed is a tip end portion 10A.

The vertical plate portion 30 is disposed radially inward R1 of the inner circumferential surface 5B of the balance ring 5, and the horizontal plate portion 31 is disposed: from the upper side Z1, overlaps the upper surface 5C of the gimbal 5. A support shaft 32 projecting from the upper surface 5C to the upper side Z1 is inserted into the insertion hole 31A of the lateral plate portion 31 so as not to fall off from the lower side Z2. Thus, the locking portion 10 is supported by the balance ring 5 via the support shaft 32, and in this state, can be laterally rotated in the horizontal direction H about the support shaft 32. In the present specification, "lateral" also includes a direction inclined to some extent with respect to the horizontal direction H. Further, the balance ring 5 supporting the locking portion 10 is in a state of being fixed to the washing and dehydrating tub 4, so that the locking portion 10 can be rotated integrally with the washing and dehydrating tub 4.

The locking portion 10 is rotatable between a standby position in which the entire vertical plate portion 30 is along the inner circumferential surface 5B of the gimbal ring 5 as shown in fig. 3 and a use position in which the distal end portion 10A protrudes radially inward R1 away from the inner circumferential surface 5B as shown in fig. 4. That is, the locking portion 10 is movable to contact with and separate from the axis J by rotating between a standby position distant from the axis J of the washing and dehydrating tub 4 and a use position close to the axis J. When the locking portion 10 in the standby position is moved to the other side S2 in the circumferential direction S and the radially inner side R1, the locking portion 10 is rotated to the use position. In the locking portion 10 located at the use position, the rotation restricting portion 30B of the vertical plate portion 30 contacts the inner peripheral surface 5B of the balance ring 5, and therefore the locking portion 10 cannot rotate any more and is positioned at the use position.

With the engaging portion 10 rotatable in the horizontal direction H in this manner, the operation of moving the engaging portion 10 in contact with and apart from the axis J of the washing and dehydrating tub 4 is easy. In the case where the hanger G is not used, if the engaging portion 10 is moved to the standby position so as to be away from the axis J and is along the balance ring 5, the engaging portion 10 does not protrude into the washing/dehydrating tub 4, and therefore the engaging portion 10 does not become an obstacle when the laundry Q or the like is taken in and out of the washing/dehydrating tub 4 (see fig. 3).

When washing the laundry Q hung on the hanger G, the user first draws out the locking portion 10 to the use position as shown in fig. 4, and then stores the laundry Q hung on the hanger G in the washing and dehydrating tub 4. Then, the user hooks the hook K of the hanger G to the locking hole 30A, thereby locking the hanger G to the locking portion 10 in the washing and dehydrating tub 4. When the clothes hanger G is locked in the locking part 10 in this way, the laundry Q hung on the clothes hanger G is in a state of hanging down in the washing and dehydrating tub 4. In this way, when the locking portion 10 is moved to the use position so as to approach the axis J, the hanger G locked to the locking portion 10 can be arranged on the axis J side so as not to contact the inner surface of the washing and dehydrating tub 4, that is, the inner circumferential surface 4F of the circumferential wall 4B.

When the washing operation is started in this state, in the washing process, as shown in fig. 5, the water flow (see the arrows of the one-dot chain line and the two-dot chain line) of the washing water ejected from the communication port 6A and the discharge port 7A into the washing zone 13 is ejected toward the laundry Q as the water flow generating member 8 rotates. The laundry Q is washed by the water force of the water flow and the detergent contained in the water flow while being kept hanging on the clothes hanger G. It should be noted that the washing and dehydrating tub 4 may be rotated during the washing process. In this case, as described above, since the engaging portion 10 rotates integrally with the washing and dehydrating tub 4, the laundry Q hung on the hanger G engaged with the engaging portion 10 also rotates together with the washing and dehydrating tub 4, and can move by a reaction due to the rotation, for example, swing around the engaging portion 10. This enables the water flow to be uniformly sprayed to the entire laundry Q.

In the locking portion 10, a portion of the locking hole 30A trimmed from the upper side Z1 is referred to as a floating prevention portion 10B. For example, even if the laundry Q rotates or swings and the hook K of the hanger G is about to float, the float prevention portion 10B abuts against the hook K from the upper side Z1, thereby suppressing the float of the hook K and preventing the hook K from falling off from the locking hole 30A. Thereby, the laundry Q can be kept hanging down in the washing and dehydrating tub 4.

In the rinsing process after the washing process, as in the washing process, the water flow of the washing water jetted to the washing zone 13 is jetted to the laundry Q with the rotation of the water flow generating member 8, and the laundry Q is rinsed while being kept hung on the hanger G by the washing water, specifically, tap water. In order to uniformly spray the water flow to the laundry Q, the washing and dehydrating tub 4 may be rotated during the rinsing process, as in the washing process.

In the intermediate dehydration step and the final dehydration step, the laundry Q in a state of being wetted by the washing water and hung on the clothes hanger G rotates at a high speed together with the washing and dehydrating tub 4 in a state of being hung on the clothes hanger G locked at the locking part 10. Thus, the centrifugal force generated by the spin-drying rotation of the washing and spin-drying tub 4 effectively acts on the laundry Q, and the seepage of the washing water from the laundry Q can be promoted, so that the laundry Q in a state of being hung on the hanger G can be effectively dehydrated. Further, when a centrifugal force is generated by the spin-drying rotation of the washing and spin-drying tub 4, the engaging portion 10 is easily moved toward the inner surface of the washing and spin-drying tub 4 as the engaged hanger G is separated from the axis J. Therefore, the laundry Q hung on the hanger G is pressed against the inner surface of the washing and dehydrating tub 4, whereby the seepage of the washing water from the laundry Q can be promoted, and thus the laundry Q in a state of being hung on the hanger G can be more effectively dehydrated.

In the case where the washing machine 1 is a washing and drying machine, the drying process may also be performed after the final dehydration process. The washing and dehydrating tub 4 may be rotated during the drying process, in which case the laundry Q hung on the hanger G is swung in a pendulum shape while being rotated together with the washing and dehydrating tub 4. Therefore, the hot air from the drying unit (not shown) is uniformly sprayed to the whole of the laundry Q, and the laundry Q can be efficiently dried.

As described above, in the washing machine 1, since the laundry Q can be washed, dehydrated, and dried while being held on the hanger G, wrinkles and deformation of the laundry Q after the washing operation can be suppressed. In particular, in the washing process and the rinsing process, washing is performed by water flow, and thus generation of wrinkles and deformation can be further suppressed. Further, since the laundry Q is hung on the clothes hanger G, the laundry Q can be dried in the sun or collected in the wardrobe in this state without being hung on the clothes hanger G again. Even when the drying process is omitted, the laundry Q dehydrated in the dehydration process is easily dried quickly.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

Fig. 6 to 11 are schematic views of the locking portion 10 for explaining a modification. In fig. 6 to 11, the same portions as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the portions may be omitted. Various configurations of the movable locking portion 10 provided in the gimbal 5 are described. For example, referring to fig. 6, when the locking portion 10 is located at the standby position, it is formed in an arm shape extending in the vertical direction Z, and the support shaft 32 may extend in the circumferential direction S, or more specifically, in a tangential direction with respect to the circumferential direction S, on the inner circumferential surface 5B of the gimbal 5. The support shaft 32 is connected to the upper end or the lower end of the locking portion 10 located at the standby position, and the end of the locking portion 10 farthest from the support shaft 32 is the tip end portion 10A. At the front end portion 10A, a recess 10C is formed for hanging the hook K of the hanger G from the upper side Z1 when the locking portion 10 is at the use position.

In the locking portion 10 of the first modification shown in fig. 6, a support shaft 32 is connected to the lower end portion. In the locking portion 10, the portion of the support shaft 32 on the upper side Z1 is rotatable in the radial direction R about the support shaft 32. The locking portion 10 located at the standby position extends in the vertical direction Z along the inner peripheral surface 5B as shown by the solid line. As shown by the broken line, the locking portion 10 located at the use position is in a state in which the distal end portion 10A is inclined so as to be biased toward the radially inner side R1. Therefore, the locking portion 10 of the first modification can also move so as to contact with and separate from the axis J (not shown).

In the locking portion 10 of the second modification shown in fig. 7, a support shaft 32 is connected to an upper end portion. In the locking portion 10, a portion of the lower side Z2 of the support shaft 32 is rotatable in the radial direction R about the support shaft 32. The locking portion 10 located at the standby position extends in the vertical direction Z along the inner peripheral surface 5B as shown by the solid line. As shown by the broken line, the locking portion 10 located at the use position is in a state in which the distal end portion 10A is inclined so as to be biased toward the radially inner side R1. Therefore, the locking portion 10 of the second modification can also move so as to contact with and separate from the axis J (not shown).

The engaging portion 10 of the third modification shown in fig. 8 is formed in a drawer shape, and a recess 10C for hanging the hook K of the hanger G from the upper side Z1 is formed on the upper surface thereof. In the locking portion 10 of the third modification, the gimbal 5 is formed with a recess 5D recessed from the inner circumferential surface 5B toward the radially outer side R2. The locking portion 10 located at the standby position is accommodated in the recess 5D as shown by the solid line. When the locking portion 10 located at the standby position is pulled out to the radially inner side R1, the locking portion 10 is disposed at the use position and is pushed out from the inner circumferential surface 5B to the radially inner side R1 as indicated by a broken line. Therefore, the locking portion 10 of the third modification can also move so as to contact with and separate from the axis J (not shown).

In the locking portion 10, the structure of the rising prevention portion 10B for preventing the hook K of the hanger G from rising can be variously changed. In a fourth modification shown in fig. 9, the distal end portion 10A integrally includes, with respect to the locking portion 10 located at the use position: a first lateral portion 10D extending radially inward R1, a vertical portion 10E extending downward Z2 from an end of a radially inward R1 of the first lateral portion 10D, a second lateral portion 10F extending radially outward R2 from a lower end of the vertical portion 10E, and a protruding portion 10G protruding upward Z1 from an end of a radially outward R2 of the second lateral portion 10F. The distal end portion 10A is provided with a housing space 40 surrounded by the first lateral portion 10D, the vertical portion 10E, the second lateral portion 10F, and the protruding portion 10G. The hook K is accommodated in the accommodating space 40 from the upper and lower gaps 41 between the first lateral portion 10D and the upper end of the protruding portion 10G. The hook K stored in the storage space 40 is placed on the second lateral portion 10F. The first lateral portion 10D faces the hook K on the second lateral portion 10F from the upper side Z1, and thereby functions as a floating prevention portion 10B.

In the fifth modification shown in fig. 10, the recess 10C in which the downward side Z2 of the distal end portion 10A is recessed with respect to the locking portion 10 located at the use position is partitioned by a pair of vertical portions 10H extending in parallel in the vertical direction and a horizontal portion 10I extending in the horizontal direction and bridging between the lower ends of the vertical portions 10H. The hook K of the hanger G hung from the recess 10C from the upper side Z1 is sandwiched by the pair of vertical parts 10H, and the hook K of the hanger G is prevented from floating by the frictional force between the hook K and each vertical part 10H. Therefore, in the fifth modification, the pair of vertical portions 10H function as the floating prevention portions 10B. As in the sixth modification shown in fig. 11, the pair of vertical portions 10H may be inclined so as to approach each other toward the upper side Z1. Thereby, the recess 10C becomes narrower toward the upper side Z1, and therefore, the floating of the hook K of the hanger G can be further prevented.

Further, the water flow generating member 8 of the washing machine 1 according to the embodiment is formed flat in the vertical direction, and is covered with the partition member 6 from the upper side Z1 so as not to contact the laundry Q. The water current generation member 8 may have a convex shape toward the upper side Z1, like a so-called pulsator, and may agitate the laundry Q by contacting the laundry Q while rotating during the washing process. The washing machine 1 may also include both the water flow generating member 8 and the pulsator.

In addition, a plurality of locking portions 10 may be provided instead of one. The engaging portion 10 may be provided directly on the circumferential wall 4B, which is an outer circumferential portion of the washing and dehydrating tub 4, and not directly on the balancer ring 5.

Description of the reference numerals

1 washing machine

4 washing and dewatering barrel

5 balance ring

10 locking part

G clothes hanger

H horizontal direction

J axis

Q washings

Z up and down direction.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising:

a washing and dehydrating tub which is formed in a cylindrical shape having a longitudinally extending axis, is rotatable about the axis, contains laundry, and supplies washing water for washing the laundry to the inside; and

a locking part which can rotate integrally with the washing and dewatering barrel and locks the clothes rack in the washing and dewatering barrel;

a balance ring in which a liquid for maintaining a rotational balance of the washing and dehydrating tub is freely contained and which is fixed to an upper end portion of the washing and dehydrating tub, wherein the locking portion is provided in the balance ring;

the locking portion is movably supported by the balance ring so as to be in contact with and separated from the axis;

the locking portion includes a vertical plate portion and a horizontal plate portion, the horizontal plate portion is rotatably connected to the balance ring, the vertical plate portion is formed into a plate shape curved along a circumferential direction S, the circumferential direction S is a circumferential direction around the axis, a circular locking hole penetrating the vertical plate portion in a plate thickness direction is formed at an end portion of one side S1 of the vertical plate portion in the circumferential direction S, an end portion of the other side S2 of the vertical plate portion in the circumferential direction S forms a rotation restricting portion, and the rotation restricting portion can be brought into contact with an inner peripheral surface of the balance ring so as to be positioned at a use position without rotation of the locking portion.

2. The washing machine as claimed in claim 1,

the locking portion can rotate in the transverse direction.